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Living with Anxiety
by Phil Wiley
Anxiety is a disorder that fills peoples lives with fear and nervousness.
People can have anxiety in a range of forms including panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder (also known as social phobia), phobias and generalized anxiety disorder.
Everyone is familiar with the feeling of anxiety nervousness, a knot of fear or a sinking feeling in your stomach, the feeling of fight or flight. But imagine having to live with that feeling every day?
Quite often people who have anxiety disorders also suffer from depression and this needs to be treated along with their anxiety disorder. Symptoms of depression include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, changes in appetite or sleep, low energy, and difficulty concentrating.
Environmental, psychological, genetic and bodily factors can all contribute to the risk of a person developing an anxiety disorder. Because of this some people are more at risk than others and some anxiety disorders have more of a relation to genetics than others.
There is a four to seven times increased risk of developing panic disorder for close relatives of those who are already sufferers.
Many people who live with anxiety disorders live their lives suffering and remain untreated. However, anxiety is very treatable with a combination of anxiety-reducing drugs and other therapies.
A specific phobia is an intense fear of something that poses little or no actual danger. Common phobias can include spiders, closed-in places, heights, escalators, tunnels, highway driving, water, flying, dogs, and injuries involving blood.
People with panic disorder have feelings of terror that strike suddenly and repeatedly without warning and are often highly anxious between attacks about where and when the next one will occur.
Social phobia or social anxiety disorder involves overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in everyday social situations. Sufferers have a persistent, intense, and chronic fear of being watched and judged by others and being embarrassed or humiliated by their own actions.
Those with obsessive-compulsive disorder suffer from anxious thoughts or rituals they feel they can't control. They can be suffer from persistent, unwelcome thoughts or images, or by the urgent need to engage in certain rituals such as washing their hands a certain number of times or getting dressed following a very strict routine.
Post-traumatic stress disorder can develop following a terrifying event. Those with the disorder have persistent frightening thoughts and memories of their ordeal and feel emotionally numb.
Generalized anxiety disorder goes beyond everyday anxiety. It is a chronic disorder that involves unprovoked exaggerated worry and tension.
Article by health writer Kate Wiley of http://www.healthy-shopper.com Health in 1 http://www.health-in-1.comand Advice on Health http://www.advice-on-health.com
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Kate and Phil Wiley run the popular health sites http://www.healthy-shopper.com Health in 1 http://www.health-in-1.com and Advice on Health http://www.advice-on-health.com
Keeping Parents Alive By Preventing AIDSARA(ARA) AIDS is an epidemic of astronomical proportions. It has orphaned an estimated 14.5 million children so far, and the number is expected to more than double by 2010.
Millions are spent every year on research to find a cure, but until one is found, programs are emphasizing prevention. A consensus has emerged that most prevention programs should promote the ABCs of AIDS prevention Abstinence, Be faithful, and consistent and correct Condom use. But much debate has developed over the weight that each of these three elements should be given.
One unusual nonprofit organization has been practicing all three methods for nearly 20 years and, where appropriate, joining hands with religious organizations. We have long promoted all of the "ABCs" along with voluntary counseling and testing with a great deal of success, says Richard A. Frank, president of Population Services International. PSI is a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit agency founded in 1970 to use social marketing to improve the health of poor and vulnerable people in more than 70 developing countries.
Experience shows that the best approach is a comprehensive one. We cant rely on one or two methods. We must use every tool at our disposal to deal with AIDS, adds Frank.
One of the main tools PSI uses is social marketing, which combines education to motivate healthy behavior with the provision of needed health products and services at subsidized prices. PSI is unique among non-profit organizations working in HIV/AIDS in that it works through the private, commercial sector, which is financially motivated to stock and sell products.
Frank says people who are poor and at risk appreciate the value of the products and services they receive more because they have a personal stake in them. In 2002 alone, sales of PSI products and services are estimated to have averted 500,000 cases of HIV around the world. That is equivalent to 10 percent of all new infections in the world in 2002.
PSI has learned that a cookie cutter approach to AIDS prevention does not work. Every country is different, and requires an AIDS prevention strategy appropriate for that country and that culture, says Frank. Sometimes that requires more emphasis on abstinence, sometimes a bit more emphasis on condoms is in order."
Cambodia and Zambia are two examples of PSI programs that have been successful with different approaches. In Zambia, PSI emphasizes abstinence for youth and condoms for those who are already sexually active. Research shows that youth who saw PSIs mass media campaign promoting the idea that abstinence is cool were 1.7 times more likely to report abstinence. In Cambodia, where commercial sex is common, PSI supported the governments policy of 100 percent condom use in brothels. Since PSI started those two programs in the early 1990s, HIV prevalence has either stabilized or declined in both countries.
One of the PSI Zambia programs strongest supporters is former Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda,. He lost a son to AIDS in 1986 and is now appearing in PSI public service announcements (PSAs) that urge Zambians to get tested, be compassionate with people infected with HIV and use condoms. President Bush applauded Kaundas efforts the day he signed the HIV/AIDS bill into law.
There were some who thought I should remain silent about the death my son, but Mrs. Kaunda and I decided to make this public if we are to win the battle, we must confront this problem openly, he says in one of the ten PSAs. Kaunda is one of the first heads of state or former heads of state to make a direct appeal to his people to use condoms. He also helped PSI sit down with Christian leaders to map out a strategy for fighting AIDS.
In Cambodia, PSI recently launched a new HIV/AIDS prevention campaign with blessings from His Royal Highness King Norodom Sihanouk, who praised PSI for its many achievements extremely beneficial to the health of the Cambodian people. PSI has worked with Buddhist monks to promote AIDS prevention in Cambodia for several years.
Nearly 60 percent of those infected by HIV in sub-Sahara Africa are women. Three million African children under 15 have AIDS.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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Eliminate Acne without the Side Effects ARA(ARA) - Acne is a condition that affects almost everyone at some time in their lives. According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 85 percent of adolescents and young adults between the ages of 12 and 24 develop the disorder. And although it is most common among adolescents, some people continue to be affected into their forties and fifties.
There are so many acne products on the market that it can be difficult to choose whats best for you or your child. Even among medical researchers there is debate over which acne treatments are the most effective.
Most products either dont work very well or have a litany of side effects, says Amy Baker, founder of Natures Cure, an innovative health and beauty products company. Acne has internal and external causes, and needs to be treated both inside and outside the body, she explains.
Nonprescription Treatments
Common over the counter treatments typically contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid -- usually in a cream or gel. These medicines take about two to four weeks to work, but only clear the acne to a point, because they dont address the source of the problem. They also need to be used continually to keep fighting the acne, and as a result some patients experience skin irritation, burning or redness.
Prescription Treatments
Antibiotics in a topical form are often prescribed as an acne treatment. They work by clearing the skin of bacteria, but often cannot clear up the more deep-seated cases. Oral antibiotics such as tetracycline and minocycline are more effective for severe cases of acne because they work systemically. However, they can cause such side effects as photosensitivity (higher risk of sunburn), upset stomach, dizziness and skin discoloration, and must be taken for as long as four to six months. A further drawback is that doctors are becoming more reluctant to prescribe antibiotics due to the increase in antibiotic resistance.
For very severe and disfiguring acne, there is a prescription drug called Accutane that has been successful in cases that dont respond to other treatments. However, it also has serious side effects like joint and muscle pain, eye irritation, hair thinning, and intestinal, urinary and headache symptoms. In addition, it has been associated with an increased risk of depression and suicide.
For people searching for less toxic ways to treat acne, there is an innovative over-the-counter treatment called Natures Cure. Because acne is caused by a combination of factors, including internal triggers that can cause imbalances inside the body, and an overproduction of oil and trapped bacteria on the outside, the most effective way to treat it is by addressing both areas, explains Baker. The all natural treatment includes a homeopathic tablet to rebalance the body, and a cream that works to clear up existing pimples at the same time.
Consumers like Sandra Loppnow, a cosmetologist from Caledonia, Wis., are happy to find a natural acne treatment. She and her four daughters spent hundreds of dollars on various treatments, with no success. They saw Natures Cure and decided it was worth a shot; within a month, every one of the girls was almost completely rid of her acne and Loppnow finally gained control of her acne at the age of 48. I was skeptical at first, but I liked the idea of the all-natural tablets, she says. I couldnt believe how well it worked, and it was so easy with just two pills a day. It changed our lives! I recommend it to everyone.
Unlike other remedies, Natures Cure is available in a male and female version. Male and female bodies and hormonal compositions are different, and you have to address those differences when you are treating acne, says Baker.
This homeopathic treatment is made from minerals, herbs and other natural extracts that activate the bodys natural defenses. Because these ingredients are in minute concentrations, they trigger the body to heal itself without side effects. There is also a two-part body acne treatment that includes tablets and a medicated body spray that can be sprayed from any angle to treat hard to reach places like the back and neck. For more information about Natures Cure acne treatments, visit www.NaturesCure.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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Now Fat's Good for Us? Not Just Another Fish Story ARA(ARA) - Low fat, no fat and now they say to eat more fat?
Over the years, Americans have been fed different stories about choosing the right foods for optimum health. When researchers warned that too much fat in your diet leads to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and a host of other health problems, Americans jumped on the low fat, no fat bandwagon with little success.
New studies reveal that we must have some fat in our diet for good health and reduction of disease. The omega-3 fatty acids are said to be essential because they can not be produced by the body and must be obtained through our food sources..
*What are omega-3s?
Omega-3 essential fatty acids can come from either plant or marine sources. They can be found in fish and fish oil, unrefined vegetable oils, raw nuts, seeds and beans. Linolenic acid, the marine source, can be found in certain fatty fish such as mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon. These fish and fish oil supplements contain bioavailable docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) acid, the two kinds of omega-3 essential fatty acids crucial to good health.
The plant based omega-3 essential fatty acid is alpha linolenic acid (alpha meaning plant) and can be found in omega-3 rich oils such as flaxseed, canola, soybean and walnut oils. These plant sourced omega-3 EFAs dont metabolize in the body like fish oil. They need to be broken down by the bodys enzymatic system into DHA and EPA before the body can reap its powerful benefits. Flaxseed oil, the plant source highest in omega-3s, is a great alternative for vegetarians and those who cant tolerate fish or fish oil capsules.
In Dr. Walter Willetts book, Eat, Drink & Be Healthy, he writes: Given the wide ranging importance and benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, everyone should try to eat at least one good source of them a day.
The omega-3 essential fatty acid is a key component of cell membranes throughout the body, especially the eye, brain and central nervous system. This important fat is the building block of hormones, including those that regulate blood clotting, artery walls and inflammation. A recent study indicated that the omega-3 EFA from fish reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and can reduce the risk of stroke as well.
Fish oil has been found to increase circulation and reduce insulin sensitivity; but most importantly, diabetics who ate more fish had a significantly lower risk of coronary heart disease and total death than those who didnt eat fish. Fish oils have proven beneficial for people suffering many disorders including depression, cystic fibrosis, Crohns disease, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes and lupus. It also helps keep hair, skin and nails healthy.
On a grand scale, omega-3s play a vital role in health. Doctors and researchers have been studying the benefits for years. Now the government and the important organizations are also emphasizing the need for good fats in the diet.
Last November, the American Heart Association (AHA) issued a release stating, omega-3 fatty acids benefit the heart health of healthy people, people at high risk of cardiovascular disease and patients with cardiovascular disease. The organization recommends that Americans eat fatty fish, such as mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon, at least twice a week. Regular consumption of omega-3 fatty acids from plant sources such as flaxseed, canola, soybean and walnut oils is also highly recommended.
Recently, the White House Executive Office sent a letter to the Department of Health & Human Services and the USDA requesting the departments promote the consumption of omega-3 essential fatty acids. The request has been made to add omega-3 essential fatty acids to the new dietary guidelines for Americans, scheduled to be released in 2005. The Executive Office has also asked that omega-3s be incorporated on the soon to be updated 1992 USDA Food Guide Pyramid.
The American Heart Association urges Americans to eat fatty fish to get an adequate intake of omega-3s into their diet. Take caution when choosing these fatty fish, as sometimes they are laden with contaminants such as mercury, PCBs and lead. Supplements can be taken if omega-3 rich fish or plants sources arent readily available. Before purchasing fish oil supplements it is important to look at the label to make sure it is PCB, mercury and lead free.
Product quality and consumer health are number one for Spectrum. Every lot of fish oil we encapsulate is tested to be free of PCBs, mercury, lead and dioxins, says Neil Blomquist , CEO of Spectrum Organic Products, Incorporated. It would be absurd for us to supply consumers with heart healthy fish oil that contained deadly toxins.
Flaxseed, canola, walnut and soybean oils can be incorporated into salad dressings for their omega-3 benefits.
Incorporating omega-3 essential fatty acids into your diet, whether by marine or plant source is a good start to a healthier way of eating and living. Reducing your intake of saturated fat and trans fats, exercising and eliminating stress are just as important.
Spectrum Organic Products carries a natural and healthy line of trans fat free shortening, margarine, spreads, culinary oils and essential fatty acid nutritional supplement line including PCB mercury free fish oil and organic flaxseed oil. You can find their products in natural food stores and select chain stores across the United States. For more information log onto www.spectrumnaturals.com or call (800) 995-2705.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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Get A Great Workout At Home (Even On A Small Budget)Lynn BodeMany people think that creating a home workout gym is either too intimidating or too costly. So, often they instead invest their money in a health club membership not realizing that for the same amount of money (or even less) they can create a very effective gym right in their own home.
For an effective home gym, all that is required is a little bit of planning. Dont fall into the trap of purchasing random fitness equipment because of fancy advertising for the latest infomercial fad or the great sale at your local fitness store. That type of purchasing leads to a house littered with equipment thats only use is as a clothes hanger or dust collector. This often happens because the equipment is either useless, poorly constructed or quickly loses its value because it doesnt progress with your fitness level.
To avoid having a basement filled with expensive dust-collecting equipment, keep these points in mind when making a purchase:
1)What are your fitness goals?
2)How often do you realistically think you will use the equipment?
3)What fitness level do you expect to be at in 3, 6, 9 months?
4)Will the equipment meet your needs as you get more fit (at the 3, 6, and 9-month marks)?
5)Does the equipment offer enough variations in use that you can change your workouts frequently to prevent your body from hitting a plateau?
6)Will you enjoy the exercises or will you quickly grow bored of them?
7)And, of course how much can you afford?
Once you have answered all of the above questions then you are ready to make some purchasing decisions. Of course, how much you can afford to spend may dictate what you can actually purchase. Dont get discouraged. For as little as $100, you can have a very effective total strength training home gym. Even for as little as $35, you can create an effective workout that will tone your entire body.
Regardless of what your fitness goals are, there are a plethora of equipment options to consider. For building muscles and/or toning-up you can choose from free weights, selectorized machines, resistance bands, benches and even no-equipment. For cardiovascular improvements (e.g. running, walking, etc), there are even more options. They range from treadmills, to elliptical trainers, to bikes and beyond. So, answering the previously mentioned questions is very important.
To help make your decision easier, below are several recommendations based on costs and needs, along with benefits of the exercise equipment.
If you want to create a gym that will provide you with a total body workout (cardio, strength and flexibility) and you have a budget of at least $1000, consider the following recommendations:
Treadmill The best option for cardiovascular equipment because it can be used for running, walking, and even some leg strength training. Plus, workouts can continually be varied based on speed, incline, even direction. And, it easily progresses as fitness levels improve.
Full dumbbell set with weights ranging from 5 pounds to 50+ pounds. Great for light toning, to intermediate strength training to building muscles. Less expensive than selectorized machines and usually provides more flexibility and variety in workouts.
Fitness Ball Provides exercise options for toning, strengthening and stretching.
Resistance Band Provides another option for strength training. Can alternate use with free weights for a great challenge that will help prevent plateaus.
Step Bench Can be used for both cardio workouts and strength training workouts.
If you want a home gym specifically for building muscles (or just cant afford cardio equipment), and can afford at least $100, consider the following recommendations:
Dumbbell set.
Fitness Ball
Resistance Band
Jump Rope Offers very challenging cardiovascular fitness workouts at a very low price.
If you want a total body home gym but can only afford less than $100, consider the following recommendations:
Three dumbbells sizes (e.g. 5, 10 and 15 pounds)
Resistance Band
Jump Rope
If you are limited to purchasing just one very affordable piece of equipment, consider buying a Fitness Ball. As mentioned above, it provides many different exercise options. With the ball you can get an upper body workout, a lower body workout, very challenging abdominal workout and a stretching/flexibility workout. And, you can get all of this for around $35.
Also, dont underestimate what you can do with things that are already in your house, like stairs, a chair, milk jugs and others. There are a lot of exercises that require no equipment at all. For example, push-ups, tricep dips, squats, calf raises, etc. You can even create your own weights through milk jugs filled with water or sand.
As you can see, there are a lot of options available for creating a home gym that will meet your individual needs and will provide a lot of workout variety. Even on a shoestring budget, you can still make a wise purchase that will be invaluable in helping you get more fit and healthy. And, youll enjoy all the benefits of working out at home.
What are the benefits of working out at home? Well, here are some highlights:
No wasted time driving to and from a fitness club
No waiting in line to use the equipment
Workout on your schedule, rather than just when the health club is open
No expensive monthly membership fees or long-term contracts
Motivation to workout as you pass by the equipment every day
Of course, you will need previous knowledge of how to use your home equipment or you will have to be willing to learn. But, its not difficult. Most equipment will come with basic instructions and a few sample exercises. You may want to enlist the help of a professional to provide additional exercise options and guidance that will ensure that you get the most out of your fitness equipment through every fitness level stage.
For an affordable workout plan personalized to your individual needs and available equipment, enroll in a WorkoutsForYou.com online fitness program.
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Teach Children Positive Self-Image Through FitnessLynn BodeRaising a pre-teen or teenage daughter (or son) is not easy and can cause any parent a lot of stress. Theres so much to worry about dating, drugs, alcohol, sex, school grades, just to name a few. But one crucial element often gets overlooked until it manifests itself in extreme ways (like through an eating disorder). Im talking about self-image. Its extremely important that parents ensure that their children have a positive self-image, especially in relation to their body.
The key to ensuring strong self-esteem and a positive body image starts with the parent. If you dont feel positive about your self-image, then how can you expect your children to? While this is important for both daughters and sons, it is especially critical for raising a healthy daughter. And beginning the lessons when a girl is young is imperative, so dont wait until its too late teaching your daughter to feel good about her body needs to start at a very young age.
Eating disorder experts say girls are developing eating disorders as young as 5 and 6 years old. And a recent study indicated that 70% of the sixth-grade girls they surveyed said they began worrying about their weight between ages 9 and 11. Why are so many young girls thinking that they are fat? Many are obsessing about their weight because they have parents who are preoccupied with their own poor body images.
While the statistics are disheartening, the good news is that theres a lot that can be done to help our children have positive self-images. And, even small changes that parents make can help. Here are few tips to help your children avoid warped and negative body images:
Establish a no diet talk rule. When your children are nearby, DONT talk about dieting or how fat you feel! This is extremely important. Remember, kids are listening all the time (even when you think that they arent especially then). So, even though asking your spouse or friend do I look fat in this? may seem innocent, it can have a life-altering effect on your kids when they repeatedly hear it.
Parents arent the only adults that influence their children. Set the no diet talk rule mentioned above for all adults that are around your children. This means you shouldnt allow your friends, parents, siblings, neighbors, or anyone else to talk about being fat or being on a diet when they are around your children.
Set a good example. If your children never see you engage in fitness or if they hear you complain about working out, then they are going to have a negative image of exercise. Let them know that you workout to stay healthy, to be strong and to have more energy and stamina (so you can keep up with them)!
Get your kids involved in sports. Experts say that playing sports really helps build confidence and improves self-esteem (especially for girls).
Teach your children to include physical activity as part of their daily routine. But dont force them to exercise. Make sure that the physical activity is seen as something fun to do rather than teaching them to think of exercise as a necessary evil. Good activities include taking a nightly family walk, turning off the t.v. and instead turning music on that you all can dance to, or taking a weekend family bike ride.
Try to prepare (or if you are short are time purchase) healthy meals. And teach them the importance of good nutrition. Dont let them have the misconception that there are good and bad foods. If a kid thinks that candy is a bad food, then naturally they will just want it more. Just try to encourage your kids to eat a balanced diet each day and to eat sugary or fatty foods in moderation.
Remember that something as small as talking about losing weight in front of your kids can have very detrimental effects on their self-image as they age. Damaging behavior learned from a parent at a young age can take years for a child to overcome. So, the sooner you start incorporating the tips above into your life, the better for you child. But dont forget that it has to start with you make sure that you are incorporating healthy fitness and eating rituals into your daily routine and that you have a positive body image (no matter what your size or shape is)!
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How To Stay Fit While Working From HomeLynn BodeDespite what many may think, working from home takes a lot of time and a lot of work. Im sure youve heard someone say, They dont really have a job, they just work from home. That statement couldnt be farther from the truth! Running a home business takes almost all of your time. Therefore, many other things drop down on your priority list. Probably one of the first ones to drop is fitness.
When you have a never-ending to-do list, a house that never seems to get clean and family and/or friends who demand attention, its understandable that exercise can take a back seat. But, it shouldnt.
Exercise offers so many important benefits that it should always be part of your weekly routine. Of course, we all know that exercise can help you stay slim and fit. But, do you also know about all the other great results of exercising? Daily physical activity reduces stress and can help you sleep better two things that are especially beneficial to busy at-home workers and business owners. Fitness helps keep you healthy and has been linked to reducing the risk of some diseases and to warding off depression. Researchers also believe that strength training can help prevent osteoporosis. If that still doesnt convince you to get moving, then keep in mind that exercise also improves self-esteem, increases stamina and ultimately helps you be able to do continuous work for longer. What more could you ask for?
It all sounds great, right? But you still dont think that you can find any time in your hectic schedule for staying in shape. Dont worry. There are a lot of creative ways to fit it in. Below are some tips to help you get started.
1.Schedule time for working out. When you work at home its so easy to work around the clock. To help avoid this think of yourself as having a traditional office job. In most office jobs when you go home for the night you leave work behind and concentrate on personal things. Even though going home for you may simply be walking down the hall, you need to set boundaries in order to find time for you.
2.During working hours, take several 5-10 minute breaks and run up and down the stairs (or even just walk). This will also help rejuvenate your mind.
3.Sitting in front of a computer can be hard on your body, especially your posture. So, find a comfortable place where you can occasionally stand to do your computer work.
4.Its not necessary for you to find 30 continuous minutes for working out. Youll get just as much benefit if you break your exercise into small chunks. Try 10 minutes before you start work, 10 minutes at lunch and 10 minutes after work (re-read 1 above if you just said you have no after work time).
5.If you dont wont to spend a lot of time in the kitchen but still want to eat healthy, cook large portion meals on the weekend that you can freeze. Then simply defrost and warm for dinners during the week. This saves you the time of having to make dinner and you dont have to compromise calories as you would if you instead opted for take-out.
6.One great advantage of working at home is that you can workout over your lunch hour while never leaving your office plus you dont have to pack your workout clothes and toiletries to take with you to work. This saves you travel time, which you can instead spend on grabbing a healthy bite to eat. And, if you dont have any face-to-face meetings scheduled, then you dont have to worry about looking perfect after your workout.
7.If you havent already done so, invest in a good hands-free headset for your phone. This is a great way to multi-task because your hands are free to do other things while you concentrate on your conference call. You can even do some simple (but worthwhile) exercise moves. Some good choices are squats, tricep dips, lunges, wall push-ups, etc.
8.Keep healthy snacks available for when you need an energy boost or simply just need something to chew on to help you get through some tough work. Dont forget to keep water on hand and sip some all throughout your day.
9.Purchase an exercise stability ball. While there are dozens of great toning exercises you can do with the ball, its also beneficial to simply sit on it. Try sitting on it instead of a chair for even short periods throughout your day. This will help build your core strength (your trunk area).
10.Dont forget the importance of stretching. Take a couple of minutes every hour to stand up and stretch your entire body.
As you can see, exercise offers huge benefits even with just a small amount of effort. And if you have kids, by exercising you also set a great example. So, to help you, your business, and your family its time to stop making excuses and just start moving!
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Osteoporosis Month:Calcium alone may not be enoughNC(NC)Health specialists agree that calcium is crucial to maintain life. Just about every cell in the body, including those in the heart, nerves and muscles, relies on calcium to function properly. Our daily intake of calcium, via food or supplements, needs to be consistent throughout our lives to maintain good health. If it is not, say the specialists, our body will take the much-needed calcium right from our bones.
After age 50 however even a concentrated increase in calcium from food or supplements would not be enough if diagnosed with low bone density, or osteoporosis. Do note that if your bones have been slowly depleted of calcium over several years, by age 50 the only way to treat and manage such bone loss is with both increased calcium and with prescription medications.
During Osteoporosis Month it is important to raise awareness of how widespread this disease has become: one-in-four Canadian women over age 50 has osteoporosis, and one-in-eight men. While the statistics are disturbing there are many effective treatment methods readily available and getting sound information to women is important in the prevention of osteoporosis. Did you know for example, that osteoporosis is often called the "silent thief"? Current health data reports one-in-four women over age 50 has osteoporosis, and one-in-eight men. As it progresses, bone fractures of the hips, spine and wrist become common with even just simple activities like coughing, sneezing, hugging, or carrying groceries. In the elderly, complications from hip fractures frequently lead to death.
On Thursday, Nov. 6, Shoppers Drug Mart is holding Osteoporosis Day at all locations in Canada. Their HealthWATCH pharmacists will conduct one-on-one sessions with women who are either taking medication for the disease, or for women who want to find out if they are at risk. For those taking medication, the pharmacist will suggest ways to improve therapy results by assessing proper administration of the medication; will suggest ways to minimize side effects and may recommend alternative prescription medications that are easier to take. For women who want to find out if they are at risk generally those 45-plus pharmacists will discuss the major, minor, and modifiable risk factors as well as available therapy options. Shoppers Drug Mart is partnering with the Osteoporosis Society of Canada for this important health event.
If you would like to know more about the medication you are taking, or would simply like to learn about prevention and management of the disease, the Osteoporosis Day on Nov. 6 provides this opportunity. Consultations are scheduled individually so contact your neighbourhood Shoppers Drug Mart for an appointment.
- News Canada
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News Canada
Osteoporosis Month:Pharmacists offer private consultationsNC(NC)November is Osteoporosis Month so there is no time like the present to find out more about this crippling disease. It is characterized by low bone mass and is most prevalent in postmenopausal women, frequently causing fractures, falls, pain and disability. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) used to be the gold standard in the treatment of osteoporosis, but this is no longer the case. While HRT is still an option for women who are experiencing menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, there are many other effective prescription medications available. The best therapy options for each individual should be discussed with a health professional
On Thursday, Nov. 6, Shoppers Drug Mart is holding Osteoporosis Day at all locations in Canada. Their HealthWATCH pharmacists will conduct one-on-one sessions with women who are either taking medication for the disease, or for women who want to find out if they are at risk. For those taking medication, the pharmacist will suggest ways to improve therapy results by assessing proper administration of the medication; will suggest ways to minimize side effects and may recommend alternative prescription medications that are easier to take. For women who want to find out if they are at risk generally those 45-plus pharmacists will discuss the major, minor, and modifiable risk factors as well as available therapy options. Shoppers Drug Mart is partnering with the Osteoporosis Society of Canada for this important health event.
On the bright side, when caught early, say HealthWATCH pharmacists, osteoporosis can be treated effectively and when it comes to prevention, getting sound information to women is a valuable step. Did you know for example, that osteoporosis is often called the "silent thief"? It literally steals bone mass without giving any indication. Current health data reports one-in-four women over age 50 has osteoporosis, and one-in-eight men. As it progresses, bone fractures of the hips, spine and wrist become common with even just simple activities like coughing, sneezing, hugging, or carrying groceries. In the elderly, complications from hip fractures frequently lead to death.
It is important to note that even an increase in calcium from foods and supplements would not be enough to treat or reverse the disease. While increased calcium is important to prevent further bone loss, it is prescription medications that are necessary to treat osteoporosis, or prevent low bone mass.
If you would like more information on the medication you are taking, or would simply like to learn more about prevention and management of the disease, the Osteoporosis Day at Shoppers Drug Mart on Nov. 6 provides this opportunity. Consultations are scheduled individually so contact your neighbourhood Shoppers Drug Mart for an appointment.
- News Canada
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News Canada
Health Quick Tip:Let's "bone up" on osteoporosisNC(NC)Are you confused about the best treatment and management of osteoporosis now that Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is not the gold standard?
The crippling bone-disease, osteoporosis, is a major health concern in Canada: one-in-four women over age 50 has osteoporosis, and one-in-eight men. When caught early however, osteoporosis can be treated effectively and when it comes to prevention, getting sound information to women is a valuable step. On Thursday, Nov. 6, Shoppers Drug Mart is holding Osteoporosis Day at all locations in Canada. Their HealthWATCH pharmacists will conduct one-on-one sessions with women who are either taking medication for the disease, or for women who want to find out if they are at risk. For those taking medication, the pharmacist will suggest ways to improve therapy results by assessing proper administration of the medication; will suggest ways to minimize side effects and may recommend alternative prescription medications that are easier to take. For women who want to find out if they are at risk generally those 45-plus pharmacists will discuss the major, minor, and modifiable risk factors as well as available therapy options.
Shoppers Drug Mart is partnering with the Osteoporosis Society of Canada for this important health event. Consultations are scheduled individually so contact your neighbourhood Shoppers Drug Mart before Nov. 6 for an appointment.
- News Canada
About the author:
News Canada
You Asked About Health:Am I at risk for osteoporosis?NC(NC)On Thursday, Nov. 6, Shoppers Drug Mart is holding Osteoporosis Day at all locations in Canada. Their HealthWATCH pharmacists will conduct one-on-one sessions with women who are either taking medication for the disease, or for women who want to find out if they are at risk. For those taking medication, the pharmacist will suggest ways to improve therapy results by assessing proper administration of the medication; will suggest ways to minimize side effects and may recommend alternative prescription medications that are easier to take. For women who want to find out if they are at risk generally those 45-plus pharmacists will discuss the major, minor, and modifiable risk factors as well as available therapy options. Shoppers Drug Mart is partnering with the Osteoporosis Society of Canada for this important health event.
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