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Oh! Look What I Found In My Basement!

In Mid-February, I decided that I wanted to get a really good Treadmill and had it all picked out .. on sale at $1,499 CDN$ .. It had all the extras and goodies and was regularly on sale for $1,999 CDN$. After much research both online and at local fitness equipment stores .. my wife and I both agreed that this was the best thing to do .. to get a quality machine that would last a long time and fit in just the right spot in our Master Bedroom and then we can do a makeover! We fear if it was one of those cheaper models (which would have been just as good i.m.o.) – we wouldn’t have been committed as much and the equipment would just end up in our basement!

Which reminded me – OH YAH! I’ve Got Exercise Equipment In My Basement!

Well .. here are the “Before” pictures – before cleaning them up, and finding the right spot for them in my home. I loaded the pictures up in Adobe Photoshop and cut out the background, in an ERASERHEAD fashion as to not show you how messy my basement is, where I took the pictures, which was on last Monday evening. Since then, they have both been cleaned but left in my basement. I had been using the pedalling bike but, the tension is broken and not really working well, and in fact I have been using only the first machine .. and my knees are killing me! On the weekend, I am going to try to get both machines up into the spare room up here on the 2nd floor of our condo (next to my Office space here in my home) and somehow find time to use both of them each day.

Actually, I don’t even know what to call these machines!

* When I bought my 46″ Projection TV back in 1997 .. at VISIONS .. they threw in this exercise equipment when I purchased the 5-year warranty. It’s like a rowing machine, but when I row I end up standing up and down etc etc .. Sitting at a desk all day and then getting on this machine made my knees weak – literally .. MAN Am I out of shape~

* When my folks downsized to a smaller home back in 2001 they were giving all their excess furniture away and both myself and my brothers were taking the leftovers. All I wanted, besides a wall shelf for the basement .. (which I didn’t get) was their oversized treadmill. Well, they gave their treadmill away to their best friends instead .. and all I got was this exercise bike, that the tension didn’t work! It’s not a bad bike, as it’s like a rowing machine as well, except standing up/down like the above machine .. you are pedalling.

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Does A Best Diet For High Cholesterol Exist And How You Diet To Control High Cholesterol, Revealed!

By Rafael Todorini

Many cholesterol-conscious individuals tend to worry about that one best diet for high cholesterol. The questions that keep surfacing most often in health forums about cholesterol are, “Is there a best diet for high cholesterol?” or, “What is the best diet for maintaining low cholesterol?” The answer to those questions is a straightforward, “No!” There simply is just no one best diet to lower and control high cholesterol. Yes, figuring out how to lower cholesterol through diet is important, but – I believe that is going about it the wrong way. What they should be asking themselves instead is – if there is a diet to control high cholesterol that is best for them! And I’m here to tell you how to do just that.

Your choices in diet to help lower high cholesterol are one of the most important and safest ways to control high cholesterol. In fact, planning what to eat to lower your cholesterol should be one of your first priorities even before considering consuming any kind of cholesterol-lowering medication.

Doctors usually recommend aiming to lower your level of LDL cholesterol to less than 160mg/dl. Those with coronary heart disease should target a LDL cholesterol level of less than 130 mg/dl. That is – total cholesterol of 240mg/dl and 200 mg/dl respectively.

Diets to reduce high cholesterol revolve around low fat and high fiber

There is really only one vital key in any diet for lowering cholesterol … and that every diet plan you follow includes – low fat and high fiber. It really is as simple as that. Keeping your diet low in fat and high in fiber means:

* Reducing your sugar intake: Everything you have probably heard about sugar is true. Cutting your intake of sugar is crucial to lowering cholesterol and triglycerides. An elevated triglyceride level significantly increases your risk of heart disease and studies have also shown that elevated triglyceride levels can portend the development of diabetes.

* Keep your eye out for harmful trans-fats: Trans-fats are found in margarine, sauces, salad dressing and sugary snack foods.

* Reduce your intake of animal fats, fried foods and chemically induced foods

And what about that fiber that you body so badly needs? You definitely cannot go wrong with fresh fruits and vegetables where fiber is concerned. Oats, rye, dried peas, yams, beans yogurt, and cultured foods are all great additions to your diet.

Here is a tip – if possible, consume soluble fiber. Soluble fiber is found – as already mentioned – in fruits and vegetables. But, another product soluble fiber is found in, is in one of the most effective grains that should be added to your diet to control high cholesterol …

Barley – a powerful choice in any cholesterol reducing diets

Barley has been used in traditional medicine by people thousands of years back. But, it is only recently that barley had been discovered to be highly effective in lowering cholesterol. As mentioned above, fibers are usually classified as either soluble or insoluble. And it is these water-soluble fibers like barley that have shown to reduce the risk of a cardiovascular event.

Like in oats, beta-glucan (a complex sugar) is also found in barley. Studies have shown that those who include a high intake of beta-glucan in their diets, are more successful in lowering their LDL cholesterol.

So, here is a short list of water-soluble fiber that should become part of your natural remedy for lowering cholesterol:

* Apples
* Grapes
* Oranges
* Peaches
* Squash
* Corn
* Carrots
* Nuts and seeds (psyllium seeds are best)
* Peanuts
* Lentils
* Peas
* Beans
* Oats
* And of course, barley.

Maintaining low cholesterol includes starches

‘Complex carbohydrates’ or natural starches are needed by your body to burn fat. It is wise to include starches in your diet to control high cholesterol. Natural starches are found in breads, potatoes, pasta and cereal. Being naturally low in fat and high in fiber (everything that a diet to lower high cholesterol needs), these foods should be added to your dietary list.

Bear in mind, it is what you pile on to these foods that adds to the fat. A rising cholesterol level is due to the consumption of fat. Don’t get me wrong. Fat is a great source of energy for your body. It also helps absorb certain types of vitamin and nutrients.

But for those who are using diets to lower cholesterol, they should attempt to keep their fat consumption between 25 and 35 percent of their calories. That is the secret to maintaining a perfect dietary plan – eat less fat than your body burns everyday.

Keep in mind that just as important as the amount of fat you consume, is the type. Stay away from saturated and trans fats. These are the types of fat that are true enemies of good cholesterol. Cut that saturated fat from your diet and you lower your cholesterol.

If you’re wondering about good fats, then these are monounsaturated fats, and omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fats. Fish contain polyunsaturated fats, which are the best kind. Little wonder that so many dieticians recommend fish in many dietary plans.

So, if you are serious about lowering and maintaining low cholesterol and fighting heart disease, pay attention to your diet. Make this your first step towards combating bad cholesterol.

To sum up, your diet to control high cholesterol should and preferably incorporate these foods:

* A diet rich in natural starches, fiber and protein.

* Keep your diet low in bad fats as well. Preferably, stay off bad fats completely. This combination gives you a diet rich in nutrients such as potassium, calcium and magnesium, which, aid in the lowering of blood pressure and can add years to your life. Think, more vegetables fruits and whole-grain foods such as oats, brown rice (instead of white rice) and whole-grain bread (instead of white bread). This combination also keeps your diet low in calories – which means – no extra pounds. Besides keeping you in good shape, this combination prevents any build-up of toxins in your intestines. You can get the necessary proteins from beans, eggs and fish. Protein aids in rebuilding your muscle cells and tissues. A diet involving this combination will not only form a natural source to reduce cholesterol, but will also improve your cardio-vascular system and prevent arthritis.

* And remember, keep off deep-fried foods like French fries and if possible, keep off baked potatoes too. Replace white potatoes with yams and sweet potatoes.

Maybe, there is a best diet for high cholesterol after all!

This is just a snippet of what you will discover in The 60 Day Prescription Free Cholesterol Cure. To uncover more tips and ideas about how you can diet to control high cholesterol effectively, visit mineyourmind.blogspot.com/ now to get the details and your health back on track!

Now’s your chance to dramatically lower your cholesterol, lead a healthier life and look and feel better without emptying your wallet on prescription drugs. Cut your risk of dying from a heart attack by half with simple, alternative but effective measures you can start implementing today! Get all the information you need about lowering your cholesterol naturally with the The 60 Day Prescription Free Cholesterol Cure at, mineyourmind.blogspot.com/ …

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rafael_Todorini

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5 Powerful Ways to Fight Bipolar Disorder in Children – Perhaps Your Child!

By Merri Ellen Giesbrecht

1. Get rid of the TV and video games.

What? You may gasp, but the amount of stuff that kids see these days only damages their development of proper thinking such as assessing reality, problem solving, etc. We are convinced that bipolar disorder in children can be aggravated by TV and video game images. You most likely heard about this study already on TV affecting a child’s sleep functioning. Once we got rid of these things, yes, we got objections, but a few days later the kids were playing in the backyard throwing a ball around – laughing! What a concept! This makes for happier parents too!

If you can’t eliminate TV and video games completely, then maximize their time to an hour a day. Then instead, teach them the importance of doing good things for others and focus on that by verbally praising them. Show them what is important to enjoy life – hard work and loving others instead of seeking to be entertained.

2. Give your kids Omega 3 Supplements.

By now, you should be aware of the damage of our modern diet and the lack of Omega 3s. If not, you will enjoy our article on Dr. Andrew Stoll curing bipolar patients with Omega 3s. Bipolar disorder in children can be effectively handled with a quality Omega 3 Supplement.

3. Feed your kids natural foods first.

Instead of going for a quick fix meal with tons of preservatives, aim for natural meals. There is so much sugar and salt and other damaging ingredients in our foods today that we are damaging our bodies. (If you owned a Porsche, would you give it recycled oil or the best of the best? Same with our bodies – they are fabulous machines that won’t purr if we feed them junk.)

4. Exercise with your kids!

Exercise is the most underrated yet successful treatment for bipolar disorder in children. The British Journal of Sports Medicine published results that 30 minutes a day of exercise was a more effective method of fighting major depression than drugs. It’s important to teach your kids the necessity of exercise for all aspects of health. Whatever exercise you choose, your child will love the fun and you’ll love a happier child and a happier you too! 😉

5. Find a great counsellor for your child.

Bipolar disorder in children can be caused by traumatic events – events that your child may find difficult to speak with you about. Don’t feel helpless and don’t insist on wanting to be the one your child talks to. The important thing is that they can share with someone. Events such as the early loss of a parent, parental depression, incest, or abuse can cause bipolar disorder in children. You may want to have your child’s school guidance counsellor meet with him or recommend someone else for your child. Just make the call.

“We hope this bipolar disorder in children information will help you too!”

Warmest regards,

Merri Ellen is a former depression sufferer who has a mission to share the latest research on curing depression. Just recently, she has contributed to the writing of a special report on ‘6 Ingredients to Cure Depression’ which is a free report! You can learn more at: www.cure-your-depression.com/depressiontreatment.html

Copyright 2005 – cure-your-depression.com. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article as long as you leave all of the links active, do not edit the article in any way, give author name credit and follow all of the EzineArticles terms of service for Publishers.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Merri_Ellen_Giesbrecht

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THE HART SERIES: Weigh In: Week 12

Monday, March 26, 2007

273.5 LBs

>> DOWN 2.0 lbs
>> YTD Down 8.5 lbs

Reflection

It seems like I am meeting too many clients, but it has to be done. I am not a morning person, so all I have been scheduling myself is from Noon to 6pm .. and, if people want the noon slot – they have to buy me lunch! Well, they don’t have to ..actually. But – what I have been doing this year is to offer to FLIP FOR LUNCH ..5 times so far! Loser pays for everything. I have not yet lost, and 2 clients just wanted to pay for my meal anyway and not flip a coin .. and I actually won the flips at the Palatal restaurant and Tim Horton Luncheon meetings.

I’d Like To Thank “Anonymous Visitor” from Netherlands

I received a comment on my last weigh post ..

So we’re 12 weeks into the year and you’ve only lost 6.5 pounds? that’s pathetic! Cut the crap out and focus if you actually want to lose anything.

Comment by anonymous visitor — March 23, 2007 @ 4:45 am |Edit This

My response was as follows:

You’re abolutely correct. No doubt about it – that I need to focus and make time to add exercise to my daily routines.

Comment by HART (1-800-HART) — March 23, 2007 @ 8:11 am |Edit This

So .. what did I do? I’ve been walking the dogs every day since last Wednesday up until last Sunday. It’s Wednesday morning now, and I haven’t walked on Monday or Tuesday (been busy) .. and the my two Papillon Dogs have been bugging me all week to take them out. It’s just that — well, they have been driving me and my clients bananas .. for all who are meeting me here in my home with their barking! It’s very unprofessional and I shake my head on that. I’m not sure what to do.. but, now they want to go out walking even more when clients are over or before or afterwards … Meanwhile – they get the treats, and I am not walking. The walking and client meetings helped this past week, even though the food may not be the healthiest. I can’t sit here at my desk working all the time without exercise.

But good news – I’ve pulled out some exercise equipment from storage and they are sitting in my basement ready to be used. I’m going to give them a good cleaning tonight and start tomorrow with something. Pictures to follow. One’s a rowing machine and the other is a crappy old exercise bike with a seat that feels like a Thong up your behind.

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THE HART SERIES: Counting: March 25, 2007

Breakfast

Coffee – 1 point
Cheerios and refill – 4 points
Milk – 3 points
>> See picture at bottom to see what that looks like

Lunch

Blueberry Muffin from Yesterday’s Tim Hortons – 9 points

Snacks during the day

Sweet and Salty – 3 points
Singles Pringles – 2 points
Rest of the Weight Watchers Pecan Chocolates – 4 points
Sweet and Salty – 3 points

Dinner

4 whole wheat toast – 4 points
with Peanut Butter – 4 points

SUMMARY

>> Total 37 points
>> OVER by 5 points .. ended this week with 9 splurge flex points remaining!

Picture of my Breakfast

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THE HART SERIES: Counting: March 24, 2007

Breakfast

Cheerios Cereal – 4 points
Milk – 3 point
2 homemade Chocolate Caramel Nut Cookies – 8 points

Lunch (Promo) Meeting With Client

At TIM HORTONS
2 Coffees – with extra cream – 2 points
Toasted Blueberry Bagel with butter – 6 points

Snacks during the day

2 Weight Watchers Pecan Chocolates – 2 points

Dinner

Salad with orange peppers – 0 points
with white onions – 0 points
with 100g Oven Roasted turkey – 2 points
with Bacon bits – 1 point
with Sunflower seed – 1 point
with croutons – 2 point
with Asian Silk Dressing Spray – 10 spritzes – 0 points
with Dessert – Leftover Death By Chocolate Cake – 9 points

SUMMARY

>> Total 40 points
>> OVER By 8 points .. 15 splurge flex points remain

Picture of my Dinner

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THE HART SERIES: Counting: March 23, 2007

Breakfast

Coffee – 1 point
Sweet and Salty Bar – 3 point

Lunch With Client

‘breakfast’ – Bacon & Eggs, with Rye Toast
with 3 small Bacon – 4 points
with 2 Eggs over easy – 4 points
with hash browns – estimate 4 points
with 2 Rye Toast – 4 points
with Jam lite – 1 point

Snacks during the day

Weight Watchers 1-point Pecan (turtles-like) Chocolates – 1 point
2 Chocolate Caramel Nut Homemade Cookies @4ea – 8 points
>> See picture at bottom

Dinner

Garden Salad
with Red peppers – 0 point
with Hard Boiled Egg – 2 point
with 100g Turkey – 2 point
with croutons – 2 point
with Bacon bits – 1 point
with Sunflower seeds – 1 point
with new Balsamic Vinegrette dressing – 10 spritzes – 0 points
And, 1 Weight Watcher Pecan Chocolate – 1 point

SUMMARY

>> Total 39 points
>> OVER by 7 points … 23 splurge flex points remain

Pictures of my Dinner

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THE HART SERIES: Counting: March 22, 2007

Breakfast

Coffee – 1 point
Cheerios and refill – 4 points
Milk – 3 points

Lunch With Client

At Palatal Express (Mongolian Stir Fry)
Mongolian (large) size – 9 points
with Sweet and Sour Sauce -2 point

Snacks during the day

Sweet and Salty bar – 3 points
Thinsations Oreo cookies – 2 points
Singles Pringles – 2 points

Dinner

Chunky Chicken Soup – 4 points

Summary

>> 30 points
>> UNDER .. still have 30 splurge flex points remaining

Pictures of my Dinner

no pictures were taken today

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THE HART SERIES: Counting: March 21, 2007

A little catching up to do!

Breakfast

Coffee – 1 point
8 Melba Toast – 2 points
with 1 TBSP Peanut Butter – 2 points

Lunch With Client

>> Meeting at Wendy’s Restaurant..
Classic Double Burger – according to Nutritional section on their site – 16 points plain
with Cheese – 1 point
Mandarin Chicken Salad – 3 points

Snacks during the day

Sweet and Salty Bar – 3 points
Thinsation Chips Ahoy – 2 point

Dinner

New York Blueberry Bagel – 3 points
with 100g Turkey Breast – 2 points
with Lots of Mayonaisse – 2 points

SUMMARY

>> Total 37 points
>> OVER by 5 points .. 30 splurge points remaining

Pictures of my Dinner

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Normal Blood Pressure Reading – It is Not What You Think?

By Stan Kitchen

You do not have to be diagnosed with high blood pressure to check your blood pressure. Many people do so, however, to insure they keep a normal blood pressure reading. But what, exactly, is normal?

Blood pressure is considered normal if it falls around 120 over 80. The top number shows the systolic pressure. This is the pressure your heart exerts when it contracts just before pumping blood from the heart out into the arteries of the body. The last number represents diastolic pressure, or the pressure in the heart at rest between heartbeats. The pressure that a heart normally exerts to force blood to all blood vessels, and in time, to every living cell and tissue within the human body is considered normal if it does not rise above a certain number. While all of us have days when we are more stressed than usual, and our heart rates quicken, long-term acceleration of your heartbeat can lead to damage and even strokes or heart attacks.

Exercise, Exercise, Exercise

If your blood pressure rises above 130 for more than a day or two, you might want to see your doctor. This does not mean that you need to be alarmed while exercising or enjoying active sports. Such a rise in blood pressure during such activities is normal and healthy. Exercises keep your heart strong. Remember, your heart is a muscle and you need to exercise it to keep it in peak working condition. Your heart beats millions of times during a lifetime, so remember the adage, “use it or lose it”. The same goes for your heart.

Unfortunately, bad eating habits and lack of exercise are leading more and more people of all ages to suffer from varying degrees of heart disease caused by high cholesterol, stress and lack of exercise. High fat diets and stressful jobs account for growing numbers of strokes and heart attacks in both men and women. The median age that many people start to suffer the ill effects of poor eating habits and lack of exercise are dropping at an alarming rate. Obesity is the number one leading cause of heart damage in society today, due mostly to our fondness for fast-food.

Symptoms

If your blood pressure reads more than 130 for systolic pressure and 100 for diastolic, you may be suffering from high blood pressure. There are no symptoms to alert you that you may be prone to high blood pressure, so the only way you can track it is to have your blood pressure regularly checked and monitored.

Digital blood pressure monitors are available at most drug and pharmacy stores for a reasonable price, so you may want to consider buying one to document your blood pressure on a monthly, or even weekly, basis. Heart health is important to all around health, and knowledge and information is a key to maintaining a healthy living style. Knowing what is good and bad for your heart can make all the difference in the world.

Get the latest in normal blood pressure reading know how from the only true source at www.bloodpressurefile.com. Check out our normal blood pressure reading pages.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stan_Kitchen

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Getting Anxious Over Anxiety Depression?

By Barry McDonald

A lot of people who are exerting too much of their brain power usually exhaust not only their physical strength when engaging in various multi-tasking activities, they also tend to over extend their brains up to the point when it plainly needs some good old time for relaxation. A lot of busy people who seem to cannot fathom the idea of relaxing and taking time of from work, as well as their worries, tend to actually start having nervous breakdowns, anxiety depression and all sorts of mental illnesses that can cause a person’s sanity to go haywire, fortunately, if you’re one of those poor unfortunate ones who are unable to distress and is constantly worried and fussing over things, there are actually available cures and various treatments for treating anxiety depression.

Anxiety depression is actually characterized by all sorts of irregularities and erratic behavior from the person who is suffering from it, this is usuallu due to certain stress triggers that may tend to easily cause a person undue jitters and stress. Also, a lot of people who tend to get easily nervous over stressful activities are actually prone to having anxiety depression, its just a matter of being strong-willed when it comes to facing difficult and stress-prone activities. It may be pretty hard to overcome at first, but trying to be calm and cool in times of extreme pressure is what’ll actually save your mental health from going totally downward spiral.

When it comes to effectively curing one’s self from a mental illness, one must keep in mind that you have to be actually honest with yourself and assess what kind of depression or mental illness you actually have, go to reputable psychiatrist to get yourself diagnosed correctly as well as be able to get the right depression treatment for yourself. Here are the various types of depression:

Manic or Bipolar depression – characterized by sudden and extreme changes in one’s mood wherein one minute he or she is in an elevated state of euphoria while the next minute (day or week) he or she is feeling to be in a personal hell.

Postpartum depression – characterized by a prolonged sadness and a feeling of emptiness by a new mother wherein physical stress during child birth, an uncertain sense of responsibility towards the new born baby can be just some of the possible factors why some new mother go through this.

Dysthimia – characterized by a slight similarity with depression, although this time, it’s been proven to be a lot less severe, but of course with any case, should be treated immediately.

Cyclothemia – characterized by a slight similarity with Manic or Bipolar depression wherein the individual suffering from this mental illness may occasionally suffer from severe changes in one’s moods.

Seasonal Affective Disorder – characterized by falling in a rut only during specific seasons (i.e. Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall) studies however, prove that more people actually fall in to a rut more during the Winter and Fall seasons and lastly, Mood swings, wherein a person’s mood may shift from happy to sad to angry in just a short time.

But the type of depression that has actually been proven to be quite common among people is anxiety depression, which is actually characterized by the state of being overly anxious about things. Anxiety, a supposedly normal behavior that’ll actually help a person adjust more to a certain stressful activity like first date jitters or a grueling exam the following day. Anxiety actually helps you get psyched up towards facing certain “difficult situations”; anxiety therefore is actually a good thing. Anxiety depression however, is simply the opposite, not to be easily dismissed as a “case of the nerves”; Anxiety depression is in actuality an illness that can be caused from the biological makeup of an individual, or in other words, a hereditary illness.

Also, there are actually various types of Anxiety depression, each having its own unique characteristics. Take for example Generalized Anxiety Disorder or GAD, this kind of Anxiety depression is a lot more complicated than the average Anxiety depression, in spite of possibly being a day-to-day habit for those who suffer this kind of Anxiety depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder actually makes the individual quite more paranoid than usual, anxiety attacks are more frequent, even absurd at times. They can even be anxious even when there’s no apparent reason that calls for them to behave in such a way. People suffering from Generalized Anxiety Disorder actually shows a lot of symptoms, from lack of sleep, to being unable to relax, getting tired easily, cannot concentrate on what they’re doing and even suffering from depression. This kind of Anxiety depression is still curable; just a little work will actually do the trick.

Consult a reputable cognitive behavior therapist who’ll help give the individual the therapy that he or she needs to help him or her loosen up, also prescribed medicines are sort of a must to help these individuals battle anxiety attacks, help them calm down and relax.

Feel Happier, Get Back Your Passion for Life and Boost Your Energy Levels 100% by Conquering Stress, Depression and Anxiety in Only 90 Days – Many Clients Report Noticeable Results in Just SEVEN DAYS…Visit www.scienceofbreath.be/depressionhelp.html for details.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Barry_McDonald

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Hypnosis Ideas for Visualization After a Stroke

By Seth-Deborah Roth

When a stroke strikes a person, the supply of blood to the part of the brain affected is interrupted, starving it of oxygen. Brain cells can be seriously damaged or die, impairing local brain function.

Within weeks of a stroke, new blood vessels begin to form, (one can visualize marching ants), newly born neurons migrate long distances to the damaged area to aid the regeneration process. We don’t know what the right cellular environment is, and what the cellular cues are for this process of regeneration and migration to take place.

In the Journal of Neuroscience, S. Thomas Carmichael, M.D., Ph.D., an assistant professor at the UCLA Geffen School of Medicine, reports that in the mouse model, this march of the neurons is the result of signaling from the newly blooming blood vessels, which links angiogenesis (the development of new blood vessels) and neurogenesis, (the birth of new neurons). They have identified what these molecular signals are! Hopefully, this is the beginning.

Stroke is a leading cause of adult disability. Much is known about the mechanisms of cell death in stroke, but little is known about the mechanisms of recovery after a stroke.

Research has revealed that in the adult brain, new neurons form in a region of the forebrain known as the subventricular zone (SVZ). In mice, after a stroke was initiated in a part of the brain, located far from the SVZ, the researchers,tracked newly formed neuroblasts (which are immature brain cells from which mature adult neurons form) as they traveled through healthy brain tissue to the stroke area. These immature neurons wrapped themselves around the immature vascular cells that were in the process of forming new blood vessels in the damaged area. The neurons were found to arrive at the site within the first two to four weeks after the stroke.

Researchers found that two proteins, stromal-derived factor 1 (SDF1) and angiopoietin 1 (Ang1), that are given off by these newly-forming blood vessels, are what trigger the thousands of immature neurons to the site of damage.

The SDF1 and Ang1 proteins are what link the two processes of neurogenesis and angiogenesis together by promoting post-stroke neuroblast migration. These two proteins, also appear to effect behavioral recovery as well. The researchers produced the stroke in an area of the brain that controls the mouse’s facial whiskers. When the mouse was infused by the researchers with Ang1 and SDF1, improvement in the function of the whisker’s was seen to the same levels as the control (non-stroke) mice.

I would suggest that possibly, one might consider using these biological facts as images to include when using guided imagery hypnosis for stroke clients. Our thoughts are known to produce chemicals in our bodies. Perhaps, with our thoughts about the mechanisms that should take place we can stimulate that very mechanism.

Seth-Deborah Roth combines over 30 years of medical knowledge as a registered nurse and nurse anesthetist with her knowledge of hypnosis. Seth-Deborah is a Certified Instructor and faculty member of the National Guild of Hypnosis.

She is also a member of the National Board of Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists, the International Hypnosis Federation, the American Board of Hypnosis and the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. She is an instructor in Medical Hypnosis at the “Hypnotherapy Center” in Oakland California. She received the 2005 “Award of Excellence” in the category of Health Care from the International Hypnosis Federation (IHF). She has been featured on the Discovery Channel’s “Myth Busters” segment on hypnosis.

She has also written a book entitled “Medical Hypnosis – An Essential Guide” Hypnotherapy for Health (510) 690-0699 www.hypnotherapyforhealth.com read my blog site www.hypnotichealth.blogspot.com Order “Diet Is a Four Letter Word” cd

Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Seth-Deborah_Roth

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OK Go – Here It Goes Again (video)

The 2006 YouTube Award Winners

Heads up from: The Blog Herald

Most Creative – OK Go

Anyone who’s ever approached the treadmill with dread need only to watch this video from Chicago-born band OK Go. Masterful choreography meets infectious pop, transforming the group’s modest success into real-world sensation. Prior to winning a YouTube Video Award, this video also won a Grammy for “Best Short-Form Music Video.” The clip was filmed in one continuous shot and, when the video shoot ended, the eight rented treadmills went back where they came from. A staggering 13 million people have watched this video on YouTube.

Great way to lose weight! Dancing and Treadmills!

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Are Your Tax Debts Stressing You Out?

By Colin Kidd

If there is one thing that everyone across the world unanimously strives for is Peace of Mind. Whatever we do in our lives, work, start a business, start a family, ultimately it all boils down to one question: Are we really happy or can we really say our lives are stress free? Well, the unfortunate truth for many of us today is that the answer is a sad NO.

One of the biggest reasons for that unfortunate truth is tax debts. Today more and more people argetting into the tax debt trap which has led to the local taxation offices breathing down their necks causing severe panic and stress. So much so that the tax authorities are resorting to new measures and recruiting more resources for recouping these debts. Some of these measures include making their telephone staff ring you after hours or recruiting external debt collection companies to knock on your door. Enough to make you lose sleep.

Let’s take a simple example of Paul. A family man, Paul owns a small business selling wholesale tractor equipment. He runs the business out of a small office he rents. Paul’s business was growing at a fast pace. Excited about the future possibilities he planned his expansion and growth both professionally and personally. But unfortunately in all the excitement he made some crucial mistakes. Primary mistake was not taking his tax responsibilities too seriously and as a result he failed to pay his ongoing tax dues. This meant that soon he had plenty of accrued tax debts thus attracting the interest of the taxation office to recover these debts. Needless to say with the tax authorities after him, Paul lost his once taken for granted peace of mind.

Paul tried numerous banks to refinance his mortgage to pay his tax debt, but none would lend him the money as his situation did not fit with their lending criteria. Paul needed to borrow more than 80% of the value of his home – in other words, the loan was above an 80% Loan to Value Ratio (LVR) – so the Lender’s Mortgage Insurers also had an issue.

So what was the solution to Paul’s problems? The solution here was a loan specifically designed to Refinance Tax Debts. Of course no one expects you to approach refinancing tax debts on your own. There are now specialists in this field who specializes in supporting the needs of small businesses who have associations with a range of lenders, providing loan products that are designed exactly with the purpose of refinancing tax debts.

Paul approached one such specialist refinancing company. With Paul’s permission, the specialists approached a number of lenders to look at his situation. The final outcome is that Paul increased his existing $280,000 mortgage up to $350,000 to pay out his tax debt. This was a 90% LVR against his properties, valued at $390,000. The lender that was used didn’t require Mortgage Insurance and caters specifically for clients whose needs were outside of the norm.

Tax Debts are unfortunately a reality today whether you like it or not or whether you currently face it or not. But just like Paul, there are several other small business owners who have lost their peace of mind but have regained it thanks to refinancing tax debt specialists. If you are concerned about your tax debt situation we recommend you to approach one immediately.

Colin Kidd is a specialist in tax debt loans for families and business. Colin Kidd is the director of Loan Saver Network and has been providing finance options since 1999. For more information on tax debt loans please visit www.loansaver.com.au

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Depression and Pregnancy

By DM Driscoll

Science and Mythology of Depression and Pregnancy

When considering both depression and pregnancy, it is important to separate science from mythology. One pervasive parcel of mythology extant today is that women who have depression can negate it by getting pregnant. Popular myth dictates that the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy will somehow alter brain chemistry, lifting pregnant women out of depression. In the past, doctors even espoused this link between depression and pregnancy as true. Today, science has largely disproved this.

A number of tests conducted in Massachusetts about the link between depression and pregnancy concluded that pregnancy actually has no effect on clinical depression whatsoever: getting pregnant does not alter brain chemistry in any way that might alleviate depression – and even worse, getting pregnant often has the opposite effect: it can actually worsen depression.

What make the depression worse are the restrictions pregnancy imposes. This link between depression and pregnancy is clear. For instance, being pregnant often imposes limited mobility and limited eating choices. Additionally, being pregnant often restricts medicinal choices.

Many antidepressants have been flagged by the FDA – and, as such, are no longer available to pregnant women, as they have the potential to cause birth defects. This link between depression and pregnancy means that a woman could go through a serious bout of depression during pregnancy without any medicinal form of recourse.

Another potential problem that pregnancy brings is postpartum depression. Even for those who aren’t depressed, this can still be a problem, as approximately 10% of all pregnant women experience it. Postpartum depression doesn’t occur during the pregnancy, but after it, as the name suggests; and is usually triggered by hormonal changes that occur during and after birth. Most who suffer from it also have the same symptoms of those with clinical depression. Additionally, postpartum depression is generally treated in the same manner as standard forms of depression. Effective methods generally focus on behavioral restructuring, antidepressant medication, and counseling.

More information about depression and risks of anti-depressant drugs can be found at this authors website Understanding Depression

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Mesothelioma – Origin, Cause, and Prevention

By Ray Smith

Since the late 1800’s, Asbestos has been widely used for commercial purposes and the usage dramatically increased during World War II. Thousands of Americans who work I in the ship yard; commercial plants etc were exposed to Asbestos dust. This was the beginning of Mesothelioma. The people who had a widespread exposure to Asbestos were at an increased risk of developing Mesothelioma. This was the beginning of the cursed disease.

Mesothelioma is the medical name for cancer of the pleura (the lining of the lung and chest cavity) or cancer of the peritoneum (the lining of the abdomen). Mesothelioma can be caused even due to an exposure to Asbestos for 1-2 months but it is most commonly found in those who had prolonged or persistent exposure.

Mesothelioma, generally does not affect a victim immediately after your exposure to Asbestos. Its affects usually appear 20-50 years after the exposure. This long latency period is one main reason why the number of people suffering from Mesothelioma is increasing everyday, in spite of preventive measures taken by the government as well as individuals.

Very similar to other forms of cancer, Mesothelioma spreads rapidly, spreading not only throughout the pleura but also metastasizing to other internal organs. The common symptoms would include shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing and loss of weight.

Mesothelioma can be effectively countered by Oxygen treatment and reducing sugar consumption. Otto Warburg discovered that the main reason of cancer is replacement of normal oxygen respiration of the body’s cells by an anaerobic [i.e., oxygen-deficient] cell respiration. Warburg’s theory helped us to understand that Cancer cells hate oxygen and that is the foundation of the modern oxygen treatment of cancer.

Another important information that we gathered from Warburg’s research is that Cancer cells metabolize through fermentation and fermentation requires sugar. Also, metabolism rate of a cancer cell is almost 8 times more than a normal cell. (Check how Mesothelioma works at Human anatomy animation ) This fact has been wisely used and concluded that reducing or stopping the intake of sugar can definitely work as an extremely useful deterrent to cancer growth.

The initial testing for Mesothelioma is done by X-rays and often followed by an open lung biopsy to confirm the test results. If diagnosed at an early stage the cancer can be removed surgically and full recovery can be achieved through regular chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

At an advanced stage, Mesothelioma is incurable; however, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and other pain relief treatments can relieve the patient comparatively and increase the life span. The period of survival depends on the stage at which the patient has been diagnosed for Mesothelioma and his general health conditions.

This article is written by Ray Smith, a marketing expert with years of experience in different industries and specialized knowledge on branding and internet marketing.

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Improve the Quality of Your Life

By Jason D

Smoking is no longer “in” or cool. Wherever you go you see a “no smoking sign” and this is because society has woken up to dangers that smoking poses not only to smokers themselves but to everyone that is exposed to second-hand smoke. If you are a smoker wondering how you are going to quit the habit then it is time to find out how thousands of other people, just like you, have already quit smoking.

Before we look at the ways to quit smoking it is important to think about the benefits that you will get if you stop smoking. Think about the value of your own life. For example how much is seven years of your life worth? Seven years is the time that you can add to your lifespan if you stop smoking according to a study in the British Medical Journal.

It is not just a question of living longer, but it is a question of living with zest and in good health. All the health experts warn that smoking has a debilitating affect on health, so, as one of my elementary school teachers used to say, “A word to the wise should be sufficient.”

If you are convinced that it is time to stop smoking here are some steps that you can take to do it:

Make a firm vow that you are going to quit smoking. Quitting smoking is not easy. It is a physical and psychological addiction. You are going to face some difficulty in kicking the habit. The only way to make it through the difficulty is to be convinced right from the beginning that you are going to stop smoking once and for all. Tell yourself mentally or loudly in front of mirror, that “I am quitting smoking, and will do whatever it takes to stop.”

2. Choose a method to help you quit smoking. Once you have made up your mind that you are going to leave the habit then it is time to take action. Here are a few quit smoking methods that people have used to help them kick the smoking habit.:

a. Nicotine Replacement Therapy – Nicotine is the chemical compound in smoke that causes you to become addicted to tobacco products. There are various products that deliver nicotine to your body without the carcinogenic chemicals that are found in smoke. They include nicotine patches, nicotine gum, and nicotine lozenges that deliver low doses of nicotine directly into your body through your skin. The idea behind these products is that you can stop smoking and then gradually reduce your dependence on nicotine, finally giving up the nicotine replacements themselves.

b. Acupuncture and Laser therapy – Both of these therapies are based on ancient Chinese medicine and put pressure on strategic points in the body which according to the Chinese system balances the flow of vital energy in the body. In the case of acupuncture needles are used while in laser therapy a laser is focused on these points. Proponents of laser therapy say that it stimulates the flow of “endorphins,” which are calming hormones that are released in your body when you smoke.

c. Hypnosis—During hypnotherapy a patient is put into a relaxed state and is then given suggestions to quit smoking. Visualizations are used to help the smoker see how life would be much better if he or she would quit smoking. Numerous tapes and CDs which give hypnotic suggestions are also available for those who want to try self-hypnosis. The goal of hypnosis is to build up the will power of person so that it is easy for him or her to quit smoking.

d. Yoga and Meditation—Physical and mental exercises that enhance health and increase concentration and will power are the main components of yoga. The idea of yoga is to build up a positive mental and physical environment in a person so that negative habits fade away.

Whichever method you use to help you quit smoking you should be prepared to face cravings and even withdrawal symptoms. Some smokers report symptoms such as nausea, irritability, fatigue, sore throats and other physical problems, while others are faced with enormous cravings to light up.

If you run into these problems you can do the following:

1. Drink lots of water throughout the day. This helps to calm the cravings, keeps you from eating food as a replacement for sticking a cigarette in you mouth, and is good for health in general.

2. Keep yourself busy with good things to do. Don’t let your mind dwell on your own difficulties keep it engaged in more positive activities.

3. Remember your vow to quit smoking and the benefits that you will get from following through with it.

Finally, remember that thousands of people have already quit smoking and they are no different from you. You can do it if you really set your mind to it. Choose a method that is right for you and join the ranks of ex-smokers today.

Jason D. is a former smoker of 15 years and publisher of a Quit Smoking website. Visit his website if you would like more information on how to quit smoking and Manage Nicotine Cravings

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Breast Cancer Awareness

By Steve Valentino

In recent years, the incidence of breast cancer among women has increased. As a result of this, organizations that aim to raise breast cancer awareness have doubled their efforts to give women around the world the right information to help them prevent and deal with this disease. These organizations teach women to detect early signs of cancer and recognize the symptoms of the disease. It has been proven that early detection increases a woman?s chance of survival by as much as 96 percent.

Symptoms

Some of the symptoms that women are told to watch out for include lumps, which are usually firm and painless. Other possible symptoms include swelling on the underarms and on the skin on the breasts which then develops an unusual appearance. Women are also asked to look out for veins that become prominent in the breast area. Other symptoms also include inverting of the nipples, rashes and changes in skin texture, depressions on the breast area and discharges other than breast milk.

Early Detection Plan

However, looking out for symptoms is usually not enough in detecting this disease, since there are instances in which patients are asymptomatic until the cancer reaches stage 3 or 4. To be able to prevent this, breast cancer organizations encourage women to come up with an early detection plan, which includes clinical breast examinations every three years for women aged 20 to 39, then every year thereafter. A monthly breast examination for women beginning at age 20 is also encouraged. Mammograms every two years for women in their 40s and yearly mammograms for women in their 50s are also being emphasized. Women are also told to keep a record of these exams and their appointments with their doctors. Additionally, women are urged to eat a low-fat diet, engage in regular exercise and avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.

The importance of early detection of breast cancer cannot be denied since it has been proven to increase a cancer patient?s survival rate by as much as 96 percent. Given this, it is then important for women to do what they can to prevent having to suffer unnecessarily from this disease. Having an early detection plan is an effective way of doing just that.

Breast Cancer provides detailed information on Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Treatments, Breast Cancer Symptoms, Cause Of Breast Cancer and more. Breast Cancer is affiliated with Hodgkins Lymphoma.

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Compulsive Shopping

By Lucy Costigan

People engage in compulsive buying or spending on occasion, particularly at Christmastime when they get caught up in the excitement or pressure of buying. While most people keep their spending under control, some may develop a more serious problem. They buy far more than they need and most of it they will never use. It sometimes results in thousands of euros of debt. This is called oniomania or compulsive shopping.

In a society that thrives on materialism, compulsive shopping is frequently overlooked as a problem and may even be treated as a joke. Compulsive shoppers are often dismissed as being financially irresponsible. However compulsive shopping can be devastating not only financially, but also mentally and emotionally.

Most mental health professionals do not consider compulsive shopping an addiction because there is no physical dependency as with drugs or alcohol, but oniomaniacs do display addictive behaviour. High percentages of shopaholics are addicts or former addicts of other substances or activities including drugs and alcohol. Oniomania can affect either sex but the vast majority of compulsive shoppers are adult females. There have been few studies done on compulsive shopping, but those that have been done indicate that as much as 10% of the adult population display tendencies towards compulsive shopping.

According to Catalano and Sonenberg (1993) (Consuming Passions: Help For Compulsive Shoppers, New Harbinger Publications, California) a huge amount of energy, both physical and psychic is expended by compulsive shoppers that could be channelled into a more fulfilling and worthwhile pursuit. “The real energy expenditure for compulsive shoppers comes in terms of worry. Planning shopping errands might be fun, but facing the music after a shopping binge is emotionally draining. Facing angry creditors is frightening; facing your own dwindling bankbook or angry spouse is humiliating. When shopping habits involve lying about and hiding purchases, the mental, physical, and emotional toll goes up.”

Compulsive shopping typically occurs in cycles. Depression, boredom or emotional distress such as a bereavement or breakup of a relationship may set off an impulse to shop. Shopping gives shopaholics a sort of euphoria, excitement and “high”. They are very susceptible to advertising and will buy things to make them feel more powerful, attractive, or secure. There is usually a feeling of disappointment afterwards, followed by guilt over the wasted money or the increase in debt. This leads to depression, which can set off another episode of compulsive buying.

A major sign of compulsive shopping is the tendency to shop and spend large amounts of money during times of depression or emotional distress. Buying excessive amounts of items that never get used or worn, especially if they already possess these items at home is an indication of compulsive shopping. Compulsive shoppers often have wardrobes full of clothes that they have never worn. Unused items are frequently disposed of, sometimes in the original packaging or with the tags still attached. Lying about shopping or the amount of money spent, or running up large credit card debts usually indicate a problem with shopping.

Excessive shopping may lead to serious financial problems and may interfere with work and relationships. Treatment of compulsive shopping may be more complicated than treating a physical addiction, like drug or alcohol abuse, because shopping is not something that can be avoided altogether. Treatment of compulsive shopping is similar to that of compulsive overeating in that the pattern of compulsive behaviour must be addressed in order to get the shopping to a normal, healthy level.

Compulsive shoppers may need to avoid temptation, such as making funds difficult to access or distracting themselves with a more fulfilling activity when there is an impulse to shop. While these methods can greatly contribute to recovery, professional help from a psychotherapist, a hypnotherapist or NLP practitioner is still essential. It is vital that the emotional and psychological problems are identified and treated. Without proper treatment, compulsive shoppers may stop shopping only to engage in other compulsive or addictive behaviours in its place.

Extract from “Women and Healing”, by Lucy Costigan, published by iUniverse (2006)

www.womenandhealing.com/woman/

Lucy Costigan’s career has been quite eclectic. She has worked as a magazine editor with Wexford Life, a technical writer, an analyst-programmer, a counsellor, and a programmes’ facilitator. Lucy holds Masters Degrees in Equality Studies (UCD, Ireland), and in Research (NCI, Ireland). From an early age Lucy has been on a quest to discover the ultimate meaning of life.

Lucy’s books have been reviewed on RTE (Ireland’s National Television and Radio stations), on BBC radio, and in various international publications. RTE’s popular Sunday Show dedicated a full-length program to her book Bullying and Harassment in the Workplace (Columba Press, 1998).

Lucy’s books include: Irish Guide to Complementary and Alternative Therapies (Wolfhound Press) Bullying and Harassment in the Workplace (Columba Press) Winter Solstice: A Novel (iUniverse) Social Awareness in Counselling (iUniverse) What is the Meaning of Your Life (iUniverse) Course in Consciousness (iUniverse) Women and Healing (iUniverse) The Transformation of Yvette (iUniverse).

Lucy lives in her native town of Wexford, Ireland

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The Facts About Pericardial Mesothelioma

By William Johnston

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare form of mesothelioma and accounts for approximately 5% of all mesothelioma cases. This form of mesothelioma affects the lining that surrounds the heart and is a deadly cancer if not treated agressively in its early stages.

The cause of pericardial mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos dust and fibres. As little as a couple of months of exposure to asbestos fibres can lead to pericardial mesothelioma between 30-50 years later. Due to this long latency period of the disease, it is very difficult to diagnose before the cancer has developed and matured fully. Those suffering from mesothelioma are elderly men aged 60-70 because this was the generation that worked with asbestos with little protection from its dust and fibres. The symptoms of the cancer have just started to show for these men due to the long time that the effects of mesothelioma take to come out. Many of these men are now lodging multi-million dollar lawsuits against the companies who exposed them to asbestos without sufficient protection. Asbestos fibres reach the lining of the heart by being inhaled and then getting lodged in the lungs. From the lungs they can either move into the lymphatic system and get transported to the lining of the heart or they can just pass slowly to the lining of the heart over time. Over a long period of time being exposed to asbestos, these fibres build up and once enough have accumilated in the lining heart, pericardial mesothelioma is a possibility.

There are a number of symptoms assosiated with pericardial mesothelioma. However, these are only felt when the cancer has matured and is in its late stages of development. These symptoms include, persistent coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain and palpitations. Other symptoms typical of all types of mesothelioma include loss of appetite, nausea and weight loss. Anyone who recognises that they have these symptoms or know someone who does then is encouraged by all leading medical advisors to seek medical help immediately. For more information on the symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma go to www.1-mesothelioma.co.uk

There is no certain cure to pericardial mesothelioma and all of the treatment methods used have a poor success rate. The chances of survival of a patient depend strongly on how early and aggressively the cancer is treated. This is why it is important to receive a diagnosis for pericardial mesothelioma as soon as possible. Treatment methods include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. More information on these methods of treatment can be found at www.1-mesothelioma.co.uk/treatment.html

Research into cures for pericardial mesothelioma is being conducted in labs all over the United States and many pharmaceutical companies are also investigating new drugs. As yet, research has only discovered a limited amount.

All the detailed information you need on the symptoms, treatment, risks, science and more about mesothelioma can be found at:

www.1-mesothelioma.co.uk

Be sure to visit to learn more about this deadly cancer and how you can prevent it.

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