Lose 10 Before Your 10-Year Reunion

Wishing you could fit back into that little black dress you wore in high school? Wanting to make the best impression possible at your 10-year reunion, but you feel like a whale compared to the fit little figure you used to flaunt? Well, thankfully, you don’t have to stay feeling like this. There are some great steps you can start taking today to make a huge difference tomorrow. If you want to lose weight but just haven’t been able to find a way that works for you, you might have been “looking for love in all the wrong places,” so to speak. Keep reading to find out exactly what else you can try to help you get back into the body you desire in a reasonable period of time.

Weight Loss Programs
You might be pressed for time, especially if you are trying to lose a certain amount of weight within a pretty short timeframe. However, it is never too late to start on something like a weight loss program. There are hundreds of options out there when it comes to these programs. However, some are definitely better choices than others. How do you know which one to choose, though? Well, unfortunately this isn’t always an easy choice. One of the best things you can do is to actually talk to your doctor and see what he or she has to say about it. Oftentimes, your physician might even have certain weight loss kits on hand for you to purchase or get for free. These programs can help you lose weight quickly and efficiently without having to do anything too crazy. All you really have to do typically is follow healthy meal plans and an exercise routine to start on your way to losing the weight you want to get rid of.
Everyday Choices
There are also a lot of everyday changes you can make in order to be a little healthier all the time. After a while, even the smallest changes begin to pay off, and you will certainly notice a difference. Pick up a bottle of water instead of a can of soda. Opt for the side salad, not the fries. Stay away from the extra sweets. Even just these miniscule choices every day can help you begin losing weight and get you one step closer to fitting back into that little dress or pair of dress slacks. Believe it or not, what you do each and every day eventually begins to become a habit for you over time. If you can make your unhealthy habits into healthy ones, you will definitely be well on your way to an overall more fulfilling lifestyle.
Being True to Yourself
No matter what steps you try to take in order to get thin or feel fit, you should always remember that you are who you are. In the end, your personality reigns supreme, not what your body looks like. So don’t freak out too much. Sure, you might have put on a few extra pounds in the last 10 years, but guess what? Chances are so have all of your classmates. You are not alone, that’s for sure. So don’t feel bad or like you absolutely have to lose a bunch of weight to feel confident and attractive. If you really do feel the need to get healthy, do it for yourself and your body, not to impress of please others. Emile Bouari teaches chiropractors and healthcare professionals how to incorporate the weight loss industry into their business at NxtRevenue.com.

Read more »

Vein Treatment: What Are Different Options

Varicose and spider veins are among the top cosmetic bummers known to mankind today. They are a prevailing problem among many women, even those who may seem to be a little “too young” to have it. On the brighter side, though, they are rarely a serious condition and their merely being a sore to the eyes is what makes them bothersome for many.

What causes the appearance of spider and varicose veins?

The causes of varicose and spider veins vary. Some of the most common include the following:

1. Heredity
2. Wearing of tight-fitting clothes, particularly jeans or long pants.
3. Standing or sitting down for long durations.
4. Sedentary lifestyle
5. High-sodium, low-fiber diet
6. Obesity
7. Pregnancy
8. Intake of oral contraceptives
9. Hormonal abnormalities especially among women

Basically, lifestyle modifications can do a lot to prevent the occurrence of varicose and spider veins. Keeping a healthy weight, and at the same time ensuring that the leg muscles are strong and active are keys to keeping these vein problems at bay. Keeping a close watch of one’s sodium intake is also important, as salt promotes water retention. Meanwhile, pregnant women are naturally predisposed to developing varicose veins due to the hormonal surges during this phase. Pregnancy-caused varicose veins, however, are usually temporary and may only last until the sixth month after delivery.

Prevention
The preventive measures against spider and varicose veins are simply based on their causes. Whatever is causing their development should be avoided or at least minimized. That is of course with the exception of pregnancy and other non-modifiable factors.

What are the available treatment options?
There are quite a handful of ways to get rid of spider and varicose veins; patients just have to choose which one is best for their individual case, budget, as well as their comfort and ease.
The following are some treatment options for varicose veins that you might want to consider:

 1. Sclerotherapy
This is a popular procedure of choice among patients who have varicose vein problems. The specialist injects sclerosant (salt solution) into the damaged vein to elicit a reaction characterized by irritation, swelling, and formation of scar tissue which gradually disappears.  It is an outpatient procedure not taking more than 30 minutes to complete – but would depend on the number of veins to be treated. After the procedure, the patient may drive back home without difficulty or special assistance.

 2. Microsclerotherapy
This is just the same with sclerotherapy, save that this procedure is specially designed for spider vein treatment and not varicose veins.

 3.Laser surgery
Using laser energy, the damaged vein is made to disappear after a number of sessions. The procedure includes directing the laser light on the surface of the skin where the damaged vein is located. This is usually recommended for patients whose varicose or spider veins are smaller and are not severe.

4. Endoscopic vein surgery
This procedure is minimally invasive and makes use of a tiny camera through which the specialist will be able to view the inside of the damaged vein. An incision will first be made near the affected vein, where a catheter will then be inserted into it. A surgical tool at the tip of the catheter will then close off the damaged vein. Southern Vein and Laser Institute as the best in spider and varicose vein treatment New Orleans has to offer.

Read more »

Athlete's Health - How To Keep Athletes Healthy and Injury Free

As any athlete know, keeping the body in shape, eating the right food can help the body stay strong through long and grueling games or any athletic events. Anyone seeking to enhance their sports performance need to follow some basic tips to achieve peak performance. It can be through exercise, training or planning meals carefully to have the right balance of calories and nutrients to make the body going and strong. It is also important to know the right body conditioning to prevent injuries on and off the playing field.

The majority of all sports are good provided that the individual or athlete has appropriate preparation. Without proper preparation, any type of of sport can be dangerous or can turn out to be a bad experience especially for kids. Competitive sports follow rigorous training schedules and regimen that can be dangerous for a teenager or adolescent. Proper warm ups, stretching and strength training is important in preparing for any type of sports and injury prevention. Think of it as a car that needs to be warmed up in the morning for it to run as designed and without any glitches. A slow jog and followed by a specific sport warm up will suffice plus stretching all the major muscle groups will bring the needed blood supply and oxygen to the body. Whether an athlete is a runner, a ball player a serious weekend athlete, an amateur or professional, the workout routines will help with proper conditioning.

Proper nutrition and hydration are very important. Athletes need the right amount of protein. An athlete should consume at least 12% to 15% of the calories from protein. Calorie intake can also be adjusted by the nutritionist or team coach as required. Eat lean, high quality and low fat proteins to give the body energy increasing and muscle building nutrients. Consuming complex carbohydrates helps in providing sugar and energy. Endurance athletes can benefit from complex carbohydrates. Healthy fats from nuts, canola oil, olive oil helps in sustaining energy in the body.

Wearing the proper equipment during training and on the actual event itself can prevent further pain and injuries. This is a no brainer. Some athletes think that they are invincible. Ignorance and being stupid will only result in injury and humiliation. Any contact sport is dangerous and if the equipment does not fit or is not present, serious injuries and concussions will surely happen.

Stay hydrated. Always. Drink enough water to replace the fluids lost during any activity. Dehydration will greatly affect an athletes performance for it will sap all the energy stored in the body. An endurance athlete such as cyclists and runners will also benefit from drinking any sports beverage with water. Sports beverage contains electrolytes like magnesium, potassium and sodium that can prevent hyponatremia.

If the body is in pain, don’t train. See a doctor and a physiotherapist to check and treat the pain. Training through the pain is not just being foolish but it can also lead to a much worse condition or a permanent injury that will take longer to heal and can lessen the efficiency of an athlete. Training longer and harder have its benefits but the body needs its off days also. The off days will let the body heal itself. Over training will also lead to burn outs and possible injuries. Increase training at least 10% each week to let the body adjust accordingly. Get plenty of rest. It will give the body the time to heal and recover. Having regular sleep and off days in between training will help the mind to be more focused. If possible, practice cross training. It will help the body to be more fit and helps to strengthen the muscles that are not often used in a particular sport. It will help in enhancing an athlete's endurance, flexibility and prevent injuries.

Lastly, athletes should take advantage of sports medicine It deals with the physical fitness, prevention and treatment of injuries that are related to sports and exercise. There are times that no matter how well an athlete care for their injuries and health, it just doesn’t cut it. Most often professional and expert help is needed to achieve the best treatment. Sports medicine professionals are knowledgeable of all the injuries an its consequences if it's not properly treated. A monitored treatment by a physiotherapist and the specialist physician can do wonders.

Read more »

What Causes Swollen Gums?

Not all dental problems call for you to knock on the dentist’s door. Some may require psychological help; others may be cured through gynecological treatment. For example, swollen gums are a very common symptom. It could be an indicator of something as severe as periodontitis or as trivial as exam stress. Treatment of swollen gums mainly depends upon what causes swollen gums.

Poor Oral Hygiene

If you think you are taking proper care of your dental needs just by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, then I am afraid you are wrong. A good oral hygiene program also requires regular dental checkups and professional cleanings. Even a slight ignorance on your part may cause swollen gums which are painful and discomforting to deal with.

Hormonal Variations

It is common for girls to have swollen gums during menstruation, menopause or pregnancy. Moreover, people suffering from hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism also get swollen gums on a frequent basis. If you are going through any kind of hormonal changes, don’t waste your time and money by visiting the dentist. Ask your nurse to refer the right medical doctor for you.

Mental Stress

Peer pressure, exam stress and relationship breakups are a few examples of psychological stress. It is related to the nervous system which controls and may affect any part of your body. Stress can cause swollen gums, mouth ulcers, hormonal variations, heart disease and so forth. If your gums start swelling every time exams come near, then it’s not a dentist’s call. You need to overcome your stress or consult a psychologist to help you with it.

Gum Diseases

Swollen gums can be the cause of gum diseases like periodontitis and gingivitis. This is the time when you really need to see your dentist. But how would you know if you are suffering from any gum disease? This takes us to the requisites of a good oral hygiene program which requires you to visit your dentist at least twice a year.

Vitamin Deficiency

Lack of certain vitamins and nutrients also causes the gums to swell - vitamin C and vitamin D being the most important among them. Nutritional deficiencies weaken the immune system and the dental tissues thereby making it difficult for them to fight off bacteria and diseases.

Adverse Reaction

Swollen gums may also be the result of an adverse reaction to a medicine. People taking routine medications for blood pressure or diabetes mostly suffer from inflamed and swollen gums.

Swollen Gums In Children

Apart from the above mentioned reasons, there are some other factors that may cause swollen gums in children. First and foremost is their attraction to candy and ice cream. Dental bacteria are highly stimulated by sugary stuff. This attraction coupled with a child’s quick habit of brushing leaves remnants of sugar on the teeth. This causes the bacteria to create cavities and cause infection. Kids suffering from Kindler syndrome also have swollen gums.

Do not run to your dentist every time your gums start swelling. If it’s not a dental issue, then you will end up having a non-routine professional cleaning or a sound lecture on oral care practices. Keep yourself aware of different symptoms and causes, and then make an appointment with the required medical professional.
Kevin Kerfoot writes about health, nutrition, oral hygiene and skin care for Trusted Health Products’ natural health blog and newsletter.

Read more »

Ways To Get Lower Back Pain Relief At Home

Experiencing pain in any part of the body can turn out to be bothersome and frustrating. Chronic cases in particular can reduce productivity, and consequently eat up some of one’s self-esteem. That said, providing immediate solutions to pain is definitely a must even when a person is at home and only has limited resources.
 

Lower back pain is one of the more common body pains that people usually experience. The back is an essential part of the body that supports much of an individual’s weight, which is why it can be prone to strain. Certain accidents may also cause injury on the back. Bone disease and old age are also some of the common reasons why both younger and older adults may complain of lower back pain.

Fortunately, not all lower back pains would necessitate professional medical help. A lot of people may panic at the first sensation of pain on the lower back especially if they’ve heard of friends or family members who were eventually diagnosed with disorders of the bone or kidneys following onset of back pain. As earlier mentioned, strain can cause pain such as when one lifts heavy things or bends over to pick up something using poor body mechanics. This type of back pain can be remedied using simple methods and even when one is just at home:

1. Cold application

Using an ice pack, apply cold compress directly on the affected area to reduce any swelling. According to studies, cold compress is ideally applied within 48 hours after onset of pain, followed by heat application. The latter can be effective in relieving pain within the first 48 hours; however, it could also aggravate the inflammation process.

     2.  Rest
Pain due to strain should be alleviated with rest, albeit in moderation. Experiencing lower back pain sure can be agonizing, but this does not give one a ticket to go on a sick leave for one week and enjoy the perks of a “complete bed rest” order. Just carry on with the daily grind, except maybe for the more strenuous parts.

     3.  Pain medications
There are quite a number of pain medications that provide lower back pain relief. Among the most common are NSAIDs or Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. Aside from combating pain, they also cure fever, and prevent inflammation. Aspirin is also another type of pain medication, but must not be taken by individuals who are younger than 20 years old as it can cause Reye’s Syndrome.

All these home remedies can work each on their own, or altogether. You just have to see which ones work best for you and for the magnitude of pain that you are experiencing. You also have to be wary of the fact that if the aforementioned measures don’t work for you, it’s perhaps high time to see a professional medical specialist especially if pain is accompanied by any of the

• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Fever
• Bleeding
• pain that disrupts even simple tasks.

Read more »

How to Get Libido Back After Menopause

Women’s menstrual periods normally stop upon reaching the age of 40s to 50s. Some women find it relieving because somehow it means they can make love and enjoy intimacy without worrying about pregnancy. But truth is that menopausal women may also experience declining sex drive which may get worse year after year. In turn, they and their partners become sexually unsatisfied and the relationship may ultimately suffer. Yeah, sometimes this could lead to divorce.

More Than the Physical Aspects

Menopause can bring in a lot of discomfort and health issues such as low libido. Experts assert that low sex drive is the effect of declining estrogen levels in the body. While men are relatively easier to diagnose when they have low libido, Dr. Glenn Braunstein believes that women’s sex drive is a more complicated case. It is not just about the physical factors that affect sex drives, emotional factors come into play as well. Depression, anxiety, mood swings are some of the aspects that need to be looked into in order to fully understand why menopausal women tend to lose interest in sex.

Rekindling the Fire

However, just because you've gone through the menopausal stage doesn't mean your sex life had ended too. Here are some tips that can help you put excitement into your sex life even after menopause.

• Follow a sound diet and exercise. What you eat and what you do with your body will significantly affect your bedroom performance. Cutting down on fatty food and consuming more fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can make you feel lighter. Exercise can help you lose weight and build lean muscles, help you build a positive self-image and feel sexier about yourself.
• Lubricate. Vaginal dryness is a big issue among many menopausal women as they tend to lose natural lubrication during this stage. Vaginal dryness may also make penetration not only uncomfortable, but also painful. However, there are several over-the-counter lubricants that can be purchased and used to make sex easier and appealing.
• Be game for foreplay. Foreplay is a vital part in lovemaking. It prepares the individual physically and emotionally to what lies ahead. It also builds stimulation that can excite a menopausal woman so she feels comfortable with the idea of sexual intimacy.
• Communicate with your partner. Nonverbal cues such as hugging and kissing are good ways to assure your partner that you are still into him. You may also want to verbally talk to him about the changes in your body, how it is affecting you and your relationship with him so that both of you will know how to address issues that may be creating a gap in your sex life.

Recommendation

Do not let menopause beat your sex life. It’s true that a lot of things are happening with your body, but that doesn't mean you have to give your sex life up. Sometimes, simple changes with your habits and perspective will lead you to profound bedroom glory.

Read more »