Your BMI-Body Mass Index May Not Be Accurate If You Are An Asian Or African
Everyone knows that carrying extra body fat is a potential time bomb by increasing the risks of getting heart diseases, stroke and certain types of cancers. These are potential killer diseases. By keeping your body fat down, these diseases may be avoided and even prevented.
One of the most popular methods of measuring whether one is overweight is by using the Body Mass Index or BMI calculation. The formula for calculating BMI is:-
•Body weight in kilograms (pounds) divided by height in metres (ft) squared.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that a BMI measurement above 25 indicates that a person is overweight and a BMI measurement over 30 indicates that he is obese.
However, is this calculation accurate? The BMI recommendation by WHO was based on studies done largely on Caucasians. Thus the BMI recommendation by WHO may be an accurate indication of obesity on an average Caucasian. There are now findings to suggest that people of Asian and African origins have a significantly higher percentage of body fat compared to Caucasians although they may look slimmer than their Caucasian counterparts. Therein lays the danger. If you are an Asian or an African, you may look slim but may carry extra body fat of which you are oblivious to.
As a fitness personal trainer, it is not uncommon that when I measure body fat of my Asian clients who do not look fat physically, their body fat ratio are high.
According to Dr Mabel Yap, Deputy Director of the Department of Nutrition, Ministry of Health, Singapore, ethnic differences in BMI values have important public health implications as they imply that cut-off points for obesity should be lower or higher in different ethnic groups. “Lowering the cut-off point from 30 to 27 in Singapore, for example, would double the prevalence of obesity,” she said.
In a study, the School of Physical Education of the National Institute of Education, Singapore and Wageningen University of Netherlands found that body built of a person does affect the BMI calculation of various ethnic groups. This result was further confirmed by other studies in Thailand and Indonesia.
As commonly known, BMI calculation is not accurate for muscular people (muscles are heavier than fat) and now, it may also not be accurate across the board for all ethnic groups. For a start, Asians and Africans may want to define their BMI results as being overweight if it is above 23 and obese if above 27.
About The Author
Chris Chew is a fitness personal trainer of fashion models, actors and international male pageant titleholders. More health and fitness articles at his websites. sgfitness.com” target=”_new sgfitness.com and sgfitnessonline.com” target=”_new sgfitnessonline.com.
Shifting Calories Method - And Why It Works
Shifting calories is a great way to lose weight, because it helps you easily trick your body.
When you eat low calorie or low carbohydrate, your body gets used to the same routine. Eating 1200 (or however many you choose) calories every day is something that your body can easily get used to, and it will adjust accordingly. It will lower your metabolism accordingly, and it will make you lose weight at a much slower pace.
With the shifting calories method, your body never knows what’s coming to it, so it will never be able to plateau. You’ll continuously lose weight, over and over again.
This is also great for your psychological mindset. When you do the shifting calorie method the right way, you shift you calories to a certain level on different days. Because some days are almost drastically higher, you get to “cheat” on those days. This is great for people because they don’t feel like they’re missing out on their favorite foods, or that they’re different from the non-dieters in their life.
You’re also never bored with your diet, which is very important. “Diets” don’t really help people – but lifestyle changes that are easy to commit to for life are things that will allow weight loss to stay off for a long, long time.
With the shifting calorie method, you also don’t need to deprive yourself of nutrients, as you would on diets such as the cabbage soup diet, the cookie diet, or other popular fad diets. You can eat whatever you want, as long as it’s within calorie allotments.
Rachel Jenkins has lost 100 pounds herself, and is passionate about helping other people do it too. You can check her website out at yayFOOD.com www.yayFOOD.com
Motion Sickness Remedy - Ginger
In this article you will discover:
What is ginger?Why is ginger a good motion sickness remedy?How much ginger do you need to take as a motion sickness remedy?
What Is Ginger?
Ginger is a perennial plant which grows in south-east Asia.
The rhizome is the part of ginger which is used for medicinal purposes.
The rhizome of ginger contains unique ingredients such as:
Essential OilsGingerolZingerone
Ginger has beneficial health properties such as:
Anti-nauseantAnti-inflammatoryAntihistamineAnalgesic
Apart from helping with motion sickness, ginger can also help with the symptoms of:
ArthritisDiarrhoeaDizzinessFlatulenceHeadaches
IndigestionMorning SicknessPoor circulation
Why Is Ginger A Good Motion Sickness Remedy?
Ginger is a good motion sickness remedy due to its beneficial effects it has upon the gastro-intestinal tract.
Studies have shown that ginger can reduce sea sickness by up to 38%.
How Much Ginger Do You Need To Take As A Motion Sickness Remedy?
As a motion sickness remedy, try taking 500 mg of ginger one hour before traveling and then every two hours whilst traveling.
Note: ginger is generally safe to take, but as with all supplements it is best to consult your doctor before taking ginger supplements.
Some supplements can cause adverse reactions with prescribe medicine.
So, to sum up…
Ginger is a perennial plant which grows in south-east Asia.
It’s the rhizome of ginger which is used for medicinal purposes.
Ginger has anti-nauseant properties.
Ginger is a good motion sickness remedy because studies have shown that ginger can reduce sea sickness by up to 38%.
newbeingnutrition.com/motion-sickness.htm Motion Sickness: more…
The Best Way To Avoid The Dangers of Bird Flu
The threat to the world from Bird Flu is more serious now,
than it was when I wrote my first article on the subject in
May, 2005. entitled “Will Avian Flu Become Pandemic”
since then it has spread to numerous other countries,
but thankfully at this stage it has not, as yet, mutated to a
strain that can transfer from Human to Human.
It is so easy for this virus to mutate, it can happen as simply
as a person catching Bird Flu from poultry or birds, when that
person, has already caught one of the more common strains of
Influenza.
This could enable the Bird Flu virus to then cause a pandemic
outbreak of this deadly disease throughout the world.
History of the Bird Flu and its Spread.
It first started in South Korea at a chicken farm in 2003, a
couple of months or so later, it was detected in Vietnam, then
an outbreak was found in chickens in Indonesia, Thailand confirms
the death of a six year old boy, this was the first known death
from Bird Flu.
China also has problems and Malaysia has found the virus in
chickens, near the Thailand border.
This year, 2005, Bird Flu has been found in ducks in the Philippines,
Japan has had an outbreak in chickens, then it was also found in
Russia.
In October, 2005 it was discovered in Turkey and Romania, so you
can see that it is spreading across the globe, slowly but surely.
The very latest is that has now been dicovered in Greece.
It is spread at this stage by birds, mainly migratory birds that fly
north or south from the Asian region, where they can take it to
Russia and Europe, or in the other direction, south to Australia,
New Zealand and the Pacific region.
The European Union has warned that there should not be any panic,
though it has told the 25 nations that make up the Union to start
stockpiling supplies of anti viral drugs. It has been confirmed in nearly
all cases the strain of virus is the highly virulent and lethal H5N1.
In London, it has been confirmed that Britain is at risk and they have
suggested that all people that could be vulnerable, should consider
having normal Flu injections.
The United States Senate, on September 29, 2005, voted to provide
almost $US4 billion to purchase a stockpile of the two anti viral drugs.
Future Prospects
Professor Ian Frazer of Brisbane, Australia, who with his research team,
after many years of heartache, trials and tribulations, have announced
that they have now perfected a vaccine that will prevent Cervical
Cancer and this vaccine should be available in 2006, this is a world
breakthrough and a historic discovery, he now is thinking of turning his
talents to the H5N1 virus, he and many of his colleagues are convinced
that it is only a matter of time before this virus will start attacking
humans and cause a pandemic.
It has been estimated that the death toll throughout the world, if this
pandemic should start, could be as high as 40 million people.
Currently, humans are catching the virus from birds that have the infection, through their saliva or faeces, which when dry can be inhaled by humans. The authorities state emphatically that it can not be transmitted through
eating poultry.
What Can You Do
It is recommended by a number of authorities that you should consider
having the normal human flu vaccine.
There are two drugs available that can help, but are in short supply,
also quite expensive, Tamiflu and Relenza.
Take all the sensible normal precautions.
Your Immune System, this is your natural defence against all illnesses
and diseases. Try to ensure that you Immune System is functioning as
efficiently as possible. Make sure that what you eat and drink is natural
and as nutritious as you can make it.
More information is available from my website.
Article by Alfred Jones, Information Advisor for
Sugarsr4u.com Sugarsr4u.com
The Health Secret of the Himalayas
This article may be freely used by Newsletters amd Web Sites without permission as long as it is shown in its entirety.
Aromatherapy Essential Oils: Scents of Well-Being
Aromatherapy is currently one of the most popular ways of de-stressing. It claims to help restore that sense of harmony between mind, body and soul. Because it is non - invasive and it uses natural essential oils, aromatherapy is a huge favorite among patients with various diseases who are looking for more enjoyable alternatives when it comes to hands - on therapy. If you are interested in experiencing the health benefits of aromatherapy, there are several aromatherapy clinics that can give consultation on the kind of aromatherapy treatment that will fit your needs. But if you want to be more adventurous and experimental, you might want to try it yourself in the comforts of your own home. Several aromatherapy how-to books can be found at your local bookstore. To help you get started, here is a list of the essential oil must-haves.
. Clary Sage - the perfect essential oil for insomniacs. Its sweet, earthy fragrance has an excellent relaxing effect on the body. It is also known to aid in the recovery of patients with hormonal disorders. Clary Sage is popular for its pain - killing properties as well, making it ideal for the treatment of muscle aches and pains.
. Eucalyptus - the oil you should grab if your sinuses are feeling stuffy. Eucalyptus is widely used in helping patients with asthma, colds and a variety of respiratory problems. It is also good for easing muscle tensions and strengthening the immune system. Eucalyptus is also helpful for malaria patients.
. Geranium - If you need to give your mood a lift, this would be the right essential oil for you. Its strong floral smell is recommended for people with anxiety and mild depression. Aside from helping you feel good, Geranium can also improve your appearance. It’s great for the skin, especially in treating conditions such as acne, dermatitis and eczema. It could even be used as a mosquito repellent.
. Lavender - with its light, fresh aroma, lavender oil is ideal for de - stressing. It is a great skin conditioner and can also be used to treat minor skin burns and wounds.
. Lemon - has antibacterial properties useful in treating skin wounds and infections. It has a relaxing scent but it uplifts the mood as well.
. Peppermint - Great for people suffering from digestive disorders and flatulence. Peppermint is also a natural pain - killer useful in soothing headaches and muscle pains.
. Roman Chamomile - this essential oil is a wonderful pain reliever especially for migraines and toothaches. It is also used to treat inflammatory conditions. Because of its sedative properties, Roman chamomile is said to have a good effect on people who often feel restless or irritable.
. Rosemary - one of the more stimulating essential oils. It helps in achieving mental alertness and improving blood circulation, as well as boosting the immune system. It also helps in relieving muscle tension and improving your mood.
. Tea Tree - effective in treating a variety of infections, especially infections of a fungal nature such as athlete’s foot and ringworm. Also effective in treating skin blemishes and strengthening the immune system.
. Ylang Ylang - patients with high blood pressure and those who experience frequent heart palpitations can benefit well from its hypotensive properties. Ylang Ylang is also known to be effective in easing feelings of frustration and irritability.
These essential oils have several health benefits to the mind and body, but they must also be used in moderation and with care. Read up on how to safely use the essential oils before attempting to have an aromatherapy session on your own. It is always best to consult those who are in the practice of aromatherapy first. Although it is fun to be adventurous, the results might be more catastrophic than beneficial if you are not sufficiently informed about the uses of these oils.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to aromatherapy-direct.com/ Aromatherapy
What Are Bifocal Contact Lenses?
You may be used to regular eyeglasses, or contacts, with one special lens prescription, but a bifocal has two in one - and a bifocal contact lens is also a dual lens, so it is sort of like wearing two sets of glasses at the same time.
The way a bifocal contact lens works is that it, like a normal bifocal eyeglass lens, has two ranges of vision, or prescriptions. For example, if you need one kind of lens to help correct your vision up close, then obviously it will make looking at a distant object more difficult and blurred, perhaps to the point that it will give you symptoms like headache and vertigo without a matter of moments.
To alleviate the need for two sets of eyeglasses, doctors long ago engineered the bifocal, so that one set of lenses did the job of two, and recently they figured out how to do the same thing in a bifocal contact lens. The lens sometimes is divided into an upper half and a lower half; and at other times it may be designed in concentric circles, with one lens on the interior and the other on the outside of that first one.
When you use a set of bifocal contact lens contacts, your eye gradually adjusts to finding the different portions of the lens that do different things, and once your eye muscles are trained and coordinated, they automatically shift to and from the corrective lens that is needed at a particular time, for a specific task. For example, if you are reading and your eye needs to look through the lens that corrects your vision for close up viewing, the pupil of your eye will direct the attention there, and the light will be refracted into your retina at an angle which will assist you in reading small print close to your face. Then, if you shift and start to look off in the distance - for instance if you are reading a map or a compass and up close and then look up to see a mountain in the distance that you are trying to hike toward - the eye’s focus will slide over to look through the other lens, and you will have a crisp image of the mountain in the distance, thanks to a different prescription lens in the other part of the contacts, that refracts the light at a slightly different angle to correct your vision for another kind of viewing.
Which is right for you, a bifocal contact lens, or a bifocal lens in traditional eyeglasses? This will depend on your preferences, mostly. Some people have trouble with contact lenses, and find them difficult to put in and take out, which is a routine that people who wear contacts have to adapt into their daily life, unless they buy the special kind that you can leave in 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for a week or more at a time. Even those types of lenses, however, have to be changed eventually, so some people find it problematic to wear contacts. However, for those people, the innovations in design and manufacture of contacts may provide some hope, because there are now contacts that are much simpler to manage and much easier to maintain. If you work in some particular kinds of hazardous environments or are a sports enthusiast who likes to wear goggles or other kinds of equipment, you may find that contacts eliminate the need for trying to fit everything over a pair of bulky traditional eyeglasses. On the other hand, some environments, for example around certain types of toxic gaseous chemicals, are not suitable for contact lens wearing, so you have to check with your eye vision specialist for this and all other topics related to contacts and eyeglasses, that you might need consultation and advice about, to help you make the wisest and most practical decision regarding the health and welfare of your precious eyes.
For lots of information on
Understanding Attention Deficit Disorder Symptoms
Attention Deficit Disorder can be defined in three ways – inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and a combination of both. New and better treatments for Attention Deficit Disorder are being developed every day. But prior to treatment is the obvious step of diagnosis – which can be the most difficult stage. Learning to understand Attention Deficit Disorder symptoms is the first line of defense in tackling this difficult condition.
Attention Deficit Disorder symptoms manifest themselves differently in every person. One sufferer may demonstrate the inability to concentrate on simple tasks, listen to straightforward directions, or focus long enough to complete a project; these are considered symptoms of classic Attention Deficit Disorder.
Others present with excessive hyperactivity – the inability to sit still, wait their turn, organize their thoughts, or control impulsive behavior; these are considered signs of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. In some cases, sufferers may actually demonstrate a combination of behaviors.
When making an Attention Deficit Disorder diagnosis, medical professionals will look for at least eight out of a possible fourteen Attention Deficit Disorder symptoms to be present. The medical community’s accepted guidelines on Attention Deficit Disorder symptoms acts as a checklist for determining prevailing behaviors.
When a significant number of Attention Deficit Disorder symptoms are present, a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder is made. Only then can you begin appropriate treatment – including therapy and effective medication.
If you are unsure whether to consult a doctor regarding behavioral concerns, do your own preliminary research on Attention Deficit Disorder symptoms. The Internet is a vast resource for finding signs and symptoms that may be attributed to Attention Deficit Disorder. There is no substitute for a doctor’s intervention; so if your research yields startling results regarding a pattern of behavior then make an appointment with a medical professional right away.
While there is no cure for Attention Deficit Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder symptoms can be successfully managed with appropriate and consistent treatment.
For easy to understand, in depth information about attention deficit disorder visit our ezGuide 2
How Can Walking Improve My Health And Weight Loss?
Let’s talk walking for a minute. Why would you want to go walking anyway? Well, the tips I’ve supplied below might help. Some people don’t really want to sweat it out in a gym or run the aerobic circuit in trendy outfits. In fact, many people have turned to simply walking their way to good health. You don’t have to have the figure of a body builder to be fit. That doesn’t mean body building or aerobics are no good, I’m simply saying there are different ways for different folk to reach their goal.
One thing is for sure. You can’t get fit just by eating well. You must eat a nutritious diet ie. Mediterranean diet or similar and exercise in some way once a day. This way you will achieve a reasonable level of fitness and health.
This is what walking will do for you;
1. Boost energy levels – giving you more energy to do the things you like to do!
2. Increased metabolic rate – helps burn those kilojoules (calories) faster, even when you are at resting phase!
3. Improved muscle tone – Especially your buttocks and leg muscles (great for weight loss- the more muscle you have the more kilojoules your body will burn)
4. Memory Improvement – Research has proven that walking 40 minutes, three times a week on a regular basis increases your memory
5. Enjoyable Restful Sleep – It has been proven that walking regularly will give you a good nights sleep, which in turn will create enthusiasm to embrace the following day.
6. You will achieve a feeling of well being – due to the chemical reaction in the body that is generated from physical activity (and the fresh air!)
Here are some tips to making walking that much easier to achieve if you have a busy schedule;
1. Create More time - Set your alarm for 45 minutes earlier than normal in the morning for 3 time a week. That way you get your walk over and done with and have the rest of the day for other things.
2. Stairs are good – Always take the stairs instead of elevators or escalators
3. Using a car park to your benefit - Park your car in the furthest car park from your office doors or the shopping mall
4. Spend more time with your kids - get out there after school with your kids on their bikes, roller blades or go down to the local park for a game of something.
5. Lunchtime - Every lunch time take 10 minutes to walk around the block whether you are at home or at the office. (Ask a colleague to come with you for company)
6. Picking Kids up - Instead of waiting in the car after-school sports etc, do a couple of quick laps around the playing field
7. Partner with your dog - Make a commitment that you will take your dog for at least 3 longer walks a week
8. Bring walking shoes to work – before driving home, take a 30 minute walk.
That should be enough tips to get the most reluctant person on their feet or at least planning to walk if you haven’t an alternative exercise program. You’ll find that it actually becomes enjoyable and once you start it’s difficult to give up (not that you’d want to anyway).
Author Ray Darken - Ray often writes for and works with
Halloween Contact Lenses
Every year, people all over go into a frenzy trying to decide on that perfect costume for halloween. This year, why not give your costume that added touch with a pair of Halloween Contact Lenses? These cool colored contact lenses are sure to be the hit of any party.
The key is to pick the right costume, then use your special effects contact lenses to accentuate it. Take a look at the following list of costume ideas:
Alien: Dress up in black and then pop in Alien Contacts. Definitely spooky!
Ghost: Don´t go for the old bedsheet routine. Paint yourself white everywhere and then white out your eyes!
Hypnotica: Dress the part of the gypsy and then hypnotize everybody when you look at them.
Cat Eye: The classic cat costume definitely deserves the cats eye. Remember your neighbour´s cat that had differently colored eyes? Try any combination of cat´s eyes that you want.
Fire: Dressing up as the Devil this year? Cover your eyes with flames and add some heat to your costume.
Bloodshot: Any gory looking costume will look great with the addition of the most bloodshot eyes you´ve ever seen.
When getting a theatrical lens, don´t get something cheap that could hurt your eye. Get something with quality, like a color Acuvue or a tinted Ciba Vision. If you have astigmatism, look around and see if you can get a colored toric contact lens. If you want to get discount contact lenses, look around at some of the bigger online stores. Often getting your contacts online can mean big discounts, usually more than 50%.
Remember, special contacts are just like your day to day Acuvue Advance, clean them regularly if you wear them regularly. Ciba Vision Clear Care my trusted solution for cleaning colored contact lenses as well as regular ones.
Michael Wright is a virtual authority on contact-lenses-online-guide.com/Contact_Lenses.html contact lenses. He also writes articles about contact-lenses-online-guide.com/Astigmatism.html astigmatism and contact-lenses-online-guide.com/Color_Contacts.html colored contacts.
What is Heart Disease?
UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS OF YOUR HEART AND HEART DISEASE
Understand the basics associated with your heart and blood vessels. Here you will get an understanding of all the different types of cardiovascular disease that can be confusing. Get a basic overview of cardiovascular disease and the conditions that can affect your heart and blood vessels.
You probably hear a lot about preventing heart disease. But maybe you’re not sure what heart disease is. Is it the same thing as cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease or other heart terms you sometimes see?
With many medical terms related to the heart and blood vessels, it’s no wonder you may be puzzled or confused. Here you will have a chance to brush up on some basic terms about cardiovascular disease (CVD) that can help you stay more informed. This can then help you when you’re watching the news or meeting with your doctor.
The first term to know is Cardiovascular Disease or CVD. CVD is a broad term. CVD is a large collection of diseases and conditions.
If you want to be technical, CVD refers to any disorder in any of the various parts of your heart system. Your cardiovascular system consists of your heart and all the blood vessels throughout your whole body.
Cardiovascular disease has two main mechanisms:
Diseases of the Heart (cardio)
Diseases of the Blood Vessels (vascular)
Everything from an aneurysm to a heart attack to varicose veins are all types of CVD. You may be born with a type of CVD (congenital) or you may acquire others later on in life possibly from a lifetime of unhealthy habits, lack of exercise, smoking, and other factors.
Here’s a closer look at the two mechanisms of cardiovascular disease.
Diseases of the Heart
The diseases and conditions that affect the heart are in a group known as heart disease. The heart consists of a muscle that pumps blood. Arteries supply blood to the heart muscle, and the valves make sure that the blood within the heart is pumped in the right direction. Problems can occur in any of these areas.
Just like CVD, Heart Disease is a broad term.
Here are the specific types of heart disease:
**Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
**Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
**Cardiomyopathy
**Valvular heart disease
**Pericardial disease
**Congenital heart disease
**Heart failure (CHF)
Diseases of the Blood Vessels
Blood vessels are in basic terms hollow tubes that carry blood to the organs and tissues throughout your body.
There are 4 basic types of blood vessels:
Arteries.
These blood vessels carry oxygenated blood to all parts of the body
Veins.
These blood vessels carry deoxygenated blood back to your heart. That is why they have a bluish cast to their color
Capillaries.
These are tiny vessels that connect your arteries and veins.
Lymphatics.
Fluid that leaks out of your capillaries in order to bathe your cells.
Here are some types of blood vessel disorders:
**Arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis
**High blood pressure (HBP) or Hypertension (HTN)
**Stroke
**Aneurysm
**Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) and claudication
**Vasculitis
**Venous incompetence
**Venous thrombosis or blood clot
**Varicose veins
**Lymphedema
Heart Disease is a serious condition. Watch your fatty food intake, smoking, as well as your sweet tooth intake. Both can cause serious heart problems.
It is best to start out slow when changing your diet. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is a great way to start.
F. Kuhn, RN
specializing in cardiac and diabetic teaching
heartnewscenter.com heartnewscenter.com
diabetestestingcenter.com diabetestestingcenter.com
