Summer is officially here. Finally you can pack away your jackets and get outside. Summer offers extras hours of daylight and with it the opportunity to spend even more time enjoying outdoor activities. For many, this means more time doing physical activities and playing sports. So, its important to remember the potential dangers that also come with exercising in hot conditions. As long as you know the dos and donts of working out in the heat, then you can fully take advantage of all the fun of summer.
What you should do:
Drink plenty of fluids. Its extremely important to stay hydrated. If youre thirsty then you are already dehydrated; drink before you feel a need to. Be sure to drink throughout the day (stick to non-caffeinated beverages, preferably water). Also, drink 15-20 minutes before beginning your workout and every 15 minutes throughout the exercise.
Eat regularly. The heat can decrease your appetite, but its important to eat normally. Try to eat small meals 5-6 times per day. Include lots of fruits and vegetables. Aside from being nutritious, fruits also tend to help with hydration.
Wear light, loose fitting clothes that can breath. Cotton is always a good choice. If your outdoor activity produces a lot of perspiration, consider clothing that is designed to wick the sweat away.
Wear sunscreen. Even if you exercise early in the morning or late in the evening, if the sun can reach you then you can get burned. Not only is a sunburn bad on the skin and potentially dangerous but it also hinders your bodies ability to stay cool.
Use common sense and dont attempt strenuous activities that your body is not accustom to. Stick to exercises that you are very familiar and comfortable with.
Check the weather forecast. Its best not to participate in intense outdoor exercise sessions when the heat index registers in the dangerous zone.
What you should not do:
Dont try to diet by sweating. Excessive perspiration is not the key to permanent weight loss. Any decrease in the scale would simply be a result of water loss, not fat reduction.
Dont adapt the no pain, no gain motto. Ignoring your bodys signals could be dangerous. Heat-related illnesses come with warning signs. Be sure to learn how to recognize them and what actions to take.
Dont forget to drink plenty of liquid when swimming. Just because your body is surrounded by water does not mean that you are well-hydrated. As with any land exercises, you need to regularly replenish lost fluids when in the pool.
Avoid physical activity during the hottest part of the day, which usually is between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
If you want (or need) to be working in very hot temperatures, dont do it until you become acclimated. Try to spend only a few minutes per day in the hot conditions for the first couple of weeks and then add time gradually each day.
Avoid extreme changes in temperature. Dont hop from being extremely hot and sweating excessively right into an ice cold, air-conditioned environment. Try to cool your body down slightly before exposing it to the extreme temperature variation.
Whether you have to work outside or do it for enjoyment, following the above tips will help you stay cool and safe during the dog days of summer. So, dont spend the season cooped up, get out there and have some fun!
About the author:
About the author: Lynn Bode is a certified personal trainer specializing in Internet-based fitness programs. She founded Workouts For You, which provides affordable online exercise programs that are custom designed for each individual. Visit: http://www.workoutsforyou.comfor a free sample workout and to sign-up for their monthly fitness newsletter. Fitness professionals take your business online, visit: http://www.trainerforce.com
Press Release
Silent Epidemic of Workplace Depression is the Most Costly Illness for Employers Thuvarakan Tharmalingam
Employers across the country are losing an estimated $44 billion a year in lost productivity directly related to depression.
Santa Barbara, CA (PRWEB via PR Web Direct) August 4, 2004 — Science of Light, Inc. (SOL), has translated their SAD (seasonal depression) light therapy technology right onto computer users desktops with a smart new product designed to help reduce the epidemic of workplace depressive states (WDS) and the eyestrain, headache and fatigue associated with computer vision syndrome (CVS).
CVS affects virtually all computer users and is costing corporate America in excess of 2 billion a year, according to the American Optometric Association. However more alarming is a report from the American Psychiatric Association (APA): Depression Most Costly Illness for Employers (Psychiatric News, Vol.38, Number 14). According to the APA, employers across the country are losing an estimated $44 billion a year in lost productivity directly related to depression.
SOLs new therapeutic task light, aptly named the Intelli Lite, merges superior, glare-free, full spectrum task lighting for high visual acuity, with the wellness benefits of light therapy. Its interactive ergonomic design features three independent light sources which are adjustable to suit individual computer users needs. Intelli Lite is so effective its often covered by medical insurance when prescribed for depression.
The Intelli Lite is simply the best available work station illumination source for those living and struggling with depression. A high profile design with a true full spectrum light source, the Intelli Lite provides both proper illumination and desk-side treatment, according to Michael L. Johnson, M.D., Staff Psychiatrist, Clinical Instructor in Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School.
The new Intelli Lite is the latest product in the companys lineup of biologically beneficial lighting for use in the home and office. Manufacturers of the popular Solar Lite light therapy system for SAD, depression and shift work, as well as the Solar Lite plus light therapy system for reducing the risk of osteoporosis and autoimmune health disorders associated with the lack of vitamin D.
The Intelli Lite carries on this tradition, but with a different twist. Whereas the Solar Lite and Solar Lite plus light therapy devices shower their users with high quantities of bright light and are generally used for only 20-60 minutes a day, the Intelli Lite has been designed for comfortable, continuous use, and provides a less intense light that is adjustable to the users comfort level, and produces a positive, therapeutic effect that reduces the risk of CVS and WDS. Former inefficient workplace lighting can now be conveniently corrected with a task lamp that not only helps reduce common stressors such as eyestrain, headache, and fatigue, but also helps keep employees alert, efficient, and BONUS in better moods throughout the day!
Health science researchers and light therapy pioneers since 1988, Science of Lights products are renowned for their wellness-enhancing qualities. In addition to their light therapy systems for depression and computer vision syndrome, other Science of Light products for the office and home include a full line of energy-efficient and uniquely human-efficient fluorescent tubes, light bulbs and floods. The tubes come shielded against EMF or nonshielded. Quantity discounts are available on all products. For more info call 800-234-3724 or visit: www.bioEnlightenment.com & www.DepressionReliefNaturally.com
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Ken Ceder
Science of Light, Inc.
800-234-3724 x 14
www.scienceoflight.com
About the author:
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Natural Vitamins or Synthetic?
People often ask if natural vitamins work better than synthetic ingredients. The answer is yes and no.
Synthetic vitamins are produced in laboratories. Natural vitamins are derived from food sources. Under controlled conditions synthetic vitamins work just like the natural ingredients.
But we dont live in a perfect world.
For example, studies have shown that synthetic vitamin E will actually block natural vitamin E activity at the cellular level. Synthetic beta carotene is adversely affected by synthetic food dyes, which are common in one-a day vitamin preparations. Yellow dye also decreases vitamin B-6 activity.
Vitamins derived from natural sources contain nutrients that are not available from synthetics. Dunaliella salina algae is not only an effective form of Beta Carotene but also includes the cancer fighters Alpha Carotene, Cryptoxanthin, Zeaxanthin, Lutein and Lycopene.
Synthetic vitamins replicate only one of perhaps dozens of beneficial nutrients. Its somewhat like imitating one ingredient that is contained in an apple. You miss all of the related nutrients that work synergistically. Our bodies need a broad base of natural supplements for optimum health.
Most manufacturers look for the cheapest way to produce their products. Synthetics and chemicals are less expensive, are much easier to process and have a longer shelf life than natural vitamins.
Are Vitamin Supplements really necessary?
You’ve probably heard the comment, maybe even from your doctor, Vitamins will just give you expensive urine.” The latest scientific research proves otherwise. Natural vitamin formulas, herbs and other natural remedies can cure you as well as or better than many prescription drugs…without the negative side effects.
We now have a substantial body of data showing that if everyone took a few supplements every day, they could significantly lower their risk of a multitude of serious diseases, said David Heber, M.D., Ph.D., of the Center for Human Nutrition at the University of California, Los Angeles.
“I get what I need from food.”
We have been told for years that we can get all the vitamins and minerals we need if we eat a balanced diet. Not by a long shot.
More than 90% of Americans don’t eat the recommended daily servings of fruit and vegetables. And even if we try our best to eat more vegetables, the ones we purchase in the produce department don’t have the vitamins and minerals that they had 40 or 50 years ago.
In Department of Agriculture studies of 50,000 persons performed in the 1980’s, not one person was getting the RDA of the 10 essential vitamins. And in many cases the RDA is insufficient for optimum health.
How do I know what vitamins to take?
Good question. How can we be sure we are making the right choices when choosing nutrition supplements. Advertisers spend millions trying to convince us that their vitamins are the best on the market.
What can we believe and to whom can we go to for advice? Can we go to our doctor? Most medical schools provide less than 3 hours education in nutrition.
Let The Buyer Beware
You need a magnifying glass to read the ingredients on the label. In choosing nutritional supplements it is truly e caveat emptor, let the buyer beware. There is no regulation in the vitamin industry and there are legions of unscrupulous vendors try to get your hard earned money.
Some Vitamins Are Hazardous To Your Health
Most people are not aware that many vitamins, including some of the highly advertised name brands, are processed at high temperatures, contain petroleum derived chemical solvents, such as ethyl cellulose and are coated with methylene chloride, a carcinogenic material.
According to Dr. Zoltan P. Rona, M.D., Although most healthy people will have no obvious side effects from ingesting small amounts of toxins found in cheap vitamins, the long term consequences of continuous, daily intakes are potentially dangerous. Over 7% of the population displays sensitivity to these chemicals. Dr. Rona says that allergic reactions include fatigue, memory loss, depression and insomnia.
A One A Day Vitamin Doesn’t Cut It.
Research has been done on some of the national brand vitamins including Centrum and Centrum Silver. To put it plainly their formulas are cheap. Not just inexpensive…but cheap. They have sub-optimal levels of antioxidants, which are so important for fighting free radicals and building up your immune system to fight off heart disease and cancer.
But the problem isnt just the important missing ingredients. It is the chemicals that shouldnt be there. Take Centrum Silver as an example. Centrums ingredients are all synthetic and include seven different chemicals, solvents or dyes.
What Should I Look For?
Number one is to choose a manufacturer you can trust. Many companies are more interested in shelf life than human life. Stick with the natural supplements and avoid the chemicals. A complete all natural formula which includes all the antioxidants you need for heart health, and no harmful chemicals, will run you about $1.30 to 1.50 per day depending on the ingredients. That’s about the price of a cup of coffee.
To learn more about natural whole food vitamins, please visit http://www.natural-multivitamins.com
Olga Timbol’s web site http://www.natural-multivitamins.com is a wonderfull resource for people who wants to stay healthy, feel younger, have more energy and live longer, happier life.
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