Ask your health and diet questions online to Dr.Oz

'Doctor OZ' is a known personality for TV viewers. 'Oprah' has invited Dr. Oz many times, now you can get him online and ask any question.

His site is a source of all information, news, viws, tips and helful diet, health/wellness related issues.

More about Dr.Oz:

Dr. Oz, host of "The Dr. Oz Show", is Vice-Chair and Professor of Surgery at Columbia University. His research interests include heart replacement surgery, minimally invasive cardiac surgery, complementary medicine and health care policy. He has authored over 400 original publications, book chapters, and medical books and has received several patents. He performs 250 heart operations annually.

Dr. Oz was a featured health expert on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" for over five seasons, spanning 55 episodes. He has also served as chief medical consultant to Discovery Communications. In addition to numerous appearances on "Good Morning America," he has also appeared on the "Today" show, "Larry King Live," "The View," guest-hosted the "Charlie Rose" show and appeared on all the evening news broadcasts.

Dr. Oz has been honored as one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People, Esquire magazine honored him amongst '75 Most Influential People of the 21st Century'

At Dr/ Oz's blog you can read about the topics of interest to Dr. Oz's panel of experts and Wellness Warriors.
- Find everything from recipes and tips regarding health and wellness.
- Read stories of successes and struggles and get evaluations of therapies and treatments.

Medifast Diet - A popular diet and weight loss program

As people are more relaxed nowadays and due to easiness in our lives they are tend to put on weight. With the widest use of technology in our society we are getting comfort and so less hard work. At the same time we are concerned about weight loss or diet programs because we know that weight gain is not a good symbol. There are many diet programs which can help us maintain our weight, but few diet or weight loss diets are more popular then others and one of those is 'medifast diet'

According to 'Web MD.com':

'The Medifast program is a very low-calorie, no-brainer approach to weight loss. There's no counting calories, fat grams, or carbs; you just eat or drink six times a day.'

Medifast weight loss system was created or launched 27 years ago as a meal replacement program. Now people around the world are enthusiastic to follow this diet program for weight control or other purposes.

Why this diet is getting popularity?

The popularity and likeness of the Medifast program is due to the limited decision making. You choose five daily meal replacements from an assortment of portion-controlled shakes, puddings, eggs, oatmeal, chili, bars, or soups, plus prepare one "lean and green meal." Soy or whey protein are the basis for the meal replacements, which are designed to help dieters feel satisfied on the very low-calorie plan.

The primary Medifast weight loss program, "5 plus 1," calls for five daily Medifast meal-replacement drinks or foods (all available only through the company) plus one "lean and green" meal, consisting of lean meat or fish plus salad or green vegetables.

Dieters are allowed 5-7 daily ounces of lean meat or fish. The meal options are broken down into "lean," "leaner" and "leanest." If you choose leaner options, additional healthy fats are allowed. The lean meats and fish may be grilled, baked, boiled, broiled, or poached.

Add three servings of raw, steamed, grilled, baked, or boiled vegetables to the lean meat or fish to complete the meal. Vegetables are listed from lowest to higher carbohydrate content, and the ones highest in carbs -- carrots, corn, peas, potatoes, onions, and Brussels sprouts - are excluded.

To get more information about this 'medifast diet' or 'medifast weight loss program' you can consult your family doctor and get the advice. May be you can also get information about local 'medifast diet' centre.
You can also search online for more tips, learning and suggestions regarding this diet.

Source link: 'Web MD.com'

Useful links:
* 'Medifast1.com' offers the meal-replacement products and support.

Tongue twisters to develop speech skills and helps in speech therapy

Tongue twisters are the words or phrases in repeated manner for the practice of specific letters or sounds. These tongue exercises are meant for the development of speech skills and speech therapy.


The definition of 'Tongue Twister' is: "A tongue-twister is a phrase that is designed to be difficult to articulate properly."


Researchers have concluded that numerous regions of the brain are responsible for the process of speech production. If any one of these functions becomes impaired or doesn't develop properly, your speech can be affected. Tongue twisters or practice of repeated words or phrases can help us in speech therapy. Therefore Tongue twisters can be of immense help in exercising the muscles of the tongue and the mouth for better control. Most of the people who have trouble in speech, show a drastic improvement in their speaking ability by practising tongue twisters.


Tongue twisters are not only for light-hearted linguistic fun and games. They also serve a practical purpose in practising pronunciation. English tongue twisters may be used by students learning English to improve their accent. They may be used by actors trying to develop a particular accent. Also, they are frequently used by speech therapists to help those with speech difficulties.


Many tongue-twisters use a combination of alliteration and rhyme. They have two or more sequences of sounds that require repositioning the tongue between syllables, then the same sounds are repeated in a different sequence. For example, in the sequence: She sells sea shells... The shells she sells..." requires a speaker to switch rapidly between the sh and s sounds.
When their use is for one of these more serious reasons, then tongue twisters are generally subdivided into categories classifying them by the particular vowel or consonant sounds they exercise. The Peter Piper twister, for example, clearly provides practice for the P sound.


Tips for best use of the tongue twisters:
- One can start on the tongue twisters at a slow pace. See that you are able to say it without breaks.


- The next step would be to know the tongue twister by heart.


- Then one can going on repeating the tongue twister as fast as one can, till the time one can master it. One can do this exercise mastering one tongue twister at a time.


What's the hardest tongue twister? According to Guinness World Records, the hardest tongue-twister in the English language is: "The sixth sick sheikh's sixth sheep's sick."


Useful links and sites:


* 'Tongue Twisters for speech therapy' from 'Speech Therapy.ygoy.com'
* A large collection of tongue twisters in many languages are available at 'uebersetzung'. Read 'English tongue twisters'
 
* 'Tongue Twisters.us' has a good collection of tongue twisters.
 
* ' Fun With Words' offers collection of twisters, poems and rude twisters.
 
* 'Black Dog's Tongue Twisters'

Sodas and soft drinks replacing water intake and its harmful effects

 With the increasing use of soft drinks and sodas, we are replacing it with water which is a natural and safe need of human body. Our kids and teens are becoming addicted to the soft drinks, rather than taking enough water which is essential for their health. What are the harmful effects of taking too much sodas in spite of water?

Not only can soda pack on the pounds, it can also deteriorate the body as well.
The sugar in soda, usually containing 9 teaspoons, can over time cause you to pack on the pounds. Also, did you know that that much sugar can compromise the immune system for up to 12 hours? Drinking diet cola? Have you heard about that artificial sweeteners are linked to brain tumors? Caffeine is another major issue for not just soda drinkers, but coffee and energy drink buffs as well. Caffeine consumption can cause dehydration and when not consumed, terrible headaches, shakes and irritability. While a morning boost may not have serious long-term effects, constant consumption will indeed take a toll on the body.

The biggest, most important reason to steer clear of the fizzy beverage is mineral depletion. The long term the effects of colas are devastating to the body. Acidity, sugars, and artificial flavors and sweeteners can actually shorten your life. There is enough acid in a can of soda to kill, that is, if our body did not contain mechanisms to neutralize it. But, that means our bodies' precious minerals, such as calcium, are being used for this instead of what they are intended for! Did you know that it takes 32 glasses of water to neutralize the acid from one 12 oz. cola or soda? Wow!

Sports drinks are arguably said to be a good choice by athletes needing to replenish minerals. However, people should caution themselves to not drink them recreationally. Many times parents will let children drink them because of the "cool" flavors. One Baylor University study of sports drinks said there was one case of irregular heartbeat was reported in a football player who consumed too much potassium per day by drinking too much of a sports drink. Sports drinks also contain sodium, as well as a significant concentration of carbohydrates and calories. If people are drinking sports drinks, not because they are working out and losing minerals through sweat, than they are not very good for you!

Other drinks that cannot be replaced by water are coffee and tea. Much has been said about coffee drinks as a source of fat and empty calories. Many of these coffee specialty drinks have become more like desserts and should be treated as such, not drank on a regular basis. Coffee may be a great way to wake up in the morning, but after 8 hours of sleep, bodies need to be hydrated again, not dehydrated, as coffee will do. 

Need to wake up? Replenish your body with water and do some stretches or go for a walk or run to get the blood pumping.

Reading about the harmful effects of these drinks should shed some light on the benefits of our great natural resource: water!

Home remedies for costipation among children

Constipation is a gastro-intestinal symptom that occurs when bowel movements are made less often, and stool is harder, making it difficult to pass. Most people at some point in their lives will experience constipation. In most cases, constipation is only temporary and not serious. Understanding its causes, prevention, and treatment will help most people find relief.

Constipation can be extremely uncomfortable, even painful for those who have it regularly. When children experience constipation it can be especially painful and frustrating. Usually we prefer to get advice from nearby doctor or health practitioner which is a wise decision, but we can also use home remedies for the treatment and cure of constipation among children. Constipation can usually be treated effectively at home.

To prevent constipation liquids, like water and juice, add fluid to the colon and bulk to stools, making bowel movements softer and easier to pass. Because the colon needs water to do its job, dehydration can be a major cause of constipation.

Home remedies for constipation among children

 Here are a couple of easy steps.

* Make sure your child is drinking adequate amounts of fluids.

* If you are switching from breast milk to formula, give your baby an extra 1 fl oz to 2 fl oz of water for the first 2 to 3 weeks. Be sure to give your baby the suggested amount of formula plus the extra water. Do not give extra water for longer than 3 weeks unless your doctor tells you to.

* If your child is older than 6 months, add fruit juices, such as apple, pear, or prune juice, to relieve the constipation.

* After age 6 months, give 0.5 Tbsp to 2 Tbsp of prune juice. Increase the amount slowly over time. At age 9 months, add 1.5 Tbsp to 3 Tbsp of strained prunes per day.

* If fruit juices do not help, add baby foods with a high fiber content twice a day. High-fiber baby foods include cooked dried beans or peas (legumes), apricots, prunes, peaches, pears, plums, and spinach.

* For children 1 year and older, increase your child's fiber intake by adding at least 2 servings of fruit, such as apricots, peaches, pears, raisins, figs, prunes, dates, and other dried fruits, and at least 3 servings of vegetables, such as cooked dried beans or peas (legumes), broccoli, or cauliflower, each day. Add whole-grain foods, such as bran flakes, bran muffins, graham crackers, oatmeal, brown rice, and whole wheat bread.

* Gently massage your child's abdomen. This may help relieve discomfort. You can also have your child lie on his or her back, legs flexed onto his or her abdomen, and rotate his or her legs in a clockwise direction.

* If your child is age 6 months or older and the warm bath does not work, use 1 or 2 glycerin suppositories to lubricate the stool, making it easier to pass. Use glycerin suppositories only once or twice.If constipation is not relieved or develops again, discuss the problem with your health professional.

Symptoms to Watch For During Home Treatment

After a treatment program has started with your child, it's best to monitor and evaluate your child's symptoms if any of the following occur during home treatment.;Constipation or changes in the stool persist after 24 hours of home treatment in a baby younger than 3 months; New constipation persists after 1 week of home treatment in a child age 3 months to 11 years.

Hobbies and hobbies: Art and creativity with fruits and vegetables

Hobbies and hobbies: Art and creativity with fruits and vegetables: "Fruits and vegetables are an essential part of our food and supply of some important nutriest and minerals for our bodies. Fruits and vegeta..."

The Ride of bike, our life and CREATOR

Do you love riding bicycle?

Do you feel there is a resemblance beteen riding bike and our lives?

The story or parable I am going to share with you is a motivational writing and this piece of post would encourage us to think and feel deeply about our life and our 'CREATOR'

There is a lot to learn at this motivational story.

  'The Bike Ride'

At first I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited Heaven or Hell when I die. He was out there sort of like the President. I recognized His picture when I saw it, but I didn't really know Him.

But later on when I recognized my Higher Power, it seemed as though life was rather like a bike ride; but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that God was in the back helping me pedal. I don't know just when it was that He suggested we change places, but life has not been the same since . . . life with my Higher Power, that is. God makes life exciting.

When I had control, I knew the way. It was rather boring, but predictable. It was the shortest distance between two points. But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up mountains, and through rocky places and at breakneck speeds. It was all I could do to hang on! Even though it looked like madness, He said, "Pedal!"

I worried and was anxious and asked, "Where are You taking me?" He laughed and didn't answer, and I started to trust. I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure; and when I'd say, "I'm scared, " He'd lean back and touch my hand. He took me to people with gifts that I needed, gifts of healing, acceptance, and joy. They gave me their gifts to take on my journey; our journey, God's and mine.

And we were off again. He said, "Give the gifts away. They're extra baggage, too much weight." So I did, to the people we met, and I found that in giving I received, and still our burden was light.

I did not trust Him at first, in control of my life. I thought he'd wreck it. But He knew bike secrets, knew how to make it bend to take sharp corners, jump to clear high places filled with rocks, fly to shorten scary passages.

And I'm learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places, and I'm beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my delightful constant companion, my Higher Power.

And when I'm sure I can't do any more, He just smiles and says, "PEDAL!"

Source: Unknown author

Simple home remedies for lowering your cholesterol

Our hectic lifestyle makes it difficult to bring change in our eating habits but we can plan for a healthy food choices to keep us healthy and live long. We assume that overweight or fat peoples  may have high cholesterol level, but according to survey every age persons including kids and teens were seen having high cholesterol. There are simple home remedies which can help us lower cholesterol.

High Cholesterol Prevention:

The most important approach for lowering high cholesterol is a healthy lifestyle and diet. Losing weight can help lower your LDL and total cholesterol levels, as well as raise your HDL. The main goal in lowering cholesterol is to lower your LDL and raise your HDL. There are two main ways to lower cholesterol: 

- Eat a heart-healthy diet and

- Take cholesterol-lowering medications.

Home remedies to lower High Cholesterol:

• Eating healthy food can help lower your LDL cholesterol level.
• 
  
• Eat more fruits and vegetables.
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• Choose low-fat or nonfat dairy products.
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• Eat a variety of fiber-rich foods, like oats, dark breads and apples.
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• Limit saturated fats, like dairy fats (in ice cream and butter) and palm and coconut oil (in baked goods).
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• Limit high-cholesterol foods, like egg yolks, organ meats (such as liver) and shellfish.
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• Eat more broiled or grilled fish and skinless chicken breasts.

Advice:

* Exercise Regularly: Exercise increases flexibility and improves circulation.

* Reduce the Intake of Salt

* Eliminate the use of caffeine, alcohol and tobacco.

* Maintain a Health Weight. Being overweight is associated with high blood pressure.

Keep your cholesterol level under control: Cutting your cholesterol by 25 percent lowers your stroke risk by 29 percent, according to an analysis of 16 studies by researchers at Brigham and Woman's Hospital in Boston.