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Yoga for Relaxation

2008-09-24T22:05:00.001-07:00

Discover the true meaning of yoga?

In taking any modern yoga class, you will find parallels to ballet. Like ballet, the promise of poise, grace and flexibility encourages much interest. Yet if yoga is like any other exercise, it is only at first glance. Underneath the coveted health and fitness benefits of modern yoga practice are the roots of a great spiritual tradition blending cultures and religions.

Unfortunately, through the westernization of yoga, we have lost an essential component of this peaceful practice. Though the ritual remains intact the meaning has gone astray. Where previously the postures of yoga practice were merely a branch of a tree; today they are viewed by western society as the tree itself. How do we bring meaning to our poses?

Modern Yoga?s Roots and Benefits

Though the development of yoga cannot be pinned to an exact year, the discovery of the Indus seals, which show figures in the classic yoga asana (posture) of lotus pose, trace yoga back to at least 3000 BCE. At this time the Vedas were being written, which today?s yoga postures are derived from. These gave birth to Vedic yoga, which accommodated the ancient Indians fixation on ritual and sacrifice. We see evidence of the importance of sacrifice in the yogic corpse posture. Lying as though we were placed in a coffin, this represents the ultimate sacrifice-that of death. Though seemingly morbid, corpse posture is one of hope when we understand that according to the Vedanta sutras, death results in liberation

Sacrifice was meant to join the material and the physical, and create the longed-for ?union? that defines the word Yoga. The Vedanta sutras (vs.4:4,13-14) declare that the liberated soul is not materially motivated.. By asking us to free ourselves from the bondage of material motivation, compassion requires us to be selfless. Surely, this giving is an exercise in compassion. Even still, the modern practice of yoga facilitates this. Through postures and stillness, we alter our consciousness and therefore change our perspective. In our new realization of others as being part of the cosmic whole, we feel that in giving to them we are also giving to ourselves.

The ancient philosophy of yoga saw its postures as part of a greater whole. Thousands of years ago during the time of Astanga yoga, posture practice was one piece of a more important whole. Astanga yoga, which originated during Vedic India, was derived of eight branches; yama (control and discipline), niyama (rules, methods and principle), asana (posture), pranayama (focused breathing), prathyahara(avoidance of undesirable action),dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation) and samadhi (contemplation). In contrast, most contemporary yoga focuses on postures and uses breath work as a small component or an afterthought. Though admittedly, the current vision of yoga over-emphasizes asana, it is extremely important and has enormous benefits. The medically studied benefits of yoga include the following: Stress reduction, improved muscle strength and tone, increased energy and flexibility, improved balance and coordination and a reduction in depression. . Moving with Compassion

Through most of asana practice, we are unconsciously engaging in physical metaphor. Many yoga postures are named after and imitate the living world; tree pose, eagle pose, frog pose, cat pose. By developing postures that imitate the stance of animals, the vedic seers may have been seeking not only to embrace the qualities of these animals, but to formulate compassion for them. The way that compassion serves as a partner to yoga?s goal of liberation can be understood through reading the ancient yogic texts. Understand these vedas; whether they be the Rig Veda (knowledge of praise),Yajur-Veda (knowledge of sacrifice), Sama Veda (knowledge of chants), and Atharva-Veda(knowledge of atharvan), is likelier while deep in meditation. Understanding the vedic sutras, we are permitted to experience a bliss unknown through material grasping.

In this state everyday experiences fade away and a greater perspective unfolds. Over time, meditation also allows us to become more intuitive and receptive. This opens us up to others, enhancing our compassionate nature. This experience has been discussed by Eastern sacred-text expert ?H.P. Blavatsky?s in ?The Voice of the Silence.? Blavatsky writes: ?Compassion is no attribute. IT is the LAW of LAWS?eternal Harmony, Alaya?s SELF; a shoreless universal essence, the light of everlasting Right, and fitness of all things, the law of love eternal.?

In order to experience compassion for others we must first extend it to ourselves. Straining too forcefully in a pose is counter to compassion. Why? Yoga teaches us that we are all connected, so when we hurt ourselves this pain eventually reaches others. Instead we must strive for gentle self-acceptance, competing with nobody-not even ourselves. This is essential to a rewarding experience of yoga.

Postures for Peace

By the time of Patanjali?s yoga sutras, which were written near the beginning of the common era, we begin to see a discussion of the more practical aspects of yoga. Posture is discussed (be it mainly for meditative purposes), as is concentration of the mind during this exercise. In the Yoga-Sutra, Patanjali presents relaxation as the very essence of yoga practice. He teaches us that posture should be steady and comfortable .This sentiment is reflected in the postures (asanas) of today?s practice. The physical dimension of yogic exercise requires us to have compassion for our limits. We are never asked to push, instead only to release. Mercifully, our small efforts are graced with us connecting to a life-force that is divine and encompassing.

Asanas urge us to see our body as divine, and to nurture health in this mortal temple. Yogic adepts understand that their body is flawed, however slender and toned it may look externally. This acknowledgement leads to less judgement of other?s bodies. However pleasing to the eye a yogis shape may be, the same vedic texts that encourage the practice of yoga for health, also remind us that true ?liberation? comes from being free of the cycle of rebirth-free of the physical form.

Yogic postures work in contrast to the western notion of exercise. Here we see exercise as an end, such as an end to overweight and fatigue. Yoga is different. While in most forms of exercise the physical results are the sole goal, in yoga the soul is the goal. The ancient tradition of yoga exercise stands apart in its doctrines. The ancient yoga texts insist that the mind and spirit are more important than the physical body. While many other eastern forms of mind-body fitness also encourage this awareness, no other physical practice has the ultimate goal of union with the divine. In yoga, the process of attaining this union is as important as the actual attainment.

Yoga practice is not a means to an end. It is an end in of itself. Even distinguished from vedas and sutras, the modern practice of yoga posture is a beautiful and calming pursuit. Though modern yoga practice makes little mention of the scriptures that it is based on, the experience of union and compassion can be woven into each pose. In doing this we are enhancing more than our practice, we are improving our life.

Galina Pembroke is an internationally published writer. In addition she publishes and edits New View magazine online, http://www.nuvunow.ca. New View is dedicated to providing unique, non-mainstream articles for personal and planetary growth. To aid this we have rapidly expanding sections on Green Living, Animal Rights and Self-Help.

Benefits of Yoga

2008-09-23T05:59:00.001-07:00

Yoga through meditation works remarkably to achieve harmony and helps the mind work in synchronization with the body. How often do we find that we are unable to perform our activities properly and in a satisfying manner because of the confusions and conflicts in our mind weigh down heavily upon us?

Stress is the number one suspect affecting all parts of our physical, endocrinal and emotional system. And with the help of yoga this things can be corrected.

At the physical level, yoga and its cleansing practices have proven to be extremely effective for various disorders.

Listed below are just some of the benefits of yoga that you can get.

Benefits of Yoga 1: Yoga is known to increase flexibility; yoga has postures that trigger the different joints of the body. Including those joints that are not acted upon with regular exercises routines.

Benefits of Yoga 2: Yoga also increases the lubrication of joints, ligament and tendons. The well-researched yoga positions exercise the different tendons and ligaments of the body.

It has also been found that the body which may have started doing yoga being a rigid one may experience a quite remarkable flexibility in the end on those parts of the body which have not been consciously worked upon.

Benefits of Yoga 3: yoga also massages all organs of the body. Yoga is perhaps the only exercise that can work on through your internal organs in a thorough manner, including those that hardly get externally stimulated during our entire lifetime.

Benefits of Yoga 4: Yoga acts in a wholesome manner on the various body parts. This stimulation and massage of the organs in turn benefits us by keeping away disease and providing a forewarning at the first possible instance of a likely onset of disease or disorder.

One of the far-reaching benefits of yoga is the uncanny sense of awareness that it develops in the practitioner of an impending health disorder or infection.

This in turn enables the person to take pre-emptive corrective action

Benefits of Yoga 5: yoga offers a complete detoxification of the body. It gently stretches the muscles and joints as we;; as massaging the various organs, yoga ensures the optimum blood supply to various parts of the body.

This helps in the flushing out of toxins from every nook and cranny of your body as well as providing nourishment up to the last point. This leads to benefits such as delayed ageing, energy and a remarkable zest for life.

Benefits of Yoga 6: yoga is also an excellent way to tone your muscles. Muscles which have been flaccid and weak are stimulated repeatedly to shed excess fats and flaccidity.

But these enormous physical benefits are just a ?side effect? of this powerful practice. What yoga does is harmonize the mind with the body and these results in real quantum benefits.

It is now an open secret that the will of the mind has enabled people to achieve extraordinary physical feats, which proves beyond doubt the mind and body connection.

In fact yoga = meditation, because both work together in achieving the common goal of unity of mind, body and spirit which can lead to an experience of eternal bliss that you can only feel through yoga.

The meditative practices through yoga help in achieving an emotional balance through detachment.

This in turn creates a remarkable calmness and a positive outlook, which also has tremendous benefits on the physical health of the body.

yogaweb.info is a website that likes to give information to people that needs information. On the site you can find a lot of advice and about 1000 informative articles, daily updated.

Were Cave Dwellers Ever Fat?

2008-09-22T09:59:00.001-07:00

In our mind's eye, we see our ancient ancestors as they have been depicted in paintings, stories, films, and scientific recreations. Small, wiry, hairy figures surrounding a huge beast, poised for the kill.

Do we know if that picture is really accurate?

We do know, from skeletal fragments that have survived, that they were definitely smaller than present day human beings. We can surmise that they were wiry from the lifestyle they pursued: irregular availability of food and long hours of daily hunting. We can assume that women started to gather plants, grasses, fruits, and seeds to provide an alternate source of sustenance to the men's only intermittently successful hunting efforts.

We have only vague timelines on when tribes started to move out of caves and into shelters they made themselves. We can only guess about the invention of cooking pots, an enormous advance from simply an open fire.

As the race became more domesticated, the variety of food expanded and therefore the availability of something to eat became more assured. Eventually, civilization sparked, agriculture was born, and eating became a process of selection and choice rather than mere consumption to stay alive. It was at this juncture, we can posit, that individual's weights started to differentiate, depending upon personal choice, the wealth or strength to obtain extras, or the physical demands of one's occupation.

What did our cavemen forbears bequeath as their legacy?

Underfed and overactive, they willed us a body that still thinks we dwell in the primordial forest. Suddenly cut back on our intake of food and the alert is sounded through the nervous system and organs of our prehistoric physiology. Famine coming, famine coming our bodies shriek and immediately our metabolism slows to a crawl. The body attempts to hold onto its fat like a Paleolithic hunter grasping his animal skin against the elements.

In the very architecture of our bodies: tail remnants, vestigial organs, and a primitive metabolic system, we carry the seeds of our own weight difficulties.

To work with our bodies, rather than constantly fight them, we need to recreate the world in which our bodies developed. While we cannot participate in a primeval hunt, we can repeatedly, over a long period of time, consume only limited calories so that our bodies don't have to worry about getting enough food, but process the little they do get rapidly and efficiently.

Our little friends, the white rats in the laboratory mazes, have proven over and over again, that consistent undereating is the pathway to good health and longevity.

For all they did for mankind in the dawn of history, the cave dwellers deserve our thanks and our respect as do the bodies they left as their testimony.

What ungrateful abuse we heap on them when we allow ourselves to grow flabby and fat, desecrating their gift and nullifying their efforts.

Virginia Bola is a licensed psychologist and an admitted diet fanatic. She specializes in therapeutic reframing and the effects of attitudes and motivation on individual goals. The author of The Wolf at the Door: An Unemployment Survival Manual, and a free ezine, The Worker's Edge, she recently published a psychologically-based weight control e-workbook, Diet with an Attitude which develops mental skills towards the goal of permanent weight control.

She can be reached at

Cognitive Therapy Why it does not Work in Every Psychological Condition

2008-09-21T14:00:00.001-07:00

A lady was once referred for treatment for emotional distress. This distress had resulted from unpleasant memories of having undergone sexual abuse. In her case cognitive therapy had been unhelpful, Her own opinion was that cognitive therapy did not address the anger and fear that she was feeling strongly .

There are many approaches in therapy that are available for anyone who wants this service. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)is the most well known, because it is the most researched form of therapy. CBT is the product of the West, where people are encouraged to think and discouraged to feel emotions. CBT is based on the premise that our thinking can change our feelings.

This is not always true. When people undergo abuse or torture, no amount of thinking is going to sort out the feeling of rage that underlies such experiences. The rage that one feels about such experiences overwhelms the thinking ability of an individual and the person still ends up acting out the emotion. In all such cases CBT fails to get any results. Yet because it has been written about widely, mental health practitioners erroneously believe that it is the only suitable form of therapy in almost all forms of psychological conditions.

A middle aged man, enraged by an ex-employee?s deception wanted to harm the ex-employee physically. Overwhelmed by anger, he felt that the only way the person would realize how they felt was by conferring physical pain. No amount of reason or logic was useful. According to him, ?action had to be taken?. The best solution in this case was to reduce the anger by releasing it. When it was done in a few minutes, he thanked me for helping him out of the situation. The perception had changed. The thoughts were non-aggressive. Needless to say, he did not act out the rage.

When our inner drives are strong, they overwhelm our thinking. At such times reason or logic is governed by the drives. Anger is one such emotion. When it takes the form of rage, the person may lash out physically. The solution does not lie in reasoning with the person, but to help the person reduce the drive. In other situations when the anger is in the form of annoyance, reason can still be used to ?distract? the person away from the issue. But the feeling stays. To distinguish between times when behaviour can be changed by thinking and when it cannot be changed by thinking requires wisdom.

Pradeep K Chadha is a psychiatrist, who has been working in the field of mind-body medicine for last many years. He prefers to work without drugs. He is the author of The Stress Barrier- Nature's Way To Overcoming Stress published by Blackhall Publishing, Dublin. He is based in Dublin, Ireland. His website address is: http://www.drpkchadha.com

Diet Pills The Answer or Not?

2008-09-20T17:59:00.001-07:00

So if diet pills work and I am overweight, why shouldn?t I use them to get myself back to where I want to be? The truth is that we live in an obese society. With that being the case, then it stands to reason that the business of losing weight is big. We are all busy, so we want the easy way out, the quick fix, and to lose those extra pounds without having to disrupt our busy lives. Diet pills seem to be an easy answer, so why not give them a try? Well there are actually two big reasons: harmful side effects and addiction (physical and emotional).

The biggest reason that the dangers on diet pills exist is that they are not really regulated. The law does not require a diet pill to be tested by the FDA before release to the public. The FDA will pull a diet pill product from the shelves if it shows to be dangerous, but by then you may already be taking that particular drug. So what are the side effects that can result from this lack of regulation?

Diet pills generally do one or two of a few things: they may suppress appetite, increase metabolism, block fat absorption, or even make use of laxatives to flush the body of waste and fluid. The chemicals in the diet pills that helps them accomplish these things have been known to cause varying side effects. Some of the best known of these are anxiety, insomnia, heart palpitations or attacks, stroke, fever, dry mouth, blurred vision, hair loss, disturbance in sex drive and menstruation, urinary tract problems, digestive problems, and even congestive heart failure. There are numerous others as well, so the risks can be high when it comes to side effects with diet pills.

The other danger with diet pills is addiction. The chemicals and drugs used in the pills can very often cause physical addiction. On the other hand, if they pills do work, even to a small degree, emotional addiction can follow. You may think that you cannot keep your weight or even live without the pills and can find yourself in the midst of complete dependency.

When there are side effect problems in conjunction with dependency, there are overdose risks as well. In the rush to lose as much weight as possible as quickly as possible, you might be tempted to take more diet pills than is recommended. The result can be convulsions, hallucinations, breathing difficult, or even a heart attack. It is important that if you feel or have any of these symptoms that you get medical attention promptly.

The risk of using diet pills is varied and high. Without regulation and with the high availability, those seeking an easy fix to a large problem may end up jumping from pill to pill, ending up addicted, or suffering terrible side effects. What many don?t realize is that the only proven way of keeping weight off for a sustained amount of time is through a balanced diet and exercise.

If you would like the latest information on the diet pills, or find more of my online articles like the one you just read, visit my health blog.

Acne and Vitamin Supplements

2008-09-18T05:59:00.001-07:00

For years, scientists, doctors, biologists, dermatologists, and dieticians have searched for and studied all of the various causes of acne. Since the majority of the worlds population suffer from acne at some point in their lives, there is no surprise that such efforts are invested in finding out how to it. While there have been some definitive answers on whether acne is hormonally induced (yes), and what can be done to prevent it (prescription drugs, certain herbal remedies, etc), there are still many unknown factors that cause acne.

However, of all the many acne questions that science is yet to find answers to, the most controversial is whether or not diet has an effect on acne.

Historically, diet was thought to be linked to acne. Doctors and housewives alike believed that a high fat content in ones diet would cause an oilier complexion, and this in turn would create acne breakouts.

However, as time went on, science found no directly link between a diet high in lipids (fat), and acne. Since acne is caused by a bacterial growth in sebum trapped in clogged pores, there is no such thing as ?extra oil secretion?. So, for at least the last 15 years, western medicine has claimed there is no connection between diet and acne.

However, a study conducted in 1997 has rekindled the flame in the ?diet causes acne? argument, and this time, with a bit more heat.

This study, conducted by Dr. Lit Hung Leung, states that Acne breakouts are because the body cannot create enough of Coenzyme A to break down the fatty acids that create sebum. The reason is, Coenzyme A is probably the single most needed enzyme in the body. This Coenzyme-A is what synthesizes sex hormones, and what breaks down fatty acids.

The only part of Coenzyme-A that the body does not produce itself is vitamin B5. So, if there is a shortage of B5, there is a shortage of Coenzyme-A. And if there is a shortage of Coenzyme-A, the body will use it to synthesize sex hormones, not break down fatty acids.

So, you can see where this is going?more fatty acids, more sebum production, more acne.

Now, the interesting thing is that Dr. Lit Hung Leung substantiated this claim by testing it on 100 people. The group took 10 grams or more per day of pantothenic acid ( B5 ), and used a B5 topical cream of 20% by weight. After 2-3, sebum production was reduced, and many people with acne noticed a reduction. For those with more extreme acne, a higher dosage of B5 was used (approx. 15-20 grams per day), and treatment was prolonged to see an effect, sometimes up to 6 months.

So, while one study does not definitively prove whether B5 can prevent or reduce acne, it may well be worth considering, particularly for those who want a natural or herbal cure for acne, and do not want to use chemicals such as benzoyl peroxide, or other prescription acne treatments.

As with any medical treatment, it is best to consult a doctor before trying a B5 regimine.

Greg Podsakoff is a former acne sufferer, and is the editor of acne treatments website, http://www.acne-treatments-guide.com

The Benefits of Building Your Fibromyalgia Support Network

2008-09-17T09:59:00.001-07:00

Fibromyalgia can affect every aspect of your life, including your relationships. It?s important to develop a strong network of support to help you cope with the physical, emotional, and mental symptoms of this condition. As part of this support group, you should seek out a Fibromyalgia network that can connect you with others who can empathize with your condition.

A Fibromyalgia network found at http://www.fibromyalgia-support.org can help improve your life in a number of ways:

1. Improves Your Quality of Life: Fibromyalgia can change or limit your physical and emotional life. It can be difficult to remember what life was like before you became a Fibromyalgia sufferer. Connecting with others who have been in your position can help you remember that there are many aspects of your life that are not affected by your condition. Your values, your character, your imagination, your generosity, and your creativity are just a few of the factors of your life that are not disabled by Fibromyalgia.

2. Uncover New Skills and Talents: People who suffer from Fibromyalgia tend to focus quite a bit on the skills, talents, and activities that they can no longer do. But a Fibromyalgia network can connect you with other people who have Fibromyalgia and still continue to try new activities and skills. Through you Fibromyalgia network you may discover new talents and skills that you never even knew you had.

3. Increase Self Esteem: Fibromyalgia can be a very debilitating condition, not just physically, but emotionally as well. It can be difficult to constantly rely on others for help with physical tasks. Many people who suffer from Fibromyalgia have low self-esteem as result. A strong Fibromyalgia network can help you put your problems in perspective. And through the network, you meet even meet other Fibromyalgia sufferers that need emotional support from you. There's nothing better for your self-esteem than helping others in need.

4. Take Control: The pain and fatigue of Fibromyalgia can make you feel like you have completely lost control. It is so important for you to take control of some aspect of your life. And a Fibromyalgia network can help you accomplish this by putting you in touch with others who have been where you are. Whether you decide to run the church choir, or create a beautiful herb garden, you can share your success with those in your network.

5. Understand Your Symptoms: Fibromyalgia seems to affect so many aspects of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It can be difficult to understand which symptoms are actually caused by your condition, and which ones are actually cause for concern. Symptoms of Fibromyalgia can sometimes mimic or mask the symptoms of other conditions. You should keep in close contact with your health care provider, to inform him or her about the status of your symptoms. But a Fibromyalgia network can also give you a better idea about which symptoms you should pay closer attention to.

6. Manage Your Time: It can be very difficult to manage day to day activities along with the pain and fatigue of Fibromyalgia. A good Fibromyalgia network can help you connect with others who have been in a similar situation and can offer tips, ideas, and suggestions for effectively prioritizing your tasks and accomplishing the necessary tasks.

7. Take Care of Yourself: Caring for your medical needs can seem like a full-time job. You need the support of a Fibromyalgia network to remind you to take care of yourself beyond your medical condition. What are the other interests or needs in your life? What do you want to do more or less of?

8. Evaluate Your Health Care Professional: Fibromyalgia can be subjective in its symptoms and its diagnosis. And it can be very difficult to find a health care provider who thoroughly understands your condition. Talking with others in your Fibromyalgia network can give you a better idea of quality of recommendations your health care provider is offering.

Dr. Edward F. Group III, D.C., Ph.D. is an internationally recognized weight loss and fibromyalgia expert and the President of Houston-based Global Healing Center. For more information on fibromyalgia treatment, visit The Fibromyalgia Treatment Center at http://www.fibromyalgia-support.org

Living Healthy with Diabetes

2008-09-16T13:59:00.001-07:00

Diabetes affects around 16 million Americans and about 800,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Diabetes attacks men, women, children and the elderly. It spares no race.

Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, blindness in Adults and amputations. It is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and birth defects and it shortens life expectancy by up to 15 years. So you can see what I am up against. It is up to me to make sure that none of these things ever happen to my daughter. My daughter Ashley has Diabetes Type 1. She will be 10 years old March 15th. Ashley has been a diabetic for 5 years.

Five years ago I was totally overwhelmed by all that information. I felt helpless and depressed. I was sure this was a death sentence for my daughter. This was because of my total ignorance of Diabetes. A person can live a full life with Diabetes. It just takes some extra care. A good diet plays an important part in a Diabetics life. They need to put together a meal plan with their doctor & dietitian. My daughter has several meals a day. She has breakfast, a snack, lunch, a snack, dinner & another snack. She has these meals at the same time every day. This is important. It helps keep her body on a schedule and her blood sugar regulated. Skipping meals and snacks may lead to large swings in blood sugar readings. To keep blood sugar levels near normal a Diabetic must balance the food they eat with the insulin the body gets from injections and with physical activities. Blood sugar monitoring gives you the information you need to help with this balancing. Near normal blood sugar readings will help you feel better. Normal is between 70 and 120. They will also reduce your chances of complications.

Lets talk about how a Diabetic needs to eat. Everyone needs to eat nutritious foods. Our good health depends on eating a variety of foods that contain the right amount of Carbohydrate, Protein, Fat, Vitamins, Minerals, Fiber and Water. Carbohydrate, Protein and Fat are found in the food that you eat. They supply your body with energy. Your body needs insulin to use this energy. Insulin is made in the pancreas. If you have Diabetes, either your pancreas is no longer producing insulin or your body can?t use the insulin it is making. So your blood sugar levels are not normal.

Starch and Sugar in foods are Carbohydrates. You can find starch in breads, pasta, cereal, potatoes, beans, peas and lentils. Natural sugars are in fruits, milk and vegetables. There are added sugars in desserts, candy, jam and syrup. All of these Carbohydrates can affect your blood sugar. When you eat Carbohydrates they turn into glucose and travel in your bloodstream. Insulin helps the glucose enter the beta cells in your pancreas where it can be turned into energy and stored. Eating the same amount of Carbohydrate daily at meals and snacks can help you control your blood sugar levels. Protein is in meats, poultry, fish, milk and other dairy products, eggs, beans, peas and lentils. Starches and vegetables have small amounts of protein. The body uses protein for growth, maintenance and energy. Your body needs insulin to use the protein you eat.

Fat is in margarine, butter, oils, salad dressings, nuts, seeds, milk, cheese, meat, fish, poultry, snack food, ice-cream and desserts. There are three different types of fat. Monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and saturated. Everyone should eat less saturated fats found in meats, dairy products, coconut, palm or palm kernel oil, and hardened shortening.

Saturated fats can raise your blood levels of cholesterol. The fats that are best are the monounsaturated fats found in canola oil, olive oil, nuts, and avocado. The polyunsaturated fats found in corn oil, soybean oil, or sunflower oil are good too. After you eat fat it travels through your bloodstream. You need insulin to store fat in the cells of your body. Fats are used for energy.

So you can see what a big role insulin plays in your body. Good diet is very important for a Diabetic. Excersize is also very important. A Diabetic can live a healthy full life if they do three things. Eat healthy, Excersize, and inject the right amount of insulin. It takes dedication and hard work. But in the end it is totally worth it because it is your life.

Devoting her last 8 years to Diabetes Education, Kimberly maintains her website ElviraDarkNight.com and publishes the Living Life as a Diabetic Newsletter as well as dispatches donated Diabetic supplies to needie individuals without Health Insurance. Kim would like to personally invite you to become informed on issues of Health, Nutrition & Diabetes.

Are You SAD About Winter Weight Gain?

2008-09-15T17:59:00.001-07:00

As spring arrives many of us are left with a legacy from the short days and long nights of winter - a whole heap of extra pounds we could do without. And it's not all due to overeating during the festive season. It seems that whether we have lots of parties to attend or not, we are all programmed to eat more in winter.

It's all to do with our brain chemistry and especially the feel-good hormone we produce called serotonin. This hormone helps us feel calm, balanced and in control of our emotions and without it we start to feel down and depressed. But levels of this hormone drop in the population as a whole in winter and as the nights draw in and the amount of daylight we all receive diminishes, we are increasingly attracted to eat sweet and starchy food in an attempt to raise serotonin levels.

Of course, a sudden intake of sweet or starchy food causes blood sugar and then insulin levels to peak and we actually experience a rapid drop in blood sugar as insulin does its work and reduces the glucose level in the blood. As a result, we crave sweet and starchy food even more!

Whereas all of us experience this drop in serotonin levels to some degree, some 5 to 10% of the population - those who suffer from seasonal affective disorder (or SAD) - have an acute form of this problem and may gain anything up to 30lbs in weight each winter. It's also thought that some 25% of the population suffer a milder form of the disorder. SAD affects not only your eating patterns but leaves you feeling depressed, lethargic and sleepy - none of which contribute to anyone maintaining their summer shape.

It's all very well, knowing why we gain weight each winter, but what can you do about it?

During winter it's important to maintain a balanced diet, keeping blood sugar on an even keel, even if you find you need to eat a bit more than in the rest of the year. If you choose your carbohydrates in the form of whole grains and vegetables and always eat some lean protein with every meal or snack you will take yourself out of the high-low blood sugar trap and will gain less weight.

You will probably also find that with the arrival of spring, the pounds drop off more easily because you will be less attracted to heavy winter foods and are happier to eat salads, fresh vegetables and lean proteins so the start of spring is a great time to lose weight for summer.

Janice Elizabeth Small is a health and wellness writer and slimming coach. She became interested in seasonal affective disorder after seeing the effects of winter on herself and her clients.

For more information about Seasonal Affective Disorder symptoms, causes and treatment see her site at http://www.allaboutSAD.com

Healthy Diets Is this the World's Healthiest Diet?

2008-09-14T21:59:00.001-07:00

The Japanese enjoy one of the healthiest diets on earth. Japan?s population has the lowest level of obesity in the developed world and people tend to live longer than any other country.

The Japanese diet is an easy and fun diet to follow.

Healthy Diets should be Effortless

There are major concerns over low or no carb diets, such as the Atkins diet. These diets are not natural, and aside from health concerns, many people find them difficult to follow.

The Japanese diet is natural and a sensible way to eat (similar to the Mediterranean diet) and like most healthy diets it is not difficult to follow.

The Perfect Healthy Diet for Everyone

The traditional Japanese diet is very low in cholesterol, fat, and calories and high in fiber and here are the eight secrets of its success:

1. Eat Rice

How many times in a week do you eat rice? For the Japanese it is normally daily.

Rice is rich in carbohydrates and proteins it is the basis of the Japanese diet.

2. Eat More Fish

The Japanese eat about 70kg of fish per person per year, that?s four times as much as the average for the rest of the world.

Eating fish (particularly oily fish) lowers the risk of disease and increases vitality.

3. Eat Soya

The Japanese eat 10 times more Soya produce than any other nation. Low in calories and fat and high in protein Soya is also packed with plant oestrogen.

4. Variety

A recent study showed that Japanese people eat an average of 100 different foods a week, compared to just 30 in other western countries. This well balanced diet provides all the nutrients the body needs.

A premium is also placed upon freshness and natural flavor; people like to eat ingredients at their shun or now-in-season in Japanese.

Eating the ingredients in season provides variety and a better way to get all the nutrients you need naturally; also a lot of raw foods are eaten that have a higher nutritional value than heavily cooked foods.

5. Portion Control

Portions tend to be smaller and are savored, and it is this portion control that stops binging and over eating.

Each portion is eaten slowly, so the stomach has more time to register when it is full. Eating slowly also aids digestion and absorption of the nutrients in the food.

6. Breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, giving a boost of energy and preventing hunger pangs later.

A typical breakfast might include green tea, steamed rice, miso soup with tofu, spring onions and maybe omelette and grilled salmon. Sounds better than Muesli to me!

7. Cook Light

In the Japanese diet, food is usually steamed, pan-fried, simmered or stir fried over intense heat. This method of cooking helps the food retain more of the nutrients and particularly anti ageing antioxidants.

8. Enjoy Sweets

The Japanese diet has room for these treats.

They love chocolate, pastries, ice cream and cookies.

The difference is they view them as a regular treat and do not overdo the portions.

One of the Best Diets on Earth

When looking at healthy diets it is clear that the Japanese have one of the best diets on earth:

? Low in cholesterol and fat

? Well balanced

A huge variety of foods to enjoy so you will never get bored.

More dieting and general health information and FREE exclusive diet and health magazines, are available on our web site: http://www.net-planet.org

Diabetes Awreness: There's No Substitute for Good Friends

2008-09-14T01:59:00.001-07:00

Was there a time when you relished the idea of giving dinner parties?

What a great opportunity to bond with old friends, try out a few new recipes, and find a reason to clean up the house!

Has diabetes robbed you of the enjoyable events involving your friends and family?

Diabetes has an ugly characteristic of wrecking the lives of it's victims by forcing them into seclusion.

If you have been neglecting the enjoyable events of your life, please take action to control your diabetes. With a proactive mind-set, you can control and beat diabetes!

You, your friends, and especially your family will love you for taking control. Get back to the fun things in life,,,, Take control of your diabetes.

Ask your doctor about diabetes and have your blood sugar checked several times a year.

For more information about diabetes, including a Diabetes Quiz and a Free booklet, visit the Hope4Diabetes website at: http://hope4diabetes.com/info

This 20 page FREE booklet will provide you with in-depth information on comprehensive diabetes care. The 7 principles, or steps, will help you to understand, manage and diagnose your potential diabetes risk.

It could help you live a longer and more active life. The booklet is Yours absolutely FREE - No Risk! Share it NOW with the people you love and want to Keep alive!

David Anderson is a freelance health writer for Hope4Diabetes.com. Awareness is the first step to preventing the onset of diabetes. Visit our website at: http://hope4diabetes.com/info for more information and a free book.

How Alkaline Water will Extend Life and Reduce the Onset of Adult Degenerative Disease

2008-09-13T05:59:00.001-07:00

We get old and sick due to excess acid in our body. So, it follows if we reduce the acid and increase the alkaline levels we would be healthier and live longer. However, some doctors say that the stomach acid kills the alkalinity so; drinking alkaline water will do no good. Well what about that?

What happens in the stomach when we drink high pH alkaline water? The stomach maintains the pH level at right around 4.0. The more alkaline water we drink the higher the stomach pH goes, sometimes it will rise above 4.5. When this happens the stomach will produce more hydrochloric acid to bring the stomach pH back down to below 4.0.

Hydrochloric acid and sodium bicarbonate is made from water, sodium chloride (table salt) and carbon dioxide. The sodium bicarbonate goes into the bloodstream and the hydrochloric acid goes into the stomach.

The alkaline buffer in our blood is sodium bicarbonate, and it is the alkaline and acid buffers that are constantly monitoring the blood pH to maintain a constant blood pH of 7.365. When the blood becomes too alkaline, the acid buffer goes to work to bring the pH down; and when there is too much alkaline, then the alkaline buffer (sodium bicarbonate) goes to work to raise the pH level.

From Sang Whang, inventor of Alkalife:

?Alkaline buffers are bicarbonate (HCO3-) mated with alkaline minerals. Examples of them are sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3), calcium bicarbonate (Ca(HCO3)2) and magnesium bicarbonate (Mg(HCO3)2). Acid buffer is mainly carbonic acid (H2CO3), a water and carbon dioxide combination. Carbohydrate completely burnt becomes carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O); therefore there is no shortage of acid buffer.?

It was Lynda Frassetto, University of California, San Francisco, who discovered in 1966 that we lose the alkaline buffer ? bicarbonates in our blood as we age. The process seems to begin at age 45 and by 90 we have lost 18% of the bicarbonates in our blood.

When the bicarbonates in our blood are reduced it impairs the body?s ability to neutralize and dump the acid our body produces. It is also at the age of around 45 that symptoms of diabetes, or osteoporosis and other diseases related to the aging process occur. When these acidic wastes are not released from the body and begin to build up, theses wastes take the form of fatty acid, sulfate, phosphate, uric acid, cholesterol, kidney stones, etc.

It is only the water?s pH value that helps the blood receive bicarbonates. It is the most important function of alkaline water since we lose these bicarbonates as we age. When we alkalize our body we increase the ability of our blood to neutralize the acid.

Our world has changed from an organic, agricultural base to one that is industrial and toxic. And because of the greed of our industries a lot of these toxins have found their way into our air, water, food, and alas our bodies. The more pollution, the more stress the more acid. High protein diets and soft drinks also add to the acidity and this is why we lose bicarbonates in the blood as we age.

This is taken from Sang Wang, ?The medical society considers the reduction of bicarbonates in the blood as an inevitable fact of aging. I argue that the reduction of bicarbonates in the blood is the cause of aging and diseases, not the result of aging. As long as we can replenish bicarbonates in the blood, we don?t have to age!?

Now Enter Alkaline Water

To Drink or Not to Drink

Only when the stomach produces hydrochloric acid do bicarbonates enter the bloodstream. So it is best to drink the alkaline water on an empty stomach with the water having a pH level of 9.5 -10. The reason for this is the alkaline will raise the stomach pH relatively high and that will cause the stomach to produce more hydrochloric acid, allowing for more bicarbonates to enter the blood. (I carry a bottle of water with me everywhere I go and my bottle of Alkalife and just drink it all day long.) You can get the Alkalife from www.drclarkuniversity.org Click on books and products and then click on the University book store and then the link on the left ?Alkalife?

So, now you know how alkaline water will prevent the onset of adult degenerative diseases and aging in general.

Michele Michaels has been active in raising awareness for alternative and natural methods of curing and treating all manner of illnesses.

Battle Rages in Congress Over Mesothelioma Bill Regarding Asbestos Litigation

2008-09-12T09:59:00.001-07:00

There is a groundswell of opposition forming to fight Bill S.852 - the Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act of 2005.

Battle lines have been drawn, large corporations have enlisted several top lobbyists in Washington DC to champion this Bill.

Lobbyists tout the bill as the answer to help ease the burden on our judicial system regarding asbestos litigation.

The net result of the bill if passed, will be to add several layers of government involvement to an already overburdened legal system.

Increased federal involvement will increase expenses associated with asbestos litigation.

Adding another layer of bureaucracy to victims stricken with Mesothelioma is not the answer. Individuals exposed to these harmful agents have the right to be heard on an individual basis.

The Bill has set guidelines regarding the individuals past exposure to asbestos.

To place individuals exposed to asbestos in a 3 level template is unjust.

The Three levels of asbestos exposure are defined in a qualitative and subjective manner based on the length of employment in an asbestos exposure-related job. They are:

? Moderate Exposure
In a standard work year, the person worked in areas immediate to where asbestos-containing products were installed, repaired or removed and involved regular airborne emissions of asbestos. This counts as one year of substantial occupational exposure.

? Heavy Exposure
In a standard work year, the person was involved in the direct installation, repair or removal of asbestos-containing products and thus was exposed to asbestos on a regular basis. This counts as two years of substantial occupational exposure.

? Very Heavy Exposure
In a standard work year, the person worked in primary asbestos manufacturing, a World War II shipyard or the asbestos insulation trades and thus was exposed to asbestos fibers on a regular basis. This counts as four years of substantial occupational exposure.

The proposed bill will destroy individual?s rights to just compensation in a timely manner. Mesothelioma is a catastrophic disease caused by asbestos exposure.

Become involved in the fight to keeps victims rights regarding asbestos litigation in the hands of the people.

Various Alternatives for Stop Smoking Help

2008-09-11T13:59:00.001-07:00

Smoking tends to become a real phenomenon among people nowadays. This is due to the fact that everyone lives under stress and smoking is a solution for such living conditions. Not only adults are the ones that decide to start smoking but also young teenagers. These are exposed to such risks because of their environment and of their curiosity to try everything that it is offered without taking into account the consequences.

These days the number of smokers covers a wide range of ages. The more this number increases the more the alternatives for stop smoking help are augmented. Besides the help of the family and of the ones that are close to the one who decides to give up smoking, there are some other choices that are more organized. This way stop smoking help is offered by professionals who know exactly what to say and what to do.

Help Yourself

First and foremost you are the only one who can give you assistance. You must have a strong will and you also have to be very motivated. Seek for such motivation in your own person and it will be of great help. Think that no one knows or wants what is best for yourself but you. Make a list of the advantages and disadvantages of giving up this vice and you?ll see that this way you?ll manage to find some powerful reasons to support your decision.

Ask for Help

You must seek help wherever you are likely to find it. Ask your family and your friends to provide you assistance, to be around when you feel the need and this would happen especially when you have to be convinced to give up smoking but also during the first days after quitting.

Moreover there is also the option for asking stop smoking help from professionals. This way you can talk with a psychologist or a counselor. Don?t hesitate to rely on their valuable pieces of advice given the fact that this is their job and they are the most qualified persons in such situations. And this is a chance for you to have a certain effective help by resorting to individual counseling, a therapy that takes place just between doctor and patient.

You can also join a community. This is a solution that will make you realize that you are not the only one who struggles to give up smoking. There you can empathize with one another but also while having group discussions you have the opportunity to find a great variety of solutions from which you can choose in order to solve your problem.

It is not so important which variant for stop smoking help you pick up. If you think you can do it on your own then you should do your best in order to achieve your goal. If you consider that you are not strong enough then you must ask the others to assist you. But if you decide to combine all these forms of stop smoking help then it is sure that this method will not fail.

Leon Williams
Smart tools for Smart marketers
http://www.infoaffiliate.com

Proven Strategies to Effectively Burn Fat Out Of Your Body! Part 1

2008-09-10T17:59:00.001-07:00

It is much safer to your long term health to reduce weight by natural means rather than taking medication that poses a series of health threatening side effects. In order to attack the problem of reducing weight we must identify the kind of bodies we have. Here they are:

A prominent researcher discovered that there are basically three (3) main types of bodies. They are:

Endomorph- the larger and fleshier body. Attracted to physical comfort and warm relationships with others. Their challenge is to overcome physical inertia and overeating.

Mesomorph- the more muscular type. These are the athletic types, They prefer physical activity. They tend to be doers in the world and rarely sits still.

Ectomorph- the slender or lean body type. Usually high strung and sensitive. Handles a lot of intellectual stimulation. Generally intellectuals. NOTE: These three types rarely show up as pure forms but rather as combinations.

Now that you know your body type, you must recognize why your body may be overweight. Here are some additional reasons:

[a Heredity:

Research has found out that we inherit genes from our parentage that makes us pre-disposed to certain diseases and health conditions. Since you cannot drastically change your body, you can make an effort, however, to manage it skillfully to keep it healthy and trim.

[b Overeating

Given the caution in number one above, even if you do not have an adverse health condition, it would make sense to be careful with the food you eat if you have the body type that tends to get heavier when you eat excess food.

[c Diabetes and other diseases

Any health condition that affects your mobility can quickly make you get heavier while you consume food that turns into fat over time. Your immobility does not allow the fat to be burnt up so you keep the weight on.

So, how do we propose to keep your weight in line with your body type and pre-disposition in order to stay healthy? Here are the 4 strategies:

[1 Burning Desire

First, you must have a burning desire to eat healthy foods and be conscious and careful about what you put in your mouth. You must establish the right dietary intake that is good for your body type. Second, you must also have a burning desire to keep trim by losing weight, if you already are heavy. Third, you must have discipline to identify the kinds of foods that are good for you and discipline and constrain yourself to these type of foods. Fourth, condition your mind to love these foods and imagine the good health they will bring to your life in terms of energy, vigor, zest, vitality and the wonderful feeling you would have when you do this.

[2 Consciously Decide-Discipline Yourself

You must decide to get your body mobile and limber, and exercise it, to burn off the excess fat, despite your health condition. You must select the right type of exercise that is good for you based on your body type to avoid injury and pain. You must actively perform a soul searching routine to condition our mind to achieve these attributes.

[3 Identification of Programs

Third, you must do some research and identify the kinds of fitness and exercise programs, based on your body type, that you must embrace and follow to attain the health results you aspire to achieve.

[4 Get More Knowledge

Learn all you can about how wonderful a machine your body is and treat it as a shrine. The better you take care of it, the longer you'll probably live and enjoy this world. Read literature about how you body works and you will appreciate the wondrous machine that no man can ever build. Fall in love with your body once you start conditioning it, to achieve a slimmer trimmer and healthier body so you can enjoy it for many many years to come.

In the next article, PART 2, we will discuss how to choose the type of exercise equipment for the three body types and how to get you on the fast track to a slim and trim body that would make your friends a family notice.

Live well and stay healthy!

Trevor Adheen Your Good Health Advocate

The author is an advocate for healthier living through good diet, body fitness and conditioning. He is an avid researcher/teacher into the deep understanding of the human body, both in physical and psychological terms, and to pass this knowledge on to others who can benefit from the knowledge gained. Meanwhile, you can visit this site: http://1stdiabeticsupplysuperstore.com to get on the Fast Track to a Healthier Happier Body. Send your comments to me via an e-mail to: tansane@bellsouth.net

For every e-mail response I receive, I will send you a FREE E-COOKBOOK Recipe Sampler. That is: 38 Tasty Recipes. Keep you trim and fit for every occasion. Perks up your life. Soothes and comforts your whole body.

Distribution This article is approved for distribution by the author, providing that it is hyperlinked back to: http://1stdiabeticsupplysuperstore.com from the distributor/ webmaster's page. Trevor Adheen (c) All Rights reserved

You Can Deal With Your Depression

2008-09-09T21:59:00.001-07:00

Depression is a common worldwide problem affecting people of all ages, races and every social and economic level. Each year over 100 million people worldwide suffer from severe depression. In fact, it is so widespread that it has been labeled 'The Common Cold of Mental Illness.'

Despite being so widespread, depression is also one of the most treatable illnesses out there.

If you want to deal with your depression and fight it, you have to first:

* Analyze the reasons for your condition.

Truly examine your inner feelings and motives. Quit mentally beating yourself up for feeling the way you do and try to concentrate on getting well.

Ask yourself if things are really 'all that bad' and if the circumstances warrant your depressed feelings. If your depressed mood lingers, it's a good idea to:

* Visit your Doctor

Many times depression can have a physical cause, so your doctor can check to see if you have some sort of metabolic disturbance. He can also check for anemia, low blood sugar, diabetes, mononucleosis, or some other illness that could be contributing to weakness and discouragement.

If your situation is extreme and persists, you may want to have the disorder treated by a professional who specializes in depression so he can see how much of your depression lies in your own mental attitude and see what influence in you life brings about that 'down' feeling.

Depression is not in itself proof of mental weakness so don't keep silent because of embarrassment. The most important thing you can do to fight your disorder is:

* Talk to someone about it.

No one can know how you feel unless you open up and talk about it. Just getting it off your chest can bring relief. By confiding in someone who is empathetic and can help, many times you find that you are not alone and that others have gone through the same thing. They can even help you by telling you how they dealt with it. So talking to an understanding person many times can help you to deal with your depression, so try not to bottle up all those troubling emotions which will only make your depression worse.

Another way to deal with your depression is to:

* Build your self esteem and recognize how valuable you really are.

There's a saying that goes: 'To the world, you may be one person; But to one person, you may be the world.'

That saying is so true!

Many times those who suffer from depression experience feelings of worthlessness. Many of them had an unhappy childhood filled with abuse, whether it was physical, emotional or even sexual. Because of their troubled past, many are left with severe emotional scars. The important thing to remember is that none of the emotional scars change a person's worth. So when we're feeling worthless, just keeping in mind the saying above. More importantly, always remember that all of us are valuable in God's eyes.

Remember, God is our loving creator. He cares for us and will give us the strength needed to endure our emotional pain. Even if we've been fighting depression and putting forth an honest effort to overcome it, we should never give up and think we'd be better off dead. Suicide is NEVER the answer. No situation is hopeless.

* Never stop praying

God's Word the Bible tells us to 'throw our burdens on the Lord and he himself will sustain us.' (Psalms 55:22.) So never stop praying and asking God for help. His word tells us that he will give us 'the power beyond what is normal' (2 Cor. 4:7b.) so that we can endure our emotional pain.

It should also bring us comfort knowing that God has promised that our depression will not last forever. He promises that 'death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore' (Rev. 21:3, 4). What a comforting thought!

In conclusion, no matter how long you've been suffering and no matter what your problem is, I hope, with this article, I've been able to provide you with helpful and comforting information so that You Can Deal With Your Depression.

To Your Health,

Anna

For more information on depression visit Anna's Depression Website at: http://www.depressionadviceonline.com/index.html or visit her Depression Blog which contains helpful articles that are updated daily: http://depressionadviceonline.blogspot.com/.

Halitosis Means Bad Breath

2008-09-09T01:59:00.001-07:00

Bad breath is an unpleasant condition. It is an embarrassment for those who know about it and an inconvenience to others when people with bad breath are not aware of their problem. If you are concerned about bad breath then meet your dentist to identify and treat the problem.

Factors that contribute to bad breath

?Foods like garlic, onion contribute to objectionable odors. These odors continue till it is eliminated from the body. Incase this is a part of your regular diet; then it is a problem you need to rectify in your dietary pattern. Brushing, flossing and mouthwash only serve to mask the odor temporarily.

?Improper brushing of teeth is responsible for food articles to be retained in the mouth. Bacteria collect on these particles and that causes bad breath. In addition to this the food that collect between teeth give rise to plaque and demineralization of the teeth and also cause gingivitis/ trench mouth disease or rotting of the gums and leave an unpleasant odor.

?Dry mouth occurs when saliva decreases. Saliva is necessary in the digestion process. Saliva also helps in cleansing the mouth and removing the food particles that cause odor. Dry mouth may be the result of you breathing through the mouth or medications. Remedies include increasing your fluid intake, sugarless candy, or even artificial saliva.

?Diseases of the respiratory tract or diseases related to the gastrointestinal tract, kidney or liver are another major cause of halitosis. Local infections, chronic sinusitis or bronchitis also contribute to bad breath.

?Chewing tobacco or betel nut or other oral habits that are bad for health is also detrimental to the oral hygiene and cause bad breath. These also cause discoloration of the teeth. Tooth whitening kits are a general remedy but cannot be used when you have bad gums. Bad breath cure is the first procedure you have to follow.

?Persistent Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth is a warning sign of periodontal disease. Caused by plaque this disease caused gum tissues to pull away from the teeth and form pockets. These pockets are sometimes too deep and needed to be cleant by professional periodontal cleaning.

Bettering your Oral health

This is the major factor to stop halitosis and other diseases of the gum and teeth.

?Schedule regular dental visits for cleaning and check up.

?Keep a check on the various food intakes to prevent bad breath.

?Make a list of medications you take so that your doctor would advise you in case you have a dry mouth. Also let your dentist know of surgeries or illness you have had before you have gone to visit him/her.

?Regularly brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste to remove food particles and plaque. Brushing twice a day is effective while brushing after every meal is more effective.

?Use Dental floss or interdental cleaner to clean between the teeth.

?Mouth wash is not ?the solution? as it does not have a long lasting effect. A special antimicrobial mouth wash or a fluoride mouthwash along with brushing and flossing can go a long way in preventing tooth decay.

?Fill your dentures so that these are not a place where food particles and bacteria harbor to cause bad breath. There are many tooth filling procedures; you could have a cap as well.

?Eliminating periodontal disease is essential to reducing bad breath and effective teeth care.

http://www.dentaldean.com is your guide to daily teeth care products, regular extra cleaning and checkups by our dentist. Bad breath cure, trench mouth disease etc. is detailed to help you better your oral health.

A Simple Cure For Anxiety And Depression

2008-09-08T05:59:00.001-07:00

Our innate desire is to be happy, and when we move away from it, we experience fear.

This fear is actually millions of years old, for it arises from the biological programming of our species.

While we may not have to contend with a sabre-toothed tiger on any given day, we still use those very reactions to deal with events looming ahead.

We think, ?Will I be fired for making that mistake at work?? or ?Will I be able to meet the mortgage after I fix the car?? or ?Will my health continue to decline?? or ?Will my relationship fall apart after that argument we just fell into??

Running questions with this type of urgency and helplessness trains our brains to prepare now for future danger by loading our bodies up with the stress hormone cortisol.

Anxiety is our anticipation of a dangerous future. We imagine having even less of the little that we have today.

This anxiety does not help us in any way to meet the future any better. In fact, it weakens and exhausts us. We usually worry most about things that we can't even control. Worrying about your dental visit, for example, will not make the visit better.

Anxiety, in fact, is a silent killer. It is enervating, and it drains you of purpose and hope, faith and initiative. It fogs up your thinking. And it makes the body susceptible to illness.

When anxiety--a fear of an event in the future--is high enough then you feel a deep sense of helplessness. This, in turn, translates into depression. You even begin to view the past as disappointing.

Caught between a miserable past and a frightening future you create a pattern of emotions that can lead to a variety of mood disorders, including manic-depression.

How do we escape from this vicious cycle?

Here is what I did 20 years ago and I have never since suffered from any serious mood disorder.

I started to cultivate my awareness of my mood swings--from elation to black despair.

I did this by basically watching myself when I was manic, and watching myself when I was depressed, and watching what I did to turn on these states. For example to get depressed, I used my love of literature to focus on dark, morbid, and unhappy stories about life. And to get elated, I would talk a lot, move very quickly, and do things in a dramatic way.

An interesting thing happened when I made my unconscious behavior conscious. I could not take my mood shifts seriously.

This is what I learned from that experience: when you are able to observe yourself over the course of a few weeks, you develop a curious detachment.

A paradoxical situation developed for me: I found it difficult to stay anxious and depressed when I was observing myself feeling anxious and depressed.

Ultimately, anxiety and depression are culturally-induced patterns of thinking that can be overcome through a deliberate cultivation of awareness. When you become your own observer, you weed out the unconscious habits that afflict you.

Despite the billions of dollars spent to heal anxiety and depression, and all the mood disorders and behavioral anomalies that arise from them, the cure is simple, quick, and free.

Resource Box

Saleem Rana got his masters in psychotherapy from California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, Ca., 15 years ago and now resides in Denver, Colorado. His articles on the internet have inspired over ten thousand people from around the world. Discover how to create a remarkable life

SelfHypnosis For Better Health

2008-09-07T09:59:00.001-07:00

Self hypnosis, in one form or another has been practiced for a very long time. While it is a serious therapeutic technique, self hypnosis is also a very soothing and calming experience and if practiced regularly, can help you transform yourself.

Originally, self hypnosis was thought of as sleep, then as an altered state of consciousness. Only after using instruments to monitor brain activity did researchers learn that there was negligible difference between someone in a trance or hypnosis, and someone not. Peoples experiences with self hypnosis vary widely depending on their own expectations, but there are some commonalities. For instance, most people experience a reduced awareness of events going on around them including noises and conversations. Although people are not unconscious when under self hypnosis, many experience extreme relaxation and seem to have reduced awareness of their own body including their arms and legs.

Nearly everyone can learn effective techniques for self hypnosis. Whether your goal is weight loss or to stop smoking, self hypnosis can be a very useful treatment option for many different health and emotional problems.

Let's look at the reasons why self hypnosis can be such an appealing option:

1. It is not a drug, so therefore there are no side effects.

2. It is non-invasive which means there is no surgery and nothing gets inserted into the body.

3. Self hypnosis is also relatively inexpensive when compared to other forms of treatment, and can usually show results within one or two treatments.

Self hypnosis is the original mind/body medicine. It helps you regulate your behavior, alter your thoughts, and use your mind to control your body. To be effective, you must get into a meditative state to change your thought process in order to change your behavior. However, this does not mean you have to be in a relaxed state so to speak. Although this is helpful, self hypnosis can be effective even when you're tense, upset, or unhappy.

As you begin to learn about self hypnosis, you will discover a method that works best for you. Doing this without any guidance from anyone can be difficult. The first step in achieving your goals with self hypnosis is to research and learn as much as you can on the subject so you know what to expect.

Self hypnosis is a very powerful tool you can use to change just about any aspect of yourself, but it is not a magic cure and is usually only effective if you truly want to make a change.

Robert Lear is the author and webmaster of the Self Hypnosis blog. This website focuses exclusively on the subjects of hypnosis including self hypnosis, weight loss hypnosis, stop smoking hypnosis, erotic hypnosis, and hipnosis. http://hypnosis-self.blogspot.com

Facts about Heartburn

2008-09-06T13:59:00.001-07:00

If you suffer from heartburn, at least occasionally, then you are not alone. The facts about heartburn include survey numbers which indicate that 25% of people living in the United States suffer from heartburn every month and about 12% have symptoms every week. Many people want to know the difference between heartburn and acid reflux, probably because of all the advertising done by pharmaceutical companies. If you look up reflux in the dictionary, you will see that ?reflux? literally means ?to flow back?. The term acid reflux refers to the ?flowing back? of stomach acid. Digestive acids are normally confined to the stomach by muscles in the esophagus. When the acid flows back from the stomach up into the esophagus, then we get heartburn and acid reflux is really a medical term for heartburn. The facts about heartburn are simple, stomach acid which does not belong in the throat burns. The facts about heartburn causes and treatments may not be as simple.

The major difference between heartburn and acid reflux ?disease? has to do with the frequency of symptoms. Heartburn experienced several times per week may be acid reflux disease. However, there is one type of acid reflux disease in which only ?some? people experience heartburn. Acid that refluxes back into the lowest part of the esophagus may not cause the burning sensation. It is more often accompanied by difficulty swallowing or other symptoms. When you look at the facts about heartburn, you may see that difficulty swallowing or the feeling that there is something stuck in your throat, sometimes accompanies heartburn. Difficulty swallowing can be a symptom of even more serious conditions. Frequent heartburn and/or difficulty swallowing should be reported to your physician. Chronic heartburn or acid reflux can lead to more serious conditions. Only your doctor can give you all of the facts about heartburn and the difference between heartburn and acid reflux disease.

For more information about heartburn and other common digestive problems, visit www.digestive-disorders-guide.com.

Patsy Hamilton writes informational articles for the Digestive Disorders Guide. Visit us at http://www.digestive-disorders-guide.com

Regaining Control of Your Metabolism

2008-09-05T17:59:00.001-07:00

Over 20 million Americans are currently diagnosed with some form of thyroid disease, a health problem that impacts every cell in the body and can cause severe weight gain or weight loss, mood disturbances and even infertility in both men and women. While thyroid problems are most common in women, affecting approximately 1 in 8 women between the ages of 35 and 65, men are not immune to thyroid disorders. Common symptoms in men, such as reduced libido, difficulty achieving erection and breast tenderness or enlargement, may be too embarrassing for men to seek medical help and could contribute to the lower instances of thyroid disease recorded in men.

The thyroid gland is located at the base of the neck directly below the Adam?s apple. This tiny little gland shaped like a butterfly is responsible for regulating the body?s metabolism which is the rate at which the body uses energy by releasing the thyroid hormone T4 (tetraiodide) into the bloodstream. T4 makes its way to every cell in the body where it is converted to T3 (triiodothyronine), a hormone that controls the rate of cellular metabolism activity. The pituitary gland works in concert with the thyroid by regulating the levels of T3 in the body. When more T3 is needed the pituitary gland sends Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) to the thyroid gland to stimulate the release of T4 into the bloodstream. When too much thyroid hormone is present the pituitary gland stops sending out TSH and the thyroid stops the production of T4. The process is a delicate balance and if either the pituitary or the thyroid gland is failing to function properly the result will be a body that is not functioning properly.

When the thyroid gland becomes overactive, releasing more hormones than are necessary, the result is hyperthyroidism or Graves Disease which is an autoimmune disease that causes over-activity of the thyroid gland. Hyperthyroidism is most common between the ages of 20 and 40 and affects roughly 1 million Americans today. With hyperthyroid, everything in the body speeds up. When the rate of cellular activity increases, more calories must be consumed to maintain normal energy levels. If the incoming calories fail to be enough then weight loss will occur. Generally, the more severe the hyperthyroid, the more weight loss will result. It is not uncommon, however, for a person with hyperthyroid to gain weight if more calories than necessary are being consumed.

Patients with hyperthyroidism may also experience fatigue, trouble sleeping, increased appetite, trembling hands, irregular heartbeat, irritability and reduced libido. In severe cases, muscle weakness, shortness of breath and chest pain may result. Often however, the symptoms of hyperthyroidism are mild and may occur gradually over a long period of time. Foods that naturally suppress thyroid hormone production are cruciferous vegetables, soybeans, peaches and pears. Have two servings of these foods daily. Carrots, celery, onion and almonds are also beneficial.

Hypothyroidism is a far more common problem, affecting approximately 11 million Americans. The disease can affect both men and women but it is mostly diagnosed in middle-aged women. Hypothyroid is the complete opposite of hyperthyroid. In a patient with hypothyroid the entire metabolism moves at a slower speed and requires less calories than usual to maintain normal energy levels. As a result, the excess calories consumed become stored as fat and weight gain ensues.

Weight gain, while the most common problem associated with hypothyroid, is not the only symptom of an underactive thyroid gland. Other symptoms include low energy levels, depression, irritability, intolerance to heat or cold, decreased heart rate, dry skin and frequent infections, along with decreased sex drive, infertility, hair loss, dry hair and shortness of breath. As with hyperthyroid, it is not uncommon to experience few to no symptoms of this disease.

To combat hypothyroidism, consume foods that contain iodine such as kelp, radish, parsley, potatoes, fish, oatmeal and bananas or look for a supplement that has 150 mg of Iodine. Iodine is needed by the body to form thyroid hormone. Also, copper, iron, selenium and zinc are essential in the production of T3 and T4. Exercise 15-20 minutes per day?enough to raise the heartbeat.

Diseases of the thyroid can be diagnosed with a simple blood test which evaluates levels of free T3 and free AT4 (TSH) in the bloodstream. Another way to measure is by taking and recording the basal body temperature under the arm as soon as you wake up for ten minutes, five mornings in a row. The normal axillary temperature is 97.8 ? 98.2 degrees F. If the temperature averages 97.4 or less see your physician.

Once a diagnosis of either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism has been ascertained, treatment is aimed at restoring proper levels of the thyroid hormones. With hyperthyroidism this might require surgery or the use of medication. Hypothyroid is usually treated with hormone replacement therapy. In my practice I have found that natural thyroid hormone can be a safe and very successful means of restoring the appropriate levels. For both diseases, restoring proper levels of the thyroid hormone can result in a reversal of symptoms, including a return to pre-thyroid disease weight.

If you suspect that you might be suffering from a thyroid disorder, see your doctor immediately for an evaluation. Thyroid disease is a serious health problem and one that can be easily treated if properly diagnosed. Call your health care provider today and regain control over your metabolism once and for all!

Dr. Connealy, M.D., M.P.H. began private practice in 1986. In 1992 she founded her medical practice in California. Her practice is firmly based in the belief that strictly treating health problems with medications does not find the root cause of the illness. Dr. Connealy writes monthly columns for Coast and Health magazines, and is a weekly cohost on Frank Jordan?s ?Healthy, Wealthy and Wise? radio show. She routinely lectures and educates the public on health issues. Please visit http://www.perfectlyhealthy.net for product and more information

Help Your Heart Grow

2008-09-04T21:59:00.001-07:00

I turned into my parents? driveway in Maryland and parked the car. Before I could even step out and close the door, Mom flew out of the backyard, gesturing frantically.

?Your father had a breakdown,? she blurted. ?Your brother took him to the hospital. He?s on the sixth floor. Go. Go. You need to go to him right now.?

?Wait a second, Mom,? I gently asserted. ?What happened? What hospital??

?He didn?t eat anything, like he?s supposed to. He started flailing himself around, threatening to kill himself. Your brother had to hold him down. Go.?

?Okay, Mom.? I squeezed her tight. ?We?ll take care of him.?

I remembered earlier that morning how Dad disappeared from the kitchen. I sought him out to say goodbye and found him curled up in a fetal position on his bed.

?Hey, man,? I razzed. ?Taking a little nappy??

?Yeah,? he mumbled. ?I?ll be alright.?

?Strange answer,? I thought to myself as I gave him a kiss and left.

I found Dad on the sixth floor of the Medical Center, sitting in the corner with my brother, Laird. His seeing eye dog lay curled at his feet.

?Hey guys,? I smiled. ?What?s the word??

?I guess I got kinda? depressed,? Dad confessed. ?I forgot to put food in my system. I?m alright now.?

I looked over at Laird, who shook his head?a telling communication. I?d hear the details later.

?My blood sugar must have really dropped,? Dad added.

?Gotta? eat,? I empathized.

Diabetes, selling a house, leaving the state of his ancestors after 69 years to move to Florida, learning to cope with blindness?any one of these might trigger a meltdown.

I knew my Dad would resist more than a trifling of professional help.

Too much shame.

Wait a second. Where did the judgment start? Who decreed our superhuman nature? What happened to compassion, for others and ourselves, the soulful cry that recognizes our humanity, faults and shortcomings included, weaknesses acknowledged, differences celebrated?

Does another person?s struggle bring us down so much that we teach and preach denial as an alternative?

?Buck up. Tighten your chinstrap. Get a grip.?

A grip on what?

We stuff emotions, squelch our feelings and put up false fronts of courage for the sake of appearances. We deny our right to sit with our own suffering and reflect, grieve or cut ourselves any slack.

Like a dormant volcano, our insides churn with prejudice and bias, slanted views painted by others, seldom questioned or examined.

Rampant dis-ease.

When the volcano blows the lava takes the form of cancer, heart attacks, depression and other illness.

What if we poked a few holes in that mountain of pride before it swelled to explosion?

What if we forgave and accepted, praised and lauded our crazy diversity?

Could we release the steam before it gushes and burns?

Try today, at least once to pick a moment and notice someone else?s struggle?without mental commentary or your idea of a fix. Reach out without expectation.

Then do the same exercise on yourself.

You, too, deserve untainted appreciation.

Give yourself a break.

Thanks, Dad, for showing us your human side. It helps us love you even more.

That?s A View From The Ridge?

About The Author

Author Ridgely Goldsborough invites you to subscribe to The Daily Column, a heart-felt collection of stories that inspire hope and courage. Please do so at www.aviewfromtheridge.com.

ridge@aviewfromtheridge.com

Tongue Bacteria

2008-09-04T01:58:00.000-07:00

For most cases of uncomplicated halitosis, the root cause can be summed up in two words: tongue bacteria. Though it might be hard to believe, most of that bad smell comes from the back of your tongue where many organisms are thriving in the warm moist airless conditions.

Mouths are full of bacteria. This is normal: from the time of our birth, bacteria are getting into our mouths in food, on other objects, on hands, in water, even in the air that we take in when we breath through the mouth. Some of the bacteria that get in don't survive, but many do, and before very long, the oral cavity becomes a complex ecosystem of mixed organisms: organisms that live on the teeth, on the gums, in the throat, and even tongue bacteria. Many of these organisms are actually beneficial: they help break down food particles and mop up shed body cells. They compete with other organisms that are potentially harmful, thus protecting us from infection.

Overall, it's good thing to have a healthy population of organisms living in your mouth, and tongue bacteria are no exception. The problem comes when certain types of organisms gain a foothold and start to proliferate, producing larger populations. Chief among these are anaerobic bacteria - bacteria that live in places where there is very little or no oxygen. Anaerobes are common in the bowel, in some abscesses, in very wet places in the environment where organic material is rotting, and in the mouth.

If you think about it, bowel contents, abscesses, wet rotting organic material, and mouths all have something in common: they can smell very very bad. This is because anaerobic bacteria produce a bad smell when they break down proteins for nutrients. The process produces volatile sulfur compounds - molecules that contain sulfur that are readily dispersed into the air. Sulfur smells bad, and these compounds smell worse. The odor associated with bad breath, and with tongue bacteria, is essentially the same odor that we detest in feces and rotten eggs.

Bad breath comes from tongue bacteria simply because the tongue happens to be a great place for anaerobes to live. They flourish in all the tiny grooves between papillae and taste buds on the surface of the tongue, covered by a blanket of mucus and other non-cellular material. There, they can safely carry on the business of breaking down proteins that they find floating around in the mouth, and producing volatile sulfur compounds to make us all hold our noses.

R. Drysdale is a freelance writer with more than 25 years experience as a health care professional. She is a contributing editor to Tongue Bacteria, a blog dedicated to the treatment of bad breath.

Mobility Scooter Rental What Insiders Know

2008-09-03T05:58:00.000-07:00

If right now, you?re having trouble walking, and it?s only temporary then mobility scooter rental might be right for you. A mobility scooter is an electrical scooter that you sit on, with either a three-wheel or four-wheel platform. Most of them are battery powered and can go up to 10 miles per hour, lasting all day till they need to be recharged during the night. What?s more, many of them can be broken down into multiple lightweight parts and put in the trunk of your car so you can use them at the mall, grocery shopping, visiting the Post Office, etc.

Now buying a brand new mobility scooter or even a used one really doesn?t make sense if you?ll only temporarily need one. That?s where rentals come in. Mobility scooter rental can range from:

1 day rental (including delivery and pick up): $80
2 days rental (including delivery and pick up): $110
3 days rental (including delivery and pick up): $140
each additional day: $25

Depending upon the dealer that you?re renting from, you may be able to choose from many different styles, colors and features. Ideally, you?ll want mobility scooter rental to tailored for your particular situation. One of the best ways to do that is talk with your doctor before renting a mobility scooter. Find out what he or she recommends. That way you won?t likely get talked into renting a more expensive mobility scooter that you really don?t need.

Another benefit of mobility scooter rental is that you may be able to get the scooter delivered to where you?re staying. And often times, if you traveling, you can contact your destination to find out if they offer mobility scooter rental! That way, going site seeing will be a snap. If using a travel agent, have him or her set up the rental for you.

Written by the Mobility Scooter Review Team. Go to http://www.electric-mobility-scooter-reviews.com to see more free articles, tips and info. Updated weekly! This is the ultimate resource on mobility scooters.

The Heart of a Yoga Practice: Dedicating Your Efforts

2008-09-02T09:59:00.001-07:00

There are a variety of reasons people begin practicing yoga. Many wonder what all the fuss is about, some have heard that it can help with flexibility and strength, and others wonder about the stress relief benefits. More than fifteen million Americans have stepped on the mat and have explored how yoga can enrich their lives, but many only see the physical benefits. Despite the growing popularity of yoga, many instructors are left wondering if many people are really missing the true purpose of the practice.

What are yoga students missing when they are only taking class to lose weight, become fit, or relieve stress? They are missing the heart of the practice and the chance to make significant positive changes in their lives. When going to a yoga class becomes something greater than just something you do for yourself every now and again, you begin to realize that it is not just about you anymore. Dedicating the practice to something greater than yourself is what draws the distinction between just doing exercise and practicing yoga.

These days, it seems that the mention of dedication, or devotion, can be a tricky subject in yoga class. People tend to be unresponsive when the idea of the divine is mentioned. It is important for yoga practitioners to know that the philosophy of yoga is inextricably linked with divinity, no matter what name is given to it or how it is incorporated. Yoga was built on the idea that there is a force greater than ourselves, and yet we are still connected to it. This is the idea of Oneness, and the idea is more than fairly comforting. Others who are religious fear a conflicting of faiths by believing in the spirituality of yoga; however, Swami Satchidananda said, ?The Truth is one, the paths are many.? Therefore, people of any faith or belief can practice yoga. Even if a practioner of yoga does not believe in any form of divinity, this does not present a problem. They must simply recognize that the nature of all beings is joy and try to connect with that.

Now that we?ve gotten that sticky subject out of the way, I want to explain this idea of dedicating your practice in greater detail. It?s not even so much about dedication as it is relinquishing or letting go of everything whether they be worries, fears, misunderstandings, or hang-ups. My teacher, Sharon Gannon, always promotes the idea that ?You?ve got to get down to get up.? What she means is that you need to be rooted in the here and now and be able to let go of all the fruits of your actions. Why, you ask? Why shouldn?t you just keep on doing yoga to perfect your chatturangas, balance longer in tree pose, and get that yoga butt? The answer is a simple one. What are all those things going to get you in the long run?

Sure, nailing that Chatturanga feels great, and deepening your Hanumanasana (splits pose) can give you a bit of a rush. I?m not denying that one bit, but what is the true purpose behind the motions? Yoga practice can help you to break a cycle, stop bad habits, and transform your life. Yes, it can do all of those things, but you have to let it. You see, you can?t acquire yoga like you can dance steps or aerobic maneuvers; you have to let go of what is obscuring it. You have to let go of your preferences and simply be in the moment as a divine being.

So why do asana at all if you?re not supposed to be attached to the outcome? Because the asanas help to show you the interior of your own mind, they clearly point out what you?re holding on to and what you still need to work through. They transform you into the tree or the warrior and make you see what it is like to step outside of yourself, even for the briefest of moments. Asana also gives you the chance to see that both the world and you yourself are constantly changing. This, in turn, gives you the opportunity to find what is real and unchanging.

When you realize that the purpose of your yoga practice is not to keep you rooted in this world, but to let you move through it, you begin to have faith in your ability to reach the divine with your actions. It can ignite the soul and give you a sense of renewed dignity and worth. Because you know that you?re not just performing the motions for your own benefit, the sense of satisfaction from your practice can grow beyond the mat. For example, have you ever had the opportunity to offer selfless service to another? Maybe you?ve adopted a pet and taken on the full responsibility of loving and caring for it, and, in exchange, all you have received is unconditional love from them for giving happiness and freedom. This is what the act of devotion is all about?realizing that it?s not all about the wishes and wants you only think you need.

When you start letting go of the selfish motives for practice and try to connect with something greater, you inspire your own ability to love. This is the nature of the spirit, and connecting with that is the ultimate goal of yoga practice. Samadhi is union with the divine, a connection with the source, which is true love. Everything else is negligible. As my teachers, Sharon Gannon and David Life, would say, ?The sheer desire for Oneness is the way to it.?

Realizing that all the beings in this world are connected in this way is a remarkable step for the yogi. Once the lines between ?you? and ?them? begin to fade, you realize how important it is to share love and a sense of gratitude with everyone around you.

Alanna Kaivalya is an Advanced Certified Jivamukti Yoga instructor who teaches nationally and internationally. Her favorite element of yoga is the practice of deep listening ? Nada Yoga ? which helps to connect her to the divine vibrations everywhere. To download her podcasts, contact her or to invite her to teach, please visit her website, http://www.jivadiva.com

Free Sample Tanning Bed Lotions

2008-09-01T13:59:00.001-07:00

Who doesn?t get excited when they get something for free? Salons and manufactures give out free samples of their tanning bed lotions all the time, and we usually just can?t wait to try them out. But wait! Using the wrong tanning lotion can be very dangerous!

Here is what you need to know to protect yourself while still enjoying free samples of great products.

First, if you are new to tanning, you?re probably confused about which lotion you should use. While some salons offer wonderful advise, others take your money and let you figure it out on your own. But don?t worry ? differences in tanning bed lotions are easy to understand once you get the hang of it.

While building your base tan, use the lotion labeled, ?accelerator.? This is the first step in the process, and will speed up your tanning at first, but eventually you will stop getting darker. When that happens it is time to go to a ?Step 2? lotion. The steps are usually labeled 3, 4, 5, and so on after that, and you will always know it?s time to move up a step whenever you stop getting darker.

BUT, it is important that you never skip steps. Skipping steps causes burning that can lead to permanent skin damage, and it does not speed up your tan. This is where you must be careful when it comes to using free samples. Check the labels as carefully as you would if you were purchasing the product. If the right ?step? is not available, don?t go up a step OR down a step ? reversing will reverse your tan.

Remember, just because it is free doesn?t mean it?s the right product for you.

Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Tanning-Bed-Solutions.com. He provides more tanning bed information on tanning bed bulbs, tanning bed lotions and home tanning bed information that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

Crohn's Disease Explained

2008-08-31T17:59:00.001-07:00

Crohn's disease is characterized by chronic inflammation of the colon. Most patients also experience abdominal pain and weight loss. The treatment for Crohn?s disease is similar to that of ulcerative colitis in the sense that it can be treated with sulfasalazine, mesalamine preparations, glucocorticoids and 6 mercaptopurine.

Antibiotics such as Ciprofloxacin and Metronidazole can also be effective for the complications that come along with Crohn?s disease. Metronidazole is very useful in treating fitulous disease in some patients.

The origin of Crohn?s disease is still a mystery in the medical world, however some researchers believe that overeating, chemical poisoning, bacterial and a lack of response by your own immune system may all be connected to Crohn?s disease.

Crohn?s disease can often be confused with regional ileitis, which is also a severe, progressive, inflammatory disease of the bowel. Its symptoms include diarrhea with pain. Bowel movements usually contain blood, mucus and pus, brought on by the infection. What makes Crohn?s different is that it can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract and does not necessarily involve constant unhealthy bowel movements, sometimes bowel movements are regular, other time they are not.

No symptoms are noticeable when your Crohn?s is in remission. In fact, most patients in remission may think that they are healed. But the truth of the matter is that there is still chance for the disease to reoccur, unless you take all necessary precautions and pay close attention to your health. If surgery becomes necessary for Crohn?s your disease, you can rest assured it is a well tolerated, reasonably safe procedure, with an operative mortality rate of only 6%.

Since diarrhea is one of the main symptoms of Crohn?s disease, it?s not unusual for patients to have some fissures, fistulas or thickening of the anal skin. The skin may also become swollen and discolored around the anus.

Crohn?s can also bring about biochemical disturbances in the liver. Many patients hat exhibit this symptom have a family history of allergies that includes hives and asthma. Additional symptoms can include enlargement of the ends of the fingers (called clubbing), thrush in the mouth, lesions in the eyes and arthritis that effects the large joints.

Even today there is no effective cure for Crohn?s disease. Although the disease may exhibit relatively mild symptoms, it still can interfere with work and your personal life. Medications that treat the disease can sometimes end up causing other problems.

Many Crohn?s patients were found to be eating a similar diet ? lots of refined sugars, less dietary fiber, less raw fruits and vegetables. The trouble is that sugary foods tend to contain chemical additives that influence intestinal bacteria, causing them to produce toxic substances that end up, over time, destroying the intestinal lining. This is the reason sugary foods should be avoided (or limited) by Crohn?s patients.

Seasonings as well as cold liquid are also not well tolerated. It?s also common for a milk sugar mal-absorption to cause milk intolerance in most Crohn?s patients. Crohn?s disease is also believed to be responsible for providing favorable conditions where substances that produce allergic reaction can develop, especially if the Crohn?s has penetrated the lining of the bowel.

If you suspect you have Crohn?s disease, you should first consult your primary care physician before taking other steps. Careful diagnosis and monitoring are the key to living comfortably with Crohn?s.

By Sharon Dobson. You can sign up for a Free Crohn?s Disease Newsletter at Natural Crohn?s Disease Relief or for Crohn?s Disease articles click here Crohn?s Articles.

Yoga and Self Analysis: The Right Time and Place

2008-08-30T21:59:00.001-07:00

As many of you know, Yoga is something you can practice any time. You can be mindful of others, show loving kindness, forgive, give to charity, keep good posture, eat right, and practice Yogic breathing techniques during your day, without much problem.

Those who practice physical forms of Yoga will have to set aside time during the day for Asanas. Meditation is practiced without any distractions, therefore, you will have to budget your time. It may be more convenient to practice meditation after your Asanas are finished. So far, everything seems easy enough for the average Yoga practitioner to fit into his or her lifestyle.

Alternately, self analysis is a part of Yoga that many practitioners do not have time for. You cannot practice self analysis when you are ?in the heat of battle.? This preoccupation will cause self doubt if you are in a pressurized situation. You must react to life as it is right now, and be in the moment to find solutions.

This seems to be a paradox: We think of self analysis and Yoga as empowering practices. We do not associate self analysis with temporary mental paralysis.

However, in order for you to make significant discoveries about yourself, and consider how to apply your skills to life, there is a certain amount of time needed to envision the fruits of your labor. You will then have to put your visions, plans, and goals into action.

So, how, and when, do you make the time for a self analysis session? Much like Yogic meditation, you need a quiet time and place. Try to allow one hour per week; and if you come up with a blank, at a certain point, finish your session with meditation. You can meditate on a related point, or practice, any familiar Yogic form of meditation.

Self analysis sessions require a pen and paper. Although some of you may opt for a PDA, or a laptop, some will still prefer the experience of putting an idea down on paper. This will also give you something to reflect on during the week and in the following sessions.

Just like Yoga practice, self analysis can be practiced with others, with a coach, or with a teacher. The big difference is the direction your session will go in.

Anyone you choose to share thoughts with must be trustworthy or there will be no benefit. Therefore, much like your meditation sessions this is very much a rewarding form of self discovery. If you have any difficulty, this skill can be improved by practicing with a competent Yoga teacher.

Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. To receive a Free e-Book: Yoga in Practice, and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

Weight Control Tool: A Food Journal

2008-08-30T01:59:00.001-07:00

All the weight control experts recommend keeping a record of what you eat. Seeing your daily intake in black and white reality can boost your pride in your self-discipline, gently confront you with some less than stellar choices you've made, or cast you into a morass of guilt and depression when you face the epicurean debacle that your food intake represents.

A food diary can become so much more useful for your weight wars if you use it as a tool for self-exploration and self-discovery. It allows you to create an oasis of support that anchors you in a world tossed by competing priorities, overwork, incredible dietary temptations, and social pressures that all lead to frustration, inwardly directed anger, diminished self-esteem, and terminal fatigue.

What do we need to do to create such a tool?

1. Buy a good spiral notebook with lots of pages and a hard cover - you're going to keep this for a long time so avoid anything that's going to easily fall apart.

2. Enter the date you started your journey: this is the baseline against which you will compare your entries for the next several months. Under the date, enter the following information as accurately as you can make it, as of this very moment:

Age Height Weight Measurements

Waist

Bust

Hips

Thighs

Upper arms

Clothing size

Type of hairstyle

Any daily exercise obtained

Today's primary mood

Self-Appraisal (find 3 adjectives for each area)

General appearance

Size and shape

Personal characteristics

Interpersonal relationships

Self-value

Family or romantic relationships

Level of self-satisfaction

3. Each day, you are going to enter not only what you ate, but the thoughts and emotions that accompanied the food. Note: Don't become obsessive - it more productive to keep this daily but if you run out of time and energy now and then, skip it, and get back to it when you can.

4. It is going to take some thought and memory-searching to ferret out what you need so find yourself a quiet spot where you can be alone and quiet. Keep your book there, close at hand, so you can quickly visit when you want to record anything that occurs to you.

5. Start teaching yourself to identify the inner landscape that accompanies your food intake. Focus on the moments before you ate: How did you feel at the time? Were you (genuinely) hungry - create a 1 to 10 rating scale for yourself, ranging from not really up to starved, faint, light-headed. Were you bored? Were you anxious and trying to calm yourself down? Were you angry and stuffing that anger down your own throat? Were you feeling sorry for yourself? Were you with good friends and just wanted to be part of the group? Were you just not thinking? Were you trying to punish yourself -or someone else? You may find that you ate several times a day for the same reason or that the triggers to eat differed throughout the day depending upon the circumstances and people involved at the time.

6. Once you have jotted down everything related to the minutes before you ate (you may start out with very little to say but as you warm to this exercise, you will find yourself recording more and more information), consider how you felt directly afterwards. Did you feel satiated and serene? Did you feel proud of your food choices? Were you satisfied with all your selections? Did you feel stuffed and uncomfortable? Did you feel guilty about the choices you made? Were you angry with yourself for giving in to temptation and blowing your diet for the day? Did the food make you light and energetic or heavy and sleepy? Did you think about tomorrow morning's weigh-in with dread or anticipation?

7. Take a look at the day from the perspective of now (last thing in the evening or a look back the following morning). Try to look at your entries as if they belonged to someone else. As a dispassionate third party, what are your conclusions about the individual who recorded this data? Is this a self-aware, consciously motivated person or someone who lives on auto-pilot with little planning or direction? Is this someone who has internalized their diet goals and attempts to control their environment and intake? Is this an individual who merely 'talks the talk but pursues actions that break those verbal rules? Is this a happy person who is cheerfully continuing the weight struggle with a sense of humor and self-forgiveness? Or is this someone who resents the conspiracies of nature which attempt to load on as much fat as possible, to ward off some improbable future famine?

8. If you are generally satisfied with the day's food intake, give yourself a mental pat on the back and relish the day's accomplishment. Promise yourself that one great day proves forever that you can do it. Identify a small, non-edible, reward for your self-discipline, inner strength, and personal commitment. Record your conclusions and bask in the self-satisfaction you so richly deserve.

9. If you feel disappointed in what you read, remind yourself that it is only one day in a lifetime of thousands of days. Forgive yourself and start over. Think about one or two changes you can make so the following day's record will not be quite so disappointing. Guard against swearing that today will be perfect: you are not going to get there overnight but you will get there, over time, slowly, one step at a time. You are learning to take baby steps that will nudge your food intake into closer alignment with your goals. You are going to gradually add techniques to your arsenal of weapons to keep temptation at bay. The simple fact of intake awareness will keep slowly propelling you towards the goals you have so carefully set.

10. At the end of your entry, enter your weight for the day - it will always fluctuate a little bit but will show you how you are doing when viewed over a period of time.

Virginia Bola is a licensed psychologist and an admitted diet fanatic. She specializes in therapeutic reframing and the effects of attitudes and motivation on individual goals. The author of The Wolf at the Door: An Unemployment Survival Manual, and a free ezine, The Worker's Edge, she recently completed a psychologically-based weight control book: Diet with an Attitude: A Weight Loss Workbook. She can be reached at http://www.DietWithAnAttitude.com

Pharmaceuticals: The Next Frontier in America's War on Drugs

2008-08-29T05:59:00.001-07:00

America?s war on drugs, which has been fought in the opium fields of Afghanistan and the cocaine plantations of Columbia, will have to reinvent itself to combat what is set to be America?s biggest drug abuse problem, pharmaceuticals. One in five American?s, nearly 48 million, have used prescription drugs for non-medical purposes at least once in their lives. The current past month misuse rate among Americans is 6.2 million. According to a recent white paper by Carnevale Associates, this rate of use is already higher than the historical highs of both cocaine and heroin epidemics.

For some, the road to illicit use of prescription medications starts innocently. After a car accident, back injury, or, even, a mental/emotional breakdown a physician prescribes medication for a legitimate use. Over time, tolerance builds up so that more and more of the drug is needed until a state of dependence is reached. At this point, there is no easy way to get off the drug, and stopping can involve painful withdrawal symptoms. Some doctors have been known to become afraid and cut their patients off at this point. Patients have been known to steal prescription pads, or visit numerous doctors to get the drugs they have become addicted to.

However, contrary to popular belief, it is not older adults or any adults who are most likely to abuse pharmaceuticals. In the past decade, abuse of prescription meds among youth has been growing at an alarming first-time use rate of more than fifty percent each year. In 2002, the latest year for which there are statistics, approximately 2.5 million American?s misused prescriptions for the first time and 44% of them were under the age of 18.

Unfortunately, as the media fixes its gaze on the methamphetamine problem; and the Office of National Drug Control Policy spends much of its time focusing on Marijuana the opportunity to address the pharmaceutical addiction and abuse is being missed. While certain steps have been taken they have been tentative. The ONDCP has drawn up a strategy for addressing synthetic drugs, but no serious media campaign to educate Americans about the problem has been undertaken. Nor has any pharmaceutical company been brought to heel for manufacturing drugs with high abuse potential even when alternatives may exist.

The next battle in America?s war on drugs must draw a bead on pharmaceuticals. The ONDCP must be willing to launch the same type of hard hitting ad campaigns against prescription drug abuse as it has against, marijuana, ecstasy and cocaine. The FDA must not be afraid to sanction drug manufacturers who continue to make unsafe drugs where safe alternatives exist. Pharmaceutical manufactures must become better citizens and spend the research and development dollars to make safe and effective drugs, rather than taking the easy way out.

This new phase of the war on drugs, without easily targeted foreigners to blame for America?s drug abuse problems, will take unwavering political resolve, corporate citizenship and ingenuity. Even then it is likely to take years before the trend of increases in prescription medicine abuse and addiction can be reversed.

Common Prescription Drugs of Abuse:

Opioids: these are synthetic versions of opium. Intended for pain management opioids are the most commonly abused prescription drugs. OxyContin (oxycodone), Vicodin (hydrocodone) and Demerol (meperidine) are the most popular for abuse. Short-term side effects can include pain relief, euphoria, and drowsiness. Overdose can lead to death. Long-term use can lead to dependence or addiction.

Depressants: These drugs are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety; panic attacks, and sleep disorders. Nembutal (pentobarbital sodium), Valium (diazepam), and Xanax (alprazolam) are just three of the many drugs in this category. Immediately slow down normal brain functioning and can cause sleepiness Long-term use can lead to physical dependence and addiction.

Stimulants: Doctors may prescribe these to treat the sleeping disorder narcolepsy or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, ADHD. Ritalin (methylphenidate) and Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) are two commonly prescribed stimulants. These drugs enhance brain activity and increase alertness and energy in much the same way as cocaine or methamphetamine. They increase blood pressure; speed up heart rate, and respiration. Very high doses can lead to irregular heartbeat and hyperthermia.

? 2005, David Westbrook

About the Author: Dave Westbrook has worked in the field of crisis intervention and addictions for several years. For more information on prescription med abuse and other addiction related topics visit http://www.addictionsresources.com

Tummy Tuck Scars

2008-08-28T09:59:00.001-07:00

Will Tummy Tuck Scars Remain Visible?

The scars that are present after a tummy tuck operation are usually not as bad as one would expect. These tummy tuck scars are often hidden below the swimsuit or underwear line so others cannot see them while you are in a bathing suit. If you are worried about tummy tuck scars, be sure to consult an experienced doctor. A doctor who has performed many of these operations in the past will be good at concealing tummy tuck scars by either performing the procedure better or by removing the scars afterward. A tummy tuck procedure does not require many incisions, so if done by an experienced doctor, you should not have any problems.

Tummy tuck operations require one long incision directly above the pubic area. This first incision will run from hip bone to hip bone, and is the main incision that the doctors will work from. In addition to this incision, a second one may be made at or around the belly button. The second incision is usually not necessary for only a partial tummy tuck operation. Also, if the patient decides to only undergo a partial procedure the initial cut may not be as long either. This is why some people decide to go for the partial tummy tuck, as opposed to the full thing. Again, your doctor will be able to provide you with the advantages and disadvantages of both.

If you get an experienced doctor these scars will almost always fade over time. They also tend to flatten out as your body starts to heal. In most cases these scars eventually come nearly invisible with just a hint left behind.

Tummy tuck scars are not that big of a deal. They are usually below the swimsuit line, and also fade and disappear as time goes on. Do not let the thought of tummy tuck scars stop you from having this operation.

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Think you know about Fitness and Health? Test your Knowledge

2008-08-27T13:59:00.001-07:00

Here?s another opportunity to test your knowledge about health, fitness & exercise?

Question 1 ? If you reach out to catch a ball thrown at you, which muscle should activate fractionally before any of the others?
a. Deltoid (shoulder muscle)
b. Transverse Abdominus (deep core muscle)
c. Latissimus Dorsi (back muscle)
d. Rectus abdominus (superficial core muscle)

Question 2 ? To reshape your body, you should focus on:
a. Weight training only
b. Aerobic workouts only
c. Mostly aerobic workouts with a moderate amount of weight training
d. Mostly weight training sessions with a moderate amount of aerobic exercise

Question 3 ? The correct sequence for training your abdominals is:
a. Upper, lower, obliques
b. Obliques, lower, upper
c. Obliques, upper, lower
d. Lower, obliques, upper

Question 4 ?To lose weight fast, you should avoid:
a. Carbohydrates
b. Fats
c. Proteins
d. None of the food groups

Question 5 ? If you want to start lifting heavy weights but are keen to protect your back, you should:
a. Wear a weight belt
b. Strengthen your legs
c. Strengthen your core
d. Use a spotter (someone to assist you whilst)

Question 6 ? The most important part of a workout is:
a. Warm up
b. Stretching
c. Cool down
d. Main component

And the answers are?

Question 1
Answer: b ? Transversus Abdominis
This is the inner most of all your core muscles. It has a number of functions, most notably to help stabilise your spine and protect your back, which it does in conjunction with a number of other muscles. Research has found that with any movement of the extremities, the TVA muscle fires fractionally before any other muscle, to help achieve spinal stabilisation and provide a stable & strong base of support for the limb to move, without exposing your spine to excessive pressures.

When the TVA does not function in sequence (i.e. first), this leaves the spine ?naked? and prone to injury. This can be seen when bodybuilders, who use a weight belt to lift 300lbs in the gym, ?put their back out? by lifting their gym bag out of the car. By wearing a weight belt, they have inhibited their TVA & ?taught? it not to fire and provide natural stabilisation for their body when lifting heavy weights, so the muscle will likely use the same recruitment pattern (by not firing) when lifting even light weights without a belt ?leaving them susceptible to injury.

Question 2
Answer: d ? Mostly weight training sessions with a moderate amount of aerobic exercise

This is the best combination of exercise when it comes to reshaping your body ? whether you want to lose weight, improve muscle definition, bulk up or simply look more ?athletic?. Cardiovascular/aerobic exercise will help you lose weight by burning calories but you will find it hard to truly sculpt your body through running, cycling, rowing or swimming alone.

The best method for this is to perform resistance exercises - also known as weight training ? combined with the right stretching routine. This helps improve muscle tone and strength and is the key to shaping your body. Only by challenging our muscles with resistance are we able to significantly alter their shape, size and resting tone.

Performing a selection of the right resistance & stretching exercises can also help correct postural imbalances, such as rounded shoulders, a ?duck?s bottom?, forward head posture and can help rebalance your body so it looks aligned and toned. For women in particular, load bearing exercises are recommended to help prevent osteoporosis and maintain bone density and because of our genetic makeup and lower levels of testosterone, we are less likely to bulk up if we lift weights. It is still however, a good idea to perform a moderate amount of aerobic exercise to help burn those calories but more importantly to improve & maintain your cardiovascular fitness and keep your heart & lungs healthy.

Question 3
Answer: d - Lower, Obliques, Upper

Training the lower section of your abdominals requires greater support, stabilisation and co-ordination of the other core muscles, so these should be trained first to allow optimum recruitment of all the muscles. Second in line are the obliques, which again require support from the other core muscles but are typically stronger than the lower abdominals. Your upper abs should be trained last. These are often the strongest section of your abdominal musculature and so should be left till last, as they need the least support & coordination from the other muscles in your core.

Question 4
Answer: d ? none of the food groups
I would not recommend avoiding any food groups, even if you are desperate to lose weight quickly. To provide your body with the nutrition it needs to function effectively and optimally, I would recommend identifying your metabolic type. This will allow you to identify the foods & nutrients that you as an individual require. Once you start eating right for your type, you should find it can help with a whole host of things, including weight loss and niggling aches & pains. Our bodies are all unique, so a diet that works for one person is likely to be completely unsuccessful for another. Metabolic typing helps to identify the imbalances in your body and guides you through the maze of finding out what gives you the most energy, wellbeing and feelings of great health.

Question 5
Answer:c ? Strengthen your core
If you are going to start lifting heavy weights, you can do your body a huge favour by making sure your abdominals, back & other stabiliser muscles are strong enough to provide adequate stabilisation and balance for the exercises you?ll be performing. You are only as strong as your weakest link, so even though you think your pecs might be strong enough to bench press 220lbs, if your core isn?t strong enough to help stabilise your body, you will only succeed in injuring yourself if you try and lift this kind of weight without strengthening the stabiliser muscles at the same time. And, as I mentioned in question 1, if you think wearing a weight belt will help ? it won?t. It will actually weaken your core & stabiliser muscles, as it?s doing their job for them so in the long run the imbalance in strength between your strong pecs and your weak supporting muscles is only going to get greater.

Question 6
Answer: All of them!

So this was a bit of a trick question. The truth is that all of these parts of your workout are important. The warm up is vital in ensuring your body is ready to perform the main component of your exercise and without it, you may not be as effective for the rest of your workout. It also helps to prevent injury and psychologically gets your brain ready for the workout that it?s about to perform, which helps with coordination and muscle activation.

Obviously the main component is important ? without it, it wouldn?t really be a workout! Stretching is key, whether it?s part of your warm up & cool down or a specific part of your workout, designed to help correct imbalances or improve flexibility. Often because of the imbalances in our body, a specific exercise may require the antagonist (opposing muscle) to be stretched first in order to allow proper functioning of the muscle we?re trying to work. For example, if you have tight chest muscles because you do a lot of bench pressing, you may find that when you perform an exercise for your upper back, it helps to stretch out your chest first in order to improve the range of motion allowed by your tight chest muscles, which are opposing the action of something like a seated row. Similarly, the action of a muscle might need to be inhibited to allow another, weaker muscle the chance to perform the action. The stronger muscle will always be the muscle that performs an action so in order to work the weaker one, the stronger one should be inhibited first by stretching.

And, just like the warm up, the cool down is often ignored but is just as important for helping your heart rate, blood pressure & respiration rate to return to normal. This ensures that your muscles will have adequate circulation so there?ll be no blood pooling, which can help reduce the risk of dizziness, fainting and DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness).

Lea Woodward is a leading Health Coach and runs activOne.co.uk. She is a C.H.E.K. Exercise, Nutrition & Lifestyle Coach, an Advanced Level Metabolic Typing Advisor and an NLP Practitioner. For more information visit http://www.leawoodward.co.uk.

How To Spot The Differences of Snoring from Sleep Apnea

2008-08-20T02:03:00.001-07:00

Millions of people snore and very few of them actually know whether or not it is related to a more serious condition known as sleep apnea. Snoring can be brought on by a variety of reasons such as excess weight, smoking, and drinking alcohol before bed. However, snoring can also be a symptom of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a potentially serious condition in which a person stops breathing for a period of ten seconds or more several times a night.

If you snore you should go to your doctor to determine whether or not you have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea carries some serious risks with it such as heart attack and stroke. Immediate symptoms include morning headaches, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and general tiredness throughout the day. When the body isn't getting enough oxygen and the heart is working extra hard there are many problems associated with this.

Some people with sleep apnea awake several times a night gasping for breath, while others don't fully wake up at all. Their partners may notice a sudden loud snore after a short silence. This most certainly is a sign of sleep apnea, not just regular snoring.

Sleep apnea is typically caused by a person's anatomy. For instance, if there is extra tissue in the throat it may cause a temporary obstruction and a blockage of air. Luckily there are several treatment options for sleep apnea. One option is surgery. If your sleep apnea is caused by anatomy you may be able to have a surgical procedure done which may reduce or remove the obstruction. Another option is a CPAP machine. CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure and forces air in and out of the lungs, regardless of any obstructions. These require the patient to wear a face mask, but most people get used to it after a few nights.

Discovering the root of your snoring is important to good health, regardless if it stems from sleep apnea, obesity, or smoking. Taking steps to reduce or eliminate your snoring will benefit your health for years to come.

Thomas Wilson writes about snoring and sleep apnea related topics for the Sleep Conditions website. Read more and sign up for our free newsletter at http://www.sleepconditions.com.

Get Off Your Butt!

2008-08-19T06:02:00.000-07:00

Most of us would readily admit that one of the biggest things we take for granted is our health. We get something like the common cold, albeit a nasty strain this year, and we bemoan the runny nose and coughing vowing to ourselves to appreciate our health when we get better only to forget again until next time we are sick. In the end what does it matter how successful you are or money you have, how good looking or popular you are or even how many computers you have if you don?t have your health. With modern Western medicine turning its focus to gene and stem cell research to provide hope to many, alternative therapies growing in popularity by the day and the Internet providing each of us a medical resource and choice we never had before you could say we should well placed to keep ourselves healthy. However preventable problems like obesity and skin cancer are only growing in number, mental and physical breakdowns from overworked people are at alarming levels, more kids than ever are on behaviour modification medications and it is thought the younger generation for the first time in history may have shorter life-span than their parents.

While modern technology has helped the medical industry in so many wonderful ways, it has at the same time removed basic healthy habits from our lifestyle. Technology has not replaced fresh air, human interaction, fresh food and physical exercise which are the basic elements for a healthy mind and body.

Now the following story might sound like a typical example for many in Western society currently in the middle part of their life. In your adolescent years you were encouraged to play outside with friends and at school and extra curricular engagements, energetic activities were the norm keeping us in good physical shape. Junk food, TV and computer games were a part of life but by no means a dominating facet. As you moved into the latter part of school and either work or study beyond high school, the amount of physical activity probably diminished, a car replaced your walking, alcohol and smoking may have entered your life but the fact that your metabolism was working at its greatest rate and many were trying to keep in reasonable shape to impress and attract a mate meant that your health was still reasonable. Soon the demands of work would take over leaving less time to be active and to interact with the new family you have. Now with a partner, you have let yourself go a little and with time being a precious commodity, it is easier to put the kids in paid child care and eat fast food in your dual income household. The media, school counsellors and teachers, your own parents and the government are bombarding you with messages about ADHD, divorce rates, the evils of too much TV, private health insurance, obesity, new diseases like Bird Flu and all you are trying to do is enjoy the little bit of spare time you have and provide a good life for your family.

If that sounds familiar and bad news well spare a thought for your kids? generation because a lot of those healthy habits that were a normal part of your early childhood are not for them and other issues like the environment, heart disease in their 20s and Ritalin are a reality for them. If anything speaks volumes about the sad state of our society it would have to be the number of young kids on prescribed medication because of supposed personality disorders. It is hard to believe that suddenly our youth is going through an epidemic of personality issues requiring chemical intervention when for all previous generations most young people turned into healthy functioning adults. This medication should be the absolute final resort and not the first point of call as it seems today just because it is the quick fix. It is this quick fix mentality you see with ?ab machines? that give us a six pack while we sit in our lounge chair and the new fad diet flavour of the month that says a lot of how we try and solve our problems.

Maybe regarding health we might have to actually put in a bit of effort and be a bit more respectful to our bodies and who knows not only will we be more healthy but we might also stop taking our health for granted.

Chris Jacob

Born 25th December 1981 in Melbourne, Australia, Chris (commonly known as CJ) graduated from Monash University in 2003 after completing Bachelor degrees in Commerce and Business Systems. He went on to co-own a Computer Troubleshooters franchise which also introduced him to the opportunities of writing for the News Corp, mX newspaper and the Metro News (formerly Toorak Metro) in Australia. He continues in that jounalistic capcity today. He sold the business in late 2005 allowing him to pursue other opportunities both around Australia and abroad. At last check he was involved in global enterprises covering bereavement and business broking, writng a couple of books, becoming an art ditributor and developing an education platform for the new millenium. Chris can always be found having a good time on the dance floor and at any good restaraunt around town usually with a wine in his hand. He currently has no permanent residence but still calls Australia home. Look out for Chris in the coming years on the global stage.

Source: CJ, A Biography (http://www.jiveexchange.com)

Look Younger As You Get Old

2008-08-17T14:02:00.001-07:00

Everyone wants to get youthful and attractive appearance. Do you know that just by following some simple skin care techniques you can look younger? Here are those techniques. Just follow these and see the results.

Avoid over makeup

Many women use more cosmetics when their skin starts showing signs of age. It is advisable to use fewer amounts of cosmetics because as you get older your skin starts losing its firmness. If you apply more makeup it tends to slide into and accentuate lines and furrows.

Avoid all-over foundation

Don?t apply all-over foundation. Instead dot an opaque concealer or stick foundation over brown spots and broken capillaries. After that use a sheer concealer to eliminate shadows under eyes and in and around skin folds. It is better to avoid glossy lipsticks because they can slide into vertical lip lines. It is better to stick to matte or pencil types instead.

Make your face look attractive

Use a soft cream-to-powder blush for cheeks. It won't get caught in nearby crow's-feet. Rim eyes with a brown powder liner, applied with a dampened brush, for softer definition. Harsh lines may exaggerate wrinkles and sagging.

Stay away from round or scoop necks, which repeat the curve of a drooping bust. Instead use V-necks to direct the eye upward. To hide a sagging neck, avoid the classic turtleneck because it pinches loose skin. Use a scrunch-neck or loose-fitting mock turtleneck. And look for jackets with small shoulder pads to square off slumping shoulders and balance out widening hips.

Tips for jewelry

As for jewelry, stay away from chokers, because they draw attention to crepey neck skin. Instead, try a pendant necklace with that flattering V-line. Don't use dangly earrings that accentuate jowls. Delicate stud, button, and small-hoop earrings are all classic looks that enhance but don't overpower your face.

Use retinoids

Skin care experts recommend adding a prescription retinoid to your skin-care regimen. It helps to smooth UV-induced wrinkles, clear up brown spots, and reduce other visible signs of aging. Retinoids are the most documented and scientifically proven de-agers.

These potent creams and gels are acid derivatives of vitamin A. Over time, retinoids can stimulate collagen production and increase the skin's water content. This helps prevent sagging. It is also important to use sunscreens, which should be used every day, at any age, in any weather.

We proudly offer all natural and user-friendly beauty care products for your skin care needs. Our complete line of skin care products is made using only natural skin care ingredients, to ensure quality in all of our skin care products. http://www.personahealth.com

A Look at Microdermabrasion Machines

2008-08-16T18:05:00.000-07:00

Microdermabrasion systems are safe for most all skin types. Microdermabrasion systems actually evolved from a process known as dermabrasion. Though effective, especially for serious dermis scarring, dermabrasion is harsh, requiring a metallic re-surfacing tool, anesthesia, and long recovery times. Microdermabrasion systems, however, gently smooth signs of aging, sun damage, and scarring with micro-crystal creams. The beauty of micro-crystal creams is how powerfully they polish the skin, but remains gentle and forgiving.

A special cleansing device circulates a cream, infused with tiny exfoliating crystals (aluminum oxide), directly onto the skin. These micro-crystals deep clean the skin?s outer-most layer of dead skin cells and other debris, while the re-surfacing wand massages the upper-most surface tissue, clears pores, and jumpstarts circulation. In turn, creating a fresh skin surface that diminishes the appearance of wrinkles, lines, spots, blemishes, uneven skin surfaces, and scarring caused by acne, childbirth, weight gain, aging, sun damage, or genetics.

The process is not painful but more like a deep cleansing tissue massage. The re-surfacing tool has various strength levels and is easy to control. Most licensed estheticians and cosmetologists, RNs, or doctors perform professional microdermabrasion services using a closed-loop vacuum system, to include a waste catching canister. Professional operators of microdermabrasion systems are required to be trained. Home systems are also available, and usually provide training manuals.

Microdermabrasion equipment is adjustable and easily tailored to your specific beauty needs.Most systems include the following basic components: hand-held resurfacing tool that applies exfoliating solutions, specially formulated creams infused with exfoliating micro-crystals (aluminum oxide), and various foam attachments designed for polishing all skin surfaces.

Most major cosmetic manufacturers sell microdermabrason equipment, many are conveniently available online. Simply conduct a search for ?microdermabrasion systems.? Professional level microdermabrasion equipment is also available on the web, targeting salons, cosmetic surgeons, and entrepreneurs. The professional equipment is similar to many home systems in that they both use a buffing wand that applies micro-crystals. The primary differences between the two is that professional microdermabrasion equipment offers a re-surfacing device that simultaneously vacuums or sweeps the debris clear and increases tissue stimulation, while having more power and durability due to repeated use and varied clientele needs.

Microdermabrasion equipment ranges from inexpensive do-it-yourself lotion packages to medical and salon machines costing several thousands of dollars. This technology empowers you to experience serious skin improvements from home, at the salon, or in your dermatologist?s office without the inconvenience and risks involved with surgery, lasers, and chemicals.

Microdermabrasion Info provides detailed information on microdermabrasion, a progressive skin re-surfacing technique that targets wrinkles, lines, superficial scarring, stretch marks, acne, and sun damage. Microdermabrasion Info is the sister site of Acne Treatment Web.

Sciatica The Cause and the Cure

2008-08-15T22:05:00.000-07:00

What it is

Sciatica is the name people give to a pain in the buttock, leg or foot brought on as a direct result of some form of irritation to the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body. It runs all the way from the lower back splitting at the base of the spine and terminating in the foot.

The discs which cushion the vertebrae in the lower back become progressively thinner and harder as we get older. This stresses the lower back and often causes a variety of lower back pain disorders, including sciatica.

Sciatica is usually caused by a prolapsed or 'slipped' disc bulging and pressing on to a nerve. It doesn't usually cause permanent nerve damage since the spinal cord is not present in the lower part of the spine and a prolapsed or herniated disc in this area does not pose a risk of paralysis.

The cause

The most common cause of sciatica is a prolapsed (slipped) disc, pinched nerves or some form of arthritis. It usually starts with back pain which sometimes improves only to be followed by hamstring or calf pain. It may also include numbness in the toes depending on which branch of the sciatic nerve is irritated.

Piriformis syndrome is a condition in which the piriformis muscle irritates the sciatic nerve. The piriformis muscle is a small muscle behind the gluteus maximus. Piriformis syndrome is most common among women, runners and walkers.

Spinal stenosis is the name given to the narrowing of the nerve channel (vertebral canal) of the spine. This narrowing causes compression of either the spinal cord within the vertebral canal, or the nerve roots that exit the spinal cord. People with spinal stenosis experience sciatic pain symptoms in the legs and feet. It usually results from degenerative arthritis causing a narrowing of the spaces in the vertebral canal. Manual workers are more prone to developing symptoms of spinal stenosis but it seldom affects people under 30 years of age - unless it is due to traumatic injury to the vertebrae.

The spine is made up of a series of connected bones called vertebrae. Spondylolisthesis or isthmic spondylolisthesis occurs when a cracked vertebra slips over the vertebra below it. Poor posture and curvature of the back or weak abdominal muscles can contribute to this slippage, which can press on the nerve. The presence of this spondylolysis usually does not represent a dangerous condition in the adult and most treatments concentrate on pain relief and increasing the patient's ability to function.

The Cure

Some cases of sciatica which result from inflammation get better with time and heal themselves perhaps within six weeks to three months.

Recent studies have shown that bed rest is not necessarily the best way to treat sciatica. It is better to remain active, starting off with some gentle stretching and exercise. Swimming is particularly useful, as it is not a weight bearing exercise. The good news is that herniated spinal discs usually do heal on their own, given time.

There are many different treatments for sciatica and it is important to discuss these with your health practitioner. Accurate diagnosis to determine the exact cause of sciatic pain is also equally important. The most conclusive diagnosis is usually gained by a having an MRI scan. However having said that skilled medical practitioners, and I include Osteopaths and Chiropractors, are often able to determine the suspected cause by carrying out a physical examination

Stretching and exercising are a must if you really want to progress along the road to rehabilitation and if you are in extreme pain this is probably the last thing you will contemplate doing.

Since getting mobile and becoming flexible is extremely important you might require some pain management to help you get going. For mild cases of sciatica your doctor may start off by recommending non prescription medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen, known as non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. A downside of these drugs is that they may cause stomach upsets or bleeding.

If your pain is not relieved by analgesics or NSAIDs, your doctor might prescribe narcotic analgesics (such as codeine) for a short time. Side effects of these include nausea, constipation, dizziness and drowsiness, and continued use may result in dependency.

Sciatic pain is usually nerve related and responds well to treatment with low doses of tricyclic anti-depressant drugs like amitriptyline, dothiepin, nortriptyline, lofepramine, desipramine, clomipramine or imipramine combined with acupuncture or the use of TENs machines. The low dosage of the tricyclic drug acts by closing ?a pain gate? blocking the message to the brain.

Other medications like Corticosteroids taken orally or by injection are sometimes prescribed for more severe back and leg pain because of their very powerful anti-inflammatory effect. Corticosteroids also have side effects and the pros and cons of taking them should be fully discussed with your doctor.

In extreme cases spinal injections of corticosteroid into the epidural space (the area around the spinal nerves) or facet joint (between vertebrae) may be given. This is usually carried out by a specialist with follow up injections at a later date.

Other treatments to manage sciatica include traction; manipulation by a skilled osteopath, physio therapist or chiropractor; Chemonucleolysis (injection of a special enzyme into the disk).

There is a fairly new procedure called IDET which stands for Iintro Discal Electrothermy). When a disc is herniated the water content of the inflamed disc causes it to bulge and press against the nerve. IDET dries up the disc very quickly, in less than 20 minutes, a process which might take weeks or months if left to dry up naturally

As a last resort you may consider surgery to remove fragments of the prolapsed disc are then removed.

As I mentioned earlier it is important to stay active and continue with an exercise and stretching program. Especially do exercises to develop your back and stomach muscles. This will help stabilize your spine and support your body.

It is also important to maintain a reasonable body weight, ensure you have a good posture, sleep on a mattress that is neither too soft nor too hard, be careful when bending or lifting heavy weights.

This information in this article should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease. You should always consult with your health care professional especially relating to the suitability of supplements or drugs and on all health matters that may require diagnosis or medical attention. If you suffer from progressive weakness in the leg or bladder or bowel incontinence this constitutes a medical emergency and you should seek immediate medical attention ? you may have cauda equina syndrome a serious condition due to compression of the nerve roots in the lower end of the spinal canal.

Bill Morrison has his own website http://www.help4urback.com where he describes his own personal experiences coping with lower back pain and sciatica. He also includes personal recommendations for people who suffer from sciatica or lower back pain including what books to buy, TENs machines, and what web sites to check out.

Siberian Ginseng

2008-08-15T02:05:00.000-07:00

There are three main species of ginseng, Oriental, Siberian and American. While all three forms share many common elements, there are differences among them. Siberian ginseng is not truly ginseng at all.

Siberian ginseng, eleutherococcus senticocus is a distant cousin to the panax ginseng of the Orient. While Siberian ginseng shares many of the same properties of Oriental species, it is easier to cultivate and generally sells for much less.

Eleuthero, formerly Siberian Ginseng, (Glandular) is a member of the ginseng family, though it is of a different genus than other popular ginsengs such as the Panax variety. Herbalists call it an adaptogen. Its name comes from the Chinese jen shen, which means man root, so-named because some roots have limb-like branches resembling arms and legs. Because the root has a humanlike shape, it is considered by Orientals to be an overall body tonic.

Siberian ginseng only gained recognition in the West in the 1950s, when I. I. Brekhman, a Russian scientist, reported notable stress-repelling powers of Siberian ginseng. Healthy men and women taking the herb were found to better endure physical strain, resist disease and perform tests of mental sharpness.

All the research about Siberian ginseng has been carried out in the former Soviet Union. Siberian ginseng is to stimulate the activity of killer and helper T-cells (CD8 and CD4). It also reduces chemotherapy side-effects and appears to increase resistance to viral infections.

Siberian ginseng, ?Eleutherococcus senticosus? is described as an adaptogen, a compound thought to be able to normalise the functioning of the body whatever form of disease is present. It should not be confused with forms of panax ginseng (Chinese or Korean).

Siberian ginseng is found in the Siberian province of Russia. The root is not harvested until it is two or more years old; the older the root, the higher its value.

Westerners are perhaps the most familiar with the plant's botanical cousin Panax ginseng, but Siberian ginseng's apparent ability to fight fatigue and alleviate myriad ailments has earned it an enthusiastic following. Many people use it the way traditional Chinese healers do--to reinforce the body's vital energy. Others take it to enhance memory and ward off colds and flu. In Russia, millions of people use the herb as a general tonic.

Ginseng provides detailed information on Ginseng, Growing Ginseng, Ginseng Tea, American Ginseng and more. Ginseng is affiliated with Therapeutic Essential Oils.

Epilepsy Treatments

2008-08-13T22:45:00.000-07:00

An epileptic has the tendency to suffer from recurring seizures. Treatment methods for the disorder have improved over the years thanks to research. Essentially, anti-epileptic medication and surgery are the most viable and widely deployed treatment methods. However, neither of these methods is curative. Medication if taken at prescribed doses will help control the occurrence of seizures.

Treatment for epilepsy seeks to make the patient?s life free of disablement and improve lifespan rather than provide temporary relief from pain.

As always, effective treatment requires proper diagnosis of the problem. For epilepsy, physicians order tests that identify the type based on symptoms and first-hand information given by the patient or observers.

The most common diagnostic procedure is a blood test that gives a clear picture of the patient?s health condition and possible triggers for the seizures.

Brain scans are an effective tool in getting pictures of the brain using X-rays that help locate damaged areas. A widely known scan type is Computed Tomography. Another expensive but sophisticated technique is magnetic resource imaging (MRI) that is useful in detecting lesions in the temporal lobe.

After proper diagnosis, the patient and physician decide on the best course of treatment. This involves taking into account several factors such as age, gender, family history, allergies, and patient?s opinion.

Usually, the patient is given a dosage of medicines and asked to consume the same regularly. The results may not be as expected and would require regular checkups and increased dosage levels. When it is identified that medication has little impact on patient?s improvement, surgery comes forth as an option.

Surgery gives better results for epileptics prone to strokes, blood vessel defects, and brain tumors. Usage of minimally invasive devises aid in the patient enjoying better quality of life.

Usage of a Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) device is another treatment option. This involves transmitting electrical energy in mild amounts to the brain through the nerve.

Apart from these physician-recommended treatment methods, an epileptic can also adopt natural and alternative therapies that will improve overall well being. Examples include meditation, yoga exercises, massages, Reiki, and aromatherapy.

It is likely that some patients will have side effects from taking treatment. These could include rashes, weight gain or loss, and so on. These can be avoided if the physician is made aware of existing allergies or family history of obesity.

On the patient?s part, avoiding possible seizure causers and paying more attention to lifestyle improve seizure management.

Epilepsy provides detailed information on Epilepsy, Epilepsy Foundations, Temporal Lobe Epilepsy, Epilepsy Treatments and more. Epilepsy is affiliated with Fibromyalgia Treatment.

Anxiety And How To Overcome It

2008-08-13T12:44:00.000-07:00

Feeling anxious every now and then is normal for everyone. What is not normal, is if it controls your whole life and it affects your choices in a negative way. If this happens, then you should seek professional advice as Anxiety is a condition that needs medical attention.

Anxiety can be healed non-medically but for some advanced cases, either a physician or a psychiatrist may need to be summoned. To free yourself from anxiety, you can try the good old method of easy and correct breathing. If you feel that you are close to succumbing to anxiety, breath as calmly as you possibly can. Do it until you can sense that your breathing and heartbeat becomes normal again.

Making decisions during the early phases of your anxiety can be dangerous. Your decision at that point may not be correct and certainly may not be the wisest. Try clearing your mind. If you are gripped with anxiety, you may act overly impulsive. Try to calm down and free your mind. Whisk away all your worries and try to focus more on the problem at hand.

You have to slow things down as an anxious person will have a tendency is to hurry things up. Anxiety triggers adrenaline that can make a person have the necessary power to think and work in a single snap. This may affect a person in a positive or negative way but it its best to think before you act.

Do not heed the anxious voice you hear at the back of your head. Most of the time, anxiety arises in the way you perceive things. Anxiety is both felt and thought. Try not to think of things that will make matters worst and exaggerate things all the more.

Solicit the help of your family and friends. When anxiety strikes, that?s the time you needed somebody the most. They should be able to lead you towards the right path. During this time, your own judgment is not that accurate, so you cannot really trust it. Shift your trust to somebody you deeply know.

Anxiety has to be taken out of your senses because it could just lead you to a situation far more dangerous situation than you could have ever imagined. Be mentally sound at all times and there is never a need to be anxious.

Jason Rickard is the owner of Your Favourite Shop - Offering White Noise and Relaxation CDs - Visit Hapa Health for more articles

Gastric Bypass SurgeryWhat You Should Know

2008-08-13T01:54:00.000-07:00

Obesity is considered to be a chronic illness in America today. This means that the people affected cannot lose weight through traditional means; diet and exercise alone do not work. However, gastric bypass surgery is often the answer that they are looking for. If you happen to be morbidly obese and are considering having this procedure performed, you should know what to expect.

The surgery lasts approximately 30 minutes to one hour and is done under general anesthesia. To eliminate any vomiting upon waking from the surgery, it is required that no food be eaten after midnight the night before the surgery, water may be restricted as well, depending on your surgeon.

There are some side effects associated with the gastric bypass surgery, with the most common being vomiting and dumping syndrome. Both of these risks occur when the patient does not follow the doctors orders regarding eating after surgery.

Gastric bypass surgery essentially creates a new stomach pouch. This pouch holds a quarter of the food that a full size stomach can, a cup as compared to a quart. The type of procedure you opt for will determine how the pouch is created, as well as any effects on the flow of food into the digestive system

Dumping syndrome is a side effect that involves diarrhea, vomiting and fever. It is caused because of the bodies' inability to adjust quickly to the new way food is being digested. This side effect can be controlled through careful food choices and eating habits.

Gastric bypass surgery is approved for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above. For most women this is about 80 pounds over weight and for most men, 100 pounds. However, if there are serious weight related health issues involved, the BMI requirements can be lowered to 35.

Most insurance companies do approve payment for a gastric bypass surgery. However, that does not mean that you will be automatically coved, even if your insurance company offers the coverage. The reason being, the insurance companies also give employers the chance to opt out of this coverage. By doing this the employer can keep insurance costs down for all employees. It is important to check with your insurance company regarding your specific plan.

John Mancini has been writing about Gastric Bypass online and offline for a long time. Visit http://gastric-bypass-online.info or http://my-gastric-bypass.com to read more about matters like gastric bypass and laparoscopic gastric bypass.

Weight Loss Tricks 7 Simple Ideas

2008-08-12T18:54:00.000-07:00

There are a couple of simple things you can do to help in the process of lossing weight. For the most part they are common sense and should be part of your daily routine even if you are not currently on a weight loss program.

1. Less Food Later in the Day

Sometimes a diet is really not so much about what we eat, but when we eat. A large meal or extra helping of left over dessert right before bed is not a good idea. Your body is shutting down the metabolism when it goes to sleep so more of this late night snack will get stored as fat. You know what they say ?breakfast is the most important meal of the day?. That is because it gives your metabolism a kick start and gets your fat burning machine on the road.

2. More, Smaller meals

Sticking with the whole metabolism thought pattern, you have to keep this internal engine running in high gear. Eat several small meals spaced evenly throughout the day instead of three large meals will keep things burning.

3. Exercise Early in the Day

One more stab at metabolism, if your schedule will allow exercise early in the day. Again this will kick start you metabolism for the day and get it burning the fat away. I have also heard that late in the day will help keep your metabolism going into the night, but I don?t really have an opinion on that either way.

4. Water, Water, Water

Our bodies are approximately 60 percent water (your brain is more like 70%), so needless to say it is important. With weight loss it is even more important. First if you are exercising you will need to replace loss fluids so as not to dehydrate. Second, your body uses water (specifically in your blood) to dilute and carry away the waste from the fat burning process. Check out this cool hydration calculator to get a good idea of how much water you might need.

5. Supplements

Not going to say a lot here due to the many variations. So two simple things, one make sure you are taking a complete multi-vitamin daily to insure your body has what it needs to operate at peak performance. Two, there are plenty of things (some natural, some not) advertised to help you loose weight. Bottom line ? consult with your physician before taking any of them.

6. Healthy Snacks on Demand

Make it a habit to have health snacks on hand. Fresh fruit or veggies, low fat yogurt, low calorie snack alternatives, etc. That way when the inevitable hunger pains hit you in the middle of the afternoon or between dinner and bed time, you have a healthy alternative.

7. Eating Out - Salad

One problem I have run into is having multiple lunch meetings per week. Eating the restaurants? special of the day or worse fast food is not a good alternative. Go ahead and splurge once in a while, but more often than not stick with a simple salad with low fat or no dressing at all.

Hope these ideas help you with your weight loss goals. A final reminder, before starting any diet or exercise program consult with your physician to determine what is right for you. Good luck and good health.

Simon Volk has been a contributing author for websites and is an acknowledged expert in the field of health and fitness. He can be found on the internet at the website: http://www.healthfitnessarticle.com

Are you Making these Weight Loss Mistakes?

2008-08-12T11:54:00.000-07:00

There are all kinds of fad diets and quick fixes to weight loss out there. In reality, if you want to lose weight (besides liposuction) there is only one way to do it - that is to burn more calories than you consume. This can be done by exercising on a regular basis and eating a well- balanced diet. You don?t have to deprive yourself of certain foods or even sweets, if you eat moderate amounts. If you are trying to lose weight and have not been successful you maybe making these weight loss mistakes:

1.Starvation: If when you decide to lose weight you stop eating or eat very little those first pounds you lose are muscle and water. So, when you begin to eat again (and you will because you can?t continue like that) you will have less lean muscle mass (muscle burns calories) and you will gain faster. You will actually become fatter ? you will have more fat than you had before you started the diet.

2.Skipping meals or skipping breakfast: When you don?t eat for awhile your body thinks it is being starved and will hold on to calories by slowing down the number of calories it burns. When you begin to eat again you will burn fewer calories and gain weight faster. Also, because you haven?t eaten in awhile you will more likely eat more and make bad food choices.

3.A diet that consists of only 1 or 2 choices: Any diet that deprives you of the basic food groups will not work. You will probably lose weight in the short term but it will be bad for your health and, again when you go back to your regular eating patterns the weight will come back too.

4.Eating Lots of Vegetables: Do you think you read that wrong? No, you didn?t. Eating lots of vegetables is great, however when they are soaked in a high calorie dressing you will probably gain more weight than you will ever lose. Count the calories in everything you consume ? especially the dressings.

5.Not exercising: Moving will make those pounds come off a lot faster. If you don?t like to exercise (and many don?t) incorporate movement into your day. Walk up the stairs rather than taking the elevator, park at the far end of the parking lot or walk to work if you can. Twenty minutes of exercise a day will make a difference and you will burn more calories.

When you have decided to eat healthy foods and count calories and you still have the urge to snack use these suggestions to curb the cravings:

*When you feel the urge to eat, do something active instead to distract yourself such as getting out of the house away from the food. It is a good idea to have some projects lined up to keep you busy before you start.

*Brush your teeth

*Drink water. Besides making you feel full water will keep you occupied and is good for your skin.

* If you absolutely have to eat, choose crunchy vegetables (pre-cut), pretzels, rice cakes or low fat popcorn.

Sheila Dicks is an Image and Wardrobe consultant who helps women learn how to dress to suit their body type and look fabulous. You can reach her at http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com to download her ebook, Image Makeovers and get How to Build a Wardrobe ebook free.

Stretch Marks Could Hormones be a Cause?

2008-08-12T04:54:00.000-07:00

Stretch marks are sometimes considered an inevitable part of pregnancy, but they can also occur during other times of your life. Adolescents in particular are prone to stretch marks because of the accelerated body growth during that time in their lives. Weightlifters who lift excessive amounts of weight and build large amounts of muscle over very short periods of time also have tendencies for stretch marks to occur in those areas where the muscle mass is greatest. It doesn't matter who they happen to affect, the questions are usually the same when it comes to stretch marks-what caused my stretch marks and how can I get rid of them?

A great deal of research has been done to try and determine the actual cause of stretch marks. One theory being researched now is the effect of glucocorticoids on the formation of stretch marks. It has been speculated that when high levels of glucocorticoids are in your bloodstream, then you may have a greater chance of developing stretch marks.

Glucocorticoids consist of an entire class of steroid hormones produced by the body. The most common of this group of hormones is cortisol, also known as hydrocortisone. Any type of physical or mental stress will trigger the body to produce higher levels of cortisol.

Your body perceives stress as anything that causes its normal functions to change. For example, skipping meals causes your body to enter into a stressed survival mode. During this type of fasting state, cortisol acts to help regulate the levels of glucose in the body. In order to regulate your glucose levels, you often want to eat more which leads to a possible weight gain over time. When your body remains in a stressed state for a long period of time, its ability to burn excess fat is also impaired leading to an even greater tendency to put on weight quickly. It is this quick weight gain that can produce numerous stretch marks on the body.

Your body reacts to stress in many ways, and skipping meals isn't the only thing that might cause your body to enter into a survival mode. There are different times of your life when your body is naturally stressed. One of these times of natural stress is when a woman becomes pregnant. Pregnancy is an altered state for the body triggering elevated levels of cortisol secretion. It has been determined that glucocorticoids, especially cortisol, help promote lung maturity in the developing fetus.

Extremely heavy weightlifting can cause the body to elevate cortisol production because of the extra work needed by the body to repair muscle tissue. Adolescence also causes elevated cortisol levels because of the changes the young body is going through to become an adult. The body reads these changes as stress and in return elevates the amount of glucocorticoids in the body.

But do glucocorticoids cause stretch marks? Because of their effects on many bodily processes, cortisol and other glucocorticoids could possibly impair the production of collagen in the skin leading to a decrease in skin elasticity. Stretch marks could form in the areas where your skin's elasticity breaks down.

All of this information tells us that we need to keep our stress levels under control and keep our skin healthy. Exercise, plenty of water, and proper nutrition can help lower stress and reduce your chances of developing stretch marks.

Learn more about stretch marks.

Hyaluronic Acid Injections Increase Visibility with Supermodel Spokesperson

2008-08-11T21:54:00.000-07:00

Hyaluronic acid products are poised to continue their fast growth, particularly in the form of hyaluronic acid injections, according to E-Hyaluronicacid.com. The latest reason behind this growth is Medicis? recent announcement that it has appointed supermodel, Frederique van der Wal to be the new face of Restylane. Frederique, one of modeling?s most recognizing stars, has appeared on nine Cosmopolitan and in several other publications including Victoria?s Secret, Harpers Bazaar and Vogue.

Frederique?s image will appear on the company?s website and on its information brochures. Van der Wal will additionally serve as the product?s spokeswoman for the firm?s public relation campaign. Frederique?s visibility, along with her personal endorsement of the product, is sure to increase the growing popularity of Restylane. Restylane which is primarily composed of hyaluronic acid, is already the number one dermal filler on the US market, and many plastic surgeons predict that it will eventually surpass collagen and botox ? as the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatment.

In accepting her new position, Frederique stated, ?Restylane is a product in which I truly believe?Maintaining a youthful appearance is vital to my career, so I was excited to find a natural, non-invasive treatment that can safely erase some of the fine lines I?ve recently started to notice.? Jonah Shacknai, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Medicis responded with, [Frederique?s enthusiasm for the product coupled with her immense success in the modeling and entertainment industries and great personality make her a natural choice for us.

The hyaluronic acid product Restylane is the first and only dermal filler made of crystal-clear gel called NASHA (Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid). Restylane uses a dual mechanism of action to correct wrinkles and folds. Upon being injected beneath the skin's surface, the NASHA gel adds natural volume and lift to smooth wrinkles and folds. The NASHA gel integrates into dermal tissue, then attracts and binds to water molecules to help maintain volume. Restylane is gradually degraded by the body's own mechanism and disappears without any residue. In addition, Restylane is the only FDA approved filler with clinical data supporting its efficacy for as long as six months.

Restylane does not require any allergy or skin test prior to injection. In addition, the reported hyaluronic acid injection side effects have been limited to temporary redness and swelling at the injection site. As such, Restylane appears to be one of safest and most effective options on the anti-aging market.

E-Hyaluronicacid.com is dedicated to promoting an understanding of Hyaluronic acid, a major ingredient in many medical and anti-aging therapies and to highlighting places where you can safely purchase Hyaluronic acid products. For more information go to Hyaluronic Acid.

Raising Fit Kids Starts in the Kitchen

2008-08-11T14:54:00.000-07:00

When was the last time your family experienced a memorable mealtime?

Sadly, memorable is not the word used to describe most American meals. We skip breakfast and lunch, then super-size supper. We eat fast and frenzied, and we rarely do it with our families. According to the National Restaurant Association, one- third of Americans say fast food or restaurant-prepared meals are essential to the way they live. And those rare times when we do eat at home? Two-thirds of us consume our food?it can hardly be called dining?in front of our television, according to the A.C. Nielsen Co.

We have sacrificed cooking for convenience. Old-fashioned memories, rituals such as saying grace, sit-down dinners, and family conversations have all but disappeared. Meal preparation often consists of quick entrees of dubious nutritional value. The late Julia Child believed food was much more than sustenance and children must be taught that cooking is akin to art. As a parent you may get inspired to see cooking through the eyes of Julia Child, ??as creative and as imaginative an activity as drawing, woodcarving, or music.?

?Children ... learn to become obese in an environment that encourages it. If parents are eating poorly, that?s what they?re providing their children,? says Debra Haire-Joshu, RN, PhD, director of the Obesity Prevention Center at Saint Louis University School of Public Health. Haire-Joshu believes obesity is a family illness and to help children eat a moderate diet, parents must eat healthier first.

A new federally funded study, known as the Dietary Intervention Study in Children (DISC), provides the science to confirm what we have known all along?that families can learn to enjoy healthy foods and be selective about food choices. Parents can give their children access to healthy foods, encourage regular physical activity, and demonstrate good habits themselves. Funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), DISC is the first to test the effects of a low-fat regimen on growth and development in children with high blood cholesterol.

Some of the long-term healthy eating habits will translate into eating well and creating memorable mealtimes?like making smiley-face pancakes on a Saturday morning, picking fresh produce from a local garden, and finding backyard flowers for the pitcher on the table. Eating well can also include a creative table setting, good conversation, and a grateful heart for sharing time with family. Through cooking activities, food becomes a powerful learning tool, empowering kids and producing positive changes in the overall health and wellness of families both now and in the future.

Cooking may seem frivolous in this time-obsessed society, but the process stimulates creative family time and passes a legacy to our children by teaching the next generation the art of eating. Parents must know there is more to a healthy diet than just increasing veggie intake and reducing fast food stops. They need to be taught to create a healthy nutrition culture in their home, to teach their children to love food, and to not be afraid to let kids experiment in the kitchen. Kids need to experience foods hands on?taste, touch, and smell as they go?listen to the sizzling, bubbling, and crunching.

Lynn Fredericks is a mother and business owner/founder of FamilyCook Productions based in New York City. Fredericks has conducted hundreds of school- and community-based interventions over the last 10 years aimed at promoting positive dietary changes in families and children starting in New York City and expanding across the United States through her family workshops and school-based programs.

FamilyCook is on a mission to bring families together around delicious, fresh food while helping parents find creative ways to balance opposing needs and time constraints that are a fact of modern family life. Fredericks is now seeing this goal realized: Moms are beginning to get out of the convenience habit of buying fast food or unhealthy frozen meals. Precut veggies in the supermarket and other short cuts that make ?from scratch? more doable are a positive trend. According to Fredericks, this helps parents, who still perceive cooking as time-consuming, buy into the idea that getting kids to help in the kitchen is a path to less picky kids and less stressed parents.

The first two stages of including children in the entire process of making a meal are Don?t worry about the mess, and Don?t worry about how long it will take to cook.

FamilyCook?s 10 years of field testing confirms that children do love to cook; if kids prepare food, they will try it; learning about food and preparing it empowers families to take positive control over their diet; and multicultural food study is celebratory and promotes well-being and a desire to recreate the experience with family and friends.

As a parent, take the challenge to return meaning to the mealtime experience and ultimately help reverse the trend of childhood obesity. Consider getting involved with your local community and school system to make food literacy a priority in education and incorporate the study of food and nutrition via a hands-on multidisciplinary approach. Get involved in the nutrition education process with fun, hands-on learning experiences with their children.

Kindy Peaslee is a registered dietitian and wants to help your family learn how to identify food and beverage choices that contribute to healthy lifestyles. Look for her recipe Web site for parents, http://www.healthy-kid-recipes.com

No Official Hoodia Warnings at This Time

2008-08-11T07:54:00.000-07:00

The years of research performed by Phytopharm and their partner companies has not yielded any hoodia warnings and no undesirable side effects. Hoodia gordonii appears to be perfectly safe, but supplement companies which use this information to promote their products which do not contain 100% hoodia gordonii are not being 100% honest.

Yes, hoodia gordonii appears to be safe. No toxic effect has been noted in laboratory animals that were injected with the purified p57 molecule isolated from the hoodia gordonii plant. Volunteers in the clinical study performed by Phytopharm did not report any side effects. Hoodia gordonii users monitored by interested physicians have not reported any unwanted side effects. But, no formal clinical research has been conducted by supplement companies that combine hoodia gordonii with other ingredients, such as green tea.

Green tea is not a bad product. Many doctors and scientists agree that green tea can be an effective appetite suppressant. It contains anti-oxidants and green tea has a long history as a folk remedy, but green tea contains caffeine which is a stimulant. Although there are no hoodia warnings and no one knows of any side effects hoodia gordonii could cause, some concerns have been brought to our attention by users of hoodia; headache, side effects such as sleeplessness and nervousness. When further questioned, we learned that people who experienced these symptoms were using hoodia with green tea or other natural stimulants. There are many known side effects associated with the use of stimulants, even natural ones. Hoodia gordonii is not known to be a stimulant.

Stimulants, such as caffeine, can trigger migraines, increase heart rate and blood pressure. Reports of hoodia headache, side effects normally associated with stimulant use, may lead to hoodia warnings. The only side effects hoodia gordonii consumption is known to cause is suppression of hunger and thirst. Reputable supplement companies advise dieters to consult with their doctors before they begin any weight loss program, whether that program includes hoodia gordonii use or not. Even after checking with one?s doctor, it is advisable to check the product ingredients. Many people have unknowingly bought products which were mostly ?other? ingredients. While there are no hoodia warnings at this time and no one knows of any side effects hoodia gordonii use may cause, anyone who experiences any problems after using products with hoodia (headache, side effects such as sleeplessness, nervousness, etc.) should discontinue use and consult their doctor.

Patsy Hamilton is an editor of the Hoodia Info Blog. Visit us at http://hoodiainfo.blogspot.com

For more information about hoodia gordonii, hoodia headache, side effects associated with hoodia or current hoodia warnings, visit the Hoodia Info Blog.

What You Should Know Before Taking Herbal Remedies

2008-08-11T00:54:00.000-07:00

Statistics show that thirty-three percent of Americans use herbal products each year. There are many people seeking herbal remedies to gain more control over the health decisions they face.

With all the publicity of both positive and negative reports on herbal remedies, it leaves one wondering who to believe. By taking heed to the following guidelines you can learn to be a wiser consumer of alternative therapies such as herbal remedies.

Did you know that nearly all vitamins have herbal origins? There are also many conventional medicines in use today that have herbal origins. Herbal plants have been used as medicine for centuries. But? on the other hand, everything that is natural is not necessarily safe.

Herbal remedies can be a valuable addition to your personal wellness. However, just as with conventional means, certain guidelines are advisable. Knowledge is the best defense against suffering from misuse of botanical blends.

One of the most important things to learn concerning herbal remedies is to always be sure to obtain them through reputable sources, such as a pharmacy, or a nutritional supplement company with high-quality and manufacturing standards. Be sure to look for other evidence that a manufacturer has quality control standards, such as lot numbers and expiration dates.

Many reported problems in relation to herbal remedies are due to poor quality products, overuse, misuse, allergic reactions, or adverse reactions when taken along with prescription and over the counter drugs.

Before using an herbal remedy make sure you read the supplement label and follow the dosage instructions. If you suspect a supplement is causing a side effect, you should discontinue using it immediately.

Most herbal remedies are generally regarded by the (FDA) Food and Drug Administration to be safe. These herbs can be used safely when taken in the appropriate manner. But these very same herbs may present risk to patients with certain conditions or who are taking certain kinds of medications.

That is why it is always a good idea to consult your physician before taking any herbal supplements especially if you have a chronic disease, or are taking any kind of drugs. Herbal supplements should not be taken by women during pregnancy, breast-feeding or in children under twelve, unless they are specifically recommended and monitored closely by your physician.

Another reason to discuss the use of herbal remedies with your physician is to avoid possible complications. There are certain drugs and herbs that should not be taken together because the herb may increase or decrease the effect of the prescribed drug.

Patients undergoing certain types of surgical procedures and/or general anesthesia should discontinue herbal therapy about two weeks before such procedures. If you are scheduled for surgery, tell the surgeon and anesthesiologist what you are taking. The reason for this is because some supplements can make you bleed easier, cause your blood sugar levels to fall too low, or intensify the sedative effect of anesthesia.

If you are faced with emergency surgery, remember to take your supplements along with all the drugs you take to the hospital to show the anesthesiologist. Your pharmacist will also need to know before filling your prescriptions so they can prevent possible drug interactions. Your pharmacist is well trained and knowledgeable of herb and drug interactions that can prevent complications.

Herbal Remedies have been given rave reviews by many people. But keep in mind that everyone?s makeup and genetic DNA is different. Herbs that work for 95 out of 100 people may not work for you. But that is also true for chemically manufactured drugs prescribed by your doctor.

Although herbs are natural- remember they are very potent, and their usage should be closely monitored. Hopefully with this knowledge in your arsenal it will put you one giant step ahead in your quest for optimum health.

Grab the free 26 week - Health 101 Alternative Health Solutions Newsletter& Discover 20 Healthy Strategies for Achieving Optimal Health Below Herbal Remedies Highest quality herbal remedies - 12 month guarantee.

Abs: How to Get a Sexy Six Pack?

2008-08-10T17:54:00.000-07:00

There are many factors responsible for abdominal fat like processed food, refined sugar, lack of exercise etc.

But the following two invisible factors are mainly responsible for abdominal fat deposits.

1)STRESS
2)ALCOHOL

1)STRESS:

Stress has become part of daily life. Job pressure, financial insecurity, problems in personal relations, traffic & pollution all take a heavy toll of our mental well being.

All the above factors combined with continuous negative thinking and not living in the present moment lead to a pressure-cooker environment of the mind

All of us lead a life either in the past or in the future.Your mind either thinks about the past or fantasizes and worries about the past. Nobody lives in the present moment living every moment and enjoying it as it is!

This constant oscillation of the mind from past to present and present to past like a pendulum takes a heavy toll of your mind and body.Stress builds up and ageing becomes accelerated.The efficiency of the body?s various fat burning organs becomes very low.

Stress is the main cause of stored toxins in the body. These toxins impair the normal functioning of the various fat burning and excretory organs like thyroid gland, lever, kidney etc.

This results in the body not being able to cope up with even normal pressures exerted at various levels due to heavy work or faulty diet and the net result is obesity and weight gain.

Accumulated stress and anxiety from daily stress full modern living releases a hormone known as cortisole.

Research indicates that Cortisole is the hormone responsible for preferential deposition of fat in the abdominal area.

So if you want a sexy six pack, getting rid of stress is very important.

There are thousands of books on relieving stress and positive thinking. But no book has the exact answer for the varied stressful states of mind.

Your breath has a vital connection with your mind. By concentrating on your breath you can control your wandering mind and bring it to the present moment.

Various breathing techniques, Yogasanas and Pranayamas have the power to expel toxins and stress out of your mind and body and make you more and more centered.

My e-book Proven weightloss secrets revealed shows various ways to easily overcome stress and to burn abdominal fat without working for hours in a gym.

2)ALCOHOL:

Alcohol consumption leads to abdominal fat.

Stanford university school of medicine has reported a link between drinking alcohol and abdominal fat.

Recent findings report that alcohol drinkers have atleast twice the hip-waist ratios as compared to non-alcoholics.

Alcohol also seems to make the body burn less fat and favours fat storage and subsequent weight gain.

The main problem with alcohol drinking is that the stomach walls directly absorb alcohol. Since it never reaches intestine, the intestine doesn?t give full signal to the brain. This causes the person to eat more. It has been observed that you tend to eat atleast 400 calories more when you are drunk.

So, to reduce abdominal fat you need to reduce alcohol consumption or atleast reduce fat consumption whenever you drink.

Spot reduction of abdominal fat is very difficult because fat melts evenly throughout the body. As such to reduce abdominal fat you must strive to reduce fat all over the body.

Expelling the toxins out of your system and correcting the body?s fat burning mechanism can achieve this. Detailed explanation of how to do this has been explained in my e-book.

Alcohol also seems to make the body burn less fat and favours fat storage and subsequent weight gain.

Additionally, doing crunches regularly will help you a great deal in overcoming excess abdominal fat.

You can learn more about the various fat burning secrets in my 5day free e-mail ecourse by subscribing at: http://www.eweightlosstips.com/weightlossltr.htm

Rajesh Shetty.
Expert in weight loss principles of Ayurveda Medical Science and Author of the Best selling book, Proven weight loss secrets revealed. http://www.eweightlosstips.com/weightlossltr.htm

Gastric Bypass Surgery Knowing the Risks

2008-08-10T10:54:00.000-07:00

Like any other type of elective surgery, gastric bypass surgery comes complete with its own set of risks. In fact, 10 to 20 percent of gastric bypass patients require follow-up surgery to correct a complication of the original weight loss surgery, according to the National Institutes of Health. The following list covers the most serious risks, and necessary treatments.

Pulmonary Embolism ? Patients face a one percent chance of blood clots developing in the legs after surgery. Several techniques can prevent the formation of clots, such as using surgical compression stockings that put pressure on the legs and maintain blood flow in the days following surgery. If clots do form, they may break off and be carried into the lungs, where they can get caught. Emergency surgery is required.

Peritonitis ? If a staple or suture used during surgery ruptures and allows stomach fluid to leak into the abdominal cavity, it can cause a serious infection, called peritonitis. Emergency surgery is required to seal the leak, followed by treatment with antibiotics to kill the infection.

Gallstones ? More than one-third of gastric bypass surgery patients develop gallstones, which seem to be caused by rapid weight loss. If a patient has gallstones before the operation, the surgeon will remove the gall bladder during the gastric bypass operation to prevent further difficulties. If there are no signs of gall bladder problems, the doctor may prescribe medication to minimize the risk after surgery.

Chronic Vomiting ? The connection between the stomach and the intestines can narrow as a result of scar tissue forming. When this occurs, food cannot pass easily through the channel, which may cause nausea and vomiting after eating. To correct the problem during follow-up surgery, the doctor will insert a balloon into the opening and stretch it. This outpatient procedure has a 90 percent success rate.

Dumping Syndrome ? This problem occurs when food moves too quickly through the small intestine and causes nausea, weakness, sweating, faintness, and possibly diarrhea soon after eating. Normally, it is caused eating highly refined foods, like sugars. Proper dietary precautions can prevent or control this problem.

Nutritional Deficiencies ? Approximately 30 percent of gastric bypass patients develop severe nutritional deficiencies, such as anemia, osteoporosis, and metabolic bone disorders. Taking the correct combination of dietary supplements can prevent these problems.

Stomach Ulcers ? Ulcers can develop at the top part of the intestine when it is connected to the new stomach pouch. Traditional ulcer treatments are used.

Hernia ? Hernias can develop in any part of the abdominal muscles where there is a weak point that allows a part of the stomach or intestines to push through. Surgery can correct this problem.

Pregnancy ? Women should not get pregnant for at least two years after surgery to prevent serious post-surgical complications. Women who later become pregnant must also be careful to take the correct nutritional supplements to protect both her and the baby from developing nutritional deficiencies.

Bowel Obstruction ? This problem can result when scar tissue develops where the stomach was sewn or stapled to create a smaller pouch. This requires immediate emergency medical treatment that may include surgery.

With all of the hazards involved, you need to carefully weigh the risks against the benefits of gastric bypass surgery. On the positive side, in addition to weight loss, gastric bypass surgery can dramatically reduce the chance of obesity-related heart disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea, as well as improve lower back and knee problems. Before arranging gastric bypass surgery, discuss all treatment options with your doctor to determine the course of action that is right for you.

This article provides an overview of health issues related to gastric bypass surgery and is not intended to replace the advice of a medical practitioner. Please consult your doctor prior to making any major medical decisions.

Craig Thompson, better known as Big T, a former sumo wrestler who used to tip the scales at 400 pounds has since reinvented himself as a singer and bandleader. As one of the earliest to have Gastric Bypass Surgery, in 1997.

Crohn's Disease Information

2008-08-10T03:49:00.000-07:00

Crohn's Disease (also known as ulcerative colitis, granulomatous enteritis, regional enteritis, ileitis, or terminal ileitis) is an ongoing disorder that causes inflammation of the digestive tract (also known as the gastrointestinal tract). Crohn?s Disease can affect any area of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus, however it most commonly affects the lower part of the small intestine, called the ileum. The swelling extends deep into the lining of the affected organ. The swelling can cause pain and can make the intestines empty frequently, resulting in diarrhea.

Crohn?s Disease is an inflammatory bowel disease - the common name for diseases that cause swelling in the intestines. Because the symptoms of Crohn?s Disease are similar to other intestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis, it can be difficult to diagnose. Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and ulcers in the top layer of the lining of the large intestine. In Crohn?s Disease, all layers of the intestine may be involved, and normal healthy bowel can be found between sections of diseased bowel.

The cause of Crohn's Disease is unknown. It is suspected that infection by certain bacteria, such as strains of mycobacterium, may be the cause of Crohn's Disease. However, there has been no conclusive evidence that the disease is caused by infection. Crohn's Disease is not contagious. Although diet may affect the symptoms in patients with Crohn's disease, it is not likely that diet is actually responsible for the onset of the disease.

The most common Crohn?s Disease symptoms are abdominal pain, often in the lower right area, and diarrhea. Less common symptoms include poor appetite, fever, night sweats, rectal pain, and rectal bleeding, weight loss, arthritis, and skin problems, may also occur. Bleeding may be serious and persistent, leading to anemia. Children with Crohn?s Disease may suffer delayed development and stunted growth. The range and severity of symptoms varies.

A thorough physical exam and a series of tests may be required to diagnose Crohn?s Disease. Blood tests to check for anemia - which could indicate bleeding in the intestines. Blood tests may also uncover a high white blood cell count, which is a sign of inflammation somewhere in the body. By testing a stool sample, the doctor can tell if there is bleeding or infection in the intestines.

The most common complication is blockage of the intestine. Blockage occurs because the disease tends to thicken the intestinal wall with swelling and scar tissue, narrowing the passage. Crohn?s Disease may also cause sores, or ulcers, that tunnel through the affected area into surrounding tissues, such as the bladder, vagina, or skin. The areas around the anus and rectum are often involved. The tunnels, called fistulas, are a common complication and often become infected. Sometimes fistulas can be treated with medicine, but in some cases they may require surgery. In addition to fistulas, small tears called fissures may develop in the lining of the mucus membrane of the anus.

Crohn?s Disease affects both men and women and can run in some families. About 20 percent of people with Crohn?s Disease have a blood relative with some form of inflammatory bowel disease, most often a brother or sister and sometimes a parent or child. Crohn?s Disease can occur in people of all age groups, but it is more often diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 30. People of Jewish heritage have an increased risk of developing Crohn?s disease, and African Americans are at decreased risk for developing Crohn?s Disease.

Treatment for Crohn's Disease may include drugs, nutrition supplements, surgery, or a combination of these options. Treatment controls inflammation, corrects nutritional deficiencies, and relieves symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. Treatment can help control the disease by lowering the number of times a person experiences a recurrence - however - there is no cure. Treatment for Crohn?s Disease depends on the location and severity of disease, complications, and the person?s response to previous medical treatments when treated for reoccurring symptoms.

Some people have long periods of remission, sometimes years, when they are free of symptoms. However, the disease usually recurs at various times over a person?s lifetime.

This changing pattern of the disease means you cannot always tell when a treatment has helped. It is not possible to predict when a remission may occur or when symptoms will return. A person with Crohn?s Disease may need medical care for a long time, with regular doctor visits to monitor the condition.

Gay Redmile is the webmaster of numerous health and well being sites. For further important information and latest news on Crohn's Disease - visit her site at http://www.crohnsdisease.wellbeinginfosite.com or for a wealth of other well being information visit http://www.wellbeinginfosite.com

Essential Oils How To Use Aromatherapy Skin Care

2008-08-10T03:48:00.000-07:00

First, please remember that essential oils should never be applied neat (undiluted) to your skin. There are absolutely NO exceptions to this! This includes the soles of your feet or palms of your hands. When using oils neat for inhalation purposes please exercise care and dispense your oils on a tissue or cotton ball for direct inhalation.

AROMATHERAPY SKIN CARE METHODS FOR FACIAL CLEANSING AND CELLULAR RENEWAL:

FACIAL STEAM ~ As part of a deep cleansing routine disperse 3 to 5 drops of essential oil in a teaspoon of milk or honey and mix into a pint of steaming hot water.

Pour this HOT mixture into a stainless steel mixing bowl and lean with your face forward, over the bowl being sure to cover your head with a towel to catch the steam on your face.

Breath in the steam and relax, enjoying your facial steam until the waters cool.

Or you may use your oils in a facial steamer.

PLEASE NOTE: Essential oils are not water soluble you must use a dispersant when adding them to a facial steam or bath. Water may cause the oils to penetrate your system more quickly or cause irritation to sensitive or damaged skin, i.e. blemishes, sores or rash.

FACIAL MASQUE ~ Add 2-3 drops of essential oils to moistened clay, honey, mashed avocado, or egg white.

Dampen your face lightly and apply your facial masque. Leave on for 10-15 minutes until your masque begins to dry and harden slightly.

Wash your facial masque thoroughly off your face. Your face will look and feel more toned, fresh and hydrated. Repeat once a week for healthy and toned skin!

FACIAL OIL BLEND ~ Add up to 10 drops of essential oil blend, depending upon your skin type, to one ounce of your favorite carrier oil. I prefer Certified Organic Filtered and Unscented Jojoba oil which is most like your skin's own natural sebum.

Frankincense is good for all skin types. German Chamomile is excellent for sensitive skin. Rose is wonderful for mature skin, as is Frankincense.

Apply your facial oil blend lightly to target areas for intensive therapy to nourish and heal facial skin.

SKIN BRUSHING ~ Invigorates your skin, and stimulates your lymphatic system.

Apply 1 drop of (lavender, frankincense, rose or geranium - all are excellent for skin care) in 1 Tablespoon of honey and apply mixture to your natural bristle skin brush and brush your skin.

Make sure your gentle, yet brisk brush strokes are upward, toward your heart. Brush your entire body from the tips of your toes and fingers to the top of your shoulders. Include the front and back sides of your body as you breathe deeply.

Enjoy the wonderful tingling sensations dancing across your skin. Always be sure to work from your extremities upwards, toward your heart. Gently, yet briskly, cover your entire body, omitting your face and neck in the process of this cleansing and uplifting ritual. Skin brushing is especially effective just before you shower.

Properly administered essential oils are a natural, safe and effective way to enhance your health and well-being and can produce satisfying results where other methods have failed. Please consult with your physician regarding your health concerns.

KG has utilized essential oils in her energy medicine practice for more than 30 years. During that time she has facilitated healing for thousands of people suffering from personal trauma, illness and injury. Through her unique AromaTest? system KG formulates essential oil blends that heal.

PLEASE NOTE: There are many cheap chemical copies of essential oils available, but these are not recommended for therapeutic use. For best results always use ethically wild crafted or pure, organic essential oils that are pesticide free!

KG Stiles is a certified Aromatherapist practicing in Ashland, OR USA PurePlant Essentials is her line of pure organic and ethically wild crafted essential oils. KG formulates aromatic oils for: colds and flu, insomnia, stress, anxiety, depression, menopause, anti-aging, skin care and more. KG's book, Aromatic Medicine - Pathway to Health, and her DVD about her AromaTest System of Healing, Your Aromatic Signature ~ How to Formulate Blends that Heal, are scheduled for release in 2006. Click to learn about Wild Crafted Frankincense Essential Oil from Oman India (the best!) Click to learn about KG's other PurePlant Essentials Aromatherapy Products PurePlant Essentials Aromatherapy Products Menu Click to find out about Aromatherapy Complete Kit (9 oils) Contact KG Stiles Springhill Wellness Center, 2520 Springhill Drive Ashland, OR USA (541) 941-7315

How Hoodia Diet Pills Work

2008-08-09T20:54:00.000-07:00

African hunters were the first to use the hoodia plant to reduce hunger and thirst. Hoodia diet pills contain concentrates or the powdered form of the plant and have been shown to produce the same effects noted by the African hunters. Because many appetite suppressants cause adverse reactions and some are actually dangerous, most people are curious about how hoodia diet pills work and what side effects they may cause.

First, it is important to mention that hoodia diet pills are not stimulants. Stimulants like caffeine, which is present in most appetite suppressants, causes an increase in feelings of wakefulness and alertness, but have no particular effect on feelings of fullness. Stimulants also cause an increase in heart rate and can lead to insomnia, nervousness and other health problems. Hoodia diet pills should not contain caffeine or other stimulants and most do not, but it is always important to check the label or the manufactures website for ingredients. Now that we know what hoodia diet pills are not, let?s look at what they are and how they work.

According to scientific research, p57 (the active molecule in hoodia diet pills) increases the amount of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) in the bloodstream. Scientists believe that this is the key to the appetite suppressing effects of hoodia diet pills. ATP is normally produced by the body and used by the cells as an energy source. This supports manufacturer?s claims that hoodia diet pills increase a person?s energy levels.

It normally takes glucose to produce ATP, and it normally takes food to produce glucose. Since the brain senses the increase in ATP, it believes that food has been consumed. This leads to feelings of fullness and satisfaction, reducing feelings of hunger. This supports manufacturer?s claims that hoodia diet pills suppress appetite.

The more ATP that is available to the cells of the body, the more processes the cells can perform. Metabolism or conversion of food to energy is a process performed by the cells for which ATP is a fuel. It is believed that the increase in ATP in the bloodstream will cause an increase in metabolism. This belief supports the manufacturer?s claim that hoodia diet pills increase metabolism. Stimulants, on the other hand, are not suspected to have any effect on metabolism.

Anyone who attempts to lose weight by reducing calorie consumption experiences feelings of hunger and fatigue. Hoodia diet pills attempt to reduce those feelings, making it easier to stick to a low calorie diet and therefore lose weight. As with any weight loss plan, only people who are in good health should use hoodia diet pills and they should be used in conjunction with appropriate diet and exercise. Because thirst is suppressed as well as appetite, it is important to remember to drink plenty of water. Most experts recommend eight 8 ounce glasses per day to maintain proper hydration. Other than thirst suppression, there are no known side effects associated with hoodia diet pills and they are probably a much better choice than diet pills containing stimulants.

For more information on hoodia diet pills visit http://hoodiainfo.blogspot.com

Find Mineral Nutrition Online

2008-08-09T18:48:00.000-07:00

Mineral nutrition

Searching for mineral nutrition information is much easier today than ever before. I remember when we'd have to search manuals, books and do it at the library and also searching the encyclopedia. Thanks to Senate document 264 the truth finally comes out. Much buried of course as its information doesn't support the bottom line of retailers. But, to find the truth sometimes takes digging and especially mineral nutrition.

We've come to discover that many serious health issues including life threatening can be at the source of lack of minerals in our diet. Most of us haven't been taught that without these vital nutritional nutrients taking vitamins is useless. Since vitamins are such a large marketing item with plenty of resources we seldom read or see much about anything else.

It is critical to our health to understand that the depleted soils today do not yield its fruits and vegetables with the nutrients they once did years ago. Fast foods haven't helped either, and now we even read of a national epidemic about overweight child. Our kids are starving from the lack of good nutrition and most of us aren't doing anything about it.

Research online can be the resource of choice that let's us do the research work rather easily. Armed with some good up to date education and information goes a long way towards correcting one's path to optimum health. The responsibility falls on us for self preservation, not the doctors when it's perhaps too late.

We may also need to adjust our thinking for days of old. Our parents who didn't have the information available today taught us what they could, but may not in fact be the most effective approach today. When you gather your information you may very well be shocked, so stay open minded and be patient. Correcting the sorry state of affairs with good mineral nutrition isn't difficult or over expensive.

The rest of the story at http://www.liquid-vitamins-4u.com

Common Causes of Bad Breath and Some Natural Treatments

2008-08-09T18:37:00.001-07:00

As a doctor, I go ahead and tell the client that they have bad breath and that it will clear if they do the work. I tell them that it will be used as an indicator of health as we go along. I feel it is part of my job as their health care practitioner. As a spouse, friend, relative or person on the street, a bit of tact is involved in telling someone they have bad breath.

Sick bleeding gums?Pack White Oak Bark powder (not tincture!) around the gums every night for 30 days. Also increase the amount of Vitamin C in the diet.

Rotten Teeth?This really stinks. It can also be associated with sinus problems. One key in diagnosing this is to ask if they have post nasal drip. Solution: Go to the dentist on a regular basis and get that work done. Floss your teeth and smell the floss. If it is the same smell as the bad breath, see your dentist.

Gastric Reflux?Smells kind of sour. Eating for your blood type should help and reviewing Fit for Life?s proper food combining techniques should also help. Fasting can also be good for this.

Kidney Disease?Smells like a dying animal. Uric acid is building up in the body. Appetite will be poor. Processing of proteins is not happening. After a few months, dead cell toxins affect the eating center of the brain and tell it not to eat, because nausea will occur. The tongue is often gray and pasty. It?s important to see a doctor or naturopath with this as it could be life-threatening.

Yeast?This smells sweetish, but stale. The tongue will usually be coated with a sticky white coat and sometimes ?crusties? will build up on the corners of the mouth. If the body is infected with yeast, there will also be a bad body odor and stinky feet. There are lots of products out there that will work if you keep searching. Try some Tom?s Natural Toothpaste with Myrrh in it for your teeth and take about 2 Myrrh Gum capsules every day for a couple of months for the systemic infection. Add lots of oregano to your cooking (they actually make Oregano tablets for yeast infections.) Brush or scrape your tongue as well as your teeth, and think about doing a water-only fast for 3-5 days.

Ketones?A byproduct of fat breakdown caused from starvation, dieting or diabetes. Is there an increase in thirst? Do you experience light-headedness, fainting, hypoglycemia, or brain fog? Do you forget to eat or skip meals? If so, you might want to have your blood sugar checked.

Side effects of some foods?It could be that supplement or herb you are taking is causing the halitosis, or some ingredient in a meal like garlic. You can pretty much tell when it?s garlic.

Dog/Puppy or Cat/Kitten Bad Breath?My pathology teacher used to tell us, ?Cells are cells. They all act alike.? Treating bad breath in pets is much the same as treating bad breath in humans. One thing I?ve noticed though is that pets get sores on their tongue from Chlamydia or herpes infections more often than humans do. When this happens, the tongue can erode. When this happens, you will see lots of saliva, the pet tries to eat, but can?t, and they start to lose weight. Open their mouth, and check for sores. If it smells like rotten tissue and you see those tell-tale red sores, see your local vet. Feed liquid diets for a while until they recoup and their tongue heals.

If the teeth are red at the gum line, it could be a tooth coming in (pets will be less than 8 months of age) or maybe the teeth need cleaning (you will see lots of tarter built up around the back molars, on the canine teeth, or behind the front teeth.)

Don?t confuse these types of halitosis with the smell of healthy puppy and kitten breath which naturally goes away when the gut flora is established.

With all halitosis, it?s important to determine the cause of the bad breath and rectify it. Halitosis is a symptom of something not working right in the body (except when you eat garlic.) Healthy breath is part of a healthy body. These things can be corrected. Covering up the symptom with mouthwash or mints is only a temporary fix to a deeper problem.

? 2005 by Dr. Denice M. Moffat

Please rate this article

Dr. Denice Moffat is a practicing naturopath, medical intuitive, and veterinarian working on the family unit (which includes humans and animals) through her phone consultation practice established in 1995. She has a content-rich website at http://www.NaturalHealthTechniques.com and free monthly newsletter. For the core causes of other diseases like headaches, high blood pressure and infertility and thyroid disease go to: http://www.naturalhealthtechniques.com/SpecificDiseases/specificdiseases1.htm

Are You An Experimental Lab Rat?

2008-08-09T18:37:00.000-07:00

At the age of 17, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. My doctor couldn?t hardly believe it. That was back in 1975. I wasn?t fat, in fact I was almost pure muscle. I was hyper and couldn?t stay still. I had to be doing something all the time. I felt like I was just like anyone else.

According to the blood pressure reading, I was an odd ball. My doctor told me it?s unusual for a 17 year old to have high blood pressure. However, he didn?t just start writing prescriptions then. I told him I was very nervous around doctors and maybe that was what the deal was. I told him that I haven?t eaten all day either. He suggested that I go eat and come back.

Once I got back, instead of instantly putting on the blood pressure cuff, he decided to talk to me a little. I figured he was trying to get me to relax. Well, it worked! My blood pressure was actually lower than normal.

Two years later, I decide to enlist to United States Marine Corp. During my examination, my blood pressure reading was high. Same thing happened, I was told to go eat and come back. I passed the examination with flying colors or should I say numbers.

Three years later, I decided to drive a truck cross country. I had to pass a ?D.O.T.? examination. ?Basically a physical.? Again, my blood pressure was high and instead of the doctor listening to my back ground of what has happened before, he started writing a prescription for ?Inderol?.

Oh yes, I was placed on drugs for high blood pressure at age 22. They finally got me. I am now part of the ?legal druggies of America?.

My doctor did not tell me that I would have side affects to the drug. It apparently didn?t matter to him. I suppose side affects can also be treated which most of my experience now tell me that this happens a lot.

The next time I went to see this doctor was around 2 weeks later. The nurse instantly grabs the blood pressure cuff and starts pumping away. After she takes the reading, she acts like it?s suppose to be some sort of secret. She doesn?t tell me what it was or anything. She hardly even spoke to me. I bet she hated her job. At this point I felt like a lab rat. The feeling got stronger when the doctor came in and told me the results.

The first thing the doctor does is look at the chart. He reads the blood pressure reading and tells me he?s going to up the medicine. This routine went on for about 3 months till I was taking enough drugs to kill a small child. I believe I was taking ?160 mg or inderol?, ?80 mg of Inderide? and ?40 mg of elevil?.

I may add that even after taking all these drugs, the blood pressure reading was still elevated while in the doctors office. I told the doctor that I bought me a blood pressure cuff of my own. I felt like I was taking drugs for no reason. I complained about my sexual inadequacies. I also thought after previous complaints that I?d better shut up because this doctor was not about to take drugs away. He was real good about subscribing them.

This kind of makes you wonder why we have a drug problem in America. I don?t see any problem at all. If you don?t want to take drugs, your doctor is going to insist on it. Maybe the problem is the lack of revenue to the pharmacies if you take illegal drugs. The way I see it if you want a drug, go to the doctor.

Well, I took those stupid drugs for about 7 years and stopped taking them on my own at the age of 29. I knew for a fact that my blood pressure readings were low. But needless to say, the doctor was real mad.

First he stated that I should never ever stop a drug without consulting a doctor first. Second, he said that the drug dose I was taking were leathal doses and had to be stopped gradually. Third, he made me feel stupid by telling me that he should take me over to the hospital and show me a victim of ?Stroke?.

Well, enough of that. I quit going to that doctor. I wrote a letter to another doctor in town before making the appointment and told my story. I also told him that when I come in, he needs to spend some time to talk with me. I have no desire to take drugs since I am convinced that my blood pressure is normal when away from doctors. (Most of these doctors did not know what White Coat Hypertension was.)

Stopping those drugs instantly like that really had no affect on me. I monitored my own blood pressure. I suppose some doctors believe they are the only ones that can take a blood pressure reading. I took mine so often, I could tell you what part of the day it?s the highest. The only thing the doctor knew was it was high while in the office. Did they listen? This doctor did and diagnosed me as having anxiety problems.

For two weeks, he decided to try me on ?VALIUM? to conclude his diagnoses. When it was proven that my blood pressure readings were low with the ?Valium?, he took me off of it and told me that we needed to find the root of my problems. He had no intentions of keeping me on ?Valium?.

Shortly after my diagnosis, that old doctor died. I wasn?t going to take a chance and start all over, I lived with my anxiety problem till 2001. No drugs of any kind was taken during that 13 year stretch.

In my forties, it is necessary to see a doctor now and then. I was diagnosed with high blood pressure again. Back to the drawing board as one could say. I took the drugs for a while and decided to go back and monitor my own blood pressure again.

Right before I go into the doctors office, I would write down my blood pressure. It was just about perfect according to statistics. It read 117 over 77 or so. When the doctor took it, it was quite a bit higher. I tried to explain. I can see that most doctors ignore what you say. They have their own conclusions and they believe they know you after taking 2 readings.

Last year, I stopped the blood pressure pills again. My readings are about 121 over 70 to 78.

It may be time for the world to start educating them selves more. A blood pressure reading is a mere symptom. If you treat the symptom, you are still faced with the problem. It?s been said that there are lots of reasons for high blood pressure. Most doctors fail to try and find that reason. It?s far easier to give a pill and send you on your way.

I believe drugs killed my mother and they will eventually kill me.

I wonder what doctors mean when they say the person dies of natural causes! At what age would be considered natural to die at?

I was told that my mother died of heart failure. She took a handful of pills prescribed by doctors. I still wonder to this day why she died at 50? Who came up with what a normal blood pressure reading is?

Please forgive me if you don?t agree with me. Everything I write is of my own experience and opinions. I don?t ever want you to think that what I do is okay for you to do. This article is for your own entertainment. I am not a doctor, scientist or a medical expert. I am just another experimental lab rat.

Randall Stafford

Since childhood, Randall Stafford has been involved in Health Programs in a round about way. In his own diagnosis, it appeared that his blood pressure went up with his weight. To maintain proper blood pressure readings, and to keep the weight off, Randall has been promoting health sites that do not use any form of drugs. If you too want to lose weight, go get a free book at http://www.starmotivators.com