How To Lose Belly Fat With A 10 Minute Workout

Writen by Steve Chaballa

Are you looking to change the shape of your body or trying to lose belly fat without joining a high priced gym? If so, try this high energized cardiovascular fitness routine that that was developed by Keli Roberts.

With this 10 minute exercise routine you can burn up to 150 calories every single day.

The first two minutes of this fat burning routine is: Jump Rope – Begin by performing two jumps for each turn of the rope. Safety: Use the correct size jump rope and always land softly on the balls of your feet (that is the upper part of the bottom of your foot). Keep thinking I am losing weight.

Minutes two to three: Squat Thrust into a Push Up. The proper technique for this exercise is to stand with your feet shoulder width apart and your arms strait down next to your sides. Slowly squat down with your head forward and bring your hands to the floor just outside of your feet. Your hands should be pointing forward as well. Then in one movement, push your legs back and out behind you (into a pushup position). Perform one strict pushup and then jump back into your squat position and then stand back up. Keep thinking, the fat is vanishing.

Minutes three to four: Jump Rope with only one jump per turn. Keep thinking, The fat is melting away.

Minutes four to five: Back to the Squat Thrust and Push Up only this time you are going to add the Side Plank. After completing your squat thrust and push up, you are going to lift and rotate your left arm off of the ground and over your head. Your left foot will rotate and rest on top of you right foot. And you will rotate your neck so you are looking up at your ceiling. Rotate back to the center and repeat on the other side. When finished, hop back into your squat position, stand up and start again. Keep thinking, no more belly.

Minutes five and six: Jump Rope. Same as minutes three and four. keep thinking, I am losing body fat.

Minutes six and seven: Back to the Squat Thrust and Push Up only this time you are going to add the Leg Lift. This is the same as minutes two and three only this time you will lift the toes of one foot about twelve inches off of the ground only after you have performed your push up. Lower your foot and repeat on the other side. Hop back up to your squat position, stand up, and start again. Keep thinking, goodbye belly.

Minutes seven and eight: Jump Rope. Same as minutes three and four. Keep thinking, my belly is getting smaller.

Minutes eight and nine: Back to the Squat Thrust and Push Up only this time you are going to add Mountain Climbers. Repeat everything as in minutes two and three only this time after your push up, you will quickly jog in place from your push up position. Make sure you bring your knees up to your chest on each rotation. Perform 5 jogs and repeat this entire process. Keep thinking, I am going to lose weight.

Minutes nine and ten: Jump Rope. Same as you first two minutes. Keep thinking. If I do this everyday, I will lose belly fat. Good luck to everyone.

We recommend using a soft padding such as a yoga mat when performing this exercise. This will cut down on any injury and save some of those knee joints for you. If you need more information on gym mats and yoga mats, please visit Ultimate Fitness Equipment – for all of your fitness needs.

Developing Healthy Eating Habits Amongst Kids

Writen by Kevin Pederson

It is quite natural for any child to dislike new kind of food right away. It may take 10 or more tries getting a child to accept a new food. It is essential for parents to behave patiently if you want your child to eat right and healthy. For overall growth and development, parents should offer kids foods from each of the food group.

Some ways to develop your child’s healthy approach towards eating

- Cut down on the amount of fat in your family’s diet. Include low fat dairy products, lean meat, fat free cereals or breads.

- Avoid restricting sweets or desserts. Fat, salt, sugar have a moderate place in our diet. Don’t curb them completely. Just teach your child to take small portions of it.

- Make or keep wide variety of healthy foods ready at home to be eaten as snacks. Do allow occasional indulgence of chips, colas and cookies.

- Eating slowly helps to detect hunger and fullness better. Encourage your child to eat slowly.

- Eating meals together with family helps children. Meal time with family can be pleasant with free flowing, light hearted conversations about the day, etc.

- Activities like shopping for food and preparing meals are fun time for children. Both, parents and children learn about each other’s food preferences and enjoy the time spent together.

- Eating meals and watching TV at same time makes it difficult to pay attention to the hunger and may lead to overeating.

- Sending children to bed without eating food may give them the impression that they will have to go hungry. So they may try to eat whenever they get a chance. Avoid using food as punishment.

- If your kid is having lunch at school, find out more about the lunch program. If you pack your child’s food include variety of foods. While dining out, pick healthier items.

- If you as parents eat healthy nutritious food, your child tends to learn and pick up similar eating habits. Set a good example by eating variety of nutritious foods and snacks. Teaching your child healthy eating practices early in life will help develop an approach to eating food with right attitude.

Kevin Pederson manages websites on Nutrition, Diet and Health. Healthy food promotes good health and unhealthy food habits lead to a diseased body. Healthy Food contains vital nutrients that aid our body’s metabolic function.

Introduction to Ayurvedic Medicine

Writen by Michael Russell

If you’re familiar with the terms “pitta” and “vata”, then chances are you’ve been acquainted with one of the most ancient medical practices of Asia. Ayurveda (pronounced eye-your-VAY-da) has just began to break through mainstream Western medical consciousness as more and more people have began to look for drug-free and natural remedies to cure their ailments and spirits.

Ayurveda is the natural system of medicine that has been traditionally practiced in India for more than 5,000 years. It is a Sanskrit word that literally translated means “the science of life” and “science of longevity”. Ayurveda is the health care system that was slowly and steadily developed by traditional seers and natural scientists through centuries of meditation, observation, discussion and experiments. These Ayurvedic teachings were then orally passed on from teacher to student until the sixth century BC, where detailed Sanskrit texts were finally written. It is said that even the ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Chinese and Tibetan medicine systems are said to be derived from Ayurveda. Because of its rich history and philosophy, this multifarious medical system is still the treatment method of choice even for most of modern India and Southeast Asia.

Ayurveda is a holistic approach that emphasizes prevention of disease rather than its treatment. It has systems that aim for the rejuvenation of our body and the extension of life span. The Ayruvedic tradition believes that five elements — space, air, fire, water and earth — make up the world we live in. Each element is found in the human body and called the “dosha”. The forces and principles that are found in all of nature are also seen in our human systems. In Ayurveda, our minds (or consciousness) and our bodies are not separate – they are united as one, called the “mind-body”. Ayurvedic philosophy and practices reconnect us to ourselves and reminds us that we are one with nature and with the entire cosmos. Mental and physical health are one and the same, so in Ayurveda, symptoms and diseases in the mind (like thoughts and feelings) are just as vital as symptoms and diseases of the body (like pain and physical difficulties). These produce imbalance and illness, so both mind and body are treated simultaneously by restoring their natural balance. In short, to be healed, your whole physical lifestyle must be in sync with what you feel inside.

The Ayurvedic objective is to live a long balanced life that achieves our fullest potentials and expresses our true inner nature by adhering to certain daily practices that prevent disease. However, Ayurvedic treatments do not simply dwell on herbal medications. The system emphasizes the inclusion of meditation, yoga, massage and proper diet. It believes in integrating the mind, body and spirit to maintain good health and long life.

In India, Ayurvedic practitioners undergo state-recognized and institutionalized training, much like Western doctors. Only recently has there been a slow acceptance of Ayurveda in the West with the positive research outcomes of meditative techniques and yoga in Western medical literature. Today, more prominent and published studies have documented the success of the Ayurvedic approach in healing cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, bad cholesterol levels, certain cancers, infectious diseases and most stress-induced illnesses.

Michael Russell

Your Independent Alternative guide.

Cosmetic Dentistry – A Primer for New Patient

Writen by Eriani Doyel

Cosmetic dentistry is becoming an increasingly more popular field as people try to improve their looks by improving their smile. Cosmetic dentistry can be as simple as teeth whitening, or it can be as complex as years of orthodontia and braces. If you are considering having any work of this type done, you should educate yourself on the procedures as well as how to pick a dentist who specializes in cosmetic dentistry. Here are a few of the basic terms and procedures that you should know:

Teeth whitening: You have probably seen over the counter products for this, but for those who are not happy with those results, you can visit a dentist and get this cosmetic dentistry procedure done. Some dentists will perform the procedure in the office while some will give you a kit to use at home. See which method is best for you.

Bonding: This cosmetic dentistry procedure is when the dentist applies a permanent material that is carefully colored to match to a tooth that has a crack, a chip, or some breakage on it.

Enamel Shaping: The dentist smoothes and shapes the rough or uneven surfaces of the tooth to make it more even-especially in the cases where a tooth has been broken or damaged. This is often done in combination with bonding.

Veneer: A veneer is a shell that covers the front of a tooth that is discolored or misshapen or it fills a gap between teeth.

Braces: Braces are one of the most expensive cosmetic dentistry procedures. Children as well as adults can get braces in order to correct crooked teeth or an over or under bite. Sometimes this is a recommended procedure because of other problems associated with having crooked teeth.

To choose a cosmetic dentist you should make sure that they not only have a license but also that they are certified to do cosmetic procedures. A dental license does not guarantee that the dentist has had the appropriate training and experience to do cosmetic procedures. You can also ask the dentist as well as friends and family for references and referrals.

Eriani Doyel writes articles about Health and Dentistry. For more information about cosmetic dentistry visit fastdentist.com

Aloe Vera And Acne – Is There A Relationship?

Writen by Mike Singh

Aloe vera has some important medicinal qualities that are very effective in the treatment of acne. Aloe Vera has been used in a wide variety of medicinal ways both historically and in modern time. It is used to treat burns, wounds and infections to regenerate skin and provide the building blocks needed to rebuild scarred or damaged skin areas. In addition it aids in treating acne by acting as an anti-inflammatory agent and an immune booster.

Aloe Vera Solutions

Acne can be treated by either soaps containing aloe vera or aloe vera gel. Soaps should be used at least twice a day and the skin should be patted dry following the wash. A topical gel or cream application of aloe vera can then be applied to the inflamed or infected areas. Acne is not cured by aloe vera but the symptoms of redness, flaky skin, and swelling will be rapidly decreased with consistent use.

Aloe vera, in liquid form, can be applied to the facial area to remove excess oil. The face should then be washed with a soap containing aloe vera and then a commercially prepared aloe vera cream can be applied. This treatment uses all the medicinal components of the aloe vera to help keep skin looking soft and breakout free. The mild astringent qualities of the allow vera will prevent future acne outbreaks and help reduce redness and swelling.

Medical Findings

As far back as 1750 B.C clay tablets were written addressing the medicinal properties of aloe vera. A Greek physician wrote in 74 B.C about using aloe vera to cure infections of the skin, burns and to decrease hair loss.

In 1935 the first medical report was published describing the medical use of aloe vera in burn patients. It has since been the focus of many studies addressing the healing properties of aloe vera for all skin conditions, including acne. As with all herbal and medical treatments individual responses will vary with most users indicating a decrease in the redness and flaky skin around the acne blemishes.

There are no known side effects to using aloe vera externally. If any irritation occurs simply discontinue use.

Mike Singh is the publisher of http://www.stopping-acne-now.com/ On his website, he provides articles about the best acne medication and fast removal of acne scars.

Depression Series: Why Don’t I Respond to Medications? (Part 1)

Writen by Michael Rayel

Maria has been feeling depressed for at least two and a half years. About three years ago, her husband of 20 years left her for another woman. Devastated, she became despondent and tearful almost daily.

Eventually, her depression got worse associated with inability to function. Her appetite, energy, concentration, and sleep became impaired. She also felt hopeless and suicidal. Her psychiatrist put her on a starting dose of antidepressant. She responded initially but after a few days, she felt just like before taking the medication.

For the past two years, Maria has tried four types of antidepressants. She has taken the usual adult doses of these drugs. Although she somewhat improves, she has virtually remained the same depressed and disabled.

Maria seems to be taking the medications regularly. But why is she not responding to her antidepressants?

Maria is just one of the many depressed individuals who don’t feel “normal” despite treatment. Depression is a treatable disease but how come some people don’t do well on medications?

There are many reasons why depressed patients like Maria don’t improve on antidepressants.

First, is the diagnosis correct?

Depression can be caused by many clinical entities. Sometimes, knowing the right diagnosis is a challenge. Medical disorders, medications such as beta-blockers and benzodiazepines (e.g. clonazepam), and various psychiatric disorders can cause depression and they all require different treatment. If your doctor fails to identify and treat the true cause of your depression, you will remain depressed despite the use of antidepressant.

Second, are there co-morbid disorders?

Depression can exist along with other psychiatric disorders such as anxiety disorder, alcohol or drug problems, personality disorder, dementia, and psychosis. Depression will persist if these co-morbid disorders are not treated. For instance, depressive disorder with psychosis cannot be adequately treated just with antidepressant alone. You need an antipsychotic drug added to an antidepressant to treat the illness.

Third, is there an ongoing neurological or medical disorder that precipitates, aggravates, or complicates depression?

Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, vitamin B-12 deficiency, pancreatic cancer, brain tumor, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke can all cause depression. If any of these disorders are present, antidepressants are less likely to help. The goal in these situations is to treat the underlying medical condition. A 65 year-old lady came to see me complaining of severe depression. On evaluation, she disclosed that she had been on three types of antidepressants for the past four years with minimal response. I checked her recent laboratory results which showed an abnormal thyroid! No wonder, she was not responding to the medication.

Fourth, are there ongoing psychosocial issues?

Financial problems, family conflict, work-related stress can all precipitate and complicate depression. Despite adequate medication treatment, some individuals will remain depressed especially if such problems are not addressed by the therapist or psychiatrist. Is there any way you can reduce the stressors? Please do so the earliest you can.

The treatment of depression is frequently straightforward. Occasionally however, various factors complicate it. For antidepressant to be effective, a psychiatrist should ensure that the diagnosis is correct, that co-morbid psychiatric disorders and medical problems are treated, and that psychosocial issues are adequately addressed.

Maria’s doctor should explore further the real problem and provide the most appropriate intervention.

About The Author

Copyright © 2003. All rights reserved. Dr. Michael G. Rayel – author (First Aid to Mental Illness-Finalist, Reader’s Preference Choice Award 2002), speaker, workshop leader, and psychiatrist. Dr. Rayel helps individuals recognize the early signs of mental illness and provide early intervention. To receive free newsletter, visit www.drrayel.com. His books are available at major online bookstores.

mike@drrayel.com

5 Ways You And Your Child Can Exercise Together

Writen by Amanda Arnold

Obesity in children is growing at an alarming rate. Did you know, that according to the American Obesity Association, 30% of children (ages 6-11) are overweight and 15% are obese? Overweight children are at high risk to become overweight adults, so how do we stop this trend?

With the advancement in technology we are living more sedentary lifestyles. Instead of our kids wanting bicycles and baseballs, they are wanting ipods, cell phones, and new computers. It is time now to turn off that television and computer, and put the video games away. Limit your child’s use of television, computers, etc. to no more than 2 hours a day.

You can encourage your children to exercise by setting an example. If your children see you being active, they are more likely to be active. Here are just a few ways to get you and your family off the couch:

1. Get a family membership to your local YMCA. Set aside at least 3 nights a week to workout together for at least one hour per visit.
2. After dinner, take the kids and go for a walk or bike ride around your neighborhood.
3. Do some yard work together. Rake the lawn, pick up brush, plant some flowers, or prune the shrubs.
4. Go to the park and play a game of basketball, volleyball, or go rollerblading.
5. Go trail hiking together at your nearest State Park.

There are lots of ways to be active and have fun. Not only will your family be fit together, but you will also be creating fun memories that will be remembered forever.

Amanda Arnold is a WAHM, and co-owner of Mamma’s Primitive Hut an online candle store.

Exercises For The Upper Back (Pain)

Writen by Shubhanyu Jain

Upper back pain is the pain which surfaces between your neck and the lower back. Upper backpain may not be as common as its counterpart, low back pain or lumbar back pain, but it can cause intense pain when it does surface. The commonest causes of upper back pain include injury to the muscles (myofascial pain) or ligaments attached to the vertebrae and joint dysfunction. It may also result from poor posture over a period of time, a sudden twisting motion, or simply overuse.

Why Exercise Your Upper Back?

Doing upper backpain exercises cam help you in numerous ways. These exercises can greatly reduce the uneasiness caused by backpain ailments and help prevent recurrence of upper back pain. Muscle strain is the major cause of pain in the upper back, and upper backpain exercises are particularly helpful in such cases.

Upper backpain exercise, before or after any physical activity, can relax the muscle tissue leading to reduced tension which helps alleviate strains and damage to the tissue. Further, upper backpain exercises increase the spine’s suppleness, which provides for reduced occurrences of upper back pain and helps relieve back pain if you are currently suffering from it.

Exercises for Your Upper Back (Pain)

Here are some exercises specific to upper back pain. Prolonged use of these exercises may lead to permanent relief from upper backpain – use them at your own risk.

Upper Backpain Exercise 1: Mid Trap

Lie on the ground on your stomach and place a pillow under the chest
Put your arms away from the body making an angle of 90 degrees with the trunk
Raise your arms upwards slowly, at the same time squeezing the shoulder blades
Lower the arms and repeat 10-15 times
Upper Backpain Exercise 2: Pectoralis Stretch
Position yourself in the doorway and rest your hands on the doorframe
Lean forward and let the chest muscle stretch, stay like that for 15-20 seconds and let go
Repeat about 5 times

Upper Backpain Exercise 3: Arm Slides

Back up against a wall
Hold the arms along the wall with palms facing outward
Raise the arms up and down against the wall to stretch the muscles of the upper back and arms
Repeat about 15 times

Upper Backpain Exercise 4: Scapular Squeeze

Put the arms up on the side of the body with palms facing forward and elbows bent
Move stretch the arms backward as far as possible and stay like that for some time
Repeat about 15 times

There are also some general exercises which alleviate upper back pain. Swimming is one such exercise, as it tends to strengthen the upper back area. Your physician may also recommend some specific exercises, the purpose being to increase the strength and suppleness of the upper back.

There are also other methods to a healthy upper back. A change in posture, proper sitting/standing/walking technique goes a long way in preventing a back problem.

When Does Exercise Itself Become The Cause?

In rare cases, exercise may be a cause of upper backpain. Athletes often do not warm up properly and cool down through proper stretching before and after work outs. Such prolonged misuse may lead to severe back pain problems in the future.

A healthy upper/lower back is an asset. Take proper diet, exercise regularly, properly, stay active. Take care of your upper/lower back, and the back will back you in the long run.

Herbal Remedies for Natural Healing

Writen by Deb Augur

The use of herbal remedies focuses on long-term health and treating the underlying cause of illness rather than the symptoms. Generally speaking, herbal remedies are a form of alternative medicine.

From ancient medicine men to modern holistic healers, people from every culture have recognized the potent healing properties of plants and herbs. Chinese herbs have been used by the Chinese for over 4,000 years to promote health and as healing agents.

As modern medicine evolved around pharmaceutical concepts, it neglected herbal remedies for years. However now, in many nations, herbal remedies are being re-integrated into mainstream medicine and the Western approach to herbs for healing follows the conventional model of Western medicine. Herbalists are knowledgeable about specific remedies for specific diseases. You may consider finding a local herbalist or naturopath to augment your conventional health care.

Public interest in herbal healing has renewed, with more people exploring herbs and supplements as alternatives to conventional medicine.

You may want to begin to incorporate the benefits of natural health into your everyday life by stocking your medicine cabinet with herbal remedies, replacing non-natural brand-name products.

Beyond everyday herbal remedies, herbal medicine can treat many health problems and diseases such as high cholesterol, arthritis pain, weight loss, colds and flu, sexual dysfunction and more than seventy other common health concerns.

Herbs and herbal remedies are known to build, strengthen and heal the body. Harness the healing power of natural herbs to treat common health disorders and to live a healthier life. Herbal remedies are used with a focus on the natural healing abilities of the body.

Learn about herbs. Increase your knowledge. Experience the benefits.

Remember that the potency of herbal remedies can vary greatly depending on the source of the herb. Realize that the choices available to you are numerous… and not all are adequate, or even safe. For instance, most of the popular herbal drinks sold in convenience stores and supermarkets don’t have enough of the healing herbs to have any effect on your body. Teas are the weakest form of herbal treatments and tinctures are the strongest.

Also keep in mind that until the industry adopts better quality standards, doctors and patients should be (and are often) cautious when prescribing and using herbal remedies. Regulations, quality assurance, safety and efficacy of herbal remedies in general, is what we need. These guidelines should outline standards for quality, quantity, and production of herbal remedies and provide labeling requirements that member countries must meet.

Due to this, it is important to always use herbs and formulas from reputable companies only, as well as the fact that the potency of herbal remedies can vary greatly.

Guidelines for good health including diet, exercise, stress reduction, and herbal remedies.

The power and potency of the healing herbs are very real.

Nourish body, mind, and soul, using food, herbs, and healing arts.

————————————–

Debra Augur has been a writer and teacher of Natural Healing through Nutrition and Herbs and Natural Remedies since the year 2000.

5 Steps to Clear Skin

Writen by Naweko San-Joyz

Step One: Reduce excess oil secretion

Accutane is a derivative of vitamin A and reduces the secretion of oil by the oil glands.

Foods that supply the body with Vitamin A and beta-carotene (which is converted to vitamin A by the body) include: Liver, oily fish, whole eggs, carrots, sweet potatoes, and broccoli.

Step Two: Encourage extreme shedding of the skin

Using a peel is the easiest method to promote shedding of the skin. Exfoliation releases the build-up of dead skin cells, oils and bacteria trapped in the pores, which could lead to the formation of blemishes.

Extreme peels
Peels come in varying degrees, from mild to harsh. The trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel is an extreme peel that can cost from $100 to $1000 depending on the degree of the treatment. It is only performed in a doctor’s office. The TCA is not a save all however. The peel can make the skin sensitive to the sun cause hyper-pigmentation.

Home use peels
Several over-the-counter peels contain papaya enzymes or glycolic acid. These peels lightly exfoliate the skin and are safe for weekly use.

Step Three: Reduce the spread of bacterial infection

Using an astringent such as witch hazel or apple cider vinegar to disinfect the skin significantly reduces the presence of bacteria on the face. This reduction limits skin inflammation and the likelihood of a pimple developing.

Step Four: Enhance Fat Metabolism

Free fatty acids can irritate the skin and provoke acne eruptions. Reducing intake of foods containing hydrolyzed fats will improve fat metabolism. However, do consume essential fatty acids such as Omega-3 and Omega-6, which are found in foods such as salmon and olive oil. These essential fats aid the gastrointestinal tract eliminate pro-inflammatory substances, which reduces the possibility of experiencing acne lesions.

Step Five: Reduce inflammation

A strong immune system serves as a buffer against inflammation. Stress reducing activities such as exercising, eating a well-balanced diet and sleeping well boosts the immune system. A diet supplemented with B-Complex, zinc and vitamins C and E likewise enhances the effectiveness of the immune system.

These steps work via creating a bodily environment that is not conducive to acne. By adhering to the nutritional and aesthetic steps above, anyone can attain clear skin while simultaneously augmenting their health.

Health author and Noixia campaigner Naweko San-Joyz lovingly writes from her home in San Diego. Her works include “Acne Messages: Crack the code of your zits and say goodbye to acne” (ISBN: 0974912204) and the upcoming work “Skinny Fat Chicks, Why we’re still not getting this dieting thing” (ISBN: 0974912212) for release in June of 2005.

For useful acne self-help articles visit http://www.Noixia.com