Eugene Solo Healthy Blog

Saturday, November 29, 2008

ADHD in Adults: Coping with Social Gatherings

While ADHD is commonly recognized in children, most people expect adults to be able to hide the fact that they have a problem.Social gatherings and meetings can cause a lot of anxiety in someone who suffers from ADHD and this can even cause them to avoid social situations.It doesnt have to be this way, though.There are coping strategies to make even the most important meeting go well.

Concerns

Most ADHD adults have difficulty staying focused on conversations for any length of time, so its not hard to imagine how trying it is to understand an entire meeting or speech.

Unfortunately, those moments when the mind wanders are often the most important ones and this can cause problems later on when the facts are needed.

A social function, be it a picnic or a company party, can be emotionally and mentally exhausting if you are struggling to pay attention and to avoid blurting out something inappropriate.What should be fun turns into something more like work and requires a lot of energy just to make it through a couple of hours.This is the reason that many ADHD adults avoid social gatherings and prefer to spend their downtime away from other people.

Fortunately, there are ways to stay more focused during these social outings, making them less stressful and easier to deal with.

Strategies for Social Situations

- Keep it simple.

Whenever possible, keep the social situation as stress free as possible.Choose to go to a movie or show instead of hosting or attending a party, which can be very distracting.

- Take notes.While this is not something youll want to do in front of people, it can be handy to keep a notebook on hand to jot notes on people throughout the event or meeting.This can be invaluable when you need to contact someone again or talk to your boss about the meeting.

- Listen more than you talk.Even if your attention tends to wander, its a lot easier to be in a social situation where you dont really need to say anything.Most people are more than thrilled to talk about themselves, so all you need to do is ask a question now and then and youll be rewarded with plenty of talking.

- Find a way to be interested.Think about how you can use the information gleaned in the meeting for future projects.Many ADHD adults find that when they are interested in something, they really can focus on information input quite well.All you need to do is find the method of promoting interest in yourself.

- Opt for enjoyable outings.Rather than force yourself to go to a dozen corporate Christmas parties over the holidays, why not look for something you enjoy more, like a concert Attend only the social gatherings that you absolutely must and the rest should be ones that you enjoy and feel comfortable with.

- Take someone along.Having a spouse or good friend with you allows you to break away from time to time when you simply cant stick to a conversation.Also, having someone who understands you can be a big help when you are feeling uncomfortable and lets you join someone who will understand if you are in need of a break.

ADHD in adults can cause some serious problems in social situations if you dont have a plan.Know what you can do to stay focused and to avoid embarrassing situations before you go in.This, coupled with support from a loved one, can help make all the difference in how you approach these gatherings.
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Friday, November 28, 2008

Appetite Suppressors - Should They Be Used?

Obesity becoming a health problem rather than a cosmetic problem, the question of the safest and easiest way to lose weight is gaining importance.

Those who are on the heavier side are willing to try out anything to bring the weight down to normal.Those who have already reached the ideal weight are struggling to stay trim.The biggest challenge faced by all is hunger.Hence appetite suppressors play an important role in this set-up.The basic theory behind appetite suppressors is "the less you eat, the less you need to lose".

As the name suggests, appetite suppressors are substances that suppress our appetite.This helps us to eat less, making it easy to shed excess weight.So they are mostly used by those who want to reduce weight.

Initially, they were prescribed by doctors to treat extreme cases of obesity.But now some appetite suppressors are even available over the counter.Before using them, it is important to analyze the positive and negative impacts of these drugs on your health.

The appetite suppressors can be broadly classified into two categories, namely, those belonging to the amphetamine family and herbal appetite suppressors.

The drugs of this group work by arousing the part of the brain which controls alertness and physical activity.When the brain concentrates on one activity, it slows down its other doings.When body becomes more active and alert, other functions like digestion and appetite slackens.The person will not feel hungry anymore.The increased physical activity also boosts the metabolic process.The drugs of amphetamine family available in stores are phentermine, ephedrine, sibutramine and rimonabant.

Phentermine: This is the most popular appetite suppressor drug today.It acts by releasing neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonine, which suppress appetite.

Ephedrine: This is extracted from plants of the family ephedra.Even though it is banned in most countries as appetite suppressors, it is used as a stimulant for other medical purposes like increasing blood pressure and heart functioning.

Sibutramine: This works by controlling repeated ingestion of neurotransmitters and thereby increasing their effectiveness in suppressing appetite.

Rimonabant: This new type of appetite suppressors work by blocking signals and receptors of the brain.

Herbal Appetite Suppressors

These drugs derived from herbs work by increasing fat metabolism and reducing absorption of fat and sugar into the body.

Hoodia Gordonii and Pinnothin are the two popular drugs in this category.

Hoodia Gordonii: This is made from a plant seen in Kalahari Desert of Africa.The presence of its molecules, which are similar to glucose molecules, in our blood, signals the brain to suppress hunger.

Pinnothin: This drug is made from the Korean Pine Nut tree.Its main ingredient pinnoleic acid produces cholecystokinin or CKK, which signals the brain to suppress hunger.CKK also induces the satiated feeling in the stomach.

Since appetite suppressors act by stimulating the brain, there are risks of addiction and side effects like depression, hypertension, stroke, heart problems, insomnia and anxiety.Some of the drugs from the amphetamine family are banned from markets.Due to the lesser side effects, herbal appetite suppressors are gaining popularity.

As the demand increase, more and more new drugs are entering the market.Do not be deceived by the tall claims of the drug manufacturers.Over-the-counter drugs are not backed by studies and the chance of their effectiveness is very much doubtful.Since most of them are not backed by clinical trials, seek the help of your doctor to decide on which one to choose.Also, it should be taken together with exercise and diet-program.

Careful research is suggested before ingesting any type of appetite suppressors.

Remember, gain without pain is not long-lasting.
About the Author

Shannon Pollock has been teaching people about natural health remedies for many years.

She is a specialist with experience in natural remedies for both people and animals.

For more information on appetite suppressors, as well as other natural health related topics, visit Shannon's website called Natural Health Remedies and More


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Thursday, November 27, 2008

Plan Your Day And Stop Making Excuses

If you are like most people, you probably have a hard time fitting a workout into your daily schedule.

We all have our own priorities, but fact is, no matter how busy you are, you should still be able to add a workout into your daily routine.

Let me show you a few examples on how you can arrange your day so you will get at least a 10-15 min workout, every day!

What do you think of that?

1.Be prepared


First off, you need be prepared.

And in order to be prepared, you need to plan your day.The evening before is where it all begins.

Start by taking out your clothes and put them on a chair next to your bed.After that, pack your brief case and then deal with other important tasks you feel you need to have control over for the upcoming day.

2.Write a list


Another thing you need to do is to write a list on what things you are going to accomplish the following day.

This is a great tip that are being used by successful businessmen all over the world, and if it works for them, why would it not work for you?

3.Grooming


Another good tip is to shave the evening before, since this well save you a lot of time, and probably cuts and rashes, which you often get when you shave in a hurry.

4.Get up earlier


Yeah, I know, it is a pain in the ass to have to get up earlier.

But honestly, it will do you a lot of good, I promise.Set the clock to 40 min earlier than usual.

5.The next 40 min.

Min 1-5: Go straight to the kitchen and get half a protein shake in your system.

Min 5-14: Go over your notes and preparations from the night before.Make sure everything is in place and that nothing is missing.Take out the breakfast and put it on the counter.

Min 14-29: Perform a fast and effective circuit workout in the comfort of your own home.

Min 30-39: Take a hot shower and relax for a few minutes.

Min 40: Get dressed and then hit the kitchen for a world-champion breakfast.

6.Why morning workouts works best for you


- When you have done your morning workout, you are then done for the day.

No more concerns or worries on how to fit a workout into your schedule.

- When you get home from work you can spend some extra quality time with your family, you can watch your favorite TV-shows, etc.The possibilities are endless!

- Research is showing that short and intense circuit workouts release a good amount of endorphins, which is a hormone that, for instance, controls your mood.

So when you release endorphins, you will be in a better mood.By doing morning workouts - you will without a doubt be in a good mood throughout the rest of the day!

- According to several studies, physical activity actually increases productivity.Quite the opposite to what most people believe, a morning workout will not get you tired and unfocused - it will get you a lot more focused and productive!

So before you find another excuse to why you were not able to perform a workout today, ask yourself if it really is the time that is the problem, or if it is something else?

Follow these tips and take control of your life.


About the Author

Jonas Forsberg is the author of Burn Fat At Home, a workout program that helps people lose ugly belly fat and build sexy muscles in only 12 min per day.

He updates the official Burn Fat At Home blog daily at http://burnfatathome.blogspot.com


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Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Tummy Tuck: How to Recover

It's one thing to decide to have surgery, but it's something totally different to actually go through it.If you are thinking of having a tummy tuck, you need to know what other things are involved than just the operation.The recovery period is tantamount to achieving the results you want.But, can you dedicate the time and have the luxury of giving yourself full-time to your recovery?Of course, everybody has a different recovery experience because it is based on how healthy you are to begin with as well as the extent of the procedure.Here are some basic things to know about your recovery so that you can ensure you have a good one.

First of all, you are going to need some time off.This is not some procedure you get on your lunch break- this is major surgery.Depending on the type of procedure, you may spend a night in the hospital.Typically, after a tummy tuck expect to stay in bed for a couple of days.At a minimum, you will miss a week of work; sometimes two are necessary depending on your surgeon's evaluation after the procedure.This time right after the surgery is essential to the healing process so make sure you can afford the time off.

As far as your normal activities, hold off on any strenuous exercise for at least six weeks.A week after the tummy tuck, light exercise is permitted as long as your surgeon okays the plan.Walking is very important soon after the surgery to keep your blood flowing and prevent clots from forming.After any surgery, blood clots are a risk so you have to keep your body moving.

Swelling and pain are normal parts of the recovery process.It is simply your body's response to the trauma of surgery.Your surgeon can prescribe pain medication, and ice helps reduce the swelling.You can also ask your surgeon about special binders that compress the abdominal area and help with the swelling.If the swelling and pain seem too severe and you aren't seeing signs of improvement, don't hesitate to contact your surgeon.While these are normal aspects of recovery, they can also be indicative of the onset of complications.

Managing and caring for drainage tubes are also a part of the recovery process.Many tummy tuck patients receive these tubes to prevent fluid and blood from collecting and causing seroma from occurring and possible causing an infection.You will have to monitor the amount of fluid you remove from the drain each day to determine when the tubes can come out.Usually, it is within the first week that they can be removed.While they are there, you must keep the area clean and dry.Your stitches are also removed within the first 5 to 7 days.

You should be able to see results in about six weeks.If you still have a lot of swelling and pain, contact your doctor.Also, if anytime during your recovery, you notice pus or a bad odor around your incision sites, get in to see your surgeon.To ensure a speedy recovery, it is important to follow all of the guidelines your doctor prescribes for your after-care.Also, the better shape you are in before the procedure, the easier your recovery will be.

Before you get to this stage, make sure you hire the right surgeon for the job.Make sure he is a licensed and board certified plastic surgeon.Check out his facility.Is it clean?Is it prepared to handle emergencies?Another bit of information that is good to know is the surgeon's experience in performing tummy tucks.Look at before and after pictures and ask for referrals.Finding someone who knows what they are doing is the best way to ensure your recovery will go well.
About the Author

The procedure of Tummy tuck, Marylandrequires recovery time.

For instance swelling and pain are normal parts of the tummy tuck recovery process.The Cosmetic Surgery Centre at Maryland can improve the contour of your body by removing unwanted bulges.Visit http://www.drcohenplasticsurgery.com.

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Sunday, November 23, 2008

The Good And The Bad Of Microwave Cooking

A magnetron in a microwave oven generates electromagnetic waves of very high frequency and very short wavelength, hence the name microwave.

When food and similar substances are subjected to microwaves, they absorb energy and heat very quickly.

The actual heating takes place by molecular friction within the food itself.This is why the surrounding area does not get hot.Because different foods absorb microwaves at different rates, the heating time varies.

Large loads can increase the heating times due to the fact that the available energy in the microwave is fixed.For these reasons the size, shape and thickness of the food must be standardized to even up the heating time as much as possible.

Microwave energy can pass through china and plastic dishes, but is reflected by metal containers or foil, so they should not be used.It can penetrate food to about 4cm.

Complete heating relies on the transfer of heat by conduction from the heated parts to the cooler areas.Hence the parts of a plate in contact with the food get hot before the rim does.

Advantages
1.
Food can be heated in small quantities very quickly.It is particularly suitable for heating pre-plated or ready-to-eat food.If it is used correctly, there is no loss of flavour.

2.Hot food can be boosted to correct serving temperatures.

3.Food can be kept cold and single portions can be heated to order, thus keeping the food fresher.

4.Waste can be avoided by heating food only when required.

5.By combining a microwave oven with conventional cooking appliances, cooking times can be shortened.

6.Microwave ovens are very compact and do not require extraction canopies.

Limitations
1.
Only one or two portions can be heated at a time.

2.Food will not colour or brown in a microwave oven (unless a convection/microwave oven is used).If browning is desired, it must usually be achieved by other methods of cookery.

3.Frozen food placed in a microwave will thaw and heat unevenly because the ice crystals reflect the waves.With raw food there is a danger that thawed patches will start to cook before other parts are completely thawed.

For this reason food should be almost thawed before being heated.Alternatively, the food may be subjected to short bursts of microwaves with periods of rest in between.The higher the starting temperature, the faster the food will be heated.

4.Accurate timing is essential.An error of 30-60 seconds overexposure can cause overheating and spoiling.

5.Dense (thick) food (such as boiled potatoes) takes longer to heat than lighter food such as zucchini.The food must be matched for size and density to achieve even heating.

6.Microwave ovens are not suitable for cooking red meats, but good results can be obtained with poultry, fish and foods with an open porous texture.

7.The pastry of pies and tarts containing moist fillings becomes soft and loses its texture because of the steam generated from the filling.

If these goods are exposed to radiant heat such as an infrared light the crispness of the pastry can be restored, but long exposure will lead to dryness.

Other pastries can be heated successfully but they tend to dry out if kept for any length of time.

Summary


Microwave ovens are useful for heating food where suitably prepared items are required to be served in small quantities over a long time.

They are ideal for heating one or two portions of food that has been kept cold until it is ordered.They should be used to reconstitute food held at chilled, not frozen, temperatures.


About the Author

Mick Reade has been working as a chef in Australia for over 10 years, in a variety of different types of kitchens all across the country, and now helps teach others how easy it can be to cook healthy delicious food.

For a free cookbook, check out http://alleasyfoodrecipes.com


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Breast Implants: The History of Breast Implants

Wanting to improve, enhance or enlarge is not a new relationship between women and their breasts.In fact, the concept is probably older than you think.The 1890s saw the first attempts by injecting paraffin into the breast.Sure, we can easily say that it was a bad idea, but back then they were just trying to find something that might work.Despite the problems with infection, lumpiness and hardness, this practice lasted for almost 30 years.

In the 1920s, surgeons replaced the paraffin injections with fat transplants from other parts of the body.They would surgically remove fat from wherever there was excess and put it in the bust-line.The problem with this procedure was that the body reabsorbed the fat and would leave the breast misshapen.Though it did not exactly give the look women wanted, but with no other alternatives, this procedure had a 20 year run.

Interestingly enough, breast implants hold a tiny spot in the history of World War II.Japanese "ladies of the night" would inject silicon straight into their breasts to seduce American soldiers.It was their attempt at having a more voluptuous and curvier body- more like the 1940s American woman.In the 60s, exotic dancers in the United States took the injections to enhance their figure.However, direct silicon into the blood-stream was a bad idea and caused many health problems such as infections, tumors and the need for removal of the breast.

In the 1950s, surgeons experimented with sponges made from a variety of man-made materials.However, they were unable to find one that didnt have serious side effects.After about 10 years of searching, we finally arrived at the product that we know today- the silicon breast implant.Yes, the first one emerged on the scene in 1961 by Frank Gerow and Thomas Cronin.In 1962, the first woman received a pair of this new invention.

Once the procedure became main stream and thousands of women were getting them, problems began to arise.The initial coating for the silicon was polyurethane foam and this proved to be quite dangerous.The coating would dissolve in the body and then become a cancer- causing substance.In 1988, the first claims of health-related problems due to the silicon breast implants came about and thousands of plaintiffs and billions of dollars in settlements came after.Claims that silicon leaked into the body and then caused connective-tissue diseases and even cancer scared everyone.As a result, the FDA removed silicon from the market until further studies were conducted.Saline took its place as a filler and was a safe alternative.

By 1999, studies revealed that silicon breast implants were not responsible for causing disease.Now, though the implants come with their own risk, nothing proved that it caused these illnesses.

Today, women have a choice of saline or silicon.The incision site, size, amount of tissue, shape and placement over or under the muscle all play a role in picking the best one.

The procedure has really come a long way since those paraffin injections of the 1890s.It also shows that women, through the years, are really not that different.The desire to enhance the bust-line, maybe be a little sexy, transcends time and the cultures of different eras.A woman wants to be womanly no matter what century shes from.
About the Author

Today women have a lot of choice with the

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