Satisfying Dairy-Free Smoothies

The trick to satisfying dairy-free smoothies is to forgo ice in favor of frozen fruit. This delivers maximum flavor and helps keep the smoothie from tasting more like a slushie. A mix of fresh and frozen fruit works fine, depending on what you have on hand; using at least 50 percent frozen fruit, I find, works best. When you have bananas that are about to get overripe, peel them and put them in a zippered plastic bag in your freezer--you can use them for your smoothies. They may get brown, but their flavor won't be affected. Ground flaxseed is an optional, but nutritious addition.

Prep Time: 0 hours, 5 minutes

Cook Time: 0 hours, 0 minutes

Ingredients:
2 bananas, fresh or frozen
2 c hulled strawberries, fresh or frozen
1-2 c orange juice
juice of one lime
1 T honey
1 T ground flaxseed (optional)

Preparation:
In a blender, combine bananas, strawberries, 1 c orange juice, lime juice, honey, and flaxseed. Blend, adding additional orange juice a little at a time if necessary until the smoothie is thick but pourable. Serve immediately. Makes two large smoothies.

Super Bowl Parties and Food Allergies How To Throw A Great Party

Whether you're hosting a Super Bowl party and anticipating guests with food allergies, or whether you have allergies and are planning to host a crowd, one thing's for sure: this is one bash where gluttony's the norm. Is it possible to have an allergy-friendly Super Bowl party that will satisfy your guests who can (and will) eat anything and everything? Absolutely -- with some pre-party planning and creativity.


Do Your Homework
If you're sending out written invitations, ask guests to let you know about dietary restrictions when they RSVP. Spreading the word over e-mail? Include a request for anyone who's concerned about party fare to drop you a line. Whether your guests have allergies, dietary intolerances, or are avoiding particular foods due to IBS or ethical concerns, they'll appreciate the consideration. The benefit for you is, if at all possible, knowing well in advance which allergens to avoid and avoiding a scenario where a guest doesn't have safe food to eat.

Once you have been diagnosed with an allergy, the most important skill you can develop is reading labels. Here's how to keep yourself safe while shopping for food. Consider this "Label Reading 101."

Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Ongoing
Here's How:

Find the complete label. This will usually, but not always, be located near the Nutrition Facts box. On an item that is marked "Not Labeled for Individual Sale," the complete list of ingredients may be on the larger container from which the item was taken. Remember: if you're not sure of every ingredient that went into a cooked item, don't eat it!


Read each ingredients on the label, paying special attention to boldfaced items, parentheses, and items listed below the complete list of ingredients.

For prepared foods (i.e., anything that is made from more than one ingredient), check the label for a warning that the food was made in a factory where your allergens may have been used on the same manufacturing lines.


Tips:
Always read labels, even if you've bought the same food before. Manufacturing formulations sometimes change.


Foods manufactured since January 1, 2006 are required to follow FDA rules that mandate that the top eight food allergens be listed in plain language either in the body of the ingredients or in boldface after the ingredients. However, be aware that some foods are older, or include hidden allergens.


Learn the lists of ingredients that might indicate hidden allergens (see below). Consider keeping a pocket-sized list on hand.

Many chain restaurants and fast food restaurants include allergy information on their websites. Save time by checking before you go.
Sign up for FDA or CFIA allergy recall alerts so that you'll know immediately if a food has been recalled for not having complete information on its label.

Segregate Unsafe Eats

Many guests with allergies or other dietary restrictions won't expect that you banish foods they can't eat from your household. However, if you're serving some unsafe foods at your party, one gesture that would surely be appreciated would be to set up a table with safe foods and a separate stash of plates, cups, and flatware, along with a prominent note asking guests to be careful about keeping the area allergen-free.

Prevent Cross-Contamination

Especially at large parties, consider having guests label disposable cups with their names using a permanent marker. If you're serving wine, charms on the stems can help avoid mix-ups. This can prevent guests with allergies from drinking from a cup used by someone who has eaten an allergen. Also, make sure that each item on a buffet table has its own serving utensil and that allergenic items are served on their own plates. (If a guest has a dairy allergy, for example, don't put meat or fruit on the same plate with cheese.) This will help minimize the chance of cross-contamination between serving dishes of safe and unsafe foods.

What are the most common food allergies?


According to the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, the eight most common food allergies, which account for 90% of the food allergies in the United States, are:

Dairy allergies
Soy allergies
Wheat allergies
Shellfish allergies
Fish allergies
Peanut allergies
Tree nut allergies
Egg allergies

Safe, Popular Eats

Homemade chili can be made safe for most allergies and is a classic Super Bowl party dish. Many chips are allergy-safe (check with your guests if you need specific recommendations); guacamole and many salsas are crowd-pleasing and safe for many allergies. Baked chicken wings or thighs are safe, as are some Italian sausages. And a large fruit salad complements salty food. Try a champagne dressing rather than corn syrup-preserved canned fruits to make fruit salad last longer.

When You're The Guest

If you've got allergies and you're not hosting the Super Bowl party, all the usual precautions for eating away from home apply. Never eat anything unless you're absolutely certain of all the ingredients and certain that it's free of cross-contamination. Expect the game to last at least four hours (including the halftime show and advertising time); you may be at the party longer if you arrive during pregame. Consider eating beforehand, bringing some portable safe snacks, or offering to bring a safe dish or two to share.

Top Allergenic Foods that account for 90% of all Food Allergies

1.Egg

2.Peanut

3.Tree nut (walnut, cashew, etc.)

4.Fish

5.Shellfish

6.Soy

7.Wheat

8.Milk

Children may "outgrow" food allergies to milk, eggs, soybean products and wheat.

Please note that a Wheat Allergy is different from Gluten Intolerance! Gluten Intolerance (Celiac's Disease) is never outgrown and must be managed!

Children (and Adults) rarely outgrow allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish.

The Heart Needs Copper

Although too much copper can be problematic health-wise,Deficient copper intake has been associated with increased cholesterol levels, clot formation, and heart disease.

A group of control mice received sham surgeries. The animals received a diet providing RDA adequate levels (6 milligrams per kilogram diet) of copper for eight weeks. After four weeks on the diet, some of the animals were changed to a diet providing higher levels (20 milligrams per kilogram diet) for the remaining four weeks.

Four weeks after the surgery, cardiac hypertrophy (enlargement) was observed. This was significantly reversed during the final four weeks of the study in the animals who received the higher copper diet, while the remainder went on to develop heart failure. The researchers found that supplementing with copper promoted the synthesis of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein that increases the growth of new blood vessels, which was reduced in the late phase of cardiac hypertrophy among mice that did not receive extra copper.

The human equivalent dose for the high dose of copper used in the study is 2.9 milligrams per day, however, the recommended daily intake is only 0.9 milligrams. "Should similar effects of copper supplementation be found in controlled studies in human patients," the authors write, "this will point the way to a simple, nontoxic and extraordinarily economical therapy for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy."

Uncommon Headache Cures Freeze the pain with Botox

Finally, a legitimate reason to get poison injected into your forehead. Botox has been found to help curb headache pain and is sometimes used to help patients with serious headache issues. “We don’t know for sure how Botox works to heal headaches,”. “It was incidentally discovered that patients getting Botox for wrinkles reported that their headaches were getting better, too.” The procedure involves a series of injections across the forehead in areas unrelated to wrinkles. The results last for three months, and while insurance does sometimes cover it, using Botox to relieve headache pain has not been approved by the FDA.

American Heart Month: Cherries: One of Today's Hottest "Super Fruits"

Americans are encouraged to discover the power of eating heart-healthy red foods during the first-ever National Eat Red Week, Feb. 4-10.

Why eat red? Science suggests the pigments that make up the red color in many fruits and vegetables, like tart cherries and tomatoes, are powerful disease-fighting antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation associated with atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries and reduce certain risk factors for heart disease.


"We've always known fruits and vegetables were 'healthy,' but now we're beginning to better understand precisely why," said Dr. Steven F. Bolling, a cardiac surgeon at the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center who also heads the U-M Cardioprotection Research Laboratory. "Researchers are uncovering the unique potential for plant compounds, like those in cherries, to affect multiple heart health factors. For cherries, we're learning the benefits may come from effects on both cholesterol levels and inflammation."

Cherries: One of Today's Hottest "Super Fruits"

Cherries are being hailed by nutrition leaders as one of today's hottest "Super Fruits". Most people don't realize tart cherries are loaded with antioxidants, as many as blueberries in fact, and are linked to many potential health benefits including reducing risk factors for heart disease," said Dr. Bazilian. "What's especially great about these cherries is that they're available year-round as dried, frozen and juice. And, they're versatile enough for just about every eating occasion from breakfast to snacks to salads."

Science suggests tart cherries may have potential health benefits including reducing pain related to arthritis and gout. Cherries are also one of the few food sources of melatonin, a potent antioxidant that may help improve the body's natural sleep patterns and aid with jet lag. To learn more about cherries visit www.choosecherries.com to view The Cherry Nutrition Report, the first compendium of peer-reviewed studies on the benefits of cherries.

You also can find new cherry recipes, menu ideas and more information on where you can buy red tart cherry products.

For more information on the science supporting the unique health benefits of cherries and for cherry recipes and menu ideas, visit www.choosecherries.com.

GREEN FACTS-DID YOU KNOW ?

Did you know?
Recycling a single cell phone can save about 6,545 lbs of toxic mining waste

2007 set to be one of the warmest years on record


Agriculture accounts for nearly 70% of the water used worldwide

USING TRICKERY TO GET YOUR KIDS TO EAT HEALTHY

Can’t get your kids to eat their vegetables? Well, apparently you’re not alone, judging by the fuss over Jessica Seinfeld’s new book full of vegetable trickery. Recipes for broccoli-battered chicken nuggets and brownies that hide pureed carrots and spinach in the batter have vaulted Deceptively Delicious to the top of The New York Times best seller list. But some critics claim that all you’re doing is teaching kids not to bother eating vegetables—and who would when you can eat brownies instead?

THE BEST STOMACH EXCERCISE'S WE COULD FIND

Slim down your middle faster with this dual routine that tones both your belly and back in one shot. Although some ab exercises can strain your spine--even if you don't feel pain when you do them--these isometric moves, in which you hold a position instead of doing lots of reps, were proven in an exercise lab to firm the midsection with minimal stress to the lower back. Plus, a stronger back improves your posture, giving you an instant tummy tuck. Get started now to see results in 3 weeks.

Stuart McGill, PhD, author of Ultimate Back Fitness and Performance and a professor of spine biomechanics at the University of Waterloo in Canada, developed this workout.

What To Do

Perform the moves in the order listed. Hold each for 10 seconds, bracing your abs (as though a ball were going to hit you in the stomach), but don't hold your breath. Repeat 4 to 8 times. Try the Main Move first. If it's too difficult, do the Make It Easier option. When you can complete 8 reps of the Main Move with ease, progress to the Make It Harder version. Do this 15-minute routine once a day, at least an hour after you wake up, so your muscles are warm.

For Faster Results : Do 30 minutes of cardio, such as walking, jogging, or cycling, most days, with 1 long, 60- to 90-minute workout each week.

Move # 1: Controlled Static Curl

Lie with Right knee bent, foot flat on floor, left leg extended, hands under lower back. Lift elbows and inhale deeply. As you exhale, contract abs and curl head, neck, and shoulders to raise shoulder blades a few inches off floor. Hold and lower, including elbows. Do all reps, then switch legs.

Make it easier: Simply brace abs, hold, then release, keeping head on floor.

Make it harder: Lift extended leg a few inches off floor and hold as you raise and lower upper body. Switch legs and repeat.

Move # 2: Side Bridge
Lie on left side, propped up on elbow, with top foot in front of bottom so both feet are on floor. Contract abs as you raise body, forming a straight line from toes to shoulders. Do all reps, then switch sides.

Make it easier: Lie with legs bent behind you and raise torso and thighs, resting on bottom knee.

Make it harder: From Main Move, rotate body to face floor, supporting yourself on forearms and toes, legs and torso in a straight line. Hold, then rotate back to Side Bridge. Do all reps, then switch sides.

Move # 3: One-Legged Squat
Stand with right leg extended behind you, toes on floor. Hold arms out to sides at shoulder height. With abs contracted, bend left knee about 45 degrees, hinging forward a bit from hips, and slide right leg back as arms press forward, palms facing in. (Keep left knee behind toes.) Lift right leg slightly (1 to 2 inches, as pictured) and hold. Straighten left leg to stand, returning right leg to start and pressing arms back out to sides. Do all reps, then switch legs.

Make it easier: Keep back toe on floor throughout move.

Make it harder: Raise right leg higher (3 to 6 inches) when you extend it behind you, and keep it lifted throughout the entire move.

Move # 4: Hip Airplane
Stand with right leg extended behind you so foot is off floor. Raise arms to shoulder height like wings, palms down. Contract abs and hinge torso forward about 45degrees as you raise right leg behind you as high as possible, while maintaining balance and keeping hips level. Hold, then lower leg to stand and repeat. Do all reps, then switch legs.

Make it easier: Lift leg behind and balance without hinging forward with upper body.



Make it harder: From Main Move, rotate body to right, raising right arm so chest and hips face right and left arm points toward floor (shown). Hold, then rotate to left. Hold and return to center for 1 repetition. Do all reps, then repeat with opposite leg lifted.

U.S. poll shows Dieting is out, healthy is in

Dieting has fallen out of favor while eating healthier is in, a consumer marketing research firm that tracks what Americans consume said on Friday.

Twenty-nine percent of women and 19 percent of men are on diets based on the responses of 26,000 American adults, compared to 10 years ago when 35 percent of women and 23 percent of men said they were dieting, according to Port Washington, New York-based NPD Group Inc.

“The problem with diets is most people feel deprived, or they’re disappointed with the results. Of course, results will come if you stick with it,” NPD Vice President Harry Balzer said in a telephone interview. “But people see dieting as not a long-term healthful way to live.”

Improving overall health was the prime motivation for 68 percent of those on a diet, the survey found.

Food To Keep You Healthy Whats Hot For 2008 And Whats Not "Foods To Keep You Running"

Since I can't join you when you cruise the grocery store, I've done the next best thing: I've come up with a list of my picks for the most puzzling food choices out there.

Regular Peanut Butter vs. Reduced-Fat Peanut Butter

Pick: regular peanut butter. Check the label, and you'll find that both versions pack about 190 calories per 2-tablespoon serving. But, while the reduced-fat variety has less fat (12 grams versus 16 grams in regular), it has considerably more sugar.

Even if you're looking to slash the fat in your diet for better heart health, you'll still want to stay away from the reduced-fat varieties. Why? Reduced-fat peanut butters contain hydrogenated vegetable oil, which is a primary source of artery-clogging trans fats. In comparison, regular peanut butter is a natural source of cholesterol-lowering monounsaturated fats. So when you opt for a reduced-fat peanut butter, you actually end up eating more unhealthy fats.

And thanks to the healthy fats and the disease-fighting phytochemicals in regular peanut butter, it should be a part of every runner's diet. Bonus: The fat in peanut butter helps you feel full, making a PB and apple snack a great way to stave off late-afternoon hunger.

Multi-Grain Bread vs. 100-Percent Whole-Wheat Bread


Pick: 100-percent whole-wheat bread. Sure, multi-grain breads such as 12-grain or 15-grain sound nutritionally impressive, but here's where label reading is a must. Bread labeled "100-percent whole-grain" is made with flour from the entire grain kernel, whether it be wheat, oat, or barley. But most multi-grain breads contain enriched-wheat flour along with other grain flours. This means most multi-grain breads typically offer less fiber and lower amounts of other key nutrients, such as zinc and vitamin E.

Eating whole-grain bread makes great sense for runners because it packs a hefty dose of rejuvenating carbohydrates—about 40 grams in two slices. Aim for at least that many carbs soon after a tough run to restock glycogen stores. And on a daily basis, runners logging 20 to 40 miles per week should eat eight to 12 servings of grains, with one slice of whole-grain bread or a half-cup of whole-grain pasta counting as one serving.

Reduced-Fat Potato Chips vs. Baked Potato Chips

Pick: baked potato chips. Nutritionist or not, I love crunchy chips as much as the next person, especially when they're loaded up with fiery salsa. By going "baked," you can get the great crunch of a potato chip without all the fat. A 1-ounce serving of baked chips (about 11 chips) has 130 calories, only 1.5 grams of fat, and 2 grams of fiber, while a reduced-fat version packs 140 calories, 7 grams of fat (1 gram of it saturated), and half the fiber.

Baked chips fit easily into a performance-oriented diet. Eat them with nutrient-rich salsas or yogurt dips (try a dip with clams for added protein and zinc). But always keep an eye on the portion size (remember, 11 chips is about a 1-ounce serving). If you open a bag and munch mindlessly, you'll eat way more than a serving or two in no time.

Turkey Franks vs. Beef Franks


Pick: NEITHER. You'd assume the safe money would be on the turkey franks. But while most turkey franks have slightly less fat than beef hot dogs, they're both still loaded with fat. A traditional beef frank has about 16 grams of fat and 180 calories, compared with a regular turkey frank that weighs in with about 13 grams of fat and 150 calories. And since much of the fat in either frank is saturated, these dogs are best kept off your plate.

If you like hot dogs, opt for a soy brand or a reduced-fat version, such as Healthy Choice franks. Soy dogs taste great (don't knock 'em until you've tried 'em) and come packed with extra nutrients you won't find in traditional dogs, such as 20 percent of the Daily Value for iron and 15 percent of the Daily Value for zinc. Soy dogs also supply about twice the protein of traditional dogs. As for reduced-fat franks, most come with just a few grams of fat and less than half the calories of regular franks (brands vary so check the Nutrition Facts food label).

Frozen Yogurt vs. Light Ice Cream


Pick: light ice cream. Sure, yogurt sounds healthy—and, for the most part, it is. But in frozen form, yogurt can pack more sugar and calories than you expect. A half-cup serving of regular frozen yogurt contains 200 calories, about 5 grams of fat, and more than 4 teaspoons of sugar, while light ice cream comes with only 120 calories, less than 3 teaspoons of sugar, and the same amount of fat, with slightly less saturated fat.

Sweet treats are a must for runners (there, you have it in writing). Since your running burns calories, fun foods like ice cream can easily fit into your healthy diet. During the summer months, top off a bowl of it with seasonal fresh berries and chocolate syrup. Or toss a scoop of light ice cream into the blender along with two types of fruit and a splash of fruit juice for a great recovery shake after your workout.

Frozen Meat Lasagna vs. Frozen Vegetarian Lasagna

Pick: meat lasagna. Surprised? I was. Frozen lasagna is a favorite at our house, and often there's a battle over meat versus vegetarian. After I scrutinized the labels, the meat version came out on top with less fat, more protein, and the same amount of fiber as the vegetarian lasagna, which was loaded with fatty cheeses. Of course, brands vary, so read labels carefully to determine your best choice.

Frozen entrées such as lasagna make great meals for runners. I often pop a large lasagna in the oven for a Monday night dinner, and serve it with a large mixed-greens salad and steamed vegetables. The leftovers make an easy take-along-to-work lunch or a postworkout meal with some whole-grain bread.

Light Soft Margarine vs. Yogurt-Based Spread

Pick: too close to call. In this instance, go with your taste preference. Both of these options save on fat and saturated fat compared with regular margarine and butter. A tablespoon serving of light margarine or yogurt-based spread supplies about 50 calories and five grams of fat (with one gram saturated). That's a 60-percent fat savings compared with the full-fat versions. But both spreads contain hydrogenated vegetable oil, so you do get a tad of trans fats with them.

Soymilk vs. Low-Fat Milk

Pick: low-fat milk. Thanks to its high-protein and low-fat content, low-fat milk (1-percent fat) is the winner here. An 8-ounce serving comes with 130 calories, just over 2 grams of fat, and 11 grams of protein (about 20 percent of the Daily Value), while soymilk provides the same number of calories, 4 grams of fat, and 7 grams of protein. But both are calcium rich, containing 30 percent of the calcium Daily Value. Yes, soymilk comes with health-boosting isoflavones that may stave off heart disease and cancer. But according to new research, milk drinkers have a reduced risk of developing insulin resistance syndrome, which typically leads to Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

That said, runners shouldn't bypass soy. Soymilk remains a wonderful soy option along with soy burgers, tofu, and a host of other soy products including tasty soy "sausages." Runners need more protein than sedentary folk (about 70 to 100 grams daily), and both low- and nonfat dairy, along with soy, are excellent protein sources.

The Hottest Work Out Products Of 2008 Read Our Reviews

Exercising in the comfort of one’s own finished basement has always seemed appealing. Especially for those of us who don’t look so hot in a leotard, at-home fitness machines offer a means of getting into shape without huffing and puffing in front of shapely strangers at the local health club. Sometimes it seems like they all got in terrific shape and then joined the gym. Thin people are mean.

Is your New Year’s resolution to lose weight, a new wave of fitness gizmos may be calling to you from the glow of late-night television. Are these contraptions the last, best hope for those of us who’d rather cook some pasta than burn some fat? Will they really get us into clothes from Banana Republic, or should we just wait for baggy pants to come back into fashion?

Who knows what shape the future will take? Certainly there are real-life success stories about getting physically fit, and you may want to read up on a few open secrets regarding workout regimens that really do work . Several of the following futuristic fitness inventions, used properly and combined with healthy diet and exercise, can indeed fit into that regimen and help lighten your load. Others will only lighten your wallet.

Her are reviews of the hottest work out tools of the new year...
Bodyblade

The Bodyblade looks like a flattened hunting bow: It’s a flexible bar with a hand grip in the middle. When you hold the grip and give the thing a shake, it provides resistance as the two ends rapidly flex in and out. In addition to benefitting professional athletes, Bodyblade is an excellent device if you are one of the Three Stooges and need to flap other two Stooges on the head simultaneously.

Bodyblade® is unlike any other piece of exercise equipment on the market today. Most other systems work on the principle of the user attempting to lift a weighted item or stretch an elastic band. The Bodyblade®, however, works on the opposite premise: Once the ends begin to move, inertia wants to keep them in motion and it's up to you to resist. Thus, the risk of injury through overexertion is greatly reduced.


Bodyblade® will directly impact whatever sport you play by specifically targeting those muscle groups used in a particular sport. Many of the exercises you perform with Bodyblade® mimic the same movements athletes use in competition, allowing you to train your body to execute moves faster and with more force.

How does it build muscles?
While the rate of oscillation stays the same, the workout intensifies when the amplitude, or magnitude of the flexing tips, increases. Over the course of just one minute, the ends of the Bodyblade® move back and forth 270 times, and that's 270 times your muscles have to resist the movements. The resistance needed to control the blade can range from 1 to 34 pounds depending on the amplitude of the flexing tips.

What other advantages does Bodyblade have?
Timesaving: Bodyblade's® efficient movements provide a complete workout in just minutes, so you're never tempted to skip exercise during your otherwise busy schedule.

Cost: around $49,Compact: Bodyblade® is only a few feet long and a couple of pounds, easily fitting in the closet, under the bed and dozens of other places conventional weights and machines can't go.


What makes Bodyblade® different than other exercise equipment?
With Bodyblade® there are no weights or elastic bands that can break. You control the intensity and acceleration of the movement, which makes it safer and more effective than other equipment. Bodyblade® is technically known as a dynamic reactive instrument, which means that it matches the force you put into the blade and nothing more. As it moves back and forth four and a half times per second, it uses the principles of inertia to stimulate the muscles and make them stronger. The better conditioned the user, the more enhanced the workout. Yet since the user controls the movement, you can never injure yourself with Bodyblade®. All of this is possible due to the patented technology and the inertial exercise principles built into every Bodyblade®.


How does Bodyblade® create resistance?
Bodyblade® is a reactive, oscillating device that utilizes inertia to generate up to 270 muscle contractions per minute. The laws of inertia state that an object set in motion remains in motion until another force acts upon it to stop or change its direction. You push and pull on the apparatus, which accelerates the blade and creates a force due to the flex or amplitude of the blade. The greater the flex, the greater the resistance that is needed by the body to counteract the destabilizing forces delivered into the body. The blade's movement therefore requires the user to contract his or her muscles in order to neutralize these forcesI say it is worth a try, and the cost won't kill ya.


Children of the ’70s and ’80s will recognize the Twist Board’s uncanny resemblance to Playskool’s Sit ’n Spin, which really was loads of fun until you spun too many times and upchucked your Crunchberries. The fitness concept behind the Twist Board is to stand on the circular disc and quite literally do the twist (like we did last summer). “The Twist,” you may recall, was recorded by a man named Chubby Checker. Coincidence? Another great tool to lose some extra poundage.
“Wearable Gyms”

Certainly one of the challenges of modern life is finding the hours in a day to exercise. No time? No problem! Several manufacturers advertise devices to be worn like clothing, albeit clothing that sometimes needs to be plugged in.


Slimming shorts don’t just hold your belly in like a space-age girdle—they also promise to reduce cellulite by “micromassaging” your unsightly skin. Some slimming shorts are available with matching knee supports, too, in case your extra weight is blowing out a kneecap.


Insomniacs may already be familiar with late-night infomercials selling padded belts that vibrate and/or produce heat to shed weight. One is the Velform Sauna Belt —The intelligent waist slimming belt with DC 12v power supply is controlled by microcomputer.It integrates the wise control, vibrating massage, heating and magnetic treatment together.With powerful vibrating massage ball inside, it can vibrate and massage on waist, neck, leg and arms, so it can speed up the recycle of blood, relax the fatigue, burn the fittiness and enhance the metabolism. There are several magnets inside the waist belt, so the powerful magnetic field that is produced by the magnets can adjust the balance of the body, so, your body will become stronger and slimmer.

PCGamerBike

The PCGamerBike by 3D Innovations dangles the promise of turning video-game couch potatoes into string fries. The GamerBike is actually a video controller: You hook it up to your PC with a USB cable, then move characters or vehicles in video games by pedaling on the stationary bicycle. It’s even available with an optional hand controller so that you can stop all the bothersome exercise without delaying your game. A recumbent version of the PCGamerBike will be available in 2008, which is great for those of us who become winded by sitting upright.

Flybar 1200

With its elastometric spring system, elevation potential of more than five feet, and 12 thrusters that can be engaged independently, the Flybar 1200 has not only the coolest name but the best advertising copywriters in the fitness gadget business. It seems nothing short of incredible that 1,200 pounds of thigh-burning thrust can be yours for just $299. Then you realize it’s a pogo stick.
Range of Motion

The Range Of Motion, or ROM Time Machine, deserves mention here not because we’re skeptical but because it costs $14,615. Looking a lot like a cross-trainer designed by H.R. Giger, the ROM promises hard results with just four minutes of non-impact exercise per day. Heck, over the first year that’s just $40 per daily workout. If you’re sweating it out with a trainer at $50 per workout, Range of Motion may, in time, be a cheaper investment.

ROM’s creators have gone to great lengths to justify the cost, so give them a chance and read the 14,615 words they’ve posted to explain why you should buy the Range Of Motion instead of a new car. After all, nobody gets in shape driving around town.
You can find theese products and many others used or in overstock agreat place to do that is Best buys on new products, overstock items, refurbished weight loss merchandise and more at OutletTrail.com

The most complete workout equipment outlet on the web!

Tanning Beds Will Cause Cancer You Have Been Warned

Tanning beds

Hitting the tanning bed on a regular basis is doing major damage to your skin. Studies have linked tanning bed use to deadly melanoma and basal cell carcinoma. In fact, some experts hypothesize that the rise in melanoma rates among young women may be directly related to the popularity and prevalence of tanning salons. The government took a step in the right direction—President Bush signed a law that requires the FDA to reevaluate warning labels and other ways of educating consumers about the extreme risks of using tanning beds. Under consideration: Affixing a prominent, cigarette-package-style label to tanning beds that reads “Ultraviolet radiation can cause skin cancer.” Don’t say you haven’t been warned…

Your Friends Can Make You Fat...Ouch!!!

A study claiming that “obesity is contagious” and “fat spreads like a virus.” Attention-grabbing, sure, but could it possibly be true? Actually, yes.

But don’t panic: You’re not going to suddenly “catch” 10 pounds from sitting next to an overweight person at the movies. “We found that strangers and acquaintances had no effect on your behavior or your weight,” says James H. Fowler, associate professor of political science at University of California, San Diego, and co-author of the study. “You have to care about the person before they can influence you.” The study found that if a good friend (even one who lives thousands of miles away) becomes obese, there’s a 57 percent greater chance that you’ll also start to tip the scales. But there is some good news: If you choose your friends wisely, the “contagious” fatness syndrome can work in reverse. “Your friends have just as powerful an effect on losing weight and adopting other healthy eating and exercise behaviors,” Fowler says.

CAN I CATCH SKIN CANCER FROM USING TOPPIK ?

Toppik does not give you cancer.

However, you should know that if you already have scalp cancer, Toppik can make it difficult to spot the cancer. Why? Scalp cancers usually have different color from normal skin tone. If you don’t have hair, it probably is very easy to spot them. Seems like a stupid answer..huy, but it is just that simple.

What are some other ways I can spot scalp cancer? If your scalp often bleed, when you comb your hair. Or you have unhealed wound. It might be a sign. It is advisable to get some medical attention. Some people just ignore the usual bleeding that is not something to do. Seek maedical help if you have any symptoms.

What Are The Types of Skin Cancers:

Malignant melanoma skin cancer. It usually start on superficial surface. If it is left untreated, it will break into lower structure around 1-2 mm under the surface. Yes, Malignant melanoma can kill you.

Basal cell cancer happen most often. You can get them from too much sun tan. Basal cancer usually spread around the surrounding structures.

The last types of skin cancer is Squamous cell cancers, and yes they can kill.

Fasting Helps Church Members Live Longer

The American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2007 was the site of a presentation by Benjamin D. Horne, PhD, MPH of the University of Utah concerning the finding that once a month fasting practiced by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) is associated with a reduction in the rate of coronary artery disease. Members of the church fast one day per month in addition to practicing such other habits as not smoking and abstaining from alcohol. Previous research found that members of the church in Utah are less likely to die of heart disease than other residents.

Dr Horne utilized data from participants in the Intermountain Heart Collaborative Study, which included men and women who had undergone coronary angiography between 1994 and 2002. Sixty-six percent of the non LDS participants demonstrated coronary artery disease, defined as a narrowing or blockage of at least 70 percent in one or more artery, compared with 61 percent of LDS members. “When we adjusted for smoking, or looked just at the nonsmokers, we still found a lower rate of CAD in people having an LDS religious preference,” Dr Horne said. “We thought this was very interesting, so we devised a survey about other behaviors associated with LDS that might bring a health benefit.”


“Fasting was the strongest predictor of lower heart disease risk in the people we surveyed. About 8 percent of the people who fasted did not express an LDS religious preference, and they also had less coronary disease,” Dr Horne stated. “When you abstain from food for 24 hours or so, it reduces the constant exposure of the body to foods and glucose. One of the major problems in the development of the metabolic syndrome and the pathway to diabetes is that the insulin-producing beta cells become desensitized. Routine fasting may allow them to resensitize — to reset to a baseline level so they work better.”

Going Green Protects The Heart And Lessens The Heart Attack

An article appearing online in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences revealed that nitrite found in leafy green and other vegetables can help protect the heart from injury.

“This new appreciation of the health benefits of nitrite and nitrate is ironic,” stated senior author Dr David Lefer of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University. “They’ve traditionally been regarded as toxic because they tend to form chemicals called nitrosamines, some of which are carcinogenic. But recent research has found no convincing evidence that nitrite and nitrate pose a cancer risk.”

“Recent studies show that administering nitrite to animals, either intravenously or orally, can greatly limit the damage caused by a heart attack and the stress to tissue that follows due to reperfusion—the return of blood to oxygen-starved heart muscle,” Dr Lefer observed. “We wondered if feeding animals much lower levels of nitrite and nitrate—equivalent to what people can readily obtain from their diets—could also provide protection from heart-attack injury.”

Dr Lefer and his colleagues added nitrite to the drinking water of a group of mice for seven days while another group received a standard diet. To mimic a heart attack, blood flow to the heart was arrested for thirty minutes followed by reperfusion for 24 hours. When the animals' hearts were examined, those that received nitrite had 48 percent less damage than animals that did not receive the compound.

Nitrite and the related compound nitrate play a role in the production of nitric oxide, which helps relax the blood vessels. In an experiment involving nitrate, which converts in part to nitrite, a benefit similar to the first experiment involving was found.

“The study suggests that building up nitrite stores in heart muscle could spell the difference between a mild heart attack and one that causes lasting heart damage or death,”. Just another reason to go green in 2008.

Grape Seed The Food Preservative Of The Future

Grape-seed extract revealed an excellent ability to preserve meat in a recent study conducted at the University of Illinois, and may prove to be a viable alternative to synthetic preservatives. The finding was published in an issue of the Journal of Food Science.

Synthetic preservatives currently in use provide their benefit by retarding fat oxidation; however, the phenolic compounds in grape-seed appear to be even more effective antioxidants. “We’ve known for years that certain natural compounds, including some herbs and spices, have powerful antioxidant activity," commented lead researcher and University of Illinois professor of food science, M. Susan Brewer. "Food scientists have been trying to isolate the flavoring parts of these spices from the components that have the functional effects we’re looking for."

In the current study, Dr Brewer and graduate student Martha Rojas evaluated the efficacy oregano, rosemary, and two concentrations of grape-seed extract on cooked, reheated beef and pork stored at 4 degrees Celsius for eight days The meat samples were tested every other day for oxidative markers and sensory indicators of rancidity. “The higher concentration of grape-seed extract yielded better results than we see with synthetics, which is certainly not what you’d expect," Dr Brewer stated. "Synthetics, after all, have been engineered to maximize effectiveness, but sometimes Mother Nature comes up with a better product.” Grape seed has also been known to slow down the process if some cancer's. As we have noted on in the past.

High Amounts Of Soy Linked To A Reduced Risk Of Heart Attack And Stroke

The journal Circulation published the results of a study which found consuming high amounts of soy isoflavones linked to a reduced risk of heart attack and stroke among women.

The current research included 40,462 men and women between the ages of 40 and 59 who participated in the Japan Public Health Center-Based Study. Subjects were free of cardiovascular disease and cancer upon enrollment between 1990 and 1992. Dietary questionnaires completed at the beginning of the study were analyzed by the investigators for soy and total isoflavone intake. Participants were followed through 2002, and fatal and nonfatal cases of stroke and heart attack documented.

Over the 12.5 average follow-up, there were 587 cerebral infarctions (type of stroke) and 308 myocardial infarctions. Among women, soy intake greater than or equal to five times per week lowered the risk of stroke by 36 percent, heart attack by 45 percent , and cardiovascular disease mortality by 69 percent compared with risks experienced by those whose intake was two or fewer times per week. When isoflavone intake was examined, women whose intake was highest had a 65 percent lower stroke risk, a 63 percent reduction in the risk of heart attack, and cardiovascular mortality was reduced by 13percent. Soy appeared to be particularly protective for postmenopausal women. No significant associations with soy were observed in men.

The authors hypothesize that soy isoflavones, which have a structure similar to estrogens and bind to the estrogen receptor, may exert a greater benefit on postmenopausal women because their estrogen receptors are not occupied with plasma estradiol. "Our results suggest that the consumption of dietary isoflavones may be beneficial to postmenopausal women for the prevention of ischemic cardiovascular disease," they conclude.

Broccoli Sprouts Contain Cancer-Preventing Compounds

Broccoli sprouts contain cancer-preventing compounds known as isothiocyanates (ITCs) which are metabolized to dithiocarbamates (DTCs) in the body. By measuring isothiocyanate and dithiocarbamates in the rats' blood, tissue, and urine, the researchers found that over 70 percent of the broccoli sprout extract's isothiocyanates were excreted into the urine within 12 hours after a single dose, demonstrating high bioavailability. Urinary levels of ITCs were two to three times greater than plasma levels, which indicates that the bladder receives high exposure to the protective compounds. Bladder tissue levels of the compounds were also found to be elevated.

“The bladder is like a storage bag, and cancers in the bladder occur almost entirely along the inner surface, the epithelium, that faces the urine, presumably because this tissue is assaulted all the time by noxious materials in the urine,” . “The ITCs in broccoli sprout extracts after oral ingestion are selectively delivered to the bladder epithelium through urine excretion.”

The study provides more evidence that compounds that are orally consumed have a direct effect on promoting or inhibiting the development of cancer in the bladder.

EXERCISE EQUIPMENT THAT YOU SHOULD BUY AND WHY

Are you interested in losing weight and improving your appearance? If you are, you should know the importance of exercise. Exercise burns off calories, which reduces your calorie intake, which, in turn, makes it possible for you to lose weight.

If this is the first time that you have decided to seriously try to lose weight, you may be looking to buy exercise equipment for yourself. If you are, you will want to continue reading on. A few popular pieces of exercise equipment that you may look into buying .


One piece of exercise equipment that you may want to look into buying is that of a treadmill. Treadmills are, perhaps, the most well-known piece of exercise equipment available. What is nice about treadmills is that they come in a number of different styles. For instance, you can find treadmills that are powdered by electricity and then treadmills that are powdered by your own walking. This is nice as it often results in treadmills being available for a wide range of prices. Whether you have one hundred dollars to spend on a treadmill or one thousand dollars, you should be able to find a treadmill for your home weight loss plan.

Another piece of exercise equipment that you may want to look into buying, for your at-home weight loss plan, is that of an elliptical machine. Elliptical machines are nice, as they often combine multiple exercises. More advanced elliptical machines, also commonly referred to as deluxe elliptical machines, often given you an upper body workout and a lower body workout as well. Elliptical machines are often referred to as combination stair climbers and ski machines.

An exercise bike is another popular piece of exercise equipment that you may want to think about buying for your at-home weight loss program. Like an elliptical machine, there are many exercise bikes that give you an upper body and a lower body workout. These are points to take into consideration, should you decide to buy an exercise bike for yourself. Like treadmills, exercise bikes come in a number of different formats and styles; therefore, they are sold for a wide range of prices.

One piece of exercise equipment that you may not necessarily think about buying, but one that you should examine is that of a trampoline. When it comes to trampolines, you will find that they come in a number of different formats. For instance, it is possible to find larger size trampolines, ones that are ideal for backyards and often associated with recreational play. While these trampolines can also be used for exercise, there are smaller, mini trampolines that are designed for exercises, as well as indoor use. These types of trampolines are often fun, exciting, and affordable.

The above mentioned pieces of exercise equipment are ones that are often larger in size and occasionally more expensive. If you are looking for more affordable pieces of exercise equipment or more compact pieces, you still have an unlimited number of products to choose from. For instance, there are yoga and Pilates items that are often affordable and small in size. Exercise balls and resistance bands are popular items that you may want to take the time to examine. There are also weight sets that you can buy or you can buy a few individuals weights to use at home. When it comes to exercising at home, your options are, literally, unlimited.

When it comes to buying exercise equipment for yourself, you will find that you have a number of different options. You can shop locally or online. Exercise equipment is sold at sports stores, as well as traditional department stores. If you are on a budget, you may want to look into buying used exercise equipment. Used exercise equipment can often be found on online auction websites, in thrift stores, and at yard sales.Best buys on new products, overstock items, refurbished weight loss merchandise and more at OutletTrail.com

COLON CLEANSING TO LOSE WEIGHT

When many of us think of weight loss product, diet pill are often the first thing that comes to mind. While diet pills may be able to help you achieve your weight loss goals, diet pills are not the only weight loss product that you may want to look into. A large number of individuals have successfully used colon cleanses, also commonly referred to as weight loss cleanses, to lose weight and you may want to think about doing the same.

When it comes to using colon cleanses to lose weight, there are many individuals, possibly just like you, who wonder how the whole process works. Before understanding how colon cleanses may help you lose weight, it is important to remember that there may be a variance. There are some colon cleanses that advertise that they are designed to help you lose weight. These types of colon cleanses are also commonly referred to as weight loss cleanses. With that in mind, there are colon cleanses that advertise that they are not guaranteed to help you lose weight, even though some of them may.

When using a colon cleanse, it is important that you follow all of the instructions given to you. For instance, there are some colon cleanses that require that you do not eat anything for one or two days. These types of colon cleanses are often ones that are in liquid format. The colon cleanses in pill format may request that you only eat and drink certain products, like fruits and vegetables. If you buy a colon cleanse that asks to you restrict your diet, you are advised to do so. This diet restriction is what makes it possible for you to lose weight, as well as allow the colon cleanse to properly work.

When you use a colon cleanse, you are essentially detoxifying, your body. The colon cleanse will work to push toxins out from your colon and sometimes even your intestines. This is not only ideal to promote a healthy wellbeing, but it can also help you lose weight. It has been said that the average person has anywhere from four to eight pounds of stored waste in their body. When using a colon cleanse, that extra waste will be expelled from your body. This is why many individuals are able to lose weight with a colon cleanse.

If you use a rapid colon cleanse, like one that works in three to seven days, you may notice a rapid weight loss. There are some individuals who use colon cleanses to quickly lose weight before a special event like a wedding or a vacation. While you may be able to achieve rapid weight loss with a colon cleanse, it is important that you proceed with caution. If you do not change the way that you eat or add exercise to your daily activities, you may see your weight add back on it as little as a few weeks or a few days. This typically happens if you were asked to restrict your diet when using a colon cleanse. While you do not have to keep up with your restricted diet, you are advised to reduce your junk food intake and start a daily or at least a weekly exercise program.

Since it is more than possible for you to lose weight with a colon cleanse, you may be interested in giving one a try. When looking to buy a colon cleanse, you may be able to find them available for sale in traditional department stores, fitness stores, and health stores, both on and offline. Before buying a colon cleanse, you may want to search for product reviews online or speak with a healthcare professional. This will help to ensure that you if you do buy a colon cleanse that your money is well spent. ONE COLON CLEANSING PRODUCT THAT GETS VERY HIGH GRADES

ATKINS DIET FACTS AND WHY IT WORKS OUR REVIEW

Atkins weight loss simply sounded too good to be true. I had a friend who was on the Atkins meal plan, and although I didn't get to see him frequently since he lived across country, he claimed that the results were stunning and spectacular. Through the Atkins diet plan, he said, he had lost 10 pounds in just over a week. It was hard for me to believe that that was true. Furthermore, it was hard for me to believe that it was healthy. The Atkins meal plan involves eating nothing but high protein food, and small helpings of non-starchy vegetables. There is no way that this is good for the body!

Nonetheless, I was desperate. Spring was fast approaching, and I knew I wouldn't look good in my bathing suit. I decided the Atkins weight loss was my best bet. It was the only way I would look and feel my best in time for lounging on the beach. When I first started the weight loss Atkins plan, it was a lot of fun. After all, who doesn't want to sit there all day and gorge on fatty foods? Soon, however, I started to really yearn for something healthy. You really cannot stick with that plan for very long without starting to miss fresh fruits and vegetables. Your body starts to feel gross after a few days of nothing but meat, and you long for a nice healthy salad.

I decided to stick with it for a little bit longer. After all, I had spent all the money on the Atkins advantage bars, the meal plan, and the Atkins weight loss book, so it seemed like I should at least give it a fair try. Wouldn't you know it, I started losing weight by the fourth day! It was amazing how quickly the pounds dropped off. I didn't know the science behind it, but I didn't really care. All I knew was that I would be slim in no time with the Atkins meal plan.

I know the Atkins weight loss is unhealthy, but few fad diets are. You see, it isn't meant to be a permanent solution. It is just something that you should do until you can get your weight under control. Then you can switch to a normal diet and watch what you eat.

It is possible to lose weight with hoodia why it's the latest diet craze

Hoodia is one of the latest craze that has hit the diet industry. There are several commercials promoting hoodia on TV stations at any time of the day or night. However, in case you are wondering if it can be the magic solution that can grant you quick results without having to do anything else, then you will be disappointed to know the truth. It is still important to pair your weight loss measures with exercise and healthy eating.

Studies show that 65% of people in the United States are overweight and 30% of these are considered obese. These statistics are telling of the obesity epidemic and that more needs to be done to help people lose excess fats. If you are overweight and have found it hard to lose weight on your own, then you may consider trying out hoodia is a natural herb supplement.

Hoodia has ingredients that helps you curb your appeitite. This is a huge benefit for people who are on a diet, because eating fewer calories can help you to lose weight. If you feel hungry all of the time, then consuming Hoodia will make you feel satiated.

Hoodia can also help prevent overeating. If you have problems stopping your binge eating, then you will enjoy this benefit of Hoodia. It can be hard to lose weight when you often go for large portions and seconds. With hoodia, you do not feel all that hungry to do so.

With less of an appetite, it is much easier to make healthy food choices. If you have not already noticed, you tend to eat on a whim when you are immensely hungry. Your cravings for food can be curtailed from taking Hoodia and feeling as if you have a full stomach.

Despite all the promises that commercials make, you should note that Hoodia is not going to magically make the fat fall off of your body. You will still need to make the right decisions in terms of food selections and doing enough exercises and activities to help you burn off the fat.

Hoodia comes in many different brands and types. To ensure that you lose weight and reap maximum benefits, get a high-quality version of Hoodia. Additionally, take up some exercise program designed to help you shed off your extra weight at the same time. You should avoid taking hoodia if you are diabetic, or have heart disease or any other serious health conditions. Oprah loves Hoodia..now you know why!! The best place to find high grade Hoodia

Food allergy symptoms and How To Recognize them

Have you ever wondered if the discomfort that you are experiencing came as a result of food allergy symptoms? Food allergy symptoms usually show up within minutes after eating. However, sometimes, it can take up to a few hours, for their effects to show. Usually, those that occur right away can be easily identified while those that took hours to appear, may be misdiagnosed as other problems or lumped into a 'catch all' diagnosis that is not clearly understood.

Food allergy symptoms can be mild or severe. Some food allergy symptoms are merely uncomfortable, while others can be debilitating or even life threatening. For example, a mild reaction may give you a skin rash that disperses over time. Conversely, a severe reaction can cause severe inflammation and the throat can swell up to the point that you cannot breathe.


Most people associate food allergy symptoms with digestive complaints. Digestive symptoms can include any part of the digestive system. The mouth, lips, and tongue can have tingling or burning sensations. You may experience nausea, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, or cramping. If a food allergy develops over time, it may be difficult to pin point whether it is an allergic reaction or a different problem. If you suffer from chronic digestive difficulties, you may have a staple of your diet that is aggravating your system.

Food allergy symptoms can also show up in skin irritations. A food allergy can result in swelling, redness, and irritation of the skin. It is not unusual for a person to develop hives from eating irritating foods.

Many people do not equate respiratory problems with food allergies, but as with other allergens, food can produce symptoms throughout the respiratory system. You may experience congestion, a runny nose, sneezing, or nasal symptoms resembling a cold. There can also be inflammation of the throat and bronchial passages, resulting in wheezing, coughing, and breathing difficulties. A tightness of the chest and asthma attacks are very serious and should be treated immediately, as they can be life threatening.

Another set of symptoms that are often overlooked as the result of food allergies include musculoskeletal complaints. Joint pain resembling rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, or other conditions with joint problems can actually be a symptom of delayed food allergies.

It is important that you do an elimination diet, to determine whether specific foods are triggering a reaction for you. In an elimination diet, after cleansing your system, you start with foods least likely to cause a reaction and then very gradually add foods to your diet. The sooner you learn how avoid the triggers of your food allergy symptoms, the sooner you will get to enjoy a more comfortable and productive life without suffering the effects of ineffective treatments and harsh medications resulting from a misdiagnosis

Acupuncture for detoxification Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture for detoxification is one of the most beneficial uses of this major component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The principle of acupuncture, as with the rest of TCM, lies on the balance of Qi (chi), the vital energy that nourishes and harmonises the functions of the body.

It is helpful to look at the original purpose for which acupuncture was developed. The ancient Chinese physicians believed that "A superior healer is one who treats a disease before it shows symptoms, while an inferior one treats a disease only after it has manifested pain or discomfort," (Inner Classic of the Yellow Emperor, 100 B.C.). The ancients well knew that prevention was more valuable than the treatment of a disease. It is thus easy to understand why you can use acupuncture for detoxification.

One reason that acupuncture for detoxification works is that it has a natural diuretic effect. It helps your body eliminate toxins through the urinary tract. This is why you will see a widespread use of acupuncture for drug detox programs.

In addition, an acupuncture treatment has the effect of reducing appetite or cravings, even as it eliminates blockage of the Qi. Once you regain your appetite, you do not feel as much desire for foods normally associated with sources of toxins. When you eat toxic foods, you immediately get a feeling of heaviness in the body, as the energy flow is disrupted once more. When you eat the proper food, you continue to feel energised. It does not take long for the body to learn which foods provide benefit, and this is why acupuncture for detoxification is so effective.

A third reason you might find acupuncture for detoxification a useful technique is the "pain" involved. Talking about needles is enough to send a tingle down most people's spines. Unfortunately, needles are the only effective instruments to reach the acupuncture points, which, although near the skin, may be inside muscles, tendons, or joint spaces. Actually, a well trained acupuncturist can make acupuncture a less painful and more satisfying experience.

The contact of the needle with an acupoint produces a feeling of numbness, aching, tingling, or heaviness in the area. This is called the arrival of the Qi, and is directly indicative of the effectiveness of the therapy. You may feel the effect very strongly and call it painful. It is actually your body telling you it has been damaged after years of toxins from additives and foods, environmental changes, or even simple bad habits.

The more toxins you have, the stronger you'll feel the effect. The sensation of apparent pain will be a powerful incentive to detoxify. There is no real pain, only discomfort, and it disappears soon after the session. But it is emphatic proof to you that acupuncture for detoxification can really help.

The herbs that can work wonders to alleviate feelings of anxiety and depression

The herbs that can work wonders to alleviate feelings of anxiety and depression are St. John's wort and Kava, St. John's wort has been successfully used by the Chinese, the Greeks, the Europeans, and the American Indians, for anxiety, insomnia, depression, and that other illness associated with stress: heart disease.

Kava, a member of the pepper family, is one of the most useful antianxiety herbs. Kava, it's Latin name Piper methysticum, is described medically as a sedative and muscle relaxant. It's also a pain reliever just like NSAIDs. Studies , mostly done in Europe, have demonstrated that Kava improves concentration, memory, and people with anxiety symptoms. And the best part is that no side effects have been noted, except with very large amounts taken over a number of years. However, Dr. Mindell warns, Kava is not recommended for people with Parkinson's or Alzheimer's diseases ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO FIND KAVA HERBS

LASER HAIR REMOVAL JUST THE FACTS

Although the laser hair removal leaves no scars, nonetheless it is uncomfortable and requires multiple treatments.

Laser cosmetics has become so powerful and well developed that it is almost routine for many people. Unfortunately, however, there are still many obstacles for laser hair removal treatment. First of all, it is painful. If you have never had hair removal laser, you can't know what I am talking about. It burns. It feels much like you would imagine a laser burning into your skin feels.


The biggest problem with the surgery, however, is not the discomfort. Most people can grin and bear. The biggest problem is laser hair removal costs. Although the surgery has become routine, the cost of laser hair removal has remained high. Because it requires a lot of special equipment - most particularly high powered lasers - laser hair removal costs can remain high.

They basically can charge whatever They want. It's not like you're going to go out and buy a laser to do it at home!

The problem is that they know that people will pay the laser hair removal prices. After all, many Hollywood stars are into laser hair removal. If money is no object, the laser hair removal costs are a reasonable sacrifice. After all, once you get a hair laser removal treatment, you never have to shave your legs, armpits, or any other treated parts of your body again.

For the stars, the laser hair removal costs are more than worth it. They can afford to schedule a couple of visits if it means that their bodies will remain smooth and hairless!

There are lots of people without a lot of money who want body hair removed badly enough to go to a laser hair removal clinic, even if it means going into debt. No matter what the laser hair removal costs, it is worth it for them. Vanity is such an epidemic in our society, that people are very impractical about matters like cosmetic treatments.

The following foods are known to promote cancer

1. Refined sugar.

Cancer feeds off of sugar in the blood stream. Given this information, it makes sense to keep your blood sugar levels at a reasonable point, rather than eating sugary foods that elevate them. Not only will this cut a source from cancer cells, but it will allow your overall health and immune system to function more effectively.

2. Refined or simple carbohydrates.

Foods made from refined carbohydrates, like white flour, turn to sugar in your system. For the same reason that we cut refined sugar from our diets, we should reduce our intake of simple carbohydrates.

3. Hydrogenated oils, Trans Fats, and Acrylamides.

Hydrogenated oils, with trans fats, are used because of their prolonged shelf life. Hydrogenated oils are made by heating oils with other elements and in a way that replaces healthy fatty acids with trans fats. Not only are these types of fat dangerous for the function of your heart, but they produce the perfect environment for the development of cancer. Acrylamides are fats that are created during the process of frying food. They have been shown to cause cancer in rats.

4. Sodium Nitrite.

This chemical is added to foods as a preservative. It accounts for the pink color of meat and is used in pickled and smoked foods, as well as beer and cheese. The problem with sodium nitrite is that it is converted into a carcinogen called nitrosamine in the digestive process.

5. Processed Meats.

Sodium nitrites are found in processed meat such as bacon, hot dogs, and other processed meats.

6. Fried sweets (doughnuts, elephant ears).

The combination of hydrogenated oils, refined flour and sugar, and the frying process which produces acrylamides causes fried, sweet food to be potential cancer causing disasters

7. Fried potatoes.

French fries are usually fried in hydrogenated oil and contain simple carbohydrates that rapidly change to sugar in your blood stream

8. Chips.
Not all chips are 'bad', but many are fried and contain trans fats, sugar, and simple carbohydrates.

9. Crackers.

Look for or make your own whole grain, baked crackers without harmful preservatives as opposed to those with trans fats, sugar, and simple carbohydrates.

10. Soda.

If you are looking for a way to quickly put sugar and chemicals into your blood stream, look no further than a bottle of soda.


By eliminating cancer causing foods from your diet, you put yourself one step ahead in warding off the disease. If colon cancer, or breast cancer runs in your family, go beyond the traditional health screening and provide your body with the nutrition it needs to fight cancer, without the foods that promote it.

Poor sleep patterns in the elderly and obese play a role in the development of diabetes

Just three nights of bad sleep is enough to dramatically reduce the body's ability to process glucose and raise the risk of diabetes, a study released Monday found.

Suppressing deep sleep for three nights in a row decreased the glucose tolerance of young, healthy adults as much as if they had gained eight to 13 kilos (20 to 30 pounds), researchers at the University of Chicago's medical school found.

And while it is possible that the body's ability to process glucose would adjust to chronic sleep deprivation, it is likely that poor sleep patterns in the elderly and obese play a role in the development of diabetes, the authors concluded.

Deep sleep, or "slow wave sleep," is considered the most restorative form of sleep and has been shown to be important for mental clarity. This is the first study to show its significance for physical well-being.

"Connections between chronic, partial, sleep deprivation, changes in appetite, metabolic abnormalities, obesity, and diabetes risk," said study author Eve Van Cauter.

"These results solidify those links and add a new wrinkle, the role of poor sleep quality, which is also associated with aging."

Nine lean, healthy volunteers between the ages of 20 and 31 spent five nights in a sleep laboratory where they went to bed at 11 pm and got out of bed at 7:30 am.

They were undisturbed for the first two nights but on the following three nights, speakers near the bed emitted low-level sounds whenever their brain patterns indicated they were drifting into deep sleep.

While not loud enough to wake them, the sounds reduced deep sleep by about 90 percent by shifting them out of the onset of deep sleep back into a lighter sleep.

This mimicked typical sleeping patterns of those over the age of 60 who generally get only 20 minutes of deep sleep a night compared with 80 to 100 minutes for young adults.
When tested after having had their sleep disturbed, the insulin sensitivity of the volunteers had decreased by 25 percent, which meant they needed more insulin to dispose of the same amount of glucose.

But insulin secretion did not go up in eight of the subjects and, as a result, they showed a 23 percent increase in blood glucose levels.

"Since reduced amounts of deep sleep are typical of aging and of common obesity-related sleep disorders ... these results suggest that strategies to improve sleep quality, as well as quantity, may help to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes in populations at risk," Van Cauter added.