Acne during pregnancy is a common problem among women. Pregnant women, especially those in their first trimester of pregnancy, are prone to skin outbreaks. Hormones play a huge role in this occurrence. Even women gifted with clear skin all their life may suffer from acne outbreaks during the first three months of pregnancy. The good thing is, the skin usually clears up as the pregnancy advances towards the second and third trimesters.
Pregnancy AcneAcne during pregnancy cannot be treated the same way as acne occurring in non-pregnant individuals. A doctor should always be consulted because a lot of oral medications can cause harm to the fetus. Topical creams or ointments such as Benzoyl Peroxide and Azelaic Acid are generally safe to apply on the skin of pregnant women. Tetracycline and topical retinoids however should completely be avoided as these have harmful effects.
For severe acne problems, some doctors may prescribe oral erythromycin. It is always best to seek the advice of the doctor prior to using any topical ointments or skin medications. Taking medications during pregnancy is usually associated with serious risks to the fetus. Herbal medicines should likewise be avoided and should be consulted to the physician.
Acne during pregnancy can be caused by higher levels of androgen hormone which triggers the oil glands of the skin to get bigger and to produce more oily substance called sebum. Excessive oil and the shed skin cells lining the hair follicles blocks the skin pores and makes skin susceptible to bacteria. This can lead to inflamed skin and acne outbreak.
Conservative and safer mode of treatment includes hydrating the skin by drinking at least 6 glasses of water per day. Washing the face with lukewarm water and gentle facial soap is also helpful. Make sure to pat the face dry. Do not rub the towel on the delicate skin surface. Never scrub the face as this can cause abrasive injuries to the already inflamed skin.
Acne during pregnancy can be managed well by using mild moisturizers that are oil-free. Choice of make-up should be oil-free as well and it is best to make sure that the products used are labeled noncomedogenic and will not clog pores.
souerce : http://hidup-sehat.blogspot.com
Monday, 16 June 2008
Acne during Pregnancy
Children living near busy roads have greater asthma and eczema risk
Children who live within 50 yards of a busy road are more likely to develop asthma, eczema and hay fever, a major new study has shown.
Researchers have found a strong link between exposure to traffic fumes in the first few years of life and a host of childhood allergies.
They say youngsters living alongside the busiest roads are 50 per cent more likely to be susceptible to allergies than those living in quieter streets.
The study suggests that Britain's allergy epidemic could be partly caused by the steep rise in cars and lorries on British roads in the last few decades.
The number of people with allergies has trebled in the last 20 years. One in three people now suffer at some point in their lives.
The rise has been blamed on the modern obsession with hygiene and children's indoor lifestyles. Doctors say exposure to dirt is essential for a healthy immune system.
But the new German study suggests that the rise of traffic pollution is also playing a role.
Scientists tested nearly 2,900 children at the age of four and more than 3,000 aged six for asthma, wheezing, eczema and sneezing.
Their parents were asked about their health and their exposure to traffic pollutants was calculated by looking at the distance of their homes to major roads at birth, and aged two, three and six years of age.
The scientists also tested the children at six for food allergies, and took air samples around the youngster's homes.
After taking into account the parent's own history of allergies, the number of pets in the home and the number of brothers and sisters - all factors which can cause allergies - they found a strong link between the distance to the nearest major road and hay fever, eczema and bronchitis brought on by asthma.
Children living closest to heavy traffic were 50 per cent more likely to be susceptible to allergies than those living a long way away, they report in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
Dr Joachim Heinrich, who led the study at the Institute of Epidemiology, Munich, said:
"We consistently found strong associations between the distance tot he nearest main road and the allergic disease outcomes," Dr Heinrich wrote in the
"Children living closer than 50 meters to a busy street had the highest probability of getting allergic symptoms, compared to children living further away."
The study is particularly powerful because it is prospective - selecting a group of children first before seeing how the environment goes on to affect their health.
Retrospective studies, which take a sample of children and look back in time to see what could have caused their conditions, are more open to bias.
Past studies have found a link between traffic fumes and allergies. However the studies were was confused by other factors. In many cities, for instance, people who live next to major roads tend to be poorer.
The Germans say their study is different because in Munich just as many wealthy families as poor ones live near busy roads.
Many doctors believe that traffic fumes do not just trigger allergic reactions, they cause underlying allergies.
Busy roads release a wide range of pollutants - from dust and tyre particles, to microscopic particles called PM10s from diesel engines which could damage the body's immune system, increasing risks of allergies. Diesel fumes can also cause harmful changes to blood vessels and damage lungs.
"Children living very close to a major road are likely to be exposed not only to a higher amount of traffic-derived particles and gases, but also to a more freshly emitted aerosols which may be more toxic," said Dr Heinrich.
"Our findings provide strong evidence for traffic related air pollutants on atopic diseases as well as on allergic sensitisation."
The rise in allergies in the West is usually linked to the "hygiene hypothesis" - the idea that the body's immune system over-reacts to pollen, dust and traffic fumes because we are all raised in homes that are too clean.
Doctors say that babies' immune systems need dirt, animal hairs and dust to develop healthily.
source : www.dailymail.co.uk
Sunday, 15 June 2008
Anti-Bacterial Agents Linked to Human and Environmental Health Risks
Americans are dead serious about the war on germs. These days, you can find germ-killing chemicals in just about every consumer product imaginable, from toothpaste to children's toys.
We slather antibacterial soaps, lotions and deodorants on our bodies. We spray antibacterial cleansers on our bathroom fixtures and kitchen appliances. We suds our clothes with antibacterial laundry detergents.
It may seem like the responsible thing to do, but the overuse of antibacterial products is proving to be more harmful than helpful. After a thorough investigation, an Food and Drug Administration advisory committee concluded that using antibacterial products doesn't provide any health benefits, nor does it reduce the risk of illness any more than washing up with plain soap and water.
Experts testifying before the FDA committee reported that there is no proven correlation between the use of antiseptic hand washes and a reduction in the occurrence of illnesses in homes, schools or daycare centers. Even worse, widespread use of common antibacterial products is likely to promote the development of drug-resistant bacteria.
The active ingredient in most antibacterial soaps, detergents and cleansers is triclosan, a chemical compound with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Tricolsan inhibits bacterial growth by interfering with specific processes in the life cycle of the bacteria.
While the triclosan found in many consumer products may kill weaker species of bacteria on the spot, the bacteria that aren't immediately destroyed can undergo mutations that allow them to thrive in the presence of antibacterial agents. Continuous use of triclosan-containing products is believed to be a contributing factor in the rise of bacterial "super-bugs" that are resistant to a number of antibiotic drugs.
Antibiotic resistance is only one of many health-related concerns linked to use of triclosan. A growing body of scientific evidence suggests that widespread use of antimicrobial agents may weaken our immune systems.
The development of a healthy immune system depends on our exposure to a wide variety of microbes, especially during childhood. Many experts fear that children raised in super-sterile environments will end up with weak, immature immune systems that leave them susceptible to disease.
Recent research supports this notion: The results of several studies suggest that children living in ultra-clean homes are more likely to develop asthma, allergies and eczema. Kids who grow up on farms have been found to have fewer allergies than those raised in urban and metropolitan areas.
Other triclosan-related health concerns center on the potential toxicity of the chemical itself. Swedish researchers discovered high levels of triclosan in three of five human breast milk samples tested, indicating that the chemical is absorbed into the body and stored in fatty tissues.
Because the chemical structure of triclosan closely resembles human hormones, including estrogen, some experts fear that it may upset the body's delicate hormonal balance. A number of animal studies suggest that triclosan can interfere with thyroid hormone regulation and may also exert a depressant effect on the central nervous system.
While many experts are concerned about the risk of direct exposure to the chemical, others are worried about the impact of triclosan accumulation in the environment. After finding antimicrobial chemicals in surface water samples in Baltimore, researchers at Johns Hopkins University concluded that these agents may be important contaminants of U.S. water sources.
The presence of triclosan and other antimicrobial agents is believed to contribute to the destruction of fragile aquatic ecosystems. In the presence of ultraviolet light from the sun, triclosan is converted to dioxin, a chemical linked to infertility, birth defects and cancer.
The vast majority of triclosan used in this country is found in consumer products that will ultimately end up in public water supplies. A 2000 survey found that 75 percent of liquid soaps and 30 percent of bar soaps contain some type of antibacterial agent, most commonly triclosan.
When it comes to protecting yourself and your family from disease-causing germs, the use of triclosan-containing products probably isn't necessary. Regular hand-washing is one of the most effective strategies for reducing the risk of infection.
If soap and water aren't immediately available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is an acceptable alternative to hand-washing. While these products effectively kill bacteria, their use has not been associated with the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria.
In the war on germs, it's tempting to resort to the use of high-tech chemicals, but washing up the old-fashioned way -- with lots of soap and water -- might be best for you, your family and the environment.
source : www.rallieonhealth.com
Friday, 13 June 2008
Why health is important
You are what you eat. What you eat affects your health. When you do not watch your diet, your health faces problems. A lot of people in this world are seeking wealth. They spent hours working everyday, commit themselves to their work, aiming for promotions and pay-rise from their work. The entrepreneurs and business people, too have the common objective of earning more money, always thinking of how to earn more money. No doubt money is important, your health is even more important. Everyday, your ability to go to work - waking up early in the morning and able to have the drive to work, is all due to your good health. Without a healthy body, you do not even have any earning potential! When your health is at risk, you are in pain, do you think you can earn money then? Do you think you can go to work with the drive and energy as when you are in normal health? Do you think you can bear the pain - save money and do not need to see doctor?
Our health is our 'everything'. Whether you are a toddler, a child, a teenage or an adult, a good health enable you to perform the daily functions of life. For students, a normal health, allow them to able to go to school, to obtain knowledge and the building of character. For adults, good health means you can go to work everyday, to earn a living, to be able to achieve your goals in life. Good health also enable you to enjoy life.
The greatest asset of life is our ability to be able to wake up everyday and go to work. I am sure you have experienced time when you are not able to wake up in certain time of the morning. You are sick. Your bodies are aching. You have headaches and to make it worse, you feel nauseous and you may be having diarrhea too. When time like that strikes, you have to call up the office to report sick. You applied for medical leave. As a salary worker or staff, under such circumstances you are paid at the end of the month your monthly salary. Every year, you have certain number of days to apply for your sickness. However, some people like the self-employed individuals such as the taxi-drivers and some property agents or sales people are paid based on commission alone. If they don't work, they have no earnings for that day. These people know truly well that they cannot afford to be sick. A day without work means a day without paid for them!
When you are sick, you need to see doctor. Nobody can bear the pains of sickness and diseases. When you are sick, you are suffering.
You cannot function well and most of the time you just want to sleep or lie down to rest. You do not have the energy to even move around. So it makes work really impossible.
Apart from physical health, mental health is also important. Some people do not have diseases or viral illness or sickness at all. But their mental health got problems. Some people have mild mental health problems, while some others have more serious mental health problems. Those people who suffer serious mental illness have to be hospitalised. While some people are hospitalised for treatments or for other reasons such as abandoned by families, others are being looked after by their own family members at home. For such cases of serious mental illness, no one would want to employ them. Neither can they look after themselves. They have lost their earning potential. They cannot contribute anything to the society. They have to rely on care-givers to provide for their daily needs and care.
When you do not take care of your health, it may means spending more money than what you are earning now. We know that medical expenses are getting more expensive. We cannot afford to fall sick. Once illness strikes, you need to see doctor, get treatment, seek remedies to soothe and to reduce your sufferings. Most of the time, diseases are chronic and life-long. Treatment may be monthly, like kidney dialysis, and these are liablities to you. When such time come, you don't even feel good. You are limited to the number of things that you can do. You are limited to the food that you can eat too. Life would not be as enjoyable and free when you have a normal health!
For people with mild cases of mental problems, is important to seek help while it's early to prevent the illness from progressing further. That applies to physical health too. Our health would signal us that there is problem when you develop signs and symptoms which affect you in your daily functions of life. When these 'alarm' strikes, you should pay attention to it. It is giving you a warning and you'd better do something to it. If you don't, whatever dreams or hopes that you have for the future will be at risk anytime.
All in all, I would say that our health is our greatest asset that we have. Health is important to us as it enables you to fulfill your dreams and goals in life. In pursuing your life's goals and dreams, you seek meaning in life. Many times, our goals in life might be to achieve materials things, which require money. When your health do not permit you to work anymore, you lost the earning potential and to make it worse, you became a liability to your family and to the society too. As for minority of people who find great satisfaction of life through helping people by one means or another, this require a good health to serve people too. When such time arises, when you have poor health - when illness strikes, it became an obstacles and hindrance to your dreams come true. It becomes a suffering in your life.
source : www.helium.com
Thursday, 12 June 2008
Did You Start Your Life With Enough Probiotics?
Why does disease begin in the digestive tract? Your digestive tract is your first line of defense when it comes to your health. This is because of the good bacteria that
resides there. That is why the use of Probiotics is so important
Think of Probiotics - the good bacteria as guards against incoming invaders. Having a good number of these beneficial bacteria in our digestive tract guards us against a whole range of health problems and disorders. 85% good bacteria to 15%
bad bacteria is just about right.
Sadly, because of such things as stresses of modern life, the antibiotics you may have taken and having a digestive system that is not slightly acid, you likely do not have enough of these good bacteria. This has a great affect on your health and well being.
So how long have your Probiotics been out of balance? First lets find out whether you got the healthy bacteria you needed as a baby.
Were you born naturally or delivered by Cesarean section? It makes a difference. It is by passing through the birth canal that a baby is introduced to the Bifidobacteria infantis and other
friendly microorganisms.
These friendly bacteria enter the baby's intestines through the mouth and attach themselves to sites on the gastrointestinal wall before the unfreindly microorganisms from the outside world
try to do the same.
Breast Feeding
Breast-feeding then fosters the growth of Bifidobacteria, particularly Bifidobacteria infantis. If cesarean delivered babies are then bottle-fed as well, they end up with adult-type microflora
that are not optimal for their health.
If you know that you were delivered by cesarean, or bottle fed, and you have health problems, your digestive tract could use some help. Find a high quality probiotic supplements and stick with it for at least 3 Months.
You will find that you have an increase in better health, you may have less allergies, less constipation and less bad breath.
source : www.health-doc.com
Tuesday, 10 June 2008
Overweight Can Lead To High Blood Pressure
A number of medical studies have established a correlation between people who are overweight and elevated blood pressure levels. As with anything else, there is variety in terms of how the effects are presented: specifically, the more overweight a person is, the more likely they are to have elevated blood pressure. In addition, an overweight person or a person who's obese has a higher tendency for elevated blood pressure than people who have a normal body weight. Whether a variation or not, the study outcomes provide mostly conclusive evidence that overweight and high blood pressure are linked.
Breaking it down into actual percentages, men who are obese have high blood pressure roughly forty-two percent of the time. Women who are obese have high blood pressure roughly forty percent on the time. While on their face these percentages may not seem outrageous, consider that men and women who aren't obese have high blood pressure only fifteen percent of the time roughly. Carrying too much body weight can then potentially triple the risk of high blood pressure.
The most relevant point is that being overweight is associated with elevated blood pressure, but just how this occurs is worthwhile information. Essentially what happens is people who are overweight tend to have higher blood sugar levels than normal, and their pancreas function produces extra insulin to cope with breaking down sugar in their bloodstream. The increased insulin production adversely affects several bodily functions: increased insulin can lead to blood vessels become thickened and rigid; excess levels of insulin can produce surges of adrenaline, which increases the physical functioning of the heart; and higher insulin levels can trigger the kidneys absorbing excess levels of water and salt.
The typical response to overweight is that it's a problem of appearance: dropping excess weight typically means an increased sense of body satisfaction. While body appearance can be meaningful to people, the risk of overweight is far more than just an issue of how one's reflection appears in a mirror. Overweight and obesity are legitimate threats to an individual's health and life, both from the risk of increased blood pressure as well as from other medical conditions.
source : www.articlecity.com Read More..
Friday, 6 June 2008
Low-Salt Diet May Not Be Best for Heart
Surprising new research suggests that a diet low in salt may be worse for your heart than eating lots of salt, but don’t start eating potato chips just yet.
“No one should run out and buy a salt shaker to try to improve their cardiovascular health. But we think it’s reasonable to say that different people have different needs,” said study author Dr. Hillel W. Cohen, an associate professor of epidemiology and population health at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University.
The study, published online in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, doesn’t confirm that a low-salt diet itself is bad for the heart. But it does say that people who eat the least salt suffer from the highest rates of death from cardiac disease.
“Our findings suggest that one cannot simply assume, without evidence, that lower salt diets ‘can’t hurt,’ ” Cohen said.
Cohen and his colleagues looked at a federal health survey of about 8,700 Americans between 1988 and 1994. All were over 30, and none were on special low-salt diets.
The researchers then checked to see what happened to the volunteers by the year 2000.
Even after the researchers adjusted their statistics to account for the effect of cardiac risk factors like smoking and diabetes, the 25 percent of the population who ate the least salt were 80 percent more likely to die of cardiac disease than the 25 percent who ate the most salt.
Cohen doesn’t discount that salt could be bad for some people. However, “the main argument for reducing salt in prevention of heart disease has been that there’s a relationship between higher sodium and higher blood pressure,” he said. “There have been many studies of this relationship, but when one actually looks at the numbers, the average blood pressure difference associated with quite a bit of sodium intake is very modest.”
He questions telling healthy people to cut down on salt, especially when modest changes may have no effect. “For most people, especially those whose blood pressure is normal, why are you telling them they shouldn’t have salt?”
The study was not designed to detect a direct cause-and-effect relationship between consumption of salt and cardiac death. Instead, it only looked at a potential link. It’s possible that salt consumption could reflect some other factor that’s playing a greater role, although Cohen said the researchers tried to account for that possibility.
Existing disease could be a hidden factor, said Howard Sesso, an assistant professor of medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. According to him, the study authors may not have been able to account for every survey participant who reduced salt intake because of heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes.
Overall, Sesso said, research about the hazards of salt remains mixed. “Patients with normal blood pressure can continue to consume salt, but in moderation and keeping in mind that it is the entire dietary portfolio that matters most.”
source : http://living.health.com
Thursday, 5 June 2008
Are You Fat ?
Are you one of the 60% of Americans who are over weight or 20% of Americans who are obese? Well obviously with numbers like those you are not alone. Saying you are fat is not politically correct instead say to yourself; “I am not at my ideal weight yet!” Notice the “Yet” part? Yes, well this will indeed be the topic of this discussion. You see genetically speaking not all of us are suppose to be anorexic Super Model Skinny. Yes, sure they look nice, but that is not how real humans look, especially in first world countries with abundance like the United States.
We all know that the only way to truly stay fit is to exercise regularly and continuously. You can modify your diet to meet the South Beach, Meat Only or South Florida diet as you wait for the power to come on after the Hurricane and nearly starve to death, but in the end you will gain it all back again if you do not exercise.
So, indeed, if we are going to be serious about this, then we ought to concentrate on your new workout program. Now then let’s face it you are somewhat out of shape right? Well then you need to start slow otherwise you might hurt yourself, have sore muscles or hurt your knees and that will ruin your new you look that you are looking for.
First thing you need is some good walking shoes, so I would like to recommend to you New Balance and buy a pair made for jogging and get them from a running store. This will insure you are not buying knock off versions, but rather good shoes with great support. Next pick out a good two mile enjoyable walk around the neighborhood and do this for 10-days, then go to four miles after that. When you feel comfortable jog some of it each time very slow and watch your knees and see who it feels, as the pounds come off you can decide to speed up the pace and maybe lengthen the distance some and you will have arrived. Couple this with whatever current diet plan works for you and you will be a winner and never be concerned with diet failure again. Think on this.
source : http://improve-health.blogspot.com
Using Water to Help Quit Smoking
Stopping smoking is not easy. Ask anyone who has quit. And the problem is that once you’ve quit, you’re not over it! The craving continues: some folks who have been quit for 15 years say they would still like to have one.
But since you’re reading this section, I’m guessing you know all of this. Because if you didn’t smoke, you would have probably skipped over it. And you’re thinking, “I know it’s hard to quit -- just give me something that will help me quit!”
The good news is that water will also help you get over some of the tough cravings ... especially the first few days and weeks after you’ve quit.
The longer you’ve been smoking, the more your body has become accustomed to nicotine, which is a powerful drug. Part of the difficulty with stopping smoking is that the body is still craving it. But the flip side to quitting is that you’re body is getting rid of some powerful toxins. That’s the cause of the headaches a lot of folks have in the days and weeks after they’ve quit.
Water -- lots and lots of water -- helps the body to get rid of those poisons, and allows your tissues and organs to regenerate themselves. When you’re quitting smoking, it’s not unreasonable to think that you might want to double your water intake. That’s right -- if you’re normally going to be drinking 20 glasses a day, drink 40 instead.
Now 40 glasses is a lot of water, and you may find it difficult to drink that much. That’s OK, but it wouldn’t hurt to aim that high. Just keep drinking a lot, and allow your body to get healthy again. Use those cigarette cravings as an opportunity to have another glass of water. If you slip, and have a cigarette, don’t beat yourself up. Just immediately drink 5 or 6 glasses of water to flush out the new toxins, and get right back into your new habit of not smoking.
And whatever you do, don’t give up! You’re too valuable to lose to tobacco!
source : http://improve-health.blogspot.com
Tuesday, 3 June 2008
Yoga: A Fountain of Youth - REALLY!
Yoga works. It has been clinically shown to lower blood pressure, increase circulation, build muscle tissue, increase flexibility, relieve stress and stress-related symptoms, and strengthen the respiratory system. Other benefits include relief from symptoms of menopause, counteracting osteoporosis, cleansing of internal organs, energizing the nervous system, balancing out the digestive system and relief from headaches and lower back pain. As a spiritual practice, yoga can be a pathway to greater enlightenment. It benefits the body, mind and soul, and the choice to enjoy those benefits is yours.
Choosing to live a full and active life, and to live it comfortably in your body means taking responsibility for your present physical condition, no matter what it may be. Taking good care of yourself deserves a pat on the back, as well as enjoying the benefits of being stronger and healthier. If you know deep down inside that your physical condition leaves something to be desired, what are you willing to do about it?
As we age, we come to realize that "staying in neutral" regarding our health and vitality is not an option anymore. The days when we could demand that our bodies ski, party or hike ten miles without rebellion and next day repercussions are gone. There is no "neutral" anymore. Its not a matter of "do I feel like exercising," its that everyday we make a choice to become less fit or more fit.
What is your choice in creating the life you want? Are you willing to listen to the messages your body sends you and can you make a commitment to respond to yourself with compassion, love and respect? Health and fitness is a choice. Aging does not automatically mean weakness, pain and degeneration. How do you want to feel? How can you live life to the fullest if you're dealing with discomfort or pain? Through yoga you can tune in to your body and create a life of strength, vitality, flexibility, and relaxation. You can choose to live a more dynamic and inner-directed life.
For 5000 years, yoga has been a path to health and living consciously in these bodies we inhabit. Here, in the West, we're just discovering what has been known in India for thousands of years ? that yoga is a personal "fountain of youth." Through yoga, we can increase our physical vitality, mental clarity, and heighten our spiritual awareness, regardless of our age or physical condition.
Would you enjoy your body serving you more comfortably and with greater strength? Have you heard your body talk to you lately? Yoga is a training in listening to our bodies. By tuning in through awareness of our breath, through conscious movement in the poses and in the transitions between the poses, we can receive an amazing amount of information from our bodies.
The stuck places, the places where energy is blocked, cause us discomfort in order to get our attention. What is that "stuck place" in your body trying to tell you? Yoga helps you tune in and focus your mind on the area of discomfort or contraction. You can mentally go inside it, breathe into the area, expand it with your breath, then relax, open your mind and ask your body what the stuck area is trying to tell you. Be open to the message. When you receive and accept the message is when the healing begins, and your body will tell you that too. The discomfort will begin to melt away, the blockage will open up and you'll feel free!
I teach a gentle, yet very effective beginning yoga program especially designed for seniors I have been amazed at how quickly so many seniors, even those who have never done any exercise before, have positive results from just two hours of yoga a week. "Yoga for the Young at Heart" is a soothing and healing practice. It creates a format for you to tune in to your body and consciously, with great respect for inevitable limitations, build strength, stamina, flexibility and vitality.
It's from this place of living life to the fullest, of respecting and nurturing ourselves, that we become relaxed and comfortable. When we are whole and at peace, that's when our true potential can be expressed. That's when we create peace within, in our relationships and in all the corners of our world.
We are incredible, powerful spirits having a physical experience. The quality of that experience is in our hands.
Have you heard this before? "You are responsible for your experience!"
Ancient yogis in India took that to an extreme. Imagine choosing to sit naked in the snow and creating such energy within your body that, not only would you not be cold, but steam would rise off your body from the heat you generated!
We choose our experiences, too. Are you "sitting in the snow" in some area of your life? Do you choose to sit there and shiver and moan about how cold you are? OR do you choose to gather your energy, your internal fire and radiate such joy and love around you that you transform your experience and that of everyone around you?
That is the yoga of life, and it begins right here, with your personal yoga practice. Carl Sagan asked, "Why are we here?" I think I've discovered why we're here! To remember why we're here! Why are you here?
I believe we're here to grow into our most healthy, creative, and joyful selves, and to create peace and harmony in our corners of the world.
Susan Winter Ward, internationally recognized yoga instructor, author, and video producer, is the creator of Yoga for the Young at Heart™, a multimedia publisher which publishes an informative and inspiring collection of CDRoms, videos, audio tapes, books and television programs, as well as exciting vacation retreats. Her product line is available at: Yoga for the Young at Heart
Fruit For Fitness Tips
Without question, fruit has wonderful natural benefits for the human body. Fruit is packed with vitamins and fiber much like vegetables, but comes in a wide variety of sweeter, more palatable flavors.
Adding fruit to your diet is an excellent thing to do, but there are a few things that you need to keep in mind:
1. Eat fresh fruit instead of drinking fruit juice. Juice is often sweetened, but fresh fruits have natural sugars. Also, you don’t receive all of the needed fiber and vitamins from fruit juice as you do from fresh fruit.
2. If you do have a craving for fruit juice, then go for fresh fruit juice instead of those that contain artificial flavors and colors. Or even better, try making your own fruit juice, taking care not to sweeten it with too many calories.
3. Choose fresh fruit over processed fruits. Again, processed and canned fruits do not have as much fiber or vitamins as fresh fruit, and processed and canned fruits are nearly always sweetened.
4. Wherever possible eating locally produced seasonal fruits and vegetable fresh from the garden or grove is preferred.
5. Fresh fruit makes the absolute perfect dessert for any meal. Throw out the cake and add a fresh fruit bowl to the dining table.
6. Fresh fruit also makes the perfect snack. It’s far better to grab a banana or apple when hunger pangs strike, than a bag of greasy potato chips. Plus, fresh fruit just tastes better.
7. It’s interesting to note that nature produces several varieties of fruits resembling the shapes of the organs of our body, which are useful and beneficial to that specific organ. Here are some examples:
Apricot - BrainMango-Papaya - StomachAlmonds - EyesApple - HeartGrapes - LungsCashew nuts - Kidney
8. Fruits and vegetables have in them a natural storage of the sun’s energy. If we make a daily practice of having fresh fruit and vegetables, or one glass of real fruit juice and two or three cups of green juice of vegetables, our requirement for food will be reduced to a minimum. We will have enough energy to maintain the body in a healthy condition.
Overall, just remember that fresh fruit is better for you than canned fruit, fruit juice, processed fruit, or cooked fruit. Eat as much fresh fruit as you like.
Another benefit of adding fruit to your diet is the added water intake. Water is a simple, yet effective tool in the fight against the scale and the emergency room, and is often overlooked by most people.
But that is a whole other subject...
To learn more about the tremendous benefits of water in your dietary routine visit: http://www.privilegedinfo.com/waterwisdom.html .Steve Shannon is webmaster at PrivilegedInfo.com.
source : http://improve-health.blogspot.com
Sunday, 1 June 2008
5 Steps to Optimal Health
The first step :
1. Never skip a meal again (keep the calorie burning furnace burning)
2. Eat real, unprocessed foods (if man made it do not eat it)
3. Eat balanced meals (protein, fat, and carbs in every meal)
4. Choose a protein as the main nutrient in your meal
5. Add some healthy fats (avocado, nuts, seeds, cold water fish, and olive oil)
6. Add real carbohydrates (whole grains)
7. Add non-starchy vegetables (green and brightly coloured)
8. Eat snacks (keep the calorie burning furnace burning)
9. Eat solid food (fiber)
10.Drink enough water(body weight x .7 = no. of ounces to drink)
The second step :
1. Make downtime a daily practice (you are important)
2. Put your life in perspective (don’t sweat the small stuff)
3. Keep track of stress signals (heart rate increase, blood pressure, anxiety, yelling)
4. Get enough sleep (6-8hours)
Third step :
1. Nicotine
2. Alcohol
3. Refined sugar
4. Artificial sweeteners
5. Illegal drugs
6. MSG, additives & preservatives
7. Fake fats and fat blockers
8. Caffeine
9. Certain prescription drugs
Fourth, practice cardio, resistance and flexibility/relaxing exercises.
And finally, the fifth step to optimal health is taking hormone replacement therapy as needed. ( Please Consult your Physician before beginning any such program).
Source : www.e-healtharticles
Friday, 30 May 2008
Type of Tomato Product Determines Power Against Prostate Cancer
A study in the June 1 issue of Cancer Research finds that the type of tomato product you eat may play a role in whether it can fight prostate cancer.
Specifically, an organic carbohydrate known as FruHis, which is produced when tomatoes are dehydrated, could be the secret ingredient.
But the study only looked at animals and, the authors warned, FruHis is not ready for the doctor's office or medicine cabinet just yet.
"This study was conducted in a rat model, and you cannot possibly draw any conclusions for people," said study author Valeri Mossine, a research assistant professor of biochemistry at the University of Missouri. "That's something we need to do next. But before you enter a study with humans, you have to prove that something works with animals. If it works, then you go on."
Several studies have pointed to a prostate cancer-fighting quality in tomatoes, but the exact mechanisms have been elusive.
In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration laid out evidence or rather, a lack of it, behind a previous statement the agency had issued that tomato consumption is not linked to any reduction in risk of prostate tumors (or ovarian, stomach or pancreatic malignancies).
The November 2005 statement issued by the FDA contended that, "there is no credible evidence to support qualified health claims for lycopene, as a food ingredient, component or food, or as a dietary supplement, and reduced risk of any of the cancers in the petition."
But other experts, including the authors of the current study, are speculating that some other compound in tomatoes might interact with lycopene to produce the protective effect.
As the study points out, processing of edible plants (heating, grinding, mixing, drying, etc.) may have an effect on the nutritional value of the product, largely due to changes that occur in organic carbohydrates.
And a dietary component to prostate cancer risk and protection could help explain well-known geographical differences in the incidence of the disease.
"We were trying to show that a combination of two different entities in tomato products which appear out of the preparation of tomato powder might interact together," Mossine said.
For this study, rats were divided into four groups of 20: one group received a control diet, another group received a diet that included tomato paste, a third group received a diet including tomato paste plus additional FruHis, and the final group received tomato powder alone.
All rats were injected with chemicals to induce prostate cancer.
Rats fed the tomato paste-plus-FruHis survived the longest, 51 weeks without developing tumors, compared with 50 weeks in the tomato powder group, 45 weeks in the tomato paste group, and 40 weeks in the control group. The study only lasted 51 weeks, so the tomato paste plus FruHis group could have even longer survival times, Mossine noted.
Prostate tumors were found in 10 percent of the animals that had consumed tomato paste plus FruHis, compared with 30 percent of animals receiving tomato powder alone, 25 percent receiving tomato paste alone and 60 percent in the control group.
"Our study shows that one of these carbohydrates that we were suspecting interacts with lycopene, at least in that model that we were using," Mossine said.
"This is a very reasonable basic laboratory assessment of this issue with regard to prostate cancer risk," said Dr. K. Scott Coffield, a professor of surgery at Texas A & M Health Science Center College of Medicine and a urologist-oncologist with Scott & White. "What will be necessary at this point will be some translational research to take this into a clinical setting."
source : www.healthier.com
Sitting in front of the computer for too long: The Solution (2)
As promised, here is the second part to ‘Sitting in front of the computer for too long’.
Some of you may have come across a few of these points before, but don’t take them lightly, you’ll be amazed at how much of a difference they can make if executed regularly and properly.
1. Adjust the brightness of your screen to match your environment.
2. Get an anti-glare screen on your monitor, reflections off the computer screen can cause itself cause eyestrain
3. Make sure your refresh rate is at 70Hz (Hertz) or above.
4. Blink more often, when working at a computer, people on average blink five times less than normal.
5. Look away from the screen (approx. every 20 minutes), preferably at a distant object and try to focus on that object momentarily (for approx. 10 secs.). This helps stretch your focusing muscles and also helps prevent strained near vision.
6. If you have to look back and forth between the computer screen and printed paper, place the paper on a copy stand adjacent to (i.e. next to) the monitor. This will considerably reduce eye and neck strain.
7. Make sure the top of the screen is at eye-level.
8. Use the right type of chair, preferably adjustable chairs. Or alternatively, as Yaro and Blaine (Blogmastermind.com) suggested, use a swiss ball.
9. Rest your wrists on the desk or get a wrist/arm rest.
10. Make sure the room temperature is not too low or high. If too low (i.e. cold), then your muscles can go into spasm and therefore injury is much more likely.
11. Make sure you hydrate yourself with water (you’d think this is obvious right? Not so.). Many office workers drink a lot of tea and coffee which have a diuretic action (i.e. make you urinate more often and therefore results in the loss of minerals). Don’t get me wrong, tea is very good for you, especially green tea, though make sure this is balanced with a good intake of water and food dense in vitamins, minerals and various other nutrients required by your body, simply put, eat as healthily as possible.
12. Stand up and take a walk around your room (if it’s a large room) or the next room. This helps especially with reducing hip-flexor tightness (hip flexor stretch). If you feel that your hip flexors are tight (usually signified by arch in lower back – lordosis – and your butt sticking out), you can see how to do the stretch here. NOTE: be careful NOT to over exert yourself and thereby cause injury!
Whatever you do, don’t ignore the pain. If parts of your body are causing you discomfort and pain, go and see your doctor! Don’t put it off.
source : http://thehealthblogger.com
Sitting in front of the computer for too long: The Effects (1)
I’ve written this article with the primary goal of reminding myself of the importance of monitoring my own computer usage and thereby incorporating appropriate methods and techniques to reduce the damage of such a prolonged state of sitting and staring at the monitor/screen! Phew, that was a long sentence, don’t want to get arrested by my English teacher. Okay, I know…that was a bad joke!
Anyway, back to the topic.
Sometimes, or maybe always, whenever I sit in front of my computer with the intention of doing one thing, I end doing maybe twenty other things too. Even whilst writing this article I have several pages open, trying to read them all at once. My point is most people always nearly end up spending more time in front of their screen than initially intended. This leads to the purpose of this article. Whilst I was in Dubai (UAE), I was watching a good friend of mine working on his website. I noticed the bad position he was sitting in, I didn’t say anything as I expected it to be temporary. However, I later observed that he always sat like that and as a result he has developed a kyphotic and lordotic curve in his spine, tight hip flexors and also his belly is somewhat more prominent.
He’s still very young and it is a lot easier for him to reverse these problems now! I hope he’s reading this!
The aforementioned problems are very common amongst deskbound and computer users, unfortunately the situation is not quickly discovered, though the problem is cumulative and hence there is a gradual deterioration which can be quickly rectified at any stage (not always, but in most cases this holds true).
Another common problem many computer users experience, especially bloggers and webmasters, is Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), the name itself describes the problem, however for those who don’t know what it is: it is loosely described and related to the overuse of a tool or movement, e.g. pressing the same key on your keyboard for an hour!
RSI is also known as cumulative trauma disorder, occupational overuse syndrome, or work related upper limb disorder (WRULD).
http://thehealthblogger.com
Thursday, 29 May 2008
Masturbation: It is NOT healthy for you, contrary to popular belief !
Yes, that’s right, I have chosen to write about a topic which is commonly perceived as taboo, though I know many will be intrigued and curious to read the information presented and learn the negative consequence of such an abhorrent practice.
So why am I writing this article? Well, mainly due to the fact that many uninformed individuals (no names) like to elucidate their opinions freely and willingly on this subject with very little to no knowledge whatsoever! I have come across countless articles and opinions stating how masturbation is “…a healthy practice…”, the more I saw these false comments, the more I felt the need to correct this misconception!
If you don’t know what masturbation is, well then I’m very surprised. Simply put, your having sex with yourself or more explicitly, with your hand! Want a more concise explanation, pick up an encyclopedia or do a google search.
This is inherently against the natural disposition of man, don’t worry I’m not going to give a sermon!
I have read in the past how masturbation can be more addictive than heroin, now that is serous!
You can get your fix whenever and just about wherever! You release the same chemical which makes you feel good when you take heroin (i.e. opioids), though in a lesser amount.
So what are the common effects of masturbation you ask?
Here’s a small list (though not an exhaustive one):
- Fatigue
- Lower back pain
- Thinning hair/hair loss
- Weak erection
- Premature ejaculation
- Groin/testicular pain
- Concentration and memory problems
- Sleep problems
This doesn’t mean that one shall experience all of these effects, though they are very common.
Did you know that every time you ejaculate, you lose approximately 3-5mg of zinc, that’s nearly a third of your RDA.
Zinc is one of the main minerals responsible for testosterone production, therefore less zinc, less testosterone etc.
I know some clever person out there is surmising that the same effects should occur when one has sexual intercourse, right?
Sorry to disappoint! When a man has sexual intercourse with a female, certain trace minerals and prostaglandins are absorbed from the female vaginal secretions which balance this effect! Bet you didn’t know that?!
Do you really want to be a one-minute man and look like an idiot when you are with your partner? I thought not.
I advise those who masturbate regularly, to stop! Eat some Oysters (very high in Zinc) and plenty of fruit and vegetables. Fast, for fasting diminishes one’s sexual desires, unless of course you can get married or something and keep busy, “For idle hands make work for…”!
Please don’t believe the fallacy that these so-called experts proclaim! Masturbation is not healthy and is quite detrimental to put it mildly!
Source : http://thehealthblogger.com
Vitamin C Supplements Found To Aid In A Variety Of Ailments
Its common these days to see people buying up vitamin C tabs, pills, and chewables at the beginning of cold and flu season. While some swear by the immune system boosting properties some still question whether these supplements really help. There are many studies that definitively show Vitamin C is needed by the body for production of collagen and without it you will eventually die of scurvy. Other studies have found benefits of the vitamin in other areas, making use of its antioxidant properties. While some claim the vitamin can be used in high doses to cure the common cold or lessen the degree and severity of illnesses. First off Vitamin C has been studied as an aid in fighting cancer. One exciting, but preliminary study was performed on live cancer cells in a test tube environment. Scientists administered infusions of Vitamin C to a set of nine cancer cell cultures and four normal cell cultures. The cancer cells had a fifty percent decrease in survival rate, while the normal cells appeared to be unaffected. The vitamin C appeared to kill cancer cells in a laboratory environment. While this is promising it should be noted that this is not a study that was performed in humans and many things can be promising in the laboratory but some things just don't work out in the real world trials. Diabetics may be interested to know that Vitamin C is being studied as a way to increase the body's receptiveness to insulin. The disease is partly characterized by the blood vessels inability to respond Nitric Oxide (NO) which is secreted by the walls of the blood vessel and encourage the muscles to relax increasing blood flow to the areas of the body. The vessel walls don't relax and thus contribute to the body's insulin resistance. It's been confirmed that injections of vitamin C have been shown to improve vessel wall reaction to NO in diabetic patients. The new study is going to observe the effectiveness of oral vitamin C in Diabetic patients. There were many, many studies performed to try and determine whether vitamin C can indeed prevent the common cold. In the seventies there were a series of trial run by a team headed by a Dr. Terrence Anderson at the University of Toronto. His studies found the same results as many other studies, that vitamin C though necessary in the body doesn't prevent the common cold. It does seem to lessen the length of time you have a cold by half a day on average and there is no need to take really high doses to achieve this. It appears that you can get the same effect as a very high dosage of vitamin C in a higher than usual dosage of 250mg during a cold when the cold ends you should return to the recommended daily value of 60mg.
source : www.stanleybeautycare
Wednesday, 28 May 2008
5 Natural Common Cold Beaters
The aptly named common cold hits nearly every one of us on a regular basis and once a single family member has it, it can spread quickly and viciously. While the cold itself is relatively harmless it still presents almost crippling symptoms. The common misconception is that you can fight a cold, essentially getting on with your life and trying to ignore the problem. This is much more likely to prolong the agony as a pose to beating it. In preference to turning to the pharmacist there are natural ways to reduce the recovery time and relieve the nagging symptoms of a cold.
Rest
The misconception that exercise will help to sweat out a cold is misleading. The body needs to be able to fight the cold infection and by exercising or being excessively active you are reducing its capability to do this. Resting allows the body to fully combat the cold virus. The immune system and various immune functions within the body are strengthened or generated during sleep. It is these that will help your body beat the cold.
Water
When suffering from a cold the body is susceptible to becoming dehydrated. In order to prevent this it is absolutely essential that sufferers drink plenty of water. The recommended eight glasses of water a day is the absolute minimum that you should be aiming to drink when suffering from a cold. For this reason, water can help to further strengthen the immune system and subsequently beat the infection.
Vitamin C
It may sound something your mom or your grandmother would try to convince you but it is widely believed to be true. However, too much vitamin C can cause diarrhea and possible even kidney stones. Many proponents of vitamin C as a cold remedy would argue that 1,000mg every hour is not damaging and will help to reduce the time a person suffers from a cold. However, it has been medically proven that 250mg has the same positive effects as any larger dose with fewer and less severe side effects. The best way to obtain this level of vitamin C is through fruit juices because this also provides a good source of extra fluid.
Garlic
Garlic is another age old herbal remedy for colds. It helps to strengthen the immune system and is also a good antiviral. Putting garlic in meals will help to prevent colds and can also reduce the suffering time of patients. The best way to consume the garlic is freshly ground and raw. Many people would find this a struggle, especially because a lot of people eat as many as three or four cloves as soon as they show symptoms of a cold.
Elderberry Extracts
Elderberries may look harmless but to the cold virus they are far from it. It is a powerful antiviral as well as being a highly effective prophylactic. As an antiviral it can help to stave off the actual infection causing the cold, and its prophylactic properties strengthens and rejuvenates the immune system. Elderberry and blueberries are among the best varieties of fruit a cold sufferer can eat for these very reasons.
source : http://www.e-healtharticles.com
Muscle Building Tips: Do's and Dont's
1) Popping a pill to reach your health and fitness goal is not the answer! Results are temporary and effects the body adversely in the long run.
2) Remove the tag " Short cut" from your workout schedule. There is no such thing as quick-fix. Dedication and hardwork hold the key for MUSCLE BUILDING.
3) Dietary Supplements can be helpful in achieving your goals. Supplementation is designed to supplement your healthy eating and exercise habits.
4) Dont go in for any supplement you come across. Before taking a supplement, consult your trained or a physician. Always buy supplements from a reputed DRUGSTORE. Do your research before taking in a supplement. One such reputed and recommended online store for drugs is Drugstore.com. Read Drugstore.com Reviews at www.weightloss-health.com/Drugstore.htm
5) Supplements shouldnt be misunderstood as steroids. Steroids should be a BIG NO. Gather more knowledge on supplements at www.weightloss-health.com/Supplements.htm
6) Muscle Building Diet: It occupies a prominent area in MUSCLE BUILDING pie-chart. You should be highly careful related to your muscle building diet. Always ask your trainer to write down a diet schedule for you.
7) Give rest to your body between two sets, say for two minutes.
8) Not work on more than two muscle groups at a time. Train those mucles in a group which work with each other. This technique has proven to be effective. For eg: Chest and Triceps or biceps and backs.
9) The most effective time to do muscle building exercises is in the morning. You have consumed a lot of carbs by evening. So, carbs become the source of energy for you when you do your exercises in evening. But in morning, body depends on its alternative source i.e FAT for energy. Hence fats get burned up more in morning.
10) Last but not the least, Dont be biased to any body part. Proper balance is a necessity. Having big upper body and skinny legs is no good. Work out on entire body.
source : www.e-healtharticles.com
Tuesday, 27 May 2008
Health Care Rights
You Have the Right to Receive Care When You Need It
* To have an appointment when you need one.
* To have an appointment with a specialist when you need one.
* To have continuity of care if your doctor or medical group leaves your plan.
* To receive treatment for certain mental health conditions.
* To get a second doctor's opinion.
* To know why your plan denies a service or treatment.
You Have the Right to Understand Your Health Problems and Treatments
* To see a written diagnosis (description of your health problem).
* To give informed consent when you have a treatment.
You Have the Right to File a Complaint and Ask for an Independent Medical Review
* To file a complaint if you have a problem with your health plan.
* To ask for an Independent Medical Review of a decision your health plan makes about your care.
You Have the Right to Choose Your Own Doctor
* To choose a doctor in your health plan's network.
* To change to another doctor in the network if you are not satisfied with your doctor.
* To change your specialist or mental health care provider if you are not satisfied.
* To ask for a provider who speaks your language if you are not comfortable speaking English (in some cases the plan must provide an interpreter).
You Have the Right to See Your Medical Records
* To get a copy of your records (you may be charged for the copying).
* To add your own notes to your records.
* To keep your medical records private.
