Women's Health | Health Care for Women's Health Issue

Is Lasik Eye Surgery For You? Or Are You Too Sqeemish!

2006-04-04T00:52:00.000-07:00

For those of you that don't know Lasik stands for Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis. In Lasik the surgeon cuts a small flap in the cornea and uses a laser to reshape the inner area of the cornea. Problems with the cornea can be related to many vision troubles such as; Hyperopia or farsightedness and Myopia or nearsightedness). Also problems like Astigmatism can also be caused. The good news is that eye surgery and lasik in particular resolve many of these eye defects.

The sheer number of different of surgical procedures for correcting vison problems can leave you uncertain of the best one for you. However, whatever may be your procedure of choice, attaining excellent results is largely dependent on the expertise of your eye surgeon. lasik is by far the most preferred corrective eye surgery, and hence it is imperative that you choose an eye surgeon with a great deal of experience.

If you are thinking of going in for lasik eye surgery then this is what you can expect. Before getting lasik you will be examined by a qualified eye doctor or ophthalmologist. During this examination standard eye tests and computer images of the cornea will be taken to build up a picture of the eye and ascertain what corrections need should made. In addition your overall health is also considered when deciding if you will be a good lasik patient. Any conditions, such as dry eye syndrome, may affect your ability to get this type of eye surgery, but in these cases other treatment may be available.

You will be able to go home on the same day as you eye surgery and should have recovered within just a few days. Minor irritations may take up to a month to disappear. The vast majority of people who undertake this surgery will be able to see much more clearly straight after surgery and this improves still further over the next few days.

Some people may experience some side effects like light sensitivity or night time vision problems. In even more rare cases other difficulties like infections can also occur, but most often, if you follow your doctors orders these things can be avoided or cured quickly with eye drops of medication. Other side effects are more long term. These can occur for 6 months or longer. These are: dry eyes, blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, light sensitivity, glares, and vision fluctuations. If you cannot handle any of this, then this eye surgery is not for you. Attaining excellent results is largely dependent on the expertise of your eye surgeon. Lasik is by far the most preferred corrective eye surgery for many, and so it is imperative that you choose an eye surgeon with a great deal of experience and who is using the best medical equipment available.

This type eye surgery has been big news over resent years as the changes to peoples vision and quality of life can be astounding. People who could not see without glasses are getting almost 20./20 vision and word of mouth about these 'miracles' spreads fast. With many people flocking to have the procedure done it has become one of the most popular eye surgeries. However, before committing to the surgery you should look into what lasik is and what it can do for vision in general and your sight in particular.

Before committing yourself ask to speak to people who have had the operation with the organisation you are thinking of using yourself. Ask about the good and bad points of both the operation and the company itself.

As lasik is a fairly new medical procedure the long term risks are not known and it is not possible currently to cure the need for reading glasses as this is problem is more connected with the weakening of the eye muscles over time rather then the corner. As a potential candidate for lasik you must discuss all your concerns and expectations with your surgeon before the procedure is carried out to ensure you completely understand the process and outcome possibilities for you as an individual.

Finally, many people can't even think about anyone touching their eyes, never mind someone pointing a laser into them. If you are reading this article and are feeling a bit squeamish then perhaps lasik is not for you!

Richard is a prolific and diverse writer. You will find out more about lasik eye surgery at Lasik Resources.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Cussons

Eye Care is More Than a Visit to The Doctor

2006-04-04T00:48:00.000-07:00

Proper eye care is just as important as taking care of the rest of your body. Eye care is more than visiting the eye doctor for regular examinations. Rather, good eye care involves caring for the entire body and staying away from bad habits that may actually have an affect on the eyes. Let's take a look at what's involved in good eye care.

Diseases of the eye are more common that you would think. Further, as people age they become more susceptible to eye diseases. That's why regular examinations by the eye doctor are so critical to the idea of good eye care. An eye doctor can run special tests to see if there is any indication or the appearance of eye diseases and disorders. Diseases and disorders include, but are in no way limited to cataracts, conjunctivitis, diabetic retinopathy, dry eyes, glaucoma, orbital tumors, and blindness, congenital diseases of the eye and more.

Yet, it is also important that a person takes care of their body and remains as healthy as possible. Why? Well, beyond the benefits one derives from being healthy some health conditions actually affect the eyes. For instance, vitamin deficiencies can affect the sight. A lack of vitamin A can even cause night blindness. In fact, it is a known fact that well over ninety percent of all cases pertaining to the onset of blindness can be attributed to other diseases. Diabetes is another disease that plays a significant role in the occurrence of blindness. Therefore, it becomes increasingly important for people to maintain their overall health in the best way possible and to manage existing conditions if at all feasible.

Bad habits are something that should also be avoided if one wants to properly care for one's eyes and maintain good eye health. Smoking can cause significant damage to the eye and can eventually result in blindness. For instance, smoking can be the cause of what is referred to as Macular degeneration which creates a blind spot in the eye or eyes.

Other problems that occur with the eyes are caused by accidental injury. Say for example, you are working in a garage welding and item and you don't wear goggles during the process. Suddenly you find that a spark flies up and burns your eye. Or, if you are working with hazardous chemicals and chemicals get in your eyes - had you been wearing goggles you may have been able to avoid injury altogether. Thus, safety and safety practices are imperative to maintaining good eye health.

As you can see, taking care of your eyes involves more than a yearly visit to the eye doctor. Instead, you need to take care of your overall health, you need to avoid bad habits and you need to practice safety measures to ensure good eye health. In the end, you will be rewarded with the continued gift of sight, well into your golden years!

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Eye Care

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Breast Cancer and Pregnancy

2006-03-31T15:30:00.000-08:00

Although it is rare for breast cancer to strike younger women, the fact remains that all women are at risk. And for those of childbearing age, the first sign and symptoms of breast cancer leading to a diagnosis can not only be upsetting and unexpected, but complicated as well.

Developing breast cancer at a younger age—in a woman’s 40s, 30s, even 20s—will mean making important and difficult decisions about one’s life and future perhaps much sooner than originally expected.

One concern is developing breast cancer during pregnancy, which although rare, can still occur. In this case, the treatment chosen will not only affect the patient and her body, but the growing baby inside her as well. It will depend on what stage of pregnancy she is in (first, second or third trimester) and what stage her cancer is in—such as whether or not it’s advanced.

Most pregnant women can have treatment for their breast cancer without affecting the baby. But some might be advised by their obstetrician or health-care practitioner—or even decide themselves—to terminate the pregnancy, more so if the pregnancy is in its earlier stages, in order to receive certain treatments that would be too risky otherwise. But it is essential to remember that it is a woman’s own decision—it is not medically necessary to terminate a pregnancy if the expectant mother is diagnosed with breast cancer. All it does is limit treatment options. Breast cancer itself will not affect the fetus—only certain tests and treatments will.

Generally speaking, tamoxifen, chemotherapy, radiation, and other drug-related therapies are avoided if the woman is pregnant because of their associated risks with birth defects. Tamoxifen, especially, is considered very unsafe because it is a hormonal therapy and is never recommended if the woman is pregnant or planning on conceiving.

Surgery—either a lumpectomy or mastectomy—is the most common and preferred method of treatment for breast cancer in pregnant women.

Another concern is whether or not breast cancer survivors can or should go on to have children after treatment and recovery. It’s a very controversial issue with firm advocates on both sides of the debate.

There are two main questions here, for both the medical and health community and breast cancer survivors wanting their own children: 1) Do certain breast cancer treatments affect fertility?; and 2) Is it actually considered safe to conceive and carry a baby to term following breast cancer and breast cancer treatments?

As far as fertility goes, there is no definite answer here. For chemotherapy, it depends on the age and what specific drug was used—some affect fertility more than others. And taking tamoxifen after chemotherapy to prevent recurrence is not recommended if the woman desires to become pregnant right away. Although tamoxifen is sometimes used as a fertility treatment, there is evidence to suggest that it damages developing embryos, and therefore is not considered safe to use.

Many doctors caution these women to wait several years to ensure receiving the best breast cancer treatment possible and to go past the point of the biggest threat of breast cancer recurrence. But some women decide to go ahead and have babies anyway, since it’s so important to them.

An informed woman has a distinct advantage over her fears. Arm yourself about Breast Cancer and be ready to fight and beat any possible diagnosis.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Will_Hanke

Breast Cancer is Cureable!

2006-03-31T15:23:00.000-08:00

Every few minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer. The disease is the most common cause of death in women between the ages of 40 and 55, and there are more than 200,000 new cases of breast cancer expected in the U.S. alone this year (see www.nationalbreastcancer.org).

With staggering statistics such as this, no wonder that at the first sign of breast cancer—the typical symptom is usually a lump or other noticeable abnormality in the breast—many women automatically panic, assuming the worst.

But only about 8 of 10 lumps turn out to be cancerous. And even for the women who do end up diagnosed with the disease, there are still many options to consider for treatment.

If the breast cancer tumor is sensitive to hormones such as estrogen and/or progestin, hormone therapy is used. The drugs come in two different forms, pill or injection. Hormone therapy starves the cancer and hinders its growth. Tomoxifen is one such drug under this category, prescribed for women with hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer. Tomoxifen is a hormonal drug (usually the oneof choice for most pre-menopausal women). It has been shown to be less effective in some post-menopausal women versus other hormonal therapies.

Most first-time breast cancer patients generally assume they will end up using some sort of combination of surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation. But there are lesser-known treatment options available, and the drug tamoxifen is one such alternative.

Tamoxifen is a drug used to treat hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer in women of all ages and at all stages. It’s normally taken once daily for up to five years. It’s also used as a preventative measure in women who have no history of breast cancer but who are at a higher risk for contracting the disease. These include older women and women with a family history of breast cancer.

Alternative therapies to treating breast cancer are becoming popular. They are sometimes used instead of or mixed with conventional methods. There has not been sufficient clinical research to support their safety and effectiveness. These alternatives include flaxseed and black cohosh, acupuncture, meditation and/or therapeutic touch, and other special restrictive diets.

It is vital for women to consider alternative therapies for breast cancer. You should research these options as much as possible and consult your health-care provider before trying any of the above-mentioned treatments for your breast cancer.

The Breast Cancer Information website is updated often with new and different articles and is a leading informational website on breast cancer. New articles, help, and informational posts are posted daily.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Will_Hanke

Vitamins For Vegetarians

2006-01-03T10:36:00.000-08:00

There are a lot of vegetarians amongst us, some by circumstance
and some by choice. Those that are vegetarians by choice can be
divided into two general groups, those that do not eat meat,
poultry or fish, but do consume dairy products as - in theory -
the animals are not harmed or killed by the gathering of those
products. Vegans, however, use no animal products whatsoever.

There are many health benefits to a planned vegetarian diet, as
opposed to the unplanned vegetarian diets that result from
poverty and a lack of food availability. However, there are
also some special precautions that need to be taken to
safeguard nutrition, as adequate amounts of some of the most
important nutrients can be more difficult to obtain. This is
especially true for those following the more restrictive vegan
diet.

The body is a complex and delicate system, and the foundation
of all of its functioning is chemical and electrical actions,
interactions and reactions. The operation of this system rests
firmly upon the balance of these chemicals. The majority of the
chemicals in these essential physical processes come from the
food that we eat, from the nutrients that come from its
consumption. Thus, nutrition has a deep influence of the health
of the body and the quality of its functioning.

Because the brain, like the body, functions on chemical
reactions and electrical impulses, the processes of cognition,
emotion, and so on, are also affected by nutrition. In fact,
deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals can result in
mental illness and retardation, as well as cognitive
dysfunction and difficulties and emotional instability.

The Vitamin B complex offers a perfect example of how
vegetarians must pay special attention to their diets to ensure
peak performance of body and mind. The Vitamin B complex is
involved with every major system in the body and has a role in
almost every important bodily process. It is essential to
mental health and functioning, and essential to life itself.
However, there are certain Vitamin B complex vitamins that need
special attention by vegetarians, as vegetarians do not consume
the richest sources of these vitamins.

The richest sources of Vitamin B2 are milk and organ meats. It
is available in enriched breads and cereals, but care must be
taken to consume the right amount daily. Niacin and Vitamin B6
are other B complex vitamins in which the richest sources are
meats and, again, are available in smaller concentrations in
enriched breads and cereals. Vitamin B12 is only found in
animal products. It is important to note that vitamin B12, in
addition to being important to the production of red blood
cells, is essential for the normal growth of children.

Nutritional supplements can serve to enhance the health
benefits of the vegetarian lifestyle. Indeed, they can serve to
prevent the serious health consequences that vitamin deficiency
can cause. Nutrition is especially essential for children, as
their minds and bodies are growing and developing. If you are
vegetarian or vegan, you may want to consider the complete,
safe and reliable nutrition that dietary supplements can
provide.

About The Author:
This article courtesy of http://www.prenatal-health.com

Diet scams : How to avoid getting ripped off

2006-01-02T18:43:00.000-08:00

Have you ever received those tempting ads that seem
to arrive regularly in the post - seductive brochures
describing diet pills, patches and potions promising
miracles? They show you "proof". They have the
endorsements by medical and scientific "experts". They
have the pictures before and after. And they have no
end of guarantees, free gifts and other offers.

But when you look a bit deeper into the background of
these diet products, you find very little of substance.
With just a little research online you will see that you
can find nothing posted from any believable source
about the product or the experts depicted so
glowingly.

And you often see offer after offer sent by the same
company using the same return address.

Now the chances of a company hitting on a miracle
product once are remote but three such products in
one year? No way!

Whenever you receive something which sounds like it's
the answer to your prayers, stand back a little from the
hype and the excitement of finding a miracle solution to
your weight problems and think clearly.

Ask yourself "Is this another diet scam?"

Generally you'll avoid being ripped-off if you decide NOT
to buy those things you think the rest of the world has
missed. Believe me the world's press and TV (and
dieters everywhere) would ALL be shouting from the
roof tops if those weight loss patches, pills and potions
worked. It's unlikely you'd be the first to know because
the manufacturers would be telling the media about it
first and not just sending you a letter out of the blue.

If something sounds too good to be true - it probably
is. If something requires you to make no changes
whatsoever other than to take a diet pill or stick a
patch on your thigh then you can bet your bottom
dollar that there will be no visible changes in your body
size as a result either.

I know it's tempting, when you've struggled to lose
weight for a long time, to want to believe any promise
of a miracle that comes along. But please don't - you're
just letting yourself in for disappointment and
heartache that way. And you're only delaying the start
of the real process of losing weight - the day when you
finally realise you can only do this by sensible and
consistent changes in your eating and exercise habits.

Diet scams like the patches and pills on offer
everywhere will only ever reduce the contents of your
bank account and never the size of your thighs. It's
your choice whether you spend you money on healthy
food and running shoes or on miracle cures that will
never work but I know where I'd spend my hard-
earned cash.

Copyright 2005, Janice Elizabeth Small

Janice Elizabeth is a weight loss coach and author of "The Diet Exit
Plan". Request her F.REE 15 page report "How to lose weight without
dieting - 7 secrets the diet industry doesn't want you to know" at
http://www.SimplySlimming.com TODAY!

How To Drop Weight and Become Healthier Using These 7 Simple Everyday Life Tips?

2005-12-29T23:09:00.000-08:00

These days more and more people are getting intellectual instead of
physical jobs. Sitting in the office chairs all-day long has become
a norm for many of us. Stress, busyness and rush make us forget
about regular food and stuff our stomachs with cheeseburgers and
sodas, which don't do anything good for our bodies.

As a result of such crazy life rhythm, we rarely find time for
exercises, gyms or balanced nutrition. As a matter of fact, it's one
of the reasons why there are now more that 60% of U.S citizens that
have overweight. However, it is possible to change your lifestyle
and lose your weight if you are willing to.

These 7 day-to-day life tips provided below will help you to drop
your extra pounds, become more energetic and healthier.

1. Drink More Water

Our bodies need a lot of water. Water removes waste from our
organisms and carries various nutrients into all our organs and
cells. Your body also loses water by using it for various ways. For
this reason you have to replace it and drink water more often than
you are used to.

Start your day with a glass of water in the morning. Drink a glass
of water before any meal. Take a bottle of water with you when you
go to work. Your body needs approximately 3-5 liters of water during
one day. So don't hesitate to drink plenty of water wherever and
whenever you can.

2. Eat Fruits and Drink Fruit Juices

Eating fruits and juices helps you eliminate toxins from your body.
Eating a variety of fruits also helps you get enough fiber,
vitamins, and antioxidants. That's why you should eat fresh fruits
and drink natural fruit juices as often as possible.

Fruit juices from stores are often sweetened. If you want to drink
juices, make fresh juices yourself. If you think it takes too much
of the time, then look for juices with labels that say "100% fruit
juice". These are much healthier for your body as long as they
contain much more vitamins.

3. Eat Lots of Vegetables and Vegetable Salads

When it comes to losing extra pounds, vegetables are a great choice.
They are natural and contain different vitamins, minerals and tons
of other useful chemicals known to provide benefits for your body.
Vegetables are low in fat and calories, they help control blood
glucose levels, reduce blood cholesterol and reduce the risk of
colon and other cancers. All these features also help control your
weight effectively.

If you feel that eating vegetables alone isn't great choice for you,
then make some salads. Mixing vegetables together gives you even
more different vitamins and health benefits. There are tons of
tasty, healthy salad recipes on the internet. You can also use you
imagination to make some great salads.

4. Eat Only When You Are Hungry

How many times you've been to a party where you saw lots of
different and tasty looking meals, which you were offered to try.

Don't eat, because you are offered to. Eat only when you want to.

Many people also like snacking. In between meals or when have
nothing to do. Quit snacking. Most snacks contain a lot of fat and
calories. Replace your usual snacks with vegetables or fruits. These
are healthy to your body and you'll never get fatter, only thinner.

5. Carry Healthy Food with You

Many of us work busy office jobs and don't have time to eat
regularly. In this case, bring your own made food with you. Instead
of bringing sandwiches with meat, take vegetable salads, carrots,
chicken salads. Any low fat food will do. This way, you won't have
to wait for a break to fill your stomach. You'll be able to have
fixed times when eating food.

It's also important to try to eat about 5 times a day, rather than 3
or 2. Eat in smaller quantities, but more often. This helps you to
increase your metabolism.

6. Work Out When You Can

Working out in a gym is not only a great way to grow some muscles,
but also to drop a few pounds. Exercising helps you burn your
calories instead of storing them in your body as fat. Our bodies
were made to be active, so exercising slowly and easily can actually
help you get more energy and make you feel much better.

At the end of the week, try to lose all the stress and burn your
calories in a gym or having some kind of physical activity at home.
If you have time, then try to do easy exercises everyday.

7. Don't Lie Down or Sit When You Can Move

Many of us like to watch TV lying on a couch or sitting in a
comfortable chair. Of course, when you come home after hard working
day, you're tired, and all you can think of, is a couch and a remote
in your hand. But such laziness won't help you lose weight.
Contrarily, it will make you grow some more pounds.

So don't lie or sit, when you can walk and move. Instead of staring
at TV, like a goofy, go ahead and work out in your garden for
example, clean your garage, fix your car, go to walk in park or
beach. Breathe fresh air and move more often. Not only does it help
to reduce stress after work, but also ups your mood and makes you
more energetic.

In Conclusion

Remember that all these tips will help you to lose weight, but only
if you are determined and are ready to devote some of your time.
Don't expect to slim down 4 sizes after eating 5 carrots and
drinking orange juice.

Your body, just like many things in this world, needs time. So be
patient. And if you will honestly use at least some of these tips,
you are going to change your lifestyle, which in the end will lead
you to a thinner and healthier body.

Monty Lee is dedicated to helping people lose weight by providing quality and natural products, like Hoodia Phentramine diet pills.
Please, visit http://www.body-health-online.com for more information.

HPV - A Virus That Puts Women At Increased Risk For Cervical Cancer

2005-12-29T10:20:00.000-08:00

by: News Canada

A Simple Lab Test Could Save Your Life

(NC)-Did you know that one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, called Human Papillomavirus (HPV), is also the leading cause of cervical cancer in women? And that HPV is the most common cause of abnormal Pap smears?

Virtually all cases of cervical cancer are preventable if detected in the pre-cancerous stage. "Although the Pap smear has reduced deaths caused by cervical cancer, it does not detect the Human Papillomavirus, the primary cause of essentially all cervical cancer." Says

Dr Alicia Sarabia, Medical Microbiologist for MDS Laboratory Services. "The MDS HPV test can be easily done through your doctor's office."

How are HPV infections detected?

The new HPV test can detect the DNA of cancer-associated HPV virus in cervical cells and tissues even before there are visible cell changes.

If your doctor informs you that your Pap smear result is questionable, the next step is to order the HPV test to determine if the HPV infection is the cause.

How is the HPV specimen collected?

Your doctor inserts a swab into the cervix to collect cells for testing, just like a Pap smear. A technologist at the laboratory analyzes the specimen and reports the results back to your doctor who uses the HPV and Pap results to determine your treatment. Early detection makes early treatment, and early treatment has been proven successful against cervical cancer.

How can I have the HPV test done?

Your doctor must order the HPV test. The test is available across Canada through MDS Laboratory Services

For more information about the new HPV test, talk to your doctor or visit www.mdscollaborate.com .

About The Author

News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.

News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial "fill" items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.

Cancer - Cervical Smears - Women's Health

2005-12-29T10:12:00.000-08:00

by: Fritz Frei

All women at some point in their life will have to have a cervical smear as a part of a health checkup. But do you know exactly what a cervical smear is, and how it can affect, diagnose or treat women's ailments? Read on for more information about this common procedure.

Women's Health: What is a Cervical Smear?

A cervical smear is a test used on women to tell if there are any changes in the health of the cervix. This is helpful to diagnose the early stages of cancer.

The cervix is located at the end of the uterus, and connects to the top of the vagina. There is a central canal that connects the vagina to the inside of the uterus, and it measures approximately 3cm square.

Women's Health: Why Have a Cervical Smear?

The main reason to have a cervical smear is to monitor the health of the cervix, and to lower the number of women who contract cervical cancer. The smear is targeted to detect early strains of potentially cancerous cells. If caught in time, women's health may not suffer terribly, and the growth of the cancer may not progress further. However, a cervical smear is just a screening process; it won't detect all forms of cancer, all of the time.

Women's Health: Who Needs a Cervical Smear?

Women who are sexually active, or who are 18 or older (whatever comes first) should take their health in their own hands and have regular cervical smears until the age of 70. A regular smear would be every three years for most women, depending on their health and the results of the last smear. Also, women who are not healthy should have annual smears, such as those with HIV. Women who have had a hysterectomy who have had abnormal pap smears in the past should get themselves checked every year by a health practitioner; there is still a risk of abnormal cell growth at the top of the vaginal canal.

Women's Health: How is a Cervical Smear Done?

A cervical smear is only taken when women are in good health, and are not bleeding. Any blood that appears during the testing can skew the results unnecessarily.

The procedure is performed with women on their backs, and their legs held up in the air by a health practitioner or stirrups. A speculum is placed inside the vagina, so that the health practitioner can view women's cervix closely. Then a brush-like instrument is placed over the cervix, and cells are wiped onto the brush, and then placed onto a glass slide for diagnosis.

Women's cervical smears can be done by a health practitioner, such as a doctor or nurse. The procedure usually only takes a couple of minutes, at the most, and isn't painful, although it may be a bit uncomfortable.

Health-Service-Online

Admin Fritz Frei info@cancer-info.info

About The Author
Fritz Frei make it easy to check out the important details about the diagnoses and test's of the breast-cancer. To receive more information's about all cancer -questions - Links and last research NEW's - visit the http://www.cancer-info.info

Top 7 Ways that Exercise Helps Diabetics

2005-10-21T19:38:00.000-07:00

by : Katrina McKenna

Exercise is an important tool in managing your diabetes in order to live a longer, healthier life.

1. Exercise increase insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.
The key problem of Type 2 diabetics is insulin insensitivity, or insulin resistance. By exercising you can improve how well your insulin works; this helps you to control your blood glucose
level.

2. Exercise improves your cholesterol levels. Exercise helps by
raising the good kind of cholesterol (HDL) and lowering the bad kind of cholesterol (LDL). Exercise can also lower triglyceride levels. This is good news for diabetics as diabetics are at
increased risk for cardiovascular disease. I myself have had cholesterol problems, but between proper diet and exercise and no drugs, I now have a much healthier cholesterol levels.

3. Exercise can decrease blood pressure. Many diabetics also have
hypertension or high blood pressure. Exercising can reduce both your resting blood pressure and your blood pressure during effort (including exercise). This is very important for reducing your chances of heart disease and stroke. I also used be on blood pressure medication, and have been able to get off the drugs. Because of the strong genetic component, this took more than just
diet and exercise; I take several supplements specifically to help keep my blood pressure in the healthy ranges. I also work on stress management and meditate, but exercise is a key ingredient to lowering it in most people.

4. Exercise can also improve heart efficiency, and help it work
less. This also helps with the cardiovascular risk factors. You will be able to exercise harder and it does not feel harder. This will make performing your daily tasks easier. Many people do not
exercise because they think they do not have the energy. They need to exercise to get the energy. Your resting heart rate can also lower.

5. Exercise can improve your mood. Diabetes can be a stressful
disease, exercising can help you feel better mentally. Exercise can even improve depression which can be an issue with a disease like diabetes.

6. Exercise aids dramatically in weight-loss and maintaining
weight-loss. Specifically, the right kind and right amount of exercise aids in fat-loss and preservation of muscle tissue. Losing weight can improve blood pressure, insulin resistance,
glucose levels, and cholesterol levels above and beyond what exercise alone does.

7. Exercise helps you to reduce your chances of diabetic
complications. Better control of your blood glucose helps prevent serious complications of diabetes, including blindness, neuropathy, and kidney failure.

Please talk to your doctor and start exercising!
You will feel so much better!

Getting The Most Nutritional Value From Fruits And Vegetables

2005-10-18T20:43:00.000-07:00

by : Kim Black
You’re eating lots of fruits and vegetables every day, but are
you sure you’re getting the most nutritional value from them,
and what can you do to improve how many nutrients you are
getting. To understand we need to take a deeper look at the
trip that fruits and vegetables make to get to your table.

Many different factors can affect the nutritional value of
fruits and vegetables before they reach your table. The two
most important are time and traveling conditions. The shorter
the time frame that the fruit is packed until it reaches your
table the better. If you are lucky enough to have a home garden
try to pick your vegetables early in the morning for peak flavor
and nutritional value. The next best choice is to use a local
market stand. Generally the foods they are selling were picked
within a few hours of being set out for sale. If there are no
local markets in your area like most people you’ll be forced to
shop at a supermarket.

Before any produce reaches your local supermarket it must first
be picked, and packaged. If the food is coming to you from the
same state or neighboring state chances are it was picked
within 48 hours of reaching the stores shelves. If you’re
produce is making it way from California to New York chances
are it was picked 7 to 10 days ago. Why do you need to be
concerned about when something was harvested? When any produce
is picked off of the vine it is at its nutritional peak value.
It starts to lose that value as time passes, the more time that
passes, and the more value it loses.

The second biggest contributor is handling. If care is taken no
to bruise or damage the exterior skin produce will last longer.
Additionally storing a produce at the proper temperature will
also help slow down the loss of nutrients. Here’s where it gets
a little tricky, some fruits like temperatures as high as 60
degrees, and other prefer temperatures in the mid 30’s. So the
longer your food is in transit, and the more care that it shown
to handling it properly the more packed with nutrients it is
likely to be when it hits the shelves of your local
supermarket.

16 Women Pregnant Moment Emergency Condition

2005-09-23T20:52:00.000-07:00

Women pregnancy suggested that is not overanxious if its content experience of the light trouble. But pregnant mother very suggested that remain to alert to its content growth. Whether/What symptom which require to be paid attention to [by] that?

1. If experiencing of super stomachache and ride out the long time.

2. Happen blood or blood pock go out from vagina

3. Change of vagina Dilution, that is; stickier dilution, or mixed blood.

4. Feeling pressure of flank, ill in undercarriage back, or muscle-bound before pregnancy age enter the week to- 37.

5. Suffer decease at the (time) of urinating, and accompanied to by feel burned.

6. Urine choked up or do not go out at all.

7. Heavy puking repeatedly, accompanied by fever.

8. Trembling or fever. Body temperature reaches 38, 3 C.

9. Feel an itch -- what remain to -- totality body, especially if with of body husk turn yellow the, dark urine chromatic and pale fesses chromatic.

10. Experiencing of eyesight trouble sudden, like; double view, blur, or there [is] flash point felt dazzled if looking into something.

11. Defensive Excitement headache more than 2-3 clocks.

12. Swelling of effect of dilution gathering (edema) at hand, face and about eye, or heavy addition of body which sudden, about 1 kilo or more, what [do] not go together the pattern eat.

13. Cramps which remain at foot/feet or calf, what [do] not alleviate when pregnant mother genuflection.

14. Fetus movement decrease. As public guidance, if happen less than 10 movements in 2 clocks at pregnancy of week ke-26 or more, meaning of fetus condition below par.

15. Trauma or experience of to injure at stomach area.

16. Acute till faint.

If you experience of one of or some symptom which have been mentioned above, immediately phone the doctor. If there is problem, pregnant mother will get the help immediately? Even so in the reality just good content, hence mother will feel safe because have ascertained its pregnancy condition at one who precisely.

Vitamin C and the Smoker Women was pregnant

2005-09-21T18:35:00.000-07:00

Consumed vitamin C during the pregnancy period will really help the mothers who had the habit smoked during contained.

The team's findings from 'the Oregon Health & Science University' also suggested that the mothers of the smoker apparently stopped his habit when being pregnant.
Results of the team's research headed by Dr Elliot Spindel this proved that vitamin C could block the effect of the negative resulting from the activity smoked that was done by the mother was pregnant.

In the high dose, vitamin C could protect damage that was caused by 'nicotine` that was produced from cigarettes.'
Results of the team's research headed by Dr Elliot this was published through 'the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.'
During his trial to the animal of Dr Eliot Spindel saw relations nicotine with the air current to the lungs.

Now to the monkey, the team of the researcher gave vitamin C to the mother of the monkey was pregnant and the monkey baby had the air current the normal lungs.
The success in the research to the animal made the team of the expert felt the team of the expert was sure that their discovery could achieve the similar success if being applied to humankind.

Nevertheless Dr Michael Gravet that became this research assistant continue to give the suggestion apparently a mother was pregnant must stop smoked for the sake of the safety the baby.

Health Supplements For Women - Which Are Right For You?

2005-09-19T02:10:00.000-07:00

Health Supplements For Women - Which Are Right For You?

Most women would agree that certain health supplements could be beneficial to your health, depending on the result you wish to achieve. There are many articles and news reports about the positive and negative attributes of healthsupplements. Due to the fact that individuals vary greatly in their particular desires and health issues, most women have chosen to make their own decisions about which health supplements are right for them. Many people, male and female, are taking several types of supplements each day.

Health supplements include any number of products designed to help with one type of health concern or another. You can find weight loss aids, vitamins, products designed to increase your energy level, and numerous others. Depending on the health concerns you have, there is most likely asupplement that is right for you. There is a large amount of information, both positive and negative, regarding different types of health supplements and their effectiveness. Some health supplement s carry risks of side effects. You should read the product information carefully to make sure you understand both the benefits and drawbacks of a particular product.

Used properly and safely, health supplements can be very useful in maintaining and enhancing your health. Research any products you are considering taking before you buy to make certain you understand the indications and risks associated with any healthsupplement. You can improve and maintain your health, your mind, and your body through the use of certain health supplements. Health supplements are available at reasonable prices and can be shipped directly to your door. Take a look at the wide selection of health supplements that are available and make your choices wisely. You can be on your way to a healthier, happier you.

Author: HerHomeGym.com is a one-stop resource for getting fit and staying fit in the comfort of your own home. Visit http://www.herhomegym.com today!

Understanding your body during pregnancy

2005-09-18T20:38:00.000-07:00

Understanding your body during pregnancy
By MayoClinic.com

From conception to birth, your body is programmed to support the needs of your growing baby. The physical changes you'll experience may leave you marveling at the wonder of pregnancy — and perhaps looking forward to the day when you can reclaim your body.

An average of 25 to 35 pounds of weight gain aside, you may be surprised by pregnancy's effect on your body. Here's what to expect.

First trimester changes

Within two weeks of conception, hormones trigger your body to begin nourishing the baby — even before tests and a physical exam can confirm the pregnancy. Here are some common early changes:

Vaginal bleeding. Spotting or what appears to be a scanty period may be the first sign of pregnancy. A small amount of bleeding can occur when the fertilized egg, which has already undergone several cell divisions, implants into the lining of your uterus.
Tender breasts. Your breasts may become unusually sensitive and feel fuller and heavier. It may help to wear a more supportive bra.
Unusual fatigue. You're bound to feel tired as your body produces more blood and prepares to support the pregnancy. Your heart will pump faster and harder, and your pulse will quicken. Rest as much as you can.
Bouts of nausea. Many women struggle with queasiness, nausea or vomiting in early pregnancy. It tends to be worse in the morning, but some women feel nauseated throughout the day. It may help to eat frequent, small meals and drink plenty of fluids.
Increased urination. You may need to urinate more often as your growing uterus presses on your bladder, which lies directly in front of and slightly under the uterus during the first few months of pregnancy. The same pressure may cause you to leak urine when sneezing, coughing or laughing.
Constipation. An increase in the hormone progesterone, which slows the digestive process, may cause constipation — especially during the first 13 to 14 weeks of pregnancy. To prevent constipation, drink plenty of fluids and boost your fiber intake.

Second trimester changes

The second trimester is often the most enjoyable stage of pregnancy. The worst of the nausea has usually passed, and your baby isn't big enough to crowd your abdominal organs and make you uncomfortable. Even so, you may notice physical changes from head to toe:

Larger breasts. Stimulated by estrogen and progesterone, the milk-producing glands inside your breasts get larger. A small amount of fat may also accumulate in your breasts. The result may be as much as 1 pound of extra breast tissue.
Glowing skin. Blood circulation increases during pregnancy, including the tiny vessels just beneath the surface of your skin. Enjoy the healthy glow.
Nasal problems. As more blood flows to your body's mucous membranes, the lining of your nose and airway swells. This can restrict airflow and cause snoring, congestion and nosebleeds.
Dizziness. Your blood vessels dilate in response to pregnancy hormones. Until your blood volume expands to fill them, you may experience occasional dizziness. Avoid prolonged standing, and rise slowly after lying or sitting down.
Bleeding gums. Increased blood circulation can soften your gums. This may cause minor bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth.
Leg cramps. Pressure from your uterus on the veins returning blood from your legs may cause leg cramps, especially at night. Stretch the affected muscle or walk your way through the cramps.
Vaginal discharge. You may notice a thin, white vaginal discharge. This discharge consists mainly of cells from the vaginal lining and normal vaginal moisture.

Third trimester changes

During the last three months of pregnancy, your baby may poke you in the ribs as he or she practices uterine gymnastics. These exciting sensations are often accompanied by increasing discomfort and other physical changes:

Shortness of breath. You may get winded easily as your uterus expands beneath your diaphragm, the muscle just below your lungs.
Backaches. The increased weight you're carrying may be tough on your back. When you must stand, place one foot on a box or stool. Sit in chairs with good back support. Apply heat or cold to the painful area. Ask your partner for a massage.
Heartburn. Your growing uterus may push your stomach out of its normal position, which can contribute to heartburn. To keep stomach acid where it belongs, eat small meals and drink plenty of fluids.
Swollen ankles. Pressure from your growing uterus on the veins that return blood from your feet and legs may leave you with swollen feet and ankles.
Thick hair. Many women enjoy more luxuriant hair later in pregnancy. This is often followed by excess hair shedding after delivery.
Changes in skin color. Hormonal changes may make your cheeks, chin, nose and forehead darker than usual. Some women — particularly those with dark hair and fair skin — may notice a brownish darkening on the forehead, temples and central part of the face. Skin that's already pigmented — such as the area around your nipples — may get even darker.
Spider veins. Increased blood circulation may cause small reddish spots on your face, neck, upper chest or arms, especially if you have fair skin. The spots may seem to sprout tiny blood vessels that resemble spider legs.
Varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Veins throughout your body become larger during pregnancy to accommodate increased blood volume. This change is especially noticeable in veins near the skin surface, such as those in your legs. Elevating your legs and wearing support stockings can help ease any discomfort.
Varicose veins in your rectum are known as hemorrhoids. To prevent hemorrhoids, include plenty of fiber in your diet and drinks lots of fluids.
Increased perspiration. Your baby generates heat by growing and exercising. In turn, you're likely to notice more sweating than usual. In hot weather, you may need to rest, drink cold liquids and take cool showers to keep from overheating.
Stretch marks. You may notice pink, red or purple streaks along your abdomen, breasts, upper arms, buttocks or thighs. Your stretching skin may also be itchy. Moisturizers can help. Although stretch marks can't be prevented, eventually the marks fade in intensity.

When to consult your doctor

Most physical changes you'll experience during pregnancy are normal. It's important to pay attention to your body, however. Consult your doctor if you experience:

Heavy vaginal bleeding or any amount of bleeding after the first trimester
Moderate or severe pelvic pain or any degree of pelvic pain that lasts more than four hours
Constipation that leads to more than two days between bowel movements
Persistent heartburn that doesn't respond to smaller meals
Persistent bleeding from the gums
Shortness of breath accompanied by chest pain or a cough
A severe or persistent headache, especially with dizziness, faintness, nausea, vomiting or visual disturbances
Vomiting with pain or fever
Strong-smelling, green or yellowish vaginal discharge or any vaginal discharge accompanied by redness, itching and irritation
Burning during urination
Rapid swelling, especially of the face and hands

If in doubt, make the call. Your doctor may want to do a physical exam to make sure you and your baby are fine.

Remedies for Asthma or Allergies

2005-09-16T00:19:00.000-07:00

A lot people have asthma. My daughter, 41 years, included. She has suffered from attacks for many years. Recently I encounter three natural remedies that I asked my daughter to try. I have not yet received a report on these, so I would like to pass them on to you. Here is the first one.

Boswellia

Boswellia, an herb, is known for its anti-inflammatory abilities and its usefulness in reduces the effects of bronchitis, asthma, cough, laryngitis, and fever. It comes from the resin of a tree in India and made into a pill or cream. It is best known for use in arthritis.

Recommended dose is: 150mg three times a day.

Yamoa

Yamoa is an herbal powder treatment for Asthma, which is derived from the bark of an African gum tree. It is available in capsule and has been typically used to help asthma. It has a good history of helping asthma sufferers.

Minor Blue Dragon formula

The Minor Blue Dragon is a Chinese herbal formula. Another name for it is xiao-qing-long-tang, or XQLT. It’s a blend of eight herbal medicines used to treat asthma for centuries in Asia

The XQLT formula has been used effectively for bronchial asthma for centuries and it is said to have an even more powerful bronchodilator effect than prescription drugs.

This formulation contains ephedra, which has been banned in the US in diet formulas. However, ephedra in this formula is considered safe, since the formula only contains around 15% of this herb. The other ingredients in XQLT are paeonia alba, cinnamon, pinellia, ginger, schisandar, asarum, and glycyrrhiza. Nutritional Supplements That Help Reduce Asthma

Antioxidants

In addition to the above herbs it is also important to take a good supply of antioxidants - especially vitamins A, C, and E, carotenoids, and selenium. Taking antioxidants helps to reduce the irritating effects of airborne free radicals, which can activate an asthma attack.

Magnesium

Magnesium has been shown to reduce the risk of developing asthma and might also be helpful in reducing asthma. Magnesium is also good for asthmatics because it helps to dilate the bronchioles. Also, make sure that plenty of water is drunk daily, which thins mucus. The recommended dosage of magnesium is 200-600 mg/day.

MSM

MSM has also proven useful for asthma aside from being beneficial for arthritis, allergies, fatigue, back pain, sinusitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, autoimmune diseases, and many other conditions. Start with 2000mg of MSM per day but be sure to take 50 to 150 micrograms of molybdenum daily since MSM needs molybdenum to activate it properly.

I was able to find a product that already has the proper molybdenum in the MSM, which makes it convenient to take just one pill. Go to google and put in the words “MSM molybdenum” and you will find some web sites that sell this MSM combination.

Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks. He also writes a newsletter called Natural Remedies Thatwork.com For more information on his writings go to: http://www.asthmatreatments.info
source : http://www.newomen.com/displayarticle289.html

Before The Baby Arrives

2005-09-15T01:25:00.000-07:00

This article give you know what you do before your baby arrive. Congratulations - you're going to be a mom! Whether it's yourfirst or sixth baby, there are things to consider and plan for:
Do you have your birth-plan worked out with your
family and obstetrician (nurse-midwife)?

Do you have your suitcase packed (or things organizedif you're having a home-birth)?

Do you have your emergency contacts in case you go into labour at a less-than-convenient time?

Do you have the nursery ready for your baby's arrival?

Does your baby have a family?

That last point might seem odd, but inasmuch as we plan with such detail about every other aspect of our newborn's life, sometimes we overlook the most basic thing: your baby needs a family. I'm not going to delve in to the political hot-potato of single moms having kids, I'm simply going to advocate for a family for your baby. If you're married, this means a husband for you and a daddy for your child.

The goal of parenting is not to simply avoid excessive anxiety, but it is to create a world of confidence by what we do with each other as much as what we avoid doing. Weak marriages do not build strong families, nor do they infuse the hearts of children with confidence and security. And isn't that last phrase what we want most for our babies? The best years of parenting flow out of the best years of a marriage. Protect your relationship and you'll raise happy, healthy children as a
result.

Too often when a child enters a family (please note that you and your husband ARE a family even before you have children!), the marriage is set to the back-burner of the stove, be it due to exhaustion, lack of extra time, etc. The parents leave their
first love: each other. Isn't that the reason you married and decided to have children in the first place?

So before you begin parenting this new little one who will be so precious to you and your family, take some time to consider the state of your marriage. If you need to work on it, start now: your baby will sense and respond to stress in your home
and your body more than you might realize. You won't want to have your precious bundle of joy starting out life stressed, so do what you can now to eliminate that and keep your relationship with your husband on the front-burner. You won't regret it!

About The Author: Kirsten Hawkins is a baby & parenting expert
specializing new mothers and single parent issues. Visit
http://www.babyhelp411.com/ for more information on how to
raising healthy, happy children.

Three minute beauty

2005-09-12T21:15:00.000-07:00

Three minute beauty
By Kathy Miller-Kramer, from Lifetime magazine

You don't need to spend hours in front of the mirror to look great. Your free time is better spent doing things you love: hanging out with your honey, enjoying a day in the park or catching a great movie. After all, happiness is the most glamorous accessory a woman can have. But you don't want to feel completely exposed when you go out in the world. Here are four looks that can be achieved in three minutes or less, leaving you more time to go out and do your thing!

Look #1: In the pink
Nothing screams health like pink. Take a minute out of your morning rush to dab creamy blush on your cheeks and blend, then apply a pinkish hue on your lids. "A soft pink shadow works on all skin tones and brightens the eyes," says Los Angeles-based makeup artist Martin Pretorius. Finish with a glossy lipstick and people will be convinced you've been getting plenty of beauty sleep, whether or not that's true.

Our favorites for this look?
-Avon Ultra Color Rich Renewable Lipstick in Sheer Lily, $6.50
- M.A.C Cream Color Base in Fantastic Plastic, $14.50
- Cover Girl Triple Mascara in Black Brown, $5.40

Look #2: Drive and shine
It's a snap to look sun-kissed, even when you're on the run. Smooth on tinted moisturizer and apply bronzer where the sun hits you naturally: cheeks, the bridge of your nose, chin and hairline. To look legit, add a touch to your earlobes and collarbone. Swipe on tangerine shadow and lipstick or gloss and get glowing!

Our favorites for this look?
- Stila's Pivitol Sun, $25
- Shiseido Silky Eyeshadow Duo in Fire Sky, $25
- Laura Mercier Lipstick in Apricot Sorbet, $19
- Prestige Aromatherapy Lip Gloss in Skin, $3.25

Look #3: Working girl
To make the transition from work to play, give your daytime face some evening oomph to with a little desk-side tweaking. Emphasize your lips by applying long-lasting lipstick (we like a pearly red), then add just a bit of blush. Fill in brows with powder or pencil, dab on neutral-colored shadow and you're ready to have fun!

Our favorites for this look?
- Max Factor Lipfinity Lustre in Glistening, $12.75
- Prescriptives Mystick Swivel Cheek Color in Woman, $25
- Elizabeth Arden Dual Perfection Brow Shaper and Eyeliner in Sable, $16
- Clinique Quick Eyes in Blue-Grey, $15.50

Look #4: Party girl
Make him wait while you stew over shoes, not what to do about your makeup. Sweep blue shadow across the lower part of your lids, but keep your lips neutral. "You'll get a flash of color when you blink," says New York City-based makeup artist Mel Rau.

Our favorites for this look?
- Clinique Blush Wear in Rosy Blush, $14.50
- Calvin Klein Eyeshadow Duo in Mist Pacific Iridescent, $15
- Anna Sui Eye Color in No. 112, $17
- M.A.C Lipglass in Tittle Tassle, $13

Laser Hair Removal New York

2005-09-11T22:45:00.000-07:00

This information for laser hair removal new york. I hope this usefull for your information about laser hair removal washington dc, laser hair removal new virginia and other city.

We spend a lot of time waxing, cutting, shaving, plucking away hair from unwanted places like legs, upper lip, chin, arms, back, and other such areas, only to find it growing back a short time later.
In New York City, laser hair removal has become a very popular cosmetic procedure for getting rid of unwanted hair. Just try out the safe and economic process of new york city laser hair removal. In this method, a low-energy laser beam is used to remove unwanted hair. I can tell you for sure that unlike routine hair removal practices, this procedure offers long-lasting results. When the laser beam moves across the treatment area, the laser energy passes through the skin and is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle.

You may have to pay multiple visits to the laser center to achieve that long term desired result. The cost of the treatment varies from person to person and is generally dependent on the size of the area treated as well as complexity of the case. The entire process is relatively pain free but improper treatment can cause lesions, burns and skin discoloration and irritation.

The result is the best if you are light skinned and have dark body hair. It must be kept in mind that lasers must be used very cautiously if you tan or have a darker skin tone. New York city is perhaps the laser hair removal capital of the world. There are a host of centers offering new york city laser hair removal. Not only do you have the best specialists here, but you can also choose what kind of center you want to go to. Taking the decision regarding which center to visit is indeed difficult. For this you should talk to those persons who have undergone new york city laser hair removal. They will be the best to guide you and answer your questions. The internet is also a great resource in helping you to find out as well as decide which laser center in New York city will be the best one for you.

Several places offer new york city laser hair removal. There are even some centers which offer written warranties. If by chance you experience any re-growth of hair in the treated area within the specified guarantee period, you can receive additional laser treatments to the treated area absolutely free of charge. So just walk in to any of these centers and get rid of all your hair from unwanted places.

Laser Hair Removal Discover laser hair removal information Articles and resources for prices, cost, and treatments of laser hair removal in cities like New York, Washington DC, Toronto, and Dallas. Visit this site for the best in laser hair removal! http://www.informationonlaserhairremoval.com/
Click Here To Download "Laser Hair Removal New York" E-Book

Women's Health - 7 Tips For A Healthy Pregnancy

2005-09-10T12:00:00.000-07:00

This is a simple tips for you healthy pregnancy.
It is always important to take whatever steps you can to be healthy, but while you are pregnant it is even more important:
not only do you need to take good care of yourself, you are also profoundly affecting the life of another person - your baby. Here's 7 tips to help you along the way.

1.If you smoke, one of the most important things you can do isto stop smoking:
babies born to mothers who smoke have a lower average birth weight, are more likely to be born prematurely, and are at greater risk of death from sudden infant death syndrome than babies of non-smokers. Sometimes mothers feel having a low birth weight baby could be an advantage as it will make the baby easy to deliver. This is not necessarily the case, as it may lead to an emergency delivery, which can result in all sorts of complications. Even if you are already pregnant, stopping smoking will benefit the baby for the rest of your
pregnancy. It is not only the baby who benefits. You are likely to suffer from less morning sickness, experience fewer
complications and have a more contented baby after the birth.

2. It is also important to pay attention to your diet.
Many women feel they should 'eat for two', but research has shown that women only need an extra 200-300 calories a day while
pregnant, and you may be eating those extra calories anyway. What is important is to ensure that you get the protein,
vitamins and minerals necessary to build another human being. Those extra 200-300 calories should not be squandered on
chocolate or crisps, but should be eaten as fruit, vegetables, etc. It is also important to increase your water intake, which
will help avoid constipation.

3. It is generally a good idea to take a good qualitymultivitamin and mineral supplement too.
There are now ones specially formulated for pregnant women. Ideally these should be started before you become pregnant, so that you are in the best shape possible for the pregnancy, and then continued throughout your pregnancy. An adequate supply of vitamins and
minerals is important right from conception. For example, a deficiency of one of the B vitamins, folic acid, in the first month of pregnancy may lead to the baby being born with a cleft lip, congenital heart disease or spina bifida. Omega-3 fatty acids (obtained by eating oily fish, flaxseed oil, walnuts, spinach and spirulina, or taken as a supplement) are important for the development of the baby's eyes and brain. Omega-3 also reduces the risk of premature birth and post-natal depression.

4. Nobody knows how much alcohol it is safe to consume during pregnancy, so many health experts feel it is better to avoid alcohol entirely for the sake of the baby. This can seem hard on the pregnant woman when everyone else is drinking, but it is important to remember that alcohol is a poison for the growing baby, and no caring mother willingly gives her baby poison.

5. Pregnancy is not a time to sit still. Although adequate rest is vitally important, most experts believe that healthy pregnant
women should be taking 30 minutes of moderate exercise everyday.

6. It is also important to minimise exposure to toxic chemicals while pregnant, so spending a lot of time painting the house and
laying new carpets is not a good idea, especially in the early stages of pregnancy when the baby is particularly vulnerable.

7. Many women find pregnancy stressful, and this can be a particularly good time to turn to safe, non-invasive options
such as Bach flower remedies, homeopathy, kinesiology and other therapies.

Making a new life is something miraculous. Doing the best you can for that new life starts long before you have the baby in
your arms for the first time.

About The Author: Jane Thurnell-Read is an author and researcher on health, allergies and stress. She has written two books for the general public: "Allergy A to Z" and "Health Kinesiology". She also maintains a web site http://www.healthandgoodness.com with tips, inspiration and information for everyone who wants to live a happier, healthier
life.

Women's Health - Endometrial Cancer

2005-09-05T22:42:00.000-07:00

This article give you know : What is endometrial cancer?, What causes endometrial cancer?, What are the symptoms? and other things about endrometrial cancer.
Lets we read one by one

What is endometrial cancer?

Endometrial cancer is the rapid and uncontrolled growth of cells in the endometrium, the lining of the uterus. The uterus is the hollow, pear-shaped organ in a women's abdomen. Endometrial cancer usually occurs in women older than 50. Fortunately, it is highly curable if detected at an early stage when the cancer is still contained in the uterus. Most women with endometrial cancer are diagnosed in the earliest stage, and up to 93% of these women are cancer-free 5 years after treatment.
What causes endometrial cancer?

The cause of endometrial cancer is currently unknown. Exposure to the hormone estrogen over many years without enough of the hormone progesterone to balance it (unopposed estrogen) appears to be related to the development of endometrial cancer.2
What are the symptoms?

The most common symptom is abnormal vaginal bleeding after menopause. About 20% of women who have abnormal bleeding after menopause have endometrial cancer.3

If endometrial cancer is more advanced, additional symptoms may be present. These include difficulty urinating, a lump in the pelvic area, pain in the pelvic area, and weight loss.
What increases my risk of developing endometrial cancer?

Being exposed to estrogen for years without progesterone to balance it (unopposed estrogen) appears to be the greatest risk factor for developing endometrial cancer. Long-term exposure to unopposed estrogen may occur as a result of:

* Beginning your menstrual cycle before age 12 or starting menopause after age 55.
* Not ever being pregnant or completing a full-term pregnancy.
* Not ever breast-feeding.
* Using hormone replacement therapy without progesterone.
* Being obese. Fat cells produce estrogen. Obese women have many fat cells, which increases the rate of estrogen production.

Additional factors that increase your risk include:

* Taking tamoxifen, a breast cancer medication that acts like estrogen in the uterus.3
* Being older than 50.
* Having a history of breast, ovarian, or colon cancer.
* Having endometrial hyperplasia.
* Having a family history of endometrial cancer or hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC).

How is endometrial cancer diagnosed?

Endometrial cancer is usually diagnosed with an endometrial biopsy. A biopsy removes a small sample of the lining of the uterus for examination under a microscope.

Your doctor will determine the stage of your endometrial cancer, or how far advanced it is, by gathering information from a variety of tests, including blood tests, bone scans, and X-rays. The stage of your cancer is one of the most important factors in selecting the treatment option that is right for you.
How is it treated?

Endometrial cancer in its early stages can be cured with treatment and close follow-up. The primary treatment for endometrial cancer is surgery (hysterectomy) to remove the uterus, cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. Pelvic lymph nodes may also be removed. Other treatments may be used depending on the stage of cancer and whether you are at high risk of having the cancer return. These treatments include radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy.

source: http://articles.health.msn.com/id/100077084

Exercise for Women Pregnant

2005-09-02T19:51:00.000-07:00

Exercise for Women Pregnant
By : Raymond Kelly

There are many benefits for women who wish to exercise through their pregnancy.

Exercise can:

· Increase energy levels
· Help prevent feelings of discomfort, clumsiness, and unattractiveness
· Improve circulation, reduce swelling and formation of varicose veins in the lower legs
· Help tone muscles allowing the body to return to its pre-pregnancy state much faster
· Improve posture, so less back ache

The major concerns of training whilst pregnant are:

· Foetal hypoxia (lack of oxygen for the baby)
· Foetal hyperthermia (internal temperature gets too hot)
· Reduced carbohydrate supply to the foetus (baby doesn'tget enough food)

These should only be concerns if the mother does not exercise intelligently. Ask your doctor for further information when obtaining your medical clearance.

Guidelines:

· Obtain a medical clearance prior to commencement
· Never let your heart rate get over 135 beats per minute for a sustained period. This can vary from person to person but a good rule of thumb is to reduce the intensity if you cannot comfortably hold a conversation with someone whilst exercising.
· Balance will be a problem as you get bigger so always keep both feet on the ground (no jumping, skipping, lunging, stepping, etc).
· Non-weight bearing exercise (eg. Cycling, swimming) is preferable to weight bearing exercise (eg. Jogging).
· Exertion levels should be determined on an individual basis. Someone who has had a long exercise history and a high fitness level will be able to tolerate higher intensities without affecting the foetus.
· Avoid strenuous exertion during the first trimester. If you haven't exercised before, walking is a great way to start.
· Increases in exercise quantity and quality should be very gradual for previously inactive women.
· Avoid exercise or positioning of the individual in the supine (lying on the floor face up) posture, particularly in late gestation (due to decreased cardiac output).
· Avoid exercise in warm/humid environments.
· Drink liquids before and after exercise to avoid dehydration. Wear loose cotton clothing.
· Do not exercise when fatigued, particularly in late gestation. Never exercise to exhaustion.
· Periodic rest intervals may be helpful to minimize hypoxia or heat stress to the foetus.
· Pregnancy requires an increase of 300k/cal per day so if you are exercising you require even more. Ensure you have an adequate diet.

News

2005-09-01T21:30:00.000-07:00

If You're A Woman Over 25, You Should Eat These Foods To Prevent Diseases That Claims Most Women's Lives

2005-08-29T22:06:00.000-07:00

By : Naweko San-Joyz
Do you keep your health care plan in the fridge? It's not a bad idea actually because if you pick your foods the right way, you can pack heart disease, colon cancer, osteoporosis, and diabetes prevention all in a day's worth of groceries.

Heart Disease
It kills nearly 500,000 women a year. The American Heart Association warns that heart disease, including stroke, claims more women's lives than the next six causes of death combined. Yet few women realize their risks for heart disease.

Hip 30-something singer Toni Braxton thought her chests pains were just from parenting stress before she discovered that she had heart disease. While the singer is OK now, she's getting the word out about heart disease as the spokeswoman for the American Heart Association's "Go Red For Women" campaign.

If you want to be heart smart, you need to be food wise. For example, according to the Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter, a diet loaded with whole grains may lower your risk of developing heart diseases.

Another clinical research from the Archives of Internal
Medicines found a link between increased dietary fiber and reduced blood pressure. In short, more fiber may reduce hypertension and thus lower the blood pressure.

Where to get fiber and whole grains:
Apples, grapes, celery, whole grain bread and cereal (make sure that sugar is not a main ingredient), whole-wheat pasta, popcorn, barley, oats and oatmeal, rye, corn, brown rice, bulgur or cracked wheat, and wheat germ.

Colon Cancer
The fiber gleaned from a whole oat rich diet also reduces the risks of developing colon cancer. Similarly in animal studies, selenium has shown anti-cancer benefits. Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health noted that calcium limits the development of rectal lesions, which could become cancerous.

Where to get calcium and selenium:
Broccoli, bran, brown rice, cottage cheese, garlic, onion, Brazil nuts, molasses, eggs, yogurt, celery, tahini, kidney beans.

Osteoporosis
Are you going to scream if someone else tells you to drink your milk to make your bones strong? While calcium has hoarded the spotlight for osteoporosis prevention, Dr. Alan R Gaby points
out in the Townsend Letter for Doctors & Patients, that magnesium, manganese, and zinc are just as important in the fight against osteoporosis.

Where to get them:

Magnesium:
Almonds, bran, oat, hazel nuts, pecans, lentils, sunflower seeds.

Manganese:
Avocado, walnuts, pineapple, buckwheat, parsley, spinach

Zinc:
Cheese, raw cashews, egg white, sunflower seeds, macadamia nuts, wheat germ

Diabetes
Christine Gerbstadt, M.D., R.D., spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association suggests limiting your risks for diabetes by consuming orange and leafy green veggies. Adding on a high quality fiber rich cereal can also limit your risk for diabetes.

Where to get orange and leafy green veggies:
Spinach, yams, papayas, peppers, rich green varieties of lettuce, lemons, parsley, cilantro

Here's a final reason to stash your health care plan in the fridge. A finding presented at the Annual Scientific Session of the American College of Cardiology that analyzed the records from 2,857 heart attack survivors treated at Michigan hospitals found that men had a better chance of surviving after treatment
than women.

One reason for this could be that the women receive less one-on-one sessions with the doctors or nurses before going home. The lesson here is to put health in your own hands before you even need to use your health insurance.

Increase your chances of beating heart disease, colon cancer, diabetes, and osteoporosis now. It's as easy as buying apples, beets and carrots. I'll see you in the produce section.

Women Health - Fourteen Simple Things You Can Do To Reduce Your Risk for Breast Cancer

2005-08-25T12:16:00.000-07:00

1. Increase your consumption of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables.

2. Avoid using any pesticides or chemical sprays in your home. Try to avoid new carpet.

3. Avoid drinking tap water.

4. Decrease alcohol consumption.

5. Start an exercise program.

6. Increase consumption of organic whole grains and fiber.

7. Decrease meat, poultry and fish consumption.

8. Stop smoking.

9. Increase consumption of phytoestrogens from organic sources.

10. Decrease or stop consumption of processed foods.

11. Avoid trans-fatty acids found in margarine and some vegetable shortenings.

12. Take two capsules of organic flaxseed oil daily or just add a teaspoon of flaxseed oil to your daily organic salad.

13. If you are pregnant definitely breast feed.

14. Gets lots of sunshine as breast cancer is less prevalent in areas where there is ample sunlight unobscured by fog or smog.

Discussion:

As a retired diagnostic radiologist who read way too many mammograms I am excited because I finally have a path to try to connect to so many women who are having and have had mammograms.I was always chagrined since we would really torture and radiate many breasts but it was as if these breasts were not connected to a human type person. It bothered me that so many mammography programs make no effort at all to educate their clientele about what "they can do" to reduce their risks of breast cancer. I would suggest to the directors of these programs that we try to educate the patients and their response was 100% predictable. They would always first deny the relationship between diet and breast cancer and then add that their patients would not listen anyway.

Increasing your consumption of fresh organic fruits and vegetables has been shown to reduce the risk for breast cancer.

"There is strong evidence from epidemiologic studies that eating more fruits and vegetables decreases a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. This conclusion is strengthened by the similar results obtained from animal studies and experiments using isolated breast cells." Quoted from the Cornell University Program on Breast Cancer and Environmental Risk Factors. They go on to recommend uncooked fruits and vegetables. The reason for this is the heating damages some of the beneficial nutrients in the fruits and vegetables. Carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, broccoli and spinach top the list for being most protective. The Cornell study however does not stress the fact that these need to be "organic." Non-organic commercial fruits and vegetables besides being largely nutritionally bereft are also heavily sprayed with a wide variety of toxins.

The relationship between pesticides and other toxic chemicals such as benzene and toluene and cancer has long been established. There are better ways to rid your house of undesired guests than using chemical sprays. It sounds difficult but even if you can't get rid of all your pests you will live a longer and healthier life if you refrain from spraying. New carpet is another source of extremely toxic chemicals that "off gas" for at least a year or so after it is installed. Try to avoid new carpet especially in children's rooms.

Avoid tap water unless you live either in Lake Tahoe or Ithaca, New York. The tap water here in Tucson is CAP water that travels in an open trough from the Colorado River. It is loaded with fungicides / herbicides not to mention all the chlorine added once it gets here. While bottled or filtered water may not be perfect,you will considerably reduce your risk for any cancer by avoiding most tap water.

There is a little debate about the link between alcohol consumption and breast cancer. However, the consumption of any simple sugars such as occur in most alcoholic beverages is associated with decreased T-cell mobility and thus some immune compromise. I still have an occasional beer but that is the only sugar I ingest. The general consensus however, is that it is best to reduce alcoholic beverage consumption as much as possible.

Exercise has been proven in multiple studies to enhance the immune system. In order to be beneficial I would recommend thirty minutes at least three times a week. This should be exercise that elevates the heart rate and keeps it there for the thirty minutes. Running is good if you are not biomechanically impaired. Cycling and swimming are also good alternative and or exercise machines.

Increased consumption of organic grains and fiber has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Decrease your meat, fish, poultry and dairy consumption. Animal protein has been linked to all the big three killers in this country as well as osteoporosis. For more on this see the "China Study" by T. Colin Campbell and "Diet for a New America" by John Robbins. Stop smoking is really a "no brainer" here. Smoking is associatedwith a variety of cancers and there is now strong evidence that cancer of the breast is one of them.

Consume more phytoestrogens from soy products like tofu. "Women with diets rich in phytoestrogens also excrete more estrogens into their urine, and have lower blood estrogen levels. Some studies have shown that women with a diet rich in phytoestrogens have longer, and hence fewer, menstrual cycles. All of these factors may contribute to reduced breast cancer risk. " This quote from the Cornell University Program on Breast Cancer and Environmental Risk Factors. Please be sure that any soy products you consume are organic.

In conclusion there are many ways to reduce your chances of breast cancer. I have presented the above from a more subtle point of view. When my wife (now ex-wife) developed a lesion in her left breast back in 1995 we put her on an organic vegan diet. Soon we cut out all sugar and increased her running mileage. She still has her left breast although there is still some skin retraction. My good friend and world class flamenco dancer Carmen Heredia died in her early forties from breast cancer and its treatment. Best not to get breast cancer at all.

For more information on the relationship between diet, health and exercise please go to: http://www.drmericle.com/

For more information on cooking and food preparation without animal products please go to: http://www.drmericle.com/fscook3c.php
Copyright J. Mericle M.D. 2004 All Rights Reserved

http://www.drmericle.com/ is devoted to achieving optimal health and peak performance through diet and lifestyle change. Dr. Mericle brings together a unique blend of formal medical education, 29 marathons, 3 Hawaii Ironman competitions and a lot of practical real life experience.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Click here to download "Fourteen Simple Things You Can Do To Reduce Your Risk for Breast Cancer" E-book

Women Health - Top 10 Foods for Women

2005-08-22T15:01:00.000-07:00

Beans and Pulses

Beans and pulses should be included in everyone's diet, but for women they are especially important. They are highly nutritious, low in fat, and an excellent source of vegetable protein. A fibre-rich diet is one of the first components to colon cancer prevention, and with more women dying of colon cancer than breast cancer every year; it makes sense to eat plenty of beans. This group of foods also contain phytoestrogens, the natural plant hormones, which are also protective against cancer, as well as being important for bone health.

Kale

Kale is an often-overlooked vegetable that happens to be loaded with folate (folic acid), an important B vitamin for women. Having a deficiency in folic acid during pregnancy may cause neural-tube defects in babies. In the UK, all women of childbearing age are now thought to need 400 micrograms of folate daily. Kale is also an excellent source of vitamin C and calcium, too.

Orange vegetables

Orange squashes (and tubers) like pumpkin, butternut squash and sweet potatoes are a girl’s best friend when it comes to nutritious, comforting food. All these foods are filling, low in calories, and rich in beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, which will work plenty of it’s antioxidant magic in your body. Antioxidants are important in the anti-ageing process, helping to repair and regenerate skin and other tissues. Beta-carotene is also thought to help reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Linseeds (flaxseeds)

Flax seeds (or linseeds) and flax seed oil have so much to offer women. For starters, flax is full of “essential” Omega 3 fatty acids (EFA's), which help to balance a women’s hormones, protect a woman from heart disease (the leading cause of premature death among women) and the pain of arthritis. The dietary fibres in flax are called lignans, which contain phytoestrogens, currently being researched and showing promise in cancer prevention. Lignans are also thought to have antioxidant properties. The best way to get the benefit of the flaxseeds fibre and oils is to grind them in a clean coffee mill, used just for this purpose. Alternatively use a pestle and mortar, and sprinkle them onto cereal in the morning or add them to a bowl of natural yogurt and fruit. The essential fatty acids are very fragile, unstable, and liable to oxidation if exposed to light and air. Within the whole seeds, the oil is protected. So buy fresh, organic seeds if at all possible. You can eat them whole; just chew them thoroughly!

Iron-rich foods

Women need to eat more iron-rich foods. Getting iron from food (as opposed to a supplement) is by far the best way to get the correct amount of iron the body needs and can absorb. Lean red meats and dark poultry are the ideal food sources of iron. Unfortunately that doesn’t help much if you are vegetarian or one of the many women who avoid red meats. In this case, think about eating more of the following iron-rich foods… lentils, dried apricots, beans, spinach, enriched wholegrain cereals, pumpkin seeds, and oysters! If you do need to take a supplement, the best choices are Easy Iron (Higher Nature Ltd), which is an organic, food-form of iron, and Floradix, an herbal-based iron-rich tonic. Increase your intake of vitamin C too, which helps to absorb non-haem sources of iron.

Soya

Soya foods (including beans, tofu, soya milk & yogurt, soy sauce, Tamari and Miso) are the richest food sources of phytoestrogens (and of course soy protein). The natural plant substances – phytoestrogens - are now thought to be beneficial in maintaining bone density, as well as being the best “alternative” to HRT when many women need hormonal support as they enter menopausal years. Tofu, milk, and yogurt are also great calcium sources. All these foods can help a woman significantly lower her bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise the good (HDL) cholesterol. Tofu is a great source of low-fat, vegetable protein, best used in a vegetable stir-fry with soy sauce, and brown rice. Try Cauldron Foods, firm tofu.

Brocolli

Broccoli is not only a good source of calcium and B vitamins; it contains plant substances called sulphurophanes. These plant chemicals are cancer-protective and help the liver process and clear any excess oestrogen. Nowadays we don’t just produce oestrogen internally, but we are exposed to it in the environment in the form of oestrogen-like chemicals found in plastics, tap water and other insidious places. Excess oestrogen causes weight gain, hormonal imbalances, night sweating, and presents an increased risk of fibroids, breast cysts, breast cancer and endometriosis.

Calcium and magnesium - rich foods

Women of all ages need enough calcium in their diets to build and maintain strong bones. Calcium-rich foods that are also good sources of magnesium (and other nutrients) go a long way to supporting bone, and heart health. Magnesium is the nutrient that plays an important role in the creation of new bone; so think about seeds and nuts as healthy additions to a wholegrain cereal. Calcium, magnesium and potassium are alkalising minerals. Bones serve as a reservoir of these highly important alkaline minerals, which are released to help neutralise the acids in your body. If your body is overly acidic (this happens if you eat a lot animal protein, smoke or drink too much alcohol, or become highly stressed), your bones must donate their minerals to restore your pH balance. This can deplete the bones, leaving them brittle and weak.

The UK RNI for calcium is 700 milligrams a day, but many experts feel it should be more like 1200 to 1500 milligrams a day. When you take into consideration the epidemic of osteoporosis and heart disease among women, it is wise to include or increase your intake of the following foods… plain natural yogurt, which is not only a source of beneficial bacteria for good colon health, it is also much easier to digest than other dairy products), parmesan cheese (again, easy to digest), ricotta cheese & goat’s cheese, tinned bony salmon, freshly grilled sardines, kale, almonds and sunflower seeds, tofu, fortified “SoGood” soya milk (20% more calcium than cow’s milk) and “Provamel” soya yogurts. Replacing dairy with soya milk and yogurts in the diet provides all the benefits of soya protein while reducing the amounts of animal fats in the diet. A 100g serving of tofu or 125g pot of plain yogurt both provide 200mg of calcium. An ounce of Parmesan provides a whopping 390mg of calcium, and 100g canned pink salmon 300mg. Don’t forget your fruit and vegetables… latest research in bone health shows that women who have more fruit and vegetables in their diets, tend to have higher bone density. Fruit and vegetables contain an array of micronutrients such as magnesium, vitamin C, and boron. We now know that these play an equally important role in bone metabolism.

If you feel you need to supplement with calcium, remember that calcium should be taken with magnesium in a 2:1 ratio. This is because calcium and magnesium require each other for proper absorption, and utilisation in the body. So, if you supplement with 500 mg of calcium, you need to take 250 mg of magnesium at the same time. Most reputable companies now formulate supplements that take this into account, as well as the synergistic “need” for the other nutrients involved in the entire process of bone metabolism. Choose carefully.

Water!

Water is a nutrient and the fact is, we need it... and plenty of it. Certainly, water may be one of the best tools in the weight loss game. It not only suppresses the appetite, but helps the body metabolise stored fat. Water keeps the body’s tissues well hydrated, so if you want smooth, line-free skin for as long as is naturally possible… drink!

Salmon and other oily fish (in moderation)

Salmon was at one time avoided in favour of white fish or sole, due it’s higher fat content. However, once we understood the value and benefit of the essential “Omega 3 fatty acids” present in salmon and other oily fish, it was back on the plate. The time has arrived however, that food-conscious individuals are steering away from oily fish again (or at least cutting down), not because of the fat content, but because of the presence of harmful chemicals and metals. Fish such as mackerel, salmon and swordfish are known to contain high levels of potentially carcinogenic chemicals, and others, including shark, marlin, swordfish and red snapper contain the highest levels of mercury. These larger, long-lived predatory fish and mammals tend to accumulate more mercury from the environment than shorter-lived fish. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) recommends that we eat 2-4 portions of fish a week, and 1-2 at least should be of an oily variety. Pregnant mothers are the only group that need to limit oily fish intake to 2 portions a week, but not to avoid fish altogether. Omega-3 fats are vital for the baby’s brain development. Many people often prefer to take an uncontaminated fish oil supplement, or stick to flax seeds as a source of Omega-3’s. Nutri’s Eskimo oil is one of the best un-contaminated fish oils on the market, and contains the fat-soluble antioxidant vitamin E to ensure the fish oils do not oxidise in the body. Remember Omega-3s ARE essential to good health, and freedom from diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, depression, diabetes, heart disease, and rheumatoid arthritis… so as I say, don’t avoid fish altogether, as fish oil is clearly the richest source of Omega 3’s we know. Important omega-3s are DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) - from fish oil and algae - and alpha linolenic acid, usually from vegetable sources such as flax seed oil. In a healthy person, linolenic acid can be converted to DHA, and EPA, provided the correct enzymes are present. However, only 2% of the alpha-linolenic acid found in flax oil is actually converted to EPA… far less than we find in fish oil. EPA and DHA substantially lower your risk of heart disease by lowering LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, prevent blood platelets from becoming sticky, and can lower blood pressure. They also promote good bone health, heart health, and breast health. DHA is particularly important during brain development, so is a popular and useful supplement during pregnancy.

Re: CANNED FISH - During the canning process of tuna, all the fat is lost, so tinned tuna does not count as an oily fish. The canning process of other fish (salmon, sardines, pilchards etc.) is different to that of tuna, and does not affect the oil content of the fish. How the canning process affects the stability and integrity of the delicate fish oils has not been fully elucidated. The possible presence of mercury and toxic chemicals I would imagine is no different in canned vs. fresh fish.

Eating fruit to offset mercury absorption?

To enjoy fish while minimising your mercury exposure, eat some tropical fruit for dessert… eating antioxidant-rich tropical fruits, such as mango, pineapple, banana, and papaya, may help reduce the amount of mercury that your body absorbs, according to research published recently in Environmental Research (2003). This particular study was a 12-month prospective dietary survey, carried out with 26 adult women from a fish-eating community in the Brazilian Amazon. They found a strong relationship between fish consumption and mercury (Hg) levels in hair. Not surprising you may think…. What was surprising and very interesting was the finding that this strong relationship was significantly modified by fruit consumption: for the same number of fish meals, those who ate more tropical fruits had lower hair mercury levels. The findings of this study indicate different ways of maintaining fish consumption while reducing Hg exposure in the Amazon. A number of phytochemicals and nutritional fibres present in fruits might be interacting with Hg in several ways: absorption and excretion transport, binding to target proteins, metabolism, and sequestration. More research on larger worldwide populations would further elucidate the extent, and public health implications of the use of fruits to counteract the toxic action of methylmercury.

Try this tasty fish dish… with minimal mercury exposure!

Fresh Tuna Steak with Mango Salsa (Serves 2)

Ingredients: 2 fresh Tuna steaks, marinated in olive oil and chopped garlic

For the salsa: 1 whole mango, peeled, sliced off the stone and chopped A small piece of finely chopped fresh ginger root Handful of chopped fresh coriander 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon of olive oil, mixed Juice of half a lemon or lime Ground black pepper to taste

Method: Place the steaks into a frying pan. Pan-fry on a medium heat until opaque on the outside and a little pink in the middle. While the fish is cooking, combine all the salsa ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Serve the fish alongside the mango salsa and a large mixed green salad.

Lucy-Ann Prideaux MSc BSc RNutr Registered Nutritionist http://www.simply-nutrition.co.uk

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Women Health - Top 10 Trends in Healthcare

2005-08-22T14:58:00.000-07:00

America is undergoing a dramatic shift in healthcare. Actually, ten distinctly different shifts. Although the changes are unsettling, and will cause dislocations in our economy, the overall trends are positive and will help us all be healthier and wealthier when it all shakes out.

Western Medicine Costs Continue to Rise

It's hard to imagine, but the cost of going to a regular MD or hospital is going to get more and more expensive. This is not because doctors or hospitals are getting greedy, but instead because their own costs are rising every year. Malpractice insurance for risky surgical procedures, pharmaceutical drug reactions and deaths with accompanying lawsuits, complex medical equipment for diagnostic testing – everything is rising dramatically in cost. Pharmaceutical drug costs will continue to escalate also, leaving consumers holding the bag, because...

Health Insurance Opt-Outs Surge

For many years, corporations and small businesses have provided health insurance as an employee benefit. Often, employees would choose a job based on who offered the best health insurance. No longer. Small businesses have almost completely opted-out of the insurance game, and large corporations are not far behind. General Motors complains that health insurance costs them more per year than steel for their cars. In a few years, health insurance through your employer will be only a memory. Everyone will be buying health insurance the same way they buy home insurance or car insurance – independently.

Because of this shift, consumers will begin treating health insurance the same way they treat car and home insurance. Which is to say, they will treat it like INSURANCE.

Today, many Americans run to their doctors for even the smallest maladies, and they expect their health insurer should pay for everything. In fact, they're incensed when they don't. “What, you're not paying for this bottle of antibiotics for my kid's ear infection? How terrible!”

This is opposite of how we treat car insurance. Imagine expecting your insurer to pay for oil changes, car washes, pockmarks in the paint job, a broken cupholder. Can you picture it? Of course not. It would be ridiculous.

Yet, with health insurance, it's been okay. Why? Because the employer is picking up the tab. Not anymore, they're not.

As a result, Americans will pay more attention to preventive healthcare, like regular exercise, good diet and meditation, etc. They will also do more cost comparisons between all their healthcare options, including a trip to the doctor, or...

Alternative Medicine Becomes the Dominant Healthcare System in America

I feel bad calling this a future trend, since this has almost already occurred. Alternative medicine, including naturopathy, hypnotherapy, Chinese medicine, chiropractic, yoga, etc. is fast overtaking Western medicine (drugs and surgery) as the dominant healthcare system of America.

Several studies have shown that Americans spend more out-of-pocket on alternative medicine than on Western medicine. They've also shown that people are making more trips to these alternative practitioners than they are to regular MDs. These are positive developments. The downside is that people are reticent to mention their alternative therapies to their doctors, because they're afraid of disapproval by their doctor.

But the trend is clear. Alternative medicine is often less expensive (especially outside of insurance), equally effective and produces less harmful side effects, as was evidenced by the flurry of pharmaceutical drugs this past year that were removed after being prescribed to hundreds of thousands of patients.

People's trust in Western medicine is diminishing, and their relief in finding alternatives is rising.

Major institutions are now doing large numbers of studies on alternative medicines, including herbal remedies, bodywork, meditation, dietary changes and many others. Randomized, controlled studies are available on almost every type of alternative healing practice, and they typically show good results.

The rise of alternative medicine and the opting-out of employer-funded health insurance has led us inevitably to an era of...

Consumer-Driven Healthcare

People are making their own choices in healthcare and health insurance. They want to make their own decisions.

This is extremely positive. One study after another shows that hospital patients who are disruptive, picky, nosy and non-compliant are the ones who fare best with any surgery or recovery from illness. The patients who are compliant and put their fates in the hands of their doctors are the ones who fare most poorly. Taking charge of one's health is part of consumer-driven healthcare.

This term also refers to how people are deciding to use whatever treatments they think will work best, based on their own research. Fewer people simply accept their “doctor's orders” and instead they find out for themselves what is available and make informed choices. This also means they are deciding to use a different kind of health insurance, which is more compatible with their free-will healthcare style...

High-Deductible Health Insurance and Health Savings Accounts (HSA)

As corporations drop their employees' health plans, the employees are choosing to buy high-deductible health insurance policies, which are much cheaper.

In fact, a high-deductible policy ($2,500 deductible or higher) is almost always so much cheaper, that even if you had to pay the entire deductible yourself every year, you'd still save thousands of dollars. The monthly premiums are reduced MORE than the amount of the deductible.

Along with high-deductible policies, people are choosing to use the Health Savings Account (HSA), introduced in 2003. This is a tax-deductible savings account that can be used for any medical treatment (Western medicine, actually), which is basically a tax savings for everyone who buys their insurance independently.

High-deductible policies and HSAs allow people to have Western medicine waiting in the wings when they have serious health problems that require expensive drugs, tests and surgery. But until then, they are able to use alternative medicine as the best service for prevention and small day-to-day health problems.

Alternative medicine provides a “first line of defense” while Western medicine provides the expensive, dangerous, but necessary backup.

Since alternative medicine has taken such a major role in healthcare, the state and federal laws have had to adjust, which has meant...

The Rise of Health Freedom Laws

Health freedom is a term applied to a particular kind of legislative bill. It is a bill that allows alternative medical practitioners to practice their healing arts, as long as they stay out of the areas where extensive Western medical training is required:

- performing surgery
- prescribing pharmaceutical drugs
- administering injections (like vaccinations)
- knowingly contradicting an MD's orders

If alternative medical practitioners are caught doing any of these, they can be arrested for practicing medicine without a license. But otherwise, they can use any other type of healing art, including bodywork, dietary changes, movement therapies, hypnosis, etc. to help their clients.

This bill is needed in many states, because current laws state that no one can practice medicine except medical doctors, and the definition of practicing medicine is anything that helps people with their health! This means that if someone has a cold, and they go to a massage therapists who recommends echinacea, that massage therapist is breaking the law! Ridiculous? Practitioners have been shut down in many states for doing less.

Health Freedom laws are common sense. They've been passed in four states already – Minnesota, Rhode Island, California and Idaho. These states have had excellent results from these bills, including patients from neighboring states making trips to their states to seek relief from health problems. Can you say “boost to the economy?”

For more information about Health Freedom initiatives, visit the National Health Freedom Website.

With Health Freedom information, and alternative medical options available, it is only natural that people turn to...

The Internet As a Healthcare Information Resource

The Internet has become the first stop for someone who has a health concern. Feeling low? Do a search on depression remedies on the Internet. Just been diagnosed with cancer, and the doctor says it's chemotherapy or die? Jump on the Internet and see what your other options are.

Of course, the Internet has its benefits and its problems. There is a tremendous amount of misinformation about healthcare on the Internet. Much of it comes from well-meaning entrepreneurs who have been sucked into a multi-level marketing (MLM) scheme and are trying to pitch some health elixir or other. A second source of health misinformation comes from the Western medical establishment, who seek to discredit alternative medical therapies that could take significant revenues away from their invested therapies. A third source of misinformation comes from the anecdotes of individuals who experienced relief from one therapy or another, but who do not (and cannot) actually represent a proven cure to a particular health problem.

Even with all these caveats, the Internet's influence in healthcare decisions will gain momentum. People will understand the “good sources” and “bad sources” of information and new portals will crop up that separate the wheat from the chaff.

The reason people are turning to the Internet in such numbers is due to a lack of trust...

Distrust in Existing Medical Institutions

At one time, you could hold no position of higher trust than to be a doctor. My wife's father was a doctor in a small town in Ohio. When he died, the funeral was packed with his patients over the years. People appreciated his caring and his dedication to keeping them healthy.

Now, doctors are viewed with suspicion. Will my doctor let me die by not revealing an alternative therapy that could help me? Is my doctor getting kickbacks from the cute, young, female pharmaceutical rep who visits him twice a month?

The system has gained the pallor of corruption, even when it's not really true. Big medicine has become big business, and the number one concern is no longer the patient, it's dollars and cents.

But hospitals and doctors are not the only things that Americans distrust...

Distrust of Socialized Medicine

People in government and in society seem to feel that some brand of socialized medicine will be the magic solution for America's healthcare problems. The “single payer system” of healthcare, successful in other countries, must be implemented here, they say.

But America is a different kind of country, from its very beginnings. Americans praise the independent spirit, the entrepreneur, the underdog.

Socialized medicine will not work in America. And Americans know it. They do not want a government-run system. What is the least efficient organization you can imagine? It's the government. Do you really want a government worker making decisions for you about healthcare?

Yes, America needs to find a way to insure every single person in this country. But socialized medicine is not the cure for this illness. Having been born in Canada and living there for the first twenty-eight years of my life, I can say that Canada's socialized medicine program leaves much to be desired. It does cover every person, but in a way that benefits no one.

I understand that the person in the middle of this entire crisis, the professional who has the most to gain or lose, is the doctor, the general practitioner. They will be devastated by a socialized medicine system, and they will also be affected greatly by the other trends in this article.

Because of this, I see the emergence of a final trend...

Doctors Incorporate Alternative Medicine Into Their Practices

Doctors will have no choice but to use pieces and parts of alternative medicine in what they do day-to-day with patients. “The customer is always right,” as they say, and the customer definitely wants a choice.

Although doctors are increasingly using alternative medicine in their own practice, and hiring alternative practitioners to work in their offices, the independent alternative practitioner will still be the rule, not the exception. There are just too many alternative practitioners (massage therapists, chiropractors, yoga instructors, etc.) for doctors to absorb everyone. And people will want a choice. A Western medical experience, or perhaps an alternative medicine experience.

And a choice they will receive.

The Western medical practitioners who are clearly leading the way are nurses. Nurses are much more open to alternatives than doctors, and they are increasingly opening their own offices, as nurse-practitioners sometimes, and treating patients with a wide variety of healing methods. Patients appreciate the nurses Western medical knowledge, and also their openness to a new set of options.

Overall, the outlook for healthcare is extremely positive for everyone involved. Tremendous change, yes. But upheaval can create some wonderful new circumstances.

Daryl Kulak is the author of Health Insurance Off the Grid, a book that provides a simple, effective plan to reduce insurance costs for the self-employed and underinsured. The book puts the new Health Savings Account (HSA) together with alternative medicine to create a workable, cost-effective plan for many Americans. The book is available at the Website http://www.healthoffthegrid.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Women Health - Pregnant Women Don't Just Stay At Home; Go Shopping !

2005-08-15T18:26:00.000-07:00

Most women like to go shopping. However, sometimes pregnant
women reluctant to go out because they are afraid could harm
them. That's not true! Go and have fun. You don't have to spend
any money; just get out and window shop. Try on shoes; check out
the new fall purses or sample a new cookie at the corner stand.
Shopping is very therapeutic for women, and it gives you a
chance to clear your mind.

If you are feeling ambitious, though, or cannot justify taking
an afternoon off to shop, give yourself a chore, like deciding
on nursery room colors or selecting a crib. Then, you will feel
like you are accomplishing something as you go.

Do not get stressed out, however, if you do not find what you
want right away. Remember, you are just looking now. There is
no hurry to immediately find and/or buy everything, especially
since friends and family will want to help by bringing gifts to
your baby shower.

If you would rather shop for clothes, purses or makeup, though,
that's also fine. Sometimes, it is good to step away from the
"mommy" world and remember that you are also a woman who has
her own needs and wants. Don't feel guilty if you need some
"you" time or if you need a little something to perk up your
spirits. A new maternity outfit or a sweet scented lotion may
be all you need to feel de-stressed and reinvigorated. You
might also feel good just trying out new perfumes and seeing
what those strappy sandals look like on (even if you know they
would kill your feet!).

Just remember that while you are out shopping, you need to be
relaxing. Treat yourself to an ice cream cone or catch a new
movie if the mall has a theatre. Any of these activities will
help you let go of your stress and refresh your spirits. Then,
you will be fully ready to be Mommy again!

About The Author: Sara Jameson writes her experiences in "The
Very Happy Pregnancy: Avoiding Stress and Depression." Check
this out http://www.sign-of-being-pregnant.info and
http://www.pregnant-woman-101.info

Links

2005-08-15T02:12:00.000-07:00

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Women Health - Laser Hair Removal

2005-08-11T11:26:00.000-07:00

There are many different techniques to remove unwanted hair. Some of these include waxing, shaving, coils, electrolysis and laser. Although each has its advantages and disadvantages, they all perform the same function. That is removing unwanted hair.

One such technique that has become quite popular these days is laser hair removal. This technique works by using a laser on the hair at a specified wavelength that emits a specialized light. The light from the laser is passed through the skin and is absorbed by the hair follicle. This light actually targets the melanin (colour) in the hair follicle and damages it, thereby causing the hair to fall out. Interestingly, the use of certain laser for removing hair has been approved by The Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Although the technique is popular, there are advantages and disadvantages of using this method.

Advantages of Laser Hair Removal

The laser hair removal process has advantages in that larger areas can be treated. In addition it is also safe enough to be used on all parts of the body such as the face, back, underarm, bikini line, legs and arms. Compared to electrolysis, it is less painful as the laser only causes a slight burning sensation compared to the needle prick feeling of electrolysis. Unlike shaving or waxing, laser hair removal is usually long lasting.

Disadvantages of Laser Hair Removal

One disadvantage for laser hair removal is that not everyone is the perfect candidate for this type of treatment. Those with lighter skin and dark hair have a much higher chance of permanent hair removal than grey, red or blonde hair. In addition, those with dark skin or who are tanned are also not good candidates as the laser may cause damage to their skin due to high pigment levels. The reason being is that dark hair contains a pigment called eumelanin which effectively absorbs more laser energy and therefore results in more effective destruction of the hair follicle. Due to the higher effectiveness of the treatment towards dark haired fair skin patients, it leads to fewer treatment and is therefore less costly. Other the other hand, grey, red and blonde hair contain a pigment called pheomelanin that absorbs less laser energy reducing the effectiveness of the treatment. Therefore extra treatment is required for the same effect. So before you sign up for this treatment, make sure you know the principal of this treatment. If you are not an ideal candidate, be prepared for extra treatment charges.

Laser hair removal is expensive due to the multiple treatments required. The reasons is that hair grows in a cycle that ranges from approximately 6 to 12 weeks and this is the amount of time that it takes hair to grow from the base of the follicle to the surface of the skin. As hair grows during these cycles, only a portion of the hair is being treated during this growth period with each laser treatment. Therefore multiple treatments (approximately four to eight depending upon your colour of your hair and skin) are required during this growth period. This is so that each treatment allows total coverage on all hairs during the various growth cycle. This can range from approximately a four to eight week interval. As discussed above, darked hair patients with fair skin require less treatment.

The average cost per treatment ranges from $500 and about four sessions are required. Again, this number will differ depending upon the size of the area treated and the colour of your skin and hair. To get an exact cost, a consultation on pricing is an individual process and it is best to discuss this with the laser center.

Once you have decided to undertake this treatment, make sure it is performed by an experienced laser treatment centre. Due to different state regulations, there has been varying level of compliance with laser hair removal centres and this has resulted in improper treatment by unskilled clinics. Some states require a doctor to perform the treatment, whilst for others; anyone including “unskilled” personnel can perform the treatment. Read the latest news on laser hair removal for more information. These improper unskilled clinic may result in burns (similar to sunburn), lesions, skin discolouration that can last several months, or patchy/patterned regrowth. One rule to remember is that cheaper is not always the best, so find the best laser hair removal centre around.

For more information on laser hair removal please visit Laser Hair News

This article is free to use, distribute and copy as long as the link remains in place.

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Woman Health - A Better Understanding Of Laser Hair Removal In 5 Minutes

2005-08-11T11:24:00.000-07:00

Men and women from all walks of life are turning in increasing numbers to laser to remove unwanted hair from their bodies. The most popular areas are faces, backs, legs, armpits and bikini lines. The latest machines allow specialists to remove hair from virtually any part of our bodies, as long as it is fully grown hair and not just peach fuzz. After six months of treatment, we can expect that somewhere between 60 and 95 percent of the treated hair will be gone.

Does laser hair removal work for everybody?

Laser hair removal works best with people who have light-colored skin and dark hair. The latest lasers work with almost all skin types, but generally speaking, people with darker skin and light-colored hair (white, grey or red) are not good candidates for laser.

If laser does not work for you, there are many other techniques you can explore, such as waxing, sugaring or electrolysis.

How does it work?

Hair grows from follicles, which are located underneath the skin. Follicles are dark in color because they contain melanin—the protein that gives color to our hair. Laser generates heat as it goes through the skin and it is attracted by the darker color of melanin. The laser rays generate enough heat to kill the follicles and prevent new hair from growing while not damaging the surrounding skin.

Our hair grows in cycles, which means that only some hairs are growing at any given time while others are dormant. Laser techniques can only target active hair so you usually need several sessions a few months apart to target all the hair in a particular area.

What about laser hair removal costs?

The American Association for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery estimates that the average session costs $388. Laser hair removal prices vary according to the area that you want treated. For example, the price of treating your upper lip is significantly lower than treating your legs or your back. Generally speaking, you can expect laser hair removal costs to range somewhere between $200 and $600, depending on the area you are treating and your clinic.

Even though laser hair removal prices can be steep, you should keep in mind that laser techniques are much more comfortable than the alternatives of electrolysis or waxing and that the results will last for years.

What should you look for in a doctor?

There are literally thousands of places offering laser hair removal, but not all of them employ certified technicians. To be on the safe side, it is best to consult with a dermatologist trained in laser hair removal. During your initial consultation, your doctor will first decide whether you are a good candidate for laser hair removal. After that, he or she will explain the procedure, ask for your medical history and give you a number of instructions to prepare for the session.

How can I prepare for my session?

Avoid tanning. Tanned skin increases the chances of skin discoloration. Also avoid waxing or plucking the area to be treated. Instead, shave the area two to three days before your appointment and allow some stubble to grow back. Some doctors might recommend that you apply a cream with lidocaine—a mild anesthetic—an hour before the session begins.

Is it safe?

Laser hair removal is a safe technique. After each session you might experience some redness and mild swelling, but this should quickly go away. It is recommended that you avoid the sun and strenuous exercise for a few days after the treatment. In some rare cases, patients might experience pain and blisters. In extreme cases, permanent scarring or skin discoloration can occur.

Jim Stacey is an editor at the Laser Hair Removal Directory where you can find more information and listings of laser hair removal providers across the United States.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Woman Health - Everything You Wanted To Know About Laser Hair Removal

2005-08-11T11:22:00.000-07:00

Laser hair removal is the best available method for hair removal because of the several advantages offered by this method. Laser hair removal method scores over other methods of hair removal for its ease of use, less time-consuming, little or no side effects and a long lasting treatment for removing unwanted hair from the face and the rest of the body.

A scientist who accidentally exposed his arm to 692 diode pumped YAG for a few seconds discovered laser hair removal treatment in late 1970's. The exposure burned off the hair but did not damage the skin. After few weeks, the scientist noticed a bald patch on his arm. Further research and development resulted in the birth of a revolutionary new method to get rid off unwanted hair. Since then, Laser Hair removal has become popular with both men and women of all age.

Advantages of Laser Hair Removal

The relief from the age-old hair removal methods like plucking, waxing, shaving is temporary. In the new hair removal method of electrolysis, each hair is treated separately. This makes the process time consuming and restricted to small areas. The inconvenience faced in the old methods has made the Laser Hair Removal the most popular hair removal technique. Most of the cosmetologists prefer laser hair removal to other methods of hair removal. Here are some advantages of Laser Hair Removal:

1. Ease of Use - Laser treatment uses the principle of light energy absorbed by dark matter such as hair. An experienced laser technician directs and fires a laser beam at the area of hair growth thereby burning off the unwanted hair. Laser hair removal method is not painful like waxing. Users have compared it to a tingling sensation like a small pinch.

2. Less time - Unlike electrolysis that is painful and takes a lot of time, laser hair removal is faster. With laser hair removal process, facial hair can be removed in about 45 minutes. Larger body parts take a longer time.

3. Few side effects - Unlike waxing or hair removing creams, laser hair removal treatment does not cause skin irritation or any other side effects.

4. Long Lasting - Laser hair removal treatment is long lasting than waxing, shaving or hair removal creams which have to be repeated every few weeks.

The wavelength required by laser to achieve efficient treatment is in the range of 670 to 890 nanometers. The treatment includes wearing protective eyewear. Usually, more than a single treatment is required since hair is best removed when it is in the active growth phase.

Find out all you need to know about permanent laser hair removal. Discover latest techniques and ideas for effective hair removal. Subscribe to daily updated blog of news items and articles. Click http://www.laser-hair-removal-permanent.com/

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Women Health - Menopause Symptoms

2005-08-08T13:21:00.000-07:00

Menopause is an integral part of women’s life; no women can avoid the ultimate consequences. It is one step in a long reproductive degenerative, aging process, which almost begins silently at the age of 40 or so. Declining levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone cause various changes, which eventually lead to menopause.

Menopause symptoms can vary from woman to woman; changing hormone levels can cause a variety of symptoms which may last from a few months to a few years or longer. Some women may feel the worse of it, yet some other may feel very less of it. One of the most noticeable changes that occur during the onset of menopause is visible changes in occurrence of periods. Many women experience less regular periods; some have a lighter menstrual flow than normal; others face a heavier flow and may bleed a lot for many days. Periods may occur less than 3 weeks apart or last more than a week. There may be slight spotting between periods. Women, who have had previous problems with heavy menstrual periods and cramps, will usually find marked relief from these symptoms, when menopause starts.

One more noticeable symptom is the repeated occurrences of “hot flashes”, which is sudden feeling of heat in the upper part or all of woman’s body. Face and neck become extremely flushed. Flashes can be as mild as a light instant blush or just very severe enough to wake her from a sound sleep (also called night sweats). Most flashes usually last between 30 seconds and 5 minutes. The most common visible effects are the occurrences of red blotches all over the body.

Menopause symptoms also include remarkable changes in the genital and bladder behavior. As the estrogen levels change, the genital area can get drier and thinner. The resultant dryness makes sexual intercourse more painful. Vaginal and urinary tract infections are also very common during this time. Other problems can make it hard enough to hold urine long enough to get even to the bathroom. Urine leaks also occur during exercise, sneezing, coughing, laughing, or running. Sexual behavior also undergoes tremendous changes during menopause. Some women find that their feelings about sex change drastically with menopause. Some have marked changes to the vagina, such as dryness, that makes sexual intercourse very painful. Others feel freer and sexier after menopause — relieved that pregnancy is no longer a real worry. Sleep problems are more common during menopause. Some women may find it very hard to sleep at night- they may not fall asleep easily or may wake too early. Once woken from sleep, they may find it very to go to sleep again. Hot flashes may also wake them up very easily.

One of the most common menopause changes is the change in mood. This may cause a marked shift in moods, caused by stress, family changes such as children leaving home, or feeling tired. Depression is how ever not a cause of menopause.

Drastic changes in body characteristics are another symptom of menopause. Some women find that their bodies change around the time of menopause. Women tend to get fattier and skin tends to get thinner too. Memory lapses do occur very frequently. Some women feel acute joint and muscle stiffness during menopause. Regular exercises will help them to over come many of these problems. Menopause is irreversible and is the gift of nature; it needs to be accepted whole heartedly and life style adjusted accordingly to the situation.

Menopause Symptoms

Stein Ove Stien is the author of Natural Health with Natural Health Guides, Articles and Recources.

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Click here to download "Menopause Symptoms" E-book

Woman Health - Early Signs of Menopause – Is There an Online Menopause Test?

2005-08-08T13:20:00.000-07:00

Are these early signs of menopause? As early as in their 30’s and 40’s, many women begin experiencing symptoms that make them wonder. Yes, there is an online women’s health menopause test available from a leading women’s health clinic.

What are common early signs of menopause? The most common symptoms include PMS, insomnia, fatigue, weight gain, loss of sex drive, hair loss or unwanted hair growth and fibroids. Some women have one or two of these symptoms while others may experience several symptoms at the same time. The result can be mildly irritating or it can be exhausting and overwhelming.

Menopause itself is not an illness but a natural process for a woman’s body. There are normal changes in the reproductive system and cycle and ultimately, the reproductive system will cease to function. That is normal. However, certain early signs of menopause are indications of underlying hormonal imbalances or damage from poor eating habits, stress and other factors. And you may feel like you're the only woman to experience symptoms, but millions of women in the industrialized countries are going through the same experience many years before the normal age of menopause.

What happens so frequently is that women put enormous demands on their bodies – much more stress than it was designed to handle – and then do not give it the support it needs. Women likely have demanding and stressful careers. Women have families to take care of on a daily basis. The relationship with one’s spouse or partner may not be the best. Aging parents may require help. These and other responsibilities add up in the toll taken on a woman’s body.

And at the same time, the woman’s body may not be receiving the support it needs to function as it was designed to do. Poor eating habits, lack of exercise, excess caffeine and alcohol add to the problem instead of helping the body cope with the demands placed on it.

This lack of balance between the "demands made" and "support given" is what prematurely gives rise to early signs of menopause. And are the health problems you are having related in any way? Very likely!

When taking a women’s health and early signs of menopause test, here's what should be considered:

1. Which symptoms do you have? Certain symptoms are related to each other and are related to the same underlying causes. Knowing which symptoms you have is important information.

2. How mild or severe are your symptoms? Perhaps a symptom is "mild" and it’s not a big deal. It may be “moderate to severe”, meaning you can deal with it but it is a real problem. Or you may consider it “very severe”, in other words, you can barely function because of it.

3. What are you demanding of your body? Are you frequently under stress? Do you not always eat when you should? What prescription drugs are you taking? What about the consumption of caffeine and alcohol?

4. What kind of support are you giving your body? What do you eat, do you exercise and are you taking a high-quality nutritional supplement?

5. What is your age? Your age is important, because you need to compare your health with other women your age.

By taking the women’s early signs of menopause test, you can find out more about your health, symptoms you may have, what that means and what to do about it.

Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing

Olinda Rola is President of InfoSearch Publishing and webmaster of http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com - a website of natural treatments for a variety of health problems. For additional information about the online early signs of menopause test, visit the Womens Health Clinic to read more.

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Click here to download "Early Signs of Menopause – Is There an Online Menopause Test?" E-book

Woman Health - Eye-Opening Information for Menopausal Women

2005-08-04T11:45:00.000-07:00

Don't take calcium supplements. Calcium makes bones more massive, but more brittle. A stout dry branch breaks easily, while a green one, no matter how thin, won't break at all. Food sources of bone-building minerals (such as yogurt, nettle infusion, dandelion vinegar, and cooked kale) include "flexibility" minerals such as magnesium, boron, and zinc and are a superior way to prevent bone breaks later in life says Weed.

Gain some weight. Women who gain 10-15 pounds during their menopausal years have fewer hot flashes, stronger bones, and healthier hearts. (And most of them lose the extra weight in the following decade.)

Try herbal hormones. Many common herbs and foods contain substances that can be used like estrogens by the body. This is much safer than taking estrogen supplements, which are known to promote uterine and breast cancers.

Be outrageous. The emotional extremes - rage, depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts - that give menopausal women the label "hysterical", actually serve important functions in helping women come to terms with aging, death and profound personal growth.

Bursting with tidbits of detailed information such as these, and rich with the forgotten wisdom of ancient times, NEW Menopausal Years The Wise Woman Way is the perfect guide for menopausal women of today.

Legal Disclaimer: This content is not intended to replace conventional medical treatment. Any suggestions made and all herbs listed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, condition or symptom. Personal directions and use should be provided by a clinical herbalist or other qualified healthcare practitioner with a specific formula for you. All material contained herein is provided for general information purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Contact a reputable healthcare practitioner if you are in need of medical care. Exercise self-empowerment by seeking a second opinion.

Susun Weed
PO Box 64
Woodstock, NY 12498
Fax: 1-845-246-8081

Vibrant, passionate, and involved, Susun Weed has garnered an international reputation for her groundbreaking lectures, teachings, and writings on health and nutrition. She challenges conventional medical approaches with humor, insight, and her vast encyclopedic knowledge of herbal medicine. Unabashedly pro-woman, her animated and enthusiastic lectures are engaging and often profoundly provocative.

Susun is one of America's best-known authorities on herbal medicine and natural approaches to women's health. Her four best-selling books are recommended by expert herbalists and well-known physicians and are used and cherished by millions of women around the world. Learn more at http://www.susunweed.com

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Click Here To Download "Eye-Opening Information for Menopausal Women" E-Book

Woman Health - The Benefits of Green Tea

2005-08-01T11:43:00.000-07:00

Green Tea: Three glasses a day keeps cancer away

Consumed by millions in the Far East we are just beginning to get used to seeing this unfermented cousin of the black tea most Westerners are accustomed to drinking. For hundreds of years this very popular drink has been praised for its health benefits, which are now backed up by recent scientific study. Breast and prostate cancer are among the leading causes of cancer death in the US. Even with our advances in medicine these two types of malignancies claim 200,000 new victims annually and up to 50,000 deaths per year. Because of the latency in development of these two particular cancers there is opportunity for prevention. Further more, reduction in the risk of recurrence if one is unlucky enough to be stricken with them in the first place also applies. While there are several treatments for these cancers, prevention would be a person's wiser choice. Since it can take 20 to 40 years to develop breast and prostate cancer, anyone wishing to prevent these cancers would search for something that was safe and effective for long-term use to radically diminish the chances of acquiring these cancers.

Green tea, a very popular beverage in the East has been studied as a chemopreventive agent against cancers. This beverage, popular for over 4000 years and consumed in quantity only second to water, has stood the test of time so to speak. It is has been around long enough and consumed by millions of people to judge its safety and efficacy. Green tea comes from the evergreen Camellia sinensis and the dried leaf is infused with hot water to yield the beverage. Green tea has been scientifically studied and shown to diminish primary occurrence as well as recurrence of cancers of the colon, ovary, breast and prostate. There are certain flavonoids and polyphenols in the tea that once absorbed have potent antioxidant properties. This is just one of many mechanisms of action on inhibiting cancer. Studies have shown that these flavanoids and polyphenols are very well absorbed when taken orally either in the form of a drink or in capsules. Unlike pharmaceutical agents that act on a single target when fighting cancer, the green tea polyphenols harbor a multidimensionality against tumorigenesis (tumor formation).

In mice, Interluken-2 deficient specimens prone to cancer survived when given green tea polyphenols which were found to lower interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. In human studies, there is overwhelming evidence that green tea reduces incidence of breast and prostate cancer as well as reduces recurrence in those treated for these cancers. Epidemiological studies have found a two-fold reduction in breast cancer in women who consistently consume green tea. Another study involving men found the relative risk for prostate cancer nearly one-fourth in those who drank at least three cups of green tea daily. This is big news for those at high risk or cancer survivors.

Although safer than most chemotherapeutic drugs, one has to be concerned about caffeine if they are sensitive (there are decaffeinated formulas available) and the possible interaction with the blood thinner warfarin, since green tea contains vitamin K in significant quantities. Vitamin K counteracts the effects of warfarin warranting careful monitoring for those taking this drug.

How much is enough? According to studies the average cup of green tea yield 50 to 150 mg of polyphenols depending on the amount of leaves used and the steeping time. Based on this at least three cups of (heartedly steeped) tea daily should provide 300 mg of the polyphenols. If you are not that big a tea-totter, you can also obtain this amount in a 400 mg (80% standardized extract) capsule. While higher doses seem to be very well tolerated the effect is dose dependent. Better protection against cancer is achieved obviously with higher doses, but one should consult a nutritionally minded physician or herbalist for guidance.

References:

Krochmal, R., Hardy, M. L., Green tea and breast and prostate cancer chemoprevention. Atlernative Medicine Alert, July 2004, 7:7:73-84.

Kohlmeier L, et al. Tea and cancer prevention: An evaluation of the epidemiological literature. Nutr Cancer 1997;27:1-13.

Varilek GW, et al. Green tea polyphenol extract attenuates inflammation in interleukin-2-deficient mine, a model of autoimmunity. J Nutr 2001;131:2034-2039.

Jatoi A, et al. A phase II trial of green tea in the treatment of patients with androgen independent metastatic prostate carcinoma. Cancer 2003;97:1442-1446.

Mittal A, et al. EGCG down-regulates telomerase in human breast carcinoma MCG-7 cells, leading to suppression of cell viability and induction of apoptosis. Int J Oncol 2004;24:703-710.

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JP Saleeby, MD is assistant medical director of the Emergency Room at Liberty Regional Medical Center. He holds faculty position at GSU School of Nursing and is a proponent for preventive and integrative medicine. He can be reached for comment at jpsaleeby@aol.com. Telemedicine consultations in integrative preventive medicine available via http://www.saleeby.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Woman Health - Food Health Values

2005-08-01T11:37:00.000-07:00

Now let’s take a look a the basic food elements in your perfect dietary plan; fruits and vegetables group, bread, cereals, rice and past groups, meats and beans group and dairy group. Each has different characteristics or helpful nutritional value for your dietary needs.

Fruits and Vegetables – Fruits have very little if any protein and fat. Instead, they have carbohydrates, generally fruit sugar or fructose and glucose. As Florida commercials tend to announce, fruits offer us vitamins, C and B to be exact, as well as potassium, fiber and other nutrients. While the sugar helps with maintaining blood sugar levels, vitamins and other nutrients help ward off sickness and disease, and fiber is important for waste disposal from the body.

Here is a peek at some fruits and their relationship to the perfect diet.

Apples – These help cleanse the system and aid lungs, and have been used as laxatives, for fainting, melancholy and palpitations. Apples have been known to help people with diabetes, heart disease, cancer and high cholesterol trouble.

Apricots – These offer beta carotene and potassium. They aid in adding moisture to the body, especially the breathing and throat areas. Apricots have been known to help fight cancer and high blood pressure, prevent night blindness, aid those with stomach and lung cancers, low energy and elderly with mental depression.

Bananas – These have been noted to help with intestinal and lung problems, ulcers and constipation, mental alertness, and increasing energy. They also help people with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease risk, blood sugar level maintenance, and the elderly with confusion.

Berries – A variety of berries has been noted to help with varicose veins, menstrual problems, premature graying, joint ailments, insomnia, liver, spleen and pancreas problems. They also help reduce cancer risk and aid with rheumatoid arthritic solutions, weight loss issues, stomach and colon cancers.

Citrus Fruits – Oranges, tangerines, kumquats, lemons, limes - -help with stomach and colon trouble and with anemia and infections (like scurvy) and colds. They are also help people with cataracts and the prevention of colon and stomach cancers.

Figs – These work as laxatives and have been known to help with the treatment of boils and anemia reduction, and the prevention of osteoporosis.

Grapes – Grapes are associated with cleansing the body and to help with water retention, urinary issues, jaundice and hepatitis. They are also associated with the healing of rheumatoid arthritis and aid with mental confusion / depression, especially among the elderly.

Mangos – Mangos are noted to aid in the prevention of anemia and the strengthening of the immune system. They also have been used to help with fighting off infections and tumors and the prevention of cervical cancer. And they help with the heal of diarrhea, sweating and mental alertness.

Papayas – This is a great source for vitamin C and is also noted for helping with male fertility, with aiding white blood cells among the elderly, with intestinal treatments and with cancer prevention.

Pears – Pears have similar characteristics as apples. They provide moisture for the body, are slow to digest and have fairly little allergic responses reported. They have also been used to help with coughing, diabetes, cholesterol levels, dryness in the chest cavity, skin injuries, introducing babies to food, staving off hunger and boosting brain power.

Pineapples – Their juice helps with digestion, dissolving blood clots (related to thrombosis) and healing wounds. They have been known to help with cancer prevention.

Prunes – Help with iron deficiency and constipation. Prune puree can act as a substitute in dietary cooking to lighten the fat low, working in place of butter and margarine.

Now let’s look at some veggies. Again low in calories, vegetables are also high in fiber content, vitamins and minerals, with little to zero protein and fats. Check and see how some veggies affect your perfect diet.

Artichoke – Artichokes have been known to aid liver disease, kidneys and gallbladders. They also help with large intestinal problems, skin and bowel cancer prevention, high cholesterol and hepatitis.

Asparagus – Great source of some vitamin B, this veggie helps with water retention with regards to kidneys and menstrual issues, cataracts and lung problems (some bronchitis, tuberculosis).

Avocado – Great source for vitamins E and some Bs and oil, avocados help with the immune systems in elderly people. They also aid the liver, lungs and intestines (ulcer treatments), infertility in men and Parkinson’s Disease.

Broccoli – This has been noted to help with anemia, eye disorders like near-sightedness, and infections, especially childhood ones like measles. Broccoli has also been known to help counteract the effects of cigarette smoke and aid in many types of cancer prevention.

Cabbage – Cabbage has been used to help with lung and digestive disorders, ulcers, wounds, joints, mastitis and acne. Is has been reported to help with breast and prostate cancers, bacterial infections and heart disease prevention.

Celery – This is helpful for those with high blood pressure, for those with rheumatoid arthritis and for calming, not only with the liver but with stress and anxiety as well. Celery is also used to help with stomach, pancreas and spleen troubles, acne and canker sores, burning urine and eye inflammation.

Legumes – These seed pod products help with the reduction of heart disease risk and help with the healing of some cancers, blood sugar level maintenance and iron / calcium maintenance in the body. They also aid people with anemia and diabetes.

Mushrooms – These help white blood cells in the immune system, help fight some cancers and heart disease and may help in the prevention of clotting, by blood thinning.

Onions – They have helped with heart disease prevention, bladder (and other) cancer, and circulatory problems. They have also helped in healing swelling from bug bites and bronchial inflammations. And onion tea is said to have sedative qualities.

Potatoes / Other Roots – These root veggies are associated with the prevention of different cancers, the prevention of blood clotting related with heart disease, and with protection against inhaled nicotine (via smokers). Carrots further aid in stomach and lung cancer care, food poisoning healing, iron deficiency, sexual problems and night blindness. While beets help reduce heart disease risk and spina bifida (with pregnant women). And they help with high blood pressure care and muscle replenishing.

Pumpkins / Squash – These have been known to help with the prevention of prostate cancer and the reduction of heart disease risk. They also aid in healing cataracts / retinal and lens damage in the eye and with the flu and colds.

Soybeans – These help with osteoporosis risk reduction, lowering blood cholesterol levels, and prostate and breast cancer reduction and prevention. Soybeans have also been known for helping the spleen, blood and pancreas, and increasing milk production in breast-feeding women.

Tomatoes – These help in the reduction of heart disease, the healing of prostate and other cancers, and with the aging (both mentally and physically) process.

Bread, Cereals, Rice and Pasta – Cereals are considered staple foods. Depending upon the country, weather, region, etc., popular varieties vary; corn, barley, oats, wheat, rice, millet. Grains mainly give the body carbohydrates (mostly starches), some fiber, protein, vitamins (mainly Bs and E) and minerals. Here is a peek at some foods in this category.

Bread – This major energy source offers the body lots of nutrition, protein, calcium, iron and B vitamins. Breads help reduce risk of infertility in men, anemia, heart and spine problems, osteoporosis and colon cancer risk. Historically, bread was prescribed as nature’s way to aid in colonic irrigation.

Corn – Corn may be able to help with spina bifida risk in babies. It helps with heart disease and colon cancer prevention. Popped corn can be a great diet food, depending upon the oil and additives (like butter) used. Corn silks have been used in diuretic teas to help with high blood pressure, gallstones, kidney stones, water retention, and urinary problems.

Oats – Oats are known to help with skin problems and in the treatment of depression, anxiety and insomnia. The saponins, B vitamins and alkaloids in oats aid with mood-lifting. Some forms of oats also work as antiseptic and heart disease treatments, help lower blood pressure and with weight reduction (cause full feeling and digest slowly) and are popular on diabetic menus.

Rice – Rice has been used for the healing of depression, for reducing colon cancer risk, for reducing cholesterol levels and blood pressure. It offers quick energy for the body, helps calm the stomach, is good for poor digestion and diarrhea, and helps fight celiac disease. Rice cakes are great substitutions for dieters, replacing breads.

Wheat - This traditional kidney toner help with the reduction and prevention of colon and breast cancer, blocking of the arteries and heart disease. Wheat also aids in mental functions including focus and calmness. Many pastas are made from wheat and in this category. They offer carbohydrates, fiber and B vitamins to the body.

Meats and Fish - Meats are a source of protein and iron. Mainly fat content needs to be of concer with regards to perfect dietary planning. And leaner meats are becoming more readily available; lean hamburger, buffalo, emu and ostrich. Fish, also good protein sources, help reduce heart disease risk, inflammation and blood clotting.

Fish – Oily fish have been known to help with bone density, to relieve psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritic pain, and help prevent heart disease and anemia. Shellfish helps with male fertility, brittle bones, weak muscles, weight loss and the prevention of cancer.

Meats – Aid male fertility, build body tissue, nervous system damage and maintenance and help with the prevention of anemia and osteoporosis.

Gamebirds / Poultry – These foods help enhance concentration and mood. They also aid in the prevention of anemia and depression. And for those with allergies, turkey and chicken are noted at rarely causing allergic reactions.

Dairy – Dairy products help in the prevention of tooth decay, protein deficiency, loss of energy, high blood pressure, bone fractures, osteoporosis, rickets and some cancers including colon.

Weight Control Services, a site dedicated to providing current health and fitness information. The article you have read is available for your use in its entirety as part of a collection of ebooks offering valuable information on a variety of Health and Fitness topics.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Woman Health - Cancer and Your Pet

2005-08-01T11:35:00.000-07:00

Just say the word cancer and any of a host of undesirable thoughts will pop in your mind- and with good reason. Cancer is one of the most common of diseases among pets and increases as the pet ages. In dogs, the frequency of getting cancer is equivalent to that of a human being getting cancer. Additionally, it accounts for close to half the deaths of pets over the age of 10.

Just what is cancer and what causes it? Basically, cancer occurs when cell growth rates go out of control on, or inside, the body. What causes this chaos inside the system of the cell is still unknown-but the results have been well documented and the reputation is well known. Some cancers such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer or testicular cancer can be largely prevented by spaying or neutering your pet while it is still very young( 6-12 months or so). Other types, however, are not as easy to detect, causing difficult preventive methods. Following are many common types of cancers seen in pets. Skin tumors in dogs should always be checked by a vet. Breast cancers have a high rate of malignancy in dogs- often 50%. Lymphoma is common and is characterized by an enlargement of the lymph nodes. Testicular tumors are common in dogs- especially those having retained testes. Cancers occurring in the head and/or neck are common in dogs and often malignant. Aggressive and quick therapy is required. Abdominal tumors are harder to detect and very common. Watch for weight loss or abdominal enlargement. Testing for cancer can be done in a variety of methods - from x-rays or blood tests to actual biopsy samples(tissue samples). Most often, biopsies are required to diagnose cancer.

Treatments run the gamut in cancer therapy. Since each cancer may be of a different type from animal to animal, and each animals system may react differently to the same drug, the care is highly individualized. Your veterinarian may choose from such options as chemotherapy, radiation, hyperthermia, surgery, immuno-therapy, or cryosurgery(freezing) to treat your pet, although combinations of the above methods are quite common. Now for the big question. Just what are the success rates of these methods in treating my pet for cancer? Just as in humans, the success rate depends on a number of variables- what type of cancer your pet has, how early you detect the cancer,how you treat the cancer and how strong your pet is- just to name a few. Sometimes the cancer can be cured if response is quick and the treatment aggressive but all pets may receive a better quality of life from therapy received. The best therapy seems, however, to be early detection through regular vet visits and keen knowledge of your pets overall rate of health at all times. Watch for changes and be aware should any unusual symptoms pop up.

COMMON SIGNS OF CANCER SEEN IN SMALLER ANIMALS

•Loss of appetite
•Sudden weight loss
•Slow,or non-healing sores
•Offensive odor
•Abnormal growths or swellings
•Loss of stamina
•Hesitation in exer-cising
•Persistent lameness or stiffness
•Difficulty in eating or swallowing
•Difficulty in breathing, defecating or urinating

Article written and reprinted with permission of: http://www.pedigreedpups.com/ Purebred Dogs, Puppies and Dog Breeders - "Your New Best Friend"

Debbie Ray, owner of: http://www.pedigreedpups.com is a lifetime dog lover and owner and breeder of german shepherd dogs for over 15 years.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Woman Health - For Women: Ice Is Nice!

2005-08-01T11:34:00.000-07:00

Ice therapy is a women’s best friend. Really! I’m not kidding. When it comes to alternative medicine, using ice is an easy, drug-free and inexpensive therapy right out of your freezer. The simple technique of ‘icing’ is used to lessen pain and decrease inflammation, but it has many more uses, particularly for women.

Injury treatment - For sports and overuse injuries. R.I.C.E. therapy (rest-ice-compression-elevation) is the recommended method to treat muscle and joint pain, strains and sprains. Many athletes also use ice therapy as preventative treatment after a workout. Did you know that women’s risk of developing ACL injuries is four times greater then men? Always have ice therapy on hand after a marathon or off the slopes, in case your anterior cruciated ligament decides now’s the time to act up.

Comfort back pain – Forty-one percent, or 10 million women a year, suffer from back pain. The major causes for women’s back pain are housework and gardening. Cool lower back pain with ice therapy. It’s an easy, immediate relief for nagging pain after you’ve been pulling weeds or lugging groceries.

Ease migraine headache pain – Every woman experiences migraines at some point in their life. It might be part of your monthly cycle or a symptom of menopause. Ice therapy is a proven remedy for migraine relief. Lie down for five to ten minutes and place an ice pack behind your neck, on your forehead or temples. Ice naturally reduces inflammation and numbs pain, decreasing the effect of migraines and easing you into relief without the use of drugs.

Chill hot flashes and night sweats – 80% of women will experience body heat fluctuations during menopause. Nothing chills a hot flash like an ice pack! Keep a chilled pack in an insulated tote next to your bed at night, ready when a flush of heat wakes you up.

Family first aid and home emergencies – If you have children or an accident-prone husband, an ice pack in the freezer is a necessity. Considered the first line of treatment to use for bumps, bruises, sprains, black eyes, strains or minor burns, ice therapy is a must for home emergencies.

Reduce swelling after surgery – Whether it’s cosmetic, reconstructive, or joint replacement – all will result in postoperative swelling and bruising. Ice therapy is recommend by most doctors to decrease inflammation and bruising after surgery.

Reduce puffy eyes – Not enough sleep? Allergies? Ice therapy relieves puffy, swollen eyes with a little TLC.

Cool minor burns and treat insect bites – Like to garden, but hate sunburn and bugs bites? Summer sun and pesky bugs won’t get the best of you when you use ice therapy. Wrap an ice pack in a towel for a cold compress to gently cool sunburned skin. (But don’t use on skin that has blistered – seek medical attention for damaged skin.) Take the sting out of bug bites, by using an ice massage directly on the bite for 5 to 10 minutes. It will numb pain, relieve some of the itching, and reduce swollen bumps caused by the bite.

Let ice be nice to you!

Disclaimer: This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical treatment or consultation. Always consult with your physician in the event of a serious injury.

About the Author: Louise Roach is a health and fitness editor, marketing specialist, and product development consultant. She helps others find pain relief through the use of SnowPack Cold Therapy products. Ms. Roach has recently developed a take-with-you ice therapy kit for women, with a percentage of the proceeds being donated to the Women’s Information Network Against Breast Cancer (WIN ABC). Learn more about the benefits of cold therapy at http://www.snowpackusa.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Women Health - Control Your Acne With Effective Acne Treatments

2005-07-30T10:20:00.000-07:00

Acne is not a problem confined to adolescence; in fact, more than sixty percent of the population is troubled with blackheads and pimples well beyond the teen years. If acne is your problem, cheer up. While there are no acne cures, with reliable acne treatments, including internal and external therapies, you can keep outbreaks controlled, reduce the possibility of scarring, and lessen that greasy, shiny look. It’s time to feel good about yourself again.

Causes of Acne
Acne has never been completely understood, but hormonal imbalances and heredity are certainly major factors, and breakouts can be aggravated by stress and lifestyle choices. The chief catalyst seems to be overactive sebaceous glands which secrete too much sebum, the lubricant the helps retain moisture and then becomes too much of a good thing. The oil clogs the pores of the skin causing breakouts, mostly on the face if it is adult acne, and on the face and sometimes on the back, chest, and upper arms in the teen years. Oily skin, pimples, blackheads, enlarged pores, and redness are acne symptoms, and these can be exacerbated by diet, pregnancy, birth control pills, cosmetics, and humidity.
Acne is not to be confused with rosacea, another facial skin condition which usually strikes in the middle years and causes blotchy red skin and small bumps, but rarely whiteheads or blackheads.

Your Diet Affects Your Skin
There is no scientific proof that certain foods, like chocolate or colas, can cause breakouts, but if something seems to act as a trigger for you, avoid whatever it is. Choose a healthy, balanced diet high in fiber and high in zinc, which means shellfish, nuts, egg yolks, and whole grains; and natural raw food rich in oxalic acid, such as almonds, cashews, and beets. The whole range of B vitamins will help keep your skin clear, and too little vitamin B2 can actually cause oily skin. B vitamins are found in wheat germ, Brewer’s yeast, organ meats, nuts, and beans. Remember that one of the functions of the skin is to eliminate toxins through perspiration. This means you should drink lots of water to flush out most toxins via the kidneys and the liver and keep your system clear. Water is also necessary to keeps your skin hydrated. A good diet encourages clear, healthy skin, and works as an anti aging treatment as well.

Supplements Can Assist with Acne Control
Food grown in nutrient-depleted soil will be lacking sufficient nutrients to optimize good health and healthy skin, and so it makes sense to add one or more supplements to your diet. Supplements are also useful if you eat a lot of processed food and occasionally feel the urge to gorge yourself on fast food. The best supplement is a multivitamin suitable for your age and sex, and then you can add zinc and possibly a B vitamin complex or Brewer’s yeast to help meet your special requirements. Evening primrose oil contains gamma-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid which is known to benefit skin cells, and you might find it helpful to add this supplement as well.

Acne Skin Care is Needed Daily
Any acne treatment should begin with a common sense procedure such as cleansing the skin with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water. Avoid harsh cleansers and astringents, which make the oil glands more productive. An antibacterial astringent is perfect for wiping away excess oil between cleansings. Avoid squeezing and picking which can spread inflammation and cause acne scars, and use hot compresses and then an extractor for blackhead removal if needed. Antibacterial lotions that dry the skin, mild, pure soap, and a medicated cream is useful for treating oily, acne-prone skin. If you wear makeup, choose water-based acne products rather than oil-based products. Avoid anything that makes your skin feel tight and dry. If the upper layer of skin has been treated so harshly that it has become dry and shrunken, the flow of oil will be restricted and even more blockages and breakouts will occur.

Good Medical Options are Available for Acne Sufferers
A dermatologist should be consulted if your acne is severe, and this will give you access to tretinoin (Retin-A cream) or accutane for acute cases, both of which are available on perscription. You can also get prescriptions for a range of antibiotics in pill form, such as tetracycline, as well as antibiotic salves and creams. Effective over-the-counter acne treatments include topical salves and creams that contain benzoyl peroxide, or a five-percent solution of tea tree oil, or dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). Blemishes can be dried up with a variety of acne products that contain salicylic acid, sulfur, or resorcinol.

More Useful Information and Advice
* Exercise is good for the skin since it increases circulation and blood flow, but when you are exercising, avoid wearing cosmetics or moisturizers, which keep perspiration from flowing freely and cause pores to clog. Sweatbands also hold perspiration and oil against the skin and shouldn’t be used.
* Keep your hair off your face so that you are not adding to your problems with scalp oil. Avoid using hair products that are oily or greasy for the same reason.
* Prolonged exposure to the sun or sunlamps might dry acne but can result in a whole host of new problems, such as damaged, leathery skin and skin cancer. There are better solutions.
* Use caution about taking saunas and steam baths as they may aggravate your acne condition. You can’t do much about heat and humidity – nature’s version of saunas and steam baths – but keeping your skin clean and removing excess oil frequently will assist in the prevention of breakouts.
* Remember that stress makes acne worse. Don’t let emotional upsets get under your skin, so to speak. Try meditation or relaxation techniques to prevent stress-induced breakouts. Your skin isn’t the only organ that will benefit.
Acne treatments are of vital importance to acne sufferers and can make a big difference in the lives of people who have to cope with this very real problem. Both internal and external acne remedies can be found on the Internet. Compare prices and brands, and place your order from the comfort of your home. Products are usually shipped the same day that you order. Shop with confidence online, and see an improvement in your appearance within days.
Scott Gray is currently a freelance writer and enjoys providing information and advice to online shoppers who are in the market for anti aging options, acne treatments, and general skin care.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Woman Health - Acne, What Causes It?

2005-07-30T10:18:00.000-07:00

Many individuals suffer from acne, not just adolescents. Acne is caused by normally occurring bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes. This bacterium gets trapped in plugged skin pores or follicles, especially in the face. In an attempt to escape, the bacterium produce enzymes used to break down the sebum (the excretion produced by sebaceous glands) blocking the escape routes. When the enzymes go to work one of the side effects is inflammation in the area.
Light to moderate cases of inflammation show up as pimples and bumps. This type of acne is known as superficial acne. If the inflammation is deeper within the skin and pores, resulting in cysts and nodules, it is called cystic acne.
The excess sebum is actually a byproduct of testosterone production in the body. This is why young adolescent boys going through puberty and other individuals who are taking testosterone enhanced dietary supplements most often exhibit signs of acne. In women, the hormonal changes occurring before the menstrual cycle may also cause sporadic outbreaks.
A second cause of acne can be traced to diet and a lack of essential fatty acids. The body needs a particular quantity of essential fatty acids to remain in balance. The typical Western diet does not provide adequate amounts for most people. In place of essential fatty acids, trans-fats and other non-essential fats are found in large quantities. This fat ratio imbalance tips the scale in favor of excess sebum production leading to outbreaks of acne.
Particular chemicals and drugs may also be a factor in the appearance of acne. Any drug with added hormones or that change the hormonal balance of the body is a possible culprit. Corticosteroids and industrial pollutants may also be a contributing factor.
Overall health is crucial to remaining acne free. This includes a healthy diet, improved colon health, gentle but effective skin care and decreased exposure to chemicals and drugs which can affect the natural hormone levels of the body.
Rachel Dayer runs and operates http://www.mustask.com - a health related e-zine. Visit her site for more health related articles.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Women Health - Smoking, Can it Harm My Skin?

2005-07-30T10:16:00.000-07:00

Yes it can harm it in several ways. Here are more reasons to quit smoking now.

Skin is fed from within. The foods we eat are broken down into nutrients and waste. The nutrients are absorbed by the bloodstream which transports them around the body to the various organs, the largest of which is the skin. Oxygen is also transported and delivered in the same way. The cells absorb the oxygen and this is vital for the health of the organs and the life process itself. This whole process takes place automatically when we breathe........

Except when we are breathing in smoke!

When we inhale the smoke from a cigarette the carbon monoxide from the smoke is absorbed by the hemoglobin in the blood. Carbon monoxide is a colorless odorless highly toxic gas also found in the smoke from car exhausts. The blood can absorb carbon monoxide 200 times as fast as oxygen so a lot of the oxygen is displaced by carbon monoxide. The organs including the skin are starved of life giving oxygen and slowly poisoned by the carbon monoxide.

But that's not the end of it. Cigarette smoke also contains the following deadly cocktail of chemicals. Ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, butane, nicotine, carbolic acid, collidine, formic aldehyde, lutidine, parvoline, prussic acid, pyridine, arsenic and cadmium. This list is by no means complete.

The affect on the skin of all these is catastrophic. The liver goes into overdrive trying to expel these chemicals from the body and cannot perform its normal functions properly. The skin loses its healthy glow and takes on a yellowish-grey cast. The more cigarettes smoked, the worse your skin will look.

Smoking also causes premature aging in two ways. It uses up vitamin C in the body, about 35 mg for each cigarette. Vitamin C is an unstable vitamin and cannot be manufactured by the body. One of its functions is the preservation of the collagen in the skin, the substance that gives skin its plump and youthful appearance. The collagen beaks down causing premature wrinkles around the eyes and mouth.

The physical act of smoking causes us to squint, exaggerating the wrinkles around the eyes. Every time we purse our lips we deepen the wrinkles around our mouth as well.

Do yourself a favor! Stop poisoning yourself. Qit smoking now. Save the money you spend on these toxic weeds and go out and treat yourself to a facial or a new skin cream instead.

Your skin will thank you for it!

Like to have better looking skin? http://www.holistic-facial-skin-care.com will give you detailed information on all facets of skin care. The author, Wendy Owen has had a lifetime interest in general and alternative health and skin care.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Acne Skin Care Tips That Work

2005-07-28T02:55:00.000-07:00

How should people go about acne skin care? This article enumerates some basic guidelines to go by. For example, you should clean your skin gently, avoid frequent handling of the skin, avoid sun tanning, and lastly, women should choose their cosmetics carefully and men must shave carefully for good acne skin care.

People with acne may try to stop outbreaks and oil production by scrubbing their skin and using strong detergent soaps. However, scrubbing will not help acne skin care; in fact, it can make the problem worse. Most doctors recommend that people with acne gently wash their skin with a mild cleanser for acne skin care, once in the morning and once in the evening.

Patients should ask their doctor or another health professional for advice on the best type of cleanser to use for acne skin care. Acne skin care also means washing your skin after heavy exercise. Patients should wash their face from under the jaw to
the hairline; rough scrubs or pads should not be used. It is important that patients thoroughly rinse their skin after washing it. Astringents are not recommended for acne skin care unless the skin is very oily, and then they should be used only
on oily spots. Doctors also recommend that patients regularly shampoo their hair as part of acne skin care. Those with oily hair may want to shampoo it every day for proper acne skin care.

People who squeeze, pinch, or pick their blemishes risk developing scars. Acne lesions can form in areas where pressure is frequently applied to the skin. Frequent rubbing and touching of skin lesions should be avoided if you take your acne skin
care seriously.

Men who shave and who have acne can try electric and safety razors to see which is more comfortable for acne skin care. Men who use a safety razor should use a sharp blade and soften their beard thoroughly with soap and water before applying shaving
cream. Nicking blemishes can be avoided by shaving lightly and only when necessary.

A suntan or sunburn that reddens the skin can make blemishes less visible and make the skin feel drier for a little while. But the benefits are only temporary and cannot take the place of proper acne skin care. The sun can seriously damage skin,
promote aging of skin, and cause skin cancer. Furthermore, many of the medications used to treat acne make a person more prone to sunburn.

People being treated for acne often need to change some of the cosmetics they use. Acne skin care demands that all cosmetics, such as foundation, blush, eye shadow, and moisturizers, should be oil free. Patients may find it difficult to apply foundation
evenly during the first few weeks of treatment because skin may be red or scaly, particularly with the use of topical tretinoin or benzoyl peroxide.

Lip products that contain moisturizers may cause small, open and closed comedones to form. Hairstyling products that come in contact with the skin along the hairline can cause burning or stinging in people with acne. Acne skin care products that are
labeled as noncomedogenic (do not promote the formation of blemishes) should be used for acne skin care; in some people, however, even these products may cause acne.

For more information visit the Best Acne Treatment Solutions
web site here:
http://www.best-acne-treatment-solutions.com/acne-skin-care.html

About The Author: Mike Spencer loves helping people promote and
protect their health, and has been doing so for many years. Here
Mike talks about some help tips and techniques to combat acne.
Read more about Mike's Acne Prevention Tips here
http://www.best-acne-treatment-solutions.com Mike Spencer
http://www.acne-treatments-reviewed.com

Breast Cancer for Beginners

2005-07-26T17:45:00.000-07:00

Introduction
Because of the social changes, which has brought increased number of workingwoman and hence delayed childbearing, there has been a steep rise in the number of breast cancer patients in the last few decades. But as the incidence of the patients has risen so has raised the modality of treatments and the success rates. Also scientists have devised methods by which the cancer can be detected in an early stage and it has been convincingly proved that early detection and treatment bears a better prognosis than the later stage.

Myths
There are many myths attached to breast cancer. Some think that any lump in breast is a breast cancer but to the contrary most of them are benign. Similarly it was a popular belief earlier that breast-feeding decreases one’s risk of the cancer but that has been now found to be untrue. Some say that mammography makes the breast cancer widespread but it’s not true. Similarly there are many other myths, which need to be cleared in mind of the general mass for the proper detection and management of the tumor.

Early detection
Breast cancer can be detected in an early stage if women are taught to self-examine their breast. In case of detection of any breast lump or of any slightest suspicion, mammography should be done to rule out any tumor. Mammography is a good tool to diagnose this type of cancer.

Statistics
The incidence of breast cancer is increasing at an alarming rate. It is said that every 2-3 minutes one American woman is diagnosed a breast cancer.

Cause
Although the cause is not fully understood but it is hypothesized that there are various factors such as genetic and environmental. The environmental factors are increased age, obesity, smoking and having the first child at late age.

Diagnosis
The findings that denote a cancer are single, non-tender and firm to hard mass with ill-defined margins. This can be later confirmed by mammography and biopsy. After the cancer has been diagnosed staging is done to find out the best treatment option as well as the prognosis.

Management
The management of breast cancer rests basically on two things. The first is the treatment and second is the counseling. The treatment can further be divided into three: medical, radiation, and surgery. The medical treatment consists of drugs such as tamoxifen, which is an anti estrogen, aromatase inhibitors such as aminoglutethimide and monoclonal antibodies such as trastuzumab. But similar to other drugs they have their own side effects profile. The side effects associated with tamoxifen are increased vaginal bleeding, endometrial cancer and cataracts. The aromatase inhibitors have the side effects of leg cramps, jaundice and weight gain while the monoclonal antibodies may cause sterility or certain birth abnormalities. Generally the radiation and surgery are the modalities, which are needed for the treatment to ward off the body of the cancerous growth.

Counseling
This is one of the most important parts of the treatment both before and after the surgery. The patients are to be taught that this is only another disease, which has treatment available, and persons can lead a normal life after that.

Latest research
Latest research is being done on both the surgery and the medicine. For the surgery, surgeons are trying to find out the best way of surgery so that post surgery the patients have minimal disabilities. Similar medicines with lesser side effects are being researched.

Suresh gupta writes about breast cancer topics.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Woman Health - Lance Armstrong and Exercise - From Denial to Desire!

2005-07-26T17:41:00.000-07:00

Press Conference 1996 – Lance Armstrong

On Wednesday October 2, I was diagnosed with testicular cancer. I have been made aware that it has spread to other parts of my body……….I ….. I am…. here is say, I will work with the doctors to overcome……..and I will work hard to race once again.

Just DO -- Nike Ad

Sunday July 24, 2005 Lance Armstrong not only beat cancer, but also went out on top after winning seven consecutive Tour De France bicycle races. If you don’t know, the Tour De France bike race is with out a doubt the most grueling endurance race ever. For the most conditioned athletes it is the hardest optical they will ever face. However, for Lance after cancer, the race seems as if it were just a formality of a race already won.

No one will ever know what truly drives a human being to overcome such odds. No one will ever know what demons they had to face each and every day in those beds, bikes and back roads of their minds. What I do know is Lance did go from denying his condition to having a deep desire to overcome it and succeed!

In my best selling book I write what it takes to go from denial about your health to incorporating exercise into your daily routine.

Here’s a small portion:

From Denial to Desire

Living in a state of denial can really be a big weight to carry for anyone, no matter what the circumstances are surrounding it. But, what does it mean to be in denial of your health? What are some of the behaviors that are associated with denial?

I know I need to make an appointment for a checkup! But you don’t.

I may have a few pounds on me, but I still feel fine.

I walk on the golf course isn’t that enough?

I’m going to die sooner or later, why start now on an exercise program?

Ok, I get the point, but……

Where do I go from here? What’s next for me?

Have A Deep Desire
What does it mean to have deep desire for something? Remember those feelings you had back when you wanted your first bicycle. That Barbie doll you made a fit over in the toy store in front of everyone. Or what about that girl or boy you would have done just about anything for? There was such a hunger, a burning in your gut. You couldn’t even think straight, eat or sleep because it occupied your every thought. You just had to have it!

Have Hope
Have hope! Acknowledging the reality of your life does not mean you have to give up hope. It can mean just the opposite, “A new, fresh beginning.” Many a people have done extraordinary things with nothing but a little bit of hope. Combine that with some faith and a deep desire to feel better, you may be surprised how your life will change.

Have an Open Mind
Have an open mind toward exercise and eating better, rather than resenting the actions.

Accept the fact that life will not hand you a perfect situation.

Learn that your self-worth is not based upon if you ask for help along the way.

We age. Our metabolism slows down, and we are more prone to injuries and illness. However, it does not have to be fatal or depressing if you exercise and eat better.
The threesome of denial, pride and laziness will always be followed up by some unwanted consequence to your health. And things that make you resist exercise and eating right are only illusions you have created.
If the whys are big enough, the hows don’t matter!Niche

Have a Long-Term Attitude
If you want to go from denial to desire, call on the “all or nothing attitude.” If you are going to start now, you have to start for good. The reality is you will have good attitude and bad attitude days for the rest of your life. But understand, if you are going to be healthier through exercise and eating, you are going to have to participate in some form of exercise till the day you die. This is not a temporary fix to a long-term problem; it is a lifestyle.

Take an “Inside-Out” Approach
It is really important to understand that in order to sustain a healthy lifestyle, you have to develop a positive type of mind set. Sure it looks great and feels great to have a well-shaped body on the outside. However, you will never win the aging battle if you think that all you have to do is work on the outside of the body.

You will have a better chance of feeling better inside and outside if you have a deep desire to be healthy both physically and emotionally first! When your motives and desires come from the heart or “INSIDE-OUT”, then true health begins to grow. And if your physical appearance changes during the process, that is icing on the cake.

Changing from the ”INSIDE-OUT” is a concept or idea, a day-to-day mindset. When your main desire to exercise centers in your heart, it is here you start to live your life with the attitude of
What’s next? - In a Nut Shell

What’s next? Only you can answer that question.

Denial, Pride and Lazy will be your biggest obstacles when getting in better shape. And it would be unrealistic to think you will ever be totally rid of them. On the other hand, building a strong desire to stand on your own can be your biggest strength against them. When your desire to feel better is so strong, the truth becomes a tool instead of a barrier.

Denial, Pride and Lazy are fictional characters in our minds. While paralyzing, immediate action without compromise tends to scare them away. Waiting to feel better makes no logical sense. Starting right now makes all the sense in the world because the result will be that you feel better.

“If only I had known.” they said.

From the coach’s box:

The process will be a lot easier with an open-minded, long-term approach to your health.
Most importantly, focus on what matters most in the long run-- — working on your inside physical and emotional well being.
No, you may not be a Lance Armstrong, but you do have the capabilities to overcome adversity in your life. We may not be able to win races on a bicycle, however we can LIVESTRONG, and go from a state of denial to a deep desire to feel better through exercise and eating better.

Way to go Lance. Thanks for being such an inspiration to us all!

------------------------------
Greg Ryan is a high profile fitness expert and former employee of Kathy Smiths. Best selling author of the Changing from the INSIDE book series. Discover the common sense way to lose weight with out dieting. A proven formula the doctor’s DON’T want you to know about. For FREE MINI COURES click here www.resolutions.bz

Your Risk of Cancer Can Increase With Weight Gain!

2005-07-26T14:45:00.000-07:00

We hear it all the time…lose weight for your health. Few people however, realize the extent to which this is critical to their physical well-being and ultimately their life expectancy.

In January 2003, the Journal of the American Medical Association featured a study finding that obesity appears to lessen life expectancy, especially among young adults. The researchers compared Body-Mass Index (BMI) to longevity and found a correlation between premature death and higher BMIs. For example, a 20-year-old white male, 5’10” weighing 288 pounds with a BMI of greater than 40 was estimated to lose 13 years of his life as a result of obesity.

Jamie McManus, M.D., F.A.A.F.P. and author of “Your Personal Guide to Wellness” notes that while this study referenced extreme levels of obesity, there are still millions of overweight people in developed countries with a life expectancy rate that is three to five years less than their healthy-weight counterparts. She also estimates that there are 600,000 obesity related deaths each year in America.

Just how does obesity shorten our lifespan? The answer to this question is complex, yet there is a clear link between obesity and the development of cancer. An extensive study conducted by the American Cancer Institute involving 750,000 people showed that obesity significantly increased the risk of cancer developing in the following organs: breast, colon, ovaries, uterus, pancreas, kidneys and gallbladder.

Michael Thun, MD, vice-president of epidemiology and surveillance research for the American Cancer Society (ACS) says one reason obesity may raise cancer risk is because fat cells produce a form of estrogen called estradiol that promotes rapid division of cells, increasing chances of a random genetic error while cells are replicating, which can lead to cancer. In addition, fat centered around the abdomen may increase insulin and insulin-like growth factors in the blood, which may increase cancer risk.

"Women who are obese after menopause have a 50% higher relative risk of breast cancer," notes Thun, "and obese men have a 40% higher relative risk of colon cancer…. Gallbladder and endometrial cancer risks are five times higher for obese individuals”.

There is evidence that cancer rates in developed countries are increasing at 5 to 15 times faster than developing countries. A major contributor to this alarming reality has proven to be diet. In populations where the diet consists mostly of fresh fruit and vegetables and whole grains – in contrast to the typical Western diet of fatty meats, refined flours, oils and sugars – the risk of cancer is much lower.

The interaction of diet and the development of cancer is an active field of research and Dr David Heber, M.D., Ph.D. and author of “What Color is Your Diet”, says “It appears that diet has its most significant effects after the cancer has already formed, acting to inhibit or stimulate the growth of that cancer”. At the risk of oversimplifying a complex set of interactions, the typical Western diet that leads to obesity may actually act to stimulate the growth of cancer cells.

It is never too late to improve your health through healthful eating and adopting a more health-giving lifestyle. Here are simple steps to follow which can make an immediate improvement to your health and vitality.

1. Check your Body Mass Index (BMI) to determine if weight has become health risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 60% of Americans are overweight, defined as having a BMI (a ratio of height to weight) over 25. Of those, nearly half (27%) qualify as obese, with a body mass index of 30 or more. In 1980, just 15% of Americans were considered obese. You can check your BMI at the website below.

2. Match your diet to your body’s requirements. If you eat and drink more calories than your body requires you will put on weight. Learn to control calories and portion sizes, make recipes leaner, and eat infrequently from fast food restaurants. Also learn how to snack with healthful choices.

3. Color your diet with a large variety of colorful, cancer-fighting fruit and vegetables. There are seven different color ranges of both fruit and vegetables and by choosing between 5 to 9 daily serves from a wide range of fruit and vegetables, we are extending our consumption of cancer (and other disease) fighting nutrients.

4. Eat lean protein with every meal. Protein provides a powerful signal to the brain providing a longer sense of fullness. The right source of protein is essential to controlling your hunger with fewer calories and necessary to maintain your lean muscle mass. Choices of protein should be flavored soy shakes with fruit; the white meat of chicken and turkey, seafood such as shrimps, prawns scallops and lobster and ocean fish or vegetarians may prefer soy based meat substitutes.

5. Rev up your metabolism with activity. If you want to enjoy a lifetime of well-being, exercise is a key ingredient. Colleen Doyle, MS, RD, director of nutrition and physical activity for the American Cancer Society (ACS), says adults should do something for 30 minutes each day that takes as much effort as a brisk walk. Children should be active for an hour each day. We are more likely to develop habits around things we enjoy, so seek activities which you enjoy doing. It is also helpful to build physical activity into your daily routine: use the stairs instead of the escalator or lift at work, park your car in the parking bay furthest from the super marketing and don’t use the remote control to change TV channels.

6. Get support to ensure you develop a healthful eating plan and reach your goal weight. Whilst a small percentage of people possess the discipline to lose weight, many obese people have developed strong thoughts and habits concerning the food they eat. In order to establish new habits, most people respond well to some form of consistent encouragement and coaching. A study, “Effects of Internet Behavioral Counseling on Weight Loss in Adults at Risk of Type 2 Diabetes” shows that participants who had the support of weight loss coaching lost more weight than those who didn’t. The study concluded that the support of a weight loss coach can significantly improve weight loss results.

Being overweight or obese has been identified next to smoking, as the most preventable major risk to developing cancer. Even small weight losses have been shown to have beneficial health effects. So it’s never to late to start and you can never be too young or too old to be concerned about your health and do something about achieving a more healthy weight.

Kim Beardsmore is a weight loss consultant whose business operates across 60 countries. She uses a world renowned, medically approved program that will give you results you'll love and all the support you need! Tons of recipes, articles, motivation, tips, reources and free health newsletter. http://www.weight-loss-health.com.au

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Woman Health - Exercise, Good Food and the Defeat of Cancer

2005-07-25T14:08:00.000-07:00

POWER, STRENGTH AND WILL – How one women over came cancer with exercise and good eating habits!

To this day she is the strongest and most optimistic women I have ever known. However ten years ago, colon cancer ripped through my mother like a hurricane, only to leave behind stretched emotions and torn up internal parts. It was the first time I had ever seen her in with such uncertainty in her eyes.

Ten years later in what seemed as some weird dejavu moment, I revisited my mother in the same hospital, only this time cancer had entered her body by ways of her thyroid. As I sat there by her bed said, Mother could only try her best in explaining to me her version of why cancer? Why her? Why now?

In both cases almost two years to the month, after two of the most stressful times in her life she had been diagnosed with this ugly health problem. But, also in each instance she was absolutely not going to let it defeat her. She was convinced stress had weakened her body allowing such things to take place.

Last week I had a chance to sit down with my eighty year old mother on her farm up in Michigan. To this day my father and she are still going strong after sixty years of marriage.

I have been in the weight loss and exercise business for twenty years, but until those moments out on their porch, she had never expressed to me how her daily exercise and eating habits played such a role in her survival of cancer twice. She went on to explain to me that she was totally convinced in both cases if it were not for her exercise habits prior and eating good foods she would not be speaking with me today. She also believed that the active lifestyle had given her spiritual and mental strength as well.

But, what came as a bigger surprise was what she said following. With tears in her eyes, she went on to express to me how much of a role I had played in being a leader in the family as it pertained to promoting exercise and good eating behaviors. It was at that moment at the age of thirty nine that I realized what my purpose in life was suppose to be.

My purpose in life is to encourage you, support you and say to you, “Never underestimate the power, strength and will of getting daily exercise and good nutrition.” It is also my mission in life to help you understand that you can change from the INSIDE OUT through real behavior change, smart eating and effective exercise.

My motto: LIVE, LOVE and LAUGH all the way to heaven!

Greg Ryan is a high profile fitness expert, former employee of Kathy Smith and best selling author of the Changing from the INSIDE book series. Discover the common sense way to lose weight with out dieting. A proven formula the doctor’s DON’T want you to know about. For FREE MINI COURES click here www.resolutions.bz

Woman Health - Weight Loss: “It’s not about the NUMBERS, it’s your APPOACH!”

2005-07-22T17:48:00.000-07:00

NEWS FLASH – USA TODAY June 27, 2005
Obesity up 23% since 1989
Healthcare cost for diabetes – DOUBLED
Projected numbers over next five years up to 60 %

Today obesity, diabetes and heart disease runs through
us at epidemic levels, Why? The answer lies not in the
thousands of different kinds of diet, weight loss and workout
programs offered, the answer lies in the approach.
But, no one wants to talk about that. Do you ever wonder why
that is?

Do we not want to know, or could it have something
to do with the doctor’s and those in the fitness
industry not wanting to explain the best approach
to us? Maybe they don’t even know the right way
themselves? Deep down we want and need
too know. Why do I say this? Twenty years of managing
health clubs and dealing with doctor’s tells me, that if
they told you this, then there may be a chance you would
not need them. Sounds crazy doesn’t it. But, true!

Quote:
“While exercise and eating guidelines are based on good
scientific principles, they do not go along with human nature
or common sense. Recent history is telling us this; we are better
off with encouraging the mediocre people who are willing to
include exercise in their daily lives, rather than cramming
guidelines down throats that are far beyond the reach of the
majority of people. In the end, keeping things simple combined
with support usually works better.”

Greg Ryan

From his e-book: “Just MOVE it,” www.resolutions.bz

Over the years most of us who are out of shape and
want to lose a few pounds and feel a little better
about ourselves, developed many different behaviors
toward exercise and food. Some are good ones, but
most are just barriers we have built in our minds. I guess
you could also chalk it up to pure laziness.

However, the bottom line is we are going to continue down
the path of destruction until someone comes up with a plan
to help people deal with the reasons behind such behaviors.

No pill will do it long term, no eight minute ab’s routine will
concur the patterns; the only thing it will take is introspection.
But, do we want to hear that? Maybe, that is just too painful
to even think about right now.

Do you mean I will have to take a good long look at myself?
Maybe so. At the end of the day, you are going to have to
ask yourself, “Do I deal with it now or do I deal with the
consequences later? Because that’s really want it comes down
to. Face the truth on your terms today, or face the reality on
life’s terms down the road in a hospital bed.

I chose to deal with it now.
So where is the magic? It’s not in the pills or programs being
fed to us today and it’s also not found so much in the numbers
on an exercise chart, the amount of weight you lift, or the miles
on a treadmill.

Our success lies in:
How willing we are to deal with the roots of the unwanted
behaviors?
Figuring out what truly motivates us?
Developing a great support system for us personally?
Figure out the emotions behind the food.
Simplifying the workout program to fit your lifestyle.

Do we really want to continue to put a bandage on bleeding artery?
Or do we get serious and do some mental surgery that takes care
of the weight problem once in for all.

I say go for it! What do you have to lose except a few pounds?

To your success,

Greg Ryan Author
----------------------------------------------------
Greg Ryan former Kathy Smith employee is a best selling
author of the weight loss and exercise e book; Changing from the
“INSIDE OUT.” The secret formula: “It’s not about the numbers,
it’s your approach.” How much is feeling better, more energy
looking great worth to you? => www.resolutions.bz

(c) Greg Ryan – All Rights reserved
www.resolutions.bz

Antiperspirants And Breast Cancer

2005-07-20T13:21:00.000-07:00

Most underarm antiperspirants contain as the active ingredient, Aluminium Chlorohydrate, as you will probably remember there has been controversy about Aluminium, since the 1950's when it was a popular metal used for making cooking pots, Saucepans and Fry Pans and that it could be one of the contributing factors to Alzheimer's, now we have another problem that could also be related to Aluminium, Breast Cancer.

Research shows that one of the leading causes of Breast Cancer could be the use of antiperspirants. The human body has a number of areas, that it uses to purge Toxins from the body, these are, behind the knees, behind the ears, the groin area, and the armpits. The toxins are purged from the body in the form of perspiration and antiperspirant as the name clearly suggests prevents you from perspiring, thereby inhibiting the body from purging Toxins from the armpit area.

These Toxin do not just disappear, Instead, the body deposits them in the Lymph Nodes below the arms, since it is unable to sweat them out. A concentration of Toxins then builds up in the areas such as the armpits, which can then lead to cell mutations, which is cancer.

It cannot be ignored, that nearly all Breast Cancer Tumors occur in the upper outer quadrant of the breast area, this is where the Lymph Nodes are located. Men are less likely (but not totally exempt) to develop breast cancer prompted by the use of antiperspirants, because the antiperspirant is more likely to be caught in the armpit hair, rather than directly applied to the skin, but ladies, who shave their armpits, increase the risk by causing imperceptable nicks in the skin, which allow the chemicals to enter easily into the body through the armpits.

This article is aimed mainly at ladies, but please be aware that there are a few antiperspirants on the market that are made from natural products, but basically they would still trap the Toxins in the same areas. The best solution is to use deodorants, rather than antiperspirants, also please remember that the Eight Essential Sugars in Glyconutrients can also help to fight off Toxins.

There is a lot of controversy about this article, the medical profession scoff at the idea, and so do big business, but then again there are huge numbers of people that scoff at the problems associated with Fluoride in drinking water. You can make up your own mind on whether there is someting in this article or not, I know that if I was a lady, I would keep clear of Antiperspirants. I realise that Doctors everywhere, do a marvelous job, and they are appreciated, but they are reluctant to look at the bigger picture, also please remember that the fourth largest killer of people in the western world is prescription drugs.

"Article by Alfred Jones of http://www.SugarsR4U.com and http://www.RUsweetEnuf.com Learn about Glyconutrients, The Essential Sugars for Life or Himalayan Goji Juice a Boost Immune System Vitamin".

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Breast Cancer Screening

2005-07-20T13:20:00.000-07:00

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer women face second only to lung cancer, however it is the most feared cancer or disease for most women. It occurs in about 12% of women who will live to the age of 90. Several well established factors increase the risk of breast cancer and they include family history, nulliparity (not having had children), early menarche (starting menstrual cycles early), advanced age and a personal history of breast cancer. Other risks include exposure to environmental toxins such as tobacco smoke that increase the chance for cancer growth. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The American Cancer Society has many activities this month to bring this to the public attention.

Early education on self-breast exam and early screening is extremely important in achieving good outcomes. Self-exam and physician examination will detect cancer at a rate between 70 – 80%. Adding screening mammography (mammograms) will increase detection to 96 – 98%. It has been shown that early detection through clinical exam and mammography can reduce breast carcinoma mortality by 20 to 30%. Today’s gold standard for screening (mammograms) will still miss between 10 and 15% of neoplasm.

Therefore, if a clinically noted mass is followed by a negative mammogram the work up should then include a breast ultrasound and/or a fine needle aspiration cytology and close interval examinations. The modality of Magnetic Resonance Imagining (MRI) is a method of examining the breasts that is far more sensitive in picking up smaller tumor than Mammogram. MRI is widely used in Europe but has not taken on in the US yet. It is more expensive as a screening tool in the USA, but since it is so widely used in Europe it is actually less expensive there. Even with open biopsies of suspicious masses the diagnosis of a malignancy is one in about five biopsies performed. This may seem costly but the morbidity and mortality of missing a malignancy is even more so.

Screening should start with a baseline mammogram at age 35, or younger if there is a strong family history. Annual examinations should be performed once a woman reached 40 years of age, and self examination should be encouraged monthly starting at the age of twenty. Disease prevention & early screenings is the mainstay of a preventive medical practice despite the somewhat conservative recommendations made by medical specialty societies and the managed care industry. Oftentimes the risk-benefit ratio for cancer screening has the dollar as it’s bottom line, but if you are the unfortunate patient to have a cancer that was not detected early, then all the statistics in the world will not matter to you. My philosophy is to pay a little more in time and money upfront to assure a disease free state.

An important thing for women to remember is a positive family history alone increased lifetime risk of cancer to about 25%, that is double the incidence of no such history. Recently the interest has focused on cancers associated with germ line (inherited) genetic mutations. While approximately 5 – 10% of all breast cancer sufferers have a mutation in BRCA1 gene (located on chromosome 17) and BRCA2 gene (located on chromosome 13), this type of screening should only be done when a first degree relative with know cancer and a positive mutation is detected or whether a women falls into a certain ethnic group. Women who have inherited a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation have a relatively high lifetime risk of breast cancer (about 50-85%). Risk for cancer in the opposite breast of a woman with a BRCA1 mutation is about 25%. In such cases genetic screening may be advocated. Once a tumor is detected important prognostic determiners as stage of the disease, histology and nuclear grade, estrogen and progesterone receptor status and HER2/neu gene amplification tests are advisable.

For more information on Breast Cancer the following websites are helpful: http://cancerweb.ncl.ac.uk/cancernet/ and www3.cancer.org/cancerinfo. Also a call to the American Cancer Society at (800) ACS-2345 can be of help. To conclude, it is extremely important for women to maintain annual physical exams and aggressive cancer screening regiments. There are means to help prevent cancer in those women who seem predisposed. Screening is one thing, but taking measures to help prevent cancer growth is yet another. There are things women do on a daily basis that can increase their chances for breast cancer (and other cancers) that they are not aware. The programs advocated at my center are based on lifestyle modification, prevention, early detection, natural hormone replacement and nutritional medicine. Women should take a proactive approach to the breast cancer issue, for it may save their lives. This topic is one that is close to my heart, as my ex-wife is a breast cancer survivor.

Breast Cancer Screening and Prevention
By JP Saleeby, MD

JP Saleeby, MD is Assistant Medical Director of the Emergency Room at LRMC, Hinesville, GA. He hold adjunct professorship in the School of Nursing at Georgia Southern University. He performs online telemedicine consultation via http://www.saleeby.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Cancer in Women

2005-07-20T13:17:00.000-07:00

Before I get too deep into this subject, let me first identify myself. I was a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor in Minnesota ever since the licensing came out, and before that a Certified Counselor in over 40-states and 13-countries). I worked in the field for twenty years, in group counseling, individual counseling; with women at the prisons, in clinics for dual disorders, having a degree in psychology as well, and in child development it helped me as I worked on the children’s ward. I’ve written three books on the subject of alcohol and its effects; on the prevention of it; one on the aftercare of it, and on its origin. I do realize we all have our own beliefs where this disease comes from, and just how it relates to women’s cancer; which might even be a secret from the public, but if it is, it is because no one has looked very deep into this issue or problem. Sometimes we are too busy with the situation, you know what I mean: too many hands in the pudding, can sour the pie. In any case, this is the first article I’m doing since my retirement in 2001. I should let it be know, I’ve done a few articles for the ICDP (Drug and alcohol magazine for Minnesota) years ago. Therefore I am going to take a backdoor into the premise of this article, “Cancer in Women.”

When I used to give lectures to groups, be it women, men or children at schools, clinics, hospitals (Ramsey Hospital, River hills Hospital, Hawthorn Institute, etc; schools in St. Paul, Minnesota) and adolescents, I’d always modify my lecture to fit the group, which is what everyone does I assume (or should do): why? Because we are all different, and our body reacts differently to substances; we have what you call different triggers; resistance capabilities; as groups that is; as individuals we have what I call, hang ups, or self-esteem problems. Also, such things as: depression, anxiety, resentment, fears, inferiority. We are all dealing with a mess of issues at any given time; they are mixed with: faith, egotism, and shame. We relapse, drink more, and take more drugs according to our environment, our social status, or availability of money. And now the group comes into play, and the individual, and her background.

Life is never easy is it, especially in recovering, or working with those with dual disorders—or with those drinking in general that can not stop. When I say dual disorders, I mean those crippled with alcoholism and perhaps depression, or anxiety, etc.

Alcohol or drugs, in particular alcohol for this article, is a poison. That is why your system rejects it, vomits up. It belongs under the hazard category. We don’t need to look at hashish, opium, cocaine, or morphine, let me add heroin in it, alcohol does the job quite well. And like poisons do, they paralyze the body like hemlock (prussic acid).

It is clear, people that drink a lot do not live long, and drug addicts do not grow old. And now for the Cancer: and women who drink a lot for some reason get cancer much quicker than their counterpart, males; or women who do not drink a lot. This is not a cleaver put down for women, it is a fact, go check it out. I have seen it in the AA meetings, and clinics and hospitals. For women as they progress in their drinking stages working their way to the chronic stage will acquire cancer quicker than males, or those women who do not rely on it. Women and men are equal in many things, but in this you women are ahead of us, I dare say.

Another point is women and men who go into a clinic for treatment, women will heal quicker than men, and leave in the 28-to-30 day program; whereas men will stay much longer, not dealing with the depression, or other issues they may have. Again I say, it is a fact, I’ve seen it. Thus, we get more suicides from men than women on this issue.

But back to the premise, my therapeutic view is: stop drinking, simply as that. You don’t need the stuff, or do you? And if you do the only reason I ever gave my clients to use was for suicide. Let me reframe that. If you feel you are going to commit suicide, then use, and get help, because you are committing suicide anyhow—slowly, by drinking, but at least you have a moment longer to think about it, or get help.

Note: what I have not brought to light I will in this brief note, for I do not have time to put everything into one article. I have not talked about smoking cigarettes and drinking, or eating disorders while in chemical usage, or anorexia Nervosa, or drugs and alcohol mixed; the causes for relapse, stress factors, a persons workload, shift work, nature of the job, rules, etc. Schizophrenia, as a dual-disorder in usage, and the potential in is affects, such as cancer. Nor weight loss, gain, insomnia, fatigue. Violating our values, and its psychological affects, and the stress-cancer link; I could put most of the above in the category of choices, but all play a roll in our lives, and again I say, alcohol normally is the number one culprit in the rest of this maze. Did you know; out of the two-million convicts we now have in prisons, 90% were chemically related. I worked in the prison, area for seven years; I think the counselors end up needing more help than the inmates should one pass that seven year mark. [Dedicated to the editor.]

Dennis Siluk, web site http://dennissiluk.tripod.com. His books can be viewed at http://www.bn.com or http://www.amazon.com. He has three books out on the subject of alcoholism, "A Path to Sobriety: the Inside Passage," has been a best seller, of the three, and many of its counterparts on the subject.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

5 Myths About Protecting Yourself from Skin Cancer

2005-07-18T14:19:00.000-07:00

Sara spends much of her summer near the beach. She lives in a mild climate and is very athletic. She loves to swim, bike and play games outdoors. Sara knows the dangers of the sun and so she opts for tanning salons to get her 'golden glow' while being sure to apply sunscreen every day before heading out.

Joseph lives in a cooler, northern climate. The summers can be very humid, but most of the year is mild or even below freezing during the harshest winter months. The beach has never been much of a draw for him and he spends most of his time doing indoor activities or at his job. Joseph doesn't worry about sunscreen and only had one sunburn that he can remember and that was when he was a child.

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

Which of these examples do you most associate yourself with? Did you know that Sara and Joseph are both at risk of developing skin cancer? We have all heard the warnings about the dangers of sun exposure. We know all about the importance of wearing sunscreen and hats. But are YOU protected from skin cancer? Consider these myths and facts:

MYTH ONE: Tanning Beds are Safer than the Sun

20 minutes of exposure in a tanning bed is roughly equivalent to four hours in the sun. Although sun beds use UVA rather than UVB rays, 'The Skin Cancer Answer' states that "UV-A penetrates more deeply into the skin than UV-B, can cause skin cancer, and may suppress the immune system."

MYTH TWO: Wearing Sunscreen at the Beach is Protection

85 percent of UV rays can even make it through on cloudy days. That means you are equally at risk in the car, walking the dog or letting your children out to play at any time of year - even when you're not at the beach. Of course, you are usually less attired at the beach and so covering up is recommended even when wearing sunscreen. Sunscreen also wears off with sweat and water and should always be applied every two hours or after getting wet.

MYTH THREE: Taking Care Of Your Skin Now Will Protect You

Sadly, skin cancer can take 20 or more years to develop. The Skin Cancer Foundation states that most people receive about 80 percent of their lifetime sun exposure before the age of 18. Just one blistering sunburn in childhood is estimated to double the risk of melanoma later in life. Taking better care now will reduce the risk, but not eliminate the damage already done.

MYTH FOUR: Having a Tan Means You're More Protected

Dark skinned individuals are less likely to develop cancer, but tanned skin is actually damaged skin. Repeated tanning injures the skin and increases the risk of skin cancer.

MYTH FIVE: You Can't get Burned on Overcast Days

Just because the sun is hidden by some cloud does not mean that you don't need protection from the harmful effects of the suns rays.

So how do you plan to protect your family this year? Some suggestions are to limit exposure to the sun - especially for infants. Examine your skin for early signs of damage. Use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher and apply it at least 30 minutes before exposure and every two hours after that. Teach your children good safety habits and be sure you and they are covered up when outdoors. Have fun and be safe.

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.

Emily Clark is editor at Lifestyle Health News and Medical Health News where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on many medical, health and lifestyle topics.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Skin Cancer - A Reminder

2005-07-18T14:17:00.000-07:00

We need to get alerted: skin cancer is the most popular cancer. Every year, more than 1,000,000 skin cancer cases are diagnosed and tens of thousands of skin cancer patients die in the U.S. alone. The number of skin cancer exceeds that of all other cancers combined. Among more than 1 million of skin cancer cases, 100,000 are melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer and there is no cure for it.

The skin cancer risk is more serious to the children because they are young and more susceptible, and they expose to more sunlight than adults due to their extensive outdoor activities. Half of the total life time exposure for an individual is received during his childhood. So special care is needed for the children.

Usually, skin cancers come years later after the subjects get exposed to too much sunlight. So just because you do not see a skin cancer right away does not mean you are free of skin cancer risk. So careful protection is the key.

The government health officials are working hard to alert people of the skin cancer risk. They try to have schools to take measures to protect students against excessive exposure to the ultraviolet light.

Both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B can cause skin cancer, which means some ultraviolet light once thought safe can be dangerous. In the summer, it's advised that people avoid sunlight from 10 a.m through 4 p.m. when the sunlight is strongest and you are likely to get sunburn. Sunburn can be defined as a condition that your skin receives so much sunlight radiation that a skin color change is noticeable. Rules of thumb to avoid sunburn is, if your shadow is shorter than you are, then the sunlight is too strong and you can get sunburn. If you have to go outdoor, wear something protective such as clothes and big wide-trimmed hat to shield as much sunlight as possible. In the hottest day, the sunlight can burn your skin in a couple of minutes or less.

Statistics indicated that people get one or more blister caused by sunlight will have 2 or 3 times higher risk of getting skin cancer than the general population. Both occasional heavy exposure and mild chronic exposure can cause skin cancer.

Also keep in mind that ultraviolet rays exist not just in the summer, or hot days only. In the spring or even winter, you do not feel the heat when exposed to the sunlight, but the ultraviolet rays are there. You can still get sunburn in such cool days. So do not take the sunlight lightly. Other than the sunlight, sun lumps and tanning facility that emit ultraviolet rays can also pose a serious risk of skin cancer.

About The Author

John Roberts is a freelancer for foodconsumer.com - an online magazine that promotes healthy diets. kontact@foodconsumer.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

How One Woman Beat Cancer With Food

2005-07-18T13:35:00.000-07:00

More than 20 years ago, when I was 47-year-old doctoral student in psychology, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Of course, I was devastated. At the time, I had been running for 15 years, and I was the most physically fit person I knew. It was incomprehensible to me that I had cancer.

After surgery, further testing determined that the cancer had already spread. Nevertheless, instead of the recommended radiation and chemotherapy, I put my faith in Dr. John McDougall, a physician who was then researching the relationship between a vegan diet (no animal products) and breast cancer. Though I had previously stopped eating red meat, when diagnosed, I was still eating other animal products and my blood tests showed elevated cholesterol levels. So, with the assistance of Dr. McDougall, I eliminated all animal products, including fish and dairy. Today, as I approach my 70th cancer-free birthday, I relish my vegan diet and daily run. I am a six-time Ironman Triathlon finisher, holder of more than 900 gold medals from every distance from 100 meter to 5K road races to ultramarathons and triathlons. I have completed more than 60 marathons all over the world and I have made three world fitness records in my age group at the Cooper Clinic in Dallas, Texas. In 1999, I was named one of the “Top Ten Fittest Women in North America.”

I also redirected my academic course of study. I was so impressed with what my new diet did for me that I changed from psychology to health education, with majors in nutrition and exercise physiology. I am firmly convinced that a key element in my sustained health is my vegan diet. Moreover, since most plant foods are low in calories (exceptions are nuts, seeds, avocados, olives, and coconuts), I also eat a lot more than most people while keeping a healthy weight. So, I am never hungry. From 1982 until 2000, I ate a vegan diet that included grains and some processed foods.

I began most mornings with oatmeal, bananas, and raisins moistened with water or apple juice and a teaspoon of blackstrap molasses. To boost the nutritional value, I added greens such as kale, edible hibiscus, seaweed or cabbage. Occasionally, I had pancakes or waffles covered with applesauce or fruit purée (instead of butter or margarine).

Lunch consisted of a number of possibilities such as baked or microwaved potatoes with carrot and broccoli sticks, whole wheat pita bread stuffed with sliced mixed vegetables, a whole wheat bagel with an orange and apple, or brown rice mixed with succotash. When eating lunch in a restaurant, I often asked for a bread sandwich -- a whole grain bun or two slices of bread. I then stuffed the bread with greens, tomato, bell pepper, and onions.

Dinner was often similar to lunch. Or, it included such options as spaghetti made with whole-wheat pasta and sauce prepared with tomato paste, onions, garlic, bell peppers, chopped broccoli, and seasonings, or chili made with kidney beans, tomato sauce, onions, garlic, bell pepper, chili power and lots of brown rice. I made pizza with whole-wheat crust covered with a tomato-based sauce with chopped green onions, round onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and alfalfa sprouts.

Between meals, I never allowed myself to become hungry. I nibbled on fruit, carrots, whole grain breads, air-popped popcorn, and sweet potatoes. To avoid any temptation, I did not keep any high fat foods in my home. For dessert, I ate fruit or air-popped popcorn.

In 2000, I eliminated grains and processed foods from my diet. I now eat only raw foods. Since I begin most days with a three to four hour workout, usually including an hour on the bike, a weight session or a swim, followed by an hour’s run, I don’t eat breakfast until later in the morning. Then, I have a big bowl filled with greens, one carrot, half a mango, a large banana, and six large grapes. The mixture is topped with one round tablespoon of B12 fortified nutritional yeast and one to two tablespoons of blackstrap molasses.

Since breakfast is so late, I do not eat a full meal again until dinner. Dinner includes lots of greens such as broccoli, stalks of kale, celery, unpeeled English cucumber, cabbage, a carrot, one half bell pepper, one half large tomato, six cloves of garlic, and half of a yam or sweet potato, raw. The mixture is topped with one to two cups of salsa, one tablespoon regular mustard, and one tablespoon freshly ground flaxseed.

Dessert consists of blueberries and a second fruit, a small handful of walnuts, and one tablespoon blackstrap molasses. Throughout the day, I snack on carrots, celery sticks, grapes, dates, and, in the evening, I eat air-popped popcorn.

As long as you eat a sufficient amount of calories, you cannot be deficient in protein. Since all vegetables contain adequate amounts of all the essential amino acids, you will obtain all the essential amino acids you require from a plant-based diet. Moreover, because you are obtaining calcium from the same source as cows – that is plant foods, primarily greens-- you will have enough calcium.

While you should make a point of drinking lots of water, I also recommend two other beverages. To replace your morning coffee, try drinking a mug of hot water with one teaspoon of blackstrap molasses. And, since I live in Hawaii, where it is always warm outside, I enjoy keeping a jug of homemade lemonade in the refrigerator. I make it by squeezing half a lemon into a half-gallon jug of water and then add a little sweetener.

My raw vegan diet gives me an unbelievable amount of energy. Of course, without such energy, I could never compete in all the events that I do, especially the Ironman Triathlon. I almost never miss a day of training. As a bonus, I sleep like the proverbial rock.

In addition to changing your diet, this is a good time to modify your behavior. One of the most important things that you can do is to incorporate regular exercise into your life. To help keep you motivated, you should consider joining a group. Although I ran for about 15 years by myself, after I joined a group of runners, I increased my distance and began to really challenge myself. And, while I find swimming by myself somewhat boring, swimming as a group is fun. In case of an accident or mechanical failure, longer bike rides should always include at least one other biker. Plus, rides are more enjoyable with other people. Where I live in Hawaii, there is never a shortage of people who want to go for a ride. Over time I have come to realize that triathletes are among the most sociable people I have ever met. So, whatever your age, give it a try. When exercise is fun, you won’t have trouble making yourself do it!

Copyright © 2005, by Weight Loss Buddy Press

Ruth E. Heidrich, Ph.D.
Author, A Race for Life, The Race for Life Cookbook
www.RuthHeidrich.com
www.vegsource.com

Joey Dweck is the founder of http://www.WeightLossBuddy.com committed to helping you find a 24/7 buddy who will not only help you lose weight but who also will get you to change to a healthy lifestyle. You choose your own diet and your own exercise regime, and we find you a buddy who literally will stick with you through thick and thin. Signing up for a buddy is free. Simply go to http://www.WeightLossBuddy.com or call 1-877-BUDDY-UP.

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Myths About Skin Cancer - Are You Really Safe?

2005-07-18T13:26:00.000-07:00

ara spends much of her summer near the beach. She lives in a mild climate and is very athletic. She loves to swim, bike and play games outdoors. Sara knows the dangers of the sun and so she opts for tanning salons to get her 'golden glow' while being sure to apply sunscreen every day before heading out.

Joseph lives in a cooler, northern climate. The summers can be very humid, but most of the year is mild or even below freezing during the harshest winter months. The beach has never been much of a draw for him and he spends most of his time doing indoor activities or at his job. Joseph doesn't worry about sunscreen and only had one sunburn that he can remember and that was when he was a child.

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

Which of these examples do you most associate yourself with? Did you know that Sara and Joseph are both at risk of developing skin cancer? We have all heard the warnings about the dangers of sun exposure. We know all about the importance of wearing sunscreen and hats. But are YOU protected from skin cancer? Consider these myths and facts:

MYTH ONE: Tanning Beds are Safer than the Sun

20 minutes of exposure in a tanning bed is roughly equivalent to four hours in the sun. Although sun beds use UVA rather than UVB rays, 'The Skin Cancer Answer' states that "UV-A penetrates more deeply into the skin than UV-B, can cause skin cancer, and may suppress the immune system."

MYTH TWO: Wearing Sunscreen at the Beach is Protection

85 percent of UV rays can even make it through on cloudy days. That means you are equally at risk in the car, walking the dog or letting your children out to play at any time of year - even when you're not at the beach. Of course, you are usually less attired at the beach and so covering up is recommended even when wearing sunscreen. Sunscreen also wears off with sweat and water and should always be applied every two hours or after getting wet.

MYTH THREE: Taking Care Of Your Skin Now Will Protect You

Sadly, skin cancer can take 20 or more years to develop. The Skin Cancer Foundation states that most people receive about 80 percent of their lifetime sun exposure before the age of 18. Just one blistering sunburn in childhood is estimated to double the risk of melanoma later in life. Taking better care now will reduce the risk, but not eliminate the damage already done.

MYTH FOUR: Having a Tan Means You're More Protected

Dark skinned individuals are less likely to develop cancer, but tanned skin is actually damaged skin. Repeated tanning injures the skin and increases the risk of skin cancer.

So how do you plan to protect your family this year? Some suggestions are to limit exposure to the sun - especially for infants. Examine your skin for early signs of damage. Use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher and apply it at least 30 minutes before exposure and every two hours after that. Teach your children good safety habits and be sure you and they are covered up when outdoors. Have fun and be safe.

Morris is an expert is treating skin cancer problems. He has also written a number of books explaining the proven way to tackle skin cancer problems. Find more at http://skin-cancer.i-right.info

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Passive Smokers Can Get Breast Cancer

2005-07-18T13:18:00.000-07:00

US scientists have claimed that secondhand smokers are at higher risk of Breast Cancer. Earlier, their research also led to them to the conclusion that young women smokers are more likely to get addicted to smoking than young men.

Breast Cancer is the number one cancer among women and the count of its victim are rising very rapidly. This is for the first time that passive smoking has been directly linked with some sort of cancer. World Health Organization links smoking with 25 Cancers: Some of these cancers are : uterine, kidneys, cervix, pancreas, head and neck... The study firmly proves that smoking is not only injurious to your health but also to the company you are with. Wake Up!

Smoking doesn't stop here with its side-effects. For women, smoking also increases the risk of strokes and heart diseases. And to add fuel to the fire, chances for heart related diseases gets ten-fold if they are taking birth-control pills side by side.

Besides this, smoking is also responsible for :

. Bad breath and stained teeth

. Risk of stomach ulcers and acid reflux.

. Charm on the face vanishes. Wrinkles develop soon.

. Setting up wrong examples for your children.

To learn more about ill-effects of smoking and to get tips and motivation to quit smoking, visit our website below.

About the Author

Jasdeep: for http://weightloss-health.com/ your complete and most comprehensive family guide on Health.

Also get a chance to go through other informative articles targetting various health issues at http://weightloss-health.com/Articles.htm

If you wish to reproduce the above article you are welcome to do so, provided the article is reproduced in its entirety, including this resource box and LIVE link to our website.

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