20twenty world cup

2009-05-21T13:44:00.001-07:00

free health

2009-05-21T13:04:00.001-07:00

fre health system

Health

2009-05-08T20:45:00.000-07:00

By WALECIA KONRAD 1:49 PM ET

Even in states where gay marriage is permitted, getting health insurance as a couple can be cumbersome, costly or impossible.

* Comment Post a Comment

Swine Flu Cases Worldwide Exceed 2,300
By DONALD G. McNEIL Jr. 12:43 PM ET

The World Health Organization said Friday that 2,384 people in 24 countries now had confirmed cases of swine flu.
Unemployment May Be Hazardous to Your Health
By RONI CARYN RABIN 51 minutes ago

A large study finds that laid off workers are more likely than the employed to develop health problems.
Doctor and Patient
Bringing Out the Mother in All of Us
By PAULINE W. CHEN, M.D. 2:51 PM ET
Solus-Veer/Corbis

Can balancing the responsibilities of motherhood and medicine bring out the best in us?

* Comment Post a Comment

Recipes for Health
Tomato and Avocado Salsa
By MARTHA ROSE SHULMAN

A rich salsa perfect with fish or chicken.

* See all Recipes for Health »

Measure to Restrict BPA Moving to State Senate
By MARGARET FARLEY STEELE

The bill, which passed the House of Representatives last month, would phase out the use of BPA from children’s products and certain reusable containers.

* Times Topics: Bisphenol A

Television Review
The Disease That Steals Your Self
By ALESSANDRA STANLEY

“The Alzheimer’s Project,” a deeply affecting documentary series on HBO that begins on Sunday, seeks to comfort and encourage those affected by the disease.
Taxing Those With Insurance to Pay for Those Without
By REED ABELSON

The proposals being debated in Congress would start considering some part of the value of health benefits as income and tax it accordingly.
In Strategy Shift, G.E. Plans Lower-Cost Health Products
By STEVE LOHR

General Electric is shifting the strategy in its $17 billion-a-year health equipment and technology business, seeking to broaden its reach with more lower-cost products.
Well Blog
When Swine Flu Hits Home
By RONI CARYN RABIN 5:59 PM ET

A mother’s first-hand account of the swine flu outbreak in Queens.
Senators Offer Their Support to F.D.A. Nominee
By GARDINER HARRIS

Dr. Margaret A. Hamburg breezed through her Senate confirmation hearing while the administration proposed a budget that would give the agency more money.

* Times Topics: Margaret A. Hamburg

Skin Deep: Uneven Pigmentation: What Can Be Done?
New Effort Reopens a Medical Minefield
Obama’s Choice to Lead F.D.A. Doesn’t Shy Away From Difficult Situations
Rangel Bars Any Taxes on Workers’ Health Care
Hurt by Economy, Plastic Surgeons Find Hope in New Products
Research »
PREPARED Doctors wearing protective gear with a possible flu patient in Mexico City.
10 Genes, Furiously Evolving
By CARL ZIMMER

Potent and complex despite its tiny size, a virus is life reduced to its essentials.

* Graphic Graphic: The Flu Virus

Vital Signs: Aging: Prelude to Alzheimer’s Memory Trouble
In Treating H.I.V. Infection, Sooner Is Better, Study Finds
Advances Expand Kidney Transplants
Aging: Reminders of Age Undermine Memory
Fitness & Nutrition »
Fitness
Do Sports Creams Rub the Pain Away?
By SARAH TOLAND

Can you really rub away the pain using over-the-counter sports creams, or is it all in your head?
Recipes for Health: Avocado Gazpacho
Recipes for Health: Guacamole and Middle Eastern Avocado Puree
Recipes for Health: Buckwheat Crêpes
Recipes for Health: Fiber With Finesse
Money & Policy »
Health Insurers Agree to End Higher Premiums for Women
By ROBERT PEAR

It was the latest concession by insurers as Congress drafts legislation to overhaul the $2.5 trillion health care industry.
Women Sue Over Device to Stop Urine Leaks
Hydroxycut Diet Aids Recalled After Warning
F.D.A. Orders Warning Label for Botox

fitness articles

2009-05-08T20:43:00.000-07:00

Got something to say? Or would you just like to catch up on the latest health, fitness, and beauty news.

AHF has thousands of articles at your fingertips. Just browse through the categories or search for what you're looking for.
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And you're welcome to reprint the articles on the web or offline as long as the resource box is included and the link(s) are active (hyperlinked) (if online).
Most Recent Articles

* Hair Growth And Hair Transplants By: Dominic Donaldson
Although it is said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, feeling good inside can make a huge difference on how we are perceived by others. Happiness and confidence can be boosted by cosmetic enhancement, and restoring a former crowning glory with a hair transplant has been known to transform many people's lives no matter what has caused hair loss.

* The Gastric Bypass Diet - Eating After Weight Loss Surgery By: Marjorie Salada
You have finally made the decision to have gastric bypass surgery and now you have to learn about the gastric bypass diet. Most people realize their life will be drastically different in the future, but their thoughts are about how much weight they are going to lose and not what changes they will have to make to get there.

* The Great Cat-Cow Hatha Yoga Pose By: Anmol Mehta
There are some yoga poses which should be practiced every day, and hatha yoga's cat-cow pose is just such an exercise. This technique is excellent for promoting emotional balance, and is also very good for the entire back and digestive system. It is quite simply, a yoga exercise that should be an integral part of your daily yoga practice.

* Choosing The Best Bodybuilding Diet Regimen By: Dane Fletcher
It takes time for one to move from a situation of weight loss to that of building more and more muscle. The first worry for every overweight individual is his inability to deal with weight loss and cultivate muscle gain. Calorie counting should solve this problem for anybody but the bother is often too much that most of us get very tired along the way and try doing something else.

* Appetite Control As Part Of Your Bodybuilding Nutrition By: Dane Fletcher
It feels very disheartening when you get into the gym and the first feeling after you are through warm-ups and stretches is a sharp pang of hunger. The opposite of this is when you feel that the fats that you took last night for dinner seem not to have moved from the stomach to the intestines, 18 hours on.

* MMA Fighting Giant Fedor Emelianenko By: Phoenix Delray
This article provides information on mixed martial arts fighters.

* Can You Really Eat Junk Food and Lose More Weight? By: Harry Johnson
Describes a new methodology of eating using junk food in order to accelerate fat loss

* Hair Transplant Advice For Women By: Dominic Donaldson
To most of the world, hair loss and thinning is something that is considered to only affect men, but in America alone there are thought to be around 20 million women suffering from hair loss.

* What is Your Body Fat Percentage? By: Bob Lachinet
Do you know what your body fat percentage is? Everyone needs a certain amount of body fat, but too much (or too little) can be detrimental to your health. Because of this, it's important to know your body fat percentage. Whether you're just looking to stay in shape or you need to lose weight, the following information will be beneficial to you.

* The Instinctive Training Excuse For Bodybuilding Workouts By: Dane Fletcher
When you look in most gyms in America, you will see one of two different groups of people training. Let's look at each group of trainers and determine the strengths and deficits of each training style.

* What Does an Effective Weight Loss Diet Consist Of? By: Harry Johnson
The top two things you can do to accelerate your weight loss diet results.

* The Best Acne Treatment for Dry Skin By: Trevor Mulholland
The best acne treatment for dry skin starts with keeping it healthy. Although people with dry skin are less likely to develop acne than other types, there are still cases when pimples do appear; and in times like this, it is important to have an idea on how to deal with them.

* How To Handle A Bodybuilding Injury By: Dane Fletcher
Bodybuilding injuries are social so to say. They are caused and perpetuated by several factors. For as long as these friends are observable in a bodybuilder's workout routine, then injuries aren't far out.

* Simplifying Nutrition - The Wellness Way By: Colleen Trombley-VanHoogstraat
Knowing what to eat, what not to eat, what food is healthy and what food is not is a contradicting, confusing topic for many. Having the right information and the right formula for success makes nutrition simple.

* What Do Tips To Lose Weight Fast and Sex Have in Common? By: Harry Johnson
Lisa, fast weight loss tips, and sex... all on the agenda one late summer afternoon a long time ago...

* The Effectiveness Of Using Fat Burners Vs. Working Out By: Dane Fletcher
It is not something to be taken for granted if you manage to lose weight. This is because there are quite many overweight people who have been struggling to lose weight for years. Some of them even result to taking fat burners because they have not been able to achieve weight loss through natural training. Fat burners are not the solution to losing weight because they never work.

* Demystifying The Failure Principle Of Body Building By: Dane Fletcher
For many years now, the failure principle has been in common use during body building workouts. Training muscle to failure simply refers to the perfuming of a single set until the target muscle group reaches a point where it's unable to complete even one more rep. at this point the attempt to finish an addition rep fails completely and the body builder has to abandon the rep halfway.

* Conceptualizing Popular Negative Connotations Of Bodybuilding By: Dane Fletcher
For those who can percept mild inclinations of society's mindset, body building is still yoked with a negative perception. This is even more discernible at competitive body building level, amazingly enough, even majority of body builders would not wish to be professional, others will do anything else but go competitive.

* How Do Acne Solutions Work? The Process Behind Each Formula By: Trevor Mulholland
Acne solutions differ in the way they try to remedy the problem. Choosing the best cure should depend on the type of a patient's skin, the level of severity and whether the patient has an allergic reaction to any drug or is taking other medications.

* Lessons on Drugs, Sickness and Living Life By: Colleen Trombley-VanHoogstraat
Although I believe the Wellness paradigm provides our best chance at experiencing life long health, there are times when addressing the cause isn't necessarily the only way to improve our quality of life.

* Training Facts Every Bodybuilder Should Know By: Dane Fletcher
There are several factors that are very individualized to body builders. Still, there are other factors that affect body builders across the board in total disregard to personal taste and goals. Some other factors are variable depending on individuals, programs, muscle mass, level of body building and so on.

* 4 Healty Mood Boosting Foods By: Tom Parker
Have you started to feel a little down? Has your mood started to suffer recently? If so it could be down to your diet. In this article I am going to be providing you with a list of four mood boosting foods.

* The Truth About Food Addiction: Could You Be A Cupcake Addict? By: Joanna Dolgoff
We are hard-wired to eat high-fat, high-sugar foods. Studies show that these unhealthy treats activate our brains' pleasure zones, prompting us to continue to seek them out. Could fatty, sugary foods be as addictive as drugs and alcohol?

* HGH: Spray, Pills or Injection? By: Zach Thompson
As we grow older, the percentage of Human Growth Hormone found in our bodies is noticeably less. As a result, we need to find a solution, but what is the best way to boost these levels?

Healthy Skin Portal provides resources for some of the most effective non-surgical skin care treatments. Even your worst signs of aging can be treated with a procedure such as IPL Photorejuvenation , even simple microdermabrasion treatments can help. Find out more about what Healthy Skin Portal can do for you, and to find a skin care specialist near you!

cnn health articles

2009-05-08T20:40:00.000-07:00

CNN is featuring a short survey to help you determine your level of financial health. The result is presented in a form of a grade from F to A+. My result was an A; I lost points for not having any life insurance. The survey does not ask if there are any dependents. Right now, I am the only person depending on my income for survival.

The survey questions visitors about annual income and your age in order to determine the healthy expectations for the other categories. For the highest score, your monthly housing payments should not exceed 28% of your gross income. That’s almost unheard of for many people who purchased houses in the past few years. Monthly debt payments should not exceed 36% of your gross income. CNN further suggests three months’ worth of expenses in a high-yield savings account. The editors also subscribe to the rule of thumb that suggests the percent of your portfolio invested in stocks should be 120 minus your age.

Also related to diversification, you will lose points if you have more than 10% invested in your employer’s stock. For life insurance, a category where I failed according to CNN’s algorithm, you should have enough coverage to provide a replacement for your income for at least 5 years, 10 years if you have multiple dependents. The survey asks about your contributions to and balance of your retirement account. If the combination of the two, while taking your age into account, results in a favorable outcome as judged by CNN, you will pass this question.

Here are my results.

Male Pattern Baldness Explained

2009-05-08T20:29:00.000-07:00

Cause and treatment of male pattern baldness

Male Pattern Baldness (Androgentic Alopecia) is a genetic disorder that affects millions of men worldwide, causing them to lose their hair. In fact, Male Pattern Baldness is the leading cause of hair loss in men and it also affects women (on a much smaller scale).

What causes Male Pattern Baldness?

The causes of Male Pattern Baldness are complex, but we do know a few things about it:

* It is hereditary. Typically, the gene that is responsible for it is passed down from the mother's side of the family.

* Hormones such as testosterone and DHT play a major role in Male Pattern Baldness.

* Genetically determined characteristics of the hair follicles cause them to get smaller with age, leading to the inability of the follicle to grow a hair.

What are the symptoms of Male Pattern Baldness?

* The hairline begins to recede, eventually forming an "M" shape at the front of the head.

* There will be a larger than normal accumulation of hair in the shower drain after each shower.

* Hair comes out with the comb or brush during normal grooming.

* The hair on the crown of the head will begin to thin out, forming a bald spot that eventually expands until it meets the receding hair line.

What treatments are available for Male Pattern Baldness?

1. Drugs

* Minoxidil (Rogaine) - This is a solution that is applied directly to the scalp. It stimulates the hair follicles, slowing the hair loss for many men, some of which even grow new hair!

* Finasteride (Propecia or Proscar) - This is a pill (available by prescription only) that inhibits the production of the male hormone DHT, the build-up of which is the primary cause of hair loss in men with Male Pattern Baldness.

Note: The loss of hair will resume if the patient stops using either of the above products.

2. Surgery

* Hair Transplantation - Hair follicles on the balding areas of the scalp are surgically replaced with those from areas that aren't affected by the Male Pattern Baldness, typically the side and back of the head.

* Scalp Reduction - The balding areas of the scalp are removed, and the other areas of the scalp are stretched or grafted to cover the affected area.

Male Pattern Baldness can cause a loss of self-esteem, but it isn't at all harmful physically. It is more or less an issue of your personal image.

Unless you desire to try one of the above treatments for cosmetic purposes, you can simply let the hair loss process take its course with no detrimental effects to your health whatsoever.

The Benefits Of Vitamin Supplements

2009-05-08T20:27:00.000-07:00

How vitamin supplements can help
keep us strong and healthy

Our bodies are complex living organisms. Our vital organs and tissues need a constant supply of several essential vitamins in order to generate new cells, ward off disease, and remain healthy.

We get these essential vitamins through the foods we eat. In a perfect world, we would eat perfectly balanced meals that contain just the right amount of each vitamin that we need.

But of course we don't live in a perfect world. Our hectic schedules have us eating fast food and other things that are poor sources of essential vitamins. And of course there are certain foods that all of simply do not like (usually the ones that are the most vitamin rich).

Since our meals don't supply the vitamins that our bodies require, we build up vitamin deficiencies that often lead to all sorts of health problems (cardiovascular disease, immune system problems, and even cancer for example).

While there is no substitute for eating a well balanced diet, vitamin supplements can help us fill in the nutritional gaps left by poor eating habits.

And while multivitamin supplements work very well for many people, others are better served by taking individual supplements of specific vitamins, including the B vitamins and vitamins C and E.

It is strongly recommended that you consult your physician and/or nutritionist to help determine which vitamins you should add to your supplement regimen (and equally important which ones not to take).

How LASIK eye surgery improves vision

2009-05-08T20:26:00.001-07:00

How LASIK eye surgery improves vision

What is LASIK?

LASIK, (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis), is a surgical procedure performed on the eye by a physician using a laser. In most cases, LASIK can reduce or eliminate the need for the patient to wear glasses or contact lenses.

How does LASIK surgery help improve vision?

The cornea of the eye focuses light onto the retina to create an image. The typical cornea isn't perfectly shaped, but the imperfection isn't severe enough to distort the image.

But some people have imperfect corneas that do actually create a distorted image on the retina, resulting in poor vision. Until fairly recently, the only option for seeing clearly for those people was the use of corrective eyewear.

Developments in eye research and care in recent years have changed all of that however. Today, many patients are "candidates" for Laser Eye Surgery, the most commonly used form of which is LASIK.

LASIK surgery uses a special laser (under the direct control of an eye surgeon) to reshape the cornea by removing tiny portions of tissue. This allows the cornea to focus light onto the retina correctly resulting in clear vision.

Can anyone benefit from LASIK?

No. Certain eye characteristics and specific health problems make some people poor candidates for LASIK surgery. The only way to find out if LASIK is a possibility for you is to consult your eye doctor.

What are the benefits of LASIK surgery?

LASIK provides several important benefits for many patients, including:

* LASIK has the potential to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

* LASIK surgery reduces or eliminates the need to wear corrective eyewear in most patients.

* The procedure is generally safe when compared to other types of surgery.

* There is little or no pain involved with the procedure or during the recovery period.

* Recovery time is very short. Most patients can drive an automobile and even return to work within one day of having LASIK surgery.

Are there any risks associated with LASIK surgery?

Yes, LASIK isn't risk-free. Here are a few of the risks that LASIK patients may face:

* There is a chance that the surgery will actually make your vision worse (and sometimes in ways that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses).

* Some patients develop severe "dry eye syndrome" following LASIK surgery.

* For some patients, the procedure causes unusual vision problems such as poor night vision, glare, and/or "halos", and these problems often cannot be reversed.

* The LASIK might not give the patient 20/20 vision, requiring additional surgeries and/or the continued wearing of glasses or contacts.

* The benefits provided by LASIK surgery in farsighted patients tend to diminish as the patient ages, possibly requiring the use of glasses or contacts in later years.

Conclusion

As you can see, while LASIK eye surgery isn't for everyone, it has great potential for helping many people live with less dependence on glasses or contacts.

If you're interested in having the LASIK procedure performed on yourself or a loved one, consult your eye doctor and consider the benefits and risks described above.

How to decide if you can benefit from Laser Eye Surgery

2009-05-08T20:24:00.000-07:00

Laser Eye Surgery offers the promise of clear vision without the need to wear glasses, so it's no wonder that hundreds of thousands of Americans are taking the plunge. But is Laser Eye Surgery right for you? A review of the pros and cons might help you decide.

Laser Eye Surgery - The Pros:

* It can reduce or eliminate the need to wear glasses for many people.

* The procedure is relatively quick and painless.

* Most people can go back to work almost immediately after the surgery.

* Laser Eye Surgery is inexpensive when compared to buying new eyeglasses each year for the rest of your life.

Now, the Cons:

* Laser Eye Surgery simply isn't an option for some people. The only way to find out if you're a good candidate is to visit your eye doctor.

* Up front, it can be expensive at $500 and up per eye. This is especially true if it turns out that you still need glasses after the surgery.

* In some cases, the surgery doesn't work as well as planned, meaning the patient may still need glasses or contacts for reading or for seeing in general. In rare cases, the patient's eyesight is even worse after the surgery than it was before.

* Some patients require one or more follow-up surgeries before their eyesight is acceptable.

While there are risks associated with Laser Eye Surgery (as there are with any surgery), there are a few things you can do to minimize those risks and give yourself the best chance for improved eyesight:

* Listen to your doctor's recommendations concerning whether you should opt for laser surgery. If he tells you that you're a poor candidate, it's best to forget about having the procedure done. Laser Eye Surgery is one area where "taking a chance" can really cost you in the end.

* Get a second opinion. When it comes to having surgery done on your eyes, it's definitely worth a few extra dollars to get the opinion and perspective of another physician.

* Choose a doctor and surgery center that has lots of experience in successful Laser Eye Surgeries.

* Ask for recommendations and follow up with them. If a doctor and surgery center has lots of satisfied patients, your chances of having good results yourself will be better.

* Do an Internet search for your doctor's name and the name of the surgery center. If there have been complaints lodged against them, chances are they'll show up.

Conclusion

Your eyesight is perhaps your most important sense, so it makes sense to protect it as much as possible. As with any surgery, Laser Eye Surgery carries inherent risks. But you can minimize those risks by "doing your homework" and carefully considering your eye doctor's advice and recommendations.

Adult Acne: How Common Is It?

2009-05-08T20:23:00.000-07:00

For many years acne was considered a problem for teenagers to deal with. It seems that acne and teens go hand in hand. It is almost a cliché of the teenage years. In fact, adult acne is also a very common problem.

Many adults suffer from a wide variety of skin problems. For example, pimples are not just a problem of the young. People over the age of 25 have issues with acne, too.

While adult acne occurs in both men and women, it tends to be more prevalent in women. Statistics show that half of all adult females have acne as compared to only about 25% of adult males. Adult acne affects people from every ethnicity and background.

There are many causes of adult acne. Since the main cause of pimples is hormones, which is probably why women tend to have more zits and skin problems than men.

Other things also cause acne. These can be things like overactive sebaceous glands that allow an excess of oil to be secreted onto the face, clogged pores, etc. For many people, genetics plays a role in whether or not they have acne. Other things that can trigger breakouts are stress and environmental issues like weather and allergies.

While there are many acne products available to treat breakouts and blemishes, some of the ones that work for teens can be too harsh for adults. It is important to have a good daily cleansing regimen. This alone can help many adults clear up their acne prone skin.

Others find that topical treatments can help with their blemishes. For moderate to severe acne problems, some adults may find that a trip to their dermatologist is necessary. A dermatologist can prescribe antibiotics or other ant-acne medications.

As we age, our skin becomes less able to repair itself due to a loss of collagen. The skin of adults is not as resilient as that of younger people. So adult acne can be a much more serious problem because it can cause easily cause scarring in adult skin. It is a good idea to treat breakouts and not give in to the temptation to squeeze or pop whiteheads or blackheads that appear on the skin. Doing this type of thing can lead to permanent scarring of the skin.

For both adult men and women, adult acne can have the same effects on them that it does on teenagers. Emotional distress, embarrassment, and low self-esteem due to acne breakouts can be just as big of a problem for an adult as for a teen.

Everyone wants his or her skin to look good. How we look contributes greatly to how we feel about ourselves, so having skin issues can be just as serious a problem as other things.

2009-05-08T20:22:00.001-07:00

Why you should get rid of your mold problem now!

Many homeowners have a serious mold problem, yet they fail to understand the importance of having the mold removed. This article will explain some of the problems caused by mold and why mold removal is so very important.

What is mold?

Molds are fungi that produce spores (instead of seeds) which spread through the air in large numbers.

What health problems are typically associated with the presence of mold?

Mold spores cause all kind of problems for many people, including severe allergic reactions and difficulty breathing. People who have asthma are especially vulnerable.

Why is mold removal so important?

The symptoms caused by mold spores can be very serious. At the very least they can cause you to me miserable in your own home, but they can also exacerbate other, more serious conditions.

How can I tell if I have a mold problem and where is it most likely to occur?

Mold is usually very easy to spot. It shows up as black splotches on ceilings, walls, floors and around window frames in areas that tend to have lots of moisture in the air. Bathrooms and basements are prime candidates for a mold problem as are the interior of your ceilings.

How do I get rid of mold?

Mild cases can be cleaned with over-the-counter mold removal products, but more involved instances of mold are best handled by professional mold removal services.

The causes of bad breath and how to eliminate it.

2009-05-08T20:19:00.000-07:00

Many people have a problem with bad breath (halitosis), but they have no idea what causes it or how to eliminate it. In general, there are three possible reasons why a person might have bad breath:

1 - Eating smelly foods

Aromatic foods such as onions, garlic, fish, peanut butter and others can leave a strong odor on your breath, but this type of bad breath is only temporary unless there are also other problems.

2 - Poor oral hygiene

Properly brushing, flossing and using mouthwash is essential for keeping bad breath at bay. Preventing HalitosisMaintaining good oral hygiene is also very important for preventing the third (and most serious) cause of bad breath...

3 - A dental condition

Dental conditions such as gum disease, oral cancer, cavities, and/or bacteria on the surface of the tongue typically result in bad breath. Unfortunately, these conditions cannot be remedied without the help of a dentist.

In a nutshell, brushing (including the tongue), flossing and gargling with mouthwash after every meal coupled with regular professional cleanings will prevent the most pervasive causes of bad breath.

Chewing gum helps reduce the intensity of bad breath by keeping the mouth moist, and many people also find relief by using toothpaste, mouthwashes and other oral hygiene products that are formulated specifically to combat persistent halitosis.

health related articles

2009-05-08T20:12:00.000-07:00

How mobility scooters improve quality of life for the disabled.

Millions of Americans find it difficult to get around for various reasons, the most common of which are serious injuries and the natural aging process. Historically, walkers and wheelchairs were the only real solutions available to those who needed a way to get up and move around.

Thankfully, there is a new line of products that take the wheelchair concept light-years farther: Mobility Scooters.

Typically, a mobility scooter has a chair and foot rest like a regular wheelchair, but they also have a very powerful, yet very quiet electric motor that propels the scooter forward and backwards.

Thanks to a set of handlebars or an easy-to-use joystick mounted on one of the armrests, these scooters are very easy to steer - and they can turn on a dime!

I personally know several people who use mobility scooters, and I can tell you that the difference they make in these people's lives is tremendous. For example, one gentleman was previously more or less confined to a chair in his den because his legs are simply unable to support his weight. He used to sit all day, every day just watching TV.

But after receiving a mobility scooter as a gift, he now goes out on the porch, out in the yard and all around his property, once again enjoying the wonders of nature - and he does it all by himself. This man's day-to-day routine has literally been transformed from a boring existence to a renewed love of life...all because of his wonderful scooter!

If you or someone you love is currently immobile due to health reasons, I recommend that you check out these wonders of modern technology. They are safe, reliable and probably more affordable than you might think. Give one a try and you'll be amazed at how much better life can be!

health articles for kids

2009-05-08T20:10:00.000-07:00

Kids health and fitness articles

Below you will find some articles and other websites that are related to children's health and fitness and how we can raise healthy and happy kids. More articles will continue to be added.

Starting your Child on an Exercise Program

Family Fitness

How Dance Dance revolution is getting our kids
up off the couch and moving!

Trying to get your kids off the couch?
Let them jump on a mini trampoline

Choosing a home gym-fitness equipment

In Your Corner: Kids Fitness

Helping your overweight child

Exercise=Fun

Diabetes Warning For Children

How to prevent Teenage Obesity

Preventing childhood Obesity- What parents can do

Why Are We Killing Our Children?

IN THE TRENCHES
Produce industry stuck in an obese world

The Care & Feeding of Healthy Kids

Kids and Weight Loss

Soda Consumption and Teenagers -
Our Teenagers are in Danger
Nutritionally!

Keeping fit

Will your kids be fit or fat?

Family Fitness

Growing up and out:
American kids are heavier than ever

Healthy Foods and Snacks

How Healthy are our Kid's School Lunches?

Plan your Nutrition

Too Heavy Too Young

Tuna helps you lose weight

discovery health south africa

2009-05-08T20:08:00.000-07:00

Discovery Health, is part of the Discovery Group of companies (listed on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange), which offers a wide variety of financial services and assurance products to you and your family. Discovery’s vision is to make people healthier by protecting & enhancing their lives. Discovery Health is a vibrant, creative and economically strong health care company that has grown to become a household name in South Africa.

Rating agencies awarded Discovery Health the highest ratings for its claims-paying ability. The company offers a wide range of Product Plans which have different cover & benefits to satisfy individuals.
Health cover when you need it...

If you have a medical emergency or need to visit the hospital then Discovery 911 is there to assist you. Discovery will pay the claims you make in private hospitals, DiscoveryCare is there to assist you if you get ill and makes sure that you get quality health care. For example you might have a chronic condition such as Bioploar, then we cover your medicine for the “registered chronic condition”. You do not receive only that, but get counseling if you have Cancer, HIV or diabetes
Medical Expenses Fully Covered

Discovery Health offers cover for everyday medical expenses and you van be sure that there is a Health Plan to suit your individual needs. The great thing is that you are in full control of this cover because you decide when to use it or when to save it. The majority of the health plans on offer cover you for medical emergencies for 3 months (90 days) when you travel outside South Africa.
Discovery Vitality Wellness Program

Accredited by the Sports Science Institute of South Africa, the Discovery Vitality Wellness Program was desired with one thing in mind – to look after your health. The dynamic company uses Scientific thinking and transforms it into an easy to follow programme to assist you to improve & maintain your overall well being. Its very easy up for this program – you can do so online, via SMS or by simply calling our 24 hour customer services line. Its also possible to access you Health Plan information from the website, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
DiscoveryMobile

This provides you with convenient access to your Health Plan information on your mobile phone making use of the latest cell phone technology

Our Product Range

Discovery Vitality
Discovery Life
The Discovery LIFE PLAN
The Discovery retirement OptimiserTM
Discovery Group LIFE PLAN
Discovery Invest

Discovery Health Channel

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This article is about the US television channel. For the Canadian version, see Discovery Health (Canada). For the United Kingdom version, see Home & Health (UK & Ireland).
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Discovery Health Channel
Launched August 2, 1999
Owned by Discovery Communications, Inc.
Headquarters Silver Spring, Maryland
Sister channel(s) Discovery Networks
Website Discovery Health Channel (US)
Availability
Satellite
DirecTV Channel 279
Channel 1279 (VOD)
Dish Network Channel 189
C-Band AMC 11-Channel 613 (4DTV Digital)
Cable
Available on most cable systems Check Local Listings for channels

Discovery Health Channel (or DHC), launched on August 2, 1999, is a soon to be defunct U.S. cable television network dedicated to programming that highlights various aspects of health and wellness (and unwellness as well). The network is a media property of Discovery Communications Inc., the parent company of other popular cable TV networks such as Discovery Channel, TLC, and Animal Planet.

A version of DHC has been set up in Canada as well; Discovery Health Canada is a joint venture between Canadian media giant CW Media and Discovery Communications Inc. Another version of the channel in the United Kingdom has since been renamed Discovery Home & Health.

In the beginning, DHC started out rerunning material from other Discovery Communications entities, most notably the medical-based reality show programming from TLC. As the network matured, it began producing its own programming in the reality show genre, mostly dealing with babies (Babies: Special Delivery, Birth Day), bodies (Plastic Surgery: Before and After, National Body Challenge), and blood (The Critical Hour, Dr. G: Medical Examiner). DHC also shows episodes of the CBS medical drama series Chicago Hope on a semi-regular basis.

DHC won its first Daytime Emmy in 2004 for its original series about adoptive families, Adoption Stories. Most of DHC's fitness-related programming has since been spun off to its sister network FitTV, though some of it remains, such as the annual National Body Challenge series.

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Introducing Discovery Health…

People are at the centre of Discovery Health and everything we do. With our members in mind, we pioneered products such as the Medical Savings Account and Vitality. Discovery Health empowers you, more than any other health insurer, to take control of your health and manage your day-to-day spend.

Why you should choose Discovery Health

1. The Discovery Health Medical Scheme is the largest and most secure in South Africa, more than three times the size of its nearest competitor. Discovery Health was awarded the highest rating in the industry for its claims-paying ability by an independent rating agency, for the sixth consecutive year.

2. We use our size and scale to deliver access to quality health care.

3. We are committed to service excellence.

4. We give you the tools you need to be healthier and we reward you.

The Vitality HealthStyle Programme uses the latest scientific thinking to help you achieve better health and reduce your long-term health care expenses.

The DiscoveryCard creates powerful incentives which rewards you for taking care of their health.

5. DiscoveryCare helps you if you get sick and ensures that you receive the highest quality care.

6. Discovery 911 is there for you in a medical emergency. You will receive a Discovery911 emergency sticker for your car which ensures that you receive treatment in a private health care facility.

Unique features of the Discovery Health Plans

The benefits discussed below apply to most of the Health Plans*.

* Specialist claims are covered in full if members use specialists who charge the Premier Rate

* The Medical Savings Account and Supplementary Savings Facility offer the most extensive cover for day-today medical expenses

* If you are on a Comprehensive, Priority or Saver plan you only pay R95 for consultations in the Discovery GP network

* All Health Plans cover preventive screening

* The Chronic Illness Benefit combines flexibility with extensive cover

* The Comprehensive Plan offers access to specialty drugs

* No overall limits on Hospital Benefits