Fatigue: The Symptoms That You Should Watch Out For

A lot of people today are suffering from a condition called adrenal fatigue. The main culprit is that people today tend to overwork themselves, especially in today’s poorly performing economy. We all tend to neglect our health just for the sake of getting that big fat raise or that promotion. This is why it is important for us to know more about adrenal fatigue and the symptoms associated with it.

By knowing about the symptoms, you will be able to become more aware of your body and also treat or prevent adrenal fatigue.

First of all, you need to understand that adrenal fatigue is a condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones that are necessary for optimal health. One of the most important hormones that we have on our body is called cortisol. This is often the main culprit and causes most adrenal fatigue symptoms.

So, just what are the symptoms associated with adrenal fatigue?

One symptom is feeling extremely exhausted and prolonged tiredness. Even if you sleep, you will feel as if you’ve never slept at all when you wake up in the morning. You will also gain weight and can never seem to lose it particularly in the midsection of your body.

Another symptom is the loss of stamina. You will easily get tired after a physically and emotionally demanding challenge.

Usually, you will feel tired between 9 and 10 in the evening but you can’t seem to sleep and end up going to bed up until 1 to 3 in the morning. Another symptom associated with adrenal fatigue is feeling dizziness or lightheadedness when you stand up too fast. You will also have low blood pressure, low blood sugar levels, and decreased sex drive.

When you get sick, it will take a long time for you to recover than usual and you frequently get infected with certain illnesses, such as flu, bronchitis as well as other respiratory illnesses.

Anxiety is another symptoms associated with adrenal fatigue. And, most people who suffer from adrenal fatigue also suffer from depression. You will also crave sugary foods and caffeine. Being unable to concentrate on what you are doing and bad short term memory as well as brain fog is also experienced by people suffering from adrenal fatigue.

These are basically most of the symptoms associated with adrenal fatigue.

You need to remember that adrenal fatigue is not a disease in a traditional sense. However, it affects a lot of people and the mentioned symptoms are the clinically recognizable symptoms associated with this condition.

If you think that you have adrenal fatigue, it is important for you to see the doctor. They will be able to give you some pointers on how to treat it and how to prevent it in the future.

Basically, simple lifestyle changes can help you treat adrenal fatigue. You should exercise more, eat the right kinds of food, and give your body adequate rest. These are the things that you need to remember about adrenal fatigue. With these tips, you will be able to get your life back on track and prevent it from affecting you in the future.

Adrenal Fatigue: Effective Ways to Restore Your Energy Levels

Fatigue is something that all of us experiences. It’s only natural for us to feel fatigued if we experience something that is physically, mentally, and emotionally stressful. The body’s response to stress is to release hormones that helps us deal with stress. These hormones can make give us extra speed and strength. In some cases, it can also make us impervious to pain.

However, if we subject our body to excessive stress, our adrenal glands become affected, which will eventually slow down in the production of hormones. When our adrenal glands slow down in the production of hormones, then your body and mind will be unable to deal with stress effectively.

This is why it is important for you to know how to deal with adrenal fatigue. If not, you will find that adrenal fatigue can really have a negative effect on your personal, social, and professional life.

With adrenal fatigue, you will constantly feel excessively tired and you will be unable to concentrate on just about anything. You will always want to sleep and your mind will always be foggy.

If you suffer from adrenal fatigue, even sleeping will not get your energy levels up. In fact, people with this condition feels that they need to sleep more even after they wake up in the morning. They feel that they didn’t even sleep at all.

Adrenal fatigue can be caused by several factors. It can be caused by anemia, depression, stress, obesity, eating disorder, and it can also be caused by low blood pressure and infection just to name a few.

As you can see, there are so many reasons why we experience adrenal fatigue. So, the obvious way for you to treat adrenal fatigue and restore your energy levels is by changing your lifestyle for the better.

You need to see the fact that unhealthy lifestyle is normally the cause of adrenal fatigue. Most people who suffer from adrenal fatigue are people who don’t get enough sleep, don’t exercise, and don’t eat the right foods.

If you want to boost your energy levels in order for you to deal with adrenal fatigue effectively, here are some effective ways that will enable you to restore your energy levels.

The first is by getting enough sleep. It is important for us to get at least 6 to 8 hours of sleep. If you need to get up by 7 in the morning, make sure that you sleep before 11 in the evening.

You should also remember that you should never skip meals. Skipping breakfast can eventually lead to low metabolism in your body, which means that your body will not be able to burn enough sugar and fat to provide you with energy.

It is important to seek medical help if home treatments do not work and if fatigue is sudden or persistent even if you have adequate rest.

Remember these tips and you will be able to restore your energy levels and prevent adrenal fatigue from taking control of your life. Through these tips, you will be able to control adrenal fatigue and function normally in society again.

The Myth of "Safer" Cigarettes

Many cigarette manufacturers have introduced "low-tar" and "low-nicotine" versions of their products. But are they really safer? No. Studies show that smokers often take deeper and more frequent puffs of these products and that they smoke the cigarette down lower - thereby actually increasing health risks. Even when smoked correctly, these cigarettes may not be significantly less dangerous than regular ones.
Menthol cigarettes, for instance, are so soothing that smokers inhale more deeply and hold the smoke in their lungs longer. Filtered cigarettes, while they do reduce toxins to a small degree, also encourage smokers to inhale more deeply, increasing the risk of a form of lung cancer called adenocarcinoma. And don't forget that "additive-free cigarettes still have addictive nicotine and cancer-causing tar.
Ironically, cigarettes made prior to 1950 were so harsh tasting that smokers inhaled less, which actually reduced their risk.

Types of Test For Adult Dyslexics

An adult that is suspected to have dyslexia can take tests to know whether he or she is positive for the condition. If you think that you have dyslexia, then it is recommended that you take a test. There are basically two types of tests that you can get, namely screening and comprehensive.

Screening Tests

Screening tests are specially designed to narrow down the number of candidates for the condition. These are typically used in schools, in which a number of students take it and those who yield a positive result are identified to take a more thorough testing procedure.

These are not really specific tests for dyslexia. However, they are simply designed to help out researchers to identify and focus on students or individuals who appear to have difficulties in regards to their studies, and who may have a possible case of dyslexia.

Such kind of test can be taken both by adults and children. Some companies can give out a test like this to identify who among their employees are somewhat challenged, specifically in reading, writing and math.

Usually, a screening test is consisted of a small number of short questions, like: “Do you have difficulty with spelling?”, “Were you unenthusiastic to go to school?”, “Do you find following directions difficult or confusing?”, “Do you have troubles with math?”, and the likes.

A person that yields a positive through this test may be having problems due to a number of causes. Some of the possible reasons are: Attention Deficit (ADHD), emotional problems, dyspraxia, autism, delayed learning, and possibly dyslexia. Screening tests are not really considered as a valid test for dyslexia, but these can be very useful for researchers.

Comprehensive Tests

The second type of test is comprehensive tests. This kind of test for dyslexia takes a look at the person as a whole. It also examines and tries to find out the root cause of any kind of learning difficulty that you may be experiencing.

Taking a comprehensive test simply means that you would have to undergo thorough testing. ‘Thorough’ in the sense that you would have to go to the extent of having your brain tested. Here your brain is examined to know which of its parts are functioning, which ones are not, and which are interfering with your acquisition of normal learning.

Not only do you have to get your brain checked, but also have to take a number of aptitude tests. Initially, your reading, comprehension, and spelling skills are to be tested. They also get your Intelligence Quotient (IQ) by giving you intelligence tests. Additionally, you would also have to take visual tests, visual scanning tests, laterality tests, sequencing tests, reversal test and the likes.

These are just some of the general tests that are given when you get a comprehensive kind of testing. However, the number of tests given can still vary, depending on the institute or professional that is giving you a comprehensive assessment. So this means, some may give you more or less, than those tests mentioned above.

Usually, a psychologist is the one that administers a comprehensive test. After all the data are analyzed, all of the test results are compiled into one complete report. In the report, you can see the conclusions about your condition along with the evidences for them.

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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: How to Fight It and Get Your Life Back On Track

Fatigue is a condition that every one of us feels at some point in our lives. However, there are people who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome, which can really affect both your professional and personal life in a very negative way. Having this condition will prevent you from functioning normally in society as it affects you physically and mentally.

Chronic fatigue syndrome can last for years and in some cases, the symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome can begin after a viral infection. Chronic fatigue symptoms can include headaches, joint pains, depression, muscle aches, and even memory loss as well as swollen glands. This condition can also cause the inability to concentrate, recurring minor infections, and even digestive disorders.

Scientists and medical professionals believe that this illness can be caused by stress, psychological problems, social factors, and even brain chemistry.

Today, there are now complementary therapies which can give you some relief from chronic fatigue by using herbs in order to improve immunity. One such herb is the Echinacea. Siberian ginseng is also used to treat this condition by improving resistance to stress. St. John’s Wort is also used to improve the mood.

There are also a few self-help techniques that will enable you to improve your condition if you are suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome. You can try eating a well-balanced diet by including plenty of vegetables in your diet as well as fruits and whole grains. It is important to limit your intake of coffee, alcohol and soft drinks as these things may aggravate your condition.

Acupuncture also worked for a lot of people when it comes to treating fatigue. Yoga is also said to help energize the body as well as other forms of exercises.

Another great technique to fight fatigue is by sleeping at the right time and at the right amount. It is recommended that you should sleep for 6 to 8 hours every night in order for you to replenish your energy. By doing so, you will feel energized when you wake up in the morning and really feel good about yourself.

You will also find that eating breakfast can help you reduce the feeling of being fatigued. Breakfast will help increase your body’s metabolism rate and it will also provide your body with the energy it needs to go through the day.

For a lot of people, they say that aromatherapy can really help with fatigue. By inhaling the relaxing scents in aromatherapy, you will eventually feel more energized and also get rid of stress that is causing you to feel fatigued.

These are the things that you can do in order for you to improve your condition. Although it may not really get rid of fatigue permanently, it will be able to improve your condition in such a way that you will have the energy to spend time for yourself and with your family after a hard day at work.

Remember these tips and you can be sure that you will know how to fight chronic fatigue syndrome and get your life back on track.

(Image Source: adrenalfatigue.co.nz)

Acupuncture is an Example of Holistic Healthcare

Holistic healthcare by definition is being able to cure an illness through the use alternative means. This means no medication is given to the patient and an instrument like a bunch of needles could do the trick.

Acupuncture has been around for than 2000 years. It is only recently that this holistic form of healthcare has reached the US. Studies have shown that it can treat minor problems and prevent some from happening.

The needles used in acupuncture are very thin but thicker than the human hair. This makes it smaller than those used on hypodermic needles.

Most patients that undergo acupuncture will not feel any significant change after one session which is why a few sessions are needed. Best of all, it is painless so your body will not feel sore afterwards.

Several studies have been conducted about acupuncture and there have been positive results. For instance in the UK, 400 participants who were suffering from migraines claimed they felt better after 3 months worth of sessions.

In the US, acupuncture has also proven to be effective in helping people deal with arthritis because the needles help the body fight against this chronic illness that is much cheaper and more effective than conventional medicine.

Acupuncture can do more than just helping patients deal with arthritis or migraine. Clinical tests have shown that it can help obese people lose weight and those who are suffering from insomnia.

In some countries, acupuncture has even been used to replace chemical anesthesia prior to surgery as there are some patients who are not able to tolerate regular anesthesia.

Another field which acupuncture has proven to be effective is helping patients deal with their addictions such as alcohol, drugs and smoking. One study of smokers revealed that the average patient will cut down by half the number of cigarettes they consume after just one treatment. Just imagine the potential after a few more sessions!

This has resulted in the establishment of clinics nationwide that only use acupuncture as the means of rehabilitation.

Acupuncturists in the US charge from $75 to $150 per session. This usually gets lower in the succeeding treatments.  The person will probably have to undergo 10 to 15 treatments 2 to 3 times a week but this really depends on the condition of the patient.
 
Before you go to one, you should check if this is covered by your insurance. If it isn’t, perhaps you should suggest that it should be included as it is much cheaper than having to undergo surgery.

Although there are risks if you decide to go undergo acupuncture, these can be avoided as long as the one doing it is a licensed professional who makes sure that the needles used are sterilized before they are inserted into the body.

These days, a lot of people in the medical field have accepted the fact that alternative medicine such as this can also help the patient which is why they may refer someone when it is needed.

So, if you are tired of experiencing the side effects of conventional medicine and want to try a holistic form of healthcare, why don’t you see what acupuncture can do for you? It is painless and cost effective. In fact, it is just one of many you can try to help treat a chronic condition.

(Image Source: lifeinalignment.blogspot.com)

Heart attack and drinking warm water

Heart Attack and drinking warm water....

Not only about the warm water after your meal, but about heart attacks. This makes sense.. the Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals...not cold water...maybe it is time we adopt their drinking habit while eating!!!

Nothing to lose, everything to gain... For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you. It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion.

Once this "sludge" reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn in to fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal!.

A serious note about heart attacks: You should know that not every heart attack symp to m is going to be the left arm hurting. Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line.

You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack. Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms.60% of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up. Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know, the better chance we could survive.

(Image Source: ayushveda.com)

Herbal Migraine Relief

Feverfew is a herbal remedy for migraine; it cannot stop an attack which has already started but can help to reduce frequency, and in some cases prevent migraines occurring in the first place. Although feverfew is available in tablet form, alternative practitioners find the fresh leaves most effective: you can grow the plant on a window sill. A couple of leaves each day is the recommended dose, but eat them in a sandwich because nibbling on the raw leaves can cause mouth ulcers. Pregnant women should refrain from taking feverfew.

Soaking a towel or flannel in a cool infusion of feverfew, squeezing it out, and laying it across the forehead, may also be soothing.

Nail - A diagnostic tool

Before surgery women are asked to remove their nail polish because when a patient's lips are covered by an anaesthesia mask, it is the nails that the anaesthetist will examine to ascertain whether the patient is getting enough oxygen. Pink nail beds indicate enough oxygen in the blood, but pale or blue ones show that the patient is not receiving enough oxygen.

A skilled diagnostician can also read the nails for signs of certain ailments. Pale, upward curving nails may indicate anaemia or zinc deficiency. Blue-ginged nails show that blood is not reaching the extremities - possibly a sign of circulatory disease and ridged nails show that the growth was interrupted, possibly by illness.

What Is A Colon Cleanse?

A colon cleanse program or a colon therapy encompasses some alternative medical therapies to remove accumulated fecal wastes and toxins from the large intestine or the colon. A colon cleanse can be in a form of water therapy such as colonics or taking oral supplements.

In colon hydrotherapy, the patient will be given an enema to inject water mixed with herbs using special equipment. In oral supplements, fibers, herbs, dietary supplements, oxygen powders or laxatives are taken by the patient to clean the colon thoroughly.

Colon therapists believe that the accumulation of fecal wastes in the colon walls can also provide a living environment for human parasites such as hookworms and tapeworms. The toxins from this accumulated waste can also cause body poisoning called auto-intoxication which is based on the medical practices of Ancient Greek. However, this belief was discredited in the 20th century.

There is no scientific evidence that can prove that colon cleansing is beneficial. According to some experts, the stool itself is not harmful because the body can flush this naturally without the special aid of oral treatments or colon cleansing methods.

According to them, even some kinds of colon cleansing treatments can also be very harmful to the body. Like the equipment used during the administration of an enema can cause damage to the anus and it can also cause amoebiasis if not properly sterilized. Some enema preparations have also been associated with cardiac arrests and loss of body electrolytes. Also, frequent colon cleansing can interfere with proper colon function and patients can lead to dependency on laxatives or enemas just to allow bowel movement. Most herbs used in the enema can also interact with drugs interfering with the proper result.

The signs and symptoms associated with auto-intoxification such as headache and lethargy are believed to be caused by improper functioning of the bowel, rather than toxins poisoning the body.

On the other hand, most dietitians and nutritionists believe that these symptoms are caused by toxic wastes and a through colon cleanse is needed. While, some techniques can be harmful with the body such as enema, there are also available products that can aid with your colon cleansing in a natural smooth way.

These products are composed of organic and natural ingredients such as psyllium husks that are high in fiber. Fibers are natural helpers of the body in flushing out fecal matters, thus providing safe cleansing. Most experts believe that a regular bowel movement can result to a better wellness and longer life.

One popular method of cleansing your colon is the oxygen method. This is a scientifically formulated process that employs oxygen in flushing out accumulated fecal wastes through oxidation. During this oxidation process, the fecal wastes are destroyed, and provide beneficial oxygen to the colon and lymph nodes.

Using an oxygen-based product, oxygen is released into the blood vessels and flushes out accumulated toxic wastes from the colon. Through a smooth release of the oxygen, this process creates a harmful environment for bacteria that causes toxicity in the colon. These toxins are removed from the body, while good bacteria remain to aid in the proper digestion.

In the United States, all colon-cleansing products are regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration or FDA. So it is unwise if you would use products that are not FDA approved.

(Image Source: cleancolon101.com)

Connection Between Weight Loss And Fitness

If you've decided you want to lose some weight (whether it be just a few pounds or a large chunk of your body mass), chances are you've done the research on diets, plans, gyms, exercises, and anything that you can find on that subject. If so, you've probably seen that most credible sources will tell you that weight loss and fitness are strongly related. If not, that's what I'll tell you now.

If you want to lose weight, you first need to evaluate a few truths. The most obvious is that if you burn off more calories than you eat, you will lose weight. You can either chose to do no "extra" exercise and eat very, very little in order to lose weight, or you can stick to a plan that will burn off enough calories and allow you not to starve yourself. It's also important to note that overly-decreasing your calorie intake can backfire on you because your body will slow your metabolism down in order to accommodate this adjustment in calorie intake. This will cause you to actually gain weight instead of lose it.

The next fact is that a combination of water and oxygen leads to fat burning. Make sure that you are getting at least a half gallon of water every day. Your body will use this water when you exercise,  and cause you to lose weight in a healthy way. Again, you must combine your water intake with some form of aerobic exercise (increased oxygen) for this to work. Choose something that you like and can do on a regular basis like Walking, biking, swimming, yard work, etc. As long as you get your heart rate up a little bit, it's a good fat burning exercise.

Finally, consistency is the key when it comes to your weight loss and fitness plan. So many people jump into something quickly with the mindset that they will just keep up the pace for a couple of weeks or a couple of months and then they can go back to their usual life.

In reality, your plan should be a life-long commitment. Even after you lose the weight, in order to maintain your goal weight, you need to eat right and get some activity in. So, pick an activity that you enjoy (or that you don't mind so much). Walking is one favorite. If you live in the city, you can actually walk part of the way to work, save on gym expenses, and not have to worry about finding time in your day to exercise. If not, no matter where you live, you can probably find the time to take a 20-minute brisk walk around your neighborhood. Bring a buddy along to keep you entertained and you'll see that the time flies. The connection between weight loss and fitness is too strong to ignore. So, pick your plan and stick with it for life.

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Discrimination Against Obese People in Society

While not fair, people do judge others on their appearance.  If you're fit and attractive that will usually work in your favor, but if you're overweight that can not only work against you but it can lead to outright discrimination against obese people.

Many times people will think that an overweight person is a slob, or lazy, or lacking in self control.  Unfortunately, many other people may have one or more of these traits but with an overweight person, the 'proof' is visible.  Most types of discrimination are very subtle. They can be anything from a small smile, to a fat joke, to turning away laughing when they spot someone who is obese.  All of these things hurt and an obese person will get to the point where they see a slight everywhere, sometimes when there really isn't one.

One of the worst places for fat discrimination is in the workplace.  Many times someone will be on the fast track for a job they applied for online and once they get to the company for a face to face interview, they will be told that they won't be hired.  What seemed like a sure thing online is suddenly not going to happen and really nothing changed.  Their resume is the same as it was online, their past experience and education are still the same.  The only thing that happened is that their potential employer didn't like the way they looked.

While not legal, fat discrimination happens daily,  and if you can prove it's happening you have legal remedies, but how can you prove it?  More often than not, you can't.  You just won't get that promotion or raise you've been hoping for and you may 'know' that it's because you're overweight, but you can't prove it.

And, on the other side of the coin, many companies who have to pay health insurance premiums don't think that they can afford it, or that it's fair, to have to pay more for people who are overweight (this often extends to smokers too) since they will have more health issues than someone who is in good health and doesn't smoke.

People who are overweight are far more likely to have health issues, many of them severe.  They are more likely to miss work more often and need more medical care.  So, while not condoning any type of discrimination, it is important to understand  that this isn't a simple issue.  There are many elements that have to be considered.

The likelihood of fat discrimination will increase dramatically in some professions. Anything related to cosmetics or personal appearance will be the hardest for a fat person to get their foot in the door or to advance once they've gotten in.  For example, a high end car salesman, a cosmetics store clerk, a boutique employee, a health club employee, etc.  These are types of places that rely on the appearance of their employees to help make sales.  An unattractive or fat employee might not help sales and they may actually hurt sales.

Discrimination against obese people happens, and it's wrong.  Though this isn't a black and white issue.  When an employer refuses to hire someone just because they're overweight but it won't have an impact on their ability to do their job, it's wrong.  If, on the other hand, an employer has to maintain a certain image just to have their business to be successful, it may not be right, but it's not unreasonable either.

(Image Source: momlogic.com)

Tips For Abdominal Exercises For The Obese

Everyone wants the tight ab look that we see on movie stars and athletes.  When people think of how to get tight abs they almost always think of sit ups or crunches.  That is only half of the equation though.

The truth is that no matter how strong your abdominal muscles are, if they're covered by a layer of fat no one will see them.  To get great abs you need to combine exercises that will tone your abdominal muscles as well as help you increase your heart rate and lose fat.  If your are obese you will have added challenges, but there are some abdominal exercises for obese people that can help.

It's important to keep in mind that your abdominal area consists of several different muscle groups.  You have lower muscles, upper muscles, and oblique (side) muscles.  To get a really hot midsection you'll need to do different exercises so that you are targeting all these areas.

If you are really overweight it may be difficult to get down on the floor and work your abs.  Not to worry, though, there are easy ab workouts that you can do standing up, you won't lose any effectiveness but you will save a lot of wear and tear on your back and knees.

Here are some ideas of standing ab exercises that you can try today, just make sure you talk to your doctor first to make sure it's ok:

1. The first standing ab exercise you can try is to stand with your feet shoulder width apart, raise your arms straight above your head, slowly lower your arms while simultaneously raising one of your knees, keep your leg and arms at a 90 degree angle, put that leg down while raising your arms back up and alternate the same thing with the other leg.  Do at least 30 sets on each side.

2. Stand with your legs shoulder width apart, take a step forward with one leg, carefully lift the leg that is forward a few inches off the floor, slowly make circles using just your foot -  try to keep the leg still and straight, make 20 circles in one direction then (using the same foot) circle 20 times in the other direction, than alternate with the other leg.

3. Stand with your legs shoulder width apart, hold a 10 to 20 pound dumbbell in each hand, slowly lean to one side keeping your legs straight - this move should only involve your obliques (side abdominal) muscles, after you've completed 20 reps on one side, do the other side.

It's not that easy to learn how to do an exercise just by reading an article, but these standing abdominal exercises I've listed above will give you an idea of where to start.  Just remember that even if you are very overweight, there are still abdominal exercises for obese people that can help you tone those all important ab muscles.

Talk to your doctor before you start any exercise plan and if possible find yourself a personal trainer so that they can watch you and make sure you are using the proper form, otherwise you may injure yourself and that will only slow down your weight loss efforts.

(Image Source: weightlosssurgerychannel.com)

A Beginner’s Guide to Tai Chi

For those who are thrilled in experiencing Tai Chi, it is all-possible. Although, there are certain points to remember if you are really thinking of joining the group.

First, know some facts about Tai Chi. Tai Chi and Tai Chi Chuan is not different after all. There might be an additional character on the latter but the meaning stands the same. Tai Chi is just the shorter version. Tai Chi Chuan means “Supreme Ultimate Fist”. It is derived from a series of kung fu techniques so it can be applied as both a therapeutic activity and a medium of self-defense.

Range in the number of students in each class varies but you can expect about 20-30 students in each class. The age factor is between teens and up to the 90s. This art is not common for children though, because the slow movements will just bore them. But most likely, classes like this target people from the early twenties and so on. Men and women alike can enroll in the class. It is quite seldom to see a men-only or women-only class within a Tai Chi program. Generally, it is much more beneficial if men and women mix because of the energy that elevates inside the class.

Being fit is not a requirement. It’s okay if you are stout, thin, overweight or so. Even those who are permanently attached to their wheelchairs can adapt to the movements of Tai Chi. But a certain attention is required. But if you have undergone certain medical treatments, ask your doctor if Tai Chi is really meant for you because if it is contraindicated, might as well drop it. And if your doctor has approved with your Tai Chi, tell your teacher about your disability so he can adjust or restrict movements that you can’t handle.

Tai Chi is both an exercise and a martial art. But there are teachers that give out only the movements that are purely for health. There would be like at least 80% of those who are engaged in the art embrace the idea of Tai Chi being an art. So if you think that you are the type who needs self defense more than an exercise, you can achieve this in some art that exhibits kung fu actions than health exercises. But if you are the type who wants the best of both worlds, Tai Chi is best for you.

Tai Chi is a form of internal martial art that is characterized by soft movements and is trained to be a relaxing and slower speed than other kinds of martial art.

If you keep on thinking what to wear on a Tai Chi class, you don’t have to shop for cool clothes. Special clothing is not a requirement. You just have to wear something really comfortable like snickers, T-shirts and jogging pants. Remember, it must be something that would allow you to move freely while performing every move. Never wear jeans or any constrictive clothing.

Things to expect while in a Tai Chi class are Qigong, which means meditation that is done by moving your body, or otherwise is in a stationary state. Push hands or what is known as tui shou, is an exercise that requires two persons who exchange energy by performing movements leveled with each other. You can also expect the use of weapons like swords.

These will be used in advanced classes and those who enroll are the ones who have already experienced the basics.

(Image Source: yeschinatour.com)

Tai Chi - A Brief Intro

Origin
From the Land of the Sleeping Giant, China. One of the legendary and respected founders who created the idea of imitating the flow and motion of the different martial art techniques is Chang San Feng. He is said to live during the year 1391 until 1459. Back then, he was living in a monastery named Wu Tang as a monk. By combining the different principles of Taoism, kung fu, and the theory of Yi Jing, he created the ever popular form of meditation, Tai Chi.

Some researches indicated that traces of a wide acceptance of Tai Chi were found in the village of Chen. This was the time of Chen Wang Ting during the early 1600s. Documents have it that this is the place where Tai Chi was born.

Characteristic
Tai Chi, in a word, literary means One. In another sense, it means “Supreme Ultimate Fist”. So, with the words combined, Tai Chi is done as one, with or without a partner, with the use of hand gestures and different slow motions. Tai Chi stresses to its practitioners that they must observe proper breathing, and correct posture so as to facilitate the pattern of the flowing Chi. However, Tai Chi can also be used as a form of self-defense but as time moves forward, it is less stressed.

Schools
Today, there are four popular schools of Tai Chi – Yang, Wu, Sun and Chen. These four are all unique in appearance and method of instruction but all follows the fundamentals of the basic principles applied in ancient Tai Chi that consists of cultivation of chi, correct posture and principles of breathing.

Yang Style
This is the most famous and popular form of Tai Chi. In this kind of style, the body emphasizes a consistency regarding its movement speed, smoothness and slow but refined motion with continuity through the entire session. There are no moves that will isolate one part of your body, thus, enhancing every part and move at the same time. Relative to stances, they are wide and high. You back foot must maintain a 45 degree form in a front stance.

Chen Style
May be quite similar to the traditional style of kung fu wherein stances are opposite to that of the Yang and Wu styles. All stances are often done in a low state and have a bit of an external feeling.

When the Chen style of Tai Chi is performed, it features a motion that is in slow portions but then builds a stronger inner chi. it also exhibits a more explosive form with a fast turning when attacking. The back foot remains the same with the Yang style but as to being straight, it maintains a bent back knee.

Sun Style
This type of Tai Chi was created in the year 1914 by Sun Lu Tang. He was already renowned in the world of martial arts at that time. He trained extensively in Hsing I, Bagua, and Shaolin Kung Fu. By combining the three together with the theory supported by Yi Jing, principles of Taoism, and Qigong, he created a new and unique style of Tai Chi.

Wu Style
Considered as the youngest, it represents high stances and much more slower movements. The front stances are parallel. This type of Tai Chi introduces a lot of reaching and leaning movements that are more controlled and slower than the rest.

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Zumba - The Best Tips

If you're planning to get fit and healthy through the Zumba program, make sure you understand the principles and concepts. There are a lot of tips available, but you may use only those provided by the certified experts. You will discover that you get to lose more weight and have a more exciting time by staying prepared. Here are some guidelines.

Initial Preparation

Although there is no required attire or uniform in Zumba classes, you can stay comfortable and find it easier to move if you wear loose clothing that breathes. You get to sweat and cool off effectively. Some individuals also prefer wearing a sweatshirt or jacket to sweat more. Most commonly, gym or workout clothes are very common attires during sessions. Wear the right footwear. Aerobic dance shoes, cross trainers and dance sneakers that have a round pivot point are ideal. Try not to wear running shoes, since these have very deep treads that tend to grip the floor. You can risk having knee injury with these. Choose old sneakers with well-worn treads over running footwear.

Hydrate very well before the workout by drinking a glass of water or more. You may take sips and gulps as you go through the session too. Take on a playful attitude and envision yourself shedding off the pounds to get more intensity out of the workouts. Psyching up is a very good way to get started on Zumba.

Finding the Groove

Do not worry so much about getting the perfect moves every time, especially if it's only your first few sessions. Go at your own pace and listen to your body. Let loose and have fun, instead of trying to appear like an expert. Listen to the music and rhythm. You may want to take a few moments to understand and get to the beat before moving. If you feel tired, slow down the pace and vice-versa. Zumba Gold is a good class for the true beginner and those suffering from physical disabilities. You may try this at first, later on, you can progress to Zumba Basic and Level 2.

Among most individuals, it takes about 2 to 3 sessions before you start feeling comfortable. You can practice consistently if you want to be more fluid over time. Try to squeeze in 2 to 3 workouts a week. You should be very graceful in a month's time. To support your body, keep your knees bent and the abdominal muscles tight throughout the workout. Bent knees let you get looser in the hips, while the tight abdominal muscles take care of and stabilize the spine.

Burn More Calories

If you're into Zumba to get fit and lean, you need to support the workout program with a sensible diet too. Eat more vegetables, since these are full of fiber which will help you get rid of extra calories. Eating large amounts also keep you lean and full, instead of binging on the wrong items. Add nuts to salads and yogurt. As for snacks, you may want to consume some dried fruit or chopped vegetables just before going to a Zumba workout. Drinking water and consuming healthy carbohydrates like oatmeal will keep you energized. Eat small frequent meals per day to enhance you metabolism and burn more fat.

The Proper Posture

It doesn't matter if you aren't much of a dancer. You can still follow the moves since there are a variety of tunes and rhythms available according to your personal preferences. You will find that you also get to adapt the groove over time. Always practice good posture. Bad habits in the movements are hard to break, so it is always better to take your time and practice.

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What is Zumba Gold?

Zumba has taken the world by storm and is now a favorite among millions of individuals. Since it aims to help you get fit, stay entertained and improve your moves, Zumba shows to be truly versatile and useful in a variety of occasions. The entrance of Zumba Gold focuses more on senior individuals who want to retain their active and vibrant life for years to come.

Introducing Zumba Gold

Zumba Gold is a fitness course specifically designed for the active older population, as well as a deconditioner for beginners. The program gives exercisers a full, safe and effective body workout. The program is still highly inspired by Latin and international dance rhythms. Seniors can come and workout wearing loose and comfortable clothes, plus aerobic dance shoes. Lessons usually last an hour. Depending on the place and organizers, exercisers will have to register before joining or freely enter.

The Zumba Gold is ideal for individuals who are not used to exercising or have stopped physical activity for several years. It is also good for complete beginners and those who have limited physical capabilities. The main difference between Zumba Basic and Zumba Gold is the lower intensity done with the latter. Both are just as fun, with the same steps and Latin rhythm incorporated.

What to Expect

The Zumba Gold program is very easy to follow, since it aims to let individuals of any age exercise without any worries. The dances included in the program are the salsa cha cha, meringue, rock & rock, salsa, cumbia, twist and Charleston, flamenco, belly dance and tango. There is also another Zumba Gold program that involves a chair workout for those who are bound to a wheelchair or live very sedentary lifestyles. The program is very useful for individuals who remain in short and long term care facilities and those in assisted living conditions.

Zumba Gold plans to target the baby boomer population, who are now getting older. These individuals are approximately between the age of 50 and 65 today. The population is expected to double within the next 30 to 35 years so the fitness program will continue to cater to the needs of the elderly. Individuals living longer can also benefit from the program.

Happy Customers

Hundreds of thousands of clients claim the several positive effects of Zumba Gold. There are individuals who have stopped exercising for over 10 years, realizing the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle. The workshop provided in the area lasted only 1 day, together with ZES or Zumba Educational Specialist Instructors and other internationally popular fitness trainers that is part of the Zumba Gold Development Team. The workshop started with a Zumba Gold Master Class. There were also a lot of free items and materials like the Zumba Gold manual, Zumba Gold soundtrack CD and snacks. Instructors present for the first time also received 4 DVDs.

For the Seniors

The soundtrack CD featured different songs, depending on the course of the routine. There are warm up tracks, class tracks and cool down tracks. The class gets shorter if there are only a limited number of participants. The workshop also covers a variety of topics such as psychology, physiology and the benefits of Zumba Gold.

Other inclusions and activities are the monitoring of the intensity of exercises, instructor safety tips and leadership and education skills. There are also recommendations for teaching Zumba Gold the right way via drills and techniques. Seniors can expect improvement in their quality of life and maintenance of functional skills that will let them cope with daily activities.

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iPhone Apps and Your Health

The Apple iPhone is now one of the most popular devices today. Ever since it was introduced in the market, people started going crazy about them and up until today, people still want one for their own. Besides, with the iPhone, you will be able to combine a multimedia player with a mobile phone. With it, you will not only be able to communicate with your family and friends, but you will also be able to keep yourself entertained by listen to your favorite music, watching your favorite videos or movies, as well as play with your favorite games.

These are only the beginning of the many things that you will be able to do with your iPhone. In fact, you can even personalize your iPhone to your preferences by adding some of the cool applications available for iPhone. All you need to do is download it from the internet and install it in your iPhone. You can download the applications from iTunes or you can search for what you want in other iPhone application download websites.

If you are concerned about your health, you will see that there are quite a lot of applications that you can install and use in your iPhone. With these applications, you will be able to monitor your health and even your weight if you are on a diet or you are working out.

One type of application that will be able to let you know about your health is called the PointsCalc. This application will be able to allow you to estimate nutritional value. All you need to do is enter the calories, fat, fiber and other nutritional value of a particular food and it will tell you about its nutritional value. The great thing about it is that you don’t have to go online to find out about the nutritional value of a food.

Another great application is called 2Fat. This application will allow you to estimate body fat as well as your body mass index. All you need to do is put in your weight, gender and waist measurement and the application will be able to calculate and estimate the amount of body fat you have in your body as well as your body mass.

Epocrates Rx is another interesting application that you can install in your iPhone. This particular application will allow you to get information about 300 different types of medication and also its dosing, its pharmacology, as well as its adverse reaction. You can even look up its price. With this application, you will be able to identify any medication that you may have forgotten about as it will have pictures of the medication in order for you to further identify it. This is very useful in order for you or your family members to avoid dangerous combination of different drugs.

The Weight Tracker is another iPhone application for the health conscious. This particular application does what it's named. It will allow you to keep track of your weight and can serve as a tool for motivation for you to lose weight. This application will also allow you to send the information to a website in order for you to see your progress in the gym as well as your dieting.

Another iPhone application that will help you with your dieting is the Restaurant Nutrition. The results may scare you but you will be better informed about what you are eating especially if you eat fast food.

These are some of the applications that you can install and use in your iPhone. With these applications, you can be sure that you will be able to keep track of your health and make sure that you are living and eating healthy. There are a lot more applications that you can download and use in your iPhone.

Whatever it is you are looking for, you can be sure that you will be able to find it.

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Why Do I Laugh at Funny Things?

Humans are not the only animals who have the ability to laugh. Smiling and laughing have been observed in non-human primate species during social play. This type of behavioral response serves as a signal to the group by spreading positive emotions, decreasing stress, and contributing to the cohesiveness of the group.

Humor-evoked laughter in humans can be divided into these stages. When listening to a joke, the first part of the humor is the punch line, an incongruous ending. Second, your mind begins to problem-solve in order to interpret this incongruity or surprise. Finally, the brain is able to appreciate these steps, which together form humor and evoke a response of laughter.

The neurotransmitter dopamine (a brain chemical) is responsible for allowing the brain to progress through the stages of humor. Dopamine allows us to feel good when we laugh. Some studies have demonstrated an improvement in health for chronically ill patients when they are exposed to funny stimuli. Thus the old adage “Laughter is the best medicine" probably has a note of truth in it.

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Know-How about Botox Injections for Wrinkles

How far are you willing to go to be beautiful? As years go by, developments even in the beauty department never seem to cease. You will see a product available commercially based on your need, may it be immediate or long term. There are creams that could easily wipe out your pimples, Botox injections for wrinkles, whitening lotions and creams for your skin and a lot more.

To Be or Not to Be

The important thing that you have to ask yourself is do you really need to go the drastic route in order to retain your younger looking skin. Everybody will eventually look old no matter how helpful science had been to you. In the manner of using beauty products and undergoing surgeries and injections, you are merely slowing the process.

If you are already considering your options about the said topic, you have to be ready for the results and the consequences. To lessen your worries, do a thorough research about what you want to be done. Ask around and ask for referrals for professionals whom you will trust to handle your skin, that is if you are going the scientific path to a more beautiful you.

Botox, Anyone?

Who haven’t heard of Botox? Many popular people like celebrities have gone through this procedure just so to remove the unwanted lines on their faces. This is especially useful if your appearance is your bread and butter. So what do you know about this? This list will remind you of things that you already know and may want to know about this procedure.

1. Botox is known for removing wrinkles. But it will not help diminish other common akin problems caused by aging such as the age spots, sun damage and problems with pigmentation. This will also not soften your skin if your main concern is about its roughness.

2. This is a costly procedure. If you really want to undergo such, you have to save up for it. And do save up for it a lot because you will not undergo through this only once. You have to undergo the procedure after a few months depending on what your doctor asks you to do according to your skin’s reaction to it.

3. This is very risky especially if you will not go to the right doctor. The procedure entails injecting of toxins to your skin. Not everybody has the same reaction on those toxins.

4. You have to tell your doctor the vitamins and medicines that you are taking before undergoing through this. They have to be informed about your body and your system so that they would know better if you are ready for it or you are not really fit.

5. If not done properly, instead of removing the unwanted lines, you may end up having more than what you had before going through it.

6. This is not for sensitive type of skin and veins. Botox includes injections. The one who will be getting the shots must first make sure that they are ready emotionally, physically and mentally.

Botox injections for wrinkles must be thought very hard before committing to the procedure. Once you’ve done it, there is no turning back and you have to abide according to what your doctor tells you to do. If you are still at a lost if you will do this or not, research about this more and after gaining more knowledge, you will sure be able to decide for the best.

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