Archive for the ‘Health and Fitness’ Category

upper back pain

According to past research and studies, nearly 80% of all Americans will experience some type of lower back pain in their lives. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons believes this as well, as they say 80% of us out there will encounter some type of problem with our back before we die.

Traditionally, the treatment for lower back pain is increasing core strength to increase flexibility on muscles that are tight, which will provide better stabilization of the spine and exercises to correct the imbalances of the muscles. The spinal column is supported by the muscles that surround the spine.

Every muscle between the hips and shoulders are included as well, as these muscles are referred to as the core muscles. Back pain can be a result of muscle imbalances caused by any of these core muscles. If the back of your thighs are weaker than the front of your thighs, there will be an uneven pull on the front of your spinal column.

There are some effective ways that you can integrate core strength training exercises into all of the exercises you perform, rather than doing just the traditional crunches and sit-ups. Another way is to take regular breaths. Deep breathing will utilize your diaphragm muscles which will help support the spinal column and lengthen the spine, which is great for your lower back and supporting you when you walk or run.

The tummy tuck and bridge lift can also help you to reduce back problems and strengthen the core muscles as well. The tummy tuck exercise is a simple pelvic tilt that draws the abdominal muscles away from the floor. Do perform a tummy tuck, simply lie face down on the floor and squeeze your glutes to strengthen your spine.

Instead of pressing into your thighs, you should instead reach your tailbone down towards your heels. Perform 15 reps of each exercise and alternate them until you have completed a couple of sets.

For the bridge, place your feet on a bench or on the floor and scoop your pelvis upward, as your rib cage should stay low to reduce any irritation to your spinal muscles. The bridge will help to relieve stress on your back and focus the muscle contractions into the glutes and the hamstrings.

Other exercises for lower back pain are the lumbar side stretch, hip flexor stretch, and calf stretches, as all three can help to alleviate pull on your spinal column.

Hip flexor stretch

When doing a hip flexor stretch, bring one foot forward in a bent knee, 90 degree angle, while your other leg is on the floor behind you with your foot pointed upwards toward the ceiling. The hip flexor stretch will help to open up the muscles of your back on the side of the spine near your hips. You can also squeeze your glutes as well to deepen the stretch with each breath you exhale. You should begin to feel a stretch in your back leg, in the thigh front and the hamstrings on your front leg.

Lumbar side stretch

This stretch will bring your legs wide with your knees bent while you sit or stand. Simply bring one hand down towards your foot on the inside of the thighs and your other hand behind your head.

The last stretch will open up your Achilles tendon, which is the most distant pull on the spine. Therefore, lean forward with an object under your foot. Maintain a fluid breath while you hold stretches for 30 seconds or so. After a while, you should begin to feel a stretch behind your knee and shin.

Even in the case where a person is fit as well as healthy there might be areas of their body that an individual is not completely happy with. Particularly if a person has recently lost a great deal of weight, they might find that they end up with deposits of fat on their bodies that they can’t seem to rid themselves of even if they use the right diet and exercise.

This is the type of circumstances where the procedure of liposuction comes into play, and as things are now liposuction is one of the more commonly practiced cosmetic procedures throughout the world. This a surgical type of procedure that is utilized for the removal of deposits of fat as well as shape the body. The fat is taken away from under the skin through the use of a vacuum suction cannula or through the use of an ultrasonic probe which emulsifies a persons fat and them removes it with the use of suction.

Arm Liposuction

There are some common areas on a persons body that liposuction is used most. These areas are the thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and arms. One of the areas that gives the most customer satisfaction and happiness is the area of the arms.

The aesthetic objective of arm liposuction is to form a much slimmer and more symmetrical look on the body and give the patient a better feeling about themselves, particularly when they are in any kind of social situations and while they are wearing clothing that has short sleeves. The primary goal in arm liposuction is to improve upon an out of proportion visual aspect of the arm so as to permit the patient to have a more comfortable feel as well as being less self conscious, and to attain an appearance an overall thinner arm.

The Surgery

When getting an arm liposuction procedure it is typically quick and relatively less painful than other procedures. The utilization of microcannulas allows a relatively aggressive approach for liposuction of the arms, when at the same time assisting to minimize any potential risks of any aesthetically unpleasant abnormalities of the skin.

Complications and Risks

Even though the associated problems that come with arm liposuction are few and far between, there is still a possibility of them occurring hence anybody that is thinking about getting this procedure needs to be cognizant of them.

One of the more common problems that is associated with the use of liposuction of the arms is excessive as well as uneven removal of any fat. This lumpy type of appearance gets grossly emphasized over a period of time, particularly in the event the patient gains weight.

You might also wish to get other liposuction procedures done in conjunction with your arm liposuction so that you can reshape a larger area of your body as well as giving it a more appropriate proportion. The end result is it will leave you looking as well as feeling your very best. Before undergoing any type of procedure you should consult your physician.

To learn more go to Liposuction Compression and at Liposuction In Pennsylvania

11
Nov

Teenagers Health

   Posted by: Lita

 

Did you give your 15 year old daughter a hug and a kiss last night before she went to bed?  Did you feel warm and fuzzy when you left her room because you had a glimpse of the sweet little girl that you so seldom see anymore? 

Were you surprised when you got up this morning to find that your 15 year old daughter had vanished during the night and someone you have come to know as Dr. Jekyll appeared in her place? 

Research indicates that teenagers require between 9 and 10 hours sleep per night.  The average teenager is getting approximately 6 hours sleep per night and is most likely completely sleep-deprived.

Due to the very fast-paced society that we live in many parents are also depriving themselves of sleep.  It is difficult to expect your child to shut down the computer or turn off the tv if it is your family’s lifestyle to stay up late participating in stimulating activities.  Add homework, sports, extra curricular activities, poor food choices and the addition of computers, cell phones, text messaging and online interactive forums, such as Facebook and video games, and it’s no wonder our teenagers are rarely taking the time to take care of their own bodies.

Consider some ways you can participate in helping your teen get more sleep:

         Do you have a spot in your home, other than a bedroom, that your teen can do homework, work on the computer and visit with friends?  Do your best to help your teenager maintain her room as a peaceful sanctuary.

         Encourage healthy snacks before bed.  It is best to avoid salty foods before bed because they can stimulate the adrenal gland.  Going to bed hungry can also contribute to sleep problems.  Bedtime snacks of crackers and cheese, half of a meat, poultry or tuna fish sandwich or a glass of warm milk may encourage the release of sleep inducing serotonin.

         Do your best to limit strenuous activities several hours before bedtime. 

         Encourage relaxation for an hour or so before bedtime.  Listening to music, reading or taking a warm bath before bed can be relaxing.  Computers and cell phones are best turned off at least an hour before bed.

         If your teenager is complaining of insomnia try some home remedies.  A popular herb for insomnia is Valerian.  Try serving a herbal tea containing Valerian or mix your own with 1 tsp of chamomile, 1 tsp hops, 1 tsp valerian root and 1 cup of boiling water.  Steep for 45 minutes, strain and then have your teenager drink the tea 1 hour before bedtime.    

         Offering your teenager the occasional back or foot rub at bedtime can be very helpful in promoting bedtime.

Never underestimate the problem of teenagers being sleepy in the daytime.  Sleep-deprivation impairs mood and affects performance while drowsiness and fatigue have been shown to cause many traffic accidents with teenagers at the wheel.  Disciplinary problems, sleepiness and poor concentration in school can be attributed to a lack of sleep.

Teenagers don’t think of sleep as a priority.  Going to bed at a reasonable hour and waking up on time should be, in the majority of cases, your teenager’s responsibility.  When your teenager is not handling this necessity in a responsible manner it is best that you step in and try some of the above techniques and as much positive encouragement as possible.