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Treadmill machines are one of the most beneficial pieces of exercise and physiologic equipment that we can invest in. This is especially true if we are building a mini gym right in our homes. This is also beneficial if we have family members who may require some form of highly controlled exercise machines to help them in their physical rehabilitation. Regardless of our reason for buying a treadmill machine, it is imperative that we choose the right one for us. While it is understandable that we may find ourselves gravitating towards the latest, highly innovative Sole F85 Treadmill, it still makes perfect sense to know how we can choose a good treadmill machine. Here’s how.

Always consider the purpose of buying a treadmill machine.

We have to understand that the very first treadmill machines were not really designed for fitness but rather as medical devices used to measure exercise tolerance among persons with cardiopulmonary problems. It is therefore not surprising if we see treadmills that are designed specifically for hospitals and for medical clinics as well as physical therapy clinics. Of course, we often see these machines in gyms. So, the very first thing we have to determine is what is our purpose for using the treadmill? Is it to exercise and be fit? Or is it to help a family member of ours to complete his or her physical rehabilitation?

Identify who will be using the machine most of the time.

Closely related to what we said above is the determination of who will be primarily using the treadmill machine. Typically, families will have members using the treadmill. So, we need to factor-in the weight of the heaviest member of our family. We can then choose a treadmill machine that can accommodate this weight with relative ease.

Do your homework before shopping.

Now that we have identified the purpose of buying a treadmill machine and who it is particularly for, we can now head on to the next phase which is finding out everything we can about a particular treadmill machine. We now have two parameters to narrow down our selection: purpose and weight capacity. From this shortlist, we can then start browsing through a variety of brands and models.

What we would generally advise, however, is to narrow down your selection some more. For example, you can list down the features that you need from your treadmill machine. Do you require controls that are very accessible and very easy to operate? How about the display monitor, do you want this to be highly readable? Do you require a folding type of treadmill or a non-folding variety? How about the price? It’s not unusual to get a treadmill machine that can cost $4,000 and upwards. Do you have a budget for this? How high can your budget take you?

Using these parameters, you can then use the filters on e-commerce websites to narrow down your search. Once we have narrowed the selection further, we can then look for reviews related to these products. Positive reviews are always welcome but you sometimes have to check whether these are paid reviews or not. Personally, we’d rather have a few negative comments or feedbacks as long as the comments can be justified. Having too many negative comments doesn’t help either. You can utilize social media platforms to ask around. There will always be someone somewhere who has already tried the treadmill machine.

Here’s a tip. Why don’t you try visiting several health clubs and gyms and find out what brand most of them are using? Try them out if you can so you’ll have an idea if it will be perfect for you.

Visit an authorized specialty health and fitness retailer.

Your best bet for getting a good treadmill machine is from an authorized retailer of specialty fitness equipment. It’s going to be quite expensive, though. You may order your treadmill online. However, we strongly recommend doing a very thorough research before hitting that “buy” button.

Always test the treadmill machine before buying.

Sometimes what you have read may not actually be what you get once you’re already in the store and in front of the treadmill machine. Make sure to test it. Are you comfortable walking, jogging, and running on it? Are the controls just as you have envisioned? Are there other features that you really like? Because a treadmill machine can be a significant investment, take your time testing it before nodding to buy it.

Choosing a good treadmill machine is not difficult. However, because it’s quite expensive you really have to be careful about making any drastic, unfounded decisions.

Buying a quality treadmill is like investing on your health. Apart from making a purchase on this helpful equipment, it would also be an advantage to feed your mind with informative topics about health and wellness. To achieve this, simply click here

More and more individuals and families are buying townhouses instead of single detached homes primarily because of the many advantages of a close-knit neighborhood community afforded by these townhouse complexes. While some might question whether there are any health benefits that can be derived from small house living especially when compared to single detached homes, more homeowners find living in a townhouse complex to be particularly advantageous to them and their loved ones.

While it is true that townhouses do not have the luxury of a backyard or even a lawn or any other empty space with which one can call their own, townhouses do have front lawns that can be landscaped to suit the tastes of the homeowner. Having a backyard will often mean that homeowners will have excellent ventilation as well as unrestricted access to fresh air. On the other hand, because townhouses are built in such a way that the walls are shared by adjacent townhouse units, people often think that air circulation and ventilation is poor. Perhaps the only drawback is that you won’t have a backyard to do your gardening or your landscaping project. Other than that, there is not much difference between a townhouse and a single-detached home, except from the price, of course.

Now, if you look at some of the properties for sale on Chilli Realty you will see that many of the townhouses are built in such a way that they are energy-efficient. You may not know it but energy efficiency can be indirectly related to one’s health. A home that cannot manage the exchange of temperatures between the interior and exterior of the home can lead to a host of health problems owing to the imbalance in heat transfers. People can get easily sick even indoors. And while cooling or heating systems can help create a more comfortable interior environment, you will also have to check on your energy expenditure. Rising costs of energy bills can lead to anxiety which can lead to health problems. An energy-efficient townhouse helps you stay relaxed and calm because you won’t have to worry about prohibitive energy bills.

Additionally, townhouses have their neighbors literally just behind their wall. This increases the sense of security. Again, it translates to lesser worries and lesser anxieties. If you need to go on a long trip with your family, your next-door neighbor can literally watch over your property while you are away. This way you can enjoy your holiday vacation less the anxiety of thinking about your property. You cannot ask a neighbor to look after your single detached home as efficiently as they can on a townhouse unit.

Furthermore, because most townhouses are located in a private enclave, say a subdivision, you can gain access to common areas such as swimming pools, gyms, children’s playground, and other recreational facilities. These are excellent for maintaining a more well-rounded health for you and your family.

The health benefits of living in a townhouse may not be readily apparent. Nevertheless, townhouse living does provide health benefits stemming from not having to worry so much about property security, energy utilization, and enjoyment for the whole family. Access to these amenities results to convenient living which therefore leads to a more relaxed and stress-free lifestyle. Stress, being the culprit to many illnesses and diseases today, must be eradicated. If this is not possible then at least it must be reduced.

There is nothing more fulfilling than to be given the chance to carry life for 37 to 38 weeks and then bringing the life out into this world. For many, it is the culmination of womanhood, a testament of their nature. It is for this reason that the pregnant woman receive the best and highest quality of prenatal care for both the individual and the unborn child in her womb. Prenatal care involves the management of certain physical complaints associated with pregnancy such as nausea and vomiting or morning sickness as well as quickening and lightening. For the first-time mother, the prenatal period is often very stressful.

As much as possible, pregnant mothers are discouraged to take any form of medication especially during the first three months of pregnancy. It is during this period that the different vital organs of the embryo are developing. Certain medications have been shown to be teratogenic, producing congenital malformations in the child. Unfortunately, one of the most common complaints of first trimester pregnancy is nausea and vomiting. And if this is not managed by medications, what can?

Thankfully, there are alternative treatments that have been proven effective and, best of all, safe for the pregnant mother as it does not involve the introduction of harmful chemicals in the body. Freedom Chinese Medicine suggests acupuncture as a means to manage the different symptoms associated with pregnancy (click here to find out more about FCM acupuncture service). Exactly how acupuncture helps in the management of pregnancy complaints requires understanding of the basic principles surrounding acupuncture.

Traditional Chinese medicine has always been based on the principle of balancing two polar opposites, the Yin and the Yang. Between these two polar opposites is the life energy or qi which literally moves between the two opposites. Balance must be achieved in order to maintain optimum health. While science cannot explain what Yin, Yang, and Qi really means in empirical terms, the effectiveness of acupuncture is strongly associated with the indirect stimulation of the central nervous system through peripheral nerve stimulation. The end result is the release of various neurotransmitters and neurohormones as well as natural endorphins which have been shown to play a role in the mitigation of the pregnancy symptoms. It is this central nervous system stimulation that acupuncture is serving its purpose. The release of endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine can all lead to a much calmer effect on the anxious pregnant woman. As anxiety can heighten pregnancy symptoms, producing a more calming effect can also reduce the incidence and severity of the pregnancy symptoms.

One of the most common complaints among pregnant women is morning sickness. The nausea and vomiting associated in first trimester pregnancies have been related to the abnormally high concentrations of the hormone Human Chorionic Gonadotropin which also leads to the elevation of serum progesterone levels. The increased progesterone relaxes the stomach and the small intestines. The diminished peristaltic activity leads to nausea and vomiting as may occur in acid reflux disorders. Acupuncture targeting the wrist has been shown to improve nausea and vomiting symptoms.

With a progressively growing fetus in the mother’s womb, it is inevitable that the lordotic posture of pregnant women will lead to low back pain as well as pelvic pain. This is especially true in the last 4 months of the pregnancy because of the growing fetus shifting the mother’s abdominal weight forward. Pregnant mothers who received acupuncture during this time reported a significant reduction in lumbar pain – both the lower back and the pelvis. In fact, 4 out of 5 pregnant women have shown improvements in their lower back and pelvic pains after acupuncture. The effects are largely attributed to acupuncture’s ability to stimulate the release of endorphins and natural opioids which act to suppress the pain sensation in the brain.

One in 4 pregnant women also suffer from depression which can affect the health and wellbeing of the unborn child in their wombs. Acupuncture has been known to stimulate the release of serotonin and dopamine, two of the body’s natural feel-good neurotransmitters in the brain. This can significantly help improve the overall sense of wellbeing of the pregnant woman.

Headaches and sleep problems can also be managed by acupuncture. Both pregnancy complaints are attributed to the stimulation of the central nervous system to release natural endorphins and opioids to manage the pain. Acupuncture also stimulates the release of gamma-aminobutyric acid to induce relaxation and produce sleep.

Acupuncture is an inexpensive, effective, and very safe way to manage the different complaints of pregnancy. Don’t you think it’s about time to seek a professional and licensed acupuncturist to help you with your pregnancy symptoms?

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Everyone knows that moles are skin imperfections that can either be left alone as it is or be removed entirely. There are many individuals who have their moles removed purely for aesthetic purposes, often in pursuit of a flawless looking skin. However, there are also those who would want their moles removed simply because of an overriding concern for its possible cancerous nature. Either way, the most frequent question these individuals ask is ‘how painful is mole removal?’

Before you can begin to appreciate the presence or absence of pain in mole removal, it is best to understand moles first.

Moles are skin imperfections that are produced when melanocyte skin cells clump together leading to the dark pigmentation seen on the skin. Experts believe that the malformation can be attributed to a host of factors owing to the fact that some moles appear during puberty and well into young and middle adulthood. The most common culprits cited for this phenomenon are prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, stress, and hormonal changes. There are also moles that you are born with. These are often a result of a problem during embryonic development where, instead of being evenly scattered throughout the body, some melanocytes clumped together at certain parts of the body.

One of the more compelling reasons why moles are removed is their tendency to become malignant, known as melanoma. Generally, however, doctors would recommend leaving moles as they are because they do not necessarily pose any significant threat. Unless, of course, the mole seem to have an asymmetrical shape or has very irregular border, has exhibited a change in color, or is evidently evolving, then removal will be mandatory. These are often taken as a sign of beginning malignancy especially when these mole characteristics are present together with pain, itching, and has a diameter of more than a quarter of an inch.

Now there are several ways in which moles can be removed. Doctors would always recommend surgical procedures while dermatologists would recommend laser treatments. Some would even recommend the use of natural remedies. Among these three general classes of mole removal, the most effective will be either surgery or laser treatments while the safest will be going natural. Nonetheless, it is best to examine each one a little closer.

Surgical Methods

Doctors recommend surgical removal of the mole in order to obtain a tissue sample for further testing. Surgical methods are often indicated in moles that are unusually large and protruding or elevated. This is needed in order to determine whether the mole is cancerous or not. If it is, then further tests can be initiated to determine if the cancer has inadvertently spread to other parts of the body. There are three fundamental types of surgical mole removal – excision surgery, shaving, and punch biopsy. As in any other type of surgical procedure, there will always be pain in addition to inflammation and eventual scarring of tissue. Before the procedure however, the doctor will give you an anesthetic so you will not feel the surgical blade cutting through your skin and removing the mole. After the procedure, however, and as the effects of the anesthesia wear off, you will feel mild to moderate stinging pain but nothing that an over-the-counter analgesic will not manage.

Laser Treatment

Laser mole removal uses high intensity light beams to break down the molecules of the mole and allow these to be reabsorbed naturally by the body. However, it is only ideal for small and generally flat moles. Since the skin will be subjected to intense light which translates to heat, there will be a stinging type of pain. Some dermatologists will often spray a local anesthetic in order to numb the area prior to laser treatment.

Natural Methods

Moles removed by natural methods perhaps are the safest when it comes to the pain experience. However, their effectiveness is highly variable. Apple cider vinegar, baking soda with castor oil, honey with ground flaxseed and flaxseed oil, garlic, banana peel, and tea tree oil have all been used as natural remedies for the removal of moles. Now, aside from a slightly burning or tingling sensation, these treatments provide the most pain-free experience anyone can find.

Is mole removal painful? That depends on your pain threshold. Being objective however will suggest that surgical methods will give the most pain followed by laser treatments. Your safest bet will be the natural methods. Nonetheless, if you really want to remove moles, will pain really matter more than the effectiveness?

For more health articles such as this, click here to read more.

Physiotherapy is used to help restore individuals so that they can learn muscle movement again, or to help overcome pains and aches after an accident. Massaging, exercising and manipulating the body, all falls in the field of physiotherapy. These are methods that physiotherapists use to help speed up the recovery period of the patient after an illness or accident. These are also used to prevent the onset of a disease.

A physiotherapist works by using a number of therapy exercises to focus on the affected areas in the body of the patient. The physio also works to increase the mobility and the quality of life of the patient. These professionals work in hospitals, residential homes, private clinics, in sports teams, in schools and more. You can also visit www.oztop10.com as it has a list of certified physios in Melbourne.

A good physio in Melbourne directory list can offer relief for a wide variety of physical problems. The physiotherapy deals with the systems within the body such as the musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular system, neuromuscular system and respiratory system. Physiotherapists obtain the necessary training, which enable them to help people to strengthen all of these body systems. They can also perform the job of assisting a patient to heal and recover after a major surgery. In addition, you are able to see a physiotherapist with or without a referral from a medical doctor.

Services of the Physiotherapists 

Physiotherapist assist those who are suffering from health-related disorders, ailments or injuries that hinder their abilities to move and carry out daily activities. Their main responsibility is to determine and improve the movement of a person through a variety of techniques. These include:

  • Health promotion
  • Preventive healthcare
  • Treatment
  • Rehabilitation

Health Promotion and Preventive Healthcare

Physiotherapists are also manage the screening process of the patient in which an array of medical tests are performed to determine the present movement potential. Health promotion and preventative healthcare are essential aspects of the roles of a physio. These areas cover the promotion of maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle. Preventative healthcare incorporates several areas that when used together can create a significant contribution to the well-being of the patient, which include:

  • Muscle building strategies
  • Daily exercise plans
  • Weight management techniques
  • Detailed nutrition guidelines

Treatment and Rehabilitation

The physio takes on various roles in the rehabilitation of the patient. Whether a person is struggling with a neurological condition or a musculoskeletal injury, a physiotherapist will help with the process of rehabilitation. The main goal is to regain the mobility of the patient by using a number of rehabilitative approaches, including:

  • Body work
  • Joint manipulation
  • Joint mobilization
  • Massage therapy
  • Muscle manipulation

As mentioned earlier, a physiotherapist does not only focus on the rehabilitation and physical treatments. There is also a job to provide assistance in treating psychological problems. The professional may be expected to aid a person who is experiencing stress and mental pain. By doing this, the patient will have some mental preparation for muscle stimulation and physical activity.

Aspects of Healthcare 

Physiotherapists work on many different areas and are well trained to have a knowledge of cultural, psychological and social aspects that affect an individual. Many of their works are conducted in hospitals in which their expert services are available in just about every department. Most hospitals today have modern facilities and equipment such as cryotherapy apparatus, physiotherapy gyms and hydrotherapy equipment, making it much easier for a physio to help patients recover. A physiotherapist may perform the job in areas such as in:

  • Orthopedics
  • Outpatient care
  • Pediatrics
  • Occupational health
  • Mental illness
  • Sports physiotherapy

To Conclude 

The physiotherapists are the practitioners that provide services in the health care industry. This means that they have the ability to diagnose certain types of conditions. They can prescribe drugs and medicine whenever necessary. They may also recommend other kinds of treatment including changes in diet and lifestyle, and the use of preventative wellness programs. They aim at improving the fitness of the patients as well as combat things like obesity. It is typical for a medical doctor to send a patient to a physio to help deal with damaged joints, arthritis or broken bones. This is because the job off the physiotherapists is to help people regain mobility in the damaged areas and thus combat disability from various physical conditions.

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These nutrients are needed by the human body for a variety of purposes. Chief among these purposes is the generation of energy, the production of molecules necessary for growth and development, and the maintenance of vital cellular processes.

The Need for Nutrient Supplementation

If you are to consume the right kinds and correct amounts of food from across the different food groups, then nutritional imbalances might as well be a thing of the past. Fortunately there are those who constantly remind modern individuals that nutrient supplementation is one of the surest ways to obtain the right types and amounts of nutrients. Logging onto essentialhealthfoods.com.au will show you just how important nutrient supplementation has become.

The age of 50 is considered by many as that time when the body already is on a decline towards the many changes that is observed among the elderly. Beefing up on nutrient supplementation at this stage will help reduce the impact of nutrient deficiencies in old age.

Nutrient Supplementation among the Elderly

The elderly members of the population are largely considered as a vulnerable group alongside young children, pregnant women, and people with severely compromised immune system. While the elderly may not necessarily have disease conditions, the mere fact that their bodies are already at a reduced levels of functioning, they require nutrient supplementation more than anyone else.

First and foremost, changes in the gastrointestinal system of the elderly predispose them to health problems which can significantly affect the way they consume food. In the oral cavity itself, changes in dentition as well as the strength of the muscles of chewing will render them unable to bite and chew on food. This is important to break down food into smaller pieces so that the different enzymes in the digestive tract can be more efficient in dissolving them. Many elderly have already lost several of their teeth. And while false teeth may help, the bite force of their jaw is simply not as strong as it used to be. If you cannot chew on food, then you will only be able to consume softer, more liquid types of food items. This greatly diminishes the amount of nutrients taken by the body.

Second, the digestive tract of the elderly undergoes structural changes as he age. This can mean reduced levels of stomach acids necessary to digest the food or chyme that is present in the gastric region. Or the elderly may already have gastric ulcerations making feeding a little bit painful because of the secretion of gastric acids. In the small intestines where majority of the digestion and absorption of nutrients take place, reduced digestive enzymes and molecules from the pancreas and liver may lead to the inadequate absorption of nutrients. Liver produces bile that gets stored in the gall bladder while the pancreas releases a host of pancreatic enzymes. If there is a problem in any of these structures, including the small intestines, then nutrients will not be adequately absorbed.

Lastly, the elderly will have significant changes in the different cellular processes owing to the effects of aging. As such, they may consume the right amounts of nutrients but is largely insufficient to allow for optimum functioning.

Health Benefits of Nutrient Supplementation for the Elderly

Nutrient supplementation is something that is needed by everyone, particularly those who are highly vulnerable to the effects of micronutrient deficiencies.

Individuals aged 50 and above will benefit most of all from nutrient supplementation because it supplies them with the necessary amounts of nutrients which they would otherwise not be able to obtain from dietary sources alone. Because of the many structural changes that occur in the elderly body, nutrient supplementation serves as a buffer or an adjunct to healthy, well-balanced diet. This results in the maintenance of physical strength and cardiovascular endurance as well as the optimization of the elderly individual’s metabolic processes. The immune system is improved and cognitive-perceptual functioning can also be enhanced.

It is worth noting that nutrient supplementation is vital among those who are vulnerable to micronutrient deficiencies. The structural and functional changes that occur during late adulthood make nutrient supplementation even more a necessity in order to maintain health and ensure better quality of life.

Playing a musical instrument such as the drum, and staying fit all at the same time, definitely sound like a good idea, right? You can say that it is a healthy way to be fit. Although many health experts agree with the fact that exercising is still the best method in preventing various kinds of illnesses, there are researchers all over the world who were doing a comprehensive study about the health benefits of drumming.

Studies have shown that at least an hour of drumming session keeps the heart rate up. It creates a whole new world of wonder to the immune system. Blood runs through the muscles, taking with it the oxygen that is rich in nutrients. While the muscles and joints become flexible, the back receives a good workout. Continuous activity attacks the body with new white blood cells, protecting you from many kinds of health issues.

All the more encouraging are the results that suggest that drumming can relieve severe neurological disorders. Neurologists have observed the capability of natural rhythms to aid individuals with their conditions. It is a good therapeutic solution for individuals suffering from these illnesses.

Moreover, drumming helps children with special needs in the aspects of social skills, emotional expression, speech, cognition, motor strength and control.

Playing drums requires an effort from the largest group of body muscles, consisting of the stomach, back and legs. Although it requires minor work from the upper limbs, it is still a good activity as opposed to just sitting in front of the television.

Many individuals are born with the gift of talent which applies very much in the field of music and the arts. Say for instance, some are born with a golden voice while others are naturally capable in dancing. Every individual is said to have a hidden talent which can be nurtured and cultivated. When it comes to drumming, this skill can already be learned through music education such as Red Drum Music lessons. And the good thing is that it does not require a particular age to be in. Drumming is an open entity which can be learned by everyone.

Health and Immune Functions

Medical researches have shown that drumming reduces the body’s reaction to stress and boosts the disease fighting cells. These studies have proven that engaging in drum circles can increase the defense mechanism of the body, and can alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, high blood pressure, migraines, arthritis, asthma, cancer and many other conditions. It also helps speed up the healing period.

A lot of hospitals hold drum circles for their patients, as it has been discovered that group drumming stimulates the white blood cells, which kill cancer and virally-infected cells. Furthermore, it has shown psychological and neurological benefits.

Social Well-being

Drumming is an effective experience of working with other people successfully. In group drumming, respect and acceptance for others emerge as every person recognizes the overall sound is better than an individual part. The activity can be enjoyed by everybody and connects all ages and cultures around the globe.

Right and left Brain Coordination

Basically, the left and right brain hemispheres process information differently. The thinking and learning process improve when the brain takes part as a way to balance things. The majority of people, for a number of reasons, usually process information by using more dominant side. The bilateral dynamics of drumming makes it a great tool for conditioning the less dominant side of the brain.

Some additional benefits of drumming are:

  • Longer periods of concentration and focus
  • Educational driven
  • Creative thinking
  • The ultimate brain-gym exercise generates a slower brain state, producing positive results
  • Leadership and team building skills improved group morale
  • Develop spatial awareness

Every one of these benefits causes you to look at life in a more positive way. As a result, you become sociable, productive, fun and open-minded. Another great thing about drum playing is that it attracts other music artists to direct their attention at you. Drumming is an opportunity to share your talent to other people. And, staying in good physical condition is a huge plus for you. The healthier you are, the easier for you to play the instrument for longer hours.