The Only Safe Way to Tan

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The tanned look has been popular among young people, parallel to the increasing incidences of skin cancer. Most experts think that this is no coincidence and that the tanning trend probably contributed to the rise in skin cancer in the last twenty years, especially in women as shown in a study by the National Cancer Institute.

The only safe way to tan is by sunless tanning lotions or sprays containing DHA. Only DHA-containing lotions and sprays are approved by the FDA. These products are considered safe as long as they don’t enter your eyes, nose, ears, mouth, other cavities, and does not come in contact with your lips or any similar surfaces with mucosal membrane.

Beware also of tanning pills as they may be unsafe and are not approved by the FDA.

Unfortunately, some people are willing to die for the tanned look, literally, as they ignore the warnings and continue to use tanning beds. Since looks are more important to some of you than your health, let’s talk about what tanning booths (as well as outdoor tanning) can do to your looks. You’re simply speeding up the aging and wrinkling of your skin. Although you are getting the nice tanned look in the short-term, you will eventually look 10, 20, or even 30 years older than your actual age. (UV rays speed up the wrinkling process by increasing cell proliferation and disturbing connective tissues accelerating the lost of elasticity.)
















Here’s the bottom line. If you want to tan, sunless tanning sprays or lotions are the only (safe) way to go. Know also that such products do not protect your skin against the sun. Therefore, you should also use sunscreen (SPF-15 or higher) when you go outside.

For more information:
http://www.who.int/uv/faq/uvhealtfac/en/index2.html
http://www.cancer.gov/newscenter/tip-sheet-tanning-booths


Disclaimer: Please consult your doctor when considering any health information here.

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Again, No Need to Be Overly Concerned About Swine Flu

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There’s no need to be overly concerned with this swine flu at this point, but we should be vigilant in staying healthy and minding our sanitary practices. (It may be a different story at the end of the year when we may or may not have to raise our concern-levels, but we should not be overly alarmed at this point.) However, I think closing some of the schools with potential swine flu cases is okay to do. I do not criticize the school administrators for making that decision.

Let me explain again why I am not overly concerned with this swine flu at this point. First of all, the experts are saying that this swine flu, as of now, is mild. I don’t even have to take their word for it. Look at the numbers or stats. In the 2007-2008 flu season, there were 39,287 confirmed cases of the seasonal flu in the U.S. The death rate was 0.2%. Currently, there are 5710 confirmed cases of the swine flu in the U.S. and the current death rate is 0.1%. This swine flu at this point is clearly still weaker than the seasonal flu.

My friend became scared after learning about the death of a school’s vice principal from the swine flu. It’s irrational fear. There are currently 8 deaths from the swine flu in the U.S. and many of them were widely reported in the media. However, there were 83 deaths from the seasonal flu in the 2007-2008 flu season with no media coverage. Was she scared during that flu season with all those deaths? No. Then why should she or anyone be scared of this swine flu (at this point) considering the numbers and facts.

Although this swine flu may be rapidly spreading, that's not a cause for panic. There's a difference between "widespread" and "deadly". We don't panic when a common cold virus becomes widespread because it is mild. A virus is a cause for concern if it becomes deadly. The experts at WHO and CDC are keeping watch in case this swine flu virus becomes deadly at the end of the year. A vaccine will have been produced by then.

We have no control over how strong or weak this swine flu virus may become in the next flu season. However, we can do what we can to maintain our health and fitness levels. People who have pre-existing health conditions are more likely to die from the flu than healthy people. So, we should make sure that we stay healthy and fit.

Again, I will reiterate that there’s no need for panic right now, as some people in New York are flooding the emergency rooms for small sniffles and coughs. On the other hand, if you do have true flu symptoms (such as some combination of the following: fever, uncharacteristic body aches, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, nasal congestion, and cough), go see a doctor. They’ll tell you what to do. But don’t be scared. 99.9% of people infected with the Swine Flu (in the U.S. so far) recover from it.


Consult your doctor before taking any advice from this blog.

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Slimming Down - Should You Lift Weights?

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I often have to educate and persuade my new clients (especially women) to not fear weight-lifting (resistance training.) Many women who aim to slim down fear that weight-lifting would inadvertently give them big bulky muscles like Mr. Olympia. That is as logical as saying, "If I start practicing martial arts kicks, I will inadvertently become Bruce Lee." Of course that's ridiculous. You won't just unintentionally become a rapid-fire kicker like Bruce Lee just by practicing kicks. Well, that's also true with weight-lifting. You will not gain unwanted bulky muscles by just lifting weights, especially if you do it correctly in a way designed to build long lean muscles.

It is even more irrational for women to fear weight-training because you really need a high level of testosterone to build bulky muscles. Women generally have less testoterone than men. Even men with normal levels of testosterone have trouble building big muscles. Therefore, it is really irrational to fear big muscle gains from lifting weights for those of you who want to slim down.

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Copyright: © 2009, This document is the sole property of Amadeo Constanzo. You may use this article for your web site, blog, or e-zine if you include the following statement and web link- "Amadeo Constanzo is a leading nutrition and fitness expert. Free teachings from him can be found at http://spirfit.blogspot.com" You automatically have permission to post this article if you include the above statement.

Otherwise, this document may not be copied or incorporated in any web sites, blogs, publications, recordings, broadcasts, performances, displays or in other forms, without written permission of the author. Requests for permission should be made by email to healthsciencewriter@gmail.com

Here Goes the Media Again - H1N1 and 5 Schools Closed

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Here goes the New York news media again. In the last few days, five schools in New York City have been closed because of potential H1N1 (Swine Flu) cases in their schools including one principal in critical condition. The principal is reported to have a pre-existing condition prior to contracting H1N1 (Swine Flu). If you have certain pre-existing conditions, even the seasonal flu can cause major problems.

My message is still the same. There's no need to be alarmed. Just be alert and take the precautions such as washing hands with soap and water before eating and a whole list of advice we've all heard by now. However, I wouldn't even be overly concerned if I am infected with H1N1 right now.

One reporter on the news said, "Just when we thought the Swine Flu went away, it's back." Many people erroneously thought that the H1N1 virus went away. That is absolutely not true. The general public and the people in the media misunderstood. The experts are saying that we don't have to be too alarmed, not because the number of cases have declined. The number of cases have actually been growing. On May 2nd, there were 160 confirmed cases (and 1 death) in the U.S. Today(May 15th), there are 4298 confirmed cases (with 3 deaths) in the U.S. This notion of H1N1 "gone away" is laughable when there are 30 times as many cases as there were 13 days ago. Where do they hire these health/science reporters in these major news media?

Despite the large increase in H1N1 infection (in the U.S. and globally), we really don't have to be alarmed right now because this H1N1 virus is not lethal at this point in most cases (in comparison to the seasonal flu). At this point, it is less lethal than the seasonal flu. (However, it may be a different story at the end of the year when the next flu season begins.)

People have to understand the difference between "widespread" and "severe". If one seasonal flu type is very widespread, does that mean we should all panic? You would say, "Of course not." Why not? That's because the seasonal flu is not lethal in most cases even if it becomes widespread. That's exactly my point. This H1N1 virus is actually milder than the seasonal flu (at this point). Although it has been spreading and will continue to spread, there's no cause for panic because it is milder than the seasonal flu. This is exactly why I wouldn't even be that concerned if I am infected with this H1N1 virus right now. If you think it's irrational to panic in response to the seasonal flu, then you should know that it's just as irrational to panic because of this H1N1 (swine flu) virus (at this point.)

Let's keep in mind that most people who've been infected by this H1N1 recover. Out of 4298 confirmed cases, 4295 people recovered. That is a 99.9% recovery rate. These numbers indicate that it is milder than the seasonal flu. However, it is rapidly spreading, but it is mild because most people recover from it. That's exactly why I wouldn't be concerned even if I get infected right now.

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Copyright: © 2009, This document is the sole property of Amadeo Constanzo. You may use this article for your web site, blog, or e-zine if you include the following statement and web link- "Amadeo Constanzo is a leading nutrition and fitness expert. Free teachings from him can be found at http://spirfit.blogspot.com" You automatically have permission to post this article if you include the above statement.

Otherwise, this document may not be copied or incorporated in any web sites, blogs, publications, recordings, broadcasts, performances, displays or in other forms, without written permission of the author. Requests for permission should be made by email to healthsciencewriter@gmail.com

Seasonal Allergies and Neti Pot

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The neti pot seems to be a very good gadget in alleviating allergy symptoms such as sinusitis, and can probably allow allergy sufferers to lower the doses of medications or possibly even eliminate these medications (many of these medications have side effects such as drowsiness and increase heart rate.) The neti pot simply allows you to gently rinse out your sinuses with warm salt water. I don't see any side effects or risks with the use of this gadget, but I see the benefits. What a brilliant solution, yet so simple and it has been used for hundreds of years in other parts of the world.

If you want to know more about how a neti pot works, please view the videos below. I have also included websites (including information about where to purchase a neti pot). I have no affiliations with any of them.



Caution: The only thing wrong with this video is the motions that she teaches you at the end of the video. As a certified exercise professional, I can tell you that the stretches at the end of the video where she bends at her waist with her knees locked out straight can potentially cause lumbar (lower pack) problems or aggravate existing lower back problems. This woman should just stick to teaching the use of the neti pot and stay away from teaching stretches of the body. Other than the problem with the stretches she teaches at the end of the video, I think she provides good instructions on the use of a neti pot.



Where to Purchase the Neti Pot

http://shopping.aol.com/neti+pot-products/?sem=1&ncid=AOLINS00170000000017

http://www.himalayaninstitute.org/Netipot/NetiPotGateway.aspx

I have also seen some version of the neti pot in the major pharmacies.







Disclaimer: Please consult your doctor before trying the treatments mentioned on this blog or any alternative/complementary treatments. Regarding the shopping sites listed, the author is not affiliated with these businesses and has not investigated the legitimacy of these businesses. As with any online companies, please check the BBB (Better Business Bureau) and other resources to research into the legitimacy of these companies before purchasing from them. Also, it is NOT recommended to purchase the neti pot as a romantic holiday gift for your girlfriend or wife. If you do not heed this advice, the author does not take any responsibilities for the resulting slap mark on your face.

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Your Habits Can Prevent Tragedy For Your Children

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For all you parents out there (especially parents of children under the age of 10), one of the most important reasons for you to improve your eating habits and exercise habits is so that your kids will live longer lives and better lives. Because of the growing epidemic of overweight and obese people, the younger generations are predicted by experts to have shorter life spans (unless we collectively make changes).

Obesity and being overweight are known scientifically to be risk factors for a number of serious chronic diseases including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, various types of cancer, and others.

Take the case of the woman with diabetes who’s lost her eye sight and had her toes amputated or the man who is paralyzed in half his body after a stroke. We all know similar tragic cases like these, either within our families or from families of friends. Most of these cases are of patients above 50 years of age. However, it is highly likely for your kids to become these cases by the time they are in their thirties if you don’t get them to pick up healthier eating habits early on.

If you change your own eating habits, having good healthy foods like fruits and vegetables available in the house and making unhealthy foods like pastries and candies unavailable, you can prevent tragedy for your kids (and yourself) years down the road. However, you have to start now.

I don’t think that you have to be an expert to know that parents have great influence on their children before age 9. Teenagers on the other hand are another story. Parents have almost no influence on their teenage kids, but parents are at the mercy of the influence of their teenagers’ peers. Therefore, it is important for parents to influence the eating habits of their kids before age 9 or 10. The way to do this, again, is to change their own eating habits. Kids don’t do what you say; they do what you do. This is probably more true when it comes to eating habits than anything else.

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Habitual Thoughts Determine Results

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“If you want to know what you were thinking a year ago, just look at your life today.” - Jack Canfield

This quote is a very strong reminder for me. Your thoughts are like seeds. You sow them today, but you may not get results immediately. Many people do not understand this in our microwave culture of quick results. (That’s why diet pills sell despite their potential long-term ineffectiveness and harmfulness, as I’ve written previously.)

Not that your thoughts are all you need. However, it is one of the most important step or routine. You have to get into the habit of setting aside time to think of what and how you want to be and visualize where you want your life to go. This is absolutely true also for your physical fitness. Bodybuilders and fitness competitors know this. This is also true for physical healing of medical conditions (as well as emotional and psychological healing) as I've learned first-hand in my medical battle years ago.

“For as he thinketh within himself, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7 (ASV)

We really have to be careful of what we think about or where our mind goes everyday. I can’t speak for everyone, but it’s a constant and conscious effort for me to direct my mind on where I want it to go and away from the negative places of where I don’t want it to go. I have to always try to remember that stinkin thinkin causes stinkin results. Stinkin results add up to a stinkin life.

Again, just the right thinking (and visualization) is an important step or daily habit, but it’s not all you need. It is also important to be connected to the Divine Power of God by praying/talking with God. Your spiritual state, emotional state, and the state of your faith is very important to go along with your thought. For example, if you have fear, hatred, doubt, or resentment in you, your seeds (or thoughts) will not produce the good harvest you want (or your desired results).

So, we should be routinely sowing good thoughts, while being in the right state.

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Should You Take Diet Pills or Other Supplements?

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Because of numerous questions from clients and friends regarding diet supplements, I find it imperative to post this blog linking to my article published in Bay Currents a few months ago about diet supplements. I also think this is a good time to post this blog in light of the recent recall of Hydroxycut, a very popular weight-loss product.

The article about the questionable safety and long-term effectiveness of diet supplements can be found (featured on the front page) at:

http://baycurrents.net/BCpdf/BCV5N9.pdf

I will briefly provide a summary of that article here and some bonus material not included in the published version of the article.

My diet-pill article began with a warning about the discovery of drugs (including prescription drugs) in some diet pills (mostly imported). A list of the drug-laced products are provided in that article. [LINK]

I mentioned, in a part of the article omitted by my editor, how I went into most of the major pharmacies (CVS, Rite-Aid, and Walgreens) and found that they did not carry the drug-laced supplements.
The rest of the article goes on to explain that diet pills are generally not a good idea because the safety and effectiveness (long term) of these products are mostly scientifically uncertain.

Generally, the single pill approach is wrong for weight loss, but sales of diet pills remain high, because supplement manufacturers and distributors are great marketers and they make enticing but unproven claims. Often, they manipulate the wording of their advertisements to mislead the consumers into thinking wrongly that their products have solid scientific support. These questionable products are found in the major drug stores and nutrition stores.

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Hydroxycut Recall - One Death and 23 Reports of Health Damage

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If you are taking Hydroxycut, you must stop. There have been 23 reports of health problems to the FDA from this product, including one death. Hydroxycut is commonly taken for quick weight-loss and toned-looking muscles.

The reported health damages from Hydroxycut include liver damage requiring liver transplant. (Symptoms of liver damage include yellowing of skin and eye-whites, brown urine, nausea, vomiting, light colored stools, fatigue, weakness, abdominal pain, itching, and appetite loss.) Other reported health problems from this product include seizures, cardiovascular disorders, and rhabdomyolysis (muscle damage that may lead to kidney failure)

For more information, please go to:
http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/hydroxycut050109.html

It's funny that someone asked me a month ago about this product. As with all quick-fix diet pills, I recommended against it. I also referred her to my published article a few months ago about staying away from quick-fix diet pills in general.

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Flu Vaccines and H1N1

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Although current vaccines cannot protect against the recent H1N1 (swine flu), some experts believe that being vaccinated may still "make the difference between a mild illness and death" if you get infected. For more information, go to the following article by a Science (a publication well-respected among biological scientists):

http://sciencenow.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/2009/428/1?rss=1

However, I am not making a recommendation to get your flu vaccination now, nor am I against it.

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