Lazy summer days make you want to lie in the hammock in your backyard sipping on a cool drink and daydream or read. What could be more enjoyable than an afternoon spent like that? Not too many things, right. But there is a potential problem hidden in this image. The problem with this picture isn’t the rest and relaxation, although I’m sure there are a thousand chores that could and should be attended too. It is the drink you are sipping on that could ruin your lazy afternoon.
June 30, 2008
June 27, 2008
5 ways to fight cellulite
Combating cellulite is an exasperating task, especially in the summer months. Since cellulite appears most often around the thighs and buttocks it is difficult to disguise and can cause great despair. What you need are some options that help reduce the appearance of cellulite so it is not so noticeable.
1. Make your own cream. Cellulite creams are expensive. In the current economy, every penny counts. Combine ground coffee and your favorite lotion. Rub the mixture on the cellulite repeatedly throughout your day. Caffeine is the number one ingredient found in almost every cellulite cream.
June 26, 2008
What is a stroke is and how will it affect your life?
A stroke is caused by a blockage in a blood vessel by a clot or when a blood vessel bursts. The blockage prevents oxygen and nutrients from reaching the brain by obstructing blood flow. Most strokes (over 80%) are ischemic strokes caused by a clogged blood vessel. A leading cause of the blockage is the underlying condition known as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis occurs when fatty deposits line the walls of the vessels preventing blood from flowing.
The effects of a stroke can vary greatly. Strokes block oxygen to the brain. Lack of oxygen can cause permanent and irreparable damage to brain cells. The region of the brain that was affected may not function properly or, in some cases, ever again. Whichever body part or function that region of the brain controlled will not function properly if at all. The extent of the damage is also dependant on how much of the brain tissue was affected.
The extent of the neurological damage can cause many problems. Paralysis to the body could occur. If the stroke affected the left side, the paralysis would be on the right. And if the stroke targeted the right side, the left side would suffer paralysis. Vision problems and memory loss are possible. Speech and language problems may ensue. Changes in behavior styles are also possible. Recovery can be a long and arduous process, impacted by the amount of time the brain was lacking oxygen.
June 25, 2008
If food allergies are keeping you from losing weight, consult an expert!
Eating a healthy diet is important. Whether your goal is to lose weight or build muscle, your body requires a variety of foods to obtain the nutrients it needs to stay healthy. Some people may find developing a healthy diet plan to be difficult, though. Many people suffer with food allergies or take medications that make it tricky to eat healthy. What do you do if you can’t eat fruits or vegetables or are allergic to healthy grains like wheat?
June 24, 2008
Relaxation alleviates stress and averts serious health problems
When you think about health, lying around is probably not the first activity (or lack there of) that comes to mind. But it should still be on your mental ‘To do’ list. Relaxation is an essential element to a healthy body. You cannot expect to maintain good health without having some down time. Without time to relax, your stress level will be high. Statistics indicate that stress is a major risk factor for many dangerous health conditions.
What could be a better reason to relax than your health? Experts agree that stress should be dealt with and alleviated. High levels of stress or chronic stress can lead to heart attacks, stroke, high blood pressure, heart disease, and many other detrimental health conditions. A ‘cure’ for stress is relaxation. And if relaxing will help lower your risk of the above chronic conditions, shouldn’t it be a priority on your ‘To do’ list?
Summer offers numerous relaxing activities. You can lie in a hammock in your backyard and read or sleep. Don’t have a hammock? Buy one! Your spouse won’t complain of the expense when you explain it is essential to your health. If the hammock is not for you, you could try going to the beach. The sun, the sand, and the water can have a very relaxing effect. You could also try fishing either on a boat or on the side of a lake. A vacation is a great way to escape the stress of everyday life and relax. If you are just not an outdoor person, try a massage.
It is difficult to consider relaxation and essential activity when you have so many things you must get done. You have to put things into perspective and realize that unless your body and mind has a chance to heal from the detrimental effects of stress, you could do irreversible harm. Relaxation should be a priority. Besides the important health reasons, relaxation will improve your quality of life. What are you working so hard for everyday if not to relax at some point?