Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Touching Benefits: Boost Your Health Using Touch

Do you like hugs, massages and hand-holding? Well, experts say that there are benefits in touching that can boost our health and fitness.Getting a hug triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone sometimes referred to as "love" or "bonding" hormone, in the body which lowers levels of hormone cortisol and reduces stress which boosts immune function. Oxytocin also makes people feel more secure and trusting to each other. According to the health research done at the University of North Carolina, women who receive more touching via hugs from their partners have higher level of oxytocin in their system and their blood pressure and heart rate also appear to be lower.In addition to hugs, touching like holding hands with your beloved also has great effects to the health and fitness. University of Virginia assistant professor, James Coan, PhD, discovered that hand-holding is good in calming people by administering functional MRIs to 16 married women while telling them that they might feel a mild shock. The warning triggered brain activity showing stress and anxiety. But when the women held hands with one of the experimenters, the stress response decreased and totally quieted down when they were holding hands with their husbands. When stress is lower, immune functions get more effective.But pets and good massages can also give touching health and fitness benefits for our body. According to research, people's blood pressure drops when they pet dogs, more so, if it is a dog they know and love. Dog petting and snuggling with furry pets have also been found out to improve immune function and ease pain.And who will say no to a good touching, massage, now and again? A massage can sooth tense muscles, slow down racing heart rate, relieve high blood pressure and decrease levels of cortisol which is good for over health and fitness. Due to the relaxed state, the body has the opportunity to effectively regenerate and recharge. When cortisol levels are lessened, the body's immune function becomes more effective.So do not hesitate to give a hug or two to those you care about because it shows that you care in more ways than one.

Alliance Hand and Physical Therapy was founded in 2002. In eight years of operation, Alliance has grown to have seven clinics in Northern New Jersey, with the dedication to provide the highest quality of physical therapy to enhance the quality of life for its patients and their communities. For more information, comments or suggestions, please visit http://www.

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Sunday, December 8, 2013

Safe Neck Exercise

If you're like me, you've already done many things to relieve neck pain that actually cause damage over time. Much of our neck pain is is preventable, once we understand the causes. We, then, need to discover our specific needs, take actions to prevent the damage and set up an exercise routine to help prevent damage from unavoidable neck stresses. Read on to learn neck pain usually isn't as difficult or complicated as it seems.Understanding Neck Pain: The neck carries all the nerve signals, nutrients and air that our bodies need to function, and all the blood for our brains to function. This is why the first thing we all need to know about our necks, is not to do anything without consulting a doctor...especially if we're already feeling pain. Because the neck carries all the nerve signals for our bodies, neck pain can be felt in our shoulders, arms, hands, abdomen, legs, feet, and...um...neck.The pain can be caused by muscle strain, emotional stress, bad dreams, sneezing, coughing, cold, flu, swollen glands, thyroid diseases, tonsils, computer work, fractures from osteoporosis or injury, meningitis, encephalitis, some cancers, etc. See why a doctor might come in handy if you're feeling neck pain? Most often, it's simple muscle strain or stress, so don't think it's one of those exotic diseases. Of course, doing anything more than taking over-the-counter medicine for neck pain may cause more damage.Preventing Neck Damage: I was one of those silly teenagers who learned to relieve neck stiffness by "cracking" my neck as one would pop a joint that got stiff. While this temporarily relieves pain, it can cause a fracture immediately and, over time, causes osteoarthritis. I get a lot of different neck pains, now, because i treated stress as though it was my neck out of joint. Neck damage can come from an auto accident or fall, lifting or straining other muscles, or something as simple as a sneeze. Obviously, follow lifting and other safety precautions to neck injuries when possible.Safe Exercise For The Neck: When it isn't possible to avoid neck strains, it's possible to reduce the risk of injury by strengthening the neck. The head is extremely heavy, and has only the neck to hold it up. By strengthening the neck muscles, we can significantly reduce chance of neck injury. Of course, just like other areas, to prevent injury, see your doctor before entering into a neck exercise program. All programs must begin gradually and very slowly build up...especially neck exercise.1. Thumb Pushes: This is an exercise where you sit in a straight-back chair and push on your head with your thumb, while opposing that pressure with your neck muscles. Push five minutes (start with 30 seconds) in one direction, then in another, until you've circled the head (30-40 min. total). This is easy to do while watching TV, reading or talking on the phone. If it hurts where your thumb contacts your head, you're pushing too hard.2. Head Weight: This is one to do very slowly and cautiously, with no extra muscles pushing in the direction the head is moving. While standing or sitting in a straight-backed chair, slowly lower your head to one shoulder, then slowly raise it and lower it to the other shoulder. Do the same thing front and back (don't push with your muscles). After doing this once, lower your head to one shoulder, then "roll it around" slowly in a kind of droopy circle (don't push). Build up from one of these a day to 10-20. Never do this if it's painful.3. Shoulder Roll: While standing with your feet pointing in the same direction, a natural distance apart, your head straight up and arms straight down at your sides, roll your shoulders forward four times and back four times, using pressure with your shoulder muscles. Build up to repeating these 10-20 times a day. This is very effective at work, to relieve stress from deadlines, computers, co-workers, etc.4. Stretching: After any of these exercises, stretch your neck and upper back muscles before resuming normal activity. In the same stance as 3. above, slowly relax your neck from top to bottom, allowing your head to roll forward. Let your arms move forward as you continue relaxing your upper back to just below the shoulder blades. Do not bend over but let your head and shoulders slump forward. Without forcing it with any muscles, just let yourself hang there for 30 seconds, then slowly straighten up from middle back to head.If you get any sharp neck or back pain while doing any of these, see a doctor. If you get muscle pain a day or two afterward, you're pushing the muscles or progressing too fast in your routine. When you're exercising at the right pace, all you should feel over time is a little toning of the neck and shoulder muscles.The neck, just like other areas of the body, can be strengthened, to reduce injury provide better fitness. Obviously, this is no miracle system. We're not going to get immediate relief of neck pain from exercise. What you can get over time is less injuries and less frequency of neck pain, a stronger posture, better stamina for work and a better ability to handle physical and psychological stress. I think that's quite a lot from a few simple exercise.

Glen Williams is Webmaster at Wellness Nutrition Addiction Help, E-Health-Fitness and Founder of E-Home Fellowship (EHF), Co. He has helped people with health, addiction and other on life situations since 1987. You can comment on his articles at his E-Health-Fitness Healthy C

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Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Simonton Windows - A New Age Of Old-Fashioned Values

Simonton Is Proud To Be The Recipient Of Numerous Industry Awards.So you might be asking the question, 'What exactly does Simonton Windows offer?' I am so glad you asked.They offer top quality vinyl windows and doors, along with unbeatable delivery times and great customer service.(The company even has impact-resistant coastal products. The manufacturer understands that residents in coastal areas need superior impact protection against strong storms and high winds. That's why its StormBreaker Plus? windows and patio doors are designed to be extremely strong. Constructed of premium vinyl to achieve excellent thermal efficiency, they provide years of beauty while requiring almost no maintenance.)Ah, The Beauty Of Simonton Windows!Simonton offers several distinct window lines and many styles to select from. Products are available for new construction, as well as replacements.The vast array of window styles includes double hung and single hung, double sliders and single sliders, the 3-lite slider, which is ideal for wide openings, casement, awning, picture, geometrics, bay, bow and garden.The company has divided the United States into two distinct districts and recommends certain products for each one, based on weather conditions, etc. As an example, as far as replacement windows, in the Eastern to Midwestern portion of the U.S, they recommend Simonton Reflections, Simonton Impressions and Prism by Simonton. In the Western part of the country, the options offered are DaylightMax, Madeira and Verona.Who Imagined That Your Kitchen or Dining Room Could Look This Inviting?For many years, the kitchen has been the favorite gathering place for families and friends. Who hasn't visited with friends and family members in the kitchen while preparing meals?As a long time member of a kitchen design team, I can confirm the fact that people want their kitchen spaces to be open and welcoming with lots of light. For most homeowners, having the kitchen DRENCHED in light is optimal.Here are several ways to achieve this goal when using Simonton products:1. When placing your order, request that several windows be mulled together at the factory to give the impression of a small "wall of windows." This will maximize the amount of light coming into the kitchen. You can also request that operating windows (such as double hung or casement windows) be topped with non-operable transom windows. Again, this will increase the flow of light into the kitchen.2. You can brighten up the kitchen by painting your window trim bright white throughout. And, low-maintenance white vinyl frames for your windows will help lighten up the kitchen. Light-colored cabinets can help brighten the room if there is limited natural light.3. A garden window, which is smaller in size than a bay or bow window, is often placed over a sink and can be used to grow herbs or potted plants throughout the year. Simonton offers a garden window with dual, fully-operational casement sidelites to allow in air and sunlight.4. Think about using minimal window coverings in the kitchen area. As an example, valances at the top of the windows allow in more light. This can also give the appearance of 'bringing the outdoors in.'Remember that multiple window styles can be combined to make a unique statement.

With many years of experience in the home remodeling industry, Carol D. writes reviews for a wide variety of products. Find out why Simonton Windows are the right choice for your project by visiting Simonton Windows. For more remodeling tips (with photos), check out D

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Monday, December 2, 2013

Experimenting With Authentic Mexican Food Recipes

Authentic Mexican food recipes include a large selection of delicious appetizers, meals, and desserts that feature some of the very same ingredients used in making the cuisine more than five hundred years ago. Mexican cuisine is one that is constantly evolving and expanding, however, traditional foods and spices are still very often used in recipes for an unmistakable flavor.Just some of the herbs and spices you will find in Mexican dishes include all types of chili powders, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, epazote, ginger, and oregano. In addition to spices, vegetables also play a large role in this particular style of cooking.Rice and corn are two of the biggest staples in Mexican foods and have been for centuries as the natives of the country have long relied upon them as a part of their main food source. Besides the whole variety, ground corn is quite popular as it is used to make tasty treats such as masa and corn chips and tortillas.Pollo agridulce, or sweet and sour chicken in Spanish, is a traditional, spicy Mexican food that has been enjoyed for generations. You can make this recipe as sweet or as sour as you like by increasing or decreasing the sugar or the unseasoned rice wine vinegar.Pollo Agridulce RecipeWhat You Need1/4 cup rice wine vinegar, unseasoned
1/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt, heaping
5 teaspoons sugar
1/4 cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup (about 3 medium sized) ancho chilies, stemmed, seeded and finely chopped
1 small onion, minced
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3-4 tablespoons olive oil
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
1 avocado, sliced thinHow to Make ItCombine the rice wine vinegar, water, salt, and sugar and mix until the salt and sugar have fully dissolved.In a saucepan, cook the olive oil, garlic, chilies, onions, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes over medium heat stirring frequently for about 3 to 5 minutes or until the peppers turn darker in color and begin to stiffen.Add the vinegar mixture to the mixture in the saucepan and simmer for 5 minutes or until most of the liquid has evaporated and then set aside.Halve the boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Pound each piece into about a 1/4 of an inch in thickness, then add salt, and pepper to taste.In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the tablespoons of olive oil over medium to high heat and saute the pounded pieces of chicken until done and well browned.While the chicken is cooking, heat the vinegar and chili mixture to a boil stirring frequently. Cook the mixture until it has formed into a saucy consistency.When the chicken is done, spoon the chili sauce over top of each piece and garnish with slices of avocado. Serve your pollo agridulce along with a hot black bean salad, a bowl of steamed vegetables, or hot Mexican style rice.Serves 4.

Mexican recipes uses a variety of flavors, vegetables, sauces, and spices to create a wide collection of memorable meals your family will love. Mexican food history is a fascinating one that was reinvented half a millennium ago when Spanish conquistadors introduced an array of plants and animals new to the natives of the country.MexicanFoodRecipes.org When it has to be Real Authen

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