Wednesday, August 28, 2013

August 28, 2013

To-be-moms, get physical

To-be-moms, get physical


Anew research has claimed that staying active throughout the day is more beneficial to limit excess weight gain for pregnant women. Researcher Christina Campbell said that they able to show that pregnant women spend 75% of the time they are awake in sedentary behaviors.
She said that many of these women met physical activity guidelines. But just because a women met the guidelines, doesn't necessarily mean that they were a non-sedentary person.
Getting women to be more active during pregnancy is not only important for limiting weight gain, but it also impacts the future health of the baby.
Campbell said that if a woman gains too much, it predisposes the baby to childhood obesity and also raises the risk for maternal complications like hypertension, pre-eclampsia and postpartum obesity. That is why it is important to help women manage their weight through diet and exercise.
Campbell said that the problem is most intervention programs are centred on physical activity guidelines of 30 minutes of exercise a day. ANI

By - No comments:
August 28, 2013

Treatments like detox therapies, exotic massages, body polishes and wraps are hot favourites to ease stress

More men heading to spas!

Treatments like detox therapies, exotic massages, body polishes and wraps are hot favourites to ease stress

    Women, move over. You might have competition when it comes to the vanity department. Men are increasingly going in for spa treatments to look their best. It’s a long way from a time when spas and men only came together when boyfriends or husbands dropped by to pick up their better halves from the place. But things have changed tremendously. “Yes,” affirms wellness expert Malathi Menon. “I’ve been in the industry for 22 years and earlier while it was just a face massage, now men are so wellinformed and ask questions like ‘What is exfoliation’ or ‘How is this serum going to help me’? The balance is tipping and in fact, a health site mentions that pampering men at the spa is a top trend for 2013. Here’s more on this side to male grooming... 

MEN LIKE TO CALL IT HYGIENE Spa expert Nisha Jhaveri says the male clientele has more than doubled in the last year even. “Men like to call it hygiene, rather than pampering, although they like the idea of sitting back and being pampered.” And who said exotic was the purview of the fairer sex? “They like alternate treatments — every thing from fruit masks to chocolate and caviar body wraps and more.” 

DIAMONDS ARE A MAN’S BEST FRIEND TOO Don’t start thinking about jewellery, this one has to do with cosmetic care. Diamond dust facials are also in demand for those who can afford them, informs Malathi. “Men love radiance on their skin. They also mostly want suntan removal and pigmentation lightening through lactic and glycolic peels as well as anti-pigmentation masks.” 
 
HEARD OF THE GENTLEMAN’S FACIAL?
    More men are realising the need to keep the face free of enemies like toxin and bacteria. Says spa expert Radha Shetty, “Most popular are oxygen facials which give the skin oxygen, lending it a refreshed look. Also in demand is the facial with glycerin, aloe vera and tulsi, that aims to control oil and acne.” 
 
EXOTIC INDIAN MASSAGES Indian therapies are extremely popular when it comes to working out tired muscles. “Men want the champi which uses amla, brahmi, jatamansi and curry leaves, as well as the vigorous ‘pehelwan’ malish for the body which has nature aromatherapy oils and relieves tired and sore muscles,” says another city-based spa expert. 
 
SPA MANIS AND PEDIS
    A much-in-demand treatment, this is about presentation; men want to soften rough feet and ease stressed hands to make an impression. The treatment also hyrdates the skin. 
 
SPAS HAVE CREATED A GENDER-NEUTRAL ATMOSPHERE
    The spas are also offering a malefriendly atmosphere in a part of the area in a bid to please them. Comfortable touches, clean lines and a no-fuss look are replacing overtly feminine fragrances, flowers and more. 
 
HOT STONES AND SWEDISH MASSAGES
    With the hectic lives people lead, treatments like knot-melting Swedish and deep-tissue massages, foot reflexology and using hot stones, are increasingly accepted as stress-relievers. These are also feel-good regimens and just a session a week of any of the above is said to ease away body ache; men seem to prefer it as a weekend turnaround before the new week starts. 
 
STATISTICS According to a site, men now make up nearly a third of all spa-goers, says the International Spa Association.

TOP REASONS THAT PROPEL MEN TO A SPA Rising stress levels.
Appearance of crow’s feet.
Increasing social pressure to be better groomed at work.
The desire to look better than their female counterparts.
The increasing belief that looking good is linked to confidence.

Alpha dudes need spa pampering too




Soaking their peds is also a ‘guy thing’








Stress-relief with a traditional massage
By - No comments:

Saturday, August 24, 2013

August 24, 2013

13 natural ways to lower blood pressure

13 natural ways to lower blood pressure

 
High blood pressure can boost the risks of leading killers such as heart attack and stroke, as well as aneurysms, cognitive decline, and kidney failure.
 
While medication can lower blood pressure, it may cause side effects such as leg cramps, dizziness, and insomnia. Luckily, most people can bring down their blood pressure naturally without medication.
Here are top 13 natural alternatives to prescribed drugs, according to ABC News.
 
Go for power walks: Hypertensive patients who went for fitness walks at a brisk pace lowered pressure by almost 8 mmhg over 6 mmhg. Exercise helps the heart use oxygen more efficiently, so it doesn`t work as hard to pump blood.
 
Slow breathing and meditative practices such as qigong, yoga, and tai chi decrease stress hormones, which elevate renin, a kidney enzyme that raises blood pressure.So try 5 minutes in the morning and at night. Inhale deeply and expand your belly. Exhale and release all of your tension.
Eat potatoes: Loading up on potassium-rich fruits and vegetables is an important part of any blood pressure-lowering program, said Linda Van Horn, PhD, RD, professor of preventive medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medical.
 
Lower salt intake to 1,500 mg daily, said Eva Obarzanek, PhD, a research nutritionist at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
 
Indulge in dark chocolate: Dark chocolate varieties contain flavanols that make blood vessels more elastic. In one study, 18percent of patients who ate it every day saw blood pressure decrease.
 
Take a supplement: In a review of 12 studies, researchers found that coenzyme Q10 reduced blood pressure by up to 17 mmhg over 10 mmhg.
 
Reduce alcohol intake: According to a review of 15 studies, the less you drink, the lower your blood pressure will drop-to a point.
 
Switch to decaf coffee: A study from Duke University Medical Center found that caffeine consumption of 500 mg-roughly three 8-ounce cups of coffee-increased blood pressure by 4 mmhg, and that effect lasted until bedtime.
 
Drink tea: Study participants who sipped 3 cups of a hibiscus tea daily lowered systolic blood pressure by 7 points in 6 weeks on average, said researchers from Tufts University-results on par with many prescription medications.
Work (a bit) less: Putting in more than 41 hours per week at the office raises your risk of hypertension by 15percent, according to a University of California, Irvine, study of 24,205 California residents.
 
Relax with music: Listening to soothing classical, Celtic, or Indian music for 30 minutes daily while breathing slowly helps lower blood pressure, according to researchers at the University of Florence in Italy.
 
Seek help for snoring: University of Alabama researchers found that many sleep apnea sufferers had high levels of aldosterone, a hormone that can boost blood pressure.
 
Jump for soy: A study from Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association found for the first time that replacing some of the refined carbohydrates in your diet with foods high in soy or milk protein, such as low-fat dairy, can bring down systolic blood pressure if you have hypertension or prehypertension.
ANI
Note: For more details and guidance, please contact a qualified physician. This is just for the information of the readers.
By - No comments:
August 24, 2013

Get onto the road of fitness today

Get onto the road of fitness today



    With people becoming more aware of the benefits of regular exercise, gym enrolments have been on the rise. The benefits of exercise include increased muscle strength and endurance, weight control, boost in energy and lower stress levels. Also, it is essential to be fit in order to be more efficient in our daily lives.
    The Talwalkars Annual Discount Scheme has received great response from fitness enthusiasts across the country, with many deciding to make health and fitness an important part of their lives. “I renewed my membership at Talwalkars during their Annual Discount Scheme as I have enjoyed working out at their gym. They have great facilities and the trainers are very helpful,” says Mehul Shah.
    The scheme offers up to 30% discount on annual membership fees and special offers on value-added services till September 6. Don’t wait for tomorrow to bring a positive change in your life.
    The Annual August Discount is available across all Talwalkars health clubs in Mumbai.
    To avail the offer call: 022-33710100/
    08879631175. SMS FIT to 53636
    www.talwalkars.net 

Mehul Shah after his complete fitness work out at Talwalkars
By - No comments:
August 24, 2013

Teens with bigger brains at eating disorder risk


Teens with bigger brains at eating disorder risk



    Anew research has claimed that teens having bigger brains are more prone to suffer from anorexia nervosa. According to a study, girls with anorexia nervosa had a larger insula, a part of the brain active when we taste food, and a larger orbitofrontal cortex, a part of the brain that tells a person when to stop eating. The researchers report that the bigger brain may be the reason people with anorexia are able to starve themselves. The study said that while eating disorders are often triggered by the environment, there are most likely biological mechanisms that have to come together for an individual to develop an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa.
By - No comments:

Friday, August 23, 2013

August 23, 2013

Fusion workouts, promising to get you into shape without getting you bored, are fast gaining popularity in Mumbai

NOW, COMBO WORKOUTS TO BUST THE FAT

Fusion workouts, promising to get you into shape without getting you bored, are fast gaining popularity in Mumbai

    Has your fitness routine become a drudgery? The next time you’re bored of just going to the gym or jogging in the park, try something exciting like a fusion workout. This is a workout hybrid that combines the best of two or more effective exercises to benefit you. 
 
PILOXING Bringing together the elements of boxing and pilates, Piloxing, is a high-energy regimen that merges punching moves like throwing jabs, uppercuts, hooks and nifty footwork as well as slow pilates.
    Benefits: While the pilates helps to condition the muscles, the cardio-based boxing steps burn the calories to help you shed flab. Says fitness trainer Jivesh Shetty, “On one hand, you have speed with positive contractions and on the other, lengthened negative contractions, so it balances out. Piloxing is a controlled movement. As you jab to the right with your left arm, twisting the hip, it tones out the arms, strengthens the hip and shoulder joint, triceps and hamstrings and the core.”
    Can burn: 500-800 calories an hour 
 
BOKWA This is a dance-inspired fitness craze that’s fast catching up as a trend around the globe. Bokwa comes from Bo (boxing) and Kwa (the South African war dance, Kwaito). You do cardio moves to a high energy dance. Participants draw letters and numbers with the feet while dancing. What’s unique is that it’s the only workout in the world taught with a sign language. And you need not know dancing to try it.
    Benefits: Says Mumbai-based dance expert Aanchal Gupta, “It’s very intense, even more so than zumba. Bokwa helps motor training, and children can do this too. You have fun, so it’s a stress buster and makes for a great weekend workout too.”
    Can burn: 1,000 calories an hour 
 
KOGA Koga incorporates cardiovascular kickboxing and yoga into a single workout. As it offers flexibility and cardio strength, it’s being hailed as the perfect hybrid workout.
Benefits: “It’s an all-round workout,” says fitness expert and hypnotherapist Vishwajit Matkar. “It strengthens the core while stabilising the spine and improves flexibility. Koga brings together plyometric, strength balance as well as breathing training.” In a typical class, after a warm-up, there is an intense, twenty-minute kickboxing session. Post this, yoga moves focused on a particular body part are carried out.
Can burn: 800-1,000 calories an hour 
 
YOLETT Want that sleek ballet dancer’s frame? Go for Yolett, that combines ballet dancing and and yoga in one! Folks are raving about this fitness trend. In this fusion workout, you first do ballet movesfor greater balance and flexibility. Post that, you grab a floor mat and do half an hour of yoga poses and asanas. The resulting stretch is supposed to correct body alignment.
Benefits: This is superb body sculptor, which improves posture and blood circulation too. You hold each pose for 10 seconds or more, so the
muscles are challenged. It also leaves you feeling mentally refreshed,” says yoga instructor Yogesh Chavan.
Can burn: 500 calories an hour. 
 
WHY YOU SHOULD TRY THESE
A fusion exercise regimen works on a variety of areas in the body. This kind of workout wakes up different muscles and tones them up. It cuts down workout fatigue or boredom as you are introduced to a new activity. Can be done as a stand-alone regimen, even in the confines of your cubicle.



Mix and match: Try out multiple exercises in one routine
By - No comments:

Thursday, August 22, 2013

August 22, 2013

Must-haves for a weekend trip

Must-haves for a weekend trip



    Planning a short weekend trip? Well, it needs some smart packing. Here are some tips:
Carry wrinkle-free clothing to avoid having to get each item ironed after you open your suitcase.
Pack accessories which would go with multiple outfits instead of picking one for each dress. A fashionable tote bag to carry all items is necessary. It could double up as a beach bag or as a shopping bag.
Pack comfortable flat sandals and shoes. They will come handy during long walks.
Don’t forget to pack your daily medicines, if any. Carrying a first-aid kit is a must. If you are taking children along, take some basic emergency medicines.
Carry enough water and some healthy snacks. These are even more important if you are not planning to make frequent stops enroute.

By - No comments:

AI Training and the Destruction of Rare Books: Is Technology Creating a New Information Monopoly?

  AI Training and the Destruction of Rare Books: Is Technology Creating a New Information Monopoly? Introduction Artificial intelligence is ...