What is cardio fasting?

Well, the fasting part is just what it sounds like. When you fast, you are often going without food in an attempt to achieve something. Cardio refers to aerobic activity that increases the cardiovascular endurance and also helps you to lose weight.

Cardio fasting involves both of these. In essence it refers to exercising on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. The theory is that if you work out before you have had time to ingest any calories, the body will burn stored fat for fuel and you can give your weight loss a boost. Of course, you will have to perform this cardio fasting three to five times a week.

Let’s back up a bit now. When you go to bed, you have probably not eaten a thing for at least an hour or two before retiring. After six to eight hours of sleep you will have been without food for almost ten when you wake up. The body is hungry and needs food to rev up that metabolism again.

According to those who swear by cardio fasting, getting in a 30 to 45 minute workout first thing in the morning helps to start the metabolism – not with food you just ate, but with stored fat.

On the other hand…

Here is what others are saying. Cardio fasting is good in theory, but you have to consider the following:

* You are engaging in a shorter workout – Because your body is depleted of nourishment, you will tire out easier and be more tired after the workout, which can put a kink in your day’s activities.

* You are hungrier than before – After ten hours and almost an additional hour of hard activity, you will want to eat the world if it were served to you on a platter. This can derail your diet plans from the start if you don’t have something ready to be eaten.

* You are not making that much of a gain – You could be sacrificing your health for just a few calories. Since your workouts are shorter, you are not burning as many calories to start with. First thing in the morning you won’t go as hard and fast as you would later in the day. And, if you aren’t eating enough protein, you will experience cravings and muscle mass problems. You could actually be breaking down valuable muscle by skimping on the protein with a regimen like this.

Are you looking for a new way to ramp up your workouts or weight loss? Consider cardio fasting. Weigh the benefits and drawbacks and consult your doctor before trying it.

High cholesterol refers to a high combined cholesterol number. Your cholesterol number is made up of three numbers: LDL, HDL and triglyceride. LDL is the “bad” cholesterol number. This sticky form of cholesterol comes from fatty foods. It adheres to the vessel walls, narrowing the passageway for blood and increasing the workload of the heart to move that blood. This is the basis of high blood pressure.

HDL stands for “good” cholesterol. It is produced by food but most of it originates in the liver. Its job is to clean the vessels. It is not sticky so it doesn’t adhere to the walls, but removes LDL cholesterol that is there and helps it not to be able to stick again.

Triglyceride is a form of fat that comes from the food we eat and is stored in the body. It can also clump and stick to vessel walls, leading to potential heart problems and possibly a stroke.

Heredity

While cholesterol problems can be caused by food and weight (obesity), there is also a hereditary component. This condition is called dyslipidemia. In simplest terms, it means that there is an overabundance of fat (lipids) in the blood. The condition is also referred to as hypercholesterolemia.

People with this disorder have, by nature, high amounts of lipids in the bloodstream. This occurs without the intervention of food. The lipids that are in high concentration are the LDL and the triglycerides, which you don’t want. The HDL is not high enough to combat the problems caused by the other two.

There are ways that this condition can be managed and ways that it can be made worse. Let’s talk about the latter first. With a family history of high cholesterol, it is important to avoid the following conditions: obesity, poor diet, drinking alcohol and a sedentary lifestyle. All of these things can increase your levels of poor lipids in the blood and put you that much more at risk for heart disease.

On the other hand, you can manage your predisposition to high cholesterol with a few changes to your lifestyle. The most important is to look at your diet. Reduce the amount of saturated fats and increase your intake of healthy and lean protein and grains. Increasing exercise levels can manage blood sugar to stop diabetes from being a problem.

Let your doctor know about your condition. They can be sure that they don’t prescribe certain medications (oral contraceptives) that can increase your LDL and/or triglyceride levels even further.

Are you at risk for high cholesterol? You may have the deck stacked against you if you have a family history of high cholesterol. But, there are ways to deal with the problem.

Birthmarks have a couple of sources. First, many are caused by arteriovenous malformations. Blood vessels form abnormally and that causes an impression on the skin, or just below it, to be seen. Some are caused by problems with the lymphatic system, where problems with the vessels lead to swelling below the skin. When the problem occurs within the skin, you get birthmarks that are flat or even raised.

Types of Birthmarks

* Hemangiomas – These appear reddish in color and are due to blood vessel issues below the skin. They occur most likely on the face and neck. They are usually detected at birth up until about 18 months. Through childhood, they begin to fade away. When they do not, a problem doesn’t occur unless they begin to threaten vision, breathing, hearing or heart function depending on where they are located. A doctor can remove them surgically if they are life-threatening.

* Port wine stain – These are found all over the body, but are usually seen on the head and neck region. They appear reddish to purplish in color (depending on skin tone). Port wine stains don’t fade with time and can be either flat or raised. Laser treatments have been used to help lighten them from visible spots such as the face. These treatments may also help contour the skin for raised stains.

* Macular stains – this is one of the most common types of vascular birthmarks. It they usually occur on the face area or the back of the neck. On the face, they are called “angel kisses” on the eyes and forehead. On the back of the neck, they are referred to as “stork bites.” They usually disappear in early childhood.

* Nevi – these are raised or hairy moles that occur at birth or soon after. They can occur on any area of the body. Moles are a cause for concern and are typically monitored for changes in color, borders, bleeding and size. A doctor can remove them and test to see if any are cancerous.

* Pigmented birthmarks – this type includes café-au-lait spots and Mongolian spots. They are discolorations on the skin that occur on the buttocks or other parts of the body. Café-au-lait spots are usually light brown or tan. Mongolian spots are bluish, resembling a bruise. They both will fade as the child gets older without any medical intervention.

Birthmarks can occur anywhere on the body. They are caused by skin discoloration and also abnormalities in vessel formation under the skin. Most will fade, but those that do not may require medical attention.

Many people take fish oil capsules as a dietary supplement to get more omega-3 fatty acids into their system. Omega-3s are examples of healthy oils that help with brain and heart function. If you like fish, you can eat cold water fish once or twice a week to increase your healthy fat intake.

Cod liver oil is obtained from the livers of cod. Unlike eating cooked fish, the levels of mercury in them are nil because the purification process eliminates this harmful element. Cod liver supplements differ from some others in that it not only contains omega-3 fatty acids but also a healthy dose of vitamin A and D.

It is hard for many of us to receive vitamin D. It is present in milk and some other foods but our major source is the sun. The increased use of sun block, sunscreen and also increased pigmentation in the skin decreases the absorption of vitamin D through the skin. This vitamin plays a vital role in the utilization of calcium by the body.

Benefits of Cod Liver Oil

Taking this supplement has a variety of benefits for the entire body.

* Depression – Cod liver oil reduces the incidence of depression.

* Vitamin D levels – Since it increases the level of vitamin D, it leads to healthier and stronger bones and teeth when taking this supplement. Women, who are susceptible to osteoporosis, increase their bone and mineral density.

* Heart and brain health – It reduces inflammation in the body and increases vascular integrity and integrity of nerve cells.

* Disease prevention – Taking cod liver oil supplements may decrease the incidence of high LDL cholesterol levels, improve memory, prevent heart disease, reduce menopausal symptoms, reduce severity of PMS symptoms and also reduce incidence of diabetes type 1 in children.

Just like with any other over-the-counter supplement, it is important to contact your doctor before taking it. Supplements are supposed to be a complement to treatment already given by your medical team. Some can interfere with the efficacy of conventional medications. It is best if a doctor examines your condition and determines if and when supplementation is needed.

Side Effects

Just like any other product for medical use, cod liver oil can have side effects. Pregnant women are advised not to take it due to the potentially high levels of vitamin A and D. Taking too much vitamin A can cause problems for anyone.

There are benefits to taking cod liver oil supplements. If you feel that you may need them, talk to your doctor.

Pregnancy is a good time in your life. Your body is the home for a new life form. That means that your child gets their nourishment from you. Doctors recommend only gaining weight during pregnancy to accommodate your baby’s needs. That is fine when your belly is sticking out like a torpedo, but afterwards you don’t want others thinking that you are still “with child.”

One thing that is important to remember is that your body has had to adjust to having another life inside of you. It took time to gain the weight and it will take time for your body to go back to the way it was and feel comfortable. Time is your friend, not your enemy.

With that said, here are some tips for you.

* Breastfeed your baby – Breastfeeding helps to bring you closer in the baby-mom bonding stage. Also, it helps you to lose that belly bulge that much faster. The process uses up more calories than bottle feeding and provides enhanced immunity for baby. Each time your baby latches on, you increase your calorie burn. So, breastfeed as long as you can.

* Start off with walking – After you have had your post-pregnancy check-up, give walking a try if you feel like it. Walking is a great overall exercise to strengthen the entire body and increase cardiovascular health. As you feel comfortable, increase your pace and distance.

* Watch what you eat – This is good for baby as well if they are breastfeeding. Increase your food intake with healthy fruits, vegetables and whole grains to increase your stamina (you’ll need it). Having energy can reduce your stress level because you aren’t tired and frenzied.

* Drink lots of water – This comes up a lot. Hydration is important for so many reasons. Your body uses water to bathe the cells and also to increase skin integrity. So, drink as much as you can stand. Drinking before meals also increases fullness so you eat less.

* Set realistic goals – Work with your doctor to come up with a schedule that will benefit your body and your life. Doing too much too fast only serves to discourage you. One day at a time is the way to a lasting weight-loss program after baby is born.

* Use baby – Use baby as a tool, not an excuse. Need to lift weights? Use baby as your weight. This gives you time to spend with baby and get a workout. Use a jog stroller to walk with baby. They get fresh air and you get a workout.

That baby bulge didn’t get there in two days and it won’t be gone in that time either. Use these tips to help you get rid of the bulge over time and safely.

The Heart

The heart is a muscle. Its job is to pump blood throughout the body. Oxygenated blood is delivered to organs so the cells can use it to power their tasks. Blood also cycles past the lungs to pick up more oxygen and the process begins again. This powerful muscle does a lot of work.

Stress is one thing that can hurt this muscle. Living a stressful life can bring about changes in the body including heart disease. Getting rid of stress involves many different tactics including improving your outlook on life.

Increased stress is not the only thing, though. High stress levels can lead to other conditions like depression, anxiety and hostility. These negative emotions can build up in the body and manifest as diabetes, cancer, stroke, high blood pressure and heart attacks. Your emotional health is just as important as physical health for overall well-being.

Research

Research is being done on the effects of positive and negative emotions. We have seen some of the negative emotional effects on the heart from people who have been stressed out and haven’t had proper coping mechanisms.

It is not just the stress but also the way that we approach it that is detrimental to the heart. Depression can lead to poor choices such as emotional eating, drug use, alcohol abuse, lack of sleep and others. Each of these things can contribute to a lack of health in the body.

On the other hand, when the mental state is positive, different choices are made that affect the heart in a totally opposite way. A person with a healthy attitude towards stress and a coping mechanism that is also positive will have a heart that responds differently.

Here’s an example. If your coping mechanism is to talk to others and foster a support system, you are not keeping your feelings inside. There are others who are there for you with constructive ideas to solve your problems. You go away feeling better and can reach a constructive solution.

Additionally, you are more likely to look for other positive coping skills like exercise. Exercise increases your mood and your cardiovascular fitness meaning your heart and your head get a healthy dose of endorphins to keep you going. With a clear head, you don’t see the world as negatively as you could and you participate in your healing and problem solving.

Looking on the bright side has benefits for your heart.

You would have thought that when childhood was over so were the childhood diseases. However, there are some forms of adult conditions that have similar causes as childhood ones. We are talking about shingles.

The cause of shingles is the varicella zoster virus. You may recognize varicella as the cause of the chickenpox. Shingles is quite painful, even more so than chickenpox. It can often be missed if some symptoms are not present to alert you to what is actually going on in your body.

Even if you have had chickenpox as a child you can also develop shingles. The virus may lie dormant in your body and reappear later on. Some people who have never had chickenpox may also develop shingles.

One of the common signs is a rash. This rash usually occurs on your back and spreads out in a band around the front of your body. The rash produces blisters. The blisters will itch and burst, producing a pain, burning or even numbness in the area. Blisters usually occur around this area but can come in contact with the face and other areas of the body.

What else may happen? You may experience flu-like symptoms such as chills and even fever. Headaches and fatigue are also common with shingles. The hardest way to diagnose this condition is if there is no rash to give an indication.

Like any other condition involving sores, when the sores break open, the person becomes contagious. In this state it is best to avoid anyone who hasn’t had chickenpox, particularly children, pregnant women and those who have a compromised immune system. Contact with your sores will lead to a case of the chickenpox rather than shingles.

The biggest thing about shingles is the pain. You can use over-the-counter medications to ease it: ibuprofen, naproxen and acetaminophen. When the pain gets unbearable, it is time to visit a doctor. They can prescribe some antiviral drugs like those used for herpes infections to help as well.

On your own, keep the area of the rash dry and covered. The outbreak of shingles may last up to a month. Calamine lotion can help dry out the blisters and help them crust over and heal faster. It is imperative that you don’t scratch them. Anti-itch creams can keep you from resorting to sandpaper.

Shingles is caused by the same virus as chickenpox in children. Those who have never had chickenpox are at great risk for developing the condition when coming in contact with an infected person.

It doesn’t sound like much fun when you first think about it. We all want to be pampered and it just isn’t the same when you have to do it to yourself. But, self-massage has many benefits for you without the price tag that comes with having a regular masseuse.

Stress Management

Self-massage is great to help you manage day-to-day stressful situations. Case in point is sitting in traffic. That can get anyone’s neck in a knot. When you get home, soothe away that tension with a little neck rub.

Massage helps to increase blood flow to all parts of the body, especially the one that you are massaging. More blood flow means more oxygen to the organs and the brain. That improves mental acuity.

Other Massage Benefits

According to ancient Chinese healing, pain in the body is a result of blocked “chi” or life energy. Massages break up that blockage so that energy can flow freely again throughout your body.

Along that same vein, massage therapy can boost your immunity. It releases toxins trapped in your tissues so they can be removed. Endorphins are also released, resulting in a state of wellbeing that resists headaches, depression and other forms of mental illness.

How to Perform Self-Massage

You may be wondering how you are going to get all of these wonderful benefits by yourself. It’s simple. Here are a few tips for self-massage.

Realistically, you are the only one who knows exactly where your tension lies when you get stressed. You are also the only one who knows how much pressure to use to start feeling the benefits of the massage.

The setting – Find a nice, quiet place to set the mood for your massage. In the middle of a room full of screaming kids just won’t cut it. Find a place to yourself. Put on relaxing music if you want.

The tools – You will need something to massage with. Most massage therapists will use some sort of oil. This can be baby oil, or even olive oil will do. There are massage oils both fragrant and heat activated that can be purchased. Massages are also done with kneading handheld massagers and electric ones.

Getting started – Begin where it hurts, for example the neck or the feet. Slowly massage the area in circular motions from the inside out. If the knot isn’t breaking up, use a little more pressure. Massaging tools like those mentioned above give your hands a rest for a while.

Massages are used to release tension and create a sense of overall health. Self-massaging techniques are cheaper than hiring a massage therapist and can give you many of the same benefits.

It takes a special person to put the needs of others before themselves. That is what caregivers do every day. They give their time, resources, their ear and their expertise to help out someone that they love. It can be a parent, spouse, child or friend. In some cases you are the sole caregiver for them.

Caregivers are not Energizer bunnies. They are human beings with needs of their own. At first you may feel guilty for spending time to yourself and away from those who need you. Instead, you continue to tend to your loved one’s care until you come unglued all of the sudden one day.

No one wants that to happen. So, it is time to learn about caregiver burnout and how to prevent it. Burnout comes when your load becomes so heavy it feels like a burden. There is no one to help you and you can’t manage the demands anymore.

First of all, it is alright. Don’t beat yourself up because you’ve had a bad day or just want to get away from the person you are caring for. It’s normal.

As a caregiver, you don’t have to be an island. When you need time alone (and you will), call upon reinforcements to help you out. Ask other family members and close friends to help out with some of the day-to-day chores like running to the store for groceries or chauffeuring a loved one to medical appointments.

Talk to social services. They can suggest companies that can help you with whatever you need. Adult day care centers or recreation centers are places where seniors can go to be with others their own age and have fun. Instead of you sitting with them all the time, they can socialize.

Look into assisted living or nursing home facilities. This is a big step and many don’t want to take it. But, it is hard to care for your own family and a family member who needs a lot of care. Talk with them about a facility before committing them to it.

Have a day off once or twice a week. In that time, do something that you want. Go see a movie, read a book or even simply lie back and listen to the sounds around you. The point is that the time is yours to do with what you will and refresh your mind and body.

All caregivers need a break now and again to keep their sanity. Prevent burnout by asking others to help you and then committing to time along for recuperation.

Oral herpes occurs around the mouth, inside the mouth, on the lips, gums and even the tongue. These painful sores show up and can stay for a couple of weeks to a month. The virus is spread by contact with erupted infected sores. It is easy to catch.

When you first contract oral herpes, the telltale sign in most people is a cold sore. However, for some there are no sores or other symptoms. In others, they feel like they are coming down with the flu. The lymph glands in the neck and throat area will also swell up. It may take a few days to a few weeks for the signs to show up after contact with the virus.

Oral herpes is uncomfortable when an outbreak occurs. It is wise to abstain from kissing or other contact with infected areas, or you can pass it on to others. It is especially dangerous for newborn babies. The virus may enter their body and travel to the brain, causing a lot of damage.

A doctor can examine you and tell you exactly what you have. Testing the sores and blood work can be done to tell which form of the virus has caused your infection. Because there is no cure, the only thing that you can do is wait out the sores until they heal.

If the pain is too severe, a doctor can prescribe a topic anesthetic with lidocaine. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also be used, such as Advil and ibuprofen. Dehydration is a big concern with oral herpes. Some people stop drinking and eating because it is too painful. Take in as many fluids as you can to avoid being hospitalized and given IV fluids.

Other than these measures, there is not much you can do to manage the condition. If you think that someone has a cold sore, keep contact to a minimum to avoid contracting oral herpes. In the case that you are the one with the condition, wash hands thoroughly after tending to the sores so that you don’t infect others.

Stress can lead to more frequent outbreaks. After the initial phase, the virus can remain dormant for a long time. Emotional or physical stress can get the virus stirred back up and lead to more cold sores in the oral area.

Have you had a cold sore? Most people have. This is caused by the herpes simplex virus 1 and is referred to as oral herpes. Avoid spreading the virus during outbreaks and use pain relievers to deal with the other symptoms.