Does Health Really Matter If You're Fit?

Title:Does Health Really Matter If You're Fit?Word Count:1531Summary:Are you as healthy as you've led yourself to believe?Keywords:muscle building, fat burning, fitness and weight trainingArticle Body:Surprisingly, if you're anything like me, you really don't know.Why not?Well, it's likely because we get so caught up in trying to build the perfect body, we forget tomeasure our health.\"So in truth, in the process of building a better body, we regrettably may forget all about ourhealth.\" In other words, we're so busy training harder and harder to achieve the covetedsix-pack set of abs, and we're working even harder running on a treadmill every morning to peeloff those layers of stubborn fat from our bellies... So in truth, in the process of building a betterbody, we regrettably may forget all about our health.Interestingly, many people believe that health is a byproduct of living a life full of physicalfitness. That health is attained in the pursuit of building a better body.

So I thought too.You may remember (from a previous, \"Truth Matters\" Editor's Letter of mine, where I revealedone of my life's biggest \"Ah-ha moments\")... I confessed to using anabolic steroids. I'm notproud of it. But, I want to be honest because in all good friendships, you need to show yourwarts if you want to strengthen the relationship.梠 梩Anyway, at the time, while to any ordinary passerby I must have appeared n the outside o besuper healthy, I was actually killing myself on the inside. Day by day, the substances I wasusing were damaging my health.It wasn't until years later that I had an epiphany which would turn me on to the constant pursuitof building the best body my genetics would allow, and later, would help me discover mypurpose: devoting the rest of my life to teaching others how to do the same.During this time, however, I learned something profound: in life, we either move toward healthor closer to death.條Sadly, in my experience, I see most people choose to wait until the later nearly happens ike a梑heart attack hits, an ulcer strikes, or a bout of cancer erupts efore they put their lives in orderand get on the \"health-kick\" bandwagon. (Sometimes, unfortunately, they wait until it's too latethough!)\"...we 'think' we are healthy, but in fact, there's a good chance we are not that healthy after all.\"The truth is, there is no in-between. Yet, that's where most of us live. Right smack dab in themiddle. In other words, we \"think\" we are healthy, but in fact, there's a good chance we are notthat healthy after all.Make no mistake. Health is hard to measure. Think about it. That's why it's so hard for mostpeople to take a multivitamin. You take it. You don't necessarily feel healthier the next day. Orthe next. Or a month later for that matter. So, you stop taking it.On the other hand, when you take a fat-loss pill, or a creatine-based supplement, if it's a qualityproduct, after about a week or two, you see noticeable results. You can measure it. That's whywe so easily fall in love with developing our physiques and yet can lose sight of the level of ourhealth.梬 桰I have to admit, up until about four years ago hen my wife and I had our first child thoughtI was relatively healthy. So I wasn't overly obsessed about my health. At 30 years young,working out with weights regularly, eating smart, nutritious foods, I \"felt\" pretty healthy. Littledid I know how much abuse those anabolic agents, which I had taken over ten years ago, wouldhave poisoned my health.Then I attended a seminar in Denver, Colorado, where I was first introduced to Michael F.Roizen, a preventive gerontologist from the University of Chicago. I was invited by somefellow entrepreneurs who, like me, worked long, stressful hours during the week, didn't alwaysget the proper amount of sleep every night, and wanted to hear what Dr. Roizen had to sayabout the subject of health.

What was really intriguing was, unlike what I assumed I would learn that day... I came awaywith more than just how healthy (or unhealthy) I really was: I learned something entirely new...something he called our \"Real Age.\"You see, Dr. Roizen has developed a scientific practice around his theory of Real Age.梱Basically, he's compiled a way to determine your biological age, which may, for better or worsein many cases, be a lot different than your chronological age our calendar days.During the seminar, I learned that Dr. Roizen had spent the last nine years compiling a list ofover 100 health-related factors. Among them, tobacco and alcohol use, diet, prescription andover-the-counter drug use, your parent's health, even pet ownership and the highest educationallevel you've completed. He then diligently reviewed thousands upon thousands of scientificstudies concerning various lifestyle, psychological, and health-related issues and weaved all ofthese factors into a questionnaire to determine your \"Real Age.\" Depending on how well you梠 梩take care of yourself, your Real Age might be years younger r older han the calendarindicates.梔\"Dr. Roizen's objective is to help you identify how healthy, or unhealthy, you really are espite梐what you may think of yourself nd then offer up sound advice on how to correct it.\"Thequestionnaire is rather arduous. It takes up to 45 to complete. But, in my humble opinion, it'swell worth the investment in time. And make no mistake about it, my friend, if you've takenyour health for granted, be prepared for a shock.After you complete the questionnaire, Dr. Roizen then explains how to follow a personalized\"age-reduction plan\" using a range of methods, from quick fixes (like wearing a helmet whilebicycling) to moderately easy changes (avoid overexposure to the sun and radon exposure), allthe way to the most difficult changes (reduce the stress in your life). You may be surprised todiscover there's no earth-shattering advice from him, by any means. The advice is practical andseems almost common sense. What I found most interesting, though, was discovering what mybiological age was, versus my chronological age.梔 梐Needless to say, Dr. Roizen's objective is to help you identify how healthy, or unhealthy, youreally are espite what you may think of yourself nd then offer up sound advice on how tocorrect it. In fact, he then shows you how to knock 10 to 20 years off the stated biological age,depending on how far you exceed it.You can take the Real Age test for free, online. To calculate your Real Age, by taking thepatented Real Age test, simply click here. Once you know your Real Age, you'll receivepersonalized recommendations, health information, and solutions to help make your Real Ageyounger.By the way, it may startle you to find out that the first time I took the Real Age test, mybiological age revealed a 48-year-old man. (Remember, I just turned 34 in August.) To say Iwas disappointed in myself would be an understatement. Just imagine. As someone who has,for over 15 years, taught and made a conscience effort to live by the fundamental truths ofresiding in a strong, healthy body?I was devastated.However taken back I was at the time, instead of blaming it solely on my chemically abusiveyounger years and accepting it as my punishment, I chose to use this upsetting news to provideme with the motivation to start making fundamental changes in my life.

Believe it or not, little changes were all that was required....like wearing a bike helmet (which I always thought was for wimps), whenever I went onbikes rides on my mountain bike. I started taking CO-Q10 supplements, daily, for my heart(which I always ignored because I told myself that was only for \"health nuts\"), despite the factthat both my grandfathers had heart attacks at an early age.Again, like I said. Little, \"healthy-minded\" things.\"Making better choices not only adds years to life but, as Dr. Roizen indicates, it also slowsyour speed of aging now. The choices you have made until now not only affect your lifeexpectancy but also your Real Age.\"These little things, as they added up, started to make asignificant difference in my biological age. In fact, over the course of the last three years, I'mproud to say my Real Age is now below my chronological age. I'm 30 in Real Age.Think about it. It makes perfect sense, doesn't it?! Making better choices not only adds years tolife but, as Dr. Roizen indicates, it also slows your speed of aging now. The choices you havemade until now not only affect your life expectancy but also your Real Age.So, does your devotion to physical fitness and the aesthetics of your physique define your levelof health? I'm sure you'd like to think so. But, besides regular visits to your primary physicianfor annual \"check-ups,\" how sure are you about your overall health?Wouldn't you like to know?Finding balance between fitness and health is the hallmark of living in a strong, healthy body...and living your absolute best life!Title:How To Get Affordable Health Insurance In WisconsinWord Count:320Summary:Finding affordable health insurance in Wisconsin can be a breeze; however, when you aremaking a purchase as important as health insurance, it is important to protect yourself against揾fraud. Unfortunately, not all health insurance companies are honest; some ealth insurancecompanies?are not even companies at all.If your goal is finding affordable health insurance in Wisconsin, look for the following warningsigns; they will let you know that the health insurance compan...Keywords:How,to,Get,Affordable,Health,Insurance,in,Wisconsin

Article Body:Finding affordable health insurance in Wisconsin can be a breeze; however, when you aremaking a purchase as important as health insurance, it is important to protect yourself against揾fraud. Unfortunately, not all health insurance companies are honest; some ealth insurancecompanies?are not even companies at all.If your goal is finding affordable health insurance in Wisconsin, look for the following warningsigns; they will let you know that the health insurance company or agent in question should beavoided.Avoid a health insurance company that is very boastful, or seems too confident for yourcomfort level. If the company does indeed offer coverage for much lower than any other healthinsurance company in Wisconsin, there may be some kind of scam in progress. It may be verylimited coverage, or there may be hidden fees.Health insurance companies in Wisconsin that claim to offer deals for a limited time or savingsfor purchasing a health care plan immediately are suspicious. Most health insurance companies搊in Wisconsin have set rates for specific criteria. They do not normally offer ne time deals?tolure customers.Close the door or hang up the phone on companies that refuse to provide you withinformational forms, pamphlets, or brochures. You should find these in the office, or thecompany should be willing to mail them to you. Written documentation of what the companyoffers is essential ?period.Only do business with health insurance companies that are licensed to sell insurance inWisconsin in order to help protect yourself against scams. The company should have proof ofthis license; ask to see it. If the company refuses, move on.Reputable health insurance companies in Wisconsin will provide you with a variety of paymentoptions. Any Wisconsin health insurance company that only allows bank account withdrawalsor cash payments seemingly want the money immediately or without proof that you have paid.Does that sound trustworthy?Title:The Hypnotic Way To HealthWord Count:725Summary:Hypnosis was once relegated to the realms of entertainment. Now, however, it is regarded as apowerful medical tool by the medical establishment and used to treat a myriad of conditionssuch things as angina, IBS and cystic fibrosis!

Keywords:alternative medicine, hypnosis, health, angina, personal development, self improvement, selfhelpArticle Body:The Hypnotic Way To HealthHypnosis was once relegated to the realms of entertainment, with stage hypnotists performingto a drunken audience in night-clubs and pubs. Later it developed into a massive money-spinnerfor TV celebrities such as Paul McKenna. Hypnotherapy made many people wealthy with selfimprovement hypnosis tapes and videos. Now, however, hypnosis is regarded as a powerfulmedical tool by the medical establishment!Clinical Hypnosis techniques are being increasingly and successfully employed by medicalpractitioners to treat a diverse amount of symptoms. They target the symptoms of diseases andillnesses such as eczema, asthma, arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, cystic fibrosis, warts,snoring, migraines and even chest pain. It has been used to relieve pain and eliminate the needfor medication in dental work and to create an optimum pain-free state during childbirth. It hasalso been used prior to, and after, medical procedures that require surgery and to alleviateanxiety and stress.In France hypnotherapists have successfully used hypnosis to lower blood pressure. In Americait was found that 50% of smokers who used hypnotherapy to quit did not return to the habit. Asfar as smoking goes, this is a huge statistic!Although hypnosis is a mind altering technique that spans thousands of years and has been usedthroughout that time to treat many diverse illness and conditions it disappeared from publicconsciousness until relatively recently. As was already mentioned its return was in the form of抰entertainment. Hollywood certainly had a role to play in this within this and the last century.Unfortunately, Hollywood hasn portrayed hypnotists as being that ethical or helpful. Mosthave a criminal mind-set and hypnosis itself, in the film industry, tends to be used for selfish,governmental or even evil purposes.Real hypnosis is a far cry from anything Hollywood has offered us. However, exactly how itworks no-one knows. At its simplest explanation hypnosis can be called a form of mental andphysical relaxation but anyone who has experienced a hypnotic state or practised hypnosis onanother knows there is a lot more to it than that!Old memories, long forgotten, can be evoked from the mind. Emotional upsets can be released.Physical pain can be controlled and eliminated. Some physical symptoms can be completelyeradicated and some can be induced. In addition to these astonishing uses, post hypnoticsuggestions can also be given that can cause life-altering behavioural changes (but only whenthe subject is willing!).In order to gain the full benefits of using hypnosis you must move past the Hollywood myths,憈stereotypes and common misconceptions about all forms of hypnosis and what you think it canand can do.

Hypnotherapy has a reported 50-60% success rate for quitting smoking. It would probably bemuch higher if the subjects took a 6 week course. Hypnotherapy is now being used in a numberof ways in dentistry. It is used instead of a local or general anaesthetic during filings and teethextractions.It is estimated that 1 in 4 people suffer from IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) as it is probablythe most common of the sever gastrointestinal disorders. The main symptoms of this disorderinclude severe abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea and/or constipation. The colon of thesufferer stops working but the reason for this is not known. Current medical treatment for IBS抰has an extremely limited effectiveness for most people and just doesn work at all for many.This is perhaps why so many sufferers turn to alternative therapies for treatment and whyhypnotherapists have developed such effective treatments. Hypnosis has a very high successrate at eliminating the symptoms of IBS.In Manchester, England, NHS (National Health Service) studies have been conducted intoreducing chest pain in patients who had angina with an 80% success rate. In the USA Harvardmedical research teams discovered that surgical wounds healed at a much faster rate whenhypnotherapy was employed. They found that people with broken bones healed up to threeweeks faster than those who received no hypnosis. In the case of surgical wounds they foundthat hypnosis not only increased recovery time but also reduced pain, inflammation andscarring!To list all the uses and successes of clinical hypnosis would take a book. I therefore leave withfood for thought. If hypnosis can help heal bones quicker and reduce scarring what else can itdo?