The Aging Revolution

Being physically active can literally save your life! Being fit can affect every aspect of your life – not just your physical health, but your emotional and mental well being, too. Only 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity for 5 days out of the week can help you become physically fit. Fitness relates to physical activity. Fitness is not just a trim or muscular body or a 10K runner. I like to think of fitness as the key for optimal health and overall well being.

Many times fitness professionals are frustrated with clients who want to be fit, but don’t take the required actions. Many people think that by taking a pill or ordering a gadget seen on an infomercial will do the trick and they will become fit. How many of you have exercise equipment hiding in closet or under the bed and use your treadmill as a clothes hanger? Having the equipment alone won’t help you become physically fit. You have to use it. Physical fitness doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s not a quick fix. Looking like the models on TV selling exercise equipment is not practical for most people. Getting fit is not that easy. On the other hand, it’s not that hard. Understanding the benefits of being fit, feeling the benefits, and seeing the benefits keep us motivated and consistent.

Here are some of the health benefits that can save your life. Physical activity has a direct effect on the heart. It increases oxygen supply to the heart, decreases oxygen demands and improves the strength of the heart muscle contractions. Exercise lowers blood pressure. Exercise significantly improves blood sugar levels; which is important if you have type 2 diabetes or if you have a family history of diabetes.

Well-respected research shows that compared with active people, sedentary people have almost double the risk of developing or dying from coronary heart disease. This is critically important as heart disease remains the leading cause of death in both men and women in the United States. The New England Medical Journal states in a study of over 84,000 middle-aged women, who exercised moderately or vigorously for 30 minutes a day slashed their risk of heart disease by 80% (these women did not smoke cigarettes, were not overweight, and maintained a healthful diet).

Here are some tips to get you started.

• Get a physical exam before beginning any exercise program.
• Find activities you enjoy doing each day.
• Start slowly. Don’t expect fitness results to happen overnight.
• Follow a progressive program of exercise. Hire a personal trainer to help you with motivation, coaching, or to learn how to exercise properly.
• Invite a friend, spouse or family member to join you.
• Set realistic goals and measure your results in 3 month intervals.
• Don’t stop if you aren’t getting the results you except. If you stop, you will never get the results. Results aren’t just how you look, it’s how you feel and your level of health.
• Think of exercise as adding quality months and years onto your life.

For more information and tips on exercise, go to http://www.easyexercisetips.com

Tags: exercise, exercise tip, Fitness, physical activity

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Severe acne can cause physical as well as emotional scars. Although most people stress out over the occasional zit, acne can deliver serious blows to an individual’s sense of confidence and self-perception.  Acne can cause a person to experience consistently blemished skin that may include pimples, papules, abscesses, cysts, blackheads, whiteheads, and other painful inflammations of the skin.  Moreover, acne can be a whole body problem.  While most people are seriously afflicted primarily in the facial area, many people also experience considerable blemishing across their back, chest, neck, and other areas of the body.

While most people experience the brunt of acne during the difficult adolescent years, imagine the agony of living with acne well into your middle years.  With the stress of modern day living and increased exposure to environmental pollutants, adult acne is becoming a fact of life for many adults.  Although most people will only have to deal with transient acne, some will experience far worse.  Here is a quick run-down of the most serious forms of acne.

Acne Conglobata (AC) This is a very uncommon form of acne that can produce significant disfiguration.  Acne conglobata is characterized by the development of burrows in the skin, along with papules, abscesses, keloidal and atrophic facial scars.  Individuals with AC often develop blemishes that appear in clusters of two or three.  Cysts are often present that are filled with pus. Nodules may also be present, especially in the area of the back and chest.

Who is more susceptible to acne conglobata? In general, males are more likely to experience AC.  Onset of AC usually occurs at a young age, between the ages of 18 and 30.  Although no one knows the exact cause of AC, some believe it is caused by a mutation in the XXY karyotype chromosomes.  A person with AC may experience extensive scarring and subsequent disfigurement.  Because the effects of AC can often be dramatic, individuals afflicted with the skin disorder may be at greater risk of suffering from self-esteem issues, depression, anxiety, and they may feel stigmatized.

Acne Fulminans (AF):  Acne fulminans, sometimes referred to as acne maligna, was originally thought to be acne conglobata (AC).

The major characteristics of acne fulminans include sudden onset of ulcerating acne, which may be accompanied by fever and symptoms of polyarthritis.  Usually, AF does not respond well to conventional acne treatment, such as antibacterial therapy.  The most successful treatments appear to be debridement used in conjunction with steroid therapy.

What causes AF?  It appears that acne fulminans is caused by a weakened immune system and increased levels of testosterone and certain anabolic steroids.  These high levels of hormones cause an increase in the production and excretion of sebum and the acne-inducing bacteria known as propionibacterium acnes (P acnes).  Some skin professionals believe that isotretinoin may also precipitate an eruption of AF.

How can you tell the difference between acne conglobata and acne fulminans?  Although the physical symptoms may at first appear identical, AF is usually characterized by the presence of more physical pain.  Patients with AF may describe feelings of bone or facial pain, migraines, and fever.  Acne conglobata and acne fulminans also differ in the way they are treated.  While AC may be treated with conventional anti-acne oral and topical agents, AF typically does not respond well to such treatments.  AF responds better to steroid treatments.

Gram-Negative Folliculitis: Gram-negative folliculitis refers to an infection of gram-negative rods that usually occurs after an extended period of antibiotic therapy.  Scientists use the word “gram” to describe the blue stain that is used in laboratories. This is often used to locate microscopic organisms.  The bacteria that cause gram-negative folliculitis does not stain blue, thus the term ‘gram-negative.’  The most common forms of bacteria that are believed to cause gram-negative folliculitis include E. coli, serratia marcesoens, pseudomonas aeruginosa, and bacteria’s from the proteus and klebsiella species.

How does gram-negative folliculitis differ from regular acne vulgaris?  Most cases of gram-negative folliculitis produce less papules and comedones than acne vulgaris.  Treatment of gram-negative folliculitis is fortunately much easier to treat than other severe types of acne.  In most cases, conventional antibiotic therapy will help clear up gram-negative folliculitis.  Isotretinoin may also help clear up this condition.

Tags: acne

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The term cataracts refers to a clouding of the eye’s lens that is located behind the iris and pupil. This particular lens operates by focusing light on to the retina, much in the same way as a camera lens. The lens affected by cataracts is also involved in the eye’s focus.

This lens consists of protein and water. This protein is precisely arranged for optimum functioning. However, during the natural aging process, these proteins can become clumped together and cause the eye to cloud. This cloud is what is known as a cataract and will most likely get larger as time progresses if left untreated. Your eye doctor will probably want to wait until the cataract interferes with your eyesight before opting to remove it.

There are three different types of cataracts you should know about:

Cortical Cataracts: This type of cataract is formed in the cortex of the lens. Over time, a cortical cataract will extend from the outside of the lens to the center. This type of cataract is common to diabetes sufferers.

Nuclear Cataracts: Nuclear cataracts are the most common type of cataracts. Forming in the center of the lens, this type of cataract is caused by the normal aging process. When this cataract first forms, you may even experience improved vision. However, this effect will not last long.

Subcapsular Cataracts: This kind of cataract starts at the back of the lens. If you take steroids, have diabetes, or suffer from farsightedness, you may be susceptible to supcapsular cataracts.

Fortunately, all three types of cataracts can be removed with eye surgery. Today’s surgeons implement the use of lasers and other innovative technology to remove a patient’s cataracts with a minimum of risk or discomfort. Some cataract surgeries will involve removing the clouded lens and replacing it with a clear plastic lens called an intraocular lens.

While cataract removal surgery is relatively safe, you may experience a few side effects such as swelling, bleeding or discomfort. Your eye doctor will advise you on the steps to take during recovery to aid proper healing.

Nutritionists are currently studying the role diet plays in the prevention of cataracts. Research has shown a favorable link between antioxidants and the prevention of cataracts. Antioxidants are vitamins such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E that work to fight harmful free radicals in the body.

Tags: Cataracts, Contact Lenses, Eye problems, Eyeglasses

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