There’s no doubt about it. Jogging is one of the best forms of exercise around. The average person jogging at a moderate pace burns around eleven calories per minute and gives the heart and muscles of the lower body an incredible workout. Jogging outdoors, while breathing in the cool, autumn air is also soothing to the mind. Unfortunately, winter soon arrives and outdoor jogging becomes a challenge as the temperature drops. This is the time when joggers turn to other forms of exercise such as an elliptical machine to get their workout. The elliptical machine does the job, but is it as good as jogging? When it comes to elliptical vs. jogging, which is better?

Elliptical vs. Jogging: The Benefits of Jogging Over the Elliptical

Working out at a moderate intensity on the elliptical machine burns a little over seven calories per minute – though you can burn more or less depending on how you set the machine. Keep in mind that the readouts on elliptical machines are often inflated and may overestimate calories burned by as much as thirty percent. Compare this to the number of calories burned from jogging for the same time period and you can see that, overall, jogging burns more calories. The other advantage of jogging is you can do it outdoors which is more mentally stimulating than working out in the gym.

Elliptical vs. Jogging: The Benefits of the Elliptical Over Jogging

Even though working out on the elliptical machine burns fewer calories on average, it gives a better whole body workout since you’re working the upper body when moving the upper arm handles. If you pull your abdominal muscles in and exaggerate the movements, you also target your core to some degree. Jogging only works the lower body and unless you’re doing hills, you’re not getting a great deal of lower body strength development.

Working out on an elliptical machine is also a better choice for people who want to avoid high impact exercise. It’s an option that’s safer for the joints. Keep in mind that you can really increase the intensity when working out on an elliptical machine by raising the resistance and speed, and if you’re motivated enough you can get a workout that rivals that of an outdoor jog.

Elliptical vs. Jogging: Which is Best?

Each form of exercise has its advantages. Working out on an elliptical is perfect for people who want a low impact option that gives a fairly good total body workout. It’s also a good option for joggers when it’s too cold to go outside and run. The best plan would be to combine the two to add some variety and work different groups of muscles. The body responds to a workout best when different types of exercises are rotated so it doesn’t have the chance to adapt. Try alternating the elliptical machine with jogging or save the elliptical for rainy days or days when the temperature drops below freezing. Whatever you do, keep on challenging yourself and keep on working out!

It seems that some children catch one cold right after another. Because of their less mature immune systems, they’re more susceptible to whatever virus happens to be floating around the school or day care center; and when children share pencils and toys the risk of getting sick becomes even higher. The good news is there may be a way to prevent some of those annoying colds and sore throats. A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that probiotics could reduce the risk of common colds in children.

Can Probiotics Reduce the Risk of Common Infections in Children? : A Study

This randomized, double blind study involved 281 children. Half of the children were given lactobacillus GG, a probiotic bacteria, in the form of a fermented milk product, while the other half were given fermented milk without lactobacillus. Both groups received the fermented milk for ninety days while they were monitored closely for signs of colds or upper respiratory infections.

The results? The children who received the fermented milk containing the probiotic supplement not only had fewer common colds and respiratory infections, but their infections didn’t last as long as those who drank the milk without lactobacillus. The benefits of the probiotics for children extended only to upper respiratory infections. Both groups had about the same number of lower respiratory infections and gastrointestinal viruses. Some previous studies in children have shown that probiotics can shorten the course of diarrhea in children who have intestinal viruses, but this study didn’t show that.

Probiotics for Children: Are They Safe?

Fewer common colds in children means less days missed from school which is an advantage for both parent and child; but are probiotics for children really safe? For most children, supplementing with lactobacillus isn’t risky, although very young children, premature infants, and children with immune deficiencies shouldn’t receive them.

Although generally safe, there are so many types and formulations of probiotics for children on the market that it can be difficult to know exactly what you’re getting. Unfortunately, none of these supplements are regulated by the FDA, so you’re dependent upon the integrity of the manufacturer. The most effective probiotics for preventing common infections in children are ones containing lactobacillus GG. It may be best to ask your child’s pediatrician to recommend a reputable brand that contains this probiotic bacteria.

Probiotics for Common Colds in Children: Protect Them Naturally

Another alternative is to give your child yogurt with active probiotic cultures and other natural sources of probiotics such as kefir, tempeh and miso. Of course, you need to do this on a daily basis to get the benefits, but it may be helpful for a child who gets lots of colds in the winter.  

Diabetic ketoacidosis can be a life threatening condition, and therefore is important it is addressed quickly so treatment can begin swiftly. The objective will be to replace the fluids lost, while decreasing the rate of blood sugar and ketone production by providing the patient with insulin.

The first method will be to start intravenous fluid replacement, this is the most important treatment patients will undergo following the diabetic ketoacidosis treatment guidelines.This treats the dehydration the patient would have experienced, the amount of fluid is dependable on the degree of dehydration the patient is suffering from. If dehydration is so severe that it will cause shock, then saline will be used. Again if a patient has a moderate degree of dehydration, this would be likely to include vomiting, saline will be used. If no signs of this degree of dehydration is present than the patient will be re hydrated orally opposed to a intravenous method. The fluids will also work to dilute levels of glucose and acid present.                        

Insulin is provided in the treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis to lower the blood sugar levels and prevent the further production of ketone in the body. Once levels of blood glucose have decreased to 250 mg, additional glucose may then be provided to allow continual administration of insulin without hypoglycemia.

During the treating their will always be a depletion of levels of potassium in the whole of the body. This is due to the insulin which redistributes potassium throughout cells. Initially the levels of serum potassium are often medium to high, but potassium levels throughout the body will be low.

The re hydration of the body, replacing potassium and replacing insulin are the most important parts of treating diabetic ketoacidosis, another essential part of treatment is treating any precipitating illnesses.These are the primary diabetic ketoacidosis treatment guidelines, each individual case may have differences, but they are likely to be minor. But when being treated it is also possible you could be given sodium bicarbonate, this is a controversial method but it is likely that it will cause the acid levels to improve in the body. These are the likely treatments that any patient who has been diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis will receive.

The very thought of a leech is enough to make most of us pull back in disgust, but this creature which was a very important part of medicine from very ancient times, through to the nineteenth century, has been used in the treatment of many different diseases.

The Ancient Egyptians used leeches for blood letting more than two and a half thousand years ago and they were also used for treatment in the Indian and Greek systems of medicine. Their use gradually fell into decline over a period of years.  It was not until the 1980’s that leeches began to be used in modern medicine.

Today it may have an important part to play in plastic surgery operations. These creatures are actually worms which are capable of sucking up three to four times their own body weight in blood. They also produce a natural anti-coagulant that prevents the blood from clotting. This natural chemical is called hirudin.

During plastic surgery, the surgeon transfers or grafts new skin onto the area that is damaged and the tissues become very badly bruised and congested with clotting blood. Applying leeches to reduce the swelling is an excellent and safe way to deal with this problem.

They stop the blood clotting and blocking the arteries, so there is a fresh supply of clear oxygenated blood flowing to the wound all the time and this also speeds up healing. It is, of course, a matter of preference for the doctor concerned and not all will use leeches.

This particular technique was first used and developed at the Pellegrin hospital in Bordeaux, France. Today, many hospitals in Europe and North America routinely use leeches for this purpose.

Red is a powerful color. Take the phrases, seeing red, for example, or red letter day. Both of these sayings imply emotional importance, or impact.

The color red has the same effect in our surroundings. In many cultures it is significant of power, and success. In China red is associated with luck and good fortune. In India, a red mark on the forehead is said to bring good luck. Red amulets were worn by Native Americans to prolong life. In Singapore the color red symbolises joy. Belief in the protective power of the color red can be traced back to the ancient Chinese folklore. So, it seems that red has been a significant color in many cultures over thousands of years.

Wearing red promotes vitality, sexuality and alertness. Red can help to counteract impotence, low blood pressure, anaemia and lethargy.

However, too much red can have adverse effects. It can promote fever, emotion, aggression and even violence. People with high blood pressure should stay away from this color. Others should wear it in conjunction with other colors. A red shirt is a really strong, positive statement at work and red shoes for a woman shows confidence without being overbearing.

Basically, if you want to appear and feel powerful and strong, get out the red shirt, shoes, tie, or handbag, but be careful not to overdo it, or you might come across as being too intimidating.

Red in the bedroom is invigorating and energising but too much can be too intense and even stressful. In the lounge a touch of red can add that dynamic feel but avoid too much unless you want to feel uptight and stressed all the time.

The best place to use this vibrant color is in the workplace. Red carpets bring in money. Feng Shui experts recommend painting outside doors red to bring in wealth.

Go on, be daring, go red!

Blue is said to be the color of truth, calmness, serenity and harmony within the self. It helps feverish conditions and diffuses ‘hot’ situations. The trouble is that too much blue can cause depression, hence the expression ‘having the blues’. In this instance the ‘blue’ refers to the aura which is around the body. It has a lot of blue in it when we are depressed.

If you are stressed and feeling worn out with the process of everyday living, then blue is the colour you need, in moderation. It is also good for minor burns, irritation caused by partners, or work colleagues, remember though, too much blue can leave you feeling depressed and lonely.

If you have ‘flu’ try a blue pillow case, or blue pyjamas. It will cool you down. Stresses and strains within the working environment can be alleviated by wearing a blue shirt, or blouse. Blue is excellent for sore throats and respiratory ailments.

Select blue clothing, wear blue nail varnish, eat blue berries, or decorate your room with blue flowers. You can also use blue candles and use one of those blue daylight bulbs to light your room. I like blue curtain in the bedroom during summer as it seems to make the room feel cool and refreshing.

How does this work? All colors give out vibrations on different frequencies. Blue uses a cool frequency, so it is calming and cooling. It’s perfect for hypertension and general stress.

If you do have health concerns, you should always consult a medical professional first. Then add ‘blue’ to your life. Color therapy is a safe alternative, or complimentary treatment which can enhance your life, and will certainly do no harm. Experiment a little until you get just the right amount of ‘blue’ in your life to suit you.

All colours vibrate on a given frequency and each one is slightly different. The range that we can see is somewhere 670 to 480 THz . Imagine what other amazing colours there may be in other frequencies that are outside of our field of perception.

Each of these colours vibrations affects the human body. We are, after all, just a collection of atoms, electrons and molecules. These are all bouncing around in an electro-magnetic field to give the illusion of a solid mass.

So, colour can affect mood, health and general well being.

RED:

Red is hot. It gives energy and vitality and can be used to help circulatory problems and in depression. Too much red can cause agitation and aggression.

ORANGE:

Orange can aid digestion and boost the immune system. Used sparingly, orange has a gentle, soothing, warming effect, but if used too much it may have a reverse effect and cause agitation..

YELLOW:

Yellow stimulates the mind and helps quick thinking. It is good for clearing the mind and lifting the spirits.

GREEN:

Green is the colour of healing. It calms the mind and brings relief from stress and worry as well as stimulating the physical body into utilising it’s own healing powers. In UK there used to be a colour called ‘hospital green’ which was used for this very reason.Visualise ‘green’ to relax and calm yourself.

BLUE:

Blue is cooling, calming and protecting. Too much blue can cause depression, tiredness and lethargy.

PURPLE:

Purple can help with mental problems, depression and nervousness. It is also good for rheumatism and bones. Too much purple can make you dreamy, impractical and detached from life.

WHITE:

White light is a combination of all colours so it will bring relief and comfort in all area. It will purify the body and calm the mind. Bring down the white light to protect yourself from those things that may harm you, mentally, or physically.

Use these colours in the form of coloured candles, coloured bulbs, crystals, clothing, flowers, or any other way you like. The effect will be the same. Experiment with wearing different colour combinations and see how different they can make you feel.

Bruxism is the name given to those who grind their teeth during sleep. Most sufferers are actually unaware that they are doing it. For those that do have to endure the painful consequences, they can suffer from headaches, damage to the jaw and arthritis of the temporomandibular joints.

Kleine-Levin syndrome

A sufferer of Kleine-Levin syndrome needs upto 20 hours of sleep every single day. They also commonly have an excessively high sex-drive and food intake. It is believed that the syndrome is hereditary and that there is no one definitive treatment.

Narcolepsy

This neurological sleep disorder is often associated with falling asleep at random times. A sufferer of narcolepsy tend to fall straight into REM sleep and, unfortunately for them, miss out on the restorative stages of a normal sleep.

Night Terrors

Screaming, gasping and moaning are usual from those that suffer from night terrors as they sleep. They are often unable to rouse themselves from this state for a full 20 minutes but, in most cases, they are unable to recall the incidents by the morning.

Non-24-hour sleep-wake syndrome

Non-24-hour sleep-wake syndrome is an extremely rare disorder that happens when the sufferer is unable to recognise the usual 24 hour sleep cycle. They will shift their sleep times around. Interestingly, this syndrome almost exclusively occurs in visually impaired people.

Rapid-eye movement behaviour disorder

During the rapid-eye movement phase of sleep, most people enter into a temporary paralysis which causes no harm whatsoever. Sufferers of this disorder however retain the use of their limbs and this can lead to the acting-out of their dreams, often violently.

Restless legs syndrome

A sufferer of restless legs syndrome will have an irresistible urge to move their legs to prevent an uncomfortable sensation while sleeping. It can strike at any time when the sufferer is lying in a prone position, extreme cases are sometimes treated with opiates.

Sexsomania

A variant of sleepwalking, a sufferer of sexsomania will commit sexual acts during their sleep. A Canadian male sufferer in 2005, woke up one morning, wearing a condom and found himself facing a sexual assault claim. He was later cleared of all charges because he suffered from sexsomania.

Sleep apnoea

This is a rather common condition that sees the sufferer stop breathing during the night which thus wakes them up. It can happen over and over again during one nights sleep. Symptoms can exist for many years without identification, leaving the sufferer with a feeling of fatigue.

Somniloquy

Somniloquy is more commonly known as ’sleep talking’. The symptoms can range from random, simple nonsense sounds to long and elaborate speeches. Because it happens mainly during REM sleep, the sufferer will often speak their dreams out loud. People have been divorced for less.

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Make a Healthy Deli Sandwich: The Bread

Making the right choice here can not only save you calories, but ensure that you get a good dose of fiber. Stay away from white bread and sandwich rolls which are usually high in calories with little fiber or nutritional value. Opt for the100% whole wheat, whole grain bread or rye bread instead. You’ll get more fiber, vitamins and minerals when you say no to overprocessed, high glycemic white bread.

Make a Healthy Deli Sandwich: The Bread Spread

Here’s where many people get into trouble. A single tablespoon of mayonnaise has almost fifty calories, and who uses just a tablespoon? You can see how the calories can add up quickly. Fortunately, most delis offer a variety of tasty mustards that will add zip to your sandwich without adding excess calories or fat. Another option is to flavor your deli sandwich with salsa. Not only is it low in calories, but it’s full of heart-healthy lycopenes. If you can’t get past the mayonnaise, ask if they offer a low fat version. Other options for a spread is a low calorie salad dressing or hummus.

Make a Healthy Deli Sandwich: The Main Stuff

Stay away from salami, corned beef, ham, pastrami, and roast beef. Not only are they higher in fat, but they’re usually full of sodium. Tuna fish salad may sound healthy because of the omega-3’s, but you’ll get dinged by the mayonnaise. The best options are lean turkey and chicken. Avoid the processed stuff and ask if they have any fresh turkey that can be carved for you. Many delis have unprocessed turkey.

Make Healthy Deli Sandwich: The Accoutrements

This is another set of choices that can make or break you. If you’re feeling particularly virtuous, hold off on the cheese and pile your sandwich high with veggies instead. If you can’t resist, ask for the fresh mozzarella since its lower in calories. Sure, the cheddar tastes good, but all that saturated fat could come back to haunt you. Whether you choose cheese or not, load up on the veggies for additional antioxidant power and to fill you up. Any or all vegetables are fair game for a deli sandwich.

Now, the only thing you have left to do is to enjoy your deli sandwich. Congratulations on making the right choices!

Are Frozen Vegetables Healthy?: The Question of Nutrition

Eating frozen veggies may not be as tasty as ones fresh off the produce stand, but in some cases they’re healthier. When vegetables have to travel long distances from field to market, they lose some of their nutritional value before they even reach the produce stand or supermarket. By the time you take them home and store them for a few days, they’ve lost even more. On the other hand, frozen vegetables are picked as soon as they’re ripe and quickly frozen to preserve their nutrients. This gives them more nutritional value as well as a longer shelf life.

Are Frozen Vegetables Healthy?: The Advantages and Disadvantages

The disadvantage of eating frozen vegetables is that most have added salt and some have added sugar to give them more taste. Check the label carefully to make sure the only ingredient listed is vegetables. Also, check the grams of sugar and sodium on the label. The other disadvantage is that the freezing process does nothing to enhance the taste. Some people who are accustomed to fresh vegetables may find the flavor less satisfying and be less likely to eat them. Some of this taste difference can be overcome by preparing a tasty sauce to go with them. An advantage is that most frozen vegetables come already chopped so there’s less preparation which means you’ll be more likely to cook them and eat them rather than letting them rot on the kitchen counter.

How to Make Them Tastier

To get your family to eat frozen vegetables, give them a little extra flavor by adding Italian spices, lemon pepper, or garlic. Try grilling them or sautéing them in a little olive oil instead of steaming them. Toast walnuts or pecans and sprinkle them onto vegetables to add additional flavor and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Add them to soups where they can pick up the flavor of the broth. Experiment a bit and you’ll find that frozen vegetables can be a healthy and tasty substitute when you don’t have time for fresh.