Yesterday at the grocery store, I came across a child, who was about 8-years-old. She was lying on the floor flailing her arms and legs yelling I want a chocolate bar. I could have predicted the outcome. The child continued to scream until mom put a chocolate bar in the cart. The crying ceased instantly.

As they passed, I took note of the contents of the grocery cart – Coco Puffs cereal, soda, 3 bulk bags of potato chips, chocolate covered granola bars, macaroni & cheese, hot dogsyou get the drift. Try as I might I couldnt help but feel scared for that childs future.

You see, a long time ago I was that obese little girl. I was unhappy with my body, but I dulled the pain by eating chips, chocolate bars, hotdogs. I threw tantrums because I knew my mother didnt have the patience and would just give me what I wanted.

By the age of 12 I was 4-foot, 11-inches and 135-pounds. My doctor put me on a restrictive diet. However, I would steal money from my parents to buy candy. It didnt make sense to me. I was allowed to eat those foods before. Why were punishing me? I hated myself more.

In the early 80s, being a fat child was rare. However in 2006 one in three North American kids are overweight. Both parents likely have full time jobs, which means less time for healthy meals and exercise. Fast food and activities have taken over the family roost.

Im sorry I have to lay this responsibility on the parents, but kids only practice what you preach. If they see you eating poorly; theyll follow suit.

Practice what you preach by adopting and enforcing these FitnessGear101.com family lifestyle changes:

Explain the difference between health food choices and non-healthy food choices.
Sit down and compile a weekly grocery lists with your child.
Let them go with you to the grocery store and shop only for the foods on the list.
Get kids involved in preparing healthy meals, so they adopt healthy habits for life.
Its normal to shelter our kids from ridicule. However if your child is obese their health is at risk and tough love encouragement is needed, for example: honey, you are overweight, but I believe in you and Ill support you because I love you.
Never use food as a reward. Instead reward them with mini-golfing or baseball.
Ditch the clean-plate policy. If your child is full, don’t force them to finish.
Institute an open policy about food. Kids should be comfortable telling you when theyre hungry and not hungry without fear youll get mad.
Don’t eliminate snacks. It will lead to lying and binge eating outside the home. Instead plan a cheat meal once a week when theyre allowed any foods they want.
Encourage physical activity. It will get them up and out and encourage them to socialize with other active kids.
Never allow eating in front of the TV. This encourages passive eating, and the child wont concentrate on how much theyre eating or when theyre full.
Limit TV or video games to 1 hour per day. The rest of the time, keep them busy with outdoor activities.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Tags: coco puffs cereal, healthy food choices, restrictive diet

A Spoonful Of Sugar A Day – Can It Keep The Doctor Away?

Sugar might as well be a four-letter word the way science and pseudo-science has demonized it over the years. The nemesis of dieters everywhere, sugar has become the scapegoat for obesity as well as a number of other diseases and conditions. People have been told by nutritionists that carbohydrates are bad, sugar is bad, and now there seems to be a Diet version of practically everything on the market. But is sugar really as evil as everyone thinks it is?

A scientific field called glycoscience and/or glycobiology disagrees with much of the popular opinion about sugar, and not just regarding weight loss. There is an ever-increasing amount of research that suggests certain types of sugars can have an enormous benefit to our health, including boosting human immune response, to inhibiting cancerous tumor growth.

Glyco is derived from the Greek word sweet and refers to monosaccharides or sugars. For decades, Scientists have known about the link between sugars, carbohydrates and their effect in boosting energy. Its no secret that carbs and sugars are our main source of fuel, and help us perform our everyday tasks, as well as provide the oomph we need to hit the ol stairclimber. But especially since the popularity of the Atkins diet which demonizes carbs and sugars, many people have been missing out on the benefits of the sweet stuff.

Glycoscience is amassing more and more evidence that the role of carbs is crucial to maintaining the healthy function of the body. Most people are familiar with the term glucose but there are over 200 monosaccharides found in plants and, of those, less than ten are used by the body to maintain a healthy equilibrium. Some other sugars are: mannose, galactose, xylose, fucose, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine, and sialic acid (N-acetylneuraminic acid or NANA).

Recent scientific evidence is showing that these sugars and carbs help us on a cellular level. They allow our cells to better interact with each other, thus making every basic bodily function more efficient and effective. This cellular response from carbs flies in the face of the fad low-carb diets that are finally beginning to wan. What was formerly a no-carb or low-carb mentality really should be a right-carb mentality. With the right carbs and sugars, the human body becomes a well-oiled machine that can live longer, and more importantly live better than ever before.

Human beings, from a purely biological standpoint, have not really changed in thousands of years. We are still basically the same beings that survived on mainly plants for millennia. And yet the food we eat today is a far cry from the food we ate thousands of years ago or even as much as 50 years ago. Genetic engineering, growth hormones, and preservatives are now an integral part of almost everything we eat. Especially with fast food, and enormous portion of the population eats foods that are virtually bereft of nutrients. Empty calories are on the diets of millions of people every single day.

Now although most people would agree with that statement, most of them would heartily disagree that sugar and carbs are the answer to many of the health questions plaguing our modern society. Well surprise everybodysugar might be the way to go. Again though, they have to be the right sugars; the monosaccharides found in plants, not the table sugar you find in your local grocery store.

So the question remains, where do we get these beneficial sugars? Simple. The company is called Mannatech. Publicly traded on the NASDAQ, Mannatechs main product is something called Ambrotose, and most recently, Advanced Ambrotose. This product has been heralded by many in the scientific community as the next big thing in the multi-billion dollar supplement industry.

When you see how many diseases are preventable simply by an alteration in diet and taking proper supplements, its heartbreaking to see the thousands that are unaware of the damage they are doing to themselves by rigorously maintaining their strict low-carb regimes. People hear thisCARBS ARE GOODas long as they are the right carbs and sugars. This point has to be made again and again until people start listening and taking charge if their own well-being.

Note: Glyconutrients are not intended to heal, treat, or cure any disease.

Popularity: 34% [?]

Tags: atkins diet, diet version, human immune response

When you smell something nice, such as an appealing perfume, or a tasty dish being cooked in the kitchen, or fresh cut roses set in a vase full of cold water, does not the smell give you a good feeling inside? These good feelings created by pleasing aromas are the basis for the art of aromatherapy.

People who practice aromatherapy believe that the scents that a person smells can induce the body to stimulate its ability to heal itself. Depending on the kind of scent or combination of scents that was inhaled or absorbed through the skin, the scent activates the immune system of the body, making it more capable of fighting invading microorganisms that cause disease and boosting its strength.

To make the body heal and become more resistant to illness, practitioners of aromatherapy make use of essential oils. These essential oils are extracted from aromatic plants. They often find uses in the making of scented candles, perfume, soap and other beauty products.

Essential oils are very volatile they evaporate easily and they are easily absorbed into the skin. Practitioners of aromatherapy, however, never use essential oils undiluted because these oils are highly concentrated. They can burn and irritate the skin if they come into direct contact with it.

Essential oils are always mixed with what are called carrier oils before they are used. What, now, are carrier oils? Simply put, they are vegetable oils, extracted from certain kinds of fruits, nuts and vegetables. They are called carrier oils because they literally carry the essential oil when mixed and applied onto the skin.

Practitioners of aromatherapy believe that each kind of essential oil and each kind of carrier oil have their own properties and characteristics. To treat a specific ailment, a specific combination of essential oils and carrier oils need to be used. The mixture is then massaged onto the skin or added to bathwater. Sometimes, it is put into an air diffuser. Below are the most commonly used essential oils and carrier oils, as well as the properties that each possess and the ailments for which they are used.

Essential oils:

* Chamomile. Chamomile can help in easing pain so the body can relax. It is also good for soothing the skin. Chamomile is often used for people suffering from nervous tension, headaches caused by fatigue, and an upset stomach. It can also be used for treating skin problems like acne and boils.

* Eucalyptus. Eucalyptus refreshes as well as relieves congestion and pain. So, it is used for colds, sinusitis and other respiratory problems. It is also applied to aching muscles and joints affected by rheumatism.

* Lavender. For ailments such as rheumatism and muscle tension as well as skin problems like acne and dandruff, lavender is often used. Lavender can help soothe and relax the body as well as enhance the circulation of the blood. Lavender is also applied to people suffering from insomnia.

* Lemon. The citrus in lemon is refreshing and can provide relief from congestion and pain. This is why it is also used for treating headaches and migraine. It is also good for treating stomach problems, and it is also claimed to have the ability to reduce the appearance of cellulite on the skin.

* Rose. The rose is great for the skin. It is often applied to skin that is dry, delicate or sensitive, making it softer and smoother. The scent of the rose can also aid in relaxing the body, so it is also used for treating headaches, stress and insomnia.

Carrier oils

* Almond. Almond oil is good for the skin because it has Vitamin D and can help moisturize dry skin. It is a popular kind of carrier oil because the skin can easily absorb it.

* Apricot. Apricot oil is a light kind of carrier oil that is rich in Vitamin A. Practitioners of aromatherapy love to use apricot oil because it arrests the skins aging process and helps revitalize the skin.

* Grapeseed. Grapeseed oil is the most commonly used carrier oil among practitioners of aromatherapy because it is the least expensive. Also, because it is light, it can be used on people with oily skin without clogging the pores.

* Jojoba. Jojoba oil is another type of carrier oil that is good for people with oily skin. It has the ability to break down excess sebum, which causes pimples and dandruff. Moreover, jojoba has Vitamin E, a kind of vitamin that helps the skin maintain its youth.

* Sesame. Sesame oil is a kind of carrier oil that is known for its nutty smell, but it has great antiseptic properties. It is effective in treating fungal infections, skin infections and light wounds.

Aromatherapy is a nice way of treating the body’s hurts and pains, if only because the oils used in aromatherapy smell great.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Tags: kinds of fruits, pleasing aromas, tasty dish

Hypnosis has been around for thousands of years. From ancient Egyptian times even through today, hypnotism has been used in religion, medicine, mental therapy, and even entertainment. Patients often undergo hypnosis to help release stress or to overcome certain challenges in their lives such as smoking habits, obesity, anorexia, bulimia, insomnia, depression, and other conditions.

Hypnotherapy is similar to psychotherapy except it is undertaken when the patient is in a state of hypnosis. Hypnotherapy is meant to help modify the patient’s behavior, attitude, and emotional state for positive life changes. Hypnotherapy is usually performed by a professional hypnotherapist. In many cases, the hypnotherapist will train the patient in self-hypnosis so the patient can benefit from hypnotherapy at any time when needed.

What Happens During Hypnosis?

Before the actual hypnosis begins, both the patient and the trained hypnotherapist agree to the process. Hypnosis cannot be forced on the patient. There will usually be an informal talk between the two with questions and answers as well as an explanation of what is about to take place.

Next is the actual hypnosis. The hypnotherapist leads with his or her voice to gently guide the patient into a state of relaxation in mind and body. The patient may appear to be asleep, but is awake enough to be aware of what’s going on – especially in the parts of the mind that can effect beneficial changes. The patient is led into comforting, pleasant thoughts and begins to daydream about happy times or hopes for the future.

When under hypnosis, the patient often feels very relaxed. It’s similar to the warm comfort of a bed when one is very sleepy. The patient can terminate the session at any time if he or she begins to feel uncomfortable. When the session ends, the patient is able to ask questions and discuss the experience of hypnosis.

Hypnosis Today

Today, there are many different ways people can enjoy the benefits of hypnotherapy. They don’t even have to leave their homes to take advantage of hypnosis. There are Internet sites that offer guides and tips on hypnosis, along with hypnosis training for those who want to become a trained hypnotist.

For self-hypnosis, there are great products available online, such as hypnosis MP3s and hypnosis CDs. With these tools, a person is able to enjoy the long-term benefits of hypnosis without paying high costs to visit a trained hypnotherapist.

These products are very helpful when times of stress arise or when you just needs a boost of self-confidence. They are fast, easy, safe and effective tools to help you tackle common life situations. On hypnosis MP3s and hypnosis CDs, the messages are positive and subliminal, offering exact trance-inducing frequencies. The hypnosis MP3 files are downloadable onto an iPod or MP3 player so you can take it with you wherever they go.

Hypnosis and hypnotherapy are not cure-all solutions, but they can be helpful in renewing your positive outlook on life and learning to overcome obstacles.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Tags: ancient egyptian times, hypnosis hypnotherapy, professional hypnotherapist

Most parents understand the concept of sexual health education, but many do not consider classroom instructions on sexual health sufficient for their childrens needs. Although basic information is shared during class, the teenager might not hear or understand everything that he or she needs to know. Sexual health education is a parent’s responsibility, awkward as it may be. Still, society, by and large, relies on the formal school system to provide children with the necessary biological and social background about sexuality. But by giving follow-up information and reinforcing what the teenager learned in school, parents can help their children in making wise decisions when it comes to sex.

It’s not easy for parents to talk to their own children about the sensitive topic of sex. Perennially waiting for the proverbial right moment can make parents miss opportunities to teach their children about the need for information, responsibility, and circumspect when it comes to sexual behavior. Rather than getting ready for this kind of talk, think of sexual health education as just another ongoing conversation. For example, seize the moment whenever a TV program raises issues on responsible sexual behavior, and use this to start the discussion. If in case a good topic comes up at a not-so- convenient time, simply say that talking about this later would be a good idea, and mean it by talking about it at a much later time.

Keeping sexual health education low-key may be a good idea. Never try to pressure the child to talk about sex. Simply bring up the topic whenever you are alone with your child or teenager. Everyday moments like car rides, grocery shopping, or during late night snacks can be the best opportunity to talk about sex. Also, being honest with your children is important. Admitting to them that, like them, you feel uncomfortable talking about sex but emphasize that it is a subject that you must discuss openly without pre-judgment or apprehensions. If ever the child asks a question that any of the parents don’t have an answer to, offering to do research on the answers or looking them up together should be a good alternative.

When talking about sexual health education to kids, being direct is also needed for clear communication. Stating feelings and opinions on specific sex issues such as oral sex and intercourse, and presenting the risks involved objectively, including emotional pain, sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancy can open their eyes to possible risks when dealing with premarital sex. In addition, lecturing or giving out scare tactics won’t do any good. Never lecture them or rely on scare tactics just to discourage them from doing any sexual activities. Instead, by listening carefully to what they have to say can help you understand the child’s everyday pressures, challenges, and concerns with regards to sexual health.

In having the right sexual health education-related conversation with a teenager, it is essential to go beyond the facts. The child needs to know the right information, but still needs to open up to their feelings, their values, and attitudes. Try and examine ethical questions with responsibility in the context of the family’s own personal or religious beliefs. And by inviting your children to have more discussions with you on sex and other issues that matter to them, you will also make your relationships with them more healthy, informative, and fun.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Tags: night snacks, responsible sexual behavior, sexual health education