7 Simple Steps To Health and Fitness Success

Writen by Gregg Gillies

Let’s take a look at seven simple steps you can take right now to move you rapidly along toward your fitness goals.

Think on paper: Only about 3 percent of adults have clear, written goals. These people accomplish five and ten times as much as people without written goals.

Step 1: Decide Exactly What You Want. This will allow you to prioritize your tasks to that you are spending the most time on high value tasks that move you closer to your goals. If your goal is to add 20 pounds of muscle, there isn’t much point in using up a lot of you training time by jogging 5 miles a day.

Step 2: Write It Down. Again, think on paper. Written goals are a powerful thing. They have an energy behind them that helps you move toward them that unwritten goals just don’t have.

Step 3: Set A Deadline On Your Goal. Create a sense of urgency and positive pressure. Without a deadline you will procrastinate and do the little things that may damage your short term goals. If you are having “after” pictures taken in three weeks then you are much less likely to swallow that bag of popcorn, than if you are just getting in shape…eventually.

Step 4: Make a list of everything you can think of that you will need to do to help you achieve your goal. Leave nothing to chance. The more planning you do ahead of time, the more likely you will stick to the plan and achieve your goals. The more prepared you are, the more success you will experience.

Step 5: Organize the list into a plan. Organize your list by priority and sequence.

Step 6: Take action on your plan immediately. Do something. Get started. Start building positive reinforcement and momentum RIGHT NOW.

Step 7: Resolve to do something every single day that moves you toward your major goal. And with fitness, you have to, don’t you? Whether it is your workout, eating six high protein meals, etc. you should always be doing something that moves your forward toward your goals.

Don’t just read these tips and nod your head. Activel use them. They will make a big difference, not just in your health and fitness goals but in your life in general.

Gregg Gillies

Charging for Reiki in the UK

Writen by Suzanne Zacharia

Reiki and charging money – a highly charged subject indeed!

If you are not of the Reiki community, you could be forgiven for thinking that anyone working for free or almost free is totally mad.

So what is it about Reiki that is contradictory to charging for one’s time? Nothing. As a matter of fact, Mikao Usui, the founder of Reiki, advocated an exchange for the healing in order to empower the healee to take an active part in their healing process.

How did the Reiki healing community get to this point?

History has a part to play. When Reiki first came to the West, people were charged obscene amounts of money to become a Reiki healer. This was not a true reflection of the value of the initiation and teaching to the healer, and healers rebelled against this at the first opportunity.

Then again, there is the way in which Reiki at a professional level spread through the world. From a purely financial point of view, it was largely, and for many still is, a cottage industry for housewives, the disabled, retirees, and people already in work looking for a second income. It is very easy for anyone in this situation to miscalculate their true overheads. It is even easier not to need to make a living with Reiki if there is already a source of income, be it a loving husband, disability benefits, a pension, or a secure job.

There is also the driver which leads us to Reiki in the first Place. Most of us come to Reiki because of a need for physical or emotional healing. This may be our own need or that of a loved one whom we know is suffering. Immediately after the initiation, a Reiki healer starts self-healing each day, and soon progresses onto healing loved ones in need. The emphasis is on self-development and helping loved ones. The Reiki healer then spends months or years in this relationship with Reiki, and it is very hard to suddenly switch to having a financial relationship with Reiki too.

Then again for many, Reiki is a spiritual discipline, and for many, spirituality is misunderstood as being divorced from monetary gain. I feel that Reiki is about unconditional love, and that spirituality is about abundance for the highest good. Let me illustrate. Sandra goes to work on a chicken battery farm, where chickens are bred to have chests that are so heavy, these birds have been proven scientifically to be in constant pain. Sandra has also learned Reiki to professional level but since Reiki is spiritual, she will not charge for her Reiki sessions. If she does charge, it is not a sufficient amount to enable her to give up her job at the chicken battery farm. But Mikao Usui told us to be gracious to every living thing, and Sandra tortures chickens for a living! Society’s standards about spirituality, handed down over the ages for the rich to control the poor, are to blame.

Reiki is gaining popularity in the UK as a healing modality. Many clients come to me for healing anxiety, depression, joint pain, arthritis, and many other conditions with Reiki. At the same time, many healers have been received their Reiki professional-level training in a very short workshop or even in half an hour over the internet! They do not have the necessary training for client care, clinical practice, the law, tax, conditions requiring urgent medical attention, and health and safety. Quite rightly, these Reiki healers, although on paper possessing the Reiki healer certificate, know that they are in no position to charge. Unfortunately, many of these healers are simply unaware that Reiki is more than a quick initiation and nice warm feeling. No-one has told them! They have been taught by a Reiki Master teacher after a quick buck or (and this is more usually the case) just as ignorant themselves.

Add to the above the proliferation of Reiki healers in the UK today, where competition drives prices down. If one has little or no business training, it is easy to make the assumption that if you charge less, you will get the work. The fact is that if you charge less, you starve. Hence many Reiki practitioners give up the idea of doing Reiki full-time, as they need to make a living and cannot survive on what they charge. This leads to many Reiki healers competing for even less money, as they can afford to offer it for less part-time.

There is also an element of self-esteem. Many Reiki healers have been drawn to Reiki in order to heal low self-esteem. Somehow along the line, they take professional training but do not complete their self-healing. I do not blame them, as often self-healing can be painful! But if one doesn’t value oneself, one simply does not charge for services given or charges very little.

Then there is the weirdness of the Reiki session as a process. To many, this feels like just laying the hands on the healee and “doing nothing”. With time and experience, a Reiki healer becomes an active participant in the healing process, and even if this never happens, the results that clients report back are too astounding to be ignored! Somewhere along the line with many healers though, they begin to doubt that the are “doing anything” and of course if one is “doing nothing” then one has to charge nothing!

And then there are those erstwhile healers that give Reiki sessions as part of their job, albeit unofficially. Since it is unofficial, they do not view the Reiki as paid employment, even though they are being paid and are working as Reiki healers.

My hope is that the forthcoming Reiki Regulation in the UK will lead to the support of the Reiki healers that do want to work professionally. Reiki healers working unoficially will be recognised and more Reiki healers will be able to work full-time. The result? Freedom for chickens would be nice!

Complementary and alternative health education and empowerment is my passion. My name is Suzanne Zacharia and I am committed to empowering people to take conrol of their health and wellness.

A virus caught along with 5 other students at university at the end of 1986, plus medical negligence, meant that I got smokers lung at a relatively young age. In desperation for help with my symptoms and quality of life, I turned to complementary therapy, and this is the 11th year I have outlived one doctor’s prognosis.

I am now a complementary therapist, author and trainer specialising in “energy” therapy. My company is called New Age London, with some carefully-chosen expert teachers and trainers of alternative and complementary health working with me. People have come from Iceland, Norway, the States, France, Italy, and Pakistan to train with us or to learn natural, effective techniques for their and their families’ health.

http://www.NewAgeLondon.com/contact.php http://www.NewAgeLondonTraining.com http://www.NewAgeLondonTherapies.com

Asthma, Protect Your Child From It

Writen by Pamela Nathan

When her son, Will, was 2 months old, Pat Jones of Los Angeles and her husband woke to hear their son struggling to breathe in his sleep. Before then, Jones had never seen a baby with asthma, but it soon became a familiar sight. “When we had our duplex next to a freeway, we practically lived in the emergency room,” she explains.

Jones and her son are not alone. In the past 15 years, asthma has increased world-wide. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more children suffer from asthma than any other chronic disease. “Asthma has become the leading cause of childhood hospital admissions beyond the newborn period,” says Philip Landrigan, M.D., a New York City pediatrician. Asthma, reports the CDC, is the number one reason for school absenteeism in America.

How do you know if your child has asthma? “Asthma’s more than just wheezing,” says Harvey Karp, M.D., a pediatrician in Los Angeles. While wheezing is a symptom of asthma, also look for persistent coughing or repeated episodes of bronchitis or pneumonia, advises Karp. The best way you can protect your child from recurrent attacks is to become an educated parent.

Since asthmatics have hyper reactive airways, a number of allergens or irritants may cause the lungs’ breathing tubes to close, restricting the breathing. The following commonly trigger asthma:

• Cigarette smoke. Technically an airway irritant rather than an allergen, smoke has a severe effect on asthmatics.
• Dust mites. The excrement of this microscopic mite is a potent allergen. Mites infest bedding, upholstery, draperies and rugs and thrive on moisture and human skin cells.
• Cockroaches are a primary allergen.
• Mildews and molds.
• Unvented gas appliances, heaters and stoves. The American Lung Association warns nitrous oxides such as NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) can pollute air when gas appliances such as water heaters, stoves and clothes dryers lack adequate ventilation. Poorly vented wood-burning fireplaces can also be a hazard.
• Ozone. “Ozone (often found in smog) causes inflammation in the lungs at very low concentrations,” says David Bates, a professor emeritus at the University of British Columbia. This especially poses a risk in large cities and near high-traffic areas.
• Particulate matter. Very fine pieces of soot, dust, or smoke can invade the lungs.

16 Lung-Healthy Tips

Once you know what allergens and irritants to watch for, you can protect your child from asthma attacks. Use this list to help make your home a friendlier place for any child or adult who suffers from asthma.

1. Take early action. “In order to prevent asthma in the first place, we think the important thing is to avoid exposure to allergens very early in life, meaning younger than 2 years of age,” says Douglas Dockerty, Ph.D., professor at Harvard School of Public Health. This is one more reason why a pregnant woman should not smoke.
2. Ventilate. “The building of tightly sealed houses make it easier for moisture and dust to collect in homes,” Dockerty notes vapors such as perfumes, air fresheners and formaldehyde become trapped indoors and can irritate asthmatics. Be sure stoves and appliances are well-vented. If it’s cool outside, open windows a crack to circulate air. On hot days, use air conditioners to ventilate.
3. Buy mattress and pillow casings that are impermeable to dust mites. Vinyl or tightly woven cotton (at least 380-count) work well.
4. Avoid feather comforters and feather or foam rubber pillows. Foam rubber produces a haven for mites.
5. Launder in hot water (130 degrees F). Bedding should be washed every two weeks.
6. Dust with a damp cloth and vacuum frequently. Small particles irritate asthmatic airways. When buying a vacuum cleaner, ask if it will fit HEPA (High Energy Particulate Air) filters, a $100 option, which trap finer particles. Wipe walls and ceilings with a damp mop. Vacuum air and heating vents.
7. Beware of vacuum cleaner back draft. The January 1995 issue of Consumer Reports found that the dustiest exhaust came from canister-style machines; the report recommends upright vacuum cleaners.
8. Keep clutter to a minimum. Piles of dirty clothes encourage growth of mildew and mites; piles of paper attract cockroaches. Stuffed animals offer a paradise for mites.
9. Dehumidify. “Dehumidifying is important, as many asthmatics are allergic to mildew and molds,” says Harriet Burge, Ph.D., of the Harvard School of Public Health.
10. No pet, no dander. “Cat dander is everywhere, even if you wash the cat,” says Ruth Etzel, M.D., Ph.D., of the CDC. “The only real solution is not to have the cat.”
11. Replace furnace and duct filters monthly as they collect dust and molds. Keep asthmatics away from gas stoves. “Open the oven door and you get a blast of NO2,” says Bates.
12. Ask your pediatrician about allergenic foods. If you have a family tendency toward allergy, limit foods assosciated with allergies-such as cow’s milk-from the child’s diet for the first two ears. Etzel and other pediatricians recommend that mothers try to breastfeed their infants for the first year.
13. Restrict outdoor activities when pollution levels are high. Check your air quality index daily. Asthmatic children should not exert themselves in hot, smoggy weather or when a dusty wind blows; smog counts tend to be highest between 3 and 6 p.m.
14. Eradicate cockroaches.
15. Try air cleaning and purifying machines. Consumer Reports says a good air cleaner can help those with allergies. Keep the machine in the asthmatic’s bedroom at least six feet from the bed because it creates a draft and don’t place it on the carpet since it can kick up dust. “Air cleaners can only help if you’ve first gotten rid of the risk factors such as dust mites, mold and dander,” says Burge. Warning: many asthmatics experience irritation from the ozone type of air filter.
16. Drive less. Fight pollution at the source and support sustainable transportation. Urban locations with high levels of ozone and particulates put asthmatics at risk. Therefore, it’s essential to fight pollution at its industrial and automotive sources and support public transportation and strict clean-air standards.

Asthma: Learn How to Measure Your Breathing Level Using – The Measurement Pause

Writen by James Hooper

Asthma is a terrible disease that has victims from all over the world and nobody seems to be immune from this disease. In my article I am going to outline the following breathing test that will give you a simple measurement of your breathing level. It is easy to do, and can be done by anyone over the age of 4 years. Please follow the instructions, and hold only until you a feel the desire for a breath. Do not hold as long as you can.

This breathing test is called a Measurement Pause. The role of this test is to measure your sensitivity to the build-up of carbon dioxide as you are holding your breath. When you close off your nose, and keep your mouth closed, all of the carbon dioxide you produce in your body is trapped inside. Once the amount trapped reaches to the level you are used to, you will feel the desire to take a breath. The measurement is timing how long this takes you to fell the desire to take a breath. The longer it takes, the higher your tolerance for carbon dioxide. The significance of this measurement will be explained later.

It is important to begin the test with your breathing in the same place each time. The simplest way to do this is to take a normal breath in, and then allow a gentle, unforced breath out. This allows you to feel that your lungs or not full or empty, but comfortable. If you have any confusion, simply breathe in gently for the count of 3, then out gently for the count of 2. The next step is to use your forefinger and thumb to pinch your nostrils closed. Obviously your mouth will be kept closed during this test.

Once you have pinched your nostrils, simply hold your breath until you feel the desire for a breath. Do not hold as long as you can – that is a different measurement. We are looking for the time it takes for your carbon dioxide to build to the point that your brain senses the higher level, and gives you the sensation that you would like a breath.

Let’s go over it once more then you should do an actual Measurement. It is a gentle breath in, an unforced breath out, pinch your nose, and hold until you want a breath. Time how long in seconds it takes for you to want a breath. After you have done this test, breathe very gently thru your nose. Do your first Measurement Pause now!

What does your score mean?

Some severe sufferers of Asthma and poor breathing can last less than 5 seconds. If you lasted less than 15 seconds it is likely that you often suffer at least moderate asthma. A mild sufferer may reach around 20 seconds. If you do suspect Asthma always consult your physician for thorough assessment.

Here is the interesting part. The simple training method designed by Dr Buteyko over 50 years ago can alter your breathing so that you can easily last more than 25 seconds.

Once you have reached this level asthma usually just disappears. Major improvements in other conditions such as migraine, hay-fever, and emphysema also occur. It happens so consistently that Certified Buteyko Instructors offer a full guarantee of improvement or your money back. The Buteyko Breathing Method training course was originally designed for high blood pressure.

Breast Enlargement

Writen by Eric Morris

It’s a dream many women to have a fuller and firmer breasts. For many women who are too self-conscious, the size of their breasts may cause them to think poorly of themselves. The attitude towards the breast enlargement is often dictated by fashion. There is no ideal breast size and the size and shape of the breasts vary from woman to woman. Rarely are both breasts symmetrical in women, and in most cases one of them may be larger or smaller or higher or lower than the other. The size, however, does not in any way inhibit the ability to feed or nurse a baby.

Breast size is influenced by a number of factors such as the genetic composition, age, weight, the thickness and elasticity of the skin, the hormonal influences on the breasts, pregnancy, and breast-feeding.

There are various techniques of breast enlargement, both surgical and non-surgical. The non-surgical methods range from breast enlargement creams, pills, and pumps to breast enhancement exercises and hypnosis.

Surgical breast implants involves placing saline-filled implants either under the breast tissue or the chest muscle beneath the breasts. But as with every surgery, there are risks involved in breast implants.

Many women choose alternative natural breast enlargement methods because of the side effects associated with surgical breast enlargement. Manufacturers of alternative breast enlargement products claim that they are a safe, inexpensive, and painless way of achieving fuller and shapelier breasts. These products, the manufacturers claim, increases breast size by stimulating the growth of breast tissue. There are instances of women who have experienced positive results by the use of alternative methods, but the results are more pronounced only in a small segment of products.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Better Business Bureau confirm that no breast enlargement method or product other than surgery has ever been proven to actually work.

The appropriate breast enlargement method should be chosen after consultation with a doctor and only after a careful consideration of all the risk factors involved. It is important to realize that attractiveness is never as important and priceless as life itself.

Breast Enlargement provides detailed information about breast enlargement, breast enlargement costs, breast enlargement creams, and more. Breast Enlargement is affiliated with Breast Enhancement Surgery.

Fighting with Depression

Writen by Tanya Jain

Depression is a medical condition, which cannot be ignored, and it has to be considered seriously. It is caused due to chemical changes and imbalances in the brain. These changes may be caused due to several factors. Many people may not know the actual reason for depression. Depression can be debilitating but now treatment is available to cope up with this condition. It has to be diagnosed properly in the initial stages. These treatments help to stabilize the chemical imbalances in the brain and makes sure that the brain functions normally. In order to fight against depression you need to find out the reason for it and understand how it affects your normal life. Then you can go for the different treatment methods that are available nowadays and select the one, which suits and treats the condition, the best.

There are different approaches for treatment of depression like medications, psychotherapy, talk therapy, meditation, Aromatherapy etc. The common symptom seen in a person suffering from depression are feelings of hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, loss of appetite, weight loss, feelings of sadness, extreme pessimism, lack of sleep, loss of interest in activities, feelings of loneliness and sadness etc. Depression can also cause severe mood disorders. Some women suffer from depression during the post partum period. They will not be able to bond with the newborn baby. They have to be treated with the help of the doctor. They need support and medical attention to overcome this phase. Another type of depression is the bipolar disorder where the patient suffers from extreme mood swings such as intense highs and crippling lows. For them life seems to be a roller coaster ride.

There are several medications available to treat such conditions. Depression can be managed just like any other medical disorder of the body like diabetes, high blood pressure etc. All that you need is the positive attitude and the will power and determination to fight it. Besides medications you can also choose different holistic approaches to fight depression. You can join some activities such as a laughter club, where you can divert your mind and get your mind involved in some soothing activities. Sometimes you may have to change your entire life style or move to a different place in order to fight out depression. You cannot expect a change overnight but with course of time, and the right type of treatment you can fight depression and get it out of your life. Symptoms of depression may be aggravated due to teenage problems such as acne, use of drugs, loss of job, loss of loved ones, etc.

In order to fight depression, you need to understand the basic cause or reason, which has triggered such a condition. Once you find out the reason, then find out effective options for solving this problem. You must always keep in mind that will power or the power of mind is very important to fight out depression. Positive thinking can help you to fight out depression without any medical support. You can fight out depression by clearing your mind and empowering it with positive thought or affirmations.

Tanya recommends you to see depression symptoms and medication, ayurvedic treatment of insomnia and vitamins for depression.

How To Prevent Pimples

Writen by Marcus Peterson

There is no way of knowing whether pimple prevention is necessary until the dreaded pimples actually crop up and refuse to go away on their own. However, it is a safe bet that most teenagers and a high number of adults are going to have pimples at some point and to some degree.

If the problem has been traditionally acute in previous family generations, you can count on having it, too. If the problem looms on the horizon and appears as a genetically encoded time bomb, some preventive measures are definitely in order before the pimples develop. And if pimples have ever plagued you in the past, they might come back in the future, too.

The most basic form of pimple prevention is hygiene and prophylactic (preventive) skin care. Regular washing of endangered or affected areas with mild soap is a must. Such soap need not necessarily contain any chemicals designed to prevent pimples – the only watchword is scrupulous hygiene. However, face washing should not be overdone or the skin will become dehydrated and the problem will be exacerbated.

Pimple-prone skin should be kept free of heavy makeup, especially the kind that has a heavy fatty content. Theatrical makeup of any kind and for any reason should be strictly avoided, as should the water-resistant kind. Go for hypoallergenic grades of makeup – these may not have as spectacular a cosmetic effect, but they are definitely friendlier on pimple-prone skin.

If you are on any kind of antidepressant or antipsychotic medications, check with both your psychiatrist and dermatologist about the possibility of skin changes. Women on birth control pills may want to consider alternative methods of contraception if recurrent pimple infestation is a problem for them. This change should be initiated in consultation with a qualified gynecologist.

There is direct evidence linking fatty foods with the occurrence of pimples; and avoiding these foods on general principle can’t be anything but an excellent idea.

Pimples provides detailed information on Pimples, How To Get Rid Of Pimples, Home Remedy For Pimples, Scalp Pimples and more. Pimples is affiliated with Adult Acne Causes.

Acne Scars – Can They Be Cleared Painlessly With Microdermabrasion

Writen by CD Mohatta

Acne scars are for life. As most of them form on the face, it becomes a major cosmetic problem. Those who have acne scars want to get rid of them. But when they meet their doctor and hear about the time, money and pain that will involve procedures such as Chemical peeling, dermabrasion and laser they go into deep thought. Can microdermabrasion performed repeatedly give an answer? Let us find out.

Acne scar types-

You may develop saucer type scars, or ice pick scars or keloids. With keloids you can do nothing, but with the other two scar types, you can something with microdermabrasion. If you wish to remove the scars at one go, you have to undergo some of the procedures I mentioned above but if you are patient and can wait for the scars to go away slowly and are happy with some improvement, microdermabrasion may help. Please find out all about microdermabrasion .

Microdermabrasion and skin-

In microdermabrasion small crystals are thrown at a high velocity and collected back by vacuum. These small crystals abrade the skin surface in a minimal way, removing the dead skin cells and some disfigured spots slowly. With repeated treatments, you may see some improvement in the scars. As new skin keeps forming, the scars may get less conspicuous. You should talk to your doctor about the kind of results you will get painlessly and a little cost from microdermabrasion. As there are two types of procedures- one performed by the doctors with a higher power and other at beauty salons with a lower power, you should find out about which of them is suitable for you. You also get home use machines. Talk to your doctor about all the options and probably you may get your look back at a very little cost and pain.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

The author C.D.Mohatta writes articles on skin problems, skin treatments and skin care. For more information about how to have good skin that looks young and blemish free , please visit- http://www.doctorgoodskin.com/ . You will also find solutions to wrinkles, scars, facial rejuvenation, latest laser treatments, skin blemishes and spots, hair care and hair loss and about keeping healthy nails. This site is dedicated to make you look good. For keeping yourself young at all the ages find out more about the skin procedures and treatments that will make you young forever.

How to Cure Chronic Bad Breath

Writen by Milos Pesic

Adults and children alike suffer from chronic bad breath occasionally or regularly. Although common, chronic bad breath is not a laughing matter as it might signal a more serious medical problem that needs to be treated and solved.

So how can you treat or cure chronic bad breath?

To successfully cure chronic bad breath, it is first necessary for you to note and understand its underlying causes. Once you have identified what causes chronic bad breath to occur, it would then be easy for you to find a solution and treat it.

So to begin, note and understand that there are several possible causes of chronic bad breath. The list may include poor oral hygiene, periodontal infection or gum disease, intense buildup of odor-causing bacteria in the mouth, chronic sinus infection, candidiasis, unfavorable habits like smoking and drinking, poor digestion, liver and kidney disease, constipation, so on and so forth.

Given those underlying causes, it is now easy for you to agree that chronic bad breath is not something that should be ignored. So when you notice that something is wrong with your breath, start looking for a possible cure or treatment of chronic bad breath.

Well, there is one particular solution that is deemed effective to cure chronic bad breath – the use of low concentrations of carbamide peroxide. This treatment is actually revealed by certain researches at the Academy of General Dentistry’s 53rd annual meeting which was held in Washington, D.C. just recently. According to some reports, the carbamide peroxide is an odorless ingredient that can not only be used to disinfect and bleach teeth, but can also cure chronic bad breath.

However, before you can apply the carbamide peroxide to cure chronic bad breath, you need first to consult a dentist who can customize trays or mouth guards that are made to fit tightly around your teeth. This is very much important as the solution is applied by placing it in the tray and into your mouth where it remains for an hour. Once the treatment is done, you maybe required to do the treatment by yourself at home. You can cure chronic bad breath at home for an hour everyday. Many of those who have tried this cure have claimed that after three treatments, you will notice a significant change in your breath.

There are also other solutions formulated to cure chronic bad breath. But, the truth still remains that to successfully cure chronic bad breath, you need to work closely with your dentist to find out other possible health concerns associated with chronic bad breath. This is also highly advisable to fully identify the most suitable plan for treating this condition. Chronic bad breath is no laughing matter, after all.

AEDs: More Effective and Easier to Learn Than CPR

Writen by Larry Mitchell

For decades, when someone’s heart stops beating, CPR has been the standard and most effective form of first aid. CPR is taught in classroom and community centers throughout the world, led in great part by the American Red Cross, who urges all Americans to become certified in the correct methods and techniques of giving CPR. However, new and increasingly affordable technology is now viewed by many as easier and more effective than CPR. An Automated External Defibrillator, often called an AED, may be a far more powerful tool for saving lives. Impressively, defibrillation via an AED is far easier to perform than CPR, even for someone without any training.

AEDs are lightweight, portable devices that can jumpstart a victim’s heart by using an electrical pulse called a biphasic shock. Guiding the rescuer with a combination of simple and clear voice, text and graphical instructions, AEDs do nearly all of the work, enabling practically anyone save a life!

As opposed to CPR, which can easily be done incorrectly, too slowly, or too shallow of compressions so that the heart is left unaffected by the efforts and will not restart on its own, an AED is easy to use and can actually restart the heart with just the push of a button. Using the same technology found in emergency rooms, operating rooms, and doctor’s offices all over the world, an AED can not only help an individual suffering from cardiac arrest until professional medical help arrives, it can literally save their life. Phillips, Zoll, Heartsine and other companies manufacture very portable defibrillators that are surprisingly affordable, and refurbished models are often available for under $1,000, according to AED resource Web site Start A Heart.

Generally speaking, performing CPR is a great deal more complex than one may believe. Training and refresher classes are incredibly important to ensure that you not only perform the motions of CPR in the correct method and speed, but also know the appropriate times to perform CPR. Many AEDs however, use sophisticated software and simple voice commands to analyze a patient and instruct the operator on how to restart a heart. These AED devices are found in airports, schools, public spaces, and private homes all across the country, providing an advanced option in case an emergency requires resuscitation.

Many individuals do not have the strength or stamina to properly perform CPR, since the activity takes a great deal of energy to correctly perform in order to receive the best results. Furthermore, you may need to perform CPR for an extended amount of time depending on where the victim is currently located and how easily accessible they are by emergency medical staff. In contrast, individuals of all strengths can use the AED device, since it requires the individual merely to push a button in order to jolt the heart back to life using a shocking stimulation. Generally speaking, it only takes one or possibly two shocks to the heart in order for the victim’s heart to properly respond, allowing the individual working the defibrillator to perform other medical tasks that my be necessary.

As they become increasingly common, you will find an AED in nearly every public place. However, you should still ensure you know the proper methods associated with CPR in case you need to assist someone and are unable to access an AED.