Health and Fitness Level: What Is Your True Level of Health?

Writen by W.D. Wood

Article 4 of 7

This article is about the completion of a key element of the proposed medical information system–the national research center.

To realize the most from this article you need to read the 3 previous articles. However, I will try and summarize some of the key points of those articles here.

The most effective means of evaluating a person’s health would of course be through some direct means of looking into the human organism to see what is truly taking place. Fortunately, as strange as it may seem, the human body does provide such a window in the form of its biochemical makeup. Furthermore, even more encouraging, there is a science already fully developed that is taking full advantage of that body phenomenon called clinical laboratory science. These are major factors in the success any advanced health care system.

I highly recommend that you take a minute here to read what the experts have to say on that matter by clicking on the link (called page 18) at the end of this article. These experts are from text books located in the University of Michigan’s Medical Library.

As described in the link reference on page 18, the advantages of the biochemical makeup of the body is very impressive indeed. Clinical laboratory science is a highly computerized and a very rapidly moving industry. Hundreds of critical tests are now available for use. That industry is an important part of the current health care system. The blood or tissue tests that your doctor orders for you when he or she is suspicious of a given medical condition that needs verification usually involves clinical laboratory science.

The key difference between the proposed national medical information system and the current health care system lies in the difference in the use of these data. The current health care system primarily uses it to evaluate a disease condition whereas the proposed system would apply it on a broader scale basis to include disease prevention and wellnesstaking advantage of far more of what clinical science has to offer.

To get a good feel of some of the amazing success in clinical laboratory science click on link (45-47) at the end of this article.

The proposed medical information system would use a completely new and far different type of application of clinical laboratory data. Far larger test profiles (100 blood constituents taken from one blood test) would be used in conjunction with a very sophisticated national research system for massive correlation to human healthincluding disease prevention and wellness.

Following is a remaining key element of the proposed system. Article 3 was discussed with the use of handout A. A link to handout A is provided at the end of this article and should be referred to again here. This article will discuss the underlying technical strengths of that system by showing briefly how and why the health data fed into the national research center is so effective in its correlation to human health and wellness.

Referring back to the 100 test profile pattern discussed in article 3, it was shown that the 100 individual bits of test information along with patient environmental and patient data would be fed to the national research computer center (marked case #1). The research computers would record the profile pattern results and correlate that particular combination of test results to a particular health related condition. With the size of this 100 test profile pattern, as discussed earlier, there would be literally trillions of possible combinations involved. Of those trillions of possibilities, there would conservatively end up being at least millions of what we would call significant combinations that would represent significant health related information. The National Research Center would then relate that data to the individual’s current health condition, history, family history, the individual’s environment, and also to the same data of tens of millions of other patients. This is an enormous amount of health information for the supercomputers to pull together and relate to human health conditions!

In addition, there would no doubt also be smaller sets of tests of interest within that overall 100 test profile, such as separate groups of hormones, enzymes, antibodies and other special tests that could also be read and analyzed as separate group combinations as well. Many of us realize how very important these various groups are to our well being.

Let me stop here and review this for a moment. We talk about millions of significant health data combinations. So why is it necessary for such a breadth of examination capacity? Basically, because of the extreme complexities involving our environment, our health and of course their complex inter-relationship. For example, if we (as individuals) try to determine what it is in our environment that is having an effect on our health, either positive or negative, we know it’s usually very difficult to do. We know there are literally dozens of elements (variables) in our personal environment that could affect our health. So how do we go about narrowing it down to determine what it is in a person’s environment that is likely affecting his or her health?

The system described here does it in two ways, it uses the extreme reading breadth of the profile pattern (as discussed in article 3), to read an individuals test results along with the input of the environmental and doctor’s medical examination report. It was shown that this data was then fed into the national research center system and compared to millions of other patient’s health conditions, environments and test results.

This comparison, to the millions of other patients, would soon be very effective in narrowing the unknown element, or elements, down to the common denominator (or denominators) of what it is in the environment that normally affects people’s health in certain ways. Very few patients would have the exact same environment and health conditions. Comparing millions of patient’s health to their environmental exposures would provide a very effective screening process. The results of this research would then be fed back into the state diagnostic computers to diagnose specific individuals based on their individual profile pattern results and their individual environmental and physical examination reports.

This article discusses the key to success for any highly advanced health care system, and also the sophisticated features of the proposed medical system’s research center.

Atkins & Low-Carb – Part 3

Writen by Tracie Johanson

Papa Murphy’s has a new low-carb pizza. Burger King has a low-carb hamburger. Applebee’s has rolled out a new low-carb menu, as have dozens of other national restaurant chains. There are low-carb tortillas, breakfast cereals, breads, and just about anything else you’d care to eat! No doubt about it…..low-carb dieting is the biggest trend since deep-fryed turkeys!

But as we’ve discussed in the last few articles, low-carbing may not be right for everyone. While the evidence does support the claim that a reduction in carbohydrates will help you lose weight, conclusive evidence on the long-term impact of low-carbing remains elusive.

In this article we’re going to take a look at some professional bodybuilders. With single-digit bodyfat and loads of muscle, bodybuilders are arguably among the most fit people on the planet. After all, professional bodybuilders are paid to exercise!

Jay Cutler, the IFFB 2002 and 2003 Arnold Classic Champion, includes brown rice in his diet when preparing for a contest. The sample menu shown on his website, www.jaycutler.com, states that Jay eats brown rice at least twice per day. With 32 grams of carbs per serving, brown rice certainly would not make the grade with some low-carb diets.

Garry Holmen, who among other things gives nutritional advice to bodybuilders, advises his clients to ‘carb cycle’ when preparing for a competition. Without going into a long explanation, carb cycling is simply reducing carbohydrate intake for 3 days and then replenishing carbohydrates stores on day 4. On carb depletion days, Garry recommends that bodybuilders still get 20% of their calories from carbohydrates.

Female competitor Debbie Patton (www.debbiepatton.com), on her FAQ page, says: “I eat a diet high in protein, with moderate carbs. Lots of chicken breasts, egg whites, tuna, protein shakes, brown rice and potatoes.” Debbie is the November, 2002 NPC Mid States Muscle Classic 1st Place Women’s Middleweight Overall Title & Best Abs Champion.

While there are literally HUNDREDS of other examples of bodybuilding diets, these three are sufficient for our purposes: how do bodybuilders eat to get them so lean?

The consistent theme you’ll find when examining the diets of all bodybuilders is that THEY DO NOT EVER COMPLETELY ELIMINATE CARBS. That’s because not all carbs are bad. On the contrary, some carbohydrate in your diet helps you maintain a balanced diet.

Although most bodybuilders do not COMPLETELY eliminate carbs from their diet, it is important to note that they DO restrict carbohydrate intake. Rarely, if ever, will you see a professional bodybuilder eating the ‘garbage carbs’ that are so popular today: french fries, cake, cookies, crackers, white bread, etc.

Bodybuilders are also very careful to get their carbohydrates from QUALITY SOURCES like brown rice, vegetables, and whole grains. So although they are not eliminating carbs altogether, they are eliminating ‘garbage carbs’.

So what’s the bottom line? Can we learn more about low-carbing from bodybuilders? After all, they’re paid to be healthy! Most of them employ a personal doctor, trainer and nutrition expert!

Here are the low-carb lessons from professional bodybuilders:
1) Most people should not remove ALL carbs from their diet.
2) Get your carbs from high-quality sources.
3) Don’t consume ‘garbage carbs’ which are those high in fat and/or have no other nutritional value.
4) If you do follow a restricted-carb diet, consider cycling in some moderate-carb days.
5) TALK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING A LOW-CARB DIET.
6) Don’t forget to EXERCISE!!!

* Copyright 2005 Pick Up The Pace. Permission is not required for the distribution of Pick Up The Pace articles as long as they are used in their entirety, are properly credited to Pick Up The Pace, and are accompanied by our website link: www.letspickupthepace.com.

* The information in this article and on this site is for general reference purposes only and not intended to address specific medical conditions. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice or a medical exam. Prior to participating in any exercise program or activity, you should seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional. No information in this article or on www.letspickupthepace.com should be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition.

Tracie Johanson is the founder of Pick Up The Pace, a 30-minute exercise studio for women, focusing on fitness, health and nutrition for maximum weight loss. Please visit http://www.letspickupthepace.com for more information.

How to Remove Whiteheads

Writen by David Bloom

Before you try to remove whiteheads on your own, it’s important for you to realize what they are. Many people think that since it looks like a pimple, they can just use normal acne medication and the problem will go away. This is simply not the case with whiteheads.

First lets look at what exactly is happening within the skin that causes a whitehead. Every pore on your body creates oil, called sebum. Sebum lubricates and moisturizes your skin to keep it healthy. Problems begin to present themselves whenever the pore that the sebum is released from becomes blocked. If the pore remains open then the sebum will oxidize and turn black. However, if the pore closes up, the bacteria will begin to grow and leave the remains white, which is where the term whitehead originates. While this may look like a normal pimple, it is definitely not the same.

To begin clearing up whiteheads it should be mentioned that you never squeeze or try to remove them by pressure without the proper tools. If you squeeze and pick you will only break the skin and leave it open for infection and potentially leave a scar. The best way to remove whiteheads from your face is with a comedone remover. Comedone is just another name for the blockage of pores.

This tool is made of stainless steel and has an interesting loop design which helps remove the whitehead without damaging the skin. Using this device couldn’t be simpler. You would use this tool immediately after steaming the face with a hot washcloth or after a hot bath. This is to insure that you can easily remove whitehead material. Once the whitehead breaks the top layer of the skin, press the loop end over the whitehead and the trapped material will be dislodged. Once this process is complete, be sure to clean your face again with warm water to ensure that everything has been removed from the pore.

If you find it difficult to remove whiteheads then you may consider using a cream or gel designed to treat blackheads. Many of the medications available for the treatment of blackheads will also be effective for clearing up whiteheads. Most of these medicines include retinoid, which will slow the growth of the white head before it becomes too big of a problem.

Depending on your face type, you may be given either a retinoid cream or lotion that will moisturize the skin and loosen the blockage. If you choose this route for clearing up whiteheads, it is important that you speak with a dermatologist to determine which type of treatment is best for you.

If home treatment isn’t the way you’d prefer to go, then please talk to your dermatologist. There are procedures to remove whiteheads that only a licensed dermatologist can do, and sometimes these methods are the best.

David Bloom is an avid health enthusiast and a regular contributor to a variety of health websites. He is the author of How To Remove Whiteheads and Acne, a blog dedicated to the treatment of acne, covering conventional and natural remedies for clearing up blemished skin.

General Aspects of Leukemia

Writen by Groshan Fabiola

Many people suffer from leukemia these days. A large number of cases of cancer are identified to be leukemia. Leukemia is a sort of cancer of the blood and marrow. The disease is characterized through the overproducing of immature blood cells (stem cells) that aren’t able to fully develop and to carry out the activities of normal blood cells.

According to their functions and structure, there are three different types of cells within the normal blood: red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Through the process of hematopoiesis, these three types of blood cells are developed from a distinctive type of blood cell called stem cell. Stem cells divide and go through several stages of development to finally form a mature blood cell of a particular type, with a certain, distinctive function in the body. The process through which a stem cell morphs into a mature blood cell takes place within the bone marrow.

According to the speed of development and the persistence of the disorder, there are two types of leukemia: acute leukemia and chronic leukemia. Acute leukemia is known to develop very rapidly, while chronic leukemia is developed slowly. According to the types of blood cells affected by the disease, leukemia can either be lymphocytic or myelogenous.

Lymphocytic and myelogenous types of leukemia are developed from different types of cells: the lymphocytic type of leukemia develops from cells called lymphoblasts or lymphocytes in the spongious tissue of the bones, while the myelogenous type of leukemia (sometimes refered to as myeloid and myelocytic leukemia) develops from myeloid cells.

In the case of acute forms of leukemia, the abnormal cells come from early, immature cells. Such forms of the disorder have a very fast rate of development, due to the fact that normal stem cells tend to multiply frequently. Leukemia cells usually don’t divide faster and more frequently than normal stem cells, they simply don’t stop their process of division when they should. Sometimes the numbers of white blood cells are very high, while in other cases they can be normal or low.

Chronic leukemia, apart from its slow development, is different from acute leukemia by the level of maturation that the diseased cells are able to reach. Stem cells affected by chronic leukemia reach a higher level of maturation but they present abnormalities and they can’t act as healthy white blood cells do. Unlike acute leukemia, in the chronic form of the disease the unhealthy cells have much longer periods of life and they tend to accumulate in different parts of the body.

Leukemia affects people of all age groups. While children usually respond better to the treatment for leukemia and sometimes deal well with the disease, adults difficultly cope with this form of cancer.

Regardless of age and sex, many people are diagnosed with forms of leukemia. Children tend to respond better to some types of leukemia, while adults difficultly cope with the disease. The cases of acute leukemia exceed those of chronic leukemia by approximately 10 percent. Older adults seem to be affected the most by acute leukemia. Around two thirds of acute leukemia cases seem to occur after the age of 60.

Government Against Diets

Writen by Darius Mikolajewski

The Government of the Australian state of Victoria has started a campaign aimed at warning people of the dangers of fad diets. The campaign is believed to be the first of its kind in the world.

With Australians second only to the US in both obesity rates and weight loss expenditure, the authorities are getting concerned about more and more people risking not only their money but also their long-term health by following fad diets. Especially low-carb diets like Atkins, and radical deprivation diets like the Cabbage-Soup-Diet, seem to be the target of the warning campaign.

As it is often the case with politicians, the warning message is not accompanied by a positive alternative you could use to lose weight and improve your health. Some general comments about calories reduction are not only unhelpful, but also against the trend of latest scientific research – research proving that most overweight individuals actually consume less food than those at normal weight.

The problem for the Government is that any science-based recommendations, for example to reduce consumption of sugar and sweets, could be very dangerous politically, as the producers of those products form strong political lobbies and may be able to swing crucial seats. So for the consumer it is a bit like those warnings on packages that we all hate – they tell you what not to do, instead of explaining how to actually use the thing!

In addition to the politics of it, there is also no universally accepted scientific truth about why we put on weight, and how to reverse it. While a lot of bona fide research points towards hormonal imbalance and the foods that create it, the powerful industries that produce those foods are easily able to fund twice as much research proving otherwise. We see the scientists becoming a little like lawyers: if you have enough money, they will prove whatever you want to be the truth.

Just like with all the other questions we have about life, looking up to the politicians is not going to give us an answer.

Darius Mikolajewski is author of books and articles that advocate safe and natural methods of weight loss. For more information about him visit http://www.dietofnature.com

Benefit of Pilates for Dancers

Writen by Ev Margolin

We all know the rigorous training involved in being a dancer. The long hours, sore feet and the strain placed on the body from continuous working of the joints and muscles can take its toll. This continuous strain on the body can be very draining and even cause injury to many dancers. This is why Pilates has always been so essential to the rehabilitation and avoidance of injury.

Pilates emphasis on posture, strength and flexibility have made it a popular workout choice for dancers alike. It’s an excellent exercise routine encompassing a strong focus on upper body strength for better balance, alignment, posture, turns and other points of work. It is also very effective at strengthening body parts – especially ankles and feet, which are essential to dance.

Pilates engages the body making you feel alert and leaving your body and mind in a state of feeling revived and focused. As each movement intricately takes into account each individual muscle group, while also sustaining balance and agility, the structure of Pilates is specific and works every body part.

The reason why dance coaches use and recommend this method of exercise with their dancers is because it improves and restores the dancers muscles and movements adding strength and agility without injury. The rigorous work routines of dancers are very demanding. Pilates works the body while also avoiding injury – which is a common occurrence with most other conventional strength training methods like weight training or other aerobic activity.

The rhythmic style of dance with abrupt movements sometimes interchanged with simple shorter movements can be hard on the body. That is why Pilates and dance are an excellent compliment. Imagine restoring your body back into shape with an exercise program that rewards you with the grace of a dancer while at the same time toning and building muscle to give your body perfect posture along with muscular definition. Pilates has been the secret exercise program for millions over the years, especially dancers.

Pilates does not only work isolated muscle groups, but it works all the muscle groups helping to restore and rebuild any damaged muscles or soft tissue but also building strength to avoid any further damage – which is a common occurrence with many dancers.

The physical and mental conditioning of Pilates has made it the common exercise choice for many dancers. It’s fun, relaxing and improves alertness. But best of all, it’s a great way to bond with fellow dancers and friends alike. No need for heavy equipment with this exercise program. A simple floor mat and the proper knowledge of the techniques and positions used in Pilates is the perfect formula to restore and strengthen any dancers physique.

Bigger Body Muscle Bars…

Writen by Rob Maraby

Here is how to eat your way top massive gains…

Commercial Calorie bars are not new and they are not cheap, a good bar will cost you $2-$3 dollars a bar and I personally don’t think they are worth the money for that kind of investment I would purchase a good and proven weight gainer

But for those of us who want mass, and are always looking at the mirror to see gains I have a great solution…Make your own MUSCLE BARS.

Before I go on, I want to state some rather obvious facts: FACT NUMBER ONE – if you want to gain mass at an accelerated pace…EAT FAT! Yes don’t avoid fat, fat is essential in the mass gaining process, dietary fats play a essential role in muscle building hormone production which ARE the Keys to outstanding muscle growth.

I have never known any one to gain mass on a low fat diet, it just will Not happen and let me tell you, if you are getting fat on a high calorie diet, I would not accuse your fat intake, no! Rather I would accuse the simple sugars in your diet. Also a low fat diet will lower your testosterone levels, something you want to avoid when you are trying to gain weight…

also you should Know that it is far easier to lose weight or fat if you first gain muscle mass(with some fat)first then try to lose the fat before trying to build muscle massthis is true even if you are obese

my overweight clients, I first get the to build muscle before trying to lose fat…it way easier since muscle tends to increase your metabolism on a permanent basis, making you a fat burning machine. However not all fats are created equal, you want to avoid the saturated kind (as found in animals) and consume The essential fatty acids…EFA’s fats are energy and your body will burn it if you train correctly as espoused in the fastmuscles growth system…http://www.fastmuscles.com

The recipe that follows is simple to make and it will provide you with several days’ worth of weight gain dense snacks… The next time you are heading out to your workouts; consume one of these babies and watch the energy boost. And you will not have to resort to the use of candy bars or some unhealthy snack

1/2 cup butter
1 cup apple juice concentrates (the frozen kind)
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 whole eggs
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup raw wheat germ
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup pecans
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped dates

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees; blend the butter, eggs, apple juice And vanilla together, sift together with flour, wheat germ, baking soda and baking powder then add them to mixture. Add the rest of the ingredients, mix well and press into an oblong glass pan than you have buttered and floured, now bake until the top is golden brown-about 30 minutes, refrigerate to keep fresh You will get 12 bars out of these and each one gives you 561 calories 30 grams of fat, carbohydrates 51 grams, 12 grams of protein… And cost you less than a dollar each…. If you want to increase the portion value, include two scoops of massive growth

Hope you enjoyed this article…

Rob Maraby is the author of the fastmuscles program, a Manual that shows the hard-gainer or bodybuilder how to gain lean muscle mass and strength in the shortest time possible! It works by targeting the central nervous system, allows ample recovery time for growth and minimizes the amount of food one has to eat to gain muscle mass http://www.how-to-gain-weight-fast.com/

10 Easy Weight Loss Tips

Writen by Melanie Mendelson

1. Stop Drinking Soft Drinks

Each soft drink is 150 empty calories. Replacing just one soft drink per day with water will result in losing 16 lbs per year.

2. Keep Yourself Busy

When there is nothing to do, we reach for the food out of boredom. Staying busy with other activities will help to keep your mind off food.

3. Get Rid Of Tempting Foods

We all have foods that we can’t resist. Knowing that, it’s best to not have those foods around the house. Out of sight, out of mind.

4. Watch Your Portions

How much you eat is just as important as what you eat. If an average person starts eating just 10% less, he will lose about 20 lbs per year without changing his diet.

5. Think Of Calories In Terms Of Exercise

You have to do the whole hour of aerobics to burn off the 500 calories contained in a big piece of cheesecake. What is easier for you: exercising for 1 hour or not eating the cheesecake?

6. Take A Pause

Next time when you are about to eat something you shouldn’t, pause for a couple of seconds and ask yourself -”Is It Worth It?” If the answer is “Yes”, go ahead and indulge. If the answer is “No”, step back and congratulate yourself for taking that pause.

7. Eat Slowly

It takes our brain about 20 minutes to realize that we are full. When you eat too fast, there is not enough time for the “full” feeling to register, so you’d end up literally stuffing yourself with food.

8. Don’t Skip Meals

When you skip a meal, you get way too hungry. When you are too hungry, you won’t be able to control yourself at the next meal. As a result, you’ll end up eating more than 2 meals worth of calories.

9. Plan Your Meals

Try to plan your meals in advance. Not knowing what you are going to eat will send you right to the fast food joint.

10. Do Everyday Physical Activities

Take the stairs instead of taking the elevator. Park your car at the far end of the parking lot. All those activities add up. Walking briskly for 15 minutes per day will help you lose an extra 10 lbs per year.

Melanie Mendelson’s website “Daily Weight Loss Tips” is updated every day with new free diet tips and ideas! Visit http://www.DailyWeightLossTips.com

Doc, My Tummy Aches and My Joints Hurt! Is there a connection?

Writen by Nathan Wei

Inflammatory disease of the bowel- regional enteritis (Crohn’s disease) and ulcerative colitis- are often associated with arthritis. This occurs because inflammation in the bowel and the joints may share a common immunological abnormality.

Patients can present with abdominal pain, weight loss, and diarrhea.

Clinically, the arthritis that accompanies inflammatory bowel disease occurs in two different ways. The first pattern typically affects the larger joints of the lower extremities such as the ankles and knees. The heels may also be affected. Sometimes the fingers or toes can swell and look like little sausages. This type of “peripheral” arthritis occurs in about 20 per cent of patients who have inflammatory bowel disease. The activity of the arthritis parallels the gut activity.

In the second type, the arthritis can affect the low back- the sacroiliac joints that join the pelvis to the lower spine. This type of arthritis occurs in about 15-20 per cent of inflammatory bowel patients. A genetic marker called HLA-B27 is present (found through a blood test) in 50 per cent of patients who have inflammation of the sacroiliac joints. Stiffness in the low back along with limited range of motion is seen. This type of arthritis does not parallel the gut activity.

The diagnosis is usually suspected from the presence of bowel symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal cramping. Rarely, the arthritis may precede the bowel symptoms.

The diagnosis is confirmed by laboratory testing, x-rays, bowel visualization (colonoscopy), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

The treatment for the arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease is remarkably similar to that involving other types of arthritis. Typically anti-inflammatory drugs and disease-modifying drugs are both used. Anti-inflammatory drugs should be used with caution since they may cause the bowel disease to flare up. More recently, biologic drugs have been used with success to treat inflammatory bowel disease. The arthritis not surprisingly, also responds.

Dr. Wei (pronounced “way”) is a board-certified rheumatologist and Clinical Director of the nationally respected Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center of Maryland. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and has served as a consultant to the Arthritis Branch of the National Institutes of Health. He is a Fellow of the American College of Rheumatology and the American College of Physicians. For more information on arthritis and related conditions, go to: http://www.arthritis-treatment-and-relief.com