Archive for February, 2009

False Assumptions in Staying Healthy

Sunday, February 22nd, 2009
stay healthy
wang y. wei asked:


These false assumptions pertaining to steps or practices to stay healthy may be risky for an individual. Worse, one of these false assumptions may lead to illness if done improperly to a significant extent.

Fallacy 1: Eating Too Much While Still Young Is Reasonable

We have this common notion that as long as we are still young, we can be lenient and just eat what we want without moderation. We can always argue anyhow that our young bodies can still take some sort of nutritional punishment and would be able to rectify the effects afterwards.

The truth about this is that though we are actually able to rectify such situation, the damage has begun already. Furthermore, we do not know at what age our body starts to not be able to restore the optimal health status at full efficiency. For example, eating high cholesterol food would have a preemptive effect of deposits in the arteries. Before long, this would reach a stage wherein the process is irreversible and may cause the life of the person.

Even if there was a reason that ageing is part of life and that even how much we try to choose the right food our bodies would still deteriorate anyway, the thought of why would we hasten the process of ageing by introducing unwanted radicals to our cells should be enough to keep us on the right way of thinking.

Fallacy 2: Not Eating Carbohydrates Will Make You Lose Weight Faster

Another common misconception is that we would be able to lose weight faster if we didn’t eat any food that is rich in carbohydrates. This would account breads, rice, and other starchy foods. Though it is a fact that these types of food are high in calories, carbohydrate deprivation will not contribute to faster weight loss. Certain parts of the body would require some nutrients that come along with carbohydrates in rice and other starches such as Vitamin B complex.

Furthermore, sticking to an alternative diet such as pure protein will not help one lose weight faster.

Fallacy 3: Starving Will Help You Lose Weight

A much more drastic misconception is the notion that skipping meals would lead to a faster weight loss. Ideally, that should be the case if the aspect of caloric intake is the only thing to be considered. However, there are also some other aspects such as ulcer developing in the gastrointestinal area, or perhaps a retroactive effect on the body of the starving individual wherein the body signals the brain that there is nutritive deprivation. The latter would cause the metabolism of the individual to slow down significantly to cope up with the body’s current

situation.

Furthermore, if the body is further subjected to much more food deprivation, the body will not be using the fats right away. The surrounding muscles cells will start to take the brunt leading to muscle atrophy.

These are just some of the most common fallacies that are freely thought of by the people who haven’t been properly educated about them. Nevertheless, one of the only eternal aspect of staying healthy is of the self, along it is self responsibility and self control.



DEE

Sleep Well - Stay Healthy

Saturday, February 21st, 2009
stay healthy
Sitham asked:


Sleep Well - Stay Healthy!

As we retire to sleep first thing we ought to experience is the darkness and the quite atmosphere. But when we try to sleep, suddenly we think of the credit bills, appointments and pending files. A lot of thoughts come to our mind and it goes on. And after lying awake for a few hours we drift off to seep; and soon you hear the alarm ringing!

Most of us have some kind of trouble in sleeping occasionally; for some it is a chronic problem. Sleep deprivation is due to the high-paced lifestyle causing the lack of time to get the sleep we need. When we do not get the amount of sleep we need we accumulate a sleep debt. But, taking sleeping pills is not the solution. This sleep debt has to be paid back or else sleepiness will continue to worsen. Many people try to pay back the debt on the weekends resulting in the disruptions of their circadian rhythm. Most doctors would agree that a lifestyle change can do the trick and that there is no reason for pharmaceutical solutions.

Hence, in the interest of avoiding sleeping pills, let us look at some smart tips on how to fall asleep:

Establish consistent waking times

Our sleep-wake cycle is regulated by a “circadian clock” in our brain. The body needs to balance both sleep time and wake time. A regular waking time in the morning strengthens the circadian function and can help with sleep onset at night.

Keep a regular bedtime and wake-up time.

It is important to keep a regular bedtime and wake-time, even on the weekends when there is the temptation to sleep more. Stick to it, even on weekends. This will help your body know when to feel alert and when to feel sleepy.

Use a comfortable mattress and cushion

Make sure your mattress is comfortable and supportive. Use comfortable pillows and a good cushion that holds your head in the same relationship to your shoulders and spine as when you are standing upright.

Eat at least 2 hours before you go to bed

Eating or drinking too much may make you less comfortable when setting down for bed. It is best to avoid a heavy meal too close to bedtime. Also, spicy foods may cause heartburn, which leads to difficulty falling asleep and discomfort during the night. Try to restrict fluids close to bedtime to go to the bathroom.

 Make the bedroom a sleep-only zone

Remove most toys, games, televisions, computers, and radios if your child has trouble falling asleep or is frequently up at nigh. These items can be powerful cues for wakefulness.

Establish a regular, relaxing bedtime routine

Avoid worrying and thinking before bedtime like working, paying pills, engaging in competitive games or family problem-solving. If you are unable to avoid tension and stress, it may be helpful to learn relaxation therapy from a trained professional. Finally, avoid exposure to bright light before bedtime because it signals the neurons that help control the sleep-wake cycle that it is time to awaken, not to sleep.

Avoid caffeine (e.g. coffee, tea, soft drinks, chocolate), nicotine (e.g. cigarettes, tobacco products), alcohol close to bedtime

Caffeine is a stimulant, which means it can produce an alerting effect. Caffeine products such as coffee, tea, colas and chocolate remains in the body on an average from 3 to 5 hours. But they can affect some people up to 12 hours later. Even if you do not think caffeine affects you, it may be disrupt and change the quality of your sleep. Avoiding caffeine within 4 hours of going to bed can help improve sleep quality.

However, exercising sporadically or right before going to bed will make falling asleep more difficult. In addition to making us more alert, our body temperature rises during exercise and takes as much as six hours to begin to drop. A cooler body temperature is associated with sleep onset. Hence finish your exercise at least 3 hours before bedtime. Late afternoon exercise is the perfect way to help you fall asleep at night

Keep your bedroom peaceful

Create a room that’s ideal for sleeping. Adjust the lighting, temperature and humidity level to your preferences. Make sure your room is well- ventilated and the temperature consistent.



FLORINE

What are three health issues in your community?

Saturday, February 21st, 2009
health issues
sarah asked:


I need help with my health journal.
ok thanks..
need more then that

GAY

How can a women who has some health issues find work?

Friday, February 20th, 2009
health issues
reno4243 asked:


I have an Associates degree in Business Administration, a diploma in Medical Assistance, experience as a Mental Health Worker, currently working on an Associates of Arts pre-Nursing degree only 5 more classes to graduation. I have posted resumes online and several applications. I currently live in Jacksonville NC.

BUSTER

What are your views on people with mental health issues? Why do you have these views?

Thursday, February 19th, 2009
health issues
-xsofilou-j-x asked:


I need answers for my health and social homework and despite searching the internet, I cant seem to find any! If you have any sites with relevant infomation I would be very pleased if you could copy and paste them into your message. Thank you!

ANGELINE

possible health issues in the future?

Thursday, February 19th, 2009
health issues
lovedove662000 asked:


our new puppy came from a litter of 7,4 died.the mother who is 9 years old is more or less dying of cancer and should have never gotten pregnant in the first place.do you think that she is going to have major health issues to come?

CESAR

Two Ways to Stay Healthy Throughout Your Life

Thursday, February 19th, 2009
stay healthy
Steve Kroening asked:


Worry has a lot of power over your health. Unfortunately, it’s a lot easier to say, “don’t worry” than it is to actually follow the advice. That’s because a lot of people try to avoid worry without putting anything in its place. We discussed last week how dependence on the Lord is the first place to start. And doing so gives us two ways to refocus our attention — and radically change our health in the process.

The Scriptures give us two ways to keep our focus off of worry and onto far more Godly ways of thinking. Both of these concepts bind up much of what God calls us to do. And it just so happens that they can keep us far healthier until the day the Lord calls us home.

The two ways to stay healthy are simply discipline and purpose. You’ve undoubtedly heard the verse, “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Prov. 29:18). That verse is obviously talking about purpose. It’s referring to a plan for the future. And it also encompasses hope — hope that there’s something better coming down the road.

But there’s more to this verse than just purpose or vision. The rest of the verse reads: “but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” This part of the verse speaks to discipline. Its focus is on our living life according to God’s Word. If you read Paul’s description (in Galatians and elsewhere) of how he lived as a Pharisee, you see the description of a very disciplined man.

Even after Paul realized that his rigorous works had no power to save him, and came to Christ through faith, he remained a very disciplined man. Moreover, he called us to be disciplined, as well. In 1 Thessalonians 4:4, Paul says, “each one of you (should) know how to control his own body in holiness and honor.”

So how does all of this help your health?

If worry and stress break your health down, purpose and discipline help to build it up.

If you read a lot of the studies done on what brings good health, you’ll see that many of them have to do with these principles. You’ll see that exercise, eating right, not smoking, and living in moderation with regard to how much you eat and drink all are part of discipline. Even the disciplines of prayer, meditation, and fasting are great for your health.

There are also studies that show how people with hope, purpose, and vision will stay healthier. People who have these characteristics have fewer sick days away from work. They also have less depression and fewer chemical dependencies. And, frankly, they have a reason to live.

How many times have you seen people die shortly after they retire? They simply weren’t able to find any purpose beyond their work. But some people thrive after they retire because they find a new sense of purpose that gives them a reason to live.

So if you’re looking for great health, the place to start is not in a pill bottle. Start with your mind. Is your mind solely dedicated to Christ? Is your mind disciplined? Have you thought of your purpose? If you can find someone with a need, it’s easy to find purpose.

And a great gift you can give your children is to teach them discipline and purpose while they’re young. It’s a great way to help them live a healthy, long life.



JAMES

Stay Healthy by Eating Chocolate

Thursday, February 19th, 2009
stay healthy
Susan Patterson asked:


Who says you can’t have chocolate and stay healthy?  Those who eat dark chocolate can lower their blood pressure and fight off heart disease.  It fights free radicals, too.  Unlike other types of chocolate, dark chocolate is packed full of antioxidants, the molecules that eliminate free radicals that lead to all types of diseases.  It has eight times the amount of antioxidants than strawberries, making it a superfood for its disease fighting qualities.  But hold the milk; studies show that milk interferes with the absorption of antioxidants.

Dark chocolate contains flavanoids called procyanidins and epicatechins; these are specific kinds of antioxidants known as polyphenols that are found in red wine, tea, and many fruits and vegetables.  It also increases the blood flow in the arteries and helps reduce the risk of blood clots.  If you have mildly high blood pressure, dark chocolate may help reduce it.  The serotonin found in it can boost your mood and increase feelings of pleasure, also triggering a rise in endorphins.  Nutritionally speaking, calcium, magnesium and potassium are another benefit of consuming dark chocolate on a regular basis.

While dark chocolate does contain fat, the type of fat present plays a large role in its health benefits.  Oleic acid, which is also found in olive oil, is the fat that helps reduce bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol.  Stearic acid is also a fat, but it is said to have a neutral effect on cholesterol, not affecting it at all.  The only type of fat to watch out for is palmiric acid, which can increase the risk for heart disease.  This only makes up one third of the fat content in dark chocolate.

This doesn’t mean that you can eat as much chocolate as you wish.  Dark chocolate is still high in calories and fat, no matter how beneficial the fat may be.  If you are looking for quick weight loss, you might want to keep this out of your diet.  If you do choose to eat it, the dark chocolate will replace something else in your diet and you will need to cut those calories out.  If cravings or hunger are a problem, you might want to add a natural appetite suppressant like hoodia.  This will keep you feeling full so you don’t overeat.



AL

Increase your Energy, Stay Healthy, Live Longer

Wednesday, February 18th, 2009
stay healthy
Max Woody asked:


Hi, my name is Max Woody and I’d like to share some important information that has changed my life for the better.

I’m 42 years old and operate a full time business, have a family and the normal responsibilities of most men my age. I like to exercise and do everything possible to stay healthy.

During my late 30’s I was always looking for the best in a multi mineral vitamin to make sure I would get my nutrients everyday.

I tried many of the men’s formulas through places like GNC and others. I did a lot of reading and research only to find that many of these multi mineral vitamins were not being totally absorbed through the body. Worse yet, they were not all natural products and during the long term could cause bad side effects to the body.

Finally, I found a company that offers an excellent, all natural men’s and women’s multi mineral formula that also contains a blend of herbs and anti-oxidants that have made a big change in my health for over 3 years now.

Now, compared to a few years ago, I sleep much better at night and just notice a big change in how I feel. My energy level has increased and I also have a much better *** drive as a result of these products. Not only that, I also very seldom get sick with colds or flu’s like so many other people during the winter months.

The company I purchase these vitamins through have been in business for several years now and they offer excellent customer service. If you have any questions, they are available through e-mail or telephone support.

If your looking for a high quality vitamin supplement formula that will make a big improvement in your overall health, then you owe it to yourself to check out these products. Just check out their website at

http://dan.xtend-life.com/index.php?id=973604



ROSETTA

5 Tips To Help You Stay Healthy

Tuesday, February 17th, 2009
stay healthy
Adam Thompson asked:


The key to a long, happy and prosperous life is, of course, good health. While we may be pre-destined to certain conditions or diseases, there are definitely things we can do to ward off illness and stay healthy for as long as possible. Here are five simple tips that anyone can do to help you live a long life full of good health.

1. Don’t smoke, and if you do quit immediately. Smoking is perhaps the most preventable and avoidable cause of many debilitating and fatal diseases and conditions. Besides damaging the lungs, smoking also does considerable, irreversible damage to the heart as well as other organs of the body, including even the skin, not to mention the high risk of several types of cancer.

2. Drink in moderation

Studies have shown that drinking in moderation, meaning no more than one drink per day, can have a protective effect on the body depending on the type of alcohol consumed. Red wine, for instance, has been shown to have a positive effect on the heart while distilled spirits such as vodkas and bourbons may increase a person’s risk of developing certain cancers.

3. Eat healthy

An overwhelming percentage of the population is either overweight or obese. A simple, yet sensible eating plan coupled with regular exercise is the absolute best way to lose weight, keep it off and stay healthy for the rest of your life. There are no “quick fixes” when it comes to good health and diets that are high in fat and cholesterol are linked with diseases such as diabetes and cancer.

4. Exercise regularly

After consulting with your doctor the two of you can determine what level of exercise is the best for you. It’s important to remember that more is not necessarily better, particularly if you are just starting to exercise or have had an otherwise sedentary lifestyle. A gradual increase in your work-outs will also increase your level of endurance for the best long-term results.

Here are some simple exercises that are excellent for losing weight, getting in shape and maintaining good health while strengthening your heart at the same time.

- Walking: Almost anyone can do it and brisk walking can burn a few hundred calories per hour.

- Running: While not for beginners, running is an excellent form of cardio exercise as it increases lung capacity, strengthens the heart and burns many calories.

- Swimming: This full-body exercise is easy on the joints but still burns calories and strengthens the heart as well as the muscles.

- Bicycling: Either indoors or out, bicycling is a great exercise to help you stay healthy as it burns calories, increases endurance, builds leg strength, and strengthens the heart and lungs.

5. Make time to relax

Stress and tension can lead to serious health problems if they are not dealt with in a productive manner. Research has proved that those with a Type-A personality or those who are prone to stress or anger are far more likely to suffer from heart-related illnesses as well as a host of other detrimental conditions.



GERMAN