OBESITY SOULTIONS

March 9th, 2011

OBESITY SOLUTIONS

Many people tend to turn to numerous diets that never seem to work, or work for a few weeks before the pounds are packed on again. Other people turn to medical surgeries to get rid of fat they feel will never shed off. These surgeries have major risk, with the biggest risk being their life. Listed below are different solutions one can take in healthy measures.

The 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans state that an active lifestyle can lower your risk of early death from a variety of causes. [1]

•Heart disease

•Stroke

•High blood pressure

•Unhealthy cholesterol levels

•Type 2 diabetes

•Metabolic syndrome

•Cancers (Colon, Breast)

•Depression

Regular Activity helps prevent unhealthy weight gain and weight loss, when combined with lower calorie intake. Keeping a regular physical activity schedule can also improve cardiorespiratory (heart, lungs, and blood vessels) and muscular fitness.

Moderate Activity is walking on a level surface at a brisk pace (about 3 to 4 miles per hour). Ballroom dancing, leisurely bicycling, moderate housework, and waiting tables can be considered as moderate activity.

Vigorous Activity is when the heart rate increases doing activities such as jogging, bicycling fast or uphill, singles tennis, and pushing a hand mower.

ADDITIONAL SOLUTIONS AND PRODUCTS

Dr. George A. Scheele is a world-renowned physician, scientist and author. As a board-certified internist and world expert in nutrition and anti-aging health, he recently developed Factor4 Weight Control®, a delicious nutritional shake containing Power Amino Acids®, which suppress appetite and reset metabolic pathways to optimize body weight and improve metabolic health.

AtoZnet has GLUCALITE, a metabolism support capsule that supports healthy blood sugar, body weight, cholesterol, circulation, and carbohydrate metabolism. The FIT-DIET reshapes your diet with a sprinkle of crystals over your food minimizing the intake of calories.

Sources

[1] http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/overweight-weight-loss.cfm

For more information, please visit us at www.atozhealthnet.com

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Causes and Examples of Obesity

March 2nd, 2011

Obesity cases in the U.S.

Here is an overview of an entire Island  known as the “Fattest place on Earth”  whom face the hardships of obesity as well as one individual who was effected drastically from being obese.

The Island of Nauru – “the fattest place on Earth” has a population of 13,500. They once were cautious about their diet but when the phosphate mining transformed the island’s fortunes, bringing in huge royalties to almost everyone, their diets and lifestyles changed forever. The phosphate wealth has now disappeared but the diet remains.  With canned meat as a top resource for food, 4/5 of the island is considered obese holding the highest rate of diabetes. 30% have been diagnosed as type two diabetic. At 52 years of age, Henry Harris is learning to walk again. He suffered from diabetes, which helped accelerate an infection from a wound on his toe leading to the amputation of his right leg. http://bit.ly/fJ3Fsg

How do I know if I am overweight or obese?

According to www.healia.com, one can figure out their own body mass index (BMI) if they know their height and weight. The formulas for calculating BMI are:

•BMI = (weight in pounds/height in inches squared) x 703

Or

•BMI = weight in kilograms/height in meters squared

Example: (130/3721) x 703=24.56

 If your BMI is above 25 but below 30, you are considered “overweight.” If your BMI is between 30 and 39 you are considered “obese,” while a BMI of 40 or above is considered extremely or “morbidly obese.”

 Is obesity hereditary?

Many who are obese or overweight may fear the question; will my children suffer from obesity because of my overweight problem?

Child obesity can occur in a mother’s womb. What the mother consumes the child consumes. If a mother is constantly eating fast food, or is never exercising, obesity as well as health issues can be passed onto their newborn. Science shows that genetics plays a role in obesity. Genes can directly cause obesity in disorders such as Bardet-Biedl syndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome. However, genes do not always predict future health. Genes and behavior may both be needed for a person to be overweight. In some cases multiple genes may increase one’s susceptibility for obesity and require outside factors; such as abundant food supply or little physical activity. Another aspect of this matter is in the hands of each individual. If one exercises and maintains substantial eating habits, they can prevent becoming overweight or obese as well as prevent their child from becoming overweight or obese.

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What physical, emotional, and health effects does obesity have on the body?

February 23rd, 2011

What physical, emotional, and health effects does obesity have on the body?

Some of the many health effects caused by being overweight or obese:

  • Heart disease
  • Getting strokes often
  • Developing type 2 diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Breathing problems (sleeping-apnea)
  • Arthritis
  • Gallbladder disease
  • Different forms of cancer (colon, breast).

Not only is excess body weight an issue, but where the body weight is stored is often a problem for those who store fat in their waist more often than those who store fat in their hips or lower waist. If the waist is more than 35 inches, then a higher risk of weight related problems can occur. People will often become depressed, continuing to consume meals until they can no longer control their eating habits. Once this begins, people become insecure and turn to starvation methods or surgical methods as their weight solutions. The real solution is being aware of what we eat and how much exercise we perform.

How many people are overweight or obese in the U.S?

These are the current statistics of obesity in the U.S.

• Over two-thirds of U.S. adults are overweight or obese. [1]

  •  Women: 64.1%
  •  Men: 72.3%

• Over one-third of U.S. adults are obese. [1]

  •  Women: 35.5%
  •  Men: 32.2%

• A small percentage of U.S. adults are extremely obese. [1]

  • All adults: 5.7%

• Less than one-third of U.S. adults are at a healthy weight. [1]

  • Women: 36.5%
  •  Men: 26.6%

Source

[1] Flegal, KM, Carroll, MD, Ogden, CL, Curtin, LR. Prevalence and Trends in Obesity Among US Adults, 1999–2008. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2010; 235–241.

For more information, please visit us at www.atozhealthnet.com

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What causes obesity?

February 16th, 2011

Essentially, obesity results from energy imbalance. The body needs a certain amount of energy (calories) from food to sustain basic life functions. Body weight is maintained when calories eaten equals the number of calories the body expends, or “burns.” When more calories are consumed than burned, energy balance is tipped toward weight gain, overweight, and obesity. [1] Some factors that play a role in becoming overweight or obese are:

  • lack of exercise
  • drinking too much alcohol
  • over-consumption of calories resulting from excess food portions
  • genes
  • environment
  • culture

Obesity can also begin in the mother’s womb. “Numerous health experts now predict that today’s children may be their first generation to have poorer health outcomes and a shorter life expectancy than their parents.” [2] Many fast-food companies play a huge role in obesity issues among people because of their advertising strategies that pull in many of their consumers. Fingers can point to many people for childhood obesity, but in all reality, it is the parents who are to blame.

Sources

[1] Strategic Plan for NIH Obesity Research. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. August 2004. NIH Publication No. 04–5493

[2] http://media.web.britannica.com.lib-proxy.fullerton.edu/ebsco/pdf/917/26543917.pdf

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THE BEGINNING OF OBESITY

February 9th, 2011

Obesity is a growing factor worldwide. It is so out of control that it is attacking our youth. It is important to have knowledge on what obesity is as well as how it develops, so you can avoid early health defects to live a healthy and long life. Our blog will touch base each week on different aspects of obesity ranging from the background of obesity to solutions to fight obesity or prevent becoming overweight. You will also be provided with statistics as well as a few cases of individuals who have been affected by this disease. Let us begin.  Week one

What is Obesity?

The definition of obesity varies from different sources, but the general understanding of what obesity entails is as follows:

Overweight and obesity are descriptions of weight that exceeds the expected weight to height ratio. The body mass index (BMI) is the measure of obesity which calculates the surplus percentage of body fat. If a person’s weight is 20% or more above the expected weight, they are considered obese.  If a person is 50%-100% over the expected weight, they are considered to be Morbid obese. That means that they are more than 100 pounds over their expected weight and have a BMI of 40 or higher, which can link to health issues and normal functions within the body.

Sources

[1] http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/defining.html (http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/index.html)

[2] http://www.webmd.com/dietguide/what-is-obesity

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Why Organic Tea?

January 31st, 2011

Organic tea is grown and processed in natural ways without pesticides or artificial fertilizers. This provides extra nutrients to continue strong health and to keep the body fit. By using the traditional hand picking method of the leaves, deforestation is avoided preserving the environment. Organic tea is rich in polyphenols, a special form of antioxidant that is especially potent at fighting free radicals; too much of free-radical damage is thought to lead to heart disease and cancer.

  • Health benefits: fights against cancer, heart attacks, and other disorders or illnesses in the body and makes one feel fresh, relaxed and alert at the same time
  • Polyphenols: natural plant antioxidant, helps prevent heart disease and cancer
  • Antioxidants: supports cardiovascular functions; is a powerful immune system booster providing  vitamins A, E and C; fights cataract disease; protects cells from “oxidative stress,” eliminating harmful free-radicals such as stress and pesticides
  • No pesticides or artificial fertilizers: natural and richer way of living
  • Natural fertilizer: provides extra nutrients
  • No deforestation: helping our environment

AtoZ HealthNet offers a variety of Organic tea products available for you to purchase anytime:Organic Green Tea

Organic Green Tea: Is freshly harvested and is known for its antioxidants combating free radicals that can cause cell damage. Green Tea maintains cardiovascular health, strong immunity and proper cellular tissue growth.

Organic Green Tea. Our young tender 100% Organic Green Tea is freshly harvested; the leaves are then gently washed, steamed, rolled and dried to retain their delicate flavor and aroma.

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Jasmine Green TeaOrganic Jasmine Green Tea: This tea is fragrant and refreshing offering anti-oxidant properties and many additional health benefits.

Organic Jasmine Green Tea.  Flowers and tea are “mated” in machines that control temperature and humidity. It takes four hours or so for the tea to absorb the fragrance and flavour of the jasmine blossoms, and for the highest grades, this process may be repeated as many as seven times. [1]

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Organic Oolong Tea:  Also known as Wulong tea offers a mild flavor and many health benefits, as it has the best qualities of both green and black tea.Organic Oolong Tea

Organic Oolong Tea.  Oolong tea is produced through a unique process including withering under the strong sun and oxidation before curling and twisting. [2]

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Source:

1. Jasmine Tea  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jasmine

2. Oolong Tea http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oolong

For more information, please visit us at www.atozhealthnet.com

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Eating Right

January 24th, 2011

A definite component of any successful healthy lifestyle is to eat the right foods. While avoiding fast food and limiting your intake of sugars and oils is a great start, certain foods offer significant health benefits. Just remember the golden rule: eating too much of one thing, at the exclusion of all others, is always an unhealthy practice. Enjoy the following as part of a balanced diet:

Fruits

Apricots

apricots

Apricots are an excellent source of beta-carotene (commonly found in carrots) that helps prevent free-radical damage and is essential for maintaining healthy eyes. Beta-carotene becomes vitamin A in the body, which studies suggest may be effective in prevent certain cancers, especially of the skin. Apricots can be bought fresh (choose fruits that are still firm) or dried: great as a snack, on salads, etc.

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Avocados

avocadoes

A wonderful addition to sandwiches and salads, avocados are a rich source of oleic acid, an unsaturated fat that helps reduce cholesterol and raises levels of high-density lipoprotein (“good” cholesterol). Avocados also provide additional fiber to your diet. To prevent the flesh of avocado from browning when exposed to air, add a bit of lemon juice!

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Tomatoes

tomatoes

Yes, tomatoes are a fruit – a delicious fruit packed full of lycopene, one of the most powerful antioxidants available! Tomatoes may reduce the risk of bladed, stomach, and colon cancers. Enjoy fresh tomatoes with a little olive oil; lycopene is best absorbed into the body with the addition of a little fat.

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Vegetables

Onions

onions

Onions have been used for their powerful properties since antiquity. They possess the powerful flavonoid known as quercetin, and studies have shown they may be helpful is preventing certain cancers. For the best health benefits, use chopped onions.

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Ginger

ginger

A common remedy for nausea, ginger may also be effective for migraines and arthritis pain by blocking inflammation. Steep sliced ginger in hot water for a refreshing beverage, or grate and add to a stir-fry.

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Garlic

garlic

The powerful flavor of garlic is attributed to sulfur compounds that act to lower low-density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol, lowers blood pressure, and may reduce the risk of certain cancers of the stomach and colon. To maximize the beneficial properties of garlic, let crushed garlic stand for several minutes so the chemicals may mix.

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Grains, Beans, Dairy, Nuts

Skim Milk

All the best properties of nutritious milk without the additional fat, skim milk is an excellent source of riboflavin (vitamin B-2), calcium, and vitamin D. Maintain healthy bones, skin, eyes, and hair with a tall glass of milk.

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Peanuts

Peanuts and other nuts with unsaturated fats are high-protein snacks that may also lower the risk of heart disease. Enjoy a handful of nuts as an after-work out snack, or try a adding a few nut crumbles in your next dish.

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Wheat Germ

A good source of magnesium and vitamin E, wheat germ helps maintain regular biological functions throughout your body. It is also delicious, and makes an excellent addition to yogurt or cereal.

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Seafood

Shellfish (Clams, Mussels)

A staple of chowders, shellfish make delightful, elegant dishes with plenty of vitamin B-12 and essential minerals. Sauté shellfish in a bit of white wine, or steam them and serve with vegetables.

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Salmon

Oily, cold-water fish like salmon, mackerel, and tuna are the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids which may help to reduce the risk of cardiac diseases. Accompany these fish with fresh herbs, lemon, and vegetables for a delicious main course!

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Crab

Crabs are a great source of vitamin B-12 and zinc, both essential to regular brain, nervous system, and enzyme function. Crab meat is high in protein, low in calories and fats, and has no carbohydrates. Substitute red meat or poultry with crab meat for a healthy protein alternative!

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For more information, please visit us as www.atozhealthnet.com

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The Wonders of Ginseng

January 18th, 2011

Ginseng in various formsIt’s back-to-school time. That means it’s time to get back into the swing of meeting new classmates, doing homework and taking exams, among other things. In order to get those good grades, students have to work extra hard, sometimes resulting in the loss of much-needed rest. In order to achieve high levels of energy at a time when the body wants to relax, all too many turn to unhealthy products like anti-sleeping pills and energy drinks.

Those unhealthy methods may work initially, but it is safe to say that the many dangers associated with them are not worth the risk. There are, however, safer products that students can take in order to maintain sufficient levels of energy. One such product is ginseng.

What is ginseng?

Ginseng is an herb with various medicinal purposes. It is usually found growing in mountainous forests, and cultivated around the world. Ginseng can be consumed in a powder-form, to be used in capsules and recipes, or in its natural form, usually chewed raw and soaked in hot water and consumed as tea.

There are two types of ginseng, American and Asian. In traditional Chinese medicine, each type of ginseng is believed to have a unique effect on the body. American ginseng is believed to have a cooling effect, which is good for treating fevers and the respiratory system. Asian ginseng is believed to have a heating effect, which is best at treating the circulatory system.

How does ginseng help?

Many only know ginseng as a natural energy supplement, but ginseng is so much more than that. Ginseng is also believed to:

  • Increase physical and mental efficiency
  • Help with diabetes by improving the levels of hemoglobin A1C in the body
  • Assist with the immune system’s ability to functions, and
  • Help reduce symptoms of erectile dysfunction

There is so much interesting information regarding ginseng, more than I am able to provide in this blog entry. If you would like to read more about the wonders of ginseng, please read “Ginseng – What You Need to Know About Ginseng.”

AtoZ HealthNet would like to help you experience the benefits of ginseng. Here are some ginseng products that we would like to suggest:

American Ginseng CandiesPrince of Peace ® American Ginseng Candies

These candies have been carefully selected, processed and packed for your enjoyment from one of the most valued ginsengs in the world.  They are conveniently packaged and housed in a sealed gold tin to ensure freshness and quality.

American Ginseng Capsules

Prince of Peace ® American Ginseng Capsules

These capsules are full of the powerful ginsenosides that have been esteemed since ancient times. Each container is nitrogen-packed and double safety-sealed for your protection.

These capsules can be taken daily.

American Ginseng Powder

Prince of Peace ® American Ginseng Powder

100% pure, certified American Ginseng.  A premium dietary supplement, ginseng increases the body’s resistance to stress and helps boost the immune system.

This powder can be used in recipes, and steeped in hot water and consumed.

Korean Ginseng Capsules

Prince of Peace ® Korean Ginseng Capsules

These capsules are made of 100% pure Korean ginseng powder in preservative-free capsules that contain no additives, fillers, flavorings, or colorings.  Each bottle is nitrogen-packed and double safety-sealed for your protection.

These capsules can be taken daily.

Sources:

Bradford, Alina. “What is Ginseng.” LoveToKnow. LoveToKnow Corporation, 13 Jan 2011. Web. 18 Jan 2011. <http://herbs.lovetoknow.com/What_is_Ginseng>.

Wong, Cathy. “Ginseng – What You Need to Know About Ginseng.” About.com. The New York Times Company, 20 Sep 2007. Web. 18 Jan 2011. <http://altmedicine.about.com/od/ginseng/a/ginseng.htm>.

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Healthy Lifestyle Series: Get Check-Ups!

January 10th, 2011

One of the most important ways for your family to stay healthy is by getting regular check-ups.One of the most important ways for your family to stay healthy is by getting regular check-ups. Many things impact your health; on a daily basis, your lifestyle choices (i.e. what you eat, how active you are, if you smoke, etc.) can have an immediate effect on your family’s health. Regular check-ups make it possible to identify health problems in their early stages, when treatment is most effective.

We recommend that you consider the following for your next check-up:

  • Review your family health history: your family’s health history could lead to significant health issues and a thorough check-up will help to identify these issues before they arise.
  • Find out if you are due for any vaccinations or general screenings. Ask your physician if you need any tests: it may be time for your Pap test, mammogram, prostate cancer screening, tetanus shot, blood pressure check, etc.
  • Write down a list of issues or questions you may have to take with you. It is important to write down your questions beforehand. When you are with your physician, it may be hard to remember everything you want to know.
  • Consider your future. Ask your physician if you are thinking of quitting smoking, losing weight, having a baby, etc. so that you may make better decisions regarding your health.

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Healthy Lifestyles Series: Manage Stress!

January 6th, 2011

Tips for how to manage stressIn order to maintain your health, it is important that you manage stress. While a moderate amount of stress can be tolerable, even beneficial, ultimately stress negatively affects you if left unchecked for too long. Prolonged stress can weaken your immune system, raise blood pressure, produce abnormal heartbeats, contribute to pain due to muscle tension, worsen certain stomach problems, and has been linked to low fertility and erection problems.

Here are several helpful tips to help you reduce your stress and promote a healthier lifestyle:

  • Make sure you balance work, family, and play. All three are important!
  • Maintain a positive attitude!
  • Get support from family and friends, they are an essential part of managing your stress. Share your concerns.
  • Get plenty of rest: 7-9 hours of sleep a night, more for kids (depending on age).

For more information, please visit us as www.atozhealthnet.com

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