Healthy Life's'

Modern Medicine versus Nature in Treating Cancer

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 04:53:00 +0000

by: Tony M. Isaacs

In contrast to at least 6000 years of the practice of natural medicine, Western medicine treats the body as a collection of parts instead of as a synergistic organism. When it comes to treating broken bones and injured body parts, mainstream Western medicine is unequaled. When this same approach is used to treat illness and disease - fixing or repairing the parts where the symptoms of underlying illnesses manifest themselves, modern medicine fails miserably.

In the instance of cancer, instead of addressing the causes of cancer - toxins and a weakened immune system - we see instead treatments that either slash, burn or poison away the tumors and cancer cells, which further weakens an immune system cancer has already defeated and only worsens the conditions that led to cancer to begin with.

Even if initially successful at getting rid of existing cancer cells and tumors, the end result is a weakened body which may have major organ damage and which is more susceptible to the reappearance of the original cancer, as well as other forms of cancer and diseases.

For half a century or more, we have been told that a breakthrough or cure for cancer is just around the corner, yet the death rates for cancer remain virtually unchanged. Meanwhile, effective natural and alternative treatments which address and correct the actual causes of cancer continue to enjoy much greater success than the largely failed mainstream treatments - even as these natural alternatives suppressed and come under increasing attack by the medical establishment.

Profit plays a huge role in Western medicine and, because nature cannot be patented, there is no profit in conducting studies on natural remedies for cancer and illness. In fact, if studies were to prove the effectiveness of natural alternatives and those alternatives were to be approved for use in treating cancer and other illnesses, the result would be to admit cheaper, safer and more effective competition into a fiercely guarded market. Instead, such alternatives are heavily suppressed, discredited and passed off as "snake oil" and "voodoo medicine".

The cold, hard fact is that cancer and other degenerative and chronic illnesses are big business - to the tune of hundreds of billions of dollars a year. When their only market place is our bodies, the vested interests of the trillion dollar world pharmaceutical empire, mainstream medicine and the institutions which depend on maintaining the status quo are not likely to allow such natural competition, even though the cost is millions of needless deaths and untold suffering.

A better plan for maintaining and increasing profit is to continue to bring new drugs into the market place which treat only symptoms and have serious side effects that lead to still more drugs in a never ending cycle so that by the time a male American reaches 65 years of age, he takes an average of 15 prescribed and over the counter medications every day - when it all started out with one or two conditions that could have been treated safely and effectively by natural means. A good model for profit, but a horrible one for humanity.

We now have over 15,000 patented and approved drugs, 95% of which have significant side effects. It is no accident that our doctors have been taught for generations, just as we have been, that the way to treat illness and disease is to prescribe approved medications – medications that are made by the single largest source by far of funding for medical education: the world pharmaceutical companies. What exactly has this mountain of medicine actually cured in the past half century? Certainly not cancer!

By far the most effective way to beat and avoid cancer is to remove the causes of cancer and to make your body as inhospitable to cancer and illness as possible. To understand what steps we should and can take, we should understand what we know about cancer:

We know that:

• The development of cancer indicates that our natural first line of defense, our immune system, has been defeated and that the presence of either toxins and pathogens, or some imbalance in our bodies have led to the development of cancer and enabled it to gain an upper hand.

• Cancer cannot develop without an impaired liver.

• Cancer cannot survive in an alkaline environment, nor can it survive in a highly oxygenated environment.

• Detoxing and cleansing our colons and liver helps restore balance, prepares our bodies to better be able utilize natural immune boosters and cancer fighters and paves the way to rebuilding our livers and immune systems.

• Cancer cells are diseased, impaired and/or beset by pathogens and have lost the ability to to be die naturally via cellular apoptosis and be replaced by healthy cells. These cancerous cells simply become abnormal and outlive the other cells in their normal cell life/replacement cycle and end up crowding out a territory over time.

• Iodine, vitamin D, and potassium are all vital to beat and ward off cancer.

• Fresh air, pure water and sunshine are also vital to maintain healthy bodies which can fight off and beat conditions like cancer.

• A natural diet of uncontaminated raw vegetables and raw fruits, with plenty of omega-3’s and balanced nutrition has been proven to be effective in numerous natural anti-cancer protocols.

• A great number of natural botanicals and supplements, such as those containing beta glucans and other long-chain polysacharrides, the oleander remedy I have written about, Colloidal Silver, Inositol (IP-6), the ABM mushroom, South Africa's "Cancer Bush" sutherlandia frutescans, cat's claw, pau d'arco, corialus versicolor mushroom, and many others have been proven to boost the immune system, destroy pathogens, protect our cells, and beat cancer.

• Sugar feeds cancer.

And so, when we go to an oncologist and are diagnosed with cancer what is the prescribed treatment? Does it incorporate ANY of the above elements? No, sadly it does not. Our doctor prescribes what he or she has been taught: cut out, radiate or poison the symptom and do nothing to address the underlying causes and natural imbalances that enabled led to the symptom.

As a result, the way is paved for the return of the cancer or the introduction of another cancer or serious condition. Even worse, the road to further illness is often made easier due to the damage to the immune system and major organs caused by the treatment of the symptom.

Nature, on the other hand, enables us to address virtually every area of knowledge and concern. For example, here is a suggested protocol based on what nature has to offer:

• As soon as possible, cleanse your body to get rid of built up toxins like heavy metals and pesticides, as well as the undigested food, fecal matter and gallstones that build up in the body by cleansing your colon and liver and by chelation to rid the body of heavy metals. Such contaminations are breeding grounds for, and causes of, disease and illness. A toxic and unclean body weakens the body's immune system that should be your first line of defense. Plus, once cleansed, the body is much more receptive to the good measures you take to rebuild your immune system and fight disease.

• Cleanse your environment to the greatest extent possible and eliminate bad habits. In an ideal world, you would move to the country where there was plenty of fresh air and sunshine and less stress. In the real world you may not find that possible, so eliminate common toxins in your household, workplace and other places you spend time.

• If you have mercury amalgam fillings in your teeth, have them replaced. In many instances, this step alone has led to elimination of cancer.

• Immediately eliminate bad habits and begin building build good ones so that you will make sure that you no longer have habits that weaken your immune system and that you will be able to build your body to fight and conquer illness. A sedentary lifestyle with a poor diet, lack of pure water, sunshine and fresh air, and constant exposure to toxins will in time lead to bad health conditions. Remember, bad health habits are open invitations for illness and disease to enter your body.

• Begin and maintain a healthy immune-boosting and cancer fighting diet. A good balanced diet, pure water, fresh air, sunshine and exercise are some of the essentials. You will find that a good diet does not have to be a bad tasting diet – far from it! However, it should be noted that the very best and most healthy diet is one that is close to the diet our ancestors evolved to utilize: lots of fresh and uncooked vegetables, fruits, nuts, roots and tubers, and fish and meat uncontaminated by growth hormones, artificial fertilizers or pesticides – and little or no grain or dairy products. It should be noted that of all the foods, essentially only raw vegetables and fruits contribute to an alkaline pH.

• Rebuild and strengthen the body's natural immune system. It is very likely that a weakened immune system contributed to your illness in the first place. It is absolutely certain that a rebuilt and strengthened immune system will help you beat your illness and keep it at bay. Again, good diet, nutrition and habits are all important – they lay the foundation for a strong and healthy immune system. However, they are not enough by themselves. You should build a good foundation and then make your body a healthy fortress against disease and illness. Quite simply, disease and illness hate healthy hosts. The stronger your immune system is, the harder it is for disease to survive and grow. And, to be the very strongest you can be, you need extra measures in the form of supplements as well as the healthiest foods.

• Cleanse, restore and protect the liver before, during and after your anti-cancer and disease battle. Cancer cannot develop unless the liver is impaired to begin with. Plus, an effective cancer fighting regimen will result in the release of a cascade of toxins that are released when cancer cells die. Such a release can overwhelm an already impaired liver and can even be fatal if measures are not taken to protect and regenerate the liver. Some of the very best anti-oxidants to used to protect and regenerate the liver are the ones used in the Berkson Clinical Study: Milk Thistle (silymarin), alpha lipoic acid and selenium.

• Maintain an alkaline pH and get plenty of oxygen to the cellular level. Cancer cannot survive in the presence of an alkaline cellular pH level, nor can it survive in the presence of highly oxygenated cells. Dr. Johanna Budwig of Germany has shown that for proper cellular utilization of oxygen to take place, our diets must contain adequate amounts of unsaturated fatty acids.

• Make sure you have plenty of iodine, potassium and Vitamin D. All have been proven to be essential in beating and avoiding cancer. As mentioned above, cancer cells have lost the ability to be shut off by the body in what is called cellular apoptosis. These cancerous cells simply become abnormal and outlive the other cells in their normal cell life/replacement cycle and end up crowding out a territory over time. Iodine goes in and both does away with the surrounding cyst where cancer has set up residence and then also goes in and allows the specific shut down of the individual cells that are abnormal, diseased, or beset w/ pathogens to make room for new cells.

• Drink plenty of pure water and get plenty of fresh air and sunshine. Water is essential for all healthy life; however, regular tap water contains trace amounts of hundreds to thousands of pesticides, carcinogens and other industrial pollutants. For that reason, the author recommends only the purest drinking water, such as reverse osmosis filtered water. Don't overdo the sunshine, but sunshine is essential to the production of vitamin D, and, strange as it may sound, has been found to be essential in warding off melanoma as well as other cancers..

• Exercise in moderation. Regular exercise does not have to be grueling, but it is essential. Exercise stimulates the immune system, stimulates the production of natural human growth hormone, stimulates the production of hormones and pheromones that make us happier and healthier, and simply leads to a longer and happier life period. Innumerable studies have demonstrated the overall health benefits of exercise and the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle lacking in exercise. It is not a coincidence that studies have shown up that those who exercise only a few hours each week have up to 50% less chance of developing many different kinds of cancer.

• The next element of beating your disease and keeping it at bay is to go on the attack. As a matter of fact, all of the elements of the this anti-cancer and disease protocol are elements of attack, because they make the body strong and inhospitable to disease. What I am talking about here is more than just making the body inhospitable to your disease – I am talking about going on the attack and wiping it out! In the case of cancer, there are many very potent anti-cancer supplements. such as the ones listed above and several others. One such supplement, named OPC (not to be confused with the European anti-oxidant of the same name), based on a remedy I have researched and written about , has been used for the past three years in South Africa to treat HIV and cancer. Of approximately 350 HIV patients, all are still alive and well with their symptoms either reversed or stabilized. Of 80 cancer patients, some in very late stages, 72 are alive and well and either cancer free or with their cancers in remission and tumors shrinking. Of the 8 that did not survive, 5 were in their very final days and could not hold down the supplement. Another three succumbed to organ failure as a likely result of prior traditional Western treatment via chemo. Compare that with the results of any mainstream medicine or treatment!

• Remember, what you avoid can be just as important as what you consume: Avoid sugar to the greatest extent possible. Sugar feeds cancer and other illnesses and causes a myriad of other health problems. Refined sugar is also the number one single cause of health problems in the entire world! Likewise avoid bread and other items containing bleached white flour, which is essentially empty and harmful calories that convert to sugar once ingested. Other items to avoid include non-fermented soy, pork, MSG, ALL charred foods and foods cooked at high temperature, aluminum and coated cookware, micro-waved food, food in plastic containers and styrofoam.

• The final key to winning your battle is your mental attitude. Remove as much stress from your life as you can and believe that you are going to win. Stress and worry accomplish nothing – worse, they are actually allies of illness and disease. You have surely heard the term "stress, the silent killer"? It's true! So you must do whatever it takes to remove stress from your life and make your mental attitude your ally. Meditate, take yoga, change jobs, retire, go fishing, find a pleasant hobby – do whatever you must to remove stress and have a positive mental outlook. Just remember, anyone who introduces or keeps worry and stress in your life is neither a friend nor an ally during this fight. And make no mistake, it is a fight - likely the most important one of your life. But it is a fight you can and will win. Think it, believe it and live it!

Some in the field of natural health will tell you that you can beat cancer through diet alone, or through diet and de-toxing. In many instances that is true, and some of the most effective and popular natural anti-cancer protocols, such as the Budwig Diet, are based on such a premise.

However, in my opinion, the more weapons you have in your natural arsenal, the greater your chances of success will be. That is why I advocate including one or more of the powerful natural supplements that have been proven to beat cancer and boost the immunes system, and which address what we know about cancer.

Our depleted soils and the introduction of modern industrial toxins and contaminants makes it hard to build a strong enough immune system through diet alone. Our immune systems were not designed to handle the multitude of modern toxins they now face, which is why cancer is largely a modern disease.

As a final note: for those of who continue to believe the big lie that the harsh and ineffective options offered by mainstream medicine (and its half century record of broken promises to deliver a cure or significant breakthrough) are superior to nature, I ask: When did God become a quack?

Live long, live healthy, live happy!

About The Author
Tony Isaacs is a natural health researcher and author of books and articles about natural health and alternative remedies including "Cancer's Natural Enemy" (http://www.rose-laurel.com) as well as song lyrics and humorous anecdotal stories. He is currently working on a major book project to be published next year.

Medical Bills - Another Perspective

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 04:57:00 +0000

by: Tom Koziol

I am an open heart surgery survivor. That by itself makes me a lucky man. However couple that with the fact the entire procedure from beginning to hospital discharge cost me only $125.00 and you can reasonably call me lucky again.

You see, I have a great insurance program. But, what I have doesn’t make any difference to millions of Americans who either don’t have insurance or are underinsured. These are the people who receive those huge medical bills that make headline news at least once a quarter.

It is common knowledge hospitals are extremely aggressive in attempting to collect what they say they are owed. It is also common knowledge hospitals charge the un/under insured full price for every procedure, medication and service.

Should anyone care to read hospitals saying what you just read, I reference the document titled, HHS Guidance on Hospital Discounting for Uninsured Patients. Simply google the title and you’ll be taken to its page.

This article will present a theory based on research and a common sense reading of applicable federal statute. I will use me as the example because I saved every piece of paper I signed/was given during my stint into the medical world.

As you may imagine, I had doctor visits, a hospital stay and follow up visits and treatment. All documented on paper and by my co-pay checks. What I found interesting in this whole trek was the total lack of information I was given about costs.

The medical information detailing the procedure, the medications, the rehabilitation efforts, etc. was outstanding. I knew from the outset it wasn’t going to be a picnic or a walk in the park.

What I didn’t know was the cost. I will readily admit up front I didn’t care about the cost because I knew by discount agreement – the term the hospital and doctors use to get paid by both me and the insurance company – my cost was to be only a small co-pay.

If you reread my co-pay total, small could be called an exaggeration for a six day stay in the hospital that included open heart surgery. But, again, I knew what my discount agreement allowed and liked the number so I didn’t bother to quibble or argue.

Anyone not this lucky should not only quibble and argue but demand better pricing. I think I know the federal law that gives you the right to step over quibbling and arguing and proceed directly to demanding.

The title of the Act is the Consumer Credit Protection Act but is better known as the Truth in Lending Act. Most people believe it applies only to credit cards and real estate. Not true.

The next two paragraphs are redacted sections 103 and 104 copied directly from the statute. If you want to read the statute in its entirety, google Truth in Lending Act.

§ 103. Definitions and rules of construction

(c) The term "organization" means a corporation, government or governmental subdivision or agency, trust, estate, partnership, cooperative, or association.

(d) The term "person" means a natural person or an organization.

(e) The term "credit" means the right granted by a creditor to a debtor to defer payment of debt or to incur debt and defer its payment.

(f) The term "creditor" refers only to a person who both (1) regularly extends, whether in connection with loans, sales of property or services, or otherwise, consumer credit which is payable by agreement in more than four installments or for which the payment of a finance charge is or may be required, and (2) is the person to whom the debt arising from the consumer credit transaction is initially payable on the face of the evidence of indebtedness or, if there is no such evidence of indebtedness, by agreement.

(h) The adjective "consumer", used with reference to a credit transaction, characterizes the transaction as one in which the party to whom credit is offered or extended is a natural person, and the money, property, or services which are the subject of the transaction are primarily for personal, family, or household purposes.

(i) The term "open end credit plan" means a plan under which the creditor reasonably contemplates repeated transactions, which prescribes the terms of such transactions, and which provides for a finance charge which may be computed from time to time on the outstanding unpaid balance. A credit plan which is an open end credit plan within the meaning of the preceding sentence is an open end credit plan even if credit information is verified from time to time.

(j) The term "adequate notice", as used in section 133, means a printed notice to a cardholder which sets forth the pertinent facts clearly and conspicuously so that a person against whom it is to operate could reasonably be expected to have noticed it and understood its meaning. Such notice may be given to a cardholder by printing the notice on any credit card, or on each periodic statement of account, issued to the cardholder, or by any other means reasonably assuring the receipt thereof by the cardholder.

(p) The term "discount" as used in section 167 means a reduction made from the regular price. The term "discount' as used in section 167 shall not mean a surcharge.

(q) The term "surcharge" as used in section 103 and section 167 means any means of increasing the regular price to a cardholder which is not imposed upon customers paying by cash, check, or similar means.

(u) The term "material disclosures" means the disclosure, as required by this title, of the annual percentage rate, the method of determining the finance charge and the balance upon which a finance charge will be imposed, the amount of the finance charge, the amount to be financed, the total of payments, the number and amount of payments, the due dates or periods of payments scheduled to repay the indebtedness, and the disclosures required by section 129(a).

(x) As used in this section and section 167, the term "regular price" means the tag or posted price charged for the property or service if a single price is tagged or posted, or the price charged for the property or service when payment is made by use of an open-end credit plan or a credit card if either (1) no price is tagged or posted, or (2) two prices are tagged or posted, one of which is charged when payment is made by use of an open-end credit plan or a credit card and the other when payment is made by use of cash, check, or similar means. For purposes of this definition, payment by check, draft, or other negotiable instrument which may result in the debiting of an open-end credit plan or a credit cardholder's open-end account shall not be considered payment made by use of the plan or the account.

§ 104. Exempted transactions

This title does not apply to the following:

(1) Credit transactions involving extensions of credit primarily for business, commercial, or agricultural purposes, or to government or governmental agencies or instrumentalities, or to organizations.

(2) Transactions in securities or commodities accounts by a broker-dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

(3) Credit transactions, other than those in which a security interest is or will be acquired in real property, or in personal property used or expected to be used as the principal dwelling of the consumer, in which the total amount financed exceeds $25,000.

(4) Transactions under public utility tariffs, if the Board determines that a State regulatory body regulates the charges for the public utility services involved, the charges for delayed payment, and any discount allowed for early payment.

(5) Transactions for which the Board, by rule, determines that coverage under this title is not necessary to carry out the purposes of this title.

(6) [Repealed]

(7) Loans made, insured, or guaranteed pursuant to a program authorized by title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.).

Let me call your attention to section 104. I believe 104 is very specific as those who write our laws are very careful when they say to whom a law applies and to whom a law does not apply. Hospitals and medical personnel are NOT exempt from TILA coverage or they would be listed in the above exemptions (also see below).

Yes, it is that simple or we would have laws that don’t mean what they say. Hence, no real law at all.

Now go to section 103 and read ALL the definitions. The definition of credit is: “The term "credit" means the right granted by a creditor to a debtor to defer payment of debt or to incur debt and defer its payment.”

Using the paperwork given to me to prove I was granted credit, I look at a document titled: Federal Truth In Lending Initial Disclosures. The hospital admits they are lawfully bound by TILA. Therefore, I was granted credit and/or an open end credit plan (§ 103(i) above). At the same time, they know/admit they are bound by this law by giving me this document.

If this is true, they violated § 103 (u) and (x). No where on any of the documents does it state the amount to be financed. There are only references about the amount to be financed and/or outstanding balance owed. Look at your documents. Do you see any amounts listed? (I assume you have hospital/doctor documents.)

In a second document in my package of documents is one titled Conditions of Testing/Treatment/Admission, paragraph 7A states, “I promise to pay the hospital for all goods and services furnished by or through the hospital and only AFTER DISCHARGE (my emphasis) will a bill be prepared and mailed to me showing charges due and payable at time of service. “ (As a side note, I put the word “valid” between the words “all” and “goods” just in case I actually had to dispute some of the charges. The hospital didn’t blink an eye and accepted the addition.)

Notice any discrepancy between this wording and the wording in § 103(u)? It is only after the surgery that they tell me how much I owe. I’ve been told by legal eagles this admittance paperwork is the first part in a two part legal process. This part is called the offer.

In other words, the hospital is only offering their services under those stated conditions.

Mind you, they haven’t performed a single act, yet. Now, when I sign the documents, I’ve committed a legal act called acceptance. This 2 part process is called offer and acceptance.

By the way, you don’t have to accept them as they appear on the offer. You can make changes like I did on the offer form showing the conditions you will accept. If you sign it and they take it back and don’t change the changes, these become the new conditions of the contract. (Note: I also struck out an entire paragraph and the clerk only shrugged her shoulders. So, it can be done without consequence to you.)

It appears to me only one party, the hospital, in this process has complete and full knowledge of the cost of the procedure but makes only a partial disclosure to me the debtor. So, if I want their service(s), I am forced to accept partial disclosure even if I made changes.

I say partial because the document does not contain any pricing. Hence, according to the law, it is only partial in nature.

Look at § 103 (j). It seems to say I must be given full disclosure in order to make an informed decision. How do you read it?

Full disclosure and notice have been part of American law since the inception of the republic. In fact, tomes exist in the law library on just this one arena. The volumes of material are a sure cure for insomnia or so I’m told.

By the way, nothing in this article is meant to replace competent and professional legal advice. Should you be one of those people being hounded by medical bill collectors or hospitals, it is a great idea to consult with an attorney specializing in this field.

I present the above information for your thought and consideration. It seems to me the hospitals and medical professionals know they are bound by the law yet openly flaunt it. Therefore, in my opinion, it seems writing them a letter and asking for all the information TILA says you should have received will help you resolve those bills sooner. Or, in the alternative, become a basis for your own legal action.

I also fully realize there must be an oversight organization or agency and it must have the teeth to enforce penalties against those engaging in law breaking. To me, the State Attorney General is the main oversight agency. It may be different in your jurisdiction so please do your own research.

I could go on for twenty five more pages but I think you get the gist of my presentation. A law does exist to protect un/under insured people but it isn’t being used for that purpose.

Maybe it is time TILA is brought to center stage and exposed to the sun. Who knows, this exposure may just cure some of the ills (pun intended) inherent in medical billing and collections and save some people’s homes, assets and bank accounts.

About The Author
Tom Koziol is the Executive Director of a non-profit devoted to making life easier for senior citizens, senior caregivers and baby boomers. Free and low cost resources are available at: http://www.senior2senior.org.

Prevent Eating Disorders In Order To Maintain a Healthy Body

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 05:47:00 +0000

by: Nishanth Reddy

Preventing eating disorders can be possible with some preventive measures. However, there was a query that rose among many health professionals and eating disorder patients whether preventing eating disorders is possible or not.

According to latest investigations, there are a number of preventive measures that can be taken so as to preventing eating disorders. Preventing eating disorders measures are needed to adopt by those family members where there are past records of eating disorders or behaviors of compulsive eating.

Measures To Be Taken For Preventing Eating Disorders. Here are five preventive measures that can perform in order to keep eating disorders at bay.

1. Decline to diet for preventing eating disorders. Eating disorder experts found that dieting is typically the primary step in developing an eating disorder. It is been found in a research that a woman who tends to have extreme dieting is eighteen times more at risk of raising an eating disorder. If someone in your family may be susceptible of developing an eating disorder, they should abstain from dieting. As a replacement, the individual need to consult a physician in order to learn about the ways that are safe and effective in losing weight.

2. Parents should act as positive and healthy role models in preventing eating disorders. A researcher states that parents play a very significant role in tracing out whether children are ultimately developing an eating disorder or not. Most of the parents automatically project their unhealthy viewpoints and approaches regarding their own bodies that their children pick up on. Parents with a high value about being thin or other features of one's physical appearance may be transferring the point to their children with a belief that physical appearance plays a vital role than being happy and healthy.

Parents have to struggle in order to develop a positive attitude about their own bodies and need to offer a safe, caring and non-judgmental atmosphere to their children. This atmosphere can be achieved by preparing a nutritious meal along with enjoyable activities that involves total family.

3. Family dynamics can set up means to preventing an eating disorder. Families should strive to spend quality time together. Plan to eat dinner together, and participate in outdoor activities that give pleasure. Criticism and competition need to be avoided so as to generate a secure and loving environment where children feel cherished.

4. Prefer exercises as a means of preventing eating disorders in order to have a good health, not a thin body. In general you will have a negative attitude towards exercise and think of exercise as just a task that is boring, hard, and even painful. Changing the opinion regarding exercise can definitely help you in preventing eating disorders. Repossessing the sense of the unadulterated pleasure of movement can become a measure in preventing eating disorders. Try to make every effort in those activities in which you have interest and thrill you.

5. Eat a multiplicity of foods in moderation. Eating food in moderation is a way where you can eat even your favorite guilty pleasures. In order to cultivate a healthy attitude towards food try preventing eating disorders. Remember that it is a safe way to eat anything you want, as long as you balance your eating behaviors.

About The Author
Nishanth Reddy is an author and publisher of many health related websites. For more information on eating disorders, eating disorders prevention, eating disorders treatment and help, visit his website: http://www.eatingdisorderschannel.com

First Ever Approved Computerized Medication Box

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 04:14:00 +0000

by: Joshua Daly

The first ever programmable computer device that allows professional caregivers to monitor how frequent a patient takes their medication was approved Thursday by the FDA.

EMMA, the Electronic Medication Management Assistant was created in order to reduce the number of drug dosing and identification errors. It will prove very useful to those who suffer from memory loss due to old age or disease, those with HIV, and others who have very complicated and rigid medication regiments.

In 2006 a study from the Institute of Medicine cited by the FDA stated that medication errors harm some 1.5 million people each year in the United States.

Daniel Schultz, M.D., director of FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health said, “FDA's clearance of the INRange remote medication management system puts an important safety tool directly in the hands of patients and their health care providers. It will help take away some of the confusion patients can experience when taking prescription medications, and allow care providers to more closely monitor their patients' medications between office visits.”

According to the FDA,

EMMA consists of a medication delivery unit and two-way communication software that allows a health care professional to remotely manage prescriptions stored and released by the patient-operated delivery unit. The delivery unit is about the size of a bread box and plugs into a standard power outlet.

EMMA stores prescription medications, emits an audible alert to the patient when the prescribed medications are scheduled to be taken, and releases them onto a delivery tray when activated by the patient at the appropriate time. It uses a Web-based application for a health care professional, such as a doctor or pharmacist, to remotely schedule or adjust a patient's prescribed medications, and provides the health care professional with a history of each time patients access their medications.

About The Author
Joshua Daly is the author of many health related articles as well as the President of http://ePharmacies.com. Joshua's goal is to help consumers save money and make better informed decisions. Click here for more information on ordering from discount online prescriptions.

Tips On Preparing Health Food For Vitamin And Nutrient Sources

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 04:12:00 +0000

by: Deborah Prosser

Cooking a healthy meal day after day, night after night is not at all easy. However, if you want to start eating healthy, you need to pay close attention to the foods that you buy and serve on the dinner table. Be aware that eating health foods (and vitamins) involves knowing what the right foods are and making a conscious effort to consume more of them.

* Potatoes are good, as long as they are eaten in moderate amounts.

* Ideally, no more than five ounces of meat, beans and other sources of proteins (e.g., peas, nuts and fish) should be consumed per day to ensure that your diet has sufficient amount of protein. Bake, grill or broil meat instead of frying it.

* Consuming six ounces of grain each day is ideal. You can do this by consuming 3 ounces of whole grain breads, whole grain cereals, rice, pasta or crackers every day. A slice of bread and a cup of cereal roughly contain about one ounce of grain each.

* A nutritious meal consists of health foods rich in vitamins and other nutrients, which is why it is important to incorporate fruits and vegetables in your meals. Eat more of dark vegetables (e.g., broccoli and spinach). Sweet potatoes and carrots are rich sources of vitamins and nutrients too, and so are dry beans (e.g., peas, kidney beans and pinto beans. Instead of eating ice cream for dessert, try eating fruits, at least two cups per day. Eat a variety of fresh, frozen, canned and dried fruits.

* Fats, in reality, are essential to our health. Fats adversely affect the body and our health if they are consumed in excessive quantities. Among the adverse affects are high cholesterol levels, weight gain, cancer and heart disease. When cooking, avoid using solid fats (e.g., butter, margarine, shortening and lard). Use olive oil or canola oil instead. Learn to read food labels and check how much saturated fat and trans fat, as well as sodium, canned goods contain.

* Pay attention to serving sizes. A lot of people eat more than they actually need. Avoid making the same mistake; eat in accordance to your daily activities. For instance, reduce your serving size on days when you aren't doing any type of physical activity. You can increase meal portions when your schedule includes doing physical activities, as you will need the energy. Take also into consideration the particular needs of your family members when cooking a meal.

If you decide to follow the advice above, you’ll discover that cooking healthy meals is, in fact, extremely easy. Here’s an example of a healthy, well balanced meal (one serving):

* grilled or barbecued chicken breast (5-oz. per person)
* 1/2 baked potato
* mixed green salad
* fruits and frozen yogurt for dessert

With a little bit of will, consuming the right health food, vitamins and minerals your body requires is not going to be too hard at all.

About The Author
Copyright 2007, Deborah Prosser

Deborah is a partner in Ipcor Publishing and Personal Logs.com ( http://www.personallogs.com ). She is publisher of the website Get In Shape ( http://www.getinshape.ipcor.com ). You can find more information about healthy food choices on her webpage Health Food and Vitamins at http://www.getinshape.ipcor.com/Health-Food-Vitamins.htm

Stay Fit And Healthy For Life

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 04:08:00 +0000

by: Jen Lynn

People talk about health supplements these days, some of them you know like “been there and done that” type. Sometimes people are so much over informed about greatest or latest nutrition, that they think that they are all pretty much the same.

But most people agree that mineral and vitamin supplements help our body to some extend, but in most cases they know that these nutrients are definitely limited to helping someone in chronic illnesses.

And it was true, until a very few years ago. People took mineral and vitamin supplements just because everyone seemed to take it but no one was seeing any kind of miraculous results from it. So it is normal to believe that if there was any kind of real results or breakthrough with nutritional supplements, my doctor would have at least heard about it.

Now let me point out something to you right now. You might believe me or maybe not, but here is the fact: I have been looking and researching into a category of nutritional supplement called “glyconutrition” ever since I heard about it two years ago. Personally I feel, and for me there is no doubt, that glyconutrition will somehow help, and it does not matter what kind of health problem you are talking about – and bring about miraculous results to even very sick people, and transform their health into radiant and full energetic health condition.

Today, given the state of health care problems, and modern day life, everyone should be aware that any supplement – especially like this glyconutrition – significantly will increase your chance of staying fit and healthy for the rest of your lives.

In a recent book released about a year ago called: "The cost of being sick" medical expert Nicholas Webb showed lots of figures and facts which examine how messed up the entire health care industry really is nowadays. It shows how unreliable and expensive it has become.

If you look at those facts & figures, it will become clear that healthcare costs are just spiraling upwards to the point where, most people will not be able to afford the healthcare costs or even health insurance premiums, say somewhere after 5 to 10 years from now.

Now, if you can recognize the very signs of danger, what are you going to do about it? Or matter of factly saying, what can any of us do about it now?

It’s a fine question. So let us look at some options available to us.

The most obvious option is that you can do nothing and just let your health hang in there and take chances whatever life has to offer you.

The other option you have is to take some action. Until now, there was not much of help available and you could do little about it. But all of it has changed until some 10 years ago. It changed for the good when a pharmacologist who was working for a drug industry accidentally stumbled onto a very important health discovery of our lifetime called: glyconutrition. I would recommend that you do some research on glyconutrition because that is one of the best forms of health and fitness assurance you can get now.

In modern life and the rising costs of health, glyconutrition has become one of the most effective methods available to you.

About The Author
Jen Lynn is a Glyconutrients Representative. Her clients range from actresses to pro athletes. You can get a free Glyconutrients consultation by visiting http://www.nutritionalreview.com/Mannatech-Ambrotose.php.

Alternative Health: Finding Help

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 03:53:00 +0000

by: Laurie J. Raphael

There are many ways that you can find help regarding alternative health. If you are interested in alternative health, you should consider the many resources that are available. Although you may not find as many resources on alternative health as standard medicine, there are still plenty out there for you to look into.

1. When it comes to finding information on alternative health it does not get much better than the internet. There are many websites maintained by alternative health doctors, people who practice alternative health, etc. Just remember, everything you read online is not necessarily true. But with that being said, you should be able to find plenty of information concerning alternative health online.

2. As of late, more and more books on alternative health have been published. By purchasing one of these you will get top notch information about this way of life. The nice thing about a book on alternative health is that it is more than likely written by somebody in the know. This means that you will get top notch information.

3. There are many doctors who specialize in alternative health. Of course, you are not going to find these doctors at your local hospital, so you may have to search around a bit. The best place to search for an alternative health doctor is in the local phone book. You may be surprised to find that there are many of these professionals in your area. Once you find several of them all you have to do is choose the right one.

Listed above are three places to find information on alternative health. You may be aware of other resources as well. If so, you should look into using them to find all of the information that you need. It does not matter where you find information on alternative health as long as it is accurate and reliable.

About The Author
Laurie J. Raphael

Visit my Alternative Medicine website featuring Feng Shui life and Herbal Remedy Medicines, Chinese Herbal Medicine and much more: http://www.AlternativeMedicineBasics.com

Sign up for my Newsletter at: altmedbasics@getresponse.com

Fish Oil Reduces Symptoms Of Exercise Induced Asthma

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 03:47:00 +0000

by: David McEvoy

Fish oil can reduce the symptoms of exercise induced asthma to below the threshold for diagnosing it and at the same time lower the need for emergency medication according to the results of a trial carried out by Indiana University in Bloomington, USA.

The trial was a randomised double blind cross over study and involved 16 people who had mild to moderate asthma and who normally took medication on a daily basis to control it. During the trial those taking part were given either fish oil or a placebo for a period of three weeks. The dose of fish oil was quite high containing 3.2gr of Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 2gr of Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Both at the beginning and at the end of the trial, the participants were subjected to lung efficiency tests and had their sputum analysed for pro inflammatory cells and markers. Those who were given fish oil showed improved lung efficiency of about 64% and reduced their need for emergency medication by around 31%. They also had a lower level of pro inflammatory cells and markers in their sputum. These promising results are believed to be due to the anti-inflammatory effect of the Omega 3 fatty acids that are present in fish oil.

What is exercise induced asthma?

After exercise and sometimes even during exercise, the airway passages in people with exercise induced asthma become inflamed and narrower resulting in decreased lung efficiency, often making it necessary to use inhalers. The constriction of the airways causes various symptoms including coughing, tightness across the chest, wheezing and shortness of breath. These symptoms generally start to ease off gradually over a period of half an hour or so following exercise.

No one really knows what causes it but it is thought to be triggered by the drying out and cooling of the airway passages which results in the cells releasing pro inflammatory chemicals which then causes a narrowing of the airways. Consequently, exercising in cool and dry conditions outdoors is more likely to result in an attack of asthma than physical activities such as swimming where the air is moist and warmer.

One major problem with exercise induced asthma is that it can be a barrier to exercise for many people, particularly youngsters who can be put off sport and other physical exercise because of it. It is also on the increase and the reason for this is thought to be linked to an increased consumption of Omega 6 fatty acids in the diet along with a reduction in the amount of Omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 6 is known to be pro-inflammatory whereas Omega 3 has anti-inflammatory properties and it is this difference in ratio that is thought to be responsible for a rise in a number of health problems.

Omega 6 is found in processed foods, vegetable oils, meats and dairy products so there is an abundance of them in our diet. The Omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA on the other hand are only found in oily fish or fish oil as plant sources of Omega 3 do not contain EPA and DHA, they are in the form of Alpha linolenic acid or ALA, but the problem with ALA is that our bodies cannot easily process it to produce EPA, which is the fatty acid best known for its anti inflammatory effects.

You would have to eat an awful lot of fish to get the same amount of EPA that is present in fish oil, which isn't a good idea due to the potentially harmful toxins, including mercury, that are found in our fish. So, for this reason, fish oil offers a viable and safer alternative. Another point worthy of consideration is that long term use of medication for asthma can make it less effective and of course as with any medication there can also be unwanted side effects so if fish oil can reduce the need for medication and inhalers in people with exercise induced asthma, then that is exciting news indeed.

Conclusion

Fish oil is already known to offer both preventative and therapeutic health benefits for a number of conditions and so is an excellent supplement to promote good health in general. However, a word of caution, if you are thinking of trying fish oil supplements it is essential to opt only for the best quality fish oil known as pharmaceutical grade fish oil due to the potentially harmful toxins that can be present in lesser grade fish oils.

About The Author

Dave McEvoy is an expert in omega 3 fish oil EPA with over 20 years experience; for more information about fish oil and how it can help come and visit. http://www.mind1st.co.uk/fishoil_fishoilsupplements.asp

Do Fats Fit Into A Healthy Dinner Recipe?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 03:30:00 +0000

by: Deborah Prosser

If you’re like me you are often looking for a quick and healthy dinner recipe, but you are concerned about the amount of fat in some choices. However, fats are essential to

the proper functioning of our bodies. Among other things, fats help maintain cell membrane integrity and they help nerve transmission and nutrient absorption. However, if

consumed in excess quantities, fats can lead to weight gain, heart disease and various types of cancer. Be aware that not all fats are alike. Some fats contribute to our

well-being and some can be quite harmful, increasing the risk of developing heart disease.

So your (quick) healthy dinner recipe should contain a certain amount of fat. But how much fat do we need exactly? The Zone, a popular diet, suggests that the calories we

consume should come from carbohydrates, proteins and fats in the following proportion: 40%, 30% and 30%, respectively. We don’t necessarily have to drastically follow

this advice; it should only serve as a general reference. The key is to replace the bad fats in our meals with good ones.

Here is a quick review of the different types of fat.

* Saturated Fats

Saturated fats cause an increase of blood cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, which are the bad cholesterol. Products that have high saturated fat content include meat, eggs,

dairy products and seafood. A few plant foods, like coconut oil, palm kernel oil and palm oil also contain high amounts of saturated fats.

* Trans Fats

Trans fatty acids are the result of the industrial process of "hydrogenating" liquid oils. This process was devised in an attempt to make food products last longer. Trans fats

are commonly found in packaged foods, in commercially fried food (e.g., French fries), in packaged snacks (e.g., microwaveable popcorn), and in hard stick margarine and

vegetable shortening.

* Monounsaturated Fats

Monounsaturated fats are the good fats because they cause blood cholesterol and LDL cholesterol to decrease, and at the same time, increase HDL cholesterol or the good

cholesterol. Products that contain high levels of monounsaturated fats include olive oil, canola oil and nuts. Look for these ingredients in any healthy dinner recipe, like salad

dressing made with olive oil.

* Polyunsaturated Fats

Similar to monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats help lower total blood cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. High levels of polyunsaturated fats are found in safflower oil,

sunflower oil, corn oil, fish oil, and seafood like salmon. The Omega-3 fatty acids fall under this type of fats.

Some Things You Can Do to Avoid the Bad Fats

* Use only cooking oils that have low amounts of saturated fats and high amounts of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (e.g., olive oil, flax seed oil and canola oil).

* Stay away from commercially packaged foods since they have high trans fat content.

* Read food labels and go with those that are trans fat free.

* Avoid saturated fats by opting for low-fat versions of dairy products (e.g., skim milk).

* Go for lean meats. Make sure the visible fats and the skins are removed.

Following this advice will help make sure you benefit the most from a nutritious, healthy dinner recipe.

About The Author

Copyright 2007, Deborah Prosser

Deborah is a partner in Ipcor Publishing and Personal Logs.com ( http://www.personallogs.com http://www.getinshape.ipcor.com ). You can find more information about healthy food choices on her webpage Best Diet For Life at http://www.getinshape.ipcor.com/best-diet-for-life.htm ).

Anti Aging and Human Growth Hormone

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 06:04:00 +0000

by: David Cowley

Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. The highest levels of HGH is produced during adolescence but between the ages of 21 and 30 the level of HGH being produced is markedly reduce by as much as 1.4 percent per year. By the age of 40 it can be down as much as 50 percent.

Dr. Daniel Rudman, M.D., of the Medical College Of Wisconsin conducted research on the effects of HGH in 1991. He concluded that HGH could reduce body fat, increase muscle tone, boost your energy level, reduce wrinkle, improve sleep, improve sex drive, improve the immune system, lower cholesterol levels, and improve memory.

There have been many research programs since then that have shown medical evidence that the decline of HGH is linked to many of the symptoms we associate with old age. Increased body fat, decreased energy, poor sex drive, decrease in muscle mass, poor functions of the immune system, loss of hair color, decreased skin elasticity, poor eyesight, loss of bone density, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and joint pain. Many believe that HGH can turn back the clock 10 to 20 years and that it is Cosmetic Surgery in a Bottle or the Fountain of Youth.

Growth hormone or GH has been used for years as a valid medical treatment for certain growth hormone deficiencies in children. The term HGH, or human growth hormone, is a very common name is now being seen in marketing campaigns for anti aging products.

Three organs in the human body mainly control the production of HGH. The pituitary gland in the brain, secrete the hormone into the blood stream. HGH travels to the liver, which is encouraged to product a hormone called Insulin-like Growth Factor. A majority of the beneficial effects of the HGH is actually due to the IGF acting on its target cells. The Insulin-like Growth Factor in the blood stream caused the pituitary to stop or reduce the output of HGH.

The Hypothalamic is also a gland in the brain that produces a peptide that stimulates the synthesis and the secretion of the HGH by the pituitary gland. The Hypothalamic gland functions as the main control center of the autonomic nervous system and it controls the hormonal secretions of the pituitary gland. Somatostatin is a peptide produced by the Hypothalamic gland the inhibits the release of HGH by the pituitary. Usually in response to low blood glucose levels.

The stomach secrets a hormone called Ghrelin and it potently stimulates the secretion of HGH. Ghrelin levels in the blood stream increase before meals and decrease after meals and is believed to be involved with feeling of hunger or satiation. If you eat a lot of small meals then the level of ghrelin in the blood stream is always low.

It is a violation of Federal Law to sell any product that contains natural HGH without a prescription. So what are you getting when you purchase a product that has HGH on the label? HGH releasers, HGH precursors, HGH secretagogues, contain nothing more than amino acid supplements and are just trying to capitalize on the popularity of HGH at highly inflated prices and they do not contain any Human Growth Hormone.

Growth hormone is currently approved and marketed for enhancing milk production in dairy cattle. Administration of bovine somatotropin to lactating cows results in increased milk yield. However, this treatment engenders abundant controversy among dairy farmers. Drinking milk from cattle treated with bovine growth hormone does not pose a risk to human health.

Another application of growth hormone in animal agriculture is treatment of growing pigs with porcine growth hormone. Such treatment has been demonstrated to significantly stimulate muscle growth and reduce deposition of fat.

Many products claim to have the ability to raise a person's levels of HGH naturally. These claims have not been proven scientifically. Anti aging HGH replacements should be taken seriously however, as they do have the potential to cause side effects.

The reported side effects of HGH include an increase in blood pressure, fluid retention, carpal tunnel syndrome, insulin resistance, diabetes, and joint pain. Although anti aging HGH seems to have some benefits, consumers must be wary to research the actual degree of the benefits and weigh that against the potential side effects.

If you just feel that you need vitamins, supplements or herbs to fight the aging process then find a good health care professional prior to starting any type of home treatment.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.

About The Author
David Cowley has created numerous articles on allergies. He has also created a Web Site dedicated to allergies and how to treat it. Click on http://www.aging-team.com

5 Strategies For Successful Teen Weight Loss

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 05:45:00 +0000

by: Scott T Smith

Adolescent obesity has skyrocketed in recent years. During the 1980s, adolescent obesity rates hung at around 5%, but today they are close to 15%, according to the National Center of Health Statistics. This 10% increase can be linked to a number of developments in the past two decades, such as more television and less healthy foods, but something can be done about this as well. Teen weight loss can happen, with focused commitment, the right kind of natural weight loss supplements and family help and support.

For many teenagers, physical appearance is a vital attribute. More importantly, however, obesity during the teenage years can lead to obesity as an adult, and continuing health problems as a result of being overweight. Heart problems, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea are all products of obesity, and are no way to live a healthy life. Take a look at these five strategies, though, and a healthier life begins to become clear:

1.) Family Encouragement - A family can play a crucial role in helping a teenager lose weight. Frequently, an overweight teen feels shut out from the world of their peers due to their appearance, as well as the inability to participate in physical activities. Because of this, a supportive and encouraging home is indispensable, and can go a very long way in helping a teen deal with issues of weight loss. Parents should let their teenager know that they are loved, despite whatever they may feel about their physical appearance, and that their efforts to lose weight are believed in. If a teen wants to talk about any problems they are encountering, let them - it can only help.

2.) Turn Off the TV - Inactivity is one of the primary causes of obesity, and the television is one of the primary causes of inactivity. Eliminating television is likely too severe a measure, but limiting its use during the day could encourage other activities that are more healthy. Help come up with fun physical activities, such as sports like fishing, spending time in the outdoors, or just going for a walk.

3.) Forget About Sugary Soft Drinks - All those name-brand sodas, in addition to being highly popularized, are full of chemicals and sugar. Put simply, they aren't good for you. The medical journal Pediatrics recently published a study revealing that removing over-sugared soft drinks can assist in teen weight loss by cutting beverage calories by up to 80%. Try real fruit juices instead.

4.) Watch the Food - Not all food is created equal. Eating fast food and easily accessible, over-processed snack food is the surest way to an unhealthy, and overweight, lifestyle. Stop stopping at fast food joints and think about eating something more wholesome, like a balanced meal at a restaurant or something cooked at home. For that matter, ensure a daily intake of fruits and vegetables - they provide many necessary vitamins and nutrients that help burn excess calories, and maintain high energy throughout the day.

5.) Exercise Regularly - Exercise is key. If a teenager never gets to the gym or goes outside, then the hope in losing weight immediately begins to pale. Without a consistent amount of exercise, excess calories can never be burned. But ultimately, more important than any appearance or expectation, exercising helps maintain a strong and healthy body. A body without any related health issues.

Teen weight loss is a challenge, but not an impossibility. Losing weight as an adolescent may require a lifestyle change, but doing so will lead to a longer, happier life. Developing a healthy lifestyle as a teenager can only mean a healthy lifestyle as an adult.

About The Author
Article by Scott T Smith. Worried about your overweight teen? Slimstuff has just what your teen needs. Visit Slimstuff on the Web at http://www.slimstuff.com/

Losing Abdominal Fat The Natural Way

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 05:48:00 +0000

by: Scott T Smith

To lose abdominal fat, you need to have some basic street smarts. But where do you get it? It's a jungle out there. It is our practice to turn to medical professionals every time - the people who really know. And very often they come up with the most wonderful remedies. The kinds of remedies passed down through the generations.

Things our grandmothers shared with our families. And why? Because they really work! But more than that, now they have been backed up by science. Laboratory research reveals that oftentime, there is indeed a scientific basis for folk medicine remedies.

Here are 5 tactics that will help you now in the war against your weight.

1. Say ommm

Stress may contribute to abdominal fat, according to several studies, including a recent one at the University of California, San Francisco. "When you're stressed, hormones like cortisol stimulate your appetite, slow your metabolism down and encourage fat storage inside your abdomen," explains Shawn Talbott, Ph.D., director of the Nutrition Clinic at the University of Utah. So what's a frazzled girl to do? "Find an activity that reduces stress for you, whether it's listening to soothing music or taking yoga, and do it daily," advises Talbott.

2. Have a PB & J

Think peanut butter is only for pint-sized palates? Think again. PB is rich in magnesium, a mineral that motors up your metabolism by giving your cells energy. Aim for 320 mg a day of magnesium: Good food sources include a peanut butter sandwich made with whole-wheat bread (100 mg) or spinach (1/2 cup has 80 mg).

3. Exercise off that PMS

You could lose more weight exercising during the later phase of your menstrual cycle than at any other time in your cycle, according to a recent study from the University of Adelaide in Australia. Hormones estrogen and progesterone fire up your fat-burning furnace: They promote your body's use of fat as an energy supply, so more is burned off when you exercise. "Women burned about 30 percent more fat for the two weeks following ovulation to about two days before menstruation," explains study author Leanne Redman.

4. Don't blow off breakfast

Studies show that eating breakfast plays a part in successful weight loss -- almost 80 percent of people who successfully keep weight off chow down on this meal, according to a study published in Obesity Research. "Your metabolism slows as you sleep, and the process of digesting food revs it up again," explains Heller. Aim for a 300- to 400-calorie breakfast, such as a high-fiber cereal (another metabolism booster) with skim milk and fruit.

5. Pump up protein

Not in an extreme, Atkins sort of way, but having a little protein at every meal fires up your metabolism. "Your digestive system uses more energy to break it down, so you burn more calories," explains Lisa Dorfman, R.D. However, keep protein levels to between 20 and 35 percent of your diet; eating too much of it can cause kidney strain and may cause your body to store too much fat.

All 5 of these methods have to do with speeding up your metabolism. it is possible to speed up your metabolism, that little engine in your body that burns calories. As you age, your metabolism slows down, chiefly because you lose around a half pound of muscle each year. "If you don't use the muscle, it atrophies," explains Pamela Peeke, M.D., professor of medicine at the University of Maryland and author of Fight Fat After Forty.

About The Author
Article by Scott T Smith. Are YOU sick and tired of being overweight? Ready for weight loss solutions that really work? Visit Slimstuff on the Web at http://www.slimstuff.com/

Please Take Your Time When Eating

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 05:51:00 +0000

by: Hamza Davis

Have you ever noticed how rapid some people can eat? While no one has ever actually inhaled food, it is surprising how swift some folks can make a meal disappear .

When Americans go out to eat, we usually order a drink and socialize while waiting to be seated. Some order another drink before the meal is served, but when the food comes out it is time to eat.

Does speed of eating indirectly affect body weight? Some expeditious-paced styles of eating seem to be synonymous with weight gain. Gulping food in a hurry, eating on the run, binge eating when hungry, filling your mouth with food before finishing the last bite, and routinely piling considerable amounts of food on your plate are examples of eating habits that may lead to overindulgence and weight gain.

If you already carry a straggling spare pounds, you have another problem. While people of normal weight feel full after about 10 minutes of eating, researchers from the University of Wisconsin found that it took nearly twice as long for that signal to reach the brain of subjects who were overweight. When your brain thinks you are still hungry, it is likely that you are not going to stop eating no matter how much food you have already eaten.

If you acquire yourself the prime one finished at every meal, you should make a conscious effort to regulate down your eating! Practice lengthening the time it takes you to eat by timing your meals. Make sure you chew your food consistently! Put your fork down between every bite. Chew thoroughly and swallow before putting more food in your mouth. Take your time, try to relax, and savor your food. Give your brain a chance to gather the message that your stomach is full. And DO NOT be afraid to leave food on your plate!

Research carried out at Penn State University has determined that the volume of food is deeper crucial than total calories when determining your feeling of fullness. This means that you will feel full while eating fewer calories if you fill up initial on lower calorie exorbitant volume foods.

Baked potato is a perfect prototype of a low calorie, excessive volume food that also requires a long time to eat. Substantial foods that incorporate water such as fruit also make you feel full on fewer calories. Hot, full bodied soup is always an excellent pre dinner choice.

The hungrier you are, the expeditiouser you'll eat. Use low calorie snacks during the day to keep that appetite in check.

If you have a tendency to eat swift and would like to lose weight, deliberately slowing down your eating at mealtime is a positive number one step. Allow yourself 20 minutes to finish a common meal, but remember that the extra time isn't a license for additional indulgence.

It may take some getting used to, but once you start eating slower you may find yourself feeling full before you are finished. And eating secondary!

About The Author
Hamza Davis is a top distributor with Juice Plus. He is committed to promoting health and wellness. To receive greater information, please visit http://www.iluvjuiceplus.com

Reasons For Weight Gain

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 06:09:00 +0000

by: Andrew Tan

Low Metabolism - Metabolism can be linked to
genetics, but it has more to do with how active
we are, and the amount of muscle tissue we have
compared with fat.

Our muscles actively burn off the calories that
we consume. They require more energy to work
effectively. If we are living an inactive
lifestyle, our muscles break down and they don't
burn the calories like they should. Therefore,
if our muscles are not breaking down the calories
we consumed, it gets converted to fat cells.

When we are not active, our metabolism decreases,
and as a result less calories are burned for
energy and more are stored as fat.

A more active person slows the decline of their
muscles mass and may even increase the overall
muscle mass, depending on activity, and then the
metabolism is higher. This makes it easier for a
person to lose weight.

How do you increase your metabolism?

* Exercise that helps build muscle, also helps
increase metabolism. Any exercise will help.

* Eat smaller meals more frequently. If you have
a small, healthy snack in between meals you can
actually jumpstart your metabolism.

* Don't starve yourself when trying to lose
weight. If your body has nothing to metabolize,
it will slow down completely. Then when you go
to eat, your body will have a very difficult time
breaking down food without it turning straight
into fat.

* One of the best low-impact exercises to do is
walking. Try walking for 30 minutes three times
a week. It will increase your metabolism
considerably.

* Make sure you eat breakfast. If you don't
start your day getting your metabolism going, you
could have a hard time doing it when you eat a
big lunch or big dinner.

How you eat - Your eating habits can play a huge
role in determining your weight. Do you eat
smaller, lean servings instead of gorging
yourself on your mother's world-famous spaghetti
and meatballs? What about how fast you eat? All
of these things have an effect on your ability to
gain and lose weight.

Here are a few tips on your eating habits that
can have a profound effect on your battle to lose
weight.

* High-fat, high calorie foods are tough on the
body, and it takes a long time to break them down.
You are at greater risk if you are eating foods
like this. Pastas with cheeses and or cream
sauces are an example of high fat and high-
calorie.

* Take your time when you eat - for a number of
reasons. First, your stomach takes time to tell
your brain you are full. You risk overeating
when you eat too fast. Second, if you chew your
food completely, the enzymes in your saliva aid
in the breaking down of complex compounds in your
foods, making it easier for your body to keep up.
It's also worth mentioning that the faster you
eat, the greater chance you have of building up
gas.

* Eat smaller portions more often. We discussed
this earlier, and you can boost your metabolism
by making it work in smaller session more often.
Also it helps when you eat smaller portions,
because you don't risk overeating and forcing
your body to keep up with your eating.

Your genetic makeup - Your metabolism may already
be determined for you by the genes your parents
passed down. But, this is NOT an excuse for not
doing what you can to raise your metabolism if
you have been passed down a slower one by nature.
Just as people with higher metabolism can lower
it by reducing activity and having poor eating
habits.

Many people who are overweight or obese will say,
"it's hereditary." This can be the case, but
your genes are just a small part of the overall
picture. They only determine whether or not
there is a likelihood of a person having a
predisposition for obesity.

Exercise - Everyone needs to get exercise. There
is no replacement for getting the heart pumping
and building up those muscles when it comes to
losing weight. But, not enough of us make the
time to get it. Exercise doesn't have to be
pumping iron at the gym or even taking a 10-mile
bike ride. Take your dog for a 30-minute walk
around the park. He will love it, and you will
feel better, too.

You've all heard the benefits of exercise before,
but they are worth mentioning again:

* You will feel better. Isn't that a good start?
Exercise rejuvenates the mind, body and spirit.

* Exercise rebuilds muscles and therefore
increases your metabolism. Remember muscles are
burners of energy and the more muscles the more
calories are burned.

* Exercise lowers stress. Studies have shown
that even 20 minutes of exercise, three times a
week can have a dramatic effect on your stress
level.

* Exercise burns calories. When we get further
into the book, and learn the process for losing
weight over the long haul, you will understand
why burning calories is so important. If you
burn more calories than you eat, then your body
starts burning the fat.

If you don't exercise on a regular basis, you
will gain weight. That is almost as sure as
death and taxes. Especially if you continue
eating at a rate where you would be packing on
the pounds if you did do some exercise.

Always remember that exercise can be any physical
activity - walking, cycling, swimming, sex -
anything where you are raising your heart rate
for an extended period of time. For some people,
that could even be working in the garden.

Would You Like to Learn More? visit
http://www.shape-and-slim.com/hoodia

About The Author
My name is Andrew Tan, and I have experiences in weight loss / diet industry. I lose my weight up to 25 pounds in less than 30 days using vital hoodia.

5 Strategies For Successful Teen Weight Loss

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 05:45:00 +0000

by: Scott T Smith

Eat to Live Instead of Living to Eat

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 05:42:00 +0000

by: Hamza Davis

If you eat sustaining food you have a glowing skin, shining hair and you look physically progressive . The type of diet you have and the amount of calories you intake affects your mood. If you feel stressed out or are in a light mood both have a connection to the type of food you take. You feel drowsy or active it too depends on the food you have. You should eat to live instead of living to eat.

Diet plays a primary role in influencing your mood. If you take in too much of calories during lunch time you feel lazy and drowsy. Multitudinous people eat tons of fast food for lunch due to hectic work schedules. Excessive calories taken during the day lowers the efficiency of a person and thus slows down the performance of the person. The size of a meal hampers the activity because fat slows down absorption and as blood flow to the stomach is increased for a longer period of time it results in subordinate blood flow to the brain. The result is that you feel sleepy and lazy to work. Carbohydrates such as pasta, potatoes, candy and cereal have an anxiety reducing consequence. This is the reason why people feel drowsy and sluggish after having such meals.

The two other relevant brain chemicals that appear to be influenced by foods, dopamine and norepinephrine, produce a feeling of alertness, an increased resourcefulness to ruminate, and faster reaction times. There are two possible mechanisms for how this happens: (1) serotonin production is blocked by the consumption of protein-rich foods, resulting in increased alertness or concentration, or (2) levels of dopamine and norepinephrine are increased by the consumption of protein-rich foods.

The effect of food is both stressful and healing. It has its absolute as well as negative effects. There are food like chocolate and caffeine that provide excitement initially. Caffeine improves focus and is stimulating. The type of breakfast lunch or dinner you have makes all the distinction in your mood. If you have a nourishing breakfast that includes yogurt and fresh juices make you fell fresh and progressive. While a heavy lunch with extra calories and carbohydrates makes you feel lazy and sleepy. There are foods that make us feel calm and boost the energy levels. They also improve are concentration power and mental alertness. Then there are foods that can decrease energy and have a bad effect on the mood. The food has a direct development in the body and brains.

There are foods such as fish, meat and poultry that work as mental and energy boosters as they comprise tyrosine, the amino acid that helps produce two neurotransmitters that have been linked to increased mental alertness. Then there are foods like potatoes that are rich in carbohydrates that relax you because they have the amino acid that helps produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that eases anxiety and feelings of depression.

The type of food you take is reflected in your health and mood. If you do not eat a balanced or sustaining food you feel low. Your body looks out of shape and get a feeling of low self esteem. You feel stressed and unhappy without realizing the purpose behind it the food you have.

About The Author
Hamza Davis is a top distributor with Juice Plus. He is committed to promoting health and wellness. To receive greater information, please visit http://www.iluvjuiceplus.com

Yoga For Arthritis

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 06:11:00 +0000

by: Roger Thompson

Living with arthritis pain is not something that anyone would like to happen to them, and the need to find arthritis pain relief is on top of most sufferers’ minds. It could mean taking a pill, performing gentle exercises, stretching or trying some other means to obtain relief. So, if you have tried all other avenues and are still not satisfied with various methods of obtaining arthritis pain relief, then you would do well to consider practicing yoga that has been proven to be able to provide significant arthritis pain relief, as well as some other benefits too.

With the help of yoga, you can become stronger and more flexible as well as confident - even if you are suffering from arthritis. It is quite usual for an arthritic to cut down on his or her activities that will not however, be of much help as it can cause further stiffening of the joints as also extra pain. Your best bet under these circumstances would be to turn to practicing yoga exercises that will improve your blood circulation and it will also strengthen the bones and muscles. With yoga exercises, you should find that your confidence returns and you are able to live a full life once more, in spite of your arthritis condition.

Yoga for arthritis pain relief does not mean bending and contorting your body into weird and impossible positions just to get relief for your arthritis pain. It may be enough that you just practice breathing as also self-awareness, both of which are the core of yoga exercises, and which should help you find relief, even if you are merely standing and breathing using a yoga exercise known as Mountain Pose.

Yoga exercises can be modified to treat arthritics and they are useful and effective arthritis pain relief methods that only require using chairs, bolsters and some other props, which will still provide you with the complete benefits of yoga, and which may even result in your being able to dispense with the props in due course of time thanks to the effectiveness of such yoga exercises.

You may also need to consider where the best place to practice yoga is for your arthritis pain relief. Do you want to go to a yoga studio or do it at home? The choice is entirely up to you, and there are also many DVDs available that show arthritics how the yoga exercises shown in the DVDs can help you because such exercises are being performed by those already affected by yoga.

The bottom line is that you will not harm yourself by trying any of the various yoga exercises for arthritis pain relief available to you. On the contrary, yoga should significantly contribute to providing pain relief and you will become more healthy and also enjoy life more, and find yourself becoming happier and more confident thanks to yoga.

About The Author
Roger Thompson writes articles on arthritis & pain relief for http://arthritisrelief.info

Learn How to Apply a Simple Equation for Success in Your Life

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 05:41:00 +0000

Author: Susan Burgess

I get sick of hearing the comments; 'I don't have enough energy to be successful.'

Or, 'you are more successful because you have more energy than me.'

How much energy do you need to aim for success?

Energy can be defined as 'the capacity for vigorous activity; available power; the capacity to do the work.'

Success can be defined as 'a favorable outcome; the gaining of wealth and fame.'

My definition of success is 'using your available power to achieve your desired outcome (success).'

If your desired outcome is failure you will need the same energy to be a successful failure, than you will need to be a successful successor!

In mathematical terms,
Success = (energy applied + desired success related outcomes).
Failure = (energy applied + desired failure related outcomes).

Focusing on the negative takes as much energy as focusing on the positive.
Being depressed about your failures takes the same energy as being elated with your successes.

So if the level of energy used to be miserable is the same as what is needed to be successful why is it that some will and some won't be successful when both expand the same amount of energy?

There are the group who will comment that success is all based on how lucky you are, or that you were in the right place at the right time, or that you shop or business was in the right position for your good fortune to just happen. Well for the majority of successful people, luck has never played a role and the other two suggestions are the result of planning and applying the success equation.

'The Secret' movie has created incredible interest worldwide, with inputs in the movie from successful and wealthy people, who all followed the same map. Media commentaries and news headlines have emerged relating to those who have (allegedly) ripped off as many systems as they could to gain success, at the same time reportedly using the concepts portrayed in the movie; to the group who have supposedly followed the flow and dreamed up their success only to still be a failure. Let's not forget those who continue to whine that they just hate all this fluffy stuff that is going on around them.

'The Secret' did its job, it created success for the journalistic producer, whether you like it or not and the secret or the science behind 'the Secret' has been making people successful for a very long time, also whether you believe it or not, the concepts will continue to lead people to success for a very long time to come.

Why is it, that globally, there are a group of successful people who have previously been 'street people', drug users, school dropouts and English or Math failures or ex janitors with limited education? What is it that this group of people has, or what is it that they have developed to be so successful and living the life of their desires?

Part of the answer is to get a mentor, no matter what areas you want to add improvement to in your life, common sense, or your inner gut feeling, will tell you this, go and find yourself a mentor or a coach.

But, and there is a big but and this is where the majority come to the brick wall. This is the total crux of the matter and it doesn't matter how many books, programs, DVD's, seminars you attend or business ventures you get involved in, until you totally understand and take a grip of what rules you, governs your behavior, what controls your thinking, what controls the system that you have filed deep within your brain cells nothing will change.

You will continue to try to use the equation of success as previously mentioned, but without the real science, success will continue to evade you.

Success is a science, numerous books have been written on how the science works and there are variables (obstacles) that just pop up in people's lives that need to be negotiated if a success outcome is to be achieved. I always find it so interesting how one can lead their life obstacle free, until the time comes to change their life!

As success requires a little bit more than just your ordinary energy and a strong desire, I developed my equation for success believing that if you live by it each and every day (that is the big ask) you will achieve your goals. By studying the great minds of our past century and those that are successful, no matter what we set out to do requires a blueprint, or a roadmap, but it also requires the ingredient that inspires the momentum - a shift in conscious thinking - a shift in your mindset.

Having worked with children with disabilities, including blind children, (most don't regard themselves as having disability) I have had the gratification of learning the following amazing success equations;

SELF DETERMINATION = (knowledge - pity) + (skills x confidence) + blind role models

SUCCESS =self-determination + (talent x perseverance)

The equation that leads these children to be successful in life led me to develop my equation, an equation that has led me to my success; my suggestion is to put a blindfold on for at least one full day and you will get the secret ingredient necessary for success, the change in mindset, the most important secret ingredient to your success.

You don't have to be brilliant at math to master the success equation just apply it;

SUCCESS = (mindset + knowledge) + (action x perseverance) + mentor.

About the Author:
Susan Burgess is a Success Mentor,Author, Reg N Dip NEd, who believes in helping people through a combination of life skills and wealth management. For more information on how to remove the obstacles in your life visit http://www.wiseuptowealth.com to receive Wise Up to Wealth Newsletter and other free gifts.
Submit Articles at ArticlesBase.com

An Apple Juice A Day May Keep Asthma Away

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 05:38:00 +0000

Author: Pat Carpenter

Researchers have discovered that kids in Dallas, Houston and the rest of Texas who drink lots of apple juice may be less likely to develop asthma symptoms. The National Heart and Lung Institute research is the latest to issue a study linking apples and individual human health.

The study found that children who drank apple juice daily were half as likely to suffer from wheezing as those who drank it less than once a month. The study concluded that eating fresh apples themselves gave no apparent benefits to children.

Researchers studied five to 10-year-old schoolchildren in the Greenwich area of London, asking parents about their child's fruit intake and any symptoms the children suffered. While there was no link found between apple juice consumption and a reduced chance of an actual asthma diagnosis, there was a strong link between wheezing and drinking the juice.

The appearance of wheezing symptoms is one of the most important signs that a child is at risk for asthma, although many children with the symptoms may not be diagnosed with the illness. There was a similar, but not as strong a benefit found for children eating bananas at least once a day, compared with less than once a month. The apple juice involved in the study was not fresh apple juice. Long-life juices made from apple juice concentrate were equally as effective.

Dr Peter Burney, who led the study, said that it was possible that "phytochemicals" in apples, such as flavanoids and phenolic acids, helped to calm the inflammation in the airways, which is a key feature of both wheezing and asthma.

He said it currently isn't clear why a link between eating apples themselves and reduced asthma symptoms -- already spotted in adult studies -- didn't appear among the children in this study. "Further studies are needed to confirm the protective effects of apple juice and bananas," he said.

Dr Mike Thomas, an Asthma researcher at the University of Aberdeen, said that the study was further evidence of the protective effect of apples.

Recent research from the university suggested that women who ate a diet heavy in apples during pregnancy were protecting their unborn children against asthma. "There is some evidence that a healthy diet rich in anti-oxidants and vitamins is good for asthma," Thomas said. "It is yet another reason why we should be encouraging a healthy diet."

Other recent studies suggest that apple consumption can help control weight gain, lower the risk of heart disease and fight cancer. And though most people think the flesh of the apple is the most delicious part, the skin is actually the most nutritious.

Apple skin contains 4 milligrams of quercetin, an anti-oxident compound that prevents oxygen molecules from damaging individual cells, which can prevent cell changes that could lead to cancer. A Finnish study recently showed that men who had a high intake of quercetin lowered their risk of heart disease by 20 percent. This compound has also been shown to inhibit the growth of tumors and keep cancer cells from spreading.

The insoluble fiber found in apples has a host of other benefits. The apple skin is considered roughage and is a great remedy for constipation. Insoluble fiber also helps the digestive tract run smoothly, helping prevent diverticulosis, which is a condition that can lead to colon cancer. Another benefit of apple's insoluble fiber is its filling effect, which is an appetite suppressant.

Apples also contain soluble fiber, which forms a gel-like material in the digestive tract that can help lower cholesterol, as well as stroke and heart disease risk. One of an apple's more well-known soluble fibers is pectin. Pectin reduces the amount of cholesterol produced in the liver, slows both digestion and the rise of blood sugar, making it ideal for diabetics.

As you'll discover, what you put into your body will affect your health. And your health, good or bad, will eventually affect your bank account as well.

About the Author:
Pat Carpenter writes for Precedent Insurance Company. Precedent puts a new spin on health insurance. Learn more at Precedent.com
Submit Articles at ArticlesBase.com

Exercise and Fat Loss – Effective Steps to Successful Fat Loss

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 05:31:00 +0000

by: Michael Lee

Exercise and fat loss may not be as easy as some advertisements claim it to be; oftentimes, you don’t reap the fruits of your labor until much time and effort has been exerted. However, by knowing and applying a few simple exercise and fat loss principles, you will not only lose stubborn fat effectively, but you’ll be able to keep it off successfully as well.

Exercise Any Chance You Get

Keep moving. Make yourself busy with errands. Walk or ride a bike instead of driving to the store. If you do take the car, park as far away from the entrance as possible and walk the rest of the way there. Do the same at work. Shun the elevator and make a beeline for the stairs. Take a walk around your office building for fifteen minutes during lunch. At home, perform household chores — from the dishes to the laundry. Not only are you getting a nifty workout, you’re getting things done, too. Remember, as long as you’re on the move, you’re burning calories.

Muscle burns fat and calories all day long, even when you stay put and do absolutely nothing. Therefore, build more muscle! Do weights or strength training as this boosts metabolism, so that you’re still losing the fat long after you’ve cooled down. You may notice at first that your body seems to be doing anything but lose weight, but that only means you’re gaining muscle tissue, which will then help you lose fat and drop the pounds eventually.

When doing aerobic or cardiovascular exercises, the best time for this would be first thing in the morning, when your body does not have any carbohydrates to burn. To get the energy needed for your workout, your body will burn fat instead. Make sure you drink lots of water beforehand, though, to prevent dehydration.

One great motivation for having a proper exercise and fat loss program, as well as building muscle tissue, is the food you get to eat. If you’ve got plenty of muscles, then you can afford to eat a little more; and you don’t have to worry about your body hoarding all the calories as the muscle will just burn them right up anyway. That’s not to say, however, that you’re free to gorge on all the chips and sweets you can eat to your heart’s desire (and demise). Neither should you deprive yourself of the occasional treat. Moderation is key. Remember, proper diet and nutrition go hand in hand with exercise.

Lose the Lard by Eating Right

Eat frequently but not heavily. Eating five or six small meals throughout the day is ideal than eating three bigger meals. Do not plunge yourself headlong into this, leaving no room to get accustomed to it. Take time to adjust, until you are comfortable with fewer portions at every meal. This strategy also helps the body absorb nutrients more efficiently as it has fewer amounts to work on each time. Keep in mind to consume the most food at breakfast, and the least at dinner, as you have a whole day ahead of you to burn those calories you acquired in the morning.

Never allow yourself to get hungry as this slows metabolism considerably. When that happens, your body is not able to burn as much fat as you would like. Instead, it will only get ‘greedy’ and will want to hold on to whatever you feed it when you do decide to eat, thus, making it more difficult to shed the extra fat.

Do not load up on carbohydrates, as this will keep your body too preoccupied to concentrate on the fat. Eat protein-rich foods like fish, poultry, eggs, beans, milk, and tofu, because protein takes longer to digest and requires the most energy in doing so. Thus, the act of digesting is, in itself, a calorie buster. Fiber foods such as wheat bread will make you fuller faster and, like water, is also very effective in flushing out toxins from the body.

Following a proper exercise and fat loss program really aren’t that complicated after all. And don’t worry about the smallest of actions not making the slightest bit of difference. They do. The numbers may be negligible, but they all add up eventually—and quite sizably, too.

About The Author
Self-help expert Michael Lee has prepared a FREE extreme fat-burning course that reveals amazing secrets on quick weight loss and how to lose belly fat fast at http://www.20daypersuasion.com/fat-secret.htm

What You Need To Know About Hair Extensions

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 04:08:00 +0000

Introduction

Hair extensions are a hot trend with all women. The intrigue is sparked by the convenience and aesthetic of owning one or more hair extension pieces. Like purchasing a wig, owning hair extensions provides the opportunity to change your look with ease without the hassle or the expense of attending professional salons.

Types of hair extensions

Clip-on extensions are the most popular form of extensions. They are easy to use and are not harmful to your own hair. You can choose from synthetic hair extensions or natural hair extensions.

How to choose your hair extensions

You can choose an extension of color to match your own hair, or choose another color of your liking. The good news is that hair extensions are offered in a variety of colors, so you have the freedom to implement any hue desired.

Hair of any style will look great with hair extensions. Whether you have curly, wavy, or straight hair, you can find a matching hair extension piece. Styling hair extensions is easy; so, you can be more versatile with your style.

The life of hair extensions

How long an extension lasts will be largely contingent on its use and maintenance. Be sure to follow all care instructions in regards to storage and care. Most hair extensions have a life span of up to seven months or more. A hair extension that is often styled will have a shorter lifespan than one worn intermittently and not continuously styled.

Cost

There are different styles and brands of hair extensions, so costs are varied. Natural hairpieces will cost more than synthetic pieces, and brands that are more popular will be priced higher too. A good idea is to look at a variety of selections to match your desired taste:

You can choose from ponies and wraps, cheerleader ponies, wedding styles, clip-ons, and extensions (to name a few).

Jessica Simpson, Beverly Johnson, and Raquel Welch are three celebrities that offer their own line of quality extensions.

About the Author:
WigShop.com provides the ultimate resource for wigs and quality hair pieces. Our complete collection offers a variety of wig sizes, styles and colors to help you easily find what you're looking for. Submit Articles at ArticlesBase.com

Secrets To Being Happy And Beautiful

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 04:07:00 +0000

Author: Hazel Leong

Happiness is not an end-all product. It is actually one of the factors in keeping one's beauty. Being happy is one of the key things that keep a person healthy and beautiful. This article tries to give some tips on how to maintain beauty by being happy.

Happiness

How does one actually define happiness? Is it a state of mind or just an emotion? There are many schools of thought with regards to defining happiness. Whether it is a state of mind or just an emotion, people would know how to internally define what happiness is. Feeling good about oneself and his surroundings is a general definition of happiness.

Happiness is said to be directly correlated somewhat with one's physical state. Yes, it doesn't necessarily have any effect on the inborn attributes of a person, but it does affect the glow of one's skin, the shine of one's hair and the overall aura of a person.

Tips on how to stay happy

Positive light

People have a choice regarding how they perceive things. Everything is subject to one's view and we can use a positive light to be able to see through things. Seeing positively is one of the key secrets of a happy person. Yes, life is composed of ups and downs but people should always remember that there is a silver lining for all the upsets that are happening in their lives. When you are in good health and take care of yourself on the inside, it's bound to radiate to the outside! Find out more about weightlifting workouts that keeps you in good, healthy shape.

Down with stress

Work is usually equated with stress and stress is mainly a key driver of unhappiness. It's all about making the right choice and the proper budgeting of one's time and energy. There are people who stay well and happy even though they are subject to stressful work because they know how to allocate time and energy and they love what they are doing.

Exercise

Research has revealed that exercising regularly delivers emotional and mental boosts. Exercise improves one's mood, self-esteem and confidence. A recent study done in Duke University has shown that regular exercise is very much effective in reducing depression, tension, confusion and anger. What are the secrets celebrities are using to shed pounds after pounds? Secrets revealed at http://www.diets-weightloss.info

Take a time out

Taking a rest, whether it be a long vacation or intermittent breaks during work, will benefit a person greatly.

Being happy makes one beautiful and being beautiful makes one happy. It's a good cycle that one has to get into. It's all about taking that first step towards self-liberation down to the road of happiness.

About the Author:
The key to an overall attractive appearance is projecting a positive, friendly attitude. Find out more about diets and exercise plan to looking totally great. Submit Articles at ArticlesBase.com

How To Beat The Signs of Aging

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 04:06:00 +0000

by: Barry Lycka

They say that eyes are the windows to the soul. If that's true, then how much more can people tell about you by looking at your skin, especially those areas that get noticed first? Your face, hands, and neck, and-depending on the outfit-your upper chest are almost always exposed. Your skin speaks volumes about you and your general health and lifestyle before you ever have the chance to utter a word. What your skin says is only part of your story, but that story gets more complex as the years go by, leaving telltale signs of the ups and downs of your life right there on the surface for everyone to see. And time marches ever onward.

Fortunately, so does the science of skin care technology! While this science has brought a plethora of skin rejuvenating and resurfacing options in recent years, there's a brand new one that promises to create quite a buzz in the medspa And medical community. Recently, at the International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference held in Las Vegas, June 2-4 a new treatment was introduced, the Ultimate MicroLaser Peel . This revolutionary laser system offers spa clients a safe and effective treatment for pigmentation, texture, tone and fine eye lines with little to no downtime or discomfort. The Ultimate MicroLaser Peel laser system is designed for medspa and medical clients who are looking for simple, preventive, topical skin treatment options, without much downtime.

What is a medspa? Think of it as your typical day spa…with advanced options. Short for medical spa, a medspa operates under the full-time supervision of a licensed healthcare professional. Spa therapists and medical personnel work together, integrating clinical-grade aesthetic enhancement and spa treatments/concepts. Most services are minimally invasive and require little downtime, though guests may be able to meet with an on-site surgeon to discuss more in depth treatments.

How does the Ultimate MicroLaser Peel Treatment work? The best way to answer this question is to think of your skin as an image on a television screen. TV images are actually made up of millions of tiny pixels, the sum of which makes up the entire picture. Like so many pixels, Ultimate MicroLaser Peel affects only a fraction of your skin at a time with microscopic laser columns no wider than the width of a hair. This process creates a pattern of evenly spaced microscopic laser "spots" that are actually pinpointed single skin cells. Because the skin surrounding the spots is not treated, healing occurs quickly, leaving virtually no telltale signs. Repeated treatments create additional spots, until the entire skin surface is treated. According to Dr. Lycka, "the precise treatment eliminates old, damaged surface cells and penetrates deep into the inner layers of the skin (dermis) to initiate and encourage the body's own natural healing process. As healing begins, the damaged skin is replaced with fresh, healthy skin and new collagen is formed deep in the subsurface layers."

It is the perfect way to improve texture, tone and pores; erase unwanted brown spots; smooth wrinkles and acne scars; and rejuvenate your neck, chest and hands…all with minimal downtime.

Does it hurt? This laser treatment is relatively painless, though a topical anesthesia may be applied prior to the treatment. If a significant area will be treated, your doctor will consult with you to develop a pain management approach.

How many treatments will I need? Because roughly 20-25% of the skin in any treated area is affected with each application, 3 to 5 sessions are generally required to reap the greatest results. Sessions are optimally scheduled 2-4 weeks apart, which means that your skin will enjoy a subtle, ongoing journey toward gaining a youthful, vibrant glow.

What about recovery? Most likely, you'll find yourself back at work or play within a few days of your treatment. Of course, it all depends on your skin condition and the scope of your treatment. For about 5-7 days, you'll look and feel like the affected area has a mild sunburn. This is actually a normal sign that your skin is healing. If you have any swelling at all, it will be mild and will disappear within a couple of days or so. New epidermal skin forms in about 24 hours. Essentially, the Ultimate MicroLaser Peel treatment will expedite an extended healing process. Following the initial redness, your skin will have a bronze appearance lasting anywhere from 3 to 14 days, depending on your treatment level. All the while, your skin will flake, naturally and vigorously exfoliating as new skin cells replace dead ones. Moisturizer can lessen the signs of flaking. Of course, you should continuously wear sunscreen, too, for several months after treatments and wear hats when in direct sunlight. Give your skin ample time to heal. Remember, your skin is a veritable billboard that travels with you everywhere you go, telling everyone you meet about your health and lifestyle. Why not make it your greatest asset when it comes to the image you project?

About The Author
Barry A. S. Lycka is one of North America's foremost authorities on cosmetic, skin cancer, reconstructive and laser surgery of the skin. He is founder of The Ethical Cosmetic Surgery Association (http://.ecsaonline.com )and advisor to th spa industry ( ie - http://www.EdmontonsBestSpa.com).

Massage: Stomach Discomfort

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 03:54:00 +0000

Massage can be applied to be used for many bodily ailments and discomfort. It can be used when you have a tendency to feel bloating in the stomach and you feel as if you have indigestion. You feel uncomfortable in your abdominal area especially after eating. You feel that you have swallowed too much air or have eaten something that is not digesting well.

In such a situation, you can get rid of the air in your stomach and hence reduce the tension in the stomach and intestinal walls. Otherwise there can be full blown pain when the stomach and intestinal walls are stretched excessively by the air and gas trapped within them.

You can press your knuckles into the abdominal wall in the midline just below the rib cage. When you find a tender area, you can hold the pressure longer at that area. The tender areas will most likely be at the upper abdominal region and you can massage the area with your knuckles until it feels softer and less tender to touch.

You can also massage all sections of the abdominal wall using your fist to thump until you hear gurgling movements in the stomach and intestines. This will help you belch to release the air and reduce the tension inside the stomach and intestines. Drinking several glasses of warm water will help in initiating stomach and intestinal movements and help expel gas.

To be more effective in getting movements in the stomach and intestines, you can use your fist to thump the mid-back and lower back muscles also. Tightness of the muscles of the middle and lower back tends to make the abdominal wall lax. Relaxing the back muscles will help to contract the abdominal wall better and release the trapped air inside the stomach and intestines.

If you have a shiatsu massager or an electric massager you must use it to massage the back muscles along the entire spine. By massaging the abdominal wall and the entire back muscles effectively as soon as you start feeling stomach area discomfort, you can prevent abdominal pain from developing.

Also use heat on the muscles of the abdominal wall and the entire spine to keep the muscles soft and relaxed before and after massage.

Jennifer Chu, M.D., founder of eToims Soft Tissue Comfort Center® is also President and CEO of eToims Medical Technology LLC, a medical device company with training programs in eToims® Twitch Relief Method. She is an Emeritus Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Pennsylvania, where has been on faculty for more than 30 years. www.stopmusclepain.com

Self Care For Ingrown Toenails

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 04:05:00 +0000

So you have an ingrown toenail?

And you don't exactly want to seek out your health care provider first.

Well there are a few tips for self-care for ingrown toenails that you can try to see if it alleviates some of the pain and redness associated with the ingrown toenail before you see your physician.

However, it is important to remember if you are a diabetic or if you have peripheral vascular disease or even if you have any other sort of nerve condition that limits the feeling in your feet, then you must not delay and you must see your health care to physician first.

If you have these health conditions you should not attempt self-care for ingrown toenails.

But if you have relatively good health and you feel up to trying to tackle some of the self-care for ingrown toenails, then let's get to it. A successful home treatment of your ingrown nail may prevent the need for surgery.

One of the first things that you can do for your ingrown toenail is to wash your foot twice a day. Pay close attention to the affected area.

Wash the area gently with soap and water and then dry thoroughly. During the remainder of the day to make sure that you keep your foot clean and dry.

Self-care for ingrown toenails that often feels the best is to soak your foot in warm water at least four times a day. There is no need to add any antibacterial agents or even any soap to the soaking water. Soak your foot for approximately 20 minutes.

When selecting your footwear for the day it is important to remember to avoid tight fitting shoes. It is also important to avoid high heel shoes or those with a narrow toe box. You might also consider wearing open toe sandals especially if you are having a lot of pain with your ingrown toenail.

One of the most important aspects of ingrown toenail self-care is to try to lift up the corner of the toenail that is digging its way into the skin.

Take a very tiny piece of cotton or gauze and roll it between your fingers to form a wick or small roll. Then place the roll between the toenail and the skin to keep it elevated and to keep it from continuing to dig into the delicate skin area.

There is just no way around it. This is incredibly painful.

But this is also the most important part of self-care for ingrown toenails. This home treatment can help you to avoid surgery. After every 20 minutes that you spend soaking your toe and after drying your feet thoroughly try to push the roll in a little farther each and every time.

Home care therapies for ingrown toenails may also include the use of pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

If the pain relievers and the self-care for ingrown toenails have not helped you to see improvement after 72 hours, then it will be necessary for you to contact your health care provider to get the medical assistance that you need. You do not want to ignore an ingrown toenail as it can progress into an infection.

Self-care for ingrown toenails is easy to do and not that time-consuming.

But if you choose to ignore the ingrown toenail you are asking for further complications down the road.

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For more information on sore feet be sure to visit sore-foot-remedies.com you'll find advice on foot pain causes such as ingrown toenail , plantar fasciitis, and more
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