Fitness Made Simple: Stair Sprinting
Anybody can lose weight; it’s no big deal. You only have to be careful about the food you eat and to make more effort than you usually do. Dieting doesn’t have to mean food deprivation and money spent on gym subscriptions. You can keep your body in shape with simple exercises that do not require gym equipment or professional advice and supervision. If you’re also using a dietary supplement like ProShaperx, losing weight will be the simplest thing in the world.
A simple exercise that anybody can perform at home or the park is called Stair Sprinting. The name is pretty self explanatory. All you have to do is run up and down the stairs between several floors; the more floors, the better off you’ll be.
It’s a good idea to start small, even if you’re in a good physical condition. Run up and down four floors two times. First timers and overweight people are unlikely to manage more than two reps anyway. However, it’s no big deal if you can’t do more than two reps in the beginning. Resistance to effort is built in time. Do the two reps every other day for two weeks.
After two weeks increase the number of reps to either three or four, depending on how you feel. If you can take four reps up and down four flights of stairs, then by all means do so. If you can’t, then stick to three reps. As the weeks go by, you can add even more reps to your routine in order to increase your endurance and to really put the muscles to work.
This exercise is perfect for the legs and ass. Ladies and gents looking to build shapely asses and strong thighs ought to try stair sprinting. Having to carry your own weight up the stairs instead of flat terrain puts more stress on the muscles and helps the feet gain more endurance. However, be very careful when doing this exercise. Running up and down the stairs makes it very easy to trip or miss a step and splay an ankle. Even more serious injuries might happen if you’re not careful enough.
For more information on how you can lose weight more effectively yet completely naturally, please visit proshaperx.com proshaperx.com.
Balancing the Oils in Your Hair — How to Treat Dry Hair and Oily Hair
Do you ever stand in the shampoo aisle at the grocery store, dreaming of the day when you will be able to buy shampoo for “normal” hair? Well, if you need help dealing with either oily hair or dry hair, here are some very useful tips and suggestions:
How to deal with oily hair:
· Use a mild shampoo – if you wash your hair every day, it is better to choose a mild shampoo over one designed specifically for oily hair because the latter shampoo might be too harsh. Sure, it might get rid of the oiliness of your hair, but it could damage it in the process!
· If you use a certain shampoo for a week or two and you do not notice any change (or you notice a change for the worse), try out a new shampoo. It might take a bit of trial and error before you find a shampoo that works well for you.
· While shampooing, be gentle. Massaging your scalp fiercely will create more oils.
· Keep your hair lathered up for up to five minutes before you your rinse.
· Shampoo again if your hair was particularly oily.
· If you must use a conditioner, choose a very light conditioner or one that is specifically made to treat oily hair.
· Apply the conditioner only to the ends of your hair.
· Be sure to fully rinse the conditioner out.
· Comb your hair once or twice throughout the day to help redistribute the oils – comb it only briefly, though, and try to avoid combing directly on the scalp. This could cause you to distribute oils that might have just stayed on your scalp.
· For a quick fix, spritz some water onto your hair and then blow-dry it.
· Some people (especially those with lighter hair) find that sprinkling a little baby powder in their hair and ten brushing it out can help eliminate the oily appearance.
How to treat and prevent dry hair:
· If you absolutely must use a blow dryer, use it on a low and cool setting. Also, stop before your hair is completely dry (and do not start until your hair has had a little chance to air dry).
· Do not wash your hair every day. Let your scalp’s natural oils help treat your hair.
· Use a shampoo that contains humectants (like panthenol or glycerin) which will encourage water to bind to your hair to reduce dryness.
· Use acidifiers – they lock in moisture at the cuticle (at the “root” of the problem, so to speak).
· Leave the conditioner in your hair for up to five minutes.
· In addition to your regular routine, do a deep-conditioning treatment once a week.
· When out in the elements (especially the drying sun) where a hat.
· Where a swim cap when swimming – you can even put a conditioner on your hair before you put your swim cap on (watch out, though – the cap might slide off if you use too much!)
· Avoid coloring, straightening, or perming your hair.
· Change your diet! Eat plenty of essential fatty acids (but avoid cholesterol).
· Apply a few drops of safflower oil to your hands, rub them together, and then work some of it into the ends – it does not take a lot!
· You could also take a teaspoon or so of safflower oil orally daily.
· Realize that when your hair is wet, it is more susceptible to breakage – it stretches. Do not brush your wet hair.
If your dry hair or oily hair persists, even after trying these suggestions, condsider speaking with a hair dresser or dermatologist.
Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background includes teaching and gardening. For more of her articles on hair and body care, please visit saveebathandbody.com Savee Bath and Body.
Weight Loss - 5 Ways To Slim Down Fast
Weigh yourself 1 time per day
Weighing in once a day helps you keep track of what you are doing daily
Why It Works
Weekly weigh-ins are a staple of many popular diet programs, but studies now show that daily weighing is the key to lasting loss.
Watch no more than 2 hours of TV a day It leads to unwanted fat commercials
Why It Works
TV junkies miss out on calorie-burning activities like backyard tag with the kids; instead, they become sitting ducks for junk-food ads.
Contact a friend 3 times per week - A friend in need is a friend indeed.
Why It Works
“Long-term weight loss requires support,” says Marion Franz, RD, a nutrition consultant in Minneapolis. Her study review found that people who met regularly with a dietitian or attended groups like Weight Watchers were more likely to maintain their losses than those who didn’t.
Eat 4 g of fiber in every meal or snack.
Why It Works
A high-fiber diet can lower your caloric intake without making you feel deprived. To get 25 g of fiber a day, make sure you eat six meals or snacks, each of which contains about 4 g of fiber.
Take 5 (thousand) extra steps a day - Exercise is Key!
Why It Works
A typical person takes about 5,000 steps per day between going to work, running errands, and doing chores around the house. Doubling that number can have significant health benefits: higher “good” HDL cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, improved glucose control, and yes, a lower number on the scale. Walking more steps per day also leads to a lower percentage of body fat and slimmer waists and hips.
Look this is just a small bit of help that you can get to find how to weigh in and step out of your Troubles. To be where you want to be in life you have to step up and take what belongs to you. Your future depends on you take a look at why and how to start … unleashed-reviews.com/Weightloss.html 10 Steps To Slim Down
How To Do A Pedicure
If you are accustomed to wearing nail polish, remove this first. If your remover is alcohol or acetone free, it may not be as effective on darker colors. Also, some people prefer to use gauze pads as opposed to cotton balls to avoid any fuzz leftover on the nails. But if your ball is wet enough and wiped well, this shouldn’t be a problem.
Next, cut your nails, using a proper toenail cutter and not a fingernail clipper. The toe clippers are made specifically for the nature and shape of foot nails. Cut straight across, leaving one-eighth to one-quarter of an inch, depending on the shape of your toe. Nails can then be filed down with the rough side of an emery board, the corners shaped, and the smooth side of the board used to buff the edges.
Use a bowl, or dishpan from the Dollar Store as a footbath. Soak your feet in warm water for 15 minutes. For a more relaxing session, add some aromatherapy oils or crystals to the water. The soaking will help soften skin that you will be working with next.
Use a cuticle softener around the edges of each nail, and then an orangewood stick to gently push back any skin extending over the nail. Go only to the edge of the nail and no further. If you have a piece of loose skin, there are cuticle clippers that will remove it.
The ball and heels of your feet is where the toughest and roughest skin is. Use a scrub meant for removing dry skin, and put it on a pumice stone or foot scrubber. Rub firmly in order to get the softened dead skin off, but don’t go so far that you irritate the foot.
Now indulge yourself by moisturizing while you massage your feet. There are creams made specifically for foot skin, which will condition it better. Rub and massage it into all areas of the foot, especially the thicker skin portions, and then continue up the ankle to the lower calf. You might also like to use a drop of cuticle oil, massaged in to keep them soft and pliable.
Allow your feet to dry thoroughly before putting on any kind of footwear, or re-painting the nails with polish.
If you love luxury and a little pampering yourself, you can create a home business out of that love. Find out about the many opportunities to sell body care products, spa products and other pampering goodies from the comfort of your home by visiting pamperingbusiness.com pamperingbusiness.com
Orthotics and Your Feet
Orthotics are devices which fit into the shoe to aid the foot.
“Functional orthotics” are rigid and designed to control
motion and correct the function of the foot. Individuals with
flatfeet, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, certain foot deformities,
knee, hip and back problems may benefit from functional
orthotics. “Accommodative orthotics” are soft and designed
to reduce pressure and prevent excess friction. Diabetics
and those with a loss of sensation or circulation in their feet
will benefit from accommodative orthotics. Both types of
orthotics are custom made by taking a mold of the foot.
Functional Orthotics
The goal of the functional orthotic is to improve the
mechanics of the foot, control the abnormal motion in the
foot, decrease the pain in the foot, ankle, knee, hip or back
and to add support. The orthotic should make standing,
walking, jogging or running more comfortable. The orthotic
must be rigid to help control the motion in the foot and add
support. If the orthotic is soft, the weight of the body would
collapse the device and it would no longer function.
Abnormal motion is typically in the form of pronation.
Pronation is the rolling in of the foot and collapse of the
arch. The motion starts at the rearfoot, or heel area. When
the heel turns in, it allows the arch to collapse. This puts
undue stress on the ligaments and tendons in the arch area
and contributes to the development of tendonitis, plantar
fasciitis, bunions and hammertoes. The functional orthotic
helps to control the abnormal motion in the rearfoot. This is
accomplished by taking a mold of the foot in its neutral
position. The neutral position is the position the foot should
be in when walking. When standing, the over-pronated foot
is in the uncorrected position. The mold of the foot should
be taken with the patient sitting so the foot can be placed in
the neutral position.
The molds are sent to a lab and scanned into a computer. A
reverse image is produced and the computer generates an
image of the foot in neutral position. The computer adjusts
the image based on the corrections recommended by your
podiatrist. A model of the foot is then cut out, in some cases
out of wood. The orthotic material is pressed over the foot
model and the orthotic is created. The most common
material is polypropylene, but other materials, such as
graphite are used. In some cases, hand-made molds are
created out of plaster. This was the classic way orthotics
were made until newer technology made the process much
less labor intensive.
Functional orthotics are a successful treatment for many
problems affecting the lower extremity. In a recent article in
the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association,
75% of patients surveyed had good to excellent results from
functional orthotics. This includes 17% who felt the orthotics
“cured” their pain. Less than 10% had no relief. The most
commonly treated condition in the study was a painful heel.
Over 20% of patients surveyed were treated for a painful
heel and 20% were treated for a painful arch. Fourteen
percent of the individuals were using orthotics for flatfeet.
Other conditions treated with orthotics were knee, hip and
back pain, foot arthritis, bunions and high arches.
Tendonitis was not specifically evaluated.
Individuals with plantar fasciitis (heel and arch pain) who
also have flatfeet usually respond best to orthotics. The
plantar fascia is a ligament type structure on the bottom of
the foot which helps to hold up the arch. When the foot
collapses, the weight of the body stresses the ligament and
results in tearing and inflammation. This results in plantar
fasciitis. These individuals typically respond well to orthotics
in combination with other treatments. Certain types of
tendonitis respond well to orthotics and other types require
orthotics. Posterior tibial tendonitis is the tearing and
inflammation of the tendon that helps to hold up the arch.
When this tendon is overstressed by arch collapse it cannot
heal. Orthotics are essential in the treatment of this
condition.
Individuals with high arches may require orthotics as well,
but they do not respond as well. Orthotics can help slow the
progression of bunions and hammertoes, but they will not
prevent this process. Orthotics may help with some pain at
a bunion, but they will not “cure” the bunion. When the
motion in the foot is contributing to the problem, orthotics
are generally recommended. If the foot is stable and does
not require support, the bunion, hammertoe, neuroma,
tendonitis or even plantar fasciitis may not require custom
made orthotics for treatment. These individuals may do well
with a pre-fabricated orthotic.
Accommodative Orthotics
Diabetics can develop numbness and loss of circulation in
the feet. This numbness and circulation loss puts them at
risk for developing open sores on the feet called
ulcerations. To help prevent excess rub and friction in
certain areas on the feet, accommodative orthotics are
recommended. Diabetics who do not have numbness or
circulation loss (as diagnosed by their doctor) do not need
to have accommodative orthotics. If the foot has a deformity,
like a bunion or hammertoe, then accommodative orthotics
are necessary.
Accommodative orthotics are made from many different
types of material. Some are made of a foam type material,
others made from cork and others have covers ranging from
soft spongy material to leather. The type of material
depends on the type of foot. Many accommodative orthotics,
made for diabetics, have two or more layers that form
around the foot once they are worn. Three pairs are
dispensed every year and they are replaced every 4 months.
Other materials are longer lasting. A mold of the foot is
taken by stepping into a foam box. In this case, it is
important to take the mold standing, so that the orthotic can
be made to form around the foot.
The Cost
Many insurance companies cover orthotics for certain
diagnoses. The most commonly covered diagnoses are
plantar fasciitis (heel and arch pain), flatfeet and diabetes.
Many insurance companies cover the orthotics at 80%. This
means the patient is responsible for 20% of the cost unless
they have a secondary insurance. If the deductible has not
been met, then the amount is applied to the deductible and
the patient must pay the full amount. Orthotics are not
cheap. They range from $250 to $600.
Medicare covers orthotics for diabetics with neuropathy
(numbness of the feet). Medicare does not cover orthotics
for any other type of foot problem. Secondary insurance will
not cover orthotics if Medicare does not cover them.
Podiatrists most commonly prescribe orthotics, but
pedorthotists, orthotists, physical therapists and sometimes
orthopedists will also provide orthotics.
Christine Dobrowolski is a podiatrist and the author of
Those Aching Feet: Your Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment
of Common Foot Problems. To learn more about Dr.
Dobrowolski and her book visit
skipublishing.com. skipublishing.com. For more information on
prefabricated orthotics visit
northcoastfootcare.com. northcoastfootcare.com.
Depression Medications: What You Should Know About the “Magic Pills” and Their Side-Effects!
Millions of people suffer from the misery of depression and simply want to be happy again! Unfortunately, Prescription Depression Medications are not always a sure bet for treating the depression symptoms. In fact, many professionals call these ‘magic pills’ simply a band-aid or a cover-up for depression without ever treating the real issue behind the disease that plagues almost 20 million Americans. If you believe that you are depressed, I would recommend you educate yourself on the medications prescribed and the harsh side-effects followed by taking these medications! Not only is there more that a ‘feel good’ pill, there is also a natural treatment which permanently cures depression and its symptoms.
Depression Medications and Their Side-Effects: What They Didn’t Tell You
1. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
This is the newest antidepressant and works by increasing serotonin (a neurotransmitter) in the brain and body. This mood changing medication creates more serotonin in the brain which then creates better moods. Name brands included in SSRIs are: Celexa, Lexapro, Luvox, Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft.
Side effects include: Dizziness, Headaches, Insomnia, Lower Sex Drive, and Inability to have an orgasm. NOT A GOOD PRICE FOR JUST CHANGING YOUR MOOD!
2. Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
This antidepressant works by increasing norepinephone and serotonin in the brain. By increasing both the levels and lessening the absorption in the brain, the patient’s mood will become better. Name brands included in SNRIs are: Wellbutrin, Effexor, Remeron, Cymbalta, Desyrel, and Ludiomil.
Side effects include: Weight loss, decreased appetite, restlessness, dry mouth, dizziness, diarrhea, insomnia, sexual dysfunctions, lightheadedness, constipation, increased sweating and reduced energy. EVEN WORSE NEWS
Both SSRIs and SNRIs are the two most common antidepressant medications and have the least side-effects out of all antidepressants. However, there is thejoyequation.com/depression/ a better solution with no side effects!
What They Should Have Told You About the Natural Cure!
There is a serious, legitimate, natural and affordable depression cure that really works and that’s based on sound research and real world experience. Barton Publishing Inc. specializes in research and education of natural cures and home remedies that have been cutting-edge in health circles. In the past months, our team of researchers have been reading, studying, interviewing, and researching everything under the sun about depression and its sufferers. And finally after months, we have finally made our natural cure available to the public! In fact, I was tired of seeing multi-billion dollar drug companies rip of depression sufferers to give them something that hides their symptoms and gives them horrible side-effects. That is why I put all my resources to work on discovering a natural cure for depression. Our four part natural cure is called The Joy Equation. Our piles of research have pointed us to four essential components NEEDED to cure depression without the use of drugs (band-aids for depression).
If you are continually struggling with depression and life has lost its luster… please don’t wait another day! Take a look at The Joy Equation website and begin your quest to end depression today!
thejoyequation.com/depression/ The Joy Equation website
Joe Barton writes for Barton Publishing Inc., a natural health company specializing in educating people of safe, affordable natural remedies. To see how you can have The Joy Equation sent to your computer in minutes, please click link here.
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Circuit Training For Weight Loss: Is This The Best Way To Lose Weight
How a Busy Financial Executive Lost 15 Pounds of Fat & 4.5 Inches While Gaining Time & Energy After Switching from Circuit Training to the World’s Most Powerful Fat Loss System - Strength and Intervals
Andy W. is another strength and intervals success story. A busy financial executive, Andy has made huge changes in his workouts and lifestyle. Like many people, Andy was frustrated by his lack of results prior to finding strength and intervals. But with his new lifestyle, he has converted his body, just like you can.
In addition, Andy has made a huge step towards making a massive career change. Soon, he will be one of the most in-demand trainers in the UK. With my help, Andy has began learning the strength and intervals system to help his clients lose fat and gain muscle with quick, effective workouts.
Here is more of Andy’s success story.
CB: Let’s start with a little background info, Andy. What were you looking to achieve when you found strength and intervals?
Andy W.:
Hi Craig, I am currently working as an Associate Director for a Finance company here on the Isle of Man. It’s a fancy title for a job that keeps me stuck at my desk for long hours and brings with it a lot of stress.
I am 35 and have always been relatively active. I make a point of making time to get to the gym 2-3 times a week and as you know I am currently carving out a new career as a fitness consultant in my spare time. I have a keen interest in nutrition because I have been resistance training for 15 years now with little or no results and put a lot of that down to the food I was consuming at the time.
CB: So what are your current thoughts on the importance of nutrition for fat loss?
AW:
I see nutrition as playing a major role in getting the results you desire and often tell my personal training clients that they do not put low-grade fuel into their cars so why should they fuel their bodies with low-grade processed foods.
Anyway, I had learnt a lot from my Personal Trainer exams and one error I was making was that my gym sessions were all machine-based exercises. I remember reading an article in Mens Fitness magazine that to achieve the results I craved I should concentrate on free weight and body weight exercises.
Due to the limited amount of time I have to work out I searched the Net for a time efficient resistance-based workout program and luckily for me I came across your website J
CB: What were your pre-training stats?
AW:
When I first contacted you for advice on the best workout for me to start on I weighted in at 81kg (that’s 178.2 pounds) and 23% body fat. I am 6 foot tall. My waist had crept up to 37 inches!
It was seeing a holiday photo of me looking like a beached whale that suddenly made me realize that I had to take action as I was heading the way of my father and grandfather. Take my word for it, it’s not a good look, no offence dad!
CB: What were your workouts before? Why did they not work as well? How have strength and intervals improved upon those workouts?
AW:
Prior to strength and intervals my workouts were purely machine-based.
My local gym uses Nautilus machines and the training protocol they market is a total-body machine-based workout 2-3 times a week. It consists of a circuit of 8-12 exercises and you perform 1 set of each exercise and look to perform 8-12 reps of each exercise. The idea is that you move straight on to each exercise with little or no rest between each exercise.
Don’t get me wrong, I think that for someone relatively new to training it can be a safe and effective form of exercise and as it can last between 20-25 minutes each session it proves to be popular at the gym.
The problem I found was that because the machines isolate the particular muscle you are working on I would experience a painful shoulder because I was lifting a heavier weight that my smaller muscles such as my rotator cuff could not handle. This would put a spanner in the works for my training because I would have to rest for a couple of weeks until the injury healed L
I felt like I was on a hamster’s wheel. I would get better, start training again, move up in my weights and then hurt my shoulder again. I thought at first it was me and that I was destined to stay as I was.
It was only when I started studying that I begin to understand where I was going wrong.
Now with the help of your strength and intervals workouts which are primarily dumbbell and free weight based I know that I am strengthening my total body including all of the smaller muscle groups including my rotator cuff muscles.
I am pleased to say that since commencing with my first strength and intervals workout I have not experienced any injuries and am now lifting more weights than I ever thought I would J
CB: Andy, you have learned the hard way that traditional, machine-based circuits are not appropriate for the masses, despite the popularity of the chain gyms throughout North America.
So which workout did you start with? Did you notice any immediate effects after starting?
AW:
When I started I was keen to get my body fat % down and reduce my waistline.
I laugh about it now because when I printed the workouts out I remember thinking the workout looked easy and I would not find it beneficial. How wrong was I?? Phew I soon found that I was eating my words!! The workouts might look easy on paper but they are challenging although nowhere near impossible.
Because I had not been doing any CV work in my workouts for a long time I found that the intervals particularly beneficial. My office is situated on a fairly steep hill and within a couple of weeks I found that I was walking a lot quicker up the hill to work without feeling as breathless as I used to and I still had energy to trot up the stairs!
And that’s what I love about the workouts…its suddenly realizing that you are doing certain everyday tasks a lot easier without even thinking about it.
I also love the fact that I have had a GREAT workout without the need for spending 1 ½ - 2 hours in the gym. I lead a busy life and need to get on with things and know that I can still get everything done AND get a workout 3 times a week as well.
CB: How have the workouts helped you? What benefits & results have you achieved? What are your gains and improvements and how do they compare to your before stats?
AW:
Continuing on from my previous answer the benefits I have achieved are loads more energy, better concentration levels and no more niggling rotator cuff injuries.
When I started my first workout I weighed in at 81kg (that’s 178.2 pounds) and 23% body fat. My waist measured 37 inches.
12 weeks later:
My weight was 73.8kg (162.36 pounds)
A loss of 7.2kg (15.84 pounds)
More importantly I had reduced my waist to 32 ½ inches
And my body fat stood at 16%.
CB: How do you feel in terms of strength and energy?
AW:
I am stronger than I have ever been and have bundles of energy. I have not reached my ultimate goal yet which is to get to 12% body fat but I know that I am well on my way and look forward to the journey because I know that workouts make it possible to achieve such a goal.
Craig Ballantyne is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist and writes for Men’s Health, Men’s Fitness, Maximum Fitness, Muscle and Fitness Hers, and Oxygen magazines. His trademarked Turbulence Training fat loss workouts have been featured multiple times in Men’s Fitness and Maximum Fitness magazines and all over the Internet, and have helped thousands of men and women around the world lose fat, gain muscle, and get lean in less than 45 minutes three times per week. For more information on the Turbulence Training workouts that will help you burn fat without long, slow cardio sessions or fancy equipment, visit TurbulenceTraining.com TurbulenceTraining.com
Andropause - Fact Or Fiction?
Lucky women. They’ve always known that sometime in their mid-40s they will begin to experience changes in hormone levels that will lead to uncomfortable symptoms and culminate in the change of life: menopause. It may seem odd to consider the certainty of menopause a lucky thing, but being able to openly talk about a medically documented event is liberating. Women can commiserate with each other and consult with their doctors for help dealing with uncomfortable symptoms. Men, however, have not had the luxury of receiving help for their mid-life discomforts. In fact, andropause, or male menopause, is not even widely accepted as a legitimate medical phenomenon.
There are several reasons the idea of Male Menopause has been received with skepticism. First, it’s a much more gradual event than a woman’s menopause. While a woman will experience a measurable and obvious drop in her estrogen levels beginning in her forties, a man’s testosterone levels begin to drop very gradually as early as thirty years old. Since the shift in hormones occurs so differently in men, the accompanying symptoms are also more gradual. For example, a woman may suddenly find herself irritable or depressed, and recognize that a change has taken place. But a man’s onset of symptoms takes much longer, so he may not recognize that he is changing.
Second, Andropause is not as final as women’s Menopause. When a woman’s estrogen levels decline sufficiently, her menstrual cycle will cease. She will be unable to bear children. Her ovaries will not produce eggs, and her uterus will not be able to sustain a pregnancy. She truly experiences a change of life: she has changed from a fertile human to one unable to procreate. This doesn’t happen with a man. Men continue to produce enough testosterone into their 80s to be able to father children. Even if a man cannot have intercourse and ejaculate to impregnate his partner, semen with sperm in it can still be collected and used to fertilize an egg. Perhaps the biggest reason that scientists have discussed andropause with skepticism is that men do not experience the change of life to the extent that women do.
Three, men are expected to be stoic about symptoms. Women have support groups, literature, and medical experts lining up to assist with the change of life. Decades-long, nationwide studies are done about the benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy to treat menopause. Women talk about, joke about, and complain about their symptoms and discomforts. Men, meanwhile, endure their discomforts in silence. It’s not manly to whine about problems such as weight gain, thinning hair, difficulty achieving or maintaining erections, sleeplessness, or depression. And what man would ever want to discuss his loss of libido? Women talk, men cope silently. The sad thing is, coping is often easier when professional intervention can be openly sought.
Acknowledging the truth of male menopause is definitely the first step in helping men cope with the changes taking place in their bodies.
Christopher Thomas is a journalist/photographer that has recently overcame Andropause (Male Menopause) symptoms by taking supplements and making dietary changes. For additional information about Male Menopause/Andropause and treatment options that can help, please visit Amidrenreview.com Amidrenreview.com
Probiotics—Health Benefits
Russian scientist, Eli Metchnikov, discovered nearly 100 years ago the health benefits of friendly bacteria. The word probiotic literally means “for life”, and is the opposite of the word antibiotic.
Most doctors and other health professionals still fail to recommend probiotics to their patients. The reason for this can be that most products sold today do not have any real evidence that they work. Western medicine is based on what is known as evidence-based medicine. Medical doctors typically only use therapies with a scientific history of, usually pharmaceutically generated beneficial effects (and yes, despite side-effects). They also only have faith in products evaluated by pharmaceutical companies.
There is a landmark medical study conducted by experts on the front lines of hospital infection control. Hospital researchers recently made public a major study using a new, patented strain of friendly acidophilus bacterial called CL1285®. This probiotic sold in health food stores for nearly ten years is making waves in the medical community.
Already respected by consumers for delivering results, clinical studies are now giving physicians the medical proof they require to recommend this probiotic.
Health benefits of probiotics:
Most probiotics on the market today promote “general well-being,” but scientists are increasingly discovering many more benefits from consuming foods with sufficient levels of probiotic bacteria.
• Digestion: If the natural balance of your digestive system is upset, for example when you are traveling or under stress, you may experience stomach problems such as diarrhea, constipation, and discomfort. This in turn can affect other functions or physiological systems such as the immune system.
• Probiotic bacteria help keep the digestive system and immune system in balance, and have a positive effect on different types of diarrhea as well as constipation.
• Childhood eczema: Childhood eczema is known to be related to an imbalance in bacteria in the gut, and several scientific studies have shown that probiotic bacteria can reduce or even eliminate eczema in children.
• Other target areas: In addition, new generations of probiotic bacteria are targeted at specific problems or areas of the body. A number of probiotic products are believed to be able to lower cholesterol. Recently the market has seen the introduction of probiotic products for women’s health aiming at maintaining and restoring a healthy vaginal flora.
• Studies found that probiotics may improve nutrient bioavailability, including B vitamins, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, magnesium and phosphorus.
• Pediatric studies found that probiotics aids in a significantly decreasing the rate of acute diarrhea and rotavirus shedding. Parents also reported a 25% decrease in diaper rash among babies drinking formula containing probiotics.
• Probiotics and active bacteria culture may improve lactose intolerance. The bacterial strain commonly used in yogurt can produce lactase enzymes. Therefore, people with lactose intolerance and children suffering from intestinal infection can usually tolerate yogurt with an active culture.
• Some studies showed that by regulating intestinal transit time, probiotics improve constipation among the elderly.
• Other studies showed that probiotics, especially acidophilus, promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the colon and reduces the conversion of bile into carcinogens (cancer causing substances).
• Several studies found that probiotics may enhance immunity by regulating lymphocytes as well as antibodies.
Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD, Author, Hypnotherapist and Inspirational Leader specializes in: Mind, Body, Spirit healing and Physical/Sexual Abuse Prevention and Recovery. As an inspirational leader, Dr. Neddermeyer empowers people to view life’s challenges as an opportunity for Personal/Professional Growth and Spiritual Awakening. drdorothy.net drdorothy.net
Magnetic Therapy Can Treat Many Of The Symptoms Associated With Fibromyalgia
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and multiple tender points. “Tender points” refers to tenderness that occurs in precise, localized areas, particularly in the neck, spine, shoulders, and hips. People with this syndrome may also experience sleep disturbances, morning stiffness, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, and other symptoms.
Although the cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, researchers have several theories about causes or triggers of the disorder. Some scientists believe that the syndrome may be caused by an injury or trauma. This injury may affect the central nervous system. Fibromyalgia may be associated with changes in muscle metabolism, such as decreased blood flow, causing fatigue and decreased strength. Others believe the syndrome may be triggered by an infectious agent such as a virus in susceptible people, but no such agent has been identified.
Signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia can vary, depending on weather, stress, physical activity or even just the time of day. Different people experience different signs and symptoms, but common signs and symptoms include:
• Widespread pain. Fibromyalgia is characterized by pain in specific areas of your body when pressure is applied. These areas include the back of your head, upper back and neck, upper chest, elbows, hips and knees. The pain generally persists for months at a time and is often accompanied by stiffness.
• Fatigue and sleep disturbances. People with fibromyalgia often wake up tired and un-refreshed even though they seem to get plenty of sleep. Some studies suggest that this problem is the result of a sleep disorder called alpha wave interrupted sleep pattern, a condition in which deep sleep is frequently interrupted by bursts of brain activity similar to wakefulness. So people with fibromyalgia miss the deep restorative stage of sleep (stage 4). Night time muscle spasms in your legs and restless legs syndrome also may be associated with fibromyalgia.
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The constipation, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and bloating associated with IBS are common in people with fibromyalgia.
• Chronic headaches and facial pain. Many people who have fibromyalgia also have recurrent tension-type headaches that may be related to tenderness in the neck and shoulders. Facial pain is common, and as many as one-third experience jaw pain — temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.
• Heightened sensitivity. It’s common for people with fibromyalgia to report being sensitive to odours, noises, bright lights, touch and changes in weather.
• Depression. As many as one-third of people with fibromyalgia also experience depression.
• Numbness or tingling sensations in the hands and feet.
• Difficulty concentrating and mood changes.
• Chest pain or pelvic pain.
• Irritable bladder.
• Dry eyes, skin and mouth.
• Painful menstrual periods.
• Dizziness.
• Sensation of swollen hands and feet.
Magnetic therapy treatments for fibromyalgia:
Fibromyalgia sufferers can experience any number of the symptoms listed above, although it is not common to experience all of them at once, it is common to suffer from several at one time, as well as frequent flare ups of the remaining symptoms. This makes fibromyalgia very difficult to treat. The majority of people with fibromyalgia are prescribed medications to deal with all of their different symptoms, this can lead a person taking a very large amount of tablets each day. Many of the tablets will have unwanted, or unhealthy side effects which have to be counteracted with even more medication.
It’s no wonder that hundreds of fibromyalgia sufferers are turning to magnetic therapy. Without using any drugs or any side effects healing magnets are proving to be a very efficient way of managing the multiple symptoms of the disease.
The most effective treatment for fibromyalgia would be a combination of magnetic therapy products for natural pain relief:
1. Drinking magnetic water. By using a water wand or magnetic coaster to magnetise drinking water, the symptoms of IBS, depression, mood swings and chronic fatigue can be greatly reduced.
2. Wearing a super high strength magnetic bracelet (3,000 gauss/300 m tesla). The magnetic bracelet will also help to reduce depression, mood swings and chronic fatigue as well as improving the circulation and relieving hand pain. When used in-conjunction with drinking magnetic water the results will be much quicker.
3. Sleeping on a magnetic mattress pad. This is probably the single most beneficial treatment for fibromyalgia. The sheer strength of the magnetic field will relieve the painful symptoms from all around the body. Multiple pain points can all be eased with one device, plus the magnetic mattress when used in-conjunction with a magnetic pillow pad will also improve sleep, reduce migraine and tension headaches, reduce nerve pain and tingling and stabilise hormone levels.
Exposure to magnetic therapy products must be an ongoing treatment for those with fibromyalgia. The severity of the disease process does not allow for many periods of remission, as a result when the magnets are discontinued symptoms quickly return. It is for this reason that it is advocated that fibromyalgia sufferers sleep on a magnetic mattress pad on a permanent basis.
Debbie Shimadry is as an expert guest on magnetic therapy for BBC Radios and is also the managing director of leading
