Health by dratiffarid

If you have been smoking, it’s the best time to resolve to quit smoking by the end of 2009. I know it’s not at all easy. It’s easier said that done. But if you try, then I’m sure you will be successful. Make it your top priority of 2009.

Did you know that smoking not only causes lung cancer but also other chronic lung diseases? It gets worse to such a point that neither any drug nor oxygen can help.

95% of successful quitters have a history of at least 3-4 temporarily successful attempts prior to experiencing a sustained period of abstinence from smoking.

So, as millions of smokers around the world will resolve to quit smoking on January 1st, majority of them will continue smoking on Valentine’s Day.

It is best to resolve to quit smoking by the end of 2009. Remember that it’s not easy and you have to start working from the beginning. It’s a process.

It’s important to make your goal measurable and objective. For example, you may want to limit the number of cigarettes to half the usual by the next month. Make sure you assess your progress throughout the year.

Make subgoals like decreasing the number of cigarettes by 2 every 2 weeks.

It’s also important to determine how you will achieve this goal. When you are tempted, go outside and don’t be alone. Be around friends who don’t smoke. Avoid places where smoking is common.

Another tip is to change your environment. Remove all cigarettes and ashtrays from your home and work place. Do not cheat and believe in yourself. Nictonine patches or gums may also be used.

Remember that relapses are expected. Those who can quit for a year will be able to quit smoking permanently.

Further Reading:

25 reasons to QUIT smoking

The other day I was studying a topic. I read it once and tried to recall as much as I could. I remembered more than 50% of it. Then I read it once more and I remembered even more and the more number of times I read the same topic, the better I remembered it. It made me wonder ‘How does the brain really work?’.

A research conducted in 2005 in the UK showed that the adult brain is growing and learning. In case the brain is damaged such that a person cannot perform a specific skill, the brain forms new connections in the brain and eventually the skill is learned.

Just think about this. Have you ever tried learning to play a new instrument? What about learning a new language? What if you moved to a new area, do you remember the roads instantly? The common link is that your brain learns and adapts!

The same study also showed that you can train your brain to keep learning faster.

1) Learn a new language. The more, the better.

2) Do crossword puzzles like Sudoku which make you think.

3) Learn to play an instrument or learn a new activity (like stitching or riding a bike).

4) Read a book.

Since, I joined my medical course, I’ve already learned a new language. Okay, I had a different driving force to learn. The main reason why I had to learn the language was to interact with patients. But, I did it and I feel great.

I think I need to do those crossword puzzles more often.

Are you planning of doing any of these? Besides the body, wouldn’t you like to keep your brain fit as well?

Further Reading:

Solve a Soduku puzzle NOW!

I have my final exams in a few weeks and some of my friends have been taking energy drinks like Red Bull. I always knew they were bad for health and in this article I would like to throw some more light on them.

The main reason why someone takes energy drinks is to boost their mental and physical capacity (as it contains caffeine and other stimulants). It’s important to know that it works only for a short period of time.

The other important aspect is that energy drinks and sports drinks (like Gatorade) are different. Sports drinks also provide sugar which helps replenish carbohydrates. It also maintains electrolyte levels in your body. They are mainly used to rehydrate your body.

Research has proven 4 common side-effects of energy drinks which are nausea, vomiting, electrolyte imbalances and heart irregularities.

These side-effects are seen only when consumed in large quantities or mixed with alcohol.

Recommendations for Red Bull users:

1) The limit on Red Bull Energy Drink is 500 mL or two cans a day which is indicated on their product label.

2) Do not mix it with alcohol.

It’s better to avoid such drinks and rather have a nap in between work.

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Dr. Scott Olson ND, the founder of National Sugar Free Month, is launching a support group to help people turn away from sugar and towards healthy weight loss.

He’s a naturopathic doctor and has written a book on sugar addiction, Sugarettes.

January is International Sugar Free Month. Please see the link at the end for more information.

Why is sugar bad?

Here are some of the reasons that have been proved by recent research studies.

#1 It suppresses your immune system, so you are prone for more infections.

#2 It can cause anxiety and you can have difficulty in concentrating.

#3 It can cause a significant rise in your triglyceride levels (which later lead to obesity, hypertension and other heart diseases).

#4 It can cause a variety of cancers like breast, ovaries, prostate.

#5 It can increase fasting levels of glucose, leading to diabetes.

#6 It can weaken your eyesight.

#7 It can lead to alcoholism.

#8 It can cause tooth decay.

#9 It can cause arthritis.

#10 It can cause asthma.

#11 It can cause gall stones

#12 It is very addictive.

#13 It is harmful to your blood vessels.

#14 It can cause indigestion.

#15 It can precipitate an attack of migraine or epilepsy.

Further Reading:

30 Sugar Free Days by Olson ND

Children seem to become more sedentary every year, watching TV and playing video games instead of playing outdoor sports with their friends. Even schools have stopped emphasizing fitness.

Children need regular exercise to built strong bones and muscles. Besides, exercise also helps them sleep well and night and stay alert and be fresh during the day. If such habits are established in childhood, it will help them during adolescence when they undergo rapid growth. It will also help them to avoid overeating due to social influences.

In the recent survey, it was concluded that in the past 30 years the childhood obesity rate has tripled in the US leading to more number of children with diabetes.

As a parent, here’s what you can do.

#1 Limit screen time. Make sure that your child is not glued to the TV or playing video games. Keep an eye on the time he spends talking on the phone as well.

#2 Children usually hate exercising. Let them do whatever activity they like which involves movement. For example, if they are interested in soccer, make sure you encourage them.

#3 Start at a young age. It’s easier to mould a child’s interest. So, make sure you encourage them to take part in sports at an early age.

#4 The golden rule is to set a good example. Children usually copy what their parents do. Be active yourself. Use the stairs. Swimming helps too. If you aren’t really into sports, dancing helps too.

Further Reading:

DANCE your way to HEALTH!

What’s your kid’s sports gene?