How Healthy Is Your Lifestyle
Loring A. Windblad

Copyright 2004 by http://www.organicgreens.us and Loring Windblad. This article may be freely copied and used on other web sites only if it is copied complete with all links and text intact and unchanged except for minor improvements such as misspellings and typos.

Compelling evidence shows that certain lifestyle behaviours can improve health, prevent premature death and may even prolong life. The problem is that people often drift along, continuing their unhealthy ways – maybe vowing to stop smoking or drink less “some day soon” – until a disease or health problem strikes and it may be too late to reverse the damage. Assessing your lifestyle and how it affects health before illness occurs is a wise precaution. (However, changing one’s lifestyle even after illness can sometimes improve health – for instance giving up cigarettes and exercising more after a heart attack.)
Why assess lifestyle risks?
Accumulating scientific evidence shows that a few simple lifestyle habits can directly improve health and decrease disease risks. Much disability and premature death from today’s foremost killers – heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, liver cirrhosis, suicide and unintentional injuries – stem from everyday habits. Over half the premature deaths in North America are blamed on unhealthy behaviours such as cigarette smoking, insufficient exercise, excessive alcohol intake and a fat-laden diet. Only six per cent of premature deaths are considered avoidable through better medical care.
A California study has demonstrated that disease risks can be reduced by not smoking cigarettes, moderating alcohol use, eating breakfast, having regular physical activity, maintaining desirable weight, getting enough (7-8 hours) nightly sleep and having close social networks. The effect is cumulative: the greater the number of good lifestyle habits, the greater the chance of better health and a longer life. A recent Canadian study confirmed a lower chance of premature death by avoiding cigarette smoking, high blood pressure (related to obesity and insufficient exercise), adult-onset diabetes (due to obesity, poor diet, lack of exercise) and excess alcohol consumption. (However, some everyday influences are an unavoidable part of the environment, over which individuals have little control – such as air pollution or traffic noise.)
To evaluate your lifestyle, ask yourself a few key questions about everyday activities such as the amount of fat you eat, smoking and drinking habits – see checklist below – and evaluate which might be improving your health or perhaps damaging it. Consider seeking advice from a health professional about habits you wish to change.
Quick, easy computer programs help rate your lifestyle
To help people assess the health impact of various lifestyle activities, a new Computerized Lifestyle Assessment (CLA) program, developed by the Addiction Research Foundation and the University of Toronto, provides a practical, quick, confidential and easy method of evaluating lifestyle strengths and weaknesses. The computer program, which takes 20 minutes to run, asks detailed questions about 16 lifestyle activities, with graphic feedback along the way and a printed report at the end. Identification and feedback about risk activities that undermine health often lead people to improve their lifestyle and seek advice from a health professional. For details about the CLA program, call (416) 978-8989 or contact the publisher, Multi-Health Systems, at 1-800-268-6011.
The computer program asks questions about.
* substance abuse;
* health maintenance;
* preventive activities;
* social and intimate relationships;
* mental and emotional wellbeing.
The program feeds back information about:
* lifestyle strengths or activities to keep up
* areas of concern or factors that can threaten health
* risk areas requiring action to prevent disease
The final printout pinpoints health-harming behaviours, some of which may come as a surprise, others that may be known to the person who might be “thinking about” changing them. For example, a woman who thinks she leads a healthy life – doesn’t smoke, drink or take other drugs, eats a low-fat vegetarian diet and exercises three times a week – may have emotional problems stemming from poor social relationships and a perfectionist attitude. Or, a man who doesn’t smoke, drinks little alcohol and has good work and personal relationships may endanger his health by being overweight with the beginnings of diabetes, hypertension and a potential heart problem.
Curiously, computers sometimes elicit more personal information about sensitive lifestyle areas than a doctors interview. For instance, many people find it easier to report excess alcohol consumption to a computer than to a physician. Women, especially, seem more likely to confide alcohol, sexual and other problems to a computer than to a doctor. Computerized psychiatric histories sometimes spot problems missed by clinicians – such as suicidal thoughts, anxiety, depression or phobias.
Adolescent and student lifestyles especially poor. One recent study found that seven out of 10 people questioned were particularly worried about nutrition and half were also concerned about physical inactivity. A study of Queen’s University students found that over 80 per cent fail to get regular medical/dental care, and over half consume excess alcohol and have poor management of work-leisure time.
Study results show student health problems with:
* Alcohol:
* Cannabis:
* Cigarettes:
* Stress:
* Inactivity:
* Weight:
* Sex:
* Condom use:
Adolescent eating habits can endanger health. Many adolescents receive inadequate nutrition due to poor diets, irregular eating habits and eating disorders that stem from the wish to conform to society’s idealization of thinness. “Weight control” techniques such as self-induced vomiting and diarrhea are widespread. A recent U.S. National Adolescent Health Survey found 61 per cent of adolescent females and 28 per cent of adolescent males were dieting, 51 per cent often fasted, 16 per cent used diet pills and 12 per cent practiced vomiting.
Teens had poor dietary practices because of:
* Excessive preoccupation with physical appearance;
* Western society’s obsession with thinness;
* Eating disorders such as Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia.
Lifestyle habits can improve health:
* not smoking tobacco;
* maintaining desirable weight (avoiding obesity);
* good nutrition (following Canada’s Food Guide);
* exercising regularly and sufficiently (at least 30 minutes three times a week);
* getting enough sound nightly sleep (7-8 hours);
* avoiding accidental injuries by taking safety measures (such as seatbelts and helmets);
* practicing motor vehicle safety;
* moderating alcohol use;
* avoiding other recreational drugs;
* getting regular dental care and medical check-ups as advised;
* fostering family, work and social networks;
* having safe and satisfying sexual relationships;
* avoiding or learning how to cope with excess stress;
* enjoining sufficient leisure-time activities and relaxation;
* getting any needed therapy for mental problems.
Lifestyle changes occur in five stages
Stage 1: Pre-contemplation – the health risk of a particular life-style activity is (largely) unrecognized, denied or trivialized.
Stage 2: Contemplation – admitting to a health risk and thinking about making a change “some day.
Stage 3: Preparation – motivated and ready for change “soon”, planning how and what to do, often setting an actual date.
Stage 4: Action – active steps to change behaviour – e.g., giving up cigarettes, walking to work instead of driving, drinking less – setting a specific schedule and definite goals.
Stage 5: Maintenance – long-term change achieved and kept up.
Just asking can make a difference. Surveys show that many people expect physicians or nurses to ask about and give advice or information regarding health. Given the chance, many people would like to discuss lifestyle concerns such as nutrition, obesity, alcohol,other drug use, family conflicts, elderly relatives, sexual problems and chronic pain – but often hesitate to do so unless asked.

About the Author

Loring Windblad has studied nutrition and exercise for more than 40 years, is a published author and freelance writer. Junes and Lorings latest business endeavors are at
http://www.organicgreens.us
http://junedawn.younglivingworld.com

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Hoodia Gordonii and a Healthy Diet
AudreyOverman

What does Hoodia Gordonii and a healthy diet have to do with one another you ask?

The fact is that your only true advantage in achieving a happier, ill-free, and definitely longer life is your knowledge and conviction in the payback of a healthy diet. Not only will eating healthier make you more active and stronger, it also strengthens you immune system and prevents the possibilities of the occurrence of life-threatening ailments like cancers and heart diseases.

For a healthy individual, a good diet can maintain the proper functioning of his or her body. Maintenance of every healthy single tissue and organ is necessary in order to achieve a healthy style of living.

A balanced diet means that the four food groups – vegetables and fruits, grains, meat, and dairy products – must be consumed according to how much your body needs it….BUT NOT MORE THEN IT NEEDS!

The fact is North America is full of fat people, everyday we hear of people dying of various conditions and diseases… and most of these can be traced back to overeating (eating more then your body needs) and eating the wrong foods.

The problem is food is so incredibly additive.. saying no or passing on the dessert is almost impossible or so we think. For years people of been using a herbal product which is a genus in the plant family Apocynaceae, in the part of the family previously treated as a separate family Asclepiadaceae. It is a strange looking plant (related to cactus but is not one), can reach up to 1 m high and present exuberant flowers, often with flesh color and strong smell. This little (and until recently unknown) plant which is called Hoodia Gordonii is now considered the worlds most incredible diet plant for weight loss.

Hoodia is the ONLY diet pill in history to be featured on Oprah, MSNBC, CBS the Today Show, 60 Minutes, and the BBC. There are Hoodia Gordonii Guide shows you how to keep from getting ripped off, how to begin a safe and productive weight loss plan, and shows you how to find and choose the best product. Or you can go right to the source of the supplement that was featured on these shows at http://www.pure-hoodia-diet-pills.info.

What does Hoodia Gordonii do?

Hoodia Gordonii will help you to stop over eating. This Hoodia plant with an appetite-suppressing effect greater than that of any other is credited for the endurance and survival of the hardy San people of South Africa whose heritage can be traced back to rock paintings 27,000 years old has taken center stage.

Realizing that Hoodia Gordonii stops hunger and provides a state of alertness (without the jittery feeling) the Western world is consternated by the prospects. With obesity-related health problems (cancer, kidney failure, diabetes, hypertension osteoarthritis, atherosclerosis, heart disease…) on the rise and health costs soaring the entire world is focusing on Hoodia and the promise it holds.
About the Author

Discover Hoodia Gordonii, an Amazing Herbal Appetite Suppressant that Kills Your Appetite, Ups Your Mood and Gives You Waves Upon Waves of Energy — with NO Side Effects! http://www.pure-hoodia-diet-pills.info

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Healthsparguide.com to Healthy Living
Ray La Foy

Doctors all over the world are up in arms over the dramatic increase in weight – related diseases. Diabetes, high-blood pressure and the like are expected to be top health killers in the next 10 years. The main culprit, as studies have shown, is the unhealthy lifestyle of the so-called microwave generation. Foods, which contain high level of calories but lacks the necessary good nutrients, are digested every-single day by millions of people. It is not surprising that in America, two thirds of its citizens are considered overweight.

As expected, a great number of quick-fix solutions to eradicate the problem are being peddled by so-called diet-gurus. However, though some of the solutions and diet formulae have worked in certain cases, for the most part, those who have indulged in these drastic methods have found themselves regaining the lost weight – big time! This is because the diet formula being marketed does not correspond with the bodies’ cellular level.

In comes the healtsparguide.com. This no – nonsense website caters to all women and men who wish to know more about losing weight effectively but safely. Healthsparguide.com contains valuable links and as the name suggests, guides to various methods on healthy weight loss regiments.

For example, the website features weight loss health spas and spa resorts that, aside from providing stress management treatments, offer realistic programmes covering the basics of having balanced diets, healthful cooking techniques and of course effective weight loss management. These spa resorts may also be referred to as a spa vacation. Instead of intense workouts, adventure activities are offered. These activities rejuvenate the spirit, at the same time helps tone the body.

What else does healthsparguide.com offer? Diet methods that are designed to hunt down and burn fat tissues without starving oneself. Unlike, say, other diet fads that only weakens the body’s system, the prescription in Healthsparguide.com realistically teaches that the problem of being overweight is the result of eating the wrong food, the wrong types of calories per meal and eating meals in the wrong patterns each day. Therefore, you lose weight not by eliminating the carbs or the protein, but by eating the right food at the right intervals.

To further assist those who want to shed excess pounds, an online diet generator is created, “which gives the right daily menu each day so there’s no need to calculate anything while shifting ones calories.” This is done by constantly “alternating the menu between every possible type of calorie, constantly shifting from one type of calorie to the next, ensuring that the scale keeps dropping.”

The website also provides in depth ranking and reviews of leading herbal diet pills. Not all pill manufactured are however featured. The products chosen have, as tested by experts, demonstrated high overall effectiveness, low occurrences of side effects and high success rate. A trim spa in one pill!

Aside from that, the pill is also ranked based on effectiveness, longevity, safety, quickness of results and success rate. Likewise the rating considered the prices, guarantee, reputation, customer service, ease of use and overall satisfaction.

The benefits that one may get with this online guide are truly endless. For one, the weight loss regiments are safe and cost-effective. Two, it logically explains that in order to lose weight, you have to eat the right food at the right time. And three, weight management programmes created by experts are so practical and easy to use. So, instead of going to a day spa, why not spend a couple of minutes of your time browsing through the wonders of healthsparguide.com.

About the Author

Healthy Living
Learn more at
http://www.healthsparguide.com

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Getting the most from healthy fruits and vegetables
Tony Robinson

Fruits and vegetables are among the healthiest of all foods, and
the great variety of these foods at the local grocery store
makes it easier than every to enjoy great meals and snacks
anytime the mood strikes you.

The latest food guidelines recommend that adults eat from five
to nine servings of fruits and vegetables every day. While that
may seem like a lot, it is an important goal to strive for, and
a very reachable one.

A serving of a fruit or vegetable is equal to:

1 medium sized vegetable or fruit (such as an apple,
orange or banana) 2 small fruits (such as kiwi fruit or
plums)  cup of fresh, frozen or canned fruits or
vegetables  cup of 100% fruit juice  cup of
dried fruit 1 cup of green salad

Eating a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables is a great
way to start a healthier lifestyle. Diets high in fruits and
vegetables have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease,
diabetes, stroke and even some kinds of cancer. Diets high in
fruits and vegetables are also important in maintaining a
healthy weight.

Since different varieties of fruits and vegetables contain
different types and levels of nutrients, it is important to each
a good variety of fruits and vegetables. Eating a good
combination of yellow, orange, red and green fruits and
vegetables is a great way to ensure adequate levels of nutrition.

Fruits and vegetables are also an important source of fiber. One
way to maximize the amount of fiber you get from fruits and
vegetables is to eat the entire fruit and vegetable including
the edible peel. Eating fruits and vegetables whole, instead of
simply drinking fruit juice, is the best way to enjoy the fiber
these foods have to offer. Orange juice may be very healthy, but
it does not contain the same amount of fiber as a whole orange.

Getting sufficient fiber in the diet offers a great many health
benefits, including aiding in digestion, lowering levels of
cholesterol in the blood, reducing the risk of heart disease and
stroke, and reducing the chances of some forms of cancer. In
addition, fiber is though to play an important role in
controlling levels of blood sugar in diabetics. Fiber also helps
dieters feel full while limiting the number of calories you
consume.

Many people wonder if canned and frozen fruits and vegetables
are as healthy and nutritious as the fresh varieties. The simple
answer to this question is yes. Canned and frozen fruits and
vegetables contain just as many vitamins and minerals as their
fresh counterparts, so it is fine to replace fresh fruits and
vegetables with canned and frozen varieties when fresh ones are
not available.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are often less expensive, however,
especially when they are in season. In addition, local farmers
markets and produce stands are often great sources of the
freshest, most delicious fruits and vegetables at some excellent
prices.

How vegetables and fruits are prepared is just as important as
how they are chosen. It is important to rinse fresh fruit and
vegetables thoroughly under clean running water. This step is
important in order to remove any dirt, pesticide residue or
bacterial contamination. The outermost leaves of lettuce and
cabbage should be removed, and the outside of root vegetables
like carrots and potatoes should be removed, especially if you
plan to consume the skins of those vegetables. Vegetables and
fruits should be washed right before they are used in order to
keep them as fresh as possible.

The best ways to cook vegetables in order to maintain their
freshness are to boil, microwave or steam the veggies until they
are tender and crisp. It is best to use as little water as
possible when cooking vegetables. That is because overcooking
can destroy some of the valuable vitamins and minerals the
vegetables contain.

About the author:

Tony Robinson is a Company CEO, webmaster husband and dad. In
his busy lifestyle he has placed importance on health and
fitness. Visit http://www.eat-healthily.com for good eating tips
and techniques to assist you maintain a healthy lifestyle.

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