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A guide to 6 types of yoga

Don’t get in a twist over which type to choose. This guide will help you find a practice—whether you’re looking for muscle tone or peace of mind. 1. Hatha Ideal for: Beginners. What it is: Hatha refers to any practice that combines poses, or asanas, with breathing techniques, or pranayamas. The goal of a basic hatha class is to develop flexibility and balance and to integrate breath into every movement, so it is generally relaxing and restorative. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Nursing Research found that just one 90-minute hatha class significantly reduced women’s feelings of stress. Participants often begin by chanting the syllable om, then move into a series of poses and finish on the floor in a supine position called shavasana for 5 to 15 minutes, Julie Wood, the director of programming for YogaWorks, in New York City and California, said. Related: 10 Things Trainers Wish You Knew About Your Workout Good to know: You can gauge the intensity of a class by asking the instructor how quickly you’ll be moving (or “flowing”) between poses. If the answer is rapidly, you may want to find a slower-paced class for your first few sessions. 2. Vinyasa Ideal for: Weight loss. What it is: This fairly fast-paced style, sometimes called power yoga, requires you to move continuously throughout the class. The most well-known vinyasa sequence is the sun salutation, a flowing series of lunging, bending, and stretching asanas. Expect to do standing and seated poses that develop strength, flexibility, and balance. You’ll also spend some time on inversions, such as a shoulder stand or a headstand, in which the feet are raised above the head. (Don’t worry: You work up to them over time.) Related: Fun Hula-Hoop Exercise Routine Good to know: Vinyasa burns up to seven calories a minute, according to a study published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 3. Iyengar Ideal for: Anyone with neck or back problems. What it is: Developed by yoga guru B.K.S. Iyengar in the 1930s, this method emphasizes proper alignment to strengthen the muscles and support the joints. You often use props, like blocks and straps, to help you get into poses. In the 90-minute to two-hour class, you’ll do standing, seated, and twisting asanas, as well as inversions and backbends. (If your pain is due to an injury, be sure to check with your doctor first before starting a program.) Related: How to Start Running Good to know: This style of yoga can improve chronic neck pain, according to the Clinical Journal of Pain. 4. Bikram Ideal for: Building flexibility. What it is: Founder Bikram Choudhury popularized this style of “hot yoga” in the 1970s. To mimic the climate in Choudhury’s hometown in northern India, studios are heated to a sauna-like 105 degrees Fahrenheit, with a 40 percent humidity level. “The heat loosens your muscles, increasing your ability to stretch,” Raffael Pacitti, the owner of Bikram Yoga Manhattan, in New York City, said. Each 90-minute class includes a series of 26 poses done twice through, sandwiched between two sessions of breath work (think rapid inhalations and exhalations). Good to know: Avoid eating at least two hours before class, as being too full in high heat can make you feel nauseated. And don’t forget your towel and water bottle. 5. Kundalini Ideal for: A more spiritual experience. What it is: This form of yoga was developed to calm the mind and energize the body through movement, the chanting of mantras, and breathing. “The average session is made up of 50 percent exercise, 20 percent breath work, 20 percent meditation, and 10 percent relaxation,” Hari Nam Singh Khalsa, the director of Yogaheaven.com, said. The goal is to release the energy that kundalini devotees believe is stored at the base of the spine. Good to know: Consider this style the most “out there.” If chanting is not for you, simply repeat the mantras in your head. 6. Ashtanga Ideal for: Seasoned yoga practitioners. What it is: This physically challenging style consists of an unvarying sequence of poses. “Typically, you execute 70 poses in one 90-minute to two-hour session,” Coni Pappas, the owner of White Orchid Yoga, in Clearwater, Fla., said. These will include 10 sun salutations, backbends, and inversions. Good to know: Ashtanga requires strength and endurance, so you’ll get the most out of it if you practice regularly. Make a commitment to do the routine at least three times a week.source : http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/05/28/guide-to-6-types-yoga/

Money talks when it comes to weight loss

The secret to weight loss may be much simpler than anyone ever imagined – so simple, in fact, you may wonder why it hasn’t been thought of before? A study completed by Mayo Clinic researchers has discovered that money is the most effective motivator when it comes to weight loss. When conducting a comparison between study groups, one group was incentivized, the other was not. The results were overwhelming, with 62 percent of study participants from the incentivized group completing the study, compared to only 26 of the non-incentivized group. And, the incentivized group lost an average of 9.08 pounds versus 2.34 pounds in the other group. Financial incentives for weight loss began to gain popularity in January, as New Year’s resolutions to finally drop excess pounds began to dominate water cooler chatter in offices across the nation. A number of websites and wellness firms now offer individuals, as well as teams, the ability to place bets on their weight loss efforts, and some even offer additional tools to help you succeed. According to a report by the National Business Group on Health, teaming up with co-workers to whittle your middle is an effective way to lose weight.  The media lit up in the wake of New Year’s resolutions to discuss the increases in employer-incentivized weight loss competitions. Wellness consultant groups and websites, like DietBet.com and Healthywage.com, have helped tens of thousands of employees shed as much as 5 percent of their body weight in just three months – enough to make a significant  difference in certain health risk factors. The effectiveness of the program is in line with the Mayo Clinic study: money talks when it comes to weight loss. And inside the office, the team mentality only enhances success. Independent wellness firms work with employers to establish teams within the office and offer a grand prize (as much as $10,000 cash) for the winning team and smaller prizes for milestones along the way, as well as runner-up rewards. In an interview, an employee of a participating company told The Wall Street Journal that staying on track was easier because he feared letting down his team in the pursuit of $10,000. A fellow teammate responded, agreeing, “The last thing you want to do is catch the wrath of your team.” Independent firms offer complete programs, including private weigh-ins. Employees may participate on a voluntary basis and a small fee is often required, but the rewards – even if you don’t win the grand prize – often outweigh the fee. There is speculation, as with most diets, about maintaining your weight loss after the allure of the money has long passed. However, studies have shown that in team weight loss “competitions” like these, many times teammates continue to help each other stay on track. Physician-supervised weight loss is also a healthy way to not only achieve weight loss results for contests like these, but to ensure you maintain it. Your doctor can be a vital part of your weight management team and help you uncover strategies that will lead to long term weight loss success – long after you have pocketed your weight loss earnings. Click to learn more about the Mayo Clinic study. Dr. Jennifer Landa is Chief Medical Officer of BodyLogicMD, the nation's largest franchise of physicians specializing in bioidentical hormone therapy. Dr. Jen spent 10 years as a traditional OB-GYN, and then became board-certified in regenerative medicine, with an emphasis on bio-identical hormones, preventative medicine and nutrition. She is the author of “The Sex Drive Solution for Women.” & Learn more about her programs at www.jenlandamd.com.& source : http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/05/27/money-talks-when-it-comes-to-weight-loss/

Save yourself from summer dangers

Whether you’re hitting the beach or relaxing in your own backyard this weekend, it’s important to remember some important summer safety tips along the way.   Dr. Manny Alvarez, senior managing health editor for FoxNews.com, spoke to Dr. Mark Melrose, of Urgent Care Manhattan, about how to avoid common summer health hazards. Food poisoning If you’re attending a summer picnic or barbecue, take precautions to avoid food poisoning. After an hour or two in the heat, any foods that are typically refrigerated should be thrown out, Melrose advised. “Don’t be tempted to bring home leftovers that have been left outdoors all day long. You’ve got to toss them,” Melrose said. Water hazards A trip to the beach or a dip in the pool presents its own safety concerns, especially if small children are involved. Make sure children are never unattended near a pool or beach, and if you’re on a boat, everybody should wear a life jacket, Melrose advised. Also, look out for swimming injuries, especially when people are diving into the water, and react quickly if anyone gets hurt. “If you dive into a pool and hit your head, that would be a reason to call 911,” Melrose said. Sunburns and heat stroke People planning to spend time outside in the sun should also watch out for sunburns and heat stroke, Melrose advised. “The number one solution is to avoid the heat, get into the shade. Get into a cool building,” Melrose said. Most importantly, remember to stay hydrated on hot days, and don’t forget to put on lots of sunscreen when you’re spending time outdoors. “Summer time is definitely busier in hospital emergency departments and urgent care centers. If you take proper measures you can definitely save yourself a trip to the doctor,” Melrose said.source : http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/05/26/save-yourself-from-summer-dangers/

Mom issues health warning after 16-year-old son dies of testicular cancer

After the recent loss of their 16-year-old son from testicular cancer, one family is urging other young men to get checked regularly, Gazette Live reported. Michael Rushby from Grangetown, England waited eight long months before telling his brother John on April 17 that he had found a lump on one of his testicles.   “He said he had a problem and showed me one of his testicles,” John told Gazette Live. “The lump was obvious so I took him straight to (the emergency room). The doctor said just by looking at it there was an 80 percent chance it was cancer.” The next day, Michael – known as Mikey by friends and family – was diagnosed with testicular cancer, and doctors discovered that the cancer had also spread to his abdomen and chest. Despite his late diagnosis, Mikey was given a 75 percent chance of survival.  He underwent a week of chemotherapy at Middlesbrough’s James Cook University Hospital and returned home on Friday, April 26.   The following Monday, he was set to return to the hospital for another round of treatments.  But as he was heading downstairs, he lost his strength and collapsed.  He was taken to James Cook, where he died later that day.  It had only been two weeks since he had told his brother about his lump. Now Mikey’s family is speaking out about their son’s death, urging others to get regular health checkups and to not feel ashamed about their medical issues. “I want to say to anyone who ever thinks they might have a problem, go to your mum, go to your dad, go to someone,” Patricia Rushby, Mike’s mom, told Gazette Live. “Mikey could have come to his mum - I wouldn’t have been embarrassed.” “He was my baby. I loved him to pieces,” Patricia said. “I want other young people to know what we have gone through. I wouldn’t want any family to go through what we have.” Click for more from Gazette Live.source : http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/05/21/after-16-year-old-son-dies-testicular-cancer-mom-urges-others-to-get-checked/

Vitamin D supplements could help Crohn’s patients fight fatigue, improve quality of life

Scientists have long known that Crohn’s patients – even when they are in remission – suffer from fatigue and low quality of life. So when Tara Raftery, a research dietitian at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, who works specifically on Crohn's disease, saw emerging evidence suggesting a lack of vitamin D may alter muscle function and strength she decided to set up a study investigating the possible effects of vitamin D on fatigue and quality of life in Crohn’s patients. Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory condition  with no known cure and often causes diarrhea, abdominal pain, mouth sores and joint pain. Patients often feel extremely fatigued – either from the extensive medicines they have to take or from the disease itself. “Some research has suggested that vitamin D supplementation might influence muscle strength and quality of life,” Raftery told FoxNews.com. “But this was yet to be shown in Crohn’s disease.” Raftery said she and her doctorate supervisor, Maria O’Sullivan, performed a three-month study, where half of the participants – all Crohn’s patients who were in remission –  were given vitamin D supplements and the other half were given a placebo. “So at the start of the study, we measured their baseline vitamin D levels,” Raftery said. “We also measured fatigue and quality of life by using validated questionnaires, and we measured hand-grip strength – this gave us a proxy measure of their muscle strength.” At the end of three months, the researchers repeated those measures. “What we found, was in the participants who received the vitamin D supplements (of 2,000 International Units per day), their hand-grip strength was significantly stronger than those who took the placebo,” Raftery said. “We measured both the dominant and non-dominant hand grip strength at baseline. After three months, those who had received the vitamin D supplement had significantly stronger hand grip, in both hands, compared to those who were randomized to the placebo pill.” Raftery said they also found the patients who had vitamin D levels of above 30 ng/ml had a significantly higher quality of life compared to those patients who had less than that and those patients taking the placebo. “In terms of fatigue, what we found was that when the levels were 30ng/ml  or more, the patients reported significantly less physical fatigue, as well as mental and general fatigue,” Raftery said. Raftery said these findings are the first to suggest the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation in Crohn’s patients to improve muscle function, fatigue and quality of life. While more studies need to be done, researchers are hopeful. Raftery is currently conducting a larger study – containing more participants studied over a one-year period - to confirm her initial findings. “What I would recommend, is that patients with Crohn's disease discuss supplementation with their doctor and also have their levels rechecked about three months after supplementation begins,” Raftery said. “Vitamin D supplementation is safe for most people, but not everyone . . . mega-doses should be avoided and many countries have set upper limits of 2,000-4,000 International Units a day for adults.” Raftery will present her findings at Digestive Disease Week in Orlando during the week of May 20.source : http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/05/20/vitamin-d-supplements-could-help-crohns-patients-fight-fatigue-improve-quality/

Can you think yourself well?

What if you had the ability to heal your body just by changing how you think and feel? I know it sounds radical, coming from a doctor. When people are doing everything “right”—eating veggies, avoiding red meat and processed foods, exercising, sleeping well and so forth—we should expect them to live long, prosperous lives and die of old age while peacefully slumbering, right? So why is it that so many health nuts are sicker than other people who pig out, guzzle beer and park in front of the TV…

Is creatine safe for teens?

Even if you’re not a body builder, you’ve probably heard of creatine -- and those who use it, swear by it. But no one should put supplements into their body without weighing the risks and benefits. We recently received this question from a concerned viewer: Dear Dr. Manny, My 17-year-old son is interested in taking creatine. Is it safe? Thanks, Linda Creatine is a combination of amino acids produced naturally in the body by the liver, kidneys and pancreas. It can also be found in the protein-rich foods we eat, like meat and fish. It reduces muscle fatigue by transporting extra energy to the body’s cells, and causes water weight gain – which can make muscles appear larger. “Creatine supplementation has not been adequately studied in those under 18 years old,” said Elizabeth DeRobertis, a registered dietician and nutritionist. “So for that reason, it is not recommended that your son try creatine. Once he turns 18, DeRobertis added, it’s important that he know a few things: 1. Creatine has been found to be effective in short-duration, high-intensity exercises, like sprinting. 2. He should be involved in competitive athletics if he does decide to try creatine, and he should let his coach know, his health care professional know, and of course, his parents know. 3. It’s also important that he drink enough water during the day, because creatine may contribute to dehydration – so he should drink at least 64 ounces of water every day. 4. He should not combine creatine with any other supplement, especially those containing caffeine or ephedra. As always, it’s important to talk to your doctor before making any diet or lifestyle changes. Do you have a question for Dr. Manny? Send it to DrManny@foxnews.com.source : http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/05/13/is-creatine-safe-for-teens/

Dr. Manny: Let the Gosnell verdict be a warning to others

The Philadelphia doctor accused of performing illegal, late-term abortions in his filthy clinic has been found guilty of first-degree murder in the deaths of three babies. Dr. Kermit Gosnell was also found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the overdose death of one of his patients, but acquitted in the charge of murder in the death of a fourth baby. While the defense had argued there were no live births at the clinic, prosecutors say 72-year-old Gosnell delivered the living babies before having their spines severed with scissors to kill them. They say the baby whose death he was cleared in let out a soft whimper before Gosnell cut its neck, according to the Associated Press. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. So let this verdict be a warning to others. I applaud the decision of the jury in their conviction of Gosnell of first-degree murder in at least three of these tragic deaths. As a practicing high-risk OB-GYN who delivers many premature babies, I feel that what went on in that clinic was truly horrific, and deserves the highest degree of punishment possible. Let this also be a warning to city and state officials who failed to do their jobs of checking up on this death clinic, knowing full well that they have a moral and ethical responsibility to respond when citizens file complaints. Gosnell’s clinic was hardly ever inspected, and those city and state officials should bear a degree of guilt in allowing this doctor to practice the way he did. In the aftermath of this despicable case, I hope that political pundits don’t spin this story into an issue purely of abortion, but take the opportunity to discuss how to improve women’s health services in this country.source : http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/05/13/dr-manny-let-gosnell-verdict-be-warning-to-others/

Focus on STD, not cancer prevention, to promote HPV vaccine use

These results go against the conventional wisdom that scaring women about the possibility of cancer is the best way to get them vaccinated. The failure of that cancer-threat message may be one reason that fewer than 20 percent of adolescent girls in the United States have received the HPV vaccine, said Janice Krieger, lead author of the study and assistant professor of communication at The Ohio State University…