Author: HasenChat US

Is Las Vegas real estate really a wonderful real estate investment option? Well, probably yes. With the population on the rise and the economic indicators signalling growth, one would assume that Las Vegas real estate should be on the cards of any real estate investor. A lot of businesses are getting setup in Las Vegas. So all those developments combined with the fact that Las Vegas is what Las Vegas is, have made Las Vegas real estate investment a really attractive option.
The uptrend in Las Vegas real estate can also be judged by the fact that the rents in Las Vegas have moved up quite a bit in last couple of years. With new facilities being added and with more businesses getting setup, you would expect the unemployment rate to go down for Las Vegas (which actually is the case). Moreover, as there is more influx of people and businesses, Las Vegas real estate would be expected to be in demand (both for business purposes and residential purposes). The appreciation of Las Vegas real estate can also be contributed to the avenues for enjoyment that exist in Las Vegas.
A lot of people have made a lot of money by investing in Las Vegas real estate and a lot of people have started investing in Las Vegas real estate. However, as is the case with any real estate investment, you must evaluate your options carefully before you actually go for Las Vegas real estate investment.
If you are full time into real estate investment business in and around Las Vegas, then you must already be looking at various investment avenues in Las Vegas real estate not just from the perspective of new developments but also from the perceptive of existing/ evergreen Las Vegas real estate investment opportunities (i.e. in terms of distress sales, public auctions of property etc). However, if you do not live in Las Vegas or anywhere near Las Vegas, but want to invest in Las Vegas real estate, then your best bet would be to find a Las Vegas real estate broker or maybe just look for the Las Vegas real estate listings over the internet. If you are unable to find other avenues easily, you might consider investing in new Las Vegas real estate developments i.e. new constructions. However, you need to pay heed to the growth indicators before you make the move to invest in Las Vegas real estate.

Starting Georgia real estate hunt with a real estate agent

Georgia is a wonderful place to live in. No wonder you have decided on picking up Georgia real estate for living-in or investing. Your Georgia real estate hunt can quite easily start with looking for the real estate prices (i.e. average prices) so as to gauge what kind of house and location will fit your budget. This is assuming that you have already estimated how much you can afford to spend on that Georgia real estate piece that you are so much after.
With little effort you can easily find out the Georgia real estate prices. You can do this in a lot of different ways. One way is to directly give a call to a Georgia real estate agent and ask him about what kind of house you can get within your budget (if you are looking for Georgia real estate for investment purposes). In fact, a lot of people find it easier to just make a call to the real estate agent and get a grasp of the going prices for properties in any place let alone Georgia. Now, as mentioned above, if you are looking for Georgia real estate piece as an investment option, then you would start with checking out what you can get for your budget. However, if you are looking for Georgia real estate because you actually want to live in Georgia (and enjoy your life), then you would be better off starting with your most basic requirements from a house e.g. you could specify a 1 bedroom house or a condo or whatever, if that is the minimum space you would need to be able to live in comfortably with your partner or your family etc. If you cannot get that basic house in the location of your choice in Georgia, you might have to rethink and figure out other options (e.g. not going for Georgia real estate at all, or picking up a house at another location in Georgia, or waiting for some more time before you can actually own a Georgia real estate piece etc). So evaluation of affordability is important. Here, we are not saying that you should not evaluate the affordability factor if you are looking for Georgia real estate for living in and not investing. It’s just that you will need to pose the question differently to that Georgia real estate agent. In any case, you should never reveal your real budget to that Georgia real estate agent. Mention an amount that is lower than your real budget by 10-20% even if your Georgia real estate insists on what maximum you can spend. For a person who is looking at Georgia real estate as an investment avenue, the Georgia real estate agent is just a way to find out the going rate, he will have to use other real estate investing techniques to find the best deal.
So your Georgia real estate hunt can easily start with just calling up a real estate broker.

“Florida is where the sun shines”- you must have heard this several times. Moderate/warm climate, famous beaches and entertainment venues really make Florida real estate very attractive. So that means Florida real estate or buying a house in Florida is really good for someone who wants to escape the vagaries of weather elsewhere in America and also add to his/her enjoyment through the Miami beach and Orlando theme parks.
However, Florida real estate is also attractive for real estate investors i.e. people who would like to treat Florida real estate as an investment avenue for making profits. With the property prices rising as much as 25%, Florida real estate makes investment sense too. That is one reason why Florida real estate is so sought after. If you wanted to look for a really good deal in Florida real estate, you should start with looking for places that are still in their development phase i.e. places where the real estate prices are not so high but are expected to go up in the years to come. This is generally a good option for people who are looking to pick up Florida real estate as an investment option. This is also good for people who are looking for Florida real estate or a house in Florida to live in by themselves but don’t mind a bit of inconvenience that is generally associated with a newly developed (rather developing) area. As far as looking for Florida real estate listings is concerned, you first need to decide on what location in Florida is suitable for you. Again, this will depend on your reason behind going for Florida real estate. If you are going for Florida real estate purely for investment purposes (i.e. you don’t actually want to live in there), then you should really be looking for places where the prices are significantly low but are rising or expected to rise in near future. One indication for expected price rise is the influx of a lot of businesses in the area. Industry/business generally propels development in the area and hence causes the real estate prices to go up (and that would be true for Florida real estate too). Of course, distress sales, public auctions, bank foreclosures are like evergreen opportunities that are available in any place at any time and you should always explore them. If you are going for Florida real estate for personal use, then you would be looking at a number of different factors which would basically be related to your convenience and quality of life.
So Florida is where the sun shines and that is also making Florida real estate shine.

Real estate is often termed as the safest investment avenue. In fact, real estate investments done with proper evaluation of the property (and its true value), can lead to good profits. This is one reason why some people pursue real estate investment as their full time job. The talks of real estate are generally focussed towards residential real estate; commercial real estate seems to take a back seat. However, commercial real estate too is a good option for investing in real estate.

Commercial real estate includes a lot of different kinds of properties. Most people relate commercial real estate with only office complexes or factories/ industrial units. However, that is not all of commercial real estate. There is more to commercial real estate. Health care centers, retail structures and warehouse are all good examples of commercial real estate. Even residential properties like apartments (or any property that consists of more than four residential units) are considered commercial real estate. In fact, such commercial real estate is much in demand.

So, is commercial real estate really profitable? Well, if it were not profitable I would not have been writing about commercial real estate at all. So, commercial real estate is profitable for sure. The only thing with commercial real estate is that recognising the opportunity is a bit difficult as compared to residential real estate. But commercial real estate profits can be real big (in fact, much bigger than you would expect from residential real estate of the same proportion). You could take up commercial real estate for either reselling after appreciation or for renting out to, say, retailers. The commercial real estate development is in fact treated as the first sign for growth of residential real estate. Once you know of the possibility of significant commercial growth in the region (either due to tax breaks or whatever), you should start evaluating the potential for appreciation in the prices of commercial real estate and then go for it quickly (as soon as you find a good deal). And you must really work towards getting a good deal. If you find that commercial real estate, e.g. land, is available in big chunks which are too expensive for you to buy, you could look at forming a small investor group (with your friends) and buy it together (and split the profits later). In some cases e.g. when a retail boom is expected in a region, you might find it profitable to buy a property that you can convert into a warehouse for the purpose of renting to small businesses.

So commercial real estate presents a whole plethora of investing opportunities, you just need to grab it.

We know that Colorado is known for Rocky Mountains. But does the Colorado real estate rock as well? Though Colorado real estate doesn’t rock that much, as per the statistics (and when we compare Colorado real estate to others like Florida real estate or California real estate). However, there are people with contrarian views as well. And believe me, contrarian views do sometimes get huge profits for you, because in such circumstances you will generally face lesser competition from other real estate investors and you can probably get a Colorado real estate piece for much lesser than it actually is worth. However, we are not saying that Colorado real estate has performed badly. Though I don’t remember the exact statistics but Colorado real estate appreciation was about 5-7% only which is much lower to 25% or so for Florida real estate. Again, when we say 5-7% appreciation in Colorado real estate, we are talking about the state in general. So, it’s quite possible that there be regions in the state where the real estate appreciation is say 25% and there could be places where there has been no appreciation in real estate. The opportunity is always there, the only thing you need is the art of finding the Golden deal in this Colorado real estate market.
When assessing Colorado real estate you must take into consideration various factors e.g. you must assess the overall economic indicators and check what effect it can have on Colorado real estate (both in the near term and in the longer term). You don’t need to be a financial analyst or a real estate guru for doing this assessment, you just need to keep track of various news items and analysis reports on Colorado real estate. Also keep track of the mortgage rates and laws on tax breaks (as applicable to Colorado real estate). All these factors influence the trend of real estate anywhere (not in just Colorado). Moreover, you will need to hunt for Colorado real estate opportunities by going to public auctions, foreclosures, teaming up with attorneys for information etc. Again, remember that a not-so-good news about any real estate (be it Colorado real estate or Florida real estate), doesn’t mean that real estate investment won’t make sense at that place; in fact, it might cut down the number of competitors you have.
So, if you feel that Colorado real estate doesn’t rock; you can probably make it rock for you. There always are plenty of opportunities.

Investing in California real estate

California is one of those states where you find all kinds of properties and where the climatic conditions vary hugely from place to place. You have places with moderate temperatures and you have places which experience all four seasons in their full glory. Traffic Jams, beaches and mild earthquakes are all characteristics of California. So there are a number of things to consider before you actually go for investing in California real estate.

The first thing to consider for investing in California real estate is to select the place/area for your California real estate investment. This is more applicable to people who are looking at California real estate more as an option for leading their life (rather than an investment option). That said, even if you have chosen the region for investing in California real estate, you need to be careful with selecting the location in that region i.e. the California real estate piece that will fetch you good profit. Generally, growth of business (e.g. big companies acquiring land for establishing their offices) is an indicator of appreciation in real estate (whether California real estate or any other). That is the consideration with regards to new developments in California real estate or with respect to significant changes in the economic situation of a particular place in California. However, there are always opportunities and they are there everywhere. You just have to hunt those opportunities in order to profitably invest in California real estate. Post cards, phone call, public auctions, foreclosures etc are all possible opportunities/ways of getting a good deal for California real estate investment. You could also partner with the local attorneys in the region i.e. attorneys who handle property matters in case of death, divorce, defaults etc. These people can give you good leads on California real estate investments. In such cases, whoever gets the information first gets the advantage. You can really lay your hands on some good California real estate deals in this way.

Yes, that does take effort and if you were to think that money can be earned without putting-in even that much effort, I would tend to disagree with you. A small amount of effort can really make a difference of thousands of dollars in terms of the California real estate deal that you get. Another good idea is to inform your friends in California that you are looking to buy a piece of California real estate and, in fact, let everyone know that you are looking for a piece of California real estate. A very good California real estate deal might come to you through one of your contacts, you never know.

So with the California real estate prices rising (as always), investing in California real estate does seem like a great idea.

Arizona real estate market is really hot. The centre of a lot of action in Arizona is Phoenix metropolitan area. However, when it comes to real estate investing, every area is hot. Based on whether you are looking for Arizona real estate just as an investment avenue or whether you are looking for Arizona real estate to actually live in, your preferences would change a bit. However, one thing which you would always want is a low price. And that is something that would require some effort.
If you are looking to get a piece of Arizona real estate for yourself and your family, then you need to consider a lot of different things which will also influence your perception of the lowest (or the best price) for that Arizona real estate piece. Note that the best price for the same Arizona real estate piece might be different for different people (because their level of motivation to buy a particular Arizona real estate piece might vary). So, if you have a lot of friends living in a particular area in Arizona, then Arizona real estate in that area might become your preference and hence increase your motivation level. Similarly your buying motivation will be higher if you are planning to move into the place on account of a new job that you are taking up in that place or if you have been transferred to that place in your current job itself. If you have children, you would have to look around for Arizona real estate which has good schools around it. Again, you would like to evaluate your lifestyle and see if there is place that is in particular suited to your lifestyle.
So, there are a lot of factors that could lead to increased motivation levels. Generally, more the motivation of either side (buyer-seller), lesser is their negotiation power. So even if you are much motivated to buy a particular Arizona real estate piece, do not show it in front of the seller. Though hiding your motivation will be a bit difficult, nonetheless give it a good try. If you are looking for Arizona real estate just for investment purposes then you would probably have a lot more time on hand to evaluate various properties before you actually go ahead with one. So your buying motivation will not (and should not) be too high. Remember that if you have time on hand, you can always get better deals (and there are lot of Arizona real estate deals out there, if you were to look properly).

Low-cal diets and aerobics have been the typical “prescribed solution” to healthy weight loss. However, with numerous fad diets and a multi-billion dollar industry dedicated to weight management, shedding a few kilos should be easy. Sadly, the weight lost by dieters is almost always recouped. Consequently, many users fall into the “yo-yo trap,” a recurring cycle of weight loss and gain. There are several reasons why this occurs and why food restriction for the purpose of healthy weight loss should be circumvented. Each time the body is deprived of essential nutrients, whether from fasting or dieting, it guarantees survival by diminishing the metabolic rate in order to reimburse for fewer calories. Energy is stored so efficiently in fatty tissues that someone of normal weight can survive for weeks without eating.

Furthermore, the desire to binge after food restriction, although disheartening to dieters is another built-in survival mechanism intended to click on after a famine. Our cellular metabolism is too innocent to tell the difference between self-imposed starvation and life-threatening famine. One of the most healthy weight loss ways to treat obesity is to combine exercise with proper diet. It is not a matter of how much an individual eats, but what they eat is important. Rather than restrictive dieting, simply learning how to eat in a healthy and balanced way can have a major impact on weight control. Incorporating healthier eating habits into your lifestyle can improve your overall health and help you achieve a permanent and healthy weight loss.

Both natural alternative and conventional medicine agree that we should consume whole foods with less fat and animal protein, with the minimal amount of processed, adulterated, fried, or sweetened preservatives, and eat more complex carbohydrates, especially whole grains rich in fiber, and at least five servings daily of fruits and vegetables. Lowering dietary fat and increasing physical activity are the two key factors to realize healthy weight loss. Eating well-balanced meals at regular intervals during the day (usually four to five hours apart) stabilizes blood sugar and helps you manage your appetite.

Whole dietary fiber foods can have a major impact on weight gain as evident by the almost complete lack of obesity in cultures that consume a diet in fiber. Fiber has been shown to not only reduce serum cholesterol, but to also pull dietary fat from the body into the feces. Other benefits of roughage include increasing chewing time, thus slowing down the eating process and inducing satiety, preventing constipation and stabilizing blood glucose levels. Whole grains (wheat, oats, rice, rye, barley, millet) have the highest level of fiber, followed by legumes, nuts and seeds, root vegetables (potatoes, turnips, beets, carrots), fruits, and leafy, green vegetables.

To attain healthy weight loss alcohol should be shunned or minimized, since it has been found to act like a fat in the body and promote weight gain. Cigarettes, which are smoked by many people to control their weight, also appear to shove extra flab to the abdomen. Medical and scientific data also point to the advantages of moving towards a vegetable-based diet. A diet low in animal protein, along with exercise and stress-reduction measures, can actually reverse cardiovascular disease.

Summary:

Healthy weight loss yields a positive psychological gain, increases overall body fitness, tones the muscles and rouses self-confidence. Positive mental health is an essential part of the concept of total health. Healthy weight loss improves psychological health, which eventually, helps in sustaining the correct weight. It offers a general dietary and lifestyle pattern that favors weight maintenance even without strict calorie counting.

Cold laser therapy, or low level laser therapy, is a treatment in which a cold laser is used to treat acute and chronic pain. It is also called a “soft laser.” If you suffer from back pain, joint pain, tendonitis, fibromyalgia, migraine headaches, neuropathy, neck pain, or other related health conditions, cold laser therapy might be a viable solution for you.

How it Works

Cold laser therapy works by increasing the levels of serotonin to help your body heal itself. The therapy is noninvasive and non-thermal. The cold laser was derived from phototherapy, a light healing method developed more than 30 years ago. In phototherapy, a special type of light penetrates the surface of the skin as well as underlying tissues to stimulate natural healing in the body. The low level laser light used in cold laser therapy is actually the compressed light of a wavelength from the red part of the light spectrum, or the cold part.

During the cold laser process, the body’s cells are exposed to photon energy, which in turn increases the cells’ metabolism, helps to develop muscle tissue and collagen, improves blood circulation, stimulates tissue repair and the healing of wounds, and stimulates the nervous and immune systems.

Cold lasers are also used in acupuncture to stimulate the acupoints of the body without using needles.

Types of Cold Laser Treatments

There are several types of cold laser treatments such as the Q1000 Laser, 660 Probe, 808 Probe, Q1000 Propack, and the Q10 Laser. The Q1000 Laser features nine different wavelengths meant to help cells for nerves, muscles, bone, ligaments, skin and tendons. Also with the Q1000 Laser, light is sent through quartz crystal, which gives the laser organic characteristics.

The 660 Probe is a gentle cold laser that penetrates deep into the body and provides more concentrated healing. It is often used for dental healing, facial or skin treatment, acupuncture, anti-aging, physical therapy, and more.

The 808 Probe uses an infrared laser to reach cells in the innermost parts of the body. It helps with bones and teeth as well as ligaments, tendons, and joints. The Q10 Laser is less expensive than the Q1000 and helps with injuries, pain, and facial rejuvenation. It’s also great for traveling. The Q1000 Propack combines all soft lasers into one package.

Using Healing Lasers

You can use healing lasers at home. Some lasers require training while others are fairly simple to use. The simpler models are designed so you can hold the laser near your body in the area where treatment is needed without discomfort. The laser does the work for you. The lasers also have different modes to help with certain needs. If you are considering cold laser treatments, consult with your doctor first.

With cold laser therapy, you can aid your body in healing using a natural, effective method. Keep this guide handy while seeking the cold laser products that are right for you.

Life expectancy for Americans has risen dramatically in the last century. Now we can expect to live 77 years, which is 30 years longer than formerly. By taking care of our bodies we could easily live a long, healthy life.

People are Living Longer

There are more people in the United States over 100 years old than ever before, approximately 50,000. There are three times as many centenarians as there were 20 years ago. Since all of these people are not related, they do not have the same genes. Some have thought that was a big factor in longevity, but it only plays a small part. Other factors that play a big part in our life are environment, jobs, exercise, family relationships, social contacts and emotional health. Of course, living longer does not always mean a healthy, happy life.

Make Some Positive Life Changes

There are no pills to make us live longer, or guaranteed treatments. For many people, the way their body ages is up to them. There are practical steps you can take to make yourself feel better as well as live longer. People who age gracefully are not just lucky – they work at staying healthy! You must have the motivation to take these steps and be consistent.

Many times people wait until they are past middle age and in a health crisis before taking steps to insure a healthier life. For some, this is too late. Others can benefit from a drastic change and give themselves a chance to enjoy the golden years. Alternative medicines are also available to help combat many common illnesses.

Practical Steps for Everyone

Doctors have told us for years to exercise. As a whole we do not get enough exercise because of higher technology and improvements in all aspects of work. For better health, it is recommended to have 30 minutes of exercise a day. This helps with many health issues such as keeping weight down and strengthening the heart and other areas of the body. If you don’t like to exercise alone, get a friend to walk or go to the gym with you.

Eating the right foods, high fiber, low fat with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables has been a big factor in civilizations where people have a longer life span. Don’t smoke, or stop smoking if you do to prevent diseases caused by tobacco. Drink plenty of water and less soft drinks or alcohol.

Mental and emotional health contributes to general health too. People with large extended families or many social contacts don’t have much time to feel alone or hopeless. Others volunteer their time or service somewhere to feel useful and productive. Someone who is always looking for new things to learn will be active and more likely to stay involved in life. People with a sense of fulfillment and purpose are generally healthier and happier.

Be Healthy Now

Watch for signs of health problems. If you are having a problem, go to the doctor and have it checked. If you let something go you will have less chance of a cure. Have regular checkups so issues can be dealt with early. Start changing your habits now – don’t wait. If you are overweight, change your diet. If you do not get any exercise, make yourself start exercising.

If you have a health issue, see a doctor and get treatment. If you are lonely find a way to meet or help people. If you have bad habits, start changing them today. Someday you might be able to join the other centenarians as they enjoy a long, healthy, fulfilled life!

We all know the adage “dog is man’s best friend” seem to run for ages now. But we have reasons enough to consider our dogs as vital parts of our daily existence.

They seem to have this special character to display love and loyalty, not to mention a unique fun that we can only witness from them. That’s why, as much as possible, we will do everything we can to give them the best treatment and best health care, just like we do for our family members. Come to think of it- we even provide them their own insurance!

In this article, we will tackle some important dog health guidelines. Though considerably generalized for all breeds, information here are helpful still in maintaining our best friend’s optimum health.

Dental Care. Swollen, inflamed gums and secondary infections often cause the existence of other major dog health problems. It must be observed that a young dog’s teeth are brushed once in a week. Older dogs must have a regular session of thrice a week.

There are especially designed toothbrushes for dogs that provide cleaning of the rear teeth. It is not a good practice to use human toothpaste for them, instead make use of enzyme toothpaste that will prevent tartar build-up. There are also dental cleaning pads that will complement for tooth brushing, if not regularly done. Such pads would cleanse your dog’s teeth by means of enzymes incorporated on their surface, which are effective in removing stuck-up dirt.

Ear Care. We often overlook the ears of our dog, however this practice might lead to wax and dirt build-up that can cause infection and inflammation. Regular ear care will help remove ear debris and drying the ear canal. Thus, prevention of some major conditions that might as well cause us to give especial attention to those parts.

Ear care also entails the extermination of ear mites that typically reside in the inner ear of our dogs.

Nutritional Supplements. Dog foods are often lacking in nutrients essential for the optimum development and growth of our pets. Thus, it is very vital to supplement them with vitamins and nutrients to prevent deficiencies that might cause serious dog health complications. This is especially true for older dogs who no longer has the appetite to eat heartily.

Those dogs that work hard during the entire day also need supplements. And also for those that have recently undergone surgery and sickness.

Irritated and Sored Skin. Not only humans get skin irritations and allergies. Some dogs have extra sensitive skins that make them susceptible for bacterial and fungus attack which in turn may lead to wounds, scabs and skin diseases.

Hot Spots. These are characterized by skin areas, which are moist and inflamed. These are typically due to irritation from fleabites, substance irritation or allergies. These spots are usually extremely itchy which cause dogs to scratch and lick on them. Thus, the aggravation of the condition that can lead to serious wounds.

The most vital step in healing hot spots is to reduce the frequency of scratching. Afterwhich, spraying of skin relief products may prove beneficial n stopping the pain and itchiness.

If your dog display symptoms of conditions as listed here, it is wise to consult a vet immediately. He may provide you with some guidelines, which will aid greatly in preserving your pet’s health. It is also likely that he will prescribe you with some medications that will ease the symptoms that your dog exhibits.

I am a firm believer that the mental health of a person is just as important as their physical health. I guess I believe this so strongly because I have seen the affects of someone not caring about the state of their mental health. By mental health I am not referring to the serious mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, or any of the other very serious issues people often face.

By mental health I’m simply referring to the state of our minds and the ways that our thinking affects our lives. I’m talking about caring for our minds in the same ways that we care for our physical bodies. One of the biggest ways to promote mental health is to take rest. Just like our physical bodies need sleep in order to be restored with energy, so our minds need time to just relax and reflect upon life and regain perspective. You can rest your mind in a variety of ways, it is simply important that you take the time to rest. For one person, guarding their mental health may mean setting aside time each day to meditate or reflect upon the good things in life. For another, mental health might be best maintained by reading a good book, writing in a journal, or listening to soothing music. And still another person may need to get outside and exercise in order to refresh their health mentally.

Learn yourself. Know the things that stress you out and know how to relax and refresh yourself as well. The state of your mind is much too important to be ignored, so do whatever it takes to keep your mind at rest and at peace. I guarentee that ignoring problems will only numb your mind for a little while at best. As the stresses of life have increased in the past few years, I have learned that one of the main things I need in order to guard my mental health is time alone. No matter what my schedule looks like each day, I always block out at least twenty minutes just to be alone. During that time I do a variety of things that help renew my perspective and keep me on track. Somedays I go for a brisk walk and other days I sit in a coffeeshop with a latte and a newspaper. The important thing is not so much what I do, but simply that I take time to be alone and recharge my mental health.

Take time starting today to guard the state of your mental health. Take time to enjoy the small things in life and to remember all there is to be grateful for.

Recent reports from the World Health Organization have demonstrated that obesity is becoming a serious problem in many parts of the globe. Indeed, the WHO noted that as far as worldwide health issues are concerned, obesity is on the verge of becoming a more widespread problem around the globe than is under-nourishment. The WHO further suggests that the trend towards obesity in an ever growing number of nations the world over is expected to continue upward during the next decade.

Along with the increase in the number of people who are over-eating or not eating healthy foods, there has been an uptick in the number of men and women who have taken a keener interest in “watching what they eat,” in developing a more healthy diet. One step that a significant number of people from around the world have taken in regard to ensuring a more healthy diet is growing their own fruits and vegetables.

If you are a person interested in developing a healthy eating regimen, you will want to take a close look at the benefits of growing your own fruits and vegetables. In point of fact, there are many significant health benefits to be derived from growing and using your own fruits and vegetables.

At the outset, it is important to note that the process of planting and cultivating your own fruits and vegetables can have significant health benefits in and of itself. Too few people get enough proper exercise on a regular basis. The act and process of tending to a garden actually is good exercise. Additionally, gardening has been proven to be a significant stress reliever for a person, resulting in lower blood pressure and other demonstratable health benefits.

Researchers have long noted that the average person (in most countries around the world) does not consume enough fresh fruits and vegetables. By planting and producing your own fruits and vegetables, you have a ready source of wholesome food that can be consumed on a more regular basis.

Many gardeners have taken to using organic practices in the cultivation of their gardens. By utilizing organic gardening practices and techniques, you will be able to grow and consume fruits and vegetables that are free of chemical residue that can be found in many produce items for sale at a typical grocery market in the brick and mortar world.

In the end, you can put yourself on the road to a more healthy life by incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet on a more regular basis. By growing your own fruits and vegetables, you will be able to better integrate healthy eating into your overall lifestyle — both now and into the future.

Ask the average American to define herbs and he or she will tell you that herbs are green leaves that have some medicinal properties. Some may even add that herbs like Thyme and Sage are used for cooking. This is how most people define herbs; which is quite good knowledge considering that most folks are ambivalent about the actual use of herbs in their own lives.

A herb (the word rhymes with ‘curb’) is a plant that is grown for medicinal or culinary value.

Typically, the green leafy part of the herb is used, occasionally roots also are put to use. A culinary herb is non-woody and soft. Used for their aromatic flavor and texture, culinary herbs include bay leaf, basil, chervil, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, tarragon and thyme.

The world of medicinal herbs is even more diverse and surprising. Even the most innocuous looking leaf blade may possess a treasure trove of medicinal properties. A medicinal herb is generally a shrub or other woody plant used for therapeutic purposes. Herbalism or Phytotherapy is the practice of folk or traditional medicine that aims to cure “dis-eases” in the body using plants and the active constituents found within them.

This resurgence of interest in herbs was brought about by various systems of holistic healing. Now, more than ever before, people are beginning to realize that good health does not refer to an absence of disease. Rather, it is a balance of physical, mental, emotional and social wellness. Herbal health care is becoming increasingly popular because herbs provide natural stimulants that activate the body’s own defense mechanisms.

When orthodox medicine took over the reins of mainstream health care, herbs and their medicinal values got relegated to the background. One reason could be the problem of availability. Another more important reason is that unlike a pill or a tonic, herbs usually take more time to bring about an effect.

Due to our sedentary lifestyle, processed foods and industrial advances, we have managed to discover a large number of chronic illnesses that were virtually unknown in the past. Medicines used to treat these diseases have side effects. In time, these medicines also become ineffective as the human body develops a resistance to the medicine. After battling it out for many years, practitioners of conventional medicine are finally willing to admit that herbal extracts are an effective source of healing.

Herbal medicines provide a healing system that is in tune with nature. The medicines are characterized by simplicity, depth and effectiveness. They are cost effective too. Absence of side effects also greatly enhances their allure.

Some interesting uses of herbs are:

– Chamomile tea sipped slowly throughout the day helps decrease acidity and soothes the digestive system

– Alfalfa is a highly nutritious herb as it is a natural source of vitamins and minerals.

– Valerian root can be used to treat insomnia.

– Two fresh garlic cloves taken at night increases ones resistance to flu and colds.

– Feverfew is a herb that if taken consistently, effectively reduces the frequency of migraines.

Herbs, like any drug, bring about a physiological change in the body. If taken continuously for prolonged periods, they may affect the body’s natural ability to heal. The aim of herbs is to bring the body back into ‘balance’ so that there is no longer any need for medicine. Herbal medicines may not be the best, pure or only form of medicine. Indeed, it should be used as a complementary medicine that helps doctors achieve the most important goal of all – that of total cure in the easiest, most effective and shortest route.

Do you desire a perfect lawn? Are you frustrated that your neighbor always seems to have a greener, fuller lawn than yours? If so read on, this article will help you achieve a beautiful, healthy lawn in no time. Below are tips on how to go about realizing your dream.

Fertilizing

You have to fertilize. Fertilizing your yard will do several things 1) it will make it greener, 2) will make it grow and 3) will cause new seed to germinate. Many people are confused about how often to fertilize, a good rule is to apply fertilizer at least four times a year. Every 60 days, first during the spring 30 days before the growing season then late summer, late fall and then during the winter months. Lastly, don’t apply to much fertilizer this will cause excess growth and lead to fungus growth which will weaken your grass.

Weed Control

You have to control the weeds. Controlling weeds in a new or existing lawn is essential to the health and overall aspect of the lawn. A beautiful level lawn gets most of it’s good looks from the fact that it is smooth where weeds are not prominent and standing above the turf. You have probably mowed your lawn just to have dandelions popping up over the grass a day later making it look like you need to mow again. A weedless lawn holds it’s good looks for several days if the grass is at a uniform growing height.

Proper Mowing

Remember to properly mow. Mowing is the most confusing part of lawn care, and the most often incorrectly done part of lawn care. Far too many people will set their mowers too low or “scalp” the lawn. This leads to thin and dying out grass, shallow root systems, and in the long run, NO GRASS.

Thatching

You have to thatch. Thatching by using a rack will remove dead grass that will smother and prevent new growth. It may seem at first you are doing more harm than not but if you don’t break the thatch barrier new grass will not grow.

Watering

Your grass needs watering. Water should be done everyday during the hot months and rule of thumb is that it is better to water deeply one in a while then to water shallow daily. Also remember that you must water right after you lay down fertilizer.

Conclusion:

Follow these simple actions and you will have a lawn the whole neighborhood will envy. Good luck.

It seems that one of the hot topics in the news for the past several years is the changing of corporate America. There have been many changes in the economy and with the changes have come cut backs as well as corporate down sizing. Many people are finding themselves in unemployment situations as well as huge changes in life style. For the people in upper level jobs they can fall back on savings, stock investments and their education, however for the laborer this is a time of crisis.

Many people would be able to make ends meet on a lower end salary, except for the cost of health insurance. There are also many people that would be willing to take an early retirement; however they need to continue to work to take advantage of group health insurance. The high cost of medical care adds to the crisis that many people find themselves in financially. Group health insurance is a benefit that people no longer take for granted when looking for employment. There are many talented people that would like to work for small business owners; however they cannot afford the premiums for health care coverage. For small business owners the cost of providing employees with group health insurance is putting them out of business.

There are many countries’s that have socialized medicine. The national coverage does take away some choices from the patient, however having everyone insured does take away the passed on cost of the uninsured or underinsured which adds to the costs in our country. The large insurance companies are dictating the type and amount of coverage the average person has, so this does not seem that different than a nationalized system. Many Americans are becoming more and more angry with the insurance companies making huge profits every year as they watch their pay checks dwindle from the premiums that they have to pay for group health insurance or individual coverage. This also affects seniors that need to have a supplemental policy to cover the costs that medicare does not cover. This crisis of lack of medical coverage in the most powerful nation in the world is ridicules. Our nation needs to address the high cost of group health insurance in the very near future. Having people go with out medical attention and having to utilize emergency room medical services only add to the cost of the medical care in our country. People should not have to go without medical services because they cannot afford them.

Group aarp health insurance plans are commonly the lowest cost way to go, have additional benefits, and are generally alot simpler to understand. Nevertheless, as a large number of seniors have retired or have started their own business, they no longer have the option of a good low cost group medical coverage plan. Various elderly folks have to turn to individual personal health insurance plans to meet their needs as they get older. These insurance plans are plans that have to be funded fully by the individual.

As people over 50 grow older and enter the market of purchasing personal coverage, they may run into problems trying to find a company that will sell them a policy, all the more if there are any health problems or health conditions. The insurance company may prerequire elderly to get a medical exam before they will even deduce selling them a plan, and then, this plan will frequently be at a much higher cost than a group insurance plan. Of course the benefits might not be as good also. There may quite be a lot to heed as browsing for personal medical coverage.

A.a.r.p. seniors should make sure they shop around and compare plans and policies. Seniors should calculate how much coverage you will need, and how much money you can spend on monthly premiums. Aarp can help you decide on the top personal health coverage coverage for the price that you want or are able to pay.

A.a.r.p. personal medical coverage specialists will give you answer a few questions as you are in the market for a good plan and reasonably priced insurance company. Make sure you know what your monthy premium will be, what the doctor visits will cost, what the deductible will be, and how much money will be paid out by the insurance company for the bill. How much of Medicare will be supplemented and with the medicare drug plan be enough? You should find out if the plan covers prescriptions, check ups, and preventive care. Will the plan cover doctor visits, surgery, long term care, home medical care, and health equipment and supplies? Eye doctors? Dental work?

As you can see there’s much to be decided on before actually getting an Aarp personal insurance plan. With a little browsing and comparison shopping with A.a.r.p. you find the best rate for your personal medical insurance.

I have to admit, grocery shopping isn’t exactly one of my favorite things to do. In case you can’t “hear” the sarcasm in my voice, let me tell you that I’d rather be doing just about anything other than grocery shopping. I tried delegating it to my husband, but we usually end up eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and potato chips when I do that.

Since I can’t avoid grocery shopping, I found a few things that make it a more pleasant and most importantly a faster process. I’d like to share my grocery shopping tips with you.

1) Make a shopping list and stick to it.
Making a list and sticking to it will keep you from buying too much junk. Not only will it encourage you and your family to stick to the new healthy eating lifestyle, it will also save you some money on your grocery bill.

Please apply common sense to this though. If you remember that you forgot to put your baby’s diapers on the list, by all means get them. On the other hand, if you feel tempted to get the new chocolate pie because there is a two for one sale, skip it. You get the idea.

2) Eat a snack before you go grocery shopping.
Never go grocery shopping while you are hungry. You’ll be much more tempted to buy junk food and already prepared meals. You’ll also end up buying much more than you really need. Either go shopping right after a meal, or eat a small snack before you go. Even eating a piece of fruit and drinking a glass of water will keep you from feeling hungry while you are in the store.

3) Avoid the aisles with the chips, snacks and candy.
Don’t tempt yourself by going down the “junk food” aisles. You’re only human and the candy and snack manufacturers put a lot of money into making their products as tempting and appealing as possible. The easiest way to avoid having those items land in your cart is to skip the aisles entirely.

4) Buy fresh meat and produce whenever possible.
Buy your meat and produce fresh whenever possible. You’ll get the most nutritional bang for your buck that way. If there is something you either can’t find fresh, or it just doesn’t look good, go with a frozen version. The only exception to this is tomatoes, especially if you are going to cook them anyway. Tomatoes loose their nutritional value quickly after they are picked. If you are making tomato sauce or are using them in a stew or soup, just stick with canned tomatoes. They are canned immediately after they are picked and contain more nutrients than a batch that has been sitting in a truck for days.

5) Write your grocery list with your supermarket in mind.
You will make your shopping trip much easier and faster if you keep the layout of your market in mind when you write your shopping list. Think about the departments and isles you go through first and put those items on your list. Mentally make your way through the rest of the store adding your items to your list as you go. You’ll avoid backtracking for an item further down on your list once you are in the store.

6) Clean veggies and herbs.
Unpack and clean your vegetables and herbs as soon as you get back from the store. Loosely wrap them in some paper towels and stick them in a Ziploc bag. They’ll be ready to use when your recipes call for them.

7) To freeze or not to freeze?
Portion your meat out depending on how much each recipe calls for. Keep what you will be using over the next two days in the fridge and freeze the rest. With hamburger meat, you may want to freeze any portions you are not using the day you bought them.

You’ll see that by implementing even just a few of these tips, your shopping experience will be more pleasant and most importantly more efficient. You’ll spend less time in the supermarket and more time enjoying your family.

As you may already know, the food industry will never serve to amaze you. If there is a product out there that someone might want, the food industry is sure to capitalize upon it in as many ways as possible. So, it should come as no wonder that when they found out about all of the great benefits of green tea, they did the same. One of the new foods that they are capitalizing on here are green tea mints.

The Benefits of Green Tea and Green Tea Mints

First of all, in order to understand why so many people would enjoy snacking on some green tea mints you are going to need to understand the health value that is found within green tea. There are a lot of antioxidants in green tea. These antioxidants have proven to be helpful for various medical conditions.

These are said to be helpful with such diseases and disorders as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, high cholesterol levels, cardiovascular disease, infections and impaired immune function. For this reason, a lot of people are trying to get as much green tea as possible and thus why green tea mints are so popular.

Introducing Green Tea Mints

Green tea mints come in the shape of a mint so that they can accomplish their mission in a very stylish sort of way. These mints are both sugar-free and Fair Trade Certified, which means they actually are a healthy candy for you to snack on.

They also come in tiny tins that are very stylish in and of themselves. The green tea mints tins are so small that they are actually quite convenient to carry with you wherever you go so that you can have a great treat at any time anywhere. Once you eat all of the green tea mints that are in the stylish little tin, you can use it for holding numerous small objects.

While these green tea mints are made out of pure green tea, there are still a couple of different, distinctly unique flavors that you can choose from. These flavors include lemongrass, which is a bit tangy. Then there is pear, which has a pleasing, fruity taste. So, as you can see, each flavor is distinctly unique and very enjoyable. After all, can anyone think of a better way in which to ensure that you get all of your green tea intake for the day?

For many centuries people of China used green tea for treating various diseases. However with the advancement of time, today people of west use green tea, realizing its several benefits. Green Tea has long been esteemed in China for its involvement to good health. Fame of Green tea in the United States persists to develop, viewing that green tea is an innate foundation of antioxidants. These antioxidants aid defend the body from accelerating aging and augmented danger of ailments. Years of research reveal that green tea restrains the expansion of objectionable cell colonies, thus building it the healthiest tea obtainable.

Let us take a look at the benefits of green tea:

Green tea has many health benefits, and it can be used for avoidance of the diseases: Cancer, Rheumatoid Arthritis, High Cholesterol, Cardiovascular Disease, cataracts, Infection, and Impaired Immune Function.

Green tea helps in weight loss course. The green tea leaves augments metabolism in the body there fore consumption green tea helps you burn more calories.

Green tea has the capability to fight bacteria and this can be counted as one of the chief benefits of green tea. This boosts your immune system thereby increasing the resistance power. It also helps kill bacteria that cause plaque and succeeding tooth decay. Green tea can help in fight food poisoning.

In addition, green tea can help lessening blood sugar level and cholesterol level in your blood.

Also green tea helps in getting rid of bad breath. Some element is present in green tea that stunts the growth of bad odor causing bacteria. Therefore a cup or two of green regularly can help in maintaining fresh breath.

If you are a chain smoker and also you consume around six cups of green tea a day then the propensity of risk caused due to the toxins emitted by cigarette smoke is reduced to a great extent.

Green Tea also contributes to maintain your beauty. With the help of green tea you can freshen up your face and apply around your tired eyes to get soothing feeling. If you have freckles or blemishes on your face you can apply the green tea to get rid of the spots. The green tea also has benefits for antiseptic purposes. It can be used to treat minor cuts, rashes and also can be treated to cure sunburn.

Green Tea is organically grown and the customary drying method used with Green Tea prevents the tea from the harmful effects of fermentation.

Products of green tea are available in different strength levels. Some supplements are comprised of low strengths of the active polyphones, whereas others go as far as using un-standardized green tea leaf powder.

It has been confirmed that green tea is stuffed with health benefits. It acts as a influential antioxidant, which has been identified to assist prevent cancer, pull through from the harmful cholesterol, and guard against harm caused by free radicals.

It has been reported by National Cancer Institute that Green Tea has Cancer avoiding aptitudes and components for fighting against insert fresh life to the market. People who have depended on costly anti-oxidant products are finding that Green Tea is very cost-effective and organic. Tea is one of the foremost selling fresh drinks, only after water.

However you manage to incorporate green tea in your diet, as well as it on a standard basis will help you receive utmost results. Put in green tea to a vigorous, balanced diet and exercise schedule for general fitness.

There are many things that you should know about the health benefits of green tea concentrate. There are simply too many things to know about of green tea concentrate and you should be sure that you have all of the facts before you make up your mind as to whether or not you want to use green tea in your diet.

What Does It Do For You?

You have probably noticed that green tea is getting a lot of air time these days. Green tea, and therefore of green tea concentrate is something that can provide you with more health benefits than you are probably aware of. First of all, drinking green tea concentrate can help you to improve your memory, and it can also do things like boost your immune system and your metabolism.

Both of these things can help you get healthier in general, and they can also help you lose weight and be more active. All in all, drinking green tea concentrate is a great way to get healthier, no matter what else you do in your life for your health.

Why Concentrate?

Many people like to drink green tea on a regular basis because of all of the health benefits. While this is great, the fact remains that sometimes there are companies that put things in the tea that you simply don’t want there. Some people choose to bypass the uncertainty of what is in their tea by having green tea concentrate and using it to make their own drinks that they know contain nothing but the green tea.

There are other reasons to use green tea concentrate instead of green tea. For instance, for some people, the ingredients in the tea itself don’t agree with their bodies. With the green tea concentrate they can use other ingredients to make the green tea easier for them to digest.

They can also use the green tea concentrate in other forms, and this way they can still get the health benefits of the green tea, but in a way that is better overall for their bodies. Using of green tea concentrate is a great way to make sure that this happens.

Remember that of green tea concentrate is not for everyone. If you are considering making green tea part of your regular diet, you should consult your doctor to make sure that it is going to work perfectly with you. If the doctor thinks it will work, you can decide whether you want to drink the tea, or to use the of green tea concentrate.

The Asian community has used different teas and herbal remedies since before the Great wall of China (over 3000 years ago) and green tea has stood out as one of its hallmark and most helpful constituents. Green tea has been used to treat everything from heart attacks, stroke to infections like sepsis (blood infection) and numerous other conditions and maladies.

Many studies have been undertaken to research and extract the helpful and beneficial compounds in Green tea that exhibit these medicinal qualities. Recent scientific studies listed in Chemical & Engineering News (produced by the American Chemical Society) show numerous benefits from the different compounds contained in green tea leaves (polyphenols like EGCG, a powerful antioxidant that inhibits the rapid growth of cancer cells without harming healthy cells).

Studies done at Harvard and Cornell Universities on these polyphenols have shown a marked decline in carcinogen activity (up to 60% blocking reduction in oxidation capabilities) and even a biocide or antiseptic quality (hence the current research on green tea polyphenols and tooth and gum disease). Green tea has shown and evidenced antibacterial properties and more research in this area is needed.

Green tea polyphenols inhibit and retard cancer growth in every study and form of cancer from liver cancer to uterine and breast cancer. It is important to note, that although no cancer in these studies was completely cured, duration of survival and quality of life were increased in every circumstance. EGCG, due to its abilities to retard cancer with no known side effects is currently being researched to see if higher concentrations and / or more powerful synthetic derivatives could be used as a replacement for the current highly toxic chemotherapy.

Study after study shows a vast reduction in onset and risk of various cancers and disease. Other green tea findings included a study of smokers at the Arizona Cancer Center in Tucson showing that four cups of decaffeinated green tea every day for four months provided some protection against potentially carcinogenic damage to DNA, as measured by the amount of an enzyme in the urine. Many studies have linked green tea to lower risk for breast, pancreatic, colon, esophageal, and lung cancers. University of Purdue researchers recently concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells. There is also research indicating that drinking green tea lowers total cholesterol levels, as well as improving the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL) cholesterol. The polyphenols inhibit the absorption of cholesterol in the digestive tract, which actually helps lower the amount of LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream.

Basically, to sum this up, green tea has been proven to reduce the risk of cancer and retard the growth of cancer cells in every case and for this reason alone should be incorporated into every diet. Just 4 cups of green tea per day has been found to slow and retard breast cancer in women (Japanese scientists at the Saitama Cancer Research Institute). 4 cups of green tea daily gives the optimal amount of polyphenols for the best results.

The Chinese have known about Green tea as a powerful medication for at least 4000 years. According to legend, tea was discovered by a Chinese emperor called Shen Nung. Some tea leaves accidentally fell into boiling water, and he tried it and found it invigorating. Green tea became part of the Chinese diet and many important health benefits were attributed to it. Now recent medical studies in both asia and the west are providing a scientific basis for the claim that drinking green tea has very significant health benefits.

Green tea, like black tea is made from the leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis. The difference between the three main types of tea is the way that they are produced. Green tea is unfermented tea meaning that the leaves used for green tea are steamed soon after been plucked in order to prevent the oxidation of the leaves. In this way the leaves remain green and the active substances within the leaves retain their qualities. Black teas on the other hand are made from fermented leaves and as a result have less nutritional and enzyme content as the green tea. Thus green and black teas have different chemical properties.

Modern science has in recent times been able to demonstrate that green tea is beneficial to one’s health and this is mainly due to the fact that tea contains high levels of antioxidants called polyphenols or flavonoids. The antioxidant activity of tea has been compared to that of fruit and vegetables in a number of studies. One study concluded that consuming three cups of tea a day produced a similar amount of antioxidants as eating six apples. Antioxidants help your body fight against free radicals which cause damage to cells and tisuues in your body.

While all tea is healthy to drink, it is green tea that contains the highest level of flavonoids. Recent medical studies suggest green tea to be beneficial in many areas including the following:

-Digestive and respiratory health.

-Lowers cholesterol levels

-Boosts your immune system

-Reduces high blood pressure

-Arthritis – anti-inflammatory effect.

-Oral hygiene – due to antibacterial properties.

-Skin conditions such as acne

-Lowers blood sugar

Weight loss is another area that is attracting huge attention. Recently published research in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that an extract from green tea may speed up fat oxidation. A study was conducted of ten healthy men over a period of 6 weeks. It was discovered that those men who were given green tea extract burned more calories per day than those who were not given the extract. Much more research needs to be conducted in this area but the signs are certainly very encouraging.

Anyone for tea

In the hot days of summer it is easy to reach for a soda to help you cool off. However sodas do not really quench your thirst and there are some other healthier more refreshing alternatives. One of the most refreshing ways to cool off on a hot summer day is drinking a tall glass of iced tea and what better than making it green tea?

People From the Orient have long known the benefits of drinking green tea. In fact so important is this drink in these countries that there is special tea drinking rituals associated with this beverage. Japan is especially famous for this.

Green tea: Is made from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis tree. The best green tea is grown in Japan and is harvested in the spring months. Now Australia is trying to cultivate it so that green tea can be available in other months and supply the increasing need for this beverage. Recent research is revealing that this tea is particularly beneficial for your health. It is higher in antitoxins than the traditional black tea drunk in the West. Green tea has also been found to have vitamin C and fluoride.

Green tea has more of these properties than the traditional black teas because of the way it is processed It goes through little or no processing (fermenting or oxidizing) this brings out the antioxidants and vitamins but will reduce the stimulant quality (caffeine) of this tea.

The best way to make green tea hot or cold is to make it with loose leaves. These are easily available in many grocery stores and most health food stores. When making iced tea it is good to steep the tea for about 20-30 minutes. You can just pour the hot water on it and let it cool slowly. Fast cooling will not allow the full taste to come out; so slow cooling at room temperature is best.

You can also make some good tea pops. Just fill an ice cube tray with green tea (cooled) and put toothpicks in each square and enjoy when fully frozen. You can also make regular cubes of green tea to add to beverages.

If you want to spice up your tea you can add citrus peel as it steeps. Anise and chicory are also added for a change in taste. Citrus peels are especially refreshing with iced green tea. You can also add ginger as a real thirst quencher for those hot days.

However you chose to drink your green tea it is a nice refreshing change from soda and good for your health. It will not only quench your thirst but rejuvenate you too. As our world grows smaller we are becoming more aware of different types of foods and beverages. As more research is being done on this increasingly popular drink we will see even more benefits to our health. It is recommended to drink at least 3 cups or more per day to enjoy the health giving properties of green tea.

Cancer remains a number-one killer in countries around the world. Therefore, it should come as little surprise that medical researchers are exploring new avenues in an effort to find ways to attack cancer.

The investigation into alternative cancer therapies often begins by examining the cultures of specific nations in an effort to determine whether diet or other customs could help unlock the secret to curing this dreaded disease. Since green tea has been a staple of the Japanese diet for centuries, it’s not surprising that new attention is being paid to the tea’s therapeutic benefits.

In recent years, doctors and scientific researchers have been focusing new attention on the idea of drinking green tea in an effort to keep cancer at bay. It’s been thought that the beverage possesses certain natural properties which make it a likely cancer preventative.

Studying Green Tea In-Depth

In order to look at this issue in more depth, researchers Kazue Imai, Kenji Suga, and Kei Nakachi of the Saitama Cancer Center Research Institute in Saitama, Japan, decided to examine the effects of green tea drinking among the Japanese. In an article entitled “Cancer-Preventive Effects of Drinking Green Tea Among a Japanese Population” in Preventative Medicine magazine, the research team explored the therapeutic benefits of green tea at length.

When the researchers began their investigation, there had been a number of studies indicating that the main ingredient of green tea, epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, was anti-carcinogenic. However, there was little evidence to suggest that EGCG could prevent cancer in human beings. While some human studies had been conducted, the results were far from conclusive.

The Japanese research team strongly believed that it was absolutely critical to conduct an in-depth study in an Asian nation, given the popularity of tea consumption in the Orient. Ultimately, the Japanese scientists found that those Japanese subjects who drank green tea were less likely to develop cancer. This was particularly true among women who consumed more than ten cups of green tea each day.

A Natural Cancer Prevention Tool

The rate of cancer was low among both men and women who consumed large amounts of green tea. In addition, a study of 384 cancer patients indicated that increased consumption of green tea was linked with a delay in the onset of cancer. Again, this phenomenon was most prevalent among women who consumed more than ten cups of green tea each day. The average delay for the onset of cancer was four years—four years of enhanced quality of life for the subjects involved.

To a Western mind, drinking ten cups of green tea daily can seem mind-boggling—especially if one has difficulty consuming eight glasses of water each day. It should be noted that, on average, the subjects were probably consuming 150 ml of green tea per cup. That would amount to about 300 to 400 milligrams of EGCG—a healthy amount, by any standard.

More Powerful Than Once Thought

It has become clear that green tea is far more powerful in fighting cancer than researchers once thought. For instance, scientists recently discovered that green tea’s unique chemical makeup enables it to combat one of the key cancer-causing molecules linked to tobacco use. The ground-breaking evidence appeared in a journal published by the American Chemical Society.

In the study, researchers examined the effects of two components of green tea, EGCG and epigallocatechin, also known as EGC. These substances are close to the consistency of cancer-preventing substances in red wine, grapes, broccoli, and cabbage. The research team discovered that EGCG and EGC can inhibit a molecule that often “turns on” genes that can be harmful to the body, leading to the development of cancer.

However, it’s unclear whether the results in the science lab could be replicated in a person’s home, since the effectiveness of drinking green tea depends on how the beverage is used by the human body. In addition, there appear to be differences between varieties of green tea, so additional study is necessary to prove the beverage’s effectiveness in inhibiting potentially harmful molecular processes.

The Need for More Research

Based upon the evidence presented in the study conducted by Imai, Suga, and Nakachi, there can be little doubt that their research indicates that consuming green tea can lead to the prevention of cancer. However, additional research is definitely needed in order to determine which organs of the body could best benefit from green tea.

In other words, will drinking green tea fight stomach cancer? Breast cancer? Colon cancer? At this point, the answers to these questions remain unclear. Yet, it should be noted that laboratory tests show that green tea’s EGCG can zero in on organs in an effort to prevent cancer.

The initial research into cancer prevention using green tea is incredibly encouraging. To begin with, green tea is an ordinary part of many people’s diets, so drinking the beverage does not necessarily mean a radical lifestyle change. If people are already accustomed to consuming green tea, it stands to reason that they wouldn’t mind consuming more of it, if it would mean preventing the occurrence of cancer.

A Virtually Problem-Free Solution

Some approaches to preventing cancer may seem initially appealing, but can become decidedly less so because of the side effects involved. However, there are no toxic effects linked to green tea consumption, meaning that this cancer-fighting remedy is especially promising.

In addition, green tea appears to be a powerful cancer prevention tool. If the beverage’s therapeutic effects were limited, there wouldn’t be a great deal of interest in using it as a cancer preventative. However, the strong link between green tea consumption and cancer prevention indicated by the Japanese study means that there is good reason for people to consider adding green tea to their diets.

Effects Beyond the Orient

Some might conclude that green tea drinking only prevents cancer among Asian populations, but researchers in the field believe that would be a mistake. It’s entirely possible that, if Westerners also made green tea a significant part of their daily diet, they would also see the preventative effects.

With so many supermarkets and convenience stores in the West now stocking green tea, it may be just a matter of time before Westerners will also experience the beverage’s medicinal benefits.

Many cultures around the world drink tea. Some people drink tea as part of social interaction, and others drink it for their health. Specific teas, such as black tea and green tea, have been tested for their positive affects on people’s health. And studies have shown that these two teas can in fact benefit your body. And not just by providing a little pick me up in the morning either. Studies have shown that green tea can slow the growth of cancer cells. Everyone should take notice of these anti-carcinogenic properties, especially in an age of tremendous pollution. Studies by the National Cancer Institute, in America, have shown that powerful plant antioxidants within the tea will stunt the progression of cancerous cells. The cancer preventing properties of tea are just one of the wonderful properties of the drink.

Black tea has been found to increase the presence of certain anti-bacterial proteins in the body. Not just by a little bit either, but a considerable amount. When compared to coffee drinkers, tea drinkers actually had a concentration of disease preventing protein that was 400% higher. Clearly, these are significant health benefits to be had from drinking tea. The are even more benefits though. Mental acuity can be increased as well. A study of elderly people found that those who drink tea actually reduce their risk of mental problems by half when compared to people who don’t drink tea. And the tea drinkers only had to drink a couple cups a day to realize those amazing benefits.

Green tea can help increase the rate at which calories are burned in the body. The chemicals found in green tea allow the body to more efficiently burn fat for energy. Evidence also exist to show that drinking this type of tea can help the body reduce chemicals associated with stress. While this tea forestalls senility, it also more generally improves brain functioning in all segments of the population. The caffeine contained in green tea will help improve memory and give one sharper thinking.

This tea also contains chemicals specific to plants that slow down the growth of bacteria that cause bad breath. The health benefits of drinking green and black teas are quite remarkable. The same chemicals that slow bad breath can also help people with certain bowel diseases. The bacteria limiting properties of the tea helps ease the discomfort associated with such complications. While there are obviously a myriad of health benefits directly related to the physical properties of these teas, there is also mental health relaxation that is associated with preparing a warm beverage. Taking time out of your day to prepare something that is nourishing to your body can really allow you to calm down and retreat from the stresses of everyday life. Learning about all the different types of teas can be quite an enjoyable experience. Not only will you learn about the disparate boiling techniques for each tea, but you will learn each every tea’s specific chemical properties.

Before you begin searching for infertility health insurance, you must first determine what kind of infertility health insurance coverage you need. If you know you’re having fertility problems, but aren’t sure why, you may want to check into diagnostic infertility health insurance. Diagnostic infertility health insurance covers medical services administered by doctors to help them figure out the cause of your infertility problems.

However, if you already know the cause of your infertility, check into infertility treatment health insurance. Infertility treatment health insurance covers the cost of any medical procedures administered to help you become pregnant such as special medications, assisted reproductive technologies, intrauterine insemination, and various other surgeries and procedures.

Start determining the infertility health insurance you need by talking with your doctor. Although your regular doctor probably isn’t a specialist in this field of medicine, he or she may still be able to give you advice on which kind of infertility health insurance you need.

Once you have a good idea of the kind of infertility health insurance and procedures you want, contact your health insurance company. Find out if your policy covers infertility health care and treatments. If it does, have the insurance representative send you written documentation of this coverage (this prevents any confusion should you receive infertility treatment and later be told you’re not covered) as well as any specific procedures you must follow. If your current health insurance policy doesn’t cover infertility health care and treatment, find out if you can purchase it from the company, or perhaps purchase an add-on to your existing policy.

If you’re confused about the amount of infertility health insurance coverage you have, or can’t seem to find any infertility health coverage, contact your state’s department of insurance. Infertility coverage amounts vary from state to state, as do policies about who does and does not have to provide it and procedures that must be followed when obtaining and using it.

Seafood contains essential oils that are an important part of your diet. Oils provide the source of energy we need and they are also great flavor enhancers. More importantly, they are a source of significant fatty acids.

Seafood oils are unique and have great nutritional benefits to our body. This oil contains the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, specifically the eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Our body only produces small amounts of these important fatty acids; therefore we need to rely on other sources for this essential nourishment. Seafood is one of the best sources of these nutrients. In fact, oils are the second biggest components in most seafood.

Eating seafood just once or twice a week can provide good health benefits. Eating fresh seafood is a great way to obtain your required dose of these essential oils. Oils extracted from seafood are also available as nutritional supplements.

Oils derived from seafood help prevent some of the most deadly diseases today, including Alzheimer’s disease, asthma, arteriosclerosis, bipolar disorder, bronchitis, cancer, heart diseases and more.

The omega-3 oils decrease the risk of heart diseases, high blood pressure and rheumatoid arthritis. They are also beneficial to infants’ brain and eye development.

The oils in seafood can also prevent osteoporosis. This is because the oils improve calcium absorption in our bones and can prevent the bones from becoming brittle.

According to recent findings, Omega-3 also helps improve people’s immune functions, thereby reducing infections.

Seafood oils are known to have properties that lower blood pressure, benefiting especially those suffering from hypertension.

Another kind of oil found in seafood is the omega-6 fatty acid. This is important for growth and plays an important role in people’s health and well-being.

Eating a seafood diet can also help you reduce weight. For years, seafood has been part of many weight loss programs. This is because, unlike diet pills, seafood is natural and has beneficial properties to people.

However, fish can rot quickly. Therefore, you should cook it the day you buy it. Here are some tips for preparing seafood:

* If you do not plan to cook the fresh seafood the day you buy it, you should store it for no longer than two days at very cold temperatures.

* If you are going to thaw the fish, keep it in the refrigerator or thaw it under cold water. Do not leave it to thaw on your kitchen counter. This is because the nutritional value of the seafood may diminish.

* You can prepare many delicious seafood dishes from great seafood recipes. You can fry or grill seafood. You can combine it with fruits and vegetables to make it even more delicious. You can marinate it and further enhance its flavor and get rid of its unique smell.

* Some people do not want to eat seafood for fear of choking on the tiny bones. In this case you can request the fish store to help you remove these fish bones.

Remember that seafood is not only delicious; it can also provide wonderful benefits to your health.

Our pet cats are often as close to us as members of our family. In fact, they virtually are members of our family! That’s why cat owners should know as much as they can about cat health. Here are the major things to know about caring for your pet cat in a loving way:

GROOMING: Long-haired cats should be groomed regularly for optimum cat health. Use a pet brush and groom no less frequently than once a week.

DIET: Cat health is strongly affected by what your cat eats. Obesity is a major factor in heart disease particularly as your cat gets older. Choose a pet food for your cat that is right for it’s age but feed it regularly. Consistency is the key to a well-fed cat.

OLDER CATS: Some diseases occur simply because your cat is getting older. These can be labeled elderly cat health problems. As cats age their kidneys and eyesight fail and they may need special diets.

LITTER: The litter box can be dangerous to both cat health and human health if it isn’t cleaned regularly. Change your pet’s litter no less than once every four days and keep a small dish of baking soda near the litter area.

SCRATCHING: Scratching is a major cat health concern because if a cat scratches regularly it is often a sign of other problems. If your cat is scratching a particular area often try a delousing product and then take your pet to the vet.

DECLAWING: Declawing your cat can be a major factor in Cat health. If you choose to declaw your pet it is important to remember to keep them inside at all times.

BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS: Many cat health problems relate to difficult or uncommon behavior. Listlessness can be a symptom of depression. Strange aggression is sometimes caused by hormone imbalances.

STRESS: Your cat can easily get stressed out. Stressful situations like moving, travelling, natural disasters or even changes in the family can affect cat health. To minimize the effects of stress on your pet, buy a tranquilizer for distance travelling and have a place in your home where your cat can escape if there are busy changes in the house.

POISON: Make sure dangerous poisons like antifreeze cannot be reached by your pet. Some plants are fatal to cats so make sure to raise your plants and lock your toxins.

PARASITES: Parasites such as ringworms, heart worms and rabies can greatly affect cat health. Blood in a cat’s stool or uncommon appetite are common signs of parasites.

MOUTH: Cats often have mouth diseases and this can influence cat health. Cats are just as prone to gingivitis as humans. For problems like rodents ulcer or bad breath, brush your cat’s teeth with a small child’s toothbrush.

INDOORS/OUTDOORS: One of the greatest factors in determining cat health is whether your pet goes outdoors. Cars, children, other animals and toxins are all dangerous and should be avoided by keeping your cat indoors.

Taking care of your cat is critical to your cats health. Hopefully this article has provided you with information that will make your pet’s life much safer, healthier, happier and longer.

Good health is of prime importance to all of us. We need to be healthy, filled with abundant energy, sound sleep, and fit and disease free body, which will give us a sense of overall well being. In order to be fit and healthy we need to practice healthy living styles with proper food habits and exercise. We cannot be healthy if we are lazy and lethargic. We need to work hard both physically and mentally to be fit and healthy. Besides exercise, we also need to eat healthy foodstuffs avoiding junk foods, which make us lethargic and dull. If you are over weight and obese you will suffer from health problems. So you need to maintain an optimum body weight to be healthy.

You need to follow healthy and positive habits. Positive thinking is very essential in order to be healthy. You need to clear out your mind and fill it with positive thoughts. You will have to remove all the depressing and negative emotions and thoughts from your mind and replace it with healthy and positive thoughts. These positive thoughts can be extremely energizing and always lead to good things in life. You can get involved in practices such as meditation and yoga to get rid of the negativity and force yourself with positive thoughts.

You need to eat healthy foods in order to be fit and healthy. Simple food stuffs like vegetables, fruits, nuts, tubers, lean meat, pulses, ect can keep you healthy and strong. Try to avoid refined foodstuffs. The main reason for ill health and diseases is improper food habits. Because of this many people suffer from diseases like diabetes, cancer, obesity ect. Simple changes in your diet and causes a great difference within a short period and can improve your health drastically. Try to avoid smoking and alcoholic drinks. For good health, you need to exercise daily. Exercising in the morning can leave you with a refreshed feeling throughout the day. Exercising can put you in a good mood and it will be easier for you to think positively and eat healthy foods. You can also get involved in activities such as swimming, biking, walking or playing your favorite sport in order to keep you healthy .Do not go for an activity which you do not enjoy. Try to do your work outs in the open air. In this way you will feel more refreshed. You should not make drastic changes in your life style. You should start with simple changes and make sure that you enjoy it. You try to make these simple changes in to a regular habit in order to achieve long term success. It is very important to improve your health in order to be happy and enjoy life. Besides exercise you need to have good sleep and rest in order to be healthy. Sound sleep can refresh your mind and make you feel healthy .All these simple changes in your life style can improve your health and make you feel strong and fit. You will feel a sense of well being, both emotionally and physically.

It is essential that a person is aware of what constitutes good food health vitamin intake. The federal drug administration produces a recommended daily allowance for the majority of vitamins which it regards as a good food health vitamin intake. These figures vary according to a person’s age, sex and some other factors so that the good food health vitamin intake for a young woman is going to be different to that of a man in his seventies.

The food health vitamin intake amounts of certain foods are included in the nutritional labelling. This labelling is important for a person to consider and helps ensure that they are receiving the correct food health vitamin intake from the foods that they eat. The nutritional information is often represented as a percentage of the recommended daily allowance of each vitamin and mineral and can help assess the value of the foods in the quest for good food health vitamin intake.

There are also a number of items that a person may want to restrict in their diet as part of their good food health vitamin intake. Again, the nutritional labelling of certain foods can help a person to see how high a product is in these undesirable contents. Salt and fat, for example, may be items that a person wants to consider limiting as part of their good food health vitamin intake even though they are not strictly vitamins. The majority of people actually refer to nutrients when they use the word vitamin and food manufacturers are aware that a person is looking at minerals and other items when they are considering their good food health vitamin intake. Fiber is another element that many people are more aware of as forming an essential part of a balanced diet and is necessary for good food health vitamin intake.

If a person is on a restricted diet for any reason then they need to pay even more attention to their good food health vitamin intake. Obviously, some foods contain different nutrients to others and this is applicable to vitamins as well and it may be more difficult for a person to achieve their good food health vitamin intake if they are unable to eat certain foods. Vitamin supplements can form an essential part of a good food health vitamin intake for people who are unable to obtain their vitamins from their normal diet. It is also worth remembering that the good food health vitamin intake for a person varies throughout their life depending on their general health.

When most people think about the term work benefits, they are most always talking about health insurance followed closely by dental insurance. This should come as no surprise as everyone knows that you need dental insurance. Yes, dental insurance is atop many people’s lists of important job perks. But why exactly is dental insurance so important and necessary?

That answer can be found in the midst of a debilitating toothache that seems to simultaneously throw your world into one giant throbbing, aching tooth. In fact, few things that can disturb your day more than a bad tooth. This is why it is imperative that people have a good dental insurance plan. More and more employers are starting to systematically include dental insurance as part of their benefit package. It’s undeniable that dental health is very important, and doctors are emphasizing this idea each day.

Currently, only 57% of Americans under age 65 have dental insurance, through their employers compared with 85% for medical insurance. Unfortunately, many companies are being forced to take a hard look at how they spend their limited health-care dollars, meaning that dental insurance tops the list of benefits employers are looking to cut. Companies argue dental insurance is a nonessential benefit, since a patient’s total financial risk is relatively low. After all, a medical catastrophe could wipe you out financially — something that’s unlikely to happen with even the most costly dental expenses.

Dental health can also be attributed to other physical health issues. For example, Gingivitis, which is an infection of the soft tissues of the mouth, if left untreated, can become a serious problem that could land someone in the hospital. Neglecting your teeth can be bad news when it comes to your overall health.

Unfortunately in past decades, regular dental checkups and preventive care could only be afforded by the upper middle-class and wealthy groups. So it turned out that before dental insurance became widespread, the average person did not seek regular dental checkups and saw a dentist only when something hurt really badly. Millions of people now get regular preventive care that in the past might not have done so, and the nation’s dental health is much better for that change.

But even in this day and age, there is still a large group of people that simply cannot afford to pay for any kind of dental insurance. A severe lack of finances makes it impossible to pay for any type of dental care. For people who lack proper dental insurance, dental procedures or simple regular dental checkups are often extremely expensive. If people cannot afford to pay for these treatments themselves, the result is simply that they are missing out on essential dental care. After a trip to the dentist, some people are often left with a nasty taste in their mouth, not from the experience, but after they have seen how much they owe.

The biggest dental problem that needs proper medical care is tooth and gum disease. These gum and tooth problems can rapidly grow worse and this can even result in tooth decay to a point where people suffering from these problems are not even able to properly use their teeth and help is needed. Treatment of tooth decay and seriously deteriorated teeth are unaffordable for many consumers, and if they want to avoid losing their teeth, it is important to get some kind of care that is affordable. This is another factor highlighting the importance of dental insurance.

Without dental insurance, there would be many more people across the nation who would be suffering. Furthermore, people would have to deal with the rising costs of premium dental health care. A filling for example might cost anywhere from $125-$200 depending on the region of the country where they live. Routine examinations and cleanings will cost the patient at least $75, which is nothing when compared to dental x-rays which can be over $200. Other procedures such as root canals can cost up to $1,000, and cosmetic dentistry averages $1500 to $3000, depending on the procedure.

Good dental insurance reduces the cost of routine dental care, often paying in full for one set of x-rays and a cleaning each year. That routine care can prevent many of the more expensive emergencies. Even more important, routine dental examinations can often turn up the first signs of more serious health problems – the first signs of illnesses like diabetes are often found in your mouth. Comprehensive dental insurance is one of the key ingredients in good health care.

Is dental insurance really necessary? The answer is a definite yes.

You were overlooked for a promotion again. It was no surprise. Mr. X leads a charmed life. Work is finished before deadlines. They always have enough energy to attend seminars and workshops. They work late whenever needed. They always look great, are full of energy, and happy.

It is not fair that some people are gifted – or are they? Next time the flu hits your office, look at the people who stay home and those who end up taking days home from work. There will be some startling revelations.

Statistically, the group who miss work are complainers, they are stressed, they work hard on projects but never make-the-grade. These people rarely smile. Ask what music they listen too. Is it happy, or is it hard and abrasive? Do they make friends, or hide in their cubicle?

Now, compare this to the group who remained at work and picked up the slack. There are trends here, too. These people are more likely to listen to classical music. They probably talk about things such as massage therapy, exercise, stress busters, healthy eating, and they laugh or smile – a lot.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but studies have proven that poor stress management skills, feelings of helplessness, poor eating habits, and poor social skills.

In fact, researchers have proved that stress cut years from your life.

Scientists are proving in clinical studies what traditional healers have known for centuries. The mind and body are linked, and when one is weak, the other suffers.

One field has made great strides since 1970 in understanding the connection between emotions, well-being, and immune-system function, Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI).

Then Robert Ader, Ph.D., and the department of psychiatry at the University of Rochester, New York, discovered that the immune system can be psychologically conditioned to perform a certain way. In short, you can train your immune system to create a super human body, or teach it to self-distruct.

Ader fed rats saccharine and an immunosuppressive drug that caused an upset stomach. After just one incident, the rodents avoided saccharine. The study was repeated with only saccharine, and many rats died.

Even when the drug was absent the rat’s bodies associated saccharine with the suppression of immune function. The saccrin weakened their immune systems.

Ader conditioned an immunosuppressive response. So, the brain turned a perfectly healthy food into poison. The experiment created a radical conclusion: The mind and the immune system are linked.

“There were lots of responses to our study–and some of them you can’t print,” Ader says today. “But our results showed you’ve got to deal with the whole adaptive system of the organism and not just a single element of the system.”

And they changed the immune research community forever.

What does that mean for you? It reaffirms exactly what life coaches have been telling you for years. If you want to succeed then you need to change your mindset. You can train your body to accomplish more, remain healthier, manage stress better, if you change your mindset. Still not convinced?

Candace Pert, Ph.D., a scientist at Johns Hopkins University discovered receptors that allow the body to create natural opiates. That’s right. Next time you meet someone who is always on a ‘high’ – maybe they are.

Golf specific fitness is mainstream on tour! There is no way around it! To play your best, you’ve got to be in better golf shape! Golf is physical…and requires both dynamic strength and flexibility.

Gone are the days of the 19th hole! That’s if you want to be top dog in your foursome. Instead of going to the 19th hole after your round, why not do some cool down stretches so you’re ready for the next round?

I’m not saying you have to be a fanatic, but just realize there is a definite “physical component” to optimal golf performance. The demand on the body to swing a club at upwards of 100 mph and stay in your golf posture is huge.

A golf specific fitness program incorporating golf exercise and golf stretching will maximize your body’s ability to produce awesome power where it counts…at impact!

What is golf specific fitness?

I can tell you it’s not going to a gym and doing a seated chest press. It’s not spending 2 hours everyday beating yourself up. It’s not lifting heavy weights. But it does require a commitment. Just like anything else worth achieving.

That phrase, “if it were easy, everybody would be doing it” is so true.

With over 70 million baby boomers who want to enjoy life, be healthier and a big majority of them playing golf…golf specific fitness “kills two birds with one stone”. A fitter, stronger body and an awesome golf game. What better way to spend your quality years?

Golf specific fitness incorporates dynamic strength and flexibility; muscular endurance directly related to your golf swing; balance; coordination: stability; and a much improve sequence of timing to produce maximum power through the impact zone.

Golf specific fitness does not require heavy weights, but improving your golf swing strength is always a goal. Being stronger in your golf swing takes a unique approach that is not accomplished with a general fitness program.

The main focus should be on “rotational” strength and flexibility!

The golf swing is a high-speed rotational movement. The goal for maximum distance is to create a higher level of torque and be able to store and unleash it at the right moment in time.

This requires a major emphasis on core rotational movements with resistance. This is the ONLY way to improve your backswing AND follow through range of motion and power. These movements should be done sitting on a stability ball; standing erect; getting in your golf posture; and even on one leg.

It kills me to see a trainer do a bicep curl with a golf client. This will NOT help your golf swing. Just take a look at the position your wrist is in doing a standard bicep curl. It’s turned out very awkwardly (and uncomfortably).

Do you grip a golf club like this? Then why would you do this exercise? If you’re a golfer, you wouldn’t!

How about a seated chest press on a machine?

I’ve seen golfers in the gym doing this one.

Golf is “on your feet”, using every major muscle group in your body in a certain sequence of motion. How would a “seated” chest press on a “controlled” machine help your golf swing?

It wouldn’t!

Golf specific fitness will get your body moving powerfully through your golf swing for 18 holes. Your swing will become more consistent. You will add a ton of yards to all your clubs…especially your driver. And your incident of injury will plummet.

Isn’t this reason enough to get start on a program of golf specific fitness?

Golf fitness training might sound grueling, sweaty and a lot of work! Doesn’t have to be that way. Now of course I’d be lying to you to say it’s easy and you won’t have to make a small commitment, and stick with it to see results.

But what I am saying is…you can easily participate in a Golf fitness training program with minimal equipment and can do it right in your home or even your office.

How ?

With only a stability ball, exercise tubing and a pair of handweights. Grand total…under $60 for your “total golf fitness gym”. That’s about one months membership to your local club that you’ll visit once or twice and never go back (but keep paying every month).

I want you to get that picture out of your head of the “muscle-bound” hulk, heaving hundreds of pounds with on arm, slamming it to the floor and letting out the infamous LOUD GRUNT for attention.

No..you’ll be doing golf-specific exercises with bands, balls and handweights that will quickly and directly benefit your golf swing. Sports conditioning or in this instance golf fitness training requires you to use your body in space incorporating balance, stabilization and sequence of timing just like your golf swing.

The direct correlation results in longer, more accurate drives, hitting a larger number of greens in regulation and walking off the course beating the pants off of your playing partners.

Now that’s “instant gratification” at its best!

And how about no more injuries! I’m dead serious! All those aches and pains finally gone. Forever! A stronger more flexible body will have a much higher level of resistance to pain and injury. And the added bonus is swinging “easier” and with much less effort, but seeing the ball go much further and straighter. It will feel like an “out-of-body” experience.

A few words of caution!

If you hear or see any programs touting they are golf fitness training and see the golfer and/or trainer using the basic machines in the gym, this is NOT golf fitness training. This is without a doubt “general fitness”. Not altogether a bad thing, but won’t directly help your golf game.

Working on a stability ball, and using tubing and handweights you can mimic many phases of the golf swing and at the same time challenge your core stabilization, balance and muscular endurance. All critical factors in achieving optimal swing mechanics for 18 holes.

And…they’re fun to use. You’ll never get board. You can always make it more challenging from a balance and/or stabilization factor.

Just try to get one of those “muscle-heads” on a stability ball lifting the same heavy weights they use. Call the medics..cause it’s going to get ugly real quick.

You see…most people who workout in the gym never challenge their proprioceptive awareness (or simply…using their body in space). This is the key to great golf.

The stronger you can get your core stabilizers, coupled with increased rotational flexibility…you’re headed to an awesome game of golf. You’ll definitely be the envy of your foursome.

So don’t hesitate to get started on your golf fitness training right away!

The words core training, golf fitness, and improving your golf swing have become common words in golf. It is well known the number of professional golfers utilizing a golf fitness program to improve their golf swing. Addition to this well-known situation a common word has become connected to the phrase golf fitness. This phrase has become a buzzword in the world of golf. Unfortunately many do not understand the phrase and the relevance it can have on the golf swing. The phrase is core training. Core training can be a great benefit to your golf swing as a part of comprehensive golf fitness program.

Unfortunately many amateur golfers are unsure of the exact definition of core training and the relevance it may or may not have on a golf fitness program. The core is a reference to an anatomical area of body. The core is the anatomical area of your body from above the knees to below the chest. It includes all the muscles, nerves, and bones within in this anatomical region of the body. It must also be noted that the core includes all the neuromuscular structures on the front, side, and back of your body. For example, your lower back muscles are a part of the core as are your abdominals.

Core training is an integral part of a comprehensive golf fitness program because this is the anatomical area of the body where the majority of the golf swing occurs. For example, the golf swing requires you to rotate around a fixed spine angle. The majority of muscles allowing rotation to occur around a fixed spine angle are found within the core region. The golf swing requires a full shoulder turn to execute correctly. The muscles allowing the shoulders to rotate are mostly found within the core region of the body. These are just a few examples providing a reference between the biomechanics of the golf swing and the core region of the body.

Understanding the connection between the biomechanics of the golf swing and the core should begin to shine some light on why core training can be beneficial to the golf swing. Overall, the golf swing requires certain levels of flexibility, balance, strength, endurance, and power to execute correctly. If the body lacks the required levels within these physical components the golf swing will be difficult to execute correctly. Knowing that a large portion of the movements in the golf swing occur within the core region, it becomes obvious developing these physical components become necessary in order to improve your golf swing.

The key component of core training in relation to the golf swing centers upon the principle of cross-specificity training. Cross-specificity training implies the exercises within the core program train the body to the positions, movements, and requirements of the sport. A core training program beneficial to the golf swing must train the body specifically for the anatomical positions, movements, and actions encountered on the golf course.

The goal of cross-specific core program is to develop a transfer of training effect. The majority of fitness programs and many core programs do not address the needs of the golfer relative to improving flexibility, balance, strength, endurance, and power. A cross-specific core program will provide the foundation for a better golf swing. Just because a program is labeled a “core program” does not necessarily mean it will be beneficial to improving the golf swing.

Once the golfer understands the concepts of cross-specific training, transfer of training effect, core, and the biomechanics of the golf swing. You can begin to piece together the components of a golf fitness program. Outside of providing the foundation for the golf swing through providing the golfer with the needed levels of flexibility, balance, strength, endurance, and power to efficiently execute the golf swing. A golf fitness program can also improve a golfer’s swing.

One common area of desired improvement for most any golfer is increased distance. Increased distance in the golf swing is equated to increased clubhead speed. And increased clubhead speed is directly related to the golfer’s power outputs. Increasing power within the golf swing is connected to both swing mechanics and the body. The coiling and uncoiling within the golf swing directly affects the power outputs generated. In addition the body has a direct affect upon power development in the golf swing. Power in relation to the body can be defined as the ability of the body to create the greatest amount of force in a short amount of time.

If the golfer increases the ability of the body to generate more force, what will be the result within the golf swing? The golfer is more powerful, an increase in clubhead speed will occur, and the golf ball will probably travel farther. Interestingly enough improving power outputs by the body in relation to the golf swing, centers upon developing greater power outputs by the core region. Again, the golf swing is a rotational movement centering in the core region of the body. Increasing the force outputs of the muscles in the core can invariably improve the power in your golf swing. This again is only one example of where core training and golf fitness can improve the golf swing. Many additional areas of improvement can occur when the golfer develops the body correctly for the golf swing.

Understand the biomechanics of the golf swing require certain levels of flexibility, balance, strength, endurance, and power to execute correctly. The golfer requires minimal levels of these physical components at the very least to execute the golf swing correctly. The core is an anatomical region of the body where much of the movements within the golf swing occur. A core training program can be beneficial to improving the golf swing if the exercises within the program are cross-specific to the movements, positions, and physical requirements of the golf swing. If the core program is not cross specific to the golf swing, the benefits may less than optimal. Realize a comprehensive golf fitness program includes core training to develop the body around the golf swing. Such a program can improve the golf swing in areas like clubhead speed. And remember just because a program is labeled “core” does not necessarily mean it will improve your golf swing. The exercises within the core program must correlate with the movements of the golf swing.

If you’ve watched any golf on the television you’ve no doubt heard the commentator’s mention golf fitness training. It’s no secret that 95 percent of professional golfers are doing some for of golf fitness training.

If there livelihood depends on their performance and they are participating in golf fitness training, why wouldn’t amateur golfers do the same?

The golf swing is one of the most physically demanding movements on the human body of all sports.

Swinging a three and a half foot long implement at upwards of 100 mph, while maintaining balance, stabilization and proper swing mechanics is very difficult.

I don’t think I have to convince you of that do I?

The “only” way to be able to accomplish this is by improving the strength AND flexibility of your golf muscles with a golf fitness training routine.

What’s the simplest way to do this?

I can tell you not on a machine in your local gym.

Just take a look at the golf swing to realize it’s “on your feet” and bent at the waist. How could sitting in a machine help that?

It can’t!

You’ve got to do as many exercises as possible on your feet, involving balance, coordination, strength and flexibility.

You don’t even have to be a golf fitness specialist to come up with some creative golf exercises on your own.

How about making your golf swing while holding a single handweight? You can’t get anymore golf-specific than that.

What about some exercise tubing (that’s inexpensive) attached to your door and make your golf swing? Another very golf-specific exercise.

You don’t need a gym membership to do any of these and many more golf exercises. Convenience of doing these exercises in your home saves time and money.

There is a lot of information (including books) showing golfers on machines in gyms. That’s not “golf-specific”, that’s “general fitness”.

If you want to improve your game quickly and easily, try doing these “in-home” golf exercises. You won’t believe how quickly your body will respond to golf fitness training and how you’ll be the LONGEST hitter in your foursome in no-time.

Typically you’ll hear a group of golfers all talking about the newest technology and what club or which ball they need to improve their golf game. We all want to believe that the newer golf technology will get us to the next level of play. While there may be some truth to the theory, more emphasis is being placed on fitness for golf. Many players are now accepting the fact that by conditioning the body on a regular basis, they create an opportunity for more optimal play.

No matter what you current level of play, if your muscles become stronger and more flexible your swing will show improvement. The golf swing places complex demands on the body. There must be mental concentration, neuromuscular coordination, and muscular strength and flexibility all functioning at the same time during the few seconds it takes to make your swing.

To synchronize the body’s performance and improve your game, the best fitness for golf regimen includes what is called functional fitness. The exercises of functional fitness for golf are designed to mimic the golf swing, and improve strength, balance, and flexibility. This method of regular conditioning even if it’s only a few minutes a day can greatly increase your ability to achieve and maintain an optimal swing.

The key here is to realize that you want to tone and condition your body for the overall performance required during a round of golf. Golf involves repetitive movements from many muscle groups. By implementing functional fitness for golf, your muscles will be trained to automatically perform when necessary. You’ll also reduce your risks of strains and injury.

Benefits aren’t just in acquiring a more powerful and consistent golf swing; your overall health and stamina will also improve, both on and off the golf course. When beginning a fitness for golf regimen it’s good to get an overall assessment of your current level of strengths and weaknesses. By identifying areas of weakness, you can concentrate more on improving in those areas rather than spending more time on areas where your performance is stronger.

If you are not currently in a fitness program for golf, give it a try. You can get an assessment online and even do the necessary conditioning right in your own home. The time spent will bring you rewards on the course.

The golfing industry speaks about clubhead speed constantly. We see advertised in the golf magazines all the time. We hear about it on the Golf Channel endlessly

Clubhead speed is more a result of what you do with the golf club than an entity of its own. A driver is not going to generate clubhead speed on its’ own! Someone has to swing it!

Clubhead speed is contingent upon swing speed. Swing speed is directly related to the person swinging the golf club. So the question to really ask is:

How Do I Develop Huge Gains in My Swing Speed?

Another term directly related to swing speed and clubhead speed is power.

More Power = More Swing Speed = More Clubhead Speed

Bottom line is we are looking to increasing the power outputs of your golf swing. This will allow for an increase in swing speed. An increase in swing speed translates to more clubhead speed.

So how do we increase the power in our golf swing?

Two aspects require tuning and development of you wish to improve the power in your golf swing.

§ Number One: Improve Your Swing Mechanics

§ Number Two: Improve Your Body

Developing optimal swing mechanics is the first part of the equation to great power.

The golf swing is one of the most difficult, finite, and complex athletic movements performed. As a result, it requires time spent on the refinement of the movements involved.

Any athletic movement, the golf swing included, can be performed efficiently or inefficiently.

An efficient golf swing allows for the highest percentage of power generated by the golfer to be translated into the club, and delivered into the golf ball. An inefficient golf swing decreases the amount of power delivered to golf swing.

Efficient Golf Swing Mechanics = High Power Outputs

Inefficient Golf Swing Mechanics = Low Power Outputs

A pretty simple equation if you think about it.

Now how do you develop efficient golf swing mechanics?

Through a process of proper instruction, proper practice, and time. The body can learn either the correct or incorrect way to swing a golf club. In order to learn the correct way to swing a golf club, proper instruction is required.

Secondly, the body learns through repetition. In order to learn efficient golf swing mechanics it is necessary to practice the correct way to swing. Finally, this process takes time.

The body will not learn how swing a golf club correctly in a day. It takes consistent time spent on the swing.

Putting it in math terms, the equation for efficient golf swing mechanics is:

Proper Instruction + Proper Practice + Time = Efficient Golf Swing Mechanics

Unfortunately, efficient golf swing mechanics is only one-half of the equation to increasing clubhead speed, swing speed, and power.

The second half is your body.

The golf club cannot develop power on its own. It is a combination of developing efficient golf swing mechanics and a body that can generate power.

A Body that can Generate Power = Increased Clubhead Speed

Your body swings the club through the mechanics of the golf swing. In order to perform this efficiently and powerfully requires the development of certain disciplines within your body.

Generating power in the golf swing requires your body to be:

§ Flexible

§ Strong

§ Powerful

The development of these three disciplines within your body allows the foundation to swing the golf club with more power.

If your body is inflexible, weak, and powerless, generating clubhead speed will be very difficult, let alone performing the mechanics of the golf swing correctly. How do you develop such a body for the golf swing?

Quite simply by implementing a golf fitness program. A golf fitness program will develop the required flexibility, strength, and power required of the golf swing.

It comes down to this equation:

Efficient Golf Swing Mechanics + A Flexible, Strong, & Powerful Body = Increased Clubhead Speed

Put in place a plan to develop efficient golf swing mechanics and a powerful body. The swing speed and clubhead speed you desire can be a reality. Remember; proper instruction, practice, time, and golf fitness training are the keys to more power, more swing speed, and more clubhead speed.

Sean

The connection between golf fitness exercises and the short game often times goes unnoticed. It is usually thought golf fitness exercises help us generate more clubhead speed, add more distance to our drives, hit longer iron shots, and play more consistently from the fairway. In this mix of benefits the short game is often lost when discussing golf fitness. Believe it or not golf fitness exercises can benefit your short game in a big way.

The idea of golf fitness exercises and their benefit to short game play came into focus during a conversation with PGA Teaching professional Christopher Smith. Christopher is a great instructor; he works with Nike Golf, is rated as a top instructor in the Pacific Northwest, and was recently featured in Golf Digest Magazine. Not to long ago Christopher and I filmed a couple of golf instruction videos together. One of the videos was on the short game.

The video we filmed was not your “typical” short game video. Where we instructed you to place your feet here, clubface in this position, hands forward of the ball, etc, etc. It was a much better approach in the video and discussed concepts of the short game. Christopher presented ways to think about short game shots, and processes to improve your short game.

One area he touched upon was how finite of an athletic action chipping and pitching are in the big picture. For example, the muscular strength in the hands, forearms, and wrists are integral parts of the short game. In addition so are the motor skills of the nerves and muscles coordinating the movements involved in such golf shots.

Christopher’s question to me in the video was in relation to these exact topics. He flat out asked me:

“Sean, are there golf fitness exercises that can help in the short game? I find as an instructor, physical limitations are showing up in some of my student’s short game. This is limiting their ability to perform chips, pitches, and most shots from 100 yards in. What are your thoughts?”

I told Christopher there are absolutely golf fitness exercises that can benefit any golfer’s short game. I first discussed the hands, wrists, and forearms. To perform chip shots and pitches the hands, wrists, and forearms come into play. In order to execute such shots consistently and correctly a level of strength is needed within these muscles. If the muscles within these parts of the body are weak and lack endurance, the ability to set the hands where they need to be, and hold the clubface in the correct position can be compromised.

I said the easiest way to correct this problem on a physical level is to implement a series of golf fitness exercises for the hands, wrists, and forearms. These exercises will increase the muscular strength and endurance in these body parts. The end result will be an improvement in their short game on a physical level.

The second problem area indicated by Christopher with his student’s short game centered upon the finite motor skills of these shots. These types of shots require a very high level of motor control. Motor control is centered upon the interaction of the brain, nerves, and muscles. It is essentially your brain telling your body what to do, how to do it, and in what order. This is a result of your brain coordinating movements of your muscles through the nervous system. The execution of your brain “telling your body what to do” can be either efficient or inefficient.

If your brain, nervous system, and muscles are operating efficiently, the execution of finite motor control movements such as short game shots are easy. On the other hand, if your brain telling your nerves, and consequently your muscles what to do is inefficient. The execution of finite motor control movements, again such as short game shots will be more difficult.

I told Christopher motor control is the second area in which golf fitness exercises can be of benefit to the short game. The types of golf fitness exercise beneficial to the short game are balance exercises. Balance exercises are a type of golf fitness exercises.

These types of golf fitness exercises incorporate your brain, nerves, and muscles. They have many benefits when it comes to the golf swing. Outside the benefit of creating higher levels of muscular strength and endurance, these exercises assist in motor control.

Let me explain, we understand motor control is the interaction of your brain, nerves, and muscles. The interaction can either be efficient or inefficient. Efficient motor control is good, especially for finite muscular activities such as short game shots. Golf fitness balance exercises “challenge” your nervous and muscular system interaction. Over time as these two systems are “challenged” through exercise they become more efficient. Essentially they operate together more efficiently. Resulting in higher levels of motor control and the ability to execute finite motor skills (i.e. short game golf shots).

So lets summarize this discussion between Christopher Smith and myself. Golf fitness exercises are often overlooked as a benefit to short game shots. The reality is different than many individuals think. Golf fitness exercises can assist the golfer’s short game on a physical level. It does this in two ways; golf fitness exercises increase the strength in the muscles involved in short game shots. Secondly, the short game is a finite motor control activity. Golf fitness balance exercises can improve a golfer’s motor control abilities, allowing them to execute finite activities such as short game shots with greater ease. Bottom line, golf fitness exercises can benefit every aspect of the golf swing and the amateur’s golf game.

Sean Cochran