0 The Relationship Between Fast Food And Obesity

The Relationship Between Fast Food And Obesity

Today, fast food became a way of life. Some studies have shown that by just eating two fastfood meals a week, exactly what they ate didn't seem to matter much. Breakfast sandwiches, fries, burgers and nuggets all meant a greater risk of obesity and it can increase the chances of obesity by 50%. It is not only fast, cheap and convenient, it also tastes good, making it harder to resist. It contains high levels of sodium, refined sugar, oil and refined flour. This combination alone can be harmful to one health as well as cause obesity.

Some fact show that Fast Food Cause Obesity?

Many doctors and experts are concern about obesity in today, with the rise in obesity they start to question and study whether fast food can cause obesity. There are many facts show that eating too many fast food meal per weeks will cause obesity. Some of the facts are:

- Obesity rates is increase every year
- Many people choosing fast food as their primary food
- Cheap and convenient, fast-food restaurants everywhere
- A lot of fast-food advertisements

It is little wonder that fast food and obesity go hand in hand. There have been countless studies that show that fast-foods are of poor and low nutritional value. The typical fast food meal consists of low quality carbohydrates, white bread, high levels of saturated fat and a sugary soda. Usually, it also has relatively low fiber content. Fast-food has high caloric density, before you know about it; you will have overeaten and put on weight. So it does cause obesity.

BMI and You

A lot of researchers report that fast food can cause obesity; especially those families that choose it as a meal more than three times a week do run a higher risk of obesity and larger BMI's. The BMI, or body mass index, is a formula that doctors use to determine exactly how overweight a person is. A BMI of a number between 25 and 30 means the patient is overweight, if 30 or more is an indication of obesity. About 70% of adults in our country can be classified as overweight, and about 35% Adults is considered obese. These are very high figures and many of them having high BMI, when you know that obesity can lead to health problems, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Our lifestyle choices also might affect our body weight as well. For example, if you and your family members visiting the fast food chains frequently, then you have a tendency to keep less healthy and high nutritional choices in at your home. The absence of fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grains can make the effects of the fries and burgers that much more severe. Some study show that slender teenagers know how to take balance food, example if they choose it on occasion will balance that choice by consuming fewer calories the rest of the day. But overweight teenagers don't know or can not control to take balance food. While there is evidence to show that it causes obesity, it seems that other factors and choices come into play as well.

The Risk for Diabetes

Experts on fast food and obesity say there is now an alarming rate of cardiovascular disease and diabetes in the United States. These numbers have continued to rise in the past few years. A study found those who eating lots of fast food gained 10 pounds more than those who did so less often, and increases twice the chance of developing an insulin disorder that directly linked to diabetes. The sedentary lifestyle, are rapidly becoming one of the top causes for type II diabetes and coronary artery disease. The high carbohydrate content of fast-food may cause the bodies inability to produce the amount of insulin needed to deal with the sugar levels produced after a meal. This may lead to increase sugar levels and block arteries.

Some Improvement

While some fast-food restaurants have begun offering healthier alternatives, including fruit, whole-grain bread, lower-fat fries, salads, as well as bottled water, rather than sodas.

However, this seems to be a rather weak and slow response, even though it is a step in the right direction. But, it does show that even the fast food restaurants acknowledge that their food cause obesity.

Always make your good choice

If you are concerned about whether fast food causes obesity, you can take time to practice healthy lifestyle, make choices for healthy eating that do not have to include avoiding fast-food all of the time. You can balance the occasional burger with plenty of healthy food options in between, and make sure that you go for regular exercise as well. With some wise and healthy choices, you do not have to worry whether fast food will cause obesity to you.

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0 benefits of banana

benefits of banana 



Bananas
Containing three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.


Depression
According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.


PMS



Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.


Anemia
High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.


Blood Pressure
This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect to beat blood pressure.
So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke




Brain Power
200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.




Constipation
High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help
restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.


Hangovers
One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.


Heartburn
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.


Morning Sickness
Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.


Mosquito bites
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.


Nerves
Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system. Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady


Ulcers
The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal
disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.






Temperature control
Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.






Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.


Smoking
Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6,B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.






Stress
Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the
heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be balanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.






Strokes
According to research in "The New England Journal of Medicine, "eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!






Warts
Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!








So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around. So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say,
"A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"


Now what are you waiting for? GO GET SOME BANANAS!

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0 3 Reasons People Experience Hair Loss

3 Reasons People Experience Hair Loss

Hair loss is a problem for both men and women. While male pattern baldness is often perceived as a male problem, many women experience thinning and balding hair also. There are many reasons why men and women experience this problem:

1. Genetics

Heredity plays a big role when it comes to hair growth problems. If you are a man and your father and grandfather lost their hair, you can bet that you will, too. If you are a woman and your mother and grandmother experienced thinning or balding hair, you can expect to have the same experience.

The good news is that if you recognize your genetics and plan for inevitable hair loss by devising a prevention and/or treatment plan, you can retain and regrow hair. There are many treatment options available these days for you to consider.


2. Hormones

Hormones are another reason people lose their hair. Actually, it's not necessarily hormones themselves but a hormonal imbalance. For example, pregnant women notice that during pregnancy, their hair is thicker and more beautiful than ever.

But after they give birth, their hair begins falling out in copious amounts. This is all due to hormones and the hair thinning will eventually stop when the hormonal balance is restored.

This is also the reason men start losing their hair at a certain age. It all comes down to hormonal balances.

For some people, checking and adjusting hormonal imbalances can help prevent hair growth problems. The best thing to do is talk to your doctor about your pattern baldness. He or she can do bloodwork to rule out underlying imbalances or medical causes for your hair loss.

If there is a medical reason for the problem, it will often go away when that reason is treated.

3. Deficiencies

Nutritional deficiency is also another reason some people lose their hair. Hair loss is one of the symptoms of anorexia and bulimia because these disorders are characterized by a lack of nutrients.

However, your deficiency does not need to be severe for you to notice a difference in your hair. Even a slight nutritional deficiency can lead to thinning hair.

This is why you will find supplements on the market designed just for hair health. Even if you feel you're not deficient in any nutrients, these supplements can help accelerate growth and strengthen your hair.

The very first thing you should do when you notice hair thinning is see your physician. Along with ruling out medical causes for your hair growth problems, you can discuss the best treatment option for your individual case.

There are many different ways to treat hair loss, including with topical monoxodil, prescription medication, hair transplant and more.

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0 How to Choose Hair Conditioner

How to Choose Hair Conditioner

The phrase hair conditioner seems a bit broad. The main objective of people who prefer to use hair conditioners is for them to make their hair more vibrant and full of life. Maybe one's hair is thinning, too frizzy, too dry, or has been damaged. Regardless of the situation, hair conditioners should help to deal with it. Below, you can find a list of basic solutions assembled to deal with certain hair concerns.

Unlike shampoo that should be chosen depending on the scalp type, conditioners should be chosen depending on the hair type. This helps avoid greasiness, frizz or limp locks. Eventually, hair can become immune to a conditioning formulas effects, and that will actually cause build up, so no matter what conditioner you end up choosing, change the brand of conditioner you use every month.

How to choose the right conditioner:
1. Look for rich, moisturizing conditioner if hair tends to get extra dry or frizzy.
2. If the hair is limp or fine, use a volumizing conditioner.
3. Healthy and shiny hair needs only a conditioner made for normal hair.
4. Use leave-on conditioners at least once a week. Use it in the shower and rinse immediately if the hair is fine but for drier hair, leave it longer.
5. If there are no conditioners available anymore, or just to avoid chemicals for a change, natural conditioners like mayonnaise or olive oil can be used as a substitute.

If a person has baby-fine hair then too much conditioner will weigh it down. Test the hair at night to see what amount of conditioner works best. Fine hair can be nice and shiny, but too much conditioner makes it look oily, damp or weighted down. The amount of conditioner being used to baby fine hair also matters. Be sure to rinse the hair well. It seems that cooler rinse water works better as it does not leave the scalp feeling heavy or irritated and this has been proven from a lot of hair experts too. Baby shampoo works great to give fine hair extra shine due to its mild content. Flip the hair over while wet and barely blow-dry hair underneath. This will give hair extra bounce.

For people that are trying to have that fuller hair appearance, here are some great tips. The Cholesterol products that come in jars are all great sources to use for fuller hair, one such product is Le Kair. People that are searching for ways to fuller hair should look for products that read volume and fullness.

Nowadays, both women and men have processed hair. Adding moisture is key to finding the right conditioner for color treated, permed, & relaxed hair. Sadly, treated hair usually suffers from oily roots to dry scalp and shaft, and sometimes split ends. So washing processed hair can be a demanding business. The trick is to cleanse the roots while moisturizing the ends.

Here are shampoo tips for the following processed hair types:
- For color treated hair try to look for a rich and thick conditioner
- Many people apply conditioner to their scalp like shampoo. Don't forget the ends of your hair, where conditioner is needed most!
- Make sure to get away from conditioners that contain silicone, because this tends to strip color.
- For curly hair, use deep conditioners.

Select products that contain cetyl or stearyl alcohol, panthenol & methicones, silicone or dimethicone, or essential oils & botanicals such as avocado or jojoba oil. This will help in taming the hair and keep it looking gorgeous for a whole day.

Putting conditioner on thinning hair will not be enough to stop a hair loss problem, but this will make hair appear as though it's thicker and fuller. One way to help replenish the hair's natural protein and mineral balance is by using the Tricomin restructuring conditioner. This in turn can build the shine, luster, and even bring back the body of thin hair. A leave-in conditioner can also help smooth and straighten hair.

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0 How to prevent breast cancer naturally

How to prevent breast cancer naturally

Exercise regularly. Many studies show that as physical activity increases, breast cancer risk decreases considerably. Exercise reduces the amount of estrogen a woman's body produces, which lowers her risk of breast cancer (estrogen exposure increases risk of the disease).Avoid some fats, enjoy others. Some studies show that a low-fat diet helps prevent breast cancer. Other studies show no fat-cancer link. The latest research shows that the amount of fat you eat may be less important than the type of fat. Fats that promote breast cancer include the saturated fat in meats, butter, and whole-milk dairy foods, and the trans-fatty acids in margarine.If you eat meat, avoid well done meat. The way you cook meat affects your breast cancer risk. Cooking meats creates carcinogenic compounds (heterocyclic amines). As cooking time increases, so do levels of these compounds. The highest levels develop in well-done grilled meat that has a blackened, charred crust.Eat more fruits and vegetables. As fruit and vegetable consumption increases, risk of all cancers drops considerably. Plant foods are high in antioxidant nutrients, among them vitamins A, C, E, and the mineral selenium, all of which prevent the cell damage that can lead to cancer. But french-fries and apple cream pie are out. Their high fat content cancels their cancer-preventive benefits.
Take an antioxidant supplement. Supplements don't replace fruits and vegetables, but an anti-oxidant formula can give you an extra little boost of the nutrients that help prevent breast cancer.Eat more fibre.


In addition to their antioxidant content, fruits and vegetables are also high in fibre. Dietary fibre binds to estrogen in the digestive tract, reducing circulating levels of the hormone. An easy way to boost your bran intake is to start your day with a bran cereal. Top your cereal with fruit, and you get even more fibre. Then eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables during the day to get all the fibre you need.Eat more tofu and soy foods. Soy foods are high in plant estrogens (phytoestrogens). They bind to the same cellular receptors as the body's own estrogen, locking some of it out of breast cells, apparently reducing its breast cancer-promoting effect. Soy foods also appear to speed estrogen's elimination from the body, which would also help prevent beast cancer.Eat more beans.
Cut down on or cut out alcohol. Many studies show that as alcohol consumption increases, so does risk of breast cancer. Alcohol raises blood levels of estrogen.Watch your weight. Apparently, every pound you gain after 18 increases your risk of breast cancer. As body fat increases, so do blood levels of estrogen, the hormone that promotes breast tumour growth.Steer clear of xenoestrogens. 'Xeno' means 'foreign' that is from outside the body. Women ingest xenoestrogens from primarily two sources: the residues in meats of estrogenic hormones given to food animals, and the residues of oestrogenic pesticides on produce. The role of xenoestrogens in breast cancer risk remains controversial, but mounting evidence suggests that xenoestrogens may increase blood estrogen levels enough to up the risk of developing breast cancer. The best ways to avoid xenoestrogens are to limit consumption of meat, poultry, and whole-milk dairy foods, or shop for organic, hormone-free meats and dairy, and organic produce.Get some sun. A little sun can help prevent breast cancer. When sunlight strikes the skin, the body makes vitamin D that helps breast tissue absorb calcium, which in turn, reduces breast-cancer risk. Get about 20 minutes of sun a day (just don't get sunburnt). A good way to do this is to take a walk at lunch or in the late afternoon.Don't smoke.
Breast-feed your babies. Breast-feeding is associated with a modest reduction in developing breast cancer before menopause. The longer a woman breast-feeds, the greater the benefit.Think twice before taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT). There are several good reasons to take HRT after menopause: lower risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer's disease. But HRT increases breast cancer risk. Talk with your doctor, and weigh your individual risks.Stress. It depresses immune function. But the research on the alleged stress-breast cancer link is very controversial. Nonetheless, it's a good idea to incorporate a stress management regimen into your life meditation, yoga, tai chi, gardening, or other relaxing activities

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0 Tips for asthmatics

Tips for asthmatics 

While Exercising

1. Exercise induced asthma is very common. Workouts do tend to make you take short, shallow breaths. Asthmatics obviously endure that much more breathlessness than normal people do. Take your inhaler to your work out sessions. A couple of puffs ten minutes before you start exercising should hold you in good stead. Use again if you feel wheezy during exercises.

2. If a particular kind of exercise or game affects you a lot, avoid doing it. It may be great to lose weight but not at the cost of damaging your lungs!

3. If your allergies are acting up, or you are coming down with a cold, avoid exercises. Instead, drink a lot of hot fluids. Go for a walk later, when you are feeling better.

4. If you have seasonal allergies, don't exercise outdoors.At Home

1. Always keep medications on hand. Ensure you stock up regularly. You never know when you could get an attack and it is tough to be stuck without medication at home. Inhalers especially, are vital for quick relief.

2. If your child is asthmatic, teach her to handle her inhalers and other medication on her own. If you are not around, she needs to manage her asthmatic attacks on her own. This again, does not pertain to drugs that need adult supervision.


3. Breathing exercises help tackle asthma. Learn the
technique and do it regularly at home. They strengthen your lungs.




4. Always inform your doctor if you notice the efficacy of the medication is reducing.


5. Keep your house dust free. Identify your allergens and keep them out of the house. Vacuum regularly.


6. Avoid getting colds. Keep away from people who have them. Dose your self with home remedies to prevent a cold.


7. Lead an active life.




General Tips


1. Always carry your medication around.


2. Severe sudden asthma attacks can be dangerous and sometimes, even fatal. It can happen to people with mild asthma, too.


3. Carry the telephone number and address of your doctor when you go out. He can be contacted easily, if an emergency should arise.

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0 Treatment for depression

Treatment for depression

It is important to be in a co-operative frame of mind when your doctor is treating you for depression. Treatments for clinical depression may include:

1. Prescription medications (for example, antidepressants).
2. Talk therapy, often referred to as psychotherapy.
3. Electroconvulsive therapy (also called 'shock' therapy).
4. Lifestyle changes.

Often, a combination of treatments (for example, prescription medication plus lifestyle changes) is the most effective approach to get rid of the symptoms of depression.

Prescription Medications

Doctors use various prescription medications to treat depression. Many doctors believe prescription antidepressant medications work by helping to correct imbalances in natural chemicals in the brain thought to be related to mood.

There are different types of antidepressant medications. They have all been thoroughly tested under rigorous clinical trials and proven to be safe and effective for treating major depression. It is important to realise that different people respond differently to the various types of antidepressants. Patience is necessary because it the doctor may try out various medications to find out what is best suited for you.

Talk Therapy

For many people, talk therapy (psychotherapy) can resolve negative feelings and fears and promote a healthier perspective. Talking can help you recognise and change negative patterns of thinking and behaviour that contribute to the depression. However, talk therapy cannot control the medical causes of depression.

Talking with a psychiatrist or a counsellor, or joining a support group, helps people realise that their feelings are not abnormal, unusual or terrible at all. They begin to see that everyone has these feelings from time to time and that depression had caused them to lose their natural perspective.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

ECT (sometimes called 'shock' therapy) is usually reserved for the few people who do not respond to medication or talk therapy. ECT seems to work the same way as antidepressants do, by acting on the chemical balance in the brain. ECT is a safe and effective procedure, usually repeated three times a week until the person improves. A temporary loss of short-term memory is a frequent side effect, but ECT can provide effective, even life saving, therapy for people who have suicidal tendencies.

Lifestyle Changes

Along with medication and talk therapy, lifestyle changes, especially increased amounts of exercise, may improve the symptoms of depression. Exercise, like evening or morning walks, may increase energy and reduce stress. Research has shown that the levels of hormone norepinephrine increase in the blood after exercise. This hormone helps the brain to deal with stress. Meditation, yoga, and a healthy diet can also produce positive effects.

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0 eye exercise

eye exercise 

Eye care is a much-debated subject with many techniques being introduced or re-introduced quite frequently. The following is a simplistic version of the exercises, many of which can be practised at home or work.

1. Keep blinking frequently and look up and look far. This relaxes the ciliary muscles which adjust the eye lens.

2. Make sure that your television, monitor, or book does not produce a glare.

3. Ultra-violet rays prematurely age your eyes. Make sure you wear your sunglasses when going outdoors.

4. Cigarette ash and automobile pollution irritates your eyes and reddens it. Do not wear contact lenses in such places.

5. Try cupping your palms around your eyes,
gently without allowing any light for 10 minutes, three times a day.

6. If your eyes feel tired, go to a basin, cup your palms with cool water and splash them on your eyes. It provides instant relief.

7. Or, take couple of ice cubes, cover them in a cotton cloth and place it on your eyes. Relax. Let it be for 10-15 minutes.

8. Raise your shoulders in a circular motion do it for a couple of minutes. Likewise, rotate your head start with the chin down, raise it to your left shoulder, swing your head back, the other shoulder and lower it. Do it the other way round too. This is good to boost circulation around the eye muscles

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0 physical activities and heart disease

physical activities and heart disease 


* If you exercise regularly, you can reduce the chances of your getting a heart attack
-True

Heart disease is more likely to occur if you have an inactive lifestyle. Be aware of the fact that being inactive is as dangerous a risk factor as smoking, being obese or having high cholesterol. Exercise goes a long way in reducing this risk.

* Your normal daily routine will take care of your exercise. You don't have to have a separate program to fit in exercise.
- False

Most people are 'busy' but not really physically active. You must make it a point to put in at least 30 minutes of 'moderate' exercise on a daily basis. You can undertake such simple activities like walking, gardening and even climbing up the stairs instead of using the elevator. Only, make it a regular routine and try not to skip it even for a day.

* You have to train like a marathon runner if you want to be really fit.
- False

Even low or moderate intensity physical activity like dance exercises, walking for pleasure or even home exercises to music can have both short-term and long-term benefits. The key lies in 'getting started', especially if the whole concept of exercising is totally new to you. Why don't you walk every day after your lunch, or even take your dog for a walk? Just remember, it takes just about 30 minutes of your time to fit in a few low to moderate-intensity activities, such as pleasure walking, stair climbing, housework, dancing, and home exercises all of which can have both short and long-term benefits. If you are inactive, the key is to get started today. Even 30 minutes of physical activity everyday can help improve your heart health.

* You are required to exercise for a long time every day for good results
- False

It takes only a few minutes a day to become more physically active. If you don t have 30 minutes in your schedule for an
exercise break, try to find two 15-minute periods or even three 10-minute periods. These exercise breaks will soon become a habit you can't live without.

* It doesn't take a lot of money or expensive equipment to become physically fit.
-True

Many activities require little or no equipment. For example, brisk walking only requires a comfortable pair of walking shoes. These days most apartment complexes offer free or inexpensive recreation facilities and physical activity classes. It is become that much easier and less expensive to take the step towards good health!

* Only those who are overweight need regular exercise and it is they who will benefit most from it
- False

Generally, anyone who is physically active will find positive benefits from exercise. They will find that they have more energy, their stress levels are much reduced, and they are able to sleep soundly. High blood pressure is controlled and cholesterol levels are improved. If your aim is to lose weight, you will find that exercise tones your muscles and helps to burn all those extra calories. You will also find that you are able to curb you need for extra food. Another benefit is that your heart and lungs function better and you are able to live life to the full.

* As you grow older, you can be less active
-False

It is a fact that people tend to become less active with age but please remember that physical activity is still very important. It is this which is going to stand by you as regular exercise will increase your capacity to do your daily activities without any problem. Only remember that you will have to match your activity program with your fitness level and age.

* Always consult your doctor before you start any physical activity program.
-True.

Always consult your doctor if you are just going to start your activity program especially if you have a medical condition like high blood pressure, pain in the chest and shoulders, if you feel dizzy or faint or even get breathless after a mild exertion. The same rule applies also if you are middle aged or older and if you have not been physically active. You should ask your doctor before you start (or greatly increase) your physical activity if you have a medical condition such as high blood pressure, have pains or pressure in the chest and shoulder, feel dizzy or faint, get breathless after mild exertion, are middle-aged or older and have not been physically active, or if you are planning a vigorous activity program. If none of these apply, please go slow when you start and increase your activity gradually.

You should not start any physical activity program if you've had a heart attack

- False

In fact, regular physical activity can actually reduce your chances of another heart attack. Your chances of survival are more improved and if after consulting your doctor, you work out a program that suits your condition you will stand to benefit from the safe and effective exercise program.

* Include a number of activities in order to stay physically active.

- True

You can pick out as many activities as you like doing. The more the variety, the better chances of your sticking to the program. Plan both short term and long term goals. It would help if you can record your activities and the progress you have made in achieving your goals. Get your family and friends to join in. They can help keep you going

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0 10 different ways to lose weight

10 different ways to lose weight 

1. Do it for yourself. The motivation to lose weight and keep it off has to come from within you. If you're relying on gimmicky diets, you may still be hoping for some magical solution outside yourself.

2. Think 10 per cent. People who focus on losing just 10 per cent of their weight may have the best chance of long-term success. And dropping those first pounds produces the biggest health gains like decreased blood pressure, lower blood cholesterol and lower blood sugar, to name a few.

3. Take it one pound at a time. Crash weight loss programs rarely work. Even if you're able to stick with the severe calorie deprivation or the extreme energy output required, such quick-fix regimens leave you totally unprepared for the moderate but permanent changes needed to sustain the loss. Experts recommend that you strive to drop no more than half to one kilo a week while working to develop eating and activity habits that you can maintain for a lifetime.


4. Weigh in weekly. Evidence from several studies indicates that people who maintain weight loss hop on the scale at least once a week.

5. Get support. Finding a buddy to cheer you along will make the weight loss effort that much easier.

6. Expect to slip. Most people believe that you've got to do it all or it isn't worth doing. But that's not true. If you can't exercise the equivalent of walking 30 miles a week, it doesn't mean you shouldn't exercise at all. Make a start. Do what you can do. Something is always better than nothing.

7. Ease in. Just because you're suddenly burning to lose weight doesn't mean you should immediately plunge into full-throttle workouts. That's prescription for agony, injury and failure. And there's no rush. After all, if you want the weight loss to last, you'll be exercising for the rest of your life.

8. Make it fun. If you don't enjoy your workouts, you probably won't stick with them. For example, you could go dancing, play badminton, or take up a hobby that keeps you moving, like biking, hiking, or gardening.

9. Break it up. You don't have to do all your exercise in one long session. You'd burn just as many calories, and get nearly the same health benefits, by squeezing several shorter bursts of activity into your day.

10. Blend it in. You can exercise practically anytime, anywhere, without any special clothes or equipment. For example, deliberately park your car in the farthest corner of the parking lot, get off the bus one stop short of your destination, take the stairs instead of the elevator, or attack your housework vigorously. Counting up your minutes or mileage at the end of the day can provide an encouraging reward.

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0 natural herbal remedies

natural herbal remedies

Nature is rich in herbs that can cure naturally without any side effects – a mystery that allopathy is yet to solve or duplicate. We can maintain nutrition, cure diseases, alleviate pain and benefit from using what is available in natural form all around us.

* A vegetable loaded with nutrition is the avocado. But are you aware of its other uses? For example, use a small piece of the seed as a temporary filling for cavities. It will help you till you can get your dentist's appointment! Only remember that you must replace the seed filling at least twice a day.

* Ginger is a pungent addition to any dish. But its medicinal properties are many – chief among them is that it is an excellent remedy for sore throat. You can just chew on a washed and sliced piece of ginger for immediate relief.


* A fruit high in fibre, the papaya is a natural laxative for people suffering from constipation. Just have a slice at breakfast and it will help you to digest your protein intake and relieve you of constipation. Want to use it as a cosmetic? You can mash a ripe papaya with some lemon juice and simply apply the mixture as a face mask. When you rinse after half an hour with warm water, you will find your face cleansed and exfoliated.

* Ladies' finger (okra) is a common, popular desi vegetable, and cooked in many ways. But not many people are aware that its seeds, when dried, ground and boiled in two glasses of water for 15 minutes, can be cooled and strained for use as a medicine. This decoction helps to reduce fever, and is generally taken after a meal. Kids can be given this too – but just a tablespoonful, again after a meal.

* Olive oil is strongly recommended to be used as a light cooking oil as it benefits the heart. But as a cure for hyperacidity? Hmmm… Grandma recommends that you simply swallow one teaspoonful at least 30 minutes before a meal.

* Pineapple? And as a cure? Grandma says 'Yes'! Internal parasites (worms) can be sent scurrying with 2 to 3 slices of delicious pineapple with every meal for at least a week.

* Suffering from severe stomach pain and cramps? What you need is a good home-made antacid. Mix a large slice of cabbage with a carrot, blend in the mixie with some sugar. Drink a glass full of this mix about half an hour before meals and get rid of gastric pain!

* Gingivitis sufferers! Help is at hand – and it is from the common brinjal or eggplant. The brinjal leaves, when boiled in 2 glasses of water for about 10 minutes, and used as a mouthwash, can soothe gingivitis.

* Lemon grass we know, is used to enhance many dishes and gives an exotic flavour. But did you know that it can control diarrhoea? Boil some lemon grass leaves in about 2 glasses of water for 10 minutes. Add sugar and crushed ginger to this decoction and drink 1 cup three times a day.

* When you buy fresh corn, you will find corn hair when you open the covering. Remove these carefully, boil in 1 litre of water. Cool down this concoction and drink it 3 times during the day. It will help to alleviate cystitis or inflammation of the bladder. Kids can be given ½ a cup 3 times a day.

* These days herbs like oregano are available fresh. This is a great cough reliever. All you have to do is to boil chopped oregano leaves in water for 15 minutes and use it as you would a cough syrup.

* Guava leaves have many medicinal uses. Boil guava leaves in water for about 15 minutes. The decoction should be consumed at least 3 times a day. The crushed guava leaves can be used like smelling salts when someone has a fainting fit. The nausea subsides when the strong aroma is inhaled. A cup of the guava leaves, when boiled in water and cooled, are an excellent and soothing rinse for sunburn and prickly heat.

* Suffering from athlete's foot? Don't worry! Simply chop a radish and extract the juice. Apply this on the affected part twice a day for instant relief!

So, are you ready to raid your kitchen? There are natural, easily available cures right in our homes, only if we bother to look! Our grandmas used to have an inexhaustible source of these and it is up to us to see that we do not lose any of these nuggets. Do you know of any more such cures? Do add your contributions in our Women's Blogs and let everyone benefit from the information! After all, such treatments hardly cost money and have no side effects at all!

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0 how to relive tension ?

* First, we're going to slowly ease that tension out of the body. Sit on a chair with legs crossed. Pretend that your ankle is a pen and use it to write the alphabet. Repeat with the other ankle.


* Next, place your thumbs at the edge of your eyebrows, on each side of our head. Slide them up, stopping at the corner of the head, almost into the hairline. Press the thumbs into each side of the forehead; hold for a few seconds and then release. Repeat five times. By doing this, you release emotional stress because these pressure points are linked to the emotional centre of the brain.

* Eat an orange. The vitamin C helps detoxify the body. Chewing on a handful of roasted cashew nuts can also be a good upper. Nuts contain magnesium and essential fatty acids that help boost moods.

* Change the breathing. Lie on your back, with the fingertips of one hand nesting between the breastbone and the solar plexus. Place the other hand on the belly. Taking deep breath through your nose push out your stomach as you inhale, thus filling your lungs. Hold for a few seconds and then slowly exhale. As oxygen replenishes your brain, use your fingertips to lightly stimulate the calming areas of your body and you'll feel more relaxed.

* The brain believes in the images it receives. So creative visualisation can quickly top up your happiness levels. Imagine the sun sending heat and light to your arms and legs. Soak in that sensation and feel the joy slowly seeping in

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0 how to prevent hair fall

how to prevent hair fall

Battle against growing baldness is a common feature today, the world over. While there are many theories to explain the cause behind this common phenomenon, solutions to override this problem are not very forthcoming. At least they were not, till a few years ago. Luckily, the scenario has changed now and there have been some breakthroughs in the recent past. The biggest breakthrough related to baldness has been in the field of medicine. New drugs and procedures now show the light.

Minoxidil



A drug used for hypertension, Minoxidil, was found to cause excess hair growth. Since then topical solutions of this drug have been available for a few years now. The drug should be applied on the balding area twice or thrice a day. But the treatment is life long. However like all other good things, it comes with its own set of problems:



Problems:


* It does not seem to be very helpful in preventing receding temples. It is best used when there is still a lot of hair left on the head.
* It can cause changes in blood pressure.


All this not withstanding, last year alone, its sale reached a staggering figure of US $150 million.


Finasteride



This seems to be a more useful drug than the former, although its principle use is to treat patients suffering from prostrate disease. It prevents the conversion of testosterone to DHT and definitely increases hair growth.


Problems:


* It is known to cause impotence and loss of libido, due to low DHT levels. A handsome impotent? Or a balding potent? Some choice!


Fabao



This is a Japanese drug based on the sebum clogging theory. It prevents hair from being choked to death by the secretions. Preliminary results indicate that it will be the most useful drug in preventing and managing baldness.


Problems:


* Not yet freely available. Over the counter sale eagerly awaited all over the world.


Surgical hair restoration



A permanent solution to baldness under the following conditions:


1. Plenty of time
2. Lots of money
3. Stoic attitude to pain


This procedure uses the hair from the sides and back of the scalp (which are immune to the effects of the sex hormone) and distributes in the balding areas. Patients with hair loss limited to the frontal areas are the best candidates.


The number of transplant sessions and the placement of macro or micro plugs depend on the degree of baldness. Geoplasty or scalp reduction is used for people with bald spots less than three inches in diameter. In this method a small section of the scalp is removed and the sides of the scalp are lifted and sutured together.


So, let's do our good deed for the day. Wish all the baldpates in the world a crop full of hair.

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