Posted by Ian Ibbetson on Fri, Dec 12, 2008
Are you still searching for the perfect holiday gifts? This year, why don’t you give your friends and family the gift of health? Giving the gift of health isn’t just practical; it can actually be a lifesaver. Here is a list of the top eight expert rated choices:
1. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables. Organic fruits and vegetables are often pricey and end up being one of the first things to be cut from the family budget when times are tight. Even non-organic fruit can seem expensive these days, so consider a monthly shipment of produce or other healthy treats. Also, gift baskets filled with fresh fruits are an excellent, healthy choice.
2. Fitness Club Membership. Get a gym membership for a friend or family member who enjoys working out. To find out information about local clubs, search by city and state on healthclubs.com. Some gyms even offer gift cards to apply towards membership fees.
3. Yoga clothing or classes. How about the gift of inner peace? Yoga helps with stress, flexibility and blood flow. It's one of those forms of exercise that not only works your body, but also works your mind, your soul and your spirit. The cost for a yoga class averages about $10 to $20 for a 90-minute class
4. Massage. After a stressful day, a massage can reduce stress, improve blood flow and increase flexibility. Plan to pay $45 to $75 an hour in most places. Most massage therapists sell gift certificates or gift cards year round.
5. Exercise Shoes or Clothing. Shoes are vital to ensuring a good walk or run. You need to have comfortable shoes that have good foot support. Proper work out gear, that’s comfortable, is also an important part of exercise. If you don’t know their size, you can always buy them a gift certificate to a good sports supply store.
6. Electric Toothbrush for the Kiddies. Combining good oral hygiene and cool technology, an electric toothbrush is a great gift to ensure a childs oral health. Kids are more likely to brush with an electric toothbrush because it’s a fun gadget. Plus they come in many different colors and themes.
7. Health Monitoring Gadgets. Even though buying someone a bathroom scale might be a bit insulting, high-tech at-home self-test kits such as a blood-pressure monitor could be just the ticket. Eighty million Americans have high blood pressure, and only a third of them have it under control. Having the proper tools to ensure good health is an excellent gift to give.
8. Wellness Books. Books on wellness or natural preventative treatments are excellent gift options. Also, cookbooks such as “Good Food That's Good for You," or the "Healthy Heart Cookbook," are great choices.
So this year, give the gift of health. It’s the gift that keeps on giving and can last a lifetime.
Healthy Choice Naturals
Posted by Healthy Choice Naturals on Fri, Dec 12, 2008
If you have had any access to media this week, you’ve probably heard about Oprah Winfrey’s announcement that her weight has climbed to over 200 pounds again. She openly discusses her weight issues in her O Magazine (on stands December 16th), which she says have been heightened because of the discovery of a thyroid problem. The current media attention surrounding Oprah has generated an increased interest in thyroid problems as well as questions about the condition.
Women aren't the only ones to suffer from thyroid problems, which result when too little or too much thyroid hormone circulates in the body. But they comprise up to 80 percent of the estimated 27 million Americans who have thyroid conditions, according to the Society for Women's Health Research.
Hypothyroidism, which Winfrey suffered from, results when the thyroid (a small butterfly-shaped gland located near the Adam's apple at the base of the throat) has stopped producing enough of the hormones that regulate the body's metabolism and normal body function. A range of symptoms may result, including: fatigue; weight gain; dry skin; brittle hair and nails; low blood pressure; irregular or painful menstrual cycles; depression; low sex drive; swelling or puffiness around the eyes, face, feet and hands; the appearance of a drooping eyelid; high cholesterol; hair loss, and a feeling of pressure in the neck.
On the other hand, hyperthyroidism results from an overproduction of thyroid hormone. Common symptoms include heart palpitations, nervousness, insomnia, breathlessness, trembling hands, weight loss (and in some cases weight gain due to increased appetite), hair loss, fatigue and light or absent menstrual periods. It is not uncommon for a hyperthyroid condition to eventually lead to a hypothyroid state, as it did with Winfrey.
Because of wide range of symptoms, the disorders are often undiagnosed in both men and women. Winfrey said she went "from doctor to doctor trying to figure out what was wrong" until she finally discovered the problem was with her thyroid.
How are thyroid conditions diagnosed?
A variety of tests can be used to diagnose a thyroid condition. The most common is the TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) blood test. This test is not part of a regular physical exam, so you need to request it. Other tests include thyroid antibody panels to evaluate autoimmunity, Free T4 and Free T3 tests to measure the key thyroid hormones, and imaging tests to get a visual picture of the thyroid and any lumps or enlargements.
What are the treatment options?
If you feel you may have a thyroid condition, you should consult with your physician who may prescribe a hormone replacement treatment. You can also ask your doctor about natural, healthy treatment options available to you. There are natural alternative options that can help. Ask about natural products that contain selenium, zinc and Vitamin B-12. These nutrients, working together can help improve the overall function of the thyroid and give your body the nutrients it needs to perform well. Do not overlook what these products can provide for you.
If you are looking for a natural alternative for thyroid support, Thyroid Essentials is a natural supplement combining 14 vitamins, minerals and herbs to support healthy thyroid function.
Healthy Choice Naturals
Posted by Healthy Choice Naturals on Wed, Dec 03, 2008
You may be tempted to ignore the Acai berry as just another fad surrounded by a bunch of marketing hype. Although Acai isn’t a "miracle berry" or the cure to all that ails you, it is an extremely powerful source of antioxidants and one of the most nutritious fruits in the world.
The Acai Berry is a small, round fruit with a dark-purple color. Acai berries grow on special Amazon palm trees in bunched panicles of 700 to 900 berries.
The antioxidant strength of Acai has been measured by a number of studies. The oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) , measures how much a particular food inhibits the activity of free radicals. The test is now used by the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging in extensive scientific research. A recent report using standardized testing on freeze-dried Acai powder showed an extremely high antioxidant effect with an ORAC value of 1026. In comparison, the ORAC value for broccoli is 130, and spinach it is 150. Antioxidants are extremely important because they fight against free radicals in our bodies that can damage cells and cause cancer.
In addition, the Acai berry is packed with polyphenols (potent plant antioxidants) and boasts up to 33 times the anthocyanin content of red wine. It is also loaded with vitamins, and trace minerals including iron, copper and calcium.
Acai also has a protein similar to eggs, has nearly 20 phytonutrients, has a monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat ratio nearly identical to olive oil, and a blood-sugar-friendly glycemic index.
The health benefits of Acai are numerous. Acai supports digestion, immune problems, energy levels, cholesterol levels, skin and hair, weight loss, and a healthy metabolism.
Taken on a daily basis, Acai can help you maintain your health. An Acai supplement is a convenient way to get the benefits of the Acai berry in to your body and is a great addition to your health care regime. Our Healthy Choice Naturals Acai supplement is a 100% natural source of Acai berry, containing a powerful 1200mgs of pure Acai.