Reviving Vitamin E Studies That Challenge Claims of Wonder Supplement Also Leave Openings

The last year hasn't been a good one for vitamin E.

Once considered a wonder supplement, an inexpensive and harmless pill that might prevent heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer's, a flurry of recent clinical trials suggest it does none of those things.

Some even suggest there is a small chance it could be harmful in higher doses.

Yet while the oily little capsule apparently can't keep people alive longer, it refuses to die, in part because in nearly every one of the recent negative studies some caveat or contradictory finding creates a glimmer of hope.

It also doesn't hurt that the dietary supplement industry continues to promote vitamin E and offers experts to refute some of new research.

It doesn't go away, said Edgar Miller, a vitamin E researcher and associate professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University. Why does it keep selling when there are so many of these negative studies?

The answer appears to be a combination of factors, including years of promising laboratory, animal and epidemiological studies; heavy promotion by the dietary supplement industry; and, more recently, contradictory findings within studies showing no overall benefit.

The required daily amount is 22 IU (international units). Many recent clinical trials have ranged from 300 IU to 2,000 IU.

Recent clinical trials of high-dose vitamin E have led some researchers to speculate that vitamin E in megadoses may increase the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, the bad kind.

When cholesterol is oxidated, it contributes to coronary artery disease.

There also is some concern that high amounts of vitamin E may displace other beneficial anti-oxidants from that average person's diet.

Combining studies

Consider these recent studies: In November, a vitamin E bombshell was dropped by Johns Hopkins University researchers at an American Heart Association meeting.

They pooled 19 clinical trials of vitamin E involving 136,000 patients.

In 11 of the high-dose trials (400 IU or more), the risk of dying from any cause increased 4%, compared with people taking placebos.

Prior to that finding, vitamin E had been considered, at worst, harmless.

People take anti-oxidants because they want to live longer, said Miller, an associate professor of medicine. What we showed is you don't live longer.

However, the analysis also suggested that lower doses of vitamin E (less than 150 I.U. a day) were associated with about a 2% reduction in deaths.

Researchers acknowledged several potential shortcomings in their study.

For instance, they noted that several of the high-dose trials involved people with various chronic diseases and may not apply to healthy individuals.

They also said the small size of several of the trials in the analysis and inconsistent reporting of health events prevented a detailed look at the effect of various doses of the vitamin.

It's a very flawed analysis, said Julie Buring, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School who recently presented her own vitamin E research.

She also said the 4% increased risk of death was not clinically meaningful and could be a chance finding.

Women's health study

On March 7, Buring and other Harvard scientists presented their own vitamin E study at the American College of Cardiology annual meeting.

Once again, the vitamin threw researchers a curve.

Analyzing data from the Women's Health Study, a trial involving 40,000 women who got either 600 IU of vitamin E every other day or a placebo, researchers found that it provided no overall cardiovascular benefit such as reduction in heart attacks or strokes.

However, an analysis of a subgroup of women over 65 found a 26% reduction in cardiovascular events.

Buring said that although the finding was intriguing, it was not supported by previous research.

She added that it needs confirmation.

Adding even more confusion, the study found a statistically significant 24% reduction in cardiovascular deaths among all the vitamin E users.

Buring also questioned that finding because there was no overall reduction in strokes and heart attacks. She said it was possible that it was due to other cardiovascular causes such as arrhythmias or heart failure, but there was no reasonable biological explanation for that.

People should look at that further, but it could be chance, she said.

Buring concluded that vitamin E was neither harmful nor beneficial in preventing cardiovascular disease.

A surprise

About a week after the Women's Health Study, another controversial vitamin E finding was presented.

The study involved 9,500 people aged 55 and older with vascular disease or diabetes who were followed for an average of seven years.

It found that 400 IU of vitamin E a day provided no protection against cancer or major vascular events such as heart attacks or strokes.

In addition, the study found a disturbing 13% increase in heart failure cases and 21% increase in heart failure hospitalizations.

That was the first time that vitamin E had been associated with an increased risk of heart failure, said lead author Eva Lonn, a professor of medicine at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.

I am not convinced about the harm, Lonn added.

Indeed, a recent small study of heart failure patients taking a cholesterol-lowering statin drug suggested that vitamin E actually increased the statin's ability to improve blood vessel function and lower inflammation.

Lonn and the other researchers said a review of all heart failure events in large vitamin E clinical trials is strongly recommended.

Confounding the heart failure finding was what appeared to be a statistically significant 28% reduction in lung cancer cases, although in a secondary analysis of the data the benefit seemed to disappear.

The numbers are small, Lonn said. We think it's a chance finding.

The researchers noted that other larger vitamin E trials showed no lung cancer benefit.

Alzheimer's research

There still is some hope that vitamin E might help prevent Alzheimer's disease, although in May a clinical trial of 769 patients with mild cognitive impairment found it was of no benefit in delaying the progression to Alzheimer's.

In that trial, the patients took a mega dose 2,000 IU a day for up to three years, according to the findings in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Other vitamin E / Alzheimer's trials are ongoing.

The anti-oxidant vitamin enthusiasm of the 1990s is being tempered by clinical trials, according to a JAMA editorial that accompanied the Women's Health Study results.

These hopes are now confined to modest expectations for specific disorders and there are concerns about adverse effects, the editorial said.

Mike Freije from Health Shop
http://www.health-shop.com
http://www.health-shop.info

Stay Fit and Healthy this Autumn and Winter Swap Vegitation for Motivation

Winter is on its way, bringing with it colder weather, darker evenings, and coughs and colds. You may find that you develop an urge to hibernate in front of the TV through the colder darker months, nursing a box of biscuits, and a mug of cocoa. But NO, you need to stay fit and healthy to prepare for the autumn and winter. The fitter and healthier you are, the more resistance you will have to colds and infections, and you will be less likely to suffer seasonal depression. Ignore this advice at your peril, or you may find yourself suffering from Christmas party BLUES; all of your best clothes have shrunk, and you have nothing to wear except your emergency jogging bottoms which are distinctly more saggy than sassy. Now is the time to re-evaluate your health and fitness; it isn?t too hot/cold/dark and the kids have gone back to school, SO WHATS YOUR EXCUSE? No more putting it off until next week, dust off those trainers, clean out the fridge and the cupboards, and prepare your body for autumn and winter!

?Start each day with a good breakfast; eat porridge, or uncooked oats with skimmed milk, wheetabix, or organic muesli with no added sugar. A poached egg on wholemeal is a fabulous choice if you have the time, but if you are in a rush grab a banana or a smoothie. Eating breakfast will help control your weight and your mood!

?Get outside walking every day. Some of you may leave for work in the dark, spend the day under artificial lights, and leave for home in darkness. Even spending the day in doors can mess with your bodies natural rhythms, affecting sleep patterns, wellness and mood. Go for a brisk walk during daylight, invest in outdoor clothes and an umbrella and use free time and lunch breaks to get some exercise and expose yourself to fresh air and light; you will feel better for this.

?Try something new! Motivate yourself by looking for a new way to stay active; look out for salsa classes, belly dancing, ballet, Pilates,netball clubs, anything; just give something new a go, it may be a talent you never knew you had.

?Drink more water, especially during and after exercising. Resist the urge to spend the colder months ?comfort-drinking? hot drinks such as tea, coffee and hot chocolate; staying well-hydrated is just as important as in the warmer weather.

?Do not overeat; the colder weather encourages some people to eat more. Avoid hunger pangs by carrying healthy snacks wherever you go; bananas, apples, rice cakes. Eat 3 modest meals a day with a mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack. Remember, the advent of winter does NOT mean you have to eat gravy on everything!

?Watch less TV; it is easy to fall into a serious telly-watching habit when the evenings are darker. There is a direct link between television hours watched, and weight gain. Watching TV late at night may also affect your sleep, leaving you feeling sapped in the morning. In stead, use the time to do things which you CLAIM not to have time for, such as cooking fresh food, and organising yourself for the next day. Organization may be the key to making your lifestyle healthier, and avoiding stress.

?Autumn is the time of harvest-home, and seasonal bounty; go to the farmers market. You will be astounded at the range of fruits and vegetables on offer at this time of the year, all bursting with goodness, and waiting for you to enjoy them.

?Learn how to say no! If you do everything that is asked of you, you will not have the time to shop and cook healthily, or get more active. School terms have started and Christmas will come; you may be inundated with requests and expectations, and sometimes there just isn?t the time to take on extra responsibilities such as helping at football clubs, or making costumes for school plays. Say no to requests which will leave you feeling stressed and time-poor. Never give a reason why you can?t do something as this leaves a gap for people to suggest a way of getting around the problem, trapping you into accepting the request.

I hope that this gives you some ideas to avoid seasonal vegetation and provide seasonal motivation, Ciao!

Vikki Scovell BA(hons) PG DIP is a fully qualified Personal Trainer and Fitness Coach. She is a qualified Nutrition Adviser and runs successful Community Exercise classes. Vikki is a consultant in Healthy Eating and Exercise initiatives to schools in the independent sector and publishes School and General Healthy Living newsletters. Vikki lives in Bristol in the U.K. with her partner Jeremy and two young children. Enquiries welcome for nutritional advice, personal training, corporate wellness and general enquiries. If you wish to receive Vikki's free newsletter please visit http://www.getfitter.net

Antidepressants Can Cause Unncessary Weight Gain Be Aware of this Side Effect

Many antidepressants can cause weight gain. Studies show that antidepressants can cause unnesscesary weight gain an average of 10-15%. I gained over 35 pounds after taking antidepressants.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective medications for some people with depression who may not respond to other antidepressants. They also work for patients with panic disorder and bipolar disorder. The MAOIs approved to treat depression are phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), and isocarboxazid (Marplan). But these drugs also show can cause unncessary weight gain. On average, patients gain between 10-15% in weight.

Also, because substances in certain foods, beverages, and medications can cause dangerous interactions when combined with MAOIs, people who use them must adhere to some dietary restrictions. This has deterred many clinicians from prescribing these medications, but they are very safe and effective when used as directed.

People who use MAOIs need to avoid taking decongestants and consuming certain foods that contain high levels of the amino acid tyramine. This includes many cheeses, wines, and pickles. The interaction of tyramine with MAOIs can bring on a sharp increase in blood pressure that can lead to a stroke. Your doctor should provide you with a complete list of prohibited foods. Carry this list with you at all times. Other antidepressants require no food restrictions.

The FDA has approved the first ever medical device for depression. It has none of the side effects of drugs and has no drugs interactions or dietary restrictions.

I was implanted with the device in 2001 and by the way I have lost that extra 35 pounds, live depression-free and do not have to take any antidepressants. Thank goodness!

Charles Donovan was a patient in the FDA investigational trial of vagus nerve stimulation as a treatment for chronic or recurrent treatment-resistant depression. He was implanted with the vagus nerve stimulator in April of 2001. He chronicles his journey from the grips of depression thanks to vagus nerve stimulation therapy in his book:

Out of the Black Hole: The Patient's Guide to Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Depression

His all inclusive book prepares depression sufferers to make an informed decision about this ninety-minute out-patient procedure. It is a must read before you discuss this treatment with your psychiatrist. A prescription for the procedure is required from an M.D. and it is covered by most insurance plans.

He is the founder of the http://www.VagusNerveStimulation.com Web Site and Bulletin.

Winter Sugar Blues

Every year, I notice that at this time of year we tend to eat more sugar. My clients all talk about it ? the holiday parties, the well-meaning corporate gifts of cookies and chocolates, the holiday meal desserts.

It?s not just the November/December holidays, either. Do you know what I?m talking about? Your sugar feast actually begins at the end of October, as the weather gets colder, the days get shorter, and you fill your goodie bag with Halloween treats. Then you have Thanksgiving pies, Christmas cookies, and New Year?s drinks. The sugar intake continues with Valentine?s Day chocolates, and extends all the way to Easter baskets full of chocolate bunnies and jelly beans. Then the weather gets warmer, the trees and flowers come into bloom, the sun shines a little longer, the clocks spring forward, and sugar plays a lesser role into your life until the next October rolls around and you begin all over again.

Your sugar festivities coincide with winter, which is the ?yin? time of year. ?Yin? refers to passivity, quiet, rest, and introspection. You see winter?s yin all around you as many animals go into hibernation, the flowers close up shop, and the trees turn brown and dry. All of nature gets quiet and rests, except for us! We humans are anything but yin as we run around doing our holiday errands, traveling, and finishing our current year projects. We behave completely counter to what nature is suggesting we do at this time of year, which is to be yin and rest. Instead, we act complete ?yang:? active, assertive, extraverted, and talkative.

And we eat sugar. Sugar is a ?yin? food. Yin foods elevate levels of serotonin in your brain, resulting in feelings of well being and happiness. Sugar is the most yin of all foods.

So is it a complete coincidence that your sweet tooth kicks in just as we head into this yin time of year?

No, of course not. It?s actually your body being very smart, as usual. Your sugar cravings are your body?s way of saying ?wait, slow down!? So as nature tells you to be yin and you continue to act yang, your body will begin craving sugar in an effort to force you to be more yin. See, it?s all about being in sync with the earth?s natural rhythm. The more you stray from it (which we do with our electric lights, heating, and social calendars), the more your body will try to compensate. In this case, your body is craving more sugar (yin) in an effort to balance out our yang behavior.

So keep this in mind as we head further into Sugar Season. I invite you to consider what you can do to slow down, take it easy, and act more yin as nature intends us to do. Maybe that means getting to bed earlier so that you can sleep more, postponing a home improvement project, or saying ?no? to the eighth holiday party invitation you?ve received. Honor your body by getting plenty of rest, good nutrition, relaxation, and sleep, thereby decreasing your need to consume yin foods. Your body will thank you for it, and chances are you will crave less sugar as well!

The information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Julia Kalish is a Certified Nutritionist and Health Coach in Sterling, VA. She enjoys working with women who are ready to look and feel their best! To contact Julia, email her at julia@innervoicenutrition.com, or visit her website at http://www.innervoicenutrition.com. The content of this article may be used without special permission; provided it is used for nonprofit purposes and full attribution and contact information for Julia Kalish is given. For other purposes, contact Julia Kalish at julia@innervoicenutrition.com.

Six Steps To Unleashing The Peace Within

We live in a hectic and uncertain world, with violence and chaos surrounding us every minute of the day. We are getting busier and busier and being bombarded with commercialism and adverts from every angle. Just like many of us I have been looking for a way to break the constant information overload to help give my mind a chance to relax and after many years of studying and test trying the art of meditation by many of the great religions like Budhism I have found a simple six step formula that helps me to unleash the inner peace that really wishes to come out.

Step 1 - Find a cool quiet place

The first step in unleashing your inner peace is to find somewhere that will allow you to feel safe whilst meditating and undisturbed. Some of the sorts of places you might consider are sitting on the ground in the garden, near a river, or if you are like me and bound to the city, simply sitting in your lounge room will suffice. There are though a few key things that you must consider -

There should be little traffic noise

There is Nothing worse than to just start meditating to hear the sound of the air brakes on a truck going off or an ambulance or police car going past.

Be Free From Distractions

When you first start meditating you will find it maybe difficult to get started but with a little practice, and that is the fun part, you will find over time that you will get better at it but in the early stages a little distraction from your children or noise can make it very difficult.

You Must Feel Safe

With todays society being the way that it is, you must have a sense of well being before starting your meditation. If you have a sense of insecurity you will find that it is very difficult to release your anxieties and most importantly your thoughts.

Be Comfortable

Most meditation periods usually will last around 20 minutes. When you first start off you may find that it takes a good 10 minutes to get to a point of being relaxed so make sure that you sit on a comfortable surface before starting the meditation process. I am a great believer in sitting on the floor however if you find it difficult to sit upright for any period of time, simply sit against the wall. Doing this can also help you with your sense of feeling safe. If you find it more comfortable sitting in a chair, try your meditation that way. I do not recommend sitting on a couch simply because you run the risk that you may fall asleep and whilst that is great before going to bed, it is not recommended as the outcome to the meditation process.

Step 2 - Use a Light Incense

Depending on where you are, you may find that a light incense will help you break through the barriers when you first start meditating. If you are like me and are constantly on the rush and stressed, when you first stop you might find that it is really difficult to focus on your meditation because of the buzz running through your blood so using a light incense like lavendar can certainly help.

You can purchase incense from any number of stores like chinese food stores, oriental food stores or even some of the mystics stores and there are certainly many places on the web where you can purchase a light incense. Be warned though that it is illegal in some countries to buy incense via mail order and more so only buy from a reputable dealer as you never know what you could be importing.

Step 3 - Put some quiet music on

The saying, Music Soothes the Savage Beast is never a more truer statement then when trying to find your inner world of peace. Playing some quiet music will certainly help soothe the buzz you have after a hard day but be very cautious on the type of music you choose. You need to ensure you choose music that will slow you down rather than increase your heart rate.

Many meditation gurus will recommend music like flowing water, a rushing stream or the sounds of the great outdoors, which will all certainly be suitable for this process but what I find the most useful is music from the Baroque period.

The music from this period has particular elements that make it suitable and more conjucent to helping you find that inner peace. Baroque music is built on 60 beats per minute, which funnily enough is the same as what our hearts should be doing. What some research has shown is that listening to music that has 60 beats per minute actually increases the alpha waves that cause calmness on both the left and right side of the brain. The outcome of this is that you will becom calm and relax, similar to if you whistled a tune. Research has also shown that this alpha state can help in your learning process, creativity and more importantly becoming more calm.

Step 4 - Focus on Your Breathing. Breath In and Out

Now that we have the elements we need to meditate, it is now time for you to try . My preferred way to sit when I meditate is to cross my legs and to place my hands on my knees with my open palms up. If you can not cross your legs simply sit with your legs layed out flat. If you are sitting in a chair, simply spread your leg apart a little and place your hands on your knees.

The next step in the path towards peaces is to close your eyes and to breath in deeply and then slowly exhail the air. You need to consistently repeat this process but whilst you are doing this, there are a few important things to remember. When you first start to meditate you will find that as you relax, the things that bothered you during the day will start to resurface and come to the forefront of your mind and we need to stop this during your meditation period because if you do not, you can end up being more stressed then when you started. Whilst you are breathing, simply look into the depths of the darkness and clear you mind.

If you are finding it difficult to let go, try this technique. Whilst breathing in slowly, concentrate in your minds eye on the number one and focus on the number as you exhail. Then as you take your second breath, change the number one to a number two and then focus on the number two and maintain that focus as you exhail. With each new breath, focus on the next number. However, if at any time your focus gets away from you and you start thinking about making dinner or what you are going to do tomorrow, then simply restart from the number one. You will find that after a while using this process will really help you to maintain that focus and start to bring out that inner peace a lot quicker.

If you are having difficulty sleeping I find that using the counting process and the breathing process really helps a lot. Once again it does take time to master the technique but the more you practice the better you will get at it.

Step 5 - Clear Your Mind

Once you have mastered the process of breathing and getting into a relaxed state, the next stage is to clear your mind. This can take a little bit of work and will take a while to conquer but when you do conquer it, you will really no what inner peace is. To clear your mind, you will simply not think of anything but just exhist. The key to clearing your mind is to focus on the space around you (whilst your eyes are closed) without thinking about a thing.

When you do this, an overwhelming sense of peace will come over your. You will find that the endorphins will give you a tingling feeling through out your body and you will be extremely calm. You will find as time goes on that you can in fact turn the tingling on at your own will but that comes with practice.

Step 6 - Feel the Rush of Peace

The Budhists talk of meditating to reach enlightenment and whilst it can take a life time or two to achieve that, I can certainly say that when you do get to that point where you have let go of your surroundings and you are at peace its certainly feels like a whole new world. At the very least, not being stressed and feeling that constant buzz caused by the pressures of our day-to-day lives, will certainly give you a new definition of normal.

When you feel that your time for meditation is over, slowly allow your mind to start to think. You will find that its actually a lot easier than you think. Then slowly open your eyes and become more aware of your surroundings. Give yourself a good five minutes before you rush to get up but when you do, you should feel a sense of calm and peace around your body, mind and soul.

The author of this article Chris Le Roy has a CDROM of Baroque Music that was recorded by a Baroque Guitarist to help you with your meditation. To view and listen to some of the music from this CDROM visit his website - Meditation Music.

Empowerment and SelfControl What it Really Takes to get Control of your Weight

Chant the following each day, several times. They are mantras that will save your life -

- The choice to do nothing is still a choice and yields nothing.

- I am responsible for my body. If I don?t take responsibility, who will?

- I make choices daily as to how I'm going to fuel my body.

- I will STAY aware

- Choice IS control

Control is what you gain once you realize that no one will take care of you. You might think its ok to live with our grown children when we are infirm, but we both know, you and I, that this isn't the case. We would regret imposing on them, at the prime of their lives. We would resent being infirm and therefore feel sorry for ourselves.

There is no guarantee against illness, but you and I also know that the eating patterns that brought you to this place are going to make you very ill eventually, if you don't change them starting now. You are in the process of growing toward self-healing. And what a wondrous process that is!

You must decide to do that yourself.

It sounds like a negative realization. On the contrary, it will be one of the most freeing moments of wisdom you will ever feel.

BECAUSE ? once you realize that your health is up to you and you alone, you are free to move toward healing.

Control gives us the freedom to write our own destiny and dreams. That which we desire, control gives us a shot at. We want to be healthy and only WE ourselves can achieve that goal. No one can take that step to make us healthier. So by developing control functions, we better equip ourselves for the task of whipping our poor bodies into shape.

How many times have you shaken your fist at the heavens, bemoaning your ?lack of willpower?? Well, you don?t have to do that any longer. We?re going to toss the word ?willpower? right out on its ear.

Take a moment and examine the word ?willpower?. It?s meaning is clear. It is the power of your will. Many people have a problem narrowing down the word ?will?. Will can mean many things, but when it all boils down, it is desire, wish, choice and determination. Your ?will? is quite simply...CHOICE.

You don?t NEED willpower to lose weight. What you NEED is to make a choice.

Once you've done that, simply bow to the incredible wisdom of that choice.

----------------------------------------------

About the author

JLee Davis has been writing since high school. Through marriage and kids, ill-health and regaining it, she's kept on writing. After over thirty years, she's finding that the best things in life really are there for the taking. Sharing her motivation is one way she has of paying it forward. http://www.gaiapublishing.com ----------------------------------------------

Distant Star Approaching A Qigong Visualization Practice

Today I want to share with you a beautiful Taoist meditation/Qigong visualization practice ? So to begin, please find a comfortable place to sit, either on a chair with your spine up-right and your feet flat on the floor; or in a comfortable cross-legged or ?hero? position on the floor. Take a couple of deep, slow breaths, filling your lungs completely and then saying (either out loud or to yourself) ?aaah? as you exhale. Let go of any tension you find in your neck, face or shoulders. Feel your energy descending, filling your legs and hips and belly. Smile gently, and close your eyes.

Now, imagine that you?re sitting outside, at dusk, on the shore of a beautiful mountain lake. The air is pleasantly warm, and perfectly calm. As the sky darkens, stars begin to appear. Soon, the entire night sky ~ visible above the silhouettes of the mountains ~ is filled with them: golden-white points of light, millions and millions ? Let yourself be filled with amazement at the vastness of it all, its quiet mysterious beauty.

And then, in your imagination (still sitting there on the shore of the mountain lake), notice one of those stars moving toward you (kind of like a ?shooting star,? but slower). As it moves closer and closer it ?grows? in size, becoming ever more bright, and ever more beautiful. Closer and closer ? larger and larger.

And as it draws even closer to you (hovering now somewhere above the lake), what you notice is that it?s not a star at all, but rather it is an infant: a beautiful newborn, naked and shining like a star. And as this newborn, golden-white, moves even closer, what you notice is that it?s not just any newborn ? but rather it is YOU as a newborn!

And now, imagine that beautiful newborn, who is you-as-a-newborn, floating even closer, until s/he is hovering directly above your head. See and feel his/her Presence there, golden-white, shining like a star. And now, allow the crown of your head to soften, as though it were the dome of a temple, which you were slowly opening ? And as you do this imagine that the newborn who is floating above your head is beginning to descend, toward the opening at your crown.

Now imagine the newborn entering that opening at the crown of your head, as though entering a temple ? and continuing to float downward, along the central channel of your body (just in front of the spine), until s/he is floating in your heart center. Feel the Presence of the newborn, shining like a star, in your heart-center.

And now the newborn-who-is-you continues to float downward, along that central channel inside of your body, until s/he is resting in your low belly, below the navel. See and feel that newborn, warm & bright as a star, floating there in your belly. As you breathe, send waves of love and appreciation to this infant, this newborn-who-is-you, resting now comfortably in your lowest belly. Let yourself feel delighted by his/her Presence there, inside of you ? as though you had within you a secret treasure, which you had just now discovered.

And now, keeping a portion of your attention here with that new-found treasure ? open your eyes.

To end (this post, and begin the rest of your day), a poem about the Kahmiri yogini Lalla (written by Frithjof Schuon):

Lalla

When Lalla Yogishwari found Atma
Within herself, the outer world became
Her sole garment, a web of dreams;
Thus she went naked beneath the vault of Heaven.

And as she entered from the outward to the Inward,
So did the Inward enter her body?s fullness;
And thus she went naked and dancing through the land ?
In Lakshmi?s ecstasy and in Atma?s stillness.

Elizabeth Reninger holds a Masters degree in Chinese Medicine, is a published poet, and has been exploring Yoga ~ in its Taoist, Buddhist & Hindu varieties ~ for more than twenty years. Her teachers include Richard Freeman and Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche. To read more of her yoga-related essays, please visit her website: http://www.writingup.com/blog/elizabethreninger

Do Natural Hair Loss Remedies Have Any Real Relevance?

The effectiveness of modern hair loss treatments is clear for all to see, but many people simply prefer not to use strong chemicals or non-natural substances.

If you fall into this category, does this mean you'll just have to accept an ever-decreasing head of hair? The answer to this is an unequivocal NO!

Many natural hair loss remedies, both traditional and contemporary, have shown their worth in reducing and reversing hair loss. They are also perceived as being free from side effects and even deliver additional health benefits.

Why then, don't we hear a lot more about these natural hair loss remedies? Simply because claims of cures cannot be made without FDA approval, and obtaining the FDA seal of approval involves lengthy and expensive scientific research that only major companies can afford. Even the biggest companies could not recoup the costs of such a process as no-one can control the rights to common natural substances such as basic foods and vitamins.

The big question however is, do natural hair loss remedies work? Firstly, hair growth at root level is a living part of the body that depends on sound nutrition, just like any other part of the body. The importance of vitamins, minerals and other nutritional elements in maintaining healthy hair cannot be disputed.

Secondly, the role of herbs and plants in treating numerous ailments is receiving increased recognition after years of neglect, and hair loss is no exception. Many herbal remedies for both internal and external use are offering new hope to people suffering from premature hair loss.

Thirdly, traditional hair loss remedies may still have something to offer. Ancient literature and folklore reveal that our ancestors went to great lengths to treat thinning hair. Some of the more acceptable traditional approaches are now being incorporated into many potential treatment regimes.

Other articles in this series tackle each of these areas in much more detail but you can find out more now by visiting the site listed below.

Richard Mitchell is the creator of the http://www.myhairlossadvisor.com website that provides information and guidance to those suffering from premature hair loss. Please go to Natural Hair Loss Remedies to find out more about the issues covered in this article.

Relaxation Can Help Your Arthritis

The importance of relaxation in controlling and treating disease in general has only recently been recognized throughout the medical industry, yet its implementation still lags and the general public does still not understand its effectiveness. Relaxation techniques, especially those involving meditation, have been seen as a bunch of ?mumbo jumbo? for many years, until the findings of scientists and doctors that showed immense benefits to this practice became more prevalent. Relaxation techniques have a definite place in the healing process of the body, and with arthritis the case is no different. With certain types of arthritis, the importance of relaxation is increased, since stress and emotional disposition play a large part in them.

Prayer is a form of relaxation and meditation if you are spiritually or religiously inclined that also works wonders. Either following a minister or someone else leading prayer, or formulating your own inspirational prayer, you can pull upon the comfort of God as you see him taking your pain away. Again mental and physical benefits are realized from such a practice.

You may also consider hypnosis as an option. Hypnosis is simply a guided meditation that allows you to access the power of your subconscious mind through a guide called a hypnotist, who is either a trained psychologist, psychiatrist, counselor, or social worker. Images of a man with a shiny gold stopwatch putting you under a trance to make you perform unusual acts or tell deep dark truths are more the scripts of Hollywood movies than what real-life hypnotism is. In the case of hypnosis for pain management, hypnosis is nothing more than an assisted guided imagery, such as described above. The only difference here is that you have someone to help you through the steps of relaxation and meditation on your image.

More free information on arthritis and arthritis treatment can be found at http://www.ArthritisZone.com

Be Good To Your Body

Whenever I watch an athlete perform, I?m reminded of the incredible potential of the human body. Olympic medalist, Jackie Joyner-Kersee is said to be the best all-around female athlete in the world. Running the hurdles, she was a symbol of strength and grace, commanding her well-defined muscles to propel her body with the explosive power of a Ferrari on a race track. Of course, not every woman?s body is destined to be a Ferrari, but the least we could do is aim for a well-oiled, dependable and long lasting Honda.

Before work-out videos became popular, I can remember exercising on the living room rug with my mother when I was just a child. Perhaps that kick-started my life-long passion and desire for regular exercise. I used to run up and down steps to keep fit in my teens (well before stair machines); I started weight lifting in high school, taught aerobics in college, and I?m sure I was one of the first women to buy in-line skates in the early 80s.

It?s important to pick an exercise you love to do. I recently purchased a thirteen foot trampoline for exercise and play. (I?ve always wanted one my entire life, and since I was over forty, I figured I was finally old enough to have one!) As soon as start jumping, I start laughing and immediately forget that I?m actually doing a workout. And then there is dancing. I can?t remember a time in my life when I wasn?t dancing?from a child taking tap and jazz classes to a pre-teen dancing to seventies rock and roll music to a disco Queen in the eighties.. I revisited jazz classes as an adult for a while, but eventually settled on tribal dancing as my ?thing?. Although I still do a regular routine of aerobic activity and weight training, it?s music and the primal beat of the drum that feeds my soul, making my body move in the most unusual and yet instinctively natural ways, and transporting me to a time of ritualistic ceremony and spiritual connection to Mother Earth. I even bought my own drum and often use it in meditation to quiet my mind, connecting the beat of my heart with the heart of the earth.

Exercise of all kinds should be an integral part of your everyday life, like brushing your teeth in the morning. Sure, there are times when you won?t be motivated to work-out or you?re sick or overscheduled, and you?ll fall off the wagon for a few days, but hopefully, you?ll start missing that euphoric feeling enough to want to start it up again. If you think of exercise as just a little extra movement you incorporate into your everyday life, it becomes easy to fit in?a power walk with your dog, a yoga class or a game of tag with the kids. Just like the car that runs better and lasts longer with proper maintenance, a Goddess must take care of her body. So, find your own dance and start dancing!

5 Ways to Get Physical:

?If you?re not disciplined to exercise on your own, do it with a girlfriend.

?Choose the kind of exercise you enjoy and make a habit of it.

?Don?t sit more than twenty minutes without getting up and moving.

?Try out a new active sport or class (yoga, tennis, or even tap dancing).

?Pay attention to your daily activities and do more of those that move your body.

Excerpted from the book: The Goddess of Happiness, A Down-to-Earth Guide for Heavenly Balance and Bliss

Debbie Gisonni, aka The Goddess of Happiness?, is an author (The Goddess of Happiness: A Down-to-Earth Guide for Heavenly Balance and Bliss and Vita?s Will: Real Life Lessons about Life Death & Moving On), speaker, happiness expert and columnist for iVillage.com. Contact: http://www.goddessofhappiness.com

Copyright, All Rights Reserved, Debbie Gisonni

Look Younger with Antioxidant

What does Antioxydant have to do with anti-aging? You might not think in the first place that Antioxydant has a great benefit to prevent early aging. Furthermore, you might not be aware of what Antioxydant is and how it is also beneficial for your health.

Antioxydant can make you look younger than your age. Antioxydant is a very important substance that is needed by our body to protect vital cell structures. This is done by neutralizing hazardous molecules called the free radicals which can be formed by environmental factors such as chemical fumes and pollution. You see that they can cause harm to your skin, and may go further to cause skin aging. Thus, you are going to need Antioxydant to protect this outer part of the body.

The next thing you?ll ask is what the real source of Antioxydant which is used for anti-aging is. That is a great question! To answer this, you must have heard so often through many health articles and advertisements that vitamin E is a great nutrient for skin. Do you know why this vitamin is so precious? The answer is because you can find Antioxydant benefits in vitamin E! Again, it is because vitamin E protects your skin from free radicals.

Many people, especially women, sometimes feel that they get old so fast. They feel that their skin ages earlier. That is why they urge for some anti-aging medication or any methods for keeping their skin young and healthy. Indeed, taking foods that contain Antioxydants is the most effective and practical thing to do.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are great sources of Antioxydant, which of course work as good anti-aging therapy. And truly, fruits and vegetables should be parts of a healthy eating plan. They should be taken in a daily basis. To mention it again, don?t forget that those foods contain important vitamins that role as Antioxydant.

Take anti-aging food sources and start living healthy now! For days to come, enjoy your younger and healthier skin ever!

About The Author: Novi White writes health articles on various publications. She has been working with doctors for their research publications. You can visit her Website MyAntioxydantGuide.com at http://www.myantioxydantguide.com

The Courage to Age Gracefully: The Transforming Power of Permanent Makeup

In 2006 women have many choices. Every day the media portrays women in positions of power in newspapers, on TV and the radio. Women are buying their own homes, having babies when they are over forty, marrying younger men or not getting married at all, driving race cars and working as the president's right hand man. Women are beginning to believe they can have it all, that their dreams can come true and they are right. As a permanent makeup professional I see many women in my practice from all walks of life. I am pleased that so many women I meet who are over fifty are living exciting, inspired and transformative lives. Quoted in a recent article by Jane Ganahl in the San Francisco Chronicle Candace Bushnell, author of Sex and the City, stated Five or six years ago we [women were talking about men, relationships and sex. But now it's about careers, aspirations, hopes, dreams -- what you hope to do in your life.

Redefine the Word ?Older?

Writer and humorist Erma Bombeck once said When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me'. Living life to the fullest is one of the important parts of experiencing wholeness and satisfaction with your life. These days women in their 50's, 60's and even 70's go back to school, start dating, visit places they have never been, feel sexy, write novels, start businesses and purchase property. Women have reinvented themselves. Getting older no longer means hating loud music, getting shorter and having blue hair; it means being free of the responsibility of raising children, being more financially stable, having stronger and more passionate relationships because you know yourself better.

Let Yourself Shine

Loving the way you look is beneficial to how you age. Permanent makeup offers a wonderful alternative to cosmetic surgery, hours of applying makeup or simply feeling bad about your appearance. The ultimate aspect of beauty is up to you?shining your own unique light. Permanent makeup strives to enhance the features you have and increase the sharpness and clarity of facial color that begins to fade as we get older. Recently I had a client who is over seventy and after her permanent makeup procedures she told me even with the plastic surgery [3 facelifts, the permanent makeup is the one thing that gave me the most self-esteem. I wish I?d known about it and done it years ago.?

Believe in Your Own Power

It takes courage to grow old gracefully. Many people focus on the negatives and allow themselves to focus on the end of life, but life is really a series of beginnings and endings that happen every day. The experience of life really makes us more self aware and therefore more powerful. If we acknowledge that, we manifest growth and transformation. If we believe that age drains us and makes us weaker than it is very likely that will occur. Speaking of transformation, let me tell you about another client of mine. For over forty years, she had suffered from serious illnesses. Then multiple organ transplants freed her of diabetes and dialysis. To celebrate her new health and vitality, she had me apply color in her brows and lashes which had thinned out since the surgery. A burst retina makes it difficult to apply conventional makeup so permanent brows and eyeliner seemed the perfect solution. While in my office she told me It was not until after my transplants that I found myself asking the big questions of Life and seeking understanding.? It is never too late to take a new lease out on life and you can never predict the changes the Universe will give to you.

Carrie Fisher once said, I don't want life to imitate art. I want life to be art. Permanent makeup is living art. It is also functional, transformational and can change the way you view yourself and your future. As you get older don't wallow in the past, keep dreaming about the future and believe that you can age well. Manifesting beauty in your 50's, 60's, 70's and beyond happens inside and out; you have the power. To learn and read more about giving yourself the gift of permanent makeup visit my web site at http://www.dawncolors.com.

Dawn Willard has been in the fine arts field for over 23 years. She currently owns the Permanent Makeup Studio in Asheville, NC. Ms. Willard accepts clients from many states including North Carolina, Tennessee, Florida and South Carolina. To learn more about permanent makeup and cosmetics visit http://www.dawncolors.com.

Tamiflu The Magic Bullet for Flu

Tamiflu is the magic bullet for bird flu, however it may be useful in some specific situations. For example, if you have been in close contact with someone who is infectious or work in a high risk occupation (e.g., health care worker). For current seasonal flu viruses it is quite effective, although whether it will have the same effectiveness for H5N1 is unknown. Some evidence suggests that the current dosage is inadequate for H5N1 and might promote drug resistance. There is still a shortage and if a pandemic occurs soon it almost certainly rationed.

Some essential personnel may also be put on prophylactic dosage. Its use therapeutically is more limited, as it must be given soon after onset of symptoms and even then is not a cure but at best only shortens the duration and reduces severity.

Roche's recommends dosage schedule (75 mg/day prophylactically and 150 mg/day in divided doses for threatment) may need to be doubled for H5N1 and the Vietnamese, who have seen the most cases, are increasing the duration of treatment from five days to seven:

The virus is multiplying to higher levels than normal human viruses, therefore it may take more drug to control this higher level of virus,'' said Jennifer McKimm-Breschkin, a virologist at Australia's Commonwealth Science and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) in Melbourne.

The uncertainties about the efficacy of Tamiflu in human H5N1 are even greater for the H3N8 virus now more prevalent in dogs. Canine influenza is clinically similar to kennel cough (although the vaccine for kennel cough won't protect against influenza, of course). It has about a 5% mortality. Little is known about the pharmacokinetics of the drug in dogs, how long it should be given or whether use in domestic animals might promote viral resistance (although the canine subtype is different than H5N1, so unless there were recombination between N8 and N1 this seems unlikely).

Some H5N1-infected patients treated with Tamiflu have had resistant virus emerge during the treatment, hence the theory is that higher doses may prevent resistance emerging,'' McKimm- Breschkin said.

Thus assuming the drug will work for this virus, the doubling of recommended dosage essentially cuts the available supply in half. So it is interesting to observe that available supplies are making their way into veterinary practice and being used for dogs.

The same drug has veterinarians buzzing about its use against the newly identified canine influenza and against more threatening diseases such as parvovirus. Vets are offering their findings on their Web sites and swapping Tamiflu anecdotes on the Veterinary Information Network, a members-only site for animal doctors.

Although the prevalence of canine influenza is not yet known, researchers at one university found a 15 percent infection rate among 2,000 symptomatic dogs tested.

Barbara Camie http://www.flu-information.be

The Importance of the Glycemic Index

Exercise is a vital component in weight loss and healthy body weight maintenance, but an equally important aspect is diet. Diet is not necessarily a bad word, and through the years it has lost its true meaning. Diet is simply a way of eating. There is, in fact, a ?diet? that you can stay on for a lifetime. There is a true healthy diet that can last. We don?t mean a low carb diet or a grapefruit diet, or any of the others on the market that promise rapid weight loss. One of the most important factors in proper weight loss and weight maintenance is balance.. Your body needs fat, your body needs carbohydrates, and your body needs protein. A true healthy diet is a combination of all three of these. The key is to eat the right fats, the right carbohydrates, and the right proteins.

So how do the right carbohydrates impact weight loss? There are complex carbohydrates that usually contain a lot of fiber and are normally wheat or whole grain products. They are normally less refined and hence, more complex. There are also simple carbohydrates that are more processed products like white bread and simple table sugar. Complex carbohydrates take longer for the body to break down than simple carbohydrates. The molecules are more complex and it takes more time and energy (calories) to break down. So your body will expend more calories in the digestion of complex carbohydrates. Because it takes longer to digest complex carbs, your body will have a longer ?window? of time to burn these calories. Calories that aren?t burned when they become available can be stored as fat. So, if you eat a simple carbohydrate, your body will break it down quickly and you will have only a short period of time to burn those calories. Remember, calories not used are stored for later use. That storage mechanism is body fat. Eating the right carbs prevents spikes in blood glucose levels and therefore reduces or eliminates the need for the pancreas to secrete insulin. Basically the right carbs can create a steady blood sugar level.

The Glycemic Index is simply a numerical value that is placed on foods based on their effect on blood sugar levels.

?Not all carbohydrate foods are created equal, in fact they behave quite differently in our bodies. The glycemic index or GI describes this difference by ranking carbohydrates according to their effect on our blood glucose levels. Choosing low GI carbs - the ones that produce only small fluctuations in our blood glucose and insulin levels - is the secret to long-term health reducing your risk of heart disease and diabetes and is the key to sustainable weight loss.? http://www.glycemicindex.com/

The Glycemic Index makes it very easy to eat the right carbohydrates. The lower the GI, the better the carbohydrate. For successful weight loss and weight maintenance, eat foods with low GI values and avoid foods that have a high GI.

Christopher Daniel CEO http://www.insiderfitness.com

Effects of Exercise on the Relationship Between Low SelfEsteem and Obesity in Children (May 2000)

Introduction

Obesity is the most common health problem facing children today. It has been suggested that obese children have increased problems with self-esteem and depression when compared to the normal pediatric population. Research in exercise and depression is persuasively showing how exercise may be elemental in treating low self-esteem. Moderate exercise seems to be the most effective intensity in reducing depression and increasing levels of self-esteem. This literature review will illustrate what other researchers have found and concluded in a.) finding a relationship between self-esteem and obesity, b.) the effects of exercise on self-esteem, c.) studies on motivation among children, and d.) the need for more research.

Finding A Relationship

In order to establish a relationship between obesity and self-esteem, a Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale was administered to 550 14 and 16 year old girls. Self-esteem scores were categorized by weight and weight by height. Scores on the Quetelet Index for Obesity were correlated with self-esteem scores. Mean self-esteem of the low-and-middle weight by height group was higher than the mean of the high weight group. In analyzing weight alone, the self-esteem of the middle-weight group was significantly higher than the self-esteem of the high-weight group. The correlation of the obesity index and self-esteem indicated that as weight increased, self-esteem decreased (Martin, Housley, & McCoy, 1988).

In another study, the relationship between obesity and self-esteem was examined cross-sectionally and prospectively over three years in a cohort of 1278 adolescents in grades 7 to 9 at baseline. Cross-sectional analysis revealed an inverse association between physical appearance self-esteem and body mass index in both males and females. In females, body mass index was inversely associated with global self-esteem, close friendship, and behavioral conduct. In males, body mass index was inversely associated with athletic and romantic appeal. These results suggest that low self-esteem may be an important factor in preventing or reversing obesity (French, Perry, Leon, & Fulkerson, 1996).

A study by Strauss supports data from Martin, Housely, and McCoy. Straus's data demonstrates that negative weight perceptions are particularly common among young adolescent white females, which reveals that young obese adolescent females show the lowest levels of self-esteem. Nevertheless, negative perceptions of obesity also exist among adolescent boys. The data also demonstrates significant social consequences of decreasing self-esteem in obese children. Obese children with decreasing levels of self-esteem showed significantly elevated levels of loneliness, sadness, and nervousness. Although these efforts are not unique for obese children, they are nevertheless quite important because nearly 70% of white obese females demonstrated decreasing levels of self-esteem by early adolescence (Strauss, 2000).

Additional studies need to focus on whether positive family or social interactions can alleviate the negative psychosocial effects of adolescent obesity. Strauss concludes that children with obese mothers, low family incomes, and lower cognitive stimulation have significantly higher risks of developing obesity, independent of other demographic and socio-economic factors. In contrast, increased rates of obesity in black children, children with lower family education, and non-professional parents may be mediated through the confounding effects of low income and lower levels of cognitive stimulation (Strauss & Knight, 1999).

Effects of Exercise

The case for exercise and health has primarily been made on its impact on diseases such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. However, there has been increasing research into the role of exercise in improving mental well-being, including global self-esteem.

Sufficient evidence now exists for the effectiveness of exercise in the treatment of clinical depression and low self-esteem. Additionally, exercise has a moderate reducing effect on state and trait anxiety and can improve physical self-perceptions and in some cases, global self-esteem. There is also good evidence that aerobic and resistance exercise (weight training) enhances mood states, and weaker evidence that exercise can improve cognitive function (Fox, 1999).

One study which supports the fundamentals of CHAMP is revealed in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness. In the study, 37 males and 28 females participated in a 10-week exercise program. Participants were selected from existing classes forming weight training, aerobic exercise, and activity control group. Results revealed change in physical self-perception, strength, and body composition. Improvements in physical self-perceptions and fitness occurred independent of the exercise group. Correlations among the measures revealed relationships among physical self-perceptions, body satisfaction, global self-esteem, and fitness (Caruso & Gill, 1992).

Study of Motivation

In order to study motivation among obese children, a study used a body video distortion method to compare their body image with the body perception of non-obese peers. A standardized series of body size estimations were used: cognitive (what subject think they look like), affective (what they feel they look like), and optative (what they wish they looked like). Forty-one obese children (16 boys and 25 girls; average 12 years old) and 42 age-matched control subjects compared percentages of deviation from the accurate body image. The results showed that obese children were more accurate in estimating their real body width, but desired to reduce their body size by about 25% (Probst, Braet, & De Vos, 1995).

The significance of exercise as a healthy related behavior has brought forth the need to address motivational problems associated with its adoption and maintenance. In this respect, exercise psychology research would appear to provide potential for guiding significant public health initiatives. Cognitions about self-perceived quality of life vary across the stages of change, with those who are least prepared to adopt regular exercise reporting the lowest levels of quality of life. These finding suggests that cognitive-motivational messages designed to emphasize quality of life benefits associated with exercise may be useful intervention strategies for people who are less motivationally ready for change (Laforge & Rossi, 1999).

To remedy the localized problem of motivation, CHAMP has incorporated the use of one-on-one fitness specialists who act not only as instructors, but as mentors also.

In general, research has demonstrated that engaging in exercise and physical activity significantly enhances mental health and can increase self-esteem. Extensive meta-analysis states that exercise has a positive impact on enhancing mood, self-concept, and self-esteem. In addition, feelings of depression, anger, and anxiety tend to dissipate after exercise (Greenberg & Oglesby, 1999).

Need for More Research

Many questions still exist regarding the combination of specific modes of exercise with different intensities and their resulting productivity. Studies show that resistance training is beneficial, but not much is known on intensity and duration.

The relationship between self-esteem and obesity has not received a great deal of empirical evaluation using strong research methodologies. Thus, it is not clear:

? whether self-esteem is consistently related to obesity,

? whether the relationship is global or specific to physical appearance, whether the relationship differs by demographic variables such as age, gender, or race/ethnicity, or

? whether self-esteem moderates weight changes during weight loss treatment programs (French, Story, & Perry, 1995).

More studies need to be done to clarify whether increases in self-esteem are related to enhanced weight-loss. Many studies are methodologically weak primarily due to small and select samples and lack appropriate comparison groups.

Although some inconsistencies still exist and much research remains to be done, the pursuit of exercise therapy to treat obese children is well underway. All of these research efforts work towards improving the future of preventative medicine and better the well being and lifestyle of children suffering from obesity and low self-esteem.

References

Biddle, S & Fox, K. (1989). Exercise and Health Psychology: Emerging Relationships. British Journal of Medicine and Psychology, 62(3), 205-216 Caruso, C. & Gill, D. (1992). Strengthening physical self-perceptions through exercise. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness. 32 (4), 416-427

Fox, K. (1999). The influence of physical activity on mental well being. Public Health Nutrition. 2(3). 411-418

French S, Perry C, Leon G, & Fulkerson J. (1996) Self-esteem and changes in body mass index over 3 years in a cohort of adolescents. Obesity Resource, 41(1). 27-33

FrenchS, Story M, & Perry C. (1999). Mental Health Disorders. Presidents Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Report. 4(1). 10-12

Hunter S, Larrieu J, Ayad F, & O'Leary P (1997). Roles of Mental Health Professionals in Multidisciplinary Medically Supervised Treatment Programs for Obesity. Journal of the American Medical Association (2), 97-113.

Retrieved from the World Wide Web February 24, 2000: http://www.sma.org/smj/97/iune2.

Laforge R & Rossi J. (1999). Stages of regular exercise and health related to quality of life. Preventative Medicine. 28(4). 349-360 Martin S, Housley K, & McCoy H. (1988). Self -esteem of adolescent girls as related to weight. Perceptual and Motor Skills. 67(3). 879-884

Probst M, Braet C, & De Vos P. (1995). Body size estimation in obese children: a controlled study with the video distortion method. International Journal of Obesity Related to Metabolic Disorders. 19(11), 820-824

Sheslow D, Hassink S, Wallace W, & Delancey E. (1993). The relationship between self-esteem and depression in obese children. (Abstract). Annual New York Academy of Science. Oct. 29 L699), 289-291

fV/-wv?*? Strauss, R (2000). Childhood obesity and self-esteem. Pediatrics, 105(1), 15. Retrieved February 19, 2000 from the World Wide Web: http://www.pediatrics.org Strauss, R & Knight, J (1999). Influence of the home environment on the development of obesity in children. Pediatrics, 103(6). 85. Retrieved February 19, 2000 from the World Wide Web: http://www.pediatrics.org

John Izzo, BS, NASM-CPT, is currently the Fitness Director of the YMCA of Greater Hartford (CT) and Master Lecturer for WITS. He holds multiple certifications in personal training and has an extensive successful background in weight management and athletic improvement among clients. For more info, please contact: john12774@hotmail.com

Useful Information About Incontinence

Many individuals suffer from incontinence. Although it is treatable, many people are embarrassed to let others, even the doctor, know about their condition. Incontinence has two basic types: fecal incontinence and urinary incontinence.

Fecal Incontinence

Fecal continence is a condition characterized by leaking or poorly controlled bowel movements. In the United States, more than 6.5 million Americans suffer from fecal incontinence and this affects people of all ages?children as well as adults. But according to research, fecal incontinence is more common in women than in men and more common in older adults than in younger ones.

There are several causes of fecal incontinence. These include muscle damage, particularly to the anal sphincter muscle; nerve damage, loss of storage capacity in the rectum; diarrhea; and pelvic floor dysfunction. Aside from all these, there are also risk factors for fecal incontinence. Although they do not seem to be direct causes of the disease, they are in some way associated with the said condition. Risk factors include age, childbirth, and diabetes.

Loss of bowel control, diarrhea, and leaking bowel movements are some of the symptoms of fecal incontinence. These symptoms should never be ignored or mistaken to be just a part of a loose bowel movement. Seek medical advice for early diagnosis and treatment. Various treatments for fecal incontinence include diet changes, medications, bowel training, and surgery.

Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control. This condition can happen to anyone, but it is very common in older people and in women. Some symptoms include mild leaking and uncontrollable wetting. These symptoms might be due to problems such as weak bladder muscles, overactive bladder muscles, blockage from an enlarged prostrate, damage to nerves that control the bladder, and diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

There are four types of urinary incontinence: stress incontinence, urge incontinence, overflow incontinence, and functional incontinence. The choice of treatment for urinary incontinence depends on its type. Treatment options include Kegel exercises, bladder training, medications, and surgery.

Incontinence provides detailed information on Incontinence, Urinary Incontinence, Incontinence Products, Stress Incontinence and more. Incontinence is affiliated with Hemorrhoids Symptoms.

Aloe Vera

Native to Africa, Aloe Vera is also known as lily of the desert, the plant of immortality, and the medicine plant. The name was derived from the Arabic alloeh meaning bitter because of the bitter liquid found in the leaves. Recorded use of Aloe Vera in treating burns, infections and parasites goes back as far as the Egyptians in about 1500 B.C. There are over 500 species of aloe growing worldwide. Ancient Greeks, Arabs and Spaniards have used the plant throughout the millennia. African hunters still rub the gel on their bodies as a deodorant/anti-perspirant.

Advance Research of Aloe Vera
Extensive research since the 1930's has shown the clear gel produces dramatic benefits by putting up a protective layer over affected areas, speeding up the healing rate. The root of the aloe plant has also been used as a treatment for colic. As a food supplement, Aloe Vera is said to facilitate digestion, aid in blood and lymphatic circulation, and enhance the function of the liver, kidneys and gall bladder. Liquid health treatments using Aloe Vera and other herbs have proven beneficial for the relief of colitis and peptic ulcers. The oral administration of an extract of Aloe Vera for 6 months produced good results in the treatment of asthma. The exception was the fact that the extract was not effective in patients dependent on corticosteroids. The results of experimental studies in rats and mice suggest that Aloe Vera may be effective, both topically and internally, in the treatment of diabetic leg ulcers, as well as exhibiting blood sugar-lowering effect in both normal and chemical induced diabetic mice. Aloe Vera has shown great promise as an anti-bacterial and anti-viral substance. Acemannan, present in Aloe Vera , has shown encouraging results in the early treatment of the AIDS virus.

Uses of Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is used today for the treatment the same conditions it has traditionally been used for. Those conditions include constipation as well as minor cuts and burns. In India, Aloe Vera was also used as a remedy for intestinal infections and suppressed menses.Aloe Vera is remedy for; Wounds, Ulcers, Burns, Asthma, Diabetes.

Aloe Vera Include:
The aloe vera plant is about 96% water. The rest of it contains active ingredients, such as essential oil, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, enzymes and glycoproteins. The constituents that produce the cathartic laxative effects of aloe latex are known as anthraquinone glycosides. Aloe Vera contains at least three anti-inflammatory fatty acids that are helpful for the stomach, small intestine and colon. Aloe Vera naturally alkalizes digestive juices to prevent over acidity - a common cause of indigestion. Acemannan is a newly discovered compound in aloe vera, which is being studied for its ability to strengthen the body's natural resistance. Results have indicated acemannan can boost the immune system.

More Detail About Aloe Visit
http://www.herbs-http://www.alwaysnutrition.com/herb.asp?catid=464

Author By Jacob Wood

Elliptical Trainers are Great

Elliptical trainers are a great way to burn calories and lose weight to stay in shape and fit. They suit people of all ages and can be conveniently used at home. Some elliptical trainers can also be folded away o make the maximum usage of space. Elliptical trainers are also known as elliptical exercise trainers, cross trainers, stair master and by many other names. The companies, which manufacture the elliptical exercise trainers, are Proform, Nordic, Healthrider & Weslo Momentum. They make various models to suit the needs of all people.

Elliptical trainers are available for as little as $300, however these models will offer the very basic functions. At times they are not made of good quality material. It's important that when you work out, you have all the functions, which are required. Its possible to get a balance of both cost and the functions. In fact there are many good options for the review reader which can help you to buy the elliptical exercise trainers and at discounted prices too. You can look at the stores where they retail or can buy during the holiday season, when there are discounts available on all products and services. You can also look for a used elliptical exercise trainer.

Elliptical exercise trainers are a great way to lose weight. In fact the same number of calories would be burned on an elliptical exercise trainer as you would in jogging (for the same amount of time). While one is working out on, keep the shoulders relaxed on the elliptical exercise trainer and don't lean too far. Try to keep the heart ate and the pulse rate at the optimum level. In fact the control panel can tell you the optimum levels for your current workout and help you to stay in shape.

If you enjoyed this article check out this list of elliptical trainers related articles. And here you'll find our most recently added elliptical exercise trainer article.

Don't Lose Sleep Over Weight!

Much has been talked about the methods to lose weight and fight obesity. While balanced diet and physical exercise have been diversely and vehemently advertised, proper rest and sleep has taken a back seat.

There is no doubt that a well-balanced diet and exercise accelerate weight loss, but without proper rest, forget about making any progress. It is not e=mc2, but quite as important, perhaps even more.

Lets us delve into the science that explains the correlation between sleep and weight loss.

?I only sleep for five hours a day.? No doubt! The body explains it ? dark circles, lack of energy and concentration, premature wrinkles, big waistline? and these are just to name a few.

The first thing we must understand is that our body goes through a lot of wear and tear during the day. And the only time the ?body mechanics? are repairing it is while we are sound asleep. If not, like anything else, it will also break down.

How much sleep is important?

The answer is adequate. Not less, not more. At least eight hours. Now, in terms of weight loss, lets us see how the body reacts if it is not adequately rested. This is where we bring in the science.

Our body, apart from having a zillion other hormones, also has two hormones that directly affect the regulation of body weight. These hormones are Leptin that suppresses appetite, and Grehlin that increases food craving, which consequently results in overeating. Sleep deprivation lowers the levels of Leptin and raises the levels of Grehlin. This definitely puts things into perspective.

Moreover, inadequate sleep also takes its toll on our energy level, which in turn makes us lethargic. Now, who goes to exercise while feeling listless? No exercise, no calories burnt: no calories burnt, no weight lost. The math is simple!

How to sleep well

Today, with so much stress, mixed priorities and unhealthy habits, sleeping soundly has become a struggle. Most of the time, we end up sleeping in the wee hours of the morning, in spite of hitting the sack quite early. This not only leaves us sleepy during the day but also irritated and frustrated.

The only way to fight this is to develop a healthier lifestyle by staying fit through exercise, eating healthy, avoiding cigarettes and alcohol and distressing. If lying is bed is becoming a ritual where you are staring at the ceiling for hours, its time to wake up and do something about it. For starters, make the bedroom cozy and warm, take a warm bath before going to bed, read a book, eat the last meal of the day at least three hours before bedtime.

Life is quite simple if the priorities are set right. And sleeping should definitely be high on the list. Depriving the body of adequate rest is unhealthy and the repercussions can be quite overwhelming. Getting fat and overweight is just one of them. Take notice, because the list is pretty long.

Rian Peter is a contributing author to the Phenterminehome.com for distinct article sites/journals. Visit the website http://www.phenterminehome.com for more information on Phentermine Diet Pills. For questions, please send an email to rianpeter@gmail.com

Acne Natural Remedy

Nobody wants to be embarrassed because of acne invasions on their face. There are safe and natural treatments for addressing acne and other skin disorders as well as prescription medications. The main problem with prescription medicated acne solutions is that often they cause severe side effects such as birth defect.

There are safe and natural ingredients that help fight acne effectively and cheaply. Look for these ingredients in your next acne-fighting product before ordering. Below I have listed some of these ingredients.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A contributes to the strengthening of your skin?s protective tissue; it prevents acne. In addition, vitamin A assists to cut down on sebum creation in your body. If that was not all, vitamin A also proves quite effective for removing toxins from your body. Not consuming enough vitamin A in your daily diet may be a central cause for getting acne.

Vitamin B1

Vitamin B1 is great for providing energy production, better digestion, metabolism, and overall balance in your body. Since imbalances in your body can cause acne, vitamin B can help restore balance.

Vitamin B2

Vitamin B2 is extremely essential for healthy-looking skin, hair, and even nails. Acne is often a symptom of vitamin B2 deficiency. A safe recommended dosage of vitamin B2 in order to fight acne: 100mg, 3 times daily.

Vitamin B3

Vitamin B3 is very important for healthy skin through the improvement of circulation and the ongoing support of your body with the metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. A deficiency in vitamin B3 will cause acne. A safe recommended dosage to effectively combat acne: 200mg, three times daily.

Vitamin B5

Vitamin B5 has become popular for decreasing stress levels which in turn help to minimize the break outs of acne. A safe recommended dosage to take: 100mg, three times daily.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is a vital for the proper functioning of the immune system and the antibody production. A deficiency in this vitamin may result in acne.

Chromium

Chromium helps to diminish skin infections. In order to get enough chromium in your diet, it ought to be consumed in either two forms: chromium polynicotinate, or chromium picolinate.

Zinc

Zinc helps stop scarring and supports the healing process of tissues. Zinc aids in the prevention of acne by the regulation of oil gland activities. Those who get acne may be deficient in zinc.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E helps improve the healing process and tissue repair. In addition, it stops cell damage by holding back the formation of free radicals and the oxidation of lipids. A safe recommended dosage to take for combating acne: 400 IU, once daily.

To read reviews on effective acne-fighting products that contain the above ingredients and more, visit the links below.

http://www.acneway.com/acnenaturalremedy.html or http://www.acuzine-acne-remedy.co.uk/acnenaturalremedy.html

Read a review: Acnease

Does Your Child See What You See?

Joey Knight was puzzled. What did his parents mean by color? Green shirt, red shirt, brown shirt, gray shirt. Huh? They all looked pretty much the same to him. He figured his parents were just smarter than he was.

Approximately 1:12 males and 1:200 females has some degree of color vision deficiency or colorblindness.

Pre-school books, puzzles, games and other toys are colored intensely enough that most children can tell the colors apart, although they may not look the same to the child with CVD as they do to most people. However, two percent of the male population (and a rare female) cannot see red or green at all, and they confuse other colors as well. These children may not catch on easily to pre-school games that are based on color. They may also resist playing with puzzles that rely as much on color as on shape. They may not be as enthralled with crayons as are most children. They?d just as soon draw with a fat pencil. They may not see optical illusions that are easy for other children to see. These children who are severely affected by CVD see all the reds, oranges, yellows and greens as one color and all the blues, violets and purples as another.

Children who are mildly or moderately affected with CVD may have difficulty matching light shades of colors, especially red (or pink) and green. They often confuse these colors with other colors, such as gray or tan. Those who see red faintly confuse blue and purple because they don?t recognize the red in purple.

From everyday conversation children learn that ?grass is green,? ?the sky is blue,? etc. To help children with CVD learn color names (but not always recognize the color itself), parents can label objects in their homes, like a picture of a ?Bear? for a brown couch or a ?Fire Engine? for red drapes, or a ?Sun? for a yellow wall (although most children with CVD recognize yellow). Parents can also teach their youngsters the first letter of color names printed on crayons so the children can identify them more easily. They can also encourage pre-school teachers to reinforce this teaching-learning process in the classroom.

It?s important -- for children with and without CVD -- not to point out ?mistakes? or to chide children for not naming colors ?correctly.? Some children -- and adults -- simply don?t see as many colors as other people do. Also, it?s better for parents to say, ?I like that green shirt? rather than ask, ?What color is your shirt??

A mother with a preschooler who had a moderate CVD said her husband had become extremely frustrated with their son because he had tried to teach the boy color names. No wonder the boy couldn?t learn color names. Some colors, especially lighter shades, looked identical to him.

Another mother with a son with CVD said she thought her son had a language problem. ?I thought he wasn?t understanding the words,? she said, when he couldn?t tell color names.

CVD is known as a sex-linked recessive disorder. It is carried on the X chromosome. A male has an X and a Y chromosome, and a female has two X chromosomes. When a male inherits an affected X, he will have CVD because, unlike a female, he doesn?t have an unaffected X to dominate the affected X. Because a male always passes his Y chromosome to his sons, he does not pass CVD to his sons; he does, however, pass his X to his daughters who are then ?carriers.? A carrier typically doesn?t show symptoms of CVD, but has a 50 percent chance of passing her affected X on to each of her children. The females who inherit the X will, like their mothers, be carriers; the males who inherit the affected X will, like their maternal grandfathers, have CVD.

If you have a concern about your child?s color vision, consult an eye care specialist. Specialists generally have color vision tests for pre-school children. Your local school nurse can usually test children as young as four easily and quickly using special books that utilize an affected person?s confusion of red and green with gray.

Best of all, a child need not realize that he ?failed? the test. He can simply be told how well he did. Parents can speak with the examiner beforehand to be sure this happens. ?Your eyes are fine. You just don?t see as many colors as most people,? is one explanation. The child can be told he?s like his (maternal) Grandpa or perhaps a (maternal) uncle. Usually, the type of the CVD as well as its degree -- whether it?s mild, moderate or severe -- runs in families. The child observes that the older family member has coped well with his CVD. There?s no need in the pre-school years to delve into occupations that require accurate color vision.

The child with a severe CVD might realize that in some instances he can actually ?see? things that others have difficulty seeing. For instance, some animals are camouflaged -- chameleons, for instance. Their color changes according to their surroundings. A child with typical color vision might not see a chameleon as readily as a child with severely reduced color vision. A child with severe CVD is not confused by color and pays more attention to form, shape and movement.

A delightful book that explores feelings associated with colors is Mary Le Duc?s Hailstones and Halibut Bones. This book can be enjoyed by parents and children regardless of their color vision.

Arlene Evans is a former school nurse who failed to find literature for children or teens regarding this common genetic disorder. She wrote Seeing Color: It's My Rainbow, Too for children and Color is in the Eye of the Beholder for teens and adults. Both books are for people with and without the disorder. Her Web site is: http://www.CVDbooks.com

Hemorrhoid Diet: What Is It

If you are suffering from hemorrhoids chances are that you are not eating right. Of course, this is not always the case but it is at least worth looking into. For some people a simple diet change is all that they need in order to get their hemorrhoids corrected, and their life back to normal.

When searching for a hemorrhoid diet you may want to consult with your doctor. This is not a necessity by any means, but they may be able to give you a better idea of what would work best for you.

To start, you will want to eat plenty of food that is high in fiber. Things such as green vegetables, apples, and whole grains are a great place to start; not to mention the fact that they taste great as well. The bottom line is that fiber is the best way to fight constipation that can lead to hemorrhoids.

In addition to what you eat, make sure that you also take the time to drink properly as well. Anything that is clear, such as water, will do your body good. Also remember to stay away from drinks with caffeine such as cola or coffee.

By going on a diet that is specifically tailored to fight hemorrhoids will allow you to stay pain free without much trouble at all. Many people feel that this is hard to do, but the fact of the matter is that you do not have to go crazy. Simply add some fiber to you diet and cut out the caffeine and you will be fine.

Jeanette Pollock is a freelance author and website owner of hemorrhoiddomain.com. Visit Jeanette's site to learn more about hemorrhoid diets.

Tip on Losing Weight 7 "Secret" Rapid Fatloss Tips That You Would Pay To know!

There are a lot of tips out there that help you lose weight but only a few of them will actually make you a fat burning machine 24/7. You see, the idea here is to keep burning the fat off even when you leave the gym. Whether you are in the office working, at home watching tv, or sleeping, you can burn fat!

The theory behind it is maximizing your body's metabolism. Having a higher metabolism throughout the day will make your body burn more energy 24/7. When this happens, it becomes easier for you to create that deficit between the calories you burn during the day and the calories that you eat.

When you increase your metabolism while maintaining the number of calories you eat, you create a calorie deficit that is conducive to lose weight!

Here are 7 tips that will help you become a lean fat burning machine! Using a tip on losing weight a day into your daily life will help build that body you want in no time.

1. Commitment

Okay, this is the most underestimated tip in your arsenal. You can have all the programs, all the pills, all the supplements that promise you that flat stomach or 6-pack abs and still you can look like a slob because you tried the program for 3 months, saw some progress, called yourself boy/girl fatloss and started binging again in front of your TV. Commitment to the program and to your ideal body is very important. Unless you are truly committed to the goal at hand, you will never get anywhere near that 6 pack or flat stomach.

2. Be ready to make a sacrifice

Simply put, if you're not willing to pay the price: working out, eating the right food, etc. You will not make the cut and say goodbye to your fatloss hopes and dreams.

3. Do HIIT Cardio!

This cardio program is modelled after a sprinter's training program. Have you ever seen a sprinter without a flat stomach or a 6 pack? You can also see that they are significantly more muscular and better looking than their marathon runner counterparts? This is so because HIIT cardio spikes up the body's metabolism into INSANE levels without eating a lot of energy that can reduce your muscle gains. There are a lot of versions of HIIT Cardio but the one I use personally is this.

Sprint - 30 seconds - Rest 30 seconds

Do that for 4 minutes on your first 3 sessions and try to add a minute each session until you reach 12.

Let me warn you: if this is your first time to do this you can last 4 minutes and didn't break a sweat then you're probably doing it wrong. When I say sprint, you go all out until you shake like a leaf. Up the INTENSITY.

This program alone will turn your body into a fat burning furnace!

4. Make sure to eat and eat well!

You know, fat loss doesn't have to equate to starving. If you starve, the more chances you binge in the long run. Do not deplete yourself of energy!!! But don't eat too much either. Maintain the balance, eat 6 times a day of clean food (no Mcdonalds, etc.)

5. Keep yourself Hydrated

What does water have to do with burning fat? EVERYTHING. Almost every process in the body involves water. When you don't hydrate yourself properly, metabolic processes in your body SLOW DOWN. This is bad news for you if you're trying to burn fat!!!

6. Eat a lot of Greens!

Fiber rich foods not only clean your digestive tract but they also are more dense in the stomach. You satiate more quickly when you include a lot of greens/salads in your diet. When you do this, you reduce your chances of binging on junk food and the like!

7. Treat yourself!

These tips put a lot of strain to your body. Don't forget to treat yourself from time to time. Buy yourself a new shirt, shoes, or ice cream! (just don't do it often) It will be easier for you to be committed to your goal if you reward yourself from time to time. Remember your Psychology101, positive-reinforcement!

So there they are your 7 tips to fitness! Hope you find them useful!

Did you like the tips? More of them in this program here!

8 Ways To General Health And Fitness

It never fails but as soon as I wrote all my Weight Loss, Weight Gain, Fitness and Nutrition type of tips I had a few left over that couldn't really be placed into these categories.

But as you will see they are right on the money for your general health and fitness and can be used in your everyday activities.

Lets take a peek:

What Is A Healthy Diet - A healthy diet satisfies two criteria: It contains enough fibre and a number of micronutrients including vitamins and minerals to maintain a healthy body. It is balanced in forms of fat, protein, and carbohydrates and micronutrients.

Don't Train With The Flu - This is one of the biggest exercise blunders you can make A number of temperature raising viruses, including the flu can affect the muscles.

People often forget that the heart is also a muscle and can be weakened by the flu virus. Normally our hearts can cope with the strain of this, but exercising on top of an already weakened heart is potentially fatal. After a bout of the flu, you should wait at least 48 hours before exercising again.

Cool Down - When you do a strenuous workout the blood vessels in your muscles dilate to deliver more blood for the muscles to operate. The skin vessels also dilate to increase the heat loss from your body, which is why you get flushed after exercise.

If you don't give your blood and skin vessels enough time to recover, and jump straight under hot water your skin vessels will dilate even further. Then your heart goes into overdrive trying to pump blood throughout the body.

Ultimately you might notice symptoms like faintness, dizziness or at worst, you could even collapse.

Don't Eat Before Exercising - Always try to eat two or three hours before your exercise and not after that. If you do eat before exercise you can develop what is known as dumping syndrome' where the blood supply that normally goes to your muscles during exercise is diverted to your gut.

This means that you're not getting enough blood to your muscles, which can cause you to become lethargic and faint.

Try to Give Up Smoking - the best and easiest way to give up smoking is to replace it with another habit. Unfortunately, quitting has been associated with weight gain if you replace your cigarette habit with a candy or snack food habit.

So replace the smoking with the habit of exercise!! Nothing tough or painful at first and build up to it. A five minute walk instead of a cigarette and aim to build it up slowly and easily.

Before, you will be fitter, you will be healthier and your body will be more you realize tight and toned.

You will feel better in the morning, your breath will be worth being near again and fingernails, hair and skin will take on a much younger fresher look!! Of the people who die from lung cancer, 95% of them smoke.

Protein Power - Carbohydrates supply the sort of calories easily burned during cardiovascular exercise, but protein plays an important part in building muscle mass - or rather in not storing food as fat. This is largely because the bulk of protein that is eaten will be used to build muscle.

Further the average male will lose 500gms of muscle - not fat - every year once he stops regular exercise. While older men and women are usually touted as the beneficiaries of strength training so to are the young.

Planned Exercise - I suggest you start with 100 minutes per week of mildly puffing exercise be it 2x50 mins, 3x35 mins, 4x25 mins, 5x20 mins all of which produce the same results.

Mix up your aerobic activities in the gym; use the treadmill, bike, climber or any other training gear available to you.

Keep A Training Log - Keep a training log for all your fitness requirements, keeping account of the reps you are using, how many sets, what weights you are using and also the date, time and where the workout took place is imperative for gauging your day to day progress.

Also recording all cardio- vascular activities is just as important.

In conclusion, these general health and fitness might have been left to last but the are still right up there as far as your health and fitness is concerned.

Gary Matthews is the author of the popular fitness eBooks Maximum Weight Loss and Maximum Weight Gain. Please visit http://www.maximumfitness.com right now for your 'free' weight loss or muscle building e-courses.

ADHD Medications Do They Carry Risks for the Heart?

The cardiac risk of the drugs for ADHD have attracted interest recently following the recommendation by the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee of the FDA to include a black-box warning describing the cardiovascular risks of stimulant drugs used to treat this condition. However, this recommendation has subsequently been toned down by the Pediatric Advisory Committee of the FDA.

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a disorder mainly diagnosed in school age children. It is characterized by increased activity, an inability to concentrate and poor school performance. Stimulant drugs have been the mainstay of treatment of ADHD. These include amphetamine and related drugs like methamphetamine and methylphenidate (Ritalin).

It is estimated that 2.5 million children now take stimulants for ADHD in the USA. A growing number of adults also take the drug, with a diagnosis of adult ADHD, which has recently come into vogue. However, the numbers are quite small in Europe and elsewhere.

Now let us come to the crux of the matter. Why are these drugs supposed to cause heart problems?

These stimulant drugs belong to the class of sympathomimetic amines. Cardiovascular effects of these compounds have been well studied. They act by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system and increase heart rate and blood pressure significantly. One study with a commercially marketed formulation showed an increase in systolic BP by about 5 mm Hg in treated adults. Such a rise of BP, argues the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory committee, can cause definite adverse effects on long term therapy.

The induced increase in heart rate also has well-described adverse effects on the heart. Persistent increase in heart rate may induce chronic heart failure as demonstrated in animal models of dilated cardiomyopathy.

The Committee also cites the examples of Ephedra (ma huang), marketed as a dietary supplement and phenylpropanolamine, an over the counter nasal decongestant, which belong to the same class. They have been known to have caused several well publicized adverse effects. Studies have reported that ephedra containing supplements accounted for 64% of the serious adverse reactions to supplements reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, although their sales represented less than 1% of all dietary-supplement sales. A 16-fold increase in the risk of stroke has been reported among women taking phenylpropanolamine as a weight loss drug.

Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory committee studied cases of myocardial infarction, stroke and sudden death in children and adults taking ADHD stimulants which have been reported to the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS). This could represent only a tip of the iceberg as only 1 to 10 percent of serious adverse events are actually reported. Some had evidence of undiagnosed heart disease on autopsy and the documentation was frequently incomplete.

Despite these difficulties, the advisory committee decided to recommend strong preemptive action. Factors which the committee cited as the reason for the action included the tendency of these drugs to raise blood pressure and heart rate, the history of serious adverse effects associated with two drugs of the class (ephedra and phenylpropanolamine) and the rapid increase in exposure,particularly among adults. Though the committee noted important potential benefits of these drugs for certain highly affected children, they felt that the administration of these potent sympathomimetic agents to millions of Americans is inappropriate. The recommendations emphasize more selective and restricted use of these drugs while increasing the awareness of potential hazards.

However, FDA's Pediatric Advisory Committee was of the opinion that adding strong black-box warnings could cause more harm than good and may frighten patients. They, on the other hand, called for new information about health risks on the labels of attention deficit drugs. This would benefit doctors, patients and parents. They said that patients and parents should know about the reports even though it is unclear if the drugs contributed to the problems.

Now, the FDA has to decide on the difficult problem of how to communicate the potential risks associated with ADHD drugs. The FDA will consider both panels' recommendations before making a final labeling decision.

Aslam M is an expert in Cardiolgy. He writes about matters related to heart disease in his Heart Diseases Blog. He also writes a Drug Reviews Blog, where he reviews latest developments in the field of drugs and medical devices.

Skin Care The Importance of Prevention and Maintenance

When it comes to skin care, many people don?t think about it until they start to see the first signs of wrinkles, usually some time in their thirties. Although paying attention to skin care is beneficial at any age, it is important to learn the basics of good skin care as early as possible, and make it a routine. Many times, however, people just don?t know where to start. With all of the beauty products on the market, and all of the claims of their cleansing and anti-aging benefits, how can we figure out the best skin care regimens for ourselves? There have been many strides made in the field of skin care, and some of the new skin care products combined with some old, tried-and-true methods of care can help anyone keep their skin in the best shape possible.

1. Skin care from the inside out ? One thing that a lot of people don?t realize is that skin care is more than just keeping your skin clean and applying the right kinds of creams. The skin is an organ ? the largest organ of the body - and all the organs of the body need good nutrition in order to function properly. With today?s fast food diets and busy lifestyles, where many peoples? idea of a meal is grabbing a quick bite on the way in or out the door, it?s no wonder that there is a nutritional crisis going on. When it comes to skin care, proper nutrition should be the first thing that we think of. Eating healthy foods, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats like olive or canola oil can go a long way in helping the skin stay healthy and supple. A good quality vitamin and mineral supplement each day can help too, especially for busy people who don?t watch their diets as closely as they should. To be healthy, the skin needs the right balance of vitamins and minerals, especially the B vitamins, anti-oxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E, and essential minerals like calcium and magnesium. Proper eating habits and vitamin and mineral supplementation should be considered the first and most essential beauty products and anti-aging products on our lists.

2. The Importance of Prevention in Skin Care ? It is much harder for skin care beauty products and anti-aging products to work when we don?t work to prevent many skin care problems. Good nutrition is one way to do this, but we also need to do more. One of the most damaging elements to the skin is the sun. Not so long ago, people regarded a nice tan as a sign of healthy skin. Today, most of us know that too much exposure to the ultra-violet rays of the sun and even the so called ?safe? UVA rays that come from tanning booths is extremely damaging, and dangerous, to the skin. UV and UVA rays cause premature aging of the skin, and can also cause other skin conditions such as rashes, inflammation, and skin cancer. A good quality sun block lotion is an essential beauty product to have on hand at all times ? with an SPF of 30 or higher. Sun block should be worn all the time when you are outside ? ultra violet rays are still present even on cloudy days ? and should be reapplied whenever necessary. Hats work well for shielding our faces from the sun, as well as trying to always sit in the shade and not directly in the sun.

3. Cleaning ? Keeping skin clean is essential for good skin care. A mild soap that doesn?t dry the skin can be good, and there are several beauty products on the market that focus on safe skin cleansing. Your skin should be cleansed before applying or reapplying any creams or lotions, and any make-up used on the face should be as clean as possible.

4. Creams and Lotions ? Today there are a variety of creams and lotions on the market that are very helpful for skin care. Beauty products and anti-aging products for the skin have been developed over the years that can help the skin renew itself, that can prevent or reduce wrinkles, help prevent or reduce other signs of skin aging, and clear up acne and other debilitating skin conditions. Exfoliating skin creams help the skin slough off old skin cells and produce newer, more resilient skin cells. Certain moisturizers not only keep the skin supple, they can also help the skin rejuvenate itself, and can soften or plump lines and wrinkles, making them noticeably smoother and less apparent. There are creams and lotions for specific areas of the face and body, such as creams for the delicate area around the eyes, the thicker and rougher area of the elbow, or the vulnerable area of the neck. There are non-prescription and prescription creams that can be extremely helpful for clearing up acne and blackheads.

One of the best things that you can do is consult a dermatologist to figure out the best beauty regimen for your skin type. With all of the wonderful beauty products and anti-aging products on the market, as well as some knowledge about nutrition and preventative skin care, your skin can look its best for a very long time.

Kevin DalPorto is the founder of http://www.whatsyourage.com/ , an anti-aging skin care shop and resource site full of informative skin care articles as well as high quality skin care products.