Archive for July, 2009

Nature VS Nurture & Drug Addiction

drugabuseIt is becoming harder and harder not to recognize the part that heredity plays in the role of alcoholic propensity. Studies clearly have shown time and time again that the child of an alcoholic parent is 3 to 4 times as likely to have problems later on in life with alcohol abuse, and that the younger a person takes their first drink, the higher this risk is than in children of non alcoholics who start drinking even earlier in life. The fact that heredity play a major role in the propensity to abuse alcohol or other drugs not a reason to exclude the fact that there are other factors also, that play a role in the development of the disease and the behaviors undertaken by the person with these risks.

There are actually three roles in a person’s life that contribute to the successful management or susceptibility to falling prey to addiction:

Lifestyle and social choices- A person who never takes their first drink will not have to deal with the physical addiction of the disease. If a person is not exposed to alcohol, or chooses not to expose their body to it, then disaster is preemptively avoided. In homes where drinking is the common thing to do this can be much harder and thus the second influencing factor on addictive behavior, environment.

Children who grow up around binge drinking, drunkenness, or otherwise irresponsible alcohol or other drug use, whether in the familial or social environment are more likely to consume alcohol or other drugs than those in drug and alcohol free environments. There are exceptions to this rule, but a permissive atmosphere, or an environment where alcohol education is insufficient but supply of alcohol apparent tends to favor alcohol abuse more readily than other environments without such factors.

A family history of alcoholism is a sure sign that a person may be at higher risk of falling into alcoholic patterns. If your parents are/were alcoholic, the chances of you developing alcoholism are 3-400% higher than in non alcoholic families, and 200% higher if alcoholism was present in the previous generation. These numbers are astronomical, and though heredity cannot be controlled, hedging your chances of avoiding trouble for your kids by providing good lifestyle choices as well as a healthy atmosphere are controllable. We can’t just sit back and blame it all on nature. As parents it is our job to nurture our children.

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Get Your Sleep

SleepThe gap between the amount of sleep we get and the amount of sleep we need seems to be widening. When we are infants, we somehow managed to get the 16 hours of sleep our bodies required for development, and as we got older, first as restive teenagers and young adults with more important things to do after the sun goes down than to spend it dreaming, even though our bodies ask for 9 hours, and then later on in life where getting sleep is now viewed as a challenge, even though we have a slower social life and require slightly more sleep than when we were younger to feel rested. Over half of all older adults report frequent and even chronic inability to sleep. Insomnia and sleep apnea are much more pronounced in older populations, and the devastating effects of both are felt more by this group and their ability to recover from sleep debt much slower and less complete.

Lacking in adequate sleep is not just an inconvenience or minor irritant, it can also be the sign of a serious health problem, or the cause of one if left unchecked. If our bodies do not get enough rest, several of our body’s systems can become imbalances, and the immediate effects of sleep deprivation on motor skill ability and reaction times can take an otherwise safe and sane individual and turn them into a 2 ton loaded gun if put behind the wheel of an automobile in that state. Approximately 2000 people are killed every year in sleep related car accidents, and numerous other work related injuries and health problems can be associated with lack of sleep as well.

Without the ability to rest and reset all of its switches, the body will soon begin to shut down, efficiency is lost, and mental alertness can eventually come to a halt. The average adult male needs approximately 7-10 hours of sleep each and every day for optimal performance. While this is usually easily accommodated, certain sleeping disorders as well as a stressful lifestyle, and other factors such as alcoholism or drug abuse can interrupt sleeping patterns or interfere with the proper chemical reactions that take place in the brain to allow healthy rest. Certain medications can also interfere with sleep and either produce drowsiness or insomnia when taken. Diet can also play a factor. Getting your nightly rest is crucial to your health and safe physical and mental activity.

The gap between the amount of sleep we get and the amount of sleep we need seems to be widening. When we are infants, we somehow managed to get the 16 hours of sleep our bodies required for development, and as we got older, first as restive teenagers and young adults with more important things to do after the sun goes down than to spend it dreaming, even though our bodies ask for 9 hours, and then later on in life where getting sleep is now viewed as a challenge, even though we have a slower social life and require slightly more sleep than when we were younger to feel rested. Over half of all older adults report frequent and even chronic inability to sleep. Insomnia and sleep apnea are much more pronounced in older populations, and the devastating effects of both are felt more by this group and their ability to recover from sleep debt much slower and less complete.

Lacking in adequate sleep is not just an inconvenience or minor irritant, it can also be the sign of a serious health problem, or the cause of one if left unchecked. If our bodies do not get enough rest, several of our body’s systems can become imbalances, and the immediate effects of sleep deprivation on motor skill ability and reaction times can take an otherwise safe and sane individual and turn them into a 2 ton loaded gun if put behind the wheel of an automobile in that state. Approximately 2000 people are killed every year in sleep related car accidents, and numerous other work related injuries and health problems can be associated with lack of sleep as well.

Without the ability to rest and reset all of its switches, the body will soon begin to shut down, efficiency is lost, and mental alertness can eventually come to a halt. The average adult male needs approximately 7-10 hours of sleep each and every day for optimal performance. While this is usually easily accommodated, certain sleeping disorders as well as a stressful lifestyle, and other factors such as alcoholism or drug abuse can interrupt sleeping patterns or interfere with the proper chemical reactions that take place in the brain to allow healthy rest. Certain medications can also interfere with sleep and either produce drowsiness or insomnia when taken. Diet can also play a factor. Getting your nightly rest is crucial to your health and safe physical and mental activity.

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Food Allergy or Food Intolerance

foodallergyKnowing the difference between food allergies and food intolerances can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a fatal condition.

Some people are more sensitive to certain foods such as lactose, and can produce gas and other side effects when ingested. Food intolerances are usually not life threatening and easily manages by limiting or trying eliminate the suspect food from your diet. Mild intolerances can sometimes be managed with over the counter remedies that will diminish the sensitivity of your body to the food while still allowing you to enjoy them in moderate amounts.

Food allergies on the other hand are a much more serious matter. If a person is allergic to certain foods, such as nuts and happen to ingest them, the immediate intervention of medical attention can be necessary. The negative effects can be immediate and life threatening. Food allergies can produce serious side effects such as rashes and hives or even produce internal swelling that can cut off air passages and even cause death.

It is often common practice for people to refer to foods that they have any adverse reaction to as being foods that they are allergic to. While this might be accepted as a matter of speech, the reality of the two conditions puts them worlds apart. If allergies are not given medical attention from the offset of symptoms, the results can be far more disastrous than bad gas or the flu like symptoms produced by food intolerance.

Allergies are usually discovered by either exposure and reaction to the item or through testing for specific allergens in a lab setting. The best situation to be in is to find out through communication with your health care provider and not by having an adverse reaction to any given allergen.

If you have known allergies, one of the best things that you can do is invest in a medical bracelet with you known allergies listed on in the case of accidental ingestion. They are inexpensive, there use is widely accepted and known, and if you are unable to communicate by speaking can save your life. If you were to ingest peanuts at a restaurant unknowingly, and you had an allergic reaction and was unable to explain your condition to those around you, a medical bracelet would allow those around to summon medical attention with information that could save your life.

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Easy Childhood Obesity Fighting Strategies

childhoodobesityIf you are an adult over 30, the next time you take your children to the playground take a good hard look at the weight condition of the general youth population. Chances are, you will see several children at one time that are clinically overweight amongst them, and being in a place of activity, you are seeing the ones with at least some form of physical activity.

The fact is that the growth of obesity in children has become an increasing problem over the last 30 years in the West, and now in the East, due to a variety of environmental, social behavioral, and even economic variables. While the rate of obesity in children may be skyrocketing and seem like an inevitable fact, simply implementing a few of the following suggestions could save your child from a lifelong problem with obesity or unwanted weight gain that started in childhood.

  1. Assign some of the physical responsibilities of the household to your children. Parents are not simply employed maidservants for their children. Aside from the character building and lesson in responsible behavior, the physical energy created by mowing the lawn can increase cardiovascular activity for 30-45 minutes, and even simple chores such as taking out the trash can help maintain muscle activity that YouTube just is simply unable to provide.
  2. Put your money where your sports are. Simply finding a stick in the schoolyard can lead to hours of war or pirate play for some children, while others are drawn more toward organized and structured activity environments. Simply providing the tools, and toys, needed to play organized sports can spring into an avid interest and participation in a sport that they love.
  3. Don’t leave yourself out, make it a family event. Take mountain bike rides in the mountains with your kids, or simply hikes along the beach. Your children will be much more interested in activities that provide a spirit or teamwork and companionship. Do not make it competitive, but enjoyable.
  4. Take active vacations. Don’t just fly across the country to sleep in a hotel, or hide at home and watch television for two weeks. Get the family together and go do something. Go camping, take a walking tour, or simply hit a local water park. Make it fun, and make it physical.
  5. Make sure to encourage, and not discourage. Self worth and image were one of the highest indicating factors found to affect chances of success in fighting obesity in already overweight children. Not only that, the population of persons found to have the lowest self image when overweight was the under 25 and female grouping.
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Unleash The Goji Berries: Your Ultimate Antioxidant Source

Goji Berries have been publicized quite a bit in the media for the powerful benefits that it holds for its consumers. This red berry, which is very small in size, originated from Asia. Its use in Asia was for a powerful anti-aging solution. Now, Goji Berries are readily available in a lot of different parts of the world. Let’s take a look at how adding Goji Berries to your regular routine will benefit you.

Goji Berries have contributed to a longer life for many people.

It’s not uncommon in certain parts of the world to find an average lifespan extend close or over a hundred years of age. Keep in mind, there are a lot of factors that make this possible. However, there are people who have lived that long whom consumed Goji Berries on a regular basis. It doesn’t have to be a lot of Goji Berries to help you out when it comes to anti-aging, but adding it to your daily routine is a great step to feeling younger and looking younger.

Goji Berrues In The Media

Goji Berries have been publicized on television shows such as Oprah, ABS News, CBS News, and MSNBC News. As you can see, the Goji Berries are definitely receiving a lot of publicity. This is because it’s truly a great addition for a longer and healthier lifestyle. Still confused about how Goji Berries can help you out? Well, the next section is going to help you reach a better level of understanding about Goji Berries

Reap the benefits of the Goji Berries.

There are many benefits of Goji Berries ranging from weight loss to anti aging. Let’s take a look at some of them real quick. Keep in mind, that there is ongoing research about what kind of benefits Goji Berries holds within so this isn’t a complete list of Goji Berry benefits.

  • Goji Berries help elevate your mood causing you to become happier while reducing any mood swings that you may have.
  • This little red berry has the power to give your immune system the boost that it needs in order to ward off many ailments.
  • Goji Berries will also help make your liver stronger, allowing for a cleaner bill of health.
  • When it comes to diabetes, the Goji Berries can help prevent the onset of it.
  • Goji Berries will help make your blood more nutritious, which simple allows for the prevention and cure of anemia.
  • Improve the health of your cardiovascular system by implementing Goji Berries into your daily lifestyle.
  • You can even get a better night’s sleep when taking Goji Berries!

*These are just some of the most popular Goji Berry benefits. There are many more, but the list could literally go on for days and we’re not about to waste that much of your time.

Unleash The Power of Goji Berry Antioxidants

The scientific process of determining the antioxidant level that something contains isn’t going to help us stay on topic by any means. With that said, let’s see what the high number of antioxidants that’s contained with Goji Berries can have a direct effect on your life.

If you’ve been paying attention lately, the most popular benefit of antioxidants is the power that they have to slow down the aging process. Getting old is a part of life, but you don’t have to feel or look like crap just because you’re getting a little older. Free radicals have a major part in the downsides of aging such as wrinkles and decreased energy. Goji Berries will win when it’s put in a battle with the free radicals that are trying to take over your body. Simply put, the Goji Berries are what you need when it comes to an anti-aging solution.

Goji Berries Conclusion

Sure, Goji Berries can help you lose weight in an effective manner. However, what’s even better than that is finding an effective anti-aging solution that can help you with weight loss. When it comes down to it, Goji Berries do just that. Whether or not you want it for anti aging or weights (maybe even both), it’s highly advised that you take advantage of a Goji Berry product before it’s too late. You just don’t know what you’re missing out on if you’re doubting this popular super food.

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What To Do About Hair Loss Due To Psoriasis

psoriasishairlossPsoriasis is not simply dry scalp as some people think. Psoriasis is an immunity affecting condition that can produce symptoms in several regions of the body. It can produce scaling, discoloration, burning and itching, and hair loss. The hair loss generally associated with psoriasis is usually temporary, but in severe cases, the damage to the skin is so pronounced, that hair follicle damage is irreversible, and hair will not grow back. Management of the condition is the best method to minimize hair loss for psoriasis patients, with the most common remedies used being diet and symptomatic treatment, as well as a focus on not exacerbating the condition.

The red patches of skin cause by psoriasis are often linked to adverse reaction to medication, gastric abnormalities, stress, or an abundance or toxins in the body. The most common place for seeing the effects of psoriasis is on the head, though anyplace on the body is susceptible. Of the 50%+ that report scalp infection, treatment with medicated shampoo, usually containing salicylic acid are prescribed to control inflammation and itching.

Other anti itch ointments and even medications are used to further reduce selling and discomfort. No known medical cure is known for Psoriasis, though many of the symptoms associated with the disease are treatable.

Psoriasis seems to be agitated by a high acid diet, so the consumption of fish, vegetables and other foods with a high alkaline content are best eaten and fatty and other highly acidic foods such as chicken are best to be avoided. Other foods that are problematic are foods that are prone to promotion of toxicity, such as processed grains and starches. Eating whole grains and nutrient rich fruits and vegetables instead is good advice to follow.

In relation to hair loss and psoriasis, the best thing you can do is not to increase damage to the affected areas. Do not pull of scabs, or scratch reddened areas. This might promote the dislocation of hair, and if the follicle damage is extreme enough, that hair might be lost forever. Make sure to keep your hair moist through the use of oils or hair creams, and make sure to apply medication the area as prescribed to speed up the healing process.

As most hair loss due to psoriasis is temporary, the majority of sufferers will regain lost hair if care is taken and proper caution observed. Diet and proper medical follow through are your best friend when it comes to keeping your hair while experiencing psoriasis attacks.

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Is hair transplant surgery really the right answer?

hairtransplantsurgeryBoth men and women have been dealing with thinning hair and even baldness with whatever technology was available at the time. Whether the treatments were dietary in nature, purely applied cosmetic, or even surgical correction, each generation has done their best to outdo the previous in terms of safety, effectiveness, and natural aesthetics. today’s hair transplant surgery techniques fit the bill of all three to a tee.

The best thing about hair transplant surgery as opposed to other types of hair replacement or cosmetic procedure is that you can continue to hold your head up in self confidence knowing that the hair that is growing on your head is truly yours.

In previous years, most men, and even women, were given only a handful of extremely limited choices when it came to hair replacement. “Hair plug” surgery, which left a person’s with a full head of hair, but also looked like it was “planted” like a golf course track were about as technologically advanced as it got. Other choices were to take medications or herbal supplements, or the worst of the worst, you bought a can of “hair paint” off the TV at 2 AM and sprayed your hair on in the morning just to feel like an idiot by afternoon.

It is a good thing that medical science keeps getting better, because in the last 10-15 years, a new procedure, called Follicular hair transplant surgery, has now given those with male pattern baldness or other hair loss the ability to get natural hair transplant surgery, using their own hair, and leaving behind a natural, thick head of hair that looks like it belonged there all along.

Follicular hair transplant surgery is far better than hair butchery as the surgeon can take as few as 1-2 hairs from the back of the head, where the thickest hair resides, and transplant them to areas of concern. This ability to transplant so few hairs at a time allow for a natural pattern of removal and replanting to take place, instead of the unnatural looking “plug harvests” that seemed to be the result of previous methods.

With these surgeries becoming more commonplace, and as the cost for treatment comes down due to perfection of the technology, the need to try to hide under a rug or scrub and rub chemicals on your scalp at night can be replaced with the self confidence and great look provided by your own head of hair.

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Don’t Wait For Baldness To Occur In Order To Gain Control of Hair Loss

baldingOften the loss of hair can be controlled, or even stopped in its tracks and reversed, if it is caught early enough. With recent technological advances in hair care, especially in the area of male pattern baldness, the ability to slow down the rate of hair loss, stop it, and even re-grow hair is a medical fact. Feeling that your only options are hair pieces, spray products or surgery are a thing of the past. Hormonal and medicated creams and lotions, as well as ingested medication are now available on the market that can bring back a healthy head of hair with early detection.

There are many reasons for hair loss and several variables in a person’s life that could be a contributor. Hereditary considerations, environmental factors such as workplace chemical exposure, or even personal medications could be affecting your hairline, producing showing areas of scalp where hair used to be. Catching hair loss before it completely takes hold can often alarm you to needed changes in lifestyle that could be taken, such as protective equipment, medication changes, or even more serious hormonal issues that with the help of medical attention could be corrected, and thus eliminating your hair loss problem.

If the reason for your hair loss is not environmental, but in fact hormonal, or otherwise medical, often a combination of an oral medication, paired with a topical solution for the scalp has shown to produce the best results when trying to halt, or re-grow hair. Changes in diet and otherwise indulging in a healthy lifestyle, including exercise and stress reduction have also been shown to have influence on treatment progress and successful hair re-growth.

Seeking the advice of your doctor early can also have the added benefit of not ever having to make up for lost ground. If you are able to catch the problem and have it arrested or even reversed as early as possible, then the frustration of having to regain hair that has already fallen out can be lessened, and the chances of saving more hair from being lost to begin with can be increased. To be proactive now, getting into a medication and application routine as soon as possible, could save you from the incredible trouble and high expense of having to take more drastic measures in the future.

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Causes Of Hair Loss In Women & How It Happens

womanhairlossFemale pattern baldness, or alopecia, is not as common as the male oriented pattern baldness in men, but affects more women than commonly thought. The causes for women to lose their hair or to experience noticeable thinning are as many and as varied as the reasons for male baldness. Reaction to medication, physical damage, and heredity are just a few. If you experience hair loss and are not sure what the reason is, seek the advice of a medical professional as soon as possible to make sure that it is not just a sign of a more serious medical condition.

Most female thinning and baldness is caused by hereditary factors, and usually follows the pattern of top of the hairline thinning, with the possibility of total frontal baldness with an eventual thinning, though rarely fully balding back of the head. Hereditary female pattern baldness, though the most common form of female hair loss, is also the least likely to react to treatment by medication, either OTC or prescribed. This condition is produced by testosterone and other hormonal changes which can lead to the conversion of DHT which in turn destroys hair follicles beyond the point of restoration. Lack of vitamins in the system, advanced age, and thyroid or other hormone related disorders are likely to increase your risks for hair loss also.

Most hair restoration medications, unfortunately work only for men, and medication can actually be more of a precursor to female hair loss than it is to be an effective treatment. Steroids, blood thinners, and contraceptives, including those administered for hormone replacement due to menopause can increase the chances of experiencing female pattern baldness. Some hair loss due to medication is temporary, and even major re-growth can take place once the suspect medication is removed from the system. There are women who completely go bald due to chemotherapy and other high potency drug cocktails, but once treatment is ceased, the hair is able to return.

If hair loss is permanent, usually the only option left is hair transplant surgery, Thanks to advances in hair restoration technology this is now widely available and is capable of producing extremely natural looking results. Before deciding on restorative surgery, make sure to rule out the existence of other complications that might be able to be corrected, allowing your hair to re-grow. Hair replacement, like any other surgical option, should be thoroughly discussed with a medical professional and all risks and benefits weighed.

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Why Running Might Be The Best All Around Fitness Activity

Huckabee 2008When people think of exercise, very few would overlook running as a definite possibility. Running is a great fat burner. You can burn off a can of soda in one mile, and a granola bar on the way back, and still maintain cardiovascular benefits for up to two hours after you stop running. Another reason running is a great choice, especially for first time exercises, is there is not expensive equipment to buy and to keep it fresh and never boring, all you have to do is change directions. Running has actually been shown to improve self esteem levels, strengthen bones, increase stamina, and give the heart and lungs one of the best workouts of any exercise. The cardiovascular workout provided by running is the very thing the doctor ordered to keep your risk of heart disease and stroke, which happens to be one of the biggest killers worldwide.

You do not have to start off running marathons to get the health benefits from running either. Many people start off by not even running at all, but simply walking. Walking can burn calories also, and is easier on the knees and other joints in older, inexperienced, or out of shape individuals. Both the speed and the distance traveled during your run can be increased gradually to increase both performance and metabolic benefit.

There is no reason to injure yourself while enjoying running. Make sure to stretch out properly before each run and do not take on more than you can chew. Making sure that the pulse and breathing remain elevated for 20-30 minutes a day can cut your risk for heart disease in half, so feeling like you need to enter the New York Marathon, or complete a 3 minute mile in order to get benefit is not needed. Also make sure to drink plenty of water. Dehydration is the runner’s enemy, and leg and side cramps, chronic soreness in the limbs, or even passing out can all be consequences for depriving you body of much needed water when running.

Running can be experienced by all ages and athletic ability. The advantages of running or even walking far outweigh the cost of most people’s excuses not to. So tighten those laces, stretch those legs, and head out on an adventure to wherever you wish, as all directions lead to better health.

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What’s The Difference Between Organic And Natural?

natural organicMany people think that there is no difference between organic and natural food. But this is not true. Organic food refers to food items that are produced, manufactured and handled using certified organic means, such as defined by the USDA under its Organic Food Products Act. Natural food refers to food items that are not altered chemically or synthesized in any form. They are derived from plants and animals. A natural food item is not necessarily organic, and vice versa.

Why do some people prefer natural food while others prefer organic food? Those who believe that synthesizing foods results in loss of nutrients, demand natural foods. Organic food fans want their food to be free of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and preservatives.

Basic differences in organic foods and natural foods are the following:

Stringent standards for organic food production, handling and processing exist throughout the world. Stringent standards do not exist for natural foods.

A manufacturer is required to follow specified rules and regulations before he can use the organic label. Natural food labels are used freely by manufacturers due to a lack of adequate guidelines.

The demand for organic foods is greater than the demand for natural foods.

There is no evidence to prove that organic food is healthier than non-organic food, but people who prefer organic food feel it is safer than conventional food because chemicals are not used in its production. Other people prefer natural food because they believe that excessive processing of food disturbs their health benefits.

Both organic foods and natural foods are priced higher than non-organic food items.
The shelf life of organic food is more than that of natural food. It can be stored for a longer duration.

Organic food is sold in almost every super market. There are special stores that sell organic food. Organic food can be purchased online as well. Natural food is available in many stores that also sell organic food. Some special stores sell natural food. Many stores selling health food items also sell natural food products.

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Why Exercise Brings You No Results

noresultsMost people rush into an exercise routine knowing very little, if anything about the muscle groups that they are working, the exercises that they are performing, or what goal each individual exercise is intended to produce. Many times people start running, swimming, or lifting weights without first learning to recognize progress when they see it. Sometimes there is benefit that is never seen, so the person stops thinking the activity a failure, or they are doing the activity wrong, and fail to recognize this as the reason for lack of results.

Sometimes this lack of information is not only the cause of failure by dropping out, but is also one of the main reasons for workout related injury. If a person does not understand the mechanics of an exercise technique, the ability to properly assess and avoid injury, increasing the likelihood of getting hurt.

Your spinal region, and anywhere there are connections between body parts are highest at risk for improper use and injury. If stresses that should be applied to muscle mass is instead applied to the joints and back, not only are you likely to hurt yourself, but if you do happen to avoid injury, the energy you spent stressing these areas is wasted instead of establishing progress toward your exercise goals, such as building muscle or losing weight.

Sometimes people simply know how much of a certain exercise is needed before it takes hold and becomes effective. The thing I hate to see the most is a new person to the gym, running from machine to machine, spending a few minutes in a bulls run, just to leave as quickly as they came, never allowing their body to warm up, and not allowing enough energy to be consistently spent on one activity to produce any results whatsoever.

When you decide on a specific form of exercise, whether it be aerobic activity for cardiovascular improvement & weight loss, or a weight training program to increase muscle mass or strength, it is encouraged to speak with someone who also is experienced in the same method. This can be a friend or a gym partner, but if possible, a personal trainer would be the best solution as they would not only be able to tell you of their experiences, but evaluate your own situation and help you create a personal program that helps you to achieve your workout goals.

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The Secret To Great Skin Is At Your Fingertips

great skinIt’s never too late to start a skincare program. The signs of aging can be lessened, acne can be cleared up, and skin can look radiant, even after damage has been done. Three things determine if you will have great skin: First, your genes. Second, taking care of your body inside. And the third, is how you treat your body outside.

Scientists believe you would not see your first wrinkles until age 60 if you adhered to the following skin care basic guidelines. First of all, your health really does influence how you look. It’s no secret that celebrities often stick to strict diets which maintain their slender figures and energy levels. Many follow a low-fat, high fiber, mainly vegetarian diet, rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and soy products. Remember, when you are feeding your body healthy foods you are also feeding your skin, hair, and nails. Avoid foods that are high in fat and sugar, iodized table salt, sodium nitrates and sodium nitrites. These foods, as well as some drugs such as iodides and bromides, are thought to aggravate acne.

Drink lots of water for great skin. Start your water-drinking regimen today. Your aim should be six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. This works to give skin an overall glow by improving circulation. For variety, try adding lemon, lime or orange slices.

Another way to boost circulation is to do aerobic exercise for at least three 30-minute sessions per week. Try a workout DVD, take a walk, swim, ride your bike, or dance. Keep it fun and you’ll keep it up. Exercise brings more oxygen to the skin cells.

Get a good night’s sleep – an average of 8 hours a night. Sleep in a dark room with as little noise as possible. A satin pillow case is better in the prevention of wrinkles than cotton or linen.

Try to maintain a regular schedule of going to sleep and waking up at the same time each day.

Drinking, smoking, and drug use all have effects on skin. These activities send toxins through the body in the form of free radicals, which will harm healthy cells. Smoking speeds up your skin’s aging by six to ten years. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin, and also sends out enzymes which directly attack skin tissue. There are many anti-smoking aids that can help you kick the habit. The more you drink, the worse off your complexion will be. Although it is obviously better to not drink, if you do, it is good to drink a lot of water the next day, to give wastes that extra little push out of your system. Any type of drug use (even prescription drugs) may trouble the skin.

Excessive stress also plays a role in the skins’ condition. Learn to relax. Try some meditative soundtracks, such as those available on CD from the Synchronicity Foundation, Inc. A favorite soundtrack is called “Time Off.”

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Six Pack Abs In 3 Easy Steps

sixpackGetting that washboard stomach that you always wanted is not as complex as some might lead you to believe. I did not say it would be easy, but I can promise you that it can be simple. There are 3 steps to anybody strengthening or shaping workout. Diet, exercise, and repair.

While the television at 2 AM might be flush with different contraptions, or miracle muscle creams that are supposed to help you get Mr. Universe results in two weeks, there is not shortcut to perfect abs. You will have to watch your diet, put in the hard workouts, and the often overlooked step of allowing your muscles to repair and build bulk and strength. If one of these steps is ignored or not kept balanced with the needs of the other two, then the results you see on an ongoing basis will be diminished, but if combined correctly, can give you the power pack stomach muscles you always wanted to have.

The most common and most effective diet for working out the abdomen has classically been the high protein, low carbohydrate diet. This feeds the muscles with plenty of protein energy food, while avoiding loading the body with carbohydrates that it is likely to convert into fat to be stored around the midsection. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to maintain quality amounts of vitamins and minerals. Avoid heavy meals before working out and make sure to drink plenty of water. Lack of water not only dehydrates you and puts you at risk of the health problems this causes, but is also the most common cause of lifting cramps or strain injuries.

A combination of using crunches with and without a medicine ball to build up muscle, while at the same time combining a cardiovascular program into your workout to burn fat is a recipe for success and a surefire way to help you reach your goal of achieving six pack glory.

Many people overlook the fact that the actual conditioning of muscle is not completed unless the muscles are given a chance to repair the tissue that was “damaged” during the workout process. Giving your body 48 or more hours before and after abdominal workouts is optimal for crushing stomach regimes. Switching to another part of the body or participating in alternate activities before resuming your ab schedule is as much a part of successful training as making sure that your workouts are completed in their entirety. With this 3 step system in mind, thy mystery of great abs can be taken out of obscurity and the next time you see that commercial at 2 AM, you can rest assured in the fact that 6 weeks on your no cost exercise plan is far more effective at creating 6 pack abs than 6 months of their get fit quick product.

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An Easy Guide To Vitamins

vitaminsFor some time, many professionals insisted that supplemental vitamins were not warranted if people merely ate healthy diets. However, today we have growing evidence that taking a daily multi-vitamin makes good sense for most adults.

Scientists have found substantial evidence that supplemental vitamins ward off a number of chronic diseases. Also, the minimum daily requirements of several vitamins are believed to be higher than previously determined.

The following summary focuses on vitamins with newly discovered roles in fighting disease, such as a variety of cancers, heart disease, osteoporosis, etc.

Vitamin A stimulates the production of white blood cells, helps create and repair bone, sustains the health of cells lining the body’s interior surfaces, and regulates cell growth and reproduction. Intake of up to 10,000 IU of vitamin A is thought to be safe.

Vitamins B6, B12, and Folic Acid: One of the breakthroughs was the discovery that too little folic acid is connected to birth defects. Getting enough folic acid – 400 micrograms daily – is not that easy from your diet. That is why the USFDA requires it be added to many enriched bread, rice and grain products. Another astounding discovery about folic acid and other B vitamins is that they may help fight certain types of cancer as well as heart disease. High levels of a protein breakdown called homocysteine has been found in clogged arteries of stroke victims. Vitamins B12 and B6 as well as folic acid play vital roles in decreasing homocysteine levels.

Vitamin C has also been an issue of controversy. However, it does play an important role in fighting harmful infections, and is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals that harm the body. Vitamin C helps make collagen, needed for healthy teeth, bones, gums and blood vessels. The recommended intake of Vitamin C is 90 mg for men and 75 mg for women. Evidence indicates that 200 to 300 mg a day appears to be an optimal intake.

Vitamin D, — recently determined to be needed in higher amounts than first believed — may be associated with a higher risk of bone fractures when deficiencies occur. Studies also indicate a possible association between low vitamin D intake and increased risks of cancers, including prostate, colon, breast and other cancers. People living in the northern tier of States, probably are not getting enough of this vitamin. Very few foods contain vitamin D in sufficient quantities.

Vitamin E is another vitamin being examined for its ability to prevent heart attacks. The common drugs such as beta blockers, aspirin, and ACE inhibitors may mask the effects of vitamin E. Scientists are still in the midst of discovering all that Vitamin E has to offer. Evidence indicates that at least 400 IU may be needed for optimum health.

The logical conclusion is that multi-vitamin supplements will not make up for bad diets – but they can provide nutritional safety nets.

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Delicious Black Bean Burgers

black bean burgersMany people who have considered going vegetarian, get a little anxious when they think of sitting down to eat and not seeing a big steak or a burger with fries staring back at them. Visualization is a large part of eating, but pleasing one’s taste buds is equally important. The following recipes are recommended, not only for the devoted vegetarian, but for anyone who just desires something a little different – and gain some healthy living at the same time.
You will like this recipe for Black Bean Patties because it is easy to make as well as very tasty.

Preparation time: 10 minutes — Cooking time: 10 minutes.

Ingredients:
½ onion, diced
1 can black beans, well drained
½ cup flour
2 slices bread, crumbled
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp seasoned salt
salt and pepper to taste
oil for frying

Preparation: Sauté onions till soft, about 3 to 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, mash beans until almost smooth, add sautéed onions and rest of ingredients, except oil, adding the flour a few tablespoons at a time to combine well.

Mixture will be thick.

Form bean mixture into patties, approximately ½ inch thick and fry patties in small amount of oil until slightly firm. Enjoy!

For those who might prefer a spicier burger, try this recipe for “Slightly Spicy” Black Bean Burgers (very good and cheap!)

Preparation time: 10 minutes — Cooking time: 10 minutes.

Ingredients (makes 4 burgers):
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained, rinsed
1 tablespoon oil
1 cup frozen corn
1-2 teaspoon chopped garlic (bottled is fine)
½ cup chopped onion
¼ teaspoon cumin
1 (6 ounce) can green chili sauce
2 tablespoons salsa (mild, or as you like it)
1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
½ cup flour
½ cup dry breadcrumbs

Directions: Place beans in large bowl and sit aside.
Heat oil in a large frying pan, add onion, garlic, corn and cumin.
Sauté about 2-3 minutes over medium heat.
Add the green chili sauce and sauté another minute or two.
Place in bowl with beans, let cool and mash with stick blender.
Add salsa, chili powder, flour and breadcrumbs.
Stir to blend ingredients with a rubber spatula.
Form into 4 patties and place on wax paper. Can be stored in Tupperware until ready to cook.

To cook, spray on one side and sauté on medium heat until browned, repeat on other side.

The cooked burgers can be served on toasted burger buns with pepperjack cheese, mayo, lettuce and tomato, or with any other dressings you desire.
More options:

If you prefer more beans, you could use two cans of beans in place of one.
For those who are not fond of onions, you might use some Jalapeño peppers, instead.

[Note: Canned corn can be used in place of frozen.]

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Never Too Young To Exercise

youngexerciseThe general population is exercising less and less every generation, causing a major push to get the youth involved in physical activity harder than it ever has been before. Registration in physical activity programs, especially extra educational are at the lowest levels in history. With the norm now edging toward a total lack of interest in physical fitness, and societal pressures such as television and video games having a stronger impact on the daily activities of our youth, encouraging your youngster to be more active no only falls to the parent, but should be explored at as early time as is possible.

Even an infant still in their crib can benefit from a parents gentle encouragement to be physically active. Using toys and other objects as tools, you can teach an infant to grab, swing their arms, or even crawl towards object. This is not only stimulating muscular activity, but it is also training hand eye coordination and timing function. Stimulating the mind is a very important part to gaining optimal health and keeping it.

Sometimes all of the doo hickeys and gadgets that are mean to promote education or simply pacification can set a baby back in their physical journey through life. Mobiles might be glittery and fun, and vibrating baby seats with warming panels might get more coos than cries, but to simply pacify a child instead of engaging them in useful activities early on in life can develop stubborn patterns of reluctance to activity in toddlers, or even carry on to inactivity later on.

The diets we feed our children can also play an important part in making sure that they not only have the energy, but also the drive to engage in healthy games and activities. A diet high in processed sugars and simple carbohydrates can set children off on roller coaster rides of highs and lows, not allowing for beneficial digestion of utilization of energy. The ambition and energy to participate in fitness is usually not maintained by these processed foods, and instead produce lethargy and the body’s tendency to instead store this fuel as excess fat, contributing to obesity, higher diabetes risk, and other unhealthy complications.

When children start to reach pre puberty and beyond, a solid idea of self body image has already formed, and has great impact on a child’s decision to undertake and complete physical activity. Keep communication channels open with your children and do everything in your power to provide positive reinforcement and encouragement.

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Why Protein?

proteinIt doesn’t matter if you are watching a Rocky movie, or reading your favorite bodybuilding magazine, there is no escaping the fact that in order to build muscle, a high protein diet is recommended. Have you ever wondered why there seems to be such an emphasis on protein consumption for those interested in muscle building? Wouldn’t it be better to simply eat a regularly balanced diet, with normal amounts of protein eaten along with the other food groups?

While having a healthy diet is a MUST, the extra protein added to a bodybuilder’s diet plays a very important role in the breakdown and rebuilding of lean muscle mass that no other nutrient provides. Without extra protein in your diet, the actual buildup of muscle mass is unlikely to occur, no matter how much you train. Many people, even if interested in bodybuilding, fail to realize the actual process of muscle creation and the role that protein plays in its actualization.

The first misconception that most people have is that you simply “build” muscle by working out. Bodybuilding is actually a process of muscle breakdown and re-growth. Without first breaking down the muscle tissue through the lifting of weights or other stress exercises, such as isometrics, the body would not be stimulated to create new muscle tissue. People do not even create muscle mass by lifting weights. They are in effect tearing the muscle tissue at this stage, and the actual creation of bulk muscle tissue is done while resting. When resting, the body uses protein to repair and build the torn muscle tissue, which is vitally important to any results that may be sought while working out. A person who continually works out will usually see less progress than the one who works out aggressively with periods of rest to compliment their workout schedule, as the body is not given the chance to “recover”, the process that produces the muscle mass we are working out to achieve.

Recovery time could be sleeping at night, taking a nap, taking a few days off from lifting, or simply shifting the muscles that your lifting concentrates on. One of the most productive workout schedules for muscle creation is to work out on a daily basis for 3-5 days in a row, and then to take 2 days off for rest and recovery.

Making sure that the body has enough protein to complete the recovery process is very important to the bodybuilding process because without it, the broken down muscle tissue will not repair and build upon itself, creating the “bulking up’ that is so desired. Eating at least the same number of grams in protein that the weightlifter is in pounds ensures that the body has enough protein to finish this process effectively.

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Read The Label! What Are You Feeding Your Kids?

kids foodLearning to decipher food labels might seem complicated at first, but it can help you make smart choices when shopping for your family. The FDA and the USDA require nutrition information labels on almost all packaged foods. Nutrition facts are also displayed near fresh foods – fruits, vegetables, and fish – in grocery stores.

Nutrition labels include a “% Daily Value” — that shows the amount of daily recommended nutrients in the product, based on a 2000 calorie diet. Also included are the serving size and information about total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, fiber, and other nutrients. Additional information includes claims, such as “light” or “low-fat,” health claims, and an ingredients list.

Reduced fat means that a product has 25% less fat than the same regular brand. Light means a product with 50% less fat, and Low fat means a product with less than 3 grams of fat per serving. Even a food low in fat may not be low in calories. A low-fat food can be high in sugar. The “no-cholesterol” claims do not necessarily mean it is low in fat. Too much fat can contribute to health problems, including heart disease. Dietitians recommend that in a daily diet of 2000 calories, no more than 30% of that total should come from fat. This applies to adults and to children over the age of two.

The amounts of saturated fat and trans fat are listed separately on the food label. These two fats are often called “bad fats” because they raise cholesterol, thus increasing the risk for heart disease. Both saturated and trans fats are solid at room temperature. Saturated fat usually comes from animal products (butter, cheese whole milk, ice cream, and meats. Trans fats, naturally found in these foods, are also in vegetable oils that have been hydrogenated to be solid at room temperature. Saturated fats should account for less than 10% of calories that kids consume each day, and trans fats should be kept to less than 1% of total calories.

Unsaturated fats are often called “good fats” because they do not raise cholesterol levels. These are fats that remain liquid at room temperature. Foods high in unsaturated fats are vegetable oils, nuts, and fish.

Reading the ingredient list is especially important if someone in your family has a food allergy. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology estimates that nearly 8% of kids in the United States are affected by food allergies. The eight foods that account for 90% of food allergy reactions are: milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, and tree nuts.

Food labels also list amounts of cholesterol, sodium, sugars, protein and fiber, as well as, vitamins and minerals; a good working knowledge of all nutrients is important in planning healthy, well-balanced diets. Good nutrition directly contributes to our kids’ achievements in school, as well as dramatic differences in home life and in the over-all benefits to good health.

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Goji Berry: Ancient Chinese Secret Now Available

If you know anything about world history, you know that traditionally the Chinese culture has given the world many gifts over the years. From technology to art and culture, China has been the source for some of the world’s greatest inventions. While the Goji berry (also referred to as the wolfberry) is not an invention of the Chinese people, this wonderful, small berry comes from there. So, while not technically a gift from China to the world, it is one of the things from China that has had a big impact on the rest of the world.

Goji Berry Basics

Grown on large plantations in rural China, goji berries have been a part of the traditional Chinese diet for many centuries. According to some Chinese lore and traditions passed down from generation to generation, the goji berry contains the right mix of antioxidants and vitamins to help keep people healthy. Ingested as dried goji berries or brewed into tea, the Chinese have enjoyed the benefits of this small, red fruit for a long time.

As scientists began to look into why the goji berry is so healthy for humans, they realized that as far as fruit goes, it was a variety that contained a powerhouse of nutrients that are essential for a healthy body. Even without the scientific evidence, the Chinese people were aware of the healing properties of this tiny berry. Over the years, they realized it was the goji helping people by boosting their immune system and generally making their body more capable of fighting off ailments.

Goji Berry History

Originally used by the inhabitants of the Himalayans, the goji berry has a long tradition of being used as an alternative medicine in Chinese culture. Primarily through brewed tea and goji berry extract, the berry was used by informal doctors and healers who recognized the healing power of the berry. From this early period forward, knowledge that the goji berry was helpful with minor ailments was passed down from generation to generation.

Over the years, more and more people came in contact with the fruit. When it started to be grown on large plantations, it was needed to supply the demand. This increase in demand over the years is a testament to the power of goji berries and the fact they really work at helping make your body healthier. As with most good things, word of the goji berry eventually began to spread to the world outside of China.

Goji Berry Today

Today, goji berries are used in a lot of supplements, teas, and energy drinks – giving people the same healthy benefits of the goji berry that those who eat it fresh or dried receive. When it comes to modern products that use goji, you want to make sure that you do your homework and make sure there is enough pure goji that you do indeed receive the benefits of the berry.

Goji Berry Myths

If you spend any time online, you know there are many outrageous claims out there when it comes to helping slow the effects of aging. The goji berry is no different – with various wild claims constantly being thrown about. As long as you realize the goji berry isn’t a magical fruit that will heal all your ills the moment you ingest one (or drink a juice made from one), you’re not going to be disappointed. If you take the goji berry for what it is – a great, natural way to get the important nutrients your body needs – then you’re going to be more than happy with any goji based product you decide to purchase.

As you can see, as long as you’re realistic in your expectations, the goji berry is going to be a good fit that will live up to realistic claims made about it. For instance, goji berries are packed with antioxidants and are a great way to make sure your body is getting what it needs to operate efficiently. There are myths out there you should think about before you buy a goji based product, but you shouldn’t let the myths stop you from purchasing. That would be a mistake based on bad or misleading information. It’s smarter to do the research yourself and know what you’re getting into.

Goji Berries and You

Now that you have the information, you can see that goji berries aren’t going to cure all your ills overnight and make you immortal. As with all fruits (and especially this one), eating it is a great way to make sure your body has everything it needs to stay happy and healthy.  From ancient China a secret escaped that is helping people all over the world. The goji berry won’t let you live forever, but it’s a good first step in making sure your body has everything it needs to stay healthy and happy all the days of your life.

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