Thursday, June 30, 2011

A Spoonful Of Sugar A Day - Can It Keep The Doctor Away?

‘Sugar’ might as well be a four-letter word the way science and pseudo-science has demonized it over the years. The nemesis of dieters everywhere, sugar has become the scapegoat for obesity as well as a number of other diseases and conditions. People have been told by nutritionists that carbohydrates are bad, sugar is bad, and now there seems to be a Diet version of practically everything on the market. But is sugar really as evil as everyone thinks it is?

A scientific field called glycoscience and/or glycobiology disagrees with much of the popular opinion about sugar, and not just regarding weight loss. There is an ever-increasing amount of research that suggests certain types of sugars can have an enormous benefit to our health, including boosting human immune response, to inhibiting cancerous tumor growth.

‘Glyco’ is derived from the Greek word ‘sweet’ and refers to monosaccharides or sugars. For decades, Scientists have known about the link between sugars, carbohydrates and their effect in boosting energy. It’s no secret that carbs and sugars are our main source of fuel, and help us perform our everyday tasks, as well as provide the oomph we need to hit the ol’ stairclimber. But especially since the popularity of the Atkins diet which demonizes carbs and sugars, many people have been missing out on the benefits of the sweet stuff.

Glycoscience is amassing more and more evidence that the role of carbs is crucial to maintaining the healthy function of the body. Most people are familiar with the term ‘glucose’ but there are over 200 monosaccharides found in plants and, of those, less than ten are used by the body to maintain a healthy equilibrium. Some other sugars are: mannose, galactose, xylose, fucose, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine, and sialic acid (N-acetylneuraminic acid or NANA).

Recent scientific evidence is showing that these sugars and carbs help us on a cellular level. They allow our cells to better interact with each other, thus making every basic bodily function more efficient and effective. This cellular response from carbs flies in the face of the fad low-carb diets that are finally beginning to wan. What was formerly a no-carb or low-carb mentality really should be a “right-carb” mentality. With the right carbs and sugars, the human body becomes a well-oiled machine that can live longer, and more importantly live better than ever before.

Human beings, from a purely biological standpoint, have not really changed in thousands of years. We are still basically the same beings that survived on mainly plants for millennia. And yet the food we eat today is a far cry from the food we ate thousands of years ago or even as much as 50 years ago. Genetic engineering, growth hormones, and preservatives are now an integral part of almost everything we eat. Especially with fast food, and enormous portion of the population eats foods that are virtually bereft of nutrients. Empty calories are on the diets of millions of people every single day.

Now although most people would agree with that statement, most of them would heartily disagree that sugar and carbs are the answer to many of the health questions plaguing our modern society. Well surprise everybody…sugar might be the way to go. Again though, they have to be the right sugars; the monosaccharides found in plants, not the table sugar you find in your local grocery store.

So the question remains, where do we get these beneficial sugars? Simple. The company is called Mannatech. Publicly traded on the NASDAQ, Mannatech’s main product is something called Ambrotose®, and most recently, Advanced Ambrotose™. This product has been heralded by many in the scientific community as the next big thing in the multi-billion dollar supplement industry.

When you see how many diseases are preventable simply by an alteration in diet and taking proper supplements, it’s heartbreaking to see the thousands that are unaware of the damage they are doing to themselves by rigorously maintaining their strict low-carb regimes. People hear this…CARBS ARE GOOD…as long as they are the right carbs and sugars. This point has to be made again and again until people start listening and taking charge if their own well-being.

Note: Glyconutrients are not intended to heal, treat, or cure any disease.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

A Speedy Recovery with SmartLipo

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 300,000 people in the United States underwent invasive surgery in 2006 to remove fat from within their bodies. Liposuction is a procedure that is performed on a daily basis in the US, and one that often requires additional surgery to remove excess skin remaining when a bulk of fat is simply removed from the body. For many people, liposuction can be a traumatic experience.

Fortunately, technology often holds the key to open doors that lead to improvement, especially in liposuction. SmartLipo is one exemplary case. This relatively new procedure is growing rapidly, servicing a steady flow of patients who wish to see firsthand if SmartLipo works as well as reported. Dubbed by some as a "medical miracle," SmartLipo has made believers out of many clients. SmartLipo does what it claims, and does so very well.

Traditional Liposuction - invasive and risky

Liposuction has been performed on millions of people in the years following its introduction in 1982. Although the surgery is performed often, the technique is quite invasive, and the outcome of the fat removal is in the hands of the surgeon, quite literally.

The cannula, or tube, used in traditional liposuction is between four and six millimeters in diameter and requires an incision that often requires stitches. After the painful procedure is complete, patients can expect to wear compression bandages for at least six weeks. Bruising and tissue damage is a common complication with traditional liposuction.

SmartLipo - advanced technology with minimal invasion

SmartLipo is far more advanced than traditional liposuction. Rather than manually moving the cannula through the area of fat removal, plastic surgeons use a much thinner cannula (one millimeter in diameter), which has a laser affixed to the end.

Also known as laserlipolysis, SmartLipo does not suck the fat cells out of the body. Instead, the laser is used to melt the fat cells in the area of treatment, and the heat from the laser helps seal off blood vessels to minimize bleeding. Connective tissue is not bruised or traumatized as it commonly is in traditional liposuction procedures.

Another added effect of undergoing SmartLipo is that collagen is produced by the body as a response to the heat of the laser. Generally, plastic surgeons inject patients with collagen to add firmness to saggy areas. As a great side effect, SmartLipo actually helps sculpt the body by firming the skin as fat is removed. This process continues from within the body for approximately three months.

Generally speaking, most patients who undergo SmartLipo treatment are back at work within two days. As tissue trauma and bleeding is so minimal, compression bandages are only recommended for up to two weeks, simply as a precaution. The site of the laser's insertion is unnoticeable and requires no stitches. Compared with traditional liposuction, which can require up to six weeks of bandaging, stitches, and even additional surgeries to remove excess skin, SmartLipo is certainly the fastest, most advanced and effective method to permanently eliminate the body of fat in problem areas.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

A Simple To Follow Weight Loss Program

This article gives free tips and advice about how to lose weight. Dieting does not need to be a choir, however many of the weight loss programs that are available make it this way. During the article, I describe an easy to follow diet or weight loss program which has helped me to reach a weight that I am now happy and feel comfortable with.

My background

My name is Steve Hill and I struggled to keep my weight under control for the first twenty-two years of my life. I was often teased at school and found it very hard to meet girls as I believed that there would be no way, that they would want to date somebody as fat as myself.

I was a very negative person and I frequently felt stressed and depressed. I often felt sorry for myself and would feel envious of other people who seemed fit, healthy and happy. During these periods of depression, I would often comfort eat to make myself feel better. I love food and this would temporarily help. The problem I found was that if I ate food for ten minutes, I would feel a sense of guilt for around two hours.

Like many people who are over-weight, I was not happy this way and often looked into different types of weight loss plan or diets. Maybe it is just me, but they seem so unrealistic and for somebody like myself impossible to follow. I needed a simple, easy to follow weight loss program.

The solution to my weight problem

The first thing I had to do was to be honest with myself. I asked myself a series of questions:

Why are you over-weight?

I do not eat the right types of food and I rarely exercise.

How determined are you to lose weight?

Very determined.

Are you willing for this to be a long term project, or are you looking for a quick fix?

The quicker the better, however I realise that crash diets do not work and end up causing more harm than good.

Do you feel you have enough self-discipline to succeed?

I am not sure but I will have to have, to reach my target weight.


The weight loss plan

These are the things I must do:

Eat three healthy meals a day.

Exercise more. This will be achieved by leaving the car at home more often and by walking to certain places, such as my children's school. I will also take the children to play sports like football and tennis, as often as I can.

Fight the demons in my head who constantly tempt me into eating.

These are the things I must not do:

Snack in between meals.

Eat too many take-aways, I will basically allow myself one a week.

Lie to other people or even myself about what I have eaten.


This sounds so simple and is very easy to follow. I have to admit that it is not that easy to carry off, especially not being able to snack between meals. With determination you can succeed and the sense of happiness and pride you will feel when you reach a weight you are happy with, will make it all worthwhile.

Monday, June 27, 2011

A Simple Plan For Weight Loss

The math is pretty simple. One pound of fat equals 3500 calories. Want to lose a pound a week? Then you need to consume 3500 calories less per week than you use. That's about 500 calories a day. By cutting out 500 calories a day from your normal daily diet, while keeping your activity level the same, you can lose approximately one pound a week.

All right - that doesn't sound like much, especially if you're more than 25 pounds overweight. Study after study has shown, though, that those people who lose weight gradually - at a rate of 1-2 pounds per week -are far more likely to keep the weight off and maintain a normal weight for a lifetime.

So how much exactly IS 500 calories? If you're going to reduce your daily intake by 500 calories, it helps to know what you need to cut out, right? Here's how easy it is to lose 500 calories a day:

* Use milk instead of cream in your coffee. Savings? 50 calories per cup.

* Skip the butter on your baked potato. Savings? 100 calories

* Drink fruit-flavored water instead of a 16 ounce soda. Savings? 200 calories

* Skip the Big Mac and have a salad instead. A Big Mac weighs in at a whopping 460 calories. A fresh salad with a light dressing? Less than 100! Savings? 360 calories

* Pass by the bag of potato chips. An average snack size bag of chips has over 300 calories. Savings? 300 calories

* Eat your corn on the ear. A 1 cup serving of canned corn has 165 calories. An ear of corn has 85. Savings? 80 calories.

* Switch to low-fat cream cheese on your bagel. Savings? 90 calories per ounce.

* Love those fries and can't give them up? Swap the skinny fries out for thick steak-cut ones. Thin French fries absorb more oil than the thicker, meatier ones. Savings? 50 calories per 4 ounce serving

If you'd rather look at losing weight from an exercise perspective, you can also lose one pound a week by upping your activity level by 500 calories a day. How easy is that to do? Take a look:

* Take a half-hour walk around the park. Aim for a pace that's a little faster than a stroll, but not fast enough to be breathless. Burn: 160 calories.

* Get out your bike and take a ride. Tackle a few moderate hills and aim for about five miles total. Burn: 250 calories

* Go dancing - and really DANCE. The longer you're out on the floor instead of at the table drinking up high-calorie drinks, the more you'll get out of it. Dancing that makes you breathless and warms up your body will net you a nice calorie savings. Burn: 400 calories for one hour

* Swimming is great for you, and a lot of fun, too. The water resistance means you burn more calories, and you avoid the stress impact on joints from aerobics, dancing or walking. Do a few laps at a slow crawl - if you can get up to an hour you'll be doing great! Burn: 510 calories

* Get out into your garden. An hour of gardening tasks that includes bending and stretching can burn up to as many calories as a brisk walk. Burn: 250 calories.

* Play a game of tennis. Hook up with a friend for a weekly tennis game and you'll be amazed at the difference. One hour of vigorous tennis is one of the best calorie burners around. Burn: 800 calories

It’s important to keep in mind that all exercise/calorie numbers are based on a woman weighing 130 pounds. If you weigh more, you'll burn more. Want an added bonus to burning calories through exercise? When you exercise, you build muscle by converting it from fat. Three guesses which kind of body tissue burns more calories - even when you're not exercising. You got it - your body uses more energy to maintain and feed muscle than it does fat.

For best results, mix and match food savings with exercises that burn calories. Do keep in mind that eating less than 1000 calories a day for more than a few days will convince your body that it's starving and slow your metabolism. Keep calorie ranges reasonable, and consult a doctor if you want a quicker, more drastic weight loss.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

A Simple Case Of Chronic Headaches

People often regard tension negatively possibly because it is an occurrence usually associated with negative situations or experiences. It is even sometimes regarded as a state of mind. Tension is actually a natural functioning of muscles. Unlike its negative connotation, this physiological occurrence mainly serves as a protective act of maintaining the muscle's state despite constant stretching or pulling. Tension is what prevents the muscles from completely tearing apart. However, experiencing this often can take a toll on the muscles and may eventually cause fatigue and muscle rigidity. When this happens, it may lead to other muscular problems and even health problems not clearly related to muscle physiology such as headaches.

During stressful situations a person's muscles increase their tension property unconsciously. This may possibly be due to the changes stress creates within one's brain governing chemical balances. Since the brain basically directs every movement of a person's body as well as other functioning of the entire system, altering chemical movements in the brain can cause changes within the entire body. Most of these changes are unconsciously experienced by a person which is why it is often difficult to control voluntarily. Tension of muscles become troublesome when it is experienced often, causes fatigue, and cannot be easily monitored since it happens without the person's knowledge of it.

The effects of this can range from just a simple fatigue to a worse case of chronic headache. Though these conditions may seem not a cause of alarm, in the long run it can be greatly disrupting to any person's daily functioning. Headaches may not necessarily need hospitalization, however, it can surely prevent one from going to work or even performing important daily tasks. Because of the headache, a person's stress level may further escalate, thus, causing a continuous process of cause and effect between stress and headaches. This situation when prolonged may become more difficult to treat or manage. Thus, strong medications may already be needed to solve the problem.

Despite of the benefits of using prescription drugs, it can still cause several side effects, which is another downside. Some side effects may even be worse than the actual sickness itself. Some medications may not be as strong as the other prescription medications but may still be as potent or effective in treating chronic pain. These are usually the drugs that are initially prescribed by doctors when patients come to them complaining of tension headaches. As much as possible doctors mainly avoid to induce further pain and difficulties to their patients. Those are factors that need to be considered as well despite a drug's effectiveness.

Another issue concerning this situation is the availability of some supposedly prescription medications for tension headaches. Because they are sometimes accessible even without prescription, people tend to self-prescribe and self-medicate. Situations which should have been prevented by the regulation of knowledgeable doctors will, therefore, have a greater possibility of happening. Also, simple health problems such as tension headaches may aggravate or may further develop into other worse complications because of this reckless actions. Thus, it results to what usually happens as an unnecessary mistake. Meager health problems such as a chronic headaches brought about by stress and tension then becomes fatal.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

A Simple Act of Hand Washing Can Go a Long, Long Way!

Hand washing has become a part of our culture. Hand washing and other hygienic practices are taught at every level of school, advocated in the work place, and emphasized during medical training. According to the United States Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Hand washing is the single most important means of preventing the spread of infection.”

Throughout the day we accumulate germs on our hands from a variety of sources, such as direct contact with people, contaminated surfaces, food, even animals and animal waste. Infectious diseases that are commonly spread through hand-to-hand contact include the common cold, flu and several gastrointestinal disorders, such as infectious diarrhea. While most people will get over a cold, the flu can be much more serious. Some people with the flu, particularly older adults and people with chronic medical problems, can develop pneumonia. The combination of the flu and pneumonia, in fact, is the eighth leading cause of death among Americans.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), pneumonia is the leading killer of children under age 5 worldwide, accounting for one out of every five child deaths. Hence, hand washing is recommended to avoid this deadly disease. More than 27, 000 children in developing countries under the age of five die every day from curable diseases. Pneumonia and other respiratory infections kill an estimated 2 million children each year. Almost three-quarters of those who die are less than a year old.



Hand washing with soap can reduce the number of pneumonia-related infections in children under the age of five by more than 50 percent, according to a study published in The Lancet. The research, conducted in Pakistan by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and P&G Beauty, a division of The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G), is the first field study to show that hand washing can actually help prevent pneumonia.

The study conducted was designed to measure the health impact of improving hand washing and bathing with soap in low-income communities with highly polluted environments. It was conducted to more than 900 households in squatter settlements over a one-year period ending in March 2003. Approximately 600 households received a regular supply of soap; half received plain soap and half received antibacterial soap. A 300-household control group received school supplies.

The results of the research showed that incidence of disease did not differ significantly between households given plain soap versus antibacterial soap. The mechanical activity of vigorous hand washing with soap removes dirt and pathogens from hands, and is the primary factor in prevention of disease. It's important to note that researchers did not expect to see any advantage in using antibacterial soap against pneumonia.

Researchers also compared the impact of routinely washing of hands with soap in 900 households in over a year. About 600 households received supplies of regular or antibacterial soap, while 300 acted as a control group received school supplies. The homes were visited weekly to encourage better hygiene. The research showed results that cases of pneumonia were cut by 50 percent in families given soap and those who rigorously washed their hands as compared to the control group. The research proved that families worldwide can greatly improve the health and save the lives of their children by simple and proper hand washing.

Through regular practice of simple hand washing, remarkable improvements in health, sanitation, and disease control can be achieved. Hand washing doesn't take much time or effort, but it offers great rewards in terms of preventing illness.

Friday, June 24, 2011

A Short Tutorial About Various Diabetic Supplies

Diabetes is a chronic disease with no cure but the good news is that proper care and treatment a person can live a log and healthy life. Nearly 2,000 people are diagnosed with diabetes everyday.

It is estimated that there are 17 million people with diabetes in the U.S and another 16 million have pre-diabetes or higher blood-sugar levels that are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.

Buying diabetes supplies online can save time and money. In this article you will find the most used supplies and tools to achieve a good diabetes control and aid in everyday self-care.

For those who have been diagnosed with a diabetic condition, diabetes supplies are a fact of life. In order to maintain good health, diabetics must rely on various tools to help them monitor their conditions. Still, diabetes patients need to exercise caution when buying diabetes supplies.

The company that you buy your diabetes supplies from should have a phone number in case you need to contact the business because of a problem with the order. In fact, it’s best if the company has a toll-free hotline number that you can reach 24 hours a day. It is much better to register a complaint by phone than by e-mail.

Also, the company should have a pharmacist available to answer your questions. Having a pharmacist on staff indicates that the company is legitimate and is determined to provide excellent service to its customers. When ordering diabetes supplies, you’ll want to pay close attention to shipping charges so that you don’t experience sticker shock when you receive your final bill.

Typically, a diabetic pays a substantial sum each month for diabetes supplies, including pills, insulin, syringes, alcohol pads, lancets, ointments, salves, and special foods. Because competition for business is so great, the prices of items such as testing strips and glucose monitors are often competitive.

This competition can help to keep the diabetes patient’s expenses in check. However, there is no question that a diabetic must devote a portion of his or her income or insurance costs to diabetes supplies. In order to control glucose, blood sugar levels must be monitored closely—at least once a day.

Insulin Cases: Environmental factors such as excessive heat and freezing will have major affect on type of insulin. So, there is a need to keep insulin safe by using special cases while traveling and going out.

Blood Glucose Monitors: It is used to examine blood glucose level. Blood glucose levels below 120 mg/dL before meals, and below 180 mg/dL after meals, is the goal to stay healthy and prevent or delay the development of diabetes complications.

Blood Pressure Monitors: It helps to check blood pressure level of a person. High blood pressure affects 20-60% of people with diabetes and results in causing eye disease, kidney disease and heart disease.

Diabetes Software: This software can be used in your computer to help you to share the information with your Health Care Team to make the best choices in your treatment. Diabetes software includes OneTouch diabetes management software, OneTouch diabetes management software kit.

Glucose Tablets: Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels can occur very quickly and is a sharp complication of diabetes, especially if you use insulin. People with diabetes must always carry glucose tablets.

Glucose Gels: Glucose gel is absorbed more rapidly than tablets. In case of severe hypoglycemia 15 g of glucose in the form of glucose gel must be administered immediately orally.

Experts recommend that you deal only with those Internet companies that offer a return address rather than a post office box. If you want to make sure that you are buying diabetes supplies from reputable businesses that have their own offices, rather than an individual who is simply buying diabetes supplies from an Internet auction site and re-selling them to new customers.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

A Short Guide To Aromatherapy

When you smell something nice, such as an appealing perfume, or a tasty dish being cooked in the kitchen, or fresh cut roses set in a vase full of cold water, does not the smell give you a good feeling inside? These good feelings created by pleasing aromas are the basis for the art of aromatherapy.

People who practice aromatherapy believe that the scents that a person smells can induce the body to stimulate its ability to heal itself. Depending on the kind of scent or combination of scents that was inhaled or absorbed through the skin, the scent activates the immune system of the body, making it more capable of fighting invading microorganisms that cause disease and boosting its strength.

To make the body heal and become more resistant to illness, practitioners of aromatherapy make use of essential oils. These essential oils are extracted from aromatic plants. They often find uses in the making of scented candles, perfume, soap and other beauty products.

Essential oils are very volatile – they evaporate easily and they are easily absorbed into the skin. Practitioners of aromatherapy, however, never use essential oils undiluted because these oils are highly concentrated. They can burn and irritate the skin if they come into direct contact with it.

Essential oils are always mixed with what are called carrier oils before they are used. What, now, are carrier oils? Simply put, they are vegetable oils, extracted from certain kinds of fruits, nuts and vegetables. They are called carrier oils because they literally carry the essential oil when mixed and applied onto the skin.

Practitioners of aromatherapy believe that each kind of essential oil and each kind of carrier oil have their own properties and characteristics. To treat a specific ailment, a specific combination of essential oils and carrier oils need to be used. The mixture is then massaged onto the skin or added to bathwater. Sometimes, it is put into an air diffuser. Below are the most commonly used essential oils and carrier oils, as well as the properties that each possess and the ailments for which they are used.

Essential oils:

* Chamomile. Chamomile can help in easing pain so the body can relax. It is also good for soothing the skin. Chamomile is often used for people suffering from nervous tension, headaches caused by fatigue, and an upset stomach. It can also be used for treating skin problems like acne and boils.

* Eucalyptus. Eucalyptus refreshes as well as relieves congestion and pain. So, it is used for colds, sinusitis and other respiratory problems. It is also applied to aching muscles and joints affected by rheumatism.

* Lavender. For ailments such as rheumatism and muscle tension as well as skin problems like acne and dandruff, lavender is often used. Lavender can help soothe and relax the body as well as enhance the circulation of the blood. Lavender is also applied to people suffering from insomnia.

* Lemon. The citrus in lemon is refreshing and can provide relief from congestion and pain. This is why it is also used for treating headaches and migraine. It is also good for treating stomach problems, and it is also claimed to have the ability to reduce the appearance of cellulite on the skin.

* Rose. The rose is great for the skin. It is often applied to skin that is dry, delicate or sensitive, making it softer and smoother. The scent of the rose can also aid in relaxing the body, so it is also used for treating headaches, stress and insomnia.

Carrier oils

* Almond. Almond oil is good for the skin because it has Vitamin D and can help moisturize dry skin. It is a popular kind of carrier oil because the skin can easily absorb it.

* Apricot. Apricot oil is a light kind of carrier oil that is rich in Vitamin A. Practitioners of aromatherapy love to use apricot oil because it arrests the skin’s aging process and helps revitalize the skin.

* Grapeseed. Grapeseed oil is the most commonly used carrier oil among practitioners of aromatherapy because it is the least expensive. Also, because it is light, it can be used on people with oily skin without clogging the pores.

* Jojoba. Jojoba oil is another type of carrier oil that is good for people with oily skin. It has the ability to break down excess sebum, which causes pimples and dandruff. Moreover, jojoba has Vitamin E, a kind of vitamin that helps the skin maintain its youth.

* Sesame. Sesame oil is a kind of carrier oil that is known for its nutty smell, but it has great antiseptic properties. It is effective in treating fungal infections, skin infections and light wounds.

Aromatherapy is a nice way of treating the body's hurts and pains, if only because the oils used in aromatherapy smell great.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

A Shopper's Guide to Tanning Lotion

With today's tanning lotions, there's no reason that you can't keep your golden glow year-round. But unless you're immersed in the tanning culture, it's easy to get confused by the variety of products in the marketplace. Here, then, is a quick start guide that will help you find just the right product to suit your needs.

Indoor, Outdoor, or Sunless?

Tanning lotions can be broadly divided into three categories: those for outdoor tanning, indoor tanning lotion, and sunless tanning lotion. As its name implies, outdoor lotions are perfect when you're going to the beach or lying out by the pool. If you're going to a salon to get that golden glow, you'll need a tanning bed lotion. If you want to avoid the rays altogether, you'll want a sunless tanning lotion that you can apply yourself in the comfort of your own home.

Before you select a tanning lotion, it's helpful to think about your tanning goals. Would you like a tan for a special occasion, like your wedding day or a class reunion? Are you a committed sun worshipper who relishes the deep bronze color of a lasting tan? Or are you planning a week at the beach and want some color while avoiding ruining your vacation with a sunburn on your first day out?

Face, Body, or All Over?

Advances in chemistry and technology mean that we can find products that are specific to our needs. There are special lotions for facial tanning, for example, while others are developed just for the legs. There are bronzers, tingle lotions, and hybrids that contain both bronzing and tingling properties. There is also an abundance of sunscreens, from regular SPF lotions to lip balms to sunscreen specifically designed for tattoos.

Tanning Accessories

When you decide upon a tanning product, you may also want to purchase an array of accessories. These might include products that will protect your manicure and pedicure while you're tanning, a back lotion applicator, a shower cap (for sunless tanning), or a solar cap (to protect your hair color treatment from UV rays).

Go for Quality

Not only are there many different types of lotion on the market, but you'll find tanning lotions at a variety of price points. As with many things in life, to a great extent you get what you pay for. The designer product lines are generally made with better ingredients, have longer staying power, and are often used as part of a system. For example, a product line might have a three-part system where one lotion is used to establish your base tan, another tanning lotion is used to moisturize your skin and extend your tan, and a third helps darken your tan once it's been established.

Buying quality lotion doesn't always mean paying top dollar, though. There are online sources that offer a wide variety of tanning lotion - including the designer lines - for the same price you'd pay at the drugstore for a lesser quality lotion. The bottom line? It pays to shop around and buy great lotions at affordable prices.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

A Review Of Techniques In Managing Your Depression

Some people have a difficult time in managing their depression. Sometimes, their depression and fears can get best of them. As a result, here is a short list of techniques that a person can use to help manage their depression.

I was told by a counselor that one of the ways to manage depression is to challenge your negative thinking with positive statements and realistic thinking. When encountering thoughts that make your fearful or depressed, challenge those thoughts by asking yourself questions that will maintain objectivity and common sense. For example, your afraid that if you do not get that job promotion then you will be stuck at your job forever. This depresses you, however your thinking in this situation is unrealistic. The fact of the matter is that there all are kinds of jobs available and just because you don’t get this job promotion doesn’t mean that you will never get one. In addition, people change jobs all the time, and you always have that option of going elsewhere if you are unhappy at your present location.

Some people get depressed and have a difficult time getting out of bed in the mornings. When this happens, a person should take a deep breathe and try to find something to do to get their mind off of the problem. A person could take a walk, listen to some music, read the newspaper or do an activity that will give them a fresh perspective on things. Doing something will get your mind off of the problem and give you confidence to do other things.

Sometimes, we can get depressed over a task that we will have to perform in the near future. When this happens, visualize yourself doing the task in your mind. For instance, you and your team have to play in the championship volleyball game in front of a large group of people in the next few days. Before the big day comes, imagine yourself playing the game in your mind. Imagine that your playing in front of a large audience. By playing the game in your mind, you will be better prepared to perform for real when the time comes. Self Visualization is a great way to reduce the fear and stress of a coming situation.

Another technique that is very helpful is to have a small notebook of positive statements that make us feel good. Whenever you come across an affirmation that makes you feel good, write it down in a small notebook that you can carry around with you in your pocket. Whenever you feel depressed, open up your small notebook and read those statements.

As a Layman and author of an anxiety book, I have done many interviews with various counselors in how to manage fear, anxiety and depression. The techniques that I have just covered are some basic ways to manage your depression, however your best bet is to get some help from a professional.

Monday, June 20, 2011

A Remedy For Seasonal Allergies

Are you one of the millions that suffer from allergies? Are you looking for information on allergy remedies? If you are a chronic victim of the distressing effects of allergies then it’s high time you found an effective allergy remedy. There are several allergy remedy medications available on the market.

In order to effectively treat your allergies, you need to find the allergy remedy most aligned with your symptoms and needs. You have several avenues to choose from when searching for an allergy remedy. These avenues include: home remedies, allergy medication, environmental modifications, and a consultation with an Allergist.

Let’s start with home remedies. Home allergy remedies were used before allergy medications surfaced on the medical scene. Be wary of many home remedies. Many of these remedies are based on “old wives tales”.

However, there are some steps you can take at home that do work. For example, if you have an allergy to pollen you can minimize its effects by washing your clothing and hair when come home. Make sure to do this before you go to bed, so that you won’t spread any of the pollen onto your bedding.

Allergy medications are a wonderful allergy remedy. You can use over the counter antihistamine pills, lotions, and ointments. If you have a chronic allergy you can consult your physician for a stronger prescription allergy remedy. Nasal sprays are also a great tool against allergies. They act as a direct allergy remedy to your nasal passageways.

There are a few environmental modifications you can make as an allergy remedy. Wash bedding in hot water to remove dust mites. Use mattress and pillow covers to fight against dust mites. Keep your home clean and carpets vacuumed.

If you have severe allergies that can’t be managed with basic allergy remedies then head to your physician or allergist. They can take you through a series of allergy testing and provide the best treatment options for your situation. This may involve removing the allergy culprit from your environment, food plate, or clothing drawer. They can provide prescription allergy medication to knock your allergy out cold.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

A Refreshing Way To Avoid Diabetes?

It appears that decaffeinated coffee has been linked to lowering your risk of type 2 diabetes, according to a report in a recent issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, a JAMA/Archives journal. It appears one of the benefits happens to be lower risk, good news for all you double shot latte fans out there. However, doctors are still not sure what the cause and effect really is.
But I hope you are thirsty, iIn the study, the respondents that where least likely to develop diabetes consumed more than five cups of coffee a day over a twelve year period. Good news for those of you already Dueto card at Starbucks, but those of you how don’t drink this much coffee have no fear, there is still hope.
Overall caffeine intake did not appear to be the culprit, further suggesting that some other ingredient in coffee is responsible. Coffee is high in Magnesium, which might explain some of the inverse relation between coffee intake and the risk of diabetes through known helpful effects on the carbohydrate metabolism. However, the study found no relation between Magnesium and diabetes risk. Other minerals and nutrients found in the coffee bean including compounds known as polyphenols, which have also been shown to help the body process carbohydrates and antioxidants, which might protect cells in the insulin producing pancreas can contribute to its beneficial effects and needs to be examined in future studies.
While much of the study does not specifically identify coffee as a true source for fighting diabetes, it sure tastes better than insulin. Drink Up!

Saturday, June 18, 2011

A real Breath of Fresh Air

The other day while browsing various gadget sites I came across an interesting looking device called a Goodsphere Bubble. Having spent many years and having some surgery to reduce the effect of snoring. I decided to invest in one of these Air purifiers.
I read up on the information of the product and a summary is given now.
A goodsphere bubble provides the following benefits.
It eliminates nasty odours from cooking and smoking all though I do not smoke some of my friends do and this would be a significant benefit. The other main benefit is that you can change the different aromas it can generate by buying the separate aromas available.
The goodsphere bubble acts as an ioniser which converts the positive ions within the room atmosphere to the more friendly negative ions in the atmosphere. The negative ions makes the air feel fresh without giving off black marks like some of the other types of ionisers.
The goodsphere bubble also acts as a humidifier last year I had a humidifier and it did make quite a difference. It broke and I have not had time to replace it. I know that this significantly reduced the amount of snoring I produced over night.
So having read the sales page and knowing that people are coming to stay soon I decided to invest in one of these goodsphere bubbles. I was amazed when it arrived fairly quickly and that it was fairly idiot proof in operation.
I unpacked the item filled with water I had also bought the apple orchard essence with the kit. I added the added correct amount of essence and turned on the unit. The goodsphere bubble provided almost instant fresh air smelling of apples and now it has become one of the most essential items in the house.
The effect that these bubbles produce is so dramatic that I immediately ordered a second device. I now have two spheres working in my house and I have had many comments from friends and neighbours on how this works, where can I get one and how much are they.
I also did some experiments in recording myself asleep to see if this has any effect on my snoring it remarkably does have the effect of significantly reducing the overnight snoring. This is really important to me and my relationship with my fiancée. Also the unit can clearly be seen taking the dust out of the air as the water quality goes from clear to dull.
Each essence lasts for around 24 hours you simply clean the unit and add fresh water and fresh essence. We now have an extensive range of essences for the goodsphere unit and the house always smells with a distinct agreeable aroma. Our favourite has been the rose blossom and its like working in the flower fields and meadows and has made a vast improvement to my life.
The unit also comes with the option to have an LED base which illuminates the device through a spectrum of colours so not only does it smell good it also looks good and really adds something special to the room.
The aroma therapy qualities include the ability to combat and neutralize harmful bacteria such as MRSA, E-coli and salmonella. This has been the best buy of the year so far, very impressed.
This article can be used under the standard terms and conditions of this website.
© 2007 Andy Bolton 39 Liverpool UK

Friday, June 17, 2011

A Quick Look at Depression and Teen Suicide

An alarming truth: teen girls and boys are both at risk for suicide. Though many do not recognize suicide as a serious threat to a teenager's well being, teen suicide is a major cause of death among American teenagers. According to the National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH), about eight out of every 100,000 teenagers committed suicide in 2000. Experts estimate that for every teen suicide death, there are 10 other teen suicide attempts. They also found out that almost one in five teens had thought about suicide. About one in six teens made plans on committing suicide and that one in twelve teens had attempted suicide in the last year. As many as eight out of ten teenagers who commit suicide try to ask for help in some way before committing suicide, usually by seeing a doctor or psychiatrist shortly before the suicide attempt.

Teenage girls are more likely to attempt suicide, but teenage boys are four to five times more likely to die by suicide. Even though teenage girls make more attempts on their own lives than teenage boys, the boys are more likely to actually complete a suicide attempt. They do not allow for intervention, and are less likely to “call for help” through a suicide attempt, since there is often little opportunity to get males into treatment since their suicide completion rate is higher than that of females.

What are the major factors that influence or cause teenage suicide? It is said that depression is the most common cause of teenage suicide in the United States. It is depression that leads people to focus mostly on failures and disappointments, to emphasize the negative side of their situations, and to downplay their own capabilities or self-worth.

Depression or depressive disorders (unipolar depression) are mental illnesses characterized by a profound and persistent feelings of sadness or despair. Depressed persons are not interested anymore in things that were once pleasurable. The symptoms of depression include having difficulty with sleeping, loss of appetite, significant weight loss, and loss of rationality in making decisions.

Depression affects a person’s thoughts in such a way that the person doesn’t see that he or she can overcome a present problem. It’s as if the depression puts a filter on the person’s thinking and totally distorts reality. For this reason, depressed people don’t realize the gravity of pondering suicide as a means to “resolve” or escape a particular problem. A teenager with depression may feel like there’s no other way out of problems; no other escape from emotional pain, or no other way to communicate their desperate sadness. Some teenagers actually think that attempting suicide is the only way to get their message across to their family or friends. Depression is a very serious condition that can ruin a teenager's young life. Young people with problems such as living in a violent or abusive environment, an unintended pregnancy, problems with parents, or a recent break-up with a boyfriend or girlfriend can suffer from emotional and psychological distress.

Further, teenagers who feel suicidal may not even realize that they are depressed. They may even be unaware of their depression. At times, they can be so emotionally disturbed and see death as the only way out of their troubles.

We must realize that it is common for teenagers to have some thoughts about death. These thoughts can stem from a variety of causes, and can result in actual attempts on their own lives. Thus, it is very important to take suicide attempts seriously. Understanding that a teen suicide attempt is a call for help is essential to suicide prevention.

Counselors and therapists can provide emotional support and can help teens develop coping skills for dealing with problems. Constant communication, guidance, and abundant love from immediate family and friends is of major importance in dealing with a teenager's with suicidal tendencies. Teens with severe emotional and psychological problems will also benefit by joining a support network for young people who are going through the same problems. When depression lifts because a teenager gets the proper therapy or treatment, the distorted thinking is cleared. Depression need not take the life out of a teenager. With proper help and guidance, young people with problems can recover and find pleasure, energy, and hope again.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

A Quick Guide to Stress Management with Reiki

Stress is overwhelmingly affecting people in our society today. Busy with work, home, family, and many other daily tasks - stress piles on without our realizing it. That's why so many people are turning to the stress-reducing techniques used in Reiki, a spiritual energy used with healing, meditation and spiritual growth.

Introduction to Reiki

When a person is introduced to Reiki, an initiation takes place called "Reiki Attunement." This brings the person into a relationship with Reiki energy, and is usually activated by a trained Reiki master-teacher. During a Reiki Attunement, the person's dense energy is cleared and released, and etheric and chakras fields are strengthened so the person will be able to receive and transmit high frequency healing light. The person can become familiar with Reiki healing and Reiki symbols as well.

Learning to Relax

Stress usually takes over when a person is fearful, doubtful, or full of worry about things that are happening around them. The person often lives in a constant tense state without realizing what is happening. The body naturally reacts with fatigue, moodiness and sometimes, disease. To relieve stress, one must learn to relax and overcome the fears and worries of everyday life.

Reiki helps a person to relieve the emotional and physical strain of stress and to restore balance to the body, soul and mind. The person can return to a relaxed, peaceful state of being by clearing energy bodies and unblocking meridians, chakras and nadas.

Methods of Stress Reduction and Elimination

There are several methods used in Reiki to reduce and eliminate stress. One method is crystal healing, where crystals or crystal bowls are used to create sounds of healing and relaxation. The crystalline sounds carry Reiki energy deep into the body to enhance the relaxation process. Tension is released and the body begins to relax and respond to the Reiki energy. The crystal sounds promote deep tension release in the very cells of the body to create stress reduction from within. Crystal bowls are available in different sizes and can be tuned to any note desired - flats, sharps, or pure tones.

Another method of Reiki stress management is through healing drumming. Healing drumming introduces Reiki energy to a person's body by the use of a drum beat. The drumming helps to create a deep, relaxing state as stress is relieved.

There is a deep connection between the physical body, spiritual being, and the mind. Stress affects all three in a negative way. Using Reiki techniques for stress management is one way a person can lead a more relaxed, peaceful life.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

A Primer on Bradley vs. Lamaze Childbirth Methods

The Bradley method of childbirth was developed in the 1940's by Dr. Robert A. Bradley, an American Obstetrician. It is based on the philosophy of 'natural childbirth' (drug free) and was pioneering in the involvement of fathers during the birthing process.

The Lamaze technique was also established in the 1940's by Dr. Fernand Lamaze, a French Obstetrician. Lamaze was influenced by Soviet childbirth practices and he particularly endorsed the role of Midwives during labor. His method began to gain popularity in the USA in the late 1950's and is now the most commonly used childbirth technique.

While both the Lamaze and Bradley techniques lead to the same outcome, they differ in a variety of ways. The most significant contrast between these birthing methods is the issue of pain management and how parents confront this challenge. But what do these two methods reveal and how do they differ?

The Bradley Technique

The Bradley Method is a twelve week course that teaches parents how to control the pain of childbirth. It advocates natural childbirth philosophies and is also called 'the husband coached' birthing technique. It encourages parents to use deep breathing and relaxation exercises as a means of coping with labor.

The Bradley approach rejects the idea of 'distraction' as a way of dealing with childbirth and disputes the use of painkillers and cesarean sections unless absolutely necessary.

However, classes that focus on the Bradley technique do prepare parents for unexpected complications which may result in a cesarean section or other forms of intervention. His methods also include advice on nutrition and diet for the Mother during her pregnancy, which inevitably has a positive effect on the growth and wellbeing of the fetus. The expectant Mother is always encouraged to take reasonable and regular exercise, so that she is properly conditioned to give birth.

The Bradley Technique also educates parents about the different stages of labor and teaches them how to react to the Mother's changing body. The Father is assigned the role of 'Coach' during the birthing process, keeping the Mother focused on the task at hand, helping with breathing exercises and giving plenty of reassurance. Different forms of massage can also be used.

The Lamaze Technique

The Lamaze Technique uses a Pavlovian response to the pain of childbirth. Lamaze believed that giving birth was a physical exercise that requires both energy and concentration. His method focuses on arming the expectant couple with various tools to ease discomfort and conserve energy in order to control pain as it occurs.

The Lamaze Technique encourages the couple to use deep breathing exercises and various 'distraction' techniques, which can include concentrating on pleasant memories, as a way of distracting the woman from the pain of labor.

Lamaze childbirth classes often recommend the benefits associated with changing positions during the birth, as well as the use of hot and cold packs and 'birthing balls' to ease contractions.

The Lamaze Philosophy is not as regimented as the Bradley Method. It gives parents all the facts, yet allows the couple leverage to use the information in ways that work for them. It's more liberal approach offers a neutral position with regards to pain medication along with other medical and surgical options. This is left for the couple to decide.

Conclusion

There are many subtle differences and similarities between the Bradley and Lamaze birthing techniques. The primary difference is that the Bradley method instructs women to focus on controlling their pain. While according to the Lamaze technique, they are taught to distract from it. Similarities include the use of deep breathing techniques, the encouragement of appropriate exercise for the Mother during her pregnancy, and the involvement of both parents in the birthing process.

For expectant families the best option is to gather as much information as possible from either their Obstetrician or Midwife, before making a firm decision on which childbirth class to attend. It is always preferable to choose the birthing method that most appeals to each, individual couple, as it will allow them to feel in control and therefore experience the form of childbirth which best suits their needs.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

A Possible Link Between Celiac Disease And Candida Albicans

Celiac Disease, also referred to as CD, is intolerance to gluten which is found predominantly in wheat but is present in other grains such as oats, barley rye and others. CD is definitely on the rise for previously only 1 in every 3000 was diagnosed and now it is 1 in every 133.

I most cases of CD, gluten damages the small intestine mucosa resulting in the reduced ability to absorb nutrients, leaving the bowel in a state of chronic inflammation and the body depleted of nutrients. Symptoms are very wide range such as chronic fatigue, irritable bowel, constipation, chronic bloating, chronic sinusitis, rashes, itchy skin, chronic muscle pain, allergies, weight gain or loss, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet and dizziness just to name a few.

There is a type of CD that predominately affects the nervous system. It is referred to as gluten ataxia. The symptoms are predominately neurological with little or no gastrointestinal symptoms present. The neurological symptoms of gluten ataxia mimic the symptoms of multiple sclerosis so closely that CD should be ruled out when diagnosing MS

There are researchers that suspect a link between Candida albicans (yeast overgrowth) and CD. It is also suspected that irritable bowel syndrome, crohn’s disease and fibomyalgia all stem from Candida albicans. Does that mean that all people diagnosed with CD also have Candida albicans? Researchers believe that it’s certainly worth looking into. I know many people with celiac disease who go on a faithful “gluten free” diet and do not feel much better. For those it would be wise to incorporate a “Candida” diet and take huge amounts of probiotics (acidophilus and bifidophilus).

CD is suspected to be associated with hypothyroid problems, specifically Hashimoto’s disease.
Those with anemia, osteoporosis, diabetes, lactose intolerance or autoimmune illness are more prone to CD. Children are also being diagnosed with CD. Children with CD are prone to osteomalacia.

There are so many symptoms that mimic other diseases; it is important to rule out CD. There are blood tests available for CD; however many laboratories are using the “old” tests such as; the determination of anti-gliadin antibodies, which has shown to be unreliable. It’s also the one that most insurance company’s cover. The new tests are more accurate and more expensive. These new tests are known as the IgA antihuman tissue transglutaminase and the IgA endomysial antibody immunofluorescence. Another problem with test results is that most people that suspect CD stop eating gluten prior to testing. This alone will create false results because in order for the antibodies to be produced and measured, gluten products must be consumed regularly before testing.


Finally and foremost what do people with CD have to eat? Gluten is everywhere and in everything. It takes much research and planning. Foods such as meats, poultry, fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts are permissible. Some grains are also gluten free such as quinoa, soy, teff, rice, buckwheat and amaranth. Most people with CD are also looking for ready made breads, convenience food and snacks that are gluten free. More companies are realizing this and offering ready made gluten free foods such as breads, pizza dough, cinnamon raison rolls, brownie mixes, cake mixes, pancake mixes, waffles, crispy rice cereal, cream of buckwheat cereal, crackers, chips, butter shortbread cookies, coconut macaroon’s, crispy rice snack bars brown rice pasta, brown rice noodles, various gluten free flours, bouillon cubes and much more. These foods should be consumed in moderation for they are still considered processed. The focus should always be on fresh foods, no matter what diet one chooses to follow.

If you or someone you know doesn’t have insurance to cover the blood tests and suspects CD, merely go on a gluten free diet for a month or so and if symptoms don’t improve then incorporate a “Candida” diet for another month.

. This Article provided by Mike Comeau, is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Always consult your doctor when seeking medical advice.

Monday, June 13, 2011

A Pleasuarble Dieting And Weightloss Experience

Tired of the same old do's and don't when it comes to dieting and weight loss? If you're one of the many women trekking the hard path to weight loss, you've probably come across programs that tell you to avoid certain kinds of food. There are those that recommend vigorous exercises to rev up your metabolism but only allows you to eat a third of your usual intake. Chances are, you feel deprived. And this deprivation will probably cause you to binge later or have mood swings. It could even affect your work and family life. But did you know that you could diet and lose weight without sacrificing the things you want? This is the game plan for the slow and conscious eating diet.

Recent studies concluded that diets which are low-fat or low-calorie can only do so much to your body. Dieting and weight loss through this may not event prevent heart diseases. Moreover, another research show that our bodies utilize and absorb more nutrients from foods that we like. This means that scarfing down plate after plate of brussels sprouts or brocolli won't do you much good than you expect if you don't like veggies. This is because if we are presented with something that we like, say, roasted chicken with lemon butter sauce, our brain, upon recognizing the smells and sight will send signals to the stomach to release more digestive juice. The result? A better metabolized and digested protein than servings of tofu that will just go to waste simply because our brain protested against it. But don't binge yet, certain precautions must be considered to avoid going into a pleasure eating overdrive.

First, the food must have nutritional content. This means that chips and chocolate diets are out. Vegetables, fruits, proteins, and whole grains are preferred. Smother them in sauce and prepare them the way you like. Fry, steam, grill, or bake, it's up to you. The key to this method of dieting and weight loss is proper nutrition and yummy food. Second, assess why you need to eat. Are you really hungry? Is it just for socializing? Or is the desire to eat an emotional thing? In short, have the right attitude when it comes to food. Eat substantial portions are enough for sustenance, a small amount if you're just in for the chat, and control your indulgence when eating for emotional needs. This brings us to our third consideration, the method of eating or your eating habits. You may have to tweak your eating habits a few times to control eating for pleasure. Make like the French and chew your food slowly. Savor every flavor and texture. It is important to prolong delight in eating your meal. Without realizing it, you'll feel fuller and more satiated sooner with smaller portions. The result? Easy dieting and weight loss with minimal effort on your part.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

A Pill-A-Day Approach to Weight Loss

Being slim or thin does not make one healthy. But of course, being overweight or obese is not healthy either. For those who have trouble losing the excess pounds, the use of weight loss pills is the preferred and convenient option. The said pills are supposed to help a person lose weight by reducing the appetite and preventing the absorption of fat into the body. Weight loss pills are very helpful since not all people have the time and interest to got to the gym regularly.

There are two basic types of weight loss pills available in the market today, prescription pills and the non-prescription pills. Prescription pills are those diet pills that are closely regulated and required by the FDA. These pills have been proven effective through several clinical tests. Such prescription pills include the popular Xenical (Orlistat) and Meridia (Sibutramine). These drugs must be prescribed by a doctor before a weight watcher can actually purchase and use them. On the other hand, non-prescription weight loss pills can be purchased over the counter even without doctor's approval. Examples of these non-prescription include products from Herbalife and Metabolife which are classified as fat burners, stackers, herbal weight loss pills, and diet supplements.

Not all people benefit from taking these weight loss pills. These prescription weight loss pills are naturally designed to mainly treat obesity, unlike “cosmetic” weight loss, or those who just want to lose a few pounds. In fact, weight loss pills can be effective under certain circumstances. Our body tends to adjust rather quickly to the effects of these weight loss pills so there is also a possibility that the benefits might decrease as time passes.

Taking such diet pills can be complicated since the person has to check if this particular diet pill would be effective, or if it is even FDA-approved. It is important to know the dosage and safety precautions for each brand of diet pill. It is important to ask your physician for a thorough explanation on the pills' possible side effects and health risks.

It would be better and safer to lose pounds by having a regular routine exercise, together with the consumption of a healthy diet. There are several different weight loss diet programs that have become very popular. Some of the more well-known diet programs are Atkin's diet, Sonoma diet, South Beach diet, and the Mediterranean diet.

In summary, a serious weight watcher must see to it that the use of weight loss pills is complemented by regular exercise and consumption of healthy food. It is not right to expect dramatic weight loss by just using pills. Stored fat in the body can only be eliminated through exercise. The other alternative – liposuction --- is not only expensive and painful, it may also entail serious health risks since it is an invasive medical procedure. Through exercise, the body literally sweats away and burns excess fat. The body also adjusts and metabolism rates increase. With increased metabolism, the body works faster and harder in burning excess fat. Aside from the fat-burning effects of exercise, regular workouts also make a person feel good and confident. Of course, proper eating habits should be observed because the fat that is lost through exercise must not be regained because of excessive eating.

Saturday, June 11, 2011

A Parent's Guide To Sexual Health Education

Most parents understand the concept of sexual health education, but many do not consider classroom instructions on sexual health sufficient for their children’s needs. Although basic information is shared during class, the teenager might not hear or understand everything that he or she needs to know. Sexual health education is a parent's responsibility, awkward as it may be. Still, society, by and large, relies on the formal school system to provide children with the necessary biological and social background about sexuality. But by giving follow-up information and reinforcing what the teenager learned in school, parents can help their children in making wise decisions when it comes to sex.

It's not easy for parents to talk to their own children about the sensitive topic of sex. Perennially waiting for the proverbial right moment can make parents miss opportunities to teach their children about the need for information, responsibility, and circumspect when it comes to sexual behavior. Rather than getting ready for this kind of talk, think of sexual health education as just another ongoing conversation. For example, seize the moment whenever a TV program raises issues on responsible sexual behavior, and use this to start the discussion. If in case a good topic comes up at a not-so- convenient time, simply say that talking about this later would be a good idea, and mean it by talking about it at a much later time.

Keeping sexual health education low-key may be a good idea. Never try to pressure the child to talk about sex. Simply bring up the topic whenever you are alone with your child or teenager. Everyday moments like car rides, grocery shopping, or during late night snacks can be the best opportunity to talk about sex. Also, being honest with your children is important. Admitting to them that, like them, you feel uncomfortable talking about sex but emphasize that it is a subject that you must discuss openly without pre-judgment or apprehensions. If ever the child asks a question that any of the parents don't have an answer to, offering to do research on the answers or looking them up together should be a good alternative.

When talking about sexual health education to kids, being direct is also needed for clear communication. Stating feelings and opinions on specific sex issues such as oral sex and intercourse, and presenting the risks involved objectively, including emotional pain, sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancy can open their eyes to possible risks when dealing with premarital sex. In addition, lecturing or giving out scare tactics won't do any good. Never lecture them or rely on scare tactics just to discourage them from doing any sexual activities. Instead, by listening carefully to what they have to say can help you understand the child's everyday pressures, challenges, and concerns with regards to sexual health.

In having the right sexual health education-related conversation with a teenager, it is essential to go beyond the facts. The child needs to know the right information, but still needs to open up to their feelings, their values, and attitudes. Try and examine ethical questions with responsibility in the context of the family's own personal or religious beliefs. And by inviting your children to have more discussions with you on sex and other issues that matter to them, you will also make your relationships with them more healthy, informative, and fun.

Friday, June 10, 2011

A New Orleans Chiropractor's View On Changing Perceptions Of Chiropractic In The US

The art and science of the chiropractor has often been maligned by the western health establishment. The historical animosity is mostly due to the fact that western medicine tends to employ a philosophy of reductionism, which states that the best way to understand how the human body works, how pathologies originate, and how to treat them can best be accomplished by reducing the body to its component parts. The body is classified into organ systems, then into individual organs, which are then divided into their component tissues, and finally individual cells themselves. Traditional western medicine seeks to localize the cause of pathology and then treat the disorder at the narrowest level of scope possible. This reductionism is in direct contrast to the holistic approach taken by the chiropractor. The chiropractor, much like the traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, realizes that the body can not be effectively reduced into component parts. The chiropractor views life as an emergent phenomenon that both encompasses and transcends its component parts. In recent years, many western science practitioners have begun to appreciate the holistic approach of the chiropractor and chiropractic treatments are starting to find their rightful place in the medical mainstream.

The chasm between holistic health care and traditional western medicine is narrowing. Just as physicians are beginning to appreciate the benefits of holistic approaches to health, some chiropractors are also employing some of the techniques and tools of conventional western medicine in their practice. Traditional spine manipulation techniques are combined with modern radiological diagnostic equipment to determine the most effective treatment for the patient. Chiropractors are also trained to recognize the symptoms of serious conditions, such as cancer, and when they detect such a disorder they refer the patient to a health care provider that specializes in that condition. Clearly, chiropractic practice is increasingly being seen more as a complement to traditional health care rather than a direct competitor.

The public has taken note of the changing relationship between the chiropractor and the physician. For this reason, many insurance policies now provide coverage for chiropractic treatments. Additionally, the United States Armed Forces now mandates that all service men and women must have access to a chiropractor while in active service. Many athletes also take advantage of chiropractic treatment, both professional and amateurs. The United States Olympic team keeps a number of chiropractors on staff and chiropractic care is now seen as an integral part of the modern athletic training regimen.

The increased acceptance of chiropractic along with other holistic therapies is not accidental. Scientific studies have shown that holistic techniques are highly effective at treating certain kinds of disorders, including some disorders that can not be easily treated using standard medical techniques. Holistic medicine, once viewed as a fringe pseudoscience, is enjoying an increasingly positive reputation among the general public as well as professional health care providers. Since chiropractic care is now more widely available than in days past, and since many insurance policies now cover the services of a chiropractor, the health care consumer finds that he or she has more options than before and is therefore able to take a more active role in planning his or her own health care.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

A New Family Planning Alternative

Deciding when their family is the right size-or how to make sure it stays that size-is a personal decision that many women may find easier to make in the years to come.

For women who have decided that they do not want any more children and feel ready for a permanent form of birth control, "getting your tubes tied," or tubal ligation, is no longer the only option.

A new office-based procedure known as the Essure procedure is quickly replacing the old operation and is covered by most insurance plans.

During the procedure, a tiny, soft spring, called a micro-insert, is placed into each fallopian tube. The body's natural response causes tissue to grow into the micro-inserts, blocking sperm from reaching the egg. This tissue growth takes about three months and additional birth control must be used during this time.

After three months, a special X-ray test verifies that the system is working.

Choosing this advanced procedure offers many benefits. There are no incisions, it does not contain hormones, it can be performed in a doctor's office with minimal anesthesia and it's permanent. The procedure takes about 15 minutes to complete and most women return to normal activities within a day or two.

More than 63,000 women worldwide have already had the procedure and clinical studies have reported high safety and patient satisfaction. After many years of clinical study, no pregnancies have been reported when the micro-insert is placed correctly. While no method of birth control is 100 percent effective, the procedure's effectiveness rate is 99.80 percent with four years of clinical data.

"We finally have a technique for a woman that is comparable in simplicity, accessibility and safety to vasectomy in men," said Dr. Barbara Levy, a national expert in endoscopic surgery practicing in Seattle. "Although the complications of surgical tubal ligation are uncommon, when they occur they may be life threatening. The rare deaths associated with tubal ligation were unacceptable in my mind."

Another advantage for busy mothers is that the procedure eliminates the time spent recovering from surgery.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

A New Concept in Prescription Drug Savings for Victims of Medicare Part D’s Dreaded “Doughnut Hole”

Copyright 2006 Jeremy Cockerill

Many seniors who have signed up for the Medicare Prescription Drug plan are shocked to find out that they are already hitting the dreaded gap in coverage known as the “doughnut hole”. During this gap in coverage, between $2250 and $5100 in prescription drug spending, Medicare Part D participants lose coverage, must continue to pay their monthly premiums and are 100% responsible for paying for their medications themselves. Once they hit the doughnut hole, this massive jump in monthly medication expenditures makes it very difficult for some Plan D participants to cope financially.

In a recent Business Week article, Bruce Stuart, director of the Peter Lamy Center on Drug Therapy & Aging at the University of Maryland, estimated that about 38% of Medicare beneficiaries are at risk of hitting the doughnut hole this year. This estimation means that 7 million to 10 million participants could hit the doughnut hole and lose coverage for part of this year.

“Seniors were expecting to receive a benefit that would help them save money all year long and now they are getting slapped with massive monthly medication bills part way through the year.” says Jeff Uhl, president of Universal Drugstore, a Canadian mail-order pharmacy. “Our customers are really angry about having to pay full U.S. retail price once they hit the doughnut hole and they are rushing back. People are realizing that they can save much more filling their prescription with our pharmacy once they hit the doughnut hole.”

At an average savings of 42% less than U.S. retail prices, individuals can find substantial savings filling their prescriptions at a licensed Canadian Pharmacy once they reach the doughnut hole. The $2850 worth of medications that individuals have to pay for personally while in the coverage gap would cost an average of 42% less in Canada. That means that instead of paying $2850 for their medications while in the doughnut hole, an individual could purchase the exact same medications, in Canada, for about $1650.

As an example, someone ordering Lipitor 20mg through their Medicare Part D plan while in the doughnut hole would have to shell out $348 dollars for a 90 day supply. The same 90 day supply of Lipitor 20mg is a much more reasonable $195 at Universal Drugstore. That is a savings of $153 dollars or 44% less.

“U.S. seniors need to be told about this option,” Uhl urges. “Seniors who hit the doughnut hole but are not going spend enough to come out on the other side of the doughnut hole are being duped if they buy their drugs through their Medicare plan while experiencing this gap in coverage. By purchasing their medications from Canada while they are in the doughnut hole these individuals can truly maximize their savings.”

A recent Los Angeles Times article reported that the gap in coverage could change next year to between $2400 and $5,451. This would mean an even bigger gap in coverage next year and therefore more money out of Part D participants’ pockets. How big the coverage gap will grow in future years can only be speculated.

Although purchases at Canadian pharmacies do not count towards an individuals out-of-pocket expenses Medicare Part D participants may want to consider using a Canadian pharmacy. Using a Canadian Pharmacy in the right situations can provide substantial savings to seniors. Some people suggest that seniors use a Canadian pharmacy when a drug is not covered by their plan or when they reach the $2850 gap in coverage but will not reach the other side of the doughnut hole where they can take advantage of the catastrophic coverage portion of Part D.

With all the confusion with Medicare Part D plans it is difficult for seniors to know what is their best course of action. For many Medicare-eligible individuals using a Canadian pharmacy as a part of their annual prescription drug purchasing game plan is something they should seriously consider.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

A New Affordable Therapy for ADD/ADHD

All the research over the past 40 years shows clearly that EEG biofeedback training (aka Neurofeedback or Neurotherapy training) is by far the most effective therapy for ADD/ADHD with a "cure" rate of 85% or greater.

However, at an average cost of $4000+ per ADHD child, the mid or low income family simply cannot afford this proven therapy. Ritalin and other dangerous drugs has become the "standard treatment". None of these ever solve the basic problem, but they allow the teachers to control the classroom, and sedate the ADD/ADHD kids. All such drugs have serious side effects.

Now a new therapy called Neuroliminal Training has also proved by extensive volunteer testing (four tests since 2004) that it does exactly the same thing as EEG BF, namely change brain wave(s) amplitude by what is called beneficial brainwashing.

Instead of going to a clinic costing from $75-$250 per half hour, sitting in front of a computer screen with electrodes attached to the head about 50-60 times, Neuroliminal Training uses a subliminal messaging CD that is played all night every night for a few months. (Many like it so much for good sleep that they continue playing the CD.)

In a test in 2006, 23 volunteers conducted an 8 week test, and all 23 improved just as would be expected using EEG BF. In earlier tests in 2004 and 2005, similar results were seen. The similiarities between the expensive EEG BF Training and the inexpensive Neuroliminal Training , especially in success rates are remarkable.

The inventor, and patent holder, Dr Phil Bate, is presently starting a new volunteer test. He is accepting a limited number of volunteers with the following mental/physical problems:

Alzheimer's
PTSD
OCD and anxiety
Schizophrenia
Depression

He will also accept a limited number of autism and epileptic cases for this test in order to obtain more data on both. (A previous test showed success in symptom improvement for 9 autism and 2 epileptic cases).

Dr Bate is a retired orthomolecular psychologist who invented Neuroliminal Training, a better way to change brain wave amplitudes.
http://drbate.com
http://Neuroliminal-ADHD.com

Monday, June 6, 2011

A Need For Cheaper Medicine

People are becoming more and more practical in the way they spend money. We always try to look for ways to save as much money as we can. This is the reason why there are stores coming out left and right selling clothes at discounted prices, fast food chains being set up selling huge servings of food at low prices as compared to home-cooked meals, and most recently drugstores setting up shop on the Internet selling prescription medications at very cheap prices. But are they safe?

A lot of people want to know where to buy cheap medicine online. Senior citizens need it because most health care plans do not cover the cost of medication. People who live in tight budget could use the savings to help them with other expenses. In both cases, the extra money saved in the cost of the prescription will help them a lot.

But with the thousands of Internet pharmacies currently in operation, how can you distinguish a good online drugstore from a bad one. Here are some things to watch out for:

· A good Internet-based drugstore is licensed by your local pharmacy board to operate in and/or sell medications to your state. Every pharmacy, be it land-based or on the web, needs to be inspected and certified by the local board before they can start selling medicines.
· A legal pharmacy doing business in the World Wide Web should be accredited by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy or NABP. This means that they have passed the organization’s inspection and have met the necessary standards required from an online drugstore. Also, being accredited by the NABP means that the web-based drugstore company is a part of the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites or VIPPS.
· An honest Internet pharmacy should ask you for a proper prescription before they sell you medications. This is in accordance to pharmacy policies that prescription drugs can only be dispensed to people with prescription notes. The prescription note serves as a confirmation that a buyer had sought the consult of a physician and was indeed endorsed to take the prescription drug he wants to buy.
· In cases of online pharmacies that do not require a prescription note, some of them offer an online consultation service with a licensed doctor through voice chatting and webcam. This is beneficial to people who are unable to leave home to see a doctor. But customers must be cautious in dealing with web-based drugstores that offer to sell prescription medicines without requiring a prescription or offering a consult service, this may be an indication that the drugstore company is illegal.
· An Internet drugstore that does not hide anything from its consumers will not hide its stand on protecting your privacy. Look for an online pharmacy that has a clear privacy procedure to protect all the information you submit to their website.

To protect your privacy and your health, do not make transactions with online pharmacy websites that you feel are suspicious. Contact your local pharmacy board to report these kinds of companies to protect your rights as a consumer.

Sunday, June 5, 2011

A Natural Source Of Melatonin

Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland. It is believed to play a role in anti aging, as well as helping with jet lag and insomnia. But caution is well advised with using melatonin as a supplement, given how powerful its effects are.

One of the problems with melatonin is that most of the studies were done on animals, like rats, and not humans. Animal studies are used by the scientific community to indicate whether a substance has promise, and can yield valuable results even though they are ethically reprehensible and other alternatives exist. One such study was done at the University of Texas Health Science Center.

Whilst it was funded by a grant from the California Walnut Industry, these scientists were able to establish not only that walnuts contained melatonin, but that it was able to be absorbed - at least by rats. But they believe humans would also be able to absorb melatonin from walnuts. Unfortunately, they don't know how many walnuts you'd have to eat to get the benefits they established as a potential in this study. It might be a lot! But using food as a source of melatonin is a good option given that it is much safer, particularly if suffering from serious illnesses.

University of Texas scientists also found that melatonin had an antioxidant effect. Antioxidants protect our cells from damage by oxidation. Antioxidants slow down the aging process, and interestingly, melatonin levels often decrease with age.

The antioxidant effect of melatonin has been presented before. Dr Reiter, also of the University of Texas Health Science Center, believes it can protect the central nervous system as well as the body generally from free radicals. He also thinks melatonin can increase the body's own production of another antioxidant, glutathione peroxidase.

People who should not take melatonin supplements are:

* children
* pregnant women
* breastfeeding mothers
* couples trying to conceive
* people with serious allergies
* HIV and cancer patients

Whilst it is not recommended that people with cancer take melatonin, this is primarily for the reasons that not enough research has been done on humans, at least according to Dr Kenneth Cooper. But some of the research that has been done with people suggests that melatonin may be very helpful - if it is taken with the supervision of a doctor. And herein lies the crux of the problem - melatonin is a very powerful substance. Only small doses are needed to create improvements. For example, Dr Cooper cites the example of dosages as small as 2 to 3 mg only, for some people suffering insomnia.

Overall, melatonin is very promising, and may well help people with serious illnesses like cancer and multiple sclerosis. In the meantime, increasing our dietary intake of foods like walnuts that potentially supply us with this wonderful nutrient, may have a host of protective health benefits as well as slowing down the aging process.

References:
http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/news/ng.asp?id=62492
Dr Kenneth Cooper, Advanced Nutritional Therapies (Nelson, 1996)

Saturday, June 4, 2011

A Natural Herbal Remedy Could Be Your Answer

Natural herbal remedies are drawing the attention of many traditional medical practitioners to rapidly recognize the ability of the hundreds of thousands of known herbs that have the ability to treat and prevent various human and animal illnesses, as well as properties that can enhance mental attitude, appearance, and performance.

Many centuries of experimentation by many cultures, for example Indian herbal medicine (Ayurvedic), Chinese herbal medicine, and western herbal medicine have created many uses for plants either singularly or in compounds, and sometimes animal by products to prevent and treat various conditions and illnesses.

A natural remedy can be anything from tea, to complex preparations of herbal compounds used in hospitals and clinics. These formulas come in many forms such as capsules, pills, ointments, and gels.

You may be using some of the common herbs as a food in your home such as:

* Garlic--natural antibiotic and helps reduce cholesterol

* Cinnamon--lowers blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides

* Ginger--prevents motion sickness and lowers risk of blood clots

* Chamomile Tea--calms nerves and help relieve digestive problems

* Peppermint--Treats many digestion and gastrointestinal problems

These common herbs may be mixed with other proven natural products to achieve a particular result.

Traditional medicine is very useful for diagnosis, emergencies, trauma and surgery, but often does not cut it for preventing disease from occurring. The time and wait needed to visit a doctor to get a prescription, and the ever growing cost of medicine is allowing an opportunity for many people to try to get help from natural products.

Many traditional medicines are showing many adverse side effects. Natural, is not necessarily safe, and may have unwanted side effects just as with conventional medicines, however a large ever growing number of the population has been using herbals, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for many years with very favorable results and no adverse effects.

Natural herbal products are now available for use by adults, children, and pets to remedy countless conditions from Angina and Arthritis, to skin care remedies, thyroid treatment, urinary tract infection and an unlimited number of other disorders.

Many new products have been compounded to remedy conditions other then disease, such as smoking cessation, removing unwanted hair, eliminating wrinkles and many other conditions.

One of the many natural herbal remedies could be your answer.

For quality information, and natural herbal remedies that are produced under pharmaceutical conditions to ensure the highest degree of potency and consistency. http://www.aa1info.com

Friday, June 3, 2011

A Natural Approach To Managing Acne

Almost everyone has suffered from acne at one time or another in his or her lives. It is primarily a disorder of the sebaceous gland (glands in the skin that secrete an oily substance) of the face, the neck and back. When the sebaceous glands become clogged with the oily substance they create, the accumulation results in pimples. There are several forms of acne, but the most common is acne vulgaris, found primarily in adolescents.

The exact cause of acne is not known, but factors that contribute to this condition include heredity, oily skin and androgens. Additional factors include allergies, stress, the use of certain drugs, nutritional deficiencies, liver dysfunction, exposure to industrial pollutants, cosmetics and the monthly menstrual cycle.

In addition, the skin functions to eliminate a portion of the body's toxic waste by sweating. If the body contains more toxins than the kidneys or liver can effectively discharge, the skin takes over. In fact, some doctors call the skin the 3rd kidney. As toxins escape through the skin, they can disrupt the health and integrity of the skin, creating issues.

Recommendations for Wellness

Note: Some of these recommendations may take 2-4 weeks before any results or improvements are experienced.

Apply distilled white vinegar (can be diluted if too strong) to the face and affected areas. Allow this to sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing off with cool water.

Lemon or any citric fruit works great as a natural exfoliate, removing dead skin cells that may clog the pours. As with the white vinegar, apply the juice of a lemon (or desired citric juice) to the face. Allow it to dry for about 10 minutes, then rinse with cool water. You may feel a mild sting or burn when the lemon juice is applied. If so, diluting the juice is acceptable.

Increase water consumption. Water helps flush toxin out and help transport nutrients in the body.

Eat a properly balanced diet to ensure proper nutrition. Take a high quality multiple vitamin and mineral supplement to make up for nutrients missing in today's foods.

Echinacea or Oregon grape can be used to boost the immune system and fight acne-causing bacteria.

Dandelion, Burdock or red clover can help to keep the liver clear of toxic overload.

Herbal combinations such as Natures Sunshine’s Ayurvedic Skin Detox, and BP-X can also be used to cleanse and detoxify the liver and reduce acne.

Large quantities of vitamin A have been successfully used to treat severe acne. Large amounts, however, can be toxic and should only be used when working with your health care provider.

Consider adding additional zinc to your diet. Zinc aids in the healing of tissues and assists in preventing scarring. It is also important for the body in resisting infection and inflammation.

To clear and heal the skin, try a homeopathic Acne remedy. It can help to dry up pimples & prevent future outbreaks.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Watching What You and Your Baby Eat

Pregnant women have special dietary needs, and this means improving the quality of their diet. They need to follow a healthy diet not only for their body, but more importantly for the development of their unborn child. During pregnancy women should avoid or reduce the intake of certain items.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

MyCanadaRX Pharmacy

MyCanadaRxStore combines all the benefits of Internet Pharmacy and your local community Pharmacy. At MyCanadaRxStore, our number-one goal is to provide outstanding service and value to our customers & mdash while meeting their healthcare needs and making their overall shopping experience as easy as possible.