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Archive for November, 2007

How To Tell Your Family About Your Depression

Friday, November 30th, 2007

Before you proceed with this step, decide if you need to tell them. While you are coming to grips with the idea that there is nothing wrong with being depressed, not everybody is as open-minded. Decide what your motivation is for telling them and then, if it makes sense to do so, proceed with your plan.

The best way to tell them is to decide who you need to tell and when. Also decide who will be the most supportive, these are the people to tell first. Explain to them how you have been feeling and how you are working to get better. By showing that you are making progress, you can reassure them and yourself that you are not on a downward spiral.

The next thing to do is decide how to tell the less supportive members of your family. You want to do two things here. The first is to discuss with your therapist what the best way to talk to your family is. Would it be a group session? Would it be somewhere neutral, such as a restaurant? The second is to make sure that the family member or members who know and are supportive will be present.

To tell them, make sure you start by stressing the normalcy of the condition, and you might want to tell them that it was not caused by them. It’s a process that can be compared to coming out of the closet, and you would want to make sure that in telling them, you are not harming yourself. The important thing is to remember that if nothing positive can come from telling them, then it is not worth it to do so yet.

You can read more about depression at curemydepression.com curemydepression.com

The Dangers of Using Alternatives to Established Diet Pills

Friday, November 30th, 2007

The potential harm that can be experienced as a result of taking diet drugs will be due to dangerous ingredients being contained within the drug. There are many legitimate, tested diet pills, like Acomplia, but there are just as many untested and potentially hazardous diet pills available. Often the “herbal alternatives” can be hazardous as the regulations that govern them are less stringent than those that govern diet pills that are manufactured in more conventional ways. This is particularly hazardous as the alternative health craze gathers momentum all the time.

Kava kava or kava root is a particularly good example as it is known by different names and has been extensively used within herbal and alternative weight loss remedies. The plant was discovered to cause severe damage to the body including the potential to cause liver failure and potentially death as a result of using supplements tat contain it. The regulations that govern the production and distribution of herbal and alternative weight loss supplements works in the favour of people who are less concerned about the health of the people who use the products.

The regulations allow the manufacture and distribution of products that have not been quite as rigorously tested and investigated as they should be to determine the full extent of any negative effects that could result from their being used. Often the fact that a supplement or diet pill is made from completely natural substances is said to be a good indicator that a product is safe or better for you than a standard product. This is untrue since it is harder to standardise the creation of drugs since not all materials will attain consistent strengths. This can lead to identical dosages of the same herbal diet pill leading to different effects occurring within the body.

There is no solid evidence that synthetically manufactured drugs are better for you, in fact many people believe that herbal diet pills are better for you body, but the stringent regulations and ability to standardize the strength of the drugs means that people are likely to be at a lower risk of suffering from adverse consequences after taking alternative medications and diet pills. The popularity of certain theonlineclinic.co.uk/weightloss/solutions.asp weight loss drugs, like theonlineclinic.co.uk/buyonline/Acomplia/ Acomplia , has lead to it being tried and tested through public usage to a greater extent than many other similar products. This can then help to provide people with the assurance that the product is safe to make use of.

Jeff Talbot

Treat Obesity by Using Natural Treatments

Friday, November 30th, 2007

Obesity can harm your health. If not treated, it can lead to other diseases or illnesses like heart disease, sleep apnea, stroke, arthritis, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

Let us say, you do not feel bad about your body but because of the risks that you can have in having weight problem, you really have to do things about it.

Yes, changing your habits like your eating and exercise habits but you have to be eager and determined to do it, in order for you to have a healthy life.

In order for you to change your habits, you have to plan for it. Indeed, changes take time, so you can do few steps at a time, what really matters in here is you are doing things slowly but surely.

You are being obese because you take a lot of calories than what your body is burning out. Gaining weight can be caused by the way you eat, the amount you eat, the kinds of food you eat, how active or inactive you are, these are few of the causes of having weight problem.

Now, in order for you to lose weight, you have to change your lifestyle. In focusing on changing your lifestyle, if can help you in burning off the calories you have than what you intake. You must improve your health and get rid of too much calories in your body, and you can do this by eating healthy foods with the right amount and by being active. You have to watch what you eat and do proper exercises each day, so to lose weight and be healthy.

If you are determined to lose weight, you have to stick with the plan, do not break the cycle. You really have to do it everyday. It may not be that easy but you must be ready about it. You can ask for support with your loved ones and friends, they can help you out with your quest to lose weight. For you to lose weight and to be healthy, you have to bear in mind that it is a constant effort.

You do not have to force yourself to do the changes; you can make it few steps at a time. Like for example, you can give 10 minutes of your time everyday by just walking. You can add at least one fruit with your meals. Rather using an elevator, you better use the stairs. These are few of the things that you can do to change your habits.

Taking herbal remedy can aid you with your quest to lose weight. Herbal remedy can treat your weight problem naturally and safely. It doesn’t have any harmful side effects that can affect your health since it is made up of all natural herbs. There are lots of herbal remedies that you can find in the market and online. You just have to research about the herbal remedy before you use it with your problem. In terms of purchasing, make sure that it has a certification in it to make sure that you are buying the real one.

Yes, primeherbal.com” target=”_blank herbal remedy can help you lose weight, but make sure to se the right dosage. It is better to read the instruction carefully to avoid any problem.

Eliza Maledevic Ayson

primeherbal.com/hoodia” target=”_blank Weight Loss - Hoodia

Eliza Maledevic writes for jump2top.com/index~topic~Real_Estate_SEO.htm Jump2Top.com - Real Estate SEO Company

A Closer Look At Weight Training Exercise

Friday, November 30th, 2007

Even though there are several sites that claim that they will show you weight training exercises online, in truth this is not the way to go. For those who want to start a weight training exercise program, you really need to be working with someone else. You will find that there are many options available. If you prefer you can go to the gym, use free weights at home with a buddy, or get a hold one of those machines, however if you do not do your weight training exercise with correct safety precautions, it is quite likely for you to get seriously injured.

I suggest regularly doing your weight training exercise at the gym. There are a number of good reasons for this, and I will go ahead and let you know some of the very best ones. Firstly, you can get a spot at the gym. Of all of the weight training exercise injuries, majority of them could have been avoided with a proper spotter. This is particularly true with free weights which can either hurt or even kill you if you are forced to drop them based on muscle fatigue. This is one of the main reasons to go to the gym, but it is really far from the only one. The fact is that it is easier to psyche yourself up for your weight training exercise when you do go to the gym. Especially with all of those people around you devoting their time to getting in shape, there is just no way you will feel like slacking off in your weight training program while you are at the gym. Lots of gyms even have personal trainers available, who will assist you to meet your personal best, by working you harder than you will yourself, and helping to chart your goals. In addition they can even suggest which weight training exercises you should use and how many, to build up the muscle groups that you prefer.

Before you begin doing weight training exercise, make sure you do some cardiovascular stuff. Although you can get by quite well without weight training exercise, cardio is absolutely essential to your health. With cardio, you will live longer, be healthier, and happier, and even have more energy if you do some aerobic activities every day to keep you on the go. The fact is we do not stay young forever, but for all those who get sufficient aerobic exercises do stay young for longer than those who do not. Once you start doing that, then you can also include your weight training exercise program.

John Wellington provides readers with up-to-date commentaries, articles, and reviews for talk-about-fitness.com fitness, body-mind-wholeness.com wellness as well as other related information.

Tips For Dining Out With Panic And Anxiety Disorder

Thursday, November 29th, 2007

For many sufferers of panic and anxiety disorder, certain
social situations present huge problems. One common
situation is the problem of eating out in a restaurant. Here
are a few tips that may help

1) Ask for a seat near a window. This may help you feel like
you have some space and are not so closed in.

2) Find a seat that is under a ceiling fan or near an air
conditioner. Many people with panic and anxiety disorder
report they are more likely to start getting nervous and
agitated when they become warm or hot.

3) Most restaurants have a television. Pick a seat where you
can view the T.V. screen and focus on it when you feel
yourself getting restless. This may divert your attention
enough to reduce the onset of anxiety or panic.

4) Try to avoid dining out with people you don’t know. Being
with people who understand your problem helps to make it
easier should you start to become anxious.

5) Keep focused on the conversation at the table. If you
should dine out with people you don’t know well, this will
help divert your attention and help you forget about any
anxiety or feelings of panic.

6) Cut out any caffeine. Coffee or a coke is a bad idea and
can actually start feelings of anxiety or panic.

7) If you are on any medication, carry them with you. Ask
your doctor if you can take ½ of a dose before you go to the
restaurant to help keep you calm.

Try these tips next time you dine out. These ideas just may
help you get through the experience.

Steve Polk writes articles on natural solutions for those seeking help with their health concens. For additional solutions please visit: panicandanxietydisorder.com www.panicandanxietydisorder.com

Dealing with Air Pollutions - Haze

Thursday, November 29th, 2007

When unhealthy air readings signal warning of air pollution, be prepared to protect your health. Here are some tips on what to do.

Too much exposure to haze can bring about adverse effects to the body. Here are some sign and symptoms to watch out for:

Breathing problem and nasal congestionChest painEye irritation - painful and wateryItchy throat and coughingRunny noses and cold attacksSkin irritation or itchiness

If you have any of the symptoms, do seek medical attention before it worsens.

High risk group

Extra caution is needed for those who are in the high-risk category. Those who are considered within the high-risk group are children, senior citizens and people who are suffering from conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, chronic lung diseases and heart related diseases. Avid smokers and those who work outdoors are also included in the category.

What can you do to avoid the effects of haze?

To stay healthy throughout these hazy days, you should heed the following suggestions:

If you are experiencing chronic asthma, cough, cold, conjunctivitis, heart problems and lung diseases, seek medical treatment as soon as possible if symptoms worsen or persist.

If you are in the high-risk category, you are advised to continue medication as prescribed and take care of your health at all times. You should stay indoors if API exceeds 201 and if possible, go to haze-free areas if the haze persists at a dangerous level at your place.

If you have to be outdoors, wear a mask. This is especially necessary for motorcyclists, outdoor workers, those who are exposed to dusty places and also to those who are in the high-risk group.

If you are a smoker and you have young children, elderly parents and relatives who are sick at home, do not smoke as this can intensify their illness. You should also refrain yourself from puffing away during the hours when the API (Air Pollutant Index) exceeds 100.

If you are active in outdoor sports, refrain or reduce these activities for the time being until it is safe to do so. Stay indoors as much as you can.

If you are exposed to the haze, wash your face, hands and take baths regularly. Make sure that you consume plenty of water at all times.

If you have an air-conditioner in your car, turn it on when driving. Make sure that all the windows are closed.

When do I observe the safety measures?

You should observe the advice given by Ministry of Health and Department of Environment by paying attention to the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings. Tune in to the radio, television and major newspapers to get an update on the haze conditions. It is only then you would know when is the correct time to resume any outdoor activities. API readings are as follows:

API readings Indication 0 - 50 Good 51 -100 Moderate level 201 - 300 Unhealthy level (Observe safety measures) >300 Hazardous level (Observe safety measures)

It is hope that with the availability of accurate and helpful information, all can strive towards good health and healthy living.

Visit offshoreman.com Oil and Gas Websites for complete web resources about Oil and Gas Industry.

Sulaiman Sabur is a Registered Engineer. Work as an Offshore Field Engineer mainly in Construction of Offshore Facilities for the Oil and Gas Industry.

Visit his personal blog about his career as an Offshore Construction Field Engineer. offshoreman.net/oil-gas-jobs/ Oil and Gas Jobs Blog

A Short History of Hair Loss Remedies

Thursday, November 29th, 2007

We perhaps think of hair loss as a modern problem, but it is something that people have always been concerned about. It is even mentioned in the Bible. The book of Kings, chapter 2 v 23 tells of Elisha being taunted because of his baldness. Many will know the old story of Samson who was said to loose his mighty strength when he lost his hair, and regain it when he re-grew it again.

In ancient times hair loss was considered to equate with a loss of virility and we know that the ancient Egyptians tried to overcome the problem in various ways. It wasn’t only a masculine problem. Here are just some of ‘cures’ tried by Ses, the mother of a Greek pharaoh – toes of a dog, refuse of dates and hoof of an ass.

In 4,000 B.C. Hippocrates, the father of medicine recommended a mixture of cumin, pigeon droppings, horse radish and beetroot or nettles. Even in quite recent times there are those who would recommend rubbing in a solution of chicken droppings – but chickens definitely don’t grow hair!

There have been literally thousands of ‘cures’ tried over many thousands of years from aloe vera to mandrake root and castor oil. Some were rubbed in, some inhaled, others swallowed – and only by chance did they seem to work.

Some people tried other methods – Both Julius Caesar and Napoleon Bonaparte grew their hair longer at the back and combed it over, and there have been wig makers from earliest times. This may be seen as vanity, but hair loss can result in loss of confidence and self esteem, especially perhaps those who constantly interact with members of the public.

Only in much more recent times has research finally been able to more fully analyze the problems and bring some help to sufferers. If you are completely bald there is little you can do other than wear a hairpiece or a hat but if you are just starting to lose your hair you now have the choice whether or not you want to retain your hair. Now there are a wide range of effective hair loss products available that are clinically proven to stop and even to some extent reverse hair loss. Make sure you know what choices are available for you!

John Tulley has written many articles on the subject of hair loss treatments and remedies. To read further articles by John Tulley click here: alpha7haircare.com/articles/article_directory.htm alpha7haircare.com/articles/article_directory.htm
To download a free copy of John Tulleys’ brand new e-book, “Hair Loss Treatments: How to Stop Hair Loss and Regrow Your Hair!”, click here: alpha7haircare.com alpha7haircare.com

Are Tanning Beds Worth Your Time

Thursday, November 29th, 2007

There is no denying that we live in a world of convenience. Our daily lives depend on gadgets and devices such as the ubiquitous mobile phone, the trustworthy PDA, and our cars that we cannot live without.

It is no wonder that the indoor tanning salon got invented. People who want to get darker are bound to look for a better way to get a nice, even tan, without the complexities, inconvenience and danger of the open sun.

These days, tanning salons are full-fledged establishments with top-of-the-line tanning products and equipment. Although you are paying for something that you can technically get for free, you receive in return a more even tan in a much more shorter time-frame. Ever spend three hours in the sun just waiting for the perfect tan? Well, look forward to spending twenty minutes in a tanning saloon for even better results.

Whichever salon you frequent should have experienced, trained staff that can guide and give you advice on the maximum exposure time that you should have. Look out also for what to do in case of emergencies and also check if they provide protective gear, e.g. protective eyewear. Ensure that the salon’s policy after a customer leaves also includes sanitizing the tanning bed surface and eyewear. Trust me when I say that you do not want to lie on a sweaty, bacteria-filled bed surface.

Of course like the sun, tanning beds still emit the ultra-violet (UV) rays UV A, UV B, and UV C, so you have to watch your exposure. Many people think that just because it is a semi-artificial and human-controlled method, that it is safer and less dangerous. It is not. You still have to be careful and take care of your skin.

By practicing smart tanning in moderation, people can derive the best out of a tan. To tan smart, use a good lotion, wear protective eyewear, and never let yourself burn. After your tanning session, try to apply moisturizers liberally to replace the moisture lost.

Alvin Poh believes that a tan can make someone look healthier and livelier. Find out more about buytanningbed.com tanning beds or the popular buytanningbed.com Wolff Tanning Bed, and learn to tan smart!

Acne - Debunking the Myths!

Wednesday, November 28th, 2007

Let’s debunk some of the myths that surround acne. Many of these myths actually add to your acne problem, instead of helping to solve it. To combat anything you need to be informed, so start here on your quest to abolish acne.

Acne can improve the more you wash your face

Acne can worsen if you wash your face more often? Why? Dirt and surface oils do not cause acne, it has nothing to do with hygiene. The best way to keep your face clean without exacerbating your acne is to wash it gently twice a day with a very mild soap or facial cleanser using your fingertips. Nothing that can accidentally abrade your skin (which means throw out that washcloth!). Over-washing irritates your skin and can worsen your acne.

Acne is caused by stress

Acne is not caused by stress. Drugs that treat some stress problems can have side effects that affect your acne, but stress in general is not enough to trigger your acne. In general, stress will not create acne.

Your acne will improve if you go out into the sun!

The sun can give the illusion that it is helping your acne, but the reality of it is that the sun, damages your skin. It can again make your acne worse, in combination with making you susceptible to skin cancer in the future.

Acne is caused by your diet

There have been numerous studies that have tried to determine this and in essence, they have found no correlation between acne and diet. In other words, eat what you want. However, having a balanced diet is an excellent thing; it helps to combat other conditions. While some people will swear that eating something affected their acne, scientifically it has no basis and according to those same studies, if acne is treated properly, there is no reason or need to worry about the food you are eating.

Popping Pimples will make them go away

It’s a temporary fix that can lead to a lot more problems. What it does is push the bacteria that created the pimple in the first place back into your skin, causing it to swell and even break out again in the near future. In addition to that, it may create a scar that will be left for a few months, or forever.

Using the maximum strength acne treatment is best

Many companies will try to sell the maximum strength treatment, because that is what most people like to buy. However, using 10% benzoyl peroxide treatment on your skin dries it out a lot faster and does not help in the long run. Why do companies sell then? Because that is the maximum allowed by law for an over the counter remedy.

If you wear makeup, it will cause you to break out

A lot of makeup now has benzoyl peroxide as one of its ingredients. As long as you choose makeup that is nonacnegenic or noncomedogenic it should not be a problem. You could also try a tinted benzoyl cream instead of makeup to help hide pimples while you are treating them. If you are worried, you could talk with your dermatologist and ask them to recommend the best cosmetics to use for your skin.

There are many myths about the treatment and the causes of acne. Don’t be taken in by the hype, acne is a condition that you can combat!

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to acne-guides.com/ Acne

Alternative Therapies for Fibromyalgia

Wednesday, November 28th, 2007

People seek alternative therapies for fibromyalgia for many reasons: a desire to avoid numerous prescription medications, the ineffectiveness of prescription medications, the number of unwanted side effects associated with them, or a desire for a more natural therapy for fibromyalgia are just a few.

On this page, we look at some of the currently available alternative therapies for fibromyalgia and some of the natural products that have helped some patients obtain relief.

But before we do that, we will first cover conventional treatment for fibromyalgia.

These typically include sleep medications, muscle relaxers and pain relievers. Doctors may also prescribe anti-depressants, anticonvulsants and/or reuptake inhibitors. It is not uncommon to see reports of patients that take ten or more different prescription medications.

And despite all of this, people search for alternative therapies for fibromyalgia and grasp at anything that may give them relief.

Acupuncture and hypnosis are being studied as natural therapies for fibromyalgia relief. Scientists are doing research in an effort to learn why acupuncture is an effective natural therapy for fibromyalgia for some people.

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves placing very thin needles in the skin at certain points throughout the body. Acupressure is a similar technique that does not involve needles, but applying pressure to those same points. It is sometimes recommended as one of the alternative therapies for fibromyalgia, because doctors do not understand exactly what causes the widespread daily pain that is the most common symptom of fibromyalgia.

And since conventional medications are often ineffective, may be addictive, and can cause numerous unwanted side effects, even doctors look to less conventional methods of treatment for the condition. As a natural therapy for fibromyalgia, acupuncture has been effective for some people and may be worth a try.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy and pain management therapy are sometimes used as alternative treatments for fibromyalgia.

Rather than relieving the pain, these therapies focus on coping with the pain, learning to relax the muscles, reduce stress and avoid negative thinking patterns that may make the perception of the pain greater than it actually is. These alternative treatments for fibromyalgia focus on the mind-body connection and, in particular, how the mind can affect the body. Cognitive-behavioral and pain management therapies have been effective for some people.

Massage and chiropractic therapy are sometimes used as alternative treatments for fibromyalgia. Many people think of chiropractors as back doctors but, in actuality, misalignment of the vertebra may press on nerves and cause pain in other parts of the body, so chiropractic therapy has become a highly recommended form of treatment for all types of chronic pain and may be an effective natural therapy for fibromyalgia.

The effectiveness of massage as a natural therapy for fibromyalgia is questionable. Some patients report that deep muscle massage is actually uncomfortable and increases pain.

Yoga, meditation, prayer and biofeedback have all been used for alternative therapies for fibromyalgia with varying degrees of relief reported. Yoga, swimming and other forms of regular, low-impact physical exercise may accomplish several things as a part of natural therapy for fibromyalgia.

First, regular exercise increases muscular strength and endurance. Second, endorphins released by the brain during exercise are natural pain relievers and mood enhancers. And third, physical activity increases blood flow and oxygen supplies to the muscles. A lack of oxygen in the muscles is believed by some to be one of the causes of fibromyalgia pain.

As natural therapy for fibromyalgia, many people have tried herbs, botanicals and vitamin supplements. Proper nutrition is also important in good health. Unfortunately, chronic pain often leads to depression in many people and, subsequently, they forget or don’t care about eating right and taking care of themselves.

Some of the vitamins and minerals that may be considered as alternative therapies for fibromyalgia include B-complex, omega-3 and 6 fatty acids. These recommendations are related to enhancing energy, mood and healthy joint function.

Sam-E is sometimes recommended as a natural therapy for fibromyalgia, but Sam-E can have unwanted side effects and should be used with care, as should St. John’s wort and kava for depression relief. None of these herbal, botanical and vitamin supplements which are sometimes recommended as alternative therapies for fibromyalgia can relieve pain, but there is one botanical product which often can.

The mangosteen is a fruit that grows only in areas of Southeast and Central Asia and was used traditionally by native peoples in these areas to treat a number of conditions including pain.

Laboratory studies and chemical evaluation has shown that the mangosteen contain analgesics, anti-inflammatory agents and Cox-2 inhibitors, all of which are pain relievers.

Many people who have tried mangosteen supplements or juice as a natural therapy for fibromyalgia have reported amazing results. Of the many alternative therapies for fibromyalgia, mangosteen is one of the few that can address many different symptoms, not only pain, but also depression, fatigue, sleeping problems and lack of energy.

Mike Leuthen is chief editor of restore-your-health.com restore-your-health.com, a free resource covering health conditions A to Z. Please visit us for more information on how to alleviate fibromyalgia.