How To Take Care Of Excess Ear Wax

Some people see ear wax as something that is "gross," or that is not a fun topic to discuss, but whether you want to discuss it or not, it is still important for you to make sure you know how to deal with ear wax (especially because most people deal with it the wrong way!).

First off, it is important for you to recognize that your body produces ear wax naturally, as protection for your ear drum and ear canal, and if you had never touched the insides of your ears all your life, you would never have to worry about ear wax at all, as the body naturally regulates the amount of ear wax you have. The problem, however, is that most people have messed with the insides of their ears, and in so doing many of them have created blockages with their ear wax, and not only are these blockages uncomfortable, but they can also impair hearing and can increase the likelihood of ear aches and ear infections.

One of the best ways to get rid of this buildup of excess ear wax is to heat up either oil or hydrogen peroxide, and to lay on your side as you drip this heated-up solution into your ear; let it sit in there for about fifteen minutes, then turn onto your other side so that it can drain out of your ear.

Another way that you can try to get rid of that buildup of ear wax is with an ear candle; by putting an ear candle into your ear and lighting it, the candle will send warmth and small amounts of smoke into your ear, which will help to "melt" the extra wax that has built up.

If there is a lot of extra ear wax built up inside your ear, it can take a number of times of doing one or the other of these things before you finally solve the problem - and flushing your ear with hot water afterward will also be a necessary part of either procedure - but when you use one of these two methods and have a bit of patience, you can keep yourself from ever having to worry about ear wax again!

Making Your Own Trail Mix

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On plenty of different occasions – such as a camping trip, or a ski trip, or even just for a snack that you can munch on around the house or at work – a bit of trail mix will be nice to have handy, but one problem many people run into when it comes to trail mix is that they cannot quite find a trail mix that suits their tastes; furthermore, most store-bought trail mixes are packed full of preservatives that are not necessarily great for your body, which somewhat offsets the benefits of the trail mix itself, but a great way to work around these issues is to mix your own trail mix, and although this will typically cost about the same, you will be able to avoid all those preservatives, and will be able to make your trail mix to your desired tastes.

In making your own trail mix, the first thing you will need is a good base; typically, people will think of raisins and peanuts for a base, but a few things to consider adding are dried cranberries instead of raisins (or, of course, in addition to raisins), an even split of peanuts and cashews, and some additional nuts such as almonds, walnuts, Brazil nuts, and – if you don't mind spending a bit of extra money – macadamia nuts.

In the end of itself, this base would provide you with a decent trail mix, but if you are wanting to make a truly delicious trail mix, you will probably also want to add something sweet; most people think chocolate when they think of something sweet in trail mix – and if you add some dark chocolate, this is certainly a healthy choice – but some other options can be dried or crystallized fruits, which will be healthy and delicious.

And finally, the overall taste of your trail mix will be helped if you balance out this sweetness with something salty; of course, the nuts you have used in the base will probably be salted, but by adding something that gives a little kick – such as sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds with tamari on them – you can really get your trail mix that special flavor you desire.

It can take a bit of extra time to make your own trail mix, but when you buy the ingredients that will be perfect for you, this extra time spent will be well worth it, as you will have a delicious snack that you can enjoy any time!

Ways Owning a Dog Will Improve Your Health

Have you thought about owning a dog, but have been on the fence? You may be surprised to learn that dog ownership can provide many health benefits.

Dog owners tend to exercise more than those who don't own dogs. Dogs love to walk and run, so they'll get you out of the house and in your running shoes. Your dog's unbridled enthusiasm may help you get more positive about exercising each day. A dog will help you exercise on days when you might have put it off, because the responsibility to your pet will motivate you. You can try other forms of exercise with your dog, too. Find out if your dog likes to swim, or teach him how to play fetch. All of these outside activities with your dog will get you moving, and that's the key to healthy living.

Owning a dog will help your blood pressure. When doctors studied pet ownership and health benefits, they discovered petting your dog lowers your blood pressure. The next time your dog wants a scratch behind the ears, settle in for a long rub down, realizing you are benefitting from the experience as much as he is.

Owning a dog attracts attention from other dog lovers, which can result in meaningful social connections. Even in big cities like New York City, where people don’t talk to each other much, people find dogs to be a good ice breaker. If you visit doggie parks and pet stores, you'll find plenty of people who love to talk to you about your pet. It's important to have positive interactions with other people, and your dog can bring those interactions to you.

It's been determined that dog ownership helps with emotional strength and resilience. Studies reveal that a dog's unconditional love and zest for life actually helps people recover from disappointment and handle stress better. Dog owners live longer than those who don’t own pets at all. If you find yourself struggling with negative emotions, a dog may be the answer.

Want to live your healthiest life possible? Maybe it’s time to take a trip to the Humane Society and see if your new best friend is waiting for you.

Tips For Conserving Energy While Playing Sports

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When you are playing sports, it can seem natural for you to “go all-out, all the time,” – especially if you are a competitive individual – as this will give you the best chance of winning and performing well, but as you get older, it will also be important for you to learn how to conserve your energy when you play sports. After all, you will be no good to your team if you run out of energy in the middle of a game – and you will be no good to your body if you overexert yourself, to a point where you cannot play again anytime soon!

The first step to conserving your energy during a sporting event takes place even before the sporting event begins, as you will need to make sure that you are stretching fully; by giving your body all the stretching it needs (not just in the areas of your body you think you will be using, but in all areas of your body!), you will prevent both injury and fatigue once the competition begins.

You can also conserve energy during the sporting event itself at times by not running; if you are playing soccer, for instance, you can play your zone and not only conserve energy by not running all over the place, but also be in proper position when the ball comes your way! Know the times when you can conserve energy on the field in whatever sport you play, and this will help you to feel much better all throughout the competition.

Lastly, you need to drink water throughout the competition to replenish your body and your muscles; take the time to come to the sideline every once in a while to fill back up on water.

By playing sports, you will be able to keep your body in shape, but if you are not careful, it can also be a great way to hurt yourself or to become over-fatigued; follow these tips, and you will be able to keep your body safe during sporting competitions, and will be able to keep up your energy all the way throughout.

Coconut Oil Health Benefits

Most people are familiar with using coconut oil for cooking. However it also have a ton of other applications, which might convince you to look at using it in the bathroom as well.

Coconut oil is wonderful for your heart health. Though it is high in saturated fats, studies are showing that it can actually lower cholesterol levels.

If eating coconut oil still turns you off you can still gain its benefits by using it in other ways. This won’t help your heart but it can help your over all health. Coconut oil has a high lauric acid as well as containing both oleic and linoleic acids. They fatty acids assist in mositurizing and cleansing at the same time, plus they are antibacterial. Which makes this oil great for using on your skin. Toss those harsh chemical laden soaps out and consider removing your makeup with a cotton ball and a dab of coconut oil. You face will no longer feel dryed out afterwords, but mosturized, and it leaves a large amount of antioxidants in your skin. Which help to reduce premature aging of your skin.

Coconut oil can also be used as a conditioner for your hair and scalp, as well as a massage oil. It is a deep moisturizer and protein treatment for your hair. Which helps not only to nourish but to also help repair and strengthen your hair. People tend to spend big dollars to get professional treatment when they could simply spend a few doallars on a jar of organic coconut oil.

When choosing coconut oils try to find the least processed ones you can. When opening the jar it should have a very pleasant coconut smell. Cold pressed oils will retain the most nutrition for you whether it is used on the skin or in the body.

How to Prepare For Your First Half Marathon

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If you’re preparing to run your first half marathon, you’ll want to make sure you’re ready. These guidelines will ensure you are ready when the big race day comes.

Give yourself enough time to train. Evaluate your fitness level taking into consideration how much you've run in the past (or other demanding athletic challenges). Find a reasonable training plan and then tack on an extra week or more to allow room for sickness or injury. Most training plans will have you run a long day each week, and several shorter distances throughout the week. Be sure to slowly build up your distances.

Invest in good running gear. You’ll need sweat-wicking shirts and shorts, anti-chafing salve, and good running shoes. If your training route doesn't loop (whereas you could place water bottles that you could access on long runs), buy a camelback or bottle belt. You should also have some form of self defense with you, such as mace.

It's best to run the entire race length at least once before the actual date. The week before the race, taper off your running, completely resting for two to three days before the race. It's advisable to eat a lot of high carbohydrate meals in the few days just before the race.

On race day, get up early and eat something like an egg sandwich or a bagel with cream cheese. A lot of runners like to eat a power bar just before the race, and everyone benefits from a couple energy gels midrace. Some people prefer to drink energy drinks instead of water during the race, but this makes some people nauseated so try it before race day to be safe.

When you've crossed the finish line, drink water immediately. Don’t eat immediately after the race if you feel even the slightest bit queasy. It's wise to stretch out your muscles and just relax, enjoying your great acheivement as you plan your next race.

Delicious Low-Calorie Treats for Spring

http://www.public-domain-image.com/cache/food-and-drink-public-domain-images-pictures/cocktail-public-domain-images-pictures/shrimp-cocktail-lemons-lettuce-seafood_w725_h544.jpg With Spring comes the desire to eat better and get in shape; use this motivation to eat low-cal dishes.

Shrimp cocktail isn't just for parties. Sure, you have to pay a little more for good jumbo shrimp, but the indulgence and healthfulness of the dish makes it all worth it. You can buy prepared cocktail sauce or whip together your own sauce, using extra zesty horseradish to give it a kick. The high protein shrimp will fill you up and keep you satisfied for a long time, and the sauce will satisfy your need for a flavorful experience.

Saute up some zucchini. Slice your zucchini thin, and chop up a clove of garlic, a bit of fresh basil, and a Roma tomato. Drizzle a teensy bit of olive oil in your skillet and sauté the garlic, tomato, and zucchini just until al dente. Squeeze half a lemon on it all and enjoy! The flavor will be magnificent, the fiber will fill you up, the veggies are good for you, and the whole thing low in calories.

Go Greek with this sure-fire salad. The key to this salad is to spread the ingredients with the strongest flavors throughout the dish, making it possible to use less of them. Mince half of a clove of garlic and three whole (but pitted) kalamata olives. Mix with a tablespoon of olive oil and a tablespoon of vinegar, just enough to dress your salad. Fill your bowl with any low cal veggies you like – tomatoes, greens, celery, peppers, carrots – and drizzle this amazingly good and potent dressing over them. Grind fresh black pepper over the top, and add a sprinkle of strongly flavored cheese of your choice.

Try new low cal recipes every week, adding to your regular repetoir such that you phase out heavy winter foods and bring in the light spring foods.

How To Heal A Hamstring Injury

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If you play sports, or if you ever played sports for an extensive potion of your life, there is a fairly good chance you have dealt with a hamstring injury at one point or another, as the hamstring is one of the most commonly injured muscles among athletes - but even if you do not play sports any longer (in fact, even if you have never played sports!), you can still end up with a hamstring injury. A hamstring injury can give you quite a bit of discomfort, and it can be one heck of a nuisance - and you may actually be surprised to realize what you should do in order to heal a hamstring injury if you have one.

The most surprising thing of all to most people, when they end up with a hamstring strain, is the fact that they should not stretch it; because of the tightness they will always feel in their hamstring, it will feel as though stretching is the best, most natural way to fix the problem, but because the muscles are trying to heal themselves, this will actually make things worse.

What you can do, however, to help along the healing process is firstly, stay off your feet as much as possible, and secondly, alternate heat and ice on the strained muscle; when you stay off your feet, you will give your muscles a chance to rest and heal themselves, and when you circulate heat and cold, you will keep the blood flowing while also dulling the pain.

And as far as hamstring injuries go, the trickiest thing of all is the fact that they will often start to feel better, only to get worse when you overexert yourself. Make sure you wait well beyond the point when it feels better before you try to use it to its fullest if you are dealing with a hamstring strain, lest you end up back at square one all over again.

Best Workout Program Tips

With life being as busy as it is, you want to make sure every workout counts, right? Try following these tips for making your precious exercise hours count.

Vary your workout program. Your body will adapt to whatever exercises you regularly introduce it to, so you'll want to switch things up, confusing the muscles and making them work harder. If you switch up your exercise program, you’ll challenge your muscles in a new way, which will result in more calories burned and more muscle built.

Protect yourself from injury. If you vary your exercise program, you won't wear out your joints or overdevelop one muscle group at the expense of another. You'll want to engage in at least three different types of exercise each week, for example, biking, kickboxing, and playing tennis.

Make sure your exercise program includes both resistance training and aerobic exercise. Ideally, you'll want to lift weights at least twice a week and perform aerobic exercise three to five days a week. Give yourself rests between weight lifting days so your muscles can rebuild, and challenge yourself during cardio workouts by doing intervals.

Build your program gradually. Take it easy at the beginning of any new fitness program. You’ll also put yourself at risk of injury. Begin your program exercising in a way that challenges you but only makes you feel somewhat sore the next day. Push yourself harder as your body adapts to the program so you are always a little sore the next day. If you aren’t sore at all, you’re not pushing hard enough. If you need to take Advil, you’re pushing too hard.

Seek out training and inspiration whenever possible. If you don’t know how to use a machine in the gym, ask the personal trainer for help. Get advise on aerobic exercise and proper form as well; it can save you from injury later. You will learn specifics that can enhance your experience and open up new athletic pursuits.

Do I Have Insomnia?

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While cinema and even literature have over-dramatized the idea of insomnia over the years, many people just plain want to know: Do I have insomnia myself? Because art has a heavy-handed influence on the perceptions of society, many believe that insomnia is a horrible sickness or disease. Insomnia, however, is actually not a sickness or disease at all - it is simply a symptom or sign of other diseases.

Put plainly, one has insomnia if they have difficulty falling asleep or difficulty remaining asleep. The severity of insomnia can vary from case to case; for some, it might simply make sleep more difficult, while for others it may prevent sleep altogether; this should be considered when deciding whether to seek medical attention. For instance, it might not be worth the time and effort of seeking medical treatment if you toss and turn a bit before falling asleep, but then sleep soundly throughout the rest of the night without any troubles. This delay of sleep - or "light insomnia" - might be brought on by something as simple as stress or uptightness. Once you solve the stress itself, you will find that the insomnia goes away.

On the other hand, you might be dealing with a severe case of insomnia, where you have a hard time sleeping through the night (or are completely unable to sleep) even when your body is tired and totally sleep-deprived. Consider seeking medical assistance if you are experiencing such a situation, where you are unable to sleep through the night or to fall asleep at all, even when your body is immensely tired.

Insomnia can be a symptom of any number of disorders, many of them dealing with mind- or muscle-related issues. Medication is another common cause of insomnia.

Insomnia can be kept at bay by using any number of prescribed drugs, or it can be removed entirely by curing the disease that is causing the insomnia. If you are suffering from a severe case of insomnia, visit a medical doctor - they can help you find out the disease causing this insomnia, and in this way they can help you solve the problem.

Get Rid Of Belly Fat

There is a problem that many of us deal with, whether we want to admit it or not. Deny it though we might, try to hide it though we might, it is still there. It can make us feel uncomfortable, self-conscious. It is belly fat, and it will not go away, no matter what we do! If this is the case for you, do not worry - you are not alone. In fact, because of the fact that belly fat is so difficult to get rid of, many people deal with it. If you are fighting a losing belly fat battle, here are a few things you can do to turn things around.

First off, losing that belly fat takes more than healthy eating; it also takes exercise. You have to do more than just stomach exercises, too; you have to add in aerobic workouts, ones that get your heart pumping. By taking just three or four days a week to walk, jog, bike, or swim, you can kick your metabolism up a notch. You absolutely must do this if you want to get rid of that pesky flab.

Next, you need to work out by strengthening every part of your body - that's right, not just your stomach. It might seem silly to think that pushups or squats would help you lose stomach fat, but it is true! You are optimizing your body's ability to burn fat when you work out all parts of your body. You do not need to work out your body with some sort of extreme, ultra-revolutionary workout. Find a workout that you can enjoy sticking with, and then stick with it!

And finally, you can add in those stomach exercises that you thought from the start you would be told to do. Do not just stick with one thing, though; mix it up by doing crunches, sit-ups, and other ab exercises. As you build muscle in your abdominal area, you will also be burning fat.

You cannot win the battle against belly fat if all you do is eat healthy and do stomach workouts, even though each of these is important. Set up a schedule, figuring out how you will go about fitting in your aerobic exercise as well as your full-body workouts. That belly fat will finally begin to disappear, and you will be thrilled that you made the effort!

Safe Rock Climbing Tips

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Rock climbing is both an excellent full-body workout and an excellent way to get a healthy dose of sun on your body. But if you do not pay close attention to the proper precautions for safety when it comes to rock climbing, it can also be an easy way to end up injured. Follow these tips to make sure you are taking proper safety precautions when rock climbing, and you can get that great workout without the risk of injury!

Climbing at an indoor rock climbing gym instead of climbing outdoors is one great way to ensure your safety while climbing. Although you will not get sun on your body while climbing indoors, these plaes do provide you with plenty of safety measures that are designed to make sure their patrons do not get hurt.

You can still remain safe if you prefer to climb outdoors, however; you just have to know what you are doing! One of the most important things for remaining safe while climbing is to always go with a partner who can spot you and help you find hand and foot holds. This partner will be able to let you know if you will be better off abandoning a route, and they will also be able to ease your fall if you slip off the wall.

You should never climb without a crash pad, either, as a crash pad will give you a soft and safe landing space. Just because you have a crash pad does not mean you no longer need a partner, though; you should always climb with both!

You are fine to free climb on a wall up to ten or fifteen feet high, but you should top climb on anything that is higher than this. In this way, you will be strapped to a rope that will keep you from taking a big spill should your hands slip off the rock.

Finally, you can lessen your chances of getting hurt if you make sure you have the right equipment for climbing. With good climbing shoes, clothes, and chalk, you can conquer any route (and have a lot of fun doing it!) without exposing yourself to unnecessary risk!

Energizing Your Body, Mind, and Soul

When it comes to trying to “energize” yourself, there are different things that different people think about, but the main thing that you should realize about energizing yourself is that it means putting yourself in the place where you never feel worn down, but will instead always feel ready to go with whatever comes your way; energizing yourself can entail many different things, and there can be many different approaches to conquering this issue, but three of the main areas in which you will want to make sure you are energized is in your body, your mind, and your soul.

When most people think of energizing their body, they think of “resting,” but just as important as resting is remaining active; when you remain active, putting your body in a position where it is always getting stronger, you will also be increasing your body's capacity for energy, which will make you feel much better as time tries to take its toll on you.

Many people leave work at the end of the day, come home, and shut off their mind, but it is important for you to realize that keeping your mind sharp is extremely important when you want to keep up your mind's energy; make sure that you are not just coming home and simply shutting off your mind, but that you are instead looking for things you enjoy doing and that keep the your mind active, as this will help your mind to always feel a whole lot better.

And as far as things go with your soul, realize that inner peace and energy are most likely to come when you allow yourself to truly be quiet, giving yourself over to rest and relaxation instead of immersing yourself in all the hubbub and the hectic aspects that try to rule your everyday life.

Make it a point as you go through each day to keep these things in mind, and in the long run you will see quite a difference in the amount of energy you have – in your body, your mind, and your soul!

How To Stay Healthy By Eating On A Schedule

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When it comes to eating healthy, one of the most difficult things to do is to know exactly how much you should eat. Most people who try to eat healthy end up eating too little, thinking this is good for them, or they eat too much on the advice that we should "eat throughout the day." If you want to combat this, one of the best things you can do is put yourself on an eating schedule, with regimented meals and times of day.

Even though it might seem counterintuitive, it is true that you should eat all throughout the day; of course, this means small meals throughout the day! Breakfast - as you have certainly heard people say before - is truly the most important meal of the day. Your metabolism will start working right away if you eat breakfast first thing in the morning, and if you eat throughout the day, your metabolism will continue to work.

For breakfast, you do not need a big meal so much as you need something that will get you and your metabolism going. But make sure you eat enough to hold you over until a mid-morning snack, as you should not eat for a few hours after breakfast.

Make sure your mid-morning snack falls right in between breakfast and lunch; it should, of course, be something light and healthy. And when it comes time for lunch, you can provide yourself with a meal that is satisfying and filling; don't eat too much, however, as you should eat again a few hours later.

Sometime in the middle of the afternoon - between lunch and dinner - you should plan to have another light snack. When it comes time for dinner (after work, or after you wrap up your day), you can have another full meal; but again, don't stuff yourself, as you may eat one more small snack a few hours later.

You will find that your metabolism is working more efficiently, and that your body is much healthier, when you start to eat five to six small meals per day at certain times of day. As odd as it might seem, this "eating more often to stay slim and healthy" truly does work!

Keeping Your Brain Strong And Healthy

Even though you might not always think of it as such, your brain is one your most valuable assets, and many people do not realize is that their brain can become sharper with practice and work, or can fall into poor shape if they fail to give it the attention it needs; maybe you have neglected your mind for a period of time, but even though it will take a little while for your brain to start becoming as sharp as it once was, you can use these tips and tricks to get your brain to where you want it to be.

There are lots of different memory games that you can buy in stores or even use for free online, and many of these games are fun, and can also cause your brain to stretch itself in new ways that will improve your memory in other areas of your life also.

Sudoku and jigsaw puzzles are great ways for you to give your brain some exercise, and you can also exercise your brain (and sharpen it over time) by doing word search puzzles and crossword puzzles.

Reading is also a great way to keep your mind in good shape, and even though you might hear people brag about the fact that they "only read" non-fiction books or self-help books, it hardly matters what you read so much as it matters that you read, as reading causes your brain to workout and your capacity for thought to broaden; and in any case, it is much better to entertain yourself by reading books - even if they are commercial fiction books - than to entertain yourself with television, so realize that reading is good for you, regardless of what you are reading!

And one of the best ways to exercise your brain is through creative activity such as painting, drawing, playing an instrument, or writing; not only will you get the satisfaction of having creative output you can be proud of, but you will also have the satisfaction of a well-exercised brain - and you cannot ask for much more than that!

Dealing With An Addiction

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Dealing with an addiction of any sort can be a frustrating and even demeaning experience, as you will often go through times when the only thing you want is to not be affected by this addiction, but when you cannot seem to get away from it in spite of this fact; some people (usually people who have never dealt with the addiction you are fighting) will tell you that it is simply a matter of will power, but in truth, addictions are much more complex and complicated than this.

Simply admitting that you have a problem is the first step to overcoming an addiction; on the surface, this might seem like a simple thing, but the truth is, a lot of people who struggle with an addiction will spend plenty of time justifying this addiction and claiming that it is not really that big of a problem, and this only causes the addiction to become stronger and stronger in their life!

Once you have admitted that you have a problem, the next step you need to take is telling someone else about the struggle you are dealing with; this can be an extremely difficult step to take, but realize that it is nearly impossible to fight an addiction on your own - but when you admit to someone else that you are fighting this addiction, they will be able to add their strength to yours in helping you to combat it.

And finally, realize that it can be easy to get overwhelmed when you are fighting an addiction, especially if you try to look at the big picture of it, but if you narrow your focus and learn to take things one day - and one decision - at a time, it will make it a lot easier for you to come out triumphant in the end!

There is no "perfect way" to fight an addiction, as an addiction can be a messy and frustrating thing to deal with in the first place, but when you take this approach, you will at least be on the right road, and will be able to take this road step by step to your recovery.

Tips For Staying Safe While Rock Climbing

If staying healthy and having fun are two of your priorities while the weather is nice, one of the best things you can do is go rock climbing, as rock climbing with strengthen everything from your feet to your fingers to your arms, legs, and back, all while allowing you to do something that is plenty of fun. But in spite of the fact that rock climbing can certainly be fun, it can also be dangerous if you do not take the proper precautions, and rather than trying to learn through trial and error (which can be marvelously painful!), you should take the time to learn what you need to do in order to stay safe while rock climbing.

Lots of people tend to think that a crash pad is not really necessary, as they assume it will not do much, or that they are not going to fall from high enough up for it to matter - but before you go rock climbing, realize that crash pads are not just some ploy to make money; they are truly important to have!

Every time you go rock climbing, you should also have a spotter; in addition to being able to keep you safe, a spotter will also be there in case something happens to you, as you will certainly not want to sustain a serious injury when you are out there all alone.

And finally, the longer you climb, the more likely you will be to take things for granted; even though you might start to become comfortable with rock climbing in general, and with the routes you usually do specifically, you should make sure you are always remaining careful as you climb, testing every rock, and never climbing so fast that you could cause yourself trouble.

You should not have a hard time staying safe while rock climbing, as long as you make sure you head out there with a crash pad underneath you, a spotter to keep you safe, and a head for caution.

Herbal Tea Health Benefits

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Do you enjoy drinking tea? Have you considered drinking teas which are formulated to be healthy for you? Here are a few teas whose health benefits you might gain from by adding to your cupboard. Teas and tinctures have been used for many years trough many different cultures to assist with healing and health. There are still a number of herbal teas which are still used today to help with your health.

Chaga mushroom tea is gaining some interest for many people. A mild flavored tea is made from mushrooms that grow on birch trees. This tea has been used for years in Russia and claims to have healing properties like cancer fighting and prevention. It has a mild flavor not too bitter, and surprisingly not dirt flavored as you would expect a mushroom tea to be.

Echinacea tea is another tea that has been around for centuries. Echinacia is a purple cone flower that grows wild across the United States. Many gardeners grow these pretty purple flowers in their own gardens. Echinacia tea has been used for centuries to help boost the immune system and fight things like the common cold.

Another herbal tea that is pleasant and can really help you is mint tea. Mint is a very aggressively growing plant in many areas of the country when planted in the garden. It is an incredibly fragrant plant which can be grown and made into fresh tea or you can purchase it dried. You can use Mint tea to help with soar thoats and calm coughs. Mint is also said to help sooth upset stomachs and aid in digestion.

Drinking herbal teas can be good for your heart, however they are considered herbal supplements and you should consult with your doctor first. This will help stop any potential drug interaction problems that you may potentially have.

Tips For Figuring Out How Much Sleep You Need

A lot of people spend time trying to find out how much sleep is "recommended," but while this seems like a question that would have a simple answer, they end up finding different answers every different place they look; if you have ever conducted this search on your own, you may have encountered this same obstacle - and the reason why so many different sources tell you so many different things when it comes to how much sleep you are supposed to get is because the answer to this question is different for each different individual.

When it comes to getting the right amount of sleep for you, the first thing you should realize is that each person sleeps in "sleep cycles" that typically last anywhere from an hour and twenty minutes to an hour and forty minutes; when you wake up in the middle of your sleep cycle after, say, nine hours of sleep, you will actually be more tired than if you woke up at the end of your sleep cycle on six hours of sleep! There are lots of different ways to find out what your personal sleep cycle is, but the best way of all is to simply go to sleep without setting an alarm; pay attention to what time you fall asleep, and pay attention to what time you wake up, and you should be able to determine exactly what your body's sleep cycle is!

After you have figured out what your sleep cycle is, you should toy around with different amounts of sleep, as you may find that your body actually functions better on less sleep than you might think you need; if, for instance, your sleep cycle is an hour and thirty minutes, try different amounts of sleep that are multiples of this (such as four and a half hours of sleep, or six hours of sleep, or nine hours of sleep), and see which one leaves you feeling the most wide awake!

And when you are attempting to figure out how much sleep your body requires, the best way to do this is to simply wake up at the same time every day; once you train your body to consistently wake up at the same time each day, it will also begin to get tired at the time you need to go to bed - which will leave you feeling wide awake when the new day begins!

Two recommended exercise videos

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Going to the gym can be a downer if you are out of shape and self conscious. Most people like to be in shape before going to the gym, which is why we like exercise videos. You can get in shape at home for a fraction of the cost. If you are self-motivated, and really want to get into shape this option can really work for you. You might find that you never needed to go to the gym in the first place.

If you are looking for a kick your butt work out that expends a ton of calories while getting you cut and toned then you should consider the old but good Billy Blanks TaeBo Cardio. This is a great all around work out that you can take as fast or slow as you want or need to go. The more often you work out, the more comfortable you will feel with it. Though it might be a bit intimidating at first, you can get a real workout from it. Don’t over do it to start with though or you will be quite sore. Your goal is to build yourself up so take breaks when they are needed. This video can and will kick your butt and get you moving.

If you are looking for something a bit sassier you could consider the Zumba Fitness Total body Transformation System DVD. This has you dancing your way to fitness. If you don't mind making a fool of yoruself until you get the hang of it, this can be quite a bit of fun. It doesn’t take long to break into a sweat from the energetic movement. Lots of people go to live zumba and have a lot of fun doing it. You get a really good work out and can learn some outstanding dance moves to boot.

These are just two of many options you have for home exercise videos that are well worth the money you pay for them. I love these two because of their intensity and ability to get you moving. Don't be afraid to try something new, it is well worth your time.

Taking A Look At The Health Benefits of Yoga

Although many of us nowadays are perfectly familiar with the general idea of yoga, few of us are familiar with the genesis of yoga, how it works, or even why it is good for the body; of course, yoga is typically associated with a number of Eastern religions and philosophies, but yoga is centered around stretching exercises that are good for both the mind and the body, and that can be enjoyed by anyone - no matter what their religious or philosophical background or beliefs are.

Most people would, of course, agree that breathing is important, as it is necessary in order for you to live, but a lot of people fail to realize that it is actually possible to improve one's breathing; yoga deals with deep, mindful breathing, and engaging in this will help lung capacity to improve - which is great for those who play sports, of course, as it will improve endurance and performance, but is also good for people who do not play sports, and simply want to enjoy improved  breathing in everyday life.

There are also strong correlations between yoga and a healthy heart, as yoga has the ability to lower blood pressure and even slow the heart rate; furthermore, yoga has been linked to lowered cholesterol, and - largely because of the reduction in stress brought on by yoga - a boosted immune system, with some studies even concluding that yoga is so beneficial for the heart and the body, it can reverse heart disease.

And finally, realize that the benefits of yoga on the mind extend quite a ways, as the lowering of stress in the body aids the mind's concentration, and decreases the risk of depression; furthermore, as yoga pulls extra oxygen to your brain, it will help to create a sense of wellness and calm in your mind that you would have a hard time attaining otherwise.

It only takes about 15 to 20 minutes each day to practice yoga - and when you do this, you will be able to enjoy all the numerous health benefits that practicing yoga will be able to bring your way!

Tips For Keeping Up Your Energy During A Long Hike

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On top of being a great way to exercise, hiking is also a great way for you to get outside and enjoy nature (which, of course, has many additional health benefits, such as Vitamin D from the sun, and a boost to your immune system from increased relaxation and decreased stress), but if you do not know how to keep up your energy during a long hike, hiking can have adverse effects as well, as it can cause you to become fatigued, and can even cause you to become sick as you tire your body!

When you are taking a hike, you will want to make sure you are allowing yourself to take frequent breaks to rest (even when you do not necessarily feel tired); by taking these breaks - and by making sure you are snacking and drinking plenty of water when you take these breaks - you will be able to put your body in a position where it will keep up its energy, and where you are able to continue hiking for as long as you want.

During the hike itself, it is also important that you know how to hike properly; many people make the mistake of thinking hiking is nothing more than walking, and because of this, they vary their pace too much or simply move too fast, and this causes their body to get tired before their brain has a chance to realize it; move at a steady pace when you are hiking, and try to maintain this pace throughout the duration of your trek.

And if you are hoping to keep from getting tired during a hike, making sure you have the right equipment - and that you are wearing this equipment properly - will be of the utmost importance; a good pair of hiking shoes (that fit snugly and are comfortable) is a must, and if you are wearing a pack when you hike, you will want to make sure the weight is distributed properly so that you do not wear out your body as you go along.

You will be ready to head out for a hike as you keep these tips in mind, and will be able to enjoy all the benefits that result from hiking - without enduring any of the problems that can come as a result of conducting your hike incorrectly!

Is It Good To Eat On A Schedule?

One thing that is odd is the fact that a lot of the advice you will find on “the right foods to eat,” or “the right ways to eat” conflict with one another, which often muddles the whole issue of knowing what to eat and when to eat; one aspect of this that especially tends to give people problems is whether or not it is good to eat on a schedule, and while some people and sources will tell you that eating on a schedule is good, and while others will tell you that eating on a schedule is bad, the true answer is: it all depends!

The idea that breakfast is the most important meal of the day is one thing that is absolutely true, as breakfast will enable your body to start working, and to have energy heading into the day; this means that whether you are hungry or not when you wake up in the morning, you should always take the time and make the effort to get a good, healthy breakfast into your body before you start your day.

It is certainly good to eat regularly in the rest of the day as well, but one thing to realize is that your body will often have cravings when it does not truly need food if you consume a fair amount of grains and sugars; because of this, it is important to have a set eating plan – as far as the times of day when you will typically aim to eat – if you regularly consume a fair amount of grains and sugars, as this will keep you from giving into your cravings, and will enable you to be much healthier as a result.

If you tend to avoid grains and sugars for the most part, on the other hand, you will also experience far fewer cravings in your body, and will instead “tell you” when it needs food; if you avoid grains and sugars in your regular diet, you can pretty much avoid the whole “eating on a schedule” thing, and can instead listen to your body, putting food into it when you feel hungry, and not putting food into it when you are not particularly in the mood for food.

Healthy eating is sometimes complicated and confusing, but when you have this information, you will at least know whether you should be eating on a schedule, or can instead simply listen to what your body is saying.

Make Your Workouts Count

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It's hard to make time to exercise, so you want to make every workout the best possible. The following suggestions will maximize the effectiveness of your workout program:

Vary your workout program. If you perform the same exercises day after day, your body will get used to them and will no longer be as challenged. You'll want to introduce new exercises because each new activity will challenge your body in a new way, which builds more muscle and forces your body to expend more calories.

Protect yourself from injury. Here’s another reason to engage in a variety of exercises—you want to avoid wearing out any particular muscle group or joint. You'll want to engage in at least three different types of exercise each week, for example, biking, kickboxing, and playing tennis.

An ideal exercise program consists of both cardio exercise and resistance training. The ideal workout program consists of 2-3 days a week of weight lifting and 3-5 days a week of cardio exercise. Pamper yourself in between weight lifting sessions so your muscles can repair, and make the most of your cardio sessions by alternating fast and slow paces.

Challenge yourself more as time goes by. If you push yourself too hard right away, you won’t be motivated to workout the next day. You don't want to injure yourself. Begin your program exercising in a way that challenges you but only makes you feel somewhat sore the next day. Push yourself harder as your body adapts to the program so you are always a little sore the next day. If you aren’t sore at all, you’re not pushing hard enough. You forced yourself to work too hard if you need to take painkillers to get through the next two days.

Seek out training and inspiration whenever possible. If you don’t know how to use a machine in the gym, ask the personal trainer for help. Get advise on aerobic exercise and proper form as well; it can save you from injury later. You'll be amazed at how many variations there are on exercises you thought were plain and simple.

Do You Need Fish Oil Supplements?

This is because your heart and arteries need omega-3 fatty acids, which are present in fish oil. It begs the question: do you need to eat fish or consume fish oil to get the omega-3 fatty acids you need? Have you wondered if fish oil supplements might help your heart health? How much do you need, and why is this so good for your heart?

Many studies have proven the medical benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. If you eat the proper amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, you will lower your risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, and hardening of the arteries.

But what are the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids? You can eat fatty fish, nuts, and soy products, all of which contain omega-3 fatty acids. Because of the concern regarding fish health (some have absorbed and will pass on pesticides or mercury), you may wish to vary your sources of omega-3 fatty acids so you eat some fish, some nuts, some soy products, and take some fish oil supplements.

How much is the right amount of omega-3 fatty acids? You won't want to go crazy with the omega-3 fatty acids though, because too much of a good thing can hurt you in this case. The most serious side effect is increased risk of bleeding. You body's need for omega-3 fatty acids is somewhat altered by how much omega-6 fatty acids you take in each day.

You eat omega-6 fatty acids when you consume vegetable oils rich in linoleic acid. If you eat less omega-6, you'll need less omega-3. If you eat a typical American diet, you should aim to consume fatty fish twice a week and soy products and nuts daily. If you know you consume a lot of omega-6 fatty acids (vegetable oil), you'll want to eat more omega-3 fatty acids if you wish to experience the heart health benefits. Consult your doctor, bringing up all concerns, including heart health and bleeding issues, to determine how much omega-3 fatty acids is right for you. You will want to take precautions with children in particular; ask your doctor if fish oil supplements will be helpful or harmful for your child before giving them supplements.

Should You Take Vitamin C Supplements?

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Vitamin C supplements have been trendy for a while, but doctors are changing their tune on why and how you should take them. What do the most recent studies say about the benefits of vitamin C?

Why do you need vitamin C? For years vitamin C has been touted as the cold prevention and cold remedy solution, but the latest findings tell us vitamin C doesn't help us fight or recover from colds. It does, however, lower your vulnerability to heart diease and cancer, which are much more significant than a cold, and it also is hoped to slow eyesight degeneration associated with age.

What is the best way to get vitamin C? If you eat plenty of citrus fruits, and a generous amount of supplemental fruits and vegetables, you'll get a lot of vitamin C. You can also carefully select beverages and foods that are fortified with vitamin C. Be realistic about the amount of vitamin C you are eating and drinking when you calculate out how much more you need from supplements.

What is the recommended amount fo vitamin C? If you are an adult, you will benefit from taking at least 75 mg and not more than 2000 mg of vitamin C each day. Anytime you take over 2000 mg, you will risk unpleasant side effects. Talk to your doctor about how much vitamin C your child should get, and make sure you consider age, weight, and how much your child drinks and eats vitamin C fortified drinks and foods. Pregnant women should show extra caution not to exceed recommended amounts, since mega-dosing has been loosely linked with preterm birth and scurvy in newborns.

Are vitamin C supplements of value? Doctors currently feel you benefit most from natural sources of vitamin C, although they don't discount the secondary value of supplements. It appears that the best benefits come from natural sources of vitamin C, but it can be difficult to get enough vitamin C just through diet. You can take a vitamin C supplement along with food to maximize results.

Vitamin C supplements are currently still considered a good idea, but you should still try to eat as much vitamin C as possible through your meal plan choices and use supplements to close the gap.

Staying Awake On A "Tired Day"

Trying to make your way through a "tired day" - one of those days where you wake up feeling tired, and this feeling just will not seem to leave you, no matter what you do, in spite of the fact that you have a full day ahead of you - can be terribly difficult, but while it is sometimes impossible to make this tiredness disappear completely on one such day, there are a few specific things you can do to make these days better.

One thing that you should be aware of when faced with a "tired day" is the fact that you will probably not end up getting done as much as you should (or would like) on these days, but it is better to get some work accomplished than to get done none at all; lower your expectations during these days, then pace yourself mentally as you aim to get done as much as your tired mind will allow.

Some people will increase their caffeine intake on a "tired day" to try to wake up more, but this typically ends up making them feel even more tired in the long run; rather than increasing your caffeine intake, consider eating an apple (or something similarly healthy), and try going for a walk outside during your lunch break.

And finally, it will help you to understand that taking a nap is one of the best ways to give yourself an extra shot of energy (and to sometimes even solve the problem of a "tired day" altogether); if you take a nap, however, limit this nap to 20 minutes, as a 20 minute nap usually translates to increased energy, whereas a longer nap typically translates to being even more tired afterward.

Next time you head out for work on a "tired day," keep these thoughts in mind - and even though you may not be able to solve the problem completely with these thoughts in mind, you should at least be able to be more productive than you would normally be on one such day, and should be able to make it to the next day when you will (hopefully!) be fully awake again.

Advice For Colon Cleanse Newbies

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Have you been tempted to try a colon cleanse, but are afraid you'll end up indisposed for a day or two? You can choose from a variety of types of colon cleanse to find the one that works best for you. But how do you choose which colon cleanse to try?

Colon cleanses have become stable pieces in the detox end of health regimens because they rid your body of excess waste, resulting in a slimmer waistline, more energy, and a sense of starting fresh. Most Americans eat lousy diets, resulting in bloating, constipation, and the storage of extra crap - literarlly. After you've run the liquid plumber through your system, you can make better choices about what you eat and drink, keeping the system clean and healthy.

There are three types of commonly used colon cleanses. You can try any or all of these to find out what works best for you.

High colonics are probably the scariest for most newbies, as they involve high pressure water. However, high colonics are conducted by professionals, so you can relax, knowing the process will be over quickly and safely.

A natural colon cleanse consists of a dietary shift such that you consume foods and liquids that will encourage bowel movements. You can find lists of colon cleansing foods and beverages online--prunes, prune juice, and senna tea are three popular choices, although there are many others as well.

Another option is to follow a plan that uses an over-the-counter colon cleanse product; these come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. They can come in the form of powders, beverages, capsules, medications, or teas, and work to stimulate bowel movements.

In any case, you’ll want to take the gentlest approach for your first colon cleanse. Plan your colon cleanse such that you'll have time to use the bathroom, and make sure you use the lowest dosage of the prescribed plan, slowly increasing how much you use until you get the intended effect. Be careful not to put yourself in a situation where you're stuck in the restroom all day; you can always use more next time.

Following Three Simple Steps For Having Healthy Teeth

Sometimes, it can seem like it is a lot of work and inconvenience to take care of your teeth as well as you should, but it is an even bigger inconvenience to have to deal with the consequences - later in life - of having not taken good care of your teeth right now! Even though it can take a lot of practice and "remembering" in order to get into the habit of taking good care of your teeth, it will be worth it in the long run, when you still have the same, healthy teeth you have had all your life - and when they still look great and give you no pain or problems!

Of course, the most important part of keeping your teeth healthy is brushing them, but while most people remember to brush twice per day, they fail to realize that this is actually not doing them quite as much good as they might imagine. Chances are, you brush your teeth two times each day, but you eat three or four times eady day - and every time you eat and do not brush your teeth afterward, that food is sitting on your teeth; you should get into the habit of keeping travel toothpaste and a travel toothbrush with you, and brushing after every meal!

Flossing is also a big part of keeping your teeth healthy, as that will keep food from sitting between your teeth and in your gums; by flossing every night, you can prevent gum disease from occurring, and can also keep your teeth healthier.

Mouthwash will also help your mouth and your teeth to stay healthy; you should use mouthwash every night, as this will help your breath smell good, will remove plaque, and will also just make your mouth feel good!

When you get into the habit of brushing after every meal, flossing at night, and using mouthwash at night, you will be able to keep your teeth healthy for a long time to come - thus keeping your natural teeth in your mouth all throughout your life. 

Three Easy Ways To Stay Healthy

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Taking good care of your body and mind, making sure they remain healthy, will be one of the most important things in your life, and while most people are aware of this, the approaches people take toward staying healthy often become so complex and complicated that no one is able to keep up with them. While it is certainly good to keep some of these more complex approaches to health in mind, it is even more important for you to keep the simple things in mind - as these are the things you will be able to keep up with throughout the entirety of your life, and these are also the things that will make the biggest difference in how healthy you are.

Remain active: Most people put a lot of emphasis on the idea of "exercising," or on other approaches to keeping their body in good shape, but while exercise is certainly helpful, the most important thing of all is that you make sure you are remaining active - even at those times when you do not especially feel like "working out."

Drink water: One of the important things people often neglect, in spite of all the diet crazes they get into, is drinking as much water as they should; water is the most important thing you can put into your body, and you can keep yourself much healthier than you otherwise could if you simply drink a gallon of water each day.

Laugh: The saying "laughter is the best medicine" is heard so often that it loses its impact on most people, but even though it might seem like something that is simply nice to say, it is also true: laughter will keep your body and mind healthy in a way that nothing else can!

There is nothing wrong with chasing more complex and complicated approaches to staying healthy, but even as you look into some of these different approaches to health, make sure you are also keeping these things in mind, as they will keep you healthy for a long time to come.

Should You Put Your Child on ADHD Medication?

Have you considered putting your child on ADHD medications, but aren’t sure if you it’s the best move for your family? The following are common questions and answers about ADHD medications and children.

What is ADHD? Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a common affliction that can be treated with both environmental controls and prescription medications. It affects children socially and academically.

How does ADHD present? There are two main ADHD camps: inattentive ADHD (which is sometimes called ADD) and hyperactive ADHD, although many kids display characteristics from both of these categories. Inattentive ADHD kids lose things more than the average child, forget things, get distracted easily, and have a tough time remaining on task. Children with hyperactive ADHD have trouble sitting still, controlling impulses, and restraining their bodies and mouths. It's common for a child with inattentive ADHD to also have hyperactive ADHD, but it's very possible to only display characterists from one or the other.

Do you think your child displays enough of these symptoms to be concerned? There are many levels of ADHD, so you may want to visit your school guidance counselor, a physician, or a psychiatrist to get a second opinion. Unless your child has other health issues that will interact poorly with the ADHD drugs, you should be able to give the medications a try just to see if you like the results or not. In most cases, children respond positively to ADHD meds immediately, so you'll know right away (within the first day) if the meds are good for your child or not.

What is it about ADHD medications that produces the results they do? Most ADHD mediations are stimulants. Interestingly enough, ADHD children respond to these stimulants by actually becoming more mellow instead of more hyperactive, as you’d think they would. These drugs make your brain produce extra epinephrine and dopamine; they also improve blood flow to the brain. ADHD drugs also make your body hold onto that extra dopamine and epinephine a little longer by inhibiting the uptakers in your brain.

How will you know if the ADHD medications are working for your child? Your child will be calmer, able to focus, and able to make better decisions. While it may take a while to get the dosage and type of medication right, you should see improvements right away if the medicine is right for your child.

You can always stop the medication if it doesn't work, so why not give it a try? You’ll quickly know if ADHD medications are best for your child.

Tips For Getting People To Bookmark Your Website

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Plenty of people go about trying to figure out how to get people to their website, but they fail to realize that getting people to come back to their website is just as important; after all, someone is unlikely to make a purchase on your website on their first visit (or, at least, the purchases made from first-time visitors are unlikely to make a very big dent), but the more often someone returns to your website, the more likely they are to bring in money for you in the long run, and this will increase the chances of your website achieving success.

The most important thing of all in order to get people to return to your website again and again is to give them valuable content, but to also make the content easy to digest; if your website is difficult to look at, or if it is full of long, rambling posts, people are unlikely to spend much time on it or to ever visit it again, but if you give them a site that is easy to look at and that is full of short and valuable content, they are much more likely to bookmark your page and come back again at a later date.

If you are able to give people something to come back for every day, it will also help your site a lot; too many people make the mistake on their website of only posting new content once every week or 2, but when you provide short and valuable content on a daily basis, people will want to bookmark your page and come back to it every day.

And the following are some other great ways to ensure that people want to keep coming back to you: fun deals and promotions on things that people will actually want, as this will get them to remember your website later, and working to interact with people, as building relationships through your website will cause people to want to keep coming back to your website over and over again.

The more you work at trying to get people to bookmark your website, the more successful you will be, and soon you will find that your traffic numbers are climbing, and that your website is bringing you a lot more success!

How To Prepare A Delicious Primal Breakfast

A lot of people have come to realize the tremendous health benefits of going with Mark Sisson's Primal Blueprint, as they are able to work out a lot less often than they had been working out before, are able to eat plenty of food (and plenty of different foods!), and are able to lose fat more quickly than they could have imagined possible - but one problem a lot of people face with the Primal Blueprint is that they do not quite know what to make for breakfast, as most people are used to eating carbs and processed grains (hashed browns, bagels, toast, cereal, et cetera) at the start of each day!

One thing that is great about eating on the Primal Blueprint is that you are encouraged to have eggs, and not only are eggs delicious for breakfast, but they are easy to prepare as well; before you go to bed at night, cut up some vegetables (such as peppers and onions) and get a bit of meat ready, and in the morning you will be ready to toss the veggies and meat in a pan, and to scramble these in with two or three eggs.

If you are not real big on eggs, another great idea is to start out your day with a smoothie; you can make something as simple as a smoothie with orange juice, a fresh banana, and some frozen strawberries, and this will give you a delicious drink to begin your day - and if you want to add some protein to the mix, you can also throw in some whey protein, which will be great for your body as well!

And there is nothing easier, if you are grabbing breakfast on the run, than doing this according to the Primal Blueprint; head out with an apple in hand, or grab some dried fruit, some seeds, some nuts, or some berries (all of which you can find in one package if you buy some good trail mix!), and you will have the full stomach and the energy you need to take on the day!

Eating according to the Primal Blueprint is easy once you get the hang of it - and these breakfast ideas will help you on your way to figuring out exactly what you can eat!

Taking Care Of Your Teeth

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Taking care of your teeth is pretty easy - the most important things for you to do is to brush and floss a couple times each day - but many people still neglect to do these simple things, and it ends up costing them (in money and trouble!) in the long run! If you are doing the right thing and and taking care of your teeth the way you should, it is likely that you are always keeping an eye out for any new things you can do to make sure your teeth remain in great shape. Making sure you are eating foods that will be good for your teeth is one of the best ways to keep your teeth in great shape.

Not only is it great for your body to eat raw fruits and veggies, but they are also great for your teeth for a number of reasons, as they help to remove plaque from your teeth, and they help to prevent the build-up of tartar.

Another thing that is good for you is foods that are rich in calcium; foods such as yogurt and cheese will help your teeth to stay strong and healthy, and cheese even helps to rebuild your tooth enamel and neutralize acids that can cause tooth decay!

And of course, dark, green leafy veggies are good, and even though you might not be a big fan of the taste of broccoli or spinach, these and other dark green leafy vegetables will help to prevent inflammation in your gums as they strengthen your gum tissue.

And one thing that will be important to realize is that you will need to keep yourself aware of the fact that sugar is one of the biggest contributing factors to an unhealthy mouth, and if you eat sugar, you should make sure that you brush your teeth immediately!

By making sure you are keeping all these things in mind, you can actually keep your teeth healthy through more ways than just brushing and flossing, ensuring that your teeth remain strong and healthy for a long time!

Foods To Avoid If You Want A Flat Belly

Lots of people deal with the fact that they want to lose weight - specifically in their stomach region - but they have no clue exactly what they need to do in order to achieve this, and regardless of how many miles they run or how many crunches they force themselves to do, they cannot seem to get rid of those love handles or that belly pouch; of course, one of the big reasons for this is that these people are simply going about things the wrong way - and one of the best ways to turn this around is to know the right foods to eat!

If you are wanting to lose belly fat, you will want to focus less on how much "fat" you are putting into your body and more on how many carbohydrates you are putting into your body; because of the manner in which your body translates carbohydrates into sugar, your body ends up being unable to burn your stored-up fat for energy when you ingest too many carbs, and this leaves that belly fat looking exactly as it did before you took that three mile run!

Of course, in addition to avoiding carbs (basically, breads, grains, and starches) because of the manner in which these are turned into sugar, you will want to avoid sugar itself; this can be a difficult move to make for some people, but once you start seeing your abs again, it will all be worth it!

And as you limit your intake of carbs and sugars, you should be aware of the fact that a lot of fruits are full of both; of course, fruits are good for you, but if you want to start shedding that belly fat, you will want to limit the fruits you are eating - and you will want to lean toward fruits such as berries and apples, and away from fruits such as bananas and melons.

Once you start applying these principles to your daily eating habits, you will find that it starts to become easier and easier - especially as you begin to see that belly fat disappear and that stomach start looking flat again.

Get In Shape By Rock Climbing

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Depending on where you live, there is probably somewhere nearby where you can rock climb. This climbing place might be a mountain with huge cliff faces. Maybe you have something a bit more tame nearby - a few natural rock faces, all about 15 to 20 feet tall. Perhaps you know of an indoor rock climbing place nearby, even though everything around you is flat. Regardless of the rock climbing options available to you, rock climbing can be both a great way to get in shape and a whole lot of fun! Before you can ever begin climbing, however, you need to make a few basic purchases.

While you might think that you need some climbing shoes before anything else, your first purchase should actually be a crash pad. Crash pads are small, soft pads that are easy to fold up and carry. These pads should be placed beneath you when you climb, and they will provide a soft landing should you lose your handle on the rock, or should you decide to jump down before you finish. Crash pads cost only about one hundred dollars, and they are well worth the price - they are absolutely vital to a climber's safety.

Secondly, you will need to purchase a chalk bag for climbing. These are small pouches that hang around your waist, which you can fill with climbing chalk to help your grip. Because of your hand's tendency to expel oils and sweat, climbing chalk is very important. Chalk bags cost only about fifteen dollars, as does climbing chalk itself. The cost of these two items is negligible, as a single purchase of chalk will last you for months of climbing.

And finally, you can purchase climbing shoes. Of course, many people think that their best bet is to purchase climbing shoes online, in order to get a good deal, but you must also understand how climbing shoes are supposed to fit. Don't just hop online and purchase a pair in your normal size; go to an outdoor store first, and get help from someone who knows how to size you for the shoes that will be right for you. While the price of climbing shoes ranges greatly (anywhere from sixty dollars to well over one hundred dollars), beginning climbers can find a good, new pair for under one hundred dollars.

Rock climbing is an excellent hobby, as it works out the whole body and allows you to enjoy the fresh air. You will be all set to begin climbing yourself once you have purchased these simple items.