Archive for the ‘ Health Programs ’ Category

Systems Thinking to Getting and Staying Healthy and Fit

One of the things in health and fitness I’ve noticed for many years is that many have focused on the separation of body parts when training. And that was even true when it came to nutrition. And yet, our bodies were never designed to be separate in function. From our muscular system to our skeletal system to our endocrine system to our nervous system to our digestive system and to our cardiovascular system, all work in conjunction with one another.

I like to describe it as the human system. Each part is in support of the other. When there is an imbalance in one part of the system, it throws off the rest of the system. Heck, even going down to the cellular level, we can see communities working together for the whole.

One example is in the area of back pain. When we sit too long, the Sartorius muscle in the upper front of the thigh tends to shorten and the Gluteus muscles tend to weaken. This leads to a muscle imbalance that causes the Sartorius muscle to pull on the lumbar area. Back pain may develop.

So, what is a system?

It’s simply many parts that come together to function as a single unit. When one part of the system is taken away, it changes the whole system. How the system is arranged is crucial to proper functioning. If you were to split the system in half, you wouldn’t have two separate systems. You’d have a destroyed single system.

Here are some ways to keep your human system functioning properly:

· Thoughts count. How you perceive your body and your health is important. Just know that what you do in one part of your human system will affect another part. Even your beliefs will affect it.

· Nutrition counts. When you consume certain foods, how and what you eat will have a positive or negative effect on your human system. If you digestive system is off due to food stagnating, it may lead to you feeling sick. Your mindset will feel sick too. If you eat too much sugar, that may lead to chronic inflammation. This, in turn, will affect your whole system. Just the opposite is eating healthy foods, such as fresh fruits and veggies. You’ll get a healthy response. Read more

2012
01/27
CATEGORY
Fitness
Health Programs
Health Tips
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Understanding Different Types of Urinary Incontinence

As people age, the body’s natural functions deteriorate accordingly. According to certified urologists, it’s normal for people over sixty years old to urinate more frequently especially if they have high caffeine intake. Studies show that severe incontinence affects three to eleven percent of young females in the US, with the figures significantly higher for women aged seventy to eighty. Prevalence of incontinence for males on the other hand is lower. To better understand incontinence, here are some facts about its different types and some treatment options.

Stress Incontinence

Medical experts say that this condition is more common in women. Urine leaks when an individual exercises, laughs, or coughs, or when there is an increase in abdominal pressure. Stress incontinence can develop due to pregnancy and childbirth, obesity, prostate surgery, or other conditions and medications that weaken the pelvic floor muscles. Therapy and treatment for this condition depends on an individual’s age, health condition, and other existing medical factors.

Urge Incontinence

Also known as overactive bladder (OAB), this occurs when there are urinary muscle spasms that induce an urgency to go to the bathroom often. It can stem from damage to the bladder’s nerves or to the nervous system. Conditions like diabetes, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease can lead to urge incontinence. Aging people under certain medications can also develop this type of incontinence.

Overflow Incontinence

This occurs when the bladder is not emptied appropriately, thus inducing a leakage once the bladder is already full. Overflow incontinence is more common in men with weak bladder muscles or prostate enlargement, which can cause blockage on the urethra. Medical conditions like tumors can also obstruct urine flow and case overflow incontinence. While those with extreme cases require surgery and therapy, people with milder cases can use TENA adult diapers for convenience during travel or work. Read more

2012
01/23
CATEGORY
Health Care
Health Programs
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