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Heat Related Health Problems

September 6th, 2009

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Contrary to what many people believe, heat related health problems are not confined to hot climates. They can happen anywhere even indoors. When we exercise we sweat. Our metabolism also increases. The result is a loss of body water and electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. When these losses become severe, adverse reactions occur. These reactions can be mild or serious depending upon the severity of the water loss.

Overheating may cause heat syncope that is characterized by dizziness, fainting or near fainting, a drop in blood pressure, high temperature, and moist skin.

A loss of body sodium may result in heat cramps, which involve tightening, cramps and muscle spasms. There is no loss of consciousness but considerable pain and discomfort.

Heat exhaustion is signaled by dizziness, weakness, exhaustion, nausea and vomiting in its early stages. Usually the skin is moist and flushed but it can also be dry. The temperature is high and muscle cramps may also be present. If not treated, heat exhaustion can result in partial or total unconsciousness, and lead to heat stroke.

Heat stoke is accompanied by extremely high fever, disorientation, twitching, seizures and coma. The skin is hot and dry.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency and requires a physician’s attention. The person should be evacuated to a medical emergency room as soon as possible. In the meantime the skin should be cooled by applying ice or cold water or using a fan. If oxygen is available, it should be given. Do not try to give fluids, as a person in heat stroke may not be able to swallow.

Heat syncope, heat cramps and heat exhaustion can be treated by having the patient lie down in a cool, shaded area. Loosen heavy clothing. Give water to drink and cool the body by applying cold compresses or using a fan. The person should rest for two to three hours before engaging in any activity.

Heat related problems are usually associated with athletic activity. They can be prevented if people will do the following.

Always wear lightweight loose clothing when exercising or doing heavy work. Have cold or cool water available and drink it frequently. If in a different climate, such as on vacation in a hotter area than you are accustomed to, allow yourself to acclimatize before starting to exercise. Work up to intense exercise gradually.

You do not need to take salt or calcium tablets. Your body automatically conserves salt and calcium if you drink sufficient water. However, if you are a person who tends to sweat a lot you should use more salt on your food.

You can also use commercial electrolyte drinks. However, water is cheaper and just as effective. What is important is to be sure to drink enough of it. You may need to carry it with you if it isn’t readily available.

If you have had a heat related illness in the past or are especially sensitive to heat, you need to be more careful.

People who are overweight or obese are particularly susceptible to heat related illnesses and should use extra caution when engaged in physical activities, even mild ones, in hot weather.

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Singapore Fitness Bootcamp Owner Explains – Are Low Carbohydrate Diets Bad?

August 11th, 2009

As a Singapore personal trainer and fitness bootcamp owner, I always try to stay up to date about health news being shown in the media.

A few days ago there were a few articles in local Singapore papers and news about the “evils” of low carbohydrate diets. They are simply incorrect.

Here are my thoughts…and what I wrote about in my reply to them.

“It’s a shame that there are so many myths about what kind of diet is best for health, many consumers get so confused.” Ok for some people, but not for others

Ok for some people, but not for others

“My role as a Singapore personal trainer and fitness boot camp owner is to help as many people as possible to achieve their health and fitness goals by helping them prevent disease, live long and be productive each and every day”

In these articles it is mentioned that low carb diets cause side effects such as fatigue, poor concentration, and dizziness, as well as bad breath. And that low carb diets only result in water loss rather than actual weight loss.

In reality, the side effects are temporary and minor. And the benefits of stable blood sugar and reduced insulin response are major for those with weight problems.

Fatigue, concentration, dizziness and bad breath only happen is a small percentage of people and only when they are transitioning their body from using carbs, to using fat for fuel. This usually lasts only a few days and if done under the care of a fitness professional, are totally safe and not serious. Bad breath can be helped by some simple sugar free mints.

It is not about low carb diets being good or bad. Individual differences also factor in.

“I am not a low carbohydrate supporter”. I am a “correct” carbohydrate supporter. We help over 300 clients per year with personal nutrition and training plans at the our Singapore Personal Training Center.

Some of our clients like eat less than 40g of carbohydrates per day and get great results. Other clients are on diets where more than 400g of carbs are included. This diet is optimal for them.

The kind of carb and when it is eaten also make a difference. A banana eaten after a hard training session is totally different from a plate of noodles eaten at lunch time.

The reason is that there is a huge difference genetically in our bodies ability to use carbs properly for fuel. Our diets should reflect these differences.

This is the reason that there are such a variety of diets and nutrition plans and books. The zone, protein power, atkins etc. They all work for different people but none of them work for everybody. We are all different.

In our center we use a special method of measuring body fat that can help us determine what kind of nutrition plan is best for this client at this point in their life and at their current level of body fat.

“It is not ideal for everybody to go on a low carbohydrate diet, but on the other hand it is not responsible for health professionals to recommend high carbohydrate low fat diets for general health because alot of people will get less healthy doing that. Diet needs to be customized for current fitness levels, genetics and ethnicity.”

So if you are the kind of person who easily puts on fat, a low carb diet is probably best for you. If you are the kind who is naturally lean, go ahead and add healthy carbs like fruits and natural starches like sweet potatoes into your nutrition and diet plan.

Coach Jonathan Wong, is a sought after Singapore personal trainer and performance expert who has helped hundreds of clients in Singapore achieve their fitness, fat loss and sports performance goals. He Is also a fitness author, Singapore fitness boot camp owner and a member of Singapore Men’s Health Advisory Panel. Visit his website and blog for a free 1500 page e-book and constant updates. http://www.coachjon.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/singapore-fitness-bootcamp-owner-explains-are-low-carbohydrate-diets-bad-1118313.html

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The right way to better health

July 11th, 2009

If you are one of those bothered by the continuous innovation in technology and the rapid lifestyle changes, then you must definitely feel so harassed and stressed out. Whether you are young or old, rich or poor, male or female, you have a pretty high probability of getting burned out, thereby having an unhealthy condition. More often than not, you have experienced a whole slew of symptoms, ranging from the most minor like a migraine to the most terrible ones like body weakness with tingling of the upper and lower extremities.

Do you want to avoid falling into this trap? Then you must keep your health in an optimum state. The next few paragraphs will show to you the techniques to keep your body in perfect condition. Read on.

The first and most common tip is to consume the right kinds and amount of food. If you are a typical office employee, you must have a balanced diet. This constitutes a healthy serving of go food or carbohydrates, a tiny share of protein and a sprinkling of fats and sweets. Energy-giving food like bread, rice and pasta will keep you running and working throughout the entire day. Additionally, protein will fix the wasted muscle brought about by hours of inactivity. You must bear in mind to minimize sweets and fats too much intake of these items could lead to horrible lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Second, you must force yourself to drink an adequate amount of water. Eight to twelve glasses of water every day is necessary to keep the body from being dehydrated. People usually think that they should only drink when they are thirsty. This is a common mistake because when you are already feeling thirsty; your body has already slowed down its functioning in order to compensate for the water loss. Your brain and the vital organs have already stopped working in an optimum manner. If you feel hot and lethargic, this is the reason why.

Third, get a regular exercise. In order to make hour heart pump blood more efficiently, you have to work out for at least 30 minutes every day. An increase in the cardiac output will give better oxygenation to your cells and tissues. You will not only feel healthy but also look young and fresh. You can opt to do brisk walking, jogging or running. If you want some company, invite your friends. You can also try different sports like basketball, football or lawn tennis. If a limber and flexible body is what you want, join yoga or Pilates classes.

The fourth way to remain in a healthy condition is to visit your doctor regularly. Save some amount so that you can have an annual executive check up. This will entail a series of diagnostic tests in order to evaluate where you are in the spectrum of health. Tumors or cysts that are just starting to grow will also be treated especially if your family has a genetic predisposition to cancer.

Fifth, you must keep a positive outlook in life. Do not dwell on the negative things because doing so will not help you one bit. Being an optimist will help you live longer and make you less prone to illnesses. Having a happy disposition also contributes to a better work results as well as improved relationships with significant others.

If possible, keep a smile on your face so that you will project a positive aura. People will be easily drawn to you no matter where you go. They will not feel threatened or challenged because you have a warm personality. In turn, you will also feel good because you have done others a great service.

For more information on the many aspects of great health, be sure to come visit our site at Health Product Basics. You’ll not only get a lot of high quality free health information but you can also sign up for a free newsletter. Check out the latest article on Crane Elephant Humidifier.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/the-right-way-to-better-health-1030358.html

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The Health Benefits of Drinking Water

April 8th, 2009

We need lots of fresh water to stay healthy. It aids in digestion and absorption of food, regulates body temperature and blood circulation, carries nutrients and oxygen to cells, and removes toxins and other wastes. It also cushions joints and protects tissues and organs, including the spinal cord. Lack of water (dehydration) can be the cause of many ailments. Water is truly essential to life and human survival is dependant on it.

Water and Weight-Loss – Water plays a major part in weight loss. It’s fat -free, calorie-free, cholesterol-free, low in sodium, serves as an appetite suppressant, and helps the body metabolize stored fat. Drinking more water also helps reduce water retention by stimulating your kidneys.

Digestive System – The digestion of solid foods relies on copious amounts of water. Acids & enzymes in the stomach break the food down enabling it to pass into the intestine for the next phase of digestion. Constipation is a frequent symptom of dehydration. Increased water, along with increased fibre, will usually eliminate a problem.

Thirst Reflex – A “Dry mouth” is the last outward sign of extreme dehydration. If your mouth is dry, take note & drink water.

Water vs. Caffeine – Caffeinated beverages (tea/coffee/coke) are diuretic, robbing your body of necessary water. For every 1 cup of tea/coffee/coke you need to drink 1 glass of water.

Water Loss – Two thirds of your body weight is water and 85% of your brain is water. Adults lose nearly six pints of water daily. We lose half a pint through our feet, one to two pints breathing, one pint in perspiration and three pints in urine.

How much water should you drink? – A non active person needs ½ oz of water per 1lb of body weight per day. For every 25lb’s you exceed your ideal weight, increase it by one 8oz glass. An active, athletic person needs 2/3oz per 1lb. The more you exercise the more water you need.

Functional movement, everyone in the fitness industry is talking about it, some are teaching it, but all of us (including you), with or without a gym are doing it everyday of our life!

In a nutshell ‘functional movement’ is movement derived from a natural movement of the body, for example: bending, pushing, pulling, squatting and lunging. All of these movement patterns should ‘work’ for all of us. However, our modern lifestyles mean that we spend many hours seated with bad posture in a car or at a desk neglecting the natural movement patterns of the body.

So, as fitness trainers, whether using a facility such as ours or not, will design an exercise programme that incorporates these fundamental movement patterns described. You really need little or no equipment to exercise properly. So next time you are exercising for health consider whether the exercise you are doing is a functional ‘natural’ movement.

I have described below one of these fundamental exercises ‘the squat’.

Exercise – THE SQUAT

Start standing upright with the feet hip width apart and toes in a natural position. Start the movement by bending the knees whilst simultaneously flexing at the hip. Maintain the natural curves of the back. Keep the feet flat on the floor and go as low as is comfortable for you. As you get stronger with the exercise you can add some weight into each hand. I recommend that you start with 10-15 repetitions.

Personal training and fitness routines are varied and designed specifically for the individual. Reading the advice of Sally R Johnson will help you to choose a personal trainer or a company for your personal training programme.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/the-health-benefits-of-drinking-water-857123.html

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