Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

You Can Stop Biting Your Nails, Here's How!

Are you tired of being self-conscious about your hands and nails? I know exactly what you're going through because I've been there. Did you notice I said, "I've been there". That's right, I have finally quit biting my nails. I never thought it was possible, but after years of trying to figure it out, I did it. As I mentioned, it took me years to "nail" down how to quit this habit. I . . .

Constipation Cures Exposed!

If you’re suffering from constipation, you are no doubt looking for some answers to bring relief. Treatments for constipation vary with the type of constipation from which you’re suffering. Most people do not know that they should have 1 bowel movement for each meal they eat. At a minimum people should have two bowel movements daily.If you experience constipation for more than 1 week, you shou. . .

Serial Killers

Countess Erszebet Bathory was a breathtakingly beautiful, unusually well-educated woman, married to a descendant of Vlad Dracula of Bram Stoker fame. In 1611, she was tried - though, being a noblewoman, not convicted - in Hungary for slaughtering 612 young girls. The true figure may have been 40-100, though the Countess recorded in her diary more than 610 girls and 50 bodies were found in her e. . .

What is Narcissism?

A pattern of traits and behaviours which signify infatuation and obsession with one's self to the exclusion of all others and the egotistic and ruthless pursuit of one's gratification, dominance and ambition.Most narcissists (50-75%, according to the DSM IV-TR) are men. The Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is one of a "family" of personality disorders (known as "Cluster B"). Other member. . .

The Psychology of Torture

There is one place in which one's privacy, intimacy, integrity and inviolability are guaranteed - one's body, a unique temple and a familiar territory of sensa and personal history. The torturer invades, defiles and desecrates this shrine. He does so publicly, deliberately, repeatedly and, often, sadistically and sexually, with undisguised pleasure. Hence the all-pervasive, long-lasting, and, f. . .

Sex or Gender

Alan Pease, author of a book titled "Why Men Don't Listen and Women Can't Read Maps", believes that women are spatially-challenged compared to men. The British firm, Admiral Insurance, conducted a study of half a million claims. They found that "women were almost twice as likely as men to have a collision in a car park, 23 percent more likely to hit a stationary car, and 15 percent more likely . . .

Narcissism, Substance Abuse, and Reckless Behaviours

Pathological narcissism is an addiction to Narcissistic Supply, the narcissist's drug of choice. It is, therefore, not surprising that other addictive and reckless behaviours – workaholism, alcoholism, drug abuse, pathological gambling, compulsory shopping, or reckless driving – piggyback on this primary dependence.The narcissist – like other types of addicts – derives pleasure from these explo. . .

Treatment Modalities and Therapies

Narcissism constitutes the entire personality. It is all-pervasive. Being a narcissist is akin to being an alcoholic but much more so. Alcoholism is an impulsive behaviour. Narcissists exhibit dozens of similarly reckless behaviours, some of them uncontrollable (like their rage, the outcome of their wounded grandiosity). Narcissism is not a vocation. Narcissism resembles depression or other dis. . .

The Myth of Mental Illness

"You can know the name of a bird in all the languages of the world, but when you're finished, you'll know absolutely nothing whatever about the bird… So let's look at the bird and see what it's doing – that's what counts. I learned very early the difference between knowing the name of something and knowing something."Richard Feynman, Physicist and 1965 Nobel Prize laureate (1918-1988)"You have . . .

The Cyber Narcissist

To the narcissist, the Internet is an alluring and irresistible combination of playground and hunting grounds, the gathering place of numerous potential Sources of Narcissistic Supply, a world where false identities are the norm and mind games the bon ton. And it is beyond the reach of the law, the pale of social norms, the strictures of civilized conduct.The somatic finds cyber-sex and cyber-r. . .

The Debate about Cloning

There are two types of cloning. One involves harvesting stem cells from embryos ("therapeutic cloning"). These are the biological equivalent of a template. They can develop into any kind of mature functional cell and thus help cure many degenerative and auto-immune diseases.The other kind of cloning is much derided in popular culture - and elsewhere - as the harbinger of a Brave, New World. A n. . .

How to Prevent Suicide

A British weapon’s inspector was found dead in the woods after he slashed his wrist. For the past few weeks, he was entangled with a controversy about the war in Iraq. On Monday, a Hyundai executive leaped to his death from the 12th floor. He was on trial for allegedly paying off North Korea $100 million to agree to a 2000 summit between North and South Korea.In both urban and rural areas, many. . .

Fanning the Flames of the Diabetes Epidemic

INTRODUCTIONIt is my pleasure to introduce to you, a new Diabetes Prevention Education, Public Relations Campaign established under the name Fannie Estelle Hill Grant, started by me, Lyndia Grant-Briggs, after the loss of my mother who succumbed to Type 2 Diabetes on Christmas Day, December 25, 2000. I noticed a fire burning in the Diabetes health arena, and it is still burning out of control.. . .

Help Your Heart Grow

I turned into my parents’ driveway in Maryland and parked the car. Before I could even step out and close the door, Mom flew out of the backyard, gesturing frantically.“Your father had a breakdown,” she blurted. “Your brother took him to the hospital. He’s on the sixth floor. Go. Go. You need to go to him right now.”“Wait a second, Mom,” I gently asserted. “What happened? What hospital?”“H. . .

Children Get Constipated, Too

Do you notice your child putting off going to the bathroom because he/she is busy doing more important things? Do you notice avoidance of the bathroom for fear of a painful bowel movement? Is your child not experiencing daily bowel movements? These actions may be signals of constipation. Parents often hope their worries about their children's bathroom habits will end with the final diaper. But. . .

Weight Lifting 101

WHY WEIGHT LIFTING?What's the one thing that you can do to lose weight, re-shape your body, improve muscle tone, become stronger, fight off osteoporosis, lower blood pressure, etc.?Weight Lifting! Or as it's also called, Strength Training! For the rest of this book I will refer to the art of weight lifting as strength training. One of the reasons a lot of people don't lift weights is because. . .

Warning! Flu Shots Can Be Dangerous To Your Health

Every year about this time doctors around the world are recommending that people go in and get their annual flu shot. What most people don’t know or understand is just how dangerous this could be, especially for children under the age of 12. When people call and say “My doctor is telling the family to go in and get a flu shot. Should I do it?”…I tell them they should learn about the side eff. . .

Walk Your Way Fit!

“It requires a direct dispensation from Heaven to become a walker.” align=right~Henry David ThoreauHave you been looking for an easy, fun way to get fit? One that doesn’t involve costly equipment or a ton of time? Would you like to: Lose weight? Improve endurance? Tone muscles? Enjoy long range health?Did you know that you can reap these benefits (and more) just by walking? You can! But, what. . .

10 Steps To Detoxification

Technology. We live in a grand time of technological development. Computers, the Internet, cell phones, digital cameras and DVDs. But the human body has not 'kept up' with technology. Human beings certainly shouldn't eat technology! But that is happening today as a result of the onslaught of chemicals in our foods and environments, and with the impending threat of chemical warfare. This very se. . .

6 Advantages of Free Weights Over Exercise Machines

Meet Sarah.About a year ago, Sarah saw an infomercial about a "multi-unit" workout machine. The announcer called it a "revolutionary" piece of equipment, claiming that people would see results in "just 2-4 weeks". It exercised all major body parts and the female model shown using the machine said it "was safer and more effective than free weights." Intimidated by gyms her whole life, Sarah kn. . .

The Pain When You Gain: Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness

Nothing is more frustrating than the pain and discomfort that occurs in the days that follow a workout. The common muscle soreness and stiffness experienced one to two days after a workout may be so uncomfortable, particularly to the new exerciser, that it may discourage future workout attempts. As someone once said after her first workout, "What’s the use of getting fit if I can’t even get ou. . .

Optimism and Your Heart: How Being Happy Can Protect You ...

Take a few seconds to close your eyes and imagine that you are putting a slice of lemon into your mouth and chewing on it. Did your mouth water? This is just one example of how the mind can affect the body - simply thinking about something can trigger a physical reaction. If your body reacts just thinking about chomping on a lemon imagine what happens when you experience chronic, negative em. . .

Can You Attain Weight Loss While Fasting?

Fasting, when done properly, can be a basic part of a solid weight loss plan. If done correctly it can be a great start to your new way of living. When I first started my weight loss program I began with a fast. I have fasted for 2-7 days on a few different occasions. The reason that fasting can be such a great way to start a weight loss program is because you can see results immediately. It wi. . .

Achieving Optimum Health

"Optimum health is not just the absence of disease but the presence of wellness in mental, emotional, physical, spiritual and social areas. Some would also include financial health."Introduction Optimum health is essential at all levels, from the individual to the society we live in to the environment around us. We have to start thinking of wealth not just in terms of possession of money and pr. . .

Do You Make These South Beach Diet Mistakes?

The South Beach Diet works, for most people. Its low fat, low carb approach helps you lose weight quickly and easily. Health benefits are great too. But there's some easy mistakes you must avoid. Gain Weight in Phase 2 Most people do well being strict in Phase 1. But what happens when you switch into Phase 2 ? Often, you put some weight back on again. Why ? Because your body's starved of carbs. . .

How You Can Eat Carbs and Still Lose Weight

When I decided to lose weight I of course decided to do as much planning as possible. It seems the older I get the harder it is to do anything without completely planning it out. Anyways, I had already been on the all protein diets and knew that they worked. The only problem was I could never stick to them for very long.So I decided to research the net a little more and see if I could find some. . .

Has The Cure For Cancer Been Here All Along?

Cancer treatment and medication is a multi-billion dollar industry--so why would hospitals and pharmaceutical companies want a cure? Have you ever heard of a doctor giving someone with stage 4 or 5 cancer a 90-100% chance of success at beating the disease? I didn't think so. Well, there is a way you can beat these dismal odds. If you, a friend, family member, or even an acquaintance has cancer,. . .

How Much Water Should You Drink Per Day?

I’m always amazed at how many people seem to know the answer to this question yet in practice they fail. Everybody I’ve talked to seems to know that 8-12 glasses of water a day is the recommended standard. But if I ask them how many glasses of water have you consumed today? The answer is usually none. Or the other standard answer at a corporate environment “does coffee count?”While 8-12 gla. . .

Natural Foods Defined

With so many people concerned about natural and organic foods these days, it’s useful to stop and really take a look at what “natural” and “organic” foods really are. We all know that natural and organic foods are better for us than highly processed or artificial foods, but do we really know which foods are natural and organic? When you buy food that is labeled “natural,” what does that really . . .

The Writer As Activist

THE WRITER AS ACTIVIST: Eric Shapiro Elaborates on Alternative Mental Health.Almost two years ago, before the release of my first book, "Short of a Picnic," I began writing nonfiction Internet essays that, like the book itself, deal with mental health. I say "deal" with mental health instead of "dealt" with mental health because these essays, five or six of them altogether, continue to be read.. . .

Open, Full and Imperfect: What You Must Know About Your H...

Last Friday was National Wear Red Day, an intentional opportunity to wear a red dress as a symbol of awareness of the fact that heart disease is the number one killer of women in America. I didn't wear a red dress, but I did get my very first electrocardiogram. I wish I could say that I had planned it that way. The truth is that I was experiencing chest pain, a terrible squeezing sensation in m. . .

5 Keys to Better Sleep

Do you have trouble getting a good night's sleep? What you are about to read may make a huge difference to your future health! Being well rested is essential to our wellbeing and is a major key in living an energetic lifestyle. Here are some of the benefits of a good night's sleep: - You will look and feel your best. - Relating to others will come easier with enough rest. - You'll be a safe. . .

Unique Gift Ideas for the 21st Century

As a personal growth specialist, I like to think I'm hip. I like to think I am avant garde. I like to think I am on the cutting edge – despite what everyone else around thinks about me.I read last year that the growth sector of the future is in healthcare and wellness. So, being the hip, avant garde, cutting edge kind of guy I think I am, I decided I would give very unique and personal healt. . .

Diabetes: African Americans Deadly Foe

Diabetes is having a devastating effect on the African American community. Diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death in African Americans and their death rates are twenty seven percent higher than whites. Over 2.8 million African Americans have diabetes and one third of them don’t know they have the disease. In addition, twenty five percent of African Americans between the ages of 65 &. . .

7 Reasons Low Carb Diets are Wrong

The human body is designed to run best on a certain type and balance of fuel. Unfortunately the latest low-carbohydrate fad diets are not fuel that the human body was designed to run on. Low - carbohydrate diets can cause several health concerns over time. Here are the top seven.1. GoutGout is a form of arthritis that occurs when excessive uric acid levels, start to crystalize in joints, le. . .

Coffee, Caffeine & Fitness

One look at a line at the local Starbucks in the morning and you don’t need to be convinced of the huge amount of coffee consumption in the U.S. The National Coffee Association found in 2000 that 54% of the U.S. adult population drinks coffee daily. Guess there’s nothing like the first double espresso in the morning to clear the cobwebs from our heads so we can face the day.But what are the eff. . .

5 Ways To Make Protein Benefit You

Imagine this ... What if you could –Increase the rate of your metabolism.Burn more stored body fat.Maintain more muscle mass by eating protein rich foods.Calculate the correct amount of protein needed for your body.Learn about the best food sources of protein.As you are looking for ideas, here is proven nutrition information about how protein can benefit you.1. Are you aware that protein in. . .

Have Your Greatest Orgasm - Ever!

Multiple Orgasms! You've heard of them, probably. Wondered about them, maybe. Attempted them, never -- most likely. And why not? If you can have one successful orgasm, you can have two or three or more. In fact, even if you have never been able to satisfactorily negotiate a single, you can still learn to have multiples. In terms of orgasms, more is definitely better. Here's why.A single. . .

A Critical Assessment of Euthanasia

The question of whether, say, a man should have the right to take away his life granted pain and suffering have overcome him is a very important question today. A different way of putting this question is this: ‘Should a man have the right to take away his life if he ceases to function as a human being?’ This matter would have been laid to rest had it not been that it strikes at the heart of l. . .

Magnets: How Do They Really Work?

Can magnets actually help us feel better? When I first read about this theory I was somewhat skeptical but curious. After looking into it further and trying out a few magnetic products, I was pleasantly surprised. Let me tell you a few things I found out.Research has shown that when charged particles pass through a magnetic field, they generate a current, which produces heat, expands blood vess. . .

Mad Cow NOT Bad Cow!

I don’t know which of the biggest headlines are being read right now… Mad Cow or New Diets for a New Year (but I have my suspicions!). HOWEVER ~ let’s look a little further at REAL statistics… and do a little “common sense” comparison here… (by the way, common sense seems to have disappeared completely in this great land of ours)! We look at the number of deaths in the all-out Mad Cow “epidemic. . .

Taking Photos While You're Protecting Your Skin

If you're a shutterbug like me, and you enjoy taking photos outdoors, you will often find yourself in direct sunlight. Other than protecting yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and by applying sunscreen every two hours, there is one more thing you can do. And it's good for your photos and you-- Take pictures in early morning or late afternoon when the sunlight, i. . .

Turning back the hands of time

When you shop for an anti-aging cream at your department store's cosmetic counter or at a drug store, are you confused about the number of choices? Well, you are not alone. In a recent survey conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology, 94 per cent of the 2,079 American women surveyed are confused about over the counter and prescription anti-aging products as well as anti-aging treatments . . .

Showering: Is Your Health at Risk?

For the past decade, people have focused on the importance of clean drinking water. Purified drinking water reduces or eliminates chemicals found in normal tap water. However,the body derives its need for water from alternative sources, most notably while showering.It is common practice in North America to shower on a daily basis, sometimes more than once. Unfortunately, most people are unaware. . .

Depression Series (Part 2): My Antidepressant Doesn’t Wor...

Maria has been increasingly depressed for the past few years. She has tried at least four newer antidepressants but so far, she doesn’t seem to respond. Unable to work, she’s now feeling helpless and hopeless. Likewise, her family is discouraged. Frustrated and baffled by Maria’s lack of progress, the family doctor refers her to a psychiatrist. What can the psychiatrist do to help Maria?The psy. . .

2004 Prediction … The Next Fitness Trend

Millions practice the same New Year’s ritual of making the infamous resolution to exercise. And most realize that New Year’s good intentions typically don’t last more than a couple of weeks. “2004 may be different,” says Phil Campbell, M.S., M.A. 51, a Senior Games and masters track & field athlete who is frequently quoted in fitness magazines. “This year we have new research that shows us the . . .

The Health Benefits of Sex

Quick quiz: Would you rather run 75 miles or have sex three times per week for a year? Research shows that both activities burn the same number of calories. (7,500, to be exact.) We often think that something that feels good can’t possibly be good for us. Now it’s time to think again. Sex in a loving, intimate relationship has numerous health benefits. In women, for example, the sexual act trig. . .

6 Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Personal Trainer

Once reserved only for the rich and famous, personal fitness training has hit the mainstream. A personal trainer is now as common as a pair of good cross trainers and a water bottle. But unlike your hair stylist, your fitness trainer doesn’t need to be tested and licensed by a state licensing board. Someone with little more than a great body--but no experience--can print business cards, call t. . .

This Article Will Shock You If You Use Toothpaste

This article will shock you if you use toothpaste, shampoo, shower gel, bath foam and other personal care and household products. Most of us happily purchase personal care and household products without giving it a second thought. Take a look on the back of some of your products and take the bathroom test today! Do you have any of the following ingredients listed Sodium Lauryl Sulpate, . . .

Damn, That Pain In My A##! Here’S What You Need To Know ...

If you’re reading this article, it’s a good bet that you have a radiating pain running down the back of your leg that just won’t go away. If what I’m about to tell you sounds familiar, don’t worry, help is on the way.Sciatica and Piriformis Syndrome are the same condition... it is just that the medical community is starting to call the condition by the muscle (Piriformis) that is involved and g. . .