วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 31 กรกฎาคม พ.ศ. 2551

Diet Pills The Answer or Not?

So if diet pills work and I am overweight, why shouldn?t I use them to get myself back to where I want to be? The truth is that we live in an obese society. With that being the case, then it stands to reason that the business of losing weight is big. We are all busy, so we want the easy way out, the quick fix, and to lose those extra pounds without having to disrupt our busy lives. Diet pills seem to be an easy answer, so why not give them a try? Well there are actually two big reasons: harmful side effects and addiction (physical and emotional).

The biggest reason that the dangers on diet pills exist is that they are not really regulated. The law does not require a diet pill to be tested by the FDA before release to the public. The FDA will pull a diet pill product from the shelves if it shows to be dangerous, but by then you may already be taking that particular drug. So what are the side effects that can result from this lack of regulation?

Diet pills generally do one or two of a few things: they may suppress appetite, increase metabolism, block fat absorption, or even make use of laxatives to flush the body of waste and fluid. The chemicals in the diet pills that helps them accomplish these things have been known to cause varying side effects. Some of the best known of these are anxiety, insomnia, heart palpitations or attacks, stroke, fever, dry mouth, blurred vision, hair loss, disturbance in sex drive and menstruation, urinary tract problems, digestive problems, and even congestive heart failure. There are numerous others as well, so the risks can be high when it comes to side effects with diet pills.

The other danger with diet pills is addiction. The chemicals and drugs used in the pills can very often cause physical addiction. On the other hand, if they pills do work, even to a small degree, emotional addiction can follow. You may think that you cannot keep your weight or even live without the pills and can find yourself in the midst of complete dependency.

When there are side effect problems in conjunction with dependency, there are overdose risks as well. In the rush to lose as much weight as possible as quickly as possible, you might be tempted to take more diet pills than is recommended. The result can be convulsions, hallucinations, breathing difficult, or even a heart attack. It is important that if you feel or have any of these symptoms that you get medical attention promptly.

The risk of using diet pills is varied and high. Without regulation and with the high availability, those seeking an easy fix to a large problem may end up jumping from pill to pill, ending up addicted, or suffering terrible side effects. What many don?t realize is that the only proven way of keeping weight off for a sustained amount of time is through a balanced diet and exercise.

If you would like the latest information on the diet pills, or find more of my online articles like the one you just read, visit my health blog.

Acne Medicine Does Your Acne Require It?

Acne is an ordeal for many people. Its victims consist of all ages, races and sex. When looking for medicine to clear your acne it is important to remember that it will happen in stages, not overnight. This means you will have to be patient, there are no real quick fixes. In fact, your goal is to obtain a healthy, clear complexion for life.

Opting for the acne treatment products that promise you clear skin in a matter of days must be done with caution. How strong do those chemicals have to be in order for them to work so fast? Are there any major side effects? Does your acne type qualify for these fast acne treatment products? You can invest a lot of money buying treatments that do not work. And too many of them will leave you bitterly disappointed by the lack of results.

There are severe cases of acne that require acne medical treatment, such as cases like Rosacea. However, even cases that might not seem as severe might require acne medical treatment. How do you know what type of acne you have? It's severity? And what treatment you should use?

The First and Most Important Step is to go to your doctor.

Your doctor can tell you whether your acne requires a visit to a specilist - a dermatologist. This referral should also allow you to receive acne medical treatment at a lower price, as your health insurance will subsidize the cost of the medicine.

However, before consulting your doctor, you should take a few steps to ensure you can properly outline your problem. Your first step is to create an acne treatment history of every product you have used on your skin and what benefits you derived from it. You should record for each product:if it worked, for how long, and especially note any adverse reactions.

These notes will be of valuable assistance to your skin care professional. Why? Well, you might have been using products that were not really suitable for your skin type. Your dermatologist will then be able to recommend the acne medical product you need to achieve long term results based upon your specific problem and skin type and this is precisely what you want.

In summary, it is important to remember your goal is a healthy, clear complexion for the long term. To achieve this, visit your doctor to get the professional assistance needed in attaining this goal and the skin you deserve and can be proud of.

Theresa Sontag makes it easy to quickly find the latest news and resources on acne medicine, products and treatments. Visit her site at Acne Product-Medicine.com.

How To Stop Hair Loss!

Falling hair is a pretty common ailment that affects a large number of people. The problem affects both men and women. In men, the hair loss is usually permanent and may lead to baldness.

In women, hair loss can be both a temporary phenomenon and also a permanent one. In some cases the hair loss in women is only a temporary phenomenon and new hair grows back in place of the fallen hair.

The reasons for hair loss are manifold. The first and the major cause for hair loss are genetic. The second culprit is scalp disease. Lack of proper nutrition can also lead to hair loss. Stress is another major factor that leads to hair loss.

The condition of hair loss is called Alopecia. There may be many factors that lead to hair loss, but it can be stopped in two ways. One is by taking preventive measures. And the second is identifying the cause and taking suitable remedial measures.

Hair loss usually begins with the formation of small patches on the pate, which come off gradually resulting in hair loss. The patches if left untreated can turn red, oily and itchy thereby aggravating the situation.

There are many home based and time-tested grandma?s secrets to stop hair loss.

Select any one of the following methods or a combination of remedies that suit you best and this will definitely help you to stop hair loss.

For best results follow the method that suits you for best.

1. Apply a good hair tonic regularly.

2. Apply coconut oil mixed with extracts of hibiscus.

3. Apply a paste made from Fenugreek seeds that have been soaked overnight on the scalp and allow it to dry for some time before taking a bath.

4. Using coconut milk on the scalp once in a week will also help in preventing hair loss and also keep the hair healthy and glowing.

5. If you are an expectant mother, then the hair loss could be only a temporary phenomenon. The hormonal imbalance will come down automatically after delivery.

6. Eating a balanced and healthy food, keeping the hair and the scalp clean and using a good anti-dandruff shampoo will all go a long way in stopping hair loss.

If the hair loss is on a large scale then a visit to the doctor is advised. Hair loss is related to the skin and the scalp. Sever diseases of the scalp can lead to hair loss which could be permanent in case of some individuals.

Modern medicine has provided us with many options to stop hair loss. However, the emphasis should be on stopping hair loss than neglecting it and then opting for alternatives like hair replacement surgery and hair plugs.

Venkata Ramana is the writer of Stop Hair Loss blog. Read his informative reports about Hair Loss Product and get rid of acne forever!

Big Muscle Tips For Hard Gainers

You don't need a fancy pill to get big...outside I hear a five car pile up and suddenly the gym room floor has gone eerily silent. So you're tired of the snide remarks and the giggling of muscled up girly boys in the gym? I empathize with you! So what can you do about it? Sweat it out really hard is the answer. Because the old adage of nothing being gained without some hard work runs true, even with your training regime.

Anabolism is a lab rats way of saying that your muscles are growing. Fancy pills alone will not build muscle. Only some supplements are relevant, and most of them are marketing hogwash. Here are some tips for freaky growth without popping pills:

1. Build a Base: Every great structure has a good base from the Eiffel Tower to The Colosseum. If you have not trained for a long time (or at all), then don't think that you can start lifting buildings and growing those guns if you have not created a base. Starting with some good ol aerobics (running or cycling for example), 3-4 times per week in the great outdoors or in the gym.

2. Good Nutrition Comes From The Ground, Not In The Lab: Good nutrition is the hallmark of any growth plan. This means that not any one supplement will be the answer. Don't expect to pop a pill and turn into the Hulk overnight. This is not meant to say that supplements don't help. They do help incrementally over time, but you need a good solid base of the 5 food groups throughout a training regime. That means plenty of quality fish, lean meats, seeds & nuts, vegetables, fruits...yeah all the stuff you don't like...is actually good for you.

3. Heavy Duty Growth With Heavy Sets: Now you're ready for maximum gains. Great growth takes time. This entails that you push heavy sets at low reps, utilising compound (multiple joint) exercises like the squat for example. Keep your training sessions brief and to the point, and allow your body to rest (usually 4-6 days) before training other body parts. Heavy training is extremely taxing on the muscles and nervous system. But overall, for maximum muscular gains (anabolism) for those who are not genetically gifted, try the hard and heavy approach.

Simple isn't it? Well, I would be lying if I told you that it was easy...it isn't. Good luck.

John Stevanja is an internationally certified FISAF fitness instructor, whom along with his partner Liz (fully qualified massage therapist) run FitSkool. FitSkool is jam-packed with reviews, providing the best offers on the internet for all things health and fitness related. Uncover a goldmine of fitness, massage therapy and diet related deals updated regularly at http://www.fitness-skool.com

Spring Cleansing

Your body is an irreplaceable machine that, like a car, needs regular maintenance. This month, as you prepare to give your home a thorough spring cleaning, why not also treat your hard-working body to a good cleanse?

Detoxification, or internal cleansing, can rid the body of stored toxins. Chemicals, drugs, excess hormones, waste products, pesticides, and heavy metals build up in our bodies naturally as well as through exposure to pollutants in food, water, and air.

Increasing evidence suggests this accumulation can impact negatively on our health, and many doctors advocate detoxification to rejuvenate the body.

?You don?t need to do a major cleanse to get great results,? says Alison Vandekerkhove, a naturopathic physician based in Langley, BC. ?Small dietary changes, lots of water, and a few simple herbs and supplements will do the trick.?

Before starting a cleanse, Dr. Vandekerkhove urges people with medical concerns to consult a professional. It is then important to prepare a well-rounded plan that won?t stress the body too much, particularly the liver, the largest detox organ.

Take the case of one of her patients, a 35-year-old woman complaining of premenstrual syndrome?cramps, bloating, and irritability. To help remove toxins and enhance liver function, she was put on a mild cleansing diet of organic fruit and vegetables, brown rice, fish and chicken for three weeks. She tried to avoid processed food and sugar. She added a daily protein supplement, as well as a liver support herbal formula. After one month, her symptoms had vastly improved.

?With today?s lifestyle you need more than herbs to get full benefit from detoxification,? explains Dr. Vandekerkhove. ?A diet low in refined foods and sugars is important. I can?t emphasize enough to drink eight to 10 glasses of water daily.?

Getting the body moving regularly also assists in cleansing. Exercise need not be strenuous?yoga or walking will do. Deep breathing to promote relaxation and to clear the mind is also beneficial.

As for those herbal helpers, Dr. Vandekerkhove suggests milk thistle to protect and regenerate liver cells. Oregon grape stimulates the liver and gallbladder and aids in digestion and elimination. Artichoke protects and stimulates the liver. Burdock rejuvenates the liver and strengthens the circulatory and lymphatic systems. These herbs are sold alone or in combination in capsule or liquid (tincture) form.

?There are also lots of great cleansing teas on the market, and they?re an easy way to take herbs,? says Dr. Vandekerkhove.

Other nutrients to consider include selenium, needed by the liver to produce glutathione?essential for detoxification. A protein supplement can also be beneficial, as the liver requires adequate protein to break down toxins.

So who would benefit from a cleanse? ?Pretty much everyone,? says Dr. Vandekerkhove. ?Spring is an excellent time, but any time of year would work. Think about your life and take time out for yourself.?

Vancouver writer Michelle Hancock loves writing about health and the environment and is a regular contributor to alive magazine. Visit http://www.alive.com for related articles.

Environment Anxiety & Panic

Can the environment that surrounds you agitate and prolong your wellness?

The answer is definitely YES!

If you?re living in stressful, negative and or cluttered conditions you can expect this to take a toll on you and how you feel on the inside and out.

Take for example in part of my Anxiety & Panic days; I was living with my in-laws. Now they are very lovely people and I appreciate that they allowed my husband and I stay with them. But that didn?t prevent the fact it was very stressful (no doubt for them too). Our beliefs were very different from one another and with two women under one roof (both wanting to rule and make decisions in the cleaning and cooking areas) there was definitely some friction there.

Then I was working in a negative environment, the thought of having to walk in there everyday knowing it was going to be one uphill battle with one of my colleagues, it just made me feel sick.

Eventually I did eliminate both of these environments. Losing my job wasn?t particularly by choice but when I realized the difference in my mental health it was DEFINITELY worth losing!

So what can you do to improve your environment?

Start by looking at what makes you feel unhappy? What is making you feel worse?

Once you figure that out, you?re halfway there. Maybe quitting your job isn?t realistic in your circumstances. But that doesn?t mean you can?t start looking for jobs else where. Or maybe your completely happy with your job, but your living arrangements is causing a great strain. If the mortgage repayments are causing you great stress and toying with your anxiety and panic then look at downsizing.

Maybe it?s just a cluttered environment? Move furniture around then. Stick to a cleaning schedule to keep everything as clutter free as possible. One thing my mum has always told me?

?If your home is organized then generally you feel organized and happier in life?

? Joanne King - http://www.anxiety-panic-free.com

Free sign up of our newsletter! Discover more methods on treating Anxiety Symptoms You can sign up here and begin eliminating your Anxiety Disorder - Click Here --> http://www.anxiety-panic-free.com

วันพุธที่ 30 กรกฎาคม พ.ศ. 2551

Heat Stroke Creation

Heat stroke is the condition that happens when the body creates or takes in more heat then it can let out. Generally this condition is due to excessive exposure to a heat that the body cannot tolerate. Our body is equipped with heat-regulating mechanisms, that are constantly trying to regulate the temperature of our body. When these mechanisms are over-worked for an extended period of time, they become unable to effectively regulate our temperature, which makes our body temperature climb uncontrollably. Although often overlooked, Heat stroke is a serioud medical emergency, and has to be looked after immediately.

Our body works hard to keep itself at an optimal temperature. The scale into the 'danger zone' begins at temperatures above 40 degrees celsius, that are life threatening. At 41 degrees celsius brain death starts. At 45 degrees celsius death is almost certain. Heat stroke can come on suddenly as our temperature regulating mechanism can simply become over-excercised and shut down.

There is several different signs that are body will give us if it is overheating, also known as heat stroke symptoms. The most common way for our body to release excess heat is through perspiration. This works as long as the body has a sufficient amount of water to perspirate. Once the body becomes dehydrated, it starts to look for other methods of losing heat. If it cannot find any, the temperature begins to climb rapidly.

Under 'normal operating conditions' our body is able to maintain itself. Be smart about when and how you push your body and you will be able to reduce the risks of such conditions as heat stroke. Simple steps that you can take, like staying hydrated, avoiding over-exhaustion in hot temperatures, etc are all that it takes.

Feel free to reprint this article as long as you keep the article, this caption and author biography in tact with all hyperlinks.

Ryan Fyfe is the owner and operator of Heat Stroke Area - http://www.heat-stroke-area.com, which is the best site on the internet for all Heat Stroke related information.

Revealing the Home Remedy for Heartburn

There?s nothing worse than waking up in the middle of the night feeling like your chest is on fire. In this case, your best bet is to find the best home remedy for heartburn to ease your pain.

You never have the antacids when you need them, and there?s a good chance that they may not work anyways. They never do for me.

I?ve searched high and low to find a good home remedy for heartburn because among other things, I suffer from heartburn. To top it off, I love all of the foods that usually cause my heartburn. Especially enchiladas. Well any spicy Mexican food actually. But enchiladas are my favorite, and of course they are the things that cause me the most torture.

What do you feel when you have heartburn? Not everyone feels the same actually. Some people experience an actual pain in their chest, some feel a frightening sense of pressure, and others experience the burning sensation such as myself.

Something interesting to note is that the reason you feel this burning sensation is because you have actually developed damage on the inside of you esophagus. The burning sensation you feel is from the reflux of acid coming up into your esophagus, and coming into contact with those sores and legions. That?s a little disgusting.

A word of warning is that you should not take heartburn lightly if it?s chronic. Untreated, this can lead to terrible damage of the esophagus such as scarring, ulcers, inflammation, and even narrowing.

Please don?t take this lightly.

Now, over the years some people have tried to treat heartburn at home, some successfully, some not so much.

You?ve probably heard of milk for treating heartburn. Some people claim it works and swear by it. It never works for me and I?ve recently found out why. Milk actually makes heartburn worse by stimulating your stomach to create more acid, therefore continuing the spiral. The reason for this is that milk contains proteins and fats. These are the things to stay clear from when you?re suffering from heartburn.

So, if the cure that we?ve always thought works doesn?t, then what the heck works?

Here are some pretty reliable home remedies for heartburn.

Drink Water: I didn?t think I worked either, its just water. I was wrong, and it does work.

Drink Ginger Ale: This will do two things. The Ginger will soak up some of the acid, and the fizzy soda will relieve pressure from your stomach.

Take Ginger Root in capsule form before you eat. This again will help soak up some of the acid in the stomach presumably.

Sip on a mixture of Apple Cider and water throughout the dinner. Sources say that all acids are not the same, and apple cider is one of those.

So there you have it. Four remedies to temporarily fight off the symptoms of heartburn. Unfortunately these are only temporary remedies and the cause of heartburn needs to be determined and treated or else the cycle will continue.

The key to the home remedy for heartburn is to get rid of it for good. Knowing the steps to do this is what you'll find if you Visit Here!

Scabies What Should You Do Now?

Scabies can be a very itchy problem, one that can actually sneak up on you if you are not aware of where you have been sleeping or if you are not watching who you are coming into contact with during sports events. The disease, scabies is one that is a little bug, one that you can?t see with your eyes, but one that will make a noticeable impression on your body. The tiny bug often lives in areas that are moist and warm on your body, such as the arm pits, or the genital areas, but can spread anywhere over the body.

Scabies is something that is not going to go away without taking medication. Scabies is a type of critter that is going to make your itch, and it seems as though the more you itch, the more you become even itchier, as this will also spread the critters to other areas of your body.

How do you get scabies? Scabies is most often spread by touching the skin, by sleeping closely together, or having sex with another person who have scabies. Scabies is not something you can get by sitting on the toilet, or by casually walking by another person. If you are treating someone who has scabies, be sure to wear gloves and wash your hands while putting cream on the other person?s body so you don?t risk getting the disease. Often times between the fingers and under the nails are another way that people will transmit scabies and not even realize it.

The skin problem that causes tiny red bumps, that do not go away, that look like a rash actually are little bugs that are living in the skin. These things can be killed by simply using the scabies cream, putting it over your body for fifteen minutes, and then taking a shower. Repeating this process in just a few days is recommended to kill anything that may have hatched on the body since the last time you did take the cream.

It is recommended that you wash all your clothes in hot, very hot water and dry them completely in the dryer. You should use a bleach spray if possible on the bedding that you sleep on, and turn the mattress, using the bleach spray on the opposite side as well.

It doesn?t take much to purchase the cream. In many of the online pharmacies, you don?t even need a prescription to get the medication. If you don?t have the medication, you will find it will spread, and you will find it very hard to ignore the itching on your body. Getting the cream is going to be the answer to solving this little problem. You don?t have to tell anyone you have this problem, unless you have had a sleep over, shared some clothing that you took off and someone put on right away or if you are having sexually relations with someone. Remember only the closest physical contact is going to spread this disease.

Copyright 2006 - Ivar Rudi. For more information and resources about this subject check out: http://www.scabies-guide.com/

What You Should Know About Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety is a natural human reaction. And contrary to popular opinion, anxiety can be beneficial because it alerts poeple to potential dangers and gives off an adrenaline rush that can help them accomplish a task in record time.

But like many things, anxiety when taken into the extreme can have disastrous results. These feelings can lead to panic attacks and chronic worrying that can slowly affect the way a person deals with other people and with normal life situations.

Anxiety disorder, as psychologists would want to call this condition, can range from something as simple as feelings of uneasiness to responses as severe as feelings of terror and claustrophobia. Fortunately, among the psychological disorders, anxiety problems are one of the most common and the most treatable. Combinations of medications and behavior therapy are often given. Symptoms of anxiety problems include fast heartbeat and palpitations, chest pains and difficulty in breathing, anxious thoughts that persist even without any concrete reason, dizziness and nausea, sweating, trembling, difficulty in concentrating, fearful thoughts and feelings of disorientation and claustrophobia.

Below are the types of anxiety disorders as mentioned in the DSM-IV.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by excessive but unwarranted worries that a person cannot stop having. Although most people will experience these kinds of feelings every once in a while, a disorder is only diagnosed if the feelings persist for six months and start to affect work and the person?s relationships with other people. Some of the common symptoms that people should watch out for are physiological reactions such as headaches, trembling, muscle tension, sweating, and trouble staying or falling asleep. There are also bouts of restlessness and sweating.

Panic disorder is another type of anxiety disorder characterized by feelings of terror that strikes so suddenly without immediate cause. Often, people who are having panic attacks feel pains in their chest with their heartbeats going fast. Some will also feel lightheadedness and even nausea. They will find it hard to breathe and may feel unwarranted fears. Although most attacks usually last for about a few minutes, there are some that last for almost ten minutes and even those that continue on for an hour. A disorder is diagnosed when the attacks happen in a time frame of just four weeks.

We fear a lot of things but there are some people who are quite irrational with their fears. These fears on things are called phobias. There is a long list of phobia forms, having a specific name for each item that is feared. A person, for instance, who is afraid of open spaces has what psychologists like to call agoraphobia. Phobias are characterized by extreme anxiety and even panic attacks when confronted by the object being feared. Many of the symptoms that are felt during panic attacks are also felt during phobic episodes.

Post-traumatic stress disorder also falls under anxiety disorders. PTSD, as it is often called, often developed after experiencing, witnessing or participating in a traumatic and terrorizing event such as death, war, torture and other extreme circumstances. PTSD is characterized by intense anxiety and nightmares at night. People who have PTSD also find it difficult to sleep and to concentrate on things. Often, anxiety attacks go to the extreme when confronted with situations that have similarities with the one experienced.

Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides anxiety resources on http://www.your-anxiety-resources.info

Protein Its Place in Your Diet

What is protein?

Millions of different proteins occur in nature. Protein is made of chains of amino acids held together by peptide bonds. There are about 20 amino acids that can be bound together in various combinations to make the millions of different proteins. There are two groups of amino acids: non-essential amino acids, which are made by your body and essential amino acids, which have to come from your food.

Why does my body need protein?

Protein is an important part of muscle fibre, cell walls, skin, nails and hair. You are losing protein all the time as you shed dead skin cells, nails and hair and it has to be replaced. At times your body needs more protein, like when you're growing, when you're pregnant or breast-feeding, or when wounds are healing. Protein is a source of energy for your body and the amino acids are used to make things like adrenaline and antibodies to fight disease.

How does my body digest the protein I eat?

When you eat protein, your body's digestive system breaks it down into its component amino acids. These are absorbed into your bloodstream through the walls of your small intestine and your liver. Your body puts the amino acids together in whatever combinations it needs, e.g. to make hair protein or new skin cells. Proteins include nitrogen molecules and one of the byproducts of digesting proteins is ammonia. This is converted into urea which is filtered by the kidneys and passed as urine.

How much protein does my body need?

Health authorities in the U.S.A., Canada and Australia recommend a daily intake of 0.75 - 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of bodyweight. If you weigh 80 kilograms, that's 60 grams of protein a day. High protein (or low carbohydrate) diets will recommend more.

Can my body store protein?

No. You need to eat the protein your body needs every day. Any excess protein is converted into urea and passed as urine.

Are all proteins the same?

Different proteins are made up of various combinations and amounts of amino acids. Proteins from animals, fish, poultry, soy and Amaranth contain all of the essential amino acids and are they are easily digestible. Proteins from plants and grains do not usually have all of the essential amino acids and you need to eat a selection of them to get all the amino acids you need.

What if I don't eat enough protein?

Most people eat more than enough protein. If you don't eat any animal products, you should eat a wide variety of plant and cereal foods. Some symptoms of protein deficiency are: poor growth, weight loss, muscle wasting, iron deficiency, swollen feet and ankles.

Is it dangerous to eat too much protein?

There are risks associated with following a high protein diet for a long time. Your kidneys have to collect and filter more toxic byproducts. This may affect the function of your kidneys, particularly if you have diabetes. It is possible for calcium to be lost from your body. If animal products are your main source of protein, you should avoid those that are high in saturated fats and cholesterol because they will increase the risk of a number of diseases including heart disease.

The author enjoys preparing and eating good, nourishing food and intends to live a long, healthy and happy life. Read more at http://www.healthywealthyandhappy.com/

Mineral Depletion of PostGlacial Soil

Feeding the soil with minerals, to the Organic vegetable gardener, usually means putting waste organic matter, (stems, stalks & leaves which we did not eat), back into the soil. But, if the vegetable matter is grown in mineral-poor ground, what does this ultimately mean for the long term future of our soils and subsequent crops?

HOW DID MINERALS GET INTO THE SOIL?

When the last Ice Age receded, leaving behind the ground down remains of rocks, decaying animal & vegetable matter slowly combined with it over the millenia to produce humus and soil rich in minerals. We are at the end of an interglacial period and these minerals found in the soil have been slowly used up, resulting in present day mineral depletion levels averaging 70% over the last 50 years alone. Delta land, fed by rivers, makes exceedingly fertile farming land because the minerals washed down from the mountains or hinterland are continuously replenishing minerals taken up by plants.

Of course, meats are also affected since the animals are fed on mineral defficient crops. Ask any farmer why he feeds his animals supplements, if their grazing/silage is supposed to be satisfactory, and he will probably say 'Because the animals need it'. Farmers are not usually inclined to spend money without reason!

WARNING BELLS.

As far back as 1894 Dr. Julius Hensel wrote 'Bread from Stones', the first book on this subject. He argued that plants grown on mineralised soils were stronger and more nutritious and that the increasing power of the fertiliser industry was masking mineral deficiencies. A chiropractor, David Thomas, recently carried out a review on data published by the MRC (Medical Research Council), The Min. of Ag. & Fisheries, and by two authors of the Royal Society of Chemistry - R.A.McCance & E.M.Widdowson. The review is called 'A Study of the mineral depletion of the foods available to us a a nation over the period 1940 to 1991'. Anyone interested in further details might like to look at

www.organicgarden.org.uk/mindepreport.pdf

The conclusions from this report make grim reading: 39% sodium, 72% copper, 59% zinc (crucial to people's behaviour & attentivness), etc. etc., all losses during the short period 1971-1991. Should we be eating 50 pieces, not just 5 pieces of fruit & veg daily! As this is government-produced information, why are we not being informed of the dire state of our soils?

Although we appear to be eating more than enough quantities of macro-nutrients (Fats, carbohydrates & protein) no-one mentions the vital micro-nutrients (minerals & trace elements) that are vital to our physical & mental health. Please don't get me wrong; no-one with non-addictive habits in the Western world is dying from vitamin or mineral deficiency; R.D.A. levels are calculated to prevent deficiency diseases. The real questions are 'what is required for optimal health?' and 'what is optimal health?'

SOLUTIONS.

Gardener & journalist Colin Shaw, writing in The Organic Way magazine (the formerly-named Henry Doubleday Research Association, of Ryton on Dunsmore) was impressed by the quality of vegetables, grown on very thin soil over a rocky base on a wind-swept barren Scottish hillside, at The SEER Center, Pitlochrie, Scotland. The soil was so poor that it had to be manufactured using municipal compost & rock dust, a quarrying by-product, 4:1 by volume. Of his visit there in late July, he comments there were large & tasty strwaberries, the garden was in full bloom...amazing to see such a healthy, productive garden in such a hostile location.

The rock dust came from basalt quarries and is a quarrying waste product known as 'quarry fines'. Analysis by the SEER Center showed around 70 minerals present and is the best rock to use, although any source of volcanic rock is acceptable.

THE PROOF OF THE PUDDING...

Colin tried this method (1 bucket rock dust to 1 barrow of compost) on his own thin-soiled, newly acquired, garden in Derbyshire, building raised beds of the mixture. To his delight, the resultant crops were strong, healthy, disease-free, with no sign of beans blackfly all the summer. He states that other research has shown that the effect builds up over the years and is looking forward to years 2 & 3 with interest.

As I regularly suffer from broadbean black spot & aphid damage, I shall try this method as soon as I can!

Mike is passionate about all aspects of optimal nutrition and wellness, hill walking and personal development.

How to maintain your energy levels while on the hills - http://www.trekking-hiking-outdoors.co.uk/food-for-potential-energy.html

วันอังคารที่ 29 กรกฎาคม พ.ศ. 2551

Look Younger with a Healthy Skin

Do you wish you had more energy, less wrinkles, more stamina, cope better with stress? May be even turn the clock to look and feel younger. Yes! A lot of us do.

The truth is, it is possible and there is No Secrets. Feeling good and younger goes from the inside out. You can age gracefully with more energy, looking healthier and younger and have a glowing skin by taking five simple steps:

A Healthy Diet

The quality and quantity of the food you eat will have a direct reflection on your health, the look of your skin and hair as well as overall stamina. Avoid as much as possible commercially prepared meals and packaged foods. Eat natural, local fresh vegetables and fruits. Whole foods with the least processing, simply prepared contains more nutrients, vitamins and enzymes and are more useful for the body. A diet rich in fiber and antioxidant, whole grain, monounsaturated (canola and peanut oil, avocado) and polyunsaturated fats (nuts and seeds in general) will help your heart, lower your cholesterol and increase your overall energy. Free simple and easy healthy gourmet recipes good for your health and tasty to your palate.

Sleeping Well And Enough

While we sleep, we rejuvenate our body and relax our mind. It is a time where we restock our energy. Sleeping well and enough is very important for ultimate health. Comfortable bedroom and bed, enough fresh air, not too cold and not too hot, make sure you relax before you go to bed. Television and other stimulants are not good at bed time. It is recommended that you get between 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night. If you have trouble sleeping, go and see a doctor and find the cause of the insomnia. For women during menopause, imbalance hormones can be the cause of sleep disturbance. Apnea, snoring can also cause sleep interruption

Natural Skin Care Products

Skin care products like the food you eat have to be chosen very carefully. Synthetic chemicals and highly processed ingredients in personal care products can create unwanted skin conditions: premature aging of the skin, acne, dry skin or wrinkles. When you buy skin care products choose naturally made skin, make up, body and hair care. Like the food we eat, creams, moisturizers, cleansers are nutrition for the skin and affect our overall health as they penetrate the skin, the cells and get into the blood stream and various intern organs.

Relaxation And Me Time

In our society we are often under the pressure of things to do, dead lines, family obligation and overtime. We leave very little time for relaxation, time out and time to just pamper and take care of ourselves. It is important to take a break from our busy schedule for relaxation.

Fitness

Fitness and exercise do not have to be excruciating to be efficient. Simply walking 30mn a day, using the stairs instead of the elevator, park your car a little further away in the supermarket parking can make a big different. Those are efficient little tricks when you have a busy life and are not able to find time to exercise time or just getting back into shape.

Catherine Potin invites you to Best Of Natural Skin Care and to join our Healthy and Younger Looking Skin Tips with expert advice delivered in your inbox and resources for natural skin care.

Preksha Meditation Perception of Bright White Color

The fourth step of Preksha meditation is perception of bright white colour on the Centre of Enlightenment.

Concentrate your mind on the Centre of Enlightenment, situated in the middle of your forehead.

Allow your mind to penetrate inside and perceive bright white colour there. You may visualise as if the bright white light of the full moon is spreading throughout the portion or visualise the bright white colour of the snow or any other white thing. Practice concentrated visualisation of bright white colour on the centre of enlightenment.

Perceiving the bright white colour, experience through auto-suggestion that all your passions & emotions are being pacified. All your excitations are subsiding. Your anger is waning away.

Now allow your mind to spread throughout the whole portion of your forehead and perceive the bright white colour there. Visualise that the particles of bright white light are permeating the whole portion of the forehead, covering the emotional area in the frontal lobe of your brain.

Continuously perceive bright white colour and experience complete tranquillity, complete mental peace and bliss.

Conclude the meditation session with two or three long breaths.

THE APHORISMS OF WISDOM

Appana Sachchamesejja, mettim bhuesu kappae.

Search truth yourself and befriend all living beings.

ahamsu vijjacharanam pamokkham

For emancipation from sufferings, practice knowledge and conduct 3 times.

'I' THE APHORISM OF TAKING REFUGE

arahante saranam pavvajjami

siddhe saranam pavvajjami

sahu saranam pavvajjami

kevali pannattam dhammam saranam pavvajjami

I seek refuge in the adorable ones.

I seek refuge in the emancipated ones.

I seek refuge in the saints. I seek refuge in the religion propounded by the omniscient ones.

Now adopt the posture of obeisance, that is kneel and bow, pay obeisance to truth. With folded hands first inhale fully and then during exhalation, pronounce the Aphorism of Faith ---

Vande Sachcham 3 times

I pay my obeisance to Truth

by bowing down to ground. Repeat it three times. Meditation session concludes.

ACHARYA MAHAPRAGYA 10th acharya of terapanth.For More articles Visit our site- http://www.articlesworld.com

Flax Seed Weight Loss and Muscle Builder

Flaxseed has been known throughout time to be a natural treatment for a variety of disorders. Flaxseed has been part of the diet for thousands of years and is considered the world?s oldest grain. It can be traced back to the burial chambers of 3000 BC in Babylonia. Several uses and cultivation of flaxseed were inscribed in these chambers. Theophrastus, an early Greek philosopher, recommended flaxseed to treat chronic cough. The father of modern medicine, Hippocrates, wrote about the use of flaxseed to help constipation all the way back in 700 BC. There are two types of cultivated flax. One type of flax is grown just for the seed. The other type of cultivated flax is grown for fiber.

Several modern medical studies has shown that the ingestion of one spoonful of flaxseed (whole or oil) can be linked to lower cholesterol, lower risk of cancer, reduce risk of heart attack, and can act to reverse the aging process.

Flaxseed oil is extracted from flax seeds. Flaxseed oil has several industrial uses and is called linseed oil in paints, varnishes, and linoleum. The eatable form of flaxseed oil is high in protein, potassium, and beta-carotene. It has omega-3 fatty acids, and linoleic acids. There is a great deal of scientific data that suggests that flaxseed oils help to fight against constipation and IBS, high cholesterol, hypertension, heart disease and heart attack.

LL Cool J and Hillary Swank were both introduced to flaxseed by physical trainers to help build pounds of muscles while maintaining lean and athletic bodies. Flaxseed oil is thick and has a rich nutty taste to it. However, it will lose many of its ingredients if cooked so it is suggested to be used in salad and sandwich dressings. It can be used as a substitute for other less vitamin rich oils. Additionally, flaxseed can be eaten whole the same way peanuts or walnuts are. Whole flaxseed is great in stir fry or Chinese food. Flaxseed oil must be kept cold and stored away from the sun because it can spoil easily and is sensitive to heat.

FlaxSeedPro is a great provider of 100% pure organic golden flaxseed.

flaxseed info

What the Philosophy of Tai Chi Can Do For You

Taoist Philosophy
To understand the purpose of the form it is important to understand its basis and roots.

The origins of Tai Chi go back over 5,000 years and are based in Taoist philosophy developed and refined by the great Taoist thinkers such as, Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu.

The core concept of Taoism and Taoist philosophy is that everything in the universe is subject to change and when dealing with this change we should act not to fight it but work with it and avoid conflict.

The core Of Taoism is that action should always be effortless and come from spontaneous creativity, but this should not require mental or physical effort.

According to Taoist philosophy change is constant but, by understanding change and acting in accordance with the laws that govern it, we can work effortlessly to achieve our aims.

Taoism is about working within the laws of change, not struggling to oppose them, this is seen as futile and a waste of energy.

In Tai Chi this manifests itself in that a posture will always be difficult and a struggle, unless there is union of mind and body, to make the move an effortless interaction.

Yin and Yang
Another concept in Chinese philosophy related to change is yin and yang.

These two opposing, yet complimentary forces are constantly at work in the universe and in our lives.

Yin and yang are the basis of change but they also come together in harmony to create a balanced whole.

The simplest example of this is breathing. We breathe in and we breathe out - an opposing action that comes together to create balance and harmony. Change and harmony, is the basis of yin and yang and of Tai Chi.

The principles of yin and yang are reflected in the form the sequence of movements that make up the Tai Chi discipline.

The form is actually a sequence of movements that flow continuously representing both change and harmony.

A movement begins, grows completes and empties then another begins until the sequence is completed.

The Tai Chi Philosophy
The aim of the Tai Chi form is to create streams of energy to flow through the body.

In the philosophy of Tai Chi, it is said Chi (life energy) follows the mind; each posture and movement creates a different energy flow, which, has a beneficial overall affect on overall well-being.

Tai Chi stimulates circulation, aligns the skeleton and joints correctly, stimulates the organs of the body and helps digestion.

It increases muscle tone, strength, improves balance and co ordination and improves breathing.

Tai Chi does not just provide physical benefits; by raising energy levels, it also affects the mind and the spirit.

Tai Chi focuses thought, so that mind and body energy works together as one.

Tai Chi reflects both Taoism in terms of effortless interaction and yin and yang in terms of reconciling two opposing forces, to create harmony and equilibrium. This combination is the very essence of the Tai Chi philosophy.

Re Vitalise offer a warm welcome to both novice and experienced pupils. In addition to offering, regular Tai Chi tuition there are several weekend breaks available. To learn more about our services go to:
http://www.re-vitalise.co.uk

Bad BreathWhite Lumps

In some instances of bad breath white lumps form in the very back of the throat on the tonsils. These are called tonsiloliths, or tonsil stones. Tonsil stones are little stones of accumulated refuse from the sinuses and throat: dead skin cells are always being shed, along with immune cells that patrol your respiratory passages for invading organisms and other foreign objects. You have a constant flow of mucous and saliva past your tonsils, which can be particularly pronounced if you suffer from post nasal drip, or irritated sinuses.

Little accumulations of all this dead material lodge in the tonsillar crypts and can become quite large and hard, often creating a sensation of something being stuck on the back of the throat. Many people notice that they have them, and wonder what they are. If they've noticed that they have bad breath white lumps become a prime suspect for the problem. Tonsiloliths may indeed play a role in halitosis.

Something else that is common in the back of the throat is oral bacteria. The oral cavity contains many different kinds of organisms, some of which have still not been identified. We do know, however, that anaerobic bacteria live on the back of the tongue, where they are protected from oxygen, and break down proteins, including dead skin cells and the other things that accumulate in tonsiloliths. It's no surprise, then, that these bacteria also proliferate in the tonsillar crypts and on tonsil stones when they are present. One more piece of information links bad breath white lumps and anaerobic bacteria.

Anaerobic bacteria smell famously bad - they produce the smell of feces, halitosis, and rotting organic material where there is little air circulation. They do this because they produce malodorous compounds, often called volatile sulfur compounds, when they break down protein molecules. If you know the smell of sulfur (rotten egg), you know how offensive these compounds can be. These compounds are being produced in the tonsiloliths that anaerobic bacteria are living on - bad breath white lumps and anaerobic bacteria are a team.

Tonsiloliths are hard to get rid of: though they eventually dislodge and are swallowed, these bad breath white lumps are sure to recur unless the tonsils are removed. This type of surgery is really not recommended any more, except in exceptional circumstances, so the best remedy is to gargle regularly with a good mouthwash that fights the anaerobes, and try to gently dislodge the larger tonsil stones , if you can.

R. Drysdale is a freelance writer with more than 25 years experience as a health care professional. She is a contributing editor to Bad Breath Cure, a blog dedicated to the treatment of bad breath.

Bioflow Ecoflow Magnetic therapy

Magnetic therapy has been used in many parts of the world for many years to help relieve pain and accelerate the natural healing process of the body. For more than 5000 years the healing power of Lodestone (magnet) has been known and used for healing, which has been mentioned in the earliest of writings. It is a naturally occurring rock used for many years by different cultures for promoting health. It was even thought that Cleopatra used a magnetic substance to help preserve her beauty. The oldest known use of magnets to promote health can be traced back to Africa where a magnetite mine 100,000 years old was found. The magnetite was used in potions, foods and topical applications.

Natural magnets have also been known to be used by Ancient Greeks, Hebrews, Arabs, Indians, Egyptians and Chinese races.

The effect of magnotherapy is similar to that of acupuncture without the needles or or acupressure and osteopathy without manipulation. In truth no one really knows exactly how magnetic therapy works - just that it does! It must be said that the type of magnet is important. Having come across Bioflow magnets, they are different to other magnets on the market today. Some cheap brands claim their magnets relieve pain or increase stamina but the effects are minimal if at all and many people are cashing in on this ancient technique now available in the form of modern technology.

Bioflow, made by a UK based company called Ecoflow, has a patented magnetic module using a unique magnetic field called 'Central Reverse Polarity' which is completely safe. The theory behind CRP is that as blood passes through the field it is subjected to a magnetic pulsing effect which is believed to help the body maintain a balanced pH and maintain good conductivity in the cells, which is essential for good health. The unique CRP magnetic module has been designed to mimic the effects of pulsed electro-magnetic fields used in professional applications, but without using electrical power. Bioflow is available as a lightweight easy to wear wristband or bracelet.

To back up the positive effects of magnetic bracelets, independent studies in the BMJ published 17 December 2004 confirm magnetic bracelets can help to relieve pain in osteoarthritis of the hip and knee. The NHS has now also approved magnetic therapy for healing (April 2006).

Over 1,500,000 Bioflow's are being used by people and on animals today. Therapists, medical professionals, sports trainers, veterinary surgeons & people from all walks of life use Bioflow magnotherapy. This product is being recommended more and more as an effective natural health product by leading health specialists. Bioflow has been successfully used by top sports athletes, including Eric Cantona & Chris Brasher, the Olympic gold medal winner and founder of the London Marathon.

Bioflow has worked for numerous pets including dogs, cats, horses and sheep, so for sceptics - it's not all in the mind! A very large amount of testimonials from users of Ecoflow magnets, confirm that for many people and animals that they do help to relieve pain. The effects are noticeable within a few days to a few weeks depending on the condition.

Ecoflow provide a 90 day money back guarantee on their full range of magnetic products which also include magnetic fuel conditioners and magnetic water conditioners. Bioflow magnets work as well on water and fuel, as they do on blood, helping save the environment and fuel bills.

It must be mentioned that Bioflow magnetic products are not a cure. There is no substitute for sound medical advice and it is recommended you should consult your doctor first before using any Bioflow product, if taking any medicine or if you have any doubts.

About the Author:

Elka Dayani writes for http://www.amazinghealth.co.uk and is an expert in Ecoflow magnetic products having tested all the Ecoflow range including magnotherapy for pets and conducts talks in London UK. For further infomation contact her via the website.

วันจันทร์ที่ 28 กรกฎาคม พ.ศ. 2551

Ways To Cope With Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, has a very serious effect on the sufferer's life. It also effects those closest to the patients in a detrimental way and getting treatment as soon as possible is paramount. Sufferers need the attention of physicians, psychiatrists and a close and supportive network of family and friends around to help. If you are a family member or a friend of a bipolar disorder sufferer then you will already know the effects it can have on a person and their everyday lives. Bipolar disorder does not mean that a person is always depressed and down, it means there mood will swing from very high or up to incredibly down and depressed. This swing in moods can be very difficult to judge and to cope with and can also have ill effects on the physical side of a patient.

There are medications known as mood stabilizers available and a person who suffers from bipolar disorder is likely to be prescribed these by their psychiatrist. They will normally have to take these for the rest of their lives because bipolar disease is recurrent. Sometimes other drugs are combined with mood stabilizers but this will probably only be over a short period of time.

Always be prepared for the worst. Don't forget that bipolar disease will mean constant ups and downs and many patients try to commit suicide because they see it as their only way out. Be prepared and always be ready to call 911 if you think this is going to be the case. Don't be afraid that you will be wasting their time if your family member or friend is just having a down day because if you don't ring the consequences could be a lot worse.

If you or someone you know has a bipolar disease then it is recommended that you see a psychiatrist and not your general physician although your GP can refer you to a specialist in the field that will be in the best position to offer you the help, support and information you need to beat it.

Long term preventative treatment is likely to be required because bipolar disorder is a recurrent illness. Stopping the medication or psychological treatment received can cause a regression to the mood swings associated with the disease.

John Mancini has been writing about Bipolar Disorder online and offline for a long time. Visit http://bipolar-disorder-expert.com or http://bipolar-disorder-net.info to read more about matters like bipolar disorder symptoms and bipolar disorder in children.

Being a Primary Carer For a Relative With Alzheimer's Disease The Long Goodbye

?I am a Carer?. There you go, ?straight off the bat? as they say, I write this article (the first in a series) in my role as a Primary Carer first and author second. At present I am the primary carer for my elderly mother who is suffering from the advance stages of Alzheimer?s disease. It is desperately cruel disease (most are, I know) in that it robs people (by and large) of their dignity and their independence at a stage in life when they need it most.

In the United Kingdom, the Alzheimer?s Society claimed in a recent survey that over 750,000 people suffered from Alzheimer?s and related dementia problems. In the United States it is calculated that an estimated 4.5 million people suffer from Alzheimer?s and that this figure has doubled since 1980.

Further alarming statistics highlight the fact that it is possible that in the US alone, the number of people suffering from Alzheimer?s could more than double to between 11.5 and 13 million sufferers by 2050.

Alzheimer?s disease is what is described as a progressive disorder of the brain that gradually destroys a persons? memory, ability to learn, reason, make judgements, communicate and carry out daily activities. As the disease progresses, sufferers may also experience changes in their personality and display such behavioural changes ranging from anxiety, agitation or suspicion right up to and / or including delusions and hallucinations

Although there is currently no cure for Alzheimer?s, new treatments are on the horizon as a result of accelerating insight into the biology of the disease. Research has also shown that effective care and support can improve quality of life for individuals and their caregivers over the course of the disease from diagnosis to the end of life.

Considering the long term implications for Alzheimer?s sufferers, the hidden sociological impact will in reality be born on the shoulders of those who will be caring for the sufferers for it is indeed a bittersweet irony that those who care for the sufferers in reality suffer more than the sufferers do themselves.

This fact in itself has been largely responsible for another survey finding recently and that was the fact that Americans are equally afraid of caring for someone who has Alzheimer?s as much as they are of developing the disease themselves. Approximately 1 in 2 American adults are more apprehensive of caring for partner or loved one who has developed Alzheimer?s. Just less than 1 in 5 American adults have indicated that they are more afraid of getting the disease themselves (17%).

The real problem from a carer?s perspective is that no two people experience Alzheimer?s disease in the same way. As a result, there's no one approach to care giving. Your care giving responsibilities can range from making financial decisions, managing changes in behaviour, to helping a loved one get dressed in the morning.

Handling these duties is hard work. But by learning care giving skills, you can make sure that your loved one feels supported and is living a full life. You can also ensure that you are taking steps to preserve your own well-being.

Caring for someone who has Alzheimer's disease or another illness involving dementia can be very difficult, time-consuming, and stressful ? (serious understatement here). Here are some more things a care giver can do to help the person with Alzheimer's disease while also reducing the substantial burden that comes with care giving:

* Stay Informed - Knowledge equals power. The more you know about Alzheimer's disease or any other signs of dementia, the better you can prepare yourself to deal with problems that may arise.

* Share concerns with the person - A person who is mildly to moderately impaired can assist in his/her own care. Memory aides and other strategies can be created by the person with dementia and the caregiver together. This is easier said than done I know but you have to give it a try. But, and this is a big but (no laughs here please) it is essential that you realise that you are probably dealing with a person who if they have any cognisance at all, will be in denial.

* Solve problems one at a time - A multitude of problems may occur that may seem insurmountable at the time. Work on one specific problem at a time -- you do not have to solve every problem all at once. As the saying goes ?Success by the inch is a cinch, by the yard it?s hard? and in this case this has never been more true.

* Use your imagination - One of the keys to handling this disease is your ability to adapt. If something can't be done one way, try another. For example, if the person only uses his or her fingers for eating, do not keep fighting; just serve as many finger foods as possible!

* Establish an environment that encourages freedom and activity within limits Try to create a stable, balanced schedule for meals, medication, etc. but also encourage activities that the patient can handle such as taking a walk or visiting an old friend. Remember, the person with AD is not the only one whose needs must be taken into consideration. You as a caregiver have needs and desires that must also be met. First, try and find some time for yourself. Even though this suggestion may seem like an impossibility, find some time during the week where you can have someone else watch the patient -- be it a relative, friend, or neighbour -- and do something for yourself.

* Avoid social isolation - Keep up contacts with friends and relatives. It?s easy to get burned out when it seems like you have no one to turn to. Another way to establish contacts is by joining the Alzheimer's Association or other such support groups. Talking with other families who share many of the very same problems can be reassuring as it helps you know you are not alone in your round-the-clock struggles.

Stephen is the principal advisor for Connecting Carers, an independent advisory organisation in Primary Caring.
http://www.connectingcarers.com,
http://www.stressrelief.ws and http://www.stressdiaries.com

Children of Gastric Bypass Patients at Risk for Eating Disorders

As parents who?ve had gastric bypass we face many challenges raising a family. Perhaps an unexpected challenge is when a child develops an eating disorder that may be exacerbated by the parents dieting habits. It turns out as our children observe us diet and fail (repeatedly) before having gastric bypass, then they watch us lose weight in an almost obsessive excitement after weight loss surgery (WLS), some panic and vow ?this will not happen to me.? A descent into an eating disorder may follow.

According to AnorexiaBulimaHelp ?Dieting or restriction of certain foods, or excessive dieting from parents? is a contributing factor in teen and pre-teen eating disorders. In addition ?The appearance obsessed society most people live in can contribute to eating disorders . . . When combined with a low self-esteem, feelings of depression or anxiety or isolation, the effects can be devastating. Eating disorders commonly erupt as a coping mechanism, as a way for people to feel more ?normal? and in control in a society that isn?t really normal to begin with.?

Wow. Are you worried? Growing up I watched my mother work her way up and down the scale many times. No need to name the diets she tried: we all tried them. I believe I learned from her that diet equals failure. It seems like every time she?d get to the benchmark, ?this is the lowest weight I?ve been since having my first child? suddenly her weight loss would stop and back up the scale she?d climb at a rapid rate. She is morbidly obese today and no longer attempts dieting. Who can blame her?

Did she know that was the lesson she was teaching me? That eventually I?d diet myself into morbid obesity? I don?t think so, and I don?t blame her. She didn?t know any better.

We know better today. It is our stewardship to our children to do the best we can to protect them, raise them healthy, and teach them healthy habits of nutrition and exercise. We owe it to our children to keep them off the operating table and out of eating disorder treatment centers.

But how to do that? By example and by being informed.

AnorexiaBulimaHelp.com is a comprehensive resource on eating disorders ? if you fear someone in your family is suffering from an eating disorder please visit this site. The site includes many links to several other resources about eating disorders.

Copyright ? 2005 Kaye Bailey - All Rights Reserved.

Kaye Bailey is a weight loss surgery success story having maintained her health and goal weight for 5+ years. An award winning journalist, she is the author and webmaster of http://www.livingafterwls.com and http://www.livingafterwls.blogspot.com Fresh & insightful content is added daily, check in often.

Starting A Diet The Right Way

If you?re just starting out on a diet for the first time, there are certain things you should know in order to ensure that you not only get the best results from your diet but also that you maintain your health during the process.

One of the first things you should do, ideally before you even start on a diet, is to see your family physician. This is especially true if you have not had a check-up within the last year or if you experience any type of health condition such as diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure/cholesterol. Taking the time to discuss your diet plans with your physician can help you to ensure that you stay healthy while dieting.

You should also make a point to determine your exact goals when embarking on a weight loss program. Ask yourself how much weight you want to lose and whether the time frame you have set for yourself is realistic. Remember that your diet plans won?t be very beneficial if you find that you are not able to stick with them because your goals are unrealistic. It is far better to plan to lose a smaller amount of weight within a reasonable amount of time.

In order for your diet plans to be effective, you will need to face the reality that some changes will need to be made within your life. Facing these facts upfront can help your diet be more successful and help you to feel better about yourself during the process. Make plans now to engage in a regular fitness routine at least two to three times per week and switch from high calorie foods to healthier, lower calorie low fat foods. Portion control is a great way to knock off a few pounds, but if you want to make changes that will last a lifetime; plan to change the way you eat as well as how much you eat.

Take the time to study the many different types of available and choose one that you will be able to stick with for longer than a week. Ideally, the best weight loss programs involve eating habits that you can stick with for life. Steer away from fad diets or diets that will be impossible to live with, as constant diet changes and yo-yo dieting can do far more damage than good.

Many people find that the success level of their diet directly correlates to the amount of support present within their lives. When you begin your diet, sit down with your friends and family members and explain your plans and goals to them. Explain how they can help you to reach your goals. Consider asking a friend or co-worker to serve as a weight loss buddy who can help you to stick to your goals, even when the going gets tough. This will be especially important when you run into situations in which you might be tempted to give into emotional eating, one of the number one reasons why people binge on their diets.

By taking a sensible approach to your diet plans, you can be sure to reach your weight loss goals safely and successfully.

About The Author
Joey Dweck is the Founder & CEO of http://WeightLossBuddy.com a website committed to 24/7 support, expert advice, and helping people find a buddy(s) who will support their effort to lose weight, and live a healthier lifestyle. And it's all Free. Sign up for the Free 4-Part E-Course ?Losing For Good? http://www.weightlossbuddy.com.

New Health Care System: Core Elements

Article 3 of 12

How would you like to see a new health care information system, working in conjunction with the present medical system, that would reduce disease levels and health care costs initially by over 40% and eventually likely near twice that?

Of course most of us would like such a program. Even though the changes sound to radical to be true, fortunately, it?s for real. Such a system does indeed have a very sound basis in fact as spelled out in a book titled Vibrant Health Plus: The Real Medical Revolution and in the articles we will be discussing here. These revolutionary advances are possible through a completely new application of advanced technology. Many outstanding accomplishments have been attributed to the computer, but they will all pale in comparison to its beneficial effects on human health if this approach to information processing is allowed to develop.

We may well think that if such a system was in fact available then it would be presented to us through the medical industry?not from outside it. Unfortunately, this new proposed application of technology has been available but is continually being bypassed by the present medical system. We must keep in mind that not only does preventative medicine generate relatively limited income, but a full-blown preventative health care system as advocated here, would drastically cut into the huge present day profits of the medical establishment.

When you consider the possibility of such a system the most important question that come to mind is, on what possible basis could such a system be based? The answer to that question is through the use of clinical laboratory science and the latest in computer technology. But, why clinical laboratory science?

Regardless of how sophisticated a computer system design may be, if it is not based on good solid input data, the output will be very limited at best. In this case, the source of the data is not only rock solid, but in fact one of the system?s strongest points. You couldn?t have a better source of relevant data on which to build a successful health care information system.

Because CLS is a science based on the biochemical makeup of the human body, it provides an enormous source of vital data about the internal workings of the human organism. Furthermore this is a science that has proven itself to be extremely reliable under applications used within the present medical system. This same CLS would likely be used by your doctor if you had some questionable health problem that required a critical evaluation. For additional information about CLS, directly from the professionals, click on link at the end of this article marked page 18.

In the proposed application, CLS would be used in disease prevention and the promotion of wellness by basically using large test profiles of key blood tests selected by the experts in the CLS profession. As opposed to one or maybe several tests usually used in a disease evaluation, the proposed system would likely use 100 blood tests or more (from one blood sample) for extensive analysis in preventative medicine. The large set of tests would be called a profile and after being applied to the patient, or individual, the profile results would be referred to as a profile pattern. This profile would consist of carefully selected key testing elements of the human organism such as certain hormones, enzymes, proteins and many other vital tests.

As highly selected as each of these special 100 tests would be in their own right, on an individual test basis, the real strength of the profile comes when you observe the profile only as a whole. As an example the capacity of this profile far exceeds the 100 individual bits of data. In fact, that is where the great strength of this system lies. A 100 test profile pattern with five possible different test levels for each test, will yield 10 trillion possible combinations. This would be reading every possible combination available. So why is that so valuable? That is very significant indeed and will be discussed in more detail in the following article.

We may well think that if such a system was in fact available then it would be presented to us through the medical industry?not from outside it.

The author of both this article and the book titled Vibrant Health Plus: The Real Medical Revolution is W.D Wood. For more information about the author, the book and the subject click on http://www.newhealthcaresystem.net Biochemical makeup as it relates to clinical laboratory science http://www.vibranthealthplus.com/page18

Relaxation Can Help Your Arthritis

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

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

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

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

Science Versus Healers Hypoglycemia

Sherry (My ex) had a couple of problems of a medical nature. Her hypoglycemia had been miss-diagnosed and she had been given massive cortisone shots that I believe had contributed to the cancer that resulted in the partial mastectomy. I got her off caffiene and through the power of LOVE she was healed in two years. Women are not treated as men are when it comes to medical treatment; as well as every other aspect of misogyny in society. My studies of wholistics and hermetics were becoming quite extensive and alchemy founded and continues the real science. I am going to quote two authors from quite different sides of the fence.

These books are recent but representative of the studies I was engaged in as well as giving the reader an insight to the continuing problem of censorship and supposed 'expertise' that prevents a great deal of truth. David Depew and Bruce Weber of MIT wrote 'Darwinism Evolving' in 1995 and it says on pages 492 & 493:

?They also made it harder for the scientific worldview to be received with equanimity by other sources of culture. Indeed, since the reducing impulse undermines fairly huge tracts of experience, people like Wallace, who feel deeply about protecting phenomena they regard as existentially important, frequently conclude that they have no alternative except to embrace spiritualism, and sometimes even to attack the scientific worldview itself, if that is the only way to protect important spheres of experience that have been ejected from science's confining Eden.

In response, scientists and philosophers who feel strongly about the liberating potential of a spare, materialistic worldview began to patrol the borderlands between the high-grade knowledge scientists have of natural systems and the low-grade opinions that in the view of science's most ardent defenders, dominate other spheres of culture and lead back toward the superstitious and authoritarian world of yester-year. 'Demarcating' science from other, less cognitively worthwhile forms of understanding was already a major feature of Darwin's world. A line beyond which the Newtonian Newton was a Rosicrucian who achieved the status of an alchemist per Haeffner's 'Dictionary of Alchemy') paradigm could not apply was drawn at the boundary between physics and biology. We have seen how hesitant Darwin was to cross that line and what happened when he did. Twentieth-century people are sometimes prone to congratulate themselves for being above these quaint Victorian battles. They may have less reason to do so, however, than they think, for the fact is that throughout our own century, the same sort of battles with emotional overtones no less charged, have been waged at the contested line where biology meets psychology, and more generally where the natural sciences confront the human sciences. Dualisms between spirit and matter, and even between the mind and body, may have been pushed to the margins of respectable intellectual discourse. But methodological dualisms between what is covered by laws and what is to be 'hermeneutically appropriated' are still very much at the center of our cultural, or rather 'two cultural', life. Cognitive psychologists and neurophysiologists are even now busy reducing mind- states to brain-states, while interpretive or humanistic psychologists are proclaiming how meaningless the world would be if mind is nothing but brain. Interpretive anthropologists are filled with horror at what would disappear from the world if the rich cultural practices that seem to give meaning to our lives were to be shown to be little more than extremely sophisticated calculations on the part of self-interested genes. Conflicts of this sort would have given Darwin stomachaches almost as bad as the ones he endured over earlier demarcation controversies.

These authors use the term hermeneuts much as the early 20th Century supposed scientists ridiculed the quantum physicists by calling them 'atom-mysticists'. Hermeneuts is a new epithet for alchemists such as myself who OBSERVE and try to fit ALL the facts together and don't eject anything 'from science's confining Eden'. This quote continues to raise the spectre of the 'Bible Narrative' and Bishop Ussher whose late nineteenth century proponent was Wilberforce.

The rhetorical pattern of these battles is still depressingly similar, in fact, to Huxley's confrontation with Wilberforce. Hermeneuts ridicule scientists like Hamilton, Dawkins, and Wilson when they suggest that nothing was ever known about social cooperation until biologists discovered kin selection. Reductionists in turn criticize hermeneuts, now transformed largely into 'culturists', for bringing back ghosts and gods, just as their nineteenth-century predecessors were taxed with being 'vitalists' every time they said something about the complexity of development. Humanists identify scientists with an outdated materialistic reductionism. Scientists insist that hermeneutical intentionality is little more than disguised religion.

Perhaps, a way out of this fruitless dialectic between the 'two cultures', can be found if each party could give up at least one of its cherished preconceptions. It would be a good thing, for example, if heirs of the Enlightenment Credited to Bacon, Shakespeare, Jonson and others with an alchemical background. would stop thinking that if cultural phenomena are not reduced to some sort of mechanism, religious authoritarianism will immediately flood into the breach. They should also stop assuming that nothing is really known about human beings until the spirit of reductionism gets to work. Students of the human sciences have, after all, been learning things alongside scientists ever since modernity began. Among other things they have learned that humans are individuated as persons within the bonds of cultures and cultural roles, they are bound together with others in ways no less meaningful and valuable than the ways promoted by strongly dualistic religions. By the same token, it would be helpful if advocates of the interpretive disciplines would. abandon a tacit assumption sometimes found among them that nature is so constituted that it can never accommodate the rich and meaningful cultural phenomena humanists are dedicated to protecting, and that therefore cultural 'ought never' to be allowed to slip comfortably into naturalism. Humanists seem to have internalized this belief from their reductionist enemies, whose commitment to materialism is generally inseparable from their resolve to show up large parts of culture, especially religion, as illusions. These opponents, we may safely say, take in each other's laundry.

I wonder if these authors and their reductivist buddies are aware that all humanists are not without the ability to incorporate hard physical science to an even higher factual degree than they do. The quantum physicists like Wigner (Nobel laureate), Schr?dinger and Heisenberg think that humanistic richness is robbed by reductionist unspiritual thinking. The global reifying thrust of materialism (Dr. Boddy of U of T, anthropology) is hopefully, in due course, going to return to a global deifying thrust of spiritualism. The only REALITY is NATURE and it assuredly includes ALL observable facts not just the 'Toilet Philosophy'.

If I may be allowed to quote someone who tries to keep an 'open mind' and use WHATEVER WORKS even if it isn't 'modernity'. I choose to quote a wholistic doctor by the name of Zoltan Rona who has his M.D. and M. Sc. He edited the 'Encyclopedia of Natural Healing' in 1997 which says on pages 33 and 34:

?It is misleading to call the natural health movement ?alternative medicine? as is often done. Natural Medicine is considered the founder of contemporary Western medicine. What we now call modern medicine is actually an aberration, the result of social change at the dawn of industrialization in the eighteenth century.

He continues to discuss one of the greatest alchemists of all time whose books I found contain the key to understanding how to make the Philosopher's Stone. He does not identify Paracelsus as an alchemist due to cultural bias against alchemy that has led to many of them being burned at the stake. He says on pages 34 & 35:

PARACELSUS (1493-1541)

At the close of the Middle Ages, Paracelsus dared to challenge the orthodox medicine of his day, which, like today, had abandoned the teachings of Hippocrates Another alchemist. and become bogged down in superstitious, dogmatic practices. With the dramatic successes he achieved through observation and deduction to discover nature's latent healing powers, Paracelsus revolutionized medicine for centuries.

Born Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim He used some other names in conjunction with these such as Phillipus Aureolus. in Switzerland, this courageous genius had the early opportunity to accompany his father, a physician, on his rounds. He learned the value of observation and became acquainted with herbs and medicinal plants. In his university years, Paracelsus appreciated the critical spirit which reigned in Ferrara, Italy, compared to the close-mindedness in universities in other European cities. He was not content to limit himself to academic knowledge. He learned what he could practically from professionals and anyone else who had something to teach him about how to use the latent forces in nature. Due to his healing successes, notably in treating the plague, he began to gather a large following.

After returning to Basle, Switzerland, Paracelsus saved the leg of the rich printer Frobenius from amputation by applying his knowledge of nature's inner healing power. Paracelsus became Basle's official physician and was offered a professorship at the University of Basle. He soon ran into trouble with the authorities due to his blatant criticism of modern medicine. In a dramatic gesture Paracelsus burned the books of the medical authorities. Within several months he was forced to flee the university and found himself wandering penniless. . For the next eight years he lived with friends 'and worked on his manuscripts. The publication of DIE GROSSE WUNDANTZNEY in 1536 restored his reputation, and his fortune turned once more. Paracelsus became wealthy and was sought after by noblemen and royalty.

His actions against the ?sins and demons? origins of disease and illness mirror the free medicine and knowledge of the Gnostic Cathars a couple of centuries earlier that led to their genocide in a crusade that was won by the new head of the Dominican Order of the Catholics. Man, Myth, and Magic promotes the MYTH that alchemy was dominated by hermits in pursuit of wealth and gold from lead. They say that Paracelsus was poor and proof that no Philosopher's Stone was ever created and that alchemists were greedy failures. This author says 'Paracelsus became wealthy' but that assuredly was not his purpose and when he died he had only one special goblet to give to someone who he knew understood its value. Continuing to quote Mr. Rona:

Paracelsus attacked the dogmatic belief of modern doctors that the human body is controlled exclusively by the stars and the planets. He insisted upon the right to discover latent powers of nature by daring to use his faculties of observation and imagination. He stressed the healing power of nature, and raged against modern methods, such as wound treatment that prevented natural drainage of bodily fluids.

One of Paracelsus's most important medical discoveries concerned the treatment of syphilis. He maintained that syphilis could be treated with carefully measured doses of poison mercury compounds taken internally. This contradicted all medical opinion of the day, but he was proven right. Paracelsus was the first to show that, if given in small doses, the cause of an illness also cures it. This discovery was an anticipation of the modern practice of homeopathy. In the summer of 1534, Paracelsus cured many people in the plague-infested town of Stertzing by applying the same principle.

At the time of the Plague the Flagellants were part of the Catholic hierarchy; they were burning Jewish people in cities across Europe. Men, women and children were surrounded in their neighborhoods and burned. The genocide in Rwanda that was initiated by the hatred' fostered by the Roman Catholic Church' according to the July 2000 report released by the Organization of African Unity is little different than the holocaust. The Catholic fostered anti-Semitism that was politically useful to Hitler (or Mississippi Senator John Stennis of the House Un-American Activities Committee) who was a Catholic and never ex-communicated; has been used throughout recent history to empower the Empire-builders from the Holy Roman Emperor Constantine to this very day. Yes, I know the Pope has meekly apologized, but the behavior continues. The 'War on Women' founded in the 'original sin' of St. Augustine and formalized at the Council of Carthage in 397 A.D. has far reaching influence across sociological norms in the Judaeo-Christian-Islamic complex. Thus we can see this author correctly uses the word courageous when referring to Paracelsus.

Author of Diverse Druids Columnist for The ES Press Magazine Guest 'expert' at World-Mysteries.com where many other books of mine are available