5 Ways to Avoid Breast Cancer

Worldwide, breast cancer is the second most common of all the cancers after lung cancer and it is the most common cancer in the UK. In the last ten years the breast cancer rates in the UK have increased by 13%. So what can you do? Just because the rates of breast cancer have been becoming larger of late this doesn’t mean that you cannot do anything positive to reduce your chances of developing this cancer. 

These 5 simple steps have been scientifically proved to reduce your chance of developing breast cancer and following them will improve your general health as well.

1. Drink less (alcohol)

The increase in drinking and binge drinking in the UK could be one of the main reasons that numbers of cases of breast cancer recorded are increasing. There is an increased rick of about 7% for every alcoholic drink consumed on a daily basis for women. Researchers estimate that around 2,000 of the 40,000+ yearly cases diagnosed is due to alcohol consumption. However, drinking moderatlely is probably the best idea for your all round health as some drinks (for example red wine) can be beneficial to other aspects of you health such as your heart. 

2. Change your Diet

Researchers have estimated that 25% of diagnosed cases of cancer could be avoided by a change in diet. You have all heard the advice that we should get our "five a day" and where breast cancer is concerned, this could really pay off. Scientists suspect that consuming large amounts of animal fat could increase your risk of breast cancer. These factors are demonstrated in Japan. Japanese women have a diet very high in fruit and vegetables and very low in animal fats and the cases of cancer found in these women is very low. 

3. Check yourself regularly 

It is important to check your breasts regluarly, but few people know just how easy it is. The best way to check your breasts is to use your hand in a "paddle" shape and gently rub in a circular motion to check for hard lumps, often a way to tell if these lumps are anything out of the ordinary is if the lumps have a very defined edge. Breasts are naturally lumpy, especially when you’re on your period, but once you begin to check yourself regularly you will be able to tell if there are any unusual lumps. Another thing to look out for is signs of an unusual dimpling of the skin. Stand infront of a mirror and raise your arms slightly, this should make it easier to spot any dimpling. If you spot any of these signs or your breast or nipple shape changes suddenly you should go to your GP and get yourself checked out.

4. Exercise

Obviously, exercising is a beneficial step to take for your all round health and fitness, including decreasing your risk of developing all kinds of cancer. A study carried out in the US found that women who exercise regularly before their menopause can decrease their risk of dveloping breast cancer by 23%. They also found that the exercise is most beneficial for girls and women aged 12 to 22. 

5. Maintain a healthy weight

This step goes hand in hand with point 4. Obesity has been directly linked to diagnosed cases of breast cancer but only with women who have already gone through the menopause. It has been estimated that maintaining a healthy weight could mean that 12,000 people in the UK would avoid developing breast cancer. Obesity also increases the likelyhood of developing many other types of cancer.

Financial Debt Causes Real Physical Health Problems, Concludes Survey

    The stress caused by debt is a major health risk linked to a variety of health problems, according to a recent survey conducted by Associated Press-AOL Health.

Scientists have known for a long time that stress can be hard on the body, due to the effects of stress hormones designed to prime the body for "fight or flight." Over the long term, these hormones can hamper everything from digestive, immune and heart health to reproduction, growth and memory.

Researchers conducted a phone poll of 1,002 adults from every state but Alaska and Hawaii between March 24 and April 3. They found that people with high levels of debt-related stress had a 44 percent chance of experiencing migraines or other headaches, compared with only 15 percent of those with low debt stress. They also had a 27 percent chance of ulcers or other digestive problems, a 29 percent chance of severe anxiety and a 23 percent chance of severe depression - compared with an 8, 4 and 4 percent chance, respectively.

Fifty-one percent of those with high debt stress had lower back pain or other muscle tension, compared with only 31 percent of the less stressed. The risk of heart attacks was also twice as high among the highly stressed.

The findings suggest that the increasing prevalence of financial stress is likely to lead to a significant publichealth crisis.

The researchers reported that debt stress has increased 14 percent since 2004, rising along with debt itself. Total consumer debt, mostly from credit cards, has increased to $957 billion from the 2004 figure of $800 billion - or nearly 20 percent. The average car loan has increased from $24,888 to $27,397 and the total amount currently owed in mortgages has increased a whopping 35 percent from the 2004 total of $7.8 trillion to the current $10.5 trillion.

The average household now puts 20 percent of its after-tax income into paying off financial obligations, as compared to 18.5 percent in 2004.

Men Should Take Care of Their Skin

Over the last few years, men's magazines have slowly introduced pages that in women's magazines have existed for decades, presenting skin cosmetics and offering advice to men and how to take care of their skin. Beauty editors unveil simple approaches to male grooming and men have come to understand the importance of taking care not only of their wardrobe, but also of their skin. "Dress for success" is not anymore just a term that corresponds to the outfit a man will select to feel comfortable in and win his case, but it has evolved to a generic term that describes the state of the contemporary male mind and beauty tactics used to look sharp and handsome. 

In order to maintain their edge, guys of all ages are interested in taking care of themselves and indulging in image enhancing products, gadgets and treatments. But since they are still men, they are impatient and less likely to grasp the concept of maintenance procedures. In fact they prefer to get it over with in one shot. 

Beauty salons and massage clinics have reintroduced skin treatment techniques, especially designed to cover the male needs and men are not anymore bothered with the too many skin care products a woman usually carries in a trip. They have themselves started by doing the basics, cleansing, protection, moisturizing, post shaving and a weekly anti-clog treatment, while TV series and advertisements have discovered a virgin target audience that wishes to be fed with information and learn from the previously annoying women experts.

Although men's skin is thicker, specifically approximately 0.5mm thicker than women's, it is also oilier, with larger exposed pores, and more of a tendency to break out in a sweat. Thus, using deodorant soaps directly on the face is a practice men should avoid, as they might irritate their skin and leave a sticky residue. Men should try something tangy that will leave their skin feeling fresh and clean. Moreover, for those men that are super lazy, multi-tasking products for face, hair and body will save them precious steps. 

In general, if you are a man you should remember that the areas prone to dryness need hydration, but it is better if you select a lighter gel-lotion formula that will be oil-free and will not add shine. In addition, eye gels work nicely for men, but rich eye creams that lock in moisture can make eyes look puffy. Finally, skin that gets shaved on a regular basis has a host of other problems, like red bumps, ingrown hairs and leathery patches. For those instances, you should remember that razor burns or skin cuts can be reduced by using a good cleanser in the shower, a scrub every couple of days and a softening shave cream with a sharp razor. Of course, changing the blades at least once a week is vital. The problem of shine can be addressed by using a scrub to get rid off dead cells and for blemishes and the advice of beauty editors is for men to use a weekly treatment product containing salicylic acid. Keep in mind that adding a toner can reduce pore size, control oil slicks, and help avoid nasty ingrown hairs, but anything too harsh will strip away essential oils when the skin is most vulnerable. Concluding, wearing a high SPF cream to protect it from the sun marks and the possible wrinkles, especially on the face, nose, ears and scalp is considered necessary during the sunnier months of the year. My impression after all these is that guys are definitely taking more notice of what they see in the mirror, while saving their skin from possible damage has become a priority.

Reduce Back Pain With Pilates

If you’re a mom, there’s a good chance that you are no stranger to back pain. As much as you love your baby, lifting the little bundle of joy inevitably puts damaging strain on the muscles in your upper and lower back. Other daily responsibilities, like doing laundry, taking out the garbage, and commuting, may also contribute to injury. Since it’s impossible for you to avoid all activities that cause your painful tension, there is a fitness method, found both in local gyms and through online fitness videos, which can help alleviate back pain. Gaining popularity each year and considered one of the safest forms of exercise, Pilates has the potential to reduce your back pain while improving muscle tone, strength, and flexibility.

Pilates is exercise intended to condition and strengthen your core, specifically muscles in the lower abdomen, back, and pelvis. In most Pilates programs, you will use your own body weight for resistance, rather than using external weights. Some Pilates may be done on a mat, others using a ball. Whatever type of Pilates program you choose, doing Pilates should vastly improve your core muscles, which will, in turn, improve your spinal support. Because Pilates also emphasizes correct posture while exercising, it may also help prevent further back pain as you become more aware of the way you sit, stand, and move your body. 

Of course, before beginning any workout routine, it’s essential to consult your doctor. Choose a reputable gym program or online workouts. If you use a gym, make sure your instructor is qualified. If you choose to use online fitness videos, look for a provider who offers a variety of options by skilled instructors. One advantage of doing Pilates via online workouts is that you may have more selection and many offer the option to download exercise videos to your computer. Many companies who offer online workouts and online fitness videos provide a greater selection than a typical gym. Online workouts also come in a number of lengths, which can be particularly helpful for busy moms. When choosing online workouts or online fitness videos for Pilates, don’t hesitate to try various types. Pilates utilizing a ball or a mat are both excellent choices for online fitness videos, as are Yoga-Pilates combinations. Online workouts also let you strengthen your core in the comfort and privacy of your own home. 

In addition to doing Pilates, take steps to protect your back. When picking up something – or someone, bend your knees. Whether sitting or standing, maintain proper posture. Finally, invest in a comfortable pair of quality shoes. Take care of your back, keeping it strong and relaxed. Make your health a priority, because you deserve to feel good. You are, after all, a mom.

Healthy Heart Diet Food made fresh daily

Have you been longing to eat healthy but simply not had the time to do so? Have you seen those frozen health foodstuffs on supermarket shelves that end up gooey and unappealing when you get home? Then we have a solution to all your dieting and health food requirements at www.healthyheartmealsusa.com . Here at Healthy Heart Meals USA our job is to provide you with the freshest and best health food anywhere else. Obesity is a rising threat we Americans are facing and this is very much evident when you look at the ever larger waistlines we all share. Why wait for health problems when we can help you get fit and healthy with food that we have designed to meet proper dieting practices that contain all the necessary minerals complemented by our high standards of preparation and selection of menus.

Eat your way to a healthier heart and body and eliminate most threats associated with improper diet and lack of essential minerals and vitamins. You can indulge and get scrumptious meals delivered to your doorstep that allows you eat your way to a leaner and healthy heart. Try our daily $19.00 Health food package that includes a whole day’s meal delivered through parcel service. We guarantee that the food you get is never older that it should be and that it still has all the necessary vitamins and minerals your body needs to stay healthy and fit.

Choose from the wide array of meals we have in our current menu’s page where you can choose which meal you would be having from breakfast till dinner all delivered to your doorstep. We utilize the latest technologies in food preparation and preservation that allows food to last longer without the use of preservatives or other artificial methods/chemicals. The food you get is assured fresh and crisp each and everytime. 

Each package is designed to maximize the benefits of proper diet and its role in getting the healthy body you so aim. Our healthy heart meals can be delivered nationwide with minimal additional charge for they are shipped via next day door-to-door delivery allowing the shortest possible time from our kitchen to your table.

So what are you waiting for call us now or better yet check out our web site at HealthyHeartMealsUsa.com and begin getting healthy food delivered to you fresh everyday. No need to go to the grocery or produce store, no preparation and messy cooking, just plain healthy food. Eat your way to a healthy heart and book your orders now at www.healthyheartmealsusa.com, the healthy choice. 

Remember, www.healthyheartmealsusa.com, for all your dietary and health food needs delivered to your fresh and tasty everyday. We are one of the best diet food delivery services around that caters to the health conscious people of today. Just getting on the health bandwagon, no worry, our menu’s are designed with the best possible combination of foodstuffs from protein, vegetables and other food combinations for a well balanced and healthy meal each and every time. So check us out and start eating healthy, living healthy for a better life.

Gym Exercise and Shoulder Problems

It’s funny how you don’t notice a certain part of your body until it starts giving you problems. Imagine this, you use your arms everyday and connected to your arm is your shoulder which mostly moves with your arm. 

Now all of a sudden somewhere along the line you hurt your shoulder. You’re not exactly sure when or why, but something is different. A nagging pain is nibbling on your nerves and you can barely pick up your fork to take a bite of your supper.

Sounds familiar? 

We only notice that we can’t be without the functionality of a certain part of our body as soon as that part of our body starts acting up.

When it comes to the subject of shoulder problems, many a person will tell you about the pain and suffering that their shoulder problem caused them. According to research it seems that shoulder problems are common in the general population, with up to 47% of adults complaining about their shoulder/s.

Before going for surgery, many will go to specialists to help them sort out the problem. Effective methods used to help alleviate shoulder pain include anti-inflammatory medications or pain medications, cortisone injections are also popular and of course physical therapy.

One of the very popular treatments for shoulder pain is therapeutic exercise. In contrast to this, shoulder pain can actually be caused when hurting oneself while doing gym exercises.

A relatively normal activity for many people, which in actual fact has the ability to be responsible for your shoulder problems or aggravate an already existing shoulder problem.

Thus, certain exercises are beneficial to the shoulder, but there are others which may place the shoulder at risk for injuries and pain. 

Following are four gym exercises that you should watch out for- they might just be the cause for your shoulder problems:

1. Bench press: There may be an association between bench press and arthritis of the shoulder due to the fact that the shoulder is loaded with compression. The shoulder is strictly speaking a hanging joint. Such heavy loading may cause early wear of the cartilage.

2. Acromio-clavicular (AC) joint: AC joint (the joint between the collar bone and the shoulder bone on top of the shoulder) is also referred to as weight lifters shoulder. Lifting heavy weights may lead to wear of this joint but the incident is so low that one probably should not be too concerned about this.

3. Overhead exercises like military press: Military press loads the rotator cuff in a disadvantageous position and can lead to rotator cuff injuries. There are other exercises with equal benefits and less risk eg. lateral raises, horizontal row, etc.

4. Contagious exercises: One of the top exercises is seated rowing. When the weight is pulled back it also squeezes the shoulder blades together – this does not only exercise the rotator cuff muscles but also the stabilisers of the shoulder blades.

As mentioned above, contrasting to these four exercises, there are therapeutic exercises that will help treat your shoulder problems. Therapeutic exercises usually consist out of motion, strengthening and conditioning exercises.

Isn’t it ironic how the same thing, exercise, can either heal or harm you? So next time you go to the gym, be sure to watch out for potentially harmful exercises.

Food that's good for a healthy heart

Here's a conundrum: While experts agree that high cholesterol and blood pressure are crucial heart disease risk factors, many people who suffer chest pain or even heart attacks have levels that are perfectly normal. This puzzle has prompted researchers to scour the body for other cardiovascular villains. Several have emerged in recent years, but the one that stands out the most is inflammation. The latest studies suggest that chronic inflammation of the lining of arteries is an important factor in the development of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. What causes this inflammation is not clear, but the good news is that (1) the advice that is given for lowering cholesterol, blood pressure and triglycerides also works fine for fighting inflammation; and (2) you can tackle all 4 culprits with the help of dietary weapons. In fact, you can plan your war against heart disease in your kitchen. Here is how:
1. Think like an artist when you choose fruits and vegetables: Eat those with the brightest colors. They have the most heart protective antioxidant pigments. A diet high in fruits and veggies also provides another important heart benefit, salicylic acid, which is the same anti-inflammatory compound created when aspirin is broken down in the body.
2. Increase food sources of omega-3 fatty acids which target high triglycerides in the blood. Good sources of omega-3s include fish such as sardines, mackerel; nuts and seeds; green leafy vegetables; grains like wheat, bajra; legumes like rajma, cowpea, and black gram.
3. Reduce the amount of meats you eat, especially red meats, and always select lean cuts. Use meat as a seasoning for vegetable dishes rather than the focal point of a meal.
4. Cut down on salt and instead use herbs and spices like ginger, garlic, turmeric and fenugreek liberally in your cooking; the first three are naturally anti-inflammatory and the last has soluble fibre which helps sweep away cholesterol from the arteries.
5. Shift to groundnut, mustard, rice bran and olive oils which contain monosaturated fatty acids that help lower (bad) LDL and maintain levels of (good) HDL cholesterol. Drastically limit margarine, vegetable shortening, butter and all products made with partially hydrogenated oils.
6. Fruits and vegetables, whole grains (wheat, brown rice, oats), beans and pulses, are also great sources of soluble and insoluble fibre, which trap LDLs and usher them out of the body.