Have You Found A Weight Loss Plan That Works?

September 28th, 2008

Losing weight is a challenge. On that, we can all agree. Every day healthcare professionals argue over the cause(s) of obesity: is it nature or nurture?  If we say that the problem is “nature” (genetics), we may feel like victims and feel there is nothing we can do.  Saying it is “nurture” (behavior) may make us feel even worse, like we are real failures. Let’s try to “lose the labels” and deal with weight loss in a positive and constructive way…

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Oh, Where Did I Put Those Paper Filters?

August 20th, 2008

I learned today that blame for my elevated cholesterol my be on my love of coffee?

You may be one of the millions of people in the world who starts your day with a strong cup of coffee, and you’ve been skipping the half-and-half to spare your cholesterol, If you are, think again.

Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine have found that the effect half-and-half may have on your LDL (bad) cholesterol is nothing when compared to the oils in the coffee.

The researchers found that cafestol, a compound found in the oils in coffee, elevates cholesterol by hijacking a receptor in an intestinal pathway that is critical to cholesterol regulation. They found cafestol to be the most potent dietary cholesterol-elevating agent known.

Amazingly, the solution may be simple. Where did I hide those coffee filters?

NutraFruits Are Ready!

June 25th, 2008

TriVita has launched on their corporate web-site several new product offers and packaging. These new products can be reviewed and purchased at Trivita.com.

NutraFruits™
NutraFruits is the quick and easy way to help you get the right amount of fruits and vegetables each day.

  • An ORAC value of 4,954 per serving — it’s like having 8 servings of fruits and vegetables in every scoop
  • A low calorie powdered drink, containing the vital
    nutrients from over 30 of the healthiest fruits and vegetables on the planet
  • Supercharged with the antioxidant power of some of nature’s most exotic fruits, including Mangosteen, Goji Berries and Acai Berries
  • Probiotic blend to support the health of the gastrointestinal system and help boost the immune system

The recommendation of the health community is that we should get 8 or more servings of fruits and vegetables every day. This seems like an interesting alternative to eating a basket full of produce every day; think of all the time and work involved.

I’d rather mix a tall glass of NutraFruits in mere seconds. It costs a lot less, too!

Tension Headache Or Migraine?

June 15th, 2008

Not all headaches are migraines, and all migraines are not severe. The simple definition of a migraine is a “one-sided” headache - a headache that affects only one side of the head or the top of the head.

Headaches that affect both temples or both the front and back of the head are more likely due to tension, sinus infection, TMJ disorder or other cause.

This is where it gets a little controversial: To many people, the term migraine usually means a very severe and painful headache. In reality, though, migraine actually refers to the location and possibly the type of headache, and has nothing to do with severity. Some people who have migraines experience absolutely no pain, just visual symptoms. In contrast, other people with severe tension headaches require hospitalization.

Learn more…

Tips For Summer Happiness!

June 11th, 2008

Are you searching for ways to keep your stress at a minimum while squeezing as much fun and quality time as possible into your children’s summer break? These simple tips can help keep your kids happy and occupied while they’re at home this summer.

  1. Create a routine – Your children can easily become bored without a daily routine. Have your kids get out of bed the same time each morning, and give them a list of things to accomplish each day. Your children can participate in making ing the list. This list of goals will help your kids stay both academically and physically fit. Simple projects will help your child develop the healthy habit of setting and accomplishing goals.
  2. Use a practical reward system for accomplishing goals and finishing chores. Provide healthy, enriching rewards, like trips to the local pool or zoo, or a sleepover with friends.
  3. Read! Does your school offers a summer reading list for your child’s skill level? Studies show that reading enriches children’s imagination, and it boosts their language comprehension and writing skills, as well.
  4. Schedule a trip to the library. Trips to the library provide something to look forward to each week, and they can provide free entertainment. Go there to load up on books, videos and music CDs – all for free! Many libraries also offer free or low-cost children’s programming.
  5. Simplicity is the key. Consider skipping the big family vacation if saving up for it puts too much stress on your budget and your family. Most children love time alone with Mom or Dad. Try scheduling an afternoon off from all work. Turn off your cell phone and don’t check your emails. Just spend some time with the kids doing what they want to do. Kick a ball around the back yard. Go for a family bike ride. Visit the local museum, most importantly, make some memories.
  6. Take care of yourself. Find ways to unwind. When you are relaxed and happy, your kids are more likely to be relaxed and happy. In the same way, if you’re edgy and irritable, your kids may be too. If you struggle with keeping your stress out of your home, try TriVita’s Adaptogens 10 Plus, a healthy way to achieve stress relief and stress reduction without any negative side affects. Taking Adaptogens 10 Plus can help you feel happier and calmer within minutes, keeping the anxiety and irritability at bay while you spend quality time with your family.

You Should Be Concerned About Osteoporosis!

June 4th, 2008

The National Osteoporosis Foundation tells us that ten million people in North America have Osteoporosis, and eighty percent of them are women. As they age, one in two women and one in four men over the age of 50 will have an Osteoporosis-related fracture, and one in four people will die within a year of having a hip fracture from Osteoporosis. The death rate is twice as high for men as for women.

One in four people will become complete invalids following Osteoporosis related fractures. Only one-third of the people suffering an Osteoporosis-related hip fracture will heal and return to a normal life.

Men as well as women can be at risk for osteoporosis. The good news is that you can add back more than 5% of new, healthy bone mass every year you follow these steps — no matter how old you are or how thin your bones have become. You can turn back the clock on Osteoporosis with proper lifestyle choices and intense nutrition. Read the Osteoporosis article to learn how.

Why do people get shingles?

June 2nd, 2008

Shingles outbreaks (rashes or blisters on the skin) are associated with the virus, Varicella zoster. Usually, people are exposed to this virus when they get the chickenpox. Other people contract the virus but never have an outbreak or symptoms.

Although there is a strong association between the virus and the disease, this association is far from “cause and effect,” because many people who test positive for the virus never get chickenpox or shingles. And, only a tiny fraction of the people who have the virus ever get shingles.

So, the pertinent question is, how can you reduce your risk of getting shingles?

Read the complete article to learn more.

Does “Brain Food” Stop Tremors?

May 25th, 2008

Fine motor control originates in the cerebellum were all organized, efficient and large-scale movements of muscle groups are coordinated by the nervous system. However, fine motor control is coordinated through an added connected organ in the brain called the substantia nigra. This area allows you to do very delicate work.It’s amazing: The same muscles and nerves that perform vigorous movements, like those used to swing a golf club or tennis racquet, also coordinate refined and delicate movements used for artwork or sign language. This is possible because of the intricate communication between the substantia nigra, the cerebellum, spine, nerves and muscles.

The brain’s ability to resist disease

You brain has an amazing capacity called “system redundancy.” This is the ability to adapt to loss. You brain has built-in systems to take over functions in case of injury or illness. Take the substantia nigra for example, it coordinates fine muscle control. Do you know how much of this organ you’d have to lose before you would develop a movement disorder … 5% … 10% … 20%? The fact is, movement disorders such as Parkinson’s do not appear until about 60% of this area of the brain has died!

Read the complete article to learn more…

Seasonal allergies? - Five Tips For Dealing With Them!

May 20th, 2008

Last winter’s heavy rains and higher-than-normal temperatures have ushered in higher-than-normal amounts of airborne pollen and mold spores.  Experts predict this allergy season will really pack a punch! We offer five tips to help deal with this “over-the-top” allergy season:

  1. Track the pollen count, and take proactive measures. If the pollen count is high, don’t spend too much time outdoors. That may mean trading in your evening walk around the neighborhood for half an hour on the treadmill, but your lungs and sinuses will probably thank you for it.
  2. Do your spring-cleaning! If you suffer from any type of allergy, it’s important to wash all bedding at least once a week. Also, try not to bring pollen into the bedroom with you. Wash your hair before bed to get rid of the excess pollen that gathers there throughout the day.
  3. Give your dog a bath. Many allergy experts suspect that people who think they are allergic to their cats and dogs (in addition to airborne pollens) are probably only allergic to the pollen hiding in their pets’ fur. Give Rascal (or Fifi) a bath. It may improve your allergy symptoms.
  4. Get a good night’s sleep. Allergy symptoms often affect your quality of sleep, and exhaustion can exacerbate allergy symptoms, creating a vicious cycle. If you have trouble either falling asleep or staying asleep, consider trying TriVita’s Peaceful Sleep, a safe and effective homeopathic medicinal specifically formulated to help you get a good night’s sleep without feeling groggy the next day.
  5. Consider natural allergy treatments - and leave the side effects behind. If you want to feel better without feeling the drowsiness or jitters associated with over-the-counter allergy medications, TriVita’s Breath Easy may be the right allergy treatment for you. Breath Easy Formula is a doctor-formulated solution offering fast relief. If you’re suffering from sinus pain and congestion, try Breath Easy. It focuses on the secretions that cause breathing difficulties, working quickly for fast relief.

High Cholesterol May Lower Your Libido

May 18th, 2008

High stress is also associated with very high or low levels of cholesterol, which can result in a lowered libido.

The cholesterol connection
Your body uses cholesterol to make healthy levels of sex hormones. This is an interesting conversion and knowing about it can help you make healthier choices. You see, every fat that you include in your diet or take in supplements will end up as the fuel for some important process in your body. Good cholesterol is made from consuming good fats such as Omega-3 and evening primrose oil. Conversely, consuming bad fats will make bad cholesterol and bad (inflammatory) hormones.

High cholesterol can reduce libido
Stress blocks the enzyme that converts cholesterol into hormones. Think of a dam along a peaceful river: If you block the river, water will begin to fill behind the dam and flood the nearby landscape. Water below the dam will be reduced to a trickle. This is what happens when stress blocks cholesterol from being converted into hormones:

  • Blood levels of cholesterol build up.
  • Sex hormones that support a healthy libido trickle down.

Managing stress is the key to solving many of the cholesterol-related problems that result in low libido.

Continue reading to take control of your health