The Biggest Fitness and Health Trends of the Year 2014

Because of lifestyle choices, more and more people are becoming prone to developing chronic, debilitating diseases or facing increased risk for early mortality. For instance, statistical data reveal that the numbers of Americans that are obese are increasing year after year. There are various information drives and health-oriented campaigns targeted at the public, with the main objective of promoting healthier food options and lifestyle modifications. People who want to lead healthier lives were given numerous options, as one health trend came after another. The year 2014 is almost over. It is now high time for us to look back at three of the biggest fitness and health trends that became popular during the year.

Locally sourced food for economic and environmental gains

This year, there has been a lot of buzz about the numerous benefits of patronizing locally sourced foods to to individuals and communities. This entails buying grocery items, including meat and fish, from the local farmers' market. It also involves planning the daily menu based on the fruits and vegetables that are in season. Eating locally produced foods is not only good for your health. It is also friendlier to the environment, and definitely helpful to the local economy. Since the raw ingredients are not transported a long ways, and are not subjected to too much handling, their freshness and quality are retained. The end user benefits from the nutrients more. By purchasing locally, consumers also have the assurance that the foods they eat are not contaminated.

"Superfoods" for better health and longer life

If you believe the experts, then "superfoods" do not only provide you with essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. They also ward off potentially fatal illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cancer, and heart disease. The foods also lower the risk for depression and promote a stressful lifestyle overall. No, these are not foods that have been manufactured in laboratories. These are regular supermarket fare that are "nutrient powerhouses," especially when eaten raw.

What exactly are the benefits of superfoods? Well, instead of taking drugs to lower the risk for various health conditions, including foods such as yogurt, soy, walnuts, hemp seeds, quinoa (ancient grain), freekeh (young wheat), amaranth, oats, broccoli, beans, spinach, tomatoes, blueberries, buffaloberries, pumpkin, oranges, kale, salmon, turkey, as well as green tea and black tea. They are affordable, delicious, and there are no side effects, unlike some medications of food supplements that may have adverse effects on the body in the long run. These superfoods come highly recommended by nutritionists because of their nutritive and protective qualities.

Functional fitness programs for health-conscious adults

Lastly, "functional fitness" became the go-to workout program this year. The approach is rather simple, incorporating strength training for specific muscles with a more generalized fitness program. Older adults in particular became more interested in trying this out because it helps to improve a person's capacity to perform activities of daily living. Aside from developing strength, the program has been shown to improve balance and coordination and promote weight loss as well.

Check out more information on 101 Health Advice.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Gilbertson

Coping With Multiple Mental Health Issues

Given all the medications, therapies and self-help books that are available for dealing with depression and anxiety, you would think that rates of these disorders would be declining, but unfortunately, surveys suggest they are just as prevalent today as they were 30 years ago.

One of the complicating factors in dealing with anxiety and depression, is that most people with these disorders have more than one mental health issue, which makes it difficult to deal with one problem at a time. Furthermore, the medications used to anxiety and depression can make other disorders worse. For example, antidepressant medications can sometimes worsen inattention in those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and medications for anxiety and panic attacks such as Xanax can make depressed people feel more tired and lethargic.

Given the difficulty in treating multiple mental health problems with medication, it's useful to identify those treatments which are helpful for all types of mild to moderate mental illness. Among the mental health treatments which can improve both anxiety and depression, without negatively affecting attention and memory include -
Physical Exercise
Hundreds of studies have shown that moderate to intense physical exercise helps improves anxiety, depression and mental focus. At least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, three times a week is recommended as a minimum by mental health researchers, with 30 minutes five times a week recommended for those with depression.

Deep Breathing Exercises
The majority of people with anxiety disorders and anxious forms of depression spend a lot of time taking shallow breathes with their mouth open. This over-stimulates the sympathetic "flight or fight" part of the nervous system and leads to a variety of physical and mental problems such as excessive muscle tension, irritability, impatience and poor concentration. Learning to take deep, relaxed breathes through the belly, helps ease nervous tension while improving mood and ability to focus. An alternative to deep breathing is single or alternative nostril breathing. Breathing through the left nostril, while blocking off the right nostril with your thumb can significantly reduce mental and physical over-arousal, while breathing through the right nostril can help stimulate the mind and body when feeling lethargic. Alternating from one nostril to another helps promote a more even level of nervous arousal and is good exercise to do in the morning.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
CBT is the most researched form of talk therapy for mood disorders and involves recognising and challenging ingrained negative thinking habits. Research has shown that CBT can be useful for dealing with both anxious and depressive thinking habits, and can also help moderate the mood swings and poor frustration tolerance associated with ADHD.

Therapy for Self-Esteem Issues
Poor self-esteem is one of the commonest problems seen in anxiety and depression. People with mood disorders tend to have a low opinion of themselves, are over-sensitive to personal rejection and spend too much time comparing themselves to others. Addressing self-esteem issues through talk therapy or by reading recommended self-help books can play a crucial role in helping to reduce levels of anxiety and negative thinking.

Meditation and Yoga
A growing body of research is showing that regular meditation of at least 15 minutes a day can significantly improve mood and mental focus. However, it usually takes at least three months of regular practice to see significant benefits. Many people also find it boring or difficult to sit still and meditate. A popular alternative to sitting meditation, are the various forms of active yoga that combine meditation with stretching exercises designed to condition the body while focusing the mind. Active forms of yoga tend to be most popular type of meditation because physically restless people find them easier to commit to, and there are a wide range of postures and breathing techniques to choose from.

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Health and Mental Benefits of Pets for Seniors

Most everyone can automatically lower blood pressure and smile in delight when petting an animal. For some reason, that act just brings on a happy feeling. Pets can help seniors in many physical and mental ways by providing physical contact and unconditional love to their lives.

Research from the American Geriatrics Society determined that seniors who live independently and have a pet are much healthier and mentally more acute than those who don't. Pets help lower blood pressure and other physical benefits and also help seniors live longer, healthier and more enjoyable lives in all areas.

Pets can get seniors up and moving - going on walks, changing litter boxes, grooming and providing food and water. They also bring happiness with their constant antics, playing and petting. The cardiovascular system and joints are benefited tremendously by these actions.

Having a pet to take care of and love may also help the emotional well-being of seniors. Some seniors don't have a support system in place and tend to become socially isolated. Pets give seniors a chance to interact in a way that helps relieve the depression and anxiety from living alone.

Elderly care centers are beginning to realize the benefits from pet companionship and there are many who now allow residents to interact with either their own animals or pets from organizations like Therapy dogs and Pets on Wheels. Some nursing homes are also allowing pets to live with their owners in the residents.
Some other ways that pets may help enrich the lives of the elderly include:

Relieving the emotional pain of losing a loved one.
Makes it easier for the senior to make friends.
Becoming more active.
Prevents loneliness, depression and anxiety.
Helps the senior to feel more secure.
Prevents certain illnesses such as heart disease.

Studies show that seniors who have pets visit the doctor 20% less than those who don't. The benefits of seniors owning and caring for pets are numerous and the benefits to the animals are obvious. Pet ownership seems to truly help seniors overcome many problems associated with aging and brings a greater appreciation of life and how they enjoy it.

Although pets can't take the place of human relationships in seniors' lives, they can certainly enrich their time and sense of well-being. Before giving a pet to a senior, be sure and assess his or her means to take care of it and speak to the senior before actually presenting the pet.

John Rivers, an Independent Team Beachbody Coach, and his wife Beth enjoy helping individuals reach their health and fitness goals. Their unique support style through social media is a very integral part of their accountability model. Find more info at HomeWorkoutsWork.com or sign up to Join their "private" Facebook group. "Friend" John today to start reaching "YOUR" goals.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Rivers

Sceptical About the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Eraser Program?

Sceptical About the HSV Eraser Program? Read on...
If you suffer from the Herpes Simplex Virus then you may have been skeptical when you saw this article about erasing the virus permanently. Up until now, all you have heard was that there is no cure for herpes. Please keep an open mind and read on before you make any determination of the validity of this system.

If you have herpes you have had to deal with the feeling of being humiliated about having sores on your face, nose, mouth or genitals. You have had to deal with the itching, burning and painful blisters. Possibly the worse is the fear that you could transmit this disease to someone else. Instead of having to deal with these issues, following the HSV Eraser program could actually end your battle with herpes. The program takes less than 3 weeks to complete. It works for both HSV-1 and HSV-2 and like over 25,000 men and women have already found out, this natural treatment can completely destroy every trace of the herpes virus.

There are two types of herpes - HSV-1 and HSV -2. There are assumptions in society that the cause of cold sores comes from HSV-1, the "good" herpes virus and HSV-2 is the "bad" herpes virus since it is associated to genital herpes. Both types are transmitted through contact with the mucosal areas of the body (i.e. the mouth and the genitals) and then establish latency in the nervous system. Approximately 65% of those infected with herpes have no symptoms or symptoms so mild that they don't even notice them. Even without noticeable symptoms, outbreaks can recur and the infection can be spread.

As you are infected with herpes, the virus worms its way into your body and conceals itself. Some people don't have an initial outbreak and others don't have any symptoms at all. This makes HSV different than other infections because symptoms such as a fever are produced with other viruses which our immune system is able to recognise as infection and this aids our body in attempting to fight off the infection. In the case of HSV, the body isn't receiving any notification and as such isn't equipped to fight it off.

Because the HSV virus is cloaked in the cells of your body by a protein called ICP47, current medications can't find the virus in order to fight it and so they merely suppress the virus.

Dr. Christine Buehler, a clinical researcher for one of the top rated Medical Colleges in the U.S., contracted both HSV-1 and HSV-2 herself. She found that the herpes medications ease and mask the symptoms but they do not cure herpes. In order to find out information about the disease and to seek advice about how to deal with her own health issue, she consulted with her former professor and mentor, Dr. Ken Languin, an expert in human pathology and an authoritative researcher on sexually transmitted diseases.

Dr. Buehler couldn't accept that up until now no one had ever looked into "un-hiding" the virus so that the body's immune system could zero in and destroy the virus subsequently following her consultation with Dr. Languin and her extensive research, she created this program.

The HSV Eraser program shows you how to enable the body to uncloak ICP47 proteins from the infected cells of your body so that the herpes virus is no longer hidden from the immune system. By introducing a particular blend of organic chemical composites, the ICP47 proteins can be detached from the nerve cells.

Now that the herpes virus is exposed, the immune system needs to be strong enough to fight the virus. The program incorporates a distinctive vitamins, minerals and supplements regiment that when taken at the right time and in the right quantity to give the immune system what it needs to fight off the herpes.

In conclusion, this is a comprehensive program showing you everything you need to fight off the herpes virus. It's all natural, there are no side effects, you'll see results in less than a month, the cost is in-line with your weekly food budget and best of all every is available at your grocery or health food store.

Go to the website to see for yourself a surprising number of encouraging endorsements.

Want More Go Here Now

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathryn_Broome

Top 8 Tips to Achieve All Round Health and Wellness

The body works under rules that govern it. Just like any machine, when the rules are broken, the body will break down before achieving its best. The eight tips or laws that govern health can be summarized in the acronym NEWSTART. These are Nutrition, Exercise, Water, Sunshine, Temperance, Air, Rest and Trust in divine power.

Nutrition is the most observed and at the same time the most abused. Surveys have proven that the secret to longevity is subsistence on a vegan diet. The people of the Mediterranean regions and the Adventist of Loma Linda are among the longest living people in the world. Their diet is majorly plant-based and as wholesome as possible. Eating at least five portions of fruits per day with almost an equal number of vegetable portions keeps free radicals away from your body. Plants also have HDL lipids that are good for the body in contrast to animal LDL fats that are associated with most of the lifestyle degenerative diseases. Decomposers such as yeast and mushrooms take energy from the body rather than giving you energy.

Exercise comes next in hand. This is yet another law that has been broken especially by the rich and wealthy. Exercise involves doing workouts, farming, walking, swimming, bike riding among others. Mental exercise includes singing, humming, meditation, appreciation of nature and so on. We need to exercise so that we can develop lean muscles that are essential for doing work and also for increasing the rate of metabolism. Those who do not exercise regularly are less productive in both their sedentary and physical activities.

Water is a necessity of life. The body is over 70% of water. All the muscles, bones, nerves, cells... need water. The brain which is at the center of the central nervous system is also almost 90% of water. This means that when the body is deprived of water, the body functioning will be compromised. When the body is deprived of water there is thickening of blood. Blood carries oxygen to the whole body. If it is thickened, there is less supply of oxygen and other nutrients to the whole body. Metabolic wastes and carbon dioxide will also not be removed effectively from the cells. Such environment is very conducive for cancer and other diseases.

Sunshine is good for the mood. If someone is moody, take them out rather than confining them in doors. In addition, sunshine is rich in vitamin D. this is a vitamin that helps in the absorption of calcium into the bones hence healthy bones. Sunshine also kills some germs.

Temperance should be accompanied with everything. There are those who are eating the healthiest of foods but they eat too much of it. Overeating is a major cause of stomach upsets together with blood poisoning. In addition to this, when working, either mental work or physical work, never over do it.

Air is also good for the moods. It is necessary that we do some deep breathing on the natural environment where there are lots of plants. Air is also rich in oxygen which is an important fuel for our cells. The body cells need abundant oxygen for optimum functioning. If possible, you should live in the countryside rather than in the city because the former has cleaner air than the polluted air within the cities.

Rest is yet another law that has been broken by almost all adults. People are more concerned about making wealth rather than their wellbeing. We tend to overwork ourselves to make wealth that we will not enjoy later on because our lack of rest comes with its own cons. Lack of rest can lead to disease and even pre mature death. In addition, someone who gets enough rest is more productive than the person with little rest. Eight hours per day of sleeping together with a 45 minute afternoon nap are good enough for us.

Trust in divine power comes on the base. This is because if you follow all the laws above but fail in the last one, all the other seven may not work. Meditating on spiritual matters is medicine on its own. The creator knows our bodies well and that's why trusting our health to him is the wisest thing for us.

Japheth Kagolla is a trained medical health missionary. He is trained to treat people using simple natural remedies and foods. He also does lots of freelance writing on health related subjects

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Japheth_Kagolla

The Biggest Fitness and Health Trends of the Year 2014

Because of lifestyle choices, more and more people are becoming prone to developing chronic, debilitating diseases or facing increased risk for early mortality. For instance, statistical data reveal that the numbers of Americans that are obese are increasing year after year. There are various information drives and health-oriented campaigns targeted at the public, with the main objective of promoting healthier food options and lifestyle modifications. People who want to lead healthier lives were given numerous options, as one health trend came after another. The year 2014 is almost over. It is now high time for us to look back at three of the biggest fitness and health trends that became popular during the year.

Locally sourced food for economic and environmental gains

This year, there has been a lot of buzz about the numerous benefits of patronizing locally sourced foods to to individuals and communities. This entails buying grocery items, including meat and fish, from the local farmers' market. It also involves planning the daily menu based on the fruits and vegetables that are in season. Eating locally produced foods is not only good for your health. It is also friendlier to the environment, and definitely helpful to the local economy. Since the raw ingredients are not transported a long ways, and are not subjected to too much handling, their freshness and quality are retained. The end user benefits from the nutrients more. By purchasing locally, consumers also have the assurance that the foods they eat are not contaminated.

"Superfoods" for better health and longer life

If you believe the experts, then "superfoods" do not only provide you with essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. They also ward off potentially fatal illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cancer, and heart disease. The foods also lower the risk for depression and promote a stressful lifestyle overall. No, these are not foods that have been manufactured in laboratories. These are regular supermarket fare that are "nutrient powerhouses," especially when eaten raw.

What exactly are the benefits of superfoods? Well, instead of taking drugs to lower the risk for various health conditions, including foods such as yogurt, soy, walnuts, hemp seeds, quinoa (ancient grain), freekeh (young wheat), amaranth, oats, broccoli, beans, spinach, tomatoes, blueberries, buffaloberries, pumpkin, oranges, kale, salmon, turkey, as well as green tea and black tea. They are affordable, delicious, and there are no side effects, unlike some medications of food supplements that may have adverse effects on the body in the long run. These superfoods come highly recommended by nutritionists because of their nutritive and protective qualities.

Functional fitness programs for health-conscious adults

Lastly, "functional fitness" became the go-to workout program this year. The approach is rather simple, incorporating strength training for specific muscles with a more generalized fitness program. Older adults in particular became more interested in trying this out because it helps to improve a person's capacity to perform activities of daily living. Aside from developing strength, the program has been shown to improve balance and coordination and promote weight loss as well.

Check out more information on 101 Health Advice.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Gilbertson

Health Tip - Planting "SSEEDs" for Healthy Adolescents

If you think your child isn't listening to you, think again. During the adolescent period from age 10 through 26, the College of Medicine's Dr. Lisa Barkley*, says parents have a tremendous opportunity to plant the "SSEED" for healthy habits that can last a lifetime.

• Sleep - Never underestimate the power of sleep, especially for adolescents. Teens need at least eight hours of sleep per night, and sometimes more during growth periods. This also is a time to help your child establish good "sleep hygiene" habits like nightly routines that signal the body to prepare for restful sleep. Most important for this age group is turning off all electronic devices, from cell phones to televisions.


• Stress - Ask any parent and they'll tell you that kids are more stressed out than ever before. It's the plague of modern times that can lead to chronic diseases if not handled appropriately. As parents, it's important to teach your child good stress management skills. Many kids relax by playing music or participating in sporting activities, while others release tension by talking with friends or journaling. Talk with your child to see how they handle stress, and make sure there's enough downtime. In fact, consider reserving one day a week where there are no plans at all.


• Exercise - With so many ways to stay connected with friends through technology, it's no wonder that kids don't exercise as much as they used to. However, their body's need for exercise hasn't changed. Experts recommend that adolescents younger than 18 years of age get an hour of vigorous physical activity a day, and those 18 and older need 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week. And who knows, as your child exercises more, his or her stress levels may decrease.


• Environment - Take a close look around your home and really analyze how your adolescent is spending his or her time. Consider limiting the amount of time interacting with technology-from cell phones and computers to video games and television-to two hours per day. Also consider taking a holiday from electronics. For example, try going for an entire Sunday afternoon with no electronics of any type... parents, too. This may be easier to implement when you consider that by age 20, most adolescents have been exposed to 500,000 deaths through electronic media. By limiting their "screen time," you're also helping to prevent them from being desensitized to violence.
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• Diet - Getting your adolescent to eat at least five fruits and veggies per day may be a tall order, but it is important for their overall health. Also limit sugary beverages (or at least reserve them for special occasions) and encourage them to drink more water. And think "farm to table" when it comes to food selections, trying very hard to avoid processed foods and artificial sweeteners whenever possible.

According to Dr. Barkley, parents don't have to be perfect. However, they should be good role models for the types of healthy lifestyle habits they're trying to instill in their adolescents.

* Dr. Barkley treats patients and is the Assistant Professor and Assistant Dean of Diversity and Inclusion at the UCF College of Medicine.

As part of the UCF College of Medicine, UCF Pegasus Health was developed as a way to provide individualized, multidisciplinary health care based on the latest medical advancements. Staffed by faculty physicians, patients can receive primary and specialized care at our medical facility located at 3400 Quadrangle Blvd., Orlando, FL 32817. Specialties include adolescent medicine (age 16+), cardiology, endocrinology, geriatrics, internal medicine, nephrology, rheumatology and sports medicine. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (407) 266-DOCS or visit http://www.UCFPegasusHealth.org. Coming in 2015 - UCF Pegasus Health will open a second location in Lake Nona's Medical City. Stay tuned for more details.

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