Sunday, 30 October 2011
The Dangers Of A Fast Weight Loss Plan
The main purpose of crash dieting is to lose weight fast. If you’re intending to include crash diet as part of your fast weight loss plan, think one more time. Going on a crash diet means that you have to eat no more than 1,200 calories per day. Although it can make you lose weight really fast, the effect will just be short-term. One explanation for this is that, over the course of crash diet, the weight loss does not really come from losing the fats. The fast results are mainly due to dehydration. So the moment you start to eat again, the body will compensate for the loss by absorbing more water. This causes a person to be bloated and all the dropped weight will just be gained back.
Weight loss pills are a popular choice of people who really wish to have a fast weight loss plan. Slimming pills can be found in natural or synthetic forms. While it’s difficult to make judgment as to their effects, some weight loss pills that have been examined have been discovered to be harmful. Some substances found in most weight loss pills such as amphetamines, sibutramine, rimonabant, phenolphthalein, and phenytoin can be dangerous to your health. So seek advice from a professional first before taking slimming products to make sure that you’re taking a safe one.
As far as fast weight loss plan is concerned, could there be faster than weight loss surgeries? Weight loss surgeries usually limit the amount of food the stomach can take. But there are those that work by limiting the amount of food that can be broken down. But remember, as with all operations, weight loss surgeries have their own share of risks and complications. Again, ask your doctor for details before deciding to have one.
For most individuals, a fast weight loss plan is synonymous with crash dieting, taking weight loss pills, or undergoing weight loss surgeries. But consider the pros and cons first before going extreme because losing weight must not be unsafe.
By FREE Health Tips , Daily Health Tips
The Concept Guiding Every Online Weight Loss Plan
1. If the amount of calories eaten is equal to the amount of calories used up, the body weight of an individual stays as it is.
2. If the amount of calories consumed is greater than the amount of calories burned, the individual puts on weight. The extra calories are converted to fat and are stored in the body.
3. If the amount of calories consumed is less than the amount of calories burned, the person sheds weight. The body uses the extra fat to get the energy that it needs.
In short, the body needs a calorie deficit in order to reduce weight. Calorie deficit is made achievable by eating less and moving more. Certainly, the idea behind weight loss is just not that complicated. And yet, as said earlier, shedding weight is a totally different story.
Every single weight loss plan, in essence, states the same thing - motivation is a key factor in losing weight. That being said, it is pretty clear that not a single online weight loss plan will work if the person has no serious desire to drop weight.
Next, almost every online weight loss plan will tackle about having a well balanced diet. All these weight reduction programs do not really demand individuals to consume less food but alternatively, ask them to take in fewer calories through healthy food substitutions.
Last but not the least, practically all online weight loss plans will stress the value of increased physical activity. Experts suggest to enhance an individual’s exercise levels bit by bit right until one can already endure more challenging ones.
Losing weight, indeed, is not as easy as it looks. A person may head for an online weight loss plan once in a while for suggestions. However, bear in mind that a highly effective weight reduction program begins with a strong motivation to change one’s way of living.
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Simple Tips For An Effective Weight Loss Plan For Women
1. Set your goals, both long-term and short-term. Goals must be simple, concise and attainable. Because women are the busiest people on earth, listing down one’s objectives can assist her in her aim for weight loss.
2. Find yourself a support group. A weight loss plan for women will mainly depend on individual discipline and dedication. But women are usually happier and more inspired when with friends. Surround yourself with people who have healthy lifestyle habits and choices to have the encouragement and the emotional support that you need.
3. Introduce changes one step at a time. Certain changes may require more adjustments than others. Since women have swift changes in mood as they age, hence, they tend to be more upset very easily. Try the simpler ones first, after which you can move on to the next. This way, you will not become too overwhelmed which could affect your motivation to lose weight.
4. Increase your physical activity. As far as losing weight is concerned, men choose to strive at the gym whereas women would rather go on a diet. However, in order to use up some calories, one will need to exercise. You can begin with easy workouts first. As a matter of fact, 20 minutes of walking can do miracles. Take it light and easy at first then go higher as you step forward.
5. Lower your calorie intake. Food cravings are very common among women and hormonal imbalance is usually the culprit. A weight loss plan for women is not about crash diets. It has more to do with making appropriate food choices and alternatives.
A weight loss plan for women is fairly simple. It accepts the fact that women are uniquely different from men. Start laying down your targets now and work on your aim to a leaner, healthier body.
By Free Health Articles , Health Articles
Heart Rate Chart – An Introduction
Exercises that move the large muscles of the body and increase the heart rate are referred to as cardiovascular workouts, also known as cardio. Jogging, swimming, cycling and dancing are just some examples. Remember that doing short exercises are better than doing none at all.
Heart rate during the course of exercise is given special consideration by people who are intensely passionate about being fit and healthy. Maximum heart rate and target heart rate during workout are two things that exercisers truly care about. When they are at rest, the resting heart rate is more significant.
Heart rate chart is a simple, usually tabular, representation of heart rate data that exercisers may find really useful in their workouts. There are different kinds of heart rate charts. There’s a type of heart rate chart that makes it easier for exercisers to know their maximum heart rate (Max HR) and find the right target heart rate (THR) based on age. Because of heart rate charts, exercisers don’t have to trouble themselves with manual computation of Max HR and THR.
The resting heart rate chart is yet another type of heart rate chart. The heart rate of a person when he is at rest is called resting heart rate (RHR). Early morning is the best time to obtain RHR, just prior to getting out of bed. Experts say that a person’s resting heart rate reflects the overall health of a person’s heart and lungs. A resting heart rate chart is a straightforward chart that lets a person know if his RHR is within the ideal range.
In most cases, a low resting heart rate means that the heart and lungs are healthy. Heart rate charts are in all places of the World Wide Web. But then, it is always more preferred to seek the doctor’s advice before jumping on a certain cardio routine that is based on a heart rate chart. Heart rate charts must be used only as general guidelines because what they show, in general, are just figure averages.
By FREE Health Tips , Daily Health Tips
Heart Rate Calculator – Your Guide To A Healthy Workout
A heart rate calculator is used by most exercisers, particularly athletes to check the intensity of their exercise. A heart rate calculator uses the Karnoven formula, which calculates a person’s exercise heart rate and helps estimate the right target heart rate zone. Developed by a Scandinavian physiologist, this formula uses the number known as heart rate reserve. The difference between a person’s maximum heart rate and resting heart rate is referred to as heart rate reserve (HRR). Resting heart rate (RHR) is the heart rate of a person when he is at rest. On the other hand, Max HR is the fastest rate the heart can beat for one minute.
Most experts suggest that you keep your heart rate at around 60 to 85 percent of your maximum heart rate (Max HR). For exercisers, the way to calculate Max HR is by using the formula 220 minus age (220-age) multiplied by either 0.60 or 0.85. So if your age is 30, for instance, subtract 30 from 220, which would give you a Max HR of 190. Next, multiply the result by 60 to 85 percent of your Max HR, which would give you 114 or 162. Therefore, the 60 percent and 85 percent of your Max HR is 116 bpm and 162 bpm, respectively.
Should an individual decide to begin an exercise, the lower pecentage ( like sixty-percent ) should be used to compute for the target heart rate. This is especially true for starters. The lower number is used to avoid injury during exercise. For the Karnoven formula, the way to derive the target heart rate is by getting the difference between maximum heart rate and resting heart rate; then, multiply the result by sixty percent and add again to resting heart rate.
And so, given the example that you’re 30 years of age with a RHR of 65, this equation would give you a THR of 140 bpm. Subsequently, as you progress with your workout regimen, you might like to use the higher number ( eighty-five percent) to compute for your THR. Using the Karnoven equation, this would result to a THR of 171 bpm. Having at least 140 bpm until 171 bpm will give you the best health benefits during cardio workouts.
Nearly all exercisers reap some benefits from a heart rate calculator. There are plenty of heart rate calculators online that one can use to instantly get a person’s target heart rate. Knowing the Karnoven heart rate calculator by heart, however, helps you understand the rationale behind the equation and where these target heart rates are coming from.
By Free Health Articles , Health Articles
Functions Of A Heart Rate Monitor
Nearly all cardio programs depend on intensity. Intensity is described by five heart rate zones, such as : healthy heart zone, fitness zone, aerobic zone, anaerobic zone and red-line zone.
A heart rate monitor is a device with a display screen that shows a person’s heart rate in real time. A heart rate monitor is used by most cardio exercisers so they can alter the intensity of their workouts – accelerating or decelerating, depending on their preferred heart rate zone.
If you simply want to be healthy or feel good about yourself, a few easy workouts (such as brisk walking) per week will do. In these cases, heart rate monitors are not absolutely required because getting the correct frequency and duration of workout is simple enough. However, if your goal is to lose weight effectively or to train for a sporting event, having the right intensity is important. This is when a heart rate monitor becomes very useful.
Owning a heart rate monitor is comparable to having a coach beside you. It helps you reach just the right amount of intensity in workouts. Adults should exercise at moderate intensity (50 percent–70 percent of maximum heart rate) for at least 30 minutes five days a week or at a vigorous intensity (70 percent–85 percent of maximum heart rate) for 20 minutes three days a week, as advised by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Use the formula 220 minus age (220-age) to compute for maximum heart rate (max HR). So, if you’re a twenty-five year old adult, your Max HR is 195 beats per minute.
A heart rate monitor basically tells a person if he is exercising at the right pace and intensity. Therefore, no matter if you’re working out to drop some pounds, build some muscles, build endurance, improve the heart and lungs or just be plain healthy, a heart rate monitor can help you achieve a sexy and healthy body.
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Factors That have An Impact On A Person’s Average Heart Rate
An infant’s average heart rate ranges between 120 and 180 bpm. When the child reaches age one, the average becomes 95-150 bpm. The average heart rate of five-year old children is 80-120 bpm. When the child reaches 12, however, it becomes 60-100 bpm. A lower average heart rate, however, is expected in the eldery. This is attributed to the changes in the heart muscle as it gets older. For people who are 75 years old and above, a low heart rate of 50 bpm can be considered normal.
Studies reveal that differences in heart rate also rely on gender. Men tend to have a slightly lower average heart rate than women because of the differences in heart size. In general, a man's heart is usually twenty-five percent larger than a woman's heart. A physically larger heart can contain an even greater volume of blood and is able to pump with less difficulty. Hence, a large heart is not required to work faster to be able to provide sufficient amounts of blood to the body. A smaller number of beats will do because of the power and effectiveness of each pumping activity.
With increased weight is a decreased heart rate. When there is too much fat deposit around the heart, the heart finds it hard to pump effectively. So it pumps even harder and faster to counteract the effect of the fats pressing on the heart walls. There comes a point, however, when the heart becomes exhausted and starts to work slower. It is for this reason that overweight people have generally lower average heart rates.
You make the job of the heart a lot less difficult by just simply being physically fit. Working out on a regular basis makes the heart stronger and thus is able to supply the body with enough blood with fewer beats per minute when it is at rest. This is precisely the reason behind why athletes have an average heart rate of as low as 40 bpm.
When a person is lying down, his average heart rate becomes lower as compared to when he is standing up. The effects of gravity are reduced when a person is in a declined position. This allows more blood to flow back to the heart through the veins. And since there is far more blood going back to the heart, the body is in a position to pump larger amounts of blood per beat. It means that the heart can supply the body with oxygen-rich blood even with just a few beats.
Medication use also has an effect on a person’s average heart rate. Digitalis, for one, decreases heart rate. A person who takes digitalis on a regular basis, therefore, is anticipated to have a lower average heart rate than others.
Explained here are just a handful of the many factors that affect the heart rate of individuals. When asked about what the average heart rate is, consider the contributing factors first before answering.
A Glimpse On The Five Heart Rate Zones
The healthy heart zone or otherwise known as the comfort zone is the simplest and safest. Exercising in this zone (by brisk walking for example) improves the pumping ability of the heart and helps decrease body fat, blood pressure, and cholesterol. This zone eats away 10 percent carbohydrates, 5percent protein and eighty-five percent fat.
The fitness zone, also called the fat-burning zone, is regarded as the most efficient for overall cardiovascular health. A person will burn more calories in this zone because the exercise is a little more intense, just like jogging (vs. brisk walking in the healthy heart zone). In this zone, the body uses up eighty-five percent fat, 5 percent protein, and 10 percent carbohydrate.
The aerobic zone is the third heart rate zone. Exercises are all the more intense because it aims for endurance. Running is one common example of workout in this zone. It increases the number and size of the blood vessels and thus improves the individual’s circulatory system. It also boosts the respiratory system as it increases a person’s lung capacity.
Zone four is known as the anaerobic zone, otherwise known as the threshold zone. This is reached by running faster. Workouts in this heart rate zone usually last between 10 and 20 minutes. During this time, the heart can no longer deliver sufficient blood to the muscle tissues. The muscles contract anerobically as a result, and the person begins to feel the “burn”.
The fifth heart rate zone is the red-line zone wherein you can’t go any higher. It is recommended to consult the doctor before starting on such very high intensity workouts. The best fitness training benefits can be obtained by spending 20-60 minutes of workout in this zone.
So which heart rate zone best suits you? Remember that it makes a significant difference in which zone you train. It is strongly recommended to vary your exercises and get the most out of each heart rate zone.
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Unveiling The Causes Of Gestational Diabetes
One of two conditions occurs in gestational diabetes. Possibly, there isn’t sufficient insulin in the blood or the body is not responding to insulin as necessary (also called “insulin resistance”). Insulin is a hormone that is vital in regulating carbohydrate (glucose) and fat metabolism in the body. It pushes the body to take up glucose (sugar) from the blood in order that the liver can store it as glycogen. Small amounts of insulin or insulin resistance both lead to the same thing – sugar is not taken up and thus accumulates in the blood.
It is also believed that certain pregnancy hormones place pregnant women at risk for developing such condition. Human Placental Lactogen, cortisol, estriol, and progesterone are pregnancy hormones that are thought to hinder insulin from doing its job. If the body becomes resistant to insulin, blood sugar levels rise. To compensate for such increase in the amount of glucose in the blood, the pancreas tries to produce more insulin. The pancreas has its limits though. If the pancreas cannot keep up with the increased demand for insulin, the sugar levels rise and gestational diabetes occurs.
Some other risk factors that can make women susceptible to GDM are: being overweight, family history of diabetes, previously giving birth to a big baby (usually 9 lbs or more in weight), having gestational diabetes with previous pregnancies and having too much amniotic fluid (termed as “polyhydramnios”).
Most people may find it hard to understand the causes of gestational diabetes. But keep in mind that as a mother, you can always do something to counteract the causes of gestational diabetes. Proper diet, exercise and regular prenatal check-ups are just some of the things you can do to make sure that you and your baby will have a healthy, stress-free, and fun-filled journey together.
By Current Health Articles
Understanding Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Gestational diabetes mellitus is defined as glucose intolerance that affects pregnant women. It occurs in around 4 percent to 10 percent of women that are pregnant and often goes away after delivery. Women who are likely to suffer from GDM are the following: pregnant women who are obese, women who are 25 years and older, women who have history of GDM with previous pregnancies, history of giving birth to a big baby (usually 9 lbs. or more) and family history of type 2 diabetes.
The symptoms of gestational diabetes mellitus are usually ignored because they are confused with the normal discomforts of pregnancy. The most prevalent symptoms of gestational diabetes are: increased frequency of urination, increased thirst and increased hunger. However, there are tests available in order to know whether these symptoms are brought about by hormonal imbalances that normally occur during pregnancy or if these are already signs of gestational diabetes mellitus.
Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) measures the response of insulin to glucose loading. This type of procedure is typically done during the 24th to 28th week of pregnancy. This gestational diabetes test necessitates the pregnant woman to fast at least eight hours before heading to the lab. Later on, she will be requested to consume a sweetened liquid with 50- to 200-g of sugar. A small amount of blood sample will then be extracted at .25, 1, 2 and 3 hours intervals. Gestational diabetes mellitus is confirmed if the 2-hr value is 200 mg/dL or greater.
Being healthy is always a priority when one is pregnant. It’s worthwhile to have regular checkups so that your doctor can keep track of your condition and try everything that’s possible to help you and your little one become satisfied and healthy.
By Health Tips
Things You Should Know About Gestational Diabetes Symptoms
Polyuria is the term for repeated urination which is also a typical symptom of pregnancy. Usually, expectant mothers experience an increased desire to urinate due to the developing fetus pressing on the bladder. In women with gestational diabetes, however, the cause of this is different. Whenever there’s far too much sugar in the blood, the kidneys become saturated with sugar. This causes the osmotic pressure within the kidneys to rise resulting in poor reabsorption of water in the body, hence an increase in the amount of urine in the bladder. This increase in volume in turn results to a frequent need to go to the toilet.
Polyphagia or increased hunger is yet another common gestational diabetes symptom. But then again, food cravings are normal symptoms of pregnancy. These are caused by hormonal changes in a pregnant woman’s body. But then again, a person who has GDM experiences increased urge to eat for an entirely different reason. Inadequate amounts of insulin and insulin resistance both lead to a faster speed of energy spending. Since energy is utilized faster than usual, the person experiences an increased desire for food.
Another common gestational diabetes symptom is polydipsia or increased thirst. But then again, being thirsty all the time can be a normal symptom of pregnancy. A pregnant woman needs to drink plenty of fluids because of the extra 2 liters of blood that circulates in her body and the presence of amniotic fluid which replaces itself every 30 minutes. In pregnant women with GDM, however, the desire to drink constantly is caused by another mechanism. Due to the higher than normal levels of sugar, water is not reabsorbed in the body which results in recurrent urination. When the body eliminates fluid every so often, a message is sent to the brain to drink more in order to make up for the loss, thus the sensation of thirst.
Pregnancy is a time when a woman’s body experiences extreme changes. While a lot of these discomforts are common, a few are already symptoms of a health condition. That being said, it is essential to visit the doctor the moment these symptoms become prevalent. Knowing the causes of such discomforts may save you and your baby from medical conditions that you may otherwise not know about.
By Daily Health Tips
Thursday, 20 October 2011
Foods for Energy
First consider changing your eating patterns. Eat small and frequent meals. Maintain a steady supply of nutrients to your body and increase your long-term energy levels. Also, make sure your bigger meals are in the middle of the day rather than at night. Your digestion is naturally tuned to be more effective during the day, allowing your body to break down food for energy more effectively.
Next, incorporate proteins and whole grains into your diet. Complex carbohydrates in whole grains take longer to break down in your body, which helps to keep your energy levels steady throughout the day. Examples of whole grains include pasta, brown rice and oats. Insufficient protein is a common reason for fatigue. Keep some almonds and nuts at the workplace for a quick and convenient protein snack.
If for some reason you can’t maintain a balanced diet, consider taking a multivitamin supplement. Deficiencies in minerals such as magnesium can reduce magnesium levels. The recommended daily intake of magnesium is around 300 milligrams for women and 350 milligrams for men.
Lastly, drink more water and cut down on caffeine. Dehydration can lead to fatigue so keep your body hydrated throughout the day. Overuse of caffeine can lower blood sugar levels and as a result sap your energy levels.
By Recent Health Articles
5 Ways to Boost Your Energy Levels
1. Get a good night’s sleep.
Getting the right amount of sleep at the right times is critical to staying energized during the day. Eliminate as much light as possible from your bedroom as light interferes with the body’s circadian rhythm thereby interfering with sleep. Avoid napping during the day especially in the late afternoon.
2. Get your body moving – exercise.
Implement at least 20 minutes of cardio exercise at least 4 times a week. By expending energy on a regular basis, you actually boost your energy levels. Do it regularly but do not push yourself to the point of exhaustion.
3. Slow down and do less.
Evaluate your to-do lists and list down your priorities. Get rid of the less important items. Schedule leisure time for yourself. Stress from any source is an energy zapper, and will have an adverse impact on your general health.
4. Eat small but frequent meals.
By maintaining a steady supply of nutrients to your body, you increase your long-term energy levels. Incorporate proteins, wholegrains, high-fibre vegetables and nuts into your diet to maintain balanced blood sugar levels. Also, make sure your bigger meals are in the middle of the day rather than at night.
5. Cut out energy zappers from your diet.
Fluctuations in blood sugar can cause plummeting energy levels. Decrease or cut out refined sugars from your diet. Caffeine intake should also be limited to the mornings. Overuse of caffeine especially in the afternoons will lower energy levels after they give you an initial kick.
By Health Articles
5 Instant Natural Energy Boosters
1. Drink more water.
Dehydration causes fatigue, so keep your body hydrated throughout the day. Caffeine can jumpstart your body initially but too much, and you’ll see your energy levels plummet. Start your day with a glass of water, enjoy your daily coffee fix if you must, then switch back to water.
2. Stretch.
Regular stretching not only keeps your muscles and tendons healthy, it also keeps the brain’s arteries unclogged. Maintaining a free flow of oxygenated blood to your most vital organ is an excellent way to increase vigor in your life.
3. Get a whiff of citrus.
The smells of oranges, lemons and grapefruit have been shown to be energizing, so drop a slice or two into your water. You can also incorporate citrus-infused shampoos and body washes into your showers. For a quick midday refresher, get a whiff or two of citrus-scented essential oils.
4. Listen to music.
Plug in that ipod and take a few minutes to listen to your favourite music. Put together a personalised soundtrack that you can listen to while getting ready in the morning, during the morning drive to the office or to tune out to when you need a midday recharge. Music can sharpen our mental focus and boost our moods.
5. Hang out with friends who cheer you.
Co-workers, friends and family make the good times great and the bad times bearable. Even just chatting with the postman or the barista can help boost our energy levels and power you through to lunch.
By Current Health Articles
Top Natural Ways to Increase Energy
1. Getting adequate sleep at night is key to staying energized throughout the day. Try to sleep at the same time everyday and aim to get at least 7 hours of quality sleep. Eliminate as much light and other distractions from your bedroom as possible in order to get the best quality sleep possible. Avoid napping during the day especially in the late afternoon.
2. Try to add at least 20 minutes of cardio exercise into your daily routine. Do it regularly but do not push yourself to the point of exhaustion. Exercise is an excellent metabolism booster. Not only will exercising regularly boost your energy during the day, it will also help you sleep better at night, provided you don’t exercise up to 3 hours before bedtime.
3. Your body needs fuel to keep your energy levels up. The following are things to watch out for food in your diet.
• Drink more water.
Dehydration causes fatigue, so keep your body hydrated throughout the day.
• Cut down on caffeine.
Caffeine may give you that initial kick but overuse of it will lower blood sugar and consequently energy levels.
• Eat more protein.
Insufficient protein is a common reason for fatigue. Pack some almonds and nuts for a quick and convenient protein snack or have a hard-boiled egg for breakfast.
• Watch out for excess sugar.
Excess sugar causes fluctuating blood sugar levels, which can result in plummeting energy levels. Try to decrease all forms of refined sugars, including the “hidden sugars” in low-fat foods.
• Eat small and frequent meals.
Maintain a steady supply of nutrients to your body and increase your long-term energy levels. Incorporate proteins, wholegrains, high-fibre vegetables and nuts into your diet to keep blood sugar levels balanced.
By Health Tips
Saturday, 8 October 2011
The Clutches Of Panic: What Does It Do To Your Body
As panic attacks are part of the resultant effect of fight or flight sequence, the body experience certain changes. The changes are good to get things done or to save yourself but in the long run, it will affect the mind and body in a negative way. The chemicals released into blood systems might cause the immune system to weaken and make you prone to sickness.
In order to prepare for fight or flight response, more blood will be pumped by the heart indirectly giving extra burden to it. For someone who is old or has a weak heart, these could indirectly contribute to factors causing heart attack. The muscles might tighten and give aching problems. Some might get gastric indirectly due to panic attack.
Many people response differently towards panic. Being able to control your own emotions and reining in panic attacks will allowed you to enjoy life to the fullest.
By Recent Health Articles
Simple Solutions To Curing Panic Attacks
Panic attacks can come out of the blue and takes you by surprise. Taking drugs for panic attacks are an indirect way of temporary managing the problem. Being worried about your panic attacks or when it would come next can cause more stress and depression. It is obvious that panic attacks are caused by fear.
It is important to learn to do 3 things to prevent panic attacks. First of all, it is to stop panicking. Secondly, you must overcome the fear of another panic attack. Learning on how to stop panicking will help in this as you know that you can stop panicking in the next panic attack and your fear will dissipate. Thirdly, you will be able to eliminate anxious thoughts.
There are simple solutions to cure panic attacks. When in panic attack, breathe in a rhythmic pattern. Breathe deeply and slowly to help yourself relax. Give exercise a try when there is a panic attack. Go out for a walk and breathe in the fresh air to distract yourself and make you feel better. It is best to eat healthily with lots of vegetables and fruits to nourish your body. Sugar and caffeine are stimulants that can make your body feel good in a short while but in long run will make you feel tired and drained.
By Health Articles
Easy Tips For Dealing With On The Spot For Panic Attacks
1. Breath. Try breathing in a slow, deep breath. Inhale and exhale for at least 10 times. Your mind will feel much clearer and you will feel better.
2. Focus. If you think you are on a verge of a panic attack, try focusing on something else that is happier or keep yourself at peace. It might seem easy to say but with constant practice, this will help in the long run.
3. Be positive. Keep on repeating in your head that you are feeling fine and everything is great does help. Your mind will start believing and you will feel better in that situation.
4. Inform someone close to you that understand the situation you are going through. By telling them, indirectly you are unleashing the pent up panic attacks inside of you and it will dissipate naturally.
By Current Health Articles
Thursday, 6 October 2011
Stress: Does It Alter The Way You Think?
It is true that most of the mental stressors exist in the work place. Mental stressors such as fear, worry, being disrespected or threatened can alter the way you think. When stress response is activated that could be cause by one or many reasons, it may caused inability to concentrate and think clearly. Emotionally, stress can cause anxiety, depression, tension or anger. Stress can muddle our brain and cause us to have poor concentration, being forgetful, indecisive, apathy and hopelessness.
So in a nutshell, it is important to effectively reduce stress. It is best to understand stress and have a few good coping strategies to deal with stress more effectively.
Stress: How Does It Affect Your Health
So it is common that stress can cause fatigue, headache and digestion problems. Due to fatigue, the immune system in our bodies will be low, so our bodies’ ability to resist opportunistic infections will be hampered. Stress can also cause insomnia which leads to fatigue. Moreover, the release of stress hormones can impair our cognition and increase the unnecessary negative thoughts which will lead to more stress.
Being frequently exposed to stress may increase the risk of a stroke. It can also aggravate asthma symptoms and increased the risk of heart attack. Stress is also known to temporary raise blood pressure levels and blood sugar level. In bedroom matters, stress may also cause loss of sex drive or the ability to orgasm which can interfere with your sex life.
Besides that, stress can contribute to bad habits such as smoking, alcoholism and drug abuse which is use as a temporary mean to escape from stress. All of these can cause problems associated with wealth, health and may also contributed to early death.
In conclusion, it is important to manage stress because it is not possible to avoid stress and be stress-free in your whole life. So, it is important to be able to identify stress and how to relieve stress the best.
Using Acupuncture To Reduce Pain In Your Life
Acupuncture is used as a treatment for various diseases by acupuncture practitioners. In modern times, acupuncture has been shown to alleviate pain that was not able to be treated with pain killers. It is also said to be able to cure the pain that exist in the body by treating the root cause.
There are no side effects associated with acupuncture when performed correctly. This is important for patients who experienced side effects caused by over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen) and narcotics. The growing reliance on pain killers may be one of the factors that patients are seeking alternative treatments such as acupuncture.
Although there are several researches showing the benefits of acupuncture, it is important to discuss with your family doctor before attempting any alternative treatment. Different people respond differently to acupuncture. If acupuncture has not help in resolving your pain for several weeks, acupuncture might not be the right treatment.
Pain: How Does It Affect Your Life
For someone who suffered from chronic pain, chronic pain can affect their everyday life without realizing. Chronic pain sufferers have reduced ability to function normally and perform their duties. Chronic pain is also linked to depression, anxiety and sleeping disorders. This may even reduce chronic pain sufferers’ ability to stay normal.
Some chronic pain could inhibit mobility and flexibility. This resulted in those suffering in pain to be alone as they lost contact with friends or families. They also have difficulty in walking or carrying things which make them feel like a burden because they need to rely on other people. They are unable to perform activities that we took for granted such as running, dancing, or maintaining personal hygiene. Some conditions could even cause constipation or incontinence.
Therefore it is important for those suffering from chronic pain to properly manage their pain in order to be able to restore their quality of life and not to be restrained by pain that can cause disability. Proper treatment and plan are necessary in order to reduce the liability caused by pain.
Natural Remedies For Reducing Pain
It is known that antioxidants are known to reduce inflammation. Antioxidants can be found in deep coloured fruits and vegetables such as Acai berry, blueberries, prunes, pomegranates, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, kale, spinach, Brussels sprouts, red beans and kidney beans. Besides that, another good source of antioxidants is spices and herbs such as cinnamon, oregano, turmeric, cumin, parsley, basil and curry powder. Diet compromising salmons, olive oil and flax seed oil is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids which are good for cholesterol levels and reducing inflammation. By incorporating foods rich in antioxidants into everyday diet, it can help reduce pain without counting on painkillers. Another pointer to help with pain associated with inflammation, putting ice or frozen peas for 10 minutes a few times a day can help reduce pain.
However pain associated with menstrual cramp cannot be cured through putting ice on the stomach. In fact, it would make matter worst. The solution can be done by putting a hot water bottle on the lower part of the stomach to ease the pain. If hot water bottle is not available, use a hot towel instead. Drinking hot liquids such as hot herbal teas with peppermint or wintergreen does help as well. Chinese used ginger to expel wind from stomach and restore heat to the body. This helps also in menstrual pain by pounding a piece of ginger and boil in a cup of water for 2 minutes. It is a warm drink and taken with honey or sugar, it is a good way to end meals.
Exercising is good for the body and improves limb function. Muscles work as shock absorbers. By doing yoga and strengthening exercises, it helps the body to combat pain. However, exercise regime must be done regularly to get positive results. This applies to inflammatory pain and menstrual pain as well.
So painkillers are not the only way to tackle pain. By doing lifestyle changes, it does help with the symptoms in the long run.
7 Simple Suggestions For Dealing With Chronic Pain
It is important to be able to accept pain as part of your life that need to be addressed before combating it. These are what you can do to deal with chronic pain:
1. Keep yourself hydrated as dehydration can aggravate the symptoms of chronic conditions such as headaches and back pain.
2. Load your body with nutritious foods that can help combat pain and reduce fatigue. Examples are leafy greens, foods rich with omega3, asparagus, low sugar fruits and soy products.
3. Keep a positive outlook. Thinking positively will help to overcome blocks and lessen the pain you are feeling.
4. Distract yourself with activities that are not stressful such as yoga, listening to music, watching movies. It is good to engage in activities that make you feel good.
5. Maintain proper posture. Being in C-slump which is a bend back with head in front of spine can impair nerve and blood flow. Try to keep head in a parallel line with a straight spine. This can help prevent strain on back and neck muscles.
6. Discuss your pain. You may be able to find solutions to problems that cause you stress and any helpful coping skills.
7. Keep a diary that can help you keep track of your pain and record down medications that are able to help you and any adverse effects you experience while taking them. This can help you to be in more control of your pain.
Saturday, 1 October 2011
Guide to Acne Cure - How to Working With Your Doctor
But I believe they genuinely wish to help their patients, and will take your acne condition earnestly. There are a number of elementary steps you may take to ensure you maximize the chance of getting the correct help from your physician in caring for your acne
A Better Experience
A central skill in getting the best out of any state of affairs is clear communication. Your physician may simply act on the information you give him about your condition.
Not supplying the ‘full story’ is the basic reason for misdiagnosis or a lack of pressing attention. Make certain you tell your physician, how long you’ve had the acne, what treatments you’ve attempted, where does the acne happen and is it worsened by reaction to stress of sunshine.
Ask questions about any prospect of your acne that you would like to clarify. A great tip is to write down the questions you wish to ask, before you speak to your physician, to assure you cover everything. Don't feel humiliated by asking particular questions, remember there are 'no dumb questions'
Comprehend that there are no miracle cures for acne, and that you might have to attempt a number of assorted treatments before you discover one, which is effective, against your certain type.
Make certain you mention the emotional side of how your acne makes you feel, if this is of certain concern to you. This is a vital area that's frequently omitted, and is clearly crucial particularly if your acne is resulting in depression, or resulting in a decrease in your social interactions with other people.
If your physician prescribes any medicine, make certain you fully understand
1) How to apply the treatment,
2) How long will it be before you discover any improvement,
3) Any side-effects that you might experience,
4) When do you have to return for a follow up, and
5) How long the treatment will last. These central questions will ensure you're fully informed about the treatment program you're embarking on.
Remember your physician is there to help you defeat both the physical and emotional side of acne. If you don’t feel you may easily approach your physician, find an alternate medical professional, like a dermatologist. Whatsoever you decide to do, ensure you seek help, and don’t let acne get the best of you.
By Health Articles
How To Be Completely Acne Free
At some point all of us have been attempting to discover ways on how to be completely acne-free. Here are a few natural and not so natural acne treatments that are demonstrated to be effective.
1. Witch Hazel
This astringent comes from the plant with the like name. It's widely known. Merely steam the twigs of this plant and voila! The extract you acquire from it serves as your astringent. Remember to cool it though. What’s great about this is that it occurs by nature and even the process it has gone through is all natural. You may be assured it's less harsh compared with commercially-produced astringents.
2. Commercially Produced Astringents
There's no doubt that astringents we may purchase over-the-counter are likewise good. There are lots of forms to select from with additional ingredients that boost better skin. The only downside is it may be a little rough because of the chemicals added to acquire this formula. Utilize them with extra care as they may dry the skin.
3. All-Natural Treatments
Kitchen and acne are 2 enemies we might not be aware of. Scout your kitchen for stuff like oranges and lemons, fresh garlic and raw potatoes.
- Oranges and lemons simply need to be squeezed on cotton balls. Apply the extract on impacted areas and wash it after about twenty minutes.
- Fresh garlic is utilized much easier. Just get rid of its peeling and rub it on your face.
- As for raw potatoes, peel them and rub its flat surface on your face.
The natural extracts from these fruits and veggies may help minimize the redness at the same time may clean the skin.
4. Oral Antibiotics
For grave cases, antibiotics are ordered. These medications are orally taken to cut back the amount of bacteria inside and around skin follicles. They likewise diminish the exasperating chemicals that the white blood cells create. Lastly, antibiotics diminish the concentrating of the free fatty acids found in sebum, likewise creating an anti-inflammatory action. Consult your skin doctor for the correct antibiotic and dosage.
Tetracycline is still the most generally ordered antibiotic for acne treatment. Most of this antibiotic ought to be taken on an empty stomach. Likewise, this shouldn’t be utilized by pregnant women and youngsters under nine. Commonly, the starting dose is initially 500 milligrams twice daily and is ceaselessly taken until ordered, or until a considerable dropping off of lesions is obvious.
Erythromycin comes close 2nd and might be ordered to pregnant women. But, it may cause nausea and even stomach upset. Compared to tetracycline, which may only kill bacteria, Erythromycin has both anti-inflammatory and bacteria-killing attributes. Likewise, this antibiotic needs to be taken on a full stomach. You might discuss other possible antibiotics with your physicians regarding the effects and side-effects of each.
5. Topical Treatments
Outwardly applied creams are likewise proven good for acne treatment. But, it results to drying and flaking but it's said to be the best treatment for severe acne. Benzoyl peroxide is one very basic and good topical acne treatment.
By Health Tips
5 Hints for Taking Control of Your Acne Beginning Now
1. Physical exertion
Keeping in shape may help fight acne by driving back negative stress levels that may come from negative self-regard and depression. But, a few safeguards need to be in place to ward off acne that may result from your physical exertion routines. Watch what you put on your body with reference to clothing, sports gear and equipment.
For instance, tight lycra and nylon exercise outfits may look great in the movies and on magazine models, but if you're susceptible to acne issues, avoid these synthetic fabrics that tend to trap in body moisture and heat resulting in a bacterium frenzy. Rather, choose loose clothing made of cotton or natural blends to let more air progress to your skin.
And when you're done with your workout, get out of clothing wet from perspiration or water sports. Shower and change into dry, clean apparel. And keep your sports gear and equipment clean, too. Dirty headgear, for example, may irritate forehead areas prone to acne issues. So toss headbands into the washer after physical exercise sessions.
2. Cosmetics
To avoid pore-clogging and skin annoyances that are similar to acne and that may lend to acne, utilize products labeled noncomedogenic or oil-free. Shimmering facial colors may contain a flaky mineral called mica that may cause skin irritations and choke off pores. Other additives in coloring that may induce similar reactions are coal tar derivatives, carmine and heavy cream in blushes.
More preventative measures include utilizing a lip gloss that promotes a matte finish rather than a high gloss for less pore-clogging; note the more the shine, the more then comedogenic material and the more the pores may choke off. Beware that eye creams may bear heavier concentrations of moisturizers than regular creams and lotions, meaning they've greater potential to choke off pores in the surrounding facial areas.
3. Diet
fields of study demonstrate that diet doesn't play a role in either the cause or the treatment of acne. But, what is recommended for acne preventative care is this: what is best for your body is better for your skin, particularly since your skin is the largest organ of your body. So remember to watch your diet and eat healthy vitamins, minerals and additional supplements. This will help to prevent and help subdue acne breakout.
4. Hygienics
A healthy skin regimen ought to include no harsh scrubbing or over-washing, as this may cause possible skin irritation or potential over production of oil to replace what has washed off, choking off pores in the process. Products with gentle exfoliation components are OK to utilize; i.e. not scratchy nut or fruit shell pieces that may tear skin. And skip alcohol products if possible; these may take off the top layer of your skin and cause your glands to produce more oil, choking off pores in the process.
If you do spot acne-troubled areas, don't mess with them. Remember that these are already weeks in the making, and squeezing or picking blemishes may force the tainted area to regress back inside, further afflicting the region and possibly leave a scar. If essential, seek help from a dermatologist for alternate treatments.
5. Shaving
Shaving for both genders is really an excellent way of exfoliating or removing dead skin to help with the prevention and spreading of acne rather than leaving the remains to choke off pores. And for some light acne cases already in process, shaving may help rid whiteheads and blackheads from the face.
A word of care: for areas with infection or high inflammatory activity (redness, sensitive, open acne, sores, etc.), don’t shave. Or at the very least, utilize a shaving soap for sensitive skin!
By Daily Health Tips
Lifestyle Changes for ACNE
Here are a few tips that have helped 100s of individuals suffering from acne. Hopefully, these will assist you as well.
Water is most beneficial
Water is by far the most effectual treatment for acne. The main support for this claim is the information that water is alkaline (pH 7.3) and could be considered as a natural healing or an almost free acne treatment.
Thus, it's most beneficial that you drink at least 8 glasses of water per day (10 to 12 is best). This will help your body in doing away with oil, waste and toxins, and water even helps to dampen your skin as it keeps your pores from clogging up.
Maybe what is most crucial is that, water helps to relieve stress and relax your body finally, so you could have a better sleep. Note that water and sleep are components that help reduce stress. Along with this, attempt to lessen your coffees, sodas, teas and alcohols uptake as much as possible. The reason behind this is that they're partial diuretics that they drive more water out of the cells of the body than they inject.
Keep away from stimuli
Coffee, tea, smokes, as well as excessive sugar from sweets and soda ought to be avoided. It's frequently stated that anything potential for affecting the whole body, brain and nervous system could easily stimulate the sebaceous glands to release more oil. This oil has to leave the body by the pores, worsening your acne in the long run. Stimulants even trigger tension.
Watch your diet
Note that diet impacts acne. So be heedful with what you eat. As much as possible, try to consume foods that are low in fat, as fats produce more oils in the body that are subject to producing acne.
Keep away from alcohol
A number of individuals call back that alcohol is one of the best ways to relax and relieve tension. Well, alcohol might do this, but studies have determined that alcohol causes the formation of acne.
It's considered capable for producing acne knowing that it's an astringent, thus it shrinks the skin pores, making them more prone to clogging up. Aside from that, alcohol curbs sleep, therefore causing more weariness and stress, leading to worse acne.
Hot and really cold calculate
When thinking about baths, you ought to keep away from hot and very cold water on areas of the skin affected by acne. Utilize warm water instead; maybe well below 98.5 degrees on your skin.
Simple Acne Tips
People with acne ought to wash their faces with warm water and soap or face wash that's especially manufactured for acne-prone skin. Products containing tea tree oil are alleged to be beneficial.
While application of a sun blocker with SPF of 15 or higher is essential while going out during the day, night cream ought to be avoided.
Astringent may be used to cleanse and tone the skin, accompanied by the application of a mild, water-based moisturizer.
Pimples shouldn't be touched frequently or squeezed, as this frequently aggravates the issue and leaves behind stubborn marks.
Tomato, mint, or cucumber juice may be applied on the face and the neck. They provide a blemish-free complexion.
Additionally, a weekly face mask made of almond powder, milk, and rosewater may forestall pimples and lead to radiating skin.
Oil-based make up shouldn't be used on acne-prone skin. Although an assortment of concealers are available in the market to hide skin blemishes, they offer merely a temporary solution. In fact, a few concealers add to acne issues.
Apart from following a skin care regimen established on suitable products, diet needs to be controlled to forestall or cure acne. This is because acne likewise results from digestive disorders. Intake of fried food, sweets, tea, coffee, soft drinks, and alcohol ought to be cut down.
Rather, fresh lime, tomato, or carrot juice may be taken in-between meals.
These help to clean and hydrate the body internally and merely a healthy body may possess flawless, radiating skin.
Consequently, a mix of internal and external care is required to combat acne.