tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82974222023582983082024-03-28T02:24:25.475-07:00 Health and FitnessAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02323174335612263559noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297422202358298308.post-28863619631877679032012-10-22T22:35:00.002-07:002012-10-22T22:35:40.256-07:00Crowns or Veneers: What is the Difference?Before After 1<br /><br />You finally decided you need to visit someone who does <a href="http://www.dentalpartnersofboston.com/boston-cosmetic-dentist/dental-veneers.shtml" target="_blank">Boston cosmetic dentistry</a>and now you are going in for a new smile design. You may have heard your dentist using the terms veneers and crowns, but you probably don't know what they mean. This is a handy guide to the difference between the two. So you can understand what your dentist is talking about.<br />Crowns:<br />How they work<br /><br />A crown is a cap usually made of porcelain or ceramic that is placed over the entire visible portion of the tooth. In order for this to work the dentist trims off a large amount of the enamel. The crown is then cemented directly to the dentin. The process is very involved and can require a number of visits. Typically the first visit consists of tooth reduction and preparation for bonding. On the second visit a crown, that has been manufactured specifically for you, is attached.<br />When they are used<br /><br />Crowns are used when the patient has had a great deal of tooth damage, when restructuring is necessary, or if a root canal has occurred. Crowns are a good option because they are very strong and can take a lot of wear. They also can be used to make drastic changes in the shape of the tooth which is advantageous if the teeth are impeding the proper function of the mouth. Cosmetically, crowns make the teeth even and change their color, making them look much better.<br />Veneers:<br />How they work<br /><br />Veneers are thin coverings for the front of the tooth. They are usually made of the same substance as crowns. To attach them, your dentist only needs to remove a small amount of enamel. This is generally better for the tooth, since more of the healthy structure is preserved, and for the patient, because there is less discomfort as well as less time and cost involved in the procedure.<br />When they are used<br /><br />Unlike a crown, a veneer only covers the front of the tooth so any structural changes will be minimal. Changes to tooth coloration are also less drastic because most of the tooth is still intact behind the veneer. Although they are made of the same substance as crowns, veneers are slightly less durable because they are thinner. But when used correctly they produce the same even white teeth as crowns.<br /><br />Now you know some of the basics of cosmetic dentistry. For more specific information you should consult your <a href="http://www.dentalpartnersofboston.com/" target="_blank">Boston dentists</a> and get an expert opinion.<br /><br />Image Credit: Dr. Alper, DMD, Cosmetic Dentist, on Flickr Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02323174335612263559noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297422202358298308.post-88949803913837813202012-10-05T07:28:00.000-07:002012-10-06T07:28:45.705-07:00Using a Senior Medical Alert System As Reinforcement in Post Hospitalization Care<div id="article-content" style="text-align: justify;">
Many times after a fall, a senior may be in the hospital for
days, weeks, or even months while they work on recovering. Having
round-the-clock care and medical attention is wonderful and vital to
their recovery, but what happens when they are released from the
hospital and it is time to go home? This can be just as much of a
daunting time as it is a happy one, especially if there is very little
or no money for home health care and most family members work full-time,
so they are unable to stay with their loved one 24/7. In these
situations, coming home can become a more frightening experience than a
jubilant one. A medical alert system can be of great help in the post
hospitalization efforts for a senior patient.<br />
More
than likely, it will be difficult to afford home health care 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week with a medical professional. It is also quite likely
that family members and loved ones will be unable to be with the
patient 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Even if someone is still there
part of the time, what can help make the patient feel safe and give
their loved ones peace of mind when the patient is all alone? A medical
alert system can easily take on this task. With a medical alert system
at home, the patient can press the medical alert button located right on
their medical alert bracelet, necklace or pendant that will be on their
body at all times. Immediately, the operators at the medical alert
service will be on the speakerphone, ready to assess the situation and
send the proper help. The service is also a lot more affordable than
round-the-clock health care.<br />
Home health care that is provided 7
days a week, 24 hours a day can cost several hundred thousand dollars a
month depending on the required care. If the patient doesn't have health
insurance, this means that it all comes out of pocket. There are not
many people who have several hundred thousand dollars just lying around
at the end of every month, so they have to look for alternatives for
post hospitalization care. A medical alert system has become one of the
most affordable and proven services used in addition to or in lieu of
round-the-clock home health care.<br />
All Around Peace of Mind
<br />Even if there is someone in the house with the patient all of the
time, a fall can occur in just a quick second. Imagine a situation where
a senior is at home with a family member and they need a prescription
from the pharmacy. Since the patient is homebound, they are unable to go
to the pharmacy with their family member so they need to stay home.
Even if the family member is gone for only 20 minutes, the patient could
easily fall or encounter some other type of emergency. Does this mean
that they should never be left alone again? That seems awfully unfair to
the patient, and not allowing them to maintain some autonomy can
greatly affect their state of mind and quality of life. With a medical
alert system at home, family members do not have to worry about leaving
the home. If something does occur in the short period of time they are
gone, the patient can push the button on their medical alert bracelet,
pendant or necklace and help will soon be on the way.<br />
Affordability Factor
<br />When a senior has a fall and ends up in the hospital, the bills
associated with however long they need to stay there can be incredibly
steep. After they leave the hospital, if they need more home care, it
can easily bankrupt their family. No one wants this. While home health
care can cost several hundred thousand dollars a month, a medical alert
system only costs between $17.95-$24.95 a month. Now, it is important to
note that a medical alert system cannot fully replace home health
personnel or a family member taking regular care of the patient. It is,
however, a great addition to any homebound situation for a senior
recently out of the hospital. The cost is minimal and it can help the
patient to be on their own more often then they need a medical
professional or other person looking over them. This can help with all
of the post hospitalization fees that they may now have.<br />
Higher Probability of Accidents After Hospitalization
<br />When a patient returns home from the hospital, they are typically
not 100% well. They are simply well enough to go home. With a decreased
level of health, accidents are more likely to happen. Even getting
light-headed while coming down the stairs could lead to a disastrous
fall. Knowing that after a hospital visit it may take a little while to
feel back to normal, it is good practice to take all the necessary
precautions to make sure the patient is taken care of at all times.
Since it is near impossible for most people to afford round-the-clock
care, a medical alert system can provide help in their absence. With a
medical alert system to aide a patient following a lengthy hospital
visit, there is a lesser probability that any accidents that may occur
will result in a really scary situation with no one to help.<br />
A
medical alert system is never a replacement for a home health
professional or other caretaker at home. However, it is a great way to
provide post hospitalization care at a more affordable price and 24
hours a day, 7 days a week. Having a medical alert system after a
hospital visit is an incredibly smart decision for anyone.<br />
</div>
<div style="overflow: hidden; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02323174335612263559noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297422202358298308.post-69303086877075761122012-09-27T07:26:00.000-07:002012-10-06T07:27:36.951-07:00The First 3 Months After Your Knee Replacement Surgery<div id="article-content" style="text-align: justify;">
During your knee replacement surgery, you will be under general
anaesthesia and there will be an incision made on your knee to allow
surgical tools to move in and out of the knee. Once the damaged portions
of the knee are removed and the artificial joints placed into the knee
and attached using adhesive materials, the knee will be sutured together
and you will be pushed to the recovery room.<br />
The
recovery period starts immediately after the surgery and even though
you are still feeling the effects of the anaesthesia, you will be
encouraged to start moving your knee. High chance are that you have not
used the knee for physical activities for quite some time due to the
pain which led to you undergoing the knee replacement surgery. As a
result, the muscles are weak and you need to start building up and
strengthen the muscles to allow better control of your new joint. A
physical therapist will prescribe some physical therapy exercises for
you to do yourself at home. You will be able to get discharged around 3
days after surgery and during this period, you will start to learn how
to move around with the help of crutches until your knee is able to take
your body weight. Once the knee is strengthened and is able to bear
weight, you can slowly reduce your dependency on your crutches.<br />
The
first 3 months post surgery is a risky period as the replacement joint
is still not fully attached to the surrounding muscles and tissues
firmly. You knee can often give way so make sure you keep doing
strengthening exercises to strengthen the region. You will also feel
pain in the knees rather often during this period and this is perfectly
normal. You will be prescribed painkillers but do not rely totally on
the painkillers. If you notice any abnormal swelling or abnormal pain in
the knee, make sure you go back to your surgeon for a check. Although
the operating theatre is sterile, infection can still happen but this is
rare. If you see any infection in the site of the incision, you need to
go back to your surgeon as well. You should aim to regain your knee's
full range of motion within this 3 months and this will help to prevent
any scar tissues from building up or arthrofibrosis.<br />
The first 3
months post surgery is totally about recovery and regaining back the
functions of your knees. It is probably the toughest part of the whole
surgery process and you will feel extremely useless. However it is the
most important part and a bad recovery can lead to even more problems in
future.</div>
<div style="overflow: hidden; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02323174335612263559noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297422202358298308.post-56417652158824715992012-09-20T07:26:00.000-07:002012-10-06T07:26:32.859-07:00Guide To Recovery After A Breast Augmentation<div id="article-content" style="text-align: justify;">
Recovering from any type of surgical procedure is no fun. When
you signed up for your breast augmentation, you may have spent your time
daydreaming about how you will look and flaunt your new chest. Even
though you were warned that it would be a little time before you would
be able to see the final results, you still couldn't help but to run and
buy some new lingerie and outfits to accommodate your new figure.
Before you rush and start trying things on, you need to be aware that
after a breast augmentation, your body needs sufficient time to heal.
The best way for your body to heal is to rest. Surgery is a form of
trauma to the human body. It doesn't matter that that the surgery was
done to improve your health or appearance, you need to get a good amount
of rest to help your body recover properly. In addition to following
your doctor's orders, you need to listen to your body as well.<br />
Many
people have a hard time sitting still and doing nothing when they are
required to do so. One would think that since you need to get a large
amount of rest during your recovery, that it would be easy for you to
comply. Unfortunately, this is the time when most people tend to test
their limits. This is one time in your life where disobeying your
surgeon's orders during your recovery can come back and haunt you. Not
only could you end up with some serious health complications from your
breast augmentation, but you could also ruin your final results as well.<br />
When
you doctor warned you about discomfort, they really meant pain. There
is a reason why they prescribed you pain medication. If you don't want
to feel the pain or any discomfort that occurs as your body heals itself
after your operation, you need to follow the directions for that
prescription. Don't abuse or take the painkillers improperly or you
could wind up in the hospital fighting for your life.<br />
Get help.
This is one of those times in life where you should not be afraid to ask
for some help and assistance around the house. Much of your daily
movements involve you using and moving muscles that are in your chest.
Since you just had a breast augmentation, the muscles and tissues in
your chest area are going to be very sore. Your breasts are going to be
wrapped in bandages for a few weeks to help prevent them from moving
unnecessarily, keep them properly supported and to reduce the amount of
swelling you will have. Your doctor will restrict you from doing too
much as far as exercise, strenuous activities, heavy lifting and certain
household chores such as vacuuming. This is to give your body time to
heal with the implants properly in place and to keep them from slipping
out of position. Have some friends and family help out so you don't do
anything to affect your recovery and healing.<br />
</div>
<div style="overflow: hidden; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02323174335612263559noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297422202358298308.post-48602191244903781092012-09-13T07:25:00.000-07:002012-10-06T07:25:41.385-07:00What You Need to Know Before Your Appointment for Annual Physical Exam<div id="article-content" style="text-align: justify;">
Did you know that many serious health issues might not show any
symptoms until it's too late? A person with high blood pressure, for
example, might feel completely normal, but is running a very high risk
of developing cardiovascular disease and having a heart attack. A person
could be on the brink of developing or already have a potentially
deadly illness like heart attack, stroke, or even certain types of
cancers or sexually transmitted infections but still feel totally fine.
That's why health specialists recommend an annual physical examination
whether you feel sick or not.<br />
Annual
physicals may vary from doctor to doctor, but most physicians try to
check all the body's systems during an exam. This means examining the
skin, listening to the heart and lungs, feeling for abnormalities in
abdominal organs and lymph nodes, and testing vision, reflexes and
neurological response time. Often times the examination of these systems
by a doctor is supplemented with laboratory work in the form of blood
and urine tests. Common blood work can measure blood count, electrolyte,
blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and thyroid
function. Routine sexually transmitted disease tests, check for HIV,
gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes and hepatitis B and C. A urine test might
also be used to measure kidney function. The doctor will also go over
your immunization record and may update you on any necessary vaccines.
Results of blood work and urine tests may take 3-5 business days, and a
doctor or nurse will call you with those results once they are
processed. Depending on the office, blood work and immunizations may
cost additional fees, so talk to your receptionist or doctor beforehand
if you have concerns.<br />
One of the most important things to remember
before going to your physical exam is that an accurate medical history
is a critical component of an effective physical. Before your
appointment, be sure you know the facts about your own and your family's
medical history, as certain illnesses like high blood pressure and
cholesterol, heart attack and breast cancer can be genetically
predisposed. Your personal surgical history, as well as knowledge of any
medications, supplements, or herbs you are taking, is important as
well, so write them down and bring the list with you if you're afraid
you'll forget. If you're going to a new doctor, try to get a copy of
your old medical and immunization records to make the process easier.
Most importantly, remember to be honest with your physician. Questions
about mental health, sexual activity, smoking and drinking habits, and
use of illicit substances all provide important information to your
health care provider about how to best take care of you, so tell the
truth, even if you feel embarrassed.<br />
Most insurance companies
cover annual exams, as preventative medicine is easier and less
expensive for them, too! But even if you don't have health insurance,
you should still try and get a physical annually, as it can save you a
lot of medical bills in the long run! Many walk in clinics around the
country have affordable preventative healthcare even for people without
insurance, so check out clinics in your area for possible options.<br />
</div>
<div style="overflow: hidden; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02323174335612263559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297422202358298308.post-13231198822308305782012-09-06T07:24:00.000-07:002012-10-06T07:24:51.736-07:00Home Yoga DVDs - The Advantages<div id="article-content" style="text-align: justify;">
The benefits of practising yoga are remarkable. Toned muscles,
improved circulation, a less stressed life and increased flexibility can
all be yours in exchange for a few stretches and poses. Attending
classes can be fun, but those that opt to follow along to the
professional guidance of that can be found on a home yoga DVD enjoy
added advantages.<br />
So what other advantages are there if you do decide to use DVDs to guide your yoga exercise sessions?<br />
Firstly,
you can set your own schedule. You won't have to rush to the local gym
so that you can secure a space for your mat in a primary position so
that you have a good view of the instructor. With a home DVD, you can
practice at a time that suits you, whether this is first thing in the
morning, last thing at night or before the children get home from
school. You can fix your own schedule and make it fit with your day. You
can always see the instructor as you have a front row view.<br />
Secondly,
you can use the DVD player to your advantage. If you are learning a new
pose and you're really not sure whether you have done it right - you
can rewind the scene. You'll be able to watch the instructor take you
through the move again. If you were in a class, the other participants
might not appreciate you stopping the class to ask the instructor to
show you the move again. There's nobody to complain if you do this with a
home yoga DVD.<br />
Thirdly, you won't have to spend out on a fancy
wardrobe of trendy yoga attire. You'll be able to wear whatever you find
most comfortable to do your yoga in. Nobody is going to be judging what
you look like as you stretch out at home working on your flexibility
and poses. Welcome to the wonderful world of home exercise!<br />
Fourthly,
you'll be able to set your yoga exercise routine so that it suits what
you want to achieve. If you have recently undergone surgery or you are
recovering from illness or an injury, you'll be able to select the
exercises that best suit your recovery. This just isn't possible in
classes that cater to large groups of people.<br />
Finally, beginners
tend to have a much easier introduction to yoga when they start off with
home yoga DVDs. They learn the proper techniques at a pace that suits
them. This is not always possible in classes where everybody is at a
different level of experience. The instruction has to cater to the group
as a whole, not to the person who hasn't done it before and is feeling a
bit lost.<br />
In addition to the benefits that yoga offers, a home yoga DVD delivers many advantages to the beginner.<br />
</div>
<div style="overflow: hidden; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02323174335612263559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297422202358298308.post-42219236432631628602012-08-31T07:23:00.000-07:002012-10-06T07:24:00.835-07:00Top Tips for Practising Yoga At Home<div style="text-align: justify;">
Doing yoga at home is all the rage these days and it's never been
easier. With the availability of well put together DVDs that will
support you through every pose, it's the ideal exercise for keeping
bones strong and muscles supple. It's become an essential for many
athletes due to its low impact toning and strength building advantages.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here are some top tips for practicing yoga at home so that you can get the best from it:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Make some space</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
First
off, give yourself enough room to be able to stretch out. You may need
to move some furniture to the side so that you have enough space.
Ideally your surroundings should be clean and peaceful. Some yoga at
home practitioners enjoy decorating their yoga space with items that
give them that peaceful feel good factor.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Invest in your equipment</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A
yoga mat is essential for comfortable exercising. With yoga mats on the
market for everybody, you'll find a variety of styles, colours and
prices. You may also want to invest in a yoga blanket that can be used
to keep warm during relaxations. This can double up as a support for
some of the poses.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Purchase your instruction</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You don't need
to spend out on a private tutor these days. There is a variety of yoga
instruction DVDs on the market. A qualified teacher will take you
through the moves and the benefit of using a DVD is that you can stop it
playing whenever you like to readjust your position.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Read up</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In
addition to your DVD you may like to learn more about your new exercise
technique. A wide range of yoga books and flash cards provide handy
reference material and magazines can provide inspiration. The yoga
community can be found online too, on blog sites, online magazines and
in discussion forums. Another source of education are podcasts that are
downloadable. Covering many different levels and interests, it's
possible to learn more about what's new in the yoga world.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You can go mobile with your yoga</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If
you have to travel for work or leisure, you can easily take your yoga
with you. The DVD will play on your laptop and it's not a lot of effort
to pack your yoga mat into your travel bag.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Start off gently</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When
you start out with yoga at home, you should start slowly. Even 15
minutes can be plenty to get going with. Your body may not be used to
stretching and your muscles will need a chance to adjust. Yoga was not
created as a fitness method, but more as a way to stay supple and be in
touch with the divine. Take it easy at first and you'll soon adjust to
the moves and enjoy the benefits.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Set the scene</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Many people
enjoy listening to good music during their practice. You may want to set
up speakers so that you can play something soothing in the background
as you stretch out and go through your moves. After you've gone through
your stretches, then it's time to mediate and relax. Meditation provides
many benefits including stress relief, lower blood pressure and you can
become more in touch with your intuition.</div>
<div style="overflow: hidden; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02323174335612263559noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297422202358298308.post-36358190935695725142012-08-24T07:22:00.000-07:002012-10-06T07:22:21.062-07:00How to Take Up Practising Pilates At Home<div id="article-content" style="text-align: justify;">
Practising Pilates at home is now one of the most popular ways to
stay fit. You won't need to pay out hefty gym membership subscriptions
or try to synchronise awkwardly timed classes to an already tight
schedule. You also won't need to worry whether you have got the latest
fashion when it comes to your work out clothing.<br />
Pilates
has become very popular as it offers a low impact way to stay fit, tone
the body and protection against conditions such as osteoporosis. It's
also something that many athletes do for its protection against injury.
It's a favourite of the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team, rowers and
track athletes.<br />
If you're considering taking up this benefit laden
exercise technique at home, then follow along with these top tips to
get you started.<br />
You might want to start off by taking one or two
classes just to give you a clear idea of what Pilates is all about. Once
you've invested in these, then you can continue doing your exercises at
home.<br />
Before you get started you'll need to invest in some basic
equipment. You'll need an exercise mat, instructional DVDs and suitable
clothing. Many people opt for a fitness ball too. You can find all of
these at your local sports shop or online.<br />
There are many
instructional DVDs on the market. Be sure to select one that is
presented by a qualified instructor. They are available in different
levels to suit beginners, intermediates and advanced Pilates at home
practitioners.<br />
As you become a more seasoned Pilates practitioner,
you may want to invest in equipment for the more advanced. This may
include getting a reformer, which can help with toning more muscles in
your body.<br />
You'll need to create some space that is comfortable
and free from hazards such as furniture. Ideally it may be a spare room
where you can store your equipment when it's not in use. The space
should be peaceful. If you need to watch your instructional Pilates DVD
on the television, then you'll need to make room for yourself close to
that. If you own a laptop, then it's possible to use this anywhere.<br />
Making
time to consistently practice your Pilates is very important. You may
not always find the motivation to do your exercises. One way to approach
that many fitness experts follow. Lay your clothes out the night before
and then when you rise in the morning start to exercise before your
brain has had a chance to catch up.<br />
Warming up is important before
any form of exercise. It's a way to avoid unnecessary injuries and is
easy to do. Try a gentle walk, followed by jogging on the spot. You
should also warm up the body and arms before starting your exercise
routine.<br />
Hopefully these tips will help you get the show on the road when it comes to practising Pilates at home.<br />
</div>
<div style="overflow: hidden; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02323174335612263559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297422202358298308.post-45293662223258088262012-08-17T07:21:00.000-07:002012-10-06T07:21:29.499-07:00Living With Peripheral Arterial Disease<div id="article-content" style="text-align: justify;">
Definition of Peripheral Arterial Disease<br />
Peripheral
arterial disease (PAD) can be a debilitating disease. It is caused by
fatty deposits that accumulate on the inner walls of arteries. These
deposits in the arteries of the lower extremity will result in poor
blood flow to the legs and feet. If arteries are clogged and narrowed,
blood will not be able reach its destination to supply muscles and
organs with oxygen and nutrients. Decreased oxygen and nutrients to
muscles can result in severe cramping in the legs, especially with
increased workload such as walking. Patients with diabetes, high blood
pressure, high cholesterol and smokers can be at increased risk of
developing PAD. It is also important to note that persons, who have PAD,
are also at increase risk of having fatty deposits in the arteries of
the heart, which can result in a heart attack or stroke.<br />
Symptoms of PAD<br />
Most
people with PAD are non-symptomatic. However, if symptomatic, the most
common complaint from patients with PAD is they get severe cramping or
burning in the calf muscles when walking. Typically the cramping begins
after one or two blocks of walking and will subside after a few minutes
of rest. The cramping results from a build up of a waste product
produced by exerting muscles called "lactate". This is produced when
there is not enough oxygen getting to the muscles. The cramping can
significantly alter a patient's lifestyle and prevent the patient from
enjoying normal daily activities. Aside from physical limitations,
severe PAD can lead to non-healing wounds on the leg and foot and
black/gangrene in the toes. Some of these patients with PAD may require
an amputation of the foot or leg.<br />
Physical Examination for PAD<br />
When
a podiatrist evaluates a patient for PAD, there are key signs that are
presented on the feet. Patients with PAD tend to have diminished or
absent digital hair growth and nails that are brittle and thickened as
well as decreased temperature in the feet. The podiatrist may ask the
patient to hang their legs over the side of the exam chair, in patients
with PAD the legs begin to display a deep purplish color. Patients with
PAD will have a white, pale discoloration to the feet if the legs are
elevated above the heart for one minute. The podiatrist will also feel
the pulses in the feet. If the pulses are weak, it may indicate that
there is poor blood flow to the feet. These are important signs that
lead to a high suspicion of PAD.<br />
Testing for PAD<br />
The most
common and least expensive office test for PAD is called an
ankle-brachial index. This is done by taking the blood pressure of the
arm (brachial) and comparing that number to the blood pressure in the
ankle. This test requires a blood pressure cuff and Doppler ultrasound
to hear the pulse. The blood pressure cuff is inflated on both the arm
and the leg. Next, the cuff is slowly deflated; the first sound heard in
sync with the blood pressure number is recorded and compared by ratio.
The normal ankle-brachial index is 1, in other words the arm and the
ankle should ideally have the same pressure. Patients with an
ankle-brachial index of 0.4-0.9 are considered to have PAD. There are
also additional tests that can determine poor blood flow. PAD can also
be visualized with an MRI/MRA or angiogram, which requires injecting a
dye through the blood vessels and using an imaging system to follow the
dye through the arteries in order to visualize artery narrowing.<br />
Conservative Treatment of Peripheral Arterial Disease<br />
The
most important goal in treating PAD in the lower extremity is to reduce
the risk of amputation. Treatment is usually administered by the
primary care or vascular physician. Drugs that thin the blood, such as
aspirin, are often prescribed to patients with PAD to prevent the risk
of clotting. Smoking cessation programs and good control of cholesterol,
blood pressure, and blood sugar levels are also strongly advocated.
Foot care is also important in managing peripheral arterial disease to
prevent ulceration to the feet. In treating cramping sensations from
PAD, exercise therapy has been scientifically shown to increase maximal
walking distance because it promotes small vessel formation around the
area of the clot.<br />
Surgical Treatment of Peripheral Arterial Disease<br />
If
the symptoms of PAD are severe, inhibiting lifestyle or resulting in
non-healing wound or gangrene on the feet, surgical treatment may be
required by the vascular physician. The goal of surgery is to increase
blood flow to the legs and feet. Surgical treatment may include
bypassing the area of clot with a vessel graft or vein or opening the
artery with a balloon and placing a stent to increase the diameter the
artery and attempt to keep it open.<br />
</div>
<div style="overflow: hidden; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02323174335612263559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297422202358298308.post-689530699089451862012-08-10T07:20:00.000-07:002012-10-06T07:20:31.043-07:00Laser Hair Removal Means No More Shaving<div id="article-content" style="text-align: justify;">
With laser hair removal, you may no longer need to pick up that
razor and go through the torture of shaving. Even if you don't think it
is that big of a deal, for many women, this process is anything but fun.
It means spending more time in the shower every morning. It means
dealing with nicks that seem to happen no matter how sharp the razor or
steady your hand. It means having to deal with painful waxing when you
don't feel like shaving every day. It may be time to look for another
solution with more permanent results.<br />
It's Long Lasting<br />
One
of the key reasons to get laser hair removal is that you can finally
give all of that shaving up for good. When applied properly, this
procedure creates permanent results. Because it works to damage the
follicle just enough to stop it from producing hairs, that means that
there's nothing to shave off later. This process does take time because
every individual follicle needs treatment. However, once you finish this
process, you can count on looking great all of the time.<br />
It's Not Hard to Do<br />
Contrary
to what many people think about it, this procedure is very safe and
easy to do. The fast treatment is effective as soon as complete. There
is very minimal discomfort during or after the procedure. This method
allows you to get rid of a small area or even a large area (even that
back full of hair you wish you didn't have!) It can take between five
and six treatments to completely remove all hairs from your target area.
This is due to the cycle of growth present, not the technician's
skills.<br />
Why Should You Do It?<br />
This process is one of the
most sought after by those who want clear, hairless skin for good. The
process is safe and effective. This is not a gimmick. Additionally, you
can even justify the cost. If you pay for waxing, shaving or other
products to minimize the presence of hair on your body, this method may
save you money over the long term. You no longer need to buy any of
these products or go through any of these procedures.<br />
If you are
thinking about having laser hair removal, now is the time to do it.
Various treatment options are available that can speed up the process
while reducing the costs. No matter if you have just a small area of
your body you want treated or if you have the desire to remove it all
for good, there are plenty of options available to you. Why waste your
time with the razor when you could get permanent results you can really
be excited about?<br />
</div>
<div style="overflow: hidden; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02323174335612263559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297422202358298308.post-31979965512843826002012-08-03T07:19:00.000-07:002012-10-06T07:19:42.550-07:00Save Money at Spas Using a Few Unique Methods<div id="article-content" style="text-align: justify;">
Not everyone has the money to visit spas at any time. The good
news is that there are some ways to either save cash on every visit or
even get services for free. You should find out some ways to get
discounted or free treatments at spa locations near you.<br />
Many
spas regularly run contests in which they give out free or cheap
services if you win. In many cases, all you have to do is enter a
raffle, which means your name could be drawn at random. You should find
out if your local spa offers this kind of contest. There may also be
contests in which you have to do something special to enter, such as
send in a picture of yourself getting pampered at the location you
usually go to. Your name might then be drawn at random, or the contest
might be judged by employees or other clients. Just find out the details
of any contests you enter, and then find out what the prizes are if you
win.<br />
Most spas also offer gift certificates for services, so if
you have a birthday coming up, you can ask for this as a present from
loved ones. You can usually combine a few certificates to pay for the
services you want, so even if you get several small denominations, you
may be able to get an entire day of pampering without spending anything
outside of a tip. Of course, your friends and family members may opt to
go with you to the spa, and simply pay for the service you want. This
can provide both a fun experience and free treatments of your choice.
Just be sure your loved ones know this is what you want.<br />
You can
always choose the traditional route of using coupons or taking advantage
of new customer discounts at local spas. Check your mail, newspaper, or
the website of the spa you like, since coupons and special deals will
usually be posted there. Even getting a small percentage or a few bucks
off a treatment can make your day, since every dollar counts when you
are trying to save money. This is especially helpful if you go often,
since the money you save will add up fast.<br />
Even if you are on a
budget, you may still be able to get the services you have always
enjoyed. Just consider these and similar ways to reduce the amount you
spend getting pampered. It might require some hinting to loved ones, or
some hunting for contests and coupons, but the result should be worth
the work.<br />
</div>
<div style="overflow: hidden; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02323174335612263559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297422202358298308.post-84435016316057871902012-07-27T07:18:00.000-07:002012-10-06T07:18:47.269-07:00Things to Do After Your Tummy Tuck<div id="article-content" style="text-align: justify;">
Once you have completely healed from your tummy tuck, there are
some things you can do to make sure your results are not temporary. The
way you treat your body after your operation will do a lot to determine
what shape and condition your stomach and abdomen are going to be in. In
addition to eating properly, you also need to establish a good exercise
routine.<br />
Remember
the trouble you had getting rid of that stubborn belly fat and love
handles? Just because you had trouble before your tummy tuck, doesn't
mean that you will have trouble keeping the fat off. Now is the perfect
time for you to find a personal trainer or join a gym. A trainer will
come up with a personal fitness plan that will help keep you in shape.
They can also provide you with motivation to keep you focused on keeping
your new figure toned up. If you don't want to hire a trainer or commit
to a gym, you can also do some activities that will help you stay fit.
Take early morning or lunch break walks. If you find walking too slow,
try jogging with some music instead. Even if you don't have much time to
commit to exercising, investing as little as fifteen minutes per day
can do wonders for your body.<br />
Become more social. Many studies
show that people who tend to be more outgoing and social have less
trouble when it comes to battling the battle of the bulge. The more
involved you are in social groups and activities, the more likely you
are to be physically active and stay in shape. Look online or in your
local newspaper for events that interest you. This is a great way for
you to meet new people, make new friends and become more socially
involved and active.<br />
Participate in sports. You don't have to be a
professional player in order to reap the benefits of playing sports. By
participating in sports, you are increasing your body's metabolism,
which in turn increases the amount of fat your body will burn. Once you
jump-start your fat burning system, you won't have to work so hard to
keep the pounds and extra weight off. If you weren't too active before
your tummy tuck, start off with low impact sports. You don't want to end
up with any sports related injuries. Don't forget to stretch properly
before you start any activities.<br />
Invest in clothes that will make
you feel good about yourself. The better you feel about your appearance
the more likely you are going to work hard to maintain it. Don't take
for granted the fact that you had a tummy tuck in the past. That doesn't
always mean that you would be a good candidate for one in the future.
Remember, the tummy tuck procedure is not to be used in place of losing
weight by more conventional methods.<br />
</div>
<div style="overflow: hidden; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02323174335612263559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297422202358298308.post-14004144857915506032012-07-20T07:17:00.000-07:002012-10-06T07:17:59.066-07:00Getting Gout on the Run<div id="article-content" style="text-align: justify;">
Amongst other diseases which have been exponentially on the rise
in the past few years, gout has bloomed in the past twenty years and
continues to afflict people of all ages and both sexes. So, it's not a
surprise if you're suffering from this disease-but it's definitely
painful and very difficult to live with, not to mention that if left
untreated, it can lead to heart disease, diabetes and even death. It is
caused by the deposition of uric acid crystals in joints, particularly
those of the feet, which leads to acute pain and swelling. Although it
may start from the big toe, it can progress to the rest of the foot and
even the knee.<br />
Home
remedies for gout, at least in the early stages, can not only provide
symptomatic relief, but also cure for gout. It's important to remember
that when this form of arthritis affects multiple joints, one shouldn't
rely on home remedies alone and, in consultation with your doctor, use
them in conjunction with allopathic treatments. Nonetheless, there are a
lot of people who put these home remedies to use and testify to their
usefulness, and it's possible that they work in the same manner for you.<br />
A
very popular and effective home remedy, which has been endorsed by
health professionals as well, is that of fresh cherries. Both sour and
sweet cherries are beneficial in curing gout as they contain
anthocyanins, which are antioxidants and relieve the inflammation in the
joints. You should go for fresh cherries, because canned or stored
cherries are likely to negate the positive effects of their natural
anthocyanins. Apples are also great for gout as they contain malic acid
which combats with the build-up of uric acid in the joints. A less
enjoyable remedy, which you'd probably not want to go for, is to consume
juice of raw vegetables. Vegetables like beetroot, carrots and
cucumbers are a great way to 'detox' the uric acid, and if you're up for
it the juice should be consumed once a day. Other than fruits and
vegetables, vitamin C should also be consumed as research shows that it
is very important for lowering blood uric acid levels.<br />
Of course,
where medication and home remedies might successfully get rid of your
gout, they're no substitute for a healthy, safe lifestyle. There are
many trigger foods and behaviors which should be avoided if you want to
stay away from it, because it's no laughing matter. Generally, for gout
it's important to maintain an ideal weight. Overweight people are a much
higher risk for gout. However, one should not attempt to lose weight
through very low-calorie diets or fasting, because both of those are
equally contributive in uric acid levels. It's also important to consume
a low-fat diet, with minimal meat and seafood as they contain high
levels of purines which contribute to gout. Alcohol should also be
avoided and consumed in moderation as it triggers high levels of uric
acid which can then get deposited in the joints. With these little
changes, you'll see a big difference in your health.<br />
</div>
<div style="overflow: hidden; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02323174335612263559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297422202358298308.post-1358186539784139932012-07-13T07:16:00.000-07:002012-10-06T07:17:09.038-07:00The Role of the Small Intestine in Digestion<div id="article-content" style="text-align: justify;">
The small intestine is the grand central of the digestive system. Most of the real digestive process happens here.<br />
Most
of the protein, fat and carbohydrate breakdown happens within the small
intestine. Most of the nutrient absorption also happens here. It is
roughly 22 feet long, muscular tube that sits between the stomach and
the large intestine.<br />
The small intestine connects to stomach
through a muscle called the pylorus. This connection is the pyloric
valve. Whenever small intestine is not busy with digestion, stomach
releases chyme through the pyloric valve.<br />
Small intestine works
with liver, pancreas and gallbladder for digestion. There are digestive
enzymes that secrete within its wall. But the digestive enzymes from
liver, gallbladder and pancreas are also delivered here to help with
digestion.<br />
The liver sends bile to the gallbladder through the
hepatic ducts for storage and concentration. Pancreas delivers
pancreatic enzymes into the small intestine through the pancreatic duct.
The gallbladder is connected to the pancreatic duct through the cystic
duct and delivers concentrated bile.<br />
The small intestine has three
major parts, duodenum, jejunum and ileum. Duodenum is a Latin word and
it means 12 fingers. It is about 10 inches long. Jejunum is also a Latin
word and it mean empty at death. It is about 6 to 8 feet long. And the
ileum is the last part, which could be up to 11 and a half feet long.<br />
Chyme
is partially digested stomach content. Stomach squirts chyme into the
duodenum - the first part of the small intestine. The liver and
gallbladder deliver bile through ducts to the duodenum. Pancreas
delivers a very complex mix of enzymes through the pancreatic duct into
the duodenum.<br />
Pancreatic enzymes include alkalis such as
bicarbonates, which neutralize the stomach acid. Besides alkalis,
pancreas secretes 15 different enzymes that work on three major food
components carbohydrates, fats and proteins.<br />
The enzymes in the
small intestine carry out two stage enzymatic breakdown of the
nutrients. Complex nutrient molecules are first decomposed into less
complex molecules and later less complex molecules are broken into most
basic forms.<br />
Bile salts emulsify large fat droplets and create an
emulsion of tiny fat droplets. Thus increasing the surface area for
enzyme action.<br />
Pancreatic amylase converts long chain
carbohydrates like starch into disaccharides (two molecule sugars) -
mainly maltose sugar. Pancreatic lipase works on small fat droplets and
converts triglycerides into monoglycerides and fatty acids. The
pancreatic protease enzyme breaks down protein into short chain peptide
and amino acids.<br />
Remaining of the small intestine - jejunum and
ileum - is the site for the last breakdown of the food and its
absorption into the blood and lymphatic fluids. The bile and the
pancreatic juices continue to work within jejunum and ileum, although
intestinal wall also releases few enzymes.<br />
The enzymes work within
the lining cells and on their surface. These enzymes include lactase
and maltase, which work on disaccharide carbohydrates and convert them
into simple sugars like glucose and galactose. Intestinal peptidases
convert short peptide chains into their sub-units amino acids.<br />
This
way, finally carbohydrates turn into simple sugars, the proteins turn
into amino acids and fats turn to monoglycerides and fatty acids. These
are the simplest form of molecules, easily absorbed into the blood
stream.<br />
Finger-like villi of the small intestine lining give a
large area for absorption of nutrients resulting from digestion. Through
the surface of the villi, nutrients enter into the blood stream.<br />
</div>
<div style="overflow: hidden; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02323174335612263559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297422202358298308.post-73901144919292227842012-07-06T07:15:00.000-07:002012-10-06T07:16:06.843-07:00Basics of Human Digestion<div id="article-content" style="text-align: justify;">
We all have a very good idea about digestion. Let's revisit the
basics. Digestion is the process of separating out the nutrients from
the food and absorbing them into our body.<br />
The
human body is designed to keep up its normal functioning. In other
words, the body tries to fight off sickness. Lots of under the hood
activities happen inside the body to fight off sickness. Nutrients are
needed for such maintenance. The body gets nutrition through the process
of digestion.<br />
Digestion happens along the digestive tract. The
human digestive tract is very much a long passageway. Digestion is a
two-step process.<br />
First step is to crush the food into smallest
possible particles. The aim is to expose the largest possible surface
area of the food. This way the most amount of nutrition is available.<br />
Second
step is to mix crushed food with digestive enzymes. These enzymes break
down the complex nutrient molecules into simpler molecules. That way
nutrient molecules are easily absorbed within the digestive tract wall.
Later on, nutrients are transported into the bloodstream.<br />
The
digestive tract has four main components. Mouth and throat are the first
part of the digestive system. Esophagus joins the throat with the
stomach. Esophagus along with stomach is the next part of the digestive
tract. Small intestine, liver, pancreas and gall bladder form the hub of
the digestive system.<br />
Main digestive activities take place in the
small intestine with the help of enzymes from liver, pancreas and gall
bladder. Last part of the digestive tract is the large intestine.
Bacteria ferment the remaining food in the large intestine.<br />
Food
is crushed and ground in the mouth with the help of teeth. Teeth are the
hardest substance in the body. Strong jaw bones help crushing and
grinding the food. The stomach has strong muscles, which vigorously
churn and mix the food. Rhythmic muscular action - referred to as
peristalsis - ensures that food keeps traveling along the digestive
passageway.<br />
As you can imagine, it is easy to crush soft and moist
food compared to hard and dry food. There is either saliva or mucus
present all along the digestive tract. This keeps food soft and moist.<br />
There
are different types of glands secreting different types of enzymes all
along the digestive tract. Enzymes help the breakdown of protein,
carbohydrates and fats in the food.<br />
One unique feature of
digestive tract is that within the stomach and small intestine the
internal lining has a fold like structure which provides for extra
surface for nutrient absorption.<br />
On top of this fold like internal
linings, there is hair like structure called villi. They give an extra
absorption area in addition to the folds. This way digestive tract
ensures that there is plenty of surface area and opportunities for
nutrient absorption along the passageway.<br />
Muscular action keeps
the food moving along the tract at the proper rate. Food should not get
stuck along the path. As blockage would prevent nutrient absorption.
Similarly if food passes too fast, the body would miss the chance at
separating most amount of nutrition.<br />
There are control mechanisms
for regulating the food flow. For example stomach can stop the pyloric
valve (a valve between the stomach and small intestine) and act as a
storage unit if it finds out that the small intestine is very busy with
the digestive process.<br />
You might wonder what controls various
processes, such as muscle movement and enzyme release. Autonomic nervous
system controls most of the muscular movements and some of the enzyme
release mechanisms. This means they are pretty much involuntary. One can
not wish and stop the food moving through esophagus or intestine!<br />
The
nervous system will decide what is the correct action for muscular
movement. Presence or appearance of undigested food at various points
along the digestive tract controls much of the enzymatic release. For
example, the undigested protein in the stomach would trigger release of
protein digesting enzymes in the stomach and small intestine.<br />
Enzymes
also play a key role in conveying messages to the nervous system about
when stomach is full and one should stop eating more. We should eat
slowly and give enough time for this messaging to take place. That way
we could receive natural stomach 'full' signals and voluntarily stop
eating!<br />
As food passes along the digestive tract, it has different
names. Chewed food in the mouth is called bolus. Bolus also travels
through esophagus and reaches stomach. It is called chyme as it leaves
the stomach. At this stage it is thoroughly mixed, partially digested
and mixed with stomach acids and enzymes. By the time it reaches the end
of the large intestine, it becomes feces.<br />
Our digestive tract is a very busy system. It is essential for our survival.<br />
</div>
<div style="overflow: hidden; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02323174335612263559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297422202358298308.post-64302111659786197402012-06-29T07:14:00.000-07:002012-10-06T07:15:07.109-07:007 Ways to Stay Healthy This Fall<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm overjoyed that fall is here. It's my favorite time of year.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Fall means pumpkins, mushrooms, apple cider, and soup. Some of my favorite foods.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Fall can also mean colds, flu, and low energy.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Is
there a way to ward off such inconveniences? Well nothing is foolproof,
but here are 7 suggestions to stay healthy this fall so you can enjoy
all the festivities of corn mazes, apple picking, leaf peeping, pumpkin
carving and football.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Eat those apples (and other seasonal fruit).
Apples have been shown to strengthen your immune system. Other seasonal
fruits such as pomegranates and citrus also help you ward off fall
illness by giving you a big boost of vitamin C and phytonutrients. Aim
for 2-3 servings of these nutrient dense foods a day.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Slow down.
It seems like I've been going full-throttle lately. I know that for
those with kids, the start of school is partial relief, partial stress
creator. So as the air is turning colder, take some time out to relax
and let your body renew. Even if it's just 10 minutes a day, sit in your
favorite spot and watch the world go by. Maybe have a cup of herbal
tea. Slow down and take in the crispness of autumn air.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Part of
slowing down is also getting your 8 hours of sleep a night. I know it's
hard to get 8 hours during the long days of summer. The shorter days
make fall the perfect time to start a habit of getting to bed earlier
and recommitting to 8 hours of sleep a night.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Get those fall
greens. We often think of green for spring, but greens are also a
perfect fall food. Greens grow better in the cooler weather, and are
actually sweeter than when grown in the summer. So now is a perfect time
to try kale or mustard greens, arugula or bok choi. Of course don't
forget the broccoli and cauliflower.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Wash up. One of the easiest
ways for germs to spread is through hand-to-hand contact. You don't have
to get excessive about it, but be sure to wash your hands, especially
after you sneeze or if you are traveling with lots of people. Plain old
soap and warm water do the trick; so don't waste your money on expensive
hand sanitizers or antibacterial soaps or sprays.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Spice it up.
Spices have been used for centuries to boost your immune system. Try any
of these spices to boost the flavor of your dishes, as well as
strengthen your immune system. Turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, garlic, black
pepper and more. For a wonderful relaxing drink that will help you slow
down and boost your immune system at the same time, try some homemade
chai - not the processed stuff with loads of sugar, but homemade
goodness.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Check out my recipe:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In 10 ounces of water, boil
the following: 4 whole black peppercorns, 4 whole green cardamom pods, 3
whole cloves, ½ stick cinnamon, ½ inch fresh ginger root. Let boil for
15 to 20 minutes. Then add ½ cup almond milk. Heat again, strain and
enjoy.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Try some herbs. Many tout the benefits of Echinacea, but I
have a big fan of Astragulus. It can even be taken by those with
auto-immune conditions because it is an adaptogen. That means it is
thought to help protect the body against various stresses, including
physical, mental, or emotional stress. Like many herbs, you don't want
to take it forever. Instead, take it for week when you start feeling run
down. Or if you're traveling, take it a few days before, during, and
then a few days after your trip.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hang out with the Fun-Gi.
Mushrooms are great for increasing your white blood cells - the cells
responsible for fighting off illness. Whether sautéed, marinated or raw,
mushrooms are amazing foods. While maitake and shitake are the most
coveted for the immune boosting powers, according to Dr. Joel Fuhrman,
your standard white button mushrooms have recently been shown to be
pretty powerful immune boosters.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Not sure how to add mushrooms to your diet? Try this easy and delicious recipe.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A Fall Celebration Salad</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2-3 shitake mushrooms, cleaned, de-stemmed and sliced
<br />juice of ½ lemon
<br />1 tbl Bragg's amino acids
<br />½ Asian pear, sliced thin
<br />hand full of walnuts
<br />hand full of dried cranberries (without sugar if you can find them)
<br />2 cups mixed greens</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Dressing</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Juice of 1 lemon
<br />1/3 cup olive oil
<br />1 tsp sea salt</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Place sliced mushrooms in a glass bowl. Pour lemon juice and Bragg's over the mushrooms. Stir. Let sit for 20 minutes or longer</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Whisk
together the dressing ingredients. Pour dressing over greens. Place
greens on a plate. Evenly distribute marinated mushrooms, pear, walnuts
and cranberries on each plate.</div>
<div style="overflow: hidden; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02323174335612263559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297422202358298308.post-34151290558336059742012-06-22T07:12:00.000-07:002012-10-06T07:13:27.639-07:00Longing for Longevity<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you had to rank the following activities in order of preference, what would your choices be?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
___Floss your teeth every night.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
___Diet.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
___Get a colonoscopy.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
___Exercise. Exercise. Exercise.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
___Go on vacation.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now, if you had to guess what all of the above have in common, what would you say?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Give up? Believe it or not, the answer is that each of them can prolong your life.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You
probably already know about the standard lifespan enhancers: Watch what
you eat. Workout. Schedule regular checkups, routine tests, and
immunizations. And if you smoke, quit. Sure, these sorts of efforts are
100% fundamental... but they're 0% fun. They're not the kind of things
anyone would long for. That's what I wanted to explore. Was there any
way we could put the "long" in longevity? I was happy to find that
scientific studies tell us of at least three ways.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
An article on
the Psychology Today website by Dr. Wednesday Martin summarized research
on vacationing and concluded, "skipping vacation can actually put your
physical, mental, and fiscal health at risk." (Woo Hoo!! Caribbean here I
come!) The article cited numerous studies, including the Framingham
Heart Study and quoted University of Pittsburgh researcher Karen
Matthews on the clear link between vacation and longevity: "The more
frequent the vacations, the longer the men lived." The article also
referenced a follow up study done by the State University of New York at
Oswego that produced specific numbers: Men who go on vacations annually
lessen their overall risk of death by an astonishing 20% and their risk
of dying from heart from heart disease by 30%!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The next
life-prolonger I discovered really shocked me. Did you know that
flossing your teeth can put an extra 6.4 years on your lifespan? That's
what Dr. Michael Roizen says in his book, The RealAge Makeover. Look at
what a deal that is: Floss one minute a night and get maybe six more
years of life. That's an incredible return on investment and the kind of
bargain I'd take any day. I love a good bargain. A good bargain excites
me. So I guess you could say I long for good bargains and when I find
one, it can really motivate me. For years my dentist had been telling me
to floss my teeth but frankly, I couldn't be bothered. That was until I
came across studies that showed what an impact good oral care can have
on longevity. I've been flossing religiously every night ever since. I
no longer look at dental floss as a pesky little string. I now behold it
as "The Fountain of Tooth." Isn't it interesting how a single bit of
information... how viewing something in a new light can change your
behavior overnight?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last in the line of my favorite
life-prolongers is a trifecta of treats: Eat. Play. Laugh. I was
delighted to discover that dark chocolate and red wine are associated
with longevity. And that a Swedish study found people who play golf live
longer because they spend more time outdoors. And that research from
Norway shows laughter can extend the lifespan. Who wouldn't long for all
that? So here's my prescription for adding years: Book plenty of
vacations with loved ones who make you laugh. Or if funny bones don't
run in your family, catch a couple of comedies at the movie theater
while you're away. Play golf during your trip or simply spend some time
outdoors while you're savoring a daily dark chocolate bon-bon and
sipping some red wine. And of course, don't forget to pack plenty of
dental floss so you can add even more years to your life while you're
adding years to your life.</div>
<div style="overflow: hidden; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02323174335612263559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297422202358298308.post-90733130954797515202012-06-15T07:11:00.000-07:002012-10-06T07:12:21.173-07:00Senior Fitness: Identifying Physical Activity Barriers<div style="text-align: justify;">
I haven't been physically active lately and look it. My weight zoomed
up and I don't have the stamina I had previously. Though I'm still
within the normal weight range, I have small bones, and the extra weight
doesn't look good on me.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This
fact hit home when my husband and I attended a weekend conference. Our
picture was taken before dinner, developed during dinner, and given to
us as we left. When I looked at the photo I couldn't believe my eyes?
Who was that chubby woman? Who was the large man next to her?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"We've
got to lose weight!" I exclaimed to my husband. This spiked my
curiosity about the physical activity barriers many older adults face,
and I searched the Internet for information. A Mayo Clinic website
article, "Barriers to Fitness: Overcoming Common Challenges," lists five
barriers: lack of time, attitude, self-consciousness about appearance,
fatigue, and lack of motivation.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) cites other barriers on its website. Fear of being
injured is one barrier and I suspect it is a common one. Lack of safe
parks and safe walking areas are other barriers. "Look upon your
retirement as an opportunity to become more active instead of less," the
CDC advises. Good advice, but how could I follow it?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I read a
dozen articles or so and none of them -- not one -- addressed health
barriers. What are some of them? These are my health barriers and you
may face them as well.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. Arthritis. During my last physical exam I
told my physician about my painful right hip. She ordered x-rays and
the results showed I had two arthritic hips, not one. When my hip is
throbbing I'm not inclined to go for a walk.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. Medications. I
have high blood pressure and take several prescribed medications to
control it. These medications slow my heart and my walking speed when
climbing stairs.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. Injury. Several months ago I fractured a bone
in my foot. My foot was so painful I went to the hospital emergency
department. I was given a prescription for pain killers, told to stay
off my feet, and use crutches. Though my foot is healing nicely, every
once in a while I get a stabbing pain in my foot.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
4. Occupation. I
am a nonfiction writer -- a sedentary occupation. In addition to
writing books and articles, I write for two websites. As you might
imagine, I spend hours at the computer.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
5. Weather. Outside
physical activity is difficult in Minnesota when the temperature is
below zero and the wind chill freezes flesh. I know how to dress for the
weather and enjoy walking in the snow, but have to be on constant alert
for icy patches. The last thing I want to do is fall and break a hip.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Chronic
illnesses, such as diabetes and asthma,also make physical activity
difficult for older adults. Have you identified your physical activity
barriers? If not, you may wish to take the "Barriers to Being Active
Quiz," posted by the CDC.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Twenty-one barriers are listed on the
left and rating possibilities on the right. The ratings: very likely,
somewhat likely, somewhat unlikely, and very unlikely. At the end of the
quiz you tally your score. It will reveal your barriers, which include
lack of time, social influence, lack of willpower, fear of injury, lack
of skill, and lack of resources. Once you have identified your barriers,
you can work on overcoming them.</div>
<div style="overflow: hidden; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02323174335612263559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297422202358298308.post-55446655894619395152012-06-08T07:10:00.000-07:002012-10-06T07:11:25.880-07:00A Treatise on Strength: Part 4<div style="text-align: justify;">
The purpose of this series was to give you a practical definition of
strength, and I will give you what it is shortly. First, let's look at a
few things.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote>
"He who overcomes others is strong. He who overcomes himself is mighty" - Chinese Proverb</blockquote>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The De-strengthening of society:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The
history of humanity is a history of the strong. Our ancestors have had
to survive every possible terrain and climate you can think of. Look at
where people live now. I come from Minnesota where the winter weather
will sit 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit below zero for weeks at a time. Living
in a home with central heating and double-paned windows makes this
easy, but the pioneers who settled the land did not have these luxuries.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The
settlers made houses out of the earth, and before them, the Native
Americans had animal hide shelters. In prehistoric times, Man had to
fight for every scrap of food, for the right to mate, and to protect his
home. During the Industrial Revolution <em>children</em><em>,</em>
would work up to 14 hours a day 6 days a week in coal mines and cotton
mills. We have survived every natural disaster that has ever happened,
and continue to live in places plagued by earthquakes, tornadoes, and
hurricanes. These feats require strength. Not only has humanity survived
these grueling situations; humanity has <em>thrived!</em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At one
point in time, it was survive or die. As stated in the previous
instalments, this is no longer the case. The current generation is the unhealthiest group of humans to have ever existed! We no longer have to kill or grow our own food. Now, we don't even have to <em>walk </em>in the grocery store. We can take a scooter. There is no more need to challenge the mind and no struggle to enliven the body. Life is about convenience. We are becoming weak. That is, unless we decide to change it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote>
"To keep the body in good health is a duty... otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear." -The Buddha</blockquote>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Need vs. Want:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote>
"Strong people are hard to kill" - John Wellbourne</blockquote>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Do we <em>need </em>to
be strong? No. As seen in my previous examples, strength in the modern
world is not a necessity for survival. If you live in a first world
country, you will probably live to a ripe old age no-matter your
physical or mental capabilities. So is there any point to being strong?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yes. Why would we want to be strong? To thrive. To surpass.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote>
"Nothing
in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not;
nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Geniuses will
not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the
world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone
are omnipotent."</blockquote>
<blockquote>
- John Calvin Coolidge Jr., 30th President of the United States of America</blockquote>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
All
of your natural talents will go to waste if you do not have the
fortitude to take the first step towards what you want. Once you start
on the path of achievement you will need every ounce of resilience and
strength to keep moving and surpass all that stands in your way. This is
what gets you into the history books.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Do you want to know the definition of strength?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote>
"Strength
is the mental and physical fortitude to endure, resilience to bounce
back, and force to create change to thrive in any circumstance and
during any adversity. " - Me</blockquote>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So what do I do with
this knowledge? I build upon it. Every day is a starting point, which I
use to improve myself. It doesn't take much. Every day I learn something
new, and I am always building up my body. I use my time to progress
towards my goals. Each day I am stronger than the last.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It won't
take much for you to become stronger. Read through the previous
installments and add in something new each day, eat healthier, lift
something heavy, remain calm, and breathe. Become stronger and reach
your goals.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Take this knowledge and run with it. Life will knock
you down, but now you can get up swinging. Take your new-found strength
and get stronger. Don't merely drift through life and survive; thrive!</div>
<div style="overflow: hidden; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02323174335612263559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8297422202358298308.post-31226810350402986362012-06-01T07:08:00.000-07:002012-10-06T07:09:36.055-07:00Facial Skin Care - Amazing Tips And Secrets To Amazing Skin!<div id="article-content" style="text-align: justify;">
Getting amazing, supple, radiant skin can be much easier than you
ever thought possible. The truth is that there are many tips and tricks
to getting great skin and you don't need to go get Botox to get the
amazing skin that you've always wanted. Today, our skin care experts are
offering some amazing tips to getting incredible skin!<br />
Vitamins And Vitamin Creams<br />
One
of the best kept secrets in skin care is that vitamins as well as
vitamin creams can make a huge difference. Vitamin C, Vitamin E and
Vitamin A (also called retinol) all have massive benefits for the skin.
While taking these vitamins as supplements can make a big difference,
applying them directly to your skin is even more effective.<br />
By
applying a vitamin cream or a combination of vitamin creams directly to
your skin, you can really maximize the benefits and get incredible,
radiant skin much faster.<br />
The best approach and usually the most
effective is to apply vitamin creams to your skin and take vitamins as
supplements, as this will literally help you to get incredible skin
inside and out. However, if you had to choose between one or the other,
for great skin care putting them directly on your skin is the best bet
because they will seep into your skin and offer maximum benefit.<br />
Amino Acids<br />
One
of the best kept secrets in skin care is amino acids. The major protein
that makes up skin and keeps it thick, supple and radiant is called
collagen. Collagen is mostly made up of two major amino acids, Glycine
and Proline. While other amino acids do play a part, Glycine and Proline
play the major roles in collagen, and supplementing with these two
amino acids can really help your skin produce more collagen a maximize
the effectiveness of your skin care regimen!<br />
Lysine, another amino
acid also plays a major role because it prevents the breakdown of
collagen. By helping to prevent the breakdown in collagen, Lysine keeps
the skin supple, radiant and thick, making for a huge benefit in your
skin care regimen!<br />
Vitamins, vitamin creams and amino acids all
play major roles together to help you get great skin. When utilizing
vitamins and amino acids, it's important to remember that while you will
likely see immediate results in the short term, the best and longest
lasting results come with utilizing these great tools in the long term!<br />
</div>
<div style="overflow: hidden; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02323174335612263559noreply@blogger.com0