Monday, June 7, 2010

Teeth Whitening Treatments - Are These Truly Harmless?

By Joan Geyser

Let us take a look at some of the possible risks that might arise after undergoing teeth whitening and exactly how to avoid this or overcome them once it takes place again.
In Colorado, whitening teeth include application of bleach solution to lighten up the teeth. Folks who have got extreme sensitivity or gum diseases may not be suitable to go through teeth whitening. First of all, their gums must be treated. When gums are in good condition, they can now decide for whitening. Health specialists do not advise bleaching products which has 3% bleach. Bleach product with just.1% are appropriate which might involve human ingestion. Pearly whites which are exposed to bleaching product for a longer time may cause serious damage to teeth. It is still suggested to go through teeth whitening under the guidance of an certified dental professional.
It is hazardous to go through teeth whitening for people who used to drink or smoke a great deal. People will be more vulnerable to dangerous effects of alcoholic beverages when high consumption of hydrogen peroxide is made. Expecting and lactating women should also avoid these bleaching products for the safety of their infants.
People with sensitive teeth could use medicated toothpaste and have a soft bristle toothbrush immediately after going through teeth whitening for you to minimize the irritation and pain. But after a number of days, the pain will just alleviate. It is still vital to confirm with a dentist prior to deciding to go through teeth whitening process. There are no other bad results of teeth whitening aside from the above mentioned issues.
Today if you wish to have whitening done at your home, below are a number of tips you should look at before starting it.
A conventional plastic material dish is employed to conveniently fit into the mouth to put on the chemical inside. This really is found in in-house teeth whitening and be cautious in applying it to prevent some injury to your gums. Bleaching gel is applied into the tray plus the individual wears it in the mouth area on a regular basis for consecutive days. It requires for three or four weeks before the impact of teeth whitening shows up.
Though it is very simple to perform this and it is equally effective as it is a dentist's method of carrying out a teeth whitening treatment, but remember that the whole process is getting done by your own without the advice of a dental professional. Be prepared to any kind of risk or issue that could happen when doing this specific.
To avoid some difficulties and prevent injury to your gums, read the instructions carefully. Know all the ingredients of the bleaching product that you apply in your pearly whites. Be also cautious in using the proper quantity of bleaching that's being obtained by your own teeth. To get an effective end result, continue employing the specifically made dish to extend the effect for at least a month or two. It is then very essential to monitor the health condition of the teeth and gums. If the tray will result in the inflammation or bleeding of gums or soreness, seek advice from the dental professional right away.
Home whitening are more affordable but it is nevertheless advised to have it with authorized dentists like those within Colorado teeth whitening clinics.

Dental Care Tips For Travelers

By Mike J Sanchez
A lot of planning goes into vacations and extended holidays and you want to make sure that the vacation goes as smoothly as possible. One thing most people never prepare for is a dental emergency while traveling. We usually spend little time thinking about our teeth until a problem arise. A small thing like a tooth ache however, can bring your vacation to a grinding halt. This guide will help you properly prepare your teeth for your next vacation.
Proper vacation planning should include a proper oral hygiene. One of the best things about oral hygiene is that you can actually prevent most of the serious problems from even starting with proper brushing and flossing. Regular cleanings and oral examines from a dentist will help prevent any serious issues and make sure your teeth are as healthy as possible.
Sooner or later nearly every person will find that they are in need of a major dental procedure. The timing of these procedures needs to be considered when planning your vacations. Recent dental work is extremely sensitive to air pressure. Flying too soon after a root canal or tooth extraction could lead to serious severe tooth pain. Most dentist will recommend two to four weeks of recovery time before flying.
Your travels make take you to more remote locations that lack sufficient dental facilities and you will need to be prepared. Dental emergencies need to be handled properly and promptly. Be sure to pack a dental emergency kit. These kits may very well save your teeth as well as your vacation. These compact kits are easy to pack and available at most locations selling first aid kits.
Just because you are on vacation does not mean that decay is as well. Create a nightly routine even on vacation of brushing and flossing after meals. If you are on an extended holiday be sure to keep up with your regular dental exams as well.
These simple tips can help your next vacation be one of your best ever. Take proper care of your teeth and enjoy your travels.

Pregnancy Dental Health Tips

By Mike J Sanchez
Proper oral care is very important during your pregnancy. The latest research shows that, pregnant women that also have gum disease are at a higher risk of having preterm birth which conicides with lower than normal birth weight. Preterm births put the new born at risk for developing other serious health concerns. Soon to be mothers need to start making their oral health a higher priority. In 2008 new guidelines were created to help educate pregnant women on proper oral hygiene, below we share those guidelines.
Oral Hygiene - Expectant mothers need to have proper oral hygiene. This includes proper brushing and flossing after every meal. Oral hygiene prevents cavities and gum disease. Ensuring a healthy pregnancy requires taking proper care of your teeth as well as the rest of your body.
Fluoride - The ADA encourages expectant mothers increase their use of fluoride to include the addition of over the counter fluoride rinse (alcohol free) as well as using enriched fluoride toothpaste.
Nutrition - All expectant mothers know they need to have a proper healthy diet. What they may not realize is that by avoiding sugar intake they can reduce their risk of dental decay from plaque buildup.
Remove Tooth Decay - If a pregnant women currently has dental decay it must be removed. Dental procedures are perfectly safe for the mother and the unborn baby. Removing the decay will lower the babies risk of low birth weight.
Bacteria- Bacterial transmission from sharing food, utensils and drinks can lead to decay and should be avoided by expectant mothers.
Xylitol-Research shows chewing xylitol enriched gum during pregnancy will lower your risk of tooth decay.
While pregnancy is a stressful and exhausting period you need to make sure you continue to take proper care of your teeth for the good of the baby's health.

Dentist Recommendations For the Whole Family

By Andrew Stratton
A dentist helps people care for their teeth as well as advises them regarding the proper way to go about it. Since visits to this kind of doctor are quite expensive it makes sense that the whole family should pitch in to encourage good dental health.
Basic dental care starts with brushing. For adults, this is actually no problem since they should be able to value a good and thorough brushing. Children, on the other hand, may be a little resistant to one. The dentist will usually start the experience with instructions to the parent when the first milk teeth come out when the child is around four to six months old. Clean cloth should be wound around the parents' finger and then it should be brushed on the sprouting tooth, at least twice a day.
As the child grows up and develops a complete set of baby enamels, thorough brushing should be encouraged. Proper brushing is to start with one side of the set of teeth with a back and forth motion. The inside and the outside should be brushed and some time should be spent doing so. When the back and forth action is finished for all teeth, the up and down should commence for the entire set as well. The results of not cleaning the teeth properly should be explained to the child by both the dental professional and the parents.
The value of flossing is also another aspect of dental family care. Flossing takes care of the space in between each tooth. The toothbrush cannot reach this area; therefore, floss should be used to take out any debris that may have gotten stuck in between the teeth. It is not only food and debris that may have gotten stuck in this space but plaque can also accumulate here. Flossing should be done by inserting the thread in between each tooth and cleaning each side with a back and forth motion. The floss thread should also go up and down the side as it is swished back and forth. This action not only dislodges debris from eating but also dislodges the plaque which may have accumulated here.
The use of toothpaste is another aspect of oral and dental health. People sometimes use too much of this, thinking that it helps. The dentist should point out that a pea size amount is good enough for adult cleaning and too much toothpaste will only be spit out or swallowed. Swallowing too much can have side effects.

Tips on How to Whiten Your Teeth

By Harold Baldwin
Many people would prefer to have whiter looking teeth. It's nice to have a fresh and bright smile that you don't have to be afraid of showing everyone. There are things that you can do that will help you get your teeth a bit whiter.
The first thing to do is to simply avoid the things that are going to make your teeth appear a bit darker or stained. Be sure to try to avoid things like soda, coffee, cigarettes, and red wines. These will all over the long run make your teeth not look quite as bright.
Go out and get some teeth whitening toothpaste. This is one of the easier ways of having passive whitening done to you everyday. You are already using this to clean your teeth each day and this will just be an added bonus of whitening that you can have.
There are certain gels that you can get that will help whiten your teeth. Some prefer this to get brighter teeth other other methods that are out there to use.
Whitening strips are something that you can look into using as well. Some people do not like these as they can be a bit of a hassle, but they do produce results fairly well and will get you better looking teeth.
Be sure that you continue your regular brushing and flossing as you need to be doing anyway. Add in an extra time of day to brush your teeth to help keep them looking a bit better.
Also make sure that you continue going to your dentist for a regular cleaning. This will make your smile look quite a bit better and cut down on the yellow and brown tints that can make teeth look less appealing.
Using a combination of the above tips will make your teeth appear better in less time.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

How to Cure Tinnitus Effectively

By Ronron Lee

Tinnitus is one of the ear disorders that are being faced by many people as of today. Frequent ringing and buzzing are among the common symptoms that tinnitus is having. The ringing and buzzing of a certain ear will seem to be abnormal especially when there is no cause why such ear is ringing. Anyone can have the possibility of having this ear disorder, thus, while it is not still due to you, it is important to know the best relief of this kind of illness.
Most of the time, doctors and other health consultant are being addressed as a symptom rather than a disorder. It has been said that tinnitus is just a symptoms toward a more complicated ear illness that may occur to anyone. If this is being left untreated, then there would be greater chances for you to acquire serious ear disorder even in a just short period of time. This ear condition can possibly happen in both ears of a person without even any stimuli being produced. When you already have experienced ringing and buzzing all the time, then that is already an alarm for you.
If you have tinnitus, then that can be a great cause of discomfort for your life, and if you have already felt these symptoms, then the better thing and initial step that you should follow is to ask the help of those health experts right away. Make some consultations about this matter, since it is always the doctor whom can provide as with such answers. If you have this kind of ear problem, make your move immediately of treating it in order to avoid too much danger. As much as possible, bear in mind that tinnitus may lead to complicated ear problem, thus treating it right away is the only solution in order to prevent it to happen.
There are options that you can utilized while having your treatment, like the use of earplugs. This will help lessen the decibels of every sound that you can hear within your surroundings. There are many ways where you can have the chance of being free from tinnitus and one of the best miracles that would help a lot of tinnitus sufferers is the "Tinnitus Miracle". This is one of the best solution that you can utilized in order to get rid from your ear disorder, and once you are able to use such product, then having a life free from ringing and buzzing is already in your hand.

Ringing in Ears Treatment - Don't Suffer Too Long

By August Seth
Some people suffer from a constant ringing in their ears. Sometimes this ringing will go away on its own and often occurs after you have been to a concert or to a noisy venue. Often this goes away though. Sometimes you work in a noisy environment and experience ringing in your ears after you leave work. This also often goes away on its own. For some people however they have found that their ringing never stops and is constant.
This constant ringing in a persons ears is called Tinnitus. The person is not actually hearing anything. Tinnitus is a ringing sound that people hear that is not caused by any external noise. It is actually in your head. Quite literally. Prolonged Tinnitus is usually caused by hearing loss and it is generally found in one out of five people over the age of fifty five. There is not much that modern medicine can do to solve this problem in most cases and if you can't be helped by modern medicine you are going to have to found an alternative treatment that will work for you.
Below are some treatments that others have had success with that you can try yourself to see if they work for you.
Acupuncture: This is not a treatment for the faint of heart. Acupuncture involves putting tiny sharp needles into the nerve endings in your ears. The theory is that this will relieve the pressure of those damaged nerve endings and will help them heal so that the Tinnitus symptoms will lessen. This is not something that will last forever and you will need to return for further treatments every so often thus making it not the cheapest solution for long time sufferers of Tinnitus.
Herbs and Vitamins: If acupuncture is not something for you then you can try taking vitamin supplements and drinking herbal teas. Some people have found this helps increase their immune system and can give them some relief from their tinnitus symptoms. Often this is something that is recommended by doctors who have not been able to give their patients anything else to help them with their Tinnitus symptoms.
White Noise Machines: White noise machines can work to cancel out the sound of the ringing you are experiencing in your ears. This can actually gradually reduce the sound you are hearing to the point that after a few months when you take away the white noise machine it is possible that you will not hear the ringing anymore at all. This method has proven to be very useful for many people and may be the one that will work best for you if you do not mind investing in a white noise machine.
Just reducing the noise you are around in your environment will greatly reduce your Tinnitus symptoms. Try wearing ear plugs and avoiding standing too close to speakers when at concerts or at other loud events. This can give your ears a chance to readjust and thus lessen your Tinnitus symptoms.

Defending Your Ears Against Hearing Loss

By Paul Wilbarg
Listening to noises that are too loud will eventually result in hearing loss. Even noises which are only slightly above the maximum level will damage your hearing over a long period of time. For those who are working in a noisy environment, you need to be especially careful of how you treat your ears. Once you have lost your hearing you can't get it back, and its usually only once the damage has happened that you regret not looking after them more carefully. Defending your ears against hearing loss is quite simple, by the use of various hearing protectors that are on the market today.
The most common hearing protector today is a set of ear plugs. These are usually foam and are cheap and also disposable. They are one of the best ways to protect your hearing and they are probably the most comfortable. The issue with these though is that they are not rated for noises that are very loud. If you are working in a very loud factory then ear muffs are your only option. If you get the more expensive ones which are rated for jet planes then you won't have any problems working where it is very noisy.
Electric Hearing Protection is also beginning to become more and more popular. These work quite well, but are much more expensive and they also break easily. What ever your choice, just make sure that you are wearing hearing protection every second of the day that you are in a noisy environment. Even just a minute a day will cause you to lose hearing, and you want to still have that when you are 60!

What Are the Causes of Hearing Loss?

By M. Newman
What causes hearing problems in adults? Why is it that we can go a whole lifetime without noticing any hearing problems but then suddenly develop major hearing loss as we get older? Is it age related or due to some form of trauma? Let's consider some of the most common causes of hearing problems.
Sometimes such a loss is not brought upon any external factors, but simply results from a disease called otosclerosis. This disease involves the middle ear capsule and affects the movement of "stapes" inside the ear. Another common disease is called Meniere's disease, and this disease affects the membranous inner ear. Acoustic neuroma is a tumor that causes hearing loss, and this can form inside the eighth cranial nerve.
A condition called presbycusis is what we refer to as "old age" hearing loss. This condition is not a strictly defined disease, but does result in a degeneration of the cochlea, as well as other parts of the auditory system. You may be surprised to learn that an individual's hearing actually starts to degenerate after the age of 20. However, the most common age range in which symptoms become pronounced is 55-65.
Physical trauma, such as temporal bone fractures, eardrum punctures and sudden changes in air pressure can also cause hearing loss. These are classified as traumatic injuries. Prescription medications can also contribute to ear problems and hearing loss, such as aminoglycoside antibiotics, salicylates and various chemotherapy drugs.
You also have to take into account the massive amounts of noise pollution we endure on a regular basis. For example, in a given day's time you will listen to dozens of car horns, a few jet planes flying over head, some awesome heavy metal songs on your iPod and headphone set, a few rock concerts a year, a lawn mower twice a month and a paper shredder every day. These are just some examples of loud noises that we take for granted. Listening to a lifetime of noise pollution does have an effect on our lives.
In the next several years, the "baby boomer" generation will be facing problems with hearing. As a person naturally ages, the risk of developing hearing problems drastically increases. Interestingly, recent studies have shown that this generation makes up the largest segment of the American population. This is a generation that has contributed to the increase of noise pollution more than any previous generation. At the same time, this is a generation that is expected to live longer than any previous generation because of other breakthroughs in modern medicine. (Not to mention the "health kick" that so many Americans are exploring.)
It is safe to assume then that there will be an unprecedented need for hearing aids in the next two decades. Whether these "needs" will be addressed remains to be seen. Let it be known though, that a lack of hearing compromises the beauty and enjoyment of your life, particularly your Golden Years. Take action now so you can hear what all the fuss is about-hearing aids for the baby-booming generation.

Natural Tinnitus Remedy - It May Be a Better Solution Then Your Doctor's

By Karen Kalata
Visiting your doctor is supposed to be an easy way to find answers to medical issues. When you have a problem that you doctor is baffled by, frustration and discouragement can quickly take hold. After all, if your doctor isn't sure of how to treat your ringing ears, what are you supposed to do about it?
The frustrating part of tinnitus is that it has so many different causes, making it baffling to even doctors. They often do not have the time to invest in determining why you are experiencing this problem, let alone make numerous suggestions that may or may not be effective. The good news is that you can explore the options for a natural tinnitus remedy.
It's Not One Size Fits All
Unlike so many other medical conditions, there isn't one reason for ringing ears; there definitely isn't one pharmaceutical or natural tinnitus remedy that will knock out symptoms and cure your disease. In fact, tinnitus has many causes. Some people suffer as a result of another medical condition.
Most often, this related disease is something like Meniere's disease or TMJ. It could, however, be that you are taking a medication that has tinnitus as a known side effect. If your root cause is not disease, then damage is a big possibility.
When the delicate bones, cartilage and chambers in the ear canal are exposed to loud noise on a consistent basis, things malfunction. Other problems can even come into play, such as blood pressure, stress and misaligned joints and bones.
Because of the many different possibilities, there are choices that you will have to make when discussing the natural tinnitus remedy that is right for you. If you can determine your root cause, you will be able to make better decision as to what treatment methods to attempt. It's common to try several before the proper treatment comes to light.
Finding a Natural Tinnitus Remedy
Before you start your search for the best natural tinnitus remedy, you should immediately assess your lifestyle with prevention in mind. Avoid loud noises so that further damage does not occur. In addition, cut out things that are known to exacerbate the condition, such as alcohol. Finally, while your natural tinnitus remedy is taking hold, coping mechanisms can be employed, such as running a fan to block the annoyance.
Increase Your Blood Flow
Tinnitus can be caused by obstructed blood flow. If this is the case, your natural tinnitus remedy should address that. Treatments such as massage and chiropractic care can help in that area. You can also use an internal application of the herb gingko biloba in the ear canal.
Build Up Your Immunity
Regardless of what your root cause is, building your immune system can decrease your symptoms. The stronger your body is, the better your ability to fight illness. In addition, specific vitamins and minerals are known to increase ear health specifically. Be sure that you are focusing on B vitamins, plus any categories that contribute to overall immune function, such as vitamin C.
Clean The Canal
Some cases of ringing ears are caused by blockage in the canal. Cleaning your ear canal is a natural tinnitus remedy that can bring immediate relief. Ear candling is a popular way to clean excess wax, but you can also rinse the canal gently with a saline solution. You may have to repeat this a few times before the problem in eliminated.

What is Tinnitus and Why is There Ringing in My Ears?

By Charles J McDonald

On kind of tinnitus is called objective tinnitus. This merely means that the noises in your head can be verified by an outside observer. Though you may be surprised to discover where these sounds are coming from!
Many individuals who suffer with objective tinnitus are told that the many of the processes occurring in their body are not silent ones. Not only are they not quiet, but that's exactly what these people are hearing. The sounds of the body.
Initially, it seems like this description should be a low-grade science fiction movie. But let's just look at one sound we know emanates from our physical bodies: our hart beat.
Every time you visit your doctor he listens for your heart beat. Yes, he listens with his trusty stethoscope. Your heart beats... your blood "whooshes" through your arteries... joints creak.. stomachs growl.
Well, you get the idea no doubt. If you really gave it some thought, the body is probably far from silent.
But let's face it, most of us unless we have an instrument which amplifies sounds, just don't hear any of this. Why? For one thing, many of these sounds are in areas where it's really difficult to hear them. You might say these noises are in parts of the body that are "well insulated." These activities, many times, are surrounded by muscles or other tissues. These tissues and muscles effectively capture and contain the vibrations which, in turn, create the sounds.
But there are several other reasons why you don't hear these noises. Your brain has the marvelous ability o simply tune them out.
That's right! Your brain makes a judgment, so to speak: relevant or irrelevant sound. (Sounds like a new game show!) It then makes the decision to filter out all the irrelevant sounds. To you, it's as the noises never existed at all.
The brain actually makes another decision too. The brain ignores sounds produced with incessant regularity -- like the beating of your heart. Otherwise you would be listening to that sound day in and day out. Imagine not being able to sleep because your heart was beating too loud.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

How to Develop Fresh Young Skin Quickly and Keep Looking That Way

By Ingrid Palmer
Everyone wants to have radiant and fresh young skin. Unfortunately, nature itself has its own negative effects on the skin like overexposure to sunlight and of course, the effects of natural aging process. The older you become the more you should exert effort to look for the best skin care products like creams and lotions to keep your skin look younger.
However apart from treating this problem superficially you should also feed your skin with essential nutrients to keep it young and healthy. Eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables will go a long way in providing your skin with well needed antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to keep it smooth and supple. Also drinking 8 glasses of water daily, quit smoking and protecting your skin whenever you go out into the sun by wearing sunscreen of SPF 15 and higher.
Now, here is one hectic part. If you are dead serious to maintain the beautiful look of your skin, you need to learn about the best all natural ingredients that help provide proper nourishment to your skin and counter the effects of aging. You cannot simply find these natural ingredients in lotions and creams anywhere you shop because they are produced by companies that do not mix harsh substances on their products like paraben, mineral oil, and alcohol.
Remember that the best skin creams contain only the nourishing substances that keep your skin healthy. Example the natural oils such as macadamia oil and jojoba oil are great moisturizers that are rich in vitamins and minerals. These substances are known to effectively eliminate skin blemishes and stretch marks while giving proper moisture to your skin.
Avocado oil contains the essential fatty acids which are highly compatible to the fatty acids you skin is made of. A beautiful and healthy looking skin is rich in these fatty acids.
To enhance further the beauty of your skin, you need more than these emollients. There are skin care products that provide the necessary nutrients to your skin which are similar to the nutrients that you get from eating healthy food. Your body processes this food to enhance its production of collagen and elastin.
You maybe have encountered some creams and lotions containing collagen. But, is it really effective? The true fact is that the collagen in these products is too large to penetrate deep into the skin to deliver its purpose. The only method to increase the natural levels of collagen in your body is to provide the necessary nutrients that help stimulate its production.
You can actually increase the production of collagen in your body through the use of lotions and creams that have functional keratin. Functional is referred to as bio-avialable. One of these substances is CynergyTK rich in functional keratin that helps increase the levels of collagen and elastin in your skin.
The positive effects of CynergyTK is enhanced when combined with natural emollients like macadamia oil and jojoba oil the help restore skin damage, preserve fresh and younger looking skin, and slow down the process of aging.

5 Healthy and Simple Ways to Care For Sensitive Skin - The Best Sensitive Skin Care Tips

By Ingrid Palmer
Taking care of sensitive skin is very challenging. You will find it initially difficult to look for the products that best suits your type of skin. I have here some helpful sensitive skin care tips that you can follow.
These simple yet effective tips fit best for sensitive skin like you have.
1. Avoid Buying Risky Products
You may not be aware of it but there are skin care products that have harmful ingredients mixed in them. These are chemicals, fragrances, parabens, alcohol, and petroleum by-products which seem not to cause any harm by their names but proven to trigger skin problems in the long run.
2. Prefer to Use Homemade Treatments
While you still could not find the right skin care product to use, you can opt for these natural home treatments for sensitive skin:
- Use olive oil for skin cleansing. It is a gentle way to clean off grime, dirt, and make up.
- Moisturize your skin and prevent wrinkles to develop by using almond oil, jojoba oil, raw honey, or shea butter.
- You can use oats as face mask to purify and smooth out your skin.
- Apply on your skin pure aloe vera gel to sooth and hydrate it.
3. Look for Products that are Safe to Use
Look for products that are effective and safe to use suitable for sensitive skin. Moisturizers scientifically proven to penetrate into your skin to deliver the best benefits such as youthful, glowing, and healthy skin are recommended.
In order for these natural products to render effectively, they must contain at least 50 percent of the active ingredients. Examples of these natural ingredients are Coenzyme Q10, Phytessence Wakame, and CynergyTK.
4. Strengthen Your Physical Health
If you have naturally sensitive skin, you can still find ways to improve it. Nourish your health with the necessary vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids to fell better from inside out. Drink plenty of water daily, exercise for at least 30 minutes daily and try to lower your level of stress.
5. Avoid Sun Burn
Sunlight is also good for your health, however too much exposure from sunlight can do harm to your health. Expose your skin only to moderate sunlight to get your tan. Apply natural and chemical free sunscreen if it is necessary to stay longer outside.
Follow these skin care tips and you will be on your way to achieving beautiful, younger looking skin.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Weight Gain and Why it is Important to Eat Healthy Food

By : Joanne McMahon
Being overweight and weight gain is often blamed on eating too much food, eating the wrong kind of foods and traditionally, lack of exercise. This is correct in many cases and often restructuring your meals and changing your foods by balancing the food groups can lead to massive weight loss. There are often other causes of weight gain which vary from hormonal imbalances, side effects of medication and even emotional stress. A lot of people think that by not eating, you will see weight loss. This is not true. If you decrease your food intake dramatically, your body will assume there is a food shortage and it will try and conserve energy. This means no weight loss and your body will hold onto whatever fat your body is carrying to protect itself. A well balanced diet consisting of three meals per day based on protein and carbohydrates will see a reduction in your waistline. Take a Tape measure and if you are a woman and your waist is greater than 80 centimetres or for a man 94 centimetres, it is time to start working on your diet and reducing your waist-line. Often, we don't eat a lot over the day, yet we do not lose weight. Well, it is not the actual quantity of the food that leads to weight gain, but it is the actual type of food that we consume that causes the problem. Foods that lead to weight gain include white bread, white rice, white pasta, white potato and foods that are high in sugar and saturated fats. Sodas and soft drinks are full of sugar and need to be removed from your diet. These foods and soft drinks need to be removed and replaced with foods that contain nutrients and vitamins. You need to consume foods that will give you more energy and keep you fuller for longer. Avoid foods that are high in carbohydrates and sugar if you are keen to avoid weight gain. Avoid white bread, white rice,white potato,sugary sodas, sweets,corn chips and high fat burgers, fries and pizzas.These foods often lead to weight gain as they are high in carbohydrates and can lead to cravings. While not all carbohydrates are bad for us, too many high carb foods can lead to weight gain and cravings. We must not eliminate carbohydrates altogether from our diet but we must choose carbohydrates that are healthy and nutritious and will fuel our bodies. So what is healthy eating? Basically, healthy eating means a healthy diet. It means that you should consume fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low and non fat dairy products, legumes, fish, lean meat and poultry. The total amount of food that you need each day to provide you with your energy and nutrient needs depends on your age, sex and activity levels. It is important to get into the habit of choosing to eat more healthy foods on a daily basis. By doing this, you will find that your stomach does not have enough room for any bad foods! The best way to prevent heart disease and weight gain is to consume a healthy diet low in saturated fat and sugar. Healthy eating means aiming to consume a diet high in fibre, whole grains and proteins and this should include cereals, vegetables and legumes. Include in your diet fruit, milk, yoghurt and cheese. Consume lean meat, oily fish and poultry. Healthy eating also means not over eating. Choosing sensible portions of food is also paramount in keeping your weight in control. Many people eat way more food than they need and the average dinner plate size has gone from small to large. If you consume your food too fast or you eat until you are really full, you are most likely overweight. Be mindful of what you eat. Choose healthy eating over unhealthy eating. Slow down, chew slowly and enjoy every bite and reap the rewards of healthy choices

Diabetic Supplements - What You Need to Know

By : Xylene Belita
Are diabetic supplements better than drug medications? There is nothing wrong to try homeopathic treatment. This is because the ingredients are 100% pure natural and organic. We are all very much aware that before the modern medicine came to being, herbal medicine had been used and had been useful to men. Mother earth has abundantly given us natural resources that we can use to treat many health problems. Take note of several herbs, spices and other vegetation that have potent substances to significantly improve the condition of the diabetic person. Because of the clinical and scientific facts, experts can boldly recommend some natural remedies. But before you rush to any health shop in your place, you need to consider a few important things first. There are questions that were raised concerning the supplement which also make sense. Questions like: What type of diabetes patient can take this food supplement? What are the substances found in the supplement that prove its effectiveness? What are the forms of dietary supplements for diabetic patients? Now, we know that there are three major types of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes- a type that happens to kids, Type 2 diabetes- common diabetes that middle-aged or adult people have, and the Gestational diabetes- a temporary type of diabetes that happens to pregnant women. However, people diagnosed with pre-diabetes are considered in the seemingly called red alert condition because they have a higher level of glucose which any time can be developed to Type 2. For these three major types of diabetes, it is suggested that you consult first your doctor before taking any diabetes supplement. Tell your doctor about the stuff that you are planning to take as your food supplement. People with pre-diabetes can take the full advantage of food supplement because it can help them have their blood sugar level at bay. So what are the common ingredients found in diabetes food supplements? Some supplements are combinations of many different ingredients. Some are simply made from one product, which means it contains only one ingredient. Example of that is the bitter melon or bitter gourd. This dietary supplement contains the super-finely grinded dried bitter melon's leaves which are placed in capsules. Bitter melon is an excellent hypoglycaemic agent. It is very powerful in decreasing the level of glucose. It contains Charantin that act as an active substance in treating diabetes symptoms. Other individual ingredients in a supplement are the Gingko biloba, Ginseng, Gymnema, and others. Some dietary supplements are made up of two or more components. The usual tandem is the garlic and onion. These two ordinary spices are effective in preventing diabetic symptoms. The Allicin, an essential nutrient found in these spices, is also helpful in controlling the blood sugar in your system. Some supplements for diabetics are combination of either of these herbs and other products like cinnamon, mushroom, fenugreek, broccoli, kidney beans, dried basil, cayenne, dandelion and other organic elements. There are so many kinds of food supplements that people with diabetes can ingest. They may come in capsules, gels, liquids and pills. They only have to make sure that the supplements that they will buy contain genuine organic ingredients. Make sure it has no toxic substances in the components. As a general rule, always check the label and look for the FDA approved symbol in any diabetic supplements.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

8 Easy Ways to Keep Your Skin Looking Healthy

By James Culvers
Having healthy skin not only makes you look great, but it can help you feel great too. Follow these 8 simple steps that are within your personal control, and the improvement in your skin will be noticeable in a matter of weeks.
1. Drink a minimum of 8 cups of water per day. This helps to keep the skin hydrated, flexible, and elastic. This will minimise visible sagging and puffiness.
2. Eat a healthy and balanced diet. You body needs fuel to build healthy skin, giving it the correct fuel it needs will mean that the skin it builds will be of good quality. High fat intake has also been proven to increase the chances of abnormalities in the skin, such a spots and blemishes.
3. Avoid harsh soaps. These kinds of soaps can easily dry out the skin, leaving it vulnerable to diseases. Try to apply moisturisers after you have showered to mitigate the drying effect soap can have.
4. Be gentle with your skin. There is no need to be rough with your skin when washing it, gently rubbing your skin works just as well. Follow up by gently patting your skin dry with a towel instead of vigorously rubbing it.
5. Avoid long showers, baths and saunas. Spending too much time in water can severely dry out your skin and the heat can remove essential oils.
6. Avoid smoking. If you smoke, you are damaging the skin in multiple ways. The skin is being deprived essential nutrients which mean you are far more likely to end up with wrinkles.
7. Protect your skin against the sun. Try to cover your skin from the suns rays, and if you are going to be exposed, use a strong sunscreen, at least factor 20. The suns rays are strongest between 10am and 2pm, so try to avoid being outdoors at that time.
8. Try sleeping on your back. If you sleep on your face all night, your skin is taking damage from the pillow. You are less likely to end up with wrinkles if you sleep on your back.

How to Find the Best Free Sample Offers For Dry Skin Products

By Marianne Rousseau
With so many dry skin products how can you possibly know which one is the best?
They all say they are the best. Why wouldn't they? Are you going to try or buy one that says it's just okay? No. So how can you determine which one is really the best?
The simple answer is that the best dry skin products are the ones that work for you. Everyone has different skin tone and composition. What may work great for one person may have no effect at all for the next person.
So how can you choose without spending a fortune finding the one that is best for you? Start by choosing well-known and reputable manufacturers.
Companies like Belisi, Almay, Olay to name a few of the better ones.
Next look for complimentary trial offers. This is one of the best ways to try the different dry skin products without spending a fortune. Most offer free samples or trials at no cost or just for the cost of shipping. A deal that can't be beat.
Gone are the days where you had the choice of 3 or 4 different brands and creams to choose among. Many of those first wrinkle creams and dry skin lotions were overly oily and left your hands feeling slightly slimy.
Amazing improvements in technological know-how has radically improved these first few creams and lotions. Today you can find literally hundreds of creams and lotions from about just as many manufacturers.
Quality can differ among the many choices and you should watch to make sure safe methods and ingredients are used to make the lotions.
There are many different combination used of natural and chemically produced ingredients. Many are similar in composition but are differentiated through packaging and marketing messages. You will even find some that are targeted to specific age groups. Don't be fooled.
Age only matters to the degree that more lines and wrinkles appear as we age. Drying skin and the resulting loss of skin elasticity from this drying is usually a factor of age.
However studies have shown that not properly moisturizing and caring for your skin while younger will lead to quicker or more advanced dry skin problems as you grow older.
The recent rage about tanning beds and the number of young (and old) people streaming to them to obtain a glowing and sexy tone will play havoc in the next decades. All you have to do is remember your tanning fanatic friends or even those who's job involved constant exposure to the sun. They looked fantastic when they were young. Now as they get older they look like shriveled prunes.
Lastly, you can spend time reading every review you can find. Other than discovering products that may be dangerous they aren't going to help you very much. The reason is that dry skin products do not work the same on every person. In fact, you can have 4 people try the same product and everyone will have a different result and opinion.
The only thing that is a sure thing is that you must start using or trying dry skin creams or lotions until you find the one combination and composition that works for your personal skin type.

What Vitamins Are Used in Skin Care

By David Mcevoy
It has been known for quite some time that vitamins affect the skin. If your diet doesn't contain enough of the various vitamins then your skin is likely to be dry, blotchy, and unhealthy looking. So if you want to take really good care of your skin then it helps if you have an understanding of the role that vitamins play in healthy skin.
Vitamins are able to act both on the surface of the skin in skin care products, and internally through our diet and basically they can help protect the skin from damage, help the skin to heal itself should damage occur, and can help to remove toxins.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is the name that is used to describe several different Tocopherols. Tocopherols are powerful antioxidants that can protect the body and the skin from the harmful rays of the sun as well as other toxins by removing free radicals from the body. Free radicals are formed when pollutants start to break down or when oils oxidise after being exposed to heat and the sun.
There are two main uses for Vitamin E as far as skincare products are concerned. Vitamin E can be used as an antioxidant to keep the product fresh, particularly if oils such as hemp seed, evening primrose or borage oil are used as these oils can all go rancid very quickly.
Vitamin E can also be added to a product to help to prevent aging of the skin. It removes the free radicals in the skin, in doing so it helps to prevent wrinkles and at the same time will stimulate the blood circulation and will help the skin to maintain elasticity.
The highest natural source of vitamin E is found in vegetable oils, particularly wheat germ oil, sunflower oil, almond oil, hazelnut oil, walnut oil and olive oil, and in soy beans.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is widely used in skin care. It is also a powerful antioxidant like Vitamin E and can help repair skin damage caused by exposure to the sun and can rejuvenate the skin so you will often find Vitamin C in skincare products.
Vitamin C also helps produce collagen, which is necessary for healthy skin and can make the skin appear younger. The richest source of vitamin C is in citrus fruits and in vegetables.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin that can build up inside the body over time and if too much is consumed you can easily exceed the recommended daily allowance which can lead to a condition known as vitamin toxicity. However, you are only likely to consume too much vitamin A if you take vitamin A supplements or Cod Liver Oil on a regular basis and not from a balanced diet. If you don't get enough vitamin A your skin is likely to be dry and rough. Vitamin A has huge benefits for the skin as it has antioxidant properties and can help to improve the appearance of the skin and make fine lines and wrinkles less visible. The active ingredient is the Retinoids in Vitamin A but some people can react to Vitamin A and experience reddening or stinging of the skin but in most everyday skincare products the amounts are too low.
You can find Vitamin A in foods that include chicken, beef, turkey and fish liver, carrots, broccoli, sweet potato, butter, spinach, pumpkin, dairy products, melon, and apricot and mango fruit.
Vitamin Bs
The B group of vitamins help the skin to retain moisture, and keep the skin looking smooth, radiant and healthy. You can find Vitamin B in meat and fish products, as well as bananas, lentils, beans and any whole foods. Vitamin B is a relative newcomer to skincare products. Vitamin K
Vitamin K is often found products that will claim to help remove dark circles under the eyes. It can also help to repair broken capillaries.
You can find vitamin K in leafy green vegetables, brassicas such as cauliflower and broccoli, as well as in avocado, kiwi fruit and soybean oil.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is formed on the skin when the sun's rays interact with the skin. It is also a fat soluble vitamin like Vitamin A and as such can build up to toxic levels but only when taken as a supplement. You won't overdose on vitamin D by exposure to sunshine.
Vitamin D has antioxidant properties and is also anti-carcinogenic which means it could play a role in helping to prevent skin cancer as well as other cancers.
Now here's the dilemma, we are told that exposure to the sun is the number one cause of premature aging, and at the same time we need some exposure in order to get the benefit of vitamin D. The answer as always lies in balance. Don't stay out in the hot midday sun baking away without a sunscreen, but do get a morning walk in the sunshine when the sun is not so strong. It's common sense really.

Food For Healthy Skin - Latest News on How to Eat Your Way to Healthy Beautiful Skin

By William Colbert
Some fascinating research on food for healthy skin has just been released from the University of Florence in Italy. The research explains that certain foods which are called Advanced Glycosilated End products (AGE!) will accelerate the production of free radicals and aging of our skin. They will increase aging fifty fold! Certainly not foods for healthy skin by any stretch of the imagination.
Foods for the trash can We probably already knew that certain fried foods were not the best foods for healthy skin but this research now definitely consigns the AGE foods to the trash can! Let us have a look at these AGE foods in detail so that we avoid them like the plague. They are basically grilled duck, fried fish and meat, grilled meat, cakes, pasta, white bread, roast beef, and canned drinks. The problem of glycosilated products is that they form a dangerous mix of proteins and sugars which can be not only toxic but will increase the number of free radicals in an exponential fashion.
Foods for healthy skin The good foods for healthy skin are mostly from the Mediterranean diet although we can call it what we like. This consist of legumes, fish such as tuna, mackerel, sardines, fresh vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and of course fresh fruit.
Safe and effective topical creams While food for healthy skin will be an important part of our skin care regime, we also need to look at what sort of topical creams we put on the largest organ of our bodies. Given that there is no regulation, this is even more important to keep ourselves healthy and our skin glowing.
We should definitely avoid the harsh chemicals which are derived from petroleum products because they just are not suitable for us and they can cause some serious illnesses. I am thinking here of the mineral oils and paraffin products which can actually clog pores and cause the epidermis to become flaky and dry. Food for healthy skin is only one element in the equation. I have done some research and if you click through to my website you will see that there is one company in New Zealand which has included only safe natural ingredients and taken out all the nasty harmful chemicals. Their products are revolutionary and if you click through, you will immediately see why!

What to Use on Eczema For Immediate and Long Term Relief

By Casey Gentles
Eczema is a condition of the skin and it's symptoms include pain, itching, redness and inflammation. If you wish to assuage the condition, here are some of what to use on eczema so you can have immediate and long term relief.
Diet changes - some patients suffering from eczema drinks only plain water and goes on a salt-free vegetable and fruit diet so that their skin condition will be improved. Musk melon and carrots are usually included in the diet as well as milk and curd.
Topical creams can also be used on eczema to relieve symptoms. There are also some other ways you can do this. Some medical professionals recommend a bleach bath, this is done by soaking the affected area in 40 gallons of warms water mixed with one half cup of bleach for 1o minutes. After this dry your skin and apply moisturizing creams or lotions. This will help alleviate symptoms of eczema
Below are also some tips to utilize to help deal with the problem.
* Try not to scratch the affected area
* Keep your fingernails short, so if you accidentally scratch, you minimize the chance of the skin breaking.
* Use warm water while bathing or taking a shower.
* Be gentle when you dry your skin after bathing so that you can prevent friction that breaks the skin
* You should wear loose, cotton clothing because they are basically gentle on the skin and it is ideal for people with this skin condition.
* Drink plenty of fluids to flush out the body's toxins.
* Try relaxation techniques like yoga for example so you can de-stress and avoid exacerbating your condition.
* Always keep your doctor informed of any developments with your condition and also if you plan to start bleach therapy

Monday, March 29, 2010

The Best Time to Start Rotator Cuff Repair Exercises

By Richard F. Harris

The most common kind of shoulder injury is rotator cuff. Almost a million suffer from it every year. If you are one of them, you need to engage in some rotator cuff repair exercises. You need to ask your doctor for an advice on this matter. It is actually more than just fixing the torn area but also strengthening it as well. If you are engage in sports, there is a greater risk for you to have this injury especially if you are doing over the head movements. Aside from sports related, your work and age play a role in having this problem.
If you experience symptoms, it is best to undergo rotator cuff repair exercises. The good news is that it wouldn't take time and you wouldn't sweat much. If you decide to exercise the muscles, you can opt to add weights. Most of the rotator cuff repair exercises involve gentle ones. In this way, you can control the intensity of the activity. Before you start, it is best that you heal first. This is true so that you wouldn't experience pain. If the pain is too much, it might be too late to start undergoing exercise.
The condition can be so painful. Any movement can actually lead to further more damage in the long run. The best idea is to take a rest. Treat the inflammation and manage it before starting any kind of exercise. There are some that are not just meant to relieve the inflammation or strengthen the muscles; it can also prevent injuries in the future.

What You Need to Know About Rotator Cuff Injuries

By Jim Batuyong

Injuries to the rotator cuff are common because of our dependence on the shoulder for the many activities we participate in. These injuries can be frustrating because of the limited movement it causes due to the pain in the shoulder. Here are a few things you need to know about rotator cuff injuries.
First, you should know that shoulder pain is extremely common and is caused by many things. Many baseball pitchers develop shoulder pain from throwing the ball but injuries can be caused anytime you overuse your shoulders. Painters, for example, have a high rate of rotator cuff injuries which can be explained by the constant up and down movement required in the job. Since the pain can cause significant problems for the individual, you must identify the cause of the problem so you will be able to get proper treatment.
The obvious and most common symptom of a rotator cuff injury is the pain it causes. Typically, the pain comes from the top of the shoulder and arm but in some cases, the pain is said to come down the outside of the arm all the way to the elbow. Weakness is also very common for people with rotator cuff injuries and the lack of ones ability to lift their arm. This will cause you to have a difficult time doing basic activities like getting dressed or reaching for something overhead.
Although it is a painful injury, most cases of rotator cuff tears can be treated without surgery. Of course, in extreme cases, the damage to the tendons may be bad enough to require surgical repair but those cases are a small minority of people requiring treatment. Most common treatments are physical therapy, anti-inflammatory pain medication and cortisone injections. Physical therapy will help strengthen the muscles around the injured tendon and help compensate for it. Anti-inflammatory pain medications and cortisone injections will help reduce inflammation and reduce the pain to the injured area.
As with any injury that lasts more than three days, you should consult your doctor for treatment. There are several surgical options for rotator cuff tears that will be dependent on the exact type of injury suffered, the surgeons preference, and the type of activities you wish to do after recovery. Before undergoing surgery, discuss other possible options for treatment. If you do not feel surgery is necessary, it would be wise to get a second opinion.

How to Treat a Sprain

By C. Dillon

With March Madness in full swing, we are seeing more and more basketball-related injuries, particularly ankle and wrist sprains. A sprain is an injury to the joint tissue that typically occur when the joint overstretches or is overloaded by a sudden twist or fall. They can also be caused by overuse in repetitive activities or sports. The sprain results in swelling, loss of movement, inability to support weight, pain, and occasional discoloration. In some instances a sprain can feel feel a lot like a fracture.
The most common location of a sprain is extremity joints, such as the ankle and wrist, but I have seen my fair share of neck sprain as well. In treating these sprains, a good acronym to remember is HI-RICE - hydrate, ibuprofen, rest, ice, compression, and elevation. The following is a summary of the steps you should take to treat a sprain:
HYDRATE. As with any illness or injury, always drink plenty of water. Water is essential for recovery.
IBUPROFEN. It will reduce swelling and help control joint inflammation. If you are an athlete you can get a special prescription from your physician for a higher dosage to help speed along your recovery.
REST. Stay off this injured joint as much as possible. You can use crutches, and in many instances, the injured area should be immobilized with a support brace or splint.
ICE. You should ice the injury as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the longer the injury will take to heal. For the first two days of the injury, you should apply ice for 20 to 40 minutes every 2 to 4 hours.
COMPRESS. To further reduce swelling, wrap the injured area with an elastic bandage. Make sure it is snug, but does not cut off circulation.
ELEVATE. Elevate the injury above the heart, which also further reduce swelling.
After three days, you should start applying heat to the sprained area which will help speed along the healing process even more.

Monday, March 15, 2010

Your Headaches May Be Caused by Tense Neck Muscles

By Dilbert Johnsen

Massage therapists report that neck massages are some of the most common they perform...a fact that's not really surprising when you stop to think about that area of your body. The most obvious contributor to neck pain is - as we all know - that unavoidable stress. Whenever we suffer from stress and tension, the neck can suffer most - in the form of pain and swelling - very quickly. And when that happens, the pain is felt not only in our neck, but in our head, back and shoulders as well. The good news is that a neck rub is a proven treatment for the pain and swelling brought on by stress.
Many factors can contribute to neck pain and can also be effectively treated by neck rub therapy. As mentioned, the most dominant cause of neck pain is stress, but some other common contributors include trauma/injury, muscular problems, trapped nerves or arthritis located in the neck area. Neck massages can provide relief from these contributors as well as those associated with pain from sleeping in an awkward position, carrying a heavy object or sitting too long at work. Engaging in neck massage therapy can reduce the instances of future problems.
So how do you know if the pain you are experiencing is actually neck pain? Below are some identifiers of neck pain...an indication that a neck rub is needed:
*Stiffness that affects the neck muscles;
* A radiating pain to the shoulders or between the shoulder blades;
* A one-sided or double-sided headache which produces pain in the arm, neck or head;
* Tense muscles in the neck which feel hard and sore;
* Pain at the base of the skull accompanied by weakness in the arms, shoulders and neck;
* Prickly or tingling sensation in the fingers and/or arms.
Neck massage is extremely effective in reducing stiffness and pain in the neck. So what are the most common benefits of neck massage therapy?
* Neck rubs are convenient and can basically be performed at any time and any place.
* A neck massage can be very beneficial in a short period of time.
* This type of massages delivers relief to not only the neck, but also the back, head and shoulders.
* By expanding the muscles in the neck, a neck massages doubles as an energizer for your body and leaves you feeling totally relaxed.
* It's proven to be instrumental in removing stress from your entire body.
* A neck rub can relieve knotted muscles and improve blood circulation.
In some instances, the area of your body where you experience pain may not be the actual source of it. Tightness at the base of your skull - for example - could be felt as a pain in your shoulder, upper arm or in the form of a headache. For quick and affordable relief of this type of pain, many are turning to neck massage therapy, and enjoying great results.
To reap the full benefit of a neck rub, be sure to have it done by a trained professional. And be sure to do it sooner rather than later...neck pain can quickly spread to other parts of your body if left unattended.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

7 Simple Ways to Minimize the Risk of Stroke

By Paris Novianto
Most stroke occurs when blood can not reach a part of the brain. Mild stroke symptoms will usually return to normal quickly, less than one hour. Symptoms of stroke are generally more weight will cause a more typical symptoms, such as paralysis. There have been many articles that discuss about the symptoms and treatment of this disease. But here are 6 ways how to reduce the risk of this disease.
Diligent blood pressure checked
According to Prof. Stephen Davis, Director of Neurology at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, hypertension is a risk factor most easily controlled. The decline in blood was, was enough to reduce the risk of stroke by 40%. The problem is that the high blood pressure at a early level is difficult to detect, because symptoms are often not clearly visible. Because it is the only way is to do blood pressure checks on a regular basis. While the way to reduce blood pressure by losing weight, reducing salt and diligent exercise.
Stop smoking
Cigarettes causes the blood becomes thick. It can damage the arteries due to fatty deposits forming on the walls of blood vessels. Smoking may increase the risk of stroke two to three times. Benefits of quitting smoking can be felt only after 12 to 24 months.
Check cholesterol
Bad cholesterol (LDL) cholesterol, high arrives may increase the risk of stroke in two times higher. Control your cholesterol by eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Improve diet
Poor diet can cause obesity and lead to hypertension and high cholesterol can encourage stroke attack. Lower your risk by consuming enough fiber and low in saturated fat foods. Reduce salt and alcohol.
Move
People with the pattern of a sedentary life tend to have high blood pressure and obesity. Exercise can reduce the stress that was one stroke risk factors and heart disease. Perform light exercise such as walking for 30 minutes every day. If you have never previously do sport, consult with your doctor first.
Maintaining a healthy heart
Atrial fibrilation or irregular heartbeat may increase the risk of stroke 6-8 times. Atrial fibrilation occurs when the heart sends the foyer of the abnormal electrical signals to the lower chamber, causing the heart rate becomes irregular. Symptoms can include heart pounding, gasping breath, dizziness and chest pains.
People with such symptoms have an increased risk of experiencing blood clots. Immediately do the electrocardiogram examination to detect heart abnormalities. Your doctor will prescribe preventive medicine to reduce blood clotting and the risk of stroke.
Coffee
Regular coffee consumption was able to reduce the risk of stroke in women. The results of this study have been published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association. This study showed that women who drank four cups of coffee per day or more had been reduced approximately 20% risk of stroke compared with women who ate a cup of coffee a month. Drink 2 or 3 cups of coffee per day can reduce the risk of stroke by as much as 19%. Meanwhile, if drank as many as five to seven times a week can reduce the risk by 12%.
But keep in mind that coffee is also associated with other types such as heart disease and osteoporosis. So you should be more careful.

The 4 Warning Signs of a Stroke

By Catherine Van Der Weele
If someone near you was having a stroke, would you know what was happening? Would you recognise the signs? And more importantly, would you know what to do?
By the end of this article you will have the confidence to recognise the warning signs of a stroke and the knowledge will allow you to react calmly and quickly which can result in you saving the life of your loved one.
Sometimes a stroke can go by unnoticed. You will think you have had a little fall and that you just lost your balance in a clumsy moment of silliness. The truth of the incident will only come out hours later when you realise that you are still not feeling any better and there is something horribly wrong with you. If you are unsure and you are feeling a little strange after a fall, check the four symptoms below.
If you think you are witnessing a stroke but are not sure, these are the very simple steps to follow that will confirm or reassure your worries.
1) ask the man or woman who you suspect is having a stroke to raise both of their arms.
2) ask the man or woman to repeat a very simple sentence like "I am wearing a blue jersey today"
3) ask the man or woman to stick out their tongue
4) ask the man or woman to smile at you
A stoke victim cannot raise both of their arms steadily and a simple sentence will most likely become a jumble of mumbles and incoherent words. If they stick out their tongue it will most likely look twisted or fall to either the left or right, but they won't just be able to stick out their tongue straight at you.
The persons smile will look like they just came out of the dentist's office and half of their face is numb, it will be a half smile.
All four symptoms may not show, but if you can clearly see that any of the symptoms are there, don't risk it - take them to a hospital as soon as possible. You have a very short window of around three hours to get them the medical treatment they need.
A stroke can be lethal and it is better to rather be safe than just to ignore the symptoms.
Keep these four very simple steps in mind and you can very easily end up saving someone's life by just recognising the symptoms and getting them the help they need!

Understanding the Effects of Heart Disease

By Eddie Lamb

Coronary artery disease is a common term given to heart disease. It is also called arteriosclerosis. There are many causes and treatments to this silent killer. It is important to know the risks involved so you can take action before you develop problems.
You May Be Unaware You could have no idea that you have coronary artery disease. During the course of a normal day the heart works efficiently. It pumps blood through the body and life goes on. However, that blood flow can be restricted or even interrupted. Fatty deposits in the arteries can cause these problems. Gradually they build up until blood no longer flows properly to the heart. The heart cannot function and live without proper blood supply. For many years this scenario can play out - until something has to give. If you do nothing, it will eventually be your heart.
What Brings This On? What you eat and how you live plays a huge role, in the health of your heart.
Heart problems can be passed on from one generation to the next. The susceptibility to develop it may also come from your parents. This factor can put you at higher risk. If you have relatives with heart problems you will need to take extra precautions.
Tobacco is a known cause of coronary artery disease. The more you smoke the greater the chance you take. If your blood sugar is high, your circulation could be affected. Diabetics have a greater chance to develop arteriosclerosis. As you age, your risk factor for this disease will go up. However, younger people can still be at risk.
Do I Have This Condition? Unless you are having a heart attack you may not know. High blood pressure or cholesterol can mean that something is wrong, so be aware of this.
Management Doing things that can lead to a healthy lifestyle is important. That includes exercise and proper eating. If you cannot go to a gym, try walking. Taste your meals before adding salt. Read food labels before buying. See your doctor and follow advice and treatment suggestions. Have cholesterol levels and blood pressure checks routinely. Take medications that are prescribed to you.
Take the initiative and take control of your health. Learn everything you can about your condition. Internet and libraries are a good source of knowledge.
Summary There are many things you can do to treat and prevent heart disease. See your doctor and learn the basics of this silent killer. You may be unaware of its existence until it strikes.

Heart Attack Prevention Secrets

By J. P. Morton
Heart attacks are terrible things. Shooting pain down your arm followed by what feels like a semi truck driving into your chest is just not something that anybody should look forward to. Luckily these days if you can get to the hospital in time there's a fairly good chance that you can survive your heart attack but it can still leave you in pretty bad shape and forever alter your lifestyle afterwards.
In this article today I'd like to talk about several different prevention secrets that should help lower your risk for heart attack in many cases and circumstances. Talk to your doctor before engaging in any of these tips.
The first thing you need to do is lower your cholesterol. Some people need to use cholesterol-lowering statin drugs such as Lipitor but some people choose to go a more natural route. Be sure to consult your doctor to determine the best way for your specific circumstances.
Cholesterol in our bodies comes from things like eggs and meat and whole milk and other animal food sources but most of the cholesterol in our bodies is produced by our own bodies. Dietary fat is a key ingredient in this equation because the more that you consume the more cholesterol your body will make; so try to cut out dietary fat if at all possible.
A good target to have is 20%. Try to get no more than 20% of your total calories in a given day from fats. To do this the only thing you can do is eliminate fatty foods from your diet. Here are some tips...
Switch from oil-based salad dressings to mustard or balsamic vinegar-based ones. Try to cut out butter, margarine, and mayonnaise as well. Try to replace them with things like jam or roasted garlic. Red meat is bad as well so try to substitute white meat instead or give up meat completely if you can. Finally try to cut down on whole or low-fat milk and cheeses as well as commercially baked foods.
Finally, another great way to prevent heart attacks is to simply reduce the amount of stress in your life. Stress releases adrenaline and adrenaline like chemicals which will always raise your blood pressure which in turn will make your heart beat faster. Your heart doesn't need this extra workload and it can increase your risk for heart attack over the long run.
Reducing stress in your life is easier said than done but one simple technique that I like to use is to engage in a deep breathing routine of 10 deep breaths followed by 10 shallow breaths followed by 10 more deep breaths. I do this several times throughout the day whenever I feel myself becoming stressed out. It only takes a few minutes and can work wonders on your stress levels.
So there you have several simple heart attack prevention secrets that just about anybody can employ without a whole lot of effort or stress. You don't have to engage in all of these tips but adding as many as possible is certainly beneficial in the long run.

Natural Supplements to Reduce Cholesterol

By Marianne Wolff

Survey a group of your friends and you will find at least one or two people who are on prescription drugs to lower cholesterol. The most commonly prescribed medications for reducing cholesterol levels are the statins drugs. Statins originally came from a natural source but now are synthetically modified. The statin drugs lower cholesterol by reducing the production of cholesterol by the liver. Statins block the enzyme in the liver that causes the liver to produce cholesterol.
The statin drugs do have side effects such as liver damage, muscle pain, stomach problems and skin rashes. I have had several friends who have taken the drugs complain of muscle aches. There are natural alternatives to the statin drugs and some doctors are now prescribing them. One of most popular of these is red yeast rice.
Red yeast rice has been used by the Chinese for thousands of years. Red yeast rice is a product of the yeast that is grown on rice. The so called "secret ingredient" in red yeast rice is called monacolins. Monoacolin K has the same structure as the cholesterol reducing drug lovastatin.
Several studies have been conducted to measure the effectiveness of red yeast rice to reduce cholesterol. Results have been encouraging. One study by the UCLA School of Medicine involved 83 people with high cholesterol levels. Subjects who ingested red yeast rice over a 12-week period experienced significantly lower levels of total cholesterol, "bad" LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides (fats in the blood) compared to those taking placebo (no drug or supplement). "Good" HDL cholesterol levels did not change in either study group. Though the UCLA study did not show an increase of good cholesterol another 8-week study of 446 people with high cholesterol found those who took red yeast rice had a significant drop in cholesterol levels compared to those who took placebo. In this study HDL (the good cholesterol) l increased by 20% in the group that took red yeast rice.
Guggulipid is another natural alternative to statin drugs. Guggulipid comes from the bark of the Guggul tree and has been used in Asia as a cholesterol reducing supplement. Research indicates that gugglesterone may lower cholesterol and help to decrease body-fat levels.
The vitamin Niacin has also been for the past 50 years as treatment of high cholesterol and other lipid abnormalities. Niacin interacts with fats and lipoproteins and changes their quality and quantity in a way that is good for the body.
So as you can see there are a variety natural supplements to reduce cholesterol. If you are interested in using them ask your doctor about them. These are not supplements to try on your own. Which supplement is right for you is dependent on your medical condition.

Types of Allergies

By Steve Cannivy

There are various kinds of Allergies and classifying them all in one lot is confusing. Every single allergic reaction has unique symptoms and the intensity may differ with every person. It's a common belief that allergy symptoms are mere sensitivity to allergens. Additionally they believe it would be cured easily, giving proper treatment. One must understand, mere sensitivity isn't dangerous, while allergies could be life-threatening at times. Based on the allergens, allergies are classified as follows:
Food Allergies:
Very often, people confuse themselves between food intolerance and food poisoning with food allergies. Food intolerance usually causes symptoms in the digestive tract like diarrhea, nausea or abdominal pain. Sensitivity to caffeine and intolerance to lactose are some common examples of food intolerance. As the symptoms of these intolerance, aren't associated with immune system, these must not be mixed up with food allergies. Also food poisoning is a reaction, which occurs when degraded or uncooked(partially cooked) food is ingested. Also, if taken the next time there will not be any reactions. On the contrary, food allergies are caused due to allergens in the food. They react exactly the same and mostly with increased intensity each time taken. Moreover it can cause dreadful anaphylaxis with repeated intake. It's when, the immune system is severely attacked in response to allergens. Some of the common allergens are cow's milk, wheat, peanuts, eggs, shell fish, fish etc.
Medication Allergies:
After consuming drugs, it is very important to examine the reaction. The physicians will be very concerned about the reactions connected with medications, as they may become life threatening in some cases. Cephalosporin, penicillin or sulfa drugs are most commonly associated with anaphylaxis. Here too, medication adverse reactions are often mistaken for allergies. Adverse reactions do not make you vulnerable to anaphylaxis. So when you're explaining the reactions to a medication to the physician, he will particularly ask you about the symptoms. They will determine whether or not to continue the medication again, depending on your description.
Insect Venom Allergies: Some people have allergies to insect bite or sting. The venom injected into their skin can cause more severe allergies. Reactions to stings of hornet, bee and wasp may be fatal. Irrespective of whether you are allergic to insect venom or not, once the insect attacks you, you will notice a rash at the bitten site. As soon as you experience a reaction consult a physician to make sure that you are allergic or not to insect bite. When you have an allergy, prompt medical attention is required to avoid the condition becoming worse.
Environmental allergies: The allergies that come from pollen, mold, dust mite deposit etc are called environmental allergies. Asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis are the common reactions in response to these allergens. As soon as you understand you are allergic any of the above listed allergen, consult your physician. He can assist you on avoiding or minimizing the effects and strategies for prevention in future.

Treatments For Pollen Allergies

By P.S. Orr
Many people suffer from sensitivity to various types of pollen and need to find the right treatments for their pollen allergies that will provide them with relief. The constant congestion, headache, itchy nose and eyes or trouble breathing can make life hard. Although many children tend to grow out of their problems with allergies, most adults seem to retain their allergies. New studies have shown that many herbalists, naturopathic doctors and natural healers believe that it is possible to actually get rid of allergies through alternative treatments, although there are also many traditional ways to treat pollen allergies as well.
The obvious first step is to get tested to make sure that your allergies are actually pollen allergies. The next step is to avoid those things that cause your allergies, but that is easier said than done. Adjusting your environment can make a big difference in the severity of your allergies. For instance, as part of your treatment for pollen allergies, hire someone else to mow the grass and keep your yard in shape so you are not subjecting yourself firsthand to the pollen that causes your allergies. Your doctor will probably prescribe allergy medicine, which you should take daily per the given instructions. If you know you are likely to be around pollen, take your medicine in advance to help prevent or lessen the symptoms.
Your doctor may also prescribe an allergy shot treatment therapy, which entails getting a shot with a low dose of the allergen which desensitizes you a little more each time you are exposed to it. There is generally a good success rate with allergy shot treatments for pollen allergies. Alternative treatments can also be options you can explore, such as chiropractic or acupuncture. Other alternative treatments include honey therapy, where you eat small amounts of local honey, which may contain some of the local pollens, or vitamin or herbal supplements that boost the immune system.
Vitamin C treatment or use of antioxidants to boost the immune system to fight allergic reactions are also used by many who suffer with pollen allergies. Many people feel that saline sinus rinses have a high success rate as they flush the bacteria and irritants from the nasal cavities. However, you should be very careful with these home remedies. Knowing for sure what you are really allergic to is the key to getting help. Visit a licensed professional who can generally pinpoint the problem. You should consult your doctor before starting any program for treatment of pollen allergies in order to avoid possible side affects.

Whole House Air Purifiers May Be the Answer to Your Family's Allergy Problems

By Jan Hendrik Roos

If several members of your family suffer from allergies, whole house air purifiers could be the solution you've been dreaming of. Indoor air pollution is a bigger problem than many people realize. Many of the building materials used in our homes contain VOCs or volatile organic compounds. Things like paint, sealants, and carpets can off gas these contaminants for years. And of course there are many common allergens to contend with as well. Things like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander can make life miserable for people.
When people realize that their own homes or making them feel sick and causing an allergic reaction they will often turn to air filters as a solution. Using air filters to combat indoor air pollution can have a dramatic effect on the symptoms that allergy sufferers must endure.
Whole house air purifiers are integrated into your home's HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system. This type of purifier can effectively remove the allergens from all of the air circulating in your home. If several of your family members suffer from allergies a whole house system may offer a better solution than filters for individual rooms. Whole house filters are also great for houses that have high ceilings because it would be difficult for a smaller filter to circulate that much air.
Another benefit to a filter system that purifiers the air throughout your entire house is that the filter, fan, and components are out of sight and may be located in the attic or basement. This way all of the rooms of your house have clean air without a bulky machine taking up space and without the loud noise that some individual room filters cause when the fan is running on high.
Whole house air purifiers will obviously be more expensive than individual room air filters but if you have a lot of rooms that need clean air and multiple family members that suffer from allergies multiple individual room filters may be needed to keep everyone allergy free. If this is the case and if you would prefer to have a house free of bulky, noisy machines a system that cleans the air throughout your entire home would be a much better option.

Monday, March 1, 2010

Build Muscle Without Weights - Free Exercises That Will Increase Muscle Tone and Definition

By Joan Yankowitz

Some people will tell you that it is simply not possible to build muscle without weights. Of course, if you want to be a bodybuilder, weights are absolutely necessary.
However, if you are looking for a less extreme change, with the right exercise routines and the correct techniques, you can start to build muscle today.
Below you will find hints and tips on the best way to increase tone and define your muscles without the need for expensive weights or equipment.
Basic Exercises
The first step is to perform the most fundamental exercises, such as push-ups and sit-ups, which can be done without any equipment and in the comfort of your own living room.
If you are just starting a health regime and are not accustomed to workouts routines, then these are excellent ways to begin, because they will help to build core strength and stamina. However, you will need a degree of self-discipline and you will need to work hard to see the desired results.
It is advisable to begin with short workout routines daily rather than a long session weekly. Additionally, try to gradually increase the reps and the length of your workout.
How to Build Arm Muscle
When you feel comfortable with your basic routine and have increased your endurance, you may want to think about working on specific parts of the body. Unfortunately, this also means more strenuous workouts, but remember, "no pain - no gain."
The biceps are one of the first muscles that men choose to work on. You may have noticed that the push-ups have helped in this area, so it is a good idea to continue performing them. However, some weight lifting will also prove beneficial.
The good news is that it doesn't have to be an expensive set of weights. Instead, try placing some books or cans of food in a bag and use these to perform curls.
How to Build Chest and Shoulder Muscle
If you want to appear more 'bulked,' the best place to build muscle is the chest and shoulders. Fortunately, you can build muscle without weights in these areas too.
First, you can make your push-ups more difficult by placing your feet on a footstool, bed, chair or sofa. This transfers all of your weight to your arms and you will notice a marked difference in difficulty.
Additionally, you may want to place some pull-ups in your daily routine. You can purchase a pull-up bar cheaply and place it in a door frame. This is one of the most difficult exercises for most people and you will really feel it working your arms.
However, to build your shoulders, you may need to move your hands further apart. Bear in mind, this should not be tried by someone who is new to exercise. You should gradually increase your stamina and strength before attempting pull-ups.
Of course, these are just some of the ways that you can build muscle without weights. There is many more exercise routines that you may want to try. However, the exercises above will give you a great foundation for further training.

How Can Healthy Living and Exercise Benefit You?

By Beth Hoover
Healthy living and exercise can help you live a long, happy, and healthy life. Some people may not know what exactly healthy living is. Well I will explain. Living healthy means to avoid drugs, alcohol, and anything else that is bad for your body. Eating well is another way to live healthy. Exercising regularly also falls into the category of healthy living.
All of these things can lead to a long life. It is important to exercise often not just to keep your weight down but to strengthen your heart and lungs as well. Exercise can keep you heart strong for many years by simply walking on a treadmill a few times a week. It does not have to be anything difficult or tiring to keep you healthy.
Take a walk around your neighborhood every evening after dinner and you will be surprised how much just that little bit of exercise can improve your health. You will start to feel better all around, you will not get winded as easily, you will not get tired from walking as quickly as you use to. You will also start to feel better mentally.
Some people do not realize it but exercising releases endorphins that actually make you feel better mentally. Living healthy is important to all of us and it is not hard to do. You can still have some of the things you enjoy like cake, or coffee. Just be sure to have them in moderation.
It is not healthy to drink a whole pot of coffee or eat a whole cake but having a cup of coffee and a small slice of cake every once in a while will not hurt you. Some people believe that you have to cut out everything you enjoy to live healthy but that is not true you just have to be reasonable with

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Whole Grains - Why Eating Grains Makes Us Sick

By Alexis Girvan

Grains were not meant to be consumed by humans. Actually, grain products can be quite problematic when digested in the human body. And, you may need to sit down for this one: Grains are largely responsible for the diseases of civilization. Chronic diseases, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, auto immune disorders, strokes, and cancer all can be tied back to the consumption of grains.
Now, take a deep breath and keep reading because this is where it will start to make sense. We have to go back quite a ways to understand the problem with grains, about 10,000 years to be exact. You see, before then all human beings were hunter-gatherers. The spent their days hunting animals and gathering fruits, veggies, seeds, nuts, bugs.
Why should our Hunter-Gatherer Ancestry Matter to us today?
You are the same as them. That's right, our genes (the info in our cells that makes us human) haven't changed really at all for the last 40,000 years. Therefore, you are designed to eat those same things that our hunter-gatherer ancestors were eating - things from the earth and in their natural state.
Now, have you ever tried to eat a grain in its natural state? Chances are you have, in the form of corn. You'll notice if you are observant, that not much is digested. Other grains such as wheat, rye, and barley are also hard to digest in their natural state and much harder to collect which is a major reason we were not created to eat them. It would have taken hours to collect just a few handfuls of wheat kernels and then eating them wouldn't have netted many calories or nutrients.
About 10,000 years ago, with the help of agriculture and stones tools, humans began harvesting and grinding grains. This in a sense was our first processed food and it allowed us access to the calories in the grains. Now, technologies have advanced to allow us to produce processed grains on a large scale, enabling new "Whole Grain" foods to pop up on our grocery store shelves every month. Items like whole grain pasta, cereal and whole grain bread have become staples in the American diet. But because humans really have no evolutionary history with them, society has encountered major problems due to their consumption.
What is pH Balance?
There is something called a pH balance that your body strives for in different tissues, and it has to do with how acidic an environment is. For example, your stomach needs to have a very low pH (or high- to be able to digest your food. Your blood however, needs to have a much higher pH, slightly basic (alkaline) environment for you to continue living; in fact, your blood is one of the most tightly controlled environments in your body. Your body will fight and sacrifice other systems to keep it's pH in the range of 7.35-7.45 (water is 7).
The Acidity of Grains
Grains, unlike fruits and vegetables, produce a large amount of acid when digested by the human body and allowed to enter our bloodstream. This means that your body must buffer that acidity to keep the blood pH in its narrow range, and the major way your body deals with this acidity is to draw calcium from our bones. Calcium is a basic (alkaline) element and if forced to, it will exit our bones to buffer our blood with a cost to our bone health. Your body has a hierarchy, and within that hierarchy blood health comes before bone health. This calcium loss due to buffering our grain laden diet is a major factor in the pain, suffering and millions we spend each day on osteoporosis in our country.
There are a few other ways your body can deal with this extra acidity.
First, it can be stored away from our blood in our adipose tissue (fat), making it very difficult to lose unwanted pounds because your body does not want to have that acid back in the blood stream
Second, it can be excreted through your skin, producing acne, boils, eczema and a host of other symptoms.
Third, microforms also known as yeast, viruses & unhealthy bacteria thrive in acidity, so the more grains in a person's diet, often the more susceptible they are to low grade or repeat infections as well (The pH miracle. Warner books, NY 2002 by way of Chestnut Innate diet p 56-58).
To live a healthy lifestyle, it important to consume a diet like our hunter-gatherer ancestors would have, one that is rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, lean healthy meats and if your daring, the occasional bug.

The Benefits of Drinking Water - Healthy Living Information We All Need

By Greg Meggs

The benefits of drinking water seem to be so incredible that it's been labeled the forgotten strategy of health. Benefits of drinking water are nearly every health problem known to man. Water helps with transporting minerals, vitamins and other essential nutrients within your body. Water is critical with the sustenance within your body.
Among the specific benefits of drinking water is healthy digestion and metabolism. The benefits of drinking water are endless. Water is definitely the holy grail of the human body and the benefits of drinking water are many, and even then, knowing just a fraction of its importance, a great number of people today do not sufficiently hydrate their body but will only drink water after they are usually very thirsty. Water is essential for life. The benefits of drinking water are an important factor in the adequate well being of the human body. Water helps sustain body temperature, metabolizing extra fat, aiding with digestion of food, lubricating and cushioning internal organs, moving vitamins and minerals, flushing toxins from the system and assisting you stop a lot of illnesses. Preferably, by the time you are finished reading, you'll then reach and get a glass of water and soak yourself in the benefits of drinking water.
Drinking water can be useful for keeping your skin layer vibrant and glowing. The cosmetic benefits of drinking water consist of firmer skin and much healthier appearing hair. So you see, water is highly important to keep wholesome, vibrant-looking skin and hair. Adequately hydrated skin could possibly be the most effective answer to healthier, more youthful-looking skin. Without the benefit of hydration the skin would most likely turn out to be dry and flaky, particularly in wintry climates or our typical air conditioned workplaces. Human skin consist of 90% water.
The largest single organ on the human body, our skin, benefits through sustained hydration. Increasing your intake of healthful water will definitely boost digestion, nutrient absorption, skin hydration, detoxify and virtually all facets of more desirable health and fitness. It really is the desire of everyone to have refreshed as well as revitalized skin. Very soft and smooth skin is often an indication of healthful and vibrant skin. The benefits of drinking water in sufficient quantities start with skin, but they're absolutely a lot more than skin deep. Water is critical to maintain skin moisture and it is the vehicle for giving you vital nutrients to your skin tissue.
Just like additional health supplements, our bodies can't create its own water. Like taking supplements to get an immune system improvement, concentrate on drinking plenty water. Water is a very important natural supplement in the creation of health and well being.
If you do not drink sufficient water, you will experience habitual weariness, dry skin, severe headaches, bowel irregularity, and also a decline in typical bodily function.
This calorie-free health supplement can be described as amazing fat burning device. When you begin experiencing results with your weight loss, with thanks, in no small part to the benefits of drinking water, you can expect to lose body fat. A good way to determine your personalized water requirements are to consider your present body weight in lbs. and divide this amount in half, the number you obtain will be the quantity water you ought to consume each and every day in ounces.
The benefits of drinking water are clear and well known, but sadly many people still don't bother with knowing what amount of water they consume daily. You also need to remember that the benefits of drinking water are generally closely linked to the quantity of water we take in. So go get a glass of water soon and make it a habit to consume, at minimum 8 glasses a day to make you healthy and strong. Condition your self to reach for water; here's to your health.