Best workouts to boost your mood

Posted on 18th November 2011 in Stress, Workouts

kristen4pilatesExercises can help you relax, perk up, be happy, or feel more alert. Here are some routines you can try to give that mood a boost:

Yoga to feel up that confidence

Assume an upward dog posture if you are feeling a little down. Studies find out that yoga done at least one hour for three times a week may help lower anxiety levels. Yoga practice is linked with better levels of neurotransmitters and amino acids which help reduce levels of anxiety. The breathing pattern used in yoga also improves better oxygen flow which helps in better organ functions.

Pilates to solve sleeping problems

Studies show that a lot of people who report sleeping problems find it hard to relax leading to difficulties winding down. Pilates was developed back in the 1920s and involves strengthening of your core muscles. Those who attend classes of Pilates have reported that they experienced improvement in their sleeping habits and patterns. This can be attributed to better awareness of the body according to experts.

Cycling for better energy level

You might not be going thru a Tour de France like biking adventure but half an hour of stationary bike helps people to boost their energy. Cycling seemed to trigger circuits in the brain that help people feel energized.

Lift some weights to clear your mind

Lifting dumbbells tone your muscles but this can do a lot more especially to your brain. A recent study showed that older individuals who engaged in low intensity lifting of weights did better in cognitive tests compared to those who do not exercise.

Tai Chi to combat stress

A lot of studies have proven that Tai Chi helps lower stress levels. Tai Chi is an old form of Chinese martial arts. Try to learn the basic moves of Tai Chi. You can do it from home by following a DVD or there are certain groups which practice them and are more than happy to welcome you to their exercise routines.

comments: 0 » tags: , , ,

Osteoarthritis, a Painful Disease

Posted on 19th October 2010 in Arthritis

This disease has a wide incidence worldwide: 630 million people suffer from osteoarthritis, which represents a rate of 10-12% of the world population.

How you develop osteoarthritis ?

Arthritis is triggered when certain proteins change, while others are increasing their number or size. Is actually an attempt to repair the body’s cartilage, but the outcome of this balance between actions of destruction and regeneration.

This process is accompanied by a mass production of enzymes that are typically located in cartilage cells. Action of these enzymes cause local inflammation, which increases tissue damage. Soon, there are small erosions on the cartilage surface,  thus, neighboring bone will be damaged, presenting fissures and cysts.

Evolution of the disease varies from patient to patient. This condition can develop up to total destruction of the joint, or can stop at a time. Some patients with deformed fingers feel no pain, while others may feel some pain.

Click here to read more.. »

comments: 0 » tags: ,

Early Signs of Pregnancy – How to Sight?

Posted on 2nd September 2010 in Pregnancy

Pregnancy SignsAfter conception and fertilization, the process of pregnancy begins with its distinguishing features and factors. You wouldn’t really get to know about the pregnancy until a few weeks of development but you should know a few of the early signs of pregnancy to identify if you need to go for a final check up or not. If you know a few of the early signs of pregnancy, you can go to a suitable gynecologist for the early guidelines and measurements that you need to take for the purpose of healthy pregnancy.

Physically, your body would be going through nausea which is a common thing for you to notice as soon as you are pregnant. You would be feeling like not eating anything or whenever you eat, you would end up throwing it all out through a vomit. The generalized term for this condition is known as morning sickness which is common in almost all of the females. During early pregnancy days, you would be frequently urinating because of the changes in the uterus. Your breasts would become unusually larger in size because of the hormonal changes that are taking place in your body. The change of hormones however is quite temporary, it would get back to normal again and your body would react normal.

Click here to read more.. »

comments: 0 » tags: ,

Disability Insurance Explained

Posted on 19th August 2010 in Insurance

Many people are familiar with the disability insurance policies while some are still confused. Here is a quick definition to clear any sort of confusion about this kind of insurance.

“It is a kind of insurance in which you get benefited if you face any disability that will stop you from working and earning.”

disabilityThis includes paid leaves for your sickness and injuries. In most of the cases, 50 percent to 70 percent of the income is paid to you. There are long-term disability benefits and short-term disability benefits. Normally, the features of disability income are renewable but not always cancelable. There are six to seven types of disability insurance which include the following

  • Individual
  • High limit
  • Business overhead expense
  • National social programs
  • Key person
  • Employer supplied

Features of every type of insurance can also vary from agent to agent. So, whichever agent you are going to will explain you the features of their policy. Make sure you understand all the features and keep in mind any additional feature that you may require. In most cases, you do not get the benefits right away. There is a specific length of time after which you will start getting your benefits. This length can vary from three to six months and sometimes one year. You can get a disability insurance policy for your kids and also for yourself before the age of 67 (in most of the cases).

Click here to read more.. »

comments: 0 » tags: ,

How to Eat Healthy

Posted on 11th July 2010 in Diet

Healthy diet will help you to control your weight and protect against some diseases. Eating is the only source of nutrient that can offer daily energy required.

Meals during the day should include:
* Varied consumption of nutritious foods;
* Consumption of grains, vegetables and fruits;
* Reduced consumption of sugar, salt, sodium, alcohol, fat and cholesterol.

nutrutionNote! Carbohydrates, fats and proteins provide calories needed for energy. For your diet to be balanced, you need vitamins and minerals and more fiber and water.

Carbohydrates. The main source of energy comes from carbohydrates. They should provide about 55% of daily calories. To have a healthy diet select the best carbs, mainly from plants (whole grains, pasta, rice and vegetables). Avoid sugar, white bread and pastries.

Fat. Fat is important to carry out certain functions in the body, but we must be careful. Too many saturated fats that come from animals (such as butter) may contribute to causing certain diseases such as heart, diabetes, etc.. Limit the amount of fat and eat more often olive oil.

Proteins. They should represent 15% of your diet. Proteins contribute to tissue regeneration and beyond. We are not able to produce amino acids that our body needs. This means you will have to take them from food, it recommends eating white meat (poultry), fish, eggs, etc.. Try to avoid the red meat or processed meat.

Vitamins. You need in small quantities. You can get the necessary quantity consuming various products such as green vegetables, citrus, raisins, fish, milk, etc..

Minerals. Your body needs to regulate internal processes. Can be obtained from peas and beans, vegetables (broccoli and spinach), dairy or fish.

Fibers. They come from plant foods and pass through our body without being digested and absorbed. Fiber helps control appetite and digestion. Are found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Water. You need water more than food. Our body can live up to 70 days without food, but only 10 days without water. It is recommended to drink at least eight glasses of water every day.
Click here to read more.. »

comments: 0 » tags: ,

Slow breathing helps ease pain

Posted on 2nd June 2010 in Pain

A recent study showed that slow breathing may actually help soother moderate emotional or psychological pain. The research published by the Journal of Pain linked yoga style breathing to easing chronic pain.

About 27 women with fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition, and 25 women with no pain complaints joined the study. The subjects belonged to the same age range.

The proponents of the study found out that slow breathing decreased their reactions to a painful stimulus. When the subjects slowed their rate of breathing, they reported lower rates of discomfort and pain intensity.

The benefits of slower breathing were more on the healthy subjects compared to those suffering from fibromyalgia.

Click here to read more.. »

comments: 0 » tags:

Study shows Stress plays big factor how men see who’s attractive

Posted on 30th April 2010 in Stress

attractiveExperts in Germany conducted a study that concluded stress plays a factor how men decide who’s attractive. They explain that men who are under some amount of stress may prefer someone who is dissimilar to themselves unlike the usual resemblance they go for.

There were 50 male subjects who were asked to browse through pictures of 30 erotic models of the opposite sex. The pictures were modified to somehow resemble how they look like. The subjects were all heterosexual, normal weight, no tattoos, no piercing, and cleanly shaved. None of the subjects too recognized that the pictures of the women were altered.

Before the male subjects were asked to look at the erotica pictures. They were asked to dip their hands either in cold or warm water. The proponents tested their blood pressure, heart rates, and measured the levels of cortisol (stress hormone). They found out that those used the very cold water showed some stress while those who dipped in lukewarm water were more relaxed.

Click here to read more.. »

comments: 0 » tags: ,

Study shows higher probability of mental distress for Cancer Survivors

Posted on 22nd March 2010 in Cancer

A recent study concludes that there is twice the risk of serious mental distress for people who had a long battle with cancer.

Medical experts and researchers from the Brigham and Women’s Hospital located in Boston enumerate several delayed effects after a cancer diagnoses. Among the things they name are secondary cancers, infertility, lung complications, heart problems, and mental disorders.

Aside from the other health problems, they also cite the possible difficulty one may encounter when trying to apply for a job or getting an insurance coverage.

Click here to read more.. »

comments: 0 » tags: , ,

Extract from Kava may help people rid of Anxiety

Posted on 12th February 2010 in Anxiety

A remedy for the symptoms of anxiety may come from a concoction of Kava extract.

A small study points to Kava, spice belonging to the family of pepper, to safely reduce symptoms of anxiety. The dried roots kava plantof kave have been used in the South Pacific as a traditional drink. The western world have used the plant to promote relaxation of the body, inducing sleep, and reduction of anxiety.

In 2002, Canada, the United Kingdom, and some countries in Europe banned the use of kava due to cases of liver damage linked to the supplement made from it. Health experts from the United States have warned the public to be careful when taking in products that contain kava extracts.

Recently, researchers from Australia have tested kava extract supplement and looked into its effects on the human body. The proponents of the study suggests that the liver effects of kava may be attributed to the formulation of the supplement which used extracts based on alcohol not really promoted bytraditional methods of using kava.

The tested kava drug is in a water soluble form and is extracted from the roots of the plant. The University of Queensland study claims that this may be a safer way of formulating the supplement.

Click here to read more.. »

comments: 0 » tags: , ,

Experts suggests preventive treatments beneficial for teenagers suffering from depression

Posted on 10th January 2010 in Depression

Recent researches have shown that teenagers whose parents have experienced depression are also on a high risk of being depressed. Clinical studies prove that group programs with focus on developing problem solving and coping skills may reduce the risk of depression for teens.

The study found out though that the state of mental health of the teenager’s parents is very important for the success of the intervention. It will be better if the parents of the youngster are also not depressed during the time of the prevention.

Psychologists are astounded with the result and see them as helpful in pointing out candidates who may benefit from such programs.

The experts have explored the possibilities of why the treatment is less effective for kids with depressed parents. They look into the biological factors leading into depression in adolescents whose parents are suffering from depression themselves. They cite that the story is different for teeners whose parents have recovered from depression.

Click here to read more.. »

comments: 1 » tags: , ,
« Previous