Heartburn or GERD can Kill

Heartburn is a common annoyance. The busy lifestyle, quick meals, fatty or spicy foods all contribute to the occasional need of a chewable pain reliever. The acceptance of heartburn as an inconvenient, but natural, part of the daily grind can blind you to the warning that a severe heartburn symptom can bring.

Heartburn as a Disorder

Heartburn can be a symptom as well as a disorder. Simple heartburn or GERD can be controlled and dealt with. However, heartburn can signal the presence of a much more serious problem. If it’s heartburn, you will have a burning sensation in the chest usually after eating. There may be a spread of the burning to the throat, sometimes accompanied by a bad taste, difficulty in swallowing, belching, coughing, hoarseness and/or wheezing.

It can become worse by lying down or bending over or by eating. Relief can come from an antacid. While the more severe heartburn symptoms may be mistaken for a heart attack, simple heartburn is usually not made worse by exercise. If there is any concern that the pain may signal a heart attack, get help quickly.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Ballet Barre Basics

By Sarah Wilkiamson

1. Know the six positions:

First - keeping heels together, turn the feet outwards so that the toes point to the side.

Second - this is the same as first position except there is a 12in gap between the feet.

Third - feet should be as in first position, but the arch of one foot should rest against the heel of the other foot.

Fourth Position: Same as third position but your feet are between six inches and a foot apart.

Fifth Position: Same as fourth position but your heel is on top of the big toe.

Six - seldom used but where the toes of both feet are pointed forwards.

2. Do Plies exercise. Beginner level will do plies in the first two positions (first, second). Intermediate and advanced will do plies in every position except the third and sixth.

3. Tendu steps begin in 5th position. Extend the foot forward, push to the side, and then back before completing the step where you started in fifth.

4. Position yourself on the barre. Either with your left hand or facing forward. Beginner level dancers usually face the barre and intermediate and advanced dancers begin with their left hand placed on the barre.

Barre Leg Exercises:

1. Stand up straight with your feet in fifth position. Either face the barre or stand at a right angle to it depending on your ballet skill level.

2. Lift one leg forward or to the side, keep your leg straight and as elevated as you can. Point your foot when it leaves the floor. Both knees have to be straight. Never lift your buttocks or hips to get your leg elevated. Always turn out, do not turn your leg in.

3. Keeping your leg in place, let go of the barre. This exercise will increase your strength. Remember to stand straight.

4. Maintain your technique and posture by returning to the standing position in which you first started the exercise.

Ballet Tips:

1. It takes years of training to become a ballet dancer. Don't get discouraged. Keep up the practice and you will improve.

2. Ballet shoes are often purchased when you enroll in ballet school or a specialized dance store.

3. While ballet requires most of your body to keep its lines, toes and fingers are allowed more movement. Show energy by using them to interpret the music and engage the audience.

4. Costumes can be expensive. If you don't have money for a new one try to find a second hand costume in a consignment store. Alternatively have a family member make one for you, or if no-one sews, engage the services of a seamstress - make sure you leave plenty of time for this however as you may have to reserve her services several weeks in advance.

5. Pointe work isn't for everyone. The body needs to be strong enough to support your weight. The years of strengthening exercises will help with this but it could be that your body isn't yet able to do this. If not, then continue with your exercises but take part in ballet work that doesn't need you to be up en pointe such as modern ballet or jazz ballet. All forms of ballet will give your body flexibility that will help you as you get older.

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You Can Have Flat Abs Quickly

By Kathy Forcey

There are many misinformed people who spend a lot of their hard earned money on products and diets that do absolutely nothing for them when it comes to slimming down when all they need is a tip on how to get flat abs.

The truth about reducing belly fat and getting flat abs is that a few crunches on your brand new abs machine won't do a thing for your waistline. You need to focus on changing your diet as well as making lifestyle changes that are geared towards reducing fat and improving your overall health.

Your first step should be to go on the correct diet. You don't need so much to reduce the amount of food you eat as to change the focus on the types of foods. It's certainly a good idea to start reducing calories so you burn more than you ingest, but stay with protein rich foods and complex carbohydrates to promote more efficient fat burning.

If you are a carb lover, you should consider limiting the amounts you consume. Instead of foods like white rice, opt for brown rice. Legumes and whole grains are better sources for good carbohydrates that will also help cut down on your body fat. Better yet, choose more protein and fiber rich foods.

It's a better idea not to eat just three big meals a day but to spread it across six smaller meals instead. This keeps your energy levels high and reduces cravings and hunger. However your most important meal of the day is your morning breakfast which should consist of high protein and fiber. Don't forget to stay well hydrated as water is important for your good health.

Many people complain that even after doing hundreds of sit ups they are still not burning off excess belly fat and getting flat abs. The reason they are not able to burn off excess fat is because they are actually stressing the ab muscles and making them lethargic. In addition they probably need to lose more belly fat before the ab muscles can firm up.

A good tip on how to get flat abs is to implement a regular workout routine that helps you not only target problem areas but also promote overall body toning and strengthening. Body fat be can't just be turned on or off in a specific area, so doing only stomach exercises won't do much good if you need to lose fat elsewhere as well. Remember also that once you incorporate protein dense foods into your diet along with your exercise regimen, you'll see the fat start to melt away.

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Help Keeping Mosquitoes At Bay

By Rkinc Douglas Wayne

Taking a walk around your house in the summer time can be a pain. Not only is it hot, but you have to deal with the constant threat from mosquitoes. These annoying insects cause more havoc then good. Let these helpful tips guide you to a yard that is almost mosquito free.

Always keep yellow light bulbs in patio lamps, especially in summer months. Yellow lights should be turned on in the evening and at night, these are the hours that mosquitoes are mainly out prowling. These yellow lights do not attract mosquitoes as much as regular white colored bulbs. Wear dark colored clothes when working in the yard. Mosquitoes don't seem as attracted to them as to lighter colors. This is the same principle as the colored lights. It maybe a little hotter, but it might deter these pesky creatures away.

If you have a pond, water garden, fountain, bird bath or any standing water add some bacillus thurengensis (BT) to the water to kill larvae and aid in mosquito control. This is a completely harmless natural substance that causes no problems for pets, fish, birds or wild life, but can be deadly to all kinds of larvae. This offers excellent protection against the reproduction of mosquitoes. Available in gardening stores around the country. It comes in liquid form and can be sprayed on vegetable gardens and fruit trees. For ponds add a solid form and also add it in solid form to keep your pond and fountain mosquito free all year round. Spray the yard with a mixture of natural pyrethrins and neem oil for mosquito control. This will destroy any mosquito hide outs in standing water.

Burn citronella candles on the patio if you are dining out. These candles secrete citronella oil which helps with mosquito control. Surround the area you are sitting in with a circle of citronella candles for mosquito control and enjoy the evening out.Of course, you can always resort to time tested devices like hanging strips of stinky, sticky mosquito paper or using an insect zapper to emit electrical charge and zap the mosquitoes when they fly into it. Depending on your level of dislike for these critters, you may or may not enjoy the sound of them sizzling on the coils during your dinner as they die. If you use these methods of mosquito control, hang the strips and place the zapper as far away as possible from where you'll be sitting or eating.

If you must use an insect repellent on your skin, try a little neem oil. It's natural, non-toxic and goes a long way toward repelling not only mosquitoes but other small, biting, flying insects.

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How To Get An Ex Back: Tips To Embrace

By Chelsey Sparks

Are you needing tips on how to get an ex back because your ex is now gone and you are engulfed in loneliness and depression? In fact you're feeling clueless on what you should do next to start the process of getting your ex back. Can you relate to this scenerio?

These tips on how to get an ex back can give your life a calming balance you desperately need now. Without calm in your life, overcoming a relationship breakup will be hindered, if not worsened.

1. Give your self-esteem a boost. Our self-esteem often takes a huge hit when a breakup with a loved one occurs. When dealing with the issue of how to get an ex back, possessing low self-esteem can be a true obstacle for you.

A makeover is a great way to boost your self-esteem. Start with a fresh, stylish haircut. If making radical chances to your hair is a big decision for you, then select less permanent choices.

For example you might try wearing your hair parted on a different side. Another way to create a fresh new look is by coloring your hair. This is something that can be changed if you don't like the results.

Head on down to the mall or your favorite boutique and select a few items to help give your wardrobe a boost. Probably one of the best pick-me-ups is a fresh new look.

2. Open your heart to others. Embrace the precious relationships of your family and friends and share your life with them. You may be surprised at how quickly you will begin to feel better once you open yourself up to sharing.

Also, strive to help others with their problems. Doing this will help you shift your focus away from constantly rehashing your breakup. Often when we are helping others deal with their problems, our own problems don't seem as daunting.

3. Take time to heal. You have been through a crushing breakup and, no doubt, your emotions have plummeted. After a breakup, take time to work on healing your inner self. You cannot effectively pursue "how to get an ex back" until your emotions have stabilized.

Perhaps the best way to begin the process of healing is by keeping yourself busy doing things that bring joy to your soul. Maybe you have always had a deep inner desire to go mountain climbing. If so, then follow your passion. Whatever you are passionate about then embrace it.

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The New Wrinkle Killer: Dysport

By Joyce Pendelthumb

Clostridium botulinum has been around for a while, and it was used for serious ailments like muscle spasms, improper neck alignment, and cerebral palsy. But just this past April the Food and Drug Administration approved it for the treatment of facial wrinkles and excessive sweating. The new product will be marketed under the name Dysport. Many eagerly awaited Dysport's approval, and now they expect amazing results.

This exciting new drug is used in much the same way as a better-known drug called Botox. Just like with Botox, doctors inject Dysport into the muscles near wrinkles and frown lines. Dysport causes the muscles to relax, and the wrinkles vanish. This sounds very similar to the way Botox works, and it is. However there are some differences including reduced price and a lesser likelihood of allergic reaction.

Actors and models aren't the only people who will benefit from Dysport's arrival. Because it is supposed to be cheaper than earlier forms of wrinkle treatments, patients won't necessarily have to be rich and famous to afford treatment. Dysport might have appeal to a much larger crowd.

The amount used in each individual Dysport injection is minuscule, and patients say they can hardly feel it. Better yet, doctors have found that a single Dysport shot covers a bigger area than a single shot of Botox. Fewer injections translate into less money and less pain.

It takes a few days for the Dysport to take effect, but eventually the wrinkles fade. This is because the muscles that received the injections are no longer able to contract. However the nearby muscles function as normal. This means that the muscles that cause the unwanted wrinkles next to and under the eyes no longer contract, but the muscles that control the eyelids and eyebrows continue to operate as always.

A licensed physician is necessary for the administration of Dysport treatments because it involves injections. But it shouldn't be hard at all to find an experienced doctor because hundreds have been performing similar treatments with Botox for years. Many of these doctors have been waiting in anticipation for the arrival of Dysport since it was first revealed that Dysport can be used with smaller amounts per shot.

Those receiving Dysport for facial wrinkles have reported a few side effects. Like other similar treatments the body can have an allergic reaction to the bacterial substance. While these have been rare, they are something all patients should consider.

Dysport may have benefits to doctors and patients beyond merely being a new option for the treatment of facial wrinkles. The doctors that waited in anticipation for the arrival of Dysport think that its reduced price might increase the public's interest in seeking treatment for wrinkles.

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