The muscles at the sides of your stomach–your internal and external obliques–are responsible for bending your spine sideways in a movement called lateral flexion and for turning your spine around in a movement called rotation. There are a number of…
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Circulatory problems caused by various cardiovascular conditions, like hardening of the arteries, can lead to a wide range of maladies. Several specific herbs may help to improve circulation, and you may wish to try them before opting for prescription drugs….
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Overview Many of the outdoor activities that make Chicago an exciting summer city are not available during the winter months, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do when the weather turns cold. There are still plenty of activities for…
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Overview The number of calories burned during yoga practice varies. While it might not be the quickest way to lose weight, establishing a disciplined yoga routine will inspire healthy lifestyle changes that provide long-term results. The Sanskrit word “asana” literally…
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The digestive system functions to break down food into a form that the body can use for energy. In addition to breaking down food particles, the digestive system moves the food through the digestive tract from the mouth to the…
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Overview Caffeine is commonly consumed by many people in the form of coffee, energy drinks and soda. It has direct stimulating effects on the central nervous system, causing an increase in cognitive function and focus. However, it’s been long thought…
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May 18, 2015 Skincare & Beauty
The Aveda Be Curly conditioner enhances curls, combats frizz, boosts shine and is a daily conditioner, according to Aveda’s website. Aveda products use ‘green ingredients’ that are organic, sourced from different habitats all over the world, provide fair compensation to…
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May 18, 2015 Diseases & Health Conditions
Overview Swine influenza is the common name for the novel strain of influenza virus first identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in April 2009. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization declared a swine influenza pandemic…
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Fear is often a logical response. It can alert you to danger or unsafe situations. However, fear sometimes inhibits you from doing what you need or want to do. Therapy and medication can be effective in treating irrational fear; however,…
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May 18, 2015 Diseases & Health Conditions
Runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, sneezing and coughing. All of these are symptoms of the common cold, or upper respiratory infection. The Children’s Hospital Boston estimates that Americans will suffer from more than 1 billion colds in one year….
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May 18, 2015 Diseases & Health Conditions
The continuity of the lung airways with the external environment exacts a high level of risk for infection compared to other body organs. Bacteria, fungi and viruses can infect the upper and lower airways or the air sacs. Similar symptoms…
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Obtaining a flat stomach is a little more involved than doing a single exercise hundreds of times on a daily basis. This is the premise of all the ab gadgets seen on late-night infomercials. It is true that you have…
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Overview Yoga and Pilates are similar types of mind-body exercise, each with its own benefit. Gyrotonic exercise utilizes principles of yoga, Pilates and dance movements to create a method of exercise used by dancers, athletes and recreational exercisers. This system…
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Experts agree that the fitball, also known as a stability, exercise or fitness ball, is a valuable ab training tool. The Mayo Clinic advises doing abdominal crunches on a fitball to tone your abs, and a 2001 American Council on…
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May 18, 2015 Skincare & Beauty
Eyelashes follow a certain growth cycle that is similar to hair on the rest of your body. During this active growth phase, the cells in the roots of your hair divide rapidly until a new hair is formed. Eyelash hair…
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Parenting is tough. Perhaps you wonder if all children are as demanding as yours. Perhaps your child seems more stubborn, more tenacious or more persistent than other people’s kids. It is possible that you have a strong-willed child. Some kids…
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Age is no excuse to stop exercising, although it does become more challenging. The older population has challenges such as joint pain, balance problems and other physical limitations. However, the National Institutes of Health reports that senior citizens need exercise…
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May 18, 2015 Sports & Recreation
Overview Speed walking, or power walking, uses your whole body for an effective workout. Speed walking helps you increase your physical abilities while burning calories. Use speed walking to lose weight. Start out at a comfortable, yet vigorous pace, and…
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May 18, 2015 Sports & Recreation
While there may be no true “secrets” in golf, there are plenty of myths, misconceptions and little-known facts that can bring even the most seasoned players and coaches a new perspective on the game. Adding a few of these tidbits…
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Overview In most divorces, a settlement agreement or divorce decree typically divides up a couple’s assets. With a qualified plan, such as a 401k, however, an additional document known as a qualified domestic relations order, QDRS, is required to outline…
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According to the March of Dimes, teenage pregnancy rates in the United States are higher than those in most other developed countries. In 2006, approximately one out of 10 babies was born to teenage mothers. Teen parents are more likely…
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Ink and toner cartridges from computer printers, fax machines and copiers can be costly. However, you can save money and reduce waste by recycling or reusing the cartridges instead of throwing them away. Many cartridge manufacturers and electronics retailers feature…
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Overview The laws of all 50 states establish different custodial arrangements in regard to minor children. These include a scheme in which one parent is designated to provide primary care for a minor through a child custody order issued by…
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Saving and investing your money enhance your financial stability. Have a financial plan that guides your saving and investing in a way that helps chart the distribution of your funds, provides for an emergency allowance, establishes retirement savings and helps…
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Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia that is characterized by a progressive decline in cognitive function. Alzheimer’s affects memory, personality and the ability to provide self-care. Donna D. Ignatavicius, MS, RN, and M. Linda Workman, PhD, authors of “Medical-Surgical…
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Dr. Edward Bach believed your mental state played a vital role in maintaining health. In 1936, he designed a system of essences to balance your thoughts so your body’s natural defenses could work. They are prepared as tinctures to be…
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Movies portray the symptoms of a heart attack with someone clutching his chest or left arm and then falling to the ground. As truthful as that picture sometimes is for a man, it is much less descriptive of the warning…
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May 18, 2015 Diseases & Health Conditions
Childbirth, heavy lifting, straining during bowel movements or menopause can cause certain women to develop a condition called fallen bladder or cystocele, explains Rush University Medical Center. These events can cause the muscular bladder wall to abnormally protrude or fall…
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The breasts undergo cycles of growth and development in response to circulating hormones. Tissues within the breast are designed to facilitate milk production and lactation during and after pregnancy, and help support and shape the structure of the breast. Breast…
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May 18, 2015 Weight Management
Overview Numerous myths surround cardiovascular exercise and its ability to burn fat, such as, “You only burn fat when you exercise in the fat burning zone,” and “You don’t begin to burn fat until after 20 minutes into a workout.”…
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