--Obesity Treatement

Obesity has risen to epic proportions in the US. Unfortunately, there is no typical treatment or medicine that would cure it within a short period. Numerous treatments for obesity have failed as more than medicines, diet control and exercise is needed. Many of the obese people were unable to follow these treatments and as a result suffered serious consequences.

However, there are other treatments of obesity to control weight that include either surgery such as the Lap-band surgery or a change in life style supported by medicines.

Various Treatments Of Obesity

Surgery

Lap-Band surgery is the most effective treatment for obesity. It has had its share of success and aims to reduce the size of the digestive tract so that a person does not feel as hungry as s/he ordinarily would. As a result they would consume less food that would lead to weight loss.

In contrast to this approach, a change in life style is needed, one that emphasizes on eating less and exercising more.

Medicines

Medicines are given to obese people to help them reduce their huge appetites. There are no serious side effects of such medicines and they simply lower the appetite level that leads to lesser consumption of food. New medicines are being worked out in this regard because of the research unearthing the action of enzymes and other chemicals in one’s appetite.

Two of the medications sold in the US are very effective for obesity. Though they are not known to be harmful to anyone, it is suggested that one adhere to doctor’s advice regarding dosage.

Sibutramine (Meridia)

It is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medicine for treating obesity. It is given to individuals whose weigh 30 pounds more than their normal weight. According to clinical data, obese people lost 5 to 10% weight using Meridia. It even helps to maintain the weight loss achieved by its use.

Meridian works on hunger pangs i.e. it is controls the hunger enzymes ensuring that the individual feels less hungry. This automatically results in less consumption of food.

One of the reported side effects of this medicine is high blood pressure. People taking anti-depressant medicines should also avoid Meridia.

Orlistat (Xenical)

It is also an FDA approved medicine prescribed for those whose weight is 30% more than what it should be. It can also be taken by people who have a BMI greater than 30.

It is known that that those who take Orlistat for about a year lose 13.4 pounds, on the average. This is almost 8 pounds more than one would lose using any ordinary diet. Orlistat works by absorbing fat from the intestinal tract. Side effects of this medication include diarrhea.

Some Other Medicines to Treat Obesity

Aside from the above mentioned medicines that are used to curtail appetite, there are others too. However these are not considered safe and non-prescribed usage is not advised. They are not FDA-approved, and therefore are sold illegal as well.
These medications include the following:

• "Phen-fen" and Redux
• Ephedra
• Phenylpropanolamine (PPA)

It should be remembered that the safest way to reduce obesity and eventually get rid of it means that one has to change his or her life style. This includes exercising more and eating less.

However, eating less is now supported by medications that curtail one’s appetite. As long as there are no serious side-effects, it is fine to go about losing weight and control obesity this way.

-- What Is Obesity

While every one wants to stay healthy and remain fit, yet they do not know exactly what to do to maintain good health. Very often there are people do not even know what they have to do in order to remain healthy. Some people believe that excessive eating can keep them in good shape and thus they eat as much as they can to be called healthy.

Due to this, people end up eating too much to remain healthy, not realizing that they may be consuming lots of the foods that are bad for them. The result of this overeating is obesity.

What is Obesity?

Obesity can be defined as, the condition of being obese or increased body weight caused by excessive accumulation of fat.

Obesity is a very unhealthy condition. This condition is marked by an excess amount of fat in the adipose tissues of the skin.

How Do You Become Obese?

Obesity is the result of eating too much of the wrong foods or eating well and not exercising enough. Eating too much and not exercising can have severe consequences. It can cause overweight or a severe condition known as obesity. It cannot be denied that exercise and a healthy diet go hand in hand.

If you have a big appetite but do not exercise regularly, there is every chance that you would become obese.

What Makes You Look Obese?

The amount of excessive fat in the body becomes evident after a short time. Waist line, thighs and arms are the main areas where fats deposits are visible. When one actually begins to take on a different style of walking that is really noticeable, it can be said that this individual is obese.

There are medical techniques too that can measure the amount of fat in skin as well determine obesity. However, it does not need a medical method to diagnose obesity. It becomes obvious when one’s figure is totally out of proportion.

Obesity & Overweight

A step or two lower than obesity is overweight. This condition also involves excessive weight gain. However, this situation is not as bad as obesity. It is because overweight can be controlled by cutting down on far and dieting. Exercise too is great help.

However, obesity is a very different situation and requires much more effort in order to reduce weight.

Estimating Your Health

Obesity is most apparent from the body structure and the measurement of an individual. Thus, obesity can be estimated from the exceeding waistlines and growing size of clothing. Keeping this in mind, health professionals advice that more than 40 inches or 102 cm for men is a sign of obesity. In women, waistline more than 35 inches or 88 cm is dangerous.

Obesity is not a healthy body condition. Growing weight and accumulating fat in the body can also cause dangerous health conditions like high blood pressure and heart problems. Thus, obesity is best avoided and exercise is recommended to stay fit.

--Mental Health

We Can Define Mental health as:

‘The successful performance of mental function, resulting in productive activities, fulfilling relationships with other people and the ability to adapt to change and cope with adversity; from early childhood until late life, mental health is the springboard of thinking and communications skills, learning, emotional growth, resilience and self-esteem.’

What Is Meant By Mental Health?

Emotional wellbeing, emotional welfare and balanced psychological health are some of the important terms which describe ‘mental health’.

Our state of mind or mental health is primarily influenced by the way we think and the way our brain processes. How we look at things and how we lead our lives is a major determining factor on our mental health. Apart from that, our past life and other physical factors as well as environment play a significant role in shaping our mental health. Mental health not only shapes our present but also determines our physical life and future over all health. Mental health can vary according to our circumstances and can change our life, in the same way as our physical health.

Mental health can be maintained by allowing your brain to think positively and keep an eye on how you are leading your life. It is also important to see which factors are shaping your personality and how they affect you. When you let your brain processes go askew and no longer care about the positive and negative matters your mental health is affected.

What Is Good Mental Health?

Good mental health is defined as a person’s ability to perform all his/her duties and fulfill a number of tasks, functions and activities of his/her daily routine life.

Good mental health is characterized by one’s:

• capability to feel, express and manage a range of positive and negative emotions.
• potential to maintain good relationships with others.
• ability to cope with and manage change and uncertainty.

How Is Good Mental Health Maintained?

Good mental health can be maintained by living a stress free life. A life which has its share of problems and worries yet, enables one to take them in stride and live a normal and adjusted life.

Only the absence of mental problems do not comprise of a good mental health. Good mental health also means that one does not let these problems and tribulations overcome the brain processes.
After countless researches, scientists have concluded that people who always seem to be in a good mood may have naturally higher levels of endorphins (types of hormone) and the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. These chemicals are released by the brain and make us feel good when we are enjoying ourselves or when something pleasant happens.

What Happens When Good Mental Health Is Not Maintained?

Due to any reason such as an illness or some unpleasant experience in life, mental health can get affected. Any normal person with good mental health can fall victim to mental health problems which result from a complex interaction of biological, social and psychological factors.

Mental health problems are among the most common of all health conditions, directly affecting about a quarter of the population in any one year. They range from short-term problems to serious long-term illnesses. These problems can seriously harm an individual and one may never regain the good mental health that one possessed earlier.

Some Tips To Maintain Good Mental Health

You can help keep yourself in good mental health by following these tips. These tips not only help you in maintaining a good mental health but you can also help others in maintaining a balanced mental health:

• talking about your feelings
• keeping active
• eating healthy
• drinking moderately
• keeping in touch with friends and loved ones
• asking for help when you need it
• taking a break
• doing something you are good at and enjoy
• accepting who you are
• caring for others

Mental health comprises not only of what is going on in your mind at one time but also encompasses of all the functions that you perform while you are conscious of them. Maintaining a sound mental health is very important to lead a normal and happy life.

--Keeping Allergies at Bay

Allergies can get the best of us, with some 36 million people being irritated just by grass and tree pollen every year. Allergy-proofing your home is the first and most important step in dealing with allergies. Medication can help treat allergy symptoms only after they strike, the best way to prevent allergies all together is to keep them out of the environment you live in.

At Home

• Keep windows closed and use air conditioning if you're allergic to pollen. The same applies when you are in the car.
• Filter the air by covering air conditioning vents with thin cloth to keep pollen away and use a high efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA).
• Clean air filters frequently. Also clean air ducts at least once a year.
• Keep the humidity in your house below 50% to prevent mold growth.
• Avoid areas where molds may collect, including basements, garages, crawl spaces, barns, and compost heaps.
• Install dehumidifiers in basements and other areas of the house where molds tend to collect.
• Air out damp clothes and shoes before storing.
• Don't collect indoor plants as soil encourages mold growth.
• Store firewood outside.
• Use plastic covers for pillows, mattresses, and box springs.
• Use synthetic non-allergenic pillows instead of feather pillows.
• Do not allow smoking inside the house.
• Vacuum twice a week.
• Use hardwood floors instead of carpeting, as carpets attract dust and mites.

Outdoors

• During pollination season minimize walks in wooded areas or gardens.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes as they can trigger asthma.
• Wear a mask while gardening, as flowers and weeds release pollen that can aggravating allergy symptoms.
• Avoid raking leaves or working with hay.
• Don't hang clothes or linens out to dry, as pollen and molds may collect in them.

--The Most Common Allergy

According to research, it has been determined that the most common allergy includes respiratory allergy. This may be in any form related to asthma. Generally, irritation through particular environmental factors can be blamed. Things like animal fur and pollen are the most common irritants.

Some of the other things that are likely to cause allergic reactions include:

Dust, dust mites, mold, cat and dog waste, and even foods. Foods that cause allergic reactions include: peanuts, milk and shellfish. Drugs too, such as penicillin, are known to cause reactions.

Respiratory Irritants:

There are few cases of animal matter causing allergies such as asthmatic reactions. However, asthma being one of the most common allergies may be caused by the presence of animals themselves.

To begin with, animal fur that is light and likely to fly causes a reaction. This is why there are many people who firmly believe that even keeping cats and dogs can cause asthma. Though there are arguments against such an assertion, it must be remembered that asthma can be agitated through animal fur. In addition to animal fur believed to be one of the chief causes of irritation, it is said that allergens on anim als can also cause severe reactions.

Allergies:

According to definition, an allergy is an undesired response to something. This may be a substance or an organism. However, in addition to this it is said that allergies are usually caused by protein substances, and that the body’s immune system reacts with these proteins. Based on this, it is said that the reaction one has with a substance is a disorder or not normal.

However, there seems to be a line drawn between this and asthma. Asthma that is believed to be the common allergy is triggered by other substances as well. This could be dust or other chemicals that are not necessarily protein based. They are purely irritants on their own account. Therefore, it cannot really be said that the definition fits here.

Respiratory Irritation:

Related to the asthmatic symptoms are respiratory disagreements that result because of reaction with things such as dust, dust mites, mold, and cat and dog fur. However, when respiratory irritation occurs sometimes it is due to protein substances. Normally, when an allergen enters our bodies, the immune system prepares to combat it.

Sometimes when the immune system is not prepared for it, what happens is that the allergen sets itself in. The only way to remove it is to use antibiotics. Through this means, antibiotics attack the allergen directly and cling to them. In cases where antibiotics are not needed, the body’s immune system uses its white blood cells against the allergen.

Aside from looking at common respiratory allergies on a chemical level, it must be asserted that there are other factors that influence allergies. This makes sense because of the fact that some people get affected while others don’t in a dusty environment or when pollen is around. It must be asserted that some people are more prone to being irritated in the presence of pollen because of hereditary characteristics. It is in their genes to react to certain stimulus as opposed to those that don’t.

--Importance of Walking

In an article titled, 'Stride with Pride', written by an anonymous author, one may read how important the simple exercise of walking is for all individuals. It is particular for today's generation of men as they seem to be in pursuit of a leisurely life as compared to their preceding generations.

Some of the most common and perhaps truly fruitful benefits of walking include its utility as an excellent form of transport. Walking makes an individual independent of all sorts of hassles and worries such as the rising prices of gas, public bus fares and traffic problems.

Walk Can Solve a Lot of Men's Health Problems

Walking not only helps in a better metabolism by leading to a good digestion system but also increases your appetite, thus contributing towards your better health.

Walking can solve one big issue associated with owning and keeping other transport such as a bike or even a car which is more than eliminated by walking.

Yet another benefit of walking for men is the relief one gets such as being stress free, as walking relieves an individual of most if not all the worries. In addition, the movement of limbs and arms certainly takes most of the pressure off the mind and body altogether which haunts the minds of men at all times.

Some Important Health Aspects of Walking

• Walking helps keeping weight in check. This is particularly good for men who work long hours and have jobs which involve sitting all day long
• Walking helps in better digestion of food. Thus, men who like to eat fried and heavy foods can compensate by walking regularly
• Walking is a good time to talk and catch up with friends. It not only contributes towards better health of men but also leads to some leisure time

This is aside from the numerous benefits including burning extra calories, feeling happier, feeling energetic and above all the tendency to move about at a faster pace than those who lead an unhealthy life style. Thus, it can be said, that walking is very important as it can solve many of men’s health problems without costing them much.

--Allergy Tips For All Seasons

The best way to keep an allergy at bay is to avoid any contact with whatever triggers your allergy. Avoid places where you know there are known allergens such as dust, dander or pollen. And if you ever get an allergy, it is always best to see a doctor and take care of it before it gets worse. Most treatments can only suppress an allergy, not cure them.

Most allergies are developed in early childhood and can last throughout one’s life, however, some people do tend to outgrow their allergies, but this is rare. Most allergies are seasonal in nature and come and go with each season. Here are a few seasonal tips for your allergies.

Winter Allergy Tips

In winter the air is usually clean and crisp, however it is also necessary to make sure that the air indoors is clean and allergy free as well.

• Make sure you keep warm in the winter, but remember to keep all firewood outdoors as molds can develop and give rise to your allergies.
• Keep all heating ducts and air filters clean, as dust and mites are inclined to grow here. Also make sure to change air filters on a monthly basis.
• If you have pets, make sure that they are washed and cleaned frequently. Also restrict their living areas, do not allow them into the bed room.
• Lastly, avoid going out in the extreme cold, as it can trigger an asthma attack. Keep your face, ears, and hands covered at all times outdoors.

Spring Allergy Tips

Spring can be an allergy sufferer’s nightmare. In spring, there is more moss and mold growth due to spring rains. The air is also filled with pollen, as new flowers, weeds and trees begin to blossom. In spring;

• Keep pollen under control by washing your bed covers every week in hot water. Also remember to take a shower daily when you come in from outdoors. Avoid spending lots of time in the garden.
• Make sure to vacuum and dust every week. Wear a mask and gloves while doing this so as to limit your exposure to any allergens or irritants.
• Also wash your rugs and carpets to reduce dusts or molds from forming.
• And finally remember to keep the air indoors clean by changing the air filters and vent coverings on a weekly basis.

Summer Allergy Tips

Summer can also be a very dangerous time for people with allergies. Protect yourself by;

• Staying indoors between 5 and 10 a.m., as that’s when pollen counts are usually at its highest. You can check the pollen count in your area by going online or calling your local allergy center.
• Not going out into the hot sun directly from an air conditioned room. Extreme temperature changes can bring on an asthma attack.
• Do not dry laundry outside as it tends to catch pollen.
• Avoid working in the garden without gloves and a mask and protect yourself from pollen, molds and mildew.
• Clear out any weeds or dandelion from the garden as they can trigger allergies.
• Also make sure to keep your pets clean during the summer, as they tend to play in the yard and bring allergens back into the house. Either keep your pets’ outdoors at all times or make sure you clean and wash your pets before they come inside.

Autumn /Fall Allergy Tips

In autumn make sure that you;

• Wear a mask while raking the leaves, as the dust can trigger your allergies.
• Keep your air filters and dehumidifiers clean at all times. Wash them at least once a week to avoid molds.
• Also talk to your kids about their allergies. Fall is back to school time. Your kids should know from an early age what their allergies are and how to avoid them. Additionally speak to your child’s teacher and/or school nurse and inform them about any allergies you child may have.
• And as winter approaches make time to air dry your woolies in the warm sun to kill any dust mites or molds that could have formed in them.

--Relationship Of Body And Health

Generally speaking, a human body may be ranked into any of the three categories namely, being thin and wispy, athletic and muscular and a stout body which contains the entire extra loads of fat and calories showing up in the form of curves and bulges.

The first two, namely the thin and wispy and the athletic and muscular need little attention with respect to health issues as they are in pursuit of diets that more than make the figure they hold.

It is the third type, one that is generally round or stout that is worrisome, as it may hold numerous ailments within those layers of fat and body mass. As opposed to the beliefs of many people, it is the one kind of body structure that critically needs attention from the health perspective.

Healthy Eating To Maintain Relationship of Body and Health

To live a healthy and problem free life, it is necessary to have a balanced relationship between body and health. The only possible way to do this is to bring a change in one’s life style and remain healthy. Only health can save you from contracting various diseases and problems.

• To bring the bulging body mass and convert it into one that falls in the category of a healthy body include eating a diet of fresh and healthy foods and fruits at timely intervals.
• A regular exercise program that comprises of the simplest exercises of walking can be of tremendous assistance.
• The foods which one must avoid at all costs include foods that contain toxins, such as alcohol and caffeine. Apart from that, fatty foods and junk foods intake should be limited.

Though each body type has its particular demands, a regular and healthy diet of fruits and vegetables, juices and avoidance of toxic foods, junk foods, caffeine alcohol can serve to bring the average body back to a healthy shape. Not only this, but it will provide an individual a healthy mind and a healthy body and enable him to maintain a balanced relationship of body and health.

--Taking Care Of Heartburn

These days with people being so busy in their lives, following no dietary routine and irregular eating habits, heartburn has become a common ailment experienced by many people. There may be a number of reasons for heartburn but with proper care and balanced diet, it can be helped.

Heartburn occurs when the stomach acid comes back to the esophagus pipe, which carries food to the stomach and causes pain. The stomach acid helps in the digestion of food but due to the loosening of sphincter of esophagus, the stomach acid travels back and causes heartburn. It may be caused by a number or reasons. The esophagus does not contain the protective lining present in the stomach and thus pain is felt when it happens.

How Does Heartburn Take Place?

Various life styles and dietary factors are the reasons which allow the stomach acid to retreat into the esophagus sphincter causing heartburn. They are:

• The increased amount of acid produced in the body
• The increasing pressure on stomach that allows the acid to flow back
• Making esophagus sensitive to acid
• Eating greasy or non healthy foods that take time in digesting and cause heartburn
• Eating too many citrus fruits and eating foods full of acid such as garlic and raw onions, vinegar and spicy foods.
• Eating immediately before going to sleep
• Taking certain medications that have side effects which causes heartburn
• Being over weight and obese
• Smoking too much or eating too much tobacco
• Hectic lifestyle with no time for relaxation or rest

Taking Care of Heartburn

Taking care of heartburn is necessary. If proper care and treatment is not taken on time, it may complicate matters causing further complications.

Some of the ways for taking care of heartburn are:

• Healthy diet should be taken. Greasy and fatty foods such as deep fried and high cholesterol foods should be avoided
• Too much alcohol or colas should be avoided, instead green tea should be taken
• Foods should be eaten boiled or grilled, vegetables in raw or steamed form are good for heartburn
• Smoking should be limited or entirely avoided
• Food should be eaten some hours before going to bed. At night low fat and calorie food should be preferred
• The end of the bed, where you rest your head should be heightened a bit so as to ensure that the flow of acid does not reaches the esophagus
• Avoid too much spicy or fast foods
• Try to maintain a balanced weight as it also helps in preventing heartburn
• Wear loose clothing that does not put a pressure on your stomach

Taking care of heartburn is not easy as one has to watch their lifestyle as well as the diet that they ingest. However, it can be done with a little care and concentration on what you eat and drink.

--How Smoking Can Cause Heartburn

Smoking Can Cause Heartburn

---

Heartburn is a feeling of pain or sensation of burning in the chest and mainly caused by the indigestion of food. There are several other causes that may lead to heartburn, one of them being cigarette smoking. Smoking not only leads to blockage of windpipe due to smoke and acid but also leads to production of acid that leads to heartburn.

Heartburn Related To Smoking

Heartburn is experienced when the food reaches the stomach for digestion. However, due to some reasons, the acid that helps in the digestion come back into the esophagus and causes pain as the esophagus has no protective lining like stomach. The flow of stomach acid into the esophagus may be caused by a variety of reasons. Over eating and too much greasy food that takes a long time to digest may lead to heartburn.

Smoking can cause many problems and heartburn is one of them. The symptoms of heartburn include pain in the chest, sour taste in the back of the mouth and acid regurgitation. Too much smoking means too much inhalation of tobacco and thus, it blocks the windpipe and leads to heartburn. The effects of smoking on heartburn can be reversed by giving up smoking.

How Does Smoking Cause Heartburn?

• Saliva contains bicarbonate, a compound that helps in neutralizing the stomach acid. It has been found that smokers produce 50% less saliva than non smokers. Thus, its takes longer for esophagus to clear the acid in smokers and thus, they experience heartburn more than other people.
• Also due to smoking, the esophagus pipe is blocked and it takes more time for the food to reach the stomach which results in heartburn.
• Smoking also relaxes the ring around the esophagus that allows the stomach acid to come up and cause heartburn.

How to Avoid Heartburn Caused by Smoking

The only thing to do to avoid heartburn while you are smoking is to stop smoking. It has been found that people who limited smoking, experienced less heartburn. Thus, giving up smoking is the only way to avoid heartburn.

People who smoke very frequently are more likely to have heartburn rather than people who do not smoke. The only way to get rid of heartburn is to quit smoking and take a healthy diet.

--Heartburn Problems Due To Stress

Aciphex is the prescribed medicine to treat symptoms associated with heartburn and acid reflux disease. If it occurs on a regular basis and if left unchecked, the stomach acid that leads to heartburn and acid reflux disease can cause irreparable damage to the esophagus. It can cause extreme pain and burning sensation in the stomach after every meal.

Aciphex is a safe medicine if used properly. However, if use of Aciphex is not carried out carefully and proper instructions are not followed, it can result in some harmful effects. Harmful effects resulting from Aciphex may include side effects as well as reactions of over dosage.

Side Effects of Aciphex

Due to improper usage and ignoring the doctor's instruction regarding the use of medicine can result in side effects. The most common side effects of Aciphex include

Some Common Side Effects

• fever
• chills
• malaise
• neck rigidity
• photosensitivity reaction
• abdomen enlargement
• face edema
• hangover effect

Aciphex and Cardiovascular System

Hypertension, myocardial infarct, electrocardiogram abnormal, migraine, syncope, angina pectoris, palpitation, tachycardia, bradycardia or irregular heart beats, pulmonary embolus, chest pain and QTC prolongation and ventricular tachycardia may result due to side effect of Aciphex.

Aciphex and Digestive System

Bloody diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, dyspepsia, flatulence, constipation, dry mouth, eructation, gastroenteritis, rectal hemorrhage, cholelithiasis, mouth ulceration, stomatitis, dysphagia, cholecystitis, increased appetite, abnormal stools, colitis, esophagitis, glossitis, pancreatitis and proctitis can result.

Respiratory Disorders Due to Use of Aciphex

Dyspnea, asthma, laryngitis, hyperventilation, apnea and hypoventilation are a possibility.

Allergic Reaction from Aciphex

Allergic reaction includes itching, rash, difficulty in breathing, closing of throat, swelling of lips, tongue or face or hives due to use of Aciphex.

Serious side effects from Aciphex are rare. However in such cases stop taking Aciphex and seek emergency medical attention and talk to your doctor if you experience any of the problems mentioned above.

Over Dosage Reactions of Aciphex

Aciphex overdose reaction occurs when more than the recommended amount of medicine is taken which does not suit the body. Overdose reaction can occur when the body does not accept the drug.

Overdose of Aciphex is an extension of the side effects of Aciphex which include headache, drowsiness, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, rash, fatigue, cough and back pain. Other reactions include confusion, drowsiness, dry mouth, flushing, headache, nausea, rapid heartbeat, abnormal vision and sweating. In case of an Aciphex overdose, seek medical attention right away.

Over Dosage and Hypersensitivity

The main ingredient in Aciphex is raberprazole sodium, which is known for causing hypersensitivity in some people. Overdose of raberprazole may lead to hypersensitivity and allergic reaction.

In some people, Aciphex over dosage may lead to liver problem. It may also complicate matters if someone already has a liver problem.

The Most Common Signs of Overdose of Aciphex are

• Diarrhea
• Tremor
• Convulsion
• Coma

It may lead to irregular heart beats, either rapid or very slow heart beats. In some cases, overdose of Aciphex may also lead to abdominal pain as well as bleeding, as it works to control the production of stomach acid.

It may also affect the working of the endocrine glands leading to hyperthyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

Overdose reactions of Aciphex are not severe; however they can turn severe if not controlled on time. It is important that the patient is provided medical care immediately after symptoms of over dosage are noticed.

In my next post I will post about how smoking can cause Heartburn...!

--Eat Smartly For Better Health

Eating smart holds the key to live a better and healthy life. Eating smart not only means eating good food but also eating a variety of foods. Eating smart refers to identify specific steps to improve eating habits and managing your weight as well as adopting habits that make you live a healthier and longer life.

Planning Your Diet

To eat smart and achieve better health, you need to eat a variety of foods. It is important to eat foods of all kinds as each food provides specific nutrients that are necessary for good health. To maintain good health, all things should be taken in a balanced amount and eaten according to the needs of the body. To perform different functions, our body needs different food items which help it to function normally and in this context, we should eat smartly to achieve a better health.

Food Groups

Food stuff can be divided in 5 groups which provide different kinds of nutrition value needed to make a healthy diet.

Meat Group

It provides iron, zinc, proteins and vitamin B.

Vegetable Group

It contains vitamin C, A folate and fiber.

Fruit Group

It is the source of vitamin A, C, potassium, folate and fiber.

Milk Group

It provides calcium, protein, vitamin D and vitamin A.

Bread group

It is needed for carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin B.

How Much Food Should Be Taken?

A meal that contains all kinds of food stuffs can be called a balanced diet. A variety of everything should be there to make it a healthy diet. Proteins and calcium are very important for bones and muscles, while carbohydrates and vitamins are very necessary as they provide energy to the body. Proteins and calcium are the building blocks of the body and resist all kinds of illnesses if taken in proportion, while carbohydrates and minerals are the working force that give strength to body.

Things to Be Avoided

• Too much fatty foods
• Junk food should be avoided
• Use low quantity oil while cooking, try using vegetable oils like olive and canola

Tips to Eating Smart

• Start the day with breakfast
• Start meals with low calorie foods such as soups or salads
• Drink water through out the day and also before meals
• Use vegetables with meat
• Use cereals and whole grain foods to provide carbohydrates as they provide fuel to body
• Cook in non stick pots and pans as they need less oil and reduce risk of burning.
• Try to boil or bake food instead of frying.

In short, it can be said that eating smart is the only way along with exercise and activities to keep good health. Eating smart not only keeps one healthy but also provides one all the necessary ingredients to avoid different problems and illnesses.

--Essential Calories Required For You

Maintaining an ideal weight is a matter of calorie control as well as exercise. As a number of people do not get enough time to exercise, it is best to control ones weight by maintaining the calorie count. The most effective way to control your weight and stay healthy is to keep a track of what you eat and how much you eat.

Ideal Weight

The ideal weight of a person is best calculated by taking into consideration the structure of your body i.e. how tall you are and how much is your body mass such as bone and muscle and fat. To maintain optimum weight, more than 20-30% is enough. Achieving an ideal weight depends upon the intake of calories as well as the way they are utilized. Your ideal weight will depend on your height, thus, both height and weight should be in proportion to each other.

Calorie Intake

Maintaining the intake of calories is very important to have a healthy body. One should try to keep track of the foods they eat and the calories they consume. Different people with different jobs need different amount of calories depending upon the calorie usage. Your calorie in take should depend upon your body structure, age and the kind of work you do.

How to Calculate Your Ideal Weight

One can check if they have an ideal weight judging by their height and weight. Both should be in proportion to each other. People with short length should not be fat while people who are tall should not be too thin.

An alternative way to judge ones weight to know if it’s ideal is to calculate your body mass index (BMI). To calculate, divide your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared. The normal acceptable range of this measurement is 20.1 to 25.0 for men and 18.7 to 23.8 for women.

Calorie Counting

Calorie counting is the best way to maintain body weight. It does not necessarily mean to control ones calorie intake but how many calories one is consuming. One highly effective way of counting calories is to keep a track of what you eat. Write down what ever you eat and drink along with the amount of calories it contains and then add up the score. This is a good method to count the calorie intake.

How to Regulate Calorie Intake to Maintain Ideal Weight

Calorie intake can be regulated according to the body weight and the calories that one spends. A sensible food program should contain all food items as long as the over all calorie intake is according to the body needs. Foods rich in fats and sugar contain more calories than foods like rice or wheat. Foods light in calories but nutritious should be eaten more, especially when you are trying to loose weight. To maintain an ideal weight, it is necessary to keep a check on what you eat and know how many daily calories are needed for a better health.

It can be said that weight control and calorie count go hand in hand. If you want to have an ideal weight, calorie count should be properly monitored.

--Regular Physical Activity Improves Health

To reduce the risk of diseases and illnesses, regular physical activity is one of the most important things. Physical activity helps in maintaining a healthy physique, controlling weight and strengthening the muscles, bones and joints. However, physical activity should be carefully planned keeping in mind the age of the individual.

Any activity that includes physical movement of the body and helps to maintain fitness level can be referred as physical activity. Regular physical activity improves your health as it can help in prevention of diseases such as blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases.

It is not true that physical activity means all work and no play; it can be made interesting by introducing the activities you enjoy and can carry out easily. Physical activity should be planned on daily or regular basis.

Various Types of Physical Activity

Physical activity can be chosen according to your age and taste. It can be anything from swimming to cycling on a stationary bike. It can also be taking a long and brisk walk or lifting weights as well as playing games such as badminton or baseball.

Physical Activity in Daily Life

It is very convenient to follow a regular physical activity routine in your daily life. In can be adapted according to the environment in which you live.

At Home

• For people who stay at home, it is convenient and easy to work out. Exercise can be combined with other activities as well such as watching TV or talking on the phone.
• Do the housework yourself, instead of hiring others to do it.
• Take a short walk before every meal. Start with 5 to 10 minutes and work up to more.
• Take a short walk inside your house for getting or placing things.
• Take a short walk to nearby places or shops instead of driving.
• Walk the dog.

At Office

Try to avoid sitting on your seat all day long. Try to include some physical activity in your schedule or spent some time walking around.

• Stand while talking on the phone.
• Take stairs instead of elevators.
• Walk down to office instead of using the phone.
• Get off the bus at a block before yours and walk home.
• Take a walk during the lunch hour, before or after lunch.

How to Arrange Physical Activity

Physical activity can be arranged in form of play and recreation, which are also very important and beneficial for good health.

• Plan family outings and vacations that include activities such as swimming, hiking, cycling etc.
• When playing golf, walk instead of using the golf cart.
• Go to beach and talk a brisk walk.
• Engage in physical exercise while listening to your favorite music.
• Play games such as tennis and basketball.

Benefits of Physical Activity

• Physical activity reduces the risk of diseases such as heart stroke, diabetes and breast cancer.
• In economic terms it reduces the costs of health care, increased productivity and social environment.
• It reduces body weight, prevents obesity and reduces symptoms of depression.
• It helps in providing recreational enjoyment and reduces violence, thus enabling people to maintain peace and harmony in life.

To conclude, it can be said that to improve ones health and to stay fit, regular physical activity is very necessary. It not only helps you to stay healthy and improves your health but also provides recreational activity which is equally necessary for your mental health.

--Importance of Fitness In Health And Life.

Quality of life is the most important thing one can want from life. Good health combined with happiness helps us achieve a high quality of life. Fitness is what makes us achieve these things as quality of life is only attained by a healthy life and fitness makes a life healthy.

Fitness has been defined as:

‘Good physical condition, the condition of being suitable’

Fitness is just as important as good health. Moreover, it can be said that fitness correlates directly with our health. If we are not taking care of our bodies, we get sick. Only fitness can help us maintain good health. You can become fit by following some exercises and taking a healthy diet.

Physical fitness is a set of attributes a person has in regards to a person's ability to perform physical activities that require aerobic fitness, endurance, strength, or flexibility and is determined by a combination of regular activity and genetically inherited ability.

Working Your Way towards Fitness and a Better Health

If you possess a weak health or have been sitting around for a long time, you can not start with a full fitness routine. You will want to start slow and build your fitness level little by little. Doing too much at once may harm you instead of doing any good. If you try to do too much at first, you are likely to abandon it as it will leave you too sore or weak.

Maintaining yourself as fit or getting fit does necessarily mean attending a gym or working out in an aerobics studio. Choose an activity that you actually enjoy and you are more likely to continue with it and notice improvement in yourself. The easiest exercise that you can start with is walking every day. Walking is the best exercise you can do. It involves the entire body and you do not need any special equipment to walk.

The Purpose of Health and Fitness Tips

The main purpose of theses health and fitness tips is to help you in living a better and satisfied life. Without fitness and health, life can lose all of its joys and it can make one feel dejected and withdrawn. Full of health and fitness, you can enjoy your life and live it to the fullest.

With only a few days workout, you will feel a new life in yourself and more healthy. Fitness can be achieved with the simplest of programs which help you attaining better health.

How to Remain Fit and Healthy

• Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetable.
• Increase your protein intake such as fish, lean meats, low fat diary products and beans.
• Eat foods rich in fiber such as beans, cereals, potatoes, nuts and seeds, whole meal baked goods and fruits and veggies.
• Take in good quantities of mineral found in fish, fruits, vegetable and cereals.
• Reduce stress as it is one of the big hurdles on your way to fitness. Meditation, exercise and massages are good way to relieve stress.
• Eat small meals throughout the day rather than big meals and always eat your breakfast as it helps in speeding your metabolism leading to proper digestion.
• Plan an exercise routine for yourself. You can start with an easy to do plan for a short time and increase the time as you go on. It will help you to stay in shape as well as cut down excess calories, maintaining balanced weight.
• Stop the use of drug and try to quit smoking as it is very dangerous for you and those around you. Also, cut down on alcohol to one glass per day.
• Try to get some sunshine early in the morning as it provides vitamin D as it works with calcium and controls body fats.

Fitness is an important part of a healthy life. By making some change in your life style and eating habits, you can move towards fitness and in turn a happier life.

--Daily 30 Minutes Excercise For Better Health.

According to doctors and health practitioners, one should try to do at least 30 minutes of exercise daily in order to achieve good health. Exercise not only keeps us fit but also reduces the risk of many fatal diseases such as blood pressure and heart stroke. Exercise can be any form of physical activity such as walking, swimming or cycling.

Any activity that increases your heart rate and makes you slightly out of breath can be called exercise. Daily exercise can be a part of ones regular routine as well as something that one does in order to keep fit. Exercise can also be carried out in form of daily chores or any other activity that one likes.

In order to stay healthy and maintain better health, doctors recommend at least 30 minutes of daily exercise. 30 minutes is the minimum time to gain health benefits. However, one is not compelled to do all at once; it can be done in short periods with rest in between to avoid exertion.

Different Modes of Exercise

Exercise does not mean to exert yourself or forcefully do what you do not like. It can be an activity which you like and enjoy. It can range from walking to swimming to hiking or cycling. It can also be some household chore that you enjoy doing.

Exercise can be made more fun when it is carried out with some one else. A game of badmintonor tennis could be played with a partner giving a healthy exercise to both.

Benefits of Daily Exercise

Daily exercise, besides providing many benefits, saves one from many illnesses and problems. Giving 30 minutes to daily exercise can not only lead to better health but also provide a short period of peace and recreation.

• It helps in reducing weight.
• It helps in keeping stress and depression away, as it is a good way to work out.
• Helps in burning extra calories and fats.
• The risk of heart diseases and angina is reduced with the help of exercise. Exercise is good for heart muscles and reduces risk factor.
• Exercise helps in maintaining normal blood pressure and cholesterol level.
• Regular exercise helps to prevent osteoporosis in women and strengthens the bones.
• Regular exercise is very effective in reducing the chance of colon (bowel) cancer as well as breast cancer in women.
• For older people it helps in maintaining their balance, especially if they exercise regularly.

In short, taking at least 30 minutes out of your life for exercise is very necessary, as exercise helps in maintaining your health as well as prevents many other problems. However, exercise should be done keeping in mind the problems you have previously faced and follow limits.

--Best Treatement For Acne

What is the best treatment for acne?

Well that is a pretty simple question but not a very easy question to answer. The reason why we say this is because what might be the best treatment for acne for one person may not work at all for the next person.

Many people who suffer from acne fail to realize that the human body has its own chemistry. Each individuals body is unique and therefore the physiology, although basically the same, does have certain chemical differences. Once person may have a more acidic based system where as another person my have more of an alkaline chemistry.
Why do you think no two humans smell alike? Because of this difference in basic body chemistry it would be almost impossible to say what is the best treatment for acne? However, if you look at the question in terms of basic human health and basic human toxicity levels it is our firm belief that the best treatment for acne would be an all natural treatment.

Think about it. Most of the treatments for acne that are out there right now were created by pharmaceutical companies using chemicals to treat acne. What is interesting to me is the fact that most of the time the chemicals are cheaper to produce than an all natural remedy and there for there is more of a profit margin available to the pharmaceutical companies when they use a cheaper to produce chemical. What the pharmaceutical companies won't tell you is what the negative consequences of using the chemicals might be.

When is the last time any of you who suffer from acne took the time to research the Material Safety Data Sheet on the chemical that are found in your acne treatment? Well I took the liberty of investigating the two most popular chemicals used in the production of acne today.

Sorry to be the one to tell you this, but I do not think there is any way shape or form that these chemicals should ever be considered the best treatment for acne that is available. Chemicals are caustic in nature and by simply reading the contents label of the acne treatment product you should be able to decipher whether or not it would be a good idea to use or not to use that particular acne treatment product.

Just take a look at this: One of the more common chemicals used in so called "acne treatment products" is Sodium pyrithione. But check out the following information that I found about its toxicity to humans: Toxicity to humans, including carcinogenicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity, neurotoxicity, and acute toxicity. Or what about the most popular and most widely used acne treatment product; benzyl peroxide also spelled as benzoyl peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is highly flammable, explosive, toxic and a possible tumor promoter and may act as a mutagen, and should be handled with care.

Now granted, they take great pains to minimize this by mixing the chemicals but it still does not alleviate or remove the risks. So again I ask you; why would you put this on your face? Should these caustic chemicals really be considered as your best treatment for acne? I don't mean to scare you only inform you. The most dangerous person in the world today is an informed consumer. I want you to be dangerous but more importantly I want you to be healthy and acne free. Get informed. Get the information and then when you have all the facts make your own informed decision as to what the best treatment for acne for you is.

Remember doctors are trusted professionals who are there to advise you. Stop taking there word as gospel and question there motives and there recommendations. They are after all only human.

As I said, I still firmly believe that the best treatment for acne is an all natural treatment. During my research I did find a very effective all natural method that I myself have used. I am happy to report that I am now acne free. Considering that this all natural process and treatment works and the fact that it is all natural, you now know why I consider it to be the best treatment for acne available today.

--Smoking : Its Injurious To Health

It is known to everyone that cigarette smoking is harmful and addictive. But very few know the risks of cigarette addiction. Smoking inflicts body with many irreversible damages and reduces the human life span by 25 years.

Effects of Smoking on Body:


Heart : Smoking is the biggest risk factor for all heart diseases. It accelerates the process of fat deposition in the inner walls of arteries (atherosclerosis). It increases blood pressure and heart rate. Not only these, smoking increases tendency for the blood to clot. It reduces the capacity of a person to exercise. (Exercises always keep heart healthy).

Lungs : Smoking destroys small hairs present in upper parts of airways. In normal persons these hairs protect lungs from germs, dust and other harmful particles. When this natural cleaning system is damaged germs, dust, smoke and other harmful chemicals enter lungs causing infection, cough and lung cancer. The air sacs of lungs (alveoli) get permanently damaged causing difficulty in breathing.




Digestive system: Smoking causes heart burn ,delays healing of peptic ulcers, increases risk of crohn’s disease and formation of gall stones. It affects liver and increases chances of stomach cancer.

Legs: Smoking affects blood vessels of legs causing chronic pain in legs. This may further progress to cause gangrene of toes or feet.

Eyes: The sensitive blood vessels of eye are easily damaged by smoking. This causes blood shot appearance of eyes and itching. In heavy smokers it may lead to degeneration and loss of eyesight. Smokers are at an increased risk of cataracts.

Skin : Due to smoking the skin is deprived of oxygen and it loses its texture. An average smoker looks 5 years older than his healthy non smoking counterparts. The skin loses its healthy glow and takes on a yellowish-gray cast. The more cigarettes smoked, the worse skin will look. Wrinkles start appearing very quickly as smoking affects elastic tissues of skin.

Bones: It accelerates the process of osteoporosis

Cancer: Smoking causes cancer of lungs, larynx, oral cavity, pharynx, oesophagus and bladder. Tobacco smoke contains more than 60 substances which cause cancer. 87% lung cancer death occurs due to smoking.

Reproductive system: Smoking reduces fertility in both men and women.

In women: Smoking imbalances estrogen hormone in women. It causes dryness of vagina and reduces blood flow to genital organs. Women who smoke can get diseases of fallopian tubes and their egg production is affected. Smoking can cause abortion. It accelerates aging process and can cause early menopause.
The growth of baby retards when mother smokes in pregnancy. It affects the brain development of baby and reduces IQ. This happens even when mother is a passive smoker. The chances of miscarriage, premature birth and fetal death increase.

In men: Smoking impairs erections and can become a reason for erectile dysfunction. It also reduces sperm count and impairs sperm motility. But these are reversed after stopping smoking.

So quit smoking.
Quitting smoking has immediate as well as long-term benefits for you and your loved ones

--Eat Fats To Look Younger

If you think that cutting off all the fat from your diet is going to make you look better, think again..!!!

A move like that could age you faster instead. Your skin and hair needs fat in order to stay healthy. Radiant skin, healthy skin that glows from within is impossible if you do not eat enough fat in your diet. Strong, beautiful, healthy hair is impossible if you totally eliminate fat from your diet.

The crux of the matter is this. You need to eat fat in order to have healthy skin and hair. Healthy skin and healthy hair is beautiful.

The fat I'm talking about isn't the unhealthy, cholesterol-ridden fats you find around your steak or your bacon or the butter you might spread on your bread. I'm talking about healthy fats. The sort you would find in nuts and seeds, in cold pressed vegetable oils like olive oil and in olive fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines.

Looks like, Its Hard to believe?

Not if you look at the nutrients found in foods containing the good fats. Take cod liver Oil for example. That is taken as a supplement because of its vitamin D content. How about evening primrose Oil taken for its GLA or gamma-linolenic acid. A fatty acid that is used to build cell membranes. Both omega-3 and omega-6 fats work together to keep your skin soft and velvety. They help your skin stay hydrated.

Your body needs essential fatty acids.

EFAs help your body process the food to release the energy needed for your life processes. They are important in the transfer of oxygen in your body as well as the regulation of nutrients in and out of the cells among other things.

Your body in particular needs omega-3 fats.

Yes, you also need the omega-6 fats which are plentiful in your regular diet. Omega-6 fats are found in corn oil, safflower oil and canola oil. Omega-3 fats aren't that common in most diets. You can get the necessary omega-3 fats by eating walnuts and eating oily fish. Fish oils are rich in omega-3 fats too.

You should take olive oil.

Use that in your salads. It is rich in monosaturated fatty acids. It is rich in antioxidants like vitamin E. In fact, most vegetable oils contain vitamin E. Almond oil and wheatgerm oil are also rich sources of vitamin E.

Vitamin E is an anti-oxidant.

Anti-oxidants neutralize the free radicals that would otherwise damage your skin cells, aging you more quickly. Consuming nuts, seeds and oils that are rich in vitamin E protects you from the aging effect of these free radicals by neutralizing the free radicals before they can cause damage.

Some tips.

If your hair and skin is dry, you really should eat more nuts. Snack on walnuts and almonds. These would give your body the oils it needs for healthy hair and healthy skin. Look at dry skin. Wrinkles appear faster on dry skin. Dry skin looks older. Well hydrated, healthy skin looks younger. Which would you prefer?

--So Finally, If not much take it in small amount but its really necessary that you keep your diet balanced in this way..

Take Care..!!

--Some Exercise To Lose Calories.

• Kickboxing –

This activity burns a whopping 500 calories per hour and it’s different and fun. You can either choose to join a class at your local gym or buy a DVD and exercise in the privacy of your home.

• Dancing –

Modern dance and ballet burn 354 calories per hour. If these type of dances aren’t your style, check out exercise videos online. There are many that feature dancing and are loads of fun.

• Ride a Bike –

Have an old stationary bike sitting around? If you don’t, I bet you know someone who does. An hour on a bike will burn 400 calories in an hour, but if you ride at a hard pace, you can expect to burn up to 620 calories per hour.

• Racquetball –

If you’re a beginner, you’ll burn about 400 calories in an hour, but if you really get into the game, you can burn almost 600 calories.

• Roller Skate –

Have kids? Take them roller skating. No kids? Go and act like a kid yourself. Have a great time and burn 400 calories an hour.

• Skiing –

If you happen to live in a part of the country that gets plenty of snow, try your hand at cross-country skiing. One hour of skiing will burn a hefty 900 calories. You get great exercise, great calorie burn, and great scenery all in one shot.

• Shop Till You Drop –

When the weather gets bad and you can’t exercise outside, try the mall. If you walk along at a good pace (and don’t get sidetracked window shopping) you can burn 384 calories per hour. If your mall is big enough to have stairs, add in a flight or two to really kick up the calorie burn.

Finally,

Any of the above activities would be a great start toward burning calories. To keep from getting bored and to keep your body on its toes, alternate between the activities. With this list, you can be sure you are burning as many calories as possible and having fun at the same time.

--Try S.T.R.E.S.S to reduce Stress.

For those who get bogged down by continuous stress there is a key mantra that can never be forgotten. The idea is to fight stress with S. T. R. E. S. S.

Sleep

With workloads and work pressures on the rise, we tend to sometimes demand more from our body than it can give. Late nights in office and the habit of working hard and partying hard after that often leads to a situation where we do not get enough sleep. What we do not realize is that this is a never ending spiral that we get into and overwork and lack of sleep leads to further stress. This stress reduces our capability of performing optimally and therefore leads to a situation where we need to put in more time to accomplish the same task. A minimum of eight hours of sleep everyday ensures that we are well rested to take on the challenges of the next day without feeling fatigued, tired and irritated. Sleep also rejuvenates us and enables us to take on challenges without feeling pressurized, tense or stressed.

Treat Yourself

It is important that you pamper yourself to some extent. Your duty to yourself comes first. It is also a fact that is you are stressed out you shall not be able to contribute positively to your family, environment or the society in general. So take a break and do the things you like. Indulge in something that you normally think is not justified. Go for a long ride in the car or take a weekend off and watch only comedy movies on your home theatre.

Relax

This is probably the most important of the six elements. There is nothing in the world that is worth spoiling your health for. Understand that getting worked up and getting hyper will not lead you to any solution and that you need to learn to relax. While relaxing mentally is important, so is relaxing physically. Make an appointment for a salon and go for a long Ayurvedic massage. Book yourself in a resort close to home and free yourself from the cooking drudgery for some time. Meditation can also help you relax a lot – physically and mentally.

Eat Well

Stress weakens the immune system and the body becomes susceptible to pathogens. A healthy body can fight the attack of these pathogens only if it has been nourished properly. Make sure that you don’t stop consuming a balance diet due to stress. Ensure that you have a hearty breakfast and nutritious meals irrespective of how busy you may be. Grabbing a sandwich or a burger on the way to work is definitely not the most beneficial of things for your body. Just as the quality and quantity of food that you take in important, so is the manner in which you consume it. You should have your meals in a relaxed fashion and not while driving or on the move. Making meals a ritual with family also increases familial bonding.

Symbolic Clearance of Mind

If you have had a ‘power nap’ then you would know what it feels like to feel refreshed in a jiffy. People who are capable of power naps actually free their minds of any thought for ten minutes and wake up completely rejuvenated. Even though the term implies that the person is sleeping, a power nap may not be an actual state of sleeping as we know it. Meditation is another manner in which you can train yourself to free your mind of worries. Though meditation may seem though to start with, you can master the art of freeing your mind of all thought if you practice it sincerely and diligently. It is however important to note that the benefits of meditation may become obvious over the long term and therefore dedication and faith is required to be able to see it through.

Supercharge Yourself

When there are times when you know that you need to handle something urgent you can use the power of your mind to charge yourself. All that it requires is grit and a strong will power to make it work. Look at things from a positive angle and see how you feel energized to take things head and resolve issues.

--Jogging For Your Good Health.

Performing regular jogging gives better physical condition and other health benefits. Jogging also gives physical and mental pleasure.


THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF JOGGING :

Jogging on a regular basis give a distinct good effect upon the general health, provided it is not over-done. The effects are: * Jogging makes the heart stronger. It increases the capacity of the blood circulation and of the respiratory system. * It speeds up the digestive system and helps you get rid of digestive trouble. * It counteracts depression. * It increases the capacity to work and lead an active life. * Jogging makes you burn fat and thereby helps against over-weight. * If you suffer from poor appetite, jogging will improve your appetite. * Jogging will strengthens the muscles of your legs, hips and back. However you will not get very big muscles from jogging. * Jogging makes you sleep better.

THE PLEASURE OF JOGGING:

Jogging gives you physical and mental joy, provided you do not exhaust yourself. When jogging is done correctly, you will actually feel less tired when you have finished a tour than before you began. You get nice feelings in your muscles during the jogging and afterwards. You will feel the wind blowing around your body. You will hear the birds singing, the music of running water in the streams, or the sound of waves dashing towards the seashore. During the jogging you will also get a euphoric mental feeling after some time.

CLOTHES AND SHOES:

The type of clothes you were must be suited to the weather conditions. In warm weather, shorts and a t-shirt is enough. However, it may be useful to carry along an extra piece of clothe in a light back-pack if you run out on a long route, in case the weather aggravates. In colder weather you must add more layers of clothes. In either case, the requirements for the clothes are: You should use light and soft clothes without any sharp sutures, hard edges or massive folds. They should sit fairly close to your body, but not so close that you feel squeezed, trapped, or so that your movements are hindered.

The clothes should give good ventilation for moisture and sweat and perspiration through the fabric. The fabric should ideally hold water totally out from the outside, but this requirement is difficult to achieve together with the requirement of good ventilation. You should use fairly soft shoes, but with a good shape fitting the anatomical shape of your feet. The soles should easily bend during the normal movements of your feet, but support well against the ground. The underside of the sole should give friction against any type of grounds, so that you do not slide during jogging. The soles should buffer well against each impact from the ground.

JOGGING ROUTES AND SESSIONS :

Jogging may be performed in a lot of ways * Long distance jogging 6-20 km in a moderate speed on even roads or paths. * Short distance jogging 3-6 km in a high speed. * Jogging upwards in a steep terrain 3-4 km, in a speed adjusted to the steepness * Jogging in a hilly terrain with paths going both up an down 4-8 km It is advisable to vary the type of jogging from day to day. Then the jogging gets funnier and you get a variable type of training.

HOW TO PERFORM A JOGGING SESSION:

You should move slowly with little efforts the first few hundred meters to warm up your muscles. Then you gradually increase your muscular work and speed. When you have done half the route, you can take a speedy spurt using most of your capacity. If the route is long enough, you can take two or three spurts using nearly full capacity. The last hundred meters you gradually slow down again.

STRETCHING YOUR BODY BEFORE AND AFTER EACH SESSION:

It is advisable to stretch out both before and after each jogging session, and not only the muscles in your feet, but your whole body 2 minutes before and 3-4 minutes after the session. When stretching out do the following movements: * Bend forward and touch your toes. * Kneel down on one of your feet, and stretch the other out backwards. * Bend your body to both sides. * Stretch out an arm, grab something, and turn your body round so that your arm is bent backwards. * Shoot your abdomen foreword, so that your spinal column is stretched into a bow. * Place your hands behind your neck and stretch your arms backwards. Then twist your body to left and right, also bend to each side. After the jogging it is sometimes best to wait for some minutes before you stretch out, so that the worst tiredness has gone away first.

WHEN AND HOW OFTEN:

If jogging is the only sport activity done, a jogging session every second day is ideal. This is enough to give all the health benefits and increase your condition and endurance gradually, but without wearing yourself out. If you combine jogging by other types of sport activities, 2 times a week may be enough. You should not be too hungry before jogging, but it is not advisable to take a jogging session straight after a big meal. The time of the day does not matter, but your jogging should not be the first thing you do in the morning.


HOW TO BEGIN: If you are not accustomed to physical activity before you start jogging, it is advisable to consult a doctor before you start. You may have health issues that is not compatible with jogging activities, or that you must consider when doing your jogging. The first times, you should only jog on plain ground and only for 10 minutes. Then you can increase the time, distance and speed, and choose steeper and more difficult paths.

--Your Brain Also Needs Excercise Like Your Body.

Just like the rest of your body, your brain needs to be well-cared for in order to function at its highest level. For example, your memory will be sharper if you practice a daily regimen that includes a challenging cognitive workout. Your body and your brain will both benefit from a varied exercise routine. And, if you incorporate good nutritional habits, this also helps the brain to flourish. Here are some tips on how to challenge, exercise and feed your brain. Exercises for Good Brain Health: When most people think of exercise, they envision working out to keep their bodies physically fit and healthy. But the brain – so important to living a full life -- also needs an exercise regimen to stay agile and alert. What can you do to challenge your brain?: Activities like crossword puzzles, card games, reading, volunteering and Sudoku puzzles will stimulate thought and cause you to retain information and problem-solve. Even planning a vacation or attending a class will require the brain to process new information. More challenging activities might include mastering a foreign language, learning a new computer program or taking music lessons. Numerous computer programs and books feature “brain games” that will give you a systematic mental workout. Customizing these games optimizes the effectiveness. The key is to have differing levels of intensity and difficulty to keep the mind engaged and working. There are also simple exercises that don’t require a book, computer or even pen and paper. Try this: While waiting in line at the bank, count to 100 by factors of three. If that’s too easy, then go backward. Run through the multiplication and division tables in your head. Another easy brain stretch is to use your non-dominant hand while doing daily tasks. You might find this frustrating at first, but you will be amazed at the results. Whatever activities you choose, make sure that you have to work your brain, causing it to be used in non-routine ways. This stretching process will help create stronger memories that will provide for clearer overall thinking. Physical Exercise Benefits the Body and the Brain: Scientists used to believe that people were stuck with the brain they were born with – and that individuals naturally began to lose cognitive function as they aged. This thinking allowed people to accept memory loss as inevitable and believe that nothing could be done about it. However, new research shows that the brain constantly renews itself, giving hope to those with cognitive decline. Recent research also reveals that frequent physical exercise has a direct correlation to brain function. Exercise stimulates stem cells to grow new brain cells in the memory part of the brain. Enhancing blood flow to the brain increases the density and size of the brain’s capillaries, which in turn increases the amount of oxygen to the brain. The evidence is clear: Your body can get flabby from lack of movement and so can your brain. Studies show that a vigorous exercise program -- one that gets the heart pumping fast -- causes more blood flow to the brain, thereby providing the most benefits. However, any exercise is good, so take a walk, work in your garden, lift weights and generally just get moving. The more you do the better. Adding complexity to the exercise program, such as learning new dance steps, also helps the brain since it combines both physical and mental stimulation. So, you can help fine-tune your mental sharpness by varying your physical activities and by trying something new. Finally, it’s never too late to begin exercising. If you have trouble committing to a consistent workout program, then partner up with a spouse, family member or friend. You will be more apt to stick with a program if there is another person counting on you. Brain Foods for Better Health: Weight management and good nutrition are both essential to good health. In fact, new medical evidence indicates that a poor diet contributes to brain cell damage – so what you feed your body directly affects your brain. A “brain healthy” diet means low-fat, low cholesterol choices combined with an abundance of antioxidant foods. What’s good for you and what should you avoid? Eat fresh foods, rather than highly processed foods. Drink plenty of fluids (six 8 oz. glasses a day) and make sure that a good portion is water. Limit any caffeine and alcohol. Include colorful fruits and vegetables in your diet and strive for at least 4-5 servings daily. Choose foods such as kale, spinach, Brussels sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, broccoli, beets, red bell pepper, onion, corn, eggplant and dark green lettuces. Fruits with high antioxidant levels include prunes, raisins, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, plums, oranges, red grapes and cherries. In moderation, nuts – like almonds, pecans and walnuts -- can be a good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant. Lycopene increases the blood antioxidant capacity, so foods like tomatoes, tomato products and V8 juice are all good choices. Most people do not consume enough protein. Opt for proteins found in cold-water fish, like tuna, wild salmon, herring, trout, sardines and whitefish. Conversely reduce saturated fats – such as red meats and animal products, and replace these “bad fats” with the monounsaturated fats in olive, canola, sunflower, safflower and soybean oils. Decrease the intake of trans-fats (also called Trans fatty acids or hydrogenated vegetable oils) which are found in many processed foods. Avoid high glycemic or simple carbohydrate foods that are really just empty calories. Sodas, sweetened drinks, cakes, cookies and other sugary snacks will give you an initial energy boast, but they will cause your blood sugar to fall dramatically which places stress on the body. The goal is to have a healthier body and mind. Your brain will benefit from a well-balanced diet and improved food choices. When in doubt, choose fresh options, read the labels and consult with your physician or a nutritionist.

--Relieve Stress By Doing Excercise.

How do you handle stress? One of the best ways to handle stress is with exercise.

Life can get a bit crazy for all of us. Between work, relationships, and family pressures, we all have those days where we can get a bit overwhelmed. Yet all of this stress that builds up, is counterproductive towards a healthy lifestyle, as when we're stressed, that seems to be the time where we actually do the worst damage to our bodies!


We all have stressful days, and after a long, hard day, the last thing anybody wants to do is exercise. Yet, that's exactly what we should do! Getting in a good workout after a stressful day is a wonderful way not only to work off that stress, but also to keep up with your workout plan!

You may have heard of "Runner's High". Many times, strenuous exercise (for example, when running at a moderate-to-high level, and you have a hard time breathing) brings on a feeling of calmness and euphoria. Well, a study in 2004 by Georgia Tech found that Runner's High was likely triggered by a release of naturally produced body chemical, the endocannabinoid anandamide. The body produces this chemical to deal with prolonged stress and pain from strenuous exercise. So, when you have had a stressful day, a good workout actually causes your body to release chemicals that can relax and calm your mind!

Additionally, a new study confirms what many of already know: Regular exercise is one of the best ways to combat daily stress. Researchers at the University of Texas, Houston, asked 135 college students to fill out questionnaires to assess their daily stress loads as well as their moods, physical activity patterns and overall health. Those who reported exercising less often experienced 37 percent more physical symptoms and 21 percent more anxiety during periods of high stress than those who exercised more frequently. The results seem to show that vigorous exercise may have given the students a temporary respite from their problems, and helped them to rejuvenate themselves before they had to go back and deal with the pressure of daily stress.



So by working out even when you're stressed can help your mental game when you're trying to get motivated and stay committed to a fitness regime. The next time you want to skip a workout, you can look back and remember how good you felt the last time you worked out and tried to skip your daily workout - and why you're glad you didn't!