Tuesday, June 5, 2007

Herbs and Pregnancy

Most of the problems of pregnancy can be prevented by attention to nutrition. Morning sickness and mood swings are connected to low blood sugar; backaches and severe labor pains often result from insufficient calcium; varicose veins, hemorrhoids, constipation, skin discoloration and anemia are evidence of lack of specific nutrients; preeclampsia, the most severe problem of pregnancy, is a form of acute malnutrition. Excellent nutrition includes pure water, controlled breath, abundant light, loving and respectful relationships, beauty and harmony in daily life, joyous thoughts and vital foodstuffs.
Wild foods and organically grown produce, grains and herbs are the best source of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients needed during pregnancy.
HERBAL TONICS DURING PREGNANCY
These herbs are empirically safe and notably effective. Tonic herbs improve general health by balancing and sustaining energy flow and focus in the body.
Tonics allay annoyances and prevent major problems. They can boost the supply of vital minerals and vitamins, increase energy and improve uterine tone. The tonics indicated for pregnancy need to be used regularly; a tonic is to the cells much as exercise is to the muscles: not much use when done erratically. Of course even occasional use of tonics during pregnancy will be of benefit, since they do contain nourishing factors. Better benefit will come from using them 5 times a week or more.
Women in many cultures have used the following herbs for centuries to have a healthier pregnancy.
RED RASPBERRY LEAVES
Brewed as a tea or as an infusion, raspberry is the best known, most widely used, and safest of all uterine and pregnancy tonic herbs. It contains fragrine, an alkaloid which gives tone to the muscles of the pelvic region, including the uterus itself.
The benefits of drinking a raspberry leaf brew before and throughout pregnancy include:
· Increasing fertility in both men and women. Raspberry leaf is an excellent fertility herb when combined with Red Clover.
· Preventing miscarriage and hemorrhage.
· Easing of morning sickness.
· Reducing pain during labor and after birth. By toning the muscles used during labor and delivery, Raspberry leaf eliminates many of the reasons for a painful delivery and prolonged recovery.
· Assisting in the production of plentiful breast milk. The high mineral content of Raspberry leaf assist in milk production, but its astringency may counter that for some women.
NETTLE LEAVES
Some pregnant women alternate weeks of nettle and raspberry brews; others drink raspberry until the last month and then switch to nettles to insure large amounts of vitamin K in the blood before birth.
The benefits of drinking nettle infusion before and throughout pregnancy include:
· Aiding the kidneys. Nettle infusions were instrumental in rebuilding the kidneys. Since the kidneys must cleanse 150 percent of the normal blood supply for most of the pregnancy, nettle's ability to nourish and strengthen them is of major importance. Any accumulation of minerals in the kidneys, such as gravel or stones, is gently loosened, dissolved and eliminated by the consistent use of nettle infusions.
· Nourishing mother and fetus.
· Easing leg cramps and other spasms.
· Diminishing pain during and after birth. The high calcium content, which is readily assimilated, helps diminish muscle pains in the uterus, in the legs and elsewhere.
· Preventing hemorrhage after birth. Nettle is a superb source of vitamin K, and increases available hemoglobin, both of which decrease the likelihood of postpartum hemorrhage. Fresh Nettle Juice, in teaspoon doses, slows postpartum bleeding.
· Reducing hemorrhoids. Nettle's mild astringency and general nourishing action tightens and strengthens blood vessels, helps maintain arterial elasticity and improves venous resilience.
CHASTE TREE
Another important herbal ally for women over forty who desire a child is chaste tree. It is a strengthening tonic for the pituitary gland, the master control gland for the endocrine system. Daily use of the tincture of the berries (1 dropperful/1 ml 2-3 times daily) had been shown to increase progesterone--the hormone of pregnancy--and luteinizing hormone--which promotes conception. Because it can lower prolactin levels, chaste tree is best discontinues during the last trimester of pregnancy.

Dieting during Pregnancy

Pregnancy is the most beautiful phase in a woman's life. It brings about emotional and physiological changes as well as poses extra demands on the body. A healthy diet is crucial to having a healthy pregnancy. Good nutrition is essential to ensuring that a mother's body can give the unborn baby the nourishment she or he requires to develop and grow.

Energy requirement varies among individuals. It is generally recommended that pregnant women increase their daily intake by 100kcal in the first trimester and 300kcal in the second and third trimester. A daily prenatal multivitamin supplement is often recommended during pregnancy.

The daily diet should include:
Fresh fruit and vegetables, especially citrus fruits and dark green vegetables, which contain folic acid.
Carbohydrates such as bread, pasta, grains, potatoes and cereals.
Lean meat or fish, especially oily fish which has high levels of essential fatty acids.
Milk and other dairy produce such as yoghurt, fromage frais and cheese - choose lower fat options where possible.
Folate, or Folic acid, is a B vitamin found in a number of foods. It is needed to support the increasing maternal blood volume and to decrease the risk of baby Neural Tube Defects (NTD). Diet alone is not likely to provide enough folate. Therefore, it is recommended that women should start taking a daily folate supplement of 400ug (0.4mg) 3 months prior to conception and should continue through the first 3 months of the pregnancy.
Foods that contain folic acid include:
Dark green vegetables
Cereals, especially whole grains - some breads and cereal products are fortified with folic acid (read the packet's nutritional label)
Oranges, grapefruit, bananas
beans and pulses
Milk and yoghurt
Yeast or malt extracts (as drinks or spreads)
Iron is essential to maintaining a sufficient level of blood supply to the growing baby and the placenta. As many women's iron stores are not enough for meeting the increased requirements during pregnancy, a daily low dose iron supplement (30mg) is often recommended during the second and third trimesters. Iron deficiency can be prevented by eating more iron-rich foods like:
Meat (thoroughly cooked)
Dark green vegetables such as broccoli, watercress, spinach and kale
Nuts (although you may need to avoid peanuts) - almonds and brazil nuts are a good source
Pulses such as chick-peas and lentils
Whole grains such as whole meal bread, brown rice and breakfast cereals
Dried fruit
Eggs

Caffeine is harmful during pregnancy
The research shows that high intakes of caffeine may lead to miscarriage. The Food Standards Agency suggests pregnant women limit their intake of coffee to no more than four cups a day. Cola drinks also contain caffeine. Switching to non-caffeine alternatives where ever possible is advisable.

Drinking, smoking and other perils
Pregnant women should avoid alcohol completely. Continuous, heavy drinking can cause permanent brain and developmental damage in the foetus. Smoking raises the carbon monoxide levels in the blood, reducing the amount of oxygen a baby gets, which affects growth and makes him vulnerable to infection. It also puts him at higher risk of stillbirth or being born early. After the birth there's an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS or cot death). Drugs, including cannabis and ecstasy, are risky during pregnancy as they reach the baby's bloodstream as well as yours. Heroin and cocaine can create serious dependency problems in babies. Infectious diseases can be risky, too.

Vegetarian and Vegan diet

What are Vegetarian and Vegan?

Vegetarians do not eat meat, fish, and poultry. Vegans are vegetarians who abstain from eating or using all animal products, including milk, cheese, other dairy items, eggs, wool, silk, leather, etc. and eats only plant-based foods.. Among the many reasons for being a vegetarian are health, ecological, and religious concerns, dislike of meat, compassion for animals, belief in non-violence, and economics. The American Dietetic Association has affirmed that a vegetarian diet can meet all known nutrient needs. The key to a healthy vegetarian diet, as with any other diet, is to eat a wide variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, plenty of leafy greens, whole grain products, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Limit your intake of sweets and fatty foods.
Staples of a Vegetarian Diet

A balanced vegetarian diet should include:

Grains and cereals: Wholegrain bread, brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, muesli.
Legumes, nuts and seeds: Soya beans. kidney beans, split peas, lentils, almonds, cashews, sesame seeds
Fruit and vegetables: As much as you want - think variety. Try new fruits and vegetables and include them in your diet every day
Dairy or Soya products: Look out for fat free and reduced calorie options for milk, yoghurts, and cheeses.

A typical vegetarian diet closely matches expert dietary recommendations for healthy eating, being low in saturated fat and high in fiber, complex carbohydrates, and fresh fruit and vegetables. As long as you eat a variety of foods you will be getting all the nutrients you need.

A vegetarian diet tends to be lower in total fat, and vegetarians tend to eat proportionally more polyunsaturated fat to saturated fat compared with non-vegetarians. (Animal products are the major sources of dietary saturated fat).Studies have shown that vegetarians (following a well-balanced low-fat high-fiber vegetarian diet) often have lower incidence of coronary artery disease, hypertension, obesity and some forms of cancer.
Some Americans are obsessed with protein. Vegans are bombarded with questions about where they get their protein. Although protein is certainly an essential nutrient which plays many key roles in the way our bodies function, we do not need huge quantities of it. In reality, we need small amounts of protein. Only one calorie out of every ten we take in needs to come from protein.

How much protein do we need?
The RDA recommends that we take in 0.8 grams of protein for every kilogram that we weigh (or about 0.36 grams of protein per pound that we weigh).

Since vegans eat a variety of plant protein sources, somewhere between 0.8 and 1 gram of protein per kilogram would be a protein recommendation for vegans. If we do a few calculations we see that the protein recommendation for vegans amounts to close to 10% of calories coming from protein.

So, in the United States it appears that vegan diets are commonly lower in protein than standard American diets. Remember, though, with protein, more (than the RDA) is not necessarily better. There do not appear to be health advantages to consuming a high protein diet. Diets that are high in protein may even increase the risk of osteoporosis and kidney disease.

Whey Protein powder

Whey protein refers to a complex product made up of lactose, protein, minerals and fats. It mainly consists of protein and consists of several proteins such as Beta-lactoglobulin, immunoglobulins (IgGs), bovine serum albumin (BSA), and lactalbumin in addition to lysozyme, lactoperoxidases and lactoferrin al having their own unique effects on immunity and health.
It is now the most preferred biologically available protein on the Earth and has been the priority for many modern day athletes. It is also absorbed easily by the body and easily utilizable protein and has the largest protein content per serving. It has a remarkably high biological value rating and a remarkably high content of Branch Chain Amino Acid (BCAA). Whey Protein Isolates (WPIs) are considered to contain as much as 90-96% of protein. A good WPI is known to contain large amount of protein and less fat.
Whey protein powder is found to be pleasant in taste and can be easily consumed with any favorite beverage. It may be taken anything between one to two servings depending upon the level of activity and it ensures that the body gets the sufficient amount of dietary protein.
Side effects of Whey protein

Whey protein, if taken in very high quantity can cause overload of the liver and can also pose some serious consequences. Overdose of whey protein can be harmful. Whey protein can also cause allergic reactions in acute cases where people suffer from intolerance to lactose or who are usually allergic to dairy products. The best option is to take consultation of your doctor before consuming Whey protein. It can also result in the deterioration of kidney function.

Thus, to derive maximum benefits out of the Whey proteins, the intake of whey protein has to be dependent on the level of goals and muscle activity. Bodybuilders would normally require a consumption of 150 grams or more of whey protein a day. It has been recommended that a person must take only 1gm of protein per pound of his body weight. In case of any doubt regarding the usage and effects of whey protein for your body, please beforehand consult your medical practitioner.

Designer Whey protein recipes

What is Whey protein? Whey protein refers to a complex product made up of lactose, protein, minerals and fats. It mainly consists of protein and consists of several proteins such as Beta-lactoglobulin, immunoglobulins (IgGs), bovine serum albumin (BSA), and lactalbumin in addition to lysozyme, lactoperoxidases and lactoferrin al having their own unique effects on immunity and health.

Whey is considered to be a great source of raising the level of glutathione (GSH) in the human body which is considered to be the most significant water-soluble antioxidant in the human body is also helpful to the immune system of the Body.

There are several recipes that can be made to give an extra touch to the No. 1 protein on this Earth.

Designer Whey Breakfast

Ingredients:

1 cup instant oatmeal
1 ¾ cups of water
2 scoops of designer Whey Vanilla
Non-fat milk (if required)
Sugar-free jam, nuts, raisins, and cinnamon (if required)

One cup instant oatmeal needs to be mixed with 1 ½ cups of water in a big microwave safe bowl and has to be stirred until oatmeal is completely moistened. Then cook for 2 minutes on high power in the microwave. Then stir two level Vanilla designer whey scoops into ¼ cup of water and pour this into oatmeal and stir. You can add Sugar-free jam, nuts, raisins, and cinnamon as per your liking.

Make 1 serving
Total Time: 5 minutes
Nutritional Information
Calories 305
Protein 38g
Carbohydrates 29g
Fat 4g
Protein Apple Pancakes

This is great to taste and would put water in your mouth in addition to providing you with all the necessary amount of proteins.

Ingredients:

6 slices of whole wheat bread
3 scoops of Designer Whey Vanilla Praline
½ cup of enriched flour
4 large baking apples, must be peeled and cored
2 Tbs. each of ground cinnamon, granulated sugar and Lemon juice
6 large egg whites (you can add 2 egg yolks, for a fluffy look).
3/4 cup of skimmed milk

The bread can be crumbed and placed in a big mixing bowl using food processor’s chopping blades. Whey and flour can then be added to the bread crumbs and a fork can be used to stir for blending.

Then apples needs to be grated using the food processor’s grating blade and put in the mixing bowl. Lemon juice can then be sprinkled and cinnamon can be put over apples. Then stir with a fork for a while and then milk and egg whites and stir again. Add egg mixture and apple to the mixture of bread crumb and stir again to bend.

Griddle needs to be spread with the help of a non-stick coking spray and then griddle is pre-heated to medium-to-high heating. Dollop batter (1/4 measuring cup) can then be put onto the heated griddle. Batter needs to be spread to 4-inches circles. Do not turn more than twice each side and cook until both of the sides appears to be golden brown.

Make 16 pancakes.
Total Time: 20 minutes

Nutritional Information (per pancake)
Protein 6g
Calories 109
Fiber 2g
Carbohydrates 20g
Fat >1g

Protein Loaded Designer Protein Shake

Ingredients:

3 scoops of Designer Whey
½ cup concentrate of frozen grape juice
1 scoop of Phosphagen HP
1 tsp. of Knox ™ unflavored gelatin
8 oz water

Put all of the ingredients in a blender and blend for 1 minute at high speed.

Nutritional Information
Calories 682
Protein 59g
Carbohydrates 107g
Fat 2g
Banana Designer Protein Pudding

Ingredients:

1 packet Jell-O® Brand Banana Instant Sugar & Fat-Free Pudding
2 scoops of Designer Whey Praline
3 cups of skim milk

Put skimmed milk, designer whey and pudding packet at low speed for around 2 minutes in blender. Then pour it into 2 medium-sized bowls and then refrigerate for approximately 7-10 minutes.


Makes 2 servings.
Total Time: 15 minutes
Nutritional Information
Calories 289
Protein 35g
Carbohydrates 34g
Fat 1g

Renting Fitness Equipment

We all do some common things such as walking the stairs, walking or may be a workout at gym. If that leads to a shortage of breath, weight gain making you go insane and tiredness coming your way every now, and you have finally decided that enough is enough, I am going to change it all finally. Then this is definitely a god decision, better late than never.

At some time, we have to make choice whether this particular fitness equipment is worth a buy or not. A good equipment costs somewhat above or around $1000 which is not a usual object to afford for many of us guys. But when did we think of renting it as that would mean the object of our choice without any quality compromises. Isn’t that just great, just what the Heart thought.

This surely has a valid point. We get to have the equipment without actually paying it all the way and there is a variety of equipments that could be grabbed with the same amount that could have bought just single equipment is just too good to resist.

The renting of fitness equipment usually comes with a trial offer where one can have a thorough look at all the aspects of the equipment. It is always better to know your machine perfectly before you begin on it. Then one can also have a look at the benefits that could add to their wardrobe of equipments. That too at no additional cost.

We all know that exercises can be done in a more uniformed and positive way through the use of fitness equipments, and you have an option of renting the fitness equipments.
Benefits of renting fitness equipment:
This is a pretty good option in case one isn’t sure or wants to be completely sure of the equipments he would be using. This would also make the exercises at home with the added comfort of doing it any hour of the day, without waiting for the gym to open or odd hours or when you just feel the desire deep down inside to have it. If you are living in a apartment you must also be aware of several issues that would not have come to the mind at the first instance like space and noise issues.
Renting is economical.
Renting is indeed a cost-saving measure and all the tensions can just be left behind. There are numerous fitness equipments that are out of reach of the common public, and that’s where renting do the wonders. Not only does it provide the option in a very economical way but it also paves the way for using the equipment. This may also be cheaper when compared to the membership of a reputed health club.

Renting is also beneficial in cases where there is a problem of temporary home where the service provider of the equipments makes the necessary arrangements for shifting of the bulky equipments, if that is, of course provided in the terms of the renting agreement.

This may also be helpful in case the person intending to use these equipments wants to use it temporarily. This actually solves the problem of many a busy people who are not blessed with endless money to spend on these equipments. This is a 24*7 facility at no additional costs.

Acetyl L-Carnitine

Acetyl L-Carnitine is primarily derived from the methionine and lysine amino acids and is largely synthesized in the kidney and liver of the human body. It must be carried to other body tissues so that they can use them. The content of L-Carnitine is found in abundant in cardiac and skeletal muscles which use fatty acids of the body as the chief dietary fuel.

The primary aim of L-Carnitine supplements to the human body is the oxidation of fatty acids that helps in regulating the undesired fat in the body. Fatty acids are used predominantly for energy purposes and oxidation refers to the process of burning these fatty acids by breaking them for the purpose of creation of energy. Carnitine is beneficial to carry the fatty acids past the mitochondria membrane for allowing oxidation of fats in the human body.
Benefits of Carnitine:

1. It helps in production of energy.
2. It is also beneficial for weight loss.
3. It slows down aging.
4. It prevent cataract.
5. It improves level of cellular energy in the brain.
6. Reduces depression symptoms and enhance mental performance.
7. Support body functions having a high demand level.

It also plays an important role in the production of energy in the body besides supporting all the functions of the body that needs high doses of energy. Carnitine is present in many food items such as grains, meat and vegetables. It is found in abundance in red meats like lamb and beef.

The human body is able to produce only a meager amount of L-Carnitine daily and that too is concentrated mainly in the skeletal and heart muscles. This may be the most needed essential nutrient in cases where its demand exceed someone’s ability to synthesis it.

Those who are vegetarian are at a loss of Carnitine but that can be easily met with several Carnitine supplements available in the market worldwide today.
Side effects of Carnitine:

Rise in blood pressure.
Heartbeat tends to get faster.
Diarrhea and fever.
Symptoms of Carnitine deficiency:
Weakening of muscles.
Heart irregularities.
Malfunctioning of kidneys after exercise session.
Muscle cramping and muscle fatigue.


How much should I take?

Normally, approximately 2gm can be taken and the supplements of L-Carnitine supplements normally come in 250mg and 500mg.
Thus it can be summarized that Carnitine acts as a mode of transportation of carrying energy to the body and helps in proper functioning of the body. It is found in abundance in red meats and support body functions having a high demand level.

High Carb vs High Fat diets

Diet fitness is quite significant to a bodybuilder and it is essential for the growth and formation of muscle and other tissues. The diet must be such that it can provide the basic nutrients to the body besides grooming the developmental aspect of the Body.

Carbohydrates and Fats play an important role in the normal functioning of the Body. Carbohydrates can easily enter into the oxidation process of the human body very easily and provide a rapid flow of energy. A highly enriched diet of carbohydrate can be used for the purpose of maximizing liver and muscle glycogen reserves. Glycogen is term used to denote a complex glucose that is able to supply large amounts of energy to the performance of anaerobic exercises.
Types of Carbohydrates:

Simple Carbohydrates: They are several forms of sugar such as fructose and glucose and have the capability of breaking down very easily in the human body and are considered to be a great and quick source of energy. Examples of simple Carbohydrates are: Dairy products, fruits, maple syrup and honey.

Complex Carbohydrates: They consist of long strings of simple Carbohydrates and are slower sources of energy than the simple Carbohydrates. However, they have a advantage that they provide comparatively quicker generation of energy than simple Carbohydrates. Examples of complex Carbohydrates are: Pastas, bread, potatoes and corn.

The human body is able to store quite a small amount of excess energy in the form of carbohydrates. It is medically recommended that the total daily calories of a human being must have at least 50-55% of Carbohydrates.
Categories of Carbohydrates:

Lactose.
Maltose.
Sucrose.
Glycogen.
Deoxyribose.
Ribose.
Cellulose.

Fats are a set of complex molecules that comprises of glycerol and fatty acids. They are the slowest energy source to the body but the most efficient energy form of food in terms of energy. The supply of calories to the body by fats exceed to that of carbohydrates or proteins. . It is medically recommended that the total daily calories of a human being must be less than 30 percent. It is also advised that the intake of cholesterol and trans fatty acids must be reduced in the human body.
Categories of Fats:
Triglyceride.
Wax.
Glycolipid.
Steroid.
Phospholipids.


Fats and Carbohydrates play a very important role in the growth and development of the human body and they are really beneficial for a bodybuilder’s body as his body needs additional amount of both Fats and Carbohydrates due to an increase in the level of muscle activity and more demand of nutrients by the body.

Just like any other nutrient, Fats and Carbohydrates can not be neglected as their role in the normal functioning and development is unique and a healthy body needs both of them for support and growth. It is advisable that the diet must contain either high carbohydrates and low fats or low carbohydrates and high fats. It is strongly advised that both Fats and Carbohydrates must not be on a higher level.

Overnight Weight Loss

People today are starving today for the perfect shape and physique. Times have changed and so has the level of acceptance for slim and trim people. Heavy bodies are neglected and are a victim of low self-esteem and social stigma. Weight loss is a general technique in great demand nowadays and people are spending a huge amount of money on shedding a few kilos.

Weight loss is not an overnight phenomenon. The human body puts up weight in a long time and it takes time to shed the same. No drug or medicine has been yet discovered which can help in immediate loss of weight to a person. Abnormal loss of weight can pose serious threat to one’s health and fitness. “No pain, no gain”. It must be remembered that “Great bodies are not overnight” and one should never try to imitate other’s style and looks and make his own body suffer.

Obviously, being slim and fit has its own benefits such as ease of all activities and having a positive outlook. The diet of a person plays an important role in weight loss plan.

Tips & precautions:

Balanced diet plan must be adopted.
Exercise must be made a routine affair.
Consultation from a Health expert before commencing weight loss plan.
Intake of essential elements and making sure the body is not dehydrated or over-exhausted.
Avoid alcohol, smoking, caffeine, sedatives and drugs.
If already suffering from a disease, please consult your doctor to make sure the plan is not likely to cause any side-effects.
Junk foods or frozen food must be avoided.
Eat several small meals than large meals.
Eat high-protein and high calorie enriched food.
Aerobics exercises are beneficial.

Side effects:

Prolonged hunger and fatigue
Rashes and acidosis.
Reduced sex drive and disease of the gall-bladder.
Depression and stress.

The weight loss diet plan has to be strictly followed for optimum benefits and it must be made in such a manner that it does not over-exhaust the body and the diet of the individual must be rich enough to provide him with the basic body needs and nutrients. It must be always remembered that the Body must be fit and strong enough to meet its daily needs. The diet must be analyzed, monitored and regulated to ensure that the diet intake does not hamper the basic requirements of the Body.

One should be also undergoing exercises, for about 30 minutes a day. This may be anything from brisk walking, swimming, playing tennis, and workout at gym. The exercises must be done in a clean, peaceful environment with a certified trainer.

Thus it would be really wrong to say that bodies can be over-turned in a span of a single day. One must not leave his determination, perseverance and zeal and must aim for a healthy lifestyle and never ashamed of his/her body. The loss of weight must not be sudden but it must be slowly and steadily. There has to be a uniform approach to be followed and the friends/ relatives and companions must appreciate the hard work done for the achievement of the weight loss plan.

Obesity in America

Obesity refers to a condition in which the human fatty tissues are increased to an extent that it can cause abnormal growth in the human weight and size along with a high mortality rate. Nowadays thousands of people are suffering from obesity and many more are adding to the list.
Causes of Obesity:

1. Over-eating.
2. Mental depression, stress and fatigue.
3. Lack of sleep and eating disorders.
4. Unhealthy lifestyle.
5. Smoking cessation and weight cycling.
6. Genetic factors and disorders.
Side effects of Obesity:

It can lead to dizziness, varicose veins, and enlarged heart.
Menstrual disorders and infertility.
Breast and uterine cancer in females.
Headache, social stigma and low self-esteem.
Body dysmorphic disorder, stretch marks and carbuncles.
Hernia, intertrigo and immobility.
Asthma, depression, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Obesity is not limited to the physical effects on the overweight individual, but rather expands to include increased health-related costs to businesses with overweight workers, stress on families when a loved one is diagnosed with a weight-related health disorder and psychological factors for the overweight person. Billions of dollars are spent each year on efforts to lose weight and yet the population grows fatter each day.

Worldwide, a billion people are now overweight or obese, including 22 million children under the age of 5. Obesity and ills linked to it, including heart disease and high blood pressure, have joined the World Health Organization's list of the Top 10 global health risks. Rates of obesity are going up in developing countries as well as industrialized ones, with the greatest increases taking place in the last 10 years. In the United States, 64.5 percent of adults and 15 percent of children ages 6 to 19 are overweight.
A sedentary lifestyle is the primary cause for the current obesity crisis. Many experts compare yesterday’s agricultural society where long hours of hard labor in the fields kept generations lean, with today’s cyberspace society where days and nights are spent sitting in front of a computer screen. Ironically, when the dietary needs should have been adjusted with fewer calories to match the less physical lifestyle, the calories intake has been dramatically increased through fast food, prepared foods, increased portion sizes and dining out.

Fast food, fried in obscene amounts of artery clogging oil does not have a place on the current pyramid. And yet, many fast-food meals are part of the typical diet of an overweight person. Adding the extra calories from fast food to the pyramid, or worse yet, replacing the healthy and nutrient dense fruits and vegetables on the current food pyramid has lead to the fattening up of the world.

To truly succeed at losing body fat and most important of all, keeping that fat off, you need a plan - a program to help you succeed. Each adult individual is responsible for calories ingested and burned on a daily basis. Almost any plan that reduces calories, limits fat and controls portion size will work when coupled with exercise done on a daily basis. If you're looking for an effective fat loss program, look no further.

Health is not an area where we should make compromises. It is time that we begin to take responsibility and corrective action to curb this expanding crisis right at the individual level, for it is the individual that determines the quantities of food ingested and whether or not that food is stored as fat or burned as the body’s fuel.

Whey Protein powder

Whey protein refers to a complex product made up of lactose, protein, minerals and fats. It mainly consists of protein and consists of several proteins such as Beta-lactoglobulin, immunoglobulins (IgGs), bovine serum albumin (BSA), and lactalbumin in addition to lysozyme, lactoperoxidases and lactoferrin al having their own unique effects on immunity and health.
It is now the most preferred biologically available protein on the Earth and has been the priority for many modern day athletes. It is also absorbed easily by the body and easily utilizable protein and has the largest protein content per serving. It has a remarkably high biological value rating and a remarkably high content of Branch Chain Amino Acid (BCAA).
Whey Protein Isolates (WPIs) are considered to contain as much as 90-96% of protein. A good WPI is known to contain large amount of protein and less fat.
Benefits of Whey protein:

It is helpful in combating HIV.
Reduces cancer rates.
It helps in improving immunity of the body and reducing stress.
It is also beneficial for reducing blood pressure and improving performance.

Whey is considered to be a great source of raising the level of glutathione (GSH) in the human body which is considered to be the most significant water-soluble antioxidant in the human body is also helpful to the immune system of the Body.

This has been popular nowadays with athletes and bodybuilders as it is really beneficial in increasing the lean muscle mass. It is considered to be utmost importance to the step of bodybuilding as lack of protein would result in non-development of the lean muscle mass. Whey is also considered helpful for weight loss and fat loss in the human body. It is also known to raise the T-cell activity and also reducing wasting tissues during illness and is helpful to speed up the process of overall body recovery.

Whey protein powder is found to be pleasant in taste and can be easily consumed with any favorite beverage. It may be taken anything between one to two servings depending upon the level of activity and it ensures that the body gets the sufficient amount of dietary protein.
Whey protein, if taken in very high quantity can cause overload of the liver and can also pose some serious consequences. Overdose of whey protein can be harmful. Whey protein can also cause allergic reactions in acute cases where people suffer from intolerance to lactose or who are usually allergic to dairy products. The best option is to take consultation of your doctor before consuming Whey protein. It can also result in the deterioration of kidney function.

Whey protein powder quickly gets into the body and provides the significant amino acids that are needed for the nourishment of the muscle and other tissues of the Body. Therefore its is commonly used as a infant formula and also as a protein supplement for use by medical authorities
The intake of whey protein has to be dependent on the level of goals and muscle activity. Bodybuilders would normally require a consumption of 150 grams or more of whey protein a day. It has been recommended that a person must take only 1gm of protein per pound of his body weight. In case of any doubt regarding the usage and effects of whey protein for your body, please consult your medical practitioner beforehand.

Soy protein

Soy protein is considered to be one of the best substitutes for meat protein due to its essential amino acids. It is a healthy way to get the required amount of vegetable protein in the diet and it is also animal-fat free. It is great in taste, natural and has the capability of providing numerous health benefits to the human body. It is a great food for bodybuilders who want to be on a high protein and low carbohydrates diet.
Benefits of Soy protein:

It is beneficial for reducing the cholesterol level as per FDA studies.
It has the highest possible score of 1.0 as per PDCAAS (standard measure of quality of protein).
It also helps in reducing the risk of several heart-related diseases.
It helps to increase the nutritive value of other foods due to its high content of amino acids.
It also reduces the risk of prostate cancer, osteoporosis and colon cancer.
It does not affect HDL cholesterol and helps to reduce LDL cholesterol.

It can also be used for texturizing and emulsification beside applications such as paper coatings and adhesives.

Soy protein can be consumed in the natural form as well as by taking soy supplements. It is generally considered to be quite safe.
Side effects of Soy products:

Although considered to be safe and natural, soy products can cause stomach upset or diarrhea in acute cases. It can also worsen bladder cancer risk or kidney stone besides reducing the production of thyroid hormone in the human body.

Soy protein is also helpful in increasing the lean muscle mass and is basically derived from soybeans that are considered to be low in terms of cholesterol, fat and lactose. It is highly nutritive and is equivalent to milk, eggs and meat. Therefore, soy protein is also referred as “complete protein” at times. It is very beneficial for people who are intolerant to lactose.

In the case of a bodybuilder, soy protein is a great source of protein which is required by his body for maintaining the muscle mass. And, soy protein is vegetarian, natural and animal-fat free which makes it an obvious choice.

Thus it would be right to term soy protein as the “complete protein” keeping in mind its nutritive abilities and being a great source of protein which is needed by the body to increase the lean muscle mass besides being a natural and animal-fat free source.

Working mother.

The wisdom of women has been passed from one to another, from a mother-in-law to her daughter-in-law and so on. Mothers have been always a rich source of love and caress, and it is rightly said,” Since God cannot be everywhere, he created mothers". That sums it all. No matter how much anyone gets outside, but the pure and unconditional love of a mother is something which can not be substituted by anything, just anything.

In the modern era, where the financial needs of a home can be hardly met with the money brought in by the male counterpart, and when the self-respect and independence status of the women has reached new heights, the culture of working women has crafted itself in several ways. And the society consider women as incomplete unless the birth of her child, and then the come the concept of a working mother.

The modern life makes it hard for the women of today to strive for her professional and home goals as they have to strike a balance between the two. And that’s not a easy task. The responsibilities of tough office life coupled with the demands of the family, husband and children makes the life of women more complicated and her tasks more gruesome.


It is normally believed that the presence of children in the family infuses a great energy and bearing the hard responsibilities of the office does bring the better side of the parenthood in the women.

Being a working women do have some of its own benefits, such as:

1. Earlier socialization of the child.

2. Inspiration for children of a groomed personal identity and mental life.

3. Independent children with a sense of responsibility.

There would always be debates whether a mother should be working or not, as working women are assumed to neglect the primary want of their children that is the presence which is witnessed by the child during his heydays of childhood. The children are left to be cared by crèches and caretakers or left to hostel and that creates a negative impact on the mind of the children.

However a working mother also brings some benefits to her children such as the desire to achieve personal goals, independency, and a sense of family. They do work hard for attaining equilibrium in both the professional and home fronts.

The success of the working women depends upon a great extent to her spouse who can make a vast difference in striking a balance for her, by making it comfortable by dividing the duties and routine household work to be performed by her and encouraging her to excel in her sphere of life and let attain her ambitions and goals.
To conclude, a working mother is far more effort-maker than a normal housewife as she is entrusted with the task of managing the best of the home and the office.

Thumb sucking.

Thumb sucking is the general practice associated with babies and young children who sucks their thumb for a prolonged duration. This is practiced as this has a soothing effect and is considered to be one of the natural reflexes of a new born. Thumb sucking can be initiated as early as 2-3 months of growth in the mother’s womb or within months of coming into the World.

It is often seen that the child is relived of the Thumb sucking act by the age of 5 years and if this continues for a longer period, than advice of a Pediatric Dentist must be taken to help the child to give up this habit.

Bad effects of Thumb sucking:

The child is likely to develop crooked teeth and a malformation of palate.
Speech defects can take place from malaligned teeth.
The coordination between the lower and the upper jaw may be effected.

Tips:

1. The child must be engaged

Praise children for not sucking, instead of scolding them when they do.
If a child is sucking their thumb when feeling insecure or needing comfort, focus instead on correcting the cause of the anxiety and provide comfort to your child.
If a child is sucking on their thumb because of boredom, try getting a child's attention with a fun activity.
Involve older children in the selection of a means to cease thumb sucking.
The pediatric dentist can offer encouragement to a child and explain what could happen to their teeth if they do not stop sucking.
Only if these tips are ineffective, remind the child of their habit by bandaging the thumb or putting a sock/glove on the hand at night.

Thumb-sucking can cause problems for dental development. To prevent their children from sucking their thumbs some parents put hot sauce or sour potions on their child's thumbs ~~ although this is not a procedure encouraged by the American Dental Association[1]: or the Association of Pediatric Dentists [2]. During the 1950s, parents could get a series of sharp prongs known as "hay-rakes" cemented to a child's teeth to discourage sucking. Most children stop sucking on thumbs, pacifiers or other objects on their own between two and four years of age. No harm is done to their teeth or jaws until permanent teeth start to erupt. The only time it might cause concern is if it goes on beyond 6 to 8 years of age. At this time, it may affect the shape of the oral cavity or dentition.

Tips from the American Dental Association [3]:

Praise children for not sucking, instead of scolding them when they do.
If a child is sucking their thumb when feeling insecure or needing comfort, focus instead on correcting the cause of the anxiety and provide comfort to your child.
If a child is sucking on their thumb because of boredom, try getting a child's attention with a fun activity.
Involve older children in the selection of a means to cease thumb sucking.
The pediatric dentist can offer encouragement to a child and explain what could happen to their teeth if they do not stop sucking.
Only if these tips are ineffective, remind the child of their habit by bandaging the thumb or putting a sock/glove on the hand at night.

Summary of Best Practices Recommendations:

American Academy of Pediatrics [4]: Most children suck their thumbs or fingers at some time in their early life. The only time it might cause concern is if it goes on beyond 6 to 8 years of age or affects the shape of the child's mouth or teeth.
American Dental Association [5]: Children suck on objects as a natural reflex; however, after the permanent teeth erupt, such sucking may cause problems with the development of the mouth and alignment of the teeth.


teatment:
The best prevention is to get your newborn to take up the pacifier instead of thumbsucking or finger-sucking. (Although prolonged use of the pacifier can lead to similar problems, it, at least, is not attached to the child and can be removed.)
Children should be helped to give up the habit before they enter school to prevent teasing.
Timing of treatment is important. Your child should be willing to give up thumbsucking or finger-sucking. If your child is not willing to stop, therapy is not usually indicated. Pressure you apply to stop may only lead to resistance and lack of cooperation. Try again later.
Give your child attention and understanding and gently discourage the habit. Reminders such as a band-aid on the thumb can help.
Offer rewards (star on chart, dimes, extra story) for days when your child is successful. Praise your child when successful.
After daytime sucking is controlled:
Help your child to give up the sucking habit during sleep. This is usually an involuntary process and a glove, sock, or thumb/finger guard can help stop the habit.
Take one step at a time. Encourage your child not to suck during one daytime activity, like storytime or television watching. Gradually add another activity until daytime sucking is controlled.
If these considerations are not successful, see your dental professional or doctor for further support. By the time your child's permanent teeth begin to erupt (at around 6 years of age), it should be brought to their attention. Your dental oral health professional may have other suggestions such as a reminder bar that is placed in the upper mouth.

A child usually turns to his thumb when he is tired, upset or bored.

Talk to your pediatrician and your child's dentist, who may recommend, especially in the case of an overbite, the insertion of a device in the child's mouth known as a palatal bar that prevents sucking.

Pregnancy and You.

Women have to be very specific about their diet during the pregnancy period as the diet intake is likely to effect the growth and development of the child. There has to be a proper and balanced timely intake of rich sources of vitamins, iron, calcium, carbohydrates and protein to ensure the children is free from any deformity and deficiency.

The pregnancy period of women bring various changes in the body of the budding mother and it is very necessary for the mother to equip herself with all the necessary and healthy nutrients and care for providing a safe and disease-free passage of her child to the World.

The fat content in the female’s body has to be taken care of, as that is responsible for the formation of milk during lactation. The body of the pregnant women requires an additional 300 calories of fat during the time of pregnancy and this may be more in the case of an underweight mother than an overweight mother, but the fat intake has to be in accordance under a medical practitioner’s advice. The diet must have rich content of Calcium as that is required by the child’ s body for the growth of healthy teeth and bones. The intake of Vitamin A during the time of pregnancy helps in the improvement of the vision and the maintenance of the nervous equilibrium of the child. The nutritional requirements of the mother during the time of pregnancy depend on the pre-pregnancy nutritional status of the mother.

Chlorophyll can be used to increase low hemoglobin and promoting the clotting factor in a pregnant women's body under medical guidance. The supply may be around 4-6 per day and this is most beneficial in cases where the premenopaual women are bleeding heavily with their periods. This is available in gel caps, or as a liquid or in the form of dried tablets.

The US RDA for the expecting mother is 30-60 mg/day of Iron and iron is easily absorbed when it is taken in small doses and eaten with foods containing Vitamin C and protein.

Tips:

1. Use of whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

2. Use of dairy products such as yogurt, milk.

3. Use of spinach, nuts, orange juice, dried fruits.

Precautions:

1. Do not use foods such as tilefish, shark, swordfish and King mackerel.

2. Raw fish, oysters and clams must be avoided.

3. If possible, avoid rare burgers, soda, frozen foods and sausages.

4. Hot dogs and heat deli meats must also be avoided.

5. Unpasteurized milk products must be avoided.

6. Use of cigarettes, alcohol, and caffeine must be avoided.

Breastfeeding

By the word "breastfeeding", one means the feeding of a young child by the milk coming from the woman’ breast. The breast milk is the best available nourishment for the infants and that has been proved by Scientists at regular times. Infants have a sucking reflex that helps them to suck the milk from the Breast and swallow it. Scientists have over a period of time suggested that no milk is as beneficial to the young child as breast milk.

Breast milk can be given to the child by his mother or any other lactating female. The breast milk can be provided to the child through bottle or pasteurized milk can be used as a substitute, in case the mother is unable to feed the infant due to any reason.

The following hormones are responsible for the production of milk in a female's body:

1. Progesterone.
2. Estrogen.
3. Luteinizing hormone.
4. Follicle stimulating hormone.
5. Prolactin.
6. Human placental lactogen.
7. Oxytocin.

A woman is supposed to be using around 500-600 calories a day for the production of milk in her body for feeding the child.

There are several benefits attached with the use of breast milk. They are:

1. Lowering the risk of asthma, diarrhea, eczema, allergies, and obesity.

2. The milk has anti-infective factors which save the child from any microbial infection.

3. Breast feeding mothers have less risk of breast cancer.

4. Low risk of post-partum hemorrhage in woman.

5. Insulin requirements of the body reduce in diabetic breast-feeder mothers.

Precautions:

1. Children of mothers suffering from untreated pulmonary tuberculosis.

2. Children suffering from classic galactosemia must avoid breast milk.

3. Mothers using heroin, cocaine or amphetamines.

4. Mothers suffering from HIV infection.

5. Mothers should avoid giving sugar, plain water, glucose, and honey to the child before the first breast-feed of the child as that could lead to infection in the body of the infant.

It is the normal tendency of a child to prefer one breast of the mother to another one. Further, the posture of breast-feeding the child is dependent on the comfort of the child and the mother in addition to the feeding preference of the child.

Women produce a yellowish and thick fluid from the Breast in the few first days that is known as “colostrum” that is highly effective for the child against infections prone to an infant and is nutritious for the budding child.

Breastfeeding is not limited to any time frames, it can be given any number of times as and when the child needs it. The milk that comes out initially is very watery and contains proteins and sugar, however, the milk that is secreted later on contains rich fats that are sufficient to feed the child. One breast may be given to the child at one time and the other breast may be given to the child after the first one is emptied.

The breast milk must be given to the child till the second birthday of the child and the child may be slowly and steadily introduced to the family meals.

Role of Folic Acid during Pregnancy

What Is Folic Acid?

Folic acid is a B-vitamin (B9) that is commonly found in the leafy green vegetables such as spinach and kale, and orange juice. Several studies have revealed that women who take about 400 micrograms of folic acid daily before their conception and during early days of pregnancy are likely to reduce the risk of giving the birth to a serious neural tube defected child by approximately 70%.

The most ordinary neural tube defects are spina bifida, anencephaly, and encephalocele and any of them can take place in the body of the women during her first 4 weeks of pregnancy, the period when she is herself unaware of her pregnancy.

This is the primary reason why every woman who has intentions of having a child must be aware of the importance of folic acid intake in her daily diet. Folic acid plays a vital role in the growth and development of cell in addition to formation of tissues.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), United States propose that each woman who is planning a pregnancy must have an intake of around 400 micrograms of folic acid each day. Folic acid must be taken adequately before conception and for a minimum period of 3 months afterward to reduce the risk of a having a fetus free from a neural tube defect.

Food and Drug Administration of United States makes it mandatory that folic acid must be added to enriched grain products with a view to boost the intake from breakfast cereals, pastas, breads and rice that contain 100% of the recommended daily allowance of folic acid.

During the period of pregnancy, the pregnant woman requires an additional intake of folic acid in her diet intake than a normal woman or pre-pregnancy. Although prenatal vitamins must not replace the well-balanced diet of the woman, steps can be taken to provide an additional boost of vitamins and minerals. Some of the health care providers worldwide even suggest that the intake of having a folic acid additional supplement along with your regular prenatal vitamin intake. The advice of a certified medical practitioner is a MUST before deciding the quantity of folic acid during pregnancy.
Sources of Folic acid:

Fortified breakfast cereals.
Spinach.
Asparagus.
Lentils.
Black beans
Orange juice.
Peanuts.
Broccoli.
Romaine lettuce
Enriched breads and pasta.
Side effects of Folic acid:

1. Severe damage of the nervous system.
2. Erythema, skin rash, itching.
3. Anorexia and abdominal distention.
4. Nausea and irritability.
5. Mental depression, altered sleep patterns and impaired judgment.

Losing Weight Safely

In the modern times where the concept of slimming and being low on weight is quite a phenomenon, there seems to be an unhealthy practice often followed for the reduction of weight of the Body beyond control. Of course, there is nothing wrong in controlling one’s body weight, but that must not result in under-nourishment of the Body.

According to an Institute of Medicine (IOM) report, millions of people in the United States take dieting at any given time and spend over $33 billion per year on weight reduction plans.

People who are over-weight are at an increased risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. It is necessary that the weight be monitored at regular intervals to avoid any illness or malfunctioning of the Body.

There must be relaistic goals and that must not lead to over-exertion or dehydration. The body must not be starved and a rich, balanced and nutritive diet must be taken to ensure that the Body get its required demand.

Normal man and women requires upto 2,500 calories per day. There must be proper diet and sleep and a minimum of 30 minutes of exercises daily to be in a good shape. The purpose is to utilise more calories than you eat.

Eating up of less Fat and Sugar would help to cut on the intake of calories. Fried foods, fizzy drinks and fatty desserts are not advisable and moreover these foods are unable to provide the daily dose of nutrients required by the Human Body.

Tips & precautions:

Balanced diet plan must be adopted.
Exercise must be made a routine affair.
Consultation from a Health expert before commencing weight loss plan.
Intake of essential elements and making sure the body is not dehydrated or over-exhausted.
Avoid alcohol, smoking, caffeine, sedatives and drugs.
If already suffering from a disease, please consult your doctor to make sure the plan is not likely to cause any side-effects.
Junk foods or frozen food must be avoided.
Eat several small meals than large meals.
Eat high-protein and high calorie enriched food.
Aerobics exercises are beneficial.
Side-effects of abnormal weight:

Blood pressure is lowered.
High levels of blood glucose are reduced abnormally.
Irregular breathing during sleeping hours.
Reduces the risk of osteoarthritis of the joints

The perosn who wants to lose his weight must aim to lose no more than 1-2lbs in weight each week. There is also a loss of both lean tissue and body fat during loss of weight and that must not be neglected. The target must not be unrealistic and the diet must include food of your choice and it must be in accordance with the advice of your doctor or trainer.
What must I do to lead a healthy lifetsyle?

Eat regular meals.
Take bread, potatoes, rice or pasta
Have plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables
Avoid spreading fats and vegetable oils
Use low fat varieties of dairy products, fish and meat.
Reduce the quantum of chocolate, biscuits, cakes, instant puddings.
Avoid intake of nicotine, drugs, alcohol and sedatives.

It is medically considered safer to wait for at least two months postpartum to purposely take on losing weight as by that time, the body is accustomed to recover from childbirth and begin a good supply of milk.

Drugs and bodybuilding

Drugs let a person to train hard because of the increased ability to recover which is caused by its use and they act to fasten up the normal physiological processes that otherwise would not have occurred. Nowadays most of the bodybuilders takes drugs to inject several substances into their bodies to have the selected body parts and improved look.

Anabolic Drugs are strong drugs that people took in high doses to enhance their athletic performance. Anabolic in general means "building body tissue." It helps to build the muscle tissue and also to increase body mass and substitute testosterone, the body's natural male hormone.
Some of the defined drugs:

LSD, ecstasy, marijuana, GHB, and Heroin.

Ritalin, Methamphetamine, Cocaine, OxyContin and Morphine.

Anabolic Drugs, Vicodin, Proviron, Finaplix-S and Ketamine (Special K).

Provigil, Xanax, Valium, Meridia, Ambien, Phentermine.

The name and fame that bodybuilding brings to the bodybuilders makes is more easily visible and prominent and this has been accepted now within the mainstream World.
How are drugs used?

Drugs can be taken in the following two ways:

By mouth (use of pills).
Through the use of needles.

Will Drugs make me a better bodybuilder?

NO. Drugs cannot enhance the agility or skill level of a bodybuilder. There are various factors that make a better bodybuilder such as genetics, diet, sex, age and the amount of hard work put in. It is revealed from several studies that the medical dangers of drugs use far outweigh the advantage in muscle mass and strength.


Side effects of Drugs:

High blood pressure and stroke.
Liver damage.
Heart diseases and blood clots.
Diarrhea.
Headaches, muscle cramps and aching joints.
Nausea and vomiting
Sleep disorders.
High risk of ligament and tendon injuries
Acne problems.
Baldness, in both males and females.
Tips for healthy bodybuilding:

NO drugs must be used.
Have a healthy diet.
Have plenty of rest and sleep well.
Do not set unrealistic goals and be happy when you accomplish them.
The coaching, training supervision and advice must be taken from a certified professional.
Avoid injuries by using protective gears.
Nutrition, health, injury prevention and safer tips to increase endurance can be taken from a pediatrician.

The focus of the bodybuilder must be on natural growth and development of his body rather than relying on unnatural things such as drugs as they have several side effects and they are really harmful in the long-term. So it is advisable to neglect short-term gains of drugs and one must always remember that healthy bodies are not made overnight, they need to be worked upon constantly and it is the sheer determination, perseverance and hard work that finally pays off. No drugs can substitute that. So don’t fall in the trap of using drugs. Never, ever.

Bodybuilding diet plan

Bodybuilding refers to the workout or exercises performed by a bodybuilder with a intention to increase the mass and toning of the body in addition to the overall development of the Body organs.

Nowadays the concept of slimming and being low on weight is quite a phenomenon, there seems to be an unhealthy practice often followed for the reduction of weight of the Body beyond control. Of course, there is nothing wrong in controlling one’s body weight, but that must not result in under-nourishment of the Body. And bodybuilders nowadays are very conscious of their appearance and weight.

Bodybuilding diet plan helps the body to remain fit for a prolonged period and that also helps in the building of various body hormones that are beneficial to the overall growth and development of the human body. Bodybuilding must be done in a relaxed and cool manner and under the closed supervision of a certified trainer.

There is a no age limit for adopting a diet plan. It must be under the strict guidance of a certified medical practitioner and has to be individual-specific. The plan must be motivating and should not have any side-effects. The use of unhealthy diet supplements and sedatives must be strictly avoided as they would result in long-term problems.
Benefits of Bodybuilding diet plan:

Increase in muscle mass of the Body.
Reduction in Body fat.
Building up of Confidence.
Better health and fitness.
Increase in stamina and endurance.
Prevention of stress and depression.
Resistance to common diseases.
Overall development of the Body.
Reduction in the cholesterol levels.
Increased body flexibility, bone and ligament strength.

Tips for Healthy diet plan:

Fresh Fruits and vegetables must be taken.
Use of smoking, alcohol and sedatives must be avoided.
The Body must be provided with essential nutrients.
Rich and balanced diet must be taken.
Small meals must be taken instead of large meals.
Instructions for the usage of body supplements must be strictly followed.

The diet of the Bodybuilder must be analyzed and monitored in accordance with the instructions of the trainer or instructor. The diet must not include junk or sea food and must also not include fizzy drinks. The diet can include the use of thermogenic supplements and high fiber foods.

The diet plan of the bodybuilder has to be high in terms of protein and healthy fats. It must also be high in energy and carbohydrates. Bodybuilder’s diet must not include food items such as candy full of sugar, white flour products and fried foods as they are harmful in the growth and development of the Body.
Bodybuilding diet plan can be used by any budding bodybuilder who aims at developing his body with aim to nourish his body or participate in Bodybuilding competitions. Bodybuilding diet plan can be helpful in the general toning and development of the Body besides providing strength, stamina and endurance to the Body. This is really fruitful for increasing or decreasing the mass of the Body.

Pregnancy and Sex

Is It Safe to Have Sex During Pregnancy?

Sex is considered safe at all stages of pregnancy if there is a normal pregnancy but the postures of the intercourse must be carefully chosen so that it must not harm the child or the women.

The desire of women to indulge in sex during pregnancy can vary month-to-month or trimester-to-trimester. Fatigue, nausea and vomiting are likely to put a damper on sexual activity during the first trimester. Many women do regain energy and are found to be aroused due to physical changes such as increased vaginal lubrication and blood flow to the pelvic region by the second trimester. By the third trimester, fatigue, body pain and aches are likely to reduce the desire to be a part of a sexual activity.

The male counterpart is also likely to experience an increase or decrease in his sexual drive. He may be aroused by the full breasts and round belly of the women and may be tempted to try new sex positions and lost fears about contraception. He may have a decrease in his sexual desire due to the fact that is may prove to be discomforting to the female counterpart in addition to fears of harming the fetus.

Talk With Your Partner

Talk with your partner about the comfort level about sexual intercourse and the positions you or he would like to indulge in.

In addition, it is safe for a pregnant woman to reach orgasm.

When Sex during Pregnancy is not safe?

Sexual intercourse may not be a suitable option in the following cases:

If your doctor has advised you against it.
If you are experiencing unexplained vaginal bleeding.
If there is a leakage of the amniotic fluid, that covers the Baby.
Cramping or a situation of Placenta previa.
Incompetent cervix in the Body.
If you notice any abnormal symptoms after intercourse, do not waste time to consult your doctor.

How Soon Can I Have Sex after the Baby is born?

There is no time frame for sex post-pregnancy and medically it is safe to have sex after 6 weeks from the date of delivery. But medical opinion must be taken and to be on the safer side, sex must not be done till the reports of the postpartum checkup arrive.
Is oral sex safe during pregnancy?

Yes, oral sex does not harm you or your child provided both you and your partner are HIV-negative. This can be a good substitute in case the parents of the child do not want to undergo sexual intercourse.
Can sex harm my baby during pregnancy?
No, not in the direct sense. Your child is totally protected by a thin-walled bag that holds the fetus, surrounding fluid and the muscles of the uterus. There is also a thick mucus plug that helps in sealing the cervix and thereby guarding against infection. The penis during the sexual intercourse does not come into contact with the fetus.

Anemia and Pregnancy

Pregnant women build up a degree of anemia during their pregnancy because of deficiency of Iron. The female body requires additional doses of Iron as that is required to make red blood cells in the fetus. This can also be caused due to the deficiency of folic acid. The capacity of the Blood to carry oxygen is decreased during severe anemia. Due to this, the fetus is unable to receive enough oxygen and this leads to abnormal growth and development and also affects the Brain. There is an increased risk of preterm labor due to anemia deficiency. The anemia may severe in case of a normal amount of bleeding during delivery and labor. Studies have revealed that women who suffer from anemia are more prone to development of infections post-delivery.

Iron is necessary for the production of hemoglobin in the Body and also for the production of protein in red blood cells that transmit oxygen to other cells of the female body.

It is mostly seen that during the second and third trimesters of the pregnancy. Women who suffer from morning sickness are likely to face frequent vomiting if there is little time between the pregnancies or if the pre-pregnancy menstrual flow was heavy. The amount of iron that is required during pregnancy may vary from18 to 27 mg/day.
What are the symptoms of Anemia:

Reduced mental and physical performance.
Tiredness and fatigue.
Reduced immune function of the Body.
Reduction in the peripartal blood reserves.
More need for transfusion of Blood in the postpartum period.
Pale skin, dizziness and labored breathing.

Precautions for Anemia:

Cow’s milk must not be given to the child till he attains the age of 1 year as this cause the child to lose iron from his intenstines.
Performing Blood smear examination, Iron tests, Hemoglobin electrophoresis, Reticulocyte count and Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy.
Consultation with your doctor.
How is Anemia diagnosed?

It is normally discovered through a routine blood test for hemoglobin or hematocrit levels during a prenatal examination of the Body. The diagnostic procedures can include additional blood tests and other evaluation procedures as deemed fit by the doctor.

What is the treatment for Anemia?

Some doctors suggest the use of epoetin alfa, an recombinant erythropoieti, for the stimulation of red blood cells production in cases of anemia associated with chemotherapy, any chronic or renal disease.

However, a blood transfusion may be necessary in severe case of ongoing loss of blood and anemia.

Anemia is classified by the size of red blood cells(RBCs) and this can be tested either automatically or through an microscopic examination of the peripheral blood smear. The size of Anemia deficiency is reflected in the Mean corpuscular volume (MCV). The anemia is said to be microcytic if the cells are smaller than normal, it is normocytic if they are normal-sized, and macrocytic if it is larger than normal.

Fitness Instructor

The role of a specialized Fitness Instructor has changed a lot than just being a mere aerobic instructor. He is the one who plans, motivates and do the necessary planning and implementation of the fitness exercises and make sure the growth and development of people. He is responsible for assisting the club members of a gymnasium or a health club by providing a fun-filled and motivating setting. He can lead groups in a variety of formats of muscle strength, cardiovascular conditioning and endurance training in addition to stretching and relaxation or warming-up.

Tasks of Fitness Instructor:

He provides a dynamic fitness class that is fun and safe.
He provides a motivational exercise environment for the members.
He support and encourage the members.
Providing exercising schedule for the members.
To make sure that no one is over-exhausted or over-doing exercises.
To see if there is no problem in carrying out of activities.
To provide first-aid assistance in case of any injury.

The Fitness Instructor also evaluates needs of participant in terms of physical activity and promotes the benefits of a regular physical exercise and having a balanced lifestyle. He is required to have the necessary certifications and must always be willing to learn and develop new techniques as he can influence the perceptions of the members.

What a fitness instructor must have?

Complete knowledge about various types of exercises.
Knowledge of positive and side-effects of exercises.
Pleasing and helpful attitude.
Ability to share his information correctly.
Clear in his thoughts.
Knowledge of first-aid techniques.

The complete emphasis on personal training should come from the personal Fitness Instructor’s understanding of what would be best for his client and a keen understanding of human movements. Fitness Instructor’s task is just not to push someone to work hard but also to work at an effective level to achieve his goals. He must make his exercise schedule for different members keeping in mind their personal goals, health and physical structure.
List of Accredited Certifications in the United States:

American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).
American Council on Exercise (ACE).
National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA).
National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF).
Scirion Institute of Exercise Physiology (SIEP).
The Cooper Institute (CI).

Fitness Instructor is usually expected to proceed through an intake evaluation to identify the goals and health concerns of the members. And after that has been done, that can be followed by the fitness testing. These tests may also include tests of cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, strength and postural abnormalities. The instructor can also judge on the specific numerical measurements of body fat and cardiovascular health and thus prove beneficial to the members to set and achieve their own goals.

Bodybuilding FAQ

What is Bodybuilding?

Bodybuilding refers to exercises performed by a person with a intention to increase the mass and toning of the body besides overall development of the Body organs. It may be done at the Beginner Level or at an Advanced Level.
What are the Benefits of Bodybuilding?

Increase in muscle mass of the Body.
Reduction in Body fat.
Confidence Building.
Better health.
Increase in stamina and endurance.
Prevention of stress and depression.
Resistance to common diseases.
Overall development of the Body.
Reduction in the cholesterol levels.
Increased body flexibility, bone and ligament strength.
What are the Tips for Bodybuilding?

Talk to a fitness professional before commencing bodybuilding.
Train with a partner, if possible.
Wear loose clothes.
Exercise large muscle groups first such as shoulders, chest and thighs.
Alternate push exercises with pull exercises.
Perform multi-joint movements such as shoulder-bench ahead of single joint movement such as curls.
Calves must not be ignored.
Try using wide and narrow stretches while doing calf raises.

What are the precautions?

Even though the muscle stimulation occurs in the gym through weight lifting, muscle growth occurs only during rest. Without proper rest and sleep, muscles do not have a chance to recover and build. About eight hours of sleep is desirable for the bodybuilder to be refreshed, although this may be individual-specific. Additionally, many athletes find daytime nap further increases their body's ability to build muscle. Don’t over-stress or over-exhaust yourself and have a proper sleep and diet, use healthy diet supplements and avoid alcohol, sedatives, drugs and smoking. Pregnant women and mothers who are engaged in breast-feeding must NOT do heavy workouts. People who are suffering from any previous disease are advised NOT to do, unless prescribed otherwise by the medical practitioner.
What is overtraining?

Overtraining occurs when someone trains his body beyond its ability to perform and recover.
Symptoms of overtraining include:

(i) Higher-than-normal resting pulse
(ii) The body falls ill very frequently and takes longer-than-usual time to recover.
(iii) Occurrence of muscle spasms during resting.
(iv) When hands are shaky.
(v) Loss of Sleep and appetite.
(vi) Body fatigue and unexplained loss of weight.

What are the Basic exercise movements?

Squats.
Bench presses.
Overhead presses.
Dead lifts.
Bar Dips.
Pull-ups and Rows.

Does Lifting Weights Retards Growth?

The whole idea of growth of a person being affected due to heavy weight lifting is a complete myth. This can be seen taking some of the great examples such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Dave Draper who start lifting heavy weights from a very young age and went on to be above 6 feet tall.

Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger, the greatest bodybuilder of all times, was born on July 30, 1947 in Thal in Austria. Arnold gained worldwide attention as a highly famous and successful bodybuilder and went on to achieve worldwide fame as a Hollywood action film star. He became famous for his strong incomparable muscles and his muscle show in the “Conan the Barbarian” and “Terminator series”.

He was called as "The Austrian Oak" in his body building days and went on to win the hearts of bodybuilders and women all over the globe.

Arnold’s biggest dream was to be the greatest ever by winning the Mr. Olympia title went crushed after he lost to Sergio Oliva in 1969. But it was his sheer determination that led him to the supreme title in 1970 and he proved to the World that was not a mere luck or fluke as he went on to win the same title in 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974 and 1975. He decided to call it a day by announcing his retirement from the World of professional bodybuilding after the 1975 win. He went to fame before the 1975 Mr. Olympia contest when renowned film-makers Robert Fiore and George Butler went on to make the all-time bodybuilder’s hit “Pumping Iron” with him.

Such was his fame, that his legacy is celebrated by holding the Arnold Classic annual bodybuilding competition. Schwarzenegger was born with a bicuspid aortic valve that has an aortic valve with only two leaflets and was highly criticized for the use of Dianabol and testosterone propionate.

He brought Bodybuilding on the map and is highly acclaimed for the promotion of bodybuilding World over.

He was termed by the Guinness Book of World Records as "the most perfectly developed man in the history of the world” and also served as Chairman of the President's Council on Physical Fitness, United States.

His favorite sports and hobbies:
Bodybuilding, swimming, scuba diving, tennis, skiing, horseback riding, drawing, bowling, archery and skeet.
His tips to budding youngsters:

To have 5-6 small meals a day.
Eat crabs half-an-hour after the workout.
Having a sleep of 8 or more hours a day.
Give a rest of at least 3 days in a week.
Do not use more than 3 eggs a day.
Unsaturated fats and high doses of sugar are a strict NO.
There can be the use of energy supplements and protein shakes.
Beef and pork may be substituted by fish and chicken.

His long list of Titles:

1963 Steirer Hof Competition in Graz, Austria (runner up).

1965 Junior Mr. Europe

1966 Best-Built Athlete of Europe

1966 International Power lifting Championship

1966 Mr. Europe - amateur

1966 NABBA Mr. Universe - amateur

1967 NABBA Mr. Universe - amateur

1968 German Power lifting Championship

1968 IFBB Mr. International

1968 NABBA Mr. Universe - professional

1968 IFBB Mr. Universe (tall class winner)

1969 IFBB Mr. Universe

1969 IFBB Mr. Olympia in New York (runner-up)

1969 NABBA Mr. Universe - professional

1969 IFBB Mr. Europe - professional

1970 NABBA Mr. Universe - professional

1970 AAU Pro Mr. World

1970 IFBB Mr. Olympia

1971 IFBB Mr. Olympia

1972 IFBB Mr. Olympia

1973 IFBB Mr. Olympia

1974 IFBB Mr. Olympia

1975 IFBB Mr. Olympia

1980 IFBB Mr. Olympia

Herbal weight loss

Nowadays the concept of slimming and being low on weight is quite a phenomenon, there seems to be an unhealthy practice often followed for the reduction of weight of the Body beyond control. Of course, there is nothing wrong in controlling one’s body weight, but that must not result in under-nourishment of the Body. And, this is where herbal treatment of weight comes into the picture. This is completely safe and has no side-effects and is above all reliable and tested.

Herbal Weight loss means a reduction of the weight of the body such as loss of body fluids, fat or bone mass, with an intentional aim to improve the health, overall fitness or outer appearance of the Body through safe techniques that have passed the scrutinizing eyes of various Health authorities.

The herbal diet program must consist of the following steps to be effective:

It must be simple.
It must be safe.
It must be effective.
It must be free of any side-effects.

Popular Herbs for Weight Loss:

Cayenne.
Coleus.
Ephedra.
Bitter orange.
Guggul.
Green Tea.
Garcinia Cambogia.

The herbal diet plan revolve around reducing the intake of the total calories consumed by a small amount and to ensure that the diet must include good sources of vitamins, proteins, fats and carbohydrates besides other essential elements required for routine development of the Body.

There is a no age limit for adopting a diet plan. It must be under the strict guidance of a certified medical practitioner and has to be individual-specific. The plan must be motivating and should not have any side-effects. The use of unhealthy diet supplements and sedatives must be strictly avoided as they would result in long-term problems.

Tips & precautions:

Balanced diet plan must be adopted.
Exercise must be made a routine affair.
Consultation from a Health expert before commencing weight loss plan.
Intake of essential elements and making sure the body is not dehydrated or over-exhausted.
Avoid alcohol, smoking, caffeine, sedatives and drugs.
If already suffering from a disease, please consult your doctor to make sure the plan is not likely to cause any side-effects.
Junk foods or frozen food must be avoided.
Eat several small meals than large meals.
Eat high-protein and high calorie enriched food.
Aerobics exercises are beneficial.

Side effects:

Prolonged hunger and fatigue
Rashes and acidosis.
Reduced sex drive and disease of the gall-bladder.
Depression.

The diet plan has to be strictly followed for maximum benefits and it must be such that does not exhaust the body and the diet of the individual must be rich enough to provide him with the basic body needs. The exercises must be done in a clean, peaceful environment with a certified trainer.

It is always remembered that the Body must be fit and strong enough to meet its daily needs. The diet must be analyzed, monitored and regulated to ensure that the diet intake does not hamper the basic requirements of the Body.

What does work? Change in the way you think. Change your patterns of thinking and living, the basic way you think about yourself, your body and your life, and then change your entire life in accordance with your transformed way of thinking. As you change your way of thinking and relating to yourself and others, you will find that you automatically change your entire life for the better. You can supercharge your weight loss program by learning successful ways to take charge of your life as well as your thoughts and feelings. You can now alter your living and eating patterns to achieve the healthy and attractive body that is your natural birthright.

Stages of pregnancy

Pregnancy is the state of having a developing fetus or embryo in the body of women. The combination of an egg present in the female body with male’s sperm is termed as conception which leads to the production of the embryo. It comprises of the period from the time of conception to the fetus’s birth and normally lasts for a period of 40 weeks in 280 days period.
First month of Pregnancy

The embryo is measured at approximately one-eighth of an inch long and weighs around one-thirty two of an ounce.
Second month of Pregnancy

The embryo is measured at approximately a inch long and weighs around 5/16 of an ounce. During this period, there is the formation of the head and tail of the embryo and pulsation of the child can be noted. There is also the determination of the sex glands and at this stage, the facial features start to form and this is the most critical time of the child’s development.
Third month of Pregnancy

The embryo turns into a fetus at this stage and the occurrence of limb movements occur during this time. The fetus is 13 inches long from the head to the heel and normally weighs around one ounce. The waste of the child, urine, is transferred to the circulatory system of the mother by crossing the placenta.
Fourth month of Pregnancy

The limb movements during this period are coordinated but not strong enough for the mother to feel it. There is also patterning of the scalp hair during the fourth month. The fetus is around 6 inches long and weighs approximately 4 ounces during this month.
Fifth month of Pregnancy

This is the time when the mother can actually feel the movements of her child. The skin of the child is covered with a greasy material called "vernix caseosa" and it helps to protect his delicate fetal skin from cuts and hardening which could occur due to the exposure to the amniotic fluid. The fetus weighs approximately one pound and is usually 10 inches long.
Sixth month of Pregnancy

At this stage, the child experiences rapid eye movements and fingernails of the child are formed. There is a considerable weight gain during this month. The fetus weighs approximately 1.5 pounds and is around 13 inches long during the sixth month.
Seventh month of Pregnancy

During the seventh month, the eyes start to open partially and eyelashes are formed. There is a good amount of hair on the head in addition to the development of the lungs and the blood circulation system. The fetus weighs approximately 3 lbs and is around 1415 inches long.
Eighth month of Pregnancy

The fetus shows an impulsive orientation to light. The fetus weighs approximately 3.54.5 lbs and is around 1618 inches long.
Ninth month of Pregnancy

During this stage, the hair that is covering the body of the child went off and the toenails begin to reach the toe tips. At 36 weeks, the body appears plump. The hair covering the body is almost gone. The expected date of delivery of the fetus is approximately 266 days. A healthy child is assumed to be of 68 lbs at the time of his birth and about 1921 inches long.

Risks during Pregnancy

Pregnant women are likely to face serious disorders due to their unhealthy eating habits and that may result in affecting the hormonal system and thus making it difficult to conceive and carry a child to term. If the woman is suffering from an eating disorder, it is strongly recommended that she must seek and complete her treatment before getting herself pregnant.

Pregnant women build up a degree of anemia during their pregnancy because of deficiency of Iron. The female body requires additional doses of Iron as that is required to make red blood cells in the fetus.
Complications/Risks:

When the women is younger than 18 years old and older than 35.
In case the women is suffering from poor nutrition or anemia.
In cases where the women is overweight or under-weight.
Previous loss of pregnancy.
Family history of birth defects or genetic diseases.
Use of Nicotine, alcohol or drugs.
High altitudes and exposure to radiations.

The women must consult a dietician/ gynecologist before deciding on the intake of her diet as that is likely to have a sizeable impact on the growth and development of the Baby and her own health. A certified gym instructor must be consulted in case the women opt for exercises during her pregnancy.

Studies have revealed that women over 35 years of age are more prone to caesarean deliveries than normal women as such women’s eggs are likely to be affected and more exposed to drugs, x-rays and bodily infections as compared to a slightly younger women’s eggs.

The women must not undergo heavy exercises or lifting of weights during her pregnancy as that can seriously pose a threat to the life of the child. The women must avoid junk and seafood and must take fresh fruits and vegetables in her daily diet. Pregnant women must not, in any case follow any plans of dieting.

Tips for Healthy pregnancy:

1. There must be use of whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

2. There must be use of dairy products such as yogurt, milk.

3. There must be use of spinach, nuts, orange juice, and dried fruits.
Precautions for Healthy pregnancy:

1. Tilefish, shark, swordfish and King mackerel must be avoided.

2. Raw fish, oysters and clams must be avoided.

3. If possible, avoid rare burgers, soda, frozen foods and sausages.

Sex is considered safe at all stages of pregnancy if there is a normal pregnancy but the postures of the sexual intercourse needs to be carefully chosen so that it must not harm the child or the women. For safety purposes, sex must not be done till the reports of the postpartum checkup arrive post-pregnancy.

Aerobic exercises, yoga and meditation are a great source of valuable component of a balanced exercise plan and are beneficial for cardiovascular health of the women. Women have to be very specific about their diet during the pregnancy period as the diet intake is likely to effect the growth and development of the child. There has to be a proper and balanced timely intake of rich sources of vitamins, iron, calcium, carbohydrates and protein to ensure the children is free from any deformity and deficiency.

Food to avoid during pregnancy

A pregnant women has to take due care about what she eats and what would be the good and bad effects of her intake of food items. There has to be balanced, rich and nutritive diet that must include all the basic and required nutrients that are required for the growth and development of the women and the unborn child.

Some foods that must be strictly avoided:

Uncooked seafood and raw meat must be avoided because of the risk of contamination with coliform bacteria.
2. Do not use foods such as tilefish, shark, swordfish and King mackerel.
3. Raw fish, oysters and clams must be avoided.
4. If possible, avoid rare burgers, soda, frozen foods and sausages.
5. Hot dogs and heat deli meats must also be avoided.
6. Unpasteurized milk products must be avoided.
7. Use of cigarettes, alcohol, and caffeine must be avoided.
8. Use of raw eggs, canned pate and unwashed vegetables must be avoided.

Salmonella which is bad for health can be found in foods containing raw egg such as mayonnaise, Caesar dressing, custard or homemade ice cream and unpasteurized eggnog.

Soft cheeses such as blue cheese, cambert, queso blanco and queso fresco cheeses may become contaminated with the Listeria bacteria that are likely to cause sickness or death of the unborn child or the women.

Studies have revealed that there is a presence of high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) or Mercury in the fish which could result in damage of Brain cells and may harm the child’s ability to speak or walk. The intake of fish that are likely to contain very high levels of PCBs is linked to a fall in the levels of IQ, attention and memory in infants.

Deli meats can be a factor for the poisoning of the food called Listeriosis which is particularly harmful to fetus.

Animal liver have proved to have very high levels of vitamin A which if taken in large quantities can lead to a higher incidence of birth defects in the babies.

Several studies have revealed that the usage of raw sprouts can actually lead to a few incidents of salmonella outbreaks. So, it is advisable that pregnant women eat sprouts that are properly cooked or avoid eating them in totality.

Finally, it is significant to remember that the preparation and handling of food items is essential in avoiding many of the bacterial infections.

Pregnant women have to make sure that her hands are regularly washed up as that minimizes the risk of infections to her and the unborn child. There has to be care taken of her health through regular medical check-ups and her diet must be in accordance with the prescription of a medical practitioner.

Female Creatine serum

Creatine is used for the purpose of bodybuilding and to increase the lean muscle mass is found in the human body naturally. The Body may also receive it from dietary or food supplements that are rich in Creatine.

Creatine serum helps in delaying body fatigue by combating against buildup of lactic acid. It also helps in improving the sprint time and also is beneficial to increase the long distance endurance of the Human Body. The special formulation of Creatine serum is beneficial in protecting the joints from any stress-related injuries. This is a stable liquid that is absorbed simply and immediately into the bloodstream and then goes to the muscles releasing energy at a fast speed..

The serum is to be used in the quantity of 1 teaspoon immediately before the workout. This can be taken either with water, swallowed or taken under the tongue.

Female Creatine serum consists of natural ingredients that are made in accordance with the female body structure and requirements. It also has the benefit of no retention of water in the body and the body does not show any signs of dehydration, bloating or cramping. The serum is soluble, safe and easily absorbed by the Body.

What are the Benefits of this serum to me?

The Creatine serum is found to be 100% stable and with a shelf life of 2 years.
There is no maintenance or loading required.
This reaches the muscles of the Body in a few seconds and is 100% soluble.
It contains additional supplements that are of great use to the athletes.
It does not lead to retention of water in the body or dehydration.

Can I use the serum?

If you fall in any of the undermentioned categories, please do not use this serum, unless otherwise provided by your medical practitioner.

1. Pregnant women or breast feeding mothers.
2. People who suffers from Diabetes.
3. People who suffers from high blood pressure
4. People suffering from any health diseases or those who use any additional medications are required to consult a certified medical practitioner prior to the usage.

Ingredient Details:

The Creatine serum contains all or many of the following ingredients and depends upon the manufacturer’s contents.

Creatine Monohydrate: This is used to increases strength of muscles, energy and stamina in addition to building of lean muscle mass,

Glucosamine: This is beneficial in repairing of the deteriorated joints. It also controls inflammation and pain of joints. It can be used to relieve and reverse the signs of arthritis.

Royal Jelly: It contains 8 significant amino acids and is used for the enhancement of mental alertness and helps in combating fatigue.

Vitamin B12: This is beneficial for support nerve and metabolism of the muscles.

Ginkgo Biloba Extract: It is helpful in the improvement of the oxygen flow and circulation to the brain, heart and extremities.

Wild Yam Extract: This helps in fighting against retention of water in the body and to avoid constipation and bloating.

Soluble Bioflavonoid: This is good for improving circulation and strengthening the blood vessels and improving the liver function.

Papaya Extract: This is an enzyme that proves to be helpful for breaking down of protein into a digestible state.

Honey: This high source of glycemic helps to increase the uptake of Creatine in the muscles cells of the Human Body.

Bodybuilding diet plan – Tips for a healthy workout – Plan your diet – Benefits – Precautions

Bodybuilding refers to exercises performed by a person with a intention to increase the mass and toning of the body besides overall development of the Body organs. It may be done at the Beginner Level or at an Advanced Level. Bodybuilding must be done in a relaxed and cool manner and under the closed supervision of a certified trainer.

Bodybuilding diet plan helps the body to remain fit for a prolonged period and it also helps in the building of various body hormones that are beneficial to the overall growth and development of the human body.

Bodybuilding diet plan can be used by any budding bodybuilder who aims at developing his body with aim to nourish his body or participate in Bodybuilding competitions. Bodybuilding diet plan can be helpful in the general toning and development of the Body besides providing strength, stamina and endurance to the Body. This is really fruitful for increasing or decreasing the mass of the body.

Benefits of Bodybuilding diet plan:

Increase in muscle mass of the Body.
Reduction in Body fat.
Confidence Building.
Better health.
Increase in stamina and endurance.
Prevention of stress and depression.
Resistance to common diseases.
Overall development of the Body.
Reduction in the cholesterol levels.
Increased body flexibility, bone and ligament strength.

Bodybuilding must be preceded by warming up of the Body. Once a person is feeling warm after such warm-up exercises, it’s time for him to bring in the dynamic stretching to play. There are no detailed time guidelines for repeating each movement, but due emphasis is to be given on beginning slowly and then increasing the speed slowly.
Tips for Healthy diet plan:

Fresh Fruits and vegetables must be taken.
Use of smoking, alcohol and sedatives must be avoided.
The Body must be provided with essential nutrients.
Rich and balanced diet must be taken.
Small meals must be taken instead of large meals.
Instructions for the usage of body supplements must be strictly followed.

The diet of the Bodybuilder must be analyzed and monitored in accordance with the instructions of the trainer or instructor. The diet must not include junk or sea food and must also not include fizzy drinks. The diet can include the use of thermogenic supplements and high fiber foods.
The diet plan of the bodybuilder has to be high in terms of protein and healthy fats. It must also be high in energy and carbohydrates. Bodybuilder’s diet must not include food items such as candy full of sugar, white flour products and fried foods as they are harmful in the growth and development

Warming up.

When someone begins moving in any way that raises his heart rate, some changes begins to take place in his body. The respiratory rate of the Body increases. Blood flow throughout your body gets increased which mean that the levels of nutrients and oxygen that are delivered to the cells of the Body are also increased.

Once someone is at this point, he is ready to move onto dynamic stretching. This, he must remember involves slowly and steadily performing the similar kinds of movements that he would be making in his workout, and thereby gradually increasing the speed. As specific muscles, joints and tendons follow the movement patterns they result in the completion later on, they become quite used to these movement, and are less likely to wear-and-tear when the movements are made at higher speeds than the previous ones. This stage tries to acts as a cue for the nervous system of the body to initiate the precise neuromuscular connections it will need for these movement patterns.

Last but not the least, the two-stage warm-up helps a person to prepare himself mentally for the future workout. Regardless of the workout, the person is assumed to do it better each time, and enjoy it more than before, if he is able to bring his full focus into it. By taking the time to warm up before starts exercising he must be giving himself the mental space to switch his focus to where you need it to be.

When fitness experts speak about the benefits of having a warm-up, they mean engaging in some kind of general activity that would steadily raises the heart rate of the Body. In fact, a good warm-up should involve more than just a warm-up. The second, less commonly described aspect is the need for dynamic stretching.

The general part of the warm-up can be ascertained in the way that it gets the heart to beat faster. A piece of cardio equipment available– a bicycle, rowing machine, or stepper can be really beneficial for this purpose.. Start gently and with passage of time, gradually increase the intensity of the warm-up until the body starts getting warmer, and the heart rate begins to rise. The specific intensity will depend on an individual’s current level of fitness level.

Some people persist until they feel a light sweat but because this can be more reflective of humidity than body temperature, it may not always be the most useful method.

Once a person is feeling warm after such warm-up exercises, it’s time for him to bring in the dynamic stretching to play. There are no detailed time guidelines for repeating each movement, but due emphasis is to be given on beginning slowly and then increasing the speed slowly.

Bodybuilding-meaning, tips, precautions.

Bodybuilding refers to exercises performed by a person with a intention to increase the mass and toning of the body besides overall development of the Body organs. It may be done at the Beginner Level or at an Advanced Level.

Benefits of Bodybuilding:

Increase in muscle mass of the Body.
Reduction in Body fat.
Confidence Building.
Better health.
Increase in stamina and endurance.
Prevention of stress and depression.
Resistance to common diseases.
Overall development of the Body.
Reduction in the cholesterol levels.
Increased body flexibility, bone and ligament strength.

Through Bodybuilding, one can enhance his mental, immune and cardiovascular health in addition to the improvement of the endocrine system. The endocrine system is a tool for the passage of information from the endocrine gland to body organs for the control of a large number of physiologic operations.

The major endocrine glands present in the body are:

Thyroid.
Pituitary.
Testes.
Ovaries.

Bodybuilding helps the growth and development of these hormones:

Glucagon.
Insulin.
Testosterone.
Estrogen.
Endorphins.

These hormones are really beneficial for an increase in the basal metabolic rate, maintenance of muscle volume besides reducing body fat.

Tips for Bodybuilding:

Talk to a fitness professional before commencing bodybuilding.
Train with a partner, if possible.
Wear loose clothes.
Exercise large muscle groups first such as shoulders, chest and thighs.
Alternate push exercises with pull exercises.
Perform multi-joint movements such as shoulder-bench ahead of single joint movement such as curls.
Calves must not be ignored.
Try using wide and narrow stretches while doing calf raises.

Bodybuilding strategy:

Resistance weight training.
Adequate rest and sleep.
Nutrition rich in proteins, carbohydrates and fats.

Even though the muscle stimulation occurs in the gym through weight lifting, muscle growth occurs only during rest. Without proper rest and sleep, muscles do not have a chance to recover and build. About eight hours of sleep is desirable for the bodybuilder to be refreshed, although this may be individual-specific. Additionally, many athletes find daytime nap further increases their body's ability to build muscle. Several bodybuilders take several naps per day, during the peak anabolic phases.

Bodybuilding helps the body to remain fit for a prolonged period and that also helps in the building of various body hormones that are beneficial to the overall growth and development of the human body. Bodybuilding must be done in a relaxed and cool manner and under the closed supervision of a certified trainer.

Bodybuilding can be used by any budding bodybuilder who aims at developing his body with aim to nourish his body or participate in Bodybuilding competitions. Bodybuilding is helpful in the general toning and development of the Body besides providing strength, stamina and endurance to the Body. This is really fruitful for increasing or decreasing the mass of the body.

Body building supplements-sources and benefits, side-effects.

1. Lysine is a necessary amino acid and it must be acquired from the diet as the body is unable to produce this on its own. It is an essential building block for all of the body protein and can be found in animal meats, fish, dairy products, legumes and brewer's yeast. It performs several beneficial functions in the human body and has proved to be useful in the treatment of the cold sores and herpes. It also increases the calcium absorption and is helpful for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

Benefits:

1. It helps in building of the muscle protein.

2. It helps in the maintenance of the nitrogen levels.

3. It also supports the production of body hormones.

4. It is beneficial for speeding up recovery from an injury or over-training.

No troubles have been till date reported with normal usage of Lysine but high doses of this which exceeds 15 grams can lead to stomach disorders and cramps in the Body.

2. Arginine is an amino acid that the body is unable to produce naturally. It is mostly found in seeds, raisins, nuts and chocolates.

It is used by the human body in the execution of several noteworthy physiological processes including that of secretion of the hormones, growth hormone’s output, and removal of toxins from the Human body and improvement of the Body’s immune system. It is also an antecedent of nitric oxide which vasodilators vessels in the body. For this purpose it is frequently used for the treatment of conditions such as cardiac disease, angina, sexual dysfunction, high blood pressure, and infertility. Recent studies have also showed arginine's ability to search free radicals, removal of bad cholesterol, enhancing fat metabolism and regulation of the salt levels.

BENEFITS:

1. It helps in the prevention of water retention under the skin.

2. It helps the human body to preserve nitrogen that is essential to the muscle building process.

3. Its vasodilating support muscle growth abilities.

4. It improves protein synthesis in the Body.

5. It helps to enhance the immune system.

The overdosing of amino acid supplement may lead to weakness and nausea therefore proper care must be taken in the application of small doses and increasing them progressively until an optimum level is reached. The instructions of the manufacturer should be followed in all of the instances.

One of the main dangerous aspects of diet supplements is that they are not obligatory under the law to be tested by the FDA before they are made available to the general public. However, the FDA acts when a product is found to be dangerous by removing it from the market.

Side effects:

1. Anxiety or nervousness
2. Irritability
3. Insomnia and a feeling of restlessness or hyperactivity
4. High blood pressure
5. Tightness in the chest
6. Heart palpitations

Wrikles.

Good habits and good genes can only take you so far when you're competing against the biological clock. Like it or not, there will come a day when you'll look in the mirror and realize that some of those "smile lines" are sticking around. You probably know that day can be delayed if you eat right, exercise and guard against the sun. But if you, like the rest of us, don't always succeed with the healthy-lifestyle approach, turn to this list of fallback options. Oxygen Facials A truly blissful option, this facial cleanses, hydrates and exfoliates the skin while it pumps in plenty of fresh air, improving circulation, stimulating cell rejuvenation and killing any blemish-causing bacteria hiding in pores. Botox Injections This common procedure involves using small needles to inject traces of a substance that "paralyzes" the muscles underneath, where lines are forming — usually around the mouth and eyes and on the forehead. It temporarily freezes the muscles that form these expression lines, cutting down on the repetitive movements that help create wrinkles. It's fast, easy and relatively painless, but make sure to pick a doctor with experience, and undergo an allergy test first. You'll have to get Botox shots every few months, but the results are dramatic and, over the long haul, can delay the formation of wrinkles. Facial Fillers
Gone are the days of lumpy, bumpy injections to plump up lips and sagging cheeks. Now it's all about Restylane or Radiesse, two natural fillers made of hyaluronic acid (a natural substance already present in the human body) that are injected right into creases and wrinkles to make them disappear. The effects last for about six months and are less prone to infection and clumping than previous treatments.
Epifacials
A highly effective procedure that's one step below a laser treatment, this is actually nothing like a facial. Doctors turn an intense, pulsating light on your skin (officially known as nonablative rejuvenation) that fades pigmentation, reduces large pores, clears up acne and really does a number on fine lines and wrinkles. It's quick and fairly painless (you might feel a slight zap) and can take 10 years off your skin in a matter of minutes. Thermage Non-Surgical Face-Lift
Non-Surgical Face-Lift One of the newest anti-wrinkle options to hit the market, this medical device uses radio-frequency technology to eradicate lines and wrinkles that formerly could be reduced only with a surgical lift. It works by chilling the skin and then applying tightening energy from radio frequency. It's not entirely without discomfort, but the results are worth it. Dermatologists prep patients with a topical anesthetic and a strong painkiller before getting busy.

Keep our skin well-protected from UV ray exposure. This means laying on product, such as creams and lotions, that have SPF protection all over the skin. Another is proper nutrition and hydration. Eat lots of fruits, vegetables and fish that are rich in vitamins and minerals that fight the development of free radicals in the body. Also, drink plenty of water and fruit juices to keep the body hydrated, and avoid too much black tea and coffee.

By protecting your skin from excessive exposure to sunlight, you can protect your skin from the ultraviolet rays which can damage the middle layer of the skin. Excessive amounts of sun may limit the moisture content in the skin and cause wrinkles to the face and other exposed parts of your body. If you are going to be outdoors for extended periods of time, you may want to consider carrying an umbrella and applying moisturizer before leaving home.

Lose weight diet: Meaning, causes, tips, precautions, obesity.

In the modern times where the concept of slimming and being low on weight is quite a phenomenon, there seems to be an unhealthy practice often followed for the reduction of weight of the Body beyond control. Of course, there is nothing wrong in controlling one’s body weight, but that must not result in under-nourishment of the Body.

Weight loss means a reduction of the weight of the body such as loss of body fluids, fat or bone mass, with an intentional aim to improve the health, overall fitness or outer appearance of the Body.

The diet program must consist of the following steps to be effective:

It must be simple.
It must be safe.
It must be effective.
It must be free of any side-effects.

The diet plan must revolve around reducing the intake of the total calories consumed by a small amount and to ensure that the diet must include good sources of vitamins, proteins, fats and carbohydrates besides other essential elements required for routine development of the Body.

There is a no age limit for adopting a diet plan. It must be under the strict guidance of a certified medical practitioner and has to be individual-specific. The plan must be motivating and should not have any side-effects. The use of unhealthy diet supplements and sedatives must be strictly avoided as they would result in long-term problems.

Tips & precautions:

Balanced diet plan must be adopted.
Exercise must be made a routine affair.
Consultation from a Health expert before commencing weight loss plan.
Intake of essential elements and making sure the body is not dehydrated or over-exhausted.
Avoid alcohol, smoking, caffeine, sedatives and drugs.
If already suffering from a disease, please consult your doctor to make sure the plan is not likely to cause any side-effects.
Junk foods or frozen food must be avoided.
Eat several small meals than large meals.
Eat high-protein and high calorie enriched food.
Aerobics exercises are beneficial.

Side effects:

Prolonged hunger and fatigue
Rashes and acidosis.
Reduced sex drive and disease of the gall-bladder.
Depression.

The diet plan has to be strictly followed for maximum benefits and it must be such that does not exhaust the body and the diet of the individual must be rich enough to provide him with the basic body needs. The exercises must be done in a clean, peaceful environment with a certified trainer.

It is always remembered that the Body must be fit and strong enough to meet its daily needs. The diet must be analyzed, monitored and regulated to ensure that the diet intake does not hamper the basic requirements of the Body.

Smoking-meaning, effects, treatment, tips, after-effects, benefits.

Tobacco smoking is the process of burning the cured or dried leaves of the tobacco plant for smoke inhaling. This is a habit which turns into an addiction slowly and gradually. Tobacco consists of an addictive stimulant, nicotine, which has serious implication on the human body.

Harmful effects of smoking:

It can cause lung cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
It can also lead to anxiety, depression and insomnia.
Inability to learn new information.
Frequent body need of smoking.
Heart attack and cancers of larynx and tongue.
Stroke and mood swings.
It doubles the risk of coronary heart disease.
Bad breath and yellow teeth.
Breathing problems such as asthma and fatigue.
Loss of body stamina.

Nicotine is an addictive stimulant which is the main cause of continuing tobacco smoking. It can cause psychological and physical dependence.

After-effects:

Pain in the chest, arm, jaw or neck.
Shortness of breath and dizziness.
Sudden temporary weakness.
High blood pressure.
Increase risk of heart attack.

Benefits of quitting smoking:

Blood pressure drops to normal in 20 minutes of quitting smoking.
The level of carbon monoxide drops to normal in 8 hours.
Chances of heart diseases reduced in 24 hours of quitting.
Coughing, fatigue and shortness of breath decrease in 1-9 months of quitting.
The risk of coronary heart disease decrease to that of a non-smoker in 15 years.

Active smokers often neglect the risk attached to their own life and often see smoking as a way of lifestyle and neglecting tensions by calming their nerves. Studies have shown that this is a misconception and the body is not benefited from the use of smoking. This is very harmful in cases of a pregnant woman, people suffering from asthma and heart diseases, and children and people who wanted to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Smoking does not only affect the active smokers but also the passive smokers who inhales the smoke inadvertently and involves inhaling of carcinogens in addition to various other toxic components which are harmful for the proper functioning of the body.

Benefits of smoking:

The risk of ulcerative colitis gets reduced.
The smokers require less regular repeated revascularization after percutaneous coronary intervention.
It interferes with the development of Kaposi’s sarcoma.

Studies have shown that people use to smoke from teen age are prone to the use of alcohol and drugs. Smoking usually develops from the bad lifestyle, company, life patterns, depression, parental smoking and through television and cinema and the feeling to show off. This is usually just a one-time step but it grows and forms an addiction which is really hard to leave.

Treatment of smoking:

Medical advice.
Strong will-power.
Engaging one in hobbies or work.
Relaxation therapy.
Deep breathing exercises and use of medicines.

Smoking is believed to be the main cause for about 87% of the lung cancer deaths around the World.

Smoking reduces the passage of oxygen to the foetus of women due to the presence of cyanide, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons of aromatic nature. It is often believed to be the cause of reduction in placetal flow of blood, thereby reducing the delivery of oxygen in addition to fall in the nutritional levels to the unborn baby.

Physical exercise-meaning, tips, types.

Physical exercise is the act of perfoming some activity with an aim to maintain and develop overall health and physical fitness. It is beneficial for the development of muscle strength, better bone density besides strengthing the immune system of the Body.

Benefits:

Prevention of heart diseases.
Prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
Prevention of obesity and diabetes.
Improvement in levels of stamina and endurance.
Overall development of body organs.
Proper functioning of the Body.
Better overall health.

Exercise has a positive catabolic effect on the body and supports the growth and survival of a number of neuronal cells. People who use exercises must have adequate diet to ensure that their body gets the right amount of macronutrients besides providing sufficient micronutrients. The same exercises must not be repeated to be free from boredom and proper care is to be taken with regard to sleep and rest after exercises.

Types of exercises:

Flexibility exercises.
Aerobic exercises.
Anaerobic exercises.
Circuit training.
Agility training

Studies have shown that exercises can help in the improvement of body’s cognitive functioning besides the improvement of synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis.

Tips/ Suggestions:

Exercises must be done in a balanced manner.
It should not be over-exhaustive.
Under supervision of a certified trainer.
Proper, balanced and small meals must be taken which are rich in nutritive value.
Not to be done in a closed environment, air passage must be clear.
Use of steroids, drugs and sedatives must be strictly avoided.

It must be performed under the closed supervision of a certified trainer and must be done in a relaxed mood and without over-stressing or increasing the pace of exercises to a great extent else the benefits could not be achieved.

Activities involving exercising:

Biking.
Cycling.
Dancing.
Aerobics.
Horseback riding.
Running.
Swimming.
Walking.
Sports.
Rock climbing.

Proper breathing must be maintained during exercises to increase the maximum lung capacity in addition to the heart lung efficiency.

Exercises are beneficial to the Human brain as its increases the oxygen and blood flow to the Brain, increase chemicals that help cognition and it also helps in the creation of new nerve cells.

Excess of exercises can lead to serious damages on several body parts, such as on the hands, nervous system, respiratory system and lungs. Therefore proper care must be taken to ensure that they are done in accordance with the guidance of the certified trainer.

MENTAL HEALTH, AN INTEGRAL PART OF OVERALL HEALTH AND FITNESS

The recent U.S. Surgeon General's Report on Mental Health contained some shocking statistics; Mental illness is second only to cardiovascular disease as a cause of lost years of a healthy life in the U.S. One in five Americans has a mental disorder. In the U.S., the cost of treating depression comes to about $40 billion a year.How can we combat mental illness ourselves? These tips can help:1. Be communicative. Express your feelings in a non-threatening, non-combative way to significant people in your life, including your family, friends and business associates. Don't wait for the pressure to build and then blow your top. Catch the anger or concern before it causes you stress.2. Find time for yourself, alone, every day. Even if it's just 10 minutes in the bathtub or 20 minutes walking or working out at the gym. Spend the time in constructive ways such as meditating, listening to soothing music or just enjoying nature. 3. Don't try and keep up with the Jones'. Seeking material things is healthy until it becomes more important than human things such as sharing time with loved ones, enjoying a sunset or catching some rays at the beach. Find work you love and do it with a happy heart.4. Build a network of trusted friends with whom you can share ideas, joys and sorrows. Remember to give as well as to receive.5. Avoid unhealthy relationships that make you feel "blue" or inadequate. No matter what the price, get out of these situations.6. Do some physical activity every day, whether it be gardening, washing the car, walking or working out. Studies have shown physical exertion releases endorphins in the body that produce good feelings.7. Share life with someone you love.8. Be true to yourself.
9. Build Confidence - Identify your abilities and weaknesses together, accept them, build on them and do the best with what you have.

10. Accept Compliments - Many of us have difficulty accepting kindness from others but we all need to remember the positive strokes when times gets tough.


11. Make Time for Family and Friends - These relationships need to be nurtured; if taken for granted they will not be there to share life's joys and sorrows.


12. Give and Accept Support - Friends and family relationships thrive when they are "put to the test".


13. Create a Meaningful Budget - Financial problems cause stress. Over-spending on our "wants" instead of our "needs" is often the culprit.


14. Volunteer - Being involved in community gives a sense of purpose and satisfaction that paid work cannot.


15. Manage Stress - We all have stressors in our lives but learning how to deal with them when they threaten to overwhelm us will maintain our mental health.


16. Find Strength in Numbers - Sharing a problem with others who have had similar experiences may help you find a solution and will make you feel less isolated.


17. Identify and Deal with Moods - We all need to find safe and constructive ways to express our feelings of anger, sadness, joy and fear.


18. Learn To Be At Peace with Yourself - Get to know who you are, what makes you really happy, and learn to balance what you can and cannot change about yourself.

Menopause-meaning, causes, tips, symptoms

Menopause is the term used to descirbe the physiological cessation in a women’s body with regard to her menstural cycles that are seen with the advancement of age. This usually starts at the the age of 45 years in a Women’s Life. This occurs when the ovaries of a women stop producing a group of steriod compounds, estrogen, in the body resulting in the gradual shut down of the reproductive system.

Causes of menopause:

Menopause occurs when the ovaries present in the women’s body are totally depleted of eggs and there is no stimulation from the regulating hormones for birth of eggs.
A woman experiences approximately 400,000 eggs during her first menstural period whereas during the occurrence of Menopause, the body is able to produce only 10,000 eggs. It can occur early in cases where the woman is suffering from cancer or any surgical intervention.

Types of menopause:

Premature menopause: It happens before the age of 40 years.

Perimenopause: This is just before menopause and is a usual period of transition between the child-bearing years of a woman and menopause.

Symptoms:

Sleep disturbances and night sweats.
Dryness and bleeding.
Muscle and Joint pain.
Mood swings and vaginal dryness.
Breast atrophy and decrease in elasticity.


The features of Menopause are caused by the reduction in the levels of estrogen, testosterone and progesterone in the body of the woman.

Tips for menopause:

Exercises must be done regularly.
Eat healthy and balanced diet.
Take proper vitamins, carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
Avoid junk food, smoking, alcohol, drugs and sedatives.
Nuts and flax seeds are beneficial.
Avoid caffeine.
Small and frequent meals than one-time large meals.
Drink fruit juice, and have lots of green vegetables.

Relaxation Techniques:

Rhythmic breathing.
Deep breathing.
Visualized breathing.
Use of relaxing music.
Progressive body msucle relaxation.
Mental imagery relaxation technique.
Think positive, be positive.

Treatment of menopause:

Estrogen can be taken in gel, pill or patch form for suppressing hot flashes.
Progestin therapy may be used under closed medical supervision.

It can help in the prevention of osteoporosis and relieving discomfort and vaginal dryness. But, they may also result in breast pain, headache, stroke, abnormal vaginal bleeding and nausea. So this has to be strictly under the supervision of a certified medical practitioner.

Women who experience menopause before the age of 45 years or who had undergone hot flashes that had not been treated are advised not to use the above therapy.

Alternatives to Hormone replacement:

Use of Cycrin, Provera or Megace.
Low doses of paroxetine.
Aromatherapy, acupuncture.
Use of lubricating jelly and drinking lots of water.

Some great health tips.

1. How to fight aging?

According to researchers at the University of California, one of the principle causes of deterioration of the human organism’s physical faculties is its diminished ability to metabolize glucose. And they showed that even leisurely exercise, like taking a walk, plays an important role in keeping glucose metabolism functioning smoothly.Do you spend the whole day sitting at your desk or in front of a computer screen? Why not get up occasionally and do a few minutes of physical exercise? Don’t worry about what other people think. In some Japanese companies, it is even become a collectivehabit. Every twenty minutes a bell sounds, and everybody gets up to do some stretching exercises, after which they sit down again as if nothing had happened. Japanese managers are convinced that their employees are more productive when they are relaxed.

2. Are you anxious?

Is worrying one of your characteristics? Well, stop! It is okay to worry, but at the right time. Psychologists at the University of Pennsylvania tell patients who suffer from anxiety to regularly do a daily twenty minute “worry session,” always at the same time and in the same place. Collect your head full of worries during the day (don’t suppress them!) and then pour them out during your daily worry session. Exaggerate your worries to the point of absurdity - knit your brows, make faces, let the sweat flow, shake and cower as much as you like. In other words, make a caricature of the part of yourself thatis always worried, and in so doing exorcise it. Eliminating worry will help prevent numerous psychosomatic illnesses, which result from living in a state of permanent anxiety.

3. Care for your heart while you sleep?
In which position do you sleep? If you sleep on your stomach or on your left side, you are putting pressure on your heart with the extra body weight, while the heart has to continue pumping blood as usual. This additional burden wears the heart out more quickly. Thinkabout it - you spend more than one third of your life sleeping! To reduce the strain on your heart, sleep on your right side, or on your back. This simple technique will add years to your life.

4. How to avoid cancer caused by smoking?

If you smoke, you can greatly reduce the risk of contracting cancer by drinking carrot juice. This according to the German Doctor Hans Nieper, founder of Eumatabolic Medicine, a new alternative mode of treatment which has become very popular in Germany. The carotene found especially in carrots prevents and can even curecancer. Dr. Nieper states, “If you smoke 60 cigarettes a day but drink 4 glasses of carrot juice, you will still be less prone to contract cancer than someone who doesn’t smoke but who doesn’t drink carrot juice.” Of course, if you don’t smoke and do drink carrot juice all the better!

5. Avoid eye problems caused by T.V. and monitors?

The eye was not made to be constantly focused on close objects. If your work requires that you stare at a computer screen all day long or if you watch a lot of television, stop from time to time to do a few eye exercises. For example, roll your eyes in large circles in both directions; look over to each side as far as possible and then go from up to down; or scan an imaginary text on the wall from left to right; or look out the window as far as you can following the horizon then return to a point right in front of you and begin again.In this way, you will avoid long term eye problems, you will enlarge your inner space, and relax both your eyes and your mind.

6. How to beat asthma

Asthma partially obstructs the bronchial tubes, making breathing difficult. The cause of asthma is still not known. But if you are an asthma sufferer, you can, through natural means, considerably reduce the number of asthma attacks you get. A placebo study has shown that asthmatics who consume 1 gram of vitamin C per day had 4 times fewer attacks. When they stopped taking vitamin C, the attacks resumed with the same frequency as before. As for magnesium, it also works wonders! Dr. Zack H. Haddadof the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Southern California conducted a study on thirty children suffering from asthma associated with allergies. Twenty of them drank a daily amount of mineral water rich in magnesium, while the others received no magnesium supplement. After three months, the first group had a higher level of magnesium in their blood, and they were able to breathe more easily. So taking vitamin C and magnesium is an excellent way to prevent asthma attacks. But what can you do to breathe more easily during an attack?Simply drink 2 or 3 cups of strong coffee. By activating blood circulation, it eases respiratory blockage.
In addition, the American Lung Association recommends the following exercise:
l. While standing, contract all your muscles. Keep them contracted for a few seconds.
2. Release the muscles, like letting the air out of a balloon. Relax all your muscles completely until you feel like a limp cloth.
3. Let yourself fall to the floor, and stretch out. Close your eyes and relax your face and your feet.
4. Imagine that you are floating on water. Concentrate on the effect the earth’s gravity has on your muscles and on the pleasant feeling of being completely relaxed.
5. Breathe gently and quietly, as if you were about to fall asleep.
6. Open your eyes.
Practicing this exercise when you feel an attack coming on, or once it is already started, will help you overcome your asthma condition.

7. What to do when you get something in your eye

Got some dust in your eye? Or some other irritant like an eyelash or cigarette ash? You can use the following technique to help others as well as yourself. Before doing anything, make sure you don’t do what you absolutely shouldn’t: rub or press the eye, lift the eyelid, or remove contact lenses without washing your hands.How to proceed?· Examine your eye. Is it red? Swollen? Is it tearing? What do you feel? Does it itch? Burn? Is your vision blurred?· Let nature do its work - it is usually effective. Tears and natural eye movements will usually get rid of the irritation.· Try rinsing your eye with some warm water, or with drops. You can pull on the skin around the eyes, but don’t touch the eyelid.· If this doesn’t work, wash your hands, and then lift both the upper and lower eyelids to locate the irritant. Is it on the inside of one of the eyelids, or is it stuck to the eyeball itself? Pour some sterilized, warm water on your eye to flush the irritant out.· If you can’t locate the irritant or if the discomfort persists after you have removed the particle, you would better consult a doctor.

8. A few tricks for treating insect bitesYou don’t have to sit back and just passively put up with insects, especially those that like to bite (mosquitoes, wasps etc.). Eat asparagus and your sweat will develop an odor that repels insects. Or apply lemon oil to your skin. If you are bitten, there are natural substances to soothe the irritation. Aloe Vera has extraordinary powers of soothing skindisorders. It is available in forms for both internal and external application in most health and beauty stores. If you have one of these amazing plants growing at home, cut thetip off one of the leaves (the leaf will heal itself). Apply the pulp and juice to the itching or swollen area. Lightly boiled cabbage or leek makes an excellent analgesic poultice. Of course, if you are hiking in the woods, you might have a little trouble finding cabbage! Plantain also works well. Cut it and rub it to get to the juice then apply it to the affected area.

9. How to get rid of liver spots
If you have liver spots, it is up to you to get rid of them. May be you took too much sun, without using the proper precautions like sunscreen, gradual exposure, etc. If you continue ignoring your skin in this way, you might end up looking like a lizard!Liver spots can also result from a thyroid deficiency. The thyroid gland must therefore be stimulated through a variety of means. For example, brown seaweed tablets: take one a day every morning, for fifteen days a month. Or apply a cream composed of 1 teaspoon oxygenated water and 4 1/2 tablespoons lanovaseline every morning and night. Aloe Vera (see previous chapter) is very effective in treating skin disorders. Daily application of aloe Vera over a period of time can eliminate liver spots completely. Also take a look at your nutrition: the real problem might lie in what you do or don’t eat, like a diet too high in fat.

10. Treat diarrhea without medication

If you have ever been to a tropical country, you have probably experienced diarrhea: frequent and uncontrolled evacuation of liquid stool caused by bacteria in local water, milk or food. Diarrhea can also be caused at home by excesses in diet (a dietthat is too rich) or an allergic reaction to certain foods or medication or even by stress.To treat diarrhea, avoid all solid food on the first day. Drink liquids like water, apple juice, meat or vegetable bullion and tea. These will compensate for your loss of water - dehydration being one of the main dangers of diarrhea - and will give your intestines aperiod of rest. If you have stomach cramps, rub your hands together for about aminute. Then place both palms on your abdominal region. The heat will soothe the pain.On the second day, eat small quantities of solid food. Among the least irritating are cooked cereals (especially rice), biscuits and soft boiled eggs. You can also try charcoal. It comes in tablet or capsule form (you can also get it off burnt toast!). Chinese medicine has always considered ginger one of the best remedies for diarrhea. Dilute a tablespoon in hot water and add honey.

11. Use seaweed to stimulate your immune systemJapanese seaweed possesses remarkable immunizing properties, especially in fighting cancer. Japanese researchers at the University of Kitasato have discovered 6 kinds of seaweed which inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells in rats, notably two types of Laminaria. Laminaria extract has proven 70% to 84% effective in suppressing intestinal tumors. Wakame, another Japanese seaweed, is now familiar to many Westerners, thanks to the arrival in the west of Japanese macrobiotic cooking, which uses it a lot. Pharmacologists at the University of Hawaii injected rats with an extract of this substance. They found that the seaweed helped prevent and cure cancer. The researchers claim that Wakame fights cancer by activating and strengthening the immune system. It can be found in most health food stores.

12. How to prevent motion sickness - naturally

Did you know that half a teaspoon of ground ginger is moreeffective than chemical medication in suppressing motion or seasickness? And unlike most medication, it will not make you drowsy.Ginger has been used in the Orient for centuries to prevent seasickness.Researchers asked subjects who were especially susceptible tomotion sickness to sit in a reclining chair that spun around at highspeed. All the subjects who ingested a well known medication orwho took a placebo experienced violent nausea and/or vomiting.On the other hand, six of the twelve subjects who took gingertwenty minutes before the test experienced no discomfort. Theyconsumed only 840 milligrams of ground ginger, which is theequivalent of half a teaspoon.The Japanese have a very curious method of treating all kinds ofmotion sickness. They use an adhesive plaster to fasten an“umeboshi” (a very salty fermented plum, available in most healthfood stores in the West) to their navel. The idea may seem a littlestrange, but what have you got to lose!

13. The anti-allergy vitamin

So much has been said in praise of Vitamin C. So it is notsurprising that it is also effective in treating allergic reactions likehayfever.We recommend taking Vitamin C in the form of ascorbate ratherthen ascorbic acid. When taken in ascorbic acid form, it can causegastro-intestinal disorders.To fight an allergic reaction, you should consume up to 8 grams.5 grams are necessary, on average. Start with a dose of 3 grams.Every three hours, take another 1 or 2 grams, until the symptomsdisappear completely.

14. How to prevent Flatulence (Aerophagy)

Aerophagy results simply from “eating” air. The condition is not dramatically serious, but it does bloat the stomach and can prove embarrassing (stomach gurgles, etc.)How to prevent it? Above all chew your food properly and savor it fully. Swallowing too much is a direct cause of aerophagy. So don’t swallow needlessly. Don’t drink a lot when you eat. Avoid tobacco and alcohol, cabbage, radishes, doughy bread, strong spices and bubbly drinks. Don’t eat food that is too hot or too cold. And pay attention to the kinds of food you eat together: make a note of any combination that seems to provoke an attack and avoid it in future.

15. How to put an end to heartburn

Heartburn usually results from excess acidity in the stomach, or from improper functioning of your digestive system. At the point where the esophagus and stomach join, a special muscle opens and closes the esophagus. When we swallow food this muscle relaxes to let the food pass into the stomach after which it closes again. But it can happen that the muscle malfunctions. The contents of the stomach then rise back up the esophagus, irritating the area. And this results in the infamous feeling of heartburn.How to stop it? Avoid acidic foods (lemons, etc.), alcohol, fat or fried food, food that is overcooked, coffee, juice, tomato base products and chocolate. But don’t deprive yourself too much. Rather, observe which foods bring on heartburn and avoid them. Also, don’tgo to sleep right after eating (you should eat supper around 7 o’clock) and don’t smoke, especially after meals.

16. A miracle remedy

If we offered you a miracle remedy that prevents cardiac disease, certain types of cancer, diabetes, obesity, tooth decay and varicose veins, would you buy it? Certainly you would.There is such a product. But it is not a recent discovery and you won’t find it in a pharmacy but at the grocery store. We are talking about fiber. A study conducted in Holland on 871 men, over a period of ten years, showed that subjects who had a low fiber diet were three times more susceptible to mortal disease - causes notwithstanding -than those who ate a lot of fiber (Future Youth). This said, it cannot be confirmed at present that fiber prevents the above mentioned diseases in all cases. But there is conclusive proof that they occur more frequently in populations with low fiber diets which is precisely the case in the west. According to The Lancet (the British Medical Journal) a diet which contains at least 37 grams of fiber per day (the equivalent ofone cup of bran, one apple, one potato and a half cup of cooked spinach) can effectively protect the organism against chronic illnesses common to western society. So fiber is useful in combating many disorders besides constipation.
17. Reducing your cholesterol

To reduce cholesterol:· First cut down on saturated fats. To do this:· Eat lean meat. Select lean cuts and ask your butcher to cut off the fat.· Drink skim milk instead of whole milk.Do the same for all dairy products. Note that vegetarians have a much lower cholesterol level (almost twice as low as average) which is perfectly understandable, since cholesterol is only found in products derived from animals.· Alcohol - in moderation. Not more than two glasses a day.However, it does appear that drinking a moderate amount of alcohol raises the number of HDL lipids (the good ones!), which break down cholesterol. (Moderation = two 4 oz. glasses of wine or two 12 oz. beers.)· Do regular exercise, for example walking.· Take Vitamin E. It reduces the risk of coronary disease. · Calcium brewer’s yeast, Vitamin C and Vitamin B-6 also combat the accumulation of cholesterol. And don’t forget lecithin, which helps fight excess cholesterol, arteriosclerosis, hypertension and angina (as well as psoriasis, anxiety and diabetes - and reduces the likelihood of contracting cancer). Losing weight is a good way to raise your HDL level.· Use poly-unsaturated, non-hydrogenated, cold pressed oil: corn oil, sunflower seed oil, soy, flax etc. A mono-unsaturated oil like olive oil can even raise your HDL level.

· Daily consumption of fish would be ideal for preventing cardio-vascular problems, as demonstrated conclusively in a number of studies on fish-eating populations (Eskimos for example). Ideally, you would eat fish twice a day. And as strange as this sounds, youshould select the fattest kinds: mackerel, sardines, herring, salmon etc. As for the oil in the fish, it is used to treat arterial disorders. Its effects can be felt in about six weeks. Fish oil contains two poly-unsaturated fatty acids which are very beneficial for the arteries.

18. Digest better

There is a plant for each type of digestion problem.· AIGREMOINE is useful when the stomach problem is accompanied by enteritis, diarrhea and/or chronic liver infection. It helps tone a lazy digestive system. And it also helps regularize acidity and soothe ulcers by improving metabolism. 3 or 4 cups a day. 3 1/2 to 4 tablespoons per quart of water. · ANGELICA is a digestive, an aperitif, a stimulant, a tonic. It decongests and soothes stomach pains and swelling.Prepare an infusion (tea) preferably using the fresh plant: 3 ½ tablespoons of roots per quart of water. If your stomach is very swollen, prepare and drink 3 cups per day made of 5 tablespoons of seeds per quart of water.· ANISE is a soothing digestive. It aids digestion and the elimination of intestinal gas, it soothes stomach cramps, aerophagy, dyspepsia (contractions of the digestive organs, dizziness and a heavy feeling after eating).2 or 3 cups per day, after meals: 2 tablespoons of seeds per quart of water.· CAMOMILE: a digestive, sedative, anti-inflammation agent and tonic. It helps painful or difficult digestion, stomach cramps, gastro-intestinal spasms, loss of appetite, and it helps expulsion of gas (carminative). Particularly recommended for persons who suffer from stomach cramps (and/or who are irritable, temperamental, angry etc.)One cup of infusion, a half hour before meals, or one hour after.To prepare the infusion, add 5 1/2 tablespoons to a quart of boilingwater and let stand for five minutes.· CHERVIL: digestive, depurative and diuretic. It also acts as astimulant. For difficult digestion, drink 2 or 3 cups per day. Preparean infusion with one teaspoon of dried leaves per cup of water, andlet stand for 10 minutes.· SAGE: The ancients had a saying - “Why die when your gardenis full of sage!” It is a digestive, diuretic, antispasmodic and helpscombat hypoglycemia.It stimulates the appetite, fortifies the stomach and aids digestion,especially when digestion is difficult. It is also a general tonic. 2 or 3cups of infusion per day. 1 1/2 tablespoons of dried leaves per quartof water.

19. Menstrual cramps - suffer no more!To reduce the intensity of menstrual symptoms, you can changeyour diet:· Less sugar, and slightly more protein.· Diuretic foods such as eggplant, cucumbers and parsley can helpdiminish water retention.· Calcium supplements (1 gram per day) and magnesium (500milligrams) can help reduce anxiety (always take both).· Vitamin B-6 (not more than 50 milligrams per day) can alleviatesymptoms of anxiety and tension.· Vitamins E and C also help reduce the intensity of cramps.· Aspirin has a mildly soothing effect.· And once again you can turn to plants to relieve your pains:* ANGELICA in infusion: 3 1/2 tablespoons of root per quart ofwater.* MATRIX (derived from the Latin for womb): 2 teaspoons offlowers per quart of water.

* MILFOI OR YARROW which soothes and reduces overlyabundant menstruation: about 5 1/2 tablespoons of flower tops perquart of water.* SAGE in infusion: I 1/2 tablespoons of dried leaves per quartof water.In extreme cases, ask your doctor for medication to alleviatepain.

20. Stop catching coldsAs much as possible, avoid coming into close contact withinfected persons, especially if they cough or sneeze.A person with a cold is extremely contagious: he or she fills theair with fine particles of saliva or mucous which transport the virusmicrobe. Even if the person is careful to wipe his nose with tissue ora handkerchief, the microbes will be transported to his hands.And studies have shown that these viruses are transmitted throughhand contact. So if you have to shake hands with someone who has acold, you would better wash soon after!What can you do if you do catch a cold?It is useless to take antibiotics: they have no effect on viruses.However, there are certain substances found in alcohol which helpsdecongest sinuses, that is why a good hot toddy can work wonders.But take care of your liver: toddy is just as good with a little rum aswith a lot.You don’t have to get drunk to get better. You don’t even have todrink it - just sniff some strong alcohol like cognac or brandy andbreathe in the fumes.

21. Use heat to cure

Everyone has heard about how good a sauna feels, and of therelaxing effect of a steam bath which bathes you in hot vapor.But there are other heat treatments which are equally beneficial.Heat relaxes the muscles and ligaments. When applied locally, forexample, with hot towels, it can ease muscle spasms. It can alsoreduce arthritic pain. Heat dilates the blood vessels, which in turnactivates circulation.Applied to a wound, it can prevent infection by helping whiteblood corpuscles and fresh oxygen surround the area more quickly.

22. How to combat fatigue

First make sure you are sleeping enough.Is your nutrition sufficient? In general women need at least 1200calories per day and men 1500.Avoid monotony: a varied diet will be more likely to provide thenutritive elements you need to conserve your energy.The sensation of fatigue may be stress-related, especially whenyou experience emotional stress. Do you feel tense at work or athome?Lastly, don’t neglect physical exercise. Tired or not, get out in thefresh air every day. Walking is the minimum effort necessary forstaying in shape.

23. Protect yourself against cancer

Radical liberals are not a political group, but a kind of veryactive molecule that is suspected of being one of the causes of cancer.How can you protect yourself? Diet plays an important role here,especially in the absorption of anti-oxidants. The strongestanti-oxidizing agent is Vitamin E, which is found in wheat germ oiland sunflower seeds.Next come Vitamin C (oranges, grapefruits, lemons, red peppersetc.).Beta carotene also absorbs large amounts of radical liberals.This substance seems to act as a protecting agent against most typesof cancer.Where do you find it? In red vegetables (like tomatoes), orangeones (carrots), yellow (squash), and dark green (broccoli). All theseare rich in beta carotene. So make them a regular part of your menu!

24. Prevent high blood pressureResearch has shown that people whose diet is rich in potassium(vegetarians for example) are less likely than others to develop highblood pressure.Calcium is also beneficial. Fortunately, potassium and calciumare abundantly present in a large variety of foods.Fruits, vegetables, beans, fish, fowl and lean meats are full ofpotassium.Calcium is a little more restricted. Foods rich in calcium usuallyalso contain large amounts of sodium and fat, which can increaseblood pressure.However, moderate amounts of milk are recommended, as wellas yogurt, almonds, bananas, grapes, broccoli, potatoes, beans, tofuand sardines.

25. Iron strong health

Without iron, there would be no hemoglobin in the blood.Hemoglobin gives red corpuscles their color. And it is thehemoglobin that carries oxygen to all parts of the body.If you lack iron, an insufficient supply of oxygen in yourhemoglobin will produce sensations of fatigue, headaches andshortness of breath.Men don’t have to worry too much: most men have a reserve ofiron stored in their body that could last 3 years!But women, because of the menstrual cycle, need twice as muchiron as men.And the amount is even higher for pregnant women. Vitamin Cdoubles the amount of iron the body absorbs: so it is a good idea toadd a glass of tomato or orange or grapefruit juice to every meal.On the other hand, tea reduces the amount of iron absorbed by50% and coffee by about 39%.

Anti Aging Products, Substances and Techniques

The anti aging quest of both women and men reflects the human desire to prolong life. Anti aging skin care for improving appearance or hormones, supplements for total body regeneration.
Antioxidants
As you process food for energy, your body produces substances called free radicals. Free radicals are believed to contribute to aging and certain diseases.
To neutralize free radicals, your body uses antioxidants — certain vitamins, minerals and enzymes — that come from the food you eat. Some research suggests that antioxidants can prevent chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes.
Green Tea Extract What makes green tea extract such an important nutrient are the large volumes of published scientific findings that validate its benefits. The active constituents in green tea are powerful antioxidants called polyphenols (catechins) and flavonols. One cup of green tea may provide 10-40 mg of polyphenols and has antioxidant effects that are greater than a serving of broccoli, spinach, carrots, or strawberries. Theoretically, green tea extract is an anti aging substance.
Lipoic Acid This is a highly potent antioxidant that counteracts free radicals in the mitochondria, the power plants of cells where energy for all cellular activities is generated. Some scientists believe that mitochondrial free radicals play an important role in human aging, and have theorized that extra amounts of free-radical inhibiting compounds may be good anti aging weapons.
Other antioxidants you may know about include:

Vitamin A
Vitamin B-6
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Beta carotene
Folic acid
Selenium

The best way to give your body antioxidants is to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. If you can't obtain all the nutrients you need from food, your doctor may recommend using supplements to make up for any deficiencies. The bottom line is that adding a few servings of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables to your diet will certainly improve your health and even help with anti aging.
Hormones
Hormones are chemicals created by your body to help keep your vital organs working properly. Because some hormone levels decline naturally as you age, some people believe this decline is responsible for the aging process. Hormone supplements you might have heard of include:
DHEA.
Testosterone.
Melatonin.
Human growth hormone (HGH)
There is no convincing medical evidence to prove that these hormone supplements provide anti aging benefits. And they each have side effects. For instance, even short-term use of DHEA or testosterone may cause liver damage.
Calorie Restriction
Of the various approaches to slow down the aging process, calorie restriction is considered the gold standard. Hundreds of studies have confirmed the effectiveness of Calorie restriction in a wide variety of species. While the effectiveness of this anti-aging regimen is likely far greater than others currently available, the difficulty of the regimen for most people is also far greater.
Reducing the number of calories you eat may be a good way to lose weight, but restricting your diet to the point that you aren't getting enough nutrients is dangerous. Calorie restriction can lead to malnutrition and severe weight loss.
What you can do to live a long and healthy life
Aging is a very complex process that involves many areas of your body. There is no single product, pill or substance which could cure all of the ills of aging. Your best avenue for a long and healthy life is to keep yourself healthy and prevent chronic diseases by:


Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables
Maintain a healthy weight
Exercise every day
Seek prompt medical care when you're ill or injured
Use sunscreen lotion
Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
Get screened for diseases such as cancer and heart disease
Maintain close ties to your friends and family

AIDS-causes, tips, precautions, symptoms, tests to detect.

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) refers to a virus that destroys or damages the cells of the immune system of the Body. This is usually transmitted through unsafe sex with an already infected person and may also be transmitted by sharing of needles or blood transfusion or may pass from a mother to a baby during pregnancy.

Symptoms of AIDS:

Swollen glands and flu-alike symptoms.
Fever, headache, nausea and enlarged lymph nodes.
Diarrhea.
Passing of normal-than-expected blood in case of a wound.
Loss of weight and lack of energy.
Frequent sweats and fever.
Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease.
Hardening or Swelling of glands.
Shortness of breath.
Recurring vaginal yeast infections.
Unusual skin rashes.


People usually are not aware of the occurrence of HIV infection at earlier stages and came to know only after a month or two.

AIDS or HIV infection can be detected through a blood test and can be treated with some medicines but there is no absolute cure for the disease. Studies are going on and there have been several attempts for the treatment of the dreadful disease.

How does AIDS spread?

Use of infected needles.
Unsafe sex.
From mother to the child.
Blood transfusion.
Breast feeding from infected mother.
Oral sex or vaginal fluid.

AIDS do not spread by:

Use of same utensils, sneezing.
Kissing.
Hugs.

The quantity of the virus is quite high and it spreads to different body parts affecting the lymphoid tissue to a great extent. The infected person is likely to pass the disease to many other during this stage and the viral quantity drops as the body system is unable to resist disease due to the weakening of the immune system of the Body.

When HIV is transmitted in the human body, it connects itself to the White Blood cells which are also known as CD4 and T4 cells which are the primary disease fighters present in the human body. And when these cells are damaged due to HIV, it results in the weakening of the body’s resistance towards general health and disease fighting ability.

Precautions for avoiding HIV/AIDS:

Safe sex and use of contraceptives and condoms.
Avoid used needles.
Safe blood transfusion.
Medical advice for pregnant women.

The application of high active antiretroviral therapy extends the median time of progression to HIV and the median survival time but can result in diarrhea, fatigue and nausea. People suffering from HIV/AIDS must take the guidance of a certified medical practitioner and take the prescribed medicines on a strict basis else the disease may shorten the life span quickly.

The most common tumor in AIDS-infected patients is Kaposi's sarcoma that has serious implications on the gastrointestinal tract, mouth and the lungs.

The following tests are available to detect the presence of HIV/AIDS in a human body:

HIV-DNA.
HIV-RNA
HIV antigens

Aerobic exercises-uses, meaning, precautions.

Aerobic exercise refers to type of exercise that is performed at a low to moderate level of intensity over quite a long period. It generally involves fast stepping patterns with music around under the supervision of a certified instructor.

Benefits:

Strengthen the respiratory muscles.
Improvement in the pumping efficiency and reduction in the resting rate of the Heart.
Improvement in overall body circulation and reduction of Blood pressure.
Increase in the number of Red blood cells in the body.
Increase in the level of endurance.
Preserving intramuscular glycogen through use of body fats during exercises.
Increased blood flow through the muscles.
Increase in flexibility of the Body.

Types of aerobic exercises:

Strength training.
Weight training.
Running long distance at moderate pace.
Aerobic dance.
Bicycling.
Swimming and fitness walking.


The Aerobic exercises are beneficial in reducing the risk of death in humans rising from cardiovascular disorders. They may also be helpful in the stimulation of growth of bones and reducing the risk of osteoporosis in both woman and man.

It must be performed under the closed supervision of a certified trainer and must be done in a relaxed mood and without over-stressing or increasing the pace of exercises to a great extent else the benefits could not be achieved.

Several studies have shown that people who use aerobic exercises are likely to witness growth in the metabolic activity rate for several hours after such exercises.

Aerobic exercises use the principle of oxygen-consumption equivalency and are often measure continued performance in terms of oxygen utilization ability.

Precautions:

It must be done only under guidance of a certified trainer
Body must not be over-stressed or dehydrated.
The pace should be moderate and not too fast.
Exercises must be changed to avoid boredom.

The level of aerobic fitness depends on aerobic capacity. By the term “aerobic capacity”, it is meant the total maximum amount of oxygen that can be consumed by muscles of an individual during exercise. The higher the level of aerobic capacity, the higher would be aerobic fitness and vice-versa.

The aerobic exercises are a great source of valuable component of a balanced exercise plan and are beneficial for cardiovascular health of an individual. It is assumed to be a popular form of exercise for the purpose of attaining physical fitness and weight loss.

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) describes aerobic exercise as "any activity that uses large muscle groups, can be maintained continuously, and is rhythmic in nature."

TIPS/SUGGESTIONS:

1. The Frequency of the aerobic exercises must be 3-5 days per week

2. Duration of the aerobic exercises must be 20 to 60 minutes of continuous aerobic activity.

3. Intensity of the aerobic exercises must be:

50 - 85% of maximal aerobic capacity (VO2 max), or
50-85% of Heart Rate Reserve, or
60-90% of Maximal Heart Rate
Low Intensity: 35-60% of Heart Rate Max or 50-60% of Heart Rate Reserve
Moderate Intensity: 60-80% of Heart Rate Max or 60-70% of Heart Rate Reserve
High Intensity: 80-90% of Heart Rate Max or 70-85% of Heart Rate Reserve

Spread Betting on Foreign Exchange Markets

The Foreign exchange (FOREX) market is a never-ending cash market where the currencies of various nations are traded, generally through the brokers. Foreign currencies are continuously and at the same time purchased and sold at the local markets and global markets. FOREX market conditions are likely to change any time in reply to the changing events.

The daily Forex trading volumes measures to approximately exceed 1 trillion USD. Spread betting on Forex permits the required access to all the big names in the market currencies such as Euro, Japanese Yen and the Australian Dollar.

Spread bets are quite high-risk products for which a deposit needs to be for a small percentage of the bet value. It is not suitable for all types of customers. Before initiating spread betting, one should thoroughly ensure he completely understand the risks involved and can seek independent financial recommendations, if necessary.

The use of electronic trading networks has made it much easier and convenient to work on a large scale with the trading on the Forex market. The Forex provides 24-hours a day trading, five days per week.

Buying and Selling Currencies
It is necessary to note that currencies are at all times priced in pairs. All the trading that is done in Forex terms result in the concurrent purchase of one nation’s currency and the sale of another one. An open trade refers to a trade condition in which a trader has purchased or sold a particular currency pair and has still not arrange for the buy-back or sale of an equivalent amount to close it.

Base and Counter Currencies and Quotes

Forex currency trading community must have the prerequisite knowledge about the way the currencies are quoted. The base currency is the first currency in the pair and the second currency is the quote or counter currency. The USD (United States Dollar) is usually the base currency and the relevant quotes are expressed in units of USD1 per counter currency such as USD/JPY or USD/INR. There are a few exceptions such as Euro, the Australian dollar and pound sterling which are quoted as dollars per foreign currency.

Forex quotes at all times include a bid and an ask price. The bid refers to the price at which the market community is ready to purchase the base currency in place of the counter currency. The ask price means the price at which the market community is ready to start selling the base currency in place of the counter currency. The differentiation between the bid and the ask prices is termed as the spread.

Leveraged financing

This is related to the use of credit and is a common tool in the Forex market. Under this, the market account leverage is collateralized by the initial deposit of the investors. One can be able to control US $100,000 for as little an amount as US $1000.

Conclusion
The Forex requires needs a comparatively different style of thinking than the way that is often taken up by the equity markets. The FOREX currency market are made irresistible due to multitude of large profits opportunities because of strong market trends and quite high levels of available leverage and extreme liquidity for the advanced trading community.

Potential of new media advertising in India

There is a big hand of media in the promotion of the Indian market in recent times and it is due to the New Media, also known as Information and Computer technology, or the Internet. Internet has been a big factor for the promotion of services offered, and provides both the companies and the ultimate consumer a great tool for the sale and purchase of their desired products and services.

Studies have revealed that there are as over 30 million Internet users in India alone and the large proportion of the users are in the age group of 20-40 years, which are the target audience with most of the buying capacity in any economy. According to a recent MSN study, the online segment in India is likely to cross the 100-million dollar mark by the end of 2010. The advertising industry in India is expected to generate approximately 2.2 billion dollars yearly as per the industry sources.

India has been a standalone force in the field of information and computer technology due to its high skilled labour in addition to the research and development techniques. The same has also been benefited by the liberalized policies of the Indian government. Recently, Indian companies have been conferred with several contracts from all over the globe and that has been a key feature in marking and applauding the success and skilled experience of the Indian advertising community.

Internet can be used in different terms. This is purely company-specific and not overall-specific. What may be best to one company may not be suited to its peers. This also depends upon the size, type and policies of the company in addition to the consumer’s behaviour and taste patterns. It can be through the use of online brochures, product launch advertising on websites and a more responsive questionnaire format for the prospective consumers. It surely acts as an economical, easy-to-use and maintain, and a far reliable and interactive tool between the company and its audience.

The scenario of the internet advertising in India has changed quite astonishingly. Since its inception this has seen tremendous growth, approval and implementation. Many companies are nowadays switching over to this new kind of media that is likely to come up more good in the coming future. Several of the new corporate giants in the area of the Internet economy are found to be either Indian or of the Indian origin. And with the due support of the Indian government and many more foreign alliance expected to come up, this Industry is bound to make a name for it.

Indian Marketing & Advertising Scenario

The Indian marketing & advertising sector have shown a tremendous growth since the early 90’s with several progressive plans implemented by the Indian government. The government then decided to open the Indian market for foreign investors and allowed foreign equity. That paved the way for the opening the floodgates of the boom in these sectors which is still shining high.

Marketing & advertising (M&A) are the tools which can be used by an organization to relate itself to its target audience at a large scale. The 'Grand Old Man' of Indian advertising’, R.K.Swamy, was instrumental in bringing advertising to the Indian map at the age of 50. Several big names such as Ogilvy & Mather, Enil and Mediaturf have established large business houses and have made a name for them in this large growing M&A market.

There are several benefits attached with the promotion of a company using the medium of marketing & advertising. It is economical, easy-to-use, appeals to a large public group and it provides the company an opportunity to be on a more interactive and more informative platform. The prospective customers can get the required information and also purchase the products of the company by using credit cards or pay-pal (online payment). This has proved to be beneficial for both the companies and the customers as that helps in the growth of the market overall and ensures availability of right products at the right time and that too economical.

Many of the Indian M&A companies are earning their deserved name and fame by being conferred with the honor of market-leaders and several others are on an emulating spree to achieve the feat of their peers. Lowe India was recently conferred at the recently concluded Asian Advertising Awards by Media Magazine Awards. Ogilvy & Mather recently won the “Pink slip” recognition by the Times Of India Group for its unmatched work skills.

The current growth of 18-20 per cent in M&A is among one of the highest among various industries in India. Nowadays famed global agencies are getting attracted towards the growing Indian market and the Indian economy is slowly but steadily opening its doors to World market capitalism. The 10000-crore M&A industry accounts for about 33 percent of the total industry profits in the Asia-Pacific belt. The recent NASSCOM-McKinsey report indicated that India is believed to build a $17-billion web-based Industry by the end of 2008.

Binary Betting

What Is Binary Betting?

Binary betting is the recent product to emerge from the spread betting industry which provides an innovative and exciting look to trade the financial markets. The main feature and advantage of binary form of betting is that one know beforehand the utmost upside and downside.
There are only two possible results from a binary bet, the occurrence of an event or not. It is quoted on an index between 0 and 100. If the event occurs then the market settles at 100 and the market settles at 0 in case of non-occurrence of the event. It always scores either 100 or 0 and one can buy or sell at any point of time.
Different types of binary betting:

Standard: This refers to placing bets on the Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE) at the time of day-closing.

One Touch: The bet is automatically settled at 100 if the market reaches or goes through a definite level.

Range bets: It refers to the quoted price which depends upon market high or market low level.

Benefits of Binary Betting:
Opening and closing of bets at any time when the City Index binary market is opened.
Controlled risk and high volatility.
Presence of narrow spreads.
One can place his bets on hourly, intraday or daily markets.

It is not regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) and therefore several protections are not available to the investors.


The winnings and losses are calculated in the undermentioned way:

In case of a purchase. Profit/Loss = The price at day’s closing minus the day opening price times the bet size.

In case of a sale. Profit/Loss = The price at day’s opening minus the day closing price times the bet size.

Strike price is the price the market need for occurrence of the event to make it either 100 or 0.

Floating Binary is the commonest type of binary bet in which the binary price moves but the strike price is fixed. Fixed Binary is a bet where the strike price moves but the the binary price remains fixed. Both floating and fixed binary bets are opposite to each other.
Conclusion:

It is quite simple way of placing the bets in the markets. It provides clear chances where the conventional style of betting fails. This is largely dependent on the volatility of the market and of there is a availability of a high statistical probability then one can increase his chances to increase profits.