10 Weight Loss Tips

10 Weight Loss Tips

1. Burn a lot of calories than you consume. If this causes you to go: "D-uuuh!!", snap out of it and contemplate that this elementary side of diet excapes unnumberable uninformed -- and doomed -- dieters. Tabloids could claim to own the "miracle foods" that'll permit you to eat sort of a pig and have the pounds slim down, however it is a load.

2. Establish your base metabolism, and set a target calorie goal approx. five hundred calories below it. I wrote a piece of writing dedicated to establishing your metabolism earlier, thus look it up within the article archive if you would like a refresher.

3. Keep associate honest log. create estimates of what percentage calories you stuff yourself with each meal and tally up the entire to form certain you keep at intervals your target calorie goal. Convenient "mistakes," under-estimates and forgetfulness permits you to eat a lot of currently, however you are defeating the complete purpose of diet.

4. Actively opt for sensible sources of fat. this could sound like stupid recommendation -- should not you AVOID fat once dieting? Well, yes and no. you've got to stay intense some fat, simply not going overboard. Avoid butter, bacon, whole milk, coconuts and such just like the plague. Instead, create use of oil (virgin) and fatty fish. paste is a noteworthy topic. I accustomed place it within the same class because the "bad" fats. It belongs there, packing saturated fat likewise as artery-clogging trans fatty acids. However, supported extremely unscientific testimonies by others likewise as personal expertise, it looks like one or two of peanuts once in a very whereas once diet will do wonders keep energy levels up whereas not wreaking mayhem together with your overall diet. Strange and illogical? You betcha. however it with great care happens to figure anyway, reasonably like bumblebees flying although they technically should not be ready to.

5. Eat tiny however frequent meals throughout the day. you have detected it 1,000,000 times, I'm sure, however facts remain: so as to stay a good level of blood glucose, you've got to eat tiny, balanced meals.

6. do not go wimpish on the load coaching. once you diet, you are within the zone for losing muscle mass most of the time. To avoid this, keeping pumping iron, and be diligent concerning it!

7. Avoid alcohol. as long as barbeque-season is upon United States, this may be powerful once your friends bring out the cold brewskis. the answer is simple: solely go with alternative bodybuilders, thus you a minimum of will not be the lone nerd sipping a diet soda! For those of you WHO have the ridiculous concept your life mustn't revolve around bodybuilding: Snap out of it.

8. Do cardio carefully. Doing forty five minutes on the stairmaster on a daily basis may be a good way to urge the pounds off faster. two hours isn't thus nice, since you are guaranteed to begin losing muscle mass. once and the way abundant is individual (and reckoning on what you have had to eat earlier within the day) however avoid cardio sessions in way over one hour. If you would like the penalisation do one session within the morning and one within the evening. additionally bear in mind to remain within the 65%-70% rate zone for optimum fat burn.

9. Schedule "cheating" days to remain sane. diet isn't any fun. regardless of however gung-ho and motivated you're once you begin out, you'll need days once everything is darkness and therefore the world is dead set get you. check that to urge a treat once every week on a group day (Saturday is good) because it offers you one thing to appear forward to. A juicy burger is fatty and calorie-dense, however if you prepare by doing additional cardio for 3 days earlier you will are available right target for the week.

10. do not be frightened of soy. I accustomed avoid fake-meat product, however having been married to a feeder for 3+ years I've tried soy hot dogs, burgers, chicken patties, even riblets that style similar to the $64000 factor. And here's the kicker: Soy product is usually protein! Granted, soy macromolecule isn't the best quality out there, however if you drink a glass of milk or have another high-quality macromolecule supply with it you'll raise the general quality in a very hurry. Besides, soy encompasses a variety of nice health advantages once ingested carefully and contains little fat.

Heart Attack Symptoms

Heart assaults are something that could be inherited from others in your family or you can make a planet where you are consuming and advancing the lifestyle that is set to expedite a heart connect. Regardless of if your folks have had heart strike, or in the event that you are heading a stationary lifestyle, it is imperative to comprehend and look into what is set to be the indications of a heart assault. Heart strike indications are something that ought not be overlooked, and that you may as well look for therapeutic consideration for provided that you feel or imagine that you are showing at least a bit of kindness ambush. A heart strike can expedite expiration, and an intense heart ambush can at times be anticipated or treated assuming that you comprehend what a portion of the heart strike indications are.

Heart strike indications in each day life

Regardless of what you age, there might be underlying issues that are set to prompt a heart assault assuming that you are not watchful. The primary line of protection for anybody, is to get normal checkups. For the specialist to see you when you are sound and feeling great, and after that when you are diseased, the specialist can figure out less demanding what may be 'out of line' or 'out of whack' making you feel sick. Getting a standard physical is set to be a great safeguard anticipating therapeutic issues in the long run.

Heart strike indications might be exceptionally sudden and for other individuals they could be lifelong issues, torments and even just inconveniences. A heart assault is one that can go ahead and not keep going exceptionally long, or for other individuals it might be sudden and the torment can keep going for quite some time.

Provided that you feel a substantial feeling in your midsection, for instance somebody is standing on your midsection and you just can't recover, this is an indication of a heart ambush. Assuming that you have been feeling an agony that travels every which way, that is uncomfortable, that is a pressing feeling or a sharp shooting torment, this could be indications of a heart assault.

A different indication of a heart strike might be a shortness of breath. In the event that you are an extremely animated individual, you realize what it will feel like when you are unable to pause or take in a profound breath. The indications of a heart ambush incorporate not having the capacity to take a breath, or a profound breath which can in turn abandon you feeling mixed up and feeling as though you need to take a seat for some time. A heart ambush manifestation is not one that you may as well disregard. Assuming that you are feeling fusions of manifestations it might be crucial to get to your specialist at the closest conceivable opportunity.

In the event that you feel torments or inconvenience in your arms, legs or in the midsection, and you feel as though your neck or jaw are harming uncontrollably, these could be extra indications of a heart ambush. Heart assault indications will differ from individual to individual, yet torment that is not typical, that you don't generally feel, in consolidation with shortness of breath as well as a tightness in your midsection could be an immense sign that you are heading towards a heart strike.

Stress Meditation

Too much stress? You need a simple stress meditation. Of course, learning to meditate might intimidate you, and it's tough to find the time for daily meditation. A solution to both problems is a meditation you can learn right now, that will take a minute to do each day. An Easy Stress Meditation When you breath through your mouth, it expands your chest. Breath through your nose and you'll notice how your abdomen extends. Nose-breathing causes the diaphram to pull air to the bottom of your lungs. This delivers a good dose of oxygen into your bloodstream and brain, and it also tends to relax you. Breathing through your nose is healthier, and it's the basis of this one-minute meditation.

Here's how you do it. Close your eyes, sigh, and let the tension go out of your muscles. It may help to tense up your muscles first, then release that tension. Then let go of your thoughts, as much as possible, and take four or five slow, deep breaths through your nose, paying attention to your breathing.

Can Meditation Be This Easy?

The short answer is yes. No, you're not likely to get you into a deep meditative state with this simple stress meditation. However, you will get benefits, including a clearer mind and a reduction in stress.
It helps to develop a "trigger" for your meditation. For example, do your four breaths when you get into the car, or right after lunch each day. These triggers are places or times that remind you, so your meditation becomes a habit.
You can say this isn't "real" meditation, but there's nothing wrong with enjoying the relaxation you'll get from this technique. If you want, you can always pursue deeper meditation later. Meanwhile, remember that not everything has to be difficult to be of value. Why not try this easy one-minute stress meditation?

Causes of diabetes

Certain factors that contribute to the development of diabetes are

Heredity

Heredity is a major factor. That diabetes can be inherited has been known for centuries. However, the pattern of inheritance is not fully understood. Statistic indicates that those with a family history of the disease have a higher risk of developing diabetes than those without such a background. The risk factor is 25 to 33 percent more.

One reason why diabetes, especially type-2 diabetes runs in the family is because of the diabetes gene. But even it is caused by genetic factors beyond your control; there is no reason to suffer from it. Diabetes mellitus cannot be cured in full sense of the term, but it can be effectively controlled so that you would not know the difference.

Diet

Diabetes has been described by most medical scientists as a prosperity’ disease, primarily caused by systematic overeating. Not only is eating too much sugar and refined carbohydrates harmful, but proteins and fats, which are transformed into sugar, may also result in diabetes if taken in excess.

It is interesting to note that diabetes is almost unknown in countries where people are poor and cannot afford to overeat.

The incidence of diabetes is directly linked with the consumption of processed foods rich in refined carbohydrates, like biscuits, bread, cakes chocolates, pudding and ice creams.

Obesity

Obesity is one of the main causes of diabetes. Studies show that 60 to 85 % of diabetics tend to be overweight. In the United States of America, about 80 percent of type –2 non-insulin dependent diabetics are reported to be overweight.

Excess fat prevents insulin from working properly. The more fatty tissue in the body, the more resistant the muscle and tissue cells become to body insulin. Insulin allows the sugar in the blood to enter the cells by acting on the receptor sites on the surface of the cells.

Older people often tend to gain weight, and the same time, many of them develop and mild form of diabetes because who are over weight can often improve their blood sugar simply by losing weight.

Stress and Tension

There is a known connection between stress and diabetes mellitus, those who are under stress and/or lead an irregular lifestyle, need to take adequate precautions and make necessary lifestyle adjustments.

Grief, worry and anxiety resulting from examinations, death of a close relative, loss of a joy, business failure and strained marital relationship, all a deep influence on the metabolism and may cause sugar to appear in the urine.

Smoking

Smoking is another important risk factor. Among men who smoke, the risk of developing diabetes is doubled. In women who smoke 25 or more cigarettes a day, the risk of developing diabetes is increased by 40 percent.

Lifestyle Risk

People who are less active have greater risk of developing diabetes. Modern conveniences have made work easier. Physical activity and exercise helps control weight, uses up a lot of glucose (sugar) present in the blood as energy and makes cells more sensitive to insulin. Consequently, the workload on the pancreas is reduced.

The Anxiety of Everyday Life

Many people I know claim that life stresses them out, and for all I know, they're probably telling the truth. Some, however, often say they feel anxiety over the major issues in their lives. When I hear this, I can't help but smile. You see, I suffered from generalized anxiety disorder for most of my life. While they may experience brief episodes of worry over life altering events that anyone would worry about, I would often find myself anxiously worried about everything. From the mundane and miniscule to the full scale and future altering, if it existed...I was anxious about it. If being anxious were a career choice, I would have been a high PhD toting, high powered executive. 

The biggest difference between those who suffer from generalized anxiety disorder and the population at large is the limited amount of control sufferers have over their thought processes. I used to worry uncontrollably about things over which I had little if any control. In fact, I often worried excessively about things that had no choice but to resolve themselves. My anxiety caused me to spend a great deal of time focusing on things that didn't merit the degree of concern I imparted them. Additionally, all the anxiety I felt over these everyday events wore on me, both mentally and physically.

Generalized anxiety disorder can be difficult to diagnose. I was lucky enough to have a physician who recognized some of the symptoms based on our conversations and recommended me to a specialist. Now that I've been diagnosed, I have successfully controlled my anxiety through behavior therapy, medication and relaxation techniques. 

If you or someone you know feels overly anxious about the everyday events that all people experience, I encourage you to get more information on anxiety disorders. There are several excellent free resources on the web where you can view the symptoms of anxiety disorders to help determine if you may be suffering from anxiety.  Always consult your physician regarding your medical concerns and remember, help is available.

Supplements a Fitness Beginner Needs

One of the most frequently asked questions that someone new to fitness  will ask is "What <a href=http://beginner-fitness-tips.blogspot.com/>supplements</a> should I take?" The answer to that isn't a simple one: you don't need to take any supplements, especially when you are a beginner; However, supplements can be very good for your fitness. Many people are concerned with supplements and their side effects. All the supplements mentioned here are all natural and are present in normal diets. Supplements are only there to <i>supplement</i> our diets.

The first supplement that a starter should begin taking is a whey protein supplement. Whey protein is an extremely fast absorbing protein and because of that is the best protein to take after a workout, when all your muscles are in need of protein to rebuild themselves. Whey can also be consumed early in the morning after your body has undergone around 8 hours of fasting. Whey should <b>not</b> be mixed with milk as milk slows down the absorption rate that whey protein is so famous for.  Whey should be mixed with water and dextrose and maltreating post workout.

After you have passed from your "beginner" stage to the "amateur" stage, you might want to start taking creation. Creation is found in our muscles and helps produce energy and strength. Creation is found naturally in red meat, but supplementation with creation causes the muscles to be saturated with creation and causes huge strength and size gains.  Creation supplements are not dangerous when taken used according to the maker's instructions, but you should always speak to your physician prior to taking creation. Starting creation usually involves a "loading" phase, where a lot of creation is taken in the first 5 days or so, and then the regular amount is taken following that. While on creation, it is paramount to consume a large amount of water; upwards of a gallon a day is preferred, otherwise liver damage could occur.

Supplements are one of the most important parts of fitness and yet they are very often misunderstood by beginners. When supplements are taken correctly, there are little to no ill effects and many benefits to be had.

Nutritional Value Of Vegetables

For some particular reason, why the vegetables never got eaten was forgotten but not eating them is a common theme among the smaller set.
As we aged the idea of not eating vegetables tended to go out the window, simply because we knew that we should eat vegetables. Unfortunately, the idea and the practice rarely went hand-in-hand. Adults are no less likely to eat their vegetables then they were as a child. They just hide it better by eating them when others were around to appear as healthy eaters. Those often sited "studies", however, saw through to the true eating habits of adults and reported that, more often then not, you’re not eating your vegetables or at least not near enough.


How much to eat

Any reasonable person knows that the government guidelines and those studies are about as realistic as a child forgoing chocolate. The studies indicate the need for 4 cups (9 servings) of vegetables per day, based on a person needing 2,000 calories per day. To some this might sound like grazing rather then eating. Unfortunately, the studies do indicate time and again that these nutritional requirements are about the right levels for keeping a body in balance with regard to all the nutrients it needs to function properly.


Which nutrients are important?

All of the nutrients found in vegetables are important in one way or another. Each helps in the functioning of the body. Some, however, are a bit more important for particular body parts then others. All are important; it's just that some are just more important. As far as the studies are concerned, they tend to look at: Potassium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium and Iron as the big ones to think about. There are other nutrients in vegetables that are just as important, but for the average person these are the big ones.  Past the nutrients also consider that the Carbohydrates, fiber and proteins found in vegetables are important and things you need to consider in your vegetable and overall diet.


Why eat vegetables?

Consider that eating is like putting gas in your car. You need it to make the car go. Food is the gas for the body. Don’t eat it and you won't go. Any food will do, it's just that some gas blends are better then others. Put a low grade gas in your tank like McDonalds and eventually the engine is going to start running rough. Put a better grade fuel in your tank and the engine will run smoother without hick-ups. The problem is, every once and a while every engine gets hick-ups. Vegetables are a better grade of gas that helps to prevent hick-ups. From these studies that have been talked about, heart hick-ups are the area where vegetables have proven, through very reliable studies, to prevent hick-ups. There are other hick-ups where some have suggested that vegetables help with preventing hick-ups like cancer, but the very reliable studies cannot say 100%, or close to it, that this is so. The heart, however, is very reliably linked to vegetables and heart health.


Which vegetable to eat

Considering the number of vegetables found around the world and the way that they fit into differing regional cultures, it would be fairly difficult to list the seven best or worst vegetables and their nutrient values. What can be done is to pick seven vegetables that might represent seven types of vegetables, with particular nutrient values associated with them.


Leafy greens

This group of vegetables is the absolutely most important type of vegetable that a person could eat for overall health and general heart health. This is a hands down eat it every single day; the darker the leaf the better in a general sense. Heart health is where you will find the most benefit. There are many of these vegetables but Kale is the one most often mentioned from a nutritional, cooking and taste perspective to try. For 100g it has 450mg of potassium, 180% of recommended daily requirements (RDR) for vitamin A, 200% of RDR of vitamin C, 15% RDR of calcium and 19% of DRR of Iron.


Medium green bell pepper

The green bell pepper is a bit short on its calcium <2% RDR Calcium and 4% RDR of Iron but it is solid in Vitamin C with RDR of 180%. Potassium is at about mid-point at 210mg.


3 medium spears Broccoli

Broccoli is also a bit short on Calcium and Iron because of its water composition at 4%RDR but is mid-pack on Potassium 300mg and 30%RDR vitamin A, at 140% RDR of vitamin C it is a bit higher then other vegetables.


1 medium carrot

Carrots are a good vitamin source for potassium and vitamin A at 270mg of potassium and 270 RDR Vitamin A but low at 2% and 0% for Calcium and Iron respectively.


1 cup butternut squash

Squash is above mid-pack with 4490mg Potassium, 220% RDR Vitamin A, 50% RDR Vitamin C and 6% RDR for Calcium and Iron.


3 medium Roma tomatoes

Tomatoes are big on Potassium at 410mg and lower on other Vitamins and minerals at less then 60%RDR.

A Heart To Health Talk

Almost 14 million Americans have a history of heart attack or angina. It is now one of the leading causes of death in the United States. More than 1 million Americans have heart attacks each year. A heart attack, or myocardial infarction (MI), is permanent damage to the heart muscle. “Myo” means muscle, “cardial” refers to the heart and “infarction” means death of tissue due to lack of blood supply.


    Nutrition and energy are delivered to the entire body by blood from the pumping heart. The heart itself requires constant energy in the form of oxygen and nutrients, which all come from the blood that delivered through the coronary arteries.  A blockage in the coronary arteries prevents blood flow and causes the heart muscle to starve. The medical term for such starvation is ischemia, a condition that  is accompanied by a chest discomfort called angina.  If the blockage is severe, some of the heart muscle actually dies. When heart muscle dies, this is called a heart attack or myocardial infarction.


    Fortunately, modern medicine already offers medical treatment acute heart attack.  Preventive measures have been identified  and are now being taught to prevent such an attack from occurring or recurring. Beta blockers are medications used to decrease heart rate and blood pressure. These can be given through an intravenous (IV) line or by mouth. Oxygen is used via nose plugs or a facemask if a person is having a heart attack. This is useful if breathing is difficult or the amount of oxygen in the blood is low.


    Aspirin is used to decrease blood clotting. It works by preventing platelets from sticking together. Plaid (clopidogrel) is an additional platelet blocker given to those having a heart attack. Both aspirin and plaid are pills given by mouth. Clotting inhibitors called heparin, cloven, and 2B3A are given via the IV and can help prevent the blockage from getting worse. A stating, or cholesterol pill, is often given to those having a heart attack. This too can stabilize a blockage and prevent it from getting worse. Chest pain can be decreased with nitroglycerine. This is given in a variety of ways, a dissolving pill under the tongue, a paste on the chest, or via the IV. Nitroglycerine helps dilate the coronary arteries allowing more blood to flow through. Morphine is another medication to control chest discomfort and ease anxiety.  These medications mentioned work to stabilize a blockage, however, they are not very effective in removing one that has already formed. This job is done by “clot buster” medications or homiletics. T-PA (tissue plasminogen activator) and similar medicines can break apart a blockage and restore blood flow. Alternatively, this can be done with a balloon and stent procedure by a cardiologist.

    However, there are practical ways that can lessen the chances of having a heart attack. Consuming at least five fruits and vegetables daily, exercising at least 2.5 hours per week, maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking can decrease your chances of heart trouble by 35 percent, and the risk of dying by 40 percent, compared to people with less healthy lifestyles.  Research have shown that people who eat a balanced diet and exercise more can substantially reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease and death even if they're in their 50s or 60s.  Most experts agree that a health-promoting lifestyle such as eating well, being active, and not smoking can cut overall risk of heart disease by 80 percent. Indeed, adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle makes a difference.

best tea to lose weight

best tea to lose weight 

It is now possible to lose weight with green tea.  When you browse the internet, you will find host of topics that will educate you on green tea to lose weight.  Tea as such is very good for the overall health and wellbeing it is important to have it without milk and sugar.  You needn't have to get worried about piling on calories as green tea helps lose weight in a healthy method.

Check out for health benefits of green tea ( best tea to lose weight )

Consuming green tea to lose weight is now possible and achievable and let's understand the health benefits associated with green tea.

 Effective weight loss and keeps the body in good health.  If you are suffering from cholesterol other health related problems, then go for green tea.  It is totally rejuvenating and helps improve the metabolic activity which keeps weight in check.  Green tea also helps fight diabetes and other sugar related problems.

 It is healthy for the body
 Helps reduce blood pressure levels
 Burns calories

best tea to lose weight is Here 

 TWININGS

Lipton Green Tea Chinese

Lipton tea ginger

Less than a quarter of a spoon ground pomegranate peel (tea teaspoon)

 

 In a cup of hot water

You will see graceful-health and wellness Territories

 

Usually when you use tea for losing weight, happened only lose weight natural also spend less. This is a cheap means of fat loss. Tea is a easily available household commodity. You cannot incur additional costs. It can be correct say using tea, you loss weight at no cost. I will be assuming that make use of tea being a beverage your house.

Although a number tea types that particular can choose from exist, teas is the greatest. To solve a mug free tea extract, add warm water in the ceramic cup, add you tea bag and add sugar to taste. It is a very swift process, which can be achieved even during any office, thus there ISO excuse as to the reasons one cannot consume as much as you can. All you need obtain at the office is usually an electric kettle or perhaps a hot water dispenser, a single cup whilst your tea bags. To preven preparing your tea each timeout feel just like having just one cup, you should buy thermos flask. With a flask, it will be easy to ready more tea and maintain hot all through the afternoon.

If you take tea, you stimulate your brain and at the same time frame move a stride ahead to your right weight. Unlike other recommended weight loss programs, you do not need get any effort. All becomes necessary people is disciplined consumption i.e.. consumer regularly.

best tea to lose weight.

Hair Loss Cure For Men

Procerin is a natural remedy for hair loss has been found effective in reversing hair loss in men caused by androgenetic alopecia, the most common cause of male hair loss, thinning hair and receding hairlines often reffered to as widows peak. Basiclly men suffering from androgenetic alopecia have extremely high levels of the chemical dihydrotestosterone, a by-product of the major male hormone testosterone, so when this hormone is converted into DHT the results are hair loss and this is where Procerin steps in and blocks the production of DHT and unlike other medications does not with react with testosterone.

Procerin has been scientifically designed to help men retain and regrow their hair. The 17 active ingredients are all-natural herbal, vitamin, and mineral DHT inhibitors and include, Saw Palmetto Berries, Gotu Kola, Nettles, Magnesium, Zinc Sulfate, Siberian Ginseng, Vitamin B-6, Pumpkin Seed Meal, CJ-11 Factor, CJ-9 Factor, and Mura Puma Root, because the Procerin hair loss product for men contains only natural ingredients the only known side effects are mild stomach discomfort for the first few days, if you are suffering an illness it is wise to consult your doctor before use especilly if you are currently taking a MAOI inhibitor.

Studys have shown that Procerin is more effective as a natural hair loss remedy in men aged between 18-35 and those whose hair is still in a growth phase. Men that still have growing hair experience an increase in hair count, and improvement in both hairline and thinning at the crown of their head, becuase hair grows at an extremely slow rate ( about 1" every two months) it best to take Procerin for at 1-2 months before results can be expected, but some users of Procerin have reported good results after only 2 weeks, most men take 1-3 months before before significant increases in hair count occur, not bad comparing to Propecia that can take upto 6 months for good hair growth results.

So does Procerin work? Procerin has had many good results with many success storys and the companys boasts that Procerin the natural hair loss remedy works with 92% of men who suffer androgenetic alopecia the most common cause of hair loss plus Procerin is a cost effective alternative to other hair loss products like Propecia & Rogaine and unlike prescription medication Procerin is backed by a 90-Day Unconditional, No questions asked Money Back Guarantee so you have nothing to lose except your hair of course.

Exercise Bike Benefits

So you know you want to buy some type of home exercise equipment - but why buy an exercise bike?

One of the top benefits of exercise bikes is that they are probably the most affordable piece of exercise equipment on the market right now. Starting around $200 and ranging up to $2500, exercise bikes offer a huge variety of models for every price range and every exercise level.

It is however advisable to keep in mind that you will get what you pay for with an exercise bike. Don't expect a $200 exercise bike to come with all of the bells and whistles and last you over 3 years. However if you are on a budget, an exercise bike is a great way to get in shape for less.

Another great benefit of exercise bikes is that they provide a much lower impact on your joints and ligaments than other piece of exercise equipment like a treadmill or stair climber. This can result in less chance of sustained injury over time and can also be great for people with joint problems, arthritis, etc.

Another recent factor that has made the exercise bikes much more comfortable to use is the introduction of the recumbent exercise bike - where you sit in a semi-reclined bucket seat with your legs angled out in front of you instead of hanging down.

Until the recumbent bike came along, many people just weren't comfortable on the standard upright bike seat. The recumbent exercise bike allows people to get a much more comfortable workout - which means that they can exercise for longer periods of time.

Exercise bikes can also be much safer than other forms of exercise equipment. You can slip and fall on a treadmill. You can lose your balance on an elliptical trainer. It's much more difficult to fall off or injury yourself on an exercise bike. This makes the exercise bike a great alternative for the elderly exerciser or someone who is new to exercise equipment in general.

Another factor that makes the exercise bike so popular in home gyms is the fact that (with a recumbent bike) you can read while you're exercising. Boredom is one of the main reasons people don't exercise. So instead of forcing yourself to trudge through your workout, why not choose a piece of exercise equipment that's going to allow you to multitask and do what you want while working out?

Read your favorite magazine or the latest murder mystery novel. Set the exercise bike up in front of the television and watch your favorite show while pedalling. Time will fly by and you won't even know you've been blasting those calories!

This leads into what is perhaps the best benefit of an exercise bike. Because exercise bikes are so affordable, comfortable, low impact and safe - and because they allow you to fight boredom while exercising - the chances that you'll use it are extremely high.

No one wants to spend a lot of hard earned cash a piece of fancy exercise equipment and then use it for a clothes rack. You want to be able to stay fit, burn calories and keep healthy by working out. But if you buy a machine that you never use, all of your best intentions have gone to waste.

Because of the great benefits of exercise bikes, many people find that they not only use them for years to come but they also end up exercising much more than they thought they would.

Elliptical Trainer Ratings

Buying an elliptical? You may want to look at several elliptical trainer ratings before buying to get an idea of which elliptical trainers are best for you.

Before you look at elliptical trainer ratings however, here are a few things you should know about how elliptical trainers are rated:

#1 Elliptical Trainers are Rated in Specific Price Groups

There are really 3 categories of elliptical trainers: Economy Buys, Mid-priced and Commecial Grade ellipticals.

Economy buys range from about $300 to $1000. Mid-priced ellipticals range from $1000-$2000. High End or Commercial elliptical trainers range from about $2200 and above.

When experts go to rate elliptical trainers they usually compare the elliptical trainers within price class.

So just because an economy elliptical trainer gets 5 stars and a mid-priced elliptical gets 4 stars, that doesn't mean the economy elliptical is better than the mid-priced elliptical. It just means that compared to other economy elliptical trainers, that one is superior.

#2 Experts Value Elliptical Features Differently

Ever wonder why certain elliptical trainers get rated highly by some experts and not by others? It's because different elliptical trainer raters value some features over others.

So for example, while Consumer Reports may give more weight to long warranties and stability, Consumer Guide may value smoothness of ride or ease of use.

It doesn't mean one elliptical trainer is better than another - it could just mean they are rated using different criteria.

#3 Use Caution When Reading User Elliptical Ratings

In addition to expert elliptical ratings, there are also websites that allow people to write a personal review of their elliptical. While these can be helpful when shopping for an elliptical, be cautious of basing your decision just on these ratings.

Exercise equipment is big business and some companies are not above having one of their employees post negative reviews on their competitors.

Also, no one elliptical brand has a perfect track record - sometimes even the best brands make a dud. And those are usually the people that go online to post a negative review. Those people who are happy with their elliptical are less likely to post a comment.

Bottom Line? Take user ratings with a grain of salt and compare them to your own research when deciding on your elliptical trainer.

So those are three things to keep in mind when looking at elliptical trainer ratings.

Basic Trampoline Tricks

If you own a trampoline, you already know that it is a great way to get out of the house, and into the fresh air. Did you also know that it's benefiting your health? Jumping up and down on a trampoline is great for strengthening the cardio-vascular system and it is also an excellent workout for almost every muscle and organ of the body. Exercising on a trampoline can also be very helpful for adults and children because it helps to improve reflexes, flexibility, balance and coordination.

One way to enhance not only the fun aspect of the trampoline, but also increase the health benefits, is by putting a little extra effort into your jumping by doing some tricks! There's lot of tricks that can done on the trampoline, from the beginner level to the advanced. Here's a few of them beginning with some basics including additional tips to ensure safety and avoid injury.

'Landing on the Back' is one of the first, basic trampoline tricks any bouncer should learn and its very simple. Stand motionless on the trampoline with your arms at your sides or even with your hands in your front pockets. Fall backwards onto the trampoline, keeping your body straight and your head up. As your back meets the trampoline, let your head meet it naturally too, don't jerk or twist it. You will bounce back up and then you can do it again, over and over until you achieve a good rebounding height. The more you practice this trick, the higher you will bounce back and forth!

Here's an intermediate trampoline trick you can do once you've master the basic Back Landing trick. Begin the same way, standing straight and motionless, with arms at your sides or hands in your pockets. Fall straight back again, but when you bounce back up, land on your knees instead! The motion will keep sending you back and forth so you can repeat the trick as many times as you want.

Some advanced trampoline tricks include somersaults and flips. Either of these can be done backwards or forwards, but you should be very comfortable and confident with your bouncing abilities before attempting either of them. Once you've got the flip down, you spice it up by adding a spin to it.

Before attempting any trick, ensure everyone's safety, including your own. Remember to look around and see how much room you have. You will definitely want to avoid a collision with any other jumpers that are on the trampoline with you. To further prevent any mishaps, warm up first by doing some simple bounces and once you get going, remember to keep your head and neck in a natural position. This way you don't hurt yourself.

Have fun, be safe and keep on bouncing!

Fitness Equipment Machines

Fitness Equipment Machines  What You Should Know

Being fit, healthy, and flexible is not always easy.  It takes regular exercise and eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.  In addition, any exercise program that you choose such as push-ups stretches, jogging or walking takes discipline.  The same discipline applies to using fitness equipment.

If you are the type of person that prefers using fitness equipment for your exercise routines, here are few tips to consider before purchasing.

Do not believe what you see and hear.  You will need to assess whether all the advertised claims are true.  Fitness equipment will claim for example, that you will lose will lose several pounds off their weight in as little as seven days or that you will decrease your pants size in one month.  To lose such weight in seven days or decrease a pant size in such short time is nearly impossible, even with the assistance of dietary supplements.

Be skeptical about claims that say you will be able to burn a tremendous amount of fat in a specific area of your body, such as the hips, thighs, waist just by applying a specific type of ointment or lotion, etc.  The only sure way to burn fat is by changing what you eat and exercise.

Before and after pictures of people who claim that they were able to lose weight because of using such and such equipments may or may not be true.  If ever they are, their experience is purely personal and that is no assurance that your unique body weight, body make-up will also undergo the same change they went through. 

It is also always advisable to read the fine print, whether it be fitness equipment or anything else.  Though you believe that the fitness equipment you are planning to purchase is a good one, reading the fine print really would not hurt as it may say that you also have to decrease your calorie intake and not just rely on what the machine could do for you.

There are advertising statements that say you could pay off the fitness equipment in a number of easy payments or by paying a mere thirty-nine ninety-five a month.  Do not forget to inquire about shipping and handling costs and include that in your calculation.  In addition, add-on the required sales tax, delivery fees, set-up fees.  Know all the details before you purchase. 

It is best that you consider asking about details on their thirty-day money back guarantee.  Though this sounds good to you as the consumer, it may or may not actually be a good deal, if for example you are going to return the item.  You may actually end up paying large shipping cost, return to stock costs, etc.
   
Make sure you contact their customer service hotline.  The customer service hot line should have a toll-free number as well as a customer service representative in case you have problems with your fitness equipment.

As stated above, to be fit, healthy and flexible takes more than just fitness equipment.  It will take discipline to exercise and a healthy diet.

Change What You Crave By Changing How You Think: The 5 Step Mental Method

If I were to ask you which foods temp you, most likely they wouldn’t be ones that are very healthy. I bet they would be ice cream, potato chips, pizza, or something along those lines. In fact, in your mind right now as you’re reading, you are probably thinking about a food that isn’t healthy. Well, aren’t you? Stop for a moment and think about it……………….. The point I’m going to make in this article is that you can change what you crave by changing how you think.

Every new client that comes to my office for weight-loss has a “craving problem.” But I don’t see it as a problem at all. I see it as a solution. Cravings are over-rated. They are hodge-podge and we don’t have to be controlled by them. We don’t have to feel temped by ice cream, cookies or 20-ounce prime ribs. Instead, we can be tempted by watermelon, pineapple, oranges or apples; foods like that. Think that sounds crazy? Well it isn’t and you’ll see why.

When I first sit down and talk with a client about their eating habits, I gather everything I need to know about exactly what they eat and how they eat. The culprit to their weight problem always boils down to snacking, picking, eating foods that are unhealthy or just plain over-eating. Then I’ll ask them what fruits and vegetables they like. I’m yet to come across someone who hates fruit or hates every vegetable under the sun. Finally I’ll ask them how often they eat fruits or vegetables and it’s always a lot less often than the unhealthy stuff.

After I’ve gathered my arsenal of information, we do our thing. I’ll have my clients lay back in my recliner and close their eyes. I’ll direct their mind to a peaceful place, and within minutes they’ll be relaxed like never before. Then I start talking about their favorite fruits and vegetables. I’ll ask them to imagine taking a bite of their favorite juicy, ripe fruit and to feel the juices tickling their taste buds. I’ll say to their mind, “from now on anytime you have a craving for food, you will think of a juicy, ripe piece of fruit. And bingo!!! Next thing you know these are exactly the kinds of foods they start desiring. Why? Because anytime you close your eyes and bring yourself to a calm, relaxed place, your subconscious mind emerges, and it is this part of the mind that controls what you crave. Change your thoughts and you’ll change what you crave. Simple.

Let’s look at this from another perspective. Let’s say pineapple is your favorite fruit. Now, if you were sitting with me right now and I gave you a juicy chunk of it, you would enjoy it thoroughly. And you’d want more, right? Of course. Now, let’s say I reached into my refrigerator, whipped-out a piece of chocolate cake and said, “choose one.” Most likely you would opt for the pineapple because you just had a teaser-piece, which would make your mind want more. The fact of the matter is this: you enjoy your favorite fruits just as much as you enjoy your favorite junk foods, you just believe otherwise.

Again, cravings are over-rated. The mere mention of that devilish word always seems to conjures-up images of high calorie, high fat foods only because these are the foods you are most exposed to in our media driven world. Your subconscious gets accustomed to this and just doesn’t know any better. Change your minds images and you’ll change your cravings. Here’s a quick 5 minute mental exercise you can begin doing now to help you start changing the way you crave food.

Step 1: Find a comfortable, quiet place where there are no distractions. Begin breathing deeply until you are quite relaxed. Next, count backwards from 10-1, slowly. With each count, imagine that your mind is drifting deeper and deeper.

Step 2: After you have finished counting, imagine that you are relaxing by yourself in your favorite place. A secluded beach or a log in the woods will do the trick. Imagine yourself feeling so very relaxed and peaceful.

Step 3: Next, imagine a basket full of your favorite fresh picked fruit sitting right next to you. See it clearly in your mind, the color, the feel, everything about that fruit. Imagine taking a bite of that juicy fruit and enjoying it like never before.

Step 4: Repeat the following suggestion to yourself 10 times: “From now on, anytime I think of eating, I immediately feel a craving for fruit.”

Step 5: Count from 1 to 5, slowly, and when you reach 5 open your eyes.

Nutritional Cleansing vs Fad Diets

The United States is in a true health crisis. We are sicker and more overweight than ever before and these issues cannot be ignored. The United States is the epicenter of an obesity pandemic and as more countries adapt to a Western Lifestyle, rates of obesity and associated health problems will continue rising steadily in both adults and children.

According to the Journal of American Medical Association, obesity, poor physical activity and resultant associated illness are overtaking tobacco as the leading cause of preventable death in this country.

In 2000, obesity and inactivity caused 400,000 deaths, ore than 16. Obesity cost America $117 billion in 2000 according to the surgeon general. Now more than ever people are looking to address this battle of the bulge and many of us will look toward a fad diet to help with these excess pounds.

FAD DIETS: A Yo-Yo Effect On Your Body

Fad diets are not the answer for long-term health or weight management. Many serious issues surround these quick-fix plans that do not address internal health or nutritional rejuvenation. Many health experts believe that fad dieting places stress on your body and that the repeated stress of losing and gaining weight may be just as bad for long-term health as being overweight.

Fad Diets Vs Nutritional Cleansing

Fad Diets:

-    Often nutrient deficient
-    Quick Fix
-    Yo-Yo effect
-    Continued cravings
-    Nutritionally restrictive
-    Focuses on weight loss
-    Does not enforce good eating habits
-    Stresses the body

Nutritional Cleansing:

-    Gives the body MORE nutrient-rich protein, carbs essential fats and minerals
-    Long-term lifestyle approach to internal health
-    Weight management stability
-    Balances brain chemistry to decrease cravings
-    Floods the body with high-grade nutrients
-    Focuses on quality of life and longevity
-    Enforces great long-term nutritional habits
-    Fuels the body

Instead of simply targeting weight loss, one should focus on achieving overall internal health, which is all about balancing and fueling the body.

Wellness involves a change in lifestyle. True, long-term weight management is feasible if you practice fueling the body with the right nutrients, staying hydrated, engage in daily physical activities and help the body cleanse accumulated impurities.

The body needs internal balance and nutrient fuel to maintain normal blood glucose levels and the brain requires high-grade nutrients for sustained mental work.

Cleansing and refueling the body is what I call the "anti-fad diet" approach to health and weight management. Cleansing the body at an internal level is a hot topic, and for good reason. It makes perfect sense. We live in a very toxic world and unless you live in a bubble, your body is continually suffering the detrimental effects of these dangerous, often deadly poisons.

Why cleanse, you ask?

Think about these issues:

-    Our world is full of herbicides, petrochemicals, hydrocarbons, heavy metals, food additives and synthetic drugs. These overabundant toxins can have an adverse effect on our cells, internal organs and, ultimately, our state of health
-    Animals raised for consumption in factory farms are often injected with large amounts of hormones, steroids and antibiotics. Over 20 million pounds of antibiotics were injected into our farm animals last year alone
-    There are so many insecticides and pesticides on our fruits and vegetables that these noxious chemicals seem to have become part of our food chain. Adults and, sadly, even our children are chronically exposed to these substances. Everything we eat or drink has a direct effect on our health. The typical American diet is destroying our digestive systems and leading to other chronis problems in the body


The Proper Balance Is The Key

A well-rounded nutritional program should provide balance and complete nourishment for our cells and vital organs. A balanced program should include amino acids to increase energy, support the immune system and help mental focus. Meal replacement protein shakes should contain a balance of protein, essential fats and carbohydrates to enhance metabolism and assist with weight management. Herbs and a complete range of vitamins can be used to help the body cleanse and strengthen internally. Trace ionic minerals are also important to fuel our cells and aid the digestive tract in optimum absorption of nutrients.

Many options are available when introducing your body to a well-rounded, safe nutritional program. The program should address cleansing and nourishing the body, not starving it. Exercising, eating well and hydration are also key components of any health-oriented program. Research your options and choose a program that is best for you.

Personal fitness trainers and nutritionists are excellent sources of information about the importance of nutritional cleansing and many highly recommend the use of the Isagenix system.

Beauty and Fragrance:Look Gorgeous Every Day of the Week

When choosing women's perfume, facial make-up, hair care and skin care products, be sure to select those that best fit your personality and schedule.  You are unique, and so are your skin tone, hair texture, and body fragrance.  What works well for another might not work well for you.  So, let your individuality come to life when choosing beauty products.  Here's how.

Skin Beauty -- Deeper than You Think!

You've heard the phrase, "Beauty is only skin deep."  But, is it really only skin deep?  Let's delve beneath the surface and take a look at what's beneath the skin that you and others can see.  Every day, you probably put at least a thin coating of foundational make-up on your face.  Perhaps you use powder to remove the shine.  Then, you put on lipstick, eyeliner, eye shadow, blush, etc.  You spray hairspray on your hair, and it most likely ends up on your face without your realizing it!

All this beauty "stuff" clogs your skin pores.  So to bring out the true beauty of your facial skin, you should take time each day to cleanse, exfoliate and moisturize your skin. It's like giving yourself a mini-facial every day.  Do this at night before going to sleep to give your face a break from the daily "beautifying" routine. 

Women's Fragrance Tips

Find that perfect fragrance that works well for all occasions - work, parties, dinners, and even love and romance!  But, be sure to choose only one fragrance if possible.  Using two or three women's colognes can cause a fragrance clash if you're not careful.  The scent of one fragrance can get into your clothing, skin or hair, and totally change the scent of the other.

To choose a great women's fragrance, search for women's cologne or women's perfume that blends well with other beauty products you may use on a daily basis such as hairspray and shampoo, make-up, lotion, etc.  It's best to eliminate all other fragrances if planning on wearing perfume or cologne.  Choose unscented lotions and hair care products for the best results.

Also, choose a women's fragrance that is subtle and pleasant.  Your personal body space is within an arm's length from others.  Beyond this point, no one should be able to smell the fragrance you are wearing.  Choose a great fragrance that does not have a strong scent, and then wear it sparingly to avoid overkill. 

Where to Apply Women's Cologne or Perfume

Dab just a little of your perfume or cologne on various areas of your body, from the feet to the shoulders.  Since fragrance rises and disappears, it will rise from your lower body and become noticeable to those closest to you.

Keep in mind that these things can affect how your body reacts to certain fragrances:  diet, skin type, beauty products you use, clothing detergent, and your home's usual scent. So, try out your new fragrance at several locations to make sure it still has the scent you want.

Buying Skin Care, Hair Care, and Fragrance Products

The availability of beauty products has increased tremendously over the years with Web stores opening up everywhere online.  You can often find all the products you need online - and at a discount.  There are men's fragrance products such as men's cologne, women's perfume or cologne, skin care products, hair care products, etc. available that you can buy for yourself or as a gift any time of the year.

Use these tips to find the perfect beauty and fragrance products for you - and captivate everyone that comes around!

Acne And Teenage Girls

Over 70% of teens say that acne has affected them in a negative way. An estimated 20 million teens suffer from acne, but even the fact that they're not alone doesn't ease the pain they feel. Teens are embarrassed at a time when they are unsure of themselves. They may become depressed and withdrawn. Acne is especially hard on teenage girls. At a time when they're noticing boys, and visa versa, acne can be devastating. They're surrounded by visions of beauty all around them on TV, in movies, in magazines and on line. We live in a society that worships youth and beauty.

Parents can help their teenage girls through this time by offering a supportive and sympathetic ear. Parents should help the child focus on all their positive attributes, which will help to strengthen the child's self esteem. The parents need to be actively involved with helping their child find the best possible cure for their particular form of acne.

Parents should also educate themselves about acne causes and treatments. Thirty years ago it was thought that acne was caused by eating the wrong foods. Chocolate and potatoe chips were culprit. It's now known that this isn't true. Food is not thought to play a large role in acne. It also has nothing to do with cleanliness of the skin.

What is fact is that acne in teenagers is caused by the action of hormones on the skin's oil glands. During puberty both boys and girls have an increase in the hormones called androgens. These hormones cause sebaceous glands under the surface of the skin to enlarge. The sebaceous glands in response produce excess oil. This excess oil mixes with bacteria and dead skin on the skin's surface and blocks pores. Inside these pores the bacteria multiple and cause inflammation.

Most cases of light to moderate acne can be treated by over the counter medications. There are many to choose from. Some find that benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid works well. Benzoyl peroxide is known to readily kill acne bacteria. Benzoyl peroxide can be found in cleansers and in spot treatments. Benzoyl peroxide is very drying and can make your face look even more irritated, especially when you first start washing with it. Many acne suffers use a moisturizer on their face after washing. There are many moisturizers available that are specifically designed to help with acne such as Cetaphil, Eucerin, and Neutrogena.

Severe acne, or acne that has not responded well to over the counter products, can be successfully treated with the knowledge and expertise of a dermatologist. A dermatologist will consider many things before suggesting treatment. He will perform a thorough evaluation of the patient, considering things such as severity of acne, patient age, lifestyle, and co-existing conditions. The dermatologist then may suggest a combination of two or three different therapies for best treatment.

Whatever one of the literally hundreds of treatments you decide to choose, or if you seek the help of a dermatologist, remember that acne takes time to disappear. Overnight or miraculous results don't happen. It takes six to eight weeks to see results from treatment. Unfortunately, in a teenage girl's life six to eight weeks can feel like a lifetime.

Your 7 days program to self-improvement

I seem to lost count on how many times I've read and heard of celebrity marriages failing almost left and right. Not that I care (and personally I don't), it seems strange that we often see movie and TV stars as flawless people, living the fairytale life of riches and glamour. I suppose we all have to stop sticking our heads in the clouds and face reality.

There are many ways to lose your sense of self-esteem despite of how trivial it could get. But whatever happens, we should all try not to lose our own sense of self.

So what does it take to be a cut above the rest? Here are some of the things you can think and improve on that should be enough for a week.

1. Know your purpose
Are you wandering through life with little direction - hoping that you'll find happiness, health and prosperity? Identify your life purpose or mission statement and you will have your own unique compass that will lead you to your truth north every time.

This may seem tricky at first when you see yourself to be in a tight or even dead end. But there's always that little loophole to turn things around and you can make a big difference to yourself.

2. Know your values
What do you value most? Make a list of your top 5 values. Some examples are security, freedom, family, spiritual development, learning. As you set your goals for 2005 - check your goals against your values. If the goal doesn't align with any of your top five values - you may want to reconsider it or revise it.

The number shouldn't discourage you, instead it should motivate you to do more than you can ever dreamed of.

3. Know your needs
Unmet needs can keep you from living authentically. Take care of yourself. Do you have a need to be acknowledged, to be right, to be in control, to be loved? There are so many people who lived their lives without realizing their dreams and most of them end up being stressed or even depressed for that matter. List your top four needs and get them met before it's too late!

4. Know your passions
You know who you are and what you truly enjoy in life. Obstacles like doubt and lack of enthusiasm will only hinder you, but will not derail your chance to become the person you ought to be. Express yourself and honor the people who has inspired you to become the very person you wanted to be.

5. Live from the inside out
Increase your awareness of your inner wisdom by regularly reflecting in silence. Commune with nature. Breathe deeply to quiet your distracted mind. For most of us city slickers it's hard to even find the peace and quiet we want even in our own home. In my case I often just sit in a dimly lit room and play some classical music. There's sound, yes, but music does soothe the savage beast.

6. Honor your strengths
What are your positive traits? What special talents do you have? List three - if you get stuck, ask those closest to you to help identify these. Are you imaginative, witty, good with your hands? Find ways to express your authentic self through your strengths. You can increase your self-confidence when you can share what you know to others.

7. Serve others
When you live authentically, you may find that you develop an interconnected sense of being. When you are true to who you are, living your purpose and giving of your talents to the world around you, you give back in service what you came to share with others -your spirit - your essence. The rewards for sharing your gift with those close to you is indeed rewarding, much more if it were to be the eyes of a stranger who can appreciate what you have done to them.

Self-improvement is indeed one type of work that is worth it. It shouldn't always be within the confines of an office building, or maybe in the four corners of your own room. The difference lies within ourselves and how much we want to change for the better.

Preparing For Pregnancy

Almost every woman is blessed with the capacity to bear a child at least once in her lifetime. It is considered to be one of the greatest gifts that a woman can give her husband. Bearing a child would make the couple more closer together, and at this certain point in their lives they can actually call themselves a family. Upon learning that the woman is pregnant, most couples enthusiastically start planning for her pregnancy and eventual childbirth.
       
    When talking about pregnancy, it is important to know about preconception issues regarding on giving birth. A check up with the physician or midwife would be advisable for the woman in order to face facts on childbirth. Physical preparation is needed for giving birth, since this could really change the normal function of the woman's body. A caregiver would be helpful in preparing the woman's body in conceiving, and also impart information concerning potential problems in pregnancy. Anxiety is felt at this point, since the woman would really have to follow certain precautions in order to conceive a healthy baby. By seeking advice regarding on preconception, safety, lifestyle changes, prenatal vitamins, and the importance of folic acid, the woman could really prepare for giving birth.
   
    In preparing for pregnancy, a change in the woman's lifestyle is needed. Smoking cigarettes is a definite no-no, and also the consumption of alcohol. These addictions can affect the health of both the woman and her unborn baby. A woman might need to lose or gain weight, according to her present weight relative to her height and build. Being too fat or too thin might bring complications for both the woman and the baby. A good start in preparing for childbirth would be to establish a fitness regime for the period of the pregnancy. Asking the physician about nutrition and working out would be recommended for possible questions regarding exercise and food intake.

    Learning more about the woman's body while on the early stages of giving birth is essential for proper knowledge of the situation. Various parts of a woman's body have specific roles when it comes to pregnancy. Certain disorders from both prospective parents should be discussed with the physician for  additional health background information. Anxiety and stress is also felt by the couple since this is a very critical stage for the woman. Preconception stress is normal in women about to give birth, considering factors such as scheduling, sexuality, and self esteem, among many others.

        When preparing for pregnancy, the couple should be confident enough to know how to handle a child. Knowledge of early pregnancy symptoms are also important since these are signs that giving birth would happen in due time. When the couple feels that they are ready, then a visit to the Obstetrician/Gynecologist (OBGYN) would help in gleaning more information on pregnancy. At this point, the couple can make use of a pregnancy calendar in order to follow the due course of giving birth.
        Anxiety is often felt by women when they know that they are pregnant. Feelings of worry and tension are usual signs that shows her being anxious about giving birth. But by spending time with your husband, regular visits to the OBGYN, finding time to relax and unwind, with good exercise, anxiety should not be a problem at all. All you have to worry about is what to name the baby?

Yoga Success

Yoga has been proven to relieve stress by using exercises that unify the mind, body, and spirit. If you are new to yoga, these seven tips will start you on the road to a more centered life.

1. Talk to your doctor and explain what type of yoga poses you intend to practice. Show your doctor pictures of the poses for illustration. Your doctor may rule out specific poses if you have high blood pressure, glaucoma, a history of retinal detachment, or heart disease. Make sure you follow your doctor’s recommendations.
2. Find a yoga class that best fits your abilities. Talk to prospective teachers, and decide whether of not you can handle a program before you sign up. It’s very important to take it one step at a time. Try a few beginner classes before you attempt more vigerous classes. Don’t move ahead too quickly. Allow your body to adjust to your exercises.

3. Listen to your body and be aware of your physical abilities. You don't want to hurt yourself. Make sure the instructor understands your level of experience and any limitations you may have. Don’t allow anyone to push you ahead too quickly. Remember, this is supposed to be fun and relaxing.

4. If you can’t find a class that meets your needs, you can always practice yoga at home. There are many books, programs, and tapes available to help you get started. Search for the best products on the Internet and read reviews. Talk to others for recommenations.

5. Why not try private lessons? You can book some one-on-one sessions with a teacher in your area. Most yoga instructors offer private classes or can help you design your own program. This is a good way to get started. You can always take group lessons or practice at home after you’ve had private lessons and learned the basics.

6. Find a yoga buddy. It’s nice to practice with someone and it will help reduce injuries. It’s also a great way to keep up your enthusiasm and interest.

7. Eat lightly before practice. Wait at least two hours after meals before yoga class or practice. An empty stomach is best, but don’t let yourself get too hungry to think. You won't be able to focus on the poses or enjoy yourself during the relaxation or meditation exercises.

Now it's time to grab your mat and a towel and get the most out of your yoga exercises.

5000 Year-Old Medical Secret Unearthed!

When you get sick, you go to the doctor. And the doctor will, of course, prescribe medicines. You will go and buy medicines. You take them, and hopefully, you get well.

This is how the health profession goes on nowadays – a cycle of diagnosis and prescription.

If anyone were to give you herbs for medicine, you would probably say that that person was a quack.

But nowadays, studies are being conducted to see if there are really is any merit to what is called natural medicine.

Natural medicine is the use of natural methods, herbal medicines, and traditional practices to heal ailments. Every culture has a form of natural medicine. In ancient cultures, village medicine men served as the doctors of the community, passing on medical knowledge to the apprentices that followed them.

Many categories of the healing methods fall under natural medicine. Among these are traditional medicine, complementary medicine, and alternative medicine.

Usually, natural medicine refers to medical practices that were in place before the advent of modern medicine.

This includes herbal medicine, or phytotherapy, which is prevalent in Chinese, Ayurvedic(or Indian), and Greek medicine.

Upon the advent of modern medicine, many professionals discarded the use of herbs in favor of man-made medicine. The fact that these treatments are based on the healing properties of some herbs was forgotten.

For example, opium, digitalis, quinine, and aspirin all have their roots in traditional medicine.

Natural medicine can be considered as a lost art. This does not mean that it has lost efficacy over time. In some cases, natural therapy is actually better than modern medicine. This leads some doctors to seriously consider and study the possible uses of natural medicine

Before we continue, it is important to stress that not all the natural remedies are legitimate. It would help to only try those remedies which have been thoroughly studied and are relatively risk free.

Take herbal medicine for example. There are many well-documented and studied herbal remedies available. However, only those that deal with minor ailments such as cough, colds, fever, skin rashes, and its ilk are likely to be recommended by health professionals. These remedies are sometimes superior to synthetic medicine. This is because herbal medicines are less likely to cause negative side effects.

Currently there are numerous organizations that study the effects and advocacy of natural medicine – among which is herbal medicine. Some governments and health agencies openly advocate the use of natural methods since they are inexpensive and relatively risk-free.

As their studies compile, more herbs and treatments are added to the list of accepted medicines. However, many herbs and treatments have been proven to be bogus medicine. This represents a challenge for both the user and the agencies because they have to ascertain that the treatments they either use or advocate are legitimate.

There exist today many alternative medical treatments that fall under natural medicine. However, not all of them have been proven to be effective. You could mention homeopathy, aromatherapy, acupuncture, and other alternative medical treatments. It would pay to consult the experts as to the legitimacy of these treatments.

Natural medicine should also be thought of as an accompanying medicine. Right now, the current collective medical thought suggests that natural medicine be used only to supplement accepted modern medical practices. In that case of minor ailments your expert we actually advise you to take natural therapies instead.

The practice of modern medicine revolves around diagnosing an illness and prescribing treatments for such. Natural medicine is helpful because it suggests that treatment be not necessarily given only when sick. Natural medicine strives to make each patient practice good health habits. These habits include good diet, healthy living, and the regular natural treatment.

It is this same line of thought that leads our parents to tell us to eat our vegetables. Yes, a healthy lifestyle and will do no harm to our well-being. And this is the foundation of natural medicine – may it be massage, herbal medicine, aromatherapy or others.

It is funny but true that science, in its quest for excellence, is studying the knowledge of sages past. This, surprisingly, leads us back to the remedies nature offers. The possibilities of finding remedies to everyday illnesses in natural medicine are encouraging. So staying tuned to studying these remedies is worthwhile until we can verify that these therapies are truly helpful to our health and our society.