TELEVISION VS EXERCISE - WHICH PAY MORE?

One of the most common reasons people have for not being able to exercise on a regular basis is that they do not have enough time during the day. Does this sound familiar? Maybe you have been guilty of telling yourself this is the reason why you are unable to workout on a consistent schedule. If so, try not to feel too bad and get down on yourself because you are far from being the only one using this excuse.

This is not an attempt to downplay the daily schedule of individuals who avoid regular exercise due to having a jam-packed day with work, chores, kids, along with other time-zappers that arise. There are millions of reasons why exercising on a consistent basis takes a backseat to other day-to-day activities.

First off, if you are content with the lack of exercise and have no desire to change your ways, then by all means stop reading this article because you are definitely wasting your time. However, if you truly want to lose weight and get fit, in addition to eating in a more healthy manner, you will have to find a way to start exercising on a regular basis.

Here's something you should really take to heart. If you have time to watch television, you have time to exercise. Simple and straight to the point.

In actuality, if you have time for any type of leisure activity such as reading a book/newspaper, using the computer for non-work related things (like social media), and particularly watching movies/television, these are specific moments you will want to consider to change or at least alter a bit in order to accommodate exercise regularly.

As the idea for this article popped into my head, I thought about my past experiences with "leisure time" activities and how I was accustomed to spend my time away from work. The number one leisure activity for me was that darn television.

That's when I asked myself some simple questions to test how important this television time was to me. See if you can answer these same 3 questions which may open your eyes and get you to rethink the role the TV plays in your leisure time.

1) What did you watch 3 weeks ago at 9pm on a Tuesday night?

2) What was the plot of your favorite tv show in the first week of October last year?

3) OK, OK, something a bit more recent. What is your favorite memory of your television viewing from last week?

After taking a moment to really think carefully about these questions, you may have found out an interesting revelation just as I did when I thought about these same three. My answers were 1) Have no idea, possibly an Ancient Aliens show or some movie on a cable station 2) My favorite show is Big Bang Theory so I know it was funny, but I don't remember specifics 3) Nothing stands out, except a Redbox movie rental Non-Stop. But will I really remember that 2 months or a year from now?

Did you have difficulties coming up with accurate, memorable answers to these questions?

Sure watching television is an enjoyable way to spend the evening after a long day of work, chores, and kids. Naturally after an exhausting jam-packed day, it's refreshing to jump in bed and simply not have to move anything other than your eyes at the images on the screen.

However, I think now about how many countless "free-time" hours I spent sitting on the couch or laying in bed watching television. Often I would just channel surf until I found something that peaked my interest. Bam, one hour just flew by. That could have been one hour working out burning 700+ calories and making my body healthier and stronger.

This is the decision you will have to come to just as I had to about two years ago. Either change your habits or stay in the same condition you are in. I was sick and tired of being lazy and out of shape and was determined to do something about it especially when I found out I weighed nearly 300 pounds. Now, a year and a half later, I am proud to state that I am 45 pounds lighter and continuing to lose a little more week by week.

Sure I still watch television, but now it's usually after I've worked out for at least an hour as I'm falling asleep after a long, productive day. The choices you make from this point on will help determine the direction your life will take.

Just remember, the next time you use the excuse "I don't have time to exercise" hopefully it's not said after you watched two hours of the Kardashian show or Friends re-runs.

By Gregory L. Gomez, visit his website for more http://healthychoicesinlife.com/healthy-snacks-for-work.

CAUSES OF KIDNEY PAIN

Anyone that is dealing with kidney pain will most likely tell you that they want to know what causes the pain in the first place. There could be times when the pain is not going to be caused by a kidney stone and there could be some very serious complications that need to be addressed. Because of this, it is always a good idea to learn about the different causes of kidney pain.

Urinary tract issues can cause kidney pain. Some individuals will find that there are enlargements in the uterus that can contribute to pain. In some very serious situations there will be times when cancer or tumors will cause this pain. Most individuals will find that they are suffering from this pain because of kidney stones. Others will be suffering from cysts that are found within the kidney and long-term exposure to lead or its salts.

Believe it or not, there are medications that could cause this problem for a lot of people. There are people out there that may be taking medications to help treat glaucoma that they are dealing with. This medication is called Azopt and one of the side effects is kidney pain. Others could suffer from trauma related to the kidneys and this can cause the pain.

Suffering from this kind of pain can be very annoying and it could be related to something very serious. Therefore, it will be important to know about some of the very serious or life threatening conditions that could cause kidney pain. At times some people may deal with this type of pain because of an abscess in or near the kidney. Others may suffer from pain because of blockage that may be in an artery that leads to the kidney. Because the pain can be caused by something very serious it will be important to speak with a health care professional immediately if you believe you are dealing with pain in your kidneys.

If you are preparing to meet a doctor to discuss your symptoms you will find that there are a few questions you are going to be asked. The doctor will ask you how long you have been having pain. It will also be important for you to try to describe the pain. You should let the doctor know if it is constant or if it is sporadic. Where it is located will also be a very important detail the doctor needs to know. Always let the doctor know if you have ever dealt with kidney problems before. The doctor will need to know if you had an infection before the kidney pain began. Other symptoms as well as medications that you are taking should also be discussed with your doctor.

In the end, you need to understand that kidney pain can be the result of some very serious complications. Therefore, it will be very important for you to seek treatment as soon as possible. You could end up facing kidney failure if you do not seek treatment. Possible infections or cancer could also spread if you do not seek treatment immediately.

THANK YOU FOR READING..

By Mike G Jansen 

THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD POSTURE WHEN WORKING IN THE OFFICE

With more and more people sitting at desks and in offices for work, the occurrence of back problems, recurring pain and bad posture is becoming more and more frequent. While ergonomic chairs, monitor risers and health and safety experts are commonplace, helping employees sit in the correct manner, such time sat at a desk in one position is not natural and can therefore lead to problems.

This is where the importance of good posture comes in. By sitting correctly and understand how the body should be positioned, it will not only reduce the likelihood of problems in later life but it also offers other benefits. A good posture will help improve how we feel while sat at work, but also helps to keep the back muscles and spine in the right alignment so that the likelihood of pain or back aches is reduced.

Firstly, it's important to define what good posture actually is. When sat a desk, the lower back should be sufficiently supported so that there is no strain on the muscles. Your feet should also be flat on the floor and your eyes level with the top of your monitor. Ideally your forearms should be perpendicular with your body too. All of this may be difficult to achieve without the use of ergonomic accessories such as screen risers, foot rests or back supports.

When all of these aspects are brought together, your body should be properly supported so that no muscles are straining or under pressure. It's also worth noting that you should still regularly get up, walk around and stretch, rather than remain sitting for extended periods of time.

So what is the importance of a good posture, apart from reducing aches and pains? One benefit is that it actually helps improve breathing and airflow through the body. By straightening your body, the airways are less restricted and the lungs can work to full capacity. So a good posture will help you take in more air and feel better as a result.

Another advantage of good posture is purely aesthetic, but it can also help you feel good within yourself. Many of us, while sat at a desk or when standing, slouch without really realising it. However, good posture helps us to look taller, leaner and much better; this not only makes us feel better but presents a better image to others too.

Keeping good posture is something that all of us should strive to achieve and does not take on enough importance in many working environments. However, with a few simple steps it is easy to improve posture and overall health.

By Rebecca_S_Black

PILLOW THAT RELIEVE NECK PAIN

The back and neck are among the most vulnerable parts of the body to pain and thus the main reason people go to massage centers to get therapy to ease sore muscles. More than 80% of the globe's population suffers from back and neck problems at some point of their lives. While there are many over-the-counter drugs available to treat pain, this type of treatment will not save your pennies.

What is Back and Neck Therapy?

A type of physical treatment and rehabilitation focuses on the body structures that support the spine, namely the back and the neck. With countless causes, neck and back pain can progressively worsen if left untreated. Therapy inhibits the need for surgical intervention. With several sessions of back and neck therapy, acute pain can be managed.

Back and neck therapy:

1. Strengthens and stretches back muscles

2. Promotes muscle healing and relaxation

3. Reduces pain

4. Restores joint mobility

5. Manages exacerbation

Back and neck therapy can take the form of physical massage (therapy delivered by hand), cervical and lumbar exercise (patient-specific exercise), or the use of devices(electrical stimulation and heat and cold application).

Is There a Pillow that Relieves Pain?

During a back and neck massage, the most common item used by therapists is a pillow. Pillows found in massage and chiropractic centers are not just the ones commonly seen at home, they are therapeutic. These pillows calm, relax and de-stress muscles of the back and neck.

A neck pillow is contoured for the head and neck and is usually made for people with cervical spine problems. This type has a deeper depression designed to provide extra support under the neck.

On the other hand, a back pillow provides lower back support which is very helpful for those who frequently experience regional pain. Sitting for long periods of time without support can generate pain and muscle tension. A back pillow specifically works by supporting the lumbar curve of the spine.

How to Choose the Right Therapeutic Pillow?

It should be mentioned that pillows for the back and neck wear out over time and may need replacing every two years. How long a pillow lasts entirely depends on the material, frequency of use, and handling.

Choose a pillow made from foam or synthetic fibers. Pillows made from these materials are less allergic and are easier to wash. People who have sensitive skin should avoid feather (down)-filled pillows.

For optimum support, look for orthopedic pillows. They are not similar to conventional pillows. Orthopedic pillows are more effective in relieving muscle tension and supporting body joints. However, they are pricier.

Whenever your pillow starts to lose its support and shape, it's time to get a new one.

When finding the right neck pillow, choose one that keeps the neck in a neutral position.

When selecting a back pillow for sitting, choose one that provides lumbar support in particular. This not only gives maximum support and improves posture, but it also absorbs the pulling force of gravity that may hurt the spine.

A donuts pillow is beneficial for people suffering from coccyx (the triangular bone located at the base of the spine) pain. It can be a pillow of choice for pregnant mothers.

There are many types of pillows for the back and neck. These cushion items are not just useful in back and neck therapy centers, but they come in handy anywhere and everywhere - homes, cars, airplanes, etc. A good quality pillow is not necessarily expensive. One has to do some research to select the best pillow that is budget-friendly and can provide the most efficient support.

Written by

Dr. Bhanu Voguri, MD

THE DANGERS OF SITTING FOR TOO LONG

Sitting for long periods of time has been linked to a number of health hazards, especially with elderly people. In most cases, people can't help sitting for extended periods of time due to the nature of their work, but it's good to always know what kind of risks they are running into with matters pertaining to their well-being. Below are some of the complications and diseases that may arise as a result of sitting for too long.

Cardiovascular diseases: Sitting down means that there is zero mobility, so no energy is used and no calories are burnt. This results in fats accumulating in the heart, and sometimes causing blockage of veins; thus hindering blood flow in and out of the heart. This eventually causes heart related diseases, such as heart attacks and high blood pressure.

Swayback: This is a spine condition caused by too much stretching forward of the spinal cord. If a person doesn't sit straight up or simply slumps into a chair, the end result is a painful back due to a strained spine. Sitting on a chair with the back and the legs at a ninenty degrees angle can highly reduce the risk of this painful condition.

Deep vein thrombosis: Sitting causes slow blood circulation in the legs. It results in accumulation of fluids in the legs leading to blood clots and swollen ankles. While sitting, make sure that your feet touch the floor, this reduces the strain on the spinal cord and also helps in the circulation of blood.

Obesity: As one must eat, and no fat is converted to energy due to the inert position, it increases cholesterol in the body and it all ends up in the stomach and other parts of the body. This makes the person big and obese, which is a type of disease. Avoid snacks when not doing anything physical, instead take fluids, preferably water.

In order to avoid or reduce the risk of suffering from too much sitting related complications, exercise regularly. If finding time to perform any physical activities is impossible, then take small breaks in between your work. Walk around the office for five minutes after every two hours, it ensures free blood flow through the whole body. Movement stimulates the production of antioxidants, which remove toxins from the body through the lymphatic system. This will also help with good brain functions, because the more blood flows into the brain; the better it functions.

By Marygorrett Mueni Mutinda

CAUSES OF BACK PAIN AND TREATMENT OPTIONS

Many of us will experience neck and back discomfort at least once in our lives. There are many reasons why many people have back pain. The following are some of the causes of back pains and complications.

Injury or accident:
For some people problems may be as a result of an injury or accident. Accidents lead to shock in the muscles and tendons. In severe cases it may be as a result of bone dislocation. It is advisable to seek medical assistance if the pain persists.

Poor posture:
For others the problems is as a result of slow and progressive increase of pain on the back. Sometimes the issue could be as a result of a continued poor posture. Usually a poor posture puts your head forward and exerts a lot of stress on the muscle in the back of the neck and the upper part of the shoulders. If you have a poor posture problem your muscles are constantly in a state of contraction which results in injury and discomfort.

Failure to exercise:
Failure to exercise opposing muscle groups can lead to neck, shoulder and back discomfort. The imbalance of muscle strength can lead to chronic or periodic pressure in these areas.

Lifestyle:
A sedentary lifestyle, obesity and lack of muscle tone may also lead to back complications. The neck and back share the same muscles and that means if one is negatively affected it will impact the other.

Treatment options:
The following are some of the safe and effective things to do. However, if your back does not benefit from these, the best thing will be to see a doctor.

Application of heat or ice:
Apply heat or ice on the specific area in a way that you feel comfortable. In other words, beside the fact that ice may be too cold, you should not feel pain as you do this. You may need to apply ice packs wrapped in towels for around 10 minutes after every 2 hours. On the other hand, you may need to apply heat instead of ice or use the two. Remember to have a cloth between your skin and the ice.

Massage:
Massage helps to increase blood flow to the muscles. It also improves muscle tone and assists your muscles to relax.

Medicines:
Use of pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin can bring the pain down.

Rest: 

Try to lie comfortably in a well suspended bed and relax. The best position for your back is on your side with the knees bent.

Thank you for reading..

By Marco Rafie a back pain therapist. 

HOW TO ACCEPT LIFE AS IT IS, NOT AS IT SHOULD BE

Do you "shoulda", "coulda", "woulda" yourself?

You know what I mean. I should clean the house today. I should make a gourmet meal. I should call up that friend. I should have visited that person. I should...

Or, I could have fixed that. I could have called more often. I could have taken them a meal.

Maybe you tell yourself. I would do that if I had more time. I would join that organization, volunteer, take that course, take time for myself, etc.

As women, we do this far too often. We find reasons why we don't take time for ourselves. We have been told by parents, bosses, spouses what we "should" be doing or what we "could" be doing with our time. And friends and acquaintances often feel free to tell us what they "would" do if they were us.

When was the last time that you went out with some of your female friends for a meal. Not just a brief coffee while you are looking after your children or before your spouse comes home, but a real meal with lots of time to relax and share stories and not worry about what is going on at home?

When is the last time that you danced in the rain, or painted or just sat down and read for a whole afternoon without worrying about what others would think? We can drive ourselves crazy trying to do what everyone expects us to do, or rather what we think everyone expects us to do. It is time to just accept things for what they are.

If you have children, you need to accept the fact that the house is going to get messy, that it is not going to be picture perfect. You will become tired as you try to keep up with them and it is okay to have a nap when needed instead of trying to clean. You can give yourself permission not to be perfect. This is a huge step for many of us women. This is not to say that you completely give up on ever having a clean house again, it is just realizing that the kids are more important than the house.

It's time to set yourself free! To accept who you are and what you want to do. Not what others think you should do. You will never "find" the time to do what you want. You have to make the time to do it and you need to realize and believe that you are worth it! If you want to quilt, find a group in your area to join, or start one. If you always wanted to paint, check the local artists to see if any of them are giving lessons. If you want to try pottery, or weaving or any new skill, check to see if there is a local artist group in your town and ask them who might be available.

Simplify your life by doing what you want to do, not what you should do. You will find you have more time for the things you enjoy. If you love to cook, then cook. If you love to dance, then dance. If you love to have friends over, then do that. If you love to read, then read. You owe it to yourself to take care of yourself physically, mentally and emotionally.

By Fran Watson