Choose Radiant Health

We hear it on the news consistently: the decline of American health, the rising rate of obesity, and higher incidents of heart disease, cancer, and stroke.

How do we stop this alarming trend?

Given the appropriate nutrients through whole foods eating, the body has a remarkable ability to heal itself. Studies show that increasing our intake of fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer. Obviously there are other factors to consider, but if there is something that falls under our power to control - such as what we put into our mouth - why would we do anything less?

Overeating, especially of overly processed and refined foods, can contribute to premature aging. If you eat more food than your body needs, you are taxing the system to break all of that matter down. To add insult to injury, a refined foods diet gives little nutritional value in return for all of this effort. If you worked this hard for your boss and earned nothing in return, how would you feel? Wouldn't you want to rebel?

Eating a nutritionally sound diet does not replace expert medical advice, but it is a complement to it. While self-doctoring is never a wise choice, eating well is good common sense. It makes sense to treat our bodies to the very best we are capable of providing in the form of good nutrition.

Let's say at the age of 20, you are handed a form that lists heart disease, cancer, stroke, and obesity with little boxes next to them. It goes on to say that you should put an X next to as many choices as you want to have of these items. Would you be scrambling to locate a pen and trying to figure out what to choose first? Of course not! No one wants any of these choices. They are truly dread diseases. You would most likely rip this form into pieces and run, not walk, away.

If you were handed a form that lists radiant health, energy, clear skin, and strong bones, you would X all of these items to have for yourself! Now, you need to do what you can to claim those attributes fo! r yourse lf.

Starting with your next meal, be conscious of your choices. If you don't do so already, start reading labels and figure out exactly what you are putting into your body. Are you giving it the best possible materials to work with, or are you taxing it with nutrient-absent foods? Try redefining food. Is it food if it does nothing to fuel you, and is it worthy of you?

You can choose to do your part in not becoming one of the statistics in the news - this is one trend for which you don't want to jump on the bandwagon! Become an expert: learn to do what?s best for yourself, that will provide you with health and the strongest sense of well-being.

Debra Augur has studied holistic nutrition for years, put that knowledge into practice, and has a passion to share that knowledge with others who are seeking their own best health. If we are what we eat, are we denatured, devitalized, deficient and potentially toxic? Visit http://www.eat-well-to-be-well.com to learn more, and begin acquiring your healthiest self.

How to Cure Acne Naturally

Let?s face it: We mostly judge people on how they look.

This is a fact that cannot be denied and the reason why almost everyone is obsessed with their appearance. This is also why if anyone suffers from acne, they often go to any length to control this image distorting skin disease.

I am saying this from first-hand experience, pimples, commonly known as acne, can literally make you miserable. Imagine having a big bump nestled right on your lower lip with other small bumps crowding your face and all the while you?re talking to someone you keep wondering: ?Is this person looking at the bump???

Perhaps you may have tried everything from the popular products advertised on TV, to the over the counter drugs at the local pharmacy. Believe me, I have and NOTHING worked, on the contrary, they made matters worse.

I tried exfoliating, using a mask, applying astringents, creams. My roommate literally had to yell once: ?What?s with all this ?make-up? like you are a Vegas show-girl?? It would be an understatement to say my experience with acne was horrible.

I had just about given up hope and decided to accept the myths that maybe just maybe it was in my genes or as my pastor at the time said: ?It was God?s will for me?? but, it was right around this time that I stumbled upon an associate whose conversation with me that day forever changed my life-at least in regards to dealing with acne.

He asked what I was using to control the acne and if you are a sufferer, you may know the feeling that arises within when someone brings up the subject of your malady. I got defensive and mentioned the product I was using rather snappily. He kept right on and as if sensing my discomfort, assured me he was only trying to help.

He introduced me to juice fasting as a therapeutic measure of healing (not the religious practice I thought it was) and also discussed facial massaging and how to properly cleanse the face. I was intrigued by these methods for the following reasons

1.They were na! tural

2.They cost little or nothing

3.They made the most sense

After trying each of the methods simultaneously, within about 3 or 4 days, I was relieved of the acne and even the razor bumps I also had. If felt good to be able to walk into the office and know that the girls were looking at me admirably and it was also a relief to know this horrendous mask was finally taken off me!

Years later after learning more about Naturopathy, Yoga and diet, I decided to dedicate a page on my website to offer this free information on how to cure acne naturally to my readers and am now including some of the tips in this article.

1. If you want to control your acne; you must make a change in your diet now. This will not only clear up your skin, but will increase your all around health and well-being. A suggested diet will be a mucus-less diet comprising of raw and cooked Fruits, Leafy and Root vegetables augmented with a fast of some type. Remember the quote by Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine: ?Let your foods be your medicine as nature heals ALL diseases!?

2. I can boldly say rid yourself of all topical and ingested drugs you are using to control acne as they only- from my experience- make matters worse.

3. Learn how to massage the face. You can type up facial massaging in your favorite search engine or simply view the free instructions and photos on my site. (Thank Goodness for the internet eh??)

4. Change your pillowcase daily.

5. Steer clear of using microwaves. My anecdote on this device is in the same section mentioned in tip #3.

6. Engage in some form of vigorous exercise. This not only makes you fitter and healthier but aids tip #1 in detoxifying the skin, this being the second most important eliminating organ next to the lungs as stated by Dr. Stanley Burroughs, the author of the Master Cleanser.

In applying these steps above, you will definitely notice a drastic improvement in your skin. You too can cure your acne naturally without drugs and expensi! ve visit s to the dermatologists; you only need to be shown how.

If one way is true, it is the way of Nature.

Foras Aje is an independent health researcher and founder of Bodyhealthsoul.com For more information on Acne Treatment, feel free to stop by his website today.

Liposuction Costs Basics

A cosmetic surgery done to remove fat from different parts of the body is known liposuction. The other names for liposuction are lipoclastic and suction lipectomy. Canola and aspirator are the instruments used to remove the fat. Liposuction is usually done on the abdomen, thighs, breasts or buttocks.

We all know that regular exercise can help in reducing weight. But in certain cases even regular exercise and workouts may not be effective to shed those last extra pounds. Therefore, in these situations, using liposuction techniques is an ideal option.

However you must note the fact that liposuction isn?t a weight loss technique, it is a process of body contouring. The standard amount of fat removed is approximately around 5 kgs or 10 pounds, although the amount being removed depends on doctor, the patient and also the technique being used.

Not everyone has a clear idea on how much a liposuction would cost. If you are planning to have liposuction performed, then it is suggested that you know the price of the surgery before you end being surprised! There are certain factors on which the liposuction cost is dependent. The factors are as follows:

? The number of areas from where the fat is to be removed

? Your body type

? The amount of fat to be removed

Apart from the above, liposuction cost is also dependant on the doctors who perform the surgery. The average cost of the procedure for a single part of body can vary from $800 to $1000.You might be offered discount on the rates if you want to treat multiple areas of the body. The price of the surgery may however include some additional procedures that usually follow the liposuction.

Different plastic surgeons consider different aspects in structuring their fees. Some surgeon?s fees depend on the time consumption while others may take into account the number of procedures done at the time of the surgery and there are some surgeons who structure their fees on the amount of fat being removed. Owing to the differen! t ways o f determining the liposuction costs, the patient must have an comprehensive discussion on the price prior to the surgery. The patient should make sure that they are comfortable with the conditions on which the price was quoted.

Let us sum up the different factors on which the total of liposuction cost may be dependent. Geography, surgeon fees, hospital fees, anesthesia costs, garments, medications, etc. are the different factors. So, while discussing the cost before hand, if you feel the price quoted to you is low, then do not hesitate to ask what is included in the fees and what will be additional costs.

If you feel it is the time for you to contour and remodel your body, then go for liposuction and of course verify the prices in advance. However, in spite of the tempting aspect of a newly shaped body, you must know that the recovery process may be somewhat uncomfortable. It usually takes a few weeks to get back into action. There are certain medications that might help in assuaging the pain. So just take your time to get back to your old, normal routine.

Although, Liposuction can bring about a change in your life for the better, make sure you pay the right amount and the money spent will be worth it!

Celia Namart has been meeting with eating disorder patients for a few years, she has given advice to many on the topics of weight loss and adopting workout routines, she is now writing tips and advice regarding liposuction Cost

Food Cravings: Use EFT to Learn Patience

Food Cravings: How to Practice Patience

During holidays and parties you may try to plan ahead so you can avoid some of the rush. Last year at Christmas I realized I had to take three major dishes for Christmas Eve dinner and it suddenly dawned on me that I'd have to bake the cake the night ahead.

Baking a cake then waiting to eat it is not my favorite thing at all. I've always had a difficult time in making a cake a day ahead, in fact I tend to avoid receipes that say it needs to sit eight hours. (Whenever you catch yourself saying the word always that's a hint something to use EFT on is coming to mind and notice I said I always have a difficult time with this? That's when to use EFT).

My past behavior has been to want to eat the cake as soon as it's finished, so if it must wait for a day, it's torture. I also prefer making huge three and four layer cakes that take up the entire refrigerator causing me to see the cake and nothing but the cake every time I open the refrigerator door.

Practicing Patience in Eating

Patience can be practiced all day every day. It is necessary when dealing with strangers, family, and most of all yourself. Just because you usually give in to your immediate desires for food doesn't mean you must do so. Maybe you are trying to avoid feeling deprived but practicing and learning to exercise some patience may be of good use.

If I bake a lovely cake and see it in the refrigerator, it beckons to me. Knowing I cannot take a slice without ruining the presentation doesn't seem to help me avoid the siren call. I could be sitting, minding my own business, when I suddenly snap my head upright, as if I've heard a ghost, Come and get a piece of cake, it calls to me. I'm waiting, it cries. Stupid cake, I think.

Leftover cake isn't such a big problem because I plan ahead to have at least one piece, sometimes two every day as long as it lasts. That's another reason I prefer baking to take it somewhere rather than just making it for home.

Rather! than tr ying to analyze why I have this strange desire to eat cake, I'm just going to tackle it head-on with some EFT. I may also use the Swish Technique (taught in the Ending Emotional Eating workshop, Session 4).

If you've had similar struggles, try these suggested EFT phrases, or devise some for your situation. (EFT is easy to learn and use--see my site for worksheets and instructions specific to weight loss or visit http://www.emofree.com for general information on learning EFT).

===== EFT for Patience in Eating

While tapping the P.R. (psychological reversal) point say,

Even though I want to eat the cake, except I'm not supposed to because it's for tomorrow's dinner party, I deeply and completely accept myself.

Repeat that statement three times and say it like you mean it.

Then tap the rest of the face and body points, using a short reminder such as, eat cake. The entire time think about that cake and how much you want it and how delicious it would be. Make it as strong a desire as you can (this is how EFT gets a strong neuropathway to disrupt so don't fear you'll make your cravings stronger, it actually will do the opposite).

Even though I can't stand waiting, I choose to give myself permission to wait.

Reminder: Can't wait.

Even though I hate this waiting and I'm going to stick my face in it right now, I deeply and completely accept myself anyway.

Reminder: Hate being told what to do.

Even though I can't seem to deny myself what I want, I deeply and completely love and accept myself and give myself permission to wait.

Reminder: Can't deny.

Practice this on some food or beverage that seems to call to you, and see whether it helps ease that pull. If you are reluctant because you are afraid you'll lose the desire for the completely (and this is you favorite food so you don't want that to happen), don't worry. That's not going to happen. You may come to want it less often and certainly you'll no longer feel a compulsive need for it, ! but most people discover they still enjoy the food just as much, they just no longer feel out-of-control about it. The control issue is what is being addressed. The desire or compulsion to have something that seems beyond a rational desire, that is what you are working to reduce.

Smile today at every person you see, and practice patience. Think of an inside joke, remember a happy moment, or a funny movie you saw. Put a happy memory in your head and carry it around with you, then whenever you see someone just smile to yourself. Even in the crowded stores, people will treat you better when you put a happy bubble around yourself, and you'll lift their spirits as well.

~~ Kathryn Martyn, Master NLP Practitioner, EFT counselor, author of the free e-book: Changing Beliefs, Your First Step to Permanent Weight Loss, and owner of OneMoreBite-Weightloss.com

Get The Daily Bites: Inspirational Mini Lessons Using EFT and NLP for Ending the Struggle with Weight Loss.

What are the Cures for Pimples?

Acne sufferers are always searching for effective cures for pimples. With so many options available, it is tough to know which will work best for each individual. A dermatologist may prescribe a medication or perhaps a pimple home remedy could be just as effective without the potential side effects. Learning the advantages and disadvantages of all treatment options is a helpful way to find one that will work for you.

Pimples are infections that arise from pores becoming clogged. Clear pores are necessary for natural oils to escape to the surface of the skin. When these oils get trapped, they build up and mix with bacteria and form the acne infection. People of all ages and races have a good chance of getting pimples at some point in their life.

Contributing factors could be excess oil production from stress, the inability to fight infections due to poor diet, or hormone fluctuations that begin at puberty. Discovering how to get rid of pimples starts with recognizing which contributing factors may be causing your outbreaks.

Popular cures for pimples, such as Proactiv and Accutane, can have unwelcome side effects. Proactiv contains Benzoyl Peroxide, which is the active ingredient in most prescription pimple medications (Clearasil, Oxy and others). This ingredient commonly causes swelling, burning, and redness to occur in some users. If a female happens to become pregnant while taking Accutane, the baby has a high risk of developing birth defects. Knowing how to get rid of pimples safely will enable you to avoid any side effects that may occur with harsh medications.

A pimple home remedy that will reduce stress, and perhaps help regulate hormones, is exercise. Eating a balanced diet and getting a full supply of important nutrients as well as drinking water instead of sugary carbonated drinks will keep your body in shape so that it can fight infections properly. Vitamins, minerals and antioxidants should be a part of any pimple home remedy. Vitamins C and E contain antioxidants whi! ch will prevent cell damage and assist in the healing process. Vitamin C helps to form collagen to reduce the chance of post-acne scarring and correct the skin pigments.

For many people, a natural treatment is the answer to the question how to get rid of pimples, as it doesn't expose them to the potential side effects of prescription medications or painful, expensive acne laser surgery.

If you have found yourself struggling with embarrassing outbreaks of pimples, it is necessary to find an effective treatment. Ask your dermatologist about the various cures for pimples, and decide which one is best for you.

David Bloom is an avid health enthusiast and author of the new blog Acne Treatment and Cures for Pimples which discusses all of your options when it comes to clearing up your skin.

Hypnotize Yourself For Anaesthesia: Your 10 Step Guide to Create Your Own Anaesthesia Today

There was a superb television delight on here in the UK entitled 'Hypno-Surgery' recently and it showed a man receiving hypno-surgery. That is, he had a hernia operation without any anaesthesia other than by using hypnosis.

Of course, it is a sensation because it is on television, however, these have been done for years. There are lots of filmed studies and masses of research that has been done using hypnosis alone when performing surgery.

Many ways have been used to alleviate pain over the years and I have experienced many myself and found hypnosis accompanied with a range of mind skills and tools to be by far the best way of overcoming and altering my response to it.

Can you remember a time when you had a paper cut and you did not realise that you had it until later on that day when you saw it with your own eyes? It was not until you saw it that it hurt and thought ?oooh that smarts a bit.? This is naturally occurring anaesthesia, the capacity which exists within us all.

One of the most basic methods for using your mind to create anaesthesia is called the glove anaesthesia method and today I want to share it with you for you to use as and when you like.

Important point here : You must only use this pain-control technique when you know the cause of any pain. Please also consult a doctor if the condition persists. Otherwise, use this technique for fun and to remind you of how amazing you and your brain really are.

Step One: Find a comfortable place where you will not be disturbed. Close your eyes. Get yourself relaxed.Focus on your breathing, let it be steady, deep and slow. Imagine relaxing all the muscles in your body one by one and really do take the time required to establish a nice relaxed physical state.

Use your imagination to imagine a favourite place, somewhere you feel safe and relaxed. Imagine that you can hear the sounds of that place, see the sights, feel the feelings that you would feel in that place. Use your conscious mind's awareness and focus! on each of the muscles in your body and think the word soften into each of your muscles. Imagine them melting, softening and allow your mind to be peaceful.

Take a good few minutes to do this; indulge yourself.

Step Two: Develop a strong sense of purpose right now. Using your internal dialogue, remind yourself and tell yourself that you have the power and ability to be in control of any sensations in your body and mind. Because you really do. Tell yourself that You accept that you are in control of your own mind. Focus on and imagine the unlimited power of your mind, tell yourself that you can send numbing sensations into any part of your body. Develop a sense of belief in yourself and in the power of your own mind. Really encourage and empower yourself.

Imagine that these words of personal power and belief that you say to yourself are being delivered to the deepest depths of your mind. Imagine that they've been accepted on every level of your body and mind.

At this stage, also tell yourself that the word anaesthesia is your key trigger word for a conditioned response later on.

Step three: Now we begin to invoke the glove anaesthesia. Begin by concentrating upon your dominant hand, really focus on it to the exclusion of all else. Notice the tiniest of sensations within it. Begin to imagine that using your attention, your dominant hand is free of all feeling. This needs some time and concentration.

Maybe you can use your imagination to imagine that your hand is encased in ice. Truly imagine those feelings.

Separate your hand, in your mind, from the rest of your physical body. Think of it as detached from your physical being. Continue to focus your attention upon your hand and allow it to lose all feeling.

Using your internal dialogue again, tell yourself that your hand is becoming numb. No feeling at all. Inside your mind instruct your hand to go to sleep. Tell it to go to sleep. Be aware of all the unusual sensations that are in your hand as you focus upon it and ! keep all your focus and concentration upon it.

Tell yourself that every breath you take seems to cause your hand to become number, and number, until you just can't feel your hand at all. You just can't feel your hand at all because it is numb. No feeling. Numb. Tell yourself that with authority and belief.

Step Five: Now, you're going to transfer this lack of feeling to the part of your body that you desire to feel numb and have the anaesthesia in. So when you are sure that you have created the correct level of numbness in your hand you're going to raise your hand and place it upon the part of your body you want to feel numb.

When you do this, you'll transfer this numbness to that part of your body. So then go ahead and raise your hand and touch the part of your body you want to become cool and numb. Maybe imagine the numbness as a colour that you are spreading into that area. Maybe imagine that part of your body being filled with that colour and creating that numbness. Imagine all the sensations of numbness are being transferred into that part of your body. Release the numbness into that other part of your body.

Then spend some moments doing that properly and thoroughly now. As you do it, give yourself a time limit that this is going to last for. Naturally, you do not want that part of you to be numb forever. So make sure that you set yourself a time limit when your self-induced anaesthesia will end.

Step Six: Now that you have transferred the calming, soothing, numbing coolness, and you're physically feeling better and better in that area. Really enjoy the sensations and marvel at your own amazing self. Imagine coolness permeates the area. Imagine you experience wonderful relief in that area. Breathe deeply and relax completely.

Maybe even repeat a little mantra of support to your self at this point: Calm, cool, soothing, numbing sensations permeates the area. Better and better. Numbness. Relief. Numbness.? Use words that appeal to you the most.

Step Seven: When you ha! ve maint ained the state and are sure that you feel really good. Say the word anaesthesia to yourself, so that each time you use this word in future occasions, when you have the right intention and conditions to do this again, saying the word will bring the resources of this session to make next time even better. Breathe deeply, embrace the sensations in your body and mind and repeat the word to yourself. Trust that each time you choose to use it in the future, it has a wonderful effect of enhancing and amplifying your control over your anaesthesia.

Step Eight: And it's time to focus the incredible power of your imagination by imagining yourself doing this even better next time. Imagine that you feel more and more in control of your own mind each time you do this. Experience the joy in this realisation. Create every detail of this future occasion in your mind, including your reaction and the reactions of others. And in so doing you communicate your desire to the levels of mind that will assist you in manifesting this natural anaesthesia better and better each time you do it. Each time you use that word when practising your anaesthesia, tell yourself it works more and more profoundly and powerfully.

Imagine yourself really feeling good about this and what you can do with the power of your own mind.

Spend a few moments quietly doing this.

Step Nine: When you have fully absorbed all you can from this wonderful experience, open your eyes and remember all that has been communicated.

Step Ten: Practice, practice, practice. The more you practice, the better and more thorough it is.

You may want to practice doing this on your arm. Prior to doing it, pinch your arm until it hurts to gauge what your pain tolerance level is in that arm. Then when you have it anaesthetised, test how different the sensations are.

Pretty cool eh?

Adam is the best selling author of 'The Secrets of Self-Hypnosis' please visit his website for a vast range of resources from the fields of hypnosis an! d to rec eive your amazing, free, instantly downloadable hypnosis session: http://www.adam-eason.com

Top 10 Exercise "Mistakes" and How To Fix Them

This is a list of ten common mistakes made during exercise. Quite often the exerciser and even the personal trainer or coach is unaware of these mistakes, decreasing the effectiveness of the exercise and even risking injury. This list describes each ?mistake? but follows with a suggested ?correction?. You may find this list helpful in grading yourself or even your personal trainer.

Ineffective warm up prior to a workout

The purpose of a warm-up is to gently prepare the body for the increased stress from the upcoming exercise session. A 5 ? 10 min bout of moderate intensity cycling, treadmill walking or elliptical work or even sports specific type movements to induce a mild, sustained stretch will be sufficient. These activities have the effect of increasing blood flow to the muscles (including the heart) and increasing the core muscle temperature for improved joint flexibility and range of motion, possibly helping reduce injury. Quite often exercisers go to the extreme when it concerns a warm up, they either do not perform one at all, or ?prefatigue? by running at a high intensity for 15 ?20 minutes (or more) before their session. This has the effect of draining valuable muscle carbohydrate stores (glycogen) needed for the upcoming strength training/bodybuilding exercise session. If the goal of exercise is to lose weight, it is actually better to perform extended aerobic exercise or interval training at the end of an intense strength training session as the body will be likely to burn more fat as a fuel due to the decreased glycogen stores.

Ineffective stretching

Many individuals and personal trainers lack the knowledge to perform stretches effectively. For example, when performing a static hamstring stretch on the floor with the leg straight up in the air it is essential to press the opposite leg onto the floor to prevent excessive posterior (backward) tilting of the pelvis. Posterior tilting will decrease the effectiveness of the stretch. When performing a dynamic ! stretch like a lunge to stretch the groin and thigh muscles, the spine (and pelvis) must remain erect and perpendicular to the floor otherwise the effectiveness is lost. Exercisers that stretch in the standing position while holding onto or pressing against some external source of stabilization deprive themselves of full benefit. It may beneficial to perform dynamic stretches with good technique in unsupported standing and lunge type positions at the beginning of the session. This has the effect of simultaneously targeting balance (core stability) and flexibility while preparing the body and joints for movement during the strength training workout to follow. Static stretching may be more effective at the end of the workout session as the muscles will be warm and pliable.

Excessive use of machines

As mentioned in other articles on this website, exclusive use of exercise machines deprives the core muscles of stimulation and forces muscles to work either in isolation or in static, non functional patterns. While some machines such as leg press machines and assisted pull up/dip machines have merit; exercises that accentuate the body?s own internal stabilization mechanism (core) are excellent for increasing movement function and also allow for much more creativity and fun. Exercise machines are good for an introduction to resistance training and for bodybuilding, but it is not advisable to use them as an exclusively. A good suggestion is to strike a balance between exercises that challenge the body?s own stability and balance (free weights, standing/lunging exercises) and traditional machine and supported exercises, which allow for greater muscle work

Poor exercise technique

Ultimately quality is the factor that matters most when exercising not necessarily quantity. It is easy to sacrifice form for function and perform many more repetitions of an exercise with poor technique than to perform the same movement with strict biomechanically correct technique. It makes sense then that corr! ect tech nique is the most difficult aspect to learn and control as it is often only gained through experience and trial and error. An inexperienced exerciser should invest in the services of an experienced and credentialed personal trainer to minimize the learning curve and get it right from the start. For example, an excellent method of assessing the quality of you or your instructor?s form in a squat is to view the back of the head in relation to the back of the heel. If the spine is straight (not curved) and the back of the head remains in line with the back of the heel (flat) throughout the entire movement, then the technique is good. Essentially, the barbell should move in a near vertical line throughout the movement. Should the bar move forward, it places increasingly heavy loads on the spine and intevertebral discs, much like the arm of a crane. Lifting in this manner increases the likelihood of injury to the spine and the connective tissues such as discs, muscles and ligaments.

Holding the feet down and throwing the legs during abdominal exercises

An exerciser?s feet should never be held down or hooked under a bed/door when performing multiple sit ups as this will allow for a majority of the work to be performed by the hip flexor (groin) muscles. The lower abdominals are responsible for fixing the pelvis in a sit-up by pressing the low back into the floor. If the abdominals fatigue or are not strong enough to hold the low back flat and the feet are fixed, the hip flexors may cause a forward tilting of the pelvis and the development of a ?hole? in the lower back. Performing sit-ups with a forward tilted pelvis tends to strain the low back and actually stretch and weaken the abdominals instead of strengthening them. The same problems can occur while lying on the back when both legs are raised straight into the air and are thrown by a partner toward the floor. If the lower abdominals cannot fix the pelvis flat as the legs approach the floor, this type of exercise can seriously strain ! the lowe r back muscles. An alternate leg scissor action is reverse curls or hanging knee lifts are a better substitute for concentrating on the lower abdominals.

Holding onto the front or side rails of a treadmill

This is a common sight in any gym of fitness facility - a person gets on a treadmill and starts to progressively crank up the speed and incline. The incline approaches maximal and the individual is holding onto the front or side rails for dear life to avoid being thrown off the machine. The rail holding essentially cancels out the benefit of the increased intensity demands gained from the incline since the arms are literally holding the body up. Holding the railings also negatively affects natural walking/running biomechanics ? the lack of arm swing may unnecessarily strain muscles and connective tissue - especially those of the pelvis and low back. Rail holding also has the effect of reducing the core/balance training stimulus required to walk/run in the unsupported condition. Lastly, since most people use treadmills as a means of performing aerobic exercise to lose weight why stop the arms from moving as this contributes to energy expenditure?

Ineffective exercise progression

Any exercise session should have some logical order to maximize results. Often exercisers and trainers do not place a high priority on exercise order; switching from one exercise to another with no apparent sequence. Exercise order is very important on the eventual results and should be motivated by the neuromuscular and energy system demands of the chosen exercises. For example, core exercises which require a great deal of concentration and precise form to perform effectively, should be performed when the person is ?fresh?- right after a short warm-up and stretching. Core training may be followed by power training (if appropriate) since this form of exercise also requires that the exerciser be rested and fresh to perform effectively. Multiple joint strength training (exercises like squats, lung! es, benc h press, shoulder press ect.) should follow power training since these exercises require large energy reserves. A good variation here is to alternate between upper and lower body exercises or use the ?pull/push? rule ? that is, follow a pulling type exercise with a pushing type exercise. Since most isolation exercises such as tricep extensions, bicep curls and sit-ups have much lower energy requirements, these can be performed near the end of the session.

Trying to perform stabilization and mobilization exercise together

You may recall from our series on core training, (Core Stability Training For Sport ? Parts 1 & 2) that the core muscles stabilize the pelvis in its ?neutral? position (as in standing upright with perfect posture). The muscles like the hamstrings, large back muscles and hip flexors that are attached to the pelvis are mobilizing muscles and do just what their name implies ? they tilt the pelvis forward and back, side to side and rotate it to allow for bodily movement. It is very difficult to train stability and mobility in a single exercise since technically they are opposite actions. For example, performing squats (requires movement of the pelvis) on a BOSU ball or while standing on inflatable discs or foam rollers is probably of little benefit to strengthening the core. Likewise, performing curl-ups on an exercise ball is unlikely to improve core strength as this exercise is targeting the muscles that tip the pelvis backwards. Core exercises are best performed in static positions such as bridging and standing. It is beneficial then to concentrate on stabilizing strength and mobilizing strength separately and not together. Build a foundation of core stability and flexibility first before trying to work the arm and legs. Much more leg strength can be trained when the foot is in contact with a firm surface (like the ground) - besides this is how we operate in daily life anyway.

Faulty exercise progression

Quite often exercisers, personal trainers and even c! oaches f ail to understand functional exercise progressions. They observe other people performing a particular exercise and decide to incorporate it in the their or their client?s routine. It may be however that the person they observed performing the exercise had progressed to that point correctly in a functional and systematic manner. If an exerciser attempts to perform an exercise that they are physically unprepared for, there is increased risk of injury and performing the movement with poor technique. The brain remembers and stores both good and bad motor and movement patterns, so the old adage JUNK IN = JUNK OUT holds true for exercise too. A good suggestion is strengthen form the ?inside out? and not the ?outside in? by focusing on flexibility and stability. These are the prerequisites to the successful performance of functional movements such as squats, lunges and sport specific movements. So static stability training and stretching progresses to dynamic stability training, which then progresses to strength and finally power training. To attempt to strengthen and condition the body from the ?outside in? instead of from the ?inside out? will fail to give any satisfactory results. Any exercise program should look first to develop a base (core stability, cardiovascular fitness) and then progressively ?build? on this base to improve performance, strength and function.

Placing blocks under the heels in a squat

Placing blocks under the heels is a common technique used by trainers and exercisers alike to compensate for tight calf muscles (soleus) or to concentrate work on the quadriceps (thigh muscles). Often exercisers see other individuals performing squats in this manner and they aim to copy them. This practice is not advisable since one is essentially ?giving in? to the lack of flexibility at the ankle and failing to increase the quality of this highly functional movement. Raising the heels also places the ankle in an unstable, plantarflexed position making it more susceptible to injur! y ? spec ifically a lateral ankle sprain. In this position, the body?s center of mass shifts from the midfoot to nearer the toes, increasing the likelihood of a loss of balance and possible injury. A safer method to target either the quadriceps or the hamstrings and glutes is to control the bar placement on the back. In the high position the bar rests on the posterior deltoids (shoulder muscles) at the base of the neck, this has the effect of targeting the quadriceps muscles. In the low position, the bar rests further down the back across the posterior deltoid at the level of the middle trapezius (top of the shoulder blades) this positioning will translate into a greater load being shifted towards the hamstring and glute muscles.

This article has aimed to highlight the common mistakes that people may make in their exercise routines. Very often just an awareness of the mistakes can often remedy the situation while other problems may take time and experience to deal with like learning correct exercise technique. It is hoped that this article served the purpose of informing the reader so as to allow him/her to get the most out of their exercise routine and allow them to make educated assessments of themselves and other exercise professionals.

David Petersen is a Personal Trainer/Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and the owner and founder of B.O.S.S. Fitness Inc. based in Oldsmar, Florida. More articles and information can be found at http://www.bossfitness.com

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Hair Removal Bye Bye Love

Hair removal is a personal dilema for many people. Everyone has unwanted hair somewhere and wonders what's the best way to get rid of it. Epilator? Electric shaver? Electrolysis? Hair remover? Here's info on various hair removal techniques to keep you from looking like the shaggy dog.

Electrolysis - Hair Removal

The electrolysis hair removal process has been around a long time, over a hundred years. As a hair removal process, it's effecticve, but has a few drwawbacks... it's costly, cause you pain, damage your damage and , cause pain and grow back before you know it. In short, electrolysis is yesterday's news and hair removal techniques like epilators and electric shavers are the preferred hair removal options today. In the internet age, women prefer an epilator in their purse for a quck shave to a three hour appointement for electrolysis - OUch!

Shaving - Hair Removal

Shaving's cool, everybody knows that, it's sexy and does a good job of hair removal. It's long-lasting, you can buy desginer shavers and do it at home. (not that do it - hair removal do it!) How long does this hair removal technique last? Longer than some relations, that's for sure... (just kidding). As a hair remover, shaving is much less painful that Electrolysis, sorry to disapoint masochists among you. Aside from a few cuts and skin irritation, shaving is ok, but lacks pizazz. Waxing - Hair Removal Waxing as a hair removal technique is an ancient artform and healing art. It takes a highly skilled professional and sensitevie listenr to for the waxing hair removal session to be a success. The treatment involves applying hot wax on your skin and pull them off quckly. Ouch! As with electorlysis, for some people it's the OUCH! that makes a popular hair removal process. A strip of paper or cloth is pressed on your skin and quickly pulled away - taking hairs with it. Waxing other drawbacks are uneven hair remvoval and extra time invloved. Try it at least once, then go back to your epilator (I won't tell).

E! pilators - Hair Remvoal

Epilators are popular hair removal products for soft skin and smooth legs. They are compact in size, easy to use and remove hair by the root almost with little pain. Compared to Electrolysis and waxing, epilators are a breeze. In minutes, a woman can have smooth skin that lasts for weeks since the epilator slows hair growth. Epilators come in many styles and are compact to fit in a small purse. Compared to epilators, other hair removal techniques are jilted lovers... Bye Bye Love!

GP Care is a leading epilator website ofering the latest models and service on Epilady epilators. For more informationn, please visit GP Care.

Pleural Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Proper diagnosis of Pleural Mesothelioma, a form of cancer in the thoracic cavity caused by contact with asbestos, is of great importance because it enables the patient to get disease-specific treatment immediately and also arms him adequately for any lawsuit for compensation.

Unfortunately, diagnosis of this sickness is a very difficult process. The reasons are several. There are no specific to the disease outward signs. The symptoms like breathing difficulty, coughing, weight loss, chest and back pains, and fatigue among others are common to many ailments. They can confuse a doctor. And these indications take twenty to forty or fifty years after contact with asbestos to manifest. If some cases there may be no perceptible clues till the cancer has spread. Many doctors are unfamiliar with the disease. One key factor that would give the correct lead to a doctor is the information whether the patient had exposure to asbestos in the past. Since most of the pleural mesothelioma patients are in the sixty-seventy age group, there is the possibility that some of them may not recall details dating back forty or fifty years.

Diagnostic procedure starts with studying the patient?s medical history in detail and giving him a complete physical check up. Next comes imaging. This includes x-ray, CT (Computed Tomography) scan, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and PET (position emission tomography). These may reveal irregular thickening of the pleura (membrane lining the thorax), fluid collection in that area, congestion of the lungs, and mineral deposits. Magnified view and laboratory tests assist in determining whether chemicals found are the same as those seen in pleural mesothelioma cases. Analysis of fluid, tissues and lymph nodes helps in reaching a conclusion. Sometimes bronchoscopy, in which a lighted flexible tube is inserted through the moth, is done. Thorascopy in which the doctor looks into the chest cavity may also be performed. Finally, a pleural biopsy confirms the diagnosis.

An Octob! er 2005 report states that a new method that assists diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma is to measure the presence of osteopontin in blood.

Pleural Mesothelioma provides detailed information on Malignant Diffuse Pleural Mesothelioma, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Survival Rate, Mesothelioma Pleural Brachytherapy and more. Pleural Mesothelioma is affiliated with Peritoneal Mesothelioma Lawyers.