Diabetes Epidemic through Self-inflicted Obesity

Writen by Carol Ann Bentley

One of the greatest contributors to the type 2 diabetes epidemic is reckoned to be obesity, brought on by our modern lifestyles. Are you eating yourself into diabetes type 2?

Check if you have these 4 eating habits that could contribute to obesity and possibly make you part of the type 2 diabetes epidemic…

1) Unconscious eating… No, I don’t mean ’sleep-eating’ (I wonder if there is such a thing?) I’m talking about automatic eating without any conscious thought to what is happening.

How often do you do something else whilst eating? Watching TV; reading a book; reading a magazine or newspaper; listening to music, a radio show or conversation? If you’re anything like me it’s probably a rare occasion when you just sit and have a meal, without interruptions.

A recent study carried out by Penn State laboratory showed pre-school children, who consistently watch TV whilst eating, ate up to 33% more than they did when they had a meal without the TV on.

How much extra do you eat, without realising it, because you are absorbed in a book or TV program?

2) Eating speed.. Ever finished your meal before others? Ever bolted your food down and then felt bloated afterwards?

In a recent Sky TV program Paul McKenna (the famous hypnotherapist) explained how the simple act of slowing down whilst eating; putting your knife and fork down between mouthfuls, can contribute to weight loss.

Think about it, if you’re eating more slowly you’ll know when you are full. You won’t continue eating and get that uncomfortable bloated feeling. And you won’t put extra weight on.

Watching that program gave me an ‘Aha!’ moment, because that’s exactly what my father has done all his life. It’s a standing joke in the family that he takes so long to eat a meal – he often finishes half-an-hour after everyone else. And guess what? Yep – he’s as skinny as a rake. Wish I could say the same about me!

3) Snacking… Are you really hungry when you snack? Or is it that you “just fancy a bite to eat”?

Snacking is probably one of the biggest contributions to weight gain. It’s not so much the snacking, it’s what you snack on! Cookies /biscuits, chocolate, cakes, snack bars – all these contain massive amounts of sugar that increase the burden on our immune system.

If you overload your system with sugar it may not cope, you could end up with insulin resistance and that leads to type 2 diabetes.

Healthy, no added sugar or sugar free snacks are the best options if you MUST snack.

4) Sugary drinks… Do you have a favorite soft drink? If you do, is it a sugar-sweetened drink or a concentrated sugar-rich fruit juice? And, on a hot day, how much do you drink of that favorite? Half-a-liter? One liter?

It’s all added sugar, which not only impacts on your weight, it also impacts on your body’s control of the sugar levels in your blood.

In a recent medical study in the US the results indicated that having just one sugar sweetened drink of fruit juice every day made women more susceptible to becoming part of the type 2 diabetes epidemic, by up to 80%.

So, are you planning to be part of the diabetes epidemic?

OK, maybe you’re not PLANNING to… but maybe your unconscious eating habits have got you on that slippery slope to diabetes. A little thought about what you eat, where and how, can reduce the risk for you.

© 2006 Carol Ann

Carol Ann created http://www.your-diabetes.com to present information on diabetes from a diabetic’s viewpoint

Find out more about diabetes; how to recognise it; live with it; important linked health issues. Plus, read inspiring stories from other diabetics and share your experience. Subscribe to my mini-blog to receive news and updates on your diabetes.

Include delicious recipes from here in your diabetic meal plan and, if you send in your favorite recipe, you could win the monthly prize draw.

Facts About Giving to Charity

Writen by Paul M. Jerard Jr.

With all the news about natural disasters happening everywhere, the world has enthusiastically reached into its pockets to help. News about goodwill, good deeds, and acts of kindness, should be regularly broadcasted, but maybe bad news is more profitable to broadcast.

However, let me stick to the point of this article. In order for nature, and the universe, to flow in harmony, we should all regularly give to charities, whenever it is possible to help someone in need. This is practicing Yoga “off the mat.”

“Saving for a rainy day” is one thing, and hording money, is quite another matter. By all means, save some money, but always remember to give to those in need, without expecting something in return.

To put it simply, selfishness creates a dead end, or stagnation, within the universal flow of all things. The universal law of cause and effect (karma) will always override.

Just as stagnation within your body is unhealthy, the same law applies to the universe and all things within in it, including money. Stagnation will cause an infection of the body, mind, or spirit. This is the exact opposite of Yoga practice, where we seek to unify body, mind, and spirit in harmony.

Remember Nishkamya Bhakti, and take the time to research the meaning of the word again. We should give unconditionally without pursuing a reward. It is also good to give anonymously and not to tell anyone. Giving is also good for your inner being and your self worth.

Take notice of how lucky you are in this life. Be content with what you have by appreciating your family, friends, and achievements. Look at the improvements and rewards you have seen, since you started practicing Yoga.

I will leave you with a short story and something to think about. Last Christmas season, a man, who was dressed as Santa Claus, worked outside a local store with a legitimate charity’s sign and donations bucket. Many people, including me, gave to him.

Within a few days, local police had chased this man through the parking lot and arrested him. It had been discovered that this man was allegedly an imposter and did not represent a charity at all.

Is this man a criminal? I think not – he was a beggar who practiced deception. In some countries and cultures, like mine, begging is not tolerated at all. This man resorted to deception in order to beg. He did not rob people of their money.

This is not an endorsement of deception or begging, but I want to make you aware of the fact that when you give to a beggar, that is charity too. Don’t worry about which charity to give to – just give something. There are good forces at work that will distribute your donations evenly.

Always remember that Yoga is for the improvement of physical, mental, and spiritual health. If you think Yoga is only about physical mastery, asanas, and a beautiful body, you have missed the “big picture.” Yoga offers so many benefits for mental and spiritual health, that they should never be ignored.

© Copyright 2005 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard is the director of Yoga teacher training at Aura in RI. He’s a master instructor of martial arts and Yoga. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness. He wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students wanting to be a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org

Best Flat Tummy Exercises for Great Female Abs

Writen by Olinda Rola

Are there flat tummy exercises that are the best for great female abs? Abs-olutely! To make this list, the female abs exercises must be safe, effective and can be done nearly anywhere. Your abs can be worked out every day. Here are great flat tummy exercises:

1. Tummy Isometric Crunch – exhale, then suck in your stomach as far as you can, hold for about 15 seconds. Relax and breathe. Visualize moving your bellybutton straight toward your back. Holding in your tummy muscles and tensing your abs is a good way of firming and strengthening them. You will also become more aware of how to control your tummy muscles. Repeat several times. This exercise can be done anywhere, anytime.

Note – if you have high blood pressure, do not hold your breath for extended periods of time.

2. Rectus Abdominis Tummy Exercises (doesn’t that sound great?):

a. Lie on your back on the floor with bent knees and your feet flat on the floor, knees and feet spread apart the width of your hips.
b. Place your hands gently on the sides of your head for support, spreading your elbows so you cannot see them.
c. With your chin tucked toward your chest, gently curl upward and forward so that your head, neck and shoulder blades lift off the floor and your lower back presses against the floor (if you want, start with your head resting on a pillow which has your head and neck in the correct position to begin).
d. Pause just a moment, then gently return to the starting position.
e. Repeat several times.

Note – do not use your arms to complete the curl. If you can see your elbows, you’re cheating. Do not put your feet under anything since this lessens the effectiveness of these types of flat tummy exercises. If this female abs exercise is too difficult for you, do the next one below.

3. Sit-Back Flat Tummy Exercises – if your female abs muscles are weak and you have trouble lifting yourself off the floor in #2 above, here is an alternate flat tummy exercise for you:

a. Start in a sitting position on the floor with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor (secure your feet under a piece of furniture).
b. Cross your arms over your chest and roll your head and shoulders forward toward your chest.
c. Gently and slowly lean back, keeping your head and shoulders tucked. Continue until you begin to feel your stomach muscles contracting.
d. Then try to lean back just a bit more if you can and hold that position until your muscles start shaking. Try to hold this position with your muscles shaking for five seconds, then ease back to the upright sitting position.
e. Repeat in a few seconds.

4. Reducing Chewing Exercises – yes, as in jaw muscles used for excessive chewing as in overeating. Reducing overeating or exercising those jaw muscles less may be necessary to have great female abs. No one can see your great female abs if they are covered with body fat! Having great female abs may require losing some body fat. Losing body fat means:

a. Cardio exercise on a regular basis – getting the heartbeat up with fun whole-body workouts several times a week.
b. Healthy eating habits – eating healthy foods, eliminating sodas/junk food and taking in fewer calories than you burn each day.
c. Besides flat tummy exercises, strength training for the whole body – any muscle tissue you add will burn extra calories 24/7.

Besides looking great, having great female abs is about good health. Visually and physically, the midsection is the center of the body and the foundation of strength. Weak abdominals leave a woman weaker looking and vulnerable to lower back pain. At first, the goal is to build up the basic strength in the female abs area with flat tummy exercises. And remember, always check with your health care provider before starting any exercise program. Start out slowly and gradually build up your strength and repetitions.

For great abs and good health, the ideal is to reduce body fat down to no lower than 15-20% for women. Sometimes, doing flat tummy exercises is the EASY part, losing excess body fat is the TOUGH part. Eat right, exercise right — it may take time, just don’t give up on your dream of having those great female abs.

Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing

Olinda Rola is President of InfoSearch Publishing and webmaster of http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com – a website of physician-recommended natural treatments and articles for a variety of health issues. Visit the website for an excellent free Permanent Weight Loss report you can view online right now.

Are Your Kids Going To Inherit Your Snoring Problem?

Writen by John Lenaghan

If you have a snoring problem, you might be wondering if it can be passed on to your children. Unfortunately, the answer is yes. According to research published in the journal “Chest” children with at least one parent who snored are 3 times more likely to snore themselves (compared to children whose parents did not snore).

Snoring can be a warning signal for an affliction known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). OSA causes breathing to stop while sleeping, due to obstructed air passages.

Snoring is a sign of difficulty breathing, but it is breathing at least. OSA can cause the sufferer to stop breathing for periods of over 10 seconds while sleeping, which then causes them to wake up gasping and choking for air.

This isn’t only a problem in the night either. OSA often leaves its victims with sore throats and headaches when they wake up in the morning. Lack of sleep due to OSA can lead to lack of concentration, bad behavior and general irritability.

If OSA goes untreated, it can lead to an increase in blood pressure, low oxygen levels in the blood and a greater chance of heart attack and stroke.

In the study done by “Chest”, 681 children from Cincinnati Childrens Hospital medical center were studied. The research also found that African-American children were about three times more likely to snore than other races.

Plus, it was found that children who test positive for Atopy (an indicator of allergies and asthma) were twice as likely to snore as those who tested negative.

The benefits of the study include identification of children who snore so the doctors could more accurately determine those that were at a higher risk of sleep disorders. This would allow them to work with the parents to help minimize any long-term damage.

Calling All Smokers-A Dream Ticket for Two to Paradise Island – For All of You!

Writen by Michael Challiner

Sorry to remind all you died in the wool smokers but November was Lung Cancer Awareness month. But no don’t click away – spare a few moments of your time, please.

If hard words on packets wash over you, let me put the financial case to you for quitting. As well as feeling healthier I can offer you a holiday for two on Paradise Island in the Maldives, for two, for every year of your longer life!

OK, I know you don’t believe me. Let’s explain.

Say the average smoker is 40 and smokes 20 a day. With cigarettes at

Astragalus

Writen by Jacob Wood

Astragalus is a plant that is native to Northern China. The medicinal portion of this plant is the root, which is collected in the spring, needs to be dried for four to seven years.

History of Astragalus:
Shen Nung, the founder of Chinese herbal medicine, first mentioned astragalus in the 2000-year-old treatise, Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing. It’s known as one of the most important tonic herbs. The Chinese name huang qi means, “yellow leader”, which refers to the yellow color of the root. It is presently thought to be one of the most important herbs in Chinese Herbology, as well as the more-well known Ginseng. It has been used for increase vital energy in the body (Qi). While often used as a sweet flavoring agent, astragalus most important use reflects adaptogenic properties. It was anciently referred to as “The Superior Tonic”. Research shown that the astragalus root and its extracts stimulate the immune system. Since 1975, astragalus has been used in China for cancer patients undergoing radiation and chemotherapy. These radical treatments can reduce the function of the immune system and astragalus helps to return it to normal.

It has shown efficiency as a diuretic and treatment for congestive heart syndrome in animal studies.

It can be alternated with ginseng in conditions of stress, fatigue and rebuilding the body following illness or injury. It could be effective on allergies, chronic infections, candidiasis, degenerative diseases and generally strengthening of the immune system. Traditional Chinese medicine use this herb for night sweats, deficiency of Qi (e.g., fatigue, weakness and loss of appetite) and diarrhea. It can also be used for colds and flu, everyday ailments where the immune system is depleted.

Arstragalus Use for:
Promotes resistance against disease
Mild Stimulant
Reduce blood pressure by helping to rid the body of excess water weight
Help restore normal immune function for cancer patient

Astragalus Includes:
Astragalus contains numerous compounds, including flavonoids, triterpene glycosides (e.g., astragalosides I-VII), amino acids and trace minerals. No single compound is responsible for its wide-ranging effects, though polysaccharides are involved in immunostimulant activity.

More Detail About Astragalus

A Diet Made For You Will Make All The Difference

Writen by Andrew Banderman

To achieve your goals you need a diet that takes into account who you are and what you want.

People diet for lots of reasons, and with lots of aims in mind. No matter what your aims are, the most effective diet to achieve them is a personalized one. A personalized diet which suits you is what you need, whether you want to improve your health, or just lose weight.

A personalized diet plan can be obtained from a multitude of sources. Provided you have no major health problems and your trying to lose weight (as opposed to lowering cholesterol which will probably require a more specialised diet) then one of the many diets offered by the major fitness and diet gurus will do the job perfectly. Just pick the diet that best suits you. Advice can also be obtained at your local gym where there will usually be a knowledgeable person who can help you find your perfect diet.

This is due to the fact that everybody operates differently, so you’re likely to lose weight at a different rate than any of the other people you know even if you do eat the same things. Therefore, make sure that the food you eat is right for you.

However, if you’re thinking about changing or specializing your diet due to a health problem, then you should go to your doctor first. Most doctors have lists of different foods that are to be eaten or avoided depending on the illness.

Also, since your doctor knows a lot about your health, he or she will better be able to help you determine which diet options will work the best for you. One good example is of people who have a risk of blood clots. If you are on medication to prevent blood clots, then you should avoid green vegetables, especially spinach. Your doctor will best be able to tell you everything you need to know about these dietary restrictions.

Most mass market diets are designed to be ‘one size fits all’, but in truth we are all different. What works for one person might not work for you. That’s why the diet that you can tailor to your self and your body is the best kind of diet. So when you are considering diets check if the diet can be shaped to suit you, this is the kind of diet that will work best.

An issue you may come up against is that some diets recommend or prescribe foods or ingredients that are difficult to find or expensive to buy where you live. You might be expected to buy foods out of season which are prohibitively expensive. You should pick a diet that will allow you to replace problem foods with foods that are readily available in your area.

Of course there is little point in beginning your diet with great determination only to find a week later you dont have the ability to stick with it. It is important that you ease yourself into your diet when possible. Phase out your old diet while gradually adopting your new personalised diet. That way you’ll be able to stick with it and get the most out of your new diet.

Avoid diets that force you to completely stop eating foods that you really like. That sort of change in your eating will only tempt you back to your old eating habits, soon you will have abandoned your new diet altogether. A personalised diet should avoid this kind of temptation by incorporating your favourite foods in sensible quantities.

If your diet has an aim – like losing weight or lowering your blood pressure then you should consider making a progress chart. that way you can look at the chart and see how far you’ve come and how much closer to your goal you are. that kind of encouragement will give you a much needed boost in your confidence, and your resolve to work along the path of your new diet and achieve your goals.

Andrew Banderman is the webmaster of RC Diet Inc — a premier source of information on diet. Free newsletter.

For more diet information and articles, go to: http://www.rcdiet.com

Are Natural Vitamin Supplements The Best Choice?

Writen by Susan Dean

Of course natural vitamin supplements are your best choice. Natural is always the best way to go. Obviously there are times when you cannot always do this but when you are talking about supplements there are so many choices out there that you would be doing yourself an injustice not to do so. Everyday there is more valuable information from experts on how natural vitamin supplements can and will help you obtain a healthier body.

In today’s very fast paced world we do need extra help. We often do not eat correctly because of our busy schedules and we are not always able to purchase quality organic foods that are safe from added chemicals and additives. This is why we need this extra help. And don’t think that because it is natural that it will be necessarily expensive. Those days are gone. There is so much competition out there these days that we can all benefit by using healthy additives at very affordable prices.

Just have a look in any pharmacy or drug store; they are even stocking up on natural remedies along side their usual products. Doctors are even going toward healthier natural remedies to help patients in conjunction with their usual medical advice. For a better chance at a healthier lifestyle why not try some natural vitamin supplements to add to your diet. Of course, along with this you should be doing some form of regular exercise and trying to eat healthier too.

Do some checking out on the web to find the very best available natural vitamin supplements for you and your family. There are plenty of reputable online companies selling quality products that are healthy and safe. And don’t forget about the price. You will be able to get great prices when shopping online for your natural vitamin supplements.

Susan Dean is the webmaster and publisher of http://www.natural-vitamin-supplements-shop.com Visit her site for tips and advice on natural vitamin supplements.

IBS Treatments

Writen by Alison Cole

Although there is no permanent cure for IBS, there are numerous ways to relieve the symptoms, such as making changes in the diet, religiously following any medication advised, regular exercising, and identifying stress factors and releasing stress.

Before embarking on a treatment plan, some prescribed tests are first conducted on a patient to eliminate the possibility of any other disease. Further tests are undertaken to determine whether the patient is really suffering from IBS or not. These include sigmoidoscopy, biopsy, colonoscopy, stool testing and X-ray of the bowels. It is only after establishing the existence of IBS beyond any doubt that the physician can formally start the treatment.

There are two medicines, clinically tested and approved, that are available for treating IBS. These are Lotronex and Zelnorm. However, being symptom specific, they do not make for a very viable medication. Drugs such as antidepressants and antispasmodics are sometimes recommended by the physicians.

There is a wide range of self-help techniques available. IBS patients have at their disposal a specially designed self-hypnosis program for carrying out hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy has a high rate of success and helps in reducing tension and anxiety. Gut-directed or gut-specific hypnotherapy is also available. Yoga is another way of relieving tension. It is a widely accepted fact that yoga helps to fight depression that often accompanies IBS. In fact, there are specific yoga postures that assist in digestion.

There is direct link between sleep and IBS symptoms. Thus it is important for an IBS patient to have a good night’s sleep. Stress management therapies can ensure a relaxed sleep at night. Acupuncture is also being recognized as an efficient means to handle IBS symptoms. However, it should only be carried out by a professional and is something that should not be done by amateurs.

Five Tips for Easy Weight Loss!

Writen by Diana Keuilian

Weight loss is a hot topic among people today, especially considering the fact that more than half of us are overweight. As we get older we often get busier, and before we know it, find ourselves in the prime of our lives and packing a few extra pounds. With so little extra time in our lives it is impractical to join the latest diet fad or commit to sweating in the gym for hours at a time. Are we all destined to grow outward with each passing year, or is there a simple way for us to reclaim our healthy figures? If you struggle with your own battle of the bulge read on for five sure-fire ways to drop a few of those unwanted pounds, and more importantly learn how you can prevent packing them in the first place!

TIP #1: Burn it in the AM.

What is the first thing you do when you wake each morning? Hit the snooze button for an extra ten minutes of sleep? What if I told you that taking those ten minutes to strap on your sneakers and walk briskly around the block would result in weight loss? It has been proven that aerobic activity done on an empty stomach forces your body to recruit energy from storage. This energy is stored in the form of fat on various parts of your body. Starting tomorrow take ten minutes out of your morning to walk briskly around the block before breakfast. Do not sprint or try to walk as quickly as possible, simply walk at a pace that you could comfortably hold a conversation. This seemingly small activity, when done consistently, will produce surprising weight loss results!

TIP #2 Forget Your Late Night Snack.

I know I am not the only one who enjoys eating a snack after dinner! Although comfort food seems to taste better right before bed, it is also more prone to stick with us when eaten late at night. It has been proven that not eating three hours before bed reduces fat storage throughout the night. If you go to bed at 10pm, finish eating for the day no later than 7pm. Once you have made this a habit you will be ecstatic over the long term weight loss!

TIP #3 Kiss that Frappuccino Goodbye.

What tastes better than a frothy, venti frappuccino smothered in whip cream and chocolate syrup? While blended coffee beverages have rapidly gained popularity with the masses, their caloric tallies have been all but ignored. Whether you are an avid Starbucker, or only wander in for an occasional treat, it is important to know the truth about what you are drinking. The average Venti sized frappuccino weighs in at 530 calories. This staggering number equals 2.5 bagels, or one third of the recommended daily calories for an average woman. Not only is this an extreme amount of calories to be consumed in a beverage but the calories come purely from sugar, which is easily stored as fat. Next time you are in line at the coffee shop and find yourself eyeing a sugary beverage, redirect your attention to the tea selection, or stick with an old fashioned cup of coffee.

TIP #4 Fuel Your Fire.

Have you ever tended a campfire? You probably remember continuously adding sticks and branches to keep the fire from running out of fuel. Your body’s metabolism is similar in its need for constant fuel. Eating a small meal every three hours is a great way to keep your metabolism high all day long. When your metabolism is high you burn more calories throughout the day and are less likely to store fat. Rather than eating 2 or 3 large meals a day, and allowing your ‘fire’ to go out, giving way to hunger pains, try eating a small meal every three hours and be amazed at your weight loss results.

TIP #5 Curb Your Carbs

I’m sure sometime in the past year you have found yourself subjected to the testimony of a converted ‘low-carb’ enthusiast. While these people may look great it is definitely not the right diet for everyone. Extreme fatigue, crankiness and downright impracticality are what make this diet a tough cookie to swallow. Cutting one or two carb-filled items out of your daily diet can make a huge difference in meeting weight loss goals. While I wouldn’t recommend throwing out your bread basket entirely, consciously cutting carb-filled items out of your daily food intake is a great idea. If you normally have a sandwich for lunch make it open-faced, thus cutting out half of the bread. If you enjoy eating pasta for dinner reduce your pasta portion and add extra vegetables. These minor changes to your daily diet will prove themselves priceless when you step onto the scale!

It is you against the bulge, and now that you are armed with these 5 tips for easy weight loss, I am confident that you are going to win! Keep in mind that consistency is the key. The more effort that you put into implementing these 5 tips into your daily lifestyle, the quicker the unwanted pounds will disappear!

Diana Keuilian, author, ACE certified Personal Trainer, and co-founder of HitechTrainer.com offers online personal training and nutrition programs that fit your budget and schedule. Whether your goal is to lose weight, firm and tone, or to build muscle, HitechTrainer.com will build a custom designed program just for you.

Visit: http://www.hitechtrainer.com/ and begin meeting your fitness goals today!