Living Fit, Healthy and Happy

Bipolar Disorder Can Strike Anyone

Bipolar Disorder Can Strike Anyone
By Samantha Kay

It's an equal-opportunity biological condition that can have
serious psychological symptoms. With more than 2 million people
in America alone living with the diagnosis of bipolar disorder,
there's no denying its presence. But what is this condition and
what are the warning signs?

Bipolar disorder results when there is a chemical imbalance in
the brain. When neurotransmitters are not at the levels they
should be, those prone to this condition will very likely suffer
a wide variety of symptoms. The disorder itself is characterized
by sharp, and sometimes frightening, mood swings.

A person suffering from bipolar disorder will generally go
through very high highs, or manic phases, and very low, lows, or
depressive states. As the pendulum swings, so too will the
moods. The different phases of bipolar disorder can also appear
at once in a middle-of-the-road presentation.

The dangers of this disorder are many. During manic phases, for
example, a person might take greater risks than normal, make
extremely poor choices and deprive themselves of sleep, as well,
sometimes for days on end. In the midst of a depressive phase,
serious symptoms may arise. The risk of suicide is higher for
those with untreated bipolar disorder, as well.

Determining if a person has bipolar disorder can be a tricky
undertaking. This is especially complicated by the mood swings.
When these swings and their symptoms are noticed, however, there
is likely a cause for concern.

Look for these things during a high swing:

* Increased self-importance or overestimation of talents and
abilities.

* A reduced need for rest. Some people with the disorder have
been known to go for days at a time without sleep.

* Hyperactive speech patterns, i.e., talking too much, too
loudly and too rapidly.

* Increased desire to take risks. Manic phase often presents
with patients taking on mass amounts of debt, doing drugs,
having casual sex where they wouldn't have before and so on.

* Racing thoughts, restlessness. During the manic phase, it can
be impossible for a person to slow down or even stick to one
topic or activity.

During a depressed state, a manic-depressive might display
these symptoms:

* Difficulty concentrating.

* Appetite changes that might include weight loss or gain.

* Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and hopelessness.

* Thoughts of death or suicide.

* Lack of interest in hobbies, activities or even work.

A person suffering from true bipolar disorder will experience
swings between the two phases. If the symptoms are present and
noticeable, medical help might be required. Although the visible
symptoms of this condition are psychological, the fact is the
disorder is biological of nature. While it cannot be cured,
there are ways to control it. Brining the symptoms into check
can help a person lead a normal life and go about daily
activities with little no trouble.

Getting help for bipolar disorder is imperative to prevent the
more serious complications of this condition. From the
risk-taking of the manic swings to the suicidal tendencies of
the depressive episodes, there are dangers riddled throughout
this condition. Management and control can greatly reduce the
risks.

About the Author: For more information on bipolar, try visiting
http://www.bipolardetails.com - a website that specializes in
providing bipolar related tips and resources to include
information on bipolar disorder.

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Best Type of Cardio For Fat Loss

Best Type of Cardio For Fat Loss
By Yuri Elkaim

The goal in any fat loss exercise regimen is to choose
activities that consume large amounts of oxygen. This is because
the body burns 5 calories for every liter of oxygen that it
consumes.

Therefore, what do you think would be the best type of cardio
to do for fat loss?

Well, let’s look at the typical options. Running, biking,
swimming, elliptical, rowing, walking, stair climbing/stair
master, upper body ergometer, and obviously many outdoor sports
such as cross-country skiing.

So there are many forms of cardio to choose from and they all
work. It’s important to always remember that. All forms of
exercise will work in the long run given the right training
program and consistent effort.

But we’re interested in not only what works but works what best
for burning fat! We want to get the best bang for our buck,
right?

Since the goal is to maximize oxygen consumption (and thus VO2)
it is essential to find activities that will recruit the
greatest amount of muscle. This is because the more muscle that
is needed to perform an activity or movement, the more oxygen
that will be needed to supply those working muscles. Make sense?

Oxygen is the precursor to all the energy your body produces.
Your working muscles need oxygen otherwise they will quickly
fatigue and will be unable to perform their functions.

It is well known that athletes in sports that require large
amounts of muscle have the highest VO2 max (maximum aerobic
capacity) because their sports demand a massive supply of oxygen
to their working muscles. As such, the highest VO2 max on record
exist not in runners (as many would think) but rather
cross-country skiers and rowers.

Think about that for a second. Both cross-country skiing and
rowing involve just about muscle in the body working against
resistance. Both the upper body and lower body muscles are
pushing and pulling a given resistance which makes these sports
not only great aerobic training tools but also fantastic fat
burning cardio machines.

If you’ve ever watched Olympic rowing you will have undoubtedly
noticed towering men and women stacked with large and lean
muscles. Most of the male rowers are upwards of 6’4’’ and 220
lbs of shear muscle, making them calorie-burning machines.

These male and female rowers can get away with their large
frames because rowing is not a true weight-bearing sport. In
fact, this terrific sport idealizes large muscular athletes
because they can produce a lot of power, both aerobically and
muscularly, through their large muscle mass.

However, If you took these same rowers and asked them to run at
the same intensities at which they row, they would most likely
have a difficult time – not only because of the specific nature
of running but also because they would be “carrying” a lot of
mass.

How many 6’4”, 220 lbs runners do you know of? Most runners are
slim and slight. It simply makes their movement much easier.
Less weight to carry means less effort. If you have a tough time
envisioning this, then I encourage you to go for a run with a 20
lbs pack on your torso. You will immediately notice the
difference.

Similarly, most cross-skiers don’t exhibit the same physical
stature as rowers. However, their aerobic capacity is
astronomical. Yet, they are more similar to runners in physical
stature as cross-country skiing is a weight-bearing sport and
thus does not reward athletes with lots of weight, even if it’s
muscle.

Energy Expenditure (Calorie Burn) in Various Activities

Activity (per 1 hour)
130 lbs155 lbs190 lbs

Cycling, 10-12 mph
354
422
518

Cycling, 12-14 mph
472
563
690

Running, 5 mph
472
563
690

Running, 7 mph
679
809
992

X-Country Skiing, > 8mph
826
985
1208

Walking, 3 mph

207
246
302

Rowing, vigorous effort
561
669
819

As you can see from the above chart, running burns more
calories than other activities, at the same intensity. It is
therefore the most effective type of cardio for burning fat and
helping you lose weight.

There are two main reasons for this.

First, running is weight bearing which means that the muscles
of your lower body must work harder to support you and propel
you forward; thus, expending more calories. Therefore, the
heavier you are, the more calories you will burn (assuming equal
intensity as someone who is lighter).

Second, running is one of the least efficient of human
movements, which means that it produces a lot of heat/energy
expenditure for its movement. This also means that a lot of
calories are being spent. This is great for those who want to
lose weight but not so great for those looking for efficient
modes of movement.

But it makes sense if you think about it. Cycling is easier
than running, right? That’s because cycling is one of the most
mechanically efficient human movements, meaning that more of the
energy you put into the movement actually results in movement
(and not as much heat production as running!)

But we’re interested in what burns calories and fat, right?
Therefore, running is your best option. Find me an overweight
runner and I’ll be amazed.

About the Author: Fat Loss Expert, Yuri Elkaim helps millions
of busy health conscious individuals lose fat while bettering
their running performance with just 2 interval training runs per
week. Watch his new You Tube Video for a complete guided
interval training workout! Visit
http://www.mytreadmilltrainer.com today!

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Interval Training – Why You’re Probably Doing it Wrong

Interval Training – Why You’re Probably Doing it Wrong
By Pablo Bressan

Everybody wants the body of an Olympian. To that end, each day
millions of people try their hands at different exercise
regimes, launch into new dietary plans, buy endless amounts of
supplements and then rush to the scales and mirror a few days
later in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the fantastic new
them. But most end up being disappointed, and quit their efforts
after about three weeks. Why? What are we all doing wrong? Can
common sense and science be applied to this bewildering forest
of options and endless array of opinions so that we can take
sound decisions and develop healthy, athletic bodies that will
please even the most discriminating critic? The answer is yes,
and this article is going to clear away some myths and confusion
about one of the most basic and effective means of transforming
your body: Interval training.

But let’s start off with a basic question: what is interval
training? Simply put, it’s any exercise routine based on the
concept of a high intensity period of exercise followed by a low
intensity period, which is then repeated to achieve a cumulative
effect. High, low, high, low. Simple! How could you go wrong?
Apparently, very easily.

The key concept to understand in order to make interval
training most effective is the difference between aerobic and
anaerobic exercise. Everybody knows about aerobics, which
involves lots of people dancing and exercising together in the
same room, but that’s not what we’re talking about. Aerobic
exercise is any form of activity that relies on oxygen to burn
fat as a source of fuel over a long period of low intensity
workout such as jogging, cycling, etc. Sound good? Well, not
really. It takes forever to get visible results, and your body
is prone to conditioning itself to such repetitive, low key
exercise, giving you diminishing returns. Anaerobic exercise
does the opposite—it’s high intensity, low duration, and happens
too suddenly and intensely for oxygen to be used. As a result,
your body burns through its glycogen reserves, and then starts
to break down body tissue. Sound bad? Again, not really—this
body tissue is repaired as muscle, and your body will bounce
back leaner and stronger for it.

How does aerobic and anaerobic training play into interval
training? It depends. If your intervals are moderate and longer,
you will be operating in the aerobic zone. If they’re performed
at maximum intensity for short periods of time such as the HIIT
program (High Intensity Interval Training), then you’ll be
slamming right into the anaerobic zone, and breaking down body
tissue. Which is the right way to do it? Depends on what you
want. Do you want to look like an Olympic sprinter, or a
marathon runner? Aerobic exercise will give you that lean,
slender look over time and as a result of a lot of exercise,
while anaerobic exercise will develop your muscles quickly which
will help you replace fat with lean tissue quicker.

So is it possible to operate in the anaerobic zone for an
extended period of time, and get maximum results? Shaun T thinks
so. In his INSANITY program he puts forward a style of training
he calls ‘MAX Interval Training’, where he pushes you to work in
the anaerobic zone for long periods of time through ridiculously
intense workouts. And that’s why the program is called INSANITY.
That’s why it’s for advanced athletes and not beginners. Because
to attempt to work out in the anaerobic zone for extended
periods of time requires intense pre-conditioning, otherwise
you’ll drop your intensity level from the required 85% + to the
60% level, and then you know what? You’ll simply be doing
cardio.

So what style of Interval Training is right for you? Are you
doing it right or wrong? If you’re pounding away at the
treadmill for an hour each day, jogging along and breaking a
light sweat, then you’re not being as effective as you could be,
and what’s worse you’re taking up a ton of your time. Consider
operating within the anaerobic zone. It takes little time,
delivers maximum results, and is the fundamental principle
behind such programs as Shaun T’s INSANITY.

About the Author: Pablo Bressan is a Fitness Product Review
specialist for Miami based Extreme Fitness Results LLC. Visit
Extreme Fitness online to learn more about fitness and weight
loss products like http://www.extremefitnessresults.com Shaun T
Insanity and the
http://www.extremefitnessresults.com/P90X-Recovery-Drink_p_54.html
P90X Recovery Drink.

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Popular Diets Are Harmful to Your Health

Popular Diets Are Harmful to Your Health
By Pamela McDonald

Most diet books focus on greatly increasing or removing one of
The Big Three. Some of the most popular recent trends have been
removing most fats or carbohydrates, or greatly increasing
protein intake, in the diet. However, nutritional research shows
that these approaches are not only not optimal for disease
prevention, but may actually be harmful to your health.

Let's now look at several of these popular diets and some of
the misinformation and misconceptions commonly associated with
them.

Low-Fat Diets

Different Apo E genotypes need varying amounts of fat, and no
one should remove all the fat from their diet. There are good
fats and bad fats. The good ones are unprocessed polyunsaturated
and monounsaturated fats that have a positive reaction on the
cell. They include nuts, seeds, olives, and avocados.
Over-exposure to the bad ones — trans fats especially and too
many saturated fats — causes cellular inflammation, which in
turn leads to disease.

If you remove the wrong amount and kind of fat from your diet,
your longterm fuel supply becomes unbalanced. The recent
epidemic of Type 2 diabetes may have partly occurred because our
country has been encouraged to eat a low-fat diet for many
years. Based on the popularity of programs like Dr. Dean
Ornish's Program for Reversing Heart Disease, some of our major
health organizations encourage a low-fat diet for better health.

However, now that we know more about the importance of fats, it
is clear that not everyone can benefit from a low-fat diet. But
changing misconceptions this widespread is difficult. Fat has
been given such a bad name that a study conducted by the
American Dietetics Association discovered a major
misunderstanding that people have about it. They found that many
people thought they should delete all fat from their diet to
have good health, believing that the more fat they removed, the
better health they thought they will have. This is extremely
dangerous.

If we don't eat healthy fats (particularly the essential fatty
acids), we cannot survive because fat is part of every cell
membrane in the body. Because the brain has a fat content of
about 60 percent, the fat content of a healthy brain cell is
important for your brain to work correctly.

However, it is extremely important to know what type of fat you
are eating. Avoid inflammatory fats such as trans fats and
excessive exposure to saturated fats, as well as highly
processed polyunsaturated oils and omega-6 fats. At the same
time, you must also have the correct amount of
inflammatory-reducing fats from a monounsaturated and
polyunsaturated omega-3 source. The correct ratio of fats for
all genotypes is very important.

Another critical misconception is not realizing that fat
generally comes "packaged" with protein. For instance, beef
protein comes with beef fat, and beef has the highest
inflammatory fatty acid percentage of any of the animal protein
foods. You can't get one without the other, unless it's in an
unhealthy, highly processed product.

You need also to be aware of the source of fats in your diet.
Most fats don't just come as a simple plain fat source like
cooking oils, so you need to know what types of fats come
packaged with what proteins:

• Animal proteins (meat and dairy) come packaged with saturated
and trans fat
• Plant proteins (nuts, seeds, beans, rice, and soy) come
packaged with mono and polyunsaturated fats

Most foods are usually a combination of fats, carbohydrates,
and/or proteins, yet people generally see foods as belonging to
just one of these main categories rather than being a
combination. This means that if you succeed in removing all fats
from your diet, you're also removing other important nutrients.
You need protein, and it's very difficult to get good protein
without getting fats. You need to eat good sources of fat with
good protein, such as fish and soybeans, two excellent sources
of protein with anti-inflammatory fats.

Not knowing these facts can, in time, cause health problems for
anyone on a low-fat, high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet.

Low-Carbohydrate Diets

Another dangerous fad is the low-carbohydrate diet. While
certainly successful for weight loss, the problem here is that
most of the weight loss is water and lean mass. Carbohydrate is
a short-term fuel. Since the brain, intestines, and other organs
function only on glucose, which usually comes from
carbohydrates, if you are not eating carbohydrates at every meal
your body has to ask the liver to take on the extra job of
making some glucose.

This is a process with the long name of gluconeogenesis.
Essentially, it makes the blood glucose that your body is
designed to draw from carbohydrates in your diet, but it comes
at a high cost — it steals proteins from your tissues by
breaking down those tissues to gain a source of energy. This
process can put added stress on your kidneys and liver because
the nitrogen from the amino acids must be processed by the liver
and excreted by the kidneys. The result is rapid weight loss,
but in addition to burning the fat you want to lose, you also
lose some of the body's engine (muscle mass). This means that
your ability to burn fat in the future is reduced because your
muscle mass, your body's fat-burner, is also reduced. It's like
killing the goose that lays the golden eggs.

The Atkins Diet is the most popular low-carbohydrate diet. One
of its primary shortcomings is a failure to distinguish between
"good" fats (olive oil and other mono-unsaturates) and "bad"
fats (corn, safflower, sesame and other processed
polyunsaturates and saturates). Another shortcoming is that
since few fruits and vegetables are included, you get very
little of the all-important fiber, vitamins, minerals, and
health-protective phytochemicals these foods contain. And, even
though a few carbohydrates are allowed, this diet makes no
distinction between the healthy low-glycemic load carbs and the
less healthy high-glycemic load carbohydrates.

While some studies have shown that short-term use of
Atkins-type diets may be safe and effective for weight loss (but
you have to ask, what is being lost?), many physicians are
concerned about its long-term health risks. And I hope you will
be, too! With any diet we need to consider results — are you
losing fat, or losing weight in the form of fluids and muscle?

You only need to stand at the checkout line of any major
grocery store and read the headlines of a tabloid to know that
there are hundreds of diets out there all claiming to help you
lose weight fast. While the proponents of these diets claim "one
size fits all" — that their diet will work for anyone and
Everyone — recent research is beginning to put a damper on these
claims. Keep in mind, research indicates that these
"one-size-fits-all" diets may actually be harmful to your
health.

The number one principle of any diet should be "do no harm" to
the body. I never recommend short-term, quick-fix, weight-loss
diets because of their costs to your health in the form of
chronic diseases. By eating the correct diet and engaging in the
right levels of physical activity for your genotype, you can
maintain a healthy body weight and reduce your risk of
developing diet-related chronic illnesses, from heart disease to
cancer.

Today we know that how our body processes fats, proteins, and
carbohydrates is genetically guided. Given this knowledge, the
Apo E Gene Diet is about recommending and implementing a
comprehensive plan based on your individual Apo E genotype. It
is specifically tailored to work in harmony with your own body
chemistry. This plan recognizes that while food is a critical
element in your health, other environmental factors — such as
exercise and relaxation practices — are also of real
significance and must also be tailored to suit your individual
genotype.

This is the area that I have found to be the most confusing and
complex for people to grasp, largely because there is so much
misinformation and so many misconceptions surrounding what is a
"good" food and what is a “bad” food.

Even for those not following a faddish, one-size-fits-all diet,
danger lurks for the uneducated consumer in the thousands of
processed foods that contain artificial fats and other
substances that our body cannot easily assimilate. Everyone
should avoid highly processed and preserved foods. The farther
away from its source a food has been processed, the more likely
it is harmful to the body.

About the Author: Pamela McDonald is a leading Integrative
Medicine Nurse Practitioner, who specializes in the prevention
of heart and Alzheimer's disease, and chronic illness. To learn
more about her groundbreaking book, and program - visit
http://www.apoegenediet.com. To subscribe to her free APO E Gene
Diet Health Notes - send a blank email to Info@ApoeGenediet.com.

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Colon Cancer

Colon Cancer
By Cure Cancer

Globally, colorectal cancer also called colon cancer or bowel
cancer is the third leading cause of cancer. The frequency of
colorectal cancer varies around the world; it is common in the
Western world and rare in Asia and Africa. In countries where
people have adopted the western diets has an increasing
incidence of colon cancer.

The colon also known as the large bowel is the longest portion
of the large intestine. The large intestine is the last part of
the digestive tract, which is a tube that is about five to six
feet in length; the first five feet make up the colon which then
connects to about six inches of rectum, and finally ends with
the anus. About three to eight hours after eating, by the time
the food reaches the colon, the nutrients have been absorbed and
the remainder is liquid waste product. The colon functions as a
converter, changing this liquid waste into stool. The stool can
spend anywhere from ten hours to several days in the colon
before being expelled through the anus. It has been advised but
not proven, that the longer the stool stays in the colon, the
higher the risk of colon cancer.

Colon cancer includes cancerous growths in the colon, rectum
and appendix. Many colon cancers are thought to arise from
adenomatous polyps in the colon. These mushroom-like growths are
usually benign, but some may develop into cancer over time. This
process can take years which allow time for early detection with
screening tests.

Symptoms

Symptoms of colon cancer are numerous and non-specific. They
include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, change in bowel
habits, narrow stools, diarrhea or constipation, red or dark
blood in stool, weight loss, abdominal pain, cramps, or
bloating. Other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome
(spastic colon), ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease,
diverticulosis, and peptic ulcer disease can have symptoms that
mimic colorectal cancer. Most often, these symptoms are not due
to cancer, other problems can cause the same symptoms, so
checking with your doctor should be done immediately to be
diagnosed and treated as early as possible.

The risk of colon cancer rises substantially after the age of
fifty, but every year there are numerous cases reported in
younger people. Individuals with a personal or family history of
colon cancer, polyps, or inherited colon cancer syndromes (i.e.,
FAP and HNPCC), as well as patients with ulcerative colitis or
Crohn's disease, are all at higher risk and may require
screening at an earlier age than the general population. A
person with one first degree relative (parent, sibling or child)
with colon cancer is two to three times as likely to develop the
cancer as someone who does not have an affected relative.

The treatment depends on the staging of the cancer. When colon
cancer is caught at early stages (with little spread) it can be
curable. However when it is detected at later stages (when
distant metastases are present) it is less likely to be curable.
Surgery remains the primary treatment while chemotherapy and/or
radiotherapy may be recommended depending on the individual
patient's staging and other medical factors.

About the Author: For More Information On Colon Cancer Visit
http://coloncancer.topwomenshealth.com

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Exercise and Weight Loss For Women Part 2

Exercise and Weight Loss For Women Part 2
By Brent McNutt

Nutrition

Without a doubt, nutrition plays a major role in the
maintenance of life for humans. Food, after all, is our most
basic survival need. Beyond survival, however, we need to treat
food with respect to the ways it can affect our health
especially in the prevention of diseases like cancer, heart
disease, strokes and diabetes, to name a few.

Nutritionally Balanced Meals

The quantity and quality of foods consumed on a daily basis
must be adequately monitored so as to achieve a balance between
survival needs and health requirements. This can, of course, be
achieved through nutritionally balanced meals and snacks that
provide the adequate amounts of all the basic food groups and
all the essential vitamins and minerals.

Most diet and health experts agree on the general guidelines
for good daily nutrition as outlined below:

Stick to complex carbohydrates contained in whole grains like
rice and wholegrain breads with as little additional fat as
possible.

Milk and dairy products should be limited to 2-3 portions
daily, each portion representing a matchbox-sized cheese,
one-third pint of milk and a small pot of yoghurt. The low-fat
varieties are preferred in these foods.

Limit your consumption of protein sources like meat, fish and
vegetarian alternatives as well as kidney beans, baked beans,
nuts and lentils to 2-3 portions. You want to limit your protein
intake especially when losing weight since it can be stored as
fat once the body stops processing it.

Aim for at least 3 portion of fruits and 2 portions of
vegetables whether these are of the fresh, tinned and frozen
varieties. Better yet, eat as much fruits and vegetables as you
can since these contain many essential nutrients.

Opt for unsaturated fats found in food like fishes. Fat is
still a very important component of proper nutrition as it is
the body's source of fuel and energy.

When you follow these basic guidelines on nutritionally
balanced meals, you have greater possibilities to lead a longer,
healthier and happier life.

Special Considerations and Food Allergies

However, there will be special considerations for specific
medical conditions as well as food allergies that need to be
factored in when considering nutritionally balanced meal plans.
The aim of healthy eating, after all, is the promotion of life,
not the diseases that come with life. For example, if you have
gout, eating beans of all sorts will be detrimental to your
health and, hence, must be avoided. Some diseases like autism
also call for special diets that are gluten-free, thus,
eliminating virtually everything that has flour in it.

There are food allergies affecting good nutrition. If you have
an allergy to a certain food, say, milk and dairy products, it
is often best to just find alternative protein sources like fish
to compensate for its absence in your diet. Also, if you are on
a weight loss diet, you must avoid fad diets that severely
restrict any of the essential food groups. Think low-calorie,
low-carbohydrate and low-fat diets. It is best to adopt healthy
eating habits, engage in moderate exercise and physical activity
and get adequate sleep when you want to maintain your ideal
weight.

Indeed, good nutrition for a healthier body and a happier mind
is possible.

About the Author: Brent McNutt enjoys talking about
http://www.uniformhaven.com/ urbane scrubs and
http://www.uniformhaven.com/landauscrubs.html landau scrubs and
networking with healthcare professionals online.

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Causes of Lung Cancer - Information You Need to Know

Causes of Lung Cancer - Information You Need to Know
By Phillip Dye

More men and women die from lung cancer than any other cancers.
Who is most susceptible to this disease? Nearly 70 percent of
the elderly 65 and older will be diagnosed with this disease.
Three percent of lung cancer cases have appeared in people
younger than 45 years old.

Until the 1930s, cancer of the lungs was not as prevalent but
still quite common. However, once there was an increase of
tobacco smoking use, lung cancer cases rose drastically. As
information and education circulates about the hidden dangers of
smoking, lung cancer related deaths are beginning to see a
decline. Despite all the education and the public awareness,
it’s still a common human cancer. For women, breast cancer is no
longer the number one killer. Lung cancer has exceeded breast
cancer related deaths.

Lung Cancer Causes

Smoking – Most lung cancer related deaths (about 90 percent)
have been associated with smoking. Each time a person smokes a
cigarette, they increase their chances of getting lung cancer.
Based upon doctors’ formula regarding the quantity of packs to
the amount of years smoked, someone who has a 30 pack to year
history has a greater chance to develop lung cancer. For those
people who smoke two, three or more packs a day, statistics show
that one in seven diagnosed will die from the disease. Cigarette
smoking is not the only culprit to lung cancer. Cigar smoking
and pipe smoking can also lead to the disease at a lower rate.
Those who smoke cigars or pipe smoke are five times more likely
to get lung cancer than a person who never smoked.

The smoke found in tobacco has over 4,000 element compounds.
Many of these are cancer causing. Two key carcinogens are
polycyclic aromatic hdrycarbons and nitrosamines. Once a person
has given up tobacco use, lung cancer risks decreases every
year. Normal cells will begin to grow and outnumber damaged lung
cells. After 15 years of not smoking, lung processes and the
threat of the disease gets close to that of someone who has
never smoked.

Passive Smoking – What is passive smoking? This is when people
who are in close quarters smokers breathe in the smoke filled
air. Those who don’t smoke have a 24 percent likelihood to
develop lung cancer if they live with a smoker. Nearly 3,000
deaths can be associated with passive smoking.

Asbestos Fibers – Mesothelioma and lung cancer through asbestos
exposure is high. People who work in asbestos related fields and
smoke dramatically increase their chances of getting a lung
cancer connected disease. When compared with their non smoking
counterparts, they have a 50 to 90 percent greater risk of
getting lung cancer or other lung related illness.

Radon Gas – Radon gas has been documented to be the next
leading cause in lung cancer deaths, killing anywhere from
15,000 to 22,000 people in the United States every year. Like
asbestos exposure, radon exposure augments lung cancer risks.
The gas is able to travel through soil. It can gain entrance
into homes by the gaps found in its foundation, its drains and
its pipes. Nearly one in 15 homes is found with dangerous level
of radon gas according to the United States Environmental
Protection Agency. Can a person tell if their home has high
amounts of radon gas? Only by a kit. The gas cannot be smelled,
nor can be it seen.

Genetics – It’s true that most cases of lung cancer can be
linked back to smoking. However, not every smoker will get the
disease. That means other factors like genetics could play a
part behind the causes of lung cancer. Studies have revealed
that cancer can and does occur in families that have smokers and
nonsmokers. It would seem a gene can increase the vulnerability
of smokers in getting lung cancer.

Lung Diseases – When a smoker or even non smoker has other lung
diseases such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease),
they are at an increased risk to develop the disease even if
they quit smoking and all the effects have worn away.

History of Lung Disease – People with a record of lung cancer
are at a higher risk of developing it a second time. People who
have survived a non-small cell lung cancers have a one to two
percent risk to getting the disease a second time while those
who have beaten small cell lung cancers have a six percent
increase each year.

Air Pollution – The chances of getting lung cancer from air
pollution is raised in individuals that breathe in polluted air
every day. Pollution from cars, power plants and industrialized
areas increases these risks. Yet, they only account for one
percent of lung cancer related deaths. Experts have suggested
that every day exposure to air heavily polluted can be compared
to passive smoking.

About the Author: http://eCancerAnswers.net is a comprehensive
Cancer guide, so check http://ecanceranswers.net for your Cancer
information source.

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Permanent Link:

http://www.isnare.com/?aid=308206&ca=Cancer+Survival

For information on lung cancer symptoms read the article "Lung Cancer Symptoms: What To Look For" http://www.livingfithealthyandhappy.com/2009/12/lung-cancer-symptoms-what-to-look-for.html

Lyme Disease – Diagnosis and Treatment

Lyme Disease – Diagnosis and Treatment
By Nader Soliman M.D.

Lyme disease (Lyme borreliosis) is caused by the bacteria
Borrelia Burgdorferi. Ticks can transmit the bacteria by biting
humans. Deer ticks spread Lyme disease in the northeastern and
upper Midwestern United States, while western-blacklegged ticks
are responsible for its spread along the Pacific coast.

A deer tick is any of several ticks of the genus Exudes that
are parasitic on deer and other animals and transmit the
infectious agents of febrile diseases, such as Lyme disease.

Lyme disease and its symptoms can occur at any age. It is most
common among young children and those who work or reside in
wooded areas because they are more likely to be exposed to the
ticks. Expanding skin rash and flu-like symptoms are the
earliest symptoms seen. A circular rash may develop at the
bite's site but many individuals do not get the rash. If Lyme
disease goes undetected or is not properly treated, problems
involving the skin, joints, nervous system, and heart may arise.
Symptoms may appear weeks after exposure to infection or it mat
take months or even years. Other symptoms may include; fatigue,
headache and neck stiffness. There may be fever and chills.
Swollen lymph nodes and muscle and joint pain are common. As
many as 25% of patients have only flu-like symptoms and no other
symptoms. Skin rashes may later appear in other areas. Pain,
weakness, or numbness in the arms or legs could appear quickly.
Paralysis of the facial nerves is not uncommon. Other
neurological symptoms may include poor memory and difficulty in
concentrating. Heart problems may include palpitations and eye
problems usually include conjunctivitis or even deep tissue
damage. Joint problems are common in all stages of the disease.
If treatment is not started early enough late persistent Lyme
disease symptoms may include; chronic fatigue, joint problems,
heart symptoms and nervous system problems such as weakness or
numbness in the arms or legs and difficulties with memory.

Lyme disease may be diagnosed based on the symptoms, the
medical history, and the possibility of exposure to ticks. Blood
tests may confirm the diagnosis if the disease is suspected,
however, blood tests are often not reliable to diagnose this
condition. Rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome,
fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis produce similar symptoms and
must be considered.

Conventional medical treatment of Lyme disease should be prompt
to prevent permanent damage. Antibiotic treatment for 3-4 weeks
with doxycycline or amoxicillin is generally effective in early
disease. Intravenous ceftriaxone or penicillin for 4 weeks or
more may be needed in cases that were not treated early in the
course of the disease. Treatment failures are not uncommon and
re-treatment may be necessary.

Complementary medical approaches are used at this center to
combat Lyme disease. Auricular Medicine (advanced ear
acupuncture) is used to help evaluate the energetic status of
the various body organs. Auricular Medicine can also be used in
treating the organs affected and to support other vital organs
that may be involved in the disease process. Homeopathic
remedies may offer an invaluable complementary approach to help
the body fight the involved bacteria and its symptoms.

About the Author: Nader Soliman M.D. is Board Certified in
Medical Acupuncture with a degree from UCLA. You can find out
more about Dr. Soliman and the alternative medical therapies he
provides by visiting his site at
http://alternativemedicinecenter.org. Visit one of our centers
for complete evaluation using Auricular Medicine and homeopathic
approaches.

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Permanent Link:
http://www.isnare.com/?aid=290265&ca=Medicines+and+Remedies

Probing Deeper Into the Causes of Sleep Disorders

Probing Deeper Into the Causes of Sleep Disorders
By Dr. Rose Windale

Sleep is essential for the restoration of normal bodily
processes and functioning. Most people take for granted the idea
that getting sufficient amounts of sleep is necessary. Poor
sleeping habits can be potential causes of sleep disorders.
Sleep disorders should not be considered as inconsequential
because it can lead to a poor quality of life. Inadequate
amounts or poor quality of sleep can actually cause you to be
giddy and nervous, or you may become irritable and may have
difficulty concentrating, to say the least. It is actually a
butterfly effect as the main problem is inadequate rejuvenation
for your whole system to function. 

It can remarkable affect your daily normal activities as well
as your social life.   Sleep disorders are conditions wherein
there is a variation in the normal sleep pattern. It can
basically range from sleeplessness, oversleeping and
intermittent sleep behaviors. Once sleep disorders become
persistent, treatment must be taken into consideration as it
will affect your normal activities and can impair your mental
and physical functioning. Sleep disorders are categorized as
dysomnias, parasomnias and others depending on the symptoms of
the disorder. General sleep disorders are sleep apnea, snoring,
bruxism, snoring and night walking.   Causes of sleep disorders
are generally categorized as internal, external and a
disturbance in the normal circadian rhythm. 

Internal causes can be associated with organ related diseases
such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, gastroesophageal
flux, fibrositis syndrome and peptic ulcer. Neck and back
problems are also underlying causes of sleep disorders.
Irregularities in brain functioning can also lead to these
disorders. Central sleep apnea is due to a malfunctioning of the
central nervous system and Alzheimer’s disease which is
neurodegenerative can also cause erratic sleeping patterns.
Sleep apnea and snoring are lung and airway related on the other
hand. Sleep apnea can be alarming as this sleep disorder is a
progressive disease.   Sleep disorders can also be psychological
or mental in nature. 

Paranoia, bipolar syndrome, depression, panic attacks, anxiety
and schizophrenia can disrupt normal sleeping patterns as the
person almost always becomes sleepless or oversleeps due to
medications. As a person’s mental state is significantly related
to sleep, it goes without saying that sleep is essential for
health and well-being.   Changes in the endocrine system are
also evident causes of sleep disorders. A person with thyroid
problems can either have insomnia or may have the tendency to
oversleep. Menopause can impose remarkable changes in sleeping
patterns due to the altered physiological and hormonal processes
in a woman’s body. The same can be said with pregnancy. 

Once there is a disruption in the normal circadian rhythm, the
regular sleeping pattern is disturbed, too. This is exemplified
by shift workers developing health problems and sleep disorders
as their so called biological clock is altered. External factors
that could lead to sleep disorders are likewise lifestyle
related, such as the intake of alcohol, nicotine and caffeine.
Lighting, noise and change of bedding are also environmental
factors that can lead to sleep irregularities. Certain
medications such as Lotronex and Tramadol can also cause
sleeping abnormalities. Treatment of sleep disorders are
essentially dependent of its cause, so it is necessary to
ascertain the underlying reasons for the sleep disorder. 

Sleep disorders indicate other serious diseases in most cases
as well, so careful monitoring and consultation are necessary
once a sleep disorder besets you to prevent complications and
aggravating health conditions.

About the Author: Dr. Rose Windale is a Health and Wellness
Coach who has been successful with several natural health
programs for many years. Rose decided to share her knowledge and
tips through her website http://www.healthzine.org. You can sign
up for her free newsletter.

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Permanent Link:
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Eat All You Want And Still Lose Weight Naturally - 6 Tips

Eat All You Want And Still Lose Weight Naturally - 6 Tips
By Phoebe Aimes

Losing weight will increase your chances for a longer,
healthier life. It will also give you a much more attractive,
sexier body. But, quality of life is also important: nobody
wants to starve themselves just to lose a few pounds. Many
studies have shown that people who go on harsh diets just start
craving the food they have been missing and end up overeating
again.

If your goal is to eat all you want and still lose weight, try
these 6 tips.

Tip #1: Eat enough food: The biggest mistake that dieters make
is that they try to eat too little food. This ends up backfiring
because all they do is end up slowing down their metabolism. If
it is not getting enough nutrients, your body will try to
conserve its own nutrient stores by putting on the metabolism
brakes.

Tip #2: Eat the right kinds of foods: Go ahead and eat that
pizza or burger, but try filling up first on as many high fiber
and high water content foods as you can. This way, when you are
eating that hot dog or bag of chips later on you will be less
likely to reach for more than you need to feel full. Great
examples of filler foods are whole grain breads, veggies, fruit,
yogurt, soup, meats, and poultries. And for dessert, try a rich
sweet like a piece of chocolate. The chocolate will satisfy your
sweet tooth without filling you up. Also, try cutting out the
diet soda and substitute it for water with a squeeze of fresh
lemon.

Tip #3: Eat more slowly: Your body tells you to stop eating
whenever sugars and other nutrients reach certain levels in your
blood. The trouble is that your body must first digest your food
and get those nutrients into your blood stream, and this takes
time. By slowly down your eating, you will feel full before
eating more than you really need.

Tip #4: Get up and move around about once per hour: Most of us
are not able to work out at the gym more than a couple of times
a week, if at all. The good news is that your body can benefit
just as much from less intense but regular exercise. If you
spend your time during the day in a sedentary way, try taking
extra walks to the water cooler, up the stairs, or around the
neighborhood. Take 5 or 6 “mini-walks” during your day and keep
your body burning those calories. Hint: buy a pedometer to count
your steps. They start at about $1.

Tip #5: Have less food around: Recent studies are revealing
that we humans tend to eat whatever happens to be around or in
front of us - eventually. By buying less food and by serving
smaller portions, you will reduce your “want” and thereby still
end up eating until you are satisfied.

Tip #6: Get enough sleep: Science tells us that we burn
calories when we sleep and that sleep deprivation actually slows
down our metabolism. In other words: getting more sleep
increases your chances of weight loss. So, get the recommended 7
to 8 hours of sleep every night and watch the pounds drop off.

About the Author: Looking to burn more fat, faster? Try a
proven eating plan invented by a professional bodybuilder:
http://www.No-Fat-Yes-Muscle.com

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Permanent Link:
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