Fitness and Health

Inner Health & Fitness

jury@blogfreehere.com — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 07:01:46 +1000

Life Of A Marketer

Are You Content With Your Daily Output?
3 Critical Changes That Will Triple Your Production Rate
by: Dina Giolittoi

I'm an internet marketer just like you are, so I know how crazy things can get. Trying trying trying for better page rank, all the time. Emails flying in from everywhere and you just can't keep up. Juicy network posts distracting you again. Server trouble, client rush jobs... and uhh... what was it that you had planned to do today? Following are Five Critical Steps You Can Take Right Now to get on the path to better productivity, laser-focused marketing and more PROFIT.

1. Train Your Brain to Think Mostly Marketing Thoughts.

I get so upset when I see my friends digressing again and again on their blogs and in their emails. That's because I know that with every non-selling focused piece of content they produce, they just wasted at LEAST an hour writing pointless copy, and then probably two more hours responding to the onslaught of reactions they got. You MUST focus your mind if you want to get ahead in this industry. When I meet marketers who are able to stay 90% on track with room for a wee bit of fun, I smile to myself because it's my goal to be just like them, always. It should be yours as well!

2. Look for the Golden Opportunity No Matter How Crappy Things Seem.

Another thing that can majorly throw you off course: disappointment. What happened today that got you down, and what did you do? Instead of dwelling on the negative and complaining to people, train yourself to take immediate corrective action. Didn't land that job contract? Pick up where you left off in your article marketing campaign. Server keeps crashing? Log off, step back and devote 20 minutes of your attention to the email marketing campaign you said you were going to write. When you feel scattered, it's because you are scattered. Take some time to regroup and then streamline your effort toward getting six new tasks that you WILL accomplish today.

3. Be Slick About Where You Put Your Existing Content.

Let's suppose you have a plan to release 20 new articles, send an e-book of brand new content to your subscribers twice this month, and post in your blog at least twice a week. In what order will you set out to accomplish these tasks for the least amount of work for you? Do this: write ten fresh articles, pack them up in an e-book BEFORE you distribute them to the article websites, and send to your subscribers with an alert about "never before released info!" Once the excitement dies down, use the same ten articles to post on the web everywhere you can. Choose a few from the pile and post to your blog. Repeat the procedure for the next ten. You just saved yourself a bundle of time.

Are YOU Content With Your Content? Get Top Secret Marketing Tips from the Web's Biggest Gurus and Expert Authors on The First Annual Web Content Awareness Day on FEBRUARY 9, 2006.

Go to http://wordfeeder.com/wcad/landingpage.html for details.

4 Simple Changes to Regain Your Life from Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrom
by: Lee Berlemann

According to the American College of Rheumatology, Fibromyalgia affects 3 to 6 million Americans. Other sources say the total number affected could be 8 million people. It primarily occurs in women of childbearing age, but children, the elderly, and men can also be affected. (Approximately 80 percent to 90 percent of affected people are women.)

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by fatigue and widespread pain in your muscles, ligaments and tendons. At first, it was not considered an illness at all. Doctors could not find any thing wrong with patients so they believed it to be psychosomatic.

Slowly that dismissive view is changing. Published research at Johns Hopkins, University of Pennsylvania and other top research facilities points to immune dysfunction and cardiac abnormalities in these illnesses. It is difficult to believe that some doctors still regard people with Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome as nothing more than ‘extremely worried well people’.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS or chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome, CFIDS) is a chronic, often debilitating disorder of unknown cause characterized by fatigue, pain and cognitive disorders. Often severe cognitive complaints differentiate the syndrome from similar disorders and usually occur in a later stage of the disease.

There is no evidence to sustain the thought that CFS or Fibromyalgia is a contagious disease. Contagious diseases typically occur in well-defined clusters, either as outbreaks or epidemics.

What Causes Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Asking what causes Fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome can be a tricky question, depending on whom you ask. Doctors and researchers believe there is not a single cause of Fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome. At this point doctors are just not sure what causes these illnesses.

While the cause of Fibromyalgia is unknown, researchers have several hypotheses about causes or what triggers the illness. Some scientists believe that the syndrome may be caused by an injury or trauma. This injury may affect the central nervous system.

Fibromyalgia may be associated with changes in muscle metabolism, such as decreased blood flow, causing fatigue and decreased strength. Others believe an infectious agent such as a virus in susceptible people may trigger the syndrome, but no such agent has been identified.

Research proposes that CFS may be caused by an immunologic dysfunction or altered capacity of certain immune functions. One thing is certain at this time: there are no immune disorders in CFS or Fibromyalgia patients traditionally affiliated with disease.

That suggests a different approach is needed to reach the state of health you want.

4 Simple Changes to Shift Your Life From Fibromyalgia or CFS

Many studies have indicated that a healthy lifestyle including diet, exercise, relaxation techniques and sufficient sleep offer the most effective approaches for reducing fatigue and pain from CFS and Fibromyalgia.

1. Nutrition/Diet

A common thread in many cases seems to be a tendency to feel better when refined sugar, caffeine, alcohol, fried foods, red meat, and highly processed foods, are kept to a sound personal minimum in the diet.

Try supplementing your current diet with greater quantities of raw or lightly cooked fruits and vegetables. Try substituting meats that are high in fat with fish or lean poultry. Drink plenty of water and take a good vitamin supplement to ensure that you are getting proper nutrition.

2. Quality Sleep: Seven Ways to Become Sleeping Beauty

This is perhaps the most important component of treating CFS/FM. The following tips will help you achieve more restful sleep. Try to follow as many of them as possible to obtain the best level of sleep you can:

· Try to go to bed earlier and at the same time everyday. Even on weekends, try to go to bed and wake at the same time. This will help your body get used to a set schedule and provide for a more restful sleep.

· Try to avoid any caffeine-containing beverages such as coffee or soda before going to bed. It is a stimulant that will keep you awake at night. Also, alcohol drinking should be kept to a minimum in Fibromyalgia sufferers.

· Don’t eat a lot before bedtime. Generally, try not to eat within two hours of going to bed. Particularly avoid spicy or fatty foods and try to keep your "midnight snacks" to a minimum.

· Ensure that you have a comfortable mattress and pillow. Sometimes, people’s poor sleeping habits stem from poor mattresses. What constitutes a comfortable bed is different for us all. Usually something that is not too firm and not too soft should be acceptable. Cervical pillows mold to the natural shape of your neck and eliminate any unwanted stresses on the muscles of your neck and upper back. Choosing the appropriate bed and pillow is often done by trial and error. Find the combination that gives you the most restorative sleep and stick with it.

· A regular exercise program will help you have a more deep and refreshing sleep on a consistent basis.

· Try and avoid daytime naps. By doing so you will be more tired at night and be able to sleep deeper, thereby waking up more refreshed. Naps may seem like they provide more sleep time, but they are counterproductive to getting rest. Naps during the day will affect how well you will sleep during the night and it gets the body out of sync with the regular sleep pattern, leading to insomnia at night.

· Keep a proper sleeping environment. This involves a quiet and cool room. A slightly cooler room is ideal for sleeping since this mimics your internal temperature drop during sleep and silence is more conducive to sleep.

3. Exercise: You Can Be More Than A Couch Potato

Many studies have indicated that exercise is the most effective component in managing Fibromyalgia, and patients must expect to undergo a long-term exercise program. Physical activity prevents muscle atrophy, increases a sense of well-being, and over time reduces fatigue and pain itself. Be sure to consult your physician before beginning any exercise program.

4. Relaxation Techniques: Even When You’re In Pain

Relaxation and stress-reduction techniques are proving to be helpful in managing chronic pain. There is certainly evidence that people with Fibromyalgia have a more stressful response to daily conflicts and encounters than those without the disorder. A number of relaxation and stress- reduction techniques have proven to be helpful in managing chronic pain:

· Deep breathing exercises.
· Muscle relaxation techniques.
· Meditation.
· Hypnosis.
· Biofeedback.
· Massage therapy.

Your goal with these lifestyle suggestions is to modify the choices that are within your control. But obviously, many things in your life are not in your control and impact you on many different levels. But, you CAN gain control over these areas too.

A free ebook titled "Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: What you need to know, what you need to do" explains how you can regain control your health to enjoy a life free from the symptoms of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Obtain your free copy now at: http://www.fibromyalgia-and-chronic-fatigue-help.com Get "the rest of the story" to start living the life you want and deserve!! Lee Berlemann's FREE ebook titled, "Fibromyalgia And Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: What You Need To Know, What You Need To Do" offers hope for all your health challenges. Obtain your FREE copy at: http://www.fibromyalgia-and-chronic-fatigue-help.com.

Fitness and Health

jury@blogfreehere.com — Fri, 11 May 2007 21:58:25 +1000

Fitness - Health & Fitness - MRSA

Fitness
Fitness, Health & Wellbeing

The Newest Threat to Athletes: Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
by: Bryan S. Bentz MS, ATC

Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is quickly developing into a widespread threat to athletes in all sports as well as the general population. MRSA is a very serious infection that was once confined mostly to hospitals. The infection has recently crossed over to the general population, and is now infecting athletes of all sports and levels.

Bacterial infections in athletes are very common and can greatly hamper their ability to compete and perform at their best, but these infections are usually easily treated with antibiotics such as penicillin, amoxicillin, methicillin, and oxacillin. MRSA is a staphylococcal bacterial infection (commonly known as a staph infection) that has become resistant to many of these antibiotics that doctors commonly prescribe to treat bacterial infections. This creates a very serious problem for both the athlete and the doctors that provide their medical care. There are a few high-powered new antibiotics that currently exist to treat this infection, but if the bacterial strain mutates further and builds up resistance to these drugs too, doctor's treatment options will be further limited.

Fitness - Spread of resistant staph infections.

The spread and occurrences of MRSA in athletics is increasing. Prior to 2002, resistant staph infections were virtually unheard of in such a healthy population. Many of the first athletic cases were reported in football. Now football players from the high school level to the pros have had outbreaks. Many collegiate teams, including national championship caliber programs, have also had major problems controlling the spread of this infection. MRSA is usually spread by direct person-to-person contact. MRSA is commonly found on the skin or in the nose of healthy people. Having the bacteria present in or on your body does not mean that you will develop infection, and many people live healthy lives without ever developing an infection. Sports such as football, wrestling, and soccer are among the highest risk to spread the infection due to the constant bumping, hitting, and contact with teammates and opponents. These sports generally also have exposed areas of skin and open wounds when practicing or competing that may come in close contact with other athletes. MRSA requires contact to be spread from person to person and is not spread through the air. However, it can be spread by direct contact with contaminated towels or equipment that athletes may share or use during workouts. Once an infection develops in an athlete it can quickly spread throughout a team and to opponents.

Fitness - MRSA First symptoms

Many MRSA infections start as a small skin lesion or pimple, but the bacteria can also travel through the blood stream and settle into internal tissues, such as bone. Skin infections often occur in the area of a previous wound that allowed the bacteria to enter the body. Wounds such as turf burn abrasions, fingernail scratches, or even a small open blister or pimple could allow the infection to enter and manifest. When infected, the first symptoms may yield a small painful red swollen spider bite or boil looking skin lesion. If left untreated the infection will spread to surrounding tissues creating a pus filled abscess. Without treatment the infection then may advance and spread to the bloodstream making it harder to treat and control. Advanced infection symptoms may include shortness of breath, chills, and fever and ultimately could result in death if not properly treated.

Fitness - Antibiotic Resistant Strains

Treatment for MRSA requires proper diagnosis. Any infection that does not heal in a timely matter, does not respond to antibiotic therapy, or that is draining pus or other fluid should have MRSA ruled out as a possibility. Diagnosis of MRSA requires a culture of the infected area. The culture is then sent to a lab that will determine if the infection is an antibiotic resistant strain such as MRSA. Many physicians also advocate a sterile incision into the wound to allow proper drainage of pus. The wound should then be covered and treated with special antibiotic ointments and observed during the healing process for worsening or spread to surrounding tissues. Wound dressings should be kept clean and dry and changed twice a day. Hospitalization may be required in some cases. Return to play should not be considered until the wound is healed of all infection and the athlete is no longer at risk of spreading the bacteria to teammates and opponents.

Fitness - Follow These Guidlines

To prevent the spread of MRSA and staphylococcal infections among athletes follow these guidelines:

DO NOT:

Share shower towels

Share razors and equipment

Share deodorant

Share balms or ointments among teammates or friends

Share blankets or pillows at tournaments or on the bus

Lay on the floor of the locker room

Use community towels on the sidelines to be shared among athletes, including ice buckets and wet towels to cool athletes (use single use disposable towels instead or do not directly touch athletes)

Use whirlpools and other common use medical equipment when infected

Share beds with friends or teammates without changing the linens first

DO:

Clean equipment, weights, mats, and work-out machines after each individual use, not each session

Maintain a clean locker room, including showers, floors, and carpets

Occasionally wipe down and disinfect meeting rooms, desks, and common areas

Encourage showering and hair washing with hot water and antibacterial soaps and shampoos after every practice, competition, or workout

Frequently wash uniforms, practice gear (including pads and braces), and towels in hot water. Add bleach if you can without ruining your clothes

Avoid close direct contact with infected individuals

Finish all antibiotics prescribed to you by your doctor, unless your doctor tells you otherwise

Use gloves when handling, washing, or moving bloody or sweaty equipment, jerseys, or bandages. Throw away used bandages and bloody gauze in red biohazard bags

Train athletes, coaches, and medical staff to recognize potentially infected wounds and administer basic first aid treatment for wounds

Keep all wounds (even small abrasions, turf burns, or scratches) bandaged and covered with an antibiotic ointment when participating. If a wound can not be adequately covered consider excluding the athlete from participation

Report any skin abnormalities, lesions, or wounds to your doctor or certified athletic trainer

Place and use alcohol-based hand sanitizers in athletic facilities and in medical bags

Have medical staff and coaches wash with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, after contact with each patient/ athlete that is bleeding or very sweaty

MRSA is a serious problem that has crossed over from the hospital setting to the general population and athletics. Though it is a threat to athletes and the people they come in contact with, it can often be prevented. By being aware of the signs and symptoms of MRSA, using good hygiene, and carefully following the prevention steps listed above many MRSA cases can be avoided, allowing athletes to continue their training routines and to perform at their top level.