Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Ergonomics - What Is It?

(NC)-Ergonomics is the study of the relationship between people and their work or workplace. It's also about matching jobs to the needs and abilities of workers.What can I do, because of my arthritis, to make sure I'm performing daily activities effectively? Pace yourself and try to alternate between standing, sitting and walking. Work at a regular pace alternating strenuous activities with lig. . .

Take The First Step Towards 'Making The Connection' Betwe...

Your first line of defense is information and education.(NC)-Like many Canadians, you probably have not given much thought to your cholesterol levels. High cholesterol is a silent and a significant risk factor for heart disease, which is the number one killer of Canadians. It is estimated that eight million Canadians have high cholesterol, affecting 48 per cent of Canadian men, and 43 per cent . . .

Health Quick Tip: Help Your Child Cope With Food Allergies

(NC)-Some children have problems with certain foods, ranging from mild intolerances to life-threatening ana-phylactic shock. Indeed, any food can trigger an allergic reaction, with the most common being cow's milk, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, fish and shellfish, soy and wheat products. And while not all reactions are life-threatening, it is important to note that children often need to be exposed. . .

You Asked: Food Allergies Explained

(NC)-Life-threatening allergies (anaphylaxis) may affect more than 600,000 Canadians, a number that has increased dramatically in just one decade. Foods account for most cases of anaphylaxis in children, whereas drugs are more often the cause with increasing age. For potentially life-threatening reactions, injectable adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, should be administered rapidly, no matt. . .

September 19 Is Life-Threatening Allergy Day

(NC)-If you have a child, or if you yourself have a life-threatening allergy, mark the calendar on Thursday, Sept. 19.Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix is holding a HealthWatch for Children Day focussing on this subject at more than 800 locations across Canada. Pharmacists will conduct a one-on-one educational session with allergic individuals, parents, or caregivers of children with food and other. . .

Information Day For Life-Threatening Allergies

(NC)-Your teenage son has a food allergy to peanuts and the best way to save his life during an allergic reaction is to keep the injectable adrenaline, also called epinephrine, near at all times. It worries you however, that this is not always assured in his busy, increasingly independent lifestyle. It is important to devise ways to make it easy for him to remember to carry at least one dose of. . .

Repetitive Strain Injury

(NC)-Repetitive Strain Injury (R.S.I.) occurs when muscles, nerves or tendons become inflamed or irritated. R.S.I. is often reflected in people who have developed arthritis as a result of sports/workplace injury or carpal tunnel syndrome, for example. It is caused by performing repetitive motions, using excessive force or using extreme movements.Causes: Repetitive tasks - small, rapid movements. . .

Small Babies Beware

(NC)-Chronic hypertension, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, is found in one-fifth of adult Canadians. Although it is not fully understood, scientists have found a connection between having a low birth weight and a higher risk of developing hypertension and cardiovascular disease as an adult. Dr. Anne Nuyt of the Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Centre in Montreal says the conne. . .

Music Hath Charms ...

(NC)-Sandra Trehub at the University of Toronto studies how people develop hearing and speech perception from infancy to adulthood. She has developed ways to measure hearing and speech perception in both quiet and noisy surroundings. This work leads her to believe that background noise interferes with children's abilities to understand natural speech. Trehub is comparing monolingual and bilingu. . .

A Youthful Approach to the Fight Against Diabetes

(NC)-The desire to be thinner can lead to extreme weight control behaviour in girls and young women. Girls with type I diabetes mellitus (DM) appear to be at risk for disturbed eating. Dr. Gary M. Rodin, and colleagues at the Toronto Hospital for Sick Children, will study 120 adolescent girls with DM for 3 years, to assess their eating attitudes and behaviour, family functioning, and medical st. . .

Working Hard To Correct Lazy-Eye

(NC)-A baby is born. Soon after it opens its eyes, there is a critical period, during which time its visual experiences have a profound effect on the development of the visual areas of its brain. Ideally, both eyes have visual experiences of equal quality. But, if the baby is born with a cataract or with a serious vision problem in one eye, the child may develop a severe and permanent loss of v. . .

You And Your Computer: Working Safely And Comfortably

About The AuthorrNews Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web. News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial "fill" items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The se. . .

Arresting Asthma

(NC)-According to the Asthma Society of Canada, asthma kills 10 people every week and afflicts 10 per cent of the Canadian population. Dr. Dean Befus, from the University of Alberta, in collaboration with Dr. Alan Schreiber from the University of Pennsylvania, are trying to arrest this process. Asthma usually strikes people when they are children, in the form of an allergic reaction to somethin. . .

A Head Start for Preemies

(NC)-The presence of too much of a steroid hormone called cortisol, either from a baby's own adrenal gland, or reaching the baby across the placenta from the mother, can lead to premature birth. As well, excessive exposure to cortisol in the womb may impair growth, alter the way individuals respond to stress after birth, and may result in diabetes and cardiovascular disease, leading to high blo. . .

Breathing Easier in Montreal

(NC)-In cystic fibrosis, the lungs are destroyed after they become too inflamed, which can in turn sabotage the whole respiratory system. While advances in drugs, diets, and physiotherapy have helped improve the quality of life for sufferers, we still need to treat the inflammation of the lungs. A recent small study showed that ibuprofen, a standard inflammatory medication, can help children wi. . .

What The Vitamin Companies Don’t Want You To Know&#...

Do you ever find yourself asking any or all of these questions: Why do I keep spending money on vitamins and not feel a thing? Why do I still get sick and continuously feel lousy? Why is it so hard to stay “consistent” when it comes to taking vitamins on a regular basis? Which vitamins does MY BODY need? Will I be able to live life to it’s fullest as I get older? How do I kn. . .

Swim to Lose Weight and Stay Fit

Showing up is all it takes.Swimming is a terrific way to tone the body and get in shape with very little stress on the joints. This makes it the perfect exercise for any age; all you need is a swimsuit and to find a suitable time at the pool, many have designated adult swim times or family sessions. However, sometimes the prospect of getting in the pool, especially if you consider yourself le. . .

Eat to Get Big

Until I started following a routine to eat, my gains were minimal. Once I set my eating times to a specific time during the day along with a protein boost, I could see the gains immediately. This sample program is a quick way to get your protein WAY up and generally increase your food intake. But it doesn't require the traditional sit down 6+ a day to eat 30 chicken breasts and spend all day. . .

A Great Way To Spice Up Your Workouts -- Interval Training

There’s been a lot of buzz recently about Interval Training. So, you may be wondering what it really is and, more importantly, why you should incorporate it in your fitness workouts. Well, if you want a workout that can help propel you to the next fitness level, burn more calories, increase your speed, improve your power and more, then it’s time to learn more about this effective technique.A si. . .

5 Tips to Reduce Holiday Depression

As the holidays approach each year, more and more people suffer from Holiday Depression.Some experts blame it on factors relating to nutrition. Nutritional experts believe that depression is caused by the excessive sugar and fatty foods coursing through our bodies.Other experts believe that depression is caused by the lack of natural sunlight that promotes a condition called SAD. (Seasonal Aff. . .

5 Myths You Should Know Before Choosing Elder Care

Myths associated with selecting quality nursing home care suggest quick and easy ways to identify quality care. In fact, relying on these myths can lead to disastrous results. I have identified a few of the most common myths in hopes of helping you avoid some of the problems commonly found in many nursing homes.1. The Smell TestYou've heard it repeatedly: "The best way to determine the quality . . .

Easy and Effective Home Workouts

Many people think that creating a home workout gym is either too intimidating or too costly. So, often they instead invest their money in a health club membership not realizing that for the same amount of money (or even less) they can create a very effective gym right in their own home.For an effective home gym, all that is required is a little bit of planning. Don’t fall into the trap of purch. . .

Trying To Lose Weight? Here's A Low Carb Tip "If it's wh...

Trying to LOSE WEIGHT? Here’s a tip... if it’s white, don’t eat it!Dr. Hagglund's Healthy Eating Tips (All wheat products, bananas*, breads, rice, sugar, and potatoes.) Research has shown that these foods almost triple your blood sugar rise in proportion to how many calories they carry... nobody knows why for sure but it’s clear that foods high in carbohydrates cause your pancreas to increase y. . .

Nutrition Research on Alzheimer's Disease and Brain Health

(NC)-Recent research has shown a benefit of certain nutrients in reducing the risk of degenerative diseases of the brain. Antioxidants, such as vitamins E, C, B12 and folic acid have been shown to play an important role in healthy brain functioning. Antioxidants, often found in fruits and vegetables, have also been associated with improved mental function, including memory. Vitamin B12 and foli. . .

"Get on the Ball: Core Stability"

Have you heard the term, focus on the core? No, we’re not talking about the inside of a golf ball; we’re talking about the inner muscles that make up the abdominal region, hips and lower back. Most people focus their attention on the muscles that are more visible and easy to train, such as biceps, pecs and back, however, the most important muscles that act as our foundation are of. . .

Taste is Everything When Choosing a Protein Bar

As consumers, we are faced daily with choices about what to eat. As a bodybuilder, we are bombarded with protein bars that promise everything from tons of protein, low carbs, less fat, and the cheapest bar on the market. But rarely do any of the bars meet the most necessary requirement of them all. If the bar doesn't taste great, then I don't want to eat it.Regardless of how much protein mig. . .

“Nutrition as Attention Deficit Disorder ADHD Alternative...

The quality of food we eat (or lack thereof) has a profound affect on Attention Deficit Disorder and ADHD. For many people, nutrition alone can effectively work as an ADHD alternative treatment. A growing body of research points to nutritional deficiencies - especially with essential fatty acids and amino acids - as a contributing factor of Attention Deficit Disorder and learning deficiencies.P. . .

Tighter Tummy and Thinner Thighs

As a Master swimmer I am made painfully aware, each time I compete, of the importance of a strong core, and by that I mean stomach strength. I come away from each competition vowing to do more leg work, lots of legs-only with the kickboard, and for fitness there is really nothing to beat it.One of the major benefits is that it tones the thigh and abdominal muscles terrifically and it improves . . .

Vitamin E and Lung Cancer Prevention

(NC)-Lung cancer, the most preventative of all human cancers, remains the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women. Several studies have shown that vitamin E supplementation is associated with a lower risk of developing lung cancer in non-smokers. Unfortunately, the same benefit was not seen in smokers. The most effective health action for smokers is still to stop smoking.It is beli. . .

Multivitamins vs. Single Supplements

(NC)-With all the different types of vitamin and mineral supplements available on the local pharmacy shelf, it can be confusing to determine what you really need. Sometimes a doctor or registered dietitian will make the decision easier by recommending what supplement to take, how much and how often. Often, you hear through friends or read about the benefits of certain vitamins or minerals and w. . .

Workouts That Travel

A vacation can do wonders for reducing stress levels, but it can derail a healthy fitness regimen. Even some of the most die-hard exercisers find it difficult to stick with a workout program when away from home. Sure, many have good intentions. They may even pack their workout attire. Unfortunately, their gear never makes it out of the suitcase until they’re back home. But travel from home does. . .

Acne Rosacea - A Blush You Can Do Without

What do former presidents Bill Clinton and Boris Yeltsin have in common? A condition called acne rosacea, a chronic inflammation of the blood vessels in the skin, which causes a ruddy complexion and small acne-like eruptions on the cheeks, forehead and nose.In men it can often cause the skin on the nose to thicken and swell, leading toa condition called rhinophyma. Nobody know what causes it bu. . .

Solitary Confinement -- for Life

Sixty-five year old Arthur Jones served a self-imposed life sentence - in his own home. Arthur lived in a high crime neighborhood, so he built iron cages around his outside doors and installed bars on all the windows. No one could find it easy to break in to Arthur's house!I met Arthur a few years ago, although you would hardly call our interaction meeting. When I arrived to deliver his meal,. . .

Why Protein is Crucial For Fat Loss - Part 2

Protein Is Crucial For Fat Loss! - Part 2 How to Maximize The Results You Get From Your Protein Powder. Timing Is Everything! Whether it be for fat loss or muscle gain, I always recommend taking a good protein supplement. The reason for this is simple: it is a convenient way to get high-quality protein without excess calories. Be aware, however, that in no way am I advocating that you live on p. . .

Why Protein is Crucial For Fat Loss - Part 1

Protein Is Crucial For Fat Loss! - Part 1 I Didn’t Realize How Important Protein Was For Fat Loss Until I Discovered Something That Blew My Mind... The year was 1992. I had just finished a long cycle of weight gain whereupon I had moved my bodyweight up from about 150 pounds to about 215 pounds. And let me just tell you, it wasn’t all muscle! I hadn’t been all that careful about my diet previou. . .

Waist Your Breath - Breathing For A Thinner Waist

The crunch exercise is the backbone of abdominal training. It develops the muscles of the abs to help you build that much-desired six-pack. But did you know that there is a way to do crunches that can actually decrease the size of your waist? The key to this technique is the top position of the crunch where your abdominals are contracted as hard as they are able to. When you’re in this top . . .

Why Protein is Crucial For Fat Loss - Part 3

Protein Is Crucial For Fat Loss! Part 3 The Best Protein Powder and How To Get It Dirt Cheap! Without a doubt, whey protein is king when it comes to protein quality and digestability. Ironically, whey used to be considered a useless by-product of cheesemaking and was just dumped into ponds as waste! There are two main classifications of whey protein, which are essentially based on how processed. . .

Ephedra - Is It Safe And Effective?

Burn fat while you sleep! Eat whatever you want and still lose weight! Don’t suffer through hours of grueling exercise to burn fat! You’ve probably heard all these phrases before but are the fat burners containing ephedra that these claims are attached to really that effective and are they safe? The primary ingredient in fat burners is the herb ephedra, also known as ma huang, or it’s manufactu. . .

Do Electric Ab Stimulators Really Work?

Electronic muscle stimulators are the latest craze, the hottest fad... but you want to know "do they really work!" Right? To answer that question, let’s start with a little background information on what this equipment was originally designed for. Electric ab stimulators were (and still are) used in medical rehab situations. They are designed to keep muscles from atrophying (wasting away) in si. . .

The Top 10 Most Outrageous Exercises I’ve Ever Seen

In the course of my experience working and training in gyms, I’ve seen people doing some incredibly "interesting" exercises. Unfortunately, it’s usually because these people have not been properly instructed in exercise technique. Here are some of the top winners. Remember, these are actual exercises that I’ve seen people do. I made the names of the exercises up to match the lunacy of how they . . .

One Simple Movement Can Double the Effectiveness of Pulld...

The Pulldown is an excellent exercise for working the Latissimus Dorsi muscles of the back (also known as the lats). It is a little known fact but there is a way you can dramatically improve the effectiveness of this exercise by performing one simple movement before each rep. Many people have a hard time feeling their lats working when they do pulldowns. The biceps may have a tendency to take o. . .

Beat High Prescription Drug Prices

Anyone who's been to the pharmacy to fill a prescription lately is well aware that prices on prescription drugs have gone through the stratosphere. But there are steps you can take immediately to reduce your expenses in this area. Moreover, there are long-term actions you can take to create an atmosphere in which such high prices cannot flourish. This week and next, we'll discuss these steps.1.. . .

Prevent or Delay Alzheimer's Disease

Argh! Where are my glasses? I put them down . . . to do what? And when?As the daughter of an Alzheimer's patient, this inability to keep up with everyday items, like my glasses and car keys, drives me absolutely nuts! Absent-mindedness has always plagued me. Now, it keeps me anxious and guessing. Is this an early sign of Alzheimer's disease? Could I end up like my father, crippled with this dis. . .

Short Trips Can Stimulate Alzheimer's Patients

Severe degradation of short-term memory means that my father, an Alzheimer's elder, is seldom interested in movies or books. And, although music used to be a source of enjoyment, he no longer listens with pleasure. Left to his own devices, he sits. . .and sits. . .and sits unless he's sleeping. What to do?We've found that visually stimulating events often perk our Alzheimer's elder right up. So. . .

Aromatherapy at Home: Beating the Cold Bug

It seems that nearly everyone I know has been either fighting or recovering from a cold or flu these last few weeks. And many of my clients have been asking how essential oils can help them prevent or heal their illnesses. There are a few things you can do to prevent yourself from catching a bad cold: Diffuse eucalyptus essential oil at home to clean and purify the air. Take a "winter bath" onc. . .

Elderly Drivers: Stop or Go?

Without so much as a tap on the brakes, my aunt whizzed through another stop sign."What are you doing?" I shrieked. "That was a stop sign.""Oh," she replied rather offhandedly, "they just put those there so you'll look before you go into an intersection."That was the day I stopped riding with my aunt but not the day she stopped driving. From then on, I had visions of an enormous pink Chevy lead. . .

Nursing Home Staffing Levels: How Much Is Enough?

During the week of February 17, 2002, headlines screamed the news - more than 92% of US nursing homes fail to have an adequate number of staff to provide quality care for elderly residents. Newspapers and radio programs based their stories on the new study the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) recently provided to the Senate's Special Committee on Aging. Interesting findings led us to. . .

My Teenaged Parents

Frankly, as a single parent of young children, I struggled. But, as the single parent of teenagers, I stunk! Faced with the reality of children who could (and did) do whatever they really, really wanted to do, I was often baffled. Functioning as the caregiver of two adult parents, I again find myself baffled. But I am sure of one thing -- It's no wonder many caregivers die before the elders the. . .

1-2-3, Weight Loss & Maintenance Has Become So Easy

Millions of people spend billions of dollars, hoping to achieve the same thing, effective weight management. For years, many people have struggled to maintain a healthy weight and body. With a majority of Americans being overweight or even obese, the problem has grown into a crisis. Nearly 300,000 people die each year from weight-related disease.Every week seems to bring out the next fad die. . .

Scaling Down (almost) Painlessly

Moving to a smaller house or apartment in a retirement community almost always involves a certain degree of trauma, both for the elder who's moving and for family members. However, by planning ahead you can reduce the discomfort involved and turn what might well become a nightmare into a pleasant event.Begin by Planning for the MoveWhere is the elder moving? Go to the actual house or apartment . . .