Health

What Is Needle Shock?

If you hate having your blood drawn, then you probably already feel that you know what needle shock is. After all, there are very few things as shocking as having your body pierced by a metal prod. However, needle shock is also a quasi-medical term, used to describe a condition that often occurs alongside that all-too uncomfortable blood drawing process. So, just what exactly is needle shock? Here are some facts for your consideration:

Needle Phobia Is Real

The symptoms. Needle shock begins as a general feeling of nausea, but then may progress into more physically apparent symptoms like a loss of color and a cold sweat. In the most extreme cases, those with needle shock actually lose consciousness altogether.

Who gets needle shock? Anyone who is uncomfortable with the thought of being poked by a needle may experience some level of needle shock. It is most often reported by acupuncture professionals, but even people going to the doctor or lab for routine blood work, or to an artist for a tattoo, may suffer from needle shock. Studies show that about five percent of patients have some experience with this troubling condition.

Common causes. Many people who experience needle shock wonder how it could happen to them. The explanation is quite complicated, as it involves emotional, mental, and biological factors. Basically, people who suffer from needle shock are generally anxious about needles in the first place (emotional), causing them to over-think the needle use they are being exposed to (mental), which in turn catalyzes a fight-or-flight response in the body (biological).

How is needle shock treated? It is recommended that the practitioner refrain from using needles until the needle shock subsides, as there is no real “cure” for it. If the needlework continues, then it is likely that the instance of needle shock will only worsen. It is best to at least take a break until the patient can regain full consciousness, break the cold sweat, and put a halt to the anxiety.

Needle shock is fairly uncommon, but it is important to understand the implications of such a condition so that you know how to handle the situation when you see it (or experience it) first hand. Needle shock is often confused with general anxiety or nervousness, but it becomes much more apparent when the more serious symptoms occur, such as paling and fainting. For that reason, it is a good idea to be on the lookout for needle shock if you are in any occupation that requires your patients or clients to go under the needle.

About the Author: Albertine Morquecho is a certified phlebotomist who enjoys researching venipuncture and lecturing at local phlebotomy schools. Visit http://www.associationphlebotomytraining.com/ to learn more about phlebotomy and related careers.

How To Make Your Own Healthy Baby Food

12. February 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Health · Tags: Babies, Family, Food

With so many questionable ingredients and speculation of what really happens during processing and packaging, many parents and nannies are opting to make their own healthy baby food. It seems as though every time there is a recall, parents are forced into a whirlwind of panic; rightfully so! It only takes one time to feel that fear associated with knowing your child has been eating the same brand or specific food that has been linked to an illness or rated dangerous, for you to never want to buy store-bought products again. That being said, there are many other reasons why you may want to start making your baby’s food.

Reasons for Making Your Own Baby Food

Make Your Own Baby Food

As already mentioned, the number one reason for making your own food is to receive peace-of-mind, knowing the exact ingredients and having an eye over the process. Even if a store-bought variety says that there are no unhealthy or dangerous fillers, how do you know this is true? If you don’t make it yourself, can it truly be trusted? Other reasons to go ahead and make your own include:

Tailor-made to your baby’s taste

Fresh and healthy ingredients

Save a tremendous amount of money

Healthier baby

Things You Will Need

Making baby food is neither difficult nor as time-consuming as you might think. In fact, it’s the perfect task to give to a nanny. It can be made in bulk to freeze, and storing is easy, as it basically is just blended ingredients. Below are things that you should have handy, but you may not need them all.

Necessities – Food processor or blender, fine-meshed strainer, roasting pan, measuring spoons and cups, vegetable steamer, paring knife, saucepan with lid, spatula, cutting board, grater, storage jars (4oz), small freezer bags, cookie sheet, waxed paper, marking pen

Nice to Have – Muffin tin, freezer tape, ice-cube tray, ovenproof glass cups, egg poacher, baby food grinder, vegetable peeler and brush, food mill, potato masher

Tips for Getting Started

Buy Organic – Pesticide-free foods are the foundation of healthy baby food. Always scrub them well and remove seeds, peels, pits and stringy parts. Meat and poultry need excess fat trimmed away.

Skip the Seasoning – You do not need to add sugar or salt. If the food tastes bland, try a squeeze of lemon.

Avoid Boiling – Although you can boil your vegetable, steaming better preserves vitamins and minerals.

Bulk – Not many people have time to make fresh food for every meal. Get in the habit of cooking in bulk. It will store well in the fridge, and extra can be frozen. The easiest way to do this is to scoop food into an ice-cube tray, cover it will cellophane and freeze. Then, pop the food cubes out and store in plastic bags.

Label – Always label food with what it is and the date it was made. You may think you will remember, but you won’t. You are a parent, you are busy, and you have other things you can devote that memory space to.

Where to Begin

It is helpful to keep track of which ingredients mixed well with others and what your child really loved. This is also a good way to evaluate and watch for a trend for any minor food allergies, which most children have. For example, sweet potatoes go well with bananas, homemade applesauce, carrots and butternut squash, but you may find that your child prefers one over the others. Before you start mixing a ton of ingredients together, start with the basics, to find out what they like.

Use two ingredients, such as roasted chicken and carrots, blend them together in a food processor or blender and store or freeze. However, if you are still in the experimental stage, mix the chicken with a few different veggies, label and evaluate which was liked the most. This way, you don’t make a huge batch that gets spit out all over.

Making your own baby food is fun and rewarding. Even the busiest parent will find that the prep work can be done in conjunction with making their own meal. You can have peace-of-mind knowing that you will never have to experience panic over a baby food recall again.

This article was provided by Nanny.net, your headquarters for nanny jobs and nanny information.

Best Weight Loss Apps

06. February 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Health · Tags: Fitness, Mobile Apps, Weight Loss

Weight loss has gone high-tech, with many apps available for download on the Android, iOS, Windows, and Blackberry app markets. The best apps out there will help you track your progress, count calories, and make healthy food choices. Taking advantage of these apps will increase your chances of weight loss success.

Lose It!

This app states that the average user loses about 12 pounds, and 86 percent have successfully lost weight. Almost all consistent users, at least four weeks, lose weight with this program. Lose It! enables you to set daily calorie goals and track intake to make sure you do not go over. The database of foods is easily searchable, and you can quickly enter in foods you have recorded in the past. Lose It! is available on the Apple app store and the Android market for free.

Apps Can Help You Lose Weight

Easy Weight Loss

Easy Weight Loss taps into the power of the non-traditional, but fast-growing, segment of losing weight by hypnosis. Its main feature is the set of four recordings of weight loss sessions performed by a hypnotherapist. It also includes tips, tricks, and video interviews. Easy Weight Loss is available for download on the Android market and the Nokia Store.

Calorie Tracker

One of the biggest challenges of losing weight is keeping track of how close you are to your daily calorie limit. Calorie Tracker helps by allowing users to monitor calories consumed as well as exercise completed. Because drinking plenty of water is important, this app also tracks water intake to ensure hydration. The user interface is simple and the progress charts are easy to read. Calorie Tracker is available on the Apple, Blackberry, Nokia, and Android app markets and stores.

Daily Calories

This app can help users determine how many calories they burn per day and how many should be consumed for healthy weight loss. It considers activity level, gender, and other physical information to calculate the metabolic rate and suggest a daily limit of calorie intake. Daily Calories can be downloaded on Windows phones for free.

Restaurant Nutrition

Many diets can be spoiled by take-out and fast food temptations. Restaurant Nutrition offers dietary information about foods found at over 250 restaurants. You can look through the menu and find foods that fit into your diet. This can be invaluable to busy professionals, moms on the go, or anyone else who finds themselves at restaurants often. This app can be found on the Apple app store and the Android market.

Noom Weight Loss Coach

Noom Weight Loss Coach acts as a personal trainer by giving exercises and motivation that will help you reach your goal. It will even analyze and grade you on your daily performance. It will let you know if you are getting off track and will adjust accordingly. You will always know what to do to keep moving forward with your progress. Noom is found on the Android market.

DietPoint

DietPoint offers a variety of diet plans to choose from, so it is easy to find one that fits your lifestyle. It offers meal guidance, tips, and even grocery lists for your chosen meal plan. It helps you choose a meal based on the physical characteristics that you enter. It can also calculate your BMI and daily energy usage. It is available on the Android Market and for iOS 4.0 or later devices.

Weight Watchers PointsPlus Calculator

By putting in the nutritional information of different foods, the Weight Watchers PointsPlus Calculator will figure out and display the number of points each food is worth. These points are used as a guideline for those who follow the Weight Watchers program. It will also keep track of the points used each day. This app is available for devices running Windows, Android, and iOS.

Weight loss takes hard work, but these apps are the best at making it just a little bit easier. Armed with the information they provide, you can make choices that are healthy for you and your diet.

Nicole Rodgers has been blogging in the technology, fitness, and business industries for three years. Last year Nicole set a resolution to lose weight and eat better. In order to keep her goals she decided to pick up some workout equipment. She made sure to check online and any local daily deals for workout equipment.

Become A Geriatric Physical Therapist

06. February 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Health · Tags: Aging, Elderly

As we age, our bodies undergo all sorts of changes. Between our hair turning gray, our skin losing elasticity, and our eyesight and hearing tend to fade. Not only that, but our bodies tend not to behave as they once did. This makes it not only for an elderly person to recover after a fall or an injury, but it makes it much more probable that those accidents could happen in the first place. Besides falls and injuries, strokes can inhibit use of half of a person’s entire body. For these reasons, as well as many others, geriatric physical therapist careers are important.

Geriatric Care

Conducting physical therapy with senior citizens is different than working with people who are younger. Because the joints no longer move the way they once did and senior citizens have a much higher likelihood of breaking a bone, those in geriatric PT must take extra precautions and learn specific ways to help. Some ways to familiarize yourself with best practices to help elderly physical therapy patients are:

Familiarize yourself with the needs of elderly patients. Older patients may require therapy to recover from falls, surgeries, injuries, and other problems caused by having weakened bones due to age-related osteoarthritis.
Understand that improving senior patients’ quality of life is the most valuable outcome a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant can provide. Patients in their final stages of life hope to be as pain-free as possible during their later years.
You can enhance an older person’s quality of life by simply taking little steps. If you teach patients tiny adjustments, such as postural changes, that can help relieve their lower back and spinal discomfort then you’ll help them to live a more content life.
Study physiological changes that happen in older patients. For example, diminished flexibility and decreased agility often affect an elderly person.
Learn what exercises the senior citizens can do on their own once they leave the physical therapy session. Teaching them these individual exercises will allow them to build up their strength and endurance in between their sessions with you.

In physical therapist careers, the work can be challenging, but you know that the work you are doing is making an impact on people’s lives. With a little studying, the ability to listen, and a desire to improve the well being of others, this career can be a satisfying one for you.

Allison Brenner is a copywriter at an online career school. Visit PCDI online to learn about our physical therapy aide school.

Why Would I Use Bodyweight Exercises?

05. February 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Health · Tags: Exercise, Fitness

Bodyweight Exercises Require No Equipment

Whether your goal is to have an incredible body, strength or simply improve your sporting performance, you can always apply the method of bodyweight exercises to reach this goal.

Straight from the comfort of your home the exercises can be very helpful. The big advantage is that you can always do some sort of exercise and it is very easy to manage your muscles growth. For example do pushups at the same time as you sit on your knees. Try to make up to 10 kneed pushups, right after one normal push ups. You can see the results very quickly and it is much more satisfying than going to the gym.

You can also try to do bodyweight exercises at the office. It will save you time and money and it is a great stress reliever.

More than 60% of people quit the gym because they are too bored to go or because it is too far away. However, with bodyweight exercises, you can apply them anytime and anywhere. Studies show’s that people doing an interesting bodyweight workout are more likely to keep up with their routine and see fast results.

The exercises are a great choice for people who are interested in improving their body performance without having access to the gym. Of course, weights can be added to increase the difficulty of the bodyweight exercise, but most of them need a flat surface. Some exercises have been proven to benefits also the elderly and improve their body performance.

In elderly cases, the exercises should be encouraged, since increasing activities have been proven to raise appetite. Studies founds that caloric intake was higher in people who took nutritional supplements and did bodyweight exercises that in people who received just supplements.

Bodyweight exercises are the best way for women to work out just because they have a smaller amount of time than men. It is very difficult for working women to find the time to go to the gym. Though, everybody can get 10 minutes during a day to work out from the comfort of their own home or office. Just 10 minutes of bodyweight exercises each day and you will have your own exercise program.

Exercise is the most important thing to do in order to stay energized, strong and healthy as you grow up. It can manage the warning signs of an illness and pain as well as reverse the symptoms of aging. Keep in mind, exercise is not just for your body, but it is also good for your mood, mind and memory.

Whether your aim is to increase your strength or just improve your body health, it can be done easily by bodyweight exercises. Just by altering the position of the body, you can earn leverage and exercise superior to any gym.

If you are thinking of joining the army, consider the following: to judge your fitness and strength the instructor would ask you to do exercises such as pull ups, sit ups and press ups. They don’t care about how much weight you can lift because they know how important bodyweight strength is in real life. So, to get a real strength and build incredible muscles, just do a few exercises daily and you will see the results very fast.

Please Visit The Personal Development Company For Convict Conditioning, The Premiere Bodyweight Exercise Resource Available.

Extraordinary Dogs – Visiting Therapy Dogs

05. February 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Health · Tags: Dogs, Pets, Therapy

Doctors, nurses, and therapist all agreed; Therapy Dogs make an enormous difference in the attitudes of patients and students. When the dogs are brought to hospitals, veteran’s hospitals, nursing homes as well as schools for the blind and deaf, everyone seems to look forward to their visit.

Veterans

Veterans, suffering from PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder) usually benefit considerably from their visits with Therapy Dogs; in some cases, Veteran’s will have a Therapy Dog of their own, to help them assimilate back into public life.

Therapy Dogs Are Great Companions

Children

The dogs are also a marvelous way of calming a child, who may have lost their sight and feels helpless. Therapy Dogs will give a child new hope and a feeling being more independent. The Therapy Dog will slowly give the child enough confidence; to one day have their own Guide Dog.

The dogs may be restricted from all of these various places, but Therapy Dogs are allowed to visit, in some instances the visits with the dogs will slowly bring people out of their shells.

Social Benefits

People that have refused to interact with others in their surroundings will suddenly begin conversing about the Therapy Dog visits. This eventually led to interacting with others in a number of social activities. Patients who had become isolated, are sleeping better; eating well, and are more involved with those around them adding greatly to their quality of life.

The gentleness and loving affection of dogs, provide a sense of peace to those who interact with them, everyone benefits from the dogs unconditional love.

Therapy Dog Volunteers

People who volunteer to bring the dogs for visits, get involved with the dogs as well, they take their time to answer any questions, which may be ask about the dogs. The volunteers will walk with patients allowing them to control the dog’s leash, they also allow patients to cuddle, touch and pet the dogs.

Therapy Dogs have to be at least one year old or older, they are trained to react comely around crowds of people, noises, maneuvering around wheelchairs, as well as other dogs. The dogs are trained to sit still while they are being stroked; they have to interact well with a number of strangers, which may be loud or moving quickly.

Volunteers that work with Therapy Dogs have to be 18 years of age or older. They have to be mentally capable of taking responsibility for their dog and performing activities, which will entertain and bring comfort to those being visited. Volunteers undergo extensive training and orientation, before being allowed to take Therapy Dogs on visits, to interact with patients.

In order to create a bond with the dog, it is essential for the volunteer to spend at least 15-20 minutes with each patient. Volunteer’s working with Therapy Dogs find it truly uplifting, they all walk away from each visit, knowing they have made a difference in someone’s life.

Dr. Susan Wright, DVM, has been providing quality care for family pets as a veterinarian for more than 10 years. Dr. Wright is a dog bark collar expert and author. In her free time, Susan enjoys writing articles, giving helpful tips and proper care advice to dog owners.

Invisalign Boosts Your Self Confidence With A Perfect Smile

04. February 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Health · Tags: Dental Care

A beautiful smile can really do wonders for your self-esteem. These days it is easy to get straighter teeth with Invisalign. In fact these are considered temporary since you can remove the Invisalign trays whenever you want. Now you can eat in peace and be able to brush and floss without having to navigate a ton of metal in your mouth. However, most people are easily discouraged from getting their teeth fixed because of the pain they have to go through and not to mention the loads of money they have to shell out. But now, thanks to Invisalign! Say goodbye to pain and discomfort; and say hello to amazing teeth without having to pay a lot.

Invisalign is a series of clear and removable teeth aligners which are used by orthodontists and dentists as an excellent option to conventional metal dental braces. It is practically near invisible; thus, you need not worry of other people knowing about the procedure. You can just dazzle them with your almost perfect smile.

Invisalign Helps With A Perfect Smile

Another great thing with Invisalign is that it can be removed anytime, especially before and after meals. You can now say goodbye to food getting stuck between the braces. If ever you wear the Invisalign during mealtime, you can easily remove it in just seconds; so, you can then clean your teeth and teeth straightening apparatus properly. Best of all, you can eat whatever you want without having to worry about any embarrassing situations afterwards.

Some Invisalign Teeth Straightening patients have also reported that they have experienced weight loss as a result of less frequent snack intake throughout the day. Now, that is great news indeed! Invisalign not only helps you achieve that perfect smile; but, it might also help you shed a few unwanted pounds. That is definitely one bonus after the other. Also, having a set of straight teeth can help in reducing your risk of tooth decay and gum problems. If you think about it, having a set of healthy, straight teeth will not only boost your self-confidence but will also help in making sure that you are orally healthy over-all. After all, what’s really important is what’s inside your body!

But wait, there’s more! The best thing about Invisalign is that it is (Thank God!) painless. Yes, you are reading it right! Painless! It is nothing like getting braces since Invisalign does not need any wires, brackets and such! So, it is guaranteed that you will feel comfortable the whole time you are wearing it. You will already achieve that straight set of teeth you have been wanting 30-40% faster than the old braces procedure. All you have to do is to wear the state-of-the-art yet comfortable aligners; and, in a matter of two (2) weeks, you can already see a difference. However, if you want to get the best results, you may need to wear your aligners 20-22 hours a day. After a while, your friends will then notice the appealing change in your smile.

Now, you may wonder how much you need to spend in order to get Invisalign Teeth Straightening. Well, worry no more. Since more and more people have heard of the wonders of this teeth saver and the procedure does not need permanent hardware such as wires and brackets, the cost in getting Invisalign has now gone a lot cheaper. Since more people can afford it nowadays, there will also be more individuals who are confident and can boast a smile for the whole world to see.

Did you know that your local Dentist Office now provides Invisalign? All they have to do is to take measurements and the computer does the rest. You can see how your treatment will play out over the coming months. Read more about Invisalign at the All Smiles Dentist website.

4 Important Tips For Beginning Barefoot Runners

31. January 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Health · Tags: Fitness, Health, Sports

Getting started with barefoot running is very challenging. It will hurt and you will be sore. However, the benefits and mental toughness that you achieve will be well worth the results. I’m extremely happy that I’ve been able to accomplish this and would never go back to my old style of running. Here are some tips that I’d like to share with you in order to help you transition easier.

Pick Your Surfaces First

Many of us will ignore logic and attempt to do things just to see what it’s like. In this case, running on asphalt with bare feet. This is not a good idea (especially at the risk of landing on a rock, piece of glass, or other metal objects) and you should start with softer surfaces. Try finding some sandy beaches without too many shells. A good grassy park will also do as well. Starting out on softer surfaces will help your feet and calf muscles get used to the new form of running that you’re introducing to your body. Grass and sand can still do some damage to the bottom of your soft feet, but not nearly as much as asphalt. After getting a decent amount of experience under your belt, start mixing in some days during the week that you run on a harder surface.

Be Slow, Almost Too Slow

Everyone loves quick results and accomplishments. However, starting out too quickly with barefoot running can reverse your progress and hard work very easily. This whole process can easily take two to three months before you start gaining some confidence. You’ll want to start with just a few minutes a day running at a very slow pace. Even if you are the type of person who enjoys pain and thinks you can go a little bit longer, don’t. Be very conservative. Increase your time by a minute a couple days a week. You’ll eventually be able to do nice 15-20 minute runs.

Use Barefoot Running Shoes For An Easier Transition

Barefoot running shoes, like the Vibram FiveFingers, are exploding with popularity. They can help make your transition to barefoot running a lot easier. Honestly, I use them every time I run. I prefer not to be completely barefoot and still have the same experience. A lot of these shoes have a very thin sole where rocks and glass can still hurt. However, they’ll prevent you from road burns and horrible scratches that can send you to the doctor. There are many different styles. Some provide more or less support depending on what you’re shooting for. Many people also use these types of shoes for going hiking or doing yoga. I love mine.

Focus On Your Form

The point of barefoot running is to land on the balls of your feet instead of your heal. You’ll be almost forced to do this without normal running shoes. However, it should still be a focus of yours as you unlearn your old style of running. Your calf and feet will be sore for a while as you get used to it. You’ll also want to focus on shorter strides (while running slowly). You’ll feel like you’re not getting anywhere and almost running in place. Focus on the floor in front of you to avoid anything you shouldn’t stepping on. This will also force to run light and be very springy in your step. Our old style of running involved a huge ground impact on each stride, which is what you want to avoid. Pretend you have cat like reflexes and make it fun.

Dan Thomas is an enthusiast with barefoot running and other health topics. He provides reviews for shoes like the FiveFinger KSO’s at runningshoeswithtoesx.com. Follow him on Twitter (@HealthCrazyDan) for more health, fitness, and personal development tips!

The Pros And Cons Of Joining A Gym

30. January 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Health · Tags: Fitness, Gym, Health

One of the first things that hit people’s minds when they consider losing weight or getting into shape is going to the gym. This usually leads people to rush out and join the trendiest gym in the area and spend hundreds on a membership, but is it really necessary? More importantly, what are the pros and cons of joining a gym.

Getting in Shape to Go

People who want to lose weight join a gym, but are often too embarrassed to go because of their weight. This can cause you to waste hundreds of dollars on a membership you might not even use. Before joining the gym, walk around and see what the other people look like. Chances are there are others who are just like you. Don’t let the image from movies and TV shows ruin your chances for a great workout.

Access to Equipment

A great gym will have a lot of exercise equipment. Not only does this allow you to try different things, but it can also save you thousands of dollars by preventing you from buying another expensive coat rack. Best of all, if you get bored with a piece of equipment, find something else to work with.

Gym Memberships Have Pros And Cons

Expenses

Gyms can be very expensive. You may end up spending hundreds of dollars per year on your membership. Another thing to remember is that classes may not be included in the cost of the membership and these too can be expensive.

Trainers

Most gyms have trainers and while you may have to pay an additional fee, a trainer may be just what you need to get into shape. However, always find out about the trainer by asking other gym members. After all, you don’t want to spend all that money on someone that never shows up or doesn’t work you hard enough.

No Time

Another problem people have with gym memberships is that they don’t have time to go to the gym. Before signing up, you need to make absolutely sure you have the time to go and make full use of the gym. If you can only go once a week, it may not be worth the expense.

Childcare

Last, but certainly not least, some gyms offer childcare. This is great for parents because not only does it give them time to exercise, but they get a little down time as well. Some gyms even have programs for children to keep them fit.

Whether or not a gym membership is right for you depends on a lot of factors. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons before signing up because you could end up wasting a lot of money for something you never use.

About the Author: Lance Bakaler is a fitness consultant who enjoys helping his clients learn how to get ripped fast without sacrificing health. He enjoys working out at the gym and cooking with his wife.

Can Diabetes Be Reversed With Mediterranean Diet And Exercise?

28. January 2012 · Write a comment · Categories: Health · Tags: Diabetes, Diet

There have been a number of scientific studies in recent years that have concluded that people with type two diabetes, or predisposed to becoming a diabetic, improve their health prospects by following a Mediterranean Diet.

One study, concluded in 2007, tracked 13,000 people that followed the Mediterranean Diet and showed that the risk of becoming a diabetic was reduced by 83%. This was largely due to lower blood sugar and blood pressure levels, which are common precursors to the insidious disease. The study also concluded that by following the diet, the group significantly reduced their chances of contracting heart disease.

Nutritious Foods Aid In Fighting Diabetes

Another very important scientific study, that took place between 2004 and 2008, was conducted by a Naples, Italy University team that followed patients at a Diabetes Clinic in Naples, who were recently diagnosed with type two diabetes. The study followed 215 men and women between the ages of 35-75, dividing them into 2 groups. The first group followed the Mediterranean Diet, while the second group was put on a low-fat diet recommended by the American Heart Association.

BEGINNING OF THE NAPLES STUDY

1. Average Body Mass Index of the Group………………………………….. 29.5 (25 or less is normal)
2. Average Hemoglobin A1c Levels……………………………………………. 7.73 (Goal is 6.0 or less)
3. Average Glucose Levels………………………………………………………. 170 mg/dl (should be 80-120)

COMPARING RESULTS – MEDITERRANIEAN DIET VERSUS LOW-FAT DIET

1. After 18 months of following the two groups, 24% of the Low-fat dieters required diabetic drugs to control their diabetes. Just 12% of the Mediterranean diet group needed to use diabetic drugs.

2. After 4 years of following both groups, 70% of the Low-fat dieters were on drug therapy, while only 40% of the Mediterranean dieters were using diabetic drugs to manage their diabetes.

3. The Mediterranean group lost an average of 4.4 lbs. more than the Low-fat group after 1 year. Over time, weight loss evened-out at an average of 7-9 lbs. for all participants in the study.

4. Mediterranean dieters had significantly lower fasting glucose and A1c numbers than the Low-fat dieters.

5. The Mediterranean group needed smaller doses of insulin to achieve the same blood glucose levels as the Low-fat diet group.

BASICS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET

1. Cut back on red meats. Add more fish and chicken for protein needs.

2. Beans, nuts and legumes healthy source of protein. Helps to lower blood cholesterol levels.

3. Olive Oil – cooking with olive oil is the key to diet. High level of monounsaturated fat – better than saturated fat.

4. Drink at least 6 glasses of water per day.

5. 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise promotes increased metabolism and burns calories.

About the Author: E. Fortie writes for the Mediterranean diet. It’s the official blog of the National Board for the Preservation of the Italian Healthy Eating Traditions. It’s a free resource aggregation site to help people learn how to start the Mediterranean diet to lower cholesterol levels.

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