Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Health and Happiness, SELF TEST

First of all, examine yourself outwardly. Look at your fingernails. Are they glossy? Do they appear nice and strong? How about your hair. It should be shiny and full of body. Now look at your tongue. Does it have a white coating on it or is it pink? Next your eyes: are they bright or dull...do they appear to be happy eyes or worried or lackluster? Do your eyes have brown flecks in them? If they. . .

Holiday Health: Give Get-Fit Gifts

‘Tis the season to celebrate -- and a time to eat! Most of us gain a few pounds during the holiday season. With family dinners, holiday parties and gift baskets loaded with goodies, who thinks of staying fit?Instead of giving a pyramid of chocolate, a basket of tempting treats or a bottle of bubbly this year, why not be different? Give your loved ones a Holiday Health Kit to start out the New Y. . .

Will Your Vitamins Be Banned?

Imagine this scenario by the end of next August... You contact your favorite supplement distributor to purchase some of your usual vitamins and other supplements and you find out that they have all been banned! Gone. The joint support supplement you depended upon to keep your knees healing and pain free is now gone. The vitamins you loved to take to keep your energy level high and immune sys. . .

The Truth About Fat

Fat has had a lot of bad press and for many people, just a mention of the word can evoke misery. You can try to lose it, try to hide it, try to avoid it, but your body still needs it! Did you know that fat helps to insulate our nerve cells, keeps us warm, balances our hormones, keeps skin and arteries supple, lubricates joints and is a component in every cell? The key issue here is recognizing . . .

How To Get Tattooed

So… You want to get tattooed. Great! This can be a rewarding and life-enriching experience... IF done right. Knowing HOW to get tattooed is key to being happy with this decision. I hope in the following paragraphs to help you, as a potential client, learn the skills necessary to get a good tattoo, one you can live with. People get tattooed for a number of reasons… some good, some not so good. . . .

Ghost of Binges Past

Holidays and special events should be a time of great joy, but dieters customarily imagine these occasions with dread and horror. Why? Because celebrations are not celebrations without lots of high-calorie, tempting foods. Does this suggest that you have to become a social-scrooge to duck temptation? No. The “secret” is to create a survival “plan” ahead of time and stick to it throughout this h. . .

10 Tips For Better Sleep

We all need some help now and then in getting to sleep. Rather than just popping a pill which can be habit forming and lead to more sleep problems in the long term, try these sleeping tips. One or more of them will surely help.Have a hot bathNot hot enough to make you uncomfortable though. The heat of the water relaxes the muscles and also causes the core body temperature to drop afterwards whi. . .

Cherries - The Supercharged Fruit

The little red fruit that has been enjoyed by countless millions offers more than great taste. Are cherries truly fruit for a healthy you? Recent studies have revealed that cherries offer an assortment of health benefits including the ability to offer natural relief from joint pain caused from gout, arthritis and joint inflammation. So what makes the tasty red fruit so beneficial? The wonder of. . .

Is Man's Next Step Like A Can of Potted Meat?

Is it the dawning of the Age of Aquarius? For years, predictions have indicated that humanity is readying itself for a golden age, a so called new age that is right around the corner just waiting to roll in. According to these forecasts, the air we breath will be clean and our environment pure. Hunger, starvation and disease will be eliminated. Most importantly, we will finally experience t. . .

Go Ahead… Toss the Starfish!

There is an old story that tells of a man walking along a beach when up ahead in the distance, he catches sight of another man acting strangely. As he gets closer, he notices the man is picking things up from the sand and throwing them into the water.Upon reaching him, he sees the objects being tossed are starfish, stranded on shore by the retreating tide. Curious about his intentions, the firs. . .

Possible Pitfalls

There are as many reasons you’ve given yourself to eat as there are minutes in a day. Storm clouds do it for me. They trigger a memory from when I lived in Florida and went deep-sea fishing in Key West. When a squall was imminent, we’d pull our boat into a nearby atoll and wait out the storm while eating fresh fish sandwiches and drinking cold beer. Sandwiches are finger foods, which I now stee. . .

What is Real Hunger?

In order to identify hunger, you must first understand what it is. This is not as easy as it seems. Many of you may never have let yourself experience true hunger, only a feeling of discomfort. Not knowing exactly what it was, you may have been eating past hunger for such a long time you can no longer differentiate between hunger and the feeling of anxiety, stress, boredom, or any number of oth. . .

Should I Have a Face Lift

Good question! A face lift is major surgery and surgery means blood, mess, discomfort, stitches and time out to recover. A face lift is expensive too. There are risks to consider, one is hematoma when the blood collects under the skin and has to be surgically removed. Damage to the nerves that control your facial muscles is another although this is less common. Slow healing time can also be a p. . .

Survival Guide For Holiday Parties

If you have been watching your weight all year, you certainly won't want to add back the pounds during the holiday season! By making a commitment to yourself and your health, with these tips it will be possible to enjoy the holiday celebrations without adding extra pounds. 1. Don't think diet, rather think about eating smarter.2. Before attending a party, have a small high quality, nutritionall. . .

How to do the Atkins Diet Right?

Let me tell you something - if you are doing the Atkins Diet, you might be doing it WRONG. I have been on diet forums for years, have consulted thousands of people on low carb diets, and I am seeing it again and again. People don't know how to implement a low carb diet. Very often people fail to lose weight or to adapt to the low carb life style. Many people give it up after a couple of days be. . .

The Most Under Rated Aspect of Weight Loss

If I were asked, "what is the most difficult thing many people find to do when they start a weight-loss program?", I would have to say right near the top of the list is this - they don't drink enough water!Few people realise at first just how essential water is to the success of their weight-loss program. In fact, the essential place of water in our diet extends to everyone - whether they want . . .

Diet Sodas Drinkers: Are You Dehydrated?

Many of us have grown up drinking caffeinated diet sodas as an alternative to sugary regular sodas. We figure this is a better choice rather than loading ourselves (and our children's bodies) with large quantities of sugar. Whilst diet sodas do help us avoid a sugar overload (which can lead to weight gain) we should also be aware of the effects of caffeine contained in many cola flavored diet . . .

As The Primary Care Giver for an Alzheimer’s Patient, How...

Taking care of a loved one who has Alzheimer’s is a huge responsibility and very time consuming. It can bring a lot of stress, frustration and more. You devote all your time to your loved one and not have time for yourself anymore. You always wonder: when can I take a break from her? It is not an easy decision, but sometimes it has to be made for your own well being.There are different options . . .

Alzheimer’s Patients And Verbal Abuse: How To Deal With It

Abuse of any kind is difficult to deal with. Types of verbal abuse can include the following: Does your loved one ignore your feelings? Is he disrespectful? Does he withhold approval, appreciation or affection? Does he walk away without answering you? Does he criticize you, call you names or yell at you? Does he humiliate you in public or in the privacy of your home? Does he tell you that you a. . .

Bath Time For Your Alzheimer’s Patient

Caring for an Alzheimer’s patient is one of the most difficult things you can do. It involves a lot of energy, time and patience. It can be very frustrating. People with Alzheimer’s may refuse help from caregivers. This is a sign that they are actually trying to communicate with you. Refusal to accept care is a sign that something is missing or not right. It’s up to the caregiver to assess the . . .

As The Primary Caregiver, Should I Journal My Feelings Ab...

Being a caregiver is stressful and difficult. It involves contradictory feelings, thoughts and frustrations. When you have to care for a loved one who has Alzheimer’s, you have to be patient, talk with a calm voice and never “talk down” to your loved one.Journaling your thoughts and feelings will definitely help you cope with the situation. Write in your journal all that comes through your mind. . .

The Miraculous Claims of the Zone Diet

One way of recognizing a fad diet is said to be the promise of multiple miraculous effects upon health. And Zone diet promises a lot."Why is the Zone diet so controversial?""Beats me!"Extract from an interview with Dr. Barry Sears, by Harper&Collins PublishersFive cover promisesAt first glance, Barry Sears' first published book "Enter The Zone" has the following main points: Lose weight permane. . .

How Do I Choose The Best Arthritis Medicine?

Are you spending a fortune on prescription arthritis medicines? Are they helping? Are you concerned about side effects? You may think a particular drug is a miraculous godsend. Yet, someone you know may take the same dose only to experience little relief and life-threatening side effects. All of the choices can be confusing. The best treatment for your arthritis is based on your needs. . . .

Improve Your Eating Habits To Save Money On Prescriptions!

Do you like the arthritis pain relief you get from over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pills (like ibuprofen)? But do they “bother your stomach”? Take an honest assessment of your eating habits. Think about your diet before you declare the cheaper NSAIDs off-limits and switch to the more expensive coxibs like Celebrex® or Bextra®. (Each costs about $100 per month!) If you tend to skip meals or e. . .

How to cope with agitation in your loved one who has Alzh...

Many times, understanding the meaning of a word can give us great insight into the issue at hand.What is agitation? Extreme emotional disturbance. (The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language) A stirring up or arousing; disturbance of tranquility; disturbance of mind that shows itself by physical excitement. (Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary). A mental state of extreme emoti. . .

How to get the Alzheimer’s patient off the road... Taking...

For most people, driving is a necessity as well as a symbol of independence. There are very few people that will easily give up their independence and give you the keys to their vehicle. Yet for individuals with Alzheimer's disease, driving a vehicle can pose serious risks and endanger themselves or others. The decision of when to stop driving is one that Alzheimer's patients and their families. . .

Simple Tips to Cure a Yeast Infection

You are welcome to reproduce this article in any manner you see fit, provided it is left in its current state and the biographical information is intact.The itching, the burning...aghhhh! It's enough to test the limits of sanity for any woman. And while yeast infections are thought to be mainly a problem among women, did you know that men can also get them? This is especially true for a man who. . .

Virility Demystified

Throughout the eons of human existence, virility has been a predominant desire. For many, virility is aligned in our subconscious with attributes such as youth, health, and physical proficiency. It is an indication of the ability to reproduce, a trait genetically implanted in our being. However, for numerous men, through no fault of their own, virility is a trait that is not easily achieved.. . .

Is Heat or Ice Better for Arthritis Pain?

You probably know that applying heat or ice to a painful joint can help relieve pain, but have questions about these simple techniques. Which one? Why? How often? How long? The only time you must choose “ice” is during the first 48 hours after a sudden injury or surgery. Cooling the area causes the nearby blood vessels to constrict; there is less swelling, so there is less pain. Heat open. . .

How Do You Know if You Have Manic-Depression

Nancy was doing very well until about two years ago when Phil, her boyfriend of 9 years, broke-up with her. It was a difficult moment for her especially after she learned that Phil eventually married her cousin. Since then, Nancy had deteriorated. One evening, she was involved in a motor vehicular accident because she was driving fast and recklessly in a quiet suburban neighborhood. During inte. . .

Medicinal Properties of Bitter Melon - Good for Diabetics

Bitter Melon is the English name of Momordica charantia, a climbing vine whose leaves and green fruits, although bitter, has been used to fight cancer, diabetes and many infectious diseases. It is also a powerful weapon against HIV/AIDS since some reports claim that bitter melon has substance Q. It is one of the most favorite egetables among the Chinese and the most popular herbal tea as well.T. . .

Getting Kids Moving - Help for Overweight Teens

I recently read about a residential school program for overweight teens with a hefty price tag in excess of $5,000 per month. Whew, that should sweat off a few pounds just thinking about it. These programs rely on the same course as what is commonly recommended; a strict eating plan and increased activity schedule. Hopefully some counseling is offered, and college prep courses are the curriculu. . .

Managing Cravings with EFT

There are several ways to manage cravings including: Attempting to simply stop eating the food you crave (out of sight out of mind). Modifying your eating habits around a particular food, i.e. cut back on the quantity or how often you indulge. Use EFT to address whatever is driving you to this attachment to this particular food and end the cravings for good. What Doesn't Work:Stop Eating the . . .

Crohn's Disease and Stress

It was so tough in those early years. Not knowing what was wrong. I didn't know what to think. Was I going crazy? The doctor said I have a nervous stomach. I'm not a nervous person.Then I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease. Even though it's a chronic disease without a cure, it was a relief to know what was wrong. But then the reality set in. How was my life going to change?And change it did. I. . .

Do Low Carbohydrate Diets Lead to Weight Loss Success?

So your neighbor, office mate, best friend, whoever just lost 10 pounds in only two weeks following the latest in high protein low carbohydrate diets. And now you’re thinking you should give it a go -- have even started the search for high protein low carbohydrate recipes? True, high protein low carb diets seem to be leading many people to weight loss success. Trouble is, they seemed to do it 3. . .

B Vitamin Hype: With Ambitions of Fighting Acne, Rosacea ...

Vitamin B is no small time player in the high stakes game of the beauty. Just take the case of pellagra for example. Pellagra is a life threatening skin disease characterized by dementia, diarrhea, and dermatitis that results from a niacin (B vitamin) deficiency. In the early 20th century in the United States pellagra plagued thousands of people in the South and Midwest. The condition was thoug. . .

St Johns Wort and Depression

The bright yellow flower of the St Johns Wort (hypericum perforatum) with it's ray-like petals, represents the power of the sun that forces away the darkness. This already points to the anti-depressant effects of the St Johns Wort which are highly respected, even in conventional medicine.St. John's Wort, a perennial plant, has been used for hundreds of years to treat depression, unrest and anxi. . .

Personal Lubricant Choices Affect Male Fertility

While scientific studies continue to tout the benefits of technology in assisted reproduction, relatively little is known about natural methods of fertility enhancement. The importance of the cervical mucus environment and it’s affects on the function of male spermatozoa is underappreciated. In the absence of cervical mucus, or in the case of vaginal dryness, couples frequently resort to person. . .

Is Penis Enlargement Safe?

Yes it is 100% safe, obviously you have to be careful and avoid the dangerous techniques. Apart from when I did weights and stretches I never had any injuries while doing the natural penis enlargement and the pills. Below I re-iterate the techniques to avoid.Studies have shown that most men are interested in penis enlargement. In fact these studies show that most men are not satisfied with thei. . .

Explaining the Benefits of Sperm Pills

“Sperm pill” is a term that is commonly used to describe specific male enhancement products. Sperm pills are supplements that have been proven to increase ejaculation fluid, sperm activity, and sperm count during the ejaculation process. Typically, during an erection, sexual arousal causes increased blood flow through the arteries in the penis. These arteries expand, allowing for more blood t. . .

Foam Pillows are Changing the way the World Sleeps

For countless people worldwide, getting a good night’s sleep on a regular basis is an elusive, if not almost impossible, goal. The causes for this malady are numerous, and could consist of overwork, stress, pain, a sleep disorder, and the list goes on. While some people may require a physician’s assistance in developing a normal sleep pattern, many Americans have found great benefit by merely. . .

Beating Your Neck, Back and Shoulder Pain

Suffering from neck, back and shoulder pain? If you are, you’re in good company. Millions of people wake up every morning and endure every day experiencing pain in their necks, backs and shoulders. While neck, back and shoulder pain used to be thought of as conditions affecting only adults, due to more parents scheduling routine doctors visits for their kids, it’s becoming increasingly apparent. . .

Neck Pillows – What’s All The Buzz About?

They’re invading the homes of consumers everywhere. You see them on the television, hear about them on the radio, read about them in the papers… Stories abound about how they’ve miraculously healed numerous ailments. So what is the real story behind the increasingly popular neck pillows? In reality, it actually comes down to basic science. In grade-school we learned all about the different part. . .

You Don’t Have to Live With Stiff Neck Pain

Getting quality sleep has, for many, become an elusive goal in the modern day. We work longer hours, take less time off, and try to overcompensate by micromanaging what little free time is available to in order to enjoy all facets of our lives. More and more of us are becoming aware that we are fatigued, and this is further exaggerated by the countless advertisements and commercials that disc. . .

Minimum Health or Maximum Health? That is the Question!

Picture yourself in one of the following scenarios. You're cruising along in your new car by the ocean or in the mountains near the ski lodge, or just a leisurely drive through a beautiful forest or in the country. You stop and smell the fresh air you hear the scenic sounds. You are at peace. You're relaxing on the patio of your new home - you see the mountains or lake in the distance. Your fri. . .

Exercise and the Time Clock

I have to admit that I sometimes find it amusing when someone knows I am a trainer and proceeds to elaborate on the hours that they spend in the gym. One example was a few years back when I was introduced to a nice young women, who proceeded to tell me that she went to the gym twice a day, an hour each time. Unless this second hour was spent in the jacuzzi or making up for lost time due to ch. . .

The Mysterious Dr.Atkins Death

The spring fallDr Atkins' death was extremely unexpected. On 8 April 2003, he fell on an icy street, lost his conscience and never recovered until his death, 9 days later. On 17 April 2003 medical support was withdrawn and Robert C. Atkins passed away. Soon after his death, nonbelievers and people who denied and blamed Atkins diet, showed very little compassion or sympathy. Rumors about dr. Atk. . .

Health Thoughts Living on the Health Minimum Wage?

Random thoughts taken from valuable sources, what many nutrition experts consider to be the most important nutrients and health habits a person should have to help them stay healthy long term. We would categorize them into the following areas. Dietary Fiber - Fiber is extremely important to your health in a number of different ways. According to the National Institutes of Health one of the comm. . .

Overcoming the Torture of a Snoring Partner

Nothing is quite as frustrating as trying to sleep and hearing the guttural sounds of your loved one next to you snoring. It was supposed to be for better or for worse, but no one told you anything about endless nights of being woken up by the frustrating sounds, the bags under your eyes that would follow, and the necessity for you to consume five cups of coffee a day just to stay awake. As bad. . .

Longer Sex

Many of us longingly dream of having longer sexual encounters that will leave us breathless. We see vivid and tempting displays of such pursuits on the television and in movies, read enticing depictions in books, and even hear others speak of long and enjoyable sexual experiences that blew their minds. Why then, aren’t you able to enjoy longer and greater sex? You can. In fact, many individu. . .