Archive for the 'Health Parlor' Category

A Sound Mind in a Sound Body: Physical Education at the Ross School

Monday, December 29th, 2008

By all indicators, obesity has become an American epidemic. Many factors have led to increased waistlines (and their accompanying health problems) in the United States. Sedentary lifestyles, fast food culture, and less physical activity for children have all contributed to a heavier, less healthy America. As budgets are slashed during these difficult economic times, physical education programs have felt the pinch with reduced programs.

But at the Ross School in New York, educators agree that a healthy body is crucial to developing a healthy, curious mind. Students are not just expected to only hit the books and embrace scholarly pursuits. At the Ross School, students face challenges to inspire them to achieve past their perceived physical limits.

Ross School students must participate in at least one team sport throughout their time there. The students have a wide range of choices for sports, including basketball, baseball, tennis, soccer, and lacrosse. Ross School teams have enjoyed a measured of success, producing champion tennis, soccer, and basketball teams.

As students become proficient in their chosen sport, they learn essential physical skills such as locomotive skills, coordination, aerobic conditioning, ball skills, team strategies, personal goal-setting, and nutrition. Through a variety of activities, students can improve their speed, stamina, agility, strength, and flexibility. As their bodies grow healthier and stronger, Ross School students are more likely to avoid health problems associated with obesity and sedentary lifestyles.

But most importantly, the Ross School uses team sports to build not only a student’s body, but the student’s mind as well. Ross School coaches teach citizenship, sportsmanship, self-discipline, and positive self-esteem along with tennis strokes, dribbling, and proper defense. The fourth stated goal of the Ross School’s physical education program is “To provide an athletic program that will promote physical well being and positive attitudes in leadership and sportsmanship for both the participants and the spectators.” The Ross School strives not only to produce physically fit students, but responsible, confident, and team-oriented citizens as well.

Going Bald for Boys Can Be Awful

Monday, October 20th, 2008

Going bald in boys affects approximately 9 million in the UK, the most common sort of hair loss is male pattern baldness. The hair loss can often develop as very early as twenty two and cause emotional distress.

Hair loss is typically genetic and might well target males as well as females. The loss of hair appears due to the hair follicles on the head shrinking and the hair falling out and never regrowing. Going bald frequently follows a hair loss pattern around the hair line and don’t forget at the middle of your head. Read about hairloss from Carl Howell Advanced Hair Studio now.

Going bald is not a deadly virus and does not affect your actual health, although your emotional health might become affected through the feeling of being unhappy.

There are three eye-opening main treatment methods for losing your hair, Minoxidil, Finasteride and Strand by Strand from Advanced Hair Studio. The first big time baldness treatment is a topical liquid that goes on the scalp and is available from pharmacies. It works through slowing the speed of hair loss, simply brilliant. Finasteride works through stopping the chain reaction of the hair loss hormone. The marvellous Strand by Strand hair regrowth technique from Advanced Hair Studio, also known as AHS, uses the most current hair regrowth technology and involves new hair regrowth appearing on the scalp strand by strand over time. With both the Minoxidil and Finasteride treatment methods they need to be forever used for the effects to keep working.

Are magic mushrooms legal in the UK?

Wednesday, August 27th, 2008

One of the favourite recreational activities for those looking to have a new age religious experience or that simply like the idea of eating mushrooms are magic mushrooms. By definition, magic mushrooms have hallucinogenic characteristics, which have made them of the particular use of shamans and other religious leaders in specific cultures and ancient times.

Currently, magic mushrooms are considered one of the most lethal drug activities since most of the consumers like to venture into the wild and collect them themselves, thus risking an unpleasant encounter with any of the poisonous wildlife that inhabits the forests as well as eating or consuming the wrong kind of mushroom.

In previous times, it was legal for residents of the UK to have magic mushrooms as long as they were fresh since the content of Psilocybin and psilocin were too low for any of hallucinogenic properties to kick in. Since 2005 the law has been changed and now it is plainly illegal to have any magic mushrooms; raw or dried; cooked or fresh.

Yet, as always, there are loopholes, that is, it is not illegal to “find” them in the forest or inside your lawn as well as the fact that the law does not make illegal the Amanita Muscaria nor the psilocybe semilanceata or “liberty cap” which are native of the UK.

The McDonalds Campaign for “Good Nutrition” - Hit or Miss?

Monday, July 7th, 2008

McDonalds and Nutrition - an Oxymoron or Not?

The ever popular, omnipotent McDonalds fast food chain has been trying for a few years now to mend the fences with activists and public service groups who protest the chain’s marketing of nutritionally void food. In the wake of lots of bad publicity, and a negative documentary profiling the adverse health effects McDonalds menu can have on ones health, the fast food giant is desperately trying to regain public approval. But is it working? And do most people care?

Well, the answer to one of those questions is that while most people who go to McDonalds know what they are getting, and don’t mind that it doesn’t offer much in the way of waist-conscious fare, the new company-initiated push for a nutritionally responsible menu and labeling seems to be falling on deaf ears for the most part.

For example, the fast food giant recently unveiled its new nutritional information packaging at the winter Olympic games in an effort to gain back some of the perceived public trust. Public trust that had been lost through a wave of Supersize critcism, a tell-all documentary (that really told us all what we already knew deep down anyways about consuming fast food) and an increasingly health conscious society.

Society now is starting to take notice of the overwhelming
frequency of obesity, weight related disease and death. Diseases that have recently been directly linked to poor nutrition, oversized portions, lack of physical activity, and a society that looks at food as they look at money - the more the better.

McDonalds also has experimented with various healthier fare. They even had a promotion involving giveaways of pedometers with the purchase of a healthy salad. They are also currently offering a healthier alternative to the traditional but miserably unhealthy breakfast of Egg McMuffins and the new sugar soaked McGriddle, in the form of a tasty apple walnut yogurt salad. Ironically, this “healthy” salad is loaded with sugar and simple carbs, which is actually a hypoglycemic nightmare, but you gotta give it to them - they are trying to branch out and be more “nutritionally aware”.

But does society really want them to or ask them to be more nutritionally responsible, or even be politically correct? Aside from the ever present protesters crusading for better food offerings to the general public, does the ACTUAL general public really want this - from McDonalds? I don’t know about you, but when I go to McDonalds, which is very seldom since I do try to watch what I eat, I fully expect to get a very tasty Big Mac or Double Cheeseburger with a Super Size order of fries, enjoy every minute of this guilty pleasure, and then be on my merry way to eating healthy the next day.

That’s it folks - it’s all gotta be in moderation. As long as you are not abusing the conveniences and admittedly addictive culinary offerings of McDonalds, or you aren’t trying to be the next Morgan Spurlock (the Director/Guinea Pig for the McDonalds documentary “Super Size Me”), you should be just fine indulging in fast food - once in a while.

Visit Diet Reviews for more information on different diet methods, supplements and technology. Danna Schneider is the cofounder of Dieting Magazine: Best Weight Loss Supplements.

Blood Pressure

Tuesday, July 1st, 2008

Arteries carry blood from the heart to all parts of the body. Blood pressure is the force that pushed along the arteries every time the heart beats. So, blood pressure is a measure of how hard the heart has to work to pump blood.

This process is known as systolic pressure. The process where the heart is at rest, between beats and the blood pressure falls is known as diastolic pressure. Blood pressure is measured using a blood pressure cuff and recorded as systolic pressure over diastolic pressure. The top number indicates the systolic pressure and the bottom indicates the diastolic pressure. Normal blood pressure must be lower than 120/80.

Blood pressure varies during the course of a day. It is lowest when the person is resting and gradually rises as the person gets up. Blood pressure usually rises when the person is tense, agitated, or generally energetic, even though it stays pretty much the same. Blood pressure in children is comparatively much lower than in the adults since pressure rises as a person ages.

The systolic and diastolic reading of 140/90 or higher indicates high blood pressure. This usually results in faster heartbeat as the heart tries to pump blood faster, and this might result in a stroke, heart attack, and kidney problems due to the pressure on the arteries.

Severe medical problems also cause blood pressure to rise. Also, arteries become hardened and narrowed with cholesterol plaque and calcium, resulting in the heart having to pump harder to make blood pass through these arteries. When the heart pumps harder, blood pressure tends to automatically increase.

High blood pressure is linked to hypertension, which leads to heart attack. With a reading higher than 180/110 the patient required immediate medical attention since the risk of heart attack is greatest.

Blood Pressure provides detailed information about blood pressure, blood pressure medications, blood pressure monitors, and more. Blood Pressure is affiliated with Drug Detox.

Atlanta Sedation Dentists

Wednesday, June 18th, 2008

Most people are averse to the idea of visiting a dentist. The menacing surgical tools and the thought of a dentist using them in a patient’s mouth often creates a negative impact on a patient’s mind and makes him reluctant to head for the dentist’s clinic. However, the reality is that there is no danger associated with visiting a dentist. Atlanta sedation dentists ensure that such people suffering from extreme fear of the dentist can sit in a dentist’s chair without much discomfort.

Healthy teeth and gums are indispensable for a good appearance and healthy body. Therefore, visiting a dentist is of paramount importance. For people who fear the dentist but want to ensure healthy teeth and gums, sedation dentistry is a comfortable way to tackle the problem.

Atlanta sedation dentists help patients to become drowsy so that they can sleep right through the entire dental procedure. In this process, patients are given an analgesic or sedative about an hour before a dentist begins his work. The sedative or analgesic can be given in a pill form or can be administered intravenously. When the medication starts to work, the patient usually becomes greatly tranquil and enters into a sleep-like state. When they regain consciousness after surgery, most patients remember very little or have no memory at all of the procedure.

Patients who visit Atlanta sedation dentists are advised to be in the company of someone who may take them home after their dental appointments, as the effects of sedatives may take several hours to completely diminish.

Atlanta Dentists provides detailed information on Atlanta Cosmetic Dentists, Atlanta Dentists, Atlanta Emergency Dentists, Atlanta Family Dentists and more. Atlanta Dentists is affiliated with Austin Family Dentists.

Key Facts About Bird Flu

Monday, June 2nd, 2008

Bird flu was first identified in the early 1900’s and has since spread worldwide. Also known as avian influenza, this virus has caused considerable concern due to the mutation of a particular strain of the disease. Although this virus previously only infected birds and other types of animals, namely pigs, since 1997, it has also been known to infect humans.

The strain of the disease to cause so much concern is H5N1. These are simply numbers and letters that represent the subtype of this particular strain, 1 of 144 influenza subtypes. Not only has the virus caused an epidemic in poultry, but it has recently been feared to be leading to a pandemic, or worldwide epidemic, in humans.

While the virus was first identified in humans in 1997, it was not until 2004 that the spread became of great concern. At that time, a major outbreak occurred in Vietnam and Thailand, which spread to ten countries and regions of Asia within weeks and caused the death of 23 people. Within three months the outbreak was contained after the slaughter of tens of millions of potentially infected birds. However, the damage was already done and the virus had spread across Asia to lead to additional outbreaks. Since that time, H5N1 has spread throughout Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, and a low pathogenic form of the virus was identified in Canada on November 19, 2005. Currently, 131 humans have been infected with the virus, resulting in 68 deaths. However, it is feared this number will only increase with the ongoing spread of the disease.

The primary concern surrounding H5N1 is its mutation and ability to infect humans. As of yet, the virus has been spread from poultry to humans, and human to human transmission has only been suspected but not confirmed. Once the virus mutates further, it will easily be passed through humans, causing the disease to spread rapidly. Influenza pandemics, or worldwide epidemics, have caused a great number of deaths in the past, including the Spanish Flu which killed 50 million people in 1918. This is the ultimate concern with the mutation and spread of H5N1.

At this time, the primary cause of infection has been due to the consumption or handling of diseased poultry. Unfortunately, there have been a very few cases that were not easily explained, and therefore, human to human transmission was suspected. However, this has not been confirmed in any of the cases of H5N1 infection.

Sarah is an acclaimed writer on medical matters, and has written extensively on the subjects of Attention Deficit Disorder, Bird Flu and Crohn’s Disease.
For more of her articles, go to http://www.imedicalvillage.com now.

Ultram Story: Keeping Pain Control Under Control

Monday, June 2nd, 2008

When Aspirin Isn’t Enough

It’s surprising how clearly we can recall getting hurt. Years later, we can recount our first fall from a too-tempting tree, a bee-sting, the birth of a child. We can even tell humorous stories about those events because the pain was transient - it passed.

But many illnesses and conditions can make pain a daily visitor, interfering with our jobs, family lives, even sleep. Even ancient people tried to relieve the devastation of chronic pain using surgeries and medicinal herbs. By the 1800s, people started using narcotics (drugs like opium) to reduce pain. Even the narcotic heroin was originally developed as a pain medication! But many narcotics were found to be addictive, to interfere with digestion and mood, and even to slow or stop breathing!

Fortunately for us, modern research has uncovered safer pain-relief drugs for chronic conditions. One of these drugs is Ultram (the generic drug Ultram contains is called tramadol). Ultram’s effect on your body is similar to the effect of narcotics and is as effective in relieving pain. But since it isn’t a narcotic, it doesn’t have as many of the side-effects which have made medical narcotic use so dangerous.

The Wonder Woman of Pain Control?

Ultram can help manage pain from many sources, just like comic-book superheroes can foil thieves, kidnappers, and polluters! Ultram can reduce pain from cancer, spinal problems (kyphosis, scoliosis), arthritis -even surgery !. Some physicians report using it to help people with severe, chronic headaches and endometriosis.

The Dark Side of Ultram

While Ultram is not a narcotic, both physicians and patients have reported cases of dependence on it. Signs of dependence (addiction) include getting tolerant to the dose (not getting the effect you used to from one pill), a continuing feeling that the dose needs to be increased, and withdrawal symptoms (sleeplessness, jitteriness, mood disorders) if you stop taking the drug. Checking in with your physician regularly while on this medication helps both of you notice any symptoms of addiction so you can stop any problems before they start!

The other effects of Ultram tend to be mild and transient. You might notice dizziness, drowsiness, stomach or intestinal distress (usually constipation). People taking Ultram are discouraged from driving - driving under it’s influence is a bit like driving after having a few drinks. Ultram requires a prescription, so while you’re talking with your doctor about using it, schedule a regular time to discuss any side-effects or difficulties you experience while on this medication.

Control the Medication - Don’t Let It Control You

How can you benefit from this drug while minimizing its risks? First, when deciding whether to start on Ultram, be candid with your physician about any dependence issues with alcohol or other drugs you’ve had. People who have struggled with other addictions may be more susceptible to Ultram dependence. Remember - your physician is on your side and telling her about your history will help her tailor pain medications to your needs!

Second, be aware that Ultram is pretty powerful stuff and treat it with respect! Any change in dose should be discussed with your doctor; mild drowsiness at one dose can become a deadly blackout in another. Never “lend” this drug to a friend, even if he’s in great pain - what works for you could be fatal for him.

Thirdly, make sure that you tell your physician about other drugs you’re taking: many drugs (including alcohol and over-the-counter medications) can enhance the effect of Ultram, making it act like you’re taking a much bigger dose.

These sound like dire warnings, but remember: by working with your physician, this drug can be a powerful tool to help you reach the active, pain-free life you were meant to have.

Ian Mason - EzineArticles Expert Author

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Ian Mason, owner of Shoppe.MD, your source for ultram, drug information and ultram forums.

Ian is a fat-to-fit student of health, weight loss, exercise, and several martial arts; maintaining several websites in an effort to help provide up-to-date and helpful information for other who share his interests in health of body and mind.