The management of diabetes is progressively evolving. The latest medical and technological advances-including ones involving the Internet-have begun providing the 18.2 million Americans affected by this disease with the kind of freedom few dreamed of not all that long ago.
Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body doesn't produce or properly use insulin, a hormone needed to convert glucose into energy. Since over time the high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes-the nation's fifth-leading cause of death by disease-can lead to complications of the eyes, blood vessels, nerves, kidneys and other organs, anything that would ease the typical daily regimen of insulin injections and the like would be most welcome by patients.
According to experts at the Mayo Clinic, that "simplification" is exactly what's happening. The Food & Drug Administration, for example, is in the process of approving both insulin patches and inhalants as alternati ve delivery methods to insulin injections. Breakthroughs in blood glucose monitoring that would allow continuous testing throughout the day are currently in development.
And then there's the Internet. Unlike in the past, the latest advances, treatment and disease management recommendations are now available on the Web sites of the American Diabetes Association, the American Association of Diabetes Educators, and countless others. Beyond that, people with diabetes are being helped in managing their disease through the conve-nient online ordering of necessary diabetic supplies, pharmaceuticals and equipment.
Better Living Now manages all insurance claims and paperwork so patients don't have to. And they will contact physicians for prescription renewal and fill necessary medical orders with up to 90-day supplies. Members also receive special discounts when ordering online and can contact the company's pharmacy with questions about their medication.
A Web site now offers all the medical supplies and medication needed to manage diabetes.
Managing Diabetes Made Easier
How to Fight Fat and Win With Yoga
Confucius said: "Men do not mirror themselves in running water - they mirror themselves in still water. Only what is still can still the stillness of other things." In our super-busy, hectic, often frantic, overworked, overburdened world, we do not take the time to be still and hear our self breathe. To inspire is to be inspired with the gift of life and possess an extraordinary sense of well being.
With stress reaching epidemic proportions, frantic-paced overeating is becoming the fastest anti-anxiety reprieve. With the added stressers of overwhelming work schedules and the struggling demands of daily life, Americans are carrying heavier burdens and equally excessive weight. According to Sally Squires of The Washington Post - "Even our children are more obese than in any other country, tipping the scales at 4. 7 million." There are added weight loss programs, supplementary low-fat foods, a smorgasboard of diet books and yet people are gaining more weight. Wit h busy schedules and stressfull time constraints, Americans are injesting more food and less oxygen.
The Power of Your Thoughts on your Health are Profound. Marcella Bakur Weiner, Ph.D. psychologist and Adjunct Proffessor at Marymount Manhattan College in New York affirms: "We have developed an automatic reflexive reaction: We feel stress; we turn to food. We eat and overeat. It is automatic, meaning non-thinking. We humans make choices, little ones and big ones, hundreds of times each day. Simple decisions that determine what our lives will be. And we make them in full consciousness, using our brains and hearts to do so. Our survival depends on this." "When you're in a stressfull situation, your brain goes into "fight or flight mode", signalling your body to secrete hormones that affects your organs and tissues. Susan Conrow, Physiologist and professor at Daytona Beach Community College states, "chronic stress affects every cell in our body." The power of your thoughts on your health are profound. How destructive is Chronic stress? Your heart, lungs and circulatory system are influenced by the increased heart rate. Blood flow may increase 300 - 400 percent. Blood pressure increases and breathing becomes rapid. Blood sugar rises. Your mouth and throat may become dry. Your skin may become cool and clammy because blood flow is diverted away so it can support the heart and muscle tissues. Your digestive activity shuts down. Stress can trigger heart disease Sleep disorders and yes - weight gain. When you are stressed, your body releases powerful hormones including the major stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol can cause you to crave sweets and other carbohydrate rich foods. A cycle forms. You get stressed, you eat, you gain weight. You get stressed, you eat, you gain weight. When you practice yoga breathing, you are better able to connect inner peace from your mind to every piece of your body.
The Daytona Beach News Journal r eports "the integration of mind, body, spirit that practicing yoga encompasses helped saved Suzanne Andrews life." Her breathing techniques developed lungs physically powerful enough to sustain Suzanne through a recent near-death experience after a fatal medical miscalculation caused her pulse to stop on the operating table. Today, Andrews literally owes her life to regularly practicing and teaching therapeutic yoga. On January 5th, 2005, Andrews went in for a minor surgical procedure to unblock her sinuses. While on the operating table, she experienced an allergic reaction and her pulse stopped . Trapped between life and death, the doctors frantically performed CPR and tension filled the air as her lips, hands and feet turned an eerie blue. An ambulance was called where her near lifeless body was transported to the intensive medical care unit of Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach, Florida. Her kidneys refused to function and her veins were so constricted that doctor fa iled to get another IV into her after 3 attempts. After meditating for just 5 minutes, Suzanne Andrews kidneys began to function, her pulse strengthened and her veins opened up enough to get the lifesaving IV in. The cardiologist said, "I am an Indian Doctor and my patient is teaching me how great yoga is! Your strong lungs from Yoga really helped pull you through." The surgeon, Dr. Mirante added, " the positive attitude teachings of yoga played a major part in recovery." The Observer Newspaper notes, "Yoga had been hard on some people with disabilities until now. Suzanne Andrews teaches modified yoga classes for patients and employees. Not only has Andrews had personal experience with yoga, she has made an instructional DVD to help others." Yoga practice is at an all time high - The Yoga Journal reports that there are now 16 million people practicing yoga in the United States. Yoga may be new to us westerners, but it is over 5000 years old - and it can make you look and fee l 10 - 20 years younger.
The Mayo Clinic September 2003 Newsletter reports, "yoga IS effective at relieving stress." According to the National Institue of Health, "regular yoga practice can help reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, alter brain waves and assist you heart to work more efficiently. Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia demonstrated how just one session of yoga can lower blood levels of the stress hormone - cortisol. "Participants cortisol level were measured before and after they practiced yoga, then again before and after they sat quietly while reading or writing. After the yoga sessions, cortisol levels dropped. There was no drop after the resting sessions."
Why is it Important to Reduce Your Abdominal Fat?
Too much abdominal fat is a sign of obesity. And, with over 40 million Americans in the obese group we ought to be concerned. Obesity rates are, unfortunately, growing speedily in our children. And, though obesity is a preventable condition, very few are willing to change the lifestyles that caused their obesity to become a problem.
The Mayo Clinic indicates various complications of obesity. Among them are blood abnormalities, cancers, depression, gallbladder diseases, gynecological problems, as well as heart disease and high blood pressure. Many of these difficulties are predominantly the result of excess abdominal fat.
Belly fat is unsafe, even if you're not obese. This is since belly fat differs from fat in other locations in your body. It really is the most dangerous fat on your body. On most of the body, like the thighs and hips, fat is stored in the subcutaneous layer located near to the surface of the skin. Fat in the abdomen largely is comprised of visceral fat surrounding the vital organs.
Abdominal fat cells can emit hormones that go directly into internal organs like the liver. Fat, for instance, located adjacent to the liver can drain into the liver causing a fatty liver. A fatty liver is a risk factor for insulin resistance and diabetes. Abdominal fat can inflame any of the internal organs and cause their deterioration.
Fat cells in different parts of your body empty into the blood stream. While this is not particularly good, it does less harm than the abdominal fat cells discharging into vital organs.
So, what is the magnitude of your belly fat problem? The ratio of your waist to hip circumference dimensions is a reliable indicator of your general health and the threat for dangers such as heart attack. For women, the circumference of your waist divided by that around your hips should be about 0.7 for good health. Since men have narrower hips, a ratio of arou nd 0.9 would be inclined toward good health. If your proportions are a lot larger than these, you should look into a weight reducing plan.
Eliminating extra belly fat is one of the major health ambitions you can have.
Plus, the good news is that if you begin a weight reduction program, your abdominal fat is the first kind of fat you have a tendency to lose. It doesn't matter whether your shape is an "apple" or "pear," you'll drop a higher percentage of abdominal fat than fat anyplace else. And, the reason is that belly fat is more metabolically active so it's easier to lose.
If you are earnest about losing that belly fat, here are 3 lifestyle changes you ought to adopt:
First, adhere to a healthy diet with a smaller number calories and reduce your intake of refined carbohydrates.
Second, engage in an aerobic exercise plan that helps burn more calories.
Third, incorporate weight training in your overall exer cise program. Muscles burn energy during exercise, so the more toned and fuller your muscles are, the quicker you'll be able to burn those surplus calories.
It's healthful to reduce your abdominal fat. You'll feel better and live longer without all that belly fat.
Why is it Critical to Reduce Your Abdominal Fat?
Too much abdominal fat is a sign of obesity. Moreover, with over 40 million Americans in the obese category we ought to be concerned. Obesity rates are, unfortunately, growing swiftly in our children. And, despite the fact that obesity is a preventable condition, most people continue the lifestyles that caused their obesity in the first place.
The Mayo Clinic describes a number of physical problems associated with obesity. Among them are blood abnormalities, cancers, depression, gallbladder diseases, gynecological problems, as well as heart disease and high blood pressure. Many of these difficulties are primarily the result of excess abdominal fat.
Belly fat is risky, even if you're not obese. This is since abdominal fat is different than fat in other areas of the body. It really is the most dangerous fat on your body. On other areas of the body, like the thighs and hips, fat is stored in the subcutaneous layer located close to the surface of the skin. Fat in the belly largely is comprised of visceral fat surrounding the vital organs.
Belly fat cells can secrete hormones that go directly into internal organs like the liver. Fat, for instance, accumulated adjacent to the liver can drain into the liver producing a fatty liver. A fatty liver is a risk factor for insulin resistance and diabetes. Belly fat can inflame any of the internal organs and cause their deterioration.
Fat cells in different parts of your body empty into the blood stream. While this is not especially beneficial, it does less harm than the belly fat cells draining into vital organs.
So, what is the magnitude of your belly fat problem? The ratio of your waist to hip circumference dimensions is a reliable indicator of your general health and the threat for diseases like heart attack. For women, the circumference of your waist divided by that around your hips should be about 0.7 for good health. Since men have narr ower hips, a ratio of around 0.9 would be inclined toward good health. If your proportions are a lot larger than these, you ought to look into a weight reduction plan.
Reducing excess abdominal fat is one of the chief health objectives you ought to have.
Plus, the good news is that when you start a weight loss program, your abdominal fat is the first type of fat you tend to lose. It is not important if your shape is an "apple" or "pear," you'll drop a greater percentage of abdominal fat than fat anywhere else. And, the reason is that belly fat is more metabolically active so it's easier to lose.
If you are resolute about losing that abdominal fat, here are three style of living changes you ought to adopt:
First, follow a healthful diet with a smaller number calories and cut down on your consumption of refined carbohydrates.
Second, engage in an aerobic workout plan that helps burn more calories.
Th ird, incorporate weight training in your exercise program. Muscles burn energy during exercise, so the more toned and fuller your muscles are, the quicker you'll be able to burn those excess calories.
It's healthful to lose abdominal fat. You'll feel better and live longer without all that abdominal fat.
Fen-Phen and Phentermine
Did you know that the infamous Fen-Phen was a combo of 2 different weight loss medicines? Fenfluramine first came out in the 1970s, but was not popular because it only temporarily reduced weight by a few pounds. In the 1990s when it was combined with phentermine it got heavy marketing and gained popularity. Already in 1994, an official from Wyeth became concerned about the medication's label noting only 4 cases of pulmonary hypertension when 41 had actually been seen but no action was taken until 1996 when a study in the New England Journal of Medicine found a 23-fold increase in pulmonary hypertension. Then in 1996, a 30 year old woman developed heart problems after only a month of using Fen-Phen and she died in February 1997.
In July 1997, after a technician observed heart abnormalities, researchers at the Ma yo Clinic released a report on 24 cases of rare heart valve disease in women who took Fen-phen and the FDA alerted doctors that there were also 9 additional reports of the same type, and asked all health care professionals to report such cases. 66 additional reports of heart valve disease, all primarily associated with Fen-phen came in and the FDA requested that the manufacturers stress the potential risk to the heart in the drugs' labeling and in patient package inserts. The FDA continued to receive reports of cardiac valve disease in people taking the drugs.
Luckily today, people looking to lose excess weight still have access to one of the Fen Phen ingredients which is safe, called Phentermine. Phentermine, a blend of "phenyl-tertiary-butylamine," is approved as an appetite suppressant to help reduce weight in obese patients when used short-term and combined with exercise, diet, and behavioral modification. Phendimetrazine is used as a short-term supplement to diet and exercise in the treatment of obesity. Phentermine first received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1959 as an appetite suppressant for the short-term treatment of obesity.
The Best Exercises for an Overweight Child
The Best Exercises for an Overweight Child
People often find my website using search phrases such as "Exercise plans for overweight children", "Exercises for obesity", or "Exercise DVD's for overweight children". So what are the best kinds of exercises for children—especially children who are overweight or lazy? The answer is THE ONES THEY ENJOY!
Exercise should be fun for kids. They are not miniature adults, but parents often want to make them follow adult-type exercise programs. Some children, especially those who are extroverts, may enjoy team sports such as soccer, football, or volleyball. Very shy children or those who are introverts may avoid exercises that involve lots of other children. If they are self-conscious about their weight or starting puberty, they may avoid any team sport where they are forced to undress in front of their peers, fearing the teasing or stares that are sure to come.
The sh y child might prefer an activity where he can spend more time with a parent, such as walking, jogging, riding bikes, shooting hoops, playing catch, rollerblading, bowling, or golf. Wearing a pedometer and keeping a pedometer journal will help motivate him to be more active. Try different activities with him, and see which ones he gets excited about. If he seems to be especially passionate about an activity such as golf, tennis, or ballroom dancing, arrange for a few private lessons if you can afford it. You may see your child start to "blossom" right before your eyes!
Other activities your child might enjoy are martial arts (it teaches discipline too!), boxing, tap, ballet, or modern jazz dancing, or swimming.
If you need activities for indoors, try jumping rope or a video on hip hop dancing or Tai Chi.
According to a chart Exercise for weight loss: Calories burned in 1 hour on the Mayo Clinic website, the number of calories burned in 1 hour by a person weighing 160 pounds are:
· Running – 986
· Rollerblading – 913
· Rope jumping or Tae Kwan do – 730
· Stair treadmill – 657 (probably not much fun for a child!)
· Jogging, 5mph; basketball game; football (touch, flag, general); or tennis singles-584
If your child is not already active, start with about 30 minutes of mild exercise every night and gradually increase the time and intensity of the activities. Have your child keep an exercise journal, writing down the activity, time spent, and how it made him feel (smiley face or sad face). Ask why he felt sad or happy doing the activity. Listen to his concerns without passing judgment.
By helping your child find physical activities he enjoys or can excel in, you are making a valuable contribution to his health and quality of life!
How To Kick The Caffeine And Lose Weight
Caffeine is considered the most commonly used psychoactive drug, with nearly 80% of the world's population consuming it on a daily basis in the form of coffee, tea, soft drinks, energy drinks, and chocolate. While the health benefits and ills of caffeine have been hotly debated for years now, with some people saying its great and others demonizing it (and its history as a colonizing monocrop in much of S. America), caffeine has never ceased holding an uncontested place in the urban myth-dominated world of weight loss . As a diet aid it has been added to countless weight loss shakes, pills, and even, yes, colonic cleanses. But does caffeine help shed the pounds as well as we have always assumed? It now appears that caffeine is, indeed a red herring of a weight management drug.
For years it was assumed that it was the stimulant properties of coffee that helped people to lose weight by increasing the metabolism and supressing appetite. New studies, howeve r, have led many researchers (and the Mayo clinic in particular) to discourage caffeine as a weight loss aid. It appears that it is the diuretic properties of caffeine that play a part in 'weight loss' and that the pounds lost are water weight and not fat. Furthermore, caffeine has actually been shown to increase appetite instead of supressing it. Other ways that caffeine falls short as a diet aid:
* Caffeine elevates the stress hormone cortisol, which is partly responsible for increased heart rate, blood pressure, and anxiety. Circulation of oxygen to the brain and extremities is decreased and the immune system is suppressed.In the end cortisol disrupts natural metabolism and studies have shown weight gain, especially around the abdomen in people with raised cortisol levels. Increased abdominal fat then leads to more stress hormones being released from the body…creating a viscous cycle.
* Caffeine increases insulin resistance as part of the stress response. This can lead to diabetes and heart disease. It also raises blood glucose levels which increase appetite.
* Caffeine puts stress on the adrenal system–one of the systems that helps detoxify the body and cleanse the blood. If the body cannot detox it is harder to effectively use the nutrients in food and eliminate properly.
* Caffeine has been shown to lead to higher levels of serum cholesterol.
* Getting caffeine through soft drinks floods your body with unhealthy sugars, choosing diet sodas introduces chemicals that can actually slow the metabolism, and coffee and tea can be laced with pesticides that add toxicity to the body, impeding weight loss.
Coming from a family that kept a pot of coffee on at all hours (you never know who will stop by!) and introduced to caffeine at an early age, I fight this addiction every day of my life. But I know that cutting down on caffeine is not only good for your body, it i s good for your mind and your emotions as well–we are calmer and more focused without caffeine and our bodies and metabolisms are able to function how they are intended to, without added stress. Our energy will be more sustained, our sleep deeper and more productive, and our appetite and weight more natural. Many of us, after getting over the initial first days of caffeine addiction, realize that what we are most addicted to is the ritual of caffeine–the morning cup of coffee or tea, the lunchtime soda, the little pick-me-up treat that is our way of taking care of ourselves. We don't have to give this up! We can replace it with healthy alternatives–
Chicory–Down in New Orleans, the coffee is made with chicory. This root is roasted and ground as a coffee additive and substitute and has been used for hundreds of years-especially in southern Europe. Like roasted dandelion, chicory is an amazing liver tonic–enhancing both liver and gallbladder function. It also flushes the kidneys, relieves uric acid build–up, prevents urinary infections, and reduces blood sugar. It is a good substitute for coffee in that it has a nutty, roasted flavor. A great morning replacement.
Roasted Dandelion Root– With a flavor remarkably similar to coffee, roasted dandelion is a great substitute. It is rich in trace minerals and micronutrients and rich in inulin, which can help manage diabetes. The bitterness in it is a good stimulant for digestion as well and dandelion root tea is simple to make at home, using all those pesky dandelion roots from the yard (just make sure they haven't been sprayed with pesticides!)
Ginseng–Great as a tea with peppermint (another refreshing pick-me upper), ginseng is a great source of stamina boosting, energy enhancing wonderfulness. Ginseng is an adaptogen, which means it increases resistance to physical, chemical, and biological stress and builds energy and gen eral vitality. It is also great for the immune system.
Yerba Mate– This South American tea is at the center of a great debate on whether or not its active compound, mateine, mimics caffeine enough to actually be called caffeine. However, in studies, those sensitive to caffeine do not experience the side effects with mate that they do with coffee (such as jitters, headaches and heart palpitations). Mate also contains hosts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and the ritual of preparing and drinking it can be a great one to adopt.
The Bubbly–For those of you who are soda drinkers, sometimes it is true that it is the carbonation you most crave. Instead of imbibing on all that high fructose corn syrup, try making your own natural soda instead, with mineral water and a squeeze of citrus or a splash of fresh juice. Creating a carbonated lemonade or limeade–sweetened with stevia or agave nectar is a great favorite of mine when I am looking for something refreshing in the afternoon. The lemons are great for detoxing your body, the sweetener is all natural, and the carbonation can really help kick the pop habit