As health technology improves, so does quality of life. Today we not only have longer life expectancies than our ancestors, but we are able to enjoy those years more fully too because of technological advancements. From cutting-edge laparoscopic medical procedures, to everyday smartphone apps, health care is rapidly evolving and patients only stand to benefit.

Take a look at these five major improvements in health technology and what they mean for us

1. Laparoscopic surgery. This minimally invasive procedure is generally applied to surgeries of the abdomen cavity. Laparoscopic procedures have made surgery safer and recovery faster and easier.How can surgeons operate on important structures without being too invasive? A small incision is made, and the surgeon uses a highly specialized and very small instrument that he or she operates outside of the body. A small video camera helps the surgeon see and navigate all inside the abdomen.

   The obvious benefit to the patient is less interference with non-effected organs, and less exposure to infection. There are indirect benefits to laparoscopic surgery as well, like a reduced need for pain medication following surgery and shorter hospital stays, which allow patients time to recover in the comfort of their homes.

2.  Activity trackers. Activity trackers are not your average pedometer. They give so much more information and insight to the wearers. People who use activity trackers can set goals, follow and encourage friends, and review their own statistics over time.Activity trackers automate records of what a wearer is doing to provide a plan for health improvement or simple health maintenance. They are eye-opening devices to some people who are actually doing a lot less activity than they realize, and serve as motivation to do more in simple ways throughout the day. As smartwatches rise in popularity, expect to see even more people taking advantage of activity tracking software to set daily goals and improve health.
3. DNA kits and testing. Prevention is often called the best medicine. Understanding what health problems may lurk in your future is the first step to keeping them at bay.Anyone can now order a DNA kit for less than $100 from companies like 23andMe and send back their sample for analysis in a lab. While it might seem straight out of a sci-fi movie, the tests are very simple and can give you insightful and useful information about what’s possibly in the stars for your health, which means you can make smart preventative health choices for yourself and your family.
4. Smartphones. Most people may not realize it but they have a wealth of health information in their pocket or purse. Smartphones give users instant access to things like calorie counters, nutritional information, reminders for taking medication, activity tracker apps, and many sites to track health symptoms and their potential causes. Smartphone technology makes day-to-day health maintenance more convenient, but can also serve as an important resource in an emergency. By using the technology at hand in a health-savvy way, smartphone users can lead better lives and stay in the know.
5. Laser pain therapy. Instead of relying on pain pills for years, Erchonia’s low-level laser pain therapyhas made it easier for patients to find relief for things like plantar fasciitis, tendinopathy, joint disorders, chronic neck and shoulder pain, and osteoarthritis. In recent studies, laser therapy for pain has been shown to improve lower back pain and speed up recovery time for wounds. In addition to pain relief, the benefits of laser therapy include noninvasive procedures and no need for pharmaceuticals. Once the treatment has been performed, patients can walk out with little to no recovery time and no medications needed.The importance of eliminating reliance on pharmaceuticals for pain relief cannot be overstated.Abuse of narcotics is one of the most common forms of unhealthy drug use in the U.S. Finding ways to avoid this line of pain relief completely is the best way to avoid addiction and to also find longer-lasting relief in healing and not just covering up pain.

In addition to these specific items, the communication improvements brought on my technology makes a positive impact on lives. People can interact with their healthcare professionals more easily with email, secure healthcare websites, and even through mobile applications. People can find the answers they need more quickly and in that respect, have faster access to lifesaving information.

What health-improving technology would you add to this list?

With summer and swimsuit season just around the corner, everyone is slimming down whether it is through cold laser or dieting. Fortunately, spring is here, which means plenty of fresh, healthy spring fruits and veggies to add to your diet. Here are some of the best slim down foods the season has to offer.

1. Leafy Greens

From tender, young lettuce to baby spinach, spring is the perfect time to enjoy leafy greens. Chock full of vitamins and other goodies, greens typically take more calories to consume and metabolize than they actually contain. From watercress salad to steamed spinach, there are also a ton of ways to enjoy them without adding too much fat, sugar or salt.

2. Peas

Whether you prefer snow peas with their pods on or fresh garden peas without the pods, spring is the best time of year to enjoy peas. They are one of the season’s first crops and are best when small and young. Peas are full of fiber and naturally sweet protein that can kill your hunger for a couple of hours. Eating raw garden peas can also satisfy the crunchy munchies without the fat, salt, and artificial ingredients of chips or other crispy snacks.

3. Spring Onions

Need to add a little kick to a salad or stir fry? Want a nice healthy crunch full of flavor, vitamins, and nutrients? Whether you call them scallions, green onions, or spring onions, these little green and white veggies pack a lot into a little body. They are a good source of sulfur, which helps burn fat before it can be stored in your body.

4. Mushrooms

They may not be the prettiest things in the produce market, but they sure are good for you. Spring typically sees them at their freshest and least expensive. Mushrooms are good for weight loss because they contain natural carb-burning proteins that ramp up your natural metabolism.

5. Peppermint

The smell and taste of peppermint act on the part of the brain that tells your body it’s full and should stop eating. Adding even a tablespoon of fresh mint leaves to a meal can help you cut back on your consumption. Sipping peppermint tea—hot or cold—can also stave off afternoon or evening cravings while keeping your breath pleasantly fresh.

Spring is a time of wonder and freshness as the earth comes back to life after a long, cold winter. Enjoy the bounties of the season and revive your weight loss efforts in the process.

It’s that time of year again. Everyone is thinking about slimming down for the warmer weather. Here are ten weight loss tips that should help you get beach ready and swimsuit fit for summer.

1. Fail to plan, plan to fail.

Plan your meals ahead of time. Planning your meals cuts down on bad food choices that come with waiting until you’re starving to decide what to eat. Planning your meals also allows you to do prep work ahead of time, cutting down on the need for processed foods. Making a grocery list that cuts down on poor choices and unhealthy impulse buys.

2. Eat to lose.

Starving your body by skipping meals can actually backfire. Your body will go into starvation mode and start storing fat instead of using it up. It’s better to control your portions, cut back on snacking, and eating fresh spring foods, than it is to skip meals.

3. Pack your own meals.

From packing brown bag lunches to creating your own snack packs containing nuts, fruits, and vegetable slices, taking your own food to work or school can keep from eating too much, eating the wrong things, or starving yourself. A snack pack from home is a better alternative to hitting the vending machines or the pastry cart, while a brown bag lunch can keep you away from the fast-food-bad-food nightmare.

4. Drink up.

Switch up the sugary, calorie-laden soft drinks for some water. Decaf coffee can help curb cravings, and green tea is excellent hot or cold. Both offer a variety of antioxidants, too.

5. Put some muscle into it.

Muscle burns more calories than fat. Cardio is great for slimming down, but if you really want to see some slim and trim action, add some strength training to your workout. Twenty minutes, twice a week is all it takes, while 30 minutes of some sort exercise every day will keep your heart happy and healthy and your body trim.

6. Read your labels.

Beware of “fat-free” or “low fat” foods as they often contain high levels of sugar or sodium or, even worse, chemical compounds created to make them look and taste like the “real” thing.

7. Forget the labels.

Eat as much real food as you can. Fresh fruits and vegetables, organic meats, and dairy are the healthiest foods to eat. If it really has to be labeled with ingredients so you know what’s in it, it’s probably best left at the market.

8. Get a life.

A social life, that is. Many people turn to food for comfort or out of boredom. It’s been proven that people actively involved in groups, activities, clubs, or other social opportunities are more likely to lead healthier, happier lifestyles. Join a book club, volunteer with a community or religious organization,  take a dance class—just get out there and get sociable.

9. Find motivation.

Whether it’s a new wardrobe, a beach vacation, or a trip to the spa, a reward at the end of your successful journey really can make a difference. Some find that motivation can come from within, too, through meditation or daily journaling. Sometimes, having a reason is reason enough.

10. Start small.

Huge plunges are for the deep end of the pool on a hot day, not for changing your lifestyle. Starting small and building on those small successes is the best way to get real, lasting results. Trying to change too much too soon or too suddenly usually leads to stress, burnout, and failure.

Are you trying to get in shape before the summer ends? Thank advantage of the nice season before it ends.  We’ve created an 8-week guide outlining a regime of exercises, summer-inspired activities, and delicious in-season foods.

Are you trying to have a healthy and fit summer? On the road with business or family? Or maybe you’re just too shy or embarrassed to exercise in public right now? There are ways that you can still get a good, effective work out right in the privacy of your home or hotel room. We’re going to look at 5 exercise routines you can do without fancy equipment or a trip to the gym.

1.) Jumping rope – You can find a jump rope for a buck or two at the local dollar store. Put it to use for 20 minutes of skipping, jumping fun and you can burn more than 200 calories. Find your favorite sit-com on Netflix and skip while you watch to make the time go faster.

2.) Surya Namaskar – The hatha yoga sun salutation is a perfect workout. It is a series of 12 poses done fluidly and gently. Begin with 5 rounds, working your way up to 25 minutes or so. Doing so will burn 350+ calories. One caution—do it on an empty stomach. The Surya Namaskar was designed to be done in the early morning, upon waking, before breakfast. You don’t want to be doing inverted poses on a full tummy.

3.) Calisthenics – Just because they are old fashioned doesn’t mean the calisthenics you learned in school aren’t good for you. Try the following series:

a. 50 jumping jacks

b. 15 crunches

c. 10 tricep dips: use a chair or bench or even the sofa

d. 5 push-ups

e. 10 squats

 f. 10 lunges (each leg)

g. 10 calf raises

h. 10 toe touches

i. 30-second plank

This will work every major muscle group, give you a good all over work out, and burn a lot of calories. Be sure to stretch before and after to serve as both warm up and cool down.

4.) High March – This is a quick exercise that you can use while waiting for your tea water to boil or for your television program to resume during a commercial break. Simply stand up and march in place, lifting your knees all the way up to your waist. As you bring up each knee, either raise the opposite arm until the upper arm is parallel with the floor, or bring the opposite fist to rest on the raised knee. Keep this up for a solid 60 seconds and you’ll tighten and tone core muscles, thighs, glutes, upper back, chest, and arms. Not to mention you’ll burn a bunch of calories. Not bad for a minute of your time, huh?

5.)  Plank Crawls – The plank is a great exercise because it works so many major muscle groups. A plank crawl is a variation that some find more enjoyable than just planking, and some experts say is actually more beneficial than the traditional static plank. Begin in a raised push-up position. Lower ONE arm to the floor in a plank position. Then, lower the other arm. Hold for one breath. Then, beginning with the first arm lowered, raise yourself, one arm at a time, to the raised push up position. Do 15 to 20 complete crawls for a good, effective workout. You can lower your knees, if need be, to reduce some of the intensity of the exercise.

Just because you can’t or don’t want to get to the gym doesn’t mean you can’t work on losing weight, toning up, and looking and feeling great. Get that workout gear on and hit the living room!

Fat is a fickle creature. Even with good diet and regular exercise, certain areas of your body can still stay stubbornly unaffected. Take a look at how you can tackle your tenacious trouble spots and keep yourself healthy and fit.

While summer’s almost over, it’s not over yet. What better way to enjoy the last weeks of the season than with a delicious smoothie that celebrates all the flavors of the season and aids in your efforts to stay healthy & fit this summer.

This super smoothie recipe will cool you off, give your body lots of good vitamins and antioxidants, and keep your slim-down going strong. Oh, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s awesomely delicious, either!

Note: This smoothie is filling and nutritious enough to serve as a meal replacement for breakfast or lunch. In other words, don’t add this one to your diet meal plan as an afternoon or evening snack, or you might just counteract the slimming effect of the smoothie.

Super Summer Slim-Down Smoothie

½ medium banana (ripe)

1 cup frozen mixed berries

¼ cup low-fat Greek yogurt (get plain for no added sugar)

¾ cup milk (soy, almond, skim, rice—your choice)

2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips

Optional: 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Chuck everything into your blender and give it a whirl until smooth and well-mixed. If you need to thin it, add 3 to 5 ice cubes. It makes 1 large glass of delicious, cold, refreshing smoothie.

How Does This Smoothie Help Your Slim-Down Efforts?

Bananas are filling. They also add a natural sweetness, but are bland enough to mix well with just about any flavor. Their texture helps with the creamy consistency. And they are a natural source of energy. They provide a steady stream of energy, enough to get you through a 45-minute workout or that after-lunch slump that hits like a ton of bricks every afternoon. Unlike caffeine or sugar, there’s no crash or hard comedown from a banana high, either. Let’s not forget that some of this energy comes from carbs, but a great deal of it comes from all the vitamin A, iron, phosphorous and potassium that bananas contain.

Berries are filled with antioxidants. They are also naturally sweet and high in water content. Including a mix of berries ensures that your smoothie will be packed with vitamin C and phytochemicals of all sorts. They also add some fiber to your smoothie, helping you to keep feeling full longer. Plus, fresh berries are the ultimate summertime treat.

Greek yogurt is a great low-fat, low-carb source of protein. It’s also filled with bone-strengthening calcium and belly-friendly probiotics. Greek yogurt has been shown to aid in weight loss, and can help reduce bloating and gas.

Whether you choose soy milk, almond milk, or just ordinary skim milk, adding milk to your smoothies is another great way to add tummy-pleasing protein and calcium.  You need protein to stave off hunger pangs longer.

Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) have been shown to be vital in weight loss efforts, especially in fighting belly and midriff fat. Sources of MUFAs are dark chocolate, nuts and nut butters, flaxseed oil, and avocado. Adding some dark chocolate chips to your slimdown smoothie aids you in your slimming efforts, making your smoothie just that more effective in doing what you want it to do. Plus, this ingredient (and the optional pure vanilla extract) makes this smoothie taste like a treat—without any of the guilt.

 

 

 

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Humans domesticated horses millennia ago, changing the way our ancestors traveled, fought, and survived. They are majestic, beautiful creatures built for speed and power.

Sadly, one of the most serious and devastating diseases affecting horses, ponies, and other equine animals is laminitis. Let’s take a closer look at laminitis and how low-level laser therapy can give our equine companions a leg up.

What is Laminitis?

Laminitis describes a condition wherein the laminae—the tissues bonding the hoof wall to the pedal bone in a horse’s hoof—become weakened and inflamed from disruptions in blood flow, leading to tears in the structure supporting the pedal bone within the hoof. Laminitis typically occurs in a horse’s front feet. The condition is caused by various physical and metabolic issues, including:

• An excessive intake of grain or grass
• High levels of insulin
• Enlargement of the pars intermedia in the pituitary gland
• Impact from riding on hard surfaces
• Stress from long distance travel

This can result in tremendous pain, lameness, and deterioration in the hoof. Left untreated, laminitis can cause the pedal bone to rotate and point downwards. In worst cases, the pedal bone will penetrate through the hoof wall.

Laminitis greatly reduces a horse’s usefulness, and many horse owners are forced to put down the horse to prevent further suffering.

Treating Laminitis

Many traditional treatments are expensive and time-consuming and don’t guarantee full recovery. These include changing your horse’s diet, providing greater hoof care, and moving your horse to a different enclosure featuring deep shavings or sand. Severe cases wherein the pedal bone has sunken through the hoof require surgical procedures involving tendon release, but this can put the horse at risk of infection or cause damage to surrounding structures.

Low-level laser therapy has been used in humans to treat joint pain, edema, soreness, and wounds, but veterinarians have extended these laser treatments to horses suffering from laminitis. Studies show that the photon energy in a low-level laser stimulates blood vessels in a horse’s foot, promoting greater circulation, better tissue nutrition, and ultimately faster healing. Laser therapy also greatly reduces the chance of infection or damage to surrounding areas as the procedure is entirely non-invasive.

Animal Health Options, a purveyor of innovative and effective supplements for animal wellness since 1990, has found success in incorporating low-level laser therapy into its treatment for laminitis. Horses undergo low-level laser sessions two to three times a week. This is coupled with:

• A restrictive diet to reduce weight and make up for insulin resistance
• Plenty of lying down to keep pressure off the affected feet
• Visits with a farrier to trim hooves to correct the angle of the feet

Preventing Laminitis

One of the best ways to treat laminitis is to prevent it from happening altogether. While you can’t always predict your horse’s health, you can control parts of his environment, primarily his diet. Too much grain or lush green grass leads to excessive sugars stored in the hind gut. When these sugars are absorbed, the horse develops hyperinsulinemia (an overload of insulin), which can trigger laminitis. A bad diet can also lead to obesity, putting more pressure on your horse’s hooves. To keep your horse’s diet in check:

• Feed your horse a high fiber, forage-based diet, comprising a mixture of mature grass, hay, and alfalfa. Vegetable oils can be included in this diet for added calories.
• Carefully manage grazing. Considering grazing your horse at night, when sugar levels are lowest.
• Avoid hard feed unless your horses are performing hard work.

Maintain a regular hoof trimming schedule for good hoof health. Your horse may also need specialist shoeing for proper support.

People are under the common misconception that staying healthy means eating less. Far from causing fat loss, skipping meals actually causes numerous health problems, including:

• A slowed-down metabolism
• Deteriorating muscles
• General fatigue
• Impaired concentration

Contrary to what you think, eating can help you lose weight. It’s just a matter of finding the right foods to eat. Let’s take a look at some foods that can help you shed pounds and improve your health.

1. Eggs

Doctors, dieticians, and scientists seem to have seasonal debates about eggs and their validity in the nutrition realm, particularly in the area of cholesterol, but you can rest easy. In fact, eggs are good for you and can help you stay thin. One study published by the International Journal of Obesity found that participants who had eaten two eggs for breakfast for eight weeks lost 65% more weight than those who ate bagels for breakfast.

While most dieters eat just the egg whites, the yolks contain half the protein of an egg—and a lot of the nutrients. The high protein content is what makes eggs so great. One large egg contains about six grams of protein and nine amino acids with only 77 calories and five grams of fat. That keeps you satisfied for longer and prevents unhealthy snacking. The proteins also stimulate the release of glucagon, which aids in metabolism and can help burn belly fat.

Along with protein, eggs are rich in:

• Vitamins A, B12, and C
• Iron
• Phosphorous
• Selenium

2. Almonds

Almonds are high-quality nuts that are rich in vitamin E and monounsaturated fats—the good kind of fat. Almonds are packed with fiber, keeping you full without adding extra calories. They contain magnesium and vitamin B2, which can combat stress, calm nerves, and boost your energy levels. Almonds also contain zinc to curb sugar cravings and oleic oils to curb hunger pangs. If that’s not enough, almonds are also good for your skin and hair.

Almonds also happen to be easy to include in your diet. Snack on a handful at your desk or sprinkle chopped almonds on your meal for added crunch and flavor.

3. Chia Seeds

If you’re looking for fiber, you needn’t look any further. Chia seeds are extremely high in soluble fiber. This prevents the absorption of fat, lowers cholesterol, and stabilizes blood sugar levels. The high fiber acts like a sponge, allowing chia seeds to soak up to twenty times their weight in sugar and liquids. As the chia seeds plump up, they expand in your stomach, keeping you full for longer without the extra calories. They are also rich in calcium, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Add chia seeds to your oatmeal or create a healthy pudding of chia seeds and unsweetened chocolate almond milk.

4. Quinoa

Although it’s a grain, quinoa acts more like a vegetable and is a close relative of kale, spinach, and Swiss chard. High in fiber and protein, quinoa offers a sturdy foundation for healthy fullness while also offering plenty of vitamins and minerals, including iron and vitamin B12. Quinoa has a low glycemic index, so it won’t cause spikes in blood sugar. One serving of cooked quinoa only has about 172 calories.

The best part about quinoa: you can eat it with just about anything. Eat it plain, add it to veggies, salads, or consume with cinnamon, banana, and almond flakes for an oatmeal replacement. The possibilities with this gluten-free grain are endless.

5. Grapefruit

Sweet and tangy, grapefruit is a great source of vitamin C and an antioxidant called lycopene, but these treats may also offer a helping hand in weight loss. One study conducted on mice found that daily grapefruit juice intake expedited weight loss, improved blood glucose, and controlled insulin levels.

Some studies suggest that the mere smell of grapefruit is enough to aid in weight loss, but feel free to go in for the real thing, raw or juiced.

6. Yogurt

Yogurt offers a healthy dose of calcium, vitamin D, and protein to keep you full, but probiotics are the key fat-burning ingredient in yogurt. Consuming active bacteria may seem unpleasant, but probiotics are the type of germs that your body needs. They reduce the amount of fat your body absorbs and add flora to your gut that improve your digestion. Eat yogurt plain, add fruit, or use it for creamy sauces. Opt for an unsweetened Greek yogurt instead of regular if you can—Greek yogurt has almost twice the protein and fewer carbs and sodium than regular yogurt.

Food gives you the energy you need to live life to the fullest. Instead of depriving yourself, learn to eat the right things to keep your body healthy and fit. What are some of your favorite foods for weight loss?

 

Sources:

http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/weight-loss/eating/weight-loss-foods/

http://www.ahealthiermichigan.org/2014/08/23/two-eggs-in-the-morning-can-help-you-lose-weight/

http://metro.co.uk/2013/10/30/how-almonds-can-help-you-to-lose-weight-4163723/

http://www.doctoroz.com/slideshow/5-ways-chia-can-change-your-life?gallery=true

http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/weight-loss/4-reasons-the-quinoa-grain-can-help-you-lose-weight.html#b

http://www.popsugar.com/fitness/Ways-Grapefruit-Can-Help-You-Lose-Weight-26331222

http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/yogurt-smackdown-greek-vs-regular.html#b