ow strong your immune system is can make a difference on whether you get sick or not. The immune system is a network of cells and organs that work together to protect your body. It helps to block foreign molecules from getting in the body. You body has a search and destroy force that hunts down all these unwanted molecules and it destroys them, so it is important to keep these helpers healthy and strong. There are things you can do to keep your immune system healthy.
The most important thing you can do to keep your immune system healthy is to maintain and achieve a healthy lifestyle balance. Negativity can impact your ability to remain healthy. Stress, negativity, and the substances created by the body during these times can cause your immune system to lower. Reducing stress and staying positive can help you stay healthy.
Getting vaccinated can help protect from some diseases. Some vaccinations include hepatitis A and B, diphtheria, tetnus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and polio. It is recommended that all kids between the ages 11 and 18 and travelers get vaccinated for meningitis.
Not getting enough sleep can weaken the immune system as well. Lack of sleep can prevent the body from repairing itself. To give your body an extra immune boost during the flu season by making sure you 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. Having sex can boost the immunity as well. It doesn’t even need to be the sex that boosts the immune system, loving touches like cuddling and kissing can boost the immunity as well.
Certain foods can contain good bacteria known as probiotics. They can help the body resist respiratory infections like the flu and common cold. Lemon is good for restoring acid-alkali balance in the body. Adding freshly squeezed lemon juice to tea or water can help the body maintain the body’s internal temperature. Protein is essential for building a healthy body, mind, and immune system. Drinking plenty of water 8 glasses a day can flush the system of toxins. Tea is rich in plant antioxidants that can help protect the body against cold or flu.
Drinking coffee and eating chocolate are the worst things you can do for your immune system. Caffeine strips the body of minerals and vitamins and it can dehydrate you. Eliminating sugar from the diet will help as well. Energy levels will rise, weight will distribute evenly through the body, and the immune system will pick up. Garlic is very effective against viruses, bacteria, fungal and parasitic infections.
Raw fruits and vegetables are good for antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and enzymes. Produce that is dark in color has the most nutrients in it. Seaweed is the best source of minerals you can get. You can get these in a supplement. Exercising can make a major difference in your health and happiness as well. Make sure you take time to yourself, spend time with friends, and pamper yourself. Take a hot bath, get a massage, our bodies respond to emotions. When you’re happy you’re far less likely to get sick.
Another thing that is good for your immunity is taking a supplement. Alternative Health Supplements offers a number of products that are great for boosting your immunity. Immunocare by Himalaya will help maintain your immunity. It contains amalaki a great source of vitamin C which is good for boosting immunity. There is also Guggul, Indian Tinospora, Indian Madder, and Amla that are all great herbs for boosting immunity. Its an all natural product so it is safe to use.
About The Author
Steven Johnson is interested in maintaining a vital, active, and healthy lifestyle. For more information or to obtain antioxidant related products, as well as other life-enhancing nutrients, please visit his website http://www.alternative-health-supplements.com/immunocare.htm.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Arthritis of the Big Toe Joint
Stiffness of the big toe joint is termed Hallux Limitus. Hallux is the medical term for the big toe. When the big toe possesses no motion, it is termed Hallux Rigidus. To confuse the topic, the big toe joint may appear to have normal motion, but this motion can be limited when weight is on the foot and during the normal standing and walking. This is termed functional Hallux limitus, because it occurs during the normal functioning of the foot while walking. As with many conditions that affect the foot, functional conditions progress to structural deformities. As the condition progresses, a degenerative type of arthritis develops in the big toe joint.
Diagnosis
The most common cause of Hallux limitus is an abnormal alignment of the long bone behind the big toe joint called the first metatarsal bone. In this condition, the first metatarsal bone is elevated relative to the other metatarsal bones that lie behind the other toes. When this is the case, the big toe joint cannot move smoothly and jamming occurs at the joint. A variety of symptoms can begin to occur. One common problem that occurs is pain in the bottom of the big toe where a central callus can develop. The pain and callus develop because the big toe does not bend upward enough as the bottom of the toe is jammed into the ground. People who have diabetes must watch this area carefully because the pressure can cause the development of an ulceration that can become infected.
Another consequence of the jamming of the big toe joint is the development of bone spurs on the top of the joint. This bump on the top of the big toe joint can become painful as a result of shoe pressure. Pain within the joint is a common result of the limitation of movement of the big toe joint. With time, the big toe joint becomes stiff and painful to move. As the joint continues to degenerate more bone spurring occurs. If the condition is left untreated complete destruction of the joint can occur.
Diagnosis is made by performing a physical exam of the foot and the use of x-rays. In early stages of the condition x-rays may be normal. In later stages of the condition, narrowing of the joint and/or bone spurs may be evident.
Treatment
Initial treatment consists of using oral anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections and/or functional orthotics. Oral medications and cortisone injections are useful in treating the pain associated with the condition, but will not stop the process because they do not address the underlying cause of the condition. Functional orthotics, however, are designed to treat the cause of the condition. These devices will generally fit into normal shoes and correct the underlying functional problem with the joint. Orthotics will not reverse what damage may have occurred, but can slow or halt the on-going damage to the joint.
If the condition progresses to the point of spurring around the joint, surgery may be indicated. Depending upon the degree of degeneration of the joint, surgery may consist of simply removing the bone spurs around the joint, a decompresion osteotomy or may require a total joint replacement or joint fusion (See surgery of Hallux limitus). Following surgery, the use of a functional orthotic is useful to improve the joint function.
If a painful callous exits on the bottom of the big toe it will frequently resolve and the pain subside with the use of functional orthotics and/or surgery to improve the motion of the joint.
http://www.archerfootandankle.com
About The Author
Thomas Buividas, DPM
Diplomate, American Board of Podiatric Surgery
http://archerfootandankel.com
Diagnosis
The most common cause of Hallux limitus is an abnormal alignment of the long bone behind the big toe joint called the first metatarsal bone. In this condition, the first metatarsal bone is elevated relative to the other metatarsal bones that lie behind the other toes. When this is the case, the big toe joint cannot move smoothly and jamming occurs at the joint. A variety of symptoms can begin to occur. One common problem that occurs is pain in the bottom of the big toe where a central callus can develop. The pain and callus develop because the big toe does not bend upward enough as the bottom of the toe is jammed into the ground. People who have diabetes must watch this area carefully because the pressure can cause the development of an ulceration that can become infected.
Another consequence of the jamming of the big toe joint is the development of bone spurs on the top of the joint. This bump on the top of the big toe joint can become painful as a result of shoe pressure. Pain within the joint is a common result of the limitation of movement of the big toe joint. With time, the big toe joint becomes stiff and painful to move. As the joint continues to degenerate more bone spurring occurs. If the condition is left untreated complete destruction of the joint can occur.
Diagnosis is made by performing a physical exam of the foot and the use of x-rays. In early stages of the condition x-rays may be normal. In later stages of the condition, narrowing of the joint and/or bone spurs may be evident.
Treatment
Initial treatment consists of using oral anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections and/or functional orthotics. Oral medications and cortisone injections are useful in treating the pain associated with the condition, but will not stop the process because they do not address the underlying cause of the condition. Functional orthotics, however, are designed to treat the cause of the condition. These devices will generally fit into normal shoes and correct the underlying functional problem with the joint. Orthotics will not reverse what damage may have occurred, but can slow or halt the on-going damage to the joint.
If the condition progresses to the point of spurring around the joint, surgery may be indicated. Depending upon the degree of degeneration of the joint, surgery may consist of simply removing the bone spurs around the joint, a decompresion osteotomy or may require a total joint replacement or joint fusion (See surgery of Hallux limitus). Following surgery, the use of a functional orthotic is useful to improve the joint function.
If a painful callous exits on the bottom of the big toe it will frequently resolve and the pain subside with the use of functional orthotics and/or surgery to improve the motion of the joint.
http://www.archerfootandankle.com
About The Author
Thomas Buividas, DPM
Diplomate, American Board of Podiatric Surgery
http://archerfootandankel.com
Dental Cowards: Discover Help From an Unexpected Source
Ask yourself these questions:
1. Do you delay trips to the dentist, even when in pain?
2. Do simple dental check-ups worry you?
3. Are annual cleanings a source of nervousness?
4. Has avoiding dental care resulted in bigger problems?
5. Does the sound of the dental drill make you cringe, even when imagined?
6. Do you wish going to the dentist were easier for you?
If you’ve answered YES to three or more questions, dental fears may be restricting you.
What to do?
Ask yourself: What is creating the fear?
Likely culprits are the influence of a dental-phobic relative; what you create mentally when hearing sounds of the dental office, smelling the smells, envisioning the drill, imagining pain, blood, and more.
If you dwell on these whenever dental work is advised, you probably perceived a negative experience with a dentist at some time in your life, or were influenced by a fearful relative.
Those most afraid of pain may neglect checkups, setting themselves up for more difficult procedures when they finally visit a dentist. It’s a vicious cycle.
But you can instead shut off scary mind pictures or dim them. Even shrinking in your mind helps.
If you frighten yourself with imaginary drill sounds, imagine them fainter, farther away, or turn them into another tune. (Yes, you really can do this!)
Do dental smells bother you? Replace them mentally with something that makes you smile, like kids’ fruit punch or peppermint.
Strangely enough, all of this is do-able. Find what’s easiest for you.
Surprising Truths that can also help:
- More-frequent visits are usually gentler visits. When teeth are cared for regularly,
fewer invasive procedures are needed.
- What you create in your mind is probably scarier anything you will experience in the dental chair – especially with today’s anesthesia.
- By intentionally altering your overall feeling about dentistry little by little, and increasing oral care at home, you can benefit from the rewards of less pain, fewer procedures, and even fewer appointments (with your dentist’s approval).
The question is how to achieve this when you fear the dentist?
One very good answer: Hypnosis.
Why?
- Hypnosis quells fears
- Hypnosis creates relaxation you can trigger at the dental office
- Hypnosis helps you alter scary mind pictures
- Hypnosis helps make dental sounds mean something different and better—or disappear altogether
- Hypnosis becomes a process you can do any time you’re in the dental zone, or anywhere else, when you sense fear or nervousness coming on
- Hypnosis can help you create positive, useful habits (like more frequent flossing, brushing, and hygiene, as prescribed by your dentist)
- Hypnosis can provide “mental rehearsal” to make the dental visit more palatable, including appointment setting, entering the office, noticing scents, seeing dental tools and feeling them in your mouth, hearing drill sounds, being given the diagnosis, getting an injection—and anywhere else your mind drifts
- Hypnosis can help you get comfortable with dental appliances more easily and quickly, including braces, retainers, bite guards and others
(Did you feel jittery reading the list? Then you’re among the Most Likely To Benefit From Dental Hypnosis.)
The irony is that the less you fear the dentist, the less scary your appointments are, the more comfortable you feel at the office, the less often you’ll need to come. The reverse is also true.
How to find a hypnotist who deals with dental anxiety or odontophobia? One solution is to ask your dentist prior to your appointment if he knows someone.
Otherwise, locate a local, certified hypnotist, ask about dental hypnosis, and make an appointment or two before your scheduled dental visit.
Many hypnotists who do this work now had their own dental fears in the past. If you saw all the crowns in my mouth, you’d know just how well qualified I am! ©2009 by Wendy Lapidus-Saltz. All rights reserved.
About The Author
Wendy Lapidus-Saltz has been a dental patient since age two. She has 10+ years as a hypnotist certified by the National Guild of Hypnotists. Recommended by physicians and dentists to help quell fears and increase compliance with medical instructions, Wendy is also a strong advocate of pain-free smoking cessation for smokers who worry about their health. Visit her at http://www.nonsmoker4life.com. Or call 312-640-1584 to schedule a free phone consult.
1. Do you delay trips to the dentist, even when in pain?
2. Do simple dental check-ups worry you?
3. Are annual cleanings a source of nervousness?
4. Has avoiding dental care resulted in bigger problems?
5. Does the sound of the dental drill make you cringe, even when imagined?
6. Do you wish going to the dentist were easier for you?
If you’ve answered YES to three or more questions, dental fears may be restricting you.
What to do?
Ask yourself: What is creating the fear?
Likely culprits are the influence of a dental-phobic relative; what you create mentally when hearing sounds of the dental office, smelling the smells, envisioning the drill, imagining pain, blood, and more.
If you dwell on these whenever dental work is advised, you probably perceived a negative experience with a dentist at some time in your life, or were influenced by a fearful relative.
Those most afraid of pain may neglect checkups, setting themselves up for more difficult procedures when they finally visit a dentist. It’s a vicious cycle.
But you can instead shut off scary mind pictures or dim them. Even shrinking in your mind helps.
If you frighten yourself with imaginary drill sounds, imagine them fainter, farther away, or turn them into another tune. (Yes, you really can do this!)
Do dental smells bother you? Replace them mentally with something that makes you smile, like kids’ fruit punch or peppermint.
Strangely enough, all of this is do-able. Find what’s easiest for you.
Surprising Truths that can also help:
- More-frequent visits are usually gentler visits. When teeth are cared for regularly,
fewer invasive procedures are needed.
- What you create in your mind is probably scarier anything you will experience in the dental chair – especially with today’s anesthesia.
- By intentionally altering your overall feeling about dentistry little by little, and increasing oral care at home, you can benefit from the rewards of less pain, fewer procedures, and even fewer appointments (with your dentist’s approval).
The question is how to achieve this when you fear the dentist?
One very good answer: Hypnosis.
Why?
- Hypnosis quells fears
- Hypnosis creates relaxation you can trigger at the dental office
- Hypnosis helps you alter scary mind pictures
- Hypnosis helps make dental sounds mean something different and better—or disappear altogether
- Hypnosis becomes a process you can do any time you’re in the dental zone, or anywhere else, when you sense fear or nervousness coming on
- Hypnosis can help you create positive, useful habits (like more frequent flossing, brushing, and hygiene, as prescribed by your dentist)
- Hypnosis can provide “mental rehearsal” to make the dental visit more palatable, including appointment setting, entering the office, noticing scents, seeing dental tools and feeling them in your mouth, hearing drill sounds, being given the diagnosis, getting an injection—and anywhere else your mind drifts
- Hypnosis can help you get comfortable with dental appliances more easily and quickly, including braces, retainers, bite guards and others
(Did you feel jittery reading the list? Then you’re among the Most Likely To Benefit From Dental Hypnosis.)
The irony is that the less you fear the dentist, the less scary your appointments are, the more comfortable you feel at the office, the less often you’ll need to come. The reverse is also true.
How to find a hypnotist who deals with dental anxiety or odontophobia? One solution is to ask your dentist prior to your appointment if he knows someone.
Otherwise, locate a local, certified hypnotist, ask about dental hypnosis, and make an appointment or two before your scheduled dental visit.
Many hypnotists who do this work now had their own dental fears in the past. If you saw all the crowns in my mouth, you’d know just how well qualified I am! ©2009 by Wendy Lapidus-Saltz. All rights reserved.
About The Author
Wendy Lapidus-Saltz has been a dental patient since age two. She has 10+ years as a hypnotist certified by the National Guild of Hypnotists. Recommended by physicians and dentists to help quell fears and increase compliance with medical instructions, Wendy is also a strong advocate of pain-free smoking cessation for smokers who worry about their health. Visit her at http://www.nonsmoker4life.com. Or call 312-640-1584 to schedule a free phone consult.
Lose Weight and Flush Out Fat With The 100 Calorie Diet's Fat Flush Recipes!
I have taken flushing the fat out of your system to a whole new level! I dug in and did some extensive research to find the ingredients that are proven to flush fat from your cells, detoxify your liver, eliminate toxins from your cells and basically cleanse your entire system. While doing this, I discovered that fruits and vegetables are loaded with phytonutrients (like beta & alpha carotene, lycopene and lutein) which, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (from their website):
1. Serve as antioxidants
2. Enhance immune response
3. Alter estrogen metabolism
4. Covert vitamin A
5. Cause cancer cells to die
6. Repair DNA damage caused by smoking and other toxins
7. Detoxify carcinogens
Wow! We always heard that you should eat your fruits and vegetables, but we never really hear exactly why. I found out why! For example, carrots have Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Vitamin B 1 (Thiamin), Vitamin B 3 (Niacin), Vitamin B 6 (Pyridoxine), Folate, Manganese, Magnesium, Molybdenum, Potassium, Phosphorus, beta-carotene, falcarinol AND Dietary Fiber. Okay, so what does all that mean? Well, it means carrots are great for your body and mind.
Studies show that carrots:
1. Are great for your skin
2. Boost your immune system
3. Protect against cardiovascular disease and cancer
4. Promote good vision, especially night vision
5. May be beneficial to blood sugar regulation
6. Promote colon and lung health
And THAT’S just carrots! I discovered that lemons can clean out your liver, tomatoes cut the risk of cancer, cranberries prevent plaque formation on your teeth, blueberries can slow aging, celery lowers cholesterol, cucumber regulates blood pressure, spinach helps protect against heart disease and cabbage lowers your cancer risk. The list goes on and on as to the health benefits of fruits and vegetables! So THAT’S why The US Department of Agriculture recommends nine servings of fruits and vegetables every single day. They’re really, really good for you!
So, you know what I did? I took my research information and created recipes that are not only fat flushing, but full of life-giving nutrients and super healthy phytonutrients! THEN, I adapted my recipes to fit easily into The 100 Calorie Diet for those of you whose goal is to live a healthy lifestyle. You can change your life with my fat flush recipes. I guarantee you’ll love ‘em!
Fat Flush Morning Drink
8 oz. Pure Spring Water – FREE
Juice of 1 Fresh Lemon - FREE
12 oz. 100% Cranberry Juice – 100 Calories
Upon rising, combine all ingredients and drink on an empty stomach.
Makes One 100 Calorie Serving
Fat Flush Citrus Spritzer
4 oz. Pure Spring Water - FREE
4 oz. Fresh Orange – 50 Calories
4 oz. Fresh Grapefruit Juice – 50 Calories
1. Combine all ingredients and drink before meals.
Makes One 100 Calorie Serving
Fat Flush Berry Delight
2 Cup Fresh Strawberries – 100 Calories
1 ½ Cups Fresh Raspberries – 100 Calories
1 Cup Fresh Blueberries – 100 Calories
¼ Cup Orange Juice Concentrate, Thawed – 100 Calories
1. Gently toss all ingredients together in a medium bowl.
2. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour.
Makes Two 200 Calorie Servings.
Fat Flush Vegetable Cocktail
1 Teaspoon Sea Salt - FREE
1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar - FREE
2 Organic Carrots - FREE
2 Organic Celery Stalks - FREE
½ Organic Cucumber - FREE
1 Organic Tomato – FREE
½ Fresh Beet – FREE, but optional
1. Make a cleansing bath for the vegetables by mixing salt and vinegar in a large bowl of water.
2. Soak vegetables in their bath for 5 minutes.
3. Extract juice from vegetables using a juice extractor.
4. Garnish with a leafy celery stalk. Enjoy!
Makes One Really Healthy FREE Cocktail
Note: Fresh juiced beets are known to be great cleansers of the blood, liver and kidneys; but some people simply do not like the taste. That’s why I’ve made it optional. Also, beets can turn your urine and stool pink, so don’t be surprised if it happens to you.
Enjoy the healthy 100 calorie lifestyle! Find out more at http://www.The100CalorieDiet.com
About The Author
Susie Trimble and her sister, Tammy Trimble, developed and co-wrote The 100 Calorie Diet and Food Counter for people who love to eat. It's easy! Eat anything you want in 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500+ and still lose weight. Start living the 100 calorie lifestyle at http://www.The100CalorieDiet.com
1. Serve as antioxidants
2. Enhance immune response
3. Alter estrogen metabolism
4. Covert vitamin A
5. Cause cancer cells to die
6. Repair DNA damage caused by smoking and other toxins
7. Detoxify carcinogens
Wow! We always heard that you should eat your fruits and vegetables, but we never really hear exactly why. I found out why! For example, carrots have Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Vitamin B 1 (Thiamin), Vitamin B 3 (Niacin), Vitamin B 6 (Pyridoxine), Folate, Manganese, Magnesium, Molybdenum, Potassium, Phosphorus, beta-carotene, falcarinol AND Dietary Fiber. Okay, so what does all that mean? Well, it means carrots are great for your body and mind.
Studies show that carrots:
1. Are great for your skin
2. Boost your immune system
3. Protect against cardiovascular disease and cancer
4. Promote good vision, especially night vision
5. May be beneficial to blood sugar regulation
6. Promote colon and lung health
And THAT’S just carrots! I discovered that lemons can clean out your liver, tomatoes cut the risk of cancer, cranberries prevent plaque formation on your teeth, blueberries can slow aging, celery lowers cholesterol, cucumber regulates blood pressure, spinach helps protect against heart disease and cabbage lowers your cancer risk. The list goes on and on as to the health benefits of fruits and vegetables! So THAT’S why The US Department of Agriculture recommends nine servings of fruits and vegetables every single day. They’re really, really good for you!
So, you know what I did? I took my research information and created recipes that are not only fat flushing, but full of life-giving nutrients and super healthy phytonutrients! THEN, I adapted my recipes to fit easily into The 100 Calorie Diet for those of you whose goal is to live a healthy lifestyle. You can change your life with my fat flush recipes. I guarantee you’ll love ‘em!
Fat Flush Morning Drink
8 oz. Pure Spring Water – FREE
Juice of 1 Fresh Lemon - FREE
12 oz. 100% Cranberry Juice – 100 Calories
Upon rising, combine all ingredients and drink on an empty stomach.
Makes One 100 Calorie Serving
Fat Flush Citrus Spritzer
4 oz. Pure Spring Water - FREE
4 oz. Fresh Orange – 50 Calories
4 oz. Fresh Grapefruit Juice – 50 Calories
1. Combine all ingredients and drink before meals.
Makes One 100 Calorie Serving
Fat Flush Berry Delight
2 Cup Fresh Strawberries – 100 Calories
1 ½ Cups Fresh Raspberries – 100 Calories
1 Cup Fresh Blueberries – 100 Calories
¼ Cup Orange Juice Concentrate, Thawed – 100 Calories
1. Gently toss all ingredients together in a medium bowl.
2. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour.
Makes Two 200 Calorie Servings.
Fat Flush Vegetable Cocktail
1 Teaspoon Sea Salt - FREE
1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar - FREE
2 Organic Carrots - FREE
2 Organic Celery Stalks - FREE
½ Organic Cucumber - FREE
1 Organic Tomato – FREE
½ Fresh Beet – FREE, but optional
1. Make a cleansing bath for the vegetables by mixing salt and vinegar in a large bowl of water.
2. Soak vegetables in their bath for 5 minutes.
3. Extract juice from vegetables using a juice extractor.
4. Garnish with a leafy celery stalk. Enjoy!
Makes One Really Healthy FREE Cocktail
Note: Fresh juiced beets are known to be great cleansers of the blood, liver and kidneys; but some people simply do not like the taste. That’s why I’ve made it optional. Also, beets can turn your urine and stool pink, so don’t be surprised if it happens to you.
Enjoy the healthy 100 calorie lifestyle! Find out more at http://www.The100CalorieDiet.com
About The Author
Susie Trimble and her sister, Tammy Trimble, developed and co-wrote The 100 Calorie Diet and Food Counter for people who love to eat. It's easy! Eat anything you want in 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500+ and still lose weight. Start living the 100 calorie lifestyle at http://www.The100CalorieDiet.com
How to Heal Anxiety and Panic Attacks
It is a fact that anxiety and panic attacks can strike at any time or any place. For those of us who are prone to them, they can take over their lives. For people who have had more than one panic attack, the fear that another will occur can be debilitating.
So, that it is clear what a panic or anxiety attack is, here is a list of the sorts of feelings which are commonly reported during these periods:
–A feeling that the world is closing in on you
–Strangely dizzy sensations
–A heartbeat that is pounding, much, much faster than usual
–Possibly a tingling in your chest
–Sweating
–An inability to concentrate.
Also, very commonly people suffer an acute fear of dying during the panic attack. Don't worry – you won't die though, nobody does.
A number of studies are ongoing to research into the causes, prevention, and treatment of anxiety disorders and other similar psychological disorders. Medical experts are particularly keen to understand how genetic factors and family background combine with life experiences to put a person at risk for these disorders. New drugs are being tested by these Health Institutions in clinical trials, as well as therapy approaches.
Some say that our children are more likely to suffer from panic attacks than the kids of non-panic-ers. They say that there does seem to be a genetic basis. In this area like so many others it is useful to study genetic twins. Some web articles say that in almost half of the cases of identical twins with panic both twins are affected. But, we should not dismiss the fact that behavioral learning may also play a role. That means, if I put it in a more simple way, that our children are likely to follow in our steps if we show anxiety to the extent of panic.
Now let me at this point just say, that if you do think you are starting an episode of anxiety which might develop into a panic attack, take care to remove yourself from dangerous situations. Do this especially if you might become, for a while, a danger to others. The obvious example here is that if you are driving, then stop and only start again once you are feeling better less stressed. If that means asking for help – so be it. Your friends and family will help you.
I am not a medic but I, like very many people, see self help as the starting point in finding a way to heal anxiety and panic attacks, as long as there is no biological cause (and you should consult your medical advisor in the first instance of course about this).
Instead of looking for exotic cures, try the simple things first. If something drug free and low cost, requiring only your time and participation works, then you will not need to look further.
One of the first and simplest things of all to do is to begin to keep a diary of all the situations that trigger panic attacks. That will mean that later you will know how often, when and where, they happened.
We listed common experiences during an attack earlier so write down each type of feeling that you experienced. What were you doing when is started and thinking, feeling at that time? Again, later you will know what the symptoms were.
Why do this you say? Well, a psychologist would I think say that the act of recording and describing each attack will help to put you in charge of the situation. You will also in later review of the information be able deduce how modifying your environment might help prevent future anxiety attacks.
We recommend that you check out the following self-help mini e-learning series: Panic Away, by Joe Barry. He suffered from Panic and Anxiety himself for years, until he managed to hit on one technique that is an almost fail-safe guarantee to rid you of your panic and anxiety.
2: What Causes Panic Attacks and Choosing Panic Attack Treatment
First let us be sure we know what a panic attack is. In physiological terms panic attacks almost always involve the body producing an excess of adrenaline. It is the effect of this suddenly entering into your system, in combination with several other related emotional factors going on within your psyche.
The underlying cause of panic attacks varies for everyone that suffers, and is still open to debate, but the precise cause quite naturally does seem to vary from person to person. Some panic attacks seem to come on unexpectedly, and this is certainly the case for everyone's our first attack. Other anxieties may build up over time for some people and certainly many are most likely triggered later, after a traumatic event. The type of traumatic event varies widely but a good example would be a car accident. Others anxiety/panic attacks turn out to be situation-specific and an attack is frequently triggered if a certain pattern of circumstances recurs for the individual.
Medications such as Klonopin and Zoloft have been prescribed for the alleviation of these attacks. A lady said that she has taken these drugs for her anxiety, and at one time she was free from symptoms for more than 10 years, but the problem came back. She took no medication and it went away again.
Those who study panic attacks find that the attacks commonly occur in clusters. That is, plural episodes for several weeks or months followed by several months to years of joyful absence of the problem. Attacks do tend to be more prevalent in some families and we have been told that attacks are often reduced with SRI drugs like Zoloft.
Attacks of this sort can also be distressing problem for children, although mercifully only rarely. I'm not a pediatrician so I can't tell you the incidence of panic attacks in kids, but according to web information seen, it seems pretty small. Usually, panic attacks do not start until in the late teens, but it can start earlier.
Counseling can be available for confronting the problem and reducing the anxiety that can produce a panic attack. It is also, of course, suitable for a wide range of conditions such as bereavement or marital problems. Counseling is an excellent approach and it is well proven that it helps many people every day live through difficult stages of their life.
However, when dealing with this particular problem counseling may not be needed if simple web based and trained techniques are applied to remove the suffering. One e-course we would like to recommend is seeing fabulous results as a leader in Stress Relief products. You have nothing to lose by applying. Do this and you will go one stage further before using drugs, and don't forget that you can combine hypnosis with counseling and then it becomes possible to work at a considerably deeper level and overcome even the most entrenched panic attacks.
About The Author
We recommend that you check out the following self-help guide to Control Panic Attacks: Panic Away, by Joe Barry. He has suffered from Panic and Anxiety himself for years, until he managed to hit on one technique that is an almost fail-safe guarantee to rid you of your panic and anxiety. Panic Away treats the panic attacks (anxiety attacks) and then shows you how to deal with general anxiety or GAD as it is called.
So, that it is clear what a panic or anxiety attack is, here is a list of the sorts of feelings which are commonly reported during these periods:
–A feeling that the world is closing in on you
–Strangely dizzy sensations
–A heartbeat that is pounding, much, much faster than usual
–Possibly a tingling in your chest
–Sweating
–An inability to concentrate.
Also, very commonly people suffer an acute fear of dying during the panic attack. Don't worry – you won't die though, nobody does.
A number of studies are ongoing to research into the causes, prevention, and treatment of anxiety disorders and other similar psychological disorders. Medical experts are particularly keen to understand how genetic factors and family background combine with life experiences to put a person at risk for these disorders. New drugs are being tested by these Health Institutions in clinical trials, as well as therapy approaches.
Some say that our children are more likely to suffer from panic attacks than the kids of non-panic-ers. They say that there does seem to be a genetic basis. In this area like so many others it is useful to study genetic twins. Some web articles say that in almost half of the cases of identical twins with panic both twins are affected. But, we should not dismiss the fact that behavioral learning may also play a role. That means, if I put it in a more simple way, that our children are likely to follow in our steps if we show anxiety to the extent of panic.
Now let me at this point just say, that if you do think you are starting an episode of anxiety which might develop into a panic attack, take care to remove yourself from dangerous situations. Do this especially if you might become, for a while, a danger to others. The obvious example here is that if you are driving, then stop and only start again once you are feeling better less stressed. If that means asking for help – so be it. Your friends and family will help you.
I am not a medic but I, like very many people, see self help as the starting point in finding a way to heal anxiety and panic attacks, as long as there is no biological cause (and you should consult your medical advisor in the first instance of course about this).
Instead of looking for exotic cures, try the simple things first. If something drug free and low cost, requiring only your time and participation works, then you will not need to look further.
One of the first and simplest things of all to do is to begin to keep a diary of all the situations that trigger panic attacks. That will mean that later you will know how often, when and where, they happened.
We listed common experiences during an attack earlier so write down each type of feeling that you experienced. What were you doing when is started and thinking, feeling at that time? Again, later you will know what the symptoms were.
Why do this you say? Well, a psychologist would I think say that the act of recording and describing each attack will help to put you in charge of the situation. You will also in later review of the information be able deduce how modifying your environment might help prevent future anxiety attacks.
We recommend that you check out the following self-help mini e-learning series: Panic Away, by Joe Barry. He suffered from Panic and Anxiety himself for years, until he managed to hit on one technique that is an almost fail-safe guarantee to rid you of your panic and anxiety.
2: What Causes Panic Attacks and Choosing Panic Attack Treatment
First let us be sure we know what a panic attack is. In physiological terms panic attacks almost always involve the body producing an excess of adrenaline. It is the effect of this suddenly entering into your system, in combination with several other related emotional factors going on within your psyche.
The underlying cause of panic attacks varies for everyone that suffers, and is still open to debate, but the precise cause quite naturally does seem to vary from person to person. Some panic attacks seem to come on unexpectedly, and this is certainly the case for everyone's our first attack. Other anxieties may build up over time for some people and certainly many are most likely triggered later, after a traumatic event. The type of traumatic event varies widely but a good example would be a car accident. Others anxiety/panic attacks turn out to be situation-specific and an attack is frequently triggered if a certain pattern of circumstances recurs for the individual.
Medications such as Klonopin and Zoloft have been prescribed for the alleviation of these attacks. A lady said that she has taken these drugs for her anxiety, and at one time she was free from symptoms for more than 10 years, but the problem came back. She took no medication and it went away again.
Those who study panic attacks find that the attacks commonly occur in clusters. That is, plural episodes for several weeks or months followed by several months to years of joyful absence of the problem. Attacks do tend to be more prevalent in some families and we have been told that attacks are often reduced with SRI drugs like Zoloft.
Attacks of this sort can also be distressing problem for children, although mercifully only rarely. I'm not a pediatrician so I can't tell you the incidence of panic attacks in kids, but according to web information seen, it seems pretty small. Usually, panic attacks do not start until in the late teens, but it can start earlier.
Counseling can be available for confronting the problem and reducing the anxiety that can produce a panic attack. It is also, of course, suitable for a wide range of conditions such as bereavement or marital problems. Counseling is an excellent approach and it is well proven that it helps many people every day live through difficult stages of their life.
However, when dealing with this particular problem counseling may not be needed if simple web based and trained techniques are applied to remove the suffering. One e-course we would like to recommend is seeing fabulous results as a leader in Stress Relief products. You have nothing to lose by applying. Do this and you will go one stage further before using drugs, and don't forget that you can combine hypnosis with counseling and then it becomes possible to work at a considerably deeper level and overcome even the most entrenched panic attacks.
About The Author
We recommend that you check out the following self-help guide to Control Panic Attacks: Panic Away, by Joe Barry. He has suffered from Panic and Anxiety himself for years, until he managed to hit on one technique that is an almost fail-safe guarantee to rid you of your panic and anxiety. Panic Away treats the panic attacks (anxiety attacks) and then shows you how to deal with general anxiety or GAD as it is called.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Can Migraines Be Controlled?
Can migraines be controlled? In most cases, YES! The pain of migraines is so horrible that, to many, it seems almost impossible to believe that they are controllable. How could something so painful be controlled simply by bringing the nervous system back into balance... back to “homeostasis”?
To understand how it is possible to control your headaches, let me explain a bit about the physiology of migraine headaches and muscle tension headaches. In working with hundreds of sufferers over the years, I have found that all migraineurs have high muscle tension and, therefore, both issues must be addressed. Migraines have often been called “vascular” headaches. In other words, they have to do with the blood flow through the arteries. When the arteries over-dilate (open up too much), after having been constricted, the blood goes throbbing to the eyes and brain, causing these debilitating headaches. Muscle tension headaches, on the other hand, are caused by the muscles in the shoulders, neck, head, and face, tightening up, thereby causing the pain of these headaches.
Both types of headaches can be brought under control by controlling one's autonomic (or “automatic”) nervous system. This is the part of the nervous system that is usually not consciously controlled. For example, you do not usually consciously control your heart rate, but it you had a fast heart rate, or an irregular heart rate, I could teach you how to control that. I simply attach instruments to your body to measure certain body functions, and, with the feedback on the computer, I would coach you to control the readings. You are getting biological feedback, or “biofeedback” for short, on the screen.
Other things that normally are not consciously controlled include respiration, circulation, blood pressure, brain waves, muscle tension, digestion, sweat gland activity, and much more. Learning how to control the inner functionings of the body, and mind, is enormously empowering to people. People learn how to create health and well-being in their bodies, and these are skills they use, and benefit from, for the rest of their lives. It is so much fun to do!
You have likely heard of the “fight or flight” response. This is when the body goes into high gear after confronted with a real, or perceived, threat or danger. The body has this mechanism to protect itself. All animals have this. Centuries ago our dangers were more physical. We had to protect ourselves from lions, bears and other tribes. Adrenaline would go into the blood stream and give us super strength. This is a great thing in times of emergencies. The problem, nowadays, is that most people run on adrenaline way too much. Stress has become a global epidemic. And, most of our stressors now are psychological stressors so the tension does not get released from the body by running or fleeing. It is often held in.
Back to migraines! There are two things that happen in the body during the fight or flight response that contribute to migraines. First, all animals (including human animals) have an unconscious instinct to protect the throat when they perceive danger or stress. This is because animals are usually attacked at the throat. So, human animals tighten in the neck and shoulders first when they experience stress. This excess muscle tension can create muscle tension headaches and, additionally, contributes to the migraines by crimping the arteries.
Another thing that happens, to people who get migraines, is that their arteries constrict when they experience stress. The body unconsciously does this because if you were to be attacked, or cut, you would bleed less if the arteries were constricted. It is, again, the fight or flight response kicking in. Interestingly, the migraine does not occur when the person is under stress. It happens after the stress is over (usually). This is why the migraine may come on in the middle of the night, the first day of the weekend, or at the beginning of vacation. So, the muscle tension headaches occur when the person is under stress and the migraines occur when the person begins to relax.
People with migraines tend to have cold hands and feet. I teach them how to consciously warm their hands and feet; thereby opening, or dilating, their arteries. They need to keep their arteries dilated in order to prevent the migraines from occurring. I simply get a temperature reading on the surface of their skin. If their arteries are dilated I will see a reading of 93 degrees, or higher, on the surface. I train them how to keep their arteries dilated in order to prevent the migraines from occurring. Often when I start sessions with someone, their surface skin temperature will be in the low 80's. That is a lot of constriction!
Most of the people I work with are on a lot of medications when they first come. The triptans, such as Imitrex or Maxalt, cause the arteries to constrict. These medications are taken as the migraine is coming on to slow it down. Sometimes people crave caffeine when they feel a migraine coming on, for the same reason. The problem, then, is that rebound headaches can occur. In other words, the medications will constrict the arteries, giving temporary relief, but then when the arteries open up as the medication wears off, another migraine often occurs. Then the headaches get worse and worse as time goes on. Sometimes people get to the point where they have chronic daily headaches from medication overuse. The best thing is to learn how to control your nervous system as soon as possible so you don't get into this trap. Think of the medications as being a temporary solution while you take control.
When working with migraine sufferers, I first teach them some general skills for bringing their nervous system into balance (such as proper breathing, deep relaxation of the body and mind, imagery). The Wild Divine is, of course, a wonderful way for patients to practice general biofeedback skills at home. Then, I teach them to bring certain muscles to “normal tension”. Every muscle has a normal level of tension that it should be at and it is measured in microvolts. I teach my patients how to bring their shoulder, neck, forehead, and sometimes the jaw muscles, to normal tension. Then, I teach them how to use their mind to help eliminate stress from their nervous system. Since every thought creates both a chemical change in the body and an electrical change in the nervous system, working with the mind is critical. Finally, I end the training with teaching them to dilate their arteries.
About The Author
Kelsie Kenefick
To understand how it is possible to control your headaches, let me explain a bit about the physiology of migraine headaches and muscle tension headaches. In working with hundreds of sufferers over the years, I have found that all migraineurs have high muscle tension and, therefore, both issues must be addressed. Migraines have often been called “vascular” headaches. In other words, they have to do with the blood flow through the arteries. When the arteries over-dilate (open up too much), after having been constricted, the blood goes throbbing to the eyes and brain, causing these debilitating headaches. Muscle tension headaches, on the other hand, are caused by the muscles in the shoulders, neck, head, and face, tightening up, thereby causing the pain of these headaches.
Both types of headaches can be brought under control by controlling one's autonomic (or “automatic”) nervous system. This is the part of the nervous system that is usually not consciously controlled. For example, you do not usually consciously control your heart rate, but it you had a fast heart rate, or an irregular heart rate, I could teach you how to control that. I simply attach instruments to your body to measure certain body functions, and, with the feedback on the computer, I would coach you to control the readings. You are getting biological feedback, or “biofeedback” for short, on the screen.
Other things that normally are not consciously controlled include respiration, circulation, blood pressure, brain waves, muscle tension, digestion, sweat gland activity, and much more. Learning how to control the inner functionings of the body, and mind, is enormously empowering to people. People learn how to create health and well-being in their bodies, and these are skills they use, and benefit from, for the rest of their lives. It is so much fun to do!
You have likely heard of the “fight or flight” response. This is when the body goes into high gear after confronted with a real, or perceived, threat or danger. The body has this mechanism to protect itself. All animals have this. Centuries ago our dangers were more physical. We had to protect ourselves from lions, bears and other tribes. Adrenaline would go into the blood stream and give us super strength. This is a great thing in times of emergencies. The problem, nowadays, is that most people run on adrenaline way too much. Stress has become a global epidemic. And, most of our stressors now are psychological stressors so the tension does not get released from the body by running or fleeing. It is often held in.
Back to migraines! There are two things that happen in the body during the fight or flight response that contribute to migraines. First, all animals (including human animals) have an unconscious instinct to protect the throat when they perceive danger or stress. This is because animals are usually attacked at the throat. So, human animals tighten in the neck and shoulders first when they experience stress. This excess muscle tension can create muscle tension headaches and, additionally, contributes to the migraines by crimping the arteries.
Another thing that happens, to people who get migraines, is that their arteries constrict when they experience stress. The body unconsciously does this because if you were to be attacked, or cut, you would bleed less if the arteries were constricted. It is, again, the fight or flight response kicking in. Interestingly, the migraine does not occur when the person is under stress. It happens after the stress is over (usually). This is why the migraine may come on in the middle of the night, the first day of the weekend, or at the beginning of vacation. So, the muscle tension headaches occur when the person is under stress and the migraines occur when the person begins to relax.
People with migraines tend to have cold hands and feet. I teach them how to consciously warm their hands and feet; thereby opening, or dilating, their arteries. They need to keep their arteries dilated in order to prevent the migraines from occurring. I simply get a temperature reading on the surface of their skin. If their arteries are dilated I will see a reading of 93 degrees, or higher, on the surface. I train them how to keep their arteries dilated in order to prevent the migraines from occurring. Often when I start sessions with someone, their surface skin temperature will be in the low 80's. That is a lot of constriction!
Most of the people I work with are on a lot of medications when they first come. The triptans, such as Imitrex or Maxalt, cause the arteries to constrict. These medications are taken as the migraine is coming on to slow it down. Sometimes people crave caffeine when they feel a migraine coming on, for the same reason. The problem, then, is that rebound headaches can occur. In other words, the medications will constrict the arteries, giving temporary relief, but then when the arteries open up as the medication wears off, another migraine often occurs. Then the headaches get worse and worse as time goes on. Sometimes people get to the point where they have chronic daily headaches from medication overuse. The best thing is to learn how to control your nervous system as soon as possible so you don't get into this trap. Think of the medications as being a temporary solution while you take control.
When working with migraine sufferers, I first teach them some general skills for bringing their nervous system into balance (such as proper breathing, deep relaxation of the body and mind, imagery). The Wild Divine is, of course, a wonderful way for patients to practice general biofeedback skills at home. Then, I teach them to bring certain muscles to “normal tension”. Every muscle has a normal level of tension that it should be at and it is measured in microvolts. I teach my patients how to bring their shoulder, neck, forehead, and sometimes the jaw muscles, to normal tension. Then, I teach them how to use their mind to help eliminate stress from their nervous system. Since every thought creates both a chemical change in the body and an electrical change in the nervous system, working with the mind is critical. Finally, I end the training with teaching them to dilate their arteries.
About The Author
Kelsie Kenefick
Saturday, April 4, 2009
The Cholesterol Buzz
The health field is really humming and, if you listen closely, everyone seems to be talking about cholesterol. Nowadays, everyone seems to be declaring all-out war on the substance. The rally to lower cholesterol levels and eliminate it from our diets has taken on the fire and brimstone, reminiscent of a turn-of-the-century religious debate.
Practically every medical, government, and health organization in the country has jumped on the band wagon. And, if you’ll notice, all of this always seems to coincide with the release and the FDA’s approval of some miraculous new anticholesterol drugs. The timing is almost uncanny.
Normally, an outpouring concern of this magnitude would come on the heels of some new breath-taking research. Has medical research finally discovered that cholesterol is the cause of heart disease? Hardly. It appears instead that the breakthrough concerning cholesterol has more to do with the development of new drugs to get rid of it than it does with it being the primary cause of our number-one killer—heart disease.
Make no mistake, I’m all for stopping heart attacks, which kill more than 500,000 people in this country every year, but let’s attack the causes of the problem instead of training the public to treat symptoms. It was established years and years ago that one of the constituents of artery-clogging plaque is most definitely cholesterol. What has never been established is that cholesterol causes plaquing or clogging of the arteries. Let me say it another way. Before cholesterol, calcium and other substances in your blood attach to the walls of arteries and lead to plaque formation, something has happened to that portion of the artery wall. Damage to the wall can come from rancid oxidized fats (which also may cause blood cells to become sticky, slowing blood flow and promoting clotting), pounding or friction from blood moving through blood vessels under high pressure, loss of blood vessel elasticity from aging, hormone imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, improperly digested nutrients traveling in the bloodstream, chemical toxins, and probably a hundred other factors.
This may sound like a contradiction to what I’ve been saying, but I am in favor of lowering cholesterol levels. Not because anyone has determined cholesterol is the cause of heart and artery problems, but because eating and lifestyle habits that increase blood cholesterol levels also have direct links to atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. Saturated animal fats, fried foods, insufficient dietary fiber, certain mineral and vitamin deficiencies and low intake of unsaturated fatty acids have all been shown to impair overall cardiovascular health, regardless of the cholesterol levels.
We’re approaching the problem from the wrong direction. Trying to eliminate cholesterol only is side-stepping the real problem of improper diets and lifestyle. Abnormally high cholesterol levels are symptoms of bigger problems, and when you treat the symptoms instead of the causes, it becomes a never-ending exercise in futility.
Don’t think the drug companies are ignorant of the fact that the majority of the American public wants the easy way out when it comes to their health either. The public spends billions of dollars on antacids, headache remedies, laxatives, and appetite suppressants to treat problems directly linked to improper diet and lifestyle. It’s much easier (and more profitable) to market an after-the-fact "cure" than it is to convince everyone that they are ultimately responsible for their own health.
For more information, visit http://www.searchhearthealth.com
Practically every medical, government, and health organization in the country has jumped on the band wagon. And, if you’ll notice, all of this always seems to coincide with the release and the FDA’s approval of some miraculous new anticholesterol drugs. The timing is almost uncanny.
Normally, an outpouring concern of this magnitude would come on the heels of some new breath-taking research. Has medical research finally discovered that cholesterol is the cause of heart disease? Hardly. It appears instead that the breakthrough concerning cholesterol has more to do with the development of new drugs to get rid of it than it does with it being the primary cause of our number-one killer—heart disease.
Make no mistake, I’m all for stopping heart attacks, which kill more than 500,000 people in this country every year, but let’s attack the causes of the problem instead of training the public to treat symptoms. It was established years and years ago that one of the constituents of artery-clogging plaque is most definitely cholesterol. What has never been established is that cholesterol causes plaquing or clogging of the arteries. Let me say it another way. Before cholesterol, calcium and other substances in your blood attach to the walls of arteries and lead to plaque formation, something has happened to that portion of the artery wall. Damage to the wall can come from rancid oxidized fats (which also may cause blood cells to become sticky, slowing blood flow and promoting clotting), pounding or friction from blood moving through blood vessels under high pressure, loss of blood vessel elasticity from aging, hormone imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, improperly digested nutrients traveling in the bloodstream, chemical toxins, and probably a hundred other factors.
This may sound like a contradiction to what I’ve been saying, but I am in favor of lowering cholesterol levels. Not because anyone has determined cholesterol is the cause of heart and artery problems, but because eating and lifestyle habits that increase blood cholesterol levels also have direct links to atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. Saturated animal fats, fried foods, insufficient dietary fiber, certain mineral and vitamin deficiencies and low intake of unsaturated fatty acids have all been shown to impair overall cardiovascular health, regardless of the cholesterol levels.
We’re approaching the problem from the wrong direction. Trying to eliminate cholesterol only is side-stepping the real problem of improper diets and lifestyle. Abnormally high cholesterol levels are symptoms of bigger problems, and when you treat the symptoms instead of the causes, it becomes a never-ending exercise in futility.
Don’t think the drug companies are ignorant of the fact that the majority of the American public wants the easy way out when it comes to their health either. The public spends billions of dollars on antacids, headache remedies, laxatives, and appetite suppressants to treat problems directly linked to improper diet and lifestyle. It’s much easier (and more profitable) to market an after-the-fact "cure" than it is to convince everyone that they are ultimately responsible for their own health.
For more information, visit http://www.searchhearthealth.com
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
The Perfect Rep: Unlocking The Ultimate Secret For Permanent Effective Training
This will be the most important piece of information that you will ever read about weight training.
Repetitions… Your entire training career is composed of millions of them. You group them in sets and they are the basis of each workout. Performing them correctly is the difference between success and failure. A perfect repetition, seemingly simple, has many components and is powerfully effective. I am going to explain how to perform the perfect rep and why it is so important.
At the impressionable age of 14 I was lucky enough to be introduced to the world of weight training by a competitive bench presser and ex-Olympic wrestler. He was a cartoonish 5 foot 3, 65 kilo powerhouse with a barrel chest and black pony-tail mullet down to his arse. At his gym in Bellingen he would ensure that I learned and retained precise lifting technique during my first 12 months of training. Thank-you Kevin. Under his supervision I went on to become the Australian School-boys Bench Press Champion at the ripe old of age of 15 with a lift of 87.5 kilograms (192.5 pounds) at a HUGE (laughs) body-weight of 66 kgs (145 lbs). That was after only 6 months of training. Technique and intensity is EVERYTHING!
Kevin sold the gym to a great man called Scott who became a very close friend of mine, a fantastic training partner and the catalyst for my career in Personal Training. He looked somewhat normal in comparison to Kevin sporting a natural, balanced, muscular bodybuilder’s physique. His basic training philosophy was to hit each muscle group from every angle with perfect form designating set and exercise volume in proportion to the size of the muscle group, i.e. back being the most complex and largest received the most exercises while biceps being one of the smallest received the least. I learned a lot from him. Exercise form was always at the fore-front of his teachings.
>From Kevin I discovered that each exercise has an optimum movement path to generate maximum power safely. Scott showed me a broad range of exercises and how to apply good technique to each of them for consistent effectiveness and efficiency. I have taken these lessons with me throughout my career and applied them to my training and the hundreds of exercises that I have created myself.
Anyone who knows me will find that I am extremely particular about good exercise technique. I pay very close attention to the body position and movement pattern adjusting fine components so that the exercise is totally optimised. I must annoy the hell out of my clients sometimes. It works though.
WHY IS PERFECT EXERCISE TECHNIQUE SO IMPORTANT?
Reduced Risk Of Injury…
If you are to remain injury-free throughout your training career you must practise safe, tight, controlled lifting technique for every single repetition. If the movement is as close to biomechanical perfection as possible you will receive maximum stimulation with minimum risk. Injuries will halt your progress every time and can be very serious. Any chance to avoid them should be harnessed, implemented and retained.
Decreased ‘Cheating’ And Involvement Of Unrelated Muscle Groups…
If your form is sloppy there is a good chance that you are not hitting the target muscle as completely as you could be. As soon as your technique declines other muscle groups come into play assisting during the lift, often in an unsafe manner. A classic one is allowing your torso to swing during a bicep curl using your lower back, glutes and hamstrings to get the weight up. There is not only the danger of hurting yourself there is also the probability that you are not taking the target muscles to failure. Keep the form tight and you will stimulate the muscle safely and entirely.
Decreased Involvement And Fatigue From Ancillary Muscle Groups…
Related to the last point the execution of a perfect repetition every time will ensure the target muscle is isolated and fully fatigued before the ancillary muscles (assisting muscles) give out. To make this more clear I will describe two examples where this is a common occurrence. Example 1: when you perform a back exercise if you do not focus on engaging and isolating the targeted muscles of the back then the forearms and biceps will crash and burn before the back is fully worked. Example 2: when you perform a chest exercise if you do not focus on isolating the pectorals during the movement then the triceps and anterior deltoids will give out first impeding the progress of the chest. It is easy for ancillary muscles to come into play during an exercise if your form is sloppy because they are there to assist the movement. But because they are smaller and weaker if you do not make sure that the target muscle is completely fatigued first they will always give out holding backyour progress.
Increased Motor Neuron Innervation And Muscle Fiber Activation…
If you isolate the target muscle group and contract it slowly and intensely through the entire movement you will activate the greatest amount of muscle fibers. A safe and full range of motion (ROM) will involve muscle fibers from the origin (initial attachment) right across to the insertion (final attachment) of the muscle. A slow, intense, precise movement during the entire concentric contraction (muscle shortening) and eccentric contraction (muscle lengthening) will innervate more motor neurons ‘firing’ more muscle fibers. This will facilitate a maximum activation of the muscle fibers and total muscle contraction maximizing strength and muscle gain.
Improved Mind-Muscle Connection…
The mind-muscle connection is your ability to feel the target muscle contract completely and under total control during the execution of an exercise. Usually a muscle group that you find difficult to feel and to develop is one that you have a poor mind-muscle connection with. Consistent, strict form on all of your repetitions will help you gain control of these stubborn body-parts. The mind-muscle connection improves when the path from your motor cortex (the control centre of your brain for movement) to the working muscle becomes more efficient.
Improved Focus, Discipline, Intensity And Quality Of Training…
This level of precision for every single repetition that you perform during your workout demands a massive amount discipline, will-power and intensity. You control the movement of every exercise and apparatus as though it were part of your body. Be patient and apply it to all exercises performed until it becomes second nature. By this stage it will feel awkward to train with sloppy technique and you won’t miss it because you will become stronger and more muscular and injury-free.
COMPONENTS OF A REPETITION
1. Starting Point – where the body is in the appropriate position to begin the Repetition.
2. Concentric Contraction – where the muscle shortens as the weight is lifted through the predetermined Range of Motion (ROM). Also called ‘The Positive Phase’.
3. Mid Point – the point of greatest contraction at the top of the Repetition where you pause briefly before releasing the weight.
4. Eccentric Contraction – where the muscle lengthens as the weight is released to the Finishing Point. Also called ‘The Negative Phase’.
5. Finishing Point – same as the Starting Point.
GUIDELINES TO PERFORMING THE PERFECT REP
Learn And Practice Proper Technique…
Take the time to study the extensive step-by-step video exercise descriptions on my website http://www.GlobalWeightTraining.com. They are demonstrations personally performed by me explaining all the muscles involved, the detailed technique and what the repetitions should look like during a set. There are over 300 hundred exercises; learn them before you perform them.
Apply And Maintain Proper Technique…
Once you have learnt the exercise guidelines make sure you apply them to your training in the gym precisely and consistently. If you forget how to do something go back to the site and look it up.
Repetition Speed…
The repetition speed should for muscle growth and strength in bodybuilding, shaping and toning and for general health should be medium (1-2 seconds) during the Concentric Contraction (where the weight is lifted) and slow (2-5 seconds) during the Eccentric Contraction (where the weight is released). The exact seconds required for each phase of the repetition depends on the size of the range of motion (ROM) of each individual exercise. Example; Calf exercises have a smaller ROM so the time required to perform the repetitions slowly would be reduced. Squats, on the other hand, have a large ROM so the time required to perform the repetitions slowly would be increased. Performing exercise with speed is not without merit and it is prevalent in functional training, power-training, and sport-specific training but there is an increased risk of tissue injury with the sudden force exerted when lifting. There is also greater focus on the tendons, ligaments, bones and joints rather than the muscles.
Ancillary Muscles And Stabilizers…
You cannot perform an exercise safely or effectively unless your body is positioned in accordance with the guidelines for that exercise. This means that once you are set your ancillary muscles (the direct assisting muscles for the movement) and the stabilizers (the muscles that hold the rest of the body in the correct place) must be engaged so that a perfect repetition is performed every time. This will make your body safe, strong and functional.
Abdominals And Core Muscles…
It doesn’t matter which exercise you are performing your mid-section must be switched on for total maximum gains. The abdominals and the core inner muscles of the spine are the superstructure of the body which holds everything together under the stresses of exercise. They lock you safely into the correct position and maintain it during the set. Engaging them properly will stabilise the body, increase your total strength, increase the strength of the abdominals and core muscles themselves, protect the spine and facilitate the implementation of perfect repetitions for all exercises. * To use your mid-section properly during exercise pull your lower abs in towards the spine, pull in the obliques, contract the entire abdominal complex and lift the chest *
Symmetry And Precision Of Movement…
To be certain that both sides of your body develop evenly you must ensure that each exercise is executed symmetrically. Human bodies are never built with faultless balance and the rigours of life make that deviation from perfect symmetry even more profound. To diminish the impact of this continuing you need to train in front of a mirror as much as possible or utilise the constant critical eye of a training partner. This will allow you to supervise and fine-tune your exercise technique at all times reducing imbalances of strength, muscularity and functionality.
Range Of Motion…
Most of the time you need to use a full range of motion (ROM) to stimulate the all of the muscle fibers from the origin, across the belly (the middle bulk), to the insertion of the muscle. If you cheat and continuously use partial repetitions you will lose flexibility and miss out on muscle and strength gains from the outer angles. There is a limit, however, to how large the ROM should be. It is individual to each exercise and should be large enough for maximum muscle fiber stimulation without causing any joint or tissue injury from over-extension. There are techniques and set sequences that are based on partial repetitions but they have their own strict technique and should be used sparingly for shock tactics and variety.
Breathing…
You need to breathe properly during each repetition to maintain a continuous delivery of oxygen around the body to the working muscles. It will also reduce the build-up of carbon-dioxide. This will give you the energy to power through the set and decrease the onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA – that awful burn from lactic acid which is caused from glycogen being burnt for energy without the presence of oxygen). Breathing properly also takes the pressure off your cardio-vascular system facilitating normal function under conditions of high stress from intense exercise. It is important to keep the blood pressure down and unnecessary strain off the body as no-one is unbreakable. Another advantage of full, rhythmic breathing is that it will pace the tempo of your repetitions. You can’t take slow, full breaths if your reps are fast and messy.
BASIC BREATHING TECHNIQUE DURING A REPETITION
1. Take a slow, deep intake of breath as the weight is released (when the target muscle stretches and lengthens during the eccentric contraction).
2. Breath out more forcefully as the weight is lifted (when the target muscle engages and shortens during the concentric contraction)
3. There are alternate breathing techniques but this one is simple and safe so remember: breathe in when the weight is released and breathe out when the weight is lifted.
INTENSITY
Finally we come to my favourite word; Intensity. To cause the greatest amount of muscle fiber damage and to induce growth producing chemistry within the body you need to push each set to absolute failure or beyond. By that I mean that you make sure you grind out each repetition with perfect technique until it is not possible to perform another without losing your form. To go beyond failure you must utilise a training partner or spotter or perform intensity increasing techniques which are described on our website http://www.GlobalWeightTraining.com. You must however maintain precise technique for each repetition throughout the set no matter what your goal is or how far you push yourself.
There you have it my friends. I have given you the key. Place it in the lock and turn it. Don’t look back. There is so much out there to learn, understand and apply to your training. You may get a little lost among it all but if you know how to perform ‘The Perfect Rep’ every time the most basic element of successful training will be with you forever. Good luck and have fun…
About The Author
Joey Sheather is the head trainer at Global Weight Training, which provides step-by-step instructions on how to get into shape in the shortest possible time.
Repetitions… Your entire training career is composed of millions of them. You group them in sets and they are the basis of each workout. Performing them correctly is the difference between success and failure. A perfect repetition, seemingly simple, has many components and is powerfully effective. I am going to explain how to perform the perfect rep and why it is so important.
At the impressionable age of 14 I was lucky enough to be introduced to the world of weight training by a competitive bench presser and ex-Olympic wrestler. He was a cartoonish 5 foot 3, 65 kilo powerhouse with a barrel chest and black pony-tail mullet down to his arse. At his gym in Bellingen he would ensure that I learned and retained precise lifting technique during my first 12 months of training. Thank-you Kevin. Under his supervision I went on to become the Australian School-boys Bench Press Champion at the ripe old of age of 15 with a lift of 87.5 kilograms (192.5 pounds) at a HUGE (laughs) body-weight of 66 kgs (145 lbs). That was after only 6 months of training. Technique and intensity is EVERYTHING!
Kevin sold the gym to a great man called Scott who became a very close friend of mine, a fantastic training partner and the catalyst for my career in Personal Training. He looked somewhat normal in comparison to Kevin sporting a natural, balanced, muscular bodybuilder’s physique. His basic training philosophy was to hit each muscle group from every angle with perfect form designating set and exercise volume in proportion to the size of the muscle group, i.e. back being the most complex and largest received the most exercises while biceps being one of the smallest received the least. I learned a lot from him. Exercise form was always at the fore-front of his teachings.
>From Kevin I discovered that each exercise has an optimum movement path to generate maximum power safely. Scott showed me a broad range of exercises and how to apply good technique to each of them for consistent effectiveness and efficiency. I have taken these lessons with me throughout my career and applied them to my training and the hundreds of exercises that I have created myself.
Anyone who knows me will find that I am extremely particular about good exercise technique. I pay very close attention to the body position and movement pattern adjusting fine components so that the exercise is totally optimised. I must annoy the hell out of my clients sometimes. It works though.
WHY IS PERFECT EXERCISE TECHNIQUE SO IMPORTANT?
Reduced Risk Of Injury…
If you are to remain injury-free throughout your training career you must practise safe, tight, controlled lifting technique for every single repetition. If the movement is as close to biomechanical perfection as possible you will receive maximum stimulation with minimum risk. Injuries will halt your progress every time and can be very serious. Any chance to avoid them should be harnessed, implemented and retained.
Decreased ‘Cheating’ And Involvement Of Unrelated Muscle Groups…
If your form is sloppy there is a good chance that you are not hitting the target muscle as completely as you could be. As soon as your technique declines other muscle groups come into play assisting during the lift, often in an unsafe manner. A classic one is allowing your torso to swing during a bicep curl using your lower back, glutes and hamstrings to get the weight up. There is not only the danger of hurting yourself there is also the probability that you are not taking the target muscles to failure. Keep the form tight and you will stimulate the muscle safely and entirely.
Decreased Involvement And Fatigue From Ancillary Muscle Groups…
Related to the last point the execution of a perfect repetition every time will ensure the target muscle is isolated and fully fatigued before the ancillary muscles (assisting muscles) give out. To make this more clear I will describe two examples where this is a common occurrence. Example 1: when you perform a back exercise if you do not focus on engaging and isolating the targeted muscles of the back then the forearms and biceps will crash and burn before the back is fully worked. Example 2: when you perform a chest exercise if you do not focus on isolating the pectorals during the movement then the triceps and anterior deltoids will give out first impeding the progress of the chest. It is easy for ancillary muscles to come into play during an exercise if your form is sloppy because they are there to assist the movement. But because they are smaller and weaker if you do not make sure that the target muscle is completely fatigued first they will always give out holding backyour progress.
Increased Motor Neuron Innervation And Muscle Fiber Activation…
If you isolate the target muscle group and contract it slowly and intensely through the entire movement you will activate the greatest amount of muscle fibers. A safe and full range of motion (ROM) will involve muscle fibers from the origin (initial attachment) right across to the insertion (final attachment) of the muscle. A slow, intense, precise movement during the entire concentric contraction (muscle shortening) and eccentric contraction (muscle lengthening) will innervate more motor neurons ‘firing’ more muscle fibers. This will facilitate a maximum activation of the muscle fibers and total muscle contraction maximizing strength and muscle gain.
Improved Mind-Muscle Connection…
The mind-muscle connection is your ability to feel the target muscle contract completely and under total control during the execution of an exercise. Usually a muscle group that you find difficult to feel and to develop is one that you have a poor mind-muscle connection with. Consistent, strict form on all of your repetitions will help you gain control of these stubborn body-parts. The mind-muscle connection improves when the path from your motor cortex (the control centre of your brain for movement) to the working muscle becomes more efficient.
Improved Focus, Discipline, Intensity And Quality Of Training…
This level of precision for every single repetition that you perform during your workout demands a massive amount discipline, will-power and intensity. You control the movement of every exercise and apparatus as though it were part of your body. Be patient and apply it to all exercises performed until it becomes second nature. By this stage it will feel awkward to train with sloppy technique and you won’t miss it because you will become stronger and more muscular and injury-free.
COMPONENTS OF A REPETITION
1. Starting Point – where the body is in the appropriate position to begin the Repetition.
2. Concentric Contraction – where the muscle shortens as the weight is lifted through the predetermined Range of Motion (ROM). Also called ‘The Positive Phase’.
3. Mid Point – the point of greatest contraction at the top of the Repetition where you pause briefly before releasing the weight.
4. Eccentric Contraction – where the muscle lengthens as the weight is released to the Finishing Point. Also called ‘The Negative Phase’.
5. Finishing Point – same as the Starting Point.
GUIDELINES TO PERFORMING THE PERFECT REP
Learn And Practice Proper Technique…
Take the time to study the extensive step-by-step video exercise descriptions on my website http://www.GlobalWeightTraining.com. They are demonstrations personally performed by me explaining all the muscles involved, the detailed technique and what the repetitions should look like during a set. There are over 300 hundred exercises; learn them before you perform them.
Apply And Maintain Proper Technique…
Once you have learnt the exercise guidelines make sure you apply them to your training in the gym precisely and consistently. If you forget how to do something go back to the site and look it up.
Repetition Speed…
The repetition speed should for muscle growth and strength in bodybuilding, shaping and toning and for general health should be medium (1-2 seconds) during the Concentric Contraction (where the weight is lifted) and slow (2-5 seconds) during the Eccentric Contraction (where the weight is released). The exact seconds required for each phase of the repetition depends on the size of the range of motion (ROM) of each individual exercise. Example; Calf exercises have a smaller ROM so the time required to perform the repetitions slowly would be reduced. Squats, on the other hand, have a large ROM so the time required to perform the repetitions slowly would be increased. Performing exercise with speed is not without merit and it is prevalent in functional training, power-training, and sport-specific training but there is an increased risk of tissue injury with the sudden force exerted when lifting. There is also greater focus on the tendons, ligaments, bones and joints rather than the muscles.
Ancillary Muscles And Stabilizers…
You cannot perform an exercise safely or effectively unless your body is positioned in accordance with the guidelines for that exercise. This means that once you are set your ancillary muscles (the direct assisting muscles for the movement) and the stabilizers (the muscles that hold the rest of the body in the correct place) must be engaged so that a perfect repetition is performed every time. This will make your body safe, strong and functional.
Abdominals And Core Muscles…
It doesn’t matter which exercise you are performing your mid-section must be switched on for total maximum gains. The abdominals and the core inner muscles of the spine are the superstructure of the body which holds everything together under the stresses of exercise. They lock you safely into the correct position and maintain it during the set. Engaging them properly will stabilise the body, increase your total strength, increase the strength of the abdominals and core muscles themselves, protect the spine and facilitate the implementation of perfect repetitions for all exercises. * To use your mid-section properly during exercise pull your lower abs in towards the spine, pull in the obliques, contract the entire abdominal complex and lift the chest *
Symmetry And Precision Of Movement…
To be certain that both sides of your body develop evenly you must ensure that each exercise is executed symmetrically. Human bodies are never built with faultless balance and the rigours of life make that deviation from perfect symmetry even more profound. To diminish the impact of this continuing you need to train in front of a mirror as much as possible or utilise the constant critical eye of a training partner. This will allow you to supervise and fine-tune your exercise technique at all times reducing imbalances of strength, muscularity and functionality.
Range Of Motion…
Most of the time you need to use a full range of motion (ROM) to stimulate the all of the muscle fibers from the origin, across the belly (the middle bulk), to the insertion of the muscle. If you cheat and continuously use partial repetitions you will lose flexibility and miss out on muscle and strength gains from the outer angles. There is a limit, however, to how large the ROM should be. It is individual to each exercise and should be large enough for maximum muscle fiber stimulation without causing any joint or tissue injury from over-extension. There are techniques and set sequences that are based on partial repetitions but they have their own strict technique and should be used sparingly for shock tactics and variety.
Breathing…
You need to breathe properly during each repetition to maintain a continuous delivery of oxygen around the body to the working muscles. It will also reduce the build-up of carbon-dioxide. This will give you the energy to power through the set and decrease the onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA – that awful burn from lactic acid which is caused from glycogen being burnt for energy without the presence of oxygen). Breathing properly also takes the pressure off your cardio-vascular system facilitating normal function under conditions of high stress from intense exercise. It is important to keep the blood pressure down and unnecessary strain off the body as no-one is unbreakable. Another advantage of full, rhythmic breathing is that it will pace the tempo of your repetitions. You can’t take slow, full breaths if your reps are fast and messy.
BASIC BREATHING TECHNIQUE DURING A REPETITION
1. Take a slow, deep intake of breath as the weight is released (when the target muscle stretches and lengthens during the eccentric contraction).
2. Breath out more forcefully as the weight is lifted (when the target muscle engages and shortens during the concentric contraction)
3. There are alternate breathing techniques but this one is simple and safe so remember: breathe in when the weight is released and breathe out when the weight is lifted.
INTENSITY
Finally we come to my favourite word; Intensity. To cause the greatest amount of muscle fiber damage and to induce growth producing chemistry within the body you need to push each set to absolute failure or beyond. By that I mean that you make sure you grind out each repetition with perfect technique until it is not possible to perform another without losing your form. To go beyond failure you must utilise a training partner or spotter or perform intensity increasing techniques which are described on our website http://www.GlobalWeightTraining.com. You must however maintain precise technique for each repetition throughout the set no matter what your goal is or how far you push yourself.
There you have it my friends. I have given you the key. Place it in the lock and turn it. Don’t look back. There is so much out there to learn, understand and apply to your training. You may get a little lost among it all but if you know how to perform ‘The Perfect Rep’ every time the most basic element of successful training will be with you forever. Good luck and have fun…
About The Author
Joey Sheather is the head trainer at Global Weight Training, which provides step-by-step instructions on how to get into shape in the shortest possible time.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Cure Arthritis Naturally- Are Painkillers Causing More Pain than Relief
Your arthritis is flaring up again and you immediately go to the medicine cabinet and pop a painkiller. After an hour you might not feel a thing but did you cause more future pain than relief?
The answer to that question is complicated but more often than not; the answer is Yes, you did cause more harm than good! But, you are part of the almost 40 million arthritic victims who might be using painkillers to treat their arthritis. So let me ask you?
Have you used a painkiller in the last week to treat the pain from a hurting joint?
Has your doctor ever prescribed a painkiller for your arthritic pain?
Are you wondering if taking these synthetic medications might become a lifetime pattern?
If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, you should know that you can cure arthritis naturally and throw away the painkillers that might be causing more future pain than relief. And you could do that in less than three weeks.
The Problem with Painkillers
Personally, I believe painkillers do have their place in society. As a natural health guru, I have even taken my fair share of pain killers to remedy a headache or a sore back. But, the problem begins when people mix arthritis and pain killers. Let me explain.
First off, it is important to know that curing arthritis can only occur if you begin to rebuild your cartilage or rebuild your muscles around the afflicted joint. Typically, arthritis sufferers take some form of medication to reduce the inflammation and eliminate the pain. However, the problem occurs when the joint is aching and the brain is not registering it. You might go the whole day thinking you felt great but in the process, take 6 months off the life of the stressed joint without even knowing it. With that said, the unaware arthritic patient severely hurts the joint and the existing cartilage.
Think about that time when you were driving and the 'check engine' light comes on. By putting black tape over the light, you might forget about the problem; but you will eventually have to deal with a bigger problem. This is very similar to taking painkillers to treat your arthritis pain.
Finally, painkillers could also cause bleeding or other intestinal problems which could be fatal. In fact, last year it was reported that over 2,000 arthritic sufferers died because of intestinal problems due to conventional treatments.
Allow Your Body to Help
If you have done any studying on the human body, you will know that it is a pretty miraculous organism. Even Einstein said that studying the human body gives him his belief in an intelligent creator. But whatever, your beliefs; the human body was no accident.
Even the most respected scientists are dumbfounded at how intricate and amazing the human body is. And arthritic doctors and researchers are just as dumbfounded. Because the human body can actually cure arthritis naturally with fitness, proper dieting, and proper vitamins and minerals.
And most of this research wasn't discovered until this past decade when scientists began looking at diets and lifestyles of primitive tribes.
But the mysterious thing was that not one arthritis case could be discovered?
Curing Arthritis Naturally and Permanently
I don't blame you for being skeptical. Most of our thousands of customers were skeptical at first but tried our report's recommendations because of our guaranteed-results promise. But, if you are a little curious about the natural treatment; here are some recommendations that will allow you to begin to feel some results in the next couple weeks.
5 Tips for Treatment
1. What are you drinking? Begin a can fast immediately and that begins with your beverages. If something is canned or processed, it has preservatives and many synthetic ingredients that you can barely pronounce. Begin this week with a water flush which could be difficult but is doable. For the caffeine kick in the morning eat your favorite choice of apple. Again, difficult but doable.
2. Your sugar intake! Arthritis has been associated with high levels of sugar. Begin to wean yourself off of sweets and replace it with your favorite fruit or smoothie.
3. Workout! I bet you never thought you would hear those words. But you must begin a weight training program to build up muscle mass to support your body and joints. Though you might gain some weight (muscle weighs more than fat); you will look a lot slimmer and feel a ton better. Our report has some great suggestions for beginners or novices.
4. You Diet! This is one of the biggest problems leading to the pain. A good rule of thumb is always go fresh and healthy. If it is processed or canned; it is usually bad for your body. For pages of information about your nutrition and dieting; see our website today.
5. Breathe! Most people's bodies are starving for oxygen. To discover how you can give your joints more oxygen and less pain; learn about 3 breathing exercises that you can do at work and the proper posture rule.
6. Finally, deer velvet. Here is your free-be. Deer velvet is the secret agent that will help re-build your cartilage. To discover more about this Russian discovery, please check out our site.
What supplements will save me from pain? What vitamins does my body lack? What breathing exercises (you can do at work) will blast oxygen to my joints. Why does your body need a toxin flush? What foods should you eat and NOT eat? What herbs have helped millions of sufferers? And what can we learn from a deer about arthritis and rebuilding joint cartilage?
If you want to cure arthritis naturally, that will save you from the medication and the surgery, please check out our Arthritis Natural Treatment Report that gives a step-by-step remedy and is guaranteed to show results. You can start your treatment today by visiting our safe and secure website.
http://www.www-arthritis.com/akarth
The answer to that question is complicated but more often than not; the answer is Yes, you did cause more harm than good! But, you are part of the almost 40 million arthritic victims who might be using painkillers to treat their arthritis. So let me ask you?
Have you used a painkiller in the last week to treat the pain from a hurting joint?
Has your doctor ever prescribed a painkiller for your arthritic pain?
Are you wondering if taking these synthetic medications might become a lifetime pattern?
If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, you should know that you can cure arthritis naturally and throw away the painkillers that might be causing more future pain than relief. And you could do that in less than three weeks.
The Problem with Painkillers
Personally, I believe painkillers do have their place in society. As a natural health guru, I have even taken my fair share of pain killers to remedy a headache or a sore back. But, the problem begins when people mix arthritis and pain killers. Let me explain.
First off, it is important to know that curing arthritis can only occur if you begin to rebuild your cartilage or rebuild your muscles around the afflicted joint. Typically, arthritis sufferers take some form of medication to reduce the inflammation and eliminate the pain. However, the problem occurs when the joint is aching and the brain is not registering it. You might go the whole day thinking you felt great but in the process, take 6 months off the life of the stressed joint without even knowing it. With that said, the unaware arthritic patient severely hurts the joint and the existing cartilage.
Think about that time when you were driving and the 'check engine' light comes on. By putting black tape over the light, you might forget about the problem; but you will eventually have to deal with a bigger problem. This is very similar to taking painkillers to treat your arthritis pain.
Finally, painkillers could also cause bleeding or other intestinal problems which could be fatal. In fact, last year it was reported that over 2,000 arthritic sufferers died because of intestinal problems due to conventional treatments.
Allow Your Body to Help
If you have done any studying on the human body, you will know that it is a pretty miraculous organism. Even Einstein said that studying the human body gives him his belief in an intelligent creator. But whatever, your beliefs; the human body was no accident.
Even the most respected scientists are dumbfounded at how intricate and amazing the human body is. And arthritic doctors and researchers are just as dumbfounded. Because the human body can actually cure arthritis naturally with fitness, proper dieting, and proper vitamins and minerals.
And most of this research wasn't discovered until this past decade when scientists began looking at diets and lifestyles of primitive tribes.
But the mysterious thing was that not one arthritis case could be discovered?
Curing Arthritis Naturally and Permanently
I don't blame you for being skeptical. Most of our thousands of customers were skeptical at first but tried our report's recommendations because of our guaranteed-results promise. But, if you are a little curious about the natural treatment; here are some recommendations that will allow you to begin to feel some results in the next couple weeks.
5 Tips for Treatment
1. What are you drinking? Begin a can fast immediately and that begins with your beverages. If something is canned or processed, it has preservatives and many synthetic ingredients that you can barely pronounce. Begin this week with a water flush which could be difficult but is doable. For the caffeine kick in the morning eat your favorite choice of apple. Again, difficult but doable.
2. Your sugar intake! Arthritis has been associated with high levels of sugar. Begin to wean yourself off of sweets and replace it with your favorite fruit or smoothie.
3. Workout! I bet you never thought you would hear those words. But you must begin a weight training program to build up muscle mass to support your body and joints. Though you might gain some weight (muscle weighs more than fat); you will look a lot slimmer and feel a ton better. Our report has some great suggestions for beginners or novices.
4. You Diet! This is one of the biggest problems leading to the pain. A good rule of thumb is always go fresh and healthy. If it is processed or canned; it is usually bad for your body. For pages of information about your nutrition and dieting; see our website today.
5. Breathe! Most people's bodies are starving for oxygen. To discover how you can give your joints more oxygen and less pain; learn about 3 breathing exercises that you can do at work and the proper posture rule.
6. Finally, deer velvet. Here is your free-be. Deer velvet is the secret agent that will help re-build your cartilage. To discover more about this Russian discovery, please check out our site.
What supplements will save me from pain? What vitamins does my body lack? What breathing exercises (you can do at work) will blast oxygen to my joints. Why does your body need a toxin flush? What foods should you eat and NOT eat? What herbs have helped millions of sufferers? And what can we learn from a deer about arthritis and rebuilding joint cartilage?
If you want to cure arthritis naturally, that will save you from the medication and the surgery, please check out our Arthritis Natural Treatment Report that gives a step-by-step remedy and is guaranteed to show results. You can start your treatment today by visiting our safe and secure website.
http://www.www-arthritis.com/akarth
Home Remedies for Constipation – Constipation Relief Tips
Irregularity amounts to constipation. Constipation is related to the digestive system. It is a condition that affects the individual by a hardening of feces, which experience biological difficulty in egesting. Extreme discomfort and outright pain is inflicted upon the afflicted. If not treated, in its early stages by home remedies for constipation bowel obstruction can develop. Dietary, hormonal, anatomical, side effects of medications, illnesses or disorder are the major causes of constipation.
Amid the process of considerations towards home remedies for constipation is for the ailing individual to initially identify the circumstances of their respective condition. Defining constipation is realized through the following determinations – inconsistent movement of the bowels, as in three or less fecal evacuations within a week; complications upon defecation, involving considerable straining or pushing, at a minimum of higher intensity of twenty-five percent, associated with a internal sensing of hardened stools; upon the process of defecation, an insufficient evacuation of the bowels. Hence, as the afflicted has ascertained the intensity of the constipation, a better judgment can be implored in a treatment within home remedies for constipation.
Detecting the cause of an individual's constipation is quite significant, in both alleviating and avoiding a reoccurrence of the condition within the digestive system. Such self-analysis will significantly aid in the choice of home remedies for constipation. The more common contributors to bouts of constipation include inadequate chewing of food; lack of ample ingest of fluids in creating dehydration; excessive mineral intakes of aluminum, calcium and iron; limited or decreased locomotion in physical activity; onset of hypothyroidism, in decreasing the actions of the thyroid glands; hypokalemia; injury to the anus and sphincter; prescriptions, to include codeine, loperamide, morphine, and particular antidepressants of a tricyclic composition; underlying illnesses; inherent and acute porphyria; unintentional poisoning through lead; suppressed defecation, clinically termed as dyschezia; intestinal or rectal constrictions, which impede the passage of feces; Strictures, clinically referred to as stenosis; diverticula, whereas certain food particles become trapped within various pockets of the digestive system; tissues involving the areas of the bowels in the development of tumors; a foreign matter of embodiment, termed as a bezoar; anxiety or unfamiliarity with environment, clinically referred to as psychosomatic constipation; irritable bowel syndrome, that is associated with constipation of a predominant circumstance, to include intense abdominal pain and discomfort; cessation of the smoking of tobacco; surgery to the abdomen; and childbirth. Some form of home remedies for constipation can aid all of the proceeding maladies.
For those individuals who are not presenting complex medical problems, though are suffering from constipation, can greatly benefit from a number of practical and dietary consumables as home remedies for constipation. In such proven argument against over-the-counter and non-prescribed usage of retail laxatives, as these forms of relief from constipation can lead to an issue, whereas the action of the chronically afflicted individual's bowels develop a co-dependency upon increased use of such formulations. Therefore, in normal case scenarios, home remedies for constipation are the options preferred by general consensus. Such forms of natural intervention, in the alleviation of constipation, include the afflicted individual's adequate intake of liquids, mainly good quality water, along with fibers from a dietary source. The fiber options are merely the inclusion of ample vegetables, fruits and whole grain breads, to incorporate a better balance in the daily diet, along with such considerations in supplementing the diet of the ailing with linseeds, all, to encourage the natural approach towardshome remedies for constipation.
Other approaches in the relieving of constipation, from an alternative and practical mode, which supports physical or mechanical home remedies for constipation include such supportive treatments as colonic irrigation; enemas of naturally-based composition; adequate exercise; diet budgeting, as to balance intake, as appropriate; and certain herbs.
Focusing on exercise as to one of the natural relievers in pursuit of home remedies for constipation, is, perhaps, more of a preventative measure towards the avoidance in the progressive development of undesirable constipation. Exercising, among home remedies for constipation can be tailored to suit any or most individuals' lifestyles to some level or degree.
In conclusion, barring other medical issues that may possibly contribute or complicate, where constipation is an issue, home remedies for constipation is among the optimal choices.
Amid the process of considerations towards home remedies for constipation is for the ailing individual to initially identify the circumstances of their respective condition. Defining constipation is realized through the following determinations – inconsistent movement of the bowels, as in three or less fecal evacuations within a week; complications upon defecation, involving considerable straining or pushing, at a minimum of higher intensity of twenty-five percent, associated with a internal sensing of hardened stools; upon the process of defecation, an insufficient evacuation of the bowels. Hence, as the afflicted has ascertained the intensity of the constipation, a better judgment can be implored in a treatment within home remedies for constipation.
Detecting the cause of an individual's constipation is quite significant, in both alleviating and avoiding a reoccurrence of the condition within the digestive system. Such self-analysis will significantly aid in the choice of home remedies for constipation. The more common contributors to bouts of constipation include inadequate chewing of food; lack of ample ingest of fluids in creating dehydration; excessive mineral intakes of aluminum, calcium and iron; limited or decreased locomotion in physical activity; onset of hypothyroidism, in decreasing the actions of the thyroid glands; hypokalemia; injury to the anus and sphincter; prescriptions, to include codeine, loperamide, morphine, and particular antidepressants of a tricyclic composition; underlying illnesses; inherent and acute porphyria; unintentional poisoning through lead; suppressed defecation, clinically termed as dyschezia; intestinal or rectal constrictions, which impede the passage of feces; Strictures, clinically referred to as stenosis; diverticula, whereas certain food particles become trapped within various pockets of the digestive system; tissues involving the areas of the bowels in the development of tumors; a foreign matter of embodiment, termed as a bezoar; anxiety or unfamiliarity with environment, clinically referred to as psychosomatic constipation; irritable bowel syndrome, that is associated with constipation of a predominant circumstance, to include intense abdominal pain and discomfort; cessation of the smoking of tobacco; surgery to the abdomen; and childbirth. Some form of home remedies for constipation can aid all of the proceeding maladies.
For those individuals who are not presenting complex medical problems, though are suffering from constipation, can greatly benefit from a number of practical and dietary consumables as home remedies for constipation. In such proven argument against over-the-counter and non-prescribed usage of retail laxatives, as these forms of relief from constipation can lead to an issue, whereas the action of the chronically afflicted individual's bowels develop a co-dependency upon increased use of such formulations. Therefore, in normal case scenarios, home remedies for constipation are the options preferred by general consensus. Such forms of natural intervention, in the alleviation of constipation, include the afflicted individual's adequate intake of liquids, mainly good quality water, along with fibers from a dietary source. The fiber options are merely the inclusion of ample vegetables, fruits and whole grain breads, to incorporate a better balance in the daily diet, along with such considerations in supplementing the diet of the ailing with linseeds, all, to encourage the natural approach towardshome remedies for constipation.
Other approaches in the relieving of constipation, from an alternative and practical mode, which supports physical or mechanical home remedies for constipation include such supportive treatments as colonic irrigation; enemas of naturally-based composition; adequate exercise; diet budgeting, as to balance intake, as appropriate; and certain herbs.
Focusing on exercise as to one of the natural relievers in pursuit of home remedies for constipation, is, perhaps, more of a preventative measure towards the avoidance in the progressive development of undesirable constipation. Exercising, among home remedies for constipation can be tailored to suit any or most individuals' lifestyles to some level or degree.
In conclusion, barring other medical issues that may possibly contribute or complicate, where constipation is an issue, home remedies for constipation is among the optimal choices.
Female Pattern Baldness: Diagnosis and Treatments
Clinical features of pattern baldness in women usually occur during early teens and late middle age. This is shown by the gradual thinning of hair over the frontal area. Usually, pattern baldness in women is not accompanied by increased shedding of hair, but unlike telogen effluvium, hair loss may be seen from the start. The scalp becomes more and more visible as the disease progresses.
Most of the time, the central part of the head widens due to diffused reduction of the hair’s density, which involves the frontal scalp and crown. Some women may experience hair loss on some small areas of the frontal scalp while others may experience the effect on the entire scalp including the areas of parietal and occipital. During hair loss, women usually retain a rim of hair along the frontal hairline.
Laboratory Evaluation
Most women with pattern baldness have normal menstruation, normal fertility, and normal endocrine function, including correct levels of circulating androgens. Therefore, they would only need extensive hormonal testing when symptoms and signs of androgen excess become really visible. Laboratory measurement of serum total or free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and prolactin are appropriate when hirsutism, severe unresponsive cystic acne, virilization, or galactorrhoea are present. Measurement of serum thyrotropin, serum iron and ferritin, and complete blood count may eliminate common causes of hair loss.
Differential Diagnosis of Androgenetic Alopecia
Androgenetic alopecia in women can be confused with the former condition. This is in spite of the fact that features of chronic telogen effluvium are distinct. Anyway, horizontal sections of a scalp biopsy help to distinguish the two conditions once the ratio of terminal hairs shrinks.
Morphology
As time goes by, the hairs in pattern baldness become progressively miniaturized. These hairs include the papillae and matrices, as well as the hair shafts. However, the degree of hair loss in women is not as extreme as it is with some men. Women with pattern hair loss have a mosaic of variable-diameter hairs in the affected region of the top of the scalp. Increased spacing between hairs makes the central part appear wider over the frontal scalp compared to the occipital scalp.
In some cases, hair volume may still appear normal but the hair would stop growing to its previous length and normally results to thin distal ends. Female pattern hair loss is seen on women by visual decrease in hair density while in men, it is by baldness on the affected areas.
Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia
Hair loss is a result of abnormal hair cycle. Because of this, it is theoretically reversible. However, the current treatment options have limits in their performance and in some cases, only small improvements in hair density can be seen. Advanced pattern baldness may already be difficult to treat because irreparable damages may have already taken place on the follicular stem cell when inflammation surrounded the bulge area of the follicle. Some systematic treatment plans for this case include:
• The current treatment for pattern baldness is Minoxidil. The exact mechanism by which Minoxidil works is not known but the treatment appears to affect the hair follicle in three ways: it increases the span of time follicles spend in anagen, it rouses follicles that are in catagen and it enlarges the actual follicles. In effect, vellus hairs enlarge and are converted to terminal hairs, and shedding is reduced.
• Exogenous estrogen can be used to treat pattern baldness, but this regimen is no longer much in use because of Minoxidil’s efficacy.
• Finasteride has been effective on men with pattern baldness but definitely it was risky on women. This regimen is not advisable for women who are still in their childbearing age because of the presence of 5a-reductase inhibitors that may cause external genitalia abnormalities in male fetuses.
• Hairstyling, teasing, coloring, permanents, and the use of hair spray are means of coping with the cosmetic effects of pattern baldness. However, when the hair loss is grave, the affected person may opt to use wigs.
• Hair transplantation is another option since it has already been accepted in treating pattern baldness on men. Now, it is also being used to treat female hair loss although only a very few women go for this type of treatment because of the cost and the possible trauma that may go with it.
• For those women who have encountered ineffective and unsuccessful treatments for hair loss, surgery may be another option and thus, the most suited method for them.
Conclusion
Pattern hair loss in women is made up of many factors whose traits are genetically determined. It is possible that both androgen-dependent and androgen-independent mechanisms contribute to this strange form of hair loss. In women, it is usually patterned with the most marked thinning over the frontal and parietal scalp, and with greater density over the occipital scalp. Unusual hair loss in women may frustrate self-esteem, psychological well being, and body image. Because of this, it is quite vital for the physician to inform their affected patients that hair loss could bring about adverse effects on the quality of a person’s life.
Most of the time, the central part of the head widens due to diffused reduction of the hair’s density, which involves the frontal scalp and crown. Some women may experience hair loss on some small areas of the frontal scalp while others may experience the effect on the entire scalp including the areas of parietal and occipital. During hair loss, women usually retain a rim of hair along the frontal hairline.
Laboratory Evaluation
Most women with pattern baldness have normal menstruation, normal fertility, and normal endocrine function, including correct levels of circulating androgens. Therefore, they would only need extensive hormonal testing when symptoms and signs of androgen excess become really visible. Laboratory measurement of serum total or free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and prolactin are appropriate when hirsutism, severe unresponsive cystic acne, virilization, or galactorrhoea are present. Measurement of serum thyrotropin, serum iron and ferritin, and complete blood count may eliminate common causes of hair loss.
Differential Diagnosis of Androgenetic Alopecia
Androgenetic alopecia in women can be confused with the former condition. This is in spite of the fact that features of chronic telogen effluvium are distinct. Anyway, horizontal sections of a scalp biopsy help to distinguish the two conditions once the ratio of terminal hairs shrinks.
Morphology
As time goes by, the hairs in pattern baldness become progressively miniaturized. These hairs include the papillae and matrices, as well as the hair shafts. However, the degree of hair loss in women is not as extreme as it is with some men. Women with pattern hair loss have a mosaic of variable-diameter hairs in the affected region of the top of the scalp. Increased spacing between hairs makes the central part appear wider over the frontal scalp compared to the occipital scalp.
In some cases, hair volume may still appear normal but the hair would stop growing to its previous length and normally results to thin distal ends. Female pattern hair loss is seen on women by visual decrease in hair density while in men, it is by baldness on the affected areas.
Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia
Hair loss is a result of abnormal hair cycle. Because of this, it is theoretically reversible. However, the current treatment options have limits in their performance and in some cases, only small improvements in hair density can be seen. Advanced pattern baldness may already be difficult to treat because irreparable damages may have already taken place on the follicular stem cell when inflammation surrounded the bulge area of the follicle. Some systematic treatment plans for this case include:
• The current treatment for pattern baldness is Minoxidil. The exact mechanism by which Minoxidil works is not known but the treatment appears to affect the hair follicle in three ways: it increases the span of time follicles spend in anagen, it rouses follicles that are in catagen and it enlarges the actual follicles. In effect, vellus hairs enlarge and are converted to terminal hairs, and shedding is reduced.
• Exogenous estrogen can be used to treat pattern baldness, but this regimen is no longer much in use because of Minoxidil’s efficacy.
• Finasteride has been effective on men with pattern baldness but definitely it was risky on women. This regimen is not advisable for women who are still in their childbearing age because of the presence of 5a-reductase inhibitors that may cause external genitalia abnormalities in male fetuses.
• Hairstyling, teasing, coloring, permanents, and the use of hair spray are means of coping with the cosmetic effects of pattern baldness. However, when the hair loss is grave, the affected person may opt to use wigs.
• Hair transplantation is another option since it has already been accepted in treating pattern baldness on men. Now, it is also being used to treat female hair loss although only a very few women go for this type of treatment because of the cost and the possible trauma that may go with it.
• For those women who have encountered ineffective and unsuccessful treatments for hair loss, surgery may be another option and thus, the most suited method for them.
Conclusion
Pattern hair loss in women is made up of many factors whose traits are genetically determined. It is possible that both androgen-dependent and androgen-independent mechanisms contribute to this strange form of hair loss. In women, it is usually patterned with the most marked thinning over the frontal and parietal scalp, and with greater density over the occipital scalp. Unusual hair loss in women may frustrate self-esteem, psychological well being, and body image. Because of this, it is quite vital for the physician to inform their affected patients that hair loss could bring about adverse effects on the quality of a person’s life.
How To Get A Man To Quit Smoking
It’s my job to hypnotize people to stop smoking. I also hypnotize people to create outrageous new possibilities in their lives. But helping people rid themselves of a life-threatening, debilitating habit is what makes me jump out of bed in the morning.
So if you’d like to know how to help a man make the decision and take the actions to stop smoking, you’re in the right place. But you need to understand some things first:
1. Men Vs. Women Smokers
Many of my smoking cessation clients are women. They awaken one day with this feeling inside and say: I’m going to stop smoking!
Sometimes it’s because they want to get pregnant. Or because they worry about the link between smoking and various cancers, heart conditions, or other diseases that affect women. Sometimes it’s because they know they smell like smoke, or they’re wasting money, or it’s getting harder to breathe when they exercise.
Sometimes it’s because a cute little girl said, “Mommy, I wanna smoke, just like you.”
So they make the decision, and then call me and ask how soon they can come in. If I said, “Five minutes from now,” they’d manage to arrive on time, no matter how far away they live. That’s how women smokers act when they quit for good. But men? Well…
2. Men Are Different And What That Means
I’m going to be doing some generalizing here, so buckle your seatbelt and know that I’m trying to make important points that apply to many male smokers, if not all. Mea culpa, but I believe it’s important.
To a man, smoking means something different than to a woman.
To a woman (alert: I’m generalizing again), it’s a way to hang out with her smoking friends; something to do with her hands; an ill-advised method for keeping her weight down (she believes) and a way to create some smoke curls that (she believes) make her look elegant, graceful, and interesting.
To a man, though he won’t admit it, it’s tied up with his manhood.
It doesn’t really matter how, when or why he began smoking, but here are the favorites:
he learned at his father’s knee
he tried his first cigarette with a crowd of other boys
he took it up because John Wayne smoked
he wanted to rebel
he wanted to feel okay as a loner
he’ll look like he’s doing something so the woman he loves will leave him alone
he smokes outside his office building so he can bond with his boss
he started (again) because George Clooney looked so cool smoking in Good Night and Good Luck (substitute any hot male star in any noteworthy film)
Regardless which scenario, it’s about masculinity and what that means to him.
3. Ways To Encourage A Man To Stop Smoking
There are four or five solid ways to get a guy to stop smoking. And a hundred ways to make him smoke more in your attempt to get him to stop. If you’re a woman who loves a man who smokes, you know many of the hundred. When I retire, I may compile them all. In the meantime, here are some of the ways that have been tried.
4. Worst Ways
nagging him
getting his mother to nag him
showing him articles that say smoking = death
showing him articles that say smoking leads to a long list of horrible diseases
asking his doctor to tell him, especially if he finds out you did
saying he stinks, literally
saying you won’t have sex with him if he continues to smoke
saying his cough sounds symptomatic of something horrible
reminding him he swore he would stop
naming friends, relatives and celebrities who are ill or dead due to smoking
These don’t work because for most men because every time you make the argument, it will trigger an answer that proves it’s not true for him. Remind him that so-and-so died of lung cancer, and he’ll remember that so-and-so smoked filterless cigarettes, smoked more often and longer.
Every time you nag, he’ll offer himself a counter-example. Every time you demonstrate why he shouldn’t smoke, he’ll see how his situation is different.
Soon he may tune out your voice entirely when he knows a stop-smoking argument is coming.
5. Best Ways
A. He discovers for himself—physical effects in his own body, or stories about a close friend who is very sick, or news stories, or a very smart doctor who knows how to talk to men directly without being an alarmist. He makes the decision.
B. A child tells him, innocently and disingenuously. Kids say the darnedest things. And spoken with such innocence, it could make a stone cry. Especially if the child is the man’s own blood. (Bribery is okay for this good cause; just make sure the kid stays quiet.)
C. He reads an article that hits so close to home, he can’t ignore it. He just “happened” to find this article in the house.
D. He hears from his wife or a beloved daughter these words: “I’m having a baby!” A first (grand)child or a late-in-life baby are especially compelling.
E. A combination of any of the above.
6. What To Say When A Man Tells You He Is Stopping Smoking
Be pleasantly surprised, even if you were prepping this for months. Be pleased, and don’t offer to help. Let him ask.
Avoid saying “It’s about time” or “I told you you’d better.” Instead try “That’s great.” Then stop. If he looks like he is trusting you not to nag, you might quietly add “Can I do anything?” but if you’ve been a nag, steer clear of even that.
Don’t ask about his progress, let him tell you. If he chooses to talk, be supportive and proud of him, as if the idea was all his. Because, truthfully, it was.
Enjoy knowing you got what you wanted. Keep this enjoyment private
So if you’d like to know how to help a man make the decision and take the actions to stop smoking, you’re in the right place. But you need to understand some things first:
1. Men Vs. Women Smokers
Many of my smoking cessation clients are women. They awaken one day with this feeling inside and say: I’m going to stop smoking!
Sometimes it’s because they want to get pregnant. Or because they worry about the link between smoking and various cancers, heart conditions, or other diseases that affect women. Sometimes it’s because they know they smell like smoke, or they’re wasting money, or it’s getting harder to breathe when they exercise.
Sometimes it’s because a cute little girl said, “Mommy, I wanna smoke, just like you.”
So they make the decision, and then call me and ask how soon they can come in. If I said, “Five minutes from now,” they’d manage to arrive on time, no matter how far away they live. That’s how women smokers act when they quit for good. But men? Well…
2. Men Are Different And What That Means
I’m going to be doing some generalizing here, so buckle your seatbelt and know that I’m trying to make important points that apply to many male smokers, if not all. Mea culpa, but I believe it’s important.
To a man, smoking means something different than to a woman.
To a woman (alert: I’m generalizing again), it’s a way to hang out with her smoking friends; something to do with her hands; an ill-advised method for keeping her weight down (she believes) and a way to create some smoke curls that (she believes) make her look elegant, graceful, and interesting.
To a man, though he won’t admit it, it’s tied up with his manhood.
It doesn’t really matter how, when or why he began smoking, but here are the favorites:
he learned at his father’s knee
he tried his first cigarette with a crowd of other boys
he took it up because John Wayne smoked
he wanted to rebel
he wanted to feel okay as a loner
he’ll look like he’s doing something so the woman he loves will leave him alone
he smokes outside his office building so he can bond with his boss
he started (again) because George Clooney looked so cool smoking in Good Night and Good Luck (substitute any hot male star in any noteworthy film)
Regardless which scenario, it’s about masculinity and what that means to him.
3. Ways To Encourage A Man To Stop Smoking
There are four or five solid ways to get a guy to stop smoking. And a hundred ways to make him smoke more in your attempt to get him to stop. If you’re a woman who loves a man who smokes, you know many of the hundred. When I retire, I may compile them all. In the meantime, here are some of the ways that have been tried.
4. Worst Ways
nagging him
getting his mother to nag him
showing him articles that say smoking = death
showing him articles that say smoking leads to a long list of horrible diseases
asking his doctor to tell him, especially if he finds out you did
saying he stinks, literally
saying you won’t have sex with him if he continues to smoke
saying his cough sounds symptomatic of something horrible
reminding him he swore he would stop
naming friends, relatives and celebrities who are ill or dead due to smoking
These don’t work because for most men because every time you make the argument, it will trigger an answer that proves it’s not true for him. Remind him that so-and-so died of lung cancer, and he’ll remember that so-and-so smoked filterless cigarettes, smoked more often and longer.
Every time you nag, he’ll offer himself a counter-example. Every time you demonstrate why he shouldn’t smoke, he’ll see how his situation is different.
Soon he may tune out your voice entirely when he knows a stop-smoking argument is coming.
5. Best Ways
A. He discovers for himself—physical effects in his own body, or stories about a close friend who is very sick, or news stories, or a very smart doctor who knows how to talk to men directly without being an alarmist. He makes the decision.
B. A child tells him, innocently and disingenuously. Kids say the darnedest things. And spoken with such innocence, it could make a stone cry. Especially if the child is the man’s own blood. (Bribery is okay for this good cause; just make sure the kid stays quiet.)
C. He reads an article that hits so close to home, he can’t ignore it. He just “happened” to find this article in the house.
D. He hears from his wife or a beloved daughter these words: “I’m having a baby!” A first (grand)child or a late-in-life baby are especially compelling.
E. A combination of any of the above.
6. What To Say When A Man Tells You He Is Stopping Smoking
Be pleasantly surprised, even if you were prepping this for months. Be pleased, and don’t offer to help. Let him ask.
Avoid saying “It’s about time” or “I told you you’d better.” Instead try “That’s great.” Then stop. If he looks like he is trusting you not to nag, you might quietly add “Can I do anything?” but if you’ve been a nag, steer clear of even that.
Don’t ask about his progress, let him tell you. If he chooses to talk, be supportive and proud of him, as if the idea was all his. Because, truthfully, it was.
Enjoy knowing you got what you wanted. Keep this enjoyment private
Kidney Stones Report- Try a Natural Kidney Stones Cure before Lithotripsy
If you have kidney stones then your doctor probably has suggested lithotripsy. The newest kidney stones treatment has been label as the least painful and most efficient treatment by some doctors. And they are correct. However, did your doctor tell you that you can also try a natural kidney stones cure to dissolve and pass your kidney stones at the comfort of your own home. Probably not!
If you are among the more than one million Americans who will treat kidney stones this year; you might want to pay close attention! Because though your doctor does have a professional opinion about how you should treat your kidney stones, your doctor also has his interests and his profession in mind. In other words, the medical profession would lose billions of dollars each year if all kidney stone sufferers turned to natural health.
And before we go any further… Fact! Almost 90% of kidney stones can be dissolved with an acidic drink flush which naturally dissolves calcium-formed kidney stones.
Lithotripsy- Cancel Your Treatment!
I am sure your doctor has given you details about your treatment. But if you have forgot! Lithotripsy is a shortened word for extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy which is a medical procedure that is painless, non-invasive (they don't cut you open) and can be performed under one hour.
Lithotripsy has been gaining popularity because patients remain conscious during the treatment which could take place on a water-filled mattress or a shallow tub of water. The doctors use x-rays to locate the kidney stones and apply external bursts of high-energy shockwaves to where the stones are located. Between 60 to 120 shocks per minute will be delivered to the area which will cause the stones to break into smaller pieces allowing them to pass through the system.
You will be able to leave that day.
But do you need to spend 1-2 paychecks for a kidney stones treatment?
Money Doesn't Grow on Trees
I have always been amused by this expression but I wish I could make a banner and show it to the most lucrative industry to the 21st century, the medical industry. And when it comes to kidney stones, the medical industry is making a killing. In fact, I have some customers who have spent over $20,000+ for their kidney stones alone after multiple treatments and surgeries. But does it really have to be this way?
I would disagree! Though lithotripsy is highly effective, you can save thousands of dollars by dissolving and preventing future kidney stones at home.
What do you think people did when they had kidney stones fifty years ago? Probably not surgery like we know it now! Most people's kidney stones would pass on their own by a little altering of the diet. And most people didn't realize it until the pain was gone and forgotten. And some didn't realize they were doing exactly what they should be… drinking water and eating acidic foods.
Prevention is the Best Medicine
After you dissolve and pass your kidney stones with our Kidney Stones Report. We would recommend the following kidney stones prevention tips. As a wise sage once said, "Prevention is the Best Medicine".
1. Drink Water. Most people get kidney stones because they don't drink enough water. You should have a goal to drink 10-12 glasses of water each day. A good rule of thumb is to drink half of your body weight in ounces each day.
2. Vitamin Intake. Vitamin C and D can increase your risk of kidney stones when you take more than the daily recommendations. Read the labels and follow them closely.
3. Calcium Intake. Though you might think it would be better to get less calcium, after all, kidney stones are typically made up of calcium. This is incorrect! You should actually aim to get your recommended amount of calcium each day.
4. Low Sodium. You should also cut the sodium out of your diet. Begin by trying to get less than 2400 mg per day. If you are a healthy eater; you are probably good to go. If you don't even know where the food labels are located; it might be time to get an introductory course of food labels. Take a look today.
5. Low Protein. You should also try to decrease your protein intake. If you are meat and potatoes person; this tip might apply to you. However, most people are not going to fall in this category.
6. Your Weight. Being overweight or obese can also be a cause for kidney stones. You should begin to learn how to maintain a healthy weight. Do you know what your body mass index (BMI) is? Do you have a bigger waist than you should? Our Kidney Stones Report can give you helpful tips to lose body fat and feel like you want.
7. Inactivity. Most of our jobs are conducive to inactiveness but you should try to stay active regularly. Go to the gym. Go for a hike. Do some yard work.
If you are among the more than one million Americans who will treat kidney stones this year; you might want to pay close attention! Because though your doctor does have a professional opinion about how you should treat your kidney stones, your doctor also has his interests and his profession in mind. In other words, the medical profession would lose billions of dollars each year if all kidney stone sufferers turned to natural health.
And before we go any further… Fact! Almost 90% of kidney stones can be dissolved with an acidic drink flush which naturally dissolves calcium-formed kidney stones.
Lithotripsy- Cancel Your Treatment!
I am sure your doctor has given you details about your treatment. But if you have forgot! Lithotripsy is a shortened word for extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy which is a medical procedure that is painless, non-invasive (they don't cut you open) and can be performed under one hour.
Lithotripsy has been gaining popularity because patients remain conscious during the treatment which could take place on a water-filled mattress or a shallow tub of water. The doctors use x-rays to locate the kidney stones and apply external bursts of high-energy shockwaves to where the stones are located. Between 60 to 120 shocks per minute will be delivered to the area which will cause the stones to break into smaller pieces allowing them to pass through the system.
You will be able to leave that day.
But do you need to spend 1-2 paychecks for a kidney stones treatment?
Money Doesn't Grow on Trees
I have always been amused by this expression but I wish I could make a banner and show it to the most lucrative industry to the 21st century, the medical industry. And when it comes to kidney stones, the medical industry is making a killing. In fact, I have some customers who have spent over $20,000+ for their kidney stones alone after multiple treatments and surgeries. But does it really have to be this way?
I would disagree! Though lithotripsy is highly effective, you can save thousands of dollars by dissolving and preventing future kidney stones at home.
What do you think people did when they had kidney stones fifty years ago? Probably not surgery like we know it now! Most people's kidney stones would pass on their own by a little altering of the diet. And most people didn't realize it until the pain was gone and forgotten. And some didn't realize they were doing exactly what they should be… drinking water and eating acidic foods.
Prevention is the Best Medicine
After you dissolve and pass your kidney stones with our Kidney Stones Report. We would recommend the following kidney stones prevention tips. As a wise sage once said, "Prevention is the Best Medicine".
1. Drink Water. Most people get kidney stones because they don't drink enough water. You should have a goal to drink 10-12 glasses of water each day. A good rule of thumb is to drink half of your body weight in ounces each day.
2. Vitamin Intake. Vitamin C and D can increase your risk of kidney stones when you take more than the daily recommendations. Read the labels and follow them closely.
3. Calcium Intake. Though you might think it would be better to get less calcium, after all, kidney stones are typically made up of calcium. This is incorrect! You should actually aim to get your recommended amount of calcium each day.
4. Low Sodium. You should also cut the sodium out of your diet. Begin by trying to get less than 2400 mg per day. If you are a healthy eater; you are probably good to go. If you don't even know where the food labels are located; it might be time to get an introductory course of food labels. Take a look today.
5. Low Protein. You should also try to decrease your protein intake. If you are meat and potatoes person; this tip might apply to you. However, most people are not going to fall in this category.
6. Your Weight. Being overweight or obese can also be a cause for kidney stones. You should begin to learn how to maintain a healthy weight. Do you know what your body mass index (BMI) is? Do you have a bigger waist than you should? Our Kidney Stones Report can give you helpful tips to lose body fat and feel like you want.
7. Inactivity. Most of our jobs are conducive to inactiveness but you should try to stay active regularly. Go to the gym. Go for a hike. Do some yard work.
The Scientific Truth About Muscle Growth Once And For All - Part 2
This is essentially why the average person is missing out on half their potential gains by only performing their exercises in one way.
In short, the science of muscle growth and the current practice of world class trainers indicates that the FASTEST way to humanly pack on as much lean muscle as possible requires your resistance training program to blend both heavy strength based movements with looser form that still overloads the target muscles correctly together with lighter movements that create maximise the 'pump' or what is known as 'occlusion' of blood flow.
Why?
For many years science has known that overloading muscles with progressively heavier weights leads to lean muscle growth. However, many people including elite bodybuilders adamantly trained for the pump and yet still grew and often phenomenally at that. It is only recently that science has been able to discover why training for the pump or occlusion creates muscle growth.
The most CRITICAL point is this though: Whilst the two styles of training stimulate muscle growth, they do so through DIFFERENT pathways meaning that if you only train in one style, you are missing out on the muscle stimulating benefits of the other.
So essentially the secret for maximum muscle growth is out: learn how to create YOUR perfect blend of heavy power training that still hits its target muscles dead on and tight controlled movements to maximize occlusion.
Using this ground-breaking science, the Ultimate Body Success Program will once and for all help you to create a weight training program that isn't some confused collection of hype fuelled madness that had no basis in reality and the actual physiological science of muscle growth. Using the concepts of Specific Targeted Overload (STO) and Maximum Occlusion (MO) you will be able to know EXACTLY what you are trying to achieve with each and every rep of each and every set. Body part by body part you will be able to maximize the potential of each and every exercise to precisely stimulate one of the two scientifically proven mechanisms for muscle growth instead of just doing a set and having absolutely no idea if it helped stimulate new growth.
No matter how often you are able to train you will be able to design training programs for yourself like an expert because you will have a crystal clear idea of what each and every exercise, set and rep is designed to do. You will finally be able to train with an unprecedented degree of certainty and precision that will ignite new growth like never before training totally in synch with how your body builds lean muscle mass.
In short, the science of muscle growth and the current practice of world class trainers indicates that the FASTEST way to humanly pack on as much lean muscle as possible requires your resistance training program to blend both heavy strength based movements with looser form that still overloads the target muscles correctly together with lighter movements that create maximise the 'pump' or what is known as 'occlusion' of blood flow.
Why?
For many years science has known that overloading muscles with progressively heavier weights leads to lean muscle growth. However, many people including elite bodybuilders adamantly trained for the pump and yet still grew and often phenomenally at that. It is only recently that science has been able to discover why training for the pump or occlusion creates muscle growth.
The most CRITICAL point is this though: Whilst the two styles of training stimulate muscle growth, they do so through DIFFERENT pathways meaning that if you only train in one style, you are missing out on the muscle stimulating benefits of the other.
So essentially the secret for maximum muscle growth is out: learn how to create YOUR perfect blend of heavy power training that still hits its target muscles dead on and tight controlled movements to maximize occlusion.
Using this ground-breaking science, the Ultimate Body Success Program will once and for all help you to create a weight training program that isn't some confused collection of hype fuelled madness that had no basis in reality and the actual physiological science of muscle growth. Using the concepts of Specific Targeted Overload (STO) and Maximum Occlusion (MO) you will be able to know EXACTLY what you are trying to achieve with each and every rep of each and every set. Body part by body part you will be able to maximize the potential of each and every exercise to precisely stimulate one of the two scientifically proven mechanisms for muscle growth instead of just doing a set and having absolutely no idea if it helped stimulate new growth.
No matter how often you are able to train you will be able to design training programs for yourself like an expert because you will have a crystal clear idea of what each and every exercise, set and rep is designed to do. You will finally be able to train with an unprecedented degree of certainty and precision that will ignite new growth like never before training totally in synch with how your body builds lean muscle mass.
The Scientific Truth About Muscle Growth Once And For All - Part 1
What if you finally had the scientific TRUTH about muscle growth once and for all? What if you knew how to train to stimulate ALL of your body's own natural growth mechanisms? It would mean that you'd be packing on lean muscle mass as fast as humanly possible.
Without understanding that there are two key mechanisms for muscle growth the vast majority of guys training in the gym, even those who may have trained for years are missing out on up to fifty percent of their potential gains. This is basically like wasting HALF your precious training time.
Why does this occur? Well there are two basic 'schools of thought' when it comes to weight training and over the years they have been often at odds at to which is the best way to train with heated debate, science and real-world examples to illustrate the superiority of their own viewpoints. In one corner we have the classic bodybuilding crowd who have always focused on the pump and isolating each individual muscle and feeling the tension throughout the entire range of motion. This culture has also permeated into most formal 'gym instructor' doctrine as it is generally a safe way to train the masses.
The other way of thinking has much of its roots in powerlifting and strength training and has a much greater emphasis on progressively hitting the muscles with heavier weights in order to make them adapt and grow stronger and bigger. The focus is much more on overloading the muscles by using looser form and momentum to be able to hit the target muscles with more weight than would otherwise be possible. They believe that whilst the muscle wouldn't be under as much direct tension, the sheer stimulus it receives from the heavier weights more than compensates for this and is a better way to pack on lean muscle.
Most people in the gym tend to be one or the other, often depending on whom they listened to when they first started out or whom they currently take their training influence from. However is this a logical position to take?
NO.
Stay Tuned For Part 2!
Without understanding that there are two key mechanisms for muscle growth the vast majority of guys training in the gym, even those who may have trained for years are missing out on up to fifty percent of their potential gains. This is basically like wasting HALF your precious training time.
Why does this occur? Well there are two basic 'schools of thought' when it comes to weight training and over the years they have been often at odds at to which is the best way to train with heated debate, science and real-world examples to illustrate the superiority of their own viewpoints. In one corner we have the classic bodybuilding crowd who have always focused on the pump and isolating each individual muscle and feeling the tension throughout the entire range of motion. This culture has also permeated into most formal 'gym instructor' doctrine as it is generally a safe way to train the masses.
The other way of thinking has much of its roots in powerlifting and strength training and has a much greater emphasis on progressively hitting the muscles with heavier weights in order to make them adapt and grow stronger and bigger. The focus is much more on overloading the muscles by using looser form and momentum to be able to hit the target muscles with more weight than would otherwise be possible. They believe that whilst the muscle wouldn't be under as much direct tension, the sheer stimulus it receives from the heavier weights more than compensates for this and is a better way to pack on lean muscle.
Most people in the gym tend to be one or the other, often depending on whom they listened to when they first started out or whom they currently take their training influence from. However is this a logical position to take?
NO.
Stay Tuned For Part 2!
Six Pack Abs - 3 Mistakes to Avoid at All Cost
If you are working out to develop six pack abs then you need to be aware of the three biggest mistakes described in this article and avoid them at all cost!
First, you need to understand the difference between getting six pack abs and simply losing body fat. Getting six pack abs is a all about having extremely low levels of body fat. For men this is around 8% and for women around 15%. Training and eating to get body fat levels this low is much different than someone who just starts a diet and wants to lose 20-30lbs.
If you are just trying to lose a lot of weight, then making small changes to your diet will help you make a lot of progress very fast. For example, if you were to only drink water, unsweetened iced tea, and green tea, then you will not be consuming any calories from beverages. For someone who just wants to lose weight, a small modification such as this can make a big difference.
For someone who wants to get six pack abs, the process is much more detailed. Here are two mistakes that most people make when they try to develop six pack abs.
Six Pack Abs Mistake #1: They try to do too many crunches and ab exercises.
While crunches and other ab exercises will help to build a stronger core, they will not help you get down to a low level of body fat. Trying to use endless reps of ab exercises simply does not build enough muscle or work your body hard enough to burn significant calories.
The myth of "spot" reduction is where a lot of people get caught up. The concept of spot reduction basically states that if you want to lose fat in a certain part of the body you should work the muscle underneath it. Our bodies do not store fat in one specific place, therefore you cannot lose fat in one specific place either.
I guarantee you will never see someone who has six pack abs in the front and is flabby around the rest of their midsection. If spot reduction actually worked this is what would happen. In the real world however, you need to focus on losing body fat all over in order to developing six pack abs.
Six Pack Abs Mistake #2: Trying to use infomercial ab gimmicks
When you see an advertisement for an "miracle" piece of ab equipment, the people who are using them usually have great bodies, low body fat, and a great six pack. However I can guarantee you one thing, and that is they did not get that way to using one single piece of abdominal exercise equipment.
Like we just talked about with why lots of crunches do not help you get six pack abs, the same holds true for any ab crunch machine or anything else you see on an advertisement.
This all goes back to the false concept that working the abs with lots of exercises will directly lead to a six pack. All the people who have the best abs got them by exercising their whole body and by adhering to a very strict diet. Not by using some ab crunch gimmick for "two easy payments of $29.95." Six Pack Abs Mistake #3: Eating too many calories.
Sounds overly simplistic doesn't it?
This is one of the most important core concepts that is crucial to understanding how to lose body fat and develop six pack abs. So many people try to eat healthy and still have trouble losing weight. Sometimes they think they have something physiologically wrong with them and their bodies simply cannot lose weight.
Before you fall into this trap and start seeking "miracle" quick fixes, you need to know that not being able to lose body fat is simply a matter of taking in too many calories. If you try keeping a food journal for a week and counting the calories you consume you will be amazed at the insight it will give you.
Even if you eat 400 extra calories a day from little snacks here and there (which is not difficult at all), you will be taking in an extra 2,800 calories per week. For some people, taking in an extra 500-1000 calories per day can easily come from foods that are extremely calorie dense but do not help you feel full. Such foods include bagels, donuts, muffins, potato chips, soda, any kind of fast food, and more.
So before you think that getting six pack abs or simply losing body fat is impossible for you, try taking a few days to really track what you are eating. You will be surprised that losing weight can really be as simple as cutting out small calories dense foods from your diet.
A wise man once said that having sexy six pack abs feels better than the best tasting food in the world. Remember this concept and start taking action today. Good luck!
First, you need to understand the difference between getting six pack abs and simply losing body fat. Getting six pack abs is a all about having extremely low levels of body fat. For men this is around 8% and for women around 15%. Training and eating to get body fat levels this low is much different than someone who just starts a diet and wants to lose 20-30lbs.
If you are just trying to lose a lot of weight, then making small changes to your diet will help you make a lot of progress very fast. For example, if you were to only drink water, unsweetened iced tea, and green tea, then you will not be consuming any calories from beverages. For someone who just wants to lose weight, a small modification such as this can make a big difference.
For someone who wants to get six pack abs, the process is much more detailed. Here are two mistakes that most people make when they try to develop six pack abs.
Six Pack Abs Mistake #1: They try to do too many crunches and ab exercises.
While crunches and other ab exercises will help to build a stronger core, they will not help you get down to a low level of body fat. Trying to use endless reps of ab exercises simply does not build enough muscle or work your body hard enough to burn significant calories.
The myth of "spot" reduction is where a lot of people get caught up. The concept of spot reduction basically states that if you want to lose fat in a certain part of the body you should work the muscle underneath it. Our bodies do not store fat in one specific place, therefore you cannot lose fat in one specific place either.
I guarantee you will never see someone who has six pack abs in the front and is flabby around the rest of their midsection. If spot reduction actually worked this is what would happen. In the real world however, you need to focus on losing body fat all over in order to developing six pack abs.
Six Pack Abs Mistake #2: Trying to use infomercial ab gimmicks
When you see an advertisement for an "miracle" piece of ab equipment, the people who are using them usually have great bodies, low body fat, and a great six pack. However I can guarantee you one thing, and that is they did not get that way to using one single piece of abdominal exercise equipment.
Like we just talked about with why lots of crunches do not help you get six pack abs, the same holds true for any ab crunch machine or anything else you see on an advertisement.
This all goes back to the false concept that working the abs with lots of exercises will directly lead to a six pack. All the people who have the best abs got them by exercising their whole body and by adhering to a very strict diet. Not by using some ab crunch gimmick for "two easy payments of $29.95." Six Pack Abs Mistake #3: Eating too many calories.
Sounds overly simplistic doesn't it?
This is one of the most important core concepts that is crucial to understanding how to lose body fat and develop six pack abs. So many people try to eat healthy and still have trouble losing weight. Sometimes they think they have something physiologically wrong with them and their bodies simply cannot lose weight.
Before you fall into this trap and start seeking "miracle" quick fixes, you need to know that not being able to lose body fat is simply a matter of taking in too many calories. If you try keeping a food journal for a week and counting the calories you consume you will be amazed at the insight it will give you.
Even if you eat 400 extra calories a day from little snacks here and there (which is not difficult at all), you will be taking in an extra 2,800 calories per week. For some people, taking in an extra 500-1000 calories per day can easily come from foods that are extremely calorie dense but do not help you feel full. Such foods include bagels, donuts, muffins, potato chips, soda, any kind of fast food, and more.
So before you think that getting six pack abs or simply losing body fat is impossible for you, try taking a few days to really track what you are eating. You will be surprised that losing weight can really be as simple as cutting out small calories dense foods from your diet.
A wise man once said that having sexy six pack abs feels better than the best tasting food in the world. Remember this concept and start taking action today. Good luck!
High Blood Pressure: Causes,Symptoms,Treatment
Blood pressure is the force of the blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. Blood pressure is the result of two forces: from the heart as it pumps blood into the arteries and throughout the circulatory system, and the force of the arteries as they resist blood flow. Blood pressure is measured by putting a blood pressure cuff around your arm, inflating the cuff and listening for the flow of blood. Blood pressure is always given as these two numbers, the systolic and diastolic pressures. Blood pressure is traditionally measured with a device called a sphygmomanometer. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Blood pressure is generally felt to be abnormally high at a level of 140/90, and some sort of definitive therapy and follow-up should be started at this level. High blood pressure is called the silent killer because it usually has no symptoms.
Blood is carried from the heart to all parts of your body in vessels called arteries. Blood does not flow regularly like water from a tap:-When the heart contracts (systole), the blood is propelled into the main arteries that act as a pressurised reservoir.
Pressure in a hose can be regulated either by controlling the rate at which fluid passes through it or by widening it. Pressure inside your arteries can cause the muscles that line the walls of the arteries to thicken. Your blood pressure is at its highest when the heart beats, pumping the blood. When the heart is at rest, between beats, your blood pressure falls. Still, for most of your waking hours, your blood pressure stays pretty much the same when you are sitting or standing still.
Heart disease is the UK’s biggest killer, claiming thousands of lives each year. Heart failure is when your heart cannot pump blood around the body as well as it should, and this can cause you to become short of breath and can cause your ankles to swell. Heart attack High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart attacks.
Various disorders and drugs can cause the compensatory mechanisms to malfunction, and high blood pressure may result. Causes In most instances of high blood pressure, no known cause can be identified. Doctors do not know what causes high blood pressure in 90 to 95 percent of people who have it. For some people, just being in a medical setting causes their blood pressure to rise.
Symptoms When blood pressure is too low, the first organ to malfunction is usually the brain. Symptoms that may occur include: Confusion Chest pain Ear noise or buzzing Irregular heartbeat Nosebleed Tiredness Vision changes. What is treatment, medication, medicines, remedy, drugs, cure of lowering high Blood pressure or Hypertension? . Although high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can cause headaches, dizziness and problems with vision, the majority of people with the condition do not display any noticeable symptoms.
Treatment
Treatment is focused on reducing water retention and lowering blood pressure to normal limits. Treatment for high blood pressure depends on the severity of the disease and whether you have other health problems, such as heart failure or diabetes, or you are pregnant. Treatment of primary high blood pressure, especially moderate or severe high blood pressure, decreases the risk of heart failure, coronary artery disease, heart attack, abnormal heartbeats, stroke, and kidney disease, and reduces the risk of death from these conditions. Treatment for high blood pressure must be highly individualized and based on your risk factors, such as diabetes, smoking, and heart disease. Treatment when blood pressure increases slightly and the woman is not near the end of her pregnancy, bed rest may help reduce the pressure. Treatment begins with changes you can make in your lifestyle to help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease .
High blood pressure is called the silent killer because it usually has no symptoms. When high blood pressure is not found and treated, it can cause: The heart to get larger, which may lead to heart failure. If your blood pressure is in the prehypertension range, it is more likely that you will end up with high blood pressure unless you take action to prevent it. High blood pressure is dangerous because it makes the heart work too hard and contributes to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). If your blood pressure is between 120/80 mmHg and 139/89 mmHg, then you have prehypertension. The good news is that if your blood pressure is high, it can be lowered by making changes to your lifestyle, for example changing your diet, exercising and losing weight, and when needed, with tablets. The medical community?s knowledge of high blood pressure is great, but far from perfect. High blood pressure is more common: In patients whose families have high blood pressure In those over 35 years old In males In Afro-Americans In women on oral contraceptives. The only way to know whether you have high blood pressure is to have it taken by a person who knows how (those automatic machines you sit at in the supermarket are not necessarily kept accurate condition.
Blood is carried from the heart to all parts of your body in vessels called arteries. Blood does not flow regularly like water from a tap:-When the heart contracts (systole), the blood is propelled into the main arteries that act as a pressurised reservoir.
Pressure in a hose can be regulated either by controlling the rate at which fluid passes through it or by widening it. Pressure inside your arteries can cause the muscles that line the walls of the arteries to thicken. Your blood pressure is at its highest when the heart beats, pumping the blood. When the heart is at rest, between beats, your blood pressure falls. Still, for most of your waking hours, your blood pressure stays pretty much the same when you are sitting or standing still.
Heart disease is the UK’s biggest killer, claiming thousands of lives each year. Heart failure is when your heart cannot pump blood around the body as well as it should, and this can cause you to become short of breath and can cause your ankles to swell. Heart attack High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart attacks.
Various disorders and drugs can cause the compensatory mechanisms to malfunction, and high blood pressure may result. Causes In most instances of high blood pressure, no known cause can be identified. Doctors do not know what causes high blood pressure in 90 to 95 percent of people who have it. For some people, just being in a medical setting causes their blood pressure to rise.
Symptoms When blood pressure is too low, the first organ to malfunction is usually the brain. Symptoms that may occur include: Confusion Chest pain Ear noise or buzzing Irregular heartbeat Nosebleed Tiredness Vision changes. What is treatment, medication, medicines, remedy, drugs, cure of lowering high Blood pressure or Hypertension? . Although high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can cause headaches, dizziness and problems with vision, the majority of people with the condition do not display any noticeable symptoms.
Treatment
Treatment is focused on reducing water retention and lowering blood pressure to normal limits. Treatment for high blood pressure depends on the severity of the disease and whether you have other health problems, such as heart failure or diabetes, or you are pregnant. Treatment of primary high blood pressure, especially moderate or severe high blood pressure, decreases the risk of heart failure, coronary artery disease, heart attack, abnormal heartbeats, stroke, and kidney disease, and reduces the risk of death from these conditions. Treatment for high blood pressure must be highly individualized and based on your risk factors, such as diabetes, smoking, and heart disease. Treatment when blood pressure increases slightly and the woman is not near the end of her pregnancy, bed rest may help reduce the pressure. Treatment begins with changes you can make in your lifestyle to help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease .
High blood pressure is called the silent killer because it usually has no symptoms. When high blood pressure is not found and treated, it can cause: The heart to get larger, which may lead to heart failure. If your blood pressure is in the prehypertension range, it is more likely that you will end up with high blood pressure unless you take action to prevent it. High blood pressure is dangerous because it makes the heart work too hard and contributes to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). If your blood pressure is between 120/80 mmHg and 139/89 mmHg, then you have prehypertension. The good news is that if your blood pressure is high, it can be lowered by making changes to your lifestyle, for example changing your diet, exercising and losing weight, and when needed, with tablets. The medical community?s knowledge of high blood pressure is great, but far from perfect. High blood pressure is more common: In patients whose families have high blood pressure In those over 35 years old In males In Afro-Americans In women on oral contraceptives. The only way to know whether you have high blood pressure is to have it taken by a person who knows how (those automatic machines you sit at in the supermarket are not necessarily kept accurate condition.
Alcohol and Drug Addiction Relief with Ayurveda
Ayurvedic relief from addictions like drugs, alcohol, smoking and over eating helps people come back to enjoying their life without addictions to any harmful substances. Ayurveda is unique system of lifestyle that helps people lead healthy lives. Ayurvedic addiction recovery therapies work with the willpower of the person.
As a first step to recover from the addiction, the person must identify he is slave to an addiction and should have a desire to recover from alcohol addiction, drug addiction or addiction to smoking. Over eating is also a behavioral problem that has far reaching consequences on one's health.
One detrimental factor to free one from addictions is the withdrawal symptoms. The addicts feel they are punished for abandoning the use of drugs, alcohol or cigarette.
Ayurveda approaches this problem systematically and Ayurvedic system of cure from addictions is based on treating the cause instead of symptoms. The alcohol consumption or smoking is only a symptom. Underlying reasons can be stress or mental tension. The person tries to dissolve his worries in alcohol, but he or she ends up more worried and disheartened.
Ayurveda aims at removing the root cause of the addiction. Ayurveda aims at replacing the addictive behavior with some constructive behavior. For instance, smokers will be given herbal cigarettes, which satisfy their urge to smoke, but removes the toxins added to their body.
This herbal approach is supplemented with counseling, guided meditation, massage therapy, aromatherapy, etc which help in complete recovery of the addiction without withdrawal symptoms.
The inertia or the mental conditioning of the person to give up the habit is the first thing that needs attention.
Ayurveda also recommends personalized treatment programs based on the physical constitution of the person. Physical constitution, called DOSHA in Ayurvedic terms gives clues to effectiveness in recovery from any addictions.
Each type of persons have specific herbal formulations that help in removing toxic wastes accumulated to the body, strengthen internal tissues and easily recover the person from addiction.
The important factor is the mental preparedness of the person to accept he/she has some addictions and honest desire to recover. After getting the person in right mental condition, it is easy to recover from any life-threatening bad habits.
As a first step to recover from the addiction, the person must identify he is slave to an addiction and should have a desire to recover from alcohol addiction, drug addiction or addiction to smoking. Over eating is also a behavioral problem that has far reaching consequences on one's health.
One detrimental factor to free one from addictions is the withdrawal symptoms. The addicts feel they are punished for abandoning the use of drugs, alcohol or cigarette.
Ayurveda approaches this problem systematically and Ayurvedic system of cure from addictions is based on treating the cause instead of symptoms. The alcohol consumption or smoking is only a symptom. Underlying reasons can be stress or mental tension. The person tries to dissolve his worries in alcohol, but he or she ends up more worried and disheartened.
Ayurveda aims at removing the root cause of the addiction. Ayurveda aims at replacing the addictive behavior with some constructive behavior. For instance, smokers will be given herbal cigarettes, which satisfy their urge to smoke, but removes the toxins added to their body.
This herbal approach is supplemented with counseling, guided meditation, massage therapy, aromatherapy, etc which help in complete recovery of the addiction without withdrawal symptoms.
The inertia or the mental conditioning of the person to give up the habit is the first thing that needs attention.
Ayurveda also recommends personalized treatment programs based on the physical constitution of the person. Physical constitution, called DOSHA in Ayurvedic terms gives clues to effectiveness in recovery from any addictions.
Each type of persons have specific herbal formulations that help in removing toxic wastes accumulated to the body, strengthen internal tissues and easily recover the person from addiction.
The important factor is the mental preparedness of the person to accept he/she has some addictions and honest desire to recover. After getting the person in right mental condition, it is easy to recover from any life-threatening bad habits.
Eye Care in Ayurveda
Not many people know there is a specialized branch in Ayurveda that deals with eye care. Eye care or netra chikitsa comes in Shalakya Tantra (Urdhwanga chikitsa in Malayalam), one among the eight branches of Ayurveda.
Shalakya tantra is Ayurvedic equivalent of ENT. It deals with all diseases affecting parts above neck. Ancient Ayurvedic texts describe 76 types of eye diseases. Though there are not cure to all of the diseases, there are solid directions to effectively manage any eye condition and manage better eyesight.
Here are some eye care habits you can follow to better manage your eye health.
The first principle is not to stare at any object for long times or don't try to figure out a distant object in such a way that you tire your eyes. Blinking of eye is a natural process and don't suppress the feeling to blink your eyes.
Don't attempt reading or watching TV in dim light or too bright light (bright sunlight).
Being part of your body, your eyes too require rest. Don't cut in on the time to sleep.
Splash your eyes with fresh water early in the morning and several times in the day.
Staring computer screen for longer hours is a recipe for eye fatigue. Take a break from your job every 30 minutes. Close your eyes for a few seconds or take a small walk.
Diet
Food items rich in vitamins, especially Vitamin A is necessary to maintain good eye health. Carrot and other colored vegetables are good sources of vitamin A. Apples, chick peas, radish, whole wheat bread, etc too are good for eyes.
Drink lot of water during the day time. Don't allow dehydration to happen. It tires your eyes, just as it does to your body.
Shalakya tantra is Ayurvedic equivalent of ENT. It deals with all diseases affecting parts above neck. Ancient Ayurvedic texts describe 76 types of eye diseases. Though there are not cure to all of the diseases, there are solid directions to effectively manage any eye condition and manage better eyesight.
Here are some eye care habits you can follow to better manage your eye health.
The first principle is not to stare at any object for long times or don't try to figure out a distant object in such a way that you tire your eyes. Blinking of eye is a natural process and don't suppress the feeling to blink your eyes.
Don't attempt reading or watching TV in dim light or too bright light (bright sunlight).
Being part of your body, your eyes too require rest. Don't cut in on the time to sleep.
Splash your eyes with fresh water early in the morning and several times in the day.
Staring computer screen for longer hours is a recipe for eye fatigue. Take a break from your job every 30 minutes. Close your eyes for a few seconds or take a small walk.
Diet
Food items rich in vitamins, especially Vitamin A is necessary to maintain good eye health. Carrot and other colored vegetables are good sources of vitamin A. Apples, chick peas, radish, whole wheat bread, etc too are good for eyes.
Drink lot of water during the day time. Don't allow dehydration to happen. It tires your eyes, just as it does to your body.
Retain Sharp Memory at Old Age with Vegetables
Vegetables, green and colored have the capacities to retain sharp memory even at old age - say different researches conducted at different Universities of the USA.
Rush University, Chicago conducted a six year study under the leadership of Dr Martha Claire Morris. The 3700 subjects that take vegetables regularly exhibited better mental cognitive skills and memory. The memory of people who take vegetables three times a day was sharper by 40% than people who took vegetables once a day.
Vitamin E, which is common in leafy vegetables enhances mental powers and memory skills. Including different vegetables in daily diet and taking an abundance of vegetables ensures supply of different nutrients to the body.
Gooseberry, another fruit rich in Vitamin C also makes an essential part of older people's diet. Gooseberry is a memory booster and promotes memory capacity of the old age people. Chyavanaprash given to young students is an Ayurvedic formulation, which has gooseberry in good proportion.
In addition to vegetables, you can also take lots of fruits and nuts. Almond, cashew, etc make good contenders for your diet. Researches after research certify you that the active biological contents in fruits and plant parts have positive impact on human health.
Ayurvedic herbs like Brahmi and Gotu Kola are also known to promote brain activity in children, which are equally beneficial to people in the old age too. Shankupushpi is another herb, which is also helpful in maintaining good memory in the old age.
In addition what you eat, you must also concentrate on giving some mental stimulation to the aging brain or else it will soon start deteriorating. Simple mental games make wonderful brain stimulators and that too is helpful in keeping your mind in good condition.
Rush University, Chicago conducted a six year study under the leadership of Dr Martha Claire Morris. The 3700 subjects that take vegetables regularly exhibited better mental cognitive skills and memory. The memory of people who take vegetables three times a day was sharper by 40% than people who took vegetables once a day.
Vitamin E, which is common in leafy vegetables enhances mental powers and memory skills. Including different vegetables in daily diet and taking an abundance of vegetables ensures supply of different nutrients to the body.
Gooseberry, another fruit rich in Vitamin C also makes an essential part of older people's diet. Gooseberry is a memory booster and promotes memory capacity of the old age people. Chyavanaprash given to young students is an Ayurvedic formulation, which has gooseberry in good proportion.
In addition to vegetables, you can also take lots of fruits and nuts. Almond, cashew, etc make good contenders for your diet. Researches after research certify you that the active biological contents in fruits and plant parts have positive impact on human health.
Ayurvedic herbs like Brahmi and Gotu Kola are also known to promote brain activity in children, which are equally beneficial to people in the old age too. Shankupushpi is another herb, which is also helpful in maintaining good memory in the old age.
In addition what you eat, you must also concentrate on giving some mental stimulation to the aging brain or else it will soon start deteriorating. Simple mental games make wonderful brain stimulators and that too is helpful in keeping your mind in good condition.
Diabetes and Food Style: Turn Your Food into Your Medicine
Fast paced life of modern world has necessitated us to give only lower priority to nutrition. This is at a time when nutrition awareness of everyone is high. Instead of taking well cooked food items, fruits and juices, people go after carbonated drinks, fast 'junk' food, frozen and preserved food, microwave food. People also don’t take the time to enjoy and appreciate the food they eat. Today most of us just need any food that fills the belly for sometime.
This food habits have given rise to a variety of health problems. Significantly important one among them is diabetes.
Ayurvedic principles tell us food is one important element that keeps a person in a balanced state of body, mind and soul. Taking healthy food translates into healthy body.
Ayurvedic view on diabetes is no different. There are times when diabetes can attack without any warning sign. Ayurvedic food style combined with certain herbal applications helps one effectively manage his or her condition of diabetes.
High sugar level is the most dreaded thing about diabetes. Ayurveda recommends food items that don't release excess sugar into the blood. Food items that are too sweet, ice cream, chocolate, friend food items, white flour, preserved food, fast food, junk food etc are to be avoided. Bad habits like smoking and drinking should be given up.
Ayurveda recommends Ayurvedic herbal tea for diabetic patients. Replace sugar with honey or jaggery (thickened molasses - sarkkara) or better still palm jaggery (thickened palm molasses - karippatti).
The advantages or drinking more than eight glass of water everyday is not easily told in an essay. Drink a minimum of 8-15 glass of water in the day time. After sunset take only minimal quantities of water. Another thing is to drink plenty of water an hour before a meal and an hour after the meals. Drinking water close to meals dilute the digestive fire (in Ayurveda it is called pitta) and makes the process of digestion difficult.
Take fruits like grapes, fig, pomegranate, citrus fruits etc. Bitter melon (bitter gourd, karela) is used as medicine for diabetes.
The point about Ayurvedic management of diabetes is never a hard task. All you will have to do is to incorporate Ayurvedic principles as your daily routine. Having healthy food and exercise regime itself can help one control his or her diabetes to a great extent.
Include turmeric and garlic as spices, bitter gourd as vegetable, triphala as a laxative and drinking lot of water as daily habit. These are not very difficult to follow. You can't eat or drink all the food items you have. But living a sweeter life sometimes means giving up some sweet for tongue food items.
This food habits have given rise to a variety of health problems. Significantly important one among them is diabetes.
Ayurvedic principles tell us food is one important element that keeps a person in a balanced state of body, mind and soul. Taking healthy food translates into healthy body.
Ayurvedic view on diabetes is no different. There are times when diabetes can attack without any warning sign. Ayurvedic food style combined with certain herbal applications helps one effectively manage his or her condition of diabetes.
High sugar level is the most dreaded thing about diabetes. Ayurveda recommends food items that don't release excess sugar into the blood. Food items that are too sweet, ice cream, chocolate, friend food items, white flour, preserved food, fast food, junk food etc are to be avoided. Bad habits like smoking and drinking should be given up.
Ayurveda recommends Ayurvedic herbal tea for diabetic patients. Replace sugar with honey or jaggery (thickened molasses - sarkkara) or better still palm jaggery (thickened palm molasses - karippatti).
The advantages or drinking more than eight glass of water everyday is not easily told in an essay. Drink a minimum of 8-15 glass of water in the day time. After sunset take only minimal quantities of water. Another thing is to drink plenty of water an hour before a meal and an hour after the meals. Drinking water close to meals dilute the digestive fire (in Ayurveda it is called pitta) and makes the process of digestion difficult.
Take fruits like grapes, fig, pomegranate, citrus fruits etc. Bitter melon (bitter gourd, karela) is used as medicine for diabetes.
The point about Ayurvedic management of diabetes is never a hard task. All you will have to do is to incorporate Ayurvedic principles as your daily routine. Having healthy food and exercise regime itself can help one control his or her diabetes to a great extent.
Include turmeric and garlic as spices, bitter gourd as vegetable, triphala as a laxative and drinking lot of water as daily habit. These are not very difficult to follow. You can't eat or drink all the food items you have. But living a sweeter life sometimes means giving up some sweet for tongue food items.
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