March 18, 2010

One Important Insight about Cardio Exercise Equipment

You always find yourself standing in a room full of different cardiovascular machines at the gym. There are just too many of them: treadmills, stair steppers, elliptical machines, stationary bikes, and rowing machines. If you are finding it hard to decide which to use in the gym, it surely would be harder to make up your mind about which cardio exercise equipment to choose and buy for your use at home.

Ask yourself: which cardio exercise machine to use: the one that brings the most fit, the tool that burns the greatest amount of calories, or the equipment that brings about least impact on your own joints? All these are of course valid concerns that you should not be neglecting. Bryant A. Stamford, an exercise physiologist, asserts that none of the questions could be considered as the most important to ask yourself. Instead, one good and logical question you should ask yourself is: ‘Which cardio exercise machine do you truly want to use?’

When it comes to weight management and exercise training, the usual case is that someone who desperately needs to shed off excess weight is usually the one who is easily turned off by any cardio exercise. Many experts argue that it is the worst to mold anyone into accepting an exercise program that other people say is the best. To make the most of any cardio exercise program, you need to know what is good for you, not what is good for other people. Surely, the best cardio exercise equipment for your neighbor is not as effective to you.

Instead of quickly choosing elliptical trainer that your friend recommended or the popular treadmill specifically for its calorie-burning factor, you should first and foremost figure out and identify the exercise machine that truly feels best to you. Everything else should be secondary. In other words, the best and most effective piece of all exercise equipment is that which you are most willing to regularly use. It would not make sense choosing a machine that you do not feel like using everyday. You have to exude a genuine interest on the equipment.

How could you determine the best cardio exercise equipment that is best for you? You may jumpstart on your decision-making process by taking the choice while you are at the gym. The venue surely is complete with all the necessary and important cardio exercise machines. Take time to try out each of the equipment. This way, you could easily identify which one is the most effective and most comfortable for you.

Prioritize comfort. It is important that you find cardio exercise equipment that you are enjoying to use. You would not enjoy using a machine if it does not feel comfortable using it. Thus, the best cardio exercise machine is the one that you certainly would use. It is not the equipment that is most popular in the market or that  which is recommended by your peers. It is what your body wants to use.

March 11, 2010

Learn How You Can Treat Multiple Sclerosis

When it comes to treating multiple sclerosis, a variety of ways can be depended on. These treatment methods, no matter how different they may be, are all focused on one thing and one thing only, and that is to treat the disease’s general symptoms.

Treatments vary from the parenteral medications that can reduce the flare-ups to the medications that are aimed at treating fatigue, inflammation and the resulting muscle spasticity. Also, there are different kinds of diet that have been established to help a lot in reducing multiple sclerosis symptoms. Moreover, and fortunately, most of these diets have been tested to have the ability to reverse the total disease process.

Doing it the conventional way

Even treating multiple sclerosis has a conventional type. Usually, a Beta Interferon is injected into the body as it decreases the flare-ups of multiple sclerosis. With the use of a protein that has already undergone some genetic engineering; the medication is able to reduce the disease’s general activity. However, the Beta Interferon does not have any power when it comes to reversing what has already been damaged.

Despite the fact that the protein being used in this treatment method is very similar to a protein that is already inside the human body, many still find it difficult to successfully tolerate the medication. This is mainly because the drug’s side effects can oftentimes be unmanageable. With this in mind, physicians usually prescribe or suggest this kind of treatment for those who have the relapsing type of multiple sclerosis.

Alternative drugs

Since the Beta Interferon is only for those with complaint but can still walk, physicians prescribe other drugs that can also treat the symptoms of the subject in topic. However, these drugs can only serve to prolong life by making it more comfortable for the person living it. Most of these alternative drugs do not have the power to reduce the process of the pathogenicity of the disease nor can it reverse the disease.

For flare-ups, doctors usually prescribe an analgesic, which is the medical term given to pain relievers, muscle relaxants and corticosteroids.

Masking symptoms is a no-go.

Covering up symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis is never a great idea. The only best way to treat, according to statistical research, is that people should improve their life by modifying their lifestyle. For instance, those who have multiple sclerosis should know which food are safe to eat and which ones should be avoided.

Physicians and nutritionists state that a diet rich in vegetables and fresh fruits is best for multiple sclerosis. Also, a reduced amount of saturated fats has been proven to be very helpful and beneficial.

As much as possible, those who have multiple sclerosis must avoid stress at all costs. To attain this, they have to do some relaxation techniques or exercising that renders them and their system stress-free. Examples of such exercises are walking, yoga, swimming and tai chi.

Also, it is important that people with multiple sclerosis keep a positive attitude above all. Although attitude cannot do anything for definitely curing the disease, it can help in reducing the stress. And once stress is reduced, if not totally avoided, then the symptoms are greatly reduced as well.

Here's A Checklist How To Make Your Workplace Crime- And Violence Free.

Violence and crimes take many forms inside the workplace. Sexual harassment, coercion, profanity, raised voices, intimidation, threat, robbery, homicide and other forms of physical harm can happen at any given time. Commonly, it is something minor like theft, but in some cases, lives are taken because of a disgruntled employee.

Protect your workers from any act of violence or crime by carefully planning a safety system. Start with assessing the vulnerability of the workplace by asking yourself the questions below.

Does the workplace have an appropriate security system in place?
Do you have phone systems, office access controls? Safe rooms, security detail, panic and emergency buttons, sign-in policies, good lighting and safety training?

These should be enough to protect all your employees from violence coming from inside the organization and outside the workplace premises.

What is the policy adopted by your company when it comes to hiring and firing?
Your company should prevent anyone with criminal violence from entering your organization. It should look into employment gaps, educational records, and history references before it absorbs someone into the company.

What are your company’s termination procedures? Do these clearly define policies on advance notice, placement services, and severance pay? The company should minimized the chances of these causing dissatisfaction among terminated employees.

Is there anyone in your organization who can potentially become a source of violence or crime?
Does anyone in your organization exhibit any of the following?

- Chronic absenteeism
- Frequent raising of voice
- Depression
- Beyond normal impatience
- Increased irritability
- Memory and concentration problems
- Other worrisome and unusual behaviors

If so, what does your company do to prevent  workplace problems related to any of the abovementioned conditions from erupting? Does your company have policies on handling workplace violence? There should be a system in place that encourages employees to report unusual behaviors among their colleagues. The management should also provide a program that helps in assisting employees in distress.

How about the structural integrity of your workplace?
Are the doors, windows and other entry and exit points secured? These should be safe from mechanical override. Your company should also adopt effective policies on reporting, maintaining and fixing broken doors, windows and locks. Also, additional security measures should be placed to guarantee the personal security of every member of the organization within and outside workplace premises.

Does your company provide equipment that help secure valuable objects, belongings and information?

Are the employees secured in common trouble spots such as reception areas, garages, elevators, restrooms, etc.? Are there areas in the workplace that have dim lighting?  These and other problem areas such as blind spots should be properly addressed.

Is sensitive and confidential information safe in your workplace or can outside people breach your office security that can lead to information leaks?

Does your company adopt a formal document destruction policy?

After assessing your office's vulnerability to crime and violence, take steps to reduce this. Adopt a comprehensive violence prevention program which covers not only the most common scenarios involving violence, but also the worst-case scenarios that could happen within the workplace premises. It should also encompass issues such as physical security, practices relating to hiring and firing employees, and employee vulnerability. Lastly, this program should be implemented and supported by all levels of employees, from upper management down.

March 9, 2010

Common Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments

Traditional dentistry is basically centered on general oral hygiene – diagnosing, preventing and treating oral diseases on a person. Cosmetic dentistry, on the other hand, is generally viewed as focused more on the improvement of a person’s appearance by way of his teeth, mouth and smile.

Cosmetic dentistry is more on providing desired treatments and services ordered by the patient. These treatments and services provide restorative benefits and not just from the point of view of aesthetics.

An example would be the case of simple dental fillings. In the old days, dental fillings are made of gold, amalgam and other materials that leave dark spots on the teeth.

Today, you may choose the color of your dental fillings made of porcelain or composite materials that match the color of your natural teeth. In this regard, dental fillings fall under the category of cosmetic dentistry.

There are now more dental services categorized under cosmetic dentistry at present.

Inlays /onlays / bonding

Inlays and onlays are also known as indirect fillings. These are long-lasting cosmetic fillings for teeth with structural damages caused by tooth decay and the like.

They are made in dental laboratories before being fitted and bonded into place by adhesives. (In the old days, fillings were painstakingly molded into place within the mouth during dental visits.)

Composite bonding corrects teeth that are broken, chipped, decayed or discolored. The composite material (looking like enamel and dentin to blend with the patient’s natural teeth color) are applied into the cavity, sculpted and shaped into place, and hardened by lasers.

Teeth whitening

This is one of the most common cosmetic dental services availed of today. Teeth stained from smoking, food and colored drinks (and maybe also due to poor oral hygiene) are treated by bleaching them, thus enhancing one’s smile.

Dental veneers

These are laminates made of composites or porcelain that are bonded to the surface of the tooth to correct and repair chips, cracks, worn appearance or severe teeth discoloration.

Sometimes, they are administered to correct gaps in the teeth, or dark surfaces not corrected by teeth whitening.

Dental implants

These are artificial tooth root replacements used in prosthetic (artificial replacement) dentistry. These are to replace a missing tooth (or more) in the gums to project a perfect set of teeth.

This procedure results in enhanced, healthy-looking smile in a person. (A perfect set of teeth projects health.)

Smile makeover

Basically, this is a comprehensive assessment in the aesthetics of your smile (crooked, ugly, lopsided, etc.) and the procedures to improve its overall appearance. This may take not just one or two cosmetic dentistry procedures.

These can include dental veneers, implants, gingival (gums) sculpting, teeth whitening and other procedures on both lower and upper dental arches.

Full mouth reconstruction

This procedure basically provides treatment to correct altogether the many functional problems with your mouth, your bite, related muscles, teeth and bone structure.

With today’s available materials and technology, this procedure can be executed by a competent cosmetic dental professional to give you those natural-looking enhancements.

For people who are not pleased with the color, size or shape of their teeth, including the way their mouths open when they smile, cosmetic dentistry might just be able to help.

3 Best Countries When Medical Touring

There are several countries today competing to get accreditation from the top governing bodies, to hopefully become one of the best when it comes to providing medical tourism packages. There are 3 nations you have to specially consider, though, since these have been very consistent in giving quality care, as well as the most attractive tourist spots this side of the globe. Here are some more details on what to expect and why they're the best.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is situated just between Nicaragua and Panama. It is located between the North Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, so you can expect tranquil and breathtaking views and great weather most of the year. Costa Rica is only a 2.5-hour flight from Miami, Florida. Compared to other nations in Central America, Costa Rica has high standards of living, as well as a peaceful democratic rule. Some of the favorite activities by medical tourists are scuba diving, surfing, swimming, parasailing and sunbathing.

Costa Ricans mainly speak Spanish, although a lot of medical institutions in the area require most of their staff to be good at English as well. Some of the main reasons why you have to consider Costa Rica for your medical tour are its top quality health institutions, modern equipment and facilities and a highly ranked health care system. The system is actually better compared to the United States and you only pay a fraction of the cost. A couple of hospitals are accredited by the JCI. Some of the most preferred procedures in the country include dental work, weight loss operations, cosmetic surgery and orthopaedics.

India

India is situated in southern Asia with several countries surrounding its borders like Pakistan, Myanmar, China and Bangladesh. India has gone through a huge growth in terms of technology and medicine in recent years. It has also been very active in providing programs and aims to get more accreditation in its many hospitals to become one of the top medical tourist destinations in the world.

At present, there are 13 hospitals in the country that are accredited by the JCI. Some of the most common procedures that patients look for when visiting include cosmetic surgery, dental work, heart surgery and cancer treatment. The cost of care in India is considerably lower compared to other medical tourist spots. Patients can also communicate better with health care providers since majority of Indians are very good at speaking English. Visitors can enjoy their vacation more because of the India's rich culture and unique sights, sounds and attractions.

Thailand

Thailand is arguably the most popular medical tourist destination globally. It is located in Southeast Asia, just west of Cambodia and south of Myanmar. Visitors like traveling to Thailand because it is conveniently located near other Asian countries, so you can cross the borders and go to several other nations in just one trip. Top quality medical services are offered with a number of private hospitals earning JCI accreditation.

Some of the most popular procedures done in the country include spinal fusions, orthopaedics, prostate surgery, coronary artery bypass grafts and gastric bypass. There are also medical institutions in Phuket, Thailand that specialize in cosmetic surgery, dental work and eye surgery. A lot of hospitals in the area at present have English-speaking staff.