Tips on How to Avoid Winter Sports Injuries

During the winter season, there are a lot of sports activities to enjoy. Yet this is also a time where there are a high incident of fatal-sports related accidents. Here are some facts about winter soprts injuries from National Electronic Injury Surveillance System of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC):

CPSC Winter Head/Neck Injury Statistics (Estimated)

2007 Head Injuries

Snow Boarding: 6,681
Sleds: 5,701
Ice Hockey: 5,483
Snow Skiing: 3,738
Ice Skating: 3,703
Snowmobiles: 578
Snow Tubing: 542
Toboggans: 126

2007 Neck Injuries

Snow Skiing: 1,385
Snow Boarding: 1,197
Ice Hockey: 649
Sleds: 615
Snowmobiles: 464
Snow Tubing: 84
Ice Skating: 48

Here are some ways and tips on how to avoid winter-sports related injuries:
The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) offers this advice: Don’t risk your neck for that fleeting moment of fun, because it takes only one moment for a life to change forever. Wear a helmet and follow other safety precautions to help put a freeze on winter sports injuries.

- Use protective head gear that is approved by the ASTM for a particular winter sports
- Wear appropriate gear or clothing
- Avoid participating in sports if you are under the influence of alcohol, ill or tired.
- Do not participate in outdoor sports when the weather conditions pose a serious hazard.
- Drive snowmobiles safely and slowly
- Ice skate only in areas designated for skating, and be sure to check the ice for cracks and debris.
-Use only sleds that can be steered, and never go down a slope head first.
- Follow all posted signs and warnings on ski slopes, sledding hills and ice skating rinks.

Engaging in winter sports is definitely fun but don't forget to practice safety precautions tp avoid injuries.



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Loose Weight in 2009

Holidays mean delicious and sumptuous foods. More often than not, we tend to overeat during the holiday season. Then come January, we resort back to our ultimate resolution of loosing weight.

We all know that being overweight and obese puts us in a high risk of acquiring several diseases. That is why it is important to take control of our diet and start loosing weight. Putting it in our New Years resolution is a great step for a better you this 2009.

Here are some suggestions on how to achieve your goal of loosing weight:
- Track your activity level on a weekly basis
- Assess what you eat and drink for a few days. You can write it down as well as the time and how much you are eating.
- Track your BMI - body mass index

One of the secrets in effectively loosing weight is by taking baby steps towards your goal. Small changes can eventually develop as a lifestyle habit.

There are great tools that will help you stay loyal with your goal. Try utilizing BMI Calculator to help you track your BMI target.

Loosing weight is not an easy task. It requires commitment, motivation and discipline. Cheers to a better you this 2009.

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Benefits of of Taking Hot Baths

Most of us are not aware of the benefits that sauna, and hot tubs bring to our bodies. We may find ourselves just walking past through it. But what can saunas and hot tubs do for us?

According to research, hot bath, sauna and steam rooms are forms of hydrotherapy. Here are some of its benefits:

- Increased Blood Flow
- More healing
- It relaxes your skeletal muscles
- Decreases blood pressure
- Reduces stress

However, it is strictly advised that if you have a cardiovascular condition especially blood pressure irregularities, do not establish a habit without consulting your doctor.

Doctors also recommend alternating hot and cold baths. According to Roger Herr from American Physical Therapy Association, "soaking in hot water for 10 minutes or so, then switching to a cold bath for the next 10 minutes. The contrast allows you to get the benefits of the heat but not to overheat."

Next time you visit your fitness gym, make sure you drop by the steam room and relax a bit.

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Enhance Your Brainpower

New Year marks new goals, new resolutions. And working on achieving our goals means utilizing our brain more. Here are some ways on how to enhance your brainpower:

Eat Right.
Make sure you include the following in your daily meals: walnuts, sardines, wild salmon, herring, omega-3 eggs and flaxseeds. Also it is important to eat protein every morning to promote brain function.

Take Supplements
We may not be eating a well-balanced diet each day and failure to do so affects our brain as well. That is why it is important to take the necessary supplements to enhance our brain. Multi-vitamins, omega-3 fat fish and vitamin b, folic acid are just a few of the supplements that you can take.

Get Enough Sleep
To get a good night sleep, avoid taking in food that has caffeine, cold medications alcohol and even sugar before going to bed. These may interfere with sleep. Take a hot bath, and clear your mind from worries and problems.

Exercise
Exercise creates a huge impact in our brains. It helps improve learning, memory and even concentration. So make sure you put in 30 minutes of exercise in your daily activities.

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Tips On How To Avoid Falls

Falling can cause serious injury especially to our elderly. That is why it is very important that we know how to prevent it. Here are some ways and tips on how to avoid it:

1. Place your phone thats accessible from the floor in case you fall. This is so you can easily call for help when needed.

2. Install safety devices such as bars in slippery areas like bathroom and kitchen.

3.Get rid of potential hazards such as rugs, wires and clutter

4. Replace slippery floors with materials that allow good traction

5. Train your pets to stay away from your feet when you walk

Engaging into a regular exercise will also help enhance and maintain your bone and muscle strength. Exercises such as T'ai chi and Yoga will help you maintain balance and coordination. In addition, eating a well balance diet will definitely help you stay fit and healthy.

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A Must-See Video

Here is super short film that has a great message to it.

And I guarantee it'll make you smile.

http://www.spiritualcinemacircle.com/scc/ecs/public/main/validationMovie.html

Anti-Aging Herbs and Spices - Must Have in Your Diet

Can what you eat help you reverse aging?

Yes you can. And a very simple step to do so it to choose foods that are loaded with spices.

In an article at The Huttington Post, Dr. Eric Braverman says that "Spices and herbs create a more thermogenic diet." They help increase your metabolism. It also helps maximize nutrient density. By putting in flavor and spice in your meals you are "upgrading" your food without adding calories.

There are also spices that help increase your overall feeling of fullness and satiety so you'll take in less food. Watching your salt intake. Excessive salt retains more fluid in your body.

Here are some spices and their benefits:

* rosemary and basil for their anti-inflammatory power
* cumin and sage for their dementia-fighting power
* cayenne and cinnamon for their obesity-fighting power
* coriander and cinnamon for their sugar regulating powers
* lemon grass, nutmeg, bay leaves and saffron for their calming effects on your mood
* turmeric for its cancer fighting power
* oregano for its fungus-beating power
* garlic, mustard seed and chicory for their heart-pumping power
* basil and thyme for their skin-saving power
* turmeric, basil, cinnamon, thyme, saffron, and ginger for their immune-boosting power
* coriander, rosemary, cayenne, allspice and black pepper for their depression-busting power

So next time you cook for dinner, spice up! That is one of the keys to reverse aging.

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