Tanorexia Explained: Why Obsessing So Much on Getting the Perfect Tan Is Not a Good Thing

Getting a good tan might not be the trend for this cold winter months. But there are just some people who don’t care that it’s winter season. It is unusual for people to get a tan during a season that actually does not welcome that much sun. Hence, those who do may most likely have tanorexia or in other words, they are addicted to tanning. They get on with what they want with the help of tanning beds and tanning salons. So there’s actually no need to wait for summer anymore.
Tanorexia can be compared to anorexia in the sense that the person perceives his/her body to in a distorted fashion. In anorexia, the individual sees his or her self as obese and develops an almost desperate craving to lose weight. In tanorexia, the person finds his or her light skin color as repulsive and pursues a darker complexion through obsessive tanning. Tanorexic people can’t get enough of tanning because they believe the tanner they are, the more attractive they look. However, there are some researches that indicate that this addiction might be more medical than one believes it to be.
According to researchers from Wake Forest University, tanorexia is most likely brought about by UV rays emitted by tanning beds that trigger the production of endorphins, which is a chemical produced by the body that has an effect of suppressing pain.
Just like anorexia, the addiction to tanning is said to be hazardous to one’s health. Several studies were already conducted and the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has declared recently that tanning beds and sun lamps are imposing high risks of cancer to humans. Despite knowing the fact that there is a high risk of cancer caused by this artificial tanning procedure, tanorexic people still choose to do it.
Tanorexia might seem as a joke to some people, teasing those who are obsessed with tanning and those who skip some schedules for socializing to spend long hours in the tanning bed and sun lamps. However, it is a serious addiction. Much like being addicted to drugs or other substances, people with tanning addiction do suffer from withdrawal symptoms and they need supportive care when they attempt to stop. People suffering from this addiction should seek treatment before their condition gets worse.

What Flu Shot Is Composed Of?

Vaccination is one of the important things that not only children should have but adults, too. Currently, bacteria and viruses that cause illnesses are getting tougher. The primary step to prevent them is through vaccination. However, vaccines may not as beneficial as we think.

Flu vaccines as well as any other vaccines have a diminutive amount of mercury. That is sort of a shocking discovery because mercury has been proven to be hazardous to human body. Since it is a mineral, it is not digested, only absorbed. As a result, it stays inside our body until we get old and die. Of course, the more mercury you have in your body, the earlier you would be buried six feet below the ground. The good news is that mercury content is removed from products that contain such ingredient. Even the hat making industry that previously utilized mercury in production has substituted the use of this risky substance with a safer alternative. It was found out that a normal multi-dose flu shot is 250 times higher when given and more lethal than the allowed level of mercury ingestion.. This is somewhat scary.

Antibiotics are also one of the ingredients in a flu vaccine so bacteria present in the mixture are killed before entering our internal body system. This is quite good to think. However, the disadvantage is that antibiotics wipe out other good bacteria which are naturally present in our body. They also lower our immune system. Other types of flu vaccines also contain an emulsifier, Polysorbate 80. It is found to be highly toxic and can be fatal because it can cause anaphylactic shock. Despite the fact that flu vaccines have hazardous ingredients, they are still required by several countries and different sectors.

Flu shots only protect you from certain strains of flu virus and you may still catch flu of other strains. The protection is still not guaranteed but one thing: you are vulnerable to toxins that flu shots bring.

Getting To Know Renal Diseases

Are you having problems with micturation? Is your urine of a different color, smell and amount? Do you feel consistent, radiating pain on your back? Well, I don’t want to scare you or anything, but you might want to visit a doctor as soon as possible and take some diagnostic exams. For all you know, you might already be suffering from a kidney disease.

The kidney is a vital part of the body. And aside from the heart; it is probably one of the most hardworking too. It filters about 5 to 6 liters of blood constantly for 24 hours. When we are resting, it functions with same consistency as when we are active; ensuring that we that have properly balanced fluids and electrolytes. In addition, the kidneys serve as the body’s strain, ridding it of excess and unhealthy substances. They control the byproducts of metabolism and consumption, segregating those that are needed from those that are not, and removing those deemed unimportant through urine. Now, aside from toxins, the kidneys also help regulate the amount of free radicals in our system in order to preserve the integrity of our body. In large amounts, free radicals can disturb normal processes and destroy cells.

So, in a nutshell, the kidneys play a major role in maintaining our health. Once they become dysfunctional, (particularly the nephrons, which are its functional structures) toxins, acids, free radicals and excess fluids and electrolytes will build up inside us and cause our physiology to go haywire. Unadjusted amounts of fluids will result to abnormal fluid shifting (edema, pleural effusion) and cardiac overload. Non-proportional levels of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and other electrolytes will produce neurologic, muscular and circulatory abnormalities.

Kidney diseases are categorized into two major types {acute and chronic); the first often involving sudden injury to the kidneys as in a car accident and the second, pertaining to progressive degradation of renal function, caused by infection or an unhealthy lifestyle (excessive smoking, drinking, consumption of salty foods). Though these two have different onsets, they are equally detrimental to the health and should be immediately addressed. Death is eminent for people who do not take renal disease seriously. Again, the kidneys play a major role in sustaining our overall well-being. So one must be adamant in preserving them.

Natural Health Supplements for Better Life

Even with the advent of advanced technology in the recent era, alternative medicines, medication methods as well as naturally-made health supplements still exist. In fact, the need for such products is increasing because of the growing demands for them.

This only means that the number of people who believe in the wonders of natural health supplements is escalating. There are several types of health supplements released in the market today. These include supplements for anti-aging, weight gain or weight loss and for digestion support. There are also health supplements for different types of cancer and health problems like kidney, heart and many others. Consumers can also find herbal products or supplements that enhance skin color, boost vision or memory, and others simply improve the overall health of the person.

Garlic, for instance, helps treat toothaches, poor blood circulation, coughs, fungal infections, and earaches. There are also other products that use derivatives from fruits, and these are packed with antioxidants such as xanthones from mangosteen.. Also, guyabano is believed to have the capability of healing different types of cancer. It is also believed to replace chemotherapy in fighting cancer cells in the body.

When choosing a natural health supplement product, you must ensure that the products have vitamins and mineral contents aside from antioxidants and other contents beneficial to health. Antioxidants work best when taken together with vitamins.

Nutritional supplements through naturally-derived products are essential for the body to achieve its optimum health. Modern medicines still take the lead in providing the overall well-being of the people. However, natural supplements also contribute to produce the same effects that modern medicines want to provide.

The Seasonal Affective Disorder

Also known as the winter blues or depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a kind of mood disorder wherein a person with normal health condition can experience depressive symptoms during winter seasons. In some occasions, the person can also feel depression in the summer but not as frequently during winter and this happens year after year. However, in the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder), SAD is not considered as a disorder but as “a specifier of major depression”.

According to reports, 6-35% of the patients suffering from SAD were hospitalized during the period of illness. In some patients there is also the risk of potential suicide that is why SAD is considered as a serious disorder with symptoms that resembles with that of the clinical depression or dysthymia. The patient will experience some tendencies such as oversleeping and overeating and the difficulty of waking up during morning. Other symptoms may include the difficulty in concentrating with the given tasks as well as the withdrawal from any social activities. In the Reverse SAD (depression during summer and spring), patients may experience anxiety, insomnia, decreased appetite, irritability and weight loss.

There had been various etiologies performed for SAD and one possibility associated with it is the lack of serotonin. Another theory suggests that some causes of SAD may have been related to melatonin, a substance produced by the pineal gland in dim light.

Treatments available for SAD includes the light therapies, ionized-air administration, medication, timed supplementation of melatonin and the cognitive-behavioral therapy. However, The Dawn simulation was found out to be 83% effective as compared to light therapy.

The Benefits of Omega 3 Oil

Omega 3 oil is an essential fatty acid that our body needs in order to function properly. Research reveals that people who include omega 3 oils in their diet lowers his risk of developing heart disease in the log run. It was also shown that the ADD syndrome in children and the Alzheimer’s for the elderly has led to remarkable condition improvements after the regular intake of the omega 3 oils.

The important elements in omega 3 oils are the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), ?-linolenic acid (ALA), and the eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). The benefits that these elements provide were discovered by researchers in 1970s when they were observing the Greenland Eskimos. It was found out that consumption of omega-3 fatty acids in high levels reduced the blood pressure, heart rate, triglycerides, and atherosclerosis. And on 2004, the Food and Drug Administration of the United States gave a health claim that omega 3 fatty acids lower the risks for coronary heart diseases.

DHA omega 3 also contains the anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate pains brought about by arthritis. Regular consumption of such essential fatty acid can help one in dealing with the anxiety and depression conditions which are common these days.

In order to increase the level of omega 3 fatty acids in your body, try consuming fish oil supplements. It is also important that they undergo molecular distillation so that impurities such as the lead and mercury will be eliminated. The distillation process is the only known method that separates the oil from the contaminants.

The Secrets of Tai Chi

Physical fitness and mental peace is often associated with the ancient Chinese martial art Tai Chi. It originated from the traditional Qigong discipline which involves various movements that creates a calm and natural balance of energy necessary for the active kind of lifestyle. The warm up movements usually include dynamic stretching performed gently through a controlled range of motion that is gradually increasing. This warming up stage plays a vital role in Tai Chi training. There are three known styles of Tai Chi - Yang (this includes 24 movements), Wu (24 to 36 movements), and Tai Chi Chih (20 movements).

It is believed that the practice of Tai Chi can delay aging and prolong life. It aids in the treatment of various digestive disorders, heart disease, arthritis and even cancer. Positive effects on depression are also noted. It is a known fact that as we grow in age, our strength diminishes but recent study shows that adults between 60 to 70 years old who are engaged in Tai Chi were showing some improvements in terms of muscular strength as well as endurance. And since the practice involves movement, mental concentration and breathing, it then brings about the mind body connection which can combat stress.

This form of Chinese martial art is considered safe. There are no kicking movements and flying stances involved. Even the children can easily learn this form of art. Movements are gentle which does not require too much stress on your joints and muscles. You can do it at your own pace and it does not require any special equipment or clothing. What makes it more convenient is that you can do it anytime and anywhere as long as you follow the correct procedures. As a beginner, it is conventional that you do two to three routines each week. The more consistent you practice Tai Chi, the more health benefits are guaranteed.

Health Benefits of Sauna

What is sauna? A sauna could be a small house or a room that is designed as a place where one can artificially experience dry or wet heat sessions. There are four types of saunas. First, you have the smoke sauna. The smoke sauna is simply a room that contains a pile of rocks without a chimney. Fire is directly lit under the rocks to create heat and smoke. This is one of the earliest forms of sauna. Another one is the heat storage sauna. This uses a sealed stone compartment and a chimney, which helps eliminate the smoke odor and eye irritation of the smoke sauna. The third type of sauna is the heat storage stove. Unlike the first two, the heat storage stove does not give up much heat before bathing since the stone compartment has an insulated lid. Lastly, we have the continuous fire stove. This is just a recent addition to the line of sauna baths. The continuous fire stove, there is a firebox and a smokestack present, and stones are placed in a compartment directly above the firebox. Any of those types of sauna works very well in relaxing and renewing your body. It’s up to you what kind of sauna you like. In connection, here are some of the health benefits of a sauna.
• Sauna sessions can bring about therapeutic effects that can aid in eliminating muscle pain and chronic pain.
• You’ll get a healthier, fairer looking skin.
• It can relieve asthma and other heart and lung conditions.
• It also promotes good circulation of the blood.
• It’s a great way of losing fats.
Those are some benefits you’ll get from regular sauna baths. Lastly, the sauna is a great place to calm the mind and have a chitchat with your friends and family.

How To Deal With Teen Depression

Our society these days are bombarded with escalating issues about substance abuse and teenage suicide associated with depression. Statistics about the issue are sobering. It is said that 8 out of 10 teenagers suffer depression at different levels for various reasons. With the pressure and difficult challenges that these new generations are facing each day, they are likely to develop this negative emotion. Feelings of sadness despair, worthlessness and hopelessness, whether expressed or not will lead to depression. Sometimes, the teen will experience physical manifestations that are very evident for the parents and peers to notice.

Teenage depression is considered a serious condition but like any other form of depression, this kind of disorder is treatable. Support and encouragement plays a vital role in the recovery of the person suffering from it. The sheer force of an individual to get rid of it right away will not help though it can contribute to the motivation. Function as an enabler as much as possible. If you think that your teenage son or daughter is ready to open up, try to have a good conversation. Don’t open up the issue. When they are ready to open up, they will start talking to you about it.

One thing you should know is that you can never fix other people’s depression. They may be treated by the medical experts but the whole thing depends on the patient. Whatever self processing the depressed patient will undergo, if the root cause of depression is unresolved and the person does not want to move on, the treatment will not prosper. Talking to the person in a language that he or she can relate would be best assistance anybody can give.

Teen’s Abusive Drinking Problem

Teenage addiction to drugs and alcohol has become more rampant today than it is before thirty years ago. And in these most recent years, alcohol addiction has become alarming. The number of teenagers undergoing alcohol addiction counseling has increased tremendously. And even treatment centers have begun to accept patients younger than twelve. Though it is, teenage is such a delicate subject for psychology of teenagers is very complicated and external factors are influential in alcohol use in this age group.

Being a teen is not easy as some of us may have already passed this stage. This is the time where a lot of changes occur, both physical and emotional. And these changes play a large role in the confusion and the need for acceptance which teenage feel at this time. Peer pressure is a big motivator in the increased use of alcohol as well as drugs. Teenagers are experiencing a stage where they have identity crisis. They are beginning to prepare their life as an adult and this sometimes brings them to confusion. To a teenager, it seems that their friends are the only ones that understand them. And the need to be accepted to this circle of friends, is sometimes participating to drugs and alcohol.

Generally, professionals are hesitant to label a teenager as an addict. One of the reasons is because when a person is drinking alcohol regularly it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are already suffering from alcoholism. And another reason is that teenagers are developing psychologically and it would be very dangerous to diagnose them as an addict before they are at least 20 years old. Thus, it is not good to force a teenager into recovery neither it is to put them in a rehabilitation program just because you discover they are drinking alcohol. But if your child is beginning to develop serious alcohol abuse and cannot cease their use, then a treatment is necessary in this situation.

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