Category: Prevention

Disease Prevention for Alzheimer's and Dementia

4/11/2015

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Alzheimer's and dementia prevention is a continuous learning process for medical researchers. While some prevention methods for these diseases show positive results, there still are many factors to consider. Below are some possible ways to help prevent Alzheimer's and related dementia. While Alzheimer's Disease and dementia are two different diseases, dementia can sometimes be a symptom of Alzheimer's. Improving memory and brain function can aid in prevention of both.

Exercise the Body

Studies have shown that physical movement, such as exercise can help with memory and cognition. Activities such as playing basketball, swimming, hiking, yoga, and bike riding all are forms of exercise class. Other options include taking fitness classes, going for walks, playing at the playground with children or grandchildren, or even just strolling around the wall.

Exercise the Mind

Exercising is not all about physical movement either. The main needs constant stimulation as wel. Reading, writing, math problems, board games, card games, and word puzzles are several ways to keep the brain working. Consider going to school or taking an educational class on any point of interests. This could mean either hobbies, possible career ventures, or even both.

Stay Social

Taking the classes mentioned above is one way to stay social. Also think of going to events, get-togethers with family and friends, group camping, and more. Any time spent interacting with others in a positive way may aid in the prevention of Alzheimer's and dementia.

Eat a Healthy, Balanced Diet

Eating a healthy balanced diet consistently has also shown to be a prevention method for both Alzheimer's and dementia. Talk to your doctor and nutritionist about the types of foods you should be eating and stick to the plan. Maintaining a regular and healthy diet is a great way to aid in preventing dementia and Alzheimer's. It's a also a great way to take care of your body and health in general. Omega-3 fatty acids, vegetables, and fruits are all especially good for this purpose.

Take Vitamins Regularly

Taking the appropriate vitamins daily as directed can aid in disease prevention. Alzheimer's and dementia are no different in this regard. Folic acid, B6 and B12 are extremely helpful, as they help lower homocysteine levels. Lowering homocysteine levels may help slow down progression of Alzheimer's Disease.

* Note that the author is not a licensed medical professional. The above is intended for informational purposes only. Always speak to a licensed medical doctor about your health.

Sources

Alzheimer's Prevention
Mayo Clinic DS01131
JAMA 300/19/2253
JAMA 300/23/2730
JAMA 300/15/1819
Mayo Clinic AN02026
Mayo Clinic DS01131
JAMA 289/20/2651

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

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Understanding the Effectiveness of Birth Control

8/20/2014

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by Lyn Lomasi; Co-owner of Brand Shamans & Write W.A.V.E. Media

There are several different types of FDA-approved birth control. Do not be afraid to discuss birth control effectiveness with a licensed medical professional. To get you started, here is a brief overview of the types of birth control on the market today.

The first and most important thing to remember is that abstinence is the only form of birth control that is 100 percent effective. However, if used properly, there are forms of birth control that are nearly that effective.

Will You Get Pregnant While Using Birth Control?

This can never be answered with 100% accuracy. Even with very effective forms of birth control, it is possible to get pregnant. Anyone who is sexually active should keep this in mind and be prepared in case that does happen. Choosing which form of birth control is right for you should involve personal preferences as well as doctor recommendations. Birth control effectiveness is different for each person, depending upon usage, accuracy, efficacy, and other factors.

Effectiveness of Surgical Birth Control

According to the FDA, female sterilization surgery shows the highest instance of birth control effectiveness next to abstinence. Second in line for birth control effectiveness is female sterilization by implant. Next is sterilization surgery for men. The implantable rod, the IUD, and the hormonal injection shot follow.

The implantable rod is most commonly referred to as Norplant. There are several different types of IUD. Birth control effectiveness in the IUD seems to be about the same for each type. Which type is used may depend on different medical issues such as cervical cancer history, family medical history and other important factors. Only a doctor can properly determine the appropriate IUD type.

Hormonal Birth Control’s Effectiveness

The hormonal injection shot is better known as Depo-Provera. This consists of female hormonal shots that are given every 3 months. Birth control effectiveness with those methods depends on whether the woman is sure to follow up regularly and on time. A woman who follows the doctor's recommendations will get more birth control effectiveness from Depo-Provera than one who misses scheduled doses.

All of these methods are reported by the FDA to have instances of 1 in 100 women getting pregnant when using them properly. It is important also to note that while condoms are not 100 percent effective as a birth control method (11-16 in 100 women whose male partners use condoms will get pregnant), male condoms are still the most effective protection available against HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs.

How Effective Are Methods Like the Pill and Contraceptive Ring?

Various types of birth control pill, patch and the vaginal contraceptive ring also are very effective. The FDA reports that 5 in 100 women get pregnant when using these methods as instructed. That is more than the most effective methods, but still a relatively low number compared with no form of birth control. In 100 women who engage in sexual intercourse without the use of any form of contraceptive, 85 will become pregnant.

The Effectiveness of Combining Birth Control Methods

Combining more than one form of birth control can give greater chances of birth control effectiveness. For instance, a condom alone is not the best protection against pregnancy. However, using a male condom along with birth control pills is more effective than using just the condom alone. Plus, birth control pills do not have any effectiveness against STDs.

Birth control effectiveness is the highest when a patient heeds the advice of her doctor and uses her chosen form of birth control properly. If there are doses to take, they should always be taken on time to retain birth control effectiveness. If a dose is missed, follow the doctor's directions on the best way to regain birth control effectiveness.

What About Plan B?

While this form of birth control isn't for regular use, it is a good option for some after an unplanned encounter. This form of emergency contraceptive can be used up to around 3 to 5 days after unprotected sex to prevent an unplanned pregnancy. The sooner you take it, the more effective it is likely to be. It can be obtained over the counter at many pharmacies and even retailers, such as Amazon.

There are also other birth control methods such as female condoms, spermicide, the cervical cap, and many more.

*Please discuss with your doctor which method or combination of contraception methods is best for you, personally. Everyone has different needs and results.

* I originally published a version of this via Yahoo Contributor Network

UPDATED 8/13/2018 to include emergency contraceptive info.

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How to Make Time for Your TreadClimber Workout

8/5/2014

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by Lyn Lomasi; Co-owner of Brand Shamans & Write W.A.V.E. Media

Life can get busy at times, leaving little to no time for exercise, or so you think. If you would love to utilize your TreadClimber more often, but simply don't have the time, you need these tips for your workout.

Use TV Time

One solution to using the TreadClimber is simple. If you really do not wish to sacrifice your TV show, consider working out during the show. The TreadClimber can be strategically placed within viewing distance of the television set, so that there is no excuse to miss out on needed exercise. Exercise can be done at any convenient time throughout the day.

A 25- or 30-minute window is one that could be used with the TreadClimber. Many people likely spend at least that just sitting in front of the television. Because the TreadClimber is a cross between an elliptical machine and a stair-climbing machine, both results can be had from just one workout, which is great for someone who has only the time to use the TreadClimber.

Multitask Your Workout

Whether someone is a busy business owner, a working mother or father, a pro-golfer or any other type of person, the fact remains that a good routine workout is needed. Finding time to use a TreadClimber can be as simple as multitasking. Use your workout machine in between household chores. Just a few minutes at a time throughout the day can be more beneficial than you think.

TreadClimber Workout Tip For Busy Parents

Getting in shape from working out at home with the TreadClimber can be done in virtually any room of the house. After having kids, getting back in shape can be difficult, not only due to pregnancy weight gain but due to limited free time. This is true for both moms and dads.

Since the TreadClimber has a compact-size option that can fit into any room, working out could be easier for busy moms and dads. Simply place the TreadClimber in the nursery or playroom and enjoy a workout while supervising the kids during a nap or independent play.

Living in Two Places?

Perhaps a person has a home in two different locales. Why not purchase a TreadClimber for each place of residence? This way, that much-needed workout is achieved no matter where a person may be. With the TreadClimber, the gym is at home and can be accessed at any time. This is a good option for those in a busy career. Home gyms, like the TreadClimber, are very convenient to use in such situations, as they are readily accessible whenever is convenient.

Between work, household errands and taking care of the family, there seems to hardly be time in a day to fit in exercise. However, for health purposes, exercise is necessary. There are ways to make time for a TreadClimber workout without sacrificing other important things in life.

*I originally published a version of this via Yahoo Contributor Network

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Philosophy Behind Anusara (Heart-Centered) Yoga

8/5/2014

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by Lyn Lomasi; Co-owner of Brand Shamans & Write W.A.V.E. Media

Established in 1997, Anusara yoga now is one of the most popular forms of yoga being practiced today. It is also often referred to as heart-centered yoga. Its popularity may have something to do with the positivism it espouses.

By definition, Anusara specifically means to go with the flow of nature, the flow of grace, or to follow your heart - hence the alternate title of Heart-Centered Yoga. In Anusara yoga, the "asana" poses, when combined with the "universal principles of alignment," allow a connection with the divine goodness of nature. This connection is referred to as "supreme consciousness." To achieve that, Anusara yoga practitioners must exercise the principles and go with the flow.

For some, simply hearing the words "go with the flow" can be very relaxing. But Anusara yoga does not end there. It holds a much deeper meaning. The feeling obtained also is much more intense. It is an overwhelming feeling of joy, love, peace, enlightenment, happiness, oneness and connection with nature. In this type of yoga, your heart is centered and in tune with nature, as well as yourself.

Energy from the Heart

The energy that is tapped for Anusara yoga comes from within the body, rather than the outside. Specifically, the energy is deeply rooted in a natural state of inner feelings from the heart. To tap these feelings, Heart-Centered yoga participants use the universal principles of alignment.

In the words of Dr. Douglas Brooks, a leading scholar of Hindu Tantrism, "Flowing with Grace, anusarena, we experience our inner worth, we align our bodies, our minds and hearts in the current of the Divine flowing through us, we celebrate life itself as we touch the Divinity who pulsates within us as our every thought, feeling, and experience."

One With Nature and Heart-Centered

Anusara yoga celebrates the heart as well as nature. It is not a domination of nature, but rather a harmony and participation with the natural flow of things. "Inner body bright" is a secondary principle and is the term for the energy flow achieved through the first main principle of Anusara yoga. That first principle is called "opening to grace" and is an essential starting point for every pose. In opening to grace, the goal is to align with supreme consciousness.

In Anusara yoga, the main focus is a spiritual connection to innate goodness as well as the freedom of expression related to that goodness. While there are strict principles involved, creativity and self-expression are greatly encouraged.

Anusara (Heart-Centered) Yoga as a Way of Life

The philosophy behind Anusara yoga is not left behind on the mat for participants. It often is a big part of the way they live. Anusara yoga is not just practiced a few times a week like simple exercises. In fact, it is not actually considered an exercise at all, but rather a spiritual connection and a way of life.

With Anusara yoga comes the realization that life, as experienced through one's true nature, is perfect. It is not something that needs to be corrected, but rather should be embraced for what it is. There is beauty in everything and nature is as it was intended to be when created. That said, the spiritual awakening, or supreme consciousness, achieved through Anusara yoga is also intended to allow the discernment between things that are of nature and are good for us, and those that are material and may not be. While not all material is bad, some may be.

An Inviting Community

Anusara yoga is rapidly growing in popularity and has a large community base. Those involved in the Heart-Centered yoga community are said to be friendly, inviting and have open minds. All expressions stemming from Anusara yoga are positive in nature. They stem from the heart and are all about experiencing and expressing love, peace and happiness from the inside out. Because its roots involve love, participants from all backgrounds and religions are welcome to join the community. The philosophy can be learned and practiced by attending classes and seminars.

MORE:

Anusara Yoga Techniques

*I originally published a version of this via Yahoo Contributor Network

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Disease Prevention for Alzheimer's and Dementia

Understanding the Effectiveness of Birth Control

How to Make Time for Your TreadClimber Workout

Philosophy Behind Anusara (Heart-Centered) Yoga

Whole Body Health, Healing, & Medicine Journal

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