A Guide To Your Hip Health

As we age, our bones, ligaments, muscles and joints become susceptible to pains and other discomforts because of many underlying causes such as abnormalities of the skin, nerves and bones, blood vessels, bones and joints. Diseases such as arthritis, hip fractures, bursitis, tendinitis, avascular necrosis and even cancer are also reasons for hip pain, hip discomfort and problems.

Our hips can feel pain in varying degrees from mild discomfort to debilitating that we are unable to move at all due to the severe pain. And when this happens, hip pain or discomfort must not be taken lightly because it can lead to hip replacement through surgery.

Reading this infographic gave me a better understanding about hip pain that can lead to serious issues if left untreated.  The tips shown below are just some ways to improve our posture that can alleviate back pain and pressure to our hips. We can also improve our joint's health which is also one of the main reasons for hip pain by taking glucosamine, chondroitin, bromelain from pineapple, white willow bark and turmeric which is known for alleviating inflammation due to arthritis and ease joint pain. However, do check with your physician before taking any supplements or medications for hip or joint pain.

What Should You Know about Compulsive Exercise?

Photo credit: yahoo images

Eating disorders can be scary, whether they are characterized by a lack of proper nutrition or by overeating. One type that may be the most commonly overlooked, however, is compulsive exercising. Also known as obligatory exercise or anorexia athletica, this disorder is characterized by an individual not choosing to exercise, but actually feeling compelled to, otherwise they may experience bouts of guilt, anxiety, or depression. The person begins to prioritize exercise over everything else within their life, including friends, family, school, and careers, and may choose to work out regardless of illness or injury. In general, exercise is regarded as a healthy behavior. What many people may not realize, however, is that it can be taken too far, and serious health consequences may result. As with any eating disorder, it may be best to seek professional help from a facility like Miller Counseling Services.


Compulsive Exercise

Compulsive exercise disorder is not always recognized as its own disorder, but rather as a symptom of other disorders. This is due to compulsive exercise often occurring along with bulimia, anorexia, or OCD. There are cases, however, of the disorder existing on its own. Compulsive exercise can occur in anyone, but tends to be more common in girls between the ages of 12 and 19, and the risk generally increases for athletes. If left untreated, the disorder can lead to other eating disorders and certain health risks.


Health Risks

It is recommended that a person burns about 2,000 to 3,500 calories a week for good cardiovascular health. This equals to about 30 to 45 minutes of exercise a day for five to six days a week. Beyond 3,500 calories, however, you begin to see a decrease in the health benefits and an increase in your risk for injury. Giving your body a day or two of rest between workouts is important to allow for recuperation. In excess, exercise can begin to cause stress on tendons, joints, ligaments, and bones, resulting in possible tearing or fractures that can worsen over time. Too much exercise can also have the opposite of the desired effect, causing muscle to break down as the body fights to find more energy. Excessive exercise can also cause stress on the heart, and can disrupt hormone production. In women, this can lead to the cessation of the menstrual cycle (amenorrhea), an increased risk of bone degeneration (osteoporosis), and reproductive disorders. Receiving therapy, such as from a facility like Miller Counseling Services, may be helpful in treating compulsive exercise behaviors and in assisting to prevent many of the associated risks.

For Men: Tips To Look Youthful And Maintain Vitality

Who says only women can go crazy with getting old and feebish with health matters? Men is also as vulnerable as women when they reach 40 and above. Plenty of inconvenient health issues start to arise. Why wait for that to happen when you can improve your health and vitality as early as now?

Read on about the tips on how to do just that:

• Take care of your heart as heart disease is a common reason of deaths in the US for men. 
• Include fish in your meals and other foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids.
• Remain active and exercise regularly
• Incorporate green leafy vegetables and fresh fruits in your diet
• Take 1,000 international units (IU) of Vit. D supplement.
• Protect your skin from harmful UV rays and wear sunblock and clothes that can cover your skin
• Perform a regular routine check up
• Reduce stress from work and your personal life

Common Health Problems During Summer

Summer is here and we cannot deny that fact. Our activities will be limited mostly indoors but the heat does not stop some adventurous people to enjoy the season. So, if you are one of those people who cannot stay put then read on to avoid the risk of common health problems during the hot summer months.

Sunburns and skin cancer risk
The sun is one of the primary cause of sunburn and skin cancer because of the harmful UV rays. Too much exposure to the harmful rays will make you susceptible to skin cancer risk. Exposure to the sun's heat will also give you premature wrinkles and dry skin.

Eye Damage
Not wearing eye protection like sunglasses can damage your eyes leading to cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Wearing dark shades can filter harmful UV rays.

Food Poisoning
Food-borne illnesses like food poisoning is common during summer time because some bacteria thrives in heat and spoils food quickly when left in the open. Keep food safe and fresh by putting them in the refrigerator or consuming them on time.

Bug bites
Summer time is a great time for some pesky bugs like mosquitoes, ants and bees. Their sting or bite can pose serious threat when carrying infectious diseases. Avoid buggy areas, remove standing water and spray insect repellants.

Heat stroke
This is a life-threatening condition that must not be taken lightly. The body experiences extreme core temperature rising, like a fever and can lead to permanent damage. Common signs of heat stroke are:

1. confusion
2. short, rapid breathing
3. sweating
4. a fast pulse

Dehydration
Summer time can make you perspire profusely. This will leave you dehyrdrated and not having enough water will inhibit your internal organs to function normally. Drink plenty of water and fruit juices to stay hydrated and if you are active, drink electrolyte water to replenish lost vital nutrients. Avoid fizzy drinks like sodas, alcohol and caffeine as they act as diuretics.

Weight Loss Dilemma

Again, I got stuck in a very long rut. My friends are losing weight but I am gaining more.

I can't blame anyone but myself because I have allowed it to happen. I used to have a strong will-power and deeply motivated but it is not working these days. I know what to do but I can't seem to push myself.

I have been bugging my other "round" friends to join me in my quest for weight loss for good health and they just keep saying tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow. I am tired waiting for the day when I can actually have a buddy system or a support group to back me up on my endeavor.

Where do I actually start? I don't want to end up fat and miserable. There's nothing wrong when you are plump but if you are having health issues then that is something worth changing. I can't stay like this because it's not making me healthy. I have to start somewhere and I need to do it soon.

Down With Pharyngitis Again

I have been inflicted with this condition twice already in a span of 4 months. The bad thing is, I just wake up losing my voice. I am not an ice-cream lover nor enjoy eating sugary and sweet food to make my throat sore but I still get this condition.

My voice is still horrible and broken for 5 days now. I am into medication again and the cough syrup is making me very groggy. I am okay with the twice-a-day antibiotic dosage but I don't know how I am going to survive work tomorrow feeling like this.

I still have my very dry cough and sad to say but I am already getting headaches every time I cough unproductively. The doctor said that a lot of steam can help loosen up the mucous and I will try that today.

I wonder if I got this from my relatives who were here recently. They didn't lose their voices but I did and I was not even going out of the house often. I think I need to crack up my immune system again. I stopped drinking Vitamin C when I took my uric acid medication. I just couldn't take all these pills/tables/capsules anymore. I hope I will be more healthy this year because I have more challenges to face this time.

So people, if you are feeling a sudden ache in your throat, visit your doctor right away. The climate is harsh these days and does not help so avoid drinking cold and eating sweet stuff. Don't strain your voice too much. Gargle with salt water. Drink plenty of fluids. Have plenty of rest. Have steam.

I hope to recover soon. I am back to work tomorrow despite of the lack of voice. I'll be a pantomime show there!

Information on Thyroid Imbalance

Thyroid imbalance is a type of a thyroid problem. Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism are the two types of thyroid imbalance.

Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid produces too much hormones and the opposite of that is the hypothyroidism.

Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism are the following:
shakiness
weight loss
feeling hot all the time
depression
hair loss
rapid heartbeat

Common symptoms of hypothyroidism are the following:
forgetfulness
weight gain
inability to lose weight
overeating
brittle hair
hair loss
depression
cold extremities
high cholesterol
sleep apnea