Depression Suicide Aging and EQ

There are so many myths about aging. For instance, do you think, as many do, that ?all old people are alike,? and that nobody changes after about the age of 50?

Nothing could be farther from the truth. Freud?s famous statement that people couldn?t change after the age of 50 simply isn?t true. At the time he formed his theories, most people didn?t live past 50, and that of course shaped his views. He may not have seen a lot of people over 50.

In fact this limited exposure to people in older age groups continues to confound our understanding. A lot of the psychological assessments available weren?t normed on enough people over the age of 60 to make them reliable for individuals in that age group. It?s all about developmental stages and you wouldn?t expect ?normal? to mean the same thing for a 75 year old as a 42 year old and more than for a 6 year old and a 12 year old.

Seniors are not alike as individuals or as a group. Surveys show that the most ?contented? people are people aged 60-69, but at the same time, the highest suicide rates of any age group occur among individuals 65 and older. 81% of senior suicides are male and Anglo males are particularly vulnerable. White males over 65 have the highest suicide rate, second only to white adolescent males. Suicide rates are higher for those who are divorced or widowed, and cause is attributed first to physical ailments, and then to depression.

The percentage of seniors in the population has risen steadily from 3% in 1900, to about 12% now. It?s projected to increase to 21% in the next 30 years. Since most emotional problems are often presented first to a primary care physician, as physical problems (headache, backache), medical schools are hastening to add exposure to geriatric medicine and psychology in the training of doctors. Psychology licensing boards are also beginning to require it.

It?s important to understand that depression manifests itself in different ways. We usually think of the ?lethargic? depressed person, the one who moves and thinks slowly, can?t sustain eye contact, talks negatively, is disinterested or unable to enjoy their usual pleasures, and wants to sleep all the time. But depressed people can also be agitated, angry, restless, irritable, eyes darting around, frantically trying to enjoy things (but not able to), and not able to sleep much.

In either case, women may talk about the feelings, but men tend to complain about physical ailments when they see a doctor.

It?s important to understand that depression isn?t a ?normal? part of aging, and that it's treatable. If you think you?re depressed, or that your loved one is, it?s good to start with a physical checkup. You should be make a list of all medications being taken, and also consider the normal routine. Many seniors, especially those who live alone, neglect nutrition and exercise.

As I say in my ebook, ?EQ and Depression,? you aren?t supposed to be depressed as you age. You?re supposed to feel good. Many seniors have a high EQ, are resilient, and are experienced copers. EQ intends to increase with age, but not if you don?t work on it. Skills such as flexiblity, creativity and resilience can be learned, and it pays to start developing them in early adulthood, as they take time to learn. Barring physical problems, you can learn to manage your emotions and the thoughts that accompany, and cause, them.

We know that isolation is worse on our health than high blood pressure and obesity combined, and it not being isolated depends upon your interpersonal skills ? your ability to make new friends and keep the old ones.

Creativity is needed to learn to work around things that change. It tends to take longer, for instance, to learn new things as we age, but many seniors are adept at ?many ways to skin a cat.? Likewise there are ways to make the short-term memory loss less bothersome. Short-term memory loss is one of the things that does come with aging, but the vast experience of seniors in coping gives them a vast store of tricks to pull ou of the bag to help them remember.

As one of my senior coaching clients tells me, ?My short-term memory?s off about 10%, but since it used to be far above-average, I?m doing fine. Now I just write things down, like I?ve seen others do for years.?

The ability to creatively meet challenges depends upon having an optimistic attitude, which also can be learned. I coach people in learned optimism and emotional intelligence competencies all the time! If you want to, and are willing to, you can learn to change self-limiting beliefs, once you realize they aren?t working for you. It depends upon correct information (like it?s not ?normal? to be depressed at any age, including old age) and then becoming aware of your emotions and self-talk, and changing them.

Depression usually responds best to a regime of exercise, good nutrition including neutraceuticals, medication, and cognitive work. Coaching can help you move forward, make goals and stay accountable to them.

We also know that resilient seniors are lifelong learners. While we don?t make any more brain cells as adults, we can continue to form new connections throughout the lifespan IF we learn new things; the more radical the better. This means if you?re an engineer, take a literature course. If you?re a Spanish teacher, study some physics. If you?re a left-brained mathematician, take an EQ course and develop the other side of your brain. As someone said, ?fall in love with learning and you?ll never end up with a broken heart?.

Intentionality is a high-order emotional intelligence competency. Why not intend to be one of those seniors who?s resilient and contented, who ages gracefully? Look to your wellness now, whatever age you are, and don?t leave out the EQ skills. The time to be developing them is now.

Our emotions directly effect our immune sytem, which is our health. They also effect our ability to get along with, and enjoy, others and ourselves. Men may particularly want to address the EQ issue. I know from the statistics, and from my coaching practice, that a man living alone at the age of 60 or beyond is in a vulnerable position, and while there are more men at that age than women, the smart women will be holding out for the healthy, EQ-smart men to bless with the health-promoting marital state.

Get started now. It?s never too late to learn!

Please consider this article for your website or ezine. Permission to reprint if byline stays intact and links are activated on the Internet. Courtesy notification appreciated.

?Susan Dunn, MA, The EQ Coach, http://www.susandunn.cc. Susan works with adults of all ages to develop their emotional intelligence for applications to wellness and success in relationships and career. She offers individual coaching, Internet courses and ebooks. She also certifies EQ coaches in an innovative, no-residency program. Mailto:sdunn@susandunn.cc for free ezine, and more information.

Easy Eating Tips for a Healthy Heart and a Longer Life

Heart disease is one of the major causes of death in the developed world and a huge amount of research has been carried out into its causes. Good diet is considered to be one of the major factors in the prevention of heart attacks. Here we discuss what you should and should not be eating to minimize your risk of heart failure.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Not all fats are bad. We need fats like omega 3 to survive. Omega 3 is an essential fatty acid which is not present enough in the western diet. These are polyunsaturated fatty acids found predominantly in oily fish. It is also found in vegetarian sources such as walnuts, flaxseeds and in a variety of other seeds. Omega 3 is very effective in protecting the circulatory system and preventing heart diseases.

Omega 3 fatty acids can help slow down the production of thromboxane A2 and inflammatory cytokines which means that there is a reduced tendency of the blood to clot. Blood clots blocking the heart valves can cause heart attacks. Research has proved that those who eat a lot of Omega 3-rich foods have a lower risk of heart attacks than those who consumed less in their diet. A love of oily fish and the Omega 3s within are considered a major reason why the inhabitants of Okinawa, Japan have the longest life expectancy of any population in the world.

Antioxidants

The body also needs antioxidants to prevent heart disease and improve circulation. Antioxidants stop free radicals from damaging cells. Free radicals are formed naturally during metabolism and other physiological processes. Antioxidants are very useful in fighting and preventing cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's. Some of the most common antioxidants are Lycopene, Vitamin C and Vitamin E.

Lycopene, found in tomatoes and red fruits, is a bright red carotenoid pigment. It is also the most common carotenoid in the human body. Tomatoes are an excellent source, because the processing of tomatoes increases the concentration of lycopene. Along with tomatoes, it can be found in watermelon, pink grapefruit, papaya and rosehip.

The daily recommended intake of Vitamin C is 40mg to 90 mg. Vitamin C is found in a wide variety of vegetables and fruits. The daily recommended intake of Vitamin E is 6 mg to 19 mg. Soybean, broccoli, almonds, and peanuts are excellent sources. A person eating a balanced diet would get enough of both the vitamins. Smokers, pregnant women and those under stress may need a little more.

Grape Seed Extract

Grape seed extracts could help prevent heart disease and improve circulation. It is rich in flavonoids, which are phytochemicals with antioxidant properties. These help improve blood circulation and strengthen blood vessels, benefiting people with heart disease and cancer. Some studies point out that using grape seed oil would increase good cholesterol by 14% and reduce triglycerides by 15% in just one month1.

Calcium

Calcium is an important mineral in regulating heart and muscle contraction and nerve conduction. It works effectively with magnesium and Vitamin D is needed for its absorption. Ionized calcium is one of the most important minerals in maintaining heart functions. As it stimulates muscle contraction, it supports the relaxation phase of the heart. Calcium deficiency, especially in the elderly, has been linked to arteriosclerosis and hypertension, which could lead to heart disease. Calcium is found in dairy products, dark leafy vegetables, soybeans, figs and more. The daily units recommended are 360 grams at birth, increasing to 800 grams from the age of one to 10 years. Adults may need up to 1200 grams, as calcium absorption slows down with age.

Folic Acid

Research suggests that folic acid helps the elderly reduce the risk of stroke, thrombosis and heart disease, if they increased the recommended levels of folic acid by three times. However it is wise to talk to the doctor before radically increasing folic acids levels as it may have other side effects.

References

1.Vigna GB, Metabolism. 2003 Oct;52(10):1250-7

Iris is a Canadian trained physician who has been involved in the nutritional world for over 15 years and has a major interest in traditional Chinese medicine. Iris currently works as a medical advisor to Mitamins, the custom made online supplements company.

Mitamins Health Directory Informative health information and custom nutrition formulas for a huge array of health concerns from Allergies to Osteoporosis.

Choose a Plastic Surgeon Who Can Perform Diverse Procedures

?By using the most modern, scientifically proven plastic surgery techniques,? says Dr. Douglas Hendricks in Newport Beach, California, ?I can provide patients with healthy, vibrant, more youthful appearances through a variety of different plastic surgery procedures.?

When a patient is deciding on the best plastic surgeon for them, there are many different things that must be considered. First, is the plastic surgeon board certified, how experienced are they, and finally what are the procedures that they perform.

By choosing a plastic surgeon that is able to perform many different types of plastic surgeries, a patient can be sure to receive the procedure they want, and the results that they desire.

A plastic surgeon that has experience with diverse plastic surgery procedures usually has more training and education. Also, by performing diverse procedures, a plastic surgeon will have more experience dealing with emergencies, complications, or anything else that might arise during the plastic surgery.

Prior to deciding on the plastic surgeon, a patient should be well informed of all aspects of the plastic surgery procedure they would like to have performed. This can include the different forms of the procedure, implants that may be involved, and incisions used during the plastic surgery.

For instance, if a patient is interested in having a liposuction, they should know exactly what area of the body they would like treated, where they would like the incisions to be made, and what type of liposuction they want perform. Liposuction is one of many plastic surgeries that have different types a patient can choose from, including ultra-sonic liposuction and tumescent liposuction.

One of the best ways to determine if a plastic surgeon is able to perform diverse plastic surgery procedures is to schedule an initial plastic surgery consultation. During the initial consultation, a patient will be able to ask the plastic surgeon questions about the plastic surgery they want.

Also, an initial consultation is a way to view before and after photos of the plastic surgeon?s patients. This will allow a patient to determine if the plastic surgeon performs many different procedures and provides quality results.

Click here for more information about a specific procedure or to learn more about choosing a plastic surgeon in Newport Beach, California.

The Bacteria and Other Microorganisms that are Involved in Dental Infections in Root Canal Fillings

This article is part of Dr. George Meinig's, DDS, FACD, research information of the extensive and investigative research of Dr. Weston Price's, DDS, FACD, research work.

It might be of interest that the wall Street Journal, on the morning of my typing this page, reported that one year ago a small group of Scientists had met and exchanged data on the first drugs discovered by major pharmaceutical campanies to arrest the AIDS virus. Their euphoria was blown just six months later when they found the AIDS virus wasn't being controlled but was mutating, and in its new form the infection was able to begin all over again.

The article went on to say that because of the organisms' ability to adjust and change, scientists now feel it may be a long time, if ever, before there is a cure for AIDS. Isn't it interesting that so long ago Dr. Price found bacteria trapped inside of teeth were doing the very same thing?

In the case of mutating streptococci germs or other bacteria housing themselves in dentin tubules, the obvious question is: So what; how can they escape?

The cementum itself won't allow the bacteria through its dense substance, except through accessory canals. However, the cementum is not able to stop the toxins of the bacteria from seeing through it structures.

In another investigation, Dr. Price explored this possibility using extracted teeth. He cemented small steel tubes into the root canal from the tooth's root end. He then hooked these up to a device which would pump water into the root canal under pressure. He found that when a dye was introduced, the colored water not only traveled through the dentin tubules but seeped through the entire structure of the cementum, the roots' outer, seemingly impervious, protective covering.

In addition to these ways for bacteria to escape into the bloodstream, bacteria can also leak out from around the root canal filling material. dentists diligently try to pack the root canal filling material so it doesn't permit bacteria trapped in the dentin to leak through the root-filling material and out through the root- canal opening at the end of the root, but tests by Dr. Price and others have shown that leaks occur.

About author:

Dr. George Meinig,D.D.S.,F.A.C.D. is a Founder of the Association of Root Canal Specialists Discovers Evidence That Root Canals Damage Your Health Learn What to Do.

Learn how Dr. George Meinig discovered that a meticulous 25 year research program, conducted by Weston A. Price, DDS, under the auspices of the American Dental Association's Research Institute, was buried by disbelievers of the focal infection theory. Along the way, Dr. Meinig has received many recognition citatons and awards, both Nationally and internationally.

For further information:

Visit: http://www.1stultimategumsolution.com

Edited and prepared by Sung Lee, alternate author

This article can be reprinted freely online as long as the entire article with resource box are included.

3 Reasons You Should Do Eye Laser Surgery

There are a number of reasons why you should do eye laser surgery, but also many reasons why you shouldn't. This article examines those reasons, in order that you can make an informed decision if eye laser surgery (or Lasik) is right for you.

To start, we can discuss the conditions which are certainly treatable by Lasik, and mean that you could or you should do eye laser surgery.

Myopia or nearsightedness, hyperopia farsightedness or astigmatism are all treatable by eye laser surgery. As long as your vision has remained unchanged for at least two years, then you would probably experience benefit from having the procedure done.

There are some caveats to these though, and we can start with your age.

If you are under 18 years old, then eye laser surgery is most definitely not right for you. The FDA has not approved any laser for the use of LASIK for people under 18, because in all likelihood, your visions prescription will still be changing. There is also the legal argument that minors may not be able to sign a legal consent form.

There are also some other considerations.

You should be aware that eye laser surgery, like all other surgical procedures, does come with some risks attached to it, and your vision at the end may be less than perfect. Furthermore, it is possible that you may encounter side effects such as a 'glare' effect. If you are not willing to accept the potential risks, then eye laser surgery is not right for you.

Once the Lasik procedure has been completed, there will be a significant amount of time required to recover. In other words results will not be immediate. You will also need to follow a fairly strict regime of medications such as eye drops. If you feel unable to do this, then eye laser surgery is not right for you.

If you have any of the following conditions:-

* Diabetes

* Auto immune diseases

* If you are Immunocompromised at all

* Collagen vascular disease

Then you should not be considering to do eye laser surgery.

If you are taking any medications which might impair or prevent your natural healing, then you should not be considering to do eye laser surgery. The type of medications in question are steroids or immunosuppressants.

There are a number of existing eye conditions which also mean that you should not be considering to do eye laser surgery. Some of the conditions in question are as follows:-

* Keratoconus or other corneal thinning disorder

* Corneal scarring

* Glaucoma

* Cataracts

* A recent occurrence of ocular herpes.

* Retinal disease

* Dry eye

Any of these conditions should preclude you from undertaking eye laser surgery.

I hope this article has been of use, and you leave better informed about eye laser surgery than when you arrived. If you have doubts or questions, then always refer to your Lasik surgeon or doctor.

You can visit Charlie's website about eye laser surgery, to review information on 3 Reasons You Should Do Eye Laser Surgery.

Where To Find The Best Treadmill Review

If you've recently decided on purchasing a new treadmill for your home or office in order to lose some excess weight or simply to get in shape by improving your overall fitness level I'm sure you've wondered which treadmill to actually purchase. Let's be realistic, anytime you have the possibility of spending several thousand dollars on a piece of fitness equipment you probably should do yourself some good and read the reviews on the latest and greatest treadmills. But perhaps that leads to another obstacle ? which treadmill review can you trust and where can you find the best treadmill reviews?

When searching for the best treadmill review you will find yourself up against what appears to be a difficult task. The reality is for every person you find that absolutely loves a particular brand name treadmill there will be 2 other consumers that hate it or vice versa. With so many differences of opinion and everyone branding themselves as an expert on treadmill reviews, who can you trust and where can you go to find the best online treadmill review?

The first thing you must do before attempting to find the best online treadmill review is to set up several factors that will refine your search process. You should start by making a list of things that are important to you when deciding on which treadmill to purchase. For instance is price a concern? How much space will you require? How many times will you use your treadmill? How loud are you willing to let your treadmill sound during operation? Do you have a particular manufacture or treadmill model in mind? Questions like this will allow you to tailor your search requirements and allow you to find the best source for treadmill reviews quickly and easily.

As someone who just recently purchased a brand new treadmill for my home I can tell you I was initially stumped on what model to buy. I was looking for a reliable treadmill that I could fit in a smaller area. Both my wife and myself would use this treadmill on a daily basis so it had to be rugged and sturdy enough to take 2 times the normal use on any given day. I initially started my search on the Internet by simply typing in treadmill reviews but with over 3,700,000 references that proved to be a futile task at best. I simply didn't have time to go through a vast majority of the listed websites. I did have a few treadmill models by some well-known manufactures that I wanted to research more thoroughly but again that proved to be a bad idea due to the overwhelming number of competing websites showcasing these individual models.

I finally resolved my own personal turmoil of trying to find the best treadmill review site by heading over to consumer search which is a website dedicated to finding items online. From there I proceeded to perform several searches until I found reviews of many of the models of the most popular treadmills that fit my criteria. Armed with the information I needed I made my own purchase and both my wife and myself couldn't be happier with our decision.

As you can see buying the right treadmill can be easy or difficult. However you can make the process go faster and alleviate some of the stress involved by locating the best treadmill reviews you can find and then researching them to ultimately confirm your decision on which treadmill you should by based on your own desires.

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

Going to the Beach? Lose Up to 20 lbs. In Just 2 Weeks

Do not eat anything beyond 3 hours before bed time. This is probably the most important factor in quick and in long term weight loss. And that includes all foods. Water may be an exception. Although, you shouldn?t drink too much water either, during this time. It will make you get up in the middle of the night for a visit to the washroom which will increase the chances of going for a snack. Remember, your defenses are down when you?re half asleep.

Cut down on starchy carbohydrates and eat only whole grain bread and pasta and brown rice. Avoid potatoes or cut down to very small portions. Eat yams instead of potatoes. Yams are much lower in starch; they have a low glycemic index and are much less filling.

Never combine two starches in a meal. For example, if you?re eating rice, do not eat pasta, bread or potatoes. Fill up on fresh or lightly steamed vegetables and salad at the expense of starch and protein. Do not use any creamy salad dressings. Instead, add olive oil (not too much), apple cider vinegar, oregano and basil to your salads. You?ll notice that vinegar replaces the need for salt.

Salt must be reduced because it retains water. And a lot of the bulk in an overweight person is simply water. Water is the first thing that comes off when people begin dieting. This article, however, as you have probably realized, is not really about dieting. It?s about making certain changes ? replacing old habits with better ones.

Avoid eating deep fried products in restaurants such as, fried chicken, French fries and donuts (yes, they are deep fried). Avoid dessert completely. If you must eat dessert decrease your meal portion and have fresh fruit only for dessert - which brings us to the next point.

You must cut down on the total amount of food you eat. Remember, it still comes down to input and output. One method I use to lose weight is decrease the size of my meals to half and add an extra meal. In other words, if you have 3 meals a day each containing 1000, the total is 3000 calories. If you cut the 3 meals in half (500 calories) and add another meal (500 calories), the total becomes 2000 calories. In this example we have reduced the day?s consumption by 1000 calories. Just like that. And it?s not hard to figure out how to reduce meal portions. Simply visualize you regular meal portion and reduce it by half.

Avoid junk food snacks like candy bars, chips and so on (you know what I mean). If you feel like something sweet, have a fresh fruit or a non fat yogurt with fruit. When you want something not sweet, try crunchy fresh vegetables or unsalted walnuts and almonds.

As you may have noticed, what we?re doing is:

- Cutting down on total calories and choosing foods lower in fat and calories.

- Increasing high fiber foods (fruits and vegetables,) that fill you up while containing almost no calories.

- In addition, these fresh foods along with walnuts and almonds have 2 great benefits. One is they contain very powerful antioxidants that help fight against heart disease and cancer. The other thing is, foods like walnuts and wild greens, for example, increase a certain food ratio (the n6:n3 ratio) which has shown - in certain cultures - to extend life and reduce body weight. For more information on this, visit the site which contains the downloadable e-book I have written at http://www.nulife-weightloss.com/natural.htm.

- Decreasing starchy carbohydrates (your body turns excess carbohydrates into fat).

- Avoiding late night snacks which just end up getting stored as body fat, as the body does not burn many calories at rest.

- Avoiding junk food which is extremely high in fat and calories, high in salt and various unhealthy chemicals.

The final thing we need to include is something that most of us dread - daily exercise. ?Did you have to include this? The food stuff part is hard enough.??you say.

I know, I?m sorry ? but you want to lose weight very fast don?t you? Well then you have to exercise and not just 3 or 4 times a week (that?s the weight loss maintenance level). To lose weight quickly or even for the long term, for that matter, you must exercise 6 to 7 times a week. Your workouts should last at least one hour. Your exercise intensity target should be between 65%-85% of your maximum heart rate. In other words train at a moderately vigorous level.

If you?re already exercising, increase it to the above level; if not get clearance from your doctor first and then increase your intensity gradually to that level. To find out the best way to lose weight with exercise go to my Blog and look for the title: ?Do You Lose More Weight When Exercising On An Empty Stomach?? At http://topweightlosssite.blogspot.com

Depending on certain factors such as body fat percentage (BMI) and level of metabolism a person could lose from 10 to even 20 pounds in just the first week by following this program.

Good luck, good health and enjoy the beach!

References:

www.exrx.net, ?Aerobic Exercise Guidelines for Specific Goals?, retrieved 17 May 2006 from http://www.exrx.net/Aerobic/AerobicGoals.html.

John Tiniakos helps make weight loss easier through proven weight loss methods using information and analysis from the worlds leading scientists. To subscribe to his blog or his free monthly newsletter that includes valuable, up to date tips on diet, weight loss and health and to receive 2 free reports visit http://www.nulife-weightloss.com. For more information on his latest ebook ?Nulife Natural Weight Loss Program? visit http://www.nulife-weightloss.com/natural.htm

Skin Calling: PurePlant and Vitamin Topical Solutions for Youthful Skin

In today's busy, stressful and at times rat race world, women and men are aging before their years. The next time you reach for that cigar or ette, try reaching for your skin care regimine instead. It not only satisfies your hand to face auto-reflexes but it satisfies your oral fixations as well. You'll be smiling alot more and probably kissing more face!

Antioxidants:
Scientists believe we all can prevent disease and aging by attacking the issues (or tissues) at the cellular level. Serial, these guys know what they are talking about. They truely know more than anyone else on this planet. This is their life... scientific research. Day-in and day-out. Many hours, months and years are spent in their laboratories. What they find most and report in their findings are the need to focus on health, wellness and the preventative measures (avoiding all costs)and are winning the battle on degenerative diseases. Simply, they know the answers to fighting and detroying the free radicals (harmful cellular by-products) we face on a day-to-day basis.

No matter what you do or don't do, they get ya. Those damn freebies! Scientific research has proven that antioxidants provide a very effective and powerful tool to our on-going beauty system. As we age our metabolism's slow down and so do our renewal of healthy cells. Old and dead cells slowly build up. Vitamins and nutrients become vital necessities. You will see Vitamin-C in many skin and beauty products on the market today. ie: Lancome'Paris. The Make-Up of France are one of the first to add Vitamin-C to their product lines and famous brandings. True product knowledge.

Enriched Pure-Plant Extracts:
Everyone would like a life full of enrichment. Start enriching your life, today. Really, Who faces your life every day? Your face. So take care of it. Now. Or at whatever age you are. It's never too late. The natural flower botanicals, leaves and olive oils of pure-plant extracts when combined with the above antioxidants is purely perfected skin.

Exfolliating Loofah Gloves:
Imagine embarrassing acne most of your teen years and it's still hanging around in adulthood? Yikes! You have to try these gloves out. They are softer on your skin then the spa's (rough and ready) versions and you can do it at home every night. Loofah Gloves are designed with a special mesh material that grooves and gets under all your different facial cells and fine lines removing dead cells and rejuvenates your skin like new. Kiss acne good-bye, forever.

Hydrating Toners & Perfecting Cremes:
1+1=2. Daily vitamins and nutrients inside you, plus vitamins and nutrients outside you equals total beauty in and out. Revolutionary dermal products can both soothe and hydrate plus moisturize, soften and combat harsh environmental effects.

Gina Bucci has finally found success in beautiful skin. Living at the beach for 30 years she has learned there is way more to do for your face then sunscreen! Gina highly recommends: Sense'~ Beautiful Science! All natural products. Order Sense' Today and Look Hella Good Tommorow! http://www.olivegrapes.usana.com

7 Safe Suntanning Tips Tan Without Burning

Sunburn prevention is critical even if you?ve already been burned. Maybe it?s too late to take back the damage you?ve done, but you can at least avoiding doing it again or making the burn you currently have worse.

7 Safe Sun-Tanning Tips

Keep tabs on the daily UV index. It ranges from 1; the weakest ? to 11; the strongest which gives you some idea of how intense the sun will be and how much you should limit your exposure to the sun. Check your weather forecast before you go out.

Even if you use a high-SPF sunscreen, you can still get burned. Start slow with a short time in the sun and see how it goes from there. Consider first building a base tan by going to the tanning salon.

Some medications will make you sensitive to the sun, so check with your doctor if you are on any prescriptions. You may need to stay out of the sun or have your script changed. Also keep in mind that children under six months of age should never be exposed to extended sun or have sunscreen applied to them.

The SPF (sun protection factor) of your sunscreen should be no less than 8, but higher is better. Don?t forget to put sunscreen on evenly and apply it with extra care to places that are not normally exposed to sun.

Re-apply your sunscreen if you go in the water or begin to sweat. Follow the directions on the bottle carefully and reapply every few hours.

If you wear sunglasses, choose lenses with UV protection as the sun can damage your eyes. If you don?t like the tan lines they leave, protect your face with a wide-brimmed hat or sit under an umbrella.

Tanning will dry your skin making moisturizing very important. Aloe works well and also cools the skin. Cocoa butter is said to also work well while preserving a tan. Gently exfoliating with a sugar scrub or a loofah can help keep your skin looking smooth and feeling silky.

If you get burned, stay out of the sun. Even with sunscreen on, more exposure can aggravate the burn. Today there are many remedies to help sooth a burn and a little experimenting can help find the one that works best for you.

Mark Gebbia explains many sunburn treatments at the web's best place for getting rid of stuff: HowToGetRidOfStuff.com

The Biggest Muscle Mass Gain Myths Exposed

Performing low repetition/heavy weight workouts will enable you to build muscle mass, however they will only do so for a very short period of time. The reason is that your body is always striving to maintain homeostasis, other wise know as the status quo, or to remain the same. Your body is not interested in building muscle mass, and in getting bigger and stronger, your body is interested in survival and in avoiding change. In order to do this your body has developed many mechanisms that allow you to quickly adapt to a host of possible stimuli?s and stresses. So by repeatedly performing low repetition/heavy weight workouts, your body will quickly adapt to this form of stress, and as a result stay the same.

Therefore, in order for you to prevent your body from adapting to the weight training you are performing, and in order to keep yourself growing and getting stronger, you must provide an ample amount of variety to your training. However, you can?t just go to the gym and do anything as long as it is different from what you did the last time you where in the gym, the variety must be cycled into your training while adhering to a system. Your system of training should incorporate such training concepts as cycling of repetitions, percentage training, your individual workload capacity, exercise selection, total number of sets, intensity techniques, body part split, and recuperation. And remember above all MAXIMUM VARIETY BUILDS MAXIMUM MUSCLE MASS.

Muscle Mass Myth # 2: Basic exercises only

Yes the basic exercises, like the bench press, squat, dead lift, military press, barbell curl and close grip bench press, etc will definitely help you to pack on muscle mass, but that doesn?t mean that they are the only exercises that you should perform to gain mass. You need a complete and balanced training program in order to really do the job and make you grow. What makes you grow is applying stress in the form of weight training at the proper work load capacity for your body. This requires more than just a bunch of basic exercises constantly repeated over and over again. What I suggest is a more balanced approach for getting big. Structure your training around the basic exercises. For example bench, however don?t stop there, follow that up with 1 or 2 more exercises that work you?re chest, just that they do so in a different manner. And rotate these other exercises, chose a different exercise to perform for your chest after you bench press for each chest workout. Therefore, by keeping the bench press first in your program you will ensure that your training is structured around a basic exercise, and by following it up with 1 or 2 other exercises that you will rotate each workout, you will be providing the variety that is necessary to continuously stimulate your muscles and make you grow.

Muscle Mass Myth # 3: Protein, protein, protein

Just upping your protein intake so that you are consuming massive amounts of protein is yet another muscle mass gaining myth, and I?ve heard other so called expert?s state things like ?only protein can build muscle, carbohydrates and fats can?t?, well I?ve got news for you buddy, your dead wrong and here?s why: As stated in the Merck Manual which is a physician?s reference, ?carbohydrates and fat spare tissue protein. Unless sufficient nonprotein calories are available from dietary sources or tissue stores (particularly of fat), protein cannot be used efficiently for tissue maintenance, replacement, or growth. What this means is that if you just go and up the amount of protein that you are consuming each day without paying attention to the amount of carbohydrates and fats that you are consuming each day that your body may not use that protein for muscle growth. In addition, Water intake is also vital for protein absorption and muscle growth. Protein will retain 9 parts of water to form tissues, and build muscle. So if you are going to increase your protein intake, you had better make sure that you also increase your water intake so that all of that extra protein will be properly digested and absorbed in order to build muscle.

Muscle Mass Myth # 4: Eating 8-10 times per day

Unless you really are that hungry, that often, eating 8-10 times per day is just one step shy of lunacy. I say this because unless your appetite really is that big, your body couldn?t possibly need or use that much food. And as a result of consuming so much food, you are either going to get fat or even worse sick. So what?s the best way to eat to build mass? Quite simply you need to increase the total amount of calories that you consume each day. This can most easily be accomplished by choosing to eat foods/drink liquids that are denser than the foods/liquids that you are currently eating/drinking. In this way, you can eat/drink the same serving size of food/liquid that you are currently eating/drinking, but now you can get more calories. For example if you typically drink a can of soda like Coke or Pepsi with your lunch this will provide you with approximately 150 calories. Now if you switch and drink a can of Sunkist, the same serving size is approximately 220 calories, that?s 70 calories more for the same amount of liquid. If you apply this principal to the rest of what you eat and drink each day, you can easily find ways of increasing your caloric intake by at least 400-500 calories per day, while still consuming the same serving sizes of food/liquids. This addition in the total amount of calories you consume each day will enable you to keep gaining muscle mass without getting fat or getting sick.

If you would like to read more articles by this author and view his workout programs please visit: http://www.questformuscle.com

Joseph Krachenfels is an ACE certified fitness expert with over 20 years of bodybuilding experience. He holds a B.S. degree in Exercise Science and Nutrition and is now working towards an M.D. degree. He has competed in numerous natural bodybuilding competitions over his career. Currently, he trains models and athletes who are able to attain world class results using his customized training protocol. He is also one of the founders of a personal fitness website http://www.questformuscle.com

Serious Skincare

Serious skin care vs. winter weather, cleansers, and stress. Serious skin care fights the moisture stolen from skin. The latest intensive creams are like dryness police, working night and day to protect and replenish.

When it comes to moisturizers, they can be too rich or too thick. Serious skin care goes well beyond cold cream and petroleum jelly, today's skin care products are remedies for dry skin and are packed with sophisticated ingredients. Now, natural skin care companies think they have fixed the final frontier, the ten-ply cashmere of hydration: super rich, long-lasting, and ultra-healing.

Dry skin is a probably the most common complaint. In a recent survey, 60% of a sample of women cited it as their top serious skin care concern, even ahead of wrinkles. Over 70% said their body was dry in winter and 40% said it was their face (vs. 34% and 15%, respectively, in the summer).

Since the 1970s, scientists have reported a global rise in the frequency of dry skin. Nobody knows why for sure. Part of the answer is linked to the increase in people's exposure to chemicals, pollution, and acid rain. Our hydration expectations have shifted from flawlessly powdered, matte skin to more realistic dewy complexions.

Serious skin care experts also state dry skin is a topic that is commonly discussed. There is no standard definition for the condition. Even if you recognize it only by its symptoms: scaling, tightness, lines, irritation, and itchiness. The immediate cause is a disturbance in the skins outermost layer, which is made up of skin cells and lipids, fatty substances that help maintain moisture in the skin. When the balance of lipids get upset, the skin loses water, and skin cells, normally shed unnoticed, accumulate as white flakes.

Serious skin care experts say many dry-skin sufferers inherit the condition, but stress can also be a trigger. In a recent study, researchers found when people reported high anxiety levels, their skin's permeability barrier (which retains moisture and repels irritants) was slower to recover after tape was applied to their skin and ripped off. The sale of specialty skin care products exploded when the study was understood.

Age is another cause of dry skin, since lipid levels decline over the years, especially when levels of estrogen drop during menopause. While teenage girls need to moisturize infrequently, the skin's need for lubrication asserts itself a decade later. A client of a skin care products company says, My roommate in college would moisturize after every shower, and I remember thinking she was like an exotic dancer, always having to oil herself.

The environment, including harsh winds, sunlight, and central heating also removes moisture from the skin. But the real harm comes from Americans' increasing indulgence in their favorite daily ritual. Younger women often shower two or three times a day, using harsh cleansers (and not moisturizing). The body just can't take it. Soap strips away lipids, and if lotion is not applied after a shower, evaporating water causes a rapid loss of moisture from within the skin. Not only is dry skin unappealing and itchy, but as its condition deteriorates, the skin become more vulnerable to bacteria, allergens, and chemicals. These, in turn, worsen the problem, causing the skin to relinquish more water and repair itself less and less effectively. IHD brings you Also with calming botanicals, DNA restorative enzymes, and age-fighting Gen III ingredients from advanced bio-technology. Also blended are the latest free-radical fighting vitamins and botanicals (vitamins A, D. B, and C, Japanese green tea extract, ginko biloba extract, and echinecea purpura).

This article is brought to you by IH Distribution, LLC.

Bringing you health, anti-aging and skin care products from around the world. Shop online: www.ihdistribution.com & www.ihd.myarbonne.com or contact us: sales@ihdistribution.com

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Coping With Autism Support For Families

Based on the U.S. Department of Education?s 2002 report to Congress on IDEA the number of students with autism in U.S. schools has increased by 1354% in an eight-year period from 1991-1992 to 2000-2001 (as cited by the Autism Society of America, 2003). This increase is almost fifty times higher than all disabilities (excluding autism), which has increased in the U.S. by 28.4%. From 1991-1992 to 2000-2001 school years, the number of students with autism that are being served under IDEA has increased from 5,415 to 78,749 respectively (as cited by Autism Society of America, 2003).

According to the Center for Disease Control in 2001, autism affects an estimated 2 to 6 per 1,000 individuals and it is the most common of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (as cited by the Autism Society of America, n.d.). Based on these statistics, it is estimated that 1.5 million Americans are believed to have some form of autism (Autism Society of America, n.d.). Autism has been found to affect all races, cultures, socioeconomic statuses, and educational backgrounds (Autism Society of America, n.d.). This rate of growth in autism not only signifies a need for more professionals to be trained to teach individuals with autism, but the need for increased training and support for families of children with autism. Parents of children with autism are coping with a considerable amount of stress and an overwhelming amount of information about the disability. Families of children with autism can benefit from support from professionals, other family members, and society, in order to manage the stress effectively.

Parents of children with autism take on many roles in their child?s education. They must first recognize and pursue a diagnosis for their child. Once an accurate diagnosis is made, they must find a suitable program and services for their child. Parents need to also act as teachers in the home so that their children learn to generalize skills in the home that they are taught at school. In order for parents to be effective teachers, they need to have specialized knowledge, skills, and information about the efficacy of different treatment programs (Educating Children with Autism, 2001). Because parents are also advocates for their child, they need to have knowledge of special education law and the available services. Due to the stress level of raising a child with autism, parents need coping skills (National Academy Press, 2001). According to a study by Gallagher, (as cited by National Academy Press, 2001), the multiple roles of the parent as teacher, advocate, loving parent, and family member can be extremely demanding for parents.

In 2000 Nissenbaum, Tollefson, and Reese (as cited by The National Autistic Society, n.d.), studied the impact of an autism diagnosis on families. They found that parents actually felt relieved at having an explanation for their child?s unusual behaviors (National Autistic Society, n.d.). The diagnosis alleviated concerns that they were doing something wrong (National Autistic Society, 2000). As with other parents of children with disabilities, many parents or children with autism go through a grieving process after receiving the diagnosis of autism.

Based on research, the education of children with autism is a source of a great deal of stress for many families. Research conducted by Holroyd and McArthur in 1976 and by Donovan in 1988 (as cited by the Autism Society of America, n.d.) found that parents of children with autism experience greater stress than parents of children with mental retardation and Down Syndrome. This stress may be a result of the maladaptive and antisocial behaviors a child with autism may exhibit (Autism Society of America, n.d.). Because individuals with autism often have difficulty expressing even basic wants or needs, parents may feel frustrated when they are unable to determine the child?s needs (Autism Society of America, n.d.). The child with autism may exhibit frustration through self-injurious behaviors, aggression, or tantrums that threaten the safety of others (Autism Society of America, n.d.). Parents may feel that the stereotypic or self-stimulatory behaviors (ie: hand-flapping, tapping, lining things up, perseveration on an object), of their child with autism are strange and interfering with functioning (Autism Society of America, n.d.). Because children with autism usually have severe deficits in social skills, such as playing appropriately with peers, parents may find themselves stressed with finding appropriate leisure activities for the child at home (Autism Society of America, n.d.). Some children with autism have difficulties sleeping and may only eat limited food items, which causes another source of struggle for parents (Autism Society of America, n.d.). Family dinners may be disrupted or shortened and bedtimes may be interrupted. Sleep deprivation is common in both the child with autism and the parents of the child. Society reactions can also have a major impact on family stress and may cause the family to avoid community outings or family events (Autism Society of America, n.d.). Families may not go to family get-togethers because the child has difficulty interacting with others (Autism Society of America, n.d.). Families are sometimes embarrassed around extended family members and may have difficulty relating to other family members.

Another stress for parents is learning about all of the methods and strategies to teach children with autism. They must learn about these methods so that they can help to determine an appropriate educational placement for their child with autism and so that they can be active members in the IEP process. There are currently many treatment approaches and strategies to teach children with autism. Current methods include Applied Behavior Analysis, Discrete Trial instruction, Picture Exchange Communication System, TEACCH, Floortime, RDI, Social Stories, and Sensory Integration. Once strategies are determined, using some of these methods has potential to reduce family stress and enhance the family?s quality of life. Because many children with autism have difficulty generalizing skills, it is extremely important for parents to carry over the child?s skill training from school to the home. Parents can also be effective teachers.

Families that are taught effective behavioral intervention strategies to manage challenging behaviors, are taught and involved in the functional assessment process, are trained in facilitating functional communication (both verbal and non-verbal), have been found to have greater success at home with the child with autism (Moes & Frea, 2002). When determining behavior plans, professionals need to take into consideration family routines when analyzing challenging behaviors (Moes & Frea, 2002). Behavioral interventions are more successful and meaningful to families when their beliefs, values and goals are taken into consideration (Moes & Free, 2002).

A family centered educational approach may be the most beneficial to a child with autism and their families (National Academy Press, 2001). Formal support may come from teachers, IEP team members, doctors, the local education agency representative, and other professionals that treat the child. Informal support may come through parent networking, parent support groups, families, and neighbors. According to Bristol in 1987, ?parents found a positive relationship between adequacy of social support, the use of active coping behaviors, and family adaptation for parents of children enrolled in the TEACCH program? (National Academy Press, 2001, p.34).

Coping with a child with autism is difficult and stressful for many families. As with the impact of socioeconomic status and ethnicity of the parents, there is not yet a lot of research on the stress levels of parents based on the child?s cognitive level and communication level. Based on current research, in order to cope with the stress of having a child with autism and to experience gains in their education at school and at home, parents need to learn specialized skills and teaching methods that can be implemented at home. Successful collaboration and training with professionals working with the child with autism has the capability of reducing family stress and an increase in the child with autism?s communication, socialization, cognitive, adaptive skills and a reduction in maladaptive behaviors in the home environment. Professionals working with students with autism must include the parents as advocates in the IEP process, functional behavior assessments, and behavior intervention plans.

Professionals must provide opportunities for parents to be trained in teaching methodologies used at the school. Professionals must also consider themselves a source of support for families of children with autism and be knowledgeable about special education law, treatment methods and scientific research. As a teacher of young children with autism, I have witnessed first hand the benefits of conducting parent trainings and support groups, whether they are on a group basis or an individual basis. Based on parent feedback, parent trainings and support groups are extremely beneficial to those that attend, and most parents express that there is never enough time to talk with the teachers and other parents--there is always a desire to learn more and for more opportunities to collaborate.

About The Author
Christine Dugan works in the special education field and is a contributing author to the health information site http://health.divinfo.com as well as the article submission site http://www.articlemotron.com.

Home Remedies for Itch Indigestion and Insomnia

Indigestion, insomnia and itching are very common ailments in everyday life. So common in fact that we don't even take them seriously and they tend to be left untreated. The problem is, when left untreated, they often blow up into something far more serious. So when one is feeling a little down and out due to these conditions and not up to getting dressed and going to the pharmacy to load up on medicine, there are a lot of home remedies that are easy and simple to make.

Itching

Itching can be caused by a lot of things. It may be due to allergies from food or plants, insect bites, stings, or even poor hygiene. You can either scratch away and leave scratch marks and wounds on your skin or you can try this. An old and trusted home remedy is using a weak carbolic acid lotion or mixing up a solution of bicarbonate of soda (commonly known as baking soda) and applying it over the itchy part.

Indigestion

Common home remedies for indigestion are peppermint and ginger. These are also popular in treating other digestion problems. Apple and tea are also used, as are Epsom salts. Another effective way to relieve indigestion is drinking the juice of a raw potato or an egg white. Cloves are also considered treatment for indigestion. Other herbs that help relieve the discomfort that comes with indigestion are meadowsweet and lavender. In traditional medicine, the use of feverfew, fennel and dill as cures for indigestion is common, as well as thyme and speedwell.

Insomnia

Insomnia, or the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep, is very common from working individuals with hectic schedules to people in their old age. It is a nagging problem and can cause severe health and work-related side effects. Sleeping pills can be very scary and dangerous to take. So before popping the pill, here are a few tricks you can try.

A good and well-known cure for insomnia is very simple - honey. This can be taken in a lot of ways. One teaspoon of honey a night is actually enough to treat insomnia but this can also be taken in a lot of ways too. You can take it with cider vinegar. A popular mix is adding honey to milk with a little cinnamon or nutmeg and drinking this before going to bed. A strange but effective treatment is eating onions during bedtime. This is known to induce sleep. Using either stewed Spanish onions or the garden variety of onions will do. Two or three of them are taken. If you cannot stomach this, turning them into onion soup or onion jelly is a recommended alternative. Onion soup is simple. Onion jelly on the other hand is made by shredding onions and simmering them in a little stock until tender. And then the onions are added into a pot of boiling water with a squeeze of lemon. These are all cooked together.

Other sleep-inducing herbs were used in folk medicine. In the Middle Ages, hops were commonly used. In the earlier days, poppy and valerian were used, as well as woodruff and skullcap. Popular also were dill, peppermint and dandelion. Hawthorn and rosemary induce sleep and are old folk treatments for sleeplessness. Chamomile, lavender and lemon balm are famous for their relaxing effect and were regular cures for insomnia then and now.

Michael Russell

Your Independent Herbal guide.

What Is Ringworm Anyway?

When you hear the term "ringworm", what do you immediately think of? Some kind of worm right? While this is the most common thought that people have, it really has nothing to do with worms. So, what is ringworm then anyway?

What Is Ringworm?

Ringworm got its name from the reddish colored flat rings that it can cause to break out on your body. It is a highly contagious fungus that can break out on your body, feet, head, and your nails. That covers just about everywhere. The medical term for ringworm is Tinea, and each area of the body that has ringworm has a specific name. For example; on the scalp, the medical term is called Tinea Capitis. On the body it is Tinea Cororis, and on the feet it is Tinea Pedis.

What Does Ringworm Look Like?

You can usually tell if you have it by doing a self examination. On the scalp it will look like a crusty type of bump, sort of like a pimple. It may even cause you to lose your hair around the area infected.

What Is Ringworm On The Body?

This is where it can really spread. On your body it will appear as a round patch that is reddish in color. It is kind of like a flat ring that may have a clear center. It will also be scaly to the touch, and will most certainly itch like crazy. If you've had it before you know what I am talking about. It is also why it is so easy to spread. In more severe cases you can get several different areas on the body with ringworm on them. They can even overlap one another. The most common area for it is in the groin area.

What Is Ringworm On The Feet?

On the feet it is also referred to as athletes foot. This causes the cracking of your skin between your toes. Athletes foot is all too common in locker rooms everywhere. It can cause severe itching, and can be quite painful.

If you have ringworm in the nails you can easily tell by the discoloration. They will also thicken and become brittle.

Ringworm can take anywhere from 10-14 days to appear once you have been exposed. It will usually last for approximately 14 days. It seems that children between 4-14 years of age are the most likely to get it. We don't exactly know why that is, but most likely because they are more susceptible to exposure in schools, gyms, and swimming pools. Adults certainly get it as well, but not as frequently.

Now, when you get asked "What is ringworm", you know more about it to discuss with them.

You can find much more information on Ringworm as well as get FREE tips and information on Ringworm at http://www.ringworm.infofroma-z.com.

When Your Body Lacks Vitamins

The body needs a minimum amount of vitamins and minerals each day to remain healthy and function properly. A balanced diet normally supplies sufficient vitamins. However, serious disorders can still develop if the diet does not meet your body?s needs. Symptoms of a deficiency in vitamins and minerals usually appear when the lack is already in a relatively advanced level.

For instance, people who do not have enough of the vitamins A, B1 and B2 suffer from recurring tiredness, mental or emotional disturbances, loss of appetite and chapped lips, among others.

The common causes of these vitamin deficiencies include poor eating habits, alcoholism, emotional stress, the improper absorption of vitamins and minerals (usually due to liver or intestinal disorders), the intake of medicines that interfere with the ingestion of vitamins and lack of exposure to sunlight.

If you constantly feel sluggish and suffer from chronic health-related inconveniences, you might be short of the vitamins your body needs to function properly. Doctors will usually prescribe supplements that address the lack of vitamins and minerals in the body. However, also keep in mind not to overdo it, as an excess of vitamins can also be harmful.

Do you still need to take vitamins even if you maintain a healthy diet? The answer is yes. Proper food consumption should be accompanied by the right vitamins and minerals. Vitamins serve as buffers in the event that your diet does not meet your daily requirements fully. Surely you can?t calculate how much vitamins and minerals your body takes in with every meal you consume. And while most people take vitamins to avoid common deficiency-related diseases, not all products available cater to what your body requires. There are those that still lack what you need.

The key components you must look for in a supplement are the vitamins B6, B12, D, E and folic acid. Aside from being dietary supplements, these so-called B vitamins have been known to help combat certain types of cancer and heart ailments. While there remains no hard-lined link between cancer and a daily intake of B vitamins, studies that suggest their preventive powers have helped raise the importance of daily doses of vitamins and minerals into our system.

Standard RDA-level vitamins can easily be bought over the counter at a reasonable price. Yes, the old belief that a proper diet is enough to keep you going has become a myth. It is time to invest in our health. Whether we admit it or not, we need vitamins. Sure, it does lead to added costs; but when we really think about it, vitamins are probably the cheapest type of insurance readily available in the market right now. Who are we to say no?

Note: This article may be freely reproduced as long as the AUTHOR'S resource box at the bottom of this article is included and and all links must be Active/Linkable with no syntax changes.

Charlene J. Nuble 2005. For up to date links and information about vitamins and supplements, please go to: http://vitamins.besthealthlink.net/ or for updated links and information on all health related topics, go to: http://www.besthealthlink.net/

Enhance Your Aura for Better Health

Auras

The aura is a unique field of energy that surrounds all living things, reflecting the energy of the spirit in that body. Its colors, textures and patterns give information about the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual states of its owner.

Everything in the universe possesses an energy field around it. Although it is generally invisible to the untrained eye, this energy field or aura extends outward from the object. For human beings, this field of energy is sometimes known as the electromagnetic field. It is ovoid in shape, and its width and color varies with each individual, depending on their level of spiritual growth and physical health.

Studies have indicated that illnesses begin to manifest in the human?s aura long before they become apparent in the physical body. Therefore Aura cleansing, which is used by most healers to remove sluggish negative energy from the being?s energy field, is also a necessary step towards the healing of the physical body. As the aura is cleansed, any denser negative energy in the physical body will be broken up and moved into the energy field, where it can be easily cleared.

Detecting your Aura

There are many ways your aura can be detected, including through the naked eye, by feeling the energy shifts, thermographs, kirlian photography, aura readings and dowsing.

A novice choosing to undertake healing work or auric studies will generally only have access to dowsing rods, a pendulum and their intuitive abilities. With simple guidance and some practice, he can easily become proficient in the usage of some of the above methods, even using them with great accuracy. These are tools sufficient enough to test the energy level in individual chakras, and detect where blockages may be occurring.

Aura & Your Health

The aura is filled with colors that are constantly changing according to our physical and spiritual wellbeing. A healthy body?s aura possesses a specific color pattern. When the bearer experiences illnesses or changes in moods or emotions, distortions in the healthy color patterns can be detected.

The aura, shaped by the constant interaction of mental, physical and spiritual factors, is very dependent and sensitive to our inner and outer environment. Your personality, health status, emotional and mental wellbeing, social factors and surrounding environmental conditions can have a significant effect on your aura.

Negative emotional states assert a deteriorating effect on the body and drain the system of its energy. This explains why one?s performance level tends to drop drastically during moments when experiencing emotional states such as fear, hostility and frustration. Similarly, low self-esteem and negative social interactions can too weaken the aura and seriously diminish its energy supply.

Environmental pollutants such as radiation can also tarnish and distort the aura, which is of a major concern now as background radiation has been rising significantly by factors of thousands in the general population since the Second World War. Then in the 1990s come another breakthrough in wireless technology - the cell phone. Despite the communication benefits it brings about, the radiation the cell phone emits is capable of completely distorting and destroying one?s energy field. Simple dowsing can be used to justify this almost non-existence of the aura when one is in possession of the cell phone.

Enhancing your Aura

Enhancement of one?s aura can be done in 3 simple steps ? Maintain a positive outlook on life?s events; Eat and stay healthy; and meditate frequently to free your mind of any negative thoughts and emotional states, thus cleansing your aura in the process.

Meditation is the key to cleansing, healing and sealing your aura. However, if done wrongly, can lead to disastrous effects. Here I recommend a very simple form of meditation for beginners:

1.Sit yourself in a quiet room with no distractions.

2.Dim the room and place a lighted candle about 6 inches in front of you.

3.Close your eyes and relax, controlling and remembering your breath.

4.Take deep breathes very slowly.

5.When you are completely wound down, start feeling the light in front of you.

6.Picture the light forming a layer over your body.

7.Inhale this light, feel the energy building up in your body.

8.Picture yourself glowing. Your aura has become stronger.

The meditation can take anywhere between 7 to 20 minutes, depending on individuals. You should feel lighter, more focused and energetic after that.

Aura Enhancing Devices

There are products that, when placed near your body, will enhance your aura. These products can help accelerate your healing process, both spiritually and physically. They are usually used by individuals seeking constant optimum performance, but are fast becoming a common recommendation by alternative healers for their patients as a form of health enhancement and protection.

RADAR is an Aura Enhacing device used for protection against cell phone radiation and also to boost your energy field, accelerating your healing process. It is available at http://www.avasafe.com

Heel Spurs and Their Causes

What the heck is a heel spur and how do I end up with one? I have heard doctors and patients talk about heel spurs, but I have never known exactly what it is. I checked it out and a heel spur is actually a hook of bone. That hook forms on the bone of the heel and then in turn causes pain by inflaming the plantar fascia which is tissue in the arch of the foot. However, though one often causes the other, be careful not to confuse heel spurs with plantar fasciitis.

We are most susceptible to heel spurs in our middle age years. Generally they are found in those with a history of foot pain that comes from plantar fasciitis. They are also most often found in middle-aged men and women. However, bone spurs can be found in anyone at any age. Generally the heel spur is not the primary cause of the pain, but instead is an indirect cause. The spur inflames and irritates the plantar fascia and thus causes great discomfort in the patient. The way most bone spurs are diagnosed by the doctor is through the use of x-rays. Your doctor will look fo ra hook of bone sticking out from the bottom of your foot. Generally, it will be located where the tissue in the arch of your foot is attached to the heel bone.

You may also be wondering how you end up with heel spurs. There is a lot of stress on the tissue in the arch of your foot and that tissue is anchored by the heel bone. Therefore, there is a lot of stress on those tissues and the heel at the same time. That stress can result in plantar fascia. About 70% of those with plantar fascia end up with heel spurs.

If you have heel spurs there are a number of treatments available. Your doctor, in fact, will likely have you use a combination of them. You will be told to rest and avoid jogging and exercising on your feet for a few days. You may be asked to ice the area to control the pain and reduce inflammation as the heel spur heals. You may also do specific exercises and stretches designed to relax the tissues that surround your heel bone. There are also medications you can take, these are anti-inflammatory medications that help decrease the inflammation and control the pain of heel spurs. Some doctors prescribe shoe inserts to allow you to continue normal activities. Lastly, there are night splints that keep your heel stretched out at night while you sleep. Most of the treatments or combinations of them will help to clear up the pain and inflammation of heel spurs in as little as 90 days.

Heel spurs, though not often talked about, are a common problem. They are often linked to the problem of plantar fasciitis, but are a separate issue. The two are connected, however, and are treated in much the same way since one often causes the other. If you suspect you have heel spurs that are causing you discomfort, consult a physician and see if it can be diagnosed. Once you reach that stage, you can talk with your doctor about a treatment regimen that will work for you.

If you would like to view more of my personal articles on heel spurs, please visit my medical site.

Body Odour Smells False Identity Of Deodorant

The human body and every part of it have their own offensive and in some unfortunate cases repulsive smell. Body Odour Smells if left unattended can turn into a horrible stench. Many types of odour are common enough for their identities to be pinpointed to certain regions of the body. Take the feet or under the arms these are both host to distinguishing smells.

You will find there are 3 sorts of secretor glands on the skin - one which we are most familiar with is the sweat gland where the odour is of an acrid smell. This turns into a putrid type smell if the sweat is left to build up - build up is brought about by the sweat getting trapped which then prevents evaporation. The other type of gland is the Apocrine Glands which are rich in proteins and fats and because of these it encourages the presence of bacteria. Then we have the Sebaceous Glands which eject a greasy type lubricant named sebum. Sebum contains fatty acids, cholesterol, proteins and waxes - all of these once again are like a magnet for bacteria. Bacterial infections can disperse embarrassing Body Odour Smells.

Unfortunately bacteria and Body Odour Smells is here to stay no matter how much you cleanse wash or rinse the offending areas but the good news is, you can prevent and lessen offending smells as such to reduce any embarrassing situations you may find your self in. Perspiration can be calmed down to a minimum with different materials.

Try to avoid sweat instigators on the skin like synthetic fabrics. Cotton is a material that helps lessen sweat outbursts. You can speak with your doctor if you are experiencing strong pungent smells from certain parts of the body that you are not comfortable with. The doctor will be able to advise you on what is the best action to take in prescribing medicated cleansers. When treating bad breath - once again talk with a figure in the medical profession or your dentist.

No one is exempt from suffering from sweat but once again there are ways of keeping it in control with certain products scientifically designed to treat perspiration. Available over chemist counters you can purchase spray or roll on antiperspirants or deodorants.

Antiperspirants include aluminium salts which play an important role in reducing sweat deposits by helping to close the sweat ducts. Combating sweat with the aid of deodorant is hurried along with the inclusion of the antiseptic in the deodorant. Remember this only helps with the smelly secretion and not to eliminate the sweating Deodorants contain an antiseptic to combat bacteria and they also reduce odour but do not cut down the sweating. Expect to find most deodorants to be scented giving a false identity to working miracles when in fact it is just overpowering a body odour smell for a few hours. Body Odour Smells is a part of our lives that is here to stay so the best treatment is to face up to them in the best possible way and that is to keep offending areas clean. Be sure to check with a medical advisor before administering any over the counter drugs you may purchase. Certain medications and treatments for Body Odour Smells may not be agreeable to your skin thus resulting in allergic reactions so it is wise to seek medical advice.

Health Concerns not to be ignored. Help ease stress http://www.want2yoga.com or http://www.overcompulsivedisorder.com

Pericardial Mesothelioma FAQ

What is pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma cancer that accounts for approximately 5% of all mesothelioma cases. Cancerous cells build up on the lining of the heart.

What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?

Asbestos is the main cause of pericardial mesothelioma. When exposed to asbestos without sufficient protection, dust and fibres from the asbestos are inhaled and become lodged in the lungs. From here they can either pass into the lymphatic system and get transported to the lining of the heart or the fibres can just pass through to the heart over time.

Who is at risk from pericardial mesothelioma?

Those who have worked with asbestos constantly for a period of time without sufficient protection are those at risk. These people include construction workers and those who work in asbestos manufacturing plants. Individuals in contact with those in contact with asbestos are also at risk because asbestos fibres can cling to clothes and hair.

How much exposure to asbestos does it take to have a possibility of getting pericardial mesothelioma?

This varies depending on the concentration of the asbestos dust and fibres in the area but it has been recorded that those who have only been exposed for a couple of months have a chance of obtaining pericardial mesothelioma.

What are the symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma?

Common symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma are persistent coughing, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, chest pain and palpitations. Other symptoms that patients may experience are weight loss, nausea and loss of appetite.

What is the latency period of pericardial mesothelioma?

All forms of mesothelioma have an extraordinarily long latency period (amount of time symptoms take to show up after having disease). The latency period is between 30 ? 50 years and so pericardial mesothelioma is usually discovered in elderly men who have had pericardial mesothelioma for most of their life but have never known it.

What is the prognosis for pericardial mesothelioma?

This is highly dependent on how early and how aggressively the cancerous cells are treated. If the cancer is treated when it has fully developed and matured then the chances of a patient?s survival is very small. The prognosis could be only a couple of months.

Is there any promising research for pericardial mesothelioma?

At the moment, research into pericardial mesothelioma is being conducted all over the USA in research labs and also many pharmaceutical companies are endeavouring to find new drugs for chemotherapy. So far, there is still no cure for mesothelioma although researchers predict that new drugs will soon be discovered.

For more information on pericardial mesothelioma such as the risks, causes, symptoms and treatments go to:

http://www.pericardialmesothelioma.co.uk
http://www.pericardial-mesothelioma.co.uk
http://www.asbestos-resource.co.uk

The Healing Arts: 18 Things Healers Learn #9 You Work With the Unseen

Everything that has come to be in this moment is a by-product of everything that has ever been. It?s inescapable. The future begins right here inside you, and it is based on the contributions of every human who has ever lived.

You could not be who you are, were it not for all that has come before you. Like the ocean wave that laps up onto the shore, you are the culmination of many forces meeting, affecting each other, and then moving on.

Wow, isn?t that deep! Perhaps an easier way to say it is at any one time, we only get to see an infinitesimally small portion of anything. So much has gone on to get to each instant it?s incredible! So much so that you get to wonder how we seem to know anything at all with the amazing limitations of our fleeting perception.

Tomorrow, this article will just be one of innumerable influences on your life. Perhaps it will have lasting value to you. Perhaps not. Who we are is a product of accumulated experiences just like that. Based on this, it would appear none of us would really be able to understand another because, on the surface, each of us is composed of moments that the others have not seen.

Yet we all know this is not the case. When someone teaches you a lesson of some sort, you are taking their experience of their moments and running it through the filter of your experience of your moments. Through that, based on a commonality drawn from symbols you can understand, you can then weave the experience into the fabric of your life.

As example, Moby Dick is a story of Captain Ahab?s obsession with a foe. We all can relate to the account of his experience because, in essence, we are ALL experiencing the same story; we?re just getting it through different symbols.

What Melville did was to take the personal story of a man?s obsession ? which exists in the ?unseen? as a universal drive ? and gave it physical character in the form of the written word; the ?seen?. The resulting book holds the history of a life that never was, as told through the mouth of someone who has never been. Still, we embrace the work and praise it for shedding light on areas of our psyche that have been hidden in shadows. Within his creation, we recognize ourselves.

Where did all this come from? Nowhere. Dollars to doughnuts, Melville was just immersed in telling a particular story, the universality of it came as a by-product.

Moby Dick is now something that is part of the psyche of everyone who has ever read it, yet none of us has ever seen the things happening that were described. The unwitnessed, however, has been seen in the mind?s eyes of the readers. And from that comes a bit of a miracle, for as an extension of that imagined experience comes something (seemingly) brand new. Just look at all the books that have been written about Melville and Moby Dick, each offering insights into the piece as well as life itself!

Whatever insights were gained have been around since before any of the books were ever written. If translated into languages that existed before Melville had been born, and read by the people of that time, chances are the universal message would still come through. That?s the unseen Melville worked with, and that?s what we?re working with. In every moment.

A metaphor is defined as ?One thing conceived as representing another; a symbol.? Healers, in order to be effective with all whom they are called to affect, understand that each of us are living out a metaphor for the experience of life.

Essentially, we are all experiencing the same thing, only through different metaphors that are determined by genetic, social, geographical, economic, spiritual, (and on and on) influences.

At its root, this is an attitude of inclusion rather than separation. It's knowing that whatever is seen by the other, if subject to a bit of translation, can be seen by you.

Still, it?s not that easy to either attain or maintain. That?s because sometimes the metaphor in front of you is so obscured by the difference in symbols that you?ve learned to embrace that, no, you really can?t ?get it.?

But if you work hard enough at it -- and that means allowing yourself to get in touch with what lives deepest inside of all of us; that we only wish to live -- then you have a universal common-ground from which to begin a healing moment with another being.

Russ Reina shares over 35 years of experience in the healing arts through his web site http://mauihealingartist.com. It is a potent resource for those wishing to deepen their abilities in connection and develop their powers as healers. For a powerful free tool to explore your inner world, please check out his adjunct site http://thestoryofthis.net

(Permission is granted to reprint this article, unedited, provided proper attribution is made and the signature line -- the above resource paragraph -- is kept intact)

What to Look For When Selecting a Fitness Trainer

There are many reasons why you might consider hiring a fitness trainer to help you with exercise and advice about nutrition. One might be that you feel you need an expert in the field to help make sure you are doing all your exercises properly. Another might be that you want this person to give you good, effective exercise routines so you can get the most from your exercise sessions. Yet another might be that you want someone to help you manage your dietary needs. All of these are good reasons to hire a fitness trainer, but how do you know if you will be hiring a trainer that will best suit your needs? Here are a few guidelines to consider that will help you make the right choice when choosing a fitness trainer.

First and foremost, you need to make sure that the trainer you choose holds a current, nationally accredited certification in the fitness field. Some of the certification organizations that require a good, solid minimum knowledge base to earn their certification are the ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association), the ACSM (American Collage of Sports Medicine), the NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association), and on a somewhat lesser level, but still an acceptable certification is the ACE (American Council on Exercise). Some others like the NAFC (National Association for Fitness Certification) or the NFPT (National Federation of Professional Trainers) are a lot less strict for their certification requirements.

While it is very important that the fitness trainer you choose holds one of the better certifications, it is certainly not the only thing to look for when choosing a trainer. There are a few other things you will want to be sure of to ensure your satisfaction.

One thing to look for is whether or not your fitness trainer has a plan to suit your individual needs. Some trainers get caught in a rut and train their clients with a one size fits all approach to exercise and while this may be alright for the raw beginner for the purpose of general muscle and connective tissue adaptation, they need to be able to branch out and have a vision of how to customize exercise routines that are best for your needs. In other words, what do they see possible for you. You might ask the trainer; what kind of a plan do you see for me and how will it benefit me?

Another point to consider is whether your fitness trainer can be objective about your training. Your trainer should always consider your needs during each training session. Sometimes the trainer may need to alter your exercise routine due to an injury or simply because you've had a hard day and do not have the energy you usually have. You might ask the trainer; how do you assess me each day before my session.

One of the most important things, of course, is whether you and your fitness trainer have matching personalities or simply put, you must get along with each other and you must feel comfortable with your trainer or it will be hard to work with him/her. You need to understand what your trainer is trying to do and so your trainer needs to give clear, detailed instructions. Your fitness trainer should be open to what you have to say and be able to listen to and respond to your concerns.

If you have made the decision to invest your time and money into an exercise lifestyle, and you are enlisting the help of a fitness professional, make sure you choose one who you know will give you everything you need to give you the results you want in a safe, enjoyable way.

Jim O'Neill gives you tons of valuable information on the subjects of weight loss, fitness, and nutrition to make it easy for you to live a healthy lifestyle. Sign up now for his free 7 part mini e-course at: http://www.mrgymfitness.com/minicourse.php

Create Your Home Gym with Minimum of Equipment

Training at home could prove as a good solution for the ones interested. The effectiveness of this type of training could compare to the one of working out in the gym, as long as some factors are considered.

The first, and at the same time the most important of these, is owning the necessary equipment. If, besides this, you also have a partner who trains with you, the exercises can be as effective as the ones performed in the gym. Of course, we are talking now about the ideal situation of affording a gym in your own house.

Even with these conditions fulfilled, some practitioners, especially the more extrovert ones, might lack the stimulating atmosphere, the sharing of experience, the communication that they can find in the gym.

In most of the cases, what you can do at home is improvise a room or just a corner of a room, for fitness. Besides, most of the times you have to train by yourself. As these are the most frequent situations, we'll deal with them now. Anyway, it is preferable to have constant training at home, rather than interrupt it a lot because the gym is too busy, too far, too expensive, etc.

The minimum of equipment necessary for training at home includes: an adjustable bench, a set of two dumbbells, with increasing weights, a barbell, with free weights and a fix bar for pull ups. This equipment will enable both executing basic exercises (squats, bench presses, pull-ups, sit-ups, etc.) and diversity of exercises, necessary for avoiding routine.

The main disadvantage of not having a partner to train with is reflected in the amount of loading in some exercises, which cannot reach its maximum. There are many exercises which can be loaded to maximum without any risk, even if there is no partner to assist you (pull-ups, dips, shoulder presses, barbell curs, dumbbell curls, etc.).

An advantage which comes from training at home is that you can choose the training time without any restraint. Moreover, the speed of exercising can be increased a lot if the practitioner chooses to execute supersets, tri sets or giant sets. You can also save time, as you are not distracted by casual conversation, by waiting for the machines to be available, by having to change the weights for every personal series of exercises, etc.

In the extreme case when we can only afford as equipment a mattress, chairs and a towel, we can focus on exercises using the weight of the body (push-ups, reverse push-ups, between chairs push-ups, squats, sit-ups, crunches, hyperextensions, lunges, plyometrics, plunks, etc.).

All the exercises involving the body weight are considered as really demanding, because they mobilize more stabilizing muscles that ensure coordination and balance. The body-weight exercises are often introduced in the programs at the gym due to their proven effectiveness. They are also used in training and testing people in special troops, as these need a lot of force and discipline in their training.

Isabel Curini, fitness trainer and editor at http://www.healthfitnessworld.com HealthFitnessWorld.com - Health, Fitness, Body Building, Weight Loss, Nutrition - Articles and Resources.

HealthFitnessWorld.com is dedicated to providing high-quality, free advices, tips and resources on health, fitness, body building, supplements, nutrition, weight loss, beauty, massage, acne, medicine, depression, massage.

This article may be reprinted or published without the author's consent as long as the About and weblinks are kept intact and active.

The Benefits of Green Tea

It is a miracle. People have been drinking green tea as treatment for everything from weight loss to curing cancer to skin problems.

In the 1994 edition of the Journal of National Cancer Institute, the results of an epidemiological study showed that one of the health benefits of drinking green tea is that it can reduce the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by up to 60%.

The rich presence of catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the reason why green tea has so many health benefits. A powerful antioxidant, EGCG can not only inhibit the growth of cancer cells but can also destroy them without harming healthy cells.

Also another benefit of green tea is its ability to lower down cholesterol levels and improve the ratio between good (HDL) cholesterol and bad (LDL) cholesterol. This is a leading cause of strokes and heart attacks.

Green tea has greater health benefits compared to other Chinese teas like oolong and black tea, which come from the plant Camellia sinensis. What makes green tea different is the process by which it is made. Green tea owes much of its health benefits to how the Camellia sinensis leaves are steamed. The process stops the EGCG health benefit of green tea from oxidizing.

Drinking green tea can allow more calories to be burnt which will result in weight loss. This was proven in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 1999, men who take both caffeine and green tea burn down more calories than men who only take caffeine or a placebo. Many People have embarked on green tea dieting with great success and benefit.

Another health benefit of green tea is its bacteria-destroying properties. The benefit of green tea is that it can help prevent food poisoning and also prevent tooth decay.

Well known for its countless health benefits such weight loss and curing cancer, green tea is a miracle.

For more info about the benefits and dangers of green tea go to http://benefitofgreentea.blogspot.com.
Benefits of Green Tea WebSite

Should You Avoid All Fats?

You have no idea that avoiding all fats is serious mistake. All fats are not created equal.

In fact, if you were to avoid them entirely you'd not only slow down on losing weight (assuming that is your goal; you didn't say) but you'd be in worse health! While it sounds confusing it's not. Fats are a complex subject but I hope that in the next 2 minutes you'll have a much better understanding of the importance in your diet.

Let's talk fat!

There are two main kinds of fat:

1. Good fats (essential fat, essential fatty acid) 2. Bad fats (processing methods, hydrogenation, damaged good fats)

Four sources of good fats:

1. Green vegetables (but in very small amounts) 2. Seeds and nuts (combinations of flax, sunflower, sesame to get the correct mixtures of Omega-3 and Omega-6) 3. High fat, cold water fish such as sardines, salmon, trout, herring, and mackerel 4. Oils made with health in mind: pressed from organically grown seeds

You hear a lot about the bad fats and all the problems associated with them but you also need to know about the good fats and the benefits from them. The main concept you want to take away from this section is all fats are not created equal. You want to get more of the good fats from sources like fish, nuts and some oils (combinations are always the best thing). Eliminating all fats is actually unhealthy. A zero fat diet is not recommended. One health nutritional professional once said that clients who came to him boasting that they only ate 10-15 g of fat per day. But they were in the office because they were not losing any weight. A diet void of all fats is not good. You should not avoid all fats.

When unsaturated vegetable oils are manufactured into solid form, they turn into trans fats. Processing can damage natural fats and make them toxic. Hydrogenation, which is used to turn oils into margarine, shortening, or partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, produces trans fatty acids. Trans fats are found in hundreds of processed foods, usually to protect against spoiling and to enhance flavor. You should AVOID trans fats as much as possible (there are no health benefits here).

Truthfully, trans fats are even worse for the cardiovascular system then saturated fats. There are conservative estimates that 30,000 premature deaths from heart disease every year in the United States are linked to trans fats. Other studies show that trans fats drive up the body?s LDL, the bad cholesterol, even faster then saturated fats. High levels of cholesterol have been linked to heart disease and stroke.

You should have a diet that is moderate in saturated fats (a nice steak is okay every so often). But avoid them entirely? No. You'll find some saturated fats in all fats including the essential fatty acids. The more saturated fats you eat the more essential fats you'll need to eat to combat the effects. There?s no real reason to be obsessed about them but that?s not an excuse to eat more of them.

Most of the scientific community will still recommend a diet low to moderate in saturated fats. Diets high in fat, particularly saturated fat, may promote a variety of diseases. Therefore, saturated fats and trans fats are the only fats that you should strive to eliminate from your diet.

Interesting Fact:

* Bodybuilders can eat more saturated fats then a sedentary person because the body can burn saturated fats for energy.

What Are Essential Fatty Acids (EFA)?

EFAs = Essential Fatty Acids are substances from fats that must be provided by foods because the body cannot make them, and yet must have them for health. EFAs exist in two families: omega-3 and omega-6.

According to the above definition of essential, there are only two essential fats (technically called essential fatty acids or EFAs). One is the omega 3 EFA, called alpha- linolenic acid. The other, the omega 6 EFA, is known as linoleic acid.

Certain fats are defined as 'essential' because:

1. The body cannot make them; 2. They are required for normal cell, tissue, gland, and organ function, for health, and for life; 3. They must be provided from outside the body, through food or supplements; 4. They can come only from fats (hence fat-free diets cannot supply them); 5. Their absence from the diet will eventually kill; 6. Deficiency results in progressive deterioration, can lead to death; 7. Return of essential fatty acids to a deficient diet reverses the symptoms of deficiency and results in a return to health.

Most people do not get enough EFA?s in their diets, especially those who restrict themselves to a very low fat (any fat) type of diet. It?s rare that anybody is truly clinically deficient but such diets as a very low fat diet are clearly not going to provide optimal EFA?s.

Various types of oil blends, fish, seeds and green vegetables contain essential fatty acids. These ?good fats? have a ton of great benefits to them. Getting enough of the good fats daily in your diet will actually do wonders to help you burn fat. Many sources recommend combinations of EFAs because of the Omega-3 and Omega-6.

For example, if you were to only get your essential fats from something like Flaxseed oil, there?s some research to suggest it?s not as beneficial as you might think because exclusive use of flax oil can lead to Omega-6 deficiency within 2-8 months! Furthermore, using CLA in conjunction with this might lead to deficiency of Omega-6 even sooner then just using flax oil alone.

All this really means is using oil blends and getting EFAs from various sources will help you achieve optimum levels of BOTH Omega-3 and Omega-6 complexes. I would recommend you don?t use flax oils exclusively but combine them with other EFA sources to balance any deficiencies.

Two of the many benefits to an EFA complex are:

1- Increase the metabolic rate 2- Help burn fat

There are several other benefits but in essence, what this says is that getting 15-20% of your good fats in your diet daily will actually increase your metabolic rate resulting in more fat loss!

Re-read that! Getting the optimal amount of good fats a day (15-20% of total calories) will actual enhance the metabolic reactions and result in more fat burn off.

Copyright 2006 Marc David

You will learn the fats necessary for good health, increase your metabolism and healthy weight loss in the Beginner's Guide to Fitness and Bodybuilding http://www.beginning-bodybuilding.com.