Smoking and the Big Four Killers

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified the top four preventable non-communicable diseases in the world. These diseases combined kill 3 out of 5 people.

These four diseases are diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease, and cancer.

Smoking clearly contributes to 3 of the 4, and there is some evidence that suggests that it may be linked to diabetes as well.

The WHO lists four major risk factors for developing these diseases. By developing programs to help people to stop doing these risky behaviors, the WHO hopes to lessen the impact that these diseases have on the world.

If you are interested in improving your health, eliminating these four risk factors from your life is a good starting point for preventing the chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease that often lead to early death and disability.

How many of the following risk factors do you have?

1. Smoking and tobacco use. This includes second-hand smoke exposure. The longer you smoke, the higher your risk. Quit smoking today. The sooner you quit, the sooner your body can start to repair itself. Not all the damage done by smoking is reversible, but quitting is still the best thing that you can do for your health.


2. Lack of exercise. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise weekly. Getting started is tough for many people. Try to do something every day first to make it a habit, then increase the time and intensity of your exercise gradually. Of course, check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.


3. Harmful use of alcohol. Some studies show that a glass or two of wine a day may be beneficial to the heart, but more than that can be detrimental to your health. If you dont generally drink alcohol, dont start. If you drink more than two drinks daily, cut back or stop. If you have a history of drinking too much in you or your family, be especially careful of your alcohol consumption.


4. Poor diet and obesity. In general, eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, avoid sugary foods and foods that are high in saturated fats. Avoid processed and refined foods. Keep your weight at a reasonable level.

If you have made changes in your life to reduce these risk factors, congratulations! Even making small changes in these areas can have a great impact on your health.

Dr. Tim Ferenchick is a board certified family physician who works with smokers to help them quit. He runs multi-session stop smoking groups in partnership with the American Lung Association. He can be reached at http://www.committoquitsmoking.com

The Truth About Male Intimate Waxing

Women used to be the primary market for waxing. However, recently more and more men are interested in getting male waxing treatments. Waxing for men is getting prominence because wax is more suitable for hard to remove male hairs. The beard is one facial hair that requires waxing. When a man waxes the beard, there is no unsightly stubble left behind. Typically there are two types of waxing that men avail of: general body waxing and male intimate waxing.

A general body wax treatment is when the person has the hair in the back, face and chest removed by the therapist. Intimate waxing is when hair removal is done on the genitals area particularly the pubic hair. When it comes to a male intimate wax treatment, there are certain issues associated with the procedure.

The new techniques and new generation non-strip waxes used for the treatment can help make the client feel comfortable and relaxed. It is not as painful as it used to be. And the results are quick. After it is done, hairs are effectively removed. It is easy to see the difference before and after the procedure.

Male intimate waxing involves removing hair in the genitals and private areas. This may include the butt, pubic area, shaft, scrotum, crack and perineum. To get the best results, it is important to wax when the hair has grown at least 0.25 inches long. The treatment removes the hair from the roots not just on the surface. This is why it takes longer for the hair to grow back compared to ordinary shaving. It usually takes up to 8 weeks for the hair to grow again.

During the eight weeks, the client does not need to do shaving or trimming at all. Also, once the hairs grow back, the texture is usually much finer than before. The skin where the hair is removed also appears smoother. The reason for this is that the wax removes not just the hair roots but the dead skin cells as well. And since the client is not using a razor blade to remove the hair, the chances of getting cuts or skin irritation are reduced considerably. This is why a lot of men prefer to get male waxing treatments nowadays.

As with all intimate wax treatments, it is important to remove all clothes so the therapist can reach the private parts easily. There are different male intimate wax styles that the client can choose from such as Hollywood style, Brazilian style and back-sac-crack (BSC) style. The most common treatment is the Brazilian style. This style requires removal of hair in the middle and butt but retain some on the pubic mound.

The male Hollywood waxing treatment is when the therapist removes all hair in the private parts including pubic triangle and the crease of leg. The back-sac-crack style, as the name implies, removes hair starting from the back, then the shaft, crack and butt. The choice of style depends on what the client prefers. Also many therapists have different names for the male intimate waxing treatments so it's often best to check which treatment you require and confirm it's the correct choice.

One particular issue involved with intimate male waxing procedure is when a client gets an erection in the middle of the treatment. This is a potentially embarrassing situation both for the client and the therapist. But seasoned therapists know for a fact that erection could likely occur during these intimate procedures. The reason for this is that erection is an adrenal response to physical touch. It is not exactly a sexual reaction but more of hyperactive adrenaline.

An experienced therapist recognizes that this is a possibility that could occur among male clients. Usually, the therapist would ignore the incident and continue with the treatment as if nothing is going on. The erection will go away in due time. The therapist does not get offended because they know that it is a normal male reaction. Also, it could be the excitement brought about by the experience which brought the reaction. The therapist training and confidence in handling such potentially embarrassing situation is the key to defuse the situation. The therapist should be professional enough to be able to work through the issue.

After the male waxing treatment, it is important for the client to wear clean loose clothing to prevent irritation. The skin is a little more sensitive after the procedure. The aftercare when the treatment is over require that the client refrain from taking hot baths or going into saunas and steam baths. Gently exfoliation of the skin with an exfoliating product three times a week during shower can also help prevent ingrown hairs. Using a skin moisturizer in the area can also keep the skin supple and the new hairs to grow normally.

Jack Dunn- Male Waxing Therapist -JD Spa Therapies London

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Fluid Retention Diet

What is a fluid retention diet? This is a diet that is specifically created and engineered to help those suffering from edema or water retention that is dietary-related. This distinction is necessary as some cases of fluid retention are caused by other problems and issues that are not necessarily related to the diet, and those suffering from such diseases and conditions need to seek professional help for them.

A significant cause of edema nowadays is high dietary sodium. A significant amount of electrolytes like sodium in the blood stimulates the thirst mechanism in humans, and this of course causes people to increase their water intake in order to ensure that the level of salt in the blood does not reach dangerous levels. Unfortunately, in today's word where most people are frequent consumers of fast food items and other less-than-optimal food - most if not all of which are rich in sodium - many people suffer from edema caused by high sodium levels. Switching to a diet that contains a low amount of sodium can help sufferers avoid this problem.

Another good component of such a diet is dietary fiber, especially in the form of fresh fruits and vegetables. While canned vegetables still do have significant benefits, edema sufferers need to know that salt is added to many canned vegetables in order to preserve them. In addition, many canned fruits may have been artificially sweetened with sugar, which can itself lead to further health problems. The recommended amount is approximately eight servings of fruits and vegetables daily as part of a balanced diet. Some excellent vegetables that can form part of a fluid retention diet include cabbages (known for stimulating urination and thus doubly useful to stave off edema), cucumbers, carrots, spinach, bananas (high in potassium, which can counter high sodium levels, and thus excellent in helping treat water retention), peaches and pears.

Now, for some practices that can help edema sufferers successfully deal with their condition. Firstly, they need to learn how to properly read and interpret labels. Some unscrupulously labeled food items may claim to be healthy but may actually contain high levels of sodium. Sufferers, as well as those who wish to eat a healthy diet, need to check the level of sodium their food contains and avoid those items that contain too much sodium.

Next, sufferers need to take a long hard look at the food they eat. Many people nowadays enjoy garnishing their food with pre-mixed flavoring mixes, salad dressings and the like, both for convenience's sake and in order to boost the flavor of their food. It must be mentioned that many of these prepared mixes and dressings can contain an inordinately high amount of sodium - even those that are marketed as 'lite'. A good solution is to try and flavor one's food with natural substances such as vinegar or citrus juices, or homemade salad dressings based around these and other substances, instead of buying mixes in the store.

Use these tips to develop a fluid retention diet that can help banish edema for good!

Sabrina Rocca
Author: Discover the Secrets To Beating Water Retention

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Essential Oils Guide

Essential Oils

Also called volatile oils, essential oils are concentrated essences extracted from plant material through steam distillation. In this process, the botanical matter is cooked by the steam, allowing it to break down and release the healing oils. The concentrated essences are used favorably for aromatherapy, and should not be confused with synthetic fragrance oils. Throughout history, volatile oils have been used for medicinal purposes, including skin treatments and remedies for various illnesses.

There are hundreds of essential oils that are being used in aromatherapy and other consumer products. Skin care products, perfumes, medicine, and pain relievers are some of the most common products that contain these oils. For aromatherapy, there are many types of volatile oils to be used for specific moods and for a persons emotional well being. Bergamot, Jasmine, Neroli, Orange, Patchouli, Petitgrain, and Roman Chamomile are used for anger management. The scents that are brought by these oils tend to create a light atmosphere in any room or area, allowing a person to feel calm and relaxed. For anxiety, the most commonly used of the healing oils are Sandalwood, Rose, Lavender, Geranium, Frankincense, Mandarin, and Cedarwood. The aroma from these oils makes a person feel calm and focused, thus relieving anxiety. To take away your fears, the scents from Clary Sage, Grapefruit, Lemon, Neroli, and Sandalwood work perfectly.

For grief and depression, the aroma from Cypress, Helichrysum, Vetiver, Mandarin, Ylang Ylang, Clary Sage, and Bergamot are proven to be effective for a persons well being while coping with this kind of emotional stress. In dealing with irritability, the perfect aromatherapy is with the use of essential oils from Lavender, Mandarin, Roman Chamomile, Sandalwood, and Neroli will help one feel relaxed and improve your temper. Benzoin, Geranium, Rose, Sandalwood, Clary Sage, Patchouli, and Jasmine are also excellent aromatherapies for stress, fatigue, exhaustion, and burnout reduction.

Because essential oils are highly concentrated, one must be aware of its proper use and storage to avoid any unwanted incidents. One of the most important reminders when using volatile oils is not to apply it on the skin if it is undiluted. Although there are some exceptions such as lavender and tea tree oil, one should never take the risk of applying undiluted oils on the skin as it may cause irritation and severe damage to the skin. If it is your first time to use volatile oils as a skin treatment, you can avoid severe irritation or other allergic reactions by testing it first on a small area of your skin. The best way to test for irritations is to apply a small amount of diluted essential oils on the inside of your elbows. Cover it with bandage and wait 24 hours to see if there are any signs of rashes or skin irritation. For pregnant women, some volatile oils are also prohibited, as well as those with asthma, epilepsy, and other health conditions. You should always consult a doctor or skin specialist and inform them of any products that you are using, such as essential oils.

Essential Oils can be used to help with a wide variety of conditions essential oils can help you relax and ease muscle tension and even freshen up the air in your living room.
Find out more about the befits of Essential Oils here.

An Introduction to the HCG Diet

The HCG diet uses a diet drops to help a dieter burn fat calories instead of food calories, with the goal being very rapid weight loss. In concert with the HCG diet drops, the dieter maintains a 500-calorie per day diet, forcing the body to burn fat instead of food calories.

The actual value of the HCG diet drops has been contested, and the FDA has begun to limit sales by shutting down suppliers that were making excessive claims about the diet drops' effect. However, remaining suppliers point to the fact that regulators targeted the vendors who exaggerated the effects of the diet, and not the HCG diet itself.

The very low calorie diet plan was defined by Dr. Simeons, who formulated the HCG drops. The Very Low Calorie diet plan is intended to put the body into starvation mode, forcing it to burn stored fat as a substitute for food calories. The dieter eats only what is absolutely necessary to stem the urges for food.

During breakfast, the diet plan recommends tea or coffee with one tablespoonful of milk. This is all the milk that is allowed during a 24-hour period. Sweeteners, especially artificial sweeteners like saccharine or herbs like stevia, may be added to the coffee or tea.

For lunch, the diet recommends 100 raw grams of very lean protein. For example, this could include very lean beef, veal, shrimp, lobster, chicken breast, or white fish. Any fat on the meat should be removed before cooking, and the cooking process should not involve any additional fats. Grilling or boiling is fine; frying in oil - even healthy oils - is not. Lunch can also include one kind of vegetable and fruit, such as one apple, half a grapefruit, or a handful of strawberries.

The same rules that apply to lunch also apply to dinner. The vegetable choice may include spinach, green salad, beet greens, tomato, onion, cabbage, asparagus, cucumber, chicory, asparagus, fennel, celery, red radishes, or chard.

As the HCG diet has become more popular, dieters have begun to share recipes for the 500-calorie diet, and a number of these are now available online. The diet drops come in a kit, which is sold by suppliers, and that kit also includes a detailed description of the Very Low Calorie diet.

It is best to consult a doctor before beginning the HCG diet - or any aggressive weight loss regimen. Weight loss - and especially weight control - are extremely important for long-term health, but aggressive dieters may look at their weight as a cosmetic problem rather than a health problem. A doctor can be a valuable counselor, helping the dieter to ensure not only that his or her weight loss choices produce a favorable cosmetic outcome, but more importantly that they provide a strong and beneficial foundation for long term good health.

Kyle is beauty professional who specializes in HCG diet.

Mediterranean Diet Health Benefits

The Mediterranean diet has many health benefits. Wondering researchers have spent years trying to discover why. Although many regions have adopted a much more westernized diet habit which has resulted in a mounting obesity issue, communities that still follow the traditional Mediterranean diet continue to experience health which is the envy of the western world.

The Mediterranean diet consists primarily of fresh, healthy plant food like whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, olives, fish and seafood. They combine this with reduced amounts of red meat and dairy products.

The Mediterranean diet is more nutritious because foods are less processed. Processing food, and even cooking it, deprives it of nutrients. But in a traditional Mediterranean diet, most foods are eaten raw or lightly cooked. When red meat is served it is usually trimmed of excess fat. The overall diet provides plentiful fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, protein and essential fatty acids required by the body to maintain health and prevent chronic illnesses like heart disease and cancer.

Another notable aspect of the traditional Mediterranean diet is that not every meal contains animal flesh (i.e. meat or fish). There are commonly days with no animal flesh being consumed at all. On these days, the protein portion of the meal is derived from things like beans, nuts, seeds and eggs. Although eggs are still animal products, recent research indicates that eggs do NOT increase blood cholesterol as scientists and doctors used to believe. Another modern day alternative to meat is tofu which comes from soy beans. While this is not a part of the diet, it would certainly be a worthwhile addition to it.

All of these things result in the Mediterranean diet being high in monounsaturated fatty acids, otherwise known as M.U.F.As which are healthy fats. Diets containing M.U.F.As (and polyunsaturated fats, or P.U.F.As) rather than saturated and trans fats, tend to provide certain health benefits including reduced risk of:

 

• Heart disease


• High Cholesterol


• Stroke


• Cancer


• Type II Diabetes


• Parkinson's Disease


• Alzheimer's


• Depression


• Metabolic syndrome

 

Lets take a closer look at these.

Reduced risk of heart disease and high Cholesterol

High levels of saturated fats result in increased cholesterol in the bloodstream. Over time, the cholesterol attaches to the walls of arteries causing a narrowing of the arteries that can lead to blockages, heart attacks and heart disease. Quite clearly, the reduced amount of saturated fat in traditional Mediterranean diets results in lower cholesterol levels. In some cases, high cholesterol is hereditary and is caused by the liver producing too much. A healthy diet containing high amounts of Omega 3 fatty acids is proven to actively combat this issue and can have a significant lowering effect on cholesterol levels.

Reduced risk of Stroke

A Columbia University Medical Center study in which researchers followed 712 participants over a six year period discovered that participants who followed a moderate Mediterranean diet were 21% less likely to experience a stroke. Participants who followed a strict diet were 36% less likely to experience a stroke.

Reduced risk of cancer

According to a study by the Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain: "There is a 'probable' protective role of the Mediterranean diet toward cancer in general." A National Cancer institute study of 500,000 people found that people who consumed more than 4 oz (113g) of red meat daily were 30% more likely to die from ANY cause over 10 years than those who consumed less. Sausages and processed meats increased the risk even more.

Reduced risk of Diabetes

Consumption of complex carbohydrates and high fiber foods reduces the Glycemic Index of foods and low GI foods prevent spikes in blood sugar levels. So a low GI diet such as the Mediterranean diet tends to prevent diabetes... See the section on Metabolic syndrome below

Reduced risk of Parkinson's & Alzheimer's

Some studies indicate that people who adhere to the Mediterranean diet have lower rates of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Researchers are unsure why this is the case but they believe that healthy food choices improving cholesterol, blood sugar levels and blood vessel health may be the cause.

Reduced risk of Depression

British Researchers studied depression and diet in more than 3,000 middle-aged office workers for five years. Their findings indicated that people who ate a diet high in processed meat, chocolate, sugar, fried food, refined cereals and high-fat dairy products were more likely to suffer depression. But people who ate a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fish similar to a Mediterranean diet were less likely to suffer depression. Their findings support other research that has found that healthy diets can protect against disease.

Reduced risk of Metabolic syndrome

Many overweight and obese people suffer from a condition called Metabolic Syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions - high blood pressure, a abnormal blood sugar levels, excessive body fat around the waist or abnormal cholesterol levels - that occur together. These increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. People on the Mediterranean diet have been found to be less likely to be overweight, thus reducing incidence of this condition.

So, as you can see, adopting a traditional Mediterranean diet has many worthwhile health benefits. It has even been found to reverse many chronic diseases such as type II diabetes, high blood pressure, angina and even improving mobility in people who suffer from arthritis. So maybe it's time you tried this delicious, healthy diet!

Julia Bell is a student of nutrition dedicated to helping people overcome obesity. Obesity is the number one health issue of the twenty first century. Learn how to live a healthier life by maintaining healthy weight and exercise habits through her weight loss blog at http://www.bestwaytoloseweight4u.com

For more information on the dietary habits of Mediterranean countries visit Mediterranean Diet

Ab Workout for Men - Basic Best Workout Tips

Every man dreams of having rock solid abs. This is no secret that a well-toned body is judged primarily on the basis of the abs and if you don't have great abs, then it is considered tantamount to ineffective working out.

The problem with abs is that everyone has differing opinions regarding the best abs workout for men. Many people make the fatal mistake of just working out their abs muscles in the hope that this will result in six packs. Nothing can be further from the truth because your abs muscles are covered with fat and if you don't workout to shed off fat, they will forever stay concealed beneath the fat. You need to have a proper workout - one that will enable you to tone and shape your core while burning fat.

One effective solution for this is to incorporate compound exercises in your workout routine. Exercises like dead lifts can be an extremely effective ab workout. Men don't realize how important these compound exercises are for your abs. This is because these exercises are great fat burners, which help you to tone your body and get solid abs at the same time. Compound exercises pull your muscles and really make them work in order to build strength and lose fat.

The crunch is an exercise without which any abs workout for men is considered incomplete. There are different variations of the crunch, which will enable you to work different parts of your abs. You will be able to get excellent results if you focus on form and make sure that you execute the exercise properly. A common mistake that many people make is that they rush through the crunches thinking that they'll get a better workout with more quantity.

However, more is not always better when it comes to your body and especially ab workout. Men don't realize that they have to appreciate the limitations of your body. Furthermore, they should make sure that when they are doing abs exercises, all their focus should be on abs muscles.

Oftentimes, we make the mistake of rushing through the exercise because, let's face it, abs exercises are hard. We can feel the abs muscles burning when we are stretching them and this makes us coax ourselves into rushing through the exercise. When we do this, we sacrifice our form, which results in us using our back and shoulders to do the bulk of exercise for us. This, therefore, makes it extremely important to maintain proper form when exercising.

Adrianna Courtney is a professional writer and have interest in fitness and providing services on ab workout men and on abs workout for men

Natural Remedies for Sleep? Sleeping Beauty and the Queen of Plant Extracts

Once upon a time the good fairies gave their blessings: "Your beauty will transcend mere physical form... you will be blessed with beautiful hair... radiant skin... shining eyes... quick wits... a balanced heart... patience... grace.... strength... humor... vitality... joy".... And, after the shadow of death had been irrevocably cast, the final fairy stepped forward: "All your gifts you can keep, but half your life - you must sleep."

No tall tales. Radiant natural beauty goes hand in hand with sleep. The perfect intelligence of our holistic being is such that, during the seemingly inert state of slumber, our bodies are restored, our daily baggage processed, and our energy replenished. In good wholesome sleep we maintain an optimum level of health that complements our interconnected being: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. And it shows.

While knock-out drugs deal with sleeplessness as a mere physical equation, natural remedies for sleep allow the essential balance of holistic intelligence to remain intact. This significant advantage to natural remedies has given rise to a whole range of choices that draw upon the healing properties of medicinal plants.

And pristine pure essential oils offer the purest intensity of a given plants active properties.

Tips for relaxation and restful slumber abound, but the bottom line is that pure essential oils have the edge over traditional natural remedies for insomnia, due to their superior capacity for absorption and integration. A herbal pill might seem straightforward and an infusion offers a certain element of ritual and comfort that complements relaxation for sleep, but, actually, the absorption of a given plants properties by digestion is significantly less effective than the direct route of scent: any aroma we detect at our nasal sensors is immediately transmitted to the brain for assimilation. Thus we have the most direct route to our nervous system and an array of natural responses that are triggered as a part of normal body process.

Therapeutic essential oils represent an evolution in the associated craft of aromatherapy. Grown, harvested and processed at a unique level of organic integrity, these are pure, medicinal-grade plant essences that are able to achieve seamless integration with desired physiological responses. They contain absolutely no impurities that would challenge the bodys healthy function and offer specific properties that can help sleeping by enhancing the bodys inbuilt pathways to restful sleep. And, thinking laterally beyond the immediate topic of the insomnia remedy, other healing qualities to help address the physical and mental conditions that are prone to inhibit relaxation for sleep.

What this means in practical terms is that, instead of the generally low impact of a standard natural remedy for insomnia, a professional blend of pure essential oils with calming and sedative properties offers a potent alternative.

To anyone interested in the exceptional benefits of expert holistic healthcare, Absolute Essential has a special promotion to help you nurture a healthy relationship with natural, restorative sleep. Take advantage of Absolute Essentials unique Holistic Sleep promotion and start your own home essentials collection for truly wholesome family care. All Absolute Essential products are green and sustainable, from integral organic process. Click here: Natural Remedies For Sleep.

Ten Changes You Can Make to Lose Weight

If you are someone who is looking into weight loss in a serious way, there are several things that you can do to make things easier on you. Check out these ten steps to lose weight. Plenty of them are easy, and you'll find that even incorporating a few into your routine can make a huge difference to your weight loss goals.

Walk More

Whenever you have a spare moment, walk to wherever you are going or just take a walk around the block. This is an easy way to get yourself moving and also to get you out and about.

Buy More Fruit

Fruit gives you a delicious dose of sweetness and it also gives you a sustainable sugar high. This is a great way to get your energy up during the day.

Cut Out Processed Foods

The closer you can get to the food's original condition, the better it is for you. Skip out on boxed meals and other processed foods.

Stop Going Out

Restaurants eat up your money and the food is almost always less healthy than the things you can prepare at home. Stay in, save money, and lose weight.

Get Your Heart Rate Up

One important key for losing weight is exercise. While gentle exercise is good, you'll find that in general, it is more important to get your heart rate up. After a warmup, start pushing yourself. Whether you go for a run or you just do a few jumping jacks in your home, you will find that getting your heart rate up plays an important role in your health.

Drink More Water

Most people don't get all the water that they need. Water helps you process your food, so make sure that you drink a full glass of water at every meal. If you can get the full eight cups of water that you need every day, you will find that your weight loss goes much more smoothly.

Get More Sleep

Lack of sleep is strongly related weight gain. If you get the full amount of sleep you need, your body burns calories much more effectively. Remember that while some people do well with eight hours of sleep, other people need more or less. Pay attention to your biorhythms.

Snack Regularly

It might seem counter-productive, but regular snacking is quite good for you. Keep the calories low, and you'll discover that a small snack can keep you a lot more active and invigorated than just a few large meals.

Listen to Your Body

If your stomach starts rumbling, that means that you need to get something to eat. Ignoring your hunger symptoms will only make you more inclined indulge later on. It is just like getting a cramp. If your body is trying to tell you something, you should listen.

Be Persistent

Just because you ate too much or skipped your exercise today doesn't mean that you are going to mess up again tomorrow. Be determined and forgive yourself when you make a mistake. A small amount persistence goes a long way when you want to engage in some serious weight loss.

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Prevention Is the Best Medicine for Longevity

As you might have heard that Jack LaLanne died at the old age of 97. He lived a long healthy life. He proved that with the right fuel (Nutrition), your body would function the way it is designed to do.

His healthy life was not by chance, or that he had the right genes, no, it was because he did the right things to his body. He exercised at least four times a week and he ate the right foods.

I dont know the reason for his death, but I would assume his heart muscle lived out its useful life. Everything breaks down eventually. Mr. LaLanne lived a healthy life that I am sure everyone would want. That is to eventually die of old age, not of old disease.

Mr. LaLanne lived in a time where fast foods did not exist. Where everyone in the family sat down at the dinner together to enjoy a nice home cooked meal. A meal made with fresh vegetables and food free from pesticides and chemicals. Not like the foods today that does contains pesticides and chemicals. Fast foods were not part of his diet.

For the last thirty years or so, we have gotten away from having a nice healthy home cooked meal and instead have gone with the fast food meals. We want everything in an instant in todays society. We take a pill to get rid of a headache even though it comes back practically everyday. We want to feel better in an instant and ignore why we are having the headaches.

The pills that we take for instant relief really good for our bodies, or is it doing more harm than good?

We must STOP and take a long hard look at what we are doing to our bodies. Why not look at what is causing the headaches and look for some solutions. Are the headaches because of taking in too much caffeine after drinking five cups of regular coffee a day?

Instead of taking medications that are not good for our body, let us find out the cause of the problem and eliminate the cause. If we dont know the cause, simply changing your diet and adding food supplementation will be a good start in fixing the problem naturally.

Prevention works almost 100% of the time. If we change our diet and add food supplementation, we will be taking a pro-active role in changing our health for the better. We will be a step closer to living a long healthy life-like Jack LaLanne had.

Gerry Gaboriau has been health conscious for many years. He wrote this article to illustrate that eating the right foods, exercising and Supplementation is needed to be in your best health.

Connect on Skype: gerry.gaboriau

Patience During Weight Loss

So you've made the decision that you want to change your lifestyle and lose weight.

That's great! Good for you.

Diets and lifestyle changes can be hard though. Most people, when embarking on a long and life changing journey like this, will give up within the first couple of weeks. Why do they give up and why are the odds stacked against you when you start? Well, there are essentially two reasons which I've deduced, based purely on my own experience.

First, the first few weeks of intense willpower and discipline it takes for new habit formation can simply be too much for someone to sustain. That's why it's important to make these first few weeks as easy and as psychologically pleasant as possible. I've detailed more about willpower and what it takes in the first few weeks of a new diet and exercise regimen in previous articles. The second reason many people don't follow through with their new lifestyle is because they haven't seen any significant changes in their body and/or weight in the first few weeks of their new journey.

Simply said, it takes patience to see those kinds of changes.

Don't get me wrong, if you're doing things right you should see at least a little bit of a decrease in that number on the scale but for many people that isn't enough so they get discouraged.

This can happen for a number of reasons.

Either they have been duped by some fad magic diet that promises substantial results fast but doesn't deliver the numbers it purports. Or they have deluded themselves into thinking that that one or two pound loss isn't enough and doesn't mean real progress.

These people want to see a loss of five to ten pounds in a week because that's what shows like "The Biggest Loser" would have you believe is healthy and possible in a new weight loss regimen.

Just like willpower and discipline, patience is extremely hard to endure until you're used to it.

Real progress in a weight loss program should follow the extremely wise adage that applies for most anything else. Slow and steady wins the race.

Patience is one of the hardest things to deal with in a weight loss program, and it's completely understandable that you'd want the weight to come off as soon as possible, but if you have a good habit in place of recording your food and eating well, along with some exercise, you'll hardly think about how long it's taking.

In addition, you have to be wanting to change for yourself and for your own personal reasons. You have to want to better yourself for yourself, otherwise it will never work.

In essence, if you've made the decision to change for good, patience, willpower and discipline should be non issues. They should simply be things that have to be dealt with in making a new life for yourself.

In summary, the best way to deal with the weight not coming off as fast as you want it to is to simply resign yourself to realizing that change doesn't happen overnight and in the case of substantial weight loss it could take a year or more.

What's the best way to deal with this long wait for change though?

I think, it's best to just try to be happy with your progress so far and keep reminding yourself how good it feels to be healthier than you were, even if it's just a little bit healthier.

It's also important to remember, as i've outlined before, that you don't have to be perfect in your habits, that can drive even the most strong willed person nuts. Just try your best.

If you really want to change, you'll be patient and deal with the annoying stuff as it comes.

Visit the How to Lose the Gut Website at http://www.howtolosethegut.com for more articles and info!

What Is the Most Expedient Way to Lose Weight?

Here's the situation.

You've got that wedding, class reunion, or beach vacation coming up in a couple months and you want to lose as much weight as you can, as fast as you can.

Now if your goal is to get to your ideal weight in only a couple months and you're not at an already healthy weight (a BMI under 25), this is probably an unrealistic goal.

In essence, there is no fast way to lose weight.

But what about this or that magic diet? You say.

Truth is they either won't work or if they do work they are unsafe.

It took me a year and 4 months to lose 130 lbs.

That translates to 8.125 lbs. a month which translates to just over 2 lbs. a week.

At the very beginning when I was losing weight the fastest, I think the most weight I lost in a week was probably 3, 3.5 pounds per week, but even then, I was using a diet I couldn't maintain.

According to the MIT Department of Athletics and Sports Medicine, it is recommended that no more than 2-3 lbs. per week be lost.

I and probably every health professional out there would agree that that's a good rate at which to lose.

So if you're looking to lose 30 lbs. and you don't want to burn yourself out on dieting, you're looking at a good 15 weeks or about 3 3/4 months to get the job done.

if one pound is 3500 calories you're looking at a 1000 calorie deficit per day, which at first seems like a lot, but lets figure this out.

Assuming you are a moderately healthy 200 lb. male, that has a relatively normal activity level, your Basal Metabolic Rate or how many calories you burn a day by just living would be around 2100.

(Heavier individuals have a higher BMR, because they have more body mass to maintain. That said, they lose weight faster because they burn more calories in a day doing the same activities as anyone else.)

At this BMR, to maintain a sane and healthy weight loss you'd probably want to shoot for consuming 1600 calories a day in food, that's 500 calories there towards your 1000 calorie deficit.

Moderate exercise for an hour would probably burn another 5 or 600 calories and that's easily an 1100 calorie deficit.

That's not even taking into account the amount of calories you were taking in before you even started your lifestyle change.

It's easy to see that planning is essential, it keeps you in control and keeps you accountable.

So in summary, there is no fastest way to lose weight, and if that's your goal you are probably doing it wrong.

To be healthy you'd probably want to shoot for about 2 lbs. a week so plan your goals and diet longevity accordingly and keep working on building new habits to replace your old destructive ones. A successful diet will easily translate into a healthy new lifestyle and that should be your goal.

Eventually, you'll get to a point where you're happy with your weight, but it, like everything else, takes time and hard work.

There is no magic fix.

Keep fighting' the good fight!

Visit the How to Lose the Gut Website at http://www.howtolosethegut.com for more articles and info!

How To Transform Your Body In A Week

What do you do if you want to get in phenomenal shape within a week? Check out my 7 best strategies to get you your desirable shape AT ONCE. Granted, its certainly easier to stay in great shape if youve already been exercising regularly and eating fairly well, but even at this time of year even the most committed Body Incredible seeker can slip up. When I need to shape up, tighten up and lift up (my energy!) as quickly smart as possible I follow this format. Trust me, it really works. But no half-hearted attempts - its a matter of week.

• No Alcohol. No exceptions.


• Why not start the day with some digestive foods.What I use? Its a high grade magnesium supplement (I love the Isagenix Isa Flush capsules because they are such superior quality, but you can also find one at a good health food store), chased with 2 glasses of moderate water. Those who find things particularly hard to move in the morning can add some lemon to the water, and also try this yoga pose to massage and relax your colon. Begin with one leg at a time, and then after doing each side (right first), pull in and hug both legs to you. Dont forget to breathe! You should hold this for at least 10-20 seconds.


• Sounds evident, but GET MOVING! How often do you think Oh, Id like to exercise more, but Im just too busy, or I only have 20 minutes to spare so its not worth it? Guess what? Each and every minute is important. If youre looking to shape up quick-smart then you simply must do some exercise every day for that 7 or so day period. Id suggest alternating the tough stuff (meaning weights, running, exercise that breaks muscle down) with some recovery. Give it a try with Yoga which is one good example, but even a lighter walk is okay if you did a big sweat session the previous day. When Im really keen to tighten up, I try to squeeze in 2 sweat sessions per day - even if it is only a quick circuit for 15 minutes.


• Dont each too much. Again, a bit obvious, but if you cut back on your food intake then you will tighten up. Of course, there is a bit more to it than just cutting back - I certainly dont advocate calorie counting or skipping meals, but I do encourage you to consider the size of your meals. The protein element should equate to about a palm size (for an average 150 pound (about 70 kg) adult. Thats your palm, not your local giants. Fill the rest of your plate with fresh vegetables and salads and a couple teaspoons of good fat. Coconut oil, palm oil, organic ghee, extra virgin olive oil, avocado - these are all great options.


• Grab your 8 hours. One of my favorite books, Lights Out: Sleep, Sugar and Survival" by TS Wiley, details in vivid detail how a lack of sleep can cause you to hold onto fat stores regardless of exercise or nutrition. This is due to the imbalance caused to your hormonal system when you dont get enough shut-eye. Adequate sleep will not only aid physical and psychological repair, relieve your body of nasty fat-storing stress hormones, but it will also help you to exercise more efficiently throughout the day, and feel mentally strong enough to resist enticement.


• Watch the sneaky fat makers. You may not realize how much that skinny latte, low-fat yogurt, spoonful of sugar, etc is affecting your waistline. Just about a week for change, dont you do this for a better YOU? That means no sugar laden beverages. This includes sugar in tea/coffee, milky tea/coffee, fruit juices (even fresh), artificial sweeteners of any kind, including diet soft drink (studies have shown that these trick your hormonal system and cause a fat storing reaction). Also cut out the low-fat products which are generally laden with sugar, and even if theyre not, theyre still not fresh food, and say no 100% to any kind of sneaky snack. That means not even one jelly baby! It really does all add up.


• Okay, keep out yourself from caffeine. I do love my coffee, and enjoy at least one organic long macchiato each day. But, you know one thing, too much caffeine can cause really adverse effects - it can cause a stress hormone reaction that puts you into fat-storing mode. Bind yourself in a limit, say a cup in the morning, and then say NO to your partners or colleagues. Also stay off any other kind of caffeinated stimulant.

Yet you dont have a hurry to change yourself quickly, I would suggest you to follow this advice for at least a week to see what you can achieve? Who knows - it may even motivate you to live every day with greater health and energy! Oh - and if you dont have your own reason, use mine: being unhealthy is disgusting. And it makes you unhappy. You know it, and I know it. And guess what? Now, today, yes this very minute, really is the best time to start transforming your body.

Kat Eden is a Professional Personal Trainer and Health/Performance Coach from Australia. Keep eyes on her articles and learn many important facts like, The Affects Due To Lack Of Sleep On Your Health. You can also send her Email or RSS by just clicking here.

Get Rid Of Your Acne and Spots for Good!

If you are one of those people who suffer from acne problems, you feel like others just dont understand what its like. Your friends may tell you not to worry about it and encourage you to just come out anyway even if you are having a major acne breakout. It can make you so self-conscious when you know that everyone you meet is seeing your acne. Whenever we talk to somebody or are introduced to someone, the first thing that they see is our face. It makes finding a good product for your acne very worthwhile.

One thing that can make the situation even more difficult is that you get different opinions from all kinds of various sources. Some people believe that it is linked to your diet and that excess sugar is causing the problem. Others may believe that stress is an important factor. Some are convinced that hormones are causing it and others just believe that the pores arent getting properly cleaned. What you may find interesting is that all of them are likely correct.

The best kind of solution for the problem is something that will address all of these different issues. There is a new breed of acne products available that are found in the form of a system instead of a simple cream or a cleanser. They often include those things, but they also have supplements that you can take or tea that will help to stabilize your system internally to reduce the prevalence of acne bacteria. These teas or supplements are extremely helpful because they help to combat acne before it happens instead of trying to use a band aid solution alone.

That doesnt mean that you shouldnt also try to address the problem from the outside as well. There are products that also have a strong cleanser that can help you to get the dirt and bacteria out of your pores. Its important to have something that can clean deep down in order to stop the acne from coming back. That dirt has to be removed so that the acne bacteria will not be able to cause additional blemishes.

Following the cleaning, it is crucial that you have something that can help you close up the pores and condition the skin. Sometimes, the redness and itching that follow a good cleaning can help to contribute to future acne breakouts. Closing up the pores also keeps that dirt at bay, lessening the chances of developing pimples.

If you want to finally rid yourself of the anxiety-causing problem of bacteria, its important that you choose something that provides a multifaceted approach. Attacking the problem from both the inside and the outside is going to give you the best chance of success. Keep in mind that many of these products will take a few weeks to show significant results. Give them time to go through a full acne cycle and in a few weeks youll start to notice changes. Youll also start to feel much differently about the way you look.

(ALERT) Do Not Buy Acne Products Without Reading My ClearPores Review NOW!

The 2 Only Things You Need to Do to Get a Flat Stomach

The desire for a flat stomach is shared by both men and women alike. The weight loss industry is worth billions of dollars and companies are making a killing with supplements and exercise equipment which promise fast results.

The truth is that the "ab coaster" the "ab flyer" and even the "abdoer twist" won't help you get a flat stomach.

There are only 2 ways to get a flat stomach; exercise and dieting. Sticking to one works, but if you want faster results, do both.

Diet

1. Eat smaller meals, more often

Eating 5-6 small meals a day can go a long way in your quest to get a flat stomach. You might think that by eating more, you would gain weight. After all, it does sound very logical. But this would only happen if you were to eat the same sized portions as before.

Eating smaller meals throughout the day boosts you metabolism so your body is constantly in fat burning mode.

Make sure each meal contains healthy fat, protein, fibre and low GI carbohydrates for best results.

2. Drink 8 glasses of water a day

Not only does water give your skin a healthy glow but it helps with weight loss as well. Water distributes vitamins and minerals throughout your body and acts as a natural detoxifier. If you are craving food, drink more water instead. Water acts as an appetite suppressant.

3. Avoid alcohol

Alcohol is just empty calories which means that it has no nutritional value. A couple of drinks might make you feel good, but alcohol is an enemy of weight loss. Try switching to water instead; your body and mind will thank you.

4. No more late night snacks

Try to avoid late night snacking at all costs. If the temptation becomes too great, first, try drinking more water so you feel more full. If that doesn't work, snack on fruit; it is a much healthier option.

Your body slows down when you sleep so you can't digest food properly, the food you ate a couple of hours before going to bed will turn into fat. This is why late night snacking should be avoided.

5. Have a cheat day

Depriving yourself from your favourite foods will sooner or later catch up with you. You can find yourself raiding the fridge at 2 in the morning if you aren't careful.

Therefore, once a week, have a cheat day. On that day you can eat anything your taste buds desire. This will help motivate you to stick to your diet plan as you will have something to look forward to.

These are just a few guidelines to follow to start eating healthier. The best advice I can give you is to listen to your mind. If your mind is telling you that you shouldn't be eating something then don't eat it and vice versa.

Exercise

1. Cardio

There is no better way to get a flat stomach than by doing cardio. The best thing is that you can get your weekly cardio in by doing something you enjoy. If you enjoy basketball, organize a game with your colleagues or friends. If you love to swim, go the beach or the swimming pool etc.

It goes without saying that the more often you do cardio the better, but try to aim for at least 2-3 times a week.

2. Ab Exercises

Good old ab exercises. Many know how to do them but just as many hate doing them.

Somewhere along the line, people thought that by just doing ab crunches, they could get a flat stomach. The truth is that you have to lose the belly fat first and then do crunches to see any results. Ab exercises will strengthen and tone your abs, not help you lose weight.

Here is a great video on Youtube which you can follow a couple of times a week (anymore than that will overwork the area).

Here is a great (free) website with all the ab exercises you need to know with images on how to do them.

Exercise and diet. These are the only 2 things which you need to do to get a flat stomach. Informercials promising a flat stomach in a week, are to put it bluntly, lying. There is no quick fix. Just like anything else in life, hard work and persistence will get you the results you want.

If you found this article useful visit The Zen Approach for plenty more useful articles

How Can We Lose Weight Effectively and Naturally?

Losing weight has always been an issue especially nowadays that lifestyle diseases are rampant. People are suffering from ailments caused by stress from their hectic work schedule and rigorous daily activities which is why theyre prone to many health disorders like obesity. So how can we lose weight and avoid being included in the long list of individuals struggling with their weight problem?

Today its no surprise to find several weight loss pills, diet plans, and exercise regimens all claiming to help you lose weight. The fact is theres no such thing as a perfect weight loss plan. This is because people are different from one another. Our bodies are structured differently from one another that what may work for one may not work on you. Oftentimes, there are a lot of things you have to consider first before you engage in a weight loss plan. Factors like age, gender, race, and medical background can greatly affect your weight loss attempts.

Although theres no such thing as a perfect weight loss plan, there are ways on how we can lose weight which are applicable to everybody. These are very practical yet effective means of losing those excess pounds. In fact, many have tried and tested them and are very satisfied with the results. You should try them too and see for yourself.

Walking

Doctors claim that walking is good for the heart since it helps improve blood circulation in the body. This is true which is why those suffering from cardiac diseases are encouraged to walk at least 30 minutes a day. The best part is walking can also help you lose weight. Your body needs energy as you walk and instead of relying on food, your body burns your stored fats and converts them to energy. Walking also tones the muscles in your legs and shoulders while speeding up your metabolism at the same time.

Balanced diet

There are all kinds of weight loss diets available today but sad to say most of them are just fad diets. They guarantee to help you lose weight in a matter of days but in the end youll be gaining more than what youve lost. The best thing to do is to eat balanced meals per day. Go back to the food pyramid which serves as an excellent guide in ensuring you get the nutrients you need daily. If possible, stick to green leafy vegetables and fruits. Go for skinless chicken instead of pork and beef. Use olive oil for frying and fresh herbs for seasoning. Most importantly, stay away from fast food and sweets.

Water

If youre really serious about losing weight, you have to say goodbye to carbonated and caffeinated drinks as much as possible. This means you have to load up on pure, natural water. Many dieters turn to supplements to help suppress their hunger without realizing theyre doing themselves more harm than good.

Drinking 8 to 10 glasses daily, especially a glass or two 30 minutes before meals, can help you eat less. Water is a natural suppressant and it gives you enough energy everyday without the guilt.

So how can we lose weight fast, safe, and effectively? Simply follow the tips above and youre on your way to healthier and sexier new you.

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9 Tricks to Stop Late Night Eating

Are you a late night eater? Do you find yourself munching on food an hour or two before bed? If your answer is yes, then your diet plan is going to waste.

Late night eating is the main culprit for weight gain and for those who are unable to lose weight despite eating healthily throughout the day.

The crazy thing is that hunger usually isn't even the reason for late night eating. Boredom, loneliness, habit and dehydration are all to blame.

Here are 8 tricks to stop your late night eating habit

1. Brush your teeth

When the urge to snack late at night strikes, go to the bathroom and brush your teeth. Toothpaste has the knack of making foods taste bad and will curb your desire to snack. It also works on a psychological level; you know that you can't snack because you don't want to go through the whole process of brushing and flossing again.

2. Drink water

Many people confuse thirst with hunger. Water can help fill your stomach up, eliminating the desire to snack. Before grabbing your favourite late night snack, drink a large glass of water first, and then see if the urge to snack is still there.

3. Don't skip meals

It might be tempting to skip meals, especially when you are overloaded with work, but resist the temptation to do so. Eating breakfast, lunch and dinner will go a long way in reducing late night hunger.

4. Keep busy

When you are busy, you have no time to snack. Do some housework, find a new hobby, get started on a project. It doesn't really matter what you do to keep busy as your mind will no longer be on food.

5. Keep a food log

When you start to write down everything you eat, including the type of food, the amount and the calorie content, unhealthy food will have a hard time tempting you.

6. Keep junk food out of sight

If there is no junk food in your house, then you can't eat it. It's as simple as that. Instead of struggling with temptation, write a healthy shopping list and stick to it.

If you already have junk food in your house because you have kids, or for whatever reason, then keep it out of sight, or place it in a hard to reach place.

7. Keep a picture of your ideal body nearby

This can act as a great motivation tool. Every time you get the urge to snack, just look at the image of your ideal body. This will remind you that the only way to look like that is to cut out the habit of late night eating.

8. Chew Gum

A lot of the time you aren't really hungry but you just want to chew on something. Sugar-free gum is the perfect option.

9. Put the remote down

Watching TV, although entertaining, is a mindless act. When you are watching your favourite TV show, a bag of chips can be devoured all too quickly as you slump down on the sofa.

If you found this article useful visit The Zen Approach for plenty more useful articles

Running for Fitness - Should You Sprint?

"Running: a means of terrestrial locomotion allowing humans and other animals to move rapidly on foot. It is simply defined in athletic terms as a gait in which at regular points during the running cycle both feet are off the ground."
From Wikipedia

A long winded way to describe something that we all enjoyed doing as children and along with walking one of the best and most natural methods of exercise known to man.

Speed and distance may vary and range from a slow jog to a full out sprint. Many individuals compete in events that place participants in a contest to test speed in a sprint or endurance in a distance race like the marathon. The running mechanics may seem to be the same, but there are differences in running mechanics and additional factors which make a marathon very different to a sprint.

Sprints commonly are tested in track events including 100 m, 200 m or 400 m races. World-class athletes may finish these events in ten seconds, twenty seconds or forty-five seconds, respectively. A marathon is a race that's 26.2 miles in length with world-class athletes completing the race in just over 2 hours.

Sprinting isn't simply a faster version of running, and running is not simply a slowed down sprint. They are in fact different disciplines altogether. Sprinting calls for the athlete to learn and use a very different technique and uses different muscle fibers. Consequently, sprint workouts must be specifically tailored to train the muscles involved and the energy systems in a unique way. And similarly, unique methods need to be applied to training for a distance event.

The marathon, at a distance over 26.2 miles, is among the most respected athletic accomplishments available to the general public. Anyone with some training, may line up in the same event as the best distance runners in the world. This is unique to the marathon as it is unlikely that the average fitness enthusiast would ever get the chance to run in the same race as Usane Bolt.

Training for and completing a marathon calls for considerable cardio vascular fitness and determination. Everyone, from the novice training for his or her first run, to Olympic athletes, can learn to run faster and more efficiently.

When you're beginning, the gains in speed are fairly easy to accomplish by simply improving your fitness levels. As you become a better runner, however, to make further improvements you have to commit some of your time to building strength and speed in order to become a faster runner.

Whether your goal is to set a new personal best in your next 5k race, win your age bracket at an up-coming charity run or qualify for a state or national championship, with a properly structured training program you can learn to run faster.

For more advice on all things fitness visit Fitpro2U

Know About The Urgent Care Services

We can treat little injuries like a skinned knee at our home. Few life-threatening conditions like a chest pain need a visit to emergency room. But there are few things in between that need a visit to urgent care. If you want to avoid long wait times, and do not have a debilitating or life-threatening injury, consider Urgent Care. These services, by comparison, is often less hectic and more convenient. There is no appointment required to make use of the services at Urgent Care.

This kind of care centers can treat conditions like asthma attack, flu, broken bones, cuts that need stitches, etc. It will fill the gap between emergency room and a doctors office and provides all the medical services needed. Both adults and children over the age of six months can be treated at these care centers.

Urgent care clinics are not meant to replace your visits to primary care practitioner or necessary trips to emergency room. Regardless of the sickness or injury you have a doctor at this clinic can be of help to you. But it is the option for fast and expert care for several injuries and illnesses. Here are the most common illnesses and injuries treated at urgent care:

• Fever

• Coughs and colds

• Allergic reactions

• Burns

• Sprains

• Chest discomfort

• Shortness of breath

• Sore throat

• Earache

• Eye pain, injury or infection

• Sinus infection

• Conjunctivitis or pink eye

• Diarrhea or vomiting

• Rash

• Back pain

• Urinary tract infections

• Painful urination

• Injury to knee, ankle, foot, wrist, hand or elbow

• High blood pressure

• Abdominal pain

• Kidney stones

• Work related injuries

• Muscle strains and pain

• Immunizations for all ages

• Puncture wounds

• Sports physicals

• X-ray

• DOT physicals

Whenever you have an injury or illness that needs fast attention, then visit your nearest urgent care center. One should note that these care center is not a substitute for emergency room. You should seek emergency care services if you have conditions like:

• Severe abdominal pain

• Severe chest pain

• Sudden blurred vision

• Seizures

• Sudden and severe headache

• Difficulty breathing and shortness of breath

• Severe burns

• Sudden blurred vision

• Deep cuts or bleeding that wont stop

• Coughing up or vomiting blood

• Numbness in the face, arms or legs

Though the purpose of urgent care is not to handle patients in critical condition, it does rarely occur. In such conditions, clinics are equipped to stabilize patient until an ambulance arrives. These are less expensive when compared to emergency services, but little more expensive than a doctors office.

Urgent care Hemet offers you best medical services for any of your illness. Here the physicians can treat everything from the flu to an earache to a bladder infection to a skin infection or a broken bone. To know more about our urgent care clinic Hemet, you can visit our site.

How Much Weight Can You Safely Lose?

Weight loss should be a gradual process. Health and fitness experts have stated that one to two pounds per week is a safe and attainable weight loss goal. People should not try to lose more than two pounds per week without consulting with their doctors. Losing weight too quickly puts a person at risk for developing numerous health problems. Below are some of the health problems associated with quick weight loss:

Dehydration

Dehydration is a common problem associated with fast weight loss. Most of the weight that is lost during the first week is pure water weight. That is why people who attempt to lose weight too quickly are at an increased risk for becoming dehydrated. Dehydration can be dangerous if it is left untreated.

Malnutrition

Many people try to lose weight by following a very restrictive diet plan. These people are usually not getting the recommended amount of vitamins and minerals. Fatigue and dizziness are some of the symptoms associated with malnutrition.

Gallstones

Gallstones are crystalline-like masses that form in the gallbladder. If a person loses weight too quickly, his gallbladder will contract less. If the gallbladder is not contracting properly, gallstones will form. It is estimated that nearly 15 percent of people who lose weight quickly end up developing gallstones.

Lean muscle loss

The body needs lean muscle to protect the bones. However, if a person loses weight to quickly, his body will go into starvation mode. Starvation mode occurs when the body burns lean muscle instead of fat.

Losing weight the healthy way

Eating right and exercising not only help a person lose weight, but they also help him keep it off for the rest of his life. A well-balanced diet is one that is filled with whole-grain, fiber rich foods as well as fruits, vegetables and lean protein. This diet is also low in fried foods, processed foods and sweets.

Additionally, people should also make sure that they drink plenty of water. Experts recommend getting a minimum of thirty minutes of exercise per day. Walking, jogging, cycling and dancing are just a few of the many ways that people can get more activity into their day. People also need to make sure that get at least two resistance training sessions every week. Lunges, squats, lifting weights and push-ups are examples of resistance exercises.

Again, people should not try to lose more than two pounds per week without consulting with their doctors. Rapid weight loss makes a person more susceptible to becoming malnourished and dehydrated. It also can cause a person to develop gallstones and lose lean muscles. Furthermore, studies have shown that people are more likely to maintain a healthy body weight if they lose weight slowly.

If you require more information, please visit my blog: bzhealthtips.com, bzhealthtips.blogspot.com

Weight Loss on Raw Food Diet

People who practiced uncooked food diet are also considered to be vegetarians or vegans because they just eat natural food, and they tend to avoid eating fresh meat and poultry. The reason for this is because vegetables contain at most low-fat and has fewer calories.

The easiest way to lose excess fat is to eat lower calorie foods that are elevated in nutrients. When you eat foods lofty in nutrients, and you're able to assimilate them because your body is clean, then your hunger tends to decrease, as well as your cravings for "bad foods." Weight loss on uncooked food diet recipes is scientifically proven to reduce body weight. By slowly reducing fat intake and turning to raw food diet, the calories' intakes are lessened, and you will develop a healthier and happy life.

There seems to be a major shift in physiology, which makes one feel highly energized from raw food. I can at most theorize why this occurs. It is quite likely that a large part of cooked food can just go into fat production, because heat and acid alter it making it ametabolically in other complex processes. By contrast, raw food should break down into components, which can be directly metabolized in a variety of cells.

Organic raw foods may be necessary, unless a person is very clever in working around the worst pesticides. The effects are quite noticeable, which allows adjustments to be made.

The usual assumption is that the only supplement which is needed in theory is vitamin B12, because it is primarily found in meat. It originates with microbes, and very little is needed. Outside link on B12

There are several diet plans offered to aid you on how lose weight, but the following steps should be followed in a regular eating plan so that you can obtain healthy Weight Loss.

• Eat raw vegetable and fruits when you are hungry in between meals

• One should eat low calorie-raw foods instead of energy-dense raw foods in their diet.

• Rather than eating sugary and high-calorie snacks, it is better to eat a fruit or dessert.

• Eat an apple or any other raw fruit at least 20-30 minutes before all your meals.

• raw whole fruits instead of taking fruit juices or beverages with high calories.

Learning to eat a raw food diet is mostly trial and error. Whatever is available and one wants to eat is generally adequate. Protein is found in raw nuts and seeds, such as sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, filberts, etc., and sprouts are also a good source of protein. Plant proteins do not have the same balance of amino acids as animal protein, so a variety of sources are needed.

Sprouts are often part of a raw food diet. They do require a slight amount of work, but not necessarily a lot. The slightest sprouts to make are lentils. The simplest way to make them is simply to soak them in a large plastic cup for eight hours, then drain and keep moist by spraying and occasionally rinsing.

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Cayenne Pepper - Advantageous For Weight Loss or Not?

There have been a lot of websites boldly promoting the ability of cayenne pepper to aid in weight loss. As I have elsewhere included it as a beneficial constituent of a metabolic cooking program I thought I should do some further research.

The active ingredient in cayenne is capsaicin, which, without a doubt does speed up your metabolism. The big question is how much and at what cost? These are the primary questions, which directed my research, especially if too much cayenne can be damaging to the body.

The good news is that there is a positive correlation between capsaicin and both satiety and increased metabolism. The bad news is that rats that were fed cayenne demonstrated subsequent liver damage.

To put this into context I quote from the conclusion of one researcher," Capsaicin has been shown to be effective, yet when it is used clinically it requires a strong compliance to a certain dosage, that has not been shown to be feasible yet." This was the conclusion of a study of cayenne's ability to increase the metabolism.

I found the website of a doctor, who I will keep anonymous, who brazenly promoted an alternative as a way around this dilemma. Capsinoids are a non-pungent capsaicin-related substance.

The good doctor was kind enough to leave references to his claims. I studied the results of all of his referenced experiments. After studying them I came to the conclusion that someone, perhaps the publishers in attempting to sell the literature appear to have motivations biased toward the positive.

For example, the abstract of one such study pushed some non-significant or marginal results as demonstrating a positive correlation. When I looked at the studies themselves, the researchers clearly stated that there were no significant correlations.

My search did lead to one unexpected, but surprisingly positive result. I found these referenced on the good doctor's site although they were a red herring there as the experiment tested capsaicin not capsinoids.

This test was specifically designed to measure any relationship between consumption of cayenne and the subsequent levels of satiety after subjects consumed whatever they liked from a buffet.

The results showed a significant positive correlation between satiety and ingesting cayenne. The study was designed to measure both the gastrointestinal effects as well as the sensory effects. So, there were the usual placebo group, a group ingesting 0.9 grams of cayenne mixed in tomato juice and a group taking the same amount in capsules with tomato juice.

The men and women who took the capsules subsequently consumed 9.5% and 11.7% less, respectively than those in the placebo group. Interestingly, when the cayenne was mixed straight into the tomato juice those numbers increased to 14% and 16% respectively. Hence, there is also a significant correlation involving the sensory effects of taste. Which means it is better to eat cayenne naturally than to take it in capsule form or as a supplement.

So, not only does eating cayenne pepper significantly dampen appetite, it does more so for women. The only caution though is how much is too much. I highly recommend the spice as a regular part of your diet, but would not rely too much on it or use it alone as a strategy to lose weight.

Free tips about metabolic cooking could get you started on totally transforming your culinary habits.

10 Acne Free Skin Tips For Everyday Life

Acne is one of those pesky little problems that shows up especially when you dont want it to. Most people spend a lot of time and money to keep pimples from popping up but it doesnt always stop them. Because acne has several causes and not everyone experiences the same type of acne, it makes it difficult to completely eliminate acne from occurring.

The acne industry is continually growing due to its frequent occurrence. Acne products and treatments are widely available and used. However, what if there was another way to keep your skin clear of acne. Diet, lifestyle, habit, and skin care all contribute to acne free skin. Follow these tips to reduce your acne outbursts and keep your skin looking young and beautiful.

1. Avoid touching your face. Not just with your hands but also with anything that potentially has microorganisms on it such as hair, towels, pillows, or tissues. All of these can carry oil, dirt or bacteria onto the face, which can cause acne. Although its difficult, limit the contact between your face and hands. If you must touch your face remember to wash your hands first. Additionally, use clean towels, pillowcases and tissues when coming into contact with your face.

2. Dont pop your pimples. When you pop your pimples the bacterium within the clogged pores comes out, which can further spread the infection and inflammation. So instead of having one pimple you can end up with 20. Additionally you increase inflammation, and redness of the area surrounding the pimple due to the unnecessary pressure. Not to mention that if your hands are not clean when you pop your pimples, you can transfer more dirt, oil and bacteria into your pores making your acne worse.

3. Eat a healthy, balance diet. This includes eating fresh fruits and vegetables that are loaded with vitamins, minerals and water. Fruits and vegetables are easily digested and keep the flow of elimination in the body up to par. Caffeine, sugar and refined carbohydrates increase the oil produced within the sebaceous glands making acne more likely to occur. Eating a balanced diet keeps your skin healthy and nourished from the inside out. Healthy foods improve the look of your skin.

4. Drink water. The body needs water to properly hydrate the body, maintain blood pressure and elimination. Dehydrated skin, looks dry, can crack and can retain bacteria and toxins that is normally expelled through perspiration. Additionally water helps to maintain skins elasticity, which promotes cellular growth and repair. A proper amount of water to drink is 6-8 glasses daily. This will keep your skin glowing and naturally acne free.

5. Use oil free products. This includes cosmetics, cleansers, face washes, and hair products. The oil in these products can contribute to clogged pores and acne outbursts. Oil and cream based products can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Additionally, avoid using cosmetic products over pimples. Although its natural to use cosmetic products to cover up acne breakouts, it can actually make acne worse. The chemicals in make up can exacerbate acne and cause more inflammation on the skin.

6. Always remove make up at the end of the day before you go to bed. Leaving make up on you face allows pores to become clogged and acne bacteria to flourish. Residue from make up can accumulate on pillowcase and cause dirt and oil build up in your pores. Always use a fresh pillowcase to avoid sleeping on dirt and oils from your hair and face.

7. Shampoo your hair regularly. Dirty hair or hair with product in it can transfer oil, dirt and bacteria to you face upon contact. By keeping your hair clean you can avoid the transfer of these pore-clogging materials. If you do use product in your hair use a headband, or pull it back off your face. The chemicals in hair products although ok for your hair and scalp may cause irritation when it comes into contact with your face. Always shower after exercise as well. Sweat can cause product, oil and dirt to move from your hair to your face, which can get trapped in your pores causing acne to occur.

8. Exercise on a regular basis. Exercise increases circulation of the blood, nutrients and oxygen to the skin, which allows for proper expulsion of toxins and chemicals through perspiration. Exercise also reduces stress, which reduces the hormone imbalance within the body, which can cause acne.

9. Try to 6-8 hours of sleep a night. Our brain and body need time to reboot and recharge through sleeping. When we sleep our body cleanses the system of toxins from the previous day. In addition, sleep gives our body the rest it needs to be able to maintain all the systems of the body especially the immune system that protects our skin. Without adequate energy our body is unable to work properly and our systems dont work efficiently. Sleep restores our bodys energy levels so we can adequately fight off infection, inflammation and bacteria.

10. Stop smoking. There is no doubt that smoking is bad for you health. However, in addition to all the terrible things that it does to your bodies it also harms our skin and can actually make acne worse. If quitting is something you struggle with try to cut down on the amount you smoke until you are able to give it up completely.

Graduated with a BA in exercise science and have worked in the medical field since. My focus is alternative medicine however all aspects of health interest me. Check out my health website! http://www.universalhealthinfo.com/Acne_Free_Skin_Tips.html

Strength Training and Weight Loss

This article will discuss the impact of strength training on weight loss. First let's look at why losing muscle mass is so detrimental to your health. The average adult loses ½ pound of muscle per year? In a decade that's 5 pounds, in 20 years that's 10 pounds, in 30 years that's 15 pounds of muscle lost. So you might ask yourself, if losing muscle appears to be the norm why do most people gain weight? The answer is: because muscle burns more calories than fat. Therefore, your body is burning fewer calories, and if you continue to consume the same amount of calories they will be turned into fat.

When caloric intake exceeds calories being used the result is a surplus; typically your body will not just gain weight, but gain body fat-the worst kind of weight for health and appearance.

If you are losing muscle, it is because you are not using it, which most likely means that you are not exercising or active in a way that is putting enough stress on the muscles to stimulate growth or at least maintain them. The old adage, "if you don't use it, you loose it" definitely applies here!

Losing muscle means that you are losing your body's ability to optimally burn calories. In fact a pound of muscle burns many more calories that a pound of fat. A pound of fat burns 2 calories whereas a pound of muscle burns anywhere from 12 to 35 calories - depending on the source of research you read. While researchers can't agree on how many calories a pound of muscle actually burns, they are all in agreement that muscle burns more calories than fat and that the more muscle you have the higher your basal metabolic rate (BMR). The BMR is the amount of calories your body burns while at rest.

The more muscle you have on your body, the more efficient your metabolism is at burning calories. This is why young, athletic men can seemingly consume an endless number of calories while not gaining a pound. Literally, their body's internal "furnace" (BMR) are burning the calories faster than consuming them.

Additionally, muscle burns calories 24 hrs. a day, not just during the time you exercise. Compare that to aerobic exercise which burns calories primarily during the activity only. When you are strength training you are burning calories not only during the exercise, but you are burning calories every hour of every day, even on the days you haven't exercised because you have made your metabolism much more effective. This is not to say that aerobic exercise is bad, it is an important part of any fitness program because it does help to burn calories and improve circulation. If weight loss or maintenance is your goal, then you need to have some strength training in your exercise program. Strength training includes any exercise that provides your muscles resistance against an external force. Some examples of this include using dumbbells, barebells, kettleballs, exercise machines, and using your own body weight.

Now let's take a look at what happens when you go on a so called "diet." Let's say you lose 20 lbs. in two months and don't do any strength training. Some of the weight you have lost will be muscle - valuable calorie burning muscle! At this point you are 20 lbs. lighter and if you are like most people you will revert back to your old ways of eating. 95% of diets fail! Here's the problem: now you have less muscle which means you are going to be far less efficient at burning calories. The 20 lbs. comes back on quickly and maybe you even add some pounds on top of that. Feeling frustrated, you give up or try some other quick weight loss scheme, making your metabolism even slower and less efficient at burning calories. This is known as the "Yo-yo" cycle of dieting and has a tremendous negative impact on long-term health and well-being.

If you want to lose weight and successfully keep it off you must to do three things:

1. Include strength training in your weight loss program to maintain and build muscle.This will increase your basal metabolic rate (BMR). Not only will you lose weight more easily but you will keep it off for the long term as long as you include strength training as part of your life.

2. Lose weight slowly. It takes more time to build muscle than to lose it. Additionally, research has shown that people who lose weight slowly over time are most likely to keep it off.

3. Have a solid program of nutrition that features whole foods and avoids processed foods.

Finally, if you are struggling to lose the last 10 or 15 lbs. adding some strength training to your weight loss program will make all the difference!

Howard VanEs is an author, wellness writer, and yoga instructor with over 16 years of experience teaching yoga. He is passionate about helping people use natural methods to heal and empower their lives. His latest book "Ageless Beauty & Timeless Strength" shows women how to build upper body strength without any special equipment is available at Amazon athttp://www.amazon.com/dp/B006Y35RP0. His blog is http://www.exercisesforupperbody.com

What Does 6x, 12x, 30x Mean? Which HCG Product Is Best?

Dozens of brands of HCG drops are on the market now, and many of them proudly proclaim their formulations as 6x, 12x, 30x, 60x. What is the x factor? Simply put, each number which appears before the x tells you how many times the original substance was DILUTED with TEN PARTS of WATER. For example, a 1x formulation would be 10% as strong as the original element. A 2x formulation would be 1% as strong. A 6x, only.0001% as strong.

When you see multiple x factors, you have a substance that is comprised of various dilutions that have been blended together, so a 6x, 12x, 30x, 60x formulation would be a combination of dilutions, the STRONGEST of which is only.0001%!

In the practice of homeopathy, these extreme dilutions are considered a positive factor. The jury is very much out on the subject of whether this theory applies to HCG. Back in the 1950s, the famous Dr. Simeons injected the pure stuff, perhaps diluted with a little saline solution for effective distribution in the bloodstream and lymphatic system. And it worked.

We have seen homeopathic HCG drops on eBay for as little as $12.95. Considering the miniscule amount of HCG that actually has to be in such formulations, they are doubtless pretty profitable, and if the people who buy them BELIEVE they work, AND stick to a 500 calorie diet, they will lose weight. Perhaps the widespread marketing of ineffective or fake HCG drops and the associated customer complaints played a part in eBays recent decision to ban the sale of HCG products on their website; one thing is for sure, if you are trying to make it on 500 calories a day and the HCG that you are taking is not the real deal, you will be one miserable and unhappy customer.

This author didnt take the chance. I found the highest purity HCG that I could find without taking injections, and followed the owners manual to the letter, including the great FEAST before the fake FAMINE. Three days of eating all the stuff I had been depriving myself of by trying to watch my weight, followed by an amazing 40 days, during which I lost 30 pounds, six inches off my waist, 50 points off my blood sugar, and increased muscle strength by over 12%!

But the fact is, over 90% of the people who lose weight on a diet gain it back. Why? Because nothing changed during the diet except the reading on the bathroom scales. Only those people who make a fundamental change in their food and activity mindset during the process of losing weight will find success in maintaining the weight loss and other associated good health benefits.

I was not one of those people. I went back to most of my old eating habits, and gained back about 20 of those pounds over the next couple of months. Fortunately, the missing link fell into place for me in the form of the incredible audio training program called MPH for Life, by Dr. Michael Cutler and Monica Balanzategui. I began absorbing and internalizing this information, resumed a course of MPH Drops and lost 38 pounds in the next 40 days, and am now maintaining a 48 pound weight loss except for about 5 pounds that have been gained in muscle mass thanks to my efforts at the gym with a personal trainer and a concentration on strength training and building the upper chest... I can actually do a pull up for the first time in my life, and wear 32 inch pants for the first time in memory!

After discovering MediPure HCG and losing a lifetime of abnormal fat, Lou became a crusader for weight loss using high potency HCG. Get the amazing story at http://www.mphweightloss.com

About Becoming a Yoga Instructor

On a global scale, the field of job opportunities for yoga instructors has recently opened up, and the many new "fusion" styles of yoga offered provide teachers with even more material to cover. Considering this, the question of how long and what it takes to become a yoga instructor is on the minds of many.

Yoga is a diverse, polyglot, and a multinational phenomenon, so to define standards for yoga in totality would be impossible. Around the world there is no single body that regulates yoga. Some forms of yoga are good for mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health. Some styles focus on only one of the four aspects, while others focus on two or more.

Many Hatha Yoga styles provide a basic framework for yoga teacher training, which suggests that a teacher complete a minimum of 200 hours of training. The training should be made up of hours, spent in observation, writing, researching, and other activities. Beyond this minimum, teachers may be certified at higher levels (such as the 500 hour certification) and in specialties, such as prenatal yoga or childrens yoga. Yoga teacher training programs offered through various institutions for 200 hours of training usually last about three months.

Similar to martial arts and many forms of alternative healing yoga is a unique field with many aspects. For the most part, there is no mandate for teachers to have the student background suggested by some of the ashrams and certifying bodies. Anyone studying yoga may choose at any time to begin teaching. Online courses and other correspondence courses of yoga teacher training, offer curriculum lasting an average of three months to a year.

If you wish to become an instructor in a specialized subset of yoga, such as a hot or power style, training is usually proprietary. Bikram teaching must be handled directly through Bikrams Yoga College of India, which owns the trademarked name. Such training is nine weeks long and offered all over the world.

Others studying yoga choose to receive training in India, where many schools cater to English-speaking yoga teacher trainees. Training at a yoga center in India lasts from one to four months on average. Although the plane ticket may be prohibitively expensive, the training itself is quite affordable, with some courses costing as little as an online yoga instructor certification course.

Research several options, because very few training programs will teach you how to find a yoga teacher position or how to start your own business. While a solid foundation in yoga, and how to teach, can launch you on your career path for years to come; it is important for teacher trainees to know where the jobs are and how to get them.

© Copyright 2011 - Aura Wellness Center - Publications Division

Faye Martins, is a Yoga teacher and a graduate of the Yoga teacher training program at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/

How To Get Rid Of Cellulite Beyond Diet And Exercise

If it wasn't for this darn cellulite! Do you look down at your legs and see bumps and lumps? Women have some unique issues when it comes to getting smooth and shapely legs.

For one thing we are up against Mother Nature. A woman's body is built for child-bearing and along with the privilege of bringing life into this world comes a backup supply of fat.

This extra fat often appears as lumps, bumps and dimples on the legs, thighs, backside, and even on the arms.

All this unattractive bumpiness leaves us covering up and hiding behind long clothes even in the warmest months.

Cellulite is simply fat, but there is something unique about it.

Cellulite consists of bulging fat cells and trapped liquids that lie just below the skin. These fat cells grow in pockets surrounded by connective tissue. When all is working well the result is smooth body lines. Sometimes these fat cells put pressure on the surrounding connective tissue and cause the build-up of fluids, fat, and toxins. This build-up hardens and forms the "cottage cheese" appearance.

The surprising thing is that you don't even have to be overweight to have cellulite...

So getting rid of cellulite is not simply a matter of diet and exercise alone. In fact, it has something to do with our modern foods. The foods today are filled with chemicals that are toxic. These toxins cause a surge of the female hormone estrogen, which increase the likelihood of fat storage in the lower body.

So you might be thinking that cellulite is something you have to live with for the rest of your life. I mean, even if you get the weight off, the lumps could remain. But what you don't understand is that cellulite can be tackled.

The stubborn pockets of cellulite have a lot to do with the chemistry of your body and by learning how to gain control over those biochemical pathways you can soften and smooth the pockets of fat.

Here are some things to understand about getting rid of cellulite:

 

• Your body has two opposing receptors that regulate how much fat is stored in cellulite pockets and how much is released.


• Long slow exercise is good for your heart, but will never smooth cellulite


• Your fat distribution is directed by hormones in your body. Many of the packaged foods sold today, even packaged diet foods, contain preservatives, colors, additives and other chemicals that trigger fat storing hormones.

 

It is hard to come to the realization that many of the things you do that you thought were the right choices are actually feeding your cellulite.

There are three things that need to work together to cure cellulite:

1. You have to cleanse, detoxify and balance your body through proper diet to speed fat metabolism.

2. You need to maximize nutrition on workout days to move fat out of the cellulite pockets.

3. You need to stimulate your slow metabolism through nutritional timing to ensure ongoing fat loss.

What you don't need is hour long workouts, starvation dieting, worthless diet supplements, or "wonder" creams. There is a science to promote smooth skin and a tone body.

Do you want to learn how to pick the right foods from your grocery store shelf to combat these toxins and get rid of your cellulite. My Quick and Easy Weight Loss Plan shows you how you can lose 5 pounds this week and smooth out bumpy skin by eating the right foods.