9 Health Mistakes Women Don’t Realise They’re Making

Attention ladies; even if you think you’re a fitness and diet guru, we guarantee you’ll be making some of these health mistakes without even realising it.

Cut out these bad habits and you’ll be healthier before you know it.

Unhealthy friends?

Having unhealthy friends

Who you’re friends with can have a big influence on your health without you even realising.

Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine compared obesity to a virus. When your friends gain weight, you’re more likely to gain weight yourself.

That doesn’t mean you need to ditch your friends as soon as they put on a couple of pounds – study author Dr Nicholas Christakis suggests instead taking cues from your healthier friends.

Only relying on cardio

“I can’t work out with weights because I don’t want to bulk up!” you proclaim as you follow the familiar route to the treadmill for the thousandth time. But is there any truth behind this popular excuse?

In short, no.

Far from bulking you up, building muscle will help you to shed the pounds. Experts estimate that for every pound of muscle you gain, you’ll burn an extra seven -13 calories per day.

Any fears you have of looking like She Hulk can be put to bed. Because of lower levels of testosterone, women don’t bulk up anywhere near as quickly as men.

Overusing social media

We all enjoy a sneaky Facebook stalk every once in a while, but do it too often and you could become depressed, according to researchers in Germany.

They found that overuse of Facebook can pose a serious risk to our mental wellbeing.

Checking out other people’s holiday photos was the major culprit, with one in three study participants reporting that this made them feel depressed or lonely.

Twitter is no better, with a University of Vermont study finding that Twitter users gradually become more stressed and unhappy the more they use the site.

Relying on diet products

When your sweet tooth is crying out for sugar, it can be tempting to turn to sugar-free diet options. Sadly these substitute snacks aren’t as guilt-free as you’ve been led to believe.

In place of sugar, manufacturers will often use nasty artificial alternatives to provide that sweet taste.

Aspartame, commonly found in diet drinks, was found to increase your risk of obesity by 41 per cent in a University of Texas Health Science Centre study.

Psychologists in a separate study at Cornell University observed that phrases like ‘sugar-free’ can subconsciously trigger overeating. In some cases, this meant people ate twice as many calories as they would have done if they opted for the full-sugar version.Don't become fixated on your abs (REX)

Focusing on stomach toning

All too often we become fixated on trying to develop a rock hard stomach by performing endless crunches. If this sounds like you, you’re wasting your time.

Want to know just how useless crunches are? A Men’s Health study found that you’d have to do a staggering 22,000 of them to lose just a pound of fat off your stomach.

If you want to lose weight, focus on high intensity interval training instead.

HIIT increases your metabolic rate for up to 24 hours after you exercise, and boosts fat oxidation.

Wearing high heels too often

Who can resist a pair of killer hills for accentuated legs and an instant confidence boost?

Wear them too frequently however, and your feet won’t be thanking you.

Wearing four-inch heels increases the pressure on your feet by around 30 per cent, leading to damaged tendons, reduced circulation and bone and nerve deterioration.Swap heels for flats occasionally and your feet will thank you (AP)

Not getting enough calcium

A recent survey conducted by Creighton University Medical Centre showed that 85% of women don’t get enough calcium per day, which leads to an increased risk of osteoporosis.

It’s recommended that women between the ages 19 to 50 need a daily calcium intake of 1,000mg.

Topping up on calcium is easy with dairy products like milk and natural yoghurt. If dairy doesn’t agree with you, you’ll also find high levels of calcium in fish such as salmon and sardines and even leafy veg.

Using electronics before bed

That one last game of Candy Crush you squeeze in before you hit the hay could be ruining your sleep pattern, if researchers in Sweden are to be believed.

They observed that people who use mobile phones or tablets directly before going to sleep found it harder to doze off, causing lasting health issues.

As well as displaying signs of insomnia, these pre-sleep tech-addicts suffered from headaches throughout the day.

Eating what your date eats

Next time you’re on a hot date, psychologists suggest you need to spend more time checking what’s on your plate than staring into your partner’s eyes.

University of Birmingham researchers have discovered a link between new relationships and weight gain, particularly in women.

According to their findings, when dining with a new partner you subconsciously mirror their portion sizes, which can lead to weight gain if they eat more than you’re used to.

https://uk.lifestyle.yahoo.com/9-health-mistakes-women-don-t-realise-making-090000295.html

9 Health Mistakes Women Don’t Realise They’re Making

Attention ladies; even if you think you’re a fitness and diet guru, we guarantee you’ll be making some of these health mistakes without even realising it.

Cut out these bad habits and you’ll be healthier before you know it.

Unhealthy friends?

Having unhealthy friends

Who you’re friends with can have a big influence on your health without you even realising.

Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine compared obesity to a virus. When your friends gain weight, you’re more likely to gain weight yourself.

That doesn’t mean you need to ditch your friends as soon as they put on a couple of pounds – study author Dr Nicholas Christakis suggests instead taking cues from your healthier friends.

Only relying on cardio

“I can’t work out with weights because I don’t want to bulk up!” you proclaim as you follow the familiar route to the treadmill for the thousandth time. But is there any truth behind this popular excuse?

In short, no.

Far from bulking you up, building muscle will help you to shed the pounds. Experts estimate that for every pound of muscle you gain, you’ll burn an extra seven -13 calories per day.

Any fears you have of looking like She Hulk can be put to bed. Because of lower levels of testosterone, women don’t bulk up anywhere near as quickly as men.

Overusing social media

We all enjoy a sneaky Facebook stalk every once in a while, but do it too often and you could become depressed, according to researchers in Germany.

They found that overuse of Facebook can pose a serious risk to our mental wellbeing.

Checking out other people’s holiday photos was the major culprit, with one in three study participants reporting that this made them feel depressed or lonely.

Twitter is no better, with a University of Vermont study finding that Twitter users gradually become more stressed and unhappy the more they use the site.

Relying on diet products

When your sweet tooth is crying out for sugar, it can be tempting to turn to sugar-free diet options. Sadly these substitute snacks aren’t as guilt-free as you’ve been led to believe.

In place of sugar, manufacturers will often use nasty artificial alternatives to provide that sweet taste.

Aspartame, commonly found in diet drinks, was found to increase your risk of obesity by 41 per cent in a University of Texas Health Science Centre study.

Psychologists in a separate study at Cornell University observed that phrases like ‘sugar-free’ can subconsciously trigger overeating. In some cases, this meant people ate twice as many calories as they would have done if they opted for the full-sugar version.Don't become fixated on your abs (REX)

Focusing on stomach toning

All too often we become fixated on trying to develop a rock hard stomach by performing endless crunches. If this sounds like you, you’re wasting your time.

Want to know just how useless crunches are? A Men’s Health study found that you’d have to do a staggering 22,000 of them to lose just a pound of fat off your stomach.

If you want to lose weight, focus on high intensity interval training instead.

HIIT increases your metabolic rate for up to 24 hours after you exercise, and boosts fat oxidation.

Wearing high heels too often

Who can resist a pair of killer hills for accentuated legs and an instant confidence boost?

Wear them too frequently however, and your feet won’t be thanking you.

Wearing four-inch heels increases the pressure on your feet by around 30 per cent, leading to damaged tendons, reduced circulation and bone and nerve deterioration.Swap heels for flats occasionally and your feet will thank you (AP)

Not getting enough calcium

A recent survey conducted by Creighton University Medical Centre showed that 85% of women don’t get enough calcium per day, which leads to an increased risk of osteoporosis.

It’s recommended that women between the ages 19 to 50 need a daily calcium intake of 1,000mg.

Topping up on calcium is easy with dairy products like milk and natural yoghurt. If dairy doesn’t agree with you, you’ll also find high levels of calcium in fish such as salmon and sardines and even leafy veg.

Using electronics before bed

That one last game of Candy Crush you squeeze in before you hit the hay could be ruining your sleep pattern, if researchers in Sweden are to be believed.

They observed that people who use mobile phones or tablets directly before going to sleep found it harder to doze off, causing lasting health issues.

As well as displaying signs of insomnia, these pre-sleep tech-addicts suffered from headaches throughout the day.

Eating what your date eats

Next time you’re on a hot date, psychologists suggest you need to spend more time checking what’s on your plate than staring into your partner’s eyes.

University of Birmingham researchers have discovered a link between new relationships and weight gain, particularly in women.

According to their findings, when dining with a new partner you subconsciously mirror their portion sizes, which can lead to weight gain if they eat more than you’re used to.

https://uk.lifestyle.yahoo.com/9-health-mistakes-women-don-t-realise-making-090000295.html

How to get started in healthy living — part 1

How to lead a healthy lifestyle

Never before has there been so much talk about healthy living. The newspapers are packed with stories about the latest dangers and hazards to our health — from mobile phones to sugar, mercury fillings to artificial sweeteners, and genetically-modified foods to noise pollution. The headlines can leave you feeling confused and overwhelmed — and above all, powerless.

But in reality, choosing to live a healthier lifestyle is a choice that any of us can make. It’s not about reacting to the latest scare story, banning certain foods or products from your life and adopting an extreme, all-or-nothing approach — it’s about balance and moderation. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being a little more health aware, and doing the best you can on a daily basis. After all, it’s not what you do for the next seven days that’s going to affect your health for the next seven years; it’s what you do for the next seven years!

The health jigsaw

You could view healthy living as a jigsaw puzzle — made up of many different pieces, all crucial to the finished picture — but all of different shapes and sizes. If one piece is missing entirely, the overall picture isn’t complete. For example, you could be a fitness fanatic who eats healthily and never drinks alcohol — but you haven’t found a way of coping with the high levels of stress your job brings — and you can’t remember the last time you went for a health check. Or you could be someone bursting with energy, who survives on four hours sleep a night, thrives on stress and never gets ill — but who lives on junk food and caffeine.

While there are quite obviously some pieces missing in these jigsaws, scenarios such as this are far from unusual. For example, while you may be debating whether to have your mercury fillings removed, are you taking the simple step of flossing daily to look after your dental health? As many as 23 per cent of women between 30 and 54 have severe gum (periodontal) disease, according to the American Academy of Periodontology, which, as well as being the leading cause of tooth loss, has been linked to heart disease, premature births and chronic inflammation in the body.

Big health issues

Evidently, we sometimes aren’t seeing the wood for the trees — we’re worrying about the little things (should I drink normal coke or diet coke?) while ignoring the bigger issues. According to the Sleep Council, for example, 20 million people in the UK — that’s roughly a third — don’t get enough sleep, and two thirds claim that stress is a major factor in their lives.

We’re missing a few jigsaw pieces on the healthy diet front, too. While the UK’s average daily fruit and vegetable intake is three pieces — significantly less than the minimum recommended intake of five per day — research from the Office for National Statistics shows that 17 per cent of adult women drink over the recommended 14 units per week, while over a third of men drink above recommended levels.

But while we are glugging down the booze, many of us aren’t drinking enough water. Research by the Lucozade Sport Science Institute found that around 50 per cent of people hit the gym in a dehydrated state — (and that’s before they’ve even started their workout!). At least they’ve managed to get to the gym, though —56 per cent of men and 70 per cent of women aged 16 to 54 in the UK fail to reach the recommended levels of physical activity for health benefits. While 10,000 steps per day is the Holy Grail — sufficient to reduce you risk of heart disease, aid weight loss and improve musculoskeletal health — a report in the journal Sports Medicine found that less than 5,000 is more typical for the average Brit.

A positive attitude to healthy living

 Fascinatingly, our health isn’t just about what we do with our lives, it’s also about how we think, too. In 2002, researchers at the Mayo Clinic in the United States found that optimistic people decreased their risk of early death by 50 per cent compared with those with a less positive outlook. How? The researchers speculate that it’s likely to be to do with pessimists having a greater risk of future problems with their physical health, emotional stress and career achievements — along with possible changes in their immune systems.

With the wrong outlook, you could see the healthy living jigsaw as an overwhelming, unachievable challenge. How can you possibly manage to put ticks in all those ‘health’ boxes? But look again, and you’ll see that the fact that there are so many pieces means that there are countless ways you can make small changes in your life, which will have a big impact on your health and How to get started in healthy living — part 2 shows you how to do exactly that …

http://www.realbuzz.com/articles/how-to-get-started-in-healthy-living-part-1/

7 health symptoms you should never ignore

This article could save your life

Yes, that headache probably is just a headache and yes, maybe the dizziness is just a side effect from a heavy night – until it’s not. Keep a beady eye on any unfamiliar health symptoms because what we think are common health problems may turn out to be much worse. Here are seven health symptoms you should never ignore.

Health symptom 1: Severe toothache

While many of us tend to experience tooth sensitivities when we tuck into our favourite ice cream or enjoy a cold drink, if you're experiencing more sensitivity than usual, you need to go for a cavity check. Severe toothache can indicate that your tooth's nerve has become damaged; a common side-effect of rotting teeth. If you ignore this health problem, you could end up with an infected nerve as the bacteria spread around your mouth - ouch! A filling will solve the problem if the nerve hasn't already become infected, whereas a root canal may be necessary if the infection has spread to other areas. Seek attention from your dentist as soon as possible. 

Health symptom 2: Daily bloated stomach in ladies

We've felt like an over-inflated balloon more times than we can count on two pairs of hands and feet - it's not uncommon to feel like you've over-indulged every now and again, particularly before your period. If you notice gas, severe abdominal pain, difficulty eating, or all of the aforementioned on a daily basis, it's worth paying a visit to a medical professional who can either put your mind at ease by giving you the all-clear or refer you on to a gynaecologic oncologist for scans and treatment if necessary.

Health symptom 3: Intense and sudden headaches

Sudden headaches that feel like no pain you’ve ever experienced before could be a sign of a ruptured aneurysm – a burst blood vessel in the brain that requires immediate attention. Other symptoms that go hand-in-hand with a worryingly bad headache include chest pain, exhaustion and loss of vision, which could be signs of cardiac cephalgia or meningitis. If you’ve been experiencing intense headaches that appear out of nowhere, make sure you seek advice from your doctor to catch any potential health problems as soon as possible.

Health symptom 4: Chest pain

Many of us suffer from chest pain every now and again, particularly if we’ve enjoyed a delightful spicy dish the previous evening (yum!). How do you know when chest pain becomes something more serious than just plain heartburn though? The answer is that you probably don’t without seeking medical attention. However, pressure on your chest – often described as feeling like an elephant sitting on you – or upper abdominal pain are just two of many signs of a heart attack. If you’re ever in any doubt, the doctor is always the best person to see.

Health symptom 5: Excessive body hair on women

While both men and women grow hair all over their bodies, it’s unusual for women to sprout coarse hairs on their face, chest, stomach or around their nipples. If you find hair in places that aren’t typical of the female body, visit your doctor as this may be a sign of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). PCOS tends to develop when there is an imbalance of female hormones and can lead to irregular periods and infertility. If in doubt, get it checked out!

Health symptom 6: Unexplained weight loss

While you may diet and exercise in a conscious bid to lose weight, if you start losing more weight than you usually would or you’ve been losing weight without exercising or dieting, this could be a sign of something more serious. Indeed, unexplained weight loss can indicate that an illness is manifesting itself in your body, and may be a sign of diabetes, malnourishment, or a number of other dangerous health problems. All cases of unexplained weight loss should be evaluated by a medical professional to check for serious health complications.

Health symptom 7: Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction can ruin more than just your sex life. Other negative side effects commonly associated with the problem of not being able to achieve or maintain an erection include depression and an increased risk of heart disease. Men are notorious for ignoring health symptoms: “Why do I need to visit the doctor about my broken wrist? Just stick some duct tape around it and I’ll be fine”.  Gentlemen, while it’s great to look on the bright side of life, you must take any health symptoms – such as the above – seriously; it could save your life!

http://www.realbuzz.com/articles/7-health-symptoms-you-should-never-ignore/

5 Scary Health Conditions Your Dentist Can Spot

[Rex]

You expect your dentist to flag cavities, but did you know your drill-wielding doc might also be able to spot trouble that extends well beyond your pearly whites?

“It’s becoming clear that we need to consider integrating oral and general health care,” says Steve Offenbacher, D.D.S., director of the Center for Oral and Systemic Diseases at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “The oral cavity is the mirror to the rest of the body, so we can pick up on systemic problems by simple dental examinations.” In other words, the state of your smile may shine a light on the rest of your body — sometimes even before other symptoms show up.

Case in point: Offenbacher once told a middle-aged patient he suspected she was pregnant, based simply on the redness of her gums. “The next week, she came back and said, ‘I went to the doctor, and yes, I am pregnant!’’ he recalls. In that case, Offenbacher was the bearer of good news, but not all of the secrets your mouth may reveal are so positive. Your teeth may also provide clues about these five health-threatening conditions:

Diabetes

Your dentist isn’t just worried about how white your teeth are. In a 2014 study, nearly two-thirds of dentists said they’d refer a patient with periodontitis (inflammation around the gums) for a diabetes evaluation. Why that’s a good thing: “Diabetes is not only a common problem, but it’s also highly under-diagnosed,” says Offenbacher. Read: Lots of people have diabetes and don’t know it, which means adding your dentist to your team of health detectives is a smart idea.

So what’s the dental-diabetes link? High blood sugar may be as damaging to your oral health as the sweet stuff in a can of soda. That’s because the condition can cause dry mouth, which increases plaque build-up, making people with uncontrolled diabetes more prone to dental problems.

“[Periodontal disease in diabetics] is usually severe for their age or for local factors, meaning they have pretty clean mouths, but they still have a periodontal problem,” says Offenbacher.

Two common oral signs of diabetes: multiple abscesses on the gums and bad breath. “It’s kind of a sour fruit smell,” Offenbacher says. “It’s ketones — metabolic products associated with poor glycemic control — in their bloodstream that you can smell.”

[Rex]

Heart disease

Your teeth may reveal what’s going on with your ticker. A 2007 study review found that people with periodontal disease are significantly more likely to develop heart disease than folks with good oral health. Among people who have both diseases, “if the periodontal disease is treated, the heart disease is greatly improved,” says Marjorie Jeffcoat, D.M.D., a professor and dean emeritus of dental medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

The common thread? Inflammation. “When you look in a patient’s mouth and you see chronic inflammation, you know that it’s creating systemic stress,” says Offenbacher. 

Although there are no dental red flags specific to heart disease, “more severe periodontal disease is strongly associated with heart disease risk,” Offenbacher says. Signs include loose, shifting, or missing teeth, and increased probing depths, where the pockets around the teeth have deepened.

Dementia

Can tooth loss indicate memory loss? In recent British research, a lack of teeth was associated with mental decline, while a 2012 study found that older adults with poor dental hygiene were 76 percent more likely to develop dementia. This is a relatively new area of research, which means the link between the two isn’t entirely clear, says Jeffcoat. However, a small 2013 study detectedPorphyromonas gingivalis — a bacteria associated with gum disease — in the brains of people with dementia, suggesting that it may play a role in the inflammation associated with cognitive decline.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis won’t cause your teeth to decay — but your dentist may be able to spot bone loss in the surrounding structures, like the jaw, with digital X-rays, says Jeffcoat. Normal, healthy bone should be dense both at the edges and in the interior, and when that’s not the case, “the patient is more likely to have osteoporosis,” she explains.

In fact, in a 2013 study in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, the thickness of postmenopausal women’s jawbones — as measured with a panoramic X-ray — was correlated with the bone density of their spine. This means that dentists could potentially diagnose osteoporosis, which often goes undetected until a fracture occurs, in its early stages, the scientists say.

Acid reflux disease

You may feel heartburn most intensely in your chest, but its effects may be most obvious in your mouth. If you have acid reflux disease, the constant uprising of stomach acid could wear away at the enamel on your teeth, says Jeffcoat. “You’ll usually see it in the lower front teeth,” she says. “You’ll see erosion of the teeth — they get thinner. You can’t miss it.” Another sign you may be suffering from acid reflux disease: You have a persistent sour taste in your mouth, she says. 

In a 2008 study review, researchers found that about a third of adults with dental erosion also had gastrointestinal esophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Keep in mind, this erosion can happen even in the absence of chest pain — that is, you may have reflux without knowing it, until your dentist points out the damage to your choppers. 

https://uk.lifestyle.yahoo.com/5-scary-health-conditions-your-dentist-can-spot-140548144.html

Detoxify Your Detox Organs for Better Health

Many health problems begin when our main organs responsible for whole body detoxification fail to function at optimal levels. Simple steps to detect low functioning organs and optimize their performance through natural therapies can reverse many common health issues.

There are three main organ systems that are responsible for detoxification.

1. Kidneys

2. Liver

3. Intestines

When these systems are not functioning properly, the body is unable to fully release toxins on a day-to-day basis, and various health issues can follow.

Examples of low functioning detox organs:

When the Kidneys are not functioning properly, a person can experience fatigue, dizziness (high or low blood pressure), restless legs, weak bones and teeth, swelling and edema in lower extremities, skin rashes, shortness of breath and heart palpitations.

When the Liver is overloaded with toxins and not functioning well, a person can experience hormonal imbalances, PMS, difficult menopause, infertility, allergies, auto-immune disorders, mood and memory problems, digestive disorders, thyroid disorders, acne, hair, skin and muscle disorders, and blood pressure problems.

When the Intestines are damaged and not functioning well, a person can experience skin disorders (including severe acne, psoriasis, rashes), digestive disorders, auto-immune disorders, allergies, bone and joint pain, low immune function, mood and memory problems, anxiety, dental issues, and insomnia.

So, as you can see, taking time to detoxify and nourish your main detoxification organs can alleviate many illnesses. I primarily use muscle testing in the office as a way to accurately assess organ and gland function at the time of the visit. Nutrients are then prescribed for 30 days at a therapeutic level to detoxify and support natural organ and gland function. After 30 days a person will return for another session to reassess the function of the organ and gland systems to determine if further support is needed, or if the next set of imbalances is ready to be addressed. Detoxifying the detox organs can take as little as 30 days, or 4 to 5 months depending on the severity of the imbalances and the length of time the illness has been presenting.

After the main detox organs are healed and functioning optimally, any remaining imbalances can be addressed. Reversing illness is as simple as detoxing and nourishing the entire body, one organ system at a time. The body has the innate ability to heal itself. We must provide the environment to allow it to do what it does best.



http://ezinearticles.com/?Detoxify-Your-Detox-Organs-for-Better-Health&id=8144544

Top 10 fashion health hazards

10 shocking ways fashion affects your health

From skyscraper heels to skin tight jeans, many of us repeatedly choose style over comfort. However, this could be bad news for your health. Here are the top 10 items of clothing which can put your health at risk.

Fashion health hazard 1: Skinny jeans

Skinny jeans may be fashionable, but wearing skin-tight denim and other close-fitting trousers can have health repercussions for both women and men. For men, wearing tight trousers can cause overheating of the testes, lowering sperm count and causing fertility problems. For women, wearing skinny jeans can increase your chances of developing thrush. Furthermore, squeezing into skin-tight trousers can cause nerve compression, leading to tingling or numb thighs.

Fashion health hazard 2: High heels

Once reserved for special occasions, women are now increasingly opting to wear heels on a daily basis, which could lead to a whole host of health problems. Regularly wearing high heels can cause poor posture, put pressure on your joints, and lead to a range of conditions including arthritis, hammer toes, back pain and tendon injuries – and that’s before you take into account any heel-related accidents! Minimize damage by limiting your heels to 1.5 inches for daily wear and wearing insoles to help reduce the pressure on joints. Swapping to wedges will also give you more support.

Fashion health hazard 3: Flip-flops

While they may look more comfortable – and less dangerous – than high heels, flip-flops can also generate their fair share of health problems. In fact, in Britain the NHS reportedly spends £40 million a year treating injuries caused by wearing flip-flops. As wearing flip-flops offers no arch support or heel cushioning and forces you to adapt how you walk, the casual footwear can lead to joint pain, shin splints and orthopaedic problems. As with heels, flip-flops have their place, but they are better reserved for the beach and replaced with more supportive shoes for everyday wear.

Fashion health hazard 4: Sexy underwear

Ladies, we all like to look our best in our underwear, but donning synthetic fabrics and thongs could leave you feeling far from sexy. Not only can rough materials cause chafing and infections to delicate skin, but wearing synthetic materials can encourage yeast organisms to multiply, increasing risk of thrush. Furthermore, wearing thongs can easily contribute to the spread of bacteria, leading to urinary tract infections. To help prevent any nasty itches, swap skimpy, synthetic underwear for pretty cotton briefs for daily wear.

Fashion health hazard 5: Y-fronts

Guys, you may not have lacy underwear or thongs to contend with, but your underwear could still be causing you problems. Just as with tight trousers, wearing tight-fitting Y-fronts can cause overheating and lead to reduced sperm production and fertility for up to 11 weeks. While these effects are temporary, if you are trying for a baby it is important to keep things cool by swapping tight briefs for boxer shorts at all times.

Fashion health hazard 6: Piercings

According to survey results published in the British Medical Journal, 25 per cent of body piercings lead to complications including swelling, bleeding and infection. Furthermore, even if you avoid infection, jewelry can lead to rashes and itching for those with nickel allergies, while dangly earrings can damage the ear tissue as it is stretched and pulled down by their weight. To accessorize your look without putting your health at risk, always go to a reputable piercer for new piercings, opt for hypoallergenic jewelry where possible and reserve heavy earrings for special occasions.  

Fashion health hazard 7: Slimming underwear

Slimming underwear (or control pants) are a big seller, endorsed by many a celeb and loved by ladies everywhere. However, while they may pull in all your lumps and bumps and help you look streamlined and leaner in your favourite dress, Bridget Jones style tummy-control underwear could also affect your health. Similar to a corset, control underwear puts increased pressure on the stomach, often leading to heartburn, breathing problems and digestive problems. Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome can also be worsened by such restrictive underwear.

Fashion health hazard 8: Handbags

With the rising number of gadgets and accessories many women haul around, you could be carrying around several pounds of weight on your shoulders every day. While you may not feel the effects of this right now, lugging around a heavy handbag can eventually lead to serious back problems and neck pain as well as poor posture. Don’t wait until the damage is done – do your health a favour and try clearing out all non-essential items and switching to a smaller bag.

Fashion health hazard 9: Tight shirt collars and ties

If you often suffer from headaches, tingly ears or blurred vision at work, it may be that your shirt and tie are to blame. Wearing tight shirt collars and ties can reduce blood flow to the brain and increase intraocular pressure (pressure inside the eye), causing these symptoms. The restrictive items of clothing can also limit neck movement and lead to muscle tension in the back and shoulders. To reduce these symptoms, make sure you buy shirts with the correct collar size and loosen your tie. Also, wash your ties regularly to avoid bacterial infection.

Fashion health hazard 10: Bras

While we are not suggesting you need to ditch your bra entirely, it’s important to make sure that, if you are wearing one, you are wearing one that fits. It is thought that more than 70 per cent of women are wearing the wrong bra size, and this can lead to a range of health problems including back, neck and breast pain, breathing difficulties, poor posture, skin irritation, circulation problems and even irritable bowel syndrome. Breast size can change over time so, rather than guessing your size, make sure you get measured to ensure you are getting the support you need.

http://www.realbuzz.com/articles/top-10-fashion-health-hazards/

Easy Tips To Stay Healthy in Your Office Job

Hands up who works in an office - either at home or at the company workplace?

Lots of us do. For at least 8 hours a day we toil away at our desks indoors.

But only now are we starting to recognize the detrimental health effects this lifestyle has on our bodies. So whilst quitting the office life is likely not an option, how can we make changes can we make to stay healthy whilst maintaining an office job?

Sitting all day

Is sitting the new smoking? That's what some people are now claiming due to the serious effects sitting all day has on the body. The Smithsonian claims that sitting all day can increase rates of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer.

So what can we do?

Take regular breaks from sitting. Move around. Get a glass of water. Make an effort to take the stairs
Or even better is invest, or convince your boss to invest, in a standing desk.
Rather than sit or stand all day, the optimal goal is to mix it up, so as not to put excessive strain on the body.
Not getting enough vitamin D

It's so easy to not get enough vitamin D. If you are like me, maybe you commute to work early via train or car, work all day then return home or head straight to the gym. Vitamin D is really important for proper bodily functioning, including calcium absorption which can lead to nasty bone problems in the long term. We can all become easily depleted, especially in winter.

So what can we do?

While you may feel the urge to sit at your computer during your lunch break, often lunchtime is the only chance you'll have to get out and catch some sweet sun rays. So grab your lunch and get outside for a break that will do your body good and make you feel refreshed for the afternoon ahead.

If you are unsure whether you are getting enough vitamin D, get your levels checked by a doctor. Vitamin D supplements are commonly prescribed once a deficiency is identified.
Too much sugar and caffeine

Ah, sugar and caffeine. I have a love hate relationship with both. Both are great when you have them but then they let you down as the rush dissipates. Then you need more. And more. Suddenly I'm drinking four coffees a day and feeling crap. Eating chocolate in the afternoon and wondering why I'm not sleeping well. Then having more coffee in the morning to make up for not sleeping, and on and on goes the vicious cycle. Coffee is like the bad boyfriend I could never leave.

So what can we do?

Well, getting off the coffee train is not for necessary for everyone. But including some other options to help stay awake can promote a healthier lifestyle. This includes green apples, various teas such as yerba mate and going for a brisk walk at lunchtime all help. So try to mix it up a little and your body will thank you.



http://ezinearticles.com/?Easy-Tips-To-Stay-Healthy-in-Your-Office-Job&id=8794133

5 Christmas Hunger Triggers You Need To Avoid

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and doesn’t our waistline know it? After being good all year, Christmas comes and our healthy eating habits go out the window – hand over the mince pies!

And whilst it’s all too easy to get caught up in the festive magic, spare a little thought for the New Year you; the one sworn to a million New Year’s resolutions, in the hope a total detox will purge you of your dieting sins.

To make January much more bearable; refrain from overindulging this Christmas. Avoid these 5 hunger triggers, and you’re on the right track. 

 

Stress

Christmas is a time of joy and happiness. However, this is soon forgotten when you’re fighting for TVs in Tesco / queuing for the Christmas turkey.

December sends us into panic mode. We need to buy the perfect present now.  To cope with the stress, we find comfort in our old friend, food. High-sugar, high-fat treats provide a warm – albeit temporary – sense of relief that everything’s going to be ok.  

Experts at Harvard Health say our sudden need for food during stressful times is caused by the hormone cortisol, which increases our appetite and makes us reach for the chocolate.

To avoid this trigger, take a step back. Christmas is supposed to be an enjoyable time so try not to worry. Plan, budget and don’t set expectations too high. Instead, dedicate your time to having fun with family and friends.

Tiredness

Christmas can sometimes up the workload, resulting in extra long days at the office and sleepy eyes. Rather than feeling super-festive, you’re desperate for an early night. And to make matters worse, tiredness is a common hunger trigger.

Scientists believe that those who sleep less tend to eat more. A study conducted by Andrew Calvinof the Mayo Clinic found that those who were sleep deprived consumed 550 more calories a day.  We over compensate for our lack of energy by eating sugary foods. Not only that, when we’re tired we tend to ditch cooking healthy meals in favour of takeaway and junk food.

Beat the need to snack by leaving the office on time and getting your 7-8 hours of sleep. It can impact your diet more than you realise. 

Boredom

Eating when bored happens to the best of us, especially at Christmas. You’re surrounded by your favourite foods; cheese, crackers, chocolate biscuits – it would be rude not to.

However, this is where the holiday weight creeps in. December 25^th arrives and there’s nothing to do but put your feet up, watch festive films and eat your way through delicious foods.

If you can resist temptation, this is the perfect hunger trigger to try and beat. Ask family and friends to hold back on buying chocolate, avoid large portion sizes and be aware of ‘mindless’ eating. We tend to forget moderation at Christmas, and can pile on the pounds without even noticing.  

Winter Blues

Feeling down in the dumps is a good enough reason to reach for Christmas snacks. It’s cold, dark and we can’t wait for summer to come back. However, feeling sad during this season is serious business – don’t let sugary foods be your only source of comfort.

If you’re feeling low, call up an old friend. Time with your nearest and dearest is a guaranteed mood booster – as they say, a problem shared is a problem halved. Alternatively, dig out the gym gear and exercise. This not only helps you maintain a healthy weight over Christmas, but it also releases endorphins (happy hormones) that make you feel great about yourself.

Merriment

During December, our social calendar is packed with office parties and Christmas catch-ups. And not surprisingly, many of us tend to put on a little extra weight. The season dictates that we must have an amazing time – so prepare yourself for mince pies and mulled wine aplenty!

The key with this hunger trigger is to limit yourself. Amidst festivities, it’s hard to say no. As we all know, Christmas can get notoriously boozy. And whilst alcohol carries serious health risks, it’s also secretly calorific. One pint of beer for instance, is 180 calories.

And then there’s the hangover. The only way to wake up from the rotten headache and terrible tiredness is with a big greasy fry up. Christmas parties are the gift that keeps on giving – lots of calories.

Our advice? Take the healthy option once in while. Swap the glass of wine for a pint of water, share the wealth (selection boxes included) and try to make those Christmas treats last longer than Boxing Day.

 https://uk.lifestyle.yahoo.com/5-christmas-hunger-triggers-need-avoid-090000040.html

Have You Pooped Today?

A well functioning digestive system is vital to health and wellbeing. As embarrassing as it may be, nearly all of us have suffered from constipation at one time or another, and for many, this is a chronic issue. Did you know that it is possible to have up to 25 pounds of undigested food and putrefied fecal matter trapped in your intestines?

Healthy bowel movements should be effortless, well formed, the consistency of toothpaste, and occur after every meal. If you eliminate only once a day, every other day, or once a week, your body is full of toxic waste!

Your well being depends on what you eat, when you eat, how you eat, fluid intake and how well your food is absorbed. A general understanding of the digestive and eliminative organs is helpful when assessing your digestive health. The stomach is a storage and mixing tank; the small intestine absorbs most nutrients into the bloodstream to give us energy and provide building blocks for growth and maintenance; and, the colon mainly absorbs water and some nutrients and eliminates waste and toxins.

Do you suffer from acne, allergies, bad breath, bloating, belching, constipation, low energy, diarrhea, fatigue, hair loss, headaches, heartburn, gas, indigestion, insomnia, low sex drive, poor memory, protruding gut, reduced resistance to infections or difficulty losing weight? These can all be symptoms of a malfunctioning gut and autointoxication (self poisoning).

When shifting your lifestyle to improve digestion and elimination, you may want to also consider colon cleansing to help remove a build-up of waste and toxins. When you aren't eliminating properly, deposits of fecal matter may build up in pockets or on the walls of the colon. This may interfere with the absorption of nutrients and with optimal bowel function, leading to digestive issues, allergies, and more. Proper nutrition and digestion are the keys to avoiding degenerative diseases including heart conditions, cancer, and autoimmune disfunction.

Colon hydrotherapy, often referred to as a colonic, is an infusion of pure, body temperature water through disposable tubing into the colon via the rectum. This method of cleansing has been in use for thousands of years. The earliest known documentation of colon cleansing is an ancient Egyptian medical record dating back to around 1500 B.C.

In more recent history, doctors often recommended enemas to treat colds, flu, fever and other common ailments. The overuse and abuse of pharmaceuticals led to the decline of doctor recommended enemas. The colonic is a more extensive version of an enema and may allow water to be introduced much deeper into the large intestine... possibly loosening, dislodging, and removing impacted fecal matter, gas, pathogens, and parasites.

Today, colon hydrotherapy is a widely accepted treatment used by many to relieve common ailments, such as constipation. Many also find this to be a powerful tool in their treatment of cancer, autoimmune dysfunction and autointoxication. Many report that regular cleansing with colon hydrotherapy aids in the prevention and reversal of degenerative disease.

Some reasons people choose colon hydrotherapy:

1. Many that seek treatment have digestive distress including constipation, indigestion, gas, bloating, parasite infections, and adhesions from past surgeries

2. Colonics are often recommended by physicians for pre-surgical cleansing or before diagnostic testing (colonoscopies)

3. Geriatric clients often use this procedure to relieve constipation due to inactivity and dehydration

4. Athletes receive colonics for optimum metabolic function

5. Others come reporting chronic and acute pain issues including headaches, back pain, arthritis, and abdominal distress



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