Your Guide to the benefits of Beta Alanine

By Ricardo d Argence

If you want to get the best from your workout and you don't want to fall for the latest hype or diet with the so-called "medical experts" touting this or that miracle product, you need to know why a particular supplement works and how it does. These days, these companies are doing a booming business, and come up with products that they call "new and improved" every day. Of course, these also come with big price tags and fancy packaging.

However, it's rare to come across a supplement that actually helps you improve your health. One such supplement that does just that is beta alanine

What's Beta-Alanine? You might be wondering what is so great and different about Beta-Alanine. Well to make it clear, this supplement has been thoroughly researched in universities and tested on humans for exact reactions, which have proved to be positive.

So here are some facts about Beta-Alanine, which can be helpful in making you understand its goodness. This is an supplementary amino acid which is needed by the body but cannot be found in the normal chicken-veggie diets. That is why consuming this as medical dosage is very important.

How does beta alanine work? Beta alanine is important to the body because the body changes it into carnosine, providing power and energy to your body.

This is crucial to a good workout, because carnosine exists in the body's muscles, especially those that are called "type 2," those involved in rigorous exercise. Therefore, carnosine helps you build strength and muscle.

But the manner in which it helps in muscle building is somewhat indirect in nature. Carnosine helps in the neutralizing of the hydrogen ions, produced in the body during extreme workouts, which help in the formation of lactic acid in the area getting worked on most, causing exhaustion and aches. Hence intake of the Beta-Alanine, through the carnosine, helps you reduce formation of lactic acid and thereby enhances your performance.

Who can and can't take beta alanine, and why should they? If you're trying to build yourself a new body by working out rigorously at the gym, beta alanine supplements would certainly be helpful to you, because they will help you work out longer and harder in preparation for building muscle. They can do this because of course, they help keep lactic acid production at bay. This is also very helpful to those who specialize in "metabolic workouts," because those who need to lose weight can get over their tiredness quickly and continue on with their workouts, thus resulting in a calorie deficit and weight loss.

But if you are someone going for moderate workouts you will not be in as much need of taking these supplements as the ones doing hard training. This is simply because in the moderate sets the formation of lactic acid will be minimum and therefore the exhaustion automatically less, hence requiring no supplements to provide excess energy.

However, if you do want these things, go to the nearest medical store and see if beta alanine is available. Take the tablets and see your pain and fatigue disappear.

Finally, remember that you always need a wholesome diet and good nutrition, to give your body the fuel it needs to do what you want it to do. This is very important if you are a bodybuilder. So if you want to become "buff," make sure you eat a well-balanced diet and never ignore entire food groups, since this can only be to your detriment. Instead, make sure you eat a balanced diet in the right proportions.

Always remember to take that Beta-Alanine supplement to give your muscles and your body that added boost to continue doing the workout needed to get you fit and in the most gorgeous shape. - 17268

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Group Dental Insurance Plan Helps Make Oral Care Reasonable and Routine For Staff

By Shelton Graham

A Dallas dental insurance policy can help support the company in some ways. Dental insurance is a vital part of the overall employee benefits the company uses to attract and retain the best workers in the area.

But there are critical medical reasons outside the health and well being of employees' teeth and gums. Heavy health conditions can often be first detected in a routine dental examination. With today's spiraling health care costs, forward-thinking companies are smart to focus on preventative care and early detection and treatment of diseases. This not only helps the employer to lower employee health care expenses, and lower medical insurance premiums, but it helps lower absenteeism due to illness.

A routine dental checkup can regularly be the first detection of very serious diseases such as diabetes, which is linked to gum illness and cavities. And osteoporosis is often an alert indication of loose teeth. Catching and treating these diseases in the early stages can greatly reduce the damage they can have on a worker's life, and cut back the medical cost claims to the firm's group health insurance plan.

The group dental plan helps to make oral care cheap and routine for staff. Healthy teeth and gums actually leads to healthy workers. Teeth and gum disease can make employees more likely to have significant health problems. For example, research has demonstrated shown that ladies who have peridontal disease have a much higher likelihood of having early and low birth weight babies.

The direct medical expenses to to businesses for staff who have premature babies is about fifteen times higher than for staff who have full-term deliveries. And ongoing health issues and medical costs are significantly higher for early children, as is absenteeism for the parents of early infants.

There is also a medically proved relationship between gum and tooth illness and health and circulatory illness and stroke. New studies have shown that inflammation of the gums can make a contribution to clot formation in the arteries.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that over three quarters of adults over age 35 have peridontal disease. A good Dallas staff member benefits agency or Dallas group health insurance agency can help your company select a cheap group dental insurance policy that may improve the oral health and the final wellness of employees and their families.

There are many sorts of group dental insurance plans that a a company can choose from. These include DHMO (Dental Health Upkeep Organization ) plans, Dental PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans, and Dental Indemnity plans. These plans vary seriously in the variety of choice of dentists the worker can visit, as well as in the premium cost and the dental benefits contained within the plan.

If the Corporation has implemented a shopper driven health plan, such as a health savings account or a health repayment agreement, staff could also be able to pay for in the red medical expenses on a pre-tax basis. This could aid in making good oral health even more affordable for a Texas company's employees and their families.

A knowledgeable Dallas group health insurance broker can help provide the company with a survey of available Texas group dental insurance quotes, and help the company establish the best plan for their workers and budget. - 17268

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How Much Acai Berry Should I Take? Know the Correct Acai Dosage

By Travis Van Slooten

Acai berry has become the "in" thing in health supplements lately but because little has been known about it until recently so many people still need to ask, "How much acai berry is safe to consume?" While pure acai berry supplements should not cause any harm, it's still better to be safe than sorry especially if you have a medical condition that could affect your taking acai supplements. So first, identify who can give you the right dosage.

Who Should Advise Me of the Right Dosage?

Let's get one thing straight right away. Never take your advice from the internet when it comes to any dosage levels, even something as seemingly harmless as acai berry dosage. You should consult your doctor before you take acai berry just to be sure you have no allergies that may make the product dangerous. The average acai berry dosage that people take is between 1000 and 4000 mg. While there are many people on the internet who profess to be experts, even a doctor cannot give you a safe dosage without meeting you in person.

What Are the Consequences of Too Much Acai?

You can take too much of just about everything. Although acai poses no real danger in terms of overdose, many supplements may contain additives that could be unhealthy in large quantities. However, even something as normally harmless as acai berry could cause stomach problems or diarrhea from taking too much. Unless you have allergies or take an absurd amount, you will likely be fine. But you should still take the recommended dosage on the bottle or the amount your doctor has suggested.

Are All Acai Supplements The Same?

Some acai berry products are not pure acai berry. If you are wondering how much acai berry to take, you first need to make sure that you are taking a pure acai product. Any acai berry supplement which contains fillers or additives may require special consideration. Some acai berry products may contain sugars or caffeine which could have obvious side effects if you consume too much. However, if you take a pure acai supplement, you are taking something that is not known to have any side effects for people who are not allergic.

Again, pure acai berry supplements do not have any observed side effects. However, if you want to stay on the safe side, the best thing you can do is to check with your physician or at the very least, follow the recommended dosage printed on the label of your product. Also, do your own research before signing up for any product. The quality of the supplement itself is as vital a factor as how much acai berry you should take. - 17268

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Which acai supplements are safe? Only pure acai berry supplements are absolutely safe! Visit us to find out more about how much acai you should consume for maximum nutritional value. You'll also learn what the potential health benefits are and you'll get indepth reviews and product recommendations.

Get The Best Information On How To Build Muscle

By Emmanuel Palmer

Ever wondered what your head would look like on a ripped and sculpted body? What's stopping you? If you think getting a great physique worthy of Brad Pitt is too hard, think again. You'll be surprised to see many action stars start out as skinny or fat but made a choice to end up as neither. It's time for you to make a choice too.

How do we get to point A (weak and could be improved upon body) to point B (a well-defined stronger body) the best way possible? There are simple things you can do on how to build muscle the right way and this article aims to show you how. The first thing on the agenda: Enroll in a gym nearest to you.

Now what you need is a weight training program specific to your body type and needs. This is usually provided for by a personal trainer. If there is none available, you can ask a friend who knows a lot about physical fitness for some pointers. Verify his advice with experts' input you can read about on several reliable fitness sites.

This exercise program will now serve as your road map in the unfamiliar terrain that is the gym for the next several weeks. Guard yourself towards impatience. As you start, you will feel pain and yes, that means muscles are being developed; but it don't expect to look like a professional wrestler just yet. It will come-until then keep on with consistent and studied exercise drills.

Make sure that you perform your exercises in the correct form and position. A lot of times people rush through the last few lifts in the wrong form just so they can finally take a break. Don't do this; doing so will be potentially harmful for your body. Moreover, the muscles you are targeting will not be fully utilized and the benefit of that particular training will be lost.

Before you start lifting weights, give your muscles much needed relief by stretching and warming up thoroughly. You are about to put them through a physically demanding workout; a good stretching ensures that your muscles will not only perform better in your routines, it will help ease the next day's soreness as well. There is a danger that your body will get used to the repeated drills expected of it and become progress will be stunted, switch it up every several weeks to avoid this from happening.

Watch your diet. This is one of the most important ways to build muscle fast. Avoid processed food and meals loaded with a high saturated fat. Eat meals with a lot of complex carbohydrates and protein food. Consider taking recommended muscle building supplements and protein shakes to speed up muscle development. When you do, closely monitor the dosage that you use.

Many people ask how to build muscle fast but few really commit to find out the answers if it means passing through tiring exercise routines, pain inducing workouts and sometimes strict diet programs. Make a choice to realize your goals no matter what and you will. Find out for yourself how wonderful a healthy and active lifestyle truly is. - 17268

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Emmanuel Palmer is knowledgeable and learns about the right ways to build muscle fast. Get the best strategy on How to Build Muscle when you click on this site today.

Avoid These 2 Foods When Losing Weight

By Mary Gerrard

The 2 foods to be avoided may come as a surprise to you. You may even find it hard to believe. The common belief would be that they are fine to have as part of a controlled diet. It comes as a big surprise for most people, to learn that they should ditch them.

It is a reasonably well known fact that when dieting, trans fats are to be avoided, and also to be avoided is the high-fructose corn syrup. I am sure you are aware of this. I'm not going to go there - I am not talking about either of these.

Number one to be avoided when you are on a diet, is all wheat products - that means anything that contains wheat. This would include bread of all types, bagels, pasta and cereals (and this even includes all those "whole wheat" cereals).

There are 2 main reasons why wheat products are to be avoided. First of all, a large percentage of the population has an allergy to the gluten contained in wheat and other grains. But what is more significant, we were never meant to consume wheat in such huge quantities. Our digestive system has not adjusted to it.

Wheat has been introduced into our diet only in the last couple of thousand years or so, and has NEVER been a high percentage of the human diet until the last 80 to 100 years! Before that, our diet generally consisted of a much healthier mixture of nuts, seeds, vegetables and fruits.

When a person is trying to lose weight, if they eliminate wheat from their diet for 2 to 3 weeks, they will lose weight, and feel a whole lot better. In some cases, it also gets rid of headaches and indigestion problems (even skin problems too) which they may have been having for years.

The second food that should be eliminated from your diet, will come as a shock to most people - fruit juice. It is generally regarded as a very healthy choice and would probably be included in most calorie controlled diets.

Now I am not totally against carbohydrates - in fact, I believe that most fruits are very beneficial and healthy. But this is referring to fruits in their natural state - not processed. And when you separate the juice from the rest of the fruit which is rich in fiber, it's no longer useful for dieting. What you are left with is a high-calorie , sugary drink that is best avoided.

If you only drink the juice of the fruit (and apple and orange juice are the worst offenders in this) you leave out the fiber which helps to satisfy hunger, and you are only going to crave more carbohydrates. Also, the fiber helps to slow down the response of the blood sugar much more so than the juice.

The bottom line is that consuming too much fruit juice makes you fat. But consuming the whole fruit is an important part of a balanced diet, and supplies your body with a high level of nutrients. This also depends on you having unprocessed foods in the rest of your diet also. - 17268

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See our review of the best weight-loss programs over at How To Lose Weight. If you want to lose body fat faster, check out these 5 tips to Lose Stomach Fat the smart and effective way.

Let's Get Physical - Weight Training Exercises That Work

By Emmanuel Palmer

Gym memberships are comprised mainly by two very different groups of people: those who want to trim down, and those who want to bulk up. If you want to lose the excess pounds, you'll be put on a low-calorie and high-cardio program. To build bigger muscle however, you will go the opposite direction and increase calorie intake while undergoing a physically demanding weight training exercises aimed to get you that colossal physique.

Let us focus on muscle building for this particular article. You will need to gain a significant amount of muscle mass and one way to accomplish this is to perform high intensity training for 45 to 75 minutes. Relegate cardiovascular exercises to either once ever week or two. Make the most out of every session by taking only 90 second breaks in between sets.

There are many fancy machines and trendy exercises out there but usually it's the simpler ones that prove most effective. For instance, the squats are still the best exercise you can do for your legs. Slightly shift your position and you can emphasize specific areas of your leg. Add to this by including lunges and calf raises.

There are opposing views as to which are the most effective chest exercises one should use. The bench press is the perennial go-to for men who aspire to get that barrel chest. However, many people who do not exercise this still have amazing results which they have gotten from performing flyes and pullovers. There is no right or wrong answer. You do what you believe will benefit your body the best. The vital factor is challenging your body to go to the next level by increasing weights and varying angles and reps/sets.

For guns as big as a wrestler's, do strong bench dips and bicep curls. Use high weights and increase them even more as you progress. You will notice the difference soon enough. Your arms will feel the strain the days after your training; and if they are still sore, do not exercise them yet. Over training the muscles will do you more harm than good in the long run.

Work your back muscles by doing pull ups and your shoulders with the military press. There are many more exercises you can use for these muscle groups but these count as among the most effective. Switch up the drills every two to six weeks for the most productivity. Again, you need to push your body consistently to get the most out of your weight training exercises.

For bodybuilding purposes, strong aerobic training is not advisable. That being said, make sure you do not neglect your cardiovascular training by engaging in light running or sports every so often. Your goal maybe to bulk up; but it shouldn't be at the expense of your heart's health.

And most of all, make the best out of your weight training exercises by hitting all your drills strong every single time. You can rush through the assigned number of sets with poor form but your body will not be fooled. Do your best, and not only will you build bigger muscle-you will feel better about yourself as well. - 17268

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Emmanuel Palmer enjoys creating effective methods to build bigger muscle. Get your best body now by making use of Weight Training Exercises you can get on this site for free.

The Benefits of a Low Potassium Diet

By Jesse Regan

Through time, various health professionals have been continuously developing different health programs to meet various health concerns. In most cases, these health programs focus on helping a person lose weight in a healthy way, while there are others that are specifically designed to improve the health status of an individual. One good example is the low potassium diet.

Generally, low potassium diet may not sound that familiar. But this type of diet is of great importance to some people that are vulnerable to serious health risks due to high levels of potassium in their body. In particular, it is those who have kidney diseases that face great danger without the help of a low potassium diet.

Potassium is found in various types of food like beans, fruits, nuts, seeds, and vegetables. We need this generally for our muscle functions, but too much of this can lead to potential danger for some people. With a low potassium diet, people benefit from a relatively lower amount of potassium in their blood. This type of diet is also very helpful in maintaining normal heart and muscle functions.

In this type of diet, eating fruits and vegetables needs proper rinsing before serving and must be cooked in water. As for canned goods, the fluid must first be completely drained before having the fruits and vegetables inside it to be served.

Whenever you feel like wanting to add some potatoes on your diet, its best to have them firs peeled, thinly sliced, and then soaked in water for at least four hours or even better if overnight before it gets to be cooked. The same procedure should be followed when preparing green leafy vegetables for cooking such as kale, spinach, and collards. This certain type of procedure is of great importance as it helps in the reduction of the potassium content in the mentioned fruits. Salt substitutes on the other hand are strictly prohibited as they are known to contain potassium. As an alternative, slat-free herb blends and spices can be considered. And when on the grocery store, it is wise to keep a heads up on the labels and check for words that include potassium like potassium chloride in order to avoid certain foods that contain them.

A person that undergoes a low potassium diet is able to avoid all the serious risks of having a high level of potassium through the help of a low potassium diet. One particular serious threat to take note is the fatal cardiac arrhythmia. This condition is often accompanied with various symptoms like irritability, palpitations or irregular heartbeat, spasms, anxiety, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and heart failure. That's why it is significant to read more about lose weight . - 17268

About the Author:

There are many information you can find online about eating right . If you love to have tips and suggestions about these, you can contact Jesse or read more about him on this site: http://www.fitnessofwealth.com.

Fighting the Obesity Epidemic One Person at a Time

By Dan Gazaway

There is no question that we are living in a time of depressed people. Most Americans are not doing any type of physical labor. In our school systems they are taking away some of the most vital programs that are combating obesity. They are taking away physical education and recess in many parts of the country. Why is this happening? Why would congress allow such things? Our taxpayers are paying boat loads of money trying to fight this obesity epidemic when we can have complete control over it.

There is no doubt that America today is facing an obesity epidemic. Oh wait, its already here. There are more people becoming overweight everyday and this nonsense has to stop quickly or we will all be paying for it even more. Health care costs are already up the roof and with Obamas new plan on health care it will even worsen. Are your pockets deep enough to help those who are at risk of heart disease caused by poor diet? Or are you part of the problem?Everyday, more and more people are becoming obese. Our public schools are getting rid of gym classs everyday saying that Mathematics and Science is much more important than staying in shape. The only problem that America faces with people being so overweight is the issues we are having with Health Care costs and obesity. The question arises for many people is, are they causing this problem.

So many people are educated about nutrition and exercise, yet so many Americans are doing very little if anything to take care of themselves. Most people will not do any exercise or eat healthy until a medical professional tells them they will die very early if they do not do something right away to combat their eating habits and lack of exercise. Most people will be on the go right after the initial shocking interview with their doctor and they will watch what they eat and exercise. That typically only lasts a few short months and these people are back at the old habits that will eventually kill them.

What can we do to stop this obesity epidemic? Individually and collectively we can start making a difference. However, it does start with you. Are you the root of the problem? Do you overeat? How many times do you exercise on any given week? If you are part of the problem I would suggest you make some drastic changes to your behaviors that are keeping you overweight. You can do it. Do it for yourself, not just because of the epidemic.

Now is the time to make a difference in your life and those lives around you. Lets come together and fight the obesity epidemic one life at a time starting with our very own. I believe that we truly can make a difference even if we just set a good example to those that surround us. - 17268

About the Author:

Dan Gazaway and Nate Barnett own and operate the Pitching Academy. Their mission is to reach thousands of athletes to help them learn pitching mechanics and become more healthy in the process.

What Makes Acai a Scam? Acai and Free Trial Offers Explained

By Travis Van Slooten

You've probably heard the old aphorism "All good things in life are free." So a trial of free acai berry has to be a good thing, right? If you want to enjoy the free things in life, soak up the sun or smell the roses, but don't get lured into an acai berry scam. It is never as simple as it sounds when a company offers something for free. Giving away their product would mean a tremendous expenditure on their part. And as much as you may want to think that they have your happiness in mind, they are just thinking dollars and cents.

The Deceptive Offer

If the company proclaims to offer a free sample, you can be almost assured you are in for a scam. First of all, no company can afford to give away $100 worth of free acai berry supplement to everyone who wants to try it. There are always strings attached. And just think, what if no one ends up signing up for a long term order? Wouldn't that set a company back by hundreds of thousands of dollars if they were really giving away the real thing? Remember that they'd have to think about what they stand to gain also. The bottom line is giving away a product like the acai supplement simply isn't possible.

What will I get?

To establish their credibility with you and to keep their "name" intact, you will most likely receive what was promised in the offer. If it's a 30-capsule bottle promised, then you'll get just that. The question however is whether the free sample has any value at all. I wouldn't bet on it. Free acai capsules reportedly valued at $50? Maybe $15 would be nearer to that actual cost.

How do they do it? You will likely still get the 20 or 30 capsules as guaranteed but don't hope in these being of any nutritional value. But in being able to deliver as promised however, you will somehow think that this is a reliable company, and one worthy of your gratitude. After all, who gives away a $50-worth of free items just like that? Also, you will most likely feel some improvement in your overall well-being after taking the free samples, not because the supplements are really effective, but more of a psychological effect because your mind would also be conditioned into thinking that you got yourself a really great bargain.

Is This the Acai Scam They're Talking About?

Getting inferior products for free isn't just the whole story here. It gets even worse. Instead of getting a freebie, you could end up spending hundreds of dollars without your being aware of it. That is, until your credit card bill arrives in the mail. What happened here?

As we know, it all starts harmlessly enough. You come across a free trial offer and register for it. To receive your free sample, you'd need to enter your credit card details supposedly for shipping charges. The problem lies when you don't read the fine print - usually found at the bottom of the last page. It typically says there that if you do not cancel your free subscription within a certain number of days, the company has the right to send you a regular supply of the acai supplements and bill you accordingly. Imagine how shocked you are going to be when you receive your credit card bill and find not the $5 shipping charges you expected but a bill close to a hundred dollars!

How do they get away with making acai a scam?

These unscrupulous companies are able to perpetrate their fraudulent practices because of the many deceived customers, only few really go out of their way to demand their money back or make a formal complaint about these businesses. Most just chalk it up to a lesson learned the hard way and a hundred dollars down the drain. And all they ever wanted was a free sample of acai. But now you know the truth. Free acai is nothing but a bait to lure people to part with their hard-earned money for a bottleful of junk.

Free acai berry offers may be the easiest way to tell if a company is a scam, but they are not the only way. You have to be careful as scam artists can be very clever in their attempts to get into your wallet. For those asking is acai a scam, your best option is to simply stick with the well-known companies and reduce your risk to start. - 17268

About the Author:

Free acai is a scam but is losing weight with acai a scam too? Knowthe truth by visiting us today! You'll learn about the real health advantages of pure acai berry supplements as well as side effects and indepth reviews of recommended products.

Effectiveness of Chiropractic Care

By Dr. Jason Fowler

WASHINGTON--A critical mass of recent surveys and studies document the fact that the public, and conventional health care providers and payers, have come to recognize that traditional medicine can not answer all of consumers' health care needs. In particular, more people are turning to chiropractic services.

A study published in the July 1, 1998 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine shows that chiropractic treatment is appropriate for low-back pain in a considerable number of cases. This study by the Rand Corporation found that 46 percent of a sample of low-back pain patients received appropriate care from doctors of chiropractic - an appropriateness rating similar to that of common medical procedures. Poll results released in January 1998 by Landmark Healthcare, Inc., showed that one in every five adults ages 55 to 64 has used chiropractic care. A December 1997 report from the Federal Agency for Health Policy and Research (AHCPR) notes that the chiropractic profession is now the third largest group of doctoral-level providers in the United States (after medical doctors and dentists). That same AHCPR report shows that fully 80 percent of American workers in conventional insurance plans, preferred providers organizations (PPOs), and point-of-service plans now have coverage that pays at least part of the cost of chiropractic care. As the recent AHCPR report states, "In the areas of training, practice and research, chiropractic has emerged from the periphery of the health care system and is playing an increasingly important role in discussions of health care policy." And, notes a March 1998 article in Business and Health magazine, "Many companies say chiropractic coverage has lowered their medical and workers' comp costs, while raising overall health and productivity. 'It's one of the best benefits possible from a quality, quantity and pricing perspective,' says George McGregor, president of (a firm that is a third-party administrator)." The article also cites an Oregon study, which found that median work time lost for employees with back injuries who used chiropractic care was only 9 days as compared with 34.5 days for workers who used medical care.

Quick relief of symptoms and sustained effectiveness have long attracted consumers to chiropractic care. In fact, in just one year -- 1997 -- more than 20 million adults used chiropractic services. The 1994 AHCPR guidelines for low-back pain concluded that spinal manipulation, chiropractic's primary treatment technique, is one of only three treatments whose effectiveness is substantiated by rigorous research. According to a 1992 RAND Corp. study, patients see a chiropractor primarily for low back pain and neck pain, though many seek chiropractic care for mid-back pain, extremity problems, headaches and other symptoms as well.

Doctors of chiropractic have long understood the cyclic nature of low back pain. They consistently rate higher than MDs in patient satisfaction in this area. In a recent Gallup poll, 90 percent of all people who visited a chiropractor agreed that their care was effective.

Successful outcomes in both effectiveness and patient satisfaction have paved the way for chiropractors to enter the mainstream of health care services. Some have even begun to collaborate with medical doctors in integrated health care practices. As reported in the May/June 1998 issue of Health magazine, the prestigious Texas Back Institute (TBI) at one time included only surgeons and other M.D.s. Then, about ten years ago, when TBI's medical doctors discovered chiropractic's success with lower back pain, they hired their first chiropractor. Now, according to one administrator quoted in the article, about 50 percent of the Institute's patients see a chiropractor first when beginning their treatment. Also, the Washington Post recently reported on the success of the 5-year-old company, American WholeHealth, whose clinics incorporate a consumer-driven mix of traditional medical and alternative health care including chiropractic.

Due to years of criticism - and even an illegal boycott by the American Medical Association - chiropractic training was sometimes called into question. However, the fact remains, chiropractors must complete a minimum of 6 and, on average, 7 years of college and post-graduate study to earn their degrees. Their education includes at least 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory and clinical experience, and as much -- and sometimes more than -- course work in anatomy and physiology as most medical doctors. After they receive their degrees from one of the nation's 17 accredited chiropractic colleges, they have to pass rigorous exams and be licensed by the state before they can open a practice. The practice of chiropractic is licensed in all 50 states, and in 1994 there were approximately 50,000 chiropractors licensed in the United States. This number is expected to double by the year 2010, according to the 1997 AHCPR report.

"These recent surveys and reports finally vindicate the chiropractic profession after years of enduring doubt, questions and criticism about our training and practices," said Dr. Pedigo. "What the health care and medical communities are just beginning to accept is what our patients have known all along -- that our treatment is safe, effective and highly successful at improving their quality of life. - 17268

About the Author:

For additional information on health please contact Dr. FowlerDr. Jason Fowler at www.lakestlouisdc.comwww.lakestlouisdc.com

Supreme Guide To A Superhero Chest - Building Muscle Mass

By Emmanuel Palmer

Have you always wanted to look like Superman? The key to achieving that is by building muscle mass. Don't think only a gifted few can only achieve that physique. If you are determined, patient and have a strong sense of discipline, you can build chest muscles as big and muscular as how you want it to be.

If you're planning to get massive, you need to increase the food you are taking each day. Your goal should be at around 3,000 to 6,000 calories a day. This seems like a lot but really, the first step to a bulky and muscular physique is to gain enough weight so you have something to work with when you hit the gym. Get your calories from healthy sources and that means loading up on lean meat, chicken and fish.

In building muscle mass, it is vital for you to keep track (at least in the earlier stage) of your calorie intake. The ratio for this should be 50% carbohydrates, 30% protein and 20% fat. Useful tip: a gram of protein and carbohydrates both are equal to four calories while a gram of fat is equal to nine calories.

Once you've got your food plan checked, it's time to devote our time to the equally important task of putting together your best workout strategy. Before starting, you will need to warm up and stretch well first. Also, observe how wide and strong swimmers' chests are. You would do well in incorporating swimming into your program.

A beginner's program will look something like this: 3 sets of 12 reps bench press using 40 pounds (add or subtract according to your more detailed specifications); 3 sets of 12 reps dumbbell flyes using 10 pounds; and 3 sets of 12 reps dumbbell pullovers using 20 pounds. After few weeks, you can include 3 sets of 12 reps incline bench press using 30 pounds; and another 3 sets of 12 reps decline bench press. Monitor your progress; you should be increasing weight loads gradually while lowering the reps.

Keep your body challenged to perform its best by altering your workout program every few weeks. Train your chest muscles using different angles (flat, incline, decline) to give it a better burn. Dumbbell flyes isolate the pecs effectively so always have a variation of this in your routine.

Even if your main goal is to build chest muscles, do not neglect the other muscle groups as well. You won't see a big muscled man with a barrel chest and chopsticks legs getting catcalls anytime soon. Take two or three days of your workout schedule to work out other parts of the body.

Concentrate on building muscle mass, have a healthy diet and perform the exercises in the right form and position-you will soon achieve that wide, muscled chest everybody wants. One last thing you should never forget-- enjoy! A great workout is a rewarding experience for those who keep on until they see the results. Work hard and don't give up, you won't regret it. - 17268

About the Author:

Emmanuel Palmer can teach you how to build chest muscles effectively. Get great information on Building Muscle Mass today.

EATING HEALTHY HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER!

By Marilou Lissandrello

Eating healthy can be easy and simple to implement. Once you start making choices that are healthy and incorporate the habit into your life, it becomes second nature and you won't have to think about it much again. Make sure you always have healthy food choices available and the rest is a piece of cake.

When considering a meal or a snack, always strive for a proper balance between a protein, carbohydrate and fat.

What have you established for your caloric consumption needs? I know for myself, that if I want to lose weight, my caloric intake cannot exceed 1200 per day. If I'm trying to maintain my current weight, I should not eat anymore than 1500 calories per day.

Once you figure out how many calories you should be eating, you then need to divide them out over 5-6 small meals/snacks throughout the day. Remember that the meals/snacks should compliment each other with a adequate balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Let me give you an example of these choices to make during the day.

I like to take a minute and quickly mention something about portion sizes. Do you know what a serving of meat looks like? No, it's not the 12 ounce Ribeye at your local steak house. A protein of meat is 3 ounces, the size of a woman's palm.

SOME VISUAL EXAMPLES OF DIFFERENT FOOD PORTIONS:

* 1 medium fruit -- tennis ball or tight fist

* 1/2 cup of pasta, rice, fruit, veggie, or cooked cereal -- tight fist or cupcake size

* 1 cup of raw salad -- the amount you can hold in two hands cupped together.

* 1 medium baked potato -- computer mouse

* 1 cup of cold cereal -- large handful or tight fist

* 3 ounces of meat, poultry or fish -- palm of a woman's hand or deck of cards

* 1 ounce of cheese -- 4 dice or the top half of your thumb

* 1 ounce of meat, fish, chicken or poultry -- 1 egg

* 1 tsp -- the tip of a medium-framed woman's thumb. 3 tsp is equal to 1 tbsp

BREAKFAST:

It is important to start the day with a good breakfast. A good breakfast is needed to maintain level blood sugars throughout the morning. Try to keep breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the same calorie count and then add two to three snacks between meals to make up the 5-6 recommended meals.

Choose an item from each of the food groups for a healthy balanced breakfast.

Protein: 1 cup low fat yogurt, 1 oz of low fat cheese, 1 cup nonfat milk, 1 hard boiled egg

Carbohydrate: 1/2 cup of whole grain cereal or oatmeal, granola bar, 1 slice of whole grain toast, bagel or muffin.

Fruit: 1/2 banana, small apple, orange, grapefruit, 3/4 cup of raspberries, strawberries, blueberries

LUNCH AND DINNER:

Preparing lunch and dinner is very simple. Pick a lean protein, add some vegetables and top it off with some fruit for dessert.

Choose an item from each of the food groups for a healthy balanced lunch or dinner.

Protein: Chicken, fish, turkey, lean beef, pork, beans, etc.

Vegetable: Spinach, zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, and salad greens, etc. For a serving size, fill about 1/2 of your plate with vegetables, 1/4 of your plate with protein and the other quarter with healthy carbohydrates.

Carbohydrate: 1 slice of whole grain bread, brown rice, corn, sweet potatoes, white potatoes, etc.

Dessert: Pear, apple, 1/2 banana, 1/2 cup of strawberries or raspberries with a dollop of nonfat whipped topping.

SNACKS:

Snacks are what make or break the weight loss. You need to maintain your metabolism in between meals so that is why healthy snacks are essential. For your snack, consume between 100 to 125 calories.

Choose an item from each of the food groups for a healthy balanced snack.

Protein: 1 oz. low sodium, low fat luncheon meat, low fat string cheese, hard boiled egg, small yogurt cup, 1/4 cup of low fat cottage cheese.

Carbohydrate: Baby carrots, 1 slice of whole grain bread, 1/2 banana, apple, grapes, plum, etc.

Healthy fats: 1 slice of avocado, 2 tbsp of peanut butter, handful of almonds, walnuts cashews or mixed nuts.

This doesn't have to hard. These are just guidelines for healthy foods. Don't make this boring by eating the same thing every day. There are so many more foods then what I listed here but be creative. Try a new fruit and vegetable every week. Remember, this is easy! - 17268

About the Author:

Marilou Lissandrello is fervent about cooking healthy recipes in order to perserve her and her husbands recent weight loss and to live a healthier daily life together. Her very sensible guide on how to cook healthy recipes for dinner is obtainable free from her blog, Eat Right Tonight.