Weight Loss Pills: Miracle Drugs or Money Wasters?

Losing weight is a lifelong commitment. It takes patience and self-discipline to stick with a weight loss program and wait for the end results. Many people want to find the magic shortcut that will make the process just a little shorter and less difficult. Many over-the-counter and prescription pills are purchased for just this purpose. They are available from pharmacies, natural health food stores, and even online. But are these weight loss pills the miracle drugs they claim to be? Or are they just a waste of money?

How Does A Weight Loss Pill Work?

Prescription weight loss pills work in one of three ways. Most of the pills on the market simply suppress the appetite and help you eat less. Others aim to increase your feeling of fullness after eating. Some of the newest weight loss pills on the market work by inhibiting the absorption of fat. Over the counter weight loss pills usually contain a stimulant that helps to decrease your appetite. The only complete weight management system which I approve of is the ?Slimirex?? system.

Who Should Take Weight Loss Pills?

Weight loss pills are most often recommended for people who are medically obese?people whose weight is causing serious health concerns. Even with weight loss pills, the treatment of obesity involves exercise, counseling, dietary changes, and behavioral modifications. But weight loss pills are not only used by obese people. They are also sought after by people who want a quicker way to achieve the weight goals they have set for themselves. As long as men and women continue to compare themselves to the select few beautiful, skinny models on TV screens and magazine pages, there will be a strong market for weight loss pills.

Could Weight Loss Pills Be Dangerous?

Weight loss pills are a medication just like any other type of drug. You need to be very careful about the ingredients of any medication that you place in your body.

ALWAYS Consult Your Doctor

Work in consultation with your natural health care provider if you decide to try a over the counter weight loss pill to help you lose weight. Your doctor can assess your overall weight management goals and he or she can help you monitor the success or side effects of the medication. Be very cautious about the weight loss pill you decide to try. Try visiting www.weightlossobesity.com for general information and recommendations.

Know Your Source

Weight loss pills purchased over the internet may be coming from the garage of a t-shirt salesman (this actually happened!) If you decide to buy your weight loss pills online, make sure you research the company you are buying from so that you can be sure they send you the appropriate supplementation.

Read the Ingredients Some weight loss pills contain the ingredient ephedra (also known as ephedrine and ma huang.) This stimulant has recently come under a lot of scrutiny from the Food and Drug Administration for its links to illness and side effects. Ephedra has been shown to cause heart attacks, seizures and strokes. It is a powerful and dangerous stimulant that can damage the central nervous system and the heart. The most complete system available is the Slimirex system scheduled for release in April 2005.

Watch Out For Dependency

Weight loss pills that contain amphetamine or other stimulants may cause withdrawal symptoms when you decide to discontinue the medication. You may become addicted to these types of pills and be unable to stop taking them. The long term use of weight loss pills may increase your chances of developing serious side effects. Stimulant based weight loss pills can cause Adrenal Burnout Syndrome, which can take years to fix.

The Bottom Line On Weight Loss Pills

1. ALWAYS check with your health care provider. Make sure he or she knows which pill you are going to try and arrange for your progress to be monitored.

2. If your doctor prescribes a weight loss pill for you, make sure you follow the instructions he or she gives you. If you decide to purchase an over the counter weight loss pill, be sure to use Slimirex. DO NOT OVERDOSE to try and gain faster results.

3. Use weight loss pills (Slimirex) in combination with behavioral modifications, dietary changes, and an exercise program to ensure that if you do achieve weight loss results with the pill, you will be able to discontinue their use without hampering your progress.

4. Monitor yourself carefully while you take the weight loss pill. Record your progress as well as any side effects you may be feeling. And be sure to report both to your health care provider.

5. Unless your doctor advises you differently, plan to take the weight loss pill for a maximum of six to eight weeks. These products are not meant for long term usage and side effects can occur.

6. If you are not losing weight, stop taking the weight loss pills. Consult with your health care provider on any lifestyle or medication changes you can incorporate to achieve results.

To learn more visit http://www.weightlossobesity.com.

To order Slimirex visit http://www.slimirex.com.

Dr. Group, the founder/CEO and clinical director for the Global Healing Center, heads a research and development team producing advanced, new, natural health protocols and products. To learn more visit http://www.ghchealth.com.

Available Treatment Options for Bipolar Disorder A Free 7 Part Series

Welcome and thank you for showing your interest in this free series which will explore the different treatment options available for bipolar disorder. In this series you can expect to discover:

Part 1 - What is bipolar disorder and how is it treated.
Part 2 - What medications are effective in treating bipolar disorder.
Part 3 - Effects of nutrition on bipolar disorder, psychotherapy and other treatments.
Part 4 - Co-occuring illnesses and genetics research.
Part 5 - Brain imaging and what does it show.
Part 6 - Treatment research
Part 7 - Where to find help

Let's get to it :)

Introduction

Bipolar Disorder is a mental illness that causes people to experience extremes in moods from high to low, sometimes within a single day or week. As of 2005 there is no known cure for the condition previously known as manic-depressive illness. But scientists, researchers and physicians are optimistic as they work to improve the prospect of a reasonably normal life for sufferers and those they love. The general public must become more aware of this illness in order to take action early, thereby avoiding damaging consequences. Patients themselves ought to pay heed to whatever therapy is recommended by their physician, whom they should know well and trust. Only in this way will people be in the position to successfully manage this potentially devastating illness.

Early Treatment is Important Contrary to the hopes of many parents, Bipolar Disorder cannot be diagnosed at birth. Symptoms usually appear in adolescence or early adulthood. Unless the sufferer is treated, those symptoms will recur throughout the course of life. Some people pug up with bipolar disorder much longer than they should, only because they do not realize they have the illness. If patients are not diagnosed early, and cared for, Bipolar Disorder becomes more difficult to treat. The longer a person continues without medical attention, the higher the risk of alcohol and substance abuse, suicide, and serious issues at home, work and school. Proper treatment is very important so that the bipolar disorder patient can begin to stabilize his or her moods. Exaggerated mood swings are at the heart of this illness, and in many ways define it.

So How is Bipolar Disorder Treated?

Bipolar Disorder is treated through a combination of medication and psychological treatment and oftentimes, nutrition. As with many conditions or illnesses, a collective approach tends to be most effective.

A medical doctor (most often a psychiatrist) with expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders generally prescribes medication. Treatment should be ongoing, and not on-and-off. Even with continuoustreatment, mood swings may happen, but if a doctor is notified, he or she can adjust the treatment plan to suitthe patient?s need. It is critical that patients work very closely with their doctor, communicate openly and honestly regarding questions or concerns, and feel comfortable discussing treatment options.

Many bipolar disorder patients record their daily moods, their treatments, sleep patterns and life events on a chart. By charting their day, sufferers and their loved ones become more aware of possible triggers. As a consequence, they can effectively guide the treatment process.

In the next issue we'll explore the different medications used to treat bipolar disorder.

Copyright 2005 LifeWithBipolar.com

Wishing you a full and joyous life,
Derek Barlow

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If you would like to receive the remaining issues in this
free 7 part series, please visit us at
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Maximum Potency Aloe Vera and Its Benefits

Aloe Vera is a wonderful, necessary supplement for good health and well being. It's anti-inflammatory, blood sugar balancing, anti-pathogenic, free radical scavenging, and immune modulating. As such it's extremely effective in bolstering and balancing the immune system.

There are many forms of immune system supplements on the market today including pills, liquid, aloe juice, and freeze dried soluble powders. If you do your due diligence and seek information you will reach the obvious conclusion that freeze dried aloe is by far the most effective way to absorb the benefits into your system.

21st Century Aloe Vera makes the most potent product on the market today for two reasons. Firstly, they produce their freeze dried product only from the gel. Secondly their product has the highest range of molecular weight possible. The more complete the molecular weight, the more complete the healing properties will be.

AIDS is a bell weather disease regarding the immune system because the HIV virus launches a direct attack upon it.. Any product that positively effects the symptoms of this disease can certainly positively effect any other attack on the immune system.

Because of it's potency in terms of it's purity and absorption into the body, a product called 21st Century Aloe Vera repairs the immune system in a universal fashion. Using this product as the universal foundation for fighting and preventing disease will result in the reversal of countless number of conditions and diseases. If a powerfully destructive disease like AIDS can be reversed with a natural treatment that repairs the immune system in a universal fashion, then literally all disease will benefit from this type of treatment.

By hand filleting the gel off the Aloe leaf and combining other proprietary extraction and mixing techniques 21st Century Aloe Vera freeze dried powder contains all the healing advantages of the fresh plant in a concentrated form. 7-8 gallons of fresh gel make 1 ounce of this product. The biggest whole leaf juice competitor contains 97% of it's molecular weights under 150,000 Daltons which makes it almost useless in terms of healing properties.

Other more advanced freeze dried competitors do better with 99% of it's molecular weight up to 1,000,000 Daltons. But they use alcohol in their antiquated freeze drying process while 21st Century uses none. 10% of 21st Century HGH has molecular weights from 1,000,000 to 2,500,000 Daltons. You can't find a more complete or potent aloe vera product anywhere.

In the rest of the aloe vera industry there are not very many products that actually offer anything more than 150,000 Daltons in molecular weights, a long way off any meaningful healing result. 21st Century aloe vera goes way past that by containing Acemannan. This term, assigned by the United States Names Council of the US Government, describes the long linear chains of MPS from Aloe Vera that exceed 750,000 Daltons which bolster and balance the immune system. This means that 21st Century Aloe Vera has a much higher concentration of Acemannan for immune system health than any other product in the world.

Only the gel from aloe vera should be used for human consumption and not the whole leaf. All whole leaf products contain broken down MPS (Mucilaginous Poly Saccharide) molecules and therefore no real healing properties. Even worse than this is that whole leaf supplements contain caustic minerals and enzymes that are very hard on the stomach. The freeze dried product from 21st Century is made only from the gel and is very soothing and healing to the stomach.

MPS from the aloe plant stands for Mucilaginous Poly Saccharide, which is the sticky portion of the plant. It is a long sugar molecule arranged in long linear chains. The longer the chain, the more MPS weighs. The MPS molecule ranges from 10,000 to 2,500,000 Daltons. For all the healing effects to be available in an Aloe supplement, all the molecular weight ranges need to be there. 21st Century Aloe Vera is the only product on the market today that achieves this complete molecular weight.

Unfortunately, there are not very many aloe products on the market that actually offer anything more than a few thousand Daltons in molecular weights of the MPS molecule. By hand filleting the gel off the leaf, freeze drying with a proprietary method of mixing the powder including the vast and complete range of MPS molecular weights, 21st Century Aloe Vera contains all the healing advantages of the fresh plant.

Michael Harvey is a retired professional athlete who has been in the nutritional industry since 1995. The most informative website on Aloe Vera can be found at http://www.1st-aloe-vera.com.

Smoking: 4 Reasons of Why You Should Quit

Knowing the reasons of why you want to quit is an important fist step. Being clear about your reasons, can be a very powerful tool. You have probably seen many articles, telling you how to quit smoking, but without a proper motivation, they are useless. That is why instead of telling you what to do, I will tell you why you should do it and after that, it will be up to you to find the right way.

These are the 4 reasons of why you should quit smoking.

1. it kills
2. it harms people around you
3. it makes you age quicker
4. it is expensive

1. Smoking Kills.

Did you know?
-Each year, smoking kills 5 million people worldwide.

These are some dangerous chemicals that can be found in cigarettes:

Nicotine
Nicotine is a stimulant drug. Like any drug, nicotine can be very addictive. Nicotine inhalation stimulates the central nervous system, making a person more relaxed and less sensitive to pain, but in large doses nicotine acts as a depressant. One drop of nicotine can kill a horse.

Tar
Tar transports chemicals to your bloodstream. Tar gets collected in your lungs and also, stains your teeth. Tar has proven to be the major cause of lung cancer.

Acetone
Acetone is an extremely dangerous substance, it can be found in nail polish removers. Acetone is also used to make fibers, plastic, drugs and other chemicals. A long-term exposure to acetone can cause kidney and liver damage.

Mercury
Mercury is a chemical element, also called ?quicksilver?. Mercury is a toxin, easily absorbed through the skin; it attacks the central nervous system, also Mercury affects gums and teeth. A long-term exposure to this chemical, can cause brain damage and death.

2. Smoking Harms People around You.

Your smoking can harm others. None-smokers, exposed to second-hand smoke are at risk of many health problems related to direct smoking.

Did you know?
- When you smoke in public, people around you could experience: dizziness, nausea, headaches, sore throat and eye irritation.
- Passive smokers have an extremely high risk of heart disease and lung cancer.
- Each year, 20% of people dying from lung cancer worldwide, are passive smokers.
- Children of smokers have a 70% increased risk of respiratory illnesses and middle ear infection.

3. Smoking Makes You Age Quicker.

Smoking makes you look older by narrowing the small blood vessels in your skin. Your skin loses its elasticity and shininess; instead, it will look dry, old and wrinkled.

4. Smoking is Expensive

Not only does smoking damage your health, it is also expensive. Depending on where you live, smoking a pack of cigarettes a day can cost you up to $4000 dollars a year. It is a lot of money that you could spend on something more important in your life. If you think, that $4000 a year is a lot, try to calculate, how much drugs and medical care services would cost you, to get rid of all of the side-effects and illnesses caused by smoking.

So, to sum it up:

Smoking kills you, harms people around you, makes you age quicker and costs a lot of money.

WellnessWorx.net markets quality, weight-management, nutrition and personal health care products created by WellnessPro leading industry experts. For more articles, please visit our article section at: http://wellnessworx.net/articles.htm

What Causes Restless Leg Syndrome?

Restless legs syndrome or shortly RLS, is a health condition in which legs feel very uncomfortable while sitting or lying down, especially at night. Usually it makes one feel like getting up and moving around. When doing so, the unpleasant feeling of restless legs syndrome might go away, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. Restless leg syndrome affects both, men and women and can begin when you're young or as you get older. Restless legs syndrome can disrupt sleep thus leading to daytime drowsiness.

So, what causes restless leg syndrome?

Nobody actually knows the real cause for restless leg syndrome. Some research has been done and the researchers suspect it might be due to an imbalance of the brain chemical called dopamine. Dopamine sends messages to control muscle movement.

It has also been noticed that restless leg syndrome runs in families and that stress tends to make things even worse. If there is any changes in hormonal balance, that may worsen restless leg syndrome symptoms. Also, some women experience restless leg syndrome during their pregnancy and it disappears soon after the delivery.

However, restless leg syndrome is not related to some serious medical problems, but sometimes it accompanies other conditions and some of them are peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy damages the nerves in hands and feet and sometimes it is due to chronic diseases such as diabetes and alcoholism. Also, iron deficiency might cause restless leg syndrome, it might cause or worsen restless legs syndrome.

Researchers assume that kidney failure might be the cause too, at least to some degree. This is when the kidney does not function properly, iron stores in blood can decrease and cause some of the rls symptoms. All these and some other changes in body chemistry may cause or worsen restless leg syndrome.

Some other, known causes of restless leg syndrome include muscle overexertion, prolonged sitting, dehydration, decreased potassium levels, neuromuscular disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, certain medications, such as albuterol, niacin, diuretics, and some calcium channel blockers and antipsychotic medications, also alcohol use.

If you find this article helpful, but need more information, you are welcome to visit this very informative website, where you can find a lot of information about restless leg syndrome and help yourself with this annoying health condition. There are many different ways to combat restless leg syndrome and you can find some excellent information about restless leg syndrome, simply by visiting the website below.

Sam Jackson owns very informative weblog, where you can find lots of useful information about restless leg syndrome.

Early Diagnosis Is Critical For Effective Treatment of Mesothelioma

Cancer is one of the most fatal diseases nowadays. It doesn?t choose its victims. Men and women alike, old and young die of cancer. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the mesothelium, specifically the Pleura (membrane that surrounds the lungs) and the Peritoneum (membrane surrounding the abdomen). Both Pleural Mesothelioma and Peritoneum Mesothelioma are primarily caused by the inhalation or exposure to asbestos, an incombustible fibrous mineral of impure magnesium silicate used in various industrial products. About 30 to 50 per cent of the total Mesothelioma cancer patients had not been exposed to asbestos, yet they have acquired the disease. Cancer specialists continue to study this rare kind of cancer so as to provide the public clear and exact information with regard to its cause, nature and cure.

Like many other forms of cancer, Mesothelioma has different stages. The earliest stage is still curable since only one layer of the pleura is affected. Surgery is the number one option for patients with Stage I Mesothelioma. The doctor removes the part of the lining of the lungs or chest (in case of Pleural Mesothelioma) and the lining of the abdomen (in case of Peritoneal Mesothelioma). In Stage II Mesothelioma, surgery can still be executed although some lymph nodes may have already been infected by the malignant Mesothelioma cancer cells. The diaphragm may also be removed; in severe cases, the Mesothelioma patient has to sacrifice one of his lungs.

Usually, surgery comes with systemic treatments, which include radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Through radiotherapy, Mesothelioma cancer cells are killed; however, only the cells in the treated area die. High energy rays used in radiotherapy or radiation therapy may either come from an external machine or from thin plastic tubes positioned into the tissues where Mesothelioma cancer-stricken cells are found. Inside the plastic tubes are radiation-emitting materials that kill the malignant cells. The use of an external machine is called external radiation therapy while the other is called internal radiation therapy. Also, a radioactive substance such as radiolabeled monoclonal antibody is circulated around the body during radiotherapy.

Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer drugs to kill the malignant cells. In treating Mesothelioma, the anti-cancer drugs are usually given to the patient through intravenous injection (within the vein). Oncologists are still studying the possibility of treating Mesothelioma through intracavitary chemotherapy (within the chest or abdomen). Some Mesothelioma patients also undergo Photodynamic therapy, a kind of cancer therapy that combines the use of drug (photosensitizer) with a specific kind of light. The photosensitizing agent when exposed to the light produce oxygen that destroys nearby malignant cancer cells. The drug is injected into the bloodstream and is absorbed by the cells.

In order to relieve the symptoms of Mesothelioma such as the pain in the chest or abdomen due to the build up of fluid, a physician drains the fluid by using a needle. The procedure is known as thoracentesis (removal of fluid in the chest) or paracentesis (removal of the fluid in the abdomen). To prevent further accumulation of the lubricating fluid in the membranes of the chest or abdomen, drugs are given through a tube in the affected organ.

Although the said treatments to Mesothelioma have been proven effective, chance of recovery and survival still depends on the size or extent of the cancer. Chances are higher when Mesothelioma is still in its early stages. Surgery is only advisable only up to the second stage of the Mesothelioma cancer wherein only one part or smaller portions of the membranes are affected. A patient diagnosed with stage IV Mesothelioma (diffuse Mesothelioma) has only about 4-24 months to live. Furthermore, the age of the patient and his general health condition is also crucial to his recovery. Older patients do not respond well to certain cancer treatments such as surgery because their tissues, organs and other body parts are more delicate.

David Arnold Livingston is passionate about Health and suggests you visit, as a resource: http://www.newmesothelioma.com/

Hiatal Hernia A More Dangerous and Hard to Detect Form of the Common Illness

Hiatal hernia is not as widespread as inguinal hernia which is the most encountered form but it is the second most common type of hernia so you should know what it is and how it manifests in order to know if you are suffering from it and what to do in this case.

Most hernias occur in the abdominal area. Hiatal hernia appears in the upper parts of the abdomen, at the diaphragm. A simple definition of hernia is that it is a disease that appears when a certain part of the body loses its resistance, because it gets old in most cases, and another part of the body that is in contact with the first one slips through a small hole that appears in the first part. Depending on the body parts involved in this hernia can be divided into more types.

Hiatal hernia involves the diaphragm, which is the first 'organ' from the situation above, the one that gets weakened, and the stomach, its upper side in most cases is the second one. The stomach is supposed to stay under the diaphragm (the muscular membrane that separates the abdomen from the lungs), but the diaphragm has a small hole in it through which the esophagus passes. The area around the hole weakens and a part of the stomach passes through it and slides inside the chest cavity. There are two forms of hiatal hernia, sliding hiatal hernia, when the stomach slides through the opening in the diaphragm between the stomach and esophagus as mentioned above, which is the most common form, and rolling hiatal hernia, less encountered, when the stomach slides along the esophagus not between it and the stomach.

Unlike other forms of hernia you can't feel the bulge that appears because the stomach slides inside the body, so in order to detect it you need to pay close attention if any of its symptoms show up, which is not that easy because in most cases it shows no easy-to-see symptoms! It usually causes heartburn, a warm feeling in the chest, because of the acid in the stomach that re-fluxes backwards in the esophagus. Most people feel symptoms after eating and lying down, they start feeling bad, especially if they eat hot spicy foods.

If you experience any of the mentioned above try paying a visit to your doctor and ask for a control. These symptoms also appear because of indigestion so don't get alarmed until you receive diagnostic. It's important to detect hiatal hernia early because if it's left untreated it may lead to severe complications that include heart-attack! So periodically visit your doc and pay attention to the symptoms to avoid complications, but don't panic as soon as you get a little heartburn because there's a long way from that to a heart-attack.

If you want to find great information on different hernia subjects check out this links. You can find great content regarding hiatal hernia, inguinal hernia and many more at http://www.hernia-guide.com

Eight Strategies To Avoid The Flu

It is that time of year when the Flu is flourishing in the workplace, classrooms, hospitals, and homes. The influenza virus differs from the common cold in the sudden onset of symptoms. These are severe headaches, fever, chills, muscle aches and sometimes, nausea and diarrhea. The following are some strategies to stay healthier, this flu season.

Get the flu shot. There are three types of flu. However, the type A virus is constantly changing which tricks the body into believing that it is fighting a new virus. The flu shot is the best line of defense in fighting the flu which is most prevalent.

Stay home when ill. Even though the common mode of thought is to drag our bodies to work when we are sick, it is not necessarily the best mode of thought. Studies have shown that sick and ill workers actually reduce productivity which costs the company money, not to mention the inconvenience to other workers who are infected. Use your sick time.

Wash your hands frequently. The key to removing germs, which could spread infection, is soap, water and friction. Wash your hands briskly and frequently. Keep a hand sanitizer on your person or near you, when a restroom is not readily available.

Eat yogurt or take a supplement containing probiotics. Probiotics are nature?s friendly germs. A large percentage of immune cells, that ward off disease, live in our digestive tract. Keeping a larger percentage of probiotics or beneficial bacteria to harmful bacteria in our intestines helps to ward off colds and flu.

Hydrate your environment, inside and out. Keep a few bowls of warm water around your house to increase moisture inside your house. Drink six to eight glasses of water a day. A lack of adequate hydration lowers the immune system making you susceptible to colds and flu. Drink tap, purified or spring water. Distilled water contains no minerals.

Eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables. Colorful berries provide a natural mix of antioxidants. Orange vegetables are a great source of beta-carotene. Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C. Thinking in terms of a rainbow of color, of different fruits and vegetables, will ensure that you get the vitamins necessary for good health.

Make sure to get adequate sleep. The average American subsists on two hours less sleep, a night, than our ancestors. Studies suggest that most of us require a little more than eight hours of sleep a night. Lack of adequate sleep causes our bodies to produce fewer antibodies, resulting in a lower immune system. Adequate sleep is crucial to good health.

Have a regular exercise regimen. Moderate exercise, thirty to sixty minutes, three times a week helps boost immunity. An exhaustive workout can suppress the immune system for the short term. Find an exercise regimen that works for you.

All of these strategies will help you to live a healthier life, as well as provide protection against the flu. Try and make these strategies a part of your everyday life and you should be rewarded with less colds and flu when the flu season hits.

Constance Weygandt is a balance mentor, speaker and author. For more information on health and wellness or to sign up for Constance's newsletter, visit her website at http://www.balancedwellnessonline.com

Home Fitness Equipment Versus a Gym Membership

The debate: should you pay for a membership to a gym? Or should you buy some home fitness equipment, instead? Although this may seem like a simple question, it is mostly just a question of money. Both gym memberships and home fitness equipment can be very expensive. If you have the money, definitely buy both. If you do not? here is a quick guide to help you decide which is best for you.

Benefits of a gym membership:

?Exercising around other people can be highly motivating ? it might just motivate you stay on that treadmill for 10 minutes longer (even if it is just because you do not want to look foolish getting off too soon).

?Gyms often have classes that you can drop in on. Again, there are benefits to working out with other people. Also, many of these classes are just as fun as they are good for you. And you can make it a point to visit the same classes day after day ? it is a good way to get you to the gym.

?Gyms have multiple types of equipment and weights ? a lot more than you would be able to fit into your home. At a gym, you have a choice between the elliptical machine, a treadmill, a recumbent bike, a rowing machine, etc. There are also multiple weight machines for you to use ? each one focusing on a different muscle.

?The equipment is kept up-to-date. Your gym might have some of the newest and greatest exercise equipment available.

?At a gym, you can hire a personal trainer (and sometimes you can even get one for free!). A personal trainer can help you decide what sort of workout is best for your body type and to accomplish the goals that you have in mind. Some gyms even have nutritionists on staff.

?Some gyms have swimming pools and saunas, etc.

Benefits of home fitness equipment:

?You do not have to pay monthly or yearly fees. Once you buy your home fitness equipment, you have few other costs associated with it.

?You can hop right out of bed to go use your home fitness equipment ? you do not need to make sure that your hair looks all right, and you do not need to waste time and money driving to the gym.

?You can put in a movie or watch whatever TV you choose to when you are exercising at home.

?If you start to feel sick, hungry, thirsty, or need to go to the bathroom during the middle of a workout, you can stop right then without feeling embarrassed.

?You can exercise at any time you wish, night or day.

?Many types of home fitness equipment can be easily stored away when you are not using it, so you do not have to worry about sacrificing space in your house.

All in all, the choice is completely up to you. There are many people who buy home fitness equipment, only to let it get dusty, sitting in the garage. Likewise, there are many people who buy year-long gym memberships and then find that they stop going after just a few months. No matter what, though, it is a good idea to have a few simple pieces of home fitness equipment at home ? like 2 five or ten pound barbells ? in case you ever feel inspired to work out but do not feel like leaving.

And if you find that you do not have enough money for either a membership or equipment for your home, why not go take a jog or a walk outside? Go on a hike, play in the park, or ride your bike. The most important thing is that you find an outlet to get some exercise, regardless of whether it is at a gym, at home, or outside.

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, exercise, and home decor. Her background includes teaching and gardening. For more of her articles on exercise equipment please visit Home Fitness Equipment.

Secret Training Tip #242 Be 10% Stronger in Leg Curls Instantly!

This is a trick to be done on a leg curl machine. By simply changing where you grip your hands on the machine, you can increase your strength in the movement by as much as 10% instantly!

Lie face down on the bench as you normally would when doing the exercise. Instead of gripping the machine on the handles below the bench with your arms bent, extend your arms straight overhead in front and grab on to whatever is there. This is generally the frame on either side of the weight stack. Be aware that this trick will not work if there is nothing there to grab - some machines just end at the bench and have the weights stack to the side or behind.

Do your leg curls as you usually would but using this different grip. You should feel stronger when doing them.

One of the best ways to see this principle in action is to do a set as you normally would with your normal grip for about 10 to 12 reps. When you can?t do any more reps, switch to the grip as explained above. You should be able to get a few more reps out.

When using this grip you should also find that you can use a little more weight than you usually do for reps.

The reason this trick works is that having your arms straight removes your biceps as the limiting link in the exercise. It transfers the force through your stronger back muscles instead, resulting in instant increased strength!

For information on how to do the leg curl exercise, go to http://www.fitstep.com/Library/Exercises/Legcurls.htm

About The Author

Nick Nilsson is Vice President of BetterU, Inc., an online exercise, fitness, and personal training company. Check out his latest eBook The Best Exercises You've Never Heard Of at http://www.thebestexercises.com or visit http://www.fitstep.com. You can contact him at betteru@fitstep.com or subscribe to BetterU News, his fitness newsletter at betterunews@fitstep.com.

Liposuction Vacuum Your Fat Away

Somewhere during the course of living, humans decided to put a price on their lives. And then they demanded quick satisfaction, instead of the slow, healthier process. Speed and recklessness can be a fatal combination and when it comes to losing weight, a lot of people bypass the safe method, for the fast and more dangerous method. It's a basic fact that the best way to lose weight is through a change in lifestyle, which will include watching your diet and daily exercise. Of course, this can be slow, tedious and boring, but it's safe and has proved to work.

But people live in a fast-paced world and they want instant results. The weight loss industry seems to release at least one wonder pill a year. People appear to be gaining weight at an alarming rate, especially in the US, so the public is more than ready to try any new weight loss drug. The major problem with these drugs is that they normally don't live up to their marketing hype and they all have side-effects. But drugs aren't the only things people will try to reduce their weight, they will also experiment with different medical procedures and one such procedure is liposuction.

Liposuction, is a way to remove fat from the body, using a form of suction. During a normal liposuction procedure, small, thin, tubes are inserted into tiny incisions in the skin. The doctor will guide the tubes under the skin while the fat is being suctioned out. The most common areas that liposuction is used on are the thighs, buttocks, arms, neck and abdomen. Liposuction is usually done as an outpatient procedure as it doesn't require hospitalization, unless a large amount of fat is being removed.

Before the creation of liposuction, the surgical knife was used to help remove fat. A lot of blood was lost during the surgical knife procedure. Liposuction was first done in 1974, in Italy. US physicians started to experiment with liposuction in the 1980s and in 1985, two US dermatologists created the tumescent technique, which made liposuction more safe and effective by removing the need for general anesthesia. Ultrasound was added to the liposuction procedure during the 1990s. The ultrasound liquefied the fat, which helped the tubes move more smoothly under the skin. Then came the Vaser System, which refined the use of ultrasound, created less trauma to the body and allowed the treated areas to be framed better.

Liposuction has been made safer over the years, but it's still surgery and any form of surgery is potentially risky. Although liposuction doesn't bill itself as a weight loss alternative, the removal of fat equates to the removal of weight. The danger with any new successful medical creation is that the public might abuse it. Liposuction is one of the most performed surgeries in the US. It's not abnormal for people to be concerned about their weight, but the extremes they're willing to put their bodies through can be very unhealthy. Liposuction may be safer, but there's nothing normal about it.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Liposuction

Losing Weight with Phentermine

To be healthy is the ultimate desire of the young generation. A healthy body is defined as a proper ratio of height and weight of an individual and it is called mass index. If mass index exceeds the body ratio then it is treated as an obesity case. There are mainly two advantages of healthy body; increase in resistive power to fight back the disease, and improve self-confidence level of the individual. Keeping body fit helps the individual to progress in all the walks of life.

To overcome obesity is the primary requirement of an individual and to overcome this, strong will power and patience play an important role. But in most of the cases, people are unable to cope up with these factors; thus some of the medicine experts introduced weight loss tablets in the market. These pills help in reducing the excess weight and keep the individual fit and healthy. One of such pill is the Phentermine, which acts as an agent in suppressing the diet and appetite. When diet and appetite is in control, body automatically responds to the mass index of the individual. The Phentermine is one of the best diet suppressant medicines available in the recent market. It has a certificate approved by the FDA and it is working in this field since 1953. It helps in reducing weight in just two to three months. The proper ratio of metabolic rate and the calorie ratios are properly maintained with the help of Phentermine. Another reason for Phentermine to be popular world wide is the cost of the pills as compared to other weight loss pills. Phentermine pills are cheap and fulfill the desire of being healthy and fit.

As we know that the Phentermine is a medicine that controls the appetite, it is also an Anorectics class of drug. The main job of these pills is to affect the serotonin conditions of the brain and in turn reduce the quantity of intake. Due to this the individual is less attracted towards the fatty foodstuffs and gains control over the excess calories. Every medicine takes time to show actual effects and the same is the case with Phentermine, so people taking Phentermine pills should have patience and will power.

Phentermine does not boast about its popularity neither it is a magic pill because Phentermine work for those people who are ready to carry out daily workouts nor stick to the balanced diet. It is a two way process. Once you are ready to follow the system then only Phentermine will work for you otherwise the result will not be achieved as per your anticipation. The Phentermine pills are recommended to those patients who are suffering from obesity and other illness related to over-weight. People with heart problems should not go for Phentermine. Pregnant women are advised to stay away from Phentermine and in case they are already taking Phentermine, should consult their doctor for the right kind of doses; otherwise the new born baby may lead to abnormalities. Brest feeding mothers are not recommended to take Phentermine pills.

There are various formulae available in case of Phentermine pills, one of them is quick release formula that provides fast impact on the blood stream and helps in controlling the appetite and reduces the weight enormously. The second formula works with time frame, in which the medicine mixes in blood stream after 12 hours and after this period only, the actions start for controlling the appetite. The obesity patients who are undergoing treatment with Phentermine are advised not to engage in activities such as driving and working on heavy machineries.

Individuals have to follow Phentermine pills for three to four months and during this period they have to carry out regular exercise and follow correct dose of the pills.

Learn more about Phentermine and how it can be part of your weight loss toolbox at PhenForum.com. This site offers discussion forums, a weight loss support group, weight loss tips, and much more - all for free!

Breast Enlargement Pumps

Manufacturers claim the pumps are a miracle treatment for women who dream of fuller and supple breasts without the pains and health problems associated with surgery. Breast enlargement pumps consist of a pump attached to a specially designed cups or cylinders. Each cup or the cylinder is attached to the breasts and manually pumped up to a good pressure. This procedure is repeated for 15 minutes twice a day to produce the best results.

According to the manufacturer, the external pressure creates a suction by which the breasts are pulled outward. This process increases vacuums of fat and fluids and makes them flow into the breast tissue cells causing them to enlarge. Pumps also helps to build and expand the mammary gland tissue by stimulating a balanced natural hormone level and encourages increased production of collagen to provide firmer breasts.

Some manufacturers claim that regular stimulation of the breast tissue by pumps induces the pituitary gland to increase the production and release of the female hormones responsible for breast growth. Besides, regular stimulation and the gentle stretching of the breast repeatedly induces new cellular growth and enlarges the breast. The process works in the same manner as regular exercising does for muscle growth.

Whether the breast enlargement pump is effective in the enhancement of the breasts is still a matter of speculation. Many doctors deny any role of pumps in the process of breast enlargement. The supposed increase in the size, doctors say, is purely a placebo effect. Secondly, the elastic nature of the skin responds to the prolonged pumping by stretching itself to an extent as to give the effect of an enlargement.

Some women claim that prolonged use of pumps has increased their breast by 2 cups. Some have reported an increase by a cup size within three weeks. The use of breast enlargement pumps may harm or damage the breast tissue, so before deciding on the use of pumps it would be worth the effort to investigate all information thoroughly.

Breast Enlargement provides detailed information about breast enlargement, breast enlargement costs, breast enlargement creams, and more. Breast Enlargement is affiliated with Breast Enhancement Surgery.

9 Tips To Cleaner and Healthier Skin

For cleaner, healthier and easier to manage skin just follow this list of nine items:

1) Lower your stress level through prayer and meditation. Stress creates hormones that actually age us as they destroy cells and create toxic byproducts and free radicals. Studies have shown that prayer and meditation can reduce our stress levels. Prayer and meditation have been proven to even alleviate some of the symptoms of cancer and other life threatening diseases.

2) Drink plenty of water. It is a fact that 90% of us do not drink enough water. For your skin cells to function properly and heal properly from cuts, etc... we need to drink 8-12 glasses of water every day. Our skin is one of our most important organs as it protects us from disease, cushions our falls, etc... It needs plenty of water.

3) Get proper sleep. Not getting the proper 8-10 hours of sleep per day will first show in your skin. Broken capillaries, puffiness, circles under the eyes.

4) Eat well. Get proper nutrition. Too many junk foods can cause or worsen skin problems like pimples and acne. A well balanced meal 3 times per day has been proven to help alleviate spikes in skin problems and help to average out the outbreaks in acne vulgaris.

5) Take vitamins to supplement your skin and body. We can't always make sure we get 100% of each vitamin and mineral with the foods we eat, but we can take a multivitamin once a day. They are cheap at Walmart and there is no excuse. People that take multivitamins once a day live longer. Its a proven fact just like persons that smoke take years off their lives.

6) Properly clean your skin. Harsh soaps can dry out your skin and even stimulate further sebum (oil) production which can worsen acne. Use a mild cleanser with 2% salicylic acid. This has been proven very effective in ridding excess oils while maintaining proper hydration and pH. The slight acidity will keep bacteria at bay.

7) Don't smoke. Smoking puts years on you. Literally, smoking can add 10 years to the aged look of your skin. Why would you want to do that? If you must have nicotine then get nicotine gum or the patch - they will cure your cravings and there is no evidence or statistics of anyone developing cancer, lung disease, etc... from these.

8) Wear sunscreen. The skin does have keratonin to protect against the suns rays, but it is no match for UV rays, etc... that we expose ourselves to. Melanoma has several forms and all are deadly. If you don't think you will get skin cancer or think you are invulnerable, just go to your local dermatologist and ask to see pictures of clients with skin cancer, better yet go to the oncology center at your local hospital. You won't think that way ever again. Wear sunscreen.

9) Treat yourself to a spa treatment atleast once a year. Skin peels, TCA peels, deep tissue massage, complete relaxation, aromatherapy, etc... will all energize and heal your skin. TCA peels will actual improve your skins ability to regenerate itself and improve collagen levels.

Remember, follow these nine steps to enjoy healthier skin.

David Maillie is a chemist with over 12 years experience in biochemical research and clynical analysis. He is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in biochemical synthesis for public, private, and governmental interests and manufactures various skin peels for plastic surgeons, medispas, and in home use. He can be reached at M.D. Wholesale: http://www.bestskinpeel.com

LCarnitine For Health & Muscle Growth: What You Need To Know About LCarnitine

L-carnitine is a nutritional supplement that has been touted by body builders and other athletes as a safe and helpful way to create bigger and more efficient muscles. Some physicians and researchers have looked at L-carnitine to prevent muscle wasting in people who need kidney dialysis; alternative medicine purveyors suggest that L-carnitine may stop cellular aging. In order for you to make a healthy decision about using L-carnitine, we?ve put together some information any potential buyer should have.

What is L-carnitine, anyways?

L-carnitine is a modified amino acid, produced in the liver. Most amino acids form the building blocks of proteins, which in turn provide much of the structure and function of the body. L-carnitine is different than amino acids in that it doesn?t form a part of a protein; instead it serves as a delivery van, moving fats into specialized parts of our cells, where they can be used for energy.

Several conditions can result in lowered L-carnitine levels, including:

-rare genetic (hereditary) conditions -loss of L-carnitine during dialysis (the mechanical process used to clean the blood in patients whose kidneys can?t manage it) -certain persons (for example, premature babies) who may not get enough L-carnitine in their diets and cannot make adequate amounts in their livers

Where can I get some?

Most people synthesize (make) enough L-carnitine for their needs in the liver. You can also get significant amounts in your diet from:

-ground beef -pork -milk -fish

Even strict vegetarians generally make enough that they don?t need to eat meat to have the needed L-carnitine ; they can also get small amounts from sources like avocado, whole wheat bread and asparagus.

Should I be taking L-carnitine supplements?

People who have a liver condition that doesn?t allow L-carnitine to be synthesized need to take L-carnitine supplements in order to survive; this is also the case for people who are born with kidneys that excrete L-carnitine in large amounts.

Because L-carnitine is so important in creating energy, many people swear by it to enhance their athletic activity. They feel that this is particularly important in their muscles, which often need lots of energy in order to increase in size (as in body building) and to function over long periods of time (in marathon runners).

Unfortunately, studies to date have not shown conclusively that supplementation improves athletic performance or muscle bulk. Some research suggests though that larger studies need to be done to see if there is an effect on certain types of exercise or certain sub-groups of athletes.

There is a little more evidence that L-carnitine may be useful for people with conditions that lead to loss of L-carnitine, for example:

*Aging. Some studies suggest that energy and memory losses may in part be due to decreased levels of L-carnitine in older rats and mice; L-carnitine has been shown to partially reverse these changes. Large studies are planned to see if L-carnitine has this effect on aging humans

*Heart damage. Several studies in humans suggest that L-carnitine supplementation after myocardial infarction (heart attack) may help the heart repair damaged cells and help it function better. L-carnitine even seems to help people who are having angina - the pain that sometimes precedes heart attack.

*Muscle loss from kidney disease. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of L-carnitine in dialysis patients to prevent and treat carnitine deficiency that is caused by kidney disease and dialysis. While it does not work for all patients who experience muscle weakness and loss, it is available as an alternative if standard treatments aren?t working.

The Short Answer...

Unless you have one of a few specific conditions, it?s not yet clear whether L-carnitine will help you with your goals. Since for some people (including those with seizure disorders, who have Alzheimer?s disease, or who are pregnant and nursing) L-carnitine supplements may be dangerous, your best bet might be to wait until more information is available.

Sources Used:

Brass E., ?Supplemental carnitine and exercise,? American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 72, issue supplement 2, p 618S-623S, 2002

Davini P, et al ?Controlled study on L-carnitine therapeutic efficacy in post-infarction,? Drugs Under Experimental and Clinical Research, Volume 18, issue 8, p 355-365, 1992

Hagen T., et al. ?Feeding acetyl-L-carnitine and lipoic acid to old rats significantly improves metabolic function while decreasing oxidative stress,? Proceeds of the National Academy of Science, Volume 99, issue 4, p1870-1875, 2002

National Kidney Foundation, ?Adult Guidelines for Maintenance Dialysis: L-carnitine,? update 2000

Sakurauchi Y, et al., ?Effects of L-carnitine supplementation on muscular symptoms in hemodialyzed patients,? American Journal of Kidney Disease, Volume 32, p258-264, 1998.

Sein, H., ?Carnitine and its precursor, gamma-butyrobetaine,? In: Kramer K, et al, eds. Nutraceuticals in Health and Disease Prevention, New York: Marcel Dekker, Inc, p 217-256, 2001

Wachter, S. et al, ?Long-term administration of L-carnitine to humans: effect on skeletal muscle carnitine content and physical performance,? Clinica Chimica Acta, Volume 318, issues 1-2, p. 51-61, 2002

Copyright (C) Shoppe.MD and Ian Mason, 2004-2005

Learn more about health, diet and exercise at our weight loss forum.

PhenForum.com is a popular discussion forum for weight loss programs, diet advice, and tips to help you burn fat.

All the best,

Ian Mason

Exercise The Right Way The Incline Dumbbell Bench Press

Other articles in this series looked at a number of exercises, mainly from the perspective of developing a comprehensive muscle building program. Sometimes we take things for granted, especially when it comes to performing the basic exercises that constitute the core of most bodybuiders' training regimes.

It is useful, therefore, to describe in detail the processes involved in actually doing these exercises. This will help beginners to start out using the correct techniques before moving on to potentially more dangerous heavy weights. If it also helps more experienced lifters to redress some of the little faults that have almost imperceptibly crept in over the years, all the better.

In this article we'll take a close look at the incline dumbbell bench press.

MUSCLES TARGETED: pectoralis major

STARTING POSITION

Grasp two dumbbells using a closed, pronated grip.
Assume a supine position on a bench.
Press the dumbbells to an extended elbow, parallel arm position above the face.
This is the starting point for all repetitions.

DOWNWARD MOVEMENT

Lower the dumbbells together towards the chest and aligned with the nipples.
Keep the wrists rigid directly above the elbows.

UPWARD MOVEMENT

Push the dumbbells upward until the elbows are fully extended.
Keep the wrists rigid directly above the elbows.
Do not arch back or raise chest to meet the bar.
Repeat or finish set.

Richard Mitchell is the creator of the bodybuildingadvisor.com website that provides guidance and information to athletes at all levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to Bodybuilding Exercises to learn more about the issues covered in this article.

Important Things To Know About An Ear Ache

At one time or another we have all experienced the unpleasant discomfort of having an ear ache. According to the 2001 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, over 9.4 million Americans visited a physician?s office because of either an ear ache or ear infection. This large number of people accounted for doesn?t include all of us who just ?suffered? through our ear ache without going to see a doctor. With such a common ailment, there must be some sort of remedy out there, right?

In this article I will show you the basic symptoms associated with ear aches and some simple ideas for what you can do to prevent you and your loved ones from experiencing this awful feeling associated from having an ear ache.

What causes an ear ache?

While ear aches are most commonly found in children, they are something that everyone experiences at one time or another. The most common causes of ear aches are otitis media, an infection of the middle ear, or otitis externa, an inflammation of the outer ear canal. Ear aches are usually caused by either a minor injury to the ear canal or by fluid that becomes trapped in the inner ear. Swimming, bathing, or just by using those all so common cotton-tipped swabs can cause bacteria to grow and lead to discomfort and pain in the ear canal. This can lead to a swelling of the Eustachian tube (a small tube that connects the ear to the nose that regulates the pressure in the ear). As the Eustachian tube swells it can no longer drain through the nose and throat and the pressure in the ear will then build up causing extreme discomfort and pain. Ear aches are usually result from a complication to a cold and are not contagious.

What are the symptoms of an ear ache?

Symptoms of an ear ache can include all or any of the following:

? Severe, Stabbing pain

? Hearing loss

? Itching

? Fever

? Buildup if fluid behind the eardrum

? Nausea, or vomiting

? Swelling of the ear

? Ringing or buzzing sound

? Fluids draining from the ear

How do I get rid of an ear ache?

Methods for treating ear aches are limited in number so obviously, prevention is much better than the cure. However, if you already have an ear ache there are a few things that you can try to alleviate it. Taking painkillers and eardrops can help to subside the pain. Antibiotics are also available if the cause of the ear ache is due to an infection. However, you must not forget to take the doses and you should take the antibiotic until the bottle is empty or all the pills are used. Don?t save any antibiotics from one illness to another as they tend to lose their strength.

What can I do to prevent ear aches?

While there is no way to completely keep anyone from getting an ear ache, there are several ways to help prevent them. By regularly cleaning you nasal passages you can reduce your chances of ?catching? an ear ache. Also, constant movement of the jaw by chewing gum will help to keep things working smoothly and draining properly. Other things like covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and by using a clean tissue every time will assist you in preventing an ear ache.

Ear aches are very unpleasant and something that everyone should seek to prevent rather than wait to treat. You are now well aware of the causes of an ear ache, symptoms you may have when you have an ear ache, and most importantly, what you can do to prevent ear aches.

Mike Nielsen is a client account specialist with 10xMarketing - More Visitors. More Buyers. More Revenue. Find more information about how to prevent an ear ache at Xlear.com.

Tanning Bed Lotions Ensure a Safe Tan

For many years tanning beds were an easy and quick way to get a tan in the middle of winter or when preparing for a tropical getaway. Today, when doctors claim that tanning beds are as dangerous as the sun itself and can cause skin cancer and premature aging, more and more people stay away from tanning beds. However, there are certain benefits from using a tanning bed, especially when protecting the skin with the proper tanning bed lotion.

Tanning bed lotions are used to moisturize the skin and infuse it with antioxidants that diminish and prevent the damage from UVA and UVB rays.

There are also tanning bed lotions that intensify the tanning process. These lotions contain methyl nicotinate that instantly penetrates and activate your melanin cells for a deeper color. Tan activating tanning lotions can also create a warming tingling sensation on the skin to increase the blood flow to the skin surface and speed up the tan. These tanning lotions moisturize the skin with essential oils and skin nourishing vitamins so that your skin looks bronzed and glowing.

Some tanning bed lotions employ another principle: they cool down the skin with mint and cucumber to prevent burns. Even though tanning bed lotions do not shield from the burn that can lead to the skin cancer, they can make it less heat-sensitive. No tanning bed lotions can deal with photosensitivity, which can be caused by medications you are currently taking.

There are special tanning bed lotions for use around eyes. You should always protect your eyes with special goggles that either clip on your nose or are secured with the ribbon. To further protect the fragile skin around your eyes from UVA/UVB damage, you can use tanning bed lotions with anti-oxidants such as grapefruit extract, vitamin E and even caviar proteins.

After-tan lotions are used to cool down and firm the skin, since too much UVA/UVB exposure can disrupt elastin fibers in the skin leading to wrinkles and sagging. Special herbs, essential oils, vitamins and amino acids in these tanning bed lotions form an invisible nourishing cocoon on the skin surface while repairing and preventing further dehydration. Many people prefer to nourish their after-tan skin with simple extra-virgin olive oil which has excellent anti-aging properties.

Even when you use great multi-purpose tanning bed lotions, make sure you still wear a swimsuit or underwear when tanning. If you want to avoid having those tan lines (which is currently very in fashion, implying that you tan naturally on the tropical beach), wear a bandeau-style bra and thongs to prevent the UVA/UVB rays from hitting the areas that are not accustomed to tanning.

Our indoor lifestyles and sunscreens diminish vitamin D production because the body gets vitamin D from UV light and not from foods. Vitamin D can also be derived from indoor tanning beds. Use a common sense and tan wisely and in moderation, and you will look gorgeous and healthy.

Kathryn Whittaker writes articles on a number of different topics. For more information on Tanning Beds please visit the Tanning Guide and for additional Tanning articles please visit the following article page Tanning Articles.

Contact Lenses on Vacation 7 Simple Tips

When you are on vacation, contact lenses are great convenience - they are invisible and you don?t have to take them off while swimming. However, contact lenses can also spoil your vacation, if you don?t take precautions. Here are some simple things you can do, to prevent it happening to you.

1. Make sure that you have a spare pair of lenses

Even if the lenses you wear aren?t frequent replacement lenses, it is always recommended that you have spares. A lens can get lost or damaged, and replacements might be difficult to find. If you wear daily disposable lenses, take the amount of lens you need for your vacation plus several extra - just in case.

2. Don?t forget your contact lens case and solution.

Most brand name solutions can be bought in smaller bottles, which are excellent for traveling. And you can get a case that clips onto a solution bottle, so the pieces don?t get separated in your luggage.

3. Don?t let water in your eyes when swimming

Contact lenses are great for swimming and all water sports, but it is best to prevent their contact with water. However, water contains myriads of bacteria, which can get onto your lens and cause keratitis. So it is best to wear tight goggles, when swimming. If seawater gets into your eyes anyway, you should take your lenses out as soon as possible and clean them before putting them back in.

4. You still need sunglasses

Most modern contact lenses, like all Acuvue or Focus lenses, block harmful UV rays. However, the lens only can protect the area it covers, which is not the entire surface of your eye. Also, contact lenses don?t reduce glare. So it is safest to wear sunglasses with high UV protection over your lenses, and a sunhat.

5. Don?t neglect caring for your lenses

If you are tired after a day of sightseeing, it might be tempting to fall asleep still wearing your contacts. This is not a good idea - unless you wear extended wear lenses, of course. No matter how tired and relaxed you feel, take your contact lenses out for the night. See tips for contact lens and eye health

If you don?t want to care for your contacts during vacations at all, ask your doctor if extended wear contacts would suit you. Acuvue 2 can be worn without removal for up to 7 days, and Focus Night and Day for up to 30 days; they are great for vacations.

6. Be careful with sunscreen creams and inset repellants

Be very careful to avoid getting sunscreen or insect repellant in your eyes. If it gets into your eyes, it can cause serious irritation. If this happens, take your lenses out and give them a good clean.

7. Wear glasses on long flights

During long flights, most contact lens wearers feel miserable. This is because in an airplane, both atmospheric pressure and humidity are low. As a result, your soft contact lenses dehydrate and draw moisture from your eyes. Many people also nap during a flight, and sleeping in contacts isn?t recommended. If you can wear glasses as well as contacts, it is a good idea to do so in the plane. If glasses are not an option, use special eye drops and make sure you drink plenty of water during your flight.

Keep these simple rules in mind when going on vacation, and your contacts shouldn?t cause any problems to prevent you enjoying your holidays.

Tanya Turner is a contact lens expert and a founder of Contact Lenses Consumer Guide.com/, where you can find unbiased information about eye health and all types of contact lenses with reviews and pictures

Herpes Virus Family Facts

To most people the word herpes conjures up an image of genital herpes, the incurable virus that is transmitted through sexual contact and causes blisters on the genitals. However herpes is in fact a family of viruses that is extremely widespread and can cause a number of conditions affecting the skin, mouth, eyes, brain or, in rare cases, the whole body.?

Some estimates suggest that as many as 1 in 6 people may carry some form of the herpes virus in their body, either active or inactive.

Forms of the herpes virus include herpes simplex type 1 (cold sores), herpes simplex type 2 (genital herpes), varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox), cytomegalovirus (mild hepatitis), Epstein-Barr virus (mononucleosis) and herpes-zoster (shingles). All of these conditions are caused by viruses in the herpes family.

Two similar conditions, herpes gestationis and dermatitis herpetiformis, both produce herpes-like blisters on the skin but are not related to or caused by any of the various herpes viruses.


The many diseases that are caused by the herpes virus may differ widely from one another, but they all share
a few common traits:

They are generally very contagious.

The viruses can survive in latent form for long periods of time after the initial infection.

They are not curable. (However, there are effective treatments that can render the virus dormant, even in genital herpes)

Estimates suggest that nearly 30 million Americans are infected with herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) and despite many studies over many years there has been little success in developing either a cure or an effective vaccine.

Many of the viruses in the herpes family do not recur after the initial disease outbreak, such as chicken pox for example. However all herpes viruses, when not active, remain dormant in your body, hidden in nerve tissues and escaping detection by the immune system.

It is unsure exactly how and why a latent herpes virus will suddenly trigger into an active infection, however it is known that certain stresses to the immune system appear to bring on an outbreak. These stresses that may lead to outbreaks include illness, injury, emotional stress, poor diet, over exposure to sunlight, and even menstruation.

A strong immune system seems to lessen recurrence of outbreaks, though outbreaks may continue throughout life. Studies show that chickenpox and shingles have a recurrence of nearly zero while HSV-1 has a recurrence rate of 14 percent and herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2) has a recurrence rate of 60 percent.

It is HSV-2 that most commonly causes genital infections, and HSV-1 that most commonly causes infections of the lips; however either viruses can be passed from one location to the other.

Studies have also shown that herpes sores can also provide an entryway for other infections.
Women with the herpes virus may even have an increased risk of cervical cancer and it is important for any women who has had herpes to have a cervical smear test (Pap test) every one or two years.

Whether you have been diagnosed with some form of herpes or not, practicing common sense prevention can go a long way in controlling the spread of herpes. For instance, avoid kissing persons who currently have sores on their mouth or lips.
Always practice safe sex in non-monogamous relationships and avoid all sexual contact with any partner who is exhibiting symptoms of an active outbreak of genital herpes until symptoms have disappeared. While most, but not all, male genital herpes outbreaks are easily detected, female genital herpes outbreaks can many times go completely unnoticed. In fact, many women with genital herpes don't realize they have contracted the virus until they have passed it on to a partner.

Using a condom may or may not prevent the spread of the herpes virus from one partner to another, whether one partner has an active outbreak or not; So while using condoms may be better than no protection at all, you should be aware that even condoms are not 100% effective in protecting against the transmission of the herpes virus.

If you have a history of herpes, avoid getting overtired or allowing yourself to get run down. When you are fatigued, your immune system cannot function as well, and you may be more vulnerable to a recurrence of herpes.

If you suspect you might have some form of the herpes virus or if you have a partner that has herpes, please see your local health care provider for a diagnosis and medical advise. For more information about herpes, including clinical pictures, frequently asked questions and news about a possible herpes cure, please visit our website at www.herpes-pics.com

John Trout is an internet research specialist and web master of several information related websites including: http://www.herpes-pics.com/ where this article was first published. John's informative website http://www.herpes-pics.com/ is an excellent source for a sound education about the herpes virus as well as the latest news about treatments, clinical pictures and a possible herpes cure.

Is Gastric Bypass Right for You?

Gastric bypass is a form of weight-loss surgery done on a lot of Americans today. The reason is because more and more Americans are suffering from obesity and excessive weight problems. In some cases, a gastric bypass is the only way to make losing weight possible. For most of us, gastric bypass is merely an option. The American Society for Bariatric Surgery reports that there were more than 63,000 of such surgeries being done in the United States alone in the year 2002.

However, it is important to note that a Gastric Bypass is not the right surgery for everyone. Think carefully because a gastric bypass is a very important surgery. It is not the magical solution to your weight problems and you will need to do extensive research before you commit to it. We have to emphasize that Gastric Bypass has a very high rate of complications although the procedure may sound relatively simple and effortless. Most doctors who perform gastric bypass would advise the patient to undergo a low-calorie diet for at least 6 months before they go for gastric bypass surgery. Undergoing a gastric bypass surgery, you may have to bear with the consequence of a possible life-threatening complication as a result of the gastric bypass surgery. Your doctor would be in the best position to advice you on whether you?re right for gastric bypass. Emotional and physical issues may have to be taken into account because this is essential to your recovery after the gastric bypass surgery.

However, because of the many possible dangers of undergoing a gastric bypass surgery, the Bariatrics Society designed and launched a program called the mini gastric bypass surgery. The mini gastric bypass surgeries are the less extensive versions of the more commonly used gastric bypass surgery. The mini gastric bypass surgery actually reconfigures the stomach so that absorption of food is reduced irregardless of how much food that person consumed. A mini gastric bypass surgery also changes the way food is absorbed. The mini gastric bypass surgery takes a shorter time to perform and the recovery for the patient is quicker too. However, there aren?t that many researches and studies done on mini gastric bypass surgeries as opposed to a major gastric bypass surgeries, therefore, many insurance companies cover the major gastric bypass surgery but not the mini gastric bypass surgery!

Dakota Caudilla, journalist, and website builder Dakota Caudilla lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of http://www.obesity-solutions.net on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.

Dakota Caudilla, journalist, and website builder Dakota Caudilla lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of http://www.obesity-solutions.net on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.

Gastric Bypass Surgery How Fast Will I Lose The Weight?

The gastric bypass procedure isn?t for everyone, but those who?ve had it ? an you will of heard of the success stories tooted by the marketing wizards and infomercials, the gastric bypass achieves maximum results and starts ?working? right away after surgery. Well it would, since patients are unable to eat more then a few spoon fulls of food per serving!

For those that endure this mental torture (I?m kidding, I just can?t imagine eating so little with my personal love of food!) weight is lost extremely rapidly. Right after surgery most patients generally lose around 9lbs per month for the first two months, then steady weight loss from then on as long as patients stick to the strict diet ? oh yes, its certainly not an easy life after gastric bypass surgery.

If you?re currently morbidly obese or your doctor has suggested the gastric bypass for health reasons then you may be weighing up your options and the risks involved in the surgery. You can find much more of what?s to know about the procedure on my website where I try to answer all of the common questions relating to the gastric bypass.

The weight loss after gastric is fast and some may call it the miracle cure for obesity, but if you hack a rigid exercise and diet that?s not too dissimilar to the diet and schedule that?s suggested to you after surgery, then I?d have a serious think and talk to friends and locate actual patients who?ve had the gastric bypass. Remember, losing weight the ?normal? way you can still achieve 8lbs/month and it doesn?t carry the risks the gastric bypass does.

Article by Beverley Brooke, visit her section on the gastric bypass for more information on gastric bypass surgery http://www.healthandfinesse.com/gastric-bypass.html

Types of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy can be classified into four types: spastic, athetoid, ataxic and mixed. Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common form, accounting for between 70 and 80 percent of all cerebral palsy cases. Limb muscles are stiff and remain permanently contracted. This form of cerebral palsy is further subdivided depending on which limbs are affected. Both legs may be affected, turning in and crossing at the knees. This is called spastic diplegia, characterized by the ?scissors? gait. Another type of spastic cerebral palsy is spastic hemi paresis or weakness of muscles in one half of the body. Uncontrollable shaking or tremors often accompany this type of spasticity. If the tremors are severe, movement can become very difficult.

Athetoid or dyskinetic cerebral palsy affects 10 to 20 percent of all cerebral palsy patients, and is characterized by slow, writhing movements. Such movements are uncontrollable and usually occur in the hands, feet, arms and legs. Face or tongue muscles may also be affected, resulting in drooling or grimacing. If tongue muscles are affected, patients may have difficulty speaking. Athetoid cerebral palsy typically becomes worse during stress, and writhing movements in affected body parts disappear during sleep.

Ataxic cerebral palsy affects between five and ten percent of all cerebral palsy patients. This form of cerebral palsy is characterized by deficits in sense of balance and depth perception. These result in poor coordination, particularly with fine motor tasks, and a wide-based, awkward gait. People with ataxic cerebral palsy may also have an intention tremor, which is a tremor that occurs when attempting a voluntary movement such as picking up an object.

Mixed cerebral palsy affects up to 30 percent of all cerebral palsy patients. In these patients, symptoms of more than one of the three main types of cerebral palsy described above may be present. Most commonly, spastic and athetoid forms of cerebral palsy coexist.

Cerebral Palsy Lawyers provides detailed information about cerebral palsy lawyers, ataxic cerebral palsy lawyer, athetoid cerebral palsy lawyer, spastic cerebral palsy lawyer and more. Cerebral Palsy Lawyers is the sister site of Brain Injury Lawyers.

Why Popping Pills To Achieve Sleep's NOT A Good Idea

Believe it or not, there are a lot of natural ways to get the sleep that you need without ever having to take in artificial ways and means to do so, such as pills and the like.

Our bodies are really capable of healing itself if provided the opportunity to do so. Artificial methods to fast track cures are just quick fixes that temporarily mask the symptom of an even deeper cause.

Not getting enough sleep affects your whole life. Your mental, physical and emotional self could suffer.

Insomnia could actually be a symptom of a more specific medical condition that could require medical attention.

But if the reason of your inability to sleep is due to your irregular sleeping patterns or because your mind and body could not make itself settle to a state of deep relaxation, the following are tips and advice that offer alternative if not better long term solutions to your sleeping problems.

Set the sleeping routine

It is important that a regular sleeping time or routine is established so that your body will easily get used to such a pattern.

Consistency is the key. In due time, your body would ? in itself ? learn to naturally fall asleep on its own, and in an effortless way possible.

To be able to achieve such, it would be best if you write your action plan down. This includes the time you go to sleep and the time you wake up.

Try to stick to your sleeping routine after one to two weeks. Your body may still be adjusting, so let it. Do not feel stressed, tense or strained. Do not be discouraged.

Your objective should be that a regular sleeping schedule must be established. Try to be awake every morning at the exact same time and do not oversleep. Sleeping a lot longer during the morning will cause you to feel disoriented and groggy.

The same goes during the evening. It is also best if you try to not take naps anytime the whole day. This could confuse the ability of the body to know the difference between night sleeping and day sleeping.

Determination and perseverance goes along way to be able to have a good night?s sleep.

How was your bed last night?

Believe it or not, it is also necessary for you to take into cautious consideration your bed conditions as you slumber away.

Again, the objective is comfort. As much as possible, avoid any form of irritations that could wake you up in the middle of the night.

The mattress you are on must be firm and comfortable so you would have sufficient and firm support for your spine. Bumps and lumps should be avoided.

The bed should also be large enough for your height and built. A sagging mattress could lead to insufficient spinal support.

Pillows must suit your own personal preference. It could be firm or soft. The important thing is that it is able to provide you with proper and adequate support.

Placing a herbal sachet under the pillow you are using could also help induce sleep.

Beddings must also be clean and crisp. Leaving the sheets not tucked in at the bottom of your bed makes your feet have the feeling of freedom, this is good for sleep.

Pajamas must also be comfortable and loose. Clothing that is tight could make you feel restricted and awake in the middle of the night.

Also, the bed must only be used for sex and sleeping. Your body and mind must be able to associate only these activities to your own bed.

If you have a sleeping position that you find is your favorite, stick with it. This tells your mind that this position automatically conveys sleep, and so it will.

Ever heard of chromatherapy?

Basically, chromatherapy is where color is used to promote health and treat specific maladies (one of which is sleeping problems).

This involves some exposure to lights that have particular colors, massage through the use of oils that are saturated with color, visualization, meditation, wearing clothing with a particular color.

It has long been believed that there are colors that reflect each charka, and each emotion, organ or soul.

Red has been found to stimulate adrenal glands, pulse rate and blood pressure while white and blue brought a relaxing and calming effect.

All in all, sleeping is a necessity. Make sure that you try the tips outlined and so get ready to sleep all your troubles away.

P.S. Let's be discreet about snoring issues, if your partner's complaining about your snoring, you gotta check out this guide: http://www.kezooki.com/help/stopsnoringguide.

Max Kezooki is passionate about helping others succeed in their career & personal life. For more tips on self-improvement, success & insomnia help, visit http://www.kezooki.com/blog.

Attention Bloggers & Webmasters: Here's an opportunity to earn 50% commission & to use my article at the same time! You're allowed to republish this article as well as add your affiliate link to it. Get your affiliate link at http://www.kezooki.com/affiliate.

Tanning Beds: History and Advice

Tanning beds were brought to North America by German scientist Friedrich Wolff in 1978 and rose to popularity in the mid-1980s. Since then, tanning beds have been a common way to tan without having to spend hours and hours in the sun?s unpredictable radiation.

Make no mistake: the ultraviolet light used in tanning beds is almost exactly the same kind of ultraviolet light that comes from the sun, and therefore comes with the same risks. But if you understand how tanning beds work and how to use them without abusing them, tanning beds can be a great way to get that perfect olive or bronze hue you?ve been yearning for.

All conventional tanning beds have lamps that produce ultraviolet radiation ? both UVB and UVA rays. The UVB rays are accountable for stimulating production of the naturally occurring skin pigment melanin. However, minor overexposure to UVB rays causes burn, while major overexposure is linked to skin cancers. The UVA rays are the ones that oxidize the melanin, producing the golden brown color. The UVA rays account for the majority of rays originating in the lamps or bulbs in a tanning bed.

If you are using a conventional bed, first develop a base tan by tanning for twenty to thirty minutes, three to five times a week, for about four weeks. Then, maintain the tan by tanning two to three times a week thereafter.

High-pressure tanning beds are different, in that they utilize only UVA rays and no UVB rays. The term ?high-pressure? refers to the atmosphere inside the lamps or bulbs, which are made out of quartz. The higher air pressure is what allows the lamp or bulb to filter out virtually all UVB rays - the rays that produce burn. The result is a faster, deeper, longer-lasting tan.

If you are using a high-pressure tanning bed, develop a base tan by tanning for ten to twelve minutes, three to five times total, over a matter of ten to fourteen days. Maintain the tan with only two or three visits per month.

Use a tanning bed lotion or ?tan accelerator? to increase tanning speed and quality. Apply tan accelerator all over your body before and after your tanning session, since melanin oxidization and production continues long after you?ve been exposed to UV light. This will keep your skin cool, comfortable, moisturized, and just generally healthier.

Always wear tanning goggles while inside the tanning bed. Simply closing your eyes or wearing regular sunglasses is not enough protection from UV light.

Tanning Beds Info provides detailed information about home, commercial, and wholesale tanning beds for sale, as well as tanning bed lotion and other products and accessories. Tanning Beds Info is the sister site of Sunless Tanning Web.

Blogging Nutrition and the Truth

When my friend, Jim Larsen, sends me articles like the review of a Lancet paper from April 2005 where the authors tell their audience that they should abandon their calcium and other nutritional supplements in favor of pharmaceuticals I get my hackles up (my wife thanks you Jim. The paper he sent me is so poorly done that my 9 year old would be scolded for writing it, I have to wonder whether some people?s drive for money has so clouded their thinking that any semblance of morality was dropped off somewhere far away from their homes. The participants in the study from the Lancet had a incredibly high drop out rate (over 1/3rd) which in and of it self should have thrown it out but it also did not look at levels of Vitamin D (critical in calcium metabolism), did not look at hydrochloric acid levels which are necessary for proper absorption of calcium and they use too low of a dose! Many of the studies putting down calcium also used the wrong form, calcium carbonate which is a cheap but very poorly absorbed form.

When you look at the advertising in journals like the New England Journal of Medicine (I commonly refer to it as the NEJ of Aggravation) and The Lancet, you can see why they consistently whore themselves to Big Pharma. You may think my words are harsh but the distortion and lying is of such a catastrophic nature, that I should be accused of being too mild in my characterizations of these people.

Now to turn my focus to the other side of nutrition, the hucksters and sales sharks who tout things like horny goat weed as the solution to all male sexual dysfunction, or some self-proclaimed health truth tellers from some dark corner of the Amazon who claim they are the only bastion of truth yet when you disagree with them (with good cause), they call you Nazi?s (yes I have been accused by one such lunatic as having opinions reminiscent of the perpetrators of the Holocaust) and big Pharma shills. These are the ones that allopathic medical practitioners point to as the model of alternative minded people. They do such a disservice to nutritional health that I feel some of them may really be the big Pharma shills.

While not all blogging is filled with truth sayers, by sharing our ideas and thoughts, we allow people to hear all sides of a story, not just the side that advertisers want you to hear. We blog not just to see ourselves on the net but to allow you to see what the truth might be. As for me, I will continue to blog as long as I see deceit, disinformation, falsehoods and shills.

Mark Schauss is the President of Carbon Based Corporation a company dedicated to diseminating health information, especially when it comes to laboratory testing. He has lectured the world over on subjects as far ranging as environmental health, nutrition, lab testing and childhood neurological conditions, especially epilepsy a condition his oldest girl is afflicted with.

Mark has also been involved in the alternative health community for over 20 years. His opinions have often times struck a controversial note not because of outrageous claims but because of his strident fervor of finding the truth. Hucksters, marketers and the dishonest are his life goal targets.

Highly respected in the community, his talks spark numerous ah ha moments as well as a deeper understanding of the important health questions of the day.

Target Specific Heart Health Risks

Heart Protection Nutritional Supplement Guide:

Following a heart-healthy diet can do a lot to reduce risk, but for many people, it?s not enough. Heart-protecting drugs usually come with troublesome side effects, such as fatigue and the possibility of liver disease. For some risk factors, like homocysteine and low-density lipoprotein prescriptive drugs are not available.

HEART HEALTH FACTORS TO BE AWARE OF:

I. Total Cholesterol: Desirable cholesterol is below 200; borderline high is between 200 and 239; high is 240 and above.

Beneficial Nutritional Supplements:

Plant sterols. Beta-sitosterol and other plant sterols have a chemical structure similar to that of cholesterol, which enables them to reduce the absorption of cholesterol from the intestine. Several studies have found that plant sterols can lower cholesterol levels by an average of 6 to 8 percent. Take sterol supplements 2 to 3 times a day, products labeled plant sterols, phytosterols, or beta-sitosterol.

Niacin: This form of vitamin B-3 has been known since the 1950's to reduce cholesterol levels. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration for lowering cholesterol, it is sold both by prescription and over the counter. As effective as niacin is, it triggers the release of histamine, which often will turn the skin beet red and tingly for about an hour. If you keep taking niacin, the intense flushing episodes should eventually ease. Start at 100 mg. once or twice a day and work up to 500 to 1,000 mg. three times a day.

Coenzyme Q10: People who must take statin drugs should also take 100 to 200 mg. of CoQ10 a day because statins can deplete the body?s natural supply.

Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol: Small, dense LDL globules are far more likely to cause blood clots than are larger, less dense ones. And when a person?s antioxidant intake is low, LDL oxidation increases, which appears to be a key step in the development of heart disease. If total LDL is high, it may be wise to have an additional blood test to find out which type predominates.

Beneficial Nutritional Supplements: Plant sterols can lower LDL levels by an impressive 8 to 14 percent. Take sterol supplements 2 to 3 times a day, products labeled plant sterols, phytosterols, or beta-sitosterol.

Vitamin E: Won?t lower LDL, but will curb its tendency to promote heart disease. Contrary to common thinking, LDL is not entirely bad ? it?s needed to transport fat-soluble nutrients, such as vitamin E and coenzyme Q10, throughout the bloodstream. Vitamin E and other fat soluble antioxidants prevent LDL oxidation. Take 400 to 800 IU of natural-source vitamin E.

Dietary Options: To lower LDL, reduce your intake of saturated fat (in fatty meats and dairy products) and avoid processed foods containing trans fats such as most shortenings, partially hydrogenated oils, and most cookies and crackers on the market.

High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol: HDL is widely considered the ?good? form of cholesterol, mainly because it helps transport the LDL or bad cholesterol to the liver where the LDL is then processed for excretion. The higher your HDL levels, the lower your risk of heart disease.

Ideal HDL levels are 55 mg./dL or higher for women and 45 mg/dL or higher for men.

Beneficial Nutritional Supplements:

L-carnitine: A component of protein, is highly recommended.

Fish Oil ?Omega 3 Supplements: Contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) ? both essential dietary fats that boost HDL. They?re also potent blood thinners so they prevent clotting, and they help to regulate heart rhythm.

Niacin: A form of vitamin B-3, will raise HDL levels. You may experience an intense one-hour flushing sensation after your take it. Aim for 500 to 1,000 mg. three times daily.

Dietary Options: To boost HDL, don?t skimp too much on fats, particularly heart-healthy fish oils and olive oil. Low-fat diets, long recommended to reduce the risk of heart disease, actually lower HDL levels. Cut back on refined carbs, which can decrease HDL.

Triglycerides: Triglycerides actually account for most fat found in the blood and in body fat. A higher ratio of triglycerides to HDL has been associated with a significant increase in heart attack risk.

Anything under 150 mg./dL is considered normal. Aim for 100 mg. or less. Levels of 150 to 199 mg. are borderline high, and 200 mg. and above are considered high.

Beneficial Nutritional Supplements:

Fish Oil Supplements: Can lead to impressive reductions in triglyceride levels. In some studies, plant sterols have also been shown to reduce triglycerides.

Dietary Options: Triglyceride levels are directly related to the quantity of refined carbohydrates you eat, so reduce your intake of table sugar, white bread, cookies and other sweets, refined pasta, and bagels, and focus instead on whole grains.

Homocysteine: Homocysteine is normally a short-lived byproduct of protein metabolism ? it?s only when levels become elevated that they cause trouble. If you eat lots of veggies, particularly those that contain folic acid such as spinach, romaine lettuce, and other greens, there?s a good chance your homocysteine is at healthy levels.

The American Heart Association considers normal levels to be from 5 to 15 micromoles per liter of blood. Ideal levels are under 7.

Beneficial Nutritional Supplements:

Three B Vitamins are particularly helpful in breaking down homocysteine: folic acid (1,000 to 5,000 mcg. daily), vitamin B-6 (25 to 50 mg. daily), and vitamin B-12 (2,000 mcg. daily.)

Dietary Options: Load up on leafy greens: spinach, romaine lettuce.

V. Glucose Tolerance

Beneficial Nutritional Supplements: Many supplements can help lower and stabilize glucose and insulin levels, but if you already take glucose-regulating drugs, be sure to work with your physician to adjust their dosage.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid: An antioxidant, is widely used in Germany to treat peripheral neuropathy, a nerve disease caused by diabetes. Studies have found that it can lower both glucose and insulin levels. Take 100 to 300 mg. daily.

Chromium Picolinate: An essential mineral, has been shown to lower glucose and cholesterol levels. Take 400 to 1,000 mcg. daily.

Cinnamon: Can lower fasting glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.

Ginseng Supplements: 1 to 3 grams of American ginseng (Panax quinqufolius L.) significantly reduced the rise in blood sugar.

Silymarin: The antioxidant-rich extract of milk thistle, is well known for increasing liver activity. Italian researchers found that 600 mg. of silymarin daily reduced several key measures of glucose tolerance, including fasting glucose and insulin, over the course of a year.

Robert Nelson is a Nutrition Staff Writer for Super Vitamin Power.com, Distributors of the Vitamin Power line of nutritional products. All of the products needed for optimal health can be found at: http://www.supervitaminpower.com

Tummy Tuck Recovery

A tummy tuck is a serious medical procedure that many men and women undergo each year. Your commitment to recovery and self-care will ensure that your body has the best chance for full recovery. Following your physician?s instructions for post-operative care is the most important thing you can do for tummy tuck recovery.

After your tummy tuck, you will rest in a recovery room, or you might even be admitted to the hospital overnight. In either case, your physician will be monitoring you as you come out of general anesthesia, or the local anesthesia wears off. You will have swelling in the abdominal area, and it will be sore. You will be given antibiotics and painkillers to assist in your tummy tuck recovery. It is important that you communicate any allergies you have and any other vitamins, herbs or medications you take so that the medications prescribed for your recovery will be right for you. As with all antibiotics, it is important to take the full course of medicine, as prescribed.

Once you are released, most physicians will prescribe two to three days of bed rest. While they may seem like three very long days, it is crucial for your tummy tuck recovery that you follow your surgeon?s instructions. If possible, have a friend or family member stay with you for those initial days at home so that they can help you and keep an eye on you as you recover. You will receive personalized instructions on medication, compression, elevation and rest during this time. Your physician may even be able to give you advice on ways to minimize scarring.

After your initial tummy tuck recovery, you will slowly be able to return to your normal activities. Your level of fitness will ultimately determine how long your tummy tuck recovery takes. For most people, it takes about 6 months for full recovery. After your initial weeks of recovery, your physician will prescribe a diet and exercise routine to follow for optimal tummy tuck recovery. At any time, it is important to call your surgeon?s office if you experience excessive pain, swelling or bleeding. The office will be able to make suggestions, or schedule an appointment if necessary.

After your recovery is complete, scar tissue will continue to fade and your abdomen will have the flat, tight look that you desire. Great results are typically visible about 8 months after the operation.

Tummy Tuck Info provides detailed information on standard and mini tummy tucks, surgery and recovery procedures, and other advice, including the cost of surgery. Tummy Tuck Info is the sister site of Liposuction Web.