What is the Problem With Northern Virginia and Washington D.C. Water?

Northern Virginia is growing in population rapidly and as more people move into the area, a question that is asked more and more frequently is - what is the quality of my drinking water? Individuals and families are naturally concerned with their health and drinking water is an important element of maintaining good health. Unfortunately, the quality of the water in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. is very poor and is getting worse. Contaminants, bacteria, minerals and chemicals in tap water are masked with heavy doses of chlorine and tap water, in addition to being unhealthy, tastes and smells terrible. Regulation from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not eliminate contamination but merely sets maximum levels of contaminants that can enter the human body. and cause long term damage. What is the Story With Tap Water? Tap water is municipal water that is usually pumped from a nearby river and then processed to meet EPA guidelines. The processing is usually done through a waster treatment plant with heavy amounts of chlorine added to kill remaining bacteria that processing does not catch. It is important to note that EPA guidelines are just that – they establish minimum amounts of allowed contamination that may eventually be harmful to both adults and children. In Northern Virginia and Washington D.C. the drinking water is pumped mainly out of the Potomac River and at least one waste treatment plant. Contaminants that may be present in this source water include: Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife. Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally-occurring or result from urban storm water runoff, industrial or domestic waste water discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming. Contaminants also include pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban storm water runoff, and residential uses. In addition contaminants may include organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff and septic systems. Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities also affect local tap water. What is the source of water in Washington D.C.? The water in the Potomac River, Anacostia River, and Rock Creek flows into the District from outside jurisdictions. For example, the Potomac River begins in West Virginia, while the Anacostia River begins in Maryland. The quality of water in the District is thus affected by activities throughout the watershed. Storm water runoff from commercial, industrial, residential and agricultural sites, point source pollutants from wastewater treatment plants and industrial discharges, and combined sewer overflows from as far away as West Virginia and Pennsylvania all contribute to the quality of water in the District and Northern Virginia. What About Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO’s) CSO’s frequently occur when natural events like flooding overcome the capacity of waste treatment plants and raw sewage is pumped back into the water source like the Potomac River. During periods of significant rainfall, the capacity of a combined sewer may be exceeded. When this occurs, regulators are designed to let the excess flow, which is a mixture of storm water and sanitary wastes, to be discharged directly to the Anacostia River, Rock Creek, the Potomac River, or tributary waters. This excess flow is called Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO). Release of this excess flow is necessary to prevent flooding in homes, basements, businesses, and streets but it adds bacteria and contaminants as potential threats to tap water. Since a portion of the tap water comes from sewerage treatment plants CSO's can adversely affect the quality of our receiving waters in a number of ways: CSO's contain material which contributes to high bacteria levels in the receiving waters. Organic material in CSO's can contribute to low dissolved oxygen levels, which can contribute to a potential for fish stress or fish kills, especially in summer months; and, debris in CSO's such as plastic bottles, Styrofoam cups (otherwise known as "floatables") contribute to poor aesthetics. How Safe For Drinking is Well Water? Well water, a popular alternative to tap water particularly in Northern Virginia is subject to the same ground water contaminants, chemical discharge waste and organic waste as tap water but is not subject to any regulation whatsoever. In addition to emitting foul sulphur odors and sediment from the water Northern Virginia well water contains significant amounts of iron in the rock in some areas, particularly the Piedmont and Blue Ridge, resulting in iron "staining." Sulfide in ground water is also found in parts of the Valley and Ridge where coal or natural gas is present produces an obnoxious odor. Ground water that is a source of well water also can be contaminated by human activities. Bacteria from septic systems, and nitrate from both septic systems and fertilizer applications, are among the most common contaminants. Since well water is not subject to regulation, the potability and suitability for drinking, of a private well is the responsibility of the homeowner and many private wells are contaminated. Treating Drinking Water From Wells The Sate of Virginia strongly recommends treatment of well water with chlorine to kill bacteria in well water and, in an effort to overcome the obnoxious smell and taste of chlorine, de chlorination. Again, this process is not controlled by any state or Federal agency. Two general kinds of water treatment are disinfecting and conditioning. To ensure that the supply is free of harmful bacteria, water is disinfected. Objectionable tastes, odors, and matter are removed by conditioning. Well Water Disinfection Methods Drinking water is most commonly tested for coliform bacteria, which live in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. Coliform bacteria in a well are usually the result of a faulty septic system or contaminated surface water entering the well or water delivery system. Materials and tools used in well construction are frequently contaminated withbacteria that live in the soil and these can be introduced into the water system while constructing the well, installing components of the piping system, or servicing any part of the water supply system. The State of Virginia strongly recommends that the water system be disinfected following construction and after all repairs. Chlorination is used to disinfect private supplies because it destroys bacteria within a reasonable contact time and provides residual protection. However,ordinary levels of chlorination are not always effective in destroying Giardia cysts, which cause a severe gastrointestinal illness. Super-high levels of chlorination,boiling and filtering are the only effective methods to destroy or remove these cysts. High chlorine concentrations can have objectionable tastes and odors, and even low chlorine concentrations react with some organic compounds to produce strong, unpleasant tastes and odors. To eliminate these offensive tastes and to remove excessive amounts of chlorine, the water is then dechlorinated. Activated carbon filters are the most common devices used to dechlorinate water, remove objectionable chlorine tastes, and reduce corrosion of plumbing systems. In addition to removing taste and odor problems, reports have shown that granular activated carbon absorption is the best method currently available to remove specific organic chemicals (including some pesticide residues), and as a method for radon removal. How Safe is Tap and Well Water for Drinking? Municipalities, well owners and even the EPA claim that tap and well water in Northern Virginia and Washington D.C. is perfectly safe for drinking but one must wonder. Consider the source of tap water in light of sewage treatment, heavy chlorine additive and waste discharge in the Potomac River and one starts to wonder. Also consider that well water is subject to most of the contaminants of tap water but is unregulated as well. Is Drinking Bottled Water an Alternative to Tap or Well? The popularity of bottled water has grown tremendously as Americans seek healthy lifestyles and better tasting water. But not all bottled water is healthier than the tap or well alternative. Up to 25% of all bottled water on the market is tap water repacked in plastic bottles and bottled water that is not purified often contains minerals and other contaminants that may be harmful to your health. These contaminants are not only unhealthy and affect the taste of the water but limit storage life for emergency supplies of drinking water. Purified water however, using a distillation and oxygenation process, provides the water drinker the safest and best tasting alternative to contaminated tap and well water in Northern Virginia and Washington D.C. Distillation removes the water from the contaminants in a process that insures purity and oxygenation adds a light refreshing taste to the remaining purified water. Consider the long term health of you and your family and build a healthy lifestyle on pure drinking water.

Bodyweight Fitness

5 New Turbulence Training Exercises to Help Busy Dads Burn Belly Fat Now

Gone are the days when you could spend an hour in the weight room and another 30 minutes doing cardio. With kids, there's just no time to even drive to the gym, let alone workout for more than 20 minutes. But by using the most convenient exercise equipment available – your own bodyweight – you can burn belly fat fast. And you can get your muscle definition back with simple bodyweight exercises. So, you can forget the fancy machines, expensive gym memberships, or sharing equipment with sweaty strangers. You can forget about not spending enough time with your wife or kids. You can do this workout when you wake up or before you go to sleep. You can do this bodyweight training circuit at home before or after work. You can even close your office door and do this entire workout while everyone else is out for lunch.

5 Bodyweight Training Exercises to Help the Busiest Executives Reduce Stress & Lose Fat Fast:

1. The Prisoner Squat This turbulence training bodyweight exercise stretches your chest and works your entire body, including your upper back (an area of stress for many busy dads). To perform this exercise, start with your hands behind your head, and elbows back. Pull your shoulder blades together to exercise your upper back and relieve your stress. Start with your feet shoulder width apart, and push your hips back and squat until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Sit back as if you were sitting into a chair. Pause briefly at the bottom and stand back up to the start position. Do this fifteen times.

2. The Decline Pushup This turbulence training body weight exercise is a harder variation of the regular pushup. To effectively perform this exercise, place your feet on a bench, chair, or step, so your feet are at least 6 inches off the ground. Start with your hands just wider than shoulder width apart. Brace your abs, and bend your arms to lower your chest to the floor. Stop one inch above the ground and press back up to the start position. Do this fifteen times. Feel the burn and see how ready you are for the busy day or night ahead of you.

3. Split Squats Follow the pushup with a set of split squats. To complete this turbulence training bodyweight exercise, step one leg forward. Move your other leg back so it looks like you are making a slightly larger than normal step. Do this close to a wall so you can use your hands for balance if necessary. Now, balance on your front foot and on the ball of your back foot. Your back heel will be off the ground for the entire exercise. Bend your back knee. Start the movement by dropping your hips straight down until your back knee is two inches above the ground. Press through your front leg to stand back up. Do eight repetitions for one leg and then switch sides and repeat.

4. Mountain Climbers This turbulence training bodyweight exercise works your abs, your chest, and your legs. Get into the pushup position. Brace your abs. Now lift one foot and bring your knee to your chest. Touch the foot down, and then return it to the start position. Alternate sides and complete ten repetitions for each side.

5. Stick Ups To finish the circuit, you will do a turbulence training bodyweight exercise called "Stick-ups". Stand with your feet six inches from the wall. Now place your back, butt and head flat against the wall. Put your arms overhead as if someone told you to "Stick-em up!" Keep your hands, wrists, elbows and shoulders against the wall. Now slowly slide your arms down the wall and tuck your elbows into your sides. Again, keep your arms and back against the wall. No cheating! Do this exercise twelve times. Do these five exercises in a circuit, without resting between exercises. When you've completed the circuit once, rest one or two minutes and repeat the circuit two more times. You'll feel great, boost your metabolism, and sculpt your body without spending a penny.

Apt to the Body, Apt to the Purse

The Affordable Herbal Snoring Remedy

Curing or remedying the sleep disorder snoring by way of herbs is very common to numerous countries all over the world. Mostly because herbs, contrasting prescribe medicines, are apparently more holistic to the human body. Herbal medicines not only reduce snoring, it also relieves the snorer his or her pocket. Snoring is principally a widespread predicament of more or less every person in the world; even those who snore once in a while are bothered by it. The process of breathing through the mouth generates a sound that is not only disturbing but also quite shameful. Herbal medicines not only lessen one’s snoring, it will also develop regular night-time breathing and develop the air passages. But if you are taking medical prescription on a regular basis, it would be unwise to shift herbal medication abruptly. It is best that you seek advice from your physician before shifting to herbal medication. Now we shift our concentration to herbal treatment. Herbal medications help normalize the immune system and adjust the imbalance in your system. Furthermore, it also strengthens your energy as well as improves one’s wellbeing. And, is free from all forms of side-effects. However, you must bear in mind that when you use herbal medication as your treatment it will depend in accordance with the symptom that you experience. The reason for that is because each and every herbal medication is from several different sources and yields several signs and pharmacological action. Another thing that you can benefit from using herbal medication is the way it fits specific health requirements of a person. Nonetheless, when you purchase herbal medications, always opt for the traditional product that will suit your health requirements. Remember; do not opt for the regular developed product. There are some manufacturers that produce according to a single category. These days there are numerous herbal medications that do not require cooking. These herbal medications come in a dosage form that is easy to take. These particular herbal medications are come in a form of an oral solution, tablets, pills, powders, lotion, spray, liniment, tea bag, capsules and the like. Each and every single one of these herbs have dissimilar efficacy. Furthermore, taking herbal medications cost much less than those of prescribe medication. Therefore, if you want to maintain a clean and healthy lifestyle, it is recommended that you try using herbal medications. It can treat that shameful snoring problem of yours without experiencing the hassles of the side-effects.

A Change in Lifestyle

A Change in Lifestyle is A Good Remedy to Stop Snoring

Almost half of the population in the United States today snores now and then. And, almost 80 percent of the couples living together in the United States sleep in a separate room, all of that because of the sleeping disorder called snoring. It is a fact, that snoring not only endangers the relationship of most couple, the sleeping disorder is also applicable to all sorts of people that have it. The effect of snoring to the social relationship of those who have it is quite serious. A mere snore has the possibility of developing into sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder wherein the individual who have it will stop breathing for about sixty long seconds. That is the reason why snoring must not be taken lightly, snoring is a life threatening malady. Also, recent studies and research shows that snoring may also lead to diabetes. The reason for that is because snoring reduces the oxygen intake of the body, as a result, the human body will then produce more catecholamines to compensate for that. And that may lead to the one of the most prominent symptom of diabetes, which is insulin resistance. Most of us probably have asked ourselves why people snore. Let is probe further. When a person sleeps, the air goes through its nose, throat and lastly the lungs. Normally, this process is unimpeded and somewhat noiseless. However, the flow of the air passage will eventually get disrupted. This is somewhat natural mainly because of certain aspects, such as clogged nose, or in some cases, the bottom of the tongue is obstructs the breathing. The most common cause of snoring is because the soft tissue in the throat or the upper palate vibrates. And once the air passage is obstructed as it goes through to the lungs, the problem arises. Loud snoring is basically the result of the hindered air flow that goes through the narrow tissue in the throat or upper palate. But how do we lessen snoring, or better yet, stop this sleeping disorder? Truthfully, there is no specific general solution for that predicament. On the other hand, numerous solutions have been made to assist individuals that are suffering from this problem. The most practical solution for that problem is by changing into a healthy lifestyle. Also, there are now numerous medications – prescribed and herbal – that not only help reduce snoring but also may eliminate the disorder once and for all. There are also some mouth and throat exercises that broaden and tighten the throat to reduce snoring.

Focal Infection

Theory Supported by Other Medical Doctors.

What has been learned in the intervening years which confirms Dr. Price's contributions to mankind? Research about endondontic treatment since that time has been extensive and, for the most part, corroborates Dr.Price's discoveries. At the same time, Price's questions continue to add new dimensions to understanding problems inherent in the dental profession's effort to save teeth and keep people healthy. Let me tell you about some of the scientific research which confirms Dr. Price's major revelations and adds so much to our understanding of this subject. What follows includes a bit more technical information than I like to present to lay audiences. However, knowing some dentists and physicians will read this book because of their own interest in the subject or because of the demands of their patients, it seems necessary to include at least a minimum of scientific data to emphasize studies which support and confirm the Price discoveries. The following men made important contributions to society in this regard: Milton J. Rosenau, M.D. One of the medical greats who contributed much to our knowledge of the process of focal infection was Dr. Milton J. Rosenau, Professor of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene at Harvard Medical School In Boston. In 1939, in an article published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, Rosenau reported isolating streptococci bacteria from an ulcer in the bowel of a patient ill with "mucous colitis." He transferred the bacteria involved in the ulcer through intravenous injection into several animals and reproduced in them a similar colitis. Extensive medical work to try to locate the source of the bowel infection was solved when he found the patient had a crowned bicuspid which had a large abscess at its root end. Cultures made from the infected area were injected intravenously into a rabbit. In 72 hours the rabbit developed a bleeding, necrosing colitis which proved to contain the same family of bacteria involved in the patient's tooth. But Rosenau's experimental work didn't end there. He then planted these bacteria in some of the teeth of a dog. X-ray photographs revealed these teeth developed abscesses quite similar to those found originally in the patient. What is more, after 16 months the dog developed ulcerative colitis. To further his work, Dr. rosenau transferred into the teeth of dogs other strains of streptococci taken from patients with a variety of diseases, either acute or chronic, such as nephritis (kidney disease with stones), cystitis (bladder), stomach ulcers, arthritis, and various central and peripheral nerve diseases. Fifty-two dogs were involved and 1014 dogs who were not inoculated were used as controls. Between 47 percent and 75 percent of the animals developed the same diseases as had the patients. Dr. Rosenau was criticized that he too often found streptococcus bacteria in diseases transferred via focal infection. He pointed out the streptococcus organisms were commonly found to be responsible for the largest number of chronic cases of invalidism. You will remember that Dr. Price also found streps the most frequent oral organisms involved in causing degenerative diseases. Franklin Billings, M.D. It was Frank Billings, M.D. Dean of the Faculty, Professor and Head of the Department of Medicine and Professor of Medicine at the University of Chicago, who located and identified the first focal infection in the mouth. In 1914, Dr. Billings wrote: "Focal infection is most commonly situated in the head, but may be located in any organ or tissue." What he meant was, while it was possible for a focal infection to rise from any where in the body, its most probable starting site was in the mouth. It must be kept in mind that in the beginning, studies disclosed the transfer of bacteria from the teeth and tonsils was found to infect the heart, bone joints, kidneys, etc. As time went on, more and more organs and tissues were found to be involved in diseases which originated in the mouth. It would have been better had Dr. Billings been able to spell out the original findings and then add his new discoveries, for many people who had trouble understanding bacteria could be transferred from the mouth to other tissues opposed his frequent addition of new areas, even though it should have been obvious search addition was a new discovery. These objections were partially responsible for the focal infection theory battles which came about. Eventually Dr. Billings was to state that at least 99 percent of the focally infected diseases arose from the tonsils or teeth, and only one percent or less from all the other sources combined. Some of those other sources proved to be the sinuses, Lungs, Intestines, toenails, and tonsil tags or stumps, but keep in mind these bacteria could originate anywhere.

Prem health...What Is The Best Insomnia Hormone

Insomnia is a disorder where a person is unable to sleep for extended periods of time. Lack of sleep can be dangerous because the person who suffers from insomnia is exhausted all of the time which can lead to bad judgment calls and failure to being productive. Sleep allows the body to recover and refresh itself on a daily basis. Side Effects Of Insomnia Although insomnia can strike anyone at anytime, a person who has a high-pressure job, or a lot of worry or stress is more likely to be stricken with it. When your body gets enough rest, you are able to stay more focused on the tasks of the day. Lack of sleep can cause you to have slow or delayed reactions. This is blamed for millions of auto accidents each year. There are also other affects that insomnia can cause other than lack of sleep. A person who suffers from insomnia also risks serious illness because the body’s immune system can be affected. A healthy body requires that you sleep at least eight hours a night. Studies Of Insomnia Studies have indicated that a hormone called Melatonin, referred to as the insomnia hormone, is responsible for putting the body to sleep. This hormone is produced in the pineal gland located in the brain. When the body does not produce enough Melatonin, insomnia is the result. When the correct amount of Melatonin is produced, it acts as a natural relaxant in the body and has even been proven to reduce body temperature. There is hope for those who suffer from insomnia. Medical breakthroughs happen every day. With the advances in medical science, Melatonin can now be produced synthetically. Studies have shown that the body produces Melatonin at night or in the dark. When it is released into the body, tiredness and eventually sleep occurs. Other studies have concluded that Melatonin is reduced, as we get older. What this means is that the elderly have more chance of suffering from insomnia than one of a younger age. Often times, a physician will prescribe an insomnia hormone in order for the person suffering to get the proper amount of sleep. Understanding Insomnia It is important to understand that the insomnia hormone cannot be thought of as a cure for insomnia it is only a treatment. It is crucial that you see your physician in order to rule out any underlying problems. Only he or she can determine if Melatonin is the right course of treatment for you. Insomnia is a horrible disorder that can be devastating to those who suffer from it. With medical science making breakthroughs everyday, it is one disorder that can be eliminated. With proper medication, those who suffer from insomnia can lead healthy, restful lives.

Prem health...When To Workout

What should I eat? When should I eat it? And when’s the best time to work out? Should I hit the gym when I wake up in the morning, during lunch hour, or late afternoon? Everyone has a different opinion, whether they are an entrepreneur, a freelance photographer, a school teacher or a diehard fitness freak. So HCM took the query to the training professionals to get their take on the problem. Dr. JoAnn Dahlkoetter, author of Your Performing Edge and member of the medical staff at Stanford says, “The best time of day to exercise is first thing in the morning. You lower your stress and increase your metabolic level. If you wait until later in the day you may put the workout off and not do it at all.” (Website for helpful articles and success tips: www.YourPerformingEdge.com.) Dr. Yariv Rothman, a Venice, California chiropractor also prefers the A.M. workout. “A morning workout can be very helpful, especially if you’re shedding those extra pounds post pizza night.” Cardiovascular exercise or circuit training in the AM stimulates the endocrine system, releasing endorphins and enhancing mood. Dr. Rothman says, “My patients who work out in the early morning report that they have more energy throughout the day and deal with stressful situations at work better.” Guy Grundy, Mr. Australia, is a morning person, too. He says, “By training first thing in the morning you are able to take advantage of certain factors. You release more growth hormones (GH) at this time due to the low blood sugar levels. The more GH you release the better.” If you are looking to gain bulk or become more lean, your meals will be a little different. To bulk up, Mr. Australia suggests, “A high protein, high carb snack is great before the workout as you will have additional nutrients in your system while you are training.” Dr. Dahlkoetter suggests a sports bar or a bowl of oatmeal. If you are looking to drop body fat Guy Grundy offers a suggestion before pumping weights, “Go with a shake. It’s easy to digest and will ensure you have enough protein in your system while you train.” Remember, if your body is low on carbs it will use protein as an energy source. Grundy says, “I always make sure I have a little more protein in each meal as I like to stay lean and therefore eat less carbs. I build muscle and drop more body fat with this method.” The most important meal is the one immediately following your workout. You should look to get between 25-50% of your daily carbohydrate intake. And the amount of carbs needed during a post workout meal varies between people. Guy Grundy says, “My favorite is egg whites, flank steak, and three blueberry and banana multigrain pancakes.” There’s a good reason for all these carbs. After a workout your body has depleted its carbohydrate reserves. Your body is releasing more insulin, sending needed carbs back into the muscles. These calories and nutrients absorbed during post-workout meals are directed into the worn muscle mass which leads to a better gain in muscle and cell growth. Guy Grundy says, “Using creatine with your post workout meal and a high amount of water will provide even better results.” Dr. Rothman says, “Your body needs refueling as well as protein, which is necessary for muscle repair.” He suggests a turkey sandwich or a few scrambled eggs with fruit. There is a downside to the morning workout. Since muscles are still asleep from a long night’s rest, they need some waking up before strenuous exercise. Spend a few minutes warming up. This could be five minutes on the stationary bicycle and stretching exercises, which will avoid unnecessary strain on muscles and ligaments. Ryan Kravetz, a Bally Total Fitness trainer and former Team USA ice hockey forward, knows a morning workout gets the metabolism going, but he has practical concerns. “The crowd hits the gym in the early morning and late afternoon.” This is the time when people have to wait to do their bench presses or leg lifts. “The equipment is available without a wait during midday,” says Kravetz. Not everyone can jump out of bed in the morning and pump iron. There is a school of thought that agrees with Kravetz, but for a different reason. Led by Dr. Phyllis Zee of Northwestern University, this group cites a good explanation for the P.M. exercise. Muscle strength is at its peak, and people are most alert. Therefore, athletes are less apt to injure themselves. There’s some science to back this opinion, too. It has to do with circadian rhythms, our internal biological clocks. These rhythms time our sleep, wakefulness, and body temperature. During the afternoon our internal clocks have increased our body temperature by one to two degrees. Consequently, muscles are more supple lowering the risk to injury. For most people this happens between 2:00-4:00 P.M. Exercise before bedtime is frowned upon. According to Dr. Dahlkoetter, sports psychologist, “If you exercise at night, you will become dehydrated and have more difficulty sleeping.” A workout before bedtime will keep you up. Sure, you’ll be wide awake for Letterman or Leno, but you’ll have trouble waking up for that early morning appointment. Maybe it’s an A.M. workout you prefer to start the day with an energy boost. Or a P.M. workout suits you best when your muscles are warm and you need to relieve some stress. Take your pick. Choose one and stick with it. And remember to eat smart before and after you exercise. Maintaining a regular workout schedule with an appropriate diet could extend your life and definitely improve your mental and physical health.

Creating An Acid Reflux Food Plan

Acid reflux or heartburn is a very painful condition that is caused by stomach acids leaking into the lower esophagus. This is treated in using several methods. In the early stages of the disease, in which the heartburn is only occasional antacids can be of some help, but in the long run like in the case of calcium carbonate, actually make the problem worse. Some other medications give only temporary (approx. eight weeks) relief. The long-term goal is to find the source and eliminate it by using allergy medications or avoiding foods that cause the problem. In this case creating an acid reflux food plan is a necessity. What foods to avoid While every person’s case is different in general the foods to avoid are: 1. Caffeinated drinks-soda, coffee, and hot/cold chocolate drinks. 2. Peppermint & Spearmint-both as drinks such as tea, and in gum, and other foods as flavoring. 3. Citrus-this would mean both drinks, like orange juice, and foods as in lemons and limes. 4. Spicy foods -raw onions, cinnamon, red and other hot peppers. 5. Chocolate-flavors and candy bars 6. Alcohol-in medicine as well as in food 7. Tomatoes- in drinks as well as in foods 8. Fried and fatty foods-this would include most fast food and junk foods. While most of these foods are causes of heartburn, it must be stressed that it might be possible that there are other foods that cause heartburn in addition to or instead of these foods. So the best acid reflux food plan is an individually created one that meets that individual’s needs. What foods to include In general, the foods to include are the ones that do not cause the symptoms. In addition, you need to be sure to get a well-balanced and enjoyable meal while still living without the others. Remember that vitamin C is required in other forms than orange juice and the citrus foods that are restricted. In this case, a supplement might be necessary in this case if other foods are not found. Grains such as whole-wheat flour, oats and others will be needed to aid in the digestive process. In addition there are several digestive enzymes available and it is advisable to take one before bed at night. One good plan is to go through your cupboard, pantry, and refrigerator and remove all offending acid reflux food. Then go back again and see what menus can be made with the items you have left. Shopping is made easier with a list of foods that do not cause heartburn. You might also look for foods from restaurant menus and try to find new foods to order while eating out. It would also be a good plan to search the Internet or the library for good cookbooks to look for healthy recipes that you are able to digest easily. While creating an acid reflux food plan may at first sound difficult, actually it is quite simple. You must find what foods are causing the problem and eliminate them. In addition, you need to determine what foods remain and learn to both create new recipes and recreate old ones from the dishes that you enjoyed in the past. This might mean ordering pizza with no sausage and onions on it or it might mean recreating an old favorite recipe.

Depression and "the Secret"

A lot of people are misinformed about what "the Secret" is. They watched the movie or read the book, read what they want to into it, jumped to conclusions, and assumed they know everything there was to know. Actually the "Secret" is pretty complex and difficult to understand because it goes against everything we've been told. I have a small library on the subject, and I'm still struggling to understand it. I do know, however, that after being moderately to severely depressed most of my life, the "Secret" is the best thing I've ever heard. Why? Because it gives the depressed person some hope. Probably the most significant component of depression, if not all of it, is the feeling that you don't have control over what is happening in your world. It has been shown that making animals powerless to change their world automatically makes them depressed. The sad feeling comes from the idea that you will never be able to improve your situation, whatever it is. There is no hope for you. The "Secret" states that everyone has the ability to change their situation, and their world, even me. It says that we are all God's children, and have all been given the same power. The only difference between me and the millionaire with everything he wants is that he has figured out how to use that power. Of course, it also says that a successful person thinks positive thoughts, and feels happy. It has been said that "The one thing a depressed person hates most of all is a happy person" and that has been my experience for the most part. Being happy is obviously extremely difficult for the depressed person, but we are given an idea of how to go about achieving that. We are given some hope of achieving what we want and need most of all. It's about awareness, first of all. We first of all need to know the correct information (that we have the power to change too). Then we need to be aware of what we have been thinking. If you are aware of what you are thinking, you can change it; maybe not much, but at least a little bit. As they say, "Reach for the best feeling thought you can find". As we all know "the first step is always the hardest" and the most important thing is to be moving in the right direction, even if that movement is very slow. You may be taking one step forward, and then two steps back, but at least you will eventually get there. I won't become happy overnight but at least I am seeing an improvement in my mood. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. There is hope. It's about action, second of all. One thing that we need to take into consideration here too is that action is essential. You have to do something. You can't achieve anything even by sitting there and thinking positive thoughts. There is a joke about the guy who prayed to God that he would get a million dollars, and finally God said to him "Give me a break; go and buy a lottery ticket." The good news is that doing something, even if it is just getting out of bed, will automatically make you feel happier. And it will start a snowball effect. You will be doing more and more and feeling better and better. You will learn, from experience, that you can, indeed, make a difference. It may be a small one at first, but eventually you will get to a point where you can make significant differences, and feel wonderful about them. Depression, then, comes mostly or entirely, from the idea that we are powerless to change our situation, whatever it is. The "Secret" tells us that this idea is simply wrong. We have power. We have hope. We can change, even if it takes a while. We can influence our world, and in doing so, we can become happy again.

Prem health...Everyone Should Celebrate Their Success

There have been spurts of affirmative dividends growth, purchasing power and an unbelievable swell in luxuries in the U.S. However, countless experts and laymen alike mention that we have not been living on a vivacity elevation. The disconnection between what we have and what we feel has created much interest among social scientists, psychologists and writers. It has also led to a representative amount of research in the area of jubilation. For exemplification, necessary research in the area of Complete Psychology has discovered what contributes to a sense of well-being and blessedness. One of the zestful discoveries is that there are things you can do to raise jubilation without making extensive life changes. Ongoing research and publications on cheerfulness indicate that once your basic needs are met, funds does not make you lively. Things that have the potential to make you jubilant are: Family, Friends, Meaningful work that you enjoy, Community involvement, increased giving and less getting, gratefulness for what you have and watching diminished television are just a scant things that come to mind to should bring ultimate satisfaction. While you may not deisre to put time and energy into each of these areas, there are probably a couple that would be meaningful to you. From the above list, make a commitment and plan to enrich several of these areas in your life. Some things you can do with your beloved memories to begin to feel happier are: Make a list of your popular memories from the last six months. Procure some photos or mementos to remind you of your absolute memories. Put them in a place where you can easily see them. Choose one of your treasured memories and use visual imagery or a mental picture to savor the encounter and feeling. Then, deposit the memory in your "cheerfulness account". Research also indicates that how you choose to think about things can affect your level of jubilation. The article "Sweet Remembrance" in the July 2006 question of Psychology Today pointed out how certain memories can raise your feelings of enchantment and relief you be healthier. If you require to try doing this as an exercise for yourself: Take fifteen to twenty minutes a day to think about jubilant or agreeable experiences you have had. It is especially helpful to do this before you fall asleep at night. Replay them in color in your head as if you were watching a movie. Capture the feeling that goes with it. Be sure to think of how the event felt then rather than focusing on the event being over now. To improve your mood, it is considerable to see each stupendous event as permanently enriching rather than temporary.