Life Empowerment

Things You Need To Know About Food Allergies

2009-03-27T01:33:00.000-07:00

Food allergies or food intolerance occur when people have an unpleasant reaction to something they ate. Food allergies are the result of the immune system mistakenly recognizing certain foods as dangerous substances and starts responding against them.

Nearly everyone is affected with this at some point in their lives. Symptoms can be as mild as skin rash, vomiting and diarrhea or as serious as anaphylaxis, which constricts the airways and requires immediate medical attention.

According to studies, food-based allergic reactions start at the early age of life, wherein some of the effects can be resolved over time. However, other food reactions acquired in infancy typically persist through life.

Here is the list of the eight common foods which cause almost 90 percent of food allergies:

Peanuts
Eggs
Milk
Shellfish
Wheat
Tree nuts (walnuts, pecans, etc.)
Soy
Fish

At this point, no studies can conclude why certain children develop allergies; what is known is that heredity is a factor: when you have food allergies, your child will most likely have them as well.

Exposing your children to different solid foods may boost their tolerance later in life. But remember: when you begin to introduce solid foods to your toddler, do so one at a time. This way, you'll find out which foods he/she can tolerate and which are rejected.

And if you’re an adult suffering from food allergies, take note of the following:

Strictly avoid the food you are allergic to, including any related products.
Diligently read food labels (hidden ingredients, particularly those containing wheat and peanuts, can be lurking anywhere). The Food and Drug Administration requires that at least the top eight allergens must be clearly stated on food labels).
Let the server in a restaurant know you absolutely cannot have certain ingredients.
For those with severe food allergies, remember to always carry a self-injectable epinephrine (often called an Epipen) in case of emergency.

Breakfast for better health

2009-03-25T03:13:00.000-07:00

Skipping breakfast is very common nowadays. This is because of the fast faced lifestyle and having a wrong idea that breakfast is not as important as the other meal of the day.

There are studies that show young and adults specifically the teens that skipped breakfast are more likely to be obese. They are the ones who tend to eat less healthy during the day and exercised less.

Breakfast is as important as the other meals of the day. As the day starts you need something to fill your empty stomach while you were asleep and something to charge your energy. But there is more to it than not skipping breakfast. Breakfast should be healthy. So if you’re planning breakfast you should avoid the following:

Doughnuts
Cereals
Fruit juice
Waffles and pancakes
Bagels and toast (even whole grain organic types)
ALL cereals (even whole grain organic types)

It is ideal to have healthy food during breakfast or in any meal. And according to experts it is better that you should avoid whole grain breads and cereals because it rapidly breakdown sugar and stimulating insulin production. He also said that eggs, juiced fruits and vegetables are ideal for breakfast.

You must take note that in preparing meals like breakfast for you and your family you must always consider the nutritional type. And by doing this you will enjoy a healthy lifestyle.

How Safe Are Your Personal Care Products and Cosmetics?

2009-03-19T01:42:00.000-07:00

Most personal care products like shampoos, conditioners, cosmetics and make-ups are used by millions every day. But do you know how they are made and are you familiar with the ingredients they contain?

Studies show that most cosmetic companies add synthetic ingredients to their products that may cause cancer or reproductive damage over the years of sustained used. According an EWG (Environmental Working Group) survey, more than a quarter of women in the total population and one of every 100 men are using at least 15 different personal care products per day, which means greater exposure to toxic ingredients.

Based from the EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database, here are some of the toxic ingredients that you should avoid:

1. Mercury

This heavy metal is known as a possible human carcinogen and a human reproductive or developmental toxin. Used in some eye drops, ointments and mascaras (it’s listed as "thimerosal" on labels).

2. Placenta

Placenta produces hormones like progesterone and estrogen, which may disrupt your body's normal hormone functions and could lead to breast cancer and other health problems. Found in some hair relaxers, moisturizers and toners.

3. Petrochemicals

These byproducts of crude oil may be labeled as petrolatum, mineral oil or paraffin. They are suspected or known carcinogens and may also break down into toxic products such as dioxane and are used in some hair relaxers, shampoos, anti-aging creams, mascaras, perfumes, foundations, lipsticks and lip balms.

4. Phthalates

Phthalates are used in some nail polishes, fragrances and hair sprays. It is a plasticizing chemical classified as a probable reproductive or developmental toxin and endocrine disrupter. Two phthalates, dibutyl and diethylhexyl have been banned in the European Union.

5. Hydroquinone

This ingredient is a possible carcinogen, a probable reproductive or developmental toxin and endocrine disrupter that may leave permanent black-blue lesions on your skin. Hydroquinone is an ingredient in some skin lightening products and moisturizers.

Now that you have been warned of the hidden dangers of personal care products, it is advisable to read labels before buying anything to check if the ingredients are all-natural and safe. Here are some safe and gentle ingredients:

• Aloe Vera
• Plant extracts
• Essential Oils
• Organic oils

Your skin is the biggest organ in your body. Watch what you put on it in the same way that you watch what you eat.

How to Take Smart Risks

2009-03-15T19:37:00.000-07:00

The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing and becomes nothing. – Leo Buscaglia

Do you want to start your own business or invest in the stock market? Are you considering offers for jobs overseas? Or are you planning on asking your best friend or officemate on a date to confess your true feelings?

All these things involve taking risks. If you want to get the things you want and get ahead in life, you usually have to take a risk. After all, with nothing risked, there’s nothing gained.

Taking risks is something normal because in anything you do, you’re taking some sort of a risk, voluntarily and involuntarily. If you get on an airplane, there’s a chance that it may crash and get you killed. If you’re walking in the street, there’s a one-in-a-million chance that you might get hit by a car or struck by lightning.

Taking risks can be scary at first because there are negative connotations to it, like danger and possible loss. But of course, risks do have a positive side. Without risks, you can’t experience a big return on an investment. Or a future trip down the aisle all because you weren’t afraid to ask your partner out on that first date.

As part of skill building and career advice, you have to learn how to take risks because taking or not taking a risk can be either be the smartest or the stupidest thing you can do with your life.

But all risks are not equal. The smartest risks are the ones where the benefits outweigh the downsides.

So how do you know if you’re making a smart risk?

Knowing What You Want Is the Key to Taking Smart Risks

Many people are living their lives just to please other people, or are having the kind of life they think they should have, rather than living the life they really want.

Business coach and psychologist Gary Leboff says that if you don’t make an effort to get what you want, life probably won’t turn out the way you want it to. The key, then, is to know what you want first and start taking the risks that you think would get you there.

If you want to improve your social life, you should ask your friends to introduce you to other people, or you could join a new group or club. If you need more money, then maybe it’s about time to ask your boss for a raise.

Your initial risks don't need to be life-changing in magnitude. Take it slow to find the confidence you need for bigger risks in the future. That confidence will come, sooner or later, because the more risks you take, the better your judgment becomes.

Here are some things to remember that will help you make smart risks:

Don't risk everything. You should only risk something that won't leave you financially ruined, emotionally scarred or physically disabled in case things go horribly wrong.
Ask for what you want. You’ll be surprised that more often than not, you will get it.
Take positive risks. You should not put yourself or others at risk of physical or emotional harm.
Be open to failure. You should be at peace with the possibility of failure because it’s part of taking risks. Learn from your failures by finding out where you went wrong so you can apply what you’ve learned when you take your next risk.
Start taking risks right away. Get started on small risks like trying a new type of food, putting on clothes that are not part of your usual style, getting a different haircut or going to some place you've never been before.
Stop worrying about what others may think. It’s your life, your risk and your gain. People, including those close to you, will always have different views. What’s important is you know what you want.
If there's nothing to lose, don’t hesitate to take the risk.

Also, these six signs will tell you when it’s NOT a good idea to take a risk. Forget about risking something if:

There's a good chance you could lose everything
You’re putting so much on the line with only a little to gain
Too many factors are out of your control
You feel that the odds are against you
It’s impossible to fix the outcome if things go wrong
If there’s little time to evaluate or prepare before having to take the risk

If you’re still unsure of taking that first risk, keep in mind that there’s always a risk involved in order to get what you want.

Younger Looking Face is Double Chin Free

2009-03-08T23:19:00.000-07:00

Double chins are an unfortunate part of the aging process. As you age, the skin around your chin and neck looses elasticity due to the forces of gravity and time. The accumulation of double chins or excess skin in the face is also caused by genetics (heredity), poor posture and excess calorie intake.

Your double chin could be something you inherited from your father or mother. You may also be predisposed to a double chin due to the shape of your neck and jaw.
Studies show that when you process more calories in your body, you also hasten the aging process. The signs of aging – a little bit of a belly, more weight in the butt and that crease below your chin – are usually more noticeable if a person is overweight and processing more calories.

One thing is for sure: double chins certainly don’t give you any points in beauty and confidence.

Nowadays, there are a lot of ways that can help you get rid of double chins, including liposuction and plastic surgery, which can be painful and don’t come cheap. But you don’t need to put your health at risk with these procedures because you can get rid of your double chin naturally and safely.

Losing weight and burning up your excess fats are the keys in getting rid of your double chin. You can tone your neckline and chin by:

Have a regular exercise routine. Burn the calories you consume by signing up for a gym and doing aerobic and anaerobic exercises as soon as possible.

Watching what you eat. Monitor and regulate your caloric intake. Eliminate or at least limit the amount of “empty” calories you consume like soda, candy, cookies and chips. Avoid processed carbs like white sugar and white flour because they easily turn into fat.

Here are other tips that will help you improve your appearance and make your double chin disappear:

Stand up straight.

Change your hairstyle.

Accessorize wisely.

Exercise your chin.

Fighting the Fear of Failure

2009-02-24T22:41:00.000-08:00

In this world nobody can say that they are perfect and never made a mistake. Committing errors is a part of the learning process but unfortunately not all can accept these mistakes. And this people are having the wrong idea that it would be more harmful if they made a mistake and they will never be able to cope up with it. And instead of having more opportunity to succeed they tend to fail more.

The fear of failure can keep your life on hold. It is said that in extreme cases, fear of failure can cause the person to restrict him/herself in doing anything that is risky or without guaranteed success. And therefore contain him/her in the same routine and not moving forward to achieve goals. Just like in the corporate world employees who try new things tend to get rewards for being innovative.

Fear of failure can also give bad impact to your health. Fear is a stress full event that triggers different glands to secrete hormones like adrenaline and dopamine which regulates increase heart rates and blood pressure. This reaction leads to fatigue, decrease of immune function and heart attack.

You have to overcome the fear to failure to be able to succeed. Here are some simple tips on how you can focus on success and overcome your fear:

Keep in mind that sometimes you fail.

Accept failure. Look at your mistakes in a positive way, instead of blaming yourself or others try to find what went wrong and solve it.

Remember that we all fail even the most successful person has a story of failure.

If you fail keep in mind that it should not be a reason for you to stop trying. Try and rtry until you succeed.

Talk about your fear with your family or friend. Find your strength and confidence with them.

Be a Volunteer and Enjoy its Benefits

2009-02-22T22:32:00.000-08:00

In every community you will find people who are willing to help, somebody who dedicates their time on different charity work. But why are they doing this? What benefits are they getting?
Volunteer is a word that came from France which can be translated to “will”, a person who works in a community, doing something out of one’s free will. They may not get paid with the services being rendered but they can enjoy personal and health benefits.

In one of the survey conducted in Canada, it shows that by doing volunteer work, you may not get monetary benefits but you will be to enjoy its health and personal benefits.

Learning Something New
If you are doing volunteer work, different skills like interpersonal skills and communication skills tend to develop and increase knowledge on different health and community. It keeps your brain active and busy and which can lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Make New Friends
Volunteer work keeps you working around with different people and share interest. This activity will eventually develop to friendship.

Build Confidence and Self – esteem
Volunteers require a lot of responsibility and leadership in most cases and with this you will develop your self confidence and self – esteem.

Tax Deduction Privilege
Expenses that associated with volunteering like travel expenses, convention attendance fees, etc. can be tax deductable.

There are a lot of things you will gain if you do volunteer work and that the government and many NGO’s are encouraging people to make their extra time more profitable.

Are You Ready To Walk Down The Aisle?

2009-02-18T23:26:00.000-08:00

Marriage is the triumph of hope over experience – Samuel Johnson
Good news for women: experts predict that at least 4 out of 5 women in today's generation will eventually get married. Statistics from the National Marriage Project show that more than 90 percent of women from every generation in the records have gotten hitched.

On the downside, data from the National Center for Health Statistics show that 50 percent of all marriages in which the brides are 25 or older end up in divorce for various reasons. It seems risky to get married because of the high divorce rate. But marriage has always been a risk since you don’t know how well you’ll get along with someone under the same roof regardless of how long you’ve known one another.

There is no foolproof way to find out if you’re ready to get married or not. What you can do is find out how well you really know your partner before you take your relationship to the next level and get engaged.

Here are some issues to reflect on:

Beliefs and Values

Do you and your partner have the same religious and political affiliation? If not, do you accept, respect and support each other's spiritual and political beliefs?
Do you value similar things like eating meals together?
Does your partner do things that you don't approve of, such as smoking and drinking alcohol or vice versa?
Can you put up with your partner’s idiosyncrasies?
Do the two of you have the same views when it comes to sex? (How often? Can you talk openly about it? Are you both satisfied?)
How do you handle disagreements as a couple?

Personal Lives

Are you aware of your partner’s medical history? (Things to consider are sexually transmitted diseases, chronic illness, history of illness in the family, special needs, etc.)
Has your partner ever been accused of a crime or jailed?
How was your partner's childhood like?
How do you spend your free time? Do you spend it with friends or do you prefer some “alone time”?
What are your partner's hobbies and passions? Do you understand and support them? Is he or she supportive of yours?
Is your partner open to discussing past relationships? Will you be comfortable with the information he or she reveals?
VERY IMPORTANT: Do you get along with your partner's parents?

Finances and Career

What is your partner's financial situation, including outstanding debt, credit score, etc.? (Once married, you will make financial decisions together)
Will both of you work?
Are you satisfied with your partner's ambition when it comes to work?
How many hours do you think should be devoted to work each week? How much time will you spend together?
How will you spend your total income? How much will you set aside for savings? Do you think you’ll agree on what to spend on, like vacations, cars, clothing and education of children?
Who will be in charge of your finances, like investments, balancing the checkbook, paying bills and taxes? Are you open to sharing the responsibilities?

Home and Family Life

Do you plan to buy a house and when?
Where do you plan to live? Are you open to relocating?
Do you plan to have children?
Do you agree on how many children you plan to have?
Who will stay home to take care of the kids?
Are you open to having any stepchildren around, if there are any?
How will you divide the household chores like cooking, shopping for groceries and doing laundry?
How will the in-laws fit in with your family life?
Do you plan to have pets?
Do you agree on where to send the children for schooling?

Marriage is one of the most beautiful things you can experience. Picking the right partner is one of the most important decisions of your life. Your future depends on your choice so don’t take the plunge unless you’re absolutely at peace with your decision.

Things You Can Do to Have Naturally Healthy and Younger Looking Skin

2009-02-15T23:05:00.000-08:00

Skin is the most visible part of our body, having a surface area of about 15 – 20 square feet. It protects us from getting dried out and exposure from harmful toxins from the environment. And that is the reason why we need to take good care of it.

As we grow old our skin also ages usually called as internal aging process. More likely your skin will experience the following changes:

Collagen production slowing (collagen contributes to skin's firmness)

Elastin production decreasing (elastin contributes to skin's elasticity)

Fat cells beginning to disappear (which can lead to sagging skin)

Your skin losing its ability to retain moisture

Frown lines and "crow's feet" appearing due to small muscle contractions

Dead skin cells not being shed as quickly

Slightly less turnover of new skin cells

This changes usually results to wrinkles, dryness, sagging and discolorations such as “age spots” in which we are not trilled of having. But is there something we can do other that looking for the fountain of youth?

According to experts, diet and lifestyle can help you control the skin aging, here are some the techniques to keep your skin young and healthy:

Drink more water. Nothing keeps your skin hydrated and supple better than a glass of pure H2O.

Limit sun exposure and protect your skin with sun block when in the sun.

Indulge in fruits and veggies. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables will provide you with plenty of antioxidants that will help to protect your skin and overall health.

Avoid cigarette smoke. Cigarette smoke exposes you to damaging free radicals that will accelerate the aging process by damaging the microcapillaries in the skin.

Lay off the harsh soaps and cleansers. Most commercial soaps contain chemicals like tricolosan and sodium lauryl sulfate, which dry and irritate your skin.

Use a good moisturizer to hydrate and plump up your skin cells.

Why Men or Women Cheat?

2009-02-09T02:03:00.000-08:00

Have you ever cheated or thought about it? Or do you know somebody who cheated or been cheated?

Cheating is usually a sign of unhealthy relationship. And unfortunately cheating is now widespread. According to Susan Sheppard, cheating or infidelity affects 8 out of 10 marriages in the US. But what can be the reason for cheating? Are there hopes for relationship after cheating?

Experts say that reasons for cheating have evolved. Before traditional reasons for cheating for men are sexual desires but now more men are having emotional affair. On the other hand, from the unhappy relationships some women are now having sexual affairs.

Reasons for cheating vary from one person to another. But here are some common reasons why men or women cheat in general.

Emotional and Physical Needs

Constant Relationship Conflict

Empowerment

To end a Relationship

A person has many reasons why they cheat but there is no right reason for cheating. It doesn’t matter why you cheat, what matters is that you did it and at some point you’re hurting somebody. There is still hope after one partner has cheated in a relationship. As long as they are still will to accept each other and start things all over again and never don’t cheat again.

Osteoporosis: A Silent Disease

2009-02-01T23:11:00.000-08:00

Are you having severe back pain? Do you look smaller due to stooped posture? You might have osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a silent disease in the bone. It makes the bone weaker and more likely to break that even a mild stress like coughing can cause fracture.

According to reports that in 10 people affected with osteoporosis, 8 of them are women and 2 of them are men. And it is considered as a “SILENT DISEASE”. In the early stages of bone loss, you will not feel pain or notice in any symptoms but once it became weak by osteoporosis you may notice the following symptoms:

Back pain
Loss of height over time
Fracture of the vertebrae

Other than age there are other risk factors of osteoporosis. According to NOF (National Osteoporosis Foundation), here are the factors that increase your risk of osteoporosis:

Personal history of fracture after age 50
Current low bone mass
Being female
Being thin and/or having a small frame
Advanced age
A family history of osteoporosis
Estrogen deficiency as a result of menopause, especially early or surgically induced
Abnormal absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea)
Anorexia nervosa
Low lifetime calcium intake
Vitamin D deficiency
Use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids and anticonvulsants
Presence of certain chronic medical conditions
Low testosterone levels in men
An inactive lifestyle
Current cigarette smoking
Excessive use of alcohol
Being Caucasian or Asian, although African Americans and Hispanic Americans are at significant risk as well

Is there something we can do to prevent osteoporosis if we have one of these risk factors? The answer is yes. There are a lot of things you can do to strengthen your bones and decrease the risk of osteoporosis. These include:

Eat a healthy diet that is rich with calcium and vitamin D.
Regular exercise.
Healthy lifestyle. No smoking and alcohol drinking.
Visit a physician about bone density testing so that you will be able to monitor you bone density is normal to your age.

Breaking Free from Debt

2009-01-25T23:58:00.000-08:00

Due to the worldwide economic crisis, it’s not unusual to hear people saying that they’re struggling to make ends meet. In fact, according to a Gallup survey, more than half of Americans are having financial problems. Because of the crisis, more and more people are having problems paying their bills and are racking up debt.

By definition, debt is an amount owed to a person or organization for funds borrowed. For many, borrowing cash or getting something on credit is a quick fix for money problems. However, the real problem starts when the debt starts to increase. In these tough times, staying debt-free may already be considered an accomplishment. However, economists believe that paying off debt can be easy if you are really focused on doing it.

Here are three simple steps that will help you get out of debt:

Stop getting new debt.

Save cash for emergency.

Implement a debt snowball.

Coping with debt is a long term process but if you have enough willpower, you will be able to get out of debt even if the economy is down. Here are additional tips to help you settle your debts:

Find additional income.

Downsize when necessary and possible

Keep your credit cards at home.

What to do with your dry hair?

2009-01-22T02:07:00.000-08:00

Hair is a protein filament that grows through the epidermis from follicles deep within the dermis which is most commonly found in mammals. It is a defining characteristic of the mammalian class. And in humans, generally hair is considered as a crowning glory” especially to women and a significant indicator of health and youth.

We have different hair issues but the most common is dry hair. A dry hair is a brittle and dull hair. It lacks oil and moisture. We may have dry hair every now and then because of different external factor but if the instances of dry hair are excessive, it can be a sign of a greater health issues.

Here are some of the causes of dry hair:

Excessive Washing and Blow-Drying, Harsh Detergents

Environmental Dryness

Malnutrition

Basically, changing lifestyle can make your hair healthy. Eating healthy food and avoiding harmful chemicals and stress on your hair can make a difference. Here are other home remedies for dry hair:

Don’t overdo the shampoo and use gentle shampoo.

Apply conditioner.

Avoid the heat.

Make it shine with beer.

Add up additional oil.

How to have Open Communication with your Teens

2009-01-18T23:12:00.000-08:00

Teenage years from 13 – 19 years are considered one of the challenging years in a parent – child relationship. Parents and teenagers are having a hard time to catch with their generation gap and sometimes come to the point having a hard time communicating with each other. It is a phase wherein teens start to develop their sense of identity and that is the reason why they need more guidance.

Studies have shown that lack parental guidance and support may lead to unwanted behavior among teenagers like drinking, drugs, and having unprotected sex. And with this parents should have an open communication with their teenagers even though it can be a real struggle.

Here are some tips how you can keep communication lines open with your teenagers:

Asked questions and be “askable” yourself
Create a good, casual and interesting communication with your teens. Asked them about what happen at school, things that they do during the day. And let them feel that they can also ask you question even the sensitive ones.
Take your cue from your teenager - there's absolutely no point saying you want to talk, when he's rushing to get ready for a night out.
Try to spend time alone with your teenager and go out somewhere if there aren't any opportunities at home.
Treat your teenager with respect, much as you would another adult.
Don't overreact or fly off the handle if you don't like what you hear
Don't score points - like all of us, teenagers don't like being put down.
Don't try to impose your ideas - he'll inevitably reject what you have to offer.
Never put him down for his views or ideas; he needs your approval
Share information about what's going on in your life, but only for as long as your teen seems interested.
It's better to negotiate a solution than enforce your demands, so don't say, "I want your room cleaned up tonight," but "I'm getting really upset at the state of your room. When do you think you can tidy it up?"

Things you don’t know about your cosmetics and make-ups

2009-01-14T22:47:00.000-08:00

Most personal products like shampoo, conditioner, cosmetics and make-ups are used every day. But do you know how it is made and from what ingredient? And do you have any idea how safe it is to use?

Studies have been made and proved that most of the cosmetic companies are adding synthetic ingredients that may cause cancer or reproductive damage over the years of sustained used. According to the survey of EWG (Environmental Working Group), more than a quarter of women in the total population and one of every 100 men are using personal care products a day which mean greater exposure to toxic ingredients.

Here are some of the toxic ingredients found in most personal products that you might to avoid according to Skin Deep:

1. Mercury

This heavy metal is a possible human carcinogen and a human reproductive or developmental toxin. Used in some eye drops, ointments and mascaras (look for it listed as "thimerosal" on labels).

2. Placenta
Placenta produces hormones like progesterone and estrogen, which may interfere with your body's normal hormone functions and could lead to breast cancer and other health problems. Used in some hair relaxers, moisturizers and toners.

3. Petrochemicals

These byproducts of crude oil may be listed as petrolatum, mineral oil or paraffin on labels. They are suspected or known carcinogens and may also break down into toxic products such as dioxane. Used in some hair relaxers, shampoos, anti-aging creams, mascaras, perfumes, foundations, lipsticks and lip balms.

4. Phthalates

Phthalates are used in some nail polishes, fragrances and hair sprays. It is a plasticizing chemical that are probable reproductive or developmental toxins and endocrine disrupters. Two phthalates, dibutyl and diethylhexyl have been banned in the European Union.

5. Hydroquinone

This ingredient is a possible carcinogen, a probable reproductive or developmental toxin and endocrine disrupter and may leave permanent black-blue lesions on your skin. Used in some skin lightening products and moisturizers.

And because of these facts it is advices that before buying products read the labels and check if the ingredients are all-natural and safe. To give you an idea here are some of the safe and gentle ingredients:

• Aloe Vera
• Plant extract
• Essential Oils
• Organic oils

Foods that Can Lower Cholesterol

2009-01-12T01:55:00.000-08:00

Generally, cholesterol is lipid or a fat like substance that occur in the body. It is said that a certain level of cholesterol is needed for the body to work. And according to American Heart Association, having cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL or higher increases the risk of heart attack and high blood. Too much of it can stick to the walls of the arteries called plaques which can cause narrowing of the arteries or even block them.

High cholesterol is common to people who has a family history of it and to those who practice an unhealthy lifestyle like an eating habit of having fatty foods. It has no symptoms and can only be determined by a series of screening.

You can lower cholesterol level by taking medicine but it is better to do it naturally. According to the American Heart Association, "You can reduce cholesterol in your blood by eating healthful foods, losing weight if you need to and exercising." Here are some foods you can add to your diet to fight cholesterol.

Shitake Mushrooms

Walnuts

SalmonThis fish is a

Garlic

Dark Green, Leafy Vegetables

Laughing: Key to a Happy Heart

2009-01-07T02:07:00.000-08:00

Do you remember the last time you laugh your hearts out? How does it feel?

Most of us don’t even remember the last time the laugh because of the stressful world we are living in. But have you ever thought that it could give bad effects on your health. Experts say that emotions can affect your health. It is just like when you feel too much stress, anger, sadness, pain and guilt you take toll of your health. However laughter has a different effect.

A person’s ability to laugh gives a feeling of superiority and power. And foster a positive aura and hopeful attitude. And therefore helps you to have a happy heart. There were studies that show connection of healthy heart and laughter or ability to laugh. If the blood vessels vasodilation (ability to expand) is poor, it increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. During the study the 50% of the correspondents watch violent and stressful movies and the other group watches relaxing and humorous movies and checked the vasodilation. They found that:

Blood flow was significantly reduced by about 35 percent of the volunteers who saw the stressful film.
Blood flow significantly increased by 22 percent of the volunteers after watching the funny movie.

Laughter and humor is similar to exercise. A regular dose or laughing as often as you can make you feel better and help you prevent some health problems. Here are some of the positive effects of laughter and humor to your health:

An increase in the number and activity level of natural killer cells that attack viral infected cells and some types of cancer and tumor cells.
An increase in activated T cells (T lymphocytes). There are many T cells that await activation. Laughter appears to tell the immune system to "turn it up a notch."
An increase in the antibody IgA (immunoglobulin A), which fights upper respiratory tract insults and infections.
An increase in gamma interferon, which tells various components of the immune system to "turn on."
An increase in IgB, the immunoglobulin produced in the greatest quantity in body, as well as an increase in Complement 3, which helps antibodies to pierce dysfunctional or infected cells. The increase in both substances was not only present while subjects watched a humor video; there also was a lingering effect that continued to show increased levels the next day.

How to Spend Less this New Year

2009-01-04T20:33:00.000-08:00

During the holiday season most of us has spent majority of their hard earned money on parties, reunions and gift giving. It is now time to pay all the debts and spend less and save more. Generally life is expensive. But that should not be reason not to enjoy life. Here are some practical tips on how to spend less from Sixwise.com Money Saving Insights and Wealth Management:

Review magazine subscriptions.

Visit a farmer’s market.

Take advantage of the discount rates.

Ask for the best price.

Enjoy the outdoors.

Be a volunteer.

Cook dinner together.

Stay active, stay healthy.

Do home massage.

Foods to Avoid Due to High Toxin

2008-12-21T22:34:00.000-08:00

Naturally foods contain chemicals that are essential for growth and health. But even the most naturally grown food still has natural toxins that can be harmful when consume repeatedly in large amounts.
Here are some of foods that are generally healthy and good to eat but can be harmful because of the toxins it contains:

Peanuts and peanut butter

Potatoes

Rhubarb

Kidney Beans

Risk of Having Routine Work Everyday

2008-12-17T00:37:00.000-08:00

What are the usual things you do during weekdays, prepare to work, go home, dinner and watch TV? And how about weekends… almost the same variation? You are doing a repressive routine.
Settling into the same routines that are too easy and comfortable for you for a long period of time may give you bad effects. You can put your emotional and physical strife at risk. Here are some of the risks of doing repressive routines:

1. Boredom
According to studies pathological boredom occurs when a person’s drive and desires are repressed. And it is said that if you are bored, you are at risk on anxiety, depression, addiction and even poor performance at school or at work.

2. Laziness
It said that humans are naturally productive and have a desire to be productive but by the time a repressive routine occurs, you may lose the natural motivation.

3. Brain Drain
By the time you are doing things that are repressive, you tend to lose your enthusiasm and brain activity becomes less, which is not helpful and sometimes causes brain drain.

Meanwhile, staying involved in new activities is an excellent way to increase your personal fulfillment in life and:

• Increase your social interaction and sense of belonging
• Foster your creativity and talents
• Offset monotony and boredom
• Help you realize your life's purpose

How to Prevent having Holiday Stress?

2008-12-15T00:25:00.000-08:00

Holiday season is just around the corner, a season for get together, reunions and gift giving. And it is also a time where most of the people get tired and feel stressed. According to WebMD, an approximate of 2 million Americans end-up feeling tired during this season and still increasing.

Many of us considered this season as one of the joyous time of the year but it is also common that many of us is forced to deprive from sleep even for weeks. And most common reasons are the following:

Remembering the loss of loved ones
Financial concerns
Scheduling too many activities
Family issues

And as a result of sleepless nights is fatigue. It can seriously interfere with your ability to enjoy this special time of year. You have to respect your body when it needs some time rest, is the best way to keep you going and keep your energy strong. But for times that you need an extra boost on your energy here are some tips from SIXWISE.COM Free Health and Wellness Newsletter:

Drink more water. If you get dehydrated, it will make you feel sluggish. Be sure to avoid BPA and toxins in your water as well.
Eat these eight delicious energy-boosting foods. Eating foods like lean beef /chicken, black beans, seaweeds and almonds are common energy boosting food.
Limit your caffeine intake. Too much coffee or caffeinated soda will actually tire you out in the long run (about one cup a day is ok).
Listen to your stomach. If you’re hungry, eat something. Otherwise your blood sugar levels will fall, along with your energy.
Exercise. Though it sounds ironic, putting out the energy to work out will give you more energy and make your daily tasks easier.
Tend to your emotions. Worry, anxiety, stress and other negative emotions will drain your energy -- fast. Even positive emotions like excitement and anticipation can wear you down energy-wise. So make sure you take time every day to calm your mind and relax.

The Good and Bad of Tanning Beds

2008-12-11T00:50:00.000-08:00

Feeling dull because of the cold weather? Craving for that bronze color skin but can’t go to the beach and enjoy the sun? What will you do? Would you consider artificial tanning?
Nowadays, especially in the US artificial tanning turns to be an option during winter and for those who loves to enjoy bronze color. Tanning has become a good earning industry in the US and based on the reports in last 25 years indoor tanner already increased by more than a 100 percent. And the most common artificial tanners are the tanning beds.

Tanning bed or sunbed is a device emitting ultraviolet radiation used to produce cosmetic tan. Tanning either natural or artificial in general, aids in the production of Vitamin D in the skin. Vitamin D is important for a number of human functions, like promotion of healthy bones. Also tanning makes a person feel good. According to research this is because of the increase in the endorphin levels. A controversial benefit of artificial tanning rather than tanning outside also arises, it is the amount of control the tanner has. A person has control to the amount of UV and control on the period of exposure.

Knowing all of these benefits may lead to tanning addiction. It is a rare condition which is due to several psychological conditions. And according to studies, the feeling of relaxation and less tense mood after the UV exposure than without exposure is one of the reason of addiction. Some Americans may be addicted to tanning -- to the point where they feel withdrawal symptoms if they go too long without it.

Over doing things specifically tanning has bad effects too. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), exposure to UV light, either from the sun or a tanning bed, is a risk factor for skin cancer. Short-wavelength UVB light has been found to be carcinogenic in animals, and longer wavelength UVA, which penetrates the skin more deeply and is used in tanning beds, may also contribute to cancer. It also said that women who regularly used tanning bed had a greater risk of malignant melanoma, eye problems and suppression of immune system.

How to stop the Birth of a Unwanted Blemish?

2008-12-08T01:19:00.000-08:00

Having problems with your skin? Imperfections like acne and pimples. Acne vulgaris or commonly known as acne is skin disease caused by the changes in the skin structures consisting of follicles and other gland, wherein the hair follicles under the skin is clogged. This skin problem is common in teenagers and young adults. It is not a serious skin disease but it can cause scars that may cause decrease in self-confidence.

Acne affects almost everyone and considered as one of the widespread medical conditions in the world. But unfortunately acne has no cure. And because of this fact the best way to manage acne is to know the cause and do preventive measures. It should be kept in mind especially by the teenagers that acne is not your fault and it is caused by a combination of factors at work beneath the surface of the face, factors like production of excess oil in the skin, skin cells and accumulation of bacteria. These factors are triggered by the following:

Hormones: Particularly during menstruation, pregnancy and menopause.
Certain medications: Anticonvulsants, corticosteroids, sobriety drugs and certain birth control pills (those that contain only progestins) may cause acne.
Family history of acne
Stress: When you're under stress, your body produces more androgens (a type of hormone). These hormones stimulate the oil glands in your skin, which can lead to acne.
Personal care products: Oily lotions, sunscreens or hair products can cause acne.

Prevention is better than cure as we know it; here are some tips from Sixwise Child Health Care and Skin Care Tips to guide you how to avoid acne:

Wash your face twice a day, gently with a mild facial cleanser and as much as possible use only natural skin care product. This will remove excess oil and dead skin cells.
Don't scrub your skin vigorously, as this can cause irritation that makes acne worse.
Women, don't go to sleep with your makeup on, as this can clog your pores and contribute to acne.
If you already have acne, over-the-counter acne products that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid may help.
Don't pick or squeeze any existing blemishes, as this can cause infection or scarring.

Guide on How to Win a Job Interview

2008-12-03T22:19:00.000-08:00

After preparing your resumes and sending out you applications to your prospect employer, a job interview comes next. It is a process in wherein you as a potential employee will be evaluated by an employer for prospective employment. A set of questions will be asked to you by the employer to assess your skills and knowledge. But how ready are you for this job interview?

It is best that you are well prepared before going to an interview. Going to an interview ready can give you an edge over the competition, and a bit of confidence and peace of mind. Here are some things that you need to do before going to an interview:

Research about the company. Knowing the products and services offered by the company can be an advantage to you in a sense you’re giving an impression to your interviewer that you are really interested with the company and you already have an idea how you can contribute for the growth of the company.
Plan you schedule. Arriving late at your scheduled interview is not a good idea. As much as possible know the exact location of the office where you will be interviewed and plan your route so that you will arrive 15 minutes before the schedule. Less hassle and less pressure for you.
Dress appropriately. Dress a notch above your day-to-day work attire. It is advice that men and women should wear their business attire.
Rehearse and Prepare. Prepare a list of questions that you think the interviewer will ask you and prepare and answer for it.

Here are some tough interview questions from SIXWISE.COM Expert Career Advice:

Tell me about yourself.
Why do you want to work here?
What are your weaknesses?
Do you have any questions for me?

What are the benefits of YOGA to the body?

2008-12-01T23:23:00.000-08:00

In Sanskrit an ancient Indian language, the term Yoga refers to a union. It is said to be the oldest defined practice of self development, a practice of physical posture or poses. Yoga is more than a stretching; it is about creating balance in the body by developing both strength and flexibility. But how can yoga affect the body?
Yoga brings together the mind, body and soul that is why it has a lot of health benefits. Here are some health benefits of YOGA:

reduced stress
sound sleep
reduced cortisol levels
improvement of many medical conditions
allergy and asthma symptom relief
lower blood pressure
smoking cessation help
lower heart rate
spiritual growth
sense of well-being
reduced anxiety and muscle tension
increased strength and flexibility
slowed aging process

Yoga is something that is worth a try for your health and wellness though we have to make sure that we have a good understanding on what type of yoga suits you well as well the benefits it can give you. Here are some of the types of yoga with a short description:

Hatha: One of the most popular types of yoga (if not THE most popular), hatha yoga is meant to achieve balance between the mind and body. It includes traditional yoga postures for all levels, and is often a general term used to describe a collection of yoga styles. (Many of the types of yoga below are derived from hatha yoga.)
Dru: A series of poses are performed to help you find your inner tranquility and strength, as well as improve your well-being.
Bikram: A series of 26 poses are performed in a heated room (the temperature can be anywhere from 90-100 degrees F) to make your body sweat. The heat in the room100 degrees F) to make your body sweat. The heat in the room is meant to increase your body's flexibility, reduce the risk of injury and help you to detoxify.
Anusara: Meaning literally "to step into the current of divine will," anusara is meant to promote awareness and well-being along with body alignment.
Integral: A gentle form of hatha yoga that emphasizes breathing, chanting, meditation and purifying the body's energy channels.

Keys to a Better Married Life

2008-11-25T18:47:00.000-08:00

Almost all of us dreamed of getting married and to be united with an individual. Reasons of getting married vary in every individual, some for legal, social and/or financial stability, to have their own family and/or public declaration of love. But generally marriage is considered as an institution in which interpersonal relationship are acknowledged.

Married life is a new phase for two individual and a good relationship with your partner is needed to make it work. Unfortunately because of different factors the number of separated or divorce couples increases. Common arguments of married couples are about money, sex, work, children and housework. They should know how to appreciate their good times together and to face the challenges during bad times. Studies said that married couples who expresses their feelings to their partner even if it is anger or frustrations tend to have a longer married life together. It said that in every relationship specifically in married couples open communication is essential.

Here are the top ten ways to keep a strong marriage according to SIXWISE.COM free relationship advice:

Always show affection. Simple gestures of affection like kiss on the cheeks or a “thank you” can keep the spark as a couple.

Keep arguments respectful. Arguments are good as long as it is constructive and you are fair.

Keep an open communication. Along with arguing respectfully, it's important to communicate respectfully. By sharing your thoughts, concerns and ideas regularly, you create an open environment of trust and intimacy.

Be nice to your partner or spouse. Happy couples go out of their way to do nice things for their partner on a regular basis, which will keep the overall marriage positive, rather than negative.

Choose your battles. There are arguments that are considered petty things, unsolvable and not worth it to get upset with and therefore not worth an argument.

Do fun things together.

Laugh together. Make an effort to find some humor -- especially if things are tense -- to keep things positive.

Always show respect. Strong marriages are built on mutual respect.

Do things YOUR way. Here "your" refers to you and your spouse. It's important that together you establish your own traditions, daily rituals and methods for raising your children, taking care of finances, etc. If there is a meddling in-law, sibling or friend who is allowed to interfere, it will undermine the idea of YOUR marriage.

Be empathetic. Make an effort to understand your spouse, hear their concerns, and share their excitement.

Guide to Detoxification

2008-11-23T20:46:00.000-08:00

Feeling so tired and unhealthy? Too much toxins in your body can be the cause. Almost every day we accumulate toxins and emotional baggage that poisons the body. And this poisons may came from different chemicals and substances we take like food and drugs and from the everyday stress and conflicts we encounter. Detoxification is the solution to all this.

Detoxification or detox is a process of removal of toxic from the body. Naturally toxins in the body were eliminated through liver, lungs, kidney, intestines, lymph and skin but when the system is compromised, toxins are not properly filtered and removed in the body which causes health issues.

There are different ways of detoxification; it can be artificially by dialysis and chelation therapy or natural detoxification like diet detoxification. There are detoxifying techniques that can be applied daily; here are some detoxifying tips for SIXWISE.COM Free Health Care Advice:

Do regular exercise.
Be careful with the drugs you take.
Eat organic.
Stop smoking
Use natural cleaning products.
Meditate
Have enough rest and sleep
Limit alcohol intake
Switch to natural personal care products
Challenge your mind.

Reality of Premature Aging

2008-11-18T22:38:00.000-08:00

Aging is a natural way of life. As we grow old aging is manifested on how we look specifically on the face. But what happens if aging is manifested at early age? It is a premature aging.

Premature aging is a term used to describe an early appearance of aging before old age. It has two types: intrinsic (internal) aging and extrinsic (external) aging. Intrinsic aging is the natural process of aging which occurs as you grow old and involves the following:

Collagen production slowing (collagen contributes to skin's firmness)
Elastin production decreases (elastin contributes to skin's elasticity)
Fat cells begin to disappear (which can lead to sagging skin)
Your skin losing its ability to retain moisture
Frown lines and "crow's feet" appearing due to small muscle contractions
Dead skin cells not being shed as quickly
Slightly less turnover of new skin cells

Usually all of these changes start to occur when you are in 20’s and the signs of intrinsic aging are the following:

Fine wrinkles
Thin and transparent skin
Loss of underlying fat, leading to hollowed cheeks and eye sockets as well as noticeable loss of firmness on the hands and neck
Bones shrink away from the skin due to bone loss, which causes sagging skin
Dry skin that may itch
Inability to sweat sufficiently to cool the skin
Graying hair that eventually turns white
Hair loss
Unwanted hair
Nail plate thins, the half moons disappear, and ridges develops

On the other hand, the normal aging process becomes a premature aging when external factors often act together. Premature aging usually cause by repetitive facial expressions, sun exposure and smoking.

Here are some Sixwise.com health care tips on how to prevent premature aging:

Avoid smoking. Too much exposure to cigarette smoke will increase the wrinkling and dryness of skin.
Avoid too much exposure to the sun. Too much exposure to the can also cause wrinkling and skin dryness. It can also cause skin cancer.
Have a healthy diet. Having a diet rich in fruits and vegetables will provide you plenty antioxidants which is good for the skin.
Have enough exercise. Exercise tones muscles and helps promote blood flow -- necessary for healthy skin and body.
Avoid too much alcohol. Over time, alcohol can permanently damage blood vessels in the skin, causing you to appear flushed.

Reasons Why Stress is not good for you

2008-11-16T19:46:00.000-08:00

Every one of us has its own responsibility in life and that includes managing finances. And knowing that the economy is on the rocks today most of us are having personal finance difficulties. According to reports most stress are related to financial issues.

Stress is a fact of nature wherein an individual reacts with a particular event or circumstances sometimes called as stressor. Experts say that stress can be good or bad. Good stress is that stress that gives you a quick and light impact that can be helpful like for example during emergency situations where a driver has to slam on the breaks to avoid accidents. On the other hand bad stress is that stress that happens continuously or frequently. This stress can actually wear off your body and may cause health problems. Here are some common results of stress:

Fatigue
Feelings of irritability or anger
Lying awake at night
Feelings of depression
Lack of motivation

And because of stress many are coping with stress in unhealthy ways like overeating, drinking alcohol, too much napping, smoking, and sometimes skipping meals. Instead of giving positive results you will be ending in much worst problems.

In one of the SIXWISE.COM free health and wellness article, they featured Marry Maddux relaxation techniques to cope up with stress:

Stop and “Do Nothing”. Stopping and doing nothing from time to time is a mini relaxation. It will help you reset to keep you going during the day.
Take a Deep Breath. "Take a deep breath" has become a cliché -- you hear it on sitcoms, in conversations, everywhere -- and for good reason. It helps!
Observe the Natural Flow of Your Breath. This is perhaps the easiest way to relax with the breath. Take a break and simply bring your attention to your breathing. Notice how the breath moves in and out, how it feels, how your body moves as you breathe.
Lie Down and Rest.
Stretch. Simple stretching can do wonders.

Fight Against Child Obesity

2008-11-12T18:46:00.000-08:00

Parents would love to see their children healthy and gain weight as they grow old. And sometimes they have this idea that the bigger the baby or a child is the cuter, the better. But gaining more than the average and need for their growth and development - may lead to child obesity.

Child obesity or overweight is a serious medical condition defined as abnormal fat accumulation that may lead to different health risk. Child obesity usually occurs without the parents knowing it or without realizing that their child is overweight.

And in realty child obesity may lead to numerous health risks like cardiovascular diseases, high blood, childhood diabetes and even cancer. Also obese child has greater chances of being obese when they become adults.

Even though child obesity or overweight may be genetically inherited a change into a healthy lifestyle may prevent or reverse this. As parents you can guide your children for a healthier lifestyle. You can make changes that will help your child lose weight gradually. Being supportive and being a role for the changes you want to implement is also important. And also keep in mind that they still children don’t push them too hard, make changes slowly.

Sixwise.com Child Health Care, sum up simple changes that you can implement for better health of you children and family:

Eat meals together as a family
Decrease the time your child watches TV and plays video games or spends at the computer
Avoid using food as a reward
Use healthy foods as snacks
Encourage your child to do active things like going for walks, walking the dog, washing the car, playing sports or tag with friends, etc.
Limit fast food meals
Include more nutritious meals in your family's daily diet (try the recipes in Alive in 5: Raw Gourmet Meals in Five Minutes for some delicious (and fast!) ideas)
Eliminate sweetened drinks like soda from your house
Plan your meals for the week so you don't end up going for take-out at the last minute
Pack a healthy lunch for your child to take to school

Good Things about Eating Raw Food

2008-11-09T21:13:00.000-08:00

As the world continues to evolve with better technologies, mankind became more exposed on different free radicals and pollution that cause different diseases. And this could be the reason why the number of health conscious is increasing.

In the US alone many are already advocating raw foodism. Raw foodism or rawism is a lifestyle where 60% - 100% of the food consumption is un-cooked, un-processed and mostly organic. The most popular raw food diet is the raw veganism or raw vegetarianism. However there are also raw foodist who eats raw meat and eggs.

According to studies and by Karyn Calabres, a well-known raw foodist in Chicago, enzymes are needed for every metabolic process in the body and the enzymes found in foods you eat are destroyed when you cook food. Many adherents of raw foodism believe that consumption of uncooked foods encourages weight loss and prevents and/or heals many forms of sickness and chronic diseases.

Also according to Jakob Bohme in one of his writings that the doctrine of signatures refers to the notion that God marked objects with a sign or "signature" revealing their true purpose. Here are some raw foods that reveal their uses from SIXWISE.COM Free Health and Wellness Newsletter:

Sliced Carrots:

Walnuts:

Grapes:

Kidney Beans:

Tomatoes:

Avocadoes, Eggplant and Pears:

Celery, Bok Choy and Rhubarb:

Many raw food diets are easy to prepare like salads, fruits, meat and dairy. There are some foods that require planning to prepare for eating. Rice and some grains require sprouting or overnight soaking to become digestible. And if preparing for gourmet recipes for raw food usually needs blender, food processor, juicer or dehydrator.

How bad is Broken Heart?

2008-11-07T00:54:00.000-08:00

Did you ever felt bad about family situations, relationships and career with severe chest pains? If yes, maybe you are having a broken heart syndrome.

Broken heart syndrome or “Heart break” is a common term for stress cardiomyopathy, it is used to relate intense emotional pain or suffering after distressing situations. Situations like traumatic romantic breakup, shock of a surprise party or death of a loved one may trigger broken heart syndrome. A flood of stress hormones are unleashed, taking a drastic toll on the heart that mimic heart attack which can be life threatening.

The difference with heart attack and broken heart is that broken heart syndrome recovery happens within few days and is completely recovered within two weeks time.

Symptoms of a "broken heart" can manifest themselves through psychological pain but for many the effect is physical following is a list of common symptoms that occur:

A perceived tightness of the chest, similar to an anxiety attack
Stomach ache and/or loss of appetite
Partial or complete insomnia
Anger
Shock
Nostalgia
Apathy (loss of interest)
Feelings of loneliness

According to the experts preventing broken heart is easy. You have to know the how broken heart syndrome occurs. You must live a healthy lifestyle and you must learn how to control too much emotion especially when unwanted situations and unforeseeable stress occur. And for those who are recovering from broken heart, it is suggested that they should take a rest and drink plenty of fluids and keep their selves busy like exercising , it will not only keep your body health but also your mind healthy.

11 Ways in Finding your Dream Career

2008-11-04T20:35:00.000-08:00

Career is a term commonly used as an individual’s course or progress of through life and usually considered to pertain to remunerative work. It was said if you love your job and contented with it then it is safe to say that you are in the right career path.

But how can you really say that you are in the right career path? And how can you find your dream job? In Sixwise Career Advice Newsletter, identified 11 ways on how to find dream job:

Know your skills, talents and hobbies.

Know your values?

Determine how much training you're willing to put in.

How much money do you want to make?

Location, location, location.

Workaholic or Family-Oriented?

Determine Your Career Personality.

Compile Your Information.

Identify Your Dream Career.

Get Your Dream Career.

Stick With It!

Understanding Oxidative Stress

2008-11-02T22:16:00.000-08:00

Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen and a biological system's ability to readily detoxify the reactive intermediates or easily repair the resulting damage. It is also involved in aging and chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.

Normally free radicals are present in our system and even the healthiest person has it. It is usually kept wrap under in the body where they cannot cause harm to the body but when it exist in the body in excess then the harmful condition known as oxidative stress occurs.
Free radicals may take over your body in two ways; one is that you are exposed on abundance of them due to environmental pollutants and toxins like cigarette smoke, alcohol, air pollution and radiation, and the other one is that your body is lacking of health compounds like antioxidants that fights free radicals.

In one of the free newsletter issues of SIXWISE.COM Health and Wellness here are some tips on how to fight free radicals:

Eat an antioxidant-rich diet.
Anti-oxidants help prevent oxidation. And eating healthy diet life fruits, vegetables and nuts and other anti-oxidant foods is helpful.

Exercise sensibly.
Exercise enhances the body's ability to handle stress more than it harms the body through stress.

Consider chiropractic wellness care.
Chiropractic care appears to improve the ability of the body to adapt to stress.

Take time to relax.
A stressful, anxiety-filled daily routine will wear you down, no matter how healthy your lifestyle

Tips on how to have a correct body posture

2008-10-30T01:17:00.000-07:00

According to the medical definition of posture, as a whole it is the carriage of the body or the attitude of the body. And it is said that good body posture could benefit your health.

Basically having good posture aids on how to look good and gain more self confidence. If you are about to compare someone who is slouching while walking to somebody with correct posture, you will find certainty in the person who are walking in posture.

Other than the the way you look, there are also health advantage on having a good body posture. Primarily, this benefit occurs when body posture is correct and your muscles, organ, joints and bones are not in tension. Here are some health benefits of having correct posture:

Minimize your risk of many neck and back problems.
Ensure that your joints don't wear abnormally, which can lead to arthritis.
Be able to use your muscles more efficiently, because your bones and joints will be in the correct alignment. This will result in less fatigue, as your body will require less energy to move around.
Prevent your spine from becoming fixed in an abnormal position. This can lead to condensed blood vessels and nerves, and problems with muscles, discs and joints, which can lead to headaches, fatigue and even problems with organs and breathing.
Experience fewer strains and pains because you won't be overusing certain muscles and joints, nor putting unnecessary pressure on bones, joints and organs.
Put less stress on the ligaments holding the spine's joints together.

In one of the released free newsletter or SIXWISE.COM, here are some tips on how to improve body posture while standing:

Keep your weight on the balls of your feet, not your heels
Let your arms hang naturally by your side
Keep feet about shoulder-width apart
Don't lock your knees
Keep your head level and in line with your neck and spine, not pushed forward
Keep your shoulders upright

Posture tips while sitting:

Keep both feet flat on the floor (if your feet cannot reach the floor, adjust the chair or use a footrest)
Align your back with the back of the chair
Don't slouch or lean forward
Adjust the chair so your knees are even with your hips, or slightly higher, and your arms are at a 75-90 degree angle at the elbows
Keep your shoulders straight
Choose an comfortable office chair with good back support
Get up often and stretch
and stand up straight

What is Postpartum Depression and Baby Blues

2008-10-29T00:22:00.000-07:00

Child birth is a joyous event for most women. Because of the fact that you are able to carry a life your womb . But there are cases that not all new mom felt happy and excited about this. Some women felt sad, anxious, afraid or sometimes angry.

Baby blues and Postpartum depression is a form of clinical depression which usually occurs to women after child birth . And an estimate of 10% of new moms experiences this kind of depression. The difference with postpartum and baby blues is that postpartum is the severe case of baby blues and needs doctor attention and counseling. Baby blues happen right after child birth and only last a few days. New mom can have sudden change in mood, sadness, loss of appetite. And on the other hand postpartum depression can happen anytime within the first year after birth. The usual symptoms are sadness, lack of energy, trouble concentrating, anxiety, and feelings of guilt and worthlessness.

You can easily cope with baby blues as long as the signs are mild and short live. Here are some tips from Sixwise Healthy Family Guide on how to manage baby blues:

1. Takea rest as often as you can. Even short naps can be beneficial.
2. Cry if you need to.
3. Don't judge yourself for how you're feeling. It's normal!
4. Talk to your husband , family and friends about how you're feeling. You can also join a new mom’s support group to talk to others going through a similar transition.
5. Ask for help when you need it, and accept help when others offer it.
6. Keep visitors to a minimum.
7. Prioritize what has to be done versus what can wait to be done (i.e. don't try to do everything you used to do immediately). It's OK to take a nap while the baby is sleeping instead of keeping up with the dishes. You don't have to be Supermom.
8. Eat plenty of healthy foods regularly throughout the day, as it's been found that low blood sugar can make your symptoms worse.
9. Exercise. It's a natural mood booster.
10. Try to find a few minutes a day to relax . Reading, taking a bath, meditating or listening to some music -- even for 15 minutes -- will help you feel better.
11. Keep a diary of your feelings.

Life Empowerment

2008-10-29T00:14:00.000-07:00

Life Empowerment focuses on sharing resources and information on different aspects of life. It includes articles, tips and advice on career, health and wellness, wealth management, love and relationships and home safety and improvement.