Archive for November, 2009
Part 1Partner Yoga Guide : Halasana to Half-Shoulder Stand in Partner Yoga
Learn the halasana pose for partner yoga in this free how-to video on partner yoga sequences and positions.
Expert: Cynthia Mastry
Contact: www.yogaetcstudio.com
Bio: Cindy Mastry has practiced yoga since the age of eight, and also has a background in Jazz and Ballet.
Filmmaker: Christopher Rokosz
Duration : 0:1:19
Yoga for Runners: The Essentials
View a Trailer of a Yoga for Runners DVD that is developed specifically for the athletic body. The yoga program targets lower back, hips, hamstrings and covers key foundation elements. DVD available at: www.yogaforrunners.com
Duration : 0:4:22
Dealing With Insomnia During Pregnancy
Insomnia during pregnancy, though inconvenient, is actually common. In fact, the disorder affects nearly eighty percent of mothers, all of whom worry endlessly for the health of their child. How can an anticipating mother deal with this problem?
Insomnia, in general, is the inability to sleep or to stay asleep for a long time. This sleep disorder is caused by a variety of factors, and each of these causes requires its own methods to finally counter and cure insomnia. Insomnia can be brought on by altered work hours or jet lag. It may be induced because of bodily pain, or disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, which can cause spontaneous vomiting even while the person is asleep. Nightmares and sleepwalking can also bring about insomnia, as can mental disorders such as mania or phobias. External factors, such as ingestion of stimulants, dehydration, and lack of exercise, can also contribute to insomnia.
Insomnia during pregnancy, on the other hand, can be caused by a variety of factors which may or may not be related to the baby. As a pregnant mother progresses through the later stages of gestation, her abdomen will increase in size, until carrying the child can be uncomfortable. Some mothers may also suffer back pains due to the child’s weight, leading further to sleepless nights. The added weight of the child on the mother’s bladder can make her urinate frequently during the night, preventing her from staying asleep.
Anxiety can also bring about insomnia during pregnancy, and in fact results in a vicious cycle. Because hormonal changes bring about insomnia during pregnancy, a mother will often naturally be awake at night. She worries about her insomnia and fears that it can harm her baby. This anxiety further intensifies the insomnia, which then keeps adding to her fears.
How can you, as a pregnant mother, cope with insomnia during pregnancy? Because of the uncomfortable size, shape, and weight of your belly, you may want to try new sleeping positions that will not strain your back or cause you pain or discomfort. You can try sleeping on your side, with a pillow or something soft under your belly. You can also take a warm, soothing bath before you sleep, in order to relax your body completely. This can make you fall asleep easily, and, along with a glass of warm milk, can keep you asleep for a longer time.
If the warm bath and glass of milk still do not work, then set the thermostat in your room to a comfortable temperature. You can also play relaxing instrumental music, preferably with soothing strains such as those made by a flute or violin. Such music may include nature sound accompaniments, such as twittering birds or the sound of the ocean crashing against the shore.
If music keeps you awake, you may want to read a book or watch television, or eat a light snack with some carbohydrates. A low dose of carbohydrates in the night time can allow your brain to produce serotonin, which can ease you closer to sleep. Do not overindulge on carbohydrates by taking chocolates and sweets, however, as this will keep you up and alert for much longer. The key to combating insomnia during pregnancy is to relax: you will learn such techniques in child birth class, so put them into practice at night as you get into bed.
If you have a chance to sleep during the day, then take it. You can also help yourself sleep better at night by exercising for about half an hour late in the afternoon. Take up yoga or meditation exercises, and do not engage in strenuous exercises, as these will actually wake you up. There are special yoga routines for pregnant mothers, so you may want to do research on them.
Insomnia during pregnancy can be worrisome for many pregnant mothers, but it is not entirely hopeless. If you are suffering from insomnia during pregnancy, do your best to relax, but without taking any pills or medication. Try not to stress about your pregnancy, the delivery, the health of the baby, or what you will do after you have given birth. Concentrate on relaxing and easing yourself into sleep, and not only will you stay healthy, but so will your baby.
Nathalie Fiset
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/dealing-with-insomnia-during-pregnancy-132663.html
Weight Loss with Alternative Medicine
Weight loss is one of the big topics-no pun intended-on the late night television circuit. While flipping through the channels after 11p.m., you are apt to come across several advertisements for weight loss pills and diet supplements, each promising to help you drop those unwanted pounds and remove stubborn belly fat once and for all.
Let’s face it, if these pills really worked, America wouldn’t be the top overweight country in the world.
There are types of alternative medicine which can help with weight loss, however, and with great results. While no alternative medicine is a magic solution, practicing these principles can help you become more limber, feel more energetic, and the end result-or side effect if you will- is weight loss.
Take yoga for example. The low impact stretching involved with yoga will help you feel less stressed, and as a result less likely to over eat as a result of depression or anger. Acupuncture has exact pressure points in the ear which help reduce cravings, and detoxifying teas and herbs can help you feel healthier, and the side effect would be thinking twice before deciding that you want to “pollute” yourself again with oily and fatty foods. In this respect, alternative medicine is wonderful for weight loss.
Most alternative medicines for weight loss come in the form of detoxifying teas, energy supplements, and vitamins. The exercise and diet plans are the basis-as they should be- for safe and effective long term weight loss. There is no magic potion to lose weight. Truly dropping pounds and keeping them off requires regular daily exercise and a change in eating habits, period.
However, to get you ready for weight loss, here are some alternative medicine detoxifying teas and interesting supplements;
Take turmeric, ginger, and lemon-about a half teaspoon each and the juice of half a lemon, and boil it all in 2 cups of water. Drink every morning as a detoxifier before you start your diet.
All diets should consist of fresh fruits and vegetables, and buying a juicer is a great way to make a habit out of eating healthy. Please see your doctor before starting any kind of diet plan.
Omega three is a fine source of nutrient, and can be added to any smoothie or juice that you’re drinking.
Visit your local food co op or herbalist, they can get you set up with all sorts of alternative teas and nutrition advice, and can refer you to a good homeopathic doctor who will evaluate you as to what your individual nutrition needs are.
Bovine and shark cartilage are two dietary supplements to hit the alternative market. Both have been used for years outside of the United States and Britain, but now are big business in the health food stores.
The most popular form of alternative medicine for weight loss isn’t really medicine at all, rather behavior modification through hypnosis. Hypnosis doesn’t make you rely on will power, that’s one of the reasons it’s so popular.
How hypnosis works is that it investigates what is subconsciously holding you to the thinking and eating habits that keep you overweight. Hypnotists believe that if the root cause of the obesity can be alleviated, the patient will naturally begin to lose weight. It is actually a very effective form of alternative medicine, and overall can cost much less than trips to day spas and expensive over the counter weight loss pills. Through hypnosis you can let go of fears that keep you from eating healthy, and begin to allow a positive energy flow through you, causing you to want to stick to the new way of eating and exercising.
DISCLAIMER: This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read.
Since natural and/or dietary supplements are not FDA approved they must be accompanied by a two-part disclaimer on the product label: that the statement has not been evaluated by FDA and that the product is not intended to “diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.”
Hans Hasselfors
http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/weight-loss-with-alternative-medicine-10851.html
Heart Disease Guide – Part 3
Heart Disease in Women: Women and Heart Disease
The risk of heart disease in women increases with age. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women over 40 years old, especially after menopause. Menopause is a normal stage in a woman’s life; it comprises any of the changes a woman experiences either before or after she stops menstruating. As menopause nears, the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen (a female hormone), causing changes in the menstrual cycle and other physical changes. Every year, more than 500,000 U.S. women die of heart disease. This translates to approximately one death every minute.
Heart disease in women is preventable as per the latest guidelines from the American Heart Association. Reason to understand the cause of heart disease in women could not be stressed enough. Heart disease kills 1 in 3 American women, but it doesn’t have to be that way. 60% of U.S. women now know that heart disease is their No. 1 health threat.
Prevention is better than cure. Heart disease in women is preventable with a disease prevention strategy. The knowledge of heart disease occurs to a person when it is too late.
Here are some guide lines for a simple prevention plan for heart disease in women:
Women aged 20 and older should see a doctor to find out their heart disease risk.
Chnaces are that one in 10 women will learn that there is no real risk of heart disease. These women should continue their heart-healthy lifestyles.
Women who are at risk of heart disease, should think of preventing heart disease and stroke. These women must stop smoking, adopt a heart-healthy diet, get at least 30 minutes a day of exercise, and watch their weight. And under a medical supervision, some of these women may need blood pressure medications, cholesterol-lowering therapy, or regular aspirin.
Women who already have some existing condition making it more likely to suffer from heart disease or stroke, should additionaly to taking the measures advised above, go after some aggressive medical treatments or rehab.
Depression is very common in women with heart disease. All women with heart disease should be evaluated for depression.
Women should exercise a minimum of 30 minutes a day, and for those women who want to lose weight, 60 to 90 minutes of daily exercise is recommended.
The risk of heart disease in women is increased by activities such as, diabetes and obesity, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol level and inactivity.
Heart disease in women though is on the increase, can be altered through some variations in life style. Clinical experience suggest the following general guidelines for preventing heart disease:
- Maintain blood pressure of less than 140/90 mmHg (120/80 is optimal)
- Maintain blood glucose of 80-120 mg/dL (less than 100 is optimal)
- Maintain total cholesterol of less than 200 mg/dL (and not less than 160) and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) of less than 130 mg/dL (less than 100 is optimal)
- Exercise regularly (30-60 minutes of aerobic exercise three to five times weekly is optimal).
However, there are certain factors that cannot be influenced to prevent heart disease in women. Factors such as age, family history and menopause cannot be controlled or prevented.
But there are other factors that could be influenced, through exercising the right option. This could prevent death from heart disease in women. As indicated earlier, introducing some changes to our life style, and carrying a positive out look towards the meaning and purpose of life, women can fight this terrible disease and live more healthier and meaningful lives. Meditation, yoga, prayers and religous activities can have huge impacts on our life and provide the necessary inner strength to cope with the pain and pressure of heart disease.
Diabetes and high cholesterol, homocysteine, and blood pressure can be improved through diet, exercise, medication, and supplements. High C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory biomarker, may help to identify those who would benefit from anti-inflammatory intervention. Diet, lifestyle changes, positive adaptation to stress, and supplements can assist in weight loss and help decrease stress. Quitting smoking will also reduce risk of heart disease in women. The scientific data strongly suggest that modification of these multiple risk factors can help to lessen heart disease risk and thus total mortality in women.
SURESH U VATAKETHIL
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/heart-disease-guide-part-3-135202.html
The Benefits of Exercise for People Who Suffer From Parkinson’s Disease
Many sufferers of Parkinson’s disease quickly find that various aspects of their life are no longer controllable in the way that they used to be however by exercising regularly Parkinson sufferers can continue to control their gross movements i.e. walking, holding objects etc. for longer which adds a mental and emotional boost to their wellbeing. Research has shown that exercise may also improve the synthesis of dopamine in the brain and increase the levels of neurotrophic factors which are beneficial compounds.
Exercise for people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease incorporates muscle strengthening, flexibility and toning activities so that muscles and joints stay flexible and strong. It is normal for a physiotherapist to implement an exercise schedule for the patient that includes a range of activities to work all muscles of the body over a two or three day period. So for example, day one of the cycle may include walking and strengthening exercises for the arms and hands whereas day two might be a yoga class where flexibility of the joints is the main focus.
It is essential to monitor the patient’s progress, not only so that any improvements and decreases in function are recorded but also as a stimulus for the patient; when people see improvement and can visualise the effort that they put in they are much more positive about continuing the regime.
In general exercise should test the entire body and not just the limbs so that posture and movement is maintained for as long as possible. Good posture is essential in the later stages of Parkinson’s disease because stooping can hamper breathing and swallowing. Exercises for posture include callisthenics, yoga, Pilates, tai chi, and swimming however not every sufferer will enjoy these types of activities. Simply sitting upright while reading a book or watching TV and walking with a straight back will also help though, thus walking the dog or playing with the children or grandchildren are great ways to work the body muscles and to enjoy daily exercising.
Regular exercise for the Parkinson’s sufferer will reduce the incidence of muscle cramps, rigidity of the joints and the aches and pains associated with staying still for long periods of time. Also, because exercise helps the sufferer to maintain control over many of their gross movements (although maybe not the tremors) it gives them a heightened sense of achievement and so stress and anxiety levels remain low. Keeping a positive mental attitude is incredibly important in conditions like Parkinson’s disease where sufferer can very easily become frustrated and discouraged with their predicament.
As with all exercise routines, the patient should start with a good warm up followed by the exercise activity of their choice or which has been scheduled for that day, and then they should finish with a positive cool down so that the chances of developing muscle cramps and injuries are greatly reduced. An exercise session should ideally last around 15-20 minutes and should not by any means exhaust the patient. Overexertion can be equally as damaging to a Parkinson’s sufferer as no exercise at all.
In order to make daily exercise more appealing and less of a chore it may be worth trying to find a friend or relative that is willing to exercise with the patient. Also, a bit of variety in the type of exercise will not only mean that the exercise stays interesting but it will also ensure that all muscles and joints of the body are used to a satisfactory level.
Jeremy Parker
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/the-benefits-of-exercise-for-people-who-suffer-from-parkinsons-disease-98660.html
Ladies Weight Loss Camps
Do you know that losing weight can be fun? These activities need not be restricted to just boring diets and exercises regime, you can even take a vacation to weight loss camps and take part in their activities. If you are overweight and already have a budget for a vacation, then why not check into a weight loss camp, have a vacation there lose ugly body fat at the same time.
If you are a lady and the idea of men ogling at you when you play games and sweat it out is not your idea of fun, then you may like to know that there are lose fat camps catering only to ladies like you.
Most,if not all weight loss camps are in tranquil and resort like locations such as near tropical island beaches, natural wilderness settings or even in mountain resorts. Since ladies only lose fat camps specializes in helping ladies to slim down while having fun, the professionals running the camps may have a better understanding about women’s problems and physiology.
Staff at good ladies only camps is highly qualified professionals that usually include registered exercise physiologists, mental health professionals, dietitians, certified fitness personal trainers and medical doctors.
Activities, depending on where the camps are located may include skiing during winter, water sports and games, mountain trekking, horse riding, beach volley ball and the list goes on. Classroom lessons on healthy eating, stress relieve, exercising correctly amongst others are usually included in your weight loss program there.
There will also usually be therapeutic and holistic activities such as yoga, meditation, message therapies and especially in ladies only weight loss camps, skin care treatments may be provided too. You will learn how to lose your fats and keep them off permanently.
The ladies lose fat camps provide an atmosphere in which ladies of all ages from a different background and ethnicities can bond through shared physical activities, playing games and make life long friends while having fun and a stress free vacation.
If you check into a mixed sex camp, you may even find your prince charming. Since everyone who checks into weight loss camps with the same intention to lose fat, conversation will flow easily and information on how to lose weight will be shared enthusiastically. The bonding is developed even further when you play games and participate in activities together. As a result, life long friends are easily made in weight loss camps.
If you want to slim down, look gorgeous while taking a vacation and make life long friends, why not check into weight loss camps for ladies?
Chris Chew
http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/ladies-weight-loss-camps-71974.html
Tourist City Guide to Harrogate
Harrogate is a North Yorkshire town, with a population of 85,000 people. The town became a fashionable spa town in the sixteenth century, attracting masses of tourism and industry, and many still visit today for the spa baths and historical sights. Other than monuments and museums set up to explore and educate about the town’s industrial history, there are numerous castles and historical battlegrounds that make interesting historical visits.
Harrogate is home to 33 restaurants recommended by The Good Restaurant Guide, and an array of bistros, wine bars and upmarket pubs. There are also a variety of nightclubs and club nights, making for a busy nightlife in the town centre. Shopping facilities are plentiful, with much of them inside the town and not located in out-of-the-way shopping malls. Much of the town centre is old and elegant, with much to see and do.
History
The history of Harrogate dates back to the Roman period, when farming hamlets were located on the site. A farming and textile industry was flourishing by the twelfth century, but the spring that was discovered in the sixteenth century triggered the area’s development into a fashionable, thriving spa town. More wells were discovered later, and the original still stands in the town centre.
The Royal Pump Room Museum contains exhibits exploring the area’s history as a spa town, and comprises a reproduced sixteenth century town for visitors to wander around. Knaresborough is home to a medieval castle museum, and the cave once lived in by a twelfth century hermit and ‘holy man’.
Art Galleries
Mercer Art Gallery is home to more than 2000 nineteenth and twentieth century pieces of fine art, photography, sculpture and craft works, and comprises two separate galleries. The gallery regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and art events.
The Gasgoine Gallery is an impressive private collection, including works by Picasso and Salvador Dali, and a large selection of glass works. New exhibitions are displayed every three works and all items are for sale.
The SMART Gallery exhibits and sells original art, sculptures and ceramics; and McTague Gallery trades in watercolours, oil paintings, twentieth-century prints, and genre and decorative prints.
Theatres
Harrogate is home to a civic theatre, numerous performance spaces and the most successful youth theatre in the country.
The Harrogate Theatre is a Grade II listed building, opened in 1900, and comprising two auditoria. Performances include large-scale touring productions, one-night entertainments and 5 of its own in-house productions; and there are films shown on Monday evenings.
Harrogate International Centre is an office complex, conferencing facility, hotel, exhibition hall and theatre, hosting a range of events and entertainment, including concerts, drama and festivals, with seating for more than 2000 people.
Restaurants
The Courtyard Restaurant serves contemporary British cuisine, and holds an AA rosette. The restaurant is located in former livery stables, and offers a choice of indoor and outdoor seating. Sasso is a fine dining Italian restaurant, and another of the 33 restaurants currently recommended by Good Restaurant Guide.
Loch Fyne Oyster Bar and Restaurant serves classic and unique seafood dishes in lavish surroundings, with a wine list comprising wines and champagnes hand picked from French vineyards.
Harrogate’s branch of Wing Wah, serving traditional Far Eastern cuisine, has two themed levels; the bright and contemporary ‘Modern Tranquil Room’ on the ground, and the oriental-influenced ‘Traditional Blossom Room’ upstairs.
Pubs/Bars
The Lounge is the bar in the Carringtons bar, restaurant and nightclub complex, and is stylish and upmarket, but relaxed and comfortable. There is a wide drinks selection and live evening entertainment.
The William and Victoria Restaurant and Wine Bar has a bar downstairs, serving drinks from an extensive wine list, in traditional, wood fixtured surroundings.
Montpellier Parade is home to Blues Bar, a pub and live blues music venue, Hedley’s Wine and Food Bar, Montpellier and The Slug and Lettuce.
Harrogate and Ripon CAMRA recommend numerous pubs in the area, and voted The Spite Inn ‘Pub of the Season’ in Winter 2006.
Nightclubs
The nightclub in Carringtons bar, restaurant and nightclub complex presents 70s and 80s chart music four nights a week, and attracts a young professional clientele. The club hosts the popular ‘Heaven and Hell’ on Wednesdays, and has a capacity of 600 people.
Club XS is an indie/alternative club, open three nights a week and offering indie rock, ‘cheese’, metal, punk and emo. The club has a capacity of 300 people.
Ministry of Sound Minibar is separated into four themed zones, with unusual and stylish d?r and state of the art sound and lighting equipment. The club is open from Thursday to Saturday, and licensed until 4am.
Shopping
Harrogate town centre is home to more than 20 antiques retailers, and all the major high street and department stores located within a short walk of each other on Cambridge Street and Parliament Street.
Close by is The Victoria Gardens Shopping Centre, comprising 4 levels and more than 30 stores. Retailers currently based in the units include Bay Trading, La Senza and WHSmith; there are also a number of cafes and coffee bars.
Lightwater Valley Theme Park and Shopping Village is located in Ripon, and is home to eight stores and a restaurant.
Sports
The Hydro is one of four leisure centres, and comprises 3 pools, a fitness centre, a cr?e and a caf?There is also a gym with state of the art fitness equipment. Knaresborough Pool is a popular choice for families, with its hot water bubble pool, water flume and large shallow section.
The National Centre for Combat Martial Arts is a training gym and teaching centre, offering a choice of group and individual tuition. Martial arts range from Kung Fu, Kickboxing, Tai Chi, Chi Kung and Yoga.
Ripon Sailing Club offers racing, tuition and relaxing breaks on its 20-acre lake, and boats are available for private hire on weekends.
The Harrogate Golf Club was established in the nineteenth century and offers a challenging game of golf on its 6250-yard course. Oakdale is slightly larger, at 6456-yards.
Ms Leisha Greenfield
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/tourist-city-guide-to-harrogate-468987.html
Effective Exercise for Seniors for a Healthier Life
Want to live your life to its fullest? You will be amazed at what a little more exercise can do to improve your life. Besides better mobility in your limbs, a better nights sleep and improved muscle tone, more oxygen will be flowing to your brain and into your bloodstream, providing your whole body with nourishing oxygen. No matter what your age is or where you live, health-improving exercise is available to you now-today!
Even if you live in a <a href=http://www.greatplacesinc.com/features/SeniorApartments.aspx>senior apartment</a> or assisted living facility, several exercise healthcare options are available to you. Oftentimes classes are scheduled for low-impact aerobics, water aerobics or yoga as part of a daily schedule at many nursing homes and other assisted living facilities. Even <a href=http://www.greatplacesinc.com/features/InHomeHealthCare.aspx>in-home health care</a> nurses make weekly or even daily exercise apart of their visits with each senior.
With Weekly Exercise No Matter Your Age You Can Slow Down the Affects of Aging and Improve Your Health
You don’t have to be a marathon runner to feel the positive benefits of exercise. 15 minutes of brisk walking everyday can even be beneficial. Even walking your dog around the yard or briskly walking to get your mail are all simple and effective ways of getting your exercise. Many people get set in their ways and routines and get so busy they forget to add exercise into their lives or they get complacent or plain lazy and don’t like the work involved. But it doesn’t have to be hard work– it can be fun!
Fun Ways to Incorporate Exercise in You Daily Life
• Dancing
• Efficiently cleaning (i.e. vacuuming, dusting, sweeping, scrubbing are all effective means of burning calories and getting your heart pumping)
• Swimming, especially water aerobics
• Walking a low-impact hiking loop in a city park or neighborhood
• Stretching exercise like yoga can be low-impact
• Thai Chi
• Treadmill or stationary bike
• Chasing your grandchildren or dog around a park
• Taking the stairs instead of the elevator
Health experts say to raise your heart rate to 60 and 90 percent of the safe maximum which is 220 beats/minute, minus your current age.
Exercise not only helps your body, it helps your mood as well. When you exercise, endorphins are released into your blood stream and heighten your mood, diminishing depression.
If has been a long time since you engaged in physical activity, you want to take it slow. Create small goals for yourself, even if that means walking across the room with the aid of a walker or cane and then move on from there. The ultimate goal is to get your heart rate up and exercise your heart. When you take little steps to exercise more in your life, you end up making big changes in the end.
Melissa Peterman
http://www.articlesbase.com/elderly-care-articles/effective-exercise-for-seniors-for-a-healthier-life-717444.html