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Health Fitness Tips That Help You Stay in Shape

Friday 31 January 2014

One of the biggest competitions of today is staying fit. It seems like people nowadays want to lose weight instantly as if there is no tomorrow or it is as if it is a passport for the general population. Losing weight and staying fit is never easy. Following health fitness tips requires a lot of behavioral changes to be able to attain the desired fitness. With modern technology and medications, weight loss treatments have sprouted everywhere like grass and weeds in a garden. Due to its high demand, statistics show that up to 40 to 50 billion US dollars are spent annually for weight loss alone. Together with unproven medications containing dangerous components, health fitness tips have also swarmed the Internet, for determined followers to turn to. They either have to take in the pill or follow a lenient lifestyle modification.

The main factors that help one lose weight are diet and lifestyle. Diet, more than anything, dictates the shape of one's figure. With today's rampant fast food chains, food may just be as sinful as it can be. Some simple tips on diet may help with a few instructions. What ought to be eliminated initially on one's diet is red meat. Red meat is hard to resist as they come in different displays such as mouth-watering burgers and the like but risks of certain health conditions are linked to consumption of red meat. Since red meat is high in purine, daily consumption of red meat can lead to gout. Red meat is also high on fats, which may eventually help in faulty weight gain. Instead, eat fish meat, chicken or turkey meat. Health Fitness tips also recommends eating baked, grilled, broiled or boiled foods instead of fried ones. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables are also in the list of Health Fitness tips. Only be sure that the dressing is not high on caloric count otherwise, the healthy green is pointless.

Health fitness tips also point to lifestyle modification. Diet always come hand in hand with exercise to obtain maximum effect of fitness. Exercise comes in a very broad range personalized for different body mass indexes but the main point in exercise is to slowly increase the workload as time progresses. Health fitness tip number one on exercise is to stretch first before the workout. Strenuous exercise can produce too much lactic acid in the muscles, which will then cause muscular pains. Another health fitness tip on exercise is to prevent doing the same exercise over and over. Eventually, when the body adjusts to the activity, it is recommended to increase or change the exercise regimen to explore different ways of maximizing body potential.

Health fitness tips also recommend that vices should be stopped. Smoking predisposes one to vascular conditions such as arteriosclerosis and heart diseases. Alcohol consumption need not be eliminated but should be limited to 30 jiggers a day only. Alcohol still has health benefits such as vasodilation. These are just some of what Health fitness tips recommend.

There are tons of health fitness tips but diet and lifestyle modification are the basic steps to a healthy lifestyle and fitness.

Choosing Organic Skincare For Mom and Baby

Tuesday 28 January 2014

Turn over the back of a shampoo, lotion, or body wash bottle. Is the ingredient listing recognizable and easy to pronounce? If not, it is time to consider a switch to natural and organic skincare. Much attention is placed these days on the chemicals that go into our foods, so isn't it important to understand the chemicals going on our skin? Our skin is the largest organ of the human body, so taking care of it is essential.

Why choose organic skincare? Certified organic skincare will be free from pesticide residues, genetically modified ingredients (GMO's), hormones and antibiotics. Currently, personal care products are not defined under organic law. However, the ingredients used in organic skincare can fall under the same standards set for organic food. When researching natural and organic skincare lines, check to make sure the ingredients are free of parabens, phthalates, petrochemicals, pesticides, SLS's, artificial colorings and fragrances. Look for product lines made from 75 - 99% certified organic ingredients or the USDA certified seal which means 95% of the ingredients are organic. One of the most important factors in determining which skincare product to buy is reading labels.

Why is organic skincare important for our babies? A baby's skin can be up to five times thinner than adults, which makes it more prone to skin irritations. Natural ingredients in baby lotions and oils will also allow allergy prone babies to have soft, supple skin. Organic baby skincare includes baby lotions, baby creams, baby oils, shampoos, body washes, diaper cream, and sunscreen. You will find these products made with jojoba oil, aloe, mango & shea butter, organic lavender, chamomile, and organic coconut oil. Many of the products have multi-use purposes. Organic Baby oil is great for baby massages, irritated skin, and cradle cap. A good diaper cream will not only serve baby, but can be used as an anti-chafing cream on adults.

Mom-to-be should be pampered too. If you are not putting harsh chemicals on your baby's skin, why do so to yourself? Organic and natural skincare lines for mom include stretch mark creams, oils, body lotions, nursing balms, and body washes. As more companies manufacture natural and organic product, it is easy to find in drugstores, mass market chains, health food stores, and of course, online. You may find natural and organic products may be more expensive than other labels, but in the long run it is worth knowing only natural and pure ingredients are used. It is good for the environment and may help to reduce the number of trips to a doctor.

Students With Assistive Status

Monday 27 January 2014

Learning Resources provide a large range of services for staff and students who are identified as having a disability either through the Student Record System (SITS) or the HR System (TRENT).

Individuals who disclose a disability to LRC/Library staff, which is not known to the University, will be referred to the Health and Wellbeing Team.

Services for students with assistive status include:
  • Individual assistance
  • Unlimited renewals
  • Waived fines (excludes other sanctions including blocked borrowing and charges for replacement)
  • Training and support in the use of assistive software
  • All our LRCs are accessible for wheelchair users
  • Lifts are available to allow access to all floors
  • Specialist software and equipment
  • Staff are disability aware and are happy to help you
To learn more about the services we provide for those with disabilities please visit our Services for Students with Assistive Status pages at: http://lrweb.beds.ac.uk/libraryservices/additional

The contact for services at Bedford Library is:

Sue Csoka
sue.csoka@beds.ac.uk
Tel:  01234 793189

Binding at Bedford Library



From January 2014 onwards self-service binding will no longer be offered at Bedford Library.

All binding will now be carried out by the Copy Shop in Room P0.55 who will provide a professional service.

Increasing Statistics of Prescription Drug Abuse

Sunday 26 January 2014

In order to survive in this competitive world, frustration, depression and anxiety seems to be ruling our world at every step. To escape from all these troubles, drugs seem to be the most potent medium. Besides the illegal drugs, the prescription drug abuse also leads to a certain kind of addiction. It includes the use of sedatives, mood stabilizers and pain killers used by the victim against the prescription of the doctor 'dosage. It has been found that a taking the drugs frequently leads to certain kind of addiction. Hence it is a kind of self medication, where the victim takes the drugs without even taking permission from the doctor. It has been found that the statistics of the prescription abuse is increasing day by day. Anti depressants and painkillers are the most frequently abused drugs.

Like many other drugs, prescription drug abuse also creates certain cravings within the individual. As a result, the person cannot resist himself from taking the drugs. He develops an insatiable craving, which becomes so much strong that he has to take one dose everyday at least. It has been found that teenagers are the worst victims of drug and alcohol abuse. Oxycodon and Vicodin are two of the most frequently abused drugs among the teenagers. They get abused to the drugs mainly at the social gatherings or at the parties. In the beginning they take the drugs just out of curiosity to find out what are the reasons for it. But gradually they develop the habit of taking it and finally this turns into an addiction process. So what was earlier a physical craving slowly becomes a psychological craving gradually.

The path to prescription drug abuse begins with experimentation. Though the reasons for drug abuse vary from person to person, yet some of the most common ones are genetics and the influence of social environment, any traumatic event in the childhood, abuse or neglect by the family members, early usage of drugs and also mental disorders like depression and anxiety. Though the symptoms vary from person to person, yet the effects of drug abuse remain almost the same. If the drugs start controlling your life, the more you are moving forward from abuse to drug addiction. This will create a negative impact on the social and the economic life of an individual. If you are on a dangerous path of drug abuse, it is always better to seek medical help as soon as possible.

One of the most dangerous effects of the prescription drug abuse is denial of the use of substances. Though the causes of drug abuse may vary from person to person, yet the mind will always try to rationalize it every time there occurs a severe urge within the body. You may underestimate the amount of drugs that you are taking, but this may create a serious impact on the life.

What Are The Benefits To Using A Health Insurance Broker?

Saturday 25 January 2014

If you're contemplating the purchase of health insurance then there's a good possibility that a health insurance broker might be able to help you. A health insurance broker is a professional individual whose job is to provide health insurance companies or providers with prospective consumers that are seeking to obtain health insurance for themselves or their family. Normally, a health insurance broker is eagerly sought after by an individual or individuals that are not covered by any type of group health insurance plan. Typically this includes folks that have some sort of medical condition prior to obtaining health insurance but it can also include self-employed individuals that aren't covered by an employee health care plan.

In some ways a health insurance broker is almost like a real estate agent. The health insurance broker tries to find the best deal for the individual seeking health insurance based off a list of requested benefits provided to the health insurance broker by the consumer seeking to become insured. After finding a plan that is suitable for the consumer the health insurance broker then works towards a signing of a mutual health insurance contract by both parties involved, the insurance provider and the individual seeking insurance.

Although it may sound like the health insurance broker works for the insurance company it's actually quite the opposite because in a way the health insurance broker works for the consumer. The insurance broker is responsible to know about the many different health insurance providers or companies that may or may not be suitable for his clients. Additionally, they can provide information regarding claims, processing times, customer service and of course health insurance rates or premiums. In some cases the health insurance broker may be paid a referral fee for putting a health insurance company in contact with a consumer seeking health coverage, provided the consumer does actually sign up for health insurance through the recommended company.

Typically, a health insurance broker receives their compensation in the form of a commission. The payment for this commission can come from the consumer, the insurance company or a combination of the both, each paying their respective portion of the broker fee. Still, if a health insurance broker does a good job and actually finds you a health insurance company that offers excellent health coverage with reasonable rates then it may be money well spent in the long run. Also, because the health insurance broker is normally governed or regulated by state licensing requirements you can rest assured that they are trustworthy and will do the right thing ethically speaking in order to find the very best health insurance coverage that you can afford.

Bacteria in Cancer Therapy - Lactobacillus and Clostridium

Wednesday 22 January 2014

Lactic Acid Bacteria: Bacteria With Health Benefits

Probiotics are living bacteria or other microorganisms which are beneficial to health when consumed. Probiotics can be helpful for gastrointestinal infections, irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are probiotics that have numerous potential therapeutic properties including anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities. Recent studies with in vitro cell culture clearly demonstrate the anti-tumor and anti-cancer effects of LAB. Scientific reports indicate that LAB cultures administered to animals inhibit liver, colon, bladder and mammary tumors. (Reference: Lactobacillus Molecular Biology: From Genomics to Probiotics ISBN: 978-1-904455-41-7)

Lactobacillus

The human intestine contains an huge collection of microorganisms. Scientific studies indicate that these gut microbes regulate energy harvest from the diet and participate in the peripheral body metabolism. Most probiotic strains are strains of Lactobacillus. The results of a recent evaluation of the role of probiotic Lactobacillus strains in natural infections in animals and humans indicate a promising future for coming generations of probiotics. Probiotic strains are being thoroughly characterized and it has been suggested that the best results may arise from mixes of probiotic strains with complementary characteristics, tailormade for different gastrointestinal diseases. In addition, strains of Lactobacillus may soon play a role as delivery systems for vaccines, immunoglobulins and other protein based therapies. (Reference: Lactobacillus Molecular Biology: From Genomics to Probiotics ISBN: 978-1-904455-41-7)

Clostridium in Anti-cancer Therapy

The bacterium Clostridium is being considered as an alternative strategies to selectively target and destroy cancer cells especially for the treatment of solid tumors. Scientific research has shown that various non-pathogenic strains of Clostridium have been shown to infiltrate and selectively replicate within solid tumors. Strains of Clostridium could in the future be used to deliver therapeutic proteins directly and specifically to the solid tumor. This potential has been demonstrated in preclinical models. Such tumor-specific therapy is important as the anti-cancer agents need to be targeted specifically to the tumor. However, bacterial systems for tumor-specific therapy has not yet undergone clinical trials. (Reference: Clostridia: Molecular Biology in the Post-genomic Era ISBN: 978-1-904455-38-7)

Beauty Secrets and Tips For Looking Great

Tuesday 21 January 2014

You can be confused about what kinds of beauty secrets and tips you need to know to bring forth the beauty results you desire. Which are the right ones for you? Here are a few great beauty secrets and tips to make sure you have the things you need for a good beauty routine.

Try using your ordinary shampoo with crushed aspirin in it to help with dandruff. This analgesic can improve the condition of a dry scalp. This smart tip allows you to continue using your preferred shampoo.

Learning how to apply eyeshadow is important. Use shimmery eye shadows in your beauty routine. The shine will help to give your eyes the appearance of being larger and brighter. Look for a color that closely resembles your skin tone. Try different shades and apply them in with different utensils until you find the right look.

Some beauty secrets and tips are more essential than others. Care for your eyebrows and make sure you have two. You should trim and pluck any stray eyebrow hairs to maintain a clean-cut, more beautiful appearance.

Restore shiny gloss to your hair with the use of baking soda. Add a touch of baking soda and shampoo into your hand just as you are about to use it. Lather your hair as you usually do. After you have finished your shampooing, your hair will have more luster than ever.

Rubbing Vaseline onto your feet before bed may be the most unusual of our beauty secrets and tips. This will leave your feet feeling as soft and taut as they do after getting a professional pedicure! Make this a nightly ritual for your beauty routine so it becomes a habit. You should apply the Vaseline and then cover your feet with your socks before you go to sleep.

Curry leaf chutney is a great way to prevent your hair from going gray. The chutney improves the formation of the pigments that create the color in your hair. One teaspoon a day is enough.

Sharpen your eyeliner pencils and lip liners often. This will ensure they are clean to use. If you tend to break your eyeliners when you sharpen them, try placing them in the fridge for a few minutes.

Cosmetics play an important role in our beauty tips and secrets. For more volume use a mascara that is waterproof and is formulated to provide length to your lashes. Many different mascaras claim that they can curl your eyelashes and add volume. Try to avoid heavy or oil formulas. They will just make your lashes weighed down. Try a mascara that is waterproof and has a lengthening formula. This tip can give your lashes a full and curled look.

A brush with boar bristles is useful in combating frizzy hair. A surprising number of people have issues with their hair becoming frizzy. You can de-frizz your drying hair with a type of brush known as boar bristle. Position the hair dryer to blow downward and softly brush your hair.

Most beauty secrets and tips are based on many factors that all have to work together. Perhaps the most important aspect of learning how to be beautiful is taking care of the skin. Men have a tendency to overlook their skin, because they don't realize what an impact it can make.

Any advice on beauty secrets and tips must address what you eat. Eating well can help someone to keep a beautiful look to their skin. Proper nutrition means that one consumes plenty of vitamins, minerals, water, protein, and other key nutrients that fuel the body and all of its processes. As a result, you will look and feel better than ever before.

Do away with red eyes to let your pretty peepers shine. Try to have some eye drops handy so you'll have them if you ever need them. Use eye drops when your eyes are tired due to computer eyestrain, allergies or sun and wind exposure.

There are so many steps you can take and products you can try in order to beautify yourself that studying up on them is a really good idea. Not only do they make you more beautiful now, they make your more beautiful well into the future. This will make it simpler to understand what you can do with your personal beauty routines. Trying out some of the beauty secrets and tips in this article makes a good place to start.

The Importance of Drug Testing Kits

Sunday 19 January 2014

Drug abuse is a problem that has been brought to light over the years through the destruction of lives. So what would compel someone who has been privy to education about a substance's effects on the body and the mind, and the damage that it can do? There are many viewpoints that aim to answer such a question, some being science based and others that are community, or environmentally based.

Nancy Reagan made the phrase "Just Say No to Drug" a staple throughout schools during the 1980s after a widespread epidemic of crack cocaine and rise in the use of all abused drugs. Schools also incorporated D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) programs in an effort to teach middle school aged children that they do have the power to stay away from drug abuse. Unfortunately, this program did not have quite the impact that it originally carried, due to the income potential for drug cartels.

Soon after the cartels launched an all out assault on the United States teenage population via importing drugs, the need for detection methods became a priority. Local law enforcement sought to train the American public to be watchful of drug addicts, and implemented K-9 patrol units using German Shepherd Dogs to detect the scent of controlled substances. With the increase in the percentage of Americans that abuse drugs, came the added threat of employees being under the influence while in the workplace. Many were getting nervous as many occupations dealing with the public could be compromised.

Enter the Drug Test. The ability to quickly and accurately test for the presence of antibodies produced in the body as a result of the ingestion of drugs became a priority. Over the years drug tests have been used as an early detection method seeking to prevent full-blown addiction. Many believe that there is a better chance of rehabilitating and helping one to recover in the early stages vs. the latter stages of addiction. Companies now prefer to have the option of sending employees caught using illegal substances to drug programs. After completing substance abuse programs, employees are then reinstated and kept a watchful eye on.

The key to ensuring a safe workplace and the safety of the public is to use standardized drug testing methods that can help to "nip" the problem in the bud. Employers no longer have to forsake hard workers and cause families into poverty; they have the ability to support and cultivate good people, who might have serious problems with drugs or alcohol.

Discover Quantum Health Therapy

Thursday 16 January 2014

There is an actual place within you, where the frequencies of life are so precisely tuned and harmonized that time stands still and perfect health exists. Science has identified that place as "Quantum." It is not a fairy tale - it is a real place. The Christian Bible has called this Quantum Place within man the "Mystery of The Kingdom of Heaven." It is the place where the Son and God coexist in unified Oneness. Jesus called this place, Father's House and you can only enter into "The Garden of Spirit Oneness" as a consciously awakened Spirit-Person.

Science has developed a computer that communicates interactively with you through Quantum Therapy technology. It activates and synchronizes the harmonics in your inner Spirit self to restore a healthy atmosphere within your Spirit Life Body. From my own experience, this is a true statement. During numerous sessions I have witnessed quantum therapy bring relief to those suffering ill health by synchronizing their bodies' frequencies with the harmonics of the Perfect Heart. The cost of quantum therapy is far far less than a doctor visit or hospital stay. Because it is Quantum, the therapy can be accomplished wherever you are located, without the need for personal physical contact. For example, the cell phone technology has advanced to the point where now there are billions of people who each have a personal frequency (their own individual cell phone number) which allows them to communicate with others around the world without physical contact. Likewise, the quantum computer, tuned to the unique frequency of your own heart, can synchronize your body's harmonics to a healthy state.

You can learn how to consciously activate the health frequencies in your body using absolute scriptural principles. In simple 15 minute daily exercises, you will discover how a holy 'wholeness' walk in Spirit of Life can perpetuate the same harmonics created by the quantum computer. This is not "what God can do for you" - this is "what YOU can do" to consciously activate the Life Systems God created for your earth suit body.

How Effective Is Drug Testing in Eradicating Teen Drug Abuse?

Tuesday 14 January 2014

Every day, thousands of teens are getting addicted to illicit drugs. According to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 21.5 percent of youth (more than 1 in 5) aged between 18 and 25 years are under the influence of illicit drugs.

The percentage of teens getting addicted to drugs has increased in the last few years. Many of them are getting into this devastating habit due to lack of awareness of the serious consequences it poses.

Why teens get into drug abuse

There are many reasons why teens get into this habit. Most of the teens experiment with drugs, putting their health and safety at risk. Many teens take drugs just to fit in their friends group because of peer pressure. Some teens are influenced by their parents' behavior. If they find their parents taking drugs, they would follow it. While some of the teens taking drugs, want to feel good and some teens are prone to drugs due to financial or mental depression.

Teen drug testing helps in eradicating teen drug abuse. It can be conducted in high schools, colleges or at the privacy of the home. It is an effective way to keep teens away from drugs and studies show that it brings a positive effect.

Many high schools are conducting these tests randomly in their schools on students and schools that conduct these tests have higher attendance rates than compared to other schools where the drug testing is not conducted.

High school students are more likely to get influenced by drugs. Therefore, to prevent teens from taking drugs, drug-testing and awareness programs should be conducted in high schools to keep a check on drug abusing teens. These programs are not meant to punish or insult the teens, but to take measures before it is too late.

Use reliable test kits:

There are many drug test kits available in the market. But before you buy the test kit see that it is tested and proven. You need to buy kits from reputed dealer and check if the test kits are approved by the FDA. Reputed dealers will offer these test kits affordable price and the results will be accurate and consistent.

Therefore, before it is too late, teens should be educated about the negative impact that drug leaves on their body and mind in the early stage. Drug testing is an effective way in eradicating teen drug abuse.

The Ayurvedic Approach to Breast Health

Sunday 12 January 2014

The Ayurvedic Approach to Breast Health

Like all tissues and organs in the human body, the female breasts are multidimensional in function. Their most recognized function is as exocrine glands, producing breast milk for the newborn, a function common to all mammalian species. Given the multidimensional functions of the breasts, a discussion of breast health approaches could be complex. Therefore, in this article we will limit our discussion to what women can do from the Ayurvedic perspective to reduce their chances of developing the most dangerous of breast diseases: breast cancer.

First let's briefly review some simple breast anatomy. Mammary glands are basically highly modified and specialized sebaceous glands which derive from embryonic ectoderm. The adult breast consists of glandular tissue, adipose tissue (fat cells), nerves, blood vessels and lymphatics. Anatomically it overlies the pectoralis major muscle and is anchored to the pectoralis fascia by suspensory ligaments known as Cooper's ligaments (not shown). The breast contains about 15 to 25 lobes formed by groups of "milk glands", or lobules. Each lobule is composed of hollow milk producing acini (also called alveoli), and feeds into a milk duct leading to the nipples. The ducts converge near the areola, the darker area round the nipple, to form ampullae or milk storage cavities. Around the areola are small glands known as Montgomery's glands which secrete an oily substance that protects the nipples during nursing. Lymph nodes within the breast drain into the axillary lymph nodes in the armpit-the first place to which breast cancer will typically metastasize.

What Is Breast Cancer? The Western View

Cancer is fundamentally a disease of failure of regulation of tissue growth. In order for a normal cell to transform into a cancer cell, the genes which regulate cell growth and differentiation must be altered. A gene is a specific sequence of DNA at a specific location within a specific chromosome. Only 5-10% of breast cancers are inherited; the vast majority is due to sporadic, acquired mutations.

The affected genes are divided into two broad categories. Oncogenes are genes which promote cell growth and reproduction. Tumor suppressor genes are genes which inhibit cell division and survival. Malignant transformation can occur through the formation of abnormal oncogenes, the inappropriate over-expression of normal oncogenes, or by the under-expression or complete arrest of tumor suppressor genes. Typically, changes in many genes are required to transform a normal cell into a cancer cell.

Large-scale mutations involve a deletion or gain of a portion of a chromosome. Gene amplification occurs when a cell gains many copies (often 20 or more) of a small chromosomal locus, usually containing one or more oncogenes and adjacent genetic material. Translocation occurs when two separate chromosomal regions become abnormally fused, often at a distinct location. Disruption of a single gene may also result from integration of genomic material from a DNA virus or retrovirus, and resulting in the expression of viral oncogenes in the affected cell and its descendants, but this is not the case in breast cancer.

The transformation of normal breast cells into cancer is akin to a chain reaction caused by initial errors, which compound into more severe errors, each progressively allowing the cell to escape the controls that limit normal tissue growth. This renegade-like scenario causes an undesirable survival of the fittest, where the natural forces of evolution become distorted and work against the body's design and harmonious order. If the rate of DNA damage exceeds the capacity of the cell to repair it, the accumulation of errors can overwhelm the cell and result in early senescence, apoptosis, or cancer. Once cancer has begun to develop, it uses the body's own design to serve its own destructive and invasive purposes.

What Is Breast Cancer? The Ayurvedic View

The female breasts are predominantly Kapha organs, having a fatty nature and producing milk, a Kapha fluid. Breast cancer is a tridoshic (involving all three doshas) disorder of breast tissue. Causes are both hereditary and acquired; the acquired causes being physical, emotional, spiritual, and environmental. Breast cancer is ultimately caused by blockage and flow irregularities at both the gross and imperceptibly subtle levels of several srotamsi (channel systems).

Dietary and other physical factors can help to cause breast cancer, or to trigger the disease in one who already has the hereditary tendency. Breast cancer, like any malignant or degenerative disease, may be the result of prolonged wrong diet, wrong lifestyle, or prajnaparadha (mistake of the intellect). Wrong regimen leads first to accumulation of doshas, then in time to acute illnesses. If those illnesses are treated improperly, that is, if the excess doshas (the three body humors) are not expelled and ama (toxins) is not purified, then the imbalance is driven deeper, resulting in chronic complaints. If these chronic complaints in turn go untreated or are treated by suppressive methods without expelling doshas or cleansing ama, then the excess doshas will localize in the most toxic or most vulnerable tissue, in this case breast tissue, to create sannipatika gulma, a malignant tumor.

Cancer in Äyurveda is not seen as a discrete disease, but a milestone on the continuum of doshic aggravation, ama (toxic waste) accumulation, and srotodushti (channel blockage). A pernicious energy gains access to the individual through the diet, the emotions, the environment, or even the karmic-influenced internal momentum of one's life. Although modern medicine has disproven any appreciable connection between fibrocystic breasts or fibroadenoma to breast cancer, Ayurveda considers both of these benign conditions to be stages in the breast cancer samprapti. Cancer is a deepening pattern of internal disconnection from the body-mind's greater intelligence which eventually begins to exhibit its own warped purpose, momentum, and direction.

Importance of Srotamsi (Channels of Circulation) in Breast Cancer

The entire fifth chapter of the Vimanasthana Section of the Charaka Samhita is devoted to the detailed description of the srotamsi and their importance in health and disease. The body and mind contains a large number of srotas or channels through which the basic tissue elements, doshas, and malas circulate. These channels are called srotas (plural srotamsi). Srotas, meaning channels or pores, are present throughout the visible body as well as at the "invisible" or subtle level of the cells, molecules, atoms, and subatomic strata. It is through these channels that nutrients and other substances are transported in and out of our physiology. It is also through these channels that information and intelligence spontaneously flow. When the flow of appropriate nutrients and energies through these channels is unimpeded, there is health; when there is excess, deficiency, or blockage in these channels disease can take root.

The channels are, to a certain extent, similar to the different physiological systems of Western medicine (e.g. arteries, veins, nerves, digestive tract, etc.) but also contain subtler energies comparable to the meridian system of Chinese medicine.

The movements of energy in all srotamsi are directly influenced by stimuli that arise in the mind, which are conveyed by the Vata energy. Hence mental disturbances, both conscious and unconscious, can cause disorders in any of the channels.

Excessive or deficient mental activity can cause excess or deficient flow in the channels of the body. Emotional outbursts or lack of mental control have effects that are analogous to surges in the channels of the physical body and can produce such conditions as in strokes, heart attacks, hyperventilation, tremors, etc.

Stanya vaha srota, which consists of the milk-producing apocrine cells of the lobules, the related pituitary hormones (i.e. prolactin), the ducts, ampullae, and nipple, is the main srota involved in breast cancer.

Artava vaha srotas, which consists of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, their hormones (i.e. estrogen, progesterone), secretions and connective tissues and related pituitary hormones (i.e. FSH, LH) all belong to artava vaha srotas--the channels carrying out female reproductive functions. The breasts are also included in this system.

Each lunar cycle between menarche and menopause, the proliferation of epithelial cells lining the breast's lobular acini (increasing from one to two layers) occurs during the luteal phase. The breast epithelium, unlike the endometrium of the uterus, cannot be shed at the end of the cycle; regression at the end of the cycle is by apoptosis (self-programmed cell death). The apoptotic residue (ama) is plentiful within the lumens toward the late luteal phase of the cycle. Efficient removal of this material is essential for the breast tissue to remain healthy and vital.

Samprapti (Pathogenesis)

Due to uncorrected exposure for a sufficient period of time to nidanas--internal and external causes of doshic vitiation--(a few common examples described below), the doshas can become aggravated and begin a sequence of pathological steps culminating in the creation of a disease state. The term "samprapti" (from the root "Ap" to cause, arrive, reach or obtain; "sam" conjunction, union, intensity, completeness) refers to this sequence of doshic-related pathology triggered by one or more nidanas (causes). Let us consider a brief explanation of this sequence.

First, one or more doshas begins to accumulate somewhere in the body and soon becomes vitiated (aggravated). Next, the aggravated dosha spills over and begins to spread. In the case of breast cancer, it may enter the stanya vaha srota or another associated srota. When it reaches a vulnerable or somewhat weakened area or organ of the body, it will stagnate there and begin to mix with and disturb the structure and function of the local tissues including sometimes cellular DNA. The tissues of the body, when spoken of in their healthy state are of course called the dhatus; however when we speak of these same tissues with regard to their mixing with vitiated doshas, we always refer to the tissues as dushyas.

This dosha-dusyas sammurcchana is the actual disease process (sammurcchana means "interaction"). The interaction of the doshas and dushyas, together with the specific effect from the site or organ involved (adhisthana) leads to the development first of specific prodromal features, and then of the main symptoms, of a disease. Involvement of primarily Kapha might result in a fibrocystic breast condition; predominantly Kapha-Vata vitiation might lead eventually to fibroadenoma; Pitta-Vata can be associated with mastitis and other inflammatory states; Tridoshic vitiation can ultimately produce cancer. Left untreated the disease will evolve its unique set of complications and can reach a stage where it is no longer curable by any means.

Ayurvedic Prevention and Treatment Approach

The essence of the Ayurvedic approach is beautifully summed up in one of its well-known statements, "Avert the danger from illness before it arrives". This terse directive emphasizes the importance of correcting imbalances while still in their earliest stages and hence very remediable. Ayurveda accomplishes this goal through health programs uniquely tailored to the idiosyncratic characteristics of each individual. It celebrates our individual uniqueness while recognizing our universal Oneness. It is through our uniquely developed human consciousness, which among other capacities, affords us the enormous power of choice, that we can influence our health. The positive and negative health effects of those choices have been understood by Ayurvedic sages for thousands of years.

It must be stated at the outset of this section that, based on current level of available Ayurvedic knowledge, Ayurveda has no place as a primary treatment for any form of breast cancer. Ayurvedic treatment for breast cancer are useful as complementary therapy in order reduce side effects and sometimes bring about a more comprehensive response to conventional treatment. Ayurvedic medicines main strength is as a strategy to prevent the initial disease or its recurrence and to prolong survival.

That being said, current research is advancing towards a rational use of Ayurveda as a primary intervention. Specifically, the methanolic leaf extract of Ashwagandha leaf (Withania somnifera) was demonstrated to restore normal p53 function in tumor cells bearing mutated copies. p53 is a tumor suppressor protein which causes either the complete destruction of cells which have irreparably damaged and abnormal DNA or to temporarily arrest cell replication so that the DNA repair mechanisms can repair the damage. Once repaired p53 then allows the cell to duplicate. How p53 chooses cell destruction or arrest is unknown; it is commonly called the "guardian angel" of the cell.

It should be noted that today all breast cancer patients should be under the regular care and supervision of a medical oncologist.

Practical Choices That Matter

The Ayurvedic approach to breast health centers on diet, detoxification, lifestyle and exercise, mental health, environment and herbal preparations. Additionally, both ancient and current Ayurvedic physicians also emphasize early detection. Self examination of breasts, regular breast examinations by health care professionals and mammograms if clinically warranted are the methods.

Diet

One of Ayurveda's great recognitions is that the body and mind naturally proceed in the direction of balance and, in fact, are designed to achieve and maintain balance and vibrant health. The systems and organs that make possible this remarkable state of physical and mental well-being, and the intelligence which directs them all, exist in all of us from birth. Cancerous changes show that, despite this inherent healthy tendency, there is an imbalance of the tri-dosha with toxins. Food is the foundation of the tissue formation process and health itself. Here are some of the more important Ayurvedic recommendations.

i. First and foremost, choose foods according to either your constitutional type or your primary doshic imbalance, if known. This will help match your diet to your agni (digestive fire). Your physician may alternatively instruct you to eat according to the seasons if you are already in a balanced state of health. Eat organic foods whenever possible.

ii. Construct a diet which reduces ama formation. A predominantly vegetarian diet of foods that are light, warm, and cooked will do this. Freshly prepared dals and soups, organic vegetables prepared with fresh spices, whole grains such as basmati rice, barley, and amaranth, and freshly made flat-breads are ideal.

iii. Include organic cooked prunes, figs, apples, pears, pineapple, papaya, and cooked leafy greens, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage (cruciferous vegetables) in your diet. These foods provide fiber, antioxidants, and detoxifying effects.There is also a burgeoning body of evidence that curcumin, a component of turmeric, has breast cancer protective effects.

iv. Avoid foods that create body ama, including leftovers; packaged, canned, and frozen foods; foods grown with chemicals, GMO's, pesticides and chemical fertilizers.

v. Restrict the intake of alcoholic beverages of all kinds.

vi. Visceral (abdominal) adiposity contributes to the risk for estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer in premenopausal women.

Detoxification

As discussed above, ama-along with agni and the srotamsi--has tremendous importance in the manifestation of breast cancer. Ama is principally the result of the initial ahara rasa (nutrient juices) not being completely digested in the amashaya (small intestines) due to abnormal jatharagni. Ama then enters the srotamsi where it causes srotodushti (pathology of the srota) leading to srotorodha (obstruction). This results in an abnormal or arrested flow of doshas, nutrients and wastes.

The doshas thus retained can extravasate out of the srota and penetrate the surrounding dhatus (now called dushyas). The site where this interaction occurs (dosha-dushya sammurcchana) is the site where disease is initiated. If the impairment to the srotas can be prevented or reversed, disease will be averted.

In Ayurveda breast cancer primarily involves the channels of the female breasts and of the reproductive system and are called the Stanya Vaha Srotas and Artava Vaha Srotas, respectively. They include all the reproductive tissue, breasts, hormones and all secretions including breast milk. Keeping these channels clear of ama and all toxins is essential. The Mano Vaha Srotas, channels of the mind, are also involved. Proper diet, lifestyle, exercise, emotional health and select Ayurvedic herbs all help however a regular comprehensive detoxification procedure is also advised. It forms the foundation of preventive health in the Ayurvedic view and is often an important part of the treatment protocol for diseases which have already occurred.

Vulnerable Breasts on a Chemical Planet

Besides the assault from endogenous toxins (ama), exogenous toxins also have a grave effect on breast health. As a consequence of decades of uncontrolled environmental pollution with persistent organic pollutants (POP's), the contamination of human milk has become widespread. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), DDT and its metabolites, dioxins, dibenzofurans, phthalates, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and heavy metals are among the toxic chemicals most often found in breast milk. Whether she is pregnant or not, these and many other chemical pose a tremendous risk to the female breast. This is because POP's are fat-soluble "lipophilic" (i.e. affinity for fat) chemicals which undergo bio-accumulation and concentration over time in the breast fatty tissue. The positive news is that POP's can be significantly removed from their sites of accumulation through regular periods of panchakarma detoxification therapies.

Ayurveda states in the Ashtanga Hridayam Sutrasthanam IV/25-26:

"Exhaustive effort should be made to radically expel the malas (doshas and metabolic wastes) at the right times. Uncorrected accumulation will verily result in aggravation and cut short life itself." "Doshas which are subdued by langhana and pachana therapies can inevitably become re-aggravated, but those which are radically expelled by samshodhana (purification) therapies will not become deranged again." (italics added)

Lifestyle and Exercise: Balancing the Doshas

Scientific evidence suggests about 30% of all 572,000 cancer deaths (39,500 due to breast cancer) expected in 2011 will be related to being obese or overweight, inadequate physical inactivity or errors in nutrition and thus are preventable.

It is clear that only about 30-40% of all breast cancer cases can be traced to identifiable genes or a familial tendency. Of those, 5 to 10 percent of women have inherited defective breast cancer genes, the most common being BRCA1 or BRCA2. The remainder have forms of breast cancers in their families that involve several genes.

That leaves 60-70% caused by unknown factors. Some are environmental--toxins we breathe, drink, touch or are exposed to in some way. The biggest risk factors are simply being a woman (<1 percent breast cancers occur in men) and getting older (risk increases after age 50). We can't change that, but we can change our lifestyles. The best recommendations are these six:

-Avoid hormone replacement therapy -Improve your diet -Exercise regularly -Follow good detection strategies -Maintain good body weight -Consume less or no alcohol

Mental Health

The state of one's mental health is a direct reflection of how we think, feel and act as we face different life experiences. Our mental health determines how we handle emotional stress, relate to others and make choices. It is the emotional and spiritual resilience (atati shakti) which enables us to achieve happiness and to survive pain, sorrow and disappointment. Normal mental health instinctively creates an underlying belief in one's self-worth, and in the dignity and worth of other human beings and all life forms. Psycho-social-spiritual stress can play a role in breast health. To refresh the mind Ayurveda suggests the classical mental balancing and rejuvenation techniques described in Patanjali's system of Raja Yoga. Because there are eight aspects in the Raja Yoga path to enlightenment, it is also known as Ashtanga Yoga (eight-limbed). Patanjali's Yoga Sutras begins with the statement yoga cittavritti nirodhah (I/2), "Yoga is for the restraint of the activities of the mind". They proceed to describe the ways in which mind can create false ideas and understandings, and details the eight steps that can taken to escape from the unreal.

Meditation techniques have been shown in numerous research studies to positively influence the physiology. The regular practice of yoga postures (asanas), breath control techniques (pranayama), and dhyana (meditation) is the most effective way to relieve anxiety, depression and emotional stress, according to Ayurvedic tradition. Although the mechanism by which meditation helps re-establish mental health is not clear, we do know that these techniques provide periods of profound sensory and cognitive rest. The regular dissociation of the senses from their sense objects and the withdrawal of the attention within appears to release deep-rooted stresses that have lodged in the structure, chemistry and energetic matrix of the mind-body.

Herbal Medicines

Ayurvedic herbal medicine regimens are not conceived using the model of a specific drug to neutralize or suppress a specific symptom or disease (allopathic model). In fact, successful treatment depends on rational and logical actions of a mixture of plant substances coupled with the incomprehensible healing intelligence of Nature. The intention of herbal treatment, like all forms of Ayurvedic therapies, is to up-regulate the innate healing capacity of the human being. Herbal treatment may be categorized according to the following scheme which forms a sequence for the prevention of any disease including breast cancer and also for the treatment of many diseases.

1. Separation of Dosha and Dushya (Sammurcchana Bhanga)

2. Autodigestion of Ama (Ama pacana)

3. Clearing of the Srotasmi (Shroto Vishodhana)

4. Optimization of Agni (Dipanagni)

5. Strengthening of Immunity (Vyadhi Kshamatva)

Separation of Dosha and Dushya (Sammurcchana Bhanga)

The initial action which must be taken in the treatment of disease is the separation of the vitiated dosha from the dushya. Since many on the subsequent steps in treating disease are strong measures aimed at the doshas, if separation of the healthy tissue is not achieved first, these treatments can and will harm the tissues and the associated srotas and vital organs. The degraded dosha and the affected tissue or organ becomes joined together like the milk fats and ghee are joined together in milk. And just as we heat the milk in order to separate the ghee from the milk fats, the herbal substances which accomplish the separation of dosha from dushya (a process called sammurchana bhanga) have the following gunas: hot (ushna), sharp (tikshna), penetrating (sukshma), rapid onset (vyavam), purifying (punanam), destructive (nashita), and separating (viyujate).

The following herbal and herbomineral medicines have the action of separating dosha and dushya. This list is by no means complete. Please note that many of these medicines can be toxic and cause

adverse reactions. They should therefore only be given for short courses and only under expert supervision.

Terminalia arjuna

Trailokya Rasa Chintamani

Datura metal Boswellia serrata

Aconitum ferox Tamra Bhasma

Strychnos nux vomica Heerak Bhasma

Semicarpus anacardium Holarrhena antidysenterica

Abhrak Bhasma Embelia ribes

Autodigestion of Ama (Ama pacana)

The operative principle behind the reversal and removal of ama is to temporarily stop providing nutrition to those parts of the body which we wish to purge of ama. In clinical application, this is achieved most readily, not with herbal medicines, but rather through fasting. Fasting is advocated as a bona fide approach for the removal of ama when found to be present or to prevent its formation. Like any other therapy, it is prescribed and supervised by an experienced physician.

During the fasting period, no new nutritive substances are available to the digestive system. Therefore the jathara agni and various dhatvagnis are utilized for the digestion of the accumulated ama. The fasting period can be as short as one or two days, or may extend for up to two weeks under medical supervision. There are several herbs and formulations which have been found to be effective in supporting and augmenting ama pacana:

Zingiber officinalis, Terminalia chebula, Tinospora cordifolia, Terminalia bellerica, Berberis aristata, Coriandrum sativum, Piper longum, Alpinia galangal.

Clearing of the Srotasmi (Shroto Vishodhana)

Whereas ama pacana is effective in transforming and liquefying the waste materials in the tissues,

the process known as shroto vishodhana draws these substances out of the tissues and into the appropriate channels of elimination (i.e. Stanya Vaha Srota). In addition, this process initiates movement in the proper direction in the srotasmi for the expulsion of the wastes. This stage requires that no matter what the primary doshic imbalance may be (Vata, Pitta, or Kapha), the Vata dosha needs to be in a balanced state. Thus is because Vata dosha is what creates movement of the wastes. A balanced Vata dosha moves the wastes in the proper and natural direction.

Medicines which act on the rasa, rakta, mamsa, meda, and sukra dhatus and their corresponding srotas are used in promoting breast health. These medicines will promote the elimination of doshas from the tissues without harming the tissues and include:

Holharrhina antidysentrica, Cissampelos pareira, Tricosanthe dioica, Cyperus rotundus, Picrorrhiza kurroa, Azadirachta indica, Hemidesmus indicus, Triphala, Piper nigrum, Acorus calamus, Curcuma longa, Aegle marmelos.

In addition to these herbal medicines, anuvasana bastis (oil-based enemata) or often administered during this phase to promote the proper flow of Vata dosha in the srotas. Also there are specialized techniques of breast massage which are performed with specific oils (i.e. Narayana, Vishagarbha, Chandanbala Laxadi) and can be taught to patient to perform at home.

Optimization of Agni (Dipanagni)

There is not a single biological process occurring within our bodies and mind which does not depend on agni. Our intelligence, awareness, energy, appearance, perception, immunity, and life itself is kindled by its power. There are thirteen forms of agni as we have outlined earlier. The most important is jathara agni--which presides over and creates all the others. Any disturbance in jathara agni will result in incomplete and improper digestion and the formation of ama. Some of the herbal medicines which help to stimulate and balance the jatharagni and, indirectly, all the agnis of the body are as follows:

Gingiber officinalis

Piper longum

Piper nigrum

Cayenne pepper

Plumbago zeylanica

Strengthening of Immunity (Vyadhi Kshamatva)

The capacity to resist disease depends prominently on a substance known as ojas. Ojas is formed from the best and purest parts of each of the seven bodily dhatus; it is said to be the quintessence of human tissue metabolism. Like bees make honey by gathering the essence of several species of flowers, ojas is formed from the saptadhatus. There are certain plant-medicines which increase ojas and are therefore called jīvanīya gana aushadhi, medicines which sustain Life. Some of these include:

Withania somnifera, Curculigo orchiodes, Asparagus racemosus Phaseolus trilobus Hemidesmus indicus Ocimum sanctum Tinospora cordifolia Eclipta alba Emblica officinalis Shilajitu

Glycerrhiza glabra Terminalia chebula

In addition, medicines like Triphala Guggulu, Kanchnaar Guggulu, Arogyavardhini, Maha-manjishthadi kwath, Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris) as well as the two most renowned Ayurvedic compound preparations Triphala and Chywanprash are used on a long term basis to prevent recurrence.

Medicines like Medhohar-Guggulu, Chandraprabha-Vati, and Trivang-Bhasma are also used according to the presentation of symptoms.

To prevent or reduce side effects from chemotherapy and radiation therapy, Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Kamadudha, Shankhbhasma vati, Laghu sutshekhar vati and Shunthi (Zinziber officinale) can be used.

Patwardhan and Gautum5 summarize the results of preclinical studies on the cytoprotective potential of W. somnifera and its constituents. They include reports on the inhibition of breast and colon cancer cell lines compared to doxorubicin after the administration of withaferin A and an increase in the response to radio-resistant tumors when radiotherapy is combined with withaferin A treatment, among others studies.

Triphala is an Ayurvedic herbal rasayana formula consisting of equal parts of three myrobalan fruits: Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula). Rasayana preparations are adaptogens and can be taken for life without fear of side effects. Triphala was recently found to dose-dependently induce apoptosis in human breast cell cancer lines (MCF-7) and mouse thymic lymphoma (barcl-95). Treatment did not affect neither normal human breast epithelial and peripheral blood mononuclear cells nor mouse liver and spleen cells. Direct oral feeding of triphala to mice (40 mg/kg for 13 days) resulted in significantly (P < 0.05) reduced tumor growth and more than three times higher levels of apoptosis in excised tumor tissue. According to the researchers, increases in intracellular reactive oxygen species appeared to be involved with induced cytotoxicity, supporting the hypothesis that the antioxidant effect of triphala fruits is at least partly responsible for this anticancer activity (Sandhya et al.)6.

Chywanprash

Oxygen radicals are continuously generated within our cells. This is a result of normal breathing which creates something called hydroxyl radicals. These molecules damage your DNA, producing the mutations that initiate and sustain health issues later on. Studies suggest that a diet that is rich in antioxidants may help to support breast health. This has led to the current nutritional recommendation that we all should consume at least five portions of fruits or vegetables each day.

Chyawanprash is significantly more powerful than other single antioxidant; it is up to 1,000 times more effective per dose than comparable amounts of Vitamin C and Vitamin E in scavenging free radicals and preventing damage to the body. It provides full-spectrum, super-antioxidant power. Traditional literature states that Chywanprash improves cardiovascular and neurological functioning, reduces toxicity of the dhatus, improves immunity, balances emotions, and improves mental clarity.

Conclusion

All matter is energy vibrating at different rates. The fundamental state of the universe contains all possible forms of undifferentiated matter (i.e. energy) vibrating in coherent harmony. Human beings, because we are a part of the natural universe, also have a fundamental vibration that harmonizes with the rest of the creation. Illness, including cancer, is a manifestation of disharmony which arises in the individual's core vibration due to stress, environmental changes, emotional distress, physical injury, dietary indiscretion, or an infinite number of physical, mental, or spiritual factors. Healing is therefore initiated by restoring the normal vibratory state to the individual as a whole and to the vulnerable or diseased body part. The Ayurvedic therapies mentioned in this paper are not the only methods available from this comprehensive science, but will help us begin to understand how our mothers, wives, sisters and daughters can keep their bodies free from toxins and impurities and their immunity high even in modern times and thus avert the scourge of breast cancer.

Magnetic Health Therapy

Thursday 9 January 2014

Magnetic health therapy is now gaining good popularity and is fast emerging as a preferred method of treating the health problems in a natural way.

Today this magnetic therapy industry in the US exceeds more than $350 million dollars a year. Several products like magnetic bracelets, jewelry, strap for ankles, wrist; mattresses, shoe insoles and the magnetic blankets are very common things amongst the people with health consciousness. All these products actually fall in the static magnetic class as they are just like usual horseshoe magnets which were used by kids for playing. In these magnets the magnetic field is present at a steady rate.

Another form of magnetic therapy called pulsed magnetic therapy is quite different from the static type where the magnetic is dynamic in its duration and strength. For producing such pulsed magnetic field a special electric component along with a power source is needed.

The pulsating magnetic field is very beneficial for human body as it provides stimulus to the self healing process. Many of the health problems where the pulsed magnetic therapy can really help are: immune system imbalances, relaxation, body pain reduction (sinus pain, chronic pain, and illness), allergies and dermatology (Dermatitis, Rosacea, Eczema).

The supporters of the magnetic therapy believe that everything on this earth is controlled by the magnetic field. The disruption in this magnetic field is the main factor for the development of numerous issues regarding health in the humans. This is the main reason for the magnetic therapy. The health products which can transmit the pulsed magnetic waves can easily cause the adequate flow of a small amount of electric current in the body cells of the area to be treated. This is complimentary to the nature's electric current flow in our body and thus assists in the ability of the body to fight and lessen the effects of such illness.

The pulsed magnetic is used in the treatment can easily be tuned and controlled to resonate at natural frequencies in the human body system. Now this tuning becomes complimentary to the natural frequencies of our bodies and gives us a natural stimulus thus assisting us in the natural healing process.

Health Insurance Fraud: What You Should Know

Tuesday 7 January 2014

Health insurance fraud represents one of America's largest taxpayer rip-offs ever, costing Americans literally billions of dollars every year.

Due to rampant deception, scams and abuse in the health care system, consumers are forced to pay the price--literally--through escalating medical costs and rising health insurance premiums.

And government programs like Medicare and Medicaid, designed to help the low-income and elderly, represent two of the biggest losers of all.

Health Insurance Scams

According to the Insurance Information Institute, health providers and facilities such as doctors, hospitals, nursing homes, diagnostic labs and attorneys routinely attempt to defraud the health insurance system...with devastating results.

How do they do it? In a number of ways, including:

  1. Billing health insurance companies for expensive treatments, tests or equipment patients never had or never received
  2. Double- or triple-billing health insurers for the same treatments
  3. Giving health care recipients unnecessary, dangerous, or life-threatening treatments
  4. Selling low-cost health insurance coverage from fake insurance companies
  5. Stealing medical information and using it to bill health insurance companies for phantom treatments

If health insurance fraud knocks on your door, these types of scams may leave you with medical debts, damaged credit ratings, falsified health records, a high level of stress and overpriced health insurance premiums...or the inability to get any health insurance at all.

So what can you do about it?

Report it; then fight back!

What to Watch For

The first step to fighting health insurance fraud is keeping your eyes and ears open for abuse.

Be especially watchful for providers who:

  • Charge your health insurance company for services you never received or medical procedures you don't need
  • Give you prescriptions for controlled substances for no justified medical reason
  • Bill your health insurance company for brand-name drugs when you actually get generics
  • Misrepresent cosmetic or other health care procedures not usually covered by health insurance plans as covered

If you notice a health care provider doing any of these things, keep all supporting paperwork handy for reference, and then contact your health insurance company to let them know.

Then, if you're a Medicare or Medicaid recipient, call the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services and report the abuse.

Finally, contact your state department of insurance or the local police.

Fighting Health Insurance Fraud

To keep yourself from falling victim to health insurance fraud, take the following steps to fight back:

* Check with your state insurance department to make sure your health insurance company is licensed in your state.

* Check out your health insurance company for consumer complaints, fraud convictions and bankruptcies through your state department of insurance.

* Keep detailed medical records.

* Carefully review your billing statements.

* Never sign blank insurance claim forms.

* Avoid salespeople offering free health services or advice.

* Protect your medical records and information.

* Make sure you know what your health insurance policy covers--and what it doesn't.

* Never pay your health insurance premiums in cash.

* Be wary if you're asked to pay a full year's premium up front.

* Be on guard against medical providers claiming to be connected with federal programs or the government.

* Beware of health insurance companies offering you coverage at an unreasonably low price.

* Ask your health insurance provider about anything you don't understand regarding your bills.

Making a Difference

Protect your right to health insurance, lower your premiums and keep your medical information safe. All it takes is a little education, a watchful eye, and the willingness to make a difference!

Womens Health Fitness

Sunday 5 January 2014

Type in a couple of womens health fitness keywords into Google or any one of the many search engines and what do you get? You get some great sites related to womens health fitness and more

There are tons of womens health fitness websites some are little more than advertisements but many others provide a terrific supply of information relating to womens issues. Scientific research, data from studies, health conditions, nutrition, and fitness, as well as prevention and treatment information.

It's important for women to get accurate information about issues that directly relate to their health and that includes the latest on womens health fitness. What was thought the best advice only a year or so ago has now been improved.

For example today it is a well known fact that women suffer heart attacks at the same rate as men but they often present differently to emergency wards to many go undiagnosed. It has also bee shown that womens health fitness is critical to keeping women healthier especially after menopause when their natural protection dwindles.

Studies have also shown that women health fitness can make a big difference in a womens ability to maintain here weight. It seems after 40 women get the privilege of a few extra pounds suddenly appearing around the waste line and so with some proper exercise routines you can better defy mother nature.

Womens health fitness is finally getting the same attention that mens has for decades. Suddenly we realize that besides helping to keep the pounds off women also need to make sure that they are taking care of their cardio workouts.

This brings us to another subject - weight loss. For many women this is an ongoing battle that's not easy to resolve. Many would love to convince you that you need all kinds of diet pills to lose those pounds when really what you need is much simpler. You need to ensure that the calories you are burning exceed the calories you are taking in.

There are plenty of excellent health fitness resource sites for women and there are just as many terrific magazines that are full of helpful exercise tips, nutritional tips, and all kinds of tips to have you looking and feeling great. And isn't that what all women want? To look and feel their best?

Women may a great deal more attention to how they look and feel then men do. In general women are much more in tune to the signals their bodies are sending them and they are also much more interested in health fitness and how it affects their overall well being.

Men are more interested in fitness to great a buff, polished look although slowly they are beginning to recognize and understand the value of a cardio workout. Women on the other hand have long understood how their health fitness and their overall well being were directly related. And for one to have a terrific overall well being they needed to have a good health fitness ethic.

So the only question that remains is which type of health fitness program best suits your own personal lifestyle and goals.

The Benefits of Complementary Therapies

Friday 3 January 2014

Health is an important concern for everyone in their daily lives, particularly as they advance in age. While advances in the medical field have revolutionized options and technologies available within the mainstream health care system, they have also, conversely, brought to light many of the advantages and benefits associated with holistic therapies. When an individual examines the pros and cons of utilizing conventional medical care, there are many factors to be borne in mind.

A major pro relates to the individuals who work within this environment, whose extensive medical training over many years can help you in your efforts to improve your health. A major con, however, is associated with the pharmaceutical industry with its predominant focus on generating money and commercial profits rather than on improving health. Serendipitously, the financial strain arising from recent economic developments has led to growing numbers of medical professionals seeking to supply their clients with affordable therapies as against high cost pharmaceutical options.

This coming together of medical science and holistic therapies as complementary therapies is starting a new wave of medical care. When utilizing these different health systems as complementary therapies, you are availing of the benefits of both, which, in combination, offer you the best health options. Many individuals choose not to pursue complementary therapies due to their negative attitudes pertaining to holistic therapies. However many of the claims that have been made for holistic therapies in the past have now been proven and endorsed by medical science. When you opt for the complementary therapy approach, you are equipping yourself with knowledge available within the medical field while utilizing affordable and effective measures available within therapies with the overall objective of improving your health.

Currently a negative misconception exists with regard to holistic therapies the genesis of which can be directly correlated with the increasing commercial orientation of the pharmaceutical industry and the identification of significant profits accruing from manufactured drugs. As a result, there has been a concerted and widespread negative campaign against the use of therapies in favor of the solutions provided by the pharmaceutical industry.

Fortunately, the continuously increasing costs associated with pharmaceutical solutions have inspired ongoing research on the proven efficacy of therapies and now medical science supports many of these natural solutions. In addition to the fact that therapies are more affordable, they also offer improved health. Many of the negative side effects that are associated with pharmaceutical solutions are absent from the natural solutions offered by holistic therapies.

 
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