Best Medical Insurance - 4 Ways To Easily Find It by Jeff Schuman

Do you want to find the best medical insurance, but are not sure how to get started on your search? Then it is important that you know about 4 ways that will make your search for the right insurance simple for you.

You can use one of these ways to find the insurance coverage you need, or you can use a combination of them.

That is the smartest way to do it because then you will be able to locate many different providers and policies so you can find the one that works the best for you.

The following are the 4 ways that you want to use to easily locate the medical insurance that offers you the best coverage.

1. Customer reviews online - There are many people that get online to tell others about a good experience they had with an insurance provider and about good insurance policies. You want to read as many reviews as you can because this will give you an idea of the providers you want to check out more and the ones to avoid.

The more providers and policies you check out, the easier it will be to find the best one for you.

2. Recommendations from family and friends - You can bet that someone in your family or one of your friends has bought medical insurance in the past. You never know when they can lead you to the right one, so ask them about it.

Just be sure that you thoroughly check into the provider and policies yourself and don't just take your family or friends word for it.

3. Insurance broker or agent - You can locate an insurance agent or broker that will help you find the right insurance coverage for you. Be careful if you choose this option that you don't let them push you into insurance coverage you don't want or isn't right for you.

Most of them won't do this, but you still want to be careful that you are getting exactly what you want.

4. Major search engine - You can start a search on any major search engine for medical insurance. This will bring up a lot of providers that you can start looking into more carefully.

It is a smart idea to give yourself time to search because you will get a lot of options provided to you.

These are the 4 ways that make locating the best medical insurance for you simple. It will take time to locate the best insurance provider and policy, but it will all be worth it if you ever find yourself needing this coverage. Just don't rush your decision or you could end up regretting the choice you make.

Dental Treatments Are The Key To A Great Smile For Anyone by Jeff Schuman

Your teeth are very important for many reasons, but one is for your appearance. When you have healthy, white teeth, you will have self confidence and be ready to always smile. That is why you need important information about the different dental treatments that are available.

To keep your teeth healthy, regular treatments is vital for anyone. This can include treatments like: daily hygiene and care for your teeth.

Some people need to have treatments done because they have to get rid of their teeth in order to stay healthy and have a beautiful smile. There are treatments for this such as implants, crowns, denture implants or dentures.

The choices that are available for dental treatments is large these days and still growing.

It is important to remember that the most important treatment is done to help prevent dental problems. Though there are some people that get treatments completed so they will have a nice, white smile they can be proud of.

The common prevention treatments that are used to help you maintain health teeth include:

- Cleaning

- Scaling

- Fillings

- Resin bonding

There are even some forms of oral surgery that fall under prevention treatment. These include: surgery for receding gums, or removal of your wisdom teeth.

The treatments that are for prevention are some of the most beneficial and cost effective treatments available these days.

Some people require more serious or an even broader range of issues. There will always be people that need treatment due to being injured because of it.

Other people will have an illness that will lead them to needing more extensive treatments.

If your dentist believes that you need a more extensive treatment, it is important to listen to them. They are trying to ensure you have a healthy smile that you can be proud of so you don't end up with bad teeth that cause you nothing but health issues.

The dentist is not to be feared, but instead you should thank them for being able to give you a smile that you can show off everywhere you go.

These are just a small handful of the dental treatments that you can get that will lead to a great smile. You want to be smart and talk to a dentist about the different treatments that they believe would be good for you. So that you will end up with the smile that you have always wanted, they will be able to help you make the smart choice for you.

How to Lose Weight Using the Glycemic Index by Andrew Mason

We must take a slow, but steady approach to the way that we regulate our weight. This will require us to really analyze the speed at which our food is digested, ensuring that a slow process avoids those unwanted spikes in blood sugar levels. Often, we eat a diet too high in simple carbohydrates, which directly contribute to the spikes. While carbohydrates are vital for us, it's the type of carb that we need to think about. If you are trying to balance your weight and avoid the onset of other illnesses, consider how you prepare and eat carbs.

If you focus on a diet that is loaded in terms of simple carbs, you can unnecessarily strain your body. The pancreas is in the frontline of this assault and is forced to produce a much greater insulin level than is healthy as it tries to process these types of food. Blood sugar levels are elevated and insulin does nothing for the problem by triggering the creation of fat reserves. The body will find it difficult to regulate this insulin as glucose levels flood the bloodstream and this is a prime breeding ground for the development of what we know only too well as diabetes.

In response to this condition, the glycemic index was developed. This helps us understand the way that blood glucose is affected by all the different food types. We now know that certain foods spike those levels and create unwanted insulin and this situation is to be avoided if we are to be healthy and control our weight.

Every food that we eat should be digested slowly in an ideal world, if we are to sidestep an elevated glycemic response. Look for foods that are found toward the bottom of the index, as most of these are naturally high in fiber, as well. As fiber is basically indigestible, it will make us feel satisfied for a longer period of time. We can help to avoid food cravings that are most often associated with a failure to follow a dietary plan this way.

Foods found toward the bottom of the glycemic index result in a moderate glycemic response. These foods are digested at a slower rate and we won't feel hungry all the time. Regulating a constant supply of blood sugar avoids hills and valleys. All of us have experienced this scenario, when a sugar crash causes us to look for those mid-morning, afternoon or bedtime snacks.

Remember that complex carbohydrates are your friends in the battlefield. You will find them contained within vegetables, fruits and natural foods, all of which are slowly but steadily processed by the body. Due to their complexity, they take time to be broken down to manageable levels and we don't experience those ups and downs suffered when the body is battling to cope with other, simple carbs. Regularly check your levels, including your triglycerides, your cholesterol and aim for a much healthier life without worrying about diabetes, heart disease or cancers too much.

Eating Your Way Back To a Slimmer You - Simply and Easily! by Andrew Mason

Have you heard the saying -- slow but steady wins the race? This is an appropriate way of assessing our approach to weight control. We need to eat foods that we can ingest and process slowly, therefore bypassing those spikes in blood sugar, a condition often associated with simple carbs. While carbohydrates are vital as a source of energy, we need to concern ourselves with the type of carb that we eat. If we are trying to avoid certain illnesses and to balance our weight effectively, we must focus on how we prepare and eat these carbs quite carefully.

If we have a diet that is high in simple carbohydrates, we strain our bodies unnecessarily. Of all the organs to be effected, the pancreas is most at risk. It has to struggle to create large levels of insulin to try and deal with the processing of this type of carbohydrate. When this happens, blood sugar levels are elevated and insulin is prevalent, contributing to the creation of fat reserves, needlessly. The body finds it very difficult to produce high levels of insulin to deal with elevated glucose levels in the bloodstream and this situation can lead to the development of what we know only too well as diabetes.

The glycemic index has been developed to help us understand how to regulate the glucose levels, as they are linked to certain food types. We can see that certain carbohydrates contribute to spikes in the glucose level and that unnecessary insulin. By avoiding such foods, it follows that we can control our weight and help to look after our health, moving forward.

The secret is to be sure that the food we eat is ingested slowly. If not, the glycemic response will be elevated, which is a condition that we want to avoid. Consequently, we should look at foods that are found toward the bottom of the index, which also tend to be naturally high in fiber. Fiber is difficult, if not impossible for the body to digest quickly and therefore we will feel as if we are "satisfied" for a longer period of time after we eat. As such, we will avoid the food cravings that can lead to all kinds of issues when trying to diet.

The foods at the bottom of the glycemic index are known to result in a more controllable glycemic response. They are processed more slowly, remain in our systems longer and help us to avoid those hunger pangs. If we can maintain a constant supply of blood sugar, without the ups and downs, we can also help to avoid that unnecessary run to the sweet counter, a condition that we are all too familiar with during midmorning, midafternoon or at bedtime.

Don't confuse the two. "Simple" might sound more preferable to "complex," but in truth complex carbohydrates are your friends. These are found in natural foods, vegetables and fruit and are processed steadily within the body. As they take time to break down, we don't go through the roller coaster that we could otherwise experience if we eat foods within the higher echelons of the glycemic index. Always check your cholesterol and see if your triglyceride levels are normal, as part of your healthy lifestyle.

Discovering Low Glycemic Index Foods by Andrew Mason

When it comes to looking after your heart, we know that fruits and vegetables are the good guys, as they have the properties necessary to help us control blood sugar levels. We need to focus on this type of carbohydrate as we avoid those peaks and troughs that are all too commonly associated with incorrect insulin levels and diabetes. You might be ready to run to the produce store to stock up on a diet based on the low glycemic index, focusing on vegetables and fruits to the expense of everything else. It's important not to make sweeping generalizations, though and we need to take a closer look at each individual food, as some will have a much higher GI rating than others, when you least expect it.

The glycemic index runs on a scale between zero and 100, with foods that are classified toward the bottom of the index being seen as much better for insulin and weight control. The foods are rated according to the amount of time that it takes our bodies to process them. You might be in for some surprises when you think about certain foods that we classify as otherwise healthy. Watermelon, for instance, which is a staple of the summer months and we see as natural and refreshing, is given a high glycemic index rating of 72.

As we strive to find the perfect diet in this respect, we need to be aware of how we prepare and ultimately cook the foods that we eat. Potatoes, definitely one of the staple parts of our diet, can be seen as a "moderate" option in one circumstance, yet toward the high end of the index in others. If you like baked potatoes, you will find yourself at the top of the index, but if you steam them, you can be more toward the middle-of-the-road.

We know how green, leafy vegetables are promoted as the perfect food for us and a majority of fruits are also classified at the bottom end of the index. We should be able to eat these on a daily basis, but we don't want to steer away completely from those foods found toward the higher end of the index. If we are to be successful with a particular dietary plan, we have to have some element of variety.

It's somewhat ironic that the Surgeon General tells us that we should focus a large part of our daily diet on the consumption of cereals and breads. We do need to narrow this down even more to be healthy, according to the glycemic index. Whole grains are much better and we should avoid refined wheat as much as possible. This is because those whole grains are very high in essential fiber, which helps with processing.

We should base our diet around vegetables and fruits, as well as an appropriate serving of lean protein. The good thing about protein is that it helps to regulate the effects of some of those high glycemic index foods. Fish, in particular is highly recommended, especially as it has a lot of Omega-3 fatty acids and important nutrients.

Always be aware of the fat content of the protein that you eat and maintain a good balance, as you compile an attractive, yet nutritional diet without too many of those potentially damaging, simple carbohydrates.

How to Treat Varicose Veins by Meredi Wagner-Hoehn

Varicose veins are the unattractive and uncomfortable blue/purple veins which bulge out of the leg. Varicose veins are an incredibly common issue in the U.S., and since they can be visually unappealing and physically painful, varicose vein treatments are highly sought after. Depending on the severity of the venous condition, different procedures are available to effectively treat the vein.

Initial Varicose Vein Assessment

The first step is to contact your Austin phlebologist (vein specialist) to discover the extent of your particular condition. At this time, they’ll conduct a history and a physical to thoroughly evaluate the veins. They also perform a duplex ultrasound evaluation to discover if any varicose veins hidden under the surface of the skin are feeding into the visible varicose veins. Then, your phlebologist will know which treatments will best address your condition.

Compression Stockings

Compression stockings look like knee-socks, but they’re built to encourage blood flow in the leg veins. The medicinal socks allocate particular pressure around the ankles, and then they slowly lose pressure as they extend up to the knee. This helps reduce minor veins because it reduces blood congestion, encouraging the blood to move steadily.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a non-surgical venous treatment which involves your phlebologist injecting a solution into the vein. The solution then causes the vein to seal shut, eventually dissolving it over the course of a few weeks. Generally, people require multiple sclerotherapy treatments to effectively erase the varicose vein. Other forms of sclerotherapy include foam sclerotherapy and ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, both of which serve similar purposes for slightly different situations.

Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)

EVLT also closes the vein, but it does so through the use of a laser instead of a solution. Your Austin phlebologist inserts the laser into the offending vein through a needle, emitting pulses of light into the vein to close it.

Ambulatory Phlebectomy

For bulkier varicose veins, ambulatory phlebectomy involves small, precise punctures in the skin through which your phlebologist extracts the veins. Although this is a surgical procedure, stitches are generally unnecessary and scars hardly ever develop.

If you’re looking to get rid of your varicose vein pain, contact Zimmet Vein & Dermatology to discuss which varicose vein treatment will best address your condition.

Non-Invasive Alternatives to Plastic Surgery by Meredi Wagner-Hoehn

Everyone wants to look the way they feel. At 15, you’re wishing to be 18 and off to college. At 53, you’re wishing to be 35 and rid of wrinkles. Many older women turn to plastic surgery to rejuvenate their appearance. However, plastic surgery comes with a number of risks and potential side effects. Healthy, non-invasive alternatives to plastic surgery exist to help you look the way you feel. Consider these options before turning to the more invasive surgical procedures.

Natural Alternatives to Plastic Surgery

Some basic steps can help get you back to the “you” you want to be. Try these techniques for a self-care anti-aging alternative.

Exercise. It’s the most popular piece of physical advice out there because it’s true. Exercise can make a tummy tuck unnecessary. Also, it quite simply makes you healthier, allowing your entire body to avoid such things as unnecessarily visible veins, extraneous fat and sagging skin.

Diet Nutritionally. Maintaining a nutritional diet helps tremendously with general physical health and weight loss. What you eat can account for approximately 80% of your body fat changes, so if someone continues to chow down on fast food while exercising, it’s not going to show results.

Maintain a Regular Sleep Schedule. Not getting enough sleep can age your appearance by light years. Sleep is a natural anti-aging procedure.

Anti-Aging Products

Here are a few items you should keep stocked to maintain a fresh, youthful appearance.

Sun Block. Sun damage is the most consistently harmful external force against your body. It results in wrinkles, leathery skin texture, skin discoloration and – at worst – melanoma. Halt its progress before it begins; apply sunscreen every day.

Facial Cleanser. Using just soap to wash your face can actually clog the pores and make skin oily, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and acne. Consider SkinCeuticals for your cleaning routine. SkinCeuticals uses innovative technology to enforce a natural layer of protection on your skin.

Cosmetic Dermatology Alternatives to Plastic Surgery

Cosmetic dermatology techniques tend to be minimally invasive or non-invasive, providing a quick, comfortable alternative to arduous plastic surgery procedures. Dermal fillers can serve the same purpose as lip enhancement, for example. They plump up the lips without the surgery. Thermage®, a skin tightening and contouring procedure which heats the collagen under your skin, can offer the same results as a face lift but instead of a scalpel, your Austin dermatologist uses a laser.

To further discuss these non-invasive plastic surgery alternatives, call Zimmet Vein & Dermatology today. During your initial skin consultation, Dr. Zimmet will help you decide what’s best for your skin.

Facial Veins: What You Need to Know? by Meredi Wagner-Hoehn

Small, visible veins trailing along the face, neck or chest can be a cosmetic frustration. Luckily, these facial veins can be treated.

What Are Facial Veins?

Facial veins are actually not veins at all – they’re dilated blood vessels. Facial veins, also called telangiectasias, can appear in a variety of different forms. Generally, they’re thin, short red or purple lines. Sometimes, they’re so small that to the naked eye, they just make the skin appear red. In the case of spider angiomas, a number of facial veins radiate out from a round red splotch, resembling a spider.

Where Do Facial Veins Come From?

Generally, the blood vessel’s dilation comes from its walls deteriorating. Why the walls deteriorate is still under scrutiny, but a few constants tend to accompany the facial veins. These include sun damage, liver disease, family history, radiation therapy and just plain aging. They appear most commonly in middle-aged women with pale skin.

Facial veins frequently make their appearance alongside rosacea, a chronic skin problem which reddens skin. Although dilated blood vessels generally don’t have any side effects (beyond the visibility), when they accompany rosacea, they can result in a slight burning in the specific area.

Additionally, any time your face reddens – due to blushing, exercise, sun exposure, etc. – it increases your chances of developing facial veins.

What Facial Vein Treatments Are Available?

Dilated blood vessels do not serve any valuable purpose to human health; your Austin cosmetic dermatologist can remove them without any potential for personal harm. A couple of different facial vein treatment options are available. Which vein treatment works for you depends on your unique skin condition and medical history. Discuss these with your Austin dermatologist before deciding which to pursue.

The DioLite Laser. This facial vein treatment involves directing a thin laser ray to each specific vessel, honing in on the red and ignoring the adjacent healthy skin.

Intense Pulsed Light. This option acts similarly to the DioLite Laser, but it can either select certain areas or affect the whole face. Occasionally, a combination of these two treatments offers the best results.

Sclerotherapy. Sclerotherapy involves collapsing the vessel in on itself. This dermatologic treatment is only applicable in certain facial vein cases.

If you’re tired of seeing a network of veins when you look in the mirror, call Zimmet Vein & Dermatology, a top-ranking Austin dermatology clinic.

Oral Hygiene Tips: How to Keep Your Mouth Healthy by Meredi Wagner-Hoehn

People get haircuts. They shave their faces or legs, as the gender may be. They buy make-up and cologne, keep their cars washed and mow their front lawns in Lakeway. So why is it so hard for so many people to conduct proper daily oral hygiene? Although studies across the board claim people believe their smile to be their most prominent facial feature, only about 30% of Americans say they floss daily. Good oral hygiene can turn bad breath into fresh breath. Here are some tips to help you remember your daily oral hygiene needs.

1. Take a Toothbrush to Work

The average set of teeth needs brushing with toothpaste after every meal. The post-lunch brushing can be the most difficult. You’re at work, so you don’t have a toothbrush. At least bringing a toothbrush with you gives you the option of brushing. If you can get your hands on a mini toothpaste too, that would be ideal. Many people hesitate to brush teeth at work out of embarrassment; what if your coworker walks into the restroom while you’re foaming at the mouth? Spitting more frequently can be an easy solution to the foam. The general act of brushing, while personal, is not embarrassing; in fact, it’s something to be proud of. If office gossip catches wind of your hidden brushing, the most they can say is that you care enough about yourself to keep your teeth healthy and beautiful.

2. Coordinate Your Flossing

Flossing can be the most difficult daily oral hygiene to remember, and it is absolutely pertinent to your oral health; most people should floss at least once a day. A habit which greatly increases flossing patterns is coordinating your flossing in conjunction with another daily habit; for example, if you shower at night, floss right after showering. If you wear contacts, floss when you take them out at the end of the day. This way, it becomes an automatic behavior patter, instead of something you hate and avoid.

3. Be Conscious of Your Guilty Pleasures

No one’s going to deny you that cup of coffee, ring of smoke or glass of red, red wine, but remain conscious of your consumption patterns. When you allow yourself that piece of candy as a mid-afternoon snack, take a quick trip to the bathroom for a brushing afterwards.

4. Schedule That 6-Month Cleaning, EVERY 6 Months

It’s so easy to tell yourself, “Well, I’m brushing my teeth every day; my dental hygienist won’t do anything better than that! I’ll wait another year.” However, a professional dental cleaning reaches into the crannies and crevices further than even the most thorough personal cleaning.

Schedule your 6-month teeth cleaning today. Call the Lakeway Center for Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry today to discuss your teeth with Dr. Robert D’Alfonso.

What Affordable Means in Dentistry by Meredi Wagner-Hoehn

The search for a competent, friendly and affordable dentist can be as difficult as the search for the Fountain of Youth. To find the best Austin dentist for you and your budget, you need a clear idea of what you’re looking for in your dental health plan. Here are some questions to consider when determining your next general, cosmetic or family dentist.

Do They Offer Affordable Dental Plans?

For some advanced procedures, it’s unreasonable to expect cheap dental work. For example, the cost of dental implants will always be somewhat steep. The process of implanting a titanium screw into a person’s jaw, allowing it to integrate with the jawbone and placing a crown on top takes expensive materials and, more importantly, expensive dental training. Dental implant prices reflect the level of training any qualified dentist, even an affordable dentist, has to go through to safely and effectively deliver that service, not to mention the cutting-edge tools and materials the Austin dental practice needs to complete the dental surgery.

Although dental clinics don’t have control over the prices of training and materials, and translated, the price of their service, they do have control over the payment process. That’s why it’s important to ask, “Do they offer affordable dental plans?” Some Austin dental practices offer dental payment plans, 0% financing and assistance with the applications. If you need a dental surgery which costs $3,000, it can be beneficial to your finances and life to pay in increments as opposed to a lump sum. Sometimes, cheap dental service doesn’t mean a lower price tag; it means greater convenience through customer assistance.

One Austin dental practice which embraces this ideal in customer service is Dr. Mike McCarty’s cosmetic dentistry office on Mo-Pac. The employees offer comprehensive service, from teeth cleaning to dental insurance guidance to assistance in signing up for their CareCredit payment plan.

Do They Offer a Complete Array of Individual Dental Plans?

Your Austin dentist should be able to perform any dental work your unique situation requires. A dental plan for seniors may be necessary, for example. This plan may involve dental implants, dentures or root canals. The same cosmetic dentist should be able to treat your teenage daughter with a dental plan which fits her needs, such as Invisalign® (invisible braces) to keep her smiling confidence high. An affordable dentist remains affordable by offering full-service in just one stop. Going to the same Austin dentist for all of your family dental plans cuts back on travel, leaving you in control of your time.

Do They Value Their Customers?

This may seem like an obvious concern, but it can be one of the most difficult questions to answer. Sure, they may smile at you when you come to the counter, but what extra effort do they put forth to ensure their customers’ satisfaction? If a dental practice is dedicated to keeping their customers happy, they’ll offer certain perks in addition to consistent quality care.

To present another example, Dr. McCarty gives three lucky customers a discounted teeth whitening each month. The teeth whitening lottery provides the winner with a free in-office Rembrandt© teeth whitening; the second winner gets 50% off, and the third winner gets 25% off. This lottery gives his patients’ smile an added brilliance, showing genuine care for the beautiful smiles of Austin.

Smile Like a Celebrity: Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures by Meredi Wagner-Hoehn

Austin is a celebrity city. Whether it’s Edward Norton coming to town for Fantastic Fest or The Strokes hanging with the crowd at Austin City Limits, we attract musicians and actors aplenty. Not to mention all the celebrities which have sprung from the Texas capital city – Michael Dell, Lance Armstrong, Sandra Bullock and Robert Rodriguez, to name a few.

Whether you’re an actor, musician, millionaire or everyday Joe, you want beautiful teeth. Here are a few procedures you may want to consider to correct some common dental problems.

Teeth Whitening: For Stained Teeth

Most people require some form of teeth whitening over the course of their life. Whether it’s as minor as a teeth cleaning or as intense as a professional dentist whitening, the most effective teeth whitening technique exists for any dental situation. While over-the-counter options exist, the most effective options lie with your local Lakeway cosmetic dentist. A cosmetic dentist can either create a teeth bleaching mold which you may wear whenever your bright smile needs a little brightening. They may also conduct laser whitening through such procedures as Zoom!® teeth whitening. Zoom!® teeth whitening involves a direct application of bleach, giving you white teeth in less than an hour.

Invisalign®: For Crooked Teeth

Invisalign® essentially serves as invisible braces. For anyone with an overbite, underbite or just plain crooked teeth, Invisalign® allows you to straighten your teeth without the added frustration of constant stares at metal wires snaking through the teeth.

Veneers: For Stained, Crooked or Sensitive Teeth

Veneers are masks for the teeth. If your teeth are unattractive, whether through chipped edges or extreme stains or any number of other issues, veneers cover those problems.

Implant Dentistry: For Missing Teeth

If you’ve lost a tooth, implant dentistry replaces the tooth like new. Using sedation dentistry to conduct the dental surgery, your local Austin dentist implants a titanium screw into the jawbone, then, after the bone heals, places a crown on top.

To make your smile look like a celebrity’s, you need an extreme makeover dentist. Dr. Robert D’Alfonso, DDS, of Lakeway, Texas gave Vanessa Joy Humphreys a smile worthy of the People’s Choice Award for the 2010 Miss Austin Pageant. For all your celebrity smile needs, contact Dr. D’Alfonso.

What Is The Glycemic Index? by Andrew Mason

The glycemic index was developed to help us identify and regulate the role of carbohydrates, as they interact with our bodies. We are able to see how each individual food is processed and we can make assumptions about eating the wrong type of food, according to the way it is prepared and the size of each portion. The index classifies foods by rating them between zero and 100, with the lower the better. We need to be sure that our body can process and digest food more slowly, as if the opposite is true, we can put too much stress and strain on our systems. For example, the pancreas is forced to work overtime to produce blood glucose levels and insulin to be able to deal with a higher volume of carbohydrates that break down faster. This is how diabetes develops and it is also difficult for us to regulate our weight, this way.

The glycemic response refers to the speed at which particular carbohydrates affect our blood glucose levels. We have to avoid, at all costs, those spikes in our insulin levels caused by simple carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates are much more difficult for our body to break down and the fact that this process takes time means that our organs do not become overly stressed.

We can split the glycemic index into three categories, ranking food according to whether it is low, moderate or high. At the top end of the scale, a ranking of 100 equates to pure glucose. If we eat far too many of these foods we will just feel less satisfied, tend to be hungry all the time, look for the "sugar rush" snacks and set ourselves up for problems.

A diet is broken down into proteins, fats and carbohydrates. We need each category, but it must be balanced. The glycemic index refers to carbohydrate rankings, but we cannot focus only on these alone as we need to have protein in the right quantity and a certain amount of the correct type of fat as well. Protein and fat will help to balance the worst characteristics of high GI carbohydrates. In addition, we should make sure that we have a sufficient amount of fiber within our carbs, as this slows down the body's processing time.

We don't have to avoid foods that are found toward the higher end of the glycemic index altogether, although if we have already developed diabetes we have to be even more careful, unfortunately. The index does advise us to base our main dietary intake on foods at the bottom end of the scale. It is here that we find those vegetables and fruits. Remember to balance food from the higher end of the list with beneficial proteins.

Paying attention to the glycemic index will help people avoid sugar cravings. You will be much more successful with weight control. Experts tell us that we could experience those cravings as often as 10 times per day. You have to be very stoic to resist!

The GI Plan Diet: For People Who Hate Dieting by Andrew Mason

We can be overwhelmed with a variety of different dietary plans and sometimes we feel as if we have tried and failed at each one. It's little wonder that we are confused as some plans call for us to eat only protein, while others tell us to avoid protein altogether and simply stick to carbohydrates. These dietary plans are all around us and everybody seems to have their own opinion. Some people tell us that the diet should be centered around the glycemic index and specifically to focus on foods that are at the low end of that scale. This type of food is known to avoid the adverse effects associated with high blood sugar levels.

We can find several different dietary plans that are focused on the concept of low glycemic rankings. For instance, the South Beach diet is one of these. In addition, a lower GI diet is good for regulating the symptoms of diabetes and helping to control weight fluctuations in those who are unfortunate to have this disease.

A dietary plan must be focused on the individual. We all have to go through a process of trial and error until we find out what is right for us and we will often need to sample different diets along the way. It can help to seek out the services of a registered dietitian to make the process a little simpler.

Why is a glycemic index-based diet better for us? Mainly because we are able to see what effect a particular carbohydrate has on the human body. We know that some are digested more quickly and lead to blood glucose level spikes - this is known as a glycemic response. The response leads to creation of fat reserves and elevated levels of insulin, as well. These conditions are to be avoided at all cost.

The glycemic response varies according to the quantity of the carbohydrate that you eat, as well as its origin, whether it is processed or not and even how it is prepared and cooked. There is sometimes a considerable difference between a particular food consumed in its raw state, compared to when it is cooked.

Foods found at the bottom of the glycemic index are some of the healthiest and nutrient filled of all. It is here that we find a large variety of vegetables, fruits and beans that should be at the core of a glycemic diet plan. Be careful to study the index though as certain foods are not as "good" as others. For example, cooked carrots or ripened bananas can rank fairly highly on the scale.

Balance a dietary plan based on complex carbohydrates and vegetables from the low end of the glycemic index, together with a healthy amount of lean protein. Control your portions of chicken and fish. Do remember that fish is recommended as it has many health benefits associated with its fatty properties and all-important Omega-3 fatty acids. Always enjoy your diet and remember that moderation is the key, so you might find some of those simple carbs in your mix as well.

An Introduction To Low Glycemic Index Foods by Andrew Mason

We have long suspected that fruits and vegetables are really good for our health and thanks to the glycemic index, we know that they have the properties necessary to help us regulate our blood sugar levels. Fundamentally, this type of carbohydrate helps us to avoid the peaks and troughs that we can commonly experience and that are unfortunately linked to incorrect insulin levels and the threat of diabetes. You might decide that you should opt to compose a shopping list made up of foods found toward the bottom of the glycemic index, fruits and vegetables at the expense of anything else. Always remember not to make sweeping changes though and analyze the content of each individual food. You might find that some have a much higher GI rating than you might otherwise have expected.

The glycemic index ranks foods on a scale between zero and 100. Those foods found toward the bottom of the index are much better at regulating weight control and insulin. The rating scale was developed to show us how long it takes our bodies to process each individual type of food. There are some surprises on the list, as certain foods that we think are inherently healthy for us, may not be so advantageous. Take the case of a watermelon, one of our natural and refreshing diversions during the summer, which actually has a high glycemic index of 72.

When we are composing a perfect dietary plan, consider how we prepare and cook our food. A potato has long been a staple part of our diet. When it is prepared in one way it can be seen as "moderate" on the index, but in another way it can register toward the top of the list. If you like to steam your potatoes, you are better off, but baking them will push you up to the top of the index.

How often have we heard how good those green, leafy vegetables are? All the fruits that we can picture are also classified toward the bottom of the index. While these foods could make up the basis of a daily diet, we shouldn't completely avoid those toward the higher end of the index, either. Variety is the spice of life after all, especially if we are to be successful with a particular diet approach.

We sometimes wonder why the Surgeon General tells us to base a lot of our diet on the consumption of bread and cereals. We need to refer to the glycemic index to narrow down this generalization if we are to be healthier. This would tell us to avoid refined wheat whenever possible and focus on whole grains, especially as these are very high in essential fiber and a critical part of our digestive process.

Add to any diet centered on fruits and vegetables by including appropriate servings of lean protein. Protein is known to regulate some of the adverse effects of high glycemic index foods. Of all the proteins, fish is your best option, especially as it has a number of important nutrients, together with recommended levels of Omega-3 fatty acids.

When choosing protein, regulate fat content at all times and maintain a good balance. With a little bit of effort, you can create a tasty and nutritional diet without reverting to the use of those potentially damaging, simple carbs.

Burn Fat Faster Using Low Glycemic Index Vegetables by Andrew Mason

If you want to compose a diet that is based on the glycemic index rankings, you will find that vegetables are a fantastic choice. Indeed, many people avoid starches at all costs and focus on fruit and vegetables for their carbohydrate intake.

When you consume vegetables, remember that a lot of the goodness and nutritional value comes from the complete item, in as natural a state as possible. This will include the leaves and stalks, where a lot of the fiber is to be found. If you do "juice" your fruit or vegetables, try to retain the pulp that would otherwise be thrown away and use it as you create other dishes.

Vegetables that are found toward the bottom of the glycemic index tend to be rich in minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. Indeed, they are so healthy that it is little wonder that many people choose to change over to a completely vegetarian diet.

Just look at what we can find toward the bottom end of the GI scale. Lettuce, all types of pepper, tomatoes, zucchini, spinach, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, broccoli and asparagus - all have a classified glycemic index of just 15, about as low on the scale as you can get.

The foods at the bottom of the glycemic index take a long time for a body to digest, and this is a good thing. We can avoid an unnecessary buildup of glucose and give our pancreas much needed rest. By doing so, we can also help to avoid fat buildup, which is produced as a result of this excess work. We know that we can help to avoid type II diabetes and other associated illnesses through this regulation. Vegetables are able to give us a number of phytonutrients and other cancer fighting properties, but their greatest value is in the ability to control our daily diet. When we eat them we will feel fuller and be far less likely to run for the candy bar in the middle of the day, or for another sugary snack at bedtime.

We have to be a little careful with certain vegetables in the lineup. For example, the carrot is classified within the midrange of the index, as it has a score of 39 when cooked. Don't eliminate it, however, as it has valuable properties that we must consider anyway and it happens to be particularly tasty when we combine it with our favorite protein. The carrot is also much more preferable when we compare it to simple carbohydrates, the potato or rice portion.

Spinach and broccoli are champion prizefighters within vegetable ranks. Spinach is said to be the best of all vegetables if you are on a low GI diet. The good thing is that you can find it at your food store during any season and it also stands up to time in the freezer pretty well, retaining its nutritional value. This is one of those green, leafy vegetables that we are told must be contained within our diet and we can use it in such a variety of ways. Sprinkle it on a salad or incorporate within other dishes. Broccoli is also a very flexible food, with the ability to retain its valuable properties, no matter what.

Using The Glycemic Index To Achieve Your Desired Weight Loss by Andrew Mason

We should take a slow but steady approach to the control of our weight. We need to know that the foods we are ingesting can be processed slowly so that we can avoid those annoying and unwanted spikes in blood sugar levels, which we see so often with those simple carbs. Carbohydrates are a vital source of energy for us, but it is the type of carb that we need to be concerned about. For those trying to balance weight and avoid the arrival of other illnesses, the way that we prepare and eat these carbs is important.

A diet that is far too high in simple carbohydrates places an unnecessary strain on our bodies. The pancreas is first in line for this onslaught, as it has to create a much greater level of insulin to try and deal with this type and supply of carbohydrates. This raises the blood sugar levels and insulin contributes to the problem by creating reserves of fat. As the body is really struggling to produce the amount of insulin to deal with these glucose levels flooding the bloodstream, a condition which we know only too well as diabetes can be around the corner.

We have developed a measure called the glycemic index, which looks at the amount of blood glucose levels linked to certain types of food. We are able to determine that certain foods cause glucose level spikes and unwanted insulin, and we need to avoid these foods if we are to control our weight and stay healthy.

Ultimately, we need to be sure that the food we eat is digested slowly and we do not want to end up with an elevated glycemic response. Foods that are classified toward the bottom of the index are also naturally high in fiber. This is difficult for the body to digest and therefore we will feel as if we are satisfied for a much longer period of time, fending off those annoying food cravings that are a primary cause of failure when trying to diet.

Foods that are ranked toward the bottom end of the glycemic index will produce a more moderate glycemic response within us. They will be processed at a slower rate and we will feel less hungry. The ideal situation is for us to maintain a constant supply of blood sugar and not to go through those peaks and troughs. We know only too well what happens when we do not follow this regime as we can come across sugar crashes during the mid-morning, mid-afternoon or at bedtime.

Complex carbohydrates are your friend. You can find them in fruit and vegetables and natural foods, which undergo a steady and particular process as they are handled by the body. These carbohydrates take time to be broken down to manageable levels. The ups and downs that we experience when we eat foods contained within the higher echelons of the glycemic index must be avoided, as we focus on the slow release attributes of the better foods. Check to make sure that your triglyceride levels are normal and keep your cholesterol in check as you aim for a much more healthy life without the threat of diabetes, cancers or heart disease.

See A Spine Surgeon For Relief From Severe Back Pain by Nick Messe

Health care professionals often will tell a patient that most back pain is muscular and will go away on its own. Rest a day or two. Take some ibuprofen, wait a few weeks.

It is necessary to see a spine surgeon specialist immediately. If the patient is indeed experiencing muscular back pain from lifting incorrectly, the surgeon will simply tell the patient, "We'll just watch it and rest it a bit." If the muscular pain is not gone in a few weeks, the patient will be instructed to return.

If a patient has been in an accident of any type, the surgeon will want to take X-rays to view bone and an MRI to view soft tissue. With those two diagnostic tools alone, the surgeon can usually find what is causing the patient's pain. It could be a fracture, herniated, or bulging disc, arthritis, or soft tissue injury.

It is never a good idea to ignore severe back pain. Generally, people do want to avoid surgery. Back surgery has come a long way in recent years and more and more people seek relief and obtain relief from consulting with and being under the care of an experienced, compassionate spine surgeon.

It is extremely important to see a qualified spine surgeon if the patient experiences numbness or tingling in any extremity, arms or legs, or shooting pain down arms, legs or buttocks. An experienced spine surgeon is keen on diagnosing and assisting patients with nerve pain. Herniations and fractures will cause severe pain.

Numbness and tingling is a certain indication that a nerve root, emanating from the spine, has been pinched or something is exerting pressure on it. This causes severe pain as would a fracture in any part of the spinal column. If a nerve root is compressed long enough, its function can be decreased and patients can lose sensation and strength in the body part involved.

They can have legs "give out" from a lumbar compression or drop things from their hands without realizing when a cervical or neck nerve root is impinged. It is important to treat these types of injuries quickly as they can worsen and unnecessary attempts at movement can hinder recovery later on and pain medications often do not relieve this type of pain adequately enough.

Treatment options include surgery to remove herniated discs, stabilization of the vertebrae with metal rods, known as a spinal fusion, and assessment of spinal disorders. Many spine surgeons are capable of performing minimally invasive spine surgeries with lasers that allow for smaller incisions and much faster recoveries than traditional open back surgery can offer.

Depending on the patient's diagnosis, location of injury and overall medical condition, an experienced spine surgeon can offer fast, effective relief from major back pain. There is no need to endure long periods of time in distress over back pain. The depression and helplessness can be reduced by consulting a spine surgeon and treatment options are more realistic and less invasive than ever before.

Is There Anything Good Regarding Cholesterol - Maybe? by Andy Guides Jr

While most experts tend to focus on the bad effects of too much fat, cholesterol is an important building block that the body needs. It contributes to the process of building cell membranes and improving their ability to function. It also helps with creation of several vitamins and hormones.

Cholesterol helps with the digestion of fats or lipids. Since it doesn't dissolve in the blood by itself, it has to be carried around by transporters called lipoproteins. When these lipoproteins are high-density (HDL), they move away from arteries and toward the liver where substances are processed so they can leave the body. HDL also may help dissolve plaques, or deposits of fats, attached to artery walls. This helps reduce arterial disease and protect the body from heart attacks. More and more studies are showing how HDL contributes to good health.

Most people know that cholesterol is found in animal products. These include meat and dairy items like milk and cheese. However the body can make its own; usually as much as it needs. As discussed above, the body can also eliminate extra cholesterol but not always and not completely if large amounts are consumed. To avoid excess, diets should be rich in plant products, alternative proteins, lean meats, dairy products that are non fat or low fat, and foods that have little or no saturated fat or trans fat.

A moderate amount of alcohol can also help raise the ratio of HDL. A drink or two each day may help. However, it isn't advisable to add alcohol to the diet just to increase HDL.

In addition, staying active can help increase HDL. Just walking, running or sprinting can also help reduce the risk of obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Sometimes, good habits are not enough. Family history can also affect blood levels of fats and the propensity toward forming plaques. In this case, doctors have drugs that can assist the body counteract the deleterious effects of foods. Soon, they may also have options to help build HDL.

In any case, working to keep a healthy heart and clear arteries is one of the best choices a person can make. Many of us have room to improve our choices and limit cholesterol. Our lives and health are worth it.

How Can I Tell If I Have Vertebral Subluxations? by Nick Messe

We are all looking for ways to obtain true health. Although there appears to be a prescription for every ailment, many are searching for more natural ways to heal the body and allow it to function properly. Understanding the body is key to natural healing.

For example, the spine and the central nervous system are key players in the overall function of the entire body. If the communication between brain and body is compromised, the body experiences discomfort and is unable to work efficiently. Vertebral subluxation is a common cause of this disconnect in the nervous system. It can lead to multiple physical issues, but is easily treatable without medication.

Vertebral subluxation is a disturbance in the positioning and motion of the spinal bones. This deviation from healthy alignment causes disturbances in the pathways from certain nerves to the brain. It is caused by the body's reaction to stress. The muscles surrounding the spine tighten and spasm, forcing the spinal bones into an unnatural position. The adjacent nerves are affected, resulting in multiple health issues.

This goes beyond causing back pain and headaches. It can also lead to stomach issues and pain throughout the body. For instance, if the nerves transferring information to the brain regarding the stomach are affected, a person may experience vomiting, pain, and other gastrointestinal issues. Due to its ability to impact many body systems, vertebral subluxation needs to be identified and treated right away.

The only way to diagnose vertebral subluxation is through a Chiropractor. These doctors understand the role the spine and its alignment play in the overall health of the body. A visit to a Chiropractic Clinic is the best way to return the body to its optimum working order. Since this problem is brought on by stress and its resulting muscle spams, there is a possibility that the body could heal itself if the case is mild.

Reducing stress, rest, and stretching can stop the spasms and return the spine to proper position. However, most cases of vertebral subluxation go unnoticed until they have reached the advanced stages. Chiropractic treatments are the only way to realign the spinal bones, allowing the nerves to properly communicate the needs of the body.

The treatments are a series of controlled movements that are used to reposition the bones. They may also include the use of massage therapists to loosen the muscles that have caused the initial movement. How quickly the patient feels relief depends on the severity of the problem. Many patients feel a difference in a few weeks.

The human body is a machine of intertwined systems. A disconnect or weakness in one system immediately affects the efficiency of the others. This is obvious in vertebral subluxation. The stress that affects the muscles around the spinal bones leads to a breakdown in the communication of the nervous system. This has the potential to wreck havoc on all areas of the body. A visit to a Chiropractor is the only way to diagnosis this issue, treat the body and allow the patient to achieve optimum health.

Laser Hair Removal: A Risk Less Procedure Of Undergoing Unwanted Hair Removal by Andy Guides Jr

Laser hair removal is the perfect solution for those people that are seriously interested in being able to permanently remove hair from their bodies. This form of hair removal makes use of light energy that is emitted by lasers and which helps to remove any hair from the body that is not required to be there. When it concerns removing superfluous hair from the body the problem affects both men and women. If you have tried shaving or waxing or tweezing the hair and found that results are temporary at best; then you need to look to lasers which ensure much more long lasting results.

Laser hair removal is used to permanently get rid of small as well as large amounts of unnecessary hair. The best results are noticed among people whose skin is light in color and whose hair is dark. Furthermore, the results obtained when lasers are used to remove coarse hair are also better than for other kinds of hair.

When you opt for laser removal methods you will first need to shave off all the offending hair and then clean the affected area after which some anaesthetic cream needs to be applied. Next, it is time to apply the laser which means sending pulsed beams containing high amount of light that is then absorbed by pigments within the follicles of hair that need to be removed. When this takes place there is also some amount of damage to surrounding follicles and this is how it is possible to stop hair from growing in the treated area.

In most cases, this form of treatment does not cause any pain though you would experience a little discomfort. The treatment may last for anything from minutes to an hour and perhaps even longer. The deciding factor is the part on the body that is to be treated.

After the treatment has been completed the area may turn red and there may be some swelling though this will disappear on its own after a brief period of time. And, you can continue doing your normal routines immediately after the treatment has been completed.

In most cases, laser hair removal is not risky, especially when an experienced hand performs the procedure. There are however a few complications that can develop and these can take the form of skin turning dark or even light. Furthermore, the area that has been treated may also develop a few burns and blisters.

The norm, in so far as number of treatments required, is that it normally takes between four and six sessions for you to get desirable results. The cost of such form of treatment is usually in the region of two hundred dollars and more and it all depends on the area that has to be treated.