Autism

If I told you that one half of the Blues Brothers, Dan Aykroyd; the creator of Pokemon, Sathoshi Tajiri; and lead singer of the Top Ten group, the Vines, Craig Nicholls; all suffer from a brain disorder. A brain disorder which make difficult for an individual to communicate or even relate to other human beings. Although, physicians and doctors are still unsure of the precise origin of Autism, studies have revealed the symptoms and their effects.

1. Doctors are currently debating over two different, but very noticeable theories; nature vs. nurture. Some scientists believe that the patients, inherit the disease through their family, while others preach that an individuals surroundings are the cause.

2. The symptoms for autism are mainly conveyed at an early age. The child shows prolonged delays in speech development or unnecessarily repeats habits. Like most diseases a child can suffer from a very high functioning, to a more severe version. Individuals suffering from a severe form of autism will also most likely experience below normal intelligence, epilepsy, or depression.

3. Unfortunately, because autism is such a fragile disease, there is no pharmaceutical cure for the disease. The individual must undergo special behavioral training. This practice uses a system of positive and negative reinforcement in order to create a strict internal discipline. Remember every individual who is stricken with autism is different, so each case must be handled differently.

4. If you are a parent or a loved one of someone with autism, there are regimented steps to success. First off, the task of taking care of child with autism can be a very difficult one, so allow yourself the occasional break. As the child gets older, do not be afraid to ask for help. Exercise humility. Although you may experience everyday, does not mean you know everything about the disease. In order to establish a better understanding of the disease; get in contact with another family who has a child with autism.

Balance Your Life

It is easy to disregard the street side psychic who asks to read your palm. Honestly, if they were such a psychic, wouldn’t they already know we do not believe them. Well maybe we should not stereotype these individuals, just yet. There are several benefits one can achieve from receiving a psychic reading. Perhaps you can achieve an understanding of health and wellness, maybe you can establish a clear view of the issues in your life, or you may simply leave with a sensation of relaxation. If you are skeptical on psychic readings, perhaps the benefits listed below, will persuade you

1. Mental Balance: Health and wellness is difficult to achieve. Health can be acheieved through several months of proper nutrition and excercise, but what about wellness? Wellness is a term that varies from each individual. It may be a spiritual idea, or perhaps a mental complacency; either way it is difficult to achieve alone. Through a psychic reading, individuals will initially be eased into a state of relaxation and comfort, then the psychic will attempt to answer any wandering thoughts or questions you may have about your life. This style of psychic reading will ease an individual’s current stress, while inspiring them to strive for new heights.

2. Relationships: Every relationship goes through their ups and downs. When it is good, it can never be better, but unfortunately when it is bad, it is terrible. At these points it can be hard to succesfully establish clear reality of the situation. The psychic reading can eliminate all of the surrounding distractions and delve right into the main issue. This practice allows the individual to perceive the situation for what it is, and how to solve it.

3. Career: What do you want to do when you grow up? For most people this questions is quite difficult. They may be aware of the qualities they are searching for, but they are unclear of the jobs that fit that qualificatons. With a psychic reading, an individual can properly perceive his/her future, with a clear mind. The psychic reading will enable you with a sense of security. You may not leave knowing your precise occupation, but hearing that “in ten years everything will work out” establishes an invalible sense of comfort.

4. Soul Mate: Every person has one soul mate on this planet. This statement is so confidently stated when people are in relationships, but what about individuals who are single? This uphoric veiw of love is difficult to come by when it seems like you can not find Mr. or Mrs. Right. A simple psychic reading can allow an individual to clearly perceive the current situation.

5. Messages: People wonder each day, what their lost ones would say if they could see them now? If they could just tell their lost ones one more thing…Nothing is more difficult mentally or emotionally to endure then losing a loved one, but a psychic reading may ease all your questions.

Habits

1. Sexual Habits: It is the night before the big fight. “You better not have sex. You better not even look at a women.” This archaic display of preserving the athlete is officially dead. This myth ended in the past few years, when researchers discovered that individuals actually, perform better the day after sexual activity. In fact, the two activities seem to feed off of one another.

2. Bed Time: An athlete should attempt to go to bed and wake up at around the same time everyday. This pattern will enable the athlete to not only obtain the muscle’s necessary rest, but allow the body to rejuvenate all of the nutrients. It is nearly impossible to perform at the individual’s highest potential when the body is tired.

3. Comfortable Bed: A comfortable bed is the cornerstone to a proper recovery period. Any individual who is training consistently will always be suffering from some ailment, whether it is a joint, muscles, or ligament pain. During an individual’s sleep the body attempts to recuperate and rest, but if the person has an uncomfortable bed, he/she will suffer longer. Make sure to sleep comfortably, so you can perform perfectly.

4. Sleep: The recommended amount of sleep for adults is six to eight hours. Yes, it is important to get to bed on time and sleep in a comfortable bed, but it is imperative to reach REM (rapid eye movement) stage every night. Once, the body has finally reached this stage, it will attempt to heal and relax all existing ailments. For an athlete, this stage of sleep is necessary.

5. Eating: “Do not eat after 9″. False. “Do not eat two hours before you go to bed”. True. If you happen you go to bed at 12 every night, it is difficult to go three hours without any food. It is imperative to keep an athlete’s body replenished with nutrients, in order to maintain a particular level of performance.

Dementia

The perception of the comic is a tie of sympathy with other men, a pledge of sanity, and a protection from those perverse tendencies and gloomy insanities in which fine intellects sometimes lose themselves. A rogue alive to the ludicrous is still convertible. If that sense is lost, his fellow-men can do little for him.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson.

This famous comedic quotation, was uttered years before Emerson, lost his pledge of sanity to Dementia. Closely related to Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia is a serious cognitive disorder which affects an individual’s memory, language, and problem solving. Individuals of an elderly age can are more susceptible to the gradual six month on set of dementia. Although there may be symptoms within the first few months, it can actually not be diagnosed until the six month, in order to correctly diagnose the disorder. The symptoms an individual will experience are any of the following: depression, psychosis, memory failure, jaundice, muscle pain, and disorientation.

The actual term dementia, is a blanket term for several different forms of dementia.

1. Slowly Progressive Dementia: This form of dementia is a gradual progression over several years. It is caused by a neurodegenerative disease, which primarily affects and eliminates the functions of the neurons in the brain.

2. Rapid Progressive Dementia (a.k.a. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease): This rare form of dementia progresses through an individual’s system within, only a few weeks. There are several different causes of this form of dementia, such as, brain tumors, inflammations, infections, or drug toxicity.

3. Fixed Cognitive Impairment: Fixed Cognitive Impairment is caused by a single traumatic event to the brain (e.g. injury, concussion, seizure, stroke). Each one of these events does not cause dementia, but it leaves the brain susceptible to any other brain infections or disorders.

4. The Dementia Feature: Since the brain can succumb to several different diseases, infections, and disorder; dementia, is actually the symptom to several these (e.g. Alexander Disease, Canavan Disease, Kufs’ Disease, Krabbe’s Disease)

Dehydration

On October 10, 2009 Peter Curtin was approaching the 25 mile-marker in the Baltimore marathon, when he suddenly collapsed and died. On October 18, 2009, three runners – men aged 26,36,65 died within a 16 minute span during the Detroit half marathon. The highly acclaimed New York City marathon, even had two men die during the race. Why do the hearts of such highly conditioned men fail during exercise designed to make their hearts stronger? Is there something wrong with endurance exercises as a healthy activity? In essence, yes and no.

1. Physician: If an individual wants to participate in an endurance activity or an endurance race, he/she must consult their local physician. Although your friend or family member can handle the exercise, it does not mean your body can. Each body is different and varies with the amount of intensity it can handle.

2. Dehydration: This is the main catalyst for injury during an endurance race. Although 26.2 or 13.1 miles sounds like a long distance; trust me it is even longer than you think. Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate. It is imperative to an individual’s body that it remain hydrated. Our muscles and organ system work in the way that a camel’s hump does (merely an analogy). If we consume copious amounts of water, it will aid our bodies for hours.

3. Inflammation: The constant pounding of running on concrete can cause an inflammation in an individual’s knees or lower back. Individuals who suffer from pre-existing knee or back ailments, consult your local physician.

4. Cardiac System: Doctors theorize that the reason individuals die during endurance races, is because of a malfunction in the cardiac system. As with joint ailments, any individual experiencing pre-existing ailments must consult a doctor before participation.

Upon the doctors approval, the individual must consult seasoned endurance runners. Once you have contacted them, ask them how to breathe. “But, I know how to do that”. You know how to unconsciously breathe, but every breath is extremely important in an endurance race. Since, every breath is important, there is a form to the action, which will best aid your health.

5. Form: In order to protect your lower back, knees, and other joints an individual must perfect his form. This can be done in several different ways (i.e. practice, the Road Runners store’s technical breakdown, mirroring).

Preventing Brest Cancer

Breast cancer is most common cancer among women in the United States. Each year, 192,370 new cases of breast cancer occur, and over 40,000 individuals lose their battle. There is no 100% guaranteed prevention, but their are some very easy, preventive steps, which can aid being one less.

1. Healthy Weight: The risk of breast cancer is almost doubled when a women is overweight. On top of that, an overweight women’s survival rate of surviving breast cancer is, in fact, less. In order to gauge the proper weight for the current height, women should use the BMI (Body Mass Index) as a resource. However, this chart is not completely accurate for all individuals, so it is best to contact your local physician.

2. Exercise: Get out there and break a sweat. The recommended amount of exercise a week is 45 to an hour, five days a week. If making it to the gym is not an option, try at home workouts, runs outside, or eliminating short drives and replacing them with walks. This practice will strengthen your immune system, while lowering the levels of estrogen and insulin in your body.

3. Less Alcohol: One glass of red wine is a great source of antioxidants; not a bottle. Research has recently shown that drinking two or more drinks a day can raise the risk of breast cancer by 21%. Instead of indulging in wine, eat their developers; grapes. Grape skin, actually reduces the risk of breast cancer.

4. Vegatable: You better eat your vegetables. A low fat diet can reduce the risk of breast cancer. Vegetables such as, broccoli and kale, contain sulforaphane, which is believed to help prevent cancer cells from multiplying.

5. Family History: You may know the health of your mother, grandmother, and perhaps great grandmother, but to truly know your family history is important to breast cancer prevention. In 15% of breast cancer cases, there is a history of the disease in the family history.

6. Doctor Visits: The most important form of prevention is regular check ups at your local physician. Clinical breast exams and mammograms are a must at least every three years.

Exercise Equipment

Have you made your holiday list, yet?” It can be easy to remember the items you want, but difficult to remember the items you need. Instinctively, the holiday season is a time to indulge and relax, but it is important to remain loyal to your body. Here are some of the best new exercise equipments that should be on your list.

1. Kettlebell: Although this exercise equipment has been around for years, in several different forms, it is gaining popularity in the states. This simple weight, can produce some of the most rigorous workouts around. Depending on the size (weight) of the kettlebell, the price can range from $30 to $150. It may seem a bit pricey, for a single piece of equipment, but the workouts involved are well worth it.

2. Freestanding Punching Bags: As with kettlebells, freestanding punching bags have been around for awhile, but with the emergence of mixed martial arts, it is gaining popularity. An individual can truly build incredible core muscles and cardio, through different combinations and exercises. Depending on the make or model, a freestanding punching bag can range from $180 to $350.

3. 3 in 1 Pull Up/Sit Up Bar: I would normally never endorse an item which has littered late night television with infomercials, but this product is great. Not only is this piece of equipment affordable (a rate anywhere between $20-$30), but it is a great accessible way to exercise. This bar enables individuals to participate in sit ups, pull ups, and innovative push ups.

4. P90X: The Tae Bo of today, is sweeping the nation with its intense 12 workouts, which aim for muscle confusion. The idea behind muscle confusion is to constantly stimulate the muscles in different areas, forcing the body to accelerate the results process. The program is unique, in that it also gives you a comprehensive nutrition plan to follow throughout the training. The P90X program is marked at 3 monthly payments of $39.95.

Foods Relieve Stress

In this day in age it is difficult not to be stressed out. Unemployment, economic crisis, health care bill, the war – and that is not even skimming your personal issues. Life can be tough. Allow us to show you a few foods to make it easier.

1. Almonds: This little snack packs a healthy punch with B2 (riboflavin), vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc. The actual hormone, serotonin, which balance mood and stress, is in almonds. Vitamin E is an antioxidant, which can enhance an individual’s immune system, while zinc has been shown to fight negative effects of stress. However, this snack should only be consumed in small portions, because it is high in fat.

2. Fish: Along with being a main source of Omega 3, Fish, is also filled with vitamin B-12. This vitamin has the most important involvement in producing serotonin. Serotonin aids in the balance of an individual’s emotional level.

3. Broccoli: This vegetable is stocked full of B vitamins. Broccoli also contains folic acid; aids in stress relief, anxiety, panic, depression, and other emotional disorders.

4. Whole-Grain Rice or Pasta: Whole grain is not a hidden secret any more. Restaurants noticed the popular rise of whole-grain, by adding them as feature items to their menus; delis now feature whole grains, and even pizzerias offer whole-grain pizza pies. Complex carbohydrates take longer to digest, which gives the brain the sensation of fullness; in other words, happy.

5. Sushi: Aside from the previous benefits described in the fish region, sushi holds several other stress reliving properties. The seaweed maki has been known to have anti-anxiety properties. The seaweed itself, is comprised of magnesium, vitamin B2, and pantothenic acid. This acid contributes to the health of adrenal glands, which perform a vital part in stress management.

6. Milk: Milk can supply the human body with vitamins B2 and B12. Aside from these, milk also contains antioxidants which help enhance the immune system and fight free radicals.

7. Cottage Cheese: This light snack is packed with vitamins B2 and B12. For a healthy, midday snack spread some cottage cheese on whole grain cracker.

8. Beef: Out of any products on the list, beef may be the most unhealthy, but it is still comprised of some essential nutrients. Beef offers the human body a great portion of vitamin B, zinc, and iron.

9. Cantaloupe: Vitamin C, which is found in Cantaloupe, is crucial component of fighting stress in the human body. Take slices of cantaloupe and add it to a small bowl of cottage cheese for a healthy snack.

10. Blueberries: For such a small piece of food, blueberries are compounded with antioxidants and vitamin C, which aid in the balance of stress.

Kelly Slater

Kelly Slater has won 54 Surfing Championships, 42 World Championship Tours, and was ranked #1 by the ASP nine times. There is not much, the highly regarded; best surfer in the world, is afraid of. But there is one thing; Clay Marzo. Marzo debuted to the surfing community in a surf movie called, Young Guns II. In the film he displayed the raw talent and aggressive style of past champions. Now, at eighteen years old, Marzo is changing the landscape of surfing with courageous surf stunts and organic ability to pull of tricks that no surfer could have imagined possible. This story on its own is incredible; however, it is not the entire story. Marzo suffers from Aspergers (a form of Autism).

Marzo’s parents noticed that he was different at a very young age. The average symptoms of this disorder are the inability to understand social cues, a lack of inborn social skills, a dislike to change, and an inability to deceiver the subtle difference in speech tone. Aside from these internal symptoms, the individual will suffer from external symptoms, such as, avoiding eye contact, unusual facial expressions, invested in a sole interest, only conversing about one topic, delayed motor skills, and a heightened sensitivity.

At the beginning of Marzo’s career, his symptoms never interfered, but once his fame caught up with his talent – it became a bit difficult. Each day was filled with a new challenge; sponsors wanting to set up meeting, magazines wanting to conduct interviews; and fans wanting autographs. Although the media blitzkrieg was a bit intimidating, Marzo is gradually adapting. He has several sponsors, even more fans, media attention, and just last year, he released his own surfing movie.

To watch his movie, is to watch the expression of an incredible life; the crash of the waves, the strength of the ride, sprinkled with a touch of genius.

Help Yourself

The best way to obtain a healthier body is through diet and exercise. The best way to obtain humility is through philanthropic work. Well, what if there was a way to achieve both? What if through exercise, you could give back to those less fortunate? There are a variety of national, non profit organizations, which aid those in need through several different types of exercise. This year for Christmas, instead of lazying by the fire with cocoa and gingerbread cookies; get up, get out, and help.

1. Kayak4AKure: In 2007, this organization kayaked the entire Mississippi River, in order to raise awareness and funds for children with cancer. This remarkable journey is just one out the several expeditions Kayak4AKure is involved in. The organization is comprised of a Kayak team, a street team (grassroots), and coaches. Each one of these teams is a key component to raising thousands of dollars each year for children with cancer.

2. Hike for Life: This growing non profit organization is the catalyst for raising money for area Crisis Pregnancy Centers and raising awareness of the dignity of all human life (from conception to natural death). Each year at several locations, within different states, Hike for Life holds hikes (varying in degrees of intensity), which draw hundreds of individuals. Since the creation of Hike for Life, they have raised thousands of dollars for their cause.

3. BikeMS: “100 rides. One destination. A world free of MS.” This mission statement is emblazoned on the homepage of the website, every BikeMS jersey, and in every competitors heart. Across the United States, BikeMS holds over 100 bike rides, in order to raise funds and awareness for Multiple Sclerosis. Do not be intimidated; you do not need to be Lance Armstrong – the bike rides vary in degrees of difficulty. The million dollars that BikeMS have raised, are directly contributed to the research and funds of Multiple Sclerosis.

4. Team In Training (TNT): This is the biggest organization endurance training, non profit organization. TNT (an organization affiliated with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society) participates in several different types of endurance races, such as, triathlons, marathons, bike races, and hikes. Each event TNT holds raises millions of dollars, which are contributed to the research and studies of blood cancer. Over the past 20 years, 390,000 individuals have participated in their events around the nation.