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Archive for ◊ May, 2010 ◊

Monday, May 31st, 2010

Pedal power, in all its varieties (road bike, exercise bike, or spinning bike) offers a wide range of health benefits including: a.) Excellent calorie burn. (Typically 400 calories an hour for an exercise bike, 700-800 for a road bike, and 1000 for a spinning bike.) b.) Superior cardiovascular conditioning. Cycling builds stamina and increases endurance while lower resting heart rate. Generally individuals who cycle regularly have a resting heart rate in the mid to low 60s. c.) Lower body toning. Cycling is especially good to build leg muscles and for women, whose problem areas are often the hips and thighs, the slimming effect can be almost magical. Many people prefer to cycle outdoors because there’s really nothing to replace the freedom and adventure to be had exploring under your own foot power. Using a Heart Monitor Where weight loss is the goal, it is also recommended that the cyclist use a heart monitor which includes a chest strap and a wrist unit that measures duration of exercise, time in “the zone” (your target heart rate to accomplish fat burning), average and maximum heart rate, and calories burned. One pound equals 3500 calories. If you manage a 500 calorie deficit (burn or expend more than you consume) you’ll lose approximately one pound per week. Indoor Cycling For individuals who do not like to be out in the elements, an exercise bike can be a comfortable way to cycle daily in the comfort of your own home. Many riders watch television while they pedal and cycling DVDs are available to create the illusion that you are traveling through the hills of the California wine country or perhaps the French countryside. Recumbent exercise bikes with their bucket seats are especially comfortable. For some riders, the different angle at which the recumbent bike places the body is even more effective for body slimming and overall the position is easier for the back and the backside. Spinning Bikes for Indoor Cycling Spinning bikes are a special class of exercise bikes that have weighted flywheels to simulate, as closely as is possible, the feel of riding a road bike indoors. Generally, spinning is done at a gym in a class environment or, if done at home, to directions from a DVD. The workout involves “intervals” of intense riding where the cyclist is standing in the pedals and working at maximum output balanced by seated periods of a lesser cadence. Spinning is hardcore exercise with maximum calorie burn. If you have not been working out, it’s best to get moderately in shape and to check with your physician before beginning a spinning program. When to Cycle? Almost any time of day is appropriate for cycling. Depending on the climate in your area, it may be best to ride in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler. Some fitness experts recommend riding first thing in the morning before eating to stimulate the metabolism, while others suggest “fueling up” first. If you have trouble sleeping, avoid cycling just before bedtime as the stimulation will contribute to your insomnia. Regardless of when or where you choose to cycle, keep track of the numbers so you can monitor your improvement and work out at a pace and duration that will show effective results. Benefits of Cycling As an aerobic, fat burning exercise, cycling offers multiple health benefits. Upright exercise bikes can be purchase for as little as $150 while a recumbent will run from $300 to $600. These devices allow you to exercise regardless of the weather while road bikes get you out and about exploring and having fun while you get in shape. Spinning bikes can cost as much as $1500, so that’s an activity that will most likely send you to the gym. Regardless of the type of cycling you choose, you’ll begin to see results in a month or less, putting you well on the road to those lovely words — long and lean.

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Saturday, May 29th, 2010

Everybody experiences an irrational and strong aversion or fear of a particular thing, individual, or situation. This condition is generally referred to as phobia. There are numerous types of phobia, and one of the most common is the social phobia. This type of phobic condition hinders some individuals from totally socializing or mingling with others. It is quite innate for a person to feel shy or nervous when dealing with other people. While some are not self-conscious when speaking in front of a huge crowd, there are those who are literally afraid of doing so. Even having a simple conversion with peers is oftentimes a struggle for individuals who have social phobia. Generally, people with social phobia have no problems interacting with close friends, relatives, and family members. However, intense self-consciousness and fear of rejection or embarrassment enter when these individuals meet new people who are outside their comfort zones. Moreover, the case of social phobia focuses on an individual’s concerns and anxieties on their performance and image in their social circle. A normal person never has to spend so much time worrying about criticisms or how other people might see or judge them. But for those dealing with social phobia, they are always troubled and conscious on what others notice and feel about them. Overcoming and dealing with social phobia Just like other people with different types of phobia, individuals who are suffering from social stigma can definitely control and manage their fear and anxiety of being around or mingling with other people. Below are some ways on how one can overcome and deal with this type of phobia: 1. Get support from family and friends It is extremely essential for those with social phobia to have support from the people who are very close to them – family and friends. These people can help strengthen one’s morale, thus, further encouraging that person to go out of his shell, socialize with others, and develop relationships outside his comfort zone. 2. Seek help from a therapist Aside from family and friends, therapists are also the best ones to seek help from by those who have social phobia. These experts can help establish one’s self-esteem and confidence. They are also good at counseling and creating programs that can aid one in facing social concerns and fears. Although there are some therapists who prescribe medications to patients, majority of treatments only include social development programs or plans. 3. Maintain one’s willingness and commitment to become better The success of overcoming and dealing with social phobia basically relies on the individual’s willingness and commitment to improve his phobic condition. Being patient is important since the process requires one to deal with his greatest fears on facing other people and becoming open to things that are not within his comfort zone. As a social phobic continuous to seek improvement on his condition, he will eventually overcome his fears and become more and more comfortable dealing with new people, accepting criticisms, and welcoming things that are new to him.

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Saturday, May 29th, 2010

I will outline in this cosmetic dentistry article the most frequently asked questions along with their answers, you will sure find them useful for your cosmetic dentistry research. First Question: Can whitening my teeth damage them ? What are the effects ? Your teeth will become more sensitive to cold, heat and sweets. Because it’s a new technology, it’s long term effects are still unknown. Bleaching will probably have to be repeated in order to maintain your whitening. Second Question: Because I used antibiotics as a child, I now have darkened teeth. What can I do to make them white again? Discoloration of your teeth is called intrinsic stain and can be treated very good with bleaching. Best option in this case is to ask your personal dentist on what options you might have. You could place porcelain laminate veneers or place crowns for ex. Third Question: Why do people’s teeth discolor upon aging ? Is this just a part of aging? Yes, it could be just a part of aging. The surface of the teeth becomes thin during lifetime, this it’s allowing underlying dentin to shine through or in some cases, become exposed to the surface. Some people are less motivated to do something about it and this will cause their oral hygiene to suffer. Fourth Question: I am a little scared about laminates. Does it hurt to have my teeth prepared for them ? Can you tell me more about it ? It does not hurt a bit. Actually, it is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that will be ready in two visits to your personal dentist. You can also benefit from a local anesthesia if you are a highly sensitive patient. Local anesthesia is necessary in less then 40% of the cases. Fifth Question: I would like to know if there are advantages of laminates versus orthodontic treatments. What is the time required for both of these cosmetic dentistry procedures ? Yes, these two cosmetic dentistry procedures are totally different by all means. If you choose orthodontic treatments, you will have to wait more than one year and a half to be 100% completed, this is not at all the case with porcelain laminates. Porcelain laminates will take only two visits to your local dentist and will correct crooked teeth usually better than the orthodontic treatment. I am sure that you found these cosmetic dentistry questions and answer very helpful for your cosmetic dentistry research.

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Saturday, May 29th, 2010

Since times immemorial, Acupuncture is a unique treatment for reducing high blood pressure in human beings. High blood pressure refers to a situation where blood starts exerting pressure against the walls of arteries, veins and also the chambers of the heart. Over a specified time period, this heavy rush of blood starts damaging the lining of the blood vessels. It can also lead to arteriosclerosis, meaning hardening of the arteries. Symptoms of high blood pressure High blood pressure symptoms are often acute in human beings. They include sudden dizziness, flushed faces, nervousness, severe headaches, restlessness, difficult breathing, nose bleeding, insomnia, intestinal complaints, depression, short temper and emotional instability. The diagnosis of high blood pressure is done when the normal pressure tends to repeatedly rise. The other physical symptoms of high blood pressure includes constant tendency to urinate, decrease in eye vision and muscle weakness. Electro-acupuncture treatments Acupuncture combined with electric stimulation or electro-acupuncture can lower elevations of blood pressure in human beings. When the research was conducted for the first time, acupuncture needles were inserted on the inside of the forearm just above the wrist, but to no avail. Researchers then started adding electric stimulation to the needles, which means that electric would start flowing from the needles to the body. While high frequency of stimulation had no effect, low frequencies of electro stimulation reduced blood pressure effectively. A thorough research on acupuncture shows that the inserted needles excites brain cells, causing them to release neurotransmitters that always heighten the heart’s activities. To cure high blood pressure, acupuncture inserts needles on certain points on the wrist, forearm or leg, to excite the opioid chemicals in the brain and reduce excitatory responses of the cardiovascular systems. This eventual decrease in heart activity and need for oxygen can lower blood pressure to a great extent. It also promotes in the healing of other heart-related conditions like myocardial ischemia and hypertensions. Other acupuncture treatments to reduce high blood pressure While you are undergoing acupuncture treatments for curing high blood pressure, you can also use herbs like Tian Ma [Gastrodia Rhizome], Xia Ku Cao [Prunella] and Shan Zha to reduce high blood pressure. You should inject the juices of these herbs into your blood to achieve better results. A unique and natural acupuncture treatment for high blood pressure also include pressing of the skin on the back of your hand in between the thumb and index finger.

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Saturday, May 29th, 2010

Living from paycheck to paycheck… getting a loan to pay off another loan… filing of bankruptcy — these are situations faced by thousands if not millions of Americans who have somehow buried themselves in debt. No wonder, many people are increasingly being diagnosed with depression. The sordid financial trouble people face leads them to more negative thoughts of hopelessness, insecurity, and desperation. Four years ago, the U.S. Federal Reserve reported that consumer debt had already hit $1.98 trillion. The figure was the aggregate amount of debt from credit card and car loans alone. The total debt for mortgages was not included in the said figure. The American Bankruptcy Institute also came up with a report which indicated that 1.6 million Americans filed for bankruptcy in 2003. Credit card debt figures for 2005 was reported to have reached $753 billion in debt for the United States alone. Based on recent estimates, the average American household has $18,700 in debt. But why do many people fall into debt? One major reason for indebtedness is uncontrolled spending. The lack of control over spending habits starts a cycle of spending more money than what one makes; and the compulsion to apply for a loan to acquire more things. In some cases, the loans are made just to repay other previous loans. In terms of credit card abuse, a person falls into debt not only because the list of payables grows long. A person falls deeper into debt because of the interest. It is not surprising to hear of people who have been in credit card debt for such a long time. After excessive use of the credit card and no increase in their capacity to pay, they are left to face the reality that they are only able to pay-off the interest without decreasing the principal amount of debt. Aside from the interest, not paying a debt on time also spells trouble for the undisciplined card holder since late payments entail a “late payment penalty.” Late payment charges can can range anywhere from ten dollars to forty dollars. Using the credit card over one’s credit limit will also entail an over-the-limit fee which usually starts at $39 per transaction. The next logical question is, “Why do people overspend?” Many people seem to have lost control over their finances because of status anxiety, an emotional and psychological problem that makes a person feel insecure about his or her sense of personal worth and significance. It can also be a compulsion to become or appear to be popular, wealthy, and “above everybody else.” Many call this, in layman’s terms, trying to “keep up with the Joneses.” If a neighbor passes by sporting a brand new car, a socially insecure person would might feel the need to rush to the bank to get a car loan since he can no longer “afford” to be seen driving a 2001 Nissan sedan even if he really cannot afford to pay for a 2007 Mercedez Benz SLK Class that comes at $43, 500 plus loan interest. Seeing an officemate brandishing the 4-gigabyte i-Phone worth $499 instantly creates a need to buy the 8-gigabyte model worth $599. This desire to be seen as good or even better than one’s neighbors in terms or social standing, material possessions, and influence is a cause of anxiety for many people. Financial woes have also increased the level of stress and anxiety among individuals who have uncontrolled spending habits and social insecurity. The emotional and psychological problems brought about by financial difficulties are also causes of physical illness that include migraine headaches, depressive behavior, heart ailments, to name a few. So, how can people stop themselves from committing financial self-destruction? One easy step is to inquire from the credit card company if they offer free consumer debt counseling. This form of counseling focuses on helping consumers learn the wise uses of credit and various strategies for debt payment and reduction. The usual advice starts with the theme of “not spending more than what you earn.” This advice is usually followed by convincing the person in debt to list and determine what accounts should be settled first. Almost as a given, many credit counselors also try to convince people to start on a savings plan. Professional debt counseling services also include the more technical process of computing taxes, interest rates, and payment timelines that should be followed by an over-spender who really want to regain financial freedom. Frivolous spending may actually be more than just a case of financial illiteracy or lack of discipline in money matters. In some cases, people with enormous debt must also consult a psychologist or psychiatrist to determine the root causes of overspending. Living from paycheck to paycheck…paying one loan after another is surely not the way to live. There is a way to financial freedom, and everyone must start by making a financial choice of using money for what one merely wants or for what one really needs.

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Friday, May 28th, 2010

Tips on weight loss are found in just about every magazine and newspaper , as it seems like the whole world wants to lose weight. Whether you are looking to make sustained and significant weight loss, or whether you are just trying to drop a size for a special occasion, you will find these tips on weight loss extremely useful and beneficial. Tips On Weight Loss 1- Eat more slowly. Because it takes some time for the body to send a message to the brain telling it that it has taken in enough food, you will probably have eaten too much before the brain gets the message. By eating more slowly, you will be reducing this effect, and this alone could well lead to weight loss, as you take in less food. By drinking water in between your bites of food, you can slow yourself down. Tips On Weight Loss 2- Maintain a forward thinking attitude, and be gentle with yourself. Even if something happens to temporarily derail your efforts, like a one off party or significant family event, this does not mean that you can’t get right back on track and start making progress again. Many people experience the odd setback, and dealing with these positively is a sign of character. Tips On Weight Loss 3- Do your food shopping when you are full. This sounds like an artificial piece of advice, but it is perfectly genuine. When you are not hungry, you will be far less tempted to fill the basket with a lot of high calorie items you don’t really need. Don’t make the mistake of going shopping when you are seriously hungry – it is almost guaranteed that you will buy something unnecessary and fattening! Tips On Weight Loss 4- Train your body to slim while you sleep. This sounds like a utopian dream, but it is totally feasible if you put in the work to train your body. Provided you are doing the right aerobic exercises, you can also instigate a program of anaerobic exercise, such as weights or resistance training, which will strengthen and tone up your muscles. These muscles will need more fuel, and will burn extra calories. It will not take long to begin seeing the benefit. Among the many tips on weight loss that you can find in many different place, these are some of the most useful and powerful. Click the links below to discover some important weight loss resources.

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