Eating almonds has a positive effect on reducing low density cholesterol and also improves insulin sensitivity & helps in reducing diabetes

As India grapples with a major public health problem, being home to an estimated 50.8 million diabetic population, the largest in the world, experts say "consuming a few almonds daily can help combat the lifestyle disease."



"Eating almonds has a positive effect on reducing low density cholesterol and also improves insulin sensitivity; so it does help in pushing diabetes away," says Ritesh Gupta, head of clinical operation at Fortis C-Doc Hospital.



"It is a healthy source of fibre, protein and calories and has been found to have a positive effect in reducing bad cholesterol and improved insulin sensitivity," Gupta told.

Diabetes is caused when there is deficiency of insulin hormone, which controls blood sugar level. Its symptoms include fatigue, excessive thirst and frequent urination.



"With an estimated 50.8 million people living with the disease, India has the world's largest population of diabetics in the world, followed by China with 43.2 million," says the World Health Organisation (WHO).







The number in India is expected to go up to 87 million - 8.4 per cent of the country's adult population - by 2030.



With India staring at a major public health threat due to diabetes and other lifestyle diseases, almond is now being hailed as the health nut.



"Indians are more prone to lifestyle diseases like diabetes. The increasingly sedentary lifestyle and fast food double up the risk. Almond, which has traditionally been part of our diet, is a high source of nutrition and helps push these diseases away," says Anoop Misra, director of Diabetes Foundation (India).



"A handful of almonds contain 164 calories and 7 gm of protein, which helps in fighting hunger pangs and helps you control what you eat. Almonds also help growing children in developing strong bones," he adds.



A study done by scholars from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, West Chester University, Pennsylvania, and Loma Linda University of California, all in the US, and published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition also confirms that the nut can control diabetes if consumed regularly.



"A diet consisting of 20 per cent of calories as almonds over a 16-week period is effective in improving markers of insulin sensitivity and yields clinically significant improvements in LDL-C (low density lipoprotein cholesterol) in adults with pre-diabetes," the study said.



"We have made great strides in chronic disease research, from evidence of effective treatment to evidence of effective prevention," said Michelle Wien, assistant research professor in nutrition at Loma Linda University's School of Public Health.



She was also the principal investigator for the study, which was conducted at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.



"Low density cholesterol is the cholesterol which blocks the arteries. According to the study, the intake of almonds had a significant effect on reducing the levels, along with improving insulin sensitivity," said Karen Lapsley, chief scientific officer of the Almond Board of California, which was an associate in the study.



"It's also very easy to consume, one can have it any time, so it merges well with the hectic lifestyle," Lapsley said.



Gupta, however, adds that indiscreet consumption of almonds alone will not help and it should be seen as a percentage of total calorie intakes.



"It is not that one can eat anything and pop five almonds. It has to be seen as a percentage of total calorie intakes. The rest of the diet is as important," he added.



src: TOI

The ancient art of yoga appeared to halve the number of episodes of a potentially dangerous irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation also improved quality of life, lowering levels of the anxiety and depression

In a small preliminary study, the ancient art of yoga appeared to halve the number of episodes of a potentially dangerous irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation.

Three sessions of yoga a week also improved quality of life, lowering levels of the anxiety and depression which often plagues patients with this condition, according to research to be presented Saturday at the annual meeting of the American College of Cardiology in New Orleans.

"These are exciting results," said Dr. Raul Mitrani, director of the cardiac rhythm device clinic at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Although it didn't cure atrial fibrillation, he added, it did seem to cut the number of "a-fib" episodes.

Prior research had shown other heart benefits of yoga, such as lower blood pressure and cholesterol and more elastic arteries, but this is the first study looking specifically at atrial fibrillation, said the authors, from Mid-America Cardiology at the University of Kansas Hospital.

Atrial fibrillation, which affects millions of older Americans, is an irregular heartbeat that greatly raises odds for clotting and stroke. Treatments tend to be either invasive surgery (to try to eliminate the abnormality at its origin) or medications that carry side effects. Some lifestyle tactics are also helpful, Mitrani said, such as moderating alcohol and caffeine to reduce triggers.

In the new trial, 49 patients between the ages of 25 and 70 who had atrial fibrillation participated in a supervised yoga program, conducted 45 minutes a week, three times a week for three months. Sessions involved breathing exercises, various positions (asanas), meditation and relaxation. The participants were also given an educational DVD and encouraged to practice daily at home.

During the three months of yoga practice, participants experienced an average of 2.1 episodes of atrial fibrillation as compared to an average of 3.8 episodes occurring the three months prior to the start of classes, when they were exercising but not yet doing yoga.

"Advanced yogis for a long time have disproven the idea that heart rate that automatically determined by physiological need," noted Dr. Scott Shurmur, director of preventive cardiology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. "We know that meditation, yoga etc, really do provide some conscious altering of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. This is the first time I've seen results on atrial fibrillation and its tangible evidence."

"Absolutely, yoga can play a role in the management of atrial fibrillation," says Dr. Louis Teichholz, medical director of the cardiac service and chief of complementary medicine at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey, who points to the breathing component of yoga -- especially Prana yoga -- as the key ingredient.

"If they had studied heart rate variability, they would have shown this decreases sympathetic nervous system activity," he said. "That comes with fear and fright. A sudden burst of adrenaline in a susceptible individual will trigger arrhythmia."

A second study being presented at the meeting backed up the value of exercise in general for heart health.

Texas researchers report that a lifetime of regular exercise keeps the human heart flexible and strong, well over retirement age.

In fact, long-term exercise actually preserves heart muscle mass, keeping it at the same level as a sedentary person aged 25 to 34, the team estimated.

In the study, people over the age of 65 who reported having exercised consistently over their lifetime actually managed to preserve left ventricular mass. The left ventricle of the heart is involved in pumping and normally gets smaller as you age.

The folks in this study had exercised six or seven times a week as adults but the researchers, from the University of Texas-Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, believe that getting people in the midrange of their life -- 45 to 60 -- could help prevent heart failure and other cardiac problems which tend to appear as you get older.

Experts stress that data presented at medical meetings has not undergone the rigorous peer review that is conducted when research is published in medical journals and should be considered preliminary.

More information

Find out more about atrial fibrillation at the American Heart Association.

SOURCES: Scott Shurmur, M.D., director, preventive cardiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha; Raul Mitrani, M.D., director, cardiac rhythm device clinic, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; April 2, 2011, presentation, American College of Cardiology annual meeting, New Orleans

Fasting for 24 hours may cut your risk of developing heart disease and diabetes.

LONDON: It seems your grandmother was right  fasting for a day is good for your health. And, now a study says that going without food for 24 hours may cut your risk of developing heart disease and diabetes.

Researchers have based their findings on an analysis of health and habits of over 200 residents in Utah. X-ray scans revealed narrowing of arteries in 75% of those who didn't fast. Clogged arteries affected 63% of those who said they often skipped meals.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar launch a mega health scheme Under the 'Nayee Peedhi Swasthya Guarantee Karyakram' (New Generation Health Guarantee Programme) targeted at the 3.4 crore children up to 14 years of age and adolescent girls will be provided a health card for their medical check-up and treatment free of cost at government hospitals.

After roads and law and order, Bihar is
turning its attention to the health of its children. As part of its
Bihar Divas celebrations, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will Tuesday
launch a mega health scheme targeted at the 3.4 crore children in the
state, officials said.

Under the 'Nayee Peedhi Swasthya Guarantee Karyakram' (New Generation
Health Guarantee Programme), children up to 14 years of age and
adolescent girls will be provided a health card for their medical
check-up and treatment free of cost at government hospitals.

'Soon after inaugurating Bihar Divas at Gandhi Maidan, Nitish Kumar will
begin distributing health cards to children,' an official of the Chief
Minister's Office told IANS.

'This mega health scheme will check malnutrition, anaemia and childhood
reproductive problems,' Principal Health Secretary Amarjit Sinha said.

The government planned to distribute health cards by Oct 2 this year, he added.

However, he admitted that reaching out to all the children was a challenging task.

'Special camps would be organised in government schools and sub-primary health centres to distribute these cards,' he said.

According to the World Health Organisation, 55 percent of Indian
children suffer from malnutrition-related diseases before attaining the
age of three. The percentage could be higher in Bihar.

The historic Gandhi Maidan here is being readied for grand celebrations
to mark Bihar Divas Tuesday to commemorate carving of the separate Bihar
province by the British rulers from the Bengal Presidency March 22,
1912. In Patna, thousands of people are expected to gather at the
grounds from Tuesday to Thursday.

Nitish Kumar will kickstart the celebrations by lighting 99 lamps to
mark the 99th anniversary of the state. He has declared that the state
will mark its centenary in 2012 with programmes throughout the year.

The ECG Tread Mill Test commonly used to identify people who are prone to heart attacks is not a fool-proof procedure to know the condition of heart especially among high-risk professionals like pilots.

The
established criteria for positive Tread Mill Test (TMT) needs
revision in order to avoid treating healthy persons as heart
patients, its author Colonel M J Jacob, head of the department
of Nuclear Medicine, Army Hospital Research and Refferal said.The study has been published in the Journal of
Associations of Physicians in India.With increased prevalence of coronary artery disease,
people especiall the young are anxious to find out about their
risk of suffering from a heart attack in near future and
hence, undergo TMT to clear the doubt.ECG TMT is one of the main tests routinely used to
detect the adequacy of the blood supply to cardiac muscles
during rest as well as at times of higher stress.All those who test positive for ECG TMT are put
through further tests and procedures."A total of 152 people including airline pilots,
millitary personnels making it to higher altitudes,
submariners and executives who reported positive for ECG TMT
were analysed in order to ensure their cardiac fitness in
stress conditions."It was found that the test grossly over-estimated the
presence of cardiac problems and put healthy persons through
unnecessary tests and procedures," Colonel Jacob said.Chest discomfort could have been due to other minor
problems unrelated to heart like acidity, chest wall muscle
main etc, he said.He said, "ECG TMT is one of the very common
investigations being used in the periodic medical examination
of high risk professionals."It's time we revise the test criterias. It's time we
revise the test criterias in order stop person from being
unduly being subjected to coronary angiography," he said. PTI
SWT

Breathing To Relieve Stress And Anxiety

Stress is no stranger to any of us and we need to accept that
it is an indefinite part of our lives. Every time we get
stressed out, our bodies will naturally produce certain hormones
because of the intense feelings we are having. As a result, our
heart starts to beat faster and the blood flow in our system
increases. If we allow these stressors to constantly haunt us
for prolonged periods of time we may even burn out or become
extremely fatigued.

How then do you attempt to handle and deal with something that
you know will always be there? How do you handle stress? There
are actually many ways to do this but in this article we will be
focusing on one way only: through breathing.

Slow and deep breathing has several effects on your body, the
most prominent being the ability to relax your muscles and body
to achieve a state of `peace'. When you get stressed out your
body naturally goes into a `fight or flight' mode. This is like
being in a constant state of high alert. Slow breathing can be
used to counter this by relaxing your body to lower the heart
rate in an attempt to reduce the intense feelings.

Deep breathing does not just involve the lungs but also the
abdomen. Sit back comfortably with your back straight and start
by placing one of your hands on your chest and then place the
other hand on your abdomen. Breathe in slowly and gently through
your nose and you should be able to feel the hand placed on your
stomach start to rise. However, the hand on your chest should
move only slightly. After inhaling to a point of comfort, hold
the breath for a few seconds before exhaling through your nose
or mouth and, again, you should feel only limited movement of
the hand placed upon your chest. But you should feel your
abdominal muscles contract slightly as you exhale. Repeat this
method of breathing for a short while and you should soon feel
calm and relaxed.

The benefit of this type of breathing is that by taking long,
slow breaths that go deep into your abdomen you are actually
maximizing your oxygen intake. The result is instant stress
relief. With more oxygen in your system, your body calms down
and puts you in a much more relaxed state. At the same time you
are also clearing your mind of stress since you are very much
focused on breathing properly and deeply. If your mind begins to
wander bring your focus back to the breathing and you will find
yourself to be much more relaxed.

Deep breathing like this can be helpful for everyone and it
does work, but only if done properly. No doubt there are other
ways to deal with stress, but deep breathing can be done
anywhere and at any time and requires no equipment except for
your nose and a working set of lungs! The important thing is
that it helps you quickly reach a state of calm and to clear
your thinking. Still skeptical? Why not try it for yourself; you
won't be disappointed.

Simple Weight Loss Solutions for Moms

There are some great diet plans on the market, but they all require a total and complete overhaul of your life starting now. What mom has time to organize something like that especially when the rest of family is likely to rebel? 

Fortunately there is an easy solution to losing weight; a solution that requires small changes over time that adds up to significant weight loss. It might take a little longer to reach your goal weight, but the journey will be easier, smoother and steadier. 

Each of the tips given below should be implemented one at a time. Once one has become "habit", you can add the next. You can make these changes daily although it would be better if you spread them out so you have time to incorporate one change before adding a new one. The goal is make tiny, simple changes that you barely feel.

1. Stop drinking calories. This means switching from sugary colas to diet. Swapping mochas for skinny lattes with sugar free vanilla. Drink skim milk instead of whole (you can transition to low fat first). Stop drinking juice (eat fruit instead). The only except is V-8 tomato-based drink or the diet juice. The best switch is to substitute drinks to quench thirst (as opposed to those you have with a meal) with water. By swapping high calorie sodas and other drinks with diet and low calorie options you'll save hundreds of calories a day without sacrificing your thirst.

2. Get moving. Exercise isn't just about losing weight; it's about keeping the body working right. The older you get, the less efficient your body can get especially if you don't move it. Life becomes very small if you have limited mobility. You don't have to join a gym or run a marathon though. Bundle the kids up and go outside. Play tag or hide-n-seek with them. If your child is a baby, put them in a stroller or better yet a baby pack and go for a walk or hike. Or wait until your spouse is home and go for a walk on your own. It will clear your head and give you time away from it all. Consider taking a class... a dance class, tennis lesson...whatever sounds fun to you.

3. Switch to Whole Grain. It's really important to make sure the package says "Whole" grain or wheat. Multi-grain is not the same. Whole grains have all the great stuff that keeps you healthy, but also the fiber that fills you up. Instead of white bread, eat whole wheat. You can get whole grain in rice, cereal, bagels, English muffins, etc. They are better for you, have all the good carbs, and will help you feel fuller faster.

4. Discover the size of a serving and stick to it. One of the biggest problems contributing to weight issues in the US is that servings are getting bigger or that people don't pay attention to a serving. Did you know a serving of cereal is anywhere from 1/2 to 1 cup? Most people fill the whole bowl (2 cups). Check labels to learn what a serving size is and compare it to what you'd normally eat. You'll likely discover you've eaten two servings even before you have seconds. 

5. Fill up with good stuff. Snacking is my biggest problem. I'm always hungry after dinner. Instead of having high calorie, high sugar snacks, choose healthy options like air popped popcorn (spray with Pam and sprinkle popcorn seasoning). It's filling and has lots of fiber. Other options are a handful of almonds, a tablespoon of peanut butter in celery or an apple, vanilla yogurt, or frozen berries. 

6. Choose lower calorie goodies. I still eat chocolate (daily), but I limit it to 150 calories. That's 1 Peppermint Patty or 2 squares of Lindt 70% chocolate. I buy low fat, no-sugar ice cream that has up to half the fat and calories. You can have treats, but you have to be able to limit the amount you eat. 

These are just a handful of easy changes even a busy mom can make to lose weight and improve health.

src: http://www.articlemarketer.com/ by Leslie Truex

Benefits of Exercise

Why Exercise?

There are many physical, emotional and mental benefits for

exercising. A regular exercise routine can help you;

Lose unwanted pounds and maintain your weight

Reduce the risk of diabetes

Have greater endurance

Reduce stress, thereby relieving depression

Reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke

Have increased energy and concentration

Reduce the risk of osteoporosis

Finding the Time and Motivation.

What seems to hold most of us back from starting an exercise

routine is, one, gaining the motivation to just get started and

two finding the time. It helps to remind yourself of all that

you have to gain from just a 15 to 30 minute block of time each

day. Focus on the benefits, the most visible will be the change

in your physical appearance. With the physical changes comes an

increase in self esteem which in itself is a great motivational

factor. It may take a few weeks but with a little time and

determination you will begin to both see and feel the benefits

beginning to happen.

How many times have you wanted to start an exercise program and

did not because you just could not figure out how you could

possibly work it into your schedule? I know I have had that

thought many times. I also know that I will make time my

schedule for whatever I deem important. But, just how important

are all the daytime and evening TV programs we watch? How much

more do we have to gain by sacrificing some other activity for

30 minutes of exercise? With all that said now is the time to

choose which type of exercise you would enjoy doing.

Types of Exercise.

There is no one exercise program that is just right for

everyone, it is a very personal decision. When making this

decision, remember that exercise is supposed to be fun. So

choose something you enjoy doing but make sure it gets your

heart pumping. Aerobics is defined as exercise that uses large

muscle groups continuously and rhythmically. This makes the

heart and lungs work harder which helps to lower your resting

heart rate and burn calories. Just about any exercise can be

done to music, in fact most people prefer to have music playing

while they work out. You will naturally find yourself working

out in time to the beat regardless of what type of exercise you

are doing.

Anything that gets you on your feet and moving is exercise.

Some of the more popular choices are;

Aerobics, biking, Skiing, Power Walking, Jogging, Inline

Skating, Swimming, Palettes, Yoga, Tai chi and other Martial

Arts, Hiking, Basketball, Soccer, most sports, the list is

endless. Within these there are many variations as well.

Don't feel like you have to join a gym or purchase expensive

equipment. That is simply not true. You can start with simple

things like taking the stairs, walking at lunch time or after

work. There are also lots of inexpensive but very helpful videos

and books that teach aerobic, yoga, palettes and exercises for

each muscle group to help you get started. So, with this

information and now knowing you have lots of choices lets get up

and move toward being healthier and happier.

Stemulite Helps You Sleep Better

Maintaining a healthy sleep cycle each night can be a challenge

for most people, especially if stress, anxiety and tension are

interfering with natural relaxation.

Deep sleep is essential for muscle cell repair and tissue

growth, and when this is compromised, the result can be fatigue,

lethargy, and feelings of low motivation the following day.

Stemulite offers an all-natural solution for improving the

quality of sleep and encouraging healthy cell and tissue repair

overnight. The key ingredients in Stemulite work synergistically

to encourage the REM sleep stage – the critical stage of sleep

for restoration and rejuvenation – so that anyone can enjoy the

benefits of a good night's rest.

Whether you're battling insomnia or need a valuable supplement

for muscle growth and repair, consider these key benefits of

Stemulite for better health:

How Stemulite Works Overnight

As the body winds down into the deepest sleep stage, melatonin

production steadily increases. Melatonin is a naturally

occurring hormone that is also a powerful antioxidant. It helps

reduce brain deterioration and regulates the circadian rhythmus

that help promote deep sleep, but a healthy supply of melatonin

can be depleted by stress, a poor sleep cycle or dietary

imbalances. Melatonin supplements are often prescribed to those

with sleep disorders and severe cases of insomnia, as it can

help re-configure circadian rhythms to a healthy level.

Stemulite contains a high concentration of melatonin so that

the sleep cycle can be restored to a healthy level. This

naturally results in an improvement of the cellular repair

process so that tissues are repaired overnight and muscle growth

can take place. This is especially important for athletes and

bodybuilders who are exercising regularly at a high intensity;

the damage to cells and muscles can be restored with a healthy

level of sleep, and melatonin can help with this process.

Stemulite also contains L-carnitine, alpha-lipoic acid and

Indium that encourage muscle growth and cellular repair in

conjunction with melatonin.

Key Benefits of Taking Stemulite Overnight

The Stemulite overnight formula offers several benefits for

athletes, bodybuilders, fitness enthusiasts and anyone looking

for a way to improve their health. It can help to:

• Improve the level of cellular repair

• Reduce the impact of oxidative stress from the day

• Increase muscle size and strength

• Decrease the perception of stress throughout the day

• Improve mood and increase energy after a good night's rest

• Reduce dependency on sleep aids and other relaxation-inducing

supplements

• Expel toxins from the body for improved detoxification

overnight

• Regulate emotions and mental health

REM sleep is extremely critical to healthy brain repair and

muscle development, but is often compromised because of poor

health, an unbalanced lifestyle, and excessive stress. Most

people who are missing out on the quality REM sleep cycle

experience chronic fatigue, a high sensitivity to stress, and

poor health during the day; unfortunately, few people realize

that these conditions are a result of poor sleep. Natural

supplements such as Stemulite can decrease these unhealthy

states and restore healthier sleep patterns for better

performance, and better health.

Lose Cellulite causing side abs Without Even Breaking a Sweat!

Cellulite is a problem that almost 95% of all women are faced

with. Dimpled, uneven fat bulges give a cottage cheese

appearance to the skin of the thighs and rear end areas. Many

believe that it's just something they have to put up with, and

try hiding it under long dresses and pants. Be brave! You CAN

reduce and eliminate cellulite for good. Here are some of the

ways!

Let's start with a definition of cellulite.

Beneath the dermis, a fibrous network layer called septae

connects the skin to the underlying layer of fat, holding them

together. When the layer of fat pokes through septae, creating

the view of ripples, cellulite is formed. To illustrate this,

picture a fishnet being stretched over gelatin. As the strands

of the net pull against it, the gelatin bulges through the

openings. This is what happens when the septae and fat create

ripples under the skin.

Cellulite is particularly troublesome to older women because

the holes in the septae's net have become larger and the skin is

thinner, which makes the fat bulges more obvious.

Exercise does not get rid of cellulite. To achieve a smoother

appearance you have to target the skin and fat cells.

Two Steps to Beat Cellulite:

Don't depend on liposuction and surgery. According to studies,

massaging the area affected by cellulite is one of the most

effective methods of eliminating it. Amazingly, easy direct

kneading of the area alleviates some of the defective

unevenness.

Keeping the area cool has proven to have a smoothing effect

when it comes to cellulite. Consider putting an easy dual

approach into your morning routine.

On a daily basis, try to end your shower or bath with a cold

blast of water on the area of your body that is badly affected

with cellulite.

Gently towel dry, then massage a little baby oil into the

cellulite. Repeat this oily massage for approximately ten

minutes.

After about two weeks, you will start to notice improvement.

How does this method work? Keep in mind that cellulite is

composed of small groups of fat cells pushed towards the skin's

surface. Cooling and manipulating the skin sends the bumpy fat

back down below the septae, again decreasing the pitted

appearance on the surface of the skin.

Healthy Skin has a Smooth Appearance

When skin ages, much of its collagen and suppleness is lost,

causing the skin to sag. This is why its important to prevent

loss of collagen and elasticity, because it will cause cellulite

look worse.

You can prevent elasticity loss by following each shower or

bath with a quality moisturizer. Collagen is an ingredient in

some of the best moisturizers available. Using them provides

collagen for your skin as you work on getting it firm.

Firming lotion such as Jergens Firming Daily Moisturizer can

greatly benefit the skin and return elasticity and suppleness

even though there may be a noticeable amount of sagging. Many

firming moisturizers have been proven, through clinical studies,

to be effectively tighten skin. As you find your skin

tightening, mostly you will also find the appearance of

cellulite reducing, as well.

The best way to rid yourself of cellulite is by taking a little

time each day to cool, moisturize and firm your skin. Now

there's no reason to avoid those skimpy skirts and tiny shorts!

Lower Back Pain, When To Worry

When we experience pain in our lower back and it takes a few
days, most of us start to worry and some even experience anxious
thoughts. It is good to know that over 80% of all adults
experience lower back pain at one time in there life or, more
likely, more than ones. The pain can be mild, little twinges but
can also be more severe, intense and even crippling pain that
effects every move you make.

When you have the idea that all back pain is the same, the last
sentence should have given you a clue, pain can vary in
intensity and there are roughly said two kinds of back pain
chronic and acute. Acute back pain is most of the time just
lasting a few days a week or two at most. When you don't take
proper precautions and treat the cause of the pain, the pain can
become chronic.

Chronic back pain does not mean that there is no cure or
treatment and that you will keep on having it for the rest of
your life, it just means that it takes longer to heal and treat.
Chronic back pain can be there all the time all day and night,
or it can come in flares and be periodically mild and worse. It
can be very hard to determine the cause of chronic back pain.

Something else people worry about is if the pain is so severe
that there will be severe damage to the back to. In fact the
amount of pain does probably not correspond with the amount of
damage, it is possible to have excruciating back pain because of
a simple muscle spasm and a few days later it is completely gone
without any damage. Back pain can be so severe that walking and
even standing can be so painful that you think it will never go
away again and you will be handicapped because of it, in fact
90% of the real awful back pains don't take longer than just a
few days. Some disc degeneration however can be totally pain
free but are extremely dangerous.

Most people who experience back pain have no idea if they
should rest or exercise, in general resting for more than one or
two days is not good, it makes your back stiff and it will slow
down your recovery. You should do small exercises every couple
of hours and regain some strength, By doing so you will heal
faster and properly. Gradually introduce more and more
activities but without overdoing it of course, Overdoing it will
make things worse.

When should you go see a doctor?

This is also a question most people with back pain have trouble
with.

You should call your family doctor:

- when the pain is not getting any less in about 5 days
- when you experience progressive weakness in your legs
- when you have a sudden bladder and/or bowel dysfunction
- when you have severe, continuous low back and/or abdominal
pain
- when you have a fever and chills in combination with back
pain
- when you have a history with cancer and recent weight loss
- when you have back pain because of severe trauma

Your doctor will not always identify the source of your lower
back pain, often there is no known direct physiological cause
that your doctor can determine, that does not mean that the pain
you are experiencing is in your head, it just means that the
cause can't be identified.

Now you know the facts, you see there is no reason to start
worrying right away, take some time to heal and start with some
small exercises. And if you do worry just call your family
doctor.

Protecting Your Family From The Avian Flu

Fear of an Avian Flu pandemic has reached epic proportions and
with good reason. If it becomes a fully mutated strain that is
easily transmittable between humans, the result of this sickness
on the human population would be disastrous.

Avian Flu: The Potential Crisis

Currently, the Bird Flu has been affecting Asia and Europe. The
rest of the world is keeping a close eye on this illness to make
sure that it doesn't cross any more borders. Avian influenza,
though common with wild birds, can devastate domesticated birds
swiftly and quickly, completely eradicating all that were
infected with the virus. The potential crisis is in the fact
that humans do not have built in immunities to this virus. If it
mutates and infects humans, they would not be able to fight it
off without medical intervention. Since the strain hasn't
mutated yet, there isn't a medicine that can cure it. The only
way we can fight this potential crisis is through prevention.

Avian Flu: Symptoms

H5N1 virus symptoms are very similar to other symptoms of
Influenza. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, malaise, and
coughing. It can progress to Pneumonia and other serious
conditions. A person who has contracted bird flu will need a lot
of fluids and should be treated by a physician immediately. If
the condition is untreated, it can lead to death.

Avian Flu: Prevention is the Key to the Future

Precaution is the best tool that we have to prevent a worldwide
pandemic. Taking simple steps such as washing your hands
frequently and sneezing and coughing into tissues can go a long
way in preventing the spread of germs and viruses. It is also
important to make sure that you stay up to date with yearly flu
shots. The shot won't prevent Avian Flu, but it will help to
ensure that you don't come down with Influenza. If someone were
to have Influenza and then contract the Avian Flu at the same
time, that would be the perfect mix for mutating the Avian Flu
strain. By staying current with your shots, you will help
minimize the risk of that happening. If you are visiting a
foreign country that has had cases of Avian Flu it is important
to use care and precaution. Stay clear of areas that host wild
birds or birds for sale in open markets. Also, make sure that
all of the food that you eat has been cooked thoroughly.
Precaution is the best tool to prevent a worldwide pandemic.

About The Author: The potential risk of the bird flu is unlike
anything else we have ever seen. The main question is not if,
but when it will strike. Find out more at
http://www.aviansto cks.com

Fantastic Fat Burning Exercises For a Trimmer Body

Effective exercises focused on fat burning need not be overly

complicated or too intense. A simple exercise that meets your

needs in fat reduction is listed below.

Walk Away From Flab

Low impact exercises like walking are said to be more calorie

reducing than fast action exercise. Walking is especially great

for people who want to burn fat and lose weight but do not want

to put a lot of stress on their joints. Walking is an easy

exercise that costs nothing.

Begin by walking for 10 to 20 at a time. Go at a comfortable

pace, and increase your speed each day. Don't overexert

yourself. You can tell if you're going too fast for your fitness

level if you can't talk normally while walking. Reduce the speed

a little until you become more fit. Add some small hand weights

to get a better walking workout. This will burn more fat and

calories, as well as promote muscle gain.

Dance Away the Fat

Dance is fast gaining popularity for weight reduction and

keeping a trim and slim body. When you are dancing, you'll have

so much fun that you'll forget you're exercising.

30 minutes of Ballet burns off 200 calories and ballroom

dancing up to 189 calories for a 150 pound person.

So it's true that dancing burns calories, but how is it a great

fat burner? Aerobic and anaerobic exercise is caused by the slow

and fast movements of dancing. The anaerobic system which uses

energy stored in the muscles is triggered by using fast-paced

dance steps, while dancing with slower steps ignites the aerobic

system which uses stored carbohydrates for energy. Since most

dances incorporate both types of movement, it switches these

body systems on and off constantly, thus burning more fat and

calories as well as building muscle that in turn burns more fat.

Jogging for Less Jiggle

Another exercise that is great for fat burning is jogging. 238

calories are burned by a 150-pound person from just 30 minutes

of jogging. You can improve your burn rate by making use of both

the aerobic and anaerobic systems while jogging. Walk at a

steady, medium pace for only two minutes to start. Then try

jogging for two minutes. Alternate the two for 30 minutes. What

makes the workout more effective is the exchange between the

fast and slow exercises, turning on and off the aerobic and

anaerobic systems.

Muscling in on Fat

Muscle, as mentioned above, helps you to burn more fat. Because

muscle raises your metabolism, the more calories you can burn in

a shorter period of time. Weightlifting is one of the most

effective ways of building muscle.

You will want to start with a lightweight barbell. An optimal

initial weight is five pounds. Do ten lifts with the dumbbell as

a test. Heavier weight should be tried if you can do 10 easily.

If ten repetitions are not possible, go to a lighter weight.

Rotating between weightlifting and fat burning exercises is the

most beneficial.

By choosing the best fat burning exercises for you, pounds will

start to shed like you've never seen.

About The Author: http://www.thefatbu rningonesite. com has YOUR

health and fitness at heart.We supply cutting edge innovative

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Clothes Off

Learn About Low Blood Pressure:hypotension

You may know information about hypertension or high blood

pressure. On the other hand, you may merely know about low blood

pressure or hypotension.

Low blood pressure or hypotension is pressure that is lower

than normal blood pressure. You may have low blood pressure if

your blood pressure is 90/60 or lower.

Low blood pressure sign is the low flow of blood through the

arteries and veins. If you have low blood pressure, the flow of

blood is too low to deliver enough oxygen and nutrients to vital

organs such as the brain, heart, and kidney, the organs do not

function normally and may be permanently damaged.

People who have lower blood pressures have a lower risk of

stroke, kidney disease, and heart disease. Athletes, people who

exercise regularly, people who maintain ideal body weight, and

non–smokers tend to have lower blood pressures. Therefore, low

blood pressure is desirable as long as it is not low enough to

cause symptoms and damage organs in the body.

The cause of low blood pressure is not being the exactly one

but low blood pressure may be involved with pregnancy, hormonal

problems, heart failure, heat exhaustion, or liver disease. In

some other people, they have a low blood pressure because of

some event or medical condition. Some people may experience

symptoms of low pressure when standing up too quickly. Anyway

low blood pressure is a problem only if it causes dizziness,

fainting or in extreme cases, shock so that if you have low

blood pressure problem you have to consult your doctor urgently

to get an advise for control low blood pressure symptom.

Even low blood pressure is, normally, not cause you health

complication but if low blood pressure is disturb your every day

life, there are many way you can take care yourselves.

Good and health diet can help you to control low blood

pressure. You should get nutrients completely for your body need

by having a variety kind of foods, including whole grains,

fruits, vegetables, and lean chicken and fish. You may add more

salt in your foods as a bit amount of salt give you sodium can

raise blood pressure. But you, importantly, should consult with

your doctor before adding up your salt intake because having too

mush sodium can lead to heart failure.

If you eat in small meal with low crab food, it can help

prevent dropping sharply low blood pressure after meals. You

should separate to eat in small portions and several times in a

day and limit high-carbohydrate foods such as potatoes, rice,

pasta and bread. Drinking a bit caffeinated coffee or tea with

meals may temporarily raise blood pressure. However alcohol can

cause lower blood pressure, even you drink in small amount. But

you should drink more water because water against dehydration

and increases blood level.

To go more slowly, you can reduce the dizziness and faintness

that occurs with low blood pressure on standing by taking slowly

movement when you change your position. Before getting out of

bed in the morning, for example, breathe deeply for a few

minutes and then slowly sit up before standing.

From all above, keeping healthy and have and good food can help

you to maintain normal blood pressure and avoid low blood

pressure.

Author: Kritnaphat N.

Author Contact: http://www.isnare.com/eta.php?aid=275636

About The Author: http://www.healthcaresets.com

Qigong - Changing The Way We Look At Health Care

Imagine being able to heal yourself and others. That is exactly
what is happening with an ancient healing art called Qigong.
Finding its roots five thousand years ago in Chinese medicine
and the marital arts, Qigong is becoming famous for promoting
health. Qigong, or Chi Kung, is a healing art that involves a
combination of flowing physical poses and controlled breathing
patterns. It is often referred to as a moving meditation that is
greatly enhanced with visualization techniques. In Chinese, Qi
(Chi) means "life energy" or "breath", and gong means
"discipline" or "cultivation. " So Qigong is the art of breath
work and the cultivation of vital energy. Not only is it very
simple and easy to follow, but also it has tremendous health
benefits.

Everything is comprised of Qi including all matter right down
to the atom and molecule. Qi is referred to as the natural
energy of the universe which enables us to do all things.
According to the Chinese healing model, health is optimized when
the body's Qi is freely flowing. When it is not freely flowing,
it becomes blocked, and we begin to experience pain, disease and
other physical problems. A Qigong healer is able to detect where
the Qi of a patient is stagnant and out of balance. Without
touching the patient, the healer uses his hands to pass Qi
directly into the patient releasing the blocked energy. It is
this flowing balanced life energy that allows the body to heal
itself. With increasing popularity and acceptance in the West,
we are now beginning to experience Qigong's amazing healing
properties. Research is filled with its great health benefits,
including:

Improving joint mobility
Increasing range of motion
Freeing Qi energy to energize the body
Greater circulation
Reduce stress
Stimulate the lymph system
Strengthens the immune system
Helps with weight control
Helps with arthritis
Increases metabolism
Establishes balance
Inner peace
Increases oxygenation to the tissue
Helps digestion

It is easy to see from this short list how the body can benefit
greatly from Qigong. However, what is really amazing are the
stories of healing miracles people received with Qigong. Here
are some of them:

Bleeding brain stem
Migraines
Lung disease
Fibrocystic breast disease
Terminal bone cancer
Immune disease
Heart palpitations
Weight loss
High blood pressure
Arthritis
Blocked arteries

Since 1989, medical Qigong has been the official standard
technique practiced in Chinese hospitals, and it is part of
their National Health Plan. However, that does little to stop
the ongoing controversy in Western medicine where most medical
practitioners point toward the lack of scientific research. As
the cost of Western medicine spirals out of control, people
searching for answers are flocking to alternative health care.
Naturally, always consult with your medical professional before
trying anything new, and don't abandon your present treatment
schedule. You will find Qigong is a great compliment to whatever
treatment you are presently receiving. For healing to be
complete it must be balanced in all areas (spiritually,
emotionally, energetically and physically). Qigong fits the bill
in all respects. It is filled with great benefits on all levels:
it is fun to do; it is low in cost; it is complimentary to
Western medicine and it is a great preventive exercise. Give it
a try, maybe it will be your miracle that we read next.

About The Author: David Panarese is the creator of
http://www.letenerg yheal.com an energy healing website. One of
the few places on the web to cover a wide spectrum of essential
energy healings Discover how the many different techniques work,
and which ones are best suited for your needs. More information
is available on Qigong and miracle healings with Qigong.

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Author: David Panarese