Best Ways to Lose Belly Fat - 7 Tips for Flat Belly

Best Ways to Lose Belly Fat Easily:

1) Exercise early in the morning: Exercising early in the morning can be very good for losing belly fat. Jog or do brisk walking for 30 minutes to 1 hour everyday before breakfast. Morning exercise tends to keep you active for the full day. Being physically active can be one of the best ways to lose belly fat fast.

If you cannot do this everyday, at least try to do it on most days of the week. However, note that exercising alone may not be completely effective in helping you lose belly fat.

2) Avoid drinking alcohol: Alcohol contains high amount of calories. There are 7 calories per gram of alcohol.

Another reason to stay far away from alcohol is that it has a huge impact on the body sugar levels. Studies also suggest that alcohol consumption is likely to increase your appetite leading to overeating and thus affecting your efforts to lose belly fat fast.

3) Avoid junk food: Junk food has become the bane of modern society. We have got so used to it so much that it is difficult to give it up.

But realize that eating too much junk food can be a primary cause for developing lot of belly fat. Eating junk food can raise your appetite levels making you eat more and also eat unhealthy fattening foods resulting in gaining more fat around your stomach.

4) Drink lot of water: Guess what happens whenever you drink lot of water? If you haven't guessed it, here's the answer - you will feel the need to frequently rush to the washroom.

How does this help you to lose belly fat? Actually it is your body's way of releasing water that it has been retaining for long. You may be surprised to know that the more water you drink, the less of it is retained by the body.

So you can lose some water weight and also lose belly fat by drinking more water. Along with this water, unwanted pounds are also shed off by the body.

5) Reducing stress: Just before you think that I have gone nuts, let me explain how stress can come in the way of losing belly fat fast.

Actually, high levels of stress can cause your body to produce a hormone called as 'cortisol'. This cortisol is released in your body during periods of stress and it has been linked to weight gain.

Research seems to point out that stress can hinder with your body's capacity to reduce belly fat. By incorporating stress relieving activities in your schedule and learning how to relax, you can do a world of good to your efforts to lose the belly fat.

So the formula is to relax, avoid tension and thereby stand a much better chance of losing belly fat fast.

6) Eat balanced diet: A balanced diet is very important.

Avoid unhealthy foods and those foods that have high levels of sugar or caffeine. Try going for foods which are rich in nutrients and fiber. Examples are fresh vegetables, fruits, oatmeal, whole grain etc.

Such kind of healthy foods keep your insulin levels even and control blood sugar levels as well as your hunger. Gaining control over hunger means you stand a much better chance of getting rid of belly fat quickly, easily and permanently. Also better to avoid eating processed food as much as possible.

7) Get sufficient sleep: Peaceful, relaxing and restful sleep at night is one of the keys to long lasting health and a strong immune system.

If your immune system is strong, your body can fight off diseases and keep fit. When you are tired, you tend to feel like eating something. This can lead to overeating and developing a pot belly.

Proper sleep at night would ensure that you stay active during the day, and burn more fat by being energetic.

Keep in mind that quality of sleep is more important than quantity. So sleep better if you want to lose belly fat quickly.
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=1628487

Healthy Weight Loss Diet Plan

When selecting a heart healthy meal plan, make sure you are consuming a balanced and complete diet. Your assignment is to set realistic and attainable diet goals. Start by following the simple guidelines below.

Nutritional and Healthy Meal Guidelines

1. Commit to consuming 4 - 6 small meals and snacks everyday.
   
2. To succeed, you must plan ahead by packing your foods the night before. Thus, you should always have fresh and low-fat foods around.
   
3. Keep it simple. Don't get too caught up on the specifics or your diet. Start by simply just counting calories.
   
4. Eat your foods slower.
   
5. Make healthier food selections like fruits, vegetables, whole grain cereals, and beans, low-fat or nonfat dairy products, low fat meats, fish and skinless poultry.
   
6. Avoid foods that are high in fat and calories.
   
7. Avoid foods that are high in sugars such as pastries, candy bars, pies and candy.
   
8. Use a variety of fruits and vegetables in your nutrition plan. Start by trying to eat 5 total vegetable and fruit servings every single day. http://www.changingshape.com/dietandnutrition/mealplans/plans/1517.asp

Natural Remedies and Home Remedies for Yeast Infection

What is a Yeast Infection?

A vaginal yeast infection is usually caused by a fungus called Candida albicans which is normally found in small amounts in the vagina.

It's estimated that three out of four women will have a yeast infection in their lifetime. Factors that contribute to vaginal yeast infection include pregnancy, diabetes, and the use oral contraceptives, steroids, and antibiotics. Yeast infection is also more common after menopause due to declining estrogen levels, which thin the vaginal walls.

Natural Remedies and Home Remedies for Yeast Infection

Here are some natural remedies and home remedies that are used for yeast infection.

• Probiotics

  Probiotics are a popular natural remedy for yeast infection. They are live microbial organisms that are naturally present in the digestive tract and vagina. Probiotics, sometimes referred to as "friendly" bacteria, suppress the growth of potentially harmful organisms such as Candida, which is why probiotic supplements have been explored as a natural remedy for yeast infection.

  The type of probiotic being studied for yeast infections is Lactobacillus, especially Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1, and Lactobacillus fermentum RC-14. In some studies, low levels of Lactobacilli in the vagina have been associated with yeast infection.

  Preliminary lab studies have found that Lactobacilli can block the growth of Candida albicans in the vagina. Some clinical trials support these finding, however, the quality of these studies has generally been poor, making it difficult to draw definite conclusions.

  Probiotics are available as oral supplements. Probiotic vaginal supposities are also available, although they are more difficult to find. To learn more about probiotics, read my article on acidophilus and probiotics.

• http://altmedicine.about.com/od/healthconditionsqtoz/a/yeast_infection.htm

Reduce Eye Puffiness

Eye puffiness is one of the common eye problems, which all of us encounter. The puffiness can range from mild swelling to sagging bags under the eyes. There are various causes of eye puffiness such as water retention, hormonal imbalance, allergic reactions, heredity, excessive intake of salts etc. Water retention is the main cause of eye puffiness. When the amount of salts in the body increase, fluids are required to flush them out of the body. Accumulation of fluids at night, in the areas around the eye, results in puffy eyes. However, reducing puffy eyes is not a big deal as there are several home remedies available for reducing eye puffiness. To know more, read eye care.

How to Reduce Eye Puffiness?

Ice
Ice is the most effective solution to reduce eye puffiness. Wrap a cube of ice in a soft muslin cloth and apply it on the puffy eyes. Alternatively, you can also place a cloth, dipped in ice cold water. Change the cloth when it becomes warm. The first thing you have to do in the morning, when you wake up with puffy eyes, is to wash your eyes with ice cold water. Ice help constrict the blood vessels and prevents them from swelling.

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/reduce-eye-puffiness.html

Healthy Lunch Ideas

By Lara Rondinelli RD, LDN, CDE

Whether you’re packing lunches for school or attempting to eat a healthy lunch at work or home, you don’t have to be stuck with the same peanut butter and jelly sandwich every day. Many times, people with diabetes find it challenging to eat healthy at lunch hour and daily unhealthy choices can lead to high blood sugar levels and weight gain.

Packing or preparing a lunch can really be a great way to start eating healthier. Here are a few nutritious lunch ideas that taste great and can be made in a few minutes.

Healthy lunches with approximately 45 grams of carbohydrate per meal

You may be able to eat more or less carbohydrate. A registered dietitian or certified diabetes educator can help you determine how much carbohydrate is right for you.

• Turkey or ham sandwich on whole-wheat bread, 1 small piece fruit, cucumbers and broccoli with low-fat dip
  
• Green salad with tuna or chicken breast, light salad dressing, 10 whole-wheat crackers, 6 ounces light yogurt
  
• Low-fat chicken salad (see recipe below) in a whole-wheat pita pocket, ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese with 1 cup strawberries
  
• 1 cup bean soup, side salad with low-fat dressing, 5 whole-wheat crackers, 1 cup melon
  
• Turkey wrap (made with whole-wheat tortilla, lettuce, light mayo, tomato and veggies of choice), ½ cup sugar-free pudding
  
• 1 cup tuna macaroni salad (made with tuna packed in water, whole-wheat pasta and light mayo), side salad with light salad dressing, 1 small piece fresh fruit
  
• Spinach salad with grilled chicken breast, light salad dressing, 1 cup berries, 6 ounces light yogurt, 1 slice whole-wheat bread
  
• Healthy frozen dinner (choose meal with about 30 grams carbohydrate and lowest sodium option too), 1 small piece fresh fruit, side salad with light dressing
  
• 1 cup whole-wheat pasta salad with chickpeas and veggies of choice (use light Italian dressing), 1 small piece fresh fruit
  
• Asian chicken salad (grilled chicken breast, lettuce, peapods, carrots, ½ cup mandarin orange slices packed in juice, drained), low-fat sesame dressing, 1 medium whole-wheat roll.

http://www.dlife.com/dLife/do/ShowContent/inspiration_expert_advice/expert_columns/rondinelli_aug06.html

How To Prevent Headache?

Do proper exercise at a fixed time of the day. Try your best to live a tension-free life. Avoid stress. What causes the headache? Try to identify the factors. Is it food, alcohol or oversleeping? Yes, sleeping many times cures and at times causes headache. Taking pain killers so often, your body's natural ability to fight the diseases may vanish if you test it with painkillers. Painkillers are not faithful health agents! They also suppress the pain, without affording it a permanent cure. And when the pain resurfaces, it will arrive with double force!

Herbal products and supplements have been proved to be effective in preventing headaches. Learn relaxation therapy from an expert yoga teacher. Some of the techniques those are bound to be helpful for you to prevent headaches are visualization, meditation, deep breathing exercises and many more. Daily practice of such techniques is a must.

Preventing headache is not a course of medicines, it is a discipline!

http://www.headacheupdates.com/migraine/headache-relief/headache-relief-tips/how-to-prevent-headache.htm

Hand washing: An easy way to prevent infection

Proper hand washing with soap and water
Follow these instructions for washing with soap and water:

• Wet your hands with warm, running water and apply liquid soap or use clean bar soap. Lather well.
• Rub your hands vigorously together for at least 15 to 20 seconds.
• Scrub all surfaces, including the backs of your hands, wrists, between your fingers and under your fingernails.
• Rinse well.
• Dry your hands with a clean or disposable towel.
• Use a towel to turn off the faucet.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hand-washing/HQ00407

How to Be Active At Work

Step 1

Use every chance of moving - There are many times when we need to move from our desk but try to avoid it. Be more active and remember that you need to move. Whether its a phone or reading some notes, instead of sitting in the chair, just stand up and do it. Sitting can also help you in gaining weight.

Move more often - recognise the activity that you are already doing. Congratulate yourself and build on this.

Step 2

Use stairs - Look for every opportunity to use the stairs. Climbing more stairs and avoid escalators, or walk up the escalator.

Step 3

Walk more each day - Try to walk as much as possible. During lunchtime, go to speak to your collegues or organize a walking meeting or work out a convenient time each day and make it a habit.

http://www.ehow.com/how_4603032_be-active-work.html

Freedom from Smoking

"One won't kill you!"

Fed up of dying for a cigarette?

Wish you had never started?

With new government legislation coming into force in England on the 1st of July you will not be able to smoke in virtually all enclosed and substantially enclosed public places and workplaces including both permanent and temporary structures like tents and marquees. Of the 70% of people that want to and those who now need to or have to give up smoking, the majority would agree that they wished they had never started.

All the willpower in the world is not going to stop you smoking. You must have willpower and imagination working together. If willpower and imagination are not working together, then imagination wins every time. Recall a time when you have wanted to go to the gym or for a run, then you imagined that the run or the gym would hurt or be boring or lonely or it was cold and raining, you imagined that your bed that you were lying in was just the most comfortable place in the entire world. Did you get out of bed and go to the gym or for that run?

http://www.marksonnex.com/index.php?inc=22

Fat! It’s the New Smoking!

by Jeffrey Jena

As the Most Powerful Community Organizer in the world pushes through his vision for your future healthcare, his minions are hard at work. Myriad press outlets are blaming fat folks for the rise in healthcare costs. In Obamaland, fat is the new smoking! How and what you eat is the next evil behavior to be controlled by law!

Here is the reason: in the future if you do not conform to the health police’s standards you will be denied access to healthcare. You smokers and drinkers, you fatties and stoners, you are a drag on the system. Your behavior is making you cost too much so go to the end of the government rationing line and hope we get to you. You oldsters and people with chronic conditions take a pain pill. You are a bad risk for successful treatment. In fact, why don’t you do us all a favor and take the whole bottle of pills and check out!

All you kids born in less than perfect health, best of luck! President Obama has already given his opinion on this when he was back in Illinois! All you gay folks with incurable illnesses, those drug cocktails that are keeping you alive are tres expensive! All you folks who are past 60 or 70, your healthcare plan for transplants and serious surgery is to pray you don’t get sick. You see, the best way to control healthcare costs is to give healthcare to as few people as possible! If the government can find some reason to exclude you, it will. Do you think it was hard to deal with your HMO? Try arguing with some government functionary for your kidney transplant. Want a preview? Try to get a little extra service from the post office “civil servant” behind the counter.

Remember way back in September and October when the Candidate Obama was promising you the same healthcare that Senators and Congressman get? I have yet to hear any of them say, “I can’t wait to get on Obamedicade!”

http://bighollywood.breitbart.com/jjena/2009/07/31/fat-its-the-new-smoking/

Eye Health

Your vision is one the most precious gifts you have. Maintaining good vision and eye health throughout your lifetime is important. There are a number of proactive tips that can help you to take care of your most delicate sensory organ—your eyes.

If you are concerned about your eyes you should be mindful of the sun’s rays, working long hours staring at your computer, watching television, pollution and environment, and a poor diet—all which can affect eye health. Simple eye care health tips can help you to protect your eyes from possible damage due to environment and the stress of everyday life.

The UV rays of the sun can harm your eyes as well as your skin. Optometrists say you should wear sunglasses on a sunny day or a cloudy day. Clouds may partially block the sunlight, but UV rays can penetrate clouds. Even if you wear UV-protected contact lenses, you should wear sunglasses to protect the whites of your eyes.

http://www.redhatspeaks.com/2009/04/

Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut, Inc.

The Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut is excited to present the Epilepsy Awareness Bracelet. The bracelet project was made possible by board member Trina Bayles. The purpose of the bracelet is to raise awarness and to help us support our programs and services.

The bracelets are two-toned. One side is red and is printed with the Foundation's name and logo. The other side is blue and is printed with the words "Think Positive." The color blue symbolizes tranquility and represents the hope of people with epilepsy for a life free of stress and the burden of seizures. Red symbolizes change, life-giving power, and healing. It is the color of the Epilepsy Foundation flame and represents the Foundation's mission of working for change so that people with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences. This is the only bracelet being sold where all proceeds go directly to the Epilepsy Foundation and benefit people with epilepsy throughout the country. Please help us raise awareness of epilepsy. Buy some for your family, friends, co-workers, church members, classmates or anyone in your community.

http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/local/connecticut/Bracelets.cfm

Emphysema

Emphysema is a long-term (chronic) lung disease. In emphysema, the tiny air sacs (alveoli) at the end of the airways in the lungs are damaged. When the air sacs are damaged or destroyed, their walls break down and the sacs become larger. These larger air sacs move less oxygen into the blood. This causes difficulty breathing or shortness of breath that gets worse over time. After air sacs are destroyed, they cannot be replaced.

Emphysema is a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is usually caused by smoking. A rare type of emphysema is caused by the lack of a substance in the lungs called alpha1-antitrypsin. This type of emphysema is usually inherited.

http://myhealth.ucsd.edu/library/healthguide/en-us/support/topic.asp?hwid=zm2394

U.S. National Eating Disorder Awareness Week

Last Week in February Highlights NEDA Events and Disordered Eating

© Jeannie Delahunt

By raising awareness through educational events, the goal of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week in the U.S., is to ultimately put an end to eating disorders, body image problems and any relevant issues. This means addressing any problems creating roadblocks to treatment. Roadblocks to treatment include any personal, financial or societal barricades that reduce treatment access.

NEDA (National Eating Disorder Awareness Week) Events

There are two upcoming pledge and awareness walks scheduled:

• Woodland Hills, CA: Pierce College, March 1, 2009, 1:00pm, Hosted by The Bella Vita and TAABOO; and,
• Lexington, KY: Coldstrem Park, March 28, 2009, Check-in 9:45am, Walk 11:00am to 12:00pm.,Hosted by Kimberly Hoffmeiste. [1].

Two walks have already transpired:

• Lowell, MA: UMASS Lowell Campus Recreation Center Indoor Track, February 22, 2009, Hosted by Kolleen Carney, and;
• Seattle, WA: Seattle Downtown YMCA, February 21, 2009, Check-in 10:30am, Hosted by NEDA. [2].

Read more: http://eatingdisorders.suite101.com/article.cfm/us_national_eating_disorder_awareness_week#ixzz0QE2mHpVE

Dysphagia

Dysphagia is a medical condition that causes a person to have problems swallowing. Weak muscles in the mouth and throat areas can cause the problem. A restricted amount of saliva production, problems with the brain affecting the body's nervous system, or damage in a person's esophagus can also cause dysphagia.

Those most commonly affected by dysphagia are the elderly, those who have had a stroke, individuals with multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease, and people with Alzheimer's disease. Those who suffer from nervous system disorders or head, neck, and spinal cord injuries are also more prone to dysphagia. In addition, individuals who have had internal burns from poisoning or radiotherapy, as well as people who have an infection or other problems in the mouth or throat area, are more likely to develop dysphagia.

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-dysphagia.htm

Diphtheria

What Is Diphtheria? What Causes Diphtheria?

Diphtheria is a bacterial infection in the upper respiratory tract. Typically it is characterized by sore throat, swollen neck glands, high temperature and breathing difficulties. Through means of successful immunization diphtheria is now very rare in the United States and Europe. However it's still common in countries where immunization programs are not an integral part of standard public health care. It is a potentially fatal disease with an estimated 5-10% fatality rate. In children under 5 and adults over 40 the fatality rate may sometimes reach 20%.
In the 4th century B.C. Hippocrates described the disease. There are records of descriptions of diphtheria type diseases in ancient Egypt and Syria. A major epidemic swept through much of Europe during the 17th century; during this period it was referred to as the strangling angel of children because it caused the death of many children by suffocation.

Princess Alice, the second daughter of Queen Victoria (Great Britain), died of diphtheria after nursing her children who were infected. Princess Alice's daughter, Princess May, also died of the same disease.

Written by Joseph Nordqvist
Edited by Christian Nordqvist
Copyright: Medical News Today
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/159534.php

You Can Control Your Cholesterol

High cholesterol. You can't see it or hear it. You may feel just fine. But when your cholesterol sneaks up above a desirable level, it puts you at increased risk for heart attack, heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. Combine high cholesterol with other heart risks (such as having a family history of heart disease, being a man over 45 or a woman over 55 years old, being a smoker, or having high blood pressure or diabetes), and you could be in for even more trouble. What can you do? Keep this soft fatlike substance called cholesterol under control by following this guide for low-cholesterol living.

http://www.mercksource.com/pp/us/cns/cns_krames_template.jspzQzpgzEzzSzppdocszSzuszSzcnszSzcontentzSzkrameszSz1292_01zPzhtm

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance found among the fats of the blood. It is important for the development of cell membranes, nerve tissues and certain hormones.

When cholesterol levels become too high, an individual is at risk for atherosclerosis (build up of plaque along artery walls causing narrowing that decreases blood flow and makes blood circulation more difficult). Atherosclerosis causes blockages in the arteries which may result in a heart attack, angina or a stroke.

High cholesterol:

can affect people of a healthy body weight
can be associated with family genetics and lifestyle factors
is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke

By lowering your cholesterol, you can dramatically reduce your risk of heart disease. Although diet affects cholesterol levels, high cholesterol does not just come from the food you eat, in fact an estimated 80 percent of cholesterol comes from your liver.


There are two main types of cholesterol: Low-density Lipoprotein (LDL) and High-density Lipoprotein (HDL).


LDL, the “bad” cholesterol, promotes the build up of plaque in artery walls. HDL, the “good” cholesterol, helps carry LDL cholesterol away from artery walls. Triglycerides, not a type of cholesterol but a type of fat your body uses for energy, are often associated with cholesterol and testing for both is usually done at the same time.


Making sense of the numbers
The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada recommends cholesterol testing if:

you are male and over 40
you are female and over 50 or post-menopausal
you have heart disease, stroke, diabetes or high blood pressure
your waist measures more than 102 centimeters (40 inches) for men or 88 centimeters (35 inches) for women
you have a family history of heart disease or stroke.

http://www.asebp.ab.ca/cholesterol.html

Varicella (Chickenpox)

What is chickenpox?

Chickenpox (varicella) is a very contagious and common viral infection. Chickenpox infections occur year-round, but most occur during the winter and spring months. Most people are first exposed to chickenpox during early childhood. In otherwise healthy children, chickenpox usually is not a serious illness, although its severity can vary from person to person. Chickenpox in teenagers, adults, and people with immune system problems usually is more severe and more likely to cause complications.

What causes chickenpox and how is it spread?

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is a type of herpes virus. The virus is spread much like a cold–it usually enters through your respiratory tract after an infected person sneezes, coughs, or shares food or drinks. Similarly, you can get infected with chickenpox if the virus gets on a your hands and you don't wash them before you touch your mouth or face. Chickenpox can also spread from skin-to-skin contact when open sores develop. A person infected with chickenpox can spread the virus before they develop any symptoms.

http://ipaki.com/content/html/139/1113.html

What is celiac disease?

Celiac disease is a digestive disease that damages the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. People who have celiac disease cannot tolerate gluten, a protein in wheat, rye, and barley. Gluten is found mainly in foods but may also be found in everyday products such as medicines, vitamins, and lip balms.

When people with celiac disease eat foods or use products containing gluten, their immune system responds by damaging or destroying villi—the tiny, fingerlike protrusions lining the small intestine. Villi normally allow nutrients from food to be absorbed through the walls of the small intestine into the bloodstream. Without healthy villi, a person becomes malnourished, no matter how much food one eats.

http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/celiac/

Blood clots

Blood clots are the clumps that occur when the blood hardens from a liquid to a solid (coagulates). A blood clot that forms inside a blood vessel or within the heart and remains there is called a thrombus.
A thrombus that travels from the blood vessel or heart to another location in the body is called an embolus. The disorder is called an embolism. For example, an embolus that occurs in the lungs is called a pulmonary embolism.
Sometimes other materials can act like an embolus and block blood flow, including:
Air
Amniotic fluid
A piece of atherosclerotic plaque
Fat clumps
Small pieces of tumor.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001124.htm

How to be Active During Winter and the Holidays

I know this time of year can begin to get challenging, as the days get shorter, darkness arrives earlier, the weather is cooler, television beckons you to curl up on the sofa by the fire, and the holidays tempt you with high calorie goodies!
While I hope you will read the detailed exercise guide in the related questions on the right side of this page, here are a few tips that may help.
Any exercise is better than none; the benefits are well worth it, as physical activity can help relieve stress, improve your mood, lower blood glucose levels, and help with weight control. Incorporate exercise into your daily activities by considering the following:
Schedule daily exercise on your appointment calendar so you don’t give up a very important part of self-care during this busy time of the year.
Go for regular walks every day. Take comfortable shoes to work with you to walk on your breaks and avoid scheduling meetings at lunchtime. Consider wearing a pedometer to keep track of your steps each day.
Park further away when you are out doing errands.
Walk briskly when shopping.
Use the stairs instead of the elevator at department stores. If going up the stairs is too hard, start by only walking down the stairs.
Walk around the block after you take out the trash.
Switch to a stationary bike.

By: Judy Kohn, RN, BSN, CDE
Posted: 04.01.2009

http://www.myfreestyle.com/fs/d/en_US/50.80:80/how-to-be-active-during-winter-and-the-holidays

Active Families

How to start being a healthy active family?

- Parents, become a healthy lifestyle role model for your children

- Help set goals to support and encourage your family to be active everyday.

- Make healthy eating and physical activity changes at home

- Encourage active transport instead of using the car

- Spend some time trying new things with your children.

http://www.harboursport.co.nz/Information/Getting+Active/Active+Families.html

Back Pain - Prevention and relief

The more time you sit in front of a desk, driving and sitting in front of the television, the more aware that you must be of avoiding back pain.
Back pain affects your whole life and Putnams offer a full range of Back pain prevention and back pain relief products. You will find full dedatils of our products: Tempur pedic style mattresses, mattress toppers, lumbar pillows, mattress overlays, coccyx chairs, Visco memory products, lumbar support and mobility products, orthopaedic pillows, wedges, neck pain relief products, etc.

http://www.putnams.co.uk/back-pain-care-information.htm

Autism

What is Autism?

As a student at a disability-friendly school, I wanted to know more about different kinds of disabilities and disorders that can affect the brain for students to cause them to not be able to learn and live like normal teenagers. Hitting the Internet, I started to look for these disabilities and disorders and found out about Autism.
I have heard of Autism before, but never actually got the understanding of what it actually was. All I knew was that it was a disorder than affected people and how they were psychologically and socially. It had sparked my interest and I started to research what it was.
Pronounced [aw-tih-zum], Autism is known to be the most common disorder that affects the brain in children in today’s society. It used to be that it was a rare disorder about ten years ago but it has been affecting more children, an increase of 600% from ten years ago. It now affects 1 in 150 children around the world and doctors still do not understand what actually causes this disorder. Parents who find out that their child is autistic are overwhelmed on that fact and struggle to come to terms that their child will never be ‘normal’.

http://articles.mibba.com/Health/1983/Autism-What-is-it

Anemia

What Is ?
Anemia is a condition that develops when your blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells. These cells are the main transporters of oxygen to organs. If red blood cells are also deficient in hemoglobin, then your body isn't getting enough iron. Symptoms of anemia -- like fatigue -- occur because organs aren't getting enough oxygen.

Anemia is the most common blood condition in the U.S. It affects about 3.5 million Americans. Women and people with chronic diseases are at increased risk of anemia. Important factors to remember are:
Certain forms of anemia are hereditary and infants may be affected from the time of birth.
Women in the childbearing years are particularly susceptible to a form of anemia called iron-deficiency anemia because of the blood loss from menstruation and the increased blood supply demands during pregnancy.
Seniors also may have a greater risk of developing anemia because of poor diet and other medical conditions.
There are many types of anemia. All are very different in their causes and treatments. Iron-deficiency anemia, the most common type, is very treatable with diet changes and iron supplements. Some forms of anemia -- like the anemia that develops during pregnancy -- are even considered normal. However, some types of anemia may present lifelong health problems.

http://www.hipusa.com/webmd/encyclopedia/anemia/index.html

Alzheimer’s Disease

Dementia is a brain disorder that seriously affects a person’s ability to carry out daily activities. The most common form of dementia among older people is Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which initially involves the parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language. Although scientists are learning more every day, right now they still do not know what causes AD, and there is no cure.
Scientists think that as many as 4.5 million Americans suffer from AD. The disease usually begins after age 60, and risk goes up with age. While younger people also may get AD, it is much less common. About 5 percent of men and women ages 65 to 74 have AD, and nearly half of those age 85 and older may have the disease. It is important to note, however, that AD is not a normal part of aging.

by: Ma. Minelli Pichay

http://nursingcrib.com/alzheimer%E2%80%99s-disease/

ACL Injuries

Most ACL tears occur during sports like basketball, football, soccer and skiing. ACL injuries usually occur when you slow down suddenly, pivot with a firmly planted foot, or twist/overextend the knee, causing stress to the knee and stretching the ACL beyond its limit. Landing awkwardly from a jump can also cause an ACL injury.
ACL injuries tend to occur more often in women than men, although the exact reason for this is unclear. Some experts have suggested it may be due to differences in anatomy, hormones, strength or conditioning. Research has shown that wearing cleats during aggressive pivoting activities may increase the risk of ACL injuries.
To diagnose a torn ACL, healthcare providers will need to know as much detail as possible about how the injury occurred. Details may include
How the injury felt and whether you heard/felt your knee pop
Whether the injury swelled immediately afterward
Whether you were unable to continue being physically active.

http://www.asebp.ab.ca/acl.html

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic but manageable condition. Asthma occurs when the main air passages of the lungs, the bronchial tubes, become inflamed. The muscles of the bronchial walls tighten and cells in the lungs produce extra mucus which further narrows the airways resulting in minor wheezing to severe difficulty in breathing. In some cases, breathing may be so laboured in which case an asthma attack becomes life-threatening. If you are affected by asthma, your healthcare provider will work you to control asthma, reduce the severity and frequency of attacks and help maintain a healthy and active life.
Although many people with asthma rely on medications to relieve symptoms and control inflammation, the following are some recommendations which may assist you to maintain overall health and maintain control of this chronic condition.
Understand your condition and take control of your treatment by identifying what triggers your symptoms. Follow your treatment plan and use medications appropriately.
Organize your day and pace yourself. Remember to take breaks between tasks and avoid activities that make your symptoms worse.
Talk to others with your condition; connecting with others that face similar challenges will re-enforce that you are not alone. Online chat rooms and message boards or support groups in your community can be sources of support.
Ensure adequate exercise. Regular exercise, 30 minutes of exercise on most days, can strengthen your heart and lungs. Improve sedentary lifestyles by starting slowly and try to gradually increase your activity over time. Also, activities such as golf, walking and swimming are less likely to trigger attacks, but be sure to discuss any exercise program with your healthcare provider.
Clean regularly to help minimize dust. Change furnace and air conditioning filters at least once a year and if you use a humidifier, change the water daily. Ease pet dander with regularly grooming them to reduce the amount of dander in your surroundings or by avoiding pets with fur or feathers.Source: Apple-a-Day The Lung Association of Canada.

http://www.asebp.ab.ca/asthma.html

Who’s at Fault with Youth Obesity?

We’ve all heard about the “childhood obesity epidemic,” but the truth is it’s not about kids who are too lazy to exercise or parents who are too lazy to cook healthy food. It’s about the ways that we’ve built our communities and designed our food system over the last fifty years. Why don’t our schools stay open after hours so that families have a safe place to hang out and play? Why don’t local stores offer anything besides liquor, cigarettes, and junk food?

http://99problems.org/tag/health-care/

HEALTH CARE PROGRAMS

• Access for Infants & Mothers (AIM)
• California Children Services (CCS) Program
• Child Health & Disability Prevention Program (CHDP)
• Health Families • Kaiser Permanente Cares For Kids
• Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Supplemental Nutrition Program.

http://www.ladpss.org/dpss/health_care/dpss_health_care_access_manual.cfm