We are saturated with images of what healthy is supposed to look like. Pictures of the young and lean are everywhere. Not that I'm all that old, mind you, but the fact remains you will never look as good as you did (or at least as good as you could have) at 20. If you're past 20 this comes as no joy, but the fact is that you should probably get rid of the idea that you think you should look 20 anyway. In good shape doesn't mean great shape, and being in good shape is just about as good.
Let's talk about what that means. Being in good shape means you could run a mile pretty easily. It's not going to kill you, and you just might be able to participate in the 5k fun run and walk for charity without having a heart attack in the first 3k - and probably not even stopping along the way. Great shape means you can do the mile in under 6 minutes. It's the same mile, just not quite the same speed.
Looking good means you have around 15-20% body fat as a male and 25%-30% as a female. It doesn't mean 10% for males and 15% for females. It might only be a few pounds of fat after all and having a six pack is highly overrated, especially for women. If men wanted six packs on women they would date - men.
Being in decent shape means you know you're probably not going to be the best looking person there when your friend asks you to go water skiing, but you wont spend all day in a towel cowering in the corner of the boat either. You'll probably take a few turns yourself and have a good time. Being in great shape means you go skiing all day and can't walk the next.
No matter how you look at it, it's more than likely that you only think you want to be in great shape, but you no longer have the age, time or hormones to do so. So throw that silly idea in the ditch and get down to the process of getting in a little better shape over a longer period of time.
If you start walking, you can end up jogging a little by the end of just one month. Jog and walk for a month and you might throw in a short run from time to time. before the end of a year and you'll be in so much better shape you probably won't believe it - and you'll hardly even notice how easy it is to get there; at least until you start.
Bruce Wagner
Monday, September 28, 2009
5 Keys To Flat Tummy
Have you ever noticed a girl who does the same crunches and ab exercises every time she comes to the gym, but never changes the way her midsection looks? That is the definition of insanity -- doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result! You can do as many crunches as you want, but unless you have a multi-faceted approach to obtaining a flat stomach, achieving that washboard look will be virtually impossible.
1) Cardiovascular Exercise
There's no way of getting around the fact that you must include some cardio in your weekly regimen to get your stomach to where you want it. Cardiovascular exercise is the most effective exercise for burning a ton of calories, and will help rip off the fat on the mid-section. Interval training is the best way to go. Intervals are quick bursts of exercise interspersed with slower periods. A good interval workout would be 1 minute fast, 2 minutes slow for 25 minutes total on the treadmill. These "bursts" will keep your body burning calories after you're done exercising. Steady-state, or steady-pace training will also help, but make sure to exercise for at least 45 minutes. Aim for three or four cardio sessions per week. Remember...there is no such thing as "spot training." You have to take fat off of the body as a whole.
2) Water
Drinking plenty of water will help the body to flush fat and toxins out, as well as flushing excess water out of the body. If you don't drink enough water, your body will hold onto what water it does have, and that can make you look bloated.
3) Nutrition
This may be the most important part to getting a flat stomach. You can practice all of the keys to a flat tummy, but if you skip this one, it's probably just not going to happen. In general, your diet should be about 50% carbs, 30% fat and 20% protein. Most people don't consume enough healthy fats. As a result, their body, just as in the case of water, will hold onto fat when it doesn't get enough. Your carb choices should be fiber-rich, like oatmeal, fruits and veggies, brown rice, cous-cous and quinoa, and wheat, sourdough and rye breads. Try to save non-fruit and veggie carbs for during and immediately after your workouts. Protein choices should be complete (meat) and typically be lean, like tuna, salmon, chicken and turkey, but don't be afraid to consume beef sparingly. Fats make up the rest of the diet, and should include 20% unsaturated fats and 10% saturated. Unsaturated fats include omega-3 fats from fish, as well as olive and nut oils. Saturated fats should be limited. Don't sweat it trying to be perfect. If you follow the 80/20 rule, you should be fine. Eat healthy 80% of the time, and you can mentally release with some cheating 20% of the time.
4) Resistance Exercise
Obviously, you need to work your abs to flatten them, but that doesn't mean you should focus only on ab exercises. Utilizing multi-joint, compound movements that challenge your core in conjunction with ab isolation exercises is the best combination to achieve a flat midsection. Compound movements like squats, deadlifts, push ups, and pull ups will develop a lot of muscle as well as force the abs to work to maintain posture. These movements will also stimulate your body to release growth hormone, which increases the utilization of free fatty acids and the breakdown of fat for energy (Baechle and Earle 57-58). A combination of isometric (held position) core exercises like planks as well as dynamic (with movement) ab exercises for all areas of the abs (lower and upper rectus, obliques) will promote definition and strength in the core.
5) Posture
It is almost impossible to have a flat stomach with poor posture. In today's world, most people have some postural deviation adversely affecting the way they stand, sit and move. Kyphosis, or "hunched" shoulders, is very common because in today's world we do a lot of sitting, and when we sit we typically hunch over our desks or computers. Often associated with kyphosis is lordosis, or excessive arching of the low back. Both of these conditions can make the abs look distended. Rounded shoulders close off the chest cavity and the front compartment of the body, while lordosis makes the abs "push" out the front, detracting from any flatness in the midsection.
Good posture is a combination of practicing standing, sitting and moving correctly, as well as practicing corrective postural exercises. It may sound silly, but think "shoulders back, chest out" when you walk. You'll walk and feel more confident, and your abs will naturally flatten. Strengthening the upper back with postural exercises as well as strengthening the abs and glutes will also help counteract poor posture.
References Baechle, T., & Earle, T. (2008). Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
Kurt Rawlins
1) Cardiovascular Exercise
There's no way of getting around the fact that you must include some cardio in your weekly regimen to get your stomach to where you want it. Cardiovascular exercise is the most effective exercise for burning a ton of calories, and will help rip off the fat on the mid-section. Interval training is the best way to go. Intervals are quick bursts of exercise interspersed with slower periods. A good interval workout would be 1 minute fast, 2 minutes slow for 25 minutes total on the treadmill. These "bursts" will keep your body burning calories after you're done exercising. Steady-state, or steady-pace training will also help, but make sure to exercise for at least 45 minutes. Aim for three or four cardio sessions per week. Remember...there is no such thing as "spot training." You have to take fat off of the body as a whole.
2) Water
Drinking plenty of water will help the body to flush fat and toxins out, as well as flushing excess water out of the body. If you don't drink enough water, your body will hold onto what water it does have, and that can make you look bloated.
3) Nutrition
This may be the most important part to getting a flat stomach. You can practice all of the keys to a flat tummy, but if you skip this one, it's probably just not going to happen. In general, your diet should be about 50% carbs, 30% fat and 20% protein. Most people don't consume enough healthy fats. As a result, their body, just as in the case of water, will hold onto fat when it doesn't get enough. Your carb choices should be fiber-rich, like oatmeal, fruits and veggies, brown rice, cous-cous and quinoa, and wheat, sourdough and rye breads. Try to save non-fruit and veggie carbs for during and immediately after your workouts. Protein choices should be complete (meat) and typically be lean, like tuna, salmon, chicken and turkey, but don't be afraid to consume beef sparingly. Fats make up the rest of the diet, and should include 20% unsaturated fats and 10% saturated. Unsaturated fats include omega-3 fats from fish, as well as olive and nut oils. Saturated fats should be limited. Don't sweat it trying to be perfect. If you follow the 80/20 rule, you should be fine. Eat healthy 80% of the time, and you can mentally release with some cheating 20% of the time.
4) Resistance Exercise
Obviously, you need to work your abs to flatten them, but that doesn't mean you should focus only on ab exercises. Utilizing multi-joint, compound movements that challenge your core in conjunction with ab isolation exercises is the best combination to achieve a flat midsection. Compound movements like squats, deadlifts, push ups, and pull ups will develop a lot of muscle as well as force the abs to work to maintain posture. These movements will also stimulate your body to release growth hormone, which increases the utilization of free fatty acids and the breakdown of fat for energy (Baechle and Earle 57-58). A combination of isometric (held position) core exercises like planks as well as dynamic (with movement) ab exercises for all areas of the abs (lower and upper rectus, obliques) will promote definition and strength in the core.
5) Posture
It is almost impossible to have a flat stomach with poor posture. In today's world, most people have some postural deviation adversely affecting the way they stand, sit and move. Kyphosis, or "hunched" shoulders, is very common because in today's world we do a lot of sitting, and when we sit we typically hunch over our desks or computers. Often associated with kyphosis is lordosis, or excessive arching of the low back. Both of these conditions can make the abs look distended. Rounded shoulders close off the chest cavity and the front compartment of the body, while lordosis makes the abs "push" out the front, detracting from any flatness in the midsection.
Good posture is a combination of practicing standing, sitting and moving correctly, as well as practicing corrective postural exercises. It may sound silly, but think "shoulders back, chest out" when you walk. You'll walk and feel more confident, and your abs will naturally flatten. Strengthening the upper back with postural exercises as well as strengthening the abs and glutes will also help counteract poor posture.
References Baechle, T., & Earle, T. (2008). Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
Kurt Rawlins
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Tips for Buying Fitness Equipment
Not all of us have the time or inclination to make regular trips to the gym - however, all is not lost as these days there is a range of fitness equipment that can be purchased for the home. The array of choice out can be quite baffling for the novice, which in turn is off-putting. It is, though, possible to delve into this sector and make sense of it - not only that but some pieces of equipment can be bought at really cost effective prices. So it's well worth getting to understand what's on the market, and shopping around before you buy.
There's actually a huge market for second hand fitness equipment. Many people purchase running machines etc. in a fit of enthusiasm but then their appetite for exercise quickly wanes and the equipment sits around taking up space and reminding them of their failed bid to exercise. This equipment is often as good as new (because it's pretty much unused) but available at really attractive prices. Online portals such as eBay are where most of these machines end up being sold, but it's also worth looking at local newspapers and even notice boards in supermarkets and community centres.
If you only use one or two pieces of equipment at the gym then buying those machines for yourself can actually represent a saving over time as you no longer have to pay monthly fees for the gym, and don't have the inconvenience of having to actually go there. So rather than buying rickety home machines it may be worthwhile to invest in commercial equipment. Next time you are at the gym, check out the name of the manufacturer - the logo should appear prominently on the equipment - and then go to their website, and either enquire directly or contact one of their dealers.
As with any major purchase it's important to figure out how you are going to finance it. Make sure that you don't pay too much for the equipment itself, obviously. If you are not going to pay for it upfront then it is also worth shopping around for financing too.
To summarise those three tips
1) Don't automatically buy new kit, there are some second hand bargains to be snapped up
2) Consider buying commercial equipment, it can save money in the long run
3) Don't forget to build the cost of financing into the equation
Richard
There's actually a huge market for second hand fitness equipment. Many people purchase running machines etc. in a fit of enthusiasm but then their appetite for exercise quickly wanes and the equipment sits around taking up space and reminding them of their failed bid to exercise. This equipment is often as good as new (because it's pretty much unused) but available at really attractive prices. Online portals such as eBay are where most of these machines end up being sold, but it's also worth looking at local newspapers and even notice boards in supermarkets and community centres.
If you only use one or two pieces of equipment at the gym then buying those machines for yourself can actually represent a saving over time as you no longer have to pay monthly fees for the gym, and don't have the inconvenience of having to actually go there. So rather than buying rickety home machines it may be worthwhile to invest in commercial equipment. Next time you are at the gym, check out the name of the manufacturer - the logo should appear prominently on the equipment - and then go to their website, and either enquire directly or contact one of their dealers.
As with any major purchase it's important to figure out how you are going to finance it. Make sure that you don't pay too much for the equipment itself, obviously. If you are not going to pay for it upfront then it is also worth shopping around for financing too.
To summarise those three tips
1) Don't automatically buy new kit, there are some second hand bargains to be snapped up
2) Consider buying commercial equipment, it can save money in the long run
3) Don't forget to build the cost of financing into the equation
Richard
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
HOW TO DIAGNOSIS FOOD INTOLERANCE
Do you suffer from asthma, sinusitis, migraine, joint pains and stomach bloating? These are possibly your body's adverse reaction to certain foods and ingredients. Unlike food allergy, the symptoms of food intolerance does not surface immediately. There is usually a delay of about 48hrs.
There are two known ways to of identifying the sensitive foods; one is through a process of elimination and the other through proven medical test.
1. Diagnose food intolerance through a process of elimination. This method works finds the food that irritates the body..It is done by removing certain food from the diet, wait to see if the symptoms disappear. However, it is sometimes very difficult to identify the food or combinations of foods that are causing the problem as symptoms can appear up to 48 hours after the food is eaten. The process of blind elimination is also lengthy and would require lots of patience.
2.The other method to diagnose food intolerance is through a medical test. This proven medical test identifies the food that is making us unwell. The test consists of a blood test which checks if there is any elevation in the level of food specific IgG antibodies. This will identify the problem food or ingredient. Such test will significantly reduce the process of identifying the sensitive food thereby enabling corrective treatment to be carried out quickly.
Food intolerance is usually not life threatening but it will give you discomfort and make you unwell. Proper diagnosis of food intolerance will provide an effective way of identifying the sensitive foods and help you find relief from the symptoms.
By Jennifer Lim
There are two known ways to of identifying the sensitive foods; one is through a process of elimination and the other through proven medical test.
1. Diagnose food intolerance through a process of elimination. This method works finds the food that irritates the body..It is done by removing certain food from the diet, wait to see if the symptoms disappear. However, it is sometimes very difficult to identify the food or combinations of foods that are causing the problem as symptoms can appear up to 48 hours after the food is eaten. The process of blind elimination is also lengthy and would require lots of patience.
2.The other method to diagnose food intolerance is through a medical test. This proven medical test identifies the food that is making us unwell. The test consists of a blood test which checks if there is any elevation in the level of food specific IgG antibodies. This will identify the problem food or ingredient. Such test will significantly reduce the process of identifying the sensitive food thereby enabling corrective treatment to be carried out quickly.
Food intolerance is usually not life threatening but it will give you discomfort and make you unwell. Proper diagnosis of food intolerance will provide an effective way of identifying the sensitive foods and help you find relief from the symptoms.
By Jennifer Lim
Useful tips on how to treat seasonal allergies
Every year around spring, summer, or fall people feel their eyes begin to water and itch and their nose begin to run. These are just the beginning symptoms that are caused by seasonal allergies.
These types of allergies are very common and affect thousands of people in the world.
For some people the symptoms can be very mild and for others they are so severe that they force them to stay home from school or work because of headaches and the inability to think. These allergies are caused by the pollen from trees, grass, flowers, and weeds in the area that you live in.
There are many different types of medicines that you can use which will help you to treat and fight against seasonal allergies. Many people purchase the over the counter medicines first because they are affordable and help to treat the mild symptoms including; runny nose, sneezing, itchy throat, and itchy and water eyes.
However, not everyone responds well to these treatments and requires the use of something much stronger. These people often have to visit their doctor when the symptoms are so strong that they cannot do certain things. There the doctor will examine them and decide what best prescription medicine they need.
Those who want to relieve seasonal allergy symptoms without having to use different medications can try some of the many natural treatments. There are a variety of supplements that will help to fight against the symptoms using natural methods. Some of the most common include honey, nettle, and ginko biloba.
Naomi West
These types of allergies are very common and affect thousands of people in the world.
For some people the symptoms can be very mild and for others they are so severe that they force them to stay home from school or work because of headaches and the inability to think. These allergies are caused by the pollen from trees, grass, flowers, and weeds in the area that you live in.
There are many different types of medicines that you can use which will help you to treat and fight against seasonal allergies. Many people purchase the over the counter medicines first because they are affordable and help to treat the mild symptoms including; runny nose, sneezing, itchy throat, and itchy and water eyes.
However, not everyone responds well to these treatments and requires the use of something much stronger. These people often have to visit their doctor when the symptoms are so strong that they cannot do certain things. There the doctor will examine them and decide what best prescription medicine they need.
Those who want to relieve seasonal allergy symptoms without having to use different medications can try some of the many natural treatments. There are a variety of supplements that will help to fight against the symptoms using natural methods. Some of the most common include honey, nettle, and ginko biloba.
Naomi West
TIPS FOR TREATING HIVES NATURALLY
For those who are novices to hives attacks, they are inflamed, reddened patches that itch and show up suddenly on skin. Most of the time, this is a result of some sort of allergic reaction. Hives can hurt and annoy you. But they can be treated naturally sometimes and this may help alleviate the pain until you can get in to see your doctor.
Cool down the area. You should first cool the area when hives appear on you or a child. This ought to bring instant relief. Have a cold cloth or an ice pack and place this right on any reddened areas for relief of the itching and burning sensation.
Oatmeal is what you should bathe in. It may be unorthodox, but it's a proven method. Treat hives naturally by taking an oatmeal bath. An oatmeal bath is a good way to relieve hives that are on larger portions of your body. It will feel wonderful even if it appears to be somewhat strange. Oatmeal is a natural way to heal itchy skin. You may not see the hives beginning to heal until you have done this once a day for several days.
The next step is to prepare to take a bath in cornstarch. Another strange-but-true bathtub trick for healing hives naturally is to use cornstarch. Cornstarch has antibiotic qualities and can be soothing. You can add only a little, or a whole lot. At minimum one box is needed so that you will be able to truly experience the medicinal benefits of cornstarch.
Use aloe vera gel. This gel is great for both sunburn and hives. Aloe vera is a natural healing substance that you can rub on your skin freely. For relief, apply to all afflicted areas of the skin. Repeat this twice daily (along with a large slathering of it in the evening when you are ready to go to bed). Ingest through the mouth. You could try to combat the reaction with natural oral medications which should reduce the severity of the hives.
Consult your family physician to see if taking acidophilus makes sense for treating your hives. Quercetin is another option to help keep down the swelling of your hives.
Vitamin C every day will help boost your immune system and combat your hives.
Hives can be controlled by any item that you would use to treat an allergic reaction normally. You can take herbs to combat your allergic reaction: try yellow dock, Echinacea, ginseng, licorice or nettles. These should reduce the appearance of your hives within a few days. For the future, you should steer clear of whatever caused your hives. As is said often, preventing a problem to begin with is the best way to deal with one. If you learn why you broke out in hives, you can avoid dealing with them ever again.
Hives may be caused by a food that you are eating, as long as you continue to consume that item the hives will be persistent. Weeds, laundry, or air fresheners, may all cause hives. Attempt taking some items out of your diet and surroundings to find out how this impacts your hives. The best way to treat hives naturally is through prevention.
by Tiffany Provost
Cool down the area. You should first cool the area when hives appear on you or a child. This ought to bring instant relief. Have a cold cloth or an ice pack and place this right on any reddened areas for relief of the itching and burning sensation.
Oatmeal is what you should bathe in. It may be unorthodox, but it's a proven method. Treat hives naturally by taking an oatmeal bath. An oatmeal bath is a good way to relieve hives that are on larger portions of your body. It will feel wonderful even if it appears to be somewhat strange. Oatmeal is a natural way to heal itchy skin. You may not see the hives beginning to heal until you have done this once a day for several days.
The next step is to prepare to take a bath in cornstarch. Another strange-but-true bathtub trick for healing hives naturally is to use cornstarch. Cornstarch has antibiotic qualities and can be soothing. You can add only a little, or a whole lot. At minimum one box is needed so that you will be able to truly experience the medicinal benefits of cornstarch.
Use aloe vera gel. This gel is great for both sunburn and hives. Aloe vera is a natural healing substance that you can rub on your skin freely. For relief, apply to all afflicted areas of the skin. Repeat this twice daily (along with a large slathering of it in the evening when you are ready to go to bed). Ingest through the mouth. You could try to combat the reaction with natural oral medications which should reduce the severity of the hives.
Consult your family physician to see if taking acidophilus makes sense for treating your hives. Quercetin is another option to help keep down the swelling of your hives.
Vitamin C every day will help boost your immune system and combat your hives.
Hives can be controlled by any item that you would use to treat an allergic reaction normally. You can take herbs to combat your allergic reaction: try yellow dock, Echinacea, ginseng, licorice or nettles. These should reduce the appearance of your hives within a few days. For the future, you should steer clear of whatever caused your hives. As is said often, preventing a problem to begin with is the best way to deal with one. If you learn why you broke out in hives, you can avoid dealing with them ever again.
Hives may be caused by a food that you are eating, as long as you continue to consume that item the hives will be persistent. Weeds, laundry, or air fresheners, may all cause hives. Attempt taking some items out of your diet and surroundings to find out how this impacts your hives. The best way to treat hives naturally is through prevention.
by Tiffany Provost
Monday, September 7, 2009
Uncontrolled Diabetes - It's All in Your Mind
Diabetes is frightening. Complications from diabetes are frightening. Trying to control or prevent diabetes and complications can be overwhelming and discouraging. That's why most uncontrolled diabetes is psychological more than any failure of information or diet or medical treatment. Because diabetes control is a self-managed disease, even the very best doctors, diets and exercise plans cannot succeed unless you, the diabetic, have the right attitude.
Now, by "attitude" I do not mean your feelings and emotions. Feelings and emotions certainly do play a part in your attitude, and can even determine what your attitude is, but they are not the same thing. Your attitude is actually less subjective than your feelings and emotions. You have far more control over your attitude than you do your feelings and emotions. Attitude has more to do with your mindset. In fact, your attitude is your mindset. It's what you establish for how you will face each day and how you will face circumstances as they occur.
Most people do not consciously establish their mindset. They let the "default setting" establish it for them, which is a mindset and attitude based on their feelings and emotions. This allows fear and doubt, anger and frustration, and all sorts negative feelings to rule them and to color their decisions and their will-power. This cannot help but weaken your diabetes control, your diet, your blood-sugar testing and so on. Which leads to poorer control, which feeds your negative feelings about your diabetes, which leads to an even more negative attitude and worse diabetes control.
There is a way out of this mess. You don't have to stay trapped in the negativity cycle.
If you have let the default setting of feelings and emotions determine your attitude, you can re-establish a new attitude for better diabetes control. In fact, you can re-establish a new attitude for a better life all around. The keys to re-establishing a new attitude are first based on what I said before. You have far more control over your attitude than you do your feelings and emotions. Learn to separate feelings from thoughts. Feelings are in your body, thoughts are objective, and in your mind. Thoughts are more propositional, that is, they can be expressed in an idea.
What thoughts should you think? Start with yourself. There is more to you as a human being than a mass of changeable and uncontrollable feelings. You have a heart, a soul. You have convictions. You have beliefs. You have desires and expectations from life.
Think about your convictions,beliefs, desires and expectations. Think less about what you feel than about what you believe and what you really want for your life. You will find your feelings have less and less rule over you as your conscious mind takes over.
Use this habit of mind over emotion to develop your new mindset and attitude. Your convictions, beliefs, desires and expectations can certainly focus into determination. Determination is one of the most important keys to your new attitude. Now start to apply this to your diabetes. You know what you need to do. In the past, you let your feelings be the motivation to do it. When your feelings were good, you did well, but when your feelings were low, you did poorly.
As you develop an attitude that does not take its orders from the feelings in your body but from the convictions of your heart and mind, your motivation will also change. You will overcome feelings and do what you need to do. You will still often "not feel like it", or even still feel some degree of fear, doubt, or discouragement. Recognize these things as feelings separate from your attitude. You have determined what you will do, and determined it on better things. So no matter how you feel you'll do what you have to do.
And the funny thing is, you'll feel better about doing it. As it turns out, feelings are more a response than the cause of things in your life. When things in your life start to turn around because of your new attitude, your feelings will tend to turn around as well.
Your whole disposition will brighten and your diabetes control will improve. All because you learned how to separate thoughts from feelings and live by what you believe instead of what you feel.
by Jaye Marno
Now, by "attitude" I do not mean your feelings and emotions. Feelings and emotions certainly do play a part in your attitude, and can even determine what your attitude is, but they are not the same thing. Your attitude is actually less subjective than your feelings and emotions. You have far more control over your attitude than you do your feelings and emotions. Attitude has more to do with your mindset. In fact, your attitude is your mindset. It's what you establish for how you will face each day and how you will face circumstances as they occur.
Most people do not consciously establish their mindset. They let the "default setting" establish it for them, which is a mindset and attitude based on their feelings and emotions. This allows fear and doubt, anger and frustration, and all sorts negative feelings to rule them and to color their decisions and their will-power. This cannot help but weaken your diabetes control, your diet, your blood-sugar testing and so on. Which leads to poorer control, which feeds your negative feelings about your diabetes, which leads to an even more negative attitude and worse diabetes control.
There is a way out of this mess. You don't have to stay trapped in the negativity cycle.
If you have let the default setting of feelings and emotions determine your attitude, you can re-establish a new attitude for better diabetes control. In fact, you can re-establish a new attitude for a better life all around. The keys to re-establishing a new attitude are first based on what I said before. You have far more control over your attitude than you do your feelings and emotions. Learn to separate feelings from thoughts. Feelings are in your body, thoughts are objective, and in your mind. Thoughts are more propositional, that is, they can be expressed in an idea.
What thoughts should you think? Start with yourself. There is more to you as a human being than a mass of changeable and uncontrollable feelings. You have a heart, a soul. You have convictions. You have beliefs. You have desires and expectations from life.
Think about your convictions,beliefs, desires and expectations. Think less about what you feel than about what you believe and what you really want for your life. You will find your feelings have less and less rule over you as your conscious mind takes over.
Use this habit of mind over emotion to develop your new mindset and attitude. Your convictions, beliefs, desires and expectations can certainly focus into determination. Determination is one of the most important keys to your new attitude. Now start to apply this to your diabetes. You know what you need to do. In the past, you let your feelings be the motivation to do it. When your feelings were good, you did well, but when your feelings were low, you did poorly.
As you develop an attitude that does not take its orders from the feelings in your body but from the convictions of your heart and mind, your motivation will also change. You will overcome feelings and do what you need to do. You will still often "not feel like it", or even still feel some degree of fear, doubt, or discouragement. Recognize these things as feelings separate from your attitude. You have determined what you will do, and determined it on better things. So no matter how you feel you'll do what you have to do.
And the funny thing is, you'll feel better about doing it. As it turns out, feelings are more a response than the cause of things in your life. When things in your life start to turn around because of your new attitude, your feelings will tend to turn around as well.
Your whole disposition will brighten and your diabetes control will improve. All because you learned how to separate thoughts from feelings and live by what you believe instead of what you feel.
by Jaye Marno
Solve Your Heartburn Problem Naturally
While we all get heartburn from time to time, it is important to understand that it is not something that should be occurring regularly or often!
Heartburn, which is also known as pyrosis, is essentially a burning sensation that results from gastic acid coming in contact with the sensitive lining of your esophagus. The pain might start just below the breastbone but it can often climb up to the neck, the throat or even the angle of your jaw depending on the strength of the issue. In many cases, it can cause a severe cough and in latter stages, it can even cause symptoms similar to those found in asthma. If you or someone that you love is afflicted with this condition, you need to look into what heartburn remedies are going to work for you Finding a good heartburn cure does not necessarily mean that you need to look into drugs or doctor's visits!
As you might guess, there are many people who are afflicted with heartburn and you will find that discovering a cure that really works for you might just be a matter of good observation and diligence. The truth of the matter is that everyone is different and the treatment and combination of strictures that work for you might be different from the ones that work on other people Take some time and consider what natural heartburn remedies you might want to look into.
The first type of heartburn cure that you need to look into might be some sort of diet restriction. According to some studies, as many as ninety percent of cases involving heartburn can be traced back to eating certain foods. While generally we can point to foods that are high in acid or that have been cooked with a lot of grease as being a source of discomfort, you may find that it is important to narrow it down for your own records. Start keeping a food diary of what you have eaten and how you feel afterwards. This can tell you what foods are safe and which ones needs to be avoided.
Another natural heartburn cure that you might want to look into involves sleeping at a slightly inclined angle, with your head raised slightly higher than your feet. This can actually help keep gastric acid from rising in your esophagus. While this position might be a little uncomfortable, you will find that it can still be a great help to you. Experiment with the angles that you can cope when it comes time to sleep and you will find that you might be able to improve your heartburn considerably.
by Federick Quaye
Heartburn, which is also known as pyrosis, is essentially a burning sensation that results from gastic acid coming in contact with the sensitive lining of your esophagus. The pain might start just below the breastbone but it can often climb up to the neck, the throat or even the angle of your jaw depending on the strength of the issue. In many cases, it can cause a severe cough and in latter stages, it can even cause symptoms similar to those found in asthma. If you or someone that you love is afflicted with this condition, you need to look into what heartburn remedies are going to work for you Finding a good heartburn cure does not necessarily mean that you need to look into drugs or doctor's visits!
As you might guess, there are many people who are afflicted with heartburn and you will find that discovering a cure that really works for you might just be a matter of good observation and diligence. The truth of the matter is that everyone is different and the treatment and combination of strictures that work for you might be different from the ones that work on other people Take some time and consider what natural heartburn remedies you might want to look into.
The first type of heartburn cure that you need to look into might be some sort of diet restriction. According to some studies, as many as ninety percent of cases involving heartburn can be traced back to eating certain foods. While generally we can point to foods that are high in acid or that have been cooked with a lot of grease as being a source of discomfort, you may find that it is important to narrow it down for your own records. Start keeping a food diary of what you have eaten and how you feel afterwards. This can tell you what foods are safe and which ones needs to be avoided.
Another natural heartburn cure that you might want to look into involves sleeping at a slightly inclined angle, with your head raised slightly higher than your feet. This can actually help keep gastric acid from rising in your esophagus. While this position might be a little uncomfortable, you will find that it can still be a great help to you. Experiment with the angles that you can cope when it comes time to sleep and you will find that you might be able to improve your heartburn considerably.
by Federick Quaye
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Signs and Symptoms of Concussions in Children and Post Concussion Syndrome
Traumatic head injuries and concussions don't always look so traumatic. A fast fall or a wallop on the head will bring screams and cries that get mummy running; but after a few hugs and kisses make the boo-boo go away, the injured child just picks themselves up and runs outside to play.
Unfortunately, not every bump on the head can be taken lightly.
Concussions in children are common and are often under-recognized. Without being able to recognize the signs and symptoms, you won't be able to recognize signs of post-concussion syndrome and recurring symptoms that could indicate a more serious neurological problem.
Because a concussion changes the nerves, blood flow and networking abilities of the brain, all signs and symptoms in children may not be visible at once. Some will experience numbness in certain areas of their body, others may not. Other signs might include sensitivity to light or a ringing in the ears. Although as an adult we might notice this difference in ourselves, it is likely that children aren't attune to such minute changes, or simply regard it as a minor annoyance and not worth mentioning. If you know ahead of time that sensitivity to light and dizziness are signs of a concussion, you will be better able to interrogate your child on what they are experiencing.
If your child has any signs or symptoms, keep them out of high-level physical activities (including sports) to let their brain reorganize itself - no matter how much they object. Their brain is worth fighting for.Other symptoms and signs of concussions in children are more readily recognizable. Any sign of vomiting, sudden fatigue, or amnesia indicates that the child has had a traumatic head injury and should be taken to the hospital room for an examination. Instinct tells mums that any display of lifelessness or unconsciousness means an emergency visit to the hospital.It is very common for symptoms of headaches, dizziness, and forgetfulness to occur even years after a concussion. There are many factors that determine the severity and effect of a head injury.
Monitoring the signs of head injury in your child will keep you informed of any changes in your child's neurological processing. If symptoms persist, follow-up with cognitive and neurological examinations. The signs and symptoms of concussions in children are not all black and white. Because children communicate differently than adults, parents must be able to ask specific questions regarding the signs and symptoms the child is experiencing after the head injury. Take the time to learn the signs and symptoms of concussions in children, even before your child's first head injury. A smart head can keep an injured head healthy.
by Katherine Nagy
Unfortunately, not every bump on the head can be taken lightly.
Concussions in children are common and are often under-recognized. Without being able to recognize the signs and symptoms, you won't be able to recognize signs of post-concussion syndrome and recurring symptoms that could indicate a more serious neurological problem.
Because a concussion changes the nerves, blood flow and networking abilities of the brain, all signs and symptoms in children may not be visible at once. Some will experience numbness in certain areas of their body, others may not. Other signs might include sensitivity to light or a ringing in the ears. Although as an adult we might notice this difference in ourselves, it is likely that children aren't attune to such minute changes, or simply regard it as a minor annoyance and not worth mentioning. If you know ahead of time that sensitivity to light and dizziness are signs of a concussion, you will be better able to interrogate your child on what they are experiencing.
If your child has any signs or symptoms, keep them out of high-level physical activities (including sports) to let their brain reorganize itself - no matter how much they object. Their brain is worth fighting for.Other symptoms and signs of concussions in children are more readily recognizable. Any sign of vomiting, sudden fatigue, or amnesia indicates that the child has had a traumatic head injury and should be taken to the hospital room for an examination. Instinct tells mums that any display of lifelessness or unconsciousness means an emergency visit to the hospital.It is very common for symptoms of headaches, dizziness, and forgetfulness to occur even years after a concussion. There are many factors that determine the severity and effect of a head injury.
Monitoring the signs of head injury in your child will keep you informed of any changes in your child's neurological processing. If symptoms persist, follow-up with cognitive and neurological examinations. The signs and symptoms of concussions in children are not all black and white. Because children communicate differently than adults, parents must be able to ask specific questions regarding the signs and symptoms the child is experiencing after the head injury. Take the time to learn the signs and symptoms of concussions in children, even before your child's first head injury. A smart head can keep an injured head healthy.
by Katherine Nagy
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