Health Blog

A healthy body and a sound mind

4 Health Myths That Remain Myths

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With all the barrage of health information available on the internet these days, it’s easy to be swayed to believe certain data that may not actually be true at all. In short, people can be made to believe the healthy myths that may not actually have a real basis.

Some of the popular health myths are simply just myths and not something to be afraid of. We share here some of the true facts as provided by trusted medical experts.

Fatty Food and Carbs can Make You Fat

fatty food

Health experts say it’s not true that eating fat can make a person fat. In fact, fat should be an important part of one’s daily diet. It is only when too much fat is consumed that an energy imbalance occurs leading to weight gain. Fat is said to be a concentrated source of calories and when more is taken, this often results in a person adding more weight. [Read more…]

Originally posted on November 23, 2013 @ 11:29 pm

What are the Requirements to become a Personal Trainer?

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Are you a health buff? Do you have a passion to help people get fit and lose weight? Perhaps you’re meant to become a personal trainer or fitness instructor.

Being in this position will give you an opportunity to assist people with weight issues and earn a decent livelihood. A rewarding experience awaits you as you share your knowledge and skills in helping clients stay fit and lead a healthy lifestyle moving onwards.

A background in physical education or physical medicine will be good enough to pursue your passion. However, it would help you more if you gain more knowledge by regularly reading books related to health fitness such as about anatomy, kinesiology, nutrition and exercise physiology.

An initial exposure to fitness clinics and gym would also be beneficial. This should have trained you on how to properly communicate with and motivate clients and how to use the different gym equipment.

In addition to that, you may need to enroll in a first aid training that includes CPR. This is an important subject to prepare you for any emergency when doing your sessions with clients.

But other than your educational background, trainings and initial work experience, a certification is a major requirement. Normally, certain organizations issue this certification. Make sure that you get yours from a nationally accredited organization such as the American Council on Exercise, American College of Sports Medicine and Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. Regardless of

Once you’ve obtained a certification, you also need to get a specific insurance that will protect you and your clients should you encounter problems in yor job. This is the personal liability insurance that covers for personal injury and property loss. Most personal trainers carry this wherever they go.

Those with no previous experience or exposure to this kind of job yet may find it worthwhile to work first in a gym or a fitness center. This will help you gain more skills and establish your network.

When you’re ready to go solo, decide on the fee you will charge on an hourly basis and the ways you’re going to market your services. Creating a marketing plan should be easy what with the internet and social media that you can take advantage for free.

Moving forward, do ensure that you pursue further studies to upgrade your skills and knowledge. This will enable you to learn about the latest in fitness training and equipment.

Photo via bodyperfectfitness.com

About the guest author:

Bobbie is a fitness writer who has followed several popular TV shows tracking people involved in a weight loss program. He recommends the PersonalTrainerCertification.net site for aspiring fitness instructors wanting to obtain a certification.

Originally posted on October 9, 2012 @ 12:05 pm

New Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

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Sleep apnea affects millions of people worldwide. This health issue can be bothersome as it causes a person to wake up several times during the night and can lead to snoring or pauses in breathing.

The mild form can be easily treated through changes in lifestyle and sleeping habits. Medical experts say reducing weight, avoiding alcohol, smoking and sleeping pills are some of the ways to lessen the occurrence of sleep apnea. Additionally, changing one’s sleeping positions can help improve breathing. Sleeping on the back is not recommended.

For patients with suffering from chronic sleep apnea, a common treatment is the CPAP or the continuous positive airway pressure. This method makes use of a mask worn over the nose and/or mouth while sleeping. The mask is connected to a machine that provides continuous air flow to the nose.

Other treatments for this sleeping problem are the use of breathing devices, dental devices that help maintain an open airway and surgery in worse cases. Breathing tools include the bilevel positive airway pressure (BPAP) and adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV). The two basic oral tools are the mandibular repositioning and tongue retaining devices. Surgical procedures can be on the nasal area, the throat and palate and the face.
[Read more…]

Originally posted on December 12, 2012 @ 11:05 am

What Corrective Eyewear is Best for You

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As people age, many experience vision problems. The doctors would tell you that it’s a normal occurrence and one that will most likely happen to people with parents who have the same issue. Either the child can get it at a young age or as he or she grows old.

Normally, though, vision issues start to occur when an individual is at his late 30’s or early 40’s. Various symptoms can be experienced such as dizziness as if you’re on a ship and some imbalance problems.
Eyeglasses-and-Contact-Lens
Vision issues can include either be astigmatism, nearsightedness or farsightedness. Nearsighted means a person sees clearly only when things are closer to him while farsighted means the person can see clearly from a distance but has difficulty viewing those near to him. Astigmatism, meanwhile, refers to a refractive error that leads to blurry vision.

The right person to consult regarding this matter is an ophthalmologist or a physician specializing in eye and vision care. This type of doctor is trained in providing all kinds of eye care including prescribing glasses and contact lenses as well as performing surgical procedures.
[Read more…]

Originally posted on January 2, 2013 @ 4:46 pm