health for you

2008-01-05T12:52:00.000+07:00

Weight loss program facts are generally difficult to find.. There are all kinds of different weight loss program out there and a new program comes out almost every day. As a result, weight loss which otherwise should be a relatively simple task is made very complicated.. I present here several popular weight loss program reviews and the pros and cons attached with them. Then I present a few things that you should look for in a good weight loss program.
Please use the links on the left to learn more about a particular weight loss program.
Weight Loss Program : Low Fat Diet A low fat weight loss program recommends low fat or no fat foods. The underlying principle behind this diet is that reducing fat intake coupled with regular exercise results in lasting weight loss.
Pros & Cons For This Weight Loss Program This weight loss program can be very effective if properly produced or administered by a good weight loss expert and results in steady and long term weight loss. Unfortunately most low fat programs in the market reduce fat consumption to such a level that it becomes harmful for health. Some varieties recommend a very high consumption of carbs which is not good. Also, often with this kind of program, fat loss is very slow because of the un-optimized diet menus. I stress again that low fat diet is generally the best way to lose weight. The drawbacks outlined are of the incorrect manners in which this diet is presented rather than of the diet itself.
Weight Loss Program : High Protein Diet This kind of weight loss program requires you to consume high protein, low carb foods. This program claims that carbohydrates make us fat and reducing its consumption leads to fat loss.
Pros & Cons For This Weight Loss Program This weight loss diet usually leads to quite a rapid weight loss initially but isn't very effective in the long run. Also, this kind of diet leads to a steadying of blood sugar levels which is healthy. On the other hand, this weight loss program generally encourages over-consumption of saturated fats which increases the risk of heart disease. Also the rapid burning of fatty acids due to the absence of sufficient carbs makes kidneys work overtime and may lead to serious health problems. This kind of weight loss program should better be avoided as it poses serious health threats.
Weight Loss Program : Fixed Menu This kind of weight loss program provides you with a fixed menu diet that enlists the foods that you can eat. Some varieties make you keep track of your calorie needs, others stress that the same calorie count is good for most of the dieters.
Pros & Cons For This Weight Loss Program This weight loss program can be easy to follow because the foods are already selected for you and in most cases there is no need to keep the calorie count. The drawbacks are that this program can deliver results initially but almost always fails in the long run because the food choice is so limited that the program is very hard to follow in the long run. Also, some of these plans can prove harmful for health due to the lack of balance diet.
Weight Loss Program : Pre-packaged Meal This kind of weight loss program requires you to buy pre-packaged meals. Generally, the stress is on taking appropriate portion sizes. This weight loss program is very popular with weight loss aspirants wanting to lose a few (10-15) pounds quickly.
Pros & Cons For This Weight Loss Program This weight loss program is easy to follow but many of them produce a fad diet effect. With a fad diet, the initial weight loss is due to the loss of water from body and the dieter is almost never able to lose more than 10 or 15 pounds. Also, these meals are generally quite costly.
Weight Loss Program : Formula Diet This kind of weight loss program replaces one or more meals with a liquid formula. Most of these diets are balanced diets containing a mix of protein, carbohydrate, and a small amount of fat.
This weight loss program can be quite effective in the short term but never produces a long term effect. People regain the weight as soon as they stop using the formula.
What Weight Loss Program To Go For?
The best weight loss program is the one that you can call a healthy long term weight loss program. Unfortunately the above mentioned popular weight loss programs usually don't fall under this category.
There are a few things that you need to look for in a weight loss program in order to ensure that you will lose weight permanently and in a healthy manner.
First of all, the diet should be safe. It should include all of the Recommended Daily Allowances (RDAs) for vitamins, minerals, and protein. The weight loss diet should be low in calories (energy) only, not in essential foodstuffs. Also, the weight loss program diet must not be restrictive or you won't be able to stick with it.
Secondly, a good weight loss program should include plans for weight maintenance after the weight loss phase is over. It is of little benefit to lose a large amount of weight only to regain it. Weight maintenance is the most difficult part of controlling weight and is not consistently implemented in weight loss programs.
Lastly, the weight loss program should provide behavior modification help, including education in healthy eating habits and long-term plans to deal with weight problems.
>> For more info about Online Weight Loss Program

About Author :Health & Fitness Expert USA

2008-01-05T12:49:00.000+07:00

Gentlemen,
I thought you should know some of these interesting facts about your skin. If you stretch out the entire surface of your skin it would measure about twenty two square feet and weigh about fifteen pounds A section of the dermis about the size of a quarter, contains about three feet of blood vessels, twelve feet of nerves, one hundred sweat glands and several million cells. "So what", you say? Well the real Difference about Men's skin is the roughness, clogged pores and blemishes. While it ages better than woman's, you can still be prone to dryness, discomfort and barrier damage due to environmental assaults on your 3,168 square inches of skin, and you will feel the difference.
The body produces most of the skins powerful protectors, but as we age, the skins natural defenses decrease. Everyday elements such as sunlight, wind, cold, indoor heating, airplane travel, pollutants and stress, wreak havoc on skin. These forces contribute to natural moisture loss resulting in severe dryness, redness, itchy and tight skin. This slow and steady loss of skin protection increases the need to explore ways to build environmental resistance.
The simple and efficient way to "prevent and protect" is to use products designed and developed specifically for men and their unique skin needs. Each product should be designed and formulated for a specific purpose ... and tell you in plain English right on the package.
A little maintenance is all it takes to effectively sustain healthy skin, and a daily routine that includes: Cleansing, Shaving, Hydrating, Sun Protection, and Exfoliation (only 2-3 times per week) will keep skin comfortable and in top condition.
Consistent Maintenance is what's required, NOT a lot of time or money!

About Author :Jolene is a licensed barber, cosmetologist, and salon owner, specializing in men's grooming for over 20 years. Educating and researching with her clientele on the latest in hair and skin care, she developed her own line of men's products; "Face Tools" and "Tattoo ReNew". Jolene's latest endeavor is her ecommerce site, appearancesformen.com, featuring new product, trends, advice and Q&A articles.

Common Cold Spread

2007-10-11T01:38:00.000+07:00

Concern over common cold spread, as well as the spread of other viruses in schools, hospitals and other public places, should lead to increased focus on good health habits. There are over 200 viruses that cause common colds and washing with soap and warm water kills them. One of the best habits to remember in order to avoid coming down with a cold is to wash your hands before you touch your face, particularly your nose or mouth.
The rhinovirus, the virus that is most easily grown in a laboratory setting and the subject of most studies, can live for up to three hours on skin and surfaces. Once the rhinovirus enters the nose, it grows easily and infects the lining of the nose, causing sneezing, congestion, coughing and often a low grade fever. Scientists estimate that rhinoviruses cause approximately 30-35 percent of adult common colds. For unknown reasons, some people become infected with rhinoviruses and never develop symptoms, but may still be responsible for common cold spread, since the virus can still be found in nasal secretions.
Common colds are one of the leading causes of missed school days and doctor visits, even though that doctor visit may be unnecessary. Studies indicate that viruses and common cold spread in the waiting rooms of hospitals and doctor's offices. These viruses become airborne when a person sneezes or coughs. So, another good health habit to remember, when you have a cold, is to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), children have about six to ten common colds per year. Adults typically have less, with the average around three, but the range varies widely. Those who work with the public and in hospitals have more than those who work at home or in small offices. People who have asthma are more susceptible to common colds than the average person. Recent studies have shown that asthmatics produce less anti-viral proteins, a function of the immune system, than normal. Supporting the belief that efforts to maintain a healthy immune system can reduce the number of colds a person has per year and thus reduce common cold spread.
Experts believe that children have more common colds than adults because daycare and school settings lead to close contact with other children. Children often forget to cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing and washing hands is not a priority for them. Many elementary schools now request that parents supply tissues and waterless alcohol-based hand washing products in an effort to reduce common cold spread in schools. Additionally, since the rhinoviruses can live for several hours on surfaces, recommendations for preventing common cold spread include cleaning phones, stair rails, door knobs and other areas that people touch frequently with a disinfectant.
Expert opinions vary about the effectiveness of vitamins, minerals, herbs and other plant products for preventing and/or treating the common cold. Thousands of clinical studies have been performed, but results are not always reproducible. For example, two recent studies support the use of zinc nasal gels to reduce the duration of common cold symptoms, but one contradicts those findings and suggests that it is unethical to recommend a product that can cause permanent loss of the sense of smell to treat a temporary condition like the common cold. All of the studies were performed by reputable researchers, with no motive other than to help and inform the public, but when scientists cannot agree on an appropriate treatment, it leaves the general public more confused.
Health supplements that are safe and can help prevent common colds by supporting normal immune system function include; vitamin C (which works best when taken with calcium and magnesium), zinc supplements (which at normal dosages and taken in tablet form do not cause adverse side effects), green tea (a subject of numerous studies), Andrographis paniculata (which reduces flu symptoms and the likelihood of developing complications from viral infections), and many other natural substances.

Article Source: Health Guidance

About Author : Patsy Hamilton was a health care professional for over twenty years before becoming a health writer. Currently she is writing a series of articles about type II diabetes, a subject of personal interest. Read more at http://www.diabetes-type-two-info-guide.com.

Detox To Lose Weight

2007-10-11T01:36:00.000+07:00

Detoxification programs have been promoted as the remedy to today's unhealthy lifestyles for years. Proponents of detoxification note that a good detox can help increase energy, slow the aging process, aid the digestive system and help relieve the symptoms of diabetes and asthma. One of the greatest benefits of a good detoxification program is weight loss.
Our bodies are equipped with several systems to help it naturally detox. However, today's stressful lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits often overburden our natural systems. As our body struggles to keep up with the toxic matter flowing through our systems it often falls behind. Toxic waste begins to back up and the balance of our body is disrupted.
A good detox will help restore the body's balance, eliminate the waste building up and make our systems run much more efficiently. During autopsies, coroners often find colons that are more than 75% clogged with waste matter. This causes the systems that clean our blood and intestinal tracts to back up. Nutrients can't be absorbed as efficiently and we gain weight, become tired and irritable. Health issues often follow.
Cleaning the colon and the liver often completely relieves these clogs and allows our bodies to return to optimum functioning. Nutrients are used efficiently and many find that the detox program has such great results that they simply don't crave sugar and fried foods after the detoxification. Many report feeling so good after detoxifying that they are motivated to eat more carefully.
With the toxins being flushed out of the body, many report a dramatic increase in energy level, encouraging many to exercise and further assist their detox in reducing weight.
Researchers have found that as the level of toxins in the body rises, more fat is manufactured to protect the body. Weight gain is a natural by-product of toxin buildup. Removing the toxins from the body allows the body to release the excess fat, resulting in a natural weight loss.
There are many detoxification programs on the market. Choose a gentle, well researched program that includes a parasite remover as well. You'll be pleasantly surprised at your increased energy and amount of weight loss!

About Author :Sandra Kim Leong publishes information on detoxification and cleansing. Her site includes information on colon cleansing, liver cleansing, kidney cleansing, detox diets and juice fasting. Please visit http://www.Detox-Cleansing. com.

What is the Best Overall Exercise?

2007-10-01T02:46:00.000+07:00

Do not get hung up on fad exercises - be a stickler for consistency instead! When it comes to exercise, you have many options. However, it all starts with finding an activity that YOU enjoy. This article gives some tips for making exercise enjoyable.By Machelle Lee
Guess what? There really is no 'best exercise.' Fad exercises will always come and go, but the best thing for your body is that you are consistently active. Work out regularly and remember that you must challenge your body in order to reach your desired goals. Do not get hung up on fad exercises - be a stickler for consistency instead! When it comes to exercise, you have many options. However, it all starts with finding an activity that YOU enjoy. Will you find the time for a workout today, or will the busyness of the day leave you exhausted on the couch? If you are like most people, exercise does not top your list of favorite things to do. Most of us would rather immerse ourselves in a piece of chocolate cake, enjoy a favorite TV show, or dine out with friends instead of sweating in the gym. However, our favorite things are often those that expand our waistlines, and by now we all know that larger waistlines mean an increase in a plethora of health problems, not to mention an overall decrease in your quality of life. So maybe exercise is not such a bad idea after all... It is just that you hate to exercise. It may be time to change your attitude toward exercise. If you start exercising by telling yourself how much you hate it, and how you wish that you were doing something else instead, chances are you will not enjoy it. Most people avoid doing things that are not enjoyable. It is time to open your mind to the possibility that you can enjoy exercise. In fact, when done correctly, exercise is a pleasant experience. Take a minute to ponder the following: Have you written off exercise based on a particular type of routine? Maybe you would enjoy something different. No one can deny how great it feels to accomplish a challenging workout. It is rewarding, invigorating, and feels great. You simply need to find the right form of exercise for you. Try to pinpoint the main reason that you dislike exercise. Is it the uncomfortable workout clothes that you own? Maybe it is time for a new style. Is it trying to decide what machine to use at the gym? Maybe it is time for a personal trainer. Is it the pain that you feel in your shoulder when swimming? Maybe it is time to find a new form of cardiovascular exercise - one that will not aggravate your injury. There are many different forms of exercise that will give you the results you want. Don't like the gym? There is a program for you. Don't like running? There is an alternative. Don't have the time? There are time-friendly exercise routines that will give you incredible results in under an hour.

About the Author: Machelle Lee owns and operates The Invisible Gym in Santa Cruz, CA. Her mission is to inspire people to become physically active and enjoy the benefits of a balanced, healthy lifestyle. For more information and answers to your questions, visit her website: www.the-invisible-gym.com.

Quick Weight Loss!

2007-10-01T02:38:00.000+07:00

Perhaps you've heard the joke about the SHOCKING news headlines from the year 2050: "New study reveals that exercise and proper nutrition is the key to successful weight loss!"
It seems that we're always looking for a quick and easy way to lose fat, but those darn studies and that reputable research just keeps getting in the way of our dream!
There's always someone out there telling us we can lose fat without watching our diet and without any exercise. As much as we'd like to believe that's true, deep down inside we know better. The ads promising that we can 'get slim quick' remind us of the 'get rich quick' infomercials we see on late-night television. Still, there's no shortage of 'get slim quick' products out there.....
A YaHoo search of the term "Easy Weight Loss" yielded about 10,600,000 hits.
A Google search of the phrase "Quick Weight Loss" showed about 14,300,000 recommended sites to visit!
Looking up "Easy Fat Loss" on YaHoo revealed about 4,290,000 answers.
Finally, running a Google search for "I want to lose weight but I don't want to exercise because I don't have the time, money or will power" will bring up about 633,000 sites.....we're not kidding!
Compare that to the Google results for "Weight Loss Truth": only about 2,760,000.
+ PERMANENT FAT LOSS REQUIRES EFFORT Let's face it, there really is no good way to lose fat without any effort! Successful and permanent weight (fat) loss takes some time, it takes some effort, and it certainly requires some exercise! Consider what Dr. Gabe Mirkin had to say on the subject this week: "There are many products on the market today that promise to help you lose weight. None will help you unless they get you to exercise more and eat fewer calories." (Source: The Sportsmedicine Institute, Inc. - DrMirkin.com)
+ DON'T BE TEMPTED BY SHORTCUTS So is it possible to lose weight quickly? Sure, but weight loss achieved quickly and/or by 'cheating' will never be permanent and is usually not healthy.
Remember the phen-fen pills that were popular just a few years ago? While they certainly helped you lose weight, they were withdrawn from the market in September of 1997 after being linked to the occurrence of serious cardiac valvular disease, and primary pulmonary hypertension.
Ephedra, another weight loss pill, was pulled from shelves on April 12, 2004. After a careful review of the available evidence about the risks and benefits of ephedra in supplements, the FDA found that these supplements present an unreasonable risk of illness or injury to consumers. The data showed little evidence of ephedra's effectiveness, except for short-term weight loss, while confirming that the substance raises blood pressure and stresses the heart (Source: nccam.nih.gov).
Please note that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that ephedra was effective for ONLY short-term weight loss. Does that sound like a permanent solution?
There are lots of other 'shortcuts' out there, from laxatives to harsh stimulants. There are also some honestly good products that can help us lose fat IF they are used in conjunction with regular exercise and healthy nutrition. Green tea is a good example. Clinical studies conducted by Dr. Abdul Dulloo, of the University of Geneva in Switzerland brought the conclusion that green tea weight raises metabolic rates and speeds up fat oxidation (Source: green-tea.dminternational.biz).
+ THE TAKE-HOME MESSAGE So what's the take-home message? The bottom line is that there is no 'get slim quick' miracle out there. The only way to achieve permanent fat loss by following the same advice we've been hearing for years: exercise regularly and watch what we eat!
Let's watch out for products that claim we can achieve the body we've always wanted without diet or exercise. We know that's not true, so let's not be tempted by the empty promise.
Until next time, we'll see you at the gym!
* Copyright 2005 Pick Up The Pace. Permission is not required for the distribution of Pick Up The Pace articles as long as they are used in their entirety, are properly credited to Pick Up The Pace, and are accompanied by our website link: http://www.letspickupthepace.com/.
* The information in this article and on this site is for general reference purposes only and not intended to address specific medical conditions. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice or a medical exam. Prior to participating in any exercise program or activity, you should seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional. No information in this article or on http://www.letspickupthepace.com/ should be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition.

About Author :Tracie Johanson is the founder of Pick Up The Pace, a 30-minute exercise studio for women, focusing on fitness, health and nutrition for maximum weight loss. Please visit http://www.letspickupthepace.com/ for more information.

Natural Skin Care - Just Open Your Kitchen Cabinet

2007-09-27T16:24:00.000+07:00

Safer, less expensive, and easy-to-use natural skin care can be as easy as opening your kitchen cabinet, coupled with a few minutes of preparation.
Healthy, radiant, glowing skin is something every person wants. Yet, few of us even think to use what's really the best for out skin: natural skin care products.
Each year, millions of dollars are spent chasing after perfectly healthy, ageless skin. The environment, stress, and less than healthy eating habits, all play a major role in the quality of your skin.
The answers to achieving radiant, glowing complexion are within arm's reach. Many of the items in your kitchen right now can provide natural skin care that's even better thank those expensive, chemical filled products that cost an arm and a leg.
Skin Care Throughout Life
From the day we are born, our skin requires much care to remain smooth and healthy. It begins with soap to keep us clean. Then, there are creams, powders, and ointments to keep diaper rash from our bottoms. During the first few years of our lives, our skin will do well with soap for cleaning and the occasional lotion or cream for moisture. Then come the teen years. Our raging hormones bring out the oily skin, the pimples, and a host of other conditions.
It's important to understand that everything that comes in contact with our body affects our health and the condition of our skin. That's why choosing natural skin care products and ingredients is important. The liver filters the toxins and poisons from the food we eat, but whatever we place on our skin is directly absorbed. This includes deodorant, lotions, gels, cleansers, toners, make-up, perfumes, and more.
As we age, our skin becomes more sensitive, and we need to be even more careful with the beauty treatments we use.
Simple Solutions for Better Skin
Here are a just a few natural skin care solutions for you to try. You'll be very pleased with the results:
-once a week, rub your skin with baking soda while in the shower, for a smooth, silky feeling. You can also do this on your face to remove black heads.
-fresh tomatoes are great for the oily areas of your face. (Please make sure to try the tomato juice on your arm first, as your skin may be sensitive to it). Rinse thoroughly immediately after using the tomato juice.
-for a great moisturizer try olive oil: this healthy fat is good for you, and is great for your skin. You can also use it to soothe sunburned skin.
-vinegar can work wonders for smelly feet and armpits. Mix water and vinegar 50/50, and use in place of deodorant: it will keep the unpleasant sweat smell away, without any irritation. As for your feet, if you suffer with athlete's foot, a week of vinegar foot bath will help a lot, sometimes completely getting rid of your condition.
-egg yolk mixed with honey makes for a really great mask: put on your skin, leave it on for 20 minutes, and rinse off. Excellent for sensitive skin. Honey gives a tingling/ticklish sensation, so if you are sensitive to that, use the egg yolk alone.
-another use for egg yolk: for those with eczema, use it instead of soap. It doesn't smell great, but it will heal your damaged skin.
-a great treatment for dry skin is avocados: mash it, smooth it onto your face, and rinse off after 20 minutes.
Lastly, make sure you drink 8 glasses of water every day to keep your skin cared from the inside out.

About Author :Find more beauty tips at: http://www.beauty -makeup-tips-online.com

How to Treat Acne for Black Skin

2007-09-27T16:14:00.000+07:00

Acne treatment for black skin is the same as that for white skin, with some exceptions. Some treatments for acne scars may cause temporary lightening of dark skin. Very dark or black skin may be less well-moisturized than lighter skin, so topicals like benzoyl peroxide that have a drying effect on the skin should be used under the supervision of a dermatologist.
Darker skin has a tendency to develop excessive skin darkening at places where the skin was inflamed. Severe inflammatory acne (cysts and nodules) may result in dark spots. The spots disappear over time; a dermatologist may be able to recommend cosmetic measures to make the spots less apparent until they resolve. Some acne treatments, such as topical retinoids and azelaic acid, may also help fade the discoloration.
Alterations of melanin (dark pigments that give the skin its color) pigmentation such as vitiligo and melasma are not related to acne, but they may be present simultaneously with acne. The diagnosis and treatment of melanin pigmentation disorders such as vitiligo requires a dermatologist with knowledge and experience in treating these conditions.
Many doctors feel that laser resurfacing isn’t meant for dark skin because it alters the color of skin too dramatically and unpredictably. Others believe that in the hands of a very experienced surgeon, people with darker skin tones can benefit.

About Author :Acne Treatment Info provides detailed information on the best acne treatments, including laser acne treatment, and scar treatment, as well as adult, natural, home treatment, and more. Acne Treatment Info is the sister site of Microdermabrasion Web.

Are You at Risk for Heart Disease? Learn How to Fight Back

2007-09-26T16:02:00.000+07:00

Heart disease is a silent killer, According to the National Institutes of Health, it will kill nearly 500,000 people this year. If more Americans took control of their health, this statistic could be reduced by as much as 87%, that means 435,000 people would literally save their own lives each year. Your lifestyle, diet, and environment subtly and profoundly affect your heart -- by restoring or depleting over 30 essential nutrients. For optimum heart health, your body needs the correct balance of these 30 nutrients. In the context of a wholesome diet and healthy lifestyle, supplementation is the easiest, most effective way to promote maximum heart health.
A diet high in fats has been recognized as a primary villain and risk factor in cardiovascular disease. The difficulty many people have in understanding the risk of a high fat diet is not so much in the total fat but in the types of fat included in the diet. On the one hand there are two types of fats - one of which is good, one of which is bad. Saturated fats are one of the villains when it comes to the bad fat part of the formula and this type of fat is commonly found in almost all foods. Unsaturated fats are far less harmful. It is recognized that approximately 95 percent of the population is deficient in essential fatty acids.
Essential fatty acids are involved in energy production, the transfer of oxygen from the air to the bloodstream, and the manufacture of hemoglobin. They are also involved in growth, cell division and nerve function. Essential fatty acids are found in high concentrations in the brain and are essential for normal nerve impulse transmission and brain function.
Essential fatty acids are also involved in the manufacture of prostaglandins, substances which play a role in a number of body functions including hormone synthesis, immune function, regulation of the response to pain and inflammation, blood vessel constriction, and other heart and lung functions.
Symptoms of essential fatty acid deficiency may include fatigue, dry skin, immune weakness, gastrointestinal disorders, heart and circulatory problems, growth retardation, mental problems and sterility. It is likely that a lack of dietary essential fatty acids plays an important role in the development of many common diseases.
There are many types of essential fatty acid supplements available, including flaxseed oil, fish oils, evening primrose oil, black currant oil, and borage oil. These are available in capsule and free oil forms. Some experts advise avoiding fish oil supplements because they may have toxic contaminants. Fish oil supplements should not be taken during pregnancy due to the damaging effects of high doses of vitamin A.
Several risk factors have been linked to heart disease. These include unchangeable factors such as an early family history of heart disease. If a family member developed heart disease relatively young, before age 50, your risk is increased. Usually, however, heart disease is more likely to strike a woman after menopause.
Certain medical conditions play key roles. High blood pressure increases your risk of both heart attack and stroke, so controlling it is very important. Diabetes also increases your risk of developing heart disease, especially in women. Unfortunately, many diabetic women have a nerve disorder which makes them less sensitive to pain, so they might miss the heart attack warning sign of chest pain.
Keep in mind that lifestyle plays a crucial role. Smoking and fatal heart disease go hand-in-hand. If you smoke, quit. Oral contraceptives used by smokers might cause trouble too, so if you smoke and take the pill, you might be in greater danger of having a heart attack than someone who doesn't. Obesity and a sedentary "couch potato" outlook also add to your risk.
What counts is not how many risk factors you have, but what you do to change them. Maintain a lean weight and good blood cholesterol level. Cut the saturated fat content from your food and increase your intake of essential fatty acids. Eat less meat and chicken. Bulk up on vegetables and fruits. You'll be eating healthier and you will probably lose some weight!
Most importantly, exercise! This is critical to good health. Too often, we say we don't have time. Make time. Put yourself first and work out, even if you have to schedule it into your appointment book.
For years, we were told women didn't have to worry about heart disease. Now that we know the truth, we must all make the changes needed in the name of healthier and happier hearts.

About Author :Kathy Browning is a healing arts practitioner and wellness coach. She is also the Editor-In-Chief of “The Art of Living Well”, an ezine focused on the mind, body, spirit connection and the author of “Feng Shui for Abundant Living”. Be sure to visit http://www.cancercomfort.com/ for more information.

Couple Of Easiest Ways to Burn Fat Effectively

2007-09-26T15:51:00.000+07:00

1) The first thing to do in the morning is to “Start Exercising “. The first thing you should do in the morning to have some cardio work out for at least half an hour. Studies have shown that having some aerobics (high impact aerobics class, running, sex) as well as anaerobic (low impact aerobics, weight lifting, circuit training, swimming and walking) exercises in the morning, to be really effective in burning up to 4x more fat as opposed to working out at any other time during the day. Here"s lies the reason: Your body"s main source of energy is the carbohydrates which you get from eating your daily meals. As you sleep at night for 6-8 hours, your body burns up all those carbohydrates as energy for various metabolic functions that go on even while you sleep. So, when you wake up in the morning, your body doesn"t have any carbohydrates as energy to use as it’s already been consumed by then and it seeks another source to gain energy instead, so it starts burning body fat. So to utilize this cycle of the body, what you need is to take exercise early in the morning. Avoid eating breakfast because that will give your body some carbohydrates as a source of energy which you don’t need at that time. It has other advantages too. Your metabolism gets revved up immediately after your morning workout. It will keep the metabolism elevated throughout the day. An elevated metabolism throughout the day means that you"ll have to burn more and more calories and thus lose more weight. If you exercise at night you may still burn fat while you workout but as soon as you go to sleep your metabolism will slow down and you"ll miss out on all the extra fat that you can burn during the day. When you sleep your metabolic rate is always at its slowest. Also working out in the morning definitely reduces your level of stress throughout the day. Tip for Naives: Want to burn fat even more? Add another workout to your daily routine 6 hours after your morning workout. If you"re seriously thinking about adding another workout to your daily routine then try to do your cardio workouts in the morning because mostly of the fat calories are burned doing cardio at a moderate intensity. Build your 2nd workout of the day with weights. Mostly carbohydrate is burned doing weight-training workouts. 1lb of Muscle burns 50 calories a day or 1lb of fat every 70 days.

2) Having Breakfast is a stipulation. Another way to keep your metabolism revved up all day long is to have breakfast without miss. Eating breakfast in the morning gets your metabolism started. Don"t skip breakfast and wait until mid-morning or afternoon to eat, your metabolism will run slower causing you not burn any extra fat. You can think this way-Your metabolism is a fireplace that"ll burn fat for you all day long if you can operate it correctly. When you eat breakfast you are basically adding a catalyst to aggravate the burning of the Fat. Eating breakfast will help stop those cravings you may have later on in the day and along with working out in the morning, eating breakfast will also keep you energized throughout the day. Tip for Naives: Instead of eating only, the more general, 2 more meals during the day, i.e. lunch & dinner, try to eat 4-5 mini-meals spaced between 2-3 hours apart during the day. By eating those mini-meals you"ll be throwing just the right amount of "wood" on the fireplace to keep your metabolism burning calories throughout the day. Check list for the morning 1. Cardio workout for at least 30 min early in the morning 2. Have a healthy breakfast just by using those couple of tips change yourself to fit into that dress for an upcoming event like a wedding, reunion or to impress that special someone for your life and remain pink for the rest time. Whatever your fitness goal is these tips should be able to surely help you reach them.

About Author :Chris Read, editor of Hateweight.com, is a contributing author to the Hateweight.com, & ezine articles postings. For any health related issue please feel free to visit the website hateweight.com for more information. Or write to him AT editor@hateweight.com

Lose Weight by Sleeping?

2007-09-26T15:40:00.000+07:00

Do you feel that you need to lose weight? Well then don’t just count calories. You might want to count sheep as well.
Recent studies have shown that sleep deprivation disrupts a series of metabolism and hormonal processes. It causes increased hunger and affects the body’s metabolism making it difficult to lose and control weight.
Lack of sleep causes a hormone called cortisol, which controls the appetite, to take excess calories and store them as excess body fat. In addition, sleep loss interferes with carbohydrate metabolism which may cause high blood glucose levels. The excess amount of glucose encourages the overproduction of insulin, which may lead to diabetes or even obesity.
Furthermore, sleep deprivation can promote weight gain by affecting our behavior. People who lack sleep tended to crave sweets or high carbohydrate, high fat food with low nutrient value. They tend to snack on chips, cakes, pastries, burgers, fries, soft drinks, etc. Though the short-term rise in blood sugar, brought on by these snacks, gives a surge of energy, the extra calories are not needed by the body and must be stored as body fat.
These calories are not so easily shed than taken. When they are sleep deprived, people are often too tired to exercise or they work out less intensely than usual. They commonly feel exhausted and lack the energy and motivation to do even simple exercises. They rather go to sleep, or eat, than go physical. In due time, the calories that are gained and not easily burned are deposited in the body as fat.
Some people may require less hours of sleep to be in top condition during the day; while others need more than 10 hours. But experts agree that most people need at least eight hours of sleep each night to give themselves enough energy to exercise, eat right and keep off those unwanted pounds. Yet, according to a poll sponsored by the National Sleep Foundation, only 30 percent of adults get eight or more hours of sleep on weeknights; while 52 percent do on weekends. A third of adults reportedly sleep no more than six-and-a-half hours nightly.
In fact, disruption in the sleeping patterns in the United States and in the industrialized world is thought as one of the main reasons that people are getting overweight. People should start making behavioral and lifestyle changes now for a better, healthier tomorrow.
For further information on getting a good night's sleep, please visit www.natural-stamina.com/BetterSleep.html

About Author :Alex Sharp is the founder of Natural-Stamina.com, a program designed to help men with all issues of their life.

9 Sure Fire Tips For Easy Weight Loss

2007-09-26T14:53:00.000+07:00

By the time you finish reading this you"ll have some quick, easy and powerful tools to speed your weight loss along. Are you frustrated with complicated diets? If you want easy weight loss, then follow these tips. Each helps a little bit, but put a few together and you have a powerful edge.

1.Drink plenty of water. Water helps with weight loss for several reasons. Number one it speeds up your metabolism. The faster your metabolism is, the more calories you burn. Drinking water also makes weight loss easy because if you fill up on water, you won’t fill up on high calorie beverages or snacks.

2.Eat lots of fiber. Fiber is very filling because it absorbs water as it moves through your digestive system. Additionally, foods that are high in fiber are low in calories. Examples include apples, rice cakes, carrots, and whole grains. Also, diets that are high in fiber reduce your risk for colon cancer and helps lower your cholesterol.

3.Eat breakfast every day. It’s easy to skip breakfast but studies have shown that people who eat breakfast are more likely to have easy weight loss then those who do not. This is because eating breakfast jumpstarts your metabolism and therefore you will burn more calories throughout the day. Also when you eat breakfast, you are less likely to be hungry later in the day when your body is resting.

4.Eat more! Eat 6 small meals throughout the day instead of 3 larger ones. Like drinking water, eating also helps increase your metabolism. When you refuel your body at regular intervals, your body burns calories faster.

5.Add dairy to your diet. Recent studies have shown that adults who eat at least 3 dairy products a day lost more weight than those who did not. Researchers attribute this to the fact that calcium increases fat breakdown in fat cells. But remember, the number of calories you eat per day still matters!

6.Cut out the booze. A 10 oz wine cooler has 125 calories. A 12 oz serving of beer has 150 calories. Mixed drinks are even worse. A Long Island Iced Tea has about 700 calories. A margarita has about 400.

7.Learn the art of portion control. In order to obtain easy weight loss you have to control how much you eat. If you don’t have time to count calories, that’s fine. But you must reduce your serving sizes. Each portion of fruit or veggies that you eat should be the size of half of a tennis ball. Each serving of meat should be no larger than the palm of your hand. When you eat at restaurants, ask for a box with your meal that way you can box up half of it for later.

8.Choose an exercise plan that you will enjoy. If you don’t like going to the gym, then you are not going to. If you don’t like running, then you aren’t going to stick to a running plan. You must find an exercise plan that you will enjoy. Perhaps you’d like an aerobics class. Or maybe you’d prefer to stay at home and do Taebo. Maybe you’d like to take a dance class. Whatever you decide, you have to choose something that will work for you and that you will stick to.

9.Seek support from others. Having the support from others makes weight loss easy. Tell your family and friends about your goals. If they aren’t encouraging, there are numerous groups that you can join that are comprised of people trying to reach the same goal as you. Additionally join the free weight loss forums that are on the internet. Your goal? To start using these tips on a daily basis and give your weight loss program a turbo charge!

About Author :Bill Urell reviews only the best diet and fitness plans, tips, and articles that promote healthier lifestyles. Visit us and claim your FREE E-book,1,000 Low Carb Recipes, or 101 Romantic Ideas as a welcome gift.

Weight Loss Exercise - A Great Start

2007-09-26T14:40:00.000+07:00

I realize this sounds like a broken record, but if you want to loose weight and keep it off then you need weight loss exercise as part of your routine! Whether you think "but I don't want to exercise, I hate exercise, I don't need to exercise"... or whatever other excuse you might have, the fact is weight loss exercise is the key to success.
The bottom line is you can join whatever fad diet you want.. if you do not start a weight loss exercise routine then your chances of successful weight loss will be dropped dramatically. Sure you will loose some weight, after all that is achieved simply by consuming less calories then your body requires to function. The problem is simply starving your body causes it to go into a fasting state. This is a defensive move that your body takes to help you survive, what happens is your metabolism slows down which in turn gives you a felling a fatigue plus it tries to store up extra fat reserves.
This is why weight loss exercise is so important!
Now you might be thinking, will not my body do that even if I am working out?
Think about this for a second, say you consume 3000 calories a day and your body burns 2200 with your everyday activities, if you suddenly cut those calories to below 2200 and do not start any weight loss exercise program then your body simply resorts to a fasting state and tries to protect your body from starvation. Now you will loose fat, however your body will also loose muscle as it tries to fill in those calories that you are not taking in... and worse of all you will feel hungry, lethargic and miserable. Your mouth will be drooling for food and you will feel like crap
Ok so what does weight loss exercise have to do with this?
Exercise causes your body to burn calories; it also increases your energy levels. So instead of starving yourself thin, keep eating the same amount of calories you are currently eating and instead increase your calorie burning to overtake your consuming. Now that might sound hypocritical because would you not still be starving yourself. Simply no... your muscles will be getting worked, your heart will be pumping and your body will become an efficient calorie burning machine. Once you start exercising you will find that you will want to start eating healthier and you will start eating foods that are not empty calories... that is foods with high calories and fill the gap for only short periods of time.
However, this is not a completely true statement... the reason is because everyone is different. So if you start an exercise routine and still feel you are ravenous for junk food, then intervention is needed. For some this could be as simple as taking a fiber supplement that expands and fills the gap others might try different appetite suppressants that fool the body into not feeling hungry. The point is, start a weight loss exercise program and listen to your body. If supplements are needed in conjunction with a weight loss exercise routine, then try them, but please don't try just starving yourself thin.

About Author :Stop Spending Your Money on Products that just Do Not Work! Discover Hoodia Gordonii, an Amazing Herbal Appetite Suppressant that Kills Your Appetite, Ups Your Mood and Gives You Waves Upon Waves of Energy! http://www.pure-hoodia-diet-pills.info/

5 Tips To Cure Your Acne

2007-09-26T14:21:00.000+07:00

Reports show that over 90 percent of all adolescents and almost 25 percent of all adults are acne sufferers. And although acne affects about 50 percent of all adult women, acne does affect males and females worldwide, regardless of nationality.
Here are 5 tips to help with acne prevention and treatment and skin maintenance. They are listed in no particular order of importance.
1. Get plenty of fresh air and sunshine for vitamin D, ingredients for healthy skin. Not only will your skin appreciate the vitamin D, your body and mind will enjoy the oxygen and stress reducer of a daily jaunt outdoors. But don't overdo it and get a sunburn! Remember to use sun protection / tanning lotions if you'll be out long. You don't want to get caught up in that cycle of burned, dead skin cells blocking pores, resulting in acne scenario.
2. Remember, even "good" stress can trigger internal chemical responses that result in acne, too. So plan ahead to deal with extra stress when planning a wedding, graduation, a move, a new job, a job transfer, a new baby, etc. Journal a little extra, focusing on the upcoming issue or issues and plan in some extra rest (use relaxation or meditation tools - cassettes, workshops, etc.) Get help around the house, take time off, exercise (yoga and T'ai Chi are highly recommended), have fun or whatever you need to do.
3. Drink an adequate amount of water daily. Many recommend three to four tall glasses and mineral or filtered water. Too little water can lead to dehydration, which can lead to dead skin cells not naturally falling off or sloughing properly; the end result can be blocked pores, acne.
4. Acne has nothing to do with dirt. Period. So don't over-wash or over-scrub your face or the rest of your body. Keep in mind that too much can result in dry skin. And dry skin means your body will jump in and create more oil. Then what? Extra oil + extra dead skin cells = blocked pores, triggering acne flare-ups. Same old story.
5. - Add more fruits, veggies, seeds and nuts to your regular diet. (Note that deficiencies if selenium and zinc, found in Brazil nuts and pumpkin seeds, have been associated with acne.) So add salads, dried fruit and nut snacks, juices and other healthy treats to your daily planning.
This report includes information based upon research about acne. It strives to help clear up myths from facts and present an overview of the issues surrounding acne along with possible solutions available to help with the prevention and treatment of acne, all based upon the most recent studies, reports, articles and findings available, so that you can learn more acne health care.
Reports show that over 90 percent of all adolescents and almost 25 percent of all adults are acne sufferers. And although acne affects about 50 percent of all adult women, acne does affect males and females worldwide, regardless of nationality.
Here are 5 tips to help with acne prevention and treatment and skin maintenance. They are listed in no particular order of importance.
1. Get plenty of fresh air and sunshine for vitamin D, ingredients for healthy skin. Not only will your skin appreciate the vitamin D, your body and mind will enjoy the oxygen and stress reducer of a daily jaunt outdoors. But don't overdo it and get a sunburn! Remember to use sun protection / tanning lotions if you'll be out long. You don't want to get caught up in that cycle of burned, dead skin cells blocking pores, resulting in acne scenario.
2. Remember, even "good" stress can trigger internal chemical responses that result in acne, too. So plan ahead to deal with extra stress when planning a wedding, graduation, a move, a new job, a job transfer, a new baby, etc. Journal a little extra, focusing on the upcoming issue or issues and plan in some extra rest (use relaxation or meditation tools - cassettes, workshops, etc.) Get help around the house, take time off, exercise (yoga and T'ai Chi are highly recommended), have fun or whatever you need to do.
3. Drink an adequate amount of water daily. Many recommend three to four tall glasses and mineral or filtered water. Too little water can lead to dehydration, which can lead to dead skin cells not naturally falling off or sloughing properly; the end result can be blocked pores, acne.
4. Acne has nothing to do with dirt. Period. So don't over-wash or over-scrub your face or the rest of your body. Keep in mind that too much can result in dry skin. And dry skin means your body will jump in and create more oil. Then what? Extra oil + extra dead skin cells = blocked pores, triggering acne flare-ups. Same old story.
5. - Add more fruits, veggies, seeds and nuts to your regular diet. (Note that deficiencies if selenium and zinc, found in Brazil nuts and pumpkin seeds, have been associated with acne.) So add salads, dried fruit and nut snacks, juices and other healthy treats to your daily planning.
This report includes information based upon research about acne. It strives to help clear up myths from facts and present an overview of the issues surrounding acne along with possible solutions available to help with the prevention and treatment of acne, all based upon the most recent studies, reports, articles and findings available, so that you can learn more acne health care.

About Author :Tony Newton publishes the popular health and wellness website - http://www.1st-for-health.com/acne.htm With lots of informative articles on low carb diets, hair loss, arthritis pain relief, acne and lots more.

Yoga Beginner - Getting It Right

2007-09-26T14:08:00.000+07:00

When it comes to promoting relaxation and reducing stress, nothing beats yoga. Unfortunately this isn't the case for everyone. Most people who quit yoga think they fail because they are unable to get the positions and technique right. In fact, the reason they fail is that they put too much importance on getting the positions and technique right.
I do not profess to be a master of yoga. In fact, I am a beginner, with very little skill. However I have taught drumming for many years, and the pitfalls are similar. Here is my advice for yoga beginners.
Week 1 - Enjoy the activity:
Grab a beginner yoga video and set up your mat in a place that you can be comfortable and alone (there's no room for self-consciousness in this step). Go through the exercises, but act as though you are a six year old having fun, rather than an adult worrying about technique. Try all of the positions, don't worry if there are some you can't perform right away, modify as necessary.
Week 2 - Examine the sensations:
By this time your body has probably memorized the routine (if you have been having fun and not obsessing about technique, your body will have learnt the movements quickly). Try to concentrate on your breathing. Be aware of how oxygen and energy are flowing to, from, and through the various body parts. Feel the release of tension and sensations in your muscles.
Week 3 and beyond - Observe the instructor
Most likely you have been improving your technique throughout, without even trying. You have probably figured out which yoga exercises are the easiest for you, and which are more difficult. Concentrate on the position you are most comfortable with. You are most likely so at ease with this position that you don't even have to think about it anymore. The breathing and motions should be second nature by now, so you can begin to observe and emulate details in the instructor's technique. Continue this step for each exercise.
Many people will try to learn yoga, and other activities, by only using the method I explained in week three. Many instructors are guilty of teaching this way. Unfortunately, beginners who start by obsessing about their technique may never enjoy what is described in week 1 or week 2.

About Author :Mark Altman is the webmaster of http://www.soundsleeping.com/, a web page containing free relaxing music, sleep-aids, relaxation advice, stress reducing tips and an active discussion.