There is no truly direct way to measure how fat you are or how much the body fat. Common way is calculate BMI (Body Mass Index).  If the BMI > 27 means now you have severe problem of obesity and may increase risk for morbidity, developing a number of chronic disease and health.

The chronic diseases that are developed from obesity are diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, cancer, gout and sleep apnea. So control the weight is the best way to void health problem.

There are many ways to control and reduce the weight. Exercise and should low calories foods are the best way. The other way is using weigh control products.

• No Related Post

Research has shown that birth control pills may not be as effective for those women who are considered overweight. On a study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology, those women who take their birth control pill regularly without a miss, but has a BMI or Body Mass Index of higher than 27.3. have a higher risk of becoming pregnant.  However, researchers have yet to come up with a final, conclusive evidence about the connections between pregnancy, body weight, and birth control pills.

Definitely, there is no one single pill that is supposed to be the answer to all birth control questions and needs of women, or couples, for that matter.  Birth control pills have been reformulated several times since it was approved during the 1960’s.  There have been more than 40 types of birth control pills available throughout the United States, and in most parts of the globe. Researchers began to realize the fact that most women did not need to take the maximum dosage for such pills, in order to prevent pregnancy. In line with this, birth control pills today are now sold with a much lower amount or level of hormones than birth control pills sold twenty to thirty years ago.

There are two kinds of pills: the combination (mixed estrogen and progestin) and progestin-only (often dubbed as the mini pill). Women who breastfeed should not take the combination pill since estrogen can reduce milk production. Since the progestin-only pill contains no estrogen, this is a good choice for breastfeeding mothers, especially since one can still get pregnant while breastfeeding despite the myth that still persists that breastfeeding women cannot conceive.

Usually, women can safely miss one pill without having to use any back-up birth control method, but missing two can increase the risk of getting pregnant. Playing safe would be the key here, and using a back-up method for the rest of the pack is recommended. It is also a fact that the pill can cause very slight weight gain, but this won’t make a woman fat. A few decades ago, when the hormone levels of women were generally higher, taking the pill resulted in an increase of body weight. Different women have different side effects. It is best to shop around for the pill that works for oneself, but try and wait for at least three months before switching, since many side effects dissipate after a few months.

• No Related Post

There are many effects of steroids. The positive effects of steroids are visible when they are used for several medical purposes including stimulation of bone growth, appetite, puberty, and muscle growth. The effects of steroids (anabolic) impressive when they are used for the treatment of several chronic wasting conditions, such as cancer and AIDS. There are anabolic effects of steroids in protein synthesis, muscle mass, strength, appetite and bone growth.

The anabolic effects of steroids are superb when they are used in treating conditions, such as delayed puberty and some types of impotence, which are resulted due to abnormally low amounts of testosterone production in the body.

However, side effects of steroids have made them controversial drugs, but the side effects of steroids are linked with steroid abuse. There are a number of side effects of steroids, if they are over-used wrongly for wrong purposes. Some of the side effects of steroids include elevated cholesterol (increase in LDL, decreased HDL levels), acne, elevated blood pressure, hepatotoxicity, and alterations in left ventricle morphology.

These side effects of steroids have made these drugs stand among the abused drugs. Listed as Schedule III in the Controlled Substances Act, steroids are controlled drugs in United States. Canada and Britain also have laws controlling the use and distribution of steroids.

• No Related Post

She made some quick internet searches and within a few minutes she was carefully reading an acupuncture quit smoking – stop fact sheet revealing a possible way of smoking escape.

If you are in Jane’s shoes, here is some interesting information about acupuncture and how it can help you quit smoking.

Acupuncture is an ancient technique for inserting and manipulating thin needles into specific points of the body. The aim is to restore health and well-being. It is one of the Chinese medicine methods widely used nowadays.

Acupuncture quit smoking stop techniques are suitable for people who are unable to take any kind of stop smoking products due to allergies or medical conditions. The only option for them is to try to quit smoking using the cold turkey way, or in other words depending on their determination and will only. It may sound fair enough for a non-smoker, but most smokers find this way very hard and often unsuccessful.

Acupuncture can help such people as acupuncture quit smoking stop treatment results into reduced cravings and fewer withdrawal symptoms. With these benefits, the chances of successful smoking cessation are much higher. Moreover, in an acupuncture quit smoking stop program is combined with a correct behavioral therapy, the results are almost guaranteed.

If you are eager to try it, than the first thing you should do is to ask your doctor for an acupuncturist who has experience in similar treatment. It is important that you find a good acupuncturist because of the better results and some simple facts – as acupuncture includes inserting needles into your skin it is of utmost importance that you go to a high-standard place with guaranteed hygiene and acupuncture supplies.

The next steps are more than clear. Go to the clinic to have your initial exam and attend the sessions. An acupuncture quit smoking stop program may be over after a single session but in some cases, the sessions might be more.

“Ah, that sounds good for me!” Jane picked up the phone and arranged a meeting with her doctor for a chat about the best acupuncture quit smoking stop clinics in her town…

• No Related Post

Valerian

This herb’s use as a sleeping aid can be traced back to centuries ago. Interestingly, valerian works similarly to conventional sleeping pills. By increasing the levels of GABA, a calming neurotransmitter in the brain, valerian induces drowsiness and sleepiness. You can take valerian an hour before bedtime as an extract, tea, or capsule. You can experience its full effect after a week or two of regular intake.

Light

The level of light the body is exposed to produces different reactions. A lot of light signals the body to wake up while a decrease in it induces the body to sleep. However, slight differences in the level of exposure may confuse the body and cause irregular sleep. For example, if you stay indoors with minimal lighting during the day, the body might not recognize the shift between night and day. To increase chances of better sleep, expose yourself to more light by walking around the neighborhood in the morning or early afternoon.

Aromatherapy

This form of therapy relies on your body’s response to certain olfactory signals. Scents like lavender, chamomile, and ylang ylang work well in calming your body and mind. You can try putting lavender sachets in your pillow or adding lavender oil to your bath water. You can also try sipping chamomile tea before going to bed.

Relaxation Techniques

Insomnia or lack of sleep is often due to the stress you feel. Practicing relaxation techniques prior to your bedtime increases your chances of having a better sleep. Some methods you may want to consider include deep breathing, visualization, yoga, and progressive muscle relaxation.

Sleep-friendly Diet

Different foods have varying effects on your sleeping pattern. Whereas caffeine and sugar-rich foods can disrupt your sleep, foods rich in tryptophan and magnesium can help you sleep better and longer. Including foods like milk, turkey, legumes, dark greens, and nuts in your diet is a good way to boost your body’s tryptophan and magnesium levels.

Music

According to studies, slow and soft music can soothe and relax the body. By playing soft tunes before bedtime, your body becomes primed for sleep. Sounds of nature like water flowing through rocks or chirping birds are also good choices.

Exercise

Regular physical activity boosts your body’s endorphin levels. Endorphins, also known as the body’s feel-good hormones, relax and soothe the body. Exercise also relieves muscle tension and stress which promotes deep sleep. However, keep in mind not to exercise close to one’s bedtime as this can increase adrenaline levels and induce insomnia.

• January 19, 2010 -- A Basic Overview of Chinese Medicine

In truth,  Traditional Chinese Medicine is a complex and centuries-old system that has been shown to be effective in the treatment and management of various ailments ranging from sinusitis to muscle spasms. Chinese herbal concoctions have also shown efficacy in providing migraine reliefs and lower back pain relief, and everything in between.

The core concepts of traditional Chinese medicine can be found in Chinese philosophy, with Wu Xing and the concept of yin and yang as the primary foundations of both diagnosis and treatment practices. The basic perception of the body in Chinese medicine is that it is a whole, but with separate parts. The parts are designed to work together in harmony, generally by balancing their naturally opposing concepts against one another. Each part not only serves a physical function, but is also important to mental processes. This explains the belief in Chinese medicine that what affects one’s physical health also has consequences for one’s mental health, with each imbalance in the body having a counterpart imbalance in the mind. This aspect echoes the principles of yin and yang, which is best summarized as a blending of two opposing but complimentary concepts, with neither one being superior in any way over the other. Disharmony is said to occur when yin or yang becomes more prevalent in the body than the other.  This disharmony or imbalance is thought to be the reason behind human illnesses.

The Wu Xing aspect comes into play in terms of analyzing how the disharmony came about. Wu Xing is similar to the classical concept of the basic elements which are composed of fire, water, wood, earth, and metal. Each of these elements can be found in the body, with varying concentrations in different areas of the body. Combined, the elements produce a delicate balance and results in the normal state of a person’s physical and mental health. This balance can be affected by internal and external factors, which can sway the elemental balance in a variety of ways. In theory, an increase in certain elements in areas that perform certain functions can sway the yin and yang balance, thus affecting a person’s health.

The treatment for the condition, whether it be sinusitis, lower back pain, knee pain, migraine headaches, visual migraines, insomnia or whatever else ails the patient is ultimately determined by where the imbalance is and what caused it. For example, an excess of water that swayed the balance more to the yang in the nasal area is sometimes cited to cause problems such as colds and sinusitis. To counter this, a traditional Chinese doctor might prescribe a formula composed of herbs and more exotic ingredients to help suppress the water element and, thus, restore balance to the yin and yang.

Traditional Chinese medicine also espouses a number of other treatments, including those based on the manipulation of the patient’s diet.

Another famous aspect or branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine is called acupuncture, a technique that involves the insertion of needles into the skin on specific points around the body to help restore “balance” between the Yin and Yang.  Acupuncture is also the branch of TCM that is concerned with the treatment of what Western medicine would term as mental health disorders including anxiety and phobias. Acupuncture is seen as an effective means of balancing the flow of “chi” or internal energy throughout the body.  In TCM,  the need to balance the yin and yang of the mind and heart is as important as attaining balance in the human body.

Modern TCM practitioners in China, however, do acknowledge that there are situations when the traditional remedies can no longer put the body back in proper balance. In most cases, when such situations are encountered, the patient is advised to consult a doctor who practices Western medicine. However, this does not create a conflict between the two schools since most Chinese patients and doctors actually appreciate the “balance” between Eastern and Western medical theory and practice. For example, Chinese people will have no problems with surgery for appendicitis. At the same time, they will see no conflict in using traditional herbal formulas to help recover after the surgery, or to prevent the appendicitis in the first place. This is often in sharp contrast to the attitude of some practitioners of  traditional Western medicine who tends to dismiss other medical philosophies, theories or schools as mere quackery.

• January 25, 2010 -- A Guide to Natural Sleep Aids

How to tell if you have sensitive skin?

Generally, sensitive skin is thin with visible broken capillaries under the skin’s surface. Sensitive skin also has fine pores. When exposed to moderate changes in temperature, sensitive skin reddens easily, whether from cold or heat. Sensitive skin tends to rash easily when exposed to dirt or even moderate strength skin care products. If your skin manifests these signs, chances are high that you really have sensitive skin.  For a thorough skin assessment, a visit to a dermatologist is in order.

Since caring for sensitive skin can be quite difficult, it is advisable to limit the use of skin care products. Generally, simple skin care regimens are more effective on sensitive skin since it prevents product overload. Sensitive skin care relies on strengthening the skin to reduce sensitivity and increase tolerance.

How to care for sensitive skin?

1. Hydrate your skin.

Sensitive skin is prone to dryness which can lead to increased sensitivity. Drinking eight or more glasses of water and applying a lightweight and hypoallergenic moisturizer a day can help restore your skin’s moisture or lipid barrier that acts as defense mechanism against allergens.

2. Eat skin-friendly food.

Fruits, vegetables, and other water-rich foods are essential in correcting skin imbalances. The vitamin, mineral, and water content of these foods hydrate your skin and restore its health. On the other hand, eating spicy food and drinking alcohol and caffeinated drinks can increase your skin’s sensitivity.

3. Limit sun exposure.

Sun exposure can cause sensitive skin to redden and burn easily. Before going out, apply sun protection on your face using sunscreen and on your body with sunblock lotion. You can extend the protection to your lips to prevent them from darkening. Applying an SPF-rich lip balm under your lipstick or gloss can help protect your lips. Umbrellas, sunglasses, and hats protect your body, eyes, and face from overexposure to the sun.

4. Protect skin at all times.

Even when you are indoors, your skin still needs protection. If you are staying in an airconditioned room or one with forced heating, apply a lightweight moisturizer frequently. this will prevent your skin from drying out due to the extreme temperatures.

5. Avoid products with artificial colorants and synthetic fragrances.

Colorants and fragrances are added to skin care products only for increasing marketing appeal. Your skin do not actually benefit from these additions. Often, they even cause allergic reactions and increase your skin’s sensitivity.

Aside from these tips, it is also a good idea to switch to skin care products that are specially formulated for sensitive skin. A thorough skin assessment and consultation with a dermatologist can reveal to you skin care techniques and products that can help strengthen your skin and minimize its sensitivity.

• No Related Post