Monday, December 31, 2012

Five Healthy Snack Tips For Kids



Snacks are very important in children's diets. Not only does it help reduce hunger and cravings, but it also provide them with the nutrients and energy they need. Kids are very active and they grow rapidly so they need more nutrients and more smaller meals throughout the day. Apart from the three main meals, kids need snacks in between meals and maybe even before bedtime. But here comes the challenge. Even if you're firm about serving your your child healthy snacks, it can really be tough to come up with nutritious snack ideas when all they crave for are candies, chips and other junk. Running out of healthy snack ideas? Let me share to you some healthy snack tips that you can serve to your kids.

1. Serve your kids fruit smoothies instead of regular fruit juices. For most kids, fruits are just more fun when it is served in the form of a smoothie. Well, as an adult, I also find smoothies more interesting and tasty than plain fruit juices. To do this, blend together yogurt, milk, and any combination of fresh fruits such as bananas and strawberries. Toss in a couple of ice cubes to make it even more refreshing.

2. Keep junk food out of the house. Instead, stack up on organic whole grain snacks such as granola, crackers, rice cakes and baked chips. It is not bad to allow your child to indulge in ice cream, chocolates and greasy, salty chips once in a while, but it is very important to train them to make healthier snack choices while they are still young. If they don't see these junk in your pantry, then your child is less likely to want or crave them. As a parent, you should also set a good example by not eating junk food all the time and by choosing healthy foods for snacks.

3. Have your children help you make healthy snacks. You can make sandwiches using whole grain bread and organic spreads together. Give them some cute cookie cutters and let them use it to shape their sandwich. You can also let them make silly faces on a plate using the shaped foods. Be creative.

4. If you don't have time to prepare a snack, store lots of healthy ready to eat snacks in your pantry. Stock up on organic snack bars. A snack bar is basically a ready to eat snack which has lots of essential vitamin and mineral supplements in them. It may contain apples, oats and other natural ingredients. What's also good about it is that most snack bars sold in organic stores are free of transfats and high fructose corn syrups. They also come in various flavors such as apple, peanut butter, banana that your kids would surely love.

5. Be creative when incorporating vegetables to their food. I'm sure parents would agree that it is extremely tough to get your child to eat vegetables. One popular way to make them eat their vegetables is by hiding the vegetables. Puree is the magic word. You can easily add in vegetables into their favorite food such as macaroni and cheese or dumplings without them knowing it. I know it's quite a shady technique, but if it can help you feed more vegetables to your child then go ahead puree 'em veggies!




Go organic today for your child's healthier future. Jem's Natural Living offers a wide assortment of eco friendly home products, organic baby products, and natural health products. Buy organic food and stock up on healthy snacks today.

Why Are You So Lazy When It Comes to Your Health?



When it comes to being healthy, there are thousands of people who become lazy. They become lazy when it comes to their health and they wonder why they have symptoms of illness or disease. They wonder what may have caused the heart attack or stroke.

The cause of many sicknesses, diseases, and health traumas such as heart attacks can be linked to food additives. I would say food additives cause many of the illnesses people encounter today.

Since the damaging effects of food additives do not occur immediately, a person does not often put two and two together. There are many harmful food additives that when consumed throughout the years starts to cause illness and disease. Some of these are artificial sweeteners, MSG (monosodium glutamate), and trans-fats.

When you decide to purchase a food item, you need to learn to not only read the nutrition label, but you also must read the list of ingredients. It may seem time-consuming or too much trouble at first, but it will become easier.

When you start reading the list of ingredients, you will begin to see all of the harmful chemicals, additives, and "nicely-named" toxins and poisons in your food.

One of the main additives that causes a lot of life-long destruction in the form of heart attacks and strokes are trans-fats. These are listed on the nutrition label. If there is more than 0.0 trans-fats, you should not consume that item. Trans-fats can also be recognized by the ingredients list. If you see the words "partially-hydrogenated", those are trans-fats. You need to read both the nutrition label and the ingredients. Some manufacturers won't list their food as having trans-fats in both places or they will use a disguised name in the list of ingredients.

Trans-fat is the leading cause of heart attacks and strokes. It is a man-made, un-natural fat. The other three fats of saturated, poly-unsaturated, and mono-unsaturated are not damaging as these are naturally occurring in foods.

Stop being lazy when it comes to your health and you'll find that you feel better and have less occurrence of illnesses and symptoms of disease.

Many of the packaged food items are unhealthy for you. Many of the frozen food items are unhealthy for you. Just because it looks pretty and healthy on the box, doesn't mean that it is.

The easiest way to shop healthy in the grocery store is to buy items in their natural state from the produce section of the store. Some nuts are ok too as long as they don't contain MSG (natural flavor) in them. If you like meat, be sure it doesn't have any harmful food additives in them.

Lastly, just because it says organic, doesn't mean it is healthy. Many of the organic foods have harmful food additives in them as well.




Fitness Nutrition and Health is Fun

5 Fast and Fun Exercises You Can Do at the Pool

Although summer is still officially a few weeks away the passing of Memorial Day weekend unofficially starts summer due to the fact that community pools across the country are now open for enjoyment. Now I know that most people believe that summer is a time to be lazy and just hang around the pool, but the pool can be a great tool to use to get some exercise and stay toned. So, when you are at the pool try these fast and fun pool exercises to stay fit!


  1. Water Marching - First, start off by standing up straight with good posture and then begin walking through the water. March with continuous strides extending arms and legs as far as they can go. If your pool stays the same depth all the way through you can use the entire length otherwise use the length of the shallow end. Start with a goal of doing it for two minutes or until slightly breathless.

  2. Jumping Jacks - Your fitness level will be greatly affected by this exercise; so if you are a beginner dont get discouraged at first if you have trouble doing it. Start with your feet together and standing straight up with arms relaxed by your side. Bend your knees slightly and then proceed to push up off the ground as high as you can. As you jump up, kick your legs out to the side while pointing the toes downward and arms coming up above your head making a star shape. Once you land then immediately jump back up and bring your legs and arms back to your side in the starting position. Repeat 10 to 15 times.

  3. Arm Toning - There are a few ways to tone your arms in the pool. The first way is to come up to be in the pool facing the ledge with your arms and feet shoulder with apart. Once you have a solid base push away from the wall, extending your arms to a soft bend in the elbows. Repeat 10 to 15 times. Another arm toning exercise is to grab a small ball and stand in the water upright with your arms extended in front of you. Breathe and begin to move the ball in the water in a figure eight pattern doing rhythmically and maintaining good posture. Repeat 10 to 15 times.

  4. Waist Trimmer - With your back against the poolside and your arms on the edge for support bring your knees to your chest. Breathe in and then extend legs out in front of you. Once you have done that move them to the left and then to the right before coming back to the center. Exhale and bring the knees back to your chest. Repeat 10 to 15 times.

  5. Squats - Stand upright with your feet apart. Inhale, and then proceed to squat down into the water like siting onto a step. Once you reach a squatting position, exhale and proceed back to upright position. Repeat 10 to 15 times.

So, the next time you arrive at the pool and park on the chair, use these five fun and fast fitness exercises to burn some calories and stay toned.

David Mcgarry is the creator of Working Mom Workouts http://www.workingmomworkouts.com. He has been in the health and fitness industry for more than a dozen years. Working Mom Workouts are fitness programs specifically designed to meet the busy life of a working mom while at the same time providing maximal fat loss. If you are looking for a great resource that focuses on health and fitness tips you can read more at the blog http://www.workingmomworkouts.com/blog

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Age Appropriate Scrub Styles for Nurses



Blouses, pants and bags aren't the only things that are evolving and changing. There are also designs and new scrub suit styles. When it comes to scrubs, it is important that you are able to maintain a professional and comfortable look.

Younger people might have a more modernized taste than older individuals. The situation is the same between young nurses and the senior ones. It is fortunate that young nurses can choose from styles that will suit them, while older nurses can likewise decide on which design might look best on them.

There are classic scrubs with the regular colors and cut. You might have seen this type of uniform countless times. A uniform can be appropriate for a couple of reasons. Age can be a very common reason. Classic uniforms can look fine among younger nurses, and it will likewise look good among the older ones. In that regard, here are some age-appropriate scrub styles for nurses like you.

- Know how classic scrubs will look like. Look at pictures online and check the magazines, too. You should opt to have it made with comfortable fit. You should not wear anything too tight or anything too loose. You also need to be particular with the length of the pants and blouse that you have for your scrubs. The pants should just be the right length. You should prevent the lining from touching the ground and gathering dirt. The top can be a little on the long side. This will allow more comfortable movement for you. Aside from that, you do not have to worry about keeping your midsection from showing every time you have to reach something.

- The classic design can be suitable for anyone. The designs and embellishments are minimized and the color is usually the same all throughout.

- If you are up for a little adventure, you can use those with a little more color. This can be great for young nurses who are willing to try a few prints and color combinations from time to time. Aside from getting those that have figures and pictures on them, you can also check out the scrubs with lines or checkered print. This can allow you to get a good color combination.

- The use of scrubs with V-necks can be a hassle for most people. The neckline can be troublesome especially if you have to lean down a lot of times. You can do away with this issue by getting yourself some tops that do not have V-necklines. There are those that are rounded and there are also those with cutouts along the collarbone for easier movement.

- If you are a bit old, you might not be comfortable wearing tight pants. Your only option will be to have pants that are at least loose on your legs but fit well on your waist and hips. The waistband needs to be comfortable even if it is lined with garter. It should not be too tight as it will leave marks after you have taken the pants off.




Arnold K. David enjoys writing for Uniformhaven.com which sells landau scrubs and urbane scrubs as well as a host of additional products.

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Breast Augmentation - Explore Common Reasons Women Want This Surgery

It doesnt matter if youve always dealt with a small upper body or simply want to get your chest back to the full, sexy bosom you once had, you may consider surgery to achieve the best results. While plenty of women wear padding, inserts and push-up bras, this can get really old, really fast. Thats because doing this can make you feel self-conscious and really stressed about your appearance. Breast augmentation can give you the results youve been hoping for. Examine why women get this operation.

Breast feeding

Words cannot describe how life changes once you get pregnant and have a baby. There are so many emotions to deal with and many times its a time of discovery and awe. So when the body changes throughout the nine months, it can be a bit surprising. The chest will get fuller and fuller because the body is making milk so the mother can feed the baby.

Then, once the baby is born, the mother can nurse. Nursing is a natural part of motherhood, but it can wreak serious havoc on the chest. Once the mother stops, the chest may shrivel up and may look unrecognizable in some cases. This can be extremely devastating to some new moms. Thats why once theyve had all their kids, many mothers get breast augmentation to help them feel good about themselves again. This operation can change a persons life simply by giving them the self-esteem they need.

Flat chest

For many ladies, having a nice, round upper body is synonymous with womanhood. So if theyre wearing an A cup, it may be hard to live up to the ideas of womanhood in their minds. While many ladies go through life simply dealing with the issue, it can be really annoying sometimes.

If you constantly obsess about having a larger bosom and you dont want to wear falsies, breast augmentation could help. This operation gives women a chance to have a more permanent solution to their small-chest problem. A surgeon will work with you to help you decide what type of implant is best for you and what will help you yield your desired results. For the most part, many ladies are pleased with getting this procedure to help pump up their small bosom.

A break up

When someone has recently gone through a bad break up, the situation can be devastating. And if its been a long time since this person has had to go on a date, their fears and anxiety may double. Thats because many people, ladies, feel self-conscious about showing their bodies or looking appealing to someone new. So to help boost self-confidence, many women get plastic surgery, particularly breast augmentation. This way, when they go on their new date, they will feel better about how they look.

Age

It never fails; age will get the best of everyone at some point. And when it comes to the chest, this area can get really saggy and droopy. If you want to get your chest back to where it belongs, breast augmentation can be a solution youre looking for.

Choose a breast augmentation new orleans that has years of experience in providing patients with the bust that they desired. For more information, visit http://www.doctorkinsley.com

How to Tackle Distractions in Home Transcription



Shut the door? Close the window? Use ear plugs? Here are some ways that you can conquer distractions while working as a medical transcriptionist from home. As one of the well paid, attractive home-based jobs, medical transcription is a good career choice in spite of recession and other outsourcing and economic problems. Eliminating commuting besides saving time and money, a home-based medical transcription career can still have its ups and downs. Working from home can still be a daunting task with innumerable and unexpected distractions equaling the advantages of having a well-paid home medical transcription job.

Are you enjoying the benefits of a home transcription career but are still besieged with distractions? Do your distractions range over noisy neighbors, kids who yell, barking dogs, household chores, phones that constantly ring, knocking on your front door, couriers, mailmen and neighbors who want to have a chat? Just imagine being beset with holdups and distractions when you have set your sights on a home-based medical transcription job and your employers expect the best from you! Just when you are concentrating on transcribing dictations from doctors, the family just cannot imagine that you are actually working from home... so you will be in demand with family, friends and neighbors who cannot understand the concept of a home-based job.

Organize the Perfect Ambiance

Plan your day with care and finish all pending tasks before you hit your desk for a day-long uninterrupted session of transcribing medical records. With distractions within and without your home, you can carry on with your home-based medical transcription by organizing your day, making breakfast and lunch early, getting the kids ready for school, calling a babysitter if you have a toddler and shopping over the weekend instead of during the week. Switch on your answering machine and leave all calls to be answered later unless it's an emergency. Get your phone number removed from telemarketing lists besides setting up your workstation away from the TV, washing machine, telephone and getting a private phone line to be used only for official purposes.

You can arm yourself against distractions by closing the door and minimize disturbances by being on the 'hide' mode on yahoo, GMail, twitter and any other social networking sites. Set up a fairly cheap broadband connection in case of any calamities while working on your home-based medical transcription job. Keep refreshing your mind while grabbing a quick bite by watching the news or a soap opera that has been re-telecasted and by taking short breaks whenever time permits. Say 'NO' to socializing as that time taken sitting around and chatting can be used to finish pending transcribing work, correcting mistakes or undertaking an emergency transcription. Stay fit to minimize any minor illnesses while taking small 5-minute breaks to ease the strain on your eyes. Try and finish your transcription work before the kids head back from school and if you are tired listen to soothing music playing softly in the background. Wear headphones that are comfortable, keep your workstation neat, check on your surroundings so that you can have a good ambiance and the privacy needed to complete a medical transcription job at home peacefully.




V Transcription offers Home-Based Medical Transcription Jobs

V Transcription has established itself as an excellent medical transcription company in Belden, Mississippi, USA. Blending accuracy, timely delivery and a cost-effective approach, the company provides quality transcription to vendors overseas with expertise, experience and efficacy. V Transcription is powered by Infraware to provide outsourced Medical Transcription Services. The company delivers medical reports adhering to stringent HIPAA regulations, besides following all the latest updates of the HITECH Act. Incorporating data-interchange with healthcare facilities, the transfer process evolves on a 128-bit SSL certified platform to ensure protection and privacy.

For More Details: http://www.usmedicaltranscriptionservice.com/

Friday, December 28, 2012

5 Basic Facts About the Littmann Master Cardiology Stethoscope



There really isn't a question why doctors need to have the best stethoscope available. As medical experts, they would have to make sure that they make use of only the best tools in the business; thus choosing the right instruments matters. If you go ahead and check out stethoscope reviews, you will often see that the Littmann Master Cardiology Stethoscope tops the list. Why is this so? Let us take a look at the basics about this Littmann model to understand why it is so in-demand in the market today:

• The products from this manufacturer have been known to carry quite the reputation and have provided nothing but the highest quality in all of their offerings. In fact, several consumers have given this very product, the Master Cardiology unit rather rave reviews and high ratings due to the fact that there is great clarity in the acoustics, allowing doctors and nurses to easily detect their patients' heart rates and any internal physical obstructions which can be treated with proper medical care.

• Even the "lesser" models in the brand's line of products have seen high praise, although this specific model is known to be one of the best in what they have to offer.

• It actually bears a lot of difference from the rest of the stethoscopes in the company's line, especially when you take the company's patented single sided tunable diaphragm into consideration. This feature actually makes it possible for doctors and nurses to monitor either low or high frequency sounds without requiring them to turn over or completely change the chest piece.

• Aside from that, this one of a kind model also showcases a special procedures adapter, which is specifically developed by the company to detect rather difficult pediatric or site auscultation.

• One of Littmann's many unique features in many of their models is their innovative"two in one tube" design. Upon closer inspection, you will see that the chest piece is actually crafted from polished solid steel. It also features the soft sealing ear tips which is what Littmann is known for, making it convenient for users to plug it into their ears.

To help you decide why this product is a good investment, I'll give you a clear cut idea of the features of this device, they are summarized below:
o High performance acoustics
o Special procedures adapter
o Stainless steel non-chill rim
o Double leaf binaural spring
o Soft sealing ear tips
o Seven year warranty




Granted, there are plenty of stethoscope reviews telling you to purchase other brands, but make no mistake - Littmann Master Cardiology Stethoscope is definitely a solid piece of investment that will last you a long time. It is after all, considered to be the Best Stethoscope for doctors.

Foods To Avoid With Gout To Feel Better

Many people suffering from gout are written prescriptions, but they are also told that there are foods to avoid with gout. It would be smart on their part to follow the doctors advice and limit certain things from their diet. What many people dont understand is the reason behind the diet changes. There is a very good reason for it.

Uric acid is a natural component of our bodies and at normal levels is not harmful to us at all. This acid is the product of our systems breaking down proteins so that we can use them for fuel. The more protein we eat, the more uric acid we produce. High protein is among the most common foods to avoid with gout. This includes red meats (especially organ meats) and many seafood products. Animal protein is the most difficult for our body to break down and usually results in higher levels of uric acid because of it. You can sometimes eat white meats in small portions. However, they are not recommended as part of a daily diet if you suffer from severe gout and your uric acid levels are already much too high.

Plant proteins can cause some increase in acid levels, but not nearly as much as animal ones. However, there are still some vegetables listed on the foods to avoid with gout that you should be aware of. The most common are beans. All sorts of beans (kidney, navy, lima, and many more) should be eaten in small amounts, if at all. Your green leafy vegetables like spinach might not be included in your diet anymore either. Even broccoli can cause some issues with some people suffering from this condition. Carrots, tomatoes, onions, and peppers are all safe bets if you still want to include vegetables in your diet. Fruits are usually safe (and sometimes beneficial) to add to any meal while still allowing you to get the recommended servings for a well-balanced diet.

Many people have a problem with this type of diet because they have a hard time getting protein while following the suggested foods to avoid with gout list. If you are looking for some ideas of how to get your protein without getting yourself into trouble with your uric acid levels; you can try adding more dairy products. Yogurt and cheese are great examples. You can also add eggs, tofu, and peanut butter to your choices without many complications.

There are many foods to avoid with gout. If you want to learn more and get your free 5 step guide to getting rid of gout overnight visit http://foodshighinpurines.com.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Is Long-Term Care Insurance Right for You?



Over the past years long-term care insurance has become a topic that many people are getting interested in. As a former health professional that worked with the elderly I have seen how few Americans are dealing with the fact that as a whole we are living much longer which means more people are likely to need care in their elder years. The cost of that needed care is rising much faster than the cost of living. Long-term care insurance is one answer to this problem. Only 10% of older Americans have long-term care insurance. The reason being is that it is a gamble and an expensive one. This article should help you decide if long-term care insurance is right for you.

Unfortunately there is really no simple answer to whether long-term care insurance is right for you. You have to consider the likelihood that you will need enough paid care to make it worthwhile for you and the cost over the years of specific policies. Keep in mind these three essential facts when making this decision.

Long-term care insurance is added security, not an investment. The odds are small that you will actually need and collect benefits for long enough to justify the high premiums you will pay to have the coverage. But if you can afford a good policy, it can provide you and your family extra security against the very real possibility of high long-tern care costs.

The benefits from long-term care insurance are for way down the road. A "fun fact" is that 50% of all the claims that are ever made on theses policies are not made until the insured person is well within their eighties. Another 40% of the claims are not made until a person is in their seventies. So if you are in your forties right now, you are paying premiums to protect yourself from a situation that is probably 30 to 40 years away. With most of these policies it means that you will have to pay and afford those premiums for all those years. It also means you need a policy that has good inflation policy so that when you finally claim the benefits, that will have kept up with the cost of the care you will need.

The goal of long-term care insurance is to protect your assets and not making sure you get healthcare in your elder years. If you become low on funds and all your assets are gone, Medicaid will pay the full cost of nursing home care. Currently Medicaid pays half the nation's long-term nursing home costs.

Whether long-term care insurance is right for you is a tough question to answer. In the event you are unable to answer the questions your self there are professionals such as personal healthcare consultants available that can take you through your options.




For almost 20 years I have been an active contributor to many online publications. The topics I find interesting range from hobbies such as jewelry making to much more serious topics as healthcare.

Nautilus R514 Recumbent Exercise Bike Review - Great Features Set



Our Nautilus R514 recumbent exercise bike ratings survey showed reviews dominated by positive remarks from a wide number of customers. As the best alternative to exercising in the gym, it not only helps one to save money but attain the desired shape within a comfortable and classic environment. It has been designed to enable one ride for a long period of while using a lot of energy thereby reducing the unwanted weight with ease.

Careful evaluation of several remarks from clients shows that a large number of them were impressed by the fact that the bicycle was able to register overall miles, normal rate of the heart and calories. Many positive comments were directed to the smoothness of the pedaling. Because of this unique feature, a reviewer with an injured knee was able to exercise comfortably and did not feel any pain even after the exercise.

The bicycle fan, which works very well, was also a major feature that impressed many people. One reviewer was able to get excellent results at the age of 45 by losing about five pounds in only one month and achieved a great shape and waistline. Others said that it was very sturdy, adjustable, quiet to ride, front rollers make it easy for one to move it around while training and it allows you to maintain a comfortable posture when training.

The benefits of this bicycle are that one can enjoy exercising in a comfortable environment; it is well designed to provide the right posture to the user during workout and reduces joint strain. The programmable heart rate technology is a great motivation to the user to achieve their set goals; magnetic resistance that is Eddy-current controlled maximizes the bicycle efficiency and enhances its durability.

It is widely used in a number of gyms precisely because of its reliability and great ergonomic design.

The unique features and specifications includes: four polar speed programs with which you can use the heart rate chest belt, telemetry and grip, seven profile lessons, sixteen resistance settings and a flywheel that is twenty pounds in weight. It accommodates a maximum user weight of three hundred pounds, and comes with a great oversized backlit LCD for easy viewing.

The bicycle has a holder for your water bottle, and a rack for magazine or book, gear basket that is integrated, extra large deluxe pedals, it's easy to switch to kilometers from miles, a fan that is very powerful, suitable step-through, flexible lumbar support and a multi-position seat.

The bicycle manufacturer guarantees ten years warranty on frame, two years warranty on mechanical parts, a year's warranty on electronic parts, half a year each on wear and labor. Certainly, from the features set and ratings surveyed, the Nautilus R514 recumbent exercise bike comes across as a great option to complement your home gym.




Finn Trader is passionate about fitness equipment that is effective and built to last, and that includes the Nautilus exercise bike range. Check out reviews on the whole range of top models and in particular the excellent Nautilus R514 Recumbent Exercise Bike here.

Causes and Stuttering Therapies for Children

Does your child have speech problems and need stuttering therapies? If you notice that your child displays serious difficulty in letting out words, it would help if you would take them immediately to a specialist to know if the condition is clinical that must be treated with urgency or just a normal childhood stress. At first, it is alarming to discover that your child is having these symptoms but procrastination would not help. After careful observation, it would be a smart move to educate yourself about stuttering and the facts surrounding it.

There are numerous factors causing speech disorder, let alone stuttering. It can be hereditary as well as psychological or neurological. You will need professional advice to help you figure it out what causes your childs stuttering and which from the stuttering therapies would best apply. There are several recommendations such as psychotherapy, group therapy, medications and speech therapy and choosing which will require a concrete basis.

Hereditary - the problem could possibly run in the family and this specific cause alone may render the condition incurable. The possibility somehow stresses that stuttering therapies could have slower effect than when the speech disorder is psychological.

Psychological - It is possible that the person suffering from speech disorder have had a traumatic experience that left them with fits of anxiety and heavy stress that in turn cause the stuttering. These horrid experiences could cause them to be nearly socially paralyzed trying to avoid conversations and prefers isolation. As much as possible, they would like to save themselves from humiliation. From the stuttering therapies applicable, psychotherapy suits.

Neurological - Children considerably have weaker resistance to side effects of strong medicines such as tranquilizers and sedatives which are commonly used to treat panic attacks and anxiety disorders, conditions that are related to nerve reactions and reflexes. Although doctors have seen its curing potential, these medicines do not promise lasting effect.

Parents need to be careful in choosing from among the stuttering therapies available. There may be a lot of considerations including the cost but what you need to be more concerned is its effectiveness. Monetary issues can be taken for granted but not your childs condition. Have your child diagnosed as soon as possible to prevent further complications. Give your child the attention and love that he needs to be able to cope up from early stress. These small gestures will help shape a better future fro him.

Curing stuttering and stammering is not impossible. Most people just choose to ignore it hoping it will go away, but it does not.

There are a ton of excellent guides out on the internet that will allow you to get professional stuttering cure in a cheap and effective way that will not bust your bank account like what expensive speech therapy will do.

The best resource Ive found over the years is still available at http://www.cureyourstuttering.com. It has been proven to work for adults and children alike and many have been recommending it like crazy.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Improve Your Workout - Wear a Balance Band



Balance bands are a relatively new product in the exercise community, and they are quickly gaining popularity amongst professional athletes and actors who attest to the positive impact that the bands have had on their lives. Most say that the bands provide enhanced strength and balance, and they are said to intensify the natural energy that flows within the body. Some of the prominent people who use this performance bands include acclaimed English footballer David Beckham, actor Russell Crowe, Andy Irons and Kate Middleton.

These performance bands have been featured in several magazines and newspaper articles and they have received both criticism and praise. Critics have continually discredited the bands claiming that they do not have a strong scientific or theoretical basis.

The product is the innovative creation of two American brothers Josh and Troy, who came up with a theory exploring the natural energy generated by our bodies and how the energy can be enhanced using balance bands. They claim that everything has energy including our bodies, and they therefore focused their time on coming up with a way of integrating this positive energy with our holograms. This was done in order to make our bodies more flexible and enhance our balance.The theory is based on making the best out of the energy flow that emanates from the body. The hologram on the band is believed to receive and respond to the energy emitted by the body.

Specialists have concluded that the power in these balance bands is based on the pure power of belief; believing that the bands have a positive effect gives you an upper hand against your opponent and multiplies your chances of succeeding in any competitive activity. This explains why athletes are particularly the majority of people who greatly use these bands. Wearing the band boosts morale, because it symbolizes how much you believe in yourself.

Muscle tests, also referred to as kinesiology, have been conducted to prove the authenticity of the bands and what people claim it can do. However, critics' claim that these tests can be faked which means that there is no conclusive evidence to back up the findings about capabilities of the power bands.

Despite the mixed publicity, the balance bands are doing great in the market. A single band retails for about $29.99, and about 3 million bands have been sold across the globe since they went into production.

Get one of these balance bands if you believe in the power of belief; NBA star Shaquille O'Neill thinks it works well for him and it could also work well for you.




Orbus Leisure launch their new collection of Balance Bands! Visit the Orbus Leisure Website today.

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Health IT - Best Practices to Minimize Cash Flow Disruptions Resulting From ICD-10 Implementation



When any business is involved with a major system conversion, at risk is the potential disruption to cash flow, resulting in a negative impact to the bottom line. With the current ICD-10 implementation deadline of October 1, 2013 quickly approaching, medical organizations need to be well prepared to handle the financial risks associated with this initiative. In order for medical organizations to effectively mitigate the risks involved with ICD-10 implementation, it is imperative for them to include a thorough review of potential cash flow risks as part of their overall ICD-10 planning.

A component of a sound holistic risk mitigation strategy includes providers understanding their current revenue stream and be able to forecast possible changes to cash flow before, during, and post ICD-10 implementation. Medical organizations who proactively engage in advanced planning to protect revenue loss will also experience the unique opportunity to evaluate and improve their overall business operations, maximize operational efficiency, enhance their revenue stream, and control costs on a global scale.

While it is expected that reimbursements will initially decline with ICD-10 conversion, providers should now be engaged in aggressively taking advantage of the time remaining to diagnose and put in place a risk mitigation plan that will address any cash flow fluctuations from moving to ICD-10. To help medical organizations and providers prepare to make the transition to ICD-10, consider the following nine best practice action items when preparing a risk mitigation plan:

1. Explore and determine budgeting avenues for additional cash reserves if material delays in payment occur resulting from the transition to ICD-10.

2. Perform a comprehensive review of all managed care contracts to potentially negotiate protective language relevant to reimbursement in the event payment shifts occur that could have a negative impact to cash flow and subsequently the bottom line.

3. Conduct a series of financial modeling to better understand the financial implications of moving from ICD-9 to ICD-10 and forecast the revenue impact by provider or facility, line of business, and geography.

4. Proactively engage with high-volume payers to assess their readiness level to process claims in the ICD-10 compliant format.

5. Develop a strategic plan for the coding, billing and claim backlogs processes to minimize disruptions and maximize cash flow.

6. Conduct clinical documentation improvement reviews with all stakeholders using the ICD-10 code set.

7. Develop a strategy and process for managing claim denials pre and post ICD-10 implementation.

8. Review audits currently occurring that may be impacted in the future by compliant use of the ICD-10 code set.

9. Perform ICD-10 readiness level assessments of all external vendors who support the coding, billing, follow up, and denials functions.

As the United States moves closer towards the deadline for this important classification conversion, top priority for both payers and providers should be on what IT systems will require retooling, what workflows will require reengineering, and budgeting for any infrastructure investments. Medical organizations and providers who proactively develop strategic and risk mitigation plans will be best positioned to experience a smooth transition to ICD-10.




Frank J.Rosello is CEO & Co-Founder of Environmental Intelligence LLC.

Environmental Intelligence LLC is a Complete Outsourced Health IT Company providing End-to-End meaningful physician workflows consulting, integration, and implementation in (EHR) Electronic Health Records, Image Management Systems and Practice Management to private and public medical practices and facilities differentiated by our experienced, physician driven administrative staff and dedicated Health IT professionals.

To learn more about our Physician Focused - Patient Driven approach to EHR & Health IT Visit our website: http://www.goeillc.com

What Are the Benefits of Owning a Power Wheelchair?



If someone should find themselves, for medical reasons, limited in their mobility, one of the best things that can be purchased for their use is some form of wheelchair to aid in getting around in the home or outdoors. For some people however, maneuvering one on their own can be impossible, due to a lack of the upper body strength required. For those people, the best solution would be a power wheelchair, otherwise known as a power scooter.

Why Get a Power Wheelchair?

As we said, not everyone has the upper body strength required to control and maneuver a standard wheelchair or may not have an assistant available at all times to aid them. By using an electric power wheelchair, they regain the ability to maneuver it around their home whenever they need to, without relying on anyone else to assist them. Whether the reason they need a wheelchair is permanent or only temporary, their quality of life has been proven to improve immensely by the simple act of restoring their independence through movement. Illness can play havoc with any person's sense of well-being, and regaining even a little independence in a small way can improve their mood and even their overall health.

How Does It Work?

The basic electric power wheelchair operates by relying on a rechargeable battery to supply the power to move the wheels. Controls to operate such a device can be customized to suit the needs of the user, ranging from a control panel with fingertip controls, to a joystick that operates similar to those found on video games or even through an air activated breathing device for those who cannot move their hands or arms. The standard battery can power the chair for up to eight hours before requiring recharging and there are other batteries available for use, which can double that limitation if desired.

The wheelbase for these chairs are designed horizontally, rather than the vertical type used on manual wheel chairs. The number of wheels attached to this wheelbase varies from three to four and the tires can also be customized to handle terrain other than the average tile, hardwood or carpeted floors.

For those who desire to leave their home under their own power, all terrain tires are available, as are enhanced braking systems for safety purposes.

Very Easy To Travel With

Most models made today can be purchased with the traveler in mind. Lighter weight frames, even with the attached battery, can be folded and placed into most vehicles for transport, and some may meet air travel restrictions.

Some buyers use their power wheelchair as an alternative means of travel on its own, with a long-life battery, they can travel miles along most terrain, making it the perfect means of doing errands that only require a limited range of transport. With the right accessories, like baskets and bags to hold purchases, and comfortable seating, there is no need to remain at home any longer than you wish.




Want to know more about how a power wheelchair can improve the quality of life for any homebound patient? The experts at Mobility Specialists can easily match a model to your needs, so call today for a complete explanation of options available. Also, check out our new page on Choosing Power Wheelchairs.

Diagnosing And Treatment For Acute Pain

Pain is an unpleasant condition that can be caused in any living being on the earth. The pain is caused due to actual or perceived injury to the tissues. The pain experienced would be less or more depending upon the injury, mood, sleep pattern, hunger or activity.

Pain Management Expert can be complex and easy depending on the cause of the pain. The experts have a wide range of skills and techniques to treat the pain. Following are the techniques;

1. Interventional Procedures

2. Medication Management

3. Physical therapy

4. Psychological counseling and support

5. Acupuncture and other alternative therapies

6. Refer to other medical specialists in case of gravity of pain

It is import for the Pain management Expert knows these above skills and techniques as they have to understand the daily routine and habits of the patient. The pain treatment begins with understanding the history of the pain, duration and intensity of the pain. The role of the expert is to identify the precise reason of the pain and give the maximum treatment to the patient for alleviating the same. One of the methods is Fluoroscopy. This is an X-ray guided viewing method. This technique is used by the expert in locating the injection so that the medication reaches at the exact point from where the pain is being generated.

Neuropathic pain is a state of chronic pain which is usually caused due to tissue injury. The nerves fibers are damaged due to this injury. One of the types of Neuropathic pain is Phantom Limb Syndrome. The Syndrome occurs when an arm or a leg has been removed because of any illness or injury. The brain still gets impulses of pain as the nerves misfires and causes the pain. In case of these type of Neuropathic pain the use of non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs are suggested by the experts, to name a few these drugs are Aleve or Motrin, which can ease the pain.

Depending upon the intensity of the pain some of the patients may require stronger medicines like those containing morphine. The experts suggest Anticonvulsant and Antidepressant drugs for few patients are per their case history. The experts find few cases which are difficult to treat with just medicines; they suggest use of invasive or implantable device therapies to effectively alleviate the pain. Electrical stimulation of the nerves significantly controls the pain symptoms. The experts take care that the patient gets maximum relief from the treatment and the patient can lead a healthy life.

If you are looking for Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation,Pain Management and Osteopathic Manipulation experts. These witness available for independent medical examination at Daytona Beach, Orlando, Jacksonville and Florida. To know more details about Physiatrist expert and Pain management expert Please visit painmedicineexpert.com for Treatment Details.

Monday, December 24, 2012

Using Adult Underwear As Part of Incontinence Treatment



One of the first things that someone who is experiencing incontinence should do is call their doctor. It is crucial to understand that incontinence in and of itself is not a disease but most often is a symptom of an underlying medical problem. This makes it very important that anyone who is experiencing incontinence contact their health care professional right away. Many people let fear or embarrassment keep them from seeking out medical care and this is always a mistake. The bottom line is that seeking out treatment for your incontinence symptoms as soon as you begin experiencing them usually results in cheaper, faster, and more effective treatment.

Many people assume that incontinence is a normal part of aging. It cannot be stressed enough that incontinence is never normal no matter your age or health status. Today, doctors understand that this is a medical issue and treat it as such. If your doctor wants to write off your incontinence symptoms as part of aging or does not take them seriously you should seek out another doctor. There is a wide variety of medical treatments that are available to treat incontinence. Your doctor will prescribe the appropriate treatment based on the cause and type of your incontinence. However, it should be stressed that incontinence treatment can be lengthy. While you are actively pursuing incontinence treatment you will need to select adult underwear that can be worn as an incontinence undergarment.

You will need to find the right incontinence undergarment that will meet your needs. For some people this means using incontinence underwear while others may choose an adult diaper. All of these incontinence products fall under the category of incontinence undergarments. If you are just beginning the search for an incontinence undergarment you should take the time to really educate yourself about the different styles, types, and absorbencies that are available so that you will choose the right one for you and your incontinence needs. Once you have become acquainted with what types of incontinence undergarments are available it will make your choice easier. The next step is to determine what size, gender type, and absorbency level you will need. Keep in mind that not all incontinence undergarments come in every size, gender, and absorbency so you will need to find the one that meets most of your needs. You should also keep in mind that most likely you will need a different absorbency at night then what you wear in the day. Also, you may find that your need for incontinence protection varies from day to day so you should be prepared to address that as well.

Once you have the right adult underwear you will be better able to focus on your incontinence treatment. There are many different aspects to incontinence treatment. Your doctor may recommend that you use any or all of the following methods of incontinence treatment. These methods include but are not limited to-

• Lifestyle and dietary changes- This can include participating in regular exercise and making dietary changes. If you smoke your doctor will most likely recommend that you stop smoking immediately.
• Behavioral therapies- This can include but is not limited to bladder training and keeping a voiding diary.
• Exercises and physical therapy- This will include doing Kegel exercises and other exercises that can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.
• Medications- There are certain medications that can be used to treat different kinds of incontinence.
• Surgery- This option is usually only done as a last resort when all other treatment options have failed or when there has been an injury to the pelvic region that can be repaired.




About the Author:
Dianna Malkowski is a Board Certified Physician Assistant and Mayo Clinic trained nutritionist specializing in diabetes, cancer, wound healing, therapeutic diets and nutrition support. Also good at guiding right incontinence underwear.
Visit the Care Giver Partnership for more info on incontinence undergarments

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Should We Stretch Before Exercise?



Stretching is a term that is used very loosely in the fitness industry. Everybody has been taught as young kids to stretch out. I remember in 1st grade physical education, my teacher leading us through stretches before a game of kickball. When to stretch or not to stretch at all is the question you can ask yourself. For the past 13 years as a personal trainer, my fitness manager has come to me year after year saying that the stretching trends and methods are changing. For the most part, I personally will always at least warm-up my body before exercising at my correct intensity, and that's usually because of instinct and because it will help me get to my target heart rate much faster! Let's take a look at what we've been told regarding stretching, and when it's best according to current fitness standards.

At one point in time, we've all been told to stretch out before doing any kind of aerobic exercise, mainly to avoid injury, help performance, and help with muscle soreness. According to current personal training standards, there is still no proof that is convincing to support that stretching prevents muscle soreness. Muscle soreness is simply a result of muscles being worked, and fatigue being reached during your exercise routine. Muscle soreness is not actually a bad thing, proper nutrition and rest will help you get through muscle soreness.

Next, I've always been taught that stretching would help my performance as an athlete. Current information that is being taught to trainers, is that stretching before exercise has no influential impact on a person's athletic performance. I now question what coaches all over the world are teaching their high school and college teams. I know for a fact that many football coaches are still teaching to run on your toes, because it makes you faster. Coaches don't understand or care that this is extremely painful for your knees, and could shorten your career.

As a personal trainer with all my clients, I teach that a warm-up is needed, but not stretching before any type of exercise. I will explain exactly what I mean by a warm-up. The best known warmup exercise that I use with all my clients, is the "hokey pokey". The "hokey pokey" is a warm up routine that asks for every part of your body to require some kind of energy. Warming up is simply getting every body part to accept consistent blood flow. Let's not make warming up difficult, when simple things like the "hokey pokey" work well.

I've always taught clients to stretch when their workout is complete! Stretching at the end of your workout, helps to properly "cool down" and bring your heart rate back to your normal resting rate, and will also help improve range of motion.

In conclusion, stretching is best after your workout is complete, there has been no conclusive evidence showing me anything different. Please do your own research, and give me your feedback.




Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to read an article of mine that I feel will help you to reach success. My name is Pierce Calloway, and I've been a certified personal trainer for the past 13 years. My main goal in the fitness industry is to give the best possible, most accurate fitness advice, and share the love of Jesus Christ with every one of my clients. I have an online fitness website that can be found at http://www.thebosuball.com. Thanks again for the time you've given me to share my heart.

Stamina 1205 Precision Rower Review - Impressive Benefits And Features



Stamina 1205 Precision Rower is a compact, lightweight and portable rowing machine designed for effective cardio vascular workout and to improve the overall fitness of the body. Stamina 1205 contains smooth hydraulic cylinder action, thick padded seat, pivoted plates and adjustable tension controls to ensure maximum comfort to the user.

It provides overall fitness to the body by focusing on cardio-vascular workouts, increasing the metabolic rate and also strengthens the muscles. It features multifunction fitness monitor to track distance, calories, speed and time which helps the user to know the number of calories burnt and also motivates the user to reach the fitness goals.

Benefits:

Rowing exercise done using Stamina 1205 are very effective, low-impact aerobic exercises to increase the metabolism of the body and also burn the calories very efficiently. This effective rowing machine works on all the major muscle groups of the body including abdomen, back, buttocks, legs and arms to help the person get overall fitness. Exercises done with stamina 1205 precision rower burns the extra calories efficiently and also help to build a stronger back.

Features:

Stamina 1205 rowing machine features a powerful deluxe ball-bearing system and adjustable tension controls to customize the workouts based on the fitness needs of the user. The aluminum center beam and steel frame of this machine are designed for stable, comfortable workout and also made of durable material lasting for years. The adjustable hydraulic cylinder with resistance arms and steel frame provides smooth motion of rowing exercises. The foam handles are designed to provide a stable and comfortable grip to the user and stay in correct position firmly. The exercises done with this machine are non-impact, continuous movements and focuses on complete muscle workout.

This excellent rowing machine features multifunctional fitness monitor to display time, distance, speed, number of calories burnt and stroke count to help the user track the fitness goal of the user and also to motivate him to reach his target. All these values are displayed on LCD monitor to give the complete details of the exercise done and this feature is very beneficial to the user. The multi-function display monitor helps the user to exercise in the target heart rate zone (i.e.) from 70 to 85 percent of the maximum heart rate of a person. It is always safe to exercise at this rate for any type of exercise and it is easily implemented with stamina 1205, as the values are displayed on the LCD monitor present in it. The pivoted foot plates and thick padded seat provides a comfortable and smooth workout position to the user.

Specifications:

The dimensions of this rowing machine are 32.5 inches x 27.75 inches x 48 inches and it is of very lightweight of about 47 pounds. Stamina 1205 rowing machine can be easily carried from one place to another without any difficulty since its arms can be folded and also occupies very less space. It also features multi-function electronic monitor and the assembly of the entire rowing machine is very easy.

Warranty period:

One of the best features about Stamina 1205 precision rowing machine is that it comes with a warranty period of five years and also 90-day warranty period on parts of this rowing machine.




Finn Trader is passionate about fitness equipment that is effective and built to last, and that includes the Stamina rowing machine range. Check out reviews and best prices on the whole range of top models and in particular the excellent Stamina 1205 Precision Rower here.

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Strength Training for Beginners - How to Start Your Child Off Right



It wasn't too long ago that strength training for adolescence was thought to be taboo, and it would put developing bodies at greater risk of bone damage and growth plate injury. These stunted growth myths have become old-school thinking. More than a decade of research has found that, if properly supervised and planned, strength training for kids is perfectly safe. The important thing is not to overdo it, as body building and competitive weight lifting should not be done.

So when would it be okay for kids to start weight training? According to Avery Faigenbaum, who is a professor of exercise science at the College of New Jersey, when they have an interest in it and can accept and follow directions. For some children that could be as early as seven or eight years old. The fact is, it does them good. More athletes and non-athletes are now into it to increase muscle strength and endurance, to improve motor skills and for overall fitness.

Many boys are more than eager to get started on a weight training program, but girls are now getting into it as well. There was a time girls were afraid they would develop big, bulky muscles. However they now understand that they do not produce enough testosterone to build large muscles. They still will feel and be stronger, and that and better health will build confidence.

Some of the guidelines for strength training programs for adolescence are:

1. First and foremost, all training should be done supervised by a qualified instructor who is trained to work with youths.

2. Strength training should not be done on consecutive days, and no more than three times per week. On other days the focus should be on flexibility and aerobics.

3. Each session should begin with a warm-up such as jumping rope, but never with stretching.

4. Part of the value this brings to the child is the education in learning proper techniques and principles for exercise at a young age. Understanding the necessities of proper warm-up and cool-down periods, and learning how to conduct training that is safe will be with the youngster for a lifetime.

5. Balance, coordination, and flexibility are should all be part of a challenging but broad-based training agenda in the beginner workout schedule.

6. Weight machines and free weights aren't the only way to train. How to gain muscle without weights show multiple approaches to get the job done, and they may provide some variety to keep the child interested. Weighted ropes, medicine balls, body weight resistance and elastic tubing are other devices that can be used effectively.

7. The cool down period can incorporate stretching plus less intense calisthenics. It is safest to have the exercises performed without resistance, and when the particular technique is mastered only then gradually increase the amount of resistance. A trainer will know when greater resistance can be taken on as the child matures.

As with adults, a strength training program should be individualized based on goals, present abilities, and where the child is mentally. It is vital that the trainer has experience working with kids, as a child's training program should never be a scaled-down version of an adult's regimen. It must be an enjoyable experience, or he or she will merely lose interest.




Getting your children involved in strength training involves a qualified trainer and a Beginner Workout Schedule. The Best Way to Gain Muscle involves proper diet and a long-term plan to meet your goals. Rich Carroll is a writer and health enthusiast living in London.

Post Pregnancy Workouts - Strength Training



There is no doubt that the birth of a baby leaves a mark on the body, but, that does not mean that your body can't get into its pre-pregnancy shape. Strength training is one of the best post pregnancy exercise regiments and is necessary to build lean muscle mass and boost the body's metabolism.

Strength training benefits include an increase in muscle, ligament and tendon strength, flexibility, bone density, metabolic rate, tone and postural support.

Strength training of the upper and lower body is essential after a pregnancy to help to get the body back into its pre-pregnancy state. To get started with the training, determine the exercises that are best for you. Your workout should be about thirty to forty-five minutes three times a week and should be something that you enjoy and not dread. Exercise is meant to invigorate the mind, body and soul and to leave you with the body that you desire.

The body goes through a tremendous amount with a pregnancy. Muscle groups that become too tight as a result of pregnancy include:

• Back of the neck

• Chest

• Shoulders

• Thigh

• Lower back

• Hip flexors

Muscle groups that weaken as a result of pregnancy include:

• Abdominal wall

• Front of the neck

• Buttocks

• External rotators of the shoulder

• Upper back muscles

• Pelvic floor

Abdominal Strength Training: Pelvic tilts and abdominal compressions exercises are recommended by the American Council on Exercise prior to heading for sit ups or full crunches. To perform a pelvic tilt lay on the floor on your back, resting your arms and hands on each side of your body. Arch your hips up towards the ceiling while you squeeze your glutes and focus on drawing your navel to your spine to pull your abdomen tightly in.

To perform an abdominal compression, lie on your back on the floor and focus on pulling your stomach muscles below your stomach in towards your spine.

Back Strength Training: Your back has taken a toll during pregnancy, as well as, after pregnancy as you are now holding the baby and carting it around. Back strength training is essential. To strengthen the lower back, lie with your chest against a stability ball with your hands crossed over your chest. Pull your navel towards your spine and lift your chest up slightly off the ball. Gently lower yourself back down, and repeat in reps of eight to ten, working up to 25 reps.

Cardiovascular Training: Cardiovascular routines are essential for new mothers and help to aid in weight loss, improve the cardiovascular system, lower blood pressure, enhance sleep and digestion and reduce the risk of heart conditions. The ideal target is 30 to 60 minutes three to six times per week.

Arm Workouts Great to Get Back Into Pre-pregnancy Weight

The arms are a very important feature on the woman, and many times after pregnancy, the arms are an area where weight has accumulated. The following are some wonderful exercises to help get your arms back in strength and you feeling confident, as your body begins to take on a new image. For the following exercises, you will need a set of five to eight pound dumbbells. Each of the exercises should be performed in reps of15, working up to 20 reps.

Reverse Fly

Stand with your feet spread about the width of your hips and bend your knees. Bend forward at the hips and allow your arms, with the dumbbells in your hands, to hang straight down form your shoulders. Raise your arms out to your sides as you squeeze your shoulder blades together. Return to starting position and repeat.

Biceps Curl

Hold your dumbbells at your sides with your palms out. Be sure to keep your back straight and chest up. Ben you elbows and curl the weight up to your shoulders. Do not move your upper arms. Slowly lower the weight back to your starting positions. Completely straighten your arms and repeat.

Dumbbell Cross Jab

Position your feet slightly wider apart than the width of your hips and bend your knees slightly. Hold your dumbbells at chest height and your elbows bent. The palms of your hands should be facing one another. Stretch your right arm across your body keeping the dumbbell in line with your left shoulder. Return to starting position and do the opposite arm. Return and repeat.

Lying Triceps Extension

On a bench, lie face up and hold your arms straight over your head with your dumbbells in your hand with your hands palms facing one another. Keep your upper arms straight and lower the dumbbells by bending your elbows until they are on each side of your head. Breathe and return to starting position and repeat.




http://www.strength-training-and-weight-training-programs.com/

Friday, December 21, 2012

Morning, Evening? When Is the Best Time to Exercise?



If you are trying to lose weight or are simply interested in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, then regular exercise is a key ingredient in their recipe of goal achievement. However, many of us are struggling with lives that are increasingly busy and, consequently, we see our free time diminish as our responsibilities increase. This is bad news for people who want to exercise, especially because the best time of day for a work out is between 4 and 6 pm. Great. Right after work and right before dinner-probably the time of day when we have the least amount of energy!

Of course, exercise practices are subject to much debate among nutritionists and researchers and as with nearly everything else in life, not all agree with each other regarding how to design the optimal exercise program. However, most experts generally agree that the late afternoon/early evening is the best time to exercise because

· Our strength levels are greatest in the afternoon and this helps our endurance. We can exercise longer, harder and push our bodies more than we can any other time of day.

· Due to increased strength, we are less likely to injure ourselves while exercising. Many people injure themselves when exercising in the morning or late at night, but mid-day strength keeps us from getting hurt as often.

· Our body is in balance hormonally and our body temperature is at its highest. We are thus feeling our best and mindset is an important part of exercise.

The problem with the late afternoon vis a vis exercise is that it is a time of day when we are least likely to exercise or be able to exercise. Researchers have also concluded that people who have a fitness program that they do in the mornings are the most likely to be consistent and keep up with their work outs. However, in the morning our body is at its weakest and most vulnerable, so its looks like we have run into a bit of a conundrum here.

The truth is, while it would be great to exercise at the right time of day, it is more important that you exercise at all. If the only way you can keep your work-out routine regular is by going for a 5 am jog, then go for 5 am jogs. Don't stop yourself from exercising just because you can't get on the treadmill at 5 pm everyday. One strategy that you can use to get the best of both worlds is to try and walk as much as you can between workouts and maybe commit to going on a walk before or after dinner (if weather permits). You may not have the strength for a full-on work-out at the end of each workday, but if you can incorporate movement in some capacity, you will take advantage of your body's optimal late afternoon condition. Whatever you do, get active-your body needs it!




About the Author

Maureen Hamilton is an Integrated Neuro-Linguistic Programming Master Practitioner, Hypnotherapist and a Demartini Method Facilitator. Maureen has previously worked in many areas of health in Australia as well as overseas. Her health background includes training in general and midwifery nursing, mental health plus other modalities. Maureen is very much involved in promoting and assisting people to obtain optimal health and is absolutely committed to helping people to stop smoking and/or lose weight naturally using Hypnosis and NLP.
If you would like to find out more, visit http://masteryourlifepower.com and and talk to Maureen about your requirements.

Rep Schemes: Fast Twitch V Slow Twitch Muscle Fibers



Let's start this article with the basics. We have two different kinds of muscle fibers in our body. One is called slow twitch, and the other is called fast twitch. We use slow twitch fibers in cardiovascular workouts such as long distance runs and long swims. These fibers are used in aerobic exercise, meaning exercise with oxygen. These slow twitch fibers fatigue very slowly but do not have much power output, which is why long distance runners tend to have very skinny builds. Fast twitch fibers, on the contrary, are used for power exercises. The power sprints, power lifts, jumping, etc. all use fast twitch muscle. These fibers are used in exercise called anaerobic exercise, meaning exercise without oxygen. Oxygen is not needed nor used for these types of exercises. These fibers are not fatigue resistant and tire quickly, but have a very high power output. The ratio of fast twitch to slow twitch muscle fibers that each individual has is highly genetic. By exercising you can maximize your genetic potential, but every person has a different ratio of muscle fibers. Olympic sprinters, for example, may have about 80% fast twitch fibers and only 20% slow twitch fibers, while marathon runners are most likely the opposite. Most NBA and NFL athletes are in the higher percentage of fast twitch muscle fibers as these muscle fibers are what allow people to jump higher, run faster, and be quicker.

When lifting, different rep schemes have different effects on the muscle. Listed below are the main rep schemes and their effects. The repetition schemes listed are for slow and controlled repetitions.

3-5 reps:

When doing sets in the rep range of 3-5 reps, you will gain the most strength gains. In this rep range, the size of the muscle won't get bigger, but it will get denser. The reason that the muscle doesn't enlarge is because it doesn't reach muscle hypertrophy, which is when the muscle gains size. The strength gains are caused by neurological factors that allow the muscle to recruit more muscle fibers. This just means that the strength gains come from nervous system adaptations. From an aesthetic standpoint, this rep range causes the muscle to be more "solid." If you ever see bodybuilders that look huge, but just kind of squishy, it is because their muscles aren't very dense. Let me explain what I mean by dense. If you were to cut a muscle in half, you would see a bunch of little muscle fibers making up the one muscle. When training in the 1-6 rep range, the effect on the muscle is one that causes the muscle fibers to be really dense and compact. In summary, this phase, called the strength phase, will not cause the muscle to get bigger, but will cause the muscle to gain a lot of strength. This explains why olympic power lifters can have great strength, but not look as strong as they are. This phase is very good for athletes who want to get stronger, but not gain a lot of size.

8-12 reps:

In this phase of training, muscular hypertrophy is most effectively reached. Muscle hypertrophy is the increase in diameter of existing muscle cells. In addition, the muscles' blood supply and the number of mitochondria (energy-producing organelles) is increased during muscle hypertrophy. If your goal is to look "bigger," then muscle hypertrophy should be the focus of your workouts. This phase is not great for strength gains, though, and lifters who lift in this phase for long periods of time, often appear stronger than they really are. Most bodybuilders train in this rep range so that they get that large appearance. Although you get bigger and stronger in this rep range, strength gains are not maximal. This explains why many lifters look a lot stronger than they are.

12-20 reps:

This rep range is great for muscular endurance. It also causes a very small degree of muscular hypertrophy, but adds very little strength. Therefore, in this phase, not much muscle size is gained and very little strength is achieved. This phase is great for general conditioning and can really get the heart rate up. With good muscular endurance, your muscles will be able to withstand longer, more intense workouts. Many bodybuilders follow this range during the pre-contest phase of training as it burns slightly more calories, preserves muscle size and strength, and reduces the risk of injury.

These rep ranges are fairly basic and if we were to go more in-depth, these phases could be broken down even further. For the most part, though, these rep ranges are all that are needed to know to reach a specific goal. I personally believe that all three of these repetition schemes should be used in a workout routine. If your goal is to get bigger in size, for example, I would recommend doing more of the muscle hypertrophy phase, but I would still do strength workouts and endurance workouts as well. I believe balance is key with everything and that everything should be done in moderation.




Curious about how to take your health and fitness goals to the next level? Check out the abundance of information about the most up-to-date fitness news, nutrition topics, and health information. Need a workout video? We have those too, as well as personalized workout and diet plans made just for you!

http://www.myphenomfitness.com

HGH Booster to Turn Back Your Body Clock - Get Your Youthful Body and Looks Back in 3 Weeks

HGH booster or HGH supplement can be the the ultimate anti aging remedy for you. HGH or human growth hormone has been applauded as the Fountain of Youth. Years of research and study has revealed that restoring growth hormone production in your body to its youthful levels can make you beat age effects. Not just this, what is really incredible is that it can make you younger once again.

No wonder, HGH is getting the attention every where and almost every one who is over 35 or 40 seems to be interested in it.

Living like an old person is no fun at all. Though aging is inevitable, HGH supplements can restore your youthful body and looks so that you not just look younger but also feel stronger from inside.

These HGH boosters are made with a potent and highly powerful combination of amino acids and other nutrients that stimulate your pituitary gland so that it can secrete more growth hormone naturally. They are considered to safe and devoid of side effects since there is no synthetic hormone in such supplements.

In addition to a powerful dose of amino acids, such supplements include ingredients such as green tea extract, astragalus, bovine colostrum, gaba, rhoidala rosea etc.,

These supplements can ensure a whole body makeover. They can boost your energy and increase immunity.

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This is because they work upon the root cause of aging skin which is a drop in the secretion of collagen.

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Good quality supplements are clinically approved and do not have any side effects at all. A good quality supplement that has more than 1000mg of amino acids per serving can make you feel younger within 2-3 weeks!

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Thursday, December 20, 2012

How Does Dance Promote a Healthy Lifestyle?



Dancing is another alternative type of exercise in keeping the body healthy. Like any other type of activities or exercises, dancing also exerts energy through a numerous amounts of movement. The meanings by the different movements that are required are the various muscles continuously contracting and releasing. Through the research in the history of dance, styles of dance, and the way each type of dance affect body movement and flexibility will help a person understand more about the human body. The human body consists of many different muscle groups that are useful for movement when a person dances. The types of dance affect the muscles in one's body because of the flexibility and strengths that would either increase or lessen a dancer's movement. If the flexibility of a dancer is weak, then it would be more difficult to accomplish a higher technique in dance. For example, through jazz, ballet, and hip-hop, these forms of dance require certain extension of the arms and legs which involves the muscles in the body to be strong and flexible.

When dancing these certain forms of dance, it is crucial to be in control and know what the body is doing. In order to fix wrong movement, a dancer has to focus more on how the body will work. In fixing the bad habits of technique, there are many ways to help improve or better one's balance, core strength, and flexibility in a dancer. Just standing up straight will help the focus on were the body shifts and if the butt or chest is sticking out do to how she/he adjusts themselves. For example, doing certain exercise for the alignment and balance would start off by standing with the feet parallel from each other on the floor, then slowly bend at the knees being aware of where the body is shifting. From having the knees still bent, raise the heels to where only the balls and toes of the feet are on the floor. After, straighten the knees while the balls and toes of the feet are on the floor, and then bring the heels down. Throughout this process, the dancer needs to be alert of where the body is shifting, the way the body is carried, and just making sure the right technique from head to toe is there. By constantly focusing on each part of the body from head to toe would help awareness to the body. This simple exercise makes a dancer improve the way he/she carries their body in various forms of dance. Once attaining the habit of dancing in proper alignment or posture, it will help a dancer's awareness when stretching.

The key to stretching is being aware of how a dancer extends his or her arms and legs out. For example, when extending the leg, a dancer needs to use their hamstring muscles to help fully extend from the back of the knee. To be able to point one's feet, the muscles being used come from the metatarsals (the arch of the feet). These are simple movements or stretches a dancer needs to be aware of because with bad technique, it can show how the person's body is not fully flexible or extended. It is important to make sure that the focus is on the certain stretch he or she is trying to attain or improve. For example, working to have a perfect leg extension in the air acquires many types of stretches that would increase flexibility and also strengthens the certain muscle being used. In any type or form of dance, flexibility is useful to have as a dancer because that is what gives more range of motion and variety range movements. However, while the dancer is stretching more to work the flexibility, the muscles in the body also need to be used while stretching.

Having the muscles work while focusing on the stretch to increase flexibility, gives a dancer the ability to have more control on holding leg extensions or being able to jump in the air with perfect technique. For example, being tight and stiff would affect the way the muscles relax and contract. The muscles need to be engage when dancing and also when trying to improve holding a type of skill for a while. There are certain muscles that would be used when moving every part of the body. To be able to do basic skills that are already natural to us, which are walking, running, and jumping, the muscles are being use then. This is relevant to dancing because the muscles are being engaged when the leg, arm, torso, hip, and foot are moving. For example, bringing the leg up behind the body to a 90 degree angle, parallel from the floor would need to engage the back muscles, leg muscles, and feet muscles to point. In order to be able to bring the leg higher than 90 degrees, this is where the dancer needs to improve both flexibility and strength. However, muscles need to be engaged while stretching or extending to be able to be flexible. While stretching, if the muscles are not being contracted or use in a way where the body would be able to remember the certain stretch, that certain person would not be able to be strong in their dancing.

Through learning the stretches and techniques of a type of style of dance, you would be able to put your knowledge through any type of dancing curriculum. Since dance is also a form of exercise, it involves rigorous movements and training. A person does not necessarily have to learn the styles of dance, but can just dance for fun or to exercise. For example, Zumba gives all ages from young teens to adulthood what they want and expect to get out of in keeping in shape. Zumba does give health benefits to a person because it does help improve flexibility, strength, endurance, and a sense of well-being. In general, these health benefits can be implemented in other styles of dance because dance is all around body movement.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Basic Hamstring Injury Exercises

What is a hamstring strain?

A hamstring strain refers to an injury or partial tear of the proximinal hamstring muscles. A hamstring strain is a common sports injury to athletes who are required to perform quick and hard muscular movements. Hamstring injury exercises are caused by violent muscular exertions sometimes tearing away a part of the tendinous origins of the hamstrings especially to biceps femoris from the ischial tuberosity. A hamstring injury is sometimes referred to as "pulled hamstring" which may have caused by a direct blow or accidental punched at the muscle located at the back of thigh. When this happens, there may appear contusions (bruises), swelling, tearing of some of the muscle fibers and rupture of blood vessels, producing blood clot or hematoma, with a feeling of soreness. The degree of the injury sustained can be determined by its appearance and symptoms:

* Bruises in the thigh area. Muscle tears will cause the tissue to bleed and bruise. The discoloration usually starts within the first few days upon impact starting at the thigh region and further down the knee towards the foot area.

* Swelling in the thigh during the first few hours after injury. Blood tends to build up due to the injury causing the thigh area to swell. Any other muscle movement or contraction can be very difficult and painful. The application of compressive bandage within the affected part can help suppress the swelling.

* Spasm. The most common reaction in hamstring injury is muscle pain. In case the pain continues despite first aid medications, muscle relaxants may be administered to help ease the pain.

* Difficulty of contractions. Sudden movements in the knee would be painful after a hamstring strain and may hamper the patient from walking normally. If contraction continues, the hamstring muscle may be completely ruptured.

* Weakness in the hamstring can persist for weeks for severe cases.

Function of Hamstring

There hamstring muscles are grouped into three called semitendinosus, semimembranosus, and biceps femoris, collectively called as the hamstring muscle group. The function of hamstring is for flexing or bending leg from the knee joint extending up to the thigh at hip joint. Knowing how the hamstrings work will give us the extent of the injury when the hamstrings are dislocated. The hamstrings are vital in our daily activities and bodily movements like walking, running, and jumping. In addition, hamstring controls the movements of the lower body. Despite these functions, hamstrings are not very elastic compared to other muscles and are prone to stress and pressure.

Severity of a Pulled Hamstring

Due to sudden extended pull on the legs, like kicking or performing a kick, athletes involved in sports like track and field, soccer, and basketball are prone to hamstring injury. To avoid injury to the leg and thigh, athletes has to undergo hamstring injury exercises or warm-up exercises before embarking to extensive workouts. A minor hamstring injury or "Grade 1" injuries can take about two weeks to heal. The tearing injury is usually microscopic that happened on the muscle fibers causing the muscle to bleed. A "Grade 2" injury is a partial tear in the muscle. While in severe hamstring strains or "Grade 3" injuries, healing may take to three months or even more. When this happens, the hamstring muscle can be wholly damage that may need surgical operations to treat the affected region. In case of a complete rupture, rehabilitation is required. Grades 2 and 3 injuries are considered serious cases requiring assistance from a sport's doctor, physical therapist, or trainer to help in the rehabilitation.

Treatment for pulled Hamstring

A hamstring injury can be a minor pull, a partial tear or a complete tear. Treatment for a pulled hamstring must start at once following an injury. The first 48 hours is vital and critical to the patient. Most hamstring injury responds well to plain, non-surgical treatments. For minor hamstring injury, the following treatment may be carried out by the athlete themselves or with some help. Recommended treatment for hamstring injury include rest, ice treatment, compression, and leg elevation.

* Cold therapy treatment. Apply ice directly to the injury at least 15 to 20 minutes within two to three hours for two days to reduce tenderness and pain. A thin towel may be used to protect the skin from ice burn. If there is swelling, continue to apply the therapy until swelling is reduced.

* Use of compression bandage. The bandage will give support and help reduce swelling. This will provide soothe leg sore and minimize intra-muscular bleeding.

* Leg elevation. To reduce swelling, the injured leg should be placed higher than your heart while resting. This will enable blood and fluid to guard against hamstring injury. Leg elevation must also be done during cold therapy treatment to help reduce the swelling.

* Leg therapy. If the leg pain and soreness had settled down, physical therapy can now begin. Mobilization of the injured lower limb is good to rehabilitate the muscle in the leg and thigh to restore strengths and muscle vitality.

Hamstring injury exercises; recommended

An injured hamstring takes a longer period to heal. For its full recovery, you need hamstring injury exercises such as stretching. If the leg strain is minor, then body exercises can start after two days from the happening of the injury. Continue with the ice treatment for one or two days until swelling disappeared. However, if the injury is severe, it may take ten to three months rehabilitation. For improved pain management and strength, hamstrings are trained with muscular movements like the knee curl, lifting as well as lower body exercises like stretching, walking, jogging, hopping, cycling and others.

* Stretching. It is vital for tight muscles and joints. Stretching will improve movements in the joint and promotes muscle flexibility, strength, increase endurance and improve muscle movements.

* Using weights for strength. When the injured hamstring became stronger, you can carry some weights to strengthen the muscle. Strenuous muscle training would most likely cause muscles to ache. Do not overdo, start in small amount of weight until your body get used to it. Always start with warm up exercises before indulging in excessive weight training. Hamstring warm-ups could include leg swings, standing bicycle, and lightweights.

* Walking, jogging, hopping, or cycling can be done gradually. At home, you can use some basic exercises like climbing stairs, or doing some household chores to increase strength and stamina.

Post-operative exercises must have the supervision of the attending physician or the physical therapist. If there is feeling of tightness or stiffness of the hamstrings, reduce the amount of exercises or just maintain stretching to make the muscle feel loose and comfortable. Until your injured hamstring is ready to resume sport activities, maintain the recommended hamstring injury exercises to keep the muscles fit and in good shape. Follow the exercises discussed above, to strengthen the hamstrings and prevent injury to your leg.

What Are The Advantages Of A Home Gym?



Two of the most essential parts of fitness for anyone who is concerned about their health are cardio fitness and abdominal toning and fitness. These are two things that a person who is seeking to look their very best (those tight, toned abs, and overall healthy and glowing good health) will always be seeking.

The best way to get cardiovascular fitness and the best way to get Ab fitness is often in a home gym. When you rely on going outside the home to a gym, you are going to have to find that motivation to get out of the house, get behind the wheel, drive to the gym, work out, and then drive home again. You'll also be paying gym fees month in and month out -- and these fees are going to be taken out of your checking account whether you ever make it to the gym or not.

If you rely on getting your cardio exercise in by walking or jogging in your neighborhood or in the local park, you will have to rely on factors like the weather. What do you do if it's raining or freezing outside? Plus, there is also the motivation factor: You have to get dressed to go out, get motivated to go and do the jog or the walk, and then take the time to actually do so. When you are jogging or walking for cardio around the neighborhood, it can get pretty boring even with your MP3 player.

If you set up a home gym you can get high quality equipment -- the same that you'd find in the top quality gyms -- right in your own house. All you will have to do is get out of the bed and workout - anytime of day or night. You can even watch your favorite game or television show while you are working out - at your own individual pace without worrying about trying to keep up to the person next to you.

Additionally, most fitness centers or gyms are crowded and sometimes you have to wait a long time before a certain machine is available. This can interrupt the flow of your workout routine. If you have your own home gym, this will never be a problem. Another problem you won't have to be concerned about with a home gym is other people's hygiene since the equipment is not used by countless other individuals. When you wipe sweat off a machine, you will know that it is your own.

There are many other advantages of owning your own home gym such as you don't have to be distracted by other people, and not having to spend money on transportation. Whether or not you own a home gym is more of an individual decision and also depends on your fitness goals. In the long run, it is a worthwhile investment and practical way to ensure lifelong physical fitness and well-being.




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Breast Enhancement Techniques That Really Work - 3 Ways To Do It Fast And Have A Hot Sexy Cleavage

Breast enhancement is something that is becoming more and more popular by the day. Are you coming to a point where you are embarrassed about your size? Are you looking for the best ways to solve this problem before it becomes any more of an issue than it already is? Good! This article will help you to understand some of the breast enhancement techniques that are out there and what could work for you.

#1 Surgery

Of course, the most well known method of breast enhancement is surgery. More and more people are looking into this method of enhancement to try and achieve their goal. The problem is, this is an extremely risky procedure and unfortunately, there are a lot of cowboy doctors out there. That is not all, good breast enlargement procedures will set a person back in excess of $10,000 and they still need to be replaced every 5 years or so!

#2 Exercising

This is actually somewhat of a myth. This is not a way to increase in size, but just to make the breast look "fuller". A lot of people use this to make themselves feel better, but it is not really an enhancement technique that really works.

#3 Creams and Pills

Pills and creams offer a way for people to experience breast enhancement without too much trouble. They effectively make your body think that it has more estrogen than it really does; which is the hormone that controls the size of your breasts. Do not think that all breast enhancement pills and creams work though; there are some fakes out there.

As a result of an increasing number of these scams coming to light I took the time to put the "best" natural breast enlargement products to the test and have just published my results which I know youll find fascinating and will help you make the right decision when it comes to finding the best breast enlarging pill that is right for you. Check out the natural breast pill winners at http://www.natural-breast-enhancement-and-enlargement.com ,  I guarantee that you will find the right natural breast enhancement pill for you after reading my extensive research.