Archive for July, 2008

Bone Density

Thursday, July 17th, 2008

More than one in four women suffer from osteoporosis. If you have a family history of osteoporosis, or have had your ovaries removed, had early menopause, suffered an eating disorder or taken corticosteroids for long periods, your risk of osteoporosis is increased. Anyone in this high-risk group should have a bone-density test.

Bone Density in your 20s
Your bones are still developing, so capitalize on this with a calcium-rich diet and regular exercise. The stronger your bones become now, the less likely they are to become dangerously fragile in later years. If your mother or grandmother suffered from osteoporosis your risk is higher, so it is essential that you work to protect yourself.

Bone Density in your 30s
Your bones keep getting stronger until your mid-30s, with peak bone density at around 35.This is followed by a gradual decline. There are two kinds of bone cells -osteoclasts, or demolition cells, which clear old tissue; and osteoblasts, or building cells, which create new tissue. From the age of 35, the demolition cells work harder and bones start to thin.

Bone Density in your 40s
Bone loss is still quite gradual, unless you reach menopause early and the consequent drop in oestrogen leads to bone deterioration. If this happens, you could consider Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Work to conserve your bone strength by paying attention to diet and exercise.

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How to bargain

Wednesday, July 16th, 2008

Markets
The best and worst bargains can be found at markets.
• Before setting out, write a list of things you’d planned to buy at retail stores. The same items may be at the markets at a fraction of the price. The list also will keep you focused so you’re not tempted to buy useless items.
• Take cash. Stallholders prefer it, and it gives you better bargaining power.
• If you’re planning to buy drapery or furnishings, take a tape measure and measure areas before you go.
• Find out what time the market starts and get there early when the best range of goods is on offer. It also pays to be there just before closing time. Items such as flowers and food are virtually given away.
• Don’t accept the price tag figure. Always ask, “What’s your best price?”
• Bad weather shouldn’t deter you, but it will stop less serious shoppers. You’ll have more room to move and stallholders will be more co-operative in lowering their prices.
• Beware of fly-by-night operators. If you have problems with your purchase, you want to ensure the seller is a regular or has a contact number.

Retail sales
• The only way to make sure a sale price is a genuine discount is to shop around first and compare prices.
• These days, retail stores often are open to offers, so it pays to haggle. If you know another store is offering an item at a lower price, ask the shop to match or better it.
• Beware of retailers who display two prices for the same product. If the higher price has a line through it, the lower price often looks considerably discounted. This is called false price indication, as the shop never offered those shoes for $200. It’s an offence and the retailer can be prosecuted.
• Beware of retailers who advertise products at bargain prices, only to inform customers the items have sold out - in reality, they were never available. Known as bait advertising, it is an offence for a store to mislead potential customers in this way.
• If shops advertise bargains, they should ensure they are available for a reasonable period and in reasonable quantities. Otherwise, the advertisement should indicate there is only a limited number available.

Second-hand woes
• Always inspect used items. Look for damage. If there are faults, can they be repaired and at what cost? Do they interfere with the function or safety of the product?
• Don’t buy chipped china or glass -unless you know it’s special and that it can be restored easily and cheaply.
• Beware of second-hand electrical goods — such as white goods, heaters, radios and so on. They may have faults which could be extremely dangerous.
• Does it have a motor? I know of one shopper who bought a food blender at a market and found later that the motor was missing. So always try appliances out for a few minutes. If it needs any additional wiring or plumbing, add these expenses to the purchase price and then ask, “Is it really worth the money?”
• Ask if the motor has been reconditioned - and by a properly qualified person. Is it clean inside and out?
$ Inquire if the original manual is available for an appliance. Many good second-hand dealers supply these with purchases.
• In some cases, used appliances should be labelled to show whether they have been tested for safety by a qualified person. If an appliance has not been tested, you might be liable for the cost of modifications.

Your rights
• Remember, second-hand goods should work properly and be safe, but you can’t expect them to be the same quality as the new product. If you do have problems, check with the Department of Fair Trading, because you may have rights against the seller or manufacturer. For example, in spite of “no refund” signs, if the item has faults you were not aware of before sale which affect its safety and function, the seller may be legally obliged to give you a refund or exchange. This applies to new goods bought in stores as well as second-hand purchases.

Eating Disorders: Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating

Saturday, July 12th, 2008

For the United States in reliance on research on eating disorders to two percent of all children at risk. It May, several years before her family May suspicious, as it is actually hidden by young people suffer. The main causes are and are mainly inherited and mental.

Society and personality creeps together when it comes to issues of self-esteem, perfectionism and control. Binge Eaters, anorexia and bulimics have all acknowledged the use of food as an instrument to deal with stress.

The researchers tried to find the root ultimate source of disruption in the diet. Many of them came with various causes, but overall we can say that this condition is mainly caused by the poor control over his mind. If we end the control of the mind, it’s just a concept that should be noticed, mental representation.

Binge eaters often, the food to the emotional crises and stress of everyday life. In this way it is with a drug addiction. Instead of dealing with the problems of the forehead, or be dealt with healthy, a person is in the diet. People with eating disorders are often depressed. The correlation is not known. T-depression cause disruption of power supply due to eating disorders or depression? The longer answer is that it at once. The hormones have a role to play. Some hormones are high for those who have eating disorders.

The treatment involves the development and a positive attitude towards the approach of food. This could help with a medical expert or a nutritionist and a regular analysis. Young people who are suffering from malnutrition could even be hospitalized until his condition is stable. The sooner it is detected, the faster and better the chances of cure and the duration of treatment or therapy.

Cheating husband

Friday, July 11th, 2008

A little more than a year ago, I found out that my husband has had two children from a previous relationship. They are 18 now. I am finding it hard to get over the lies he told me and I feel he still has feelings for this other woman. We have four children ourselves and have never met the other two. And, although our kids and I would like to, my husband refuses to discuss the matter.

answer:
If you let your bitter feelings get the better of you, you may drive your husband further away and make the other woman seem more attractive. It would be best not to berate him or force him to talk. Right now he is with you and your children. Given that the other children may want a relationship with him, and that he may feel some obligations towards them, it would be important to see if you can support him having a relationship with them. If so, you need to let him know. By doing this, you are avoiding putting him in a situation where he may feel he has to choose.

Husband wants sex every night

Wednesday, July 9th, 2008

I’ve been married nine years and my husband wants sex every night. I’ve managed to get it down to every second night. If he doesn’t get it on the night, he can get angry and abusive, especially if he has been drinking. We have three children and, to be honest, I rarely feel like sex these days. Please reassure me this isn’t a normal or healthy relationship.

answer:
This aspect of your relationship is not normal or healthy. Even if you felt like sex, he is not offering you the kind of sex you would feel like having. Your husband probably believes he has a right to your body, and you may believe (many women do) that it is your responsibility to be available. His abuse indicates he also may have the potential for physical violence. If you are too scared to challenge him about his behavior, perhaps you should investigate a temporary separation and/or taking out a restraining order. Both of these will give you some leverage to negotiate changes from a safer distance. Choose a time when he has not been drinking and when there will be no interruptions. Clearly state that you do not find his demands for sex and his verbal abuse acceptable behavior and that you want him to take serious steps towards change. If he fails to take you seriously, or cannot follow through on what he promises, you will need to seek counselling.

Another woman

Wednesday, July 9th, 2008

My husband decided to move out, leaving me and my children on our own. He told us it was only temporary, but we now know that there is another woman and a new baby. What should I do? I still love him and don’t want to let go. We were married for more than 20 years and I feel such a failure. I really want him to come back to where he belongs - with us.

answer:
A separation can take a minimum of two years to get over. But first you need to clarify whether or not he intends to return. You won’t begin to heal if you continue to believe this separation is temporary when, in fact, it is not. Such an abandonment, while extremely traumatic for you and your children, says much more about your husband than you. If your experience of your marriage was good, then do not disown it. Can you find someone with whom you can share your anger and grief (a friend or counselor)? This is the key to getting on with your life. Joining a therapy group which helps people through separations is often beneficial. It is vital for your children that you maintain your self-respect, and that you don’t blame yourself for what he has done. You can help each child decide to what extent they wish to pursue a relationship with their father. If he stays in contact with the children, you should encourage them to see him, so they don’t get caught feeling disloyal to you.

How To Look and Feel Younger

Monday, July 7th, 2008

Do you sprint effortlessly up the stairs when the lift is broken, or puff and pant your way to the top? Are you as active as you were in your teens, or a couch potato? If you’ve resigned yourself to the fact that declining strength, stamina and muscle tone are part of getting older, think again. Research shows that people who are active well into old age maintain their fitness.

Evidence suggests that decline is not inevitable below the age of 70. In fact, you can be almost as fit in your 60s as you were in your 20s. London, stresses the importance of exercise: We can slow the deterioration that comes with age. By contrast, no exercise early on accelerates your natural decline. The harder it is to exert yourself, the less you do and, as you do less, exercise becomes more difficult.

The reality is that most of us are frighteningly unfit. In a recent health study, 80 per cent of the women and 78 per cent of the men surveyed didn’t do enough exercise to benefit their health. In many of these people, stamina, muscle strength and aerobic capacity — vital indicators of overall fitness — were lower than expected for their ages. Some sedentary 20-year-olds were less fit than active 60- and 70-year-olds.

Sensible, regular exercise combined with a balanced, low-fat diet keeps blood cholesterol down, reduces your heart rate and lowers blood pressure, while strengthening the heart muscle and increasing aerobic capacity.

Looking after yourself now will protect against age-related ailments like heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis and diabetes. It is never too late to start getting into shape.

Whatever your age, exercise and you’ll see an improvement in your fitness and strength. Recent US studies have found that people who took up exercise in their 70s and 80s improved their strength and overall fitness. Exercise makes you feel healthier, you’ll sleep better and have more energy. Some research suggests that exercise stimulates the production of endorphins, our body’s “good mood” chemicals, and that active people are less likely to be depressed and anxious.

If the health benefits aren’t enough to motivate you, picture how much better you’ll look. A lean, toned body beats a shapeless, flabby one every time. Exercise also benefits your skin by stimulating blood flow to the blood vessels that nourish the skin.

Just 20 minutes of exercise three or four times a week will stretch your muscles and strengthen your bones, and you’ll feel the benefits in weeks.