9 Ways to Flatten Belly Without Dieting & Exercise

Post10Blog2

Achieving a better body is a challenge for anyone because we are all different. Some things may work for another person, but not for you. It is hard to find motivation to start working out and dieting. But don’t worry, there are some other steps you can take to feel more confident. Here are some ways in which you can easily achieve those goals:

MJS-Posture10p1-1

1. What about the body posture? “Yes, needless to say that having a good and perfect posture will surely reflect a better figure and diet. Kim Lyons, a Biggest Loser coach, says that straightening up your body will not only be good for our bones but also for our physique. “When your posture is good, you’re automatically engaging and toning your stomach muscles.” He advised that if you tend to forget to stand up straight, sticky notes that are strategically placed will constantly remind you. It’s not bad to try this at all. It may come difficult and tiring at first but trust me you’ll get used to it.”

bathroomrenovationsjohannesburg2

2. Bowel movements? “You definitely need to take bad toxins and wastes out of your body. Train yourself to have a bowel deposit every day. This will help you avoid feeling bloated and constipated. It’s also a good way to list in your daily routine for a good diet planning.”

womandrinkingwater

3. Drink more water! “Try to at least drink 7-8 glasses of water a day. Keep all the fluids coming! It’s also helpful for your body so that it’ll flush away those toxins. Who knew that water therapy is the best diet for a flat tummy.”

CE_0413_WomanEatingSalad

4. Eating healthier is always a plus! “Many of us don’t know about how to properly eat our food. Some just scarf down the meals meaning they just eat the food really fast and hastily. The right way is to chew each bite or intake at least 8-10 times before swallowing. Dr. Reichman says,” The body has to work overtime to break down good in the stomach and intestines, which can lead to major gas and indigestion.” In addition to this, when you’re eating fast, you’re actually swallowing some air too which could be a cause for developing a round stomach. So, chew your food thoroughly and don’t gulp. Take your time to eat the food.”

Walk_Park-smaller

5. Walking is exercise? “Now, you might say that walking is an exercise, and yes it truly is! But to take a walk is already part in our everyday lives and we can’t get rid of it knowing that it is really helpful in burning some fats plus it helps you take toxins and ailments out of your body. “Try to squeeze in a 30-minute walk daily. The simple boost in metabolism will help you burn the waistline fat more efficiently. And if you want to work out, skip those gadgets that promise “miraculous abs in minutes”. Remember that you don’t get things easily. You need to work hard for it. And going for a basic exercise such as walking will give you better results.”

29-vitamins

6. Does taking supplements help too? “C.W. Randolph, M.D., author of From Belly Fat to Belly Flat, says that excess estrogen causes the body to retain fat around the waist. The supplements, calcium D-glucarate ( 1,000 milligrams ) and B- complex, have been shown to help you excrete the hormone, which can cause to a reduced belly fats around the stomach.”

Of course, do your research and make sure that supplements you take are good for your body. And read the directions on how many you can take per day because taking too much of anything can do more bad than good.

gum_c3f445459e299593471f6bfb96597708

7. Chewing gum less is a good thing? “Researchers at the American College of Gastroenterology say that chewing a gum is also swallowing some air which can also lead to an increase size in the middle. Plus, some artificial sweeteners, such as sorbitol that is found in some gums, give out gas.”

probiotics-vs-antibiotics

8. What should I eat more of? “Probiotics are ‘good’ bacteria that help your digestive system break down food, preventing the gastrointestinal issues that can keep you from having a flat stomach,” says Jonny Bowden, Ph.D. He suggests that we should consume a daily serving of probiotic-rich food like yogurt, ginger beer, mild, dark chocolate or taking supplements containing at least 50 milligrams of probiotics.

Relaxing-Time

9. Time to relax? Dr. Reichman says that when you’re completely frazzled, your body increases the production of stress horomones and sterious, which negatively affects your digestive system, causing a major constipation. Did you know that stress pumps up the production of cortisol, a steroid hormone, which sends excess fat directly to the midsection of your body. He greatly recommends you to take at least 20 minutes a day to relax and go for something that minimizes your stress.

Information and picture belongs to original source.

Bicultural Healthy Living Can Help Memory Loss

Post10Blog4

(NaturalNews) As we grow older, we tend to worry more and more about our memory. Lapses in memory that we didn’t give much importance to when we were younger now seem to have a new meaning. It is common to do such things such as misplace things like car keys, eyeglasses and cell phones, to draw a blank on a friend’s name, to walk into a room and forget why we went there in the first place. However, although we all have had these experiences, as we age, we tend to worry about what these lapses could mean. It is important to realize that, contrary to popular belief, memory loss is not a natural process of aging. Our brains are capable of making new brain cells at any given age.

Memory loss becomes serious when it interferes with our daily activities

Examples of this are:

  • Not being able to perform daily tasks, such as paying bills, dressing properly, tending to daily hygiene, etc.
  • Getting lost in familiar places, such as an immediate neighborhood
  • Repeating the same phrases and questions in the same conversation
  • Being unable to recall recent events
  • Repeatedly misusing or garbling words
  • Difficulty in making choices
  • Exhibiting socially inappropriate behavior.

In these cases, a diagnosis is needed to determine the root of the cause.

Often though, there is a physical reason for these memory lapses. For example, there may be a nutritional deficiency or it could be due to a faulty thyroid. In older adults, dehydration could be the cause. Excessive alcohol consumption creates brain toxicity and increases the risk of such conditions as Alzheimer’s and dementia. By the same note, smoking can cause vascular disorders that can limit oxygen to the brain.

Keeping cognitive functions in a healthy state entails leading a healthy lifestyle

Making sure that the body gets the nutrition it needs includes:

  • Regular physical exercise which decreases the risk of memory loss and encourages the production of new brain cells.
  • Exercising the brain is also important. Activities such as reading, working crossword puzzles, and playing strategic games such as chess or scrabble will lower the risk of mental decline.
  • Proper nutrition that focuses on lots of fruits, vegetables, and foods containing Omega 3 fatty acids. The antioxidants in fruits and vegetables serve to help keep the brain healthy and Omega 3’s help to retain memory.
  • Giving the body the rest it needs. Sleep is necessary for all aspects involving cognitive function. Sleep deprivation leads to poor memory, concentration and decision-making.
  • Avoding stress. Stress is a very common cause of memory loss. Stress dramatically increases the ability of toxins to pass through the blood-brain barrier. Also, prolonged stress results in high cortisol levels in the body which results in impaired memory. Efforts should be made to alleviate stress. One effective way is by laughing. As opposed to emotions that affect only specific areas of the brain, laughter affects wider areas. After all, they say that laughter is the best medicine.

Supplements that prevent and help to reverse memory loss

  • Ginkgo Biloba has been used by the Chinese for thousands of years to treat memory loss.
  • Colloidal Gold improves memory, concentration, and mental focus.
  • Acetyl-I Carnatine also improves mental focus, as do amino acids such as L-Tryptophan, 5HTP, and Tyrosine.
  • B-Complex Vitamins help to prevent memory loss.
  • Inositol helps the brain to process information.
  • Choline helps in overall brain function.
  • Fortify your brain with antioxidants which include carotenoids, flavonoids, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine).Sources:

    http://helpguide.org/life/prevent_memory_loss.htm
    http://www.fi.edu/learn/brain/stress.html

    About the author:
    Luella May is a natural health advocate helping people to heal naturally. She partners with Tony Isaacs, who authors books and articles about natural health including “Cancer’s Natural Enemy” and “Collected Remedies” Luella contributes to The Best Years in Life website for baby boomers and others wishing to avoid prescription drugs and mainstream managed illness and live longer, healthier and happier lives naturally. Luella co-moderates the CureZone “Ask Tony Isaacs featuring Luella May” forum as well as the Yahoo Health Group “Oleander Soup” and hosts her own yahoo group focusing on the natural wellbeing of pets “The Best Years in Life Natural Health for Pets

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/035394_memory_loss_natural_remedies_alternatives.html#ixzz3b07zTfV8

Credits to original author.

A Chinese Way of Living

Post9Blog4EastMeetsWest

In this day, many Asian cultures have some Chinese influences in them whether it is food, religion, holidays, lifestyles, and such. You don’t have to be a certain race or ethnicity to live a bicultural lifestyle. It is about combining cultures together in positive ways. Here are some things you can do to incorporate some Chinese ways of living:

  • A common thing found in across Asian cultures that originated in China is tea. There are many varieties of them and ways to consume tea. Teas can be enjoyed during different occasions and are versatile in what you can do with them. Also, they are easily found anywhere and can be made at home.
  • Many Chinese cuisine nowadays are Americanized so they don’t taste as well and authentic. So other ways to enjoy them is seeking out local small Chinese owned restaurants, Asian groceries, flea markets/towns, and having connections to Chinese communities/friends/families. You may be able to see how they’re made and will be more likely to taste true Chinese cuisine.
  • Chinese medicines are very popular, especially among the older generations because of its healthy benefits. Many traditional Chinese medicines are a mix of herbs, plants, roots, and such. Trying them out could be an healthier alternative and more natural process of eliminating sicknesses.
  • Tai Chi is a form of Chinese martial arts and is known to be good for the body and mind. It helps the body exercise, relax, and destress. Anyone can take part of it and it can be done with a group or solo.

About Minnesota’s Public Transportation

public

The public transportation, Metro Transit, is run by Metropolitan Council and has over a hundred bus routes. Public transportation are cheaper than taxi drivers since bus fares are relatively cheaper and more affordable. So if you want to get to places without spending much on transportations, taking public transportations is another cheap alternative. Here are some things you can do using the public transportation:

  • Purchase a Go-To card for your own convenience and cost varies upon the days to months. It can be used on any regular bus routes and trains.
  • Passengers are able to travel virtually anywhere they want in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Fridley, Brooklyn Park, and more.
  • Metro Transit bus routes and trains that can take passengers to many popular destinations such as the Farmer’s Market, the Target Center, the Weisman Museum, and more.
  • It is quite easy to figure out how to get from one destination to another by either using Google Maps or the Metro Transit’s Trip Planner.
  • Figure out bus and light rail routes, plan your next trip, schedules, and more information by going to the official website.

Summer Countdown

do-the-summer-countdown-sprockets-saint-paul_crop

Here is a summer challenge to keep you motivated to stay healthy this summer! It can be easily done by taking small steps. The Countdown is fairly simple:

5 Days a Week of Active Play

4 New Places to Visit 

3 Fresh Fruits and Veggies Daily 

2 Summer Projects 

1 Time a day with a Good Book 

0 Soda pop – Drink more water

These points are great not only for youth and families but great to keep in mind as summer approaching –  Are your youth active? Are they eating healthy? Are they drinking enough water?

Do the Summer Countdown, even better do the DAILY countdown!!!!
Credits belong to original author.

Teen Pregnancy Rate among Asian Girls in Minnesota

Compared to American overall teen pregnancy rates, Asian girls have much higher teen pregnancy rate. Here are facts which may contribute to higher teen pregnancy rate among Asian girls in Minnesota.

Here are some facts which may contribute to higher teen pregnancy among sian girls in Minnesota:

According to the report from CDC, Minnesota teens have a higher rate of LARC use than the national average. Also, the access to go to health care provider, and the use of effective birth control methods, including IUDs, and the implants, these may affect the teen pregnancy rate among Asian girls in Minnesota. All adolescents, but especially youth of color, need comprehensive and culturally competent sexual and reproductive health care. However, those of color teens face serious barrier related to sexual and reproductive health care.

Low-income and insecure family situations increased the rate of teen pregnancy among Asian girls.

In addition, weight perception, mispeception, and dating violence victimization are critical contributors to teen pregnancy rate.

Some teens don’t use condoms because they are afraid of being found by their parents. And social discrimination will significantly increase teen pregnancy rate. AAPI population has a lower social status and faces serious discrimination at their lives.

Finally, substance abuse is related to teen pregnancy. There is a higher percentage of substance abuse among AAPI population, it also increases the teen pregnancy rate.

 

NATIONAL ASIAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY

May 19th is National Asian and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

 

hiv-aids-2-300x224
http://guardianlv.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/hiv-aids-2-300×224.jpg
National Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day was first observed in 2005, established by the Banyan Tree Project, a national social marketing campaign to stop HIV/AIDS-related stigma in Asian & Pacific Islander (A&PI) communities. On this day, Organizations around the country dedicated to providing HIV/AIDS services to A&PIs host events in their communities to raise awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS-related stigma.

According to the CDC, Did you know:

  • The number of HIV diagnoses among Asians has increased in recent years, along with the growth of the Asian population in the United States.
  • Nearly two-thirds of Asians and nearly three-quarters of Pacific Islanders have NEVER been tested for HIV.
  • More than 1 in 5 Asians living with HIV do not know they have it.
Learn more about getting involved in observances in your community or about HIV/AIDS here.
Credits belong to original author.

Teenager pregnancy awareness

Wednesday, May 6, will mark the 14th annual National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. It is organized and overseen by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unintended Pregnancy, the National Day is supported by almost 200 organizational partners; in 2013, almost 500,000 individuals participated.

The rate of teenager pregnancy among AAPI population is much higher than national level in the United States. Therefore, it is important to get our attention on teenager pregnancy issue.

Tips to prevent teenage pregnancy:

1. Be clear about your own sexual value

2. Talk with your children early and often about sex and be specific

3. supervises and monitors your children and adolscents

4. Know your children’s friends and families

5. Discourage early, frequent and steady dating

6. Take a stand against your daughter dating a boy significantly older

7. Help your children have more attractive options for the future than early pregnancy and parenthood

8. Let your children know you value education highly

9. Know what your children are watching, listening to and reading

10. Have a closer relationship with your children at an early age

Additional resources for teenage pregnancy help:

Everyday Miracles

www.everyday-miracles.org/

612-353-6293

FamilyWise Services (formerly Genesis II for Families)

www.familywiseservices.org/

612-617-0191

Heling Us Grow (HUG)

763-504-4983

Hennepin County Child Care Assistance

612-348-5937

Hennepin County Child & Teen Checkups

612-348-5131

 

 

Running Time!

run copy

Running is one of the oldest ways of exercising and has been proven to be very effective for maintaining an active lifestyle. People have been doing it for exercising, hunting, and sporting events. It is something that most people can do and fit into their schedule. Here are some tips on how to start:

  1. Stretching is very important before doing any work out! Whether you’re planning to run for 15 minutes or longer, it is good for you to stretch your muscle to relieve muscle tensions, lessen possible sore muscles, and prevent muscle cramping.
  2. Drink lots of water! Do it before, during, and after you have run. Besides the obvious fast paced breathing for oxygen, water is another important source for your body to reboot itself.
  3. Running is cardio work out! If you’re looking to lose weight, running is a great way to do it! You will have to work around and understand how your body loses and gains weight. The best combination to losing weight is dieting and sticking to a exercise schedule. Of course, a mix of cardio exercising will help your body more than just running.
  4. Wear proper work out gears! Some clothes, accessories, and shoes are better suited for working out because of the technology and material behind it. They are made to help absorb the sweat and give you more comfort while working out. And they can somewhat motivate you to work out even more.
  5. It’s great for the body and soul! Exercising helps decrease stress and raise your brain activity. When you are engaging in physical activities, it helps pump more blood, raise your heart beat, and release brain chemicals that makes you feel better. So you are helping yourself destress, losing calories, and incorporating more positive feelings into yourself.