Some steps that you need to take when buying life insurance

Many people believe that having life insurance protection is very important for their life. However, there are some of them who have not got any life insurance protection because they do not know the steps to get the right insurance for them, where they can get life insurance quotes, and many other things that they should know in order to get the right life insurance. Buying a life insurance is not that complex, if I have to be honest. However, there are some of steps that you need to undergo before you can grab your best life insurance deal.

The first step that you have to take is to determine your need life insurance coverage. The amount of coverage that you have to take has to be something that at least can cover three or five times of your salary if you want to make some investment. The second step that you have to take is to determine how much money that you can spend every month for the insurance. The third step that you need to take is to get some quotes. If you have the exact coverage and you know how much money that you can spend on the insurance, you can apply for some quotes to get more information about the most suitable life insurance for you. 

Best Instant Benefits from Payday Loan Service

Looking for the best way to get your money fast and easy? Then you get the real best way from your payday loan service. This service is known for its easiness in requirements. Often you need only to show some paychecks and provide your bank account number to the service to make you eligible to apply for the service. Of course, considering how natural these conditions actually are, you may fairly say that this service requires nothing for the application.

Other than being easy, this payday loan service is also famous for its fastness in delivering your money. You need to wait for a day, at the most, before you could get your loan. At many cases, you could already see the money being delivered by the same day of your application. Added to these fast and easy benefits, your payday loan service also is known for its high approval rate which guarantees almost none of your application will ever go in vain.

Sum all of those benefits together, you have the highest approving service with the easiest requirements and quickest delivery for your loan. Thus, you really get real instant service of loan you could always rely on anytime you have money difficulties. 

Several Types of Auto Insurance Coverage at Carinsurancerates.com

          Are you looking for the best auto insurance for your car? If you so, then you should refer to carinsurancerates.com to find the best auto insurance for your car. This site is one of the best places where you can find a lot of detailed information about car insurance services available in the internet. With this site, you do not need to get confused anymore what auto insurance you should choose, because all information you need has been provided here. Besides that, you will also be guided in order to find the best auto insurance that based on your need very well.

            There are several types of auto insurance coverage that you are able to find here. They are casualty insurance, comprehensive coverage, liability coverage, collision coverage, full-coverage car insurance, and also commercial auto insurance. Not only that, but there are also several types of coverage add-ons that you can possibly choose. These coverage add-ons are also important for you to get because you will need them later when you are dealing with car crash. They are gap insurance, medical coverage, car rental reimbursement, under-insured motorist coverage, and also un-insured motorist coverage. To get to know more about these kinds of insurances, visit this site now. 

Treating Whiplash Neck Pain

Whiplash is a medical condition that is actually quite common. Chances are, you've experienced it at one time in your life, even if it were only a mild case. It can occur from someone suddenly and unexpectedly pushing you hard from behind. Or, as is most often the case, it happens from someone hitting your car from behind. Regardless of the cause or the severity, it can be painful.
Although there is pain and discomfort associated with whiplash, it is not life-threatening. However, some of the pain can linger for years. That's why it is important see a pain specialist as soon as you are injured.
What Exactly Is Whiplash?
When a person is struck from behind by another automobile, it causes the seat to push the torso and body in a forward motion. Since the head and neck are not supported, they hyper extend backwards. Once the initial impact is over, the neck and head recover and are then thrown into a hyperflexed position.
Simply put, whiplash occurs when the lower neck bones are hyperextended in one direction while the upper neck bones are hyperextended in the opposite direction. This causes the neck to form an unnatural neck curve. This irregular curvature causes muscles, ligaments, tissue and nerves to become damaged. An examination and x-rays can verify the condition.
Symptoms Of Whiplash
Whiplash can affect many different areas of the body. The individual can experience dizziness, a ringing of the ears and complications with their vision. Fatigue is also common. Pain can be found in the jaw, neck, shoulder, upper back and arms. There can also be stiffness in the neck and shoulders. Arm strength can diminish, as well and headaches are quite common.
Over time, symptoms can expand to include depression and anxiety. Frustration can result from the aggravation of being in constant pain and not being able to find relief. The individual will likely have trouble sleeping, too.
What Can Be Done To Help
Although the usual initial course of action involves the use of a cervical collar to immobilize the neck, this should only be used temporarily as prolonged use can actually extend the healing time.
A pain specialist can provide you with exercises that are designed to strengthen and rehabilitate the injured area. Bringing the neck back to it's intended level of curvature is also important. A chiropractor can work with you to reposition the neck into the correct alignment. Following a proper level of treatment, it is quite possible to obtain a full recovery.

End Tiredness Program - Your Way To Ending Tiredness

It does not hurt to get some help once in a while. When you feel like you cannot bear your fatigue anymore, you can get help from materials that offer a great deal of information about tiredness. You can find good resources online such as the End Tiredness Program and other materials.
Most programs talk about how to keep the energy level high. This usually includes topic such as diet and sleep. Why is diet important in keeping your energy up? First, the body gets energy from food in most cases. Whether we like it or not, we have to eat to stay healthy and strong. The reason why people are afraid of food crisis is because this crisis will surely lead to difficult living situation. Second, your diet is important because there are two kinds of food - those that can give you energy and those that can steal your energy. Foods that give your energy are healthy foods. This is because they are filled with the right nutrients the body can use for different processes. Examples of these are organic products and produce such as fresh fruits, fresh root crops and fresh vegetables. You can never really go wrong with them. On the other hand, there are those foods that steal your energy. They do this by slowing down the body processes. Examples are foods rich in fat. Fat cells are extremely difficult to break down and the body will have to exert a lot of energy and time for them. This will not only slow down the digestion but it will also slow down the absorption of essential nutrients. Third, the way you eat your food influences the energy that you get from it. For instance, eating a lot does not always mean that you will get a lot of energy. This is actually a common mistake people do. It is better to eat a little than to eat a lot to allow the body to process everything effectively.
Aside from your diet, sleep is also a main topic of tiredness programs. There are several basic facts about sleep that everyone should know. First, sleep should always be in 90 minute intervals. That's right. When you divide your total sleep hours by 90 minutes, there should be no remainder. This is because one cycle of sleep is equal to 90 minutes. It is very important to complete every cycle because each cycle has a specific part of the body to restore. Imagine having one cycle disrupted. This will mean that one restoration process did not finish. Second, you should avoid eating before bedtime. The body should be resting when you are asleep. If you eat before sleeping, your digestive system will have to work overtime. This overtime work will slow down digestion and will also disturb your sleep. Third, it is best to sleep at the same time every day. You should make it a routine and a habit. This will help you body adjust more to your sleeping patterns and need. This will also make you feel more energetic for the next days.

Chronic Indoor Allergens - 5 Common Irritants Found In Indoor Air

If you see particles in your air, mostly likely you have those same particles in your lungs. Here are 5 of the most common irritants found in indoor air.
Dust Mites---These micron sized bugs are invisible to the human eye, but every indoor space has them. They make their homes in dark, moist, warm places and feed on dead flakes of skin both from humans and animals. They are typically found in upholstered pieces of furniture and in bedding.
If you are not sensitive to them you will probably live your whole life without ever knowing they are there. They do not bite. However, if you are allergic to the protein in their feces (which they leave everywhere) you will most probably experience congestion, watering eyes and other allergy symptoms.
Prolonged exposure to this allergen often triggers the onset of asthma particularly in children. The bugs as well as their droppings (yuck) are lightweight and can become airborne with normal activities such as making the bed, plopping down on the sofa, or even plumping the pillows. Since pets shed dander, pet bedding provides an excellent source of food and a haven for these mites as well.
Mold and Mildew Spores---These spores are nature's way of returning matter to its natural state. They do not become destructive unless they find moisture. It is impossible to keep them from coming indoors, but keeping typically moist areas (under kitchen and bathroom sinks, showers, and basements) dry can prevent their numbers from exploding and triggering allergy and asthma flare ups. Large amounts of mold can cause problems for those who have been previously healthy.
Pollen---These spores are the earth's way of replenishing trees, flowers, yes and even weeds! Tree pollen can start to fly as early as January, and weed pollen can last as late as November into early December.
These spores can travel on the wind for miles and the can attach to clothing, hair, packages, and pets and easily make their way into indoor air.
Pet Dander---If you're thinking you don't have pet dander because you don't have a pet, sit down before you continue reading. Many homes have dander left from a home that had pets previously.
Hanging your coat, sweater, or bags next to someone who has a dog or cat is often enough to transfer dander from their home to yours. So shaking out your sweater or coat can result in airborne dander, and all your precautions by not having a pet are literally up in the air.
Household Dust---A lot of this stuff can form dust bunnies that hide under the bed or in corners. It is a collection of many particles that are specific to your home. Generally it includes lint from fabrics, small pieces of paper, dirt from the outside, human and pet hair, and in many cases small shaving of metal from door hinges.
If you are doing any work on your interior add drywall and/or plaster dust and you've got enough particulates to start a dust storm. So many people are allergic to it because it contains so many allergens all in one place.
Cleaning regularly is a good way to reduce the number of allergens that are available to go airborne. Another pro-active, yet non-invasive way to eliminate particulates is to eliminate them while they are airborne.
High efficiency particle arresting filters are the best type for the job because they can take out particles as small as.3 microns in size. This will drastically reduce the amount available for you to breathe. And breathing easier is a good start to a healthier lifestyle.

Youth Drinking Trends and Ways to Encourage Healthy Habits

Alcohol doesn't necessarily carry the same stigmas associated with illegal drugs. However, studies reveal that more American youths die from alcohol abuse than from all other forms of drug abuse combined. With deteriorating affects on the brain, stomach, and liver, the affects of alcohol are highly damaging to the developing body of a teenager. Of course, there are long-term effects of alcohol abuse, but equally as dangerous are the immediate consequences of binge drinking. Binge drinking is a form of heavy, episodic drinking that has proven to be a trend among college-aged individuals. Recognizing the phenomenon, the National Advisory Council provided the following definition:

"A 'binge' is a pattern of drinking alcohol that brings blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08 gram-percent or above. For a typical adult, this pattern corresponds to consuming 5 or more drinks (male), or 4 or more drinks (female), in about 2 hours."

When binge drinking, the body's defenses are overwhelmed by the depressant effects of alcohol resulting in impairments in speech and reflexes. Aside from the physical effects, the influence of alcohol will leave people unable to make rational decisions thus leading to unfortunate consequences. Studies reported by the national campaign, "Above the Influence" expose that approximately 5,000 people under the age of 21 die as a result of underage drinking related incidents (with nearly 2,000 of the deaths due to car accidents.)

Another threat to underage drinking is alcohol poisoning. Alcohol poisoning is a serious-sometimes lethal- condition resultant from binge drinking. The consequences of consuming large amounts of alcohol in brief periods of time can immediately affect one's heart rate and breathing and may eventually lead to coma or death.

When examining the trends in youth drinking, a direct correlation can be drawn between habits and environment. The pressure to drink irresponsibly is perpetuated by the atmosphere. In college, young adults are experiencing their first taste of independence (a sensation which is intoxicating in and of itself.) It can take time to develop healthy habits for self-governing and, in the meanwhile, young adults should be made aware of the possible consequences of their actions.

There have been multiple gestures made by governmental organizations to encourage self-promoting habits among the nation's youth. For one, the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion employed April as "Alcohol Awareness Month" in an attempt to have a pro-active influence on future choice making. In correspondence with Alcohol Awareness Month, the National Health Information Center distributed a toolkit including strategies to cut back on or cease drinking altogether. Some of these strategies included:

* Keep track of your drinking and set a drinking limit.

* Try to avoid places where heavy drinking occurs.

* Ask for help from a doctor, family, or friends.

* If you keep alcohol in your home, keep only a limited supply.

Treating Whiplash Neck Pain

Whiplash is a medical condition that is actually quite common. Chances are, you've experienced it at one time in your life, even if it were only a mild case. It can occur from someone suddenly and unexpectedly pushing you hard from behind. Or, as is most often the case, it happens from someone hitting your car from behind. Regardless of the cause or the severity, it can be painful.

Although there is pain and discomfort associated with whiplash, it is not life-threatening. However, some of the pain can linger for years. That's why it is important see a pain specialist as soon as you are injured.

What Exactly Is Whiplash?

When a person is struck from behind by another automobile, it causes the seat to push the torso and body in a forward motion. Since the head and neck are not supported, they hyper extend backwards. Once the initial impact is over, the neck and head recover and are then thrown into a hyperflexed position.

Simply put, whiplash occurs when the lower neck bones are hyperextended in one direction while the upper neck bones are hyperextended in the opposite direction. This causes the neck to form an unnatural neck curve. This irregular curvature causes muscles, ligaments, tissue and nerves to become damaged. An examination and x-rays can verify the condition.

Symptoms Of Whiplash

Whiplash can affect many different areas of the body. The individual can experience dizziness, a ringing of the ears and complications with their vision. Fatigue is also common. Pain can be found in the jaw, neck, shoulder, upper back and arms. There can also be stiffness in the neck and shoulders. Arm strength can diminish, as well and headaches are quite common.

Over time, symptoms can expand to include depression and anxiety. Frustration can result from the aggravation of being in constant pain and not being able to find relief. The individual will likely have trouble sleeping, too.

What Can Be Done To Help

Although the usual initial course of action involves the use of a cervical collar to immobilize the neck, this should only be used temporarily as prolonged use can actually extend the healing time.

A pain specialist can provide you with exercises that are designed to strengthen and rehabilitate the injured area. Bringing the neck back to it's intended level of curvature is also important. A chiropractor can work with you to reposition the neck into the correct alignment. Following a proper level of treatment, it is quite possible to obtain a full recover

Various Problems Found in Children With Ear Deformities

Children with ear deformities must deal with circumstances that other children who do not have the same set of circumstances do not have to cope with. Having an ear that is deformed can be a challenging condition that can lead to cruel taunts and teasing by the child's peers.

Your family doctor can help you to find a doctor who specializes in treating children with ear deformities. There are corrective treatment methods that are surgical in nature but also those that are non-surgical. Some of the common deformities that youngsters can suffer from include microtia, prominent ear, lidding, cup ear, lop ear, conchal crus and helical compression. If you suffer from a minor ear malformation then finding the right doctor to treat the condition can mean the difference between having it treated well or not having it treated at all.

Children with ear deformities can suffer from any number of conditions. Once you can better understand what your child has you will then be able to help your son or daughter deal with the circumstances of it. From there you can find a doctor who can treat the medical condition and return your youngster's ears to a normal appearance.

Prominent ears are sometimes referred to as cup ears or lop ears. This deformity is such that the ears project or protrude from the head more than the distance that is considered normal for the human ear. The average normal projected distance for the ear is roughly in the range of 15 to 18 millimeters. That goes for children, teenagers and adults. Overprojection of the ear is something seen in children with ear deformities but is something that can be successfully treated by a skilled surgeon.

Constricted ear is a deformity that is evidenced by the partial absence of cartilage and skin in the vicinity of the ear. In this case a lidding of the superior helical rim is what is obvious. The doctor can come up with an appropriate treatment method to improve an ear with a constricted deformity.

Microtia is a deformity of the ear that is seen at birth. It is the absence of the majority of the exterior ear (projecting portion of the ear from the head) known as the pinna. A person who suffers from microtia may have a small vestige of the auricle or pinna and a tiny portion of the earlobe may be present. However in most cases the external auditory canal as well as the tragus will not be there at all.

Senior Health For Those In Their 40's and 50's

Health, nutrition, fitness and exercise are starting to add themselves to your list of concerns now that you're in your 40's and 50's. It may start with a bit of back pain when you get up in the morning or the first time you find yourself running short of breath after climbing stairs. And by now you're probably starting to ponder how you'll feel, how much energy you'll have and what you simply won't be able to do in another 20 or 30 years...
Senior health will become more and more important to you as time goes on, and the best time to start making adjustments to help ensure a fit, healthy and enjoyable retirement is right now. Waiting to address senior health & wellness issues until you're in your 60's and 70's won't be a great idea for you - it would be much like starting your retirement savings plan shortly after retirement. By now you're probably starting to save or invest for that, right? So why do less for your own health & fitness levels when that will play just as big a role in what you can enjoy then?
There is good news and bad news for you now that you're in your 40's or 50's. You're most likely already aware of the bad news - your body's production of important hormones like testosterone and growth hormone are declining, and, left unabated, will keep dropping as you age. If you're like most people you've been sitting for 8 hours a day or more for decades now, your physical activity levels have been eroded by family, work, societal and financial concerns and you've fallen into the habit of collapsing in front of the TV or computer each night where you'll vegetate for a couple of hours before heading to bed. And even then your 8 hours of restful, uninterrupted sleep is but a fond memory...
The good news is that, in most cases, your body is very willing to forgive your transgressions - but it needs your help, and it needs it starting now before more conditions become irreversible. There's no reason to let fitness take over your life; you can start working toward better senior health & fitness by making a few modifications in your daily routine, such as:
Achieving & Maintaining A Healthy Weight: Have a few extra pounds around your middle, men? Ladies - do you find your outfits are a bit tighter across the beam these days, or tighter in the hips & thighs? Crash diets or fad diets aren't the answer, and if you've tried either you already know that. The best weight loss solution is to simply adopt more healthy nutritional habits and get rid of many of the sugary and salty foods currently polluting your kitchen. When you're not in a hurry, a small reduction in your carbohydrate or caloric intake can often make the difference over time, making it much easier to achieve a healthy weight. If you don't think that extra 10 or 15 pounds is hard on your system, try carrying a 10-pin bowling ball around with you all day for just one day - that's about the same weight.
Start A Simple Exercise Program: If you were the type to get involved in extreme fitness you wouldn't be in your current shape - it takes a distinct mindset to get involved with and stay with high-end fitness programs and if you don't have that type of motivated mindset an extreme program is just going to be another disappointment for you. Instead, just set aside some time each day to go for a walk. That's right - just walk. And not powerwalking, either. Just a nice leisurely stroll. Start out going for a walk for fifteen or twenty minutes and increase that over time until you're walking a couple of hours a day. You'll be surprised by what it does for your weight, blood pressure, heart health and endurance. Equally surprising will be how little you miss those TV shows you're currently almost addicted to.
Healthy Nutrition & Anti-Oxidants: For 40 or 50 years now, day-to-day activities have been ravaging your body. Smoking or being exposed to second-hand smoke, breathing polluted air, even being out in the sun - these have all been breaking down parts of your system and creating 'free radicals' - cells that rob energy and life from other cells in your skin and internal body parts. Start learning about the various anti-oxidants that can help stop or destroy these free radicals and start including the foods or supplements that provide Vitamins C & E, the catechins in green tea, etc. Not only are these credited with protecting your body from the ravages of time, but many skin care experts claim they help in the anti-aging aspect of your appearance as well.
There's no getting around the fact that you'll need to take more action now towards your senior health than if you'd stayed in great shape through your 20's and 30's, but by starting in your 40's and 50's you'll not only avoid a lot of the aches and pains normally associated with aging but you may also end up avoiding some of the major health problems your future would otherwise hold, and recover more quickly from ailments that do occur. Your senior health is the most valuable asset you could ever own - start your journey toward healthy nutrition and senior fitness today!

Improve Your Indoor Air Quality With An Organic Mattress

Did you know that your indoor air quality could be as much as 100 times more polluted than the air outside of your home? That's because we fill our modern homes with products and materials that off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) sometimes years after they've been purchased. By choosing products that are less toxic than conventional products (like an organic mattress) you can improve your indoor air quality significantly, which has health benefits for you and the environment.
Indoor air quality and your purchasing choices
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), we humans spend as much as 90% indoor - whether we're in our homes or in indoor offices. And while we work hard to create peaceful, healthy environments at home where we can rest and rejuvenate, we may actually be purchasing polluting products that harm our health.
This can include things like finishes on hardwood flooring, glues used to make cabinetry, paint on walls and furniture, scented cleaning products and candles, electronics, carpeting, and even linens and bedding. VOCs can contribute to a variety of health problems, including headaches, dizziness, fatigue, asthma and respiratory distress.
VOCs also contribute to environmental challenges. When they're released into the atmosphere, VOCs mix with other compounds and can create smog or ground-level ozone. This impacts the air quality in many cities and has the double-impact of trapping heat in these regions, increasing the need for cooling requirements.
Conventional mattresses are just another example of furnishings that poison indoor air. They are commonly treated with chemicals such as formaldehyde and fire retardents both of which can off gas VOCs into your home. Other VOCs found in traditional mattresses include chemical-based foams, adhesives used to hold the mattress together, artificial fibers, and chemically-treated wood used to make the mattress frame. Even conventional mattress covers are treated with chemicals.
How an organic mattress improves your indoor air quality
Thankfully, there are many things within your control that impact your indoor air quality, not least of which are the products you buy. And since you spend so much time in your bedroom sleeping, choosing an organic mattress that's not made with these indoor air polluting chemicals is very important. Here are some of the characteristics you should look for in an organic mattress and organic bedding:
- Choose natural rubber latex to avoid synthetic foams
- Look for products made with organic cotton, bamboo, or organic wool to avoid pesticides and other agricultural chemicals
- Look for the following seals of approval for indoor air quality: GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), GREENGUARD, Cradle 2 Cradle by MBDC, Global Recycle Standard, SMART Sustainable Textile Standard, Oeko Tex
By choosing products that meet these stringent, third-party standards for environmental sustainability and human health, you'll be protecting your indoor air quality and your wellbeing.

A Personal Trainer Can Provide Motivation, Accountability and Encouragement

Losing weight is something that many people desire to do. They search and search for the right diet plans, diet pills and diet advice books. Every year, millions of people even make the task of dropping pounds their New Year's resolution. Whether someone wants to shed weight to get into a summer bathing suit, fit into their high school uniform or even improve their health, soliciting the help of a personal trainer is a great idea. In fact, these professionals are vital in many cases.

One of the reasons a personal trainer is so invaluable is because they can provide a sense of motivation. Many times people get lazy when it comes to their exercise routine. For example, someone could start off going to the gym five times a week. However, after a couple of weeks, they start slacking off. They only make an effort to go once a week, at most. This isn't because they no longer want to lose weight. However, they have lost their motivation. A professional can help to make sure that this doesn't occur. They would be there to push them to exercise even when they really don't want to.

Another thing that a personal trainer can provide is accountability. Sometimes, people can not only lose motivation. However, they can just plain give up. It may be due to the fact that they have lost interest or they aren't seeing the results that they want. So, they no longer care. Therefore, they may tend to do things such as sneak junk food or purposely skip exercise days. However, if there was someone there to hold them accountable, it wouldn't be so easy for them to do. That's because a person such as a personal trainer actually tracks their clients' progress. So, they would notice if they haven't been eating the right things or sticking to the proper exercise regimen.

Along with providing motivation and accountability, these professionals also provide encouragement. Some may believe that family members and friends can do this job. However, this isn't always the case. Many times, they are already preoccupied with their own lives and the issues that come with it. So, they don't really have the time, patience or wherewithal to focus on the weight loss goals of others. In some cases, they may even be consumed with their own weight loss goals.

Senior Health and Fitness In Your 60's, 70's And Beyond

By now you've come to realize what escapes most younger people - that your physical health and fitness levels are more important than financial security as you approach or enjoy retirement. Senior health wasn't a major concern in your younger days, but it's of ultimate, or at least penultimate importance now. Trouble is, the best of current intentions are up against a lifetime of excesses and abuses your body & mind have endured up to now. Fortunately, while some injuries, handicaps and conditions may now be with you for life, almost everyone can get healthier, get stronger, become more mobile and relieve some of the chronic pain they currently experience. And this is true whether you're in your 60's and 70's, 80's and 90's or even a celebrated centenarian!

Adopting A Fitness Mindset
Your first step towards true senior health & fitness is an attitude inventory. Think you're too set in your ways to change now, that you 'can't teach an old dog new tricks'? How often were you on the Internet in your twenties? When was the last time you wrote a letter by hand and mailed it to a friend? Did you enjoy your cell phone in your 30's? You've been making changes, some big and some small, all your life. Your path to senior fitness can start with small steps too - unless medical conditions dictate otherwise, you don't need to rush into anything. Start with small changes and let their combined effects grow over time - after all, you're not planning on leaving anytime soon, are you?

Or is that the mindset issue for you? If you're thinking you only have ten or 20 years of life left you may or may not be right, depending on coming advances in medicine, disease control and genetic research. But even if you DO only have ten years left, is that any reason to spend them in declining health and increasing aches and pains if there's a viable option? Decide right now that you want a better, fitter & healthier life no matter how long it proves to be.

Healthy Nutrition For Seniors
Seniors often need fewer daily calories but more nutrients than they did in their younger years. Modern dietary habits may have made your insulin receptors less efficient, your body has probably become less efficient at absorbing Vitamin B-12 and you may need to be taking in more calcium, for example.

Most seniors have become aware of the importance of dietary fibre - but did you know that cinnamon, Omega-3, Vitamin D-3 and red peppers like chili peppers and cayenne pepper can play just as important a role? Senior nutrition is all too often a matter of habit, so take time to learn about modern healthy nutrition practices and adjust your diet and/or supplements to your benefit.

Exercise For Seniors
It might surprise you to learn that pre-existing conditions aside, your body will respond to exercise now, even if you're 90 or 100, in much the same way it did in your twent6ies or thirties. Exercise will break down the muscle cells and your body will repair them and make them stronger - it just takes a bit longer for the recovery period. Obviously you're not about to stroll into a gym and do 300-pound squats or 200-pound deadlifts, but then most people have never been able to do that at any age if they hadn't already been training for some time.

A sudden increase in exercise levels is never recommended - think of the first time you played with your new grand-baby, lifting them up over your head, swinging them around... Remember how sore you were the next day? You need to ease your body into an increased activity level - start by walking every day. Take your dog for a longer walk, explore new neighborhoods or join a mall-walking group at a local mall. When walking at a comfortable pace for an hour or more no longer leaves you sore or 'too pooped to party', start adding in a bit of weightlifting with the eventual goal of being able to do a complete weightlifting workout once or twice a week.

Weightlifting routines for seniors aren't designed to make you competitive bodybuilders with huge muscles, but rather to help you maintain strength and improve your energy and flexibility. This can lead to improved digestion, burning off excess bodyfat, improved blood sugar and blood pressure levels, better balance to help prevent falls and a host of other benefits for seniors. Many seniors report reduced lower back pain, lessened arthritic pain and a general reduction in the daily aches and pains that plague most seniors.

For post-menopausal women reduced bone density can lead to a condition called osteoporosis, but an effective weightlifting routine can help keep your bone density levels out of that danger zone. Symptoms of other conditions that rob the body of muscle may also be mitigated or delayed by seniors exercising with weights regularly.

Starting Your Seniors Health & Fitness Regime
Once you've made up your mind that you want to be healthier, stronger, better balanced and have more energy, your first stop is your doctor. While very few family doctors are top experts in fitness nutrition or up to date on the latest exercise research, no one knows more about your current medical condition and any pre-existing conditions you need to be mindful of before changing your nutrition, increasing your activity level or beginning a weightlifting program.

Assuming you get the all-clear from your doctor, the best solution is to get a meal plan from a certified nutritionist and a custom-designed weightlifting program from a certified personal trainer. If geography or finances prohibit the use of one-on-one sessions with trained nutrition and exercise pros, do your due diligence online. But be sure to follow advice only from trustworthy, credible sources - there's as much misinformation as good info about health and fitness online. At the very least, look for advice from those as qualified as you would in the offline world.

Something You Should Know About Heart Attack And Stroke

Atherosclerosis - Leading Cause Of Heart Disease And Stroke
About 1.2 million Americans are diagnosed with heart disease every year and almost 700,000 Americans will suffer a stroke. Additionally, about 8 million people suffer peripheral arterial disease in the U.S.
Atherosclerosis is the leading cause for heart attack and stroke, which results in more than 40% of all deaths in the United States, more than all kinds of cancer combined. For many, atherosclerosis is a silent disease, with no visible signs or symptoms until it suddenly leads to a heart attack or stroke.
Atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis is a disease where there is a slow increase of fatty plaques in the arteries, causing the arteries to harden. The arteries are the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the cells. The buildup of plaque in these arteries narrows the arteries and reduces the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart and other parts of the body.
The process of atherosclerosis can begin at early childhood or adulthood and eventually block the arteries, which arrests the flow of blood to the heart and brain, leading to heart attack, stroke or even death. Any artery in the body can be altered by atherosclerosis and, depending on which artery is affected, a variety of diseases can develop.
-- Coronary artery disease or heart disease: A buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries can reduce or block blood flow to the heart, leading to chest pain and heart attack.
-- Carotid artery disease: A buildup of plaque in the carotid arteries can lower or diminish blood flow to the brain leading to stroke.
-- Peripheral arterial disease: A buildup of plaque in the major arteries supplying oxygen-rich blood to the legs, arms and pelvis, can lead to numbness, pain and dangerous infections.
Low-grade Inflammation Plays A Crucial Role At Every Stage Of Atherosclerosis
During the initial stage of atherosclerosis, plaques build up quickly in the inflamed arteries. When inflammation persists, the plaques narrow the blood vessels quickly. As atherosclerosis progresses, inflammation leads to the formation of soft or vulnerable plaque filled with inflammatory cells and their metabolites and debris.
The inflamed plaques develop weak areas that can rupture without warning. The ruptured plaque brings the blood in contact with the plaque contents, results in the formation of clots and artery occlusion, leads to major problems like heart attack and stroke.
What Causes Low-grade Inflammation
Cigarette smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes are well established risk factors that promote atherosclerosis. These risk factors give rise to a range of toxic stimuli that cause the release of chemicals and the activation of inflammatory cells.
In addition, chronic infection, probably caused by bacteria or virus, might contribute to or even cause atherosclerosis. The infectious bacteria such as Chlamydia pneumoniae has been shown to have an important association with atherosclerotic plaque. The herpes simplex virus may also be an original inflammatory infectious agent in atherosclerosis.
Lifestyle factors such as stress, lack of exercise, poor diet, and genetic predisposition can also stimulate inflammation.
Inflammatory Marker CRP Predicts Cardiovascular Events And Stroke
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein marker that rises during systemic inflammation. High levels of CRP reliably predict recurrent coronary events (angina) and heart attack. Elevated CRP levels are also associated with lower survival rates in these patients.
Studies also indicate that the higher the CRP level, the greater the risk of having a heart attack. Studies also found association between sudden cardiac death, peripheral arterial disease, and CRP.
Control Inflammation Can Prevent Heart Attack And Stroke
Inflammation should be controlled by lifestyle changes, including losing weight, exercising, controlling diabetes, stopping smoking, controlling high blood pressure, and reducing alcohol intake. Anti-platelet drugs such as aspirin may offer some protection. Cholesterol-lowering statin drugs may also reduce low-grade inflammation.
A recent clinical trial that studied 17,802 apparently healthy men and women discovered that lowering inflammation can prevent cardiovascular disease. Another trial that examined 250,000 patients who suffered a heart attack showed that nearly 50% of the attacks occurred in people with normal cholesterol levels, which indicates that inflammation is involved. The study findings also implied that about 20% of the total heart attacks in the US can be prevented simply by controlling inflammation.
Natural Remedies For Inflammation Relief
There are many medicinal herbs with anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce chronic inflammation safely. Some of them have been extensively analyzed and studied. To name just a few: Turmeric, Scute, Coptis, Lovage, and Gingo biloba.
By keeping inflammation under control, natural anti-inflammatory remedies may:
-- Boost the vascular healing and repair;
-- Improve vascular function and integrity;
-- Maintain normal coagulation of blood and protect blood vessels from breakdown;
-- Restore the body's antioxidant defense and help to ease stress.

Poor Posture - Your Underestimated Nemesis

While you were growing up did adults ever nag you to "stand up straight!"? Chances are, it was annoying but they were right. The effects of bad posture should not be underestimated.

Bad posture not only slowly wears away your joints and ligaments leading to eventual orthopedic conditions & injuries but it can even cause trouble breathing, weight gain, lowered confidence and energy. But don't worry; it can all be avoided with a few small adjustments.

Good Posture Tips

A common misconception is that you should stand as straight as possible, which usually means you're overarching your back and that can actually cause more tension than slouching in some cases. You really just need to ensure everything is aligned correctly but don't force your back into an unnatural position. A good test is to stand against a wall with your bottom touching. If the back of your head naturally touches the wall as well you've got good posture. Your head, shoulders and hips will be in a straight line but your spine should still form its natural "S" shape. Here are a few tips more specific to bad posture prone situations:

• Sitting (driving, working on the computer, etc)
• Sit upright as if you had a string pulling you up.
• Your bottom should touch the back of your seat.
• Feet are flat on the floor. Don't cross legs, we know it's tempting - don't do it.
• Don't lean forward to look closer at what you're watching/doing. This can seriously stress your neck muscles and lead to a lot of discomfort and even headaches!
• A small pillow in the curve of your back can aid with comfort and keeping the natural curve of your spine.
• Get up every 30 minutes or so and walk around if you can.
• If you have injured your back in the past, wear a supportive back brace during strenuous activities.

Standing and walking

• Walk heel to toe, pushing off the ground with the balls of your feet.
• Position your feet shoulder length apart, shoulders slightly back in a relaxed position and suck in your stomach.
• Take shorter, more frequent strides are idea as opposed to long strides.
• Don't look at the ground; keep eyes straight ahead.
• Tuck in your chin just a little to ensure your head and neck are both in line with your spine.
• It almost goes without saying but comfortable shoes with a proper arch make a huge difference, especially if walking long distances.

Lifting & Bending - One of the biggest back injury culprits!

• Always bend at the knees when you lift.
• Make sure you lift with your legs, never your back.
• Keep your feet shoulder width apart.
• Position yourself close to the object you're lifting.
• If you have to turn while lifting something, use your feet not your waist.
• Tighten those stomach muscles!

Sleeping

• Sleep on your back or on your side with your knees bent.
• If sleeping on your side, put a pillow in between your legs to keep your spine straight throughout the night.
• Don't sleep on your stomach.
• Avoid thick pillows that will raise your head up too far.

It's not difficult to improve your posture; it just takes some conscious attention and consistency. The sooner you start, the better since it's much harder to reverse the negative effects of bad posture the older you are. Besides, the benefits are worth it.

Improved Posture Benefits

You might be surprised at how much improved posture benefits your body, health and mind. Here are just a few of the positive changes you'll see:

• Improved organ function, especially digestion
• Decreased joint injury and ligament stress
• Lowers chances of arthritis and other orthopedic conditions and injuries
• Stronger core
• Facilitates breathing for increased energy, improved blood flow and a clearer mind
• Try breathing slouching and breathing standing up straight - huge difference!
• Relaxed muscles
• Appear taller and thinner
• Increased confidence

Health News: Medical Breakthroughs

Over the years, medical scientists have worked so hard to shed light to the most puzzling areas of health and medicine. These people spend most of their time doing research for the benefit of the humanity. If you are reading health news on a regular basis, you would understand how diligent these people are. Here are some of the breakthroughs in medical and health science that have a significant impact on our lives.
Disarming HIV
One of the most talked about breakthroughs today is the discovery of the Achilles Heel of the HIV. American and European scientists have found a way to disarm the virus and keep it from wreaking havoc in the immune system. The method involves extracting the cholesterol from the virus, a method that extinguishes its defenses. Without this cholesterol, the virus loses its weaponry and becomes open for the human immune system to destroy. HIV is known for disabling the adaptive response of the immune system. Since the discovery of the human immunodeficiency virus, scientists have been finding a means to fight it. None so far has been so successful. Vaccines in the past were useless. But things might have changed now that a new way to weaken the virus has been discovered.
Aspirin for Cancer Prevention
It has been found out that taking small amounts of aspirin on a daily basis can curb risk of stroke and heart disease. We already know that. But recent studies indicate it can also decrease risk of cancer. Studies done in United Kingdom have been conducted to monitor subjects taking about 75-300 mg of aspirin a day. After three years, those taking aspirin had cancer risk reduced by approximately 25%. Then after 5 years, risk of cancer was reduced to 37%.
Studies indicate that daily intake of aspirin cuts down cancer risk by preventing metastasis. Nonetheless, there is another problem with aspirin intake. Doctors warn that regular intake of aspirin may cause stomach bleeding. Moreover, people who take aspirin daily are, ironically, at risk of hemorrhagic strokes.
Placebos as Drugs
Placebos are "empty" agents used in research to determine the true effects of drugs. This time they are used as treatment agents on their own. The power of placebos comes from suggestion-not from the placebos themselves. For instance, studies show that when people are told they are getting good exercise, they tend to lose more weight than those who are not told the same thing. There are already many studies that test the ability of placebo to treat disorders. Placebos do not contain active ingredients to target the illness. They work by changing the person's reaction to their illness.
Exercise to Defy Aging
People already know the benefits of exercise. Health news articles have discussed too much about exercise. Anyone can now say exercise relieves stress, improves cardiovascular health, enhances immunity, and so on. What we might have missed to note is that exercise promises to reverse aging. This assumption was made by scientists who studies laboratory mice subjected to exercise program. These mice had better muscles, hearts, kidneys, and brains than those that did not go through exercise program. Their hair was also shinier and thicker.

Sports Physical Appointments at a Walk In Clinic

Today's athletic physicals can be set up at a walk in clinic instead of a primary care physician's office. Kids tend to keep parents on their toes and everyone has a busy schedule. Who wants to hassle with trying to find a date and time that work for the doctor and your family? In some cases, there is no need to make an appointment when you can just drop in for the physical instead.
Reasons for a Sports Physical
You may see your child as physically fit and ready for soccer, basketball, or football. They eat well, maintain a healthy weight and have plenty of energy for their activities. In spite of your observations, a doctor still needs to examine your child and make sure that he or she is ready to participate in sports at school. They work much like a regular physical but the doctor may discuss the sport with the child and ask specific questions about it. For example, the doctor may want to stress the importance of a helmet and proper equipment to a child going out for football.
If there are any issues that could cause sports to be a problem, the doctor can identify them and work on a treatment. If there are any past medical concerns, the doctor can revisit those issues and check to see if any progress has been made. For most parents, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Seeing a doctor at the walk in clinic can give you peace of mind when you send your child out onto the field or court.
Procedure
In some cases, a walk in clinic will not require an appointment for a sports physical. A parent and child can drop by any time and wait to see a practitioner. The wait is usually not more than 20 minutes, so those with a difficult-to-accommodate schedule also find this to be the best option. If a parent has the ability to make an appointment, call the walk in clinic to see how that would work.
At the time of arrival, a medical history will be requested as well as any health insurance information. Be sure to have anything necessary to fill this form out readily available. For most people, this will not take much time and the parent takes the form back when meeting with the doctor.
If the school has provided a release form, be sure to bring this along as well. The doctor can sign off on the paper when the exam is complete, releasing the child to participate in sports at school. Often a walk in clinic will have a form that will suffice when it comes time to turn in the paperwork to the school. It outlines the child's health and allows them to join in on the activities.

Digestion: Boost Energy, Recover Better, Be Happier

It isn't too hard to believe that the digestive system is one of the most important and hard-working systems in our bodies. Its job is to extract nutrients from foods, digest nutrients into small units for absorption (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, etc.) and to separate waste products.

Why is healthy digestion so important?

It's pretty simple. Poor digestion results in poor mineral and nutrient absorption. This is because the digestive system has lost some of the ability to turn what's consumed into a form the body can use. So it doesn't matter how healthy or "well" you believe you're eating, if you have a damaged or poor functioning digestive system, you will not be getting the full benefits of what you're consuming. With today's busy lifestyles, many of us are susceptible to poor digestion.

Symptoms of poor digestion can include:

• Bloating
• Gas & abdominal pain
• Low energy & chronicle fatigue
• Reflux & heartburn
• Constipation & Diarrhoea
• Poor skin & hair quality
• Allergies
• Poor training recovery
• Sore joints
• Weak immune system (getting sick frequently)
• Chronic conditions such as depression & anxiety
• Cancer (extreme but research has shown links)

What can cause poor digestion?

• Stress
• Processed foods
• High sugar consumption
• Alcohol
• High intake of red meat
• Lactose intolerance
• Diet changes
• Artificial additives (aspartame sweetener (951) being one of the main culprit, hidden in most "sugar free" diet drinks, chewing-gums, low sugar chocolates, Equal sweetener, etc)
• Anti-biotics & other medications (anti-biotics and strong medications create enzyme imbalances)
• Age (as you age, digestive enzyme production decreases)

How to improve your digestion:

• Eat raw foods which have living enzymes. This includes: Raw fruit & vegetables (uncooked and well washed - preferably organic): help to break-down carbs; Raw sprouts: Soak these to re-active enzymes. Examples include broccoli, radish, cress, beans (mung, amarillo, peas, etc) and more; Raw nuts & seeds (unroasted and preferably unsalted): Help break down fat; Raw pineapple: Helps with the digestion of protein
• Digestive enzymes supplement
• Glutamine to restore colon lining, recovery and also assist in digestive enzyme balance

So, if you want to have more energy, recover better, be happier & even live longer, start working on your digestion. Not only will you feel better, it could be the key to you losing extra weight, fitting into your old jeans and reaching your body & performance goals.

Something You Should Know About Heart Attack And Stroke

Atherosclerosis - Leading Cause Of Heart Disease And Stroke
About 1.2 million Americans are diagnosed with heart disease every year and almost 700,000 Americans will suffer a stroke. Additionally, about 8 million people suffer peripheral arterial disease in the U.S.
Atherosclerosis is the leading cause for heart attack and stroke, which results in more than 40% of all deaths in the United States, more than all kinds of cancer combined. For many, atherosclerosis is a silent disease, with no visible signs or symptoms until it suddenly leads to a heart attack or stroke.
Atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis is a disease where there is a slow increase of fatty plaques in the arteries, causing the arteries to harden. The arteries are the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the cells. The buildup of plaque in these arteries narrows the arteries and reduces the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart and other parts of the body.
The process of atherosclerosis can begin at early childhood or adulthood and eventually block the arteries, which arrests the flow of blood to the heart and brain, leading to heart attack, stroke or even death. Any artery in the body can be altered by atherosclerosis and, depending on which artery is affected, a variety of diseases can develop.
-- Coronary artery disease or heart disease: A buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries can reduce or block blood flow to the heart, leading to chest pain and heart attack.
-- Carotid artery disease: A buildup of plaque in the carotid arteries can lower or diminish blood flow to the brain leading to stroke.
-- Peripheral arterial disease: A buildup of plaque in the major arteries supplying oxygen-rich blood to the legs, arms and pelvis, can lead to numbness, pain and dangerous infections.
Low-grade Inflammation Plays A Crucial Role At Every Stage Of Atherosclerosis
During the initial stage of atherosclerosis, plaques build up quickly in the inflamed arteries. When inflammation persists, the plaques narrow the blood vessels quickly. As atherosclerosis progresses, inflammation leads to the formation of soft or vulnerable plaque filled with inflammatory cells and their metabolites and debris.
The inflamed plaques develop weak areas that can rupture without warning. The ruptured plaque brings the blood in contact with the plaque contents, results in the formation of clots and artery occlusion, leads to major problems like heart attack and stroke.
What Causes Low-grade Inflammation
Cigarette smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes are well established risk factors that promote atherosclerosis. These risk factors give rise to a range of toxic stimuli that cause the release of chemicals and the activation of inflammatory cells.
In addition, chronic infection, probably caused by bacteria or virus, might contribute to or even cause atherosclerosis. The infectious bacteria such as Chlamydia pneumoniae has been shown to have an important association with atherosclerotic plaque. The herpes simplex virus may also be an original inflammatory infectious agent in atherosclerosis.
Lifestyle factors such as stress, lack of exercise, poor diet, and genetic predisposition can also stimulate inflammation.
Inflammatory Marker CRP Predicts Cardiovascular Events And Stroke
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein marker that rises during systemic inflammation. High levels of CRP reliably predict recurrent coronary events (angina) and heart attack. Elevated CRP levels are also associated with lower survival rates in these patients.
Studies also indicate that the higher the CRP level, the greater the risk of having a heart attack. Studies also found association between sudden cardiac death, peripheral arterial disease, and CRP.
Control Inflammation Can Prevent Heart Attack And Stroke
Inflammation should be controlled by lifestyle changes, including losing weight, exercising, controlling diabetes, stopping smoking, controlling high blood pressure, and reducing alcohol intake. Anti-platelet drugs such as aspirin may offer some protection. Cholesterol-lowering statin drugs may also reduce low-grade inflammation.
A recent clinical trial that studied 17,802 apparently healthy men and women discovered that lowering inflammation can prevent cardiovascular disease. Another trial that examined 250,000 patients who suffered a heart attack showed that nearly 50% of the attacks occurred in people with normal cholesterol levels, which indicates that inflammation is involved. The study findings also implied that about 20% of the total heart attacks in the US can be prevented simply by controlling inflammation.
Natural Remedies For Inflammation Relief
There are many medicinal herbs with anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce chronic inflammation safely. Some of them have been extensively analyzed and studied. To name just a few: Turmeric, Scute, Coptis, Lovage, and Gingo biloba.
By keeping inflammation under control, natural anti-inflammatory remedies may:
-- Boost the vascular healing and repair;
-- Improve vascular function and integrity;
-- Maintain normal coagulation of blood and protect blood vessels from breakdown;
-- Restore the body's antioxidant defense and help to ease stress.