Health and Fitness - How to Keep Fit as You Age

Health and Fitness - How to Keep Fit as You Age
It is common knowledge that as we begin to add years under
our belts that we will need to work a little harder at
maintaining fitness and weight. It takes a little more to
shed those last few unwanted pounds.

It is well-known around the globe, today, that our
metabolisms begin to slow to a biological crawl as we get
older. Except for the hopes of some sort of miracle, or
some extreme technological breakthrough, this is the facts,
and we have no choice but to live and accept it as it is.

Medical science, for some time now, has been doing exactly
that; trying to find a "cure," if you will, to the
unstoppable process of aging. Studies have, in the last
twenty years, hinted as to what causes aging. Hopes are
that by continuing these studies, more knowledge will be
attained, therefore, this newfound knowledge should put us
closer to finding methods to "reverse," or at least slow
down the aging process.

There's no telling as to when such a breakthrough is going
to happen, so until then, it seems that the most sensible
thing for a person to do is to use the methods we have in
order to stay healthy. It should be of no shock to anyone
to know that the two main factors to achieving this goal is
proper exercise and a sensible diet.

Depending on a persons age and current health, it's wise to
establish a diet and workout regimen that will better suit
the individual. Some discomfort following the days after a
person begins working out is expected, but this discomfort
will, within a few days dissipate to a comfortable level.
Extreme pain is a sign that a person is overexerting
themselves, which will not help in the long-run. Find a
happy medium.

Let it be known that in order to maintain a healthy
physique, it's necessary to alter your diet as well. How
healthy of a physique can one expect to get when they
haven't cut down on fatty foods?

Some people, after reaching a certain age, have a tendency
of eating foods that they would've normally have shunned in
their earlier years. At times, this indulgence comes as a
sort of reward after the many years of discipline and
hard-labor. The one thing that goes over-looked by so many,
though, is that this can prove very negative in these
latter years as our metabolisms slow.

As with everything and at any age, everything should be
done in moderation. There's nothing wrong with an
occasional snack every now and then as this could prove
beneficial, both for the mentality and for health reasons.
Sugar and fat are actually necessary components in our
diets, seeing that simple sugars are essential for energy
and unsaturated fat is beneficial for regulating hormones
and other important activities.

Although, many of us try to maintain a healthy diet,
regular exercise is also a key attribute to a true healthy
body. Even something as simple as walking is suggested to
strengthen our cardiovascular systems. It's been proven
that this simple activity helps to keep the joints strong
and lubricated, and helps to maintain strong muscles and
bones.

Professionals have proven that those in the 60 or more age
group with little to no exercise have only a 60% aerobic
capacity of those in the 30 year old age group. Up to seven
pounds of muscle mass can be lost in just the small span of
ten years without proper diet and exercise. Studies have
also proven, though, that this does not have to be the
case, as long as we learn how to take better care of
ourselves.

Certain medical facilities have examined the effects of
runners for the span of twenty-five years, and have shown
that the results proved that these runners lost very little
capacity over the past twenty years. Even those that
engaged in resistance training maintained over a ten year
span. This is in accordance with a very popular saying that
goes, "Either use it, or lose it."

For people that really haven't changed their lifestyles,
whether by diet or by exercise, have a better chance of
reversing the effects of aging. Like anything else, though,
it's wise to start slowly, and work yourself up to a
regimen that you're comfortable with. Many people that
overexert themselves tend to feel more pain than those that
start slowly, and because of this, many people tend to give
up before they've witnessed any positive results. Even to
become a jogger, one should start as a power-walker. Also,
very importantly, don't be afraid to seek the advice of a
professional.

----------------------------------------------------
Moses Wright is a health conscious webmaster. He sets up
this site to help people learn more about keeping fit. You
can get more useful resources at:
http://www.stretchingexercise.net/fitness.htm

Tips and Tricks For a Radiant, Dewy Complexion

Tips and Tricks For a Radiant, Dewy Complexion
Have you pored (no pun intended, really) over the magazines
and online gossip rags, looking at the pictures of
beautiful actresses, wishing you could have skin that seems
to emanate a glow from within, and reflects the light just
right so that it almost looks as though she has an aura
about her?

Well, there are several tips and tricks you can use in your
skin care regimen as well as your makeup application
routine that can help you achieve this exact look without
paying big bucks at the dermatologist for weekly facials,
acid peels or microdermabrasion sessions and the like.

You will see that there are, as follows shortly, several
ways you can use your makeup application techniques as well
as the makeup you apply to your face itself as a tool to
getting yourself one step closer to that coveted luminous,
fresh look.

The first tip is to use a cleanser that preferably has
Vitamin C or some other sort of exfoliating and brightening
ingredient in it. Other examples of exfoliating or
brightening ingredients would be perhaps pomegranate seed,
grape seed, alpha lipoic acid, a light alpha hydroxy acid
if you are not too sensitive to these fruit acids, or even
salicylic acid, which is in fact an exfoliating as well as
brightening agent.

Basically, when buying a cleanser for the face, look for
one that proclaims it is non-drying, yet contains some of
these examples of light exfoliating ingredients that also
contain some sort of a mild acid for exfoliating, which
also helps to polish and brighten the skin at the same
time. If you start your "slate" off right, then it can
make all the difference when you apply your other
techniques to make your skin glow later on.

It's important not to get a cleanser that is too drying, or
one that is filled with too many oils, because you want
just the right balance to give you a glow, but not saturate
your skin with too much surface oil so that your foundation
seems to lay on top of the skin instead of blend into it as
one.

Once you are done cleansing, thoroughly dry the face off by
patting it gently with a towel. My next favorite thing to
apply for maximum glow and that earthy, dewy natural look
is a serum of some sort that also contains a gentle fruit
acid, such as Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, which is also
firming, or any other fruit or exfoliating acid.

This does not have to be the main ingredient, but you can
look for serums that specify they are "brightening" or
"illuminating", as this usually indicates it has the right
ingredients for the effect we're going for.

I apply a thin layer of serum to the whole face, let it
dry, then apply my normal moisturizing lotion with SPF over
that and let that completely sink in as well before the
other steps come into play.

Next to come is your foundation. Be sure to choose a shade
of foundation that is not too dark, nor too light. You
should hold the bottle up to your face and even test it out
if you're at a makeup counter where they allow you to test
the colors right there to make sure that it suits your skin
tone. I prefer the warmer shades, such as a warm ivory or
bisque color rather than the shades with red undertones,
which can lead to a ruddy look, or make a ruddy complexion
look a bit more severe.

The fourth step in creating a luminous look is to either
find an illuminating cream which is almost a sheer tint, or
to mix a good moisturizer with fruit based acid or other
illuminating ingredients, some may find even soy works for
them, right with your foundation.

What I do is actually take my foundation, just a dot no
bigger than the diameter of a dime, and put it on a sponge
applicator makeup pad made especially for applying
foundation, and then I add a couple of small squirts of my
illuminating cream on top of it, and blend it all together
in circular motions on my face until it is well blended
into the hair line and along my jaw line as well.

If you're unsure of what type of illuminating cream to buy,
there are a few good ones made by common drugstore brands,
and also as I understand it, there are some new ones that
can be purchased at major cosmetic retail outlets if you
ask for help. Just refer to what you are looking for as a
sheer tinted illuminating cream, and they should be able to
direct you to one or a few choices. All an illuminating
cream does is to reflect the light and bend it in such a
way that your face actually looks like it is in a softer
light all it's own.

Now that we've gone over the steps to getting a dewy
complexion, let's talk about getting into maintenance mode
to make sure your skin stays in the best shape to create
the best surface to create this look all of the time.
Start off by making sure you exfoliate your facial skin
well at least once, if not twice a week. One good pointer
I've heard for women who like to make their own concoction
is to mix sugar with a few drops of fresh lemon juice to
get a fresh glow for little money.

There are even many good home microdermabrasion kits out
there that help to exfoliate for a fraction of the cost of
professional in-office services. Also, you may want to try
an at-home do it yourself acid peel. There are some great
gentle ones out there now that can be applied weekly that
helps slough off the surface skin cells to reveal new, and
yes, more radiant and glowing skin just below those dull
ones that are ready to be swept away.

If you follow a careful skin care regimen and also apply
the makeup techniques discussed here, you are sure to keep
people staring at your gorgeous skin and asking what you
did to get it for years to come!

----------------------------------------------------
Danna Schneider has written articles and reviews on her
experiences with skin care products, techniques and
procedures, and also contributes to wrinkle cream reviews
and acne product reviews at
http://www.cosmeticsgalore.com/wrinkle-cream-reviews.html ,
and moderates and writes for a popular blog all about acne
and acne rosacea at http://www.acnemagazine.com .

Do Weight Loss Pills Really Work?

Do Weight Loss Pills Really Work?
Being over weight is a serious matter of concern for a
large number of people. A person gains weight when excess
of body fat is accumulated in the body. The consequences of
being over weight can be traumatic as it not only make
people look unattractive but also sometimes results in lack
of confidence and may lead to various types of serious
diseases. The most common reasons that contribute to weight
gain includes lack of physical activity, genetic factors,
body metabolism, stress, unhealthy and inadequate eating
pattern and even a combination of all these factors. In
exceptional cases, any kind of illness or medicinal problem
can also be one of the reasons of over weight.

In today's fast moving world, individuals facing the
problem of obesity are in rush to shed their extra weight
as quickly as possible. There are weight loss pills and
diet supplements that help in combating excess of weight
and obesity. There are weight loss supplements and pills
available in the market on both prescription as well as
non-prescription. Many of these weight loss pills and diet
supplements are certified and accepted by FDA and the
intake of the weight loss drugs, which are not certified by
FDA, may show some side effects such as bloating, diarrhea,
high blood pressure and insomnia.

The diet supplements and weight loss pills help to shed off
the extra weight if taken in grouping with a well-balanced
healthy diet and regular workouts. The success rate of the
diet pills and weight loss pills differs from person to
person. For few, these pills work like a magic and turn out
to be a dieter's dream. Where as in numerous other cases,
the dilemma of excess heaviness resurfaces at the time when
the intake of these pills is discontinued.

The diet pills and weight loss supplements not always prove
to be successful, as these drugs cannot fulfill all the
essential elements including healthy diet, physical
activity needed by the body during weight loss. The weight
loss pills assist to lessen the hunger pangs and thus
balance the danger of overeating. Nevertheless, the safety
of intaking these weight-reducing pills on a continuing
basis is extremely questionable. Ordinary weight loss pills
and diet supplements accessible in the marketplace are so
latest that probable long-term (if any) negative effects
are still unfamiliar.

There are umpteen number of weight loss pills obtainable in
the market, but not all the pills work in the similar
manner for all people. This is due to the dissimilarity in
the chemical structure and the bodily constitution of each
individual. One is required to cautiously evaluate and
study the long-term outcomes of having the weight loss
drugs. Eating the weight dropping diet pills without a
physician's prescription might be quite dangerous, thus it
is feasible to consult your doctor before taking any kind
of weight loss pills and diet supplements to avert any kind
of unwanted trouble. Nevertheless, weight loss drugs are
the one of the quickest and simplest methods to drop
weight. When you think about consuming these pills, make
sure that you take along a healthy diet and also regular
exercise sessions.

----------------------------------------------------
The article written by Weera Kunti, please visit the
website for more information at
http://www.thekingarticles.com/

Chocolate is the New Health Food - Which Kind is Best for Your Health?

Chocolate is the New Health Food - Which Kind is Best for Your Health?
We will all cherish the day we learned chocolate was good
for us. Maybe a few naysayers still remain skeptical, but
study after study is proclaiming the health benefits, both
mental and physical, of chocolate. Even the Life Extension
Foundation includes chocolate extract in their flagship
vitamin formulas. Many folks are switching from their daily
dose of coffee to a cup of hot chocolate. It's an
antidepressant, an antioxidant, its full of vitamins and
minerals, it improves drive for procreation, AND it tastes
good. Really good. So what is the best way to get the
health benefits? Is it as simple as eating cases of your
childhood favorite chocolates? As you might have thought,
there are considerations when indulging in chocolate as a
regular part of your diet. But it can be done! Let's see
how...

Like so many things in our modern world, its the processing
of chocolate that makes all the difference. This isn't just
the New Age Hippy types saying this either (as one, the
author feels comfortable making this statement). The
scientists measuring all the chemicals in our food, telling
us which bits are good and which are bad are saying it too.
It's RAW, minimally-processed chocolate that's the miracle
food. Un-roasted, un-cooked plain old powdered chocolate,
better known as 'Cacao', is far superior in every way for
your health. It's called a 'superfood' by many, as it's
list of super-good for you super-nutrients is extensive.
Note that 'organic' does not mean 'raw'. Even the premium
organic hot-chocolate powders found in the high-end health
food stores is still roasted and usually processed with
alkali (called 'Dutch Processing', making it easier to
dissolve in water, and destroying most of the antioxidants
at the same time). This means that 99% of the chocolate
products on the shelves are NOT the superfood you wished
they were, but it also points the direction to how to
include chocolate in your life on an exceptionally health
daily basis. We'll get to some recipes in a moment, but
first a few points to help you remember why raw chocolate
is where it's at.

Energy and stimulation is at the heart of the chocolate
experience, but many people are sensitive to chocolate's
effects. There are however, significant differences in the
alkaloid structures of raw and roasted chocolate. Raw
chocolate's stimulation comes primarily from theobromine,
which has little anxiety producing effects. Studies by
natural wellness professionals and user reports both note
that while commercially prepared dark chocolate has a very
stimulating action that caffeine sensitive individuals may
find too strong, an equivalent amount of raw cacao does
not. The stimulating effects are reported mild, gentle, and
without a 'crash' that is often associated with caffeine. A
reason for mothers to think about creating their own raw
chocolate treats for their children, too. The jury is still
out on the actual amount if caffeine in raw chocolate; some
investigators have found none, some have found small
amounts in the 'skin' of the cacao beans, and others of
found only small amounts in beans that have fermented
somewhat (an indication of a lower-quality cacao). Either
way, if you've refrained from chocolate because of it's
caffeine content, raw cacao may just be your answer to
enjoying this treat again.

The really big news about chocolate has been it's
antioxidant profile. Chocolate contains significant amounts
of polyphenols -- the same important antioxidants found in
green tea, red wine and green apples -- but in greater
amounts. Dark chocolate contains an impressive 5% of these
compounds, yet raw chocolate is made up of an incredible
10% concentration of these possibly life-extending
molecules. Both roasting and processing with alkali (to
make Dutch cocoa) reduce antioxidant concentration.
Further, the increased absorbability of powdered raw cacao
(perhaps the most versatile form of raw chocolate) over
cacao nibs give them an edge in ORAC value, a measure of
Oxidative Radical Absorbance Capacity.

Maybe the most intriguing constituents of chocolate are
it's mood-altering chemicals besides its stimulation. Many
users of raw chocolate find and even greater boost than
from commercial chocolates. Like caffeine, some of the
molecules attributed to mood-enhancement are also heat
sensitive. Tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin, is present
in significant amounts and is known to be broken down by
heat (and apparently it's not the Tryptophan in the turkey
dinners that makes one tired, it's the three servings
followed by pie and ice cream!). Other natural constituents
are dopamine and precursors to dopamine, one molecule
called the 'love chemical' and another called the 'bliss
chemical'. Add to these monoamine oxidase inhibitors which
actually enhance the activity of all of the above mood
brighteners. Finally, there's lots of easily absorbed
magnesium in raw chocolate, a mineral associated with
serotonin production (many pharmaceutical antidepressants
increase serotonin activity), and the ability to relax. Raw
chocolate offers the healthiest and most effective means of
adding these happy-making nutrients to your daily diet.

Need more be said? Ready for some recipes? The simplest
means of eating raw chocolate is snacking on cacao nibs.
These are small pieces of cacao beans that mix well with
natural granolas or dried fruit. To really get the most
benefits, and for the most delicious raw chocolate
creations, find yourself a source of raw organic cacao
powder. The powder can be added to any drink, or easily
made into bars, drops or other shaped candies. The
hands-down most common preparation of cacao powder is the
hot chocolate drink: Put one heaping tablespoon raw cacao
powder, one teaspoon raw agave nectar, and one teaspoon
high quality coconut oil in a blender (note that coconut
oil quality varies greatly - a good coconut oil should
taste pleasant by itself and have no chemical or rancid
flavor which would otherwise be noticed in your chocolate
drink). Add eight to twelve ounces of hot (but not boiling
water) and blend at low speed for about ten seconds.
That's it; Chocolate magic that's easily adjusted to your
tastes -- experimenting in whatever way comes to mind is
highly encouraged.

There are lots and lots of recipes out there, and great
reading on raw chocolate's health benefits and preparation.
You'll cacao powder often combined with other super
nutritious foods in smoothies and good-for-you deserts.
Natural organic candies start with the same ingredients as
the drinks, but without the liquid. Just make a paste,
adding pecans, coconut shavings or whatever you like, and
chill to harden. As you're not baking anything, there's
little to go awry, and really, so many possibilities. By
using raw chocolate, you'll open up a whole new world of
cooking for yourself and your family -- and if you hadn't
before, you might just find yourself really motivated to
treat yourself to natural health and wellness.

----------------------------------------------------
The author is a chocolate fanatic, and includes essential
oils in many of his recipes. His diverse natural wellness
education includes the therapeutic use of essential oils ~
more is available at http://www.anandaapothecary.com

Stop Sweating

Stop Sweating
Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating.
Palmar Hyperhidrosis is th term for sweaty hands and is the
most common form of all sweating types. Excessive sweating
is caused by an over activity of the sympathetic nervous
system.

A sweating problem is most often uncontrollable,
uncomfortable, and irregular. In Someone that suffers from
hyperhidrosis, often their bodies have surpassed the body's
normal needs for thermal regulation.

It is not possible for most people to just become
accustomed and deal with profuse sweating. A sweating
problem can sometimes have sever physiological effects
including but not limited to dehydration and skin
infections, severe body odors and clammy cold hands. It can
also wreak havoc on someone emotionally making most social,
academic and business interactions very uncomfortable.
Daily chores such as showering twice daily, changing shirts
and socks throughout the day, applying deodorant constantly
or wearing dress shields sometimes become impossible to
follow. Because of the latest research and progress in
medication and awareness there are many more treatments
available stop sweating and lessen the effects
Hyperhidrosis has on its sufferers.

Treatments include: antiperspirants, botox, surgery and
even alternative natural remedies which are very popular
because they are inexpensive, all natural and non
intrusive. They also do not pose the side effects that
medication and surgery carry. Underarm sweating can
sometimes be controlled with over the counter
antiperspirants. However, more severe cases may need
prescription strength products. Antiperspirants that have
aluminum chloride hexahydrate work the best and are
recommended.

Depending on the severity of your sweating problem you may
need to apply the antiperspirant twice daily. Most users
report relief within a week. After the initial period when
relief is experienced some can take the application down to
just once daily or every other day.

Many times a side product of severe sweating is unpleasant
odor. When showering try using antibacterial soap which
removes the bacteria and yeast that builds up in damp areas
causing the odor. Although extreme sometimes shaving for a
man of the underarm or other area may also help with the
odor. A deodorant will not help to curb the sweating but
will mask the odor. Antiperspirants will clog the sweat
ducts in essence blocking the sweat from coming out.

3 Simple Tips To Stop Sweating

-Try applying antiperspirants in the evening as opposed to
morning. If you can apply twice daily morning and evening.
You can apply antiperspirants to hands, feet as well as
underarms. Applying a small amount to your hands and
lightly rubbing them into the face may also be useful but
irritation can occur. ***Note: Some antiperspirants may
stain clothes so exercise caution.

-Wearing the correct socks can sometimes make all the
difference. Moisture wicking athletic socks are preferable.
For women that wear pantyhose choose ones with cotton soles

-Sometimes your diet can play a role in increased sweating.
Avoid diets high in sugar or caffeine because the
substances have been shown to trigger sweating

----------------------------------------------------
For tips you can use now, resources, remedies and natural
cures visit http://www.excessivesweatingtreatment.org

Types Of Psychotherapy / Counseling Part 2

Types Of Psychotherapy / Counseling Part 2
There are many different types of psychotherapy and
counseling. This is part 2 of a series of articles briefly
describing each of the different types of psychotherapy /
counseling.

1) Gestalt psychotherapy counseling
2) Gottman Relationship psychotherapy counseling
3) Hakomi psychotherapy counseling
4) Humanistic psychotherapy counseling
5) Imago Relationship psychotherapy counseling
6) Interpersonal psychotherapy counseling
7) Jungian psychotherapy counseling

1. Gestalt Therapy psychotherapy counseling

Developed by Fritz Perls' and others in the 1940's, the
basic premise of Gestalt is that "life happens in the
present - not in the past or the future - and that when we
are dwelling on the past or fantasizing about the future we
are not living fully". Perls, originally a Freudian
analyst, was influenced by the principles of Gestalt
psychology and existential philosophy. The Gestalt process
models the way in which what is directly experienced and
felt is more reliable than explanations or interpretations
based on pre-existing experiences or attitudes. It is a
therapy that takes into account the whole individual and is
concerned with both mind and body.

2. Gottman Relationship psychotherapy counseling

Gottman Method Couples Therapy is a structured,
goal-oriented, scientifically-based therapy. Intervention
strategies are based upon empirical data from Dr. John
Gottman's three decades of research with 3,000 couples.
From this research Gottman Relationship Therapy can pin
point the factors that distinguish happy, stable couples
from unstable couples and provides supportive methods to
assist couples in creating the quality of relationship that
they have been unable to attain through their own efforts.

3. The Hakomi Method psychotherapy counseling

Hakomi is a body-centered, somatic approach that combines
the Eastern traditions of mindfulness and non-violence
within a unique Western methodology. In a therapeutic
context, the body's structures and habitual patterns serve
as the doorway to unconscious 'core material', including
the hidden beliefs, relationships, and self-images that
shape how we see ourselves.

4. Humanistic psychotherapy counseling

Humanistic psychology is a school of psychology that
emerged in the 1950s in reaction to both behaviorism and
psychoanalysis. The Humanistic Psychologists were concerned
with advancing a more holistic vision of psychology. James
Bugental (1964), summarized the humanistic approach in five
points: 1. Human beings cannot be reduced to components; 2.
Human beings have in them a uniquely human context; 3.
Human consciousness includes an awareness of oneself in the
context of other people; 4. Human beings have choices and
non desired responsibilities; 5. Human beings are
intentional, they seek meaning, value and creativity.

5. Imago Relationship psychotherapy counseling

Derived from the Latin word for image, Imago addresses
romantic love and provides a framework for couples in
therapy. Developed by Harville Hendrix, Ph.D., author of
Getting The Love You Want: A Guide For Couples, The Imago
Therapy Process teaches couples the stages of romantic love
and the ensuing stages of power struggle within
relationships to assist clients in developing conscious,
intimate, and committed relationships.

6. Interpersonal psychotherapy counseling

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) is a time-limited
psychotherapy that was developed in the 1970s and 80s as an
outpatient treatment for adults who were diagnosed with
moderate or severe clinical depression. The IPT framework
considers clinical depression as having three components:
the development of symptoms, which arise from biological,
genetic and/or psychodynamic processes; social interactions
with other people, which are learned over the course of
one's life; and personality, made up of the more enduring
traits and behaviors that may predispose a person to
depressive symptoms.

7. Jungian psychotherapy counseling

Jungian analysis is a method of psychotherapy developed by
C.G. Jung, the eminent Swiss psychiatrist (1875-1961). The
purpose of Jungian analysis is to transform the psyche, by
establishing effective relations between the ego and the
unconscious.The process can treat a broad range of
emotional disorders such as depression and anxiety, and it
can also assist anyone who wishes to pursue psychological
growth.

Mark Weiss

----------------------------------------------------
Counselingbook.com and Counselling.com are community health
websites providing resources related to mental health,
therapy, psychotherapy counseling / counselling and
emotional wellbeing.
http://www.counselingbook.com
http://www.counselling.com

The Big Fat Loss Scam

The Big Fat Loss Scam
Do you know how many fat loss products are on the market
today? That is because none of them work!

And how do I know that none of them work? I've pretty much
tried them all! Powders, pills, shakes, juices, foods,
machines, tapes, books, DVDs, creams, ointments - all
promising quick, painless, long-lasting fat loss. All
backed by scientists, doctors, research, real-life examples
- and all a bunch of crap!

Take the tried and true "medical doctor endorsement." Well
now, if a licensed, practicing doctor is willing to endorse
a product backed by extensive scientific research, then I
can assume that is safe and effective, right?

Dateline NBC created a pill that promised to not only
moisturize your skin, but take away lines and wrinkles. The
pill contained a secret ingredient - Nestle Quik. They took
the pill to a doctor to ensure that it was safe and
ineffective - to verify that Nestle Quik would not actually
support these claims.

Then they gave it a fancy name, found an infomercial
producer who would market it. The producer said that as
long as the product worked for 1 out of 4 people (or the
people thought it worked), they could build a business on
that. They secured testimonials from people who claimed it
worked - people who later admitted they were either
out-of-work actors looking to catch a rising star, or that
the producers pressured them into saying something or that
their words were twisted.

The clincher? They found a medical doctor who was willing
to endorse the product! Without reviewing any clinical
trials, without scientific proof, and without trying it
herself, this doctor was willing to go on camera (for a
fee, of course!) and endorse the product - while on a
hidden camera she admitted that she had never seen the
product, didn't know if it was a tablet, capsule or cream,
and only read the ingredient list. She then later claimed
to provide the endorsement as a favor to someone at the
infomercial company. How's that for integrity?

While this story was focused on a skin care supplement, it
could've easily been a fat loss supplement, and I don't
think anyone would be surprised if some of the fat loss
products available today followed the same sleazy
development path. Before you buy anything with claims that
seem too good to be true, do your homework. You should
easily be able to find reviews from previous users or
research studies with a simple Google or Yahoo search,

----------------------------------------------------
Matt Lisk is a fat loss expert who has used his knowledge
to lose over 70 pounds of body fat, reduce his body fat
percentage to under 10% and to resolve a variety of health
issues he was experiencing. He is the author of Lean State
University's Fat Loss 101 Newsletter at http://leanstate.com

Swiss Scientists Uncover Evidence That Avandia Increases Bone Fracture Risk in Patients

Swiss Scientists Uncover Evidence That Avandia Increases Bone Fracture Risk in Patients
Swiss researchers recently concluded that Avandia, a type 2
diabetes drug, nearly doubles the chances of osteoporosis
and bone fracture among patients who take the drug and is
increased for patients taking the drug for more than a
year. The results of the study come on heels of controversy
surrounding the drug's link to increased heart disease and
various studies warning of potential risks related to bone
degradation.

The type 2 diabetes drug was introduced to the market in
1999 from GlaxoSmithKline, and has been reportedly
prescribed to nearly 3.5 million Americans suffering from
the disease. Avandia was once considered one of the most
popular treatments until results of several clinical trials
reported in the news in 2007 determined a strong connection
of the drug to cardiomyopathy and cardiovascular disease.
One study, published by the Cleveland Clinic, found a 43
percent increase for patients developing these various
heart diseases. Dr. John Buse, an expert on diabetes, has
openly stated that Avandia may have been responsible for
approximately 83,000 preventable myocardial infarctions
over the last few years.

Additional studies then began to surface linking the drug
to an increased risk of osteoporosis, although many of the
studies did not have definitive proof of the connection
until the recent Swiss study was published. The Swiss study
determined patients on Avandia and Actos, which is also
part of the Avandia class of drugs known as
thiazolidinediones, doubled and, in some cases, tripled the
"odds of non-spine fractures" among patients, according to
news reports. For patients who took the drug for 12 to 18
months, this risk increased, and for those on the drug
longer than two years were found to be at the highest risk
of bone fracture and osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by loss of bone
density and leads to abnormally porous bones, thus
increasing the fragility of bones and an increase of
fractures and breaks. A bone diseased with osteoporosis
will have a density similar to that of a sponge, whereas
healthy bones have a brick-consistent density level. Bones
are made up of collagen, calcium and protein to ensure
strength. Avandia was found to inhibit the development of
osteoclasts and osteoblasts, which are cells that induce
the redevelopment of healthy bone over time. It has been
suggested that nearly 18 million Americans are at risk for
osteoporosis and those taking Avandia increase that risk as
well as the odds for early onset osteoporosis.

The Swiss researchers used medical records of over 1,000
diabetic patients who were diagnosed with bone fractures
between the years of 1994 and 2005. The medical records
included diagnosis of fractures for these patients from
British physicians, and the research was compared to a
control group of diabetics that did were not diagnosed with
bone fractures during that time. Since these reports began
to surface the manufacturer has seen a noticeable decline
in sales. Most recently, the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) issued a warning letter to
GlaxoSmithKline after a routine inspection turned up
information being withheld by the company to the FDA on
Avandia.

Although, the FDA has yet to address the new research on
the osteoporosis and bone fracture risk of Avandia. In
fact, the FDA has only responded to the controversial heart
disease link by placing a black box warning on Avandia
prescriptions, which some health experts consider to be a
mild slap on the wrist considering the severe safety issues
associated with the drug and many of these individuals are
advocating removal of the drug from the market. The black
box warning is the strongest label given by the FDA and
warns of significant risk and the potential for
life-threatening risks associated with taking a drug.

Individuals who have taken Avandia and who were adversely
affected by the side effects of osteoporosis and bone
fracture should speak with a pharmaceutical attorney about
developing Avandia litigation to potentially receive
monetary compensation for the medical bills incurred at the
cost of the Avandia side effects.

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Visit http://avandia.legalview.com to find more details on
this and other studies surrounding the Avandia risks. Or,
peruse LegalView's homepage at http://www.LegalView.com for
information on mesothelioma litigation and jury verdicts,
which remains a deadly cancer with little successful
treatments.

Useful Plantar Fasciitis Exercises

Useful Plantar Fasciitis Exercises
There are exercises that can be done to decrease the risk
of recurrence of plantar fasciitis. Your doctor may give
you detailed instructions for an exercise program that is
appropriate for you. Exercises for plantar fasciitis
concentrate on stretching the Achilles tendon, calf, and
plantar fascia. These stretches can be done whenever you
experience pain from plantar fasciitis.

It is sometimes recommended that you warm up a little
before doing plantar fasciitis stretches. A simple warm up
is to walk up a flight of stairs. Ask your doctor for
advice on doing exercises for plantar fasciitis.

One of the plantar fasciitis stretches starts by standing
about two feet away from a wall. Lean against the wall.
With one leg bent comfortably, straighten the other leg,
placing it about six inches behind you with the heel on the
floor. Hold for ten seconds. You should feel a gentle
stretch of the Achilles tendon in the extended leg. Switch
positions and stretch the other leg. Repeat twenty times.

The second plantar fasciitis stretch starts with your toes
against the wall with heels on the floor. Bring your hips
closer to the wall so that your foot is at a forty-five
degree angle. This will stretch the calf and the plantar
fascia.

Sit on a chair. Rest the ankle of the injured foot on the
knee of the opposite leg. Gently push the toes backward
until you feel a stretch in the bottom of your foot.

Another exercise starts by leaning forward onto a
countertop. Your feet should be spread apart with one foot
in front of the other. Squat down. Keep your heels on the
floor. Hold for ten seconds and relax. Repeat twenty times.

Sit on a table with your knees bent. Holding onto the ends
of the towel, loop a towel under the ball of the foot. Keep
knees bent as you gently pull the towel while flexing the
foot upward. Try to press your foot against the towel.

If you experience pain in the morning, do the next simple
exercise before getting out of bed. While lying on your
back, use your big toes to write the letters of the
alphabet in the air. After writing the alphabet, gently
raise your big toes towards you.

Some people find massage helpful to reduce pain. One way to
massage the area yourself is to rest the foot on a tennis
or golf ball. Gently roll the foot over the ball. Rolling
back and forth over the ball yields a gentle massage of the
plantar fascia. You may want to try using an empty tennis
ball can that you filled with water and froze. The ice will
provide some pain relief while the rolling action massages
the foot.

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Allan Tan is the creator of http://www.foot-care.org/ . He
provides more helpful information on ingrown toenails,
metatarsalgia, heel pain, and foot calluses that you can
read up on his website. He setup this helpful website to
help people understand more about their foot conditions and
pain.

How to keep testosterone high and estrogen low?

How to keep testosterone high and estrogen low?
As a man ages, testosterone levels get lowered. His body
begins to convert more testosterone into estradiol
(estrogen). This leads to low sex drive, emotional,
psychological and behavioral changes, decreased muscle
mass, loss of muscle strength and increased upper and
central body fat. Too much estrogen in a man's body is not
a good thing because estrogen negates testosterone.

What can be done to keep everything under control and
maintain healthy testosterone level? Stay Strong and
Lean.Try to keep yourself lean! Fat cells contain aromatase
that converts testosterone to estrogen. Building and
maintaining muscle mass requires free testosterone, so
building and maintaining muscle mass trains the body to use
testosterone efficiently. The idea behind slowing down the
effects of diminishing testosterone would be to increase or
at least maintain muscle mass and bone density while
keeping the heart strong and fat away.

Zinc inhibits the actions of aromatase in the body.
Getting adequate levels of zinc from the diet is important
to keep estrogen levels down. Zinc is also important for
the manufacture of testosterone by the body. Foods rich in
zinc include meat, poultry, dairy, nuts, beans and whole
grain foods. Alcohol drives estrogen levels up. Avoid at
all costs. Some prescription drugs can mess with hormone
levels. It's a good idea to check this out with your
doctor if you feel you are having some symptoms related to
lowered testosterone. Effective HGH products should also be
tried. Human growth hormone is a hormone normally produced
by the human pituitary gland. In children and adolescents,
the hormone regulates growth; in adults it plays a role in
regulation of bone density, blood sugar, fat metabolism and
storage, strength and endurance, and emotional
stability.Unfortunately for the old age, high levels of
human growth hormone, also known as simply growth hormone
(GH), also shy away from old age. When we are young, we all
enjoy the benefits of hgh as our bodies naturally produce
the GH from childhood into early adulthood. This hormone is
produced in the pituitary gland and influences our energy,
fat-burning ability, desires, libido, skin, muscles, and
other attributes of our body.

Human growth hormone (HGH) is the man-made hormone that
mimics the natural substance. It can come under a variety
of forms like injections, oral sprays, pills etc. HGH may
also come in the name of Genotrpin, Humatrope, Nutropin,
Saizen, Serostim, Somotropin, or Zorbtive.

Hgh is basically known to fight aging process. The major
benefit being the increase in energy and strength and
decrease in fat while increasing muscle tone. People using
it have also experienced increase in libido, tightening
skin tone, aiding memory functions, increasing focus, and
improving sleep and emotional states. These are the signs
of youth, my friend, regained youth and it is possible. In
other words it can have a dramatic impact on the level of
testosterone in your body and help maintain the quality of
life.

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If you try to understand the aging process and how the
youth enjoy the energy and vitality you would appreciate
the hgh and all the buzz around it.Read all about it at
http://www.hhhwcenter.com/