Body Composition

bodycompI hope you’ll want to learn more and let me help you to get into the best shape of your life.

THE EFFECTS OF BODY COMPOSITION ON HEALTH
America is in a state of health emergency. More than 60% of the US adult population is overweight and over 25% are considered obese. One out of four children and adolescents are now considered overweight or obese and are quickly headed for a lifetime of chronic disease. We are fatter than ever and the numbers continue to rise at a dreadfully high rate! Even more alarming is the fact that approximately 20% of overweight Americans may not realize they need to lose excess body fat – because they physically “appear” to be of normal weight. Despite looking thin and having a normal weight, they have altered or have an unhealthy body composition. What is unhealthy body composition? Generally speaking, it refers to carrying too much fat in comparison to lean tissue (e.g. muscle). It is clear that achieving healthy body composition is critically important to experiencing the joy that optimal health can bring.

THE CONSEQUENCES OF UNHEALTHY BODY COMPOSITION

Unhealthy body composition and excess body weight often lead to obesity, which is associated with serious health consequences including:

Heart disease Stroke
High blood pressure High cholesterol
Metabolic syndrome Diabetes
Back pain   Respiratory problems
Certain types of cancer Kidney disorders
Estrogen-related problems Gallbladder disorders
Excess fatigue Osteoarthritis
Sleep apnea Urinary incontinence

Metabolic syndrome (also known as syndrome X or insulin resistance syndrome) affects approximately 46% of Americans, and is characterized by high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood insulin and glucose levels. People with metabolic syndrome are at greater risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease. As a rule, a waist circumference greater than 40 inches for men and 35 inches for women significantly increases the risk of metabolic syndrome.

Even hormone balance can be affected by unhealthy body composition, because estrogen can be produced in fat tissue. An increase in fat to muscle mass could therefore lead to an imbalance in estrogen. Estrogen imbalance has been associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), uterine fibroid tumors, fibrocystic or painful breasts, cervical dysplasia, endometriosis, systemic lupus erythematosis and breast, uterine, and ovarian cancers.

BODY COMPOSITION IS MORE THAN JUST YOUR WEIGHT

Body weight alone (what the scale says) is not a definitive assessment of body composition. Even after losing weight, you might still be considered over fat. This occurs when the weight you lose comes predominantly from muscle and not from fat – producing unhealthy body composition. Having excess fat on the inside but looking normal on the outside may result in disease risks that are similar to those who appear overtly overweight. Where fat accumulates also impacts the degree of risk. Excess fat that is concentrated near the waist – a condition generally referred to as central adiposity or an “apple” shape – greatly increases the risk of disease. Just because you look thin doesn’t mean you are healthy!

Several simple, non-invasive methods are available that can estimate body composition. These include waist-to-hip ratio, skin-fold thickness, and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA).

FACTORS THAT LEAD TO UNHEALTHY BODY COMPOSITION

There is no single cause of unhealthy body composition. Excessive fat accumulation can result from an imbalance between the calories you take in and the calories you burn; lack of physical activity; lifestyle influences such as a high-fat, high-sugar diet; overeating; excess alcohol intake; chronic use of corticosteroids; hormone imbalance; and other metabolic factors.

ACHIEVING A HEALTH BODY COMPOSITION

A health body composition program helps a person lose weight and look thinner by targeting fat and preserving muscle. This is in contrast to an unhealthy body composition program, which may help a person lose weight, but can result in muscle loss without as much fat loss. By preserving lean muscle mass, a healthy body composition program reduces the risk of disease and may decrease the likelihood that fat will return after the program is complete. This is because a higher ratio of muscle-to-fat may increase the body’s metabolic rate, enabling your body to more effectively burn calories each day.

A traditional approach to improving body composition includes exercise and reduced calorie intake, but nutritional supplementation may also offer additional, significant benefits. For example, one study comparing a doctor-supervised, nutritional-based body composition program to a popular, over-the-counter diet drink showed dramatically different results. Patients on the doctor-supervised program achieved 11 pounds of weight loss from fat and they actually increased their muscle mass. The patients on the over-the-counter diet drink lost the majority of their weight from muscle rather than body fat – despite being prescribed the same foods and exercise routine as those on the doctor-supervised program.

In my books and Cd’s you will learn how to achieve proper body composition by learning how to incorporates proper nutrition and exercise to achieve fat loss and preserve muscle. It is comprehensive, yet tailored to meet your individual needs.

You have the power to shape your body for better health. Take the first step to achieving your goals today.

I know you want to get in shape and look great.  Whatever your fitness goal…to slim down…gain muscle…tone your arms or flatten your tummy…I’m here to help you accomplish your goals and to improve your fitness level. If you have enjoyed this article and the many other free features on my site, and would like some more comprehensive information such as fitness books and CD’s to aid you in achieving your health and fitness goals, please visit my ONLINE STORE where you will find innovative natural health and beauty products to help you become the BEST YOU CAN BE !

Whiter Smile

smileI hope you’ll want to learn more and let me help you to get into the best shape of your life.

Ever wonder why some people possess a beautiful smile while others try but can never achieve the same result? The secrets to a great smile are simple that every one of you can do to have a brighter and better smile.

 Take a little extra time to give your teeth the care they deserve
It takes two to three minutes to adequately brush your teeth but most people spend less than 30 seconds brushing?

So why is brushing this long so important?  It all has to do with bacteria. Millions of bacteria live, work, and play in your mouth. They feed on food left on your teeth after you eat. Acid is a by-product of this bacterial feasting and it is this acid which destroys enamel creating cavities.

Brushing removes bacteria from your teeth so they can no longer make acid. It is important to remove bacteria from all tooth surfaces and this takes two to three minutes.

Do a little flossing. It just might save your teeth
You’ve probably heard that you need to floss at least once a day. But has anyone ever told you why? It all has to do with bacteria again. These crafty critters like to hide between teeth to escape your toothbrush. Here they continue to feed on food in between your teeth and produce cavity causing acid.

If allowed to remain for a long time, the bacteria invade and destroy gum tissue as well as the bones and ligaments which support your teeth. Flossing removes these bacteria from between your teeth so they can no longer cause problems.

It’s not just the candy that is dangerous to your smile
Many foods other than candy promote tooth decay.  Bacteria feed on the sugar of candy creating cavity causing acid. Bacteria not only use candy to create acid but can also use any food which contains sugars and other carbohydrates. This includes fruits, peanut butter, crackers, potato chips, popcorn, and other foods.

Especially harmful can be foods like raisins and peanut butter that stick to your teeth where they provide a constant source of energy for bacteria.

Brushing and flossing after meals helps by removing both the bacteria and the left over food particles which the bacteria feast on. If you can’t brush after meals, try to wash food down with liquids so that less food remains on your teeth. Chewing sugarless gum also helps because this stimulates saliva flow and saliva acts as a natural plaque fighting substance.

Stop brushing so hard
Nearly two out of three people damage their own teeth by brushing too hard! It takes very little pressure to remove bacteria, food, and plaque. Most people apply three to four times the necessary brushing pressure causing damage to your teeth and gums. This damage includes: receding gums, sensitive teeth, notched teeth, and root cavities.

Reduce your dependency on coffee
Coffee is one of the most dangerous threats to your smile as it stains your teeth destroying your white smile. Most people sip coffee throughout the day, providing bacteria with a constant source of sugar from which to produce cavity causing acid.

Coffee can cause small fractures in teeth called crazes. These occur when your teeth are forced to expand and contract as a result of being exposed to hot foods or liquids. These hot and cold cycles occur when you drink hot coffee. Over a prolonged period of time, this will create crazes in your teeth.

Foods that can destroy your White Smile

Everyone is born with a natural white smile but over time your white smile fades. The foods you eat attack your white smiles on a daily basis. Your teeth are covered with a clear colorless layer of protein known as the pellicle. Food sticks to this protein pellicle, staining your beautiful, white smiles.

Especially damaging are:

  1. Foods like soy sauce, berries, curry, coffee, red wine, and tea. These foods easily stain teeth.
  1. Extremely hot or cold liquids. These are dangerous to your white smile because they change the temperature of your teeth. This temperature change (hot and cold cycling) causes teeth to expand and contract, allowing stains to penetrate your teeth.

Try cutting down on these types of drinks (including coffee and tea) or try drinking them with a straw to reduce the amount of time they are in contact with your teeth.

  1. Acidic foods. These foods open up the pores of your tooth enamel allowing stains to more easily get into your teeth.
  2. Tobacco. This is one of the biggest culprits in ruining white smiles. Tobacco quickly stains teeth yellow.

I know you want to get in shape and look great.  Whatever your fitness goal…to slim down…gain muscle…tone your arms or flatten your tummy…I’m here to help you accomplish your goals and to improve your fitness level. If you have enjoyed this article and the many other free features on my site, and would like some more comprehensive information such as fitness books and CD’s to aid you in achieving your health and fitness goals, please visit my ONLINE STORE where you will find innovative natural health and beauty products to help you become the BEST YOU CAN BE !

Better Food Choices

eatI hope you’ll want to learn more and let me help you to get into the best shape of your life.

If you think you have to give up pizza and burgers in favor of celery sticks and rice cakes to lose weight, it’s time to rethink your plan. To do so you’ll have to learn the sneaky tricks the food industry uses to sabotage your weight-loss goals. The biggest hurdle to your weight-loss efforts isn’t the high calorie foods you already know exist in supermarkets and restaurants but rather packaged and prepared foods that masquerade themselves as healthy alternatives. The food industry spends $30 billion a year to promote their products, so it’s no wonder we’re confused and tricked into thinking some of the most calorie-riddled, fat-laden products are truly nutritious and good for us. Check out the following examples to help you make better choices to eat less calories and fat and come up with a better plan to help you become the best you can be.

  Bran muffin

  • 420 calories
  • 20 g fat

Eat this instead: Ham, egg and cheese on an English muffin

  • 300 calories
  • 12 g fat

Bran muffins have two things your body doesn’t want in the morning: sugar and refined flour. Both will spike your blood sugar, which signals your body to start storing fat and sets you up for a mid-morning crash. And with only trace amounts of fiber, there’s nothing healthy about this muffin. The breakfast sandwich, on the other hand, is a great way to start your day. Besides having fewer calories, fat, and carbs, it offers you about 20 grams of protein, which you really need in the morning to jumpstart your metabolism.

  Chicken Caesar salad (dinner-size portion)

  • 900 calories
  • 60 g fat

Eat this instead: Grilled chicken on mixed greens

  • 400 calories
  • 20 g fat

Caesar salads contain fatty dressing, Parmesan cheese and croutons. Even a Caesar side salad before a meal can cost you up to 500 calories. A better choice would be a simple grilled chicken breast tossed in a bed of mixed greens with a balsamic vinaigrette. The vinaigrette is a vast improvement over the Caesar dressing, and the absence of Parmesan cheese means that you’ll save nearly an entire meal’s worth of calories by making this swap.

  Tuna melt

  • 900 calories
  • 50 g fat

Eat this instead: Roast beef or ham sandwich

  • 500 calories
  • 15 g fat

Tuna out of the can is healthy; tuna doused in mayo, covered in melted cheese, and slicked with another layer of dressing is not. Ham and roast beef are packed with protein and are satisfying and   lean, which means you can eat the same size sandwich and save 400 calories and 35 grams of fat.

  Chicken wrap

  • 700 calories
  • 35 g fat

Eat this instead: Grilled chicken sandwich

  • 375 calories
  • 15 g fat

The wrap itself is the real offender here, it’s a tortilla shell pumped with a bunch of modified starch, fat and fast-burning carbs. The huge surface area means there is more room to slather dressing and pack in more cheese and meat than your typical sandwich. Not a healthy food choice. A grilled chicken sandwich on a bun offers a great balance of fat, carbs, and protein, plus having a bun instead of a huge tortilla provides some portion control. Cut out the mayo and use barbecue sauce or salsa, which is the ultimate fat-free, low-cal condiment.

  Turkey burger

  • 850 calories
  • 50 g fat

Eat this instead: 7 oz sirloin steak

  • 350 calories
  • 20 g fat

When you hear turkey, you automatically think lean and healthy, but depending on the type of ground turkey and toppings used, one of these turkey patties can be every bit as fatty and high in calories as a beef burger. Sirloin, on the other hand, is one of the leanest cuts of meat available, which makes for an incredibly satisfying, protein-enriched meal that will keep you feeling fuller, longer.

  Fruit smoothies

  • 600 calories
  • 120 g sugars

Drink this instead: 100 percent fruit smoothie

  • 350 calories
  • 75 g sugars

Many fruit smoothies contain added sugars and high-fructose corn syrup, which means they’re more of a milkshake than a smoothie. A 100 percent fruit smoothie made with plain yogurt instead of ice cream or sherbet will contain nearly half the calories and significantly less sugar, plus it will provide all of the vitamin and antioxidant capacity that a smoothie is supposed to have.

  Granola bar

  • 200 calories
  • 15 g sugars

Eat this instead: 1 oz cheddar cheese with Triscuits

  • 150 calories
  • 5 g sugars

Ever wonder what keeps a granola bar together? They use mostly high-fructose corn syrup as their glue, which in turn quickly raises your blood sugar and cancels out any of the potential benefits you might otherwise get from the oats. By switching over to cheese and crackers, you swap out sugar and calories for protein and fiber.

  Pasta salad

  • 300 calories
  • 20 g fat

Eat this instead: Egg salad

  • 200 calories
  • 14 g fat

When the main ingredient for your snack or a side order is pasta, you’re asking for trouble, because pasta is made from highly-refined flour, which means quick-burning carbs and a huge spike in your blood sugar. Switching to egg salad saves you a hundred calories, and replaces the carbs with healthy protein, which helps fill your belly faster and keeps your metabolic fires burning.

  Yogurt with fruit on the bottom

  • 190 calories
  • 30 g sugars

Eat this instead: Plain yogurt with fresh fruit mixed in

  • 110 calories
  • 15 g sugars

You wouldn’t start your morning with a can of Coke, would you? Then you should pass on these troublesome yogurt cups since they contain as much sugar as a soft drink. Almost all of what comes directly from the “fruit” is high-fructose corn syrup. Yogurt and real fresh fruit can be a great way to start your day, but do it yourself by mixing a cup of nonfat plain yogurt with a half cup of mixed berries.

  Bagel with cream cheese

  • 700 calories
  • 40 g fat
  • 13g saturated

Eat this instead: Cheese omelet

  • 425 calories
  • 18 g fat
  • 6 g saturated

Bagels are bogus. The bread contains 300 calories and 60 grams of carbohydrates, but at to that the almost 4 ounces of cream cheese and your “harmless” breakfast snack just got worse than a Whopper. A cheese omelet will save you nearly 300 calories, plus provide metabolism boosting protein. And a recent study suggests that eggs can help raise HDL (good) cholesterol.

  Pasta primavera

  • 800 calories
  • 40 grams of fat (12 g saturated)

Eat this instead: 2 slices veggie pizza

  • 400 calories
  • 20 g fat
  • 6 g saturated

There may be a few vegetables in this popular pasta dish, but there is also a ton of butter, cream, and quick-burning carbs from the noodles. If you want pasta, look for red sauce-based dishes. A few slices of cheese or vegetable pizza turn out to be a smarter choice.  Pasta in most restaurants is served up in an almost bottomless bowl, pizza comes in a naturally portion-controlled form, two slices and you’re done. Just be sure you choose regular or thin crust.  Pan and deep dish pizza have nearly twice the calories.

  Dried fruit

  • 175 calories
  • 45 g sugars

Eat this instead: Fresh fruit, like an apple or a peach

  • 70 calories
  • 15 g sugars

Dried fruit won’t totally derail a day of good eating but it’s far from being a harmless snack. The dehydrating process sucks most of the volume from the fruit, so you can eat cups of the stuff, and 600 calories later, still not feel full. Companies also add a ton of sugar to the fruit, making Raisins closer to candy than what Mother Nature had original intended. Stick to the real stuff. You’ll get more fiber and less sugar.

Fish sandwich

  • 600 calories
  • 30 g fat
  • 11 g saturated

Eat this instead: Chicken sandwich

  • 300 calories
  • 13 g fat
  • 4 g saturated

Fish is healthy. Fish battered, fried, and bathed in tartar sauce is not. Too many chicken- and fish-based dishes are ruined by high calorie additives. Make sure your chicken sandwich is grilled (avoid the word “crispy,” which is just another word for fried) and is dressed with fresh produce, and topped with a low-cal sauce like barbecue, or even ketchup and mustard.

I know you want to get in shape and look great.  Whatever your fitness goal…to slim down…gain muscle…tone your arms or flatten your tummy…I’m here to help you accomplish your goals and to improve your fitness level. If you have enjoyed this article and the many other free features on my site, and would like some more comprehensive information such as fitness books and CD’s to aid you in achieving your health and fitness goals, please visit my ONLINE STORE where you will find innovative natural health and beauty products to help you become the BEST YOU CAN BE !

Metabolism Myths

man runningI hope you’ll want to learn more and let me help you to get into the best shape of your life.

Google the word metabolism and you’ll find nearly 45 million results on how to “speed up,” “ignite,” “kick start,” and “boost” your body’s fat burning capacity. The truth is, there are probably more myths about metabolism than there are about the Loch Ness Monster and Bigfoot.  The reality is your body burns between 2 to 5% fewer calories with each decade after you turn 40, and women tend to put on about a pound a year as a result. Simple tweaks to your daily routine can help you keep up your calorie burn and compensate for the deficit, keeping you from succumbing to age related weight gain. Here are some of the most common Myths.

1. Your body burns more calories digesting ice cold beverages and foods.

True. Before you give yourself an ice cream headache, the small difference in calories won’t make a significant dent in your diet. On the bright side, five or six ice cold glasses of water could help you burn about 10 extra calories a day equaling about 1 pound of nearly effortless weight loss each year.
Tip Although the metabolism boosting effects are small, it can’t hurt to pour no calorie drinks like water, tea, coffee over ice to maximize your body’s calorie burning potential.

2. Drinking the right amount of water can help you burn more calories.

True. All of your body’s chemical reactions, including your metabolism, depend onwater. If you are dehydrated, you may be burning up to 2% fewer calories. People who drink either eight or twelve 8 ounce glasses of water a day have a higher metabolic rate than those who drink only four.
Tip If your urine is darker than light straw in color, you may not be drinking enough fluid. Try sipping one glass before each meal and snack to stay hydrated.

3. Dieting drops your resting metabolic rate, making it harder to keep weight off.

True. For every pound you lose, your resting metabolism drops by about 2 to 10 calories a day. Lose 10 pounds, and you now have to eat 20 to 100 fewer calories to maintain your trimmer physique, not factoring in exercise. However, you can prevent your metabolic rate from slipping while you get slim. One way is to lose fat but maintain muscle. You can do this by reducing calories and increasing aerobic and weight training exercises. Crash diets that have you eating fewer than 1,000 calories a day, may result in a higher percentage of muscle loss.
Tip Lose weight by cutting 250 calories a day and burning 250 calories per day through exercise. That will help you retain or even gain muscle while you lose a greater percentage of body fat.

4. Hot foods will fire up metabolism.

True. Capsaicin, the bioactive compound that makes Chile peppers exude heat, and can turn up your metabolism a notch and helps to reduce hunger. Eating about 1 tablespoon of chopped red or green Chile peppers is equal to 30 mg of capsaicin which can temporary boost your metabolism 23%. 0.9 g of red pepper was given in capsule form or naturally in tomato juice before each meal. This reduced the total calorie intake by 10 to 16% and continued for 2 days after.
Tip Sprinkle red pepper flakes onto pasta dishes and into chilies and stews.  Fresh Chile peppers work well in salsas and add flavor to many other dishes.

5. Eating more protein will rev up your metabolism.

True. Protein provides a metabolic advantage compared with fat or carbohydratesbecause your body uses more energy to process it. This is known as the Thermic effect of food. You may burn up to twice as many calories digesting protein as carbohydrates. In a typical diet, 14% of calories come from protein. Double that and reduce carbohydrates to make up for the extra calories, and you can burn an additional 150 to 200 calories a day.
Tip To get the best of protein’s rewards, strive for between 10 and 20 g at each of your meals. Try an 8 ounce cup of low fat plain yogurt with breakfast (about 13 g), a 1/2 cup serving of hummus with lunch (about 10 g), and a 3 ounce salmon fillet for dinner (about 17 g).

6. Eating a grapefruit before every meal speeds metabolism.

False. Grapefruit won’t work miracles for your metabolism, but it can help you lose weight. Half a grapefruit before meals may help to  lose about 4 pounds in 12 weeks. The reason: Its fiber and water fill you up on fewer calories, so you eat less at your next meal.
Tip Instead of soup or salad, try a half a grapefruit, or a tangerine before your main course.

7. Lifting weights boosts your metabolism more than a cardio workout.

True. When you strength train using weights, enough to add 3 pounds of muscle, you increase your calorie burn by 6 to 8% meaning that you burn about 100 extra calories every day. Aerobic exercise, on the other hand, doesn’t significantly increase your body’s lean muscle mass. “
Tip You want to focus on exercises that recruit the largest muscles and use two part movements, because they will help you build more lean mass. These exercises include squats, push ups, and any exercise that combines upper and lower body movements.

8. Celery is a “negative calorie food” because digesting it uses up more calories than it provides.

False. The thermic effect of food does cause your body to burn up calories as it processes meals, snacks, and beverages. But this process accounts for anywhere from 0 to 30% of the calories you eat (protein, for example, takes more calories to digest than fat or carbohydrates) A medium size piece of celery has only about 6 calories; and its thermic effect is approximately half a calorie. In reality, negative calorie foods are nothing more than wishful thinking.
Tip Include celery as a low calorie but filling addition to salads, stir fries, and soups. You may not be able to depend on it to magically melt away your trouble spots but it is healthy because it has phthalides, compounds that can help reduce your blood pressure.

9. Tea revs your natural calorie burn.

True. Catechins found in green and oolong teas can boost your body’s fat burning fire.  Just one large cup of oolong tea may increase calorie burning by up to 10%, a boost that peaked 1 1/2 hours later. Green tea raises metabolism by 4% for 1 1/2 hours. Drinking two to four cups of green or oolong daily may translate into an extra 50 calories burned each day about 5 pounds’ worth in a year.
Tip Try a cup of green or oolong tea in place of your morning coffee for a dose of caffeine that will wake up your metabolism as well. Instead of milk or sweetener, add a squeeze of lemon, which may help your body absorb more catechins.

10. PMS cravings are related to the boost in metabolism before your period.

True. If there is a silver lining to PMS, it’s that your resting metabolic rate may increase the day after ovulation to the first day of your period. The metabolic boost you get from being “hormonal” can equal as much as 300 calories a day which is why your appetite increases during this phase.
Tip Keep a journal of what you eat the week before and the weeks after your period. Try to maintain your eating pattern over the course of the month so that you can take advantage of this hormone driven calorie burn. If you give in to cravings, make sure that you keep portions in check.

11. If you have limited time, exercise at a higher intensity for a metabolic after burn.

True. When you exercise at very high intensity you experience a post exercise boost in resting metabolic rate that is larger and lasts longer compared with those who work out at a low or moderate level. Up the effort of your workout and you can expect to burn at least 10% of the total calories used during the workout in the hour or so after exercising. So, if you do a combo of walking and jogging for 4 miles (about 400 calories) instead of just walking, you may burn an extra 40 calories in the next few hours.
Tip Infuse your workout with bursts of speed. Gradually work your way up to 2 minute intervals, 3 days a week.

I know you want to get in shape and look great.  Whatever your fitness goal…to slim down…gain muscle…tone your arms or flatten your tummy…I’m here to help you accomplish your goals and to improve your fitness level. If you have enjoyed this article and the many other free features on my site, and would like some more comprehensive information such as fitness books and CD’s to aid you in achieving your health and fitness goals, please visit my ONLINE STORE where you will find innovative natural health and beauty products to help you become the BEST YOU CAN BE !

Stop Smoking

smokingI hope you’ll want to learn more and let me help you to get into the best shape of your life.

WHY IS IT SO HARD TO KICK THE HABIT?

The nicotine in cigarette tobacco is an addictive drug.  It changes how your brain works, temporarily making you feel calm and more alert, boosting your mood.  But when the effect wears off, your energy level or mood drops and you crave another cigarette for that nicotine boost. It is a vicious cycle that millions of people go through every day.

The good news is that many people also quit every day.  You have it in you to quit.  I talk about re programming in my books and sell a great product on my site called The smartsmoke which which contains NO nicotine.

FACT:  Tobacco smoke contains nicotine and more than 4,000 chemicals.  At least 50 of them are highly poisonous and cause cancer.

FACT:  ‘Mild/Light’ cigarettes are just as deadly as regular ones.  You’re still inhaling the same amount of deadly toxins as in regular cigarettes, you are just doing it through a different filter.

FACT:  Smoking makes your heart beat faster, your breathing quicker and it raises your blood pressure.

FACT:  Second hand smoke is harmful to your friends, family and other people around you.  In fact, second hand smoke is the third major preventable cause of death in North America

FACT: 1 in 5 quitters won’t gain any weight at all and for those that do, the average is 5 to 7 pounds.  Remember weight gain is controllable.

Once you quit the nicotine addiction you may experience some withdrawal symptoms like; moodiness, trouble sleeping, increased coughing and oral cravings.  Most of these symptoms last 7 to 10 days and can be managed.

If you’re smoking a cigarette right now, I have good news for you: if you don’t ever pick one up again, your body will go through amazing transformations within minutes of finishing your last one.

  • 20 minutes after your last cigarette, your blood pressure and pulse will lower and return to normal. The temperature in your hands and feet increase.
  • After 12 hours, the carbon monoxide level in your blood will lower and return to normal. Blood oxygen begins to increase. You’ll feel more alert, sleep better, and be stronger.
  • After 24 hours, your risk of heart attack drops significantly.
  • After 48 hours, nerve endings begin to regrow and your sense of smell and taste will return.
  • After about 3 months, your circulation will improve, walking will be easier, and you’ll cough less. Lung function will be markedly improved.
  • Between 1 and 9 months, you’ll have less sinus congestion, fatigue, and nearly no shortness of breath.
  • After 1 year, your risk of coronary heart disease is half of what it was when you smoked.
  • After 5-15 years, your risk of stroke returns to normal, as if you never smoked at all.
  • At the 10 year mark, your chance of developing smoking-related cancer is about the same as a non-smoker. Diet and smoking contribute to 60% of cancers.
  • After 15 years, your risk of coronary heart disease and heart attack is that of a non-smoker. Your risk of death has dropped to that of a non-smoker.

You’ll also save a ton of money by not smoking too. Who wouldn’t want that?  In my book ‘get fit stay fit’ and ‘the best you can be’  I have many innovative ways to help you ‘kick’ the smoking habit or any other habit that you have. Also my newest book ‘Not Just Willpower’ will give amazing insight into addictions and how to overcome to become the best you can be.

You should recognize the reasons why you smoke so that when you decide to quit, you are better prepared  Once you figure out why you smoke, you’ll be able to recognize trigger situations and then you can change those situations.  If you smoke while having a coffee, try drinking juice or tea.

Most people quitting for the first time try to do it on their own or ‘cold turkey’.  For some this may work, but for others there are many other options available. If one strategy doesn’t work, don’t give up.  Try another one or even a combination of strategies.

Quitting smoking is challenging, but YOU CAN DO IT!

I hope this helps you to stop smoking.  If you have any stop smoking tips you would like to share, I’d love to hear about them.
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I know you want to get in shape and look great.  Whatever your fitness goal…to slim down…gain muscle…tone your arms or flatten your tummy…I’m here to help you accomplish your goals and to improve your fitness level. If you have enjoyed this article and the many other free features on my site, and would like some more comprehensive information such as fitness books and CD’s to aid you in achieving your health and fitness goals, please visit my ONLINE STORE where you will find innovative natural health and beauty products to help you become the BEST YOU CAN BE !

Did you Know

huhI hope you’ll want to learn more and let me help you to get into the best shape of your life.

Location, location, location: Store owners aren’t the only ones concerned with finding the perfect spot to display their stuff. Researchers in a wide variety of fields know that how you organize your environment has a surprising effect on everything from your weight to your chances of staying health. When it comes to how you feel, it’s not just what you do but where you do it.

Did you know the worst place for your toothbrush in on the bathroom sink

There’s nothing wrong with the sink itself–but it’s awfully close to the toilet. There are 3.2 million microbes per square inch in the average toilet bowl, according to germ experts. When you flush, aerosolized toilet funk is propelled as far as 6 feet, settling on the floor, the sink, and your toothbrush. Unless you like rinsing with toilet water, keep your toothbrush behind closed doors in the medicine cabinet or a nearby cupboard.

Did you know the worst place for your sneakers and flip-flops is in the bedroom closet

Walking through your house in shoes you wear outside is a great way to track in allergens and contaminants. A 1999 study found that lawn chemicals were tracked inside the house for a full week after application, concentrated along the traffic route from the entryway. Shoes also carry in pollen and other allergens. Reduce exposure by slipping off your shoes by the door and store them in a basket or under a bench.

Did you know the worst place to try to fall asleep is under piles of blankets

Being overheated can keep you from falling asleep. A natural nighttime drop in your core temperature triggers your body to get drowsy. To help your body radiate heat from your hands and feet, don’t bundle up under piles of blankets

Did you know the worst place to cool leftovers is in the refrigerator

Placing a big pot of hot edibles directly into the fridge is a recipe for uneven cooling and possibly food poisoning.: It can take a long time for the temperature in the middle of a big container to drop, creating a cozy environment for bacteria. You can safely leave food to cool on the counter for up to an hour after cooking. Or divvy up hot food into smaller containers and then refrigerate, it’ll cool faster.

Did you know the worst place for a workout reminder is stuck on your fridge

A visual nudge can help but only if you notice it. In one study, a sign urging people to use the stairs rather than the nearby escalator increased the number of people who climbed on foot by nearly 200%. Put your note near a decision point, just remember the reminder is usually short-term, so try to change the visuals location note often.

Did you know the worst place to sit on an airplane is in the rear

Avoid the rear of the plane if you’re prone to airsickness. Think of a seesaw, the farther from the center you are, the more up-and-down movement you experience.  Because the tail of the plane tends to be longer than the front, that’s the bumpiest of all.  The smoothest option is sitting as close to the wing as you can.

Did you know the worst place to pick up a prescription is the pharmacy drive-thru

Drive-thru windows are high among distracting factors that can lead to prescription processing delays and errors. If you don’t want to give up the convenience of a rolling pickup, be sure to check that both drug and dose are what your doctor ordered.

Did you know the worst place to set your handbag is on the kitchen counter

Your fancy handbag is a major hangout for germs with up to 10,000 bacteria per square inch on purse bottoms–and a third of the bags tested positive for fecal bacteria! A woman’s carryall gets parked in some nasty spots: on the floor of the bus, beneath the restaurant table and even on the floor of a public bathroom. Put your bag in a drawer or on a chair, anywhere except where food is prepared or eaten.

Did you know the worst stall to pick in a public restroom is the one in the middle

The center stall has more bacteria than those on either end. No, you won’t catch an STD from a toilet seat. But you can contract all manner of ills if you touch a germy toilet handle and then neglect to wash your hands thoroughly.

Did you know the worst place to stand during your first few fitness classes is front and center

You might think that you’d want to be near the mirrors so you can check your form, but you will be more motivating if your view is obstructed. In a recent study, women who exercised in a mirrored room reported feeling more anxious about their body’s imperfections after their workout than women who exercised without mirrors distracting them.

Did you know the worst place for a nighttime reading light is overhead

These fixtures put out relatively bright light, enough to significantly delay your body’s secretion of melatonin. This can wreck your night, since rising melatonin levels are a major cue for your body to prepare for sleep. A low-power light clipped to your novel will let you read but leave the room dark enough for your brain to transition into sleep mode.

Did you know the worst place to keep medicine is in the medicine cabinet

It’s not uncommon for the temp in a steamy bathroom to reach 100°F–well above the recommended storage temperatures for many common drugs. The cutoff for the popular cholesterol drug Lipitor, for instance, is around 77°F. To stay out of the red zone, store your meds in a cool, dry place, such as the pantry.

Did you know the worst place to set fruit before washing it is in the kitchen sink

Of all the household germ areas, the kitchen sink sees the most bacterial traffic, even more than the toilet. If the perfect berry drops while you’re washing it, pop it in the trash not in your mouth.

Did you know the worst place to use headphones is on an airplane, train, or subway

If you listen through a headset in a noisy environment, you probably crank the volume too high. In reasonably quiet surroundings, people tend to keep the volume at an ear-friendly level. But when the background noise increases like the loud rumble of an airplane cabin, 80% boosted the volume as high as 89 decibels, a level that risks long-term hearing damage. If you must have music, consider noise-canceling headphones to avoid the danger zone.

Did you know the worst place for your coffee is the refrigerator or freezer

Think that you’re preserving freshness by keeping it in the fridge? Think again. Every time you take it out of the fridge or freezer, you expose it to fluctuating temperatures, which produces condensation. The moisture leeches out flavor and it’s like brewing a cup of coffee each time. The best spot to store beans or grounds is in an opaque, airtight container kept on the counter or in the pantry.

Did you know the worst place for your TV is wherever you eat

Distraction is your waistline’s enemy and it can keep you from noticing how much you’re eating. You tend to eat faster when watching TV than while listening to music, consuming 71% more macaroni and cheese when watching a show. If you have the TV on while cooking, turn it off before eating. The best place for your television is up or down a flight of stairs, so you have to work to get a snack. You’ll be much less likely to munch.

I know you want to get in shape and look great.  Whatever your fitness goal…to slim down…gain muscle…tone your arms or flatten your tummy…I’m here to help you accomplish your goals and to improve your fitness level. If you have enjoyed this article and the many other free features on my site, and would like some more comprehensive information such as fitness books and CD’s to aid you in achieving your health and fitness goals, please visit myONLINE STORE where you will find innovative natural health and beauty products to help you become the BEST YOU CAN BE !

Food Signatures

goodforyouI hope you’ll want to learn more and let me help you to get into the best shape of your life.

You are what you eat, so eat well.  Every whole food has a pattern that resembles a body organ or physiological function and that this pattern acts as a signal or sign as to the benefit the food provides. Here is just a short list of examples of Whole Food Signatures.

carrotA sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye…and science shows that carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of your eyes.

tomatoeA Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart is red and has four chambers. All of the research shows tomatoes are indeed pure heart and blood food.

grapeGrapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of your heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows that grapes are also an amazing heart and blood vitalizing food.

walnutA Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds are on the nut just like the neo-cortex. Walnuts help develop over 3 dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.

beansKidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.

celeryCelery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don’t have enough sodium in your diet your body pulls it from your bones, making them weak. These foods replenish your skeletal needs of your body.

avocadosEggplant, Avocadoes and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female and they look just like these organs. Today’s research shows that when a woman eats 1 avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? …. It takes exactly 9 months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).

figsFigs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the motility of male sperm and increase the numbers of sperm as well to overcome  male sterility.

sweet potSweet Potatoes look like your pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.

olivesOlives assist the health and function of the ovaries.

citrusGrapefruits, Oranges, and other citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.

onionsOnions look like body cells. Today’s research shows that onions help clear waste materials from all of your body cells They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of your eyes.

I know you want to get in shape and look great.  Whatever your fitness goal…to slim down…gain muscle…tone your arms or flatten your tummy…I’m here to help you accomplish your goals and to improve your fitness level. If you have enjoyed this article and the many other free features on my site, and would like some more comprehensive information such as fitness books and CD’s to aid you in achieving your health and fitness goals, please visit my ONLINE STORE where you will find innovative natural health and beauty products to help you become the BEST YOU CAN BE !

Heart Attack

home remediesI hope you’ll want to learn more and let me help you to get into the best shape of your life.

Common sense may tell you that if you have a small medical problem, you should go to your family doctor. But what if no one is around and you are experiencing pain in your chest.  Please watch the following power point presentation as it may just save your life or someone that you know.   HEART ATTACK (left mouse click to advance slide)

If you aren’t sure whether you just have heartburn or something more serious like a heart attack, you should get yourself checked out.

The five warning signs of a heart attack are: pain or discomfort in your jaw, neck or back; feeling weak, lightheaded or faint; chest pain or discomfort; pain or discomfort in your arms or shoulder; and shortness of breath.

Sometimes, it’s impossible to tell the difference between the symptoms of heartburn, angina and heart attack.  A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to part of your heart muscle is severely reduced or stopped. This can result in death or disability, depending on how much of the heart muscle is damaged.

Heart attack symptoms once again include the sudden onset of tightness, pressure, squeezing, burning or discomfort in your chest, throat, neck or either arm. When these symptoms are accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sweating, shortness of breath or a fainting sensation, you need to get immediate emergency help by Calling 911.

Billions of dollars are spent each year treating cardiovascular disease and despite this heart disease still remains the number one killer. Personal prevention should be exercised to eliminate and control several risk factors of heart disease including high blood pressure, obesity, stress, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, and elevated cholesterol levels.

stroke

STROKE: Remember The 1st Three Letters….S.T.R.

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours
he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke…totally. He said
the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting
the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately,
the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe
brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.
Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:
S Ask the individual to SMILE.
T Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently)
(i.e. It is sunny out today)
R Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call 911 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

New Sign of a Stroke…Stick out Your Tongue

Another ‘sign’ of a stroke is this: Ask the person to ‘stick’ out their tongue.. If the tongue is ‘crooked’ or if it goes to one side or the other, that is also an indication of a stroke.

If you think you’re having a heart attack or stroke, call 911. It’s the safest thing to do. It’s better to err on the side of caution and overreact instead of under-react.

Many heart patients take blood thinners, such as aspirin. Research has shown that the risk of a first heart attack can be reduced by as much as 50% by taking aspirin regularly. However, 70% of long-term aspirin users experience intestinal bleeding and ulcers. As well, aspirin consumption can have other serious side effects such as:

– Protein loss due to impaired transport through intestinal lining
– Reduced immune function due to blockage of certain prostaglandins     important for normal immune responses.
– Impaired ability of white blood cells (part of your immune system) to absorb vitamin C, which is essential for their proper functioning.
– Worsening of food sensitivities/allergies due to the damage to your     intestinal wall.
– Worsening of asthma, kidney problems and anemia in sensitive people.

Heart disease is greatly influenced by nutrition. The minimal nutritional requirements for decreasing risk factors include the elimination of red meat, animal fats, fried foods, spicy foods, processed, and refined foods from your diet.

Increased consumption of cardio-protective foods like fish, (not seafood) is recommended. Additionally, a well-known nutrient beneficial to heart disease prone patients is Allicin. It is especially useful in cases of high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Allicin can be found in garlic, and while the increased consumption of garlic is beneficial, garlic tablets from a reputable source ensure the necessary intake of Allicin.

Also from a nutritional standpoint, persons prone to heart disease should be limiting the intake of foods high in vitamin K, which increases blood clotting (alfalfa, broccoli, cauliflower, egg yolks, liver, spinach, and all dark green vegetables) and increase the intake of foods that enhance the effects of anticoagulants (wheat germ, vitamin E, soybean and sunflower seeds).

Regular Aerobic exercise is still the best cardio vascular prevention.  By living a healthy lifestyle you’ll have more energy, feel better, reduce fatigue, increase focus and concentration… and that’s just the start!

Remember…Heart disease is not an aspirin deficiency

Please remember that these suggestions are general and if you seek a more individual approach to your specific condition, you may want to consult with your family doctor.

 

Heart Attacks And Drinking Warm Water

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The Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals, not cold water, maybe it is time we adopt their drinking habit.

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It’s nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down your digestion. Once this ‘sludge’ reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by your intestine faster than the solid food. It will line your intestine.  This will turn into fats and may lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.

A serious note.  You should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be your left arm hurting. Be aware of intense pain in your jaw line.  You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack.

Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms. 60% of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up. Pain in your jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Be careful and be aware. The more you know the better chance you can survive.

I know you want to get in shape and look great.  Whatever your fitness goal…to slim down…gain muscle…tone your arms or flatten your tummy…I’m here to help you accomplish your goals and to improve your fitness level. If you have enjoyed this article and the many other free features on my site, and would like some more comprehensive information such as fitness books and CD’s to aid you in achieving your health and fitness goals, please visit my ONLINE STORE where you will find innovative natural health and beauty products to help you become the BEST YOU CAN BE !

Astrological Weight loss

astrologyI hope you’ll want to learn more and let me help you to get into the best shape of your life.

Knowledge is power, and the more you know about your sign and yourself, the more you will have the tools of advantage for your sustained success. How many times have you started new healthy living habits only to stop and feel like giving up? The trick is to teach your mind to concentrate on new habits first, and your body will follow with gratitude and a greater sense of wellbeing. Approaching new weight loss techniques and healthy habits is a gift to yourself. You are giving more to yourself, not less, so don’t feel deprived in doing what’s best for yourself. Here are the 12 astrological signs and characteristics to think about when starting a weight loss or exercise program.
ARIES (21 March-20 April)

General: An Aries loves competitive sports and working up a good sweat. Burning calories should not be a problem for you. Include plenty of whole grains in your diet for sustained energy and lots of fresh fruits and veggies, and try to slow your rushed eating habits. Replenish your electrolytes with sports drinks, and always drink plenty of water to flush out the toxins.

Women: You tend to start a diet with great enthusiasm, but unless you lose weight fast you soon give up your diet and move on to something new even maybe another diet. Your have a need for excitement, which attracts you to fad diets and weight loss gimmicks. Your dislike of restrictions and your impulsive nature makes it difficult for you to stick to a diet and exercise plan long enough for you to lose weight.

Weight loss for you can be extremely successful if you apply your many positive qualities. The love of a challenge and your great desire to succeed will make sticking to your diet and exercise plan easy. Your interest in your health and appearance makes obesity unacceptable. Your strong willpower can lead to easy weight loss. But weight loss can be difficult for you when you allow your negative side to take over. You tend to start diets regularly but your lack of staying power means you rarely stick with your diet plan for long. Low calorie diets and promises of fast weight loss appeal to you but in the long term, prevents you from losing weight.

Your weight loss potential is excellent and you can achieve the impossible! If obesity has been a long-term problem, your strong desire to succeed and your enormous willpower makes sticking with your weight loss program easy.  Avoid the temptation to try every new diet you hear about.

Men:  The idea of going on a weight loss diet will not appeal to you. You dislike restrictions, which make sticking to any diet program difficult. You are an enthusiastic starter of new projects but quickly get bored. You have many positive qualities, which makes weight loss fast and easy. You are fiercely competitive and have clear goals. You take the initiative and start a weight loss diet and exercise program as soon as you see the first bit of fat appear!

Exercise is not a problem for you. Your weight loss program should include plenty of strenuous exercise. Competitive sport, risky physical activities such as mountaineering or motor racing, boxing, wrestling or martial arts also appeal to you.

You should choose a weight loss plan that includes plenty of spicy, strong-flavored foods. You need a diet that provides plenty of high-energy carbohydrates. You don’t have a sweet tooth, but your energetic nature means you burn calories fast so be sure to snack on plenty of fruit throughout the day.  Once you make up your mind to go on a diet, give yourself a clear goal. Decide how much weight you want to lose and when you want to lose it. To prevent boredom, make sure your diet includes a variety of healthy foods.
TAURUS (21 April-20 May)
General: You love to indulge in rich foods. Easy and regular exercise is best for you. Start with a stretch and a walk before eating a delicious breakfast of fresh fruits, yogurt, and low-fat granola. Stay low-fat, low sugar, and low starch with wheat germ in your smoothies, plenty of seafood, and fresh salads. Avoid rich sauces, luxury desserts and sweets.  Burning calories through bodybuilding and lifting weights will add definition.

Women:  A sensible diet plan suits you best. You are not attracted to fad diets. Typically you will not lose weight fast as you have a slow metabolism and dislike exercise but following a diet plan comes easy to you. You have enormous patience to stick with your weight loss program and lose fat even when your weight loss is slow. Your main strength is patience. You will stick with your diet and exercise program no matter how long it takes you to lose weight.

Sometimes because of your dislike for change you can make it difficult for yourself to change to a healthy diet and exercise program. If you are obese it is the result of a combination of things – a sweet tooth, a slow metabolism, a love of rich food and wine and a self-indulgent streak! And to make matters worse…YOU dislike exercise.

When you overcome your dislike of change weight loss can be successful. A weight loss diet that is too experimental is not for you. You do not expect to lose weight fast and your patience means you are happy with a steady but regular fat loss despite your slow metabolism.

Men: You have several problems when it comes to weight loss. You love rich, sweet food, you have a slow metabolism and you dislike strenuous exercise! Weight loss is also made difficult because of your determination to hold on to fixed ideas. A new diet plan is viewed with suspicion, as are all things new.

Your greatest asset is your refusal to let anything get the better of you! Weight loss is one area where your stubborn nature works in your favor. You are patient, well organized and methodical, all qualities necessary to ensure success.

Any form of exercise will help speed up a slow metabolism. A combined diet and exercise plan is important. YOU prefer gentle exercise like walking, golfing, bowling and horse back riding. You are not bored by exercise machines at the gym and you love gardening and can burn 500 calories an hour mowing the lawn!

A very low calorie or fad diet is not for you. You love food and you should choose a diet plan that does not leave yourself hungry. You have a tendency to overeat and hunger only leads to binge eating. Whole-wheat breads and cereals, apples, grapes, pears and berries are all good for you.

Don’t be afraid of change…embrace it! Choose a healthy diet plan that allows you plenty of food. Set yourself a realistic goal knowing that, with your great patience and perseverance, you will reach it.

GEMINI (21 May-21 June)
General: Weight gain is usually not a problem. Taking the time to eat the right foods is more of a challenge to you than overindulging. Try eating or juicing plenty of raw vegetables to keep your active nervous system balanced and your skin glowing. Cook up some wild rice for variety, and add plenty of calcium to your diet to keep your bones strong. Cut down on caffeine.

Women: You are the lucky ones when it comes to diet and weight loss. You have a fast metabolism, which means you burn calories quickly and, as result, lose weight fast. You love change, so starting a new diet plan will not bother you. However, you do want fast weight loss and quickly get bored with a diet that does not produce rapid results. Since quick weight loss (i.e. fat loss) is an illusion, this can cause you problems!

You have many positive qualities that help you to diet. The number one being you love change and a new diet will inspire you to lose weight. Your optimistic nature means that once you know how to lose weight you will embrace the idea and expect to succeed. You will not be fooled by fad diets and promises of instant weight loss. But your fickle nature can make sticking to a diet very difficult. The impractical side of you will find it hard to cope with a diet plan that is too complicated.

Your weight loss potential is excellent provided you can curb your impatience. Once you make a serious commitment to a weight loss diet and exercise program you quickly lose weight.

Men: The greatest weight loss problem facing you is your need for fast action and quick results. Unless you lose weight fast you quickly get bored and move on to something else. Sticking to a weight loss plan is not easy especially when you have lots of nervous energy and a fickle, non-committal attitude to life. Your dislike for regimentation will cause you to rebel against a diet plan that is too strict.

Your fast metabolism means you can burn calories faster than other signs. You enjoy new things and will embrace a new diet and exercise plan with enthusiasm. You can do two things at once! Following a weight loss diet and exercise plan at the same time, as pursuing a high-flying career is not a problem. For fast weight loss and good health, vigorous daily exercise is essential. You need an outlet for your nervous energy. Fast moving sports like running, squash, cycling, skiing are all good. Aerobic exercise is particularly important for your lungs.

You like instant food so keep plenty of healthy canned, packaged and frozen foods handy. To lose weight successfully, take time to choose a diet plan that suits your lifestyle which is generally to set yourself several short term weight loss goals – not long-term ones.

CANCER (22 June-22 July)

General: You love your sweets! And emotional mood shifts make you want to overindulge. Include lots of lean protein in fish and chicken as well as steamed veggies in your diet. Swimming, skating, and skiing are your favorite outlets for activity and losing weight. You do well with workout videos in the comfort of your own home. Remember to avoid too much salt, and choose plenty of variety within the cabbage family.

Women: You can spend years worrying about your obesity problem but rarely do you take immediate action to find a good diet and exercise program. You are great cooks and good planners, so a varied diet with interesting recipes ensures you lose weight so dieting is never boring.  Fad diets are not for you. For successful weight loss, patience is your greatest asset. Once you get started on a diet and exercise program you are tenacious and will hang in there until you lose fat and get fit.  But weight loss is difficult for you especially since you love to feed yourselves and others! Your diet plan may get in the way of your desire to feed your family and friends. You are set in your ways so a diet and exercise program that disrupts your routine will not work. Sticking to a diet can be difficult when you get moody and have a tendency to eat for comfort.

Weight loss potential is excellent if you allow new ideas into your life. Check out a number of diet plans, find a diet to suit your lifestyle and go for it!

Men:  Weight loss can be difficult for you because you love food and may even work in the food industry. You are extremely sensitive and can suffer from eating disorders. You spend more time worrying about your weight than finding a weight loss diet plan that might solve your problem. You are a great hoarder and cling to your past, which makes it difficult for you to give up the rich desserts and creamy cakes your mother, feeds you!

But your greatest strength is your tenacious nature. Once you start a diet and exercise plan you keep going until you reach your goal. You are also patient, well organized and very capable. Vigorous exercise will not only help you lose weight but will also put you in a happier mood! You are not particularly energetic but love anything to do with water, so rowing, sailing, swimming, surfing are all good forms of exercise.

A diet plan that encourages you to eat regular meals and snacks is best. Worry and stress can cause ulcers and other stomach problems so regular eating is important. You are a great cook so choose a diet plan that includes plenty of interesting recipes. Use your extraordinary imagination to visualize how you are going to look and feel when you reach your weight loss goal.

LEO (23 July-22 August)

General: You prefer rich food and drink. However, most of you stay motivated to keep physically fit by joining exercise classes or going to the gym. Becoming an exercise trainer yourself fits you to a tee. Tennis, sports, and dancing are fun for you, too. Avoid calorie-rich fast foods, and include plenty of wholesome foods to your daily diet. You have good recuperative power and vitality. Keep your surroundings harmonious for top results.

Women: You are drawn to fad diets, weight loss gimmicks and promises of fast weight loss. You like everything you do to be exciting and that’s why the newest diet or weight loss program will grab your attention. When it comes to weight loss, your best asset is your enthusiasm and desire to succeed. You have very high standards and need to remember that weight loss is not about being perfect. A diet and exercise plan that gives some freedom is best.

Successful weight loss depends on good organization and planning, which you are excellent at both. You will not only plan your own diet and exercise program you’re your family and friends weight loss programs as well! Your enthusiasm and high standards will not allow you to give up your diet program easily.  But weight loss can be difficult for the over-enthusiastic who may choose a fad diet or a very low calorie diet, which is impossible to stick to. Your have a need for excitement, which can prevent you from choosing a healthy, balanced diet.  A bad day can mean you get very upset when you go off your diet and consume extra calories.

Your desire to lead and take control of your life makes sticking to a diet and exercise plan easy. However you need to choose a weight loss plan that allows you to socialize and entertain. When you can choose a diet plan that suits your lifestyle, when you curb your impatience and over-enthusiasm, then weight loss is not a problem.

Men: You start your weight loss and exercise program with great enthusiasm. However, unless you achieve rapid weight loss you quickly give up. Even an occasional break from your diet plan will upset you. You may choose a very low calorie diet or a fad diet. You stubborn nature and belief that you know best often stops you from taking good advice.  You love to be loved so your desire to look good makes weight loss important to you. You take great pride in everything you do and will pay great attention to the details of you diet plan. Your outlook on life is positive and happy and most diet setbacks are temporary.  Your main problem with exercise is you have a tendency to overdo it. The heart is of special importance to you, so regular aerobic exercise is vital for health as well as weight loss. You enjoy team sports, but only if you are the captain! Tennis, running, martial arts, dancing and diving all appeal to you.

You should eat a low-fat diet plan, which includes lots of vegetables. Although you want to lose weight fast, you should resist the temptation to start fad diets or very low calorie programs.  When you start a diet, don’t try to be perfect. Set yourself realistic goals, allow yourself some bad days, and try to be patient.

VIRGO (23 August-22 September)
General: Use your keen, discriminating senses to have more control. Regular exercise is generally no problem for you, but not chewing your food thoroughly could cause intestinal distress. Fresh garlic, herbs, yogurt, and plenty of fibre helps keep things moving smoothly. Try not to be distracted while you eat. Full-body workouts are best for you. You are known for being the natural healer.

Women: Your desire for perfection makes it difficult for you to stick to a weight loss diet plan. One bad day can put you off! However, your practicality and attention to detail makes successful weight control possible. You have high energy levels so a weight loss program should include a regular exercise routine that will burn calories quickly and reduce fat.  You care about good health and will choose a sensible weight loss diet. Fad diets or celebrity diets are not for you. Your desire to be perfect will ensure relatively fast weight loss and long term weight control.  But, weight loss can be difficult because you are never quite happy with yourself. You expect too much, so unless you lose weight fast and your diet and exercise plan is perfect, you give up. Your desire to lose weight may cause you to cut corners. You may reduce calories too much in order to lose fat fast and end up binge eating because you are so hungry.

When you start a diet and exercise program nothing stops you! Your strength of purpose is a great asset when following a weight loss diet and exercise program. You enjoy helping others and frequently offer diet support, diet tips and diet motivation to your friends and family.  A vegetarian diet suits you. Nuts are a good source of protein but eat all vegetables, particularly root vegetables like carrots and potatoes. Eat lots of fiber in foods like whole meal cereals, bread, brown rice and avoid Processed foods, junk food and too much meat.

Men: Weight loss can be difficult for Mister Perfect! You are extremely critical and no matter how well you stick to your diet and exercise plan, you are never satisfied. You may be tempted to try a fad diet, like High Protein, in your rush to achieve a fast weight loss goal. Weight loss is fast and painless when you allow your positive qualities to emerge. You are practical and pay careful attention to daily routines. You take full responsibility for your health and once you start a diet there is nothing that will distract you.  You are not a natural sportsman, so you need plenty of exercise to help relieve stress. A varied exercise routine will suit you best. If you are young choose fast-moving games like badminton, tennis and squash as you grow older choose walking, jogging, cycling and golf.

You may find a vegetarian diet which suits you best and choose plenty of roughage. Health foods, like wheat germ, bran, and organic fruit and vegetables are particularly suitable. Loosen up! Stop trying to be perfect. Don’t be in too much of a rush to finish your diet. Remember the best diet plan is a diet plan you can stick to for life.

LIBRA (23 September-23 October)

General: You should have a buddy system when undertaking dieting and regular exercise. Your physical constitution goes in cycles from expending lots of energy to being a couch potato. A friend can encourage and motivate you to join a dance class or go hiking or bicycling. Eat a balanced selection of foods that have natural sugars, such as yams, sweet potatoes, bananas, apples, and berries. Include lots of fresh veggies, lean protein, and brown rice for balance.

Women: You hope that if you wait long enough your obesity or high cholesterol problem will go away! You have a slow metabolism and put on weight easily. This, together with your dislike of exercise and your sweet tooth makes weight loss difficult. However, you are very aware of your appearance and appreciate how weight control, diet and exercise help to maintain your good looks. Vanity is your greatest asset when it comes to fat loss! You adapt well to new situations so starting a weight loss plan or a new diet and exercise program will not cause you any problems. You think before you act and will spend time choosing the best diet. High energy levels make exercise a must and you generally excel at fast-moving games. But you have no discipline, which can make sticking to a weight loss diet plan difficult. Your love of lounging and dislike of exercise means your calories convert quickly to fat! You have a slow metabolism which makes exercise an important part of your weight loss program. Fast weight loss is not easy because you love good food and wine and enjoy entertaining.

You may resort to extreme measures to lose weight. You may choose a very low calorie diet or an excessive exercise program but soon quit. Or sometimes you do nothing and hope your fat will go away! A diet that allows a variety of interesting foods will work best.

Men: You do not lose weight easily. You tend to have a slower metabolism and a strong dislike of exercise and discipline. You talk about starting a program, but hope that your fat will disappear by itself! You are intelligent but can be gullible and can be attracted to fad diets and promises of very fast weight loss. You are generally handsome, but fat can ruin your good looks.  Because your appearance is very important to you, and because of your slow metabolism, weight control is a necessary part of your life. Starting a weight loss diet and exercise program with a partner works best for you. Any exercise is better than none but you dislike vigorous, sweaty exercise and are often the classic Couch Potato. Joining a luxury gym where you can also socialise, works well. You can excel at fast moving sports like tennis, squash and badminton.

The best diet for you is a low-fat diet that is high in fiber. It should contain lots of fruit to satisfy your sweet tooth. You should avoid processed foods and foods that are high in refined sugar, like cookies and candy and be sure to drink plenty of water. If you want to keep the ladies as interested in you as you are in them, stop sitting on the fence. Make up your mind to start your diet and exercise plan today.

SCORPIO (24 October-22 November)

General: You have great willpower, you can do anything, including sticking to your diet of choice. Mineral-rich seafood and shellfish are greatly preferred as well as lean meat, asparagus, cauliflower, eggplant, mushrooms, figs, and coconut. Keeping a well-balanced and delicious variety of food on hand contributes to your success. Cultivate your personal desires, and achieving your dieting goals can be yours.

Women: You are able to follow strict diet rules. To lose weight successfully, you must immerse yourself in your diet plan and no half measures will do! Your enthusiasm and organizational skills makes weight loss a certainty. Fast weight loss is easier for you. Once you start, you stick to your diet plan and are determined to succeed. A positive outlook plus an orderly mind can help you overcome all weight loss obstacles. You can make things work even when the going gets tough! But sticking to a weight loss diet plan is difficult, when your negative side of your character is dominant. You resent the restrictions that a weight loss plan places on you and you will not want to count calories or fat. You should avoid very low calorie diets, fad diets and excessive exercise.

A varied diet and exercise plan that allows you to use your mental and physical energy will work best. When you curb your restlessness and settle on a specific diet plan you lose weight fast.

Men: Weight loss can be difficult because you are critical of yourself. You need to understand how losing weight will benefit yourself. You may start a weight loss diet plan if your cholesterol or blood pressure is high. You have difficulty following a diet plan, as you like to do things your own way. Fast weight loss is easy for you. There are no half-measures! You will stick exactly to your diet plan until you reach your goal. You have enormous mental and physical energy, and needs to do regular exercise whether or not you are overweight. As a water sign you enjoy swimming, rowing, diving and scuba diving. Boxing and martial arts are also good calorie burners and appeal to your aggressive side.

A diet high in fiber and plenty of fruit and vegetables is important. Your diet plan should include plenty of strong flavored, spicy foods. You can get so involved in your work you forget to eat. You should include plenty of easy-to-cook meals. Treat your diet like you do your job. Pursue your weight loss program with your abundant energy and enthusiasm, and you are bound to succeed.

SAGITTARIUS (23 November-21 December)

General: Rock climbing, running, bicycling, horse riding, bungee jumping, and sports in general help keep you happy while burning calories. Go easy on fats, gravies, butter, and chocolate, but do include plenty of whole grains and oats. A general high-protein diet keeps those muscles strong.

Women: You need a varied diet plan that gives you freedom. You try to take on too much. Typically, you start a weight loss, exercise program and a new job all at the same time! Weight loss for your hips and thighs is difficult. You do not have the patience to count calories but you want to lose weight fast. Calories from alcohol should be limited for health as well as fat loss. You begin a weight loss diet with enthusiasm. Your optimistic nature means you expect fat loss and weight control to be trouble-free. You adapt well and like to finish what you start. But weight loss is hard for you. Lack of planning and impatience makes sticking to a diet difficult. You are not domesticated so you need a diet plan with simple meals. Weight management is not easy.

If you can curb your need to do things your own way you can have great success! Your best asset is your enthusiasm. Obesity is not generally a problem and fat is mainly stored on your hips and thighs. A sensible and varied weight loss plan is best with plenty of Vitamin C (citrus fruits, kiwi, oranges) tomatoes, leeks, onions, garlic and reasonable amounts of protein. You should avoid highly processed fast food, large quantities of alcohol, sugar, candy and cookies. In general, eat fruit instead of cookies or candy to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Men: Weight loss is difficult because you are impatient and fails to plan your diet adequately. A lack of commitment and a dislike of restrictions make it hard for you to follow a diet and weight loss program. You love food and drink and have a strong indulgent streak, which makes it hard to reduce fat, sugar and alcohol. You are a risk-taker and may take risks with your health.  You regard dieting as a challenge. Boredom is a problem for you so you need to plan a varied exercise routine. You are a natural sportsman and enjoy the social as well as competitive aspects. You are a risk-taker and are attracted to more dangerous pursuits like skydiving, motor racing, mountaineering and para-gliding.

Weight loss is not difficult provided you choose a diet that does not require you to count calories. A diet that allows you to enjoy a variety of interesting foods will work best. You have a tendency to over-indulge in food or drink, causing health problems. Set yourself high goals and progress steadily. Then, not only will you lose weight, but also you will enjoy the challenge!

CAPRICORN (22 December-20 January)
General: Time is on your side, you have a way of getting better with age and maturity. You love a good outdoor hike, running, jogging, cross-country skiing, and types of activities that provide continuity for the long haul. Free-range beef and chicken are your preferences as well as pasta, spinach, raw leaf veggies, and barley soups. Treat yourself to some foot reflexology and regular massage, and you’ll be a happy camper!

Women: You are so single-minded that once you decide to diet you will lose weight fast. A strict diet plan appeals to you, however, if your weight loss plan goes wrong, you blame other people and other things – it is never your fault! You have many strengths, which help you to diet and lose weight like organizational skills, and a desire for routine makes sticking to a diet and exercise program easy. A weight loss diet that is practical, with strict rules, is ideal. But weight loss is difficult for because you do not welcome advice about how to lose weight, diet, exercise or anything else. You believe you know best!

If you use your amazing discipline and focus to stick to your weight loss program you will have success. You welcome restrictions like counting calories, reducing fat, increasing exercise and other changes which help you to lose weight.  Nothing is a problem. Lean meat, bread, potatoes, pasta, corn are great choices.  Plenty of calcium rich foods to protect your weak areas like teeth and bones. You should avoid Cold foods and eat most of your meals at room temperature or hotter

Men: Whether it involves diet, weight loss or any other issue, you believe you know best and regardless of how fast you lose weight you are rarely satisfied with your results.   You are attracted to restricted diets instead of a sensible diet plan that you can follow for life.  You possess good organizational skills that help you to incorporate a weight loss diet plan into your busy life. Routine is important for you when dieting. A practical diet plan with strict rules is ideal.  You often make excellent athletes. You enjoy exercises that require endurance and stamina. Mountaineering and rock climbing are favorites. You enjoy jogging to burn calories, rather than working out in the gym. You are attracted to exercise routines that have social advantages, so joining the golf club or tennis club is perfect.

Avoid fad diets and diets that are low in calories. You are attracted to diets that require super-human willpower but in the long term this will not work. You should choose a diet that fits easily into your daily routine. A low-fat diet that provides plenty of dairy and calcium rich foods is important to protect your weak areas like teeth and bones. Set yourself a realistic weight loss goal and give yourself a reasonable amount of time to achieve it. Successful weight loss is not about being perfect!

AQUARIUS (21 January-19 February)

General: You like to try unusual wellness techniques, such as prana yoga and daily meditation, along with traditional, strenuous types of exercise, such as swimming, running, hiking, and aerobics. It’s important for you to keep your body well oxygenated and the blood circulating. Eat plenty of hot peppers and lots of fresh fruit for radiant skin.

Women: You are drawn to the mysterious. Fad diets, herbal supplements, diet pills and food combining appeal to you. However, your logical mind quickly realizes that a healthy weight loss program is necessary for fat loss and lowering cholesterol. A low-fat diet and regular exercise is essential to avoid circulatory problems. Your optimistic nature makes starting a weight loss program fun. Temptation to go off your diet is not a problem as you are strong and independent. But weight loss can be more difficult for you because you have fixed opinions and losing weight requires change so you should try to be open to new techniques for losing weight. Your unpredictable nature can turn you from the perfect dieter one day to the binge eater the next! A lack of confidence can prevent you from tackling your weight problem.

Once you understand why you should start a diet and exercise program there is no problem. You are inventive and will find ways of making your weight loss program fun. You enjoy individual sports like swimming. You are unlikely to become part of a diet support group, as your privacy is too important.  A low-fat diet is essential for with plenty of fruit, particularly apples and citrus fruit. Dried and frozen fruits are also good. Try to avoid all high fat foods, processed foods, rich sauces and candy.

Men: Weight loss can be difficult for you because you do not like to reveal your feelings. Your first step is to admit that you need to lose weight! Although independent-minded, your calm, logical mind will focus on sorting out the diet and exercise issues. Once you have decided to follow a weight loss program nothing will divert you!  Exercise is particularly important to you as you are drawn to most sports. You often pursue unusual outdoor activities like parachuting, gliding, deep-sea fishing or surfing. For weight control, and good health you should continue to take regular exercise into old age.

Whether you need to lose weight or not, following a low-fat diet is important. You should adopt a healthy-heart diet from an early age. So eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and try to avoid those creamy sauces you love!  Don’t diet unless you really want to! You are extremely successful when you are really involved in what you are doing. See your diet as a challenge and you will live up to your reputation for ‘brilliance’.

PISCES (20 February-20 March)

General: You should surround yourself with positive vibrations for optimum results. For better or worse, you tend to pick up vibes that can affect your overall well-being. You pretty much like all types of foods, sometimes too much so.   Dancing and swimming are two of your favourite stress releasers, as well as other water sports such as sailing. Meditation and yoga are the perfect cup of tea to soothe your highly developed imagination.

Women:  You may decide to go on a weight loss diet, then immediately eat a cream cake! You say one thing one moment, and then do the opposite. You are drawn to fad diets, gimmicks and diet pills. You believe the advertisements that promise ‘lose weight fast without changing your diet’. You should avoid diet pills as you often react badly to drugs.  You are a good organizer and once you decide to start a weight loss diet you plan it well. You enjoy good food so it is important to choose a varied diet with a good choice of healthy foods. You should use your wonderful imagination to visualize how you want to look when you lose weight. But making the decision to go on a weight loss diet is difficult as you are indecisive. Diet support is important, as you are easily influenced and highly emotional. A critical comment can put you off your diet plan and a minor worry can drive you to binge.

The older you get the easier it is to gain weight. You should start a healthy weight loss diet and exercise plan as soon as you start putting on weight in order to prevent obesity in later years. You will lose weight fast if you stop doubting yourself and take action rather than sitting on the fence!

Men: The greatest weight loss problem for you is your emotional involvement. When your diet and exercise program is going well you feel great, but when diet problems occur you becomes depressed. Your lack of routine and lack of discipline makes it difficult to stick to a weight loss program.  You will choose a weight loss diet that gives you flexibility. You are always willing to try new things, including new foods. You listen to advice and gather support from your partner and friends.  You do not like strenuous exercise and team sports are not your thing but you enjoy gentle water sports, non-competitive skiing, snowboarding and skating. Regular, gentle exercise routine suits you best.

A healthy balanced diet is important for you and you have a sensitive system and may suffer from stomach problems. You are extremely versatile and should choose a weight loss diet that encourages you to eat a wide variety of foods from seafood to all organic foods.  If you have a weight problem, get off the fence and do something about it. Don’t wait for someone else to push you!

I know you want to get in shape and look great.  Whatever your fitness goal…to slim down…gain muscle…tone your arms or flatten your tummy…I’m here to help you accomplish your goals and to improve your fitness level. If you have enjoyed this article and the many other free features on my site, and would like some more comprehensive information such as fitness books and CD’s to aid you in achieving your health and fitness goals, please visit my ONLINE STORE where you will find innovative natural health and beauty products to help you become the BEST YOU CAN BE !

Skin Conditions

acne2_2112I hope you’ll want to learn more and let me help you to get into the best shape of your life.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes scaly, itchy, and some times painful patches on your body’s outer layer of skin. Symptoms can be simply irritating and easily managed with topical treatments, but for those with moderate to severe psoriasis, the disease can be debilitating. Not only is it painful, but it can also cause loss of work and limit your ability to move freely and participate in physical activities. Psoriasis can also have a devastating effect on self-esteem and social relationships.

People with moderate psoriasis are affected on more than 10 percent of their body. Someone who has psoriasis on the soles or palms and can’t walk or use his or her hands is also considered to have a moderate to severe affliction. People with severe psoriasis are affected on more than 20 to 25 percent of their body.

No one knows exactly what causes psoriasis, but it is believed to have a genetic component. Most researchers agree that the immune system is somehow mistakenly triggered, which speeds up the growth cycle of skin cells. A normal skin cell matures and falls off your body’s surface in 28 to 30 days. But a psoriatic skin cell takes only three to four days to mature and move to the surface. Instead of falling off or shedding, the cells pile up and form lesions.

There are several forms of psoriasis:

  • plaque psoriasis
  • guttate psoriasis
  • inverse psoriasis
  • pustular psoriasis
  • erythrodermic psoriasis

There is no cure for psoriasis, but many different treatments, both topical and systemic, can clear psoriasis for periods of time. People often need to try different treatments before they find one that works for them.

Plaque Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is one of the most common forms of psoriasis. The symptoms are often characterized by raised, inflamed, red lesions covered by a silvery-white scale. This type of psoriasis is typically found on your elbows, knees, scalp, and/or lower back.

Guttate Psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis is characterized by small, red, individual spots on your skin. Guttate psoriasis generally appears on your upper arms and thighs, although, your face, ears, and scalp can sometimes carry small traces of the condition. This form of psoriasis is normally not as thick or crusty as lesions of plaque psoriasis.

Inverse Psoriasis

Inverse psoriasis, also called flexural psoriasis, is a form of psoriasis found in your armpits, in your groin, under your breasts, and in other skin folds such as those around your genitals and buttocks. This form of psoriasis appears as smooth, dry areas of skin that are red and inflamed but do not have the scaling associated with plaque psoriasis. This type of psoriasis is often subject to more irritation due to rubbing and sweating because of its location on skin folds and tender areas.

Pustular Psoriasis

Common traits of pustular psoriasis are white pustules or blisters of noninfectious pus surrounded by red skin. The pustules contain white blood cells, which are neither an infection nor contagious. The condition tends to go in cycles where there is a reddening of the skin followed by the formation of pustules and scaling. This type of psoriasis affects fewer than 5% of all people with psoriasis and can cover your entire body or focus on certain areas such as your hands and feet.

Erythrodermic Psoriasis

Erythrodermic psoriasis, characterized by a periodic, widespread, fiery redness of your skin, often appears on people who have unstable plaque psoriasis. Severe itching and pain can occur during the reddening and shedding of the skin. This type of psoriasis can affect body chemistry, causing protein and fluid loss that leads to severe illness. It is important to see your doctor if you have or develop erythrodermic psoriasis.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis affects your skin on the:

  • head
  • face
  • chest
  • creases of the arms, legs and groin

Seborrheic dermatitis causes your skin to look greasy and scaly or flaky. When the flaking skin affects the scalp, it is commonly called dandruff. In babies it is known as cradle cap. Seborrheic dermatitis occurs more often in men than women.

Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp (dandruff) in adults and adolescents is usually treated with a shampoo that contains salicylic acid. If you have dandruff, you might start by using one of these shampoos daily until your dandruff is controlled, and then use it 2 or 3 times a week. When you use a dandruff shampoo, rub the shampoo into your hair thoroughly and let it stay on your hair and scalp for at least 5 minutes before rinsing. This will give it time to work

Dandruff

Your entire body surface continuously sheds dead skin cells. Dandruff is the shedding of dead skin cells from your scalp. The most common symptom of dandruff is scaling, often accompanied by itching. Dandruff scales usually occur as small white patches on the top of the head. Dandruff is most severe during the winter and mildest during the summer.

Dandruff is a natural process that cannot be eliminated but can be controlled by regularly shampooing your scalp with a mild, medicated shampoo. If scaling on the scalp is accompanied by redness and greasy scaling on the face, eyebrows, and eyelashes, you may have seborrheic dermatitis. You should contact your doctor if the redness is present, or if scaling occurs on parts of your body other than the scalp.

Other Skin Conditions:

Skin Irritations

Many skin irritations may take as long as 10 days after exposure to appear. The most common skin problems are:

  • contact dermatitis due to poison ivy or Florida ivy
  • fiberglass dermatitis
  • skin reactions to chemical solvents
  • athlete’s foot
  • heat rash and jock itch
  • infections from puncture wounds, abrasions, cuts, and insects bites
  • sunburn and heat exhaustion

Wearing protective clothing is the simplest way to guard against exposure of your skin to the sun as well as minor cuts and abrasions that not only irritate your skin but also can get infected. Wearing work gloves and safety glasses helps you avoid accidental puncture wounds, cuts, and abrasions. Work gloves are essential when handling fiberglass, cleaning out debris and doing landscape work. Rubber gloves are suggested when using chemical solvents. These gloves reduce exposure to your skin. Clean, dry clothes help prevent skin irritations. Dry shoes and boots help prevent athlete’s foot. Itching, red spots, and minor inflammation can be very uncomfortable. If the inflammation does not go away after several days, consult your physician.  Available in my store is Hollywood skin magic which is an all in one skin conditioner that contains moisturizers, emollients, vitamins and extracts to nourish and condition your skin from head to toe.

Itching Skin

Itch is a common problem. Itches can be localized (limited to one area of your body) or generalized (occurring all over your body or in several different areas). Itching can be a symptom of an allergic reaction to something in the environment or to a medication or drug. Itching may occur with a rash or other changes in your skin. Itching can be created by fungus infections such as athlete’s foot and “jock itch.”

Environmental conditions such as dry or very humid climates can cause excessive dry skin that may produce itching. Itching is a common symptom of psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.

Excessive scratching is not good. Since scratching provides only temporary relief and doesn’t promote healing of your underlying problem, it is best to avoid scratching if at all possible. If scratching breaks open your skin, bacterial infection can set in. If scratching continues for many months or years, the area that is scratched may develop thickened skin or pigmentation that darkens the area.

If home treatment isn’t helping, or you notice that scratching is affecting the skin being scratched (infection, lichenification, or pigmentation), or the itch is disturbing your sleep, you should consult a doctor to ascertain why you’re itching.

Flaking Skin

Dryness can cause flakes on most parts of your body. It is most common on your legs and arms, where skin is thinner and more often exposed. The causes of dry, flaking skin are many.

Flaking skin is more common in older people because aging skin tends to be drier. Dry skin is aggravated by frequent washing and bathing, especially with harsh soaps. Dry skin is worse at certain times of the year. Winter is prime flake season. Low humidity in cold outdoor air and heated indoor air can worsen flaking skin. Without enough moisture, dry skin flakes off easily.

Flaking skin can also be the result of any condition that causes skin to become damaged, irritated, or inflamed, such as sunburn, allergies, poison ivy, psoriasis, and seborrhea.

Psoriasis is distinguished by flaking over patches of red, inflamed skin and should be treated by a doctor. Seborrhea commonly affects your scalp, usually forming yellowish, greasy scales. Eczema usually forms dry scales or flakes. Eczema can appear anywhere, but in adults it is most common on the hands.

Skin Redness

A rash on your face might be almost invisible but very uncomfortable and itchy. The word eczema is a general term, referring to a broad range of red, itchy rashes, including:
contact allergies such as poison oak

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common skin conditions. Patches of sensitive skin flare up in a rash in response to certain triggers, including:

  • rubbing or scratching the skin
  • excessive moisture, such as from saliva or milk
  • excessive dryness
  • overheating
  • cold air
  • common house dust
  • wool or other scratchy fabric
  • cow’s milk
  • wheat
  • soy
  • peanuts
  • nuts
  • eggs
  • dog or cat dander
  • cigarette smoke
  • clothes washed in an irritating detergent
  • soap

The rash commonly begins on your cheeks, neck, wrists, hands, and on your skin over the outside of the elbows or knees. Scratching your skin often causes it to become more inflamed and more sensitive to irritants and to dry out easily.

Dry Skin

Dry skin is a very common problem, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. The climate can make dry skin symptoms more severe. Winter’s wind and cold, dry air, along with indoor heating systems, create an environment that exacerbate dry skin conditions.

Dry skin can affect any part of your body. Arms and legs are most frequently affected. The most common symptom is itching, which can be mildly annoying to severely intense, often disturbing sleep. The most severe form of dry skin is called eczema. It appears as circular, pink-to-red patches of dry, rough, flaky skin, usually on your arms and legs. The back is often affected by both dry skin and eczema. Symptoms of any other skin conditions are often worsened by dry skin.

Scaling Skin

Many people suffer from dry, flaking, scaling skin. Sometimes there is severe itching. It is a year-round problem but more often appears only during the winter months when indoor heat is being used. Dry types of heat, such as electric and radiant, dry your skin much more than heating systems that include humidifiers.
Dry skin results from the outer layer of your skin losing excessive amounts of moisture. When this outer layer dries out, it becomes brittle and flakes off. Dry skin has many causes, including the environment, infections, parasites, hormonal imbalances, and hereditary and dietary disorders.

Dry, scaling skin on your feet is most commonly due to chronic athlete’s foot. This is caused by a fungal infection of your skin and is often associated with a fungal infection of your toenails. The skin often has a dull, reddish appearance.

Psoriasis can cause dry scaling of your skin. Psoriasis appears as small, white, flaky patches. If these scales are scraped off, they can cause bleeding. Neurodermatitis shows as a solitary patch of dry, scaling skin that itches constantly. It commonly occurs on your ankle, and its cause is unknown. Allergic dermatitis and contact dermatitis also cause skin rashes but tend to be more acute.

Skin Conditions

The SkinZinc® System which is available in the Global online store, has been found useful for skin conditions including:

  • psoriasis
  • seborrheic dermatitis
  • dandruff

SkinZinc® is also useful for other skin conditions such as:

  • skin irritations
  • itching skin
  • flaking skin
  • skin redness
  • skin dryness
  • skin scaling

I know you want to get in shape and look great.  Whatever your fitness goal…to slim down…gain muscle…tone your arms or flatten your tummy…I’m here to help you accomplish your goals and to improve your fitness level. If you have enjoyed this article and the many other free features on my site, and would like some more comprehensive information such as fitness books and CD’s to aid you in achieving your health and fitness goals, please visit my ONLINE STORE where you will find innovative natural health and beauty products to help you become the BEST YOU CAN BE !