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Unhealthy lifestyle. It’s a common contributor of our biggest health problems: stroke, heart disease, diabetes, cancer. What do the nation’s top physicians recommend to keep your heart, mind, and body in optimally good health?

For the secrets to a long healthy life, WebMD turned to Richard A. Lange, MD, chief of cardiology at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. His advice:

1. Daily exercise.

You brush your teeth every day; exercise is equally important for your daily routine. Turn off the TV or computer, and get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day.

To work your heart, it’s got to be aerobic exercise. You’ve got lots of options: walking, jogging, biking, rowing machine, elliptical machine, swimming. But don’t feel like you have to be an athlete. Walking is great exercise. Get 10 minutes here and there during the day. It all counts.

Start with something simple, like parking in the far corner of the parking lot — so you get those extra steps to the door. Take the stairs one or two flights instead of the elevator. If you take public transportation, get off one stop early and walk the rest. Get out at lunch to walk. Or walk with your significant other or your spouse after work. You’ll get a bonus — relaxation and stress reduction.

2. Healthy diet.

Quit eating junk food and high-fat fast food. Your heart, brain, and overall health are harmed by foods high in saturated fats, salt, and cholesterol. There’s no getting around it. You’ve got to replace them with healthy foods: lots of fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, olive oil — what we call the Mediterranean diet. Eat like an Italian, a Spaniard, a Greek! Enjoy!

3. Weight loss.

Too much body weight puts your health at great risk. When you take in more calories than you burn, you get fat — it’s that simple. You’ve got to eat less. You’ve got to exercise more. You’ve got to push yourself to make these lifestyle changes — but you’ve got to do it to help avoid serious health problems like heart disease, diabetes, or stroke.

4. Regular physical exams.

Tell your doctor your family medical history. Learn your personal risk factors, and the screening tests you need. Women may have mammograms to screen for breast cancer and Pap tests for cervical cancer. Men may have prostate cancer PSA tests. Routine screening for colorectal cancer should start at age 50, perhaps earlier if colon cancer runs in your family. You also need regular diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol tests. Make sure your immunizations are up to date. You may need flu and pneumonia shots, depending on your age.

5. Less stress.

When a person says they’re too busy to exercise, it tells me other things are crowding out what’s important in life: They don’t spend time with family and friends; don’t exercise enough; don’t eat right; don’t sleep properly. All these things reduce stress in your life, and that is critical to your health and longevity.

To be healthy, we need to set boundaries — and set limits on work hours. We should not be working so hard that we’re neglecting the things that keep us healthy. This is important advice, too, for people who take care of elderly parents or young children. Make sure you’re getting proper exercise and sleep — and that you’re not trying to do too much.

Body Wraps:

Body wraps are 100% organic skin care beauty products and are used for 100’s of different things including

• Instant Slimming

• Skin Tightening

• Odor Reduction

• Inch Loss

• Weight Reduction

• Remove Toxins – Detoxify

• Improved Circulation

• Improved Skin Firming (tighten skin)

• Double Chin Reduction

• Reduction of Dry Skin

• Reduction of Psoriasis & Eczema

• Clearer skin complexion

• Insomnia Reduction

• Serious Cellulite Reduction

• Breast Firming Masks

• Facial Firming Masks

• Neck Skin Firming

• Clear Complexion and Preventing Acne

• Muscle and Joint Pain Relief

• Beauty from the inside out

• Organic Skin Care & Beauty Products

• Works great to clear up acne skin

• Amazing Detox benefits

• Do Fat Calc to see the results

• Super fast weight loss results

• Some report losing 10lbs per week

• Lasting results with repeated wraps (5 or so)

• Sculpting for women and men body types

Changing temperatures mean a change of routine, no matter which part of the world you live in. Knowing a little about how skin functions in the winter, and tweaking a few habits, can make all the difference between a dull winter complexion and glowing radiance.

Moisturise Your Skin

During winter, always keep the skin moisturised. Even oily skins need moisture, as the outer layer can get very dry.

Those with oily skins should use light moisturising lotions, especially after cleansing.

After a bath, apply a body lotion while the skin is still damp. It helps to seal off moisture.

Look after your Lips

And don’t forget about your lips. Chapped lips are often the most noticeable problem for a lady in the winter.

Use a highly moisturising lip balm which provides a protective barrier against the elements.

Exfoliate

At least once a week. This will remove dead cells and allow the skin to absorb extra moisture.

The oil which we all complain about in the summer is no longer being produced because of cooler winter temperatures and central heating. Therefore the skin looses the water which should be retained in the lower dermis of the skin. This can lead to premature aging of the skin and fine lines.

Beauty sleep!

Money can’t buy the benefits of a good nights’ rest. Your oxygen levels will drop if you don’t get enough sleep, meaning that your cells will not be renewed as quickly.

This is when degenerative skin aging sets in. Try to get seven, if not eight hours of rest a night to achieve absolutely gorgeous benefits!

By Cristina Masci

Not everyone wants a complete makeover as some like to preserve a more natural appearance. Let’s face it, many men are attracted to the low-maintenance, “girl-next-door” look and accomplishing that can be just as challenging as looking model-perfect.

So, how do you achieve a desirable look without the heavy use of cosmetics and makeup? Our natural beauty tips and advice will help you do just that, and put you on the path to a beautiful, unaffected, you.Practice a Healthy Lifestyle

Natural beauty is akin to an overall healthy appearance. Start with a better lifestyle. Your own attitudes and daily life reflects in how you look to others. Take care of your body and it will take care of you.

Eat a proper, well-balanced diet. Food that’s good for your body helps your internal organs function properly and shows on the outside as well. The trick is to read the labels carefully and eat healthy foods with minimal preservatives. Good nutrition is key to your outward appearance and longevity.

The best skin in the world will not overcome a flabby body. Get in good physical shape if you’ve been slacking off. Set some reasonable fitness goals to get your body fit and trim. Begin with short-term goals and set new ones once they’re achieved.

Skin Care Tips

Water plays a crucial role. For radiant skin, drink plenty of water to keep it hydrated and supple. Seal in water externally after a shower by applying lotion to damp skin.

Look for all-natural, organic and herbal recipes for basic skin problems. Whether it’s dry skin or blemishes, you can target the areas that need it most, foregoing chemicals that can be irritating to your skin.

As you age, you’ll hit some bumps along the way. Care for your skin as you do your most prized possession and you’ll see the benefits quickly, as well as years from now.

Don’t want leathery skin? Lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by reducing exposure to the sun’s dangerous rays.

When enjoying outdoor activities, apply a sunscreen with SPF of at least 15 and re-applying when necessary.
Wearing Makeup, Naturally
If you wish to wear makeup, utilize only the best cosmetics brushes and beauty tools to enhance your finest features and cover flaws.

This allows you to apply only the amount that is needed while blending in any excess color.

Apply a tinted moisturizer or sheer foundation with a damp sponge. Either one will allow your natural skin tone to show through while covering minor imperfections.

Creme or liquid blush blends more naturally than powder. Apply to the apple of your cheeks, outwards, into your hairline to prevent makeup lines.

Don’t want to overdo your eyes? You can now enhance your own eyelashes without adding clumps or colors. New, clear mascara is available to separate your lashes and give them luster and shine.

Reduce Stress

Stress is an unfortunate fact in today’s fast-paced lifestyle and often reflects in your skin and eyes. Make it routine to relax and pamper yourself, daily if possible. This will give you time to slow down and plan the following day.

Become aware of the facial expressions you often make when stressed-out.

If you raise your eyebrows often, you could very well end up with permanent wrinkles on your forehead. If you squint because you don’t understand something, lines between your brows may become evident.

Don’t expect to live without facial expressions, they’re part of you. What you can do is be aware of those expressions you make when nobody is looking. Replace those with something else, such as fidgeting and ease up on your face.

Call 911 or other emergency services if you or someone else:

• Has the symptoms of alcohol poisoning. These can include vomiting, coughing up blood, gasping for breath, passing out, and seizures.
• Has a history of heavy drinking and is having severe withdrawal symptoms but is not willing to get treatment.
• Has delirium tremens (DTs), which can lead to death. Symptoms can include seizure, shaking, a fast heartbeat, and seeing or hearing things that aren’t there (hallucinations).
• Is thinking or talking about suicide or harming others. For more information, see the warning signs of suicide.

Call a doctor right away if you or someone you care about:

• Has withdrawal symptoms, such as confusion and trembling.
• Agrees to be seen for possible treatment. You need to call right away because people who agree to get help often don’t follow through with making the appointment.
• Has stopped drinking but starts drinking again (has a relapse).
• Has severe stomach pain.

Call a doctor if you or someone you care about has an alcohol problem or signs of one. Signs include:

• Having to drink more to get the same effect or having withdrawal symptoms when drinking stops.
• Refusing to admit to an alcohol problem or being too sick to seek help.
• Having blackouts, which means not remembering what happened during a drinking episode.
• Continuing to drink alcohol despite having poor health.
• Not being able to take care of everyday duties because of drinking alcohol.

Watchful Waiting

Watchful waiting is a wait-and-see approach. If you get better on your own, you won’t need treatment. If you get worse, you and your doctor will decide what to do next.

Watchful waiting is not a good choice for alcohol abuse and dependence. If you have alcohol problems, or if you believe that your health or other areas of your life are being affected by drinking alcohol, you need to take steps to cut back on or quit drinking.

Watchful waiting also is not a good choice if you or other people are being hurt by another person’s drinking. It’s important to seek help for yourself and other people, even if the person who is drinking doesn’t seek treatment. Early treatment for all people affected by drinking makes recovery more likely.

If you have concerns about your drinking or the drinking of someone you care about, talk to your doctor.

Who to See

Health professionals who can diagnose and treat symptoms of withdrawal from alcohol and provide support during recovery include:

• Family medicine doctors.
• General practitioners.
• Nurse practitioners.
• Physician assistants.
• Internists.
• Psychiatrists.

After withdrawal symptoms have been treated, health professionals who can provide support during recovery include:

• Psychiatrists and other doctors who specialize in addiction medicine.
• Psychologists.
• Licensed mental health counselors.
• Social workers.

Some health professionals might have chemical dependency certification (CDC) or be certified alcoholism counselors (CAC).

Support groups can also help you and your family with alcohol problems:

• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or similar support groups are for people with alcohol abuse or dependence.
• Al-Anon or Alateen (for teenagers) is for families and friends affected by someone’s drinking.

DIARRHEA

Diarrhea is characterized by an increase in the number of bowel movements (going to the bathroom) that contain an increase of liquid. Diarrhea is a way in which the organism rids itself of toxins and bacteria, which is why it should not be stopped suddenly. Instead, it should be allowed to flow for one day in adults.

Symptoms: Stomach inflammation, stomach aches, and frequent visits to the bathroom to defecate. Some fever and dehydration may occur.

Causes: Diarrhea may be caused by bacteria, parasites, viruses, nerves, stress, incomplete digestion, decomposed food and colitis. Milk intolerance is one of the main causes of this illness, especially in small children.

Suggestion: The most important area to treat is dehydration, especially in small children that don’t know how to explain what is happening to them. They should be given plenty of serum-ORS (drugstore) or prepare it at home in the following manner. Put a table spoon of sugar or honey and a teaspoon of salt in ½ liter of water and mix well. Drink every half hour. After treating dehydration, you should begin to eat, slowly at first, consuming easily digested foods and avoiding those that irritate the intestine.

The following is suggested when suffering from diarrhea:

1. At least six hour fast, drinking liquids or the previously mentioned serum, drink rice water or hot tea several times a day.
2. Begin eating a little boiled rice without seasoning. Start with a few spoonfuls, increasing the amount every 3 or 4 hours.
3. If your stomach feels okay, take thin kichidi (Rice + Dal). The next day you can add white bread to the same diet, a little curd, boiled potatoes, carrots, and lightly mashed boiled apples etc. eat light food for few days.

You should eliminate the following:

1. Foods high in fiber.
2. Milk, greasy foods and cold cuts, since they take longer to digest.
3. Spices and seasoning that irritate the mucous membranes.
4. Sweetened orange juice.

Warning! If diarrhea persists it can cause dehydration of the body which is dangerous if not cared for, especially in children. consult your physician.

Suggested food supplements.

Suggested vitamins and minerals

Source: helpfulhealthtips.com

The benefits of smoking cessation are clear: only 20 minutes after a smoker’s last cigarette, blood pressure and heart rate start to return to normal. Yet millions of smokers find it virtually impossible to quit. What are the best long-term solutions?

Nicotine addiction is “highly underrated”. So bad is it for some that the addiction has been likened to the one of heroin, says Prof Chris Bolliger, pulmonary expert from the University of Stellenbosch’s (US) Faculty of Health Sciences.

There are more factors involved in smoking addiction than mere nicotine addiction and these factors make smoking cessation a complex and challenging process.

Research has shown that most committed ex-smokers stick to their resolution after they’ve managed to abstain for at least one year.

According to a study conducted by Boston University’s School of Dental Medicine, only two to four percent of ex-smokers generally pick up the habit again each year after the initial two-year period.

The very best results, yet to be scientifically verified, indicate a maximum success rate of 50 percent after six months, an estimated 35 percent after one year, and an estimated 30 percent after two years.

Some of the options available that may lead to a long-term solution, include nicotine replacement therapy (gum, inhaler or patches), the drug Zyban, a combination of the above, the Smokenders programme, or quitting all by yourself. Choose the one that suits you best.

1. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
According to Prof Bolliger, any form of NRT increases the success rate of a smoking cessation programme. All the different types of NRT have been shown to be effective, with little or no side-effects.

NRT can be regarded as a temporary solution that helps smokers get past the first hurdle on their journey to long-term smoking cessation.

A tip for ex-smokers: Always carry a batch of gum or another type of NRT with you while you travel. “The urge could come at any time,” says Bolliger.

2. Zyban alone
The antidepressant Zyban (bupropion) is the latest aid in smoking cessation. The medication seems to increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, leading to an enhanced feeling of pleasure.

Not only has buproprion been an effective tool in helping many smokers quit, but it seems to prevent relapse, according to researchers from the Mayo Clinic Nicotine Dependence Center. Unfortunately, the relapse-free period did not persist. At the end of the first year, 55% of the Zyban group in the Mayo Clinic study were still smoke-free, but two years later, similar numbers of the Zyban and non-Zyban groups had relapsed.

Longer-term treatment of bupropion may prevent relapse, but more research on the long-term benefits of Zyban is necessary before definite conclusions can be drawn.

People who should not take Zyban include:

• people with seizure disorders such as epilepsy,
• those who have shown an allergic response to bupropion,
• people with a current or prior diagnosis of bulimia, anorexia nervosa or bipolar disorder,
• people with a liver disorder,
• those with kidney problems,
• those with heart problems,
• those with hypertension,
• those with head injury,
• people who have a brain or spinal column tumour,
• diabetics,
• people using alcohol or benzodiazipine sleeping tablets.

Zyban is only available on prescription.

3. Combination therapy
Combination therapy, which involves counselling, the simultaneous administration of NRT (patches and/or gum) and/or the drug Zyban, seems to be an effective solution for many smokers. Preliminary research results indicate a 50 percent six-month success rate for combination therapy.

The dosage and usage of NRT and/or Zyban vary according to the individual. The usual recommendation is to take NRT and/or Zyban for three months – then you either make it or you don’t. If you don’t make it, it’s not useful to try again immediately. Accept it and have another go in six months’ time, is Bolliger’s advice.

Counselling forms an integral part of the Stop Project, a smoking cessation programme that is run at the US Faculty of Health Sciences.

4. Smokenders’ behavioural changes
Some experts do not regard NRT alone as a long-term solution, but as a temporary replacement. This replacement method doesn’t address the core psychological factors involved in smoking addiction.

According to Mercia Axon, managing director of Smokenders, nicotine addiction is just one aspect of smoking addiction. This factor is being blown out of proportion, she says. The focus for long-term smoking cessation should be on behavioural changes.

“Most smokers will recognise that the emotional bond with their cigarettes is the biggest issue. Our programme gives people a stress management tool and helps them to reconstruct their emotional support system,” says Axon.

The international Smokenders group specifically deals with the emotional and psychological aspects involved in smoking. These factors are addressed during seven group sessions with clients. Long-term success is linked to appropriate ways of managing emotions and stress – without cigarettes. The first six months is the most difficult period for many smokers. Clients who feel the urge to light up during this period should contact their counsellors immediately, Axon advises.

The group claims that they have a 92 percent success rate after a one-year period and a 70 percent to 75 percent success rate after a period of five years.

Bolliger, however, queries the high success rates of some smoking cessation programmes. He speculates that inaccurate feedback from clients may be boosting the figures.

5. Kicking the habit on your own
Quitting all by yourself is not easy, but not impossible.

The biggest reason for relapse, in general, is that the quitter feels anxious about being without his cigarettes. Other reasons include missing the pleasure of smoking, feeling pressurised by family members or friends who smoke or feeling addicted. Men who drank more than five alcoholic drinks a day were more likely to relapse. Drinking more than six cups of coffee daily, also increases the risk for relapse.

These findings by the Boston researchers suggest that stress management techniques, like exercise or yoga, can play an important role in long-term success, whether you want to stop by yourself or join a programme.

People who are committed to stop smoking should make it easier for themselves by monitoring their diets to prevent weight gain and cutting back on excess alcohol and caffeine intake to limit the risk of relapse.

“Whatever works is fine,” Bolliger says. “In the end, most people stop by themselves.”