Fitness Club

Just one week after the spread of Influenza A (H1N1) -- commonly referred to as "swine flu" -- caused declarations of public health emergencies from the local to the international level, questions are arising as to whether public health authorities overreacted to the outbreak and inadvertently triggered unnecessary and harmful behaviors.

This developing debate is important, acknowledged David P. Fidler, the James Louis Calamaras Professor of Law at the Indiana University Maurer School of Law, and author of Biosecurity in the Global Age: Biological Weapons, Public Health, and the Rule of Law.

However, people should be wary of simplistic hype about the "panic" public health responses to the outbreak have ostensibly caused, he cautioned.

"We have seen irrational responses to public health warnings about Influenza A (H1N1), whether we have the 'worried well' burdening emergency rooms or countries banning the importation of pork products from countries affected by the new virus," said Fidler.

"Some overreaction is anticipated and sometimes unavoidable when societies deal with serious infectious disease threats, because responses to such threats often occur in a context of great uncertainty, as has been the case with this new influenza virus," he observed.

"Unlike a hurricane or tornado, where the damage is geographically limited, readily observable, and regularly experienced, certain infectious diseases, particularly influenza, can appear unexpectedly and spread rapidly and silently across a community, a nation, and the planet before scientists and policy makers fully understand the threat," Fidler explained.

"Microbial threats often induce individual and collective fear, which makes promoting responses based on the best available science and public health principles difficult," he continued.

"However, compared to the climate experienced after the anthrax attacks in 2001 and the SARS outbreak in 2003, I am sensing much less panic and more prudence," noted Fidler, "which reflects, in part, the preparations made by governments at all levels for a potential pandemic of influenza. I will be relieved if, at the end of this outbreak, we are left debating whether public health responses were appropriate, rather than counting and mourning thousands killed by an influenza virus we did not fear enough."

Click here to read Fidler's analysis of the Influenza A (H1N1) outbreak and international law.

Reactive Health Care Costs Far More Than Proactive Lifestyle Changes
It truly is a shame that we continue to have a fight each and every year over health care costs without ever really getting to the root of the problem, our actual health! I don't believe any semi-sane person would argue that better overall health and wellness in society would not actually lead to lower health care costs, both short-term and long-term. Yet, like so many other things, we have become almost completely reactive in how we deal with these issues, both our health and our health care.

Now, don't worry, I have no intentions on talking politics here. I know for a fact I would have half of the two friends I have now if I told everyone what they needed to hear about our political system and the ideologies that are quickly ruining our ability to prevail as a country, so I intentionally shy away from that conversation. I will say this as it relates to both health and politics; extremes are NEVER the answer!

By now, we should all realize that we are going to pay for health one way or the other, today or tomorrow! How and when is completely up to us individually. Nothing is more frustrating for someone like myself than to hear the complaints or rising health care costs from the person who eats McDonald's six times a week or feeds their children Fruit Loops every morning for breakfast! These individuals simply haven't thought things through and unfortunately, find it easier to blame others or the "system" than to look in the mirror and make some changes in their and/or their families eating habits! The fact is it's far more expensive and uncomfortable to pay for health tomorrow, in a reactive state, then it is to be proactive with good, simple fitness and nutrition, for individuals and families alike.

Ever wonder why we now have nearly 30% of our children actually nearing obesity and dealing with diabetes? It's not government's fault and it certainly isn't the health care industries fault either! I know, for many, that is a tough look in the mirror, but, it is one that any caring parent should be willing to make if your child falls into that category!

Did you know that nearly 65% of all illness can be avoided with proper nutrition, including some forms of cancer? The number of children suffering from obesity due to underlying genetic issues is truly limited, so please, do not allow yourself to fall into that excuse trap either.

To be quite honest, I'm not that smart, but even I can figure this vicious cycle out! Consider this in it's simplicity...doctors make more money by prescribing medications in a reactive approach because insurance covers the cost of the extremely overpriced medications that make pharmaceutical companies billions of dollars every year. The ever-increasing prescription rate has a direct effect on society and the insurance premiums we pay on a whole, whether we are using prescription medications or not.

The reverse of this equation doesn't quite create the income potential for doctors. You see, good nutrition, with or without supplemental nutritional solutions, is not covered by insurance, therefore doctors income, should they recommend or even discuss sound nutrition with patients is substantially diminished. I'm a simple person, but this is the system we have created and it is quite easy to understand why it continues!

Now, couple this with the fact that good nutrition simply is not "sexy", and in most people's opinions, tedious to achieve, and you have an unfortunate cycle that creates a significantly more and more unhealthy society each and every year, while the pharmaceutical industry continues to add to their bottom line!

Almost every one of us can "afford" to fill in our nutritional gaps with just some small changes to our daily diet and lifestyle! It should never be an additional cost, money or time, but merely a reallocation of priority. One which anyone can make work with the plan and support!

Don't make excuses for yourself or your family! When all is said and done, bettering your health and wellness comes down to nothing more than a decision. The level of importance you place on your personal or families well-being now, will absolutely have a direct impact on the costs and discomfort you, or they, live with for years to come.

Lastly, let me clear about this as well! Please don't leave your health and wellness to chance by expecting or assuming your doctor is going to give you all the answers either....they DO NOT have them! They are NOT well versed in nutrition! As scary as that may be, it is the truth! Don't believe me, try and have a deep conversation about nutrition with your family physician! Guaranteed, you will be shocked with the limited input you receive!

As always, make a decision, set your priorities and DO YOUR HOMEWORK!

Jason Horsley is the President, Elite Lifestyle Solutions and a fitness fanatic! With nearly 20 years in and around the industry, his combination of knowledge and passion are without equal. If you have any desire at all to better the way you look, feel or perform, take a moment to stop by http://www.theadvocarelifestyle.com/ to learn more about how they are Building Champions and Changing Lives Daily or the 24 Day Challenge itself! The wealth of information alone will make it well worth your while and if you have any questions at all, drop Jason an email while you are there. Each one is answered by him personally!

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When it comes to health, the old saying "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing", is very true. There are some great health myths we cling to like lifeline, which in reality has no basis. So to make you more aware, here are some of those health myths we need to bust now:

1. You have to drink eight glasses of water every day: From your grandmother to the beauty websites, everyone implores you to eat eight glasses of water religiously every day. Yes, it is true that adequate amount of water is very important to our body for its proper functioning, but it is not necessary that it has to come from your glass of water! The juices that you drink and the vegetables/fruits that you eat also provide you with water. Even coffee, which is considered to dehydrate body actually provides water that is lost by our body. So the thumb rule is; you drink when you are thirsty and juices, tea, and milk can also be drunk for quenching your thirst. Remember, drinking too much water can lead to a fall in the sodium level in your body; which in turn can lead to electrolyte imbalance.

2. Don't read in poor light or you will need glasses: Again another myth that you must have heard since your childhood. How many times did your parents scold you for reading comics under the blanket with a torch or trying to read in the moonlight? Well, you can stop scolding your children in future or turn on a big light every time you need to read. What happens when you read in poor light is you squint your eyes and that, in the most, adds crow's feet! It also tires your eyes, but that can easily be overcome with a good night sleep. The same goes for watching television in low light!

3. Kids become hyper with sugar: Children who are very hyper are most often not given any kind of sugar products in the fear that it will make them more active. This is one myth that most parents adhere to but tests have shown that it is not true. But that does not mean you go ahead and give sugary treats to your children at free will; sugar leads to other problems like obesity and dental problems. So have them in moderation.

4. You need to have a bowl movement once every day: This is again another half truth everyone sincerely believes in. Many go the length of drinking laxatives every day to have a smooth bowel movement in the following morning. But doctors say that it is very normal for a healthy person to not have any movement in a day; alarm should be raised when it is three or less times a week.

5. Acne can be controlled by washing face regularly: Most teenagers who suffer from acne problem wash their face many times in a day to prevent a breakout. The fact is, acne is caused by effects of hormones (which are, unfortunately, on an overdrive at this age) on sebaceous glands. In fact, cleaning your face too much can lead to more acne as your body produces more oil to combat the drying up of your skin!

Being healthy is something everyone should aspire to. But don't let half-truths or myths guide your schedule for a healthy living.

For more information please visit our OSHA Training and First Aid Training websites.

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Eucalyptus oils are typically found and sourced from Australia which is where eucalyptus trees grow in which this essential oil is extracted from. It has been suggested that Australian Aborigines were the first to discover this natural remedy and were known to have used it for a range of medicinal purposes including treatment for respiratory problems and muscle pain relief. Uses for eucalyptus oil are not only restricted to health and healing, but as an air freshener within the home, as a beauty treatment and an aromatherapy aid for maintaining general well being. Read on to discover how you can benefit from its numerous curative properties.

Respiratory Problems

Eucalyptus oil has proven very effective when dealing with respiratory problems such as congestion, asthma, and bronchitis because it contains strong anti-inflammatory and decongestant qualities.

*Simply apply a couple of drops on a cloth or handkerchief and inhale regularly. Alternatively you can add a few drops to your evening bath

Fever and Flu

Eucalyptus oil has been and is still widely used as a remedy to relieve fevers caused by infectious diseases. This essential oil also helps to improve lung function and reduce phlegm and therefore relieves symptoms and effects associated with the flu, common cold, and sinus infections.

*Make a cold compress and apply to the back of the neck, forehead, or chest. Be sure to only use a minimal amount as excess dose may cause a chilling sensation

Muscle Pain

Eucalyptus oil is a very common and popular form of massage treatment for relieving muscle pain and stress. This essential oil will help to soothe and alleviate stiffness, tense muscles, and even more serious conditions such as nerve pain and sprained ligaments. By massaging the oil directly on the problem area results in an almost instant relief.

*Using too much eucalyptus oil directly on the skin can cause irritation. Mix a few drops together with other massage oils before applying

For Hair

Eucalyptus oil can be massaged directly into the scalp to stimulate blood flow. This can help to prevent hair loss and promote new hair growth. Perhaps not the most common oil for hair, but it can still be beneficial.

If you want a more effective oil try something like almond, coconut, castor or olive oil for hair.

Mouth Wash

Eucalyptus oil contains strong germicidal qualities which help to fight off and kill bacteria. By using the oil on a daily basis it will prevent bacteria build up therefore preventing the formation of cavities while also keeping your mouth clean and odourless. Eucalyptus oil also provides relief for a sore throat by reducing irritation and discomfort.

*To use the oil as a gargling solution simply mix a few drops with warm water, gargle for a few minutes, spit out and rinse. Avoid swallowing.

Wounds and Bites

Eucalyptus oil contains powerful antiseptic qualities and for this reason is very effective for treating wounds, insect bites, stings, burns, and rashes. This essential oil has also proven to be very effective for use as an insect repellent.

* To treat the above conditions, apply a few drops of the oil to the bandage or dressing before covering the wound or effected area.

Aromatherapy

Eucalyptus oil acts as a nervous system stimulate which promotes concentration, enhances focus, and improves the ability to stay alert. This essential oil features a calming effect and helps to revitalise the mind, body, and soul. Eucalyptus contains rejuvenating qualities which help to relieve mental fatigue, tiredness, and lethargy.

*Apply a drop of eucalyptus oil to pulse points

Oils are one of the safest, most effective and natural ways to promote hair growth, prevent hair loss and generally improve hair health. To discover the top 10 best oils for hair growth hit the blue link.

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Do you want and desire to stay young and beautiful even in old age? Your health and beauty is in your hands. All you need to do is take proper care of your body weight. Proper weight management ensures that you stay healthy, looking fresh, smooth skin, fit and very beautiful.

What is beauty?

Beauty is an entity which is admired, attractive and eye-catching. In terms of female human beauty, you are 'classical beauty' if you posses these fine attributes.

As a woman you are considered beautiful if your skin is smooth, your body is well proportioned and devoid of any physical defects, you have a killer smile, intelligent and kind-hearted. Even without make up a beautiful you will always make heads turn because natural beauty attracts attention to itself naturally.

Beauty is a combination of qualities, such as shape, color, or form that pleases the aesthetic senses, especially, the male human eye.

An Ideal Weight is the Foundation of Your Beauty:

You can not radiate beauty if you are under or over weight. You need to watch your body weight closely because it plays a crucial role in your health and beauty. Work hard to achieve and maintain you're ideal weight so you may enrich the world with your natural beauty. Eat healthy and lead a physically active life. This is the easiest and simplest way to keep weight in check naturally.

What is Health?

Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Your health is determined in most cases by your current body weight. If you are either under or over weight you will be in trouble health wise sooner or later. To enjoy good health you need to watch your weight my friend.

Healthy Weight:

Healthy weight isn't a diet; it is a desired and beneficial lifestyle. A lifestyle that includes healthy eating, regular physical activity, and controlled calories intake. Staying in control of your weight contributes to good health and beauty naturally.

A healthy weight plays a vital role in determining your inner and outer (physical) beauty. Good weight management ensures that you remain physically fit, smooth skinned and beautiful always despite your age.

The Secrets of Staying Healthy and Beautiful:

• Eat a healthy well balanced diet every day

• Eat natural and avoid refined factory made foods. Whole grains or cereals, green vegetables, organically grown fruits, plenty of water, organic eggs, white meat, etc. Never skip a meal in order to loss weight.

• Eat a protein rich breakfast every day. It should be the biggest meal you take because you need energy to function properly throughout the day.

• Stay physically active. Physical activity helps in burning calories and thus to maintain an ideal body weight. Walk more and drive less.

• Proper hygiene is paramount to your health and beauty. Maintaining high standards of hygiene ensures that you prevent simple diseases from destroying your well-being.

• Love is good for you. Find love and it shall motivate you to work at your health and beauty.

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Health care these days is a system of managed care. Due to the volume of patients needs, health care is inundated with symptoms and complaints that exceed the limited time capacity of health care professionals. It has been my experience, that mainstream health care is overseen not by the patients' medical providers but by a larger "all-seeing eye" focused on the bottom line. It is felt within every procedure, therapy and treatment protocol; --your insurance company. Without having the direct contact or history of the patient these decisions are made. They dictate what seems to me, that which is in the best interest of corporate insurance companies and not in the best interests of the patient. Who knows better than the person who comes into direct contact with the patient, the healthcare provider? With the many and often multiple needs of the patent and a condensed time in which to manage their care, it is a wonder more mistakes aren't being made. To address a large and ever growing number of people in need we, in the health care field, are overworked and underpaid. It is easy to overlook and by-pass an important piece in the equation in the health care puzzle; individualized quality care.

How did profits become more important than people? In an ever changing world of high finance, opportunity and the push to strive for more. we have created a giant monster. This monster is controlling us and largely dictating how we practice (which is the job of licensing boards.) Practitioners have the wisdom of understanding to know best how to manage what was once compassion in action. Our choice to serve and help others has been tainted by policies and procedures, much of which is not within our own understanding of best practice. The larger umbrella called managed care effects us all; patients and providers alike. In my experience working with insurance companies as a contracted provider, I, like many, in the process of trying to help others, am limited by narrowly defined codes and reimbursements, limiting effectiveness in treating patients with the services they require. This need for treatment sometimes necessitates patients having to go outside of the managed system where they often find a larger dollar amount dangling over their heads. It seems freedom of choice, by most standards has a price tag. Those that can afford choice can exercise this freedom while others can't due to the oppressive paralysis of inability to choose based on economics.

The other side to managed care is inconsistency. I have heard this from patients time and time again. Individualized attention seems to be lost. It's been my experience that some patients are bounced around by other practitioners having conflicting advice, different unresolved treatments and they feel the frustration of having to discuss yet again their health history, sometime within the same medical office or organization. Patients want to be heard, treated respectfully and get solid answers. I believe part of the answer lies in patient choice. This ability to choose gets lost within the shuffle and patients feel helpless to change the power of thinking to choose. A proactive patient is an empowered patient. While this may be a threat to some, it is best for the patient to think outside of the box; to be able to consider all options.

The need for private practices is necessary to fill in the gaps of this shuffle. Unfortunately it is becoming harder to find such practices and solo practitioners. Those of us not consumed by a corporate entity have been left to defend our position, holding ground that seems to be shaky at best. Yet perseverance is the human quality of the soul. We can not depart from our humanness.

Copyright 4/21 2011
Andrew Wolfe, LMP

Highly referred and recommended Andrew Wolfe, LMP of Harmony Licensed Massage Therapy has been a full time, locally run private practice since 1987. With advanced clinical experience and training he excels in his field. Post operative pain, sports, motor vehicle, personal and sports injuries treated in addition to orthopedic, muscle and skeletal conditions. We bill your insurance and are a preferred medical provider with L&I and most insurance companies. Wellness (self pay) patients welcome. Deep tissue, myofascial release, somatic and remedial movement, trigger point therapy, Swedish massage and manual traction offered. We are a holistic alternative, adjunct or primary care company servicing individuals with compassionate and care for over 2 decades in the North Snohomish County. We offer a drug less, non surgical approach to healing, recovery, restoration, wellness, presentation and rehabilitation care. http://www.harmonymassagetherapy.com/

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Men and women around the world today are waking up to the fact that they have to take responsibility for their own health. Even though there are many illnesses and diseases that you can contract because of environment or from contact with people, keeping yourself healthy is a good way to lower the risk of contracting an illness or fatal disease. Here are four health issues that you should know about:

• Cardiovascular diseases: This is the No. 1 cause of death and each year at least 12 million people die because of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). There are many kinds of CVDs, including strokes, valvular heart disease, coronary heart disease and rheumatic heart disease/fever. There are many factors that contribute to you being in the high-risk group, among them diabetes, high cholesterol and blood pressure, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle and stress. Many of these can be controlled by medication and a major change in lifestyle. Some factors cannot really be controlled, like old age and if the heart condition is hereditary. However, by eliminating as many risk factors as possible and managing those you cannot the best way possible, you can lower your risk of suffering from heart diseases.

• Diabetes: Diabetes has become a very real problem among men and women today. It occurs when your body is not able to produce enough insulin, the hormone which helps break down sugar in the blood into energy. Type 1 diabetes is when the pancreas breaks down and stops producing insulin. Type 2 diabetes is when the body cannot use the insulin produced to convert sugar into energy, hence blood sugar levels rise. Most people suffer from Type 2 diabetes. A history of diabetes in your family puts you in a high risk group so you need to take extra care. Other factors include ageing, obesity and stress, a diet high in sugar and carbohydrates and pancreatic ailments.

• Anxiety disorders and depression: Some people worry about little things more than others and this can take a toll on them. Those who cannot handle stressful moments end up suffering from anxiety that can lead to heart problems, cancer and diabetes. People suffering from long bouts of depression also run the risk of ending up with debilitating health problems.

• Cancer: This is one disease men and women are most anxious about. It is a disease that can caused by cigarette smoking, obesity, bad eating habits, a sedentary lifestyle, radiation and other environmental toxins and contaminants. The latter can affect and heighten abnormalities genetically in cells. These abnormalities are mostly acquired but some can be hereditary though that accounts for a very small percentage.

These are just a few health issues you need to take seriously. Most illnesses today are treatable and with a healthy lifestyle you can have a long and fulfilling life. Stay away from smoking, alcohol and stressful situations and make it a habit to get an annual medical check-up as a preventative measure.

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Much can be learned about a patient's condition by listening to and observing the patient's body. A few routine tests can be instrumental in saving someone's life. It is important to one's overall health and well-being to adhere to regularly scheduled physical examinations. Here is what you can expect when reporting for a routine physical examination.

To begin with, your doctor will need some general information about you, so you will have to complete a health history form. You will be asked about allergies to medications, past surgeries -if any, and possibly questions about alcohol, tobacco, and drug consumption. It is important to be completely honest with your answers. This information is confidential, and it can be helpful in determining the causes of any conditions that might be present or that might be avoided. Even if you have a regular doctor who knows you well, you may be required to update this form annually. Your or your family's medical history can change with each year - a parent or a sibling may develop something that might also affect you. Sometimes we can be suddenly stricken with an unexpected health issue or illness. The information on this form can assist doctors in determining if there might be symptoms of impending complications.

After your paperwork is done it is then that you will first meet with a nurse and they will take down some general information about you. They will gather data about your height, weight, and blood pressure and in many cases take urine or even draw blood. These may seem menial, however there is a lot of information that can be learned not only from the blood and urine analysis tests and the blood pressure check but even from the information contained in weight and height. Any significant change in these can provide an indication of a health problem as well.

When your doctor first comes in the room he or she will discuss with you the information that they have gathered so far and ask more probing questions about any health area that they feel may be an issue. Then as they begin the exam, the doctor will not only listen to your systems but they will also look and feel to check if everything seems normal. Most doctors have a patient wear a gown so that they can see the areas that they are checking on because there are skin issues and discoloration issues that can indicate problems.

Overall, a routine health exam can help to identify some serious health issues. When caught early enough many serious health issues can be treated more successfully and many can even be cured.

A simple visit to http://www.gohealthinsurance.com/ will offer some important info about coverage. With Gohealthinsurance.com see all of the options available and keep up with a annual health exam.

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It is a well-known fact that people who take good care of themselves enjoy a healthier overall life. Unfortunately, many people tend to overlook some of the more important parts about their health and although they may have increased energy and stamina, they may still succumb from time to time to illness. If that is true in your case, what can be done to make sure that you are taking care of all of your health needs?

Although it certainly is good to eat a good diet and to make sure that you exercise regularly, the way that your body handles the food that you eat is also something for you to consider. Digestive health is just as important as any other part of your health regime and in many cases, it is even more important. As a matter of fact, many leading health professionals consider your digestive health to be paramount to keeping free from diseases such as cancer. What can you do to make sure that your digestive health is at its prime and to give your immune system the boost that it needs to keep you going?

Like any part of your body, your digestion can be affected according to various lifestyle changes that you may make. For example, if you were to eat an all raw diet of fruits and vegetables, breathe absolutely clean air and drink the best water in the world, you probably would not need to be concerned about your digestive health. Unfortunately, there are so many things in the world around us that can affect our health and decrease our body's ability to maintain a clean gastrointestinal tract. That is why supplementation with immune system boosters may be necessary, and provided it is done properly, it can not only help to improve your digestion, it can keep your body from getting sick in many cases.

Being able to recognize some of the problems that can occur which will affect your digestion can also help you to avoid these difficulties. Some of them, such as traveling may be a part of our lifestyle that cannot be changed. Other problems, such as having too much stress, not getting enough sleep, smoking, excessive drinking and even just the fact that we are getting older can cause our digestion to slow down. This can cause a variety of different symptoms, such as exhaustion, agitation and even depression. As a matter of fact, one of the first things that are usually looked into when somebody enters in to a mental facility is if they are having problems with constipation. It really is that serious of a matter.

At first, it may be necessary for you to supplement more fully in order to boost your immune system and help you to get beyond your current medical status. Eventually, however, you're just going to be able to go into a maintenance program and, along with leading a healthier life, it can really help to reduce the amount of illness that you experience. Any effort that you put into it is certainly going to be well worth it.

Alice Nesicolaci is the author of this article on digestive health and immune system boosters.

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