July 2013 - CandleLighters.ca
Naturally Smarter: Healthy Eating Can Increase Test Scores
Healthy Eating Can Increase Test Scores
Once your child begins preparing for college, he or she will have to navigate the SAT and/or ACT, along with AP tests and subject tests. If your teen is planning to take the ACT Test, he or she will hopefully have fine-tuned a test preparation system during the final years of high school. However, there is more to getting ready for tests than just doing practice questions. Your child’s mental and physical readiness are both important for a successful test day.
ACT Private Tutor says ‘Brain Food’ Helps Concentration
Your child should make sure to eat well in the weeks leading up to the test, pack snacks for test day, and get a full night’s sleep the night before the test. These simple additions to your child’s routine will ensure that he or she is as focused and sharp as possible for every hour of the exam.
Scott Spizer, an ACT test prep expert and founder of Origins Tutoring, which specializes in holistic and comprehensive test prep, is well-acquainted with the ins and outs of getting ready for standardized tests. According to Scott, “Being aware of your diet and ensuring that you include foods with extra protein, like spinach and other leafy greens, beans, tofu, and lean meats, can boost your performance on test day. This kind of brain food will help make sure that you stay focused for the duration of your test.”
Your child should make sure to include ‘brain food’ in his or her diet in the weeks leading up to the test. On top of eating well in the days before the ACT, make sure that your child has a satisfying, healthy breakfast on test day! Foods with extra protein, like eggs, make up part of a good pre-test breakfast; adding in whole-grain items and food with fiber will also help your child feel full longer. That’s definitely a plus during a three hour exam!
You should also make sure that your child packs snacks for test day. Water is a must! Some schools may have water fountains, but your child should still bring his or her own beverage. Granola bars or protein bars will help keep your child focused and alert. Fruit, especially bananas, can help boost your child’s blood sugar levels at low points in the morning. There’s nothing worse than trying to concentrate with an empty stomach, so make sure that your child is prepared with snacks.
Improve Focus with ACT Private Tutoring
If your child chooses to participate in ACT private tutoring, a tutor can not only help him improve academic performance, but can also provide tips on how he can better relax and focus on test day. Obviously not all private ACT tutors are also health coaches, but an experienced private ACT tutor can provide students with basic information about which foods to eat for better concentration during the ACT exam, and also provide some helpful breathing or visualization exercises to calm anxious nerves.
Even the most prepared student can suffer a moment of panic once the proctors pass out test booklets and answer forms. Test anxiety will severely hamper a student’s ability to perform, and a private tutor can work with each student to reduce the stress that goes along with lengthy tests. An exercise as simple as taking ten slow, deep breaths can work wonders on a stressed student about to open up to the first math section, and adopting a healthy mentality about the ACT will also help students keep the test, and the college process, in perspective.
Once test day is around the corner, you need to ensure that your child takes care of himself or herself and gets enough sleep. Once all the studying is finished, the best preparation is healthy eating, plenty of sleep, and a good attitude on test day.
Health Risks and Benefits of Natural Weight Loss Supplements
Do Natural Weight Supplements work?
If you are part of the one third of the United States population that struggle with your weight, chances are you have looked into using supplements or even liposuction to get back on track. The question is do these supplements benefit us? Or, if these supplements fail, what are the costs of liposuction?
Americans have been searching for new ways to combat their weight in today’s society. Turning to a pill or supplement may seem like the easiest option for people with busy lifestyles. The real question looming is do they actually work?
According to mayo clinic, there is little to no FDA regulation on the supplements that are put into the market, and what the supplements are composed from can have harmful effects on the body if taken too much. Taking a supplement such as calcium, fiber, green tea extracts, etc. have been proven to improve a person’s health, but will not be the answer for your weight issues. The best medicine one can take is good exercise and healthier meal choices.
So What are the Alternatives?
As is an ongoing theme on this blog, it is safe to say that some “natural” methods on the market may not always be the best or even safest way to reach your health goals. There are many “snake oil salesmen” out there taking advantage of the limited regulation of the sales of herbal supplements and natural remedies and the herbal weight loss supplement industry may just be one of them. It is important to keep in mind that just because a procedure or remedy does not fall into the “natural health” category that it should not be considered as often times it is the only safe or effective means of reaching your health goals.
For 100% natural weight loss the easy and obvious answer will always be eat right and engage in daily exercise. So much of our culture revolves around looking for a quick fix to all of our problems and the truth is that in matters of health, and especially weight loss, is a long term process that requires hard work and dedication- there simply is no quick and easy way to lose weight naturally or otherwise.
What about Liposuction?
Of course liposuction, a surgical procedure that removes fat from various parts of the body, is always an option. While liposuction does not necessarily fall into the “natural health” category it is the only quick fix approach to weight loss. While it may be quick, it is far from easy, however, and considerable thought should go into making the decision to engage in this procedure. One barrier for many people, perhaps, is the liposuction cost which can be significant and is rarely covered by insurance, if ever. In terms of safety, the procedure is considered to be quite safe and WebMd.com says the following: “When liposuction is an outpatient procedure, people usually recover quickly. Most people can return to work within a few days and get back to normal activities within two weeks.”
What Will Be My Best Option?
As always, your health and body should come first when making the decisions to engage in any activity to alter them. Think about the pros and cons of each and every procedure, speak with trusted health professionals, and study the procedures and safety risk before deciding to engage in any healthcare procedure.
Guided Meditation for Couples
What is Couples Guided Meditation?
Most couples agree that marriage is never easy—in fact, it is often full of ups and downs. While there is no questions that a successful marriage can be quite rewarding, some men and women require assistance when it comes to maintaining the relationship. In addition to the traditional forms of marriage support, such as couples counseling and group therapy, guided meditation may be beneficial. Understanding the basics of guided meditation, its benefits, and the ways it can be used to prevent divorce is helpful for anyone looking for new ways to strengthen their relationship.
What is Guided Meditation?
Before one can truly benefit from guided meditation, they must have a basic understanding of the activity itself. According to most experts, guided meditation is defined as a specific type of meditation in which an individual is guided into a relaxed state of consciousness by listening to a taped recording or a live person’s voice. Individuals who participate in guided meditation are often instructed to follow a chain of specific command to achieve optimal results. While some listeners can experience benefits in as little as one session, others may require multiple periods of guided meditation to reach their goals.
Benefits of Guided Meditation
So what, exactly, are the benefits of guided meditation? Are there certain perks that one can expect to experience by participating in this type of activity? Most guided meditation professionals suggest that men and women who participate in the therapy can learn how to relax their body, clear their mind, and increase concentration on their surroundings. In addition, some guided mediators may notice a change in their respiration rate and anxiety levels. Depending on the individual and the specific stressors in their lives, the benefits of guided meditation are likely to vary substantially.
In couples guided meditation, reports of an increased feeling of openness and improved communication are common. According to the website of Charles Ullman, a family law and divorce attorney, “Healthy communication goes a long way in a relationship. Unfortunately, that communication sometimes breaks down due to the stresses of jobs, finances, children, families or anything else life throws at you.” Good communication is obviously very important in a relationship but is easy to take for granted, especially with someone we know well and see day in and day out. Often times this person becomes the target of life’s frustration and communication, and therefore relationships can suffer drastically. Engaging in couples meditation can help couples to relax and reopen themselves to communication.
Guided Meditation and Divorce
While there are a number of indications for the use of guided meditation, high stress and anxiety levels are some of the most common. It should come as no surprise, then, that men and women who are going through a divorce or legal separation can often benefit from the activity. Separating parties who are attempting guided meditation may not only experience changes in stress and anxiety, but may also notice differences in their attitudes and reactions towards others. By becoming more in-tune with a former romantic partner, the need for divorce or separation may no longer be as evident.
Divorce Resources
As with so many other forms of alternative therapy, finding a skilled and experienced provider is often considered to be essential. Fortunately, there are a number of practitioners located around the country who are experienced in the administration of guided meditation. Talk with friends, family members, and even co-workers who have gone through a divorce to ensure optimal results when it comes to the selection of a guided meditation alternative therapist. A primary care physician or divorce attorney may be able to provide additional divorce resources for those who are going through this difficult process.
Natural Birth Control Methods
Natural Birth Control Options
Having a baby can be one of the best things to happen in the lives of a man and woman. While there is no question that a baby is a blessing, some couples are not prepared to bring a new life into the world. For these individuals, birth control may be a necessity—and while there are a number of options when it comes to birth control, natural alternatives may be best. Couples who are interested in natural birth control should consider abstinence, the rhythm method, and the basal body temperature method. Talking with a primary care physician about these options is important for anyone thinking about becoming sexually active.
Abstinence
As mentioned above, there are a number of options when it comes to the prevention of conception. However, the only true guarantee that a baby will not be created is through participation in abstinence. Traditionally, abstinence is defined as the avoidance of sexual activity, for personal, religious, or social beliefs. Abstinence cannot only be useful when it comes to the prevention of pregnancy, but will also guarantee safety from sexually transmitted diseases, some of which can be life threatening.
Please note that while many believe that the following methods are effective, none of them guarantee that conception will not occur.
Rhythm Method
The rhythm method is also a good choice for individuals who are interested in more natural forms of birth control. In the rhythm method, women track their menstrual cycle to identify the dates on which they are most likely to ovulate—thus increasing their risk of pregnancy in the event that sexual activity should occur. Though those who want to avoid pregnancy have long used the rhythm method, women interested in contraception may also experience beneficial results. Consultation with a professional experienced in contraception may be useful before starting the rhythm method as a form of natural birth control.
Basal Body Temperature Method
As suggested by the name, the basal body temperature method is a form of birth control in which changes in the naturally occurring temperature of the female body is used to identify changes in ovulation. In most cases, ovulation causes body temperatures to increase, thus alerting females to possible increases in fertility level. Traditionally, women are more fertile in the two or three days prior to increases in their basal body temperature. Monitoring body temperature fluctuations for a few months may be necessary for those who really want to feel confident in their ability to rely on this technique as an effective form of birth control.
Alternatives to Natural Birth Control
While natural birth control can be highly effective, it is not for everyone. In fact, those who do not experience beneficial results with the techniques listed above may want to consider other options, including prescription birth control. While these products have increased substantially in safety over the past several decades, certain varieties—including Yaz birth control—still pose substantial risks, such as heart attack, stroke, and even possible death. Weighing both the risks and benefits of these products is crucial for those who want to experience the best results when it comes to contraception.
Getting in Shape Naturally
Take Control of Your Health
Obtaining and maintaining good health is perhaps one of the most important goals in life for many, many individuals today. While some people seem to be simply blessed with good health, others have to work to possess this quality. Individuals who want to get in shape naturally may want to consider increasing their physical activity, water intake, and stress management techniques to ensure optimal results. Working with an alternative medicine provider may also be beneficial when it comes to getting in shape in a more natural manner.
Joining a Gym
Most experts agree that exercise is perhaps one of the most important components of a healthy lifestyle. It should come as no surprise, then, that men and women who are interested in getting in shape naturally are often encouraged to increase their amount of daily physical activity. Though some individuals may be able to exercise on their own at home or outside, many others fare best when exercising at a local public gym. These facilities are safe, reputable, and feature educated professionals who can provide the tips and recommendations needed to reach goals and work around limitations. Gyms such as EFM, an Australian line of high quality gyms, make building an exercise routine into your life easy and enjoyable.
Drink Water
For the past several decades, we have heard about the importance of drinking 8 glasses of water per day to maintain the health of the body. Research shows that the high fluid concentration in the human body is perhaps behind the need for large amounts of water intake. Though it does not posses any vitamins or minerals, water has still been shown to be responsible for a number of important processes in the body, including flushing toxins from the kidneys, regulating blood pressure levels, and even maintaining the health of skin, hair and nails. Individuals who are engaged in a physical active lifestyle, may require even greater amounts of water daily to maximize their results and stay healthy.
Reduce Stress
Stress is a major factor in almost everyone’s life. While stress can come from a number of different “directions,” it is commonly associated with difficulties at work, in relationships, or as a result of poor health. Unfortunately, when left unmanaged, stress can lead to a number of serious health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and even stroke. Those who are devoted to getting in shape naturally are often encouraged to focus on stress reduction through participation in music therapy, reading, support groups, meditation, and other similar methods.
Additional Methods
The factors listed above—exercise, water, and stress reduction—are only a few of the tools that individuals can use when it comes to getting in shape naturally. While this factors may be enough for some to “get over the hump,” others may require additional methods and resources. Individuals who are facing challenges when it comes to achieving their goals, may want to talk with their primary care physician. In some cases, these experts can offer advice and make referrals to alternative medicine providers in the area, who are often dedicated to helping patients get in shape in a natural and healthy way.
Natural Breast Enhancement Options: Are They Effective?
Natural Breast Enhancement
There are a variety of natural breast enhancement supplements on the market, and with all things natural, the question on everyone’s mind is “does it work as well as other options?” According to Mayo Health Clinic Internist Sandhya Pruthi, M.D., no, they do not.
Most natural breast enhancement supplements contain a variety of herbs including fengreek, saw palmetto, dong quai, chaste tree berry wild yam, kava, fennel and a variety of others. While these herbs sound harmless enough, and the idea of a natural alternative to surgical breast augmentation is appealing to many, unfortunately there is just not an option. While the above herbs sound harmless enough, and the thought of a natural alternative to surgical breast implants is appealing to many, taking herbal breast enhancement supplements are not only ineffective but potentially harmful, according to Pruthi.
In general many, if not most people would prefer using a natural remedy or therapy when possible but if there is not an effective, or perhaps more importantly a safe natural alternative it is not worth it. When this is the case the next best thing is to educate yourself about the pros and cons of the mainstream procedure. Seek out referrals and read reviews to make sure you are finding the best provider to perform the procedure, talk to people who have had the procedure and learn from them, and make an educated decision.
Other Factors to Consider
Of course many other factors also come into play and one in particular thing to consider with breast enhancements is the breast augmentation cost. While this is likely to be quite more expensive than the natural alternative it is not a valid comparison due to the ineffectiveness and dangers associated with natural options. With this in mind, if you were considering natural breast enhancement by using herbal supplements as a less expensive alternative to the surgical procedure and are not interested in investing in this procedure your best option may just be to avoid the procedure all together or set aside the money you would have spent on supplements and continue saving until you are ready.
Being a Conscientiousness Health Care Consumer
This discussion points out a very important concept- that just because it is natural it isn’t better or necessarily even safe. Unfortunately the world of natural health, alternative therapies, and herbal supplements i still relatively unregulated when compared to mainstream practices making it easier for unsafe or ineffective products to remain on the market. When this is the case the best option is to seek out a highly trained, reputable health care provider and educate yourself about the procedure, risks, and benefits just like you should be doing when seeking out natural health care options. Many factors go into making these decisions, as they should. We only have one body and every choice we make is one we will have to live with, and by deciding to be a conscientious, educated health care consumer we are protecting ourselves and others in the future.
Finding Your Rhythm with Music Lessons
Rhythm: Our Body’s Natural State
If you have ever studied music formally and your only prior experience was in very formal education, you probably learned the performance conventions expected of classical musicians. If you go to watch an orchestra, you’ll notice that the musicians move very little during the performance, save for those parts of their bodies that actually manipulate their instruments. In fact, watching the perfectly synchronized bows of the violin section, the slides on the trombones and the other motions that musicians make is one of the visual appeals of seeing an excellent orchestra such as New York Philharmonic.
The above illustration certainly has value and takes a highly accomplished musician to master. However, there is also value in using music in a more playful fashion so that we can tap into the natural rhythm of our existence. When we learn to recognize that all of life, including us, functions in cohesion with an innate, cosmic rhythm, we can truly learn to listen to our bodies and recognize when we have lost touch with this rhythm. When are able to recognize this we are better prepared to recognize when our bodies become prone to disease and injury and we can then begin to identify what needs to be done to reestablish harmony. This concept is the very foundation of many of the world’s most powerful healing traditions.
Recognizing the Rhythm: Music Lessons
It can be very difficult to learn to recognize this rhythm when you so much of our modern life seems contrary to any such thing. One way to begin to tap into this rhythm is through taking casual music lessons. Unlike the professional, classical musicians illustrated above, adopting a playful approach to music can help even the most uninitiated tap into the cosmic rhythm. While you may have noticed the very disciplined and almost statue like form that classical musicians adopt, you may have also noticed that many popular musicians sway in time with their music and, in some cases, even dance with their music. This can have some value for beginning music students, particularly those who are struggling a bit with rhythm, and in the same way this can be applied to those early in their spiritual journeys. It is never to late to begin music lessons, and there are many ways to get involved no matter what your skill level. Group jams, community choirs, and drum circles are great places to start getting involved and finding your rhythm.
Becoming a Naturopathic Doctor
Becoming a Naturopathic Doctor in Canada
A naturopathic doctor, or an ND, is a highly-trained medical professional who specializes in the treatment of various illnesses and conditions through the use of both standard and natural methods. Naturopathic medicine focuses deeply on the prevention of disease through emphasis on proactive treatments and overall wellness in patients of all ages and medical backgrounds. Before a medical care provider may practice naturopathy in Canada, he or she must complete an extensive educational and training program as well as pass exams through an accredited licensing board. (more…)
Diet and Heart Disease
Causes of Heart Disease—Diet
As the old adage goes, the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach. Unfortunately, the link between food and our bodies may not be all that it is cracked up to be. In fact, research suggests that what we put in out mouths—and thus, our stomachs—can either treat or cause a number of acute and chronic health conditions. This is especially true for heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes which has a substantial link to dietary factors. Understanding the nutritional components that can contribute to heart disease, such as fat, calories, and salt, is crucial for those who want to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system.
High Fat
According to the Mayo Clinic, diets that are high in fat are believed to strongly contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease. Research suggests that high fat diets increase cholesterol levels, which can lead to the development of plaque deposits in the vessels of the heart. Solid fats, such as those found in butter, lard, cheese, and so on, may be especially dangerous when it comes to heart disease. Certain types of oils—while still categorized as a fat—may actually be a healthier choice for those interested in the prevention of this condition.
High Calorie
For the last several years, we have heard about rising rates of obesity, and its role in the development of heart disease. In fact, obesity is often cited as one of the most common factors before the development of this condition. It should come as no surprise to most people, then, that eating foods that are calorically dense can contribute to weight gain, obesity, and the propensity towards heart disease. Choosing foods that are low in calorie and maintaining appropriate portion sizes is therefore crucial when it comes to the promotion of good health.
High Salt
Eating foods that are high in salt can lead to increases in blood pressure—another factor behind heart disease. In addition, high blood pressure can lead to stroke, kidney disease, and a number of other serious health conditions—thus making its consumption even more dangerous. Healthy individuals who have not been diagnosed with any of the disorders described above are typically encouraged to limit salt intake to less than 2300 milligrams per day. Decreasing salt intake even further to less than 1500 milligrams per day may be crucial for those who already have an established history of cardiovascular disease.
Low Fiber
Fiber is a non-digested nutrient that has been found to play a crucial role when it comes to heart disease. In fact, research suggests that individuals who consume limited amounts of dietary fiber may increase their risk of chronic heart disease substantially. Fortunately, fiber is found in a number of foods—including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Eating these products in their natural form may be best for those who are interested in slowing or stopping the development of the condition. For additional information when it comes to following a heart healthy diet, consider consultation with a registered dietitian in your area.