Doctor Reviews: What To Look For in a Great Health Professional

A new trend has begun to take over the internet. The quest for more information has now enveloped the health care industry in the form of user-driven doctor reviews. The sites that provide these allow people just like yourself to sign up and then post about their experiences at a physician's appointment. They then aggregate these reviews in an easy to read format that helps others find a physician they would like. If you've been looking for quality health care where you live, you can use one of these sites to help you out. You just have to know what to look for.

A good site providing doctor reviews will give you a great deal of information to help you with your search. This information should include the name and physical address of the office, as well as a link to get directions. It should specify whether or not the office is accepting new patients, as many are not, especially in larger cities. In a best case scenario, it should give a bit of information regarding the office hours, what type of payment they accept, and general information about the practice. Without reading a single opinion, you can use this type of information to learn quite a bit about a practice, sometimes eliminating it from your search right away.

When it comes to the doctor reviews themselves, there are several bullet points that a good write-up should include in some form or another. If you have an appointment and want to come back and make a review, these are some of the things you should include to ensure thoroughness. These things include describing how easy it is to make an appointment, how long you had to wait past the time when your appointment was scheduled to begin, and a decent amount concerning the physician's bedside manner. The write-up should also include information about how long the physician takes with their patients and whether there is a rushed feeling. There should also be some general notes about the staff.

Remember when reading through the doctor reviews that the people who posted their opinions are only human, as are the physicians themselves. There will be mistakes and there will be people posting because they hold a personal grudge or are upset for reasons that have nothing to do with the physician's level of responsibility. As long as you can keep these things in mind, these sites can be a tremendous service for those looking for a new physician.

Health And Safety - To Enhance Life Expectancy

Human beings are concerned about their health and safety right from childhood. Here are a set of rules that helps humans to maintain their health and safety. Main concern of individual is about his physical fitness. There are many types of diseases and other health related ailments that affects the human health. Complications related with health can be broadly categorized into two categories. First are diseases and second are aliments. Disease is a type of disorder which if not given proper heed results into death of human beings. Examples of diseases are cancer, typhoid, jaundice etc.

On the other hand ailments also affect body, but they are not life threatening. Ailments can affect day to day working ability. Some common ailments are cold, pain in joints etc. Most of health related problems are found in both men and women. Since, the body functioning of women is diverse from men, so there are some health related problems that are present in only males and others are present in females only. Ladies give birth to young offspring, so they have problems related with their reproductive systems. On the other hand men do not suffer from such types of problems.

By eating healthy and nutritious diets (green vegetables, fruits and fibre rich diet) one can protect himself from various diseases and disorders. Safety aspects also need attention, one should not smoke and drink. Life style also needs to be changed; I. e. Exercise helps to maintain body weight of a person. Overweight leads to various forms of problems like diabetes and hypertension (high or low BP). Finally to have health and safety one should have positive mental approach towards life.

Pulse Oximeter Used As a Health Monitoring Device While Walking

Walking is widely considered one of the best and most effective exercises that a person can engage in. Walking allows individuals to raise their heart rate in order to achieve a good exercise level while at the same time not engaging in any type of physical activity that may characterized as intense or that may cause some sort of injury. The elderly in particular not only enjoy walking on a daily basis but it is also recommended that they walk on a daily basis. It is typically recommended for the elderly to walk on a daily basis because like mentioned before it is a physical activity that not only is good for you but is not intensive whereby it would cause any type of serious injury. While the individual is walking it is important to monitor your health in order to determine whether you are functioning at optimal levels. The monitoring that I am referring to is in regards to pulse rate and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2). The pulse rate is due to the fact that blood flows in and out of the tissues in the human body and different rates. This rate is what contributes to the level of pulse rate. When the blood-flow is more intense and moves in and out of the tissues faster the pulse rate thus will be faster.

On the other hand, blood oxygen saturation is the percentage of oxygen in the hemoglobin. In other words, its the oxygen level of an individual in their blood. Both of these vital signs are very important to monitor why walking due to the fact that during walking exercises both the pulse rate and the SpO2 levels are affected and thus a portable device is necessary in order to utilize to measure these vital signs. One such device is a pulse oximeter.

A pulse oximeter is a medical and health device that measures pulse rate and SpO2 levels with accuracy and speed. The process is very simple. You simply place your finger inside the portable pulse oximeter device and within seconds the oximeter will give you a reading of your pulse rata and SpO2 levels. The device is a fraction of the size of the smallest cell phone on the market and easily can fit in the person's pocket without being too bulky or heavy. The benefit of utilizing a pulse oximter is the fact that you can take it with you wherever you desire to go and anytime it is necessary you simply take the oximeter out of your pocket and place your finger inside of it to get accurate readings.

Previous generations of oximeters where no where close to be as portable and small as the current generation. Previously the devices were limited to hospitals and clinics and as such they were very expensive and definitely not mobile. With the advent of new technology and chips that allow for smaller devices to be built the oximeters of today are small and lightweight and can be taken anywhere that the person exercising desire to got.

2 Signs That Mediocre Health Could Deplete Your Wallet

Have you ever seen an untuned engine provide extra mileage on a car, or a new computer perform seamlessly with outdated software? Like this machinery, our bodies can limp along for a while, but without attention, it won't be long before systems begin to seize.

For people hoping to excel in their businesses and careers, these limitations can be uncomfortable and expensive. Poor health often leads to conditions that cause us to stop in our tracks--and cease producing. Most of the people I see at my Park Avenue Center for Wellbeing fall into this "mediocre" category. Although they have the best of intentions, they allow other priorities to outrank health. Ultimately, they fail to follow through with the self-care that is necessary for complete success--personal, professional, and financial.

There are real consequences to accepting health that's "just OK" but not truly good.

1) Your performance is a reflection of the state of your health.
How you treat yourself, body and mind, will ultimately affect how you present yourself to the rest of the world, including your family, colleagues, and clients. You simply cannot be a success (at least, not for long) if you never put yourself on the "to-do" list.

Does the idea of giving yourself priority make you nervous? Do you think that would be selfish? Hardly. In fact, the opposite is true. Failure to care for yourself not only dims your potential brilliance, it also can result in delayed or lost opportunities to fulfill present and future goals. The whole cycle can be very costly in terms of productivity and financial loss.

Case study: Sophia told me she felt she was "spinning her wheels" in her business. Despite her best marketing efforts, she wasn't monetizing as she hoped. We took a look at her goals and activities and a pattern emerged: She was putting everyone else's needs above her own. What she needed was to properly focus on her own success. A few critical changes later, Sophia now sees the road ahead of her as smoother, clearer, and more fulfilling.

2) You have unexplained weight gain or pain, or you take more sick days than ideal.
Ouch. Unchecked stress has long been known to undermine or limit success, but did you know that it can literally make you fat, tired, and/or sick? I have seen firsthand many who have been absent from work, feeling too ill to work effectively or suffering from neck and back injuries, all because of an overload of stress in their lives. You might think stress is a necessary evil, but I guarantee there are techniques that help alleviate this "silent killer."

Case study: Plagued by worry, doubt, and fears, Larry tossed and turned at night, unable to sleep. That's when his back seemed to hurt the most. Finally, fatigue depleted his immune system, and he caught one cold after another. But Larry was able to turn his health around. By fine-tuning his sleep and work habits and finding holistic, balancing relief for stress, he was able to find calm again, clearing his way to better rest, a better mood, and pain relief.

Set aside time to get to know your health. Take a close look at your habits, your routines, and how you usually feel. Chances are you already have an idea which patterns are costing you precious time and results. What changes can you make to correct them? Act now to boost your bottom line by boosting your health, and be brilliant in both.

Ready to take the next step? It's simple! Through my Virtual Wellness Coaching program, you can get completely individualized, focused-on-you coaching calls with an experienced healthcare professional who really "gets it." Now's the time to step up and claim your best health and wellness. Call me at 212-686-0939, or visit Virtual Wellness Coaching to reserve your spot.

Why Choose a Health Cash Plan?

In today's cash-strapped economy, many people are seeking to cut corners wherever possible, and unfortunately this has led many people to avoid seeking out medical attention for fear of receiving an expensive bill. When you take out a health cash plan, you could enjoy greater peace of mind knowing that many of your day-to-day medical expenses will be covered, so the only thing you'll have to worry about is getting better rather than the cost involved.

One of the numerous advantages of health cash plans is that they do not require a medical examination, or the red tape and delays that so often accompany them. If you're covered by a cash plan, you could receive significant discounts on everything from new glasses and dental care to alternative therapies, just so long as you've been contributing to your policy for at least several months.

The cost of health cash plans is low, considering the potential savings that can quickly add up. Regular monthly payments spread over a period of 12 months, or however long you choose your flexible plan to last, can work out much cheaper than having to make one-off payments each time you require medical attention, and you'll no longer have to worry about eating into your savings or taking out loans to pay for treatments.

You don't even have to be ill to enjoy health cash plans benefits either, with some providers extending the protection to cover life events, such as maternity and adoption benefits, as well as providing access to a dedicated 24-hour helpline that can offer confidential advice on all manner of health and legal issues. The claims process has also been streamlined, meaning you simply have to complete a form and provide a receipt of the amount you've paid, and you'll soon receive reimbursement up to the agreed policy limit.

Many individuals and businesses are now favouring health cash plans over medical insurance plans, due to the lower costs involved and the fact that health cash plans do not rely on the policyholder's medical history to determine the amount of cover. You could even find alternative therapies covered by health plans that your medical insurance might not typically extend to, including acupuncture, chiropody, chiropractic, homoeopathy and physiotherapy. If you have children, your health cash plan could also extend to provide free coverage for the younger members of your family at no extra charge.

Bob Taggart writes on a number of topics on behalf of a digital marketing agency and a variety of clients. As such, this article is to be considered a professional piece with business interests in mind.

10 Point Health Checklist

Here is a checklist of sorts to remind you that taking care of your health will mean taking care of your stress.

Did you ever go through your medicine cabinet or drawer or whatever, and you see expiration dates... and there are some that expired three years ago?

Or did you ever look at spices in your cupboard and realize that 1) Some actually have expiration dates and 2) You have been using spices that are really, really old? (OK, that just happened to me-maybe you are better about this!)

Anyway, it made me think about how time gets away from us and we don't always realize how much time has passed since we called a friend, or visited the dentist, or got a check-up.

So I have put together a list to jog your memory and remind you to take care of yourself.

When you take care of you, everything in your life will move along easier!

10 Point Health Check-in

If you have not done these in a while... get moving!

1. When was your last physical?

2. What about a tetanus shot? If you suffer a wound that is deep or dirty, and haven't had a tetanus shot for the last 10 years you could be in serious trouble with a tetanus infection, a bacterial disease that affects the nervous system and could be fatal. Children receive this shot along with their vaccines, but often adults do no think of asking their doctor about it.

3. When did you last see the dentist? Go.

4. Ladies....make sure you keep up with self breast check and mammograms.

5. Anyone over 50...I'm sorry, but it is colonoscopy time!

6. It's that time of year. If you want a flu shot, figure out where you will go and get that in motion.

7. How is your vision? Headaches or squinting could signal that you need glasses or a new prescription.

8. How is your weight? Do something about it. Suggestion: Keep a food diary for a few days and use it to help you zero in the most troublesome areas.

9. Are you exercising at all? Start with 10 minute walks a day. Move.

10. Are you laughing everyday? I'm serious... don't be too serious.?

Look After Your Wellbeing With Personal Health Assessments

If you're concerned about your health or you simply desire the peace of mind that comes from being certified physically fit by a knowledgeable professional, health assessments can be an ideal way to receive a detailed overview of your physical condition, as well as benefit from expert advice on any areas of your health and lifestyle that could be improved.

Rather than waiting until something's wrong, keeping up with regular health assessments can prove highly effective in identifying potential problems at an early stage, before they become a real threat. There are numerous types of health assessment available, covering the entire spectrum of physical and mental health and wellbeing, and assessments can even be personalised further to focus on the most significant health issues relevant to you.

Health assessments are carried out by experienced practitioners, in environments designed to be as relaxing and therapeutic as possible, and aim to offer the most comprehensive and detailed overview available. By disclosing details of your medical history, you can also help your assessor greatly by allowing them to consider the past and present in planning for your ideal future.

While the physical examination is the most fundamental component of health assessments, patients are also encouraged to take the opportunity to ask their examiners any questions that are on their mind and discuss any concerns they might have about their lifestyle, before receiving their personalised action plans designed to maximise their health and wellbeing over subsequent weeks, months and years.

These tips and strategies for a brighter, healthier future tend to be among the most overlooked health assessment benefits, but could prove to be the most beneficial feature of annual assessments if you feel any aspect of your lifestyle is preventing you from achieving your ideal body or physical condition. The philosophy behind health assessments is that tackling issues and potential problems before they become serious concerns can save a great deal of time, money and suffering further down the line.

This sense of health security does not carry a high price, and you may even find that health assessments are included as part of an insurance package offered by your employer or insurer. With the benefits of modern medical technology and constantly improving knowledge at your fingertips, it's now easier to look after your body than ever before, and receive help making minor or drastic lifestyle changes that could greatly improve your quality of life.

Bob Taggart writes on a number of topics on behalf of a digital marketing agency and a variety of clients. As such, this article is to be considered a professional piece with business interests in mind.

Skin Brushing: 8 Health Benefits

When I first learned about the specific things we can do for having healthy skin, I realized in a small way the benefit of skin brushing. So I bought a brush and would do skin brushing occasionally in the bath. I wasn't too committed to doing it which translated meant that I didn't really believe the benefit was worth my time and effort.

That is no longer true. I now allow time to do dry skin brushing every day right before I bathe. The reason it is now part of my personal wellness program is because I've learned the benefits and I believe they are true.

The skin, the largest organ of the body, is responsible for 1/4 of the body's detoxification every day. It actually eliminates two pounds of acid waste daily. When the blood is full of toxic materials, it is the skin that will show this first. The skin is the last to receive nutrients that it needs, yet the first to show signs of imbalance or deficiency!

All of that was enough information to make me cross the line of head knowledge about it (believing those are nice facts) and heart knowledge (actually choosing to incorporate skin brushing into my daily routine to reap the health benefits myself).

Here are the benefits of skin brushing that I have learned:

1. Helps the body eliminate cellulite.
2. Helps the skin to tighten.
3. Works wonders when you're losing weight (or have lost weight and are now dealing with sagging skin).
4. Sloughs off dead cells, thus improving skin texture and cell renewal.
5. Stimulates blood flow to the skin, which in turns helps the body to rid itself of wastes.
6. Helps the body detox even better when alfalfa supplements are taken in conjunction with skin brushing.
7. Rejuvenates the nerve system by stimulating the nerve endings.
8. Eliminates clogged pores so that the skin can absorb nutrients better.

Want to know how to get started? Buy a stiff, natural body brush. If it seems too firm on dry skin, start with it wet and soapy in the shower or bath. Once the skin gets stronger, switch to dry brushing. Dry skin brushing will give stronger stimulation that your skin needs. Use a prescribed sequence of hands, arms, chest, stomach. Then proceed to brush feet, legs, buttocks, remembering to always brush toward the heart in long strokes. For certain targeted areas (like upper thighs, stomach, buttocks) you can use circular motions, but always end with long strokes.)

After I finish brushing, bathing, and drying off, I complete my skin health treatment by infusing my skin with natural vitamins using my favorite body lotion. I don't know about you, but I want to be sure my skin care reflects my commitment to having a healthy body, and that now includes skin brushing.

How to Provide Health Aid for a Loved One With a Chronic Health Condition

There're instances in life where you see any or one or two of your family members getting sick. Your spouse, relative or a friend could also be down with a recurring health condition. At instances like this, your utmost consideration is likely to be needed for a long time period. However, becoming a health aid for a beloved one in a health situation doesn't need to be that arduous a job. With the precise learning resources, you may understand a lot in regards to the condition and in that way help the sick one live through the health challenge. The following methods can assist you to get started in the precise direction.

Complying With The Docs Advice

The very first thing to try and do as a health aid will probably be to be the affected person's doctor. You will want to ask several questions from the physicians so as to care for the struck. You will want to attempt to find out the main cause of the issue plus all that you will need to do to care for your companion. Some conditions such as mental dysfunction will require extra sensitive health aid as the victim could also be out of their mind. Other situations require little or no help and it could only require taking drugs or other medication for a protracted time. So, you will need to know the specific help required for the one you love's condition and comply with the doctor's suggestion. If possible, take the affected person to the doctors clinic for appointment visits and know extra from the doctor on every visit.

Seeking For Information On The Cyber web

The other powerful source of info that you may tap into to aid you on the health aid is the information superhighway. The infobahn has a wealth of info and you will get all you should know. Search through assorted online forums and hear the experience of some other health aid suppliers and how they succeeded in providing help and help to an individual in similar case. You may also read the experiences of others who have had situation much like that of the unwell particular person in order to understand what they might be passing through. You will also get learning resources to help you understand the character of the condition, the cause of the situation, what to anticipate sooner or later and measures you could take to help your good friend or family member.

Looking For Info On The Mental Illness

There're also associations, forums, coaching camps and many other studying platforms which are out there each off-line and online for people suffering from comparable issue. You'll find out about these kinds of forums from the doctor, from health establishments or through the web. Be part of the associations and online forums to study from others experience and to share your individual occurrences. You can learn a lot concerning the health breakthroughs being arrived at that could help your patient, areas you may get financial support for medical treatment if need be, options available for managing the illnesses amongst so much more learning resources.

Support the Ailing Person

Last of all, the greatest health aid you can provide to somebody affected by this sort of situation is affection, passion and support. Although, at times it is perhaps difficult for you to extricate yourself from your job but you still strive. Nonetheless, by incessantly communication to follow up and through encouraging and supporting the person, you offer them expectation and strength to undergo the condition that they are in.

Don't Just Accept What People Tell You About Your Health

Do you know somebody who has had hope stripped away by a medical "death" sentence? Have they been conditioned for acceptance? Have they been told that everybody their age has high blood pressure, thyroid dysfunction, "high" cholesterol, painful joints, visual problems, blood sugar issues, sleep apnea, and neck/back pain? Do you know somebody who has been told that it's completely normal for them to be on medications for "the rest of their life"? Do you know somebody with a child who has been labeled with a medical diagnosis and they've been told that there are no alternatives but drugs and more drugs. Has that parent been told that "alternative" options would be a waste of time?

Well, I know that for the vast majority of readers, you've heard a version of the above from family, friends, and co-workers while trying to share with them the amazing benefits you have received while under chiropractic care. Sometimes it can feel like you're hitting your head against a brick wall. For some reason, people shut down when they hear your message of hope. Not always, but often. Sometimes it's because of learned helplessness. Although they may have already figured out that they are stuck in a medical rut, getting more testing, drugs, and diagnostic labels, all the while getting sicker, they still feel more comfortable staying there than embracing a "brave new world"; a world where they have the opportunity to pull out of their tailspin and start ascending to glorious heights of health, healing, vitality, and sickness-free living.

Whether their reason is fear, bigotry, prejudice, disbelief, stubbornness, etc., please don't ever give up on these people. There have been patients who have tried to save friends and family for years only to be rejected. However, their 50th conversation about the marvelous healing results that are occurring through chiropractic care is what turned it all around. Something changed for that person. They were hearing you 49 times. On the 50th time, they actually listened. Always persist. Never stop being assertive. Always be bold and courageous with spreading the message of hope and healing. I know if it was you or I, without the knowledge and experience of chiropractic, in retrospect, we would never have wanted anybody to quit on us.

Don't Just Accept What People Tell You About Your Health

Do you know somebody who has had hope stripped away by a medical "death" sentence? Have they been conditioned for acceptance? Have they been told that everybody their age has high blood pressure, thyroid dysfunction, "high" cholesterol, painful joints, visual problems, blood sugar issues, sleep apnea, and neck/back pain? Do you know somebody who has been told that it's completely normal for them to be on medications for "the rest of their life"? Do you know somebody with a child who has been labeled with a medical diagnosis and they've been told that there are no alternatives but drugs and more drugs. Has that parent been told that "alternative" options would be a waste of time?

Well, I know that for the vast majority of readers, you've heard a version of the above from family, friends, and co-workers while trying to share with them the amazing benefits you have received while under chiropractic care. Sometimes it can feel like you're hitting your head against a brick wall. For some reason, people shut down when they hear your message of hope. Not always, but often. Sometimes it's because of learned helplessness. Although they may have already figured out that they are stuck in a medical rut, getting more testing, drugs, and diagnostic labels, all the while getting sicker, they still feel more comfortable staying there than embracing a "brave new world"; a world where they have the opportunity to pull out of their tailspin and start ascending to glorious heights of health, healing, vitality, and sickness-free living.

Whether their reason is fear, bigotry, prejudice, disbelief, stubbornness, etc., please don't ever give up on these people. There have been patients who have tried to save friends and family for years only to be rejected. However, their 50th conversation about the marvelous healing results that are occurring through chiropractic care is what turned it all around. Something changed for that person. They were hearing you 49 times. On the 50th time, they actually listened. Always persist. Never stop being assertive. Always be bold and courageous with spreading the message of hope and healing. I know if it was you or I, without the knowledge and experience of chiropractic, in retrospect, we would never have wanted anybody to quit on us.

By BJ Palmer, the developer of the profession of chiropractic: "You never know how far reaching something you may say, think, or do today will affect the lives of millions tomorrow."

View the original article here

How Can I Improve My Health?

Good health seems unattainable at times. But, even if we have chronic health issues, there are some simple steps that we all can take to improve the quality of our health.

1. Drink more water. Water lubricates joints, assists in weight loss and improves digestive and urinary tract health. And it's easily accessible. Why not try to squeeze in 2 extra glasses today?

2. Get more sleep. When we get enough sleep, we have more energy, we're more mentally alert, and our body has more time to heal. When we stay up too late, we usually regret it the next day. And our bodies can feel the effects for years if we make it a habit.

3. Get more exercise. Exercise is good for mental as well as physical health. It helps us to keep a healthy heart, healthy weight, and a good attitude.

4. Eat more fruits and vegetables. It might seem out of the question to eat the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables. But just increasing by one serving a day can mean great benefits to our health. Surely, there must be at least one fruit or vegetable that you enjoy eating.

5. Choose our friends wisely. Our friends affect our decisions, our mood, and ultimately our health. And, unlike many other things, who we befriend is totally our own choice. So we can choose friends that affect us positively.

6. Talk about our problems. Some things can't be changed. But when these things are weighing on our mind and we don't discuss them, it can take a serious toll on our mental and physical health. So, express your thoughts, respectfully, to a friend you trust.

These are simple steps, easy to implement. If you put them into practice, you will definitely see the difference.

Raw Chocolate Health Benefits

Raw Chocolate is the latest superfood to come under the spotlight for its vast health benefits. When we think of chocolate we usually think of the overly processed milk chocolate bars such as mars bars, snickers and so on. Not a food we'd commonly associate with improving health anyway. But chocolate in its raw state is actually one of the healthiest foods you can consume and is fast living up to its name as one of the best superfoods available.

It is important to get the full benefits of dark chocolate that it must be in its raw state and from what most of the studies so far have suggested the cacao percentage must be at least 70% to get most of the health benefits associated with raw dark chocolate.

Raw Chocolate Benefits

Cacao is a very good source of the mineral Magnesium. Magnesium is one of the most important nutrients in heart function and has been shown to be needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body.Raw chocolate is an outstanding source of antioxidants. Minus two spices cinnamon and cloves, raw chocolate was shown to have the highest ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity) of any of the foods tested. Antioxidants contained in raw chocolate are beneficial to many areas of health such as lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol and in turn reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. The high concentration of antioxidants will also lower the risk of cancer.Raw chocolate is also a good source of the mineral sulfur. Sulfur has many functions such as building strong hair and nails, is a good mineral for healthy skin, promoting detoxification of the liver and much more.Cacao is a great brain and mood food due to many of the chemicals and compounds it contains naturally such as dopamine, tryptophan, anandamine, phenylethylamine(PEA) and MAO inhibitors.Phenylethylamine(PEA) also known as the "love chemical" has many known functions such as helping increase mental focus/alertness and helps us feel connected to others. PEA is released in great amounts when we are in love.Raw chocolate contains small amounts of anandamine which is an endogenous cannabinoid found naturally in the brain. Anandamine is also known as the "bliss chemical" as we produce it naturally when were feeling bliss. Two chemicals similar to anandamine in cacao, inhibit the metabolism of anandamine allowing it to stay available to the brain longer.This article has been viewed 12 time(s).
Article Submitted On: November 08, 2010

View the original article here

Don't Just Accept What People Tell You About Your Health

Do you know somebody who has had hope stripped away by a medical "death" sentence? Have they been conditioned for acceptance? Have they been told that everybody their age has high blood pressure, thyroid dysfunction, "high" cholesterol, painful joints, visual problems, blood sugar issues, sleep apnea, and neck/back pain? Do you know somebody who has been told that it's completely normal for them to be on medications for "the rest of their life"? Do you know somebody with a child who has been labeled with a medical diagnosis and they've been told that there are no alternatives but drugs and more drugs. Has that parent been told that "alternative" options would be a waste of time?

Well, I know that for the vast majority of readers, you've heard a version of the above from family, friends, and co-workers while trying to share with them the amazing benefits you have received while under chiropractic care. Sometimes it can feel like you're hitting your head against a brick wall. For some reason, people shut down when they hear your message of hope. Not always, but often. Sometimes it's because of learned helplessness. Although they may have already figured out that they are stuck in a medical rut, getting more testing, drugs, and diagnostic labels, all the while getting sicker, they still feel more comfortable staying there than embracing a "brave new world"; a world where they have the opportunity to pull out of their tailspin and start ascending to glorious heights of health, healing, vitality, and sickness-free living.

Whether their reason is fear, bigotry, prejudice, disbelief, stubbornness, etc., please don't ever give up on these people. There have been patients who have tried to save friends and family for years only to be rejected. However, their 50th conversation about the marvelous healing results that are occurring through chiropractic care is what turned it all around. Something changed for that person. They were hearing you 49 times. On the 50th time, they actually listened. Always persist. Never stop being assertive. Always be bold and courageous with spreading the message of hope and healing. I know if it was you or I, without the knowledge and experience of chiropractic, in retrospect, we would never have wanted anybody to quit on us.

By BJ Palmer, the developer of the profession of chiropractic: "You never know how far reaching something you may say, think, or do today will affect the lives of millions tomorrow."

View the original article here

Water's Role in Kidney Health Part Two

Not All Water is the Same

When it comes to kidney health and overall wellness, all water is not the same. This is quite obvious in some instances, but not so obvious in others. When the focus is on kidney health as well as the elimination of kidney stones, particular types of water appear to work the best.

Can Distilled Water Be Used?

Distilled water works well in extracting from the body mineral deposits that are rejected by the body. It leeches to minerals that are larger than colloidal-sized particles and flushes them out. Colloidal-sized particles are those small enough to be absorbed through the body's cellular walls. Some think that distilled water is robbing the body of these essential minerals, but this is not the case. However, many experts agree that a distilled water only protocol might be best when only done for a couple of weeks at most.

The Difference Alkaline Water May Make

Alkaline water seems to be the best. Drinking alkaline water prevents kidney stone formation and can dissolve kidney stones as well. Alkaline electrolytic water has a pH of 9 to 11. It not only neutralizes the acid that accumulates in various parts of the body, including the kidneys, but has been known to provide great long-term treatment for a variety of ailments related to heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs. Water containing more hydrogen than hydroxyl ions is classified acidic. When there is more hydroxyl ions than hydrogen, the reverse is true and it is alkaline. Alkaline water's benefits have even been recognized by the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare and have been certified to assist in the alleviating acidosis, chronic diarrhea, gastrointestinal disorders, and poor digestion. Asian doctors use alkaline water to change the acidic condition in the body so that the body can better deal with weaknesses on its own.

Tap Water Better Than Nothing

Tap water ranges from slightly alkaline to acidic. This might be in many cases the least recommended. However, drinkable water is very important regardless of type. If tap is the only choice, better to hydrate with something that will assist than nothing at all. So a good start is to insure enough hydration and as able seek for higher qualitative hydration to optimize the body's abilities to purge itself of toxins. Doing so will help prevent kidney stones, recurrences, and provide support not only for the kidneys, but your body's other vital organs.

Fluoridated Water Not Good for Kidney Patients

Finally, if you do drink a lot of tap water and it is fluoridated, you might want to consider some recent findings. In 2006, a USA National Research Council study concluded that fluoridated water poses additional risks for those with kidney disease. In 2008, the USA National Kidney Foundation withdrew its support for the fluoridation of water while acknowledging kidney patients had died from fluoridated water used in dialysis.

Learn about Other Ways to Eliminate Kidney Stones and Maximize Kidney Health A multi faceted approach to one's kidney health can ensure one's success. To learn about more about additional approaches to kidney health go here.

Christopher Torsak is an advocate and researcher of natural kidney health and overall health and wellness practices. He offers a special report on kidney stones and kidney health at http://www.kidneystonedietfreereport.com/.

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

View the original article here

Health and Fitness Experts: What Makes Me So Hungry?

By Julianna LoCascio Julianna LoCascio
Level: Basic PLUS

I am a Personal Trainer, National Health Advisor and Freelance Writer living in Texas. I am dedicated to changing lives! Jillian Michaels inspired me to ...

You may not be a person that goes out and indulges in a big chocolaty brownie, because you know that you will want to eat the entire batch. In fact, you may be the healthiest, most disciplined person you know when it comes to nutrition.

You may think that the sole reason you have not been able to drop those pounds is due to overindulging and not pushing hard enough in the gym. Well, this is partly true, but there is a whole other element that you may be missing.

The root of the problem stems from your body not producing enough grhelin, the chemical hormone in the brain that signals hunger, and a lack of leptin, the hormone that tells us we are full.

Think of your body as a chemistry lab. If you're T4, one of the three thyroid hormones, is too low, it is as a chain reaction for all other chemical hormones. Simply put, when one hormone is off, the entire endocrine system is off.

So what do you do about it?

Solutions:

Keep a daily journal or recorded diary to become consciously aware of your thoughts and emotions, and what drives them. Evaluate if you are simply attempting to solve the current circumstance or if you are being triggered, by a past event, to react accordingly.Understand the power of "The mind-body connection." This task is so powerful that we literally cannot function properly without each being in harmony. There is direct cause and effect signal between the hormones and the body that directly correlates with our thoughts, emotions, energy-levels, fat storage and stress levels.Speaking of stress, the way in which we physically handle stress is a huge factor to why you may be carrying extra belly fat. When we become stressed the brain signals the chemical hormone, cortisol to the abdomen in order to protect itself from famine. The more stressed we feel the more cortisol is sent. This ongoing behavior also known as the, fight-or-flight mode, can eventually burn out your adrenal glands which can cause extreme fatigue, hormonal imbalances and in turn weight gain.It is vital that you go get a full hormonal blood panel from your current physician or an endocrinologist. How do you know what to fix if you don't know what's off? The doctor may suggest a hormone replacement like, Synthroid, Armour thyroid, a bio-identical hormone, (still an ongoing research), for women in pre-menopause, or even a natural supplement to help support the brains signals.

Whatever the case, this is no overnight process so remain persistent and diligent in your doctor's prescription and know that this is key to feeling internally energized, motivated and satisfied with your weight.

Julianna LoCascio is a Personal Trainer, National Health Advisor and Freelance Writer living in Texas. Ms. LoCascio is dedicated to changing lives through health and fitness. In 2009, Julianna performed a case-study for an entire year. She put Jillian Michaels', TV's Toughest Trainer, lifestyle to the test. The following are her secret diary entries along the way. She fully adopted Jillian's exercise regimens, nutritional advice, weight-loss supplements, natural solutions for balanced hormones and a lot of hard work and dedication. This blog is the journal of my on-going experience of Living Jillian. http://livingjillian.blogspot.com/

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

This article has been viewed 5 time(s).
Article Submitted On: November 08, 2010

View the original article here

Bee Pollen Health Benefits

Bee Pollen is one of the most nutritious and powerful superfoods available on the market. Pollen has all vitamins, minerals, amino acids, trace elements, and protein needed to sustain human life. The pollen contains more than 96 different nutrients.

Bee pollen contains an incredible array of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, co-enzymes, and hormones. It is especially rich in B vitamins and antioxidants, including lycopene, selenium, beta carotene, vitamin A, C, D, K and E, and several flavanoids. It is composed of 55% carbohydrates, 35% protein, 3% vitamins and minerals, 2% fatty acids, and 5% other substances.

Benefits

Increases energy/stamina, due to the large content of B complex vitamins. Which is why it's often used by athletes and sportsman.Helps feed the adrenal glands to improve allergies, which is one of the best benefits of bee pollen.Stimulates and increases immune function through its rich nutrient content.Good digestive aid and increasing nutrient absorption.Improves sexual health and impotence.Recent research has shown that pollen is good for preventing prostate problems in men.Pollen is a great anti-aging and longevity food due to its wide range of nutrients.Good for those with adrenal fatigue due to the high content of vitamin B5 which is known as the anti-stress vitamin. Vitamin B5 is the second most needed nutrient by the adrenal glands.Good for weight loss and as an appetite suppressant. Helps to regulate metabolism.

Side Effects

If you are allergic to bees or pollen it's a good idea that you give bee pollen a miss, or if you do risk chancing it start very small dosing like I talk about below.

It should also be noted that severe allergic reactions such as anaphylactic shock is possible if you are already sensitive or allergic to bee products. If you notice any of the common allergic reactions such as wheezing, itchy throat, hives, dizziness or puffy face discontinue use immediately and seek emergency help.

Dosage Guidelines

Its best to start with a few grains daily for the first week to minimize any reaction to the bee pollen, then if no reaction increase daily until you reach the required dosage of 1-2 teaspoons. Although there is no set dosage to using bee pollen some take much larger amounts daily.