Saturday 13 December 2014
Thursday 9 October 2014
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Tuesday 7 October 2014
5 Simple Steps to Keep Your Brain Healthy
Your memories, dreams, wishes, emotions and the nervous system for all your bodily functions are contained in the body's most vital organ: the brain. So, keeping your brain in tip-top condition is essential.
Here are five easy ways to keep your brain healthy:
1. Exercise regularly
Exercise is not only good for our muscles. Scientific research has shown that our brains grow stronger with every step we take. By doing at least 30 minutes of some form of exercise every other day, your brain produces more calming hormones that help relieve stress and anxiety. So get your walking shoes on!
2. Eat healthily
Eat foods high in fibre, lean proteins and healthy fats such as olive oil. Not only do they boost your energy levels, they are perfect for helping your brain function at its best level of effectiveness. Perfect brainpower foods include:
• salmon
• nuts and seeds
• blueberries
• whole grains
• avocados
• broccoli
• tomatoes
3. Get enough sleep
Our brains can't function optimally if we're tired. Sleep is like giving your brain a spring clean every night. It helps you think clearer and relieves stress. Make sure you get at least seven hours of good quality sleep every night. Here are some tips for a good night's sleep:
• Don't eat a late dinner
• Reduce your caffeine and alcohol intake
• Don't watch TV or use a computer in bed
• Make sure your room is dark and not too hot or cold
• Take a hot bath an hour before bedtime
• Place several drops of lavender essential oil on a tissue and inhale
4. Take time out to relax
Your brain is always working, so it's essential to find some time to relax and unwind. Taking time to relax helps you organize your thoughts better as well as relieve your stress. There are a number of effective ways to combat stress, such as:
• Relaxing exercise like yoga
• Soaking in a hot bath
• Aromatherapy massage
• Meditation
• Hobbies and tasks you love doing
5. Take high-quality nutritional supplements such as:
Vitamin B12: this is a vital nutrient for healthy blood and nerves. If you are over 50, you are likely to have problems absorbing vitamin B12 from food, so a supplement is important. It aids memory, fatigue and prevents depression and brain shrinkage.
Gingko Biloba: Chinese herbal medicine has used the gingko leaf and seeds for thousands of years. It's widely known as a "brain herb". This supplement is an antioxidant, fighting harmful free radicals. It improves blood circulation and several studies show it may help treat dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. It helps to improve memory and thinking and also helps relieve anxiety, which is great for our overall health.
Coenzyme Q10: this nutrient exists in every cell in your body. Without adequate levels of coenzyme Q10, your brains become unhealthy and sluggish. This antioxidant protects your brain cells from free radicals, and aids concentration and clear thinking.
Omega 3 Fish Oil: This essential fatty acid is the building block of the brain. Omega 3 helps to transport nutrients and "happy chemicals" like serotonin to the brain. Because our brain is the centre of the nervous system, we have a huge need for omega 3 - without it our brains simply don't function properly.
Follow these easy tips and you'll protect the health of your brain for years to come.
K Hutchings-Olsson is a natural health and self-help writer, and the creator of The Self-Help Sanctuary. To get more of her tips on self-improvement and healthy living, please visit: http://www.theselfhelpsanctuary.com.
http://ezinearticles.com/?5-Simple-Steps-to-Keep-Your-Brain-Healthy&id=8710185
d59a647cd4f78d5cf26df40c689a5c02a33fea6d2da1213473
Thursday 26 June 2014
Neways: Opportunity Now
The future of good health and wellness is made even easier with "Social Marketing"? Shop online for safe, stylish everyday products you will love and become part of the new marketing revolution. Check out the video and leave me a message in comments for more info. Happy to link you up and get you going to better health and income opportunity
Neways: Opportunity Now
The future of good health and wellness is made even easier with "Social Marketing"? Shop online for safe, stylish everyday products you will love and become part of the new marketing revolution. Check out the video and leave me a message in comments for more info. Happy to link you up and get you going to better health and income opportunity
Sunday 1 June 2014
What's Psoriasis, and How Do I Treat It?
Here's how to cope if you're one of the 7.5 million Americans with this skin disease.
More than a cosmetic issue, psoriasis can have significant physical and emotional effects.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes scaling and inflammation (pain, swelling, heat and redness). Skin cells grow deep in the skin and slowly rise to the surface. This process normally takes 23 to 30 days. For individuals with psoriasis, the process happens in just a few days. Fast-rising cells then pile up on the skin’s surface. This causes patches of thick red skin with silvery scales to form. Patches may be itchy or painful. They generally occur around the elbows, knees, legs, scalp, lower back, face, palms and the soles of the feet.
Psoriasis was originally viewed as strictly a skin condition, but we now know that it is an immune system disorder. Our immune system contains white blood cells called T cells. T cells help protect against infection and disease. With psoriasis, T cells are activated by accident. This results in rapid skin cell growth.
Several types of psoriasis exist, but 80 percent of cases are plaque psoriasis. The symptoms include raised and thickened patches of red skin covered by silvery white scales. Another form of psoriasis is guttate psoriasis, which accounts for 10 percent of cases. Symptoms include small red dots, generally on the torso, arms and legs. These dots do not become scaly.
The National Psoriasis Foundation defines psoriasis severity by the percentage of skin affected. Mild psoriasis affects less than 3 percent of the skin. Moderate psoriasis affects 3 percent to 10 percent of the skin. Severe psoriasis involves more than 10 percent of the skin. For easy reference, a person’s hand represents approximately 1 percent of the skin surface. Up to 90 percent of all psoriasis cases are considered mild. The physical and emotional effects of psoriasis are significant – similar to the effects of cancer, heart disease, diabetes or depression. Psoriasis can have a negative psychological impact, especially if it involves the hands, feet, genitals or face. While psoriasis affects men and women equally, women experience a greater negative impact on quality of life.
More facts about psoriasis:
- Approximately 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis.
- Psoriasis often appears in individuals between 15 and 25 years of age.
- Psoriasis can lead to a painful arthritic condition called psoriatic arthritis. Up to 30 percent of patients with psoriasis develop this form of arthritis. It generally appears approximately 12 years after diagnosis.
- Symptoms may improve in the summer and worsen in the winter.
- Psoriasis affects racial groups differently: 1.3 percent of African-Americans are affected compared with 2.5 percent of Caucasians.
- If one parent has psoriasis, there is a 10 percent chance that his or her child will have psoriasis. If both parents have psoriasis, there is a 50 percent chance that their child will have psoriasis.
- Men with severe psoriasis have a life span that is 3.5 years shorter than the average. Women with severe psoriasis have a life span that is 4.4 years shorter than average.
How do I know if I have psoriasis?
The symptoms of psoriasis are similar to those of other skin conditions. Symptoms of an allergy, for example, may include small red dots and itching. A dermatologist is the best doctor to diagnose and treat psoriasis.
[See: U.S. News' Top Dermatologists.]
Treatment
There is no cure for psoriasis. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, and the goal of treatment is to minimize or eliminate symptoms. While symptoms may go away, they often reappear at a later time. The type of treatment depends on the severity of psoriasis, the type of psoriasis, other medical conditions that the patient has and how the patient reacted to previous psoriasis medications. For mild cases, one medication is often sufficient for treatment. A combination of medications is frequently needed for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. Common psoriasis treatments are listed below:
- Topical agents are applied directly to the skin in the form of creams or ointments. These agents reduce inflammation, slow down the immune system, help skin peel and unclog pores.
- Systemic treatments suppress the immune system and are used for moderate to severe psoriasis.
- Biologics are used for moderate to severe psoriasis. Biologics target specific parts of the immune system instead of affecting the entire immune system as systemic treatments do.
- Natural or artificial ultraviolet light can be used to slow the growth of skin cells. Light therapy is often combined with medication.
- Combination therapy means more than one agent is prescribed, which leads to better results.
- Psychological support can help patients cope, given that people with psoriasis often become depressed, self-conscious and fearful of social rejection.
Living with Psoriasis
Approximately 60 percent of people report psoriasis as a problem in everyday life. Many worry about symptoms getting worse or reappearing. Recommendations for living with psoriasis are listed below:
Approximately 60 percent of people report psoriasis as a problem in everyday life. Many worry about symptoms getting worse or reappearing. Recommendations for living with psoriasis are listed below:
- Do not delay treatment because your symptoms are mild. Current symptoms do not predict future symptoms.
- Learn as much as possible about psoriasis. This improves your understanding of the disease, triggers and treatment options. The National Psoriasis Foundation website (www.psoriasis.org) has easy-to-understand information. It also offers online support groups, which can help you learn how others cope with psoriasis.
- Psoriasis outbreaks are often triggered by external factors. Keeping a diary can help identify triggers.
- Make an appointment with your dermatologist if you develop stiff or sore joints.
- Inform your physician if you are pregnant or intend to get pregnant. Up to 25 percent of pregnant women experience worsening of symptoms. Your doctor may discontinue your medication during your pregnancy.
- Take medication as directed to ensure maximum benefit. Never stop taking your medication without your dermatologist’s approval.
- If you receive light therapy, your symptoms may worsen before improving. Do not experiment with light therapy (for example, do not go to tanning salons for self-treatment).
- As psoriasis begins to heal, skin tends to flake and peel and may feel itchy. When itching is a problem,skin moisturizers may help.
- Losing excess body weight may help. Being overweight increases the severity of psoriasis and reduces the effectiveness of treatment.
- Avoid tobacco products. Smoking plays a role in the onset of psoriasis and future flare-ups. Approximately 77 percent of nonsmokers experience one or more periods without symptoms compared with only 8.7 percent of smokers.
- Limit alcohol. It increases flare-ups and may decrease the effectiveness of treatment.
- Follow a healthy lifestyle. Hypertension, a high cholesterol level and a lack of exercise increase the risk for psoriasis
[See: U.S. News Best Diets.]
Final Thought
Psoriasis is more than a cosmetic issue. Left untreated, it can lead to serious medical complications.
Monday 19 May 2014
Difficulties in Losing Weight and Keeping Fit While Working in an Office
Difficulties in Losing Weight and Keeping Fit While Working in an Office
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tammie_Cappuccio]Tammie Cappuccio
Sitting all day at work is common for most Americans. Count in the commute time and any leisure time at home and it would not be unusual to have 13 hours in sitting down time.
The Sax Institute in Australia recently found that for every 11 hours a day a person sits while at work they have a 40% higher risk of dying within three years than people who sat 4 hours a day. Heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers can be linked to a sedentary lifestyle. Known as the "sitting disease" the condition shows prolonged sitting affects the body both physiologically and metabolically. Not only does it affect the body in that way but it also predisposes a person to neck and back pain due to atrophy or underdevelopment of the core abdominal and gluteal muscles.
A good rule of thumb is to get out of your chair at least once an hour. You could ask a colleague a question, go to the water cooler, take the stairs or take a bathroom break. Other office helpers are standing desks, stability chairs as well as the more often seen ball chairs. Ball chairs provide just enough stability, due to its being heavier on the bottom, to force your legs and arms to engage so there is no wobbling while you sit.
There are some easy exercises that can be done at your desk and some while using a ball chair:
The squeeze- In this exercise you'll actively squeeze and contract all your muscles in turn. Start with your feet set about a foot apart and work your way from toes to head squeezing and contracting each muscle group. Hold each muscle contracted and see how long you can hold them that way.
Hip rotations- Without moving your shoulders, neck or head sit on the ball and rotate the ball in a circular fashion with butt and hips. Then move them in the opposite direction. You should be able to feel all your lower body and back muscles working. Do each way 5-10 times for 3 sets.
Squat- While holding your arm out grasp the ball and squeeze. The ball weighs 4-5 lbs so you should be able to feel your arms and chest engage. While squeezing keep your core tight and squat down. While keeping your knees wide and butt back keep your arms straight out. Squeeze your butt and stand up. Do this 5-10 times for 3 sets.
Leg extensions- While sitting, plant feet firmly about a foot apart and move one leg to the center and lift straight out. Hold your leg up for a few seconds. Repeat this and do the same for the opposite leg. This gets the quads moving and engages the core for stability.
For many people time is a short commodity. Taking small snippets of time here and there to do the exercises, go for a walk during lunch or taking small breaks every hour helps in a cumulative effect and will make a difference in your health and make you feel good!
Tammie Cappuccio has been writing article for over 25 years. She has had over two dozen articles published on varying subjects worldwide.
Visit her website/blog at: http://weightlossandhealthyeating.wordpress.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Difficulties-in-Losing-Weight-and-Keeping-Fit-While-Working-in-an-Office&id=8494899]
Difficulties in Losing Weight and Keeping Fit While Working in an Office
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tammie_Cappuccio]Tammie Cappuccio
Sitting all day at work is common for most Americans. Count in the commute time and any leisure time at home and it would not be unusual to have 13 hours in sitting down time.
The Sax Institute in Australia recently found that for every 11 hours a day a person sits while at work they have a 40% higher risk of dying within three years than people who sat 4 hours a day. Heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers can be linked to a sedentary lifestyle. Known as the "sitting disease" the condition shows prolonged sitting affects the body both physiologically and metabolically. Not only does it affect the body in that way but it also predisposes a person to neck and back pain due to atrophy or underdevelopment of the core abdominal and gluteal muscles.
A good rule of thumb is to get out of your chair at least once an hour. You could ask a colleague a question, go to the water cooler, take the stairs or take a bathroom break. Other office helpers are standing desks, stability chairs as well as the more often seen ball chairs. Ball chairs provide just enough stability, due to its being heavier on the bottom, to force your legs and arms to engage so there is no wobbling while you sit.
There are some easy exercises that can be done at your desk and some while using a ball chair:
The squeeze- In this exercise you'll actively squeeze and contract all your muscles in turn. Start with your feet set about a foot apart and work your way from toes to head squeezing and contracting each muscle group. Hold each muscle contracted and see how long you can hold them that way.
Hip rotations- Without moving your shoulders, neck or head sit on the ball and rotate the ball in a circular fashion with butt and hips. Then move them in the opposite direction. You should be able to feel all your lower body and back muscles working. Do each way 5-10 times for 3 sets.
Squat- While holding your arm out grasp the ball and squeeze. The ball weighs 4-5 lbs so you should be able to feel your arms and chest engage. While squeezing keep your core tight and squat down. While keeping your knees wide and butt back keep your arms straight out. Squeeze your butt and stand up. Do this 5-10 times for 3 sets.
Leg extensions- While sitting, plant feet firmly about a foot apart and move one leg to the center and lift straight out. Hold your leg up for a few seconds. Repeat this and do the same for the opposite leg. This gets the quads moving and engages the core for stability.
For many people time is a short commodity. Taking small snippets of time here and there to do the exercises, go for a walk during lunch or taking small breaks every hour helps in a cumulative effect and will make a difference in your health and make you feel good!
Tammie Cappuccio has been writing article for over 25 years. She has had over two dozen articles published on varying subjects worldwide.
Visit her website/blog at: http://weightlossandhealthyeating.wordpress.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Difficulties-in-Losing-Weight-and-Keeping-Fit-While-Working-in-an-Office&id=8494899]
Difficulties in Losing Weight and Keeping Fit While Working in an Office
Sunday 18 May 2014
Sunday 27 April 2014
Monday 3 March 2014
Take Charge of your Aging
The new science of aging is shedding light on the coveted fountain of youth. Our midlife represents both risk and opportunity. As we creep into our middle years we often begin to experience disruptive symptoms and face increased risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. It is at this critical time that we have the most important opportunity to take charge of our aging. Forget aging gracefully, our generation can choose to age proactively and design the second half of our lives.
But to age well requires that we first understand why we are aging. As we approach midlife, we begin to face accelerated loss of vital factors; our hormones, our nutrients, our sleep and our telomeres. As a result of these losses, rapid aging ensues. Indeed, from the age of 40 to 50 years women age twice as fast as any other decade. While men's aging speeds up too, by about 60 per cent, they do not face the same cliff in the aging process.
The rapid loss of ovarian hormones, estrogen and progesterone, during the years saddling a woman's menopause contributes to this accelerated aging. By 50 years of age, many other critical hormones have dwindled including melatonin (which sets our sleep-wake cycle), the adrenal hormone DHEA (which has been linked with vitality and libido in women) and other hormones regulating our metabolism.
It is not only our hormonal rhythms that begin to fail, but so too our nutritional status. Even if we take in the required nutrients in our diet, our guts become less able to absorb them. Acquired deficiencies in essential minerals and vitamins may arise interrupting key pathways and functions.
Just a few years ago, Nobel prize winning research unlocked the code to our biological aging. The discovery of telomeres and an enzyme telomerase, has shed light on cellular aging. Telomeres are protective caps on the ends of our chromosomes that shorten as we age and place a finite limit on our lifespan. Telomerase is a housekeeping enzyme that functions to preserve telomeres. With defects in the enzyme and shortening of our telomeres, cells face programmed senescence. More recently, it has been shown that telomere length can be improved with comprehensive lifestyle changes including; diet, exercise, stress management and social support.
It is not surprising that a careful balancing of key lifestyle factors is vital to healthy aging. While hormones and telomeres are important, so too are nutritional factors. Dietary factors may determine approximately 30 per cent of how long we live and add as much as a decade to our life. Animal models have shown caloric restriction to have anti-aging effects. Mice fed low calorie diets remain more youthful; both on the inside and out. They have longer life expectancies and are also less likely to have cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. They look younger too. They have fewer wrinkles and less body fat. Clearly, it is not just how much you eat but what you eat that matters.
So is there a longevity diet? To design one it is instructive to look at populations who boast the highest proportion of centenarians and longest life expectancy. With an average lifespan of 81-years. Okinawa islanders of Japan are considered the oldest demographic in the world. Compared with other Japanese diets, theirs is lower in calories, carbs and salt and higher in nutrients such as calcium, iron and vitamins. The Okinawa diet is plant-based with little red meat. American gerontologist, Dr. Craig Willcox authored a book "the Okinawa Program" describing his findings of a 25-year study of Okinawan longevity and recommends that we "eat as low down the food chain as possible." According to the JAMA network, other studies have confirmed that very low meat intake may contribute to longevity. Vegetarians in three continents have been shown to live longer than people on the Standard American Diet (SAD), high in refined sugars, trans fats and meat products.
Life stress, especially when it is chronic and extreme, works like the common denominator when it comes to aging. Stress shortens telomeres, depletes the pool of precursors needed for healthy hormone balance, impedes nutrient absorption in the gut and leads to inflammation. It is estimated that chronic stress may shave more than seven years off the lifespan due in part to the shortening of telomeres. Proven stress-management techniques such as yoga, meditation and tai chi may favorably affect cellular aging by reversing the deleterious effects of stress.
The emerging field of "epigenetics" is revealing how our lifestyle, our stress and environmental exposures can effect the expression of our genes. Our DNA is not our destiny but rather a roadmap for a journey that can be largely influenced by our lifestyle and life choices. The understanding of how these gene-environment interactions shape our health is the new frontier of Personalized Medicine.
The science of aging is complex and evolving rapidly. Achieving a lifestyle optimal for your genes and body type is the cornerstone to maintaining health and vitality through the ages. We can now choose to take charge of our aging and live longer better.
Saturday 1 March 2014
Poverty - The Most Successful Thief
Poverty is a thief! In fact, poverty is the most successful thief of all time, simply because it continues to rob without consequences. Poverty is by definition - the state of being inferior in quality or extremely poor. In other words poverty is a state of not ever being enough or having enough. From this place absolutely nothing is ever seen correctly, because its view is completely out of alignment with this universe and the creator of it and us. Below are some symptoms of poverty.
Symptoms Of A State of Poverty
Confidence is missing
Feeling that someone else should help you for life to change
Hopelessness in life
Limited in all things
Feelings of inadequacies
Excuses as to why you can't do better
Looking for hand-outs
Habitual procrastination
Lack of responsibility
No hope or plan for a brighter future
Blaming others for state
Feelings of uneasiness or resentment when someone mentions money
Jealousy towards those who have money
Victim mentality
Waiting for someone to come to the rescue
Taking shortcuts to success
Lack of belief in self
Finding excuses for not doing better
The word "can't" is use when asked about living one's dream
Many people are unaware that they are in a state of poverty; and worse still some people know they are in a state of poverty and have accepted that it is all they will ever have. There are some extreme cases of poverty, which need to be eradicated through immediate help, but not without re-education, as without the awareness of who we are as spiritual/human beings, poverty will still exist even with help. Let those of us who are able take up our bed and walk, so that we may help those who are truly vulnerable.
I'm not saying there aren't some situations that are really difficult, but if you feel you are doomed to poverty then you are less likely to see anything else.
In order to release poverty you have to understand who you are in relation to poverty. It is only the realisation of how wealthy you are that can release poverty's hold on you.
Poverty is a blatant thief and if you intend to chop off the hands of poverty in your life then you need to cut all agreements with it. Refuse to have any dealings with it. No matter how tough it may look, remember that poverty is the most successful thief and that it will not stop taking from you until you stop it. Be willing to let go of the excuses and alibis you have created to defend your circumstances. Be willing to open your mind-set to understand exactly what poverty has been able to do in your life up until this point; and then from that place find the abundant thought. Get help if you have to, just refuse to line up with something that will rob your purpose and fulfilment in life.
Begin to line up with your spirit that will always affirm who you are, even if that voice is ever so faint; listen to it and align with it. Also put yourself under the teachings of those who can help you free yourself from poverty's grip. Take responsibility of becoming free from this robber. Empower yourself by taking a stand today and saying goodbye to poverty and embracing the abundant life that you are.
Give poverty its marching boots and embrace your abundance today!
There are many keys to success like, getting our mindset open for it, having persistence and being around people who are thinking like we think and having someone on our side whose only motive is to see us operate in your full potential.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Poverty---The-Most-Successful-Thief&id=8342166
Sources Of Antioxidants
Most antioxidants come from plants and include vitamins A, C and E and carotenoids such as beta-carotene, minerals, phenolic compounds and other natural chemicals with antioxidant properties.
Flavonoids are another powerful antioxidant and are contained in red wine and tea.
While vitamin supplements containing antioxidants are available, it's believed that eating a variety of natural foods – fruits, vegetables, cereals, legumes, nuts, seeds and wholegrains - is the best way to supply your body with antioxidants.
Antioxidant sources:
- Beta-carotene – orange foods such as carrots, pumpkin, apricots, sweet potatoes and some leafy greens such as kale.
- Lutein – green, leafy vegetables such as spinach.
- Lycopene – tomatoes, watermelon, papaya.
- Selenium – rice and wheat.
- Vitamin A – carrots, sweet potato, milk, egg yolks.
- Vitamin E – almonds, vegetable oils, mangoes, nuts, broccoli.
- Vitamin C – available in many fruits and vegetables such as parsley, broccoli, berries, oranges, cauliflower, kale.
Friday 28 February 2014
Thank You For Requesting My FREE e-books
Thank You for requesting my Free e-books.
Look out for an email which contains the links to download your books.
Best Regards,
Sharon Anderson
Look out for an email which contains the links to download your books.
Best Regards,
Sharon Anderson
Monday 24 February 2014
4 Ways to Get More Hours in a Day
Have you ever noticed how really busy, well organized people navigate through their day? Do they seem frazzled rushing from one task to another? Probably not. People who have a lot on their plate know how to manage their time.
Otherwise, they'd be running from one thing to another putting out 'fires' and by mid-afternoon, drained of energy and sharp decision-making skills.
Most of us would like to squeeze more time out of each day, although knowing how, is another matter. The good news is you can do it. First, back up and look at where you can make changes -- chances can replace current habits with new positive ways to sail through your day.
The key is to plan to free up more down time each day.
1) Embrace the Planner in You
Many people feel like they are always a "day late and a dollar short." If you are missing out on life beyond office or house work because you have too many tasks and meetings stacked up every day, you are not alone.
So many people operate in that manner that a term has been coined to describe this behavior. This all too common problem is known as "the planning fallacy." That means people forget to factor in basic things when they are planning out time to do tasks.
Researchers at Carleton University have found that people tend to overestimate how long it will take to finish a simple task like cleaning the kitchen, but they underestimate how much time it will take to complete a bigger project like painting the bathroom.
Why do people under or overestimate time? Researchers found many times people don't factor in how much time it takes to do the basics each day. If you estimate it's going to take eight hours to paint the bath, are you also factoring in time to have lunch, make or return phone calls or take care of other things like prepare the room's surfaces and then clean up afterward?
If time is not on your side, follow these tips to have more get-up-and-go, and find more time and energy to do what you really want to do each day.
2) Prioritize and Delegate
Have you ever noticed that if you are in the house all day you always find something that needs to be put away, washed, dried, dusted, repaired, or spot cleaned? Sure, you may sit down and read the paper or watch TV for a short period of time, but then you notice the stack of newspapers and magazines that should be sorted through and tossed. And so the process of endless housekeeping starts anew.
Prioritize what you need to do then focus on those tasks until they get done. Instead of letting yourself be interrupted throughout the day, concentrate on the work at hand.
Here's a tip that busy people know: Focus on getting the difficult, most important tasks done early in the day. That way you'll have fresh energy and mental dexterity you need in case you feel sluggish later.
If you have too much work for the amount of time you have to do them, delegate. Sometimes you can rid yourself of many to-dos on your daily list by finding others to do them.
3) Do Tasks in Batches
Changing habits is not easy, but when you make a change you'll start seeing the positive results of your work.
Take emailing, for example -- are you constantly writing and responding to emails throughout the day? Take a tip from busy professionals such as physicians. They aren't emailing patients or other contacts throughout the day because they simply don't have the time. But they typically 'batch' these tasks. Emailing patients, for example, is done at once or twice a day, not sporadically throughout the day.
You can do the same thing with things that interrupt the flow of your day. Instead of going to the post office in the morning and running to the grocery store and library later, try 'batching these tasks" and do them all together. You'll save time instead of going in and out of the house to run errands more than once.
4) Weekends are for Week-End Pleasures
One of the hardest things for people to change is how they use their weekends. Many, especially those who work outside the home during the week, see the weekend as the time to catch up on household chores.
If that's you, of course you have more time to do home maintenance during an off-time, but are you really getting the most out of life with that schedule?
Consider the fact that there always will be housework. Always! The Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that women who work full-time spend 15.1 hours a week (for men who work full-time, it's 9.6 hours) doing household chores. Of course that's far less than in 1965 when women spend 30 hours a week on housework.
So where are housework hours getting used today? You guessed it -- mostly on weekends.
Consider doing some of the weekend chores during the week and delegate a short time on weekend for doing them. Whatever doesn't get done on weekends try to roll the tasks into the new week.
If you can train yourself to do that, you'll free yourself up for more down time with family and friends on weekends. Those precious few days at week's end will give you more time to enjoy just being you.
Sunday 16 February 2014
Simple Daily Exercises That Professional Writers Can Use to Enjoy Pain Free Hands
If your occupation requires your hands, assuredly there will be some hand pain that follows at some point in time. This indisposition, tragically, affects countless people as they go about their daily routine and their lives. For persons who rely upon their hands to accomplish their daily tasks, aching hands, fingers, wrists and elbows are the plague that besets them from time to time, and one that detrimentally hampers their productivity. It is this beguiling menace that often can keep many of us otherwise avid writers from adequately performing our daily duties and meeting our obligations. As a professional writer, I've learned this the hard way over a great deal of years. After struggling with the symptoms, a few methods have been earmarked along the way that have helped me enjoy pain free hands. In this article, I will share a few secrets of the trade with you.
Stretch Your Arms and Hands Every Hour
Your arms, fingers, hands and wrists - and other digits - contain muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves and joints. If you overuse them, they will become strained. Think of writing, or working long hours with your hands, much in the same manner that you would, say, going for a jog. You need to stretch out before you work out. That being said: make sure that you are fully stretching your arms, fingers, wrists, elbows and hands every hour. After all, as a pro writer, you are working out every hour of the day.
Behold: The Open Hand Flex
This move is a simple one that I like to call the Open Hand Flex. I've found it marvelous over the years for ensuring that I enjoy pain free hands. This method is rather basic yet very effective. Extend your palms so that your fingers point upwards, with your knuckles aiming at your front side. Now stretch out your fingers so that your digits are fully extended on your hands. Hold this position while flexing your fingers outward for 30 seconds and repeat three times for a full stretch.
The Five Finger Wall Press
A great method I use from time to time to combat aching wrists can help you do battle with arthritic symptoms. Open your hand flat and perform the Open Hand Flex move (mentioned above). Now press your palms against a wall and push in so your fingers are being pressed towards you. Hold this press for about 10 seconds and repeat three times.
The Pullback Method
A very effective and quick method for easing pain involves using pullback methods. This one is very easy to execute. Spread your palm and fingers again, as mentioned in the previous exercises, only do this for one hand. Then grab the tips of your fingers with the other free hand and slowly pull them back towards your body. Pull until you feel light tension and then hold. Keep the hold - or pullback - for at least 10 seconds. Make sure you repeat this exercise on the opposite hand. Be sure to perform this routine at least twice per day for the best results.
Ongoing Strengthening and Conditioning Methods
Remember, your hands will only be as strong as you build them up to be. The more that you build and stretch them, the stronger and more resilient they will be, not to mention that your range of motion will drastically expand as well. Be sure that you consult with your physician or physical therapist for further strengthening and conditioning methods that can net you pain free hands more often than not.
Michael Lazar has been a professional writer for most of his waking life. After writing his first book at the tender age of 16, he knew that writing was his professional calling. By the age of 20, while in college studying for a masters in English, Lazar realized that if he didn't protect his most precious resource - his hands - he would never be a writer for very long. He then spent a great deal of time learning appropriate exercise methods to enjoy pain free hands. When he's not writing, Lazar enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, his friends and his hobbies.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Simple-Daily-Exercises-That-Professional-Writers-Can-Use-to-Enjoy-Pain-Free-Hands&id=7933157
Saturday 8 February 2014
Coconut Oil For Yeast Infections
A yeast infection caused by the fungus Candida albicans goes undetected so frequently that it remains one of the most common and widespread health problems of our society.
Many reasons permit yeast infections to continue plaguing and haunting our society.
A few of the most common reasons are listed below:
- Society overlooks the fact that men and infants also get yeast infections.
- Traditional medical (allopathic) doctors often prescribe antibiotics that are only able to treat symptoms of yeast infections. This fact is so important, that it is worth mentioning again... Candida albicans are a fungus. Antibiotics fight bacteria. That's it. They do not also fight viruses or fungus.Antibiotics kill all bacteria leaving yeast to flourish.
Prescribing antibiotics for a yeast infection can only assist with it persisting over time. Antibiotics work because they kill bad bacteria in your body. But antibiotics can't tell the difference between good and bad bacteria, so they actually kill the healthy bacteria in your body too. Once bacteria has been eliminated, non-bacteria-life such as fungus (yeast) have room to grow and flourish with little to stop it or slow down its growth.And, if you have ever had a yeast infection, you may be aware that they have a tendency to "return" periodically. Please understand that they will return periodically, every time the cause goes untreated.
Traditional medical doctors who properly identify a yeast infection, often attempt to treat it with a local topical agent or cream. Illustrating the extent of this issue, on the day this article was published, WebMD.com reported... "Yeast is a fungus that normally lives in the vagina in small numbers. A vaginal yeast infection means that too many yeast cells are growing in the vagina... If you have had a yeast infection before and can recognize the symptoms, and you aren't pregnant, you can treat yourself at home with medicines you can buy without a prescription. You can use an antifungal cream... "
Clearly, one of the major misconceptions by traditional allopathic medicine is that yeast infections are a "local" (isolated) issue, when in fact, they are systemic (whole body) issues. By definition, Candida albicans are a single cell fungus (or yeast) that live in the intestinal tract and on the surface of mucous membranes in every living person.
To make a long story short, yeast infections often start somewhere deep inside the body (commonly due to intestinal tract flora issues, for example), travel throughout the bloodstream (making their way through the entire body), and rear their ugly head in the form of a something bothersome, like a skin rash.
Without proper treatment, a yeast infection may last for years, resulting in a wide range of long-term health problems.
Demonstrating some hope for traditional medicine, the Office of Women's Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services maintains a webpage that acknowledges that yeast infections are not often caused by local problems. This webpage states, "Most often, women don't get yeast infections from sex. The most common cause is a weak immune system."
In addition to a rash, typical and uncomfortably inconvenient symptoms of a yeast infection include:
- Vaginal itching, soreness or discharge
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Depression
- Allergy-like symptoms
- Pain when passing urine
- Pain when having sex
- Recurring fungal skin infections (athlete's foot, jock itch, etc.)
Please note, if you are treating a symptom on this list, expect to continue treating that same rash, itch or pain, because you are probably not treating the actual yeast infection.
The following things may encourage yeast infections:
- Antibiotics
- Poor eating habits (high sugar diets)
- Some oral birth control
- Certain steroids
- Immunosuppressive drugs
Scientific research assisting the true fight against yeast infections, was well underway by 1966. At that time, Dr. Jon J. Kabara led a team of researchers at Michigan State University on an investigation of lauric acid. From this research, he was able to begin reporting its antimicrobial activity. Shortly thereafter, lauric acid research began to show positive results against viruses, bacteria and fungus.
Lauric acid, being a medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA), actually shares these antimicrobial properties with other medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA). As should be expected, research has been conducted on many of the other fatty acids and results have proven to be similar.
Your skin is the first line of defense your body uses to defend against invading bacteria, fungus and viruses. One of the primary weapons supporting the skin in this fight is MCFAs. Sebaceous glands, located at the base of every hair shaft, produce an oil. This oil contains MCFAs. In addition to its natural antimicrobial characteristics, this oil also helps prevent dry and cracking skin, slowing an invaders entry to the blood stream.
MCFAs are also in mother's milk to help support and nourish the brand new immune system of babies. But, where can you get MCFAs if your body needs additional support?
Very few foods naturally contain high levels of MCFAs. Some items like butter and milk fat report that they contain lauric acid (one MCFA), but only about 3% of the total fat in these items is actually lauric acid.
Coconut oil, however, is not like most food. Approximately half of the fat content of coconut oil is lauric acid. And, lauric acid is only one of five fatty acids in coconut oil. The fatty acid composition of coconut oil commonly appears as follows:
- 48% lauric acid (12 carbon saturated fatty acid chain)
- 18% myristic acid (14 carbon saturated fatty acid chain)
- 8% caprylic acid (8 carbon saturated fatty acid chain)
- 7% capric acid (10 carbon saturated fatty acid chain)
- 0.5% caproic acid (6 carbon saturated fatty acid chain) (1)
Coconut oil naturally contains one of the highest levels of lauric acid and one of the largest naturally occurring amounts of MCFAs known.
According to the University of Michigan's Health System website, test tube and animal research has shown caprylic acid to have antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. Preliminary reports from the 1940s and 1950s indicated that caprylic acid may be effective against yeast (Candida) infections in humans. And, doctors still recommend amounts of 500 mg to 1,000 mg three times each day.
Capric acid research may be even more promising in the fight against Candida albicans. According to a study published by the National Institute of Health, "capric acid causes the fastest and most effective killing of all three strains of Candida albicans tested." This same study also reported that "lauric acid was the most active at lowering concentrations (of Candida albicans)."(2)
So, if you are fighting a yeast infection, try adding coconut oil to your diet and to your love life. It may help you in more ways than you realise.
Cited:
(1) "The Coconut Oil Miracle - 5th Edition" by Dr. Bruce Fife, C.N., N.D. Copyright 2013 by the Penguin Group, page 73.
(2) the National Institute of Health PMCID: PMC90807 and appeared online February 2, 2014. Original study: Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2001 November; 45(11): 3209-3212. doi: 10.1128/AAC.45.11.3209-3212.2001, titled "In Vitro Killing of Candida albicans by Fatty Acids and Monoglycerides". Authors: Gudmundur Bergsson, Jóhann Arnfinnsson, Ólafur SteingrÃmsson, and Halldor Thormar.
Copyright © 2014 - Tawne Bachus
Disclaimer: The information in this article is not provided by a medical professional and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your physician before beginning any course of treatment.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Coconut-Oil-For-Yeast-Infections&id=8291833
Tuesday 4 February 2014
20 Detox Friendly Foods
I don’t necessarily believe in detox only diets, but I do think that adding more detox friendly foods into the diet can help with over health, energy, skin health, good digestion, weight management, and quality sleep. Below are 20 of my favorite detox foods which I consume on a weekly basis and absolutely love!
Lemon: Lemons have strong antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting powers and can be used as a weight-loss aid because lemon juice is a digestive aid and liver cleanser. Lemon juice can also help manage acid reflux and reduce the acidity in the stomach.
Cayenne Pepper: Peppers are one of the richest sources of Vitamin C. All hot peppers contain capsaicin, a compound known for it’s ability to regulate body temps, improve circulation and help reduce appetite and burn more calories.
Ginger: Ginger is perfect for getting your metabolism moving and flushing waste and toxins out of the body. Ginger is also a natural stomach ache cure.
Grapefruit: Grapefruit is an excellent source of vitamin c which helps to support the immune system. Vitamin C-rich foods like grapefruit may help reduce cold symptoms or severity of cold symptoms. Vitamin C also prevents the free radical damage that triggers the inflammatory cascade, and is therefore also associated with reduced severity of inflammatory conditions, such as asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis
Green Tea: Green tea can help increase and even change your metabolism, so you burn more calories from fat. Studies show that green tea can also help you keep weight off once you’ve lost it.
Kale: Kale contains powerful antioxidant compounds that can help cleanse the body of harmful substances and potentially prevent cancer causing free radicals. It is also high in fiber, which helps cleanse the intestinal tract.
Asparagus: Asparagus is a natural diuretic that can help rid the body of excess water weight and toxins seeking to rid the body.
Turmeric: This powerful root is both an anti-inflammatory—great for sore muscles—and contains antioxidant properties. It’s one of the top ingredients in immune boosting shots, juices and supplements. I’ve also noticed smoother, clearer skin from my daily dose of turmeric.
Broccoli: Broccoli has a strong, positive impact on our body’s detoxification system, and is able to support all steps in the body’s detox process, including activation, neutralization, and elimination of unwanted contaminants.
Cucumber: The high water content and dietary fiber in cucumbers are very effective in ridding the body of toxins from the digestive system, aiding digestion. Daily consumption of cucumbers can be regarded as a remedy for chronic constipation.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Raw apple cider vinegar is alkalizing, helps with digestion, and can help with fat metabolism. Look for raw, 8 unfiltered apple cider vinegar to get the most benefits.
Cinnamon: Studies suggest that cinnamon may have a regulatory effect on blood sugar which is great for people trying to lose weight or manage diabetes. Cinnamon can also help lower cholesterol in the body and is heart healthy.
Pomegranate: Pomegranates are high in antioxidants, vitamins, fiber, minerals. With potassium, vitamins C and K, this winter fruit is great for your heart, skin, immune system and it’s great for post workout recovery.
Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds are high in essential fatty acids like heart healthy, Omega 3, in addition to vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and fiber. They are one of my favorite ways of adding heart healthy protein into my diet.
Garlic: Garlic contains manganese, vitamin B6, antioxidants, anti- inflammatory properties, as well as valued sulfur compounds that contribute to heart health!
Probiotics: Probiotics are an excellent way to add good bacteria back into the intestinal track and help with digestion.
Blueberries: Blueberries contain natural aspirin that helps lessen the tissue-damaging effects of chronic inflammation, and also act as antibiotics by blocking bacteria and thereby helping to prevent infections.
Strawberries: Berries are high in antioxidants like resveratol, essential vitamins and also contain fiber to keep you feeling full! Strawberries are also a great source of folate which has been shown to help keep your heart healthy.
Fish Oil: Some experts believe that getting fish oil can help you regulate your cholesterol in the body, because fish oil has high levels of omega 3 fatty acids. Besides cholesterol regulation, fish oil benefits include anti inflammatory properties and positive effects on the bodies composition.
Water: Water is the bodies best form of detox. Since our bodies consist of primarily water, increasing water intake is like feeding the body in its most natural state. If you really want to feel great and flush out toxins, drink up!
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