New Hampshire's Medicaid Decision Months Away

July 31, 2013 -- Low-income residents of New Hampshire won't know for months whether their state will expand Medicaid coverage in time to meet the Affordable Care Act's Jan. 1, 2014, deadline. That's when almost all Americans must have health insurance or pay tax penalties.

The state Legislature has been sharply divided over the issue on party lines, with Republicans challenging expansion and Democrats favoring it.

At issue is whether New Hampshire should allow Medicaid coverage to become available to adults under age 65 who aren’t pregnant, aren’t already eligible, and who have incomes less than 138% of the federal poverty level. That’s $32,499 for a family of four in New Hampshire and almost all other states.

A state commission will report to the Legislature about Medicaid expansion on Oct. 15, The Boston Globe reports. The newspaper says the Legislature could meet in a special session to put the expansion into effect. Expanded coverage would add tens of thousands of poor adults to the Medicaid rolls in the state, according to the Globe.  

It would take time for the state to let New Hampshire residents know that coverage is available, and they'd have to sign up by Dec. 15 for coverage to start on Jan. 1, 2014.

A 2012 Supreme Court ruling allowed states to decide whether to accept or reject Medicaid expansion. In states that do not expand Medicaid, people who would have qualified under expansion will be exempt from the individual mandate to have insurance.

States can expand Medicaid eligibility at any time, so it could go into effect in 2014 or later.  But enrollment periods, when residents can sign up for coverage, are limited each year.

source : New Hampshire's Medicaid Decision Months Away

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Medicaid Expansion in South Dakota Uncertain

Medicaid Expansion in South Dakota Uncertain

For the time being, South Dakota has rejected expansion of Medicaid as allowed under the Affordable Care Act.

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July 31, 2013 -- For the time being, South Dakota has rejected expansion of Medicaid as allowed under the Affordable Care Act.

While the issue remains under consideration, don't expect anything to happen soon.

"The state is wrestling with many issues, particularly the impact to the state budget on a long-term basis, whether there will be access for individuals to primary care in the rural areas of South Dakota, the federal deficit, and the moral issue that individuals with the lowest incomes will not have access to subsidies through the federal Exchange," says Deb Bowman, a senior adviser to Gov. Dennis Daugaard. "If Medicaid is expanded, the [start] date would be up to the governor and Legislature but likely would be no earlier than July 1, 2014."

In 2012, the Supreme Court ruled that expansion of Medicaid was up to the states.

If South Dakota does expand Medicaid, coverage will become available to adults under age 65 who aren’t pregnant, aren’t already eligible, and have incomes less than 138% of the federal poverty level. That’s $32,499 for a family of four in South Dakota and almost all other states.

A task force created to study the issue is expected to submit its report by Sept. 15. The group started meeting in May and has one more meeting in August.

"It is a difficult issue with strong sentiments on both sides of the issue," Bowman says. "The task force report will clearly outline the pros and cons for decision-makers in the state."

Almost all Americans will need to either have insurance by Jan. 1, 2014, or pay tax penalties. However, in states that rejected Medicaid expansion, people who would have qualified under it will be exempt from the mandate to have insurance.

source : Medicaid Expansion in South Dakota Uncertain

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Will A High Protein Diet Damage Your Kidneys Or Not?

For the last few years many fitness enthusiasts and have been coming across high protein diets when searching for information on how to lose weight. Today you'll see how to use this method correctly for maximum results.

High protein diets have given themselves a bad reputation over the last decade or so due to the number of fads and celebrity endorsed quick fix plans. However, many of the problems which flawed those approaches can be dealt with by one quick look at the latest scientific findings on the subject.

For decades now, it has been widely believed that a high protein diet would be terrible for your kidneys. This is because they would find it hard to process the volume of protein being consumed and, as a result, run into long-term problems. However, studies at the University of Indiana recently discovered that individuals consuming a high protein diet were at no greater risk than those eating the recommended daily amount.

Recent studies confirm that the high protein intake recommended by such diets was actually perfectly safe and no negative effects were found in the kidneys of people using this approach. However, their diet plans were flawed when it came to the two other macronutrients, carbohydrates and fats. By cutting all carbs from the daily diet, you'd often see people experience quick weight loss followed by a rapid unhealthy regaining of all the weight they had dropped. This trend started a lot of yo-yo dieters on the road to ruin.

There is nothing wrong with a low carb diet, but there is plenty wrong with a zero carb diet. You see, your body needs all three macronutrients in order to stay alive. If you chop carbohydrates or fats from your daily eating routine then you are asking for trouble. Consuming high protein was never really the issue, it was simply a theory which has since been proven wrong.

So a high protein diet is perfectly safe, providing you take the precautions to ensure your fat and carbohydrate consumption is also up to par. This is one of the key rules to any successful healthy eating plan, along with regular exercise and a good amount of rest. []

The following information will help you to establish your daily eating targets:

* 1.2 grams of protein per pound of body weight (the weight you want to be, that is).

* 0.5 grams of carbohydrates per pound of body weight.

* Finally, your fat intake should be around 0.5g per pound of body weight.

This ensures you are getting enough of each macro without cutting any of them to the point where it would affect your overall fat loss. Also, due to the recent findings of the numerous studies on high protein diets you no longer need to worry about any negative effects of eating more than one gram of protein per pound of body weight.

You do not need to be a qualified personal trainer or nutritionist to learn how to lose weight safely. The trouble is there's so much confusion caused by conflicting opinions and theories that most people get lost. Base your routine on scientific fact and you'll find it easier in the long run.

source : Will A High Protein Diet Damage Your Kidneys Or Not?

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5 Reasons Why You Should Stretch

Stretching is very important in beginning and ending an exercise. But its functions go beyond preventing strains and sprains. So why stretch?

1. Stretching before beginning an exercise prevents injuries. It helps the muscles "warm-up" and prepare before divulging into more intense exercises. It helps prevent "pulled muscles". It allows a longer range of motion. For instance, if you are going to do a strong punch without stretching, you will 'shock' your relaxed muscles into motion, thus it will cause pain and soreness. To prevent these from happening, begin with by gently pumping your arms, or by extending your arms overhead or below. You may also do leg extensions, either on the ground or elevated. For elevated leg stretches, it must not be immediate, but gradual and slow.
The higher the leg stretch is, the more the muscles are pulled, so one has to do it slowly. When stretching, don't bounce. Bouncing can cause small tears (micro tears) in the muscles which can cause scar tissues. These scar tissues can make movement painful and future stretching more painful and difficult. If you feel that the stretch is becoming more painful, then it means that you have gone too far. Focus on a more comfortable, pain-free stretch. Make sure to stretch both sides, too. It extends your range of motion more that way. Plus, movement doesn't just go one direction, does it?

2. Stretching improves flexibility. When you constantly stretch, you are also making yourself more flexible, thus activities that require flexibility, such dancing and kicks, short sprints and dashes, even basic tasks such as lifting and tying your shoe, can become easier. Flexibility also wanes s people ages, so it's best to regularly stretch so that you can maintain your flexibility.

3. Stretching promotes better breathing and respiratory (or oxygen) flow. Stretching allows oxygen to flow better through your body and it also helps better blood circulation. Body pains and sores usually root from increased tightness and tension from the lack of oxygen that flows to the different parts of your body. Stretching allows the oxygen to move freely and move better.

4. Stretching reduces stress and improves posture. Stress causes the muscles to tighten and knot, thus it can cause strain and back pains. Tension causes negative effects on your body. Muscles harden and slow down the flow of the oxygen (carried by the blood) to the brain which muddles thinking. Stretching brings back the oxygen flow and regulates it, re-oxygenating the brain and also the heart. Aside from contributing greatly to the circulation or blood flow, stretching also releases endorphins or the feel-good hormones in the body which can improve your mood and make you feel good. Stretching also greatly improves posture as it prevents the muscles from getting too tight, which causes slouching and rigidness of the body. When you have good posture, circulation flows better and you can look good and feel good throughout the day.

5. Stretch after exercising. Lactic acid builds up in your muscles while you exercise which leads to fatigue and soreness. This can be remedied by "cooling down" exercises or post-exercise stretching. Post-exercise stretching can help in workout recovery, decreases muscle soreness that comes after the workout and ensures that your muscles and tendons are in good working order. If you stretch after exercising, you are conditioning your muscles, and, in a way, you are relaxing your muscles after a vigorous regimen. Its goal is to return your muscles to the pre-exercise stage. It's like telling your muscles that the hard part of the workout is done. This part of the exercise is called the "cool down" and usually consists of light exercises such as brisk walking, calf stretching and static stretching. Aside from relaxing your muscles, cool down exercise are also meant to re-oxygenate your heart, since you have used too much oxygen working out.

 This means allowing steady breathing and the muscles push the oxygen back to the heart.
Stretching, although takes minimal time in the whole workout or exercises, is still a very important part of the activity and should not be taken lightly. How sore you can get or how good you feel after a workout depends on how properly and how effectively you have stretched.

Helping fellow Singaporeans to lose weight one person at a time: Singapore Weight Loss Challenge

source : 5 Reasons Why You Should Stretch

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Old School Muscle Gain Workout

The 70s and 80s was called golden era of body building and has produced some of the most famous male body builders which are still considered as a motivation to many. This era has produced great body builders like Arnold, Sergio Olivia, Mike Mentzer, Mike Katz, Frank Zane and many others. Images of these body builders are still on the walls of many for motivation and admiration.

Over the past decades, this sport has evolved too much and with help of science, trainers and professionals now can create effective muscle gain workout and muscle gain diet. From recent studies it has been revealed that gaining muscle requires extreme hard workout at the gym and an equal time in kitchen. Today most people use supplements with their muscle gain diet for increased strength and endurance. But many people still consider old school muscle gain workout to be the best for rapid gain in size and strength. Some people are put off by the old school workout routines while some still like to follow them. Ronnie Coleman and Jay Cutler are prime examples of recent body builders who have achieved massive results with immense training and a lot of hard work. Their muscle gain workout is quite different from that of Arnold or Mentzer but they still believe old school routine to be very effective.

We don't want to debate whether old school routine is better than current techniques used. But we only want to highlight the differences between these two types of routines. Firstly, the old school technique requires more determination. Top body builders of those times used to train for hours at gym with a high volume approach. They used to have two to three sessions in the gym but mostly did not spend much time in kitchen with their diet. Current technique is one or two sessions at gym combined with a strict diet regimen and if necessary food supplements for added nutrition. Experts believe that going to the gym 4 to 5 days a week is enough because muscles need to relax for growing. Previously, body builders used to train 6 days a week with at least 2 sessions daily. They believed that putting the muscles in extra strain helped them to grow. The result with old school method was extra ordinary manly physique with clearly defined muscles and very little fat.

The exercises in both routines are almost same, but with a little change in technique. In the 70s and 80s they used to do one muscle group in a single session, but today most people do at least two muscle groups in a single session. It is up to the people to decide which kind of muscle gain workout they want to do because both of these are equally effective and require the same amount of determination.

Body building is a science and a sport. If you want effective muscle gain workout plans from the experts visit musclegainexsperts.com to get advice from expert nutritionists and trainers to achieve rapid gain and fat loss.

source : Old School Muscle Gain Workout

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Intermittent Fasting and Bodybuilding

One of the foremost known bodybuilders of his generation Sergio Nubret was a powerful advocate of intermittent abstinence approach back before it absolutely was fashionable. Sergio Nubret had an amazing physique and whether or not or not he engineered that body victimisation steroids isn't the question here, what his organic process strategies were ar.

Amazing Body

Sergio Nubret was known not just for having associate impeccable physique; he was conjointly known for his sort of nutrition. He Greek deity sort of a lion within the African wild. No, he did not go around chasing equine and bovid. He merely Greek deity one elephantine meal on a daily basis and therefore the remainder of the day he fasted. basically hat he was active was intermittent abstinence. He had a window wherever he would eat his meal and a window wherever he would not.

Can you emulate him victimisation intermittent fasting?

If he engineered such a formidable physique employing a one meal every day methodology, for certain you'll faucet into your genetic potential for anaerobic exercise victimisation associate intermittent abstinence model of 2-3 or maybe four meals every day. It's quite simple to suit 3-4 meals every day into associate eight hour intake amount. for instance, if your intake window starts at 12pm, you'll have your 1st meal at 12pm, your second at 3pm your third at 6pm and your fourth at 8pm. It's just about identical as intake each 2-3 hours it simply suggests that you get to own larger parts (always a decent thing).

Calorie Surplus for muscle building

At the tip of the day whether or not or not you'll build muscle does not return right down to what number meals you've got, it comes right down to whether or not or not you are in a very calorie surplus, if {you're|you ar} coaching increasingly and are in a very calorie surplus you may build muscle therefore this means that intermittent abstinence and anaerobic exercise will work for you. It worked for Sergio Nubret and he Greek deity just one meal every day. There ar plenty of alternative success stories obtainable from the likes of Brad Pilon, John Berardi, Martin Berkhan and therefore the Hodgetwins that show important muscle growth whereas intermittent abstinence.

What works for you?

In locution that like everything it's going to or might not be the simplest possibility for you, what is vital is that you simply ascertain if that's the case and do not dismiss it till you've got a minimum of experiment with it. the advantages of intermittent abstinence ar pretty wonderful and combined with a correct educational program and nutrition you'll build muscle to anaerobic exercise standards. provides it a trial and let American state shrewdness you get on. Visit More Info:- http://52fastingdiet.blogspot.com/

source : Intermittent Fasting and Bodybuilding

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Iowa Waiting for Approval on Medicaid Alternative

Iowa Waiting for Approval of Medicaid Alternative

Iowa is ready to expand eligibility for Medicaid so more poor residents can get coverage as of Jan. 1, 2014. But it's waiting for the federal government to approve a unique approach under the Affordable Care Act.

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July 31, 2013 -- Iowa is ready to expand eligibility for Medicaid so more poor residents can get coverage as of Jan. 1, 2014. But it's waiting for the federal government to approve a unique approach under the Affordable Care Act.

The state wants to use federal funds to let residents buy insurance through its new Marketplace, instead of being required to get insurance through Medicaid itself, says Tom Alger, a spokesman for the Iowa Insurance Division.

For now, the state is expecting a waiver that will allow it to pursue this approach. "We don't have it yet, and we're waiting," Alger says. "Enrollment starts on Oct. 1, so it would be helpful to know in advance of that time."

Jennifer Vermeer, Iowa’s Medicaid director, told The Des Moines Register last month that she was optimistic about the state's waiver request. She noted that a similar program in Arkansas was moving smoothly toward approval.

The Supreme Court last year ruled that the federal government must allow states to accept or reject Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act. Most states have already decided whether or not to approve expansion, which covers adults under age 65 who aren’t pregnant, aren’t already eligible, and have incomes less than 138% of the federal poverty level. (That’s currently $32,499 for a family of four in Iowa.)

Iowa, however, is one of the last states to act. Gov. Terry Branstad signed the expansion into law on June 20.The Des Moines Register estimates that tens of thousands of Iowans will be affected by it.

The federal government says people in states that don’t expand Medicaid who would have qualified under the expansion will be exempt from the mandate to have insurance or pay a tax penalty.

source : Iowa Waiting for Approval on Medicaid Alternative

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How Many Extra Calories Add Up to Obesity for Kids?

Study finds overweight children consume more excess calories daily than previously thought

WebMD News from HealthDay

By Brenda Goodman

HealthDay Reporter

TUESDAY, July 30 (HealthDay News) -- Overweight kids may be consuming far more calories than their doctors or parents realize, a new study suggests.

The study, which is published in the July 30 online issue of The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, updates the mathematical model doctors use to calculate the daily calorie needs of children and adolescents.

The new model tries to more accurately estimate the energy requirements for growing girls and boys. It also accounts for kids' higher metabolisms, relative to adults, and takes into account the drop in physical activity that happens with age as frenetic toddlers turn into sluggish teens. And last, study authors factor in the increased energy required to maintain a bigger body size with age.

In sum, the model predicts that it takes far more calories for children to gain weight than experts had realized.

For example, the old model estimates that for a girl who's a normal weight at age 5 to become 22 pounds overweight by the time she's 10, she'd need to eat around 40 extra calories a day -- the equivalent of the calories in a small apple.

The new model predicts that she'd actually need to eat far more than that -- about 400 extra calories a day, or the calories in a medium serving of fast-food french fries -- to get the same result.

That's one case, but the number of calories it takes to gain weight is slightly different for boys and girls at every age.

"It's a bit of a moving target," admitted study author Kevin Hall, a senior investigator at the U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. "The point of these examples is that the excess calorie consumption is much larger than most folks would have suggested in the past."

Using historical data collected by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hall and his co-authors calculated that children today are an average of 13 pounds heavier than kids were in the late 1970s, before the start of the obesity epidemic. To gain those extra pounds, kids have consumed about 200 more calories a day.

At different ages, and depending on the amount of weight a child has gained, the differences can be even more stark.

For example, the model estimates than an 11-year-old boy who is about 18 pounds overweight has eaten roughly 320 more calories a day than his healthy-weight peers. Meanwhile, a girl who is the same age and also 18 pounds overweight has taken in an extra 301 daily calories.

Hall said the new numbers give parents and doctors a road map for "how we got here" with overweight and obese kids, but they aren't exactly the way back to a normal weight. Kids who cut calories by the amount their currently overeating may stop gaining, for example, but they'd likely need to cut even more to shed their extra pounds.

source : How Many Extra Calories Add Up to Obesity for Kids?

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Pond Scum Holds Dangers for People, Pets

Water with 'blue-green algae' can cause liver failure, and possibly death, in dogs

WebMD News from HealthDay

By Robert Preidt

HealthDay Reporter

TUESDAY, July 30 (HealthDay News) -- Blue-green algae is found in lakes and ponds across the United States and is a threat to both people and pets, an expert warns.

Toxins produced by blue-green algae are hazardous to people and can be fatal in animals, particularly dogs, said Deon van der Merwe, associate professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology at Kansas State University.

"Essentially anywhere there is water, you can find blue-green algae," van der Merwe said in a university news release.

"If there is a lot of sunshine and if the weather is warm, that makes it easier for them to grow rapidly," said van der Merwe, who also manages the toxicology section of the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. "That's why blooms occur most frequently in the summer, especially in drought conditions. Under drought conditions, you typically have many cloudless days and more sunlight reaching water."

Animals exposed to toxins from blue-green algae can experience vomiting or diarrhea. High levels of exposure to the toxins can cause them to experience liver failure and may be deadly. Gastrointestinal symptoms and liver failure also can occur in people exposed to these toxins, but symptoms such as skin rashes, sneezing, coughing, eye irritation and runny nose are more common in humans.

"If you go to a lake or pond and the water is green, it is important to avoid physical contact with that water," van der Merwe said. "If people swim or ski behind a boat and they inhale spray from behind that boat, those can also be situations in which people can be exposed."

"If people suspect that their dog has been exposed and the dog starts to vomit, that is often the first sign you will see," van der Merwe said. "It is very important to get the dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible. It may be possible to do preventive treatment to stop the full development of the poisoning."

Pet owners also need to protect themselves by wearing protective gloves when handling animals that have been exposed to blue-green algae.

In addition, blue-green algae can affect other animals -- such as birds, deer, cattle, horses and other livestock -- that use open water, van der Merwe said.

source : Pond Scum Holds Dangers for People, Pets

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healthy foods for weight loss

Who said that healthy and wholesome foods to be included in the diet can not be too good and tasty? There are several diets that can lead to weight loss successfully, if followed correctly, depending on how they are programmed, but that does not mean every food that fits into a diet program is a food considered "healthy" : will then need to change your eating habits to get the most from a natural regime marked on the welfare of the individual.

Healthy Foods

One very important thing to do is not to worry about following a diet only "because it's fashionable," but, instead, learn which foods are the right ones for each of us.

What are healthy foods to eat?

The closer a food is close to its natural state, the better for everyone. Fresh fruits and edible berries of all kinds are able to satisfy any craving for sweets. The whole vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals, and will be very curious "eat colored in green, orange and yellow." Steaming allows you to maintain the nutritional value of a food to which we must add sauces that contain a high content of calories and unhealthy fats.

Any type of pasta or baked goods should be made from whole grains. We must also avoid sugary snacks and pastries. An apple is an excellent food, an apple pie is much less.
Prefer lean meats and never forget the fish! The fatty acids of the omega-3 ocean fish are often deficient in the diet every day, and it will be vitally important to eat fish two or three times a week. Baked fish and chicken are healthier than other foods fried foods and lean meats like bison or venison may be healthier than the meat as beef fat.
Meals of processed meat, hot dogs, bacon, sausages, contain a lot of saturated fat and nitrates. If you can not just do without these foods, preferring healthier versions, sold in health food stores.

Always remember to eat a wide variety of foods to get all the vitamins and minerals needed for the psycho-physical.

Natural water, milk and fruit juices with 100% of pulp are excellent substitutes to sugary drinks. Limit soft drinks. If water alone is not very welcome, you can add a slice of lemon or lime to give a touch of flavor. For children, you can make a mixture of fruit juice and lightly carbonated water.

Unhealthy foods

1. too much processed foods and fried
2. sugary soft drinks
3. processed meat along with other foods (eg meat balls)
4. French fries and roast potatoes
5. white bread and refined pasta
6. most of the packaged ravioli and similar
7. breakfast cereals processed with sugar, fat and additives
8. frozen fried chicken, fish sticks and popcorn

Healthy Foods

1. green vegetables and brightly colored
2. Dark leafy greens and lettuce
3. Fresh fruit and berries
4. turkey and chicken without skin
5. nuts, dried fruit
6. bread and pasta
7. cooking oils, such as canola and olive oil
8. fed bison meat with herbs
9. fish ocean
10. milk or soy beverages in low fat
11. seeds and legumes

Assess lifestyle

Once you have figured out what foods are suitable for each of us, have to change their eating habits, starting with insights that can help us understand why we choose to take certain foods.

Here are some possible questions:

1. Do you eat because you are bored, sad or happy?
2. Make snacks in front of the TV without even particularly care what you eat?
3. The majority of your meals eaten at home or in restaurants?
4. How many times to eat fast food?
5. I enjoy cooking?
6. How often are you in a grocery store?
7. Skip the breakfast or lunch, and then eat too much during the day?
8. How big are the portions that you consume?
9. Feel the need for sweets?
10. There are foods you can not live without?

Healthy foods for snacks

Keep healthy snacks on hand such as fruits and crunchy vegetables (eg, celery and carrots. If you feel absolutely the need to eat chocolate, a piece is allowed, as long as you do not eat the other. If you do not want to give up munch on while watching your favorite programs, preferring foods low in calories, because it is very easy to overeat when you are distracted by the football game or movie you are watching. Favour crunchy vegetables raw vegetables instead of chips.

Healthy foods when eating out

It 'hard to maintain good health if you eat out every day. The salads are never so attractive as a nice greasy cheeseburger and fries! Restaurants often serve huge portions of food, much more than necessary. If you are unable to keep the firm will prefer the vegetables, you can try to reach a compromise: choose an appetizer that you love, combining it with a salad or a cup of soup, appetizers and avoiding the more elaborate and rich. You can also share a meal or bring half home. You can die for dessert? Of course not. Just order a small, or even if only a scoop of ice cream, rather than a larger ... Why not try a sweet dish made of berries topped with walnuts and a bit of whipped cream? Better be careful with the after dinner drinks and prefer a glass of wine with your meal. If you often eat at fast food, it is best not to overdo with portions or size, and always choose places that offer the freshest ingredients.

Eating healthy food at home

If you hate to cook, all you have to cool that you bought may just rot in your refrigerator. A good idea would be to prepare larger portions and then break them down into many small, placing them in the freezer and need to scongelandole: you will gain time and fresh foods will not have time to rot, as it is already cooked. At the supermarket, unfortunately, grocery shopping can often be very boring. It will therefore be advisable to decide in advance the time needed to do the shopping, making a list of foods to buy. Better not go shopping when you are hungry, and if you were to give in and then enter the store, it is best to stay away from the food aisles. Always buy fresh produce and choose lean meats and fish, stay away from cold cuts, cheese, boxed meals, and avoid stopping in front of the snack. Better yet, prefer organic food stores, as far as possible. If you do not have the option to choose from, better to opt for the "lesser of two evils" and buy frozen fruit and vegetables, as they can keep as long as most of their nutrients and do not have hardly ever addition of sodium.

Do not skip meals

If you skip breakfast, you may lose power mid-morning. Rather than skipping breakfast completely, you may want to divide it into two parts: eat a small breakfast very early in the morning, like an egg, a small portion of oatmeal, or a slice of whole wheat bread. At mid-morning to eat a small snack, such as raisins and 10-12 almonds. This breakfast uniform is a much better solution than to look for a bar where binge of coffee and candies.

Taming the sweet tooth

We must all learn to curb cravings for sweets with fruit and stay away from sugary snacks and pastries. These foods contain a lot of calories and you can be added to the unhealthy fats. If the fruit does not seem to be quite sweet, you can add a small sprinkling of sugar. Avoid sugary drinks and prefer herbal teas or water with ice and a slice of lemon or lime.

Rome was not built in a day

If you can not change your eating habits easily, do not despair. Just start implementing some of these ideas, even one at a time, gradually, with patience and without trying to change from one day to another. Any change to their eating habits will be one more step in the right direction.

source : healthy foods for weight loss

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Obesity Vs America Changing Together

Obesity has become a growing problem in our country. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 17% (12.5 million) children and adolescents ages 2-19 years are obese. This number has tripled since 1980. Our children are not the only ones who are obese; about one third of the nation's adults are obese as well.

Add obesity to the rising cost of health care and you have a real epidemic on your hands. In fact in 2003 former Surgeon General Dr. Richard Carmona said, "Obesity represents a much greater risk to Americans than any chemical or biological weapon that Saddam Hussein might be hiding underneath one of his sprawling compounds". While Saddam Hussein is no longer a threat, obesity still lingers, and much of the country faces this killer every day.

Now is the time to rise up against obesity and make America healthy again. As an ISSA Certified Fitness Trainer I've dedicated my life to doing just that. Many of us may be struggling with our weight, or we may have a child that may be struggling to find a healthy weight. Now is the time to change our habits and make healthy decisions for the future. I can remember growing up and never wanting to come inside, and even finding ways to be active indoors. As I look around today I see children and adults that have lost the drive to be active. Whether it is video games, television, computers or just your basic couch potato, we are now seeing an age that has lost the will for healthy survival. Taking action sooner, rather than later, is the prudent advice.

In ancient Rome 80 A.D. there was a man named Verus who was captured by the Romans and enslaved. After walking 50 days to reach Italy, Verus was sent to work in the quarry to work on what was soon to be the Coliseum. One day a few Gladiator trainers came to find new recruits. Verus fought for the chance. It was said that to become a Gladiator was to make a pact with death. Verus trained hard because he knew that if he failed he would be sent back to work in the quarry. Verus finally earned his right to become a Gladiator. Nine years later Verus had to fight his once good friend Priscus in the Coliseum to win his freedom. The duel ended in a tie, and both were given wooden swords which was the symbol for freedom.

Verus is a story of overcoming the odds and the sheer will to survive which is at the very core of human nature. We need to find that will to survive for ourselves again, and gain back our freedom from obesity. So now is the time to turn off those televisions, video games, and computers. Go outside and play with your kids or pets, or simply go for a walk with a friend. The point is getting active. If you have fitness questions, talk to a certified trainer about getting in shape for good. Today is a new day... make it a healthy one!

Join MileyFitness.com today and enjoy expert designed workout plans, healthy recipes, a video exercise glossary, health and fitness articles, video workout plans and much more!
http://www.mileyfitness.com

source : Obesity Vs America Changing Together

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Best Wrinkle Treatment - Is It Botox?

Wrinkles are a part of the normal aging process, they can develop more commonly on the areas of the body that are exposed to the sun; forearms, hands, neck and face.

Exposure to the sun is one of biggest contributors to them, although genetics plays the most important factor in the structure and texture of the skin.

Smoking, dust, wind and heat are environmental exposures that can contribute to wrinkles also.
Nowadays there are plenty of options that could aid in the elimination or at least reduce their appearance.
Some of the most important wrinkle treatments are surgery, medications, fillers and skin resurfacing techniques.

What Causes Wrinkles?

There are many factors that can cause wrinkles development, but among them the next three are probably the most common.

Light skin: The sun can inflict more damage to people with light skin, which further increases wrinkles.
Smoking: According to the experts, smoking causes the skin a reduction in blood supply.
Genetic factors: If your parents acquired them earlier in life you have more possibility to develop them than if it was the opposite way.

Common Treatments

These cosmetic procedures are able to soften the lines that cause the sun, aging and smoking.
The results vary depending on the kind of treatment employed.

Facial fillers

These are injectable fillers, they are less expensive than traditional face lifts and could give you better results.
The results can be seen in less than a half an hour and could last to up one year.

Unlike Botox which relaxes the muscles, these fillers fill in the lines with many different substances, in consequence the lines disappear.

These fillers can be employed as volumizers for sagging hands, thin lips and cheeks.

Botox

This drug is made of a neurotoxin which is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum that causes a disorder called botulism (a type of food poisoning) and it is used by doctors in little doses to deal with certain health problems, among them facial wrinkles removals.

Laser Resurfacing

This is a procedure to resurface the skin through a laser and better the look of the skin or deal with modest facial defects, among them wrinkles.

Chemical peel

This one employs a chemical solution to bland your skin texture by getting rid of the damaged external layers. Improves your skin appearance in one of the least invasive ways, it's primarily used on the face and also can be utilized in the hands and neck, it is called derma pilling or chemexfoliation also.

LifeCell Anti Aging Cream

LifeCell anti aging cream is an all in one cream that unlike many of the aforementioned procedures is probably the safest one. LifeCell is made of natural ingredients. The official website is so confident about it that is offering a thirty days trial offer.

To learn more about the wrinkle treatments available and to take advantage of LifeCell 30 days trial, visit my site LifeCell Reviews.

source : Best Wrinkle Treatment - Is It Botox?

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The Essential Supplement Coenzyme Q 10

As you may know already taking supplements help in the overall health of your body. Fish oil is a heart healthy supplement consisting of Omega 3 fatty acids which could cut the risk of coronary artery disease. There is another supplement that is a must have in your daily intake of supplements and that is Coenzyme Q 10. It is an essential supplement to take if you have any type of heart disease such as congestive heart failure or chest pain. Make sure you discuss taking any supplement along with your medications with your doctor first before taking them.

For those who don't know what it is, it is a vitamin like substance produced by the human body needed for proper function of the organs found predominately in the heart, kidneys, pancreas, and liver. It is found in small amounts in seafood and meats.

Co Q 10, as it's commonly called, aids in treating high blood pressure possibly increasing the effects of the high blood pressure medicines you are taking already. Coenzyme Q 10 is also used to treat diabetes, Lyme disease, Parkinson's, fibromyalgia, male infertility, and chronic fatigue among other diseases. Co Q 10 helps in increasing energy which improves exercise intolerance especially if you suffer from angina (chest pain) after exercising.

Disease in the body causes a decrease of Co Q 10 and aging also. The older you are the less of it you have in the body. Smoking also deplete the natural substance. People with weakened immune systems such as HIV or cancer take the supplement to help build up the decreased levels of the Co Q 10 in the body.

It is a safe vitamin to take but with any thing you take, depending on your body, it could cause some side effects including upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. It is even safe for children but only by the approval of a doctor. I take the supplement myself and have had no problems with it. In fact I feel better after taking it. I would strongly suggest adding the supplement to your diet every day. The amount to take is at least 100 mg daily. Start with a low dose like 50 mg and if you like how you feel increase it gradually. If you know you are deficient in Co Q 10 you can take 150 mg daily or more if you have a weak immune system.

source : The Essential Supplement Coenzyme Q 10

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Osteoporosis Prevention Tips for Women

Osteoporosis is a highly prevalent disease among women; half of women over 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Characterized by thinning of the bone that leads to fractures, the condition is caused by the fact that the body stops rebuilding bone fast enough to replace degeneration as we age. This generally begins in the mid 30's, but it usually doesn't pose any risks until women reach menopause. Men also suffer from osteoporosis, but usually at a much older age.

When a woman hits menopause, her shares of the hormone estrogen decline dramatically. This hormone is responsible for preventing the breakdown of women's bones. Any situation indicating low estrogen levels, including lack of a menstrual period before a woman reaches a natural age for menopause, is a risk factor for osteoporosis. Combined with the sudden drop in estrogen, women also have smaller, thinner bones than men generally. It's important for women to focus on preventative methods.

Below are several measures you can take to help prevent osteoporosis.

1) Take calcium and vitamin D supplements, the latter of which helps the body absorb calcium.

2) Do exercise that subjects the bones to weight-bearing, which encourages rebuilding.

3) Increase your intake of foods that contain calcium. Dairy products aren't the only foods that contain
calcium. Kale, collard greens, tempeh, fortified orange juice, turnip greens and blackstrap molasses are all potent sources.

4) Avoid excess salt consumption. Aside from increasing your risk of heart disease, a Japanese study, available at http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/06/130617110931.htm, found that very high sodium intake correlates with bone fracture risk.

5) Research is currently inconclusive, but the results of some studies suggest that fructooligosaccharides, aside from being fun to say, are good for your bones. These non-digestible carbs may increase your body's ability to absorb calcium. They're found in chicory root, onions, tomatoes, asparagus and wheat.

6) Take steps to avoid insulin resistance, the hallmark of type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance is common among people who are overweight. A study, found at http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/06/130617110715.htm, determined diabetics to have weaker bones than non-diabetics. The best ways to prevent type 2 diabetes are to exercise and eat well, maintaining a healthy weight.

7) If you're too young to be experiencing menopause but have stopped getting your period (or never started), see a doctor. If no dysfunction is found, you may wish to begin using birth control to regulate your hormones. The extra estrogen will help keep your bones strong.

As with most health conditions, preventing osteoporosis involves eating right and exercising. Taking simple steps now to prevent this and other conditions will help you live longer and better as you age.

Solutions specific to pregnancy back pain, weight loss and other women specific issues. Please ask questions, give comments or stories related to this article submission for women's issues.

source : Osteoporosis Prevention Tips for Women

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Egg Protein for Better Health

Protein is essential for athletes and body builders who need to develop or rebuild muscle.
An egg consists of the yolk and the albumin. It is the albumin that contains little or no fat, but contains muscle building blocks along with essential amino acids. The quality of the protein in the egg is the highest in comparison to other protein sources. Typically, one egg contains about six grams of protein along with other nutrients.

The protein found in an egg is of the purest form. The biological value (BV) of an egg (which is a measurement to evaluate the efficacy of protein) is 93.7. Compared to other sources of protein such as milk, fish and beef, the egg has the highest value. This indicates that egg protein is assimilated in the body faster than other protein sources.

If you are looking out to build muscle mass or lose excess weight, look no further; egg protein is one of the most flexible supplements which could offer you the desired results in no time. It is the best food for bodybuilders, sportsmen, fitness freaks and gym rats. Saying this let us not forget to distinguish the qualities of the white and yolk. Though the white is credited with substantial nutrients, do not ignore the yolk. It also consists of essential fats and calories required for a healthy body to function normally.

Believe me it is better to ignore the supplements that boast of egg white as the major ingredient. Better replace it by a dozen organic eggs to get the best out of them. They are healthy and safe, at the same time affordable too.

The protein obtained from eggs is the only one that are absorbed directly and quickly by the body while the other sources take too long to breakdown. Due to the extreme benefits of the eggs it is advisable to consume them in the breakfast or lunch which gives the body the required fuel to burn fats and develop muscles. Also it is one of the most widely used natural forms of proteins.

Because of these massive qualities and benefits offered by the egg yolk and white it it used widely in different industries. To lose weight and build muscles one needs to burn a lot of calories. This is where consumption of eggs comes in. Leave behind all the myths and disbeliefs, consume this natural protein regularly and gain the desired results.

Sunil Khari is a sportsman, sports writer who has contributed many articles online. He runs an online sports supplement store http://www.indiasupplement.com that offers a wide range of supplement options for body builders and sportsmen.

source : Egg Protein for Better Health

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A Healthy Addiction

Most people would want to have a fit body. But, let's admit, not all of us would ruthlessly follow all the regimes set for it. It takes discipline, patience and perseverance to live, and continue living a healthy lifestyle. So then, how do healthy people keep themselves fit amidst all the temptations (such as food, carbs, carbs, carbs and fat) that surround them?

Here's a shocker. Fit people are addicted... to healthy living.

But what does healthy living mean? Here are some habits one should develop to be truly and totally fit.
Have a focus or an objective. A healthy lifestyle begins with a goal. What is our goal? How much weight would you want to lose? What exercise regimen would you wish to follow? What food would you stop eating? Set a goal and remember your goal. It will get you through your training and diet. Begin with an end in mind. Keep a positive mindset. Constantly tell yourself that you can do it, and, eventually, you will.

Sleep 6 to 8 hours a day. Living healthy means you have enough energy to go through with your day. Sleep replenishes energy that our bodies badly need. Aside from that, sleep deprivation can cause an unhealthy craving for sweets and can alter the way you eat. Oversleeping causes you to sleaze off for the rest of the day, too. So make sure you get just enough sleep. Not too little, not too much.

Drink lots of water. Drink at least 8 glasses a day. You don't have to down it all at once, of course. Drink a glass of water before going to bed, another after taking a bath, and if you wish to lessen food intake, drink 2 glasses before your meal. Water lessens your appetite and gives you that 'full' feeling. Drink more, especially if you sweat a lot and are exposed to a very humid environment. If you get thirsty, drink water instead of drinking sugary drinks (soft drinks, sugar-loaded juices, pop, etc.).

Less sugar, more veggies. Now, vegetables aren't always welcome friends. Most of us would shudder at the thought of those greens (and yellows, and reds, and... well, you get the point), yet, these are necessary for a balanced diet. Remember the food pyramid? Yup. That kind of balanced diet. Vegetables are easier to digest, promotes a healthy metabolism, plus, it can give you a better complexion. Some people would prefer to be vegetarians, or even vegan, but not all body types are capable of vegan/ vegetarian diets due to the protein needs one may have. Before you decide (and commit) to being vegan, might as well consult your dietician first. Sugary and fatty kinds of food should be avoided, so might as well cut back on the oil and butter. Junk food and soft drinks are a big no-no... along with food with a truckload of MSG and preservatives. Try to eat fresh to feel fresh.

Exercise exercising. See those runners/ joggers in the park? Try being one of them. Morning strolls are good, even just by walking your dog, you can get to move. That's the whole point of exercise... movement. Now, people would reason out that they don't have the 'time for exercise'. The thing is, it's not really much on the length of the exercise, it's about the repetition. Try doing an exercise regimen even just for 10 minutes a day. The most important thing is that you'll get to do it every day. Don't be contented on a one-shot weight loss treatment. As earlier stated, it needs discipline and perseverance to get the body and the lifestyle that you'd want.

Normalize your eating schedule. To promote a healthy digestion, eat regularly. When we say 'eat regularly', there should be proper spacing in between meals. More importantly, DON'T skip meals. Skipping meals makes you want to make up for the meal you skipped, you become hungrier and binge eat instead of eating normally.

Meditate. Take some time to empty your mind and release your stress. Stress is one of the causes of unhealthy lifestyle. It can cause lack of sleep, which in turn would result to unhealthy eating habits and sugar-craving.

Now you know what healthy people do, try it, too! Make it a habit.

source : A Healthy Addiction

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Depression: Effects on Your Sex Life and How to Increase Libido

How to keep your sex life -- and relationship -- alive when you're dealing with depression.

By Katrina Woznicki
WebMD Feature

Reviewed by Michael W. Smith, MD

Chronic depression affects every part of daily life, including sex. It curbs sex drive, yet sex can boost your mood and is important for relationships. And some depression medicines can curb your libido.

Breaking this cycle can be hard.

How to get out of this funk? There's no one-size-fits-all approach. But there are some tried-and-true ways to successfully treat depression without ruining your sex life.

What’s most important, experts say, is to never stop depression treatment out of fear that your relationships and sex live will suffer. That’s because depression itself can hurt relationships and may cause loved ones to take these problems personally.

“In depression, the chemical soup often isn’t right,” says Russell Stambaugh, PhD, a sex therapist in Ann Arbor, Mich., and a spokesman for the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists. “The brain is important for sexuality because of the chemistry, but it’s also important for ideas. It helps how you experience pleasure and how you define it.”

Treat the Depression First

Whatever is happening with your sex life, it's important to treat depression first. Address any sexual side effects later.

Depression is the top cause of disability in the U.S. for people aged 15-44. Men and women struggle equally with sexual problems during depression.

People with chronic depression can experience a loss of desire, take longer to orgasm, and simply find sex less enjoyable.

“The whole process of sexual arousal starts with the ability to anticipate pleasure, which is lost with depression,” says Frederick K. Goodwin, MD, who serves on the scientific council for the National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression. “People who are depressed are locked in the moment of their suffering.”

Drugs that treat depression, Goodwin says, “can release sexual function from the grips of depression.” Still, many antidepressants can affect sex drive.

“Medications can change sexual function,” says J. Michael Bostwick, MD, a psychiatry professor at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. “But it’s a mistake for patients or physicians to immediately assume a difference in sexual function is bad. It’s different, and then you have to figure out if it’s bad or good. In fact, once the depression is treated, they may have a different view about sex altogether.”

Work With Your Doctor

Antidepressant drug side effects can be tied to the dose prescribed. So sometimes simply lowering the dose will treat the depression without blocking sexual desire, says Goodwin.

But don't tweak the dose yourself. Talk with your doctor if you have sexual side effects from antidepressants (or any other drug).

Goodwin says patients often don't start enjoying sex more until after being on an antidepressant for a few months. And there are antidepressants that don't affect sex drive.

source : Depression: Effects on Your Sex Life and How to Increase Libido

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Diabetes Testing Strips Recalled for Potential False Readings

Batches of Nova Max Glucose Test Strips could give erroneous, overly high blood sugar readings

WebMD News from HealthDay

By Robert Preidt

HealthDay Reporter

TUESDAY, July 30 (HealthDay News) -- Certain diabetes blood sugar testing strips are being recalled by their maker, Nova Diabetes Care, because they may give users false, abnormally high readings, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Twenty-one lots of the Nova Max Glucose Test Strips, as well as Nova Max Plus glucose meter kits that contain the test strips from the recalled lots, are part of the voluntary recall.

One expert called the recall "concerning."

"This is especially worrisome for patients who use insulin, as they depend on their fasting blood sugars to determine the amount of insulin they require," explained Dr. Alyson Myers, an endocrinologist at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y. "As a result, patients may over-correct their blood sugars, causing hypoglycemia [low blood sugar], which in severe cases can lead to loss of consciousness or permanent neurological damage."

"The symptoms of low blood glucose include shaking, sweating and confusion," added another expert, Virginia Peragallo-Dittko, executive director of the Diabetes and Obesity Institute at Winthrop-University Hospital in Mineola, NY. "People can pass out or have seizures if low blood glucose is not treated with glucose or sweet drinks right away."

Nova Diabetes Care said it has notified all registered users about the recall, along with health care providers who recommend the products, pharmacies that sell them and companies that distribute them.

Patients should immediately stop using the test strips from the recalled lots, the FDA said. They can check to confirm if they have test strips from the recalled lots by going to Nova Diabetes Care's website or by phoning the company at 1-800-681-7390.

Diabetes patients should be aware of symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and low blood sugar and should contact their health care provider for advice on how to treat the symptoms, the FDA said.

source : Diabetes Testing Strips Recalled for Potential False Readings

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Experts Call for Redefinition of 'Cancer'

Many growths are slow to progress and nonlethal, only leading to unnecessary treatment, panel says

WebMD News from HealthDay

By E.J. Mundell

HealthDay Reporter

TUESDAY, July 30 (HealthDay News) -- A panel of experts commissioned by the U.S. National Cancer Institute says that the word "cancer" may need to be redefined to prevent overdiagnosis and overtreatment of conditions that are often not lethal.

Writing in the July 29 online edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association, the experts say that widespread cancer screening programs turn up too many growths that would not progress to a lethal stage and are considered "indolent."

Most patients do not understand that distinction, however, and "the word 'cancer' often invokes the specter of an inexorably lethal process," wrote Dr. Laura Esserman of the University of California, San Francisco, Dr. Ian Thompson Jr. of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, and Dr. Brian Reid of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Institute in Seattle.

Cancer can take "multiple pathways," the three say, "not all of which progress to metastases and death, and include indolent disease that causes no harm during the patient's lifetime."

This re-examination of what constitutes a cancer diagnosis has been spurred by the explosion over the past few decades of sophisticated screening measures such as the mammogram, colonoscopy and the PSA blood test (for prostate cancer). All were heralded as potentially lifesaving, and many predicted that widespread adoption of these tests would catch disease early and cause cancer rates to fall.

But the cancer screening story has turned out differently, the panel noted, because many of the lesions picked up on screening have turned out to be indolent.

"Screening for breast cancer and prostate cancer appears to detect more cancers that are potentially clinically insignificant," the experts said. The same might be said for screens for thyroid cancers and melanomas -- certainly, lives have been saved because tumors were detected and treated, but "the detection of indolent disease" has risen, too, the panelists wrote.

Issues like this have played out in recent years. The United States Preventive Services Task Force, an influential government panel, caused a furor in 2009 when it called for the abandonment of regular mammography screening for women under 50, reasoning that the benefits of screening for younger women were outweighed by the risks. The same panel also rejected the widespread use of the PSA test, noting that it too often picked up slow-growing lesions that might never harm men's health.

According to the experts writing in JAMA, the best-case scenario for cancer screening is when the tumor is slow-growing but also typically progressive. Colon cancer often acts in this way, the team noted, and colonoscopy has become an "effective" screening program.

In the meantime, however, "overdiagnosis" occurs. The experts say a redefinition of cancer may be needed to quell patient fears over indolent lesions and curb overdiagnosis and overtreatment.

source : Experts Call for Redefinition of 'Cancer'

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U.S. Panel Backs Routine Lung CT Scans for Older, Heavy Smokers

Yearly testing will prevent some lung cancer deaths, experts conclude

WebMD News from HealthDay

By Dennis Thompson

HealthDay Reporter

MONDAY, July 29 (HealthDay News) -- A highly influential government panel of experts is recommending that older smokers at high risk of lung cancer receive annual low-dose CT scans to help detect and possibly prevent the spread of the fatal disease.

The The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) concluded that the benefits to a very specific segment of smokers outweigh the risks involved in receiving the annual scans, said co-vice chair Dr. Michael LeFevre, a distinguished professor of family medicine at the University of Missouri.

Specifically, the task force recommended annual low-dose CT scans for current and former smokers aged 55 to 80 with at least a 30 "pack-year" history of smoking who have had a cigarette sometime within the last 15 years. The person also should be generally healthy and a good candidate for surgery should cancer be found, LeFevre said.

About 20,000 of the United States' nearly 160,000 annual lung cancer deaths could be prevented if doctors follow these screening guidelines, LeFevre said. Lung cancer found in its earliest stage is 80 percent curable, usually by surgical removal of the tumor.

"That's a lot of people, and we feel it's worth it, but there will still be a lot more people dying from lung cancer," he said. "That's why the most important way to prevent lung cancer will continue to be to convince smokers to quit."

Pack years are determined by multiplying the number of packs smoked daily by the number of years a person has smoked. For example, a person who has smoked two packs a day for 15 years has 30 pack years, as has a person who has smoked a pack a day for 30 years.

The USPSTF issued its draft recommendation Monday after a thorough review of previous research, and will take public comments on it until Aug. 26. A report summary will be published online July 30 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

"I think they did a very good analysis of looking at the pros and cons, the harms and benefits," said Dr. Albert Rizzo, immediate past chair of the national board of directors of the American Lung Association. "They looked at a balance of where we can get the best bang for our buck."

The USPSTF is an independent volunteer panel of national health experts who issue evidence-based recommendations on clinical services intended to detect and prevent illness.

The task force has previously ruled on mammography, PSA testing and other types of screening. It reports to the U.S. Congress every year and its recommendations often serve as a basis for federal health care policy. Insurance companies often follow USPSTF recommendations as well.

Weighing heavily in the task force's latest decision were the results from the National Cancer Institute's 2011 National Lung Screening Trial. That study, which involved more than 53,000 smokers across the United States, found that annual low-dose CT screenings could prevent one of five lung cancer deaths.

source : U.S. Panel Backs Routine Lung CT Scans for Older, Heavy Smokers

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Coffee May Reduce Suicide Risk

WebMD News from HealthDay

People who drank more than four cups of coffee a day were 53 percent less likely to commit suicide than those who drank less than one cup a day, a new study found.

Those who drank two to three cups of coffee a day had a 45 percent lower risk of suicide, according to the analysis of data from more than 208,000 people who were followed from 1988 to 2008. During that time, there were 277 suicides, CBS News reported.

The study was published in the July issue of the World Journal of Biological Psychiatry.

The researchers said that caffeine in coffee can increased neurotransmitters, which can lift a person's mood and act as a mild antidepressant, CBS News reported.

"Unlike previous investigations, we were able to assess association of consumption of caffeinated and non-caffeinated beverages, and we identify caffeine as the most likely candidate of any putative protective effect of coffee," study author Michel Lucas, a research fellow in the department of nutrition at Harvard School of Public Health, said in a news release.

source : Coffee May Reduce Suicide Risk

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Hair Transplant Surgery: Choosing A Reliable And Trustworthy Clinic For The Surgery

Hair Loss Is A Headache

Hair loss problem has forced many people to opt for cosmetic treatments such as hair transplant surgery which helps to get natural hair back. However, you should always take your time to decide whether surgery is the only option. Firstly, you should go for a consultation in a reputed transplant clinic.

Consultation Is Important!

A reputed and established clinic has a team of skilled, qualified and experienced surgeons who can give you the best advice and suggestion. During the consultation process, a surgeon will first conduct a quick examination to analyze your hair loss problem. An experienced surgeon will always put his/her best effort to make sure that you are comfortable during the consultation process.

A reputed clinic always offers you with a free in-depth consultation. During the consultation process the clinic will give you the details of the services provided by them. The professionally trained surgeon gives you all the necessary information about the transplant and thus helps you to make the right choice.

Start Your Search For The Best Transplant Clinic

It's very important to find the right transplant clinic to get the best treatment. Therefore, you should take your time to do the online research to find a reliable clinic. With so many clinics performing different cosmetic surgeries you should always keep your eyes and ears open to choose the best one. You should always compare the different services offered by the clinics and then go for the best one.

Go through the client-testimonials and also check the before-after pictures to get an idea of the treatment. You may also ask your loved ones who had transplant surgery as they can give you the right advice from their experience.

Choosing The Right Transplant Surgeon

The surgeons in the clinics always take a closer look to your needs and your expectation from the transplant surgery. During the consultation phase, a transplant surgeon may ask about your family history, medical condition, personal information etc. The right clinic can give you peace of mind and make sure you with a pleasant and enjoyable experience after the surgery.

An experienced surgeon always understands the trauma of hair loss and so offers the best solution. From the first phase to the last one the expert can offer the right care and attention to the patients.

Conclusion

The best thing about the transplant procedure is that it's a completely painless process. So, it's completely safe. Get your beautiful hair back through transplant.

Daniel RK Smith writes articles for Hair Transplant India, one of the leading clinics for hair transplant in Kolkata. If you are looking for the best transplant surgeon, this is the right place to go.

source : Hair Transplant Surgery: Choosing A Reliable And Trustworthy Clinic For The Surgery

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Weight Problems Rates Rising

There is no question that obesity rates all over the world are on the rise. While there has been certain attention on the United States, in among the current studies it was found that Mexico in fact blazes a trail in with regards to the percentage of people who are obese. Today, more than one third of grownups in the US are considered obese. In fact virtually 36 % of grownups fulfill the meaning of obese. There are a variety of aspects that have added to the rise of excessive weight in the US and around the world. This makes the problem of taking on the issues of weight problems harder because it takes into account a number of different aspects.

Previous researches have shown that excessive weight rates started to rise beginning in the late 1980s and these rates remain to rise today. In 2008, the medical expenses related to obesity was estimated to be virtually $150 billion. Plus, these rates have risen considerably over the past 20 years also. In the United States, the rate of excessive weight is typically more prevalent in southeastern states, particularly Alabama, Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana among others. Excessive weight rates are the most affordable nonetheless in the southwestern US states such as Arizona, Utah, Nevada and California. This variation is due in big component to diet plan and levels of earnings which help dictate the kind of meals that is typically purchased.

Childhood Excessive weight Rates

In the past 30 years, the variety of obese children has actually more than increased and has tripled in adolescents. Studies carried out in 2010 showed that more than one 3rd of kids and teenagers were either overweight or overweight. Such trends of obesity are disturbing since it suggests a continuation of this trend for the foreseeable future.

The Causes of Excessive weight

The source of weight problems in the US are diverse and will take diligence to conquer because many individuals might be consuming more calories than they think.

A lot of Calories Per Meal: This is among the most obvious trends in fast food in recent times, increasing the portions that are available. Plus, individuals are generally consuming more for each meal and hence enhancing the variety of calories as well.

Late Evening Meals: Eating after-dinner snacks utilized to be restricted mostly to popcorn, vegetables and fruits. Today, lots of people consume a full meal well after supper which means that the body has less time to burn away the calories that are eaten. This brings about the body saving more fat.

A lot of Carbohydrates and Sugars: Among the reasons that more people are becoming obese is the usage of high carbohydrate foods. This is due to the fact that people are consuming less vegetables and fruits while supplementing their diet plan with more products which contain carbs and sugars.

All these elements have played an important role in why even more individuals are overweight. In addressing the issues of being overweight, acknowledging these factors and addressing them is vital to losing the excess fat and restoring typical weight conditions.

source : Weight Problems Rates Rising

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Stay Hydrated, Stay Healthy

You know I am a huge advocate for folks to get a body moving-stretch, shimmy, shake, walk, and run or jump; just do something. A new exercise program requires commitment and acknowledging that a slow start is better than no start as you gradually build up your stamina and your body adjusts to exercising more vigorously.

One of the most important things to remember when launching an exercise activity is to feed and water your body adequately. Though both food and water are important, water and staying hydrated is the more important of the two. Water is an essential nutrient that makes up half the body weight. It's the transportation system for all of the body functions; it helps transport nutrients for energy and health; it lubricates the joints and protects the brain, eyes and spinal cord. It also moves food through your intestinal tract, washes out waste products, and prevents constipation. Last but not least, water regulates the body temperature. If you are not hydrated, you may be fatigued, prone to muscle cramps, and dizziness which can easily lead to more serious symptoms of poor hydration.

You can gauge whether you are adequately hydrated from the color of your urine. The color of the first morning urine after you wake up is an indicator of hydration. Straw or lemonade colored urine is your goal, indicating appropriate hydration. If the urine is dark yellow or the color of apple juice, that is a sign of dehydration.

The amount of water needed to stay well hydrated can be affected by the temperature, humidity, sweat rate and intensity of exercise. Whether you're a week-end warrior or high performances athlete, it is critical that you're adequately hydrated before during and after exercise. The American Council on Fitness suggests the following guidelines for moderate to high intensity exercise:

• Drink 17 to 20 ounces of water 2 to 3 hours before you start exercising.
• Drink 8 ounces of water 20 to 30 minutes before you start exercising or during your warm-up.
• Drink 7 to 10 ounces of water every 10 to 20 minutes during exercise.

• Drink 8 ounces of water no more than 30 minutes after you exercise.
As the temperature rises, the amount of water required to stay hydrated increases. If you can, adjust your exercise schedule to the coolest part of the day. The following is a guideline indicating water loss during exercise.

Water Loss = Exercise

8 ounces = One hour of Weight Training
10 ounces = 45 minutes of Swimming
16 ounces = One Softball Game
24 ounces = Five mile run
24 ounces = 45 minutes of full court basketball
33 ounces = 60 minutes of bicycling
Also as the intensity of exercise increases, you need to drink more and may want to switch to a commercial or homemade sports drink. The following is a low cost alternative to commercial sports drinks.

Homemade Sports Drink

Yield: 1 quart (4-8 ounce servings)
4 Tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup boiling water
3 3/4 cups cold water
1/4 cup orange juice
Dissolve the sugar and salt in hot water.
Add remaining water and juice.
Refrigerate several hours or overnight.
Nutritional Information per Serving (8 ounces): 60 calories, 14 g carbohydrates, 150 mg sodium, 30 mg potassium.

Staying hydrated is critical even when you are not exercising. Drink at least eight, 8-ounce glasses of water throughout the day and don't wait until you feel thirsty. When you recognize that you are thirsty, that is a red flag that you are dehydrated. In addition to thirst, symptoms of dehydration include:

-dry lips and mouth
-a small amount of saliva
-a small amount of urine
-dark yellow urine

The following are warning signs that need immediate medical attention:
-rapid strong pulse
-nausea
-dizziness
-confusion
-high fever
-weakness

It is important to stay hydrated for good health and fitness. By keeping these tips top-of-mind you'll find it easier to navigate toward a healthy lifestyle.

Take Away: Don't short change the benefits of water. Water and fluids are essential nutrients for life.

Michelle J. Stewart MPH, RDLD/N, CDE is an experienced food and nutrition communication expert specializing in wellness with a holistic approach to living your best life. Michelle has been leading the way to a healthier you for more than 25 years. She is zealous when it comes to wellness from the inside out and empowering whomever she comes in contact with to take charge of their health and wellbeing. Her motto is "EAT LESS MOVE MORE" Sign up for her Free Report 10 Weight Loss Tips for Life when you visit http://thenutritionplanner.com

source : Stay Hydrated, Stay Healthy

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What Results Can You Expect From The Fasting Diet?

In this present time folks request quick solutions to their issues. The patience level in folks has gone down drastically. most are in hurry to end off the given task at hand as quick as potential. Same is that the case with A weight loss program. nearly everybody during this world desires to shed their excess body  weight instantly.  That’s the explanation change state quick diet pills square measure therefore promptly accessible.

These diet pills truly work among a time-frame to supply wonderful results provided you compliment these pills with a diet and routine exercise.

Lose weight quick pills aren't supernatural pills which is able to get you the desired results nightlong. to possess a slim body that will increase your confidence level could be a matter of operating in an exceedingly planned manner.

Lose weight quick pills square measure primarily a suppressant. These diet pills square measure accustomed keep hunger in check and facilitate forestall the person from over intake.

It has been found that individuals feeling low or bored have an inclination to require a lot of food and intake  becomes their pass time.

Some people can try a starvation sort diet cutting their food intake down drastically and creating a significant reduction in calories. this can be not a decent answer in most cases because the body goes down into a clean up mode that means the body metabolism drops and fewer fat is burned.

To start with change state quick pills, its knowing have a medical check up 1st to make certain there aren't any underlying health problems inflicting the surplus weight.

You can’t expect miracles either with these varieties of diet pills. you want to be ready to alter your life-style to help the diet pills in their ability to assist you change state quick. this implies correct intake habits additionally as exercise.

As you've got placed on this additional weight bit by bit over a amount of your time you've got to change state additionally bit by bit over a amount of your time. If the quick diet pills square measure very delivery down your weight quickly then air your guard for any aspect effects. There square measure some weight loss pills that square measure simpler than others and its simply a matter of finding those that job best for you. performing some thorough analysis on-line will definitely get you started within the right direction of finding a weight loss program that will embody varied weight loss pills.

There is little doubt that you simply square measure progressing to notice many to settle on from. Ideally if you verify a number of the diet pill reviews you may get a way clearer image of these that have gotten sensible results. bear in mind although that diet pills work otherwise on everybody. therefore what is also nice change state quick pills for a few won't be the most effective alternative for you.

source : What Results Can You Expect From The Fasting Diet?

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healthy Nutrient-rich recipes for fruit smoothies help you to lose weight

Fruit smoothies are commonly found in almost every restaurant or bar drinks around you. At present, more and more people are switching from sodas to fruit smoothies. The main reason for this change is that fruit smoothies offer health benefits than ordinary soft drinks. Aside from their healthy content, fruit smoothies are also very delicious and refreshing that can completely quench your thirst. Another great thing about fruit smoothies is that you can easily make one at home. With a blender or smoothie maker and the right ingredients of your favorite fruit smoothie at your fingertips, you can instantly enjoy a healthy drink. Fruit smoothie recipes found in cookbooks and they are also all over the internet. Try making these recipes for fruit smoothies below.

Sweet Mango Smoothie

Mango smoothie drink surely brighten your day. With its sweet and sensual, mango is one of those fruits rich in fiber that facilitate proper digestion. Aside from that, this fiber-rich fruit has been shown that low levels of cholesterol and is rich in vitamin E. This treatment healthy smoothie is not just for the delicious taste but also beneficial to health.

Making a glass of Smoothie Mango Dolce requires the following ingredients.

1 mango.
1 cup of skim milk.
1 tablespoon of sugar.
2 tablespoons of honey.
1 teaspoon lemon juice.
2 cubes of ice.

All you have to do is combine all the ingredients in a blender or smoothie maker then mix well. This smoothie is good for 1 serving.

Twister Orange Smoothie

This orange smoothie tastes very fruity. You will also enjoy its citrus scent that comes from its fruit ingredients. Having orange as its main ingredient fruit smoothie this treatment is very rich in vitamin C which is known and proven to strengthen the immune system. This means that you get to drink this smoothie on a regular basis makes it less susceptible to influenza and other related infections.

You will need the following ingredients to make a glass of Orange Smoothie Twister.

1 large juicy orange, peeled.
1 juicy pear, cored and chopped.
Grape 200g.
1 slice of lime.
2 ice cubes large.

The next thing for you to do is to combine the orange, pears and grapes in a blender or smoothie maker then mix well. Put the ice cubes in a glass then pour the blended sauce on. If you like, you can add lime for garnish. This treatment smoothie is good for 1 serving.

Apple & Coconut Smoothie

As the famous saying goes, an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Apples are not only tasty and succulent, but they are also very high in fiber which aids in digestion and weight loss. In addition to this, this fruit is rich in nutrients that strengthens bones and prevents osteoporosis. Some studies also show that apples are good partners in the management of diabetes and cancer prevention.

The other main result of this particular ingredient is coconut smoothie. Coconut has been shown to be rich in vitamins and minerals that increase energy and proper digestion. In addition to this, coconut has been shown to be helpful in preventing heart disease and degenerative diseases, and even tooth decay.

The ingredients that you will need to make this tasty and delicious smoothie are listed below.

1 tablespoon of coconut milk.
 ½ banana, cut into cubes.
 ¼ cup of apple juice.
¼ teaspoon of fresh ginger root.
2 small ice cubes or ½ cup of crushed ice.

All you need to do is to put all the ingredients in a blender or smoothie maker then mix well. This smoothie recipe is good for 2 servings.

Enjoy these three nutrient-rich recipes for fruit smoothies and live a healthy and gorgeous.

I hope Gary is the editor in chief of recipes smoothies. In addition to being an avid health is also interested in improving themselves and psychology. For more information and delicious fruit smoothies recipes visit her website to sign up for her free Smoothie Recipes & Tips mini-course.

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