Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Dieting – Health Foods




The truth of the matter is that all foods are health foods. The variety of foods that are available has their purpose and uses. The food that grows in one region is a balanced food for that region and is not superior to those that grow in another which is also the food that is very appropriate for that region. Everything is where it should be. No amount of hype and sales pitch could change that, and no matter the try, people will remain healthy if people eat in variety and in correct proportions without gorging.





Health foods however is a term used by health proponents in the 1920's to foods that have special benefits to specific health issues. Health foods for example are those foods that are low in sugar and fat since these are the primary causes of obesity when left unchecked.



What are these?





Organic Foods



These are foods farmed as organic in nature. Organic foods for most of human history had been the staple in farming. These are foods farmed without the use of pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides. For livestock, organic classification mean that the animals were not injected with antibiotics, are not genetically modified nor growth hormones used in raising them. Today, there are two basic kinds of farming of organic food. One is the private garden which will also sell their produce labeled as organic, the other are organic food industries regulated heavily by most governments.





Natural Foods



Natural foods are health foods that are similar in ideal to organic foods although these foods are processed without the use of refined sugar, food coloring, refined flour, and flavorings.





High Fiber Foods



High fiber foods are health foods that have high fiber density. Examples of high fiber foods are berries, cabbages, and fruits and vegetables that have high fiber concentration. The thing that is so important with foods that are high in fiber is that it improves the absorption of nutrients in the body as it cleanses the digestive system. A clean colon and healthy colon for example prohibits 64 different kinds of diseases that would otherwise afflict the body when the gunk and the junk in the system are not flushed out.





Omega 3 rich foods





Unlike foods that are low fat and low sugar, foods rich in Omega 3 are good sources of essential fatty acids whose benefits are too numerous to name. Some of the benefits of foods rich in omega 3 are that it has excellent anti aging qualities, is a good cancer retardant, good for heart problems, skin, hair, metabolism, rheumatism, good for the memory and brain health, etc. What is good about these foods is that it is everywhere and is not expensive. Examples of foods are, Avocado, berries, soya beans and soybean oil, flaxseeds and flaxseed oil, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, olive oil, Brazil nuts, tofu etc.





Vegetables like, broccoli, squash, kidney beans, green beans, lettuce, cauliflowers are very rich in Omega 3. Likewise fish especially the cold water/fatty variety are excellent sources of Omega 3. Some of the fish are the trout, swordfish, milkfish, salmon, mackerel, herring, and Albacore tuna.





Health foods are everywhere. Those mention here are just a few of the examples but mostly the healthiest and among the best. Dieting through health foods is as easy as picking the next choice.


Sunday, August 14, 2011

Natural Health Remedy For Diabetes


Diabetes is a chronic disease affecting as many as 16 million Americans, half of whom do not know they have it. It is the 5th leading cause of death in the United States. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness, renal failure, and amputation in the U. S., and is associated with a range of complications, including heart attacks, strokes, amputations and loss of vision. It is also the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults 20-74 years old. Diabetics have up to a 400% greater chance of heart attack or stroke. Could a natural health remedy for diabetes turn the tide?

Researchers are in agreement that the theory of oxidative stress is central to the understanding of diabetes. Since diabetes is on such a dramatic increase in the United States, it's helpful to understand what diabetes is, and what to look for. Diabetes mellitus is a nutritional disorder, and is characterized by an abnormally high level of blood glucose and the excretion of the excess glucose into the urine. Diabetes is known to cause swelling of the ankles and feet by damaging small blood vessels (microangiopathy). Fortunately, diabetes has been clinically proven to be curable in over 98% of patients with Type 2 diabetes, 64% with Type 1 diabetes and can be controlled with nutrition and supplements. Any one of these could be the next natural health remedy for diabetes. Listed below are natural supplements that can help reduce blood sugar.

Type 2 diabetes is a condition characterized by high blood sugar resulting from an impaired response to insulin. Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas in response to increased levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood and is released to regulate the amount of glucose in the bloodstream. It is required by the body to convert sugar, starches and other foods into energy. Insulin resistance is understood to be a major contributor to the onset of diabetes. Resistance to insulin appears to have a major effect on heart disease. To be a natural health remedy for diabetes, a supplement must be shown to reduce blood sugar levels.

Diabetics are chronically deficient in both vitamins and minerals. At the least, they need to add a good quality multi-vitamin and mineral supplement to their diet. Diabetic neuropathy is a painful nerve disorder resulting from reduced blood flow and subsequent oxygen-deprivation of the limbs or organs. It was reversed in studies conducted by seven medical centers. Diabetics are at much greater risk for heart attacks, high blood pressure, and strokes. Diabetics are not necessarily prone to zinc deprivation, but zinc supplements help control blood sugar levels. Zinc, therefore, could be a natural health remedy for diabetes. A magnesium deficiency is a predictor of diabetes; diabetics both need more magnesium and lose more magnesium than most people. Marine phyto-plankton reduces the amount of sugar present in our bloodstream. This results in the reduction of the myriad complications seen in diabetics (eye problems, ulcers in extremities, heart disease, strokes, hormone problems, neurologic and immune system dysfunction, etc. Marine phyto-plankton also passes the test as a natural health remedy for diabetes.

Natural Remedies

Millions have discovered the healing power of natural remedies and supplements and are turning to vitamins, minerals and herbs as a natural health remedy for diabetes. When considering using any of these natural diabetes remedies, it would be wise for you to consult with your primary care provider.

Reported in the British Journal of Nutrition was a four-week study indicating that flax oil was beneficial in helping to regulate blood glucose levels in diabetics. Contemporary research has also found that spices including cinnamon, garlic, fenugreek, gymnema, bitter melon and caper have the potential to be an effective natural health remedy for diabetes. Diabetics report their blood sugar level improved simply by taking cinnamon on a daily basis. One human study published in Diabetes Care looked at 60 people with type 2 diabetes, 30 men and 30 women with an average age of 52. The results of this study suggest that the inclusion of cinnamon in the diet of people with type 2 diabetes will reduce the risk factors associated with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Cinnamon or any of these other spices could turn out to be the best natural health remedy for diabetes.

Contrary to some early concerns, both fish oil and niacin (treatments used for improving triglyceride and cholesterol levels) appear to be safe for people with diabetes. Scientific study has shown the effectiveness of many natural diabetes treatments. Also found in Diabetes Care was a study that confirmed significant progress in insulin sensitivity with chromium present in the body and, in addition, studies have revealed that people with diabetes had low levels of chromium. Also, low magnesium levels may reduce blood glucose control in type 2 diabetes. North American Ginseng, has been shown to be another effective natural health remedy for diabetes.

Research collaboration between Australian, Chinese and Korean scientists at Sydney's Garvan Institute demonstrated that the natural plant product berberine could be a valuable new treatment against type 2 diabetes. Their study, published in the journal Diabetes, found that rats and mice given berberine over three weeks had a 50 per cent drop in blood sugar. It's exciting to see evidence that berberine may be a helpful new natural health remedy for type 2 diabetes. However, despite its widespread use in traditional medicine, it will still have to go through the defined clinical trials process.

Conclusion

These dietary supplements and/or any natural health remedy for diabetes could also help pre-diabetics. By aiding in the prevention and treatment of one of the worst and most widespread chronic diseases afflicting the modern world, any of these vitamins, minerals or herbs could turn out to be an effective, natural health remedy for diabetes.

This article is intended to provide assistance and information to people who are interested in learning more about natural remedies. It should not be used as a basis for any form of diagnosis or treatment for any medical condition. Always seek professional medical advice.




J. D. Sanders is a successful Webmaster and publisher of http://natural-health-remedies.org where you can find even more information on treating various conditions the natural way for you to research at your leisure.




Thursday, November 12, 2009

Healthy Recipe:Cod With Balsamic Dressing

Lean protein in your diet is essential to healthy weight loss and weight maintenance. Cod is a great source of lean protein plus it's lower in fat than red meats.

Losing weight isn't about hunger, misery or crash dieting! By learning to make, delicious, easy-to-prepare, nutritious food your body needs and will enjoy – losing weight becomes exciting and energizing.

Instead of high calorie, fatty sources use spices to provide flavor to create exciting meals your whole family will enjoy. Pan Seared Cod With Balsamic Thyme is another recipe in a range of hunger fighting, low fat recipes to help you keep your weight under control. This irresistible, no hassle meal will help you conquer your weight loss goals  while still making mealtime a real treat.

Variety is the essential element of any successful health program. If you get bored with foods, you're much more likely to abandon your program completely. Experiment with spices to find thrilling alternatives. Try new recipes to help ad to your new variety of quick home cooked meals to replace take outs, frozen dinners and snacks. Your body will love you and your family will be elated.

Pan Seared Cod With Balsamic Dressing
Ingredients:

500g fresh cod fillet (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts)
2 teaspoon olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoon fresh thyme
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Sprinkle fish with salt and freshly ground pepper on both sides. Heat a large skillet for which you have a cover over medium-high heat. When hot, add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, place the fish in the pan, lower the heat to medium and cook for five minutes or until the underside is brown and a curst begins to form.

Carefully turn the fish over, turn the heat down to medium-low and cover the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes more. Fish is done when it flakes with a fork. Remove fish from skillet and place on a plate. Bring the heat back up to medium-high, add the balsamic vinegar and cook quickly, scraping the pan with a spatula.

Turn off the heat, put the fish back in the skillet and turn over to coat both sides with the reduced vinegar. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves and serve immediately.

* Note: fish should cook for about 10 minutes for each inch of thickness. If you use chicken breast instead, it will need a total of about 15 minutes cooking time.

Nutritional Analysis Per Serving:

Calories: 228
Protein: 40 grams
Fat: 6 grams
Carbohydrates: 1 grams

For more healthy solutions get your free copy of "36 Potent Foods for Weight loss and Healthy Living" at http://www.simpletruckerdiet.com/

Friday, August 28, 2009

Does the Government Regulate the Vitamin Industry?


      The government regulates some of what we do and do not do. For what we put into our bodies, there are several things that come about. First off, the government regulates what we put into our bodies if these things are deemed illegal substances. Some regulated substances might be more harmful than others, and some substances that are not regulated by the government might be more harmful than the ones that are. Anyway it is hard to draw a line when it comes to government regulations concerning things like vitamin and mineral supplements.
      Government in most countries of the world regulate things that we put into our bodies that are labeled as drugs. Most of the vitamin and mineral supplements that we put into our bodies are labeled under the food category so they can get away with not being regulated by government.
      What this means for us is that we will not be able to rely on the government when it concerns making sure that the nutritional supplements you are putting into your body are safe. When it concerns most drugs, you can be sure that the government has tested them and has judged them safe for you to ingest. When supplements or vitamins are labeled food, it means that the manufacturer is responsible for their safety level. This means that you must put your trust and faith in the company that manufactured the supplements to make sure that they are safe for you to take.
      The fact that when a supplement is sold, there is no regulation that says it has to be tested and proven safe, or even useful remains to be the industry standard. This means that if there are illnesses or injuries that come about from taking certain supplements, the manufacturers are not responsible for telling the public any details.
      This means that when you decide to use vitamin and mineral supplements, it's up to you to make sure that you are using them properly. You must take responsibility to make sure that what you are putting into your body is safe!Nobody else is going to do it for you. If you have questions about what types of supplements you should be taking, you should ask your doctor to help create a plan for your best nutritional options.


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      Wednesday, August 19, 2009

      Magnesium is Vital to Great Health

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      Magnesium is an extremely important and valuable mineral,whose value for good health is just being recognized by conventional physicians. Magnesium is the 12th element on the Periodic Table, the lightest among the metals for structural application. Magnesium is a muscle relaxant, while calcium is a muscle constrictor. Magnesium is known to play a central role in the secretion and action of insulin. Magnesium is a vital component of a healthy human diet, yet many Americans are magnesium deficient. Magnesium is important to keep muscles and bones strong and to maintain nerve functions, because it helps the immune system to function normally.


      Magnesium deficiency symptoms involving the peripheral nervous system include numbness,tingling, and other abnormal sensations, such as twings, twangs and vibrating sensations. Magnesium deficiency can affect virtually every organ system of the body. Magnesium protects against heart disease and heart attacks, high blood pressure and stroke, type II diabetes and much more.  

      Magnesium supplementation has been shown to be an extremely effective therapy or adjunct measure in many common conditions, especially cardiovascular disease. Magnesium is not limited to treating heart disease after a heart attack. Magnesium supplementation has also been shown to be helpful in angina due to either a spasm of the coronary artery or atherosclerosis. Magnesium cannot be added to tap water because it would erode piping. Magnesium increases the solubility of calcium in the urine. Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. Magnesium exists in the body either as active ions or as inactive complexes bound to proteins or other substances.

      Magnesium is the single most important mineral for maintaining proper electrical balance and facilitating smooth metabolism in the cells. Magnesium is one of the key minerals that we need in relatively large quantities. Muscle soreness, tension, spasms, and cramps are likewise caused by a lack of magnesium.

      Calcium excites nerves while magnesium calms them down. Calcium basically promotes this process while magnesium inhibits it. Calcium and magnesium are opposites in their effects on our body structure. Calcium is needed for blood clotting but magnesium keeps the blood flowing freely. Calcium requires magnesium to assimilate into the system.


      Magnesium is a critical co factor in more than 300 enzymatic reactions in the human body. Magnesium is a natural calcium blocker, but this goes unrecognized by most physicians. Magnesium is an essential element for all living things. Magnesium is necessary for muscles to relax. Magnesium is crucial to increasing bone mass.

      Magnesium is found in a wide variety of healthy, inexpensive foods (broccoli,almonds). Magnesium is required for the body to produce and store energy. Magnesium is a particularly crucial element for mediating the vital functions of the nervous and endocrine systems and it helps maintain normal muscle and nerve functions, keeps heart rhythm steady, supports a healthy immune system, and keeps bones strong. Magnesium is necessary for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and amino acids.

      Friday, August 7, 2009

      Great Skin Requires a Great Regimen





      Good skin care is essential to graceful aging and optimum health. Good skin care is an essential part of maintaining both good health and a healthy sense of self-esteem. A good skin care regimen is vital for healthy skin and eliminating pimples. Good skin care is not a once in a while thing, and a good skin care regimen must be followed daily to ensure great, youthful looking skin.


      Skin beauty is closely linked to good skin health. Skin products that include retinal help minimize fine lines and help prevent wrinkles to a good degree. Skin can get dry on your legs, feet, elbows, and other places on your body. Skin has amazing powers of regeneration and renewal.

      Healthy skin is very important for a person's well being. Healthy and beautiful skin can be yours with the right treatments and skin care programs. Natural skin care remedies can erase most of your skin care problems effectively. Soap or lotion and moisturising are the two main ways you can improve the look of your skin.

      Good skin care is designed to maximize skin health and is an integral component of looking good. Good skin care is important to overall health. Good skin care is a key component in controlling eczema.

      Sunday, August 2, 2009

      Is Heart Diseaese Preventable


      Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America. Heart disease is often thought of as an older woman's disease, and it is the leading cause of death among women aged 65 years and older. Heart disease is a very general term, and is not a single condition, but an aggregation of different disease and conditions. Heart disease is a major cause of death throughout the world, and many of its variants are considered silent killers because of their asymptomatic nature. Heart disease is a broadly used term to describe several conditions, all of which are potentially fatal, but can be treated. Diseases of heart and stroke rank as the #1 killer of Latino Americans.

      Heart disease begins when plaque buildup begins to adversely affect health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability. Heart disease is on the rise, causing 27% of all deaths (650,000) in 2006 in the US. Heart attacks and strokes are by far the deadliest complications associated with heart disease. Heart problems are the leading cause of death among people with diabetes, especially in the case of adult onset or type II diabetes, also known as non insulin dependent diabetes. Heart attacks occur more frequently among people who smoke. Heart attacks are common among people that are obese. Heart disease conditions, aside from coronary heart disease, other diseases classified under this condition include congenital heart defects, heart valves disease and heart attacks.

      Women seem to become more vulnerable to heart disease only after their estrogen levels fall with menopause, and so they tend to suffer first heart attacks later than men. Women with diabetes have a higher risk for heart disease than men with diabetes. Women develop the condition later in life. Their symptoms are often different from men's or more subtle, and they are affected more by certain risk factors, such as high levels of triglycerides (a fat in the blood). Women still haven't gotten the message that heart disease, not cancer, is most likely to send them to their graves. Women often don't experience the hollywood like heart attack symptoms that men do, but women may experience fatigue, indigestion, shoulder jaw and neck pain. In 2004, all cardiovascular diseases combined caused the deaths of 461,152 American women. Women are more aware of their risk for heart disease now than in the past. Women and men are affected differently by a wide range of conditions.

      Blood pressure can be reduced by losing weight, becoming more physically active, limiting alcohol intake and taking blood pressure medicine. Blood pressure can vary with activity and with age, but a healthy adult who is resting generally has a systolic pressure reading between 120 and 130 and a diastolic pressure reading between 80 and 90 or lower. Blood pressure is a measure of the force at which your blood flows through your veins.

      Health trends documented over the past 30 years of reduction in risk for heart disease is not as strong as is widely perceived and, in fact, the trend has flattened, according to a new analysis of national data by Mayo Clinic. Healthy living and a heart healthy lifestyle are smart choices that can pay big dividends as we age. Health care expenditures are 36% higher for obese than for non obese persons.

      Risk factors are divided into two categories, major and contributing. Learn which risk factors are inherited and which can be modified or controlled. Risk factors including high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity, may also be passed from one generation to another. Risk factors for stroke include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking. Strokes are caused by broken blood vessels, blood clots, or a lack of blood flow to the brain. Lifestyle risk factors that contribute to heart disease include lack of exercise, high fat diet, emotional stress, and having a type A personality (aggressive, impatient, competitive).

      Cholesterol consists of two ingredients; HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol) and LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol). Cholesterol should be closely monitored and tested on a regular basis. Cholesterol, a fat like substance carried in your blood, is found in all of your body's cells. Fatty deposits build up on blood vessel linings, which narrows the passage, causing the heart’s blood supply to decrease.

      Coronary artery disease is a disease of the artery caused by the accumulation of atheromatous plaques within the walls of the arteries that supply the myocardium. Coronary artery disease is atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries, producing blockages in the vessels which nourish the heart itself. Coronary artery disease, the most common form of cardiovascular disease, is the leading cause of death in America today. Coronary artery disease and the reduced blood flow that follows can lead to other heart problems, such as chest pain and heart attacks. Coronary heart disease is the most common form of heart disease in both men and women. Coronary heart disease is the most common kind of heart disease that causes deaths in the US.

      Symptoms of heart disease include heart attack, stroke, arrhythmia, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Symptoms of heart disease usually occur during exercise or activity. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach. Symptoms typically linked with this heart disease include shortness of breath, and chest pain.

      Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among both men and women. Cardiovascular disease can take many forms like high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, stroke, or rheumatic fever-rheumatic heart disease. Cardiovascular disease is any of a number of specific diseases that affect the heart itself or the blood vessel system, especially the veins and arteries leading to and from the heart.

      Research has shown that smoking increases heart rate, tightens major arteries, and can create irregularities in the timing of heartbeats, all of which make your heart work harder. Research on disease dimorphism suggests that women who suffer with cardiovascular disease usually suffer from forms that affect the blood vessels while men usually suffer from forms that affect the heart muscle itself.

      The first step in preventing heart disease is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Treatment methods should be discussed with a physician, and keep in mind that many of the medications are available through prescription. Exercise continues to be important as the risk of heart disease doubles in people who remain inactive as opposed to those who don’t. Exercise helps to strengthen your heart and purify your bloodstream, preventing heart attacks and stroke.
      Exercise also strengthens the heart muscle and makes the arteries more flexible.
      Smoking also raises blood pressure, which increases the risk of stroke in people who already have high blood pressure. Smoking is a major risk for several diseases including heart disease,stroke, and several cancers. Smoking causes fatty buildups in the arteries, blood clots, artery spasms and rhythm problems, which all contribute to these attacks.

      Stress may also contribute to other risk factors. Stress is considered a contributing risk factor for heart disease because little is known about its effects. Stress can lead to hypertension and coping habits that raise cholesterol. Stressful situations raise your heart rate and blood pressure, increasing the your heart's need for oxygen. Stress can increase the risk of heart disease, although we still do not know how this happens.

      Lupus endocarditis usually causes the surfaces of the heart valve to thicken or develop wart like growths (lesions). Lupus can cause inflammation of the myocardium, the muscle tissue of your heart. Lupus is a chronic life long disease in which the immune system fails to tell the difference between foreign invaders, such as viruses and bacteria, and the body's own cells.

      Heart disease is preventable as long as one consistently makes good lifestyle choices, such as regular exercise, consuming low sodium and fat diets, and avoiding alcohol and smoking are among these choices. Heart disease is commonly caused by atherosclerosis, and this process can also cause strokes. Heart disease is the #1 killer of men and women in the US, but many cases are preventable. Heart disease is a highly preventable and reversible disease. Heart disease is potentially reversible by attending to risk factors like cholesterol, blood pressure and smoking. Heart disease is not caused by cholesterol alone and probably the root cause of heart disease is free radicals. Heart disease is reversible by decreasing free radicals and increasing HDL. Cancer, the second largest killer, accounts for only half as many deaths. Family members live together, eat together and can influence one another's attitudes toward smoking, exercise, weight, diet, portion sizes and other factors that have an impact on heart health and disease. Controlling your blood pressure and sugar, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking will also help you have a healthy heart, according to doctors. Reduce fat intake and include fruits and vegetables in your daily diet.

      Omega 3 Fatty Acid Is Essential For Physical and Mental Health


      Omega threes are called essential fatty acids because they are essential to life and they can't be reproduced in the body. Omega threes are evidenced to reduce the risk of heart disease and are an essential nutrient in the formation of tissue. Omega threes are an anticoagulant and increase HDL cholesterol. Omega threes are an incredible anti aging, anti-oxidant compound that healthy bodies thrive on.

      Omega Three and Omega Six act out a push-me pull-you hormone dance. Omega Three or Six chemical production is in a sense self-fuelling. Omega Six was always a scarce, seasonal, and precious resource. Omega Six instructs the body to store fat. Omega Six and Omega Three are truly external agents, only available through diet. Omega 3 and 6 are building blocks, fuel, chemicals raw materials, and hormone controllers. Omega Six is a key raw material, and an important controller of hormones and steroids. Flax seed oil and many other vegetable oils can also be a source of omega three fatty acids, but for a variety of reasons, fish oils are far superior in delivering long chain omega 3 fatty acids. Flax seed oil, though not as good as fish oil, is the best vegetarian source of omega threes. Increased hormones levels, due to increased Omega Six in the fat reserves, higher Omega Six chemicals, and lack of DHA give rise to hormonal disturbance and changes, which are leading to a rise in fertility related conditions. Increased levels of DHA reduce the long chain Omega 6 hormone and steroid production.

      Fish oil contains omega 3 fatty acids. Mackerel, salmon, lake trout, herring, sardines and albacore are cold water fish which are awesome for their omega threes. Fish oil reduces the production of Omega Six inflammatory chemicals such as prostaglandin E2 and thromboxane A2. Fish is important as a moderator of mental function, and well being. Fish is sacred in Christianity, forms part of the christian symbolism, was talked about in parables, and traditionally was part of the Christian diet. Eating two oily fish meals a week or taking a daily fish oil supplement supplying 1g omega 3 has been proven to reduce the chance of premature death from a heart attack. Eating fish more than once a week halved the risk compared with those who ate fish less than once per month.

      Fats are the raw materials for massive families of very influential chemicals. Fat is used for energy, and so omega sixes and omega threes are all destined to be broke down and burnt. Fat also carries a number of nutrients into the blood stream from the intestinal tract. Fats are the source of hormones and steroids. Fats, protein and carbs are all good for us when eaten in balance and not excess.


      Studies have found that omega threes are particularly implicated in depression, anxiety, and age related mental decline. Studies with depressed patients have shown lower than average blood levels of the omega 3s and a study with severely depressed patients showed dramatic improvements when they were treated with fish oil. Studies show that the best way to increase omega three in our bodies is to eat more fish, seafood and fish oil.

      Researchers have discovered that supplementation with omega three fatty acids can actually build up their concentration within the membranes of the white blood cells. Researchers found that they continued to show greater problem solving ability and better decision making skills. Researchers have investigated different therapeutic doses of fish oil, but the most effective dose is yet to be conclusively determined.

      Omega Threes are essentially anti inflammatory by a number of mechanisms. Omega threes are a special kind of fatty acid, vital to human growth and health, that are found in many foods, but especially in fish oil. Omega Six is essential to manufacture of hormones at all locations. Omega Three will improve your hair, eyes, skin, nails, and possibly fertility and sex life. Omega threes encourage the body to burn fat and make small fat cells. Omega three produces protective products called protectins and resolvins. Oil rich fish and supplements such as fish oil and cod liver oil, are the richest and most readily available sources of these omega 3s. Daily omega three supplements are also perfect for people who seek better mental health or natural arthritis cures but do not like to eat fish or seafood. There is overwhelming evidence to support the role of the omega-3 long chain fatty acids in protection against heart attack and sudden death. Taking fish oil regularly is the best way to supplement your omega threes in your daily diet. Seafood and flax are excellent additions to almost any diet, but even if you eat these foods regularly, it can still be difficult to take in the correct ratio of omega three. Adding a fish oil supplement to your daily routine will benefit your ration.
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      Saturday, July 25, 2009

      How Social Groups Can Help With Obesity


      Obesity is a health problem that causes many severe diseases, besides hampering your normal personal and social activities. Obesity is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Obesity is increasingly becoming a concern in many developed countries. Obesity is thought to have numerous causes with physical, emotional, environmental, endocrine and neurological problems. Obesity is not just a cosmetic problem, but a lot of health problems & complications are associated with it. Obesity is a function of social progress so there's no point in blaming unhealthy food. Obesity is a result of multiple factors like environmental (food access, sedentary lifestyle), behavioral, social, cultural and genetic factors.

      Obesity has become one of the major health problems worldwide. Obesity in adults is on the rise and is a major problem causing a significant rise in disease and death worldwide. Obesity itself is not a major risk factor for premature death until your body mass index is 40 or higher. Obesity is considered to be today's principal neglected public health problem, and is causing great harm to our society.

      Weight loss is becoming a social issue. Weight loss diets, drugs and surgery all have well-documented side-effects, most of which include weight regain and decreased health. Overweight and obesity are products of certain lifestyle factors and it's unclear whether the weight itself, the lifestyle or the combination of both is more important for disease risk.

      Obese people are at greater risk of cancer. Obese children are very likely to become obese adults who will have a significantly higher risk of developing medical problems. Obese children are more prone to vitamin deficiencies, especially Vitamin B12, which helps the body maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells.

      Abdominal adiposity is an important determinant of impaired pulmonary function, and it is of greater importance than overall adiposity markers such as weight and BMI. Abdominal fat is especially active hormonally, secreting a group of hormones called adipokines that may possibly impair glucose tolerance. Abdominal adiposity may restrict the descent of the diaphragm and limit lung expansion, compared to overall adiposity, which may compress the chest wall. Body fat index calculators are used to find out the percentage of fats in the body.

      Friends influence each others diet and exercise patterns. Friends who will commit to losing weight together can encourage each other along in healthy habits. Friends, siblings and spouses who agree to convert to healthy lifestyle habits and weight loss diets increase the chance of weight loss success for all concerned.

      Researchers found that when a friend loses weight that their social network may follow suit. Researchers studied many factors, including gender, natural weight gain, and the tendency of people to associate with similar people. Researchers think it's more than just people with similar eating and exercise habits hanging out together. Researchers found that a person had a increased chance of becoming obese if their social network was obese.

      Obesity is one of the major health problems increasing at an alarming rate. Obesity is not just a cosmetic problem, but it can lead to a lot of health problems and complications. Obesity is a public health problem which can translate into a large economic burden as steadily rising obese population can succumb to the medical complications of obesity and can threaten to overwhelm health services. Obesity is a growing problem among adults worldwide and the way to combat it is simple; eat less and eat more healthy food. Health is a big asset which requires proper care and nurturing.

      Monday, July 6, 2009

      Don't Let Tinnitus Affect Your Quality of Life

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      • Tinnitus is the sensation of a sound in the ear or head that is not being produced by an external source. Tinnitus is usually caused by a fault in the hearing system. It is a symptom, not a disease in itself. Tinnitus is a physical condition, experienced as noises or ringing in the ears or head when no such external physical noise is present. Tinnitus is often referred to as "ringing in the ears" which, upon testing, proves to be best matched by a single high frequency tone. Tinnitus is typically not a serious condition, but, it is frequently accompanied by hearing loss. Tinnitus is also a side effect of some oral medications, such as aspirin, and may also result from an abnormally low level of serotonin activity. Possible causes of tinnitus are ear wax impaction, exposure to loud noises, ear infection, tumors, ototoxic drugs, meniere's disease, and lyme disease.


        Tinnitus can be cured when the cause of tinnitus is corrected. Tinnitus can be extremely disturbing to people who have it. Tinnitus can have a great impact on a patients quality of life. Tinnitus usually appears first as a continuous high pitched sound. Tinnitus will not cause you to go deaf and statistically, 50 percent of patients may express that their tinnitus with time decreases or is hardly perceptible. Tinnitus that is not annoying and well tolerated should not be treated. Drugs that commonly cause or increase tinnitus NSAIDS (motrin, naproxin, relafen,) aspirin and other salicylates Lasix and other "loop" diuretics "mycin" antibiotics quinine and related drugs. Chemotherapy such as cis platin Rarely, some of the SSRI antidepressants.

        Hearing loss from being around loud noises is also often accompanied by tinnitus. Hearing loss worsens the effect of tinnitus, so hearing protection and avoiding loud noises is very important in preventing worsening of the symptoms. Hearing aids are ideal if there is an associated hearing loss with the tinnitus. Hearing aids are among the most effective tools for providing relief from tinnitus in individuals with hearing loss. Hearing aids take away the strain of listening and distract from the tinnitus by bringing you more environmental sounds from the outside world.


        Treatment of tinnitus should be directed toward the underlying disease, because its treatment may lessen the tinnitus. Treatment is selected based on lifestyle, personal preferences, tinnitus hyperacusis severity and cost. Treatment consists of biofeedback exercises in hourly sessions, in which the patient learns to control circulation to various parts of the body and relax muscles attached to the head. Treatment, however, does not mean cure since most tinnitus is not correctable.

        Patients with objective tinnitus typically have a vascular abnormality, neurologic disease, or eustachian tube dysfunction. Patients can mistake headache, drug reaction, fatigue, hypertension, flu, and even depression as tinnitus. Patients may hear blowing sounds within the ear coincident with breathing. Patients often have difficulty describing their tinnitus due to the scarcity of adjectives available to describe sounds of any sort. Patients should be advised to avoid loud noise, or if unavoidable, to wear appropriate ear protection.


        Stress is a prime cause of tinnitus, and in cases where this is the cause the removal of the cause of the stress is the aim. Stressful situations cause changes in our chemical make up, and alterations in such can result in forms of tinnitus that are very irritating and sometimes debilitating. Stress management, whether through relaxation therapy, biofeedback or exercise, may provide some relief.


        Masking refers to exposing the patient to other sounds in an effort to block out, or take their mind off their tinnitus. Masking is simply arranging an external sound which covers-up the tinnitus and which is readily acceptable to the patient as a substitute for their tinnitus. Masking devices are similar in appearance to hearing aids. Masking seems to work for only a few patients, but like most treatments, it is impossible to predict in advance of testing and trial which patients can be helped with this treatment.

        Medications may occasionally help lessen the noise even though no cause can be found. Medications that help people with obsessive compulsive disorder may be helpful. Medications such as anti-arrhythmics (usually used for irregular heart rhythms), antidepressants, vasodilators, tranquilizers, and anticonvulsants may help.

        Pulsatile tinnitus is usually due to a small blood vessel that is coupled by fluid to your ear drum. Pulsatile (like a heartbeat) tinnitus is often caused by sounds created by muscle movements near the ear, changes in the ear canal, or blood flow (vascular) problems in the face or neck. Pulsatile tinnitus, in which the tinnitus sounds are intermittent, continuous, or pulsating in time with the heartbeat. Pulsatile tinnitus subsides with light digital pressure applied over the ipsilateral internal jugular vein of the side with tinnitus. Pulsatile tinnitus of this nature usually goes away with time.


        Subjective tinnitus is described as a ringing, buzzing, hissing, or whistling sound that resembles bells, crickets, or a variety of complex sounds. Subjective tinnitus differs in that it is louder in quiet. Subjective tinnitus, which is more common, is heard only by the patient. Subjective tinnitus is by far the most common type of tinnitus.

        Objective tinnitus occurs when certain blood vessels become noisy. Objective tinnitus can be heard through a stethoscope placed over head and neck structures near the patient's ear. Objective tinnitus can occur suddenly and may be temporary because it can accompany elevated blood pressure; when the blood pressure is reduced, the tinnitus may stop as suddenly as it started. Objective tinnitus is a much rarer form of tinnitus and consists of head noises that are audible to other people in addition to the sufferer. Objective tinnitus is far less frequent than subjective tinnitus. Objective tinnitus is mostly associated with vascular or muscular disorders and relates to less than 5 percent Tinnitus cases.

        Surgery should be considered when there is a clear structural reason for tinnitus that can be improved with surgery. Only rarely is surgical treatment indicated, and even more rarely, is Tinnitus relieved. Surgery of the ear or brain is extremely dangerous, and is considered a treatment of last resort. Surgery is seldom justified and can aggravate tinnitus.


        Tinnitus is a symptom, not a disease. Tinnitus is most common in people over age 40. Tinnitus is common; nearly 36 million Americans have constant tinnitus and more than half of the normal population has intermittent tinnitus. Tinnitus is usually most bothersome at night or other times when it is quiet. Tinnitus is not a disease in itself. Tinnitus is usually more marked after one goes to bed and his surroundings become quiet. Tinnitus is most commonly treated with a calming sedative. Tinnitus is rarely linked to any serious problem and people usually learn to manage it quite successfully. Tinnitus is bothersome but does not impair function; consequently, people who have tinnitus usually do not seek treatment. Management consists simply of reassuring the patient and treating the underlying disorder. Avoid loud noise, loud noise is the enemy of the tinnitus patient. Avoid stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine. Avoid exposure to loud noises and sounds. To find out more click this link>>Tinnitus Help
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      Sunday, July 5, 2009

      B Vitamins Are Essential For Good Health

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      B vitamins are a essential nutritional factor for proper functioning of healthy nerve cells. B vitamins are found in all whole, unprocessed foods. B vitamins are water soluble, any excess is excreted & not stored in the body, it must be replaced daily. B vitamins are found in whole grain cereals, brewers yeast, liver, beans, brown rice & egg yolks. B vitamins are essential nutrients for growth, development,and a variety of other bodily functions. B vitamins are an important part of the diet and are needed to help avoid many health conditions. B vitamins are necessary for normal functioning of the nervous system.

      Vitamins are defined as organic substances needed in small quantities for health and growth. Vitamins and minerals are substances that are found in foods we eat. Vitamins are not used as fuels for the body. Vitamins and minerals are essential chemicals that take part in the biochemical reactions of the body that are responsible for the synthesis of complex enzymes that allow such functions as digestion, metabolism of food into energy and the proper functioning of brain cells and the neurotransmitters responsible for passing messages from the brain throughout the body.


      Deficiency of certain B vitamins can cause anemia, tiredness,loss of appetite, abdominal pain, depression, numbness and tingling in the arms and legs, muscle cramps, respiratory infections, hair loss,eczema, poor growth in children, and birth defects in the fetus of a pregnant woman. Deficiency of one or another of the B vitamins can result in a variety of illnesses, depending upon which of the individual vitamins is lacking. Deficiency can lead to cause mental health symptoms. Deficiency states are recognized for all vitamins, and in many cases, excessive intake also leads to disease. Disease results from both deficiency and excess.


      Supplements containing B vitamins are generally thought to be safe but still should not be taken in very large doses. Supplements that contain several B vitamins, usually in combination with other nutrients, are sold in grocery stores, health food stores, and over the internet in pill form. Supplements containing all eight are generally referred to as a vitamin B complex. Supplements containing a whole range of fundamental amino acids are also now readily available. There is evidence that high doses of B-complex vitamins in humans can reduce the immune-suppressing effects of stress.

      Supplementing your diet with good vitamins and minerals makes more sense when you look at agriculture. Supplement products without any reliable scientific evidence of health benefits may still be sold as long as the companies selling them do not claim the supplements can prevent, treat, or cure any specific disease. Supplementation becomes even more important when you’re dieting to improve muscle definition or make weight for a competition. Supplements labeled with 100 percent of the Daily Value provide 10 mg of pantothenic acid -- twice the current recommended intake. Supplementing beyond that limit ceases to have a positive effect on production.

      Research studies have shown that the B vitamins, particularly, folate, B12, and B6 help lower homocystein levels, hence the risk of heart attacks. Research shows that the nutrient content of our food has been drastically decreased due to poor soil health and extensive pesticide use in the U.S.A. Research has shown that vitamin B12 levels decline as we age. Researchers have shown that folic acid might also slow the insidious effects of age on the brain. Research suggests natural sources of B vitamins are safest and most effective, especially in long term use.

      B vitamins are the unsung heroes of good health. B vitamins are necessary for your body in many ways. B vitamins are important not only for our physical health but contribute to our mental health as well. B Vitamins are known to provide energy, combat stress, and support a healthy mood. B vitamins are also needed for growth and maintenance of both nerves and muscles. B vitamins are destroyed by alcohol, refined sugar, nicotine and caffeine, so it no surprise that many people may be deficient in them. B vitamins are easily flushed out of the body, and people on weight-loss diets, alcoholics or those who take antibiotics or seizure drugs are even more prone to having vitamin B deficiency. B vitamins are also important for the synthesis of our brain neurotransmitters, which are chemical signals that our brain uses to carry out physiological functions. Maintain adequate levels of vitamin B12, especially if you're an older adult or a strict vegetarian.
      Get your Best Quality B vitamin supplements at World Class Nutrition>> click the banner below


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      Saturday, July 4, 2009

      7 Fat Loss Strategies For Busy MomsBy line Holly Rigsby, CPTRL:

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      7 Fat Loss Strategies For Busy Moms
      By Holly Rigsby, CPT http://www.fityummymummy.com/cbae/?a=bzmgXlzbvw
      Would you like to "jump start" your metabolism and lose your ‘mommy belly' once and for all? If so, the following seven tips are exactly what you need to improve your workouts and ignite your metabolism. Try some or all of these tips, but beware, the result may be a number of admiring second glances and the need to pull your ‘skinny jeans' out of the closet.1. The majority of your workouts should be composed of free-weight, bodyweight or cable exercises.Compared to machines, free-weight, bodyweight and cable movements often require more skill, create muscular balance, and have a greater metabolic cost. For example, it is more difficult to balance the weights, and to coordinate muscles when performing free-weight exercises. Although this may sound like a disadvantage, it is actually a benefit. By balancing and stabilizing free-weights or cables you are working more muscles through a greater range of motion resulting in more muscles developed and more calories burned.2. Use exercises that work more than one muscle at a time.When focusing on fat loss, you can't worry about "shaping" exercises, instead you should use exercises that'll get you the biggest bang for your buck and work as many muscles as possible. Isolation exercises can be used at the end of a workout to work on a specific target area, but they just serve to supplement your core movements.Virtually every savvy fitness professional is privy to the fact that compound exercises recruit the most muscle groups for any given body part.If you seek lean, toned muscles and the increase in metabolism that comes with them, you must choose exercises that work as many different muscles as possible. One of the main reasons why squats are superior to leg extensions for improving your body is that they also work your butt, hamstrings and inner thighs in addition to toning your quadriceps while leg extensions focus on just the front of your thigh and don't really offer any other benefit. That same rationale hold true for arm exercises too. That's why dumbell presses and dips will are more valuable for your arms than triceps kickbacks and pushdowns.A good rule of thumb is to use movements that will allow you to use the most weight. These will have a systemic effect on your body that'll help maintain or increase your lean muscle, and in turn ignite your metabolism.3. Pair exercises.Pair your exercises together so that you alternate between upper-body exercises and lower-body exercises or between exercises that target opposing muscle groups (e.g. chest and back).This type of approach will keep your workouts short and efficient by eliminating much of the downtime that comes between sets of a single exercise since you are working on one movement while resting from another. This approach can also yield huge benefits in your mission to burn fat. Since you'll constantly be moving and keeping your heart rate elevated, you'll be burning far more calories than you would during a typical workout.4. Keep your reps between 8 and 12.Through research, it has been determined that the best range for building lean muscle is roughly between 8-12 reps. Since the main focus of your resistance training efforts is to gain lean body mass and stimulate your metabolism, this rep range fills the bill perfectly. "High reps for tone and fat loss" is one of the biggest (and most unproductive) training myths! Somehow the aerobics, yoga and Pilates' community have convinced us that when we perform bodyweight exercises or light resistance training for high reps, our muscles magically take on a beautiful shape without growing or bulging. On the other hand, if you challenge yourself with moderately heavy weights, your body will take on a bulky, unflattering appearance. If you believe this, you probably still believe in the Tooth Fairy!5. Rest only 30 to 60 seconds between sets.When you keep the rest periods under one minute, it's easier to stay focused on the task at hand and keeps your heart rate elevated. In addition, it forces your muscles to recover more quickly between sets, along with keeping your nervous system revved up.If your first movement in an upper/lower body pair is squats, you might want to rest 60 seconds before attempting your second movement. However, if your first exercise is a fairly "easy" exercise, like lat pull downs, you might only wish to wait 30 seconds before doing the second part of the pair.6. Perform total body workouts.You must drop the notion that muscle groups work independently of one another. Muscles work together and should be trained that way. Besides, not only does this approach mean less time in the gym, but by working the whole body three times per week, you'll be maximizing the fat burning effect of your program.7. Cardio is not the cure-all for fat loss.Cardiovascular exercise aids in the creation of a caloric deficit, but the caloric expenditure during cardio is temporary. Strength training addresses the core of the problem by permanently increasing the rate at which the body burns calories by adding muscle. The best programs will include both strength training and cardiovascular training, but the core or the programs effectiveness is resistance training.Take these strategies and incorporate them into your workout routine. Not only will you save a lot of time, but you'll also soon see a leaner and more toned body. Not to mention a few more turned heads and the re-emergence of your skinny jeans.
      About the Author
      Holly Rigsby is a nationally recognized women’s fitness coach, certified personal trainer (CPT) and the author of the internationally popular e-book – Fit Yummy Mummy - Burn Your Baby Fat & Get Your Body Back. Go tohttp://www.fityummymummy.com/cbae/?a=bzmgXlzbvw to get your FREE copy of her special report: "The Five Ways To Boost Your Metabolism."
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      Wednesday, July 1, 2009

      Don't Neglect Your Eyes: Keep Em' Healthy

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      In my 22 years experience as a trucker I have experienced dry eyes, red eyes, and tired eyes, but the one thing I want to stress in this article is that as a Truck Driver you definitely don't want to leave the health of your eyes to chance.



      Dry eyes are a common source of discomfort. Dry eyes are caused by problems in tearing fluid production. Dry eyes are also a symptom of systemic diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, rosacea or Sjogren's syndrome . Dry eyes are a common problem in the menopausal female. Dry eyes are a very common complaint among older adults. Dry eyes are also a frequent side effect of many systemic medications, medical conditions such as Thyroid disease, Parkinson’s Disease and Sjorgren’s Syndrome and Vitamin A Deficiency. Dry eyes are typically treated by a specially formulated eye drop solution that simulates real tears.


      Eyelid problems that may develop as you age include an out-turning of the lids (ectropion) or an in-turning of the lids (entropion). Eyes are sensitive with much heat, burning and aching. Eyes are painful in the evening and at night, as from sand, with frequent watering. Eye drops for dry eyes are not to be confused with eye drops for red eyes. Eye redness reducers can also interfere with the eye’s natural healing process. Eyelid glands secrete oils, water and mucin as we blink.


      Symptoms of dry eyes can include redness, dryness, burning, grittiness, excessive tearing, tired eyes, blurry vision, and sensitivity to light. Dry eye symptoms usually first appear in adults over the age of 40, but they can appear in individuals between the ages of 20 and 30. Dry eyes may also be stimulated by environmental aspects such as weather that irritate the eye and dry up tears. Dry Eyes can be caused by several factors which include those relating to less tears and less moisture within the eyes. Dry eye is sometimes worsened by contact lens wear or surgery. Dry eyes condition is not good for your eyes. Dry Eyes Treatments will vary depending on the level of dry eye syndrome.


      Contact lenses don't cause dryness, however a patient with dry eyes will experience discomfort because their eyes can not support the presence of the contact lens. Contact lenses essentially work like a sponge in the eye. Contact lens wearers usually experience dry eyes because their contacts seems to work against moisturization. Contact lens wearers will often find eye drops effective especially if the lenses are removed prior to adding the re wetting drops. Contact lenses rely on our eyes to produce enough tears to Hydrate the contact lenses and allow them to float on a cushion of tears.

      Tears are of composed of three distinctive layers: the outer, oily, lipid layer; the middle, watery, lacrimal layer; and the inner, mucous or mucin layer. Tears are necessary for the normal lubrication of your eyes and to wash away particles and foreign bodies. Tears not only wash away dust from the eyes, but also soothe the eyes, provide oxygen and nutrients to the cornea, as well as help defend against eye infections by removing microorganisms that can colonize in the eyes. Tears are essential for good eye health.


      Symptoms are the best way to know if you have dry eye and it is always important to have the diagnosis confirmed by an eye doctor. Symptoms include burning, irritation, pain, foreign body sensation, blurring of vision, photo phobia, and excessive tearing. Symptoms include eyes that burn or feel gritty, itchy or sticky or blurred vision with prolonged reading or computer work. Symptoms usually develop between 45 and 55 years of age.


      Treatment of dry eyes aims to restore a more normal tear film to minimize your dryness, blurred vision and discomfort. Treatment may be as simple as prescribing lubricating eye drops or supplements. Treatment for dry eye syndrome depends largely on the severity of the case and underlying causes. There are some very good prescription medications that can be used chronically with no side effects. Treatments for dry eyes may include artificial tear drops and ointments. Treatment depends largely on the source of the problem.


      Patients who suffer with dry eyes are at increased risk of eye infections or infections around the eye. Patients often delay seeking care for their dry eyes until the tissue damage is at a more advanced stage. Patients with dry eyes rate their discomfort at a level similar to the way heart patients rate chest pain. Patients with dry eye symptoms should be seen and followed by an ophthalmologist for periodic complete eye exams including the Schirmer to determine tear production, and slit lamp exam to rule out corneal abrasions.


      Artificial tears containing active ingredients such as carboxymethylcellulose and polyvinyl alcohol are helpful in mild cases of dry eye syndrome. Artificial tears are available over the counter, without a prescription. Artificial tears are chemical solutions similar to the eye’s natural fluids. Artificial tears can help with treating dry eye. Artificial tears are saline eye drops that lubricate the eye. Artificial tears containing active ingredients such as carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, glycerin, castor oil, polyethylene glycol or polyvinyl alcohol are used in mild cases of dry eyes. Artificial tears are only a temporary solution, but they can still provide much needed emergency relief to someone needing dry eye care.


      Dry eyes are one of the most common eye complaints; in fact over 10 million Americans suffer from dry eyes. Dry eyes are one of the most common problems older men and women have as they age. Dry eyes are a common source of discomfort, and usually dry eyes are a chronic problem. Dry eyes aren't comfortable and the condition will not just go away on its own. Dry eyes are a very common problem, especially in the aging population and patients with autoimmune disorders including Sjogren’s, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Remember that when you are driving down that highway, your dry eyes may be caused by more than just stress and tiredness. As a driver your eyes are to important to take chances with so get them checked. It could prolong your career and keep those miles flying by with a little less stress.
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      Tuesday, June 30, 2009

      Oral Hygiene and You

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      Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping the mouth clean and healthy by brushing and flossing to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Oral hygiene is something that can and should be taken care of by both you and your dental professional. Oral hygiene is a health program to prevent cavities (dental caries), gingivitis, periodontitis, bad breath (halitosis), and other dental disorders. Oral Hygiene is a home dental care kit that guards against plaque without brushing. Oral hygiene is generally poor because tooth brushing is very painful and aggravates the process of erosion.

      Teeth whitening tips you can use to make your teeth whiter, cleaner and healthier. Teeth whitening is the number one request from patients according to the American academy of cosmetic dentistry. Teeth whitening is the number one request from patients between the ages of 20and 50. Teeth look best when they are straight and properly aligned with each other. Teeth bleaching products which contain peroxides, can change your natural tooth color anywhere from five to seven -- but up to twelve -- shades brighter. Teeth Whitening is a safe and effective way to brighten stained, discolored or dull teeth.


      Dental cavities can be prevented by a low level of fluoride constantly maintained in the oral cavity. Dental brushing and flossing represent simple, cost-effective approaches to bacterial dental plaque control. Dental floss comes in many varieties (waxed, unwaxed, flavored, tape) and may be chosen on personal preference. Dental care involves taking good care of your teeth, gums and the related structures of the mouth. Dental brushing and flossing should be performed daily under supervision of the professional staff.

      Toothpastes are designed to cater to all the different oral health needs of individuals, including taste preferences, age, and cosmetics. Tooth brushing and flossing remove plaque from teeth, and antiseptic mouthwashes kill some of the bacteria that help form plaque. Toothbrushes wear out and should be replaced every three months. Tooth sensitivity can cause improper brushing, which may lead to a progression of problems including plaque build-up.

      Plaque is a thin film that forms on the teeth. Plaque is the number one factor in gum disease. Plaque actually consists of food and bacteria, which forms a sticky film on teeth. Plaque is a soft, sticky, colorless bacterial film that grows on the hard, rough surfaces of teeth. Plaque and tartar can build up in a very short time if good oral hygiene is not practiced between visits. Plaque remaining on the teeth due to poor hygiene may cause swelling of the gums, cavities, and white scars on the tooth surface. Dentists and dental hygienists can instruct and demonstrate brushing and flossing techniques. Dentists recommend that you brush at least twice a day (morning and night), and if possible, after every meal.

      Flossing is also an essential component of oral hygiene. Flossing is critical for cleaning between the teeth and should be done every day. Flossing once a day helps prevent gum disease by removing food particles and plaque at and below the gum line as well as between teeth. Flossing is crucial in order to reach the 35% of the tooth surfaces where brushing can not reach. Flossing is best done from the front.

      Bacterial endocarditis is an infection of the lining of the heart. Bacterial endocarditis occurs when bacteria (germs) enter the bloodstream and lodge inside the heart, where they multiply and cause infection. Bacterial endocarditis does not occur very often, but when it does, it can cause serious heart damage. Bacteria in this tartar are responsible for the gingivitis and periodontal disease that cause gum recession.

      Fluoride strengthens the teeth and removes the acid. Fluoride can be obtained from fluoridated drinking water, salt, milk, mouth rinse or toothpaste, as well as from professionally-applied fluorides. Fluoride does not remove plaque but is important in making tooth enamel stronger and more resistant to decay. Fluoride in toothpaste, drinking water, or dental treatments also helps to protect teeth by binding with enamel to make it stronger. Fluoride is found in toothpaste, some drinking water, and in some dental treatments.

      Brush teeth and mucosal surfaces 2 to 3 times a day. Brushing and flossing should be performed thoroughly but not too vigorously. Brushing is basic part of oral hygiene. Brush the lower teeth up and the upper teeth down. Brushing after meals should become part of your daily oral hygiene.

      The most common oral diseases are dental cavities and periodontal (gum) disease. Oral hygiene has a significant influence on the formation of cavities. Oral hygiene consists of both personal and professional care. Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping the mouth clean and healthy by brushing and flossing to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Dental care includes prevention and treatment of diseases of the gum and teeth, and also the replacement or repair of defective teeth. Careful and frequent brushing with a toothbrush and flossing help to prevent build-up of plaque bacteria that change carbohydrate in our meals or snacks to acid which demineralises tooth eventually leading to tooth decay and toothache if acid episodes are frequent or are not prevented. Careful brushing at least twice a day should be part of every one's routine.

      Saturday, June 27, 2009

      Weight loss workout for Busy People

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      Weight Loss Workout for Busy People By: Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS Turbulence Training You can get an incredible weight loss workout at home without any equipment. That's right, you can burn fat and lose fat in the comfort of your own home. You don't need fancy machines or expensive mega-gym memberships, and you don't have to deal with line-ups or sweaty, stinky fellow gym-members. Ewww!
      Okay, here's the first thing you need. About a 8x8 open area. And your bodyweight. That's it. Don't rest between any of these exercises.
      First exercise: Prisoner Squat
      Place your hands behind your head, keep your elbows back, and squat down halfway to the ground. Keep your shoulder blades together to work your upper back and push your hips back as you squat to work your back of your legs.
      Do that 10-20 times depending on your strength levels.
      Second exercise: Push-up Plus
      Do a regular pushup, but at the top, add a little extra push to round your upper back and make your shoulder blades move away from one another. Do 4-12 reps depending on your strength.
      Third exercise: Plank
      Support yourself on your forearms and toes and keep your body in a straight line from ankles to shoulders. You'll be "hovering" just above the ground. Keep your abs braced and hold for 10-60 seconds depending on your endurance.
      Fourth exercise: Split squat
      Stand with one foot 2 feet in front of your body and the other foot 1 foot behind your body. This is a stationary lunge position. Bend your back knee and drop your hips to the floor. Then push up using the muscles of the lead leg. Use a wall for balance or support if needed. Do 5-12 reps per side depending on strength.
      Rest 1 minute then repeat the circuit up to 4 times.
      Have fun, and burn fat,
      Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MSAuthor, Turbulence Training
      About the AuthorCraig Ballantyne is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist and writes for Men's Health, Men's Fitness, Maximum Fitness, Muscle and Fitness Hers, and Oxygen magazines. His trademarked Turbulence Training fat loss workouts have been featured multiple times in Men’s Fitness and Maximum Fitness magazines, and have helped thousands of men and women around the world lose fat, gain muscle, and get lean in less than 45 minutes three times per week. For more information on the Turbulence Training workouts that will help you burn fat without long, slow cardio sessions or fancy equipment, visit Turbulence Training
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      Thursday, June 25, 2009

      The Best Cardio Intervals For Fat Loss: Part 2

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      The Best Cardio Intervals for Fat Loss: Part 2

      By: Craig Ballantyne, CSCS, MS Turbulence Training


      If you don’t have variety in your program, you are more than likely to end up at a fat loss plateau soon rather than later. Variety is one of the keys to keeping that fat loss coming.

      So not only should you have variety within your training week (i.e. alternate between two different interval training workouts, rather than just doing the same interval workout each time), but you should also change these workouts every 4 weeks.

      So you need to change your training program every 4 weeks. To modify your interval training workouts, you can…

      switch exercise methods (and even use bodyweight exercises for intervals)
      increase or decrease the length of the interval (while decreasing or increasing the intensity, respectively)
      increase or decrease the number of intervals per workout
      increase or decrease the rest time between intervals
      First, let’s take a look at the interval methods. Here is my list of preferred ways to do your intervals, ranked in order from best to worst, based on my experiences…

      Sprinting outdoors (and hills might be the absolute best)
      Strongman movements (Farmer’s walks, tire flips, car pushing)
      Bodyweight interval circuits
      Treadmill running
      Stationary cycle (upright preferred)
      Stairclimber
      Rower
      Swimming (only works for competent swimmers)
      Elliptical & Crosstrainer machines
      Okay, so how long should you do intervals and how the heck do you do bodyweight exercises as interval training?

      First, I stand by what I said in Part 1. There does not seem to be a “best” interval training program. But that is good because it allows us to use variety in our approach. (So perhaps the best interval training method is simply the one that changes every 4 weeks.)

      Interval recommendations have ranged from 15 seconds (from Muscle Media waaaay back in the late 90’s), to 5 minutes (these are known as aerobic intervals). So let’s take a look at each interval recommendation and all those in between.

      15 seconds
      The great thing about 15 second intervals is that you’ll be able to work at a very high rate (almost near your maximum power output), as long as you get adequate recovery between work intervals. The downside is that it is very difficult to do 15 second intervals on machines, because it takes a long time to “build up” and “bring down” the machine settings to the correct speed.

      If you decide to use these short, high-intensity intervals, you should do so only if you already have an above average level of fitness. Your rest interval should be at least 15 seconds long, and can be as long as 60 seconds. The longer you rest, the harder you will be able to exercise in each interval.

      20 seconds on, 10 seconds off
      This method is known as the Tabata protocol, after the Japanese scientist that published a study on this routine. It is very demanding (obviously), and while some trainers have suggested this is the best method for interval training, I don’t think there is any proof that you will get better results.

      Clearly, the pro’s with this method (as well as the 15 second intervals) is that you’ll get your workout done faster (provided you do the same number of intervals as any other workout). Again, it would be very difficult to perform this type of interval training on a machine, due to the time lag as you increase or decrease the settings. And finally, these too should only be performed by above average fitness levels.

      30 seconds
      The Turbulence Training workouts tend to use a lot of 30 second intervals. Beginners will rest up to 90 seconds between intervals, while advanced fitness levels will rest 30-60 seconds. The longer (relative) rest allows you to work harder in each successive interval (i.e. you’ll almost be able to match your performance in the first interval with each following interval). Short rest intervals (as in the Tabata protocol) will lead to a dramatic drop-off in performance with each interval. You can easily do the 3-second intervals on any machine.

      45 seconds
      These intervals are proven for fat loss, in addition to being effective for many team sports (such as hockey, soccer, basketball, and rugby). I have used 45 second intervals extensively in both areas of training. Not only will these tax your muscles, they will also tax your will to complete each interval (if done at the right intensity). Use 45-90 seconds of recovery between intervals. Do 3-6 intervals per workout. Your fitness and fat loss will skyrocket.

      60 second intervals
      Similar to the 45 second intervals in benefits and toughness. Use 60-120 seconds of recovery between each.

      120 second intervals
      These are now officially aerobic intervals, and can be used for both fat loss and improving aerobic capacity for sports and running. A great way to achieve two fitness goals at once. Exercise for 2 minutes and then recover for 2 minutes. Repeat 6 times. These workouts take longer (obviously), but can have a role in changing your body and improving your performance.

      5 minute intervals
      Same strategy as with the two minute intervals. This really increases your workout time, so these are only used with serious endurance athletes.

      Beginner vs. Advanced
      If you are thinking that these intervals all sound “too intense” for you, please don’t worry. Interval training is all relative. You don’t have to sprint for your life in each type of interval. Instead, just work at a slightly harder than normal pace. By the end of the interval, you should be getting tired, but you shouldn’t be gasping for air. Start conservatively and you will get the hang of it.

      For example, if you regularly use level 5 on the stationary bike for 30 minutes continuously, you might try doing a 1 minute interval at level 7. Try that for an interval workout and let me know how it goes.

      My favorite intervals for fat loss are between 30-60 seconds. These have been the staple intervals in my Turbulence Training workouts since the first workout was designed back in 2001. But again, I think you will get your best fat loss results if you vary your interval training workouts - just like you must vary your strength training workouts.

      Intervals are the secret to success,

      CB

      P.S. Do you need to lose a post-vacation belly?

      “Craig, I just wanted to let you know that I’ve been using your Turbulence Training System to whip myself back into shape after a vacation and too much time in front of the computer getting a couple of projects completed and I’ve dropped 10.2 lbs. of bodyfat in the last 28 days. As a fellow fitness professional I can safely say that it’s the best and most efficient approach to improving body composition that I’ve come across.”
      Pat Rigsby
      President
      The Fitness Consulting Group


      About the Author

      Craig Ballantyne is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist and writes for Men's Health, Men's Fitness, Maximum Fitness, Muscle and Fitness Hers, and Oxygen magazines. His trademarked Turbulence Training fat loss workouts have been featured multiple times in Men’s Fitness and Maximum Fitness magazines, and have helped thousands of men and women around the world lose fat, gain muscle, and get lean in less than 45 minutes three times per week. For more information on the Turbulence Training workouts that will help you burn fat without long, slow cardio sessions or fancy equipment, visit www.TurbulenceTraining.com



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      Wednesday, June 24, 2009

      How To Avoid Those 5 Awful Words

      Hypericum perforatum from http://www.ars.usda....Image via Wikipedia

      Subject: "How To Avoid Those 5 Awful Words..."The Five Dreaded WordsAvoid "I'm Not in the Mood" with Some Libido-Lifting Tips Tell me if you can relate to the following experience:A long week of work has finally reached its end. Sure, the week was difficult, but the main reason for its lengthiness was due to anticipation -- anticipation of what the weekend held in store.All weekends are great. But this weekend was billed to be WAY above average. Why? Because you were spending it with your significant other, away from it all, in one of the finest of hotels your city has to offer. And if a little bit of luck was on your side, it would turn out to be one of the more memorable "experiences" of a lifetime -- ahem, if you know what I mean (and I think you do).Turns out, things didn't go as planned. The hotel was great, and the decor was to die for, but The Five Dreaded Words were spoken, the ones that always put the kibosh on a romantic night of lovemaking: "I'm not in the mood."Each one of us have either felt or heard these words spoken before, and whether you're the giver or the receiver, it's never pleasant. Sex is a HUGE part of a relationship, and when opportunities for lovemaking go by the wayside, it frequently diminishes forthcoming opportunities -- whether it's due to fear of the same thing happening again, or the lowering of expectations.The key, of course, is to have that "motivation" within you at all times so those Five Dreaded Words are never spoken. Here's a small helping of ways in which to keep your libido lifted so you can avoid the 5DW :DietSkeptics argue that keeping one's libido lifted through diet is a self-fulfilling prophecy; in other words, if you think almonds or chocolate will lift your libido, odds are good they will. But scientific evidence -- not psychosomatic hogwash -- suggests that certain foods do, indeed, lift one's libido. For example, a study from Southwestern University found that coffee beans lift the libido of females. For men, the love-lifting libation is tea, specifically Damiana tea. Alternative health expert Dr. Sarah Brewer says the ingredient responsible for increasing male libido in this tea is called gonzalitosin. This ingredient sends a tingling sensation to the penis.As a man, all I can say is, "Say no more!"Supplements Supplementing with vitamins and minerals are, hopefully, a normal part of your daily regimen, but specific supplements provide a great boost to your sex drive. Take St. John's Wort as an example. St. John's Wort has a multitude of benefits -- from improving one's mood to improving one's mind -- and those benefits can be found in the bedroom. Because of its mood-improving properties, studies have shown that 60 percent of people formerly uninterested in sex regained their interest after taking St. John's Wort. Care for two more? Try ginseng and gingko biloba on for size (and no, I don't mean that kind of size). Ginseng is one of the earliest herbs to be widely marketed in the United States, and it's taken by millions of people regularly for the natural boost of energy it provides. So for people whose energy levels leave them pooped time comes for whoopee, ginseng is just the thing.As for gingko biloba, this oddly-named herb stimulates blood flow throughout the body and brain (which explains why it's taken by those who have a hard time remembering things). As blood flow improves its flow throughout the body, it serves as the perfect elixir for those who have a hard time getting a, shall we say, "hard on." Research published in the Journal of Sex Education and Therapy found that men who took gingko biloba regularly were able to maintain erections after six months (granted, gingko biloba is not an overnight healer, but the improvement took place, and it took place without the negative side effects that always accompany male impotency drugs).A low libido may feel like something that's out of your hands; something that will come back on its own in its own due course. That may be the case, but more often than not, it can be through our every-day actions and lifestyle. For more information on the "Why?" and "How?" of libido, you may want to check out a great new website I've discovered. At http://www.lowpressuresex.com/aff/porkfree you'll discover some of the hidden reasons why your libido has been slumping for so long, but more importantly, how to get it on the upswing quickly, painlessly, and naturally. I hope you'll take this opportunity and visit http://www.lowpressuresex.com/aff/porkfree today. By the time your next weekend getaway comes around, you'll thank me (and your partner will thank you). I recommend you visit their website immediately, where you'll get a crash course on how this issue has affected me personally; more information on the links between what's 'down there' and hypertension; and most important of all, how you can improve the health of your body and your relationship...all-naturally. http://www.lowpressuresex.com/aff/porkfree/thirdage.com/sex/23-ways-to-lift-your-libido










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