Archive for January, 2009
Obese Outnumber Overweight in US
Well, that really isn’t good news for us here in the US. 34% of us have a BMI greater than 30. that basically means that 2 out of 3 of us are obese or overweight, and that is staggering and very disturbing. We thought for a while that we had that national crisis under control, particularly with the advent of so many new diet programs, diet and fitness education and building awareness, and the ever present focus of body, well being and health in the media and in our entertainment.
You’d think after all the bruhaha about weight and obesity, our numbers would have improved, however just the opposite has happened, and we find that we are in big trouble now as far as weight loss and maintenance go.
There are plus numerous programs trying to nip the obesity epidemic in the bud so to speak, with children being educated and molded from an earlier age on how to eat right, school cafeterias basically banning foods that are without nutrition, high in fat and carbs and sugar, and gym classes being upped to actual physical activity instead of kids sitting their way through the whole class.
One of the main problems, I personally feel, is the hustle and bustle nature of our society. Pair that with the increasing popularity of fast foods and easy to prepare, totally processed foods that don’t fill you up or leave you satisfied, yet are sky high in calories, carbs, fat and sugars, and you’ve got a full blown problem on your hands that doesn’t have a quick overnight solution.
Also, the problem is that many are looking for a magic diet pill or something that will take the weight off without any real hard work or sacrifice, but even whether you are taking a prescription drug such as Xenical or Orlistat (the nonprescription version of that is Ali, the one that causes the gastrointestinal discomfort whether you overeat fat), when in fact, even whether you are taking the highest quality herbal diet pills or prescription weight loss meds, you still need to modify your dietary intake, your exercise habits and your motivation to actually see distant term results. That comes from within.
Too many humans have come to rely on quick fixes, and it really takes determination and willpower, and a desire to actually be healthy consistently, for the rest of your life, to stay on track and not gain weight all through life. Some say “oh, you gain weight with age, there’s nothing you can do about it”. that attitude is precisely why so many are suffering obesity and thinking that it’s beyond their control.
You can actually help to reverse the aging process whether you do start eating right, so that is a falsehood, although admittedly the metabolism does tend to slow a bit in most of us as we age, that’s why we need less food and less sleep as well though - it’s all about modification as we get older.
Original post by EatingToLive
You’re At Risk For Osteoporosis! Thousands Of Women Die From Osteoporosis Yearly
Osteoporosis Risks & Prevention Options By Phil Beckett
Copyright ? http://www.womens-health-fitness.com
Osteoporosis is a condition that involves the loss of bone mass, which results in chronic, progressive bone weakening.
This “thinning” of the bones can be caused by a number of disorders, but is most frequently seen as a consequence of age.
Osteoporosis is much more common in women, who usually begin to develop the disorder around the time of menopause, a time marked by a drop in the body’s estrogen level.
While most cases are associated with menopause, any other condition that causes a drop in estrogen can lead to osteoporosis.
Besides advancing age and being female, other risk factors for osteoporosis are:
- Early menopause;
- Family history;
- White or Asian race; - Not getting enough calcium in your diet; - Smoking;
- Alcohol;
- Lack of exercise;
- Low body weight;
- Small stature.
Osteoporosis causes approximately one million fractures in postmenopausal women every year.
Tens of thousands of deaths in women each a year are associated with complications of osteoporosis.
How To Recognize Osteoporosis:
The pain of osteoporosis often goes unnoticed. The following signs indicate you may have osteoporosis:
- Height loss
- Back pain
- Bone fragility
- Bone fracture
Fractures that occur as a result of very minor trauma are often the first sign of osteoporosis.
About 35 percent of vertebral fractures are not painful. They are sometimes only detected by height loss, chronic back pain, and kyphosis.
Hip and other serious fractures are usually caused by a fall.
Osteoporosis Prevention Is The Key:
First and foremost, make sure that you exercise using a properly structured fitness and nutrition program…
And do it on a regular basis! This is an excellent option for preventing osteoporosis. This must include exercise with weights. It is very important for good health and strong bones.
Make sure you are getting enough calcium. Calcium builds strong bones.
Foods such as such as milk; yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products; and dark green and leafy vegetables do contain calcium.
But, unfortunately, you just cannot get enough from these food sources.
Therefore, you must take a calcium supplement to ensure you are getting enough.
Don’t Smoke. Besides the many health risks caused by smoking, women who smoke have more chance of getting osteoporosis.
Limit the amount of alcohol you drink. Alcohol can hurt the cells that build your bones. It also lowers the amount of calcium in your body.
You must ensure that you are getting all of the vitamins and minerals your body needs to promote good health. To do this, you have to take a good quality daily multi-vitamin.
Osteoporosis begins when you are a child and is often not found until you are much older. That is why it is so important to eat well and get lots of exercise to keep your bones healthy and strong.
Essential Vitamins Needed:
In addition to calcium, your body needs magnesium, a mineral necessary to activate the chemical reactions that form new bone.
Another mineral important to normal bone formation, manganese, is needed to help make your bones more resistant to breaking.
Your body also needs folic acid to properly build the fibrous collagen framework of bone onto which to mineral salts deposit. Without a strong framework, the bone will become weak and defective and more prone to breakage.
Vitamin B6 is also needed to build the fibrous framework that supports the bone minerals.
Vitamin C is very important for collagen and connective tissue formation.
A deficiency of vitamin B12 prevents your body’s bone building cells from functioning properly.
There are many essential vitamins and minerals that your body needs on a daily basis to help prevent and treat osteoporosis but the best choice by far is coral calcium and above sea coral calcium is even better.
When selecting a coral calcium product, it needs to contain 1.5 grams of above sea coral calcium per serving, complete with a certificate of analysis on display confirming the potency.
In addition, and just as important, your coral calcium should be fortified with both a red and green phytonutrient mix using New Zealand grown ingredients.
It’s widely accepted that coral calcium, containing a plant- based red and green phytonutrient mix, reflects the best possible combination for osteoporosis.
I can confidently recommend this type of coral calcium product to you and have received only very positive feedback from the individuals who have already used it.
For more information on how to prevent and relieve osteoporosis please visit:
http://www.womens-health-fitness.com/osteoporosis.html
Phil Beckett is the President & C.E.O of Physique Concepts Inc. and is the author of 3 very popular and successful health &
fitness books and designs customized general health, weight loss, flexibility and cardiovascular exercise programs for women. He has trained and educated more than 3000 women of all ages, interests, and limitations, in health, fitness and nutrition, both on-line and off-line for more than 15 years.
Genetic hotspots associated with psoriasis
A genomewide scan of millions of genetic mutations has revealed four new DNA “hotspots” that affect the risk for psoriasis, a national group of scientists led by the University of Michigan and including several from the University of Utah School of Medicine has shown in a just-published study. Appearing Jan. 25 in Nature Genetics online, the study additionally confirmed that two other previously identified DNA sites, discovered by scientists at the University of Utah and Celera Group, have a high organization with psoriasis, an automimmune disease that can affect the joints and cause sore, itchy patches of skin in an estimated 7.5 million humans in the United States……..
Original post by Heather Craven
LIFE ENRICHMENT COACHING OFFERS FREE WELLNESS E-COURSE
TAMPA, FL July 31, 2003 - Life Enrichment Coaching has announced that it is offering a new e-course focused on achieving total well-being. The e-course, 5 Weeks to Wellness Changes, is being offered by life and business coach Linda M. Gaylord and is available to anyone wishing to make lifestyle changes, large or small, in order to ultimately live a healthier, more fulfilling life.
The free e-course will examine all of the components that contribute to wellness and provide participants with helpful exercises and resources for each module. An email will be sent to participants every Friday for five weeks that will include the materials and exercises for that week.
Ms. Gaylord describes the e-course as the ultimate gift to oneself. ?This course is designed for everyone. If you would like to feel better spiritually, emotionally or physically, it will offer you the opportunity to propel yourself forward and focus on your own wellness objectives.?
She points out that often when people set fitness or health goals they may set their targets too high initially and can find themselves overwhelmed by the perceived obstacles they must overcome. ?Wellness changes don?t have to be big. They can be small changes that build upon one another. The e-course will help participants learn how to identify those small changes and focus on the everyday successes to reach larger wellness goals.?
Those who would like to enroll in the e-course may sign up at www.lifeenrichmentcoaching.com. An official calendar of all upcoming Life Enrichment Coaching events can also be obtained at the web site.
Coach Linda M. Gaylord began her coaching practice three years ago, creating Life Enrichment Coaching in September 2001. After spending over 20 years in the Information Systems field designing and developing large mainframe computer systems, she began a mission to discover a more personally satisfying career.
After learning of the coaching community, she soon found what she has since proclaimed is her true passion in life: working with people to help them realize their own dreams and create a life they truly love.
Ms. Gaylord is a graduate of an accredited coach training program through Coach U and has studied psychology, relationships, and personal development for over five years.
Her clients include top executives, small business owners, and professionals trying to balance both career and family.
Ms. Gaylord is a Coachville Chapter Host and International Coach Federation (ICF) Chapter Host for the Tampa Bay Professional Coach Association, for which she serves as Director. Ms. Gaylord is also a member of the Northeast Tampa Women in Business organization.
What is that “Secret” to stomach Fat Loss as Seen on Ads?
I’ve been seeing that recurring ad on CNN, MSNBC and even Yahoo while I’m getting my mail, all referring to some new secret weight loss regimen that involves various women and their blogs about losing stomach fat at a very fast rate. The one I ran across and checked out was one about a woman named Nicholle who was saying that she lost 45 lbs in three months, which is a very fast paced 15 lbs per month, more than some experts may recommend, but as I can personally attest, it is very possible to do it safely, I’ve done that with the Zone diet, and I felt fine doing it.
The “secret” to Nicholle’s weight loss ended up being one of these new Acai berry herbal weight loss pills that supposedly helps you lose weight by increasing the energy levels and helping to remove toxins from the body. I think acai berry is incredibly excellent for you, but as far as it’s weight loss appeal, I’m not really certain how it actually helps to burn fat, however I can see how it would definitely help you increase energy levels and feel better, which sometimes is half the battle of losing weight.
I additionally think it’s a great notion to add that super fruit to your diet, no matter what purpose you’re adding it for - weight loss or just to feel and look a lot better and to maintain and promote the health of your skin, organs and digestive system. Oh, they additionally claim that that supplement can help your digestive and waste tracts (colon) clean which additionally helps to contribute to weight loss - I would agree with that claim although I haven’t tried that specific natural diet pill, I do think that colon health is pivotal to anyone’s weight loss and healthy weight maintenance after weight loss.
Nicholle says she used two products in conjunction though - one was the Acai berry supplement and the other was specifically made for colon cleansing (see Bowtrol review for our recommendation for colon cleansing), so those two together are what she says helped her to reach her weight loss goals and maintain them. On the blog, there are pictures of Nicholle, without her head and face showing, demonstrating how much weight she lost with a large pair of pants she fit into in the Before picture and the same pair of pants, now two times too big for her.
This is certainly a very desirable outcome for many women and men. I’d love to take in whether anyone else has had that experience, or a poor experience or review with these very products being advertised so widely so we can publish it here. Thanks!
Original post by EatingToLive
Your Top Fitness Questions Answered
As a certified personal trainer part of my commitment to clients is consulting with them. This includes answering their many fitness and diet questions. Needless to say, I get asked a lot of questions. And, there are several questions that seem to be on almost everyone?s minds.
The answers to these top 8 inquiries can help most anyone get a jump start on reaching their weight loss and fitness goals. So, here are some of the top fitness questions and their answers.
1. I want to tone and tighten my legs (or stomach, or arms, etc). What exercises can I do to lose fat there and get them toned? Answer: You can’t spot reduce. It is necessary for you to reduce the fat in your trouble area before you will see big results from your strength training exercises. You must burn calories and fat through cardiovascular activities. This includes such things as walking, jogging, step aerobics, jumping rope, swimming etc. But, while cardio is critical you should also include strength training exercises to help build muscles and tone your trouble area simultaneously.
2. I really want to workout and get in-shape, but I just don?t have the time. What should I do? Answer: You are not alone. One of the top reasons people give for not working out is lack of time. The first step is to realize that it?s not that you don?t have the time, but that you are not making it a priority in your schedule. What people don’t realize is that it doesn’t take a huge time commitment to reap the many rewards of regular exercise. Many people think that if they can’t workout several hours a week, then they might as well not workout at all. But, exercising even just a couple of days a week is far better than not exercising at all. The key is finding a truly effective and efficient workout plan.
3. What is the best fitness program for losing weight? Answer: The key to a successful program is that it is comprehensive and includes the necessary pieces. There are three major components of a good weight loss program: cardio, strength training and stretching. It’s equally important to include all three components. For example, you could do cardio 3 times per week, strength training twice per week and stretch before and after every workout.
4. I have hit a plateau and can?t seem to get the scale to budge (or can?t get any stronger). Can you help me? Answer: The key to breaking through a plateau is change. One of the best techniques for overcoming a plateau is Interval training. This is a type of training that includes bursts of high intensity periods followed by lower intensity recovery times. You?ll also want to change your workout routine at least every 4-6 weeks.
5. What size weights should I train with and how many reps should I complete? Answer: There’s no one size fits all weight size that is best. The size of weight you use depends on your goals, skills, past fitness experience, etc. A good rule of thumb is to start with about 70% maximum resistance with 8-12 reps and 1-3 sets. To determine your specific 70% maximum size, you must first determine the maximum amount of weight you can lift. However, it’s typically not recommended that beginners attempt to lift their maximum amount of weight, for safety reasons. So, another simpler option is to choose a weight size that provides fatigue after the 8th - 12th rep is completed.
6. Is it bad for your body to workout some of the same muscle groups daily? Answer: Typically you should allow your muscle to rest about 48 hours before working it again. This is the safest approach and also the most efficient approach for improving strength. It will help you increase hypertrophy more effectively.
7. How often should I stretch and should I stretch before or after working out? Answer: Actually, it’s best to stretch both times. If you have the time, your body will really benefit from stretching both before you start exercising and again after your workout. At the very least, be sure to stretch after you have completed your workout. As far as frequency, even if you don’t workout every day it is very beneficial to include a stretching routine daily.
8. How can I workout at home because I don?t belong to a gym? Answer: There are many, many options for strength training and cardio workouts that don’t require a trip to the gym. If you have dumbbells, a resistance band, or an exercise stability ball, there are literally hundreds of exercises that you can do at home. With these exercises you can increase your muscular strength, muscular endurance plus of course get a more defined look in your physical appearance. For cardio workouts you can simply walk outside or at an indoor location, stair climb, jumping jacks, etc.
About the Author
Lynn Bode is a certified personal trainer specializing in Internet-based fitness programs. She founded Workouts For You. Visit: http://www.workoutsforyou.com for a free sample workout and to sign-up for their monthly fitness newsletter. Workouts For You provides affordable online exercise programs custom designed for each individual. Fitness professionals visit: http://www.trainerforce.com
info@workoutsforyou.com
URBAN GARDENS: Late Summer/Fall Act 2
The Following editorial Is Courtesy Of Womans-Health.Net:
thehealthyirishman asked:
The latest Healthy Irishman Urban Garden series features how to get your soil ready (see Act 1) for planting and what to plant for late summer/fall gardens (this episode).
For more info like that, visit the Women’s Health Blog and the Women’s Health Magazine.
Original post by Administrator
