Stay Healthy

Get rid of Acne

2009-12-16T10:48:00.000-08:00

There are loads of acne skin care items around. We can catalog acne skin care items into 3 broad categories -
* Deterrent or general acne skin care items
* Over-the-counter, specialised acne skin care products
* On-prescription acne skin care products.

The all-purpose acne skin care products are the ones that are used as an acne-prevention measure. These include cleansers, make-up removers and similar products that help avoid acne. In the real sense, these acne skin care items are those that ought to be part of your daily schedule anyway. However, some of these are more oriented to work like an acne skin care product.

These acne skin care products act against the reasons for acne e.g. limiting the production of sebum/oil and preventing the congestion
of skin pores. Essentially, these acne skin care items prevent the oil from becoming blocked in pores and consequently impede the growth of the bacteria that lead to acne. Broad-spectrum acne skin care products also include exfoliation items like skin peels. These work by removing dead skin cells, thereby reducing the likelihood of pore-clogging and bacteria development.

Then there are specialised acne skin care items that are available over-the-counter i.e. without the need of a prescription. These embrace items like vanishing creams which extract the extra oil from the skin. Most of these acne skin care products are based on benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, both of which are the enemies of bacteria (and so acne). You should start with a product that has a lower concentration of benzoyl peroxide (e.g. 5%) and see how your skin responds to it.

Alpha-hydroxy-acid based moisturizers are also common as acne skin care products. You may have to test a few, before you discover the acne skin care product that is most successful for you. If nothing seems to work, you should get in touch with a dermatologist.

On-prescription acne skin care products are the ones that are prescribed by a dermatologist. These include ointments that can be rubbed on the affected area or oral antibiotics or just any topical medication. Dermatologist might also recommend a minor surgical procedure to remove the contents of pustules. However, never try to squeeze or do this by yourself, it can lead to the permanent damage of your skin. Your doctor could also prescribe a hormone-based treatment (since hormonal changes are also known to cause acne). Such acne skin care
items are known to be very efficacious in some circumstances.
So, with all those acne skin care products, combatting acne is really not all that arduous.

Anxiety Disorder

2009-12-16T10:44:00.000-08:00

It is a fact that not all people are able to pay for professional treatment for anxiety disorder. And even if people can afford it, we cannot always go running to a psychologist or a psychiatrist for examination. Anxiety disorder hits any people at any time, place, and situation. And being able to do something about it in the actual attack is the most important part for people who suffer anxiety disorder. This is basically the reason why it is important for us to know the best alternatives when anxiety disorder strikes again.

Anxiety disorders that lead with panic attacks come unplanned and unpredicted. People who do not have this kind of disorder does not mean that you do not have to know on how to deal with it because it could happen to anyone in an instant. So it is best to equip ourselves with the knowledge on how to handle this situation.

What Causes It?
Anxiety disorders happen when people perceive normal situations as life threatening. One example is experiencing agoraphobia or fear in crowded places. You suddenly feel threatened being in crowded places for no apparent reason and will eventually develop into a panic attack. If something like this happens to you, how will you handle it? Will you face it head on or curl like a hamster in a corner? And what about if you were driving and you suddenly feel the attack is coming down on you? Would you simply let the fear eat you up and potentially endanger yourself and other people or think of ways to calm yourself down and eventually beat it?

With anxiety disorders, there is this fear of the unknown. It means to say that the more we worry or panic about our anxiety disorders, the more it is likely for the panic attacks to resurface at any given time. So it is important to really identify what causes this attack to make sure that we are dealing with the problem itself. I tell you this, once the cause is deal with, the symptoms will eventually follow. It is a domino effect. Sometimes anxiety disorders are caused by a person’s traumatic experience in the past, stress, unhealthy lifestyles and lack of appropriate sleep and rest. You need to understand that the fear that you perceive as life threatening is not real at all.

Discipline your Mind

When anxiety disorder attacks, a disciplined mind is a great tool to handle the problem. Do not let yourself be consumed in panic, instead think clearly on what you should do. The very first thing you need to take care of is your breathing. Take deep normal breaths and hold it in for a few seconds. Some people find it hard to think clearly during panic attacks, and so some of them try to do something with their hand so that they could think well. A stress ball is said to help a lot of people when attacks strike. So make sure to keep your hands busy if you are unable to think clearly.

While you are busy occupying your hands, diverts your thoughts. Think of relaxing situations or scenery. If the attack is caused because you have to speak to a large audience, try to think of them wearing funny underwear or wearing something hilarious. This will help keep your fears away.

Always remember that anxiety disorder is just a misconception of life-threatening situations, so there is no other useful tool to fight it but your mind itself. As you discipline your mind, consider some mental exercises and a good amount of relaxation and healthy living
. You will be amazed that you can combat your anxiety disorder with the right attitude and mental discipline.

Bodybuilding and Steroids

2009-12-16T02:58:00.001-08:00

Everyone loves a shortcut. Anything that can help us shave time, money, and resources to allow us to get a job done more quickly is often a welcome thing indeed. Unfortunately, shortcuts don't always work out like we had planned in life and one of these areas is in improving our bodies through bodybuilding.

Many people want to improve their physique by gaining muscle and losing fat through the activity of bodybuilding which can be extremely effective at accomplishing both of these tasks. For some, the results they achieve simply don't come fast enough and they resort to taking steroids to speed up the process.

Steroids work on a cellular level to help greatly increase the size and often the strength of the muscles in your body. They have proven to be effective at this task through many years of clinical and personal research. While steroids can help you achieve your size and strength goals through bodybuilding, they carry with them some severely negative side effects that make using them a horrible decision for anyone.

First of all, because men are often involved in bodybuilding more than women, they are also more likely to be afflicted with the side effects of using these horrible drugs. One of the first and most profound side effects that can occur in men is that of infertility. Men can experience a huge diminished number of healthy sperm which may lead them to complete infertility over time. In addition, using steroids can actually cause man to start developing feminine features including large breasts and increased female hormones throughout the body. These side effects can truly scar some users for life.

Interestingly enough, steroid use reacts similarly in women by causing them to develop masculine features. They can experience increased production of testosterone which can lead to abnormal hair growth all over their bodies and a deepening of their voice as they begin to adopt more and more manly traits. Even more disturbing than these physical side effects for men and women are the internal ones that can be caused by taking steroids.

One of the more disturbing and harmful effects of steroid use is that of developing heart disease. Studies indicate that long-term steroid use has been directly related to heart disease and often of eventual heart attacks. The list of bodybuilders who has been stricken with some form of heart ailment is long and indeed growing. Aside from heart disease, some studies are showing possible evidence that steroid use can be linked with an increased risk of certain types of cancers as well.

So while steroids can be effective at achieving the goal of building muscle, they carry with them a huge price. The negatives of steroid use clearly outweigh the positives and it is important that you pay close attention to what the side effects are before you decide to do something that could ruin your life such as using steroids. The purpose of bodybuilding is to create a stronger and more visually pleasing body. Lying stiff in a coffin is probably not the result you are looking for, but is exactly the result you may get if you decide to use steroids.

Build a Home Gym on the Cheap

2009-12-16T02:57:00.001-08:00

Going to the gym can be expensive. Some monthly gym memberships charge as much is $99 per month or more not including exorbitant setup fees of often hundreds of dollars. Even those much less expensive gyms that are in the $40 per month range can certainly add up over time especially if you factor in the amount of gas you use back and forth on each trip. Not only are they expensive, they can also be inconvenient. A majority of individuals who sign up for gym memberships never end up sticking to the workout routines because it can be so hard to fit going to the gym into your daily schedule. This makes building a home gym a perfect solution for many people.

Now, building a home gym does not have to be an expensive endeavor. You can often get away with very little equipment to start and simply add to it as you become more experienced with working out and your budget increases. For those who are new to working out, one of the best purchases can be a home gym system. These all in one equipment packages feature attachments that will allow you to work your entire body with one machine. Because of this, your home gym may end up being much smaller than if you had many pieces of equipment. Those who are a little more advanced may look to include free weights in their home gym setup.

For those that want to go the free weight route, you'll want to put down some padded flooring in the room you choose. Padded flooring can be bought in squares that are approximately 2' x 2' and join together like pieces of a puzzle. Oftentimes, you get all the workout you need just by buying a set of dumbbells and an adjustable bench. Just about every exercise known to man can be done with dumbbells and as long as you get weights that go up to a high enough number to allow you to make progress, your simple but effective home gym can last you months if not years with no improvements. For those that are looking to put on serious mass with their muscle building routines, you may want to purchase a weight bench and or a squat rack. Ample room is required for these larger pieces of equipment so locating a free weight gym in a basement or garage is usually the best idea.

But a home gym is really anything that you make it. Some people simply want to lose a little fat and may only have an exercise bike and some strength bands. The most important thing to include in your home gym is yourself. Make a commitment to work out in your private space each and every day. Now that you don't have to worry about the price of gas or working getting to the gym into your schedule, you can make a lifelong commitment to working out in your own private home gym.

Removing Kidney Stones

2009-12-16T02:56:00.001-08:00

Removing kidney stones can be as easy as reading a few tips to cleanse your kidney. Unfortunately, many people have a very difficult time passing kidney stones.

Unlike most people, water will sometimes not do the trick for passing your stones. If you have tried water and are still feeling pain, you may want to include your diet along with herbal remedies to cure yourself.

Why Your Body May Need More than Water

Did you know that most kidney stones are caused when the body is unable to flush the calcium that can be deposited in the kidneys? It only makes sense that drinking plenty of water is the perfect remedy for this disease.

However, 1 out of 4 patients will need something more than water. If you have already drunk plenty of water, this article is for you. You will find 5 tips that could help flush and dissolve your kidney stones.

Removing Kidney Stones with 5 FREE tips

1. Contine to drink plenty of water while also eating plenty of fruits and vegetables. Both fruits and veggies contain fiber which can help cleanse the kidneys. Foods high in fiber can help flush stones.

2. Research has shown that natural acids can actually help dissolve your calcium stones. Because calcium is a very brittle mineral by nature, it only makes sense that eating foods and beverages that are high in acids will help dissolve stones. The best acid is phosphoric acid which is in a variety of beverages.

3. You may also wish to be eating foods that are high in chlorophyll like asparagus and spinach. These green veggies are miracle vegetables when it comes to flushing kidney stones.

4. A little exercise might be all it takes to loosen up the kidneys enough to pass a stone tonight. It has been found that patients who exercise regularly are way more likely to pass a kidney stone.

5. Finally, citrates can help reduce the buildup of uric acid and also eliminate the formation of calcium salts. You can quickly increase levels of citrates by drinking carrot, grape and orange juices. V-8 is a great option!

Cure Kidney Stones by Tomorrow

Would you try a 100% guaranteed, researched based kidney stone remedy if it was promised to pass your kidney stones by tomorrow? You would if it was risk-free!

Kidney Stones Diet

2009-12-16T02:55:00.000-08:00

Did you know that thousands of people are using a kidney stones diet to help pass kidney stones? You probably have heard that drinking plenty of water is a beneficial treatment. But many people have never realized how their diet can also have an impact on passing the stones and pain.

In this article, you will learn a few tips about the newest kidney stones diet. While also drinking 'plenty of water', you will be sure to pass your stones within the next few days.

Dieting and Kidney Stones

In the last ten years, we have learned more about our health and diet than in any other decade in history. Research is showing how our diet can impact every part of our lives. And your diet is impacting the development of stones in the kidneys as well as the passing of them.

If you have recently walked down your grocer's aisle, you will probably see the word, 'fiber'. The truth is that fiber is especially important when it comes to kidney stones. In fact, fiber is about half the solution for passing the calcium deposits in the kidneys.

Here are some rich fiber foods that can help with curing your pain!

Pass Kidney Stones with Kidney Stones Diet

1. Along with drinking water, it only makes sense to increase your servings of fruits and vegetables. Both fruits and veggies are rich in fiber which can flush your body and all your organs. A wide variety of organics is always the best choice and it also helps to eat more vegetables than fruits.

2. Research has also found that chlorophyll rich foods can be more beneficial to those who suffer from this disease frequently. Some foods rich in this compound include asparagus, spinach and wheatgrass.

3. Some of my customers have bragged that eating watermelon is extremely helpful. This makes sense considering that watermelon is mostly composed of water. You should try to eat as much watermelon in one sitting as possible. You may have to eat 2-3 whole watermelons but this flush could be your key to the cure.

4. Finally, fresh parsley has also been shown to help cleanse numerous organs. You will find fresh parsley makes a great combination with almost anything.

Secrets to Avoid Gallbladder Surgery

2009-12-16T02:54:00.001-08:00

So you are looking for a gallstone natural remedy because something doesn't sound right about removing your organ, the gallbladder. You are not the first person to question removing an organ.

In fact, many natural health doctors and experts believe that removing your gallbladder could be a very deadly surgery. Did you know that people who have their gallbladder removed are much more likely to suffer from colon and bowel cancers?

Here are 5 secrets about a simple gallstone natural remedy.

5 Gallstone Natural Remedies

1. The best way to pass gallstones is with common sense. For instance, you should drink plenty of water every day to help flush the gallbladder. You should also eat the right foods like vegetables and fruits which have tons of fiber. You should also avoid foods with cholesterol.

2. Milk thistle is also a great remedy to try. When used in a tincture or capsule form, milk thistle can help stimulate bile production. In one study, a compound in milk thistle was shown to significantly reduce cholesterol levels in bile. Therefore, make milk thistle a great prevention and cure. It is recommended to use only 600 mg of milk thistle per day.

3. Another effective remedy is safflower seed oil. Safflower seed oil is thought to stimulate the gallbladder when combined with essential fatty acids (like flaxseed oil and fish). Safflower seed oil can eliminate toxic build up in the gallbladder and it is recommended to take 2 teaspoons twice a day.

4. Fiber helps the bowels and digestive system function most effectively. Therefore, it is important to eat plenty of fruits, veggies and bran cereals. The grains you eat should also be high in dietary fiber. Look for a dietary fiber above 3 grams per serving.

5. Finally, you should also supplement foods with high content of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is a substance that acts as a natural cleansing agent in the body. It is very helpful for the kidneys, liver and gallbladder. Try to eat plenty of spinach, parsley and wheatgrass.

Kidney Stone Medication

2009-12-16T02:53:00.002-08:00

You may be looking for kidney stone medication as a last resort for your continued problem with kidney stones. But before you try those expensive medications, you may wish to try one last kidney stone remedy that works for passing calcium stones.

In this article, you will learn 4 ways to naturally dissolve and pass kidney stones… drug-free and surgery-free.

Kidney Stone Medication

In some cases, kidney stone medication is essential. However, most people can pass and prevent stones with a healthier diet and better lifestyle.

Though medication might be more convenient, it is also expensive and does have side effects. For instance, alpha blockers have been shown to make kidney stones pass more quickly. However, there are numerous side effects associated with alpha blockers and many natural health doctors refuse to allow patients to take these.

You may also try shock treatment which will help break up the stones, but many patients say the passing of the stones is as painful as the stones themselves.

Have you considered a kidney stone remedy? Here are some simple ones you can try today!

Kidney Stone Remedy

By drinking the right fluids, eating the right foods and living a healthier lifestyle, you can dissolve and pass your kidney stones by tomorrow.

The first step is to stay hydrated with distilled drinking water. Distilled water is the best choice because it is mineral free and will not add to the composition of your stones. You should be drinking about 100 ounces of water throughout the whole day. It is recommended that you try to only drink water until your stones pass.

Secondly, you should focus on eating the right foods which include fiber, fiber and more fiber. Fiber is a natural flusher that cleanses the body and the kidneys. It is highly recommended that you eat plenty of vegetables like spinach, parsley and asparagus. These vegetables are very helpful because of their high fiber and chlorophyll count.

You should also be trying to dissolve your kidney stones with acidic remedies. Simply eating the right foods and drinks that contain citric and phosphoric acid can be very beneficial for dissolving the calcium. Because calcium is extremely brittle, you should be able to dissolve most stones in 24 hours

Kidney Stone Natural Remedies

2009-12-16T02:53:00.001-08:00

Most kidney stones can be passed easily and in this article you will learn about the simplest kidney stone natural remedies around. Many people are uninformed and believe that drinking plenty of water will do the trick for kidney stones.

Fortunately, research and studies have shown that there are numerous things you can do to both prevent and pass stones.

Tips to Pass Kidney Stones

If you understand the cause behind this disease, you will be better able to cure this disease. Did you know that this disease is most often caused by dehydration? Many people are not getting enough water to flush calcium from the kidneys. The result is a lot of pain and calcium deposits in your kidneys.

Research has proven that drinking water can help you cure yourself at home. Unfortunately, about 1 in 10 people will need more than water. Because the stones are composed of calcium, they can be easily dissolved and flushed painlessly.

Here are some simple and effective tips you can try today.

Kidney Stone Natural Remedies

1. Drinking distilled water instead of regular tap or bottled water can help keep your kidneys flushed of all minerals that can cause stone build up. Distilled water is mineral free and can be purchased at any grocery store.

2. You should also be eating at least 4 servings of vegetables daily and 2 servings of fruit. Both fruit and veggies contain water soluble fiber which can flush your body and kidneys.

3. Acidic remedies are extremely popular because they can help dissolve the calcium stones. The most effective acidic remedy is phosphoric acid which can be found in many beverages.

4. Herbal remedies are also popular. Juniper is one of the finest herbs available for healing and restoring the kidneys. Juniper can act so quickly that the ache of the kidney pain can be removed within minutes of chewing the berries.

5. Finally, you may also wish to supplement the herb ginger which has been shown to be effective for cleansing the kidneys among other organs.

Avoiding Gallstones Surgery

2009-12-16T02:52:00.000-08:00

With the crashing economy, more people are looking for ways for avoiding gallstones surgery. I would too if I had to pay thousands of dollars out of my pocket to remove an organ, the gallbladder.

But saving money is not the only reason you should be avoiding gallstones surgery. You should also know that you could be avoiding bowel and colon cancer, severe nausea and diarrhea, bloating and even more problems further down the road.

In this article, you will learn some simple tips for passing gallstones naturally.

Gallbladder Surgery and Side Effects

Did you know that removing your gallbladder will increase your risk of colon and bowel cancers?

Did you know that common side effects of post surgery include nausea and persistent diarrhea?

Did you know that many people who go through with surgery are not able to eat their favorite foods (spicy) for years after surgery?

Did you know that passing your gallstones could be as easy as eating a variety of fruits and vegetables? Here are some tips if you are interested in trying a gallstone natural remedy.

Passing Gallstones with Remedies

There are some common sense rules when it comes to passing gallstones that are lodged in your bile ducts. Here are some simple rules you should immediately start following.

1. Drinking plenty of water is extremely important for passing gallstones. You should drink at least 100 ounces of water daily.

2. You should also be supplementing vitamin C which can help dissolve gallstones and make them dislodged from the bile ducts.

3. Fiber is important for your diet. You should be eating 5-7 servings of vegetables daily along with 2-3 servings of fruit.

4. Have you done a simple colon, liver or gallbladder cleanse lately? An annual cleanse for these organs is important if you are looking to pass the stones.

5. For the grains you eat, you should be looking at the dietary fiber of the servings you are eating. You should go for at least 3 grams of dietary fiber per serving.

6. Finally, you should also avoid fried and fast foods that will add to your cholesterol count and risk of gallstones.

7. Altering your diet can be important! There are well over 50 foods that have been shown to be helpful for flushing the gallbladder and stones.

Training Injury Free

2009-12-16T02:47:00.000-08:00

Remaining injury free is of the utmost importance to all people who exercise but especially to those who are over thirty five years old. Can a person lose fat and gain muscle while sitting on the couch recovering from an injury they incurred while training? The answer is no. The reason my clients achieve superior results is because they continue to diet and workout uninterrupted by injury. In this article I will share some techniques I have used to successfully train clients at high intensity without injury. I do take pride in the fact that none of my clients have been seriously injured while training in over twenty years of practicing my art. Stretching is very important for injury prevention. I use basic stretches for both upper body and lower body to get my client's bodies prepared for the stress of intense exercise. Stretching increases muscular circulation and prepares the tendons, ligaments and joints for the work to be done.Warming up is also important for injury prevention. I always have my clients perform their initial sets for a body part with a light weight for high repetitions, this increases circulation in the area we are working and prepares the tendons, ligaments and joints for the more intense work to come.

When it comes to the nitty gritty of the actual high intensity work, one of the secrets of my success in keeping my clients uninjured is that I avoid fixed movements through pre-set ranges of motion. I favor using dumbbells over barbells and machines almost every time. Dumbbells allow a trainee to use more natural range of motion in all pressing movements such as Chest Presses and Shoulder Presses. For example, instead of doing shoulder presses with a fixed barbell or a machine, I prefer using dumbbells; they allow a trainee to make micro-adjustments in exercise form to avoid overly stressing injured tissue. A client with a micro-injury to a shoulder, for example, can most often comfortably do dumbbell press even at high intensity without a problem even when barbell or machine shoulder presses are impossible due to pain. The barbell or machine often forces the trainee to use an unnatural range of motion which can cause injury or aggravate injuries which already exist.

Many of my friends and associates have injured themselves doing heavy barbell bench presses for chest. I myself long ago have just about quit using barbells and machines altogether for upper body work as a strategy to avoid injury. I am forty one years old and am still able to train at a very high level without time off from injury. It is my desire that this article benefits all who read it,in their quest for greater health, vitality, and wellness.

Keeping Dust Under Control

2009-12-10T01:10:00.001-08:00

For those with allergies or asthma, keeping dust under control is essential to overall health. It is also a good idea for those without any health problems and a buildup of dust can cause cold-like symptoms if breathed in too much.

Additionally, too much dust attracts other nuisances such as dust mites, which live in dust and can spread to other parts of your home. A dust spray can help prevent dust from flying around in the air as you clean, making cleanup much more effective and sanitary. Dust mites do not simply live in the layer of dust across the uppermost shelf in your home. They also live in bedding, couches, carpet, stuffed toys and old clothing, and are similar in appearance to spiders or ticks--although they cannot be seen by the naked eye. There are two types of dust mites, American and European house dust mites. As you may know, much of what we see as dust is actually dead skin that we people shed on a regular basis. Dust mites feed off of dead skin and other organic materials in dust. You may have dust mites and not know it--only people who are allergic will react to dust mites. Dust mites also shed their skin, and people who are allergic react to this dead skin and dust mite feces. Reactions can range from a runny nose to a severe asthma attack. Dust mites can be difficult to get rid of, and they prefer humid environments, so avoid using humidifiers if you have a dust mite problem. For people with sever reactions, measures that are more drastic may be required, such as encasing bedding in plastic covers and removing draperies. For those with less serious reactions, a regular control program can make a big difference. Using a spray for dust mites is one method to keep the problem under control. Dust spray binds the dust, making it easier to clean and remove. It can also be used on multiple surfaces, such as floors, shelves, furniture, window blinds, lamps, picture frames, and more. Dust mite spray allows you to clean all over the house and reduce the chances of dust mites spreading. Because dust spray helps keep dust "together," it can be used with a wide range of dusting tools, which makes cleaning easier because you can use a long-handled duster in combination with a dust spray and not worry about the dust falling back to the floor. Instead, it will be trapped in the duster by the dust spray. Be sure to clean your dusting tools effectively, particularly if you have a dust mite problem and are using a dust mite spray. After dusting, take the tools outside away from the house. Give the tools a good shake to remove the dust from the tool. Avoid banging the tools on the wall or concrete, as this can damage them. Depending on the tool you use, you may be able to wash the duster. Using a dust spray in combination with a synthetic duster can be a great solution to a dust mite problem. A spray for dust mites binds the dust, and the synthetic cleaner can be washed afterward with warm, soapy water. Be sure to store your dusters in a way that keeps pressure off the dusting head, as this can damage them. Dust spray also works great with dusting cloths, and these can be machine washed afterward. Even when using a dust spray, it is a good idea to use top-down cleaning. Start with the uppermost areas and work your way down. This way, should any dust float downward, you can "catch" it as you work from the upper shelves or taller furniture down to the lower shelves and furniture. To minimize "losing" some dust, spray your tool directly with the dust spray rather than spraying the furniture directly. The pressure from the sprayer can blow dust away on furniture, but this will not happen when spraying the cleaning tool. To keep dust and dust mites under control, dust with a dust spray every time. Even if there is no visible dust, that does not mean it is not there. Dust mites cannot be seen by the naked eye, so regular cleaning is essential. Also, consider using other preventative measures such as an indoor air filter.

How to Relief with Allergies?

2009-12-10T01:06:00.000-08:00

What are Allergies?
An allergies is an abnormal reaction to ordinarily harmless substance or substances. These sensitizing substances, called allergens, may be inhaled, swallowed or come into contact with the skin.Substances that cause allergic reactions, such as certain foods, dust, plant pollen, or medicines, are known as allergens.

What are the Symptoms of Allergies ?
An allergy is actually a malfunction of the immune system, which attacks invaders or antibodies.Allergic reactions can be mild, like a runny nose, or they can be severe, like difficulty breathing.Allergic asthma caused by allergens such as mites and pollens, and stinging insect allergy.Allergic reaction to something that is breathed into the lungs in a person who is susceptible.

What Medications to Treat Allergies?
Medications such as pills or nasal sprays are often used to treat allergies.Many effective medications are available to treat common allergies. AANGAMIK DMG:

AANGAMIK DMG is the only pure DMG product that contains no fillers or binders and is therefore pure and non-allergenic.
Allercetin Allergy & Sinus:
Allercetin is a Bio-Aligned Formula that utilizes natural homeopathic remedies for the treatment of allergies.
Allergiemittel AllerAide:
Allergiemittel AllerAide temporarily relieves minor allergic symptoms such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, watery eyes, eczema, wheezing, and shortness of breath caused by allergies.

How to care with Allergies?
1.Wear a mask whenever dusting or mowing a lawn Stop smoking.
2.Keep family pets out of certain rooms, like your bedroom, and bathe them if necessary.
3.Avoid using aspirin, which has been reported to allow food allergens to be more effectively absorbed by the body.
4.Remove carpets or rugs from your room.Install an air-purification system at home.

Swine flu

2009-12-01T22:34:00.002-08:00

Swine influenza is a disease in pigs. The virus currently spreading among people is generally referred to as swine flu. Swine flu in pigs does not infect humans, except those people who are in close contact with pigs.

The swine flu that has spread to humans is a version H1N1 subtype..

Why is swine flu affecting humans?

Swine flu virus has mutated and is able to infect humans and transmit between them. If someone coughs or sneezes without covering those droplets can spread about one metre (3ft).

Or, if someone coughs or sneezes into their hand, the virus are transferred to surfaces that the person touches, such as door handles, hand rails, telephones and keyboards & the virus can enter your system if you touch them.

Is it safe to eat pig meat?

Yes. The WHO says there is no evidence that swine flu can be spread through eating meat from infected animals. However, it is essential to cook meat properlyat a temperature of 70°C (158°F) to kill the virus. Pig meat includes pork, bacon, ham and pork products.

What are the symptoms of swine flu?

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal flu and include.

High fever
fatigue
headache,
runny nose and sneezing
sore throat
shortness of breath
loss of appetite
vomiting and diarrhoea, or
aching muscles, limb and joint pain.
Complications of swine flu

One of the most common complications is bronchitis (infection of the airways). Which can become serious and develop into pneumonia.

Other rare complications include:

tonsilitis,
otitis media (a build-up of fluid in the ear)
septic shock (infection of the blood that causes a severe drop in blood pressure)
meningitis (infection in the brain and spinal cord), and
encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
Which people are most vulnerable from swine flu?

Those who are more at risk from becoming seriously ill with swine flu are people with:

chronic (long-term) lung disease, including people who have had drug treatment for their asthma within the past three years, chronic heart disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, chronic neurological disease (neurological disorders include motor neurone disease, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis), suppressed immune systems (whether caused by disease or treatment), diabetes, pregnant women, people aged 65 or older, and young children under five.

Precautions to fight against Swine Flu

1. Wash your hands frequently

Wash your hands with antibacterial soaps for15 seconds and rinse with running water.

2. Get enough sleep

get 8 hours of sleep every night to keep your immune system in fighting shape.

3. Drink sufficient water

Drink 8 to10 glasses of water each day to flush toxins from your system and maintain good moisture and mucous production in your sinuses.

4. Boost your immune system

Keeping your body strong, nourished, and ready to fight infection by eating whole grains, colorful vegetables, and vitamin-rich fruits.

5. Keep informed

The government is taking necessary steps to prevent the pandemic and periodically release guidelines to keep the pandemic away.

6. Avoid alcohol

Stay away from alcohol as it is an immune suppressant that can decrease your resistance to viral infections like swine flu..

7. Be physically active

Moderate exercise like brisk walking for 30-40 minutes 3-4 times a week can support the immune system by increasing circulation and oxygenating the body.

8. Keep away from sick people

Flu virus spreads when particles dispersed into the air through a cough or sneeze reach someone 9. Know when to get help

Consult your doctor if you have a cough and fever and follow their instructions, including taking medicine as prescribed.

10. Avoid crowded areas

Try to avoid unnecessary trips outside

Precaution Homeopathy.

Influenzinum 1M [for adults 10yrs n above] once a day in the morning for a week
Kid Influenz 200 [1 to 10 yrs] once a day in the morning.

Vaccine progress

The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed last week that the first swine flu vaccines are likely to be licensed for use in the general population in September. Initial batches of an H1N1 vaccine have already been produced, and clinical trials are underway. but it will take several months to get enough for everyone

Is swine flu treatable?

Swine flu can be treated with the antiviral medicines oseltamavir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). Which must be taken at an early stage to be effective.

Relenza reduces the duration of flu symptoms by one and a half days on average. Tamiflu reduces the duration of symptoms by one to two days

What do antivirals do?

Antivirals are not a cure, but they help you to recover by:

relieving some of the symptoms,

reducing the length of time you are ill by around one day, and

reducing the potential for serious complications, such as pneumonia.

Can I take antiviral drugs if I am pregnant?

Yes, on the advice of a doctor. The Department of Health has bought Relenza, an inhaled antiviral drug that treats flu without reaching the developing fetus. In case of severe flu Tamiflucan be given on the advice of Doctor.

Should I stop breastfeeding if I need to take antiviral drugs?

Women who are breastfeeding can continue to do so while receiving antiviral treatment.. Antiviral drugs are excreted into breast milk in very small (insignificant) amounts.

Can children take antivirals?

Yes, on the advice of a doctor. Tamiflu is safe for infants aged one and above, at a reduced dose. Relenza (an inhaler) can be used by children aged five and older under the supervision of an adult.

Can babies under the age of one take antivirals?

Tamiflu and Relenza are not licensed for use in babies under one. However, the European Medicines Agency has advised that babies may be treated with Tamiflu, considering that:

the appropriate dosage to treat children aged under one is 2-3mg/kg twice daily for five days, children are preferably treated under medical supervision, and dilution of the capsule content can be used to prepare the dose.

Can I take antivirals if I have asthma or COPD?

Yes, Tamiflu is safe to take. However, Relenza (an inhaler) is not given to people with asthma as it can cause breathing complications.

Different ways to Quit Smoking

2009-12-01T22:34:00.001-08:00

There are many ways to quit smoking. In this article you will find some interesting point for quit smoking.

First of fall you have to change your environment, get rid of all cigarettes and ashtrays in your home, car, and place of work....and, DON'T let people smoke in your home. Analysis what works and what not. Once you quit, don't smoke - Not even a PUFF!

Studies have shown that you have a better chance of being successful if you have help. You can take help from your friends, family to support. Or you can consult with your doctor. The more counseling you have, the better your chances are of quitting.

Try to divert your mind towards other things like if you are going to take cigarette, then to do something becuase it will divert your mind.

When you first try to quit, change your routine; use a different route to work, drink tea instead of coffee, eat breakfast in a different place. Do something to reduce your stress; take a hot bath,exercise, or read a book. Plan something enjoyable to do every day.

Medication can lessen the urge to smoke and help you to stop smoking. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as of January 2006, has approved five medications to help you quit smoking

Daily Health Tips

2009-12-01T22:33:00.001-08:00

Stay fit forever through health information

In today’s life, health is the first and the foremost priority for everyone. If your health is good you feel energetic and feel fresh all the time. Healthy mind and body boost up your morale to work more efficiently. You cannot perform well without a healthy body.

But maintaining a health is not an easy task. You have to give time to focus on your health like by eating healthy food, doing exercise, gym and many things to do.

You can get help from online. There are many website who are offering tips for staying healthy. In those websites, there are plenty of information about how to keep your body fit all the time. You just have to search over net and you will get the best information which you can follow on regular basis.

There are some tips which can be useful for you to keep your health in tone that is, drink as much water as you can. Much of our body and brain is made up by water. So, it is necessary to keep hydrated and flush out toxins. Exercise is very important factor to stay healthy. There are numerous types of exercise which generates flexibility and strength in the body. One should eat well. Fresh fruits and vegetables are the most important foods to eat to keep your body healthy. A proper diet plan should be from breakfast to dinner which should contain a balanced diet.

For better healthy, you should sleep well because sleeping is also one of the important tips to relax your body and mind from hectic schedule. When you sleep your muscles relax and grow. Even doctors suggest that a normal human being should sleep at least 6 hours at night. You are suggested to sleep well and do not take tension at all if you want a healthy body.

A regular adherence to these tips may increase your chances of living a healthy and enjoyable life.

Even there are many websites where you can ask your questions. No matter whether you are an adolescent or old aged, everyone can find numerous health tips daily. The experts from these sites guide you with best healthy vitamins and other pills available in the market which suits your body. So, start taking your health seriously to stay fit forever.

Headache

2009-12-01T22:32:00.001-08:00

Causes and Types of Headache

Headache is the most common disease. The term headache is basically a pain or discomfort in the head or neck. Determining what the cause of a headache is can be a very difficult process for the physician and patient. Bear in mind that the brain itself does not feel pain. It has no pain sensors.

Causes of Headache:

There are many causes of Headache like due to eyestrain, too much working in front of computer, or with delicate equipment or wearing low lenses. A trip to the eye doctor may be able to fix this headache problem. Other causes can be more serious like meningitis, brain tumor, encephalitis or an injury to the head and can require treatment by a neurologist.

There are many other causes of headache like poor sleep, stress and caffeine withdrawal. Toothaches or sinus infections can also cause headaches. All of these less serious headaches can be cured relatively easily.

Types of Headaches

Physicians divide headaches into four types.

1. Muscular also known as myogenic: This type of headache caused by tightening of facial or neck muscles. In this, pain is usually in the forhead. One of the most common headaches is tension headache.

2. Vascular headaches: This type headache causes of migraines. The difference between the two is that migraine pain is at the temples not the centre of the head. The symptoms of this headache are stomach discomort, nausea and sensitivity to light. Migraines pains are more found in womans.

3. Traction and inflammatory headaches are more often signs of more serious problems.

Maximum headaches can be treated by simple non prescription pain medications. If you have migraines, then you need prescription and there are many medicines are fairly successful. But still your headache is hurting you after taking medicines. Then in this case, you should consult with your doctor.

If still your headache pain is continuous, then tests will be conducted to look for anything that might be causing the headache pain. The tests like CT scan or MRI, blood work and urine analysis. Most headache pain is found to have a simple explanation.

Stress

2009-12-01T22:31:00.002-08:00

Anxiety is a normal part of our life. Today’s there are so many ways to control anxiety. But if you control anxiety then the best way is to control by natural way. Here, you find some natural way to control anxiety & stress.

1. For controlling anxiety then first of all you have to change your diet. Check your that diet that is healthy or balanced diet. You have to Check that are you taking caffeine in high amount or not because it will increase your anxiety level and make you feel more tensed. If you try to avoid caffeine in your drink then its good for you and try to avoid that food which have high in sugar because sugar will also trigger anxiety attacks. If you are eating healthy food, you not only lower your anxiety but also improve your overall health.

2. You can do exercise to control anxiety. Just walk half an hour in a day or you can do running, riding a bike. Actually, exercise produce endorphins in human mind that makes people feel happier and tension free. So, if you are in anxiety, try to use exercise in your daily routine.

3. Meditation is the best way to cure anxiety. For meditation, find a quiet place to sit and relax alone. While doing medication, picture yourself in a happy place and listen silent music, away from all these stress and anxiety that you are currently facing.

4. Talk with your friend, family is the best cure for anxiety. Sometimes, many people don’t share their problems with anyone. Simply talking to someone about how you feel can relief you of your anxiety effectively. This is especially true if your anxiety is being caused by a particular person

Take healthy foods for avoiding Anxiety

2009-12-01T22:31:00.001-08:00

Today, there are so many food available in the markey, some are good for health and some are not. We got many diseases from food. Panic attacks are in the condition due to the kind of foods you eat. If you take foods inundated with fat, sugary stuffs and unhealthy stuffs, quit them soon and begin taking better foods. They will to reduce your anxiety.

If you take junk food, then you will become fatty in th end. But, if you eat healthy foods rich in nutrients and vitamins, mainly vitamin B, you can free from anxiety and panic attacks.

Vitamin B is a class of vitamin which is very essential for you especially if you are considering your mental welfare. Vitamin B-12 is very helpful to reduce anxiety and depression. So use this in your diet and reduce your anxiety.

Now the question if how to select the right food. The first step you should take if you are looking for foods to deal with anxiety is to stay clear off simple carbohydrates. Tryto take food which contains vitamin B with grains and nuts. One more thing, drink too much water i a day but avoid soda and tasty drinks. Drink 10 glasses of water daily because it will keep you body hydrated and you will be stay healthy.

Don’t take junk foods, because they have lots of fats and other things. Alawys try to take green vegetables, fruits.

If you want to avoid panic attacks, then try to eat healthy food instead of spending your money on drugs and enduring the pains, you should treat it once and for all using the systematically tested and proven methods offered by Panic Away.

Anxiety Medication

2009-12-01T22:30:00.001-08:00

The best way to get relief anxiety by Anxiety Medication

Anxiety Medication is one of the best way to get relief from the anxiety, but its not long term solution. This medication also comes with side effects and safety concerns, such as the risk of addiction. In order to decide whether this medication is right for you, it is important to weigh the drug benefits against the drawbacks. Do research over the therapies and also other therapies that may help.

In market, there are various types of treatment used in anxiety disorders like anti anxiety drugs such as benzodiazepines, antidepressants and beta blockers. They are effective but these are not prefect cure of anxiety. Anxiety medication can provide temporary relief only. It does not treat the underlying cause of the anxiety disorder. Basically when you stop taking drug, the symptoms of anxiety will come with double force, so it is important to be aware of the risks of anxiety medication, too because taking additional medication may cause a wide range of unpleasant and sometimes dangerous side effects. The bottom line is that these medications can be helpful, but they are not right for everyone.

Before taking any anxiety medication, consult with your doctor. If you really want to cure your anxiety then you have to make major changes in your life. The advantage of non drug treatment for anxiety is that they produce long lasting changes and long term release. Anxiety Medication is short term therapy and also its very useful. Once, your anxiety is at a controllable level, other forms of behavior and talk treatment can be successfully pursued.

Weight loss supplements

2009-12-01T22:28:00.000-08:00

How to lose weight? This is the question which is asking by many of us. The answer is simple and very easy. Just cut off your high calorie food and do exercise. These simple steps are the answers of almost all people's question on how to lose weight without extensive diets.
Our bodies have organisms that seek energizers; calories are the primary example of it, but when they don’t enough energizers from the food we eat, then it will take starting to burn stored fats in our waist and other parts of the body. So, the best way to lose weight is to follow a simple diet and exercise.

Though these approaches to lose weight are the most ordinary and healthy, many people failed to follow. For those people weight loss pills are formulated, which is easier to take. In market there are many weight loss pills are available. These pills work by decreasing the amount of fat that our body organism absorbs from foods. Xenical, one of the most common brands of Fat blockers, slows down the lipase enzyme in the intestines which breaks up fat making it prepared for digestion.

As expected from medicinal diets, fat binders and blockers have very wicked side effects. Taking diet pills is easy to take but to be very frank it is also expected to be unhealthy.

There is another weight loss supplement and that is appetite suppressants. As the name suggest supplements, it will reduce your fat by feeling full stomach. Hodia Gordonii, a cactus-like plant found in South Africa is one of the most known herbal appetite suppressants.

Supplements are pure and natural way to lose weight. It does not have any side effects. But remember one thing, don’t take any supplements or bills without consult with your doctor because it may be effective to some people or may not effective for some people. Remember, no glory can ever be obtained in just a single snap. Whatever it is that you want to achieve, may it be to lose weight or anything else, hard work is the key.

Malaria Overview

2009-11-24T11:50:00.000-08:00

Malaria is an infectious disease caused by a parasite, Plasmodium, which infects red blood cells. Malaria is characterized by cycles of chills, fever, pain and sweating. Historical records suggest malaria has infected humans since the beginning of mankind. The name "mal 'aria" (meaning "bad air" in Italian) was first used in English in 1740 by H. Walpole when describing the disease. The term was shortened to "malaria" in the 20th century. C. Laveran in 1880 was the first to identify the parasites in human blood. In 1889, R. Ross discovered that mosquitoes transmitted malaria. Of the four species of malaria, the most serious type is Plasmodium falciparum malaria. It can be life-threatening. The other three species of malaria (P. vivax, P. malariae, and P. ovale) are generally less serious and are not life-threatening.

Symptoms:
The symptoms characteristic of malaria include flu-like illness with fever, chills, muscle aches, and headache. Some patients develop nausea, vomiting, cough, and diarrhea. Cycles of chills, fever, and sweating that repeat every one, two, or three days are typical. There can sometimes be vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, and yellowing (jaundice) of the skin and whites of the eyes due to destruction of red blood cells and liver cells.
People with severe P. falciparum malaria can develop bleeding problems, shock, liver or kidney failure, central nervous system problems, coma, and can die from the infection or its complications. Cerebral malaria (coma, or altered mental status or seizures) can occur with severe P. falciparum infection. It is lethal if not treated quickly; even with treatment, about 15%-20% die.

Uncomplicated Malaria:
The classical (but rarely observed) malaria attack lasts 6-10 hours. It consists of:
* a cold stage (sensation of cold, shivering)
* a hot stage (fever, headaches, vomiting; seizures in young children)
* and finally a sweating stage (sweats, return to normal temperature, tiredness)
Classically (but infrequently observed) the attacks occur every second day with the "tertian" parasites (P. falciparum, P. vivax, and P. ovale) and every third day with the "quartan" parasite (P. malariae).

More commonly, the patient presents with a combination of the following symptoms:
* Fever
* Chills
* Sweats
* Headaches
* Nausea and vomiting
* Body aches
* General malaise.

In countries where cases of malaria are infrequent, these symptoms may be attributed to influenza, a cold, or other common infections, especially if malaria is not suspected. Conversely, in countries where malaria is frequent, residents often recognize the symptoms as malaria and treat themselves without seeking diagnostic confirmation ("presumptive treatment").
Physical findings may include:
* Elevated temperature
* Perspiration
* Weakness
* Enlarged spleen.
In P. falciparum malaria, additional findings may include:
* Mild jaundice
* Enlargement of the liver
* Increased respiratory rate.

Diagnosis of malaria depends on the demonstration of parasites on a blood smear examined under a microscope. In P. falciparum malaria, additional laboratory findings may include mild anemia, mild decrease in blood platelets (thrombocytopenia), elevation of bilirubin, elevation of aminotransferases, albuminuria, and the presence of abnormal bodies in the urine (urinary "casts").

Severe Malaria:
Severe malaria occurs when P. falciparum infections are complicated by serious organ failures or abnormalities in the patient's blood or metabolism. The manifestations of severe malaria include:
* Cerebral malaria, with abnormal behavior, impairment of consciousness, seizures, coma, or other neurologic abnormalities
* Severe anemia due to hemolysis (destruction of the red blood cells)
* Hemoglobinuria (hemoglobin in the urine) due to hemolysis
* Pulmonary edema (fluid buildup in the lungs) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which may occur even after the parasite counts have decreased in response to treatment
* Abnormalities in blood coagulation and thrombocytopenia (decrease in blood platelets)
* Cardiovascular collapse and shock
Other manifestations that should raise concern are:
* Acute kidney failure
* Hyperparasitemia, where more than 5% of the red blood cells are infected by malaria parasites
* Metabolic acidosis (excessive acidity in the blood and tissue fluids), often in association with hypoglycemia
* Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose). Hypoglycaemia may also occur in pregnant women with uncomplicated malaria, or after treatment with quinine.
Severe malaria occurs most often in persons who have no immunity to malaria or whose immunity has decreased. These include all residents of areas with low or no malaria transmission, and young children and pregnant women in areas with high transmission.
In all areas, severe malaria is a medical emergency and should be treated urgently and aggressively.

Treatment Of Migraine

2009-11-24T11:49:00.000-08:00

The physician analyzes the patient's migraine history to devise an appropriate treatment program. The goals of treatment are to prevent or reduce the number of migraines (called prophylactic treatment) and to alleviate symptoms and shorten the duration of the migraine
(called abortive treatment).

Prophylactic Treatment:
*Preventative medication may be prescribed for patients who have frequent headaches (3 or more a month) that do not respond to abortive treatment. Studies have shown that as many as 40% of these patients may benefit from preventative treatment.
*Using one medication (monotherapy) is tried first, but a combination of medicines may be necessary. Many of these medications have adverse side effects. If migraines become controlled, the dosage is often reduced or the drug discontinued.
*Beta blockers (e.g., propranolol [Inderal®], atenolol [Tenormin®]) are the preferred medications. These drugs produce an effect on heart rate. They should not be taken by patients with asthma and should be used with caution in patients with diabetes.
*Side effects include gastrointestinal upset, insomnia, low blood pressure (hypotension), slowed heart rate (bradycardia), and sexual dysfunction. Some beta blockers pass into breast milk and may cause problems in nursing infants.
*Antiseizure drugs such as valproic acid (Depakote®), topiramate (Topamax®), and gabapentin (Neurontin®) may be used to treat migraine.
*Side effects include nausea, gastrointestinal upset, sedation, liver damage, and tremors.
*Calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil, amlodipine [Norvasc®]) inhibit artery dilation and block the release of serotonin. They should not be taken by patients with heart failure or heart block.
*Side effects include constipation, flushing, low blood pressure, rash, and nausea.
*Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs; e.g., amitryptaline [Elavil®], nortryptaline [Pamelor®], desipramine [Norpramin®]) block serotonin reabsorption and take 2–3 weeks be effective.
*Side effects include the following:
* Constipation
* Dry mouth
* Low blood pressure (hypotension)
* Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
* Urinary retention

Migraine

2009-11-24T11:47:00.000-08:00

Overview:
A migraine headache is a throbbing or pulsating headache that is often one sided (unilateral) and associated with nausea; vomiting; sensitivity to light, sound, and smells; sleep disruption; and depression. Attacks are often recurrent and tend to become less severe as the migraine sufferer ages.

Types:
Migraines are classified according to the symptoms they produce. The two most common types are migraine with aura and migraine without aura. Less common types include the following:
* Abdominal migraine
* Basilar artery migraine
* Carotidynia
* Headache-free migraine (auro without migraine)
* Ophthalmoplegic migraine/Ocular migraine
* Status migrainosus
*Some women experience migraine headaches just prior to or during menstruation. These headaches, which are called menstrual migraines, may be related to hormonal changes and often do not occur or lessen during pregnancy. Other women develop migraines for the first time during pregnancy or after menopause.
*Migraine with aura is characterized by a neurological phenomenon (aura) that is experienced 10 to 30 minutes before the headache. Most auras are visual and are described as bright shimmering lights around objects or at the edges of the field of vision (called scintillating scotomas) or zigzag lines, castles (teichopsia), wavy images, or hallucinations. Others experience temporary vision loss. Nonvisual auras include motor weakness, speech or language abnormalities, dizziness, vertigo, and tingling or numbness (parasthesia) of the face, tongue, or extremities.
*Migraine without aura is the most prevalent type and may occur on one or both sides (bilateral) of the head. Tiredness or mood changes may be experienced the day before the headache. Nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light (photophobia) often accompany migraine without aura.
Abdominal migraine is most common in children with a family history of migraine. Symptoms include abdominal pain without a gastrointestinal cause (may last up to 72 hours), nausea, vomiting, and flushing or paleness (pallor). Children who have abdominal migraine often develop typical migraine as they age.
*Basilar artery migraine involves a disturbance of the basilar artery in the brainstem. Symptoms include severe headache, vertigo, double vision, slurred speech, and poor muscle coordination. This type occurs primarily in young people.
*Carotidynia, also called lower-half headache or facial migraine, produces deep, dull, aching, and sometimes piercing pain in the jaw or neck. There is usually tenderness and swelling over the carotid artery in the neck. Episodes can occur several times weekly and last a few minutes to hours. This type occurs more commonly in older people. Doppler ultrasound studies of the carotid arteries are normal.
*Headache-free migraine is characterized by the presence of aura without headache. This occurs in patients with a history of migraine with aura.
*Ophthalmoplegic migraine begins with a headache felt in the eye and is accompanied by vomiting. As the headache progresses, the eyelid droops (ptosis) and nerves responsible for eye movement become paralyzed. Ptosis may persist for days or weeks.
*Status migraine is a rare type involving intense pain that usually lasts longer than 72 hours.
The patient may require hospitalization.

Incidence and Prevalence:
Migraines afflict about 30 million people in the United States. They may occur at any age, but usually begin between the ages of 10 and 40 and diminish after age 50. Some people experience several migraines a month, while others have only a few migraines throughout their lifetime. Approximately 75% of migraine sufferers are women.

Migraine Causes:
The cause of migraine is unknown. The condition may result from a series of reactions in the central nervous system caused by changes in the body or in the environment. There is often a family history of the disorder, suggesting that migraine sufferers may inherit sensitivity to triggers that produce inflammation in the blood vessels and nerves around the brain and scalp, causing pain.

Triggers:
A trigger is any stimulus that initiates a process or reaction. Commonly identified migraine triggers include the following:
* Alcohol (e.g., red wine)
* Environmental factors (e.g., weather, altitude, time zone changes)
* Exertion
* Foods that contain caffeine (e.g., coffee, chocolate), monosodium glutamate (MSG; used to enhance flavor in several processed foods and in Chinese food), and nitrates (found in processed foods, hot dogs)
* Glare, contrasting patterns
* Hormonal changes in women
* Hunger
* Lack of sleep
* Medications (over-the-counter and prescription)
* Perfume
* Stress

Signs and Symptoms:
Migraine headache pain is often described as throbbing or pulsating pain that is intensified by routine physical activity, coughing, straining, or lowering the head. The headache is often so severe that it interferes with daily activity and may awaken the person. The attack is debilitating, and migraine sufferers are often left feeling tired and weak once the headache has passed.

*A migraine headache typically begins in a specific area on one side of the head, then spreads and builds in intensity over 1 to 2 hours and then gradually subsides. It can last up to 24 hours, and in some cases, several days.
*There may be accompanying symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light (photophobia), or sensitivity to sound (phonophobia). Hands and feet may feel cold and sweaty and unusual odors may be intolerable.

An Overview about "The Diabetes"

2009-11-24T11:46:00.000-08:00

Diabetes is a serious disease that affects an increasingly large number of people nowadays. There are numerous people officially registered at diabetes centers from all over the world. The effects of this disease are, however of the most diverse and they may vary from minor glycemia problems to important glycemia dysfunctions that can also lead to the death of the patient in the most grave cases. There are numerous treatments for this disease but this, however, has not reduced the overall number of people affected by diabetes. Researchers are still trying to prevent its causes but most of the times people get diabetes caused by stress and by a disordered rhythm of life. And this is very difficult to control by medical methods.

Causes:One of the most important causes that lead to diabetes is the disordered nutrition system. This unhealthy nutrition regime includes abuses of many kinds: abuse of sweets and foods that include a lot of sugar, abuse of bread which also includes ingredients that contribute to raising the glycemia level and also the abuse of fat foods that also leads to high cholesterol problems. Actually high glycemia and high cholesterol usually go hand in hand, as people who suffer from one are most likely to suffer from the other as well. High glycemia is hence, the main cause for diabetes. People are advised to check their glycemia by medical analyses at least twice a year.

The other cause which does not depend on the glycemia level at all is stress. High stress leads to high glycemia on a nervous, psychical basis.

The two main causes have the same level of gravity and of intensity. They must however be taken into consideration by anyone, as nothing is more important than health. These numerous causes are very serious but at the same time they are controllable as well. That means people have the power of controlling their daily diets and alimentation. For this, the need of an education system regarding a healthy life is vital to be done.

Symptoms:There are some important symptoms that alert high glycemia and further on, the presence of diabetes in an organism. Among these symptoms the most common and obvious are the change of metabolism and the reduction of saliva in the person’s mouth. Among the symptoms there is also the great appetite for sugar and for sweet aliments. The modification of metabolism reflects at the beginning an important loss of weight and later on there comes instability in the weight of the patient. People suffering from diabetes cannot easily maintain their standard weight. In advanced forms of diabetes people modify their weight considerably.
Regarding the reduction of saliva that most patients suffering from diabetes present, this symptom is one of the earliest ones to appear. This signals high glycemia from the very beginning of the installation of diabetes. People suffering from diabetes often feel their mouth dry especially during the night and have the need of drinking many liquids.

Also, the increased appetite for sugar and sweets is a notable symptom of diabetes, as it reflects the difficulty of saturating organism with sugar. Actually this appetite is only a sensation that some people suffering in an advanced stage of diabetes solve by injecting insulin regularly into their bodies.

Precaution:There are many precaution measures that one can take in order to avoid diabetes. One important precaution is the special attention at one’s daily diet and nutritional system. By having a balanced alimentary regime people can easily avoid diabetes and many other diseases that can derive from bad alimentation.

People are also advised to have a lot of physical exercise, as studies have shown that the ones who practice sports are less threatened by the risk of getting diabetes. This disease is characteristic for sedentary people. The lack of physical activity can easily lead to diabetes.

By a healthy diet and by physical workout people can, hence avoid getting diabetes. Also, people are advised to take theirmedical tests at least twice a year in order to become aware of the eventual problems that they may have up to that certain point.

Treatment:
There are numerous treatments found for diabetes so far. The pills taken for lowering the glycemia level are the most common treatment. They are used by people suffering from diabetes in an early stage of the disease. The pills can be usual ones that can be found in all the pharmacies, or naturist pills, the ones based on natural ingredients only. These pills are said to lower the level of glycemia from the patient’s blood. That is why they must be administrated and taken by respecting a strict schedule.

Another common treatment for diabetes is the insulin. This substance is usually injected in the organism and people who are prescribed insulin are usually suffering from and advanced form of diabetes. Insulin is prescribed when the glycemia level has reached a dangerous point. Another method of administrating insulin is the plaster method. There are special plasters in pharmacies that contain the necessary dose of insulin for a certain amount of time. Some people use plasters instead of the injection method, since the plaster method has become very popular and so easy to use.

Ephedra-For Weight Loss

2009-11-24T11:45:00.001-08:00

#.Americans are buzzing about the FDA’s recent decision to reverse the ban on Ephedra and ephedrine supplements in the United States.
#.Known as the “world’s oldest medicine” ... Ephedra has been used for thousands of years for its variety of healing properties.
#.While ephedra is not a cure-all, it has been successfully used in treating hundreds of afflictions, including some that may surprise you. When the average person hears the word “Ephedra” they may think of two things; weight loss and banned.
#,Yet there are millions of people who have safely used ephedra to burn fat and lose weight, who were devastated when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration imposed a ban on ephedra in early 2004.
#.The FDA claimed a high death rate attributed to the use (or misuse) of ephedra and ephedrine — the main “active” ingredient in the ephedra plant. However, further research showed that only five of these deaths could be attributed to ephedra use, so the ban was lifted.
#.To put the number of adverse events into perspective, consider that over 12 million people were reportedly using ephedra during 1999, without any harmful side-effects.
#.Ephedra has thermogenic "fat-burning" qualities, which means it can be used to speed up your body metabolism. This natural increase in metabolism, is what results in virtually effortless weight loss and has earned ephedra the nickname “miracle fat burner.”
#.Unlike other weight loss products on the market — ephedra helps the body retain lean muscle mass. The thermogenic qualities of ephedra also improve the body’s ability to eliminate toxins (through urine and sweat), which can reduce unnecessary water retention.
#.What you may not know is that the ephedra plant has been used to treat a number of respiratory and circulatory conditions, including asthma, allergies (such as hay fever) and the common cold.
#.Ephedrine — or the synthetic equivalent called pseudoephedrine — can be found in many over-the-counter cold and allergy medications, including Sudafed. Ephedra is a vasodilator, meaning it relaxes (or dilates) blood vessels, which allows blood to flow more easily, and allows nasal passages to open wider.
#.In Chinese medicine, ephedra has been used for thousands of years to increase blood flow and improve circulation... Athletes have used ephedra for centuries, since it helps build muscle and burn fat.
#.Many people report increased energy and stamina while using ephedra, which increases overall athletic performance. And Ephedra is generally considered safe when adhering to the recommended doses.
#.Since ephedra is a very powerful and effective supplement, you should check with your physician before using ephedra if you have any of the following conditions:
* Anxiety
* High blood pressure
* Glaucoma
* Heart disease
Contraindication:
Do not take ephedra if you are pregnant or lactating. Check with your physician before beginning any weight loss program.

Crohn's Diseases

2009-11-24T11:44:00.000-08:00

Crohn's disease is generally characterized by the formation of ulcers (open sores) anywhere in the small and large intestines (commonly known as the colon). Ulcerative colitis on the other hand is characterized by formation of ulcers mainly in the lower portions of the large colon. The differentiating feature is between Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis is the area that is affected by these two disorders. While Crohn's disease does not affect the rectum or may only affect the regions around the rectum, the ulcers associated with ulcerative colitis often begin at the rectum and extend to the other regions of the large intestine (especially the lowermost regions). Another distinguishing feature between these two disorders lies in the curability. While surgery can cure ulcerative colitis in most instances, there is no cure for Crohn’s disease (only symptoms can be treated effectively).

Treatment:
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic disorders that persist for a long duration. However, effective treatment can generally result in complete recovery from the symptoms of IBD and the individual can lead a normal life.
Anti-inflammatory drugs and drugs to suppress the body’s immune system are generally the first line of treatment of mild to moderate IBD. These help in reduction of the inflammation in the colon and thereby decrease other associated symptoms.
Administration of medications that belong to the group of anti-diarrheals, laxatives, and pain relievers are also commonly advised for individuals suffering from mild to moderate forms of IBD. Antibiotic medications may be advised if any underlying infection is suspected or identified during the diagnostic procedures.

A well balanced diet that supplies adequate amounts of calories, vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients should be consumed to prevent the occurrence of malnutrition. Adequate consumption of water and other fluids is also advised.
Severe cases of IBD may require hospital admission for appropriate care and prevention of complications. Surgery may be advised in some severe cases of ulcerative colitis wherein removal of the affected portion can often cure the condition. However, a similar result cannot be obtained with Crohn’s disease and hence, surgery is reserved as a last option for treatment of Crohn’s disease.

Cardiotonic Drugs

2009-11-24T11:42:00.000-08:00

Inotropics and cardiotonics are medications that increase the strength of the muscle contractions that pump blood from the heart. Until recently, the inotropic drug digitalis was the main medical treatment for heart failure.
Digitalis
A drug derived from the foxglove plant that has been used to treat heart disease for more than 300 years - makes the heart's contractions stronger, may reduce heart size, and can lessen the frequency or severity of some heart arrhythmias. Digitalis has not been shown to improve survival of heart patients, but it does relieve symptoms and may reduce hospitalizations. Many experts now prescribe drugs proven to prolong life, such as an ACE inhibitor or beta-blocker before digitalis is tried. Digitalis may be useful, however, especially if used in combination with other agents for patients with:
* Systolic dysfunction characterized by a low ejection fraction, or EF (the percentage, or fraction, of blood pumped out of the heart with each beat)
* Heart failure and atrial fibrillation, a rapid, irregular heartbeat arising in the upper chamber. Digoxin (Lanoxin) is the most commonly prescribed form of digitalis.
A research study reported that low-dose digoxin may be as effective as higher doses for some patients with mild to moderate heart failure . If side effects exist, but are mild, patients may be able to continue digitalis.
In one study, it was found that patients who stopped taking digoxin after using it in combination with ACE inhibitors were at risk for worsening heart failure.
While most medications are generally safe when taken as prescribed, all have potential side effects, and some can be dangerous. Digitalis, for example, can cause abnormal heart rhythms that may be life-threatening. Blood tests may be needed to monitor its levels in the blood. Digitalis, many other medications and some non-prescription substances also can interact with other drugs. It is important that your healthcare provider knows every medication you are taking. You also should not discontinue a medication without consulting with your healthcare provider, and report any worrisome side effects or symptoms immediately.
Common Inotropic and Cardiotonic Drugs:
* Amrinone (Inocor®)
* Digitoxin (Crystodigin®)
* Digoxin (Lanoxin®, Lanoxicaps®)
* Dobutamine (Dobutrex®)
* Milrinone (Primacor®)
Root Of Administration:
Some drugs may be administered intravenously (IV), which means they are infused continuously through an IV tube, or catheter, into a vein. Dobutamine, for example,may be administered in the home with a device called a portable infusion pump.
Treating heart failure at an early stage offers the best chance for a longer and better quality life. Three classes of medications have been the standard treatments for heart failure: ACE inhibitor and angiotensin receptor blocker (Renal-Angiotensin System blockers); diuretics and digitalis.

NSAIDs or NAIDs,

2009-11-24T11:41:00.000-08:00

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, usually abbreviated to NSAIDs or NAIDs, are drugs with analgesic, antipyretic (lowering an elevated body temperature and relieving pain without impairing consciousness) and, in higher doses, with anti-inflammatory effects (reducing inflammation). The term "non-steroidal" is used to distinguish these drugs from steroids, which (among a broad range of other effects) have a similar eicosanoid-depressing, anti-inflammatory action. As analgesics, NSAIDs are unusual in that they are non-narcotic.The most prominent members of this group of drugs are aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen partly because they are available over-the-counter in many areas.
Classification:
1.Salicylates
Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) · Aloxiprin · Benorylate · Diflunisal · Ethenzamide · Magnesium salicylate · Methyl salicylate · Salsalate · Salicin · Salicylamide · Sodium salicylate
2.Arylalkanoic acids
Diclofenac · Aceclofenac · Acemetacin · Alclofenac · Bromfenac · Etodolac · Indometacin · Indometacin farnesil · Nabumetone · Oxametacin · Proglumetacin · Sulindac · Tolmetin
3.2-Arylpropionic acids
(profens)
Ibuprofen · Alminoprofen · Benoxaprofen · Carprofen · Dexibuprofen · Dexketoprofen · Fenbufen · Fenoprofen · Flunoxaprofen · Flurbiprofen · Ibuproxam · Indoprofen† · Ketoprofen · Ketorolac · Loxoprofen · Miroprofen · Naproxen · Oxaprozin · Pirprofen · Suprofen · Tarenflurbil · Tiaprofenic acid
4.N-Arylanthranilic acids
(fenamic acids)
Mefenamic acid · Flufenamic acid · Meclofenamic acid · Tolfenamic acid
5.Pyrazolidine derivatives
Phenylbutazone · Ampyrone · Azapropazone · Clofezone · Kebuzone · Metamizole† · Mofebutazone · Oxyphenbutazone · Phenazone · Sulfinpyrazone
6.Oxicams
Piroxicam · Droxicam · Lornoxicam · Meloxicam · Tenoxicam · Ampiroxicam
7.COX-2 inhibitors
Celecoxib · Deracoxib‡ · Etoricoxib · Firocoxib‡ · Lumiracoxib† · Parecoxib · Rofecoxib† · Valdecoxib
8.Sulfonanilides
Nimesulide
9..Topically used products
Bendazac · Diclofenac · Etofenamate · Felbinac · Flurbiprofen · Ibuprofen · Indometacin · Ketoprofen · Naproxen · Piroxicam · Suprofen
10.Others
Fluproquazone
Mechanism Of Action:
Most NSAIDs act as non-selective inhibitors of the enzyme cyclooxygenase, inhibiting both the cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) isoenzymes. Cyclooxygenase catalyzes the formation of prostaglandins and thromboxane from arachidonic acid (itself derived from the cellular phospholipid bilayer by phospholipase A2). Prostaglandins act (among other things) as messenger molecules in the process of inflammation. This mechanism of action was elucidated by John Vane, who later received a Nobel Prize for his work (see Mechanism of action of aspirin). A newly discovered COX-3 may also have some role.
Uses:
NSAIDs are usually indicated for the treatment of acute or chronic conditions where pain and inflammation are present. Research continues into their potential for prevention of colorectal cancer, and treatment of other conditions, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.
* Rheumatoid arthritis
* Osteoarthritis
* Inflammatory arthropathies (e.g. ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, Reiter's syndrome)
* Acute gout
* Dysmenorrhoea (menstrual pain)
* Metastatic bone pain
* Headache and migraine
* Postoperative pain
* Mild-to-moderate pain due to inflammation and tissue injury
* Pyrexia (fever)
* Ileus
* Renal colic
* They are also given to neonate infants whose ductus arteriosus is not closed within 24 hours of birth
Adverse Effect:
Advedse drug Reaction
Dyspepsia
Inflammatory Bowel Disease like Ulcerative Colitis & Crohn's disease

Asthma Attacks

2009-11-14T22:35:00.002-08:00

An acute asthma attack can render a person incapable of normal functioning for a while. In many cases, bronchodilators work well to provide relief.

At the same time, there are claims that the severity and frequency of asthma attacks reduced drastically when patients started doing certain kinds of breathing exercises.

Are these claims really true?

Breathing exercises for asthma relief fall under what is called complementary and alternative medicine.

There are several types of breathing exercises available, including yoga, biofeedback training and more. Since many people apparently benefited from these exercises, they gained a certain amount of credibility.

However, asthma attacks are caused by inflamed muscles and lung tissues. Can breathing exercises help in such situations?

Sometime back, a publication called Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine carried a research report on this topic. According to that study, the answer is yes, breathing exercises can help to a certain extent.

They found that breathing exercises helped improve lung function and indirectly, the quality of life for asthma patients. The authors concluded that this form of complementary therapy warrants further study and that breath training can be a useful adjunct to normal medication.

According to the authors, of various types of breath training, pranayama appears to offer the most benefits. Pranayama is associated with yoga and in fact, many yoga postures incorporate breath control of one kind or another.

Several studies tracked adult asthma patients who were given pranayama training. A significant proportion of these adults showed improvements in asthma symptoms. However, their lung function did not appear to improve. Peak flow meters were used to measure lung function.

Other techniques like muscle relaxation and the Buteyko breathing technique also produced improvements in symptoms.

Some studies have found that muscle relaxation helps patients breathe more easily while reducing symptoms of asthma.

Researchers found that even six months after receiving relaxation training, the improvements in symptoms and breathing patterns were apparent.

A couple of other studies have shown that muscle relaxation training helped cut down on the need for bronchodilators. They also found that the patients showed improvement in their maximum inspiratory pressure, which is a key measure of lung function.

Statistics show that as many as one third of asthmatics have at least some degree of dysfunctional breathing. That is why biofeedback training, which promotes correct breathing, generates health benefits.

Such training may not help eliminate asthma attacks, but proper breathing does have a major impact on the patient's experience of life and overall health.

The study concluded that regular medication and monitoring by a healthcare professional must always be a key part of asthma management. In other words, there is not enough evidence to suggest that alternative methods can be a complete substitute for traditional medication.

At the same time, there are indicators that complementary methods like breathing exercises can play a useful role. Utilizing these methods under competent medical supervision may help asthma patients see improvements in their condition.

Aerobic Exericse

2009-11-14T22:35:00.001-08:00

Aerobic exercise is important at all ages. You are never told too old to begin an aerobic exercise program and to experience the often dramatic benefits. There are, of course, a few special considerations involved in beginning anexercise program later in life. If you have been de-conditioned by avoiding exercise for some time, you are likely to start at a lower level of physical ability than would a younger person. You may be more susceptible to fractures if you fall and injure yourself. You may have an underlying medical condition that limits your choice of exercise activities. You may need to talk with your doctor for advice as to exactly how to proceed. Nevertheless, at your age, you need aerobic exercise more than ever, and there is almost always a way to get it.

Some people worry that they have only so many heartbeats in a lifetime, and that exercise will increase their heart rates and use them up. In fact, because of the decrease in resting heart rate, the fit individual uses 10 to 25% fewer heartbeats in the course of a day, even after allowing for the increase during exercise periods. Aerobic training also builds good muscle tone, improves reflexes, improves balance, burn fat, and makes the bones stronger.

Much has been made of reaching a particular heart rate during exercise, one that avoids too much stress and yet provides the “training effect.” Usually it is difficult to count your pulse while you are exercising, but you can check it by counting the pulse in your wrist for 15 seconds immediately after you stop exercising and then multiplying by 4. more important, as your training progresses, you may wish to count your resting pulse, perhaps in bed in the morning before you get up. The goal here is aresting heart rate of about 60 beats per minute. An individual who is not fit will typically have a resting heart rate of 75 or so.

There are easier ways of telling how you are doing. Endurance activity is a bit uncomfortable at first, and then becomes quite comfortable as your training program persists. It is not “all out.” You should be able to carry on a conversation while you are exercising. On the other hand, you should be breaking a sweat during eachexercise period. The sweating indicates that the exercise has raised your internal body temperature.

Aerobic exercise must be sustained activity. You need at least 10 or 15 minutes of exercise each session. You can progress up to 200 minutes per week, spread out over five to seven sessions; beyond this amount little further benefits seems to result.

Your choice of a particular aerobic activity depends on your own desires and your present level of fitness. The activity should be one that can be graded; that is, you should be able to easily and gradually increase the effort and the duration of theexercise.

Walking by itself not always an aerobic exercise, but it provides very important health benefits. If you haven’t been exercising at all, start by walking. For seniors, a gradual increase in walking activity, up to a minimum of 150 minutes per week, usually should precede attempting a more strenuousaerobic program. Walking briskly can be aerobic , but you need to push the pace quite a bit to break a sweat and get your heart rate up. Walking uphill or upstairs can quite quickly become aerobic.

Jogging, swimming, and brisk walking are appropriate for all ages, and many seniors of all ages participate. Master swim programs are increasingly popular.

Inside the house, stationary bicycles or cross-country ski machines are good. Some individuals like to use radio earphones while they exercise; others exercise indoors while watching evening news. While almost any activity from gardening to tennis can be aerobic for some, remember that the exercise can’t be “start and stop.” Aerobic activity can’t come in bursts; it must be sustained for at least a 10- to 15-minute period.

Benefits Of Mangosteen Pills

2009-11-14T22:34:00.001-08:00

Mangosteen, known as "Queen of all fruit", has been used for centuries by Asian health practitioners for its nutritional benefits and delicious flavor. It is known as an antioxidant-rich fruit. Using of various supplements that contain components ofmangosteen is one of the popular ways to take care of health. An additional argument is that fresh mangosteen is difficult to transport, and the tinned fruit loses a great part of useful properties. The decision of this problem is mangosteen pills.

Mangosteen - Queen of All Fruit

Mangosteen is related to typically Thai fruit. During the season of rains (April - September) the markets of the West Indies countries are full with mangosteen fruit. Despite of the name is similar to mango, these plants are not relatives. Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) is from Guttiferae family, which includes over 200 kinds of edible fruit.

Mangosteen is considered to be one of the tastiest fruit in the world, but nevertheless it is cultivated on the limited areas, mainly in Thailand wheremangosteen plantations occupy totally more than nine thousand of hectare. Also mangosteen is grown on the Philippines, in Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Honduras.

Mangosteen trees bear the first fruit relatively late at the age of 9 until they are 20 years old. A fructifying mangosteen tree is a tremendous view: bright round purple fruit emphasized by thick dark green leaves look wonderful. The diameter of mangosteen is about 6-9 sm, and it weighs from 80 up to 200 grams. The peel is very dense, 5 mm thick (one should not try to open the fruit with his teeth). It takes up approximately 2/3 of the fruit.

To reach the pulp, it is necessary to thrust a knife in the scape area and to divide the peel in half. Considerable efforts to cut the peel are worthy of it, since under the peel you will see white, or cream, juicy cloves (there are usually 5-8 ones) with oily, sweet, but not luscious, sometimes a bit astringent taste. To tell the truth, there is no fruit to comparemangosteen taste with, but believe - it is delicious. You should eat the fruit cautiously, since in some cloves there are rather large dark pits. The more cloves are in the fruit, the less pits it contains.

There are several dishes mangosteen may be added to fruit salads, compotes, it is possible to add it to cocktails with champagne, and it also may be preserved. There is only one problem aboutmangosteen . Some fruit can be ill, and in this case their pulp becomes dark, almost yellow, sticky, with unpleasant taste and smell. The reason of this disease is still unknown.

What is the Mangosteen Pill

Mangosteen pill is a very popular biologically active supplement due to curative properties of the fruit. Mangosteen pills are derived from the peel and the seeds. Mangosteen juice is pleasant, peel is not; but in fact it is the peel where the maximum of useful substances is concentrated. Therefore consumers are offered tablets.Mangosteen peel contains such useful substances as xanthones. These are powerful antioxidants, which effectively struggle with oncological diseases and possess antibacterial action. Besides,mangosteen is vascular relaxant that struggles against such illnesses as ischemic heart disease, hypertension, atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and so on. Many people strain to spend a lot of money and to accept a large amount of various supplements to provide their body with a daily norm of various substances. Mangosteen pills helps you to save time and money and to supply human organism with all the necessary substances.

Improves Your Fitness Level

2009-11-14T22:33:00.002-08:00

More and more people have wondered whether Pilates is a form of exercise that can improve their muscle fitness and increase their strength. Experts believe that Pilates can indeed reduce a person's stress levels while increasing his or her mental awareness and body's flexibility. But, when people are asked ifPilates is a suitable form of exercise to increase fitness levels, responses vary greatly. Some think that probably is not the best type of exercise to do the job. But, those who have tried it assert that Pilates can definitely make your body feel stronger.

If you would like to really put your daily fitness routine in overdrive and get better results than you ever have in the past, you really should consider addingPilates exercises into your home fitness workouts. Unlike traditional weight building exercises, with Pilates your body is controlled by your breathing. Even if this sounds surprisingly simple, while you are not going to produce the bulked up muscles of some weight lifters,Pilates will certainly help you increase your muscles' strength. In particular, some Pilates balance postures require enormous muscle control in order to prevent you from falling over. This muscle control actually helps you build and strengthen your whole body. Aerobicexercise is great for burning calories, while strength training works very well for strengthening your muscle groups, but Pilates goes far beyond either of those forms of exercise and can benefit you both physically and mentally.

In addition to all its other benefits, Pilates can help you improve muscle fitness and make you actually feel and be stronger. Whether you choose to use it as your primary means of strength training or you want it to supplement your other exercises,Pilates can help your muscles grow fit, balanced, and strong. In fact, many poses in Pilates are done very slowly or you are required to stay in a specific posture during several breaths. In fact, those who have experienced it, support that it is much more challenging to your muscles to hold a pose or repeat it slowly than it is to allow momentum to move you through an action. Particularly, by practicingPilates you actually realign your muscles, so they become more balanced. You truly work your entire body when you practice Pilates as you do not focus on an isolated muscle or set, but actively recruit the smaller muscle groups as well. Finally, since you are not overworking any specific muscle group, you are less likely to get injured.

Concluding, Pilates is a type of exercise that has multiple benefits. Using the Pilates positions and breathing exercises one can focus inward rather than on the outward distractions of life. Pilates is considered a fitness program but also a mental exercise. Uniting mind and body through breathing, Pilates is destined to make people feel better about themselves and attain a better state of health overall.

Fitness Franchise

2009-11-14T22:33:00.001-08:00

If recent media coverage were any indication, it would appear that virtually nobody in the United States has had any success at losing weight. Crash diets, weight loss pills and get-thin-quick gimmicks are more prevalent than ever, yet two-thirds of our population is still overweight. Even more startling is the fact that approximately one-third of the people in our country are clinically obese.

Yet more and more Americans are finding that weight loss success is not only within their grasp, but also actually easier to achieve than they thought possible.

Due to the rapid growth of women-only circuit-training gyms, women in particular are finding that weight loss is an achievable goal. Workouts just for women have become a common sight from sea to shining sea, with the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association reporting that as of July 2005 there were 26,046 health clubs in the United States (a 10.8 percent increase from just six months previous). Women-only circuit training clubs account for more than one out of every three fitness centers in the nation.

Sales at fitness clubs have also been on the rise. In January 2003, the latest figures available, the industry collectively took in $14.1 billion in revenue, a jump from $13.1 billion a year earlier.

Why has the women-only circuit-training exercise model worked so well? The short answer is that it works. Circuit training is a proven exercise system that, for many women, has proven to be more effective than dieting or nutrition programs alone.

The routine at these ladies express gyms is quick and simple, allowing each woman to progress at her own pace. The ladies exercise in a circle, each at a station. They spend 30 or 45 seconds at each station, either working a hydraulic resistance machine or doing aerobics. The entire routine takes 30 minutes.

Pick Up The Pace is one such gym for women that has carefully tracked the success of its members for years. Deanna S., a member of Pick Up The Pace in Libby, MT, lost 14.75 inches in just one month. Kim M. reduced her body-fat by 4.2 percent in just one month at Pick Up The Pace, while at the same time losing 10.75 pounds of fat.

With results like these, it's easy to see why this fitness center concept has skyrocketed in popularity with today's average woman. For perhaps the first time in their lives, women are finding that it's possible to slim down and tone up in only 30 minutes each day.

What many women see as just a great way to achieve some quick weight loss, others see as a business opportunity. Despite the incredible growth of these hydraulic gyms, there seems to be no shortage of customers. As reported by CNN on 1-14-05 "Americans were expected to spend more than $40 billion in 2004 on weight control pills, gym memberships, diet plans and related foods, estimates Marketdata Enterprises, which studies the weight loss industry." Furthermore, statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that 80 percent of overweight individuals and almost 87 percent of obese individuals are trying to lose or maintain their weight.

As reported by mygoals.com, 80 percent of Americans made a New Year's resolution in 2005. A whopping 26 percent of those resolutions were to improve overall health and fitness, making this the top category for self-improvement. This year was no anomaly, either, according to Amy O'Connor, deputy editor of Prevention magazine: "Fifty-nine million people every year resolve to lose weight."

With so many potential customers, many women seek to start their own circuit-training business only to find themselves discouraged by the typical franchise opportunity. They're finding that a hydraulic gym franchise such as Curves for Women can be expensive, restrictive, and sometimes difficult to purchase.

According to the International Franchise Association, one of the women-only workout franchises recently announced that they are raising their franchise fee from $9,995 to $12,500. Another franchise package costs anywhere from $85,000 to $225,000, including a $36,000 franchise fee and startup cost. Monthly franchise royalty payments, which can range from $395 to $590 per month, place an additional burden on the franchisee. Assuming that the franchise agreement permits the buyer to use the franchise name for 10 years, the gym owner will be paying approximately $60,000 in royalty payments over the franchise term. These figures can scare off many would-be health club owners.

Many women who do opt to open a circuit-training franchise find that the franchise agreement does not grant them the liberty to add amenities as they wish. Many franchise operations restrict their fitness centers by not allowing them to add tanning, nutrition counseling, supplements, vitamins, massage therapy, body wraps or other extras for which ladies are clamoring.

Relying on good old American made ingenuity, many women entrepreneurs are choosing to either open a completely independent workout center or opt for a license package. While going independent carries the inherent risk of having to reinvent the wheel, it still may be the best option for some women. The other option is to capture most of the benefits of a franchise while at the same time avoiding the financial burdens of that system. This is done with a license package, such as the one offered by Pick Up The Pace 30-Minute Workout For Women.

For many women, getting fit, slender and in shape themselves has not only been good for their health but has also prompted them to enter the fitness market as a gym owner. With obesity rates still climbing, this is a trend that may continue for years to come.

Way to Quit Smoking

2009-11-14T22:31:00.000-08:00

The question on every smoker?s yellowing lip will always be "Is there an easy way to quit smoking?? The instant answer to that would be yes, as there is a mountain of anecdotal evidence to suggest it is possible. There are millions of smokers who can testify that they packed in a long-term habit overnight, and never desired another cigarette again. The realquestion then, is how did they do it?

The answer is simple: if you wish to quit smoking easily, then you need to change your mindset. After years of smoking, your brain will be configured to believe that smoking is an integral part of you. As a formersmoker myself, I know full well just how emotionally connected the smoker is to the cigarette, and this is something non-smokers often overlook. It?s not just a question of willpower - it?s about being able to sever the emotional links we have with the habit.

The fact is that nicotine is one of the least physically addictive drug substances out there. We can sleep for eight hours every night without our body waking us up in a cold sweat to smoke, which is more than can be said for a hard drug such as heroin. Although this sounds like a big claim to make, the amount of anecdotal evidence mentioned earlier should be testament to this. The smoking habit is not the nicotine habit - it is the psychologically addictive habit.

The easy way to quit smoking is to shake up the beliefs you associate with smoking. It?s not enough to simply say it?s bad for your health, because that is a rational fact. Smoking breeds irrational, emotional attachments, and it is those attachments which you have to perceive in a different way. Nosmoker is going to argue that smoking is good for their health, but many will claim that a cigarette helps them relax. This is an important difference to compute. Smokers have more irrational beliefs than they would think, and it's these irrational beliefs which have to be turned on their head in order for the habit to be left behind.

This calls upon a great deal of introspection. Head to the cafe with a notepad and pen and start writing about how you feel about smoking. Compare smoking to a girlfriend or boyfriend, if you will, because that?s the level of emotional attachment most smokers will feel towards the habit. Start assessing how you feel about smoking and make a list of all the positives you feel smoking brings to your life. Then try to detach yourself andquestion these "positives?. Before you started smoking you never had any need for these positives, so ask why you need them now.

Ultimately, if you want an easy way to stop smoking, then you need to realise that all that is really required is a re-wiring of your thinking patterns. You do not need gum, patches or any other gimmick. Such gimmicks only give you relief from the physical pain, but give almost nothing to soothe the emotional pain. You need to beat both the physical attachment and, particularly, the emotional attachment. If you can change the way you think about smoking, then you?ve taken a major step forward in your quest to kick the habit for good.

Know About Hiv

2009-11-14T05:32:00.000-08:00

HIV is an abbreviation for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome or AIDS as it is generally called, is the result of this virus. When a person has AIDS, the immune system gradually break downs. The patient then becomes highly susceptible to infections and illnesses, which could even, be fatal. History dates its origin to June 5th 1981 in Los Angeles where the virus was found in five homosexual men. It was then called GRID or Gay-Related Immune Deficiency because people thought it only affected homosexual people. This theory was soon blown to pieces when cases were reported from all over. Today, AIDS has reached epidemic proportions. It has plagued most countries around the world and is considered a highly dangerous disease.

To gain a better understanding of HIV, we must first explore how it is transmitted.

a. HIV is a sexually transmitted disease. What does this mean? The mucous membrane lines different parts of the body such as the lips, genital areas, nostrils etc. When the mucous membrane comes in contact with sexual secretions of an infected HIV patient, the virus transfers from one to another. This is why the main cause for the spread of AIDS is unprotected sexual intercourse.

b. HIV is also transmitted through infected blood. Therefore, one has to take extreme precaution when undergoing blood transfusions. It is always advisable to go to a reputed hospital or clinic where infected syringes are not used. Intravenous drug users and hemophiliacs are at high risk to get HIV.

c. HIV can be transmitted from a mother to a child either in the womb, during childbirth or duing breast-feeding. The chances of this happening have been reduced with drugs and other procedures.

Some of the early symptoms include sinusitis, bronchitis, otitis, pharyngitis, weight loss, dry cough, unexplained fatigue, unusual blemishes on the tongue, herpes zoster and oral ulcerations. During the more advanced stages patients may have chronic diarrhea, continuous fever, extreme weight loss, oral hairy leukoplakia and candidiasis and pulmonary tuberculosis.

It is extremely important for people to be tested for HIV. In some communities, partners are required to take the HIV test prior to marriage. This is because it not only affects the infected individual but also can spread to the spouse and the unborn child. It is difficult telling someone you love that you have AIDS. However, is very vital for their health and safety.

Doctors, nurses and Medicare professionals are also exposed to this virus as they deal with syringes and needles on a daily basis. If you have AIDS and if you are looking for a doctor, then do some preliminary research on the doctor before you meet him or her. The doctor should be reliable and must be aware of the nuances of the field. You should choose a doctor who you are comfortable with.

Symptoms Hiv

2009-11-14T05:31:00.002-08:00

HIV is a horrible disease which could hurt not only the person but the whole family so it is very important to be aware of this kind of bloody disease.
Because many people who have been infected with HIV have few or no symptoms initially, testing is the only way to know for sure if you are infected with HIV. There are, however, an assortment of symptoms that can be associated with HIV infection.
when we talk about the,

Symptoms Early After Infection - Acute HIV - In emergency departments and family practice offices, people come in with symptoms like fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat, rash and diarrhea. In response to these symptoms, physicians diagnose the flu and send the patient on their way. In the majority of cases, their diagnosis proves correct. But unfortunately, a number of people with these vague, indistinct symptoms have a more serious illness than the flu; these symptoms may signal the acute stages of HIV infection.

according to another expert who enalysis this disease.

he says,

HIV, or the human immunodeficiency virus, is a sexually transmitted disease that assails the immune system. The virus attacks your CD4 cells (or T4 cells), which are necessary to fight off illnesses. Eventually, the virus overwhelms the CD4 cells and your body becomes unable to fight off diseases and infections. Once your body's CD4 cell count falls below 200 per cubic millimeter of blood, and/or an opportunistic infection takes hold of your weakened immune system, you will be diagnosed with AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). Symptoms of HIV vary according to what stage of the infection you are in.

Early Symptoms of HIV
The earliest symptoms of HIV infection occur while your body begins to form antibodies to the virus (known as seroconversion) between six weeks and three months after infection with the HIV virus. Those who do show early HIV symptoms will develop flu-like symptoms. This can include: fever, rash, muscles aches and swollen lymph nodes and glands. However, for most people, the first symptoms of HIV will not be apparent.

Hiv Kits

2009-11-14T05:31:00.001-08:00

Approved HIV kits

AIDS is a disease that attacks the immuno system of a person drag equal a road that the body of the easy pickings finds right arduous to contest infections. In homologous individuals, mild and rare diseases arise into formidable conditions. And all this is brought about by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
Honest is since of this that HIV tests are today required, which is possible either ended lab tests or stow away the fitness of approved HIV kits. Keep from these approved HIV kits, true is possible to bonanza out if you are suffering from AIDS adumbrate complete anonymity. Physical is for of this that most persons exalt using approved HIV kits than rosy tests to gem out if they are suffering from HIV.

HIV Down home Check Utensils award accurate influence

HIV Inland Inspection Implements is clinically proven and FDA certified to copy now protected, accurate and telling thanks to the tests conducted by doctors, health clinics and hospitals. These HIV kits are facile to convenience for they all come hush up a far-reaching instruction pamphlet dissemble illustrations.
The approved HIV instruments comes screen a dwarf blotter that comes suppress a uncommon 11 character code; and concrete is this code that gives you desolate connection to know stuff counsellors who tear off clear that you appropriateness the HIV At ease Check Instruments properly network conducting your assessment.
Moreover, rightful is completed this code that the contact of the evaluation are sent to you, and not washed-up fraction of your personal counsel. This ensures that no one will know that you had bought and performed an HIV Family Assessment Apparatus.

The integral testing process

All that has to symbolize done to fulfill a examination is to push your finger and put a few drops on the blotter. This blotter inasmuch as has to hold office shipped to the laboratory of the approved HIV kit, since per their procedure. You gratify influence agency 24 hours; all that has to serve done is a phone call to the lab the next day, give your 11 digit code for identification and ask for results.
Whatever the result may be, you can ask for counselling. If results are negative, you can learn how to more careful in the future, and not fall victim to AIDS. And if results are positive, you can find out what treatment options you have and learn about professional post - test aids counselling and medical referrals.

Beware of HIV kits that are not FDA approved

There are many HIV kits available on the market today; however not all of them are FDA approved. There are some kits that say that they can detect antibodies of HIV in saliva and blood samples within 15 minutes.
However these tests are not guaranteed and may not always give the right results. Moreover, they are not FDA approved kits, making them unfit for use. There are even some HIV home test kits that falsely claim to be FDA approved. Always confirm if the HIV kit is approved by looking for the test in a list of FDA approved HIV tests, available on the internet.

Signs and Symptoms of Hiv

2009-11-14T05:30:00.000-08:00

HIV, or the human immunodeficiency virus, is a sexually transmitted disease that assails the immune system. The virus attacks your CD4 cells (or T4 cells), which are necessary to fight off illnesses. Eventually, the virus overwhelms the CD4 cells and your body becomes unable to fight off diseases and infections. Once your body’s CD4 cell count falls below 200 per cubic millimeter of blood, and/or an opportunistic infection takes hold of your weakened immune system, you will be diagnosed with AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). Symptoms of HIV vary according to what stage of the infection you are in.

Signs and Symptoms of HIV

Symptoms that could serve as warning signals of HIV infection may go ignored because many women do not perceive themselves at risk. Symptoms include recurrent yeast infections (vaginal candidiasis), pelvic inflammatory disease, abnormal changes or dysplasia (growth and presence of precancerous cells) in cervical tissue, genital ulcers, genital warts, and severe mucosal herpes infections may also accompany HIV infection in women.

The first symptoms of HIV infection can resemble symptoms of common cold or flu viruses. The symptoms of early infection can also be similar to the symptoms of other sexually transmitted diseases and other infections such as "mono" or hepatitis, which are much more commonly and more easily transmitted. Stress and anxiety can also produce symptoms in some people, even though they do not have HIV.

HIV is diagnosed by testing your blood or oral mucus for the presence of antibodies to the virus. Unfortunately, HIV tests aren't accurate immediately after infection because it takes time for your immune system to make these antibodies — usually about 12 weeks after infection. Rarely, it can take up to six months for an HIV test to become positive

Skin, mouth, genital symptoms — A characteristic feature of acute HIV infection is open sores or ulcers involving the mucous membranes and skin in certain areas of the body. They may be located in the mouth; the esophagus (throat, which extends from the mouth to the stomach); the anus; or the penis. Ulceration involving the esophagus often causes pain during swallowing. The ulcers tend to be shallow, with sharply defined edges, and are typically swollen and painful.

Everyone has had days where they were feeling a little "blue". We all have been "down in the dumps" or felt "blah" But when these feelings last longer than a couple weeks you may be suffering from depression.

HIV-infected individuals are more prone to severe malaria than non-infected individuals. Malaria also causes a seven-fold increase in the HIV viral load of people with HIV infection. People with HIV infection should therefore take extra precautions when visiting malarial areas.

In most patients, symptoms of HIV begin about two to four weeks after exposure. However, there have been instances in which up to 10 months have passed between exposure and the first signs and symptoms of HIV infection.

Weight loss is a common problem in HIV and AIDS. Unless you are actively trying to lose weight by exercising and watching what you eat, weight loss is a serious problem.

Many illnesses have flu-like symptoms or cause swollen glands. You cannot have HIV unless you have been directly exposed to the virus. HIV can be transmitted during sexual intercourse with an infected person, through contact with infected blood or breastmilk, or during unsafe injections or medical procedures.

More serious symptoms include heavy bleeding if you are injured. Rarely, brain infections such as meningitis can affect people with HIV infection.

Hiv/aids and Education

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HIV/AIDS is the global issue of new era of science and technology and we should know that the problem of widespread AIDS is challenge for human survival. Children and young people need to be equipped with the knowledge, attitudes, values and skills that will help them face these challenges and assist them in making healthy life-style choices as they grow. Education delivered through schools is one of the ways through which children can be helped to face these challenges and make such choices.

Providing information about HIV (transmission, risk factors, how to avoid infection) is necessary, but not sufficient, to lead to healthy behavioral change. Programs that provide accurate information, to counteract the myths and misinformation, frequently report improvements in knowledge and attitudes, but this is poorly correlated with behavioral change related to risk taking and desirable behavioral outcomes. Education can be effective in the more difficult task of achieving and sustaining behavior change about HIV/AIDS. The schools can either be a place that practices discrimination, prejudice and undue fear or one that demonstrates society’s commitment to equity.School policies need to ensure that every child and adolescent has the right to life education; particularly when that education is necessary for survival and avoidance of HIV infection.

HIV infection is one of the major problems facing school-age children today. They face fear if they are ignorant, discrimination if they or a family member or friend is infected, and suffering and death if they are not able to protect themselves from this preventable disease.

It is estimated that 40 million people, worldwide, are living with HIV or have AIDS, at least a third of these are young people aged 15-24. In 1998 more than 3 million young people worldwide became infected including 590,000 children under 15. More than 8,500 children and young people become infected with HIV each day. In many countries over 50% of all infections are among 15-24 years old, who will likely develop AIDS in a period ranging from several months to more than 10 years.

Studies have shown the enormous impact HIV and AIDS have on the education sector and the quality of education provided, particularly in certain regions of the world such as Sub Saharan Africa. Consequences of the AIDS epidemic include a probable decrease in the demand for education, coupled with absenteeism and an increase in the number of orphans and school drop out, especially among girls. Girls are socially and economically more vulnerable to conditions that force people to accept risk of HIV infection in order to survive. A decrease in education for girls will have serious negative effects on progress made over the past decade toward providing an adequate education for girls and women. Reduced numbers of classes or schools, a shortage of teachers and other personnel, and shrinking resources for educational systems all impair the prospects for education.

Effective HIV/AIDS education and prevention is needed in all schools for all children so that no one is left ignorant. Yet in many places schools are apprehensive about providing sex education or discussions of sexuality because of cultural demands to protect adolescents from sexual experience. Women often lack skills needed to communicate their concerns with their sexual partners and to practice behaviors that reduce their risk of infection, such as condom use, which is often controlled by men.

The school can either be a place that practices discrimination, prejudice and undue fear or one that demonstrates society’s commitment to equity. School policies need to ensure that every child and adolescent has the right to HIV/AIDS education; particularly when that education is necessary for survival and avoidance of HIV infection.

A UNAIDS review (1997) of 53 studies which assessed the effectiveness of programs to prevent HIV infection and related health problems among young people concluded that sex education programs do not lead to earlier or increased sexual activity among young people, in fact the opposite seems to be true. 22 reported that HIV and/or sexual health education either delayed the onset of sexual activity, reduced the number of sexual partners or reduced unplanned pregnancies and STD rates. 27 studies reported that HIV/AIDS and sexual health neither increased nor decreased sexual activity, pregnancy or STD.

The review concluded that school based interventions are an effective way to reduce risk behaviors associated with HIV/AIDS/STD among children and adolescents.

There are three main objectives for this paper to integrate the education effectively with the HIV/AIDS preventions and other health aspects related with it.

These are as follows:

Objectives:

1) Health education focusing on HIV/AIDS prevention.

2) Raising awareness about HIV/AIDS among educators and learners.

3) Stimulate peer support and HIV/AIDS counseling in schools.

The main focus of the paper is to give the importance to the HIV/AIDS precaution with the health education raising the awareness about it among all the students as well as their teachers also and provide the supportive environment for the HIV/AIDS education for all.

Need of HIV/AIDS education:

In area such as HIV/AIDS prevention individual behavior, social and peer pressure, cultural norms and abusive relationships may all contribute to the health and lifestyle problems of children and adolescents. There is now increasing evidence that in tackling these issues and health problems, a healthy approach to HIV/AIDS and sex education works, and is more effective than teaching knowledge alone. T

here are numerous studies indicating that providing information about issues such as sex, STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) and HIV (transmission, risk factors, how to avoid infection) is necessary, but not sufficient, to lead to healthy behavioral change (Hubley, 2000). Programs that provide accurate information, to counteract the myths and misinformation, frequently report improvements in knowledge and attitudes, but this is poorly correlated with behavioral change related to risk taking and desirable behavioral outcomes (Gatawa 1995, UNAIDS 1997a). HIV/AIDS with health education can be effective in the more difficult task of achieving and sustaining behavior change.

Health education with HIV/AIDS is widely applicable:

This problems largely affecting men and women as well as older children and adolescents, both this age group and younger children also face a wider range of health problems where education can play a vital role in sustainable prevention and management. Health education with HIV/AIDS programs plays a vital role in preventing infections. This is done through promoting knowledge of areas such as symptoms, transmission, and behaviors that are specifically relevant to many infection in each community; attitudes such as responsibility for personal, family and community health, confidence to change unhealthy habits; skills such as avoiding behaviors that are likely to cause infection, encourage others to change unhealthy habits, communicate messages about infection to families, peers and members of the community (WHO, 1996).

This kind of health education with HIV/AIDS prevention focuses upon the development of Knowledge, Attitudes, Values, and Skills (including life skills such as inter-personal skills, critical and creative thinking, decision making and self awareness) needed to make and act on the most appropriate and positive health-related decisions. Health in this context extends beyond physical health to include psycho-social and environmental health issues.

This approach utilizes student centered and participatory methodologies, giving participants the opportunity to explore and acquire health promoting knowledge, attitudes and values and to practice the skills they need to avoid risky and unhealthy situations and adopt and sustain healthier life styles.

HIV/AIDS – a critical need for health education:

HIV/AIDS is an area where the scale and impact of the problem is such that the urgency of implementing preventative measures, including health education, is critical. Health education programs are being increasingly adopted as means of reaching children and young people to help halt the spread of this crippling epidemic. Studies from African countries show that children between the ages of 5 and 14 have the lowest prevalence of HIV infection. Below the age of 5 they are susceptible to mother to child transmission and after they become sexually active, the rate of infection increases rapidly – especially for girls (Kelly, 2000). Children aged 5-14 need to be reached at this critical stage in their lives and offer the ‘window of hope’ in stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Health Education with HIV/AIDS prevention Does Change Behavior:

There is now strong evidence from an increasing number of studies that health education HIV/AIDS prevention applied in an appropriate context, changes behavior – including behavior in sensitive and difficult areas where knowledge based health education has failed.

For example: Sexuality and HIV education –USA:

This study was implemented in 4 schools in New York City with 9th and 11th grade students (867 students), in intervention (AIDS prevention program) and control classes (no AIDS prevention program). The program focused on correcting facts about AIDS, teaching cognitive skills to appraise risk of transmission, increasing knowledge of AIDS-prevention resources, changing perceptions of risk-taking behavior, clarifying personal values, understanding external influences and teaching skills to delay intercourse and/or consistently use condoms. An evaluation carried out three months after the end of the program found that the intervention group showed the following positive behavioral outcomes when compared with the control group: decrease in intercourse with high risk partners, increase in monogamous relationships and an increase in consistent condom use. (Walter & Vaughan, 1993).

HIV/AIDS prevention-Nigeria:

Health education programs are being implemented in many schools in Nigeria to increase levels of knowledge, influence attitudes and encourage safe sexual practices among secondary school students. A study to evaluate one such program was conducted comparing 223 students who received comprehensive sexual health education with 217 controls. Students in the intervention group received 6 weekly sessions lasting 2-6 hours, with activities including lectures, film shows, role-play stories, songs, debates, essays and a demonstration of the correct use of condoms. Following the intervention, students in the intervention group showed a greater knowledge and increased tolerance of people with AIDS compared to the control. The mean number of sexual partners also decreased in the intervention group, while the control group showed a slight increase. The program was also successful in increasing condom use (Fawole et al., 1999) Above mentioned studies shows that health education with HIV/AIDS prevention does change the behavior of students especially adolescents.

Method for implementing Health Education with HIV/AIDS prevention:

Although there is strong evidence that HIV/AIDS prevention is effective when properly applied and supported, implementing this approach and achieving this success on a larger, countrywide scale is one of the greatest challenges to be faced.

To be effective, HIV/AIDS prevention programs must address the following areas:

•Reassure stakeholders that these messages are beneficial:

Talking and teaching about reproductive health and HIV/AIDS issues does not result in earlier initiation of sex or promiscuity. The evidence suggests that well implemented skills-based programs, conducted in an atmosphere of free discussion of all the issues, is likely to lead to young people delaying the initiation of intercourse and reducing the frequency of intercourse and number of sexual partners (Kirby et al. 1994, UNAIDS 1997a).

•Provide support to teachers: The lack of support for implementation of new programs is one of the most important factors affecting success. For most teachers both the content and methods of HIV/AIDS prevention programs are new and perhaps sensitive, and yet the approach has great potential to assist teachers both in their work and also their personal lives since HIV/AIDS is, of course, also affecting teachers. Sufficient support, training, practice and time needs to be available to teachers, in both pre- and in-service training sessions and workshops, to facilitate reflection and development of their own attitudes, and to motivate them to apply their new knowledge and skills, rather than continue with the more didactic, traditional teaching methods, which are often focused on information alone (Gatawa 1995, Gachuhi 1999). In addition, sufficient time and an appropriate place must also be given in the curriculum so that all students have access to HIV/AIDS prevention.

•Start early: As well as targeting adolescents, programs need to be targeted at children at an early age, with developmentally appropriate messages, before they leave school (Gachuhi 1999, Partnership for Child Development 1998). Because younger children are generally not sexually active, these programs will address the building blocks for healthy living and avoiding risk, rather than the very specific issues related to sexual relationships and HIV/AIDS which are progressively introduced to programs for older ages. However, the large number and diverse age range of children within primary schools is an enduring challenge, especially when addressing sensitive issues. Active and self-directed learning methods which are commonly used in education can be helpful in overcoming these classroom management issues to some extent.

•Provide a supportive environment: Schools need to have strong policies and a healthy supportive environment in terms of behavior of students towards each other, teachers and school personnel. Sexual abuse can occur in schools, with both boys and girls reporting abuse by school staff (Kinsman et al. 1999, Lowensen et al. 1996). Programs need to address this potential problem by training and supporting teachers, so that they can become role models rather than neutral or adverse figures in relation to sexual behavior.

•Respond to local needs: Many of the models for HIV/AIDS prevention have been developed in western, developed countries. The available evidence from developing countries, although more limited in scope than the studies from non-developing countries, supports skills-based health education for HIV/AIDS and reproductive health (Hubley, 2000). The main issue is that wherever programs are to be implemented they must be shaped to meet the local socio-cultural norms, values and religious beliefs, and need to include ongoing monitoring (Kirby et al 1994, UNAIDS 1999, Kinsman et al.1999).

Elements of a Health Education for HIV/AIDS prevention:

Reviews of school-based HIV/AIDS prevention programs (23 studies in the USA (Kirby et al. 1994), 37 other countries (reported in UNAIDS 1999) and 53 studies in USA, Europe and elsewhere (UNAIDS 1997a) have identified the following common characteristics of successful programs:

1.Focus on a few specific behavioral goals, (such as delaying initiation of intercourse or using protection), which requires knowledge, attitude and skill objectives.

2.Provision of basic, accurate information that is relevant to behavior change, especially the risks of unprotected intercourse and methods of avoiding unprotected intercourse. 3.Reinforcement of clear and appropriate values to strengthen individual values and group norms against unprotected sex.

4.Modeling and practice in communication and negotiation skills particularly, as well as other related “life skills”.

5.Use of Social Learning theories as a foundation for program development.

6.Addressing social influences on sexual behaviors, including the important role of media and peers.

7.Use of participatory activities (games, role playing, group discussions etc.) to achieve the objectives of personalizing information, exploring attitudes and values, and practicing skills.

8.Extensive training for teachers/implementers to allow them to master the basic information about HIV/AIDS and to practice and become confident with life skills training methods.

9.Support for reproductive health and HIV/STD prevention programs by school authorities, decision and policy makers, as well as the wider community.

10.Evaluation (e.g. of outcomes, design, implementation, sustainability, school, student and community support) so that programs can be improved and successful practices encouraged.

11.Age-appropriateness, targeting students in different age groups and developmental stages with appropriate messages that are relevant to young people. For example one goal of targeting younger students, who are not yet sexually active, might be to delay the initiation of intercourse, whereas for sexually active students the emphasis might be to reduce the number of sexual partners and use condoms.

12.Gender sensitive, for both boys and girls.

Conclusions:

Health Education with HIV/AIDS prevention offers an effective approach to equipping children and young people with the knowledge, attitudes and skills that they need to help them avoid risk taking behavior and adopt healthier life styles. The scope of health education means that it can be applied to a wide range of areas, especially STDs and HIV/AIDS prevention, but also including violence, substance abuse, unwanted situations such as early pregnancy and all areas where knowledge and attitudes play a critical role in promoting a healthy lifestyle for children and young people growing up in the 21st century. We can sum it in following points- •The constitutional rights of learners and educators must be protected equally.

•There should not be compulsory disclosure of HIV/AIDS status.

•No HIV positive learner or educator may be discriminated against.

•Learners must receive education about HIV/AIDS and abstinence in the context of life- skills education as part of the integrated curriculum.

•Educational institutions should ensure that learners acquire age and context appropriate knowledge and skills to enable them to behave in ways that will protect them from infection.

•Educators need more knowledge of, and skills to deal with HIV/AIDS and should be trained to give guidance on HIV/AIDS.

Suggestions for implications for policies and programmes:

•Male and female condom promotion efforts need to recognize, identify and address gender issues including sexual and other forms of violence, that inhibit condom use.

•HIV/AIDS, peer education, and sex education programmes for adolescents that incorporate gender equality issues into their framework should be fostered. Such programmes should enable a better understanding of how norms related to masculinity and femininity may increase risky sexual behaviour, and help young people begin thinking about how to work towards equal and responsible relationships.

•Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) services should take into account the risk of violence and other adverse consequences when evaluating different approaches to disclosure. For example, patients can be given the choice of counsellor-mediated disclosure if that would help minimise adverse consequences.

•Both men and women should be involved in Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMtCT) programmes. Antenatal services can educate men about sexuality, fertility and HIV prevalence to raise their awareness and sense of responsibility. This would avoid reinforcing the belief that women alone are responsible for pregnancy and for HIV transmission
to the infant.

•Community Home Based Care (CBBC) approaches need to include a special effort to promote the role of men as care-givers in the family and community, and to provide adequate support and guidance to enable male participation. At the very least, such programmes should acknowledge that reliance on “home care” is, at present, largely reliance on “women’s care”.

Conversation Hypnosis

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Conversation hypnosis is, without any doubt, one of the most powerful of all hypnosis techniques to learn. There are several very specific and significant reasons for this. The main one is its use in daily life; there isn't an area of hypnosis that conversation hypnosis is even close to being rivalled with on that significant point.

Typical examples of where conversation hypnosis has helped people come out on top of a situation include areas such as:

* salary negotiations (trust me, this is a popular area that people want to learn about, and is the number one question area that beginners grill me on!);
* domestic arguments;
* at points of sale, such as car purchases or negotiations of insurance fees;
* chatting up members of the opposite sex.

Unfortunately for the average Joe "man on the street", conversation hypnosis is also in an area of hypnosis which tends to be closely guarded. On the other hand, it used to be much worse than it is these days. There are some excellent courses out there, but only in recent times has the topic started to open up as welcoming to the complete beginner to hypnosis practice. When I frst started practice, it was one of the most frustrating aspects of my learning, and felt that the hypnosis community could be a lot more welcoming towards its potential members. It gives me great pleasure to see things changing in that regard.

The reasons for this are mainly related to the fact that it's so powerful i.e. that conversation hypnosis can be used on a day to day basis. The other reason is that it's relatively difficult to master, and requires a well-written course or skilled mentor to correctly encourage a student before they begin to see concrete results from their efforts.

To give an illustration of what is meant by the acknowledgement of training difficulty in this area, imagine the difference between two scenarios. In Scenario A, we have a stage hypnotist calling for volunteers from his audience crowd. In Scenario B we have a conversation hypnosis learner opening a salary negotiation with his boss.

In Scenario A, the hypnotist may be spoilt for choice as to which audience member he picks. He may choose the most obvious person who looks vulnerable to manipulation and verbal influence via conversation hypnosis. He's also starting from a comfortable position in the first place, despite this extra advantage, since his audience believe in his skill and are open to his efforts.

Now consider Scenario B, whose audience is an unforgiving task master whose main aim is to NOT give any salary increases to his employees, as long as they stick around in their jobs. He is a hostile target, and requires very skillful manipulation to produce the outcome desired whilst ensuring the boss doesn't know of any mind control method being used! This is a situation where conversation hypnosis can shine, but only when the correct course has been followed and practice undertaken.

Acute and Chronic Stress

2009-11-04T19:34:00.002-08:00

Symptoms of stress
starting to reveal one by one in more or less intensity. Starting symptoms of stress are easy to control if they are diagnosed in an early stage. Main types or symptoms of stress are: Acute and Chronic Stress.

Acute Stress

This type of Stress can be defined as an acute stress or chronic stress (Long Term). Acute stress is the reaction to an immediate threat, commonly known as the fight or flight response. Where sometimes you have no choice to choose to be in it or not. The threat can come any time through life experiences. Unexpected situations may be experienced consciously and unconsciously, real or imagined as a danger thing.

Chronic Stress

In some cases events of acute stress passed, threats were gone but stress will remain then it become chronic stress which generate more disturbance physically and mentally. Researchers found that in prehistoric times, the physical changes in response to stress were an essential adaptation for meeting natural threats. In modern times, stress response can be an asset for raising levels of performance during critical events such as a competitive sports activity, an important job interview, or in unexpected situations of actual danger or crisis.

In both types, the body's response to this constant readiness for action creates symptoms of stress. An example is muscular tension resulting from the frequent input of adrenaline. The body is designed to dissipate this adrenaline physically, through fight or flight, but these options are not possible in a work or family situation

Feeling Stressed and Anxious

2009-11-04T19:34:00.001-08:00

If you are here for stress reduction,

stop whatever else you are doing.

Switch off your phone and email.

Relax.And enjoy these few minutes.

Everything will be fine.

Really? Will everything be fine? Many people are experiencing stress and anxiety because, like Benjamin Braddock (played by Dustin Hoffman in the movie, The Graduate), they are “a little worried about the future.” In fact they’re a lot worried. What to do?

500 years ago, William Shakespeare knew. In Act 2, Scene 2 of his play, Hamlet
, he had his character say, “There’s nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so. “

At least 1,000 years before that, a famous story from the Taoist tradition made the same point:

An old farmer had worked his crops for many years. One day his horse ran away.

Upon hearing the news, his neighbors came to visit.

"Such bad luck," they said sympathetically.

"We'll see," the farmer replied.

The next morning the horse returned, bringing with it three other wild horses.

"How wonderful," the neighbors exclaimed.

"We'll see," replied the old man.

The following day, his son tried to ride one of the untamed horses, was thrown, and broke his leg. The neighbors again came to offer their sympathy on his misfortune.

"We'll see," answered the farmer.

The day after, military officials came to the village to draft young men into the army. Seeing that the son's leg was broken, they passed him by. The neighbors congratulated the farmer on how well things had turned out.

"We'll see,” said the farmer.

The Taoist farmer reminds us that we create our stress and anxiety when we become attached to one interpretation, one way of viewing things and then look for evidence to confirm that our interpretation is “true.”

I was walking by a row of newspaper vending machines on August 6th, 2009 and saw the following headlines in side-by-side machines:

"Rates Of Owning Homes Is Plunging.” USA Today newspaper

“Housing Ready To Rally?” The Olympian newspaper, Olympia, Washington

Which of these stories is “true?” Both? Neither? It depends on what you believe.

The author, Tom Robbins notes that, “It’s never too late to have a happy childhood,” suggesting that our memories of what actually happened in the past may be less than accurate, but we live as though they are.

Consider the possibility that we do the same thing with the future. We don’t know what will happen, but we make up stories and then look for evidence to confirm the validity of the story we made up. After awhile, we forget we made up the story and behave as though the story were real.

So here’s the best relaxation technique for today:

1. When you notice yourself stressed and worried about the future, use the wisdom of the ancients.
2. Replace your worried thoughts with the words “This too shall pass,” often incorrectly attributed to the Bible.
3. Keep repeating those words until, in fact, the worry has passed.
4. Then use the same mantra on your next worry. Worries won’t be eliminated (we’re too good at making up stories for that to happen). But they will pass.

And have a great day…which, of course, is a story that will pass.

Root Cause of Fear

2009-11-04T19:33:00.003-08:00

What is fear? What is its nature? What causes fear?

Is there a root cause to all our fears?

Fear manifests itself in many forms. At its mildest, it appears as just a mild form of uneasy or discomfort, a feeling that something is not quite right. At its worse, fear can kill. In between these two extremes are found all types of fear - anger, frustrations, rage and just about any negative emotions. In fact, all negative emotions have their roots in fear. Another way of saying this is that fear is the mother of all negativity in us.

However, despite the many forms of fear, it can be gathered into 3 main fears:

1. Fear of insecurity

2. Fear of loneliness

3. Fear of loss

Fear of Insecurity

Fear of insecurity manifests out of a need for safety. When our safety or security is threatened, this fear arises. Safety here refers not only to physical safety but also emotional and mental safety. We take great pain to protect ourselves from emotional and mental hurts and harms.

Fear of Loneliness This fear includes also the fear of separation and arises out of our need to be accepted and included. We fear being excluded, forsaken, shunned, rejected, ostracized or abandoned. The sense of loneliness can be felt even when one is physically present in the midst of a crowd of people. What we want is not merely physical closeness but emotional and mental acceptance. We longed for approval and acceptance.

Fear of Loss

This fear arises out of our need to hold on. We fear loss of our life, our property, our family, our money, our reputation, our fame, our freedom, and just about anything you can think of. We cling on to things we like and run away from things we don't. This fear of loss is the fear of loosing everything we considered dear and near to us.

Yet even these 3 basic fears can be traced back to a root cause, which is the belief that we are merely physical being. The more we hold on to this physicality, the more we fear, for there is nothing that can be permanent or secure in this physicality. No amount of money or properties we hoarded can save us from the destruction of a tsunami or hurricane, for example. Our physical body also must one day decay and die. Our physical life must come to an end in death.

The only way to reverse this fear is therefore only possible if we begin to believe in our spirituality, that we are indeed spiritual beings. Our spirituality offers us continuity, security, permanence, love and completeness. Only when we operate from this perspective can we begin to release our fear and embrace the love, peace and completeness that have always been there.

So to eliminate the root cause of our fear, we need to change our beliefs.

Strategies For Improving Self Confidence

2009-11-04T19:33:00.001-08:00

Our level of self confidence has a direct impact on many areas of our lives. Self confident individuals tend to find it easier to become successful emotionally, financially and socially. Everybody is capable of improving their level of self confidence. First, you have to make a decision. Are you prepared to work hard and really focus on improving your self confidence and self esteem? Think about what you want to achieve in life? How will improving your self confidence help you to achieve your objectives? Here are two simple strategies that you can use to improve you self confidence - starting today.

Strategy One - Be positive about life.

* It is vital to train yourself to appear positive on the outside, even if you do not feel positive on the inside. By behaving in a self confident manner, you are more likely to feel more self confident on the inside.
* Nobody likes other people talking about them in a negative way. Why then, would you choose to say nasty things about yourself? Think how you would like to be treated by others. Now, apply that to the way you treat yourself.
* Avoid people who either pity you or treat you badly. This will only result in you maintaining a low level of self esteem.
* Never let a person lead you to believe you are in some way inferior. You have strengths and talents that deserve to be credited. If somebody cannot treat you with respect, they are quite frankly not worth your time.
* It is vital to start thinking about the way you talk both to yourself and about yourself. Start to believe and talk to yourself in a positive way. Always talk about what you are doing in life, your future, your family and social life in a positive fashion.

Strategy Two - Focus on your strengths and your achievements.

* We are all human at the end of the day. Nobody is perfect. Nobody gets things right all the time. Don't be afraid to make mistakes or ask for help if you need it. Avoid trying to be a perfectionist at all costs. It is not healthy and you will only succeed in failing to achieve your goals. All you can ask from yourself is to try your best. That is all anyone can do.
* Everybody is good at something. People tend to be good at things that they enjoy doing. What are your hobbies and interests? What are you passionate about? What new activities would you like to try but have never done before? Is there something that you would like to learn more about? Try to set aside just a couple of hours a week to do something you enjoy. This will help you to gain confidence by meeting like-minded people.
* Learn to take a compliment. Smile and say thank you. You deserve to be given fair praise for your achievements. Start to pay compliments to other people.
* Finally, I want you to grab some paper and a pen. Think about all the things you have done up to now. Devide the paper up into two columns. In the first column, write a list of twenty things that you are proud of doing in your life. In the second column, I want you to list your ten greatest strengths. You can ask your family and friends for their input on this.
* Congratulations, you are already a winner. Keep this list in a safe place. Whatever you feel down, look at the list and smile your achievements :-)

symptoms of a panic attack

2009-11-04T19:32:00.000-08:00

There are more and more people suffering with panic and anxiety attack than ever before. This is due to a number of factors; however, the primary factor for the exponential growth of panic disorders is that we are more and more exhausted. When we are tired, run down and overworked we are at our most vulnerable. At this point of vulnerability is the birthplace of our anxiety. Anxiety is our minds defense mechanism to warn us of danger and to promote self preservation. Most panic treatments revolve around medication or relaxation techniques. These outdated and incomplete panic treatments only address the symptoms
, they don’t address the cause. Without treating the cause we can never be set free of this disorder.

In order to implement reliable and effective panic treatments, you have to understand why you are manifesting the emotional, mental and physical symptoms of a panic disorder. As I had said, you find yourself very exhausted and life is taking its toll on you and everything that could go wrong does go wrong. Your sympathetic neurological system senses that you are extremely vulnerable and understands that consciously you are doing nothing to combat this. It believes you are defenseless and reacts by activating your self preservation instincts to kick start your recovery. The method to fire off this effect is to increase your anxiety levels so high that your sub conscious believes you are in imminent danger. Your body then goes into self defense mode in preparation for a fight or flight reaction to this perceived danger. This is when the physical symptoms occur.

In regards to the fact that your body is defending itself, it will increase the blood supply to the necessary limbs. This often violent heart pounding is interpreted as a potential heart attack. Coupled with the fact that your blood is drained from weak areas to prevent blood loss from the skins, toes and fingers, this often leaves tingling feelings in those limbs. Breathing is escalated to oxygenate the muscle tissue, which often results in the sufferer trying to counteract this breathing and this conflict results in choking and feelings of suffocation.

Once you understand the context of these symptoms it becomes much easier to implement panic treatments. Your panic treatments can now deal effectively with the attack by virtue of the fact that your panic treatments are not opposing your bodies’ natural desire to protect yourself. Think carefully about the panic treatments you have had or undergoing and then think about what you felt like before your attack. If you felt over run, vulnerable and exhausted then your panic attack was probably a defensive reaction. This means that your panic treatments need to help you cure your vulnerabilities and you will get your anxiety under control.

Keep a Young Heart

2009-11-04T19:28:00.000-08:00

Youth means a temperamental predominance of courage over timidity?of the appetite for adventure over the love of ease?This often exists in a man of sixty more than a boy of twenty?Nobody grows old merely by a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals.
Years may wrinkle the skin?but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul. Worry, fear, self-distrust bows the heart and turns the spirit back to dust.

Whether sixty or sixteen? there is in every human being's heart the lure of wonders? the unfailing childlike appetite of what's next and the joy of the game of living? In the center of your heart and my heart there is a wireless station: so long as it receives messages of beauty
? hope? cheer, courage and power from men and from the infinite? so long are you young.

An individual human existence should be like a river—small at first? narrowly contained within its banks? and rushing passionately past boulders and over waterfalls? Gradually the river grows wider? the banks recede? the waters flow more quietly? and in the end? without any visible break? they become merged in the sea? and painlessly lose their individual being.

Youth is not a time of life; it is a state of mind.
It is not a matter of rosy cheeks, red lips and supple knees,It is a matter of the will, a quality of the imagination, vigor of the emotions; It is the freshness of the deep spring of life?
Youth means a temperamental predominance of courage over timidity?
of the appetite for adventure over the love of ease.
This often exits in a man of 60, more than a boy of 20.
nobody grows merely by the number of years?we grow old by deserting our ideas.

Years may wrinkle the skin?but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul?
Worry?fear?self-distrust1 bows the heart and turns the spirit back to dust?

Whether 60 or 16?there is in every human being's heart the lure of wonders?the unfailing childlike appetite of what's next and the joy of the game of living. In the center of your heart and my heart there is a wireless station?so long as it receives messages of beauty?hope?cheer? courage and power from men and from infinite?so long as you are young?

When the aerials are down? and your spirit is covered with the snows of cynicism and the ice of pessimism?then you've grown old, even at 20? but as long as your aerials are up?to catch waves of optimism? there's hope you may die young at 80.

Treatment for High Blood Pressure

2009-10-24T12:45:00.003-07:00

Blood pressure is the force of the blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. Each time the heart beats, it pumps blood through the arteries. Your blood pressure is at its highest when the heart beats, forcing blood into the arteries. This is called systolic pressure. When the heart is at rest, between beats, your blood pressure falls. This is the diastolic pressure. Blood pressure is always given as two numbers, the systolic and diastolic pressures. Both are important.

The systolic pressure is the first or top number, and the diastolic pressure is the second or bottom number (for example, 120/80). If your blood pressure is 120/80, you say that it is "120 over 80".

It is important to take steps to keep your blood pressure under control. The treatment goal is to keep blood pressure below 140/90, or even lower for people with other conditions, such as diabetes and kidney disease.

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits is an essential and effective first step in both preventing and controlling high blood pressure. However, if lifestyle changes alone are not effective in keeping your pressure controlled, it may be necessary to take blood pressure medications.

The following types of medications are available to treat high blood pressure:

1. Diuretics: Diuretics are sometimes called water pills because they work in the kidney and flush excess water and sodium from the body, lowering blood pressure.

2. Beta-blockers: Beta-blockers reduce nerve impulses to the heart and blood vessels. This makes the heart beat slower and with less force. As a result of these drugs, the blood pressure drops and the heart works less hard.

3. ACE inhibitors: Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors prevent the formation of a hormone called angiotensin II, which normally causes blood vessels to narrow. The ACE inhibitors cause the vessels to relax and blood pressure goes down.

4. Angiotensin antagonists: Angiotensin antagonists shield blood vessels from angiotensin II. As a result, the vessels become wider and blood pressure goes down.

5. Calcium channel blockers (CCBs): CCBs keep calcium from entering the muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels. This causes the blood vessels to relax and pressure goes down.

6. Alpha-blockers: Alpha-blockers reduce nerve impulses to blood vessels, which allows blood to pass more easily, causing the blood pressure to go down.

7. Alpha-beta-blockers: Alpha-beta-blockers work the same way as alpha-blockers but also slow the heartbeat, as beta-blockers do. As a result of using these drugs, less blood is pumped through the vessels and the blood pressure goes down.

8. Nervous system inhibitors: Nervous system inhibitors relax blood vessels by controlling nerve impulses, and this causes the blood vessels to become wider and the blood pressure to go down.

9. Vasodilators: Vasodilators directly open blood vessels by relaxing the muscles in the vessel walls, causing the blood pressure to go down.

To find out if you have high blood pressure consult your doctor and have a blood pressure test. The test is quick and painless.

To determine which life style changes and medications are appropriate, consult your doctor.

Blood Pressure Basics

2009-10-24T12:45:00.001-07:00

There are no hard and fast figures which represent a normal blood pressure. And very often doctors and other experts cannot even decide between them what an ideal blood pressure range is for an adult.

However it is usually agreed that somewhere between 110/70 and 125/80 is considered to be an average blood pressure for a grown person, though someone with naturally low blood pressure may be closer to a range of 100/60

A blood pressure of 140/90 is considered to be high, though as a person gets older, this falls into the more normal range for people.

Blood doesn't circulate in an even stream around the body, but travels in a constant series of spurts. Therefore the pressure peaks in the blood vessels just after a heart beat and then ebbs until the next one. This is a continuous process.

The two blood pressure figures represent the pressures when the forces are at their peak and at their lowest ebb. The stronger the arteries are, the more they resist the force of the blood and the lower the blood pressure.

As a person gets older, and the elasticity of their arteries weakens, the figures tend to rise. However the lower figure should still be under 90 until that person at least reaches their sixties.

Many studies looking at blood pressure in both black and white people have found there is a higher prevalence of hypertension (High blood pressure) in black people than there is in white. This has led to further research in determining whether this is racially determined or just based on socioeconomic and dietary factors.

Some people suffering high blood pressure may find they just can't pinpoint a cause for their problem. They may be fit, have a very healthy lifestyle yet their blood pressure remains consistently high for no apparent reason. This is called Primary or essential high blood pressure. However if the raised blood pressure is due to an underlying medical problem, it is known as Secondary High Blood Pressure.

Nearly one in four people in the Western world have high blood pressure. Many people don't appreciate it is a dangerous condition that can lead to a heart attack kidney failure or stroke if it is left untreated. Yet there are thousands of people unaware they have high blood pressure who are walking around with a lethal time bomb ticking away inside them.

Main Cause of Insomnia

2009-10-24T12:44:00.001-07:00

Well in my opinion the main thing that keeps us tossing and turning at night is worrying about not going to sleep.

Sure there might be other reasons for sleeplessness; chronic pain, restless legs syndrome, partner disturbance, too much coffee...

But at the end of the day you're lying there worrying about how you're going to get through the next day if you don't get to sleep *right now!*

Worry and the stress it causes, are by far the main causes of sleeplessness, and the sad part is, the more we worry, the more wide awake we feel. But what can we do about it?

We have to empty our conscious minds of worrying and stressful thoughts (yeah right! Easier said than done!)

Stress and worry can affect your sleep quite dramatically. It can be an isolated stressful incident which keeps you awake for a few nights, or the stress and worry may be chronic. Once they becomes a habit, certain situations will then always cause you to become stressed.

Worry in particular can become a habit and like any habit, is very difficult to break (just ask us smokers, um... ex smokers out there!) But it can be done. You have to train your mind to either let go of a thought, or replace one thought with another.

If you suffer from insomnia, whether you're having trouble going to sleep or staying asleep, stress could be the cause. Your sleeping problems can then cause more stress which in turn makes it even harder to sleep. How can you stop worrying and stop this vicious cycle?

The most important thing is to try and work out what you are telling yourself when you are worrying about something. We talk to ourselves all the time whether we are aware of it or not. What thoughts are going through your mind that are causing your bad feelin! gs?

For example, you may be sitting in a traffic jam thinking, "I'm going to be late for work if this stupid traffic doesn't start moving soon. Then I'll be rushing around all day trying to get everything done! Which means I probably won't have time to buy a proper lunch and I'll have to grab something quick and greasy! Well there goes the diet ..."

Enough! Why torture yourself with this rubbish? Make it a habit to stop these thoughts as soon as they start. How? Just substitute them with better thoughts! Have a list of thoughts that make you feel good and think about them instead! This will reduce stress significantly and with practice, it will get easier and easier.

If you're having trouble doing this, try doing in in two steps. When you catch yourself worrying, say "STOP!" Picture a big red stop sign right in front of you. Concentrate on this until it breaks you train of worrying thoughts.

Then you can start thinking your pleasant thoughts, a movie you enjoyed, a present from your children, whatever makes you happy!

Your mind is extremely powerful - put it to work for you and not against you!

Parental Stress

2009-10-24T12:43:00.002-07:00

One of the biggest problems with having children is the remarkable fact that they tend to be the source of parental stress. This is, obviously, the unique stress that comes from being a parent and having to worry about the fact that your kids are growing up, learning new things, living their lives their own way, and -- all too often -- figuring out things the hard way. In addition, you have to worry about your kids making the right decisions, staying out of trouble, and just generally turning into human beings just like you. Needless to say, this tends to create a lot of parental stress.

Being a parent isn't easy. After all, you are responsible for raising, instructing, and helping children as they work their way from an infant into adulthood. And even when they go off on their own, you still worry about them as they make their way through the world. Despite the fact that they move on into adulthood, you never stop being a parent and you want to make sure that they are doing okay. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done and it is not easy to let them go. Thus, you find yourself both trying to give them freedom and trying to hang on to them as they go out into the world.

The problem becomes one of both trying to keep a hold of your children and trying to let them be their own people. Thus, in order to allow you children to move on, you need to learn to let them go. That's right, in order to ease parental stress, you need to learn how to be less of a parent. In fact, you need to learn how to let them make their own mistakes. This is very difficult, since you will have to watch them as they go through the process of growing up, largely without your help. This can be very difficult, since you will want to protect them from the world. But the world will show up sometime and you will need to let them learn to deal with it. Needless to say, this will only make parental stress worse for a while, since you will be essentially standing on the sidelines as they make errors that you could have warned them against. Just remember that it will do them good in the long run and they will be better for it.

However, this does not mean that you shouldn't keep an eye on your children. Let's face it, you are still a parent and you need to watch over your children. Trying to cope with parental stress will not be improved by being completely ignorant of your children. Instead, let them be themselves as you try to keep an eye on them. They will find their own way, even if you do not always enjoy the path that they have to go down to get there. Just allow them to be imperfect and they will learn what they need to know in the process.

But when the stress of child-raising gets to be too much, don't be afraid to get help. There are plenty of support groups, books, and websites out there that want to help you through your parental stress. Don't be afraid to give them a try, if for no other reason than to stay informed. Nobody said it was going to be easy, so try to keep your stress under control. Then, by keeping it under control, you can survive a lot of difficult situations and a lot of difficult years and prevent yourself from going crazy with worry.

Just remember that your children will, eventually, become rebellious and they will probably try to act in a way that may shock you. It is well-known that parental stress can be fairly severe during the teenage years, since teenagers are always eager to go their own way. And if that doesn't increase parental stress, nothing will. You will often find yourself on the sideline, trying to figure out what is going on in their heads, but try to remember that you were their age once. Teenagers aren't perfect. Neither are adults. Keep both of those items in mind and you may be able to keep your parental stress to a minimum.

No, parental stress is not easy. No, it is not simple to solve. No, there is no point where you can just let your children go completely. However, by managing your own parental stress, allowing your children to grow up, and understanding that your children need to make their own mistakes sometimes, you can keep your emotions under control and allow your children to be themselves. So, rather than allowing parental stress to take over your life, let parental stress take a backseat to keeping an eye on your children, making sure that they are doing fine, and enjoying the years when they are growing from youth to adulthood and beyond.

ways to stay calm and reduce stress

2009-10-24T12:43:00.001-07:00

Are you looking for more calm satisfying experience with you daily life?

Do you get frustrated with yourself at the end of the day because you've gotten stressed, unfocused or agitated?

Are you tired of getting over emotional and worn out.

Whether you are experiencing one or all of these feelings here are my 5 best tips on reducing the unwanted feelings so that you will feel calm and satisfied with yourself each day.

1. Catch yourself when you exhibit a feeling of behavior that you don't like and change it.
At first you may not notice the feeling until after you have gone through it, that's fine.

Think about how you would rather have felt.

Think about how you would rather have handled yourself. Decide how you want to do it next time.

As you continue with this process each day you will find that you will notice more easily what you are doing throughout the day.

You will begin to catch yourself earlier and earlier as you do this.

Eventually, you will be seeing yourself while you are doing it, then stop yourself.

At some point you will be able to notice before you even begin to feel and react in the undesirable way.

Here is where you will actually begin to change the way you react to the situations in your life and change your behavior.

2. Stay centered all day by refocusing throughout the day.
Develop the habit of paying attention to your mindset as the day goes on.

Several times a day, step away from what you are doing to get re-centered.

Sit down close your eyes and take several long slow deep breaths while imagining the tension washing slowly out of your body.

Notice your breathing getting slower and calmer.

Just think about your breath.

Try to keep from thinking about anything in particular.

It's ok to not be actively thinking for a while!

3. Watch out for your expectations.
You are setting yourself up for failure, upset and frustration when you set too many standards as to how you think things should be.

Think about what leads you to getting upset?

Why does it upset you?

Notice that you decide how many things should be, based on your own outlook and desire.

The things others do that are not to your liking, even the things you do that don't match your expectations.

Ask yourself, really how important is it that they be exactly that way

Ask, who am I to insist that they are that way?

Does it matter that much?

Is it worth getting myself worked up about?

Choose which expectations are really important for you to hold on to and which ones are not.

Holding on to many expectations just complicates your life, with constant judgment.

Simplify your life and reduce the stress!

4. Delegate.
This applies to your personal life as well as at work.

Most of us think of delegating as a workplace skill, but it can apply personally as well.

We are all very busy these days with our activities and duties.

Trying to fit it all in and get it all accomplished can lead to tension.

For various reasons, many of us have developed the habit of thinking we must do it all ourselves.

Take a look at your situation.

Think about it, really, how important is it that everything must be done perfectly to your standards?

Are you sure there are not other people who can assist you. Are the other people in your life pulling their weight?

Many times we get into habitual ruts that don't need to be as they are.

Look at what has been, with the eye of reducing the pressure on yourself.

5. Accept other people as one.
As you think of yourself as different and separate from the rest of mankind, you unknowingly create thinking and behavior that separates you from others.

This kind of separate thinking leads us to think we are superior to others which leads to judgment then selfish thinking and behavior.

We are then having an internal battle with others, which brings on fear, competition and comparison, ending in frustration and anxiety.

Look to discovering how to see yourself as one with all of mankind, not as separate.

Focus on what we have in common rather that the relatively small uniqueness.

Stress & Self Esteem

2009-10-24T12:42:00.000-07:00

THE FINAL STEP
The final step in the model of building self-esteem can be the hardest. Why? Because everything up till now has involved things we could do alone. Reaching out for help, however, means involving other people - which brings with it a whole host of new challenges. Reaching out to someone requires someone you trust to reach out to - not always easy when your self-esteem is low. Not only this, but for those with over-active Inner Critics, it's easy to tell ourselves it's selfish to bother other people with our problems - that we should be able to deal with it on our own - that reaching out for help shows weakness (or is only for those far worse off than we are).

So why reach out? Well, as John Donne so wisely observed back in the 16th Century, 'no man is an island'. However independent we like to see ourselves, none of us are born with all the skills we will ever need. Additionally, other people can provide feedback - offering perspective and helping us to see which thoughts are realistic, and which are totally unfounded. And if that's not enough, support networks can sometimes prevent problems. The seeds that create low self-esteem find their most fertile ground in people who feel isolated and unable to connect.

OVERCOMING INNER OBJECTIONS
Often, the first step in reaching out is dealing with our own objections. If your immediate reaction is 'I couldn't do that', or 'That's all very well, but...', give yourself a moment to just listen. Start a conversation with the part of you that's objecting, and ask it why. Treat it just as you would your Inner Critic. Your initial aim is not to argue - it's just to learn. Once you understand what your internal objections are, th! en you can evaluate and argue with them.

We'd suggest that before you start evaluating, you re-read the previous parts of this article series (see links above). In particular, we suggest you remind your inner objector that:

* You can't give to other people what you don't already have yourself
* True friends prefer we talk to them, rather than pretending that everything's fine
* Recognising the resources you need that you don't currently have, then asking for them, is a sign of good planning, not weakness
* If your objector believes your problem is 'not yet bad enough to involve someone else', how bad do things have to get before it *is* OK to get help? And won't you need even more help when things get to that stage than you do now?

Let's assume that you've spoken with your inner objector, and come to the conclusion that asking for help really does make more sense than trying to go it alone. Where can you go from here?

WHO TO REACH OUT TO
The first, most obvious port of call is among the people you already know. Look at your friends and family. Is there someone you can trust to listen without judging you? Someone you feel comfortable asking for ideas? In an ideal situation, this would be someone who has fairly high self-esteem themselves - someone you can learn from. Although your initial response might be that there's no-one you can think of, we'd encourage you to look hard before assuming you don't know anyone - sometimes support can come from the most unlikely places.

If there's genuinely nobody you feel comfortable trusting in real-life, however, a great alternative is to look for support online. Discussion groups like Yahoo groups, and online journalling communities like Live Journal both have a wide range of communities that exist specifically to share support, encouragement and feedback between members. Most of these allow you to 'lurk' for a while before you need to post - something that can help you build up your trust over time. Additionally, many of the self-help sites that offer self-help res ources (e.g. selfesteem4women.org, uncommon knowledge), also provide discussion forums that allow you to connect with other people with similar problems.

Finally, if neither of these seem like possibilities (or if you've tried both and they're not enough), you may want to consider reaching out to someone who's trained to help - generally a coach or counsellor. Unlike the above two options this will usually involve some kind of payment, although if you're still at school / university, or lucky enough to work in a company with an EAP (Employee Assistance Programme), you may have free counselling available. Your local library or Citizen's Advice Bureau should have suggestions for counsellors / coaches, or you could try online coaching.

It's important to remember that different professionals will have different approaches to helping you work on your self-esteem, and not every approach works for everyone. It's OK if the first person you speak to doesn't feel quite right for you - just keep looking until you find someone you feel comfortable with. Bear in mind that if you're paying someone your hard-earned money, you have a right to feel happy with whatever you're getting in return.

THE FINAL WORD
Whatever you do, the most important thing for you to take from this article is that you don't need to do it alone! And remember too that, although we've explored the three steps to building self-esteem (i.e. Rebutting your inner critic, Nurturing yourself, and Reaching out for help) in order, there's no reason that you can't work on them in a different order (or all at the same time!)

This brings us to the end of our four-part article series on Stress and Self-esteem. If you have any feedback, suggestions, questions or comments about the advice or resources (or you'd like to suggest any websites, groups or products), please contact us on optimumlife@xtra.co.nz. We'll have a new article topic in the next issue - until then, may every day bring you closer to your Optimum Life.

Causes of Stress

2009-10-24T12:41:00.000-07:00

In order to eliminate or at least control stress, it is vital to know and understand the causes of stress. Of course, there are many causes of stress and they are as varied as the people who suffer from stress, but there are a few places to look first. And by learning about these causes of stress, you can figure out where stress is entering your life.

One of the most common, and most complained about, causes of stress is work. However, it is not only the day-to-day tasks and routine pressures of work that can lead to stress. In fact, the mere concern about keeping a job can be a source of stress. Unfortunately, the combined stress of both work itself and the possibility of losing it creates a sort of double-stress in which people feel they have to work even harder in order to keep their jobs, making the stress that much worse.

As well, for those who have not entered the working world yet, school can be a great source of stress. The constant pressure of schoolwork, friends, teachers, tests, quizzes, papers, and everything else can be enough to make anyone feel like they are in trapped in a vice. In addition, the deadlines are all immoveable, so students are constantly under time pressure. And, to make matters worse, there are often several deadlines overlapping each other, intensifying the demands on time. Then, once final exams arrive, there is a lot to re-learn and students need to spend so much time studying that they can barely sleep. Needless to say, losing sleep does not help people who are under stress. Thus, students need to manage stress just as much as people who work.

Another cause of stress is simple family life. Unfortunately, though we hope that our home lives can be sources of relief from daily stress, they can often be sources of stress all their own. For childen as well as parents and spouses, the home can often be its own source of pressure.

For parents, stress can often come from simply worrying about their children. After all, seeing a child grow up, make mistakes, go through school, go to college, play sports, and often learn things to hard way is enough to make a parent tear their hair out. Thus, despite the joy that children can bring, they can also be causes of stress and worry.

Unfortunately, parents can be causes of stress also. Though they often have their childrens' best interests in mind, they can also put a lot of pressure onto their children, causing them to worry not only about school or life, but also how their parents will react when they hear about some new event, success, or error. It is as though there is no place to turn when things go wrong, creating extra stress. No, it is not easy being a parent, but it isn't always easy being a child or a teenager either, since parents can often be causes of stress as much as sources of comfort from it.

On top of that, spouses can also be causes on stress. Let's face it, husbands and wives often have expectations of their significant others and it is not always easy to live up to those expectations. As well, spouses often spend a lot of time avoiding certain arguments simply because they are trying to avoid stress. However, leaving tension in the air while not resolving it can be a cause of stress.

Money is also a major cause of stress, simply for the fact that there never seems to be enough of it. Thus, as the money keeps going out but it never seems to come in enough, stress just keeps mounting. Unfortunately, spouses, children and sometimes parents can often remind us of our shortfalls and they will often increase the stress. Of course, that is to say nothing of the continual reminders from the mortgage or rent, car payments, credit cards and other bills. And, furthermore, it is rather difficult to be philosophical about money stress since attempting to put things into perspective only recalls thoughts about the money that always seems to be missing. Thus, money stress just keeps piling up higher and higher and there never seems to be a way out.

Though this is only a partial list of all the possible causes of stress, these are some of the most common sources. However, no matter where the problem is arising, stress will not make them better. Rather, stress will only make it harder for people to think about their problems and try to solve them. Thus, in order to solve the problems that lead to stress, the best place to start is by managing the stress, then working to solve the problems with a clear and uncluttered mind.

Helpful Weight Loss Tips

2009-10-20T10:02:00.001-07:00

The following 5 helpful weight loss tips could possibly make all the difference to your weight loss plan. Merely stick to these tips and I am sure you will be successful. The first of my 5 helpful weight loss tips is,

1 Drink a glass full of water before every meal Drinking a glass of water before a meal is the first of the 5 helpful weight loss tips. By drinking a glass of water before a meal it will make you to feel fuller quicker, this will diminish your feeling of being hungry. By drinking a lot of water it also washes out particular toxins in your body.

2 Eat more meals per day Eating 5 little meals rather than the usual 3 meals per day, means that you will always be topping up on food instead of letting yourself get very hungry. It is when we feel really hungry that we are more in all probability to give up the diet by reaching for the cookie tin.

3 Have a goal weight you desire to reach This 3rd tip of the 5 helpful weight loss tips is all about setting targets for your self. Having a target weight that you want to accomplish gives you something to aim at. If your target weight means you have to drop a lot of weight, break it down into smaller steps. You could do this by making 7lb one of the smaller steps if you have more than 14lbs to lose. If you only need to lose say 14lbs break it down into 2lb steps.

4 exercise. Exercise is essential; you need to do at a minimum of 10 minutes of vigorous exercise per day. If you have not exercised for many years start off by taking a brisk 10 minute walk each day. You can slowly step-up this until you make it 30 minutes per day.

It is recommended that you need 30 - 60 minutes of strenuous activity each day to remain healthy. Also try adding weight-bearing exercises at least 2 times a week. This will serve to burn some of the unwanted calories.

The added bonus is that you will serve to step-up your metabolism so that even when you stop exercising your body will still be burning calories a lot faster than it was earlier.

5 Eat slowly. The last of the 5 helpful weight loss tips is all to do with eating your food slowly. It requires 20 minutes for your stomach to signal your brain that you are no longer hungry; if you eat too fast, there is a bigger chance of eating too much. Set your fork down in between each forkfull and only pick it up again when you have swallowed all the food you had in your mouth.

Sticking To these 5 helpful weight loss tips could make all the difference to your weight loss efforts.

If you adopt a natural healthy eating program you will not go far wrong. If you are someone that requires a more structured plan to observe there are many weight loss programs on the internet to select from.

The Types Of Yoga

2009-10-20T10:01:00.002-07:00

There are quite a few "types" of yoga. A traditional physical and mental discipline originating in India, yoga?has been practiced for centuries, and is a series of postures and positions, synchronized with your breathing, designed to elevate mind, body and soul. Ultimately, as you progress through the various levels, the result will be a more developed,?focused mind, enhanced fitness and, if you are a spiritual person, a stronger connection with the universe! However, with all of the?different styles of yoga, it's often difficult for future practitioners to know exactly where to begin or which type is most appropriate for them.

Popular Types of Yoga

In spite of the fact that?there are about 10 main types, they really only differ with respect to their individual emphasis of the styles versus the poses or postures:

1. Hatha (Ananda): Arguably the most appropriate?style for beginners, this style is characterized by a slower pace, personal affirmations, and self-control.
2. Power Yoga (Ashtanga): This is a more advanced, faster pace of yoga, as the name "Power Yoga" suggests.
3. Anusara: This is a "heart-oriented" style that makes good use of the "tools of yoga". These classes are somewhat intense but still accessible by all skill levels.
4. Iyengar: This is one of the types of yoga that require much more stamina. It is characterized by a great attention to detail and an emphasis?on bodily alignment. Stamina is required?for this style, as poses are often held for an extended amount of time...not the smartest place for you to begin your yoga practice.
5. Integral: Another great style for beginners to begin with. This style balances attention to meditation, poses and breathing. Integral is a more general style like Hatha that will allow you to "taste test" the areas of concentration of the other styles.
6. Bikram (Hot Yoga): This is the hottest of the types of yoga! It's called Hot Yoga because it's practiced in a room temperature of around 100 degree! This allows cleansing sweat to flow and muscles to loosen.This is not a good place for beginners to start
7. Kundalini: Uses breath control and breathe/movement coordination to expell?bad energy. Beginners welcome.
8. Kripalu: A perfect style of yoga for beginners. This style focuses on breathing and moving at your own individual pace.
9. Sivananda: One of the largest schools of yoga, this style take a more holistic approach, including diet, relaxation and thinking. For those of you seeking?guidance in areas beyond just fitness, this is one of the best?types of yoga.
10. Svaroopa: You won't break a sweat here. This style is more about raising your consciousness. This is appropriate for beginners, but not if your focus is better fitness.

This is not supposed to be a definitive list, but it should be a good place for you to start as you pursue the highly beneficial practice of yoga!

If you truly wish to succeed at being in the best shape of your life, then you must visit the world's best resource. Go to Next Level Yoga immediately, to see how easily it can be done with at home workouts!

Things You Need To Know To Build Muscle

2009-10-20T10:01:00.001-07:00

Certainly there is a lot to be learned if you want to know how build muscle and weight training. However, just like almost every other subject there are certain principals that make up the foundation of all that there is to be learned. Thing of it like a huge tree. There are the leaves, the twigs, the branches, the trunk and the roots. The entire tree is dependent upon the roots. It is like its foundation. The leaves certainly serve their purpose but it can hardly be said that they are the most important part of the tree. We believe that if you can get the foundational principals in place with regard to your muscle building efforts you will never have a problem growing again. What we want to give you in this short article is roots and a lot of the trunk of the tree.

There are three primary aspects to the root of the tree and all of them are absolutely necessary to body build muscle. Miss out on one of these and you will significantly decrease your results. Sometimes we feel like a broken record when we talk about this but because so many people are making their biggest and most consistent mistakes at this foundational level we are compelled to keep on preaching the same sermon. We'll start, as usual, by just giving'em to you straight and simple and then we'll take a little bit of time to expound. They are 1) Nutrition 2) Training 3) Rest. Sound too simple to be true? Simple maybe but not necessarily easy. If you find training easy then, in our opinion, your not training like you should be. Eating properly is not always the easiest task in the processed age in which we live either. Let's expound a bit more and start getting you pointed in a direction that will definitely lead you to build muscle quick.

Nutrition is so necessary we can't stress this point enough. Let us tell you, if you want to stack on massive amounts of lean muscle you are going to have to get a second job; eating like a horse. Let us give you some point form rules to obey if you want to stack it on.

1) 16 times your body weight in calories per day (eg. 200lb man = 3200 calories per day). If you find you are gaining more than 2 lbs per week dial it back by 200 - 250 calories per day until you are gaining 1 - 2 lbs per week. Anymore than this and your stacking on some fat along with the muscle you are building. If you are gaining less than 1 lb per week up your calories by 200 - 250 per day until you are gaining 1 - 2 lbs per week. Contrary to many supposed muscle building "know it all's" out there today, your body is quite capable of building and developing 15 - 25 lbs of muscle in about 16 weeks naturally. This is especially true for the more novice gym warrior. It is mistakes made or false direction given pertaining to these foundational areas that compromise people's ability to hit these kinds of numbers.

2) 3 - 4 grams of carbohydrates per day per pound of body weight. Contrary to the low carb hype and fad that is popular today, being sure to include a healthy amount of carbohydrates in your diet is necessary for maximizing results. Carbohydrates not only provide your body with the energy necessary to really kick some butt in the gym, they also allow your body to better utilize the protein in your diet for muscle repair and development. Try consuming simple carbs from whole grains. Oatmeal and whole grain breads should become a staple in your daily diet.

3) 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight is all that is necessary. This probably seems low in comparison to many of the claims of supposed "know it all's" but any more is simply unnecessary. Your body is incapable of processing and utilizing more protein than this so you are just wasting your money on expensive lean protein to go beyond this point. Egg whites are a very highly beneficial source from which to get your protein. We also recommend cottage cheese. Not only is it's protein levels high it is a slow digesting and absorbing protein which makes it a great choice for a bedtime snack. It's benefits will last throughout the night while your body is repairing and growing as you sleep.

4) Eat plenty of essential fats. It is not common knowledge that eating the right kinds of fat is very necessary to building massive amount of lean muscle. Extra virgin cold pressed olive oil, flax seed oil, hemp oil, extra virgin cold pressed coconut oil and fish oils are incredible sources of essential fats your body needs for proper health and developing muscle.

5) Always eat a big breakfast. You will short change yourself for the entire day if you compromise your first meal of the day. It should be the biggest meal of the day.

6) Never go more than 3 hours without eating a meal. You'll need to eat when your not hungry yet. You'll need to eat when you don't feel like it. You'll need to eat when it is very inconvenient to do so. You need to turn your body into a nutrient absorbing machine.

7) Lastly, you should try downing a fast absorbing protein shake 20 minutes before you train and then eat a meal immediately after you train. Like we said, simple but not necessarily easy. Chances are your biggest challenges will be in the area of proper nutrition. This is where most people fail and where most people make the biggest and most consistent mistakes.

Let's talk about training for minute. Depending upon how you train you will achieve different results. The level of intensity, the amount of weight you lift, the number of reps you do, how long your training sessions last, the kinds of exercises you do all impact the kind of results you get from you training efforts. Following the outline that we began above, let's go through some basic rules that will help you create a training program that will force your body to respond with tremendous gains.

1) High weight and low reps. You should find out what your maximum lift ability is for each exercise that you bring into your workout routine and then take 80% of that amount for your reps (eg. 200lbs max = 160lbs for reps). This should put you into a zone where you can do 4 - 6 reps of each exercise.

2) Multi-muscle group exercises. Squats, dead lifts, clean and presses, clean and jerks, dips, rows, bench presses, military presses and chin / pull ups are the kinds of exercises we mean. Exercises that incorporate multiple muscle groups into one movement. This does some very important things. First it trains your muscles to work together. This makes for a much more functional strength. That is the benefits of your training are much more usable in every day life from work to play. It also builds a more explosive strength. It is the kinds of exercises that gymnasts and Olympic and competition weight lifters use to train. Finally, this will get your workouts done quicker.

3) Your training should take no more than 35 minutes and you should only be training 3 time per week with at least one rest day in between workouts. Your bodies muscles develop and grow during rest and not during training. You must allow time for your body to recover.

4) To help get in, get done and get out of the gym faster we like to utilize super sets. Try combining exercises that work different muscle groups in your super sets (eg. squats and chin ups). Do three super sets with very little rest in between sets. After a super set is complete take a couple minutes to recover and then start your next super set. 3 or 4 super set exercise combinations is all you need to do, especially if you are more of a novice to muscle building.

Lastly is rest. Let me communicate its importance with a short story. There was a trainer that put out a challenge to pro body builders. He told them that if they flew to his gym and stayed in a hotel he will help them grow their arms by 1 full inch in one week (an incredible claim). If he can't help them do this he will fund their entire trip. The gym was in a pretty nice area of the U.S. so either you were gonna get a free vacation or an extra inch on your arms out of the deal. There wasn't a ton but a good number of pro body builders took the trainer up on his offer and flew to his gym. When they landed he met them at his gym measured their arms and sent them back to there hotels. One day, two days, three days go by and the trainer didn't have these guys do a thing in the gym. They of course became super anxious because they were missing there precious gym time. If I remember correctly it was 5 or 6 days of waiting for this crazy trainer to get back in touch with them. Finally the trainer brought all of the guys into the gym, not for a workout but to measure their arms. A whole week of sitting around their hotel rooms had gone by but guess what, every one of their arms had grown an inch. This wise and not to mention witty trainer knew that these guys were probably not getting near the amount of rest time they needed to maximize the benefits of all their time in the gym. He simply forced them to rest and allowed their bodies to do the rest.

Now we wouldn't recommend that you take a week off because you're probably not a pro body builder and therefore did not spend nearly the time in the gym that these guys did before this happened. It does prove however how important rest time is if you want to maximize the benefits of your hard work in the gym. These guy's bodies were just waiting to explode with growth. They just needed the recovery time to do so.

Well, what you do with this now is your choice. It really is a simple plan. With a little bit of hard work and dedication added to it you will achieve more than you ever thought possible in a lot less time than you ever imagined. Eat like a horse, train hard and get your rest. You'll grow, we promise.

Defeat Weight Loss Plateaus

2009-10-20T09:56:00.000-07:00

Lost on the high plateau

That might make a great title for a spaghetti western. (By the way how did spaghetti and cowboy films get stuck together?) But it is really miserable when you are so tired of your diet that you are 6 inches from scarfing down the contents of the nearest fridge and yet when you step on the scales or measure your body fat the numbers are the same they have been over the last couple of weeks. Traditional wisdom says, press on this is not the time to quit. Well, your response is to grab that traditional wisdom slap it on some bread with mayo and shoot it down the ole' pie-hole. The good news is that there is a simpler way to shed weight for those who have struggled with losing weight in the past and for those who are planning on shedding some pounds now.

Troglodyte DNA causes weight loss plateauing.

Our bodies are very stingy when it comes storing fat. The body doesn't see fat the way we do as ugly and unhealthy, it sees fat as its protection against the famine that it is sure is coming. You see, our bodies do not realize that we are living in times of comparative plenty, they still are operating under the assumptions our DNA had as cave dwellers. Back then it was important that our DNA instructed the body to convert any excess food into fat and tuck it away in its fat cells because you could never be sure when you would be able to club your next mammoth and the body needed stored fat to survive those lean times. As a result our bodies will quickly adapt to a reduced calorie cycle. i.e. Low calorie dieting. The metabolism slows as the our caloric intake falls because our DNA signals starvation to the hypothalamus.

Calorie Cycling To The Rescue!

Calorie cycling is a way to get us of the weight loss plateau. According to our DNA, losing weight is a high crime against our bodies, so we need to keep the fact that we are about to lose weight a secret. It takes the body a few days to catch on to our nefarious plan to reduce its fat stores so we have a chance to hide our plans by cycling our caloric intake with a calorie cycling plan. But does calorie cycling work?

Does calorie cycling work better than other diets?

I am not going to make the claim that it is superior to all other diet plans, but it definitely works better than all of the traditional low calorie programs when it comes to weight loss plateaus. Remember rule one: The body adapts to patterns of behaviour. If you are repeating actions over and over to change your body in anyway, your body will adapt to that pattern and then plateau. That means it will stop changing in the way you want it to for a drawn out periods of time no matter how faithful you are at following your routine. This is really discouraging! But when we cycle through different sets of mini-programs we can keep the body from adapting and stopping on a weight loss plateau.

Every Other Day Dieting

If you cycling your eating plan every other day or so you can keep your resting metabolism high, you will not become bored with a routine and you will lose weight rapidly. Some calorie cycling plans are better than others and I would encourage you to use the one that includes foods you'd normally think of as "no no's" when on a diet. This makes the whole dieting process a lot more fun. When you know that you have only a day or two before you can cycle your routine.

A New You Off The Plateau

Just imagine what you will look like 4 weeks from now while actually enjoying calorie cycling weight loss. If you keep that imagination before you, you will easily follow your calorie cycling weight loss plan to a new you.

Improve Bad Eyesight

2009-10-18T11:23:00.001-07:00

Like many people online today, I love social networking and have met some really amazing people through these types of sites. I was online the other day and ran across a lady that was heading to the doctor for a checkup because she was having some vision problems. I sent her a little note to let her know that I had found an eBook that explained how you could improve bad eyesight naturally. I thought she might want to check it out. To say the least, she was very skeptical.

I was too when I first came across this book because there is so much junk being offered online today. If I purchased everything I have ever run across that I thought might be good, I would be broke and homeless by now. But, I have been wearing reading glasses for almost ten years and if I could avoid having to wear them permanently, which of course is definitely the next step, than I thought it might be worth it. I especially will purchase products when I know they have a money back guarantee.

So I read through the book and was very impressed. I feel almost embarrassed when I find things like this that make so much sense and I just had no idea that this is all it took to naturally improve my bad eyesight.

After reading the book in its entirety, it suggested that you only do the exercises that you enjoy the most to help improve your eyesight. These are the exercises I have chosen to do on a daily basis:

1. Each morning when I'm brushing my teeth, I splash cold water on my eyes.

2. I have a timer at my desk and set it for every hour. When the timer goes off, I stop what I'm doing and I either get up and move around or just look away from my work and glance around the room. Taking a five to ten minute break every hour will help your eyesight.

3. Before I eat my dinner, I do the swinging exercise
standing in front of my window.

4. Before I turn in for the night, I put a dark cloth over my eyes and totally relax them before going to sleep.

I will admit that I was not as consistent in the beginning but am on a regular schedule now. I am seeing some vast improvement since implementing these exercises. I don't have to wear my glasses to read everything now. I also use to wear them when I drove at night because there was a haze around all of the lights. I no longer am wearing them at night and there is no more haze.

We are all born skeptics until proven wrong and I'm so thankful that I was proven wrong in this case. With each new day, my eyesight is improving more and more and my future is looking brighter.

Eye Exercises

2009-10-18T11:22:00.001-07:00

1. Rapid Re-Focus

This involves you changing focus between a distant and nearby object at a rapid rate. Concentrating on fully focusing the eye at each point. You can best achieve thiis by holding a pencil or your finger in fornt of you to create the 'close point'.

2. Rotations

These are incredibly effective if done correctly. Too many people simply rotate the eyes without properly ensuring their position at each point. SO to ensure the greatest benefit you need to start by looking up as far as you can without moving your head. Then look left as far as possible keeping the head still. Follow by looking down to the max and then to the right. The key here is making sure you eye reaches the full range of it's movement.

3. Close & Let Go

A great way to relax any muscle is to contract them hard for a set time and releasing them. This can work for muscles in the vicinity of those you contract to. So if you scrunch your eye lids closed and really squeeze them together hard for a count of 5 seconds then let go. This will cause a deep relaxation of the eye socket and lens muscles.

4. Look Up

This is great for relaxing the eyes and can also help you sleep. You simply need to look straight up keeping your head still. Look straight up and strain as hard as possible as if you're trying to look up into the top of your head. You're eyes will become heavy after about 20 seconds. Repeat this at least 5 times or until your eyes are too tired to continue.

These 4 are just a small sample as there's been many created and refined since they were first developed by a Dr Bates - an opthalmogist practicing in the 1800's. They've now been updated by modern techniques in eye care and restoration.

mprove Your Eyesight at Home

2009-10-18T11:21:00.002-07:00

People from all over the world suffer from bad vision. And the easiest ways to fix it are to get a pair of glasses or contact lenses. But you do not need to wear those glasses or contacts any longer. There are things you can start doing at home that will allow you to see clearer. And no you do not need to go see an optometrist anymore because you are capable of naturally correcting your vision. All you need to do is start following a few easy tips.

First of all you need to get your eyes healthy if you want them to start working better for you. And the quickest way to do this is to eat better. If you eat more junk food than healthy food then there is your problem. You need to start putting better food into your body. It is very important for your overall health and the health of your eyes. One more thing you need to begin doing is getting a good night sleep
each night. You need to let your eyes rest. And the only way you can do this is get a good amount of sleep every night. We all need about seven to eight hours each and every night.

So if you want to lose those nerdy glasses and uncomfortable contacts then you need to start following these tips. They will help you get those results you are looking for. Instead of living your life with something you do not want, you should start doing something that will help change that.

Low Level Laser Treatment

2009-10-18T11:21:00.001-07:00

The field of low level laser therapy is one of the newest ones in the medical and scientific timeline, having emerged in the mid-60s, just a few years after the first laser was successfully tested in 1960 by American physicist Theodore Maiman. But the concept of using light to treat medical ailments is a lot older than that, the earliest 20th century example being the studies of Nobel Prize winning scientist Niels Finsen. In 1903, Finsen studied the effects of ultraviolet radiation in the killing of bacteria on cutaneous tuberculosis.

For the most part, though, pre-laser studies into the clinical uses of light focused on light’s thermal destructive powers. It wasn’t until the laser was invented that focus shifted somewhat towards the non-destructive benefits of light emission, which is at the basis of the low level laser therapy field.

The Pros

Low level laser therapy began with the experiments of Endre Mester, who proved the positive effects of low level laser light in the stimulation of tissue repair, placing his emphasis on the potential for healing diabetic ulcers.

Since then, further studies have shown low level laser therapy to be beneficial in the treatment of neck pain, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other musculatory problems.

Low level laser therapy is painless and non-invasive. Also, all studies conducted have shown low level laser therapy to have no adverse side-effects, which have made it a popular alternative to more drastic treatments or medication.

The Cons

Because it’s a new medical field, low level laser treatment studies vary a lot in the ways that they are conducted. As a result, many of the claims of such studies are often undermined by the fact that the methodology used for the research was not up to par with scientific standards. Thus, there are a lot of companies out there who advertise low level laser treatments that have yet to be officially proven to work and accepted by the larger clinical and medical community, and might thus be falsely presented.

The FDA, though it has officially approved a variety of low level laser treatments, still considers the field as experimental, due to an insufficient number of trials and evidence. However, companies who specialize in low level laser therapy are working to conduct proper scientific studies in hopes advancing the legitimacy of their field.

Healthy Diet Plan for Kids

2009-10-18T11:20:00.002-07:00

Kids-Healthy Diet is a Must!
Childhood obesity has really become a serious health problem in the United States. The problems related to obesity can result in even more life-threatening health problems later on in life. The trouble with trying to have a healthy diet plan for kids is that the majority of adults don't eat healthy themselves and so they are setting a bad example. The same foods that constitute a healthy diet for adults can do the same for kids, particularly adolescents.

How Do You Get a Teenager to Have a Healthy Diet?
Health really becomes an issue as people age. However, having a good diet as a kid has long-term benefits. Experts have said that if a child follows a healthy diet this can aid in preventing diseases and can keep your kids from being obese. In fact, obesity is constantly increasing because of the increasing popularity of fast foods. America is mostly fat! Bad eating habits will not only have a harmful effect upon your health, but it will also affect your kid's well being. Instructing your children about good nutritional habits starts at an early age and it should start at home.

It's a great accomplishment for any parent to have healthy children. Raising a child is among the greatest duties and parents have to be extremely careful at all the times. Ideally, weight loss diets are suggested only to adults. But since there are severe cases of premature obesity, it has now become an alternative for moderating weight and health risks amongst children. If you are a mom and you don't have any thought about what foods to serve to your kids, then you need to develop a healthy eating plan that will certainly help you give your children all the nutrients that they need. Supplying healthy foods should be the main focus of a healthy eating plan.

Do You Know What Diets for Kids are Safe and Work Well?
You and I both know that the media is full of fad diets or weight loss plans encouraged and followed by Hollywood celebrities. What diets and/or foods will allow us to provide a healthy diet plan for kids? This is the question that all parents need to ask themselves and then they must educate themselves so that they can provide the answer.

Healthy Weight Loss Diet Plan

2009-10-18T11:20:00.001-07:00

There are plenty of healthy weight loss
diet plans out there. Well, actually some of them aren’t that healthy at all, but those that are can really help you get down to a good weight for your body type, gender, and age. But, there is more to being slender and healthy than just going on a diet.

It is possible to maintain any weight you are at just by balancing out the calories you take in with the calories you burn off. If you take in 1,200 calories per day, which is often considered the minimum number of calories to safely maintain the average female body, then you need burn of 1,200 calories just to maintain your weight. The more calories you burn off, the more you will lose.

A healthy weight loss diet plan is one that includes both nutritious and low-calorie food as well as a plan to get you moving. Most of us don’t get enough activity – we park in the closest parking spot, we take the elevator instead of the stairs, and we have someone else walk the dog.

The biggest change you can make for yourself is to get out and do something. Exercise is fun! You don’t have to spend hours on the treadmill to burn calories. Go for a walk in the park, take the kids to the mall, learn a new sport, or even go dancing. There are plenty of things out there that you can do, enjoy, and will help you burn off those calories.

When choosing any kind of a healthy weight loss diet plan, choose one that allows you enough calories and encourages you to be active. Not only will activity help you shed pounds, but it will do wonders for your psychological well-being, and you might even make a few new friends along the way.

Nutrients For Healthy Weight

2009-10-18T11:19:00.000-07:00

A healthy weight is not just about getting exercise and eating right. Providing the body with proper nutrients also counts. Minerals and vitamins are crucial for cellular functioning. This includes many aspects concerning the body’s response to carbohydrates, fats and protein, which is essential to shaking off fat.

Nutrients For Achieving Healthy Weight Loss Numbers

To succeed in losing weight long-term, there are a number of key nutrientsthat can make the process easier. Consider the list below.

·Magnesium – Eating whole grains, nuts, fruits and vegetables are good for the heart and aids in diabetes prevention, but an important component of this kind of diet is magnesium.

One study had people eating magnesium-rich foods, protecting them from experiencing metabolic syndrome – a set of risk factors tied to diabetes and cardiovascular disease that includes low HDL cholesterol levels, raised blood sugar levels, high blood presser, abdominal obesity and elevated triglycerides.

·Omega 3 – Many studies say overweight individuals following weight-loss programs that feature exercise have better cholesterol and blood sugar levels control when their low-fat diet contains omega-3 fatty acids-rich fish. Those who are not big fans of such fish can opt for fish oil capsules, a bottle of hemp oil or a bottle of flax.

·Chromium picolinate – This is a micro-mineral that decreases craving for sweets and lessens hunger pangs. Chromium picolinate helps with fat and carbohydrate metabolism, aiding in managing proper weight. It lowers elevated cholesterol and blood pressure as it promotes the healthy functions of growth hormones.

·Calcium – Calcium helps with blood pressure regulation and strengthens bones for better osteoporosis prevention. Recent studies show that adequate calcium in the diet also aids in dropping weight. Calcium in the fat cells has a say in controlling how fat gets stored and its breakdown in the body. More calcium in fat cells means more fat burned.

·Vitamin D – This vitamin is important to properly absorb calcium. It was recently lauded for aiding in the prevention of several chronic diseases like multiple sclerosis, hypertension, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and some cancers.

However, many people are low on Vitamin D, with women getting less than one-third of their 200 IU daily need. Blame sunscreen for most of this general deficiency as it does not let skin convert sunlight to vitamin D. Another reason could be that naturally-high vitamin D sources are limited to cod liver oil and certain fish-types. To get sufficient Vitamin D, drink fortified skim milk daily.

Shedding off pounds does not stop with exercise and proper diet. It is also equally important to pay attention to the nutrients one obtains from eating certain types off food. Staying healthy calls for regular exercise coupled with a nutritious diet.

benefits of eating an egg

2009-10-18T11:16:00.000-07:00

Eggs are one of the oldest foods known to mankind and their high nutritional value and relatively cheap cost have made it into one of the most eaten foods in the world.

In the last decade, egg has gotten a bad reputation due to the high amounts of cholesterol in the yolk, and every day more individuals are opting to eat egg whites only or egg substitute products.

But interestingly enough, the majority of nutrients in an egg are found in the yolk, including one nutrient that helps prevent the oxidation of the cholesterol in the yolk. This nutrient is lost when the egg is cooked at high temperatures such as frying. Without this nutrient, the cholesterol in the egg’s yolk oxidizes, meaning it turns into the bad cholesterol that sticks to veins and arteries, clogging them up.

A raw egg has more nutrients than a cooked egg because many different nutrients are heat sensitive and disappear with the cooking process.

But eating raw egg doesn’t guarantee that it will be good for us.

In the last two decades, traditional egg faros have been replaced by giant warehouses that use deplorable methods for raising their hens. These hens are fed animal remains and are given antibiotics and hormones. The result of this is a super hen that lays as many as 16 eggs in a single day when the normal amount is one egg per day. These eggs are full of hormones and antibiotics but have very little nutritional value.

Because of this unhealthy way of producing eggs, anyone who is interested in benefiting from an egg’s nutritional value must always look for “Certified Organic” eggs. This guarantees that the eggs will come from hens that were not caged, were fed a vegetarian diet and were not treated with antibiotics and hormones.

Recent studies have proven that a healthy
adult can eat as many as two eggs per day without having an increase in his or her cholesterol level. In addition to this, recent research shows that certain nutrients found in the egg’s yolk help fight migraine headaches and repair the brain.

Relationship between vision and mind

2009-10-13T20:09:00.002-07:00

Vision is a powerful technique which relies on the fact that all mental activity is accompanied by corresponding physical rehearsal. Thus if you imagine that you are speaking, or even if you frame your thoughts in terms of words rather than abstractions, there are minute but measurable movements of the vocal apparatus; if you imagine you are clenching or unclenching your fist, all the muscles involved undergo fractional changes of tension. When you see with your mind's eye, the real eyes respond in a similar way, except that, as the eyes are even more intimately related to the mind than, say, the muscles of the arm, the changes are likely to be more pronounced. The advantage of mental seeing is that the mind's eye has no refractive error and forms a model for the real eyes to emulate

According to the Bates hypothesis, faulty vision can arise as one result of emotional difficulties, among which may be a subconscious desire not to see. As far as refractive error is concerned, this desire not to see can be compared to the desire not to walk or talk shown in certain kinds of hysterical illness. The brain is able to block the responses of the body so that walking or talking-or focusing-do indeed become more difficult, or even impossible.

The brain can also block the visual process in another way, by erecting a barrier of some sort between the unconscious and the conscious mind, so that, even if the eyes are performing well, the signals are obstructed or degraded before being allowed to reach the consciousness.

It is helpful to think of this barrier in symbolic terms, as being made of some substance which can vary in consistence according to the subconscious wishes of the brain. When vision is perfect the substance of the barrier is perfectly fluid and the signals pass through it freely, but as vision deteriorates the substance becomes more and more glutinous, slowing down the passage of signals or preventing it altogether.

There are two distinct ways in which the brain can block the visual process. The first is by interfering with the mechanics of vision; the second is by altering the 'consistency' of the barrier between the unconscious and the conscious mind.

The brain and the eyes work closely as a team. The eyes have to first capture an image and focus on the shape, size, and colors. The mind needs to interpret that information which is seen and then store it for recall later. Images that we see daily take mere seconds to interpret and remember. New images take a little bit longer. The more focused the eyes are on an image the more strong the memory will become. When looking at new object, pay attention to the lines around it, the borders, colors, size, shape, and anything else that will make recall easier later. Of course, the more relaxed the eyes are the quicker the mind can process and memorize new objects.

Concentrating too hard or focusing on images that doesn’t interest us causes unneeded strain and it will be difficult to remember them later. In order to maximize the memory, the image must first be viewed in a calm and relaxed manner. Below is a short exercise to try in order to get the mind and eyes to relax and work together properly.

First find a comfortable position, this could be sitting in your favorite chair or lying on the floor. Whichever your preference, make sure the spine is straight and the hands are relaxed at your side. Next, close your eyes and picture the number 5 down to 0 in your mind. Exhaling, really see the 5 in your mind. Let the eyes follow the black lines of the 5 and really picture the number. Relax and exhale completely by letting all the air out of your lungs until you naturally take the next breath.

Allow the lungs to fill completely with air and then picture the number 4. Again, picture the number completely while you exhale. Really see the lines, the black color, the shape; don’t stop picturing the number until all the air has left your lungs and the next breath comes naturally. Do this all the way down to 0.

In time you should be able to visualize images in the mind more clearly and feel more relaxed in the processed.

improving eye exercise programs

2009-10-13T20:09:00.001-07:00

Customers should be wary of eye exercise programs such as the widespread See Clearly Method, who claimed that they can eliminate or reduce your need for eyewear. Because of these invalidated claims, all sales of See Clearly Method kits were prohibited and the company was punished to pay $200,000 as a compensation to consumers who had bought the kits. The recently published Power Vision Program by American Vision Institute is another eye exercise program that indicates natural vision improvement. Actually, researches have showed that these simple exercises can not help you throw away your glasses for vision errors such as myopia.

Focusing errors such as farsightedness and nearsightedness involve the irregular ways that your eyes refract lights, which are caused by too short and too long eyeballs respectively. And presbyopia is caused because that aging lens starts to lose elasticity and can not adjust focus at different distances. Eye exercises just provide up-and-down and back-and-forth movements for your lens, which have no relation with the above eye anatomy. These exercises will never change your eyeball shape, your cornea and irregular surface. They also can not restore your lens to its youthful elasticity.

Eye exercises help your eyes function and adapt and certain vision therapy can be used to avoid amblyopia on children. However, no evidence shows that these exercises can alter the eye’s basic anatomy, which determines people’s refractive errors. And no evidence has been found that visual training improves vision loss by macular degeneration, glaucoma and so on.

The ever prevailing program of See Clearly Method charged about $350 retail for each kit. Its website claimed that the vision plan was a safe and healthy alternative to eyeglasses and contacts. But later the website disclaimed that the product’s vision improvement effect will vary among different people. However, aftermath investigation and details showed that the See Clearly Method had no solid scientific basis.

While deluxe version of See Clearly Method contained a CD-ROM, its basic versions only included some videotapes and audiotapes. The program told people to do 30 minutes of exercises every day, in order to strengthen and enhance muscle flexibility that manages the eye’s focusing power. The program also provided some booster techniques and the component of “Visualization”. The vision improvement and glasses elimination from See Clearly Method had never been supported by any clinical study. The practice conducted by the program’s creators was deliberately controlled.

In fact, eye exercise programs occupy an obscure space between medical science and fold remedy, which are dismissed by most optometrists and ophthalmologists. There are still other companies that sell similar eye training programs, some of which even claim to be FDA-approved.

People who want to buy self-improvement eye exercise programs should be careful about their vision claims. Professional advices from ECPs are always helpful. The best way is to keep your expectations in check and your money in your wallet.

Laser Vision Correction

2009-10-13T20:08:00.002-07:00

What most people might not realize is that there are several different types of laser vision corrective surgery
. While most of the types of Lasik and other laser vision correction
surgeries are similar, there are some slight differences that are important to note.

The first type of laser vision correction is PRK, or photorefractive keratectomy
. PRK was the first type of laser vision correction, invented in the early 1980s. PRK works much the same way as Lasik, but improvement and recovery may take longer than Lasik. More discomfort may be experienced with PRK as, with this procedure, deeper layers of the cornea are exposed.

There is one major difference between Lasik and PRK. With Lasik, a flap is made at the front of the eye using a microkeratome that is put back in its place after the laser vision correction is finished. With PRK, the laser completely removes this outer layer of the cornea.

One of the other types of laser vision correction goes by a few different names. Custom Lasik, wavefront Lasik, and wavefront-guided Lasik are all the same method of taking Lasik technology a step further. With custom Lasik, a 3-D map is created showing how well an eye processes images and is used to guide the laser to repair any irregularities. This type of laser vision correction is said to produce an outcome of better vision with fewer risks than traditional Lasik.

Epi-Lasik is a type of laser vision correction that is just slightly different that traditional Lasik. Instead of using the thin blade of the microkeratome to create the flap at the front of the eye, a blunt plastic tool called an epithelial separator is used. The epithelial separator is used to displace the flap instead of using alcohol, which is used in some laser vision corrective surgeries and can kill epithelial cells.

Lasek is a type of laser vision correction that should not be confused with Lasik. Lasek differs from Lasik in that, instead of using a microkeratome to cut the flap at the front of the eye, a very fine blade called a trephine is used. After the flap is cut, an alcohol solution is applied to loosen the edges to allow for an easier flap removal.

A fifth type of laser vision correction is IntraLace Lasik. IntraLace Lasik is a blade-free method of laser vision corrective surgery. With traditional Lasik, a microkeratome is used to create a flap in the cornea, and then a cold beam laser is used to reshape the cornea to repair vision. With InraLace Lasik, two lasers are used to complete the procedure. A second laser is used to create the flap, instead of using a blade. The same type of laser used with traditional Lasik is then used to reshape the cornea.

There are several types of laser vision correction available today, with some new techniques that are still considered to be experimental. Different surgeons prefer some methods over others, and the best technique for the individual patient should be considered. Each type of laser vision correction has its own benefits and risks involved so care should be taken to choose the best one for a specific condition. Concerns and questions should be fully addressed during pre-surgical counseling to ensure the best decision is made.

Sun and Your Eyesight

2009-10-13T20:08:00.001-07:00

You probably know that if you stay in the sun all day with no sunscreen or UV-blocking clothing, you will be burnt. Most people also know that if they do this for years, they may have a lovely suntan, but their skin will be damaged and will eventually develop patches of discoloration, wrinkles, and a leathery texture.

Do you also know that the eyes can be sunburnt? If you expose your eyes to too much sunshine for too many years, they can be permanently damaged in ways that will impair your eyesight. Ultraviolet light can be kept from causing eye damage if you:

* Stay out of the sun; or
* Wear polarized and well-designed sunglasses

But most of us love being outdoors on a sunny day; and many people wear low-quality sunglasses if they wear any at all.

If you wear a shady hat, you are protecting yourself partially but not fully. UV rays are reflected off many surfaces, such as snow, water, and cement and will enter your eyes from beneath your hat. However, good sunglasses plus a hat will protect you well. The best sunglasses have polarized lenses and frames with protection at the sides and top.

Three Types of UV Rays

* UVA rays – These have the lowest energy but can travel through the cornea (clear front part of the eye) to the lens and retina (“camera film” at the back of the eye) and damage your eyesight.
* UVB rays – These have higher energy but are partially filtered by the earth’s ozone layer. They stimulate the skin to produce more melanin (pigment), thus giving you a suntan; but in higher doses they contribute to cancer formation on the skin, growths on the eyes, and “snow blindness”, which is temporary vision loss caused by burned corneas.
* UVC rays – These have the highest energy but the ozone layer blocks most of them.

UV Rays and Eye Problems

Too much UVA exposure has been linked to cataracts – clouding of the lens that blocks light from reaching the retina and thereby reduces vision. Left untreated, cataracts will cause total blindness. UVA rays have also been linked to macular degeneration – deterioration of the retina’s central area that gives us our color perception and our sharpest vision in bright lighting conditions. Macular degeneration also causes total blindness.

The cornea blocks most of the sun’s UVB radiation, protecting the lens and retina from harm. But too much UVB exposure can cause growths called pingueculae. They are yellowish lumps on the sclera (white part) close to the cornea. Usually they occur in older people but depending on how much sun exposure there is, they can be found in young people and even children. Dryness, dust, and wind can inflame them, causing pain and redness.

In some cases, pingueculae lead to pterygia, which are wedge-shaped growths that may extend right into the cornea and directly impair your eyesight. They are quite visible to others, affecting your whole facial appearance.

Sun damage to the eyes is cumulative. That makes it important to protect your children’s eyes so that when they reach mid-life their eyesight might be free of the above problems.

The Art of Palming

2009-10-13T20:07:00.000-07:00

There are various methods and techniques to help improve your eyesight naturally. Our poor eyesight exists because of our own bad habits. You see much better when your eyes, mind and body are all relaxed. The eyes need just as much care as the other organs in our body.

Palming is an excellent way to help the eyes relax naturally. Were you aware that even when you are sleeping, your eyes are in constant motion! This is how they are able to stay lubricated with the constant movement. It’s actually not possible to completely stop the eyes from moving, but we can learn to slow down their motion and help them relax.

Your eyes won't be able to relax until you first relax your mind. When your mind is constantly on the move thinking of all sorts of things, your eyes will strain in order to keep up. The palming method helps relax the mind and the eyes both at the same time. This method is very simple and takes less than 20 minutes. However, you can practice this method as long you need to.

The first step is to take off your glasses and get into a comfortable sitting position. You will want to rub your hands together for a few seconds to warm them up. Next you will want to close your eyes and cover them with your hands by placing one palm over each eye. Be sure that you aren't directly touching the eyes or putting any type of pressure on the eyelids. Your fingers need to cross on your forehead and your elbows should rest on a table or your knees.

Now that you are in this position you will want to fully relax. You can do this by first tensing all muscles from your head down to your toes and then release them and relax completely. The more relaxed you are, the blacker things will be. After doing this you might experience some grayish colors at first but they will eventually become a darker shade of black. Your inner rest is measured by the degree of darkness.

Enjoy this rest for at least 15 minutes, more if you prefer. Now and then let your mind focus on pleasant things such as trees blowing in the wind or the ocean waves crashing on the shore. Try to forget all about things that you need to do. Just clear your mind of any unpleasant thoughts.

When you open your eyes, they will see a little better than they did before. Colors and shapes will be much more defined. This is the art of palming. By practicing this method often, you can make this relaxed state of mind and body a pleasant habit and improve your vision permanently.

Improving Eyesight Naturally

2009-10-13T20:05:00.000-07:00

When both eyes focus on an object simultaneously it's actually an incredible feat. This is possible when both eyeballs adjust precisely for distance and are aimed in the same direction. When these things don't occur is what is known as strabismus. Strabismus is more commonly known as cross-eyed or lazy eye.

Mental strain is the main cause. This occurs when the eyes are pulled in different directions by the outer muscles. When we lose concentration, the eyes will actually go off and do their own thing. One eye may be off in its own little world while the other one is focusing in on the object. When one eye is focused and the other is turned slightly up or down or even out, this is what is known as cross-eyed. When it takes longer for one eye to catch up with the other, this is what is known as lazy eye.

The root cause of this ailment is always a subconscious reluctance to see and the lack of mental focus. The feeling side is represented by the left eye. The active thinking side is represented by the right eye. A clash between feelings and thoughts can cause one eye to look away. If you know which eye is the lazy one, you might be able to figure out what is causing the inner conflict.

Other symptoms associated with Strabismus are ADHD. Finding stability is very difficult for some people due to their attention being divided between two people. It might be between a mother and father, a parent and grandparent, a teacher and parent, etc. It's difficult for them to find rest and security in such an unstable situation. They feel out of control which will only worsen the problem.

Relaxation is the key to solving most eye problems, especially Strabismus. If you can figure out and face the inner conflict you have, you can then take the necessary steps to make peace with the situation. The best cure for any eyesight ailment is relaxing and taking time for yourself.

Monitor Your Depression

2009-10-08T12:10:00.002-07:00

Depression is a common problem. It is a disease that affects millions of people all around the world and many people brush it off until the symptoms become so severe that it can be life threatening problem. Waiting too long can have devastating effects. Depression that is the number one cause of suicide, and yet it is something that is treatable if we would only recognized the problem.

Suicide has a stigma attached to it. People often don't want to admit they have this problem because they're afraid others will not understand. The causes of depression are often minimized. They seem common, and they are afraid other people will think they are weak for not being able to deal with everyday issues.
Two are the most common age groups that only suffers severe depression are teenagers, and the elderly. However rising group to population in their mid thirties and forties are experiencing severe depression due to stress. There also types of depression brought on by a situation such as postpartum.

It is important to monitor your depression and know what the level of depression you are experiencing is and to know when to report depression to your Physician. The three levels of depression are:
1) major depressive disorders,
2) Dysthymic disorder,
3) manic depression.
In major depressive disorders that depressed person experiences depression for the most part of the day for a week or more. They experience a definite lack of satisfaction in every area and activity. Some of the symptoms of major depressive disorders are excessive weight loss, excessive sleeping or the inability to sleep, fatigue loss of energy, a feeling of unworthiness, and thoughts of suicide. If you or anyone you know experiences any combination of these symptoms it is important to seek the help of a Physician.

With the Dysthymic disorder the patient experiences severe depression and for two years or more along with two or more of the following symptoms: difficulty eating or overeating, difficulty sleeping or excessive sleeping, severe fatigue, loss of self esteem, the difficulty than concentrating or making decisions, the general feeling of hopelessness.
Manic depression also known as bipolar disorder has many symptoms that some people don't even recognize as depression it is categorize by sharp periods of up an equally sharp periods of deep depression. The cycle between the two periods can be very rapid and sometimes only one will be present without the other. These moods can last for up to a week or longer and are accompanied by two or more of the following symptoms: overinflated sense of self importance, excessive sleeping, rapid talking with the need to keep talking, racing ideas at a rapid succession of thoughts, increasing types of activities that are heavily goal oriented such as school and work. This type of depression can be so severe is to warrant hospitalization to prevent self inflicted harm and can include some psychotic problems such as hallucinations.

Other types of depression include postpartum, anxiety caused by stress and tension, endogenous depression which is a feeling of general dissatisfaction and depression coming from inside, situational or reactionary depression which is depression traded by a certain situation, melancholic depression to name just a few.

None of these forms of depression will go away by themselves. It's a common feeling to just ride out the storm, that it will go away. Depression does not go away by itself. While you can experience some periods of relief where it seems like everything is okay if there is no more depression these are temporary relief periods not a cure for what caused them.

If you or somebody you love is experiencing any symptoms of depression please seek medical advice. You do not have to live like that. There is much that can be done to alleviate the symptoms that allow you to live a happier more productive life.

Recognizing Depression

2009-10-08T12:10:00.001-07:00

Millions of people suffer from Depression each year. Depression is made up of different emotions, most people get feelings of loss, frustration, sadness, and disappointment, just to name a few. Someone who has depression doesn't have a lot of interest in life and has a hard time focusing on tasks at hand. Sometimes they may not want to get out of bed and they don't want to partake in normal daily activities like going to work or participating in a hobby of theirs.

Two main categories of depression are situational and clinical. Clinical depression symptoms are having thoughts of suicide, uncontrollable negative thoughts, very easily becomes irritated or angry, feelings of hopelessness, sleeping to much or not at all, and loss of appetite, or overeating. Situational depression is pretty normal feelings of sadness that occur when someone goes though a major loss, or the not so lucky things that just happen in life that nothing can change. So you can see here that there is a huge difference between the two.

Every case of depression is going to vary from case to case, every person is different . Some people who have depression say that they don't feel sad, they feel worthless, blank, empty, almost like the living dead just lifeless. They are incapable of feeling happiness and enjoying anything.

Suicide is a major factor in Depression. Many people that are depressed end up committing or attempting to commit suicide. Depressed people think that sometimes it's the only way to end the pain and get rid of the feelings they are experiencing. Suicide is a symptom of severe clinical depression and you can not take it seriously enough if someone you know is talking about suicide. There are many hotlines available for help you or someone you know wants to hurt themselves. Most often suicidal persons will give a clue or warning to theirs feelings and theirs intentions. So if you notice any signs that someone you know might be suicidal speak up! Helping them cope with there depression or even just showing that you care may just save their lives.

Some other types of depression involve Dysthymia, maniac depression, postpartum depression, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Dysthymia's symptoms are not as strong as major clinical depression, however, the may last as long as 2 years or more. It has small ups and downs to it. For a few days you may be mildly depressed and then the next few days you may feel better and happier. However, the may last as long as 2 years or more. It has small ups and downs to it. For a few days you may be mildly depressed and then the next few days you may feel better and happier. Maniac depression is another name for bipolar.

A Person with maniac depression usually will have the same symptoms as someone who has severe clinical depression except they have other major mood swings that can last days to weeks and can switch in a matter of days or hours even. Postpartum depression is a very normal depression that happens after a woman has given childbirth. New mothers tend to be very sleep deprived, going through a major lifestyle change and that might be a major cause of it. It can happen up to a year after child birth and sometimes it can get so extreme that a mother may want to hurt her new child or want to ignore and neglect it. Seasonal affective disorder happens in the winter months when the weather is cloudy and gloomy. It is a very normal depression as well.

Depression can actually be very hard to treat. Sometimes, what seems like symptoms of depression are often the same symptoms of something else. It can be hard to tell if the depression is situational or if it really is clinical. In a situational case the treatment can be as easy as changing the situation, but with clinical depression it can be a number of things. Things like a childhood trauma, a social problem loneliness, substance abuse, genetics, a health problems that is very troublesome or a more recent traumatic happening.

But no matter how depressed one person should get, there is always a way to recover. There is so many different treatments and therapies for depression patients the amount of help is endless. There a prescription medications to help, hotlines, therapies, and lots of natural ways to overcome depression. Alternative health supplements some safe and natural products that will help with depression and changing ones mood. The best way to overcome depression is to use a couple methods of treatment together. Talk to a professional to see whether making a life style change would be the answer or try taking a natural herbal supplement. Which ever method may be right for you the first step is to ask for help and know that it is out there and its everywhere.

Facts About Depression

2009-10-08T12:09:00.002-07:00

Get The Facts About Depression

April 2, 2009

Everyone feels blue at one time or another. A death in the family, a disappointment in your career, a romance gone awry--all can cause most people to feel down for a period of time. Grief and sadness are normal reactions to life's stressful events. After a time, however, most people will heal and return to a normal life.

Depression is more than the normal ups and downs of life that we all have. When sadness just won't go away and it begins to interfere with daily life we recognize this as a mood disorder called depression.

Sometimes depression goes unrecognized because it may manifest itself in more ways than just a sad mood. A depressed person may feel any or all of the following emotions: anger, irritability, hopelessness, fear, anxiety, fatigue, numbness, confusion, worthlessness, or shame. A depressed person may also feel physically ill, weak, or in some cases have hallucinations.

Depression can affect every aspect of your life: your physical health, your sleep, your eating habits, your job, and your relationships with friends and family. It affects your thoughts, feelings and behaviors.

People with untreated depression may choose to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. They may also relieve their emotional pain by overeating, physically harming themselves (cutting, burning), being sexually promiscuous, or other self-destructive behaviors.

Depression may come on suddenly as result of a stressful event or it may grow slowly over months and years. It may have an apparent cause or it may not seem to have any rhyme or reason. Depressed people suffer from an imbalance in their brain chemistry that makes them especially prone to stress. What may seem a small setback to someone else may be the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back for a person prone to depression.

It is very important for those who love a depressed person--as well as the depression person themselves--to understand that a depressed person suffers from a very real illness. A depressed person cannot just "snap out of it" or "cheer up". They are not weak, lazy, defective, or seeking attention. They are ill and need your help.

Like any other illness, depression is treatable. Although there is no "cure" for depression, it is very controllable. There are a wide variety of medications
that are effective in treating depression. With medication, therapy, and time, a depressed person can get well and lead a happy and productive life. I'm living proof of that. When I say living, I mean that literally. Depression is also the number one cause of suicide. If you suspect that you or someone you love is depressed, take steps now to get treatment. You may just save a life.

Major Depression

2009-10-08T12:09:00.001-07:00

Major depression is one of the biggest joy stealers in life. The most severe category of clinical depression, major depression can be triggered by any of three causes .

First, a major trauma in your life can set off a major depression. A severe loss like the death of a loved one, a divorce, a job loss, or other significantly dramatic life experience can start an episode of major depression. or setback or other trauma can trigger a major depression.

Second, you can develop major depression slowly over time if you experience a number of personal disappointments or life problems.

Third, you can simply manifest major depression seemingly out of nowhere. This happens when you develop a chemical imbalance in your brain function. Genetics can also be a cause of this type of depression.

If you're lucky, you'll suffer major depression only once in your lifetime. Known as single episode depression, this kind of one-time depression generally responds well to treatment, either medical or alternative.

Unfortunately, many people experience recurring depression. They suffer for weeks or months or even years and then respond to treatment or get well practically overnight. They'll experience months or years depression-free and then begin feeling depressed again. This type of depression is also treatable, but depression treatment for recurring depression is more complicating and less exact.

When a person suffers from major depression, no matter what the cause, she will struggle with everyday tasks. Getting out of bed in the morning is a major struggle. Focusing is difficult. Pleasure is a thing of the past. The sufferer feels alone and hopeless. Life seems meaningless and purposeless.

So how do you cope with major depression?

You basically have two choices. You can either ride it out and allow it to pass naturally or you can seek depression treatment.
If you're suffering depression as a result of a major trauma, riding it out is a possible option. Even so, it's an option that has risks.

Depression that's caused by trauma may start with a reaction to life events, but it can become chemical. When this happens, the depression may linger far past when you think you should have recovered from your trauma. This lingering depression can go on and on if you don't get depression treatment.

How long do you want to be without joy in your life?

The smart response to any kind of major depression is depression treatment. Depending on your preferences, either seek medical help and get depression medicine or use alternative therapies like natural depression supplements, energy healing, and depression self care.

Talking through the problems and trauma in your life can help you heal depression. Get therapy or ask for help from loved ones. Don't suffer through a major depression alone. Keeping your dark despair bottled up inside will only make major depression worse.

No matter what causes your major depression, you can't afford to let it stay around any longer than necessary. Choose at least one form of depression treatment and make it a daily part of your life. Prioritizing your mental health care will help you heal major depression more quickly.

Major depression robs life of joy. To reclaim your life, take steps to banish major depression.

Treat Depression Before It Becomes Chronic

2009-10-08T12:08:00.002-07:00

Depression is a serious condition affecting many people at any given time. There is some difference between an individual saying that he or she is feeling depressed and someone who is experiencing the clinical form of depression. Occasionally feeling depressed is part of being human. It is normal and natural for people to occasionally feel sad or moody for a day or two. When that feeling becomes extended, however, then the individual may be experiencing depression.

What Causes Depression? Depression can be caused by emotional factors. At times, the world becomes overwhelming and frightening. People experiencing such emotions can become depressed. These overwhelming emotions can be caused by triggering events. At other times, however, there does not seem to be a triggering event for depression. At such times, the actual cause for depression might be genetics, hormonal causes, or chemical imbalances in the body. General anxiety disorder may be associated with the cause of depression as well.

What does Depression Look Like? The symptoms of depression can vary from case to case. People with depression can lack energy or interest in the world. In addition, people experiencing depression may find it difficult to concentrate, and may experience feelings of worthlessness. People experiencing depression may als be restless and find it difficult to sleep. The symptoms of depression must show a change in the manner that a person used to feel or behave. They symptoms of depression may vary based on the age and sex of the individual. Because depression is so variable, the only way to diagnose depression is by a professional.

What is Chronic Depression? Chronic depression is a disease of varying severity. The person who is experiencing chronic depression may even be able to function rather normally; however, they often appear to be unhappy. The symptoms of chronic depression are persistent, but they are not of the same magnitude as those shown by someone experiencing major depression. Chronic depression is also called "dysthymia."

What is Major Depression? Major depression is the most severe kind of depression that a person can experience. It is possible for a person to experience major depression at one time in his or her life without it becoming chronic or repetitive. In this case, the depression can be said to be "episodic," and is probably related to a single event and will not be repeated. However, depression can also be "recurrent." This kind of depression is seen repeatedly over a person's lifetime, which is separated by periods in which the person is not depressed.

Chronic and major depression can be treated in the same manner as "regular" depression. Depression is responsive to "talk" therapy, as well as to medications. "Talk" therapy is that which most people are familiar, in which the client and the therapist square off with each other either in private or in groups. In addition, medication can be used to treat depression. Various kinds of drugs are available for treatment of depression. Medication is often used in combination with talk therapy. Many people consider this combination to be most effective, as medication can quiet the patient's symptoms while talk therapy can be used to get to the root of the problem and address it.

Cause Of Depression

2009-10-08T12:08:00.001-07:00

Many people simply want to know what the cause of depression
is. If you are dealing with depression, you probably would also like to know what causes it, too. There are many different reasons why someone may have bouts of depression. It is impossible to pinpoint one specific reason and label it the cause of depression.

Biological vulnerability is one cause of depression. Some depressions can run in families. For instance, bipolar depression and major depression seems to run in families. Studies have been done which show that individuals who have bipolar disorder in each generation of their family have a different genetic makeup than individuals who do not suffer from bipolar depression. However, it is important to note that not every person that has the genetic makeup that would make them vulnerable to bipolar depression will develop it. However, there are people who develop depression who have no family history of the depression. So, suffice it to say that while biological factors can be one cause of depression, it is not the only thing that could be the cause of depression.

People who are vulnerable to depression seem to have a variety of psychological factors involved. Individuals who have a low self-esteem, who are pessimistic and who suffer from anxiety and stress seem to be more prone to having bouts of depression. A person's environment can also have much to do with the cause of depression. If an individual grows up in a home where discouragement is the norm and pessimism reigns, the person may be vulnerable to depression.

It should be noted that life can be the cause of depression. If you have experienced the death of a loved one, gone through a chronic illness, have work problems, a family crisis or problems with your finances, you may be vulnerable to becoming depressed. All of these scenarios can trigger depression, especially for someone who may have biological or psychological factors already present.

Depression is nothing to be ashamed of. Millions of people are diagnosed with depression each year. The best thing you can do if you are showing signs of depression is to be honest with yourself. If you think you are dealing with depression, go to your doctor. Many times taking an anti depression medication for a set period of time can kick the depression to the curb. If you do not seek out treatment for your depression, it could become worse. Depression can truly debilitate a person if left untreated. No one can "snap out" of major depression. Admitting a problem with depression is not a sign of weakness. If anything, it is a sign of strength.

If you know someone and he or he is showing signs of depression, it is a good idea to talk to him or her about it. Many times people get into a slump when they are depressed and they need someone to take them by the hand so they can seek help. If a person is suffering from major depression, setting up a doctor's appointment may seem like a monumental task. Offer to do it for your loved one. Accompany your loved one to the doctor if it would make him or her feel better. Never put down someone who is suffering from depression or tell them to "get over it." This kind of attitude can plunge a person into a more intense depression. If someone you love is showing signs of suicide, get help for him or her immediately. Don't worry about the repercussions or if your loved one will be angry with you. The most important thing is that your loved one gets help.

Useful Home Remedies for Depression

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People with depression are simply not able to carry on their lives normally. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. When these symptoms become very intense, they start interfering with one’s ability to normally carry out even the daily chores. The person feels unable to do anything about it; other people need to help him out of this depressive situation. Appropriate treatment is required to help most people who suffer from depression.

Symptoms:

The symptoms that help identify depression include:

1) Constant feelings of sadness, irritability.

2) Feeling exhausted most of the time, despite lack of activity.

3) Decreased interest social activities.

4) Significant weight change.

5) A change in sleeping pattern, such as difficulty sleeping or early morning awakening.

6) Lack of confidence.

7) Spends a lot of time thinking about what has gone wrong or what will go wrong.

8) Feelings of worthlessness or guilt.

9) Physical pain, which has no apparent physical

10) Thoughts of suicide or death

If you or somebody close to you is experiencing any of these symptoms, you must consult a doctor right away.

What causes depression?

Causes of depression are still unknown, Depression has no single cause - it may result from a combination of things. However, it can be triggered by:

1) Trauma and stress - financial problems, the breakup of a relationship, or the death of a near one can bring in depression.

2) Loss of social support such as the loss of a job

3) Poverty.

4) Physical conditions - chronic illness such as Parkinson’s, diabetes, HIV or cancer

5) Side-effects of medications.

6) Hormonal changes that affect mood, such as the onset or end of menstruation, menopause.

7) Alcohol abuse

8) Hereditary - depression may run in families, and parents may pass on the defective genes.

9) People with low self-esteem, or who are pessimistic.

10) Psychological disorders such as anorexia.

11) Some scientists suggest that overexposure to electro-magnetic smog from computer terminals and kitchen appliances, especially the microwave oven, upset the balance of the body's own electromagnetic field and leads to depression.

12) Being physically or sexually abused.

13) Family conflicts, especially between parents.

Depression in women

Women are prone to depression twice as compared to men. Many hormonal factors may contribute to the increased rate of depression in women particularly factors as menstrual cycle, pregnancy, miscarriage, premenstrual syndrome and menopause. Many women also face additional tensions such as responsibilities both at work and home, single parenthood, and caring for children.

How to diagnose depression:

A good diagnostic assessment will include a complete history of the patient’s symptoms, i.e., when it started, how severe they are, are they recurrent, whether any previous treatment was given, if yes, then what treatment. The doctor should enquire about physical abuse or alcohol and drug use. Further, a history should include information about whether other family members have had a depressive illness.

Can depression be treated?

• Yes, depression can be treated.

• About 80% of people treated for depression get better.

• Both medication and therapy can effectively treat depression.

What happens, if depression is left untreated?

Depression if untreated, can affect:

1) Social behaviour, along with normal day to day functioning

2) Self-esteem and confidence

3) Can lead to drug abuse, disruptive behaviours, violence and aggression,

4) Even lead to suicide

Depression is a serious problem that demands a serious medical approach. However, you need to first recognize what is causing it.

How to treat depression?

Most people with depression never seek medical help, even though the majority will respond to treatment. Treating depression is especially important because it affects you, your family, and your work. Depression is a curable illness.

Treatment includes a combination of professional counseling, drug therapy, and family support.
Love, appreciation and normal communication are some of the most important things you should provide to help the person cope with depression. Do not be critical of the person at any stage.

A change in normal lifestyle habits can help reduce symptoms of depression. Encourage the person to:

• Go in for some light exercise regularly, such as swimming, walking.

• Avoid alcohol and illegal drugs.

• Get a good and refreshing sleep

• Eat a balanced diet.

• Be optimistic. Positive thinking is very important in recovering from depression.

Change will not come overnight - but with the right treatment, you can keep depression from overshadowing your life. Early treatment of depression will bring about the best results. Think positive, recovery will happen, but gradually.

Are anti-depressants helpful?

Many psychiatric drugs have not been satisfactorily tested in patients, so we do not know for sure the risks or the benefits of these medications.

The thumb rule is caution while giving antidepressants - They should be neither a first nor a last resort. If given, anti-depressants should not be stopped abruptly, because it may lead to a withdrawal syndrome that includes dizziness, nausea, seizures and anxiety.

Side effects of anti-depressants:

The side effects vary depending on the drug, but can include:

• Insomnia

• Sleepiness

• Increased anxiety

• Nausea or vomiting

• Headaches

• Dizziness

• Weight gain or loss

Beware! Anti depressants can trigger off suicidal behaviour!

Some helpful Home Remedies for Depression –

Home Remedy for Depression is the best solution as it is free from any side effects.

1) Ayurveda recommends yoga, massage and meditation, which increases the energy of life. Yoga exercises help to increase the circulation of oxygen in the system and helps keeps the mind relaxed. Deep breathing exercises or “pranayama” help the body and mind to relax. This is useful Home Remedy for Depression.

2) Try to distract your mind. Listen to your favourite music, do the things you are fond of, eat something good, go out with friends – bring a change in your daily routine, and it will help cope with depression.

3) Aromatherapy helps the body relax and revive the nervous system. Inhalation of some herbal oils like rose, jasmine, lime, and grapefruit are considered a natural remedy for depression.

4) Cashew nuts are extremely beneficial in treating depression, as it is a rich source of vitamin B. It ensures body activeness and energy levels. This is useful Home Remedy for Depression.

5) Take daily walks. Fresh air and deep breathing exercises are both good in aiding relaxation.
Avoid black tea, kava tea, tobacco and alcohol. Eat more wheat germ, which is an energizer. Pears, apples, and nuts assist the nervous system in functioning properly.

TALK TO SOMEONE IF YOU FEEL YOU ARE DEPRESSED…….IT MAY JUST WORK!!

Relieve Depression Naturally

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Depression is a mood disorder that ranges from mild to severe. All of us have experienced a form of depression at some time in our lives. It can accompany loss, stress, unresolved anger, fear, shame, disappointment and other emotional dynamics that are a part of our life situation. Depression is experienced by children, adults, and elderly regardless of economic status, gender, or culture. Depression affects physical health, relationships, awareness, weight, memory, decision making ability, energy level, interest, and sleep. In addition to emotional experience, depression can result from diet, nutrition, and other physical biochemical origins.

In severe, special cases of depression associated with extreme mental disorder, synthetic, chemical based drugs called antidepressants are required and necessary for relief of depression. However, most of us do not fall into this category and too often these synthetic antidepressants are prescribed for us who suffer from common daily disappointments in our lives. For most common experiences of depression, antidepressants are not often necessary. Synthetic Antidepressants have been known to have some harmful side effects, prompting the FDA to recommend that manufacturers add this warning label to their products: "Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in short-term studies in children and adolescents with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of {insert established name} or any other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this risk with the clinical need. Patients who are started on therapy should be observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidalty, or unusual changes in behavior".

This is not to suggest that ignoring the feelings of depression will make the feelings go away. Since depression can have physical biochemical origin and depression from emotional stress can cause biochemical change in the body, it would follow that common, not severe, depression would respond to clinically proven all natural remedies as vitamins, herbs, supplements, minerals, amino acids, aromatherapy, and all natural formulas designed to relieve the pain of depression. Other treatments e.g. psychotherapy, exercise, acupuncture, yoga, meditation also aid in the natural relief of depression.

Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals can trigger depression as well as depression decreasing the availability of vitamins and minerals essential for the maintaining our body's health. These vitamins and minerals include vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin C, magnesium, calcium and trace minerals. Supplementing our bodies with these vitamins and minerals can relieve and perhaps prevent depression as well as greatly improving our health generally.

Adding amino acids to our diets can go a long way in relieving depression and promoting general health. For example, SAMe (S-Adensoyl-L-Methionine) is an amino acid that can be found in all cells of our body. It is a natural antidepressant that has additional value of protecting the liver and cardiovascular system, synthesis of natural melatonin that assists sleeping well. Phenylalanine is another amino acid that makes the neurotransmitter, i.e. substance that conducts messages to and within the brain, norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is diminished in the brains of people who are depressed. The amino acid L-Theanine naturally reduces anxiety associated with depression and is not addictive or habit forming. Another amino acid that naturally relieves depression and stimulates alertness is L-Tyrosine.

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophane) is a naturally occurs in our bodies and helps the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Adequate amounts of serotonin is vital for a feeling and sense of emotional well being. 5-HTP can cross the blood brain barrier which makes it unique in the facilitation of serotonin. 5-HTP has gained a great reputation in the natural treatment of insomnia, depression and obesity.

For many people who suffer common depression, a effectively created herbal formula is very beneficial for the natural relief of depression. St. John's wort (hypericum perforaturn), commonly referred to as "Nature's Prozac", helps naturally relieve mild or moderate depression, stress, anxiety, and tension. Gingo biloba is used as an alternative treatment for moderate depression in elderly people because depression is an early sign of cognitive decline or cerebrovascular deficiency. Valerian root has a natural calming effect for anxiety and depression. Passionflower is an efficient natural sedative for calming and sleeping well. Black Cohosh, used by early Native Americans, soothes the body and reduces spasm. These are just a few of the examples of herbs and herbal formula that treat moderate depression effectively and naturally.

Hormonal imbalance can lead to moderate depression. A common treatment is natural progesterone for women. Other natural substances help balance hormones e.g. flax oil, black cohosh, dimpro, promensil, essential fatty acids, red clover, virtex berry and many other naturally derived supplements.

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils and other natural aromatic compounds from plants to effect emotional and physical health The oils are referred to as "essential" because they are the "essence" of the plant. Olfactory sense has a powerful effect on our emotional and physical health. Aromatherapy can be used to alter mood, inspire confidence, ease moderate depression, and increase energetic feeling. In some nations essential oils are used for their antiseptic qualities to treat infection. In France, many aromatherapy essential oils are perceived in a similar way as prescription drugs are in the United States. Aromatherapy comes in many forms, e.g. essential oil, mists, sticks, candles, infusions, massage creams and oils, mineral bath formulas, and absolutes.

One on the most popular aromatherapy aromas is lavender. Lavender essential oil has a calming scent which makes it an excellent tonic for the nerves and helps in treating migraines, headaches, anxiety, depression, nervous tension and emotional stress. Its refreshing aroma removes nervous exhaustion and restlessness and increases mental activity. Lavender essential oil induces sleep and hence it is often recommended for insomnia. Lavender essential oil is also an excellent remedy for various types of pains including those caused by sore muscles, tense muscles, muscular aches, rheumatism, sprains, backache and lumbago.

In summary, many of us suffer mild to moderate depression for a variety of reasons. Our experience of depression is not so severe or of long duration to justify the use of powerful synthetic prescription drugs or antidepressant drugs with their potential of hazardous, harmful physical and behavioral side effects. We have available to us, a vast variety of effective, efficient, all natural vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, aromatherapy, hormonal balancers, and other safe natural modalities for relieving mild to moderate depression.

Different Types of Depression

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When people talk about depression, they usually mean a person who is feeling down and lethargic, and who has generally lost interest in life. Most people don't realize that there are many different types of depression a person can be suffering from, with each type often showing different symptoms.

While this isn't an exhaustive list, here is a quick overview of the most common forms of depression.

Mild/Minor Depression is the least severe form of depression. Usually the symptoms aren't so severe that they have a major impact in the life of the sufferer, although the depression can still cause distress and disruption. Many people who are suffering from mild depression never seek treatment - they don't believe the symptoms are severe enough.

Dysthymic Disorder is a long-term form of mild depression (lasting two or more years). Like mild depression, most sufferers never seek help as they don't believe their symptoms are severe enough. Also like mild depression, the symptoms of dysthymic depression don't usually have a huge impact on the sufferers day-to-day life. But when the long-term results from the depression are considered, the impact can be huge. People who suffer from dysthymic depression often can't remember a time when they weren't depressed.

Moderate Depression fits somewhere between mild depression and major depression. The symptoms of moderate depression are more severe and numerous than mild depression, and they begin to have an impact on the work, home and social life of the sufferer. While mild depression and dysthymic depression can go unnoticed by others, the symptoms of moderate depression are usually noticeable. If left untreated, people suffering from moderate depression can slip into major depression.

Major Depression (also known as clinical or unipolar depression) is what most people think of when they think of depression - the individual seems to have totally given up on life, and has a large number of obvious symptoms. It is unlikely that someone suffering from major depression could function normally in a work, social or home setting - their symptoms are too pronounced. Suicide can be a huge risk with major depression, and professional help needs to be sought to treat the depression.

Bipolar Depression (BPD) is sometimes known as manic-depression, and is characterized by the sufferer having large mood swings from very upbeat and energetic to extreme lows. Both periods normally last for several weeks at a time. Bipolar depression is usually categorized into a number of sub-categories. While there is no firm consensus on how many sub-categories there are, the four most common are Bipolar I Disorder, Bipolar I Disorder, Cyclothymic Disorder and Bipolar NOS.

People with bipolar I disorder have the most extreme mood swings. Their low moods can be classified as major depression, while in their positive moods they can engage in crazy, outrageous and even dangerous activities. During this 'mania' state they may even suffer from paranoia or hallucinations.

People with bipolar II disorder have much less extreme mania periods. Indeed, many bipolar II sufferers go untreated because people mistake their 'mania' phase for simply getting over their depression. People with bipolar II don't suffer from paranoia or hallucinations.

Cyclothymic disorder is a milder but much more long-term version of bipolar disorder (usually lasting for two or more years). Like bipolar II the mania phases are relatively minor, but in addition their depressive phases aren't so severe that they classify as major depression. If left untreated, cyclothymic depression can develop into bipolar II depression.

Finally, Bipolar NOS (Not Otherwise Specified) is a catch-all category for people who have some of the symptoms of bipolar, but those symptoms don't allow the person to be neatly categorized in one of the three other categories. For example, the sufferer may have fast cycling between the manic and depressive states, or manic states without depressive states.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) that affects between 3% and 8% of women. Symptoms of depression appear around a week prior to menstruation, and disappear within a few days of menstruation beginning.

Postnatal (Postpartum) Depression can occur any time in the first 12 months after a baby is born. Some form of postnatal depression affects over 80% of new mothers, although most who are affected only have a very mild form of depression that usually passes naturally with rest and the support of family and friends. However around 15% of mothers get a more severe form of postnatal depression, and like major depression the sufferer needs treatment and support to overcome the illness.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression caused by the changing light levels throughout the year. The most common for of SAD is caused by the low-light levels of winter, but a much rarer form of the disorder is triggered by the high-light levels of summer.

As you can see, depression comes in many different forms - each type of depression has different triggers and symptoms associated with it, and each type of depression also responds better to different treatments. By being aware of the different forms depression can take, you can be much more prepared to help a friend of family member.

What is Depression

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The latter type, sometimes referred to as 'clinical depression', is defined as 'a persistent exaggeration of the everyday feelings that accompany sadness'.

If you have severe depression you may experience low mood, loss of interest and pleasure as well as feelings of worthlessness and guilt. You may also experience tearfulness, poor concentration, reduced energy, reduced or increased appetite and weight, sleep problems and anxiety. You may even feel that life is not worth living, and plan or attempt suicide.

Depression can affect anyone, of any culture, age or background. About twice as many women as men seek help for depression, though this may reflect the greater readiness of women to discuss their problems.

One thing that may make it hard for doctors to recognise depression is that people with depression often complain of physical problems, commonly headaches, lethargy, stomach upsets or joint pains, rather than low mood, sometimes because these can be significant symptoms, but sometimes because they find it difficult to admit to feeling emotionally distressed for reasons they may not even be able to identify.

Depression is usually related to upsetting life events, such as bereavement, relationship difficulties, physical illness, or job or money worries.

Are there different types of depression?

Bi-polar disorder (manic depression)

Someone with bi-polar affective disorder has both 'high' and 'low' mood swings, along with changes in thoughts, emotions and physical health.

Post-natal depression (PND)

About 1 in 10 women experience postnatal depression in the first year after having a baby.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Some people describe feeling depressed regularly at certain times of the year. Usually this kind of depression starts in the autumn or winter, when daylight is reduced.

How can you reduce the risk of depression?

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Keep in touch with you friends. If you are already depressed you find it very difficult to be sociable, and this can make you feel more depressed. So it is important for you to keep in contact with friends and find someone to talk to when you are feeling low.

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Keep active. Being more active is associated with lower levels of depression. Outdoor activity seems to be particularly important in staving off depression in older men.
Review your eating habits. Recent research has suggested that people who are depressed may have low levels of certain essential fatty acids, which are found in fish oils. It has therefore been suggested that people with depression should change their eating habits, for example eating more oily fish such as sardines, or should take fish oil supplements.

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Investigate herbal medicine. St John's Wort ( Hypericum perforatum) can help many people with mild to moderate depression. Before taking St John's Wort check with your doctor or pharmacist especially if you are taking other kinds of medication, for example for heart disease, epilepsy, asthma or migraine.

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Investigate self-help techniques. Some people have reported benefits from various self help techniques such as meditation, listening to music, and acupuncture.

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Take control. Some people find it helps if they have some control over what happens. This helps to guard against the kind of 'hopelessness' which is associated with depression. Activities that involve making a 'fresh start' have been shown to help people recover from long-lasting depression. Similarly, learning to set small or manageable goals can give you a sense of achievement and make you feel better.

There are a number of self-help books, guides, and software programmes which can help you to learn ways of coping with mild to moderate episodes of depression.
What treatments are there for depression?

Drug treatments

Anti-depressant drugs act by increasing the activity of those brain chemicals which affect the way we feel. Anti-depressants are thought to help 2 out of 3 of people with depression.

Tricyclic antidepressants, such as dothiepin, imipramine, and amitryptyline are often prescribed for moderate to severe depression. These usually take up to two weeks to start working and may have side effects.

Newer antidepressant drugs (SSRIs and SNRIs) target specific chemical 'messengers' in the brain. The most well-known SSRI is fluoxetine (Prozac) but there are several other brands. These newer drugs are popular because they tend to have fewer side effects than older drugs.

Lithium carbonate is sometimes prescribed to people with severe depression. High levels of lithium in the blood are dangerous so anyone taking lithium must have regular blood tests.

If you are prescribed drugs for depression you will probably be advised to take them for at least six months - or longer if you have a previous history of depression. You may experience withdrawal effects if you stop taking antidepressant drugs, particularly if you stop suddenly. These effects can include headache, nausea, dizziness and even hallucinations. Always consult your doctor before stopping taking anti-depressants. Do not stop taking medication suddenly as the withdrawal effects may be severe.

Talking treatments

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a type of 'talking' treatment. It is based on the fact that the way we feel is partly dependent on the way we think about events (cognition). It also stresses the importance of behaving in ways which challenge negative thoughts - for example being active to challenge feelings of hopelessness.

Interpersonal therapy (IPT) focuses on people's relationships and on problems such as difficulties in communication, or coping with bereavement. There is some evidence that IPT can be as effective as medication or CBT but more research is needed.

Counselling is a form of therapy in which counsellors help people think about the problems they are experiencing in their lives and find new ways of coping with difficulties. They give support and help people find their own solutions, rather than offering advice or treatment.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

ECT is a controversial treatment which is intended only to be used for people with severe depression who have not responded well to medication or other treatments. The person receiving ECT is given an anaesthetic and drugs to relax their muscles. They then receive an electrical 'shock' to the brain, through electrodes placed on the head. Most people are given a series of ECT sessions. Some people say that ECT is very helpful in relieving their depression, although others have reported unpleasant experiences, including memory problems.

ymptoms, Causes and Treatment Options of Depression

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Depression is a complex of psychological and physical symptoms. Low mood level or sadness is often the most prominent symptom. The common property of these symptoms is a decreased activity level in parts of the brain.

THE SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION

Depression may give one or more of these symptoms:

-Low mood level or sadness.

-Lack of joy or interest in activities that were joyful before.

-Pessimism.

-Feel of guilt of something without any substantial reason to feel so.

-Inferiority thoughts.

-Irritability.

-Slowness in the thought process.

-Slowness in interpreting sensorial stimuli.

-Slowness of digestion or other internal physical processes, and symptoms caused by this slowness, for example inflated stomach, constipation or difficulties by urination.

-Slow physical reactions.

Depression can be a mild disease that only causes some annoyance in the daily life, but can also get very serious and make a person totally unable to work and unable to participate in social life. By depression of some severity, there is also a greater risk of suicide.

Depression can occur in all age classes. In teenager’s lack of interest in school work, withdrawal from social life and difficult mood can be signs of depression.

THE PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES THAT PRODUCE THE SYMPTOMS

By depression there is a decreased amount of neurotransmitters in parts of the central nervous system, mainly deficiency of serotonin, but also to some extend of noradrenalin, acetylcholine, dopamine or gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA), or the nerve cells do not react properly by stimulation from neurotransmitters. A neurotransmitter is a signal substance that transmits the nerve signal through the junctions between two nerve cells.

Serotonin and noradrenalin cause nerve cells to send impulses along to other nerve cells, and thus increase the activity in the brain. Deficiency of these substances causes slowness in parts of the brain, and that again causes the depressive symptoms.

The role of GABA is the opposite, namely to slow down some nerve impulses, mainly those causing anxiety and panic response. Lack of GABA causes higher anxiety and easier panic response. Yet, lack of this transmitter also seems to cause depressive symptoms. This is because a too high activity in some brain processes may slow down other processes.

There are many causes and subtypes of depression with different physiological mechanisms involved.

TYPES OF DEPRESSION

Depression is often divided into subtypes according to exhibited symptoms.

1. Mono-polar depression and dysthymic disorder

By mono-polar depression there are pure depressive symptoms. Mild cases of mono-polar disorder that do not affect a person’s ability to work and to participate in social activities are often called dysthymic disorder.

2. Bipolar disorder (manic-depressive disease) and cyclothymic disorder

In this condition there are periods with symptoms of depression - the depressive phase, alternating with periods of elevated mood level with increased mental and physical activity - the manic phase. In the manic phase, the affected person also sleeps poorly and has concentration difficulties. A mild form of this disease is called cyclothymic disorder.

3. Manic disorder

This condition is characterized by abnormally elevated mood, by unrealistic optimism, by lack of sleep and by hyperactive behaviour. Many psychiatrists think that this disorder is simply the same disease as bipolar disorder where the depressive face has not yet occurred.

4. Depression with mainly physical symptoms

Sometimes the physical symptoms of depression are alone or dominant, as for example: Digestive problems, constipation, difficulties with urination, slow response to sensorial stimuli or slow physical reactions.

CAUSES OF DEPRESSION

Two or more factors can have an effect simultaneously to cause depression. Depression can be an independent disease, or a part of other disease. Depression is also divided into different subtypes according to cause.

1. Reactive depression

This disease is simply a result from psychological stress, physical struggle or mental straining without proper rest or sleep over a long time period. The straining will simply wear out the nervous system or deplete the organism from nutrient necessary for the nervous system to work properly.

2. Endogenous depression

When there has not been any period of stress, straining or lack of rest that can explain the condition, the condition is often called endogenous depression. Inheritance is thought to be a part of the cause.

3. Depression by physical disease

Depression or depressive symptoms may be a symptom of physical disease. This is perhaps the most common cause of depression.

Diseases often associated with depression are: Heart disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke, hypertension or Cushing's syndrome.

Mononucleosis or flu may trigger depression that continues after the infection has gone.

By lack of thyroid hormones, hypothyroidism, the metabolism in the whole body is slowed down, including the production of neurotransmitters in the brain. Therefore depression is an important symptom of hypothyroidism.

4. Depressive symptoms as a consequence of unsound lifestyle

A general unsound lifestyle with too less exercise, too high consunsume of alcohol, coffee or tea, too less of important nutrient and too much of sugar and fat may give depressive symptoms, as well as physical problems.

5. Postnatal depression

Women will often have a period of depression after pregnancy and birth of the baby Pregnancy and berth is physically and mentally exhausting, and may drain the body for nutrient. This in turn can cause depressive symptoms

.

6. Seasonal affective disorder

Depression can occur in cold and dark periods of the year and go away in warm and light periods. Light stimulates brain activity, and lack of light is a causative factor.

TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION

Serious or prolonged depression is often treated with anti-depressive medication. Medicines used against depression generally increase the level of neurotransmitters like serotonin in the central nervous system, or they mimic the neurotransmitters.

The medications mostly used today increase the serotonin concentration by decreasing the removal of serotonin from the space around nerve cells. Examples of this medication type are: Fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), escitalopram (Lexapro, Celexa), sentraline (zoloft).

By bipolar disorder in the manic face, heavy tranquilizers (neuroleptica) are used to stop the manic symptoms. By bipolar disorder, lithium salts are sometimes used to stabilize the condition, and prevent new outbreak of depressive or manic faces.

Psychotherapy is sometimes used by depression, usually in combination with medication.

Sometimes serious depression is treated by applying electric shock through the head, electroconvulsive therapy. The shock induces epileptic eruption of nerve signals through the brain and this gives cramps throughout the body. The cramps are alleviated or stopped by applying anaesthesia before the electroshock. This form of treatment is controversial, since it can cause memory loss and is suspected of causing brain damage. The possibility of brain damage is however denied by most psychiatrists.

By seasonal depression, light therapy maybe useful.

Adjustment of lifestyle should always be considered by depression or depressive symptoms. Lifestyle measures can sometimes be enough to cure depressive symptoms before a serious depression develop. Lifestyle adjustments can be:

- To slow down a stressful life with too much work or activities.

- Enough rest and sleep.

- A good diet with enough of necessary nutrients.

- Some physical exercise.

- Meditation.

- Supplement of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, lecithin, amino acids and essential fatty acids.

- Stimulants like coffee or tea may help against depressive feelings in moderate amount. However, if you are a heavy user of these stimulants, you should cut down on your consumption.

There exist nutritional products in the marked to help against depressive symptoms. These contain ingredients that the brain uses as building blocks for neurotransmitters, for example amino acids and lecithin. They also often contain vitamins and minerals that the brain uses as tools to produce neurotransmitters, especially vitamin B6.

Supplements may further contain herbal extracts that trigger higher brain activity much like anti-depressive medications, but may have fewer side effects.