Health Corner

Herbal Teas - How to Heal Yourself Naturally With a Good Cuppa

2009-11-14T02:06:00.000-08:00

Herbal tea has been used for decades for enjoyment and as a form of medicine. The definition of a herb is a plant that can be used to provide value as a food, as well as provide medicinal healing properties, as well when included as a part of the diet. Herbal teas are made from the leaves of a plant and many people have these herbs growing in their garden at home.

Long before the advancement of medical science herbs and plant extracts were used as the primary source of healing medicine. Herbs were considered sacred in many societies. Today more and more people are turning to herbs and herbal teas to cure many common ailments and are also used regularly as a preventative form of holistic medicine.

Many holistic benefits can be attained from drinking teas made from natural grown herbs, and more people than ever before are surrendering to this ancient form of natural healing. Drinking tea has traditionally been used as a powerful for good health and healing and modern science has verified what our ancient ancestors have known all along.

There are many different herbs which can be brewed and can be drunk with meals, or when relaxing with friends or anytime you may wish. When using herbs as a form or medicine you need to be aware of the healing properties of each herb and select one which best suits your needs. You can find some delicious recipes which you will find delicious and very holistic as well.

These herbal teas are a wonderful beverage and can easily be incorporated into your diet whilst providing excellent value to your health. You can enjoy these teas either hot or cold with ice and the wonderful flavor compliments any food you may be eating.

If you are new to brewing your own teas you may be wondering where to start. Many people regularly enjoy chamomile from calming and relaxation especially before bed at night. Here are some ancient yet very popular holistic healing herbs you can use to make yourself a delicious cuppa, and you may even have these herbs in your own garden.
Mint

Which is wonderful for headaches, sinus problems and cold and flu symptoms. Mint is also excellent soothing the digestive tract and stomach aches, mint has also been known to ease the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome

Ginger

This herb was enjoyed by Confucius and used by Nostradamus Today, Ginger is a wonderful remedy for upset stomach, indigestion, motion sickness and nausea, fever, cold sores and infection.

Thyme

Is known as one of nature's best and most trusted antiseptics. Thyme is used in two world known health products - Listerine and Vicks Vapour Rub due to its antiseptic and soothing properties. Thyme can be used in teas to relieve and heal laryngitis, sore throats, coughs, bronchitis, and whooping cough.

You can use fresh herbs from your garden when brewing your own favorite recipe or if you prefer you can purchase packaged herbal teas from health food shops and supermarkets.

Healing the body with herbs is not only medicinal and healthy, but also the flavors of the different herbs taste heavenly as well. As you begin to experiment with different herbs you will begin to see and feel the benefits of these amazing natural healing plants which you can grow in your own garden, and use whenever you wish.

States Can Opt Out of Public Option Health Insurance Plans

2009-11-01T04:13:00.000-08:00

There has been much speculation over the possible inclusion of a public option in the healthcare reform bill. Despite the controversy, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid plans to ensure that a government-run health insurance program, intended to compete with private health insurance plans, is included--but there's a catch. The new provision allows states to pass legislation that excludes them from the public option. With this strategy, Democrats in both chambers of Congress are forgoing support from any of the Republicans--although only one, Maine Senator Olympia Snowe, expressed willingness to vote for any version of health care reform with some type of public option (albeit one that first had to be "triggered"). However, it will probably secure the votes of some conservative and moderate Democrats who have been unsure of the public option. However, does this version of the public option defeat the purpose of the public option, and will it meet the goals of its liberal supporters?

The irony inherent in this rule is that while it is more likely to pass, it may be less effective in insuring the most Americans. The strongest opponents of the public option are Republican politicians representing so-called "red states". Their concerns include the virtual guarantee that reform will add to the nation's budget deficit, in addition to ideological objections to the concept of health insurance plans provided by the government. Meanwhile, the Census Bureau has found that staunchly Republican states (defined as those that have two Republican Senators and voted for John McCain in the 2008 election) generally have higher populations of the uninsured than either "purple states" that don't consistently vote for either party or Democratic "blue states". For example, "blue state" children in Massachusetts were eight times more likely to be insured than children in "red" Texas. While it appears illogical that legislators would ignore the pressing concerns of children and adults under 65 without insurance, it turns out that the Congressional districts with the most uninsured are represented by largely unchallenged Democratic representatives, not to mention predominately populated by minorities. Republican-leaning states are still, on average, less insured after these skewed districts removed from the statistics.

Why would this be the case? It's possible that even though a significant percentage of their constituents are uninsured, a majority of Republican voters in these states are happy with their existing health insurance plans and see no need to change the current system. Different governing philosophies are part of the cause of this disparity in the first place. Democratic state governments are more likely to have expanded Medicaid to more individuals, increasing income limits to include people who are working at jobs that don't offer health insurance or wages high enough to buy individual health insurance on the open market. These states have also enacted comprehensive children's health insurance plans, important as almost 10% are uninsured in America. If state legislatures are allowed to pass laws opting out of the federal public option, this scenario is unlikely to change. President Obama and progressive organizations have expressed support for Reid's proposal, no doubt justifying it by saying that the perfect is the enemy of the good--but is this actually good, or the worst of both worlds? It remains to be seen if they consider a greater chance of legislative victory worth failing to meet their mission of insuring as many Americans as possible.

Tips on Using a Cosmetic Dentist

2009-11-01T04:10:00.000-08:00

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentists specialize in improving the overall appearance of a patient's smile, including their teeth and gums. Cosmetic dentists can also perform elements of traditional dentistry - that is preventing, diagnosing and treating oral disease - but they more commonly focus on elective and aesthetic dental treatments.

Some elements of cosmetic dentistry have become common practice in traditional dentistry. For example, composite fillings may have once been labelled cosmetic because these tooth-coloured fillings are more aesthetically pleasing than the traditional metal or amalgam fillings, but composite is now the standard material used in most dental fillings. It is also fairly common to see professional teeth whitening kits (or in-office teeth whitening) offered in a traditional or family dental office.

The benefit of going to a cosmetic dentist, however, is that they specialize in these aesthetic techniques and have extensive experience in using them. What's more, a cosmetic dentist can recommend the best use of an array of cosmetic treatments to improve your smile as a whole.

Choosing a Cosmetic Dentist

The American Dental Association has not recognized cosmetic dentistry as a specialty. Therefore, it is very important for the patient to inquire about post graduate cosmetic training. A cosmetic dentist should have extensive post graduate training in cosmetic dentistry and be able to show before and after images of their work.

Popular Treatments in Cosmetic Dentistry

The following are some of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments available today. These treatments can be used alone, or as part of a full smile analysis and enhancement.

Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers is the ultimate in cosmetic dentistry treatments. Ultra-thin shells of porcelain are bonded to the front of the patient's teeth and allow the dentist to brighten, lengthen and entirely reshape the patient's teeth. What's more, porcelain veneers are resistant to staining, and when done correctly, can turn an ordinary smile into an extraordinary smile.

Invisalign

Invisalign is a revolutionary breakthrough in orthodontics; finally adult patients are able to realign and straighten their teeth without metal braces.

Invisalign uses a series of unobtrusive clear plastic aligners to gradually straighten the patient's teeth. Unlike metal braces, the custom-made aligners are changed every two weeks as the teeth gradually move into place. The other benefit of Invisalign is that the clear aligners can be removed easily - during meals or when brushing and flossing.

Professional Teeth Whitening

Cosmetic dentists offer several types of professional teeth whitening; most commonly these are at-home teeth whitening kits or teeth whitening performed in the office using professional grade whiteners and specialized light activators.

Teeth Whitening Kits

Unlike over the counter teeth whitening kits, professional teeth whitening kits use custom-made whitening trays and prescription strength whitening gels unavailable in stores. The cosmetic dentist will then create a customized whitening plan, helping the patient achieve the appropriate level of whiteness for their teeth.

Zoom! Teeth Whitening

Zoom! Whitening System is an in-office teeth whitening treatment. The Zoom! Teeth whitening system uses scientifically formulated hydrogen peroxide gel that, when activated by the Zoom! Light, gently penetrates the teeth to remove stains and discoloration. Unlike teeth whitening kits which can sometimes take weeks to achieve the desired level of whitening, Zoom! can whiten your teeth dramatically in as little time as an hour.

Terry Metcalfe writes on behalf of Designer White and Beauty specialists in Laser Teeth Whitening.

How To Stay Healthy At Work

2009-11-01T03:52:00.001-08:00

The H1N1 (commonly referred to as “swine flu”) scare has made people a little more wary of public spaces. If you’re worried about staying healthy at work there are a few things that should really help you feel more at ease and more productive in the workplace.

Wash Your Hands: One of the most basic ways to stay healthy and to help keep your workplace healthy is to wash your hands. If you wash your hands every time you use the restroom, after you sneeze or cough, before you eat, and any other time your hands feel dirty, you’ll be able to stay healthier and help your coworkers do the same. It is also a good idea to keep a bottle of hand sanitizer by your desk.

Avoid Coworkers Who Are Sick: It may sound really basic, but sometimes coworkers who are sick don’t extend the courtesy of avoiding others in the workplace. You should take it upon yourself to discretely avoid them without being rude.

Drink Water: It may surprise you, but a lot of health problems can result from simply being dehydrated. Most people don’t drink enough water. This is a big mistake. Water keeps your body regulated and free from outside contaminants far better than many drugs. It is advisable to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. If you exercise regularly, the ounces of water per day that you should drink should be half of your body weight. It is incredible what a difference this makes in your overall health.

Take Breaks: Your immune system is much more vulnerable when your body is tired and overworked. Make sure that you rest enough to make things easier on your immune system. There are some excellent stretches that you can do while at the office. For instance, try a deep back stretch by putting your chest on your knees while sitting on your chair. Reach down to your feet and pull your chest as tight as you can against your legs. This will help your back to relax. Next, stand up and counteract hunching posture by extending both arms high over your head to extend your back. Breathe deeply as your lungs open up while doing this one. Finally, try a simple wall squat. Just put your back against a wall in the seated position and use your quad muscles to hold your body with your legs at a 90 degree angle for several minutes.

Eat Well: Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains are always an important part of any diet. In addition to these, be sure to include plenty of healthy protein to help you build lean muscle. Whey Protein is one of the best sources because the isolate variety is 90% protein, it tastes good, and is easy to digest. It is an all-natural gluten-free byproduct of dairy and is used by exercise enthusiasts and professional athletes. Another excellent way to enhance your diet is to take a good daily multivitamin. This will give you the nutrients that you may be missing like Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D. By making these simple changes to your diet, your body and mind will be healthier and you’ll feel great at work.

Considerations of Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery

2009-11-01T03:46:00.000-08:00

Before seriously considering weight loss surgery, you need information. You need to know if you even qualify for surgery, what kind of doctors to look for, and how the surgery and recovery affect your future.
Do You Qualify?
Your BMI: Most bariatric doctors require their patients to have a BMI of 40 or more. Some will
consider performing the surgery on people with a BMI of 35-40, if there is comorbidity.
Comorbidity is a life-shortening disease process, such as diabetes, sleep apnea or heart disease.
Habits: For your health, it is much better if you do not abuse drugs or alcohol. You should have
quit smoking, or never have smoked.

Maintenance: Bariatric surgery is best for those who have been consistently obese over the last
3 to 5 years. Also, you must have been at least trying to lose weight for 2 years—this shows your
commitment to your weight loss, that will be required even after surgery.

Your Age: In the majority of cases, bariatric doctors will only perform bariatric weight loss surgery
on people between the ages of 18 and 65.

Which Doctor to Choose?
Experience: You want to find a doctor with plenty of experience. The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery discovered that bariatric surgeons with experience significantly reduced the rate of bariatric surgery complications.
Post-Operative Care: Make sure that the bariatric doctors you work with also have many other resources they can connect you with, such as nutritionists, fitness and diet guides, follow-up
appointments, and support groups.
Referrals: Hearing referrals from other customers is obviously a good indicator that the bariatric team is doing a good job at satisfying its customers.

The Effects of the Surgery

Expected Weight Loss: If you have the gastric bypass surgery, in which the bariatric doctors
staple across the top of your stomach, you could probably expect to lose anywhere from a half a
pound to a pound a day for your first month after surgery. After the first month, it will most likely
slow down to between 1-2 pounds a week. If you have a Lap Band surgery of any type, you will
lose about 1-2 pounds a week from the beginning and continue losing as long as you maintain a
healthy diet and exercise plan.

Recovery: The type of surgery that requires the most recovery time is the single incision gastric
bypass. The hospital stay usually ranges between 5-7 days. Another type is a laparoscopic bariatric surgery. This is done through several small incisions in the abdomen. The hospital stay
for this surgery is typically between 3-4 days, the recovery time is shorter and the scar is less
noticeable. The last common type of bariatric surgery is the insertion of a Lap Band. This is a
silicon band placed around the top of the stomach to create a new stomach pouch. For this
surgery, patients can sometimes go home the same day the get the surgery, and resume normal activities shortly thereafter. There is also a much lower complication rate from people who receive the Lap Band surgery compared to the other surgeries, though the weight loss is slower.

No matter which you decide to go with, bariatric weight loss surgery is guaranteed to change your life. It can improve your self-esteem, and most importantly, your health.

Advanced Laparoscopic Specialists is one of the nation's leaders in bariatric weight loss surgery, and have been sealed by the Center for Excellence in Bariatric Surgery. For more information, please see their website at http://www.lapspecialists.com. Amanda Yanik, the author of this article, is a freelance writer.

Top Tips for Coping with Lumbago and Lower Back Pain

2009-11-01T03:42:00.000-08:00

Most people will experience back pain at some point in their lives, and probably the most common of back problems affecting the lower back is Lumbago.

Lumbago affects the muscles of the back and the pain experienced can vary greatly from unbearable pain to an annoying but constant ache. It is thought that the condition can be made worse by wet, cold weather, carrying extra body weight, having a poor posture, and excessive muscle strain due to pregnancy. Unfortunately, lumbago has the habit of intensifying with age, so it’s even more important for people to keep healthy and fit as they mature into old age.

Often the first experience of lumbago will be when a person is lifting and shifting heavy objects, or from bending and twisting suddenly, resulting in excruciating pain. It does not mean that damage had been done to the spine itself, unless a person has experienced an injury to the back, which is quickly followed by low back pain. Lumbago is basically muscular in origin, so the symptoms can be alleviated or greatly reduced by strengthening the core muscles of the body, losing excess weight, and improving posture.

Most sufferers will turn to pain killing medication to help relieve their discomfort in the first instance, but taking a warm bath with a little lavender oil can be really beneficial too. Aromatherapy massage can be a more holistic approach to dealing with recurrent lumbago, incorporating oils that help to relieve pain, such as St John’s wort, vervain, white willow, and comfrey.

Taking regular exercise is beneficial for both mind and body, but with lumbago it would be better to practice exercises that strengthen the core muscles and improve posture, such as gentle yoga stretching and pilates, which advocates aligning and maintaining the back, abdominal and oblique muscles that make up the core. Think of you core as a natural girdle that pulls you in, re-adjusts your posture and protects your back.

We tend to wind down as we get older, and become less active than we were when we were younger, so making small adjustments to your every day routine can go very far to improving your posture, overall well-being and associated muscle strength, and reducing the symptoms of lumbago.
Try walking to work instead of taking the bus, or get off two stops earlier.
Climb the stairs wherever possible instead of using lifts and escalators.
Park you car further away from your workplace so you can add a few minutes extra walking to your day.
Go for a stroll at lunch-time instead of sitting at your desk.
Buy a dog and walk it twice a day.
Get the family out into the countryside at weekends for a bit of stretching and walking, or join a rambling club.
Take up a pilates class, dance class, or join your local gym for some resistance training sessions a couple of times per week.

Whatever you choose to do, add some variety and enjoy yourself and you will be able to cope better with your lumbago.

M Newbold is a prolific writer who loves writing about family matters, health and fitness, food and nutrition, alternative health, natrual remedies, and general well-being.
For a comprehensive guide about managing Lumbago and other back problems by a team of experts in back pain care and management.

Working On Your Smile

2009-11-01T03:38:00.000-08:00

If you're a young professional living in London, then you need to look into finding a dentist London based as well as cosmetic dentistry London. At the same time you need to know exactly how to take care of your teeth and your oral hygiene yourself so that you keep your pearly whites looking... well, pearly and white.

Having a good smile that draws people's attention and lights up your face is a great gift that can help you in many other areas of your life. As people tend to make their decisions based so much on first impressions, opening your mouth to display a set of crooked stained teeth can mean that no one wants to deal with you. On the other hand, a set of straight and bright white teeth will give them more faith in you and help them warm to you while suggesting both affluence and wealth.

With a new smile then you can impress prospective employers helping your chances of landing an interview, or your current employers making you more likely to get a promotion. By showing that you spend time and effort on yourself people will assume that attitude extends to your work. Similarly a nice mouth will help attract the opposite sex, and no-one's going to want to kiss you if you have rotten teeth. With a new set of teeth you'll achieve an extreme makeover London style that will change the way that everyone reacts to you. At the same time you'll change the way you feel about yourself and other people will also pick up on your new found confidence.

Finding a dentist London will help you to get regular checks and cleaning for your teeth. They will spot any problems before you arrive and maybe recommend a brace London to straighten your teeth if they need it. You can also help keep your teeth healthy yourself by brushing regularly (and thoroughly) and by using an electric toothbrush and a good toothpaste. Also try to stick to a healthy diet where possible and avoid too many sweets and too much tea.

You should also make sure that you brush your tongue and floss regularly. Not only will this help to get rid of stray bits of food which can get caught and cause further damage, but it will also help to keep your mouth free of bacteria which can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke, outlining just how important oral health is.

If your teeth problems are beyond saving however you may need to look into veneers London for a solution that can turn even the worst looking teeth into bright white straight ones through two short and fairly non-invasive appointments. Here new veneers made from a material such as porcelain are attached to the fronts of the teeth and arranged as your teeth should look. Giving you an instant Mona Lisa smile. You may also want to look for teeth whitening London or teeth straightening London. If you follow all this advice and make regular visits to your dentist London then you should find you maintain a smile that will help you go places.

A smile can make a big difference in someone's life; tooth whitening london on can help you get that beautiful smile. They can also give you an extreme makeover london on.

Water Purifiers gift to the Society

2009-11-01T03:35:00.000-08:00

In today’s world every person wants to live a healthy and a happy life for that they follow various precautionary methods to have complete safety. It applies to all the necessary things required by a human being to survive. Water is one of the most important necessities of any individual. It is not only used for drinking but also for cooking, washing, bathing etc. on a very short note we can say it is very important and a basic requirement. Water is the source of life and it can take away life too. Due to increasing level of pollutants it is declining the safety of water. Water purifiers are desperate needs especially in households to avoid any kind of water borne diseases.

In this present-day where pure water has become an unusual object, the crisis has grown into a massive problem and it needs to be addressed without delay. In a slapdash way industrialization is being giving a regular discharge of wastes to the water, it has added more woes to the already existing problem. Whether we recognize it or not, common, crude drinking water is a most important cause of apprehension, and Government should take abrupt steps to solve this water pollution. But the fact is that water pollution and exhausted water resources and have become a foremost cause of concern.

Even Scientists have now released that even municipal drinking water additives, like chlorine and fluoride, meant to look after us from polluted water but they are to a certain extent are dangerous to our bodies. There have been numerous instances in which municipal water was proven containing injurious substances which unconstructively impact’s our healths in the long-term basis. These days’ water filters not only purify the water but also take away the smell and bad taste from it making it drinkable. The filters are so operational that don’t allow passing through any kind of bacteria.

Water purification basically means to release the water from any sort of contamination it contains, such as contaminants or micro organisms. Purification of water involves different kind’s procedure depending on the kind of water & the Impurities present in the Water. Scientifically talking water filters are barrier or stumbling block which obstructs impurities to mix in the drinking water. It not only cleans the water but also keeps the water nutrients unharmed. Water filters have turned out to be the real fury at the present time .We can find water filters not only in houses but also in offices and even at public places. With the growing technology big water filters are extensively are replaced by portable water filters. They are as versatile as they can be it has to be just attached with the running water tap which makes you get instant germ free water. Despite having various added features they are still easy to install and operate.

The best part is that the majority of the companies in town are in race to provide and introduce the best drinking water filter. Because India is becoming one of the biggest user of Water purifiers to purify the tap water & it has been selling like hot cakes in the market as every person wants to have long and healthy life.

Malti Agrahari appeals to use
water purifier for pure drinking water. Because water is necessary for everyone & we need pure water for drinking. According to the latest market investigation it was discovered that water filters are the best as they provide 100% quality drinking water and that too with its nutrients intact.

A Look At Short Needle Injections with Testosterone

2009-11-01T03:31:00.000-08:00

We can research the half-life of steroids injectable compounds in different ways. In the first place, the release of the steroid thru injection occurs. This is typically measured in weeks with many commercial steroids in preparation. In exact fact, the active lifespan of oil-based inject able steroids is measured in a week's time.

Deca shows an average half-life of less than 6 days for the steroid release from the specific injection site. It's vital to notice that ; there are a few factors, which affect the efficacy of a particular drug compound. One of these factors and the most vital is the specific half-life of the agent. The term half-life in drugs makes reference to a duration that it takes for the half of a particular drug to break down totally in the various systems of the body.

It isn't precisely 1/2 the full amount in the activity time, because the figure refers to the duration it takes to metabolize at least 50 % of the body content. For example, thru the injection of 100mg a selected steroid with a half-life of roughly 4 hours, at the sign of four-hours, there should be only 50mg that's left active.

An excellent way of a half-life illustration is thru a penny flipping experiment. The experiment involves the positioning of 100 nickels in a closeable box. The box is of good size that, pennies can sit from side to side without overlapping. The first step is to start by all facing'heads-up'. Next, the box is closed and given a good shake, and then opened again. Every shake provides different outcomes and there's a chance of either coin flipping up. The debate is that it must take many successive tries in order to clear each one of them.

In the conventional steroid research, half-life was the largest barricade to the advancement of several commercial compounds. Natural steroid hormones hold short half-life that makes maintaining of a classic blood level tricky. The half-life of any free testosterone in the blood stream is just some mins and from the injection site it is less than an hour. The liver also produces it simply in that, when it is taken by mouth only a little fragment essentially remains intact when it comes into the blood stream.

Consumer Reports Teeth Whitening

2009-11-01T03:25:00.000-08:00

You don't need extensive consumer reports. Teeth whitening products come in many different shapes and sizes. The problem is that consumer reports and product reviews give fairly limited views and experiences with the products. We all still have our very own teeth. This means that just because someone else had one experience with tooth whitening or tooth bleaching products doesn't mean that you'll share that experience.

What matters that consumer reports teeth whitening products neglect to mention?

Mitigating Factors

When it comes to consumer reports, teeth whitening products are not always explained carefully to explain that mitigating circumstances like smoking, dental health, coffee drinking, wine drinking, and countless other environmental factors as well as genetics play a critical role in how effective some products will be at whitening teeth.

The Commitment Effect

One thing that people often forget or overlook when it comes to consumer reports, teeth whitening products or otherwise, is that the level of commitment of the use will also impact how effective the product will be. If you aren't committed to brushing with the tooth whitening toothpaste as prescribed (even if it's five times daily) then the product is not likely to be effective. You must follow the prescribed treatment to get the desired result.

What really isn't all that important in the long run?

Price

Oddly enough you will find incredible products and complete and total duds on all ends of the price range for teeth whitening products. Keep in mind that the mitigating factors above will come into play. With that in mind pay close attention to the consumer reports. Teeth whitening products that offer a money back guarantee or almost always going to be a better buy. It limits the risk and gives you, as the consumer confidence.
Becoming an informed consumer is an excellent idea. Just remember that consumer reviews are still a compilation of opinions and experiences. It makes it a little more difficult to find the truth when the products reviewed work differently for all.

What Makes Massage Therapy Schools So Popular?

2009-11-01T03:10:00.000-08:00

There are several types of massage in practice all over the world today. Many cultures are rich in healing traditions which use consistent principles of spiritual bodywork similar to those of other cultures. Massage for professional use has been around as long as professional sports existed in the United States, and in the last few decades, its popularity has increased manifold for a variety of reasons.

Popularity in the Modern Era

Communication technology is one of the main reasons that massage and therefore, massage therapy schools have become so popular in recent times. The fact that information about massage, which was never readily available before but is now easily found on the internet, is a great contributing factor towards this popularity. Knowledge about this ancient form of healing, as well as access to online massage therapy schools has changed the way the world benefits from massage.

Wholesale Supplements Save Money On Your Vitamin Supplements

2009-11-01T03:05:00.000-08:00

With the amount of adulteration in food today and the busy life that we lead, it is difficult to get the right kind and amount of nutrition from only food. The food value that we get from our daily meals is not sufficient in maintaining a healthy balance of nutrition in our body. A little extra nutrition is helpful in keeping us active and healthy. Since this fact has been accepted by quite a few, the only practical solution is taking nutritional supplements.

Selecting the right one for you can become an overwhelming task since new supplements are being launched into the market almost everyday. The companies selling them leave no stone unturned inpromoting their product as the best. Hence, finding out a little about the kind of supplements you require and that are available in the market is important. A lot of information is readily available in health magazines and on the Internet. Before you decide to add these supplements to your daily routine, consult a physician to know what are the right kind of supplements that you require. This is very important since some supplements can cause an adverse reaction to medication even resulting in death at times. A little probing can go a long way in ensuring that you are taking the right nutritional supplements that your body requires.

Another thing that you need to keep in mind is that these supplements can be a little heavy on your pocket. Hence, buying them in bulk at once can save you a lot of money. Not only should you buy them in big quantities in one-time-specials, but also otherwise at a wholesale rate. You can find out a company which sells them at a wholesale price or better still a manufacturer. Collecting orders from your acquaintances and then placing a big order will also lower the price and help in fulfilling the minimum order requirement if the company has any such policy. You can also mark up the price when you take orders from others so that you can benefit from the sale that you make to them from your bulk order. That can help in paying a part of your bill.

You can also place orders directly on the Internet once you find the right supplier of the product you want. You can also join a wholesale club which helps you in buying these nutritional supplements at a considerable discount on a monthly basis. Ordering in bulk at once is also not a bad idea since if you take them regularly and find them beneficial, you can consume them over a period of time anyway.

Fred Burfell is an expert nutritionist and is a regular contributing columnist in a wide variety of health magazines. To learn more about wholesale supplements or healthier vitamins.

Wholesale Supplements 5 Crucial Steps to Buying

2009-11-01T03:00:00.000-08:00

There are so many companies in the Vitamin Market today, offering nutritional supplements under different names and brands that it is difficult for even a person running a pharmacy, health store, grocery store, or even a healthcare professional to choose a suitable, effective and reasonable nutritional supplement. Thus, as a stockist of nutritional supplements, you might end up buying an expensive supplement which doesn’t fulfil your customer’s requirements. No matter what a company promises, you must probe into the product and its benefits, and then wisely choose the one that is the best.

Here are a few guidelines that will help you in purchasing the right supplement at the right price. Firstly, you must compare the different nutritional supplements for their quality. You can also ask for referrals. This simply means that you can talk to other companies who buy that particular product and ask for their customer’s feedback about the products quality and effectiveness. You must enquire about the ingredients of the product and find out if it contains some substance that may reduce its effectiveness. You must also find out where the products were produced and tested. This should be done for all kinds of herbal remedies, weight loss supplements, hair supplements, and wellness products.
Secondly, you must make sure that the manufacturer or the wholesaler has a lot of stock of the supplement that you want to order. Also, since supplements come in different forms, like pills, sprays, lotions, gels, powders, capsules, and lubes. These are used to achieve different result in reducing hair growth, weight loss, quitting smoking, improving health, building muscle, and so on. Some of them are also designed to improve health without the side effects which are usually associated with prescription medicines. Thus, you must check if a supplier stocks all the products that you require as and when the customers order them so that your customers wouldn’t have to find a new retailer.

Next, you must buy the supplements that your customers order often and keep a big stock with you since the supplier may run out of stock. Also, the supplier should have a good turnaround time and fast shipping service so that the goods you order reach you in time.

An additional, but important thing you must check with your supplier is if he allows customisation of the product. You may want him to put your label on the product and sell it as your product to establish a brand. You may also ask him to alter his formula and customise the supplement itself to meet your requirement.

The supplier who meets all the above conditions will help you in making your business a success. To reiterate, it is not only essential to compare the price of the product, but also to judge the quality and the service of the wholesaler or manufacturer. Once you do this your customers can be assured to get the best quality products from you at reasonable prices.

Fred Burfell is an expert nutritionist and is a regular contributing columnist in a wide variety of health magazines. To learn more about wholesale supplements or healthier vitamins.

3 Reasons to Give Teeth Bleeching a Try

2009-11-01T02:47:00.000-08:00

In recent years there has been a ton of press about teeth bleaching. You'll hear all kinds of information on why you should or should not try to get your pearly whites a little bit brighter. There is a lot of misinformation out there about tooth whitening products. But the benefits of a whiter smile can go a little more than skin deep.

Why Should You try Teeth Whitening?

1) Improves confidence. A whiter smile will have you putting your best face forward and facing the world with a greater sense of confidence. You don't have to hide your smile and you shouldn't hide your smile behind your hands or stained yellow teeth. Teeth bleaching is one way you can stop hiding your smile from the world.

2) Make a better first impression. More and more often business owners and other people are expecting to see a white healthy smile when they meet you for the first time. If you want to make the best possible first impression then you are going to need to invest time money and attention to make your smile appear healthier and whiter. Teeth bleaching is an important part of the process and can provide a quick ROI (return on investment) since some products for teeth bleaching provide visible results in a matter of days.
3) Works on your timetable. Dentist office visits are not only costly for teeth whitening but they must also work based on availability and be done during normal "office hours." If you're one of the millions of people around the world that has a day job this can get dicey. You can do your own teeth bleaching at home when it's convenient for you.

Show the world a beautiful smile then teeth bleaching is a great place to begin. Try it today and see what a difference it can make for your smile.

Teeth Whitening Safety

2009-11-01T02:30:00.000-08:00

You've probably heard a good deal about teeth whitening safety if you've been studying your options in hopes of making your chompers a little more picture perfect. There is a lot of conflicting information out there. While it's always a good idea to put safety first, even for teeth whitening, it's a better idea to skip the hysteria and favor the facts.
The good news for those who are interested in home applications for whitening teeth the safety outlook is good. You're far more likely to harm clothes by spilling tooth whitening products on them than hurting your teeth. At least, this is the case with the average product that is available over the counter.
There are two types of tooth whitening products that you'll want to learn about when it comes to teeth whitening safety.

1) Hydrogen Based. These products are sold over the counter in a much milder form than you will generally find in the dentist office. When heeding teeth whitening safety make sure you use restraint when visiting the dentist for this procedure as there are higher concentrations of peroxide that may lead to damage to the teeth and sensitive teeth as well as sensitivity in the soft tissue around the teeth.
2) Whitening Toothpastes. You can't walk on the toothpaste aisle at your local pharmacy or grocery store without coming across a plethora of options for whitening toothpastes. At this point in time the one potential side effect that could impact teeth whitening safety is a possible, emphasis on the word possible, link between use of these products and oral cancer.
Tooth whitening safety is important but you should not let your fear of potential problems prevent you from taking the plunge. Educate yourself and make an informed decision about whether or not this is a good decision for you. Once you decide to give it a try follow all instructions and you should have nothing to fear as far as teeth whitening safety is concerned.

Women Snore Too!

2009-11-01T02:25:00.000-08:00

When you hear about snoring do you, like most people associate it with men? Do you think it is a testosterone or male issue? One thing is certain snoring is not sexy and women would be mortified to be caught doing it. Guys, however do not seem to be even slightly embarrassed while a woman would feel a degree of shame to be caught snoring.

Truth be told women are just as prone to snoring, in fact the chances of a female having a snoring issue is just as high as it is for men. When a woman is pregnant and begins to noticeably snore, it can be a sign of high blood pressure and in turn pre-eclamsia. If not treated this can be a serious complication for mother and child both.

Originally, it was believed that men who snored could possibly have heart disease. Recent research has proven that snoring in women can signal hypertension and heart disease as well. This is most likely because snoring interferes with getting enough oxygen.

There are several things that can contribute to snoring including high cholesterol, sleep positions, smoking, alcohol consumption and being overweight. It is also believed that oral contraceptives can contribute too.

The biggest group of women who suffer from snoring are women who are middle aged and a bit overweight. Of course, these numbers are hard to calculate since women are more inclined to fib about their snoring problem.

Most females will try to fix the problem at home with old home remedies instead of seeing a physician. They may purchase earplugs for family members and try to stay on their side during the night as sleeping on your back tends to make snoring worse. Some may even go so far as to sew a tennis ball into her nightgown.

The idea is if you happen to roll over at night and end up on your back the tennis ball will encourage a change in position.

Other things that may lessen a woman's chances of snoring problems are losing weight and avoiding alcohol. Should those fail as well it is a good idea to call your physician.

Aculife

2009-09-13T06:12:00.000-07:00

Detect - Relieve - Healthcare

Aculife magnetic wave therapist is a product resulting from the integration of 5000 - year traditional Chinese Acupuncture medical knowledge and circulate, preventive medical technology. By using extra long magnetic wave stimulate our hand and ear acupoint, Aculife improve our micro-circulation, speed up the metabolism, and enhance circulat.e capability to prevent various diseases. In addition, aculife also act as a mild heat massage. It improves our blood circulation and recovery from fatigue.

Major Functions

1. Detect Acupoint Location
The guidebook assists you locate the right acupoints position(s) easily.

2. Improve Blood Circulation
Magnetic waves stimulate acupoints to improve blood circulation as traditional acupuncture.

3. Magnetism Effect
Magnetism wave magnetize body fluids to increase body's circulate system.

4. Health
Effectively enhance circulate system

5. Dual Relieve Methods
The Palm Acupoints Combi and the Ear Acupoints Combi can be aplied in conjuntion with others or separately

6. Easy to Operate
Suitable for family and safe to use

7. Light & Portable
Take it With you wherever you go. Anytime! Anywhere! Link

B.P. SF.

2009-09-13T06:03:00.000-07:00

Electric Blood Pressure Depresser & Monitor (B.P. SF.)

Special Features:

All in one compact unit. Memory function for storing 7 sets of pressure values and one set of average pressure values. Query function to viewn saved pressure data available, helping you constantly monitor your blood pressure. Clear function to erase saved data available large easy to read LCD DISPLAY USER friendly operation, depsressurization treatment time setting feature provided. Automatic shut-off system. Link...

Children IQ Meal

2009-09-13T05:56:00.000-07:00

Nutritious for central nervous system and enhances alertness
Specially formulated for growing kids. It is specially benefecial for those children, who are very particular in their food and have a hectic life style with haphazard life. Suitable for those who have lack of balanced diet problems such as lack of concentration, mental slowness, nervousness and forgetfulness. Contains many natural antioxidants, fibers, vitamins, protein, minerals and other concentrates, that help to nourish different nutrients in thier body, enhances memory improves immunity and promote growth. It contains a brain tonic which has been prepared in Germany, been clinically proven to be very benefecial for the IQ among children.

Ingredients
Soyabean powder, fructose, glucose, coarserice, skims milk, soyabean protein lecithin, oat powder, vitamins, planting herbs, sea weed powder, taurine, lactobacillus e.t.c.

Dosage
Take 1 sachet everyday with warm water.

Content
20 gm x 15 sachet Link...

What Is Pain?

2009-09-13T05:52:00.001-07:00

What is pain?

The International Association for the Study of Pain(IASP) pointed out that pain is a signal and defense mechanism that the body is injured. It is classified into acute pain and chronic pain, of these, chronic pain will continue to give out warning signal and cause over-burdening of neural system. This will lead to a change of the neural system which finally become a disease.

IASP pointed out that the principle of modern pain treatment are: acute pain is a warning signal, what need to be treated is the disease, chronic pain is a disease, what need to be treated is the pain itself.

What is methyl sulfonyl methane?

The substance that surprised the world——MSM(methyl sulfonyl methane). The New York Times made it the headline in front page “This discovery (MSM)shocked the medical world and the press, the importance of its discovery is equal to discovering Penicillin.

MSM is highly permeable for human body, it diminishes inflammation, relieves pain, expedites healing and improves localized circulation. It can be applied externally as a carrier or effective substance. The effectiveness of MSM in pain relief has brought about revolutionary change in pain relief remedies.

TIENS PainOff Spray consists of the latest pain relief substance——MSM(Methyl sulfonyl methane), it was used successfully for the first time in the country, it has clear pain relief mechanism and has upgraded the technology of the various external pain relief remedies currently exist. .

Application mechanism

Suppress the spreading of pain signal to the nerve fiber system
Increase the infiltration of cell membrane, dilate blood vessel, accelerate blood circulation
Increase blood flow and providing nutrients for injured tissues, expedite healing process
1. Bring in the biological active organic sulfur to the body, delaying the degenerative changes of joint gristles
2. Broad-spectrum application advantage
  Externally applied for various bone joints disease and rheumatism, arthritis, muscle pains and other acute and chronic pains caused by various other diseases.
3. Safety advantage
  “PainOff” is made of natural plant extracts, there is no toxic and side effect and does not cause other allergies as other pain relief drugs. It is also colorless and transparent, hence will not cause pigmentation and large splash, it can be used on a long term basis.

Usage of “PainOff”

PainOff is very easy to use, spray it directly on affected areas (do not use when there is lesion), and rub on thoroughly with hands, if it is the spot with thick dead skin or active areas, spray it once then rub on and spray one more time, repeat it for the third time after it is absorbed, the effect will be more obvious with repeating use.

Caution:

Children must administrate it under the supervisions of adults.
This product is external painr, do not contact with the mouth and eyes; In case of contact,
rinse with plenty of water immediately.
The dosage shall no more than three times a day.
It is forbidden to use it on wounded and injured skin.

Application scope for “Painoff”

Elderly and middle age people who suffer neck, shoulder, waist and knee pains.
Office workers who suffer neck, shoulder and waist pains.
People who suffer wrist pain due to long-term use of computer.
Joint pain and muscle pain due to repetitive work on a long-term basis.
Pains caused by sport injuries (muscle pulling and joints spraining). Link...

What Is Pain?

2009-09-13T05:52:00.000-07:00

What is pain?

What is methyl sulfonyl methane?

Application mechanism

Suppress the spreading of pain signal to the nerve fiber system
Increase the infiltration of cell membrane, dilate blood vessel, accelerate blood circulation
Increase blood flow and providing nutrients for injured tissues, expedite healing process
1. Bring in the biological active organic sulfur to the body, delaying the degenerative changes of joint gristles
2. Broad-spectrum application advantage
  Externally applied for various bone joints disease and rheumatism, arthritis, muscle pains and other acute and chronic pains caused by various other diseases.
3. Safety advantage
  “PainOff” is made of natural plant extracts, there is no toxic and side effect and does not cause other allergies as other pain relief drugs. It is also colorless and transparent, hence will not cause pigmentation and large splash, it can be used on a long term basis.

Usage of “PainOff”

Caution:

Children must administrate it under the supervisions of adults.
This product is external painr, do not contact with the mouth and eyes; In case of contact,
rinse with plenty of water immediately.
The dosage shall no more than three times a day.
It is forbidden to use it on wounded and injured skin.

Application scope for “Painoff”

Elderly and middle age people who suffer neck, shoulder, waist and knee pains.
Office workers who suffer neck, shoulder and waist pains.
People who suffer wrist pain due to long-term use of computer.
Joint pain and muscle pain due to repetitive work on a long-term basis.
Pains caused by sport injuries (muscle pulling and joints spraining). Link...

Kidney Stones

2009-09-11T10:38:00.000-07:00

Crushes Renal Calculi .......... Prevents Recurrence ........ Kidney stones affect a significant portion of the US population. Treatment for these stones can vary depending on stone type, location, size, and number.

RENCARE Capsules are made from natural herbs which helps to crush the stone or makes it small enough so that the body can spontaneously remove these fragments

Urinary stones are generally formed by calcium, phosphates or oxalates. The main parts of the urinary tract are the kidney, ureter, bladder and urethra. The stones are formed primarily in the kidney and sometimes remain there without being noticed for a long period. link..

Weight Loss

2009-09-11T10:36:00.000-07:00

How to Get Rid of Cellulite?

Present world is the world of fitness. Every body is now a days getting crazy for fitness and why not to be fit. Today is the time of great competition and only fittest survives, as said by Darwin. So one should be mentally and physically fit to cope up the challenges. But our life style has changed dramatically since last century. Our field of working has also changed, now we don’t have to do as much physical work as our ancestors used to do to make their living.

Our life has become much easier as compared to 100 years back. Lack of physical activities has lead to de-shaping of our body. In spite of normal and controlled food and regular exercises many of us suffers from hanging fat on areas like tummy, thigh, arms and chest region. No matter how hard you have tried you are unable to loose even an inch from that area. link..

Stress brain memo care capsules

2009-09-11T10:35:00.000-07:00

A combination of memory booster herbs like BRAHMI, ASHWAGANDHA, VACHA, MULATHI which guards against stress, depression and improves learning ability in a natural way.

Memocare capsules are extensively made to serve childrens, adults and elderly who tend to forgetfulness. This tonic when taken regularly for some time is sure to boost your energy levels. It is beneficial for number of ailments that arise due to the malfunctioning of brain. It is a must for growing children as its high iron content strengthens a child's nervous system, keeping him alert and agile and being an excellent bone developer, helps him grow stronger. link..

Hair Cream

2009-09-11T10:34:00.000-07:00

Among everything, face carries the most important. Even in our routine life, we generally come across the ‘face value’ of products that is so important for the seller and buyer. But when it comes to human face, imagine that without hairs on the head!

Hair problems such as baldness, hair falling, premature graying of hairs and most importantly the dandruff is nowadays few of the major disorder we find. It would not be totally wrong if said that you find this problem in every woman and man. However, baldness is very less likely for women but they are not out of the subject of hair falling. link..

Liver care

2009-09-11T10:31:00.000-07:00

Hepatitis and cirrhosis are two diseases that can badly damage your liver. Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver brought on by certain viruses or by overexposure to a toxic substance. This disease commonly causes a fever that is often accompanied by vomiting. About 20 percent of alcoholics can count on developing hepatitis after five to ten years of too much alcohol, but the disease can also result from poor nutrition, a viral or bacterial infection or toxic poisons.

Cirrhosis is a serious disease that changes the structure of the liver so that it cannot function properly. One of the biggest problems with cirrhosis is that less blood flows through the liver, and the toxins that are normally eliminated can now poison the body. About 20 percent of heavy drinkers eventually develop cirrhosis and alcoholic hepatitis is often a precursor of cirrhosis. This condition can also be caused by poor nutrition (especially too little protein), poisonous substances, or a previous viral or bacterial infection that inflamed and weakened the liver. link..

Injuries and Accidents

2009-09-03T12:51:00.000-07:00

There is no better way to treat the physical and emotional shock of accidents and injuries than with homeopathy. Whether for a mild injury or one that requires medical treatment, homeopathy can absorb the shock, minimize and often remove bleeding, reduce fear, anxiety, pain and put the sufferer in a better state. If the emergency room seems to be the only way to care for the injury, give the
best remedy you know on the way to the hospital. This is reason enough to keep a small emergency kit in your purse. Even after a trip to the emergency room, a well-chosen homeopathic remedy will often hasten recovery and reduce pain. Pain medications can even be omitted with the correct usage of a remedy. Swelling and healing will often be hastened by 1/2 the time. link...

PMS

2009-09-03T12:47:00.000-07:00

PMS is a thing of the past. The bloating, irritability and cramping can all be met squarely with homeopathy. If it’s a mild case, often the sufferer can self treat. That’s good. We like to take more control of our health. However, sometimes it’s just too complicated to take on alone. That’s when a certified homeopath can be of great value. Meanwhile, consider trying one of these remedies for a few weeks. Then, if there’s no change, ask for help.

One of the first remedies we often think of when PMS is a problem is Pulsatilla. It’s a homeopathic for women who find that their emotions are all over the place and their periods are unpredictable as well. Pulsatilla will aid in that dull, achy pain that often accompanies PMS. Zincum met is another valuable remedy for PMS when there’s depression. A call for Natrum mur is clear when the skin breaks out just before the menses. This is especially valuable if you’re prone to eczema or psoriasis that present at this time. It has been reputed that Nat mur6x 3 times each day for a week before the period and through the entire flow can often minimize the severity.

The hallmark of homeopathy is its ability to resolve, not cover up symptoms. What an intelligent and refreshing way to approach health!

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and may not be construed as medical advice. The reader is encouraged to make independent inquires and to seek the advice of a licensed healthcare provider. link..

Influenza

2009-09-03T12:36:00.000-07:00

1.) Allium cepa

Clear, burning nasal discharge

Eye tearing

Red, burning eyes

Worse in warm rooms in evening, better in open air

Tickling throat that leads to dry cough that is painful

Very thirsty

Even temperament

2.) Drosera

Dry, croupy coughs

Barking, ringing sound in cough

Sore throat

Cough may be in chest

Coughing may lead to heaving or vomiting

Needs to support chest during coughing to relieve pain

WorseColds can be left to cure on their own. In fact it’s an opportunity to “clean house” and as long as the loved-one experiences colds infrequently, it’s an opportunity to gain better health on many levels. My clients often report that their children have made physical, emotional and mental leaps after a completed cold. link..

Sore Throats

2009-09-03T12:32:00.000-07:00

Sore throats are best treated by giving a dose of the correct remedy every 4-8 hours for 1-3 days until relief is obtained. Gargling with warm salt water is a good way to help keep the throat clean and move towards completion. Strep throat sounds threatening but is often quickly relieved by sound homeopathic treatment (in one to three days). I am not a proponent of antibiotic use and find them to be suppressive and dangerous. If, however, you have already begun, I urge you to continue for the entire duration prescribed. Otherwise, the infection will often return with a vengeance. In my experience, the infections usually return at some time in the future if suppressive methods such as antibiotics are employed. Homeopathics can still be used successfully in conjunction with antibiotic treatment and will minimize in the recurrence of the disease.

Five Remedies for Sore Throat

1.) Belladonna

First remedy to consider with sore throat

If pain has sudden start with fever and red skin, then likely Belladonna will work

Very red throat

May be swollen but little or no pus

Swallowing is painful … even liquids

Throat is dry

2.) Hepar sulph

Used when sore throat is accompanied by severe infection

Pus is in throat with very swollen tonsils

Feeling of something stuck in throat

Irritability

Chilliness

Aggravated by exposure to cold

Warm drinks are soothing

Pain may extend to the ears

3.) Arsenicum album

Chilliness with fever

Restlessness

Fatigue

Burning throat pain

Warm drinks help, but cold drinks aggravate

4.) Rhus tox

Painful throat helped by warm drinks

Worse pain in the morning

Pain caused by throat strain

Worse after first swallows but easier after more swallowing

Very restless but not as tired as for Arsenicum patient

Weepy

5.) Gelsemium

Comes on slowly over a period of days

Chill up the back

Desires to be alone

Limbs heavy, eyelids droop

Body is hot with cold hands and feet

Other Remedies to Learn and Consider for Further Study:

1.) Phytolacca

Much aching in the body with fever

Sore throat worse with cold drinks

Appearance is dark red or purple

Swollen glands

Pain in ears, especially with swallowing

Drawn to swallowing even though it is painful

Cold and need covers but still chilled

Body aches cause restlessness

2.) Lycopodium

Worse on right side and may spread to left

Drinks of any temperature relieve

Pain into ears

Slow onset of pain

Not very sick otherwise

Desires fresh air

Worse in late afternoon

3.) Ferrum phos

Tonsils red and swollen; mouth is hot

Sore throat of singers

4.) Mercurius

With fever and weakness

Red, swollen throat with pus

Sensitive to temperature, hot or cold

Liquids of any temperature aggravates

Worse at night

Drooling (evidenced by wet pillow or increased swallowing)

Puffy tongue

May be lots of mucous

5.) Lachesis

Worse on left side but may spread to right

Warm liquids aggravate, but cold may help

Painful swallowing

Warm environment aggravates

Worse in morning upon waking

Sensation of swollen throat link...

Urinary Tract Infection

2009-09-03T12:30:00.000-07:00

apable of addressing acute urinary tract infections. This can be accomplished with self care, but professional help should be sought if this is a repeated occurrence. Whether you work with a professional homeopath or on your own, there are some simple measures that can potentially keep an infection from blossoming. link..

Stomach And Gastro-Intestinal Ailments

2009-09-03T12:26:00.000-07:00

Gastro-intestinal disorders can sometimes be relieved by simple kitchen cupboard methods. Indigestion, for example, can be quickly eliminated with a teaspoon or more of baking soda in 4 ounces of water to which the juice of 1/2 lemon is added. Often raw vinegar can be the catalyst for relief when a splash of it is added to 4 ounces of water. When using homeopathics it is useful to know that the remedy doesn’t have to be digested to be effective; it just needs to be dissolved in the mouth.

Three Leading Remedies for Gastro-Intestinal Complaints

1.) Arsenicum album

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Abdominal pain

Exhausted by illness

Restless, changing position

Anxious about illness and being alone

Fears illness could be fatal

Very thirsty

May be fever

Often chilly and craves being under blankets

Worse at night

Drinking even a little causes vomiting

Cramping in abdomen

External warmth is soothing

Burning in rectum from diarrhea

Good for food poisoning

2.) Nux vomica

Use when illness brought on by stress or over-indulgence

Heartburn

Nausea

Dry retching

Headache

Irritability

Worse in morning

Bloating

Gassiness

Desires vomiting for relief

Urge for bowel movement with little excretion

3.) Sulphur

Complete loss of, or excessive, appetite

Food tastes too salty

Drinks much, eats little

Desire for sweets

Weak and faint about 11 AM

Water fills patient

Abdomen sensitive to pressure

Internal feeling of rawness or soreness

Abdominal movements as of something alive

Morning diarrhea drives patient out of bed

Other Remedies to Learn and Consider for Further Study:

1.) Veratrum album

Violent and voluminous diarrhea with vomiting, may be simultaneously

Watery stools with greenish color

Cramps in abdomen relieved by diarrhea

Motion aggravates

Chilly

Very weak

Very thirsty for cold water

2.) Aloe

Aversion to meat

Flatulence after eating

Nausea with headache

Pain around navel, worse with pressure

Abdomen is full and heavy, hot and bloated

Weak feeling as if diarrhea will come on

Stool passes without effort

Constipation pressure in lower abdomen

3.) China

Vomiting of undigested food

Slow digestion

Hungry and longing for food which stays undigested

Flatulence

Belching of bitter fluid with no relief

Worse eating fruit

Internal coldness of stomach and abdomen

4.) Phosphorus

Much vomiting

Diarrhea

Restlessness

Thirsty for cold drinks

Better to use Arsenicum first unless vomiting triggered by smallest amount of liquid

Warm water immediately aggravates

Weakness in abdomen

Feels hungry

Involuntary stools

5.) Pulsatilla

Symptoms from poor diet or excess of rich foods

Look also for general symptoms of remedy

Symptoms not too severe

Heartburn

Heaviness after eating

Coated tongue

Cold drinks relieve

6.) Ipecac

Extreme nausea possibly with no diarrhea

After vomiting, still no relief

Not that ill, but maybe a fever and weakness

May be caused by excessive eating

Vomiting can be almost nonstop

Pains in abdomen

Lots of gas

Green stool

7.) Bryonia

Digestive symptoms are aggravated by motion

Small amounts of liquid may cause vomiting

Pressure on abdomen helps

Diarrhea worse after waking

Desires to be still

8.) Podophyllum – this remedy is not commonly found in remedy kits and is of immeasurable value during a bout of severe diarrhea. It would be prudent to purchase it separately to keep in your stock.

Common for diarrhea

Frequent and voluminous diarrhea

Completely liquid stools

Sometimes with headache

Vomiting seldom accompanies the diarrhea link...

Homeopathy Is…

2009-09-03T12:23:00.000-07:00

Safe, holistic therapy. It does not mean home remedies, but instead is a respected branch of medicine that has been the choice of such cultural heroes as John D. Rockefeller, Chopin, Tony Blair, Florence Nightingale and Paul McCartney. Is it a coincidence that these public figures choose homeopathy as their course of action for their link..

Ear Infections

2009-09-03T12:19:00.000-07:00

1.) Belladonna

Most common for early stages of earache
Good when earache comes on quickly
Bright red ear but eardrum is still normal shape
Sudden high fever with earache
Pain down into neck
Sore throat

2.) Ferrum phos.

Use in early stages of earache with no pus formation
Onset not as sudden as Belladonna and symptoms not as intense
Can give if Belladonna is not

Often, the area in which ill health most convinces a family to turn to homeopathy is in curing ear infections. Children have not always been plagued by ear infections. In my generation the illness “du jour” was tonsillitis and the “cure” was removal. Today, because of the advent of sonograms during pregnancy, ear infections occurring link...

Nutrition

2009-09-03T12:14:00.000-07:00

Nutrition is a critical component to our health and wellbeing. We have all heard the saying 'You are what you eat!'. There is a lot of truth to that statement. It is important to monitor what we consume and to notice the effects they are having on our system. Many times, by simply listening to your body you can tell whether or not a food is helping you or harming you.

We always suggest consuming natural foods as we believe that our bodies can deal with them best and they are best for our health. Eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables ideally organic is an important component of a healthy diet. Sometimes it is difficult to give our bodies the nutrition it needs just from food alone. This is why using natural supplements can be helpful. There are various kinds of supplements you can use, one useful kind are whole food supplements which contain concentrates of various whole foods and herbs. link...

Organic Meat and Its Benefits

2009-09-03T12:12:00.000-07:00

Meat is one of the most heavily consumed foods especially in North America, however many are not aware of the potential dangers of consuming too much meat. Normal meat may contain significant levels of toxins that can then end up in our bodies and create the potential for disease and illness. Organic meat is often a good alternative for meat lovers and it has many benefits over regular meat. Organic meat can be found for most animals, for instance you can now get organic chickens, organic beef, even organic cat food and so on as the demand for organic meats continues to rise.

Of course, one the challenges to overcome with organic meat is that it costs more than regular meat. However if you take into account the fact that you are getting a lot more nutrition, and that you do not need to consume as much then the cost may end up being the same as regular meat. Regular meat such as beef comes from cows that are injected with hormones and are fed foods that also contain various chemical additives. The idea is to get as much beef out of each cow as possible. The problem is that these hormones and synthetic chemicals end up in the beef which ends up in your body if you eat regular beef. Our bodies have a tough time dealing with these substances and this may result in many health problems.

- Less Toxins in Organic Meats link...

Is Zen Meditation Right For You?

2009-09-03T12:10:00.000-07:00

There are many forms of meditation out there and it can be a challenge to decide which one to follow. We will look at one of those forms of meditation called zen meditation in this article and explore its potential benefits to you. First of all, what is zen meditation?

It is defined as the study of the self. It is performed primarily in a seated position called the burmese position(this is one of many seated positions) and its practice has now spread to all parts of the world, first starting in the east in China and eventually penetrating into the western world. link...

The Benefits of Chakra Meditation

2009-09-03T12:08:00.000-07:00

Chakra meditation involves focusing on the different energies that lie within our bodies and by paying attention to these different regions of our bodies, we have the potential to initiate great healing. There are 7 chakras that one needs to know about when looking to learn chakra meditation. They are as follows:

1. The root chakra – This is located at the bottom of our spinal cord and focusing on this region is believed to help relieve or prevent cancer, bladder problems and male reproductive problems.
2. The feeling chakra – In chakra meditation, this area is found at the center of our stomach and is focused on to prevent allergies, diarrhea, leukemia, and lower back problems to name a few.
The personality chakra – This is located above the navel and in chakra meditation it is concentrated upon to relieve arthritis, liver and obesity challenges.
The heart chakra – This of course is at the center of our chest where our heart is and it is concerned with the feelings of love and in chakra meditation it is focused upon to help with heart problems, lung cancer and respiratory problems.
The throat chakra – This is found at the center of the throat and in chakra meditation helps with neck and shoulder problems, lymphatic problems and cancer. This area is the center for communication and expression.
The knowledge chakra – This is at the middle of our forehead and in chakra meditation used for eye problems or problems with vision, brain tumors and sinus problems.
The crown chakra – This is found at the top of our head and focused upon in chakra meditation to help with baldness, cancer and migraines among other things. link..

Aerobic Exercise – Learn Why You Need To Be Taking Part In Cardiovascular Programs

2009-09-03T12:05:00.000-07:00

The term ‘aerobic’ means to exercise with air. Getting enough oxygen into our bloodstream on a regular basis is very important for many health reasons. The most obvious is to combat fatigue as when the cells receive enough oxygen then the energy levels in your body should improve.

Many people simply do not take part in enough aerobic exercise and the reason for this varies depending on the individual. For most people it is lack of time that seems to be the number one reason that they do not exercise regularly. A great way to get aerobic exercise is by buying a treadmill or stair climber for your home. This way you can exercise when it is most convenient for you. If you experience pain using regular exercise machines like a treadmill then you may want to consider something like a recumbent exercise bike. These are comfortable to use and offer great back support as well as variable resistance so you will not outgrow it.

It is important to also evaluate how much aerobic exercise you get from your job. Many people work pretty physical jobs that require them to be standing and moving a lot. This is great since you probably do not need to do any more aerobic exercise as your job gives you the aerobic benefit you seek. Most people fail to stick with a consistent exercise program. The reason for this can be complicated however one way to help you stay focused is to set goals. If you are looking to lose weight then set a goal 2 weeks from now as to what weight you want to be at. Be reasonable and aim for a 2 to 5 pound weight loss. Write your goal on a piece of paper and remind yourself daily about it. link..

How To Stop Back Pain

2009-09-03T11:59:00.000-07:00

Back pain can be a very annoying problem however there are several approaches that one can follow to help get rid of back pain. For many people back pain results simply from excessive strain being put on the back muscles. If you are overweight then the excess fat in your abdominals can place a lot of pressure on your back. Thus one of the best ways to stop back pain permanently is to get back to a healthy body weight.

Sometimes back pain simply results from weak back muscles. Consider taking part in regular strength training exercises that work out the lower back as this will help to build up these important muscles. Stretching can also help to relieve tension in the back area. Another common reason for getting back pain is caused by sitting for too long. Make sure that you are moving and walking every now and then to avoid getting back pain from excessive periods of being seated. link..

Torso Track

2009-09-03T11:56:00.000-07:00

The Torso Track is a tough exercise because it can hurt your back if you're not careful.

1. Grip the handles of the Torso Track and pull the abs in without holding your breath (as though bracing them).
2. Exhale and glide forward as far as you comfortably can. If you collapse in the middle and feel it in your back, you've gone too far.
3. Contract the abs to pull your body back.
4. Add tension by using more tension chords. link...

Vertical Leg Crunch

2009-09-03T11:53:00.000-07:00

The vertical leg crunch is another effective move for the rectus abdominis and the obliques. To do it right:

1. Lie face up on the floor and extend the legs straight up with knees crossed.
2. Contract the abs to lift the shoulder blades off the floor, as though reaching your chest towards your feet.
3. Keep the legs in a fixed position and imagine bringing your belly button towards your spine at the top of the movement.
4. Lower and repeat for 12-16 reps. link...

Exercise Ball Crunch

2009-09-03T11:47:00.000-07:00

The exercise ball is an excellent tool to strengthen the abs and comes out number three for working the rectus abdominis. To do it right:

1. Lie face-up with the ball resting under your mid/lower back.
2. Cross your arms over the chest or place them behind your head.
3. Contract your abs to lift your torso off the ball, pulling the bottom of your ribcage down toward your hips.
4. As you curl up, keep the ball stable (i.e., you shouldn't roll).
5. Lower back down, getting a stretch in the abs, and repeat for 12-16 reps. link...

Captain's Chair Leg Raise

2009-09-03T11:46:00.000-07:00

The captain's chair leg raise is the second most effective move for the rectus abdominis as well as the obliques. You can do a variety of exercises on the captain's chair, which is a rack with padded arms that allows your legs to hang free and can be found in most health clubs and gyms. The key to keeping this move safe and effective is, first, to avoid swinging the legs or using momentum to bring the legs up. Second, keeping the knees bent will help you focus more on the abdominals and less on the hip flexors. To do it right:

Stand on chair and grip handholds to stabilize your upper body.
Press your back against the pad and contract the abs to raise the legs and lift knees towards your chest.
Don't arch the back or swing the legs up.
Slowly lower back down and repeat for 1-3 sets of 12-16 reps. link...

Bicycle Exercise

2009-09-03T11:44:00.000-07:00

link..

12 Weeks to Weight Loss

2009-09-03T11:39:00.000-07:00

Author	Paige Waehner
	Exercise Guide
Biography

Looking to lose weight and tone up following a proven and expert-designed exercise plan? Look no longer - here it is! This comprehensive 12-week program provides a day-by-day list and description of exercises, and even teaches you the nutritional aspects of a healthy and active lifestyle.

Modules

Introduction
Learn about the basics of this program, your first steps, and what to do before getting started.

Week 1
This week, you'll be learning how to set up a complete exercise program with cardio, strength training and flexibility exercises.

Week 2
In the week 2, we're still on the same schedule as last week, but with a few extra challenges and additional nutritional goals in terms of fruits, veggies, and more.

Week 3
The week 3 brings some new challenges for you including a bit more cardio, a new strength training workout and more nutritional goals.

Week 4
This week, you'll be continuing with your cardio workouts, adding sets and/or weights to your strength training workouts and spending some time learning about nutrition.

Week 5
After a month of exercise and healthy eating behind you, we have some new and challenging workouts for you this week.

Week 6
Your workouts this week will look familiar - you're doing the same strength training program as last week, only with the added challenge of an extra set.

Week 7
This week, you'll be glad to hear that we are doing less cardio, but not-so-glad to hear that we'll have more strength training.

Week 8
You will continue to build strength and endurance, but we'll also tweak your program a bit with more reps to each exercise.

Week 9
In week 9, we will be adding more weight to each exercise to allow you to keep progressing and challenging yourself.

Week 10
This week, you'll be setting up a new type of split routine. One day, you'll focus on chest, shoulders and triceps. Another day, you'll work your legs. The last day, you'll work your back and biceps.

Week 11
Your assignments for Week 11 are to add a little more intensity to your strength training workouts by adding reps to each exercise. You'll continue with your usual cardio and flexibility workouts as well as your choice of ab workouts.

Week 12
This week you are having your graduation party. But, pssssst - don't uncover your secret graduation gift prematurely... link...

Exercise benefits

2009-09-03T11:37:00.000-07:00

Physical exercise is important for maintaining physical fitnessand can contribute positively to maintaining a healthy weight, building and maintaining healthy bone density, muscle strength, and joint mobility, promoting physiological well-being, reducing surgical risks, and strengthening the immune system.

Exercise also reduces levels of cortisol, thereby benefiting health. Cortisol is a stress hormone that builds fat in the abdominal region, making weight loss difficult. Cortisol causes many health problems, both physical and mental.^[6]

Frequent and regular aerobic exercise has been shown to help prevent or treat serious and life-threatening chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, insomnia, and depression.^[7] Endurance exercise before meals lowers blood glucose more than the same exercise after meals. ^[8]

Strength training appears to have continuous energy-burning effects that persist for about 24 hours after the training, though they do not offer the same cardiovascular benefits as aerobic exercises do link...

Tone and Tighten With a 30-Minute Strength Program

2009-09-03T11:32:00.000-07:00

These moves will help you not only lose fat but also get a sleeker body and boost calorie burn all day long—thanks to extra muscle. Each one calls on multiple muscles, fitness expert Keli Roberts explains, so “your body burns more calories than if it were doing a single-focus exercise like biceps curls.” Plus, every move is designed to shape your muscles, improve your posture, and build your core, so even everyday activities become easier to do. If you recently had a baby, get your doctor’s OK before working out link...

Fiber, Starch, Fats, and Serving Sizes: Eat Right Advice for Your Diet

2009-09-03T11:29:00.000-07:00

Feel-great eating isn’t about starving yourself; it’s about having plenty of delicious, healthy foods that help you burn fat and leave you feeling satisfied. But dealing with the details—like counting grams of fiber, measuring portion sizes, and weighing the differences between good and bad fats—can be confusing, even when you have a daily meal plan to follow.

Here’s a crash course from diet expert Alyse Levine, RD, that can help you stay on track.

1. Eat at least three starch “freebies” a day
Studies show that foods rich in a carbohydrate called resistant starch pass through your body without really counting calorically because they “resist” immediate digestion (in other words, passing through you)—while still filling you up. Plus they help you burn fat fast, improve digestion, and fight disease.

One serving of resistant starch equals:

½ cup beans (esp navy or black)
½ cup lentils
½ cup whole grains
½ cup barley
½ cup brown rice (cooled)
½ cup corn
½ cup split peas
½ cup whole wheat pasta (cooled)
½ cup oatmeal
4 oz boiled, chilled potato
1 sushi roll
1 slice whole wheat bread
1 barely ripe banana (as bananas get riper, the starch converts to sugar, which isn’t calorie-free). LINK..

Yoga for Cancer

2009-09-03T11:23:00.000-07:00

Fog softens the contours of the laurel tree, the white trunks of birches, the spiky holly tree that stands at the entrance to the Holly Tree Inn where the Ting-Sha Cancer Retreat is held. It's 5 p.m., and the participants make their way from the hot tub and massage room, or from the art studio, or from the trail next to the stream that winds through the woods, across the lawn to the yellow-frame bed and breakfast. We are not the usual guests, vacationers come to savor the peace and pleasure of this spot an hour's drive north of San Francisco.

We arrive at the house and enter the large ground-floor room: nine women and men, aged 30 to 75, one of us from as far away as Memphis. We enter quietly and arrange ourselves for meditation. Some of us, needing to lean, place pillows behind our backs and under our knees, and wrap ourselves in blankets.

Seated facing us is a narrow-bodied, tall woman with large eyes radiating kindness behind her glasses. Virginia Veach, our yoga instructor, is the director of the Ting-Sha Institute, the retreat's sponsor.

"It's in these moments of silence or relaxation that healing occurs," Virgina tells us. "Yoga, meditation, and relaxation are ways to quiet our minds. Relaxation is a state of openness and readiness. It is neither tension nor flaccidity, but availability for movement."

As we rise to begin the yoga postures, I glance at the other participants. Lois, a redhead in her early 30s and mother of two children, struggles with a rare form of leukemia. Eileen, a musician, holds herself carefully, mindful of the cancer in her spine. Three of the women have had breast cancer: Lucy, a commanding woman from the deep South; Janet from San Francisco, who has masses of thick hair and a whimsical, determined attitude that serves her well in her wholly alternative care for her cancer; and Ann, a slender, charming psychotherapist and mother of grown sons, who moves slowly, debilitated by the chemotherapy she has just received. Arnold, our oldest, most enthusiastically vigorous and life-affirming member, slips on his artificial leg, the result of an inebriated motorcycle ride many years ago. Now he faces bone metastasis from his prostate cancer. Ruth and Jake, a young married couple, are learning how to deal with her lymphoma and preparing for a bone marrow transplant. And I, a survivor of colon cancer, am seeking to put my life back together and understand what happened to me.

Virginia guides us in a standing posture. She turns our attention to the breath, saying, "At the end of your exhale, feel a tiny release and let yourself relax more deeply into the posture."

Glancing at Lois, Virginia talks about pain. "If you're on chemo or if you have bone metastasis or tumors, you may be experiencing pain. Please don't do anything that hurts, and don't push into pain."

Now she asks us to sit on the floor, one leg out to the side, the other bent into the groin, and, lifting our arms, to bend along our outstretched leg. "Again, breathe in and out, and at the end of your exhale, feel that there is a little bit of give, and move with it." LINK...

Holistic Healing Features

2009-09-03T11:21:00.000-07:00

On a Roll

Too busy for a massage? Grab some props and try these do-it-yourself tips from expert bodyworkers.

Back to Back

Scoliosis can cause back pain and many other health problems, including shallow breathing, sciatica, headaches, and even insomnia. Yoga not only brings relief but can also help you accept and embrace the body you're in.

Happy Feet

Give your feet just a little attention, and your whole body will feel better.

Unchain Your Melody

You can add vocalization to almost any pose to develop your sound and calm your emotions

Watch Your Back

When it comes to back pain, this gentle approach is best. LINK..

Surprising Myths About Excess Weight

2009-09-03T11:19:00.000-07:00

We get it. We’re fat. Americans are fat. Europeans are fat. And the rest of the globe is quickly catching up. And, yes, excess weight is very, very bad. Gaining too much weight boosts your risk of cancer, heart disease, and, well, 17 other terrible things that we’ve written about before.

So, do our chubby thighs and seems-like-we’ll-never-shed-it baby weight always spell disaster? Is there any silver lining at all? Maybe. Here are five surprising things you may not know about weight—and why a few extra pounds aren’t always as bad as you think.

MYTH No. 1: A high BMI means you need to shed pounds.

FACT: Body mass index, or BMI, is a good starting to point to determine if you’re in shape because it is a simple number that takes into account both height and weight. (You can easily check your BMI using acalculator). But it isn’t perfect—far from it. LINK...

Yoga for iPhone

2009-09-03T11:15:00.000-07:00

At long last, the Yoga Journal iPractice iPhone application launched today, which means if you have an iPhone you can have access to 15 sequences from expert teachers in our pockets at all times. Visit yogajournal.com/ipracticeto download the full version of the app for $4.99 or search for Yoga Journal in the iTunes App Store. (A free version with two sequences will be available soon!)

This is a project we've been working on in the YJ offices for what seems like forever so I'm really happy to announce it's arrival! In it's honor, I'd like to point out a few other yoga applications I think are cool. To get any of these apps, simply search for them in the iTunes App Store.

Meditate - Meditation Timer (SimpleTouch Software, $1.99) If you're still using your kitchen timer to help you with your seated meditation practice, this app might be for you. It has a soothing bell that lets you know it's time to come out, and the counter is nice and big so it's easy to see if you like to peek to see how much time you have left.

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali - The Threads fo Union (IndiaNic LLC, $0.99) This is an electronic version of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

Chakra Deck (Kardeo, $0.99) This app is like a mobile deck of cards that gives you helpful information about individual chakras, how to identify imbalances, as well as yoga exercises you can try to bring that chakra back into balance. LINK....

Get Smart

2009-09-03T11:13:00.000-07:00

Intense focus may come easily on the yoga mat—but what about on the job? Jay Lombard, chief of neurology at Bronx Lebanon Hospital and author ofThe Brain Wellness Plan: Breakthrough Medical, Nutritional, and Immune-Boosting Therapies, says mental focus (and a good memory) requires healthy neurotransmitters and a calm emotional state.

Here are some herbs that may help keep you at your mental peak:

Gotu Kola

Known as brahmi in Ayurvedic medicine, gotu kola regulates dopamine in the brain, boosting pleasurable feelings and improving focus and memory. Drink two cups of tea daily (one tablespoon of gotu kola in each), recommends Robin DiPasquale, chair of botanical medicine at Bastyr University in Seattle.

Chinese Club Moss

The National Institutes of Health are funding a study on how this herb's active ingredient, huperzine, may affect the brain by protecting neurotransmitters. Lombard warns, however, that Chinese club moss is potent. Take no more than 100 micrograms a day.

Rosemary This herb belongs to a category of botanicals called adaptogens, which help your brain adapt to stress and function better. Mark Hyman, integrative medicine physician and author ofUltraprevention and Ultrametabolism, says that smelling the essential oils of adaptogens regulates the stress hormone cortisol, helping you stay alert but free of anxiety. DiPasquale says that sniffing rosemary oil can be particularly helpful when prepping for a presentation. It will calm your nerves and trigger memory, just when you need it most. LINK...

20 Little Ways to Drop the Pounds and Keep Them Off

2009-09-03T11:11:00.000-07:00

Bad news: The average person gains one to two pounds a year.

Good news: Consuming just 100 fewer calories each day is enough to avert that weight gain.

If you’re finding this out a little too late—and you want to actually losesome of that weight—you have to downsize by 500 calories a day. But you don’t have to slash them all from your plate.

“You can eat 250 calories less and then burn 250 by walking for 30 to 45 minutes. Over a week, that will produce about a pound of weight loss,” says Holly Wyatt, MD, a clinical researcher at the Center for Human Nutrition in Denver. You won’t see dramatic changes immediately, but small tweaks like these will pay off over time.

LINK...

Snacks

2009-09-03T11:08:00.000-07:00

1 cup mixed red bell pepper strips and snap peas with 2 tablespoons low-fat yogurt ranch dip, such as T. Marzetti’s (shown at left): 93 calories

1/2 cup Häagen-Dazs Chocolate Sorbet: 130 calories

1 Starbucks Tall Iced Skinny Caffé Mocha: 130 calories

Fage Total 2% Strawberry Yogurt: 130 calories

1 (100-calorie) pack Orville Redenbacher’s Smart Pop!: 100 calories

94% Fat Free Gourmet Popping Corn: 100 calories

1 1/2 cups watermelon chunks: 68 calories

1 cup fresh cherries and 5 pecan halves: 138 calories

LINK...

Flatbread Pizza

2009-09-03T11:05:00.000-07:00

Flatbread Pizza (shown at left): Top 1 (6-inch) whole-wheat pita with 2 slices (1 ounce) buffalo mozzarella, 3–4 tomato slices, and 4–6 whole basil leaves. Bake at 400° for 5–10 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Serve with a salad made with 2 cups mixed greens drizzled with 1 teaspoon olive oil and juice squeezed from 1⁄2 lemon. 350 calories

Wild Salmon With Pesto and Arugula-Cherry Tomato Salad: Grill a 4-ounce wild salmon fillet for 7–10 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. Top the salmon with 1 tablespoon store-bought pesto, and serve it with 2 cups arugula and 1 cup cherry tomatoes. Drizzle salmon and salad with 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil and 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar. 360 calories LINK...

Hearty lunches

2009-09-03T11:04:00.000-07:00

Soup and Roast Turkey Wrap(shown at left): Roll 2 ounces sliced roast turkey, 1⁄4 avocado (cut into slices), 1⁄2 cup sprouts, and 1⁄2 fresh tomato (diced) in a whole-grain wrap (such as Ezekiel Food for Life). Enjoy with 1 cup Pacific Roasted Bell Pepper and Tomato Soup. 395 calories

Make-ahead Chickpea and Quinoa Salad: In a bowl, cover 1⁄3 cup dry quinoa with water, and let it sit overnight. Drain the excess water. Stir in 1⁄2 cup canned chickpeas, 1⁄2 cup diced red onions, 1⁄2 cup diced red bell pepper, and 1⁄2 cup diced green bell pepper. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon red wine vinaigrette. Enjoy 2 cups of salad; save leftovers. 390 calories

Tuna Melt with chips: Mix a 3-ounce can chunk light tuna packed in wat LINK...

Wake-Up Call

2009-09-03T11:02:00.000-07:00

Kundalini awakenings don't come easily. At least that's how they're often presented to wide-eyed yoga students, eager to find a path to enlightenment. Kundalini is the serpent power coiled in the base of the spine waiting to be drawn upward through six chakras, or energy centers, so it can activate them and your consciousness along the way. These sudden awakenings might seem inaccessible to the average person—even the average yogi—says Tias Little, a Santa Fe, New Mexico, yoga teacher. But we can all access and begin to awaken kundalini in our daily life, says Little, in this series of recorded spiritual teachings called Dharma Talks.

In these four CDs, he explains that, rather than being a distant force available only to the most dedicated practitioners, kundalini plays an important role in regulating physical and mental health. Each 30-minute talk (and subsequent audience Q&A) is full of practical advice—along with some sound Buddhist wisdom—on how to use Patanjali's Yoga Sutra to manage your kundalini for a high quality of life.

A dharma talk is a guide to virtuous understanding and action, traditionally delivered by an experienced Buddhist teacher. Little begins his series on moving toward self-realization, or awakening, by examining dormant spiritual (or kun-dalini) energy. Later, he goes on to discuss the classical yoga restraints and observances, called yamas and niyamas. He also draws on lessons from the Bhagavad Gita and the idea expressed there of selfless action—or action that doesn't cling to its products. LINK..

Orange juice with Smoked Salmon Roll-Up

2009-09-03T11:01:00.000-07:00

Spread 2 tablespoons reduced-fat cream cheese on a multigrain wrap (such as Ezekiel Food for Life). Add 4 ounces smoked salmon and some diced tomato. Enjoy with 8 ounces orange juice. 520 calories LINK..

Power breakfasts

2009-09-03T10:59:00.000-07:00

English muffin with jam and half of Make-ahead Turkey Sausage and Mushroom Frittata (shown at right): Whisk 2 eggs and 4 egg whites with 1 tablespoon low-fat milk and salt and pepper to taste; set aside. In a 6-inch pan, sauté 2 teaspoons olive oil, 4 ounces turkey sausage, 1⁄2 cup sliced mushrooms, and 1⁄3 cup red peppers until cooked through. Pour eggs over mixture; swirl pan to distribute eggs evenly. Once eggs are set, slide frittata out of skillet; serve. Wrap leftovers and store in refrigerator. Reheat in microwave for 1 minute. (Makes 2 servings.) Enjoy up to 1⁄2 frittata with 1 whole-wheat English muffin and 2 teaspoons all-natural fruit preserves (like Polaner All Fruit 100% All Natural Fruit Spread). 470 calories LINK...

Feel Great Weight

2009-09-03T10:58:00.000-07:00

Lose 10 Pounds and Never Feel Hungry

Breakfast: Who’s got time? And if you have a crazy schedule, lunch is a light grab, while dinner’s your one big helping of comfort. But recent research may convince you to flip all that around: Front-loading your day’s calories so that you eat more food—especially more lean protein—earlier in the day will help you drop pounds and feel full all day long, according to a Purdue University study. LINK...

Another Reason to Lose That Belly: Pear-Shaped Women More Attractive

2009-09-03T10:55:00.000-07:00

Are you an apple or a pear? It’s well-known that women shaped like pears—small waist, bigger hips—have lower risks of heart disease and diabetesthan do apple shapes, which carry more belly fat. Now a study reveals that most people find pear-shaped women more attractive, too.

Using morphing software, German researchers manipulated the features of one woman into 243 variations with different leg lengths, weights, bust sizes, and hip and waist widths. When more than 34,000 people judged the images (shown online for the study), the pear shape significantly beat out the apple shape. LINK...

How One Woman Lost 62 Pounds Walking

2009-09-03T10:47:00.000-07:00

About three years ago, Sara Johnson gave birth to her second child—and faced the fact that she weighed 200 pounds. Sara had put on 20 pounds following a miscarriage in 2005 and retained 35 pounds after delivering her second child. With two little ones, Sara, now 35, realized she had to take better care of herself. “I knew I needed to get in shape so I could be a great mom for my children,” she says. link..

What’s Your Workout Mantra? Triathlete-in-Training Seeks Race-Day Motivation

2009-09-03T10:46:00.000-07:00

Last week, our Team in Training triathlon coaches took the time to frighten us—er, prepare us—with stories of previous triathlons and their own race day experiences: Missing equipment, pre-swim “freak outs”, all the ways we can accidentally break the rules, and so on. Now, with our first triathlon less than two days away, they explained, it’s a little late to make sure we’re ready physically. At this point, it’s all about being ready mentally. link...

Race Report: First-Time Triathlete Does the New York City Triathlon

2009-09-03T10:43:00.000-07:00

I am officially a triathlete! On Sunday I completed the Nautica New York City triathlon with an impressive (for me, at least) time of 3 hours, 3 minutes, and 57 seconds. Here’s a quick recap—well, as quick as I can manage without skimping on all the juicy details—of the day. link...

Vacationing by Bike: Get Your Exercise With a View

2009-09-03T10:41:00.000-07:00

I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate the completion of my first triathlon than with a vacation in Ireland and Scotland. Of course, I also couldn’t think of a better way to fall off the fitness wagon—hard—than with 10 days of riding in buses, sitting in pubs, and sampling the local food and drink specialties. Thank goodness for bike rentals. link...

America's Healthiest

2009-09-03T10:32:00.000-07:00

Istockphoto

Forget wrinkles. To gauge how old your body really is, check your blood pressure.

“It’s the number one cause of aging,” says Dr. Oz.

When high blood pressure blows a hole in one of your arteries, your body has to patch it up, either with healthy HDL cholesterol or lousy LDL cholesterol, he says.

If you eat a healthy diet full of lean meat, produce and good fats found in flaxseed oil and nuts, then you’re more likely to have a high amount of HDL, which makes a great patch on your artery wall. link...

Art + Yoga = Bliss

2009-09-03T10:30:00.000-07:00

A Columbia, SC museum is hosting a yoga class in the middle of an art gallery. Doing yoga among beautiful pieces of art enhances the senses says Rikki Donahue, the yoga teacher who will lead classes at the museum through September 9th. "You notice the vastness of the canvas, the colors and the mixture and your senses are so much more aware," Donahue said. link...

Yoga for Wii

2009-09-03T10:29:00.000-07:00

Whether you like video games or not, you've got to be at least curious about the new Yoga for Wiigame coming out later this year. As a Wii Fit enthusiast, I was definitely excited to hear that there was a game dedicated to the practice of yoga (as opposed to Wii Fit, which has a yoga component). According to the game'sofficial website, which launched recently, the game will feature:

Tips, photos, videos and a number of exercises by top model Anja Rubik.

Your own customized yoga exercise plan.

A wide range of yoga positions and the ability to use the Wii Balance Board

Authentic Far-Eastern locations and buildings

Dynamic monitoring of your own process

7 beautifully-designed levels with a huge selection of rooms link...

Yoga and Yogurt

2009-09-03T10:23:00.000-07:00

I've been seeing a commercial for Yoplait yogurt on television a lot lately. It's kind of funny, but it also pokes fun at yoga students who twist themselves into all kinds of crazy positions because we believe it will fix everything--in this case, digestive health. It's like they're saying: "Silly yogis. Why would you want to do that when you could just eat this miraculous, yummy yogurt instead?"

link..

Class Gives New Meaning to Corpse Pose

2009-09-03T10:21:00.000-07:00

If you live or work in a city, you know how difficult it can be to find a moment of quiet. Between the buses, sirens, and people chattering it can seem like an impossible feat to even make a phone call, much less stop for a sun salute or meditation break. City noise is one of the reasons behind a new yoga class held at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. "There's very little quiet place left in the city," class organizer Rick Castro told CBS news. "This is a place where you really can just come and just be with yourself and meditate." (Please watch the video by clicking here.) "The spirits are with us," he added later. "They come through us." The class costs $20 and will take place every Tuesday at 7 pm.

What do you think? Does this align with the yoga philsophy on death and dying? Or is it creepy? link..

yoga on greeny

2009-09-03T10:19:00.000-07:00

link..

yoga practice

2009-09-03T10:11:00.000-07:00

link..

Too Busy to Practice Yoga This Summer? 4 Easy Ways to Stay in Shape

2009-09-03T10:06:00.000-07:00

link...

Get Grounded With Mountain Pose

2009-09-03T10:02:00.000-07:00

Begin by standing with your feet hip’s distance and parallel. Make sure the weight of your body is even between your heels and your toes. Bend your knees just slightly, then draw your belly in and up while dropping your tailbone down towards the floor. Lift your chest up to the ceiling while dropping your shoulders down and away from your ears. Make sure that you aren’t jutting your whole head forward in front of your body. Clasp your hands together in front of your chest and raise them to the sky. Balancing like this might feel unusual, but this is a chance to feel grounded in a new way. Although different from your usual tired posture, with practice you can feel strong, balanced, and grounded here. link...

How to Do Yoga Anywhere (Even Cramped Hotel Rooms!)

2009-09-03T09:59:00.000-07:00

Summer is quickly coming to a close, so what better way to celebrate the season’s extroverted spirit than Lion Pose, or simhasana? If you are heading back to school—or simply savoring that final summer Friday—say good-bye to the season with a roar, by practicing Lion Pose with a group of friends. Be prepared for a peal of giggles after letting out your lion roars!

Begin by sitting back on your heels in a comfortable kneeling position with your right ankle crossed over your left. Your feet should point out to the sides. If you feel uncomfortable, place folded blankets underneath your legs for padding and between your sit bones and your heels to take the pressure off of your knees. Place your hands on top of your knees, then sit up nice and tall. Begin with a few deep breaths through the nose. Now spread your fingers wide to create the “claws” of the lion. Feel the energy run differently through your hands now that the fingers are spread.

(Getty Images)

Lift your chest up and draw the shoulders back. Inhale deeply through your nose, open your mouth, stick out your tongue, and let out a loud, deep “ahhh.” The breath should pass over the back of your throat so that you let out a real lion’s roar. Take a few normal breaths to recover then repeat 3–5 times. Cross your legs the other way and then repeat this sequence again.

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Girls Gotta Move September Running Events

2009-09-03T09:53:00.000-07:00

In the last decade, kids 5Ks and mini-triathlons have experienced a boom. But is introducing kids to a something as intense as distance running safe? link...

Soy

2009-09-03T09:51:00.000-07:00

Soy may lower cholesterol, and since it is low in saturated fat, it's still a great source of lean protein in a heart-healthy diet.

Look for natural sources of soy, like edamame, tempeh, or organic silken tofu. And soy milk is a great addition to a bowl of oatmeal or whole-grain cereal. But watch the amount of salt in your soy: some processed varieties like soy dogs can contain added sodium, which boosts blood pressure. link...

Flaxseed

2009-09-03T09:50:00.000-07:00

Full of fiber and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, a little sprinkling of flaxseed can go a long way for your heart. Top a bowl of oatmeal or whole-grain cereal with a smidgen of ground flaxseed for the ultimate heart-healthy breakfast. link...

Spinach

2009-09-03T09:48:00.000-07:00

Spinach can help keep your ticker in top shape thanks to its stores of lutein, folate, potassium, and fiber.

But upping your servings of any veggies is sure to give your heart a boost. The Physicians' Health Study examined more than 15,000 men without heart disease for a period of 12 years. Those who ate at least two-and-a-half servings of vegetables each day cut their risk of heart disease by about 25%, compared with those who didn't eat the veggies. Each additional serving reduced risk by another 17%. link...

Legumes

2009-09-03T09:47:00.000-07:00

Fill up on fiber with lentils, chickpeas, and black and kidney beans. They're packed with omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and soluble fiber. link..

Berries

2009-09-03T09:45:00.000-07:00

Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries—whatever berry you like best—are full of anti-inflammatories, which reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer.

"Blackberries and blueberries are especially great," says Sinatra. "But all berries are great for your vascular health." link...

Nuts

2009-09-03T09:43:00.000-07:00

Walnuts are full of omega-3 fatty acids and, along with almonds and macadamia nuts, are loaded with mono- and polyunsaturated fat. Plus, nuts increase fiber in the diet, says Dr. Sinatra. "And like olive oil, they are a great source of healthy fat." link...

Olive oil

2009-09-03T09:42:00.000-07:00

Full of monounsaturated fats, olive oil lowers bad LDL cholesterol and reduces your risk of developing heart disease.

Results from the Seven Countries Study, which looked at cardiovascular disease incidences across the globe, showed that while men in Crete had a predisposition for high cholesterol levels, relatively few died of heart disease because their diet focused on heart-healthy fats found in olive oil. Look for extra-virgin or virgin varieties—they're the least processed—and use them instead of butter when cooking. link...

Avocado

2009-09-03T09:32:00.000-07:00

Add a bit of avocado to a sandwich or spinach salad to up the amount of heart-healthy fats in your diet. Packed with monounsaturated fat, avocados can help lower LDL levels while raising the amount of HDL cholesterol in your body.

"Avocados are awesome," says Dr. Sinatra. "They allow for the absorption of other carotenoids —especially beta-carotene and lycopene—which are essential for heart health." link...

Salmon

2009-09-03T09:27:00.000-07:00

Super-rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon can effectively reduce blood pressure and keep clotting at bay. Aim for two servings per week, which may reduce your risk of dying of a heart attack by up to one-third.

"Salmon contains the carotenoid astaxanthin, which is a very powerful antioxidant," says cardiologist Stephen T. Sinatra, MD, the author of Lower Your Blood Pressure In Eight Weeks. But be sure to choose wild salmon over farm-raised fish, which can be packed with insecticides, pesticides, and heavy metals.

Not a fan of salmon? Other oily fish like mackerel, tuna, herring, and sardines will give your heart the same boost. link..

Best Foods for Your Heart

2009-09-03T09:17:00.000-07:00

Oatmeal

Start your day with a steaming bowl of oats, which are full of omega-3 fatty acids, folate, and potassium. This fiber-rich superfood can lower levels of LDL (or bad) cholesterol and help keep arteries clear.

Opt for coarse or steel-cut oats over instant varieties—which contain more fiber—and top your bowl off with a banana for another 4 grams of fiber.

Try this recipe: Chai Link...

Kids on the Run: The New Trend in Family-Friendly Fitness

2009-09-03T09:10:00.000-07:00

I was in my 20s before I discovered running, so I’m always amazed to see young children keeping up (or passing me by) when I’m out for a jog. When I was a kid, no one ran as a sport itself; rather, we played basketball, softball, or soccer. Running laps is what you did—reluctantly—to be better conditioned for the games.

But in the last decade, there’s been a boom in children running races that were once strictly for adults. Kids as young as 5 and 6 are running with school groups, and tweens and teens are entering 5- and 10-kilometer races—and even mini-triathlons—with their parents, running clubs, and even on their own. link...

Learn How to Like Veggies and Satisfy Cravings

2009-09-03T09:08:00.000-07:00

Buy a single serving of two new-to-you fruits or vegetables each week—you’re bound to find something you like. And try new ways of fixing them: grilled vegetables, for instance, are sweeter than raw, and the smoky flavor can mask the bitterness many picky eaters dislike. Add chopped fruits and veggies to fave dishes (think peppers and mushrooms in your burger) for low-cal bulk and nutrients without overwhelming vegetable flavor. link...

Healthy Eating

2009-09-03T09:04:00.000-07:00

Do you crave pinot grigio or prefer a nice Riesling? Turns out a glass of wine may be more than just a drink—your choice could shed light on your personality too.

For example, people who choose sweet wines seem to be more impulsive but less open to new experiences than those who select a drier vintage, according to a study published in Food Quality and Preference.

“We now know that impulsivity relates to a preference for sweetness,” says lead researcher Anthony Saliba, PhD, a consumer sensory specialist at the National Wine and Grape Industry Center at the Charles Sturt University, in Wagga Wagga, Australia. “This is a pretty big step forward in understanding how a preference for sweet taste develops.”

In the study, Saliba and colleagues asked 45 men and women with an average age of 43 to complete two questionnaires: the IVE, which measures impulsiveness, venturesomeness, and empathy; and the Big Five, which measures openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.

Then the participants had a choice of two types of white wine: a dry, fruity Spanish wine (Gran Tesoro Viura, 2007) or a “sweet” wine, which was the Viura with some added sugar.

Overall, there were no differences between the two groups based on their choice. However, the researchers did find two characteristics that seemed to matter: impulsiveness and openness. People who preferred the sweet taste had greater impulsivity but less openness.

People who score lower on the openness trait are more hesitant to try new things. “This suggests that people who like sweet foods are less likely to try new tastes,” says Saliba. A 2002 study in Personality and Individual Differences found that people who score lower in openness tend to have unhealthier eating habits compared to those with high scores. link..