Advances in science and medicine have led to a society that is highly dependent upon drugs to quickly solve medical problems. One of these categories of medications is the anti-depressant, and studies are now wondering if they don’t actually cause the depression they were meant to curtail.

Controlling the brain is still an elusive goal.
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Dangers of anti-depressants are many, and like any drug, should not be started without careful consideration. Here are a few things to think about before going on anti-depressants.

Chemical Imbalance

Use of anti-depressants started when scientific studies demonstrated that a chemical imbalance contributes to depression. Low levels of serotonin are thought to contribute to a depressive state, but actually many new studies have contradicted this belief. It is not lost on many regulatory agencies that drug companies who had millions of dollars to gain with new drugs conducted many of the initial studies.

A recent study reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association demonstrated that anti-depressant drugs used for mild depression were no more effective than a placebo. And in cases of severe depression, especially in young people, many incidents of suicide have been reported even while taking medication.

Labeling Lifestyle Disorders a Disease

A development over the last 20 to 30 years has taken psychological features of human beings such as sadness, restlessness, lack of sex drive, and inability to concentrate and labeled them diseases. Well, they can be treated with medication, so the patient must be sick, goes the logic.

Now instead of someone saying, “Gee, I feel sad a lot of the time,” and trying to figure out why, they buy into the label of suffering from depression.

Exercise is often a good way to relieve depression.
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Severe depression with suicidal tendencies is a lot different than being sad because your marriage of many years ended in divorce or your mother died. Yet, the medical community started treating lifestyle disorders that stem from regular life occurrences—like death, divorce, marriage, moving, getting a new job, or being fired from a job—as a disease. With the label in their head, people who perhaps could have seen a way to get out of the situation, now see themselves as depressed and feel compelled to take anti-depressants.

Side Effects

Different anti-depressants have different side effects on different people. But all patients usually report some change in their physical or mental state. One of the common results is that there are no longer the low feelings, but there are also no longer the fun high feelings when on anti-depression medication. Some patients report no longer “feeling” anything at all, and feelings are really a part of life. This often leads to more depression.

Physical effects of anti-depressants include dry mouth, dizziness, loss of appetite, headaches, nausea, and insomnia. Often being sick can be depressing in and of itself, thus increasing the low feelings the medication was meant to alleviate.

For all of these reasons, anti-depressant medication should be carefully considered before starting a treatment program, and be sure to explore alternative therapies for milder cases. The results can be the difference between life and death!

Sarah Boisvert’s writing covers healthcare and medical business topics including nurse and physician recruiting, financial planning, and marketing. She also writes about manufacturing medical devices with 3D Printing and laser micromachining.

Here is an explanation of why it’s important for you to keep an eye on your heart rate when exercising.

What is a heart rate?

Wild fluctuations in heart rate during exercise are not healthy!
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A heart rate is the number of times per minute the heart contracts and relaxes per minute. The human heart pumps blood faster to meet the needs of a body that is engaged in physical activity such as exercise than when it is resting.

In exercise, we aim to hit a target heart rate over the course of a workout. The target heart rate ensures that we are not over or under training, but rather staying within a good range.

The Mayo Clinic recommends that you exercise at only 75 – 80% of our maximum heart rate if you’re in good shape, and at about 50% of your maximum heart rate if you’re new to exercise or have been taking a hiatus from it. Calculators for target heart rate are available from a variety of health websites.

Under training
We certainly don’t want to put strain on the heart by increasing heart rate too quickly when entering an exercise regimen. But if your exercise program’s goal is weight loss, muscle toning, or cardiovascular endurance, you will have to exert a certain amount of effort to reach those milestones. And your heart will have to work a little to achieve it.

As mentioned above, you can work at a percentage of your maximum heart rate and still achieve the desired goal, but you can’t stay at resting heart rate. Otherwise, nothing is accomplished!

Overtraining

Overtraining is perhaps even more dangerous than under training. A heart rate that is too high can lead to health problems. If you suffer from heart disease, it can put too much strain on a heart that is already compromised, but other organs will also be adversely affected by overtraining.

Hydration is key in keeping your heart healthy when exercising.
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Often people new to exercise will work very hard and fast with limited water intake. Dehydration can then lead to a drop in blood pressure, which starts the domino effect of dizziness, leading to injuries from falls. Overtraining also leads to chronic pain, as the muscles are dealing with effort they have not previously exerted. Remembering to give the body proper rest between workouts is also key.

Interestingly, more is not necessarily better when it comes to exercise. At its most extreme, overtraining can lead to respiratory illnesses and infections, insomnia, loss of appetite, anxiety, and in women, disruption of their menstrual cycles.

These steps will ensure success in your exercise program:

1. Find an online website to help you set your target heart rate.
2. Check your pulse after 20 – 30 minutes of exercise.
3. Adjust level of intensity based on the pulse information.

With time, you’ll develop a sense for the level of activity correlation to heart rate. By keeping an eye on your heart rate, you’ll derive maximum benefit from your exercise program.

Sarah Boisvert is an author specializing in business topics including real estate, title service, finance, and marketing.

1. Taking Breaks

Individuals that are ready to get into the best shape of their life may be going to the gym every single day but still not seeing definitive results. What many may not realize is that one common issue is overexertion. The body needs time to rest, especially when someone focuses on a specific muscle group. By taking one full day to rest every single week, muscles will have time to recover.

2. Use Proper Equipment

From the right pair of shoes to specialized athletic tape from http://www.strengthtape.com/, utilizing equipment that has been specifically for training can often make all the difference. In addition to promoting more effective movements, it will also dramatically reduce the chance of injuries that could require weeks or even months of downtime.

3. Eat Immediately After

There is a short period of time directly after a gym visit in which the body is starved for nutrients. Whatever a person ingests between 30 minutes and an hour after a workout will often be one of the most important meals they have that day. With lean proteins and fresh produce, all of the hard work put in at the gym will be much more effective.

4. Focus on Form

Everyone wants to be able to use to the heaviest weights, but the experts at AskMen.com say focusing on form is much more important. For any number of exercises, this includes using the full range of motion to engage as much of the targeted muscles as possible. The proper form is also another important step when it comes to reducing injuries.

5. Plan Routines Beforehand

By planning out workout routines a week at a time, everyone can be sure that they are working out every major muscle group. When at the gym, it can be all too easy to forget certain machines or exercises, especially when exhausted. Creating a list and bringing it to the gym will also help individuals to keep careful track of their progression over time.

Do keep in mind that before you begin a new exercise regimen it is advisable to consult with a healthcare or fitness professional.

Obviously, if you are into exercising, you should also work at eating right. Along with that, you should develop routines that combine cardiovascular training with strength training. This is the best way to maintain fitness and good health while also maintaining a healthy weight (and facilitating weight loss).

Just walking briskly is cardio exercise.

About Cardio Training

Cardio training is often referred to as aerobic exercise. In simple terms, this refers to exercises that work to improve the efficiency of the cardiovascular system. In other words, there is an improvement in the blood flow and oxygenation throughout the body. In addition, the heart is strengthened.

There is a reduced risk of diabetes, high cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, and of heart disease. With that in mind, it is not surprising that many doctors recommend these types of exercises to their patients.

Other health benefits of cardio training include such things as the following:

• Lowered stress levels
• Improved endurance
• Improved sleep
• Elevated mood
• Increased energy
• Increased concentration

Combination workouts make exercising more fun.

There are lots of different types of cardio exercises to choose from. Examples include things like bike riding, brisk walking, skipping, swimming, hiking, jogging or running, and stair climbing.

If you are new to exercising, it is best to start out slowly and build your way up to something more intense. For instance, it would be a good idea to start out walking before attempting to run. This allows your body time to build up strength and stamina.

About Strength Training

Strength training is all about using the force of weights or resistance to work specific muscle groups. This increases the muscle’s anaerobic endurance as well as the muscle size and tone.

The benefits realized from strength training include such things as increased muscle mass, a well-toned appearance, and improved balance and coordination. Other benefits are listed below.

• Increased metabolism
• Improved joint flexibility
• Reduced risk of injury
• Improved posture

Getting it All

Clearly, both types of exercises can offer some fabulous benefits. The way to enjoy all the advantages possible is to combine the trainings.

One way to establish a balanced cardio and strength training exercise routine is to alternate the days you focus on each type of training. For instance, Mondays can be scheduled for cardio workouts and Tuesdays for strength training; Wednesdays would be cardio again, and the week would continue in that manner.

Another option is to combine the trainings. For example, you could walk, and afterward you could do some upper body strength training one day. The next day you could swim and do some lower-body weight training after.

Summary

Both cardio training and strength training offer fantastic benefits. The best way to take advantage of all of these is to combine the exercises.

Exercising in the wrong way or overexertion can lead to health problems and/or injuries. Be safe from the start. Before you begin an exercise regimen, you should consult with a healthcare or fitness expert.

Get the information you need, then start exercising. You’ll have fun, you’ll get in shape, and you’ll enjoy better health!

Debbie Allen is a freelance and online marketer. Besides writing about health and wellness topics, Debbie also likes to write about business people that are in the news—people like Gary Crittenden.

1: The Fitness Buddy App

If you’ve ever had a personal trainer, one thing that you learned is that you need to keep your body guessing if you want to see results. You may not know hundreds of different exercises that target different areas of your body, but you can have them at the palm of your hand with the Fitness Buddy app. Not only does the app have 1700 different exercises that are categorized by target area, it’s also an exercise planner and journal so that you can keep track of the progress you’re making. Included within the app is 1000 different high-definition videos that show you exactly how to perform the exercises.

2: The Adidas miCoach

One of the greatest things about a personal trainer is that they are there to push you. If you think you’ll be missing out on the motivation, the Adidas miCoach may be perfect for you. This app uses GPS and has real-time voice coaching so that you continue to push yourself and accomplish your fitness goals. In addition to audible alerts, the app also offers a detailed analysis of your workout so that you can keep improving.

3: The Couch-to-5k App

This app received the award as the best Healthcare and Fitness App in 2012 because it is effective and easy to use. If you’re new to the fitness world, this app promises to have you ready to run a 5k in 9 weeks. You dedicate 30 minutes per day 3 days every week, and you’ll build your endurance and stamina. With a detailed training plan and a virtual coach, you’ll feel like you’re training with a real-life professional.

4: You Are Your Own Gym App

You don’t need expensive exercise equipment to improve your fitness. With the You Are Your Own Gym app and Bell.ca Android tablet, you can learn 200 plus exercises that can be performed anywhere. The easy-to-follow program is great for any fitness level and are perfect for the traveling professional.

Stop making excuses and starting improving your fitness. By downloading one or more of these 4 apps, you can easily build stamina and muscle without having to pay a professional. Use your tech devices to get pecs and learn about new fitness options.

When to See the Doctor

Sometimes a sore throat can be treated at home with simple home remedies. But you should always consider your health and safety first. Sore throats can be symptoms of serious illnesses.

Find out when to soothe your sore throat at home and when you need to see a doctor.

If the sore throat is severe or if it lasts for more than a few days, it is wise to consult with a healthcare professional. Other signs that require a visit to the doctor or, in some cases, the emergency room include high fever or having difficulties in opening your mouth.

Having problems breathing can be a life-threatening situation. You should get help immediately. Either call 911 or travel to the closest emergency center as soon as possible.

Throat-Soothing Remedies

1 – Teas and Broths

Warm drinks and broths will help soothe a sore throat. This is a home remedy that has been used for ages. Try a bowl of chicken soup along with a cup of tea. Below are some ideas for tea remedies.

Tea and Honey

Have a cup of hot tea sweetened with honey. Just mix a teaspoon or two of honey into a cup of tea. The honey adds a sweet flavor, but it also works to add a soothing coat of protection to the throat.

Peppermint Tea

Steep a few peppermint leaves in a large tea mug to create a peppermint tea. The tea has a variety of uses. You can drink it, but you can also inhale the menthol steam from the tea to help relieve congestion. In addition, the tea can be left to cool and used as a gargle.

2 – Ice Cream and Other Cool Stuff

Enjoy some cold things, too. Many people prefer the feeling of coolness on a sore throat. Indulge in treats like ice cream, milkshakes, popsicles, and your favorite smoothies.

Sometimes a cup of hot tea is all you need!

3 – Humidifiers

Humidifiers are ideal for soothing sore throats. Because they add moisture to the air, your throat won’t dry out as badly. Therefore, it has a chance to heal.

4 – Candy and Throat Lozenges

Have some candy. Hard candy and throat lozenges can offer relief from the pain of a sore throat.

5 – Gargle

Another old-fashioned home remedy is gargling with warm salt water. Just add ½ teaspoon salt into one cup warm water. Stir, and gargle. This can be repeated as often as you like.

Wrapping Up

There are lots of ways to soothe a sore throat. Most people use home remedies that have been passed down through generations, many of which are some variation of the methods described in this article.

The most important point is this: Be alert to the fact that in some instances, a sore throat can indicate serious illness. With that in mind, if the sore throat is severe, or if it lasts for more than a few days, or it presents with the signs mentioned in this article, please see a healthcare professional.

Debbie Allen is a writer, blogger, and online marketer. She frequently shares information from Reputation.com, which is a quality reputation management company. Besides writing about small business topics and health and wellness issues, Debbie also likes to share tips about home decorating ideas and ways to save money.

Skin care is important – even when you are relaxing on the beach!

Summer is the ideal time to enjoy the outdoors. There’s everything from gardening to sports and even just relaxing in a lounge chair on the patio with friends to keep you outside. The trouble is, your skin doesn’t have a built-in alarm system that will let you know when the sun rays are too intense.

Everyone loves the feel of the sun on their skin, but too much sun can have harmful effects. It can cause everything from early signs of aging to certain types of skin cancer.

It’s very easy to get so involved in outdoor activities and the relaxation of being outside that we tend to forget about our own safety. Fortunately, there are some simple ways to keep your skin safe and secure from the harmful rays of the sun.

Sunburn

The ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun can cause sunburn. UV rays come in two forms: UVA and UVB. UVB rays cause sunburn and wrinkling; UVA rays can lead to skin cancer.

Fair-skinned people are more susceptible to sunburn than those individuals with darker skin. But anyone can get skin cancer, and anyone can develop sunburn.

Taking Cover

Covering up can mean different things to different people. Depending on how sensitive your skin is, there are varying degrees of how covered up you may want to be.

For those people that burn very easily, it may be wise to stay indoors during the hours when the sunrays are most intense. Typically this is between the hours of 10am and 4pm, but some experts suggest that avoiding being in direct sunlight between 10am and 2pm is a good safety guideline. It should be noted that it is possible to get sunburned even on a cloudy day.

Although staying in the shade can be helpful, it is not fail proof.

You may also opt to cover up with loose-fitting, lightweight clothing. Keep in mind that some fabrics allow harmful UV rays to travel through to your skin. This means that even though your skin is covered, you could still end up with sunburn.

A great hat can provide lots of protection from the sun.

Hats and Sunglasses

Wide-brimmed hats can help protect your face, neck, and shoulder area. There are many stylish designs available for both men and women.

Sunglasses can be used to help protect the delicate skin around the eyes. In addition, quality sunglasses can protect the cornea and lens of your eyes from UV risks. Wide, wrap-around styles are perfect choices for sun protection.

Sunscreens

The most important defense you have against the harmful rays of the sun is sunscreen. Sunscreen (sometimes called sunblock) should be applied according to package directions. In most cases, that is 15 to 30 minutes before exposure to the sun and after extended time in the water.

Ensure that areas like the ears, back of the neck, and shoulders are covered liberally with the product.

Summary

When you’re outdoors, it’s easy to forget about the damage the sun can do to your skin. That’s why it’s important to plan ahead. Take the time to think about what you will wear, and have a proactive approach to your fun in the sun.

Start by applying sunscreen before you go outdoors. Then dress in a protective fashion. At the very least, you should have sunglasses or a hat. One other tip – take along some water. It’s easy to get dehydrated in the sun.

So put your sunscreen on, drink up, and have fun this summer!

Debbie Allen is a writer, blogger, and online marketer. Besides writing about various health and wellness topics, she also likes to write about things related to home décor and design and topics associated with small business management.

For instance, some people are concerned that their eating behaviors will be controlled and they won’t have any freedom of choice. Others may be concerned about the expenses involved or even about how to find a qualified nutritionist.

This article will explore these topics and more.

The Basics

A nutritionist is someone who works to advise other people about issues related to nutrition. A nutritionist may or may not have professional credentials. However, in many cases, when the nutritionist is a licensed, registered dietitian, most insurance companies will authorize the nutritional counseling.

Some professional nutritionists are focused on weight loss or weight gain, and others may focus directly on eating disorders, general health, diabetes, or other health-related issues as they relate to food. These experts can be found by doing an online search. Check with your insurance company to see if your coverage allows nutritional counseling and if there are any restrictions.

Nutritionists can offer such services as guidance on how to eat healthier while still enjoying your favorite foods. They can also teach clients healthy approaches to losing weight.

In essence, working with a nutritionist is about learning how to make healthy lifestyle changes. These changes are focused on eating habits, but they will also impact other areas of your life.

BMR Readings

When you work with a nutritionist, you will get a reliable BMR reading. BMR is the basal metabolic rate of your body. This is based on the number of calories burned while your body is at rest.

Although there are online tools and other methods to make this calculation, in order to do it correctly, the measurement must be precise. It requires specific tools and knowledge.

Your BMR is important because it is based on things like blood circulation, maintenance of body temperature, and breathing – things you don’t have any control over. And 60 – 70% of the calories you burn each day are attributed to your BMR. Adding lean muscle mass is the best way to increase your BMR.

Improved Health – Prevention of Disease

Part of the counseling process will include a history of your health and your family health history. This will alert the nutritionist to any allergies or medical conditions you may have or be predisposed to.

This information can help her/him develop a plan for you. Together you will create lifestyle and eating habit changes that can result in improved health now and in the future. In fact, the changes may even prevent certain diseases.

Holistic Approach to Health

Nutritionists are advocates for a holistic approach to healthcare. That is, they will inspire you to take care of all of you. This includes eating right, getting enough sleep and exercise, and eliminating stress from your life. A nutritionist can be a wonderful coach and support person for times when you’re not feeling well.

Tying Things Together

As you can see, all of these things are related. The BMR, which is based on calories used while the body is at rest, is essential to weight loss and the maintenance of weight. Eating a healthy diet will help with that endeavor.

As mentioned, nutritionists are advocates for a holistic approach to good health. They encourage good eating habits, getting enough exercise and sleep, and avoiding stress.

Almost anyone could benefit from the guidance of a qualified nutritionist. Before hiring a nutritionist, it is wise to check out his or her online reputation. This will give you insight into any issues or complaints other clients have had. In addition, you should contact your insurance company. Find out about the coverage you have or any restrictions on your policy.

The bottom line is, almost anyone can benefit from the guidance of a qualified nutritionist. But it is wise to use some precautions when choosing one. Keep in mind that your personal preferences are important. Get started on a healthier lifestyle today!

Debbie Allen is a professional content writer and online marketer. She writes about a variety of topics including health and wellness issues and matters related to home decorating.

Life is stressful. Most people, however, after arriving home after a long day, do not want to drive miles to a day spa or park in order to rewind. They want simple and effortless stress reduction techniques they can do right in the comfort of their home.

Go For A Stroll

Going for a stroll after dinner might seem too much when you first get home, but it’s almost a guarantee that you will feel better as soon as you do it. Walking releases feel good chemicals in the brain, and your tiredness will slip away as you begin to feel gently recharged. Walking around the block and listening to the birds can be a great way to leave stress behind.

Soak In That Hot Tub

Sinking into the warm water of your own hot tub is another fantastic way to relieve stress. The soothing, pulsating water will help release dopamine and serotonin in your brain, and both of these chemicals will help you feel relaxed and less stressed. Hot tubs can help sore muscles feel restored. They are particularly helpful for people who suffer from chronic low back pain. Better yet, bring your friend or spouse (if you have a two-person hot tub) and relax together.

Forget About The News

You are probably constantly connected throughout the day. Information overload is a common cause of stress. It’s particularly unhelpful because much of the national and even regional news we receive is about things we have little control over. So, make it a habit when you get home from work to disconnect from the 24-hour news cycle, even if it’s just for an hour. Use that hour to listen to music, draw or read a novel. Anything to disengage and get your mind focused on other things.

Plan Meals In Advance

Preparing meals after a long day at work can be a hassle. Furthermore, constantly getting takeout isn’t healthy for your heart or your wallet. If possible, prepare simple meals in advance. They can be meals that are easily heated in a microwave. Also, having fresh vegetables that are already washed is an ideal way to snack in between meals.

Have Faith In Yourself

No matter how much stress you are experiencing, there are easy steps you can take to relieve it and live at peace. Follow the effortless ways outlined above to feel like yourself again.

We spend lots of time inside. We work inside, we sleep inside and we even exercise inside. In fact, some days we may only spend a few minutes in the great outdoors. Instead of spending all of your spare time inside watching TV, playing video games and surfing the web, try getting some exercise outdoors and see how great you feel. Outdoor exercise can offer you some great benefits.

Exercise for Free
If you join a gym, you will have to pay a hefty monthly fee, but if you exercise outdoors, the cost will be much lower. In fact, it could even be free. Walking or hiking is free, except for the cost of a good pair of shoes. You can enjoy the freedom and space outdoors and it won’t cost you anything.

Get Your Daily Dose of Vitamin D
Many people today are deficient in Vitamin D. You can take a Vitamin D supplement, but spending 10 to 15 minutes a day in the sun will provide your body with the Vitamin D that it needs. Vitamin D can help to improve your mood, boost your immune system and can even help to prevent cancer. Vitamin D can also make your bones stronger.

Burn More Calories
When you exercise in a gym, your body starts to get used to the routine and can get into a rut. When you exercise outside, the terrain may vary and your pace may vary. It may be hot or cold outside and you may encounter resistance from the wind. All these things will help you to burn more calories.

Improve Your Mood
Inside air is stale and recycled. Breathing outside air that is fresh can help to improve your mood. Fresh air can help your body to release endorphins. These endorphins can help you feel less stressed and more energetic. This may help you to exercise a little harder and a little longer.

Workout on Your Schedule
When you sign up for a class at the gym, you have to make sure that you have time available to attend the class. If you go to the gym during the busy time, you may spend part of your workout waiting for an elliptical machine or treadmill to open up. When you exercise outdoors, there is no schedule and no waiting in line. You can fit in exercise whenever you have free time. You can head out your front door at home for a 20 minute walk or even fit in a 10 minute walk outdoors on your lunch break.

Hit the great outdoors for your workout and you’ll save money and feel better. You’ll enjoy the change of scenery and get a great workout. Just remember if you do exercise outdoors you should take along the proper necessities such as a first-aid kit, water bottle, and multi-use knife for more extreme outdoor activities.

Author Bio: Annette Hazard is a freelance blogger that writes about health and family. Currently she is promoting http://www.bladeops.com/Boker-Benchmade-More-Automatic-Knives-s/52.htm. In her free time she enjoys hiking with her family.