http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/health/weight-loss/effective-weight-loss-the-weight-watchers-promise.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/weight-loss/effective-weight-loss-the-weight-watchers-promise.html Wed, 17 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600
When it comes to popular weight loss programs, Weight Watchers is usually on of the firsts to come to mind. Weight Watchers is not just about losing weight individually but it is doing so with the help of a support group. It has been around for many years now but gained popularity and had undergone a dramatic change in the late 1990's.

The program teaches participants about specific food groups that should be included in their diet. The program used to be called the 1-2-3 Success but now it is called Winning Points. Participants come together in meetings where they learn about these foods. Each food has a particular point value. Food labels and ingredients can be checked against a list of food values and computations can be made using a Points Finder.

There is also a kit, available for all participants, which consists of an organizer, a Points Finder and books that list the point values of food including those that are commonly served in restaurants. Participants are tasked to keep a record of the number of points they eat each week. This makes it possible for them to track their food consumption each day of the week and plan the next meals accordingly. Therefore, the program does not dictate what specific foods you may or may not eat. You can actually eat anything that you want under the Weight Watchers program and come up with your own food plan based on your points. By using your points, you may even save eating foods like ice cream and burgers for special occasions by not eating them today and using your reserve points on the day of the special occasion.

Weight Watchers program is also composed of meeting with your group mates. The first meeting usually is a time when new participants get to meet the other members and they get and orientation about the program. The Weight Watchers program is quite encouraging for many because it does not restrict eating foods, one can actually eat anything they want. It just stresses the significance of having healthy portions of vegetables and fruits in the diet. It also encourages the intake of low-fat dairy products. The Weight Watchers diet plan also promotes drinking lots of water.

Weight Watchers program also encourages participants to exercise. Exercising actually earns points that they promise will benefit the member even if he does not stay in the program. Since it does not restrict food types, it emphasizes more on portion control. You can eat your favorite foods but take only healthy portions or amounts. By following the Weight Watchers weight loss plan, results are guaranteed to start showing as early as the first week with a most probable weight loss of one or two pounds. Every five pounds that are lost also merits rewards and if you keep track of the entire program, at 10 percent loss and until the goal weight is reached.

--
If you need some help with achieving your weight loss goals, look no further than the ProShape system. ProShape combines diet and exercise with naturopathic supplements to help you meet your weight loss goals.

For more articles about weight loss and obesity, as well as fitness and nutrition, visit http://www.AreYouSlim.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/weight-loss/the-prevalence-of-child-obesity.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/weight-loss/the-prevalence-of-child-obesity.html Wed, 10 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600
Statistics show that the prevalence of child obesity has dramatically increased in America with a rate that is triple of that 30 years ago. This very disturbing trend needs serious and immediate attention. Recent information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that 17 percent of children between the ages of two and nineteen are severely overweight. Actual numbers are expected to be much higher as regularly conducted surveys indicate people tend to provide incorrect information concerning their weight and height. The Harvard School of Public Health also indicates that the prevalence of child obesity in the U.S. has been grossly underestimated and is of proportions that are rapidly spinning out of control.

Child obesity can be attributed to several factors. A child’s eating habits, physical activity level, hormones, genetics and environmental considerations are all involved in the picture of child obesity. Obesity involves both physical and emotional problems. While medical risks for diabetes among others are well known, these children typically suffer from low self-esteem and social isolation from peers, which has equally devastating effects on child development.

The prevalence of diabetes in society is no longer considered just an eating problem, but now a lifestyle concern involving not just the child, but also the whole family. Parents of overweight children are often not aware of the risks of obesity and unwittingly contribute to an environment and attitudes that foster obesity. Some child health advocates go to the lengths of considering the allowance of child obesity as serious child abuse as parents are largely responsible for children’s diets.

Children that are overweight need to be involved in more and regular physical activities while being less involved in sedentary functions such as watching television. Parents should take an active role in providing healthy eating choices and limiting or eliminating unhealthy snacking foods from the home. Enrolling children in after school clubs and activities, sporting teams and summer camp activities is one way to increase their activity level. This will also help them in gaining self-confidence and in socializing with other children. Just as diet has to be controlled by the parents at home, a child’s physical activity level needs to be actively monitored by parents as well.

Children rely on their parents for their well-being, and obesity puts a child’s well-being at risk. Taking steps to prevent obesity as well as to rehabilitate an obese child is important. Not addressing a child’s obesity can put them at serious risk.


--
About the Author: Elizabeth Radisson is the editor of http://www.AreYouInShape.com, where you'll find more articles on weight loss and obesity, as well as fitness and exercise.

For information on Proactol, a new and clinically proven fat binder, visit http://www.AboutProactol.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/weight-loss/does-ear-stapling-really-lead-to-weight-loss.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/weight-loss/does-ear-stapling-really-lead-to-weight-loss.html Tue, 09 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600
However, most of the food sold in the market nowadays is processed; almost all the essential nutrients are replaced by substances that contribute to the accumulation of harmful fats.

Thus, as long as people take in more processed food, more and more cases of obesity would be reported. In the United States alone, it is estimated that seven out of ten kids under 12 can be categorized as obese.

The figure in the global scale can even be depressing, because the trend in food production tends to be inclined more towards food processing.

Moreover, so many different and innovative procedures and diet-activity programs are being introduced nowadays to curtail the problem pertaining to excessive weight.

Ear stapling

During the first half of 2006, many weight loss aficionados tried the wonders of ear stapling, which, as sources claim, significantly helps one to lose weight. Many figure-conscious individuals in the United States have flocked to clinics and shops offering ear-stapling services.

What is ear stapling? Ear stapling is the process when a staple is inserted in the ear, at the area near the acupuncture point for the stomach. The area is on the cartilage near the hole of the ear.

The process is almost like ear piercing and acupuncture. The stapling procedure would hurt like an ordinary ear piercing.

Many people who have tried the procedure claim that ear stapling really works. Most of the ear stapling recipients report losing a few pounds within only two to three weeks.

From the anecdotal evidence, it appears ear stapling is truly an effective measure for weight loss. That may give credence to the procedure, but not formal test yet has proved its effectiveness.

How ear stapling works and dangers posed

Since the ear staple is placed near the pressure point that is linked to the stomach, people assert that the procedure triggers a significant loss in appetite.

There are reported cases, however, that indicate a direct physical effect. There are reports that since the staple is put in the ear cartilage, it causes pain when the person opens the mouth and chew food.

If the appetite is not lessened, the pain caused by the chewing activity makes people not want to take in food anymore. Thus, the person with an ear staple would drastically lessen food consumption.

Another potential problem would arise from infection. Since ear stapling creates a wound, improper handling and unhygienic procedure would certainly lead to accumulation of bacteria and other microorganisms in the small wound.

The problem of infection can be serious and even fatal if the would remains untreated. Thus, the weight loss regimen becomes a trigger for other medical condition.

Experts warn people against jumping into the bandwagon. They recommend that obese people simply follow normal eating and exercise programs instead of relying heavily on such non-conventional weight-loss strategies.

People should also be wary of who would perform the simple stapling operation since the ear area is very sensitive and some other pressure points might be pricked, causing adverse body reactions.

Do not perform the activity by yourself or ask a friend to do it for you. If you can't resist trying it out, at least seek help from medical practitioners who are experts in piercing or creating minor wounding activities.

Do not compromise your overall health by just hoping to yield results from a minor procedure that is not yet tested to help reduce weight.

--
If you need some help with achieving your weight loss goals, look no further than the ProShape system. ProShape combines diet and exercise with naturopathic supplements to help you meet your weight loss goals.

For more articles about weight loss and obesity, as well as fitness and nutrition, visit http://www.AreYouSlim.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/when-to-see-a-specialist-about-acid-reflux.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/when-to-see-a-specialist-about-acid-reflux.html Sat, 06 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600
Many heartburn symptoms could indicate an acid reflux problem. Frequent and severe heartburn that persists after numerous over-the-counter medications have been tried can indicate an acid reflux problem. Heartburn that interferes with sleep, lifestyle and daily activities can also indicate an acid reflux problem.

Difficulty and pain with swallowing, the frequent feeling of food caught in the throat or chest and pain in the neck, back or chest may be indicators of acid reflux. Excess saliva, heartburn that causes vomiting and vomiting blood are known symptoms of acid reflux.

Acid reflux may also cause black stool resulting from digesting blood. A persistently sore throat and episodes of choking, coughing or wheezing may also indicate the presence of acid reflux. Finally, a dramatic episode of weight loss can also be an indicator for acid reflux.

Seeing your doctor for any of these symptoms is advised and can help you in finding relief from the symptoms. Your doctor should be able to determine if you have Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and with treatment, help you to stop experiencing most if not all the symptoms. Finding the right medical professional to help with your health and solve your heartburn problems is also very important.

Several websites may be useful in finding the right doctor to help solve your problem.

The AARP's magazine and online website list the top hospitals for the over-50 frequent heartburn sufferers.

Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. researches and compiles a list of the top doctors and hospitals in dealing with this disease.

The American Medical Association provides a Doctor Finder service that provides information on over 700,000 physicians practicing in the United States.

Health Grades provides profiles and quality reports on hospitals and doctors by specialty.

A government-sponsored site called Hospital Compare provides hospital quality assurance rankings and patient rights information.

The National Institutes of Health developed the Medline Plus site with links to health professionals' directories in your area.

InfoPlease is a site listing the best hospitals in the United States based on rankings coming from the U.S. News and World Report.

LocateADoc is a patient reviewed site helping you to find physicians and their patient's reviews.

With so many options available, you can easily find a doctor familiar with acid reflux who can help you receive the treatment you need.

--
Elizabeth Radisson is the editor of OurGoodHealth. For more articles on acid reflux and related topics, such as heartburn and indigestion, visit http://www.OurGoodHealth.org/acid-reflux/

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/lifestyle/the-deep-sleeper-and-bedwetting-connection.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/lifestyle/the-deep-sleeper-and-bedwetting-connection.html Sat, 06 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600
Controlled laboratory studies indicate that deep sleeping plays a role in bed-wetting, but is not the primary cause. Studies on children at Albert Einstein College of Medicine recorded their electroencephalography (EEG) patterns. This is a monitoring of the brains electrical activity during sleep. Children suffering from a variety of sleep disorders were recorded by the EEG as having abnormal electrical patterns. The children who suffered just from enuresis did not display abnormal brain activity during sleep, supporting the notion that sleep disorders and bed wetting are not linked, though not waking when the bladder is full is a deviation from the norm.

Doctors do not know exactly what causes enuresis, though complete bladder control is known to be a gradual process that takes time with no definitive age of mastery for all children. Some children develop nighttime mastery at a very early age while others take considerably more time. Daytime bladder control is typically achieved first while children are awake and alert, able to immediately respond to a full bladder.

Many aspects of the body must work together in regulating bladder function and urine control including muscles, nerves, brain and spinal chord. The bladder sends a message to the brain to wake up when the bladder is full. A deep sleeper does not respond to the brain's message and attempts to contain the urine in the bladder until the person awakes. Typically, where bed-wetting is involved, the body is not working well enough coordinated yet to control the urine.

Some children have a smaller than average bladder which has not matured enough to make nighttime bladder control happen regularly. Other children create more urine than average in which case the bladder is unable to contain it through the night. Physical problems such as diabetes and urinary tract infections can also contribute to enuresis.

Studies have shown there may be a genetic link to bed-wetting. The National Kidney Foundation reports that a child with one parent that was a bed wetter has a 4 in 10 chance of becoming one them self. Having both parents who were bed wetters raises it to a 7 in 10 chance of being a bed wetter.

--
If you or your child suffer with enuresis, there is help available. Visit http://www.OurGoodHealth.org/bedwetting/ and sign-up to receive our weekly newsletter, packed with tips and resources.

For more enuresis-related articles, visit the bedwetting section of http://www.OurGoodHealth.org.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/diabetes/what-is-ketoacidosis.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/diabetes/what-is-ketoacidosis.html Sat, 21 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0500
There are warning signs to watch for if you have Type 1 diabetes. Having a dry mouth or extreme thirst, urinating more frequently than usual, having high levels of ketones in the urine and having high levels of blood glucose are all symptoms of Type 1 diabetes. These symptoms normally develop rather slowly, but with frequent vomiting, can develop faster. The original symptoms will progress to ones that are more serious. More serious symptoms to look for include: flushed and dry skin, fruity breath odor, confusion and poor attention, difficulty breathing, dominant tired feeling and nausea and vomiting with abdominal pain. Vomiting that continues for over two hours requires immediate medical attention.

Test strips are used to check for ketones in the urine and your doctor will let you know how and when to test for them. Ketones should be checked for every four to six hours or when blood glucose is above 240 mg/dl for those suffering with a cold or flu. Consult with your doctor to find out what level of ketones is dangerous for you.

There are different reasons for high levels of ketones in your urine. Your body may not have the right level of insulin and as a result starts to break down fat to use as energy. Your body may have used up more insulin than normal fighting an illness or you may not have injected enough. Missing a meal or not eating due to illness can account for high levels of ketones. Ketones will appear during an insulin reaction when blood glucose levels drop and the body starts to use fat for energy. High ketone levels in the morning usually indicate an insulin reaction at night. This condition will require medical intervention.

Ketoacidosis is very dangerous, so it is important to check your urine and blood glucose levels regularly. Contact your doctor or a hospital emergency room if you have Type 1 diabetes and are displaying any of these symptoms.

--
About the Author: Elizabeth Radisson is the editor of Diabetes.OurGoodHealth.org, where you'll find numerous articles on the causes and symptoms of diabetes, as well as related illnesses. See our sister site for more general health information.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/sleep/lowering-your-risks-for-sleep-apnea.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/sleep/lowering-your-risks-for-sleep-apnea.html Sat, 21 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0500
Staying or getting into good shape is an important element to reducing your risk for sleep apnea. Fatty tissues in the neck that are a direct result of being obese are the leading cause of sleep apnea. This excess tissue can obstruct the airway by putting weight on the esophagus, which can lead to sleep apnea. It has been determined that having a neck with a circumference of over 17 inches presents a significant risk for contracting sleep apnea.

The use of depressants also increases the risk of developing sleep apnea. Depressants such as alcohol and sleeping pills cause the throat muscles to relax giving way to a possible airway obstruction. Alcohol should be taken no sooner than four hours before bedtime for this reason creating a lower chance of snoring and sleep apnea at bed time.

Smoking can also contribute to developing sleep apnea. Smoking causes increased inflammation in the throat as well as fluid retention in the upper airway. These two conditions can represent a serious airway obstruction.

Some people that experience sleep apnea only do so when lying on their backs at night. A conscious effort to sleep on one's side can be made to help remedy the situation. Many different techniques may be attempted such as sleeping with a pillow behind your back to prevent you from rolling onto your back. Whatever your method is, find one that works for you and stick with it.

Some of the most serious risks for sleep apnea can be reduced by lifestyle changes. Other factors such as old age and a narrow air passage cannot be adapted for and are unavoidable risks. If you suspect that you have sleep apnea, get a proper diagnosis from a certified sleep lab and begin to take steps to reduce your risk.

--
About the Author: Elizabeth Radisson is the editor of http://SleepApnea.OurGoodHealth.org, a website devoted to information on the causes and treatment of sleep apnea. Also, visit http://www.OurGoodHealth.org for more health-related information.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/beauty/historic-hair-restoration.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/beauty/historic-hair-restoration.html Sat, 21 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0500
The Egyptians were the first people known for attempting to restore lost hair. They applied chopped lettuce to bald spots on the scalp and gave natural ingredient scalp massages with items such as fir tree extracts. Lettuce was known for virility and was considered helpful to hair growth. The resin in fir tree extracts was considered to also help with hair growth.

The Sub-Sahara culture of South Africa had methods to improve the problem of hair loss. Hair loss that was considered a problem of the scalp received avocado leaves as a treatment. Infusions were made into the scalp to allow the nutrients from the leaves to penetrate. Olive oil and flowers was also applied to the scalp as a tonic to aid in hair growth.

In India, different techniques were used to fight against hair loss. Sage leaf that had been boiled in coconut oil was applied to thinning hair. Coconut milk and oil mixed with black or Fenugreek powders was applied in the same way on thinning hair. An amla oil and coconut milk mixture provided nutrients for lost hair.

The Victorian American culture had numerous treatments for hair loss. It was believed that the more hair was brushed, the less likely it would begin thinning or balding. Applications of cologne, spirit of camphor and tincture were used for people most susceptible to hair loss. In some cases, various roots were applied nightly. Jamaican rum, glycerin, ammonia and rosemary oil mixed with water were also used in hair loss cases.

Ancient cultures used the approach of supplying nutrients to the scalp. The application of these was thought to prevent hair loss. Each culture used herbs and preservatives they considered effective in helping prevent hair loss and to stimulate new hair growth. In our society, hair loss affects men and women and is a self-esteem concern. Men and women are in a constant search for ways to keep their hair and the best ways to replace what has been lost. Many interesting products are on the market, but no one product has become the miracle cure everyone is looking for.

--
About the Author: Elizabeth Radisson is the editor of http://HairLoss.OurGoodHealth.org, a site which provides information and resources about hairloss and hairloss treatments. Also, visit http://OurGoodHealth.org for other health-related information.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/student-grant-money-online-availability.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/student-grant-money-online-availability.html Tue, 03 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0500
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is one measure to facilitate the free grant money application to students. The website www.Grants.gov is another measure. The website was launched in October 2003 as an online database where grant seekers would be able to view federal agency offerings. As of late April, only about 80% of the department’s opportunities had been placed on the website. This amounted to 32 of the 40 grant packages the department had intended to have available online.

Some agencies had not gotten involved at all in the online process at this point, while others had exceeded their goals. Numerous agencies had exceeded their goals to the point that on average, they were providing 14 percent more opportunities for free grants than they had planned for. The Department of Education’s progress was very slow toward their goals, with no real explanation. It had initially expected around 1500 free grant applications on the website, but had only received 469 to that point, representing 31 percent. The Federal government had received only 23 percent of the applications it had expected to that point. The grants website has shown signs of growing. The first year and a half brought in 2751 free government grant applications.

One of the reasons for the lagging grant applications on the website is considered to be the change in process. Grant seekers have been adjusting to the new delivery format while the grant community is slowly getting the word out and providing instructional information to grant seekers. A resistance to change is considered another source of the lagging applications, as users are required to register through a system-to-system process. It should be noted that the website application process was not built to facilitate Mac use in making online applications.

--
Phil Monkton is the editor of http://GrantMoney.BigWadofMoney.com where you'll find numerous articles on finding and obtaining student grant money.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/how-to-find-free-government-grant-money.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/how-to-find-free-government-grant-money.html Tue, 03 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0500
Free government grant money does actually come with at a price. It does not have to be repaid, but it does come with strict conditions and restrictions on how it is spent. There are usually strong sanctions involved when used improperly as it is to be used directly for the outlined project and within the objectives of the funding source.

Locating free government grant money for new and existing for-profit businesses is difficult. Typically, the free grant money is given to non-profit organizations that provide some sort of community social service function and benefit everyone. Despite this, it should be noted that there is still free grant money available from the government to entrepreneurs in competitive fields of business.

The U.S. government's grant.gov website would be the best place to look to find available free grant money. Here, you will be able to find and apply for competitive grant opportunities from all federal granting agencies online. The application and approval process is automated to improve the process. The site also offers a free sign up for notification of future grant opportunities.

The government's Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) is another source to find free available grant money. The CFDA.gov website lists government grants and assistance for homeowners, renters and even small business start-ups. Grant information is available by category, topic and key words. Eligibility requirements are listed for all grants to determine if you qualify for them.

Keep in mind while searching for free government grant money that it is not available in any specific area year-round. You must apply when advertised and meet a deadline if you want a chance to qualify for it.

--
About the Author: Phil Monkton is the editor of http://GrantMoney.BigWadofMoney.com where you'll find numerous articles on finding and obtaining grant money.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>