Too sick to work? Need health care? Take a number (AP)
December 23, 2008 | Leave a Comment
AP - Master toolmaker John McClain built machine parts with details so small they couldn’t be seen with the naked eye. Then a lump on his neck turned out to be cancer.
Source:Too sick to work? Need health care? Take a number
(AP)
FDA warns against some diet pills sold on the Web (AP)
December 23, 2008 | Leave a Comment
AP - If you’re looking for a little help shedding extra pounds after the holidays, the government is warning you to stay away from nearly 30 weight-loss products that contain unlisted and possibly dangerous ingredients.
Source:FDA warns against some diet pills sold on the Web
(AP)
Fade Stretch Marks: Is It Possible?
December 23, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Is there a method to fade stretch marks? A resounding yes! Make stretch marks disappear? Unfortunately this is still a no. Despite the many advances in skin care technology, no treatment has yet successfully made these often than not embarrassing stripes totally disappear. However, there are now many available treatments to make stretch marks appear less conspicuous and ease associated signs (such as skin dryness) that may arise with having these marks.
Basic Facts About Your Skin and Stretch Marks
Causes
Our skin is generally a very elastic organ able to spring back to its original state. However, there are instances when the skin becomes too overstretched damaging the epidermis. The epidermal layer is responsible for secreting collagen and elastic fibers, two substances that are give skin its elasticity. Below are common causes of stretch marks:
- Abrupt Changes in Weight - When one rapidly gains weight, the skin is not given adequate time to adjust to the added mass, thus, the skin becomes overstretched. These stretch marks become more evident when one then loses the weight as they now have more texture. - Pregnancy. Common sense tells us that stretch marks occur in the abdominal region as the body accommodates the growing child. - Growth spurts. Puberty may cause certain individuals to experience rapid growth in height and muscles. - Bulking of muscles. Stretch marks associated with athletes in particular bodybuilders.
Appearance
- Stretch Mark Color - Initially stretch marks are seen as red to pinkish to purple in color that eventually become a more permanent silvery-white - Shape - crooked bands or lines or stripes that vary in length and width appearing mostly as wavelike streaks - Texture - can be flat, depressed, ridged/bumpy, or glossy
Associated Symptoms
- Dryness - Itchiness - Thickening or raised skin - Pain - Tenderness
Common Location
In general, stretch marks are seen in areas of the body where weight gain is most evident namely:
- Abdomen - Thighs - Hips - Breast - Upper arms and axillary area
Treatment
Cosmetic
- Laser therapy and chemical peels - work by removing the scarred topmost layer of the skin allowing newer and healthier skin to emerge using laser or chemicals that are acidic in nature - Microdermabrasion - exfoliates the topmost layer of the skin using very small crystals - Skin removal - usually done to those people who have loss dramatic weight resulting to excess skin Nonsurgical Intervention - Topical medications - include lotions and creams that are massaged into the skin. Most of these topical creams share similar ingredients such as vitamins A and E. Tretinoin-based cream is said to be effective in fading stretch creams. Keep in mind that since topical medications are not as aggressive as surgical ones more time is required for results to show. An added perk to topical treatments is the alleviation of other symptoms (such as creams give added moisture to dry skin). - Lifestyle improvement - healthy and clean living is recommended to keep one’s weight stable and in check. A balanced diet will provide one sufficient nutrients essential for healthy skin.
35 Reasons to add Acai berries to your diet today
December 23, 2008 | Leave a Comment
1. Acai has a protein content which is higher, ounce for ounce than that of eggs. Protein is an essential part of our bodies, comprising a large part of our organs and tissues, as well as skin, hair and nails. Acai proves to be a great source of protein for the body.
2. Acai has been used for centuries as a natural agent of detoxification - it helps to clear impurities from your body.
3. Acai helps your muscles work more efficiently, as well as assisting their recovery after a workout, due to acai’s high mineral and amino acid content.
4. Acai is also a favorite of athletes due to its lipid content, which gives your body the energy it needs to play sports; or just get through your busy day.
5. Acai helps to keep your stress level under control.
6. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties of the acai berry support sexual health and improve fertility by combating the effects of free radicals and pollutants which can reduce fertility.
7. Acai’s compliment of vitamins and minerals strengthen the immune system, leading to overall better health.
8.The antioxidants found in acai also help to reduce the effects of aging by preventing damage to your cells.
9.The antioxidants in acai can also help to prevent prostate enlargement.
10. The high calcium content of the acai berry helps improve bone health, preventing fractures and osteoporosis. Acai does a body good!
11. Acai’s calcium content also helps reduce menstrual pain and associated menstrual bloating - welcome news to women.
12. Acai supports heart health by reducing stress on your heart (this is because if acai’s anthocynanin content, especially 3-glucoside, which stimulates circulation easing nitric oxide production by endothelial cells). Acai also contains polyphenols - antioxidants which are especially good for your heart.
13. Acai’s essential fatty acid content helps reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) levels, while boosting HDL (good cholesterol) levels.
14. The sterols found in acai can reduce blood pressure; and it’s anthocynanins protect your circulatory system throughout your body.
15. Acai strengthens capillaries, which can help prevent retinopathy in diabetics; retinopathy can cause blindness. Acai also helps diabetics control their lipid and gucose levels. This is because that acai berry is actually considered low on the glycemic index.
16. The fact that acai is a low GI food means that it can regulate appetite, making it a great choice for those trying to lose weight.
17. A study which was recently reported in the Journal of Sports Medicine has shown that the beta-sitoserol in acai helps boost immune function by regulating lymphocyte activity and fighting against immune suppression.
18. A main causes of disease is immune system impairment due to free radicals; acai fights this with its antioxidant properties.
19. The Acai berry has anti-fungal, anti-viral and antibacterial properties.
20. Acai is an anti-mutagen, meaning that it prevents damage to your DNA (such as that done by mutagens and carcinogens).
21. Acai is high in dietary fiber, which improves the health and function of your digestive system.
22. Acai can help to treat GERD (acid reflux disease). This is due to the antioxidant properties of the acai berry, which assists in repairing and protecting the lower esophagus from the damage caused by GERD and its ability to reduce stomach acidity.
23. Acai even helps to heal ulcers by killing H. pylori, an ulcer-causing bacteria.
24. Acai’s anti-inflammatory properties help to control the symptoms of Chron’s disease.
25. Acai helps keep your skin looking smoother and more youthful - acai’s anthocyanins and phytosterols protect skin and connective tissues like collagen from wrinkles and damage.
26. Acai’s high antioxidant content can reduce your risk for some cancers, including lung, skin, breast and stomach cancers.
27. Acai can even help reduce the pain and inflammation of arthritis.
28. Acai is beneficial for asthma sufferers - its anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants can lessen asthma symptoms.
29. A 2004 Archives of Neurology study found that a diet rich in vitamin C and in vitamin E (note: both vitamins are abundant in acai berries) can reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
30. Acai’s vitamin C and beta carotene help support eye health and can reduce the complications of macular degeneration, especially in diabetics.
31. Acai is beneficial to dental health as well - the calcium content helps strengthen and whiten teeth, as well as helping to prevent gingivitis and other diseases of the gums.
32. The omega-3 fatty acids in acai help maintain mental clarity and alertness.
33. Acai’s B vitamins help you to get a better night’s sleep, lower stress and produce the appropriate levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.
34. Acai Promotes overall good health and wellness.
35. Acai won’t necessarily cure disease, but helps your body to heal by giving your immune system the nutrients it needs to maintain health.
Why I Love The HJ 720 ITC Pedometer
December 23, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Despite the fact there are a few good pedometers you can choose from at the moment, there are some pretty good reasons why you might want to consider an Omron HJ 720-ITC.
Firstly, this pedometer makes use of an improved system for measuring exactly what counts as a step or pace. In plain english, that means it’s more accurate at working out how many steps you’ve taken than other models.
So, for you and me, that means that we don’t have to bother with all that clipping it to our belt so that it works properly business. Instead, we just drop it into our pocket, bag or purse and off we go. Personally, I think this makes a big difference to people, especially those who are in a rush and have to make a quick decision about whether to take their pedometer with them or not.
The other great reason to choose the HJ 720-ITC is that it lets you download information to your computer. It’s actually got two levels of memory built into it - a quick 7 day memory, and a longer 42 day memory. You can view the last 7 days on the pedometer, but you can download the last 6 weeks worth of data to your PC.
The pedometer also comes with some special software called the Omron Health Management Package. You install this onto your PC and it allows you to view and manage the data with graphs and charts. It also works with other products from Omron such as their heart rate monitor and their blood pressure monitor. I think this is great for people that want to do more than just keep track of their walking or running progress.
I use the memory facility to track my activity from week to week and to see my improvements over time. Funnily enough, I find it also encourages me to do more exercise. I try to do a certain amount of exercise each week, and if my pedometer stats tell me I haven’t quite managed to meet my goal for a particular day, I always do a bit extra the next day to make up the difference. I know for a fact I wouldn’t bother doing that if I didn’t have the figures in front of me.
I was just thinking, I know the Omron HJ 720-ITC is a great gadget for myself, but wouldn’t it be a great gift for someone else? Why not buy them something that positively helps them maintain or improve their health? I think that would be a great way to show you really do care about them. Don’t you?