FEATURED ARTICLES

• eyeglasses
• better vision
• spare glasses

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Written by Lisa Jillanza

Did you know that eyeglasses date all the way back to 1000 AD? Today, over a quarter of the world population require glasses. If you fall into that 25 percent, you have likely gone through some trial and error when it comes to shopping for the right type of glasses. Finding the right fit at a reasonable price can be a frustrating process. The good news is that there has never been a better time to find a pair of cheap eyeglasses that are a perfect fit.

Whether you require prescription or non-prescription reading glasses, you likely have personal preferences. The most important consideration when purchasing glasses is that they meet the needs specified by your physician or ophthalmologist.

Wearing the wrong pair of glasses can cause headaches, blurred vision, nausea, vertigo, and permanent damage to your eyes. It is not uncommon for one to experience a short adjustment period to new glasses; if you experience continued discomfort it is important contact a professional to assess your needs.

Getting the Best Deal

Some consumers spend on average spend hundreds of dollars and even up to a thousand for prescription glasses. The internet is packed with websites offering affordable glasses. If you opt to buy over the internet, be sure to take some time to research the vendor to ensure they offer a quality product. Customer reviews are a great way to measure the quality and reputation of the seller. You should also search around the web to take advantage of special sales and offers.

More than just a Fashion Statement

Sunglasses are not only fashionable—they save your eyes too! The sun's UV rays can cause extensive damage to your eyes. Medical experts agree that wearing a pair of glasses with UV protection is a vital step in maintaining ocular health. The most effective sunglasses block 100% of UVA and UVB rays; be sure to read the product label before purchasing to confirm the amount of protection the glasses offer.

Glasses with bigger or “wraparound” lenses tend to provide more protection as well. Don't be afraid to wear your sunglasses year round; eye experts recommend wearing sunglasses in the winter as well. Remember that some sunglasses are made for fashion only; be sure to double check that they offer appropriate protection.

Get a Spare

Unfortunately glasses tend to disappear. Don't tear out your hair looking for them—get a second pair! Glasses can have a short life. Whether we sit on them, scratch the lenses, or the dog chews on them, it is a safe bet to have a backup pair. Glasses are occasionally offered at a discount price when you buy two pairs. Take advantage of a two for one special and avoid being without them when you need them the most. You can always buy a much cheaper pair to get you by until you can purchase a better set.

 Second Nature

There is a perfect pair of glasses out there for you; it may take some trial and error, but you will find a pair of eyeglasses that are the right fit, price, function, and look for you. The right pair of glasses will feel natural and let you get through the day without worrying about your vision or eye health. The right eyewear can be a great fashion accessory as well. Whatever your needs may be, don't settle for a mediocre pair. Get a set that works for you!

• improve your health
• diet and mental health
• mood swings
• food and your mood
• your healthy diet

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Written by Lisa Jillanza

It is easy to make the connection between eating a healthy diet and optimum brain development. Of course, eating a healthy diet ensures that the brain has all the nutrients for building a healthy brain. But few are unaware that our diet also has a direct effect on our moods and emotions.

The quality of our diet can have an effect on the duration and severity of depressions. Signs include a sudden loss of appetite, food cravings and skipping meals. Sudden mood changes could be the brains signal that something is wrong or it is severely lacking in some nutrients.

Carbohydrates are important in the structural and functional integrity of the body. Some studies have shown a direct correlation between the levels of carbohydrates and its effects on our moods and behavior. Eating carbohydrate rich food triggers the release of insulin that converts blood sugar into energy. It also simultaneously sends tryptophan in the brain.

Diets which are low in carbohydrate increase the chance for depression. This is because carbohydrates are important building blocks for serotonin and tryptophan or “good feel” hormones. However, it is important that people get their carbohydrates from healthy sources. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables and pasta could provide carbohydrates but have a lasting and stable effect on brain chemistry, mood and energy levels compared to sugar sources that only provide temporary relief.

Here are some of the cause and effects of food on our mood:

• Changes in our blood sugar levels can affect our energy levels and mood. Sudden fluctuations in blood sugar levels could lead to stress.
• Below average levels of essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals could affect normal brain functioning.

• Certain allergies contained in food such as artificial colors and flavorings. People could also develop hypersensitivity to certain foods which they previously have not any difficulty eating.
• Protein rich foods contain amino acids which are essential to normal brain functioning. These are needed by the brain's neurotransmitters. Amino acids are also needed for the production of serotonin and dopamine, mood hormones. And any imbalance could lead to depression and even aggressiveness.
• Before cutting your fat consumption consider the important role they play in brain health. Brain cell membranes are largely composed of fats and the brain's gray matter is built from polyunsaturated fatty acids.

The connection between food and our brain go beyond supplying it with energy and nutrients. Food also plays an important role in our moods and emotions. Eating the right diet maintains our levels of “feel good” hormones that can fight depression naturally.

• post baby weight loss
• pregnancy and weight loss
• baby fat
• lose pounds after pregnancy

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Written by Lisa Jillanza

Post pregnancy period in a woman's life is the time when a woman has that highest weight gain tendency and these tendencies amount only to three high risk periods in a woman's life. This is according to the research from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Once a post pregnancy weight gain isn't shed in a period of six months after birth, the pounds she gained she will likely keep. And once you are already obese before your pregnancy, chances are you will be facing more problem there is.

Health concerns regarding post pregnancy weight gain includes:

• Diabetes (type 2)
• Higher risk of heart diseases
• Complications in later pregnancies.

The Truth About Losing Post Pregnancy Pounds

Most women who have given birth is likely to lose it with the right process. 61% of new moms expect that they will lose the extra pounds they accumulated at the time their babies turn one. It some cases, it can't happen. But mostly, with the well planned program, it can be possible.

Some women though may go back to their old weight but would wear larger clothes. 87% of women say that their stomach or tummy has not return to its normal shape.

Many new moms who have the difficulty in getting their weight down may opt for some attractive alternative such as tummy tuck procedures for slimming down. And given that many women now have been exposed to media and the wonders of medicine, they tried seeking some alternative solutions to their problems in the cosmetic world.

Exercise can be a Jumpstart

Weight loss can't happen in a day or two especially with post pregnancy gains. A series of exercise after giving birth can get you on track. Always give a time for it. Exercising is essential in losing weight, activity can burn fat. A simple exercise you may incorporate in your walk with your baby's stroller or in your other free time.

Exercise and other activities can help you lose fat and not muscles. Women who returns to work after a reasonable time, according to research, may lose weight more than those who stays at home.

Don't Diet too Soon; Watch your Calorie Intake at the Right Time

You should give yourself some time before you start dieting. It is essential especially if you are breastfeeding. Incorporate your diet with a good and regular exercise.

A diet plan that has been well planned (not done abruptly) may help you avoid the delay for your recovery and won't cause fatigue in you. And when on your diet regimen, keep everything healthy. No fasting, no over the edge solutions. Why not bank on some super foods?

Consult Doctor for Safety Purposes

Some exercises and diet plans may not suit you. Your diet program should also be approved by your doctor to be able to keep you safe and help you be on the right track. Remember, when you are still nursing, even though you are trying to lose weight, you should still give your motherly duties some consideration.

Some women though who seemed to have difficulty in slimming down and losing weight results to other cosmetic procedures. Liposuction is popular among many women hoping to loss flabs after giving birth. Some would even result to a make-over that wouldn't address tummy flabs alone but problems with saggy breasts and buttocks as well. Mummy makeover has been a long time popular in many countries all over the world.

Most women would want pre-baby bodies because they need to be assured that they are getting it back. Getting it safely though should be the priority of these Mums. And it isn't a race, it isn't about who get it back the fastest, but it's how it will stay. Once you have it back, maintain it.

• Exercise
• diet
• safe exercise
• safe dieting
• injury proof your workout

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Written by Lisa Jillanza

During physical activity, we can be prone to injuries. We can lose balance and trip over, fall and sprain an ankle.  We can prevent injuries during workouts by strengthening our muscles before embarking on an exercise program. Strengthening core muscles improve balance and flexibility and enable us to exercise effectively to burn fat and build muscle.

However, muscle strengthening is not all about exercise; it also needs balanced nutrition. The purpose is this article is to identify the types of diets which can strengthen muscles effectively.

High Lean Protein Diet

Protein is essential in your diet to encourage growth of muscle mass. This is because a protein-rich diet can provide you with amino acids needed for your body to recover from stress and injury. Amino acids are also needed to rebuild and strengthen muscle tissues after exercise. However, be careful with the type of protein you should include in your diet. You may include lean protein foods such as eggs, beans, chicken, turkey, legumes and low-fat or nonfat dairy products.

Complex Carbohydrate Diet

Complex carbohydrates differ from plain carbohydrates because they are slowly digested, thus providing a slow but steady release of glucose for energy. Consuming this type of carbohydrate can boost your energy levels, especially during a muscle strengthening workout. Consuming carbohydrates also spares protein from being used up for energy in the body.

A good example of a complex carbohydrate is the type of carbohydrate found in oatmeal. Oatmeal is high in dietary fiber, which in turn releases steady energy while keeping blood glucose levels at a normal range. Oatmeal also helps you control your appetite and prevents hunger pangs by making you full all the time. Other foods with complex carbohydrates are whole grain foods and yams.

Healthy Fat Diet

Fat is not all that bad; in fact, you need a reasonable amount of healthy fat to strengthen your muscles. This is because a healthy amount of fat can build muscle and can help rebuild skin, hair, nails and joint tissues. Choose to include monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats in your diet such as the ones found in olive oil, nuts, seeds, canola oil and fatty fish like salmon. These fats can help decrease high cholesterol levels in the blood and can protect you against cardiovascular disease.

Frequent Eating

For muscle strengthening, consider consuming a diet that allows you to eat frequently. Eating frequently has been shown to promote weight loss and burn fat. This is because more frequent eating encourages your body to burn calories during digestion every time you eat. The more frequent digestion is, the more calories are burned. Each of your meal portions should contain only 300 to 400 calories.

Frequent eating can also help manage protein stores in the body so that protein is not utilized for energy but only in the building and repair of muscle tissues. There should be six small meals per day to help you shed fat and prevent hunger pangs.

Other useful tips:

Warm up exercises : get your blood circulation going and warm those muscles up. If you're planning to carry weights or just do a couple of heavy exercises, limbering up will be your best defense against muscle sprains or injury.

Get the help of a professional : if this is your first time going to the gym or are planning to seriously get into an exercise regimen, getting the help of a gym instructor is a must. At least get a friend who has experience. Lifting weights in the gym could be dangerous. If you're trying to lift a heavier weight enroll the help of a friend who could assist you if anything goes wrong.

• quit smoking
• easy ways to quit smoking
• healthier than smoking
• facing smoking cravings

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Written by Lisa Jillanza

Do you smoke? You probably know about the consequences of cigarette smoking. Cigarette smoking is responsible for nearly one out of every five deaths in America. It is a major cause of diseases such as heart disease, stroke, lung cancer and chronic obstructive lung diseases such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Maybe you are also aware of all these but you still have a problem: you simply can't stop smoking.

We cannot blame you. Cigarette smoking is an addictive habit. Whenever you smoke a cigarette, nicotine is absorbed by your body through the blood and it enters your brain. Upon reaching the brain, there is a stimulant effect in the body brought about by a rush of adrenaline. Your heart rate and breathing increases along with your blood pressure. You feel more awake and you forget hunger.

The problem with nicotine is that it is an addictive chemical. Nicotine has the ability to activate reward pathways in the brain. This means that when you smoke a cigarette, you feel pleasure. This is due to the fact that nicotine increases the secretion of a chemical in the brain called dopamine, causing pleasurable sensations. When you don't smoke, you feel bad and you experience withdrawal symptoms. This is what makes cigarette smoking a habit which is difficult to break.

So, how do you stop smoking in a healthier way? Here are some tips:

Face Your Cravings

You should learn the art of self-control. If you experience cravings, tell yourself to wait for 10 minutes before you give in. During that time you should be able to distract yourself. Delaying your cravings can actually drive your cravings away.

You should also avoid triggers. Cravings may surface out when you go with the same smoking crowd or when you go to certain places. You must avoid those places or those friends of yours. Also avoid parties and bars while you are on the process of quitting smoking.

Exercise

Getting physical very often can actually help ease cravings for smoke. You can walk, jog or play sports. You may also try relaxation techniques such as yoga. Whenever you crave for tobacco, try to practice relaxation techniques to drive away your cravings and distract you.

Get support

You can ask support from your family members and loved ones. Tell them to constantly remind you to quit smoking. Listen to the advices of these loved ones and lean on them for support whenever you feel weak. You can also join support groups for smoking cessation.

Get Replacements

Smoking alternatives such as nicotine gums or e-cigarettes can help reduce your cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor should be able to help you with these. Your doctor may also give you some medications to help you quit smoking.

Help Yourself

You hold the key towards your rehabilitation. You should constantly remind yourself of why you would like to stop smoking. Think of how smoking can kill you. Think of the cancers and lung diseases you may get if you continue to smoke. Think about the things you would like to do when you grow old and tell yourself that you cannot enjoy these things if you continue to smoke and shorten your life. You may write down your thoughts on a journal or a blog. You can say out loud what you have written to strengthen yourself. Remind yourself constantly and you will not fail.