Fitness. All about fitness » health fitness

Get Into Fitness

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 16:55:00 +0000

Every New Year, you make it a point to make resolutions and the very first on your list is to go on a diet. But only after a few weeks, you realize that you again failed to do make good on your resolution, just like last year. Once again, you failed to follow your diet. You now realize that you have gained more weight and that you are now losing your battle to fight the bulge. You were dying to wear that long black sexy dress that was displayed on a famous women’s boutique, even if you had the money to buy it. Deep down, you know that you’ll never get to wear it. If you want to impress your family, friends and that gorgeous boyfriend of yours — you have got to shape up…not next month or next year — but now! If you want feel good, you must be sure to get proper nutrition. But if you want to achieve complete fitness, you must invest time in exercise. Being fit gives you more energy, lessens your risk for heart disease and diabetes, while improving your self-esteem. Getting fit is really about you. It is something that you owe to yourself. Fitness is not just about looking good but also feeling good. Fitness makes you strong enough to meet your hectic schedule. It makes you wake up in the morning and feel rejuvenated. Losing weight through fitness routines is good especially if one also takes weight loss pills prescribed by a doctor. If you had enough energy and you don’t feel sluggish then you will be ready for anything. Fitness is not is not about being thin or trying to be skinny. A woman’s weight should also correspond to her height. Everything is about measurement and balance. Being fit is not only about the size you wear rather, fitness is a lifetime investment and it is a way to cope with emergencies. It means eating right, getting adequate sleep, relaxation and exercise. You don’t have to look like the next supermodel in the making. It’s just about being strong and beautiful at the same time. Staying fit is a combination of diet and exercise. It shouldn’t be painful. It should be fun. Each fitness program is different. What is good for you might not be good for others. When you decide to change your lifestyle for the sake of good health then start with a good diet. Eating small meals a day throughout the day helps the body work more efficiently. Along with diet, any simple exercise for an hour or so will help you lose pounds. Get up and be on the move. Don’t be a cough potato. Aerobic exercise is an excellent way to have more energy. If you want to speed up the results the results, then go for a more extensive exercise program. You are unique. Listen to your body. Know what fitness program give you enormous benefits. Fitness should give you more strength, flexibility,speed, and endurance. Don’t copy someone else’s fitness program. Explore what’s best for you. Don’t give up if it doesn’t work the first time. Don’t make unrealistic goals and stop worrying how other people regard you. So what! If you don’t meet society’s standards. You’re doing this, first and foremost, for yourself and for your wellbeing.

Stop Smoking Shot – An Overview

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 01:31:00 +0000

Today there are a lot of solutions ready for those who want to quit their vice. Some of them are sudden others are gradual, and they don’t have the same efficiency. Traditional alternatives seem not to respond any more to the present situation as their place was occupied by much modern and much more efficient ways to quit smoking. Stop smoking shot is situated in the category of modern techniques used against nicotine addiction. The invention of more and more methods to help stop smoking is due to the fact that smoking is a real phenomenon that starts to worry a lot of physicians. Because smoking cessation is such a difficult process more and more innovative means are required to control such addictions. Using a stop smoking shot is one of the many alternatives for those seeking to give up. This variant may not be preferred so much because it works only for those who have a strong will as it concerns only the physical side of nicotine addiction. How Does a Stop Smoking Shot Work? Usually there are two, three or more shots. Mainly the most important shots are those administered behind the two ears. This way the chemical receptors in the brain that are addicted to nicotine are killed. Consequently the physical side of the addiction to nicotine is resolved. The disadvantage of using this option is that it neglects the psychological need to smoke. Probably this is the worst side of smoking as the need of the body may be controlled much easier than that of the psyche. Moreover this method may be even painful and probably those people who are afraid of shots will not at all enjoy the idea of resorting to such a treatment. They will rather use some traditional ways to get rid of their habit. The stop smoking shot is not very popular, both because probably it is a rather new alternative and because it is not so successful. It is certain that in order to have more positive results it has to be used in combination with some other ways to quit smoking, and especially with a strong will. But in the absence of such a quality it is better to start joining a community or to ask the help of a psychologist or a counselor. This way you’ll surely recover by covering both your physical and psychological sides.

Could You Be A Candidate For LASIK Eye Surgery?

Sun, 05 Sep 2010 21:26:00 +0000

Does wearing spectacles or contact lenses seem cumbersome to you? Are you considering LASIK eye surgery – one of the most prevalent and successful refractive surgery techniques? I suggest you hold your horses and rather request the valuable assistance of an expert surgeon, since LASIK eye surgery is not for everyone. Read on to see whether you are a potential candidate for LASIK surgery. An important aspect to bear in mind while considering LASIK surgery is the patient’s age. Since the vision typically experiences a continuous change until the age of 18, you must be at least 18 years old (21 for some laser ablations) to undergo LASIK. Furthermore, if you are myopic, you should defer LASIK awaiting your refraction to stabilize, since myopia may continue to increase until a patient’s mid to late 20s. Pregnant or nursing mothers are advised against undergoing LASIK, though they might go for LASIK at a later stage in life. Also, you must not be taking certain prescription drugs, such as oral prednisone or Accutane. To be a potential LASIK candidate, your eyes must be healthy with a stabilized refraction. Moreover, LASIK is typically not recommended for patients with herpes infections of the eye, diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, glaucoma, or cataracts. LASIK is not a panacea for all vision anomalies. You must have realistic expectations while you consider LASIK eye surgery. Consult your surgeon to check out if you are a potential candidate for monovision. LASIK can be used to impart monovision, that is, one eye corrected for near vision and the other for distant vision. The crucial aspect is to adjust to this particular type of vision correction. If you can do the same, your dependency on eyeglasses or contact lenses may be eliminated. It is imperative that you discern whether you are a potential candidate for LASIK surgery or not. You must weigh the pros and cons before undergoing surgery. If you are happy wearing contact lenses or eyeglasses in order to compensate for the refractive error, and you certainly don’t believe that wearing eyeglasses cramps your style, then you could very well forego LASIK surgery. After all, LASIK is a surgical procedure and hence it’s bound to have associated risks and complications.

Tooth Whitening for a brighter face

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 16:01:00 +0000

The question is why so many people are looking at their teeth to give them a brite smile and help them look and feel great about themselves. This pressure has been made worse by the constant glowing teeth you see on TV, films and glossy magazines. Mega stars all have white teeth and this creates the desire. When you look at all those celebrities smiling away with dazzling teeth, you are sure to wish that you too had a set of equally shining teeth. Taking a look at your discolored teeth, you are sure to think that this is something that is far from your reach. However on the contrary, modern tooth whitening techniques has now made it possible for anyone and everyone to have a set of white, sparkling teeth. It is through teeth whitening that it is now possible for you to whiten your teeth. There are various methods employed by different professionals for you to whiten your teeth; and one of these methods is through cosmetic tooth whitening. Typically teeth gets darkened by day to day staining like coffee, tea, smoking, curry, blackcurrant, gravy and many more and over a period of time this then impregnates the enamel and darkens the teeth. Also as people get older the enamel loses its colour and also loses some of its depth. Many teeth whitening techniques are constantly debated and analaysed for performance and customer experience but laser teeth whitening in the UK has become very popular due to the affordability and the fact it only takes on hour. Teeth whitening is ideal for people who have healthy, unrestored teeth (no fillings) and gums. Individuals with yellow tones to their teeth respond best. But this cosmetic procedure is not recommended for everyone. It is important to note at this point that our teeth have no uniform whiteness. Usually, the whitest teeth are the two front teeth while molars are generally two shades darker. A realistic goal for anyone wishing to have a whiter set of teeth is for the process to achieve its optimum level while retaining the natural look of white teeth. Maintaining Your Whiter Smile is very important In order to maximize the longevity of your whitening treatment, it is important to maintain excellent oral hygiene (brush and floss after every meal) and steer clear of some of the more common causes of discoloration (coffee, tea, red wine, etc.). To help avoid future staining, dentists often suggest using a straw, even with coffee and tea. Smokers wishing to undergo whitening treatment are advised to stop smoking in order to prevent the staining it causes. Discuss such considerations with your dentist during your initial whitening consultation. Whatever you choose and lifestyle you lead at least there are some options to reverse your staining on the teeth and help you regain your smile and confidence.

Is A Low-Carb, High Protein Diet really Effective for Weight Loss?

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:34:00 +0000

You may have heard that to increase muscle and to lose weight you need to increase your protein intake. When I first heard that I thought…wait a minute the same thing that is going to make you bigger is supposed to make you ’smaller’…I asked the trainer this question and he looked at me dumbfounded but it left me to thinking…”besides sounding absurd, will this method actually be safe?” Although we all know we require a certain quantity of protein every day to be healthy and because of propaganda to this effect, a lot of people view the daily consumption of high-protein foods such as meat and dairy as highly beneficial. However, judging from the failure of most if not all the people I have personally known attempting to lose weight on a high-protein, low carb diet, it may be time to revise our ideas about protein. From what I have seen (upwards of six cases I have been able to observe among friends, family and co-workers) it will be safe to answer the question heading this article with a simple No! Not only is a diet high in protein NOT the best at all for weight loss, according to many naturopaths, such a diet may even be detrimental to ones overall health. Because of its complexity, excessive protein along with fatty foods are the most difficult foods to digest and tend to leave one tired all the time. Moreover the common putrefaction of protein while being digested creates many acids in the body and has been known to lay the foundation for cancer. This is not to say that proteins and fats must be avoided, quite the contrary, what should be the goal in consuming these foods should be taking in exactly what the body needs and no more. The Max Planck institute has proven that, considering that the body recycles most of its protein for its own needs, 25g of protein a day is more than enough. According to T.C. Fry, a well known Naturopath and pioneer in drugless healing, there are several cultures such as the Caribbeans, who subsist on a Manioc-based (root-vegetable) diet and get about 12 g of protein a day. Quite similarly, an aboriginal tribe living in the Mountains of Hagen was discovered to live on about 80-90% of their diet being Sweet Potatoes, the rest mostly leafy veggies, bananas and the like. While I lived in Nigeria for 17 plus years, most people hardly ever even consumed milk or cheese (they were too expensive) and families strictly rationed the consumption of animal flesh to about the size of medium size lemon per person every other day. All these groups of people, with their root vegetable diets are obviously in great health, accomplishing great physical work. Moreover, Mother’s milk, which for a time is a baby’s perfect food, has about 1-2 % protein content. (Only fruits and veggies resemble it in their composition) Any reasonable person will be able to deduce that a growing baby needs more protein than a full-grown adult, yet human babies, just like with our distant cousins: the Apes in the wild, do just fine on breast milk and on the subject of apes who share about 98% of our DNA, do you know the Gorilla, the strongest primate, has been known to bench press upwards of about 4000 pounds! What does this creature live on? According to Dr. George Schaller and Dian Fossey, two great primatologists, this powerful relative lives on mostly fruits and leaves. Now, considering all the factors above, when it comes to the right diet for weight loss, I would recommend a Mucus-less or Mucus-poor (raw and cooked fruits and veggies) over any other mere fad in the quest of attaining fitness and health. Of course, if the consumption of animal flesh must be continued, I would also advise that it be done at a minimal quantity and only one kind of animal flesh every so often. In my opinion, consumption of fresh home-made salads, mono-meals of fruits, snacks on dried fruits such as dates, a few nuts and maybe even a short juice fast, as a choice for a diet (along with some form of exercise) will be the best path to attaining safe and healthy weight loss.

Countdown To Summer Fitness Challenge! How To Get Fit And Lose Weight In 6 Weeks.

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 19:39:00 +0000

How about those fabulous bike rides in the park! What about grilling barbeque on the deck? Are you down for a little surfing and tanning on the beach? Summer will be upon us in less than six weeks. Not only do we want to enjoy the warm months that are rapidly approaching, we want to look like we are enjoying them. It doesn’t matter if it is ten, twenty, forty, or seventy pounds, just get started! Weight loss should be slow and steady, while focusing on cutting calories and increasing exercise. It is important to refrain from overexerting yourself. Weight loss takes time. I have never been one to acknowledge or accept the idea of dieting. The true meaning of dieting is counting and managing your calories for a specific amount of time in order to reach a target weight goal. This concerns me because it is temporary. What happens when you resume your normal eating habits? You gain weight! I believe in making a complete paradigm in the way we think about food. You can do this by establishing good eating habits. Why not establish a habit of consuming 500-600 calories for breakfast instead of 1,500? If you replace muffins, bagels, pancakes, sausage, grits and bacon with fruit, turkey bacon, cottage cheese, grain cereal, or yogurt, you will probably find yourself 10 pounds lighter on breakfast alone. Do the same for lunch and dinner and lose an additional 10-20 pounds. Wait until you add exercise into the equation. Exercise for thirty minutes per day, four to five times a week and watch additional pounds drop. Of course, this takes determination and discipline. Yet, habits are habits. Once you get used to a routine of eating certain foods, it becomes second nature. Weight management not only helps you look better, but helps you feel better. You will begin to notice an increase in energy and an improvement in health. It is important to monitor the amount of cholesterol you consume. Diets high in cholesterol can lead to heart disease, heart attacks and stroke. Be sure to get a cholesterol screening on a regular basis. Eat fish at least twice a week, preferably those with darker flesh, such as, salmon, herring mackerel, and lake trout. They are high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which lower blood cholesterol. It is also important to eat foods that will not contribute to high blood pressure. Limit your alcohol intake to less than two drinks per day, limit your salt intake, and reduce the saturated fat in your diet. Saturated fat can be found in animal products like milk, cheese, and meat. Let go of the cigarettes or tobacco products! Smoking increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. Try nonfat yogurt, salsa, or nonfat sour cream instead of sour cream or butter on baked potatoes. Try substituting fresh vegetables and tomatoes sauce for creamy sauces, when eating pasta. Substitute basic breads and cereal grains for bagels, muffins, and croissants. A diet high in fruits and vegetables will help you ward off cancer and other diseases because of the cancer-fighting agents contained in them. They contain a lot of fiber and a diet high in fiber decreases your risk of developing colon cancer and other types of cancer. Fruits and vegetables also contain Vitamin A (beta carotene) and C, both of which contain cartenoids and antioxidants. Cartenoids can also be found in dark leafy vegetables, carrots, cantaloupe, papaya, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes. Additional sources of Vitamin C are strawberries, oranges, broccoli, peppers, and tomatoes. It is always best to lightly steam your vegetables. The closer they are to being raw, the higher their nutritional value. People have asked me how exercise can give you energy. It seems as though it takes your energy away because you utilize so much energy when you exercise. This is the farthest thing from the truth. The more you exercise and lose weight, the more energy you get and keep because you are carrying less weight, which takes less energy. The more you exercise, the more you are able to exercise. After you get your weight to a manageable level, monitor or keep a close eye on it. Weigh yourself everyday. That way, you can take measures or do things to nip sudden weight gain. If you find yourself five or ten pounds heavier than your target weight, you should cut back immediately. It becomes a problem when we wait until we are 30, 60, or 100 pounds overweight. It can feel like you’re fighting a losing battle when your weight gain has become too extreme. It is a good idea to make a list of different ways to incorporate walking into your daily life. If you live near a metro transit station, drive there, park your car and ride the train and walk to work. If you are a new mother, get a stroller that will enable you to burn calories while you are walking your baby. Why not take the stairs, instead of the elevator? You would be surprised at how many calories you can burn by gardening, swimming, skating, hiking, and dancing. Believe it or not, you can have fun while losing weight. Exercise, along with a positive attitude, and a healthy diet will help you to manage your weight and improve your health. Exercise does not have to be rigorous to be valuable. You will probably do yourself a disservice by exercising too hard. Take it easy. Just gradually build up your resistance to a manageable level. Always remember that if you can not talk and walk at the same time, then you are walking too fast. If you have any of the following health problems, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning any exercise program. • Heart trouble • Dizziness or faintness • Chest pains • Diabetes • High blood pressure • Arthritis How to prepare food for a good diet and low calories: • Eat Fish at least twice a week, preferable baked, broiled, or grilled. Reduce serving size to 2-3 ounces. • To reduce fat, use lean poultry and fish, as well as, lean cuts of meat such as top and bottom round and tenderloin. Avoid second servings. Feel free to replace some meats with beans or grains. • Eat at least three to five servings of fruit and vegetables a day. Fruit like kiwi, figs, apples, raspberries, and blueberries are high in fiber and nutrition. Vegetables such as, broccoli, brussel sprouts, beets, cauliflower, carrots, spinach, chili peppers, red bell peppers, squash, sweet potatoes and tomatoes have high nutritional value and are great anti-oxidants (contain cancer-fighting agents). • Eat whole-grain, whole-wheat bread, pasta, tortillas, and cereals daily • Eat cooked dry beans, peas, and lentils regularly • Eat popcorn with no added oil, salt, or butter. • Drink skim milk or 1% milk • You should drink at least 24 ounces of water per day, especially since you will be exercising. • Limit the oil you use for cooking • Steam your vegetables or sautй using wine or a half teaspoon of oil • Use herbs and spices for seasoning, instead of sauces and butter • Salads should be eaten with fat-free dressing or a combination of red wine vinegar and oil • Drink a glass of water in the morning when you wake • Limit your consumption of lean, red meat to no more than four times per month Copyright © 2006 by Pamela Jewell, M.Ed., Ed.S.

Information On Cholesterol

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:01:00 +0000

Cholesterol is a word associated with bad health, but cholesterol is actually a natural substance, necessary for our body’s healthy functioning, and cholesterol, like most everything else in our lives, is harmful only in excess. And how is it, then, that the very name, cholesterol, has acquired such bad connotations? Why is that we are always cautioned to ‘have our cholesterol level checked’ and to ‘know our cholesterol number’? To understand this more fully, it is important to know exactly what cholesterol is, what it does, and where it comes from. Cholesterol is necessary for our bodies. Our bodies must have it to maintain good health, and without cholesterol, it would be impossible for our bodies to function. Not all of the functions of cholesterol are known, but some of them are: To make cell membranes, giving them stability and durability, particularly in our nerve tissue, brain, and spinal cord. To make bile, where it aids in the absorption and transportation of fat soluble vitamins, A, D, E and K, which we must have for our health. To manufacture certain hormones. The principal source of cholesterol is from our own bodies. It is made primarily by the liver, and it is sent through the bloodstream to where it is needed by way of special carriers called lipoprotiens. Another source of cholesterol is from our diets. Certain foods, such as meat, eggs and whole-fat dairy products all contain cholesterol. There are other foods we eat, such as foods high in saturated fats and transfats, that cause our livers to make more cholesterol. Cholesterol, like other fats, will not dissolve in liquid, and therefore, it must be carried through the bloodstream, by way of special carriers called lipoprotiens, to where the cholesterol is needed. If more cholesterol is circulating in the bloodstream than is needed for our bodies, it can work with other elements in the blood in the formation of plaque along artery walls. Although cholesterol is a complex substance made up of many subcomponents, the main subcomponents as they are understood at this time, are LDL, or ‘bad’ cholesterol, HDL, or ‘good’ cholesterol, and triglycerides. LDL cholesterol is referred to as the ‘bad’ cholesterol, because it is one of the main components in arterial plaque. HDL cholesterol, on the other hand, helps to reduce plaque by returning excess LDL to the liver and aiding in its excretion. Triglyceride levels correspond to LDL levels.

Tips For Finding Professionals Who Understand Adult ADD

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 05:53:00 +0000

One of the biggest concerns that I hear from adults with ADD is that they can’t find a professional who really understands adult ADD. Many people begin with their primary care physician or go through their insurance company to try to get evaluated and/or treated for adult ADD. Some very lucky people do find great professionals on their first try but the majority of people sadly do not. Instead they become even more frustrated which often leads to them not getting any help for their ADD. There are some ways to find professionals who actually “get adult ADD”: Online Listings: There are some websites with listings of professionals who treat adults with ADD. ADDA, the World’s Leading Adult AD/HD Organization has a growing Professional Directory of people who treat adults with ADD. ADD Consults, the First And Only Virtual Online AD/HD Clinic also has a professional directory. In addition to the professional directory, Terry Matlen, MSW, ACSW also offers consultations in which she can help people find professionals. ADD Coaches: In addition to all of the other benefits people can get from working with an ADD Coach they can also get help locating professionals who can diagnose and help treat them. Many ADD Coaches network with other ADD Professionals around the country and the world. Word of Mouth: Try to locate other Adults with ADD who live locally. Many ADD Professionals who do understand adult ADD don’t advertise their services. Many don’t need to because they get plenty of referrals by word of mouth. Joining local ADD Support Groups is a great ways to not only get support but get recommendations for professionals who can diagnose and treat Adults with ADD. Adult ADD Meetups are similar to support groups and their Adult ADD Meetup Website allow for people to communicate with other local adults with ADD.

Intestinal Parasites And Weight-Loss

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 06:04:00 +0000

Many individuals struggle to achieve their ideal body weight. Many people spend enormous amounts of money on gym memberships, personal trainers, and weight loss pills but achieve minimal results. More than a problem of metabolism and food intake, recent studies show that intestinal parasites can also be responsible for unwanted weight gain. These intestinal parasites enter the human body through different channels like food and water. These parasites may be one among the causes of weight gain and the reason why certain people have trouble losing weight. These parasites hamper the digestive process, which may then cause unwanted weight gain. The presence of intestinal parasites in the human body is usually detected by looking for the following symptoms: · Diarrhea · Nausea or vomiting · Gas or bloating · Dysentery (loose stools containing blood and mucus) · Rash or itching around the rectum or vulva · Stomach pain or tenderness · Feeling tired · Weight loss · Passing a worm in your stool Intestinal parasites present in the body causes the lining of the intestines to become inflamed. Inflammation of the intestinal linings inhibit the consumption necessary vitamins, nutrients, and minerals that aid in the regulation of hormones, metabolism, and blood sugar levels. Parasites consume the food meant for the body and deprive the body of the nutrients and leave it with empty calories. This impels individuals to crave more food — which only leads to more weight gain. In addition to inflammation, parasites in the body produce toxins and acids that destroy body tissues, corrupt the organs, and slowdown the function of the central nervous system. To remove these toxins and waste products, filtration organs like the kidney and liver work harder causing it to slowdown. Delay in these areas may cause individuals to feel tired and sluggish and gain additional weight because of tampered metabolism. The development of intestinal parasites can be avoided by having a healthy diet and proper hygiene. Frequent washing of hands, regular trimming of fingernails, and cleaning bathrooms and the kitchen thoroughly are some of the simple things that can be done to maintain a parasite-free body. Thorough cleaning and complete cooking of food— especially beef and pork, may help prevent the proliferation of parasitic worms. Medical studies show that parasitic infections in the body occur when there is pH imbalance in the body or too much alkaline. Keeping the intestines slightly acidic by consuming two tablespoons of apple cider diluted in eight ounces of water may help prevent and treat this kind of contamination. Parasite cleansing in the body can lead to normal metabolism easier weight loss. In addition, to its cleansing effect, daily doses of this vinegar in water has been proven to control high blood pressure after weeks of use. Medical specialists advice individuals to try natural remedies before taking over the counter medicines. Preventing the development of intestinal parasites should be the goal every individuals. Complete cleansing of intestinal parasites in ones body may lead to normal metabolism and easier weight loss. Food cravings may decrease because more nutrients, minerals, and other necessary ingredients are absorbed by the body. In return, the important internal organs function properly. These factors are healthy to achieve one’s ideal weight. A parasite-free body can make health and fitness goals more attainable.

Tips For Buying An Affordable Hot Tub or Portable Spa

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 03:19:00 +0000

Most people first try a hot tub either on vacation, at a local health club or perhaps even at a friend’s house. Hot tubs can be great for relaxing with friends after a hard day at work. They help the body to unwind and relax in a healthy and totally natural way. When initially enquiring about buying a hot tub or spa, many people get shocked when they find out that certain models can cost anywhere between $5000 and $10,000. This puts them out of the reach of a lot of people, but there is a more affordable alternative. Portable spas can cost as little as $2500 to $3500. When you take into account the sheer enjoyment and health benefits associated with a hot water spa, you begin to see that these affordable hot tubs are worth every penny. A portable hot tub or portable spa sits above ground and can be easily installed. They are normally engineered to be one-piece and are molded from highly durable and hardwearing plastic. Many weigh less than 250lbs and can be moved easily by one or two people. Certain portable spas also make use of regular 110V power sockets instead of the higher 220V sockets. This means you can simply use an existing socket to power your portable spa. This is a major advantage because 110V sockets are much more common than 220V sockets. When buying a portable spa it makes sense to buy a cover for it at the same time. A cover will help keep in the heat and help keep the water clean. You should also make sure you know how to keep your hot tub clean. The hot tub should come with a filter but you should also clean the water line on a daily basis to prevent any build up of bacteria, algae or dirt. You will also need to check the sanitizer levels. The sanitizer is what will destroy the bacteria and keep algae levels down. You will need to purchase test strips to test it. You should also check the PH level of the water to prevent corrosion or scaling. On a weekly basis you will also need to oxidize the water with some good non-chlorine shock This will keep your water looking as clean and sparkling. For more information about portable hot tubs and portable spas please visit http://www.aah-spas.com