Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts

Grow Tall And Look Smart

Growing taller is the ambition of every youngster. By growing taller, you look smart, add to your image and you become self confident. At the same time, we are also aware that growing taller is a natural phenomenon and we have little control over it. But, modern medical science has proved that although height is a natural phenomenon and determined by your genes, there are certain ways by which you can grow taller than your natural height.

Role of exercises:
One of the basic techniques to grow taller is exercise. There are several stretching exercises that are specially designed for people who desire to grow taller. It is said that most of these exercises are found in the Yoga system of physical exercises. Exercises like stretching the legs, hands, abdomen and neck are found to be extremely beneficial when it comes to adding inches to your normal height. You find many organizations or institutions where such dedicated exercises are taught by adequately qualified and abundantly trained and experienced instructors. You also find several online training institutions which give you sufficient training sessions on these stretching exercises.

Bending exercises also help you to grow taller:
Bending exercises also help you to grow taller as they elongate the spine. Take for example the exercise of bending sideways. To perform this exercise, you must stand erect. Slowly raise both your hands. Make sure you keep the hands straight. Now, gently turn your body to the right side simultaneously moving your hands. Bend as far possible. Remain in that position for a few seconds or till you feel comfortable. Now, gently come back to the original position. Repeat this exercise by bending to the left side. Perform this action about five times. Practice these exercises regularly. Remember, about 30 minutes a day should be sufficient to practice these exercises.

Role of good posture:
Many experts are of the opinion that in addition to exercises, you should also cultivate the habit of good posture. That means while walking, you must keep your back erect and the chin must be straight (parallel to the ground). You must look straight; at least about twenty feet away. Keep your shoulder in a relaxed position. Wear comfortable shoes. Similarly, while in a sitting posture, sit erect and wherever possible, try to stretch your legs. These will greatly impact your attempt to improve your height.

Food and sleep habits are also important elements:
In addition to these exercises, swimming and games like volleyball also help in adding extra height. In addition to exercises, you must also adapt healthy food habits. The food must be rich in proteins and vitamins. Give up alcohol, smoking because these are known to affect the growth of HGH (Human Growth Hormones) which are crucial contributors to healthy body growth and development.
You must also get adequate sleep. You should sleep at least for about eight hours a day. You may be surprised that experts in the medical field have said that inadequate sleep will affect your HGH and this again affects your height. Keep yourself relaxed and free from stress. For this purpose, you must practice yoga and meditation under the supervision of a trained and experienced instructor.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8526482

How To Grow Taller Through Exercise

Exercise is a very important and effective technique to add a few extra inches to a short frame. Eating a healthy diet is also important, but it has to be combined with exercise. There are specific exercises that can help you increase your height successfully. They focus on the legs and spine. Doing these exercises regularly can help increase height.

Exercise For The Spinal Column And Ribs
This exercise is performed in the standing position. Place your arms at your sides and place your left foot in front of your right foot. Balance and distribute your weight evenly between the feet. Slowly shift the weight of your body to your left leg. Bend forward and bend your left knee. Raise your heel of your right leg slowly; keep the toes on the ground. Place your hand on your left knee to maintain balance. Stretch your body forward as far as you can go. Hold this position for 3 to 5 seconds and then return to the starting position. Repeat this exercise with the other leg. The exercise should be repeated 5 times for each leg.

Lumbar Vertebrae Exercise: Knee Joints And Butt
In the standing position, place your legs apart with your hands on your hips. The distance between your feet should not be too much Bend your knees and slowly lower your body into a squatting position. While squatting down, extend your arms and fingers outwards. Hold this position for a few seconds and release. Stand up and repeat the exercise 5 times.

Leg And Butt Exercise
Lie down with your legs together. Make sure that your back is flat on the floor. Place your arms to your side, with the palms placed flat on the floor. Pull the stomach in so that you can lie flat on the floor. Lift your legs up straight and then spread them apart as far as possible to create a V-shape. Cross your legs. Inhale and exhale steadily during the exercise. Repeat this exercise 12 times and then return to the starting position. Rest your legs. Repeat the exercise for another 12 times.

Lumbar Vertebrae And Leg Exercise
Begin the exercise by sitting down on the floor with your legs straight and extended forward. Point your toes forward and place your hands on your hips. Slowly and gently bend your body forward and extend your arms to touch your toes. Hold the stretch and return to the starting position. Keep your knees straight and relax. Repeat this exercise 5 times.

Lumbar Vertebra Exercise: Butt And Thighs
Stand with your hands on the back of a chair or on the edge of a table for support. Place your feet together. Your feet should be about 12 inches away from the chair or table. Slowly extend your right leg backward as far as possible while maintaining a firm hold on the chair or table for balance and support. Bring your leg down slowly and repeat the same procedure with your left leg. Perform the leg lift slowly and stretch your legs as far as possible. Use support if needed. Repeat the exercise 5 to 10 times for each leg.

If any of these exercises cause pain or discomfort, discontinue immediately and consult a doctor or any medical professional.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8527460

Gas Mask for CBRN Threats

An increase in terrorism has brought about an upgrade of materials, filters, and fitting for the gas mask. The M50 design is a concentrated effort to preserve the health and well being of the wearer through improved respiratory protection and military posture.

Not every person that wears a gas mask will be required to fire at the enemy or encroachers. When necessary, the M50 provides accurate sighting and aim because the carbon filter fits off to the side of the mask on either the right or left side.

To ensure adequate protective posture, the Department of Defense (DOD) has minimum quality standards for every part of the mask. The soft black rubber the unit is shaped from must exceed the minimum permeation requirements for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear environments to be acceptable. The six-point head harness is still the best method for securing the mask.

The M50 has been tested against radiological particles, certain chemicals, and military CB agents. It is more compact and light than its predecessor, and offers a wide field of view because the two separate lenses have been replaced by a single lens over the width of the face which reduces vision impairment. A change in filter styles makes breathing easier.

Chemical agents like mustard (HD) and VX attack the central nervous system and cause physical distress from temporary incapacitation to death. Mustard ranges in color from clear to yellow or brown. It smells like mustard, onions, or garlic. Symptoms occur from 2 to 24 hours after exposure and include blistering skin, diarrhea, vomiting, and a runny nose. The most potent nerve agent known, VX is tasteless and odorless. Its oily amber liquid is slow to evaporate. Methods of exposure are eye and skin contact or inhalation. Blurred vision, excessive sweating, rapid breathing, and abdominal pain are typical symptoms.

A gas mask is only part of the full gear necessary to keep your body safe from the hazards of nuclear detonation and radiation. Humans cannot taste, feel, smell, or see radiation, usually dispersed from 'dirty bombs' in pellet or powder form.

Two common biological agents are smallpox and botulism. The sore throat, muscle aches, and mild fever caused by anthrax, which has no particular smell, color, or taste, are not contagious.

The shortest duration of respiratory protection for a carbon filter fitted mask is 15 minutes, followed by 30 and 45 minutes. Masks with a chest or back-held filter are approved for 60, 90, and 120 minutes. Accessible easy-to-exchange replacements are the key to survival for any protective mask.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8618328

Why You Should Have Cancer Insurance

Cancer is a kind of health implication that impacts several people every year. The disease is usually a menace to any social class family when it strikes a family member. This might be as a result of severe challenges that can be a catalyst by lack of sufficient health insurance coverage. Cancer insurance is, therefore, a kind of supplement health insurance that is designed to regulate the risks related with the cancer disease and its multiple manifestations.

Cancer disease is unpredictable, and it can affect anybody at any time regardless of the lifestyle. This is where health insurance should play a vital role in helping to pay the non-medical cost related with the kind of treatment the diseases may require. Another thing is that the insurance should help in reducing tension and anxiety associated with these downfalls. Depending with the firm where you have registered your cover a good insurance company should pay their clients directly to enable them to control their financial necessities.

The use of technology in the current medical treatment has also increased the survival rates of affected patients dramatically. The treatment of the sickness can be an immense nightmare to the affected families since it's expensive, and it can cause very severe financial constraint on the affected family. Thus with cancer policy the individual can afford to acquire the best medical care available.
However, there is another type of insurance known as critical illness insurance. This is a type of insurance that should compensate you certain amount money if you are diagnosed against cancer or heart disease which are life threatening. The money issued is always tax-free, and you can use it the way you like such as buying personal medical care or spend it on mortgage.

The effect of health insurance can only be achieved if proper cancer insurance plan is put in place. For instance, Lump-sum cash payment is a kind of system that offers a one-time payment immediately after the first diagnosis of invasive cancer has been issued. The payment under lump-sum cash payment is not only restricted towards the treatment of cancer but also it can be channeled towards other activities. Level premiums are another example. Under this category, the premium paid for the cancer treatments remains constant, and it does not increase with the age of the insured. The advantage of registering for level premium insurance plan is that it will always record the same results since it is not affected by any change in the policy.

Planning for the future uncertainties is a decision that we can make by taking up an insurance plan. Get more details from the specialists.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8638978

The Power of Music: How Music Affects Us Emotionally and Stimulates Our Health

Music is a powerful tool in many ways. It is among the few activities in which the use of the whole brain is involved. Besides, it is essential in all cultures and can have astounding benefits for learning language, boosting memory and concentration, and also for physical coordination and development.

The health of the physical body is intricately tied to our emotional, mental and spiritual health. This makes music a powerful catalyst for healing since it touches our souls - the very core of humanity. Mostly, exposure to various kinds of music has benefits. However, very loud or jarring music, or music that interferes with our concentration on something we are trying to do can be distracting.
Remedy for the Blues

A large number of people claim that their spirits are lifted as they listen to music. In every culture, legend has it that music is the "soul medication". The psychotherapeutic benefits of music are actually confirmed by modern study. Bright and jolly music such as Mozart, Vivaldi, Salsa, bluegrass, Klezmer and reggae is the most evident prescription for the blues.

If you have been keen enough on how you react to a variety of music, definitely you may have noted that some music seems to energize you, while another can cause you to shed tears or evoke a special memory of a time, certain place or a person. There is some music that seems to make you relax, less tense, and feel jollier

Music provides us with relief from stress in various ways. It is helpful when it comes to opening up ourselves emotionally and releasing negative feelings. If one opens the door to it, music via our mind and emotion can be very beneficial to our health. Experts say that certain types of music in fact lower blood pressure and heart rate and normalize breathing. For people with hypertension and conditions associated with it, music may probably be more powerful and safer than some treatment drugs!
Music Boosts Immunity

Music can essentially boost the immune function. The explanation offered by scientists is that it is possible for a certain genre of music to create a positive and deep emotional experience. This tends to trigger the secretion of immune-boosting hormones. Thus, it contributes to the decrease in certain factors that are responsible for ailments. Also, the levels of cortisol, a stress-related hormone are said to drop when a person either listens to music or sings. There is a potential decrease in immune response when levels of cortisol rise.

Negative music can be harmful!

Music that is filled with negative emotions such as hate or fear can be emotionally and physically harmful. What it does is to inspire more fear and trigger imbalance and disease. Also, just the same way a jackhammer hurts our ears with the vibrations it sets up, music with either inharmonious frequencies or hateful lyrics tends to set up jarring vibrations in our bodies and souls. Thus, we should beware of the negative impact of noisy sounds and negative music, countering them with positive music created out of love.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8641873

Discuss an Individual Screening Regimen With Your Gynecologist

Medical research over the past decade has led to breakthroughs in the prevention and treatment of cancer, diabetes, AIDS, and other conditions. Additionally, medical discoveries have also challenged long-held beliefs about disease screening. As a result of the fast-paced nature of medical research, it is not uncommon to read about conflicting or surprising findings, especially in the area of women's health. New discoveries have led doctors to believe that screenings such as Pap smears should be conducted less frequently than previously thought. It is understandably confusing to figure out how frequently you should have a health screening. Therefore, women should meet with their gynecologist to come up with an individualized examination schedule that promotes good health.

Not long ago, doctors recommended that female patients have an annual Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer along with their yearly pelvic examination. In 2012, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), along with the American Cancer Association and the U.S. Preventative Task Force suggested that most women could go three years between Pap smears. Following this suggestion, medical experts began to ask whether the annual well-woman exam was necessary, particularly in women with no symptoms.

Whether you should keep an annual appointment with your gynecologist is a decision that should be made following a discussion with your doctor. You should take into consideration the other health checks that occur during your annual well-woman visit before dismissing it. Your gynecologist will check your blood pressure, weight, provide immunizations, check for sexually transmitted diseases, perform a clinical breast exam, and order any other tests he or she feels are appropriate. He or she can also discuss your reproductive health.

Additionally, most women are used to getting a Pap smear annually, so they are likely to keep making that appointment with a physician who is familiar with their history. For women who are otherwise healthy, this may be the only time they see a doctor over the course of the year. A regular exam with a doctor familiar with your history and lifestyle can help detect any problems early while they are easy to treat.

In addition to your well-woman exam, you should also periodically screen for cholesterol, diabetes, and colon cancer. The frequency of these tests will depend on your age and history. Some disease screenings do not require an office visit. Women should conduct a monthly breast self-exam, and a skin self-exam. Your gynecologist can teach you how to properly check your breasts for lumps or suspicious masses. The Skin Cancer Foundation suggests that you do a monthly check for changes in moles or new growths, which could be a sign of skin cancer. Finally, women who are not in monogamous relationships should also have annual screenings for HIV and other STDs, which can be conducted at a community clinic, and often for free.

Wonderful medical breakthroughs are made almost every day. They will likely result in an even better understanding of the human body and the way we treat diseases. Even then, a personalized screening schedule you discuss with your physician will help keep you in top physical condition.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8644069

Your Dental Health Can Impact Your Physical Well Being

Of course you know that regular visits to the dentist will keep your smile looking great, but did you know that the health of your teeth can actually impact your overall health? That's right. Recent studies have shown that your mouth is a good indicator for what is going on in your body. Those who have good dental health tend to also be in good overall physical condition while those who have poor dental health often have other systemic conditions.

Dentists not only help you keep your teeth looking great, but they can also quickly identify many systemic conditions. In addition, keeping your mouth clean and healthy can prevent other conditions from worsening or from developing at all.

Gum Disease and Health Complications
It has been shown that there is a correlation between your cardiovascular health and the health of your teeth and gums. The more advanced periodontal disease is, the greater the risk you have of experiencing a heart attack or stroke.

Additional studies have pointed to a relationship between poor dental health in pregnant women with lower than average birth weights and pre-term deliveries.

These studies also point to the fact that 90% of all systemic diseases have oral symptoms. These symptoms include swollen, tender gums, mouth ulcers, bleeding of the gums and even dry mouth. Diseases that include such oral manifestations include diabetes, leukemia, oral and pancreatic cancer, and heart and kidney disease.

Believe it or not, those that undergo routine dental cleanings may have the best chances of catching systemic conditions early as dentists are often the only healthcare provider many individuals see more than once per year.

What You Can Do
Seeing your dentist at least twice per year not only ensures that your teeth are clean and healthy, but will also allow you an extra opportunity to keep other health conditions under control. Having regular dental examinations can not only ensure that you ward off tooth decay, it can also help you pinpoint issues in your diet as well as keep an eye on the development of health related conditions. It is important that you work with your dentist as a part of your healthcare team and keep him or her apprised of any changes in your health during your regular dental screenings. It is also important to schedule appointments with your dentist when you experience changes in your mouth.

In addition to maintaining a good professional dental health routine, it is important to ensure that you are following a complete dental care routine at home. Brushing two to three times per day for at least two minutes as well as daily flossing will go a long way to helping you maintain not only your dental health but your overall well-being.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8634988

Dental Tourism - The Importance of a Smile

There is a lot of conversation about mental health, wellness, homeopathic medicine and much more but the bottom line is when you feel good about yourself you generally feel pretty good. Have you ever noticed that poor person that is embarrassed by the state of their teeth and tries to surreptitiously cover their mouth or turn away while talking?

A Step towards Affordability, Dental Tourism
I have noticed this and I feel bad because the person is not fooling anyone and it is obvious that this is a heavy burden to bear. Dental work can be very expensive in the United States and Canada, however if you can afford it science has made almost any dental problem fixable using the latest technologies that includes implants, partial implants, full mouth restorations, veneers, Lumineers and more. In my business as webmaster to several dentists I have had to become a bit of an expert for my dental clients and with the type of research that I do revolving around keywords and how many people search for them and how much people are paying per phrase to advertise I have a pretty good feel for the interest levels of the varying procedures.

Full Mouth Restoration Takes the Day
With all of our studies it seems that in dental tourism procedures like full mouth restorations and people looking to move from dentures to implants are among the most sought procedures. This is true both for the dentists and the patients and represents a win for both parties. These procedures quite obviously provide the biggest savings and thus breeds some of the most competitive advertising and pricing in the industry. In Costa Rica for example one can save as much as $50,000 for a full mouth restoration over Canada and the United States. Unsurprisingly searches for such drastic reconstructions are also quite heavy, especially when it comes to the possibility of saving almost 70% while traveling to a beautiful place like Costa Rica while realizing said savings.

As Reputations Grow...
As dentists in Costa Rica grow in both reputation and customer base the word continues to spread about the world. Costa Rica has become the most important destination for dental tourism patients from North America in the last several years. Much can be attributed to the fact that Costa Rica is already a very popular and easily accessible tourist destination thus many people return from such vacations touting what a unique and special place is Costa Rica. However more importantly the reputation of what wonderful dentistry is on offer in Costa Rica is the real draw. Remember that while many of the procedures discussed are considered cosmetic, the reality is that the confidence that emanates from having a nice smile can truly be a life changing experience.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8648347

The Real Reason You’re Not Getting Enough Sleep

It’s time to give your Twitter refresh button a break: Web browsing throughout the day may cut into your sleep time, according to a new study conducted by the Technology Policy Institute.

Researchers collected data from the American Time Use Survey, which tracks the time people spend doing different activities such as work, volunteering, and socializing. The findings? Every minute someone surfs the web—checking social media, watching online movies, reading e-mail—was correlated with a seven-second sleep loss. 

While that number might not seem like a big deal, consider this: If you spend three hours online in a day, that means you’re likely to lose 20 minutes of sleep that night—which can seriously screw with your body. And although the study doesn’t prove computer time causes sleep deprivation, it does show a relationship between online activity and sleep deprivation.

Sure, it’s hard to disconnect and live offline with today’s technology—but it’s not as hard as you may think to get more sleep. Try a few sleep postures to get comfy and cozy between the sheets. If that doesn’t work, these 15 sleeping tips should help. And if you absolutely can’t resist checking your Facebook before bed, this simple tech trick can make sure you still score a solid snooze.

3 Morning Habits That Can Wreck Your Day

So many things can make for a less-than-ideal morning: like hitting a traffic jam in the middle of your commute or realizing you’ve forgotten an umbrella just as a downpour hits. Some things are out of your hands—but other little morning habits could be starting you off on the wrong foot. Set yourself up for the best day possible by nixing these bad-for-you a.m. behaviors.

You Drink Coffee Too Early
Is there really a bad time for coffee? Yup. Energy levels rise naturally when you first wake up, so drinking coffee then causes an extra energy surge that can leave you jittery, says Steven Miller, a Ph.D. candidate in neuroscience at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in Maryland. You’ll reap the most benefits from coffee if you save it for an hour after you’ve gotten out of bed. That’s when your energy levels begin to plummet, so coffee keeps them up well into the afternoon.

Your Breakfast is Too Small
A handful of berries mixed into a container of Greek yogurt may sound like the perfect healthy breakfast, but it can set you up to binge in the afternoon. Not only is it just not enough food, but it’s also lacking in some nutrients that are key to ensuring you feel full until your next meal, says nutrition expert Michelle Davenport, Ph.D. A filling breakfast should consist of around 15 grams of protein, 2.5 grams of fiber, complex carbs, and some healthy fat, says Davenport. A morning meal that contains all of those isn’t going to clock in at less than 450 calories—it’s just impossible—so you’ll want to make sure your breakfast’s at least that big. On the go? You can make these healthy breakfasts in just five minutes.

You Check Your E-mail First Thing 
This is one nasty habit you should break ASAP. Checking your inbox the moment you open your eyes in the morning can set you up for stress all day long, says Melissa McCreery, Ph.D., founder of Too Much on Her Plate. Instead of worrying about work first thing, focus on starting your morning with an activity that calms you—exercising, sipping a cup of tea, or talking to a roommate. This will actually help boost your productivity and get your creative juices flowing—which will pay off at work way more than checking that e-mail from your boss would.

The Best Sleep Posture for You

Most women have trouble scoring between the sheets—scoring ample shut-eye, that is. Nearly 80 percent have problems sleeping at least a few times a month, and 23 percent have issues almost every night, according to an exclusive Women's Health survey. What's worse, per the National Sleep Foundation, half of all women regularly wake up feeling unrefreshed, which can strain the body, muddle the mind, and increase risks for ailments such as diabetes and depression.

What's to blame? Not just too-few hours in the sack. The way you lie down is a major factor in the quality of your slumber. The wrong sleep position can cause muscle cramping, impair circulation, and leave you hurting come the a.m. And for the millions of women with preexisting aches (such as back pain) a bad sleep pose can spark a vicious cycle: It can exacerbate pain, which can lead to insomnia, which can lead to more health woes, which can lead to even more sleepless nights.

Now for the help: It's relatively easy to switch up your mattress stance. Read on to score better sleep, starting tonight.

If You Have. . .Heartburn
Lie on your left side
"Because of where our organs are situated, sleeping on the left puts less pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter," says sleep specialist Priyanka Yadav, D.O., of the Sleep for Life Center in Hillsborough, New Jersey. (That sphincter is the hatch that food passes through on its way to the gut. When it's stressed, burning stomach acid can creep back up, irritating your throat.)
Lie on your left side with your arms resting comfortably in front of you. Bend your knees and curl your legs slightly toward your upper body into a semi-fetal position. If you have really bad heartburn, roll onto your back and use a few pillows to prop up your chest and head. Or raise the head of your bed by up to six inches by slipping bricks under your bed frame.

If You Have. . .Back Pain
Lie on your side, with your legs supported
Some 40 percent of women suffer spinal issues, according to The Clinical Journal of Pain, and many of those originate—or get worse—between the sheets, because a wonky sleep pose can throw off spinal alignment for hours, says Robert S. Rosenberg, D.O., medical director of the Sleep Disorders Centers of Prescott Valley and Flagstaff, Arizona.

The key is to keep your spine in a neutral, naturally curved position. Lie on your side and put a slight bend in your knees, stacking your hips in a straight line (letting your top hip flop forward will rotate your lumbar spine, fueling more pain). Place a firm pillow or two in between your knees so that your legs are propped about hip-width apart. Your arms can relax out in front of you. If this feels funny at first, don't give up. Sleeping with extra padding takes practice.

If You Have. . .Sinus Pain
Lie on your side, propped up
Anytime you're congested—be it from allergies, a sinus infection, or a plain old cold—avoid snoozing on your back. Doing so means your mouth can fall open during the night, drying out what's stuffed you up (hardened mucus can keep you congested, says Rosenberg). Instead, lie on your side with an extra pillow under your head and let gravity help with drainage. Don't forget that when your head is up high, your arms will need extra support, so hug a pillow. Arrange your legs in a comfy, slightly bent pose.

If You Have. . .Shoulder Pain
Lie on your side, in a "hug" pose
Shoulder pain has many culprits (a heavy handbag, slouching), but chief among them is a thorny side-sleeping position. Yep, sleeping on your side can both cause and alleviate shoulder pain. It's all in the particulars, says Rosenberg.

Many women make the mistake of tucking their bottom arm under their head, which strains the brachial plexus, a network of nerves that controls the shoulder, arm, and hand. "It's like sleeping with a 10-pound weight on your arm, and it pinches the nerves," he says.
First, keep off your sore side. Lie on your pain-free side with your legs slightly bent. Extend your bottom arm straight out in front of you, then bring it in, using both arms to hug a pillow to your chest. As with back pain, avoid flopping your top leg forward (to help alignment, place a pillow between your thighs). If both shoulders are aching, switch to a back pose and keep your arms relaxed at your sides.

If You Have. . .PMS
Lie on your back
Weird but true: When you're moody, bloated, and crampy, avoid curling up in a ball in bed—or passing out on your stomach. Lying on your side lets gravity tug on already-tender breast ligaments (ouch!); lying facedown puts excess weight and pressure on your uterus, causing irritation and more cramping, says Rosenberg.
Get your best PMS shut-eye on your back. Place a pillow under your knees to keep your lower spine from arching too much, which could amp up soreness in the lower back. Keep your arms neutral at your sides. (If you're still sore, try putting another pillow under your knees for even more lower-body support.)

If You Have. . .Sore Hips
Lie on your back
Around 15 percent of women have bursitis, also known as "runner's hip," a painful condition that stems from inflammation of the hip joint. Ouch-all-night bursitis can make z's seem impossible, but there is a solution: Get off your side. "Sleeping on your injured side is the last thing you want to do," says Yadav. Side-lying poses put undue pressure on your hips, pushing them into the mattress. Dozing on your back gives your hips a break from the near-constant stress of walking and sitting all day. If it feels good, prop a pillow under your knees for added support.

If You Have. . .An Achy Jaw
Lie on your back, faceup
Nighttime teeth-grinding, or bruxism, is a genetic condition that affects about 8 percent of adults. It has been linked to stress, anxiety, and sleep disorders; it also does a painful number on your teeth and jaw—and can even change the shape of your face! If you suspect you grind at night, lie on your back and face the ceiling. This allows the lower jaw to fall into a natural position and the facial muscles to relax, says Carolyn Taggart-Burns, D.D.S., of the Academy of General Dentistry. "I tell my patients to sleep on their back with their lips closed but teeth open," she says. To lower your chances of turning your head, try to keep your arms straight at your sides (people often subconsciously turn toward a bent arm).

If You Have. . .A Stiff Neck
Lie on your back
Those pancake-flat pillows you've had since college aren't doing your neck any favors. (Ditto for those extra-puffy numbers you found on sale.) A pillow that puts your noggin on an upward or downward slope can compress the cervical spine, strain neck muscles, and cause soreness—especially if you're lying on your stomach or side, says Laelle Martin, D.C., a chiropractor in Tacoma, Washington.

Most people with neck pain benefit from sleeping on their back with their neck in a neutral (read: straight) position, which involves finding a pillow that supports that alignment. Keep your arms relaxed and by your sides; don't let them sneak up behind your head. If you know your neck pain stems from something like a herniated disk, ask your doctor about skipping a pillow altogether and sleeping with your head flat on the mattress, which can help straighten the neck.

How Important Is Liver Function?

The liver is the workhorse of our body and at the same time it functions like a landfill or rubbish pit where all the toxins finish up. Exposure to many toxins is part of today's lifestyle and avoiding them is almost impossible. Without thinking of the worst scenario like living near an industrial site or near a busy freeway, or intersection with air pollution where we potentially inhale exhaust smog and heavy metals.

Toxins are everywhere especially in the food we eat and our general diet. They are in non organic fruits and vegetables, mainly the way they grown with spraying of herbicides and pesticides. The more frequent and repeated toxins come from in our every day meals of processed foods. Not only the air we inhale or the food we eat, toxins are in personal products such as make up, creams, hair products, toothpaste and even in household cleaners. These are not all, just some where toxins can come from and how our body's filter system the liver becomes overloaded.

When the liver shuts down!
Deaths caused from liver failure have increased by 40 percent in the last decade and still rising. There are several reasons for liver failure; alcohol misuse, unhealthy eating, obesity, medication and viral hepatitis. The overuse of antibiotics not only lost the war against bacteria they are lethal in many other ways including deadly effects on the liver. Statistics show that antibiotics are the single largest class of drugs that can cause fatal liver damage. Change your way of thinking, think alternatives, there are many of them work well without having the deadly effects of antibiotics. Most of the liver diseases are preventable and in most cases treatable if detected in the early stages. The liver serves a range of purpose in the body; without a functional liver you will not survive. The liver is the main filtering system of the human body where all toxins go first for elimination by the filter. Let's compare it with the car engine for a minute: On top of the carburettor is the main filter to remove all the dust and particles from the air so the engine receives clean air without doing damage to any of the moving parts. Running the engine without a filter or the lack of servicing the filter will shorten the live of the engine and stop.

How to protect the liver's filtering system and ways to flush out toxins!
It's not that hard reducing your exposure and safely flush toxins out of your body with a few simple steps and changes to your diet. Besides some medication, excessive alcohol is the quickest way to liver scleroses. The other more subtle way of liver damage comes with processed food; at first it brings on other health issues and gradually will affect the liver. How to protect the liver? The most important step is to change your diet! Eat certain foods to improve liver function; nothing else will have a more positive effect than to nourish your liver with the right food. Certain healthy foods are necessary to improve function of the liver and to help protect it from toxic damage or even help to detoxify. Choose sulphur-containing foods, like garlic, onions, eggs, any food with soluble fibre that will activate liver enzymes and is essential for liver detoxification. A good soluble fibre is also found in pears, avocados, apples which are rich in antioxidants to help reduce liver damage and protect the body from toxic surplus. Leafy greens are also important to remove chemicals; such as the brassica family are best to include spinach, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, cauliflower etc., also include cinnamon and turmeric.

Cleanse with vegetable juice!
Vegetable juice is another way to help the body to detoxify and cleanse. Make your own juices at home with fresh vegetables; drinking a glass or two for up to five days will cleanse organs, produce better digestion and clear many skin conditions. Fresh organic vegetables become first priority because they contain no pesticides, fungicides or herbicides. When juicing try beets, lemon, ginger and kale; they taste delicious and contain fibre pectin, which helps remove liver toxins. Hydration is also an important part in toxin removal, although you don't want to flood your body with water, but in this situation increase your water intake to one glass every hour which brings you to approx. 8 glasses per day. To get your digestive juices flowing and boost nutrition adding lemon or lime to the water has other benefits and helps with the taste. To flush out toxins by using a good game plan will give you a healthy liver, renewed energy, peace of mind and better health overall.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8608686

To Fast or Not to Fast? That Is the Question

Breakfast, the most important meal of the day. Or is it?

We have been sold this idea for years that we must have a big hearty breakfast to 'kickstart' our metabolism and keep us full until lunchtime.

Recent studies have shown a conflict with this, especially with the explosion of intermittent fasting.
Do you agree with intermittent fasting? Is it not natural to miss a few meals here and there? Our ancestors would have gone for hours without food, or at least very little. They may have foraged a few leaves or seeds to keep them going until the big kill.

One problem with modern society is the availability of food. It's too easy to wander into a shop and purchase something, more than likely high in unwanted sugars.

As for the metabolism being kick-started by having a morning meal when we wake is a little sketchy.
Whilst we are in slumber, we are essentially fasting, this is when our largest production of growth hormone occurs. Growth hormone increases fat burning and lean tissue growth. If we extend our fast, we prolong the GH release.

Say we eat a breakfast as we wake, we stunt the production momentarily. Does that mean we actually halt metabolism rather than the common knowledge that it fires it up for the day?

I stress this is in 'normal' functioning bodies, if you are metabolically broken things change.
If we are having a breakfast, what is the best option?

I grew up on cereal for breakfast, coco pops, rice krispies, honey nut something or other. Even good old fashioned corn flakes, there healthy, right?

That's what Mr Kellogg tells us. Why, because they're low in fat?
What do you put on your cereal, milk I'm guessing, and maybe some table sugar.

Here's the problem;
Corn is a grain, it's used to fatten up pigs and such.
Milk is dairy, and although I like a drop of it myself, too much is not the best idea for fat loss, it contains a sugar called lactose. Some people have a gut reaction to this as well but that's for another day.

So, to recap we have corn and milk with a bit of sugar on top, (that's what I did anyway!)
CORN (SUGAR) + MILK (SUGAR) + SUGAR = I'll leave that one for you to conclude.

The other thing that this does is give you that insulin spike and crash, so two hours later and you are rushing for the cookies.

Or we can take the protein/fat stance. Eggs and bacon, veggie omelettes, hell why not Steak!
The protein and fat will keep you full and satisfied for a long time.

Don't forget we need saturated fat and cholesterol to thrive so eat all of the egg including the yolk. This actually is the most nutritious part. It's OK to have more than two eggs a day as well, don't limit yourself.

If you want to fast a bit longer and have breakfast at noon, that's cool. Remember the name simply implies you are 'breaking the fast'. So I guess everyone has breakfast anyway, just at different times.
If you are a morning breakfast person, that's cool too but remember your best options are the high protein, high fat varieties.

Keep clean, stay lean.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8642998

Stay Healthy and Young

Yes, it is possible for the people of all ages to keep themselves healthy, physically fit and young looking throughout their whole lives. Just take the following three steps and enjoy a healthy, happy and a long life.

1. Eat Balanced Food
It's OK to eat for taste or for fun and eat whatever you like most but only occasionally. Remember, if you develop bad eating habits then you would have to pay its price in the shape of bad health and illness. Hope you are wise enough not to play with your health.

Eat a wide variety of foods containing a good balance of carbohydrates, vitamins, food fiber and minerals, which are essential elements of a healthy diet. Eat simple and natural foods that are easily digestable and promote good health. Fruits, vegetables, green leaves, grains, whole grain breads, fish, poultry, low fat dairy products, honey, nuts etc. are good and nourishing food. Limit you intake of full-fat milk, full-fat yogurt, cheese, chocolate, ice cream, milk shakes, cakes, eggs, all kind of fried foods, red meat, sugar and salt.

2. Exercise Regularly
A simple way of living a healthy life is to exercise regularly. Regular exercise keeps your body in good shape, physically as well as mentally. It increases your stamina, builds and tones your muscles and energize your whole body. It also reduces the chances of having heart attacks, colon cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure.

Engage yourself in some kind of regular exercise of your own choice; brisk walking, jogging, hiking, swimming, dancing, cycling, skiing, climbing, aerobics or yoga. These are good exercises. Choose one or more exercises which you like most. Do it regularly. Give top priority to your health. Put it in your agenda. Make it a part of your goal.

3. Get Rid of Negativity
If you are a person with negative approach to everything then nothing will work for you. Even eating the balanced diet and taking part in regular physical activity will not show any sign of recovery in your body if it is charged with negativity. Get rid of negative feelings about yourself and others.

Think positive, feel positive, be friendly with positive people, read a lot of self improvement and motivational material and charge your body with positive currents. Depression, stress, tension and anxiety are the products of negative thinking about life and thus increases your chances of having a heart attack and other diseases like colon cancer, high blood pressure, indigestion problems, gastric troubles, body pains, headaches etc.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/19651

Health News: The Secret To Good Health Is Simple

How good is your health?

Most people forget that good health is the greatest asset they can have in life.

They work hard all their lives without taking proper care of themselves

for many years until one day they break down.

Don't wait until you've a nervous break down, to face the reality.

You should balance your activities with the proper amount of rest.

Some of the leading experts in the field of aging now believe that regular exercise along with the proper amount of rest may actually add years to the life span.

Results from a number of tests indicate that speed and muscular strength of many of the elderly can be extended.

Leading authorities agree that this new data is going to shatter many of the myths about aging and physical performance.

The conclusion now is that the performance and ability of the elderly has long been underestimated, diet, proper sleep and exercise along with rest and relaxation are all important factors in preserving our bodies.

Laughter is one of the best things for your mental and physical state.

People are naturally attracted to someone who has a good sense of humor.
You can develop a good outlook and a good sense of humor by associating with and surrounding yourself with pleasant happy people.

Recognize that stress is a killer. A life filled with stress can really wreak havoc on your body causing a number of illnesses such as hear attacks, strokes, asthma, gastric problems, menstrual disorders, ulcerative colitis, angina, irritable colon, increased blood pressure, ulcers, headaches, etc.

There are different types of stress such as mental, emotional and physical.

Emotional stress seems to take the greatest toll on everyone.

All stress is not bad; in fact, life would not be very interesting if it were not met with challenges.
However, too much stress, too often with no effective and appropriate outlet, does not allow the body and soul to recuperate.

You might review a typical week to see if you can identify things that might be making you anxious or causing you stress.

Once identified, stressors can be attacked and eliminated.
Are you a worrier? Chronic worriers don't have more serious problems than others - they just think they do.

Many worriers try to cope by trying not to think about their problems, but this just makes things worse.

Doctors say that chronic worriers feel less anxious if they actually spend a half-hour a day thinking specifically about their problems.

Get plenty of exercise. People who are physically fit look good and feel good.
A good exercise regimen will lengthen your life. Improve your appearance, build self confidence and help delay the aging process.

Remember that you need to do something physical every day.
If you don't use your joints, quite simply they'll tighten up with age to create the stooped, bent and worn out appearance we so often associate with old age.
Studies have shown that people with arthritis experience less pain if they continue to keep their joints flexible.

As one gets older, the bones tend to get brittle which is why it is common for senior citizens to break bones and especially their hips when they fall.
Eating right, getting proper sleep and learning to relax are all very valuable in maintaining a healthy body and mind.

And keep in mind that eating healthy foods and avoiding those high in fats, sodium and cholesterol will help to decrease your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and associated problems.
May these good health news and insights help you to live a longer, healthy and happy life.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/19151

Relax Your Way To Weight Loss and Good Health

I want to talk about the effect that stress and sleep deprivation may have on your weight. I spent the last six years of my life in Los Angeles partaking in the âRat Raceâ. Two things I discovered: only rats win the rat race and stress can play havoc on you emotionally, spiritually and physically. This stress can lead to weight gain and what is worse if you are trying to lose weight while you are stressed out or fatigued you will not gain any ground.

The reason is a little stress chemical called Cortisol. Cortisol aids the body in recovering from the effects of stressful experiences. Cortisol instructs the liver to release sugar into the blood and triggers the body to release storehouses of fat and muscle so the body can use it for energy. There is another piece to the cortisol puzzle and that is is also slows everything down so the body can replenish energy stores.

We all have cortisol circulating in the blood at all times. But after stressful situations our cortisol levels increase dramatically. So letâs say for instance you are experiencing a constant stream of stressful situations. After enough of these episodes, the body adjusts its control mechanism in the pituitary gland to maintain a higher constant amount of cortisol in the body. Continually elevated levels of cortisol can have long-term health effects including but not limited to weight gain, heart disease, ulcers, insulin resistance, and hypertension.

While cortisol may have served us well while we were a bunch of knuckle dragging Neanderthals fighting for our lives, 21st century living for the most part has kept us from facing daily life threatening situations. Unfortunately for most of us we have replaced those threats of the past with screaming bosses, unruly children and unreasonable partners all which can cause elevated levels of cortisol to be delivered into our bodies.

Stress is determined by what an individual perceives as stressful. The answer to balance lies in not taking things personally and finding ways to relax the mind and body. There have been many infomercials and advertisements touting the benefits of their âsnake oilâ to lower cortisol levels. Let me assure you, none of these claims are true and some of these marketers of these products are now facing indictments and large civil lawsuits.

After talking with several physicians the answer is always the same, manage your physical and emotional stress levels. This can be achieved through, meditation, massage, long walks, deep breathing exercises, Yoga, Tai Chi, basically anything relaxing and of course spending time with people who comfort you. By practicing these relaxation methods you will be able to bring your cortisol levels down. This coupled with a healthy balanced diet and exercise will result in a long life and slim physique.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/14278

Test, Yes This is a Test

As an MS victim individual, I never dreamed that I would be disabled. Who would, unless they were in to nightmares? Who would ever expect to become a burden to others, dependent on friends and loved ones for things that we all take for granted? Sure, these things do happen, but they would never happen to me. Right?

I am certain that most of us MSers share this basic feeling, regardless of gender. What I believe matters most are what we do with our lives once the reality sets in. Maybe, it doesn't fully sink in for some time? It didn't for me. I was going to beat this thing, bounce back, overcome the dread disease, in the same way I had always successfully overcome obstacles, by shear determinations: resolve, action, faith and âWill~Power!â This is a test.

Well, it was most frustrating to discover that my old methods of passing the tests were largely ineffective in the battle to be normal again. I had the resolve, just not the endless reservoir of energy from which I could always draw.

I would take actions, affirmative actions! Some of them impulsive and not affirmed by my physicians and professionals who have had experience with âProblem~Patients,â like me. I would become a test for them. I would even become their problem. Yeah, as if they didnât already have enough tests of their own going on in their professional and personal lives?

OK, I would defeat this deceitful devil then with faith. If I havenât been as close to my Devine Maker, Iâll see is I can be reunited. Heb.11:1 says, âFaith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not yet seen.â Well, I havenât any problem with the hope aspect, at least. And
James 2:26: âFor just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.â I am already into the works by my taking actions. Right? If Iâm not getting the desired results, perhaps I will need to study further? Job 36:15: âHard times and trouble are God's way of getting our attention!âI am not really certain I like that...

Increasing my frustration was the fact that the strength, I could muster, was being increasingly consumed by mundane tasks involving movements. Simple things, like taking out the trash, were not so simple anymore. Everything, it seemed, was now a major task, an incredible object to be overcome.

At every turn, the same ugly question loomed, âShould I do it myself, or ask someone with legs that work to do it for me?â Tough test for an individual who has been independent. I suspect that this feeling of frustration has engulfed virtually every person with a debilitating disease or physical injury. Our response to this critical question is the subject of this article.

For slow learners, like myself, who resist what ~ we must come to realize ~ would have saved other people an incredible amount of frustration, this is an âOpen~bookâ test. Question: âShould we routinely ask others to help us?â Answer: âWe should ask for help.â

If our marriages and relationships survive, we learn to appreciate our partnerâs commitments to us ~ in ways well beyond what we might have ever imagined that person capable of. Maybe, we might wonder, if the situations were reversed, would I have been so committed? I hope so, but really ~ I wonder ~ would I have been?

When we fail to ask our partners or others for assistance, even when we want to believe we can do it ourselves, we put even more of a burden on the very ones we donât want to bother. Hey, they are bothered! I see it is a selfish act to cause people who care about us to worry that we might cause injury to ourselves or to others.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/14290

Being Nice Can Be Hazardous to Your Health

"Mom, what did the doctor say about your liver function
tests?" Martha and her mother Leah spent plenty of time on
the phone the days before the follow-up doctor visit talking
about what this abnormal blood test could mean. With a heavy
sigh Leah said, "Well, the doctor looked like he was having
a hard day, and there were lots of people in the waiting
room and they looked very sick, so I didnâEUR(TM)t ask." Martha
said, "If you took care of yourself with just a fraction of
the nurturing you give to everyone else in the whole world,
you would be in great shape."

LeahâEUR(TM)s life is guided by two words: "Be nice." In her
perfect day, everyone gets along, she anticipates and meets
the needs of others and goes to sleep knowing sheâEUR(TM)s a worthy
person because people tell her so. Leah avoids conflict and
she would never dream of making a scene. When she gave the
cashier at the grocery store a $20 bill for a $7 item and
got back $3 she didnâEUR(TM)t say a word. Her perfectionism usually
heads off criticism, but sometimes it backfires. She tried
to help her adult son, who said with annoyance, "Mom, stop
being such a people-pleaser." LeahâEUR(TM)s darkest fear is that
she will not give enough and wind up all alone, abandoned by
her friends and family.

While being nice sounds like a good idea, thereâEUR(TM)s a problem.
It doesnâEUR(TM)t work. People pleasers often take care of others
at the expense of themselves. Activities that promote
health, like the daily walk and a good nightâEUR(TM)s sleep are
sacrificed when someone else is in need. Trying to avoid or
ignore conflict and anger is like trying to hold a beach
ball under water. Unexpressed feelings can pop up as
physical ailments, such as heartburn or depression or back
pain. When your value as a person is defined by what other
people think about you, and you donâEUR(TM)t measure up, food or
alcohol medicate the emptiness.

If youâEUR(TM)re a people-pleaser who gets sick, the same behaviors
that got you to the doctor in the first place may stand in
the way of getting good health care. You might not want to
"trouble your doctor" with your problems. If you have side
effects from a medication, you might simply stop taking the
pills rather than tell your doctor that you want to try a
different medication. A cross look from the front office
staff when you ask for a copy of your medical record may be
all you need to decide that youâEUR(TM)re not doing that again.
The bottom line is that being nice can be hazardous to your
health. It erodes your health and impairs your ability to
get better if youâEUR(TM)re sick.

I invite you to examine how being nice is working for you.
Serving others offers great rewards. Serving at the expense
of yourself comes with a huge cost that ultimately limits
your ability to serve. You can be freed from the
imprisonment of people-pleasing. If you want to treat
yourself with more love and respect, here are some thoughts.
Re-think being nice.

People-pleasing is a learned behavior that can be unlearned.
Although habits may be deeply engrained, small changes can
make a huge difference. Next time youâEUR(TM)re asked to volunteer,
instead of jumping in with a "Yes", say, instead, "IâEUR(TM)ll get
back to you on that." You will come to understand that "no"
is a complete sentence, and you can utter the word! If you
canâEUR(TM)t imagine doing this, use this "fake it till you make it
trick"...tell yourself that youâEUR(TM)re taking care of your
childrenâEUR(TM)s father, your motherâEUR(TM)s daughter or your petâEUR(TM)s
owner.

Take care of yourself every day.
Get exercise, nutrition and rest every day. Do something
that recharges your batteries every day no matter what. ItâEUR(TM)s
a cliché, but when youâEUR(TM)re on a plane youâEUR(TM)re instructed to
put on your own mask before taking care of others.
Bring an advocate with you to the doctor.
Engaging in acts of self-care, like going to the doctor, can
feel like swimming upstream to a people-pleaser. Being nice
takes the form of being a good patient who doesnâEUR(TM)t make
waves.

Here is something critical to remember: You are not there to
take care of your doctor; your doctor is there to take care
of you. In the past you may have made your medical choices
by raising your antennae and tuning into what you think will
make your doctor happy. You certainly want your doctorâEUR(TM)s
opinion, and in most cases you will agree with your doctorâEUR(TM)s
recommendations. Sometimes getting good care means making
waves, like asking , "What are the other treatment options?"
or requesting a more complete explanation or seeking a
second medical opinion.

While itâEUR(TM)s always a good idea to take a second set of
listening ears to a doctor appointment, itâEUR(TM)s particularly
important if youâEUR(TM)re a people-pleaser. An advocate will
assure that you and your health care team stay focused on
taking care of you.
Accept help.

People-pleasers can give from dawn to dusk, but they rarely
accept help, even when theyâEUR(TM)re sick. When I ask my patients
who are people-pleasers how it feels to help a friend
struggling with illness, the answer is a broad smile. Then I
remind them that when they accept help, they give their
friends a chance to have those same good feelings.

If you are a people-pleaser, your heart might be racing. I
assure you IâEUR(TM)m not asking to give up serving others. IâEUR(TM)m
suggesting that a healthy life is a life in balance, and I
encourage you to treat yourself as nicely as you treat
others. When you take care of yourself, you offer us the
gift of most fully who you are. Then you can really serve.

It's more important than ever to take an active role in your
healthcare. The best way to get top-quality, safe and
effective healthcare is to actively and knowledgably
participate.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/14357

7 Simple Steps To Health and Fitness Success

Let's take a look at seven simple steps you can take right now to move you rapidly along toward your fitness goals.

Think on paper: Only about 3 percent of adults have clear, written goals. These people accomplish five and ten times as much as people without written goals.

Step 1: Decide Exactly What You Want. This will allow you to prioritize your tasks to that you are spending the most time on high value tasks that move you closer to your goals. If your goal is to add 20 pounds of muscle, there isn't much point in using up a lot of you training time by jogging 5 miles a day.

Step 2: Write It Down. Again, think on paper. Written goals are a powerful thing. They have an energy behind them that helps you move toward them that unwritten goals just don't have.

Step 3: Set A Deadline On Your Goal. Create a sense of urgency and positive pressure. Without a deadline you will procrastinate and do the little things that may damage your short term goals. If you are having "after" pictures

taken in three weeks then you are much less likely to swallow that bag of popcorn, than if you are just getting in shape...eventually.

Step 4: Make a list of everything you can think of that you will need to do to help you achieve your goal. Leave nothing to chance. The more planning you do ahead of time, the more likely you will stick to the plan and achieve your goals. The more prepared you are, the more success you will experience.

Step 5: Organize the list into a plan. Organize your list by priority and sequence.

Step 6: Take action on your plan immediately. Do something. Get started. Start building positive reinforcement and momentum RIGHT NOW.

Step 7: Resolve to do something every single day that moves you toward your major goal. And with fitness, you have to, don't you? Whether it is your workout, eating six high protein meals, etc. you should always be doing something that moves your forward toward your goals.

Don't just read these tips and nod your head. Activel use them. They will make a big difference, not just in your health and fitness goals but in your life in general.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6771

Taking Charge of Our Bone Health

As I've aged, the traits I inherited from my mother have become more noticeable:

• A tendency to pick up pieces of lint from the carpet.
• Long good-byes to relatives when leaving a wedding or baby shower; or that more common gathering nowadays - funerals.
• Reading the daily death notices (just checking to make sure I'm still on this side of the dirt).
• Talking to myself, a little trait I need to be careful of when I'm out in public.
• Forgetting the punch lines to jokes.

Then there's one disturbing inheritance: my mother had osteoporosis, which caused her bones to thin and weaken, leaving her vulnerable to hip and other fractures. Her body shrunk, and her posture was hunched. The fact that she had this condition leads to a greater risk that I'll develop it.

For me, unavoidable risk factors include my race (Caucasian), my gender (female) and a small body frame. I'm also over 50 and have reached menopause. Certain autoimmune disorders can lead to a higher risk of this condition, however I'm lucky enough not have any of those conditions.

As with many other age-related conditions, there are things we can do to protect ourselves from osteoporosis.

Controllable risk factors include:
• Not enough calcium and vitamin D intake
• Not eating enough fruits and vegetables
• Being sedentary,
• Drinking too many cola products and other caffeinated beverages
• Taking in too much protein and sodium
• Smoking cigarettes and drinking too much alcohol

My doctor has told me that I have osteopenia, which is simply lower than normal bone density. This increases my risk of developing osteoporosis, so I'm taking steps to build stronger bones. I eat low- or non-fat dairy products, including Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and milk (or for a change, almond milk, which is also high in calcium). I often replace my pop at lunch with water, or a decaffeinated beverage. I walk and jog regularly, which are both weight-bearing exercises. I also do muscle strengthening exercises with light weights three times a week. Research has shown that these types of exercises helps increase our bone mass.

Even non-impact exercises can help, even though they don't directly impact bone mass. These include Tai Chi, exercises for posture and functional living exercises. Health experts point out that by increasing our body strength and flexibility, we can decrease our risk of falls which lead to broken bones.

Common medical treatments for osteoporosis include bisphosphonates, which are marketed under a variety of drug names. These medications are used to increase bone density and lower the risk of broken bones as we age. Medical providers can provide information and guidance about the use of these treatments.

Millions of us in the United States have osteoporosis, which gives us another reason to fear aging. I don't know about you, but I don't want to be afraid to get old. I want to do what I can to protect myself as much as I can from conditions that take away from life's enjoyment, such as this bone-draining condition.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8628034