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Monday, June 27, 2011

How to Live With Your Type 2 Diabetes!

There is no argument about the fact that diabetes is a serious health condition. Currently there is no medically proven cure for diabetes. The disease can't be cured, but thankfully it can be successfully managed with the appropriate changes in lifestyle. If the disease is left untreated it invites many diabetic complications like heart stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, amputation, blindness and erectile dysfunction. If diabetes is diagnosed at an early stage the risk of diabetic complications can be reduced by the efficient management of the disease.

Diabetics can enjoy a healthy life by following these steps:
  • Eat Well
Diabetics should enjoy healthy foods that are low in sugar, saturated fats and salts. It is recommended that they should consume a diet that is high in fiber. Examples of such foods are cereals, whole grain bread, vegetables and fruits. Diabetics should keep a close eye on the portion size of the food. You should try not to eat more than they consume, with the goal being to control weight gain. The vegetarian lifestyle is better overall for your health, as the vegetables are rich in fiber and they put a check on the weight gain.
  • Be Active
You should try to bring maximum physical activity to your life. Aim for at least for 30 minutes of exercise daily.
  • Stop Smoking
It is better to quit smoking. If it is difficult, one should consult a physician that can assist him.
  • Monitor Blood Sugar Level
The blood sugar levels should be regularly monitored. You can prevent the diabetic complications by keeping the blood sugar level in control.
  • Weight Control
Keep a track of the waist size and the weight. If you are overweight it can make a reasonable difference in his blood sugar levels by losing some weight.
  • Annual Tests
Go regularly for the annual tests recommended for diabetics.
  • Foot Examination
Examine the feet well. Use well fitted socks and comfortable shoes. Be aware of any cut or injuries on feet.
  • Eye Examination
Have an eye examination annually by an optician.
  •  Home blood monitoring
To take charge of your condition you will need to monitor how well your new regimen of diet, medications and exercise are working from day to day. Blood testing with a home blood glucose monitor is an essential part of your life.

  • Become a fat burning machine
Diet is the cornerstone of your diabetes control. Without a healthy eating plan, your medications, if they have been prescribed, will not work properly and you will not have the energy to build muscle through exercising regularly or continue to lose weight.
  • Keep moving to help you lose weight
Almost every study shows that following a regular exercise program is helpful for people with type 2 diabetes. It also attacks the visceral fat around your abdominal area and helps reduce your blood lipid levels. Also dieting without exercise, especially in mature people, causes a loss of muscle mass. Your exercise program does not need to be ambitious, but it does require commitment.
  • A new approach
Lifestyle change is a critical step for control of your type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle changes has been proven, over and over, to be one of the best ways to reducing both your weight and blood sugar levels. An improved lifestyle will help you control your genetic roadblock and risks you were born with.
It can also be the most difficult part... even small changes will help, and will lead to larger ones. Trying to do too much at one time will defeat your whole effort.
  • And finally, Keep Positive Attitude
Keep a positive attitude towards life.

Are medications always necessary?

Is it possible for you to keep your type 2 diabetes under control and avoid any more weight gain? Yes... but you will need to stay focused. The state of your type 2 diabetes is really in your hands.
Discuss all your health issues with your health care provider... he may suggest there are benefits for you to take a specific anti-diabetic medication in the initial period, plus you may need treatment for high blood pressure. Type 2 diabetes is a lifelong condition that requires constant vigilance and commitment to manage it properly.
 Changing your lifestyle with the help of the above mentioned steps can help you to keep diabetes in control. It will also enable you to live a happy and healthier life and enjoy all the benefits.

Happy Monday! :)

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Protect Your Hair During Summer!!

Summer is, for most people, the time to hit the beach, the pool and bask in the sun. However, the salty water, the chlorine and the sun itself can prove to be harsh on your hair. The following are a few tips to keep your hair healthy during the summer:
  • Choose products that are labeled as “replenishment” or “moisturizing” as these are designed to put moisture back into dry hair.
  • You can use jojoba oil to soften your ends and prevent frizzies
  • If you normally use hot hair tools such as blow dryers, straightening irons, electric curlets, etc., consider giving your hair a break and letting them air dry naturally. You can braid your hair while it is still wet and it will air dry into beautiful waves, perfect for summer! But if you really can’t help but blow dry everyday, use a leave-in conditioner that protects from frizzies and heat at the same time.

  • For sun exposed or sun damaged hair, you might want to try performing regular deep hair conditioning treatments
  • For extra treatment, you can also apply a deep conditioner to damp hair and wrap it in plastic wrap or a shower cap just before bedtime. Allow the deep conditioner to soak into damaged hair sections overnight for extra repair and re-moisturizing benefits.
  • We know the importance of sunscreen for our bodies, but let us not forget about our hair AND scalp! Literally protect your tresses from the sun.
  • A very chic hat or a colorful umbrella can also protect your head from the direct heat of the sun.

  • Stylish accessories are attractive and a must-have for summer, but make sure you choose accessories that will not damage or tear your hair leading to split ends. Try ponytail holders without metal closures, barrettes with smooth edges, etc.
  • For the summer months, consider being gentler to your hair and switch to hair care products that are as all-natural as possible. Keep in mind that chemicals such as alcohol and formaldehyde tend to aggravate dryness. Whenever possible, try to finish with a cool rinse to seal the hair cuticles and impart a natural shimmer and shine.
  • Finally, let us not neglect the fact that the food you eat generally affects your hair's well-being. A good summer diet must include vitamin B5 which is found in eggs, fresh vegetables and mushrooms. Experts recommend a healthy mix of folic acid, silica and biotin to promote healthy hair growth. Water is also our body’s best friend. In the summer months we lose lots of fluids via continual sweating so to replenish our water reserves, we must drink plenty of fluids.
Have a beautiful weekend! :)

Get tone Arms With This Yoga Poses!

Who doesn't want strong, sculpted, shapely arms? I'll tell you that all the strength training exercises in the world never got you better results than doing yoga regularly. Since many of the poses require you to hold your own body weight in unique positions, you end up working your muscles more effectively. Give this sequence a try and you will be able to get the toned arms and upper back you crave.

1-Three-Legged Dog
2-Sage
3-Crow
4-Wheel
5-Bound Headstand
6-Intense East
Resource: Fitsugar