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Facial Masks are a refreshing treat that will help you to clean your pores, condition your skin, and feed your skin. They can also be very beneficial in reducing any buildup of sluggish cells deep within your skin. Masks make the skin softer, healthier, smoother and taut. Most masks are also very effective in healing blemishes. They are easy to make at home with typical kitchen ingredients.

Skin is vital but people very often do not take care of it. Your skin’s texture can appear more refined and your complexion much brighter with weekly facial treatments. Based on your skin type, here are some easy masks to try:

Dry Skin:
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon honey
1 tsp olive oil

Oily Skin:
1 tbs Plain Milk of Magnesia

Leave on until it dries and,rinse it off with lukewarm water.

For any skin type:
1tbs oatmeal
enough water to make a paste.

Most mask should be left on for no more than 15-20 minutes or until completely dry. Be sure to remember to apply to your neck and declote’ since they also can benefit from this treatment. If you have leftover mask after your facial, it will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week.

After your facial mask, don’t be surprise if your skin feels fresh and very soft. They gently refresh and exfoliate the skin, remove impurities, and reduce redness and swelling. If your skin is sensitive it may be best to test on a small patch of skin first to assess your skin’s reaction. You may want to wait 24 hours to see if there is a reaction.

As you can see, facial mask do not have to be complicated and made with hard to find ingredients. Many people also enjoy making their own facial masks from common fruits like bananas, avocados, papaya and even pineapple. When you decide to make your own facial masks, you are certain to benefit from soft dewy skin as well as see the effects of it later down the road.

Many herbs can help you maintain good health. If you are healthy, you will feel better in all areas. Herbs are like vitamins. Herbs are all natural so they will not harm you. On the market, you will find herbs of all sorts.

How are herbs used and what do they do?
Herbs are used for many reasons. Herbal teas are used to cleanse the digestive system, or overall internal body. Herbs are used as medicines, vitamins, supplements, etc. It depends on what you want to use the herbs for which ones you get. You will find herbal teas used to treat common colds as well. Herbs are available to help reduce wrinkles, or other aging features.

Some of the popular herbs include Kava-Kava. Kava is used to reduce anxiety. Kava will help you relax and sleep well. Another herb is Plum Flower. The herbs are used to treat people who suffer with various illnesses, including migraines, hypertension, cancers, heart disease, gastro intestine problems, common headaches and so on. Emperor is great for the souls who feel restless often. GUI-PI supplements are great for workaholics. The herbs work to nourish the mind. ELEUTHERO- supports the system by providing you with improved blood circulation. Gingko Biloba is a great herb that increases blood circulation. The herbs will help the lungs function proper, while distributing or promoting oxygen flow, which in turns produces freedom of blood flowing to the brain.

If you have difficulty with joints and muscles, which may be caused by arthritis, bursitis, or some other type of joint, muscle, or spinal disease you may find benefit from tea pills. Inflamed joints cause pain and swelling. You will find Joint specific tea inflammation pills that assist with relieving you of these symptoms. During mid-age you may take delight in the rejuvenating teas. The teas will help you feel good. On the market, you will find many helpful herbs that promote healthy aging.

One of the better herbs for those suffering with memory loss or forgetfulness is Ginkgo Biloba herbs that support healthy brain functions. Gingko Biloba designed to enhance mental alertness is a great herb as well.

How do I find more information about the herbs?
You can find all sorts of herbs you want at most Wal-Mart stores. Herbs are sold in malls, herbal stores, drug stores and so on. You will herbs online as well. It is good to check out the herbs online, since you will have additional details that help you to learn what herbs are used for. Just remember to ask your family doctor before you take herbs. Some medications work against herbs despite that the herbs come from natural resources.

How do I know herbs are safe for me to take?
Herbs are natural, so in most cases herbs are very good to take. Herbs rarely cause side effects like many other drugs sold. In some instances however, people have experienced side effects, which is cause is not clear.

This is why you should visit your doctor first before taking any herbs, over-the-counter meds, or vitamins. For the most part if you find the FDA approved herbs you may not experience side effects. Keep in mind though the FDA, US Government, Pharmaceutics and so on keep some herbs out of this country, since they have proven to cure certain diseases. The US is backed by greed, which enforces particular people to focus on month, rather than healthy people. For this reason you should decide at your own risk. Most importantly however, you want to consider the herbs and its purpose first.

Herbalife came out with the ideal breakfast! It is easy to make, tasty and what’s no less important, is healthy. Thinks about all the time you have to spend making yourself a decent breakfast, I’m not even talking about the energy of the very preparation and the time spent thinking about what to make. Herbalife, as usually, makes our life easier.

All you need is nutritional shake mix. You get to choose between four flavors: chocolate, wild berry, tropical fruit and vanilla. The cocktails you make can be standard and simple, but they can also be the fruit of your own imagination and creativity. For example, in order to make the vanilla shake, you need only : 2 big spoons of formula 1 (vanilla flavored powder), 250-500 mm of low cholesterol milk, 1 spoon of honey, ice (if you choose) and shade it all up in a mixer. Seems too easy? In less than five minutes you can present yourself with a nice, healthy drink. It is easy to digest in the morning, yet although the food seems relatively light; it would keep you full for a much longer time than a regular meal would.

The drink is full with vitamins, minerals and healthy herbs. It is a great breakfast that consists only 200 calories. You can add yogurts to the equation; you can chop all kind of fruits, use soya milk – then just throw it all into the mixer, and within a few minutes, a delicious breakfast is ready. Make your life healthier and easier. Now that it is so easy, everyone can do it! You can make a couple of different cocktail so all your family can enjoy something special that would keep you full until lunch. The drink actually contains the vitamins A, D, E, C, B1, B2, B3, B5 and many more. In short, it contains twice the vitamins serials have. Enjoy your breakfast, it’s not in vain called the most important meal of the day!

Few would argue that we’re a nation that’s enslaved to the pharmaceutical industry. Although “Big Pharm” has discovered life-saving drugs, we’ve been conditioned to depend upon synthetic pharmaceuticals to maintain our health – without always fully understanding the long-term repercussions of putting these chemicals into our bodies.

In contrast, herbal supplements utilize nature’s gift to help sustain our health and well-being. While herbal supplements can’t replace some of the Big Pharm drugs, with the proper regimen, they may help alleviate the need for them.

Something for Everyone

When it comes to herbal supplements, virtually everyone can reap health benefits. For example, optimally organic calcium formulas are great for pre- and post-menopausal women, since they help prevent bone loss while providing up to 75 trace minerals that can help fortify our bodies to fight off degenerative diseases. Similarly, a wide variety of natural herbal supplements can help support the immune system, protecting you from allergic reactions, colds, flu, and myriad infections. For centuries, ingredients in these supplements, such as goldenseal root, Echinacea angustifolia root, ginger root, and licorice root, have been recognized for their ability to promote healing

The natural ingredients in herbal supplements can also work to help prevent disease or promote recovery. For example, bilberry, eyebright, goldenseal root, cayenne, and raspberry leaves can help the eyes and sinuses, while pure green stevia can help stabilize blood sugar levels. Likewise, ginkgo biloba, gotu kola, fo-ti, ginseng, mung bean, and rosemary can help improve memory and brain function, while milk thistle, barberry root, wild yam root, cramp bark, fennel seed, catnip, and peppermint leaf can help keep the liver functioning optimally, so that it can more effectively cleanse your blood.

There are many other types of herbal supplements available on the market, including those that help cleanse your body of impurities, those that help balance your hormones, those that assist you in your weight loss efforts, and those that will help increase your energy level.

What to Look For

As with virtually all products, the quality of herbal supplements differs greatly from one supplier to the next. When you’re ready to purchase supplements, look for those that are all natural and 100 percent vegan-friendly. The herbs used should be wild crafted, and the supplier you choose should be conscious of every step of the production and distribution process. For example, make sure that the supplements you buy are never heated or denatured, and that they use a shipping carrier that does not irradiate or x-ray parcels. Doing so could denature the product, which is something you want to avoid.

Most of all, work with a company that understands your concerns and is as passionate about your health and well-being as you are. Their commitment to their herbal supplements will be unsurpassed, and you’ll truly achieve the sense of harmony that comes from knowing that you are an active, involved participant in your wellness.

The very concept of herbal stress management, reveals one fact – inevitability. Well, come back to Nature! Man, you have no other alternative!

Many individuals and institutions have taken up to the herbal path for stress management, with remarkable success.

Well, there is none without stress today! But the management of stress skills may be different.

A major avalanche starts with minor disturbances! Similarly a minor symptom, which you are likely to ignore, might be the cause of a major stress in the offing! Be vigilant and act well in time. Prolonged stress is nothing but a serious disease. A person with stress cannot give his best output in any area of activity. You could not derive joy in your day-to-day activities. You would not feel like participating in social activities and functions. You may take to smoking, drinking and even drugs in your efforts to get over stress, but in reality you know well that the remedy is worst than the disease.

A fit, healthy body and a cheerful mind are the assets of an individual. The positive qualities of life come to the forefront again. Try to know and practice correctly the time-tested relaxation techniques: breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, sincere prayers, listen or practice music, read a good novel, participate in a social or spiritual program, talk to the people with whom you enjoy talking, view a humorous TV episode, and the list can go on and on…Nature has created many avenues to enable you top manage the stress in the most natural way-the herbal way!

My dear sir, when was it that you had a laughter session? Did it cost anything? Laugh, to your heart’s content! Laugh without any reason! You will feel your nerves giving up tension.

Are you disciplined? Do you have a fixed time in going to bed and getting up? These are not unimportant matters. Whose cause you are serving by watching the late night movies and going to bed at 1:00 PM. Your family doctor’s?

Remember the golden rule: Regular exercise and healthy diet! And if you don’t follow the rules, please do not brag that you have undergone a herbal stress management course. Yours is only verbal stress management!

Most of us want fast results when we are sick and miserable. Typically people buy non-prescription drugs over the counter because they don’t know there are other treatments available. For many health conditions using herbal remedies derived from plants is a healthy alternative. It is best to plan ahead and learn which herbal remedies may work for a specific health condition.

The following list of common herbs is an example of possible health benefits for treating some ailments. Herbal remedies are prepared in many forms such as teas, herbal extracts (tinctures), capsules or loose/dried in a bag.

Chamomile

This herb is popular as a tea and can calm nerves, relieve stomach distress, prevent ulcers, and help fight infection. Chamomile may be used to relieve morning sickness during pregnancy, to treat gastritis and ulcerative colitis, and may be used to speed healing of skin ulcers, wounds, or burns.

Dong Quia

Dong quai has been used in Asia for thousands of years as a tonic for the female reproductive system. It also balances and strengthens the female organs and regulates their functions.

Feverfew

Several studies confirm feverfew’s value in preventing migraines. Feverfew may be used as an anti-inflammatory for relief of arthritis, to relieve some types of menstrual problems, and as a digestive aid.

Garlic

More than 1,000 scientific studies have shown health benefits of garlic. Garlic has been used as protection against colds and flu. In addition, garlic may help lower cholesterol, prevent blood clots, reduce blood pressure and protect against bacterial and fungal infections. Studies have shown that garlic may have a positive role in the prevention of coronary heart disease, thrombosis and arteriosclerosis.

Ginger

Ginger has been used for centuries to control nausea and for reducing inflammation.

Goldenseal

Goldenseal is found in popular herbal blends for relieving intestinal and gallbladder inflammation. It also has been used to soothe inflamed or infected mucous membranes. Goldenseal may be used to reduce colds, flu and other respiratory infections especially at the beginning of infection. Goldenseal has both anti-infective and immune-system stimulating properties that may shorten the course of the illness.

Licorice

Licorice is an important herb for treating a host of ailments. It may help as an anti-inflammatory and to soothe stomach upset and control coughs. Licorice Root has properties similar to cortisone and estrogen. It stimulates the adrenal glands and may help the body cope with stress.

Peppermint

Peppermint oil calms the stomach, the intestinal tract, and the nervous system. It can also reduce the inflammation of nasal passages and relieve muscle pains.

SAFETY

Herbal remedies may be safer and have fewer side effects than prescription medicines. Always read the label and use only the recommended dosage. Do not take any herbs during pregnancy — check with your doctor first. If you are currently taking any prescription medicines always check with your doctor before using herbal remedies or before starting any health supplement program.

Herbs are a healthy alternative for treating many health conditions. Read and save articles like this in a small notebook and create your own research library with health benefits of each herb. There are many resources available online that outline specific health conditions and recommend herbs.

Herbs can be purchased online or at local health food stores. In addition, for treating specific health conditions, you may want to work with a naturopath or an acupuncturist.

HEPA Vacuum Cleaners offer the extra protection that our families need in today’s modern world. As the amount of chemicals used in the everyday cleaners and other products we encounter makes us more sensitive to the presence of allergens, the importance of HEPA vacuum cleaners is only set to increase. For your family’s protection, HEPA filter vacuum cleaners are a necessity in the modern home.

While we might sometimes think that the daily vacuum chore might be the death of us, the truth is that the cleaners we use in our homes do have the power to protect our health. HEPA vacuum cleaners employ advanced technology to help rid the environment we live in of the dust mites and other dangerous particles that can cause allergic reactions in the people that we love, especially children, the elderly or those predisposed to respiratory inflammation. The simple use of vacuum filters, HEPA technology built in, allows us to make the household vacuum a more healthful act.

HEPA vacuum cleaners, or high efficiency particulate arresting vacuum cleaners, utilize technology developed by the government as long ago as the 1950s, when HEPA technology was the only thing that protected service men and women from radioactive particles. With HEPA filter vacuum cleaners, this powerful technology is available to you, helping ensure that your home environment if offers the safe vacuum your family deserves.

Removing 99.7 per cent of particles from your home, vacuum filters HEPA are clearly a powerful tool. Thankfully, a wide variety of vacuum manufacturers have recognized the importance of HEPA vacuum cleaners and have made a great selection available to the consumer. While vacuum cleaner manufacturers do yet include HEPA technology as standard in their vacuum cleaners, HEPA filter vacuum cleaners are easy to find.

Whether you have allergy sufferers in your home, or simply care about offering your family the safest vacuum possible, then HEPA vacuum cleaners are right for your household. Now the vacuum chore is no longer just part of the daily grind, with HEPA vacuum cleaners, it becomes a real labor of love.

To keep your cat healthy a majority of time, all you really need to do is give him good shelter, food, and plenty of water. Like other living things however, cats can get sick from time to time no matter what you do.

As a cat owner, you’ll want to ensure that you feed your cat only the best. Premium cat food is the ideal for cats, as the food is designed to keep your pet happy and healthy. You’ll also need to pay attention to his behavior, so you’ll know when he’s sick and when to take him to the vet. Most of the more common ailments and sicknesses are minor, although there are some cases where a vet can be the determining factor between life and death for your cat.

Your cat’s behavior will be one of the most critical factors when you are trying to determine whether or not he is under the weather. Acting sluggish, laying around all the time, lack of energy and not eating are all signs that you need to take him to the vet immediately. His coat is also a good thing to watch as well. If you notice his coat dull and patchy or notice him shedding abnormally, you should contact your vet as soon as you possibly can.

Diarrhea and vomiting are sometimes common, even with basic sickness. On the other hand, if your cat seems to be doing either one of the two for more than a day, you should contact your veterinarian. Coughing is common as well, simply because coughing will cats dislodge hairballs. If your cat seems to be coughing for another reason, you should have him checked out as soon as possible.

To ensure that your cat isn’t subjected to various diseases, you should always make sure that he stays up do date with his vaccinations. There are several diseases out there that require vaccinations, including rabies and feline distemper. Feline distemper is one of most devastating diseases a cat can get, yet it is also one of the easiest to prevent as well. The disease strikes cats very fast, and leaves you as an own very little time to seek treatment.

Feline leukemia is another disease that is very deadly, yet can be prevented early on with the proper vaccinations. Although the disease isn’t possible for humans to contract, it can be spread quickly among cats. There are vaccinations that can treat the disease these days, although you’ll still want to be careful and not expose other cats around a cat you know has feline leukemia.

Another problem, which is very common with cats that stay outdoors, is worms. Cats that have worms will normally have a lackluster coat and little to no appetite. There are several different types of worms, including ringworm and hookworm. Worms can come from fleas, lice, or even the organs of dead rodents that cats consume. Normally, the cat will digest the eggs which will later mature and attach themselves to the walls of the intestines. If you feed your cat garlic frequently during feedings, it can help to protect him against worms.

If you take care of your cat, chances are you’ll keep him healthy for years to come. You should always make sure he has quality food, and doesn’t miss any of his scheduled checkups with the vet. If he gets the proper vaccinations when he is required to get them, he should be safe against numerous pests and diseases. Taking the proper steps with your cat now will prevent anything from happening in the future.

Wouldn’t it be great if we could go to a fountain of youth and stay young forever? Yet, we all have to face the fact of getting old, since it’s a part of life. We have nil control over aging, since each year, you will get older on your birthday. Until we are no longer, able to be here on earth we have to work to have a degree of control over healthy aging. Nevertheless, you have choices, which include some of the things you can do to help you feel younger. Do you recall that saying you are only as old as you feel? If so then take care of yourself so that you will feel younger than you are.

What are some of the things I can do to feel younger?
You have several choices, which includes exercise and diet. This will make you feel a lot better as you start aging. You have to eat three meals a day, which your family doctor can help you decide on the right diet for you. Then while you are at the doctors you might want to ask him/her what kind of exercises you can do.

Walking is a good exercise to do, but swimming is the best exercise that you can do as long as you swim in fresh water not a pool. The bleach in the water isn’t good for you. Swimming pools are great however, since you can keep them as clean as you wish, providing you have your own pool. Remember when you start out exercising, take it slow and be careful so you do not harm your self. You can also take vitamins to help you as well. Vitamins will help the boost your mood. Vitamins will supply ingredients that boost your energy so that you can do what you want to do in life. You want to stay active to live in healthy aging. Some people are too busy to incorporate activities into their life to keep them healthy. Don’t let this be you.

Socialize with people and visit different places, doing things that you have not done but always wanted to do in life can help. Perhaps you can take a trip to Paris or England.

What are some of the things I need to stay way from?
Some of the things you may want to stay from are unwarranted stress. Stress will wear you down. Stress can affect your health, which in turn you feel ill. In fact, unwarranted stress is not good for the heart. Stress will make you feel depressed also, which shows stress is not good for the mind.

Depression is not good for you either this is another thing you will want to stay away from if you are equipped to avoid it. You will want to stay away from people that will bring you down in life. You need someone that will help uplift you, not wear you down.

Remember when you want to stay younger you have to stay healthy in order to do that you have to exercise, eat right and stay as active as you can. Adhering to the golden rules will help you to maintain and be healthy. Also, remember to visit your family doctor before starting diets, exercise or taking supplements and vitamins. If you rely on over-the-counter medicines to treat colds, consult with your doctor first. What you take may be what costs your life later.

Some over-the-counter medications are responsible for increasing the risks of heart disease, prostate cancer and so on. In fact, some supplements are responsible for these illnesses as well.

If you, or a family member, received a kitten as a Christmas present there are many things you need to think about.

It is essential that you take the time to really consider whether or not you should neuter your cat. Because there are so many strays and so few homes for them, it is wise to really take the time to make sure that if you are going to keep your pet natural that you should keep him from reproducing.

Many of the feral cats out there are those that pet owners released simply because they could no longer care for them. A colony of them can easily spread diseases to pet cats and even dogs. Even when they are healthy they are often infested with fleas. Females that are in heat the colony of cats can cause quite a disturbance with all the crying and even fighting. Cats that are hungry can get into trash cans, ruin furniture on your patio and dig in soil in your flower beds.

Cats in heat often cause a lot of trouble and noise. Neutering or spraying cats can help to prevent many things including this. Female house cat in heat can pitifully mew at the door and then cats throughout the neighborhood will soon chime in. Cats that are not neutered have a tendency to ram far from home and they are likely to spray everything in their path.

These cats are also likely to get certain types of cancers as well. The cancers of the reproductive organs are very rare in cats that have been fixed. Unaltered cats can also develop several contagious reproductive diseases.

But, if you do have your cat altered, there are some down notes to take note of. For example, cats that are altered can compete in the show ring but even if he wins the championship he can not reproduce for you.

The humane society will alter kittens as young as eight weeks of age. Most vets will agree that it is healthier to do this to kittens at five to six months, though. If they are feral kittens how are trapped to be altered and then released back they can be done earlier.

Female kittens have a harder time with neutering than males do. Males can handle it at a younger age, then and you can wait until they are six months old to neuter your females.

Most cats have no problems with neutering but sometimes they can develop an infection for the incision. It is important to check the cat daily to insure that it is doing well with it. If the cat licks and chews at the stitches you’ll need to have the vet put on a surgery collar to keep the cat from reaching them. Female cats need to be confined indoors for up to five days after having the surgery.

Neutering your cat can keep the pet population under control. It will not necessary do anything to the cat’s temperament and it will not be a cruel event to the animal. It can be the responsible thing to do.

Childhood obesity poses a serious threat to children and adolescents, and unfortunately, it can happen to any child. Being overweight as a child can lead to many problems socially and health-wise. Obesity can cause serious health problems such as heart disease or diabetes. Children who are obese from a young age may also develop poor habits that can affect their health and self-esteem for a lifetime.

One way you can fight back against childhood obesity is to start your own children’s fitness business. Children’s fitness is one of the key elements to preventing obesity in children. With a children’s fitness business, you can use tools and proven strategies to help your own children and well as others to overcome the battle at a young age.

Types of Children’s Fitness Businesses

There are many types of businesses related to children’s fitness. Some involve very young children, such as preschool fitness (or preschool P.E.), which helps children develop healthy fitness habits at a very young age. Other businesses focus on older children or teens. A children’s fitness business may include offering preschool fitness DVDs with exercise illustrations and fun music to spark activity. Other business opportunities may include toys or age-appropriate exercise equipment, books, or sports.

With your children’s fitness business, you can provide whole exercise programs for preschools, daycare centers, churches, and other organizations to help combat childhood obesity. You can even provide helpful resources to other parents individually, all while earning a lucrative income.

Benefits for Preschoolers

Preschool exercises are designed to help kids in this age group to be active doing fun activities. Preschoolers (ages 2 to 5) tend to have a short attention span, so the activities are designed to keep their attention. It’s so fun, they don’t think of it as “exercise.” Preschool exercise also helps kids develop good exercise habits early on in life. You can offer materials, books, music CDs, or DVDs illustrating how to warm-up, stretch, do aerobics to strengthen their hearts and lungs, strengthen their muscles, cool down, and stretch. Some programs combine exercise, dance, gymnastics, and tips about healthy eating throughout the classes.

You might also want to conduct preschool exercise classes yourself as part of your children’s fitness business. It’s a wonderful opportunity to be a positive influence on kids in your community while earning revenue.

Look for Franchise Opportunities

The easiest way to start your own children’s fitness business is to seek franchise opportunities in this field. With a franchise, you’ll pay start-up costs to receive all the materials needed for your business, either one time or for an ongoing basis. You won’t have to start from scratch, making up your own exercises, DVDs, music CDs, and so forth. A franchise will save much time and allow you to get started with your business right away.

A children’s fitness business will give you the tools and guidance needed to help your own child or someone else’s lead a more active, healthier life. Use online resources today to discover how you can join the fight against childhood obesity with your own business!

Imagine walking 5 miles in 3 inch Stilettos? If you have every walked long distance in high heels or uncomfortable shoes, this can have damaging affects on the foot of the wearer as well as on their muscles. Many people fail to realize that when you where uncomfortable shoes and you walk long distances this can affect the knees if not right away, it will eventually catch up to the person. A young person, who can walk miles at a time in heels or uncomfortable shoes, will suffer some pain when they are finished their fashion hike. They may not realize that this could also affect their foot health in years to come. Corns and bunions are just the beginning of their pain.

For the woman who craves high heels can experience several injuries to the foot including hammer toes and stress fractures not to mention sore feet. Squared toe fashion can is better to wear because of the natural curve of the toes. Low heeled shoes with thickness will cause less damage to the foot. The only draw back is these types of shoes may be recommended for the foot but is damaging to the knees. Thicker shoe soles have a shock absorbent and put less pressure on one’s foot. The upper fabric of a persons shoe should made from leather or a microfiber. This allows the foot more room to move its toes around, and will not constrict the foot if swelling occurs.

Being that heels are necessary, they should not be worn daily. Flat or low heal shoes can be very fashionable if worn with the right garments. Many women who take public transportation into work wear sneakers and when they get into the office where they do less walking, they put on their high heels as a fashion statement. When it’s time for them to return home, they place their sneakers back on for total comfort.

After wearing heels, a woman should definitely soak their feet at night, even if their feet are not swollen or hurting. Soaking the feet in warm (not hot) water with shower gel or bath oils will help relieve tension in the feet. Another activity that is very helpful and should be done is mild foot massages. Last but certainly not least is getting a pedicure professionally. A professional pedicure will not only help relieve tension in the feet but it relaxes the entire body.

One of the most devastating parasites which may threaten your Pit Bull is the heartworm. These nasty creatures can linger in your pet for years before dealing a death blow to your Pit Bull. Heartworms are treatable, but it is best to use a protective stance rather than wait for infection to occur.

This disease is not spread from pet to pet via contact, but by another nasty creature we all know as the mosquito. The mosquito is a necessary link in the transfer of the disease. The number of dogs infected with heartworms always increases during the height of mosquito season. Long mosquito seasons will increase the rate of infections rapidly.

Once heartworms are transmitted by the mosquito into the dog’s blood stream, they travel through the blood into the heart and the major pulmonary blood vessels. The heartworms are in the immature stage and are called microfilaria.

Upon arriving in the heart, the microfilaria will set up residence and grow into adult heartworms. These fully grown parasites cause heart blockage and damage to surrounding tissues by clogging the heart and the major blood vessels leading from the heart. Adult heartworms will also interfere with the valve action within the heart.

When the heart and main blood vessels get clogged, the blood flow to other critical organs is reduced, which can cause problems for the liver, kidneys and lungs, resulting in organ failure.

Most dogs which are infected with heartworms will not show any outward signs of disease for as long as up to two years. Sadly, by the time the disease starts to show signs in the dog, it is in the advanced stage. These signs depend on several factors, such as the number of adult worms and microfilariae present, as well as their location. The length of time the infection has been present, and the amount of damage already done to the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys are all essential factors.

Signs of Heartworm Infestation

The most obvious outward signs of heartworms are:

Unexplained weight loss.

A dry almost constant cough with labored breathing.

Shortness of breath.

Sudden weakness.

A sudden show of nervousness or listlessness, accompanied by a loss of stamina.

The signs of heartworms are most noticeable after the dog has been engaged in exercise or play. Some dogs with heartworms may even faint or drop dead suddenly right after engaging in rigorous play or exercise.

Treatment for heartworms is available but it is costly and in some cases may prove fatal to the dog itself. To prevent this horrible disease in your Pit Bull, be sure to keep your dog’s regular vet appointments. Heartworms can be prevented easily by administering heartworm medication to your pet each month.

As always, talk to your vet if you have any concerns that your dog may have heartworms, and never try to treat the disease on your own. Always consult a properly qualified professional before starting any type of treatments on your dog.

The body needs cholesterol for digesting dietary fats, making hormones, building cell walls, and other important processes. The bloodstream carries cholesterol in particles called lipoproteins that are like blood-borne cargo trucks delivering cholesterol to various body tissues to be used, stored or excreted. But too much of this circulating cholesterol can injure arteries, especially the coronary ones that supply the heart. This leads to accumulation of cholesterol-laden “plaque” in vessel linings, a condition called atherosclerosis.

When blood flow to the heart is impeded, the heart muscle becomes starved for oxygen, causing chest pain (angina). If a blood clot completely obstructs a coronary artery affected by atherosclerosis, a heart attack (myocardial infarction) or death can occur.

Heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the United States. More than 90 million American adults, or about 50 percent, have elevated blood cholesterol levels, one of the key risk factors for heart disease, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s National Cholesterol Education Program.

Cholesterol lowering supplements containing Policosanol or Red Yeast Rice are known to assist in lowering cholesterol levels.

Policosanol
Policosanol is a natural supplement derived from sugar cane. It is a mixture of eight higher primary aliphatic alcohols isolated and purified from sugar cane wax. One of the newest and more successful substances that benefits those suffering from high cholesterol is Policosanol, which is a safe and natural extract from sugar cane wax. It works by helping the liver control production and breakdown of cholesterol. Policosanol promotes healthy platelet function and helps to maintain cholesterol levels that are already within the normal range.

Red Yeast Rice
Red Yeast Rice is the product of yeast ( Monascus purpureus ) grown on rice, and is served as a dietary staple in some Asian countries. It contains several compounds collectively known as Monacolins, substances known to inhibit cholesterol synthesis. Red Yeast Rice is proposed to be a mild aid for gastric problems (indigestion, diarrhea), blood circulation and spleen and stomach health.

Why should I increase my Omega fatty acid intake?
Our intake of essential fatty acids has changed radically in the last century. Our ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 should be close to 1:1, but it is now over 10:1 and up to 20:1. This is due to the addition of corn, sunflower, safflower, sesame and other Omega-6 oils to our food supply. Such excesses are thought by many scientists to be a factor in a number of chronic medical conditions including arthritis, cardiovascular disease, asthma, acne, obesity and depression. It is clear that we need to increase our intake of Omega-3 fatty acids and decrease our intake of Omega-6 (linoleic acid) oils. By doing so we will be, look and feel healthier.

What are good fats and bad fats?
Fat is a concentrated source of energy. This source of energy is very useful during aerobic exercise. The longer the exercise, the higher the fat contribution for providing energy. Fat is particularly used in large quantities in the brain and nervous system. There are two types of fat: saturated and unsaturated. Unsaturated fats are commonly referred to as “good” fats, and should make up the greatest percentage of your fat intake.

UNSATURATED
• Unsaturated fats, “good fats” are liquid at room temperature, and remain in liquid form even when refrigerated or frozen.
• Good fats are part of the essential fats: omega 3 and omega 6, both of which are unsaturated fats.

What are EPA and DHA?
These are two specific essential fatty acids found in fish oil. Both Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) have been well documented in regulating cellular functions and promoting good health. Diets deficient in EPA and DHA have been associated with a number of health problems, most notably cardiovascular disease.

What is GLA and how is it different from other Omega-6 sources?
GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid) is an Omega-6 fatty acid found in high amounts in borage oil, and to a lesser degree in black currant and evening primrose oils. In contrast to the sunflower, safflower and other Omega-6 oils, the presence of GLA in borage oil results in very different physiological effects. Linoleic acid in its current dietary excess promotes inflammation due to the production of arachidonic acid (AA). GLA on the other hand, actually interferes with the production of AA and decreases inflammation. GLA has been used with success in treating various medical conditions, most notably rheumatoid arthritis and eczema. Emerging science also indicates that GLA has synergistic activities with the Omega-3 marine-derived DHA and EPA, particularly in cardiovascular health and fat metabolism.

We all want to be healthy, happy and fit with enough energy for work and for play. A well-balanced diet, exercise, and enough rest go a long way in helping us get the most out of life. And essential fatty acids (EFAs) have been proven to help us achieve healthier and happier lives. These good fats’ truly are essential and the majority of us are not consuming enough of the well-researched Omega fats. Now getting the right amount of Omegas to suit your specific health needs is easier than ever.

Where do essential fats come from?
Sources of Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential fats:
• Cold Water fish such as Salmon (coho, king and pink), sardines, cod, albacore tuna, trout, halibut , herring. (these fish are also a great source of Omega 6, but are predominantly richer in Omega 3)
• Flaxseeds and green leafy vegetables are great sources of Omega 3.
• Sesame and sunflower seeds and other seeds and nuts are great sources of Omega 6.
• Borage oil and evening primrose oil are rich sources of GLA which is part of the Omega 6 essential fats.

Where do saturated fats come from?
Saturated fats contain large amounts of saturated fatty acids. Saturated fatty acids are named so, because they are “saturated” with hydrogen, meaning they have only single bonds between carbon atoms, leaving no room in their chemical structure for additional hydrogen atoms. Saturated fats are typically solid at room temperature.

Varieties of Saturated fat include: Butter, coconut and palm oils and lard.

Benefits
• aid in balancing the autoimmune system
• treats skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis
• cardiovascular health

You would be surprised at the number of strange and dangerous things that are sold as health products nowadays. People looking for a healthy way to lose weight will be bombarded by all kinds of foreign concoctions, supposed secrets of oriental doctors, that claim to allow them to lose weight the healthy way. In reality however, you have no way of knowing what is really in these products. The healthiest way to lose weight is simply to start a healthy lifestyle.

I know all this from experience. You see, I have had a fluctuating weight problem for years and years. I get heavy from eating junk food or from failing to use good portion control and then lose all of that weight back very quickly. I have used everything to lose weight quickly. I’ve even taken strange pills that make my heart race. They were advertised as a healthy way to lose weight. Let me tell you, these products are not healthy. There is a healthy way to lose weight, and it is very obvious. Exercise and keep a healthy diet.

A weight loss diet is not necessarily a healthy one. Many of the so-called healthy ways to lose weight actually put a great deal of strain on your body. Using some new fad such as the Atkins diet which requires you to eat massive amounts of fat and protein is not a healthy way to lose weight. If your common sense is not enough to tell you this, you should look at the research. Many experts have linked the Atkins diet to liver shutdown. Weight loss should be good for you. It should not threaten your health.

If you have struggled with chronic weight problems all your life (as I have) and still have not found a healthy way to lose weight, it is time to get some support. You can do many things to find a healthy way to lose weight. You can join Weight Watchers, you can join a gym and get a personal trainer, or you can make a pact with some friends to encourage each other to eat right and exercise regularly. Many of us overeat because we feel stressed out and disconnected. Just having a support group can be a healthy way to lose weight. It is always good for you to have friends who encourage you to do what is best for your health.

In today’s world it is difficult to ignore all of the pressure that the media puts on us to look our best. With all of the airbrushing and photoshopping, no one looks real anymore and the effects of this more-perfect-than-human advertising are even showing themselves in men!

Most of us do not have a team of stylists helping us do our hair and makeup in the morning. Most of us have to rely upon a reasonably priced and easy to do beauty routine. We buy what we can afford, what does not make us break out, and we do our best. I think that there are only a few areas that must get attention and the most important is your skin.

Having healthy skin tells others that you take care of yourself. This is very attractive to every type of person. No one wants to be with someone who does not know how to wash their face or someone that simply refuses to do so. Healthy skin can be difficult for some people to obtain but dedication usually is the key.

It is not impossible to have great looking, healthy skin. Washing everyday with an effective yet mild soap is very important. There are many soaps out there that swear they will give you younger looking, healthy skin but they mostly irritate and damage the skin. Be wary of any products that have laundry lists of chemicals. Your skin is a living thing and having healthy skin usually requires that you feed it healthy things.

Drinking lots of water goes a long way when it comes to having healthy skin. Water helps to flush out the pores and leave your skin softer and brighter. Working out on at least a semi-regular schedule will also help your skin clear itself of dirt and impurities. The sweat moves dirt and oil out of the pores and can help cut down on breakouts.

Your diet can affect your skin a great deal. Speak with your dermatologist or regular doctor about which foods you may want to avoid in order to keep your skin looking and feeling great. Don’t give up no matter what. All of us at one point or another had to deal with breakouts and horrible-looking skin. For the vast majority of us, it went away on its own once we reached a certain age. You may have to work on it or do a bit of waiting, but just know that it will get better.

The definition of healthy living is different for each and every person, but there are two things that most agree on. You have to learn to eat good foods that nourish your body, and you have to have some sort of exercise in your day to day life. These things can be harder than people think when they set off on a new plan for a better life, and that is why it is sometimes smart to go ahead one step at a time until you have gotten where you want to be with your lifestyle habits and your health.

Diet modification is a great start when moving towards healthy living. This is something that you have to be careful with, however, as there is a lot of bad advice out there. If you aren’t sure which way to turn, talk with your doctor about changing your diet for healthy living, and get recommendations from them. They will probably know the name of a good nutritionist that can get you going on the right track. These people can show you what you should be eating, what to avoid, and what you can have in moderation. A nutritionist should have a college degree, so don’t be afraid to ask them about their training.

If you aren’t sure about exercise in regards to healthy living, know that any type of movement is good for you. If you are not someone who moves around a lot, you can get some great benefits from just walking around the block. After a while, you may want to add more to your routine, and that is when a gym is a great idea. You should hire a personal trainer to help you find the things that work best for you in your quest for healthy living. Remember, not all personal trainers are good. If someone seems off or you don’t like what they are doing, do yourself a favor and move on to the next one.

Other parts of healthy living might be things you have to quit doing. This might mean you have to find a way to stop smoking, and you may have to alter or lower your intake of alcohol. You may have more trouble with these than anything else that you do. What you should do is visit with your doctor again, only this time tell them you want help with quitting or cutting back. There is a lot of emphasis on healthy living these days, and most doctors will be glad to help you in your quest, even if they feel that they have to refer you to someone else. It’ll be hard to change all of these things, but once you get going, you will enjoy your results too much to turn back to life before you found healthy habits

Being physically attractive has always been an important facet of our society and culture. The pressure to look perfect has never been as strong as it is right now. Men and women off all ages feel pressure from society and media to look healthy, young, and as perfect as humanly possible.

Shockingly, men have begun to exhibit the same damaging effects that this pressure can have on people. “Manorexia” is just one of the new names concocted to encapsulate the oddity of men suffering from what have historically been female diseases. Although the pressure to look great does affect both men and women, it has only been recently that men have begun to respond to it with over-dieting, over-exercising, and plastic surgery the way that many women do.

If you want to look perfect but are not as deeply affected as others, you may find that simple remedies are enough to satisfy you. Start off by working on the basic elements of physical attraction – skin, hair, and teeth. These are the things that people first see and will determine whether or not they feel an instant attraction to you. Let’s start with health hair.

Having healthy hair is relatively easy. If you wash and condition your hair regularly, you are more than half-way there. Having a full head of healthy hair will also require a bit of a good diet. Having healthy hair does not require that you stop eating bad foods, rather it is important that you get lots of great foods that are full of vitamins, minerals, and, oh yes, fat. Oils are a necessary ingredient when it comes to having healthy hair, nails, and skin.

Your diet will also affect your teeth and skin. Be sure to get plenty of calcium for strong, healthy teeth. Drinking lots of water helps clean out the pores and make your skin look healthier. You may even find that you are glowing.

Brush your teeth at least twice everyday and use a whitening toothpaste to make your teeth look years younger. You don’t have to have the straightest teeth, but they must be clean and bright if you want to attract and impress someone.

Having healthy hair, skin, and teeth will take you leaps and bounds when it comes to the dating scene. Healthy hair, skin, and teeth tell others that you take good care of yourself – which is very attractive no matter who you are or what kind of person you may be looking for.

Like you, I also want to look and feel my best. One of the drawbacks of being human is that we’re always self-conscious about our appearances. We can’t help it. Call it thousands of years of scrutiny. It always makes me laugh when I hear someone say that so-and-so made a negative remark concerning their hair, body or image, but they don’t care. Uh, sure they don’t care. This is as false as statements get. We all care. We simply can’t help it. If someone tells you that your teeth look bad, it will bother you. You may force it to the back of your mind, but it will still affect you in some way. The only trick with this game is to hide it as best as you can. Act like it doesn’t matter, and give the person no satisfaction. Then you can address the issue on your own and see if it really calls for improvement. My daughter, for example, has issues with her hair. She constantly feels that it looks poor. Although I see a head of healthy hair, she sees a dew that’s not quite up-to-par.

Our hair certainly calls for attention. It doesn’t matter if you’re male or female. You still have to treat your dew with respect if you want it to look nice. Healthy hair is not free. Well, at least not totally free. So what goes into keeping our follicles healthy? This is quite amusing considering they’re already dead. Anyway, you should follow certain procedures. Vitamins, minerals, and a healthy diet with plenty of water are imperative for healthy hair. It’s called treating from the inside. But, that’s not the whole spiel. You also have to take proper measures from the exterior as well. This means quality shampoos, conditioners and hair products. It’s imperative to properly cleanse and condition your hair to keep it looking healthy and feeling soft. I doubt you want a head of brittle straw.

So, we’ve determined that healthy hair is not free of charge. Some legitimate effort goes into keeping your dew primed and ready. One thing you’ll want to keep in mind is that your hair may thin as you age. This is natural. But, you may want to take precautions in order to retain the healthy hair you currently have. There are products and treatments that help with this. Ask your physician or beautician for advice.

Grocery shopping is something we all have to do, even
though choosing the right foods can be very hard
indeed. To assist you with your healthy grocery
shopping, the tips below can indeed help make things
easier than ever before:

1. Never go grocery shopping on an empty stomach.

2. Select canned fruits and tuna that are packed in
water, not oil or syrup.

3. Look at the labels for the words “hydrogenated”
or “partially hydrogenated”. The earlier you see
them appear on the list, the higher the amount of
unhealthy trans fatty acids the food will contain.

4. Don’t buy turkey with the skin on it, and if
you plan to buy chicken – buy a chicken breast
meal.

5. When you select frozen dinners, select those
that are not only low in fat, but low in sodium
and cholesterol as well.

6. If you aren’t consuming enough dairy products,
go with calcium fortified orange juice instead.

7. Go for whole grain breads, cereals, and rolls.

8. Give cantaloupe a try. With just 95 calories,
half of the melon will provide more than a day’s
supply of Vitamin C and beta carotene.

9. Don’t be tricked into buying yogurt covered
by nuts or raisins, as the coating is normally
made of sugar and partially hydrogenated oils.

10. Get some of the low fat treats, such as
pretzels, ginger snaps, and angel food cake.

By following the above tips when grocery shopping,
you’ll avoid the bad foods and get those that you
need. There are many different healthy foods at
the grocery store, all it takes is the will power
to go past the bad foods and on to the good ones.

With all of us so conscious of the benefits of good health and the consequences of poor health habits, a healthy gift basket is a great Christmas gift. Personalize the contents to your loved ones’ tastes and needs. Just because the contents of your healthy gift basket are good for you, doesn’t mean they can’t be fun!

Children may seem a hard-to-please crowd when we’re talking healthy gift baskets! Children love sweets, and there are many healthy sweets with which you may ply them over to your side! Shortbread cookies filled with jam have sugar, but they also have fruit! Ha! Ditto for oatmeal raisin cookies. Slip in a few granola bars, with fruit, honey, raisins and nuts. A juicy sweet pomegranate may provide a new taste experience, with a lot of natural sugar, and plenty of vitamins A and C.

Teens are vulnerable to hormonal swings that turn into the dreaded blemish or pimple. How can you prepare a healthy gift basket for a teen? I suppose you could sneak in a few favorite fresh fruits. But, a basket filled with inexpensive face masks, foot soothers, and loads of supplements that make for a nice complexion (Vitamins A, C and E and zinc, calcium), with sachets and rose petal bath bags for girls, and shaving kits for boys will be well-received.

Elderly people often have dietary restrictions and aches and pains. The older you get, the more easily convinced you are of healthful treats! If your Grandma loves fruit, a premium selection of organic fruits can easily fill your healthy gift basket. A pampering assortment of herbal bath bags, including lavender, chamomile, rose petals, and peppermint are sure to be appreciated. Your herb store can supply a masterful choice of teas. You can construct an entire healthy gift basket of flavorful herb teas and a special teacup.

What about Mom? She may well enjoy a selection of face creams, cocoa butter, glycerin soaps and bathing luxuries. Herb stores supply various oils beneficial to mature skin. Almond, avocado and jojoba oils should all be sampled, as they are well-absorbed and a panacea to dry skin. Rose water is a good addition, as is witch hazel. Don’t forget to include sachets and soothing bath additives.

Dad may not be health-oriented, but there’s a way around this! Does he enjoy grilling or fishing? Go to the library and consult a book of herbal recipes. Find combinations that go well with different foods, and assemble packets of seasonings he can just sprinkle on that grilled fish or steak for gourmet results. When choosing recipes, remember that rosemary and garlic are good for heart health. Thyme is a natural antibiotic! Ginger and turmeric are good for digestive disturbances. Ask your herb store salesperson for suggestions on combinations that will make Dad a healthy gift basket, whether he knows it or not!

A healthy gift basket is a thoughtful gift. It conveys caring, but need not be boring or ho-hum.

Eating healthy is something we all would like to do,
although it can be hard. In order to eat healthy, you
must first make the right food choices. Eating healthy
is all about what you eat, which makes the choices very
crucial to your results.

Grains
You should consume 6 ounces of grains per day. To do this,
you can eat 3 ounces of whole grain cereals, breads, rice,
crackers, or pasta. You can get an ounce of grains in
a single slice of bread, or 1 cut of cereal.

Vegetables
These should be varied, as you should eat 2 1/2 cups of
them each day. You should start eating more of the dark
vegetables, such as broccili and spinach. Carrots and
sweet potatoes are good as well. You should also eat
more dry beans such as peas, pinto beans, and even kidney
beans.

Fruits
Fruits are very important. You should try to eat 2 cups
of them each day. Focus on eating a variety, such as
fresh, frozen, canned, or even dried fruit. You can
drink fruit juices as well, although you should use
moderation when doing so.

Milk
Milk is your calcium rich friend. For adults, 3 cups
is the ideal goal. For kids 2 – 8, 2 cups is where you
want to be. When choosing milk products or yogurt, you
should go for fat-free or low-fat. Those of you who
don’t like milk or can’t have it, should go for lactose
free products or other sources of calcium such as fortified
foods and beverages.

Meat and beans
Eating 5 ounces a day is the ideal goal, as you should go
lean with your protein. When eating meat, always bake it,
grill it, or broil it, as this will prevent grease from
adding to the equation. You should vary your protein
as well, with more fish, beans, peas, and nuts.

When cooking your food, you should also limit solid fats
such as butter, margarine, shortening, and lard. These
foods may add flavor to your dishes, although they can
also help raise your cholesterol as well. Therefore, you
should try to add these foods and any foods that happen
to contain them.

To help keep your saturated fat, trans fat, and sodium low,
you can check the nutrition facts label. This label can
be found on the food package and will tell you all the
information you need to know about the food item.

By picking your foods wisely and watching what you eat,
you’ll help control your lifestyle. Exercise is great as
well, as it goes along perfect with a healthy eating
lifestyle. No matter what your age may be, eating healthy
will help you keep your active lifestyle for years and
years – even help you and your health in the long run
as well.

This information is aimed at helping you to
reduce your fat intake. The average individual
eats too much fat, a factor that’s linked to
a variety of health problems, including cancer.
Diets that are high in fat are associated with
breast and colon cancer, with some studies
linking high fat to prostate cancer as well.

A majority of people can bring their fat intakes
down to a healthy range by making a few adjustments
in the way they shop, cook, and prepare the foods
they eat.

Now days, it’s getting easier and easier to control
the amount of fat you consume. The fat content of
foods are now available through the nutrition label
and through brochures distributed by food companies
and even fast food restaurants.

You can use this information on nutrition to choose
lower fat foods by comparing products and food
brands. Once you have a rough idea of what a healthy
intake of fat is, you’ll know what you can and what
you can’t have.

From day to day, the amount of fat you eat will
vary. Some meals and some days will be higher in
fat than others. Even high fat meals can be kept
in line with healthy eating as long as you balance
those days accordingly. The average fat intake over
the course of weeks and months is important, not the
fat intake of every meal and food you consume.

Younger adults and high active adults who have
higher calorie needs can probably eat a little more
fat. Older adults and those that aren’t very active
should aim for a lower fat intake. This way, you
can control your fat intake and avoid the many
problems that fat is associated with.

Unlike many people today, I love to cook. It is not just because of the good food that I get to eat. I enjoy making food for people, I enjoy smelling the food and watching it come together, and I enjoy taking all those ingredients and turning them into a winning dish. My parents worked on a farm, and my mom loved to cook as well. The problem is that the food that you need on a farm is not necessarily healthy if you live a more sedentary life.

Now that I have a family, I do my best to cook healthy dinner recipes. I never learned this kind of cooking growing up, and it is foreign to me. Fortunately, there are all kinds of resources that can teach you how to cook healthy low-fat recipes. There are cookbooks available, websites, dieters groups, and of course, friends. One of my favorite sources for healthy dinner recipes is actually my friend Sharon. I was amazed the first time I ate over at her house. We had chicken cooked with vegetables, a dish that I had always found rather bland before. Let me tell you, that healthy dinner recipe was one of the most delicious things I’ve ever tasted. I immediately started asking her for her secrets.

Now we trade recipes all the time. Of course, it is not a reciprocal relationship. She gives me healthy dinner recipes, and I teach her how to make Southern greens or barbecue. She makes me lose weight and stay thin, and I help her put on 10 or 20 pounds. But we both enjoy the taste sensations that we get to exchange with each other. Cooking healthy dinner recipes is every bit as fun as cooking fatty ones, and I feel better after eating them.

One of the keys to healthy dinner recipes is planning. No one really wants to eat healthy all the time. Everyone wants to splurge now and then. What you need to do is keep track of what you’re eating. For example, if your healthy dinner recipes for Monday and Wednesday include chicken, perhaps Tuesday you can eat fish. If you eat small portions with lots of greens all week, on the weekend you can eat barbecued pork. As long as you keep track of what you eat, there’s no reason you have to give up on all of your favorite foods. It is better to think of healthy dinner recipes as yet another kind of food that you get to enjoy!

When it comes to dieting you will find all kinds of crazy and faddish diets on the market today. In addition to the many diets there seems to be every kind of diet aid you can imagine. From shakes the diet industry has evolved to include everything from candy bars and pudding to pills and patches. Each item makes the claim that it can help you drop those unwanted pounds quickly and easily. Well I can tell you for a fact there is very little easy for must of us about dropping a few pounds.

If you would like a few tips that should make your weight loss goals a little easier to achieve then perhaps the following tips will help you out.

Drink Plenty of Water

There really isn’t enough that can be said about the importance of drinking water in an effort to reach your fitness goals. Water hydrates the body first and foremost but water is also an important way of tricking your body into believing it is full. Other drinks do not work nearly as well as water in this endeavor and many drinks, even fruit juices, contain empty calories that you can ill afford when dieting.

Another great thing about drinking a lot of water while dieting is that it helps your skin retain its elasticity so you can avoid some of the ‘loose skin’ look that often accompanies massive weight loss. As an added bonus drinking plenty of water will have your skin looking radiant and beautiful as well.

Set Goals

Having goals is one of the most important things you can do when working to loose weight. Try to make sure that your goals are aggressive but can be achieved. If you are frustrated early in the dieting process by unrealistic goals you are much more likely to give up. However, challenges are always going to inspire us to achieve greater things in life. If you can find a ‘weight loss partner’ in order to have a little friendly competition for the weight loss totals for a week or a month then you are going to be far more likely to accomplish your goals than if you keep them quietly to yourself.

Eat More

Did you read that twice? Yes, eat more healthy foods that are high in fiber. Eat more vegetables and fruits-fill up on these foods that are good for you and you will not be inclined to binge on calorie laden junk food.

Move!

While this seems a little too simply stated for most, getting up and moving is one of, if not the absolute best way to burn calories. The simple truth is that you are not going to lose weight unless you use more calories than you consume. The more activities you enjoy that burn calories, the more likely you are to shed those unwanted pounds and meet your weight loss goals.

Some great activities that actually burn calories include the following: gardening, golf, dancing, playing volleyball, walking, jumping rope, playing hop scotch with your little ones, and playing tennis. I mention these activities because you can trick yourself into believing that you aren’t really exercising while burning calories. Even cleaning house requires movement and energy and if you dance around a little to some good music in the process you might burn a few extra calories.

Dieting, when successful can help restore self image and self-esteem in people who are otherwise beautiful people inside and out. The steps above are not the only things that are involved in the dieting process but they can help you reach your weight loss goals particularly when combined with a diet plan that you feel confident you can follow. Be sure that on those days when will power is non-existent that you do not derail your diet efforts all together by giving up. The most important thing you can do when dieting is to go back to dieting once you’ve strayed.

When it comes to cooking healthy meals for our families, there is always some degree of dissention among the ranks. The good news is that there are recipes that are very healthy but the healthy nature of these recipes is somewhat disguised. What they do not know in these instances truly should not bring harm their way (outside of allergies, which should never be ignored).

Healthy cooking is often difficult as most of us do not want to spend time planning and preparing meals that our families refuse to eat. At the same time, we want our families to be healthy so we feel compelled to learn new and improved ways of cooking healthy foods for our family to enjoy (and unfortunately in some cases scorn).

With weight and nutrition being known as the culprit in so many health conditions it is impossible to ignore the importance of not only eating healthy ourselves but also of teaching our children the importance of eating healthy. One way to insure that your loved ones are in fact eating healthy is to make sure that you are cooking healthy and nutritious foods for them. This does not mean that you cannot enjoy the occasional calorie splurge or even that you shouldn’t. The key to cooking healthy is learning to control portions and understanding the importance of moderation.

For those that are hoping to incorporate healthy cooking habits into their daily routines, there are no more resources available than ever before in order to assist you in those endeavors. You can seek the services of a professional nutritionist, your doctor can offer advice, you can find all kinds of books on healthy eating, cooking, and living at your local library, and the Internet is an outstanding source of all kinds of information when it comes to leading a healthier lifestyle all around.

There are many books and magazines that are filled with recipes that encourage healthy cooking and eating habits. If you truly love to cook, then there is no shortage of recipes that you can try out along the way. The really good news is that you can incorporate healthy cooking into your cooking routine whether you are cooking for one or a household of ten.

There are many that will argue that cooking healthy food costs more than cooking the prepackaged foods that pack on the calories and additives. The truth of the matter is that when you compare the costs with the medical bills of the future for failing to do so, they seem rather slight by comparison. Yes, good food costs more money. In many cases, that is a simple fact of life. However, by learning portion control and eating the proper portions you just may discover that you are actually spending less as you adjust to the proper amounts of food you should be consuming in order to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

Cooking healthy isn’t an overnight change; it is a lifestyle change that should be implemented one step at a time. You do not have to go into your kitchen and through out every little thing that you deem ‘unhealthy’ only work to not buy more of these items once they’ve been used. Make wiser decisions when purchasing fats for food preparation and you will discover that you’ve made a vitally important step in the process of incorporating healthy cooking and eating habits in your home.

It’s those small steps you take towards your goal of cooking healthy foods for your family that will matter far more than any giant leap. Before you know it you will find that you all have more energy and a better sense of overall health than you would have imagined before changing your cooking habits. If that isn’t enough to encourage you however, you can always check out the excuse to go shopping for new clothes after you drop a size or two.

A lot of studies and research has shown that kids
who eat breakfast perform better in school and
have a healthier diet. Eating breakfast will help
promote the proper growth and maximize school
performance as well.

Breakfast is often times a victim of the morning
time crunch. Even though you may be tempted to
skip breakfast, you can simplify your morning
routine by following these 8 tips:

1. Finish homework and pack school bags
at night.
2. Decide on what your children will
wear to school before you go to bed and locate
lost shoes for the following day.
3. In the morning, get up 15 minutes
earlier.
4. Give up computer games and morning
television.
5. Have healthy foods on hand. You
should also shop for breakfast foods with your kids
and take into account their personal preferences.
6. Set the cereal out the night before.
For younger children, fill a zippered plastic bag
with her portion, then add the milk in the
morning.
7. Allow your children to use the
microwave often, as most breakfast foods can be
prepared in under 5 minutes.
8. Allow your kids to eat in the car or
on the way to school.

There are several foods that you can eat for
breakfast, even leftovers from supper if they
are sufficient. You can eat bagels, pizza with
fruit juice, pretzels, or the normal bacon and
eggs that breakfast is known for. Most foods are
a snap to prepare, and won’t take you but a
few minutes.

The next time you are in a hurry in the morning,
remember that you are probably about to skip the
most important meal of the day. If you follow the
tips above, you’ll find that you have plenty of
time for breakfast.

Losing weight is never easy. It takes hard work and a new way of thinking. Perhaps you’ve tried one diet after another only to be disappointed by more weight gain. Fortunately, there are healthy ways to lose weight and keep it off. Use the healthy weight loss tips below to get started on the road to lifelong weight success.

Get Creative with Your Diet Plan

Think about your diet for a moment. Are strict regimen diets going to work when you’re so accustomed to eating what you want when you want? Do you have time and money to plan meals that require many ingredients that you’ve never even heard of? If not, then you probably won’t last long on many diet plans. When you determine that it’s time to lose weight, use the foods you already eat to your advantage – even the fattening ones. Don’t cut them out altogether, just eat smarter!

Try eating your favorite items in smaller portions along with a new tasty food that’s healthy. For example, if your favorite meal is two cheeseburgers with fried potatoes, turn this into a healthier meal by eating only one cheeseburger, boil a potato for 45 minutes (tastes great with ketchup), and add a couple of vegetables such as green beans and corn to your meal.

You’re actually getting more foods and adding good nutrition, but eating smaller portions of the fattening ones. The potatoes taste just as good boiled as they do fried but are much healthier!

Add Protein-Rich Foods or Protein Shakes to Your Diet

Another way to achieve healthy weight loss is to add protein-rich foods to your diet or drink protein shakes as snacks or replacement meals. There are even special diets and companies where you can get protein shakes customized for your body’s nutritional needs. Examples include the La Bamba diet, Shapeworks, Herbalife products, and so forth. With La Bamba Herbalife diets, you will use protein to get off extra pounds quickly. With other protein diets, you can drink protein shakes and take protein supplements for long-term dieting. It depends on your particular weight loss needs.

Protein helps your body to burn the calories you eat throughout the day so your body does not continuously store fat in unwanted areas. Protein also helps build and preserve lean muscle mass.

Drink Plenty of Water for Healthy Weight Loss

Water is essential to a healthy weight loss plan. Water hydrates the body and organs. It gives you energy and helps you to fill full throughout the day. Water also helps your skin and cells. No matter what type of diet you choose, be sure to drink around six to eight glasses of water per day.

The benefits of healthy weight loss are many: lower blood pressure, better figure, more energy, healthier heart and organs, less stress on bones, joints, and muscles, and less mental stress.

*Note: As with any diet plan, consult with a physician to be sure there are no health risks when trying a new diet. If you have health conditions that would prevent you from eating certain foods, then find a diet that will be safe for you.

Use the tips above to take back control of your weight and live life to the fullest!

While the most popular weight loss diets today are the so-called fad-diets, the more traditional high fiber diet does still have a good following. The high fiber weight loss diet is an easier to follow weight loss system than the more extreme fad diets such as the Atkins diet or South Beach diet. More importantly than that, many dieticians and nutritional consultants favor high fiber diets as they are generally considered to be a safer option that can have a positive effect on health in addition to weight loss.

There are two different kinds of fiber, soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber is found in many foods such as fruits, vegetables, and beans. Soluble fiber is thought to help in keeping cholesterol down and to reduce the risk of heart disease, according to some dieticians.

Insoluble fiber is usually found in whole meal foods such as flour, grains, rice and pasta. Insoluble fiber is thought to help with the passage of the food through the digestive tract and therefore promote good digestive health.

High fiber weight loss diets generally rely on a combination of increased fiber in the diet, through more consumption of foods such as whole grains and cereals, while at the same time also restricting the amount of calories in the diet. This approach allows the dieter to promote weight loss by eating less calories, while at the same time, eating normal amounts of food. This is an important aspect of this weight loss plan as the dieter will not get hunger pains and therefore, not be tempted to eat “easy” foods that are unhealthy and not a part of the weight loss diet. It is this feeling of hunger that is often the difficulty that many dieters face when on a restricted weight loss diet.

Also, while many weight loss experts may debate this, high fiber foods can take longer to chew. Although this is not directly beneficial to weight loss, it does allow the dieter to feel as though they have eaten a more substantial meal and it also makes the meal take longer and this in turn helps.

Furthermore, along with weight loss, some dieticians believe that high fiber foods can make a positive contribution to good health by helping the food to move more efficiently through the body. Also many of the foods that are helpful in a high fiber weight loss diet are very good nutritionally. Many fruits, vegetables, and whole grains contain large amounts of vitamins and minerals and are thought to be very good for the health, as well as beneficial to the promotion of weight loss.

A high fiber diet an take a little getting used to, although this is also true with many other weight loss diets. The difference is that the high fiber weight loss diet is easy to follow and has been established for much longer than many of the fad diets that are an ever changing. The high fiber weight loss diet has many recommendations from health professionals but it is always a good idea to consult your doctor before changing your diet or starting a new weight loss plan.

Are you not sure how to create a healthy weight loss diet plan? There are so many diets available that it can become difficult to stay focused on a weight loss diet plan that you can stick too. That is because most diets don’t fit our individual needs. For example, many people don’t want to lose weight by eliminating entire food groups such as a no carbohydrate diet. It’s just not convenient.

If you are looking to find a healthy weight loss diet plan that fits your needs here are some tips to get you started.

Learn the basics of eating right

In order to create a diet plan, you need to learn the basics of eating right. Research what foods are good for you and uncover foods you need to avoid most of the time. A good place to check is your local book store.

While there are many books out there that will help you. I suggest a book that is straight forward and doesn’t provide fancy gimmicks. Your source should be very fundamental and provide plenty of information on eating right. It should be a resource you can refer too while you are refining and perfecting your own diet plan.

Another place to look is the internet. You can find a lot of great information about proper nutrition from many sources. Also, you can find up to date information and keep your diet plan fresh by trying new things out. Remember, creating a healthy weight loss diet plan that fits your needs is all about researching what will work for you.

Set the standards of your diet

There is no “one size fits all” solution when it comes to a healthy weight loss diet plan. We all have unique tastes, lifestyles and cultural values. Embrace that and write down all the foods that you like.

During your research on eating right you will learn which foods are optimal for you and which foods are bad. Proper nutrition is a complex subject. Keep a list of these foods so you have a constitution to your program.

Another important standard is that your weight loss diet plan should fit your lifestyle, not the other way around. Healthy diet plans that fit your life style are much easier and more compelling to follow and stay with. For example, if you’re a parent your food choices should not be abstract of what the rest of your family eats. In other words, your meals should be the same as what your family eats.

Create a plan each week

Planning is the key to success or failure with maintaining your diet. First, your plan should consist of your short term goals. For example, “I will lose 2 lbs” is a goal. Use your plan to think through trouble spots for the week.

Some examples of common trouble spots are, nights when you eat out, school functions, working late, little league games, days that require a lot of driving and ordering out at the office. Your daily menu of all meals should be included with your plan and approximate times that you will be eating. You should also set up a meal or two as cheat meals.

With a little research and planning you can create a healthy weight loss diet plan. You just need to learn about feeding your body correctly and identify what will be a fit for you. Once you are up and running with your own plan, then you’ll be able to be more consistent at staying with your diet.

Weight loss should be taken as a long term program as the body takes time to lose weight in a natural way. Rapid weight loss gained with the consumption of weight loss diet pills and food supplements deprive you of the energy necessary for day to day metabolism. These supplements are also low on essential vitamins and mineral and hence affect your health drastically. Sudden changes in your eating habits put a lot of stress on your liver. This may even make you sick sometimes. Healthy weight loss should ensure that as you lose your weight, your health is also improved. The reason for weight loss should not be merely improvement in looks but enhancement of your overall health.

Commitment, perseverance and patience are very necessary for a healthy weight loss. You should control your diet and exercise regularly till you achieve the goals set in your weight loss program. The motivation for a healthy weight loss should come from your own self and you should follow the weight loss program with dedication.

Exercise is an integral part of any weight loss program. You should exercise for 30 to 45 minutes daily. Be regular in your exercises as losing your rhythm is very easy. Once your make exercise a routine, you will like doing it. Also increase your daily activity levels from time to time. This may include parking your car a little far away when you go shopping, starting gardening, etc.

Healthy weight loss should involve a balance diet. You should consume less fats and more proteins and carbohydrates. You should eat more of fruits, vegetables, grains and starchy food. You diet should not contain only one food item. You should eat a variety of food items. A sound health is not about getting sufficient calories for body metabolism and is achieved by consuming various essential foods.

You can also consult a registered dietician for weight loss. Dieticians are educated and trained in nutrition and will provide you information about different food items, their compositions, calorific values and their benefits. You should also read food labels to get a clearer understanding of what you are eating. Foods that are labeled 97 to 100 percent fat-free are good for healthy weight loss.

Make a slow start and let your body adjust to the new lifestyle. Do not haste and consume diet pills that may have side effects. You can also choose to make one to two changes in your habits every week. For example, in the first week, you can decide that you will not eat fried foods and walk daily during your lunch break. In the second week, you can stop eating fat rich dairy products and start jogging in the morning. Your body will get sufficient time to react to such changes and you will succeed in achieving healthy weight loss. You should not target weight loss of more than two pounds each week.

Some people also keep a record of their diet and exercise. Analyze your food habits and exercise levels every week and make necessary improvements in your weight loss program. Increase the quantity of healthy food items that your take and reduce the unhealthy ones every week.

You should also be regular in your meals and snacks. If you skip a meal, you will be hungry after a few hours and your body will demand high energy diet. You will be tempted to eat sugar-rich food such as pastry and chocolate.

If other members in your family also want to reduce weight, then the entire family can choose to eat healthy diet. This will reduce your access to fat rich stuff and fast food. With reduced access, you will be less tempted to eat these unhealthy foods.

According to the US FDA “Healthy weight is a body weight that is appropriate for your height and benefits your health.” The healthy weight theory is also commonly known as the “Set-Point Theory”.

Living in a body considerably heavier than its healthy weight promotes increased risk of asthma, heart disease, high blood pressure/hypertension, osteoporosis and arthritis, Type 2 diabetes, gallstones, stroke, and certain types of cancer (esp. colon, breast, and female reproductive system). Obesity has also been associated with increased risk of problems with anxiety and depression.

As much as we may desire to be more slender than our healthy weight, it is not in alignment with our ideal health and overall wellness. The foundation of a successful weight loss program is a shift in consciousness towards a proper weight management program geared, one focused on reaching and sustaining an individual body’s healthy weight.

BMI – The FDA recommends a measuring tool called the BMI or Body Mass Index for helping determine whether you are at a healthy weight for you or if are underweight or overweight. The BMI is based on a person’s height and weight. A BMI of 19-24 is considered a healthy weight, under 19 is considered underweight, 24-29 is considered overweight, and 30+ is considered obese. The US Dietary Guidelines for Americans references a BMI chart for adults over the age of 20 to use in identifying where they fall in this spectrum.

One important component of a healthy weight that the Body Mass Index doesn’t account for, however, is the body’s percentage of body fat to muscle mass. An easy way to estimate your body fat percentage is to measure your waist with a tape measure. This measurement approximates your body’s amount of visceral fat. Generally speaking, and according to the National Heart Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health, a male with a waist circumference more than 40 in. (101.6 cm) and a female with a waist circumference more than 35 in. (88.9 cm) is at greater risk of disease than those with waist circumferences less than that.

Design your weight objectives, then, not around those pants you want to fit into, but around your ideal BMI-range and body fat percentage. The formula from there is simple:
Consume more energy (calories in food) than you burn (through activity and exercise) to gain weight;
Burn more energy than you consume to lose weight;
Strike a balance between how much energy you consume and how much you burn to maintain your existing weight.

Many factors influence your healthy weight – age, genetics, metabolism, diet, and lifestyle (that’s your habits and behaviors) – but only certain of those factors can you do anything about. There’s no sense bemoaning age or genetic history, but you can effect enormous changes in your metabolism (and thus your weight) by making changes in your diet and lifestyle.

When you’re at your healthy weight, you feel good and have all the energy you need (and more) for your work and leisure activities.

Getting an energy boost that can keep you going all day often means sacrificing good nutrition. Few foods give you the kick that a cup of coffee, a can of cola or a sugary candy bar can.

If you’re watching your weight, the challenge is finding foods that can not only give you a boost, but are good for you as well.

The goal in planning your daily diet is to focus on meals that are low in fat, high in fiber, contain protein and have complex carbs. This ensures a slow breakdown of sugars and regular energy throughout the day.

Having a good breakfast is the first and most important step in building up your energy stores to get through a busy day. Even if you aren’t particularly hungry, you should eat within four hours of waking.

What you eat for breakfast should account for about 25 percent of the day’s calories, so go for low-fat, high-fiber cereal and mild or a complex carb such as a bagel with juice. Avoid foods with a high level of simple sugars; the sudden energy boost will be quickly canceled out by a crash in energy later in the day.

Staying hydrated can also help. Drinking at least six glasses of water a day can keep you from feeling sluggish and tired.

In addition to water, another source of energy that’s good for you is Hair of the Dog, which comes in carb-free and sugar-free versions. Hair of the Dog is an energy beverage that contains 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C, milk thistle extract and patented detoxifiers, which protect the liver from the damage caused by toxins such as medications, pollutants and alcohol

Snacks can also provide the body with the energy it needs. Just be sure to choose wholesome snacks rather than those loaded with sugar or fat. Go for fruit, a few baby carrots, some cheese or a handful of nuts, a glass of milk, a few whole grain crackers or even a low-fat granola bar. Snacks that fit in your purse or can be stored in a desk drawer for easy access will ensure you get the quick boost you need when your energy starts to flag.

The success of weight loss programs relies on healthy diet and physical exercises done regularly. Eating healthy diet and regular workouts enable to lose weight on a long term basis. Losing weight should be done on a slow and steady pace rather than relying on the diet pills and fad diets, which actually are good only for a shorter period of time and bounce with weight gain after a certain period with lot of side effects. Eating healthy foods is the ideal way to loose weight.

Positive steps towards eating healthy foods and reducing weight at the same time:

Having a breakfast is a very important meal of the day, as it starts the day with some nutritious meal. Breakfast provides the necessary energy for the whole day and keeps the metabolism moving. Having a healthy breakfast will keep you away from unhealthy snacking or binging during lunch time. It is good to have a breakfast which is of a small portion with good amounts of protein and fiber, so that it keeps you filled until lunch time. High fiber foods are very good for the reason that they are not rich in calories and they pass through without being absorbed by the body.

While taking foods, it is good to check the calorie value and fat content of the food. Also, one needs to eat meals regularly, otherwise it might lead to binge eating. Small and frequent meals consumed daily keep people to have control over their diet and to be sure of what they eat. The meal pattern chosen should be ideal for the lifestyle of the person. However, meals have to be eaten at least three times a day without fail.

Fiber intake is the best way to loss weight and they are available in two forms, one is the soluble form found in the beans and oatmeal, the other is the insoluble form found in the vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Both the forms are good, as the soluble form lowers the cholesterol in the body while the insoluble form adds bulk to the diet. Fibers swell in the stomach, giving a feeling of fullness to the person. Fresh fruits and vegetables provide the necessary vitamins and minerals to the body and curb the urge to eat more.

Drinking enough amounts of water is very good to the body. It is very much needed to regulate temperature regulation of the body and to add viscosity to the blood. It is also a natural hunger suppressant. Drinking ice cold water helps to heat up the body and aids in burning up to 400 calories a week. Amazing isn’t it?

Notebooks, pens and pencils are the usual necessities for school days, but if parents want to give their kids the best shot at a good learning experience, doctors urge parents not to overlook having their kids’ eyes examined and updating their prescription lenses.

According to Madeline Romeu, an optometric physician and vision health educator, 80 percent of learning comes through the eyes during a child’s first 12 years.

“Good vision is as essential as the ABC’s because children who have difficulty with their vision will inevitably have difficulties learning,” Romeu said.

New research has revealed that parents should not only be concerned about getting the right prescription, but getting glasses that block UV rays as well.

Eighty percent of exposure to UV rays occurs before age 18. Cumulative UV exposure has been linked to eye diseases that may cause blindness like age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

Buying glasses that kids will want to wear, however, is part of the struggle for concerned parents. For kids, the choice of frames, lenses and lens enhancements is as important as the proper prescription is to their parents.

“In my recent clinical study, I found that nine out of 10 kids preferred photochromic lenses from Transitions Optical over regular, clear lenses. And more importantly to the kids, more than half of their friends liked the lenses over regular lenses,” said Romeu.

Transitions Lenses automatically change from clear indoors to sunglass dark, in bright, glaring light. They block 100 percent of UV rays and greatly reduce sunlight glare to provide the best visual experience for eyeglass wearers.

Transitions Lenses also impressed parents, with 98 percent of them saying they wanted their kids to keep wearing the lenses with the built in UV and glare protection. – NU

Your air conditioner isn’t the only thing that uses energy in the hot weather-your kids do, too.

Warm months usually means children are playing outside more. All that running, jumping and swimming uses up plenty of energy, so it’s important to keep your kids well-fueled. Here’s a recipe that can do just that. It’s a fun, portable snack mix made with California raisins, so it has a sweet taste and supplies lots of energy.

Sunshine Snack Mix

Ingredients:

2 cups California raisins

2 cups low-fat granola cereal

1 cup candy-coated chocolate pieces

1/2 cup sunflower kernels

Directions:

In large bowl, combine all ingredients; mix well.

Yields: 51/2 cups

Serves: 11

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Fun Fuel

The potassium in California raisins helps lower blood pressure, which has been shown to help reduce the risk of heart disease. In addition to adding fiber to the diet, raisins rank among the top antioxidant foods and even contain phytochemicals that contribute to oral health.

The Taste Of Health

Of course, nutrition facts probably don’t matter much to your children. Kids tend to focus on taste, and California raisins hold up well there, too. They make sweet, plump treats, which means they can be an easy way to help your children maintain a healthful diet-and to keep their energy levels up throughout the day.

Cool Ideas

Looking for more summertime snack ideas? The California Raisin Marketing Board offers a host of tasty, easy-to-make recipes that require little to no time spent in the kitchen, giving you more time to spend with your kids. Try making Raisin Peanut Butter Balls for a quick snack or Spiced Apple Pie Party Mix for a good dose of dried fruits, nuts, cinnamon and nutmeg. Raisin Nachos with Cinnamon Dipping Sauce is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, and try Raisin Delights for bite-size balls of cream cheese and sunflower seeds rolled in coconut. Or just snack on California raisins straight from the box.

Advances in science and technology have revolutionized how people live and work. The breakthroughs in 21st Century medical science have extended life expectancy rates and wiped out some of the diseases that were once thought to be incurable.

Still, these modern miracles have fallen short of eradicating two of the most troublesome conditions that have afflicted mankind: stress and anxiety. No matter how many vitamins we take, or how many fitness programs we try… absolutely no one can get immunity from life’s woes.

Another health problem that poses a challenge to medical science is the silent plague of obesity. According to the U.S. Obesity Society, at least 64% of Americans are now obese or overweight. The dramatic changes in food intake or diet, the ease of transportation, and the change of work into a more sedentary activity have all contributed to the rise of obesity.

But another major factor that has been left behind in the news is the fact that stress is a contributing cause for obesity. What comes to mind when you are trying to beat the deadline? What comes to mind when you become so tense just thinking about the upcoming bar exams? What comes to mind when you feel over worked? Food! Food! and More Food! You begin to develop food cravings as a way to relax your nerves and keep your mind off your problems for a while. You can hear it calling inside your head “Come to me….taste me! How delicious I am today!” Your mind suddenly is filled with swirling images of cakes, cookies, candies, chocolate bars, donuts, burgers….and, mind you, not just plain burgers — we’re talking about double cheese burgers with extra toppings.

It is true that eating is one of the most common escapes for troubled souls. No wonder there is such as term as “comfort food.” Depressed people are more prone to give in to food cravings. Studies show that an average healthy individual carries around about seven to ten pounds of toxic waste. So it is not hard to imagine how much waste overweight people have to move around with. Other studies reveal that 10 percent of people who are overweight actually began overeating as a means to escape from their anxieties. The pleasures of eating had become a way to block off all negative thoughts and feelings.

Having a healthy body and a healthy mind is something that we cannot achieve separately. In fact, our thoughts have a very big influence on how our bodies feel. Somehow, our bodies show our mental and emotional condition. Obesity, therefore, could probably be a sign of a more serious emotional and psychological problem.

Stress and anxiety, as indirect causes of overeating and obesity, must be addressed squearely in order to avoid more serious health problems. To determine whether you or a person you know is being slowly sucked into a stress spiral, see if you have any of these stress symptoms:

l Fatigue
l High Blood Pressure
l Insomnia
l Irritability
l Memory loss
l Low self-esteem
l Nervous twitches
l Changes in sleep patterns
l Withdrawal
l Teeth-grinding

STRESS MANAGEMENT

Aside from managing our eating habits, we also need to manage our emotions. The daily pressures at work and at home can be too much for some people. Most urbanites and executives are trapped in a life in constant rush. Busy people can become so frantic that even their eating habits can be affected. Just observe a regular restaurant in the middle of the business and financial district. Most likely, you’ll notive people just gobbling up whatever is in their plate…not really enjoying the meal. And to make it worse, they eat enormous amounts of food thinking that they need to replenish themselves after having worked so hard. The worst part is that instead of getting good nutrition, busy people consume high fat, high calorie foods that are not good for one’s health.

So, if you are serious about not getting too fat or becoming overweight, you must eliminate the many things that can cause stress in your life. More than just controlling the amount of food you eat, you should also try one or more of the following health-enhancing activities:

1. Try out a Yoga Program or DIY Yoga – all you need is a mat and a yoga video showing the different Yoga positions.

2. Laugh till you drop- laughter is still the best medicine.

3. Meditation – although a bit difficult to master it is good stress reliever. it involves focusing inwardly and shutting out all the noise, restore the body and give us calm.

4. Diet – There are certain foods that contributes to a person being stressed out like for instance too much caffeine. Watching what you eat and knowing what essential foods that gives you strength and stamina is vital. Getting the right proteins and balancing it with vegetables keeps you strong and healthy!

A healthy solution to combat stress and obesity is that you must lessen your hectic, fast-paced life.

Get rid of the thousand and one things that bring chaos to your daily life. Eat healthy foods and try to keep in mind to do everything in moderation. Do something else with your hands other than dipping it into bucket of chicken or holding a liter of soda.

When you think about it, the solutions to stress and obesity are in your hands.

Do pizzas, ice creams, French fries, cookies and candies list high on your kid’s agenda for snacks. And despite you telling your kids innumerable times, they still swear by junk and unhealthy foods for snacks. Giving in for there desire for junk food is paving way for your kids to be obese.

Just as charity begins at home, good nutrition and balance diet habits start at home. The way of life today is fast paced wherein an adult is always on the move. The same applies to your children too. It is essential to have healthy snacks handy which your kids can grab on the move.

Early encouragement for smart eating habits, improved nutritious diet early in life could make your child healthy. Even if you can not stand on their heads 24*7, there are many ways where you can give them well balanced diet and life all round.

Ravenous and famished after school, you’re kid is likely to grab something from the fridge or kitchen shelf for snacks. After school snacking plays an important part of every child’s diet, as it could several hours since they last ate and they need nourishment, especially when they have to settle down, do homework and indulge in playful activities. Think of snacks as an opportunity to supplement children’s diet with healthy food. It guarantees the nutrition they deserve as well as curbs hunger pangs in between meals.

Make snack time nibbles attractive and hassle free. Prepare small portions of snacks and leave them in easy to find places like kitchen shelf, fridge or dining table. The healthiest and simplest choice for snacks is fresh fruits and raw vegetables requiring minimum preparation time.

Some good suggestions of kid friendly healthy snacks include:

1. Make fruit salads with kid’s favourite fruits. Prepare them in small batches from fresh fruits and freeze them.

2. Dry fruits like raisins or apricots and fresh fruits like apples, oranges, watermelons, and bananas.

3. Sandwiches with peanut butter, tuna or lean meat cuts.

4. Yoghurt, plain or flavoured or milkshakes made with low fat or skimmed milk. Dry cereals or cornflakes served with fruit and low fat milk.

5. Fresh fruit juices like orange, watermelon, grapefruit or frozen juice bars.

6. Hard-boiled eggs with a slice of whole wheat bread, peanuts, pretzels or crackers.

7. Ready to eat cut up veggies like carrots, cucumbers, and celery. Unbuttered popcorns, wheat crackers or whole grain muffins served with low fat cheese dip.

8. Fruit Smoothie made in a blender with fresh fruits, juice and yoghurt.

9. Yoghurt dessert with layers of low fat yoghurt, fruits and veggies.

You can spice up your kid’s snack time with variety of foods… Get your children to make the snacks menu for the week. Serve small portions instead of a big one. Let them learn to be hungry, rather than feel full and stuffed close to lunch or dinner time.

Sleeping on your side (with arms on the sides or with legs bent)

Sleep on your side with your legs drawn up slightly toward your chest and a pillow between your legs. Use a full-length body pillow if you prefer.
This position can help keep your skips level and reduce any pain you might have there.
Also , this position may be particularly helpful if you have osteoarthritis in the spine, spinal stenosis — a narrowing in the spine — or hip pain.

Sleeping on your back (with arms by the side or with arms by the head)

If you sleep on your back, place a pillow under your knees to help maintain the normal curve of your lower back. You might try a small, rolled towel under the small of your back for additional support. Support your neck with a pillow.
This position may be helpful if you have low back pain.

Sleeping on your abdomen

It is generally not good for your back to sleep on your stomach, but if you need to for some specific reason, then it will help reduce back strain if you put a pillow under your pelvis and abdomen . Use a pillow under your head if it doesn’t place too much strain on your back. If it does cause strain, try sleeping without a pillow under your head.
This position may be helpful if you have degenerative disease or a herniated disk in the central portion of your spine.

Tips for the best positions for lying down or sleeping:
– Try to maintain the curve in your back (such as lying on your back with a pillow under your knees or a lumbar roll under your lower back, or on your side with your knees slightly bent).
– Do not sleep on your side with your knees drawn up to your chest.
– Avoid sleeping on your stomach, especially on a saggy mattress, since this can cause back strain and can be uncomfortable for your neck.
– Select a firm mattress and box spring set that does not sag. If necessary, place a board under your mattress.
– Try a back support to help you feel more comfortable. Try tying a rolled sheet or towel around your waist.
So….. Enjoy your sleep !