heart-healthful

Heartburn and Vitamins

2009-01-02T00:00:00.001-08:00

Heartburn symptoms can often be relieved if sufferers make a few lifestyle changes. Many people can significantly reduce the occurrence of symptoms by avoiding heartburn triggers and behaviors that contribute to acid reflux flare-ups. Not everyone suffers from heartburn, even when they eat spicy foods. For millions of people, however, heartburn is a chronic condition. There are several reasons an individual's heartburn will occur. While these things can cause heartburn in people who only have occasional episodes, they can be big triggers for those suffering from chronic heartburn.

It isn't just food that can cause heartburn. Sometimes it's the medications we take to treat other conditions that can be the culprit. Some medications can cause heartburn by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach contents to reflux back up into the esophagus. For those who suffer from heartburn the symptoms can be unbearable at times. For some, prescription medication is necessary to treat heartburn. There are also vitamins that can be taken along with prescription medications to help provide some relief of the symptoms of heartburn.

Before discussing any vitamins and supplements that can be beneficial in relieving the symptoms of heartburn, I must stress that you talk to your doctor before adding anything new to your diet. Although it is rare, certain vitamins, supplements and herbs can react adversely with prescription medications. It is also important to research the vitamins you are interested in taking, as some are not well tolerated by those with stomach disorders and can be more harmful than good.

Below is a list of some of the most common vitamins, herbs and supplements that can be used to help relieve and manage the symptoms of heartburn.

Vitamin C: (250 mg to 500 mg twice per day) useful in temporarily reducing your stomach acidity.

B Vitamins: are essential for proper digestion and energy production. Choline, pantothenic acid, and thiamin are B-complex vitamins tha! t can ha ve long-term digestive benefits. Choline is an important element of the fat-digesting substance known as bile. Having too little choline in the body can interfere with the body's ability to produce bile and digest fats properly, and increases the risk of developing gallstones Vitamin B-complex includes several different components, each of which has the potential to interact with drugs. It is recommended that you discuss the use of vitamin B-complex and your current medication(s) with your doctor or pharmacist.

Folic Acid: (400mcg per day) is a B vitamin needed for cell replication and growth.

Vitamin D: serves to maintain mineral homeostasis by regulation of calcium absorption in the gut.

Zinc: (30mg per day) is an essential mineral that is a component of more than 300 enzymes needed to repair wounds, synthesize protein, help cells reproduce, boost immunity, and protect against free radicals, among other functions.

Sodium helps maintain a healthy acid/ alkaline balance

Calcium: supplements can provide quick relief from heartburn. Calcium may also help the body in the long term: Calcium is not just stored in bones, but circulates the body in the bloodstream and helps to produce the hormones and enzymes that the body needs for regulate energy release, proper digestion, and metabolism.

Aloe Vera: is another fast-acting supplement that acts as an anti-inflammatory, and frequently helps soothe the irritation in the esophagus that can be caused by heartburn. Aloe Vera has been used in Europe and Japan to relieve heartburn and ulcers for many years.

Steven Godlewski is currently working with a Liquid Vitamins company PillFreeVitamins.com They are the #1 distributor for Life Force International products. He has an extensive background in nutrition as well as other health related fields. For more health-related articles see their website at: www.pillfreevitamins.com

Preventing Heart Attacks

2009-01-01T15:00:00.001-08:00

Prevention is better than cure. This adage holds true especially for heart disease. It is better to give attention to your cardiac health after your teenage years. Identifying risk factors and striving to keep them low is an important first step in preventing heart attacks. It is noteworthy that the American Heart Association recommends preventive measures for heart attacks to start by age 20.

The first occurrences of heart attacks can be fatal. Hence, it is advisable to identify the possible cause of heart attacks and steer clear of them. Preventing a second heart attack is also possible if proper medication and follow-ups are in place.

Medical professionals advise the following preventive measures:

Decrease blood pressure levels. High blood pressure causes stroke. This leads to disability that is often permanent. To reduce blood pressure, reduce the salt level in food and consume medication as per doctor?s orders.

Stop habits like smoking and drinking.

Improve blood cholesterol levels. It is important to increase the percentage of high density lipoprotein (HDL) in blood. At the same time, reduce bad cholesterol or low density lipoprotein levels. Cholesterol in the form of fat triggers heart attacks. It is advisable to reduce intake of saturated fats. Diet and exercise need to be combined with medication to improve blood cholesterol levels.

Maintain a proper height/weight ratio. Obesity is a cause of heart attacks. Eating at the right time and in small quantities reduces weight and improves the health of the heart. Pay attention to your body mass index.

Remain physically active. Performing routine activities, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, playing with kids, and running errands keep you physically active all day.

Control diabetes. When diabetes goes out of control, there are chances of silent ischemia or heart attacks. Diabetics are prone to having cardiovascular diseases due to factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, o! besity a nd reduced physical activity.

Eat healthy in combination with exercise. It is important to eat foods that are low in cholesterol and saturated fat. The in take of omega-3 fatty acids reduces the chances of sudden death. It is also important to eat on time and in small portions. Skipping meals leads to heartburn, which causes unnecessary complications. A low amount of spice, salt and fatty substances ensures a healthier heart. You need to combine this diet with a meditation and exercise regime to stay fit.

Take medicine as prescribed by physicians. ACE inhibitors, aspirin, multivitamins and beta blockers are prescribed by physicians to prevent recurrent heart attacks. All of these reduce atherosclerosis, and improve survival of the patients. Continue consultation with heart specialist.

Lastly, undergo follow-up testing to see if additional therapy is required.

Heart Attacks provides detailed information on Heart Attacks, Heart Attack Symptoms, Preventing Heart Attacks, Treatments For Heart Attacks and more. Heart Attacks is affiliated with Congenital Heart Disease.

Overactive Immunity Syndrome X and Diet: Two New Studies

2009-01-01T05:00:00.001-08:00

The latest data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) shows that an unhealthy diet causes inflammation, which in turn causes heart attacks (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, June 2006). Doctors can measure how active your immunity is with blood tests such as CRP, homocysteine, and IL-6. MESA showed that a diet high in fatty and processed meats, flour, high-fat diary products, fried potatoes, salty snacks or desserts is associated with high levels of blood markers for inflammation. In contrast, whole grains, fruits, nuts, green vegetables and fish were associated with very low levels of these markers.

When a germ gets into your body, your immunity is supposed to make proteins called antibodies that attach to the germs and paralyze them and cells that gobble them up. However if your immunity stays active, these same antibodies and cells start to destroy your body. An overactive immunity is called inflammation, and it increases your risk for heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, arthritis, asthma and many other diseases and conditions. Here is more evidence that eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and other seeds reduces inflammation, for a longer and more healthful life.

Another study from Brussels, Belgium found that people who suffer from the metabolic syndrome should increase their intake of omega-3 fatty acids found in seafood, seeds and many vegetables. (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, June 2006). Metabolic syndrome, or syndrome X, means you have any three of the following: abdominal obesity, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, high blood sugar or high blood pressure.

Omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce the amount of fat in the liver and muscles. Excess fat in the liver prevents the liver from removing insulin from your bloodstream, causing high blood insulin levels and leading to diabetes. Omega-3 fatty acids lower blood levels of triglycerides, and lowering triglycerides raises blood levels of the good HDL cholester! ol. Ome ga-3s also lower the fraction of heart attack causing small, dense LDL cholesterol. They also reduce inflammation and clotting, widen arteries and lower high blood pressure. That's why most doctors recommend a Mediterranean type of diet that includes plenty of fish, vegetables, beans, nuts and other seeds.

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Dr. Gabe Mirkin has been a radio talk show host for 25 years and practicing physician for more than 40 years; he is board certified in four specialties, including sports medicine. Read or listen to hundreds of his fitness and health reports -- and the FREE Good Food Book -- at http://www.DrMirkin.com

Natural Cures for Indigestion Heartburn and Nausea

2009-01-01T00:00:00.001-08:00

When I think of indigestion, heartburn and nausea, the popular ad campaign for Pepto Bismol with the dancing symptoms starts playing in my head. Then the pink chalky residue comes to mind, ew. So what is a natural health girl to do when she has a stomach ache? Consult the herbalists and alternative medicine gurus, of course.

The main symptoms of indigestion include abdominal pain, a burning feeling in the upper abdomen, nausea, heartburn, bloating, belching, vomiting and flatulence. Sounds like a good time, eh? Please do consult with your alternative medicine practitioner if you have a chronic problem, but if it is just the occasional malady, here are a few natural remedies that may help:

Indigestion Prevention ? Drink a mixture of one teaspoon ginger and two tablespoons baking soda in cold water before eating to avoid indigestion altogether.

Bananas ? Ripe bananas are actually natural antacids that help to soothe the lining of your stomach. I guess that is why pediatricians often recommend them when the little ones are not feeling well.

Cider Vinegar or Lemon Juice ? Add either of these to hot water and drink to alkalize the acid in your stomach if you do not have a banana handy.

Tea ? The following teas are excellent for indigestion: ginger, peppermint, fennel, lemon balm, cinnamon, slippery elm powder.

Why water=bad with a meal ? Yes, the glass is on the table at dinner, but you shouldn?t drink while eating according to experts. Water can dilute the gastric acid in your stomach which causes indigestion.

Victoria Jerman Dravneek, a.k.a. The Office Coach began her corporate career as an Administrative Assistant for children's book publisher, Scholastic Inc. in 1994. Within six years, she was the Vice President of the NYC-based web developer Affinity Online. She is Director of Editorial and Marketing on Modern Sage, a Women's Natural Health Magazine.

Looking for more articles by Victoria? Visit her blog at Fresh Contents.Com now, where she is authoring m! ore arti cles like this.

The Healing Arts: A Firetender's Lesson Part Three Holding A Sacred Trust

2008-12-31T15:00:00.001-08:00

Nobody knows how far back the Chips' lineage goes. It's fair to surmise that it went way back, perhaps thousands of unbroken years along with the Sioux. The records start in the early 1800s with two boys from different families who were orphaned at an early age. They were adopted by a Grandmother, who raised them as brothers. One's name was Woptura (Wo-p-tuch-ha). The other one's name was Curly, who, as he got older became known as Crazy Horse.

Woptura was recognized early on as carrying the Medicine. Some say he is one of the Immortals. It was he who made the medicine bundle that Crazy Horse wore in his hair that kept him impervious to bullets in war. (Crazy Horse did have his jaw shot through by the jealous husband of a lover, but that was the only such wound he suffered in his time, and never in war.)

The day that Crazy Horse was lured into a nearby fort and held captive, family legend has it that Woptura rode behind him, furiously trying to catch him to give him back the bundle upon which he had been making repairs. He was too late. Crazy Horse, unprotected for perhaps the first time in many years, had been killed.

Woptura lived in very turbulent times. Around the turn of the century, all the Sioux children were taken from their families and put into Missionary Schools. Speaking the Native languages was forbidden, and all practicing of the medicine ways, songs, ceremonies, and rituals was banned at the risk of heavy punishment by the government.

An old man by now, Woptura went underground and kept the medicine ways alive. John Fire Lame Deer states that all Lakota Medicine people today trace their lineage back to Woptura. It was Woptura, most believe, who originated the Yuwipi ceremony.

Woptura had a son who inherited his Medicine. He was named Charles Horn Chips. Chips was the best the government agents could do when the family tried to explain that woptura was the thin, fine particulate film that lies on the very top of pond water. Others described it as the very fi! ne powde r from ground buffalo horn. Even today, some members of the family spell their name Chipps to distinguish themselves from the government designation.

Charles Horn Chips had a son named Ellis. Ellis did not inherit the powers yet he was a tremendously accomplished Singer who went on to create the Sioux National Anthem. Ellis, living on the Pine Ridge Reservation, married a woman named Victoria from the Rosebud Reservation, about 75 miles East, and they had three sons.

When it was found that the youngest, Godfrey, would talk to the Spirits during Yuwipi Ceremonies (as offered by Horn Chips), Ellis obtained government permission to remove him from Grammar School and take on the full-time duty of training him in the Medicine ways. To the best of my knowledge, Godfrey was the last Medicine Man to have been granted that privilege. The edict, which I saw, stated that if father and son, or Godfrey alone were found in town on a school day, they would both be jailed. Ellis brought his son from Medicine Man to Medicine Man for his trainings, while also teaching him all that he himself had learned while assisting his Father.

It was quite a while before I became familiar with this history. For the longest time, all I knew was that this family, whom I was quickly learning to love, carried something very powerful and special when their intent was focused on the good of others, and it was in their blood.

I had been brought to some people to be shown an example of Spirit in action. They allowed me to learn and participate with them in the sacred ceremony and ritual of their people. They were extremely controversial amongst their people. Ellis had been told by Spirit in the 1980's that the Cannunpa was for everyone. They were the only Traditionals at the time who welcomed seekers of all colors and orientations into what had once been almost exclusive territory to people with Native American blood. By way of explanation, Charles offered, There's a lot of Indian spirits around, and not enough indian ! bodies t o come back to.

Not once was I told what or how to believe. I was always directed to continue to cultivate my own relationship with Spirit, to build my own medicine, to find how Spirit spoke to me so that I could then help others. If I ran into their Lakota spirits in the process, well then, it wasn't for me to swallow what I was told about them, it was my challenge to build a relationship with what was really there.

And this was why, when I was asked about Sundance, even at that early juncture in my relationship with the Chips, I knew it wasn't Godfrey's request.

Next: A brutal reality.

Russ Reina shares over 35 years of experience in the healing arts through his web site http://mauihealingartist.com. It is a potent resource for those wishing to deepen their abilities in connection and develop their powers as healers. For a powerful free tool to explore your inner world, please check out his adjunct site http://thestoryofthis.net

(Permission is granted to reprint this article, unedited, provided proper attribution is made and the signature line -- the above resource paragraph -- is kept intact)

Listen to Your Heart

2008-12-31T05:00:00.000-08:00

If I were your (sweet) heart I would most likely be yearning for your attention right now. To make my point, I invite you to take this allegorical trek with me. Pretend that your heart - your one and only sweet heart that lives inside your chest - could actually talk to you. What would it have on its mind right now?

The heart of the problem

We treat our hearts like the wheels on a Daytona 500 racecar. But when it wears out we can't pull into the pitstop and snap on another one. We've only got one. Like other internal organs, we often ignore our hearts. We live our lives satisfying our desires, and forming habits that endanger the health of our heart, and our lives as well.

Unhealthy heart habits you can avoid

Now I speak to you from the heart (literally). You pretend you do not realize how your actions hurt me day by day. You neglect to exercise. Haven't you seen the volumes of scientific evidence that tell you how much I benefit from aerobic exercise?

Will you wait until you feel that burning in your chest, then you go for an aspirin? That might be too late. And how about all those chemical stimulants you subject me to every day? The caffeine in your coffee makes you feel good, but it makes me work harder. And the alcohol. That affects me too. Narcotic drugs... oh, those are even worse. You don't even go there.

From the first time you tried smoking, I knew you were not thinking about me. Don't you know that I suffer whenever your other organs are damaged. It's more difficult to pump blood through damaged lungs and clogged arteries. You are killing me. When will you cut down on your animal fat and cholesterol intake? You're killing me, and you need to realize this fact: When I die, so do you.

Help change the statistics - Exercise

Research is showing that approximately 1,200,000 new and recurrent coronary attacks occur per year. Don't you realize that heart disease (696,947) is the leading cause of deaths in America. And most of this could be prevented b! y regula r physical exercise.

Compare this to the number of deaths from cancer (557,271), stroke (162,672), chronic lower respiratory diseases (124,816), accidents or unintentional injuries (106,742), and diabetes (73,249). And I (your heart) suffer whenever any of those other conditions happen as well... I die from strokes too (cry, cry, cry).

Tell me, can't you control your blood pressure and lose some weight? I don't want it to have to end like Nellie did. She grew up a beautiful young girl of normal weight. Then she became lax in her eating habits and did not exercise. For years I overworked myself pumping blood past body fat and through partially clogged arteries.

She thought about her weight and how she looked, but never about me. Her main concern was how she could fit into her favorite dress again. I couldn't take the neglect anymore. I attacked her one morning. She died at age 45.

Now, I don't want to have to fail you that way. I am your one and only sweet heart. I've been working for you from before you were born. I have been taking care of you even while you sleep. Take care of me, please. Won't you?

Ple-e-e-ease... just listen to your heart, now!

References:
Das, S.R., et. al., (2006). Increased Cardiovascular Risk Associated With Diabetes in Dallas County. American Heart Journal, May; 151(5);1094-1100.
Luddington, A., Diehl, H., (2002). Health Power. Hagerstown: Review & Herald
National Center for Health Statistics; Deaths-Leading Causes, URL: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/lcod.htm

Bentley writes about lifestyle-related conditions such as diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular diseases. He advocates the anti-diabetes diet which he describes on his website. You may visit his website and blog using the following URLs: http://www.anti-diabetes-diet-supplements.com/ and http://choosehealthtoday.blogspot.com

Breaking the Cholesterol Myth

2008-12-31T00:00:00.000-08:00

Have you seen the latest drug commercial? You know, the one where the guy is walking down a spiral stair case with numbers printed on each step gradually going lower. He?s talking about how your doctors have told you that now you need to get your cholesterol even lower than you did before. It?s a myth; and a dangerous one at that.

Let?s start with just a bit of very basic biology.

What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is part of a group of compounds called sterols. Cholesterol is primarily produced by the liver, however, every cell in the human body is also capable of making cholesterol.

What is the role of cholesterol? Cholesterol is used by the body to form cholic acid which is then used to make bile salts. Bile salts are necessary to digest fat. In addition, cholesterol is necessary for the production of adrenal and reproductive hormones such as DHEA, pregnenolone, progesterone, testosterone, estrogen, aldosterone and cortisol. Cholesterol is also used to make the skin impervious to water and other substances that may be harmful to the body as well as to bind with toxins in the blood which will then reduce inflammation protecting the nerves, brain tissue and heart.

Biology lesson over. We can now understand why cholesterol is important. So why has it been give such a bad rap?

The myth started when scientists determined that there was a correlation between cholesterol in the blood and heart disease. If you had the wonderful opportunity to take any sort of research classes in school, you might remember that a correlation doesn?t mean anything. It simply means two things are present at the same time. This is like circumstantial evidence, just because someone is found holding the gun, doesn?t mean they pulled the trigger.

Working to lower cholesterol as a way to treat heart disease is kind of like getting a bunion removed because you have a headache.

It?s important to note that cholesterol levels that are too high should be addressed. But what is too ! high? I t used to be that what were considered normal were readings between 0 and 200. Anything above 200 was said to indicate heart disease. This was recently lowered to 0 to 169. But why was it lowered? Statistics show that heart disease rates are not improving. Despite statin drugs that are designed to lower cholesterol, people are still dying of heart attacks and more and more individuals are being diagnosed with some form of heart disease. The drug manufacturers certainly don?t want to admit that their drugs aren?t working as intended (even though they are somewhat successful at lowering cholesterol), so they decide that it?s because the cholesterol levels are not low enough. If they drop the normal ranges, then they can sell more drugs and pass the buck for the continuing trend of heart disease.

The natural health experts are still out but there seems to be an unwritten agreement that levels between 175 and 230 are ideal. Levels below 150 or above 250 may indicate the need for more attention but do not necessarily indicate heart disease. There are better methods for determining the risk of heart disease; the ratio between LDL and HDL for example. Better yet is a test gaining popularity and much media attention for something called C-reactive Protein. While it isn?t healthy to have extremely high cholesterol, it also isn?t healthy to have very low cholesterol.

A short word about statin drugs
Despite no scientific evidence showing that statin drugs reduce the risk of heart disease and despite evidence that they are not as successful in the real world for treating cholesterol as they had shown to be in the studies, statin drugs are one of the most commonly over-prescribed drugs in the US. Statins have many side effects, including increasing the risk for heart disease. Statins deplete CoQ10, an important co-enzyme for cardiac health. In addition they lower antioxidant levels, cause headaches, fatigue, memory loss, difficulty sleeping, and, of course, liver damage.

It?s impor! tant to be proactive with your health. Don?t let your doctors be the complete authority just as you wouldn?t trust the salesman to give you all the details when making a large purchase. Do your own homework.

Nicole Bandes is a Certified Herb Specialist that has been helping others to regain their health and vitality since 1999. Nicole?s weekly column allows her to share her knowledge to simple questions regarding the use of natural supplements and keep her readers educated on the latest news regarding natural supplements.

The Fitness Stress Test

2008-12-30T15:00:00.001-08:00

It is recommended that adults over the age 35, who never have exercised before, obtain medical clearance. This is necessary for the protection of the individual?s health and from any fitness professional?s legal perspective. Also, the questionnaire consent/waiver form in Appendix A should be completed for further legal protection and for the medical doctor's perusal.

VALUE OF A STRESS TEST

A stress test should be completed by all mature adults and individuals age 35 or older who are sedentary. Individuals who possess one or several coronary risk factors, such as high HDLs, a smoker, high BP, or if the individual has not seen a physician within the last 5 years should undertake a stress test.

A stress test becomes even more crucial for those over 65 as it is difficult to determine the over 65's tolerance for activity. It also is necessary to determine presence or absence of myocardial ischemia (a temporary deficiency of blood supply to the heart caused by an obstruction), either prior to an exercise program, while in relatively good health, or as a post-coronary test to indicate damage levels and a therapeutic program. A stress test is not a substitute for complete history and yearly physical examinations, but it is a viable test that can pick up on problems that would preclude a person's participation in an exercise program or indicate required modification of a program in accordance with physical problems.

Fitness professionals or physicians should explain in advance to the individual to be tested what is involved. This helps to increase motivation and for the individual to exercise for longer and with less anxiety. The individual will need to:

-Wear proper clothing (tracksuit) and comfortable running or walking shoes.

-Refrain from eating for 2-3 hours prior to the test, so that digestion does not interfere with optimal blood flow.

-Refrain from smoking for at least 1-2 hours, since smoking can impair cardiovascular capaci! ty.

< p>WHAT OCCURS

The stress test conducted by the physician can be performed with a motorized treadmill, bicycle or arm ergometer. Often if the individual suffers from lower body maladies, or if a return to work after an illness involves strenuous upper body activity, the arm ergometer may be used to produce a more accurate test.

The stress test is designed to challenge the body to a safe but necessary level to reveal irregularities that are unlikely to show when at rest. Usually an undiagnosed heart disease appears only during vigorous exercise. The narrowed coronary arteries may supply enough blood to the resting individual, but, as oxygen needs rise, electrocardiographic abnormalities indicate a problem. The physician will look for evidence of ischemia and its effects in rhythm disturbances (tachyarrhythmias or bradyarrhythmias), aortic and mitral valve disease, significant hypertension, and myocardial disease.

The stress test usually will not take more than 10 minutes. Exercise for longer will measure endurance rather than aerobic capacity (VO2max). During any physical activity, the body responds as follows:

-Heart rate increases

-Systolic BP increases

-Diastolic BP remains the same or decreases

-Cardiac output increases

-Systemic vascular resistance decreases

-Coronary blood flow increases

-Myocardial O2 demand increases

The client is tested at 85-90% of predicted maximal heart rate, although some doctors do not advance the test this far as they feel it is unnecessary to do so ? usually as a safety precaution. Doctors even may stop the test once the client reaches his or her target heart rate. There is one serious drawback to this approach. There is variability in maximal heart rate of individuals within each specific age group. For example, the predicted heart rate of a 60-year old at 85% maximum heart rate is approximately 132 bpm. Because there is a standard deviation, some individuals being in b! etter he alth and others in worse health for any age group, or at least less tolerant to exercise strain, it is possible that some people may have a maximal heart rate well above or below 132 bpm. If an individual's heart rate is above or below the age-specific level, the result will be unreliable in that it is difficult to determine the safety or severity of the test. The strain may not be enough, or too much. Therefore, it is necessary for the physician to motivate the client safely to his or her limits to determine the proposed intensity of the exercise program, and for the client, or the client?s personal trainer, to know at what level the body was stressed sufficiently.

VO2max is another important consideration of the stress test and this correlates well with physical fitness at least in a cardiorespiratory and cardiovascular sense. The amount of oxygen consumed by the myocardium is dependent on oxygen demand: heart rate, contractility, and wall tension. The individual will exercise until the oxygen demand by the myocardial cells exceeds the ability of the stenotic coronary artery to deliver oxygen. In other words, exercise continues until the coronary reserve has been exhausted. At this point, ischemia is induced and exercise must be terminated. During the exercise test, if the individual experiences pectoral angina, intense dyspnea or unusual changes on the electrocardiogram, or significant rhythm change due to a heart block or ventricular disturbance, an unsupervised exercise program may be contraindicated.

The test may be stopped for reasons other than reaching a VO2max upper threshold or having chest discomfort; fatigue, dyspnea, and musculoskeletal problems may cause the mature adult to discontinue exercise. The test also will be terminated if the blood pressure drops as the work increases. Blood pressure is recorded before the test, at an exercise peak, and at recovery. Diastolic BP should remain constant, but could increase slightly because of ! anxiety. It then could decrease once the test begins. Systolic BP usually increases by 60+/-25 mm Hg in males 50-64 years of age, and by 40+/-20 mm Hg in women in the same age group. For example, if the systolic BP fails to increase, or initially increases then drops by more than 20 mm Hg during exercise, then it may indicate severe left ventricular dysfunction. Should the systolic blood pressure fall more than 30mm Hg, then an unsupervised exercise program may be contraindicated.

Sometimes the stress test shows heart complications when, in fact, extrinsic factors are responsible, and this will cause a false-positive result. These include:

-Hypertension

-Fasting

-Drug use (e.g., antidepressants) - the physician will take into account the effects of any medication the individual may be taking

-Malfunctioning ECG recording equipment

-And a host of other minor heart complications that should not stop an individual from participating in an exercise program.

It will be up to the physician to remove the causative agent and re-test the patient. This especially is necessary to discover if the patient is asymptomatic or has the potential for a high exercise capacity. A false-negative test resulting from an extrinsic factor is even more disturbing as this would indicate failure to diagnose the presence of abnormal coronary arteries. It then is up to the physician to rely on other test procedures and for the individual or the fitness professional to monitor progress carefully and to supply the physician with any information in regard to physical difficulty during exercise.

If the test is performed properly, and there is a negative ECG response to exercise, the test does not indicate coronary disease necessarily. Rather, it implies a risk factor that must be taken into consideration when an exercise program is created, and that there must be close monitoring of the individual?s health and fitness level.

CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR A STRESS! TEST

-Acute myocardial infarction (heart attack)

-Uncontrolled congestive heart failure

-Acute inflammatory cardiac disease, e.g., active rheumatic heart disease, myocarditis

-Acute asthma or pneumonia

-Blood pressure greater than 240/120 mm Hg and uncontrolled

-Acute renal (kidney) disease

You may publish this article in your newsletter, on your web site, or other publications, so long as the article?s content is not altered and the resource box is included. Add byline and active link. Notification of the use of this article is appreciated, but not required.

Brian D. Johnston is the Director of Education and President of the I.A.R.T. fitness certification and education institute. He has written over 12 books and is a contributing author to the Merck Medical Manual. An international lecturer, Mr. Johnston wears many hats in the fitness and health industries, and can be reached at info@ExerciseCertification.com.

Visit his site at http://www.ExerciseCertification.com for more free articles.

How to Survive a Heart Attack

2008-12-30T05:00:00.001-08:00

Most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Common symptoms of a heart attack are:

- Chest pain that does not clear up after resting or taking angina medications. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

- A feeling of a crushing weight against the chest and profuse sweating.

- Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

- Nausea, vomiting, and cold sweats.

- A feeling of indigestion or heartburn.

- Fainting.

- A fear of impending death (angor animi).

Other symptoms of a heart attack are:

- Shortness of breath.

- Dizziness, weakness, and fainting.

- Abdominal pain.

If you think you are having a heart attack get help immediately. Each year up to 460,000 people die of heart disease in an emergency department or before reaching hospital. That's up to 60% of cardiac deaths.

The first 3-6 hours are critical. By getting help early you greatly increase your chances of survival and greatly lessen permanent damage to your heart.

Take 1/4 tablet of aspirin and make sure that the emergency health providers know so that an additional dose isn't given. And tell the emergency health providers that you think you are having a heart attack.

Kevin Davies is webmaster of preventingheartfailure.com and author of Preventing Heart Failure eBook. In this eBook you'll learn how to significantly reduce your risk of heart disease. To buy Preventing Heart Failure please visit http://www.preventingheartfailure.com

Acid Reflux Symptoms

2008-12-30T00:00:00.001-08:00

The typical cause of heartburn or acid reflux is when acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus. If your lower esophageal sphincter is not normal, stomach contents may flow back into your esophagus and cause heartburn. Stomach acid flows into the esophagus (called acid reflux), causing the burning sensation. Acid reflux is caused by stomach spasms which cause acid.

Many believe that acid reflux symptoms affect the heart or mistakenly diagnose acid reflux as a heart related problem. In fact acid reflux has nothing to do with the heart - it is a digestive problem. Indeed for most people, a proper eating habit may help fixing the heartburn problem. Eating high-fiber bread instead of white bread, and exercising for 30 minutes at least once a week, decreased the odds of getting heartburn. Keeping a daily diary for a week can help keep track of specific food items and circumstances related to episodes of heartburn.

One is solution to eliminate acid reflux is to stop smoking. After a meal, when the stomach is full, smoking increases the chances that you will suffer from acid reflux. Loss of weight can also reduce stomach acid reflux. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to heartburn in their third trimester as the growing uterus puts increasing pressure on the stomach.

Here are some easy things that doctors recommend:

Wait at least three hours before going to bed after eating.

Sleep with your head at least 8 higher than your stomach so that gravity can help keep stomach acids from coming up into your esophagus.

Avoid exercising or bending over right after eating.

Eat 5 or 6 small meals a day instead of the three, traditional, big ones.

Acid reflux tends to be more of a problem at night, while you are lying down or sleeping. Having the head and shoulders higher than the stomach lets gravity work to keep acid from refluxing.

If heartburn is a continual or severe problem, it's a good idea to see your doctor. In patients with acid reflux, the he! art valv e pressure is usually low, which is the root of the problem. Some people have only an occasional acid reflux symptom. For others, however, acid reflux and regurgitation are persistent, chronic symptoms that return several times a week, if not every day.

Medical evaluation of heartburn is recommended for individuals who experience persistent symptoms several times a week. If acid reflux (heartburn) occurs on two or more days per week despite the measures discussed above, you should consult your family doctor. For chronic reflux and heartburn, the doctor may prescribe medications to reduce acid in the stomach.

Susanne Garris is a stay at home mom. But that doesn't mean she isn't at work. Susanne works as a research assistant and freelance writer on a variety of subjects. Her private research is devoted to blogs you can find at: http://www.acid-reflux-symptoms.blogspot.com

Acid Reflux Symptoms

2008-12-29T15:00:00.001-08:00

Here are some easy things that doctors recommend:

Wait at least three hours before going to bed after eating.

Sleep with your head at least 8 higher than your stomach so that gravity can help keep stomach acids from coming up into your esophagus.

Avoid exercising or bending over right after eating.

Eat 5 or 6 small meals a day instead of the three, traditional, big ones.

Acid reflux tends to be more of a problem at night, while you are lying down or sleeping. Having the head and shoulders higher than the stomach lets gravity work to keep acid from refluxing.

The Difference Between Aerobic and Anaerobic Exercise

2008-12-29T05:00:00.001-08:00

There are two main types of exercise. Aerobic and Anaeobic exercise. Let's start with the first one. Aerobic literally means with oxygen. Aerobic exercise has an important distinction; it burns fat as its main fuel. Can anyone find a use for this? Anaerobic means without oxygen. Anaerobic burns sugar as its main fuel. Despite popular myth, exercise doesn't have to be drastic to provide massive physiological benefits. Even light exercise will burn fat.

Light exercise clears out lactic acid (a waste product in the body) and stimulates cells to regenerate. To ensure you're exercising aerobically (burning fat) rather than exercising anaerobically, it's important to ensure you do several things as you exercise.

The most important is to breathe deep as you exercise. Breathe in deep into your stomach through your nose, hold it and then exhale hard through your mouth.

Secondly, make sure that you exercise at a level that's comfortable. Exercise at a level of 7/10. You should still be able to carry on a conversation while you exercise. Do this for at least 45 minutes a day and notice your energy explode.

Do you think you don't have time to do this? There is always time. Use the time you would have spent sleeping to replenish your body. I guarantee that you'll need less sleep. Use the time in your lunch break to exercise. The increase in productivity will have you more on the ball, and save you time through the dramatic increase in productivity. See, with the increased oxygen from aerobic exercise your brain speed and efficiency increases. Ride a bike, walk, swim or play sport.

Rebounding (or cellularise as it's now known) is one of the best forms of aerobic exercise around. If you have access to a rebounder, use it. Use any break you have whilst working to engage in some form of movement and deep breathing.

Exercise also strongly benefits the heart. It literally makes it a larger and stronger organ. Deep breathing makes the lungs stronger and larger. Research is now linking ! exercise to helping benefit and prevent almost every type of disease or ailment. Movement of any joints promotes blood flow and creates energy. Sitting down all day actually robs the body of energy. If you sit down all day it?s absolutely vital that you promote blood flow, circulation, energy, brain flow and the strength of your heart.

Dr. Edward Steiner has dedicated over 15 years to understanding nutrition and articulating complex information simply. He has worked internationally with indivduals who wish to improve their lives through the proper use of exercise and nutrition. He has condensed the best information he has discovered in 15+ years into one place at http://www.energyboostnow.com.

Reverse Heart Disease With A Heart Healthy Diet

2008-12-29T00:00:00.001-08:00

The condition of your heart is definitely linked to a heart healthy diet.

A heart healthy diet begins with the types of food on your plate and the ability you have to maintain an ideal body weight.

In addition to weight loss, the following heart healthy diet ideas are important for the maintenance of heart health and for reversing heart disease:

1)Reduce the amount of red meat in your diet. Red meat is high in artery-clogging saturated fat. It is best to stick to a red meat free diet which includes healthier protein options like chicken, fish, egg whites, tofu and beans.

2)Steer clear of all trans fatty acid products. Trans fatty acid is found in certain margarines, salad dressings and processed floury goods such as crackers and cookies. Read the label and avoid products containing partially hydrogenated fat.

3)Serve up a colorful plate. Each meal you eat should include a variety of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables contain elements called phytochemicals which help to prevent and even reverse disease processes like heart disease and cancer.

4)Fill your diet with lots of high fiber foods. This heart healthy diet tip includes slow-cooking oats, bran, beans, fruits and vegetables.

5)Pass on refined flours and sugars that rank high on the glycemic index. Keep to lower glycemic, more wholesome foods such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds.

6)Include omega-3 fatty acids in your heart healthy diet. Omega-3 fats can be found in oily cold-water fish, nuts, seeds, flaxseed oil, omega-3 eggs and in fish oil supplements.

To learn more about trans fatty acid products visit: http://hearthealthydietideas.blogspot.com

Sherrie Le Masurier is a freelance writer and former personal coach who writes extensively on nutrition, fitness and family health. For more heart healthy diet tips visit http://www.hearthealthydietideas.blogspot.com and http://www.healthandwellnessmatters.blogspot.com - Copyright.

Benefits of Walking

2008-12-28T15:00:00.001-08:00

Walking

Walking can be an easy yet effective way to burn calories. Walking is great because it requires no equipment, except a comfortable pair of shoes. Walking can burn calories alone with toning leg muscles. Many people take just plain walking for granted, but it is a very effective and cheap way of losing weight.

Here are a few tips on how to walk to achieve the maximal benefits.

PACE:

Go at a pace which your heart rate is within your target heart range. You should do this at least 3 days a week for 20 minutes. If you can walk everyday that would be great also. Walking has a very low risk or injury. Walk faster to burn more calories in a shorter time.

TREADMILLS:

Even though I perfer walking on regular ground a treadmill can be a very effective way to burn calories. One advantage of a treadmill is you can do it inside and the incline can be adjusted. If you raise the incline slightly you can burn more calories.

MOVE YOUR ARMS

Swinging your arms also helps burn calories while walking . Make sure your arms are between 90 and a 145 degree angle at the elbow. Make sure the arm is locked so the pivotal part of your swing is at your shoulder.

We are a group of personal trainers certified through AFFA. Our goal is to provide good Health and Fitness advice.

Preventing Heart Disease: What to Eat

2008-12-28T05:00:00.001-08:00

About 12.6 million Americans currently have heart disease.

1.1 million Americans will experience a serious heart event this year.

One in four Americans have some form of cardiovascular disease. Every 34 seconds one American will die as a result of cardiovascular disease.

No other disease claims as many women's lives as cardiovascular disease. One American woman dies each minute as a result of cardiovascular disease.

Around 700,000 Americans will have a stroke this years. That's one stroke every 45 seconds.

HEART DISEASE IS THE SINGLE BIGGEST KILLER OF AMERICANS. IT KILLS AS MANY AMERICANS AS THE NEXT 5 LEADING CAUSES OF DEATH.

One important step in reducing your risk of heart disease is to change your diet.

These are what you should consume more of:

1. Vegetable oils, nuts, seeds and fish.

These foods contain monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fatty acids. These are good for the heart.

Monounsaturated fatty acids help increase the level of good cholesterol.

There are three chemical subgroups of unsaturated fatty acids called essential fatty acids. These are omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish oils (docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaneoic acids), plants and seeds (alpha-linolenic acid) and have significant benefits. For example they improve your good cholesterol levels, reduce your overall heart disease risk and may reduce your chances of developing an irregular heart rhythm.

The American Heart Association and other experts recommend that you should get most of your unsaturated fats from omega-3 fatty acids

Omega 6 fatty acids are found in corn, safflower, soybean, and sunflower oil. However a high consumption of omega-6 fatty acids will result in weight gain and will give you a higher risk of getting certain cancers and some chronic diseases.

Omega-9 fatty acids are found in canola and olive oil. They may also contain chemi! cals tha t block the harmful affects of omega-6 fatty acids.

Eating fish twice a week will improve your good cholesterol, lower your chance of dying from heart disease, and improve your blood pressure. Choose oil fish like salmon, mackerel, or sardines as they are the most healthy and are high in omega-3. Avoid fish that are high in mercury like shark, king mackerel, tilefish or swordfish. Fish is the best source of protein and is better for your cardiac health than chicken or lean meat.

The amount of polyunsaturated fat that you eat should be up to 10 percent of your daily calorie intake. The amount of monounsaturated fat that you eat should be up to 15 percent of your daily calorie intake.

2. Oats, lentils, potatoes, apples, pinto beans, citrus, black beans and barley.

These foods contain soluble fiber that helps increase your levels of good cholesterol. Soluble fiber may also reduce blood pressure.

When you increase the amount of soluble fiber in your diet you should also increase the amount of water that you drink.

3. Wheat bran, whole grains, seeds, nuts, legumes, and fruit and vegetable peels

These foods contain insoluble fiber. Eating insoluble fiber may help with weight lost and lower your risk of heart disease.

4. Soy products (not soy sauce).

Soy products are rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, as well as providing all essential proteins.

5. Green tea.

Green tea is rich in chemicals that protect against bad cholesterol.

6. Coffee.

Coffee contains phenol, a chemical that helps stop oxidation of bad cholesterol.

7. Potassium-rich food like bananas, oranges, pears, prunes, cantaloupes, tomatoes, dried peas and beans, nuts, potatoes, and avocados.

A potassium-rich diet can help you achieve healthy blood pressure levels and reduce the risk of you having a stroke by 22 to 40%. However too much potassium can cause stomach pain, muscle weakness and in rare cases, dangerous heart events.

8. ! Water

Many heart risk factors are made worse by dehydration. In a 2002 study it was found that if you drank five or more glasses of water a day you had lower risk of a fatal heart event than if you drunk two or fewer glasses a day.

9. Alcohol.

One or two glasses of alcohol a day will help protect your heart. However heavy drinking will harm your heart.

The DASH Diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension)

The DASH diet is a diet that is clinically proven to significantly reduce blood pressure. It emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products. It recommends:

- Avoiding saturated fat and choosing monounsaturated oils such as olive or canola.

- Choosing whole grains over white flour or pasta.

- Eat fresh fruits and vegetables every day.

- Eat nuts, seeds, or legumes daily.

- Eat modest amounts of protein, preferably from fish, poultry or soy products.

To get the DASH diet click here or point your web browser to :

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/hbp/dash/newdash.pdf

You can also find information on lowering your blood pressure here or by pointing your web browser to:

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/hbp/hbplow/hbplow.pdf

Staying Healthy in Summer

2008-12-28T00:00:00.001-08:00

Seasons change, and your body and mental outlook change with them. And because human beings are a part of nature, our bodies react to the season in predictable ways. Oriental medicine combines knowledge of seasonal characteristics with your unique health situation to balance your energy (chi) to help you adapt and thrive during this season of luxurious growth. Here are some things to consider for staying healthy as you enjoy summertime.

The Fire Element
Every season is associated with one of the Five Elements, and for summer, the element is 'Fire.' Summer weather is typically hot, and relatively damp. For example, the muggy feeling you experience during summer comes from heat causing dampness to condense and rise as it gets hotter. As on the outside, so on your inside: in summertime, there is a tendency for dampness to accumulate within your body.

Summer Health Problems
During summer, some typical heat-related problems are: rashes, headaches and feelings of irritation. For example: Blood pressure may rise from too much heat trapped in the body; damp-induced blister rashes, or boils can erupt on the skin; and if you have eczema, you may experience more occurrences of it in the summer.

Summer Health Tips
It's important to drink enough water and eat the right foods to ensure you're meeting your body's summertime needs.

Drink more water. Because it's hot and you perspire a lot during the summer, the average amount of water you should drink in a 24-hour period is 48 ounces ? this includes all fluids, such as, juice, soda, and other beverages. (Note: 48 ounces is the equivalent of 6 eight ounce glasses.) When you are sweating more than usual ? as on some days in the summer ? drinking more is advisable. It's important to pay attention to how you feel, and drink more when you're thirsty.
Monitor your intake of salt. An imbalance of salt in your body ? too much, or too little ? can readily occur when temperatures are hot. You will know you're getting too! much sa lt if you find that rings you wear get tighter, and socks or shoes that fit you comfortably during cooler weather, leave lines or wrinkles on your feet or ankles because of too much fluid in those areas.
Eat cooling foods. Cucumbers, mung beans, and watermelon are particularly good foods to eat in the summer. They help to keep your body cool, and because of their diuretic properties, they also help to offset excess salt intake.

Stay Healthy
So enjoy your summer and help ensure your health by being conscious of a few simple things you can do for yourself and your family:

Drink enough water.
Monitor your salt intake.
Eat cooling foods.

Get Help If You Need It
If you experience any heat-related symptoms that don't clear up quickly, call a qualified Oriental medicine practitioner for an appointment to get a prescribed formula of medical herbs to help alleviate your symptoms and address the problem ? before it becomes more advanced.

Kitty Bradshaw is a licensed acupuncturist, with an advanced clinical degree in Oriental Medicine. Studying and working with Oriental Medicine since 1986, Kitty combines Traditional Oriental Medicine with Taoist healing methods to offer healing possibilities beyond the level of standard health care. Her deep understanding of Chinese medical herbs, combined with her intuitive abilities to diagnose and treat difficult problems, has helped many people regain and maintain their health.

For a FREE phone consultation to find out how Oriental Medicine can work for you, go to http://www.biom.net to contact Kitty and sign-up for BIOM's complimentary newsletter.

Holistically Healing Heartburn

2008-12-27T15:00:00.001-08:00

Millions of people suffer from the symptoms of heartburn every day. Those with acute cases of heartburn may have a condition called acid reflux or gerd (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

Any form of heartburn is an unpleasant experience, to say the least. The splashing up of stomach acid into the esophagus and throat can be quite painful and potentially dangerous. In extreme cases, where the esophagus is continually damaged by the reflux of stomach fluids, a condition called Barrett?s Esophagus can develop. This condition is a precursor to esophageal cancer.

Barrett?s Esophagus occurs when chronic acid reflux or esophagitis is not controlled. Through constant inflammation and damage, the normal cells that line the esophagus called squamous cells turn into specialized columnar cells. Columnar cells are not normally found in human beings and can become cancerous.

The physical cause of heartburn is the improper functioning of the LES (lower esophageal sphincter). This ringed muscle at the bottom of the esophagus, relaxes in order to allow food to enter the stomach. This muscle then retracts in order to keep the digestive fluids where they belong. It is when this muscle is too relaxed or damaged, that the stomach fluids can escape up into the esophagus thereby causing acid reflux.

There are many possible causes of acid reflux. The foods that we eat play an important role. Food that is too acidic can aggravate this ailment. Not chewing food properly, eating meals that are too large and lying down within three hours of eating can all contribute to acid reflux.

Certain foods and beverages can cause the LES to become lazy. These culprits include smoking, drinking alcohol and prescription drugs. Raw onions and garlic, fried foods, chocolate and foods that are too spicy can also cause the LES to relax.

There are two ways to treat this condition. They are the allopathic medical and the holistic approaches to disease. The allopathic medical way is to prescribe c! ertain d rugs such as H2 receptor antagonists, which include Tagamet and Zantac, or PPI drugs (proton pump inhibitors) like Nexium and Prilosec. These medicines slow down the production of stomach acid and are the two main types of pharmaceutical acid suppressors.

This pharmaceutical approach is dangerous in that it impedes the proper digestion and assimilation of food. There are also numerous harmful side effects associated with these drugs. Drugs only treat the symptoms of a disease or condition. They are not intended to cure. If the drug companies created drugs that cured they would soon go out of business.

The alternative way to treat acid reflux is holistically. Holistic by definition means considering a whole thing or being to be more than a collection of parts; Treating the whole person rather than just the Symptoms of a disease.

Using alternative remedies, which are natural and have no side effects, is certainly the safest and most effective approach. These treatments are also far less expensive than drugs. Holistic treatment, unlike drugs, can actually cure the condition or disease.

In order to develop acid reflux, we must first have an acidic system. By treating the whole body, acid reflux will disappear. What we eat and drink determines the PH of the body.

Vegetable juices, like raw potato, celery and cabbage are very alkaline in nature and are helpful in correcting an acidic stomach. Papaya juice contains the digestive enzyme papain, which has a soothing effect on the stomach and aids in the breaking down of protein.

Slippery Elm, bladderwrack and marshmallow, belong to a category of herbs called demulcents. These herbs aid digestion by decreasing inflammation and by soothing the affected areas. They form a protective barrier against stomach acid and other digestive irritants.

There are many holistic ways to cure acid reflux. Meditation can be of great help. Start by doing deep breathing exercises for ten minutes. Keeping the eyes closed, visuali! ze you s tomach, LES, esophagus and throat as young, pink, tender and perfect. Continue to breath and picture yourself in perfect glowing health. See yourself eating slowly in a relaxed atmosphere, enjoying your food. Picture the food being digested and assimilated in a perfect manner. Feel all the parts of your body working in perfect harmony together.

Yoga can also be very beneficial to the body as a whole. Loosing weight and regular exercise are important as well. Drinking copious amount of pure water not only flushes the system of toxins, but dilutes stomach acid during periods between meals.

The holistic approach to healing is the medicine of the future. We can all be a part of that future now.

? 2006 Wind Publishing

For more information on how to heal acid reflux the natural way, go to: http://www.refluxgoneforever.com

Mr. Richey is a self-educated expert on how to cure acid reflux disease, by natural means and has written an extensive report entitled, REFLUX GONE FOREVER, Natural Acid Reflux Remedies.

For more information on how to heal acid reflux the natural way, go to: http://www.refluxgoneforever.com

LCarnitine For Health & Muscle Growth: What You Need To Know About LCarnitine

2008-12-27T05:00:00.001-08:00

L-carnitine is a nutritional supplement that has been touted by body builders and other athletes as a safe and helpful way to create bigger and more efficient muscles. Some physicians and researchers have looked at L-carnitine to prevent muscle wasting in people who need kidney dialysis; alternative medicine purveyors suggest that L-carnitine may stop cellular aging. In order for you to make a healthy decision about using L-carnitine, we?ve put together some information any potential buyer should have.

What is L-carnitine, anyways?

L-carnitine is a modified amino acid, produced in the liver. Most amino acids form the building blocks of proteins, which in turn provide much of the structure and function of the body. L-carnitine is different than amino acids in that it doesn?t form a part of a protein; instead it serves as a delivery van, moving fats into specialized parts of our cells, where they can be used for energy.

Several conditions can result in lowered L-carnitine levels, including:

-rare genetic (hereditary) conditions -loss of L-carnitine during dialysis (the mechanical process used to clean the blood in patients whose kidneys can?t manage it) -certain persons (for example, premature babies) who may not get enough L-carnitine in their diets and cannot make adequate amounts in their livers

Where can I get some?

Most people synthesize (make) enough L-carnitine for their needs in the liver. You can also get significant amounts in your diet from:

-ground beef -pork -milk -fish

Even strict vegetarians generally make enough that they don?t need to eat meat to have the needed L-carnitine ; they can also get small amounts from sources like avocado, whole wheat bread and asparagus.

Should I be taking L-carnitine supplements?

People who have a liver condition that doesn?t allow L-carnitine to be synthesized need to take L-carnitine supplements in order to survive; this is also the case for people who are born with kidneys that excrete L-carni! tine in large amounts.

Because L-carnitine is so important in creating energy, many people swear by it to enhance their athletic activity. They feel that this is particularly important in their muscles, which often need lots of energy in order to increase in size (as in body building) and to function over long periods of time (in marathon runners).

Unfortunately, studies to date have not shown conclusively that supplementation improves athletic performance or muscle bulk. Some research suggests though that larger studies need to be done to see if there is an effect on certain types of exercise or certain sub-groups of athletes.

There is a little more evidence that L-carnitine may be useful for people with conditions that lead to loss of L-carnitine, for example:

*Aging. Some studies suggest that energy and memory losses may in part be due to decreased levels of L-carnitine in older rats and mice; L-carnitine has been shown to partially reverse these changes. Large studies are planned to see if L-carnitine has this effect on aging humans

*Heart damage. Several studies in humans suggest that L-carnitine supplementation after myocardial infarction (heart attack) may help the heart repair damaged cells and help it function better. L-carnitine even seems to help people who are having angina - the pain that sometimes precedes heart attack.

*Muscle loss from kidney disease. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of L-carnitine in dialysis patients to prevent and treat carnitine deficiency that is caused by kidney disease and dialysis. While it does not work for all patients who experience muscle weakness and loss, it is available as an alternative if standard treatments aren?t working.

The Short Answer...

Unless you have one of a few specific conditions, it?s not yet clear whether L-carnitine will help you with your goals. Since for some people (including those with seizure disorders, who have Alzheimer?s disease, or who are pregnant and nursing) L-c! arnitine supplements may be dangerous, your best bet might be to wait until more information is available.

Sources Used:

Brass E., ?Supplemental carnitine and exercise,? American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 72, issue supplement 2, p 618S-623S, 2002

Davini P, et al ?Controlled study on L-carnitine therapeutic efficacy in post-infarction,? Drugs Under Experimental and Clinical Research, Volume 18, issue 8, p 355-365, 1992

Hagen T., et al. ?Feeding acetyl-L-carnitine and lipoic acid to old rats significantly improves metabolic function while decreasing oxidative stress,? Proceeds of the National Academy of Science, Volume 99, issue 4, p1870-1875, 2002

National Kidney Foundation, ?Adult Guidelines for Maintenance Dialysis: L-carnitine,? update 2000

Sakurauchi Y, et al., ?Effects of L-carnitine supplementation on muscular symptoms in hemodialyzed patients,? American Journal of Kidney Disease, Volume 32, p258-264, 1998.

Sein, H., ?Carnitine and its precursor, gamma-butyrobetaine,? In: Kramer K, et al, eds. Nutraceuticals in Health and Disease Prevention, New York: Marcel Dekker, Inc, p 217-256, 2001

Wachter, S. et al, ?Long-term administration of L-carnitine to humans: effect on skeletal muscle carnitine content and physical performance,? Clinica Chimica Acta, Volume 318, issues 1-2, p. 51-61, 2002

Learn more about health, diet and exercise at our weight loss forum.

PhenForum.com is a popular discussion forum for weight loss programs, diet advice, and tips to help you burn fat.

All the best,

Ian Mason

The Truth Behind Heartburn Myths

2008-12-27T00:00:00.001-08:00

Heartburn is a medical condition manifested in an uncomfortable sensation in the chest. This happens when acid goes back up into a person?s esophagus. Heartburn is often related to gastroesophageal reflux disease. There are a number of medical studies to pinpoint the causes and possible treatments for heartburn, but there is still no single solution for this ailment. As such, there have been a number of myths and fallacies behind this condition.

Most people believed that particular food or drinks could cause heartburn. This is not the case. Heartburn is caused by biological dysfunction. Of course having a good diet is always a good thing, but do not expect that heartburn will be gone in a snap if you change your lifestyle or the food you eat.

Excess acid is the main cause of heartburn. This statement is somehow incorrect. Studies show that individuals with heartburn have normal counts of acid in their stomach. Heartburn actually happens if acid has gone in the wrong direction as, it goes to the esophagus instead of into the stomach.

It is common knowledge that heartburn causes harm in one?s esophagus. Actually, heartburn caused by acid reflux could also increase the risk of asthma and chronic cough. It could also cause sore throat and discomfort in your throat and vocal cords.

Heartburn is not caused by stress. A lot of people blame stress for every ailment. Although there may some amount of truth to this, it is rare that stress is the main cause of heartburn. But it is advised not to go through a lot of physical stress that can cause ulcers that may in turn lead to heartburn.

Most people sit up during sleep to prevent heartburn attacks at night. There is no need as medical experts suggest that sleeping on one?s left side is the recommended position during sleeping time. This will allow acid to clear out faster in your esophagus. You can also sleep on a slightly high pillow as it allows the acid to stay in your stomach rather than being reverted back to the esophagus, whi! ch would consequently cause heartburn.

There is a solution to heartburn. When you drop by your doctor for advice, he would prescribe medication. There is also over the counter drugs that you can purchase to relieve the symptoms of heartburn. Medication coupled with proper diet and clean lifestyle would surely help you in dealing with heartburn.

Jason Rickard is the owner of Your Favourite Shop - Offering Self Help CDs - Visit Health Resources for more articles.

Acid Reflux Symptoms

2008-12-26T15:00:00.001-08:00

Here are some easy things that doctors recommend:

Wait at least three hours before going to bed after eating.

Sleep with your head at least 8 higher than your stomach so that gravity can help keep stomach acids from coming up into your esophagus.

Avoid exercising or bending over right after eating.

Eat 5 or 6 small meals a day instead of the three, traditional, big ones.

Acid reflux tends to be more of a problem at night, while you are lying down or sleeping. Having the head and shoulders higher than the stomach lets gravity work to keep acid from refluxing.

Lowering Cholesterol For Busy People

2008-12-26T05:00:00.001-08:00

Cholesterol Dictatorship

Don't you have enough this brainwash? You should? You must be frustrated to hear over and over what you should or what you shouldn't eat, like you don't know yet? But you do know very well, and if you still have problems with high Cholesterol? you are not alone.

You are bombard with the advice on nutrition, but one thing is left out which makes that advice obsolete?

Food is not the answer for most people!

Food is either: synthetic or over processed, over pesticides and over radiated - in short - building materials are missing?

The Secret Is Out

Our population is hunted by high Cholesterol including small children thanks to the same foods, which are so glorified.

How anyone can consider food as reliable nutrition source, where the meat and the poultry are treated with hormones?

I found it almost ironic that so many experts keep sending message that you can keep Cholesterol low just on nearly empty diet. Please... don't consider isolated synthetic Vitamins and Minerals a healthy solution. It is not, and never will be.

In reality, not many people can afford to shop in the Health Food Stores, so they are relaying on the food chain industry.

The trust is wrongly placed?

Over processed food is difficult to digest, and as the result fat is more difficult to utilize, and the consequences are devastating: Heart Disease, High Cholesterol, Diabetics and Strokes are the results what food can do?

So? what is the solution? I like to tell you about wonderful solution to this problem later but first, regardless how high or how low is your Cholesterol level one thing is certain? Prevention is the key to longevity.

Yes, yes there are zillions of products on the market but... You are still hoping for something better and you should?

Fat paranoia... again and again you are told to avoid fats just to keep Cholesterol normal but? it is not the fat it is your liver that should be processing fats and if your liver is ! congeste d, it won't happen. And don't forget about the sugar? You don't want to miss this info?

Avoiding bad fats it is always a good choice but sometimes it is difficult so? what you can do? You need nutrients to utilize those good fats and bad fats even when you sleep.

Your peace of mind is priceless?

And the best part is that you don't need 100 different supplements to get better, you need only one and the guessing is not involved.

Low LDL (bad Cholesterol) it is not enough to keep you away from Heart Disease. Know your Risk Factor first, and discover breakthrough details on Self-Healing and how to wakeup the Doctor within you?

One Stop Self-Healing Web Site

Freelance writer from Europe: Bo Jeune-Fille Background: Alternative Medicine and Biochemistry. For more tips on Self-Healing visit http://www.best-lowering-cholesterol-links.com
Ask@best-lowering-cholesterol-links.com

Coronary Artery Disease

2008-12-26T00:00:00.001-08:00

Coronary heart disease is a condition that arises from increased amounts of atheromatous plaques that gather within the arteries. Many people who develop this condition may not begin showing symptoms until years after they have initially developed the disease. The most dangerous symptom of this disease is a heart attack, and this will generally occur after the atheromatous plaques break apart and begin restricting the flow of blood into the heart. Coronary artery disease is a common cause for sudden death.

This condition is known for having varying extremes. Certain people can be defined as being asymptomatic, and will have an early form of the disease where the flow of blood is not blocked. Doctors who perform coronary angiograms at this point may not be able to detect the disease because the lumen within the artery has not been reduced in size. However, the atheromatous plaques will grow into the walls of the arteries, and once they cause the lumen to expand, the blood flow will be restricted. Many researchers believe that this process took many years to occur, but there have been some cases where the plaque would rupture, and the progression of this disease would increase much faster than normal.

If the atheromatous plaques do not block more than 70 percent of the artery, patients will typically not begin showing the symptoms that are associated with the disease. Once the atheromatous plaques block more than 70 percent of the artery, the patient will begin showing symptoms. The heart will begin working harder to increase the amount of blood that flows to it, and the lumen may nearly become completely blocked. A patient who is in this situation will typically have suffered from multiple heart attacks, and may have angina as well. The restriction of blood flow to the heart is called ischema, and the cells will starve because they don't have oxygen.

There are a number of things responsible for the development of coronary artery disease. Smoking or being overweight is a common cause, ! while a lack of vitamin C can also lead to the development of this condition. There is also evidence that this disease is genetic in nature. Someone who comes from a family where many members have developed coronary heart disease will be much more likely to develop it themselves. People who have large amounts of triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins have an increased chance for developing this condition. Angina is defined as the pain a patient will go through when they have an advanced form of the disease.

Coronary artery disease is very common in the West, and has been called the number one killer of Americans. The best way to avoid it is to avoid smoking and reduce the amount of cholesterol in your body. People who are overeweight will want to exercise and avoid foods that are rich in saturated fats. Those who live a sedentary lifestyle will want to go out as much as possible to be physically active. It is also important to make sure you consume decent amounts of vitamin C.

Michael Colucci is a writer for Coronary Artery Disease which is part of the Knowledge Search network.

Belly Fat The Silent Killer!

2008-12-25T15:00:00.001-08:00

Ask any expert and they?ll all agree that EATING is what keeps your metabolism in ?fat burning? mode, while hunger forces the body into starvation mode, causing it to use it's fat supply sparingly. Your body does this as a self-defense mechanism. If you don?t provide food to supply yourself energy, fat is then used in its place. When this happens, the body instinctively burns the fat at a much slower pace...the stomach being the last place fat is used up.

During your restful night, the lack of food consumption triggers this starvation mode; consequently, your metabolism slows down. This is the reason that you've heard for years that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Eating breakfast will kick-start your metabolism as it recognizes that there is no longer a need to conserve the fat for energy. Thus, your body begins to use your fat source again at a normal pace.

So, if eating is what causes your body to continue to burn fat, the key is to learn what foods cause you to lose the weight, not gain it. FYI, there are secret ingredients that manufacturers use that cause Food Addiction, (you're addicted to their products so you continue to purchase them) shut down our Appetite Control, (you're able to eat much more than you normally would/could/should) and cause us to gain weight, mainly Belly Fat! This is extremely beneficial for the manufacturers because you buy more, eat more and the ingredients are cheaper than the healthier additives; thus, increasing profits again. It's certainly a win, win, win situation for the companies who choose to pois.on our foods with cheap substitutes. Not only are these ingredients highly addictive, but also, they lurk in foods that manu.facturers call ?all natural,? ?healthy,? ?low-fat,? and ?low-carb.? They pump fat precisely to the stomach area and are difficult to digest. Belly fat can?t be burned as easily as other body fat because it is not used as an immediate source of energy. Notice that although we consume tons of ?low-fat,? and! ?low-ca rb? foods, it is a known fact that obesity is at an all time high. This is not a coincidence.

Shockingly, belly fat directly affects our vital organs such as the heart, liver and kidneys and can be linked to most major health problems. You must learn how to avoid gaining and storing this dangerous type of fat...called visceral fat. By slightly adjusting your food choices, you could easily redirect your destiny. You can live a healthier, longer life while losing what's left of your tummy bulge and increasing your self-confidence and desirability. Belly fat causes major health problems that range from heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, obesity and as a result, sometimes Death! The key is to choose name brands that are completely safe and/or beneficial to your health. In most cases, there's no need to give up your favorite items, just choose them wisely.

One example of food poisons associated with major health problems is sodium. We take in an average 4000mg-7000mg/day when it's necessary and recommended to take in only 200mg/day to keep fluids in balance. Too much sodium (table salt) weakens your bones, causes stomach cancer, and causes cell repair mechanisms to shut down. It also has caused kidney damage in test mice and is known to cause kidney stones, high blood pressure and be.lly fat. HINT: Purchase your meats and cheeses from the deli in order to avoid much of the sodium used for preservation. Purchase enough for ONLY 1 week. Since it doesn?t contain the harmful preservative, sodium, that plagues our health, it's unable to retain its freshness for extended periods of time.

Remember, approximately 85% of the way your body looks is based on what you eat and don?t eat. Only 15% revolves around exercise. Surprised? Isn't this great news? THE BETTER NEWS! You don?t have to give up sweets or eat less! You can automatically lose weight and gain health by making better choices of the brands of foods you eat. Yes, you've got it! Usually, it?s! just a matter of choosing one brand over another...without calculating or counting...It's really that EASY!

Get informed today on foods that cause you to lose weight and additives that inject dangerous fat into your system. Remember one thing... just because a manufacturer produces one healthy product doesn?t mean they will be consistent with all of their products.

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Herbs for Heartburn

2008-12-25T05:00:00.001-08:00

While there are many herbs for heartburn relief, taking herbs for frequent heartburn symptoms that have not been evaluated by your doctor may not be the best treatment plan. If you suffer from heartburn occasionally, then you are not alone. According to a recent survey, 25% of people living in the United States suffer from heartburn every month and about 12% have symptoms every week. Frequent heartburn is defined by most practitioners as heartburn that is experienced three or more times per week. But, because symptoms are so bothersome, individuals that experience heartburn only several times more month may feel that there symptoms are frequent.

Using herbs for frequent heartburn may not be enough. Changes in lifestyle and dietary habits are usually necessary, even among people who are taking prescription medications that are designed to prevent heartburn symptoms. It can be very helpful to keep a food or heartburn diary for a month or two. This can help you determine many things. First, you will be able to see how many times per week you have heartburn symptoms. You may not realize how often you actually have heartburn.

Second, it may help you see what foods are heartburn triggers in your case and you may be able to avoid those foods. Eating foods that are highly acidic often leads to symptoms of heartburn. Herbs for heartburn relief, as well as over the counter medications attempt to neutralize or reduce the amount of stomach acid. If you begin taking over the counter products or herbs for frequent heartburn relief, your heartburn diary will help you determine what products work best for you. If you find it necessary to consult your physician, he or she will want to know what herbs for heartburn or other over the counter products you have tried. If nothing works, you will definitely want to consult your physician.

Your heartburn diary may also help you determine what other factors lead to heartburn in your case. Overeating, for instance, commonly leads to heartburn. ! Fennel tea or other herbs for heartburn relief may help after overeating. Taking a leisurely stroll is a better idea than lying down after a large meal. Other forms of exercise may bring on or worsen symptoms.

Some companies that sell herbs and other natural products have concoctions that include a combination of herbs for frequent heartburn prevention as well as heartburn relief. A combination of herbs for heartburn relief may be more effective than just one type of herb. Fennel and mint oils are commonly recommended, but some doctors advise that mint of any kind can bring on heartburn. Whenever you are buying herbs and other natural products, you should choose an established company that sells a number of different products, not just herbs for heartburn relief.

For more information about heartburn and other common digestive problems, visit www.digestive-disorders-guide.com.

Patsy Hamilton writes informational articles for the Digestive Disorders Guide. Visit us at http://www.digestive-disorders-guide.com

Have You Tried Everything and Still Feel Sick and Tired? The Benefits of Reflexology

2008-12-25T00:00:00.001-08:00

Western medicine ideology is rooted in the language used by doctors and researchers. Their choice of words reveals their belief systems and the models they use to understand the way they think medicine works.

Western medicine perceives the human body as a battleground on which wars are waged against invaders and tumors. What they fail to realize is that diseases are not separate from the person. In fact every disease can be more accurately called an expression of the patient's lifestyle, beliefs, and energies. Cancer is not a tumor, for example: it is a systemic disorder that can only truly be cured by helping to support the body, not by attacking it with chemical bombs. The tumor is merely one physical expression of the systemic disorder, and simply removing the tumor does nothing to cure the disease.

Western medicine's approach to cancer has focused on getting rid of the physical symptoms -- cutting out tumors with sharp instruments or attempting to shrink tumors with chemotherapy. But a critical analysis of these methodologies shows that treating tumors does little or nothing to actually improve the quality of life or the lifespan of cancer patients.

The body is designed to heal itself provided it has the proper support to do its job.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is based on a concept of balanced qi (pronounced chee), or vital energy, that is believed to flow throughout the body. Qi is proposed to regulate a person's spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical balance and to be influenced by the opposing forces of yin (negative energy) and yang (positive energy). Disease is proposed to result from the flow of qi being disrupted and yin and yang becoming imbalanced. Among the components of TCM are herbal and nutritional therapy, restorative physical exercises, meditation, acupuncture, and remedial massage.

Body malfunction, stress, injury or dis-ease, is the result of the body being in a state of chemical and neurological imbalance, and vital energy pathways are bl! ocked, w hich prevents the body from functioning effectively. Reflexology is an effective method to restore and maintain the body's natural equilibrium and encourages healing. The practice of Reflexology has been around for thousands of years.

Reflexology is a holistic non-invasive therapy that helps restore and maintain the body's natural state of equilibrium and facilitate healing. In reflexology, the feet, hands and ears are viewed as mirror images of the body, with reflexes corresponding to every part and organ of the body. Stimulating these reflexes encourages natural healing. Reflexology is beneficial for all ages.

Effects of Reflexology

Reflex treatment helps to clean the organism by stimulating the natural emunctories : intestines, kidneys, lungs, sinuses, skin?

Reflexology is under the Hering law (American homeopathe): The natural healing of organ malfunctions, seen through symptoms which evolve from the interior to the exterior, from above to below and from the present towards the past. In this way cures for elimination attacks can be established the next day or shortly thereafter which are of either a physical or psycho-emotional order. These treatments are followed by a great vitality and relaxation.

Benefits:

Reduced stress and deep relaxation,
Improved circulation,
Improved elimination of toxins,
Revitalized energy,
Stregthens immune system,
Creation of an overall state of wellness,
Restoration of the body's equilibrium,
Restoration of the natural functioning of all systems,
Preventative health care

Common ailments relieved:

Headaches, Migraines
Arthritis,
Bronchitis,
Back pain,
Heart problems,
Blood Pressure reduced,
Chronic Pain reduced,
Better Sleep/No Insomnia,
Fatigue,
Diabetes,
Indigestion,
Sciatica,
PMS,
Asthma

What to expect when you visit a Reflexologist:
A regular session lasts for about 60 minutes, wi! th the f irst session being slightly longer since a thorough case history questionnaire is required. The interview takes about 15 to 20 minutes depending on the client's condition and the indications for Reflexology. The client remains fully clothed throughout the session.

Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD, author, specializes in: Mind, Body, Spirit healing and Physical/Sexual Abuse Prevention and Recovery. As an inspirational leader, Dr. Neddermeyer empowers people to view life's challenges as an opportunity for Personal Growth and Spiritual Awakening. http://www.drdorothy.net

Food that's Good for a Healthy Heart

2008-12-24T15:00:00.001-08:00

Here's a conundrum: While experts agree that high cholesterol and blood pressure are crucial heart disease risk factors, many people who suffer chest pain or even heart attacks have levels that are perfectly normal. This puzzle has prompted researchers to scour the body for other cardiovascular villains. Several have emerged in recent years, but the one that stands out the most is inflammation.

The latest studies suggest that chronic inflammation of the lining of arteries is an important factor in the development of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. What causes this inflammation is not clear, but the good news is that (1) the advice that is given for lowering cholesterol, blood pressure and triglycerides also works fine for fighting inflammation; and (2) you can tackle all 4 culprits with the help of dietary weapons - http://www.vitaminsdiary.com/nutrients.htm In fact, you can plan your war against heart disease in your kitchen. Here is how:

1. Think like an artist when you choose fruits and vegetables: Eat those with the brightest colors. They have the most heart protective antioxidant pigments. A diet high in fruits and veggies also provides another important heart benefit, salicylic acid, which is the same anti-inflammatory compound created when aspirin is broken down in the body.

2. Increase food sources of omega-3 fatty acids which target high triglycerides in the blood. Good sources of omega-3s include fish such as sardines, mackerel; nuts and seeds; green leafy vegetables; grains like wheat, bajra; legumes like rajma, cowpea, and black gram.

3. Reduce the amount of meats you eat, especially red meats, and always select lean cuts. Use meat as a seasoning for vegetable dishes rather than the focal point of a meal.

4. Cut down on salt and instead use herbs and spices like ginger, garlic, turmeric and fenugreek liberally in your cooking; the first three are naturally anti-inflammatory and the last has soluble fibre which helps sweep away cholesterol from the ! arteries .

5. Shift to groundnut, mustard, rice bran and olive oils which contain monosaturated fatty acids that help lower (bad) LDL and maintain levels of (good) HDL cholesterol. Drastically limit margarine, vegetable shortening, butter and all products made with partially hydrogenated oils.

6. Fruits and vegetables, whole grains (wheat, brown rice, oats), beans and pulses, are also great sources of soluble and insoluble fibre, which trap LDLs and usher them out of the body.

About The Author

Get helpful information on vitamins, amino acids, herbs, minerals and other nutrients for a healthier life - http://www.vitaminsdiary.com/.

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What Makes Your Blood Cholesterol High or Low

2008-12-24T05:00:00.001-08:00

People with heart disease or those who are at high risk for developing it typically have too much LDL-cholesterol in their blood. Many factors help determine whether your LDL-cholesterol level is high or low. The following factors are the most important.

Your blood cholesterol level is affected not only by what you eat but also by how quickly your body makes LDL-cholesterol and disposes of it. In fact, your body makes all the cholesterol it needs, and it is not necessary to take in any additional cholesterol from the foods you eat. Patients with heart disease or those who are at high risk for developing it typically have too much LDL-cholesterol in their blood. Many factors help determine whether your LDL-cholesterol level is high or low. The following factors are the most important.

Heredity. Your genes influence how high your LDL-cholesterol is by affecting how fast LDL is made and removed from the blood. One specific form of inherited high cholesterol that affects 1 in 500 people is familial hypercholesterolemia, which often leads to early heart disease. But even if you do not have a specific genetic form of high cholesterol, genes play a role in influencing your LDL-cholesterol level.

What you eat. Two main nutrients in the foods you eat make your LDL-cholesterol level go up: saturated fat, a type of fat found mostly in foods that come from animals; and cholesterol, which comes only from animal products. Saturated fat raises your LDL-cholesterol level more than anything else in the diet. Eating too much saturated fat and cholesterol is the main reason for high levels of cholesterol and a high rate of heart attacks in the United States. Reducing the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol you eat ! is a ver y important step in reducing your blood cholesterol levels.

Weight. Excess weight tends to increase your LDL-cholesterol level. If you are overweight and have a high LDL-cholesterol level, losing weight may help you lower it. Weight loss also helps to lower triglycerides and raise HDL.

Physical activity/exercise. Regular physical activity may lower LDL-cholesterol and raise HDL-cholesterol levels.

Age and sex. Before menopause, women usually have total cholesterol levels that are lower than those of men the same age. As women and men get older, their blood cholesterol levels rise until about 60 to 65 years of age. In women, menopause often causes an increase in their LDL-cholesterol and a decrease in their HDL- cholesterol level, and after the age of 50, women often have higher total cholesterol levels than men of the same age.

Alcohol. Alcohol intake increases HDL-cholesterol but does not lower LDL-cholesterol. Doctors don't know for certain whether alcohol also reduces the risk of heart disease. Drinking too much alcohol can damage the liver and heart muscle, lead to high blood pressure, and raise triglycerides. Because of the risks, alcoholic beverages should not be used as a way to prevent heart disease.

Stress. Stress over the long term has been shown in several studies to raise blood cholesterol levels. One way that stress may do this is by affecting your habits. For example, when some people are under stress, they console themselves by eating fatty foods. The saturated fat and cholesterol in these foods contribute to higher levels of blood cholesterol.

Kim Beardsmore is a weight loss consultant whose business operates across 60 countries. This world renowned, medically approved program will give you results you'll love and all the support you need! Estimate your healthy body weight, tons of recipes, articles, ezine and more information on how to lower your cholesterol at http://weight-loss-health.com.au

Ever Tried to Defined The Meaning of Beauty?

2008-12-24T00:00:00.001-08:00

Beauty is a word just like any the word. Looking it up in Webster's II New Riverside Dictionary it means A quality or combination of qualities that delights the senses or appeals to the mind. Nice words. It really doesn't say anything about defining beauty.

When it comes to defining beauty one might envision that famous model walking down a catwalk with a frown on her face and a some fancy designer clothes on her back. Or maybe that guy in the latest action movie shirt-less that just takes your breath away, making your heart pound in your chest. Handsome equals Beauty just depending on the person thinking about it.

Still, what is the meaning of beauty?(Don't bother looking it up again.)

What is missing is questions to think about when asked what defines Beauty?
How about a woman's joyful smile lighting up her face with the thought that finally, she is pregnant?
Or how about children seeing snow for the first time, ever?
Or rain needed to save a crop to a farmer?
Or even snowcapped mountains at sunset to a skier,
Or dew on a prized rose at first morning light to a gardener?
How about the eye's filled with tears of the woman you just asked to marry you , again after 25 years?
What about love?

Beauty is so many things to so many people who are all so different. The Dictionary left out a few words when it defined Beauty. It left out what appeals to the heart. The next time you might be asked if something is beautiful, ask yourself, does it appeal to my heart? If it does, you just defined beauty.

Copyright 2005 Kim Snyder, owner Overallbeauty.com.
Great lover of all natural beauty care and products.
Never happy without trying to make the world a little prettier for all.
Visit her at http://Overallbeauty.com
Visit to see the latest in cosmetics and so much more.
Attn Ezine editors/website owners Free feel to preprint this article in its entirely in your ezine or on your website. As long as you leave the links in place. Do no! t modify the
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High Blood Pressure The Silent Killer

2008-12-23T15:00:00.000-08:00

High blood pressure is often called the silent killer because you can have it for years without being aware of it. Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure. Blood pressure consists of two numbers: the top number indicates Systolic pressure; the amount of pressure your heart generates when pumping blood out through your arteries. The bottom number indicates Diastolic; the amount of pressure in your arteries when your heart is at rest. Some causes of high blood pressure are kidney disease, thyroid disease, abnormal blood vessels, preeclamsia, sleep apnea, and adrenal disease.

Many of the signs and symptoms for high blood pressure are often ignored. They can include a dull ache in the back of the head, excessive perspiration and muscle cramps, weakness, frequent urination and rapid or irregular heartbeat. Though many people experience these symptoms they may experience all of the symptoms at all times and may attribute the symptoms to another cause. Always check with your doctor if you have any of above the symptoms.

There are many risk factors for high blood pressure. Be sure you know your family history and risk factors so you can make informed choices when it comes to your healthcare. Some of the risk factors are:

AGE: your risk increases with age.

RACE: High blood pressure occurs more frequently in blacks than any other racial group

SEX: High blood pressure is more common in men than women before the age of 60. However after the age of 60 the reverse is true.

FAMILY HISTORY: Some families have a history of high blood pressure

OBSEITY: The greater body mass you have the more blood you need to supply oxygen and nutrients to your tissues.

INACTIVITY: Lack of physical activity increases your risk.

TOBACCO USE: Nicotine constricts your blood vessels an! d forces your heart to work harder.

SODIUM: People who are sodium sensitive have fluid retention and increased blood pressure when using sodium.

LOW POTASSIUM: If you don?t consume or retain enough potassium, you can accumulate too much sodium, which raises the blood pressure.

EXCESSIVE ALCOHOL: Over time heavy drinking can damage your heart muscle, which can lead to high blood pressure and other complications.

STRESS: High levels of stress can lead to temporary increases in blood pressure.

Excessive high blood pressure can lead to a stroke. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel, which supplies blood to the brain, bursts or is blocked by a blood clot. Within minutes the nerve cells in that area of the brain are damaged, and they die within a few hours. As a result, the part of the body controlled by the damaged section of the brain cannot function properly. Before having a stroke you may have one or more transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), which are a warning signal that a stroke may soon occur.

The symptoms of a stroke can be any or all of the following: Numbness, weakness, or paralysis or the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body. Vision problems in one or both eyes, double vision, or loss of vision. Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding with trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, and a severe headache.

Remember to monitor your blood pressure, and to speak to your doctor if you have any of the symptoms mentioned above. If you have a history of high blood pressure be pro-active and take your blood pressure often. Blood pressure monitors can be purchased at pharmacies. You can also have your blood pressure taken at a pharmacy at no charge.

Contact your doctor immediately, or go to the closest hospital if you have any of the above symptoms!

Libby Sustacheck has over twenty years of experience in the healthcare field working with such industry giants as Kaiser Permanente and Aetna. She has assisted m! any org anizations with their wellness programs, and has a solid understanding of the needs of employers and their employees. Her experience includes delivery of successful smoking cessation programs.

Libby has participated in health fairs and specialized health screenings in addition to being a featured participant at Health Conferences.? Evonne Smith, Wellness Coordinator, Cox Cable. Located in San Marcos, California, Total Health Solutions provides health education to employers, and individuals in San Diego County. Owner, Libby Sustachek, has 20 years experience in the healthcare industry, a BA in Psychology, an MA in Health Education, and experience in providing excellent customer service in all aspects in the wellness arena.

You can read more from Libby at http://www.healthsolutionsandyou.com Or contact her at info@healthsolutionsandyou.com

Increase Your Risk of Heart Disease With Lipitor and Pravachol

2008-12-23T05:00:00.001-08:00

Results of a new study comparing the effectiveness of Pfizer Inc.,?s Lipitor with Pravachol, made by Bristol-Myers Squibb, was recently published in the New York Times. The study details the clinical observation that Lipitor was significantly more effective than Pravachol in lowering patient?s LDL cholesterol levels. However, the study did not comment on the overall effect that Statin drugs have on patient health, or the research that indicates Statins may actually increase your risk of heart disease and heart attack.

Statin drugs have been proven effective in the reduction of LDL cholesterol in most patients. However, the bio-chemical reactions that the drugs use to decease cholesterol also inhibit the production of an important nutrient that is essential for good heart health; specifically CoQ10.

Lipitor and Pravachol work by inhibiting the body?s ability to make an enzyme called HMG-CoA. This enzyme is the precursor to two compounds, cholesterol and CoQ10. Because the intent of Statin drugs is to inhibit cholesterol production, this method of suppression is very effective in reducing cholesterol levels. However, by suppressing the manufacture of HMG-CoA, and subsequently CoQ10, the body actually becomes more susceptible to heart attack, angina, congestive heart failure, and many other pulmonary-related diseases.

CoQ10 is found in every cell in the body and is necessary for proper energy utilization, resistance to disease, and cardiac health. The compound is so necessary that it?s chemical name is actually ubiquinone, because of its ubiquitous presence in the body. By suppressing the mechanism that makes CoQ10, Statin drugs such as Lipitor and Pravachol put patients at significant risk of heart disease, as well as reduce overall resistance to cancer and other diseases.

CoQ10 is used by the heart and other muscles to facilitate contraction as blood is pumped through the body. If the body?s source of CoQ10, is lowered, either through Statin drugs or environmental factors, the h! earts ab ility to contract is greatly diminished. This subsequently results in significant cardiac complications; including angina, heart disease, cardiac arrhythmia and heart attack.

In addition to its contribution to proper heart function, CoQ10 is also a significant ant-oxidant. When our ability to product CoQ10 is reduced, our body?s immunity to cancer, pollution and disease can be greatly diminished. This has been documented in a number of studies where CoQ10 levels have been measured in people with specific cancers, degenerative diseases, or HIV.

The relation between HMG-CoA, cholesterol, and CoQ10 has been well documented and is freely available. Subsequently, the solution to reduced CoQ10 levels has been made extremely simple. The solution is simply dietary supplementation with CoQ10 if you are taking a Statin drug. Much of the diminished CoQ10 supply can be made up through dietary supplementation. In fact, CoQ10 supplements can be purchased in the supplement section of your local health food store.

CoQ10 is essential to proper heart health and resistance to disease. Statin drugs such as Lipitor and Pravachol inhibit the body?s ability to product CoQ10. If not addressed, this can increase a patient?s risk of heart disease and other cardiac conditions. However, supplementation of CoQ10 by the use of a dietary supplement can balance the effects of Statin drugs and ensure that the patient?s risk of overall heart disease does not increase while his/her cholesterol levels decrease. If you are currently taking a Statin drug to reduce your cholesterol, talk to your doctor about supplementation with CoQ10 to ensure your continued good health.

About The Author

Barrett Niehus is a principal for IP Ware software http://www.freetrainer.com as well as a technical specialist for Compound Solutions, http:///www.compoundsolutions.com in Escondido, California.

The Basic Facts of High Blood Pressure

2008-12-23T00:00:00.001-08:00

The heart is a tough operating mechanism which moves blood around the body through a very advanced system called arteries and capillaries; the blood is then carried back to the heart by means of veins. Blood pressure is the thrust of this blood in the body pushing up against the inside walls of the arteries as the heart is pumping.

As the heart compresses it will drive this blood into the arteries which makes an increase in pressure. This increase in pressure is noted as systolic pressure.

When the heart decompresses and fills with blood, the pressure in the arteries then declines which is noted as the diastolic pressure. When the blood pressure is evaluated in the arm, it is both of these pressures which are evaluated.

Blood pressure is always applied as a systolic and diastolic pressure number, and is an important measurement. The measurements are always written one preceding or before the other number, such as 120/80 and always stated in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).

The systolic pressure is the 1st or top side number, and the diastolic pressure is the 2nd or lowermost number (for example, 120/80), so if your blood pressure is 120/80, it is translating to 120 over 80.

Blood pressure will have a wide range with a variety of people. For example, the top reading which is when the heart contracts (systolic) can change from 90 to 240 mmHg and the bottom pressure which is when the heart relaxes (diastolic) can often change from 40 to 160 mmHg.

Blood pressure can also vary significantly depending on what you are doing during the day. The lowest blood pressures usually happen when you are sleeping or if resting all the muscles. Standing for periods of time, or if you're performing any form of exercise, any anxiety and problems, or nerviness can also create increases in blood pressure.

That means in one day the blood pressure could change by up to a 30 to 40 mmHg systolic reading with like changes in the diastolic pressure. This is why it's so crucial to have the b! lood pre ssure taken under the same conditions each time.

For the bulk of the waking hours, the blood pressure remains about the same whether you are sitting or standing still, so ideally, the blood pressure should be 120/80 or lower when the body is rested.

If the blood pressure is steady and remains high at 140/90 or higher, this may indicate a disease called Hypertension which essentially means high blood pressure. When the blood pressure is high, the heart has to work more to get the blood through your arteries. These then take a beating from having the blood pressured into them, and the danger of a stroke, heart attack, or even kidney troubles then become that much of a greater risk.

High blood pressure is a serious disease because it has the heart working much harder. If the heart has to work harder for extended periods, it will become large. If the heart is slightly enlarged, it can and should still work alright, but if it becomes greatly enlarged it won't work alright. High blood pressure can also cause damage to the arteries which can lead to arterial disease.

The higher the blood pressure is the more risk you have of acquiring heart disease and stroke. This means somebody with a blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg is at greater risk than someone with a blood pressure of 120/70 mmHg. And is the reason it is so important for all to lead a wholesome lifestyle to make sure their blood pressure is as low and as healthy as it can be.

If you put up with Hypertension, it can be treated. Modest cases of Hypertension can usually be treated through lifestyle changes such as the diet, or increasing the workout levels. Some find dropping weight is all that is needed to lower their high blood pressure.

Severe cases of Hypertension will need prescription medications such as diuretics and beta blockers. Diuretics aid the body in getting rid of any excess fluids and salt. But, from individual experience, keep course of the potassium levels also. Beta blockers will lower the heart rate and ! the hear ts output of blood. These then lower the risk of developing heart and brain problems.

James is now writing articles on many different subjects. But they are based on extensive research. For more info on high blood pressure visit great hbp tips.

Cardio Enthusiasts: Discover a More Effective Training Method for Fat Loss and Heart Health!

2008-12-22T15:00:00.001-08:00

It is common to hear fitness professionals and medical doctors prescribe low to moderate intensity aerobic training (cardio) to people who are trying to prevent heart disease or lose weight. Most often, the recommendations constitute something along the lines of perform 30-60 minutes of steady pace cardio 3-5 times per week maintaining your heart rate at a moderate level. Before you just give in to this popular belief and become the hamster on the wheel doing endless hours of boring cardio, I'd like you to consider some recent scientific research that indicates that steady pace endurance cardio work may not be all it's cracked up to be.

First, realize that our bodies are designed to perform physical activity in bursts of exertion followed by recovery, or stop-and-go movement instead of steady state movement. Recent research is suggesting that physical variability is one of the most important aspects to consider in your training. This tendency can be seen throughout nature as all animals demonstrate stop-and-go motion instead of steady state motion. In fact, humans are the only creatures in nature that attempt to do endurance type physical activities. Most competitive sports (with the exception of endurance running or cycling) are also based on stop-and-go movement or short bursts of exertion followed by recovery. To examine an example of the different effects of endurance or steady state training versus stop-and-go training, consider the physiques of marathoners versus sprinters. Most sprinters carry a physique that is very lean, muscular, and powerful looking, while the typical dedicated marathoner is more often emaciated and sickly looking. Now which would you rather resemble?

Another factor to keep in mind regarding the benefits of physical variability is the internal effect of various forms of exercise on our body. Scientists have known that excessive steady state endurance exercise (different for everyone, but sometimes defined as greater than 60 minutes per session most days of the ! week) in creases free radical production in the body, can degenerate joints, reduces immune function, causes muscle wasting, and can cause a pro-inflammatory response in the body that can potentially lead to chronic diseases. On the other hand, highly variable cyclic training has been linked to increased anti-oxidant production in the body and an anti-inflammatory response, a more efficient nitric oxide response (which can encourage a healthy cardiovascular system), and an increased metabolic rate response (which can assist with weight loss).

Furthermore, steady state endurance training only trains the heart at one specific heart rate range and doesn't train it to respond to various every day stressors. On the other hand, highly variable cyclic training teaches the heart to respond to and recover from a variety of demands making it less likely to fail when you need it. Think about it this way -- Exercise that trains your heart to rapidly increase and rapidly decrease will make your heart more capable of handling everyday stress. Stress can cause your blood pressure and heart rate to increase rapidly. Steady state jogging and other endurance training does not train your heart to be able to handle rapid changes in heart rate or blood pressure.

The important aspect of variable cyclic training that makes it superior over steady state cardio is the recovery period in between bursts of exertion. That recovery period is crucially important for the body to elicit a healthy response to an exercise stimulus. Another benefit of variable cyclic training is that it is much more interesting and has lower drop-out rates than long boring steady state cardio programs.

To summarize, some of the potential benefits of variable cyclic training compared to steady state endurance training are as follows: improved cardiovascular health, increased anti-oxidant protection, improved immune function, reduced risk for joint wear and tear, reduced muscle wasting, increased residual metabolic rate following exercise, and an i! ncreased capacity for the heart to handle life's every day stressors. There are many ways you can reap the benefits of stop-and-go or variable intensity physical training. One of the absolute most effective forms of variable intensity training to really reduce body fat and bring out serious muscular definition is performing wind sprints.

Most competitive sports such as football, basketball, racquetball, tennis, hockey, etc. are naturally comprised of highly variable stop-and-go motion. In addition, weight training naturally incorporates short bursts of exertion followed by recovery periods. High intensity interval training (varying between high and low intensity intervals on any piece of cardio equipment) is yet another training method that utilizes exertion and recovery periods. For example, an interval training session on the treadmill could look something like this:

Warm-up for 3-4 minutes at a fast walk or light jog;
Interval 1 - run at 8.0 mi/hr for 1 minute;
Interval 2 - walk at 4.0 mi/hr for 1.5 minutes;
Interval 3 - run at 10.0 mi/hr for 1 minute;
Interval 4 - walk at 4.0 mi/hr for 1.5 minutes;
Repeat those 4 intervals 4 times for a very intense 20-minute workout.

The take-away message from this article is to try to train your body at highly variable intensity rates for the majority of your workouts to get the most beneficial response in terms of heart health, fat loss, and muscle maintenance.

Visit http://truthaboutabs.com/Training-and-Nutrition-Articles.html to receive your own personalized metabolic rate calculator as well as a free training/nutrition ebook that will revolutionize your fitness program.

Michael Geary is a nationally dual certified personal trainer (NCSF-CPT, AFAA-CPT), and author of The Truth about Six Pack Abs ?2004-2006.

Dietary Fats Are Not Created Equal

2008-12-22T05:00:00.001-08:00

Understanding the different types of fats can be difficult for the consumer. Since not all fats are created equal in health, it is important to understand the differences in dietary fats; healthy versus unhealthy.

Triglycerides (triacylglycerols) are an important class of dietary fats. The triglyceride consists of a molecule of glycerol and three molecules of fatty acids. Biologic properties of triglycerides are determined by the presence or absence of double bonds, the number and location of double bonds, and the configuration (cis, trans) of the unsaturated fatty acid. Fatty acids consist of a hydrocarbon chain (C-H) with a carboxyl group (COOH) at one end. The glycerol molecule contains three hydroxyl groups (OH).

Much of the fat in the body is in the form of triglycerides. Many of the foods we eat also contain triglycerides. Elevated triglyceride levels in the blood have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. These triglycerides are not directly from dietary fats but made in the liver from excess sugars that have not been used for energy. The excess sugar source is from foods containing carbohydrates such as refined sugar and white flour.

Saturated fats are a type of triglyceride. This triglyceride contains primarily fatty acids whose side chains do not contain any double bonds. These fats are characteristically called saturated because all available carbon bonds are occupied by a hydrogen atom. Saturated fats are highly stable and can resist oxidation. The saturated fat molecule is straight in form. Hence, saturated fats form a solid or semisolid at room temperature. Main sources of saturated fats are meat and dairy products, and a few vegetable oils (palm and coconut oils). A diet high in saturated fat is associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

Monounsaturated fats are another type of triglyceride. The fatty acids contain only one double bond. A few sources of monounsaturated fats are olive, peanut, and rapeseed (canola) oil. Thi! s type o f fat has the ability to favorably modify lipoprotein levels. A good example of a diet high in monounsaturated fat is the Mediterranean diet. The Mediterranean cultures show that a diet rich in olive oil is correlated with a low incidence of heart disease.

Polyunsaturated fats are a type of triglyceride in which the fatty acids contain more than one double bond. Double bonds in natural fats are rigid and introduce a kink in the molecule. This kink prevents the fatty acids from packing close together. As a result, unsaturated fats have a lower melting point than saturated fats. Most unsaturated fats are liquid at room temperature and referred to as oils.

The effect that the polyunsaturated fat has on heart disease is influenced by the location of the double bond within the molecule. Omega-6 fatty acids (n-6 fatty acids) are a type of polyunsaturated fat. The omega-6 fatty acid, primarily linoleic acid obtained from vegetable oils protects against heart disease. Good sources of omega-6 fats are nuts, avocados, olives, soybeans, along with sesame, cottonseed, and corn oil.

Omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 fatty acids) are a type of polyunsaturated fat. The omega-3 fatty acid is primarily linolenic acid. These fatty acids are found primarily in plants and in fish oils that contain DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). Omega-6 and omega-3 fats are considered essential fatty acids. These fatty acids are associated with a lowered risk of heart disease.

Trans fatty acids are chemically unsaturated fatty acids. However, in the body trans fatty acids behave much like saturated fatty acids. Why is this bad? Trans fatty acids increase serum low density lipoproteins (LDL?s) but not high density lipoproteins (HDL?s). With the shift in LDL levels, Trans fats increase the risk of heart disease.

Trans fats can be introduced into the diet in ways most are unaware of. During hydrogenation, polyunsaturated oils become exposed to hydrogen at high temperatures. Th! e nature of the polyunsaturated fat becomes transformed into a trans fat. Most margarines and baked goods contain the hydrogenated polyunsaturated oils. Trans fats should be avoided at all costs.

Dietary fats are not created equal. The common diet conscious individual avoids any and all dietary fat. Some dietary fats are necessary for life. With a more specific dietary fat watch on the mind, the right food choices can be easier for a heart healthy dieter.

Kristy Haugen is a mother working to finish her second bachelor degree in Chemical Engineering. She is also a Licensed Practical Nurse with a current bachelor degree in Biology and Chemistry. She writes to inform consumers about nutrition and health topics. Learn more about your health and Buy Vitamins Online at vitaminmaniac.com

Angina The Pain Is In The Heart Itself

2008-12-22T00:00:00.001-08:00

A pain originating from the heart muscle itself is called Angina. This occurs when the blood vessels taking blood to the heart (coronary arteries), become partially blocked with fatty plaques caused by atherosclerosis (heart disease). The blood flow is only sufficient when the heart is at rest, but during activity, when the heartbeat can increase from 75 to 190 beats per minute, the heart muscle cannot get sufficient blood flow in it and causes mild to severe pain. This is why angina is brought on by exercise but will subside when the activity stops and the person rests. Angina will become worse over a period of time and less activity will provoke the pain. If the angina suddenly worsens and you experience symptoms even while at rest, the cause could be a blocked artery resulting in a heart attack. If this occurs, seek medical assistance immediately. Angina is not easy to diagnose from symptoms alone, as other conditions such as indigestion, show similar signs.

Signs and symptoms

? Pain can be mild or severe ? The pain is most often described as heavy, crushing, tightness and choking ? Pain originates from the center of the chest, can radiate up the neck and down the arms. Most often it is the left arm. ? Shortness of breath ? Perspiration

There are no specific tests for angina, but your doctor will probably begin by asking three simple questions. What causes the discomfort? What does it feel like? What helps to ease the pain? The doctor may also suspect possibly angina if there are other cardiovascular risk factors such as - smoking cigarettes, family history of heart attacks, high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, age and diabetes. The doctor will perform a physical examination on the patient paying special attention to the heart and any abnormal sounds or beats.

Routine tests include an electrocardiogram (ECG), blood pressure measurements, blood and urine tests and a chest X-ray. The doctor may require during the ECG the patient walks on a treadmill (! exercise bike) while hooked up to a machine that records the heart's electrical activity. The level of exercise is slowly increased until the patient feels pain and there is a change to the ECG pattern. Further tests may include a coronary angiogram. This entails a fine tube inserted into your heart via an artery in your groin. A special dye is then inserted into the arteries clearly displaying any narrowing (blocked) arteries on the X-ray images.

Angina responds well to drug treatment. The most common drugs used to treat angina are the following:

? Nitrates - These drugs come as fast-acting sprays or tablets that are placed under the tongue to ease the pain during an angina attack. Long-acting tablets taken daily reduce the need for the sprays.

? Beta-blockers - These tablets lessen the workload of the heart by allowing it to beat slower and less forcefully than usual. These tablets prevent pain and slow down the gradual worsening of angina.

? Calcium antagonists - Helps to dilate the arteries allowing more blood flow through them. They lower blood pressure; reduce the heart's workload to help prevent pain.

A standard treatment is a low, daily dose of aspirin to prevent anymore atheroma from building up in the heart arteries.

Once an artery has become blocked or narrowed by plaques of atheroma, there are two levels of intervention needed for reinstating blood supply to the heart muscle. The intervention chosen will depend on how badly the artery is blocked or narrowed. 1) Angioplasty - This procedure is performed only when the arteries are not completely blocked. A fine tube (catheter) is inserted into the heart. On the tip of the tube is a tiny balloon, which is then inflated and deflated a few times to squash the plaque and widen the artery. This procedure is performed under local anesthetic and is carried out on an outpatient basis. 2) Bypass surgery - This procedure is carried out only if the arteries are completely blocked or very narrow. A new route for ! the bloo d supply is made using a bypass graft. For the bypass graft, surgeons have two options - they either use an existing artery that lies within the chest or they use a piece of vein removed from the leg.

Sometimes a person may have up to four blockages to bypass. Bypass surgery is performed under local anesthetic and can take from three to five hours to complete the surgery. Today it has become one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Heart Disease

Monitor Your Exercise Intensity The Talk Test

2008-12-21T15:00:00.001-08:00

Cardio is something alot of us hate to do. Admit it. We all dread it... even I hate doing it, but at the same time, at the corner of our mind, we do realise that it is important and a must if you want to improve your fitness levels. Some of us do it to shed some pounds, and some do it to keep the fat off and the abs fully visible. However, how do we get the most out of our time on a treadmill/stepper, etc and at what intensity do we need train at?

I've touched on the topic of intensity before, but here's a neat method to roughly determine if you're on the right track without the need for any fancy calculations. This should help the totally clueless get some direction while they do their cardio.

Although you could determine your target heart rate with some effort and calculations over a few observations, there are 'other ways' to monitor your exercise intensity. Please be advised, that this is not a guaranteed accurate method to determine if you're exercising at the required intensity, but a fairly sufficient gauge to see if you're on the right track. If you're a beginner, this is an excellent way to gauge your intensity without having to crack your brain in dealing with numbers.

Firstly, what is THR?

Target Heart Rate (THR) : The ideal intensity level at which your heart is being exercised but not overworked. Determined by finding your maximum heart rate and taking a percentage of it (60 to 85 percent, depending on fitness level).

With that covered, let's move on. Known as the TALK TEST, it is basically your ability to TALK during your cardio workout, and believe it or not - it can actually help you determine how hard you're working. Sounds too simple? That's because it actually is.

When doing your cardio, you should aim for an intensity that allows you to talk comfortably. If you can talk comfortably, you're probably somewhere around the lower range of your target heart rate zone, which is kinda okay, but you should aim for better. Try singing or reciting a few lin! es from a favorite song (do it too loud, and you'll look like an idiot). If it's VERY VERY easy to do, you should bump up your intensity a bit and try again after a few minutes. If it gets too difficult to sing or talk, slow down to get into a better zone. The goal is to get to an intensity level where its comfortable to talk, but yet, you're unable to hold a really long conversation and long sentences without having to pause for deep breaths.

If you're exercising at a rate where you're almost breathless, well.. then you're pushing it, cos you shouldn't be breathless during your workouts, UNLESS you're doing interval training, HIIT (High-intensity interval training) or a short, high intensity workout, and that's a totally different topic.

Of course, with all this in mind, please don't throw your common sense out of the window too. If you ever feel dizzy, or lightheaded, you should slow down or stop exercising.

If you're keen on exploring and wish to determine your Target Heart Rate more accurately, I'm sure a helpful Personal Trainer at your gym could help you out. If he/she isn't willing.. well, then you need a new gym.

Josh Stone, also known as DM, is the author behind the site http://www.dailymuscle.com which offers the author's personal views on real-life fitness, bodybuilding, sports nutrition, cardio, fat loss, training information, and on all things that surrounds fitness.

Natural Cures for Indigestion Heartburn and Nausea

2008-12-21T05:00:00.001-08:00

Indigestion Prevention ? Drink a mixture of one teaspoon ginger and two tablespoons baking soda in cold water before eating to avoid indigestion altogether.

Bananas ? Ripe bananas are actually natural antacids that help to soothe the lining of your stomach. I guess that is why pediatricians often recommend them when the little ones are not feeling well.

Cider Vinegar or Lemon Juice ? Add either of these to hot water and drink to alkalize the acid in your stomach if you do not have a banana handy.

Tea ? The following teas are excellent for indigestion: ginger, peppermint, fennel, lemon balm, cinnamon, slippery elm powder.

Looking for more articles by Victoria? Visit her blog at Fresh Contents.Com now, where she is authoring m! ore arti cles like this.

History of the Mediterranean Diet

2008-12-21T00:00:00.001-08:00

Eating Well for Good Health

Introduction

In recent years, a growing number of men and women in different countries around the world have become increasingly concerned about their health. Because of the fact that many people have become more concerned about their overall health, these men and women have paid closer attention to what they eat on a regular basis. In the final analysis, these men and women are making dietary decisions designed to improve their general health and wellbeing.

As people have become more conscious of their health and diet, a considerable number of these same men and women have become interested in the Mediterranean diet regimen. If you are, in fact, a person who appreciates the interrelationship between diet and health, you may have a definite interest in the history of the Mediterranean diet regimen.

Before you can appropriately understand what the Mediterranean diet is all about, you need to appreciate that it is more of a concept than a specific dining routine. In reality, there is no such thing as a Mediterranean diet common to all of the countries in the Mediterranean region of the world. Rather, the ?Mediterranean diet? consists of those food items that people who live in the various nations in the region consume in common.

The Origins of the Mediterranean Diet

The concept of the Mediterranean diet is derived from the eating habits and patterns of the people who populate the countries of Italy, Greece, Spain, France, Tunisia, Lebanon and Morocco. As a result, the Mediterranean diet actually includes a tremendous array of delectable food. In point of fact, if a person elects to adopt the concept of the Mediterranean dining scheme, or if a person elects to follow a Mediterranean diet regimen, he or she will have the ability to enjoy a remarkable assortment of scrumptious fare.

The diet of the peoples that have populated the regions around the Mediterranean Sea actually have remained nearly completely unchanged for well over ! one thou sand years. The history of the region is replete with examples of men and women living longer than similarly situated people who consumed alternate diets. Through the centuries, the people of the Mediterranean Sea region have enjoyed longer lives that people in other parts of the world at the same historical epoch.

At the heart of the Mediterranean diet are foods and beverages that are indigenous to the geographic landmass surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. In short, the development of the Mediterranean dieting and dining pattern initially developed by providence. The people of the region naturally and understandably ate those foods and drank those beverages that readily were available in and around their homes.

The Historical Elements of the Mediterranean Diet Scheme

As mentioned previously, over the centuries, the diet of the peoples of the Mediterranean Sea region has remained essentially unchanged. The Mediterranean diet consists of the bountiful consumption of a number of healthy food items including:

* Fresh fruit

* Fresh vegetables

* Low fat nuts

* Whole grains

* Monounsaturated fat

In a similar vein, the Mediterranean diet utilized by people for generation after generation excludes or limits certain food items that have been deemed harmful in recent scientific studies. These less than desirable food items include:

* Saturated fats

* Red and fatty meat

* Rich dairy products

* Fatty fish

The Historical Effects of the Mediterranean Diet Scheme

As has been alluded to earlier in this article on the history of the Mediterranean diet regimen, the people who inhabit the region have a demonstrably lower rate of heart disease and related ailments that oftentimes have a direct dietary connection. With the advent of scientific studies that have correlated the incidence of health problems with a poor diet, the positive effects of the Mediterranean diet have become self evident.

Research over the course of th! e past t wo decades has conclusively demonstrated that the men and women who populate the Mediterranean region are afflicted with heart disease and similar ailments far less often than people in other regions of the world. The experts who have conducted these studies have concluded that there is a strong likelihood that the diet scheme that is common in the Mediterranean region is responsible for maintaining the good health of the people who live in that corner of the globe throughout the past one thousand years.

Conclusion: The Expansive Use of the Historical Mediterranean Diet Scheme

During the past twenty years, a significant number of people in different countries around the world have turned their attention towards finding healthy diet regimens that are low in saturated fat and that include bountiful servings of fresh fruits and vegetable. Consequently, the Mediterranean diet has caught the eye of innumerable people who want to include healthy eating into their overall course of prudent living. In short, the Mediterranean diet encompasses foods and beverages that, when consumed in moderation, can work to lessen the threat of some serious diseases and can aid in creating the necessary foundation for a long, hearty lifetime.

Site Owner & Publisher Ray Darken - You can gain much more detail from Ray's sites along with other relevant information at The Mediterranean Diet or http://www.safe-and-easy-weightloss.com/wordpress/

Fish Oil and Possible Disease Prevention

2008-12-20T15:00:00.001-08:00

Researchers working at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center state that DPA and DHA, primary components of fish oil, provide substantial protection against coronary heart disease. This study involved more tha six thousand middle-aged men who had samples of their blood taken between 1973 and 1976. During the next seven years, 94 of these men had a heart attack or died suddenly due to heart disease. The 94 men were matched with 94 healthy men and the fatty acid profile of their blood samples compared.

The researchers discovered that the 94 men with heart disease tended to have a higher serum level of the saturated fatty acid palmitic acid and stated that a high level of this acid increases the risk of CHD by 68 percent. Palmitic acid is the main saturated fatty acid in most diets. This acid is known to cause an increase in both total cholesterol and low-density cholesterol levels; the researchers, however, found that the detrimental effect of a high intake of palmitic acid persisted even after allowing for its cholesterol- increasing effect.

The researchers also determined that men with a higher blood level of the Omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids, docosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid had an almost 50 percent lower risk of developing heart disease than did men with lower levels. Furthermore, the researchers found that men with CHD tended to have a higher serum level of Omega-6 fatty acids derived from linoleic acid. Fish oil seems to restore the balance.

Fish Oil may reduce heart attack fatalities by balancing certain electrical rhythms in the heart, thus preventing blood clots from forming. George Billman, professor of physiology at the Ohio State Univ., says that omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil make the tissues in the muscles of the heart less susceptible to damage caused by a lack of blood flow. ?It looks like omega-3 fatty acids protect against the changes induced by ischemia,? said Billman. Billman, along with researchers at the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Uni! versity Medical School, published the results of the study in a recent issue of the journal 'Circulation'. The omega-3 fatty acids in the study seemed to do the work of anti-arrhythmic drugs. This work was funded by the American Heart Association, Ohio Valley Affiliate, and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases of the National Institutes of Health.

Dr. Barry Sears, a leading authority in the field of fish oil, drug delivery systems and dietary control of hormonal response, states that Research is increasingly emphasizing the broad benefits of high-grade fish oil.

About The Author

Aaron Wilmont is an author and researcher of health topics. To find out more about the benefits of

fish oil, go to http://omega3zone.biz/fishoil

The Benefits of Having a Home Team Following Your Heart Surgery or Other Major Surgery

2008-12-20T05:00:00.001-08:00

It?s essential to organize a Home Team before you go in for heart surgery, even if you have little time before your surgery to plan it. On the other hand, if you have just gotten home from the hospital, don?t worry it?s not too late. A Home Team is a group of friends and family who are willing to assist you in your recovery following your surgery. Make a list of up to fifteen people, family and friends (but not your primary caregiver) who would be glad ? even honored ? to be called to help out. Pick a leader among these friends and engage her or him to contact the others about the tasks ahead. Set up a revolving schedule of assignments for your first three to four weeks at home.

Your Primary Caregiver Has The Most Important Role

Who will your primary caregiver be; your spouse, your partner, a friend, or another family member? In my new book, The Open Heart Companion: Preparation and Guidance for Open-Heart Surgery Recovery the following scenario is explained to help you better understand their importance: Suddenly your caregiver, your close personal ally, has the extended responsibility for all previously shared arrangements ? nursing aid, household tasks, transportation, medical and social plan coordination. It can become overwhelming and too much for one person. That is why it is essential that you line up a supportive Home Team to pitch in. Your primary caregiver needs assistance and taking care of too. Once you are home and recovering, he or she is now ?on? 24/7. He or she also needs continuing acknowledgment, appreciation and love from you. Plan to regularly express your gratitude. Find out how your loved one is feeling ? every day. Though sometimes you won?t feel like it, remember to smile, and show you care and appreciate all that is being done for you.

Five basic tasks to assign to your Home Team

1. Dinner nightly
Some friends will like to prepare a home cooked meal for both patient and caregiver, while others can pick up a heart healthy take-out meal. Since the! reality of landing back home means the primary caregiver has antenna focused on you continuously, your caregiver loved one will appreciate the sit-down break at dinner time.

2. Buddy system
During the many hours and days of convalescence, neither patient nor primary caregiver wants to feel isolated at home. Anticipate a buddy system in advance. Is there a friend who has been though open-heart surgery who will agree to check in with the patient regularly? Is there someone that the heart patient can call spontaneously? Many basic questions can be answered this way, by a friend or family member. Naturally, any substantial recovery question requires picking up the phone and calling your designated medical professional. Maybe you know, or know of, a former heart patient who also is a medical professional? Arrange chat times (perhaps twice weekly) with him or her. Primary caregiver and patient should also plan regular phone time with a best friend independently, to be free to let their hair down to tell it like it is.

3. Running errands
Who ? friend or neighbor ? would be willing to be counted on to run to the pharmacy or to deposit or pick up laundry or dry cleaning? How about someone who will shop for staples at the supermarket or buy a box of thank-you notes? Recruit a list of volunteers beforehand. It?s critical to have this in place to enable you to focus on getting well.

4. Housekeeping
In the hospital take-home instructions, there are very specific physical directives that must be honored while the sternum (breastbone) is healing. You are not to lift more than five to ten pounds for four to six weeks. As well, you are to avoid pushing/pulling activities with your arms, and also avoid heavy one-armed lifting for three months. This eliminates carrying groceries, carrying a toddler, vacuuming, shoveling snow, mowing the lawn, raking leaves ? even wiping up a kitchen counter with a sponge can be challenging in the first couple of weeks. It is best to schedule others for regular h! ousekeep ing duties for at least four to six weeks and/or consider hiring a house cleaner for the short term.

5. Chauffeuring
An open-heart patient may not resume driving for six to eight weeks ? until the sternum is fully healed. Because you don?t want to risk re-injuring the sternum should a passenger airbag need to be deployed, you might be advised to ride in the back seat using the shoulder seat belt. That said, you can ride in a car as soon as you?re home ? to a medical appointment, to the store, to eat out. However, all these outings become a lot of driving for the primary caregiver, so line up chauffeur volunteers.

Recovering from heart surgery can be challenging, but with these tips and more tips on planning ahead found in The Open Heart Companion you can ensure that your recovery will go smoothly.

Maggie Lichtenberg, PCC, a recent open-heart surgery thriver, is an open heart coach to heart patients and their loved ones, a professional speaker, and frequently published author. To subscribe to her free online newsletter, Heart To Heart, send a blank email message to HeartToHeart-On@zines.webvalence.com. To learn more about Maggie's free phone support group and other programs go to http://www.openheartcoach.com.

Article is free to reprint as long as author?s bio remains intact.

Heart Health and Weight Loss Come Quicker and Better Using These Exercise Principles

2008-12-20T00:00:00.001-08:00

About 100 years ago, when I was on the high school track team, Coach Miller encouraged us to do wind sprints. We would jog around the track for a while, suddenly break into a sprint for about 40 yards and then slow down to a walk as our lungs cried out Please don't do that again.

In the beginning we looked upon this activity as an extreme form of punishment but we learned later that these alternating intensity workouts, now known as interval training, dramatically improved our energy and performance.

Don't panic. I'm not recruiting for the geriatric track team but there is a law of nature at work here that applies to the young or old, fit or fat. Our Creator designed the human body with the miraculous ability to adapt.

Natalie, our adopted granddaughter spent the first thirteen months of her life confined to a crib in a crowded, understaffed hospital in Siberia. Upon arriving in her new home in Dallas, Natalie immediately began to make up for lost time. In a few short months she rushed from crawling to walking to sprinting like an Olympic gymnast.

Natalie's Mom and Dad will attest to the fact that her normal activity level accelerated from inactive to an astounding high-energy dynamo.

If you are a couch potato (heaven forbid) or in the as little as possible exercise category you too can make dramatic progress in your physical condition by employing the interval training concept. And it will take as little as three 29-minutes sessions per week.

A Canadian study followed exercisers who burned 300 to 400 calories per session. A control group matched the same routine one-third of the time. Two thirds of the time they exercised for a shorter period during which they burned only 225-250 calories-but they included occasional 30-90 second bursts of high-intensity exercise. The fat loss of the group who worked out less was nine times greater than the subjects performing moderate exercise.

Of the three key exercise variables...how often you do it, how hard you work and! how lon g you last, intensity has the most powerful effect. Your body responds to short bursts of intensity by releasing a cascade of fat-mobilizing hormones and anti-aging growth hormones that supercharge your metabolism and burn extra calories for 24 hours or longer.

Fat loss is only one of the benefits. A new study by British researchers tracked 1,975 healthy men over ten years. The men who exercised the hardest had a 47% percent lower risk of death from all causes and a whopping 62% lower risk of death from heart disease, compared with those who reported very little or no intense exercise. The best part however is that these benefits were achieved with as little as nine minutes per day of vigorous activity.

The principle of adaptation also applies to strengthening your muscles, which need to be worked hard to become stronger. The average person loses up to 20 pounds of muscle by age 70 and since each pound of muscle burns up to 50 calories per day it is easy to see why love handles and spare tires sneak up on us.

Those who are on a low carb diet (I hate the word diet) such as Dr. Atkins Diet or South Beach Diet your exercise has a distinct advantage over the low-fat dieters. Low carbers have a limited amount of glycogen (stored sugar) available and so the body utilizes the fat on the belly, hips and other unwanted places as the primary sources of energy during exercise.

Think you're too old or out of shape to get started on wind sprints? It's never too late to start feelin' great!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The cardiologist looked up from the treadmill report and grimly stated, You are a walking time bomb. You need to go to the hospital immediately. Two days later a heart surgeon sawed open Gene Millen's chest and stitched in bypasses to six clogged arteries.

A six way heart bypass isn't a record said Gene, but it's not bad for a skinny 59 year old with normal cholesterol and blood pressure. The villains and heroes in the heart attack melodrama may surprise you as they have me! .

Gene Millen reviews new research on heart attack risks that are more dangerous than high cholesterol... and how natural supplements and heart vitamins can send them packing! Check out The Heart Health website at http://www.heart-health-for-life.com

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Some Cases of Acid Reflux May be Cured Naturally with Better Lifestyle Choices

2008-12-19T15:00:00.001-08:00

Acid reflux is a growing concern among adults and children today, and there are more and more over the counter and prescription remedies available now than ever. But some experts feel that a natural approach to combating and preventing acid reflux may be a better and safer bet.

Acid reflux can occur if an adult has a hiatal hernia, or in children if their esophagus is not developed completely after birth. The result is that stomach acid, instead of stopping in the esophagus, comes up into the throat and burns. Acid reflux can be particularly painful to newborns, and it is becoming more and more common in them today. In adults, acid reflux can also manifest itself as heartburn after eating spicy food.

One of the first natural approaches to curing acid reflux is to look at your diet. Some foods that may prompt an acid reflux attack are: citrus, caffeine, chocolate, fatty fried foods, garlic, and onions. Avoiding these foods is a good first natural step to preventing future acid reflux episodes.

Some other approaches for natural acid reflux cures and prevention are: losing weight if you are overweight, avoiding alcohol, eating small meals, not lying down to sleep for at least three hours after a meal, and raising the head of your bed by six to eight inches.

Making some of these simple lifestyle changes may help you to avoid further bouts of acid reflux pain and may also be your chance to avoid or get off of acid blockers and H2 blockers, which may come with their share of side effects.

For more information on Acid Reflux, Heartburn and GERD, their causes, dietary guidelines and acidity, plus information on acid reflux cures and relief visit http://www.acidrefluxsolutions.com

Weight Loss: It's Not About the Numbers It's Your Approach!

2008-12-19T05:00:00.001-08:00

Today obesity, diabetes, and heart disease run through us at epidemic levels. Why? The answer lies not in the thousands of different kinds of diet, weight loss and workout programs offered, the answer lies in the approach. But, no one wants to talk about that. Do you ever wonder why that is?

Do we not want to know, or could it have something to do with the doctor?s and those in the fitness industry not wanting to explain the best approach to us? Maybe they don?t even know the right way themselves? But, I think deep down we want and need too know.

Quote:

?While exercise and eating guidelines are based on good scientific principles, they do not go along with human nature or common sense. Recent history is telling us this; we are better off with encouraging the mediocre people who are willing to include exercise in their daily lives, rather than cramming guidelines down throats that are far beyond the reach of the majority of people. In the end, keeping things simple combined with support usually works better.? --Greg Ryan

From his e-book: ?Just MOVE it,? www.resolutions.bz

Over the years most of us who are out of shape and want to lose a few pounds and feel a little better about ourselves, developed many different behaviors toward exercise and food. Some are good ones, but most are just barriers we have built in our minds. I guess you could also chalk it up to pure laziness.

However, the bottom line is we are going to continue down the path of destruction until someone comes up with a plan to help people deal with the reasons behind such behaviors.

No pill will do it long term, no eight minute ab?s routine will concur the patterns; the only thing it will take is introspection. But, do we want to hear that? Maybe, that is just too painful to even think about right now.

Do you mean I will have to take a good long look at myself? Maybe so. At the end of the day, you are going to have to ask yourself, ?Do I deal with it now or do I deal wi! th the consequences later? Because that?s really what it comes down to. Face the truth on your terms today, or face the reality on life?s terms down the road in a hospital bed.

I chose to deal with it now.

So where is the magic? It?s not in the pills or programs being fed to us today and it?s also not found so much in the numbers on an exercise chart, the amount of weight you lift, or the miles on a treadmill.

Our success lies in how willing we are to deal with the roots of the unwanted behaviors. Figuring out what truly motivates us and developing a great support system.

Do we really want to continue to put a bandage on a bleeding artery? Or do we get serious and do some mental surgery that takes care of the weight problem once in for all.

LOSE WEIGHT NOW! For FREE Mini Course Visit http://www.resolutions.bz - Discover the five step common sense way to lose weight and feel better. A twenty year proven formula the doc's and trainer's DON?T want you to know about! Greg Ryan is the best selling author of the Changing from the ?INSIDE OUT?, former Kathy Smith employee.

The Healing Arts: A Firetender's Lesson Part Two Of One Mind and One Heart

2008-12-19T00:00:00.001-08:00

On the second day of my Inipis, I began pitching in to help with the fire for the ceremony. I worked with a man named Richard, who I just assumed to be Native American. He was certainly weathered and dark enough. He grunted a lot and gave me little by way of direction. Before we started he told me that in the old ways, a boy desiring to become a major part of the sacred ceremonies would first have to tend fire for seven years for the people. In silence. Anything he learned would be picked up by observation. And then he shut up, and told me to, too.

And that is, for the most part, how I was taught, by careful observation and mimicking all the things that Richard did until I got a sense of not only the nuts and bolts of firetending, but the relationship with fire and ceremony and Spirit that he embodied. It wasn't until a week later that I learned that Richard, in fact, was a fifty-year-old Jew from Brooklyn who had been setting Altar for the Chips for the last year on their road trips.

After my fourth Inipi, I asked for permission to move onto the property of the sponsor to help wherever I could. Given the okay, I dropped everything and did so. Slowly, I got to know the family a little better and after a couple of weeks of tending fire, was invited into the Yuwipi Ceremonies. There was a ceremony each night for the next two weeks, beginning with an Inipi at dusk and then ending with a feast at around midnight after the ceremony.

Spirit literally, physically touched people. People were transformed. People were told that they should prepare for death. People were told that they had to change their lives. People were instructed where to find specific herbs, and how they were to be prepared and taken to effect healing. My experience was that Godfrey, bound tight and completely in a blanket and laid down on a bed of sage in the pitch blackness at the beginning of the ceremony, did not do the telling, touching, or instructing. There were other things there that did the work. He just called ! them in.

Amidst the cacophony of dashing lights in the dark, voices from nowhere in the silence, and the circles of sometimes desperate prayer focused on the greatest good, some people were healed. Some were given blessings and left to go on with their deaths. Not that they were passed by, but because it became both painfully and ecstatically evident to themselves that they didn't want to live anymore.

To a one, though, each of the people involved had nowhere else to go but to these ceremonies, as Western medicine had exhausted all of its options with them. Naturally. After all, they were seeing a Medicine Man!

Cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, Immune Disorders including AIDS, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome were all dealt with, and each outcome was different. I have personally known people who, given up for lost with the above mentioned afflictions, were renewed at least to the point of defying their death sentences (and Ouch! the numbers of people that were so advised by the best of medical professionals was incredible!)

No one left those ceremonies without being deeply affected. Some people left in terror. Let's face it, when was the last time you went to see a doctor and were thrust into a light-tight room filled with a cacaphony of guterral and ancient sounds driven by drumbeat, and then found yourself touched by what could only be called little hands? Some people, as long as they understood that it was not the disease they were changing, but their lives, left whole.

What I grasped was that in the ancient ways it was found that if things were done in a certain way, certain things would happen. Over years and years--perhaps millennia--of trial and error, visions and personal instructions by Spirit and Nature, it was found that the right combination of preparation, songs, intent, and action would beckon Spirit to appear, advise, and affect; time could be dissolved and the miraculous would be attainable.

There are also Spirit allies called Tunkasilas (Tunka-shilas; Grandfathers), some of! whom ta ke physical form as what many cultures identify as little people who doctor the individuals. The Yuwipi calls them in to do what the Creator asks of them to do; heal.

What I witnessed was four individuals, Unci (Grandmother), Charles, Phillip (who, a paraplegic from a car accident, sat in a wheelchair), and Godfrey, the Yuwipi Man, working the space of the ceremony room, speaking to each other, sometimes in Lakota, sometimes in English, cobbling together different parts of the ceremony during their preparations, sometimes instructing, no, NO the rattle goes over THERE, spread the sand from Wahinheya (the Mole) from right to left, not left to right, that song goes like This, all in precise detail with no guidebook or directions to follow but the memory of the way things had been taught them by their ancestors.

And all throughout, what became more and more evident to me was that there was a consistency of intent amongst them, an approach that transmuted into the feeling that, indeed, they became, through the process of preparation and delivery, of one mind, one heart--all in service to the spirit of the individual needing help. This was the gift that they passed on to me by their example, and I embraced it.

But there was more: what I was a part of with them felt so very, very from a completely, and ancient, way of being. At first this was just a feeling, but as time unfolded, I learned just how it was grounded in fact.

Next: A living legacy.

(Permission is granted to reprint this article, unedited, provided proper attribution is made and the signature line -- the above resource paragraph -- is kept intact)

Heart Rate Monitors

2008-12-18T15:00:00.001-08:00

Heart rate monitors gained popularity in the mid-90s when people found them useful to monitor the heart rate while training and doing workouts. Over the years, they became standard on many exercise machines including elliptical trainers, treadmills and stationery bikes. If you workout often, training with a heart rate monitor is one of the most important things that you should do.

There are several types of heart rate monitors that you can choose from. The most common are the heart rate monitor watches and the strapless heart rate monitors.

Heart rate monitor watches are lightweight watches that can be used by anyone who wishes to lose weight, increase cardio training levels and reach fitness goals. You can choose from designs based on your needs and you can wear them as watches, since they have clocks built into them. If you wish to monitor your heart rate, you wear the chest strap, which is a sensitive piece of equipment that actually registers the heartbeats and transmits the rate to the receiver in the watch.

Meanwhile, the strapless heart rates monitors work without the need to use a chest strap. With these, you can obtain accurate ECG heart rate reading that measures the electrical stimulation of the heart. They only require you to put two fingers on the sensors between four and 12 seconds, to get a reading.

Heart rate monitors are indeed great tools to use for workout and training. If you go jogging, exercise and go to the gym regularly, the heart rate monitor watches are recommended for you. However, if you just need a heart rate monitor for casual monitoring, the strapless heart rate monitor is ideal.

Heart Rate Monitor provides detailed information on Heart Rate Monitors, Heart Rate Monitor Watches, Heart Rate Monitor Reviews, Strapless Heart Rate Monitors and more. Heart Rate Monitor is affiliated with Heartburn Treatment.

Persistent Heartburn: Get Relief Now!

2008-12-18T05:00:00.001-08:00

If you regularly suffer from heartburn, you know that there is not much worse in life than the pain of an acute attack. Perhaps you have paid your druggist a visit in search of help or you have seen your doctor, yet you still suffer intermittent attacks. What more can you do to get relief? Overhaul your diet! You may not need to make extreme changes in what you eat, but you must be attentive to which types of foods can trigger an attack. The following list underscores which foods may trigger an attack:

Beverages: Beer, colas, and nonalcoholic wines are some causes of heartburn.

Dairy: Yogurt, frozen yogurt, milk, certain types of cheeses, and cottage cheese.

Fats and Oils: Ketchup, especially spicy ketchup.

Fruit: Many berries can cause problems including blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, and strawberries. Other triggers include: orange juice, peaches, grapes, and apple juice/cider. For orange juice lovers you can still drink your favorite beverage, but select low-acid orange juice when visiting your grocer.

Grains: Garlic bread, granola cereal, and many types of muffins may cause an attack.

Meat: Beef, fish, tuna, ham, hot dogs, egg, and chicken salad can cause heartburn. For some folks chicken by itself is just fine, but added ingredients such as mayonnaise can cause heartburn.

Sweets and Desserts: Low fat cookies. You may save on calories when eating low fat cookies, but the artificial ingredients contained within them can set off heartburn.

Vegetables: The big triggers in this category are onions, leeks, garlic, scallions, and sauerkraut.

Besides avoiding certain types of foods, there are medications that can stop heartburn including Nexium and Prevacid. Alternatively, some heartburn sufferers have found relief through natural remedies such as Acidgone.

By drinking plenty of water throughout the day, some heartburn sufferers have found relief. In addition, avoid excessive use of caffeinated products, alcohol, and nicotine. Finally, b! y select ing smaller food portions and eating less you can thwart future attacks.

You don?t need to be held hostage by heartburn; see your doctor if attacks persist as it could be a sign of some other problem.

Heart Attacks And Strokes Can Be Prevented

2008-12-18T00:00:00.001-08:00

If you are keeping up on the news now a days you have probably noticed a frightening increase in both heart attack and strokes, especially in the western world. It seems to be a trend which is spinning out of control. Why is this and what can be done to prevent this from happening to you?

All that has to be done is to take a good look at the lifestyle people are living and it should be quite obvious to everyone why this is happening. First of all most people does not get enough exercise which is a crucial factor in allowing our blood to circulate properly. Bad circulation can lead to heart attack and strokes and if that is not enough all the fast food and fatty foods most people eat, only add to the problem.

You know already that you are not getting enough exercise and that you most likely are suffering from bad circulation. If you in addition to this eat improper food you are asking for trouble. Take this one step further, if you have a weight issue and smoke, you are basically a walking time bomb. The thing is something as minor as bad circulation can end up killing you if you don?t get it under control.

Knowing if you are suffering from bad circulation might not be so easy since the symptoms are not always easily detected. The most common signs of bad circulation are; cramping and/or swelling of the feet and legs, legs falling asleep, legs always being colder than the rest of your body, also always having tired and aching feet. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms it is important that you seek medical advice.

Having bad circulation in it self might not necessarily be serious but in the long run it may eventually lead to more serious issues and should therefore be taken care of at an early stage. By starting to treat bad circulation early on you might be able to save yourself quite a bit of money rather than the thousands it may end up costing you if you let this progress into something far more serious than simply bad circulation.

One thing you should be aware! of is t hat treating bad circulation does not necessarily have to be done with expensive drugs prescribed to you by your doctor some simple changes in your lifestyle might be all it takes. Another great alternative to prescribed medications are natural remedies which, believe it or not, can help treat most illnesses out there. Regardless of this you need to see a doctor if you feel something is wrong with you but at the same time keep in mind that if you are not in any danger you do have an option to try alternative ways of treating your problem.

Anyway, if you do believe you have a problem with bad circulation you really should take action. This condition is nothing to play with and before you know it, it could cause you to have a heart attack or stroke. It would not be worth it would it? Not to die from something that can be so easily prevented. We all need to remember that this is an increasing problem here in the western world which should not be ignored. Take a stand and start to beat bad circulation now!

David Crowton is an established expert copywriter. He is known for doing in-depth research before writing his articles.

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Arjuna The Amazing Heart Herb That Reduces Cardiovascular Suffering

2008-12-17T15:00:00.001-08:00

Are you worried about heart disease now or later in life? So much is written and reported on heart disease or cardiovascular disease.

There's good reason. It's the number one killer of people in the US.

So, for good reason, you should to be concern about what you need to do so that you can avoid being a victim of heart disease.

Is there a natural remedy that can serve as a preventative or relieve or reduce the symptom of cardiovascular disease? Is there some natural remedy that can lower cholesterol levels or LDL, reduce angina attacks, reduce congestive heart failure, ischemic heart disease, prevent and reduce the fat build on your artery walls? and lower high blood pressure?

Yes there is.

In a special report put out by the Health Sciences Institute, they reported on a New Breakthrough Against Heart Disease and Stroke.

This is so exciting that now there is a natural heart remedy that has come to light here in the US, but has been used for over 2500 years in India.

It's an Ayurvedic herb called Arjuna and is readily available. Arjuna comes from the Terminalia Arjuna tree, located throughout India.

In all of the clinical studies that have being performed it has shown significant improvement in patients tested. In tests for LDL cholesterol it reduced LDL by 25% after 30 days of use with a dose of 500 mg per day.

People who suffered from angina attacks were put on Arjuna. During a 12 week period, these people had a 30% reduction in angina attacks.

This is what the Health Science Institute report has to say about Arjuna,

If the cholesterol circulating in your bloodstream isn't removed on a regular basis, it can deposit on the walls of your arteries. While this happens to everone to a certain extent, thicker cholesterol deposits reduce the volume of blood flowing through your vascular system?'hardening of the arteries.' This can cause a deterioration of tissues and organs. Your arteries also deteriorate from the accumulation of chol! esterol. If left untreated, atherosclerosis can kill you. But Arjuna has been show to turn around this life-threatening condition.

So why haven't you heard about this wonder herb. Well, it was reported in the newspaper, but was put in the middle where very few people would see it. Pharmaceuticals definitely don't want you to know about it.

What's even more astounding about Arjuna is that you can afford it. Most herbal remedies or any supplement that can really do something for you cost from $25 to $50 for 30 - 60 capsules and some even more.

Arjuna cost $8-$10 plus shipping, if you can't find it at your health food store, for 120 capsules of 550 mg. This will last you 2 months or more. This comes to $5 - $7 per month to care for your heart. Go out and buy this right now. Your heart deserves it.

I have to go now; I need to open the bottle of Arjuna that I just received in the mail. The brand that I recommend is Planetary Formulas?Arjuna.

If you don't do anything for you health this year, do this one thing; buy Arjuna. Share this information with your friends and family and don't keep it to yourself.

Rudy Silva is a Natural Nutritionist. To get tips and natural remedies for your heart and high blood pressure go to: http://www.lowerbloodpressure.for--you.com/

Vioxx and Bextra Lawsuits Could Tie Up Courts for Years

2008-12-17T05:00:00.001-08:00

In September, 2004, pharmaceutical giant Merck voluntarily withdrew its painkilling medication Vioxx from the market. Studies show that Vioxx increases the risk of heart attack and stroke among patients who have used the drug for longer than 18 months. Vioxx, a drug from a family of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs known as COX-2 inhibitors, is one of only a few drugs specifically designed to minimize inflammation while avoiding the stomach disorders long associated with other anti-inflammatory medications. Since its introduction in 1999, Vioxx has been a huge success, and sales of the drug worldwide topped $2.5 billion in 2003. That is certainly a great deal of money, but it pales when compared to the amount that Merck stands to lose through product liability lawsuits, which will soon come to court. As of this writing, several thousand lawsuits have been filed nationally, but attorneys estimate that the total number of lawsuits filed could reach a staggering 100,000.

One hundred thousand lawsuits is certainly a formidable number, but that figure could represent only half of the number of lawsuits related to COX-2 inhibitors. Earlier this year, Pfizer voluntarily withdrew its similar medication Bextra from the market, as studies linked the use of Bextra to increased heart attack risk and to a rare skin disorder known as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. Bextra, another drug in the family of COX-2 inhibitors, works very similarly to Vioxx, and many patients who formerly took Vioxx switched to Bextra after the former was removed from the market last fall. Given that sales of Bextra rose to near Vioxx levels before it was removed from the market, it seems likely that the number of lawsuits filed by patients who claim to have been harmed by their use of Bextra could eventually equal the number of Vioxx lawsuits.

Unless the courts consolidate them into just a few class-action suits, the 200,000 potential lawsuits stemming from problems with Bextra and Vioxx could cripple our courts for the! next de cade. Patients who believe that they may have been harmed through the use of either Bextra or Vioxx would be well advised to contact an attorney who specializes in pharmaceutical lawsuits as soon as possible. The wait for a resolution in court, particularly for Vioxx lawsuits, could be a very long one. Those who file quickly may get the fastest results.

Charles Essmeier is the owner of Retro Marketing, a firm devoted to informational Websites, including Bextra-Info.net, a site devoted to the withdrawn drug Bextra and StructuredSettlementHelp.com, a site devoted to structured settlements.

Models and the Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet

2008-12-17T00:00:00.001-08:00

Three Factors Relating to Beauty and the Med Diet Regimen

While it is important for fashion and fitness models to maintain their chiseled and attractive looks, many other men and women are also concerned with their appearances. Therefore, many people in different parts of the world oftentimes find themselves trying to learn more about what fashion and fitness models do to maintain their looks and appearances.

When it comes to discerning what a fashion or fitness model does to look their best, their regimens normally encompass three routines:

-- cosmetic

-- fitness

-- dietary

In the 21st century, a growing number of fashion and fitness models are relying on the Mediterranean diet as part of their dietary routines. There are three primary reasons why these fashion and fitness models are relying on the Mediterranean diet to keep them in top notch condition.

The Med Diet Assists in Weight Management

It goes without saying that fashion and fitness models are concerned -- some would say ?obsessed? -- with their weight. We live in a day and age where being in good physical shape matters on many levels.

Right or wrong, many societies the world over place a great deal of importance on a person?s ability to be able to maintain a healthy weight. This emphasis on being thinner transcends the obvious health issues associated with avoiding becoming or staying overweight.

When it comes to keeping weight down, many health conscious fashion and fitness models do turn to the Mediterranean diet as opposed to the fad diet schemes that gain so much media attention all of the time. Through the Mediterranean diet, these fashion and fitness models are able to control their weight but do not have to sacrifice their health in the process.

The Med Diet Fosters Great Looking Skin

When it comes to pursuing a career as a fashion or fitness model, skin care and skin appearance is absolutely vital. Scientific research in the past thirty years has conclusiv! ely demo nstrated that there is a definite connection between the appearance of a person?s skin and his or her diet.

When it comes to skin care and appearance, many people have come to appreciate the benefits of the Mediterranean diet. Because the diet includes a selection of food items that are rich in anti-oxidants, the Mediterranean diet is proven to assist in maintaining youthful looking skin.

Anti-oxidants work to neutralize the negative effects of free radicals. It is the presence of free radicals in a person?s system that causes skin to age prematurely.

The Med Diet is a High Energy Regimen

Fashion and Fitness modeling are demanding careers. In order for a person to succeed in either one of these occupations, it is important for that person to have the energy level necessary to satisfy a very demanding schedule.

Because the Mediterranean diet is a well balanced regimen, it works to provide a person with a plentiful supply of energy. Drawing calories from a wide range of healthy foods, a person who follows the Mediterranean diet finds his or her self energetic and able to meet the demands of even a very full schedule.

Tips for Choosing Your Support Group

2008-12-16T15:00:00.001-08:00

Support groups come in all sizes and flavors, in person and online. Whether you're looking for a divorce support group, a cancer support group, depression, grief, or weight loss support group, the elements for providing you with substantive and positive emotional, mental, physical or spiritual support are still the same. There are two kinds of support groups: positive and negative.

Positive:

A pro-active positive support group is one that promotes learning about new medicines, new procedures, new clinical trials, new books, CD's et al about your disorder. This group promotes going forward, and helps facilitate your research and personal empowerment as a blessing.

When you are introduced to the group they do not spend endless hours recounting the disease story about why you are here. It's a fact that does not need to be addressed again and again that you have a disorder story. YOU live it, so why keep going over it and over it and over it, to activate all that negative energy?

That's WHY you joined that particular group.

The positive group leader is not intimidated by your unanswerable questions, but is inspired to become more educated about your topic. Your leader encourages you to ask current unanswerable questions and challenges each member to think beyond disease limiting conditions and current horizons.

They promote all of the members to participate by delegating various positive assignments for everyone.

If this is a local group, you take glad to be alive, share life field trips that have absolutely NOTHING to do with the disorder, and EVERYTHING about feeling good about yourself, seeing the world, laughing and having a balanced life.

This group supports taking care of your appearance, sharing new ideas, resources and adventures about makeup, hair, wardrobe, personal hygiene and physical rehabilitation and exercise. This group wants you to care about your personal appearance, so when you look in the mirror and are seen by friends, you look alive! , and as healthy and refined as possible for your condition. They discourage maintaining a sick image.

Negative:

It should be a great concern to be in a group that does nothing but recount what was and all that is unhealthy and unhappily going on in the life of it's participants. Inevitably this will negatively impact participant's minds and spirits. This is often seen in online Internet groups.

Research tends to support that recounting your horror story and reading the countless venting of others, does not support a positive attitude that promotes physical healing and healthy emotional and mental responses.

This group meets only to go over and over and over your tale of diagnosis and personal devastation, from your introduction story to your tale of weekly woes. This is a disorder victim group. It is commiseration of negative energy at the highest level of disguise.

No matter how much you think that this group is helping you, they are not. They exist to talk about and share negative experiences creating a stuck atmosphere. It?s bonding by perpetual downers.

You do not receive points on the other side for being a victim of your diagnosis, disease, or plight.

You are in fact, contributing to your own demise. Acceptance is one thing, denial another. Being a victim assists your problem in draining your own life force energy. Having a problem and addressing it with the pity poor me approach is futile. It may elicit help for a while, but the keyword here is for a while. Give up the pity party. Fight! Instead, use that time researching how to restore and regenerate your life.

Do not use the fact that you are having a terrible reaction to something in your treatment as making you special or as your identity. I have seen many cancer clients who wanted attention, and used the negative occurrences in their illness as a banner to set them apart. This is not productive. It frustrates your healthcare provider. They are aware of the psychological reasons you are using! your ne gative reaction for attention. Understanding that this is a confusing and complicated time in your life, try to take your identity from your positive approach to life. Therefore, when you healthcare provider does not emphasize or respond to your negative identity crisis, it?s a good sign. Their job is to assist your health, not enable you.

Grieving is an area that takes a little more time. HOWEVER, positive attitudes are essential here also.

Although you have lost a loved one, living with a dead memory can kill off your life force energy day to day and breath by breath. I personally understand this as my fiance was killed in a sudden auto crash. I never had the chance to say ANYTHING! However, it's better to celebrate their life and remember all the good. Then you keep all the positive alive which is contributory to your healing. By celebrating their life, you never have to bury their memories. You can take them out at any time, like a special gift and savor all the wonderful thoughts and feelings.

Weight loss is just that. It takes times. However, while waiting, you can focus on the light at the end of the scale, instead of the chocolate bars and emotional traumas creating your health issue. You CAN tell a health story that presents your learning opportunity as a learning opportunity to help heal the others in your group, rather than a commiseration band aid.

If your group is not continually teaching you new and progressive things, and supporting your positive emotional, mental, spiritual and physical and appearance growth, leave. If your group doesn't embrace having an open mind and awareness without censorship other than that of your personal intuition, leave!

UNTIL you take your knowledge gained from any group and turn it into a positive learning opportunity that you do something about! you are not going forward. Unless you choose to grow forward, you will remain in the same condition that brought you into the group in the first place.

Research continues to ! affirm t hat being a part of a positive support can add quality and quantity to your life. Although the intent of most support groups is to be contributory in helping it's members, a negative group can ultimately do more harm than good.

Brent Atwater: Medical Intuitive, Distance Healer: Her global Medical Intuitive & Distance Healing has been studied by & or documented at Duke, the ARE, & for pets by the NCSU's Veterinary school. ARTIST: An artist (30+), Brent is a pioneer in healing art by scientifically documenting the Healing benefits of Paintings that Heal?. Her art was featured on PBS. At 16, the NC Museum of Art chose her painting for their permanent collection. In 1987 she founded Just Plain Love? Charitable Trust to benefit children & other causes. AUTHOR: Just Plain Love? Children's Healing Books. The books are translated into plays performed in children's healthcare facilities turning illness negatives into positives. Cancer Kids, God's Special Children, & Positive Attitudes, Affirmations, & Actions for Overcoming Your Health Challenges, and Positive Attitudes, Affirmations & Actions to Help Survive Your Cancer Experience. These books are holistic, alternative medicine & alternative healing for your mind Brent attended Wake Forest Law School and is a minister.

The Terrible Truth about Acid Reflux Disease

2008-12-16T05:00:00.001-08:00

First of all, acid reflux is not a disease. It is an acquired condition which can be completely healed by eating properly. I wonder if people had acid reflux, gerd and heartburn a thousand years ago. I sincerely doubt it. I believe it is a symptom of the quality of the food we eat today, our eating habits and the stressful times in which we live.

People who eat convenience food on the run can?t expect to enjoy proper digestion. Proper digestion requires chewing food well and not diluting the digestive juices with liquids, the worst of these being carbonated beverages. And of course all the fat associated with convenience food makes the situation worse. Most people who go to fast food chains eat a burger with fries and a large soda. The employees are trained to push the soft drinks on the customers. They look at you as if you are nuts if you opt to skip the big soft drink.

People today are always in a hurry, always late, both parents working and commuting to those jobs. There seems to be no time to shop for and prepare quality food. Children are forced to be self sufficient from an early age. They prepare their own meals, microwaving food which has little food value and is loaded with sodium and fat.

We are raising a generation of future acid refluxers. The parents are no better off, grabbing junk food to eat in the office. No wonder so many people suffer from acid reflux. I?m sure that the big pharma are thrilled at the prospects of future sales.

The medical community wants us to believe that only prescription drugs are the answer for the symptoms of indigestion. Of course this is not true. Antacids are, at best, a temporary fix and they are loaded with harmful ingredients such as sodium and aluminum. PPI drugs (proton pump inhibitors) like Nexium and Prilosec should only be used for eight weeks, at most. It says so right on the package, but after eight weeks what are we to do? Furthermore, these drugs only mask and hide the symptoms and have hundreds of ha! rmful si de effects. They don?t heal the condition! They only make the drug makers rich at our expense!

I used to suffer from acute GERD. I confess that I too ate on the run. I didn?t chew my food properly. I washed everything down with soda and became addicted to a PPI drug - that purple pill. It was so easy and convenient. I could abuse my body and not suffer for it. I thought that drug was my salvation until that illusion came crashing down on me.

After several years of taking this drug, my condition became worse and I was told to double the dose. I began to feel sluggish and tired. My vision suffered and my blood pressure soared. I realized that these were probably side effects of this PPI drug. Perhaps I was suffering from malnutrition? How does the body digest and assimilate food without stomach acid?

I did a computer search and found that there were hundreds of possible side effects. I was shocked at what I found! I was harming my body and I wanted to stop taking this drug! But when I tried to stop taking the PPI, the acid pumps, which had been shut off, went wild and produced more acid than ever before.

I can?t tell you how much I suffered. My esophagus was constantly burning and l feared that I would suffer permanent damage. I couldn?t sleep at night. I was afraid to eat or drink anything but water. My friends didn?t understand my problem. They would call and say, ?Let?s go out for Southwestern barbeque?. Of course, I couldn?t. I loved to eat hot chili sprinkled with raw onions and jack cheese, but it was now my worst nightmare. My life was becoming unbearable!

I was determined to beat this illness. My doctor couldn?t help me ? no one could tell me what to do. I had to heal myself. I became completely dedicated to finding the answers. I studied and researched. I wanted to discover naturopathic treatments as opposed to drugs. I searched high and low for natural remedies that might actually cure acid reflux. I tried every possible remedy and health! y diet I could find. I made myself a virtual guinea pig.

In the end, I found that the answers to the acid reflux problem are really quite simple. With a few changes in lifestyle and with the help of natural remedies, one can absolutely beat the acid reflux syndrome, without the use of drugs.

Remember, that the reason this condition exists in the first place, is due to a damaged esophagus. Let the esophagus heal by not eating the same foods in the same way that caused the damage. Losing weight, exercising, chewing properly, drinking sufficient amounts of water and elevating the head at night, are all simple things that anyone can do to improve this condition.

There are also many natural ingredients found in any health store, which can help during, what I call, the acid reflux recovery period. Herbs, such as slippery elm and marshmallow have wonderful healing properties. Aloe vera juice, licorice and natural honey can sooth the esophagus and assist in the healing process.

I had to take control of my life and assume responsibility for my own actions. I managed to turn things around. I did heal myself of the acid reflux condition. With a little knowledge and discipline, anyone can do the same.

Charles Stewart Richey lives and works in a log cabin on the top of a mountain, wedged between the Lackawaxen and Delaware Rivers. Besides being a writer, he is also well known as an actor, musician and published composer of music under the nom d? plume, Jeremy Wind. He is also an ardent naturalist.

Mr. Richey is a self-educated expert on how to cure acid reflux disease, by natural means and has written an extensive report entitled, ?REFLUX GONE FOREVER, Natural Acid Reflux Remedies?. He explains how the proper application of herbs, health store items, meditation, diet and exercise can heal acid reflux, gerd and heartburn, without the use of drugs.

For information on how to heal acid reflux the natural way, go to =>http://www.refluxgoneforever.com

Hearburn Treatment

2008-12-16T00:00:00.001-08:00

Heartburn is caused due to stomach acid spilling into the esophagus and irritating the unprotected lining of the esophagus. There are quite a few causes of the problem, and the treatment has to be an integrated approach. As the problem involves the digestive system, eating habits are the major cause.

Avoid foods that induce copious secretion of acid in the stomach. These foods include citrus fruits, chocolate, mint products, tomatoes, raw onions, garlic, black pepper, chili, vinegar, all fatty foods, spicy foods, cloves, nutmeg, coffee, tea, caffeine or carbonated beverages and alcohol. Avoid cooking food with fat or oil, like fried or saut?ed dishes. Cook by boiling, baking, grilling, broiling, poaching or steaming. Eat small portions more frequently and avoid large meals that completely fill the stomach. Drink plenty of water, do not eat very fast and chew the food properly.

Do not get into bed for at least 2 hours after eating, and try to keep a vertical torso during this time. Elevate the head 4 to 6 inches while sleeping. Try to sleep on the left side, as it improves mobility and empties the stomach quickly. Avoid stress, exercise regularly and give up smoking. Do not exercise after a meal, as this would itself cause heartburn. Tight clothes, constant bending down, certain abdominal exercises, too much fat around the abdomen, and lying face down are some things that apply pressure on the stomach, causing heartburn.

Antacid medications mainly made of calcium carbonate, aluminum and magnesium neutralize the acid in the stomach. They act very fast, but are effective only for short periods (1 to 2 hours). Drugs like Cimetidine, Ranitidine, Nizatidine and Famstidine, which are known as H2 blockers, provide relief from the heartburn by suppressing acid production in the stomach. They take about 1 hour to take effect and last up to 12 hours. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI) like Omeprazole and Lansoprozole turn off acid production by interfering with the proton pump in the mucus lining of ! the stom ach at the last stage of acid production. It is effective within one hour and the effect lasts up to 24 hours.

If self-treatment is not effective within 3 to 4 weeks, it is imperative that the patient consult a physician. The heartburn could be just a symptom of more serious diseases like GERD, hiatal hernia, esophagitis or esophagus cancer.

Heartburn provides detailed information on Heartburn, Heartburn Medication, Heartburn Treatment, Heartburn Symptom and more. Heartburn is affiliated with Heart Rate Monitor Watches.

The Healing Arts: A Firetender's Lesson Part Two Of One Mind and One Heart

2008-12-15T15:00:00.000-08:00

Next: A living legacy.

(Permission is granted to reprint this article, unedited, provided proper attribution is made and the signature line -- the above resource paragraph -- is kept intact)

How To Cure Heartburn Effectively: On Pocket Change

2008-12-15T05:00:00.001-08:00

Even as a child I suffered with bouts of heartburn. These infrequent episodes followed me on into my teenage years, and then into adulthood. Still yet a small bottle of 'Rolaids' would last me for quite a while and alleviate the burn. At 28 I became pregnant with my first child and as I entered my last trimester, my heartburn bothered me daily. This was viewed by my physician as a relatively common occurrence for pregnant women.

After the birth of my son my heartburn problem eased back to the normal rate (for me), at about two to three times per month. This frequency had always been normal for me since young adulthood. Then by the time I reached 40, I found myself in a most uncomfortable predicament, that nagging burn would be present nearly every day for a week at a time. I needed more and more over the counter antacids to fight the relentless burn.

Finally it became progressively worse and developed into full-blown acid reflux disease. Over the counter remedies no longer worked efficiently and I headed to my doctor for relief. I took prescription medication for several years, but the cost was eating up my bank balance to the tune of between three and six dollars a day! From there I was referred to a specialist (gastroenterologist) to investigate further for a possible cause internally. A colonoscopy and endoscopy were done (two very evasive tests) , luckily nothing was amiss. The good doctor informed me I would most likely need medications indefinitely.

What a disappointment no obvious cause, and a lifetime of drugs with no eventual cure? That's what I despise about the current medical system. Medications only change the acidity level of stomach acids, so there is less burn. Sometimes people get talked into an even more evasive procedure, surgery, to eliminate this disease. Think of the endless money making potential involved here as millions suffer from this very avoidable condition.

Now how about trying the cheap alternative water cure? Heartburn or acid reflux is a signa! l that y our body is short of water in the upper part of your gastrointestinal tract. Long term use of medications to treat acid will eventually produce inflammation in your stomach and duodenum, which can manifest into a hiatal hernia, ulcers, esophagus cancer, liver and pancreatic cancers.

The avoidable tragedy is, plain water is most effective if given the necessary time to heal and cure. Water is so important throughout the whole digestive tract in digesting food and eliminating wastes.

The water cure is quite simple, and if you are serious enough to begin using it, you absolutely must limit other beverages three-quarters of the time to enjoy the healing effects.

I no longer have to depend on medications for keeping my acid levels down, and thankfully I did not end up in surgery to end all of this.

How about you, how open minded are you to ending your acid levels that's causing you misery and suffering? Would you like to start keeping a portion of your hard earned money to spend on more fun things than standard medical treatment? There is no end to their vicious cycle, but you can end it with proper hydration.

Brenda Skidmore has spent the last three years researching natural health care alternatives. She can attest to the many benefits of natural practical cures and preventive strategies for human health. Along with the many medical professionals whose published works she has studied. It is her sincere desire to bring forth this knowledge for the betterment of mankind. To improve your life today visit mywater4life.com

Benefits of Walking

2008-12-15T00:00:00.001-08:00

Walking

Here are a few tips on how to walk to achieve the maximal benefits.

PACE:

TREADMILLS:

MOVE YOUR ARMS

We are a group of personal trainers certified through AFFA. Our goal is to provide good Health and Fitness advice.

Options for Heart Surgery in India and Advantages Associated with It

2008-12-14T15:00:00.001-08:00

Heart Treatment in India costs much lower than traditional hospitals in developed countries and in most cases, lower than other developing countries. They use some of the best technology and knowhow and the procedures include cardiothoracic, neurology, gastrointestinal, orthopaedic, renal, obstetric, ENT, opthalmology, dental, plastic, cosmetic and tumour surgeries.

The cost difference can be as high as 1:3, which effectively means you get a 5 star treatment at one-third the costs using top class doctors.

Leave alone the cost, there is no queue, no waiting lists and you will get preferential treatment.

Conditions operated on include:

Heart Care

- Valvular diseases

- Arrhythmias

- Coronary artery disease

- Hypercholesterolemia

- Family history of coronary disease

- Hypercholesterolemia

- Heart disease symptoms

Some of the procedures available are:

- directional coronary atherectomy

- rotablation

- coronary artery stenting

- intravascular ultrasound

- balloon valvuloplasty

- non-surgical closure of holes in the heart such as ASD, VSD and PDA.

It is commonly known that most top Indian doctors have top class education including training/education from Americal institutions. Add to that the world class technology and 5 star facilities and what you have is a more convenient option with an almost free holiday (keeping in mind you have significant cost savings).

Some site like IndiaMedicalTourism.net offer patients easy and effective medical tourism advice for treatment in India. Some more related sites are:

http://www.medical-tourism.us

http://www.theindiadirectory.com/health-tourism

More Medical Tourism Information available at Medical Tourism in India

Tips For A Healthy Heart

2008-12-14T05:00:00.001-08:00

Keeping our hearts healthy is important, but how do we do it? Fortunately the answers to this are very clear.

Being overweight, particularly if you carry the weight around your waist, puts unnecessary strain on the heart. To find out if you have a problem you need to know your height to weight ratio (WHR). To work this out measure round your waist in centimetres and divide it by your hip circumference. The measurements need to be in centimetres, so if your measuring tape is in inches, multiply each measurement by 2.5 before dividing one by the other. If the figure you end up with is greater than 0.9 for men and 0.8 for women then your fat distribution is likely to be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Research has shown that many overweight people with angina, raised blood cholesterol and high blood pressure found their condition improved greatly, even after losing only some of their excess weight. Many of those who kept their weight off were able to reduce their medication or even stop it entirely.

Exercise is important for your heart too. If you take regular exercise, it will speed up your basal metabolic rate. This means that you will burn more calories, not only when you are exercising but for some time afterwards as well. People often imagine that they have to exercise hard to have an effect, but it?s enough just to take exercise that leaves you warm and breathing heavily, but still able to hold a conversation.

Did you know that each day most of us take between 3,000-4,000 steps? And that's just not enough. Experts say that we should aim to take 10,000 steps to maintain a healthier lifestyle. Increasing to 10,000 steps a day will burn between 2,000 and 3,500 extra calories per week, which will result in achieving a vastly better health profile and longer lifespan. There are lots of ways you can increase the number of steps you take: get up to change the TV rather than using the remote; park further from the supermarket; take a walk a! round th e local park or your garden/yard; walk rather than take the car on short journeys. Using a pedometer will help motivate you to clock up those extra steps.

Giving up smoking is likely to have a dramatic effect on your heart. Carbon monoxide produced when you smoke cigarettes attaches to red blood cells, so that in smokers up to half the blood can be carrying carbon monoxide rather than oxygen. No wonder many smokers are breathless! If you need help giving up smoking, try one of the books or CD?s by Allen Carr. He has helped thousands of people to give up.

And, if you don?t already, start flossing your teeth! This may seem bizarre in relation to the heart, but it has been shown that there is a link between gum disease and heart disease. The exact mechanism isn?t understood fully yet, but flossing your teeth and having regular dental checks is important for a healthy heart.

Finally, give and receive love. The scientific evidence isn?t there (yet) for how important this is for our hearts, but it has been established that people who have loving relationships also tend to have long and happy lives.

Jane Thurnell-Read is a writer and researcher on health, stress, alternative medicine, and happiness. Visit her web site http://www.healthandgoodness.com for tips and information on how to live a happier, healthier life no matter how busy you are.

Aerobic Exercise and the FITT Principle

2008-12-14T00:00:00.001-08:00

Cardiorespiratory fitness best describes the health and function of the heart, lungs and circulatory system. Cardiorespiratory fitness also describes the capacity of the lungs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide with the blood, and the transportation of nutrients and waste products to and from the body's active tissues. Other terms used and applied to the exercise environment are cardiovascular fitness, aerobic endurance and aerobic capacity. These terms are synonymous.

Cardiorespiratory exercise has proved to have many benefits, such as reducing cardiovascular disease by increasing fat utilization and therefore reducing obesity, and the reduction and management of hypertension and cholesterol. Other reported benefits include improved heart function and oxygen consumption, the ability to perform every day tasks more easily, decreased resting heart rate, body fat stores, anxiety and stress and management of diabetes.

A cardiorespiratory program needs to follow general guidelines to ensure maximum safety and effectiveness. These characteristics are essential for measurable improvements. We call this the FITT principle.

Frequency 3-5 times per week
Intensity 60-90% of predicted MHR
Time Duration 15-60 minutes of aerobic exercise
Type Activities; walking, cycling, jogging, swimming, roller blading, cross training, rowing etc.

Exercise FREQUENCY refers to the number of exercise sessions per week that are performed. The ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) recommends 3-5 sessions per week to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and to achieve or maintain optimal body fat levels.

Exercise INTENSITY refers to the amount of effort you put into your training session. There are many methods for monitoring exercise intensity, some have been standardized, and are suitable for application to the general population and for those of different fitness levels.

Heart rate (MHR) Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) The 'talk test' method Maximum Heart Rate (MHR) ! is deter mined by: Men 220 - age Women 226 - age

A 34 year old male, would therefore have a MHR of 186 beats per minute (bpm). Your exercise intensity is then put into the equation to give an exercise intensity that is specific to experience, fitness level, capabilities and relative to your fitness goals. Those just starting an exercise regime, or having a low level of fitness can benefit from intensities as low as 50-60% of MHR. Higher intensities as much as 90% of MHR are better suited to the more physically fit. As a general guideline, 60-80% of MHR is sufficient for the average population with no contra-indications to exercise.

RPE The 'Rate of Perceived Exertion' scale considers all factors that influence exercise intensity and how we perceive that exercise including fatigue and environmental conditions. A twenty-point scale has been devised that corresponds with Heart Rate intensities and allows the participant to determine their perceived effort. This method teaches us to listen to our bodies instead of 'zoning out' and can be used in conjunction with Heart Rate.

The 'talk test': This is an easy method that anyone can use. The talk test is based on the principle that if you cannot hold a regular conversation while exercising, your exercise intensity is too high. The intensity should however, be enough to increase core body temperature and promote perspiration.

Exercise TIME is the duration of the exercise and is dependent on the intensity of the session. The ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) suggests a minimum of 15 minutes of continuous exercise to elicit any improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness. More deconditioned individuals may require multiple shorter sessions until they develop a base from which improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness can be made.

Your capabilities, interests, available time, equipment, facilities and personal goals determine exercise TYPE. The options are endless and can include any movement that uses large muscle groups, is continuous i! n nature (for a minimum of 15 minutes) and utilizes the aerobic energy system.

When beginning an exercise program, it is best to take a conservative approach and start at suggested minimums i.e. 3 times per week for 15-20 minutes at no more than 55-65% of MHR.

This intensity should be gradually increased over the forthcoming weeks and months to elicit changes and improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness and endurance.

The health professionals at Fitcorp Asia can design a program specific to your needs and goals, and help you reach your potential in health, mind and body.

As a health and fitness professional for over 10 years, Daniel has personally trained more than 4000 people, on 4 continents towards the achievement of their fitness and lifestyle objectives using his unique holistic and functional approach to lifestyle enhancement. Daniel is a true leader and innovator in the industry. Daniel draws from an academic background in Human Movement, Exercise Science and Sports Management in Australia & also holds a Diploma in Massage Therapy, & Certificates in Workplace Health Promotion, Personal Training (ACSM) and Australian Training for Fitness Professionals (ATP), Golf Fitness & Conditioning, Postural Analysis, Weight Management & Fat Loss.

Daniel is the founder and CEO of Fitcorp Asia, Thailand?s only Corporate Health & Fitness Solutions Company. ?We don?t just conduct personal training, we take pride in our ability to ?coach? our clients in all exercise science principles including nutrition and total lifestyle transformation to ensure our clients achieve a holistic goal orientated approach to their personal health and fitness endeavours.?

Be Heart Healthy The PlantBased Way

2008-12-13T15:00:00.001-08:00

All diets designed to promote heart health are low in fat and cholesterol and high in fiber. Vegetarian diets, then, are natural choices for those who want to reduce the risk of heart disease because vegetarian diets are naturally low in fat and cholesterol and high in fiber! Eliminating meat, poultry and fish, which are among the foods highest in fat and cholesterol and lowest in fiber, can be a giant step toward improving heart health. Another step, which comes naturally to vegetarians, is to increase the consumption of plant-based foods that are naturally high in fiber. Plant-based foods, particularly fruits and vegetables, also provide antioxidant protection for the heart.

The following guidelines are recommended for cooking heart-healthy vegetarian meals:

Saut? foods in water or very small amounts of olive or canola oil. Olive and canola oils are considered the healthiest oils because of they help to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. Low fat cooking methods are also recommended for heart health. Such methods include broiling, steaming, roasting, baking, poaching, boiling, and stir-frying with little or no oil. You can also try replacing some of the oil, butter or margarine in recipes with water, juice, applesauce, or pur?ed prunes. Frying foods, particularly deep-frying, is never recommended for those concerned about heart health.

Since egg yolks are high in cholesterol, whole eggs can often be replaced with bananas, tofu, applesauce, or egg replacers in most recipes. You can also replace the yolk with the white of another egg. For example, if a recipes call for one egg, use two egg whites and discard the yolks.

When shopping for ingredients for heart-healthy meals, buy plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and fat free or low fat milk products. Avoid frozen vegetables with cheese, cream or butter sauces. Read the labels on snack foods to find out how much fat and cholesterol they contain. The best snacks are popcorn, fresh fruits and vegetables, rice! cakes, and pretzels. There are also lower fat baked versions of many chips that would ordinarily be high in fat.

Fiber helps to cleanse the blood of cholesterol, which is why high fiber diets are considered beneficial to the heart. To fiber intake, choose whole grain breads and cereals and limit the consumption of refined (white) breads and cereals. Also limit consumption of sugary baked goods like croissants and muffins, which tend to be low in fiber and high in fat.

Eating out can be especially challenging both to vegetarians and to those concerned about heart health. Some simple guidelines can make it easier. For example, choose stir-fried entrees, steamed vegetables, and pasta with tomato sauce. Order baked potatoes without butter or cheese, and choose vegetable-based soups. Avoid mayonnaise-based salad dressings, and always ask for dressings and sauces to be served on the side so you can limit the amount you eat. Saturated fats and trans fats should be avoided, while monounsaturated fats are generally considered good for the heart.

The fact that saturated fats are mostly found in animal products is another natural advantage for vegetarians concerned with heart health. But saturated fats are also found in coconut, palm, and palm kernel oil, so these oils should be avoided on a heart healthy diet. Trans fats, which may also contribute to the development of heart disease, are found in margarine and many baked goods. Monounsaturated fats, the kind that are good for the heart, include canola oil, olive oil, flax seed oil, nuts, avocado, soy, and nut butters.

A vegetarian diet that includes soy products may add an extra benefit for heart health. Many studies suggest a connection between soy, such as tofu, soymilk, and soy yogurt, and lower rates of heart disease. The usual recommendation is 25 grams of soy protein per day.

Since cholesterol is only found in food of animal origin, such as meat, eggs and dairy products, vegans do not need to worry about cholesterol in the foods they ! eat.. Gr ains, legumes, nuts, fruits, vegetables and vegetable oil are all naturally cholesterol free. Conversely, only vegetarian foods provide heart healthy fiber. Oats, carrots, fruits, and beans are especially high in the kind of fiber that helps to lower cholesterol levels in the blood.

If you are interested in more specific guidelines for a heart healthy vegetarian diet, the ebook Vegetarian Cooking is a good resource. Available at http://www.d-vegetarian.com, the book provides listings of heart healthy nutrients as well as which foods contain them and in what amounts. There are also dozens of other topics covering all aspects of the vegetarian lifestyle and its benefits.

Jen Scott is author of the successful new site http://www.d-vegetarian.com, dedicated to educating people about the benefits of having a more vegetarian like lifestyle.

Seeking Noninvasive Treatment for High Blood Pressure?

2008-12-13T05:00:00.001-08:00

Suffering from high blood pressure and looking for an alternative way to reduce your blood pressure without drugs and invasive treatment? A new medical mechanism is seemingly revolutionizing breathing techniques and has been clinically proven to lower blood pressure.

According to a clinical overview by Doctors William Elliott, Joseph Izzo, and Henry Black, a new blood-pressure reducing device called RESPeRATE(R) (by InterCure, Inc.), comprised of a ...control box (about the size of a paperback book) containing a microprocessor, a belt-type respiration sensor (which functions as a respiration sensor), and headphones (to provide feedback to the patient);1 shows promise for noninvasive treatment for reducing blood pressure significantly.

How does it work? This small mechanism provides sessions of device-guided breathing to its patients. Analyzing breath rate and pattern, the microprocessor creates uniquely individualized melodies in the form of two specific tones. One tone is created for inhalation, the other for exhalation. The purpose of the instrument is to gradually have the patient synchronize his breathing rate to about ten (10) breaths per minute. Memory is stored in the microprocessor to show how often and how long the device has been utilized; and whether regimen was completely followed by patient.

In several, different studies, the device was used at intervals of fifteen (15) minutes per day for eight (8) weeks. Blood pressure control was significantly displayed in the groups using this innovative device. Findings showed that after 3-5 weeks of device-guided breathing, sustained reduction of blood pressure was achieved.

Per the overview, RESPeRATE(TM) can be used for the reduction of stress and as a complementary therapy for hypertension; and can be used in combination with conventional and alternative/natural interventions.

In closing, proper use of this device leads to guided, slower breathing which subsequently reduces blood pressure. Having no adverse effects, ! this new product may become key to naturally altering breathing patterns and help prolong heart health and overall wellbeing.

(To read the complete overview, visit: www.resperate.com/discover/clinicalevidence.aspx)

Reference:

Resperate.com

HeartcenterOnline.com

DISCLAIMER: Information provided by HolisticJunction.com is intended for educational purposes only and should not substitute advice provided by a licensed health professional.

About the Author: C. Bailey-Lloyd - Author of Somewhere Along the Beaten Path

Feel free to visit Media Positive Radio -- Providing a positive and uplifting listening experience - All the Time! Featuring the finest music from Independent and Mainstream musicians all focusing on the power and greatness of every individual as well as the collective power of unity and brotherhood.

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Cholesterol Getting Down to the Basics

2008-12-13T00:00:00.001-08:00

Blood cholesterol levels have been proven to be a major, modifiable risk factor for the development of heart disease. A risk factor is a condition that increases your chance of getting a disease. The fact that high cholesterol is a modifiable risk factor is important. Unlike your gender or your age, the cholesterol level in your blood is something you have the ability to change. High cholesterol levels can be treated with lifestyle modifications, supplements and/or prescription medication. Treatment to change blood cholesterol levels have been shown to lower your risk of getting heart disease or having a heart attack or stroke.

Cholesterol builds up in the walls of your arteries. Over time, this buildup causes hardening of the arteries so that arteries become narrowed and blood flow to the heart is slowed down or blocked. You can imagine what that looks like if you think about the pipes under your kitchen sink. As they get clogged with food, grease and hair over time, the drainage of water slows and eventually stops completely. Since blood travels through these arteries, or pipes, to carry oxygen to your muscles, organs and tissues including your heart, a blockage could reduce enough blood and oxygen to your heart that you may suffer chest pain, called angina. If the blood supply to a portion of the heart is completely cut off by a blockage, the result is a heart attack. If this blockage occurs in your brain, the result is a stroke.

High blood cholesterol itself does not cause symptoms; so there are a lot of people that are completely unaware that their cholesterol level is too high. It is important to find out what your cholesterol numbers are because lowering cholesterol levels that are too high lessens the risk for developing heart disease and reduces the chance of a heart attack or stroke. Even if you have already had a heart attack or stroke, lower cholesterol will reduce your chance of having second one. Cholesterol lowering is important for everyone--younger, middle age, and older a! dults; w omen and men; and people with or without heart disease.

There are different kinds of cholesterol in your blood that can measured through a simple blood test preformed at your doctor?s office. This blood test must be preformed fasting, which means you can not eat or drink anything but water or black coffee for 8-12 hours before your blood test for them to be accurate.

What is LDL?

LDL (bad) cholesterol is the main source of buildup and blockage in the arteries. The majority of LDL is created by your body in your liver. A smaller percentage of it is absorbed through your diet. An easy way for patients to remember LDL is the ?bad cholesterol? is to think the L in LDL stands for Lousy cholesterol, or the one you want to Lower.With this form of cholesterol, studies have shown the lower the better. Babies are born with an LDL of 30-40, so it is hard to lower the LDL too much. Since physicians and various guidelines have different goals for different patients, ask your doctor what your personal goal is for LDL.

What is HDL?

HDL (good) cholesterol helps keep bad cholesterol from building up in the arteries. An easy way for patients to remember this is the good cholesterol is the H in HDL stands for Healthy cholesterol or the one you want to be Higher. Studies show that with this form of cholesterol, the higher the better. If your HDL is below 40, it becomes an additional risk factor for heart disease. If your HDL is above 60, it actually allows you to subtract one of your other risk factors.

What Is Triglicerides?

Triglycerides are another form of fat in your blood which is often high in patients with diabetes, but can be high in anyone. Some patients may only have high triglycerides while all other cholesterol values remain normal. If you have both high triglycerides and high cholesterol, the condition is called ?mixed dyslipidemia?.

What Does Total Cholesterol To HDL Ratio Mean?

Another number that clinical studies have shown to be important in determinin! g your r isk of heart disease is the ratio of Total Cholesterol to HDL Cholesterol. In general, it should be less than 4.0. Ask your doctor what your value is, and what your specific goal should be. Again this is a number where the lower it is, the better.

The level of your LDL or ?bad cholesterol ? along with the number of other risk factors that you may have for developing heart disease will help your doctor decide not only your individual cholesterol goals, but if necessary what your individual treatment will include.Other risk factors for heart disease include age, gender (males), cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, HDL levels below 40, and a family history of early heart disease. Even though physical activity (sedentary lifestyle) and obesity are not included on this list, these are conditions that need to be corrected as well.

There are several treatment options for patients depending on individual test results and goals. All treatments should include a diet designed to lower cholesterol intake and an exercise plan. Many treatment plans will include dietary supplements and/or prescription medication(s). There are a variety of prescription medications that can target your specific treatment needs, including but not limited to lowering the amount of LDL created by the liver, lowering the amount of LDL that is absorbed from your intestines, increasing levels of HDL or lowering levels of triglycerides.Your doctor may put you on one, or a variety of medications to meet your individual treatment goals.

Blood cholesterol levels have been proven to be a major, modifiable risk factor for the development of heart disease. A risk factor is a condition that increases your chance of getting a disease. A modifiable risk factor is something you have the ability to change. High cholesterol levels can be treated with lifestyle modifications, supplement and/or prescription medication. Treatment to change blood cholesterol levels have been shown to lower your risk of getting heart disease ! or havin g a heart attack or stroke.

There are many different types of cholesterol lowering medications that your doctor may prescribe, however these prescriptions can cause certain nutritional deficiencies that may increase your risk for side effects or diminish the risk reduction you would otherwise get from the cholesterol lowering medications. NutraMD Cholesterol Essential Nutrients? supplement was designed to work with your cholesterol lowering medications by replacing lost nutrients reducing the risk of dangerous side effects, and promote better health.

Medications for treatment of High Cholesterol:

The three main classes include statins, fibrates, and bile acid sequestrants.

Statins include the following medications:
Lipitor (atorvastatin)
Zocor (simvastatin)
Pravachol (pravastatin).
Mevacor (lovastatin)
Crestor (rosuvastatin)
Advicor (lovastatin + niacin).
Caduet (atorvastatin + amlodipine).

The main function of statins is to reduce an individual??s risk for cardiovascular disease (i.e., heart attack, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, and plaque development in arteries) by reducing the total and LDL cholesterol levels as well as by reducing certain plaque promoting factors and increasing artery dilating factors.Your doctor may prescribe a statin if you have high cholesterol or have had heart attack or stroke in the past. If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure or diabetes but do not have high cholesterol, your doctor may still prescribe a statin to reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease. Statins help lower cholesterol by blocking it's direct synthesis throughout the body but primarily in the liver, however the action of the medication also blocks the synthesis of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and has a potential negative effect on the synthesis of vitamin D.

* CoQ10 deficiency has been linked to the following diseases and symptoms:

Congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, rhabdomyolysi! s (muscl e break down), muscle and joint pain, and fatigue.

Therefore to achieve maximum benefit from the statin medication and minimize potential side effects of nutrient deficiencies, you should compliment your prescription medication by taking NutraMD Cholesterol Essential Nutrients? supplement. By doing this you will balance the risk/benefit ratio further in your favor.

Fibrates include the following medications:

Tricor, Antara, and Lofibra (fenofibrates)
Lopid (gemfibrozil).

The main functions of fibrates are to lower triglycerides and raise HDL (good cholesterol). These medicines also have a mild lowering effect on LDL (bad cholesterol) and total cholesterol. Your doctor may prescribe fibrates in combination with a statin or bile acid sequestrants. The down side of fibrates is there ability to increase muscle pain and myalgia (including rhabdomyolysis).11-15 These medications also have the ability to raise homocysteine levels.11-15 Homocysteine is a chemical (amino acid metabolite) which when elevated is a risk factor for heart disease, atherosclerosis, stroke, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and osteoporosis. The only substances known to lower homocysteine levels are the B-vitamins (folate, riboflavin, cobalamin, and pyridoxine).Therefore to reduce the potential risks while taking fibrates, you should also be taking NutraMD Cholesterol Essential Nutrients? supplement.

Bile Acid Sequestrants include the following medications:

Questran or Questran Light (cholestyramine)
Welchol (colesevelam HCl).

The main functions of bile acid sequestrants are to lower cholesterol by binding to it in the intestine and preventing its absorption thus allowing its excretion in the feces. Your doctor may prescribe this type of medicine in combination with fibrates and statins. Unfortunately, bile acid sequestrants will also bind to vitamins A, D, E, and K as well as essential fats in the intestine preventing their absorption into the blood stream thus leading to their deficienci! es. A fe w of the problems which arise from deficiencies of vitamins A, D, E, K, and essential fatty acids include the following: Heart disease, high cholesterol, stroke, high triglycerides, cancer, thyroid disease, autoimmune disease, bone disease, arthritis, joint pain, muscle pain, cataracts, skin lesions, allergies, and many other.Therefore, to reduce potential side effects of nutrient deficiencies you should take NutraMD Cholesterol Essential Nutrients? supplement as long as you are on bile acid sequestrants.

In summary, cholesterol-lowering medications prescribed by your doctor are necessary to treat your condition; however, you should also be aware that the long term potential nutritional side effects can be just as big a risk factor for your condition as well as other conditions. Put the odds in your favor and maintain your health with NutraMD Cholesterol Essential Nutrients? supplement.

http://www.essential-nutrients.net/

C. Donald Ford, MD, Diplomate of the American Board Internal Medicine. Dr. Ford has practiced general internal medicine for the past 22 years. He is a native Texan and trained at Baylor University, the University of Texas Medical School at Houston, and Scott and White in Temple. He is a Clinical Assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine. In addition to general Internal Medicine, his practice includes travel medicine, vascular disease prevention, and Integrative Medicine with nutrients. He has been interested in the body?s ability to heal itself since medical school, and has used nutrients throughout his career to help patients use less prescription medication, or avoid it altogether.While he sees the tremendous value prescription medications can provide, he is also aware of the value and place for nutrients.

Healing Gadgets

2008-12-12T15:00:00.001-08:00

These six devices were selected by Gary Ames for their research support and professional regard. All are available to consumers and can be a great bargain for quality of life. These gadgets usually produce significant improvements in nervous system functioning which are sustained in the long term after the benefit is obtained.

Temperature biofeedback training with a thermometer. Learn to relax by increasing the blood perfusion to your fingers or toes. Trial and error learning guides you toward relaxation. http://www.cliving.org/stressthermometer.htm $19.95

Galvanic Skin Response (GSR). Skin Conductance. Every time your autonomic nervous system changes the level of arousal or relaxation, the moisture of your skin changes, and this affects the electrical conductivity of your fingers. GSR 2 - with or without accessories. ~$50 or $150.
http://www.mindgrowth.com/
http://www.toolsforwellness.com/bg101.html

Heart Rate Variability, HRV. When you inhale, heart rate increases. When you exhale, heart rate decreases. Learning to have smooth and strong heart rhythms in sync with breathing is good for mind and body. www.HeartMath.com $295
www.StressEraser.com/ Hand Held, $395
http://www.biocomtech.com/bht.htm. $395
www.cardiologix.com

GSR & HRV combined
www.WildDivine.com. Lush computer game with 40 biofeedback challenges. Sedate. $159.95.

EEG Biofeedback or Neurofeedback. Brain Wave Training. Monitoring and interacting with your own brain waves is a powerful method. There is broad applicability to enhance sanity, health, competence, and wisdom. This device will probably improve your life in multiple ways.

The BrainMaster is a good device for consumers, but you may need professional support. Play Attention is a weaker technology but has good remote support. Pocket Neurobics is a bargain with the weakest support. Yahoo has good newsgroup support forums.

Anyone can buy EEG biofeedback units on these sites.
www.pocket-neurob! ics.com - stand alone, PC or wireless
www.PlayAttention.com single channel, helmet
www.Brainquiry.com - wireless
http://www.futurehealth.org/nfcntral.htm
http://www.toolsforwellness.com/mind-machines-biofeedback.html
www.bio-medical.com
http://www.dynamind.com/eeg.htm

You may need a license or prescription to buy other more expensive equipment from a manufacturer or dealer.

HemoEncephaloGraphy, HEG (blood brain image with infrared sensors). These biofeedback devices monitor blood perfusion or blood oxygenation inside the brain with an infrared sensor on a headband. When you practice at activating certain sites on the head enhance a corresponding function in the brain. HEG devices can be both hand held and computer-based.

There are two kinds of HEG: nir HEG and pIR HEG. pIR HEG uses a box shaped sensor that is worn on the forehead. It is used only for the frontal cortex, the most human part of the brain. nir HEG is a headband with flat sensors that can be positioned at different sites on the head to exercise particular brain functions. See http://www.biocompresearch.org/questionaire1.htm
www.pocket-neurobics.com HEG and/or EEG

Cranial Electrical Stimulation, CES
This device is not biofeedback. CES sends a very mild current through the brain. Strong research support, FDA approved for anxiety, depression and insomnia. Simply turn it on so you can?t feel it and get a better brain. Generally used for 20-60 minutes per day for a month or two.
www.Alpha-Stim.com
www.Healthpax.org
http://www.dynamind.com/ces.htm

Some Caution
Biofeedback is generally safe and fun for the whole family. I am all for healing yourself with self-training based on information from your own body. But it is possible to do biofeedback badly. Usually this happens when doing too much too soon and pushing the mind-body to hard. This is especially true when there is greater dysfunction or instability. My caution is like the common sense advice you! would g et about weight training. The difference is that too much mind-body training can be less obvious.

When there are medical or psychiatric issues it is prudent to work with a licensed biofeedback trainer or therapist near you. Discuss a home training unit and program to get the full benefit from devices. There is no comprehensive directory of biofeedback providers. Try finding one at:
http://www.isnr.org/isnrlist.htm
www.EEGinfo.com
www.bcia.org
www.aapb.org (coming soon).

You might also try the web sites of particular software vendors such as http://www.adnf.org/neurofeedbackdirectory.htm

Gary Ames is a psychologist in private practice near Philadelphia, PA. He specializes in brain biofeedback. Optimal health clients include salespeople and executives. He also enjoys high success rates for those with ADHD, anxiety, depression, eating disorders and migraine.

Have You Tried Everything and Still Feel Sick and Tired? The Benefits of Reflexology

2008-12-12T05:00:00.001-08:00

The body is designed to heal itself provided it has the proper support to do its job.

Effects of Reflexology

Reflex treatment helps to clean the organism by stimulating the natural emunctories : intestines, kidneys, lungs, sinuses, skin?

Benefits:

Common ailments relieved:

Headaches, Migraines
Arthritis,
Bronchitis,
Back pain,
Heart problems,
Blood Pressure reduced,
Chronic Pain reduced,
Better Sleep/No Insomnia,
Fatigue,
Diabetes,
Indigestion,
Sciatica,
PMS,
Asthma

Your Waistline Says Whether You Are In Good Health

2008-12-12T00:00:00.001-08:00

The health of your heart can be seen when you use a tape measure.

Measuring your waist has been found to be a much better indication of the health of your heart rather than weighing yourself.

This way of combating heart disease was found when an International study was conducted recently.

The findings from the study were presented at the annual conference in Atalanta of the American College of Cardiology.

6 000 Family Doctors took part in the investigation. They measured the waistlines of 168 000 people, taking notes on family medical histories. It was found that the measurement of a person?s waistline was a far truer indication of the state of health of a person?s heart than the person?s weight.

The study was conducted in 63 countries. The findings were that in men the risk of heart disease increased by between 21 and 40 per cent for 14 cm (5.5ins) increase in waist size.

Women are not off the hook. For every 14.9 cm increase in the waistline the more the possibility of a heart attack.

Doctors have known for some time that the more weight a person puts on the more likely they are to have heart problems.

Why Is This?

If a person is overweight, the heart has to pump harder to get the blood around the body. This hard work will eventually wear the heart out.

So doctors have realised that if a person?s waistline is increasing it is a better indication that the patient is at risk of having a heart attack, than worrying about the patient?s weight.

So fat around the waistline and deep inside the abdomen secretes toxins into the blood stream. And this increases Cholesterol and increases the body?s resistance to Insulin. Insulin is essential for controlling the blood sugar. A rise in insulin resistance means the pancreas has to work harder to produce extra insulin. This additional work can cause damage to other organs for example the kidneys.

It has also been found that the average British man has an apple shape: his stomach bulg! ing over his trousers. While women are more likely to be pear shaped as they age, with weight accumulating on the hips and legs.

This study was the first worldwide.

Body Mass Index (BMI) has already been a good measure of a person?s likelihood of having a heart attack. But the person?s shape is not taken into account.

For example: Footballers individually weighing over 300 lbs (21.5 stones) may when being weighed show them as being overweight, even obese. But they are carrying around a lot of muscle, rather than fat. And muscles are very heavy.

It has been estimated that an average of 30 000 people in Britain alone die from obesity related diseases.

So what can Mr and Mrs in the street do to avoid becoming a statistic?

Depend more on the tape measure showing the size of their waistline, rather than using the bathroom scales. Men with a beer belly should check with their doctor. Prevention always being better than cure.

Eva Moffat has written several health related articles and has now been awarded the prestigious title of ?Expert Author?. Her other writing successes; she was voted Journalist of the Year for 2004 and 2005 by British Ethnic Health Awareness Foundation. Her other common sense articles can be found on her website http://www.weight-loss-4-you.com She wants to send you her monthly newsletter ?It?s A Question of Health? Details can be found on her website. Or send her an Email to eva.moffat@onetel.net and ask to be subscribed to her newsletter ?It?s A Question of Health?. There is no charge for this informative newsletter.

Muscle Loss with Aging: Inevitable?

2008-12-11T15:00:00.001-08:00

With aging, it takes more effort and time to walk up stairs, mow the lawn, fix a faucet or wash the dishes. Tasks that you did without effort when you were younger can become major ordeals that leave you exhausted when you are older. Dr. Jerome Fleg, a cardiologist at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, tested 800 men and women over several years and found that their ability to sustain exercise decreased rapidly as they aged. The older they became the faster they lost what researchers call aerobic capacity (Circulation, July 26, 2005).

Aerobic capacity is a measure of your ability to use oxygen to do work. If your body can process more oxygen than that of another person, usually you will be able to run faster, walk or work longer, and have more energy than that person. The men and women lost three to six percent per decade in their 20's and 30's , and 20 percent per decade in their 70's. The men lost aerobic capacity faster than the women. The men lost 8.3 percent of aerobic capacity in their 40's and 23 percent per decade in their 70's.

This study was done with people who were healthy enough for vigorous exercise on a treadmill that measured their exercise capacity. People who have had heart attacks, strokes, diabetes or other wasting diseases would lose aerobic capacity much faster than healthy people. The results showed that a regular exercise program can increase exercise capacity by up to 25 percent, which would give the older participants the same exercise capacity as you would expect in people who are twenty years younger.

The loss of aerobic capacity with aging explains why older people cannot compete effectively against younger ones in endurance events. The good news is that a regular exercise program can increase your maximum heart rate. By exercising regularly and vigorously, your will develop stronger skeletal muscles. When you contract your leg muscles, they squeeze against the veins in your legs and pump blood toward your heart. When your leg muscles relax, t! he veins dilate and fill with blood. This alternate contacting and relaxing pumps extra blood toward your heart. The extra blood returned to the heart stretches and strengthens the heart muscle, causing it to beat faster and with more force. So strengthening your leg muscles increases your maximum heart rate, even as you age.

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Watch Out for Misleading Pharmaceutical Advertising

2008-12-11T05:00:00.001-08:00

In 1997, the Food and Drug Administration relaxed the rules for drug advertising on television and radio. Since that time, the airwaves have been flooded with commercials for all sorts of drugs. Some of them are vague, with a simple ?Ask your doctor if drug x is right for you?; others spell out what the drug is used for and devote the commercial to telling you how much you will appreciate your product. Most consumers will probably assume that these commercials are honest, that the drugs will do what the ads say they will do, and that there are no side effects other than those mentioned in the ad. That may not be true, and consumers should be aware that the ads may not tell the whole story, and that they may be misleading.

The pharmaceutical industry spends $9 billion per year advertising their products, and the money they spend on television and radio ads is probably the most effective. Doctors may be skeptical of a product touted by a salesman, but consumers are easily swayed by television ads that show people living happy, productive lives while being treated for an ailment using the advertised product. Unfortunately, these ads may not be completely honest. In 2004, the FDA investigated thirty-six ads for drugs that the agency found to be misleading or incomplete in their descriptions of side effects. Consumers might think that the commercials must be honest, since the FDA wouldn?t allow dishonest commercials to air. Unfortunately, that?s not the case. The FDA does not require pharmaceutical companies to provide screening copies of their advertisements prior to airing. The FDA doesn?t actually see the ads until the consumers do. Several months may pass before the FDA takes action. In the case of misleading advertising, the most the FDA can usually do is ask the companies to either stop running the ads or to change them. These requests aren?t always timely, however. In the last five years, the FDA has asked the drug companies to stop running several ads that had already stopped! running !

What this means for consumers is that some doubt should be exercised while viewing a commercial for a new drug. If you think an advertised product may be useful to you, discuss it with your physician, but ask if they know of any problems associated with the product. Research the product on the Internet. When your health is at stake, a little caution may be a good idea.

?Copyright 2005 by Retro Marketing. Charles Essmeier is the owner of Retro Marketing, a firm devoted to informational Websites, including Bextra-Info.net, a site devoted to the withdrawn drug Bextra and Vioxx.

Total Health

2008-12-11T00:00:00.001-08:00

Total health is more than being the perfect weight. There are people who weigh just what they should and work out three or four times a week. This is all well and good but it does not mean that they are completely healthy.

What is needed for total health? Of course it is not possible to attain good health if you are fifty pounds overweight and your only exercise is reaching for snacks every time you pass by the cupboard.

So let?s start with your diet. I have known more people who have lost weight and kept if off by cutting back at each meal and limiting between-meal snacks to healthier choices. In fact the most successful dieters I have met eat five or six small meals a day. They are eating fruits, vegetables, meat and whole grains and throw in the occasional cookie or small piece of pie. Not only have they lost weight but they have been able to keep that weight off.

Exercise, yes, it is important to total health. Even if you don?t have time for a gym and a trainer you can find the time for a walk each day and a little stretching time.

Your mental health is also a crucial part of a total health program. Start each day by remembering it is a new day and be willing to meet each task with a positive attitude. Take a little time each day to be quiet and journal your feelings and experiences.

Keep in touch with your spiritual side. Connect with God, pray, meditate or whatever you do that gives you peace. Remember to be thankful for several things everyday. Use your gifts and talents to help someone else.

Total health involves many different areas and when you pay attention to each area you may be surprised at the benefits.

I am the source.

For more health resources visit http://healthmattersinfo.com/health

Cure Your Heartburn Quickly and Easily!

2008-12-10T15:00:00.001-08:00

It may come as a surprise but more than 60 million suffer from heartburn in the US alone. And the list is growing by the day. Heartburn is a problem that causes severe pain in the stomach and chest.

Any cure for heartburn must begin at home. The cure should be a combination of changes in diet and lifestyle coupled with medications if necessary. By looking for an early cure to heartburn you can avoid aggravating the problem, which could lead to much severe complications.

For effective cure first identify hat causes heartburn in you. Observe the things that you eat. Fatty and spicy food could be the cause of heartburn in some individuals. Tomatoes and citrus fruits also cause heartburn.

Follow the following regimen for a lasting cure to heartburn. If you are a smoker, quit smoking immediately.

Alcohol also can lead to heartburn. Therefore reduce intake of alcohol as much as possible. Do not eat heavy meals. Eat in small quantities more frequently and at regular intervals. Do not lay die immediately after a meal. There should be a gap of a minimum two hours after meals and your nap.

Raise your bed by about six inches on the side where you rest your head.

Drink lots and lots of water. If you are feeling very uncomfortable after a meal, take antacid or a soda as this will relieve you of gas and ease heartburn.

If you experience heartburn during the night or at any other time, take a tablespoon of baking soda and add cup of water and drink the mixture. This may not rid you of heartburn permanently but will cure you of heartburn for at least 24 hours.

You can also take antacids that are available across the counter. The antacids and gels should normally give you relief in about two weeks. However, if there is no relief even after two weeks then you need to consult a doctor. A qualified doctor or gastroenterologist would be able to cure you of heartburn by prescribing some medicines and a diet.

Following some simple exercise you can cure your heartburn eff! ectively .

Go for a walk everyday. Swimming is also one of the effective ways for cleansing the body and curing your heartburn. Do mild exercises that lead you to sweating. Sweating helps you to lose calories and this in turn will help you to lose weight. Obesity is one of the prime causes of heartburn. So by following some simple steps you can find an effective cure for heartburn.

Venkata Ramana is the writer of Heartburn Cure blog. Read his informative reports about Heartburn Treatment and get rid of Heartburn forever!

Preparing for a Healthy Future: An Interview

2008-12-10T05:00:00.001-08:00

Interviewer: We read in the news regularly now about how social security and Medicare benefits will be drastically reduced for the tens of millions of ?baby boomers,? and too many people know from personal experience right now how expensive conventional health care is, to a point where many can?t afford what they need. How does Oriental medicine fit into this scenario?

Kitty: Well, people have always tried to stay healthy; Ralph Waldo Emerson, a 19th century American philosopher summed it up this way: ?Health is the first wealth. What?s different today is that our conventional health care system is so technology driven, and while many of its tests and procedures are useful, they are also so expensive that its benefits are becoming of little value to the millions of people who can?t afford them. So it?s important for people today to know about the ancient Chinese doctors and philosophers who knew that people of their time ? like people today ? needed an affordable, natural way to stay healthy to be able to live the best life possible. Their successful methods and treatments, thankfully, are still available today in what?s being called Oriental medicine.

Interviewer: Based on what you?ve written in other articles on the BIOM website, it seems like the old adage, ?An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure? applies to how Oriental medicine works. And since it seems like people, in general, have moved away from the belief that ?technology? will fix all of our problems, what does Oriental medicine offer in way of ?prevention??

Kitty: Developing a ?preventive? mindset is the first step, and the catalyst for taking that step is the situation you mentioned: existing systems that we?ve become dependent on are not as dependable as we thought they were. It?s similar to the way we depend on the grocery store to have the food we need. It?s a great convenience that none of us want to do without, but because it?s so convenient we have forgotten how to grow food in our own gardens. Oriental me! dicine i s built upon ?common sense? ? a sense which isn?t so ?common? anymore. The way I practice Oriental medicine helps people learn how to get back in touch with that sense, while at the same time rebuilding their resistance to disease.

Interviewer: What do you tell young people about maintaining and protecting their health?

Kitty: Kids feel like they?re immortal, and that?s a wonderful feeling; a testimony to the power of health that runs through them. This feeling of immortality is also a danger because the habits and attitudes young people form today, directly affect their health in middle and later years of life. I find that Oriental medicine benefits people most when they?re still young and strong. And children are most likely to reap the benefits of Oriental medicine if their parents understand the basics of 5 Element Diet and Nutrition, and what used to be called ?physical education,' and in Oriental medicine, we call Chi Kung.

Interviewer: So you?re basically suggesting that people need to think ?outside-the-box,? because Oriental medicine is so different from the conventional medicine they?ve been relying on since they were children?

Kitty: Considering that ?the box? is disintegrating (as represented by the skyrocketing cost of conventional medicine, and the unwinding of the Social Security and Medicare systems), the affordability and effectiveness of Oriental medicine should be part of everyone?s set of health care options.

It?s time to open up to new possibilities to make sure you get the health care you need.

For a FREE phone consultation to find out how Oriental Medicine can work for you, go to http://www.biom.net to contact Kitty and sign-up for BIOM's complimentary newsletter.

Wine Prevents Heart Attacks? The Studies are Flawed

2008-12-10T00:00:00.001-08:00

You have probably seen newspaper headlines proclaiming that wine prevents heart attacks, or that a couple of alcoholic drinks each day will prolong your life. Studies proclaiming the health benefits of alcohol are widely promoted by the wine, beer and alcoholic beverage industries, but they have a major flaw. Researchers from the University of Victoria in British Columbia reviewed 54 studies and found that only seven corrected their non-drinking population for people who had to stop drinking for health reasons (Addiction Research and Theory, April 2006).

When you do an epidemiological study to see if alcohol prevents disease, you compare people who drink and those who do not drink. However, many people do not drink because their doctors have told them they have high blood pressure, liver, heart or kidney disease, alcoholism, stomach ulcers, or other major health problems. The Canadian researchers re-analyzed 47 studies that associated wine or other alcohol with a longer life and decreased risk for heart attacks. When the studies were corrected to remove the people who had been ordered to stop drinking for health reasons, they found no difference in death rate between moderate drinkers and those who do not drink at all. It is probably safe to take up to two drinks a day, but be skeptical of studies that say alcohol will prolong your life.

Subscribe to my FREE weekly newsletter on fitness, health, and nutrition at http://www.drmirkin.com/email/newssign.asp .

Mend Your Broken Heart for Valentine's Day Three Great Heart Exercises You Can Do In San Francisc

2008-12-09T15:00:00.001-08:00

February is the perfect month to consider mending your broken heart and San Francisco is the just the right city to do it. No, I am not talking about your love life. I am talking about strengthening the most important muscle in your body; your heart.

Valentine's month is a period in between the holidays and summer. There are not as many distractions which make it a great month to begin an exercise program. The San Francisco setting for this is ideal with the cool clear days February provides and no fog!

More importantly there is no better city to train than San Francisco because of our unique topography. Where most cities have to rely solely on long, boring and flat cardio workouts we have a ton of options for quick, high intensity cardio workouts.

Three great options for fast cardio training that The City offers are: beach sprints, hill sprints and stair climbing.

1. Beach Sprints: Sprinting at the beach is great for developing strength in your legs as well as your heart. It takes more effort than sprinting on a solid surface and you can't beat the scenery (unless all you can see is fog but that's pretty cool too.) A great cardio workout at the beach would be to sprint for twenty seconds then walk for ten and repeat eight times for a total of four minutes. This is the Fartlek method of training and has been proven to be just as effective as running at a steady state for longer periods.

2. Hill Sprints: When I was young and had to walk everywhere I would curse the hills of San Francisco. Driving my old cars with stick shifts was never much fun either. Now it's all about automatics and using the hills to exercise. Much like beach sprints; hill sprints are great for strengthening the legs and glutes, as well as your heart. The best thing about hill sprints is most likely you have a hill right outside your door (if you don't you probably live close to the beach.) Try the around the block run. Jog easy downhill and around the turns and sprint uphill. Depending on the length! and slo pe of the hill start out doing this once or twice and try to build up to five or six times or more.

3. Stair Climbing: One of the aspects of San Francisco I have always loved, even as a kid, is the amount of stairs we have. Long staircases slice through neighborhoods providing easy routes to our favorite coffee shops and create the feeling, for me, of being in an old world time and place. What I really love about them is the leg, glute and cardio workout they can provide. Try running up a long staircase, walking up two stairs at a time or carrying a pair of dumbbells on your climb. If you want to climb it more than once be careful coming back down as you will be tired.

Try these once or twice a week along with a longer, steady run. Of course do a proper warm up before exercising and always consult a physician before starting a new exercise program. Happy Valentines Day!

Jim Phillips is a physical educator, fitness coach and owner of http://www.home-exercise-secrets.com.

Is A Low Carb Diet Part Of Your Anti Aging Strategy?

2008-12-09T05:00:00.001-08:00

It ain't fun getting' old... but it beats the alternative. Surprising new research indicates that a low carb diet may help us live longer. Since some of my friends have been so rude as to suggest that I'm older than dirt I thought it would be a good idea to learn more about aging... especially how to slow it down.

The Anti-Aging Solution seminar featured Vincent Giampapa, M.D. cofounder of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, which now has more than 2,000 physician members. The seminar included the usual anti-aging strategies that we are familiar with but don't always practice, such as reducing stress, eating the right foods, taking natural health supplements, heart vitamins and of course getting enough exercise.

Then it started to get real interesting. Doctor Giampapa and his associates have taken these strategies to a new level by showing how our genes are affected by our lifestyle. Since I a proponent of the low carb eating approach, the role that sugar and other refined carbohydrates play in prematurely aging us was especially fascinating. The typical American diet of white flour products, snacks and fast foods quickly turns into glucose creating a domino effect, which plays havoc with our healthy heart goals.

Although the clinical studies showing the connection between low carb diets and longevity are recent, the evidence is very compelling. Dr. Cynthia Kenyon, a noted anti aging researcher at U.C. San Francisco, has conducted an amazing experiment. Dr. Kenyon turned down the activity on a single gene in lowly earthworms and extended their life by an astounding 600%.

What is so interesting about this gene is that the human counterpart is a critical network of genes known as the insulin gene pathway which influences aging, fat storage and metabolism.

Here's how it works. Sugar is toxic to cells, (as a sweet-o-holic it pains me to write this) and this glucose overload causes the cells to become insulin resistant over time. When this happens you develop diabetes! and are susceptible to a host of other life threatening diseases. Medical researchers tell us that the vast majority of overweight people suffer from insulin resistance.

High carb diets are lethal because they produce high levels of insulin and prevent your body from burning fat, says Jonny Bowden, a certified nutrition specialist and author of the book, Living the Low-Carb Life.

Research data consistently finds three common factors in people who are mentally and physically fit and live to be at least 100 years old. The first is low triglycerides, the second is high levels of HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol), and the third is a low level of fasting insulin.

A low-carb diet improves all these variables, says Bowden. So bingo, you just hit your three longevity bull's-eyes. Add exercise and sleep, which are proved to raise HDL, and you've got it made!

Sounds like a good plan to me. Take advantage of these strategies to slow aging and improve your heart health for life!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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Have You Tried Everything and Still Feel Sick and Tired? The Benefits of Reflexology

2008-12-09T00:00:00.001-08:00

The body is designed to heal itself provided it has the proper support to do its job.

Effects of Reflexology

Reflex treatment helps to clean the organism by stimulating the natural emunctories : intestines, kidneys, lungs, sinuses, skin?

Benefits:

Common ailments relieved:

Headaches, Migraines
Arthritis,
Bronchitis,
Back pain,
Heart problems,
Blood Pressure reduced,
Chronic Pain reduced,
Better Sleep/No Insomnia,
Fatigue,
Diabetes,
Indigestion,
Sciatica,
PMS,
Asthma

Hawthorn For a Healthy Heart

2008-12-08T15:00:00.001-08:00

One of the safest of all the herbal heart remedies, Hawthorn is said to be one of the best herbs for the cardiovascular system. Because of the research that has been conducted in Europe on Hawthorn, it has become fully recognized as a heart remedy; These studies concluded that Hawthorn helped to strengthen the contractions of the heart, it helped to normalize an irregular heart beat, and increased coronary circulation. Although, it's affect on lowering blood pressure are mild, when combined with other hypotensive herbs such as ginkgo, and dandelion leaf, Hawthorn is on the most popular herbs for reducing blood pressure.

Research suggests that by dilating the coronary arteries which increases oxygen and blood flow, Hawthorn helps to reduce angina and relieves cardiac hypoxemia, which is a reduced amount of oxygen to the heart. It is also highly recommended in the early stages of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). Because it contains very potent flavonoids that protect the heart from oxidization, Hawthorn has shown much success in treating those recovering from heart attacks. Known as a tonic herb for the heart, Hawthorn nourishes the cells of the heart and is beneficial in any degenerative condition relating to the heart. These potent flavonoids also help to reduce inflammation and therefore, help to lower cholesterol levels. Although, it's effects are not rapid, Hawthorn has proved to be safe when used for an extended period of time. Often times it is recommended for the prevention of heart disease.

In conclusion, with all of its benefits, there are no known side effects from this herb. Hawthorn has proved to be a safe an effective alternative to many cardiovascular medications which pose additional risks because of their side effects. With additional research, Hawthorn may prove to have other benefits that have yet to reveal themselves.

Natalie Vickery is a Certified Family Herbalist and a doctoral student in Naturopathy. Her primary philosophy is ?The Doctor as the Teacher?, as she ! works to educate others on the benefits of healing naturally and taking responsibility for individual health. Natalie is a member of the American Herbalist Guild and provides consultations focusing on nutrition and herbal medicine. If you would like to learn more about Natalie or her practice you can find her on the web at http://thefamilyherbalist.com

Heart Health Fish Oils To The Rescue

2008-12-08T05:00:00.001-08:00

In a world where heart disorders and diseases are becoming more common, lets take a look at something most of us can add to our weekly diet for prevention of heart problems.

Omega 3 fatty acids, found in fish oil promotes heart health. A daily dose of fish oil has helped prevent, slow or even reverse the hardening and narrowing of arteries in heart disease in some studies.

In a 2001 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine, researchers from the University of Munich reported that a fish-oil capsule a day may modestly improve blood flow to the heart and bolster traditional therapy in patients with atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. In a study of 223 men and women, those who took a dose of fish oil per day for two years had fewer atherosclerosis complications such as heart attack and stroke.

Fish oil, found in fish such as salmon, it is a key component of the low-saturated-fat Mediterranean diet that has been linked to the lower incidence of heart disease in that area of the world.

How does fish oil work? Researchers are not ready to say, but one team of doctors used x-ray to peer into patients heart arteries at the beginning and end of one study. They found that after two years, the arteries of the fish-oil patients, on average, offered more room for blood flow to flow through, with less plaque.

The improvements were not dramatic, however the doctor?s team concluded that the benefits found in this study are significant enough to warrant including fish oil as part of traditional heart-disease treatment. At minimum, taking a daily capsule or dining on fish twice weekly would fulfill the needed amount.

Fish oil has also been found to help heart rhythm problems and can help to thin the blood as well. Research continues and always finds Fish oils to be helpful for the heart. It is certainly worth adding fish a couple times per week to the diet, isn?t it?

Jeannie Crabtree C.Ac, EFT-CC. has helped people increase their health for the last 25 years Visit her! site at http://www.health-doc.com and her Healthy Living Blog at http://www.health-doc.com/blog/health-blog.html

The Easy Way to Cure Heartburn !

2008-12-08T00:00:00.001-08:00

Heartburn Cure

Those of you reading this article are probably heartburn sufferers and are in search for a heartburn cure.

We will start off by answering what the definition of heartburn is then we will talk about possible cures.

Heartburn despite the root has nothing to do with the heart itself. It is a pain or discomfort that is felt in your chest or sometimes it can be felt in the upper stomach. The burning sensation can also be felt in the middle section of your back. Heartburn can be triggered by the types of meals we eat and the type of posture we sit in. Heartburn is a digestive problem and not an actual heart problem as mentioned above.

What Causes Heartburn you may ask ?

In your stomach you have acid which is used to digest food. In much simpler terms when you eat a meal it passes through your oesophagus which is the tube the carries food to the stomach from your mouth. Once the food is in your stomach it is broken down using this acid. Therefore, when you experience heartburn it?s small amounts of this acid rising from your stomach to your oesophagus . Another word for this action is reflux or acid reflux.

The issue at hand that causes heartburn is when it rises to your oesophagus (your tube that passes food to stomach from neck) there is not protection or stomach lining to prevent the burning from the acid. In your stomach there is protection by your inner stomach lining.

What are some specific causes of heartburn ?

There are many issues that can cause heartburn in an individual.

Smoking can cause heartburn. Because there is a muscle that separates your stomach from your gullet(oesophagus). When you smoke this muscle can be relaxed allowing passage of your stomach acid to your oesophagus.

Being Overweight can be a cause of heartburn. Again because of the extra fat around the stomach it will cause the muscle that blocks your stomach acid to become relaxed and allow passage to your throat area.

If you eat large meals. This can b! e anothe r cause of heartburn. Your best bet would be to eat much smaller meals so your stomach will not become to full causing your blocking muscle to move out of place allowing acid to pass.

Wearing tight clothing around the waste also causes heartburn.

Also, if you eat large meals right before you go to bed will cause heartburn also.

Stay tuned in our next article we will talk about Heartburn cure.

Trevor has been contributing to the internet for over 5 years. For more information on this topic please visit Cure Heartburn Now.

Preparing for a Healthy Future: An Interview

2008-12-07T15:00:00.001-08:00

Interviewer: What do you tell young people about maintaining and protecting their health?

It?s time to open up to new possibilities to make sure you get the health care you need.

For a FREE phone consultation to find out how Oriental Medicine can work for you, go to http://www.biom.net to contact Kitty and sign-up for BIOM's complimentary newsletter.

Oriental Medicine: How It Works

2008-12-07T05:00:00.001-08:00

Interviewer: In a recent talk you gave, you said that ?pain and discomfort are not isolated things.? Would you explain why that?s true?

Kitty: Sure. The 5 Element Theory says that any feelings of pain or discomfort you may have are associated with one or more of your internal organs. Something is wrong in an ?energetic? sense regarding how your Chi is flowing in your body. For example, think of a garden hose: when the water pressure is good, and the hose is not kinked, the water flows strongly and steadily to where it needs to go. On the other hand, if there?s a bend in the house, or if the water pressure is weak, the water won?t be able to flow to where it needs to be.

Interviewer: So, to follow your analogy, you?re saying that ?energy? or ?Chi? nourishes the body they way water invigorates a plant?

Kitty: In a simple sense, that?s right. Let me give you some examples to clarify the relationship between how energy flows in your body and how you feel.

Interviewer: Great. That will help a lot of people better understand how Oriental medicine works.

Kitty: It?s common for people today to experience ?deficient? energy,? meaning that it?s not getting through the ?hose? with enough force and volume to keep the foundational organ energy operating at an optimal level. Deficiency reduces circulation, and the weakest part of your body will show symptoms first. For example, deficient Kidney energy often shows up as a weakness in the knees, deficient Liver energy can make your tendons weak, deficient energy in the Stomach can weaken the muscles, and so on. These relationships are clearly laid out in the 5 Element Theory chart.

Interviewer: It is an amazing system. After many years of receiving Oriental medicine treatment myself, and observing the 5 Element Theory relationships in my own body, it?s like having a ?road map for health? with clearly marked rest stops all along the way.

Kitty: Yes, it?s important, as with many things in life, for a person to know where they?r! e going and how to get there; and it?s vital for maintaining good health.

Interviewer: So getting back to your point about stagnation and pain or discomfort: What do you do for a person with those symptoms?

Kitty: My task is to figure out how to get rid of the acute problem ? the discomfort or pain ? which is referred to as the ?branch? part of the problem in Oriental medicine, and then figure out the ?root? cause to prevent the problem from coming back. I do that by getting the energy to flow properly along the meridian leading to the weak organ so it can balance and strengthen itself.

Interviewer: Can you give an example?

Kitty: Take the case of a relapsing cancer: if you treat the tumor only, you?re only treating the symptom ? the ?branch.? A tumor is a very serious ?symptom,? but it?s only an indicator of a much deeper problem ? the ?root? ? nonetheless. If the treatment of the tumor doesn?t address what?s causing the ?stagnation? to the part(s) of the body associated with it, you can cut the tumor out, or irradiate it, but there?s a significant chance the same conditions that originally caused the tumor will maintain a susceptibility for its return.

Interviewer: So there are relationships between the symptoms I feel and my internal organs?

Kitty: Absolutely! Remember the devastating tsunami that struck South Asia in 2004?Because of our scientific understanding, we know the wave was caused by an earthquake under the ocean. There was a cause, and an awesome effect. The wave ? the ?symptom? ? didn?t just become a wave out of nowhere, and it?s the same with illness and discomfort in our bodies, these problems are the ?effect? of a deeper cause.

Interviewer: So the meridians, or energy channels, carry my energy or ?Chi? all around my body; and when I feel ill, or have pain, by making sure the meridian associated with that part of my body is clear, allowing for a strong flow of energy, the internal organ associated with my problem will strengthen, and that?s how healing t! akes pla ce?

Kitty: Generally speaking, you?ve described the process quite well. Let?s take a look at severe knee pain, to help readers understand this foundational relationship in how Oriental medicine works. The ?Chi-? or ?energy-carrying? meridian to the urinary bladder and the kidney go through the back of the knee. For a variety of reasons, people today have weak knees which create conditions for tears to ligaments, wearing away of cartilage, displaced knee caps, and other extremely painful conditions. Based on the examples I gave earlier, let?s consider these ?symptoms? of the deeper problem, called ?deficiency.? So if you have a knee-related problem you have some considerations to take into account, and choices to make on how to treat the problem. One option some people choose today is to surgically replace the knee; though when you take into account that a reason for your knee problem may be a chronic bladder infection, because the bladder channel goes through the knee, you see that you have more options for addressing severe problems than you know about. Remember the tsunami (severe pain) didn?t happen on it?s own, it was caused by the earthquake, which in this example would be a problem in the urinary bladder or kidneys.

Interviewer: So how would you use Oriental medicine to treat a situation like this?

Kitty: In a nutshell, as long as you can open a channel so that the energy flows to the supporting organ, and keep it open, a problem generally clears up; and I emphasize 'generally' because nothing in life, is absolute.

Interviewer: And how do you know when the organ is balanced and the stagnation is gone?

Kitty: The problem begins to dissipate and goes away ... (Kitty chuckles out loud and says ...) And sometimes so does the person who had the problem.

Interviewer: Why are you laughing?

Kitty: Because once an acute problem or symptom has been dealt with, that?s the time to develop an ongoing treatment or maintenance plan, to continue balancing your energy and s! trengthe ning your immune system so that similar or new problems are less likely to develop.

Interviewer: That?s been my personal experience. When I had a problem that was acute, I needed more regular treatment, but once the problem cleared up, less frequent treatment was needed; in fact, I actually enjoy coming in every few weeks for a ?tune-up.?

Kitty: I think that?s a wise choice, because often after the original problem clears up, people start to slide back into the habits and behavior that caused the problem in the first place. By coming in once a month, even if you?re feeling good, you?re able to build up your energy, rather than have it gradually run back down. It?s like putting on a clean shirt, no matter what you do, it?s going to get dirty and needs to be washed. Same with our bodies. Life is full of stresses, pathogens, and the like, and you need to get cleaned up on a regular basis.

For a FREE phone consultation to find out how Oriental Medicine can work for you, go to http://www.biom.net to contact Kitty and sign-up for BIOM's complimentary newsletter.

Treatment of GERD

2008-12-07T00:00:00.001-08:00

Life style changes

Several changes in lifestyle, related to individuals? habits are recommended.

As mentioned before, reflux is more troublesome at night when the individual is lying down. Relief can be provided by elevating the patient?s upper body at night. This can be done by putting blocks under the bed?s feet on the head side. Also, reflux has been observed to occur less frequently when the patient lies on his left side rather than on the right.

Alterations in eating habits are also recommended. Certain foods aggravate reflux. These should be religiously avoided. Chocolate, alcohol, caffeinated drinks, peppermint, fatty foods, spicy foods, citrus juices, carbonated drinks and tomato juice fall in this category. Smoking should be completely stopped.

Reflux is more after meals when the stomach is distended with food. Hence, smaller and earlier evening meals are recommended. A smaller meal distends the stomach less and an earlier evening meal would mean that by bedtime, it has been digested and the stomach is empty. Therefore, reflux will be less bothersome when the patient lies down.

Antacids

Antacids are the chief form of treatments for patients of GERD. They neutralize the acid in the stomach, thus leaving no acid to reflux. However, their effect is brief as they empty out of the stomach quickly and subsequently, acid accumulates once again. An antacid, if taken one hour before a meal and then again taken approximately two hours after it, is most effective in reducing reflux.

Histamine antagonists

As mentioned above, antacids are effective for a very short duration. Hence, histamine antagonists were developed as a more long lasting remedy for treatment of acid-related diseases, including GERD. The chemical Histamine produces acid in the stomach. Histamine antagonists prevent histamine from doing its work.

Histamine produces acid, particularly after a meal. Therefore, histamine antagonists are best taken 30 minutes before a meal so that they at! the pea k of efficiency when most of the acid is being produced.

Proton pump inhibitors

A proton pump inhibitor or PPI was another type of drug developed for acid-related diseases such as GERD. Like the histamine antagonists, a PPI also blocks off the production of acid in the stomach. Moreover, it does so for a longer duration than the histamine antagonist. Also, unlike the histamine antagonist, the PPI protects the esophagus from acid, allowing for esophageal inflammation to heal. PPI?s are used when histamine antagonists are found to be inadequate.

Pro-motility drugs

Pro-motility drugs stimulate the muscles of the gastro intestinal tract. These include the esophagus, stomach, small intestine and/or colon. They heighten the pressure in the LES and boost the wave-like contractions of the esophagus. Both these effects reduce acid reflux.

Surgery

Surgery is very effective in relieving the symptoms of GERD and is resorted to when other means have proved to be inadequate. The surgical procedure that is undertaken to prevent reflux is known as fundoplication.

Endoscopy

In recent times, endoscopic treatments have been applied to deal with GERD. In the first type of treatment, the LES area is stitched, which tightens the muscle. In the second type of treatment, radio frequency waves are applied just above the LES. They cause a scar to form below the esophageal lining. When this scar shrinks, it pulls the surrounding tissue, thus tightening the LES area. There is yet another type of endoscopic treatment in which material is injected into the esophageal wall, in the LES area. This raises the pressure on the LES, thus preventing reflux.

Jack Smith writes about various topics. This article is free to re-print as long as nothing is changed, all links remained intact, the bio remains in full and the rel=nofollow tag is not added to any of the links. Thank-you - Please visit beat-acid-reflux.info

What Is Insulin The Complete Guide

2008-12-06T15:00:00.001-08:00

You might have heard of insulin in connection with the disease known as diabetes. Still, you might be curious about insulin?what it means for the body and what can happen if the body does not produce enough of it. In addition, chances are you know little about the history of insulin and how science?s knowledge of insulin has changed over the years.

To begin with, knowledge about insulin is a relatively new phenomenon. Berlin medical student Paul Langerhans first discovered insulin in 1869. Using a microscope, Langerhans noticed a heap of cells in the pancreas which later became known as the Islets of Langerhans. Later, scientists surmised that these cells produce insulin, which regulates carbohydrate metabolism. In January of 1922, Leonard Thompson, a 14-year-old diabetic, received the first insulin injection. Because the extract was impure, Thompson experienced a severe allergic reaction. As a result, doctors cancelled future insulin injections for Thompson. However, in later years, researchers were able to perfect insulin injections, making them the primary means of treating diabetes.

In addition to its role in metabolism, insulin controls the storage and release of fat, the cellular uptake of amino acids and electrolytes, and affects small vessel muscle tone. In fact, the concentration of insulin can affect the entire body. This is why diabetics can suffer a variety of side-effects, including blindness and slow healing of wounds. Those who suffer from type 1 diabetes require insulin injections in order to survive, while type 2 diabetes patients may need insulin if other medication and dietary changes are ineffective in controlling blood glucose levels.

At this point, it is not possible to take insulin orally. Instead, insulin is administered through syringes with needles, or insulin pens with needles. However, there are a number of problems associated with insulin as a treatment for diabetes. For instance, it can be difficult to determine the appropriate dose of in! sulin. The dosage, as well as the timing of the dosage, must often be adjusted, based upon eating habits, exercise routines, or the additional stress of illness. Insulin injections can be a nuisance for patients and, if the patient makes a mistake in terms of dosage, they can actually be dangerous.

Still, when it is used appropriately, insulin can help restore the body?s metabolism to normal levels. As a result, through proper administration of insulin, athletes and artists can perform at their optimal level without difficulty. For instance, Olympic swimmer Gary Hall Jr. is an example of a diabetic who has been helped by insulin, while David Crosby of the singing group Crosby, Stills & Nash has also benefited from insulin injections.

In the year 2004, the former spouse of an international track star maintained that the athlete had used insulin to energize the body. The report promoted the idea that the hormone insulin could be utilized like a steroid in enhancing the body?s functions. However, researchers say that insulin does not have the same effects as steroids. They say that eight decades of steroid use do not indicate that insulin could be used as a performance-enhancing drug for those who are not diabetics. While insulin can help to alleviate fatigue for those with diabetes, it does not have the same chemical composition as a steroid. Therefore, doctors say that the use of insulin by non-diabetics is, in fact, dangerous.

Proper use of insulin is essential for those with type 1 diabetes. It can enable them to lead a normal, productive life. However, while insulin is a legitimate treatment for diabetes, it is not a cure. Research is now underway to try to make diabetes a disease of the past and to make insulin injections unnecessary.

Ray Kelly is an Exercise Scientist with 15 years experience in the health and fitness industry. Sign up for his Free Exercise and Meal Planner at The Biggest Loser or http://www.free-online-health.com

The Mediterranean Diet What Is It?

2008-12-06T05:00:00.001-08:00

It has been found that people living in Mediterranean Countries such as Southern France, Spain and Italy live longer than people in other parts of the world. Why is this?

It?s what they eat and how the Mediterranean?s cook their food that makes all the difference.

From Mediterranean Country to Mediterranean Country, the way the food is cooked may differ so although the flavours are varied, the foods used are the same.

What is the Mediterranean Diet?

The diet is mainly foods that come from plants; grains, vegetables especially green leafy vegetables, fruits, beans legumes, nuts, and olive oil. So the foods that are common in the Mediterranean Countries are olives, grapes, wheat and what can be made from these foodstuffs. Added advantages of these foods are their nutritional value; they provide antioxidants, fibre, vitamins and minerals.

The Mediterranean Diet can help people avoid what is called the ?Diseases of Affluence.? These diseases are common in Westernised, industrialised nations and include Heart Disease, Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes and some Cancers.

Isn?t Olive Oil A Fat And Fats Are Bad For Us?

Yes olive oil is a fat, but it?s a good fat. The body needs good fat.

? Good Fat is monounsaturated or polyunsaturated.
? Bad Fats are saturated fats.

FATS are found in Meat and Dairy Products and some Vegetable Oils.

The body needs a certain amount of fat to be sure everything is working properly. But there are two kinds of fat that we get from our food.

SATURATED FAT causes the fat to settle on the inside walls of the Arteries. The FAT in the Arteries is called Cholesterol. It?s the Cholesterol that makes the Blood Vessels narrow so the blood is unable to pass through properly. The heart then has to pump harder to allow the blood to pass round the body, the result can be the heart is weakened, so causing Heart Failure, High Blood Pressure and Strokes.

BAD FAT is called LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein).

If you can cut! ALL the BAD FAT out of your diet, you will be doing yourself and your body a big favour.

But whatever you do, don?t mistakenly leave out the GOOD FAT from your diet. Because the UNSATURATED FAT has been found to actually liquefy the Cholesterol and pass it out of the body by natural means.

The GOOD FAT is called HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) this GOOD FAT can be found in Plants and Animal Products. Therefore if you eat more fruit and vegetables you will be on the right path to living a healthy lifestyle.

Ancel Keys aged 96 believes his long life is due to the Mediterranean Diet. As a young scientist 50 years ago, he found that people in countries where fresh fruits and vegetables are in abundance and olive oil flows freely, Southern Italy, Southern France, Greece and parts of North Africa and the Middle East, Heart Disease is rare.

Three Tips for Eating The Mediterranean Diet

? Fill your plate with fresh fruit and vegetables they are low in calories and fats and full of much needed nutrients.
? When buying bread go for flour made from whole grains.
? For dessert choose fruits.

So besides preventing heart disease etc eating the Mediterranean Diet way; as an added bonus, you might even lose weight.

New Resource Box for Health Articles Eva Moffat an ex-nurse is a weight loss specialist who optimises her own health through Nutritional Supplements. If you are struggling with health or weight loss issues, find out how she can help you too at http://www.weight-loss-4-you.com or E-Mail: eva.moffat@onetel.net

Garlic Join Me And I´ll Show You Why Garlic Can Save Your Life

2008-12-06T00:00:00.001-08:00

Are you worried yet about your health? Are you anxious about your heart, or about the possibility of contracting cancer? If so, you are not alone, and your concerns are quite valid. Cancer and heart disease are today?s major killers, and as of now, we are yet to find a safe and effective drug, that can prevent these diseases. Some will argue that taking one or two aspirins a day can reduce the risk of heart disease, and it saddens me to see how many people are doing this, because I know the problems brought by aspirin over use, if these people knew about the long term damage caused by this drug, they would think twice, before popping another one into their mouths. Maybe they would give up that harmful habit if they learn that there is a better answer to preventing these and other diseases. What is the answer? The herb called Garlic, but don?t just take my word, even scientists are supporting its properties.

A lot of people use garlic in cooking without knowing that this herb has quite a few medicinal uses. Although Garlic has been around for several thousands of years, its origins are quite obscure. It is thought to have come from Russia making its way to the Mediterranean countries. Garlic was known to be used in the diets of ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks. Garlic is known to aid digestion, ward off colds, infection, expel worms, ease chest congestion, help alleviate rheumatism and cleanse the intestines. In World War I, garlic juice was used on the sterile bandages to prevent infection. Garlic has also been known to help hardening of the arteries, sinus problems, skin complexion, and hay fever if taken in capsule form on a regular basis.

This herb has been study, and the results are amazing, garlic contains a large number of sulphur compounds. One of these compounds is diallyl disulphide, which has remarkable anti-cancer properties. This compound prevents two early stages of carcinogenesis, initiation and promotion, from developing. The anti-initiator activity is the result of tw! o comple mentary mechanisms:

- diallyl disulphide prevents certain carcinogenic substances from being activated

- moreover, this molecule stimulates enzymes capable of neutralising the activity of carcinogenic substances

These two mechanisms reduce the toxicity of carcinogens to cell DNA. Diallyl disulphide is metabolised in the liver into an oxide compound that may be behind the effects described.

In both cases, these studies have dealt with cancer prevention in rat liver, but the mechanisms brought to light give reason to believe that their scope is much wider: effects on other cancers, potential extrapolation to humans.

As fruit and vegetables are rich in minor constituents, nutritionists have increasingly shown an interest in their role in the prevention of cancers, cardiovascular diseases and inflammatory diseases over the last decade.

One the most interesting stories of the properties of garlic, came to me from South Africa, Professor Sid Cywes, a former paediatric surgeon at University of Cape Town was having trouble hybridizing his orchids seeds. The trouble was a fungal infection in his culture medium. Mr Peter De Wet, a chief research technologist and Prof Cywes hatched a plan that entailed a dose of garlic. To their astonishment administering garlic to their orchid culture medium killed the mould. They then went on to test garlic's ability to combat the yeast Candida. At that time one of Prof Cywe's patients, a baby at the Red Cross Hospital had a serious Candida infection down the entire length of its oesophagus and gastro-intestinal tract. A garlic solution added to the baby's milk cured the child within 48 hours.

Since then about thirty very sick infants, where broad spectrum antibiotics failed to bring improvement, have been given fresh allicin enterally. The allicin treatment brought about a significant success. However, this was not a controlled clinical study.

One of the active ingredients in garlic is a compound called allicin. On crushing fresh g! arlic, a n enzyme called alliinase is released which rapidly converts the odorless compound alliin into allicin bearing the typical odor of garlic. Allicin is highly unstable and rapidly converts to other sulfur-compounds such as ajoene. It is however allicin and ajoene which have been the main subject of research. These compounds block the enzymes which are necessary for metabolism of the micro-organisms. They have been shown to inhibit the growth of more than 23 organisms. A very interesting point is that no resistance to allicin has been found up to date.

Garlic and its compounds, have been tested against the bacteria Helicobacter pylori and it had tremendous success. Allicin has also been shown to inhibit Campylobacter- universally recognized as the most common cause of gastro-enteritis in very young children of low-income families. These findings are of much interest as bacteria including Helicobacter and Campylobacter are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics.

I just hope that more people are exposed to this information, so they can make a wiser decision when it comes to preventing diseases like the ones we discussed here. Please send this article to your friends and loved ones, share with them the information you have, help them keep their health.

Until next time,

Charles Silverman N.D.
Is the author of ?The Homemade Medicine e-book First Edition? and owner of http://www.homemademedicine.com
e-mail: info@homemademedicine.com

Heart Burn Symptoms

2008-12-05T15:00:00.001-08:00

Spicy foods, large meals, sodas, coffee, citrus fruits, tomatoes and fried foods can all lead to heart burn symptoms. You can try a burn heart home remedy, but if you have not had these symptoms evaluated by a doctor, they could be related to a more serious condition. Common heart burn symptoms include a burning sensation in the throat or the chest. Non-burning chest pain, heaviness, pressure or nausea associated with chest pain should be checked out immediately by a physician.

If your heart burn symptoms are the more common type, you are not alone. Many people, particularly in the Western world suffer from heart burn symptoms everyday. Lifestyle, the foods we eat and obesity can all lead to heart burn symptoms. If you are looking for a burn heart home remedy other than the many over the counter antacids that are available, there are several botanicals that may be effective.

Gingerroot is a commonly available burn heart home remedy, as are peppermint and rhubarb. Some botanicals that may not be as easy to find, but that may relieve heart burn symptoms are bayberry, birch, dandelion, fennel, liverwort, pasture brake, pleurisy root, red clover and sweet rush root. These botanicals were all used by Native Americans to treat indigestion and heart burn symptoms. Consult an expert in herbs and natural remedies for usage instructions.

Sometimes the best burn heart home remedy is prevention. Once you experience heart burn symptoms, you can try a botanical or over the counter med, but evaluating the foods that you eat and your lifestyle may prevent the heart burn symptoms from recurring. I love tomatoes, but noticed that whenever I ate them, I experienced heart burn symptoms. All foods do not affect all people the same way, so it is necessary to evaluate your own diet personally. Heart burn symptoms that occur after a large meal may not be related to a specific food, but just to the fact that the stomach is overly full and acid has backed up into the lower throat or esophagus. I! t is the stomach acid that causes the burning sensation.

Lying down after a large meal can lead to heart burn symptoms. Proper digestion does not occur in this position, so another good burn heart home remedy is a leisurely walk after dinner. Other forms of exercise after a large meal may only increase the heart burn symptoms. Even repeatedly bending over to pick up the kids toys or loading the dishes in the dishwasher may cause the acid to rise up out of the stomach and lead to heart burn.

Smoking can cause heart burn symptoms. Smoking dries out the saliva in the mouth and throat that would normally neutralize stomach acid. If the other risks associated with smoking have not made you quit, maybe your heart burn symptoms will. Neutralizing the stomach acid is the goal of any burn heart home remedy as well as the over the counter and prescription meds. Sometimes a calcium supplement will work. Calcium carbonate is the active ingredient in many common antacids.

Another way to avoid heart burn symptoms is to drink water with your meals instead of soda, in fact drinking soda before bed can lead to night time heart burn symptoms. Night time heart burn can be particularly distressing and may lead to coughing fits and disturbed sleep. Drinking water is not a burn heart home remedy, but may prevent the heart burn symptoms form occurring in the first place.

Chronic heart burn symptoms should be reported to and evaluated by your doctor. Acid reflux disease is often first diagnosed after a person reports frequent heart burn symptoms. While occasional symptoms may be effectively treated with a burn heart home remedy, chronic heart burn symptoms may require additional treatment.

For more information about heart burn symptoms or other digestive disorders, visit the Digestive Disorder Guide.

Patsy Hamilton is one of the writers for the Digestive Disorders Guide.

Facts about Heartburn

2008-12-05T05:00:00.000-08:00

If you suffer from heartburn, at least occasionally, then you are not alone. The facts about heartburn include survey numbers which indicate that 25% of people living in the United States suffer from heartburn every month and about 12% have symptoms every week. Many people want to know the difference between heartburn and acid reflux, probably because of all the advertising done by pharmaceutical companies. If you look up reflux in the dictionary, you will see that ?reflux? literally means ?to flow back?. The term acid reflux refers to the ?flowing back? of stomach acid. Digestive acids are normally confined to the stomach by muscles in the esophagus. When the acid flows back from the stomach up into the esophagus, then we get heartburn and acid reflux is really a medical term for heartburn. The facts about heartburn are simple, stomach acid which does not belong in the throat burns. The facts about heartburn causes and treatments may not be as simple.

The major difference between heartburn and acid reflux ?disease? has to do with the frequency of symptoms. Heartburn experienced several times per week may be acid reflux disease. However, there is one type of acid reflux disease in which only ?some? people experience heartburn. Acid that refluxes back into the lowest part of the esophagus may not cause the burning sensation. It is more often accompanied by difficulty swallowing or other symptoms. When you look at the facts about heartburn, you may see that difficulty swallowing or the feeling that there is something stuck in your throat, sometimes accompanies heartburn. Difficulty swallowing can be a symptom of even more serious conditions. Frequent heartburn and/or difficulty swallowing should be reported to your physician. Chronic heartburn or acid reflux can lead to more serious conditions. Only your doctor can give you all of the facts about heartburn and the difference between heartburn and acid reflux disease.

For more information about heartburn and other common dige! stive pr oblems, visit www.digestive-disorders-guide.com.

Patsy Hamilton writes informational articles for the Digestive Disorders Guide. Visit us at http://www.digestive-disorders-guide.com

Heart and Cardiovascular Health One Of The 7 Secrets Of Living To 120

2008-12-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

As for keeping a heart healthy, consider this. The odds for a healthy heart are not cardiovascular friendly. In fact, the statistics speak for themselves.

Over 1,000,000 die each year due to heart disease.
500,000 women every year die from heart disease, making it a concern for both men and women.
Every 60 seconds someone dies of a heart attack.
Sudden Cardiac death (SCD) accounts for 300,000 deaths each year - 1 every 60 seconds.
Get this, 95% die before reaching the hospital.
100,000 athletes die each year from SCD. Sixty percent of our youth are at risk for heart disease.
Heart attacks kill more people than the next nine causes of death, combined.
Putting it into perspective, heart disease is like Seven (7) Boeing 747 planes crashing with no survivors, everyday. WOW!

The human heart pumps five quarts of blood every minute, and it beats 10,000 times each day for 50, 75, 100 years or more. That is right. The human body contains about five quarts of blood. Day after day, year after year, this organ, about the size of a man's fist, pumps approximately 45 million gallons of blood through the body over a 50-year period. In short, blood is the life of our bodies while the heart is the power that keeps it circulating. It is a fact that the number one cause of death in America is heart disease.

If the heart goes, it is all over! This makes protecting the heart a number one priority for every living being. Newspapers tell the same story in the obituary columns across this nation. A young man or woman in the mid-years of life die of heart attacks daily. The untold part of most of the obituaries is that the heart attack victim was a picture of health. So what happened? Is this a familiar picture? This is sad and frustrating for the loved ones of heart attack victims who are left behind. And the big question always is, ?What could have been done?'' The old adage says, An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.'' What is prevention and how can it be attained?As! a rule, having nature and common sense as a foundation, is definitely a plus. One preventative step is to realize that all life on earth has been and is currently dependent on the vegetable or herb kingdom. This is true for not only sustaining life but for maintaining health. Of course, there are no guarantees for results, but nothing usually is guaranteed. A popular heart enhancer is herbs, which are swiftly gaining much recognition and usage although they have been used for thousands of years. These herbs, even before Hippocrates time, were covered in the Old and New Covenants of the Bible, King James Version, Ezekiel 47:12 and Romans, 14:2, where it states, ?...if you are weak, eat herbs (vegetables)?. Revelation 22:2 ?...and the leaves are for the healing of nations. Again in Psalms advice about consumption of herbs is given, 104:14, ?...and the herb for the service of man.

http://www.robertbarner.com

Dr. Robert Barner, has a B.S. in education and is a practicing Chiropractor, Herbalist, and Health Consultant. Author and publisher of the books, The 7 Secrets Of Living To 120: Men's Prostate Health and The Bible's Answers To Health And Longevity. Overcame a serious health challenge of heavy metal poisoning that almost had him in a wheel chair. He knew that if he kept his heart healthy a solution would present itself to regain the lost health. A healthy success today. The book 7 Secrets takes into consideration the 8 societies in the world that live the longest and how to apply those principles to our daily lives. Also, what 5 medical doctors have shared with the medical community on health but their research and results have been hidden. He believes that at any age a person should be able to do the activities that they like and pursue their dreams. http://www.robertbarner.com

Salt Restriction Statin Drugs: New Heart Health Findings

2008-12-04T15:00:00.000-08:00

Do people who restrict salt have lower rates of heart attacks?

Actually, a recent study found that Americans who consumed the currently-recommended 2,300 mg/day of sodium had a 37 percent higher chance of dying from heart attacks. Researchers from Albert Einstein Medical School analyzed the Second United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and found that evidence linking sodium intake to mortality outcomes is scant and inconsistent (American Journal of Medicine, March 2006).

The results are surprising because a high-salt diet can cause some people to develop high blood pressure, which increases a person?s chances of suffering heart attacks and strokes. Most medical authorities will continue to recommend diets low in salt, but salt itself is probably not the culprit. They recommend a plant-based diet that is low in meats and processed foods. Processed foods are loaded with salt because salt makes foods taste better and helps to prolong the shelf life of certain foods. Meats are naturally rich in salt. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, seeds and nuts are naturally low in salt, and even if home cooks add some salt during preparation, they will contain far less salt than typical processed foods.

Are statin drugs the best way to lower cholesterol?

The Treatment to New Targets (TNT) study reported at the 2005 meeting of the American College of Cardiology showed that very high doses of 80 mg per day of Lipitor lower cholesterol far better than lower doses, and reduce the rate of heart attacks and strokes by 29 percent. This study shows that your doctor should try to lower blood levels of the bad LDL cholesterol as much as possible, probably to below 75. Statin drugs such as Lipitor usually don?t cause many serious side effects, but they can cause muscle pains, particularly in heavy exercisers.

On the basis of this latest research, doctors are encouraged to treat people at high risk for heart attacks with diet and high doses of statin drugs. Pe! ople wit h high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes are at the highest risks. All people at increased risk for heart attacks should try to restrict saturated and partially hydrogenated fats and refined carbohydrates, and base their diet on plants: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and other seeds..

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Discover the Spring Within You!

2008-12-04T05:00:00.001-08:00

Spring is when life's alive in everything.
~Christina Rossetti

It?s springtime? The birds are singing, the flowers are beginning to bloom?and it?s also time we spring-clean our homes. It?s hard work; we know that ahead of time, but what drives us to do this massive undertaking year after year? We know the end result from past experience? that freshness we all crave after a long cold winter, that wonderful feeling of openness and freedom that when it is all said and done we feel the joy throughout our entire body and soul. The same can be said for having regular holistic bodywork sessions such as Polarity, RYSE and Reiki?clearing the blocks that hold you back, that are in the way of your health and happiness. It is a process?but the end result is the same?that marvelous feeling of freedom, openness and joyousness in our lives. And continuing a regular maintenance schedule of bodywork will help continue to bring this spring feeling to you throughout the year.

POLARITY THERAPY - A holistic natural health care system of bodywork, exercise, and self-awareness for balancing life energy. Polarity works on the cellular level affecting all areas of the body, as well as our mental and emotional health and spiritual well-being. Polarity teaches us an ongoing balance of life energy is the foundation of good health. When our physical, emotional and mental energies are in harmony, we naturally and spontaneously rise to higher levels of well-being.

RYSE - An acronym for Realizing Your Sublimed Energy. Through this realization we perceive where and how our strength is lost or increased as a result of interaction between individuals, situations and locations. By clearing and balancing these interactions, our energetic systems are strengthened and evolved and we become the person we are meant to be.

REIKI - A gentle, holistic, energy-based therapy that re-establishes a normal energy flow of life force energy throughout the system, which can enhance and accelerate the body's natural ab! ility to heal through alignment of mind, body and spirit.

SOME OF THE MANY BENEFITS:

Relaxation & Stress Relief
Helps relieve pain and assists your body to heal more rapidly.
Relief for Headaches & Muscle Tension
Relief from Anxiety & Depression
Increases energy and creativity
Improved sense of well-being
Promotes restful sleep
Increased Clarity & Focus
Uncovers and releases old patterns of self-limitation
Balances energy on all four levels: mental, emotional, physical and spiritual.

About Tami J. Najim, RPP, LBT, RP, CH Certified in Advanced Polarity Therapy and Energy Awareness Spa Tech Institute 2005 Registered Polarity Practitioner (RPP) with the American Polarity Therapy Association (APTA) 2005 Certified in Shamballa and Usui Reiki II 2006 Professional member of Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) 2005 Certified Hypnotist Greater New England Acadamy of Hypnosis (GNEAH) 1996 Over 20 years experience in human resources, IT management, accounting and customer service Tami was inspired to study Polarity Therapy after her own positive experience. She is dedicated to help others through treatments, education and awareness. A session with Tami includes a combination of Polarity, Reiki and guided imagery to meet her clients' individual needs.

Private healing sessions by appointment only Major Credit Cards accepted.

If you would like more information, please contact me at oneheartspace@yahoo.com or call (978) 270-0174.

Bextra and Vioxx Withdrawal Spurs Price Increase Among Rivals

2008-12-04T00:00:00.001-08:00

The market for painkillers is huge. People don?t like pain and inflammation, and last year Americans spent nearly $4 billion on just two of them ? Vioxx and Bextra. Those two drugs, part of a family of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs known as COX-2 inhibitors, were withdrawn from the market recently amid concerns that they can cause heart attacks and strokes. The loss of these two drugs to the marketplace is huge, as they were the two largest sellers in a fairly narrow field. COX-2 inhibitors differ from traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in that they inhibit production of the COX-2 enzyme that causes inflammation but do not interfere with COX-1, the enzyme that protects the stomach lining. Patients who use these drugs are thought to suffer less from internal discomfort and bleeding than those who took traditional anti-inflammatories, such as naproxen and ibuprofen.

With the withdrawal of these two blockbusters, patients with chronic pain, such as arthritis sufferers, are now going back to older painkillers, such as Mobic, Motrin, and Relafen. Since the more popular Vioxx and Bextra are no longer available, these older drugs are enjoying a resurgence in popularity, and sales are up across the board. So, it seems, are their prices. A recent study by a popular consumer publication shows that prices of some three dozen anti-inflammatory medications have gone up since Vioxx was withdrawn from the market in September 2004. The increases average about ten percent. Why have the prices of these older, established medications all gone up at once?

The answer, simply, is that the pharmaceutical companies have raised the prices because they can. The market for drugs is wildly competitive, and manufacturers are constantly seeking any advantage they can find in the marketplace. The sudden withdrawal of two of the most popular and profitable medications has provided a rare opportunity for manufacturers to increase both sales and prices at the same time, as the drug maker! s know t hat patients must switch to another medication. It?s good for their stockholders, but bad for those who suffer from pain.

Will the high prices last? Probably not. Pricing of highly competitive medications tends to be volatile. The prices may stay up in the short term, but other medications may be introduced soon, or Bextra or Vioxx may be returned to the market. The introduction of other drugs will restore more competition to the market, and prices may drop once again. The market for painkilling drugs is a bit of a crazy one, and patients should simply exhibit some, well, patience.

OrchestraConducting is Good Exercise

2008-12-03T15:00:00.001-08:00

Pablo Cassals, Nadia Boulanger, Arturo Toscanini, and Leopold Stokowski all conducted major orchestras into their nineties. Walter Damrosch, Arthur Fiedler, and Serge Kousevitsky conducted into their eighties. Nobody knows why many orchestra conductors live longer than people in other professions, but the very act of conducting may be the reason.

Your heart is a muscle. To strengthen any muscle, you have to exercise it against increasing resistance. When you swing your arms, your arm muscles contract and squeeze the veins near them to pump extra blood toward the heart. When your arm muscles relax, they allow blood to fill the veins near them. This alternate contracting and relaxing of the arm muscles pumps extra blood toward the heart. Your heart then must contract against a greater amount of blood inside its chambers, so it does this with a faster beat and with more force, and this makes the heart muscle stronger.

To strengthen your heart, you have to exercise vigorously enough to increase your pulse rate at least 20 beats a minute above your resting pulse rate. Conducting an orchestra can drive your pulse rate over a hundred beats a minute. You conduct with your arms and during exercise, arm muscles require extra blood to supply them with oxygen. Your heart has to work two and a half times as hard to pump blood through your arms as it does to pump the same amount of blood through your legs. The blood vessels in your arms are smaller and offer a greater resistance against the flow of blood. The odds are that you will never conduct a major orchestra, but you can turn on the radio, pick up a stick, wave your arms around and become fit. Try to work up to the point where you can conduct for thirty minutes three times a week. This is a good activity for cross training with another sport that stresses primarily your leg muscles, such as walking, running, dancing or pedaling a bicycle.

Dr. Gabe Mirkin has been a radio talk show host for 25 years and practicing physician for more than 40 ye! ars; he is board certified in four specialties, including sports medicine. Read or listen to hundreds of his fitness and health reports at http://www.DrMirkin.com

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The Health Benefits of Exercising And Fitness

2008-12-03T05:00:00.001-08:00

I am sure that most people realise that there are many benefits of exercising on a regular basis, most of these people however still choose not do so. This article gives information on how our health can benefit from this exercise which hopefully will encourage more people to start.

I am one of the many people who basically finds it hard to gain any inspiration to exercise. I have over the past couple of years started a fitness routine and have not only enjoyed it(to my surprise) but have never felt so healthy.

It is a strange situation, the thought of starting the exercise is like a choir, but afterwards I feel brilliant. Despite this, I then find it hard to begin to exercise again on the next day. It is weird!

The benefits of exercise:

Helps to lower levels of stress

Helps to improve posture

Helps people to sleep

Helps you to gain stronger muscles

Increases heart and lung efficiency

Lowers the risk of heart disease and lung disease

Helps overall circulation

Helps to reduce blood pressure

Helps people to lose weight

Helps to reduce depression

Helps to reduce cholesterol levels

Helps to reduce symptoms of arthritis

As you can see in the above the list, there are many reasons as to why people should start to exercise. These are only a few out of many health benefits I could mention.

On a personal front, I have found that by exercising on most days, helps me to manage my stress levels. I am by nature a person who is quite anxious and even paranoid, exercising helps me to manage this negative part of my brain and helps me to see things in a much clearer way.

I am also somebody who basically loves food. This exercise is a great way of keeping my weight down, a form of diet which lets me eat exactly what I want.

Depression has been a regular feature of my life, however since starting my fitness regime, I do not think I have been depressed once.

Even though the thought of this exercise doe! s not ex actly fill me with joy, I will continue to force myself to do it as the benefits are huge.

I would strongly advise other people to also start exercising. I hope that they find it as rewarding and beneficial as I have.

Stephen Hill helps to promote a number of websites including:

help for phobias

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stuttering information

Natural Acid Reflux Remedies

2008-12-03T00:00:00.001-08:00

If you are one of the many sufferers of acid reflux disease, then you know what its like to feel your throat burn, and taste that god awful taste in the back of your mouth. The feeling of your stomach acid creeping up your esophagus and sometimes flowing into your mouth can practically drive a person into a hunger strike. I know many people who have cut almost everything out of their diet because of acid reflux and there quality of life has decreased drastically.

Of course there is many cures, prescription, over the counter or natural for acid reflux, but every person is different in the sense that some or all remedies might not work, or loose there effectiveness after many uses. The worse part is while laying in bed, the condition worsens because of gravity and the victim of acid reflux finds it almost impossible to fall asleep, and often spends many nights spitting up stomach bile, and popping Tums after Tums and pepcid AC after pill, and trying remedy after remedy. While the conventional treatments work for some people, they do not work for all. This brings me to the part where i get to let you in on a all natural cure for acid reflux. It actually works! 80% of people who tried it, said it worked like magic.

Most acid indigestion or heartburn remedies work by neutralizing the acid in your stomach with a strong base. Unlike most remedies, this natural cure works the complete opposite way and actually fights acid with acid. What is it? Apple Cider Vinegar! Sounds like B.S. doesn't it? In fact, the remedy has been around for many years, dating back to 1900 when people used to take a swig of vinegar to relieve the acid problem. Its up to you to try it, and see if it works. The directions are simple and are as followed. Drink one small glass of apple cider vinegar mixed with a bit of water, when you feel your acid indigestion creeping up. Just to warn you all, it will make it worse momentarily, but then it should completely get rid of the acid condition. I hope this helps you acid reflux suf! ferers o ut there. One more thing before i leave, i thought i should mention 3 tips to keeping your acid indigestion under control.

1.Try a high protein/low carb diet.

2.Dont eat foods late at night

3.Dont eat pastry.

Good luck!

Tyler D Falls - Inforesearcher.com

Five Reasons Why the Mediterranean Diet is a Healthy Choice in the 21st Century

2008-12-02T15:00:00.001-08:00

If you are a person who has been on the hunt for a solid diet plan, you may feel overwhelmed much of the time. In the 21st century it is nearly impossible for a person to turn on a television set or open a newspaper without being bombarded with advertisements for a variety of different diet plans and products.

With the tremendous array of diet plans, programs, supplements and aids on the market, it can seem nearly impossible to select a diet plan that can and will best meet your needs now and into the future. More importantly, it can be hard to discern if one or another of these various diet schemes actually is a healthy course to pursue. In many instances, fad diets really are not based on the fundamentals of healthy living.

As you go forward considering what type of diet plan or regimen will best serve your interests and improve your health into the future, you will want to take a look at the benefits that can be had through the Mediterranean diet.

While there are multiple reasons why the Mediterranean diet is a healthy approach, there are five primary reasons why the Mediterranean diet is a good choice.

1. The Benefits of Fruits, Vegetable, Fiber and Whole Grains

A major component of the Mediterranean diet includes the regular consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. Medical experts and nutritionists universally agree that a person should eat between five and six servings of fresh fruits and vegetables (or steamed items) on a daily basis.

People who adhere to the Mediterranean diet actually end up eating more than the minimum recommended allowance of fruits and vegetables. As a result, nutritionists in different parts of the world have taken to recommending a Mediterranean based diet regimen to their clients. Similarly, doctors who consult with their patients about healthy eating practices oftentimes find themselves recommending the Mediterranean diet in this day and age.

Beyond fruits and vegetables, the Mediterranean diet includes healthy amoun! ts of di etary fiber and whole grains. Fiber and whole grains have proven effective in lowering the incidence of heart disease and some types of cancer.

2. The Benefits of Olive Oil -- Avoiding Saturated Fat

Some people have a fundamental misperception about the Mediterranean diet. These people have heard that the Mediterranean diet is high in fat. On some level, there is some truth in the conception that the Mediterranean diet is higher in fat than are some other dieting programs. A person following the Mediterranean diet does take in about thirty percent of his or her daily calories from fat. (Most diets recommended the intake of calories from fat at the rate of about thirteen to fifteen percent per day. However, these diets are contemplating the ingesting of animal fat.)

The vast majority of fat that a person on the Mediterranean diet consumes comes from olive oil. In other words, the fat found in the Mediterranean diet is not the dangerous saturated fat that can cause disease, obesity and other health concerns. In fact, research has demonstrated that there are a number of solid benefits to consuming olive oil, including a reduction of the risk of the incidence of breast cancer in women.

3. Dairy in Moderation

While the consumption of low or non-fat dairy products in moderation can be beneficial in some instances, many people the world over rely on heavy creams, eggs and other fat filled dairy products in their daily diets. The Mediterranean diet is low in dairy. Indeed, any dairy products that actually are included within the diet regimen is low fat. A person is considered an extremely heavy egg eater if he or she consumes four eggs in a week.

4. Red Meat in Moderation

Very little red meat is included within the Mediterranean diet. When it comes to meat items, this diet relies on moderate amounts of lean poultry and fresh fish. As a result, people who follow the Mediterranean diet plan have lower levels of ?bad? cholesterol and higher levels of ?good: cho! lesterol .

In addition, because of the inclusion of lean, fresh fish in the diet, adherents to the Mediterranean diet enjoy the anti-oxidant benefits that are found in certain fish oils and products.

5. A Well Balanced Dieting Scheme

In the final analysis, the Mediterranean diet is gaining acclaim from experts and adherents the world over because it is a balanced dieting program. Study after study demonstrate that a balanced diet that is low in fat and that includes fruits, vegetable, whole grains and lean meat works to ensure total health and wellness.

Conclusion

The Mediterranean diet is a comprehensive regimen for healthy living. By following the strictures of the Mediterranean diet, a person can enjoy improved wellness, a reduction of the risk of certain diseases and, in many instances, a longer life.

What is Anaemia?

2008-12-02T05:00:00.001-08:00

Anaemia is defined as haemoglobin concentration in blood below the lower limit of the normal range for the age and sex of the individual. In adults, the lower extreme of the normal haemoglobin is taken as 13 g% for males and 11.5% for females. New born infants have higher haemoglobin levels and therefore, 15% is taken as the lower limit at birth, whereas at 3 months, the lower limit is taken as 9.5%. Although haemoglobin value is employed as the only parameter for determining whether or not anaemia is present, the red cell counts, haematocrit(PCV) and absolute values (MCV, MCH and MCHC) provide alternate means of assessing anaemia.

The symptoms of anaemia are:

? Tiredness
? Easy fatiguability
? Generalized muscular weakness
? Lethargy
? Headache

In older patients- there maybe symptoms of cardiac failure, angina pectoris, intermittent claudication, confusion and visual disturbances.

In an anaemic person, subnormal level of haemoglobin causes lowered oxygen- carrying capacity of the blood. This in turn, initiates compensatory physiologic adaptations such as:

? Increased release of oxygen from haemoglobin,
? Increased blood flow to the tissues,
? Maintainance of the blood volume and
? Redistribution of blood flow to maintain the cerebral blood supply.

Eventually, however, tissue hypoxia (lack of oxygen) develops causing impaired functions of the affected tissues. The degree of functional impairment of individual tissues is variable depending upon their oxygen requirements. Tissues with high oxygen requirement such as the heart, CNS and the skeletal muscle during exercise, bear the brunt of clinical effects of anaemia.

You can read more about disease or disorders to mind or body which you regularly come across at :-->

The author is the owner of a Successful Weight loss program. Also the author maintains a blog on General Medicine.