Are You Ready To Get Back In Shape?

Are you ready to get back in shape? If you're like most adults, you've been flirting with fitness for years; getting into reasonable shape then letting it slide until you're finally bothered enough to do something about it again. But to get - and stay - in shape you need to break that cycle and move towards living a healthy lifestyle.

To truly move towards a healthy lifestyle usually means addressing health concerns in a number of areas. First, you need to schedule a full physical & blood workup with your doctor, if only to be sure of what conditions and concerns you need to allow for as you get started. Changing your diet, sleep patterns and exercise level places some stresses on your system initially, even if those changes are designed to bring you better health over time.

Discuss your planned return to fitness with your doctor while you're there. While your doctor may not know as much about exercise physiology as your personal trainer or as much about current nutrition research as your registered nutritionist, he or she knows a lot more about YOUR body and systems than anyone else. While you might never get your doctor to create my exercise plan or design your meal plan, you should never ignore their advice regarding your body and it's internal workings - that would just be foolish and potentially dangerous.

Once your licensed medical professional has given you the green light to start working out and changing dietary habits, be prudent about getting started and especially realistic in your expectations. Chances are you didn't get out of shape in just a few weeks or months, so don't expect to reverse the damage and get in shape in that short a time period. For one thing, the loftier your goals and shorter your expected time to achieve that level of fitness, the greater the risk you'll do more damage than good.

For example, when trying to get back in shape many people will pick up one or two bodybuilding magazines, find the workout routines competitive bodybuilders are using, and try to start out with those. After all, if it worked that well for them then it has to do the same for you, right? WRONG. The pro bodybuilders featured in most magazines have a) been working out for years, building up to a point where their bodies can handle a workout like that, and b) most pro bodybuilders are using thousands of dollars a month in steroids and other drugs to help their bodies heal faster and stronger - without those drugs even they would have to dial their workouts down a few notches... And their central nervous system is already used to those heavy weights and grueling workouts - think of what they'd do to YOUR body!

To truly get in shape and stay in shape, don't even consider using drugs to get bigger, get stronger or lose weight. Fitness isn't a cosmetic concept - those sexy bodies with their healthy glow are a side effect of being in great shape. Fitness is a health issue, and using illicit drugs to reach certain goals quicker is counter-intuitive to being as healthy as you can be.

Besides, unless you have a life-threatening condition or are morbidly obese, you most likely have a lot of time to get in shape. Trying to achieve a great fitness level or that 'perfect' body too quickly will lead to disappointments that will quickly erode your motivation and probably result in you abandoning your quest yet again.

Instead of starting out with the goal of losing 30 pounds, benching 250 pounds or running the next marathon, set your goals to be a little better each week than the week before. Start each week with the goal to lose 1 - 2 pounds, add 5 pounds to your bench press or run a quarter mile farther than you did last week. Setting reasonable goals will still have you reaching to achieve them each week while giving you a greater chance of success - success that will help you stay motivated to get in better shape week after week.

And while you won't meet or exceed your goals every single week, your overall patter of success will lead you further and further along your path to a truly healthy lifestyle and the resultant fitness, energy and health benefits.

After flirting with fitness for about 50 years, D. Champigny finally came to realize that life can only be enjoyed to the fullest when one is healthy and fit, brimming with the energy to face every day - and every challenge - with confidence and gusto. Now a certified personal trainer and publisher of FlirtingWithFitness.com, Champigny has made it his mission to help anyone interested in getting in shape or staying in shape.

To that end, his site contains thousands of articles on health & beauty, exercise, nutrition, weight loss and flirting & dating, all free to access by those looking for more information on getting in shape and staying that way for life. Get started on your path to a healthy lifestyle today, starting with a visit to FlirtingWithFitness.com right now!

Psyllium Husk

Psyllium husks, commonly known as isabgol, ispaghula and psyllium, is derived from the seeds of Plantago ovata plant (Psyllium) which is cultivated in the Northwestern region of India. These consist of the epidermis & the collapsed adjacent layers removed from the dried ripe seeds of Plantago Ovata.

Psyllium husk contains extensive amount of soluble as well as insoluble natural fibers which is responsible for its laxative action. Light brown to white in color, depending upon the purity, the fibrous husks that are processed from psyllium seeds find usage in Pharmaceutical, Cosmetics, Food and varied allied industries.

In traditional herbal systems of India and China, Psyllium husk was used to treat bladder problems, coronary heart diseases, diverticular diseases, hemorrhoids, high blood pressure and urinary disorder. It was also used to treat skin irritations, poison ivy reactions as well as insects bits & stings.

These are hygroscopic, mucilaginous and widely used for colon cleansing, better blood circulation and treating diarrhea, constipation & irritable bowel syndrome. According to studies, Psyllium husk is also useful in lowering cholesterol and to control diabetes. In addition to this, these act as a cooling, demulcent, mild purgative and natural lubricant which is beneficial in treatment of inflammatory affection.

Psyllium husks can be consumed in their natural state or in dried, chopped & powdered form for easier consumption by mixing these with water or another fluid. Apart from treating various ailments, these can also be used for gluten-free baking. Psyllium seed husks bind moisture and help make the bread less crumbly.

Various uses of Psyllium husk are listed below:

Recent study reveals that, it consists 70% soluble and 30% insoluble fibers & can be effectively used to reduce cholesterol level, constipation, IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome) and diabetes. When consumed with water, juice and other liquids, these form a gel like gelatinous mass that moves down the digestive organ soaking up toxins, harmful residues and then flushing these out of the body through stools.

Uses in colon cancer: The insoluble fiber content in Psyllium husk either dilutes cancer-causing bile acids or moves feces out of the colon more quickly. This reduces contact-time of feces in digestive system, further reducing chances of producing cancer-causing agents called carcinogens.

Use in cholesterol control: These contain cellulose fiber which reduces the absorption of cholesterol into the blood stream, thus reducing the risk of high cholesterol.

Use in constipation: These increase the passage to the bowel content through formation of bond water. Hydrophilic in nature, these contain gel-forming fibers that are composed of micro-polysaccharides & cellulose. The gel like starch softens the feces and makes it easier to eliminate.

Uses in diarrhoea: These helps in slowing down the movement of intestines in order to reduce bowel movements. These absorb excess liquid in the intestines and help adding bulk to stool which stops watery outlet during diarrhoea and dysentery.

Use in diabetes: The high fiber content reduces the release of dietary sugar from the digestive tract into the blood stream, thus helping in the normalization of blood sugar level.

Sher Bahadur Thapa has written this article on the topic " Psyllium Husk ", which is used as dietary fiber to relieve from several diseases.

What Can a Shoulder Specialist Do for You?

The shoulder is one of the most important joints in the human body. It has a greater range of movement than any other joint. As a result, it is prone to a greater number of injuries than most of our other joints. This is why, if you are experiencing shoulder pain, it is important to consult a shoulder specialist. A specialist will be able to help you in a number of ways that other doctors might not be capable of matching. It is vital, then, that you consult a specialist for many reasons.

The first advantage that you will experience by visiting a shoulder specialist is the experience that he or she brings. A specialist will bring a wealth of experience to your consultation that will prove to be exceedingly beneficial for you. Instead of seeing a general practitioner, you will be meeting with someone who has devoted his or her career to diagnosing and treating patients who are going through exactly the same circumstances that you yourself are experiencing. This dedication gives the specialist a uniquely helpful insight into how best to help you.

Another advantage of seeing a shoulder specialist is the up to date information that he or she will have concerning your condition. Since the specialist's job is to treat the shoulder and nothing else, he or she will most certainly be well apprised of the most current and advanced techniques to treat shoulder injuries or chronic shoulder conditions. This will directly benefit you since you will be sure to be on the cutting edge of the most advanced techniques that the medical community has to offer. Rather than visiting a general practitioner and running the risk of being treated with out of date methods, consulting a shoulder specialist will ensure that you are getting the best possible treatment.

In all, a shoulder specialist can be the most important factor in making sure that your course of treatment is as effective as possible and that your recovery goes as smoothly as you could hope. The experience and up to date knowledge that the specialist brings to the table could mean the difference between a smooth treatment with quick recovery and a series of complications accompanied by chronic pain. While many doctors who are not specialists are extremely knowledgeable, it is extremely important that you seek a specialist to treat your shoulder. You will be happy that you did.

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Recovering From Your Shoulder Surgery

In many cases, the most nerve wracking thing about surgery is the thought of the recovery process, and this is no different when it comes to shoulder surgery. However, the recovery period need not cause you any anxiety. If you follow your doctor's instructions and work hard, your recovery should go smoothly, and, in the long run, you should be back to your normal self. During the recovery period, though, there are some things that you should keep in mind.

Managing Your Pain

The most daunting part of shoulder surgery for most people is the thought of the pain that will come after the procedure. However, given modern surgical procedures, pain management is much easier than it used to be. In many cases, surgeons are able to perform arthroscopic surgery to repair a shoulder. This type of procedure is much less invasive than traditional methods and results in less post-operation pain. Additionally, your doctor will provide you with pain medication as well as some light stretches that will help to ease the pain associated with your procedure.

Physical Therapy

An important part of your recovery is the course of physical therapy that you will likely participate in after your shoulder surgery. A trained physical therapist will support you through your recovery period by teaching you a variety of exercises that will help to get your shoulder back to its original strength and flexibility. A good therapy program is vital in the recovery process, and the help that you will receive will make the stress and anxiety of your recovery almost disappear.

What Not to Do

Perhaps the biggest obstacle to a patient's recovery from shoulder surgery is the patient himself. In many cases, especially near the end of the recovery process, it is tempting to try to push the envelope and over exert the shoulder. For example, it is easy to give in to the temptation to pick up an object because it doesn't look all that heavy even though your doctor instructed you not to pick up heavy objects. Likewise, it is tempting to take your arm out of a sling prematurely because you think it feels good enough to go without one. These sorts of mistakes can lead to extremely undesirable consequences. As you're recovering from your procedure, even the slightest overuse of your repaired shoulder can have long term effects on your strength and range of motion. Therefore, it is extremely important to follow all of your doctor's instructions very carefully.

All of these things can help you to overcome the stress associated with your recovery from shoulder surgery and will allow your recovery to be smooth and successful.

shoulder surgery Houston

http://www.warnockmd.com.

Cholesterol Fear Mongering

In 2007, almost one in seven Americans took a statin (cholesterol-lowering) medication according to a Medco Health Solutions study. This is alarming, considering that patients who take those medications have a higher death rate than those who don't. It is counter-intuitive to take a medication which will increase the chance of death, yet somehow we have been trained to fear high cholesterol more than we fear cancer and brain hemorrhage, both of which are significantly increased in statin drug users. Is there no alternative to this risk?

First of all, we need to form an understanding of cholesterol and its purpose in the body. Cholesterol is a fatty substance produced in the liver and obtained from food sources. It is an essential component to many cell parts, especially of nerve coatings, and plays a vital role in the production of several hormones. Cholesterol is not our enemy. What we should be concerned about, however, is the oxidation (damage) of cholesterol, which is caused primarily by toxins, stress, and poor diet.

Usually, when we consider dietary changes to improve our cholesterol condition, we immediately jump into a low-fat diet. However, this is putting our efforts toward the wrong direction. We need fats in our diet. Switching to a low-fat diet causes a depletion of our healthy dietary fat and leads to a higher sugar intake, as manufacturers increase the sugar content of their low-fat foods in order to improve the taste. High sugar intake actually leads to an increase in cholesterol production by the body, as the body rapidly tries to offset the danger of high sugar content in the blood.

So what types of fat should we eat? Olive oil? Fish oil? What about butter? Fish oil, for one, actually possesses cholesterol-lowering and triglyceride-lowering properties, which is why we are encouraged to not only eat fish but to eat oily fish such as salmon. Olive oil is also known to be one of the most healthful fats, but it's best eaten raw or cooked using only the lowest of heat settings. Cooking with oils, even olive oils, transforms them to trans fats at high heat, and this is counter-productive. What about butter? Butter is a natural fat, and although it contains cholesterol it does not contribute to the increase of cholesterol levels. Butter contains lecithin which is helpful in the metabolism of cholesterol. Above all, stick to naturally occurring fats and avoid any "created" fats such as margarine, Olestra, and any new ones which come on the market. These work contrary to the body's own intelligence and function.

You are your own best advocate for your health. Research the facts and be willing to look beyond the latest study. Look to see who funded the study and what profit they may obtain from the results.

Laurie Geter, R.N., natural health advocate. Author of Mastering Cholesterol: Simple Steps to Natural Cholesterol Management. Author of 46 Steps to Stress Management: Real Help for Stress Relief and the Prevention of Premature Aging

Understanding What Chiropractors Do

Chiropractic takes a holistic approach and recognizes the body's innate ability to heal itself. Chiropractic treatments effectively remove nerve interference which helps to restore proper function allowing the body to heal itself. It is well known that the nervous system is the master system in the body and literally controls all systems, organs and cells in the body. When there is interference with the nervous system, disease and dysfunction in the body will occur.

The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system. One of the main functions of the spine is to protect the spinal cord and delicate nerves that exit out of the spine. When injury occurs, spinal bones can become misplaced causing irritation of the delicate nerves. This will lead to pain and dysfunction in the body. Misaligned spinal bones may also stretch the muscles attached to them causing muscles spasms.

Surrounding soft tissue may also become irritated. When misaligned spinal bones remain uncorrected, spinal degeneration and disease may develop over time. Chiropractic adjustments help to restore normal alignment and remove the interference to the nervous system which restores normal function in the body.

People commonly seek chiropractic care for the treatment of headaches, neck pain, back pain and arm or leg pain. Chiropractic is effective in helping many musculoskeletal disorders which involve problems in the joints. Chiropractic adjustments effectively reduce pain, restore proper motion of the joints and restore normal nerve flow in the body.

Problems in the joints of the body are caused from various different causes. They may be the result of a single traumatic event such as a car accident or they may be the cause of overuse of the joints over time or from poor postural habits.

Chiropractic treatment is well known to be a safe and natural form of healthcare. Chiropractors are trained to perform a thorough evaluation and diagnosis. They may also take x-rays to help rule out fractures, diseases and to see a picture of the alignment of the joints. These tests can help determine if chiropractic treatment is the best option for the individual. Chiropractors work with other healthcare professionals and will refer to them when necessary.

Chiropractors perform treatment in various ways. There are several different techniques to correct misaligned joints in the body. Some methods involve hands on treatment which uses a quick, precise thrust over the misaligned joint. Other methods may use instruments especially designed to adjust the joints. Chiropractors also have special tables that help adjust the spine.

- Nathan Leavitt DC

Dr. Leavitt continues to help improve the health of many through natural chiropractic treatment. To learn more go here: chiropractor Knoxville TN

You can also see patient testimonials here: chiropractor Knoxville TN

Once You Find a Dialysis Center - Then What?

People with kidney failure often undergo a process called dialysis, which artificially performs the important functions of the kidneys. During dialysis, machines filter waste out of the blood, allowing you to continue functioning normally. If your doctor recommends dialysis, it's important that you find a dialysis center that you will want to go to on a regular basis, with each session lasting three to five hours.

Schedule Regular Appointments

Once you locate dialysis centers in your area, you need to schedule your appointments at one or more centers. You don't have to go to the same one every time, so if your schedule makes one center more convenient than another on some days of the week, you can alternate between them. Your doctor will have told you how frequently you need to have dialysis treatment, and it's your responsibility to make appointments according to that schedule. Most patients will go to dialysis treatments three times per week.

Prepare for and Attend Appointments

Your dialysis appointments will take up a large part of your time, so you'll want to make sure you're comfortable during your appointments. You want to wear comfortable clothing that won't make you feel pinched while you're sitting. You may feel cold during dialysis because your blood circulates outside of your body to the dialysis machine, so you will probably also want to wear something that will help keep you warm. Lastly, bring something to do while you sit, whether it's reading material, supplies to write letters, or knitting equipment.

Plan Dialysis During Travel

You can travel when you are undergoing dialysis treatments, but you will need to locate dialysis centers along each stage of your trip. Because the process is so standardized, you can make an appointment at a center just once when you're passing through an area. However, you'll want to plan all of your appointments well in advance so you can be sure you'll have the life-sustaining treatment you need at each location you travel to. Dialysis centers can be busy, and you don't want to assume that they'll have open slots in their schedule.

Follow Dietary Recommendations

You may need to change your diet during dialysis to make the process go more smoothly. After you find a dialysis center and attend an appointment, keep in close contact with your medical care providers to learn if you need to be modifying your diet. They may recommend limiting fluids and salt to help keep your body from holding on to unnecessary water.

Angelica Bond needed to find a dialysis center in her area when her mother became ill and needed kidney dialysis. Dialysis Finder can help you locate dialysis centers in Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles or where ever you may be.

5 Ways You May Not Know Bloodborne Pathogens Could Spread

Bloodborne pathogens are microbes known for causing Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV. Unfortunately, these diseases do not have a cure and vaccination exists only for Hepatitis B, which has to be taken well beforehand. These diseases not only weaken the person internally but can also cause death. Bloodborne pathogens can be transmitted through numerous ways.

• Sharp objects and equipment when mishandled and contaminated with dried and infected blood.

• When open wounds and cuts come in contact with infected blood and fluids.

• Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person.

• Accidental direct or indirect exposure to the infected fluids.

To prevent the spread of these microbes, all people working in hospitals, healthcare and related facilities are required to be trained all about the bloodborne pathogens. However, it is not just the doctors, nurses or the laboratory workers who are affected. It is shocking to know that none of us is completely safe from the microbes. Read below to find out the top 5 unsuspecting ways bloodborne pathogens can spread.

• Science laboratories. In most laboratories, students are required to work with sharp objects, glassware and other potentially dangerous equipments which may cause freak accidents. A small cut while using the scalpel or a breaking test tube are common accidents for school and college kids as they are inexperienced. If the blood involved is infected, there is a chance that all those in the vicinity who had come in contact with the blood or the contaminated equipment may be infected with bloodborne pathogens.

• Artisans and sculptors. Most artisans, designers and sculptors work with needles, carving knives and other specialized equipment. If a person with infected blood accidentally pricks himself and an onlooker rushes to help him without protection, he or she may be infected. If someone else uses the same contaminated equipment, it can be fatal.

• Heavy industry and machinery. Heavy industry and machinery can cause some very severe injuries to the people working there. The workers in the factories must take the right precautions before handling the equipment. Care has to be taken to clean and disinfect the machinery if there has been any unforeseen accident or mishap involving blood and injury.

• Meat and food packaging industry. Meat and food industry involves sharp objects and instruments that may cause injuries to the handlers. In case of accidents, contaminated blood can affect not only the onlookers and the handlers of the unwashed instruments but the people consuming the food are also at a risk.

• Washrooms. Janitors who clean rest rooms in hospitals and otherwise are at a great risk of contracting bloodborne pathogens. Those who service the ladies restrooms are at a greater risk as contaminated menstrual blood can be left behind on the fixtures and faucets. This is hazardous to all those who use the restrooms. Those who work with garbage removal and disposal also need to be careful and look out for sharp objects, bloodied tissues and other potentially dangerous objects.

Nobody is completely safe from the hazards the bloodborne pathogens pose. The key to a life free from bloodborne pathogens is knowledge and prevention.

For more information, please visit our bloodborne pathogens website.

Talk to the Hand, or Why a Palm Strike Is Usually Better Than a Punch

When people think about what they would need to do if they ever had to defend themselves, punching their attacker is usually at the top of the list. Unfortunately, unless you have a lot of training and experience, you're more than likely to be hurt more than the person you're defending yourself against.

There are several reasons for this. First and foremost, most people aren't trained or experienced at throwing a punch in general, and punching a hard surface in particular. Without this training and experience, most people will instinctively try to punch their attacker in the face/head. With training and conditioning, this isn't that bad of an idea. A head strike can slow down, stun, deter, and even possibly knock out the "bad guy". Where the problem comes in is a result of not having that training and conditioning.

The main problem with a punch in general comes down to knowing how to make a tight fist and making sure your wrist is locked at the moment of impact. Bruce Lee said it best when he stated, "There are no wrists in boxing." If you've ever seen a boxer before they put their gloves on, you'll see that they have their hands and wrists taped. This isn't for show. It's to allow the boxer to hit their opponent as hard as they can without causing damage to their fists and to keep from tweaking and/or breaking their wrist if they hit their opponent wrong.

If you don't lock your wrist when you punch a surface, you run the risk of having your wrist buckle from the force of impact. This buckling can cause either temporary or permanent damage to the wrist joint due to stressing the joint beyond it's operating range. Whether the surface you're striking is hard or soft is irrelevant. The act of striking is what's relevant.

Where the hardness of the surface makes a difference is how conditioned your hands/fists are. If you haven't done any type of conditioning exercises to toughen up your fists/knuckles, then striking a hard surface has the risk of breaking your knuckles. I've done that at least once in the past myself. At one time, I could punch through 2 inches of pine boards without a problem due to the conditioning I was doing on a regular basis. How I broke my knuckle was that it had been several years since I had been doing the proper conditioning exercises and on a whim, I decided to try and break a board by punching it. Didn't work out so well for me. It took around 2 months for my hand to completely stop hurting. If I had been called upon to defend myself during that period of time, I would have been at a severe disadvantage.

With all that being said, in my opinion, for almost any self defense situation, a palm strike is usually the better option to go with. There are a lot of reasons for this. First off, you take your wrist right out of the equation. With a proper palm strike, you have no wrist involvement at all. What I mean by this is that the striking surface is the meaty portion of your hand where the bones in the forearm basically terminate at the hand. Now obviously I'm leaving out some of the finer structure of the hand/wrist/forearm out of the equation, but in a very general way, what I'm saying is accurate. There's a lot more structural integrity when hitting a surface with your palm. There's also a higher level of pain resistance and toughness involved with this type of strike.

One example that I've seen used repeatedly is the question of which would you rather do, punch a brick wall or hit it with your palm. You can more comfortably hit a target with more power using your palm over using a fist. You're also much less likely to hurt yourself, allowing you the ability to strike more times if needed. Another benefit of a palm strike is you have more options with your striking. With a punch, if your forearm and fist aren't in direct alignment with the angle of attack, you can't apply as much force behind the attack. With a palm strike, you don't have to be quite as picky.

I'm not saying that a punch should never be used. It works great against soft targets like the stomach, bladder, or kidneys. It's just that without practice, you're more likely to hurt yourself and leave yourself without the use of some of your natural weapons. With a palm strike, it's very unlikely that you're going to hurt yourself, even if you don' t have a lot of practice under your belt. You'll also have a higher level of relaxation when using a palm because of the structural dynamics of the strike. With a punch, you normally have to have your forearm, wrist, and fist tight when striking. This introduces a higher level of tension in your arm. With a palm strike, almost none of that tension exists. The only tension that's produced at the point of impact is bending your hand far enough back so you don't hit with your fingers.

One final benefit of using a palm strike over a punch again comes back to training. With little or no training, you're more likely to "pull your punch" when actually punching because you unconsciously trying to keep from hurting yourself since this isn't a normal way you use your hand. In other words, because of the lack of familiarity with punching, your sub-conscious mind is going to prevent you from apply your full force behind the strike. On the other hand, since most people have experience with hitting stuff with the palm of their hand, i.e. slapping something, pounding on something with their palm, etc., their sub-conscious knows what to expect and has a better idea of how hard an impact you can apply before you cause injury to yourself.

So if you're ever in a situation where you have to defend yourself, you are better off using a palm strike instead of a punch. Let's just hope that you're never called upon to make that kind of choice.

Chad Kunego

http://www.whatthepublishing.com

eBook author, article writer, proofreader, and more.

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Treat Digestive Inflammation Naturally For Effective Relief

Inflammation of digestive tract is one of the most common complaints among adult men and women. Irritation or inflammation of any part of the digestive tract can lead to a range of symptoms including cramping, gas, constipation and nausea. It is something that strikes often yet people are still seeking effective means of treatment.

That's because most over the counter medications don't really treat the underlying problem. They may provide temporary relief of unpleasant symptoms but they don't offer the long-term solution you need. That solution comes from ensuring that soluble fiber, digestive enzymes, phenolics and prebiotics are all present in the digestive system in the proper amount.

It's an imbalance of these four essential substances that leads to inflammation of digestive tract and ailments such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome. While digestive problems are so common, we still understand very little about them and that's why most of the current treatments are less than completely effective.

The key to good digestion is realizing that the body contains a considerable amount of "good" bacteria, whose job is to fight off harmful bacteria and other toxins. Without enough of this "good" bacteria, the entire body can become susceptible to illness. Digestive enzymes, fiber, phenolics and prebiotics all work together to encourage the growth of "good" bacteria and maintain proper balance of the digestive system.

So how can you effectively treat and prevent inflammation of digestive tract and promote good digestive health? The answer is in ensuring that you are getting the right amount of the essential nutrients so that your body has everything it needs to function properly. Unfortunately, that can be difficult to do for most people as the standard diet is generally lacking in nutrition.

Most people today have a diet rich in packaged, processed foods and carbohydrates. This type of eating can leave you sorely lacking in essential nutrients such as digestive enzymes that are the building blocks of good health. Eating a balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables and organic foods is the first big step toward proper nutrition and improved health, but it doesn't stop there.

Even the healthiest diet can still be lacking in essential nutrients and so you may want to give yours a boost by adding an all-natural daily supplement to your routine. To address inflammation of digestive tract and other digestive issues, you'll want to take a supplement that is made from fresh kiwi fruit, as this is the best natural source of enzymes, soluble fiber, phenolics and prebiotics.

Digestive ailments can be a real issue for many of us. If you are one of the thousands of people seeking a way to improve your digestive health, consider adding a kiwi-based supplement to your regular routine. You'll feel the difference as a balanced system leads to better overall health.

James Brown is a researcher of digestive related supplements. Being concerned about your health is always important. Suggest you visit best digestive enzyme supplement to download a free fish oil buyer's guide and obtain additional information regarding digestive health. => http://stayhealthyinfo.com/Digesten.html

Breast Augmentation - A Look At Silicone Implants

For a long time, silicone implants had a bad reputation in the United States. Breast augmentation surgery generally was done using saline implants following an FDA ban on silicone for most implant applications. Health concerns surrounding what happened in case of rupture drove the decision to ban the material, but upon further study, the ban was lifted in 2006. Today, silicone implants are once again the most popular choice for women looking for enhancement and they offer a number of benefits over the saline implant.

Rupture

It is likely that the first thing your mind as you consider breast augmentation is the possibility of a rupture. It should be noted that silicone implants are far less likely to rupture than their saline counterparts. In fact, it is their propensity to leak that leads many plastic surgeons to discourage the use of a saline implants in their patients. Manufacturers have worked diligently to improve the shell of the implant to prevent rupture. Having said that, while rupture is unlikely, it is a possibility that should be considered when deciding whether or not to have the surgery.

Incision Options

A plastic surgeon using silicone implants in their breast augmentation procedures will usually use one of three incision strategies to perform the operation. In some cases, the choice is left to the patient, while some surgeons have their recommended method that they use in all cases. The three methods include going through the armpit, the nipple, or beneath the breast. The silicone implant cannot be inserted through the navel, which is reason enough for some patients to choose saline.

Appearance

While appearance is often in the eye of the beholder, most people will admit that silicone implants have a more natural look than their saline counterparts. This includes reducing the "ripple effect" that is common to saline implants. Of course, not every patient is concerned with their results looking natural in the first place, so this may be as much of a drawback as a benefit, depending on the patient and their aesthetics.

Cost

Another reason many patients choose the less popular saline implant is because of the reduced cost. On average, a woman can expect to pay approximately $1,000 more for silicone implants than saline in a breast augmentation procedure. Still, when this is part of a cost that is already in the five-to-ten thousand dollar range, it is up to the patient to decide if the savings are significant enough to make a decision they otherwise wouldn't.

For high quality breast augmentation St Louis patients should visit http://dr-rottler.com for additional information about the procedure.

Best 3 to Include in Your Diet

There are three C's that you can include in your diet. These are Cucumbers, Cauliflower and Cherries. Below are the insights why we need to include these in your diet regimen.

Cucumbers:

Cucumbers has a high water content. It cleanses the body by removing chemical toxins and waste materials. It also helps cut uric acid, this is good to those who are experiencing arthritis. It has high levels of potassium and manganese helps regulate blood pressure and help promote nutrient functions. The magnesium content in cucumbers also relaxes nerves and muscles and keeps blood circulating smoothly

This is very good in dieting because it is very low calories vegetable. This reduces constipation and protects against colon cancers. It has potassium that helps reduce blood pressure and heart rates. It has anti-oxidants such as A carotene and B carotene, vitamin C and vitamin A. These compounds help act as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a role in aging and various disease processes. Cucumbers have high water content that helps in checking weight gain and high blood pressure. It has a high amount of vitamin K that is good to strengthen bones. And guess what? This is a good treatment of Alzheimer's disease as well.

Salads is the best recipe in dieting. Add cucumber in your salads and you'll surely have a something that is juicy, crunchy and healthy in your diet.

Cauliflower:

This good in dieting since it has very low in calories, very low in fat and has no cholesterol. It has anti-cancer content as well. These can help reduce prostate, breast, cervical, colon, ovarian cancers. It has vitamin C that is a proven antioxidant. These anti-oxidant fights harmful free radicals, it can boost immune system, Cauliflower can also prevent infections and cancers.

In terms of cooking Cauliflower, do not over-cooked it so that the nutrients will still be intact. You can also blend a cooked cauliflower, add fennel seeds and other herbs and spices and serve as soup healthy soup.

Cherries:

Cherries is a "Miracle Fruit". This heals inflammation like arthritis. This will help in cardiovascular disease, that is why this is best to include in your diet. Juice up the cherries and have it as part of your diet regimen.

It has high in disease fighting antioxidants. It helps to cut the risk of cancer, arthritis and heart disease. It has also melatonin that has anti-aging content. This can help to have a good sleep. Cherries has vitamin C, potassium and beta-carotene. If you choose cherries as part of your diet regimen, it is a great choice since this decreases inflammation, eliminate body fats and helps in eliminating cholesterol.

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Beeswax Candles Bring Health Benefits

According to researchers at South Carolina State University, burning paraffin based candles produces toxic chemicals including benzene and toluene, while the beeswax candles do not give off these hazardous chemical substances at all when they're burned for the same amount of time.

Burning beeswax candles instead of paraffin is one of the best and safest ways to keep the air in your home healthy. These candles have a clean and non-toxic burn. Scientific studies have proved that when a pure beeswax candle is burned, it produces negative ions, which eliminate most pollutants from positive ions, such as dust, moulds, bacteria and viruses from our environment. Thus, beeswax candles can actually clean the air, same to the way a rain storm helps to clean the air outside.

Over the years, the modernization of most candles has brought more damaging effects to a person's health. On the other hand, candles made with beeswax were used since long time ago for people who is particularly sensitive to respiratory toxins and pollutants, suffering from allergies and sinus problems or who has a weakened immune system, for instance, people with asthma, hay fever, bronchitis and the elderly. When a candle made of pure beeswax is lit, it clears the air of any airborne contaminants and leaving the air cleaner to breathe. Thus, you will not breathe in as many allergens and also other contaminants through your nose as well as mouth.

Since beeswax is derived from honey production, the only scent that is given off from beeswax candles is the naturally sweet and pleasant aroma of honey and no added artificial scents or pollutants as in other candles. The natural scent can be an excellent way of relaxing, to treat stress and anxiety. Therefore, for those who has sleeping or concentration disorders, beeswax aroma is greatly calming for them. Due to the presence of negative ions released when beeswax is burned, serotonin levels in the brain will increase and this will eventually lead to people feel happier and less stressed. Moreover, the negative ions can absorb oxygen and then increase the flow to the brain, having an effect on higher alertness and more mental energy. Therefore, better mood, health and energy can be achieved just by burning some beeswax candles. That's simple!

By burning 100% natural beeswax candles, you can rest assure that not only you, your love ones and the planet are enjoying the health and environmental benefits!

Keep the Air in Your Home Clean

There is little you can do to stop external air entering your home; indeed it is totally essential that air from outside does circulate. Most people tend to refer to it as fresh air so for example people commonly say open the window and let some fresh air in.

Of course, the air in your home starts off exactly the same quality as the air outside your home. It's only when it enters your home and gets locked in that the air can seriously start to deteriorate. Independent studies have shown that the air in your home can be up to five times more polluted than the air outside your home. In some conditions, such as if people smoke, then the pollution is over 100 worse than the air outside.

Bearing in mind that some people spend in excess of 80 percent of everyday inside their home, it is easy to understand the need to make sure that the air is as clean as possible.

Before you consider the matter further just take a moment to consider whether there are any indications that the air quality in your home is poor. For example, do you or any of the people living in your home appear to cough or sneeze more often when at home than when they are not? Do you or others wake up with a heavy head and a headache each morning? Does anyone suffer from runny eyes, sore throats or other ENT conditions? Another easy tell tale sign is if you or any member of your household physically feel better when you are not at home.

If you answer yes to any of the above then it's likely you have polluted air in your home. There can be many reason for poor air quality; the most obvious being tobacco smoke, so if you or anyone smokes then quit, or stop at least stop smoking indoors. Pets produce allergens that float in the air and cause respiratory illnesses for those that are allergic. Mold produces millions of microscopic spores that can cause respiratory illnesses and even asthma attacks. Some people are allergic to hairspray and deodorant spray or even some type of soap. Often it is simple because today's homes are so well insulated that there is never enough external air circulating.

Never be afraid to open few windows a couple of times week, particularly in the winter, and let the air circulate; your home will soon warm up again.

Using good quality air filtration systems will certainly help keep the air quality in your home to a reasonable standard. But they can only help if you have already done as much as you can to stop pollutants getting into the air in your home. Besides the obvious of stop smoking, vacuuming your carpets and soft furnishings, including your beds will reduce dust. However, make sure you have a high efficient particulate air (HEPA) filter, or a filter of similar quality fitted in the vacuum; a HEPA filter can remove up to 99.7 percent of allergens and dust particles from the air. Always remember to clean or replace your air filtration filters at regular intervals; a dirt filter is worse than no filter at all.

Visit RabbitAir for more information about keeping the air in your home clean. They can be found online at rabbitair.com.

How to Lose Belly Fat - 3 Easy Tips

If you ask anybody which part of the body is the most difficult to lose weight, I'm sure most people would have the same answer, the Belly. Losing weight off the stomach area is not only very attractive but you will also lower your chances of getting cardiovascular disease and even diabetes. Here is a list of the 3 best exercises to do to lose belly fat.

1. Cardio exercise - just because your stomach is at the core or centre of your body it does not mean that you should do exercises that focus on your belly area like abdominal crunchers because they are mostly for building muscle. Cardio exercise will make you lose weight evenly across your entire body and naturally your belly will follow. Some of the best cardio exercises to lose belly fat include running, swimming, aerobics, and even jogging. Cardio exercises are not only practical they are probably the most cost effective type of workouts that one could do.

2. Tummy lifts - This exercise is probably the most effective exercise that one could do for the belly because it works deep inside the abdominal muscles and it does not cost you a cent. First you need to get on all fours(your hands and legs). Then you make sure that your knees are slightly separated and your hands are place flat on the floor. Last what you would do is to take a deep breathe and pull your bellybutton inward toward your spine and keep it in for about ten seconds. Then you slowly release and repeat at least 7-10 times. You might not see results fast when doing this exercise but you will benefit feel the effect once you are done

3. Leg raises - if done properly they can be a very effective exercise for losing belly fat. The first thing you want to do is to lie flat on your back keeping your hands on the side of you flat on the floor. Then all you have to do is to lift you legs up slowly but without lifting your head. This exercise can be very difficult at first but as time goes on and your abdomen gets stronger it will get easier. At first it will be very difficult to keep your head flat on the floor. Try note to swing your legs up because that really won't have any effects on your belly.

Try not to do all of these exercises at once, you could try and incorporate one at a time into your exercise routine. I hope these simple tips will help you in your weight loss journey as much as it helped me.

Best wishes.

Lloyd.

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Muscular Pain Relief - Soothing Stress and Muscle Overuse

Do you experience burning sensation on your thighs or back after hours of exercising? If your answer is yes, you are experiencing muscular pain. Most people suffer from muscle pain because of stress or overuse. This may also be a symptom of rheumatic conditions.

Here are some muscle pain relief options that may address this troublesome condition:

-Oral versus Topical Medication

When choosing muscle pain relief, the first decision you have to make is whether you prefer taking a pill or applying topical medication to your skin.

Pills and other oral medications enter the bloodstream through the digestive system. For systemic problems, oral medication is the clear choice. For problems like sore muscles because of vigorous activity, a topical solution is the best remedy.

-Topical Rub versus Patch

Topical medications are popular muscle pain relief options. They come in the form of ointment and salves; and also mixtures of healing herbs and animal fat or butter. Today's muscle rubs are direct descendants of original recipes. A recent innovation is the stick-on patch. This soothes aching muscles through direct contact with skin over a period of time. You may prefer the long-lasting effects of patches if your muscle pain is in an area covered by clothing.

Topical solutions may provide immediate relief for minor muscle pains if applied periodically. These are usually strong smelling and oily, so be careful when applying it. Make sure you wear loose or old clothing.

Muscular pain relief contain active ingredients giving off different effects to users- analgesic (pain-killing), counterirritant, and anti-inflammatory. Some ingredients may have more than one of these effects. One example is Aspirin, which is both an analgesic and anti-inflammatory medication.

Ingredients falling under counterirritant are menthol and camphor. These may cause a mild, stinging sensation or soothing effect for minor irritations. Reactions may vary - some people feel heat while others feel a chilling sensation. This leads to pain-relieving effects because the nerves become 'distracted' in sending the brain the heat or chilling message.

Homemade Topical Solution for Muscular Pain

If menthol-flavoured topical solutions are effective for you, you can choose to make your own. All you have to do is add five to ten drops of peppermint, eucalyptus, and camphor or clove essential oil into a tablespoon of unscented massage oil. Any vegetable oil will do. You can even use salad oils for your home-made rub.

Apply the mixture to the source of pain and rub in well. A good massage using these oils will be even more effective. Make sure you use pure essential oils as opposed to grocery store 'peppermint-flavoured extract'. Before using them, though, apply the solution to your skin sparingly until you are confident you have no allergic reactions to it.

Don't assume that herbal products are less effective than modern science. Many of our standard medicines were originally derived from herbal ingredients. Check the labels of products at the pain-relief section of your local pharmacy and try both analgesic and counter-irritant products to see which will suit you best.

Hazel Bennet knows many effective muscle pain relief products for muscular pain.

Flickr For Business

The photo sharing website Flickr.com can be a great tool for your business. By mid-2011 Yahoo!-owned Flickr reported having 51 million members. While that membership pales compared to that of Facebook, it still is a sizable population to which you can market your business. Plus, using Flickr for business offers some pretty neat ways to save money, especially if you have a website. (And if you don't have a website, what are you waiting for?)

All you need to get onto Flickr is a Yahoo ID. Get one of those at yahoo.com and then you can start using the site. Here are some tips on using Flickr to help your business:

Develop a profile

Get a Flickr screen name that matches your business name or website URL. All the photos that you post will show this name or URL and advertise your business. Create a profile for your screen name that is a marketing tool. Don't make it a sales pitch but rather an opportunity to provide information about your company.

Promote your products

Put photos of your products or which depict your services on the site. They will all contain your screen name which points viewers to your website or Flickr company profile. Create descriptions and tags strategically to draw the demographic you are trying to reach to advertise your product or service. People browsing the site may come across your photos and product or company information and you've just reached them for free.

Publicize your company

Involved in a charity or community service effort? Put up photos of your staff in action performing the activity and gain some positive exposure through people finding your photos. Use the photo descriptions to tell what your company did. Leave the hard sell out--just describe what your company did.

Network via Flickr communities

Using the communities in Flickr to network can get people interested in viewing your photos and learning about your company. In this way using Flickr for business is just like other social networking sites and the more you put into interacting with other site members the more you will get out of it.

Save website costs by using images

If you have a website, you should be using images with your articles or posts. However, to avoid violating copyright laws, you should be ensuring that you only use images for which you have commercial use rights. Image rights can be pricey but there is a huge inventory of images on Flickr which you can use commercially for free. Just search in the Creative Commons section of Flickr and be sure you credit the image owner in the manner that they request and in accordance with the site's Creative Commons license.

Exposure for your website

Use Flickr as a way to get backlinks to your website. If you utilize another Flickr users Creative Commons photo, post a blurb on their profile notifying them you are using their photo and include a link to your page. This is a good way to thank and recognize the photographer and also often the user will leave your note there, creating a backlink for you.

Treat Flickr like another social network with benefits

Using Flickr for business can save you money on image content and most importantly reach prospective customers at no cost. Just be careful not to spam the site's users with overbearing or inappropriate marketing or to post on too many profiles or photos. If you balance your marketing with a normal community presence you will find the site can be another tool in the toolbox to help your business.

James Duncan is Chief Editor at openthebusiness.com. There you can find more articles of interest to new business owners and those working to grow their existing companies. Get articles, tips and free e-reports to help make your business more successful today.

Medical Diagnostic Sonography - A Good Paying Career With A Great Future

Once you look at each of the elements, medical sonography technician has to be one of several ideal careers available in the US.

Note: A sonographer tech is sometimes referred to as an ultrasound technician but these terms are all the exact same career.

The job of diagnostic medical sonographer

If you're searching to get a new career, the first factor to check out is the job itself. What work would be involved? Is it work that interests you? Is is one thing you can do happily for lots of years? And just as critical, do your abilities match up with those needed by the profession you're evaluating?

To have a successful career, you need, 1st and foremost, to have excellent interpersonal and communication abilities. You need to have the ability to to embrace the concept of life-long studying as this job demands it. You'll want to be able to clarify technical procedures to future patients and have excellent hand-to-eye coordination. You'll need to enjoy providing one-on-one care to a variety of men and women and working with high-tech instrumentation to make and interpret pictures from inside the human body. In addition, you'll be called on to:

• Obtain and record accurate patient histories

• Analyze technical facts

• Use independent judgment in recognizing the need to extend the scope of the procedure in light of your diagnostic findings

• Provide oral and written summaries of your findings to the physician for medical diagnosis

• Provide great patient care

• Collaborate with doctors and other members of the health care team

Does this sound like work you'd get pleasure from? Does it seem to match up to your skills? Do you enjoy working with persons? In the event you can answer yes to all these queries, you can be a medical sonographer.

The schooling required

You will need to complete at least a two-year degree (associates degree) to come to be a sonography technician. You'll find programs at community colleges, vocational schools, colleges and technical institutes. For that matter, you can even learn medical sonography online.

Even though it really is not absolutely essential, lots of individuals decide to get a 4 year degree (bachelor of science) with a major in medical sonography.

The schooling to become a medical sonographer typically includes classes in medical terminology, care and use of ultrasound (sonograpic) machines, physics and anatomy, the way to administer standard medical tests and administrative skills.

The future

Another important factor in evaluating a possible career is what kind of future does it have? While you may like work as newspaper reporter, newspapers have a extremely dim future. On the other hand, medical sonography is really a growing field and expected to keep growing. In 2008, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics forecast that jobs for medical sonographers would grow 18% by 2018. That means that medical sonography has a quite bright future as a career.

How much would you earn?

Once more, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean average salary in (May, 2010) for a medical sonographer was $64,380 along with the mean hourly wage was $30.95 - both of which are pretty good, particularly when you consider that you can get the training you'll need in just two years.

Is there a career path?

A final factor you'd choose to evaluate in selecting a career is whether or not there is a path to better jobs. In the case of a medical sonographer, the answer is a strong "yes." Should you decide to become a medical sonographer, there are numerous opportunities for advancement in education, research, administration and in working for commercial organizations. You could become competent in more than one particular speciality - for instance, if you're a obstetric sonographer, you might get trained in abdominal sonography. You could also advance by taking supervisory, managerial or administrative positions.

In summary

A career as a medical sonographer is one where you'll be able to get trained in just two years, earn an excellent living and realize that there will always be jobs obtainable. So, if becoming a medical sonographer matches up together with your abilities and interests, it really is certainly a job worth considering.

If you agree that being a diagnostic medical sonographer could be a great career, click here to learn more about sonograpy salaries or here to learn about schools (by state) that teach medical diagnostic sonography.

What Size Dumpster Rental Is Right for You?

When it comes to renovating a home, a lot of details must be taken care of and the one thing that a lot of people forget about is what they are going to do with the trash left behind from the renovation. One home renovation could turn out as much as 20 yards of trash which could equal as much as 2 tons. So, what exactly should the homeowner do with all of the waste left over?

Most homeowners find that dumpster rental is the best way to take care of the trash when going through a home renovation. This type of service should provide you with the container and, after you are through with the container, they will dispose of the trash you have left in it. The service should have a set fee for each sized dumpster they rent out, but if you go over the weight limit, the fee would be adjusted.

To choose the right sized container for your needs, you will need to determine the size of the job. Most people tend to overestimate their needs and, in this particular case, it would be a smart thing to do. You do not want to have to pay anymore than necessary, but the charge you would get for overfilling the container would probably be much more than it would cost to rent a larger container.

Along with the size and weight of the container, you also have to inquire with the service provider what types of materials are allowed to be placed in the container. Each city and state will have different rules about what waste can be removed in this manner. Some of those that may not be allowed include gasoline, oil, and anything that could be considered toxic, such as a car battery or asbestos. By asking about this information prior to renting a container, the process will go smoother for you.

As a homeowner in the middle of a renovation, the last thing you want is a yard filled with trash. A dumpster rental is often the perfect solution in this situation, as the service provider will not only provide you with the container to hold the waste material, but they will remove it when you are done. For a very affordable fee, the only thing you will have to do is to make sure that everything from your home renovation makes its way into it.

For more information regarding Dumpster Rental, Please visit Dumpstercompanys.com

Culture Is the Unwritten Set of Rules Within Your Business

We all have a set of unwritten rules about the way we do things and the way we expect people to respond to us. I grew in a tough neighbourhood, where if you showed weaknesses, you would be bullied and treated as an outcast. Did you think I needed to be sent an email or a memo, as I was growing up to be informed of that fact? Or was it just an unwritten rule about how things were in the neighbourhood. It was an almost unconscious knowing that permeated through the neighbourhood. The same is true about the unwritten set of rules, which form the culture within your organisation.

Have you ever heard people in your organisation say things like "Around here, you never want to stand out from the crowd, as MANAGEMENT are always looking for scapegoats to sacrifice to explain their own shortcomings" This statement is filled with all sorts of challenges for any organisation and is the type of unwritten philosophy within any business, which forms the culture within that organisation. There are numerous unwritten cultural philosophies or rules within every business, which dictate the success or failure within your organisation.

Organisational culture is effectively the collective way that the people within your business think and act and is directed by the unwritten philosophies or rules within your business, as described above. Every business has a culture, which has either been carefully designed to influence people's actions, in a certain way to get great results, or it is something, which has just randomly evolved and may either be helping or hindering the performance within the organisation. If you do not take control, understand and actively manage the culture within your organisation, the tail will eventually begin to wag the dog and the culture within your business will begin to negatively affect performance within your organisation.

Taking control and becoming an active manager or optimizer of the culture within your organisation, has never been more crucial than it now is. The cycle of change, we as individuals and businesses face every day, is accelerating at an alarming rate. The only certainty right now is that things are going to change. Our challenge as business professionals and individuals is to accept this as the new normal and just the way we have to do business going forward. The sooner any leader embraces this concept and introduces a culture to support this, the better equipped the business will be to prosper in the years to come.

Optimising the culture to support the business objectives and the inevitable changes the business will face over the next few years, is as or even more important than your efforts to improve sales, R&D or any other organisational discipline, within your organisation. Great leaders know that by optimising the culture within their businesses, they will have a way to support any vision they create. When you can actively direct culture within your organisation, you have a game changing advantage over your competitors, a way of beating the economic challenges we are facing at the moment and ultimately a way to accelerate the value proposition of your organisation.

Optimising and actively managing the culture within your organisation, is not a nice to have. It has become an essential leadership tool, to help you produce the type of results you are looking for in your business. Any leader who neglects understanding, driving and creating a culture to support their vision, does so at their own peril.

It is unlikely that you have heard of Alaris Medical systems, but I am almost certain that if you have had any reason to visit a doctor, you have seen or been exposed to one of their products. They were on the brink of bankruptcy, with bankers breathing down their necks, a share price of 31 c and debt of around $ 525 000 000. Dave Schlotterbeck took over the helm at Alaris and after attempting to turn the business around using traditional income and balance sheet methodologies, trying to drive income up and costs down. The company just kept spiralling further and further into debt.

Dave was beginning to despair and thought that there was no way for him to fix this ailing business. One afternoon he was having a discussion with one of the marketing managers. They were discussing why things were not working out. The marketing manager pointed out that there was a small core of people within the business, who despite the doom and gloom were still delivering great work. He referred to these as the "Go To People" within the business. This simple concept triggered a wave of excitement in Dave and he spent the weekend reading every book he could find on organisational culture and how to get everyone in the business to become "Go To People".

After investing time to explore the culture within Alaris, Dave began to realise why he was unable to change things within the business. The culture that had evolved within Alaris over the years was effectively neutralising every positive concept or idea he tried to introduce. The culture within Alaris, was one where people avoided taking risks and they shrank away from any high visibility opportunity, for fear of becoming one of the sacrificial lambs, when things invariably went wrong. This culture had been fostered over the because of the experience people had had. It was common practice within Alaris, to heavily punish failure and any possibility of people having fun or enjoying their jobs was strictly prohibited.

The culture within Alaris had evolved into one of survival. People were more worried about protecting themselves and avoided any possibility of standing out, for fear of punishment or worse even losing their job. Dave immediately made a decision to stop focusing on the financial results and put his energy 100 % behind shifting the organisational culture within the business. Within a reasonably short space of time, Dave and his leadership team changed the daily experience, which everyone was exposed to at Alaris. People's beliefs began to shift and within a reasonably short space of time they introduced the very necessary cultural changes, they needed. Soon after these changes were introduced, Alaris began to move into profit once again.

The culture within any business is created by the experiences the people are exposed to every day within the organisation. The way the leadership interacts with their teams every day dictates how this experience unfolds for the people in their teams. When a leader unconsciously acts every day, without considering how their actions may affect the people within their teams, they are unconsciously creating the culture within their organisation. As culture is the main driver within any business, is it not far wiser for any leader to consciously think about the experience they are creating for their teams and to work to create an experience, which supports, rather than scuttles their vision.

The experiences people are exposed to every day are the catalysts, which foster the beliefs they ultimately develop. This is what triggers the unspoken rules within the office, which say things like "Around here it is best to shrink into the background and not be noticed" These unwritten philosophies or rules, are the direct result of the experience people are exposed to every day. These unwritten rules then drive all the actions within the business.

Is it not wise for any leader to consciously think about the experience, he or she creates for his or her team has every day? By creating the type of experience every day, which will support their vision, great leaders know they are establishing new beliefs or unwritten rules that will ultimately dictate the type and quality of actions their team members will take every day. When you create the right experience for your team every day, they establish a set of positive and supportive beliefs, which will inspire them to take the right actions every day. As your teams are inspired and they take the right actions, delivering your vision becomes inevitable.

http://www.andrewhorton.co.za

Hi my name is Andrew Horton; I am an inspirational Speaker, Master Teacher, Radio and TV Host, Global Traveler and Author. My area of focus is in the field of human behavior, expanded awareness and enlightenment. I travel the planet constantly researching, learning and seeking ways to unlock the mysteries of the human mind. I delve into the inner workings of the universe, always looking for ways to understand my role in making things better and contributing to the improvement of the human experience. Please visit my website to sign up for a daily inspirational message, by following this link Daily Inspirational Message. This is your daily call to action, a reminder to do things better each day. Visit my website at http://www.andrewhorton.co.za

Truck Financing Options Have Tightened Requiring Credit Strategy

Conventional truck financing poses serious challenges because of the economic conditions that face banks and independent truck operators. Diesel fuel has reached record highs of $4.50 or more, and the cost affects truck profitability more directly than any other expense. The rise of food prices destabilizes the market further, and industry-wide defaults have made bankers more skeptical about truck financing. The Kenworth brand, manufacturers of popular industrial trucks, has restricted internal financing approvals even more tightly than the lending market at large. Kenworth financing proved difficult to obtain at the best of times, and deteriorating market conditions now make the task nearly impossible. Kenworth has pulled funds and imposed substantial down payments of 10-30 percent.

Long-haul trucks face the strictest financing qualifications. Startup businesses must provide significant down payments and enjoy excellent credit to qualify. Established trucking companies without sterling credit might need to produce 10-20 percent down. Trucking entrepreneurs can maximize their chances of approval from any lender by finding the best deal possible. Repossessions, auctions, off-lease trucks, and private sellers can generate substantial risk/reward benefits that might make a deal more attractive to lenders. Truckers can suffer credit denials from numerous conditions such as slow payments, tax problems, keeping poor financial records, or getting poor FICO scores, which analyze overall credit worthiness.

Poor credit need not disqualify owners from financing options. Leveraging business or personal collateral can guarantee the sale and leads to loan approvals. The extra collateral allows lenders to bypass credit score criteria in the decision-making process. Heavy equipment, fully owned trucks, commercial and/or residential real estate, and co-signers can facilitate approvals. Outright equipment collateral can lead to fast approvals within a week. Real estate might take longer, often requiring two weeks or more to clear titles. Lease/purchase programs generate tax benefits, and the method might lead to quicker acceptance.

Regardless of what method truckers choose, they should obtain sufficient insurance coverage to protect their assets and livelihood. Full purchase-price coverage can offer peace of mind, and accident and health insurance will indemnify truckers for circumstances beyond their control. Credit life insurance, physical damage coverage, and other alternatives provide complete protection against all possibilities. Repossessions and off leases make trucks available at favorable terms for first-time buyers or established owners seeking to expand operations, including strict loans from the internal Kenworth financing department. Truck financing opportunities exist for those people willing to shop carefully and exploit all their options.

The author has spent a lot of time learning about Truck Financing and other related topics. Read more about Kenworth Financing at the author's website.