Heat Stroke On The Rise This Summer, Preventable

July 2012

Most of the country is experiencing record heat conditions and heat related illnesses, due to prolonged exposure to heat, are on the rise.  Those with breathing problems, children and the elderly are especially at risk.  Those in affected areas need to take caution and consume an adequate amount of fluids. Sweating is the natural action of the body and cooling mechanism to counter heat and is often the first sign of dehydration before the onset of heat stroke. Many people simply ignore these warning signs without proper hydration and continue with their normal physical activities.



Heat Stroke - The Warning Signs (one or more signs may be present)

• Throbbing Headache
• Rapid pulse
• High body temperature (103°F+)
• Skin appears red and dry
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Unconsciousness

What to Do?

1. Call for medical assistance as soon as possible.
2. Get individual to a shady area.
3. Apply cool water or wrap individual in a cool towel to bring down body temperature.

How to Prevent Heat Stroke?

• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid the sun
• Apply sunblock daily
• Limit intake of caffeine and alcohol
• Check on children and the elderly
• Don't leave children or pets in the car (even with the windows down)

Heat strokes are very much preventable if certain precautions are taken like drinking adequate water during hot days, avoiding alcoholic and caffeine drinks, wearing light clothes, exercising in cooler time of the day, wearing sunglasses and applying sun block.

Related stories

Tips for Seniors to Avoid Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion
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Dog Heatstroke: What It Is & How To Prevent It, Dog, Cat and other pets
Tips to Avoid Heatstroke in Dogs. There are ways to prevent heatstroke which can avoid emergency trips to the vet: Never leave your pet in a parked car with the windows cracked during summer.

Fitness Exercises for Kids

Fitness exercises can prove to be very helpful for kids as they can help them to stay healthy and fit in the long run. With the changing trends, the kids are living more of a sedentary lifestyle these days. The kind of lifestyle they are leading presently can result in varied health-related problems for them as they grow older.

Sitting in front of the television or computer for long hours is one of the major reasons of kids becoming unhealthy and obese. Consumption of junk food while watching television is another major contributor to this. Their lack of physical activity results in the necessary calories not being burnt and this makes them overweight leading to early problems with obesity.

Fitness, as an essential part of overall health, is extremely important for kids. There are various ways in which the fitness levels of children can be raised. Traditionally, exercises and a healthy diet were considered necessary only for the adults but these days obesity levels are also increasing among the children. Thus the importance of exercises cannot be ignored.

Advantages of regular exercising for kids

Exercise can make the muscles as well as the bones of the children stronger and result in overall fitness. Along with making them strong, the children also learn how they can control the body fat so that the chances of becoming obese later in their life can be avoided.

The chances of getting Type 2 diabetes are also reduced among the children if a regular exercise regimen is followed by them. Children who undergo regular exercising also have low blood cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

Importance of exercising for kids

If exercises are not made a part of the daily routine along with a nutritious diet, it can lead to obesity in children. It is the parent’s duty to pay adequate attention for ensuring fitness of their children.

Parents should encourage their children to perform exercises such as cycling, swimming, running and walking. This will strengthen their cardiovascular systems and also establish the healthy habits of regular exercising which will benefit them and have definite positive effects on their health.

Ways of achieving health for kids

In order to ensure weight loss and maintenance of an ideal weight for their children, parents and guardians should encourage them to participate in various physical activities. The kids should regularly take part in physical education classes in order to keep themselves fit. They should also be encouraged by their parents to take part in extra-curricular activities in school or in the local community.

Since children generally get bored with routine exercises, parents can help in making physical exercise fun by organizing dancing programs and games. They can also encourage their children to undergo sport fitness programs or play various games such as softball, baseball, tennis, football and soccer. Swimming is an excellent form of exercise that kids are bound to enjoy. Initiating the kids in these games is one of the best ways of helping them to stay fit.


Article is the courtesy of: Fitness Watchers

Some Interesting Natural Pain Relievers You May Not Have Heard About

Relieving pain is something that everyone will need at some point.  Some more than others.  Most of us just reach for the medicine cabinet without giving much thought even if there are some unpleasant side effects.  There are many individuals who may never considered bee venom as a therapy, but this uncommon natural pain reliever works for some people. It often comes in a cream and is used to relieve chronic pain including arthritis.

Another natural pain reliever is an interactive metronome which is used to minimize the pain associated with a sinus infection.  Many people take advantage of acupuncture as a natural treatment in comparison to medications. A lumbar stabilization program could lead to benefiting lots of people. Some agree that the pairing of lumbar stabilization with fish oil supplements is something that might help a person get on the road to beneficial health within 6 months.

Vitamins can even help you feel better. For instance, Vitamin D is something that generally helps many people feel alive with more gusto. This is really beneficial if you happen to live in a place that has many cloudy days. Meanwhile, Vitamin B-12 is a nutrient that helps some deal with depression. Also, a person with digestive issues may even want to consider taking a B-12 shot.  These shots are often suggested for those having difficulties with the end result of gastric bypass surgery.

There are a number of natural topical pain relievers available that can improve your quality of life less the side effects commonly encountered in medications.

Killer Fast Food

It is fairly common knowledge that eating fast food on a regular basis is unhealthy.  Although nearly all fast food restaurants post their ingredients and calories, we still can't seem to get enough of a quick and cheap food fix.  While eating fast food may be light on the wallet, it has just the opposite effect on health.  The problem is that most people don't realize that the dangerous effects are immediate even if you don't notice it right away.

The 2004 documentary film, Super Size Me, followed a healthy young man of normal weight as he lived on nothing but McDonald's for thirty days.  In less then two weeks, he gained more than 17 pounds.  In other words, he gained nearly a half-pound after eating every meal!  This means that if you eat just one fast food meal per week, you are gaining roughly 26 pounds from just one meal.  Not withstanding, the impact of having so much saturated fat accumulating in your arteries.  Aside from calories, it's the saturated fat that is the real killer. That's because saturated fat is a solid substance that lines the walls of your arteries.  Eventually, the accumulation clogs an artery and prevents blood from flowing through it causing a heart attack or stroke, depending where the blockage occurs. 

When you add it up, it is no wonder why thirty percent of kids are now overweight.  What's more is that children are getting diabetes and having heart problems before they get a chance to become adults. There is nothing wrong with eating at McDonald's or any other fast food place for that matter, once in a while.  To be fair, McDonald's has healthier alternatives. For example, they offer a very nice side salad on their dollar menu which is a great alternative to french fries.  Kids love their apple dippers which is also much better for them than fries.  For breakfast, their oatmeal with fruit and small yogurt parfaits are healthier options.

On the other end of the spectrum, Subway spokesperson Jared Fogle once weighed over 400 pounds.  He ate nothing but Subway and achieved dramatic weight loss.  As you can see, when you limit the calories and fat you can lose weight and live a healthier life.   It all comes down to making healthy choices for you and your family.

Unexplained Weight Gain? It May Be From An Under Active Thyroid

If you are having difficulty losing weight, it could be caused by an under active thyroid.  Obesity and weight gain are two major problems which usually afflict individuals who encounter an under-active thyroid or hypothyroidism. On top of that, those with an abnormal thyroid may also experience fatigue, joint pains, and heart ailments. The good news is that weight loss can be achieved with natural weight loss supplements that support the thyroid gland. However, it is important that you consult with a health care professional first to find out if you can benefit from weight loss supplements with thyroid support, and to rule out any other health related issues.

The butterfly-shaped thyroid gland is found in your throat and generates T3 and T4 hormones. It functions with the pituitary gland. These thyroid hormones influence your metabolism and regulate the oxygen consumption of the primary internal organs of the body. Also, they manage skin cells and heart rate, along with other bodily functions.          

There are a number of natural treatments on the market which can boost the functionality of the thyroid gland. Selenium found in tuna, sunflower seeds, mushrooms, soybeans, and Brazil nuts, for example, can also help regulate the function of the thyroid gland.  Also, iodine increases the thyroid glands T4 production which can aid in preventing goiter.

The enzymes necessary for metabolic control and the development of T3 and T4 hormones are based mostly on selenium. This essential mineral also manages and delivers the precise quantity of hormones to different regions of the entire body. This is why poor selenium concentrations can contribute to weight gain; especially for individuals with hypothyroidism.

Lastly, there are a variety of natural weight loss supplements that feature thyroid support.  However, it is recommended that you check with your physician prior to commencing a weight loss program. 

Essential Fatty Acids Are Often Overlooked, Misunderstood

It is important that essential fatty acids be part of a health diet, but they are commonly overlooked.  They are important because of the ways that these good fats can help maintain your metabolism.  There are a lot of health conscious individuals in search of a healthier diet who may not realize the usefulness that these proteins have or how readily available they happen to be.

Since your body system is not able to manufacture omega-3, you can only get in what you eat or by taking supplements.  Also, there are a lot of great reasons for adding it to your diet.  For example, Omega 3 has been associated as a means to combat depression as well as a tool to reduce memory loss. There are loads of good stuff to eat such as some nuts which contain these good fats.  Tuna and a lot of other species of fish are abundant in omega 3 which might protect against the build-up of plaque in the arteries.  As a result, those with normal blood pressure are less likely to have heart problems.

An alternative omega 3 essential fatty acid that may be used to help regulate cholesterol is sacha inchi. A benefit of sacha inchi happens to be the vitamins and minerals correlated with this particular plant-based vegetable oil. Sacha inchi may actually aid those who are dealing with type two diabetes because it adjusts their blood sugar in a more effective way.  On top of that, it can benefit those with high blood pressure.

More people should take the time to get to know the advantages of sachi inchi and other omega 3 essential fatty acids. These plant-based herbal products are available in specialty stores for people that want to incorporate them in their meals and could experience renewed health results in the matter of heart disease, cholesterol and blood pressure.

By enjoying the catch of the day you can maximize the amount of fish oil containing Omega-3 in your diet.  Also, whole grains contain the good fats that can benefit your rate of metabolism and help with control of your blood pressure.  As you can tell, there are a variety of choices out there when it comes to finding foods that are rich in essential fatty acids.

Holiday Eating Habits Can Affect Your Health All Year Long

Many people don't realize how their holiday eating habits can affect their health all year long.  It's not always easy to follow a healthy diet during the holiday season. Healthy meal plans can sometimes cost more, it can take extra time and it is hard to stick to during the holidays and other social gatherings. But just being aware of what a good diet is versus a bad diet is a big step in the right direction. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Grandma's fruit cake may sound healthy, but fresh fruit slices is better. Fruits and vegetables provide many needed vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidant properties. All fruits and veggies are good but if you stick to the most color-rich ones, you're giving an extra boost to your body. Berries are good examples of these. 

Get your daily dose of Omega-3 fatty acids. Oily fish contains a great deal of these which are good for your brain, your heart and your skin. Some good examples of oily fish are salmon, mackerel and tuna. Tuna does come with a little bit of extra warning because of its mercury content so you shouldn't eat it more than once per week (especially if you are pregnant).  If you're more of a landlubber, you can get omega-3 essential fatty acids from walnuts, soy, canola oil and flax seeds too.

You've probably heard about the important role of fiber in your diet. If you manage to get enough fiber, you are probably also eating fewer calories as fiber contains no calories at all. Another great benefit of eating fiber is that it makes you feel full longer. Good fiber sources include whole grain bread, pasta and cereal, green vegetables and legumes. It is recommended that women take in at least 25 grams of fiber each day. Men should get at least 38 grams.

This isn't exactly in the food category but water is also extremely important to a good diet. Cutting down or eliminating colas from your diet is one of the quickest ways to cut down on calories. Replace these drinks with calorie-free water.
  
Some people skip a meal to make room for a gut busting meal later on. This is a bad idea. Skipping a meal can actually lower your metabolism, thus preventing you from burning more calories during the day. Therefore, try to eat three well balanced meals each day supplemented with small healthy snacks (like fruit, cheese, nuts or yogurt) in between. 

Happy Holidays!

Helping Overweight Teens Lose Weight

We all know how tumultuous the teenage years can be.  They're not an adult yet, but no longer a child. This in between status along with all the new feelings and emotions can make this time in anyone's life stressful.  For  an overweight teenager that stress is multiplied.  The good news is that they don't have to be that way. I'm not saying it won't take time or that it will be easy, but if they really want it, they can lose the weight and have a less stressful and much healthier life...and you need to help.  

Here are some things that you can do to help a teen lose weight and start living a more healthy lifestyle:

1. First and foremost anyone who wants to lose weight will need to accurately determine how much weight they need to lose.  Very often, especially for teen girls, they have a very unrealistic idea of what 'fat' is.  Many times a teen girl will think she's fat when in fact she clearly isn't.

If they really are overweight it's important to talk to their pediatrician to find out what the proper weight should be for their age, gender, height, and build.  New guidelines now ask that pediatricians check cholesterol levels in children and teens to help prevent heart disease in later years.  From that point a proper diet and exercise plan can be tailored for their specific needs and goals.

2. One really nice thing that  a parent can do is to workout with their teen.  Whether it be bike riding, swimming in the pool, or tossing a ball back and forth, this will allow the both of you the time to get some exercise while spending quality time together time. 

3. If your teen needs to lose more than 10 pounds or so you may want to talk with their doctor for a specific diet plan.  This can help teach your teen what they should eat and how much.  This can lead not only to weight loss but a lifestyle change that will ensure that once your child has lost the weight, they will never gain it back again; the weight loss will be permanent because the lifestyle changes are permanent.

4. Don't buy junk food.  If your child can't drive yet, they are pretty much 'stuck' with whatever you  buy. If you don't have a lot of snacks and processed foods in the house your kid can't eat it.  Instead of buying junk food when you go grocery shopping start buying whole, non- processed foods. 

Buy plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.  Your teen will likely be resistant at first but you can remind them that the types of foods they like is a learned habit and they can change that habit.  If they stick with it they can get to the point where they don't even like the taste of the junk food anymore.

5. Invest in a good low fat cookbook.  It's usually pretty easy to make simple changes to not only the types of foods you cook, but also the way you cook them.  These changes can help you eliminate a lot of the fat in your diet.

If you have an obese teenager and you don't want their teenage years to be any more difficult then they have to be, you can help your child make better choices and get in the type of shape they can feel good about.  It won't be easy, and your teen will likely be resistant at first, but if you lead by example and stay consistent, more than likely your teen will come around.  This is a great opportunity for both of you to create a healthier lifestyle all while spending some fun times together, who could ask for more?

What You Can Do To Reduce High Cholesterol Levels

      Nowadays people are recognizing the need to have low levels of cholesterol. When your blood contains high cholesterol levels you could be on the road toward life altering ailments such as heart disease or stroke, as an example. That possibility alone should be scary enough to start working on a lower cholesterol level. There are a few things that one might do to reduce high cholesterol to become healthier.

Many factors for high cholesterol are easy to recognize like eating a poor diet, not getting proper exercise and even your family history. Often times even with a beneficial, nutritious diet and adequate exercise, you can possibly have trouble lowering your cholesterol simply because your genetic history is predisposed toward higher cholesterol amounts. When this is a possibility, your medical professional may prescribe medication to reduce the levels into an acceptable area. However, prescription medicines may cause a number of negative effects, so discuss with your health practitioner to find out how this may affect you.

Many men and women will be able to lower cholesterol by making basic changes in their normal life. You will find that flipping some of the dishes that you're currently enjoying for more nutritious choices is not that big of a deal to to do. Besides, it is less costly than maintaining prescription medicines every single day. High fat foods that most frequently are associated with fast food places and processed animal products are some of the primary contributors for high cholesterol. The best thing to do is have more healthy produce given that they not just reduce your bad cholesterol levels but improve your good cholesterol at the same time. Rather than saturated meats, choose to eat tasty seafood such as halibut and grouper.

Some very hazardous contributing factors towards high cholesterol include excessive caffeinated beverages, tobacco and liquor use. Despite the fact that smoking cigarettes causes a variety of other dreadful problems in the body, it also causes elevated cholesterol levels that starts a path to fatty deposits in the arterial blood vessels, thus making you a vital candidate for a heart attack.

There are heart health supplements in the marketplace to help to keep your heart working better, but it is not a replacement for keeping bad habits. You can accomplish lower cholesterol levels to become healthy by making rather simple lifestyle changes that can help improve the quality of your life.

  

Three Tips To Start Losing Fat

It is particularly common for people to be looking for the fastest way to burn belly fat. In spite of everything, the majority of people do not truly desire to be heavy for their entire lifetime. Having a big belly is only going to lead to joint pain and other incapacitating diseases that often make doing things you love extremely stressful.

The most important step to do is simply drink plenty of water. Water is an essential ingredient to invigorating the body and flushing out our system.  If you enjoy a glass of water prior to eating your meal, you will feel full much sooner. When you experience that fullness feeling, you are not going to want to eat as much food. In fact, water is actually nature's craving reducer.

The next thing is to make certain to partake plenty of produce and fiber rich low calorie dishes. Most people think that if they exercise they can eat whatever they desire. Yet, this couldn't be farther from the truth. There is practically nothing stopping you from eating a healthy diet involving savory dishes. After all, there are a cornucopia of options for sale in your neighborhood food store.

Lastly, to be able to lose belly fat quickly is to work out frequently. Most people have the perception that if they have a huge belly, they will need to do sit-ups in order to get rid of it. However, this is not true. It is important to exercise the total body to lose weight. It is nonsense to try losing weight in a single particular muscle. This is mainly why aerobics is a popular way to lose weight. Always consult with your health care professional before changing your diet or beginning an exercise program.

More Consumers Turning To Natural Supplements To Improve Health

More health conscious individuals are looking for health supplements in order to improve their health. While many economic sectors may be struggling, the market for health supplements has grown 10% in the past year.  Clinical research is beginning to realize that some natural health products are quite rich in ingredients and can improve the body and help protect it from, as well as other things, diseases.

Meanwhile, some are using natural health supplements to control a number of disorders like diabetes and Alzheimer's disease, as an example. Vitamin supplements are being recommended for people that are more vulnerable to sicknesses given that it is known to build up the immunity of those that take them. Those people having stressful lives should also consider taking health supplements simply because it might help them in invigorating the mind and body.

Green tea extract ECGH is a well-known herbal remedy commonly used to aid the body to combat attacks in the chest and lungs as well as such involving the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, it is noted for its for its potential to reduce both cholesterol and blood pressure. In fact, a few clinical studies have shown that green tea in may help in preventing certain cancers.

Vitamin c is another supplement that many are taking on a daily basis. This is because the health supplements comprising of this vitamin helps the body to defend against the damaging effects of aging and also assists the body in boosting its resistance to destroy bacterial infections. Further, it is claimed to aid in protecting the eyes from developing macular degeneration, particularly with seniors. The vitamin is also advocated in the defense against the advancement of Alzheimer's disease.

CoQ10 is an enzyme that is part of the mitochondria which is present in all the cells throughout the human body. This serves a key purpose in wiping out the harmful radicals in the body. For those persons who suffer with migraines, people who take nutritional supplements with Co Q10 may experience milder headaches, they may have lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure also. Thus, the immune system will receive a boost and the person will feel energized.


Researchers are coming to the realization that taking certain herbal supplements combined with a healthy diet, may be beneficial in boosting health and wellness. In addition, the rising cost of healthcare will cause many people to try alternative remedies.

Is There A Cure For Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition in which sugar is not properly absorbed by the body. Globally the incidence of diabetes is expected to exceed 250 million people by 2025 – resulting in 35 million heart attacks, 13 million strokes, 6 million episodes of renal failure, 8 million instances of blindness or eye surgery, 2 million amputations and 62 million deaths – that is a measure of the scale of the problem. While diabetes belongs at the top of the healthcare agenda, it has yet to be given that position.

According to the American Diabetes Association, there are 21 million diabetics in America; with another 54 million people having pre-diabetes (placing them at high risk for developing Type II diabetes). This equates to 75 million Americans having diabetes, or being at high risk.

With attention focused on blood sugar and insulin levels, however, the underlying cause of all the devastation has been overlooked. According to health advocate and best-selling author Matt Traverso, many doctors are failing to treat the real underlying cause of diabetes. Instead, they are treating the symptoms with chemicals and pharmaceutical medications that often leave the sufferers with side effects and a long term dependency on these drugs.

What some doctors may be failing to understand is that diabetes is not a disease, it is an outward reaction coming directly from the pancreas that results in the body no longer being able to produce normal amounts of insulin due to the pancreas being run down.

Matt Traverso's E-Book states, if the damage that is being done to the pancreas can be turned around, the organ will be given the chance to heal itself and then, gradually, it is possible for those who are dependent on insulin shots to be able to stop them all together. This means diabetes sufferers may no longer have to be dependant on the drugs and medications that are usually taken to treat the condition.

Top scientists such as Dr Robert O. Young, Dr Gabriel Cousens, Dr Fuhrman and many others (whose groundbreaking research forms the basis of this E-book) state that “diabetes is completely reversible”. This information sheds new light on how diabetes sufferers get the condition and how they can turn their illness around for good. The new finding on diabetes is being called The Diabetes-Reversing Breakthrough.

Is Motivation Preventing Weight Loss?

      Before you can begin to lose weight you need to be realistic and avoid making excuses.  Anyone can come up with a bunch of excuses for why you can't do this or that.  The bottom line is that excuses will only prevent you from losing weight.

The truth is, a real weight loss plan is a commitment.  There are going to be times when you may not feel like working out.  Or, you may rather grab a bag of chips instead of eating an apple.  But, if you stick with a weight loss plan and don't allow excuses to get in the way, you will begin to see the results in the mirror.

Nobody said that making a lifestyle change was going to be easy.  It's so much easier to not do anything and leave everything the same.  Then again, nothing will happen.  You see, there is a choice.  Either way it takes effort.  You can choose to spend your time being overweight or you can use the energy to your advantage and lose weight. 

The first step is to get rid of those unhealthy snacks that will only slow down your metabolism and replace them with deliciously nutritious food items.  Fruits and vegetables provide many needed vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidant properties. All fruits and veggies are good for you, but apples are especially great. They give you an energy boost that can help jump start your metabolism. Berries is another excellent choice.  Also, water is also extremely important to a good diet because it helps to flush out the fat cells. This means that you will need to severely restrict sodas from your diet, including diet colas.  The chemicals in soft drinks will not assist you in losing weight or add any beneficial health advantages.

It is very important that you don't skip meals, especially breakfast. Skipping breakfast actually lowers your metabolism while if you eat breakfast, you burn more calories during the day. Skipping meals might seem like a good idea but eventually hunger will get the better of you and you'll end up eating more than you should and maybe more of the wrong kind of foods. Ideally, you should have smaller, more frequent meals.  You can supplement your meals with a healthy snack, like fruit.

Finally, start adding exercises to your daily routine will help you lose fat.  It can be something as simple as walking several times a week or going out for a bike ride.  It is not so important which exercise you choose, just do something and stick with it.  You will be rewarded with a longer, happier and healthy life. 
   

Low Carb Chicken Recipes That Are Easy To Prepare

If you love to eat poultry, you will be pleased to know that these low carb chicken recipes are very easy to prepare. When cooking chicken, remove the skin and bake or grill rather than fry. Don't cover it in breadcrumbs or sauces made with fats as this will increase the carbohydrate content quite dramatically.

Protein is a key part of a healthy eating plan. It provides essential amino acids required to build and maintain healthy tissues, organs and hair.  It also keeps us feeling fuller for longer so it is a good idea to add a little to every meal.  Good quality poultry is a great source of protein. If possible choose the free range variety as they are not injected with hormones. Don't have chicken every day though.  There are plenty of other sources of quality proteins including low fat dairy products, good quality red meat, beans and pulses and fish.

You don't want to be eating grilled chicken all the time so why not try something a little different.  Here are a couple of chicken recipes you may find useful:

If you like your sandwiches you can still eat them on a low carb diet.  The bread must be whole wheat not white.    To prepare a sandwich, simply take four slices of your bread and some cooked chopped chicken breast.  Add some shredded lettuce and a sliced tomato.  Top with low fat Swiss style cheese (the one with the holes!). You should avoid using butter on the bread. You can add a low fat salad dressing if you find the sandwich too dry.

You can also have chicken curry but make it at home.  Fast foods and store bought processed meals contain a lot of hidden sugars, salt and bad fats.  This will not only stop you losing pounds but will also increase your risk of heart disease and raise your insulin levels. Keeping insulin levels low is key to losing weight as the lower levels inhibits the formation of fat and encourages your body to covert the insulin to energy. 

When making curry at home, add extra chilies if you can as they help to speed up your metabolism so you burn fats faster.  Serve with brown rice and skip the nan bread and poppadoms.

If you must fry your chicken, use a spray vegetable oil and a non stick pan to reduce your fat intake. The poultry should take up a maximum 25% of your dinner.  50% of your meal should be vegetables with the remaining 25% brown rice or brown pasta.

All of your meals should contain a mixture of protein, carbohydrates and vegetables.   You should try and vary the color and type of veg you eat to gain the most nutrients and minerals and to protect yourself against diseases such as cancer.

September Is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

Just like adults that are overweight, overweight children are prone to the same health issues.  In fact, health problems that are normally associated with an aging adult are now prevalent in children.  Sadly, many of these children will become afflicted with diabetes and heart diseases that could be prevented.

Also, childhood obesity is a growing problem.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 17% of the adolescent U.S. population is considered obese. This means that nearly one out of every five children are considered overweight. We have not seen this level of childhood obesity in the United States before.

How do I know if my child is overweight?  This is an important question because many parents may not realize that their child has a weight issue. Obesity is loosely defined as having excess body weight.  However, your pediatrician will be able to determine your child's body mass by calculating their height, weight and other measurements.  That's why it is important for your child to have annual pediatric check-ups.

What are the leading causes of childhood obesity?  Today, many schools have cut down on physical fitness programs which resulted in less physical activity at school.  Also, some schools have reduced or eliminated subsidized school meals for underprivileged children.  Not being able to afford healthy foods is another reason why some kids are more prone to becoming overweight.

How do I get my child to exercise more?  Physical activity is very important. Try to have your child participate either in a school sponsored physical activity or an extracurricular activity after school.  The key is finding something they like and encouraging them to participate.  Not all kids are sports enthusiasts, but a lot of children love bowling.  Joining a bowling league is a great place to start.  Gymnastics and swimming are also great ways to get more exercise.

How do I get my child to eat better?  Well, you have to start shopping better.  Kids will only eat what you have in the house.  If your child wants a chocolate doughnut but can only find yogurt or fruit in the refrigerator, they will eat the healthy food if they are hungry.  That's why it is important to cut out the junk food.  This also means limiting your trips to the fast food places.  Finally, you need to budget time so you can prepare a healthy meal for your family.  That doesn't mean you have  to prepare a meal everyday.  You can make a few meals ahead of time and freeze them.  Then  all you need to do is heat and serve at the appropriate time.  You have to ask yourself, is my child's health important enough for me to find the time to make them a healthy meal? 

Your kids will normally copy what they see their parents and siblings doing.  If they see you exercising and eating better then they will too.  Together, you can come up with a childhood obesity solution that works for your family and accomplish great things while giving your kids a chance to grow into healthy adults.


   

How To Avoid The Negative Effects Of Losing Fat

 Huge numbers of people would like to improve the way they look and feel by losing fat. However, losing fat alone is a stretch, it is essential to make an allowance for your metabolic rate and muscle mass to stay healthy. You need to be prudent to resist overdoing it or you jeopardize muscle loss.  Whenever you reduce excessive amounts of muscle tissue you will probably lose your strength and might not have the ability continue. Your end result will be a strong body with well shaped muscles.

Low carbohydrate diets are among the most popular diets on the market today. What is a low carb diet? It is an eating plan consisting of mainly lean proteins with a mixture of fresh fruits and vegetables. This type of diet may help you to lose fat, but if you do not maintain this strict plan you will gain back the fat and weight you worked so hard to lose.

Most notably, this creates a variety of negative effects. The most likely consequence being an inability to continue the diet. This will not be due to a lack of desire, but mainly because your body needs fuel to burn energy. Your ability to burn energy efficiently is dependent on the quality of fuel you take in.  Of course, fuel that is laden with fat is not going to help you lose fat. 

How much weight can you lose?  That depends, but being able to lose 1-2 pounds per day is not out of the realms of possibility.  Your body will adapt to the lifestyle change, and, over time it becomes easier to burn fat. Therefore, eating a healthy diet really helps in reducing fat and excess weight. As your metabolism increases, you will notice an increase in stamina.  However, it is important to keep in mind that it takes more energy to digest complex carbohydrates than for protein. Also, during the digestion process, your body will process the nutrient-rich foods and expel the excess fat while preventing a build up of additional fat deposits.

That brings us to the importance of exercising.  Both aerobic exercise and weight training are equally important when it comes to losing fat and toning muscles. By performing aerobic exercises on a regular basis, you will ensure your metabolism remains in check and efficiently burns calories. Meanwhile, weight training helps shape your new lean muscle mass. This, in turn, creates what I call your lean fat burning machine.

Are You Breaking These Dieting Rules?

Are you breaking the rules?  If you're having a hard time losing weight and keeping it off, you may be doing one of these dieting no-nos:

1.  Starving yourself.  While, it may seem sensible that if you eat like a rabbit, the fat will just melt away.  The fact is that your body needs fuel (food) in order to burn energy (calories).  Also, starvation diets rob your body of the nutrients it needs for normal cell production. It's really a balancing act.  Eating more healthy foods in moderation and less of the bad stuff.  

2.  Reducing your calories too quickly.  If you suddenly eliminate your calories, your body is going to react by slowing down your metabolism.  This is exactly the opposite effect that you want on a diet.  You need to gradually reduce your calories over a period of time so that your body gets used to less calories.  The healthy food choices that you replace in your diet will speed up your metabolism.     

3.  Not answering your cravings. Dieters often feel that they need to give up their favorite high fat foods in order to lose weight.  It's OK to cheat every now and then.  The key is setting aside a cheat day several times a month.  Have pizza or enjoy your favorite ice cream.  Whatever your heart desires.  Just don't eat all of your favorite dishes in one day.  Spread them out and you will not feel that you are missing out on anything.

The bottom line is that common sense and planning goes a long way towards a successful weight loss program.  

Three Easy Exercises To Lose Weight

      It's no secret.  You need to exercise if you really want to lose weight. The problem that most people have is deciding which exercises are best for their situation. The more weight that you need to lose, the more difficult it can be for maintaining a proper fitness routine.  Fortunately, most everyone can start with these three easy exercises to lose weight.

Naturally, it is always a good idea to check with your doctor before starting any type of exercise program.  Also, your health care professional should be able to provide you with some exercises for you to do. In addition, many overweight adults can benefit from an experienced personal fitness instructor. Now that we have our disclaimer out of the way, let's get started.

Walking is one of the best forms of exercise that you can do.  It helps increase your heart rate and gets your blood flowing throughout your body.  You are not going to lose weight overnight, but you will burn calories and help prevent sugars and carbs from turning to fat.  You can walk as much or as little as you want, but try to walk for at least twenty minutes per day.  A lot of people complain that they just don't have the time.  However, you can split it up by walking for a few minutes before and after work.  Also, when you drive around looking for a parking space  try parking a little farther away instead of hunting for the closest parking space.  If you invest in a small pedometer, you will be surprised how much walking you can do in a small amount of time.

Another easy and cheap exercise is stair climbing.  If your home has stairs then that is a great place to start.  Otherwise, you may find stairs at a nearby shopping mall, library or office park.  If you are not accustomed to climbing stairs, then try starting out with one flight of stairs three times per week.  Depending upon how you feel, you can increase the level until you are able to go up and down several flights of stairs five times per week.  Instead of stairs, you may live in an area with a hill which will give you a similar effect.  Whether you are walking up stairs or a hill, just make sure you are wearing sturdy shoes on a dry surface. Also, try taking the stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible.

Do you know which form of exercise combines the benefits of both walking and stair climbing?  That's right, swimming!  Swimming is the best exercise to lose weight.  If you are able to swim for at least twenty minutes per day, five days per week, you will be surprised how quickly you will burn fat and tone your muscles.  That's because swimming requires you to use all of your muscles.  It's best to start slow and build up your stamina.  If you don't have your own swimming pool, chances are good that there is a public pool nearby.

Regardless of your weight loss goals, these simple exercises will help you burn fat and lose weight.  Keep in mind that this is a lifestyle change and it will not happen overnight.  That's why it is important for you to stay motivated and dedicated to your fitness routine.
  

The Super Foods That Can Help Fight Heart Disease

      Heart disease continues to be the primary cause of death in the United States, according to the C.D.C.  In addition to this, about 12% of the country has been diagnosed with some type of heart disease and more than 600,000 people will lose their lives this year alone from this mostly unnecessary disorder.

One main reason for heart disease is maintaining a high fat diet that clogs the arteries.  Dishes that are rich in saturated fats and have little to no nutrient benefit will only carry you so far. Eventually, the arteries get choked on plaque and your heart is not able to pump blood easily throughout your body. Plaque that builds up along the artery's walls is not simply brushed out like plaque on the teeth. 

A solution to stopping and possibly reversing heart disease is eating a diet that contains unsaturated fats, like essential fatty acids from fish oil, for example.  Plus, your diet ought to include dietary fiber which are available in green leafy vegetables.  This form of fare will support decreasing low density lipids as well.

An excellent way to get your recommended daily serving of vital antioxidants and essential fatty acids is to make a tossed salad by tossing a portion of chopped salmon with walnuts, bell pepper and diced orange segments over a bed of spinach.

Kidney beans is an especially adaptable source of fiber. You can get a day's worth of calcium, potassium and fiber with a small bowl of bean chili by adding a can of Mexican-style diced tomatoes, with a can of drained kidney beans, heat and serve. This dish is low in fat and low in cholesterol.

Eat a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast and you will certainly start your day off right.  Try adding in a handful of nuts and you can give your body an antioxidant boost and the power which will get you out of the house. You should stay away from the instant flavored oatmeal assortments as it has too much sugar and other additives. 

With a healthy, well balanced diet, you too can help fight heart disease and lower your cholesterol.
   

Your Lifestyle May Affect Your Ability To Maintain Healthy Cholesterols

      It is not uncommon for people to experience high levels of cholesterol in ones bloodstream. However, you do need to take corrective action.  Cholesterol management can help you to avoid many health problems associated with heart disease. The only problem is that many people  do not understand what steps are necessary in order to help reduce these levels. Not realizing there are alternative approaches to reducing cholesterol many people end up with prescription medication from their doctor.

Most of the doctors prescribe statin drugs to help correct the problem. However, these medications have various side effects like blockage of the production of CoQ10. They also have another major side effect referred to as rhabdomyolysis. This is a condition whereby cells burst releasing their contents into the bloodstream causing pain.  When the cellular debris is released into the bloodstream, it is the duty of the kidneys to clean it up. In extreme conditions where the kidneys are overwhelmed, can lead to kidney failure and even death. To avoid complications, most people try to avoid statin drugs and deal with high cholesterol.

Why are they still being prescribed? First, it is important to note that the drugs do reduce cholesterol levels. This can happen even without doing any exercises or changing ones diet. Also, most doctors are more comfortable prescribing medications and may not be as familiar with natural supplements to lower cholesterol. On the other hand, there are physicians that are able to accomplish the same result using natural remedies.

The other major question many ask is whether there is a better solution. Of course there are many methods to manage your cholesterol levels safely and without much cost. If you are already taking statin drugs, you can ask for alternatives or have your liver function monitored closely.

Aside from this, there are different natural foods and herbs you can take to manage your cholesterol. The first one is alfalfa herb which contains saponins in the seeds. This helps block atherosclerotic plaque formation which happens when there is accumulation of cholesterol. The seeds strike the low-density lipoprotein in the blood replacing it with high-density lipoprotein.

Another helpful produce is garlic. Many people know about its medicinal properties. It has been used in treating many diseases over the centuries. Garlic, just like many other vegetables contains a high concentration of organosulfur. It is actually four times that in most other vegetables. This sulfur is very helpful in cholesterol management because it helps increase HDL levels. It also reduces clotting in blood vessels hence one can enjoy good circulation. As you can see, there a number of ways to naturally reduce your cholesterol.  The important thing is to consult with your physician to determine the most effective course of treatment for you.