Invest In Your Health!

by John Neyman, Jr.

What if a trusted friend were to tell you about an investment where you could not possibly go wrong...what would be your reaction? And what if there was a virtual mountain of credible information that supported the investment claims...wouldn't you be inclined to take advantage of the opportunity and not miss out on the rewards? Although the answer to these questions seems apparent, when it comes to investing in our health and quality of life we often choose to ignore what obviously works. Take for example, exercise...

Physical fitness may be the ultimate investment opportunity. Think of it this way. If you are willing to make the commitment (investment), you will feel and look healthier, have an abundance of energy, be more self-confident, more productive and discover a more joyous and fulfilling life. These are rewards that money cannot buy and the substance of high quality living. And, the investment of exercise becomes even more attractive when you consider that there is absolutely no down-side risk. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose. How much better can it get? How many times can you remember ever having a better offer? The honest answer is probably never, and yet many of us fail to act on this extraordinary opportunity. We simply choose to procrastinate or ignore the proven benefits of exercise!

Here are a few reasons that sometimes inhibit our willingness to "step out" and make a change or take a chance:

- Sometimes our vision gets clouded. We lose tract of what is really important. Forget about the less important activities that tend to clutter our daily routine and focus on exactly what needs to be accomplished to reach your goal.

- Looking at the "big" picture can seem overwhelming. And the bigger the task, the more overwhelming it can seem. Break the task apart into smaller pieces. If you want to lose 50 pounds try losing 10 pounds and repeat the process five times! Need to start an exercise program? Begin with short, simple exercises and then slowly expand your routine. Don't exercise too hard when first starting-out or you will become stiff, tired, disillusioned and soon quit.

- Have you ever not wanted to start something for fear of failure? Take the first step, acknowledge the fear and the next step will come easier. Once fears are acknowledged, they usually quiet down.

- Sometimes we start to think that a task is unpleasant or boring. Just like any other activity, this can also be true for exercise. There are days when we just plain lack the enthusiasm and motivation to continue. It's part of human nature. On days like these focus on 'why' you are doing it. Think about all the people you care about and who may need and rely on you. What would happen if you became ill or disabled and was unable to work for a period of time, or worse, if you were out of the picture completely. How would things change? If something happened tomorrow, how would your family or business manage without you? What do you want your life to be like in the future? There are many tasks or chores we do, that we may not like, but are necessary to live a happen and productive life. Focus on the bigger picture.

- Indecision can be defeating, but doing "anything" is better than doing nothing. There are no wrong choices and very few choices that can't be undone or done again. Can't decide on a particular exercise program or routine? Pick a few exercises and start with something simple. If you don't like it, go on to the next exercise.

- When you lack the confidence to start something new, take a deep breath and try to figure out why. Are you hesitating because you really lack the skill or is it just imagined? If it's real, try to find out where to gain the skills you need or find someone with the right skills who can help. In the case of exercise, finding a qualified personal fitness trainer can sometimes do the trick, but be wary...some PFT's are overzealous and tend to start newcomers on programs that are too strenuous.

- Life just seems too busy to find time for some activities. Large, uninterrupted chunks of time are very hard to come by. And if we're honest, when they do come, we'd rather do something totally pleasurable! Exercise has to become part of your routine. It can't be an option. Make it a high priority just the same as your career, and other areas of interest. You will be surprised at how easy exercise becomes when approached this way!

- Have you ever subconsciously (or otherwise) invited distractions so that you have a "good" reason not to get something done? Sometimes it's the simple things like answering the phone or sitting down to watch that "one" TV program, that distract us. When you find yourself doing this, take control of the situation and make a conscious decision to do what you are avoiding.

To reap the benefits of exercise, or any other health related endeavor, you must agree to become a willing participant. This will require due diligence on your part. And remember, as you embark on your mission you are investing in something near and dear to your own heart...your life and a future of healthy living.

About the author: Dr. John E. Neyman, Jr. is a Pastor, Author, and Relationship coach. You may contact him at drjohnneyman@gmail.com or visit his website at http://LeadersExcel.com

Meat, salted fish and colon cancer risk

by Anonymous

B0TH the meat-laden western diet and the traditional, salty diet of the Japanese apparently increase the risk of colon cancer for women, findings from a large study suggest.

Researchers in Japan found that among more than 42,000 adults followed for 10 years, women with either a western pattern of eating or a diet heavy in traditional Japanese foods like salted fish and pickled vegetables had a higher risk of colon cancer compared with women who were deemed healthy eaters.

Dr Mi Kyung Kim and colleagues at the National Cancer Centre in Tokyo reported the findings in the July 10 issue of the International Journal of Cancer.

In that study, eating fish in general was tied to a lower risk of colon cancer but a heavy consumption of salted fish and vegetables has been tied to higher colon cancer risk. The reasons are unclear, but research in lab animals has shown that substances in salt-preserved foods called nitrosamines may promote cancerous changes in cells, Kim's team points out.

About the author: www.medical-explorer.co m

What are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?

by Rob Mellor

Mesothelioma is generally associated with a long latency period this means that the symptoms of this disease can take many years to manifest, making both diagnosis and effective treatment very difficult. And even when the symptoms do become evident, which can take several decades, the symptoms are so generalized and non-specific that they could be put down to any number of more common diseases. This makes it hard for even experienced doctors to make a quick and conclusive diagnosis with Mesothelioma patients. The symptoms of this disease can often be confused with pneumonia during its early stages.

Some Common Symptoms Some of the most common symptoms of Mesothelioma of all three types are shortness of breath and chest pains. This may be accompanied by a persistent cough, and these entire symptoms stem from the build up of fluid between the lining of the lung and the chest cavity, known as pleural effusion.

Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma In pleural effusion, an accumulation of fluid happens between the parietal pleura (the pleura covering the chest wall and diaphragm) and the visceral pleura (the pleura covering the lungs). Both of these membranes are covered with mesothelial cells which, under normal conditions, produce a small amount of fluid that acts as a lubricant between the chest wall and the lung. Any excess fluid is absorbed by blood and lymph vessels maintaining a balance. When too much fluid forms, the result is an effusion.

This type of the disease starts in the chest cavity and can then spread to other parts of the body. Pleural Mesothelioma sufferers may also begin to display severe breathing difficulty, weight loss and fever as well as trouble swallowing and even swelling of the face and neck. Some patients may also develop a rasping voice and start coughing up blood. However, there are other patients that may not show any significant symptoms at all.

Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma The symptoms for patients who suffer from peritoneal Mesothelioma (a rarer form of the disease) are slightly different. This type of the disease starts in the abdomen and can spread form there. Patients of peritoneal Mesothelioma can display abdominal pain and swelling, nausea, loss of appetite and vomiting. They can also suffer breathing problems, and chest pain in addition to these symptoms. These symptoms result from tumors that lean against the abdominal wall. Bowel obstruction, anemia, fever and problems with blood clotting may also affect peritoneal Mesothelioma patients.

Symptoms of Pericardial Mesothelioma The rarest form of this disease is pericardial Mesothelioma, which starts in the cavity surrounding the heart. With pericardial Mesothelioma, the tumors grow in the tissues that surround the heart and can spread from there. Pericardial Mesothelioma sufferers may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, persistent coughing and palpitations.

Don't Loose Hope Most people who have worked with asbestos in the past do not begin to show symptoms of Mesothelioma until thirty to forty years later. By this time, the disease is already spreading and with the delay in diagnosis, makes it impossible to treat in many cases before it is too late. However, the cause, effects and symptoms of Mesothelioma are now becoming more widely known by professionals and lay people. This awareness, coupled with the current clinical trials that are being carried out by a variety of organizations gives patients the hope that an effective treatment will one day be available for all stages of the disease.

About the author: Rob Mellor owns the free to use www.mesotheliomasupportonline.com website helping people find out more about mesothelioma. Please visit the site for more information on mesothelioma symptoms

The Many Causes of Hemorrhoids

by Josh Riverside

Stated simply, hemorrhoids are caused by an increase in pressure on the veins in the pelvic and rectal area that causes blood to pool or collect inside them which in turn causes them to swell. A slight increase in pressure causes the irritating itching sensation which affects most people. This itching sensation can go away by itself if the underlying cause is temporary and not too much pressure has been placed on the veins. However, if the pressure continues to increase, the tissue will continue to swell, which in turn will stretch the surrounding tissue and more serious hemorrhoids may develop. The slight itching sensation will turn to a more prevalent burning sensation and spots of blood will start to appear on bathroom tissue after bowel movements.

Bathroom habits are a primary cause of most common, uncomplicated cases of hemorrhoids. Such habits are usually temporary, do not cause undue damage to the tissue and will disappear by themselves or with a few simple treatments.

Some of these habits are:

Rushing to finish eliminating fecal matter. When rushed, the common impulse is to push harder to move the fecal matter through the large intestine faster. While saving time, this practice puts more pressure on the veins and tissues than normal and can cause them to swell or even rupture.

The temporary onset of either diarrhea or constipation, or one followed by the other (which is common), can place undue pressure on the veins and tissues again causing them to swell or burst. If the condition clears up quickly, little damage will be done to the anal cushions and the condition should reverse itself naturally. However, if the condition persists, even over a relatively short period of time, the damage to the veins and surrounding tissue can become quite pervasive and require more extensive treatment.

Hard, dry stool. This is primarily a function of diet however the condition may be caused by a variety of factors not the least of which is a common side affect of a whole host of medications prescribed for numerous ailments. If left untreated, even if the symptoms persist intermittently, the condition can lead to a sever case of hemorrhoids.

Other factors that can lead to the development of hemorrhoids are:

Heavy lifting. Especially if one is not used to hard physical labor, a sudden increase in physical activity, such as helping a friend move large objects, or lifting heavy items alone, can cause an immediate onset of hemorrhoids. This condition usually leads to the painful itching sensation brought on by the sudden increase in pressure to the area. It usually subsides, if not too serious, by itself, in a matter of days as long as no more heavy lifting is done. The sensation has been unceremoniously described as having the feeling of having something resembling a stick inserted into ones anus.

Obesity. While causing a variety of problems in and of itself, obesity can place increased pressure on the pelvic veins especially if the increased weight is carried predominately in the abdomen and pelvis.

Pregnancy and delivery. In addition to the commonly regarded hemorrhoidal aftermath of delivering a baby due to the increased pressure on the anal area while pushing the fetus out of the womb, simply being pregnant causes changes to the mother's body which increases the blood flow to the pelvic area and relaxes other tissues while the constantly enlarging fetus causes increased blood pressure on many blood vessels in the area.

A variety of medical conditions and a similar variety of treatments have as one of their side effects conditions which can cause or set the stage for an onset of hemorrhoids. For example, heart and liver disease, treated over a long period of time can cause blood to pool in the abdomen and pelvic area, enlarging the veins and can create the pre-conditions necessary for an onset of hemorrhoids. Similarly, many of the medicines used to treat common illnesses have as one their many possible side effects, conditions that can cause hemorrhoids to form much more easily than otherwise.

Tumors in the pelvic region or tumors whose position in the body can cause an increase in blood pressure.

Infections in the anal canal. Any interference with normal bowel movements can place increased pressure on the anal cushions which in turn can cause them to swell. In fact, an infection in the area can mimic the symptoms of hemorrhoids.

In most cases hemorrhoids occur infrequently, cause little discomfort and disappear with modest treatment. Furthermore, even in more serious cases, treating the underlying causes, stopping the constipation or the diarrhea, adjusting the medicine, improving the diet, etc., can make even stubborn flare-ups disappear quickly leaving little long lasting effect.

However, some people struggle with hemorrhoids for long periods of time, unable to make them go away completely except for short periods of time, unable to stop the itching, burning sensations and discomfort for a variety of reasons. It is important for all hemorrhoid sufferers to recognize their condition and do whatever they can to alleviate the symptoms and prevent flare-ups. For others, hemorrhoids may be a necessary complication that cannot be 100% controlled but at least may be minimized to whatever extent possible.

About the author: Hemorrhoids Info provides detailed information about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of internal, external, and bleedings hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids Info is the sister site of Warts Web.

Allergy And Its Relation To Asthma

By Gelfey

Asthma is basically termed as a condition with clinical symptoms like cold and shortness of breath. Inflammation is the primary cause of asthma and if that inflammation continues, it leads to permanent changes in the airways making them more hyperreactive (twitchy). Our current understanding of asthma suggests that the inflammation in the airways is primarily eosinophilic in nature. It seems likely that in future that understanding will change and other cells such as the neutrophil will prove to be important such as in viral induced asthma of the pre-school child. Role Of Allergy: According to the article in http://www.drbarryzimmerman.com ,The relationship between allergy and asthma in childhood has been reproduced in numbers of studies from around the world using differing techniques. There is general agreement that the perennial indoor allergens and seasonal mould allergens have a more important relationship to asthma than the pollens with the most important allergens varying slightly from study to study probably depending on the prevalence of allergens in a given climatic area. Peat et al. found that asthma severity and morbidity in large sample of Australian school children was directly related to dust mite sensitivity but not sensitivity to grass pollen. They measured the level of dust mite allergen level in the homes and found that the levels were very high. Moreover sensitivity to dust mite and the degree of sensitivity as measured by the size of skin test wheals was the major determinant of current asthma. So it can be accepted that allergy plays an important role in asthma. Conclusion: studies have consistently shown that indoor allergens, mite, dander, cockroach and the seasonal mould alternaria have the greatest negative effect on asthma. So always take care of all these factors that are directly or indirectly effect the asthma.

About the author: Author is experienced health expert and working as a editor of http://www.slimtour.com

Pure and Natural

by Ethel Robinson

for As men has evolved from the cave area to modern technology he has ever but so slowly gotten away from the natural elements that was provided for his very existence.

All over this country people are getting back to the basics and to the natural way of living. Some are giving up the hustle and bustle, going back to the simple life, others are eating healthier , while others still are making conscious efforts in being careful with what they put on their skin and bodies.

God has given us this planet and the natural resources for our health and well being. Time after time we buy products that are filled with harmful chemicals. Sometime we are aware of the harmful effects, other times we are not. Who can keep up with our busy schedule. On the label are ingredient we are unfamiliar with scientific names we even can't pronounce.

Some products claim they are natural, some say pure. But according to the government only 5% of a substance has to be in the product to be called pure. Is 5% beneficial to the body? Others have natural ingredients but are also filled with other harmful chemicals.

We buy these products to improve our health, looks, etc. One of the major purchases in the country is beauty and skincare products. Many products are filled with mineral oil, paraffin wax, carnauba wax, lanolin, petroleum, fragrances, SD 40 alcohol, dyes and other fillers. Is this what you call natural? Is this what you call pure? When looking for a good beauty and skincare regimen look for products with none of the above ingredients. Some of the ingredients has been mention by American Medical Association as unsafe and they are still being used.

There is money to be made with natural and pure products that really are natural and pure. The potential is enormous. The gate is alway open. The skincare and beauty industry is a billion dollar industry. If skincare products are bought and sold why not get the natural instead of one filled with chemicals the same price. Your pocketbook can suffer by continuing using harmful ingredients or your pocketbook and bank account can increase greatly with this new wave for natural and pure products. Pure Profits.

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About the author: Ethel Robinson is a registered nurse and entrepreuneur. She has an online business with L'Bri Pure and Natural Skincare Products. No chemicals or fillers. www.ethel.lbrionline.com