Sunday, July 7, 2013

Whole Body Health! Systems Thinking to Getting and Staying Healthy and Fit

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One of the things in health and fitness I've noticed for many years is that many have focused on the separation of body parts when training. And that was even true when it came to nutrition. And yet, our bodies were never designed to be separate in function. From our muscular system to our skeletal system to our endocrine system to our nervous system to our digestive system and to our cardiovascular system, all work in conjunction with one another.

I like to describe it as the human system. Each part is in support of the other. When there is an imbalance in one part of the system, it throws off the rest of the system. Heck, even going down to the cellular level, we can see communities working together for the whole.

One example is in the area of back pain. When we sit too long, the Sartorius muscle in the upper front of the thigh tends to shorten and the Gluteus muscles tend to weaken. This leads to a muscle imbalance that causes the Sartorius muscle to pull on the lumbar area. Back pain may develop.

So, what is a system?

It's simply many parts that come together to function as a single unit. When one part of the system is taken away, it changes the whole system. How the system is arranged is crucial to proper functioning. If you were to split the system in half, you wouldn't have two separate systems. You'd have a destroyed single system.

Here are some ways to keep your human system functioning properly:

· Thoughts count. How you perceive your body and your health is important. Just know that what you do in one part of your human system will affect another part. Even your beliefs will affect it.

· Nutrition counts. When you consume certain foods, how and what you eat will have a positive or negative effect on your human system. If you digestive system is off due to food stagnating, it may lead to you feeling sick. Your mindset will feel sick too. If you eat too much sugar, that may lead to chronic inflammation. This, in turn, will affect your whole system. Just the opposite is eating healthy foods, such as fresh fruits and veggies. You'll get a healthy response.

· Exercise counts. Your body was made to move. Make sure to use proper form and function when you do exercise. Remember, your body was designed to move as a whole. When you train this way, you lessen injuries and pain. Additionally, you'll move more freely.

· Be consistent in everything you do as far as living healthy. Your whole system is designed towards consistency. Simply exercising once a week or eating healthy every once in a while doesn't get it. Be aware of your thoughts which lead to your actions. Change your thoughts if necessary so you will take action towards health and fitness.

Remember this; your whole body is a single system with systems built into it. Each part of one system will affect other systems which affect the whole system. Everything that you do will count. Starting right now, become a systems thinker and you'll become healthier because of it.

Living an optimal life requires a life that is healthy and fit. Knowing what you need to do in order for that to happen is important. And taking action towards getting healthy and fit is the most important key. People who are successful are always action-oriented. They will simply put into the action the right knowledge for them. That includes getting healthy and fit. For more information and to subscribe to the newsletter, go to http://optimallifeseminars.com

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Healthy Body, Healthy Mind For Elevated Effectiveness - Part One

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For years, I have been sharing with my clients that what you think affects how you feel and what takes place in your body. Recently one of my clients remarked I was more like a therapist than a business coach or health provider. She is a prime example of this and how it can slow or even stall your business success indefinitely. A healthy body brings out the healthy mind and together you'll have a strong foundation for life success. As part of Elevated Effectiveness, our first module is about this very topic.

After all, isn't your business success about how well you are able to live? Having a great business that brings in hundreds of thousands or even millions is only worth it if you love the life you are living. How to start having a healthy body healthy mind

Elevated Effectiveness starts us off right. It's not just a time management method. An elevated method produces effective entrepreneurs and small businesses. By elevated, I speak of taking your core strengths and doing something more with them than the average person does with their potential. Effective because when you apply them in your life you become more effective at all the things you do.

Action:

1. Jump start your day with a walk. Just about any expert in business or life will tell you to do this. This is so highly recommended not because it doesn't work but because it does work wonderfully for both your body and mind health! How you walk is up to you though many find these things to be stimulating for the whole person.

Walk at a good pace, and use, breathe walking, an ancient technique that stimulates the metabolism and helps you lose weight or stay fit. It also sends oxygen to the brain and allows you to think more clearly and on focus.

Using breathe walking is part Kundalini Yoga and dates back several thousand years. Some would say it is meditation in action. When I was a young girl, I studied yoga with a Swami. We breathe walked every morning upon waking if you think it sounds silly ask a fourteen year old how silly it sounded back then. I now appreciate what he was teaching us.

While I only had the occasion to spend a few weekends with this yoga master they are some of the best memories and life experiences I have. It was truly the beginning of my journey into living successfully. It taught me the basics of cultivating a mindset that allows me to use my limitless potential.

How do you breathe walk for both morning and evening walks for maximum effectiveness in your daily life and business is more fully explained in part two of this article series.

Debra Arko has been helping businesses and entrepreneurs take their business to the next level for over three decades. Working both with offline and online businesses Deb herself uses every method or system she coaches in her businesses.

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Monday, October 24, 2011

Vitamin K And Its Benefits

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When it comes to vitamins, we are usually familiar with Vitamin C and Vitamin E as these are some of the more common vitamins in the market. There is one vitamin that is important as well although it is not as well known as the some of the other more popular ones. This important vitamin is Vitamin K.

One of the many Vitamin K benefits goes much to the actual enhancement of the person's skin. This vitamin is great for having good blood circulation as well as coagulation. This particular variety of nutrient is also a great agent to help improve the luster and radiance of the skin, restores the actual natural color of the skin whenever the skin develops unwanted discoloration due to the harmful rays of the sun, this can also aid in some vascular complications of the skin; aids in blood clotting to further improve scar healings, and aids skin imperfections. And since it contributes greatly on having a good blood circulation, it can also prevent people from having spider veins that are normally seen in the face area as well as other parts of the body.

To fully understand the foods that are classified as high in Vitamin K, I highly recommend you to check the following:

Green and leafy vegetables, fat-free yogurt that is certainly an excellent source of live microorganisms, lettuce, soy beans (dried type), spinach, lentils, vegetable natural oils, endive, chicken, egg yolk, broccoli, butter, Brussels sprouts, chlorophyll, cabbage.

Aside from that, this particular nutrient is also best for treating any kind of the skin's well known problems. By the way, you can certainly get high-quality source of this specific type of nourishment from lotions and creams which can be bought at any drug store around you. At any rate, the creams are mostly recommended to use when you have bruises caused by a previous surgical treatment too. Lotions and creams rich in Vitamin K are the ones recommended to use in case you want to eliminate a bruise, or if you also want to aid an unattractive scar. Vitamin K creams are also best for people who have experienced burn problems.

There are varieties associated with Vitamin K benefits that we can site in this article but everything seems to boil down on helping your skin on having a healthy skin and body.

Pregnant women are highly recommended to take a lot of this nutrient because they are expecting a kind of procedure which involves a lot of blood loss which is likely to happen during the actual procedure of giving birth.

It is no doubt safe to take Vitamin K supplements as long as you know the proper dosage. However, you may also want to know the risks and side effects that may happen if the vitamin is taken intravenously.

Side effects of Vitamin K when taken directly into the vein:

   1. Flushes
   2. Numbing of the body
   3. Chest pain
   4. Difficulty in breathing
   5. Itchy feeling
   6. Rashes
   7. Death

Given that, it might be best to consult your doctor prior to taking the said vitamins first in order to be safe and sure. Please take in great consideration the risks and factors associated with the intake of the Vitamin K. Our aim is to stay healthy and live a better life, and not the other way around.

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Teas To Help Stop Smoking

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Health Benefits of Tea Drinking

Can drinking tea actually help you quit smoking? In this article I'm going to have a critical look at the assertion that drinking tea can help with quitting the deadly habit of smoking tobacco. I'm aware that tea, especially green tea, has been shown to contain anti-oxidants. Oxidants are chemicals formed in the body due to a variety of reasons. Smoking is one reason why these chemicals are created. These chemicals are important because they react with cellular components causing cell damage. In turn this results in genetic damage and genetic damage is a step towards cancer. The anti-oxidants in green tea have been scientifically shown to mop up oxidants. Therefore, green tea can possibly help combat the carcinogenic effects of tobacco smoke to some degree.

The Claims of Tea Drinking

Teas to help stop smoking? Are there any ingredients in tea that are of help in quitting smoking? There is no doubt that tea contains chemicals that can influence the body in a number of ways. However, is there any sound scientific evidence that supports the claim that tea drinking helps, in any way, to quit smoking? There are teas that can act as an expectorant; that is, they help to clear the chest of phlegm. Exponents advocate that drinking tea can relieve anxiety and reduce stress, detoxify the body, renew and improve lung function and suppress appetite. It is claimed that peppermint tea helps to alleviate withdrawal symptoms such as nausea and supposedly helps curb nicotine cravings. It is also claimed that drinking green tea can help to burn calories thus counteracting weight gain which is often a problem during the initial phase of the quit smoking process.

Teas to Help Stop Smoking- The reality

The scientific evidence for green tea having anti-oxidant properties is convincing. Therefore, green tea may actually help to reduce the risk of smoking related cancer. The worry of course is that the anti-oxidant properties of green tea may discourage smokers from quitting. The anti-cancer benefits are relative and don't equate to returning the smoker to the lung cancer risk of the non-smoker. Evidence in support of drinking tea to help reduce nicotine cravings is less conclusive. I suspect that many of the claims for tea drinking, as a quit smoking aid, are scientifically unsupported. As with many so called 'natural' products that are put forward to help stop smoking the benefits are perceived rather than real. They act as a psychological crutch. However, this psychological aspect of the quitting process should not be underestimated. If someone honestly thinks that it helps, then it probably does.

In the final analysis, I am of the opinion that the claim that drinking tea to help stop smoking is overstated. There is no doubt that green tea is a health tonic. However, as a quit smoking aid, apart from providing psychological support, there are no real benefits.

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Hair Care Products for Men

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Even though men do not put as much stock into their hair as women, healthy hair can go a long way for a man's appearance. Hair is made out of proteins, a hair is much like the fibers in your fingernails but put together much differently. Even though your hair follicle is not technically alive it grows, sleeps and eventually dies after about a 6 year life span.

If your hair becomes damaged it can take quite a while to get it back to its original healthy status. Below are some things you should look for in hair care products for men.

Everything you do in your daily life including your job and diet directly effects your hair. So do what you can to reduce damage by being gently on your scalp. A wet hair breaks more easily than a dry one so when your hair is wet be extra carefully to be gentle with it.

Stay away from blow dryers or any other heating tools, most men do not use them but if you do be careful the high temperatures can fry your hair. If you insist on using a blow dryer be smart and use it at its coolest setting i will take longer to dry your hair, but it will do minimal damage.

If you feel you need to use high heat use a thermal protector to seal and protect the hair from the heat. If you have dry hair take a cooler shower this will help you avoid washing away to much sebum (scalp oil). If you have very oily hair take the hottest shower you can stand this will help break up any oily build up and cleanse your scalp more thoroughly.

Say no to chemicals. Using chemical treatments can literally strip your hair and cause it too be brittle and break. If you do choose to use a chemical treatment then make sure you follow it with a deep conditioner to put some of the moisture back into your hair that was leeched out.

Natural is the way to go so look for naturally based shampoo that will help make and keep hair healthy. You should see a difference after the first week of washings. Believe it or not every thing you do including healthy, diet and lifestyle choices reflect on your hair.

If you eat plenty of fruits and vegetables drink a lot of water and exercise daily your hair will be more healthy. Stress greatly effects your hairs healthy so try to sleep at least 7 hours a night and try to relax stress is terrible for your hair. There is an old saying that if you wear a hat every day your hair will fall out, this is not true at all.

One part of keeping your hair healthy hair regular trimmings. We do not mean a full blown hair cut just get your hair cleaned up. This will remove dead ends and help keep your hair stronger. If you suffer from dry hair try a using conditioner, many men do not use any at all.

Look for hair care products that will compliment you and your hair type. Make sure to stick to naturally based products for the best results. Men want products that work, so it may take a little of trial and error to get ones that work well for you and your specific hair type.

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Thursday, October 13, 2011

Benefits of Acupuncture for Workaholics

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For a lot of people, there's nothing more stressful than what they go through at work. People may enjoy their jobs, but may pay the price of a stressful job with high levels of anxiety and stress, which may have a number of negative effects on one's health. High blood pressure may be one, while women who are pregnant may be encouraged to reduce their stress as it may be detrimental to their health while pregnant as well as that of their child. Workaholics may find relief from the stress from their job in a number of places, one of which may include acupuncture.

The exact reasons for acupuncture's success are not fully understood, but it has been used for thousands of years to alleviate many different symptoms and negative conditions. The treatment works by placing thin, sterile needles in certain points on the body. Practitioners believe that this helps to release positive energy, while in the process pushes out negative energy. Practitioners believe that energy may become blocked due to stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, etc., all of which may be indicative of a workaholic. By releasing this blocked energy, practitioners believe that it helps relieve conditions like stress and anxiety.

For workaholics who are pregnant, the condition may have other benefits as well. Relieving stress while pregnant is often important, as stress may be harmful to one's health while pregnant. What's more, acupuncture may help to increase blood flow to the reproductive organs, may increase the thickness of the uterine lining, etc. Many women who are having trouble conceiving, which may be due to stress in some cases, turn to acupuncture and may continue treatment through their first trimester, as this is when most miscarriages occur.

Workaholics may find themselves suffering from a variety of emotional distresses like anxiety, stress, depression, etc. This may not only have a negative impact on their emotional well-being, it may manifest in certain physical problems as well. This may include pain, which acupuncture may be used to manage, as well as high blood pressure and other conditions. One of the first steps to alleviating these symptoms may be to reduce the stressors in one's life, and that may mean cutting back on the stress at work or reducing one's hours spent at work. Individuals should also speak with their doctor about the possible negative consequences of stress and how to best manage it. Acupuncture may be recommended in many cases.

Arianna has found additional information on how acupuncture for infertility helps increase conception. Review it at your leisure at http://www.DomarCenter.com for pain and stress relief and see how it helps during a pregnancy.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Arianna_Benson

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10 Acupuncture Health Benefits

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Do you ever wonder if acupuncture really does work? Studies show that acupuncture certainly does work for some ailments but not all. Generally, it can treat illnesses such as angina, depression, headaches, infertility and more. If you want to know which ailment acupuncture can be applied to, read more below.

   1. Angina.It is otherwise called chest or heart pain. Studies show that this can be relieved using electro-acupuncture. Electro-acupuncture makes use of a pair of needles that are connected to a battery. It creates electric impulses that are used to help patients with angina.
   2. Balance Disorders.A promising study shows that patients with balance disorders caused by whiplash yielded positive results after having undertaken acupuncture. However, further research needs to be done in order to strengthen this claim.
   3. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.Patients with CTS experience aches and pains on their hands and fingers. This is caused by repetitive motions and movements such as too much use of the keyboard or mouse. Studies show that individuals with CTS showed great improvement (little or no pain) after undergoing acupuncture.
   4. Morning Sickness.This is usually experienced by pregnant women during the early stage of their pregnancy. Many studies have suggested that acupuncture is an effective method in relieving this very common symptom.
   5. Epicondylitis.This is popularly known as Tennis Elbow and is a condition that involves chronic tenderness and soreness of the elbow. Acupuncture can help relieve this condition especially if it is done on a regular basis. Several studies have proven and strengthened this claim.
   6. Weight Loss.Acupuncture can help anyone who wants to battle the bulge. Acupuncture offers another alternative to obese individuals' journey to a healthier and thinner body as it aims to suppress the appetite.
   7. Depression.Patients with depression can utilize acupuncture in treating symptoms associated with this disorder. It does not only treat the symptoms but it also works to improve the benefits of anti-depressive drugs.
   8. Infertility.Several studies have supported acupuncture's effect in improving the quality and strength of the male semen. Make sure that this process is done by a certified and medically-trained acupuncturist for better results.
   9. Hypertension.Many studies revealed how hypertensive patients showed great improvement after being treated by acupuncture. So if you are suffering from high blood pressure, it would be beneficial if you see an acupuncturist and take into consideration this alternative treatment.
  10. Headaches. A number of studies have shown that acupuncture can relieve short-term and chronic headaches such as migraines. Consult your doctor and discuss this option. Detroit acupuncture is full of medically-trained acupuncturist who can help you with your problem. If in case your physician is not convinced you can give him a copy of the March 2004 issue of The British Medical Journal for reference.

Stolman Acupuncture is owned by a trusted physician who has built his reputation as a Detroit acupuncturist. He has performed over 15,000 treatments, and is well respected in the Detroit acupuncture community. So for a board certified physician who is an expert in acupuncture and pain relief, visit StolmanAcupuncture.com TODAY!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carol_Simon

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