Protect Your Lungs

Lungs are one of the most important parts of your body, which helps you to breathe. We intake oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide. The quality of air that we intake results in the good or bad health of our lungs. There are many types of lung diseases like asthma, bronchitis, allergy, lung cancer, Sarcoidosis, Interstitial lung disease, Tuberculosis, sleep apnea etc. There are different causes for these diseases but the following are the basic points that can be considered to protect the lung disease.

1.If you don't smoke, don't start!

2.If you smoke or use tobacco, quit. Quitting is the most important thing you can do to keep your lungs healthy and prevent disease. Smoking damages your lungs and increases your risk for a number of diseases including lung cancer. It's never too late to quit.

3.Teach your children about the dangers of smoking and be a role model by not smoking or by quitting now.

4.Avoid second-hand smoke. Breathing the smoke from cigarettes and pipes increases your risk for the same diseases that affect people who smoke. Don't allow smoking in your home, in the car, or at work.

5.Many lung diseases are highly contagious so one has to make sure that they wash their and hands and cover their coughs and sneezes as this may result in common viral infections such as cough, cold and flu. Wash your hands properly as your hands can carry a lot of germs and your chances of falling ill may increase.

6.Do your best to control outdoor air pollution and keep the air we breathe clean.

7.Learn about indoor air pollution and what you can do to reduce your exposure. For example, turn on the exhaust fan when you cook and avoid using aerosol products (e.g. aerosol can of hair spray).

8.Regular physical exercise is good for your whole body and especially your lungs. Exercise makes your lungs stronger and better.

9.Pay attention to your health at work. Avoid breathing toxic fumes from chemicals, solvents, and paints. Wear a protective mask when you work with chemicals and report unsafe working conditions.

10.At work or at home stay away from asbestos. Always wear protective clothing including a facemask if you are working with asbestos.

11.Check if there are high levels of Radon gas at your home or workplace. People working in mines are often exposed to Radon gas. Kits are found in hardware stores that help in measuring the amount of Radon gas at home.

12.Eat a healthy diet. Use a plenty of fruits and green vegetables in your diet.

13.The Indian way of Yoga, Pranayam (Breathing exercise) is also very helpful in protecting your lungs.

Barney Garcia enjoys writing about lung cancer and lung disease topics. Visit: help lung disease and inflammatory lung disease for more info.

How To Benefit 4 Ways With A Memory Foam Mattress

Are you feeling tired or sluggish in the mornings? One reason for this might be the quality of your mattress.

Sleeping on a poor quality mattress not only affects your sleep, but the rest of your day. A poor quality mattress can affect your sleep cycle by either decreasing the time you spend in a certain sleep stage or abolishing a stage of the sleep cycle altogether.

Could it be that a memory foam mattress might get you a good night's rest?

Advantage # 1: Sensitivity To Weight

You've probably heard that NASA first designed a prototype to memory foam in the early 1970's. Further modifications to the product were completed at the request of the hospital industry.

When NASA first designed memory foam, they probably never fully understood how beneficial this product would be to regular consumers.

By its ability to adjust to a person's weight, memory foam mattresses have allowed many people to finally sleep comfortably throughout the whole night.

One of the first advantages of a memory foam mattress is its sensitivity to weight. This is quite handy for you if you are a couple sleeping in the same bed.

Usually there is always a difference in the weight between the man and the woman, and if one person constantly moves in a regular bed, this could disturb the other person.

With memory foam, you wouldn't detect your sleep partner's movement. The mattress will adjust and reposition itself as you adjust your sleeping position through the night. A memory foam mattress really is a great choice for this reason!

Advantage # 2: Sensitivity To Temperature

The second advantage of a memory foam mattress is its ability to adjust for temperature sensitivity. Even though the human body maintains a constant body temperature, the external parts of your body will be at different temperatures.

When a person lies down onto the memory foam, the foam material will absorb the heat from your body and soften.

The advantage of having a material that is sensitive to temperature is quite useful in the hospital industry for which it was designed.

It is also quite handy in the case of someone with an injury because the injured area of the body will normally be fevered and the mattress will respond with extra softness at the place it's needed most.

When purchasing a mattress, some people might be concerned about it becoming too hot, however the mattresses are now built with an air exchange system that overcomes this.

Advantage # 3: Adjusts To Your Body To Provide Support

After NASA abandoned the designing of memory foam, the hospital industry took an interest in it and therefore there was still a demand for its production.

Another amazing advantage of owning a memory foam mattress is the total support that it provides. When you first lay on the mattress, you will feel it adjust to the contours of your body. Your neck and spine will be held in perfect alignment, and you will be able to feel how the material is fully supporting your body from head to toe.

When you lay down on the mattress, the material expands to absorb the force your body is applying to it. Selecting a mattress of the correct density for your height and weight can further help you achieve total support for your body.

Therefore, in the end you are left with the ability to achieve full body support by sleeping on a memory foam mattress.

Advantage # 4: Memory Foam Mattresses Are Reasonably Priced

Since it's first design, memory foam mattresses have definitely become more affordable, allowing the average consumer to purchase one. It might have been possible that if NASA had continued on the design of the material, that this amazing invention of memory foam would have only been available to astronauts.

Luckily, this is not the case and good quality memory foam mattress pricing ranges from $1400 dollars for a twin size. The more luxurious memory foam mattresses will cost a bit more.

Chuck Harmon is a reasearcher and writer on consumer awareness. You can receive a free detailed report and newsletter on avoiding 5 major pitfalls to avoid when buying a memory foam mattress. http://www.memory-foam-buyers-guide.org/best-memory-foam-mattress.html

Do Electric Ab Stimulators Really Work?

Electronic muscle stimulators are the latest craze, the hottest fad... but you want to know do they really work! Right?

To answer that question, let?s start with a little background information on what this equipment was originally designed for.

Electric ab stimulators were (and still are) used in medical rehab situations. They are designed to keep muscles from atrophying (wasting away) in situations where a limb must be immobilized. For example, if you broke your leg, the doctor could place an electrode on the muscle and use electricity to make it contract. This would provide a minimum level of stimulation, thus keeping the muscle active.

As far as building muscle, such as the ads on TV claim, this is not backed up by research. The level of electrical stimulation necessary to build up the abdominal muscles to what you see on TV would be extremely high, and thus very painful.

Many companies that sell these belts also claim that the belts help burn fat. In reality, the small muscle contractions produced by these belts burn about as many calories as the effort required to take the belt out of the box and put the batteries in.

If you read the fine print in these ads, you will also notice that the instructions for use also include a suggested exercise and nutrition plan. This, without a doubt, would be the true source of the results people get from this equipment.

But what about people you may know who have tried the belts and say that they feel something when they use it?

Let?s put it this way... the belt does provide a small level of stimulation to the abdominal muscles. When a person?s abs are totally lacking any form of stimulation, any amount of stimulation has the potential to produce results. It is simply a matter of something is better than nothing (in this case, not a whole lot better, though).

A much better solution for working your abdominal muscles effectively is to do the unglamorous crunch exercise. It may not send electric shocks into your guts but it will get the job done. Crunches, even done properly and regularly, won?t burn fat but they will definitely tighten up your abs.

For detailed instructions on how to do the crunch most efficiently visit: http://www.fitstep.com/Library/Exercises/Crunches.htm

Do electric ab stimulators work? In a nutshell, no. These companies are simply preying upon society?s desire for results without effort. Don?t be fooled by the hype.

About The Author

Nick Nilsson is Vice President of BetterU, Inc., an online exercise, fitness, and personal training company. Check out his latest eBook The Best Exercises You've Never Heard Of at http://www.thebestexercises.com or visit http://www.fitstep.com. You can contact him at betteru@fitstep.com or subscribe to BetterU News, his fitness newsletter at betterunews@fitstep.com.

Sun Smarts: How to Safeguard Your Skin This Summer

Like many abusive relationships, America?s love affair with the sun is littered with the wrecks of romantic images. From Coco Chanel?s Deauville glow to Farah Fawcett?s sun-kissed skin, bronzed beauty was de rigueur for generations?until scientists in the 1980s exposed it as a destructive trend with irreversible, DNA-altering effects.

?Photodamage and skin cancer can, in part, be attributed to the belief that tans are fashionable,? says Dr. Andrea Lynn Cambio, a New York?based dermatologist and fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. Equally insidious is ?the notion that having a tan is being healthy,? notes Dr. Alison Ehrlich, director of clinical research and assistant dermatology professor at George Washington University. The fact is, a ?healthy? glow is anything but; it?s the visible manifestation of skin damage.

Light Trap
Today some Americans are still lost in a tan warp, but most are aware of the sun?s dangers, including burning, premature aging, and skin cancer. Sunscreen sales are at an all-time high, but so too are rates of UV-related illnesses. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 1 million new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year. The depleting ozone layer, earlier detection, and the aging population have all been cited as factors, but many dermatologists believe the greatest culprit is human behavior?the fact that people aren?t adequately protecting themselves.

?Many people believe the myth that sunscreen allows them to stay outside all day without accumulating sun damage,? says Dr. Susan Sweeney, fellow of pediatric dermatology and dermatologic surgery at UMass Memorial Health Center. Although it?s important to wear sunscreen, she also stresses that these products offer just one layer of defense. Moreover?and contrary to what?s often printed on product labels?dermatologists emphasize that there?s no such thing as ?sunblock.? And similarly, no sunscreen is capable of guaranteeing all-day protection; even a sweat- or water-resistant formula must be applied repeatedly over the course of the day.

Equally unsettling is the fact that most people select a sunscreen based solely on its SPF (sun-protection factor)?a number that only tells part of the story. According to Sweeney, ?SPF refers only to protection from UVB light? (the wavelengths that are primarily responsible for sunburn). Although scientists once believed that UVB was the sole wavelength to blame for long-term skin damage, studies have now shown that UVA is also a dangerous carcinogen.

Saving Your Skin
There?s no safe haven from the sun (even daylight in indoor spaces can be harmful). But with a little diligence and a preventative plan, you can take significant steps toward safeguarding your skin.
Broaden your horizons: ?Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with both UVB and UVA protection, an SPF of 15 or higher, and ingredients such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which scatter and absorb UV light,? Cambio suggests. According to Sweeney, sunscreens that contain avobenzone (Parsol 1789), such as Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF 30, may also be helpful in protecting against UVA rays.
An ounce of prevention: All too often, people don?t apply enough sunscreen for the product to be effective, or they opt to spot-protect just their faces or shoulders. Sweeney recommends using at least a full ounce of sunscreen to cover the entire body.
Make it a habit: ?Many people remember to wear sunscreen at the beach, but they should be wearing it every day,? says Sweeney. For best results, incorporate it into your morning routine.
Over and over: Because sunscreen loses its efficacy throughout the day, it must be smeared on again and again. ?Apply it 30 minutes prior to exposure, then reapply every two to four hours,? says Ehrlich.
Run for cover: Clothing, hats, and sunglasses are potential lifesavers outdoors, Ehrlich explains. If you?ll be outside for an extended period of time, Cambio suggests seeking out shady areas.
Watch the clock: The best way to screen out the sun is to circumvent it, especially during peak exposure times (from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). When possible, Cambio recommends avoiding the midday sun.

Safer Screening
Today's sunscreens are giving women what they want?greaseless, broad-spectrum protection in clever, convenient packages. In some cases, they?re even doing double duty as moisturizer, foundation, or lip gloss.

For lightweight, full-body coverage, try Phytomer Og?nAge Protective Anti-Aging Cream Sunscreen SPF 30, Hampton Sun SPF 30 Lotion, or Clinique UV Response Cream SPF 50. For faces, look for vitamin-rich formulas that moisturize and protect, such as Cellex-C Sun Care SPF 30, MD Formulations Total Protector SPF 30, or Clinique Super City Block Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 40. To protect the delicate skin around the eyes, try a specially formulated sunscreen such as Carita Paris Eye Control Suncare SPF 15 or Clarins Sun Wrinkle Control Eye Contour Care; for lips, BeneFit and Kiehl?s each offer SPF moisturizing lip balms in sheer and tinted formulas. And for a safe sun-kissed look, self-tanners such as Biotherm Sunfitness Protective Self-Tanner Tinted Cream SPF 15 impart an instant-gratification glow, while DuWop Revolution Tinted Body Moisturizer with Shimmer SPF 15 offers both UV protection and a hint of sparkle.

Tara Mattarazzo is the editor-in-chief of Beauty Addict Magazine http://beautyaddictmag.com For more articles on beauty, hair care, skin care, makeup, fashion, shopping, fitness, women's health, and more, visit Beauty Addict Magazine at: http://beautyaddictmag.com/

Autism Does Not Have To Be A Life Sentence

What if you could improve the way your child?s brain is wired?

The MAPS (Monitored Multi-cortical Activity for Additional Pathways and Synapses) treatment program for autism is a breakthrough stress-free program, designed for parents who have not given up hope. Who better than you, the parent, you are the expert of your own children! It only takes 10-15 minutes each day to implement the treatment procedures twice daily, thus leaving you plenty of time and energy to share and enjoy life. Imagine the possibilities, no more medications, no side effects, no expensive equipment, no stressful and long therapies!

For hundreds of children and adults who had autism and have graduated from the MAPS treatment program for autism, the world is no longer frightening, but has become a familiar, comfortable and engaging environment in which learning is a pleasure, life is fun, affection is reciprocated. Families say it best when they say that they can finally do what regular families do.

Knowledge from neuroscience suggests a clear and simple theory: controlled and simultaneous stimulation of multiple zones of the brain through the sensory systems and motor control centers changes an individual's abilities, improves their perception and behavior, and greatly enhances their motor function. Further studies show that the social and cognitive abilities of an individual depend essentially on the levels of neurotransmitters, the brain communication chemicals such as Serotinin and dopamine.

Claudie Gordon-Pomares, a published and internationally recognized researcher from France, who has developed this program by re-designing validated procedures, explains that the work of Prof. Rosenzweig in the late 1940's was the first to demonstrate neuroplasticity, the notion that the brain can modify its own structure long after development is complete. Today, we could refer to Prof. Kolb, of the Canadian Centre for Behavioral Neurosciences, as the leader in this field.

This breakthrough treatment program taps into the ability of the brain to repair itself to treat autism and its symptoms. MAPS is a unique treatment for autism designed to not only prompt the brain to re-balance its chemical activities, thus affecting behavior, social skills, learning, task planning, fine and gross motor control, mood, and speech, but to also trigger the activation of brand new nerve cells (neurogenesis) and improve the communication between existing nerve cells (dendritic arborisation).

The uniqueness of this program becomes evident when she explains:

- first, that this treatment targets the functional areas of the brain and stays away from the dysfunctions,

- second, that it involves the parents as sole therapists at home,

- and third, that the treatment procedures involve the simultaneous stimulation of multiple brain zones.

Upon successful application, an in-person evaluation session is booked during which Claudie herself will assess your loved one to determine what available pathways may be built upon. Goals are then set, and they may look like ?being able to communicate and express real emotions spontaneously using appropriately formulated 3-word sentences?, ?sleep well at appropriate times in his bed for a month?. or ?play age-appropriate imaginary games for at least 15 minutes, such as dinky cars, dinosaurs, tea parties, etc?.

The program is updated every two weeks. The Centre provides you with close support and training to ensure that the program is implemented as effectively and smoothly at home as possible. And so on for 6 months at a time. When families graduate, the levels of function achieved are easily maintained for life with a simple 2-minute daily exercise.

Perhaps the best way to find out more about this breakthrough is to register for and attend their next seminar in Orange County on January 26, 2006 (6:30 - 8:30 pm). More info can be found on their web site: www.autismrepairinstitute.com.

Testimonials and support contacts available.

Contact: Kim Pomares

E-mail: kim@gordonpomarescentre.com

Phone: (403) 313-1986 or TOLL FREE: 1.877.532.7246

About The Author
Kim Pomares is the Communications Officer at the Gordon-Pomares Centre, the clinic that delivers the MAPS treatment for Autism (Monitored Multi-cortical Activity for Additional Pathways and Synapses). gordonpomarescentre.com

Choose Radiant Health

We hear it on the news consistently: the decline of American health, the rising rate of obesity, and higher incidents of heart disease, cancer, and stroke.

How do we stop this alarming trend?

Given the appropriate nutrients through whole foods eating, the body has a remarkable ability to heal itself. Studies show that increasing our intake of fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer. Obviously there are other factors to consider, but if there is something that falls under our power to control - such as what we put into our mouth - why would we do anything less?

Overeating, especially of overly processed and refined foods, can contribute to premature aging. If you eat more food than your body needs, you are taxing the system to break all of that matter down. To add insult to injury, a refined foods diet gives little nutritional value in return for all of this effort. If you worked this hard for your boss and earned nothing in return, how would you feel? Wouldn't you want to rebel?

Eating a nutritionally sound diet does not replace expert medical advice, but it is a complement to it. While self-doctoring is never a wise choice, eating well is good common sense. It makes sense to treat our bodies to the very best we are capable of providing in the form of good nutrition.

Let's say at the age of 20, you are handed a form that lists heart disease, cancer, stroke, and obesity with little boxes next to them. It goes on to say that you should put an X next to as many choices as you want to have of these items. Would you be scrambling to locate a pen and trying to figure out what to choose first? Of course not! No one wants any of these choices. They are truly dread diseases. You would most likely rip this form into pieces and run, not walk, away.

If you were handed a form that lists radiant health, energy, clear skin, and strong bones, you would X all of these items to have for yourself! Now, you need to do what you can to claim those attributes for yourself.

Starting with your next meal, be conscious of your choices. If you don't do so already, start reading labels and figure out exactly what you are putting into your body. Are you giving it the best possible materials to work with, or are you taxing it with nutrient-absent foods? Try redefining food. Is it food if it does nothing to fuel you, and is it worthy of you?

You can choose to do your part in not becoming one of the statistics in the news - this is one trend for which you don't want to jump on the bandwagon! Become an expert: learn to do what?s best for yourself, that will provide you with health and the strongest sense of well-being.

Debra Augur has studied holistic nutrition for years, put that knowledge into practice, and has a passion to share that knowledge with others who are seeking their own best health. If we are what we eat, are we denatured, devitalized, deficient and potentially toxic? Visit http://www.eat-well-to-be-well.com to learn more, and begin acquiring your healthiest self.

Avoiding Allergy Medications With Children

Childhood Asthma - Getting Your Child Off Allergy Medications

A child with asthma and allergies may not know that asthma and allergies is the number #1 chronic childhood disease.

He also may not know that asthma claims more lives every year even though more treatments are available. It is a fact that there are over 3 million more Americans with asthma than there were 10 years ago. Why the rise in asthma and allergies?

With todays busier society, our house-cleaning standard have plummeted. We also have become a generation of 'couch potatoes'...spending over 95% of our time indoors. Our homes are tightly insulated and limit ventilation of household irritants such as mold, smoke and chemicals.

This all results in increased exposure to allergens. And allergens are the number one cause of allergy and asthma attacks. Allergy medications are being used on a daily basis as a way to control allergies & asthma. With children prevention of allergies is far better than taking allergy medications.

There are five simple things that can be done to reduce allergy symptoms and possibly reduce the use of allergy medications.

1) Never allow smoking in the home. Smoke will remain in an indoor environment for up to 10 years, even though you can no longer see or smell it.

2) Shoes should be taken off at the door to prevent allergens from being brought in on the shoes.

3) Use non-toxic cleaning products instead of store bought chemical brands. All cleaning products are eventually inhaled or absorbed into the skin. Do you really want to clean with even a 'little bit' of poison?

4) Do not let pets into the bedrooms. All pets have dander and it can be an allergen. Children spend around 8 hours in the bedroom at night. Keep it as allergy free as possible.

5) Make sure humidity levels in the home don't go over 45%. Humidifiers attached to the furnace are more reliable than freestanding ones. Humidifiers with damp filters in them can be a mold breeding area.

It is important to try to create a clean healthy environment for your child so he can breathe easy and not have to rely on allergy medications which can have negative side effects.

Deborah Mumm has been in the Indoor Air industry since 1996. She has written various articles on asthma, allergies

and indoor air pollution plus gives talks to teachers and small groups on the effects of indoor air pollution. Her web site offers products for a healthy home ~ http://www.healthy-environments.com She offers an e-book on tips to avoid allergy medications on her site.

The Most Common Gout Treatment Options

The treatment of gout entails a decrease in the protein intake of a patient suffering from this type of disease. For many years doctors have tried to decrease protein while allowing the usual fats and gelatinous stocks, this has brought about a significant decrease in the occurrence of gout attacks, while preventing the buildup of uric acid.

Cherry juice was also used to prevent uric acid buildup and lessen the attacks of gout. An intake of one teaspoon of cherry juice twice a day has kept some gout patients from experiencing an attack. Aside from the cherry juice, high-vitamin cod liver oil is also needed to supply the vitamin A required by gout patients. It is usually taken in the dosage of 1 teaspoon per day. The high-vitamin cod liver oil is also ideal for hindering the build up of uric acid, and is excellent nourishment for the kidneys.

It is also better to avoid purine-rich foods like organ meats, including liver, heart, kidneys and sweet breads. Likewise, herring, mackerel, anchovies and trout are also rich sources of purines. Peanuts are technically considered as legumes, however the purine content compared to other legumes such as lentils, peas and beans is much lower.

Moreover, as part of the gout treatment, doctors also advise a weight control program. They do not want patients using crash diets and rapid weight loss, which can trigger the gout, but they do advice patients to take off extra weight to help their condition.

Increases in fluid intake are also recommended to dilute the uric acid in the urine. This also helps in preventing the formation of kidney stones made of uric acid. Drinking of two to three liters of water a day assists in diluting the uric acid and also aids in bowel movement. Your liquid intake may consist of not only water but also herbal teas, vegetable juices, milk, unsweetened fruit juices and soup.

Likewise, limiting the intake of alcohol and caffeine is also beneficial to gout patients since alcohol contains purines and interferes with the body?s excretion of uric acid. Beer is rich in purines. Heavy drinking also increases body weight and blood triglycerides, which are two factors that are believed to be important contributors to gout. Moderate drinking is unlikely to induce an attack of gout.

You can also take vitamin B12 supplements (or better yet eat foods that are rich in vitamin B12 such as meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products). Remember to include moderate levels of these foods as most of them do also contain purine. Black berries are great for preventing an attack of gout. Plus, don?t forget to add raw seeds such as pumpkin and flax seeds to your diet. Likewise, fish oil supplements that contain omega 3 fatty acids are ideal for reducing joint inflammation. Increasing your intake of vegetables and fruits will also help in preventing further gout attacks.

Lisa McDowell. For more information and to sign up for a Free Newsletter dedicated to treating Gout please visit Cure Gout Now or for more articles click here Gout Articles.

Are You Overweight Is It Too Late?

When is it too late to start exercising and eating healthy. Some people say never, I disagree with that. I think it would be hard to do that when you are 6 feet under because you never started eating healthy and exercising. But as long as you are still breathing, it is not too late.

If you are overweight it makes life much harder, getting up and down, walking anywhere, much less trying to exercise. Out of the corner of your eye you see people staring and whispering. They might as well go ahead and point, too.

The best time to start an exercise program and eating healthy is when you are young. Unfortunately that is not always the case. As a person gets older, that old saying, It is hard to teach an old dog new tricks, is very true, but not impossible. For whatever reason people tend to be less active.

At any age a person should and can improve their way of eating and getting some kind of exercise. You don't have to quit eating, if you do that, you might dry up like a prune. Learning a new way of eating and enjoying new foods, with a friend or group, is a good way to lose the weight.

Walk with a friend 2 or 3 times a week. Start off walking short distances and increase it a little at a time. You'll be surprised at how much better you begin to feel each day. Between the eating healthy and exercising you'll feel like an new person in no time and life will be better and easier.

Soon those same people who were staring and whispering will come up to you and say, Don't I know you, you look so familiar, but I just can't place you? And you will smile and say, You must be mistaken, that was another person.

Start today with your new way of life; you're going to love the way you feel.

Rita Tate is the webmaster and editor for the website My Pal's Place http://www.mypalsplace.com/ [Re-print is permitted if a clickable link to http://www.mypalsplace.com/ is included with the article

Spas and Hot Tubs: Relaxing Your Way to a Better Health

Imagine yourself in a warm, soothing tub of bubbling water, relaxing after a long day. What better way to spend the evening than soaking in the hot tub and in the comfort of your own home. Spas and hot tubs offer ways to treat a wide variety of medical conditions, injuries, or simply promote relaxation and stress relief. Hot tubs also offer a romantic way to unwind with your loved ones.

The use of spas and hot tubs can be traced back to the Romans with their famous bathhouses which is the center of social life and a common daily activity of the elite classes. The earliest spa enthusiast (Romans, Japanese and Chinese) was able to appreciate the health benefits of using hot water to relax the body and generally promote better health.

The body?s first reaction to being immersed in hot water is to try to get back to its normal temperature by pumping the heart faster causing a temporary increase in blood pressure. The longer one soaks in the spa, the more times the blood cycles through the body. The warm blood causes the blood vessels to dilate, thus, lessening the resistance to blood flow and dropping the blood pressure. The muscle-relaxation effects of hot water also help dull muscle pain and help rid itself of lactic acid and other metabolic wastes.

The water jet found in spas can also promote healing by providing more oxygen to its targeted area. This happens when the heat and pressure from the jets raise the level of antibodies and white blood cells delivered to the area, promoting the destruction of bad cells and stimulating the formation of new tissue. There are different spas having water jets but the one with less piping is preferred because it results in less friction being applied to water traveling through the pipe. The massaging water jets therefore feel stronger in all of the spa's seats.

People with conditions that weaken body motion, like arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or paralysis, often will find benefits from bathing in a hot tub. The warm water helps relieve aches and pains, while loosening joints.

Looking back to the history of spas and hot tubs, it has been a luxury item for the elite class. The last few decades saw tremendous development in spa technology, materials and manufacturing, making it reliable and affordable enough for most people. Since then, it became popular not only for the relaxation and stress relieving benefit it offers but also as a means of treating different medical conditions and injuries.

For more information visit www.bullfrogspas.com

Shyr Regueta is a webmaster of Bullfrog Spas She is a college graduate with a degree in Business Administration major in Marketing. Her interests include movies, novels, traveling, and scrapbooking.

Family Support For Depression

Family situations can be very different. Some people have great relationships with their families, while for others the entire topic can be laced with venom. The thought of reconnecting with your family might be such a negative that you want nothing to do with them. However, for some, there is a middle ground, that allows you to get in touch with your family and get support from them. If you are lucky, your relationship is good enough that you don?t need this article. If, however, you are like most of us, read on.

The best way to do this is similar to finding a way to tell your family. Choose those who would be your most likely supporters and approach them first. Tell them what you need and ask if they would be willing to help. You will ? hopefully ? get an affirmative response. That, in and of itself, is not very hard. However, when you have a need for support from more than one or two people is when the problems can begin.

It is hard to get large groups to agree on anything, which is why Pizza Hut has so many different pizza toppings. So don?t go in looking for support from your whole family and hope for it to just materialize. You will find some people thinking that you just want attention, some willing to do whatever you want, and some only willing to do certain things. Everyone will have different ideas on how to help. Invariably, you will find that you, instead of being the focus of the group, will become just another voice in the chorus.

Learn to alleviate your depression at http://www.curemydepression.com

How to Shop for Treadmills for Small Spaces

Interested in buying a treadmill for your home or office, but think it is out of the question because you do not have enough space? Think again! There are many cost-effective, high-quality Compact Treadmill models on the market you can choose from now-a-days.

Compact treadmills offer the same workout benefits as full sized models, but they are designed to fit in small spaces. They are shorter, and extraneous bulk has been removed, but they function just as well as their larger counterparts.

Additionally, many compact treadmills are designed to fold down and slide under a bed or into a corner, so that when you are not using them they are completely out of your way. They are lightweight, too, so you don?t have to worry about struggling to store them away.

Many compact models are so light they are easy to take with you. These models ? often called ?portable compact treadmills? ? are perfect for people who travel a lot and do not like to miss their workout when they are on the road. These compact models are made of extremely lightweight materials and have very simple designs, so that folding and carrying them is easy.

Don?t let space limitations keep you from working out! Why pay gym fees and drive all over town when you don?t have to? Today?s technology has created wonderful compact treadmill models specifically designed for small spaces. Why not take advantage of all that compact treadmills have to offer?

Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Treadmill-Solutions.com He provides more treadmill reviews, treadmill ratings and treadmill buying information that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

Sinus Infection Medication

Sinus infection or sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses. Sinuses are the hollow cavities in the bones around the nose. When these sinuses get inflamed because of some viral or fungal infection, it results in blockage of air or mucus inside, which causes lot of pain and discomfort, often known as a sinus attack. Sinus infections are very common and millions of people are attacked each year.

There are three kinds of sinus attacks: acute, chronic, and recurring. Acute sinus attacks are severe and last for around three weeks. Chronic attacks are more severe and last for three to eight weeks or more. Recurring sinus infections, on the other hand, are those that frequently appear over a period of time. Medication is given according to the kind of attack. Chronic sinus infections need prolonged treatment, whereas normal sinus infections can be treated with over-the-counter drugs.

There are many home remedies for treating sinus infections. Though these remedies may not provide any lasting cure, they definitely give some relief. Some common home remedies are: steam inhalation, hot or a cold compress over the inflamed area, a decoction of mustard seed powder and water instilled in the nostrils, consumption of jalapeno peppers, consumption of the juice of ripe grapes, application of a paste of cinnamon and water on the forehead, application of a paste of ginger and water/milk on the forehead, application of a paste of basil leaves, cloves and dried ginger on the forehead, inhalation of steam from eucalyptus oil, warm tea, and so on.

Medication also depends on the actual cause of the sinus infection. Sometimes, sinus infections are a result of some other ailments like asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergies to fungi, primary immune deficiency, HIV infection, cystic fibrosis and others. These infections have to be treated before treating the sinusitis itself. Medication for sinusitis usually involves a decongestant to clear the sinuses, an antibiotic to fight the infection, and a pain killer. Decongestant can be in the form of tablet or nasal spray. Some chronic cases can be treated using steroids like prednisone. However, steroids are not generally preferred because of the possible side effects. Acute or chronic sinus infections may require prolonged therapies like saline nasal rinses, topical/oral decongestants, antihistamines, mucolytic agents, and intranasal corticosteroids. Sinus infections that cannot be cured by medication require surgery. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery is a common surgery for enlarging the sinus openings and allowing drainage.

Sinus Infections provides detailed information about sinus infections, sinus infection symptoms, sinus infection treatment, home remedy for sinus infection and more. Sinus Infections is the sister site of Topical Vitamin C.

Insomnia Tip: Prepare for a Restful Night with Evening Rituals

Wonder why you can't wind down at bedtime? Do you wish you had an ON/OFF switch like a computer to shut your mind and body down after a jam-packed day? You try zoning out in with HBO or computer games, and you're still jazzed when the lights go off.

We don't operate like computers, we operate like... people. Animal-like creatures who are connected deep to nature and the rhythms of the day. We need dusk to transition to the quiet of night.

We don't get a natural dusk in our wired world. So we have to create our own transitions to end the day. I call them Evening Rituals.

Evening Rituals turn your doing day into a being night. They create the foundation for sleep, rest, and tomorrow's creativity. They honor how your body needs quiet and dark (night) as well as activity and light (day).

Evening Rituals can be simple habits or special activities. In them you acknowledge that your day is done. Evening Rituals help you:

• Relax into your body --and remember that you have one
• Instinctively soothe yourself, even when your mind is racing.
• Let your unconscious mind set the stage for sleep, rest, and renewal--even if you can't sleep as well as you'd like.

If you have a routine at night, you've started on the path of Evening Rituals. Let's look at some ways to connect more deeply to rest--and perhaps sleep. Let go: Exhale all the air out of your chest. A-l-l-l-l-l-l the air. It releases the day's stress. Let the next deep breath flow in naturally. Darken down: Dim the overhead lights, and turn on a lamp. As your home darkens, you increase the release of melatonin from your pineal gland. Reduce the buzz: Turn off the television, computer (especially the monitor), VCR, lights, GameBoys. Rooms are calmer when computers are off. Prepare for tomorrow: Do a few morning tasks--put out clean breakfast dishes, lunch containers, and ground beans for coffee--to have less to worry about at night.

Prepare your body: Relax your body as you do your routine tasks: Stretch as you change into your PJs. Massage your cheeks as you rub cream on your face. Brush or run your fingers through your hair to shake off the day. Appreciate your body--even the parts that you wish were different--for how it functions.

Prepare your room: Straighten the bed or turn down the sheets. Spray a mist of rose water to clear the air, or warm some aromatherapy oils. Lavender, camomile, neroli, rose, and marjoram are all very soothing.

Put yourself to bed: If you're not ready to give up the television (melatonin or not) cuddle in a favorite blanket, keep the volume down, and watch something soothing--a taped show, a video, or something easy to turn off. Don't watch the news--it's designed to keep you up. Or better yet, read--it shifts you to a night mind.

Put yourself to rest--or sleep: Turn off the light and cuddle into your sheets, your skin, your self.

Evening Rituals may immediately relax you, or it may take a few days or weeks to take a deeper hold. Repeating a ritual each night teaches your unconscious mind to remember that it's "dusk." Then your body increases release of melatonin while your mind bids the day goodnight. You discover a night of renewal and even deeper sleep. Enjoy your nights!

© Creative Insomnia, Sondra Kornblatt 2003-2006

Sondra Kornblatt developed ways to help insomniacs renew when they can?t sleep in her program, Creative (and Restful) Insomnia. Do you feel stressed when you can't sleep? If you're still awake after alternative cures--or a visit to the doctor--you can still mimic the benefits of sleep. Creative Insomnia helps you renew at night, develop your inner creativity, and greet the day refreshed.

Sondra is also a seasoned freelance writer focusing on wellness and health. Get a free E-book on Creative Insomnia when you sign up for the newsletter at http://www.creativeinsomnia.com.

Mum You Are KILLING Me

How important is the heath of your children and that of yourself. This matter has to be addressed immediately as it is a major concern for many parents raising youngsters today. Mothers and fathers parent their children in the best and only way they know how and this is by the standards of maybe how they were raised when growing up.

But times have changed; we now live in a world diseased by pollution drugs fatal gases asbestos obesity and much more.

Prevention is not a proven cure and an end too, but it most definitely slows up the process should any of the above named killers strike close to home. Drugs every parents nightmare all you can do in this department is be supportive and give advice to what is right and wrong should your child become involved. Keep on pointing out the dangers and how let down you would feel should they take this route in their life.

I did mention the health of yourself so if you are a parent that has ventured down this path of self destruction, it is not too late to get your act together and seek help.

Who will look after the kids should anything happen to you? Remember they will not get the same type of love that you mummy and daddy gave from stand in parents.

Healthy eating should be on top of your priority list for your children thus helping to combat obesity. Before handing them a plate of greasy chips cream cake or a bar of chocolate, think? A fat child will never be a happy a child, believe me when I say I have seen the torture some kiddies go through at school being on the receiving end of the jibes/jokes by fellow pupils.

Stress levels for the victimized child become unbearable where they suffer in silence struggling to cope with the mental pain and torture. Thus resulting in some very unfortunate cases where suicide was the solution. Anxiety a killer alone,

I am not saying that children should not have chocolate and other little goodies. I remember that being the best part of my childhood my weekly ration of sweets. What I am trying to say is just cut them down in over indulging. Too much of a good thing can come with a death sentence.

Some cases in children being overweight are due to health matters, and can not be helped. There are reasons behind the extra pounds they carry and I wish all caring parents in these circumstances well with any treatments for the cause for their child's obesity.

But for the mothers who sit on national television and boast about the eating habits of their two year old son/daughter weighing in at 5 stone and sitting like a little midget on their laps. Then this is where the death penalty kicks in where mother becomes the murderer.

Is your child overweight, are you worried for him/her, are you overweight and want to do somthing about it. Well there is no time like the present. http://www.benidormbeaches.com/Information.html

Herbal Life Supplements For Natural Treatment

Herbal supplements have become hugely popular over the years, and with herbal life supplements you can enjoy a natural and effective way of maintaining or improving your health. Herbal life supplements are classed as self medication, and as with any other type of treatment need to be taken responsibly. When taken properly this type of vitamin offers a safe and effective way of health improvement and maintenance. However, these supplements are only effective when you buy quality products, and the best way to do this is to ensure that they are produced at GMP registered facilities, which means that they reach the necessary standards.

When you buy herbal life supplements you can often get great discounts online. In addition to the discount price, you can also enjoy high quality products, so you can ensure that the supplements that you are taking are safe and effective to use. Using a scientifically formulated herbal supplement can aid your health in a number of ways, but quality is of paramount importance. You should make sure that standardized herbal ingredients are used in the supplements that you buy, as this will help to ensure the quality of the vitamin.

Purchasing Your Supplements ? Getting The Best

When buying vitamin supplements, it is important to make the checks discussed with regards to quality and ingredients, as this will ensure that the vitamin you take is safe and of good quality. However, you also want to get good value on your supplements, and with the discount prices available online you can enjoy getting herbal supplements that are of high quality and at reduced prices.

Adam Minsky runs http://www.nutritional-supplement-resources.com, where he reviews all the latest trends in vitamin and nutritional supplementation. If you want to keep up with the very latest information on the Quality Herbal Supplements and nutritional supplements generally then visiting this site is an absolute must!

Diets A Better Approach To A New Lettuce Leaf

One of the issues we face dieting is learning how to manage hunger. Whether its that mid afternoon slump, or mid morning cravings, being hungry for too long is a fast way to derail all our good intentions to turn over a new lettuce leaf.

Different strategies have in the past been proposed to deal with hunger. Some people find drinking a glass of water every time they are hungry helps. The model Gisele Bundchen is a real advocate of this approach. And judging by her stunning figure, she's a good poster girl for increasing your fluid intake. Water has many benefits for the body, and people often simply don't drink enough. There's even a book on the subject that presents the view that many diseases in old age are related to a kind of entrenched state of dehydration (Your Body's Many Cries for Water by F.Batmanghelid,MD).

Whilst diets composed mainly of soups are fairly common (think the Cabbage Soup diet and Liz Hurley's favorite, the Watercress Soup Diet), this is not the healthiest way to approach soup. Nor is it likely to lead to long tern success. Diets that focus on just one vegetable or type of food are not only very boring to go on, they do not provide the range of nutrients that the body needs to function well. Could hunger actually be the body's way of saying, 'I need some nutrients'. Sustainable weight loss is not achieved by setting up an unrealistic eating plan that is painful to follow for more than a week and leaves you fantasizing about food all the time. Unless of course you don't mind going to bed hungry for two years like Liz did after her son was born.

Starvation and nutrient restriction lead to loss of muscle mass and bone density. Not to mention fatigue and other possible health problems if followed long term.

The irony is that soups, including cabbage soup and watercress soup, are really good for you. They are easy to digest, and can be prepared ahead and frozen. That way you have a low kilojoule snack that is often high in fiber ready at the helm as a quick pick-me-up when hunger strikes between meals.

And some soups have surprising health benefits. For example, the Japanese Miso soup has been linked with preventing liver cancer, breast cancer and skin cancer, with theories also proposed about a benefit to skin due to linoleic acid. Whether this is found to be true, it is a delicious base for your favorite vegetables, and very easy to prepare from scratch. It takes only about ten minutes to prepare, and when garnished with grated ginger is a fantastic energizing soup when you are tired.

Neither soup nor water alone will lead to weight loss, and neither should these strategies be used to extremes and become a substitute for following a healthy, balanced diet. But they provide a way to minimize excursions into old habits we are trying to change as we address the lifestyle choices that led to gaining excess weight in the first place. And by providing the nutrients your body actually needs, you'll be creating a change in the quality of life experienced day to day.

Discover the natural ways to boost metabolism in this article. Rebecca Prescott provides information about popular supplements with a philosophy that is grounded in getting your body working to its optimum.

Synthetic Wig Care Professional Secrets

Synthetic wigs are very easy to care for. You don?t need to restyle your wig after each washing, like you would with a human-hair wig. However, it is important to point out that human-hair shampoos and other care products are unsuitable for synthetic wigs. Even the mildest shampoo that you might use on your own hair is too strong for the synthetic fibers used in a wig. The same can be said about hair styling mousses, sprays and gels - don?t attempt to use them on your synthetic wig.

Instead, use shampoos, conditioners and hairsprays specially formulated for synthetic wigs. Raquel Welch, Revlon, and Tress Allure produce wide ranges of wig care products, and all of these brands work well with any synthetic wig. Most websites that sell wigs offer wig accessories, too, so it is smart to pick a wig shampoo, conditioner and spray when you order your wig.

Another thing to remember is that synthetic wigs cannot be styled with curling irons, hot rollers or blow dryers. In fact, any heat can destroy your wig, so be careful to keep it away from lamps, ovens, etc. Most synthetic wigs are already prestyled but, if you want to add a bit of personality to it, you can use a mousse that is specially formulated for synthetic wigs and style it with your fingers.

Washing synthetic wigs - step by step

A synthetic wig doesn?t need to be washed very often - after 10 or 12 wears is usually enough. Still, you might have to wash your wig more often if you use a lot of spray or mousse on it. Every washing shortens the life of your wig, so our advice is try not to use excessive styling products on it, and don?t wash your wig until it looks like it needs to be washed.

1. Remove tangles with your fingers and gently brush your wig. The only exception is wigs that are very curly - don?t attempt to brush them

2. Fill a basin with cool water (hot water can damage your wig), mix a little bit of synthetic wig shampoo into it and place your wig in the water. Leave it to soak for about 5 minutes.

3. Swirl your wig around in the water, but don?t rub the fibers

4. Rinse your wig under running water

5. Shake excess water off your wig and spread it on a towel to dry. Alternatively, you can put it on a wig stand. If you have wig conditioner, put it on the wig and gently work it through the strands with your fingers. Remember you can?t use blow dryer on a synthetic wig, so place your wig in a warm room with good ventilation and let it dry naturally

6. Brush your wig when it is completely dry and it is ready to wear again. Again, don?t brush wigs that are very curly.

As you can see, caring for a synthetic wig is really easy. And having a wig or several differently styled wigs can really help you to change your look in an instant.

Tanya Turner is wig and hair extensions expert and a publisher of http://www.WigsGuide.info, an online wig, hair extensions and hairstyle magazine, where you can find information, reviews and pictures of wigs and hair extensions

Causes of Osteoporosis

It is a known fact that more bone is laid down more than it is removed in the early life of a person. An individual?s peak bone mass is reached at the age of thirty, wherein the remodeling process starts, that takes away more bone than is replaced. Remodeling is the process involving the laying down of new bone and the removing of old bone. So it can be said that the process of bone loss begins in the early to late thirties. It is from this age to the onset of menopause that women lose a certain amount of bone every year.

The average rate of bone loss in men, and in women who have not reached menopause, is actually quite small. However, after menopause, the bone loss in women accelerates to an average of one to two percent a year. It is after menopause that the level of the female hormone estrogen in a woman?s body decreases sharply. Estrogen is a hormone that is important in protecting the skeleton by helping the body?s bone forming cells to keep working. So after menopause, this protection can be considered lost as the level of estrogen decreases.

Other causes of osteoporosis are heredity and lifestyle. Whites and Asians, tall and thin women and those with a history of osteoporosis are those at the highest risk of getting osteoporosis. The behavioral causes of increasing the risk of osteoporosis are smoking, alcohol abuse, prolonged inactivity and a diet low in calcium. There are also some diseases that are associated with aging that cause osteoporosis, which include kidney failure, liver disease, cancers, Paget?s disease, endocrine or glandular diseases, gonadal failure and rheumatoid arthritis. There are some medications like steroids, seizure drugs, thyroid hormone and blood thinners that are also found to cause osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis provides detailed information on Osteoporosis, Osteoporosis Treatments, Osteoporosis Prevention, Causes Of Osteoporosis and more. Osteoporosis is affiliated with Osteoarthritis Symptom.

An Explanation of Medical Billing Software Prices

Medical billing software prices can vary widely depending on the size and scope of your practice and the software package you choose. Medical billing software is offered in many forms to the discerning customer. Innovations in the technology of medical billing software have created a new benchmark of digital accuracy. There are many packages offered, such as software with equipment lease, software lease via the Internet, or the software along with installation and training. When you are evaluating the needs of your practice, consider the factors that will affect the cost of your medical billing software such as the number of users, the number of patients, amount of use, and amount of data storage.

Many software packages will not fill all the diverse needs of your practice, so make sure you identify vendors who are familiar with health care management solutions and who will work with your practice to sustain your advantage in the business. When investigating prices for medical billing software it is a good idea to ask how and for what purpose the system was designed, and the cost for all the data to be secure, backed-up and protected on servers that are compliant with the HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996). Also find out what the total price will be including ongoing costs, like upgrades, maintenance and training.

Other significant factors that will affect the price of medical billing software are the price of user licenses, and the costs involved with customization to fit your medical practice. Check to see if you can configure the software without assistance, and whether a first time user can quickly learn the program. If the answer is yes to these questions, you will save a bundle on training your staff. Selected vendors will allow you to create your own medical software quote by asking a series of questions that will identify your precise needs. Keep an eye out for companies who provide free updates to ensure continued HIPAA compliance.

There are medical billing software options out there that require a minimal provider investment, such as the web-based solution that allows the medical billing provider to manage and maintain all of your data and hardware within a totally secure remote environment. You could have all of the advantages of great medical billing software, including exclusive access to patient information, at sharply reduced costs. Some points of sale to look out for are: no hardware or software to buy, no need for installation, and no upgrade costs. Carefully evaluate the needs of your medical practice to see if this easy and popular option is right for your practice.

Finding a comprehensive selection of medical billing software prices can be a simple task if you are certain from the outset of your medical practice needs, and the size and flexibility of your budget. Medical billing software does not have to be costly to work efficiently. Once an expensive bundle of complicated interfaces filled with cumbersome textual fragments, today's electronic medical billing suites are reasonably priced, straightforward and intuitive.

Medical Billing Software Info provides comprehensive information about medical insurance billing software, HIPAA compliant medical billing software, easy and free medical billing software, and medical billing software prices and reviews. Medical Billing Software Info is the sister site of Medical Billing Web.

Benzoyl Peroxide The Whole Truth

The majority of people, from teenagers to adults, suffer from embarrassing acne all over their face at some point in their life. Your face is your most frequently seen feature so it is desirable for it to be healthy and clear of blemishes. A common treatment prescribed by dermatologists contain what is called benzoyl peroxide. It is widely available in many different brand name medications such as Oxy or Neutrogena. With any medicine, it has its good points and bad points.

Benzoyl peroxide is a topical medicine that comes in the form of a cream, gel, lotion, face mask, or cleansing bar. It is generally used twice a day but it can vary if your doctor decides that it is necessary to use it more, or safer to use it less often. Not following the dosage instructions is very dangerous with this product because it can cause a bad irritation. The difference between a prescription and an over-the-counter form of benzoyl peroxide is that typically prescriptions are of a concentration of higher than 10%.

The advantage to using benzoyl peroxide is that it has a high success rate of clearing up acne. It works quickly and can even clear up severe cystic acne within weeks. However, in some cases it takes patience to see the desired results. It is available in some over-the-counter products that you can buy at your local drug store, which is usually much cheaper than a prescription. It may even be an ingredient in acne medicines that you already own. It is an antiseptic that is absorbed very quickly into the skin where it then works against the bacteria that causes acne and provides oxidation. The oxidation agent helps to reduce the number of comedones, which are commonly classified as whiteheads and blackheads. Its anti-inflammatory properties assists your skin in the healing process of existing acne, while also preventing future acne that is caused by inflammation of the skin.

Some people experience irritation from regular use of benzoyl peroxide and the sometimes acne could get worse. Contact with eyes is absolutely imperative because it will more than likely cause permanent blindness. Common side effects that users have experienced from this medicine's use are skin irritations such as itching, blistering, swelling, and redness. It may also cause dryness of the skin or mild stinging. If you encounter a problem, you should discontinue use and talk to your dermatologist about lowering the dosage or using a milder medication. Because it is a powerful bleaching agent, you should avoid contact with clothing and other fabric because it will immediately cause damage to the colors.

Other uses for this product include dying hair and an ingredient in most teeth whitening systems. It is also used when flour, fats, and waxes are bleached. This information proves the strength of benzoyl peroxide. Before you consider using it, you should definitely consider that almost all users of higher concentrations of this medicine have experienced undesired side effects. The condition of your skin may get worse before it improves but it may be worth it.

AcneHelpZone.com provides people who are suffering from acne with quick, relevant and free acne resources that they can download and take away with them for easy reference.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis and its Affects

Rheumatoid arthritis affects the many joints in our bodies and is not prominent in any one place over the other. This type of arthritis also affects the heart, lungs and the blood as well. Rheumatoid arthritis is the inflammation of synovium, or joint lining. The pain suffered from this extremely painful disease can be from stiffness, redness, swelling, and warmth. The joints that are affected over time may lose their shape and will result in the loss of normal everyday movement. Rheumatoid arthritis generally starts around the age of twenty and can last a lifetime. This type of disease typically flares and can have active symptoms or in remissions with no symptoms or only a few of them.

The Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis affect each person differently but in general have the same affects. Rheumatoid arthritis is a symmetrical pattern disease, which means that if one side of the body if affected, the other side is affected at the same time as well. Joint tenderness, swelling and stiffness can last for more then an hour after a long rest period and in the mornings as well, in some cases, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can last for an extended period. Malaise is the most common symptom of this disease; it is a general feeling of fatigue and can have a persistent fever with an overall sense of not feeling well.

What are the causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is as autoimmune disease, which means that the body?s immune system is not working as it should and lets the rheumatoid arthritis disease attack the healthy joints and the tissues around it, allowing for the initiation of joint damage and inflammation. No one is positive on the exact cause of why people get rheumatoid arthritis, but many scientists believe there are a lot of common factors among the people that suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. Hereditary and genetics is a major contribution to the onset of rheumatoid arthritis, the particular genes that are passed from one family member to next.

Some professionals also believe that rheumatoid arthritis can be caused from a trigger like an infection caused by bacterium or a virus in people that have the inherited tendency for the rheumatoid arthritis disease. Rheumatoid arthritis in a way, may be triggered through a virus, yet it is not something that is contagious and you cannot give it to other people, you cannot ?catch it?

Warren and Karen have been involved in the internet for a number of years and run several websites. They are most interested in providing opportunities for people to connect with information relating to business, health and creativity. Check out their Rheumatoid Arthritis blog for more information.

The Shocking Advantages Of An Elliptical Trainer Over A Treadmill

Many experts have come to agree that elliptical trainers are much better than treadmills. While treadmills are a useful piece of equipment for any workout regimen, elliptical trainers definitely have their place.

The most widely known advantage of an elliptical trainer is the low impact workout that it creates. See when you're using a treadmill your feet leave the surface of the treadmill as you take a step, and then come back into contact with the treadmill. This causes pressure to be put on joints, muscles and parts of the body like hips and knees.

Elliptical trainers on the other hand your feet never leave the surface of the machine, making it a very low impact workout. This allows you to work out for longer periods of time as well as avoid unnecessary pain that ensues after a workout that has an impact.

A second advantage, is many elliptical trainers have a feature where you also workout your arms as your working out your legs. Treadmills on the other hand usually keep your arms in a fixed position for obvious safety reasons. This dual action movement provided by an elliptical trainer helps you burn more calories in the same amount of time. The

Third advantage is many elliptical trainers do not require an electrical source. Treadmills are usually powered by electricity and require you to be near an outlet. This limits traditionally where you can keep an elliptical trainer since many homes do not have outlets disbursed and readily available.

On the other hand let's discuss some possible advantages of a treadmill over an elliptical trainer. Treadmills allow the user to run, walk or jog giving you a variety of workouts depending upon your skill and fitness level. Elliptical trainers on the other hand usually only give you a foreword and backwards workout motion somewhat limiting your workout routines.

Overall if you are trying to decide whether or not to buy an elliptical trainer or a treadmill I would honestly say I would have to choose the elliptical trainer. The no or little impact that the elliptical trainer provides is a major factor in my decision. Ask anybody who works out frequently and they will tell you the joint pain is commonly associated with workouts. Anything I can do to lessen this pain will be beneficial to me in the long run.

Free elliptical trainer information http://www.onlyellipticalreviews.com

Get Your Treadmill vs Elliptical Trainer Info Here

Fructose: No Advantage in Sports Drinks or for Diabetics

Fructose is not better for you than table sugar, and drinks that contain lots of fructose can cause intestinal gas. Fructose is a single sugar molecule, while granulated white table sugar is called sucrose and is made up of two single sugars, glucose and fructose bound together. When table sugar reaches your intestines, the double table sugar, sucrose, is immediately split into its single sugars, glucose and fructose. Almost all of the glucose is absorbed immediately into your bloodstream. In the presence of glucose in your intestines, most of the fructose is also converted to glucose, which is rapidly absorbed into your bloodstream. Regular sugar is absorbed so quickly that very little remains in the intestinal tract.

However, when you take fructose without glucose, the fructose is not converted as rapidly to glucose, and the fructose is absorbed less quickly into the bloodstream. Therefore, some fructose passes along the intestinal tract until it reaches the colon where bacteria can ferment the fructose to cause gas and cramps. This is particularly important when you take fructose before or during exercise. Exercise speeds up the rate that fructose reaches your colon and increases your chances of getting gas pains and cramps.

If fructose is not absorbed as well as table sugar, does that mean that fructose is better for diabetics? Again, the answer is no. Several studies show that taking large amounts of fructose can harm a diabetic. Diabetes occurs when the body lacks insulin or cannot respond to insulin. Insulin is supposed to drive sugar from the bloodstream into cells. When insulin does not do its job, the sugar, glucose, accumulates in the bloodstream, causing a diabetic to feet sick and weak and even pass out. Fructose can get into cells without insulin, so some people incorrectly recommend that diabetics eat foods made with fructose. However, in the intestines and the bloodstream, fructose is converted into glucose, and the diabetic gets no benefit.

Not only is fructose of no benefit to a diabetic, it can cause harm. Glucose causes fat cells to release leptin that makes you feel full, and prevents the stomach from releasing ghrelin that makes you hungry. Fructose does not affect leptin or ghrelin, so it increases hunger to make you eat more. Large amounts of fructose can block the body's ability to respond to insulin, so even more insulin is required. Furthermore, the liver converts fructose far more readily to a body fat called triglycerides, than it does with glucose. High triglyceride levels raise blood levels of the bad LDL cholesterol and lower blood levels of the good HDL cholesterol, which increases heart attack risk. The treatment of diabetes includes avoiding all types of sugar and other refined carbohydrates, losing weight if overweight, and exercising. It is not treated by eating fructose.

Dr. Gabe Mirkin has been a radio talk show host for 25 years and practicing physician for more than 40 years; he is board certified in four specialties, including sports medicine. Read or listen to hundreds of his fitness and health reports at http://www.DrMirkin.com

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The One Thing You Must Do To Stop the Silent Killer

When Bill woke in the hospital room, a smiling nurse was wrapping a sphygmomanometer around his right arm.

Terror gripped him when he tried to form the words, What happened? They got stuck in his brain and never made it to his mouth.

You've had a stroke, Dad. His daughter stood beside the bed, a tearful look of anguish in her eyes.

But... he tried to form the word, and found it to be impossible. What he wanted to say was -- what he wanted to scream was, BUT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH ME!

There had been something wrong with him, and it was silent and deadly. For some it gave warning, and for others it didn't...

An Equal Opportunity Killer

High Blood Pressure can strike anyone, at any time. It doesn't discriminate -- it will kill the young and the old, male or female, of any race or nationality. When it sneaks in to destroy your body it will come for a lot of reasons ? smoking, drinking, gaining too much weight, or high, unrelenting stress.

Bill invited it into his life through unrelenting stress coupled with a weight problem he ignored. As a front line supervisor and a workaholic, Bill worked long hours in a high pressure job, and let himself gain pounds until he weighed entirely too much.

He?d been too busy to see his doctor for a check up; in fact he hadn?t had one in years.

When the Silent Killer struck -- Bill had no idea what hit him.

The Damage to You

High blood pressure does tremendous damage to your body. The excessive pressure against your arteries and heart will steadily and seriously damage them over a period of time. Left untreated, it can cause kidney and eye damage, hardening of the arteries, heart attack and stroke.

Three out of 5 cases of heart attacks in women are due to high blood pressure.

The National Heart, Lung and Blood Pressure Institute (NHLBPI) has stated that Once high blood pressure develops, it usually lasts a lifetime.

And if it is left undiagnosed and untreated, that lifetime may be cut radically short.

The Fat Die Young

The problem with High Blood Pressure, is that it is getting little attention from the media and it is so common that it is thought to be almost ?a given? that people in the 40?s and above, particularly those in high stress jobs, will have it.

The main reason is that the 'bad boy' Obesity is getting all the press.

The media is obsessed with obesity as the number one American health problem, without making the connection between obesity and high blood pressure and they go hand in hand.

Studies have shown that obesity is inextricably linked with high blood pressure. In fact, the link is so strong that there is a medical term for it: obesity hypertension. 75% of all deaths in the US due to high blood pressure have the obesity connection.

There exists a direct chain reaction that begins when a person weighs too much: obesity results in high blood pressure, high blood pressure results in heart disease, and heart disease results in death.

Seven Steps to Catching the Silent Killer

Will the killer sneak into your house, or is he already there? There are six things you must do to stop him from getting in, or catch him if he is inside.

1)Get regular check ups.

There is only one way to find out if you have high blood pressure, and that is to get a check up. Most doctors? routinely use a sphygmomanometer which consists of a pressure gauge and rubber cuff that wraps around your arm and inflates to constrict arteries. You can also purchase one to take your own blood pressure at home.

2)If you smoke, stop.

If you can't stop by yourself, get counseling to help you do so.

3)Cut down on the drinking (or quit altogether).

4)Get regular exercise.

Turn off the television and go outside. Go for a walk that lasts at least 30 minutes every day or join a health club that allows you to exercise regularly indoors.

5) Lose weight.

There are charts on the Internet that lists how much you should weigh for your height. If you can't lose weight on your own, get help from a support group.

6) Take your medicine.

If you have already been diagnosed by your doctor as having high blood pressure, take your prescriptions faithfully. If you experience side effects, be sure you have made these known to your doctor.

7) Investigate natural alternatives to prescription medicine.

The medical profession tends to equate ?alternative remedies with quackery for three primary reasons:

-- Alternative remedies involving herbs are not subject to FDA regulation

-- Ignorance. Alternative remedies are not part of physicians' education

-- Pharmaceutical companies that make their living by producing and encouraging the use of drugs.

There are many alternatives to drugs that are very effective, not the least of which are simply good diet and exercise. If, however, you have been put on medication, do not make any changes without seeing your doctor.

The One Thing You Must Do

All very glibly said. Stop smoking. Lose weight. etc. and etc. You've heard it all before, and they sound easy when written down on paper.

But -- realistically -- what do you have to do to accomplish these things? To get to the place you need to be to bring high blood pressure down to normal levels?

The answer: YOU MUST PLAN

The one thing you must do is to plan a long term strategy to reduce your weight, limit your alcohol consumption, stop smoking and reduce stress levels. These will involve radical lifestyle changes and a long term commitment. They are not going to be accomplished overnight, and will come only with determined effort and effective planning.

The Plan

If Bill had been aware of his high blood pressure and the serious consequences of allowing it to go unchecked, and if he had done something about it, he wouldn't be in the situation we left him at the beginning of this article.

By the time he reached the hospital bed, the entire right side of his body was paralyzed from a stroke brought on by the unseen killer. It was too late.

Bill had not been going to the doctor for regular checkups, and he didn't know he was about to be the killer's next victim. Had he known, and had he known what he must accomplish to get off the killer?s ?hit list?, he would have begun planning how to change his lifestyle in order to stop the damage it was causing.

The real question, though, is will YOU do it? Will you get the check-up you need, and if the diagnosis is positive, will you formulate a plan NOW to make the lifestyle changes necessary to beat the killer?

Don't wait until it strikes ? then it will be too late.

John Young is a writer with a scientific background. At the age of 62, he has discovered several natural and effective methods for coping with common medical problems such as high blood pressure. He is recommending an excellent ebook that formulates a 60 day plan for changing a life-threatening lifestyle, The Silent Killer Exposed. You can discover other alternative remedies at http://www.health-medicine-alternatives.com/

Dead Sea Cosmetics Guide Get Natural Relief!!

Dead sea cosmetics protect human skin from aging and polluted atmosphere. These cosmetics keep you young and beautiful. Dead sea mud has been known for its powerful ingredients from ancient times. Dead sea mud mask contains rich minerals that stimulate and exfoliate your skin.

Dead sea cosmetics improve appearance of your skin. These cosmetics are helpful in preventing wrinkles and increasing elasticity that makes your skin young and exciting. Dead sea minerals play a significant role in skin-nourishment. Dead sea cosmetics don?t include irritating chemicals or harmful ingredients.

Dead sea cosmetics are prepared with pure natural cosmetic products that really soothe your skin. You can easily maintain your skin with several Dead Sea cosmetic skin care items. Some beauty products or Dead Sea cosmetics contain minerals from Dead Sea or natural plants that are available near Dead Sea. AHAVA, Natural Sea Beauty, Mineral Care and Sea of Spa are some common Dead Sea products.

AHAVA is a plant that is found at Dead Sea surrounding area and is very calm to the skin. It is used to prepare balms, exfoliations and other beauty products. It works as good moisturizer for extremely dry skin. These great Dead Sea cosmetics offer smooth glow, which everyone desires. Dead Sea Cosmetics are used for natural relief.

About Author: Author is the owner of the site Dead Sea Cosmetics Website provides information about Dead Sea cosmetics. It also offers some useful buying tips for Dead Sea Cosmetics and products. You can also visit his site to get more information about Dead Sea Products

The Sonoma Diet: Promoting a Lifestyle

The Sonoma Diet is a weight loss plan that promotes the healthy and flavorful eating style of the Mediterranean and Sonoma Valley. Flavorful foods are an important part of the plan and they help you stick to the plan, loose weight and choose a healthier new lifestyle.

The core of the Sonoma Diet is the power foods which are incorporated into many meals and recipes in the book. They are almonds, bell peppers, blueberries, broccoli, grapes, olive oil, spinach, strawberries, tomatoes and whole grains. They are all not only delicious but are in the right portions, essential to good health and weight loss. Whole grains and breads are allowed on the diet from day one. But some foods with saturated fat, added sugar and refined white flour are not allowed on the program.

Connie Guttersen, PhD, RD, is the author of The Sonoma Diet: Trimmer Waist, Better Health in Just 10 Days! Guttersen offers a creative approach to encourage people to change their eating behaviors. Her emphasis is food enjoyment, portion control, food label reading and eliminating trans-fats. She identifies the diet as neither low- fat nor low- carbohydrate. She indicates it has the right balance of nutrients to ensure health, weight loss and satisfaction.

The Sonoma Diet has three waves to Weight loss. Wave 1 is a 10-day period in which dieters can eat certain vegetables, lean meats, seafood, limited dairy, some grains, thee daily servings of olive or canola oil, a small amount of nuts, black coffee, tea, and an unlimited amount of herbs and spices. This wave is the most extreme and its purpose is to wean the body from sugar. This wave will produce rapid weight loss depending on the person and the amount of weight they need to loose.

Wave 2 allows the same foods as Wave 1, but adds more fruits, more vegetables, fat-free yogurt, some sugar free sweets, some dark chocolate, honey and some wine. In this wave weight loss is more gradual and approximately ?-1.5 pounds a week. Dieters stay in this wave until they reach their target weight.

The final stage-wave 3- promotes the same principles of healthy eating as the prior waves but recommends increasing servings of fruits and vegetables and indulging in occasional treats. It also recommends more experimentation with different foods and different ways of enjoying meals.

? Copyright Diet-Newsroom.com, All Rights Reserved.

Kim Black runs http://www.diet-newsroom.com where shes writes diet & nutrition articles about popular new diets.

Independent Medical Reviews For Different Types of Organizations

Which types of organizations use an IRO to provide independent medical reviews or peer reviews? Many companies can benefit from this type of service.

Foremost are health plans and health insurance carriers that require an IRO in order to make sure that they adjudicate claims in a properly.

Second are third party administrators (TPAs) that administer benefits and claims for health plan payers.

Third are reinsurers or stop-loss carriers. Stop-loss carriers use independent review organizations as a way to assure that they are getting a second objective and unbiased opinion for their most expensive and complex medical claims that they are called to provide coverage for.

Fourth are large self-insured corporations that pay their own health care benefits. They are increasingly turning to IROs in order to help with their claims decision making.

Fifth are managed-care organizations that are providing preauthorization point of care determinations for their patients.

Sixth are utilization review companies. They use IROs to preauthorize complex, special and costly treatments.

Utilization management companies and business units inside larger firms also use IROs. Medical management companies use IROs routinely to outsource their claims decision making and preauthorization of treatments. Union trusts also turn to Independent Review Organizations to make sure benefits are properly administrated for their union populations.

All of these organizations work in the health care space to provide either payment services or preauthorization of treatments. There are other types of insurers that also use independent review organizations in order to administer claims. Disability insurance carriers, their TPAs and medical management firms also use IROs as well as workers compensation carriers, their TPAs and medical management firms. Property and casualty firms that are paying out medical claims also turn to independent review organizations to review claims. Fraud units working inside larger health plans and special investigative units use independent review organizations to look at the medical necessity of treatments and validate or to root out potential provider fraud.

As you can see, many different types of organizations in different markets turn to IROs as a critical source to decide, adjudicate and authorize health care claims. IROs today are an accepted best practice by the largest and the smallest organizations that participate in managing care for patients today.

About AllMed Healthcare Management
Founded in 1995, AllMed is a URAC-accredited Independent Review Organization (IRO) serving insurance payers, providers, TPAs and claims managers nationwide. Reviews are conducted by board-certified physicians in active practice. AllMed's growing customer base for its independent medical review and hospital peer review services includes premier organizations, such as Educator's Mutual Life, IMS Managed Care, Tenet Healthcare Corporation, HealthGuard, several Blue Cross Blue Shield organizations, TriWest Healthcare Alliance, Allianz and many other leading healthcare payers. Read the AllMed Medical News Blog and the Independent Review Organization Blog.

Garlic Pills: No Odor No Effect

Virtually all plants contain some chemicals that can help protect your health and some chemicals that can make you sick. So when you read or hear about a new chemical found in a plant, and that this chemical helps prevent or treat a disease, you should not go out and try to eat huge amounts of that one plant or buy an extract in pill form made from that plant. You should include a wide variety of plants in a healthy diet full of lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and other seeds.

In 1844, Theodor Wertheim, a German chemist, distilled a pungent substance from garlic and called it allyl, the Latin name for garlic. Four years later Louis Pasteur in Paris showed that allyl could inhibit the growth of bacteria. This was a great discovery because 150 years ago, doctors had no antibiotics to kill bacteria, but at that time they also did not understand that bacteria cause many diseases. Garlic could have been the first penicillin, and Pasteur could have become extraordinarily rich.

One hundred years later in 1948, Arnold Stoll and Ewald Seebeck, researchers at Sandoz Company in Basel Switzerland showed that garlic does not smell offensively until the garlic bulb is crushed to form Allicin, the chemical that is responsible for the odor. The Sandoz researchers knew of Pasteur's studies 100 years before theirs, but they abandoned further research when the board of directors at Sandoz felt that nobody would take allicin, the extract from garlic, to treat infections because of its offensive odor.

Entrepreneurs now sell garlic pills claiming that they kill germs and have no smell. The research that I have found shows that if it doesn't smell, it isn't allicin and therefore it hasn't been shown to kill germs. Many studies show that allicin can kill bacteria in a test tube, but it cannot be used as a medicine because we don't know how it works in your body, how to make sure an extract contains the active chemicals, or how to make the proper dose. Enjoy garlic as a food and get its helpful properties as part of a varied diet that includes lots of different kinds of plants.

Dr. Gabe Mirkin has been a radio talk show host for 25 years and practicing physician for more than 40 years; he is board certified in four specialties, including sports medicine. Read or listen to hundreds of his fitness and health reports at http://www.DrMirkin.com

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Aromatherapy While Traveling

Whether you are on business trip, a romantic holiday, a family trip or simply want to experience outdoor life, aromatherapy essential oils come useful along the way. Take along carrier oils for diluting the essential oils.

Are you going away on business trip? Whether you have to meet clients, give presentations, hold seminars, business meetings, etc, one can surely feel stressed out. Take along with you lavender, peppermint, marjoram and Neroli essential oils.

- Massage your body with 1 drop of marjoram and lavender oil each mixed with sweet almond or calendula oil after a warm bath to lessen the jet lag effect.

- Are you jittery before a big presentation or a meeting? Inhale few drops of Neroli oil to settle all the butterflies and ease all the nervousness.

- For headaches or migraines, concoct 1 drop of peppermint & lavender oil each with 1 tsp of sweet almond oil and massage it on your forehead, temples, sides and base of your neck. It will ease the headache away and let you stay alert. Few drops of lavender oil on your pillow will allow for peaceful night of sleep.

- Eating out and upset stomach go hand in hand. Massage 1 drop of peppermint & lavender oil each with 1 tsp of sweet almond oil on your stomach to help you with indigestion. Or you can try a peppermint tea.

Holidaying with your sweetheart or going for your honeymoon? Make sure you smell desirable all the time. Rose & jasmine oil are considered romantic oils.

- 1 drop of rose and jasmine oil each in 100 ml of jojoba oil makes a nice personal perfume for your holiday.

- A single drop of Ylang Ylang with its oriental scent is heady potent seduction perfume.

- For a romantic bath, add little of your personal perfume to the bath gel or water. You can use the perfume as massage oil on your partner.

Out with the kids. Calendula oil, lavender oil, chamomile essential oil and tea tree oil are some of children's oil that comes handy.

- Inhale a drop of lavender or peppermint oil from kerchief or tissue to ease the nausea and travel sickness.

- Got a tired kid on hand. Get your child to relax and inhale lavender oil.

- For small babies, apply lavender oil on your neck and shoulders so when you carry your little one around, the fragrance stays with baby.

- Stomach upset or colic trouble - 1 drop of chamomile mixed with 1 tsp of sweet almond oil rubbed clockwise on tummy will ease the stomachache.

- Lavender oil rubbed on the body helps to keep insects away.

- Few drops of calendula, lavender & chamomile oil is good for cuts and bruises.

- Aloe Vera gel or lavender oil applied to sun burn will soothe the pain.

About The Author
Sharon Hopkins manages site http://www.aromatherapies.net that provides information on aromatherapy essential oils. They are concentrated extracts of plants and their roots, stems, flowers and fruits. Further they can be classified as carrier oils, massage oils, cooking and baking oils.

Skin Stretch Marks Avoidance

Stretch marks are not for women only. They affect many teenagers and body builders. What are stretch marks? The fine lines that change in color over a time and appear on different parts of body generally after pregnancy or after sudden weight increase are Stretch marks.

Skin care and stretch marks formation- Stretch marks don't form only because the skin stretches during certain periods. Let us look at this carefully. Most of the women believe that they get stretch marks because of their body expanding during pregnancy. This is true, but please note that the marks that you see in your skin get formed when the skin does not stretch and therefore tears. This not stretching of skin is believed to be because of certain hormones. These hormones don't allow the dermis to make more collagen and elastin. If the skin had made enough collagen and elastin to support the stretching, no marks would have appeared. This hormone called glucocorticoids is responsible for formation of stretch marks.

Skin Care and stretch mark avoidance- Stretch marks form during pregnancy in women, in teenagers when they gain weight very fast, in body builders and in some conditions such as Cushing's syndrome. Use of steroid creams over along period may also form stretch marks.

Skin care and stretch marks treatment- There is no proven treatment available for stretch marks. Rather than trying any product that claims to treat stretch marks, please consult your doctor. Chemical peeling and laser is being tried to remove them. Vitamin C creams and retinoids are said to help. Your doctor is the best judge. Please consult him/her and find the remedy if possible. Even otherwise don't get disheartened. They fade away over time.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

The author C.D.Mohatta writes on skin problems, skin treatments and skin care. You can visit the author's online skin care guide for more information about how to have good skin. Download free animated screensavers and wallpapers from http://www.screene.com/ on topics like nature, spirituality, motivation, love, holidays, animals, etc. Also play hundreds of fun games on free fun games.

Battle Rages in Congress Over Mesothelioma Bill Regarding Asbestos Litigation

There is a groundswell of opposition forming to fight Bill S.852 - the Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act of 2005.

Battle lines have been drawn, large corporations have enlisted several top lobbyists in Washington DC to champion this Bill.

Lobbyists tout the bill as the answer to help ease the burden on our judicial system regarding asbestos litigation.

The net result of the bill if passed, will be to add several layers of government involvement to an already overburdened legal system.

Increased federal involvement will increase expenses associated with asbestos litigation.

Adding another layer of bureaucracy to victims stricken with Mesothelioma is not the answer. Individuals exposed to these harmful agents have the right to be heard on an individual basis.

The Bill has set guidelines regarding the individuals past exposure to asbestos.

To place individuals exposed to asbestos in a 3 level template is unjust.

The Three levels of asbestos exposure are defined in a qualitative and subjective manner based on the length of employment in an asbestos exposure-related job. They are:

? Moderate Exposure
In a standard work year, the person worked in areas immediate to where asbestos-containing products were installed, repaired or removed and involved regular airborne emissions of asbestos. This counts as one year of substantial occupational exposure.

? Heavy Exposure
In a standard work year, the person was involved in the direct installation, repair or removal of asbestos-containing products and thus was exposed to asbestos on a regular basis. This counts as two years of substantial occupational exposure.

? Very Heavy Exposure
In a standard work year, the person worked in primary asbestos manufacturing, a World War II shipyard or the asbestos insulation trades and thus was exposed to asbestos fibers on a regular basis. This counts as four years of substantial occupational exposure.

The proposed bill will destroy individual?s rights to just compensation in a timely manner. Mesothelioma is a catastrophic disease caused by asbestos exposure.

Become involved in the fight to keeps victims rights regarding asbestos litigation in the hands of the people.

Don't Be a New Year's Resolutioner

It?s a sight as predictable as the sparrows returning to Capistrano. The day after New Year?s day (or maybe the day after that if the New Year was rung in with particular gusto) there appears at most gyms and health clubs an influx of new members. What drives them here of course is their New Year?s resolution to make this the year that they finally shed the excess flab and get into the best shape of their lives. At my gym, they are referred to as the ?New Year?s Resolutioners?.

You can see the excitement and determination on their faces as they bombard the club staff with questions about exercise programs and how to use the vast array of fitness equipment. Yes sir, this is going to be the year that they get it done!

Some quickly get into a groove while others never seem to take to the whole ?exercise get sweaty thing?. One thing that never changes is that according to my very unscientific study conducted over the past 17 years, a full 95.4% of New Year's Resolutioners will not show up after the end of February. That?s why the regular members cheerfully endure the crowded conditions at the beginning of the year because they know that in due time things will be back to normal.

So how do you give yourself a fighting chance to not become one of these grim statistics? Start by reviewing the 5 steps below and then picking a few that resonate with you.

5 Steps to Avoid Becoming a New Year?s Resolutioner

1. Don?t make fitness a New Year?s Resolution ? there?s a lot of additional pressure when making any New Year?s resolution. The winter months are also a difficult time for some people to start an exercise program. Early spring may be a better time to start, but just make the commitment to start whatever time of year you choose.

2. Partner up ? enlist a friend or family member to join you in your fitness resolution. It?s harder to blow off a workout when someone else is waiting for you to show up. A fitness partner can also provide encouragement and companionship during your workouts.

3. It?s no big deal ? exercising at a moderate pace and intensity level for 30 to 60 minutes 4-5 times a week is really not that exerting. If you?re really out of shape, then you will need to take things slowly at first. Don?t treat your fitness program like Marine boot camp!

4. Use exercise as a break ? I prefer to workout on my lunch hour. This gives me a chance to get away from my desk and get into a completely different state of mind. It?s my form of meditation if you will. Regardless of when you workout, this should be your special time and place to tune out the world for a short time and do something good for yourself.

5. Invest in yourself ? as mentioned in the step above, your exercise sessions should be viewed as doing something good for yourself. The benefits from a regular exercise program are immense. The physical benefits are clearly measurable: weight loss, increased muscle tone, lower hear heart, and blood pressure. The benefits to your well-being can be felt almost immediately. Many people report a feeling of increased energy and a boost to their self-confidence when they exercise on a regular basis.

If the above steps aren?t enough to motivate you to stick with your exercise program, then here?s a little piece of information that should get you fighting mad: many people sign up for health club memberships and never show up at the club. However, their bank account or credit card is still being charged every month! That?s right, gym and health club owners just love New Year?s Resolutioners because they?re pure profit to them.

So why not be one of the elite 4.6% of New Year?s Resolutioners who goes on to graduate to become a gym regular!

Rich Rojas writes unbiased Elliptical Trainer Reviews and articles on health and fitness. Subscribe to the FREE EH.com fitness newsletter at http://www.ellipticalhome.com