Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

So Your Lower Back Hurts???

Low back pain is one of the most common ailments people suffer from and approximately 8 out of 10 people will deal with back pain at some point in their life. That’s a lot of people… are you one of them? Out of all of the various forms of back pain, lower back pain is by far the most common and there’s a good explanation for this. Any idea why? It’s not car accidents, it’s not work-related inju. . .

Eugenics and the Future of the Human Species

"It is clear that modern medicine has created a serious dilemma ... In the past, there were many children who never survived - they succumbed to various diseases ... But in a sense modern medicine has put natural selection out of commission. Something that has helped one individual over a serious illness can in the long run contribute to weakening the resistance of the whole human race to certa. . .

Traumas as Social Interactions

("He" in this text - to mean "He" or "She").We react to serious mishaps, life altering setbacks, disasters, abuse, and death by going through the phases of grieving. Traumas are the complex outcomes of psychodynamic and biochemical processes. But the particulars of traumas depend heavily on the interaction between the victim and his social milieu.It would seem that while the victim progresses f. . .

Is Your Dog Fat?

Obesity is one of the greatest health concerns facing dogs. You can and should do something about it. Overweight dogs may live shorter and less healthy lives and your enjoyment of their unconditional love and companionship may be shortened because of it. Extra pounds place an excess burden on bones and joints and can make arthritis problems worse. Overweight dogs are less able to exercise and p. . .

Hair Analysis – The Roadmap to Wellness

Did you know that your hair has the advantage of long-term memory? Hair is a permanent record, like tree rings. A three-inch strand of human hair will give a six-month history of what's going on in the body since head hair grows at a rate of about a half an inch a month.A hair analysis determines exactly what chemicals are inside of you, including radiation, heavy metals like mercury, food chem. . .

5 Fitness Myths That Are Responsible For Thousands of Fit...

Unfortunately, many people are misinformed and are also misled by the many promises of the weight loss industry. Everywhere you look, you see or hear of people promising “Dramatic Weight Loss” with products such as “The Fat Trapper”, or “Exercise in a Bottle”. Then you also have the hundreds of diets out there such as “The Zone”, “Sugar Busters” or “The Atkins Diet”. I’m sure you have heard of . . .

Eat Fat to Burn Fat

For about 50 years now, Americans have been eating low fat (some no fat) diets and the funny thing is we have gotten progressively fatter and less healthy. Who ever said low fat diets were healthy, and more importantly, why does eating less fat mean you’ll be less fat? In attempt to keep this easy to understand, as most of what you read and hear is complicated, confusing, and contradictory, I’m. . .

Crave Sweets? On the Weight & Mood Roller Coaster? Perh...

The sugar industry and the food manufacturers are capitalizing BIG TIME on the addictive nature of carbohydrates (sweets, breads, deserts) in the human body. Blood sugar-handling problems promote arteriosclerosis (plaque in the arteries), adult-onset diabetes, mood swings, weight problems, chronic fatigue, PMS and much more. Additionally, there is evidence that sugar addiction has a component. . .

Skincare Tips: Don't Forget Your Sunscreen, Indoors Or Out

(NC)—You can never overdo the sunscreen reminder, say skincare specialists, especially when it comes to keeping both the aging UVA and the burning UVB rays off your face and lips."Too often we hear women say they forget to apply a daily sunscreen," says Jacquie Hutchinson, national product trainer for Almay, "or they don't include it automatically in their morning routine. Yet, most women are a. . .

Healthy Living Hand Hygiene Tips For Busy People

(NC)—Practicing dedicated hand hygiene makes good sense when it comes to fighting the spread of germs. Many of the common, and not so common viruses are transmitted from the hand to the ears, eyes and nose, and that is why surgical masks and disposable plastic gloves are items most commonly used as protection from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).Hand washing is essential and it is even. . .

Has Chemical Overload Got You Tired And Sick? Could The S...

Since the beginning of our creation, the plants, flowers and trees have been with us. Even at our most primitive, we relied on them for their profound healing abilities. What has changed? Mostly, our lack of personal relationship with them. Our highly technical, over busy, media-drenched lives have us relying on quick fixes with artificial chemicals and antibiotic super bugs. This unnatural rel. . .

Health & Beauty: Healthy Skin, More Than Meets The Eye

(NC)—The visible signs of aging can be controlled, but the typical office life may not be your skin's best friend.Dry, recycled air is one of the enemies you need to tackle, so are factors like air conditioning, long-term emission effects from computers, photo-copiers and fax machines, and even driving to work, or driving to achieve one's work, can have cumulative effects on the youthful condit. . .

Nutrients On The Decline In Our Foods

(NC)—The amount of nutrients in our food is steadily declining, according to recent research. A recent survey found some fruits and vegetables we buy today contain far fewer nutrients than they did 50 years ago. This is especially noticeable in foods such as potatoes, tomatoes, bananas and apples. Specifically, the potato has lost 100 per cent of its vitamin A, 57 per cent of its vitamin C and . . .

Not Enough Women Getting Folic Acid

(NC)—While most women have heard about folic acid, less than half know it's of benefit to women of childbearing age, according to the Folic Acid Alliance of Ontario. In addition, many women don't know whether they need to take folic acid, and if they do, how much they need or what are its sources.(NC)—While most women have heard about folic acid, less than half know it's of benefit to women of . . .

Keep Mosquitoes At Bay In Your Home And Yard

(NC)—You have likely heard about West Nile virus, but may still wonder how to safeguard against it this summer. The easiest thing you can do is keep the source at bay – those irritating mosquitoes – by preventing them from breeding."Prevention is the best way to battle this virus," says Dr. Colin D'Cunha, Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health. "Ontarians should know how the disease is sprea. . .

Vitamin Tips: To Fuel Physical Activity

(NC)—Physical activity and athletic performance can be enhanced through good nutrition. This can be achieved by eating the right foods and drinking the right fluids at the right time, coupled with nutritional supplementation.Regular physical activity might increase the body's nutritional needs. So it's important to have an adequate amount of vitamins and minerals every day. For athletes in part. . .

The Right Exercise Intensity

We’ve all heard the exercise guidelines that recommend we participate in 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity 3-5 times per week. That seems easy enough to implement. Or, does it? The duration and frequency guidelines are very straight-forward and easily defined. But, “moderate” intensity is often left to interpretation. So, how do we define “moderate”?First we need to understand . . .

Study Confirms IBS Improvement

Irritable bowel syndrome is a debilitating and distressing condition, which affects 10-20% of the population. IBS is characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel function such as constipation, diarrhea or alternating diarrhea and constipation. Some people have occasional symptoms, which can be aggravated by stress or food intolerances. Others experience crippling symptoms, and struggle to . . .

Working Smart: 4-Easy Ways to Get Fit, Faster!

Let’s face it, getting and staying in shape can be a costly investment. And, if you’re not careful, its greatest cost is the one commodity you could use the most of: time (keeping monetary costs in check is another volume, entirely). Yet, even many seasoned exercisers often have difficulty changing their bodies with regular workouts. And worse, many think the more hours spent training heavily. . .

Finding The Right Exercise Intensity

We’ve all heard the exercise guidelines that recommend we participate in 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity 3-5 times per week. That seems easy enough to implement. Or, does it? The duration and frequency guidelines are very straight-forward and easily defined. But, “moderate” intensity is often left to interpretation. So, how do we define “moderate”?First we need to understand . . .

Buying Fitness Equipment On eBay: Deals or Duds?

With tens of millions of registered members and more than 12,000 items listed, eBay is, without a doubt, the world's largest Internet marketplace. And you can buy just about anything there--from CDs, movies and vitamins to first edition books, new businesses and even someone's last breath of air. But--what you want to know--is it the place to shop for fitness equipment?The answer is yes, but th. . .

Discussion of the Human Body Defense System

The human body is constantly challenged by bacteria, viruses, parasites, solar radiation, and pollution. Stress from emotional or physiological occurrences is other challenges to maintain a healthy body. Normally we are protected by the body defense system, the immune system, primarily the macrophage, and sufficiently comprehensive nutritional requirements to maintain health. An excess of negat. . .

7 Winter Exercise Tips for Busy People

7 Winter Exercise Tips for Busy People---Finding Time in Your Schedule---Many people find summer exercise easy, because there are so many fun activities available when it’s warm outside. But if you live in the North, you might find exercise during the winter much more difficult. I refuse to run outdoors when it’s very cold, the road is icy, or the snow banks have narrowed the road significant. . .

Why "Awareness Programs" Stink!

You have permission to publish this article electronically or in print as long as the bylines are included. Notification of print would be appreciated.I am writing this article at the risk of stepping on a lot of toes! Hopefully you do not have a guilty conscience!How many letters do you get in your mailbox every week from another awareness program either begging you for money or asking you t. . .

"New Bodybuilding Study on the Benefits of 'Deadlifts'."

Deadlifts are a very potential muscle-building exercise, that will rejuvenate your entire physical condition, to a whole new level -- if executed astutely.Here are some facts, on how Deadlifts can dramatically improve your physical power, to singularly maximized levels: Deadlifts Will Quadruple your Natural Testosterone & Growth Hormone Levels each time your subject yourself into this exercise. . .

Fitness-related Benefits of Massage

Ask someone their reason for getting a massage and you're likely to hear "because it feels good". We all know that a massage can relieve stress, help to make sore muscles feel better and even reduce anxiety, but can it help us achieve our fitness goals? Research shows that the massage you get to relieve stress can also have a positive effect on your muscle-building capabilities and fitness le. . .

The Right Stethoscope For Your Needs!

Just about all health care providers have need of stethoscopes. Whether you’re a nurse, respiratory therapist or a medical doctor, the need to auscultate the chest, lungs and heart is a necessary and important part of your work. In deciding from the many stethoscopes to choose from it’s important to keep in mind what you’ll be using your stethoscope for. For general purpose listening, stethosco. . .

The Right Medical Equipment For You Home Or Practice!

Quality, dependable Medical Equipment is an important component of every medical practice. It can’t be overstated that while the practice of medicine is an art, Medical Equipment is the science behind the implementation of that art. Increasingly, patients are becoming more sophisticated in their understanding of the medical supplies and Medical Equipment that is being used to treat them. This m. . .

The ease of using a Motorized Wheelchair to improve mobil...

No person likes to feel housebound and dependent on others. While people who have been injured or suffering from a debilitating disease may not have full functionality of their motor skills, it is still possible for them to be semi-independent and mobile with motorized wheelchairs and other home medical equipment. It can’t be over emphasized how critical that sense of independence can be. Quali. . .

Comfortable, affordable lab coats for the health care pro...

When a health care professional uses lab coats it conveys several different messages. First, lab coats give an appearance of professionalism. It’s very important in the health care setting to be professional and new, clean lab coat portrays just that image. Second, lab coats are very functional because they have so many pockets. As silly as that seems, health care providers usually have many di. . .

Vitamins … Do They Enhance Your Health And Aid In Weight ...

Taking vitamins and minerals is a habit that many people follow. Since so many people aren’t able to obtain all of the nutrients they need with their meals, they turn to vitamins and supplements to augment their diets. The choice of vitamins available today is wide ranging. From liquid vitamins to prenatal vitamins to products that focus on only one specific nutrient such as B vitamin.The vitam. . .

Diets, Diets, Diets…Do They Work?

Almost everyone has attempted to follow diets and weight loss programs at some time in their lives. The trouble with so many diets and low fat diets is that they are hard to follow. Some diets leave you hungry and craving food all the time. A healthy diet is one that you feel good about following and encourages you to eat in a healthy way while at the same time reducing the overall calorie cont. . .

Finding the Medical Supplies you need!

It’s now possible to locate and purchase a wide variety of Medical Supplies on the internet. Whether you’re looking for Medical Supplies for your medical practice or your looking for home health care needs, just about anything can be found through searching online. You can find wheelchairs, canes, stethoscopes and lab coats, to name just a few. Increasingly, the person living at home needs an e. . .

Supplements and Vitamins … Can They Enhance Your Weight L...

Nutritional supplements can play a key role in the health of children and adults. Many people feel that they don’t get enough vitamins and minerals through their daily intake of food and, therefore, turn to supplements to fill in the gaps. Dietary supplements come in a variety of sizes, potencies and, of course, health claims.Vitamins, minerals and supplements are considered to be a preventive . . .

Can calcium aid in boosting you health?

A popular mineral today, coral calcium, is mainly calcium, but is also abundant in many trace sea minerals. Some people consider coral calcium to be nature's purest calcium supplement. Harvested from sea marine coral in Okinawa, Japan, coral calcium has been consumed by Okinawan’s for many, many years.As with many mineral products, coral calcium is not without its ardent admirers, who make all . . .

The Swan on the Chopping Block

When Anderson wrote “The Ugly Duckling”, he was imagining a natural transformation from awkward youth to mature beauty. His vision did not include a meat cleaver. The new network show, “The Swan” is a travesty on so many levels that it is difficult to know where to begin. There is nothing wrong with using cosmetic surgery to correct a definitive flaw but to turn yourself over to megalomaniac. . .

Beach Body Abs

With the return of warm weather in the spring, thoughts can never be too far behind of the approaching summer and the many wonderful outdoor activities that we’ll often associate with it and among our top favorite summertime activities will always be the trip to the beach. Warm blue skies, refreshing ocean breezes, hot sand, cool waves and the many attempts at constructing the perfect sand cast. . .

STRETCHING; Why Should I?

This short article looks at some of the tips, tricks and helpful hints you can use to help prevent sports injury and do-away with stiff, aching muscles & joints. It's been put together to answer some of the more common questions we get regarding stretching and sports injury, and details a number of useful sports injury prevention techniques. I hope it proves useful to you.* Overcoming & Prevent. . .

How to Halt the Train of Aging

Excerpted from the book “Your Right to Be Beautiful: How to Halt the Train of Aging and Meet the Most Beautiful You” by Tonya Zavasta. The book is available at: http://www.beautifulonraw.com/html/righttobe.htmlAging would not be so bad if it did not tell on us at every encounter. As we hug one another, we register the love handles on the other's waist, the flab on their arms and the sag on thei. . .

The Power of Ice

Using ice to treat injuries is one of the oldest methods of pain control. Proven to be safe and effective at reducing swelling, relieving pain and decreasing muscle spasms, ice therapy is an easy self-care technique that anyone can administer. Every mother knows to put ice on a bruised knee after a soccer game or on a teething toddler’s tender gums. But do you really know how ice works?Cold . . .

The Natural Way To Whiten Teeth

No patience for bleaching? There may be another way to get white teeth, and it's as simple as munching on an apple.To keep teeth bright and prevent yellowing, you need to remove the staining bacteria. This is exactly what happens when you chew certain foods that produce a high salivary flow. So, in addition to apples, take a bite out of guavas, pears, celery, carrots, sugar cane, cauliflower, a. . .

The Baby Boomer Athlete

Are you a Baby Boomer? If you were born between the years of 1946 to 1964, you are part of the 79.1 million Boomers, comprising 29 percent of the total US population. According to the AARP, every seven seconds a Baby Boomer turns 50! And, about one-third of Americans who take part in sports activities are Boomers.As this generation grows older, they are working harder to keep their youth and. . .

Why R.I.C.E.?

What is R.I.C.E. and why do you need it? One of the most recommended icing techniques for reducing inflammation and treating minor injuries is R.I.C.E., an acronym for rest, ice, compression and elevation. It is best used for pulled muscles, sprained ligaments, soft tissue injury, and joint aches. Applying R.I.C.E. treatments will decrease pain, inflammation, muscle spasms, swelling and tiss. . .

Can Weight Loss Improve Your Health And Make You Feel Bet...

Many people today are interested in weight loss and weight loss programs. Sedentary life styles and lack of exercise have contributed to a general trend toward carrying around a few extra pounds. Following a disciplined weight loss plan can prove very helpful and beneficial to people who don’t really have any idea of how to create a weigh loss diet. There are many options available today to hel. . .

New Findings on the Role of Glutathione in Cancer

Cancer cells and normal cells are known to respond differently to nutrients and drugs that affect glutathione status. Numerous studies have shown that tumor cells have elevated levels of glutathione levels, which confers resistance to chemotherapy drugs. One of the challenges of cancer therapy is how to deplete tumor cells of glutathione, so as to make them more vulnerable to the effects of che. . .

Ecological Engineering - We Can Reshape This World!

Human have always shown remarkable skill, innovation and ingenuity when faced by environmental hurdles. Instead of competing with or opposing the environment, they cooperate with it by resorting to ‘ecological engineering’, Ecos, co-evolution and the ecological paradigm. This article briefly discusses these key issues that can reshape this world.The term “ecological engineering”, was first coin. . .

Healthy Tips to Celebrate National Women’s Health Week

National Women’s Health Week starts the week after Mother’s Day. You can work on your health anytime. This week is a great time to get all your check ups done if you have not done so yet this year. Remember, the elements of health include your eating habits, your resting habits, how you think, how you spend your time and who you spend your time with. Neglecting your relationship with God can ca. . .

Build Health: Cut Through The Calcium Hype

The initial success of penicillin generated an assumption which has stuck with us as a cultural belief in the Quick Technological Fix. That assumption is:A single variable can be divided out from all other variables, tested for its result, and it will prevent or promote disease.Most people have come to believe nutrition is divisible, and that a single substance will maintain vibrant health. The. . .

Foods to Fight Disease

When it comes to food, we can't ignore the facts - or the science. You need a healthy diet for a healthy life.Research shows a healthy diet could help or prevent a number of health problems, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. And that number keeps growing as researchers learn more about how nutrition affects your health.What You Should KnowAdopting a disease-fighting diet i. . .

10 Tips: How to Get in Shape without Sweating

Tip #1: The *Brazilian move*. The good thing about this move is that you don't need to go a gym to do it, you don't even need to find time in your day. Why? Because you will do this move while you brush your teeth! How does it work:Standing straight in your bathroom, bend your knees slightly.Tilt your hips forward while contracting them, then pull them back.Remember to make a very strong squeez. . .