Enhancing the Immune System - Huang Qi to the Rescue

This time of year brings beauty, wonder and its own set of health challenges. By now 'the little ones' have spent a few weeks back in school rubbing their little hands all over the desks, handrails and shared art supplies and scissors. Sadly, but more than likely, they've brought all kinds of microbes and bacteria happily home to you! So where does 'Huang Qi' come in?

It is highly regarded as an adaptogenic herb which enhances your immune system and helps to prevent colds and flu in addition to providing anti-biotic qualities. But it truly does so much more. Huang Qi also detoxifies, purifies and increases circulation to transport essential vitamins & minerals to cells.

As you well know it is near impossible to read labels these days, with Latin, English and Chinese terms along with all the different names herbs are known by - no less what benefits they give. This is one reason I have decided to bring some of this information to a more understandable (layman terms) level. To give you a prime example, Astragalus Root is the common name; the Latin name is Radix Astragali and the Chinese name for this herb is 'Huang Qi'. 'Huang' means 'yellow' (for its color) and 'Qi' means 'superior' or 'senior' suggesting that it was considered to be a superior herb.

Huang Qi, a traditional Chinese herb, has been around for over 4,000 years. Also known as Astragalus, it is an adaptogenic herb (adaptogen) that helps the body resist the damaging effects of stress while restoring normal body functions, among many other things!

Adaptogens:

An 'adaptogenic' herb adapts to whatever the body needs! (For example, it will lower high blood pressure, but raise low blood pressure.) You could say that they stimulate the body's own self-regulation process; they work at the cellular level to improve the function and vitality of every cell in the body!

Adaptogens are also considered to be anti-aging herbs and are beneficial to the whole body. They never have just one function, but they will actually go to the organ which needs assistance and help rebalance it.

The benefits of herbs, known to be adaptogens, are that they can restore the body to homeostasis better than any medicine because they target and strengthen the whole body. Many athletes throughout the world use adaptogenic herbs to enhance their performance. They are as legal and as safe as using food and supplements.

As we age we expect our 'youth' to diminish, but it doesn't necessarily have to - at least, I believe, not to the degree that we see in our culture. We can keep a very high degree of our physical-ness: beauty, athletic ability, stamina and even sexual virility well into our twilight years! I believe it's all up to us and the choices we make.

Astragulus (Huang Qi) is known to:

Increase circulation and boost vitality
Enhance recovery after illness, disease, or prolonged stress
Increase Basal Metabolic Rate
Aids adrenal function
Antibacterial and antiviral
Anti-inflammatory
Antioxidant
Aids digestion
Combats fatigue, increases stamina
Speed healing
Diuretic to remove edema
Prevent colds, flu and upper respiratory infections
Increases the production of blood cells
Widely used for treating the spleen and the lungs
Enhance immune function by increasing 'natural killer cell activity' (a 'good' white blood cell) and enhancing 'macrophage activity' (a large white blood cell that ingests infectious foreign particles.
Nature has given us some wonderful gifts - and this is just one of them...

There are even studies where Astragalus has proven to have an anti-tumor effect and can benefit chemotherapy. Quite an impressive herb, wouldn't you say?

With all of these incredible properties no wonder this adaptogenic herb (and 5 others) is used in so many of our proprietary formulations! So, with the cold and flu season coming on, why not arm yourself with all the natural tools available to you?

Diann Clark is co-founder of Ancient Herbal Secrets, an all-natural product company. Ancient Herbal Secrets carries formulas for Health, Beauty and Longevity which help to balance and harmonize your body.

These secret (Bi Bong) formulas have been recently introduced to the West. They have benefited thousands of people around the world. Six different adaptogenic herbs are used in our formulas. Huang Qi can also be found in all of our Therapeutic Soaks. One bottle gives you three restful and healthful soaks.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7349459

Advice From the Dentist for Growing Children

A dentist is necessary in the maintenance and supervision of a child's oral cavity health. Even babies need to have their oral cavity checked to give the parents and the dental professional a chance to asses it for any possible issues in the future.

Maintenance

Parents are encouraged to bring their babies in for a checkup as soon as the first tooth shows itself to give the dentist a chance to assess the condition of the gums and the oral cavity. It is important to do this because cavities can appear when there is no maintenance and care. Plaque can also appear when the parents do not make any effort towards oral hygiene and maintenance. This is entirely up to the parents because the baby still cannot take care of herself in almost all the aspects. The dental professional will recommend a gentle way to clean the existing tooth as well as what to do when the others follow. Bottle-feeding and thumb sucking are points of concern for the dental professional because these can have an effect on the future of the pearly whites. It is also a good idea to regularly visit the clinic in order to establish a good impression on the child regarding the pediatric professional who might be taking care of her teeth for the next several years. Parents should also ask about fluoride supplements. These may be necessary if the area where they live does not have water that is supplemented. Most of the drinking water supplied by the government has supplements but some remote areas might not have.

The dentist should also be concerned about the maintenance of primary teeth. Some parents do not mind these because they believe that the permanent ones that appear around seven are more important. The reality of it is that the placement of the temporary ones will dictate the settings of the permanent ones. The early loss of temporary teeth can lead to crooked teeth in the future. This is primarily because the empty space it leaves behind can encourage the other teeth to shift their places.

The shift can lead to crooked permanent teeth and the need for orthodontic help in the future. There are some measures that the dental professional can do to ensure that the temporary pearly whites do not shift to the empty spaces but this will require the use of space maintainers. Older children will need to be taught how to clean and maintain their teeth properly. Haphazardly brushing will lead to poor dental hygiene and possibly the accumulation of plaque and development of cavities. A dentist might also recommend the use of a sealant to cover the enamel of the existing set to prevent it from developing cavities. The professional will need to ask the parents if they agree to the use of the sealant before it can be applied.

There are many other points, which parents and children need to be aware of when it comes to oral cavity care. The dentist can enlighten them regarding most, if not all of these points.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7352624

Top Ten Questions About Herbs

1) What is an herb anyway?

The word "herb" technically means "grass" in Latin. Herbs are plants that wither back each Autumn. Trees and shrubs aren't technically herbs in this sense, but there are many healing shrubs and trees that are used in herbal healing. So basically when you ask what an herb really means to an herbalist, it's a plant that has medicinal value-and that includes every type of medicinal plant whether it's a tree, shrub, grass, or even a fungus.

2) Do herbs really work?

In ancient times, our ancestors learned about healing herbs by trial and error. Anything that would make their lives a bit more predictable acquired almost an aura of magic because they knew they worked, but they didn't know why or how. Today we have the benefit of validation thanks to the advent of the scientific method. Modern science has taught us how and why herbs actually work. They contain chemicals, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that produce different results in the body. It's not like pharmaceuticals where one type of chemical is neatly isolated, precisely measured, and has a defined reaction. Herbs are different from pharmaceuticals in that they usually have varied strengths and mixtures of these chemicals in them.

3) Are herbs really safe to use?

Some people think herbs are perfectly safe because they're natural. Other people think modern medicine is the safest because it's a precise dosage of an isolated chemical. There's a bit of truth to both arguments. We can look at statistics of overdose of pharmaceuticals and those of herbs. Whether the overdose of pharmaceuticals is intentional or accidental, the issue of safety is that they tend to be highly concentrated, and pills and capsules have little to no taste which are factors enabling an easy overdose. Herbs on the other hand have active chemicals that are usually less concentrated and have the built-in overdose deterrent, in that most of the herbs are bitter. Also, it takes a bit more time for some herbs to build in the body because of herbs being a more gentle, slow solution whereas pharmaceuticals are more instantaneous because of their concentration. So the real answer lies in the person using the herbs, their research in the herbs used, and their personal responsibility for their health needs.

Here are some general guidelines of safety:

· Don't take herb identity for granted. If you are not 100% of what a wild plant is, don't use it.

· Use only recommended amounts for recommended periods.

· If you're over 65 or sensitive to drugs in general, start with lower strength preparations.

· Pay attention to what your body tells you.

· Be extra cautious if you have a pre-existing condition or chronic disease.

· Be extra cautious when using herbal oils, they're extremely concentrated.

· With a few exceptions, pregnant and nursing women shouldn't use medicinal amounts of herbs.

· With few exceptions, children under the age of 2 should not use medicinal amounts of herbs.

Just to be safe it's always a good idea to discuss using herbs with your doctor.

4) How do you know what herb to use?

Luckily our ancestors did a lot of the work for us and history has kept excellent records of both failures and successes people have had with various herbs. While many herbs were used for certain ailments in history, some have been proven scientifically ineffective. There are a few questions you should answer to help narrow down your search for what herbs you'll be using.

First, what reason do you want to use an herb? Are you sick with a cold? Maybe you need a known expectorant. Do you want something that is known to create a certain reaction such as reduces appetite? When you answer these questions you can search for herbs that are known to have those properties.

Second, what method do you feel comfortable using to take the herb? If you want to have a nice tasting tea or infusion, you'll have to see what herbs are pleasing to the palate. If taste is a factor and you know the perfect herb for you is horrible tasting, consider capsules or a tincture to make those factors easier to deal with.

Lastly, what other properties does this herb have that I need to take into account? Would it interfere with a pre-existing condition, allergy, or medication? Always ask your doctor just to make sure.

5) How do know how much of an herb to use?

Typically a dose recommendation involves a range of 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of dried herb per cup of water. Start on a lower end if you have a chronic illness, are generally sensitive to drugs, are over 65 or using the herbs to treat a child. If you're an otherwise healthy adult without particular sensitivity to drugs, feel free to start with a stronger dose.

Let your body tell you if you need more or less judging from how you feel. For example for headaches, the adult aspirin dose is two tablets every 4 hours. But through experience you learn what is right for you. Just like some people are fine with one Aspirin, others may need two or three to get relief, herbs are the same way as all people react differently. Research the herb you're interested in before taking a dose, ask your doctor about any concerns with taking the herb, and mostly listen to your body to tell you what's right for you.

6) How do I choose what form to buy my herbs?

Our herbs come in whole, cut and sifted (c/s), powdered, and sometimes capsules and salves. The question you need to ask yourself is how are you planning on using the herb and are you certain you won't use it for other reasons. If you're open to experimenting with various preparation methods get the most unchanged form possible, either whole or cut and sifted. You can always powder a portion, or reduce the herb how you desire as the need arises. Powdered, salves, and capsules are the most convenient forms available to use but not quite as versatile as the whole, unaltered form. Think about your current skill level and the purpose you intend to use, and make a judgment call on what is right for you.

7) Herbs look complicated, can I really do this?

If you can make a box of macaroni and cheese, you can just as easily use herbs. There's no fancy alchemy magic that requires scientific know-how or a chemistry degree. Through the ages people have been experimenting with the best ways to use herbs and luckily most of those are what we call infusions. Infusions are simply a very concentrated form of tea. So if you think you can do some research, measure out a teaspoon of herb and a cup of water, you can use herbs! There are many other ways to use herbs that involve methods that are more unfamiliar to most people, but they're really still not much more complicated than cooking a simple meal out of a box. We are here to show you each step of the way just how easy it is to use herbs.

8) Why should I purchase a pound of an herb?

The first obvious reason is economy. For example an ounce of Parsley at Walmart is about $4.24 per ounce. At Herbs for Remedies a pound costs $15.45, which is about 96 cents per ounce. Even if you factor in shipping that's $1.41 per ounce. Would you rather pay $4.24 or $1.41?

Then you factor in the carbon footprint of all the extra plastic packaging and waste that comes along with individual size bottles, their shipment, packaging in boxes, and transportation to the stores. Then there's the pollution factories produce when making plastic bottles and labeling. The list goes on!

Not to mention most of the bottles on the shelves are clear which is bad for preserving the herbs. It's also a problem with controlling the amount of air the herbs are exposed to since as you use the herb the bottle contains more air which drains the herbs of its qualities. Herbs for Remedies uses an economical, yet strong opaque (light-proof) bag where you can adjust the amount of air that is exposed to the herbs as you use them.

9) A pound of herbs seems like a lot, what will I do with it all?

The good news is that herbs usually have many many uses around the house that we might not be thinking of. For example Basil isn't just for cooking, it also kills intestinal parasites, boosts the immune system by 20%, and has been used successfully to treat acne. That's four uses the herb has suddenly, stead of just in cooking!

One idea that many of our customers do often is splitting and sharing with neighbors and family. Collaborating on an herbal list can be a great bonding experience and several of these have turned into regular group activities.

Many people split the herbs up and make vinegars, flavored salts and sugars, and many other mixtures and give them away as gifts. The possibilities are limitless when you add in pretty bottles, boxes, bins, and baskets. You'll never be caught unprepared again when you find you suddenly need a gift for an occasion.

10) How long are my herbs going to keep and how should I store them?

The bags we ship our herbs in are the perfect container for your herbs, but if you keep two main factors in mind, you can transfer your herbs into other containers.

Those factors are oxygen and light exposure. Always store your herbs in opaque containers. Also, to limit the amount of oxygen your herbs are exposed to, either reduce the amount of air as much as possible from the bags, or if you're using other containers use cotton wadding to limit the amount of oxygen inside of them.

Moisture, insects, and heat are other factors that quickly ruin herbs if not prevented.

Most aromatic herbs (such as sage, rosemary, and thyme) can remain potent for more than a year, and non-aromatic herbs (such as alfalfa, comfrey, and chaparral) last about two years.

If you prepare your herbs they have various shelf lives. Infusions and decoctions do not have an extended shelf life and should be made as needed. Tinctures however can last for at least two to three years, some much longer if properly stored.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7347362

Should Children With Temporary Orthopedic Impairments Be Left Out of Physical Education?

Fractures, sprains, and strains are injuries that happen in everyday life to many children. These injuries are healed by using different types of casts, crutches, slings, and splints.

After these injuries occur most children are sent back to school with a note from a doctor that says "Please excuse _________ from participating in Physical Education for the next six to eight weeks". What does this mean for a child's health? These children are not allowed to get physical activity and fitness into their life for up to eight weeks. This does not make much sense for many reasons.

If a child with a temporary Orthopedic Impairment, such as a broken arm went to their English class and had to take a written test but could not because their dominant arm was broken that teacher would most likely accommodate that student by having them take the exam orally. Can accommodations be made for students in Physical Education? The answer is Yes! For example, a students with a broken arm can practice soccer dribbling skills. That student may also practice throwing a football, baseball, or frisbee with their non dominant hand. Practicing with their non dominant hand can increase a student's skill level. For a student who may have broken a leg or foot they can use a wheelchair and play wheelchair basketball. They may also focus on more activities that require upper body.

Why should these students sit out of Physical Education due to a temporary Orthopedic Impairment? These impairments should not hold them back from physical activity. Children with permanent Orthopedic Impairments participate in Physical Education so why should these children be exempt. Some may argue that these students should be exempt so that no further injury will be caused. With correct accommodation and modifications made for these children no further injury will be caused. What will be caused is students fitness and physical activity decreasing.

Keeping students with temporary Orthopedic Impairments out of Physical Education will be detrimental to a child's development and fitness. These students need to be kept in Physical Education and have accommodations and modifications made so that they can participate. Only good can come out of this because students will be kept active for at least 45 minutes in their day opposed to getting no physical activity in their day. When students are excused for those six to eight weeks their fitness and activity level drops.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7347899

First Aid Kit Essentials

We've all been in situations where we need to treat a burn, a cut, a fever, a sprain, or other physical ailments but don't have the proper treatments. Not having the proper treatments and remedies for common ailments lengthens the time that the sick or injured person has to experience pain or discomfort. If we don't have the proper remedies on hand we have to spend time traveling to and from the drug store to pick up the needed medicine or injury remedy. Another common reason for a person having to withstand pain or discomfort for an elongated period of time is that the first aid kit materials are dispersed all over the home and or office in an unorganized manner. Making sure the first aid kit is organized and has a set home will expediate the retrieval time for these needed materials. Having a fully stocked first aid kit will help you be prepared for the big and little "ouchies" that inevitably pop up in life. Below is a list of common items that you should keep in your first aid kit.

Have Advil, Tylenol, etc. on hand for pain relief.

Keep Antihistamines (Benadryl) for allergies.

Make sure to have an Epi Pen in case of serious allergic reactions.

If you have small children have Syrup of Ipecac to induce vomiting if children ingest toxic liquids. This syrup should be replaced every year.

Have triangular bandages for wrapping injuries.

Keep elastic wraps for sprains.

Have instant activating ice bags for reducing swelling.

Keep rubber gloves in case you need to treat a serious wound.

Have different sized band-aids for different sized lacerations.

Have adhesive tape to keep wrapped bandages in place.

Have a roll of gauze for cuts or burns.

Keep scissors with rounded tips to cut bandages.

Keep safety pins handy for securing bandages.

Have tweezers for splinters and other small objects that have a way of getting themselves stuck in our skin!

Have antibacterial soap to kill bacteria while working with scrapes and cuts.

Use petroleum jelly, like Vaseline, for chapped skin and burns.

Have antibacterial ointment, like Neosporin, to prevent bacteria from growing in, and possibly infecting, cuts.

Keep rubbing alcohol handy to disinfect surfaces.

Have cotton swaps and balls to use for applying ointments etc.

Have a thermometer so you can easily check to see if you or a loved one is running a fever. If the fever is dangerously high go to the hospital.

Keep a first aid chart or book to guide you through how to treat injuries.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7332761

Little Changes That Can Lead to a New You

We've heard for years that there are many health benefits to losing weight and getting fit, but it seems that more and more people are having trouble reaching their fitness goals. They eat the wrong foods or they try fad diets. They may even just give up by thinking that nothing will work for them. If this sounds like you, then take heart. Here are some tips out that can help you lose weight and get fit while still living a normal lifestyle.

Drink Water

Water is the elixir of life. Every cell in your body needs water to function properly, and it is essential for your metabolism to work properly. When you are dehydrated, your body is fighting to be able to work as it should, which means that it can't focus its energy on burning fat and building muscle.

You should be drinking at least six glasses of water today, and you may need even more. If you are exercising or tend to sweat heavily, then you need to increase the amount of water that you drink.

Drinking water doesn't have to be a chore. Add fresh fruit or mint leaves to make it flavorful. Keep a large bottle of water on your desk and sip from it as you work. You may also want to try adding a few flavored ice cubes to it to make it even more refreshing.

Exercise Daily

You don't have to be a marathon runner in order to exercise daily. Simply find an activity that you enjoy and do it. Go for a walk with your family after supper, or ride your bike to work every day. Go for a swim in the mornings, or play golf with a friend. The point is to move. The more you move, the stronger and healthier your body will be.

Eat a Balanced Diet

There are so many diets out there that forbid you from eating certain foods. These eating plans are hard to maintain, which means that you quickly gain weight after you complete the diet. Rather than following a short lived diet plan, change your eating habits to something that you can live with permanently. Focus on eating a variety of foods, and center your diet on fresh fruits and vegetables. Whole grains and lean proteins are other healthy essentials that will help you reach your fitness goals.

Hire a Trainer

If you are still having trouble getting the body you want, enlist the help of a personal trainer. He will be able to give you many diet and exercise tips that will sculpt and tone your body. A personal trainer will also hold you accountable for the decisions you make on a daily basis that can negatively affect your health.

Don't be discouraged if you are having trouble losing weight and getting fit. With a few small changes, you will quickly be on your way to looking fit and fabulous.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7341466

Bipolar Diathermy for Hemorrhoid

Did you know that millions of people suffer from hemorrhoid? If you have piles, you are not alone. About 50 percent of the senior citizens in the United States have them, too. Teens and children are not safe either especially when they engage to poor diet (i.e. lots of junk foods). Even popular people have suffered the same discomfort. A good example is Napoleon Bonaparte. It was said that he was experiencing a lot of pain due to hemorrhoids and cannot ride his horse comfortably during the Battle of Waterloo. George Brett and Former President Jimmy Carter are also known to suffer from piles. Today, one does not have to suffer from so much hurting for a long time because there are many medications and non-surgical treatments like bipolar diathermy for hemorrhoid (also referred to as bipolar electrotherapy and BICAP). Most physicians make surgery as the last resort.

The Need for Bipolar Diathermy

Hemorrhoids are characterized by enlarged veins. They bleed most of the time and can inflict severe pain. There are several stages. The first stage requires mild treatments. Some can be even treated with diet that is more on fiber. The others will require non-operative treatments. For worse cases, the doctors may recommend surgeries that are costly and painful. This is why most patients seek for recommended non-surgical procedures such as bipolar diathermy.

The Procedure

Bipolar diathermy for hemorrhoid uses electric current of very high frequency. The frequency must be high enough to produce heat. The electrical energy is then used to thicken the affected tissues. The heat is applied above the nerves. It is a very easy non-surgical procedure that can be done at the doctor's office or clinic. If the area aches, the doctor may give analgesic.
However, diathermy is not for all stages of hemorrhoids. They are best used only for internal hemorrhoid. They are great only for small piles and will not work for the big ones. Even if the patient has small clumps of tissues, he or she may need to undergo several treatment sessions.

Effectiveness

In 2011, the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery published and discussed the results of their randomized controlled trial to compare diathermy and closed hemorrhoidectomy using ultrasonic scalpel. The patients have piles ranging from Grade III to IV. The results showed that the diathermy and ultrasonic scalpel closed hemorrhoidectomy gives the same level of pain. The former only appears to be better as it is faster to perform, bloodless, and helps reduce the analgesic requirement because of lower postoperative pain.

In another study pioneered by C.P. Hinton and D.L. Morris, the diathermy and direct current therapy for third degree hemorrhoids were compared. Both treatments were proven to be effective but diathermy was more convenient as it requires less time.

Millions of people suffer from painful masses of tissues in the rectum and/or anus but they are lucky that this condition is treatable. There are many options including bipolar diathermy. This non-operative treatment is not completely pain free but it is faster than other procedures including hemorrhoidectomy and direct current therapy. Bipolar diathermy for hemorrhoid may just require several sessions before one could get rid of all the piles though.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7233992

Cure Hemorrhoids By Surgery - Get The Facts

Hemorrhoids are structures in the human body whose function is to control the flow of stool and whose swelling or inflammation is known as piles. Piles causes redness, itching, irritation and pain; all of which are excruciating for the patient. While most people wish to cure their hemorrhoids by natural methods at home or slight medication, some people resort to surgery to cure hemorrhoids. Let's take a look at the surgical options available to cure this condition and their pros and cons.

The first thing to remember is that surgery is recommended only for people who are not responding to changes in diet, hygiene and medication. However, in some people the hemorrhoids become so swollen or inflamed that they cause unbearable pain and bleeding. In such a scenario surgery is a viable option.

The surgery to treat hemorrhoids is known as hemorrhoidectomy. This is a surgery that requires the patient to be under local anesthesia, after which the doctor cuts around the anus in order to remove the swollen hemorrhoids. Some patients may even choose to be under general anesthesia while the surgery is being conducted. However, either way patients are discharged on the day of the surgery in normal circumstances.

The only downside to this procedure is that the stitches from the surgery may cause discomfort for a while, however it does relieve the patient of the pain caused by the swelling and inflammation of hemorrhoids.

The surgery is by and large and easy procedure with predictable outcomes, however in some scenarios it can result in bleeding and some patients may react adversely to the anesthesia. However, if you look for an experienced, well-qualified doctor then these complications are unlikely to occur.

Patients who do not wish to undergo a surgery can look at other options too, such as getting laser done on the affected area. This burns away the hemorrhoid cells, thus curing the pain that accompanies their swelling.

You can also get Sclerotherapy done to treat severely swollen or inflamed hemorrhoids. This is a procedure whereby a solution is injected into the blood supply near the affected area and this solution destroys the blood vessel in the region.

Both the laser and Sclerotherapy are much easier to perform than a surgery and much less painful too. On the offside however, a surgery has more lasting results. As a patient, only you can decide what option you want to choose in order to cure you hemorrhoids.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7243873

Living With Peripheral Arterial Disease

Definition of Peripheral Arterial Disease

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) can be a debilitating disease. It is caused by fatty deposits that accumulate on the inner walls of arteries. These deposits in the arteries of the lower extremity will result in poor blood flow to the legs and feet. If arteries are clogged and narrowed, blood will not be able reach its destination to supply muscles and organs with oxygen and nutrients. Decreased oxygen and nutrients to muscles can result in severe cramping in the legs, especially with increased workload such as walking. Patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smokers can be at increased risk of developing PAD. It is also important to note that persons, who have PAD, are also at increase risk of having fatty deposits in the arteries of the heart, which can result in a heart attack or stroke.

Symptoms of PAD

Most people with PAD are non-symptomatic. However, if symptomatic, the most common complaint from patients with PAD is they get severe cramping or burning in the calf muscles when walking. Typically the cramping begins after one or two blocks of walking and will subside after a few minutes of rest. The cramping results from a build up of a waste product produced by exerting muscles called "lactate". This is produced when there is not enough oxygen getting to the muscles. The cramping can significantly alter a patient's lifestyle and prevent the patient from enjoying normal daily activities. Aside from physical limitations, severe PAD can lead to non-healing wounds on the leg and foot and black/gangrene in the toes. Some of these patients with PAD may require an amputation of the foot or leg.

Physical Examination for PAD

When a podiatrist evaluates a patient for PAD, there are key signs that are presented on the feet. Patients with PAD tend to have diminished or absent digital hair growth and nails that are brittle and thickened as well as decreased temperature in the feet. The podiatrist may ask the patient to hang their legs over the side of the exam chair, in patients with PAD the legs begin to display a deep purplish color. Patients with PAD will have a white, pale discoloration to the feet if the legs are elevated above the heart for one minute. The podiatrist will also feel the pulses in the feet. If the pulses are weak, it may indicate that there is poor blood flow to the feet. These are important signs that lead to a high suspicion of PAD.

Testing for PAD

The most common and least expensive office test for PAD is called an ankle-brachial index. This is done by taking the blood pressure of the arm (brachial) and comparing that number to the blood pressure in the ankle. This test requires a blood pressure cuff and Doppler ultrasound to hear the pulse. The blood pressure cuff is inflated on both the arm and the leg. Next, the cuff is slowly deflated; the first sound heard in sync with the blood pressure number is recorded and compared by ratio. The normal ankle-brachial index is 1, in other words the arm and the ankle should ideally have the same pressure. Patients with an ankle-brachial index of 0.4-0.9 are considered to have PAD. There are also additional tests that can determine poor blood flow. PAD can also be visualized with an MRI/MRA or angiogram, which requires injecting a dye through the blood vessels and using an imaging system to follow the dye through the arteries in order to visualize artery narrowing.

Conservative Treatment of Peripheral Arterial Disease

The most important goal in treating PAD in the lower extremity is to reduce the risk of amputation. Treatment is usually administered by the primary care or vascular physician. Drugs that thin the blood, such as aspirin, are often prescribed to patients with PAD to prevent the risk of clotting. Smoking cessation programs and good control of cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels are also strongly advocated. Foot care is also important in managing peripheral arterial disease to prevent ulceration to the feet. In treating cramping sensations from PAD, exercise therapy has been scientifically shown to increase maximal walking distance because it promotes small vessel formation around the area of the clot.

Surgical Treatment of Peripheral Arterial Disease

If the symptoms of PAD are severe, inhibiting lifestyle or resulting in non-healing wound or gangrene on the feet, surgical treatment may be required by the vascular physician. The goal of surgery is to increase blood flow to the legs and feet. Surgical treatment may include bypassing the area of clot with a vessel graft or vein or opening the artery with a balloon and placing a stent to increase the diameter the artery and attempt to keep it open.

Bruce Lashley, DPM
Dr. Lashley is a podiatrist practicing in midtown Manhattan for the past 28 years. He specializes in the conservative and surgical management of the foot. In October 2009, Dr Lashley moved his office to a new modern facility at 353 Lexington Avenue, in NYC. For more information on Dr. Lashley visit his web site.'

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Do You Know Your Protein and What It Does For Your Body?

You may ask why is protein good for me? Well, protein helps burn fat, helps in immune system function, helps build and support muscle system function in our own body composition, helps speed up metabolism, floods the entire body with almost all of the essential natural amino acids. However, protein is not just for building muscle, it plays an essential role in our body and helps build the nervous system. Protein has plenty of natural occurring vitamins. Essentially B Vitamins. Especially when it comes to lean red meat protein. The B Vitamins play an important role in the body's repair. Hair, skin, nails, nervous system, it helps with one's mood and stress levels. Protein is used by the body to repair, build, and maintain muscle. Protein is made up of many amino acids. However, our body cannot use the protein you ingest unless all of the right amino acids are present. The body itself can only produce some of these amino acids and others called the essential amino acids have to be gained from certain foods we eat. Some foods contain what is called complete protein. These are all the amino acids necessary to produce stable protein synthesis in our body. Examples of these foods are milk, eggs, meats, fish, and some vegetables. Below is a chart of proteins and percentages of what our body uses from them:

FOOD % PROTEIN BY WEIGHT % NET PROTEIN UTILIZATION

-Soybean Flour--- 42%--------------------------61%

-Cheese ---- 24-35%--------------------------70%

-Meat/Chicken/Turkey 19-32%------------------------ -68%

-Fish---- 18-25%--------------------------80%

-Eggs---- 12%--------------------------95%

-Brown Rice---- 8%--------------------------70%

-Milk---- 4%--------------------------82%

The chart lets us know for example, that an egg contains 12% protein by weight yet, hold on! Because of the specific amino acids present in that protein 94% of it can be used by our body. Therefore the egg is a great source of protein. Soybean Flour is 42% protein. however, the makeup of that protein is such that the body is only able to use 61% of it. So, there is a big difference between how much protein a food contains and how much of that protein the body can actually use to function properly. Eggs are a such great source of high quality protein that they are used as a basis of comparison in rating the protein the quality of other foods, with eggs given an arbitrary value of 100%. Below is another food chart with protein ratings:

FOOD PROTEIN RATINGS

Eggs 100%

Fish 70%

Milk 60%

Lean Beef 69%

Soy Milk/Soy Bean 47%

Dry Beans 34%

Whole Grain/Wheat 43%

Brown Rice 57%

White Rice 56%

White Potato 34%

Sweet Potato 30%

As you can see from this list of foods like rice, potatoes and beans give you much less useable protein than eggs or fish because these foods lack one or more of the must needed essential amino acids that cannot satisfy the body's protein needs. You can however combine two or more sources of this low quality protein or "incomplete" protein to obtain high quality "complete" protein. Combining protein in this way is very useful to not only bodybuilders, but for everyone who wants to stay healthy, eating foods that are very low in calorie fat. Also, these complete proteins contain fewer calories than most incomplete protein sources. This can be a great advantage when you are trying to build maximum health.

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A Treatise on Strength: Part 4, Conclusion

The purpose of this series was to give you a practical definition of strength, and I will give you what it is shortly. First, let's look at a few things.

"He who overcomes others is strong. He who overcomes himself is mighty" - Chinese Proverb

The De-strengthening of society:

The history of humanity is a history of the strong. Our ancestors have had to survive every possible terrain and climate you can think of. Look at where people live now. I come from Minnesota where the winter weather will sit 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit below zero for weeks at a time. Living in a home with central heating and double-paned windows makes this easy, but the pioneers who settled the land did not have these luxuries.

The settlers made houses out of the earth, and before them, the Native Americans had animal hide shelters. In prehistoric times, Man had to fight for every scrap of food, for the right to mate, and to protect his home. During the Industrial Revolution children, would work up to 14 hours a day 6 days a week in coal mines and cotton mills. We have survived every natural disaster that has ever happened, and continue to live in places plagued by earthquakes, tornadoes, and hurricanes. These feats require strength. Not only has humanity survived these grueling situations; humanity has thrived!

At one point in time, it was survive or die. As stated in the previous instalments, this is no longer the case. The current generation is the unhealthiest group of humans to have ever existed! We no longer have to kill or grow our own food. Now, we don't even have to walk in the grocery store. We can take a scooter. There is no more need to challenge the mind and no struggle to enliven the body. Life is about convenience. We are becoming weak. That is, unless we decide to change it.

"To keep the body in good health is a duty... otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear." -The Buddha

Need vs. Want:

"Strong people are hard to kill" - John Wellbourne

Do we need to be strong? No. As seen in my previous examples, strength in the modern world is not a necessity for survival. If you live in a first world country, you will probably live to a ripe old age no-matter your physical or mental capabilities. So is there any point to being strong?

Yes. Why would we want to be strong? To thrive. To surpass.

"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Geniuses will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."

- John Calvin Coolidge Jr., 30th President of the United States of America

All of your natural talents will go to waste if you do not have the fortitude to take the first step towards what you want. Once you start on the path of achievement you will need every ounce of resilience and strength to keep moving and surpass all that stands in your way. This is what gets you into the history books.

Do you want to know the definition of strength?

"Strength is the mental and physical fortitude to endure, resilience to bounce back, and force to create change to thrive in any circumstance and during any adversity. " - Me

So what do I do with this knowledge? I build upon it. Every day is a starting point, which I use to improve myself. It doesn't take much. Every day I learn something new, and I am always building up my body. I use my time to progress towards my goals. Each day I am stronger than the last.

It won't take much for you to become stronger. Read through the previous installments and add in something new each day, eat healthier, lift something heavy, remain calm, and breathe. Become stronger and reach your goals.

Take this knowledge and run with it. Life will knock you down, but now you can get up swinging. Take your new-found strength and get stronger. Don't merely drift through life and survive; thrive!

Now what are you going to do?

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Rejuvenate With a Liquid Face Lift - A Non-Invasive Solution For the Aging Face

Want to rejuvenate your face without getting a full-scale face lift? The thought of a knife cutting the edges of your face and tissue getting rearranged might be a little scary for some folks. That's why there's now the "liquid face lift." This is a new non-surgical and non-invasive solution to the troubles of aging.

No More Hollow Cheeks

Lots of terrible things happen to your face as you get older. Your skin sags and droops like it's trying to slip off and go somewhere. Wrinkles appear and turn your smile into an Interstate highway map. Worst of all, your cheeks hollow out and you start to look like something from Michael Jackson's "Thriller" video.

The zombie look is especially troubling. The reason for it is simple. As you age, your face loses volume. This gives you a "wasted" look, and adds years to your natural years. Luckily, the loss of volume is one of the easiest problems to treat.

Introducing The Liquid Face Lift

This is here to save the day. It is designed to restore volume and get you looking your natural age, or younger, again! And you can have the liquid face lift with no cutting at all.

This new technique uses dermal fillers to fill out facial features. These include Juvederm, Restylane, Sculptra, Perlane and sometimes Botox. Each contains its own ingredients that rejuvenate and add volume. Collagen is a common ingredient, but there are others as well.

Unlike regular dermal filler treatments, the liquid face lift uses a combination of these products applied by a skilled surgeon. They have experience using fillers, and can choose just the right combination to get the results you want.

What You Can Expect

Even though there is on cutting, the results are dramatic. In addition to looking younger, you will look more energetic and better rested. Your smile will look fuller and more natural. Many patients find that the natural curves reappear after treatment.

One more thing that makes this treatment better is its minimal recovery time. In some patients there is some bruising or swelling where the injections were made, but it will disappear in just a few days. The results are immediately noticeable, but they get even better over the next few weeks as the filler is fully absorbed.

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Face Lift Recovery Period Issues

A face lift can solve a variety of problems that often bother men and women. Between the two genders, women are more inclined to opt for this operation than men but there are some men who undergo it as well. The issues that lead to them consulting a plastic surgeon for this procedure include, but are not limited to the appearance of wrinkles, creases and other age lines on the visage of the individual. Sagging and loose skin on the jowls, eyes and cheeks are also other problems that may be treated or corrected with this kind of plastic surgery. The operation comes in full or partial form depending on what the patient needs of prefers. Full face lift operations usually include the eyes, the nose and the jowls, meaning, it basically includes the entire visage of the individual. The doctor uses specific techniques to make the person appear younger, with firmer skin and a more refreshed appearance.

Recovery

During this time, the patient should know what to expect from the operation. The plastic surgeon is likely to have briefed her or him regarding the steps that will be used during the operation and what happens afterwards. The patient can expect some soreness and bruising to occur in the general vicinity of the operation, especially after the anesthetic has worn off. Discomfort and pain often occur where the incisions were made and where anchors and hooks are placed to stretch the skin and hold it in place. The doctor does not encourage excessive movement and exposure to the sun, especially after just a few days after the face lift procedure. Movement can open the sutures holding the incisions and the sun might heat up the area and encourage blood loss. Sweating can also be uncomfortable since the incisions may be fresh and can sting when it comes to contact with sweat. The consumption of alcohol and the use of recreational drugs are highly discouraged because adverse side effects can be expected. Even before the operation in done, the doctor is likely to request the patient to discontinue smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

Other possible problems that will come up during the recovery period include, but are not limited to infections and swelling. Infections occur when bacteria and dirt enter the wounds of the patient. This can be dangerous because some bacteria can discourage healing and can even eat the flesh. It is important to follow the recommendations of the plastic surgeon and take the right medicines with the correct dosage to prevent any infections from occurring. Swelling is not as serious a matter as an infection but it can be uncomfortable and if left untreated can also turn into an infection.

The face lift procedure can also become dissatisfying when the patient is not happy with the results. Human error can happen and the doctor might make a mistake when mapping out the procedure. Taking out too much skin can result to a tight expression or windswept one. An unbalanced face can also result from the operation.

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CoolSculpting: Your Key to Spot Reduction

No matter how many times it is repeated, a healthy percentage of people still believe you can "spot reduce" fat with certain exercises. You still see so-called experts advising unsuspecting customers to do crunches to tighten up their flabby midsections. You see gym trainers telling their clients to do triceps exercises to get rid of the fat hanging below their arms. It is all bunk. It can't be done. Muscle is muscle and fat is fat and spot reduction is impossible. However, what cannot be done in the gym can be done in the operating room. CoolSculpting is your key to spot reduction.

The Treatment

CoolSculpting begins with a consultation between you and the clinician in charge of the treatment. You will explain to the clinician the parts of your body you are unhappy with, selecting those areas that could use some improvement. From there, the treatment itself can begin. The professional in charge will bring the device into position, placing it over the problem area. The device draws the "bulge" up between the cooling panels, which take the work over from there. There is no pain, though you will feel some pressure from the pull of the machine. It should take roughly an hour to complete the treatment.

Sensations

Most people considering a cosmetic enhancement procedure of any kind are interested in knowing what kind of pain is involved. With CoolSculpting, the answer is: none at all. That's not to say it is completely without unpleasant sensations. There is the pressure and pull that occurs in the first moments. Following that, you will feel the intense cold that means the device is working. This does not last the entire time, however. Most patients stop feeling it a few minutes after the treatment begins. It is common for patients to occupy their time by reading or playing around on a laptop or tablet computer while they wait for the treatment to finish.

Recovery

It's important to realize that CoolSculpting is completely non-invasive. You should not experience any of the recovery difficulties that accompany plastic surgery procedures. You can return immediately to any normal activities you may have planned, including work. Some patients experience bruising and swelling to some degree, but it is typically very minor in nature and should not interfere with anything you had hoped to do after your session.

Results

You can expect to see the results from your session within a few weeks. Your body needs to go through its natural processes, flushing the fat that has been targeted. Most patients see their most dramatic changes around the two month mark, though improvements may continue for as long as six.

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Endoscopic Breast Augmentation Has a Few Advantages

There are a few ways to perform breast augmentation. One of the newly popular methods is the endoscopic procedure. This involves using a tiny video camera that is inserted into a small incision, allowing the doctor to see what is going on beneath the skin's surface so that the area does not have to be opened up. The result is a less invasive procedure. Find out the advantages of this method.

The main benefit of this type of breast augmentation is that you will not have as large a scar as you might with other methods. This is because the incision will be much smaller, as the doctor will not have to make a big cut to see inside the chest area, instead camera will do that for him or her. Note that this technique is often used when the incision is placed in your underarm or belly button. Therefore, any scarring would be hard to see anyway since it would be hidden within these areas. Of course, with endoscopy, the scar would be smaller than usual, so even when you lift up your arms or show your stomach, the scarring would be nearly impossible to see.

An additional benefit is that the recovery may be quicker when you get endoscopic breast augmentation. This is mainly because the surgery is less invasive, due to the smaller incision. Therefore, it will take your body less time to heal. This may also allow you to see your results sooner than normal. This is why you should consider asking about this option from your doctor before you undergo the operation.

One benefit from the doctor's perspective is that he or she can more easily direct where the implants will go when there is a tiny camera guiding the medical staff. This means the doctor can be more accurate during the procedure, placing the implants in the right spot with ease. If you want a better chance of having the staff feel confident and easily guided with the camera, you should find out if endoscopic breast augmentation is available to you.

Just make sure the doctor you choose has experience with this method, since it is rather new. Not every surgeon knows how to use the camera to get the best results possible, and some do not even know the benefits of this option. Therefore, you are advised to find a practitioner well versed with endoscopic procedures if you want to enjoy the benefits of this method.

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Breast Augmentation Research for You to Do

You know that you want to have breast augmentation. You are tingling at the thought of having the operation and how it will improve your look. You have defined your primary goal for wanting the procedure. Now it is time to do a little more work before you can say definitively that this is the cosmetic operation that is suitable for you at this point in time.

What needs to be determined is whether you are a good candidate for breast augmentation. Talk with your family doctor about what you wish to do and get his perspective on it. Discuss the benefits and the risks. You also must discuss your medical history. It is essential that you are healthy enough to go through with the surgical procedure and to heal properly following it. Put safety first when it comes to getting implants. Safety should always matter in the case of any operation you are contemplating!

Once your doctor has given you the okay to have breast augmentation surgery, put your research skills to work. You need to be as informed and as educated as you can possibly be when it comes to breast enhancement. Find ways to make connections with other patients who have had implants. Look for people online and off who are willing to tell you about their experiences.

Use the Internet as a helpful resource. Search cosmetic surgery sites to find photos of breast implants. When perusing pictures of patients who have undergone breast augmentation, keep in mind your weight, height and the type of build that you have. This makes a difference to the type of enhancement you decide to have. You want it to suit your frame. The final result needs to make you look proportional.

In particular, find photos of women who are similar in shape and size to you. Look at their before and after pictures. Examine them as closely as possible. Jot down the information relevant to the women who most closely resemble your body shape and weight distribution. This would include the cup size, the after size and the implant size of choice. You might even wish to focus in on the patients who are closest to your age.

The next step in your research process is to search for a plastic surgeon that is board-certified. If you go online, you can search through plastic surgery directories and search for surgeons according to state or city. As you go about this, look for reviews that patients have written about various doctors. It would also be wise to view before and after breast augmentation photos. This will give you a good indication of the kind of work that the doctor does. From there you can start making calls to your preferred cosmetic surgeons' offices.

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Natural Ways to Treat Leg Pain

To treat leg pain, medical doctors usually prescribe various pain killing drugs. Pain killers usually work within a short amount of time. However, if your body becomes dependent on these drugs, this may have an adverse effect on your vital organs, especially your kidneys and liver. So to prevent this from happening, you may want to opt for natural ways and home remedies to treat the pain. Below you will find some suggestions.

1. Hot compress 

To feel better, you can try applying hot compress on your legs. Doing this will give you a soothing effect. While the most common hot compress technique is to put a hot compress bag on your legs, you can try other procedures such as the following: hot towel, hot brick, or even a hot bottle. Just make sure that the temperature is tolerable enough to prevent scalding and burning.

2. Mind your posture.
If your job requires you to always stand, you want to make sure that you stand on both legs to distribute your weight evenly on both feet. Don't stand on one foot as this causes you more pain.

3. Never ever cross your legs.
As previously stated, one of the causes of leg pain is a compressed artery. This compression can be because of several reasons, but one of these reasons is bad circulation or blood flow. So if you have a bad habit of crossing your legs, it's about time that you quit as this will contribute to your pain.

4. Wear a comfortable pair of shoes.
Women who love wearing heels often suffer from leg pain. Sure, these heels will make you look lovely and sexy, but they can also give you much pain. So as much as possible, wear comfortable shoes or choose a better alternative such as wedges and flats.

5. Get a massage regularly.
Leg pain can also be caused by aching muscles. So get a massage or a foot rub from time to time. This will relax the muscles and soothe aching and tired feet.

6. Get enough vitamin D.
If your body does not get enough vitamin D, not only will your legs suffer but also your bones. One of the best natural sources of vitamin D is the morning sun. So as much as you can, go jogging right after the sun shines in the morning to catch some of the sun's healthy rays.

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Reasons to See a Knee Doctor Soon After You Notice Pain in the Area

For many people, a knee doctor is a necessity when they can no longer handle the pain. The discomfort can be in one or both knees, and it can range from mild to extreme. Whether you are suffering from pain that has been around for years, or have recently been injured, you should go to a specialist to get the care you need.

If you have a lingering injury in this part of your body, choosing the right knee doctor may allow you to finally get it treated. You should not have to live with constant discomfort. If it hurts to simply walk, you need to get treatment for the issue soon. Even if it only hurts when you are particularly active, such as while working out, you need help. It can be hard to stay healthy or get in shape when you have injuries in your legs, which means this issue can have a major negative impact on your life. Do not let your quality of life diminish because you have an issue that could be treated by a specialist.

If you recently got the injury, you should go to a knee doctor as soon as possible. Many people get these types of injuries in sports, keeping them from achieving their best. If you have impressive athletic abilities, do not let them go to waste just because your knees are out of commission. In many cases, surgery will be necessary. While this requires a recovery period, you at least have a date by which you can expect to start feeling well enough to play sports again. When you let injuries go untreated out of fear of what surgery will do, you face years of discomfort, and you may not even be able to play sports at all during that time. You certainly will not be at your best anyway.

Another reason to get the injury checked out is that it could spread to other parts of your body after a while. You may find that another area of your body has had to work harder to compensate for your knees, leaving you with additional problems. In fact, when you see a knee doctor, you may find out that you have a condition that starts in your knees and spreads to the rest of the body. Therefore, getting treatment early on can alert you about such conditions.

It clearly makes sense to at least get an initial consultation from a knee doctor near you. You will find out if you have to have surgery or if there is another treatment available. At that point, you can look forward to the pain finally going away in the near future.

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Home Equipment to Ease Back Pain

Back pain is a very common ailment and it usually affects people aged 30 and over, with symptoms getting progressively worse with age. This doesn't mean it can't be prevented however - with small changes to your lifestyle and your home in particular, back pain can simply become a thing of the past.

Causes and Prevention of Back Pain

Illnesses, genetic disorders, obesity or lifestyle choices (i.e. lack of exercise and smoking) are some of the main causes of back pain. In order to prevent it in the first place, you can make some changes such as quitting smoking. Smoking leads to a frequent cough which can cause you to tense your back muscles, leading to more back spasms.

Similarly, if you are overweight, your back is put under a lot of strain trying to support excess fat, therefore making it weaker and more likely to be painful. By exercising, you are not only helping your body become healthier, you are also limbering up your back muscles and improving their mobility.

The more muscle that surrounds your spine, the less strain it has and therefore the less it has to work to support your body.

What Can I Use at Home to Ease Back Pain?

Exercise Equipment

Other than floor exercises and classes which work on strengthening your core muscles (i.e. Pilates and yoga), there is also a range of equipment that can help you support and strengthen your back so that you reduce the risk of pain. Lumbar support cushions, leg press machines and inversion tables are popular for pain relief.

Mattress

Memory foam mattresses have been designed to support the spine as you sleep. With a surface that moulds to your body's contours, it can straighten the spine throughout the night, whatever position you sleep in and allows your body to relax and decreases the nighttime strain on your back.

Alternatively, you can sleep with a pillow between your thighs which helps straighten your legs and therefore put less pressure on your back. It's really up to you!

Massage Chair

Massages are known to increase blood circulation, improve flexibility, boost endorphins, and being relaxing overall. By having a chair which does all of the above, you can relax in the comfort of your own home and loosen your back muscles using the chair's range of settings. Due to the release of endorphins, you'll be a much happier person too!

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