5 Great Anti-Aging Tips That Don't Come From A Bottle~!!

Image by vmiramontes

Growing old gracefully is an idea that seems to have disappeared within the last few years. With the rise of plastic surgery and increase in sun bed users; it is easy to see how this theory has become lost in a world of leathery skin and stretched out faces.

1) Drink Water
The first tip for anti-aging is: never underestimate the power of water! Drinking eight glasses of water a day is proven to flush waste out of our systems and rehydrate the skin. Sixty four ounces is the minimum required daily, yet most people barely reach four. Another fact that goes hand in hand with drinking water in helping you look better; is sleep. Between six to eight hours is the average amount of sleep that an adult needs to function well, and look fresher as a result.

2) Exercise
Exercise is a simple yet effective anti-ageing tip that can cost absolutely nothing! Firstly, it reduces your risk of obesity, which in turn reduces your risk of heart disease and some cancers amongst other ailments.  It also is brilliant in reducing stress levels and improving circulation, which will make your skin look instantly healthier and more glowing.

3) Stop Smoking
The second leading cause of premature wrinkles is cigarette smoking. Smoking over a long period of time also leads to yellowing skin and rotting teeth. However, the leading cause of wrinkles is over-exposure to UV rays, with sunbeds being a leading cause of cancer. Sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 helps protect your skin from the rays that would make it appear old and leathery.

4) Eat a Balanced Diet
An important part of keeping your skin looking healthy by natural means is your diet. Oily fish are proven to help your skin as they act as an anti-inflammatory, and are also proven to lower the risk of heart disease. The high water content in vegetables will also help your skin glow.

5) Cut Down On Makeup
Something that may prove to be a serious problem to many women- but that would definitely help you stay looking young- would be to ditch the slap! Most foundations clog your skin, making you more prone to spots, as well as settling into wrinkles, making them appear more noticeable. Also using too many moisturizers to clean your face can actually do the complete opposite! Using a simple combination of warm water and soap can clean your skin more efficiently than all of those bottled cleansers.

Using all of these tips are bound to make you feel and appear younger. However, if all else fails, a sure-fire way to maintain healthy skin is to slip on a pair of dolce and gabbana glasses. Protect your eyes from the sun, and look great whilst doing it!

Do you have any tips and tricks for growing old gracefully? Share them in the comments below!

Charlotte di Placido is a self-confessed beauty addict who admits to spending the majority of her wage on products- and writing about those products for Valley Optics

Swimming – The MVP of Workouts~!!

It is far too easy to give an excuse for not exercising.  It hurts your joints, it bores you, or it may not  yield the results you're after.  Want to know a secret?  These excuses may apply to any exercise, minus one: swimming.

Swimming is one of the greatest forms of exercise and not simply because it burns a certain number of calories.  For the elderly or the workout newbies, swimming is extremely soft on your muscles and joints.  Now, this doesn't mean you won't get sore, rather, that soreness will result in strength rather than agitated arthritis. 

One of the most key ingredients to a successful workout is fun.  Having fun keeps you motivated, acts as an encourager, and keeps your spirit healthy.   Who doesn't love to spend their summer days outside in the cool water?  During the winter months, a heated indoor pool can be equally refreshing. 

One of the greatest aspects of swimming exercises is that it works a vast number of muscles rather than a few specific ones.  It is a full body workout without having to know a hundred different moves and stretches.  And if you have ever spent the day at the pool or beach, you understand how it can work up an appetite.  This is just one example of its calorie burning capacity.

Below I'll give you a few exercises you can try out for yourself. They are all easy on the body, yet tough enough to tone every problem area.

It's a no-brainer that the easiest way to start is simply by swimming laps.  However, swimming is a totally different style of exercise so it will take some time for your body to adjust.  Keep the exercise simple at first.  Starting out too hard and too fast can cause you to become discouraged and quit. 

For the first few weeks of your training, swim four laps in your pool.  Stop to rest and catch your breath for 30 seconds in between each run.  Do this simple routine ten times.  If this is too easy or difficult, raise or decrease the amount of laps you swim each time.

For a resistance workout, walk or jog in waist deep water.  Once again, the water causes your muscles to work harder than walking or running on a flat surface.  Even though your muscles are working harder, the water is also acting as a cushion for your joints. 

The best exercise is always fun.  Grab some friends and play any kind of sport in the water.  Volleyball, basketball, even keep-away offers twice the calorie burning opportunities.  Not only does the water resistance make your body work harder, but playing the sports alone is one of the best ways to get your work out without dreading the work.  Because you are having fun and sharing the exercise experience, you will automatically be working harder because you have a goal in mind (that is, winning).

Swimming is one of the best all-around exercises.  It is an activity that is gentle on the joints, thus fitness enthusiasts of all ages may participate, yet it challenges the entire body, thus a simple way to tone from head to toe.

Natalie Parsons is a professional blogger that provides information for fitness center locations, health and finding workout routines that work for you. She writes for Fitness 19, a top fitness center in Springfield MO. including many other locations.

Why the Burger Restaurant Landscape is Changing

For a long time, the burger industry was based on a few fast food giants. When you thought of hamburgers, McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s probably popped into your head. That mindset has changed quite a bit changing as new players moved onto the scene. Many people across the country are finding that they now suddenly have more appetizing and higher quality choices when they want to bite into something juicy.

While the average customer is a creature of habit, plenty of consumers are trying something new. This means that these stores are starting to challenge the fast food heavyweights. Many underserved areas are getting new restaurants, despite the recent economic conditions.



Five Guys is Surging
Though the first Five Guys location was opened in 1986, the organization has recently experienced record growth. Five Guys has over 1,000 locations were operating as of April 2012 across 40 US states and 6 Canadian provinces. With eggy buns and complimentary peanuts, this fast, casual restaurant famous for its great burgers has a lot to offer.

Five Guys has done a lot to separate themselves from similar business ventures, and that includes allowing customers to draw on note cards. Critics in the Washington D.C. area have long praised the company, and fans have a major presence online. Cultivating this following has helped make them so popular.

The Iconic In-N-Out Burger
As Five Guys expands west, they'll have to compete with the established and growing In-N-Out Burger chain. Since it's been in business for more than 60 years with a lot of history, the company has attracted a loyal customer base. By expanding into new areas outside of its California roots, it's really starting to grow.

In-N-Out Burger is admired for its treatment of customers. It's one of the few fast food chains that pays employees more than the minimum wage. This helps it to stand out from a variety of stores that aren't as respectful when dealing with their human resources.



Smashburger is on the Rise
Smashburger shares its name with the process they use to cook certified 100% Angus ground beef. Since they often server alcohol in addition to soft drinks and malts, they have been able to capture a segment of the market that's not well served in the world of fast food. The restaurant also markets regionalized burgers in different areas.

That could help them more effectively compete with local restaurants. By offering alternative sides like fried mild green chilies, Smashburger has helped to cultivate a unique image that stands out from the crowd.

With many Americans facing economic struggles in recent years, this trend towards more expensive, higher quality burgers is interesting. But after all, for a few dollars more, who wouldn’t want a great tasting, juicy filling burger offering a better customer experience that traditional fast food outlets.

John Russell authored this post on behalf of MenuCoverMan.com, where you can learn more about leather menu covers before buying and expect fast service with ultra-low pricing.

7 Great Ways to Boost Your Immune System Naturally

Becoming ill is simply unavoidable, there is no way anyone could pass through life without becoming ill at some point along the way. Unfortunately though some of us have drawn the short straw when it comes to illness and are more prone to becoming ill than others. This is the case because not all immune systems work in identical ways. Regardless of  this fact everybody is capable of boosting their own immune system naturally and here are the top 7 Ways.

Get a Little Sunshine!
 An easy way to boost you immune system is to spend short periods in the sun without applying any sun cream. The reason behind this is that exposure to the sun provides your body with Vitamin D, which plays a major role in immune system functioning and is not contained in many foods.

Drink ImmunoPro
ImmunoPro is a natural protein powder, specifically designed for enhancing your immune system. It contains the finest native whey concentrate. This concentrate is called Proserum and is made from the milk of cows that have been 100% grass fed and that graze all year round on entirely natural pastures.

Vitamin D
 Vitamin D is not as well known as many other vitamins however it is just as important. This is because it enhances the production of B-cells, which are the immune cells that produce the antibodies that destroy bacteria. You can get Vitamin D naturally by increasing your intake of seeds, grains and vegetable oils.

Embrace the Garlic
Throw aside the worry of smelly breath as Garlic is an excellent way of boosting your immune system naturally. Eating Garlic results in an increase of infection-fighting white cells which will help your body to fight illness much more quickly.

Don't Be Shy of Fatty Acids
 People hear or see the word fat and instantly jump to the conclusion that it must be bad for them. This is not the case when it comes to omega-3 fatty acids which are a brilliant way to strengthen your immune system, They work by increasing the activity of cells known as phagocytes which engulf bacteria that could make you ill.

Vitamin C
This is probably the most well-known immune enhancing vitamin there is as there has been more research carried out on its role as an immune enhancer than any other vitamin. You can ensure that you have enough Vitamin C each day by eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables such as oranges, strawberries, broccoli and bell peppers.

Ditch the Sugar
Sugar has devastating effects on your immune system, so it is best if you reduce your intake in order to enhance your immune system. The reason sugar is bad for your immune system is that it causes the increase in hormones that suppress your immune system. Instead you should consumes fruits and vegetables that will supply you with the vital vitamins and minerals that will enhance your immune system.

This is a guest post by Frank Boyle. Occasional guest blogger on health & well being and full time blogger on fitness.  Frank currently repersents Well Wisdom a great resource on the web for natural products to prevent relapse of immune compromised diseases.

Christian Rehab ~ A Faith Based Choice to Freedom~!!

Today many people are looking to rid themselves of their personal "demons" and often, Christian Rehab centers offer a solution that not only heals the body, but also works on healing the mind and the spirit also.

Many people who are seeking, find themselves frustrated with life and turn to other venues in order to compensate for their lack of faith.  A point in one's life is reached where the addictions are more of a burden than the burdens themselves and many turn to rehabilitation centers in order to find the correct path in which to travel.

Regardless of one's faith, it is important to note that recovery works best when individuals work on their body, mind and spirit collectively.  Choosing a Christian Rehab program that works for each person is the next step in the correct direction.

There are basically three types of faith based recovery programs:

1.  100% Christian based programs that have little medical therapies such as clinical counselling or credentialed staff, they are essentially, centers run by recovering Christians.

2.  A "work~based" drug and/or alcohol programs are generally free to the individual provided you are willing to work 8 ~ 12 hours per day to offset any costs you may incur as well, daily prayer and scripture are normally used.

3.  Combines all different types of treatments, including both Christian and standard approaches.  Generally its regarded as the more successful approaches but is hindered by cost as usually on insurance coverage applies when seeking this type of assistance.

People are are completely in tune with their spiritual growth begin to recognize the value of that growth as they connect with others, leaving their addictions behind.  Returning to one's life can be just as addicting and with Christian Rehab centers, these tenets and morals are highlighted through scripture and inspirational attitudes.

When your spirituality is awakened, it is believes your body's craving of substance abuse subsides, replacing negative with the positive, and bringing a joy for life through God's grace and forgiveness.  Many people have walked the darker path, my own sister included, and has come out shining on the other side.  Though it can be a long, hard road to travel, being focused on the positive will in turn, bring positive to each individual the more the effort is issued.  Never give up and never surrender to those addictions that make you less of a worth than you truly are~!!

If you require help for your addictions, the first step is always to admitting to having a problem, there are many programs in each community, intended to set you on the correct path to truth.  Continue walking the path brothers and sisters and you will find where you are needing to go.

  **  This is a sponsored post for Pacific Hill, however, all points and views are my own.  **

3 Steps to a Tighter Tummy

Unless you have been living under a rock for the past decade, you have probably noticed the importance that society has placed on women looking their best. All forms of media – print, digital, film and television – are constantly driving this impression.  If you want to enhance your body image, tightening the stomach area is a great place to start.  Full disclosure is necessary before we begin; tightening your tummy is not going to be easy. It is one of the most challenging areas of the body to hone. But nonetheless, challenging is not tantamount to impossible. So let us get started.

1. Exercise on a regular basis.

Going on a diet and avoiding certain foods is necessary for weight loss.  But if you choose to tighten your tummy, you had better be prepared for a vigorous and regular exercise routine. In order to effectively tighten your tummy, you first need to remove the layer of fat that is covering the muscles underneath.

A good exercise to start with is a push-up. 

• Assume a prone position on the floor, keeping your feet together at the ankles
• Position your hands palms-down on the floor, approximately shoulder width apart
• Raise yourself using your arms
• Lower your torso to the ground until your elbows form a 90 degree angle
• Raise yourself by attempting to push the ground away from you
• Repeat the process (3 sets of 10 repetitions each)

Assuming the plank position is another great exercise.

• Assume a prone position on the floor
• Position your forearms on the floor with your shoulders aligned directly over your elbows
• Raise yourself up while keeping your forearms firmly on the floor, maintaining a straight line between your shoulders and toes
• Tighten your abdominal muscles and hold for ten seconds
• Repeat three times

You should also try an abdominal hip raise.

• Lay down on the floor with your head, back and buttocks planted firmly on the ground
• Bend your knees and plant your feet on the ground, relaxing your arms and hands at your side
• Use the muscles in your abdomen, lower back, and hamstrings (not your arms) to lift your hips and buttocks off the ground
• Raise your hips as high as you can
• Lower your body back to the ground
• Repeat the process (3 sets of 10 repetitions each)

 2. Reduce stress.

As if we needed another reminder about how detrimental a stressful lifestyle is, here is one more – high stress levels contribute to tummy fat. So no matter how determined you are to tighten your tummy, don’t stress yourself out in the process! Whether it’s taking a few minutes out of your busy days to soak in a lavender bubble bath, engaging in yoga, writing in your journal, or laughing with a loved one, try to keep your stress levels down.

3.       Choose the right foods.

Exercise is essential to tightening your tummy, but the tightening process is incomplete without a healthy diet.  If you are incapable of sticking to a super-restrictive weight loss diet plan, try these simple tips.   

Try to include one to two servings of vegetables at each meal.  Vegetables are nutritionally dense and low in calories.  Plus, they will make you feel full longer than junk food.  Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary beverages.  When possible, choose proteins over carbohydrates.  Consuming enough protein is essential if you want to tone and strengthen muscles. 

Follow these steps and soon you will be on the fast track to a tighter tummy!

After years of fighting her body into submission, Sarah Koebrick has finally achieved the killer body she has always craved.  Thanks to Trim Nutrition, her hCG injection diet, and lots of hard work, Sarah has managed to lose weight and keep it off.

How To Get Rid of Baggy Eyes

Baggy eyes are among the things people wished they never had. In the same way with pimples, black heads, etc., it causes our face to become unsightly. However, it is difficult to avoid having these since a lot of factors that causes baggy eyes are present in different lifestyles.

Genetics, age, stress, lack of sleep, consuming salty foods, gravity, and even bending the head down for too long, can all play a role in having baggy eyes. Some severe cases may require surgery for its complete removal. However, there are more practical remedies that can reduce these horrid circles underneath the eyes. It may take some time and patience in doing these procedures on a regular basis but it will certainly be much better than going under the knife and shedding out a huge amount of money for the surgery.

Here are helpful suggestions on getting rid of baggy eyes:

• Cold comfort – Coldness can relax the circles around the eyes which can subsequently, reduce the puffiness and the circles. Slices of cucumber, potatoes, cold teabags, and even spoons can relieve swelling of the eyes.
• Stay away from salt – Baggy eyes are also result of consuming too much salt. Excess salt will make our body retain more fluid which can also happen under the eyes.
• Stay away from alcohol – In the same reason with staying away from salt, alcohol also induces water retention.
• Drink plenty of fluids – Now this should cause you some confusion. You were just told to stay away from salt and alcohol to prevent fluid retention and in this tip, you are advised to drink plenty of fluids. This is to wash out the excess salt and alcohol in the body. Too much of these substances will make your body retain fluid so the best way to prevent fluid retention is to have water in excess of salt in the body.
• Brush egg whites under the eyes – Egg whites, if applied on skin, have the ability to make it tighter and less saggy – these are important traits of the skin under the eyes to prevent it from getting puffy.
• Use a special moisturizer or cooling gel for the skin under the eyes – Regular facial moisturizers should not be used for the skin under the eyes since this is more sensitive than the rest of the face. Use a special moisturizer or cooling gel which has a more soothing effect that relaxes the eyes, thus, reducing puffiness.
• Get plenty of sleep – We all know how drastic lack of sleep is for our eyes. Just by having insufficient hours of sleep in one night, the circles around our eyes can already get puffy and dark the following day. To avoid making this happen, it is important to have enough sleep always. It will be good for one’s overall health too.

Final Words

By doing these steps, puffiness around the eyes should start to become unnoticeable. However, if the circles around the eyes persist or if they are already severe, it might be ideal to consult a physician in case these are already symptoms of some disease such thyroid or kidney problems.

About the Author:

Kristine M. is a blogger and an advocate of healthy living. For more information on health tips and remedies, watch out for her next posts. Consumers can also get more information about eye health care and getting better vision at GetLenses contact lens website.

5 Trail Running Myths Debunked

The following article will debunk some of the most common myths, or excuses, people often use to avoid getting into trail running:

1. Trail Running Is too Dangerous Because the Risk of Injury is Far too Great
As long as you take a few precautions, the risk of hurting yourself trail running is no greater than regular running. Instead of running your regular distance, you should instead only run for the regular amount of time that you normally run. Especially during your first few trail runs, make sure not to push your body too hard, so you can remain stable, balanced, and alert. Taking smaller steps will keep you better balanced and will reduce the risk of falling or spraining your ankle. The most important thing to remember when trail running is to always stay alert.

2. It Is too Dangerous Because I Might Get Lost
Though you certainly need to be more careful when trail running, taking a few simple precautions will eliminate the risk of getting lost. If you are unfamiliar with the trail or it is your first time trail running, you would be best advised to go with a friend or a group of friends, or at the very least bring a map with you. You should also make sure to bring your cellphone in case something goes wrong. Instead of running in a loop, you should run to a certain point and then turn around and go back in order to reduce the risk of getting lost. Make sure to take notice of what the trail looks like and look for landmarks. You should also mark the trail regularly for your way back.

3. Trails Are too Rough and Difficult to Run on
Too many people have the wrong idea in their head when they envision trail running. They picture a giant obstacle that is nearly impossible to overcome, but the trails are there for the purpose of being navigated. Most trails are flat, smooth, and easy to navigate. There will be a few obstacles, like deep slopes, streams, and rocks, but as long as you know what to do when you encounter these obstacles, they will seem more like a fun challenge than anything. When you come across a steep ascent, slow down right before and prepare for it. When you are running down a deep slope, make sure you keep your eyes ahead of you and your body in full control to avoid falling. The method of running through trails is really not as technical as it is common sense.

4. Running Trails Will Damage My Race Training Routine
Many race runners think that the difference between trail running and track running will mess up their routine. They liken trail running to train for a race to an NFL punter thinking bench pressing will make him a better kicker. However, this is not the case at all. In fact, trail running, which will develop the exact same muscles you need to run your race, will challenge both your mind in muscles in a way that will encourage development that would not otherwise be possible. By exposing your ligaments and your joints to the different ranges of motion that trail running requires, you will be strengthening them and also lessening the risk of injury in your future. Your mind will also be exposed to different challenges that will help it to persevere through any struggles on the track during a race.

5. I Do Not Have the Right Equipment for Trail Running
Too many people are under the impression that trail running is much more involving than it really is. You do not need to prepare for a three-day hike; you are just going for a run. The truth is you do not need to dress much differently than you would for a regular run. If you have a pair of sneakers and some shorts, you are ready for trail running. Items like bug spray, sun screen, and a water bottle will help make your life easier if running through the woods, but there is no vital equipment you need to go trail running that you do not already have as a runner. If you are unfamiliar with the trail, it would be wise to bring a map, and you should bring your phone with you just in case you get lost.

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Five New Sports to Try in 2012

With the Olympics returning to the UK this summer the country will be going sports mad. It may be too late for you to make it into the squad for this year’s Games, but you can always take inspiration from Britain’s Olympians and try out some new sporting pursuits. Trying a new sport is a great way to stay fit and doing something you haven’t done before keeps you motivated as well. Here are five new sports for you to try to follow in the spirit of the 2012 Games:

Archery
One of the less gruelling but most skillful sports that will be on show at this summer’s Games, it’s the sort of activity you can start off no matter what your fitness level or physical attributes. An ancient pursuit dating back 10,000 years, it has been an Olympic sport since 1900 and calls for a steady hand, perfect precision and nerves of steel. There are plenty of sites across the country to get a taster and challenge your friends to the highest score.

Windsurfing
Watersport experience days are a great chance to get wet and wild, trying out a new sport and having plenty of laughs at the same time. Windsurfing is one of the toughest to master but most fun to try. You don’t even need to live near the sea, with manmade and natural lakes at landlocked destinations across the British Isles offering the chance to enjoy a taste of this sport which combines elements of sailing and surfing for thrills and spills on the water.

Fencing
If you’ve dreamed of being a swashbuckling hero but never knew where to start, then trying out Olympic-style fencing will give you a good taste of life as a swordsman. Safe and fun, you can learn about all the elements of the sport and get an essential guide to help you make sense of it at this year’s Games, but the best part is when you don the outfit and mask and try it out for yourself.

Trampolining
It seems there’s barely a family garden in the UK these days that doesn’t have a trampoline, but trying it out on Olympic-sized adult trampolines is a different game altogether. Athletes will put on dazzling displays of gymnastic trampolining in London in August, a discipline which has only been an Olympic sport since 2000. But it’s not hard to see why it is growing in popularity, awe-inspiring to watch and great fun to try out – it’s probably as close a feeling as you’ll get to flying as you spring metres into the air.

Walking
There’s a fine line between walking being a sport and walking being, well...just walking. But it’s a sport that you really need nothing to try out and is still a great way to stay fit and see the world. You may not want to adopt the unusual waddle that Olympic race walkers employ as you’re sure to get some funny looks when you head down to the shops, but setting yourself challenging walks around the park or through picturesque beauty spots is a wonderfully refreshing and accessible activity.

Produced by Activity Superstore, the leading gift experience supplier in the UK. With over 1,000 Gift Ideas from supercar experiences to pamper days, you're sure to find the perfect gift.

Ten Amazing Benefits of Yoga

There is no one who can't benefit from yoga. What follows are ten benefits of practicing yoga and why you should give it a try!

1. Within the body, someone who regularly practices yoga will find it leads to a reduction in blood pressure. In people who have been diagnosed with hypertension, daily yoga has been shown to reduce, and in some cases eliminate, the need for medication.

2. The practice of yoga can amp up the speed of metabolism. With continual practice, hunger cues are reset and you can ward off the feeling of being ravenous. With hunger well-controlled, weight loss becomes more efficient, while the fact that your muscles are working on a daily basis contributes to their ability to burn fat and calories faster.

3. Yoga is an excellent form of stress management. Through breathing techniques and muscle control, total relaxation can be achieved by routine practice. The movements of yoga enable you to loosen your body and that, in turn, allows stress to exit the mind.

4. The development of core muscle strength is a benefit of yoga. The many poses enable the practitioner to become familiar with muscle groups in the body, while gaining better control over them. When you are aware of how your body works, you gain strength.

5. One benefit that doesn't get much attention is the power of yoga to diffuse anger. Yoga by its very nature encourages calmness. When you are in the midst of the controlled breathing of yoga, you realize these techniques work well, both in and out of a yoga class, to exhale anger out of your body. Staying calm is the antithesis of holding anger.

6. Practicing yoga regularly is a blessing for sufferers of chronic pain. Because yoga is a series of slow and purposeful movements, the low-impact nature of the practice makes it ideal for those with pain. Spinal compression is reduced and tensions ease. Some practitioners of yoga have reported the reduced need for pain medications due to the effect of yoga on their pain levels.

7. Those afflicted with obsessive compulsive disorder who have taken up the practice of yoga have reported a decreased need for medication to handle their symptoms. Some have even said they were able to stop taking medication completely.

8. Yoga gives a huge boost to your hand and eye coordination, dexterity and reaction time. All of those need regular use to stay most beneficial to you. Yoga gently exercises them so they are ready when you need them in everyday situations.

9. Attention, memory and concentration are all areas that are improved by practicing yoga. As little as 8 weeks of performing yoga can cause a marked increase in these skills.

10. There is promising evidence that suggests the practice of yoga can elevate the level of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) in the brain. Low GABA levels are found in patients with Alzheimer's. Meditation, such as with yoga, has shown promise in slowing Alzheimer's progress.

There are truly limitless benefits when someone takes up yoga. From mind and spirit, to body and brain, yoga benefits every part of the human body.

Dylan Johnson is a writer for Fusion Fitness and Yoga. The have personal training, boot camp and yoga classes for all. 

7/11 Foods That May Be Killing You and How to Avoid Them

They're called convenience stores for a reason—they're convenient. They are easy to locate, and you can run in and grab whatever you need without the hassle of large grocery stores.

The problem with convenience stores is that they make snacking more convenient. They appeal to the impulse buyer by placing the candy bars right next to the register. We tend to buy items at convenience stores that we would otherwise overlook, or we run in and grab a quick snack because we don't have time for a full meal.

Convenience stores harbor an array of bad food choices. The following are just a few of the worst items you could eat from the convenience store.

Lay's Classic Potato Chips
You would think that buying the individual pack would be a healthy choice over buying the big bag. Though you're right, the individual packet of Lay's chips is still unhealthy. It contains 160 calories, 2 grams of protein, 170 mg of sodium and 10 grams of fat. This snack is completely void of any and all nutritional value and is very high in sodium.

Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Peanut Butter
Most people make the mistake of choosing one of these because they think the granola and the peanut butter are healthy. Though they're better for you than a candy bar, they're still unhealthy. One of these granola bars contains 190 calories, 7 grams of fat, 5 grams of protein and 180 mg of sodium. And you know what keeps the peanut butter and granola sticking together? It's not the peanut butter—it's sugar.

Cheez-Its
Cheez-Its may be tasty, and you may think that they're healthy because they're a cracker, but these orange squares are actually bad for you. They contain a great amount of oil, which makes them more fatty and contains more calories. A single serve pack of Cheez-Its contains 180 calories, 290 mg of sodium and 9 grams of fat.

Hostess Pudding Pie
They look tasty. In fact, they are tasty. But these little ditties are very, very bad for you. One package of these treats contains 75% of both your saturated and trans fat daily allowance. Racking in at over 520 calories, 24 grams of fat and 45 grams of sugar, these need to be avoided at all costs.

Sports Drinks
Most people visit the convenience store and pick up a bottle of Gatorade or other sports drink. They assume they're making a healthier choice over pop, and most people consider it to be almost the same as water. The problem is that sports drinks are not healthy. A 16-ounce bottle contains 120 calories and around 30 grams of sugar, which is the exact same as a regular can of pop. In fact, drinking one bottle of a sports drink every day can result in gaining 12 pounds per year.

Beef Jerky
Before you "snap into a Slim Jim" or other brand of beef jerky, be very cautious about what you're about to consume. The top brand jerkies contain MSG and sodium nitrate, which both contain carcinogenic effects. A small 1-ounce serving of jerky can have around 700 mg of sodium. People who suffer from high blood pressure or other cardiac issues need to stay as far away from jerky as possible. Jerky also contains a large amount of preservatives, so it doesn't contain any fiber or antioxidants.

Feeding yourself at the convenience store is not a healthy choice. If you do find yourself needing a quick snack, opt for a single serve whole grain cereal cup, such as Cheerios, or a low fat yogurt (just be sure to check the expiration date). Though they may not be as tasty as some chocolatey goodness, they’ll be better for you in the long run.

Jade Cook is a writer.  She enjoys giving tips on fashion, relationships, cooking, and shopping.  Jade recently wrote about her favorite recipe for salsbury steak.

Massage and Its Benefits

Massage Therapy
One thing that we're really discovering in this modern age is that the ancient practice of massage therapy is rich with health benefits.When you're stressed, out of energy, fatigued, or just feeling down, nothing can bring you back to life better than a deep tissue massage session. Now, that sounds like a claim anybody can make, but there are actually plenty of scientifically documented health benefits to massage therapy that work on the physical, mental, and spiritual levels.

Getting massage
Whether you're trying to recover from a sports injury or just getting stressed out at work, you should look into visiting a massage clinic in your local area.Okay, so what are these “well documented” health benefits of getting a massage? There are really too many to name them all, but here are a few of the most commonly sought after benefits.

Improves Circulation
When your blood is not circulating at maximum efficiency, it has an extremely detrimental effect on your organs, mental capacity, and energy levels. Our blood is what carries oxygen to every single part of our body. Without oxygen, none of us could survive of course, but none of our tissue can survive either. When any one part of the body is cut off from blood flow for long enough, it just dies. Improving circulation allows more oxygen to reach your brain and extremities, which allows the related tissue to function at a higher level. There's even research looking into the fact that people with higher concentrations of oxygen in their blood are more resistant to cancer. Massage can boost your circulation after just one session.

Reduces Stress
Stress by itself may not seem so bad. It's more of an annoyance than anything else. But did you know that stress can actually contribute to the formation of various diseases and medical conditions? High blood pressure, one of the top causes for death and hospital visitation in the country, is proven to be more prevalent in people with high stress lifestyles. Simply put, stress can kill you if it's not managed correctly. The atmosphere and relaxing nature of a massage therapy session can significantly reduce your stress levels, which will ultimately lead to a happier, healthier, and more fulfilled lifestyle. The next time you feel a tension headache coming on, just give your local spa a call and schedule an immediate appointment for a massage.

Relieves Pain
There's a reason professional sports teams hire massage therapists for all of their players. When you're injured or in pain, sometimes there is no better remedy than a deep tissue massage, which promotes blood flow to specific parts of the body and releases tension on nerves, which are what cause the pain the first place. Massage can also speed up recovery after an injury,. So whether you're a pro athlete or just a weekend warrior, you can always benefit from a relaxing, healing massage. These are just a few of the reasons massages are beneficial.

Betsy William who runs a spa near West palm beach says that if you Ready for your first try at massage therapy, West Palm Beach has all the best spas and health clinics in the South Florida region, so check one out today.

How To Quit Smoking: A Step-by-Step Guide

Quitting Gradually
Many people will simply wake up in the morning and decide they are going to quit smoking. While going “cold turkey” may be admirable, there is a reason that it fails 90% of the time. Giving quitting smoking some thought and preparation will get you ready for the challenge that lies ahead.

Believe
If you are a glass half-empty type who keeps telling yourself that you will never give up, then trust me, you won’t. If you need to read a book on confidence to prepare you for quitting, then do so. Think of other difficult feats you have achieved in life, write them down, stick them on the mirror, put them anywhere you will read them a lot – these will serve as your inspiration.

Understand Why
If you do not know why you are quitting then you probably won’t. Again, write it down and place it somewhere you will see it often. Imagine your life without cigarettes, think of the money you will not spend, and the things you can buy instead.

Get Support
Quitting smoking will be much easier if you have family and friends on board. Tell them you are quitting and your reasons why, you may be surprised by how supportive those close to you are.

See Your Doctor
Make an appointment to see your Doctor and discuss quitting smoking. Before this, perhaps look up some products that will help you to quit, such as an electronic cigarette kit. Your doctor may even be able to prescribe medication to assist you, however avoid the anti-depressants where possible.

Cut Down Before Quitting
Decide whether using an electronic cigarette kit, for example, constitutes smoking in terms of quitting. If it does, then begin to cut down on your cigarette smoking before your targeted quit date, and substitute cigarettes for your electronic version. If you are going to struggle then break the process down into two stages. Quit date one you begin to use an electronic cigarette kit, quit date two is when you cease nicotine intake completely.

Drink
Not coffee or carbonated drinks, but water. Water will act a detoxifying agent in your body, and begin to flush out the nicotine. Once you have gotten over the initial difficulties and you have flushed your body out, the nicotine cravings will begin to subside.

Chew gum whenever you feel the need for a cigarette, as this will satisfy the oral cravings and give you an element of control should you begin to crave a smoke.

Jasper and Jasper are a recognised UK supplier of e-cigs, electronic cigarette kits, and accessories.

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Top 5 Movies With Public Health Disasters

cc licensed flickr photo shared by scragz

Hollywood has always had a passion for the theme of public health disasters, and moviegoers for the most part cannot get enough of these films. There are many to choose from, but this list picks the following 5 as the best public health disaster movies:

1) Contagion
This movie was released in 2011 and is such an epic masterpiece that it made its way onto the blog of the Center For Disease Control (CDC) itself. It starts innocently enough with a casino chef preparing a pig for one of his meals. He is interrupted by a businesswoman, and a handshake is all it takes to set off a global epidemic as the contagion spreads. A pig-bat virus leads to millions of deaths as characters search for means to stop the spread.

2) The Crazies
A 2010 movie that resembles many of the zombie apocalypse films that have become so common place. The story is action packed and keeps the viewer on the edge of his seat hoping that small-town Iowa inhabitants can make an escape from the epidemic that was spread through an infected water supply. The movie has somewhat of a gimmicky ending, but the plot seems to make up for it. There is also a 1973 version that is worth a watch if this one suits the appetite.

3) Outbreak
This one is a classic from 1995. The star-filled cast includes Dustin Hoffman and Morgan Freeman. Virologists search for the host animal that started the outbreak and are left with more questions than answers as they begin to unravel a government conspiracy to bomb the town that is subject to the outbreak. Quick thinking is key in the excellent storyline in the race to solve the mystery before the town is swept clean.

4) Splinter
This movie is what one gets when a couple and an escaped convict are placed in a gas station with a deadly parasite. Fighting to escape the doom of becoming infected and evolving into hosts, this movie is more on the terror side than the previous entries. Zombies and the parasitic splinter make for fun for the whole entourage as a series of character's lives are cleverly intertwined as their goal becomes the same.

5) Blindness
This movie has an interesting take on an epidemic. Rather than becoming zombies, victims are disabled by a sudden white blindness if they are infected. A "society of the blind" is created by the victims who have been quarantined to their own portion of society, and it becomes a free for all survival story. The protagonist infiltrates the camp while keeping her vision, and it is that secret which becomes the key to the blind society's liberation.

Public health outbreaks certainly make for some of the more interesting plot devices. Good renditions leave viewers wonder whether something similar could happen in their real lives. Technology and viruses are mutating into things never seen before, and so, may the world is not far away from such a scenario.

Lindsay Foote is a trauma nurse and guest contributor at MPH Online, a site with information about getting a masters degree in public health.