Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Life Insurance – Smokers and Overweights pay over 50% more!

The life insurance industry is becoming tougher on smokers and those of us who are overweight. When an insurance company calculates its premiums, it has to work out the risk of you dying whilst the policy is in force. (Or with Critical Illness Insurance, the risk that you will become critically or seriously ill during the policy's term.) In this context, smoking and obesity have become increasi. . .

The Importance of Being Positive To Relieve Pain – Part 2

In a previous article I spoke about how a positive attitude can help you manage your arthritis pain. I suggested you get yourself a book on Positive Thinking. If you haven’t got one yet, please do so. Most are not expensive and will certainly be of great benefit to you. Did you try my suggestion about thinking back to when you did not have arthritis? Have you tried that technique and had any r. . .

Measuring And Monitoring Your Bodyfat: Improves Overall H...

With so many diets and fads being offered on the market today, it is no wonder why people are not just confused about weight loss and health, but in many cases, actually doing their body more harm than good. Unfortunately, one of the aspects of dieting that you see most often is the reduction or elimination of fat. The problem is that the body needs a certain amount of fat to function but witho. . .

Cold Sore Symptoms - The Domino Effect

Knowing your personal cold sore symptoms and being sensitive to them is an essential part of reducing the severity - or completely eliminating - cold sore symptoms from your life.Let me explain.Cold sore symptoms are caused by the replication process of the herpes simplex virus. 89% of people worldwide have this virus in their body, so it is quite universal. 67% of those folks will experience. . .

Foot Fetish: A Look At The Use Of Silver In Footwear

While foot odor is rarely discussed around the water cooler, it is an embarrassing problem that affects millions of people. Your feet harbor millions of organisms and bacteria. Our feet can produce over a cup of moisture per day, and the heat and moisture build up in our shoes to create an active source for these organisms to develop and grow.Foot odor occurs when various bacteria, primarily c. . .

"Banking Calories": Eat Less Now To Pig Out Later???

Suppose you’re on a diet and you have a banquet or a holiday party coming up. You’re expecting a big meal to be served for dinner, and there will be open bar with lots and lots of “party snacks.” You’re not sure if there will be any healthy food there, but you are sure that you’re going to be in a festive, partying mood! What should you do? Should you cut back on your food earlier in the day to. . .

15 Muscle Building Rules For Skinny Guys And Gals! (Part 1)

WHY CAN'T YOU GAIN WEIGHT? Though there may be many reasons why you may be thin, the most apparent reason is because of your genetics. If your parents are naturally thin or have a small body frame, then you will most likely have the same small body type. To some degree, your size can also be controlled by your metabolism. If you have a difficult time gaining weight of any kind (fat or muscle) t. . .

How to Lose Weight Permanently - in 3 Steps

For many people losing weight is not so much the problem as keeping it off. You may find that you have the willpower to stick with your diet and reach your target weight. But although you feel great having achieved your goal, somehow the weight always creeps back on. The fact is to lose weight permanently you need to make permanent changes to your lifestyle. After all your lifestyle made you ov. . .

How to Stay Thin Through the Holidays

It's snowing here in Pennsylvania. The snow has covered the ground and the roads are getting slick. The falling snow is a sobering reminder that it is about to get real cold in the northeast! Many people have decided to throw their diets out the window until the New Year. With Thanksgiving past and the more holidays soon to come, it almost seems pointless to try and stay fit.But it is my j. . .

5 Simple Steps to Lower Your Cholesterol Level

You can lower cholesterol without drugs by following some basic steps that will not only change your cholesterol readings, but also improve your health today and in the future. So often we use a prescription drug and hope it will magically cure whatever ails us. The truth is prescription drugs for lowering cholesterol do work. The problem is both the short term and long-term side effects.Eve. . .

Why Organic?

“Beauty is a glorious gift of nature.” HomerWhat you put on your skin is absorbed through your skin. To be more precise, the skin absorbs approximately 60% of any substance applied to it. Hence the success of trans-dermal skin patches prescribed by physicians to deliver medications.Unfortunately, most of the skin care products mass produced for the market today, even those claiming to be `all n. . .

IPL or Intense Pulsed Light Therapy - The Gentle Alternat...

Laser treatments have come a long way since they first appeared in the mid nineties. IPL - also called Flashlamp, MultiLight or Photo Laser - can perform minor miracles on sun damaged skin (photoaging) anywhere on the body, but most significantly on the face and hands.IPL is a safer option than tradition laser resurfacing and is commonly used for facial hair removal, removal of birth marks and . . .

A Bird-Flu Pandemic Could Start Tomorrow

Bird flu is a disease caused by a specific type of avian (bird) influenza virus, the so-called H5N1 virus. This virus was first discovered in birds in China in 1997 and since then has infected 125 people in Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Indonesia, killing 64 of them. It is spread by infected migratory birds (including wild ducks and geese) to domestic poultry (primarily chickens, ducks, and . . .

Using the Swiss Ball for Improved Posture and Increased S...

For individuals looking for better posture and increased flexibility and strength, nothing could be easier than training with a Swiss ball.WHAT IS A SWISS BALL?The Swiss ball, also called the Stability ball, Exercise ball, Flexibility ball or other names, is a large, inflated, rubber ball. The Swiss ball was originally created in Italy in the 1960's and provides instability or resistance which . . .

Insomnia - Three Ways Get A Peaceful Night's Sleep

Everyone has the occasional bad night’s sleep. But if the odd sleepless night is replaced by regular sleeplessness then you may be experiencing a form of insomnia. Insomnia is a common problem as highlighted by a recent Which? report that suggested in the United Kingdom "Up to one in four people report difficulty sleeping at least three times a week, and the problem is more common in older peop. . .

Weight Loss Survey: Why Dieters Fail To Lose Weight

Current levels of overweight and obesity, together with weight-related disease, have made weight control a major health priority throughout America. Yet statistics indicate that average weight reduction on conventional diets adds up to a mere 5-8 pounds per year. So why do we find dieting so difficult? According to a new survey(1), the answer seems to be: because we make 3 crucial mistakes. We . . .

Why Aren’t You Using Online Fitness Coaching?

If I were to tell you that you could burn away as much fat as possible by sitting at your computer twiddling your fingers and toes, would you believe me? Well I sure hope you don't!However, losing weight in the confines of your own home at your computer is not only possible, it's a reality. What I mean is that you can use the advice that's given to you through online fitness coaching to pursu. . .

Guide to Natural Acne Treatments

Acne is a problem for many people. There are a variety of products that are designed to get rid of or reduce acne. However, many people do not know that there are natural ways to reduce acne, or completely eliminate it. The best way to naturally get rid of pimples is to consider the causes of acne. By avoiding the causes of acne, you can greatly reduce the amount of acne you have.Acne is caused. . .

What on Earth are Enzymes?

Enzymes are the workers in our body that make everything function, by enabling chemical reactions. All living cells contain enzymes. They are hard to visualize, since they are not something tangible, but our lives depend on them.There are many kinds of enzymes, and they do everything from helping us breath to our start of life at conception. Eighty percent of our DNA code relates to enzymes. Bu. . .

Six Ways To Shorten Cold And Flu Symptoms

There are little things we can do everyday to stay healthy. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we catch a cold or flu. Antibiotics are ineffectual in treating viruses. However, there are some alternative methods we can use to lessen flu and cold symptoms. Here are six:The Old Standbys. Chicken soup has been proven, over the years, to ease symptoms of the flu. Garlic contains immune boosting s. . .

Discover The Secrets Of High-Performance Gymnastics Throu...

Gymnastics in a unique sport to develop a proper strength training plan for. Gymnasts have incredible neuromuscular connections. Gymnastics requires, strength, power, flexibility, speed, and complete control over the body. The momentum required for gymnastics puts extreme forces and stresses on the gymnasts body. For these reasons, strength training is a MUST for gymnasts.You must approach. . .

10 “Strength Training“ Commandments For Wrestlers!

In part one of this series I discussed some tips to keep your strength and muscle, or even gain some during the wrestling season. In part two of this series I will give you ten sure-fire tips for improving your “wrestling strength” and therefore your wrestling performances. These tips apply to both in-season and off-season training.1. Train the “Posterior Chain”The posterior chain muscles ar. . .

Are Liquid Vitamins Enough?

In our fast paced world, the population is eating a diet that accommodates the fast paced lifestyle. Fast food is easy and allows the working class to eat a meal in the convenient allotted hour.Health professionals and advocates constantly preach the risks of this lifestyle. The repeated calorie and trans fat content warnings are on the minds of many even while these fried foods are consumed. I. . .

Why Do Liquid Vitamins Contain Antioxidants?

Vitamins offer many health benefits. Many only think they need to take a good vitamin supplement because their mother said so. However, vitamin supplements offer antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C, and vitamin A. These antioxidants combat reactive oxygen intermediates (free radicals). In order for us to understand why it is important to take a vitamin supplement rich in antioxidants,. . .

Holiday Table Strategies

It’s that time of year again and for most of us that will mean rounds of parties, get-togethers and holiday dinners. While the holidays are a great time to get-together with family and friends, they can be a real threat to our diets. This year instead of giving up holiday get-togethers all together or giving in to the decadent fare spread out before you and regretting it later learn how to succ. . .

What Help For Those With Anxiety Problems?

Social phobia, also called social anxiety disorder, involves overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in everyday social situations. People with social phobia have a persistent, intense, and chronic fear of being watched and judged by others and being embarrassed or humiliated by their own actions. Their fear may be so severe that it interferes with work or school, and other ordina. . .

Understanding Insomnia

Sleep disorders are part of a broad category encompassing a variety of conditions that affect sleep. Insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome are the most common, but sleep disorders also include sleep walking, hypersomnia, and night terrors. There isn't enough space to provide an in- depth explanation for each, so starting with insomnia, the four most common ones will be explor. . .

Abdominal Hysterectomy Recovery Time After Hysterectomy

Having an abdominal hysterectomy and the recovery time after hysterectomy are significant events in any woman's life. Since an abdominal hysterectomy is an in-patient surgical procedure, you should plan on being away from home and work during the surgery and perhaps during the beginning recovery time after hysterectomy. The length of the hospital stay depends on what type of hysterectomy you ha. . .

Home Exercise Programs Designed For Weight Loss

Home exercise programs are a great way to keep fit and lose weight. Along with proper diet and nutrition, an exercise program can help speed your metabolism and burn calories faster. There are a number of home exercise videos that will give you the direction and motivation you need to burn fat and lose weight quickly. But, why are exercise videos a great option in your home exercise program? Th. . .

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: An Overview

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? There are 8 bones in our wrists called carpals. They form a tunnel like structure. That is how carpal tunnel got its name. Finger movements are controlled by flexor tendons, which are found within this tunnel. The median nerve reaches sensory cells in the hand, through this pathway of tunnel. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful and progressive condition that occu. . .

How To Develop A Strength Training Program To Run Faster!

Whether you are a sprinter, middle distance, or long distance runner, a properly executed strength training program will be the key to improving your running times.If you’re a runner, you MUST strength train correctly. Running for distance, being aerobic in nature, will begin to break down good muscle tissue. You need a strength training program that will keep the muscle you have, and ultimat. . .

Colon Cleansing And Colon Hydrotherapy

Detoxification programs have long been used to help with many illnesses and conditions. Colon cleansing and colon hydrotherapy are two of the most popular detoxification therapies, and many swear by these alternative treatments for improved energy, health and vitality.The colon is a long tube in your body that helps with the end of the digestive process, eliminates the residue of digestion from. . .

Detox To Lose Weight

Detoxification programs have been promoted as the remedy to today’s unhealthy lifestyles for years. Proponents of detoxification note that a good detox can help increase energy, slow the aging process, aid the digestive system and help relieve the symptoms of diabetes and asthma. One of the greatest benefits of a good detoxification program is weight loss. Our bodies are equipped with several s. . .

Daily Calorie Intake Control

Your ideal daily calorie intake depends upon various factors such as your age, activity level and whether you are trying to lose, gain or maintain weight. During the past two decades obesity has doubled in the United States and much the same is true of other countries. If people do not start taking action now they will experience reduced life expectancy.It doesn't matter how big you are most ca. . .

Fasting: The “Fastest” Way to Lose Weight

The author of the acclaimed “Mucusless Diet Healing System”, Prof Arnold Ehret once said “If one way is true...it is the way of Nature!” It will be an understatement to say he was and is so correct.In this day and age when everyone desires to be slim or slimmer as the case may be, only very few people know that one sure-fire, all natural, method can lead to a slimmer and more importantly health. . .

Healthy Digestion

Having a healthy digestion system is more than being free of discomforts, heartburn, gas, and constipation. When foods are not digested thoroughly, nutrients cannot get to the cell. Nutrients are captured as food passes through the digestive system. The body needs a constant flow of nutrients, to grow, generate energy, and to repair tissue. A lack of digestive enzymes in the stomach and intesti. . .

Bird Flu

Bird Flu PreventionBird Flu is coming to our shores, make no mistake. Its not if but when. Simple preventive measures can help to prevent its spread both to poultry and humans. The Media have been harping on about Bird Flu for months. So much so that we have all become bored of it...Just like the imminemt "SARS" outbreak we were going to have a few years ago. Well don't become complacent, becau. . .

Shopping: Stress Reducer

Shopping …shopping…and shopping again. Everybody is busy nowadays preparing gifts for their loves one for Christmas present.It seems the word “SALE” which is installed everywhere inside the store has became magnet for shoppers to come. Probably shoppers will always crazy with the SALE items.Don’t get it wrong! Not only people come to stores to look for “SALE” but also to release stress. Shoppin. . .

How Do I Know If I Have Genital Herpes?

How do I know if I have genital herpes?Despite the fact that millions of Americans are living with genital herpes, the disease can be surprisingly difficult to detect in some cases. However, many people with genital herpes have at least some detectable signs. The most obvious sign of genital herpes is the appearance of red bumps in and/or around the genital area, often starting around two weeks. . .

Popular Reasons To Choose Fitness Ebooks

There's no doubt that in the last few years, there's been a storm of electronic publications hitting the Internet. These electronic books or eBooks have grown with such popularity, that there's been an influx of eBook libraries & stores let along traditional publishers switching to digital print because of easier distribution.With thousands of different eBook topics on the market, health & fit. . .

Skin Health Secrets: How to apply skin care products

It is pretty well known that different people get different results with the same skin care products. This can be caused by variations in body chemistry, but more often than not it’s because everyone applies skin care products differently.Of course, if a particular product doesn’t give you the results you expect, it doesn’t always mean you are applying the product incorrectly. Unfortunately, ma. . .

Do I Or Don't I Do Diet Sweeteners?

Whether or not you decide to use chemical sweeteners is your choice. BUT, in order to make an educated decision about the safety of diet chemical sugar substitutes, consumers must be informed about the negative aspects of these chemical sweeteners. A healthy eating lifestyle requires an education in chemistry these days, especially when laboratory chemicals are used as replacements for natural. . .

Know Thy Food Label

Whether you're concerned about cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or simply losing weight, you want to eat a healthy diet and focus on foods that are high in vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, and balanced in fats, carbs, proteins.There is only one way to incorporate healthy foods into our diet and that is to make the decision to do it! Practical information about the nutrition and . . .

Liver Detox Diet

The liver is an amazing organ. Tasked with removing toxins from the body, the liver acts as a natural filter. However, with today’s poor, overly processed dietary habits and overindulgence, it is easy for your liver to become overwhelmed and “clogged”. The liver filters the toxins from the bloodstream, chemically changing them into harmless substances that can be excreted easily. As one of the . . .

Colon Cleansing And You

Your colon is a tube like structure that runs down to your anus from the stomach. It consists of the large intestine and small intestine.As you consume food and liquids, these items accumulate in the bowel as waste products. It is necessary that the bowel should be emptied of these waste products, otherwise they become toxins and the colon health begins to suffer.Good colon health implies the p. . .

Can Exercise Harm You?

When you exercise, your brain releases chemicals called endorphins that produce a feeling of euphoria – the so called “runner’s high” that people can become chemically addicted to. Without it, you feel irritable and out of sorts till you exercise again. So you go on exercising, never stopping to listen to what you body is saying. And what its saying is, “Stop.”The reason exercise addicts keep p. . .

Why A Positive Attitude Helps In Coping With Arthritis Pa...

Why A Positive Attitude Helps In Coping With Arthritis Pain – Part 1 Think Positive To Relieve Arthritis Pain.My name is Cathy Posner and I live in Wauchope which is on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, Australia. I was born in 1957 and in late 2004 was told that the aches in my joints were Rheumatoid Arthritis. My husband, Ray has a very positive approach to everything and I guess that h. . .

Close Kept Secrets to Weight Loss Lesson #25

Hello Magnanimous You!Isn’t magnanimous an incredible word? It’s a four syllable word…WHEW! That’s who you are! How could you not be since you are made perfect as a child of God? WOW! Each day keeps getting better and better, doesn’t it? Imagine over the course of the last few months how your life has changed. You’re becoming more and more aware of the daily focus on you that is required. . .

A Primer On Finding & Selecting Medical Insurance

At one time, only a few such as the self employed really hadto know much about selecting medical insurance because formany years, the majority of the working population wasworking in "employee" status and Medical Insurance was acompany benefit, and one that had very few choices involved.Today that benefit is either disappearing or being offeredwith choices ranging from family plan to PPO to HMO. . .

The Controversy Surrounding Ephedra

The Chinese discovered ephedra in the form of the Ma Huang plant more than 5,000 years ago and it is the basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The Chinese have long used ephedra to treat colds and flus, fever, and many other symptoms. Recent research has shown that ephedra increases metabolism, promotes weight loss and fat burning, curbs your appetite, relaxes the air passages in the lungs to . . .