Care For Body During Pregnancy

Being pregnant means following a healthy lifestyle is more important than ever. It’s crucial to understand what steps you can take to keep you and your baby in good health.
Prenatal care is one of the vital factors that ensure a smooth pregnancy. The first checkup should occur during the first 6 to 8 weeks of your pregnancy, when your menstrual period is approximately 2 to 4 weeks late. For women who are relatively healthy and have no complicating risk factors, you'll probably see your health professional every 4 weeks until the 28th week of pregnancy, then every 2 weeks until 36 weeks of pregnancy. After that you'll have an appointment weekly until you give birth through inducing labor or otherwise.

Nutrition

Proper nutrition is one of the best ways to enjoy a happy pregnancy. Because you’re eating for two, it’s doubly important to consume healthy foods and stay away from things that may harm your baby as it develops. When you’re pregnant, dieting and cutting calories is not a good thing - you will need to take in about 300 more calories a day to ensure you and your baby are properly nourished, especially as your pregnancy progresses. Caloric intake, however, can vary from woman to woman. For thin women, and women carrying twins, you possibly required to consume more than 300 extra calories. Or, if you are currently over-weight you might need less. No matter what, you will need to contact your health professional to determine what’s best for you.
Of course, pure calorie consumption is not the only goal - you need to make sure that what you eat is nutritionally sound. Nutritious foods contain the essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to a baby’s growth and development.
Although a healthy diet is fundamental to caring for your body during pregnancy, it’s actually quite simple to integrate healthy living into your daily life. Maintain a well-balanced diet by following basic dietary guidelines. Lean meats, fruit, vegetables, whole grain breads and low-fat dairy products are all essential to maintaining good health.
Real, healthy food will provide your body with much-needed nutrients. At the same time, during pregnancy certain essential nutrients are required in higher-than-normal amounts. For example, calcium, iron, and folic acid (folate) are especially essential in the diet of a pregnant woman. Although your doctor may prescribe vitamin supplements, your diet still needs to contain nutritious food to provide your body with most of its nourishment.
On a normal basis, women need 1,000 mg of calcium per day, but during pregnancy, calcium consumption should rise in order to keep up with calcium loss in your bones. You can get calcium from a wide range of food products, including low-fat dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt; orange juice, soy milk, and cereals that are fortified with calcium; dark green veggies such as spinach, kale, and broccoli; as well as tofu, dried beans, and almonds.
A pregnant woman requires 27 to 30 mg of iron per day because iron is used by the body to make hemoglobin, which is what helps red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. A lack of iron leads to a dearth of red blood cells, meaning the body’s tissues and organs don’t receive enough oxygen. With a baby on board, women need to pay extra attention to their iron intake.
Iron is found in both plant and animal matter, but the body absorbs it more easily from meat sources. The following are some foods that contain a good amount of iron: red meat, dark poultry, salmon, eggs, tofu, enriched grains, dried beans and peas, dried fruit, leafy green vegetables, black-strap molasses, and iron-fortified breakfast cereals.
Many people have already heard about how important folate (folic acid) is for a pregnant woman. For pregnant woman, or those planning on becoming pregnant, it is recommended that you take 0.4 milligrams of folic acid every day. Many women choose to supplement their diet with vitamins in addition to any folic acid intake they receive from food.
It has been found that consuming folic acid 1 month before and during the first 3 months of pregnancy reduces the risk of neural tube defects by 70%, which is why it’s considered so critical. The neural tube is formed during the first 28 days of pregnancy, which is usually before a woman even realizes she’s pregnant, and it eventually develops into the baby’s brain and spinal cord. Lack of sufficient nutrition, particularly a lack of folic acid, may result in a neural tube defect such as spina bifida.
To remain healthy while pregnant, it’s also key to drink plenty of fluids. During pregnancy your blood volume increases, so drinking plenty of water is the best way to avoid dehydration and constipation.
Exercise is a great way to feel great throughout an entire pregnancy. There is no reason to stop you exercise and other physical activity once you become pregnant; in fact, dietary guidelines suggest that you take 30 minutes or more each day to work out at a moderate pace.
During pregnancy, regular exercise prevents excessive weight gain, reduces problems such as back pain, swelling, and constipation, improves sleep, increases energy, promotes a positive attitude, prepares your body for labor and lessens recovery time after labor.
Proper sleep is another factor in maintaining health and comfort during pregnancy. Pregnancy can take its toll, and after a long day you will feel more tired than usual. As the baby grows bigger, it will be more difficult to sleep, but try to sleep as best you can - it will do wonders for how you feel!
Once you are ready to give birth and are considering inducing labor it is wise to consider all the advantages and disadvantages. Indeed, several authorities recommend you give informed consent before labor is induced. Of course, the baby is an important concern when considering induction of labor, especially the baby's ability to breathe once delivered.
Following a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, exercising, and drinking plenty of fluids are all important to your overall well-being during pregnancy. If you strive to eat nutritious food and maintain a positive attitude during the course of your pregnancy, the good moments will definitely outshine the difficult ones.

(Note: This article is the opinion of the author and may or may not be substantiated by scientific fact.This blog is offering many articles and tips to stay fit. )

Never Too Late to Start Exercising

It Is Never Too Late to Start Exercising

Primary keyword: start exercising
Secondary keywords: benefits of exercise, healthy lifestyle, sedentary lifestyle, exercise for weight loss, daily exercise routine, work-life balance

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Understanding Why Exercise Matters More as We Age

For many people, the true benefits of exercise are not fully appreciated until later in life. During childhood, physical activity happens naturally. Children run, jump, and play simply because it is enjoyable—not because they are thinking about long-term health.

As adulthood arrives, priorities begin to shift. Work, family responsibilities, and longer working hours slowly replace daily movement. Exercise, once effortless, starts to feel optional or even inconvenient. At this stage, many individuals still believe that health issues are something to worry about “later.”

Unfortunately, the body keeps score. When unhealthy habits accumulate, they often resurface years later in the form of fatigue, joint pain, weight gain, or reduced stamina. This is usually the moment when people begin to understand why maintaining a healthy lifestyle truly matters.

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How Early Lifestyle Choices Shape Your Current Health

If you are now in your forties or beyond and experiencing recurring health problems, it is worth reflecting on past habits. Lifestyle choices made during younger years—especially poor eating habits and lack of exercise—play a major role in current physical condition.

Neglecting regular physical activity does not always cause immediate discomfort. However, over time, it can lead to muscle weakness, reduced flexibility, slower metabolism, and declining energy levels. The encouraging reality is that the body responds positively to movement at any age. It is never too late to start exercising, and positive changes can still happen even after years of inactivity.

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The Essential Benefits of Exercise for the Body

Exercise is not only about appearance or weight management. It supports nearly every system in the body. Regular physical activity helps:

• Strengthen muscles and ligaments

• Maintain bone density and slow bone deterioration

• Improve circulation and organ function

• Enhance balance, coordination, and flexibility

• Support exercise for weight loss in a natural and sustainable way

Even individuals who work in physically demanding jobs benefit from structured exercise. Light stretching or low-impact routines can help balance repetitive movements and reduce strain.

Read 👉 weight loss program

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Sedentary Lifestyle: A Hidden Risk in Modern Life

One of the biggest health challenges today is the rise of the sedentary lifestyle. Office workers often spend hours sitting in air-conditioned rooms, staring at computer screens with minimal physical movement.

Many skip proper breaks, eat meals at their desks, and rarely step outside during work hours. When this pattern continues for years, it can increase the risk of obesity, poor posture, muscle stiffness, and cardiovascular issues. Mental fatigue and reduced focus are also common side effects.

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Why Busy Professionals Still Make Time to Exercise

Interestingly, people at the highest levels of organizations often prioritize exercise despite demanding schedules. CEOs and executives are frequently seen at golf courses, swimming pools, or tennis courts. This is not a coincidence.

They understand that exercise improves mental clarity, stress management, and long-term productivity. Some prefer early-morning workouts, while others exercise after work to release tension from the day. Physical activity helps balance the negative effects of prolonged sitting and work-related stress.

Read 👉 7 reasons to exercise

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Starting an Exercise Routine Without Overwhelming Yourself

One common reason people delay exercising is the belief that workouts must be intense or time-consuming. In reality, consistency matters more than intensity. Simple activities such as brisk walking, stretching, light strength training, or cycling can already deliver meaningful health benefits.

Beginners should focus on building a habit first. Short sessions done regularly are more effective than occasional intense workouts. Over time, the body adapts, making movement feel easier and more enjoyable.

Read 👉 9 Effective Ways to Start a Healthy Lifestyle for Beginners

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Exercise as a Key to Work-Life Balance

A well-planned daily exercise routine contributes significantly to achieving work-life balance. Physical activity helps release stress hormones, improve sleep quality, and boost overall mood. These benefits extend beyond the gym and positively affect work performance and personal relationships.

Exercise does not have to be separate from daily life. Walking meetings, short stretching breaks, or evening walks with family are simple ways to stay active without disrupting a busy schedule.

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Final Thoughts: The Best Time to Start Is Now

Regardless of age or fitness level, choosing to move your body today is one of the most valuable investments you can make for your future health. The human body is remarkably adaptable, and positive changes can happen faster than expected.

Remember, it is never too late to start exercising. What matters most is taking the first step—and continuing, one day at a time.

(Note: This article is the opinion of the author and may or may not be substantiated by scientific fact.This blog is offering many articles and tips to stay fit. )

Walking is a Beneficial Exercise

Why Walking is a Beneficial Exercise ? Everyone knows that exercising regularly is good for one’s health and it also keeps the weight issues at bay. However, not everyone follows this generally accepted rule. There are a number of reasons for this. The biggest one is that they cannot find the time to work out due to their busy work life. Well, the answer to this is that you must find time for yourself. Otherwise you will never be able to take care of your health. The minimum amount of time that one should spare for exercise is 30 minutes a day. This is surely not too much to ask for if one thinks about it in a rational manner.

One of the best forms of exercise is to go for a walk. Walking is easy for people of all ages. Be it young or old, everyone has the liberty to choose their own pace, speed and limit. Added to this there are a number of benefits of opting for it as a regular exercise.

The biggest and main benefit is that through walking you can exercise all the muscles of your body. That way, from a weight loss perspective all the trouble areas are covered. Those who can do arm exercise while they are walking can quite easily tone their loose muscles as well. One such form of exercise is the march past style walk in which arms are used as well. If you do not want to do this then you can select some slow arm exercises and do them while you are out on a walk.

As it helps work out all the body muscles, walking is quite beneficial for the heart as well. The heart remains healthy and active. This is a great benefit for those who have opted for walking as a regular form of exercise. This is also one of the reasons why heart patients are told to opt for walking as a form of regular exercise to prevent further damage.

The best time to take a walk is early in the morning. This is because at that time of the day the air is fresh. Walking at that time is going to ensure that you get the maximum of oxygen in your system. This factor adds to the benefits of other exercise that you are going to do. Also starting the day with exercise is going to energize you for the rest of the day.

(Note: This article is the opinion of the author and may or may not be substantiated by scientific fact.)

Group Exercises versus Individual Exercises

The most common question that health experts get is - which type of exercise is going to benefit me the most? Group Exercises or Individual Exercises? Is joining an exercise group or class more beneficial compared to working out alone in your home?

There is no one right answer to these questions. All the results that are associated with the exercises are different in the different cases. One kind of exercise or form of exercise that helps one individual the most might not work for another person and vice versa. So the next question is - what should one opt for? The answer is that one should select the option that one is comfortable with and enjoys most.

Most people do not understand why it is said that one needs to enjoy the workout that they choose for themselves. The reason is quite simple. When you enjoy what you are doing, you don’t take it as a burden and you do it with a relaxed mind. This adds to the positive results that the workout is intended to provide. The relation between the mind and the rest of the body is a very strong one and what goes in your mind does have a strong direct effect on your entire body and personality. And if you do not like the exercise you will make many excuses to not do it.

One thing to consider is that people who like to meet other people and make friends should go for exercises in a class format or join a gym. There are classes for Pilates, Yoga etc so people can choose from any of those. That way, they will be working out and making friends as well. This something that they enjoy doing so they will get good results.

On the other hand, people who are more introverted can choose to work out alone. For this they can pick one type of exercise and do it in their homes. If one can afford to buy a treadmill for exercising or for that matter any other equipment that they want to use, they should get the machine and start using it. A lot of trainers give the option of personally going to their client’s home and working out with them. Again for those who can afford it, this too is a very good option.

These are not the only options that are available. The internet is a very good source of information at your disposal. Look for the exercise guides and you will come across a number of good ones. Select the one that you like and you are good to start your healthy lifestyle and enjoy its benefits.

(Note: This article is the opinion of the author and may or may not be substantiated by scientific fact.)

Exercise Bikes

When you decide to purchase an exercise bike, you should first find a place in your home where you can place it. Then, you will need to think about whether or not you want an upright exercise bike, a semi recumbent bike, or a recumbent exercise bike.

Once you have made the decision of which type of bike you want, check out the reviews that are available in bike magazines and also on the internet. You can also take the advice of family and friends who are currently using the same as well as personal trainers who have experience. The reviews on exercise bikes are normally rates in accordance to their performance, functions that they have, as well as the type of material that is used for constructing the exercise bikes.

The exercise bike that you choose should be very comfortable to sit on and the seat should be easy to adjust, as it otherwise it would be really hard to cycle on. If the height of the seat is wrong, it can put a lot of pressure in your lower area, specifically the groin. To find out more about these types of features, it is very important that you read a review as the reviews can give you valuable information about the features of exercise bikes.

Reviews have other advantages as well. A lot of times, websites on the internet will offer special discounts on the exercise bikes as well, which is just another benefit to reading the reviews. After you have read the reviews, you will be able to negotiate for a better price once you talk to the sales person.

No matter how you look at it, you really can not go wrong with reading a review on exercise bikes. You can find out anything you want to know, as well as get opinions from those who already own the equipment. A majority of the time, you can find out flaws as well, which can save you a lot of time and effort.

Going to local gyms is also a great way to find out about exercise bikes. If you do not want to buy one or if you do not have the space to keep one at home, you can always join a local gym and use one there. There are several different types available at your local gym, with everything from standard exercise bikes to the newer electronic versions.

Whether you choose to buy on for home use or use one at the gym, an exercise bike can help you stay in shape. All you need to do is ride it a few minutes a day, and you will be amazed at just how much it helps you. Considered to be a part of cardio, an exercise bike can help you lose weight and tone your body down like never before.

(Note: This article is the opinion of the author and may or may not be substantiated by scientific fact.)

Effective Steps To A Healthy Colon

Effective Steps To A Healthy Colon for you, a food lover! Foods, such pizza, hamburgers, fried chicken, pasta, steaks, pastry, chips, and a wide variety of desserts can certainly wet your appetite. There is nothing wrong with enjoying scrumptious foods. Problems only arise when we eat too much of it. One problem is becoming overweight. Another problem is the accumulation of toxins in your body. This article will focus on the latter problem, but that's not the case if your body is being burdened by toxins. It's an internal problem and many people may not be aware of it.

When your body stores these toxins, you may start to acquire many illnesses as it is harmful to your body's internal organs. It has a negative effect on your body systems. Eating oily foods often will lead to an accumulation of fat. The bacterium in the food waste produces toxins in the body. If your body does not flush out these toxins quickly, it will find its way back to your body's organs viz your blood. After a period of time, you may find yourself suffering from health problems such as bloating, headache, diarrhea, constipation, bad breath and fatigue.

The state of your colon determines your health condition. Believe it or not, your overall well-being is directly related to the health of your colon. Therefore, maintaining a good digestive system and colon is essential.

Here are some steps you can take to a healthier colon:

1. Practice good eating habits. Have a regular eating pattern. Pile up on the fruits and vegetables. This will ensure you are getting enough fiber in your body. Fiber is a natural colon cleanser. Control your meat intake and don't indulge too much in carbohydrate rich foods. Choose to add whole grains to your diet. Make the switch the next time you go shopping for cereals and bread.

2. Drink at least 2 liters of water everyday. You need water to help your digestive system and for detoxification.

3. If you feel you are not getting enough fiber in your diet, you can opt to take Psyllium Husk Powder. It works well to loosen and get rid of the gunk in your colon. However, you must drink lots of water to avoid dehydration.

4. Use probiotics to maintain a balanced flora in your colon. You need good bacteria to counter the bad bacterium that’s in there. A good way to do this is to take yogurt that has live acidophilus cultures.

5. Be more active in sport activities such as yoga, swimming or brisk walking. Get off the couch and exercise more. It will help to stimulate regular bowel movements.

6. Undergo a colon hydrotherapy session. This procedure sends water into your anus which then gets rid of the waste build up in your colon. A colon therapist will massage your colon to aid the waste removal.

7. You can shop around for colon cleansing or colon detoxification products on the market. You will find a variety of teas, health supplements, drinks and powders. Choosing one that works and that is not a scam can be confusing. Make sure you do not get a laxative. If your stools are too loose, then it's a laxative. A good colon cleansing product will remove mucus, sludge and feces stuck in your bowels. Look for one that will also get rid of the parasites too. Make sure you discuss with your doctor and find out all you can about a product before using it.

Taking care of your colon will definitely lead to a healthier you. You will feel your energy return and your immune system will get stronger. So take the steps to protect your digestive system and see your overall well-being improve. Use these effective steps to get a healthy colon for your body.


(Note: This article is the opinion of the author and may or may not be substantiated by scientific fact.This blog is offering many articles and tips to stay fit. )

Weight Loss Diet Pills

"What there is to know about Diet Pills?"

According to manufacturers, diet pills use natural ingredients capable of prolonging life and containing alcohol used in medication or flavoring. One thing's for sure, never take diet pills as substitute for cutting calories without the doctor's recommendation. There are simple but important steps to be followed when taking diet pills:

1. Never crush diet pills to mix in drinks or soups. Take it whole with a full glass of water.
2. Take only the recommended dosage. Taking more than required will not help you lose weight but increase the risk of side effects.
3. Always follow the instructions set by the dietician, the nutritionist and/or doctor and not only rely on what's enclosed in the box. Also diet pills will only work as expected if diet plan is being followed.
4. Diet pills cause a person to urinate more frequently due to its diuretic effect. This could lead to dehydration, thus, causing complications. As a pre-caution, it is best to drink eight glasses of water everyday while on diet pills.
5. Heartbeat should be less than 86 beats per minute. Stop taking the pills if it reaches 90 or higher that is why regular checking of pulse is a must.
6. After three months, stop taking the diet pills. Common diet phenylpropanolamine is safe to use only up to sixteen weeks. Other studies show that it can cause health problems if taken under one month.

There are two kinds of diet pills; one is the prescription only diet pills and the over-the-counter diet pills.

Prescription Diet Pills - are drugs regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) agency which side effects are monitored, maybe advertised and prescribed under certain dosages. The most popular of these is Xenical, which is licensed for long-term use. However, this too has it's own side effects, diarrhea, oily and unexpected fecal discharge are just some. Therefore, users are advised to take a low fat diet plan.

While Over-the-Counter Diet Pills are categorized as food substitute and are unregulated. Beware that these diet pills are not Federal authorities tested and may cause serious side effects up to and including death.

Aside from a dietician/nutritionist, local pharmacists can also help in determining the pills that are safe and not for each person's case. Just be extra careful about the so-called "natural" or "organic" ingredients. Not everything that comes from a natural source is safe. One example is Ma Huang, which is a botanical source of ephedrine known as a stimulant and being studied for potential side effects.

Those who have or have a family history of prostate problems, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, mental illness, and heart problems should avoid taking diet supplements. The same applies to those who have had seizures or strokes. If someone is taking cold medicines, especially those with decongestants, diet pills should not be taken. Whether it be a prescription or an over-the-counter diet pill, the dangers are unvarying with other similar drugs which control the brain to reduce appetite and includes chest pains, depression, hair fall, fever, and even impotence.

And as a general rule, don't ever try to take diet drugs if pregnancy is suspected. Persons that are allergic to sulfites and tartrazine should also avoid taking diet pills. And those who are under 18 years or over 60 years of age should consult their doctor first prior to taking any dietary drugs, especially if they rely on over-the-counter stimulants used as a replacement for increase exercise.


(Note: This article is the opinion of the author and may or may not be substantiated by scientific fact.)

Weight Loss Drugs

Drugs that Induce Weight Loss

Recent studies have shown that more people are getting overweight every year. This happens not only to adults but even to kids who have just started in school.
A lot of factors cause this to happen such as genetics, overeating, the type of food taken into the body and as people age, the metabolism slows down making it harder than before to burn the food that was just consumed.

There are a lot of ways to solve this problem. Some have decided to undergo surgery, while others have decided to change the dietary intake and exercise.

Since this takes time and most people can't wait to get rid of the extra weight, these people have decided to take the fastest way out which is through the use of weight loss drugs.
In the 1950's until the late 90's, doctors prescribed drugs for weight loss. The drug works by increasing the serotonin levels in the brain that makes the brain believe that the stomach is already full and thus, increases the person's metabolic rate.

It was only after scientists discovered that these drugs had side effects and were related to cause heart valve disease that these were taken off the shelves.

Later on, new drugs were developed and prescribed by doctors and many of which are still waiting for FDA approval.

Most people have known friends or family members who have tried using diet pills and have seen tremendous improvement. The idea that a simple drug can change everything without the need to change the diet or sacrificing anything is very tempting.

This has made consumers spend millions of dollars every year and has given drug companies a lot of money making and selling the drug.

Diet pills can be purchased either over-the-counter or prescribed by a doctor. Even with the advances in medical technology, these drugs can also cause a lot of health related problems which can be unpleasant such as diarrhea and vomiting, harmful such as tightness in the chest and urinary tract problems and fatal such as a heart attack or a stroke.

An overdose of the diet pills can cause tremors, hallucinations, confusion, renal failure, shallow breathing, heart attack and convulsions.

The side effects vary depending on the lifestyle and health of the person and can be minimized as long as one consults the doctor first before buying it.

Should one decide to stop using the drugs, studies have shown that there are also side effects. These include noticeable mood swings, hyper-activity, and pain in the stomach, insomnia and nightmares, depression, severe irritability, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting and trembling.
A lot of clinical tests will show that the drugs taken to lose weight really work. But this can only work if it is done with a low calorie diet and an exercise plan.

A good diet should have food from all the food groups. This should have vitamins, minerals and fiber. A lot can come from oats, rice, potatoes and cereals. The best still come from vegetables and fruits since these have phytochemicals, enzymes and micronutrients that are essential for a healthy diet.

A person can jog every morning or sign up and workout in a gym. Just like taking any medicine, one should first consult the doctor before undergoing any form of exercise.

The best exercise plan should have cardiovascular and weight training exercises. This helps burn calories and increase the muscle to fat ratio that will increase ones metabolism and lose weight.


(Note: This article is the opinion of the author and may or may not be substantiated by scientific fact.)

Indicators in Back Pain

Back pain usually starts with signals or indicators. For instance, if your back hurt at one time and stopped, and later it started it again, you received your indicator at the start. In short, the first time your back started hurting is the sign. You want to pinpoint when the first pain started. Once you pinpoint the starting date, you will need to consider what inspired your back pain. For instance, did you fall? Were you in a motorized accident?

Once you find the trigger of your back pain, you want to consider the symptoms. Did you feel pain? Did you feel weak? Was your back stiff or numb?

Now you can use the indicators to discover where the pain started. Did the pain start at the lower back? Was the pain at the top area? Did the pain cause additional pain, such as around the neck? Was the pain intermittent? Did the pain shoot to other areas of the body? Did the pain consistently cause stress?

Did the pain get worse, when you walked, sit, stood, or lie down? Did the pain decrease, or did it increase?

When you first hurt your back did the pain stop, or did it frequently hurt? Did the pain cause long-term problems? Did the pain leave right away?

When you first injured your back, did the symptoms change gradually? How did the symptoms change? Did the symptoms interrupt your daily duties? How did the symptoms interrupt your daily duties?

Answering the questions can help you inform your doctor, as well as understand the cause of your condition. If you were in an accident and sought medical support when you first damaged your spine, you may want to consider what tests were used to spot your condition. What did you doctor find?

If you sought medical support and your doctor recommended treatment, what was that treatment? How did the treatment help your back condition? If the treatment helped your condition, can you try the remedies now?

Is your back pain caused from surgery, musculoskeletal disorders, joint conditions, or disease?

Does your job require mandatory lifting of heavy objects? Do you sit long hours? Do you stand long hours? Is your job emotional stressful?

How are your exercise habits? Do you workout often. Do you engage in stretch exercises? What is your stress level? Do you do something active to relieve stress?

Is there a hereditary back problem in your history?

Once you ask questions related to your back condition you might want to mark points that you can mention later to your doctor. Noting the problems can help you and your doctor find the cause. Often patients fail to do this, which is why many back pain problems go unnoticed.

If your back pain has recently started again after the initial indicator, you may use treatments at home to relieve the pain, unless it is demanding. Rest is a common treatment doctor prescribes to reduce back pain. I'm a fan to chiropractor support, yet some people have issues with this notion, therefore if you feel a chiropractor can benefit you, seek support. Massage and physical therapy is also recommended to reduce back pain. In many areas, massage therapists are available, which charge reasonable fees. Check your areas to learn more about massage therapy. Common stretch exercises can reduce back pain, which has emerged from tension. If you overworked the muscles, you may want to rest and do a few exercises later.

Whatever you do, avoid ignoring the indicators. Once pain starts in the back, note the area and discuss the problem with your doctor.


(Note: This article is the opinion of the author and may or may not be substantiated by scientific fact.)

Free Weights VS Machine exercise

Something you need to keep in mind and never forget is that when you exercise, you're training for life. You still may spend an hour a day in the gym, although that will still leave another 23 hours or so for your muscles to function without using any fancy equipment.

Whenever you do any type of exercise, the movement of your body during the exercise is known as the range of motion. The more difficult the range of motion is, the more effective the exercise will be, because your body has to work twice as hard to perform the movement.

Take for the instance the classic dumbbell bicep curl. If you're not familiar with the exercise, it is performed by standing up straight with your palms facing forward, and a pair of dumbbells held down by your sides. You will contract your biceps to bring the dumbbells up to your shoulder height, and then repeat the exercise as many times as you wish.

Using that same movement for exercise on a bicep curl machine, you should sit down, brace your upper arms on a pad, grasp 2 handles that are in front of you, and then perform the same movement as above to move the handles in an upward motion.

Now, looking at the muscle contractions in this exercise, you're contracting essentially your biceps if you're using the curl machine, and that is pretty much all you're doing. When you use the machine you are sitting down, which will limit just how much your shoulders give. The machine has several muscles used in this exercise limited to the biceps, as well as the muscles in your forearms and fingers.

Most of the time, when using machine weights, you'll always be limited as to what type of exercise you can perform. You must always follow a strict procedure, which is pretty much the same with free weights. Unlike free weights, machine weights offer a certain degree of resistance.

One of the best things about free weights is the fact that you move a little chuck around to select the weight you want to use. Instead of dragging it over to your exercise area, you simply select it on the machine. When you're tired during a workout, this can be a blessing.

A lot of people argue in the fact that free weights are the best for your body. While this is normally true, many people out there feel that machine weights are the best. There are pros and cons with both machines, although free weights have been around a lot longer and have been proven time after time to achieve dramatic results.

Body builders for example, have applied free weights over the years to build very impressive bodies. If you ask most of them about machine weights, they would probably laugh at you and tell you that you need to quit joking around.

In a nutshell, free weights will use more of your muscles than the machines do, which makes them more efficient overall. This does not mean that the machines are a waste of use, as they offer some great advantages. In some cases, it is best to stabilize the muscles that are being used in a movement, which is where machines are the best to use.

The decision on which to use for you should be based on what you hope to achieve with lifting weights and where you plan to use the equipment, such as home or at a gym. Both systems are great for your body, although the free weights are best to use if you want the best possible workout, and always ensure that your muscles are getting the correctly workouts they need.


(Note: This article is the opinion of the author and may or may not be substantiated by scientific fact.)

Diabetes Management

As of 2007, there is no cure for either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. This may seem like a dim outlook for many people, but the fact is that even though there is no cure, there certainly are ways to manage your diabetes.


Proper management can give you many years of healthy living.

Diabetes management starts with a visit to your doctor. First, finding out you have diabetes, what type you have then arming yourself with as much information as possible about the diabetes you are diagnosed with.

All management begins with controlling the glucose cycle.

The glucose cycle is affected by two factors, entry of glucose into the bloodstream and blood levels of insulin to control the transport out.

Your glucose levels are very sensitive to both diet and exercise, so change in either should first be discussed with your physician. Proper management of diabetes can be very intrusive to the patient.

Proper management requires a complete lifestyle change and frequent, sometimes multi-daily checks of glucose in the blood.

It can change as people grow and develop and no two cases are ever really the same. Today it is easier to measure the blood sugar level.

Glucose meters are readily available and are quite easy to use with a little practice and patience. There are a variety of diabetic glucose meter possibilities for you to consider, with differences in costs, processing abilities, and size.

With a small drop of blood to the testing strip attached to the glucose meter, the user is given the number, which represents their blood sugar level. This in turn will let the user know if and when insulin is needed.


(Note: This article is the opinion of the author and may or may not be substantiated by scientific fact.)

Exercise Balls

Exercise balls are one of the most innovative ways to exercise. These little balls will catch every one's fancy due to their shape and very attractive colors. The real benefit of these balls, which were introduced by a group of Swiss medical therapists, is a substitute of support during exercise.

Working out with the exercise balls will strengthen and tone all of the major muscles of the body. The soft texture of the balls make it an ideal choice for Yoga positions, using dumbbells for muscle toning, or working on heavy duty weight training equipment.

The advantage of exercise balls is that they are durable and maintain shape well under pressure. The documentation with the balls will provide test load figures for how much weight the exercise balls will hold. The advantage here is the fact that the balls provide soft yet firm support that does not harm your body.

You can find exercise balls in several different colors and finishes. You can even get a ball that matches the texture of your room. They are simple to store and you can even roll them under your bed or a table if you prefer. When you are not using them, you can let kids play with them. These balls are very fun for kids, as they are very soft and will not cause them any harm.

Medical Equipment

Originally developed for use in medical therapy, the exercise ball is used to support the body during exercise. These balls will provide support to the body when you do a specific exercise in a specific position and still need to maintain the balance. Most exercise balls are made of burst proof latex or other material that is very safe to use.

There are many postures with yoga and muscle toning exercise that can only be done with the help of support. For these postures, exercise balls are quite useful. The exercise balls will introduce an element of stability to the exercise that you would not normally get with the floor exercise.

Your body responds automatically to the instability to keep balanced on the exercise ball. This will help in strengthening the muscles that are not actively participating in exercise.


An exercise is also very useful for physiotherapy treatment. Exercise balls will help to get rid of backache and spinal disorders. The small range of movement and adjustment of balance of the spine that is induced by exercising with the exercise ball will help reduce back pain.

The Swiss ball exercise is for people with back pain to provide them with a simple way to restore movements after an episode of back pain. It also results in improved muscle strength, greater flexibility, and a wide range of motion of the spine during treatment.

(Note: This article is the opinion of the author and may or may not be substantiated by scientific fact.)

Liquid Vitamin Supplements

Most people don't realize that the body can absorb the nutrients from liquid vitamin supplements easier than from tablets. It is estimated that liquid vitamin supplements are actually absorbed at least five times better than regular vitamin pills. Of course, there are many other benefits that liquid vitamin supplements have over pills. For example, the liquid vitamin supplements are easier to swallow. This alone makes liquid vitamin supplements preferable to pills, especially for children and anyone else who has trouble taking pills of any type.

Young children are often unable to gather sufficient nutrients from the foods that they eat but it is almost impossible for them to take vitamin supplements in pill form. Liquid vitamin supplements are ideal because they can be given by a dropper, straight into the child’s mouth or even added to their regular bottle of water or juice to ensure that they receive all of the vitamins that they need to grow. For exactly the same reason, liquid vitamin supplements are perfect for anyone who is unwell and not able to eat properly.

Despite the best efforts of most people it is likely that most aren't getting sufficient vitamins and minerals from their diet and that is where liquid vitamin supplements are beneficial. The vitamins in many common pill supplements are actually packed too densely. This leads to a lot of the vitamins not being broken down and absorbed as they should do whereas liquid vitamin supplements don't have the same problem. The body is therefore able to absorb far more of the nutritional value from liquid vitamin supplements than it can from those in the traditional pill form. In fact, the body only absorbs about 10-20% of the nutrients from vitamin pills compared to around 80-90% that it can absorb from liquid vitamin supplements.

Another benefit of liquid vitamin supplements is that they often contain more than one type of vitamin and other nutrients. Vitamin pills traditionally contain only one which means that you're going to have to take a whole handful of vitamin pills to get the same benefits as you do from many of the liquid vitamin supplements. Liquid vitamin supplements offer far more convenience and effectiveness for supplying the body with the vitamins that it needs. The cost of buying the equivalent number of vitamin pills to obtain the same results is also far more than that of liquid vitamin supplements.


(Note: This article is the opinion of the author and may or may not be substantiated by scientific fact.)

All about Vitamin A

Vitamin A was first discovered back in 1912, by a Polish biochemist named Casimir Funk. He came up with the word vitamine, which was later given the name vitamin. Funk was the first to discover vitamins as we know them today, although vitamin A was actually the first one discovered, hence the letter “A” in the title of the vitamin.

You can find vitamin A in natural foods such as oranges and yellow fruits. It can also be found in vegetables as well, such as spinach and fats. When found in vegetables, vitamin A is water soluble, coming in the form of beta carotene. The beta carotene form of vitamin A can be eliminated from your body through natural processes, making it an excellent way to get vitamin A.

Vitamin A is required by the body on an every day basis to maintain healthy skin and keep your eyesight on track. There are many people who say that carrots provide enough vitamin A to prevent you from getting night blindness. The fact is, ancient Egyptian doctors prescribed liver in their time, which they said contained enough vitamin A to combat night blindness. Vitamin A is also known as an antioxidant, which makes it ideal to prevent cancer and anti aging. Along with these benefits, it also helps with your immune system as well.

To get the proper absorption of vitamin A, you will need to consume fat. Those of you who happen to be on a low fat or restricted diet, simply may not be getting the right amounts of vitamin A from your supplements that you may think. To get the proper absorption of vitamin A in your diet, you will need to consume a high enough level of protein. Protein combines with vitamin A to make it stronger, and help it move through your body.

On a normal day, you should be consuming around 5,000 international units (IU) of vitamin A. Depending on your health and your age, you may need to consume more or less. The safest form of vitamin A is beta carotene as mentioned above, and it can be taken in much larger doses. No matter what age you may be, you can feel safe to consume high amounts of vitamin A in the form of beta carotene.

If you do not consume enough vitamin A in your diet, you will end up with a deficiency. A deficiency is never a good thing, as it normally results in skin problems, increased infections, and even night blindness as well. A prolonged deficiency in vitamin A can put you at a risk for cancer as well, and you will also miss out on any effects of anti aging that the vitamin might have. Although you should begin taking it immediately if you have a deficiency, the effects would not be the same as they would be if you stayed up to date with the right amount on a daily basis.

On the other hand, if you're getting too much vitamin A, you will put yourself at risk for pain in your joints, abdomen, and your bones. Even though too much or not enough can cause you serious side effects, you should always get the right amount in your diet. Vitamin A is very important, and should always be included in your diet. You can find it in many foods, or take supplements that include the well needed vitamin. If you're going to take supplements, you should make sure that they provide the right amounts - with no side effects.


(Note: This article is the opinion of the author and may or may not be substantiated by scientific fact.)

Exercise And Harm

Anytime you exercise, your brain releases chemicals known as endorphins that produce a feeling of euphoria, which is known as "runners high", which is also very easy to become chemically addicted to.

Without this rush, you will feel irritable and out of it until you exercise again. Therefore, you will go on exercising and not listen to what your body is actually telling you - which is to stop.

The main reason addicts will continue to push themselves lies in what will happen when they do not work out. Normally when they are unable to exercise, they will display signs of depression, anxiety, confusion, and be less happy with themselves.

Aches and pains

Over exercising does not only affect the mind, but the body as well. Exercise will initially do what it is intended to do, give you a fit body but once you cross the line however, it can drastic. Muscle damage, osteoarthritis, and heart problems will all be waiting in the wings if you continue to overdo it. The body has limits and if you push beyond that limit, you will do nothing but harm yourself.

Obsessive exercise tends to happen among those who are new to exercise. Therefore, if you're keen to reap the benefits of getting fit, you will tend to overstep the limits.

The initial signs of over exercise are exhaustion, which can lead to a build up of fatigue. Keep in mind; it is not only the muscles that are at risk, but the bones as well. Many people who exercise push themselves to the point of injuries such as shin splints or even stress fractures, then refuse to rest, which causes greater and sometimes even permanent damage.

Even a brisk walk in the morning does not come without risk, as walking too much can lead to osteoarthritis. When you walk, you're working against gravity. Even though you are exercising your muscles, you are also harming your knee joints as well.

Many people who walk up to an hour or more everyday end up with complaints of aches in the knees. The fact is, jogging also harms the knees, and too many sit ups can hurt as well. As with any type of exercise, moderation is the key.

You should always start off gradually, and combine several different types of workouts, which is one thing that obsessive exercisers forget to do. One of the biggest complication factors of people who get addicted to exercise is that they will tend to perform the same workout each and every day, which further increases the risk of permanent damage.

Think right

You should never work out to the point where you feel completely exhausted once you have finished. Your limit with exercise should be 45 minutes to an hour, four or five days a week. When you're finished, your workout should leave you feeling fresh and energetic. Every week should make it a point to take a day's break - as your body will need to relax and rejuvenate.

The key to achieving this completely lies in your attitude, as exercising is the way to a healthy life. If you do it only to please yourself, you will defeat the entire purpose when you stand there on the weighing machine.

If you take things one day at a time and do not over do it, you will be well on your way to a healthy body. Exercising can be a lot of fun and a way to relax, if you do not rush it. Start off slow and gradually work your way up. Before you know it, you will know how to prevent injuries before they happen and you will know exactly what you need to do to remain healthy.




(Note: This article is the opinion of the author and may or may not be substantiated by scientific fact.)

Weight Loss Diet Pill

What is in a Weight Loss Diet Pill?

With all the strenuous activities and sweat-generating regimens that most weight loss programs have, more and more people are enticed to opt for a better alternative, without the trouble of exerting too much effort.

With the advent of diet pills that promote weight loss, people go mad over the appealing advertisements of most manufacturers claiming that their product can easily “melt away” those fats and cellulites.

With these pills dominating the market today, who needs to tone those abs and biceps and do some dieting if there is an easier way to lose weight?

With an estimated 60% of the American population that are now considered as obese, these “wonder” drugs are definitely reaping millions of dollars in the United States alone.

Now, the questions are: is there any truth regarding the manufacturers’ claims that these diet pills can ultimately promote weight loss? Are they really effective in helping people lose weight? And if that is the case, do these pills also help those people maintain their ideal weight and curb any fat accumulation in the body?

In reality, there are diet pills that can really make a person shed off those extra pounds. These diet pills contain certain substances that were already clinically and scientifically proven to be very effective.

These diet pills are effective in increasing the metabolism of the body, thereby, initiating weight loss. Plus, these diet pills contain certain substances that suppress one’s appetite.

However, with so many diet pills saturating the market today, trying to find the best and most effective diet pill can be very tedious. Chances are, you may end up choosing the wrong diet pill when your energy to find diet pills wanes down.

Actually, there are only five factors to consider when choosing diet pills that are effective at the same time safe to use. Here is a list of the factors that you need to consider in order to come up with a diet pill that is right and appropriate.

1. The metabolism-boosting ability

In choosing diet pills that will effectively promote weight loss, it is best to look for pills that have the ingredients that will enhance your body’s metabolism, or the ability of the body to burn excess fats.

Choose those diet pills that contain alpha lipoic acid, green tea extracts, and “L-Canitine” because these ingredients had been clinically proven to be effective in promoting weight loss through increased metabolic rate.

2. The calorie stopper

Because obesity is usually due to excess intake of calories in the body, which is more than the recommended amount, it is best to choose diet pills that have the special ingredients that will curb the entry of calories into the body.

These substances are known as “phaseolus vulgaris.” This is known to create an enzyme that will efficiently control any excess calories in the body. The enzyme responsible for this wonderful job is known as “alpha-amylase.”

3. The appetite suppressants

Find diet pills that effectively suppress your appetite. It does not necessarily mean that you will skip meals but you will not just feel hungry every now and then. This is because obesity usually happens to people who are fond of in-between meals, which actually initiates excessive calorie intake.

4. The metabolic enhancers

It is best to choose diet pills that have the so-called “lipotropic elements” that are effective in eliminating fats from the body. It functions like a sweeper that effectively sweeps excess fats outside the body.

These lipotropic elements are found in vitamin C, chitosan, alpha lipoic acid, and green tea extracts.

5. The water-retention breaker

Effective diet pills are those that contain diuretics. These are elements that avert the retention of water in the body during the weight loss regimen.

All of these factors are, indeed, clinically proven and effective in losing weight. Though, it must be kept in mind that diet pills alone aren't sufficient to provide optimum weight loss. Hence, it is still important to do some exercises.

Therefore, with exercise and the right diet pills, you're definitely on your way to a healthier, slimmer you.


(Note: This article is the opinion of the author and may or may not be substantiated by scientific fact.)

Exercise And Asthma

If you suffer from asthma, you probably think that you can not exercise properly or safely. Contrary to what many think of this subject, there are ways that you can get in shape and exercise, even if you suffer from asthma.

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that is marked by characteristics such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Asthma tends to occur with people who are genetically or environmentally predisposed to the condition.

Some of the triggers that may start or make an attack worse include exposure to allergens, viral respiratory infections, airway irritants, exercise, and exposure to things such as dust mites or cockroaches.

You can prevent asthma attacks by doing the following:

1. Bathe your pets weekly.
2. Do not smoke or permit smoking in your home.
3. When mold or pollen counts are high, you should stay inside with air conditioning.
4. Wash your bedding and any stuffed toys at least once per week in hot water.
5. Wash your hands every chance you get.
6. Get a flu shot.
7. Wear a scarf over your mouth and nose in the winter months.
8. Be proactive and know your triggers and how you should avoid them.

Now that you know what you know about asthma, you may be wondering where exercise fits in. As most doctors will tell you, you should not give up on sports or exercise at all. You just have to be smart about how you play and take special pre cautions to avoid attacks.

Almost all doctors agree that the best way to prevent attacks during exercise is to keep your inhaler and medication close by. You should never use the inhaler more than 3 times during a game or exercise session. If you're up the previous night with coughing and wheezing, it's always best to go light with your exercise the next day.

For something known as IEA (Exercise Induced Asthma), the symptoms are somewhat different, in the fact that they appear after 6 - 10 minutes of exercise and will often be worse in cold or dry air.

If you have IEA, there are several activities that you can enjoy such as swimming, walking, biking, downhill skiing, and team based sports. There are many activities for you to choose from, to ensure you get the exercise you need as well.

Keep in mind that the condition of asthma is not "all in your head"; it is a real physiological medical treatment that will require treatment to prevent and treat. Even though your doctor will be your best friend in treating asthma, you're the one who can prevent your symptoms.

Always be smart, take your medication, and be proactive. Do not let it put you in a life of misery - as you can enjoy exercise just like everyone else.



(Note: This article is the opinion of the author and may or may not be substantiated by scientific fact.)

Ginger Root Heals Ailments

The vitamin ginger root offers you a lot of benefits, including the ability to treat headaches and common colds. One of the most common uses of ginger root is the treat an upset stomach, something we all know and hate. Normally in the form of flat ginger ale and crackers, this vitamin could fix even the most upset of stomachs - and fast to boot.

For the last few decades, ancient civilizations have used the vitamin in both cooking form and medicine form. Although the technology back then was not close to what it is today, the ancient civilizations knew that ginger root would help prevent ailments ranging from motion sickness to athlete’s foot. With ginger root having anti-inflammatory properties, it can also make the pain of rheumatoid arthritis less intense. Women that drink ginger tea have said that it helps them eliminate menstrual cramps completely.

What many people do not know is the fact that ginger root is not really classified as a root, but instead an underground stem. Even though it is a very useful vitamin and supplement, it is harvested year round just like the Hawthorne berry. The harvests, which are obtained roughly five months or so after being planted, are used in the creation of products such as candied ginger and ginger syrup. Harvests that are obtained later can be sold as fresh ginger. The longer the ginger remains in the ground before being harvested, the spicier and hotter it gets.

Keep in mind that not anyone can grow ginger. It takes a special type of soil, which means that it won’t grow anywhere. It is normally grown commercially, in large harvests. Ginger is always in high demand, as it serves a lot of useful purposes. From adding spice to food to healing certain ailments, ginger root is easily one of the best vitamins around.

These days, you can buy ginger in the produce department of many grocery stores. Ginger serves many useful purposes, including baking. It can be used with cookies and breads, or used to spice up your jellies and jams. When you shop for ginger root, you should ensure that the gnarly fist like bulb is smooth, the surface hard to the touch, and the weight being somewhat heavy. If the bulb is hard and light in weight, it won’t be as good.

When it comes to common ailments, ginger root can be great to have around. It can be used with hundreds of cooking recipes; you can use your creative imagination to make even more uses with it as well. Ginger is used in many fine dining restaurants as well, as it tastes great as a dressing on salads. Serving a lot of healthy purposes, ginger root is one of the best selling items on the market - and easily one of the best tasting supplements out there.


(Note: This article is the opinion of the author and may or may not be substantiated by scientific fact.)

How to Read Food Labels

You can not measure every morsel that passes your lips, but it is a good idea to measure most foods and beverages until you get a feel for portion sizes.

It is a super sized world out there, and most people are surprised to find that their idea of a single serving is actually 2 or 3.

If you're into bells and whistles, there are food scales that are preprogrammed with nutritional information, as well as scales that will keep a running total of your daily food and nutrient intake for you. The only tools you really need, however, are a simple and inexpensive gram scale, dry and liquid measuring cups, and idea on reading food labels.

Among all of the mentioned tools, reading food labels seem to be the most effective way of determining the right kind of food to be bought in the supermarket. It lets you make sensible food selections. Through the “Nutrition Facts” section in a particular item in the grocery, you can identify the amount of serving sizes provided in that product.

With food labels, you can clearly understand the amount and kinds of nutrients that are provided in the item. Usually, it contains the information on saturated fat, sodium, total fat, fiber, and cholesterol amount “per serving.”

However, understanding and reading these food labels can be very perplexing. A typical consumer would definitely ask what those numbers mean and how it will affect her diet intake if ever she will religiously follow the serving guide as stipulated on the food label.

To further have a clear and more comprehensive understanding of the items stated in the food label, here is a list of things that you need to know:

1. Ingredients

This refers to the list of the ingredients that were used to manufacture the product. The listing is usually arranged from the main ingredients that have the greater amount by weight up to the smallest quantity. This simply means that the actual quantity of the food includes the biggest quantity of the main ingredient or the first item and the minimum amount of the very last ingredient.

2. Nutrients

This refers to the list of available nutrients in a particular item. It is also where the nutritional claims of the product based on the recommended daily dietary allowance are stated. Usually, the nutritional amounts are based on both the 2,500-calorie diets and the 2,000 recommended dietary allowances.

In order to understand the numeric value of each item, you should know that the “% daily value” that the food labels indicates is actually based on how a particular food corresponds to the recommended daily dietary allowance for a 2,000 calorie.

If in the event that you have purchased an item that has a dietary allowance different from the 2,000-calorie diet, you just have to divide the stipulated amount by 2,000 and you will be able to identify the “%daily value” for the nutrients.

3. Serving size

This is the primary item you will see in a food label.

The amount of servings stated in the food label refers to the quantity of food people usually consume. However, this does not necessarily mean that it reflects your very own amount of food intake.

Moreover, serving size determines the amount of nutrients that enters the body. This means that if you will follow strictly what the serving size is, you will obtain the same amount of nutrients according to the serving size that was given in the label.

For instance, if the serving size says one serving size is equal to 54 grams, that would mean you have to measure 54 grams and eat that and you have just eaten one serving. So to speak, the amount of nutrients stated in the food label is the same amount that has entered your body considering the fact that you have just eaten 54 grams.

However, if you have eaten everything, and the food label says that each pack is equivalent to 4 servings, you have to calculate the amount of nutrients that have entered your body. This means that if the food label says 250 calories per serving that means you have to multiply it to four to get the total amount of calories you have taken.

4. Label claim

This refers to the kinds of nutritional claims of a particular food item. For instance, if an item says it is sodium-free, it has less than 5 milligrams per serving or a low fat item actually contains 3 grams of fat or less.

Indeed, reading food labels can be very tedious and confusing. Nevertheless, once you get the hang of it, it would be easier for you to watch your diet because you can already control the amount of food that you take.




(Note: This article is the opinion of the author and may or may not be substantiated by scientific fact.)

The Health Benefits of Golf

Believe it or not, golf is actually good for your health. Even the United States Golf Association thinks so; they also advise that you should walk the golf course and try to avoid - as much as possible - riding golf carts.

Although riding golf carts is the most convenient way to get yourself from one hole to the next, it will actually be good for your body if you walk your legs along the greens. Doing so pumps your heart, circulates the blood all over your body, and is a good and fun way of exercising.

David Fay from the United States Golf Association also thinks that the most pleasurable way to play golf is by walking. Riding carts, he said, should as much as possible be stopped now.

Walking is a good form of exercise. It is the most basic and easy program of getting fit which almost anyone could do. Simply put, walking is good for you.

Although some believe that walking the golf course is a very unhealthy thing to do because of the nature of the game - the start and stop process of golf playing. In actuality though, there have been scientific studies as well as evidence of people actually telling their personal experiences on the positive effects of walking through a game of golf.

In Sweden in particular, there are researchers who discovered that walking through a game of golf equals to about forty to seventy percent of intense workout in an aerobics class. This is assuming that about eighteen holes were played.

In another study by a cardiologist named Edward Palank, golfers who walked were found to be in a better state of health because the level of bad cholesterol in their body decreased. Meanwhile, the level of their good cholesterol was steady. Those golfers who settled to ride their way across the golf course on golf carts, however, did not show these same positive health results.

Also, according to Golf Science International, four hours of golf playing was found to be comparable to attending a forty five minute fitness class.

Another golf association, specifically the Northern Ohio Golf Association, stated that when a golfer walks across a course, it is roughly equivalent to walking for three to four miles. This included walking around hills, over greens and tees.

Not convinced yet? Maybe you should try doing the following activities and see, as well as feel, the difference for yourself.

During a round of golf, try to walk along alternating holes so that by the end of your round of golf you should be able to have walked through a total of nine holes.

If you're feeling not up to it yet as fully as you should, that is okay. Maybe you could try walking on a set of nines while you can ride the other set.

If you have a golf partner and he or she insists that you ride along with him or her, make sure that you only ride on the path of the cart. You can then walk down to the fairway towards your ball and then your partner could bring the golf cart up.

Are you convinced yet? If not, try to look at it this way. If your health is not good enough for you to settle to walk those legs and pump that good old heart of yours, then at least take pity and be considerate of the damage that golf carts do to fairways.

Believe it or not, golf carts do create damage around sand traps and around the greens. Even if carts are not supposed to ride along these areas, sometimes though, depending on who is behind the golf cart’s wheel, they still at times do.

For the sake of the greens, go walk! Because of advances in technology, there are now grasses that are able to grow on areas that they originally are not supposed to grow on at all. As a result of this, golf courses look as amazing as they were before. Unfortunately, these same golf courses are as subject to a lot of wear and tear as well.

Driving a golf cart along these beautiful greens subjects them to unnecessary damage. So now that you know, it would not hurt you to consider walking along, across, over, or through those greens now would it?


Source : Hobby Articles

(Note: This article is the opinion of the author and may or may not be substantiated by scientific fact.)