Health Risks Of Heavy Backpacks

Parents are you aware of, or informed about the health risks of backpacks? 

According to a study a significant number of school-age children carry backpacks too heavy for them. The excess weight can cause permanent damage.  Many of these children suffer back pains, scoliosis or even curvature of the spine.

Experts say that backpacks should not exceed 10% of a child's body weight. The study  found that 76% of children carry backpacks in excess of 10% of their body weight,  while 20% carry in excess of  15%,

The study involved 1,403 students between the ages of 12 an 17 from eleven schools in Northwestern Spain.

According to the report in the thespec.com, about 26 per cent reported experiencing back pain for more than 15 days during the previous year and 70 per cent were diagnosed with scoliosis or curvature of the spine.

Click here to read about the report in more detail.

The Use Of Saw Palmetto In BPH

 Prostate enlargement is a condition in which the prostate cells divide too rapidly making the gland too large.The condition is called benign prostatic hyperthropy( BPH).

Extract of saw palmetto, a herb is used as an alternative medicine and is known to reduce symptoms of the condition. It reduces the hyperplasia associated with BPH and relieves the urinary symptoms. It can be taken as a herbal supplement, to promote healthy prostates or on prescription by a physician for BPH.

They are available in capsule form, as teas or tintures. It is apparently less expensive than drugs used for the same purpose.

Side effects: Side effects are rare and are less than other other drugs used for treating the disease. For this it is considered safe for use. They are nausea, upset stomach and headaches.  

About the herb- Saw palmetto boosts the immune and endocrine systems. It is also used as a tonic to enhance strength and vitality. It has other benefits such as:

• Enhances sexual desire and functioning
• Stimulates hair growth
• Increases breast size
• Anti-inflammatory properties

If you believe your symptoms are that of BPH and would rather alternative treatment, ask your doctor about saw palmetto herbal medicine. Other herbal medicine used with saw palmetto are flax seed oil and zinc, they can be used in combination with it.

Reports on treatment for BPH.

 Take care of your prostate health by being your first health insurance. You can learn about what it takes to be your first health insurance.

Learn how to be your first health insurance and protect your health.  Click Here.

Breast Cancer And Exercise In Specific Years

Exercise is well known as a preventative measure against cancer and other noncommunicable diseases.
The amount of physical activity recommended by experts to prevent it and other and chronic diseases is 150 hours per week of moderate intensity. This is to protect the health from chronic diseases.

The chronic diseases are:

• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease(COPD)
• Obesity and related illnesses

Other more vigorous exercise such as running, jogging, cycling, swimming have added health benefits especially for overweight and obese people.

One study; however, has linked exercise during specific years of life to the  prevention of breast cancer.  In this study researchers used 1,500 women with breast cancer and 1,500 without breast cancer. They were interviewed about activities that they had been involved in throughout their lifespan.

The study focused on physical activity, the recreational type such as:
1-Walking
2-Running
3-Jogging
4-Biking
5-Gardening

They were not interested in the occupational type of activities.

The researchers found that exercise at any intensity, during the reproductive and post menopausal years was more effective in the prevention of breast cancer.

The study was reported in TheSpec.com.  Click here to read it.

Weight Loss Resolutions- Tips For Success

Planning To Lose Weight In The New Year

How can overweight and obese people make New Year resolutions and succeed ? By taking these important steps:

• Assessing their weight health using the body mass index (BMI).
• Setting realistic goals
• Making long-term commitments
• Making lifestyle changes

Plan for changes with eating habits and level of physical activity.  Both must be combined for success.

New eating habits involve healthy eating and calorie control, while improved activity levels involve fitness and exercise. Both are necessary for successful weight loss and are present in any weight management program.

Healthy eating will maintain general good health and reduce the calories eaten, while physical activity will burn calories and fat.

Burning more calories than you eat will leave the body with a calorie deficit that will lead to weight loss; this should be the outcome of any weight loss plan.

The following video is about developing eating habits to lose weight, some people prefer to use the term 'dieting' some as a 'weight loss diet.' I prefer to use the term 'healthy eating'

Watch this video on healthy eating.

If you are starting on a commercial weight loss program, select a program that involves both diet and exercise. If you choose a diet plan only,  implement exercise at home. If you choose a fitness or workout program only, you must implement a healthy eating/diet plan at home.
 You do not need a budget to take control of your weight. You can plan and implement a weight loss program at home by developing your own weight loss plan. It will save you money and will allow you to make long-term commitments.

There is a weight loss program that will teach you how to lose weight at home. You will learn how to lose weight and develop your own program at the same time. It is free and focuses on health management. Read about it.

You can Click Here to start. You will be doing  it all at home.

New Year Resolutions Tips For Diabetics

If you are a diabetic, here are some tips to keep you at home and out of hospital.

1. Do a daily foot check
2. Take care of teeth and gums
3. Go easy on salt
4. Instead of butter use olive oil Stop smoking
5. Fend of depression They are from an article in USNews&World There is also a video on managing diabetes.