Exotic Foods

Being physically fit provides a foundation for overall health and well being (Health and Fitness Principles). We can define physical fitness as, the physical attributes and skills that one has that allows them to perform the tasks of daily living effectively and alertly, while leaving an adequate amount of energy in reserve for recreational and/or emergency activities (Health and Fitness Principles). When we hear the term, physical fitness, we typically think of activities such as running, jumping, or lifting weights. But, fitness involves much more than how much you can “lift”, how fast you can run, or how high you can jump (Physical Activity and Health).

Practically speaking, it has more to do with your ability to easily and effectively carry out common activities like shoveling snow, back packing, mowing grass, or playing with your children.

What can exercise do for me?

Regular physical activity has been associated with decreased risk for many illnesses. According to the American Heart Association, regular, moderate exercise has been shown to provide the following benefits:

• Decreased risk of heart disease
• Decreased risk of heart attack
• Lower total cholesterol
• Lower blood pressure
• Decreased risk of being overweight or obese
• Decreased risk of stroke
• Lower stress levels
• Improved sleep
• Improved physical appearance
• Increased energy and strength
• Stronger heart, lungs, bones, and muscles
(Why Should I be Physically Active, AHA)

As with other components of wellness, the transition to becoming more physically fit requires lifestyle changes. In order to reap the benefits of regular physical activity you must be able to make a lifelong commitment to your program (Fitness Fundamentals). It isn’t necessary to have any special equipment, or to join a health club or gym. It only requires that you participate consistently in some type of moderate – vigorous physical activity. Again, this does not need to be limited to traditional health club style exercises. Use your imagination, and select activities that you can enjoy. For example, rock climbing, hiking, rowing, or dancing would be excellent alternatives to the typical exercise program.

Physical Assessment

Regardless of your current health or physical condition, it is always a good idea to have a physical examination before undertaking any exercise or nutrition program. This is especially true if you are over the age of 35 and have been inactive for several years (Fitness Fundamentals). There are several other indications that would also suggest the need to consult with your physician before starting:

• High blood pressure
• History of heart disease
• Dizzy spells
• Difficulty breathing after mild exertion
• Arthritis or other bone ailment
• Muscle, ligament, or tendon problems
• Known or suspected disease
• If you smoke
(Fitness Fundamentals)

Although there are some small risks that go along with exercise, it has been well documented that the risks associated with inactivity, and/or being overweight are much, much greater (Fitness Fundamentals).

A properly designed fitness program should always focus on balance. In other words, a program should address each component of fitness. According to The Aerobics Fitness Association of America, there are five components of fitness (Yoke, et al).

1. Muscular Strength
2. Muscular Endurance
3. Cardio-respiratory endurance
4. Flexibility
5. Body Composition

In addition to including balance in your routine, you should always begin the program development process by establishing a set of realistic goals. It is unfortunate that the majority of information about cardio and strength training that people hold as true are nothing more than “urban legend”. I have listed below several of my favorite fitness and exercise myths:

Popular Exercise Myths

1. “If you stop weight training the muscle that you have built will turn to fat.” As bodybuilding legend, Franco Colombu once said, “That would be like saying that an apple can turn to an orange.” Muscle and fat are two completely unique types of tissue. Therefore, it is impossible for fat to “turn into” muscle. Likewise, it is not possible for muscle to “turn into” fat.

2. “Weight training makes women have a masculine appearance.” Proper weight training will help almost anyone to look healthier by improving body composition and making the body look more tight and firm. The huge muscles that are seen in the professional women’s bodybuilding ranks are produced by very large quantities of anabolic/androgenic steroids, not simply by strength training alone.

3. “You need to spend a great deal of money on dietary supplements to be successful.” The foundation of any exercise program is built upon the combination of a balanced diet, plenty of rest, and a well designed exercise regimen. Supplements are definitely not necessary for strength trainers or endurance trainers regardless of their fitness level.

4. “It takes expensive machines and workout equipment to build a quality physique.” Although it is desirable to have a few basic pieces of equipment at your disposal, it is very possible to design an effective workout routine with no equipment at all. There is a great deal of research that has demonstrated a number of advantages to “low tech” functional strength training programs. This doesn’t mean that you should avoid the fancy weight machines. But, you should keep in mind that some of the greatest physiques in history were developed with little or no exercise equipment at all.

5. “Weight training will make you muscle bound and stiff.” Actually, research has demonstrated that when resistance exercises are performed through their full range of motion, flexibility increases. Weight training stretches opposing muscle groups.

Designing Your Program

As you begin putting together your program, it is helpful to use what is known as the FITT formula.

F.I.T.T. =

F = Frequency (how often you exercise)
I = Intensity (how hard you are working when exercising)
T = Type (what type of exercise is being done?)
T = Time (how much time is spent exercising)

The American College of Sports Medicine has established specific guidelines concerning the FITT formulas for both cardio-respiratory training and strength training. The guidelines for Cardio training are as follows:

Cardio Guidelines:

• Frequency = three – five times per week

• Intensity = 55 – 90% of max heart rate

• Time (or duration) = from 20 – 60 minutes

• Type = Common forms of cardio training: walking, cycling, jogging, swimming, stair climbing, and dancing

• Beginners = Start by working at approximately 55 – 70% of max heart rate

• Hydration = be certain that your body is adequately hydrated before and after exercise Approximately ½ – 1 cup of fluids per 15 minutes of vigorous activity

• Warm Up = an exercise session should always begin with a brief warm up period of about five minutes. Warming up consists of light activity such as walking or cycling

• Cool Down = Always slow down your pace during the last several minutes of your exercise session in order to allow your heart rate and core body temperature to gradually return to normal

• Over exertion can be hazardous to your health. Be certain that you are training at an intensity that is appropriate relative to your age, fitness level, and personal health condition.

Intensity Level

It is extremely important that you are exercising at an appropriate level of intensity. There are several methods that can be used to measure how hard you are working. The method that you choose will depend on what type of equipment that you have at your disposal. The two most common measures of intensity are heart rate, and the talk test.

As mentioned earlier, your training heart rate should be from 55 – 90% of maximum heart rate, depending on your current fitness level and goals. (Consult with your physician to determine if this range is appropriate for your personal condition). You can use the following formula to approximate your target heart rate.

220 – Age = Max Heart Rate

Max Heart Rate x .55 = beginners level training heart rate

Max Heart Rate x .70 = Intermediate level training heart rate

Max heart rate x .90 = advanced level training heart rate

The most common measure of intensity, however, is “The Talk Test”.

Basically, if you can speak conversationally (but not get enough air to sing), while performing your aerobic exercise you are probably somewhere between the desired range of 55 – 90 % of MHR. If speech becomes broken, you are exceeding the desired range.

Next we will discuss strength training. There are many health benefits associated with strength training that are often overlooked by recreational exercisers. A few of the benefits include:

• Increased motor performance
• Increased bone density
• Decreased risk of injury
• Increased metabolic rate
• Increased capacity to perform work

Strength Training guidelines

• Frequency = Two – Three non-consecutive days for beginners

• Intensity = Perform each movement to muscular fatigue or near muscular failure

• Type = The most common forms of resistance training include weight lifting, pushups, pull-ups, crunches, resistance bands.

• Time (or volume) = Beginners perform one – three sets of eight – fifteen repetitions per exercise.

• Progression = Increase weight by approximately 5% when you are able to reach your repetition target on two consecutive training sessions.

• Exercise Order = It is most desirable to work from largest muscle group to smallest muscle group.

• For example, Squats, Pushups, Chin Ups, Calf Raise, Crunches

• Breathing = Always exhale on the positive (concentric) portion of the movement. In other words, exhale when you exert force. NEVER hold your breath when strength training.

• Tempo = Move the weight in a slow and controlled manner. Many popular methods recommend two seconds for the positive phase, followed by four seconds for the negative phase of the lift.

• In my opinion, it isn’t necessary to count your tempo. Just embrace the concept of slow and controlled movement.

• Overload = You must challenge you body to work at increasingly higher levels to bring about ongoing improvement

• Regularity = you must work out consistently to benefit from strength training. At least two non-consecutive sessions per week are required on a consistent basis.

As with cardio training, it is necessary to begin all strength-training sessions with a brief, five minute warm up period. At the conclusion of your strength routine, you should conclude with a short cool down, followed by static (non-bouncing) stretching of the major muscle groups.

Tips for finding time

1. Wake up an extra 30 – 60 minutes early to exercise before your workday starts.

2. Take a brisk walk on your lunch break.

3. Begin your workout immediately upon arriving home from work.

4. Incorporate exercise into family time. Take everyone out for a 30-minute walk after dinner, or go to the park for a game of basketball or soccer.

5. Split your exercise into two separate sessions, fifteen minutes in the morning and fifteen minutes in the evening.

6. Schedule your exercise just like you would any other appointment. Put it in your Palm Pilot, Day Planner, or Outlook Calendar.

Developing a realistic plan of action before adding exercise to your schedule is necessary to ensure your long-term success. Making any change to your lifestyle requires commitment to change. Identifying potential roadblocks to your success will help you to make more realistic plans. The number one reason that people site for failing to exercise is “lack of time”.

Therefore, you should examine your daily work and activity schedule thoroughly to determine where you can fit exercise in to the mix. For more detailed information about developing an effective training routine it may be helpful to consult with a professional personal trainer. There are also a number of qualified personal trainers that offer online coaching for those who don’t have the time to work with a trainer in person.

As mentioned earlier, regardless of your current health or physical condition, it is always a good idea to have a physical examination before undertaking any physical exercise or nutrition program.

References:

YMCA of the USA. YMCA Personal Trainer Instructor Manual. Champaign: Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc, 2000. (YMCA of the USA)

Yoke, Mary, and Laura Gladwin. A Guide to Personal Fitness. Sherman Oaks: Aerobics and Fitness Association of America, 2003. (Yoke et al.)

“Fitness Fundamentals.” Guidelines to Personal Exercise Programs. President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Sept 2005 . (Fitness Fundamentals)

YMCA of the USA. Principles of Health and Fitness. 3rd ed. Champaign: Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc., 1999. (YMCA of the USA)

“Why Should I be Physically Active”. American Heart Association., 2004 http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3009620 (Why Should I be Physically Active)

American Council on Exercise. Personal Trainer Manual 2nd ed. San Diego: ACE Publications, 1996

by: Douglas Galligan

Douglas Galligan is a Personal Trainer and Health Club Manager with over 20 years of experience in the fitness industry. You can visit his Fitness and
Personal Training site at:
www.Louisvillepersonaltraining.com
E-Mail: d.galligan@Insightbb.com

Last year, more than eight-point-seven-million people underwent cosmetic procedures to enhance what nature gave them, or didn’t. But experts tell us that Americans may be jumping into invasive procedures too quickly.

Despite the media coverage of makeover reality shows, the majority of Americans are not looking for extreme transformations. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, most of us want to look better, naturally, with 68-percent preferring a subtle change. And experts agree that looking your best could be accomplished at home for considerably less.

Dr. Linda Franks, a leader in the specialized skin care frontier, says “To get that timeless, healthy look you need to start with an appropriate skincare regime. Taking good care of your skin can stave off fine lines, wrinkles, age spots and even dry skin.”

Where to begin? At the sink! Doctors say whatever your skin type, the key is to cleanse it gently. Avoid hot water and use lukewarm instead, to prevent over-drying. And throw in the towel – traditional washcloths are too abrasive for the face, so use your hands and fingers.

Sixty-eight-percent of women claim to have sensitive skin which means dry, tight, chapped or easily irritated skin. Dr. Franks advises moisturizing regularly and avoiding harsh cleansers with ingredients such as fragrances, dyes and preservatives because sensitive skin is easily damaged and takes longer to recover.

If your skin is dry and easily irritated, don’t wash more than once a day. You may risk stripping the skin of its natural oils. Dr. Franks recommends looking for non-irritating cleansing washes that are soap-free, moisturizers that are light, oil-free, and water-based to help maintain the skin’s natural barrier. Another tip—make sure to choose a facial moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15, which protects against both UVB and UVA rays.

Skin sensitivity may also result from the third most common, non-surgical skincare procedure known as Microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion is a quick and easy, non-invasive procedure that helps to reveal healthier-looking skin by sweeping away dead skin cells. Dr. Franks reveals that, following the treatment, the best way to avoid irritation is by opting for an ultra-gentle cleanser and moisturizer.

A new clinical study shows that PURPOSE gentle cleansing wash and dual treatment moisture lotion with spf 15 are compatible with this procedure.

How else can you obtain optimal skin health? Here are some other healthy basics to keep your skin looking its best:

Dr. Franks says, “Exercise opens up blood vessels to make skin look healthy and youthful. It’s so important for healthy skin.” Regular cardiovascular exercise increases blood flow to the skin which assists in collagen production. Maintaining muscle mass through exercise can also help anchor and support skin, keeping it taut.

And drink up! At least eight, eight-ounce glasses of water a day are crucial for optimal skin hydration.

So before you sign on for an extreme and expensive makeover, just think back on some simple, beauty basics! You just might like what you see!

R.L. Fielding has been a freelance writer for 10 years, offering her expertise and skills to a variety of major organizations in the education, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, financial services, and manufacturing industries. She lives in New Jersey with her dog and two cats and enjoys rock climbing and ornamental gardening.
This article is copyrighted by PURPOSE® Skin Care. It may not be reproduced in whole or in part and may not be posted on other websites without the express written permission of the author who may be contacted via email at purpose@digitalbrandexpressions.com.

Snoring is a worldwide phenomenon with estimates of over one billion people who snore due to some sort of nasal or airway blockage. Conservative estimates indicate that the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom represent over 70 million snorers alone.

Research into the problems of snoring has in recent years made important findings and yielded to the evidence of significant problems with snoring. Findings suggest that by their early thirties, twenty percent of men snore as compared to only five percent of women. Findings indicate a dramatic increase as men and women reach their sixties indicating that sixty percent of men and forty percent of women snore.

There are obvious differences in the percentages of men and women that snore. The reason for the difference involves the size of a person’s neck, typically an effect of being overweight. Men tend to have larger necks than women do, and having a neck of 17 inches or larger makes it likely a person will snore. Surveys indicate that 80 percent of men that snore do not consider themselves to have a problem and in fact consider their spouses to be light sleepers.

Women that snore tend to be heavier and shorter than women that do not snore are. Women typically snore through their noses whereas men snore through their noses and mouths. Women are also more likely than men are to seek treatment for snoring. Women typically snore less than men due to smaller necks and larger air passages. Women also have a smaller uvula that makes them less likely to snore.

Snorers do not usually notice their own snoring and are unaware unless it is pointed out for them. Snorers also tend to be deep, comfortable sleepers. Tonsil and adenoid problems can be major contributors to the snoring of children, though studies indicate that as few as six percent of all children snore.

There is concern that the medical community does not take the area of snoring serious enough. General practitioners typically do not ask patients about their sleep. Studies indicate that of the 70 percent of patients that mention sleep problems to their doctors, only about ten percent of them attempt to seek further help. Dentists who fit patients with snoring devices do not routinely ask patients about sleeping problems.

The problem of snoring and related sleep disorders is not widely known to the medical community or the public. Both require education on the subject to orient them to this significant problem. Snoring is often considered the first sign of a sleep disorder. Sleep apnea is the most significant problem of those who snore. It is a potential danger for the person and those around them as sleep disorders represent a significant cause of vehicle accidents. Of those suffering from sleep apnea, 70 percent report having been in at least one car accident. Recent studies indicate that more vehicle accidents are caused by sleep disorders than by drunk driving.

Elizabeth Radisson is the editor of http://Snoring.OurGoodHealth.org, a website devoted to information on the causes and treatment of snoring. Also, visit OurGoodHealth.org for more health-related information.

Technically known as alopecia, baldness means thinning
or loss of hair as a result of illness, functional disorder, or
hereditary disposition.

There could be many types of baldness, major among
these are patches of baldness getting usually grow back,
rapid shedding after childbirth, fever, or sudden weight
loss and thinning from tight braids or ponytails. baldness
can be found in males and females both, but men are
more susceptible to this phenomenon. This has been
attributed to male sex hormone called testosterone.
Some of the other culprits causing baldness are scalp
infection, oiliness or dirtiness of the scalp and hair, and
excessive lacquering of hair.

Alopecia areata is yet another cause of hair loss or
baldness, this dermatological disease is caused by
person’s own immunity attacking the hair follicles.

Hair loss is not a quick fire phenomenon. Hair loss or
baldness takes a long time, unless otherwise because of
chemotherapy. Not every male will experience baldness,
but for sure, he will have thin hair over a period of time.
Although lot of research has taken place in this area,
nothing exact has been found to arrest hair loss or stop
balding process. It is estimated that around 100 hairs are
lost in a 24-hour cycle. This doesn’t mean baldness.

For years wiser people have been discussing effect of
diet on baldness. Wholesome silica, calcium & iron rich
diet can reduce hair loss or arrest baldness. Studies in
the past have shown that silica therapy slowed baldness.
Shampoo containing organic silica was found to help
prevent baldness, stimulate hair growth and assure
beautiful shine, luster and strength. Outer coverings of
potatoes, green & red peppers and cucumbers contain
silica. Bean sprouts are also high in silica. Eat whole
foods including sprouts.

Good intake of vegetables can improve your vitamin C
score leading to higher iron absorption. Vitamin E is
important for healthy hair growth. Eat avocados, nuts,
seeds, and olive oil on a regular basis. If thyroid
dysfunction is the cause of baldness vitamin A and iodine
food can help prevent baldness. Eat vegetables such as
carrots or spinach in unrefined, cold-pressed seed oils
such as flax, walnut or pumpkin seed and sea salt. Take
turnips, cabbage, mustard, soy beans, peanuts, pine nuts
and millet if there is a deficiency of iodine. Dried fruits,
green & leafy vegetables, cherry juice are good sources.
Diet should avoid these – cold foods & drinks, sugary
foods, fatty foods, animal protein, fruit, especially citrus,
tomatoes, tofu, millet, salt and dairy products.

Gastrointestinal tract can be the culprit for female
baldness. It could be a sign of insufficient stomach acids;
It could also mean a deficiency of protein, zinc and other
nutrients. Taking two acidophilus tablets after or between
meals (four to six tablets per day) for two months will
help. Females are greatly affected due to anemic
conditions, leading to accelerated baldness.

calviz versone is the owner of BB Baldness which is a premier resource for baldness information. for more information, go to http://www.bbbaldness.com

Eating while sleeping? It’s probably a disorder.

Has this happened to you?

You woke up one morning, and you found that there were wrappers of candy bar all over your kitchen. Incidentally, your stomach aches and you see that you had chocolate smudges all over your hands and face. Your parents or your husband tells you that you are up all night long eating, but surprisingly, you don’t recall that you did so. Your parents or your husband seemed serious telling you that you actually ate all those chocolates. Is there an inside joke?

Probably not, In fact, the symptoms show that you probably have a night eating syndrome.

Night eating syndrome, also known as sleep-related eating, is considered by medical doctors as a parasomnia. It is not a frequent sleepwalking type. People suffering from this disorder have experiences of recurrent eating episodes while asleep, without actually being aware that they are actually doing it. This nocturnal eating syndrome might happen most of the time that it would show significant gain in your weight. Although this disorder can affect people in all ages and sexes, the sleep-related eating affects young women more than men.

What is night eating disorder?

Also known as nocturnal sleep-related eating disorder or NS-RED, night eating disorder is not an eating problem strictly speaking. It is known as a sleep disorder type that enables people to eat while seemingly asleep. While sleeping, they could eat while in bed, or in some cases, roaming around the house or staying at the kitchen.

The people suffering from this disorder are not conscious during NS-RED episodes. That is why night eating disorder is always related to sleepwalking. Being asleep, they do not know that they eat and cannot recall any incident of eating the night before. If at all, they can only remember in fragments. The NS-RED episode more or less occurs somewhere in a state between sleep and wakefulness.

When people suffering from night eating disorder learn that they have such a problem, they feel ashamed and embarrassed. Some, even with evidence presented by his or her family members, deny that they did that. They cannot believe that they could do such a thing and cannot admit to themselves that they could not control themselves.

The food consumed during the disorder periods are most likely to be high-sugar, high-fat food that people usually avoid when they’re awake. In some cases, there are those who eat bizarre food combinations, such as raw bacon partnered with mayonnaise, or hotdogs being dipped in a peanut butter. Some even eat non-food items such as soap in the same way they slice cheese.

How can you get NS-RED?

According to recent statistics, about three to nine people or about one to three percent of the total population are most likely to be affected by the disorder, with up to 15 percent of those who have eating disorders affected by night eating disorder.

Many of those affected by the syndrome diet (or at least try to) during the day, leaving them hungry and very weak to binge eating during the night when their control to achieve weight loss gets weakened by sleep. Some people have medical histories of drug abuse, alcoholism, and other sleep disorders such as restless legs, sleep apnea, and sleep walking. They often get tired upon waking up due to fragmented sleep. Many NS-RED cases seem to run along family lines.

How can you eat and unable to remember doing so?

Actually, that could really happen. While research on this disorder is still not that comprehensive, there is a high probability that there are parts of the brain that are truly sleeping even though some parts stay wide awake. Also asleep are the parts that regulate your waking consciousness, so it is no wonder that you cannot remember any memories of gorging on food on the night before.

Is NS-RED curable? What should you do if you have it?

Thank god, treatment is available for your night eating disorder. Treatment starts with a medical interview as well as spending a night or two in a good sleep-disorders center where you brain activity can be monitored. Medication is sometimes helpful, but you should avoid taking sleeping pills as they can aggravate your sleep disorder by adding to the clumsiness and confusion upon waking up and may cause you injury as can regular use of these pills.

Yes, there is treatment. It begins with a clinical interview and a night or two at a sleep-disorders center where brain activity is monitored. Sometimes medication is helpful, but sleeping pills should be avoided. They can make matters worse by increasing confusion and clumsiness that can lead to injury. Regular use of sleeping pills can also lead you to dependency. It would be better that you ask a doctor on what medication to take.

Nishanth Reddy is an author and publisher of many health related websites. Visit his website to know more about other Sleep Disorders like insomnia, sleep apnea, snoring, restless legs, narcolepsy.
Sleep Disorders Guide

If anyone is searching for another way to enhance the size of breasts without the use of surgery, then a breast enhancement supplement might be right for you. Taking a breast enhancement supplement has become a popular way for people who prefer a cheaper, less invasive way to increase their breast size.

The technology and advancements in the pharmaceutical industry has made it possible for women to increase the size of their breasts just by taking a pill supplement. These breast enhancement supplements can grow your breast to the size you have always dreamed of, while helping you to look attractive and feel more confident about yourself.

The key to getting the breast size you have always desired from a breast enhance supplement, is to select a reputable company that sells these supplements. Usually a search on the Internet will return a large amount of results, however it is suggested that the buyer be aware of sites that have outrageous promises.

After you have selected a reputable website to purchase and receive your breast enhancement supplement, it is important to follow the recommended directions for taking the supplements. A breast enhancement supplement will contain a form of animal or plant estrogen that acts on the breast to enhance its size. These estrogens function to achieve the best results for breast growth. Not following directions might delay or stop the growth of your breasts tissue. It is also good to remember that some breast enhancement supplements cannot be taken with other medication or certain types of food.

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