Sunday, December 23, 2007

Natural Stress Relief - Without a Doctor!

Natural Stress Relief - Without a Doctor!
 by: Catherine Calder

Are you looking for stress relief? No drugs, no meditation? Have you ever thought about taking up a craft? In fact, doing a craft is a prescription for good health. And more importantly you do not need to be good at the craft to benefit!
Imagine feeling more relaxed. See yourself smiling, pleased with your efforts. All this can be yours - once you start enjoying a hobby.
A craft can be any hand made project that you take pleasure in doing - it could be painting, needle work, knitting, home decoration, wood work. Medical studies have shown that there are physical, psychological, and spiritual benefits from having an active interest in crafting.
One study of 30 female heart patients reported in the American Journal Medical Association showed a significant decrease in heart rate, blood pressure, and perspiration rate while the subjects completed a simple craft project.
Hobbies and crafts provide a distraction from the pressures and stresses of everyday life. When you're engaged in your craft project your mind is concentrating on the project, this stops you thinking about everyday problems.
There is a tremendous feeling of satisfaction when you have completed a craft project. The final piece is all your own work. It is good to have something tangible, something that you can hold and admire.
Another major benefit is that it keeps your brain active - learning is important for keeping your brain "in shape". The size and structure of the neurons in your brain and the connections between them actually change as you learn.
Crafts are an intellectual activity which helps to keep your brain healthy. You can exercise your brain as you enjoy your craft. A win-win situation!
Many of the finalists in the Learning in Later Life Campaign 2000 to find England's oldest and most inspiring learners had crafts, especially painting, as their pastimes.
England's Oldest Learner was Fred Moore who was then aged 107 years. Fred continued with art classes until he died at the age of 109. The manager of his residential home said "Fred was a remarkable chap. He kept his memory, going back to the death of Queen Victoria, and always retained his great sense of humour."
Painting is an excellent hobby. It can be done both indoors and outdoors. You can paint by yourself or with others in an art group.
So the message is clear - take up a new hobby and keep your brain in shape. It is never too late to start. Local night classes offer a range of options. Visit the painting section at www.learnanddo.com for a free preview of The Acrylic Painting Course. This preview takes you step-by-step to completing your first painting.
Craft your way to a stress-free life!

About The Author

Catherine Calder is the author of the Acrylic Painting Course, a No-Draw step-by-step course ideal for anyone who wants to learn how to paint. Sign up for an exciting free report on How to Paint Abstract Pictures for Pleasure and Profit. http://www.learnanddo.com/acrylic.asp.

This article was posted on March 22, 2005

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Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Nightmare After The Ordeal

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Nightmare After The Ordeal
 by: Michael G. Rayel, MD

Sarah is a 28 y/o accountant who had a traumatic past that she kept to herself. At age 15, she was grabbed by a masked man while she was jogging in a park. The man threatened to kill her with a knife and brutally raped her. She screamed but nobody seemed to have heard her.
Since that time, Sarah has developed nightmares about being raped or killed. In most days, she has suffered from flashbacks of her being attacked. Each time she watches TV shows that remind her of the incident, she gets scared, overwhelmed, and becomes agitated. At times, she develops anxiety attacks, palpitations, sweating, and restlessness.
Since the attack, Sarah can hardly trust people. As a result, her relationships have profoundly suffered. More recently, she's been depressed and feeling hopeless. She hasn't been sleeping and eating well. Her inattention has negatively impacted her work.
Based on the above symptoms, Sarah is most likely suffering from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). What exactly is PTSD?
PTSD is a psychiatric disorder characterized by avoidance, hypervigilance, emotional difficulties, and recall behavior such as flashbacks and nightmares after a traumatic event such as rape, war, vehicular accident, or natural disasters. Recent researches have shown that after a trauma, biochemical changes develop in the brain that can result in psychological signs as shown above.
If untreated, some individuals develop emotional difficulties such as depression associated with inability to concentrate, sleep, and eat. Occasionally, they also become hopeless to the point that they want to die.
What is the treatment for PTSD?
The combination of individual psychotherapy and medications is known to help. Antidepressants especially SSRIs have been tried with some success. Other medications have been helpful to address the associated symptoms. Anxiety and agitation can be treated with benzodiazepines. The latter should be restricted to short-term use because of their addiction potential. Insomnia can be treated by a small dose of Trazodone.
Psychotherapy or "talk therapy" is an important part of treatment and recovery. The individual should be able to express the fear, the frustration, the guilt, and the blame in a secure and safe setting. Moreover, the therapist should provide ample support and empathy.

About The Author

Copyright © 2005. Dr. Michael G. Rayel – author (First Aid to Mental Illness–Finalist, Reader's Preference Choice Award 2002) psychiatrist, and inventor of Oikos Game: An Emotional Intelligence or EQ Game. For more information, visit www.oikosgame.com and www.soardime.com.

mrayel@soardime.com

This article was posted on March 21, 2005

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Prevent Heart Disease

Prevent Heart Disease
 by: Mike Spencer

You should always keep in mind that whatever actions you do today can either help to prevent, delay or minimize the effect of heart disease or worsen it. The key is to control risk factors. Granted that you cannot control every risk factor for heart disease such as family history but you can definitely do something about your behavior. Age and gender also influence your risk of heart disease.
Major Risk Factors of Heart Disease
Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol is a type of a lipid, a soft, fatlike substance that serves as a source of fuel. Excessive cholesterol can cause buildup of atherosclerotic plaque. Accumulation of plaque in arteries can block blood flow and lead to a heart attack. LDL cholesterol, the so-called "bad" cholesterol, is transported to sites throughout the body, where it's used to repair cell membranes or to make hormones. LDL cholesterol can accumulate in the walls of your arteries. HDL cholesterol, the so-called "good" cholesterol, transports cholesterol to the liver, where it's altered and removed from the body.
Blood Pressure
Normal blood pressure level is defined as less than 130 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) for systolic blood pressure and less than 85 mm Hg for diastolic blood pressure. The higher the blood pressure, the more likely it is to take a toll on the heart and on the brain. Blood pressure should be checked whether or not your levels are high. For normal, check once every two years. For high-normal, check once a year. If extremely high, you should get immediate care. Then get multiple measurements to know if a high level is sustained over time.
Diabetes
Another risk factor for heart disease is diabetes, a chronic disease of insulin deficiency or resistance. Type 2 diabetes, the most common type, is associated with obesity and may be prevented by maintaining ideal body weight through exercise and balanced nutrition.
Tips For Controlling Risk of Heart Disease
Stop Smoking
The effect of smoking on your lungs can cause almost every other medical condition.
Get Active
Routine physical activity is highly recommended and helpful in controlling obesity. Try to perform 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day. Fast walking is one of the best way to prevent heart disease. If you can lose even a small amount of weight, five pounds for example, it may have a positive effect on lipid levels and blood pressure preventing heart disease.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
Limit daily alcohol intake to three ounces or fewer to prevent heart disease. People who drink large amounts of alcohol (six to eight ounces a day) tend to have higher blood pressure.
Watch What You Eat
Eat five helpings of fruits and vegetables daily to prevent heart disease.
Maintain adequate dietary potassium, calcium and magnesium intake.
Reduce saturated fats and cholesterol to stay away from heart disease.
Copyright 2005 Mike Spencer

About The Author

Mike Spencer has been helping people protect their health for many years. To find out how you can help protect your heart and prevent heart disease visit mikes site at: http://www.heart-healthy-diet.com

This article was posted on March 21, 2005

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Can Home Fitness Get Better Results Faster Than A Gym?

Can Home Fitness Get Better Results Faster Than A Gym?
 by: Matt Clarkson

Deciding on a home fitness regime is one that will take a bit of planning and dedication. In short…home fitness does get results just as fast but of course depends on effort and knowing what to do.
It would be most beneficial to first go to a gym or see a personal trainer and get proper advice on the advantages of home fitness. With today's hectic lifestyle, for many of us home fitness is the only solution because of time and money constraints.
If the correct equipment is used and you actually stick to your home fitness program, you can definitely achieve the same results you would from going to the gym. There's plenty of home fitness equipment around to choose from that would suite any age, agenda or fitness level.
The main thing with home fitness is having the discipline to actually stick at it and push yourself just as if you had a training partner. There are many, many benefits for home fitness, as you can now train as often as you like without the hassles of having to be somewhere at a certain time or worrying about your appearance. Not only that, if you do decide to opt in for a home fitness regime, you can get as much or little variety as you choose as there are just so many options available to you.
A fitness plan is great for someone who has a certain goal or outcome they want to achieve within a certain time frame. If you're the type of person whom doesn't stick to your daily fitness routine without an actual fitness plan…then definitely go for it! If you want a fitness plan that actually works, make sure you get the advice of a certified fitness instructor/personal trainer. There is plenty of great information on getting a fitness plan on the net for free.
If you are trying to lose weight through a fitness plan, also consult a dietician to help you fast track your fitness results. A Fitness Plan mixed with healthy eating habits is a win, win situation all around!
Depending on the outcome you want, your fitness training should be tailored to suit. If you are trying to lose weight and 'tone' up, your fitness training will need to be more intense than if you were 'getting over an injury'. To get the best results with your fitness training, it is best to book in with a personal trainer for a one-on-one Fitness Training assessment and work out together what you need to do to get the results you want.
Rushing into your fitness training program without the proper education, support and professional help could also mean injury in the short and long term. If you haven't undertaken any fitness training for some time, definitely seek a certified fitness trainer's help. Fitness training should be enjoyable, un-intimidating and results driven all at the same time. It's never too early or too late to get started with your fitness training program and if you get the right help, you'll never look back!

About The Author

Matt Clarkson and his wife Amanda successfully ran a personal training studio specializing in mature and motivated people, helping thousands of people achieve their health & fitness goals. The Free Information Online website is designed to help people find unbiased advice and tips with out the worry of any high pressure selling.

For more free and unbiased advice go to… http://www.freeinformationonline.com/Index2/index2.htm

This article was posted on March 21, 2005

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Is It Possible To Follow a Strict Diet Program and Still Have a Normal Lifestyle?

Is It Possible To Follow a Strict Diet Program and Still Have a Normal Lifestyle?
 by: Matt Clarkson

Following a diet program of any sort can sometimes be restricting depending on different circumstances. A Strict diet program can be hard to stick to and the best diet programs are the diet programs that you can definitely stick with for the rest of your life.
The best advice for a diet program is a healthy balanced diet using all food groups, drink plenty of water and exercise very regularly. Sticking with this type of diet program is not restricting in any way and gives you a huge variety of foods to choose from. Watch your fat intake and really stop and think about what you are about to put into your mouth. You know if you are eating junk or eating a healthy diet.
It's up to you at the end of the day to educate yourself on what type of diet program is ridiculous and which are sensible and maintainable for a lifetime. The secret is exercise. Your diet program simply must include exercise if you want the best results in the shortest possible time.
With so much confusing information in the market about exactly what a healthy diet is; it's little wonder people fumble and end up so frustrated they don't know what a healthy diet means anymore!
Here's some basic steps to a healthy diet that you start to implement right now.
A healthy diet should be balanced and includes all food groups. This means lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole-grains, low fat dairy products and of course heaps of water!
A healthy diet should be low in saturated fats, trans fat and cholesterol. Your daily fat intake should come mainly from nuts, fish, and vegetable oils. Try to keep your fat intake to 20-35% of your daily intake of calories for a healthy diet.
Eat lots of different types of fruits and vegetables for the really healthy diet. At least 2 cups of fruit and 2-3 cups of vegetables. It's easy!
Limit the number of high processed foods such as biscuits, lollies, chips etc. For a truly healthy diet…it's everything in moderation!
Include a good variety of whole-grains each day for fibre. Keeps you clean on the inside!
A healthy diet is not hard…if you keep it in moderation. Don't overdo any of the food groups…just mix them and make sure you drink plenty of water.
For a healthy diet…watch the intake of alcohol. One drink a day for women, two a day for men.
For the overall best result in women's fitness…a mix of both is best. Cardio-vascular training is great for fat burning and getting fit, but it doesn't build muscle tissue/or prevent the loss of it. Women's fitness training needs to focus on retaining as much muscle tissue as possible, as we lose it with age.
Therefore, by lifting weights at least once a week, women will most definitely slow down loss of muscle tissue and the ageing process. There's a huge range of different types of weight bearing exercises and cardio exercises available for Women's fitness training. It's best to be advised by a credited gym instructor or personal trainer.

About The Author

Matt Clarkson and his wife Amanda successfully ran a personal training studio specializing in mature and motivated people, helping thousands of people achieve their health & fitness goals. The Free Information Online website is designed to help people find unbiased advice and tips with out the worry of any high pressure selling.

For more free and unbiased advice go to… http://www.freeinformationonline.com/Index2/index2.htm

This article was posted on March 21, 2005

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Personal Training: 3 Powerful Ways to Position Yourself as an Expert

Personal Training: 3 Powerful Ways to Position Yourself as an Expert
 by: Aaron M. Potts, ISSA CFT

Regardless of what profession you are in, it is critical that people believe that you know what you are talking about! You won't find very many successful lawyers whose clients never win in court, or popular doctors whose patients are continually misdiagnosed. This concept obviously applies to personal trainers as well, and making sure you are viewed as an expert in your field is as important as having the knowledge to begin with.
It is helpful to be aware of the simple fact that a person's perception is their reality, even if that perception is incorrect. Let's use the example of the doctor in the above paragraph. If you heard through personal references that Dr. John Smith wasn't a very good doctor, the chances that you would ever go see Dr. Smith are pretty slim. However, do you actually know for a fact that Dr. Smith is a bad doctor? No - you just have the perception that he is a bad doctor because that is what you heard. Do you see how your perception is your reality, and how Dr. Smith is unlikely to be getting any of your business?
Your mission is to make sure that you are always viewed as an expert in your field! Otherwise you will end up like poor Dr. Smith, and your list of clients will be short indeed, as will the life of your business. However, if you have done your job and created the impression that you are an expert in your field, then the opposite will hold true. People will have "heard" that you know what you are talking about, and your reputation and your business will grow as a result. In order to get to this desired end result, three effective ways for you to build your reputation include media exposure, writing books, articles, or success tips for your field, and approaching any given situation from a "position of power".
Media Exposure
The most common ways to get viewed as an expert using media exposure include news programming on television, magazine and newspaper stories, and radio time. Each of these methods has one thing in common: mass exposure via a publicly accepted system of obtaining information.
Consider this point from your own perspective. If you see an interview on the news, read an article about a company in the newspaper, or hear about a professional organization on the radio, your natural instinct is to believe that the company or organization has a firm grip on the ins and outs of their product or service.
Why do you think that? Is it because the radio program included a long list of professional references for the company? Is it because the magazine article listed a passing grade by a professional review board or other certifying agency qualified to judge the advertised organization?
The answer to those questions is most likely "no". Why then do you believe in the company's ability to provide the product or service that is discussed? The answer is simple: because you were exposed to the company via a publicly accepted system of obtaining information. Whether that system was the six o'clock news, your local daily paper, or your favorite magazine, chances are that you believed what you read or heard simply because of WHERE you read or heard it!
Ideally, all consumers - including professionals such as yourself - would use other additional methods to determine the qualifications of a company before purchasing their product or service, but in reality, does that happen very often? No, not really. Most people believe what they read and what they hear, and as a Fitness Professional, you can take advantage of that fact. Granted, you should not profess to be an expert if you aren't, but assuming that you really do know what you are talking about, use the media to let others know, too!
Writing Books, Articles, and Success Tips
Comparable to the "expert" status that is afforded a company based on their mass media exposure, a similar assumed professional status can be taken on by any company or individual that publishes written works in their field.
Refer back to the power of the mass media that is referenced above, and you will see a very similar effect generated by published works. If someone writes a book, publishes articles, or generates a regular flow of "success tips" in any given field, it is automatically assumed by the reader that the author of the book, article, or success tip knows what they are talking about.
Is it true that the author is an expert in their field just because they know how to write or type? Of course not! However, the mass media phenomenon applies to published written works just as much as it applies to interviews done on the news, in magazines, or on the radio. The author is assumed to be proficient in the field that the book, article, or tip discusses, even though there is rarely indisputable evidence of the writer's expertise included with the written works.
Again, it is not being suggested that you write books, articles, or success tips unless you really do hold expert status in your field. However, since the "assumptions of excellence" apply as much to the written word as to audio and visual exposure, take advantage of that fact and write as much and as often as you can!
As a side note, writing is also an excellent way for you to enhance your own knowledge in your field. Frequently during the process of writing a book or article, you are called upon to reference the sources of your information, and gathering that type of information expands your own knowledge, as well as your understanding of how to find information for similar projects in the future.
Assuming a "Position of Power"
Utilizing a "position of power" is one of the most effective methods of positioning yourself as an expert in your field. Approaching a situation from a position of power is simply the art of assuming that whoever you are talking to already perceives you to be an expert. Remember that a person's perception is their reality, so as long as the other person believes that you are an expert, then in their eyes, you are!
For example, let's use the story of a talented personal trainer who is applying for the position of Director of Fitness Programming at a small but successful local gym. We will call our imaginary professional Joe Trainer, and we will say for the record that Joe does indeed hold an effective track record in the personal training industry. His clients have benefited from his knowledge and guidance, and he has successfully changed many people's lives in a positive manner. However, Joe Trainer has never been a "Director of Fitness Programming" before. Is he qualified for the job?
Let's review Joe's history. He has worked or worked out in dozens of gyms over the years. Joe has utilized all manner of fitness equipment, from paint cans in his garage when he was a teenager, all the way up through the most modern computerized workout machines available in some of today's fitness facilities. Joe has put together hundreds of different workout programs for hundreds of different people over the years, and we have already determined that his client track record is excellent. Joe has also been called upon many times over the years to recommend fitness equipment purchases to his many clients, including a cost to benefit ratio analysis (in other words, if the equipment is worth the money). Joe has also been exposed to many different lines of nutritional supplements, dietary guidelines, and he has even taken aerobics classes and yoga from time to time.
Has Joe Trainer ever been a "Director of Fitness Programming" before? No. However, is Joe Trainer qualified for that position? Most likely yes! However, now Joe has a dilemma. He has scheduled an interview with the local gym, he really wants the job, but he is nervous about the fact that he has never really been a "Director of Fitness Programming" or a director of anything at all, for that matter. Joe now has 2 choices.
Choice number one is for Joe to go to the interview, ramble on uncontrollably about the hundreds of clients that he has successfully trained, babble about how many different gyms he has been in, and go into mindless detail about why he thinks Supplement A is better than Supplement B.
Do you think Joe will get the job? Let's try a different approach.
Joe mentally prepares for the interview by reviewing the many different ways that his experience will benefit the facility. He puts together a few examples of how he successfully recommended or used one type of fitness equipment more effectively than a different type. Joe puts together mental notes about how aerobics and group exercise classes have added success to his training programs over the years, and how incorporating a cross training approach has kept his clients motivated and continually seeing results from their training programs.
By this point, Joe's confidence in his ability to be a "Director of Fitness Programming" has increased, and he honestly believes that it is not him who is being interviewed, but it is he who is interviewing the facility. Joe doesn't need this job - he has proven his ability to make a living as a personal trainer dozens of times over the years. He is applying for this position because he believes that he can be a great asset to the facility, and he wants to expand his experience in the field. In fact, the facility would be lucky to have him! For that matter, he may already be considering countering the posted pay scale with an increase if they want to hire him. After all, he is Joe Trainer, and his success record speaks for itself!
Now, do you think Joe will get the job? Pretty safe bet.
Is the Joe Trainer in the first example any different than the Joe Trainer using the second approach? No - we're talking about the same person. What is different then? Joe's belief in himself - and more importantly - Joe's ability to show the facility how they would be missing a great opportunity if they didn't hire him. It is Joe who is interviewing the facility, not the other way around. Joe assumed a "Position of Power" before he even got to his interview. He walked out with a new title and a nice salary, an increased confidence in his own abilities, and the opportunity to mold an entire staff of personal trainer into successful, results-oriented Fitness Professionals!
This same concept can also be applied when negotiating with potential new clients. Remember that you are the fitness professional. You are the one with the knowledge and the experience that the client needs. You are not asking them to be your clients, but rather you are giving them the opportunity to become your clients.
Conclusion
As you can see, as Fitness Professionals in the ever-growing field of health and physical fitness, we have many tools at our disposal when it comes to positioning ourselves as experts. However, we have an equal amount of responsibility to not utilize these tools unless we are 100% confident in our status as experts in our chosen disciplines. Use your knowledge and your tools wisely and appropriately, and you will see your professional and personal success grow beyond your wildest dreams!

About The Author

Aaron Potts is the author and creator of The Ultimate Complete Personal Training Business Kit, a quick-start kit and business guide for new as well as seasoned fitness professionals. Aaron's experience as a Fitness Professional has included management positions with local and nationally known fitness facilities, as well as in-home and outdoor training with clients from all walks of life. Find out more about Aaron's programs at http://www.completepersonaltrainingbusiness.com or his personal training site at http://www.aaronspersonaltraining.com.

info@completepersonaltrainingbusiness.com

This article was posted on March 21, 2005

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Personal Training: 6 Secrets of Award Winning Customer Service

Personal Training: 6 Secrets of Award Winning Customer Service
 by: Aaron M. Potts, ISSA CFT

Would you believe that your ability to provide quality customer service to your clients is at least as important as your ability to get them results from their training program? Did you even know that customer service was going to be part of your business model? After all, what does personal training have to with customer service?
The answer: everything. Remember that your clients are people first, and their status as one of your clients comes second. Knowing how to tend to the needs of your customers will literally make the difference between a long and prosperous career in the fitness industry, or a short-lived stint that leaves you wondering what career path you should try next!
In order to assist you in walking down the success path, here are six methods that you can use to "WOW" your clients on a regular basis, keeping them happy, loyal to you, and engaging in long-term prosperous business relationships. In no particular order they are: contact, date and event recognition, listening, flexibility, forward thinking, and over-delivering.
Contact
When you get a new personal training client, many people will still second-guess their decision to hire you. After all, a personal trainer can be an expensive asset, and your clients need to believe that they made the right decision. One of the easiest ways for you to ease their mind in the beginning as well as during the course of their training program is by simply staying in contact with them.
Most clients will see you at most 3 times each week, and some clients even less than that. With at least 4 days in each week when your clients don't see you, you are influencing them less than 50% of the time! Many clients hire a personal trainer because they need constant guidance and support, and less than 50% could hardly be considered constant.
An easy solution to this is to send your clients a few emails a week, or mail them an actual snail mail letter once in awhile. Clip an appropriate article from a magazine and make copies of it to mail to your clients, or email them the URL of a great motivational story about weight loss that you found on the Internet. Forward them funny anecdotes about health and fitness, or drop them a postcard congratulating them on their latest progress.
For that matter, pick up the phone! Call Suzie Client on Saturday to let her know that you just got done updating her client record and had reason to again marvel at how great she is doing with her program. You just can't pay for the type of customer feedback you will get from something like that!
Stay in contact with your clients in between training sessions, and the increased attention will remind them on a regular basis that in the beginning you committed to a one on one training program for them, not just to stand there 3 times a week while they exercise.
Date and Event Recognition
Recognizing special dates in your client's lives is another great way to show them that you are thinking about them in between training sessions. Send your clients a birthday card, or even a small but thoughtful gift. Congratulate them on their wedding anniversary, or even send flowers or a card to their house. Ask them how excited they are about the upcoming graduation of their child from high school or college. Have a special token of your appreciation sent to their home or office after a set amount of time that they have been training with you - maybe annually or semi-annually. Give them a special award every time they lose 5 pounds, or drop a percentage of body fat. Attend the race or other fitness event that you have been training them for.
As you can see, the possibilities are limitless. The lesson that you want to take away from this section is that you went above and beyond the call of duty to recognize a date or an event that was important to your client. They won't forget that when it comes time to decide whether or not to keep working with you!
Listening
The fact that you should listen to your clients should go without saying. If your title is "Personal Trainer", please take a moment at this time to re-read the first word! Too many trainers fall into the familiar trap of just taking their clients through workouts. Your clients aren't paying you to workout with them. They are paying you to give them dedicated one on one service, and the actual workout is only one part of that.
In addition to the exercise programming, you must again think about the fact that your clients are humans before they are clients. As humans, they have as many outside considerations as you do. If you are only seeing them 3 hours per week, that leaves 165 hours each week when you are not around, and the lifestyle events that happen during that time will spill over into the training sessions.
Your clients will talk about their jobs, their spouses, their relatives and in-laws, their children and their neighbors, their gardener and their mailman, etc. Any good personal trainer realizes that although we have no business actually dispensing professional advice on personal or spiritual matters, we are a 3 time per week sounding board for our clients, and that is just part of the job. Listen to what your clients have to say, help out without leaving your professional boundaries, and let your clients know that you care about what happens to them, not just about what happens during the training session.
Flexibility
Although a trainer's day is usually dictated by a preset schedule, if you paint yourself into a corner with your calendar, you will quickly find that some of your clients can't stick with their program because their schedule is just not that black and white. In today's world of the ever-changing landscape of professional as well as personal lifestyle factors, many people have trouble doing the same thing day after day, and week after week. In order to keep your clients happy and on track with their programs, you must "roll with the punches" and exhibit some flexibility when it comes to scheduling and training issues.
It is a very good idea to have a running cancellation policy for your business, and it is an equally good idea to educate your clients on the need for regularity in their training program. However, being so inflexible that you charge a client $50 every time they get a flat tire, have to work late, or have a family emergency will quickly eliminate any professional bonding that your clients may have previously felt was a part of your working relationship. Enforce your policies, but be realistic about the fact that life is just not as black and white as it may have been 20 years ago.
Forward Thinking
This is as much of a sales technique as it is a great customer service tool. In a nutshell, it means that you should always be planning for the future when it comes to your clients. Talk to them about how you are going to start running with them once they get their weight down enough for their knees to handle the stress. Explain to them how much fun it will be when you can start taking them through the new training protocol that you put together. Get them excited about how good they are going to look on the beach this summer after several more months of working out with you, or about how their cousin Sally is going to be so envious at Christmas time this year when she sees how much weight your client has lost.
All of these things plant the seed for your clients that you are thinking about their future, and not just taking them through a workout. Let them know that you have great plans for them in the future, and that you can't wait to see their results when they get to a certain point in the program that you have them on. Again, your clients are people, and they want to be made to feel important, needed, and respected.
Over-delivering
Over-delivering value to your clients is probably the most important technique out of any that have been listed so far. It is last in our list of customer service secrets so that it is the one that you remember the most!
Over-delivering is just what it sounds like - giving your clients more value for their money than they originally expected to get. In fact, all of the items listed above are great examples of over-delivery. Do you think that when your clients hired you they expected to be getting gifts on their birthday, expected you to be excited about the graduation of their children, or that they could vent to you about their mother-in-law during training sessions? These are all examples of the infinite number of ways that you can over-deliver value to your clients.
In addition to what has already been listed, you can get much more specific with your over-delivery efforts. Each of your clients has a very well defined fitness goal that they are diligently working towards. As a fitness professional, you should be regularly keeping up with the latest news stories about health and fitness, as well as getting Continuing Education Credits.
Put that information directly to use for your clients! How impressed do you think your client would be if their fitness goal is to be a competitive swimmer, and you take a course on training competitive swimmers? What about if you have picked up some clients who are over the age of 55 and you start reading books and clipping articles on Senior Fitness? How about a bonus training session that you give your client when they reach a goal? What about if you have a client who is on the high school wrestling team, and after working with him for 2 months, you offer to do a free class for his entire team? The teenager becomes a hero because his personal trainer gave up some winning tips before the big meet, and you get a boat load of free publicity!
Conclusion
The pattern developing here is clear, and the above examples are only sketches of things that you might consider. Remember that every successful personal trainer runs a business, he or she doesn't just workout with their clients. Get under the hood of your business, tinker around with the wiring, and find ways to "WOW" your clients everyday!

About The Author

Aaron Potts is the author and creator of The Ultimate Complete Personal Training Business Kit, a quick-start kit and business guide for new as well as seasoned fitness professionals. Aaron's experience as a Fitness Professional has included management positions with local and nationally known fitness facilities, as well as in-home and outdoor training with clients from all walks of life. Find out more about Aaron's programs at http://www.completepersonaltrainingbusiness.com or his personal training site at http://www.aaronspersonaltraining.com.

info@completepersonaltrainingbusiness.com

This article was posted on March 21, 2005

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Personal Training: 3 Keys to Training Clients in Their Homes

Personal Training: 3 Keys to Training Clients in Their Homes
 by: Aaron M. Potts, ISSA CFT

When considering your options as a personal trainer, one of the very first things to decide is WHERE you are going to train your clients. The most obvious answer for most trainers is to get a job at a local fitness facility and train clients there. This is certainly an option, and one that is recommended especially in the beginning of your career. The structure and experience that you will get by working at a successful gym or fitness center is invaluable for a new personal trainer. However, there are drawbacks to working with your clients at a gym, and some clients will be unwilling or unable to workout at a local facility. Don't lose those clients by not having other options!
Working out with your clients in their homes is an option for any trainer, and by offering this option to your clients you can increase your potential client base by a dramatic number, and you may even decide to exclusively offer home personal training. In order to decide if this type of business model is for you, there are several points to consider, and they include time management, exercise modalities to be used, and business resources that are available.
Time Management
Managing your time and your schedule is a critical consideration when deciding whether or not to work with clients in their homes. Unlike working at a facility, the amount of time that you need to dedicate to each client is increased, sometimes to the point of even doubling the time spent for each client session.
For example, let's use a standard one-hour training session as our business model for this discussion. Although many trainers are utilizing different training times with their clients these days, one hour is still a good time frame to use for your scheduling reference. You want to remember that as a home personal trainer, you can be on a tight deadline to get from one place to the next, so you don't want to schedule your sessions back-to-back like you can when you are working at a fitness facility.
You must also factor in your travel time to get to your client's home, as well as to get to the home of the following client, the client after that, and so on. If you live in an even reasonably populated area, you will have to allow at least 15 minutes of driving time to and from every client's home, and sometimes as much as 30 minutes per client, depending on the size of the geographic area that you train in. Using our one-hour training session as an example, just one training session can cost you as much as 2 hours of your time.
A standard 8-hour workday will now only allow you to train between 4 and 6 clients, depending on where they live in relation to your starting point, as well as in relation to each other. Your best bet whenever possible is to set up your clients in a roughly straight line, or possibly a circle that brings you back to your starting point at the end of the day. The last thing that you want to do is set up a client who lives 30 minutes north of your starting point followed immediately by a client who lives 30 minutes south of your starting point. Not only will you eat up massive amounts of time driving to and from your client's homes, but you will put serious mileage on both your car as well as your wallet at the gas station! More on that in the Business Resources section below.
Exercise Modalities
The next thing to consider is the type of training that you will be doing with your clients in their homes. Unless they have a full fitness facility set up - which is rare - it is very likely that you will have to come up with ways to put them through a vigorous workout without the massive amount of equipment that is available at a full-size fitness facility. In order to put together these home workouts, you need to address the two different energy pathways that your clients will need to use during their workouts: aerobic and anaerobic.
Anaerobic Workouts
Although many trainers are used to the massive resources available at a local gym, getting your clients a variety-filled and intense anaerobic workout in their home is actually easier than most would think. With nothing more than an exercise ball and a portable set of dumbbells, you can take your clients through the full range of motion and exertion on almost the same scale that is afforded those clients training at a gym.
If you are just starting out in the industry, or are simply used to working your clients out at a fitness facility, you should do some research on the Internet for dumbbell workouts, bodyweight workouts, functional training, and sport-specific training. Those 4 keyword combinations alone will net you hundreds of websites with free or low-cost resources that will teach you thousands of exercises that can be done with little or no equipment.
The key to getting your clients a good anaerobic workout at home is not the type of equipment that is used, or the actual amount of weight that is moved, but rather the INTENSITY of the workout. A bit of trial and error will teach you how to take a client through their paces in a safe but intense manner that will leave most people ready to call it quits in 30 minutes or less!
Aerobic Workouts
Taking your clients through appropriate and effective aerobic workouts can happen on many levels. The 2 obvious differences are going to be whether they get their aerobic activity during their session, or if you assign them activities to do after you leave. You could also do a combination of both, depending on the needs and the fitness level of the client.
If you are going to take your clients through an aerobic workout during their session, you can either incorporate "heart rate maintenance" exercises into the workout itself, or you can get the anaerobic exercises out of the way, and then move into an aerobic workout for the second half of the session. Just remember that if your goal is to keep your clients inside their target heart rate zone, there will be very little rest time in between exercises.
However, before you blindly go forcing all of your clients to stay inside their target heart rate zone for the entire session, consider the fitness goal of the client, and the metabolically intense benefits of structured strength training compared to a session when you just make sure they are sweating the whole time!
Another option for your client's cardio is to have them do it on their own after the end of the training session. Obviously they still need your guidance on what to do, how to track their heart rate, and how long they should perform the activity, but not all clients will actually need you to stay there and guide them during the activity.
Also, it is not uncommon for people to own a piece of cardiovascular training equipment such as a treadmill, elliptical trainer, stair-stepper, etc. Nonetheless, most clients will still need some specific guidance on how to maximize the benefits from the type of equipment that they have access to. Things like interval training, cross training, and training at different heart rate levels are all things that you should educate your clients on, especially if they are going to be doing cardio on their own.
Business Resources
You must also consider the business resources that you will need access to when training clients in their homes. The time factor has already been discussed, and you should also consider the daily expenses involved in this type of training model. These include equipment expenses, "on the road" expenses, and auto expenses.
Equipment expenses should be minimal. You may have an initial cost, but after your initial purchases, all of those assets are reusable. Basic items for home training include an adjustable set of dumbbells and an exercise ball at a bare minimum. It would also be a good idea to have a roll-up exercise mat, a jump rope, and any other items needed for the type of activities that your clients will be engaging in. A great cardio idea for clients training at home is boxing drills. If you were to utilize that type of training, then a decent set of protective gloves for the clients would be in order, as well as target mats that you hold for them to strike during their drills.
In all cases, the items that you own stay with you, and they are simply taken from one client's house to the next. It is a great idea to have your clients eventually buy their own gear, however, which keeps you from having to tote arm loads of equipment into and out of their houses day after day. Also, depending on the type of program you put them on, they may use some of their own equipment in between training sessions.
"On the Road" expenses include food and drinks while you are traveling. Depending on your schedule, you will be on the road anywhere from 2 to 12 hours at a time! In those cases, you will obviously need to plan healthy places to eat along the way, or keep portable meals in your vehicle each day. In any event, make sure that you consider the cost of eating away from home as part of your business expenses.
Auto expenses are potentially the biggest expense that you will have to face in order to train people at home. The wear and tear on your vehicle - although accountable on your taxes - can still be a drain on your financial resources. You have to keep your vehicle insured, fueled up, and in good working order at all times. The last thing that you want to do is be late for a client session because your car broke down, or you ran out of gas! Also, at anywhere from $1.50 to $2.50 per gallon, gas can get expensive if you put in a lot of miles every day.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many considerations when deciding whether or not to train clients in their homes, and you must weigh those considerations against the benefit of being "free" from the gym trainer's normal boundaries, and instead being in charge of your own day to day business. In return, you can command higher per session fees for home training. Since you are saving your clients a lot of driving time and gym expenses, as well as giving them an opportunity to get healthy in the privacy of their own homes, it is not unheard of for a home trainer to charge $75 to $100 or more per session. Figure in scheduling issues, the exercise program that you will have your clients on, and the resources needed, and decide for yourself if this type of training program will work for your business!

About The Author

Aaron Potts is the author and creator of The Ultimate Complete Personal Training Business Kit, a quick-start kit and business guide for new as well as seasoned fitness professionals. Aaron's experience as a Fitness Professional has included management positions with local and nationally known fitness facilities, as well as in-home and outdoor training with clients from all walks of life. Find out more about Aaron's programs at http://www.completepersonaltrainingbusiness.com or his personal training site at http://www.aaronspersonaltraining.com.

info@completepersonaltrainingbusiness.com

This article was posted on March 21, 2005

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Choosing the Best Wheelchair Cushion

Choosing the Best Wheelchair Cushion
 by: Maricon Williams

The apt combination of chair and cushion will allow you to sit in a neutral and stable posture and to operate the chair safely. Cushions come in an assortment of depths and sizes which need to be accommodated by the size of wheelchair frame. Obviously, you need to make a decision which cushion is best for you before you can make a decision about which chair is best.
Cushion design is by no means an easy subject. There are many choices to make as you decide on the right one for you. To boot, let us be familiar with cushions. There are four basic types of cushions - foam, gel, air floatation, and urethane honeycomb. There are also designs and systems for more specialized needs.
Foam technology has come a long way. It now comes in a range of densities with varying degrees of memory, holding its shape as you sit, contributing to your stability. The new foams can adapt to any shape, and still provide even support, spreading pressure across the sitting surface. On the downside, foam wears out faster than other materials and loses its shape, but because of its lower price, this might not worry you.
Gel cushion designs endeavor to substitute the consistency of atrophied muscle tissue. Gel fluids are placed in pouches and usually attached to a foam base, so that the cushion matches to the pressures put on it. Unfortunately, gel cushions are much heavier than other types, which can cancel out some of the benefits of your lightweight wheelchair. Gel leaking can also happen.
Air floatation cushions, on the other hand, support the body entirely on air. Air cushions can be less stable for those who move around a lot in their chair, but recent designs offer either low profile or quadrant options that minimize this problem. The balloons used in air cushions can be pricked, of course, and leaks do occur, although a fairly heavy duty rubber is used. But patching them is easier than with the gel design. The biggest drawback to air cushions is that they require more maintenance.
Thermoplastic urethane honeycomb cushions are the most recent development in cushions. These cushions are able to distribute weight evenly but there is no risk of leaking gel or of an air bladder being punctured. The many open spaces in the beehive structure of the cushion allow air to travel more efficiently. Urethane honeycomb cushions are very light, absorb shock, and a low profile cushion can provide significant support.
The latest exploration regarding cushions is the use of an air pump to create alternating pressure to those with more severe disabilities who cannot perform their own weight shifts to relieve pressure. Sitting for a long period of time without relief from pressure causes the separation of muscle and fatty tissues, as a result, the delicate skin layer has closer contact with the bone causing more pressure on the skin. Lack of air circulation increases the temperature between you and the cushion. Moisture, on the other hand, is trapped against the skin. This may further cause sores.
An example of alternating pressure solution is the ErgoDynamic Seating System from ErgoAir in New Hampshire. It pumps air into and out of alternating portions of the cushion. Some of the alternating pressure products are heavier because they uses batteries and air pumps and like air floatation cushions, susceptible to puncture. Nonetheless, the technology for these innovative systems is likely to advance further in the future, as new materials and batteries are developed.

About The Author

Maricon Williams

I love reading. Give me a book and I'll finish it in one sitting. Reading is the chance to be transported to a different world and so is writing. I'm more enthusiastic about writing however, since you can relay your ideas to someone else. I can only imagine that feeling when I hear a complete stranger talking about my ideas which read on an article somewhere. To relay my message to as many people is the same as touching people with music. Only mine's less harmonic. I try to make up for it with the color I bring with words. And most of the time, it's more than enough.

For additional Information about the articles you may visit http://www.wheelchairspower.com

carmelo@wheelchairspower.com

This article was posted on March 21, 2005

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A Review on Electric Wheelchair and Scooter

A Review on Electric Wheelchair and Scooter
 by: Maricon Williams

A wide variety of electric wheelchairs and scooters are available in the market. This makes it easy for consumers to find the one to suit their needs not just their wants. You can start by finding what suits you by keeping in mind the answer before you go look in stores. By that you will be overwhelmed by lots of options and you can be guided to decide precisely.
A good number of online electric wheelchair and scooter stores offer a large selection of both manual and powered wheelchairs. They employ experienced staff members to assist the customers in choosing wheelchairs and scooters. Service involves fitting of the correct chair to meet the individual requirements.
Electric wheelchairs and scooters are available in Sunrise Medical, Pride medical products, Tuffcare, Merits, Golden Technologies, Shoprider, Ranger, Palmer Industries, Wheelchairs of Kansas, Roho, Winco, Quickie, Gendron, Bruno, Silver Star, Harmar and more. You can select the ones from the latest in high quality, latest controls, highly maneuverable, light weight and extreme durability.
Your existing insurance may answer 80% to 100% towards the charge of your chair or scooter. Pride, Tuffcare, Merits, Online Wheelchair stores offer a total line of wheelchair and equipment services including new chair specification or fitting, preparation, installation of adaptive equipment for control and comfort as well as preventive and habitual maintenance. Questions regarding availability, leasing, financing, delivery or options will be answered by the online support teams.
In addition to new, used and rented powered and manual electric wheelchairs, most of the online stores have a well trained repair and maintenance staff to give routine preventive or emergency service. You can also find places with a large inventory of spare parts including tires, cushions and batteries.
All companies offer convenient shipping to destinations like US, UK, Canada and worldwide. As a result you get good prices and convenient shipping. Right there and then you can take charge of your lifestyle again.
Up to $1,000 rebate is available to aid payment for the cost of electric wheelchair or scooter lifts and ramps from the following mobility programs. Most lifts and ramps represented on most sites are qualified for reimbursement under the terms of the various mobility programs offered by Chrysler, Ford, GM, Saturn, and Volkswagen. There is also a wide variety of state, federal, and other programs that can financially assist you with your wheelchair ramp purchase.
These programs were made in order to give cash payments to disabled drivers for the installation of adaptive equipment in any new vehicle, whether purchased or leased. Customers have received rebates for multifold wheelchair ramps, lifts, and permanently mounted van ramps.

About The Author

Maricon Williams

I love reading. Give me a book and I'll finish it in one sitting. Reading is the chance to be transported to a different world and so is writing. I'm more enthusiastic about writing however, since you can relay your ideas to someone else. I can only imagine that feeling when I hear a complete stranger talking about my ideas which read on an article somewhere. To relay my message to as many people is the same as touching people with music. Only mine's less harmonic. I try to make up for it with the color I bring with words. And most of the time, it's more than enough.

For additional Information about the articles you may visit http://www.wheelchairspower.com

carmelo@wheelchairspower.com

This article was posted on March 21, 2005

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How to Choose Wheelchairs for Kids

How to Choose Wheelchairs for Kids
 by: Maricon Williams

The child's mobility and independence are significant factors to consider so it is important to get the right wheelchair. But how do we choose the right wheelchair?
Choosing a wheelchair for your kids include a huge spectrum of issues. One the issue is transportation. A lot of kids will benefit from a power chair but unless the transportation issue can be solved, it won't be the precise solution. If you are lifting your kid and the chair several times a day, chances are he may develop back problems. The remedy to this is to choose a lighter chair with removable hardware.
Other issues involve lifestyle, terrain and environment. Ask yourself the following questions: is the chair suitable for the school setting, what are his needs according to the experts, and what kind of chair does your child like the most. When you inter-relate these question you can figure out, what he basically needs.
The most practical kind of chair for your child is that which can 'grow with the child'. It is all about one-size-fits-all. Most of the wheelchairs today can be expanded by changing the cross brace supports at the bottom. It can also be lengthened by replacing the front frame sections that hold the leg supports. It is an investment that will last 10-12 years.
Another critical decision that you should make is the choice of the cushion and its spacing. It must be not too soft and not too course in order for the child to be comfortable. There should be no more than three fingers worth of space between the front and the rear of the legs. More than this measure, the seat will not provide enough support to the thighs. It may also dig into the legs. Another result is that it may make sitting awkward because the child don't get the same amount of surface holding you up.
Aside from the aforementioned, the footrest should also be low enough to get full contact for the whole thigh. Half an inch from the hips and the side of the chair is necessary to achieve the desired spacing. The laterals need not be too tight to dig into the armpits.
In addition, regular maintenance should be observed. Wheelchairs should be washed and sprayed with a cleaner. A meticulous check up of the whole chair once a week would be a great idea. You can check the brakes, hardware, tires and seats in order to be secure of your child's safety and protection.

About The Author

Maricon Williams

I love reading. Give me a book and I'll finish it in one sitting. Reading is the chance to be transported to a different world and so is writing. I'm more enthusiastic about writing however, since you can relay your ideas to someone else. I can only imagine that feeling when I hear a complete stranger talking about my ideas which read on an article somewhere. To relay my message to as many people is the same as touching people with music. Only mine's less harmonic. I try to make up for it with the color I bring with words. And most of the time, it's more than enough.

For additional Information about the articles you may visit http://www.wheelchairspower.com

carmelo@wheelchairspower.com

This article was posted on March 21, 2005

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Go Wacky with a Sports Wheelchair!

Go Wacky with a Sports Wheelchair!
 by: Maricon Williams

As much as possible we want to achieve freedom at its peak. Every human being longs for it – especially those who are confined in their wheelchairs. This is the reason why sports wheelchairs are created.
Engaging in sports not only strengthens your body and improves your agility, it can also boost up your self-confidence. Many are participating in sports in order to overcome shyness and develop camaraderie as well as self-esteem. Everybody needs it that is why everybody should have access to it.
Nowadays, almost every sport has a wheelchair to match it – basketball, hockey, tennis, rugby, skiing, racing - name it, it's all available in stores. Sports wheelchairs have specially built frames and are designed to handle use in sports. Built frames are designed to withstand impact. Wheelchairs are also made lightweight to be more mobile yet steady. Mobility, stability, dexterity and responsiveness are important factors to consider in choosing a wheelchair. It has to be sleek to be faster and to play harder. In a nutshell, it should have an attitude!
Most new users can only afford one wheelchair for everyday use. If you are interested in playing sports for fun, you may find a rigid lightweight chair a sensible preference. Be prepared to spend anywhere from $500-3000 for a good sports wheelchair. Manufacturers offer custom-built sports wheel chairs to suit both the athlete and the sport. This means that sports chairs are not usually covered by insurance and are expensive. They range from $2,000 to $8,000.
Many athletes are already using sports wheelchairs in competitions because of their quick maneuverability. Aside from using sports wheelchairs on games, a number of people are using it for their everyday use. They are usually made of aluminum so they are easy to propel and get in and out of cars.
If you have been already involved in sports, you may have your own standards in choosing sports wheelchairs suited to your needs. At that time you already know the features you wanted. If you still don't have the idea, you can attend a wheelchair sporting event to see what the other athletes are using.
If you want to save a penny, you can purchase a used sports wheelchair instead of a new one. The only drawback of this is that it was customized to fit their first owner and may not suit your needs. Nevertheless, this can be a great alternative.
With any sports you are engaged in - you can make a high intensity impact with sports wheelchairs. They are tough, solid and lightweight. They are also precisely fit for your specifications. Now you have the right reason to max out your adrenaline and play sports seriously. You're going to love your performance. You're going to love the game!

About The Author

Maricon Williams

I love reading. Give me a book and I'll finish it in one sitting. Reading is the chance to be transported to a different world and so is writing. I'm more enthusiastic about writing however, since you can relay your ideas to someone else. I can only imagine that feeling when I hear a complete stranger talking about my ideas which read on an article somewhere. To relay my message to as many people is the same as touching people with music. Only mine's less harmonic. I try to make up for it with the color I bring with words. And most of the time, it's more than enough.

For additional Information about the articles you may visit http://www.wheelchairspower.com

carmelo@wheelchairspower.com

This article was posted on March 21, 2005

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CPT Codes; What are you Getting Billed for?

CPT Codes; What are you Getting Billed for?
 by: Mike Nielsen

All of us visit some sort of medical office from time to time and some of us make the visit a routine. No matter how many times we go in for a checkup or treatment we usually end up paying a relatively inexpensive co-pay for the services rendered to us. So who makes up the difference and how do they pay it? Obviously, the doctors and nurses that we visit are not making a living off of our co-pay; so how do they obtain the additional money from our heath care provider? In this article, I will tell you the basic information about CPT Codes and what they are used for.
CPT Code background
Before CPT Codes existed and when ICD-9-CM codes were just being developed, doctors had to write out in words what symptoms a patient had, what the diagnosis most likely was, and what visits, services, and procedures they thought they should get paid for. Then in 1966 Current Procedural Terminology or CPT was designed by the American Medical Association to assist doctors in billing Medicare and health providers using codes. Doctors use the CPT Codes to specify to health care providers the service rendered so that they can get paid. Currently with 8,568 codes and descriptors available with the CPT 2005 Codes, it is easy to see why these codes can sometimes drive doctors crazy with regard to knowing which ones to use and for what. However, the general idea behind the codes was to help doctors and create a standard as to what Medicare and health providers will pay for.
Where do CPT Codes come from?
There is a panel of 17 members, called the CPT Editorial Panel, who meet 4 times every year to consider proposals for changes to the CPT Codes. The American Medical Association provides this staff which is responsible for editing, adding, and deleting CPT Codes. There is also a CPT Advisory Committee, made up of representative form over 90 medical societies and heath care organizations, which assist the Editorial Panel in its efforts to maintain the CPT Codes.
What are the CPT Code categories?
CPT Codes are classified into three categories. Category I are five digit codes that make up the main body of CPT Codes. When someone refers to CPT Codes, they are generally referring to category I. The codes found in category I represent procedures that are consistent with contemporary medical practice and are widely performed. Category I codes are then broken down into the following six sections. Evaluation and Management Anesthesiology Surgery Radiology Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Category II CPT Codes are supplemental tracking codes that are used for performance measurement. They typically describe services that are included in an evaluation and management service. They are optional four digit codes followed by the letter "F" which should not be used as a substitute for category I codes.
Category III CPT Codes represent temporary codes for new and developing technologies. They were created to allow for data collection and tracking for new procedures and services. Category III codes are different from Category I CPT codes in that they identify services that may not be performed by many health care professionals. The hope behind these codes is to help researchers track developing technology and services to facilitate widespread use and clinical effectiveness. The Category III codes are four digits long followed by the letter "T". These codes are intended to be temporary and will be abandoned if the procedure or service is not accepted as a Category I code within five years.
As you can see, CPT Codes are a valuable asset to the medical world. They create a unified system of coding that is accepted and used throughout the United States. These codes are modified and updated every year to account for the changes in the medical field. You now have a better knowledge of how your medical health provider is charged each and every time you have any medical work performed.

About The Author

Mike Nielsen is a client account specialist with http://www.10xmarketing.com/ - More Visitors. More Buyers. More Revenue. For more information about CPT Codes, visit http://advancedmd.com/features/cpt-code.asp.

This article was posted on March 21, 2005

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Jump and Run - The Horrors of The Male Physical!

Jump and Run - The Horrors of The Male Physical!
 by: Ed Williams

For all you ladies out there, if you want to know one of the things we men fear most, it's physicals.
Yes, y'all heard me right, physicals. The yearly physical. Since I'm closing in on fifty like an all-you-can-eat buffet diner closes in on the soft serve, it's time for me to start getting yearly physicals. And with that in mind, I went ahead and got one today, and I survived it, but it's no walk through the roses, let me tell you for sure. Other than a vasectomy, there's nothing that pushes the humiliation envelope higher up for men than a complete physical does. In order for all you ladies to better understand our fears, and in the hope of gaining sympathy for men everywhere, this week we're gonna take the components of the male physical, lay them all out for y'all to see, and then discuss them. After we do that you ladies will better understand our reluctance to get one. As an upfront word of caution, most of you men out there will wince at some of these items, but I think it's important that you ladies have this once in a lifetime enlightenment opportunity. So, with all that being said, here are the major components of the male physical:
The Weigh-In - If you've recently been hitting the Krispy Kremes pretty hard, this is not a good item to begin with. What makes it all the worse is that the scale the doctor typically uses almost always has a big face with large numbers on it, and it is not uncommon for the nurse to weigh you and say, right out loud, "Looks like two hundred and thirty pounds for you, honey." If you happen to only be five foot five, this can be a tad embarrassing.
The Urine Specimen - Nothing's all that bad about this per se, except for the fact that you're not allowed to drink coffee right before the physical which means that all you can have is water that morning. It's murder on our caffeine addicted bodies, but we have to do it, and it does psychologically prepare us for some of the other sweet experiences coming up...experiences like...
The Interrogation- At this point, your physician approaches you, greets you warmly, and then asks if any of your family members happen to be bed wetters or serial droolers. The ostensible purpose of this is for you to let your doctor know your family's medical history so that he can treat you better, but it's still pretty harrowing. If nothing else, it sets you up for the next tender experience, which is...
Hammer Time - For some unknown reason, at this point your doctor will hit you with a hammer all over your knees and ankles. With a metal hammer, I might add. The reason he'll give you for doing this is that he's checking your reflexes, but I think it's really done in order to provide a few moments of laughter for the doctor. Nothing like some humour to settle him down before the "big three" components of the physical, its true main events, which happen to be:
Checking the man out for a hernia.
Checking the man out for prostate problems.
Drawing blood to run a bunch of other tests.
Modesty forbids me describing any of these items in great detail, especially the first and second ones, but I'll bet a hundred dollars to a doughnut that most of you men out there who are reading this are suppressing any urge that you might have to cough, and I'll also bet that your legs are crossed tighter than Jack Benny. These parts of the male physical experience are enough to make you reflect on whether or not you might want to consider taking your chances with the diseases or problems that cause these personal "inspections." Frankly, I'd rather cut my lawn with my teeth than have to endure them, and just thinking about what all goes on is making my legs hurt as I type this.
So ladies, there you have it, the scoop on one of the male's greatest fears, the yearly physical. And please don't give us any static about the demands of giving birth in order to counterbalance this. All of us men appreciate the fact that having kids is a rough, gritty business, but at least you ladies are physically designed to somehow get through it. We men, on the other hand, are ill equipped to deal with some of the invasive horrors inherent in our yearly physicals. And now, as abrupt as it may seem, I have to go as I need to shut down my computer before someone female comes in and reads these last few lines...

About The Author

Ed's latest book, "Rough As A Cob," can be ordered by calling River City Publishing toll-free at: 877-408-7078. He's also a popular after dinner speaker, and his column runs in a number of Southeastern publications. You can contact him via email at: ed3@ed-williams.com, or through his web site address at: www.ed-williams.com.

This article was posted on March 21, 2005

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Exercise Bikes . No Excuses, 30 Minutes A Day On A Bike Will Change Your Life

Exercise Bikes – No Excuses, 30 Minutes A Day On A Bike Will Change Your Life
 by: Declan Tobin

Exercise bikes are the ideal home exercise equipment. We are all advised to exercise for 30 minutes per day to stay healthy combined with a good balanced food intake. Most people complain of not having the time to go to the gym or prepare to out jogging etc but if it was for 30 minutes of TV I'd bet that time would be no problem. Why not combine the two, TV and exercise. Watching TV while exercising cuts out the boredom of being locked in a room looking at the four walls exercising. If you have a program you watch on a regular basis the time will only fly in.
What exercise bike will I buy?
Exercise bikes come in all wonderful styles from the basic stationary bike to built in programs for spinning and mountain courses. The best is what you can afford to pay, the main thing is that you are exercising regularly or intend to do so. The more basic exercise bike can cost anywhere from $80 upwards and generally has a few different gears available to make the exercise more intense as you proceed with fitness. I have to say if you can afford to spend $200 you will find exercise bikes that have pre tuned exercise programs that are easy to follow and are a great way to burn fat.
How to Start:
Starting can be daunting but after a week or so you will find your fitness level improving and overall health. You need to introduce the body into the exercise for the first couple of days, for many people buying exercise bikes it's the first time they have done such an exercise in years. The first few days should be a slow introductory pace, if you go all out in the first day or so you will only end up with aching muscles and may even put you off exercising again. Remember that this is a marathon not a sprint.
Who are the main manufacturers of exercise bikes?
Weslo, Reebok,Tuntui, Stamina, Proform, Nordic Track and Fitnees Track have for many years manufactured some of the greatest exercise bikes we have ever seen and all are still doing so. There are foldable bikes available for those living in apartments or people who are simply tied for space. Many people are now trying to build a home gym with the essentials in exercise equipment; the exercise bike should be first on the shopping list. The exercise itself is an excellent aerobic exercise, easy to start with and works ideally as a cross trainer with most other fitness equipment.
Some exercise bikes have a dual function, exercise for the upper and lower body. Apart from the obvious leg exercise you will also find upper body levers on some, this is an ideal exercise for a total body workout and will burn fat more quickly than the standard exercise bike (the more muscle groups you exercise the more fat your burn and more quickly).
Why buy an exercise bike when I can get a treadmill?
The exercise bike has very low impact on the joints. If you have previous injuries or weak joints in general the exercise bike is an ideal gentle exercise. The treadmill is a much higher impacting exercise on the joints and people with weak knees or ankles should be aware. If you decide to get an exercise bike with dual exercise (upper and lower body) you will burn more fat than that of the treadmill as you have no upper body resistance with the treadmill. There are arguments on both sides of the fence as to what is better the bike or the treadmill but you should look at your goals and see what suits both your budget and your target weight loss or general fitness. At the moment the cardio benefits to you as the user lies greater with the exercise dual function bike to that of the treadmill.
In Brief:
The exercise bike is ideal for beginners to the more advanced groups; it offers a low impact, high calorie burning exercise that have an excellent cardio workout. Combined with a balanced diet the exercise bike used regularly will help you achieve your fitness goals.

About The Author

Declan Tobin is a successful freelance writer providing tips and advice for consumers purchasing Fitness Equipment, Treadmills and Weight Benches . His numerous articles offer tips and valuable insight on fitness. http://www.no1-in-fitness-equipment.com.

This article was posted on March 21, 2005

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Golf Equipment . The Most Expensive Is Not Always Correct For You

Golf Equipment – The Most Expensive Is Not Always Correct For You
 by: Declan Tobin

The essentials of golf begin with the clubs you choose. Shopping on the Internet will save you time and money but choosing can be difficult, as there seems to be endless options. From our work with different golfing web sites we have seen sales for golf clubs dramatically increase in the past two years but do people really know what they are buying? I think the answer to this is yes if you have been playing for a few years and no if you are a total beginner. Some people starting out in the golf world have more money than sense. At the start of every golfing year (generally in March) you see new members on the first tee with thousands of dollars worth of equipment beside them and the golfing skills of a squirrel.
Excuse the expression from above but you really need to go back to the basics when starting golf. Golfing is a skill that needs to be developed, by having clubs worth thousands will not help you any more than the person starting with second hand clubs worth fifty dollars, I had that told to me from more than one Irish professional during my time. All the major club manufacturers are selling online at great prices, choose carefully and get well within your budget, the left over money can be well spent on other golf apparel.
What are the essentials to have?
Without being silly and mentioning the usual such as golf balls etc you should have the following:
Good waterproof golf shoes
Waterproof Jacket and Pants
Golf Cart (Manual or Battery)
Golf shoes are essential, and if they are not waterproof put them in the garbage. Your feet must be kept dry at all times. Golf is not always in great weather. If your feet are wet for a number or hours you will not feel comfortable and run the risk of catching a nasty cold or flu like symptoms. There are plenty of cheap golf shoes on the market along with cheap so called waterproof pants and jackets, but by spending carefully on the golf clubs allows you spend wisely on essential clothing.
Golf Carts:
Some people prefer still to carry their bags but most will purchase a golf cart. The carts can either be manual or battery operated. The manual speak for themselves and can be a folded away in the trunk of your car the battery are a little more complex and need some careful taught before purchasing. Battery operated carts need maintenance and constant recharging. Check out the battery life expectancy before you buy. Some are like buying a car, they have a speedometer, mirrors and a light, do you really need all that?
Golf Balls:
Yes the ball will make a difference to distance and spin but don't be foolish, if you are a beginner you should expect to loose plenty so don't go mad buying the latest and greatest, you need to improve you overall accuracy and game in general. The more experienced golfer should pay more attention to the ball they are using, you could be losing valuable distance from the tee meaning the difference on your next shot from an eight iron or a comfortable pitching wedge.
Golf Tee:
Short and simple, if you are using oversized heads allow for a higher tee. Plastic tees do not break as easily as the wooden type.
Golf Glove:
I have seen many a good golfer never wear one but in hot weather it gives you added grip and in damp conditions it could be your only grip. Should not cost you an arm and a leg.
Putter:
I'm not one for getting into graphite shafts and other related metal when purchasing a putter. I prefer something that I feel comfortable with, if that happens to be graphite and within my own budget, so be it. The putter today comes in all different shapes and sizes, from the standard height to the putter that tucks just under your chin. Beginners start with a basic putter and move on, basic meaning something that is not costing you an arm and a leg. Experienced golfers will have their own unique putter style they prefer.
Overall – Internet golf shopping:
The prices will seldom be beaten if you purchase online, do not worry about quality as the products are the very same as what you will find in your local sports store. The variety is very large and tempting and delivery is to your door. Before you do go shopping online make a quick list of the essentials that you need.

About The Author

Declan Tobin is a successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of Golf Equipment which includes Golf Apparel, Golf Bags, and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information for all of your Golf interests and needs. http://www.no1-in-golf.com.

This article was posted on March 21, 2005

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The Gravity of Success

The Gravity of Success
 by: Douglas Betts

How important is your fitness/weight loss success? Can you attach a numeric value to being healthy, prolonging your life, and feeling great? Does achieving your fitness and weight loss goals rank among your top priorities? If not, this article is not for you. However, if you are one of the millions of people who are tired of not getting results, read on. Fitness success can be summed up with one word: consistency. If you know me, you know I've said this before. The truth is, too many people lose hope because they miss a workout there and eat a bad meal there. Before you know it, consistency is out the window along with any progress. My advice for you today is to be like gravity.
In his recent book, The Success Principles, Jack Cannfield talks about gravity, and how nobody really complains about it because it's a constant influence in our lives. We cannot change it, so we accept it. If you think about it, it's really true. If we slip, trip, or fall, we blame the ice, the toy left on the ground, or our balance; but we never even think to say, "That darn gravity … always making me fall down!"
Another way of looking at it, if you'll allow me to personify gravity for a moment, is that gravity just does what it has to do. It never complains. It never misses a day. Sure, there are times that we can overcome gravity. We make aircraft, birds spread their wings and fly, and balloons filled with helium rise. Eventually, however, gravity finds a way to do its job. Birds and aircraft must land at some point, and balloons eventually burst and fall back to the earth. Gravity just says, "That's okay, I'll get you. I always get you."
Gravity is just inevitable.
Indulge me for a moment and imagine that you're like gravity, and things that fall can be likened to your workouts. You're unstoppable. You cannot and will not be kept from your workouts. If you take this approach, you cannot and will not be kept from achieving your goals. Your success, like gravity, is inevitable!
When something comes up during the day that threatens to keep you from your workout (late meeting, headache, incarceration, etc.), think about gravity. Think about its overwhelming influence. Then imagine yourself as gravity, and think about your overwhelming influence. Cut yourself off from any excuses, get to the gym and the health food store, and like gravity, be consistent and inevitable.

About The Author

Doug Betts writes inspirational articles and delivers powerful speaches about health and fitness topics. As a fitness expert, he is available for speaking engagements, media interviews, writing articles, and personal training. You can get more information on Doug by subscribing to his newsletter at http://www.angelfire.com/mo3/dougbetts/answer.html.

dgb94@yahoo.com

This article was posted on March 21, 2005

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Advanced Health Care Directive - 10 Most Commonly Asked Questions

Advanced Health Care Directive - 10 Most Commonly Asked Questions
 by: Barbara C. Phillips

Today, more than ever, you need a Living Will. Discover the 10 most common questions you need answered so you too can have peace of mind.
1. What is an advanced health care directive?
Advanced health care directives are written instructions that communicate your wishes regarding care and treatment should you no longer be able to make your own health care decisions.
2. What are the components?
An Advanced Health Care Directive includes: A Living Will which outlines your medical and treatment choices Health Care Power of Attorney – the person you appoint to make medical and treatment decisions when you are no longer able to do so yourself.
3. How are they used?
If you are no longer able to make choices regarding your health care, these documents will communicate to your physicians what treatments you want or don' t want such as artificial administration of food and fluids, or even the use of CPR or a breathing machine.
4. When do they become effective?
These forms are only effective when you cannot communicate your desires yourself. It may be used in situations where you are terminally ill and will die soon. In that case, life-sustaining procedures that only prolong the dying process will be withheld as you have indicated. Another time they will come into play is if you suffer from an event or illness that leaves you permanently in a coma. Because situations are varied, it becomes important to be as clear as you can, and make sure your POA understands your desires.
5. What happens if I don't have one?
Ever state has a hierarchy that is followed that describes who is your next of kin and who will make decisions for you. For instance, if you are a minor child, it will be your parents. If you are an adult with a legal spouse, that person becomes your decision maker. It becomes complicated when family members/significant others disagree about what your desires are. This is why these forms are so important.
6. Can I change my mind?
You can change your mind about what you have written and who you choose as your decision maker at any time by destroying the old forms and making a new one. Make sure the new forms are given out to those that need them such as your decision make, family/significant others, health care provider, hospital, etc.
7. If I have a living will, does that mean I won't get treatment?
This is a common misconception, and the answers is no. These forms do not mean NO CARE. You should always get the care and comfort that you require.
8. Where do I get these forms?
Often times, your health care provider or hospital will have them. However, it's best if you do them before you ever see these providers. You can obtain them from your attorney, or there are several online sources where you can get state specific documents for free.
9. Do I need to see a lawyer?
No. You can fill these forms out yourself following the form directions.. That said, if you situation is sticky, it would not hurt to get professional legal advice. In most states the forms do not have to be notarized. Make sure you get the required witnesses to sign these forms. They cannot be relatives or employees of your health care provider, hospital, clinic, etc.
10. Where can I find more information?
Online, www.LawHelp.org provides free information for most states. Most state departments of health or your state legal association will be able to point you in the proper direction.

About The Author

©2005 Barbara C. Phillips, MN, NP

Are you living with Vibrant Intent? Do you want to experience the Joy, Magic, and Wisdom of Successful Aging? Celebrate with us as we explore these issues and more. Receive your complimentary copy of "Celebrating You: 50 Tips for Vibrant Living" at http://www.OlderWiserWomen.com.

This article was posted on March 21, 2005

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