Lower back pain is a common infliction that affects over 80% of the adult population at one time or another in their lifetime. There are also many causes, and it can be difficult to directly determine the source of the problem without medical intervention, ie. a visit to the doctor or chiropractor.



Some of the more usual causes are likely to be undertaking physical activity in which the body is not used to, such as strenuous gardening or lifting of overly heavy objects.



This over-exertion can result in a slipped disk (or a herniated disk). This is a result of twisting, generally while lifting. A slipped disk sounds worse than it probably is. It is merely the occurrence of your spinal bone bulging slightly, and touching on some nerves. Some basic exercises can help to relieve the pain and rectify the slipped disk issue.





Tip 1: Lie on Your Back.



Now this may sound sim... [more]

Warmer weather means smaller clothes. Swimsuits, shorts and tank tops can be your worst enemies if you haven't been getting regular exercise for a while. So now is the time, with days being longer and temperatures milder, to start working out in earnest.

However, summer also means parties, socializing with friends and family, and food. How can you keep up with all the craziness and still stick to your careful plan to slim down?

Here are a few tips to help you stay on track and still enjoy the party:

* Eat before you go. Have a decent meal before you hit the scene so that you don't feel tempted to indulge in foods that don't fit into your diet.

* Head for the fruits and vegetables. Skip the dip and avoid the potato salad but enjoy the crudités.

* Fill up the tank with liquids. Fresh water or iced tea will keep you feeling full so you don't unintentionally ruin all your good work. Carb Crusher lemon-flavored bottled tea is ... [more]

Are you running for the medicine cabinet as soon as you feel the slight pang of a headache coming on? I think we all do. There is a way we can be more proactive and decrease the amount of headaches we get simply by looking at our diet.

Research shows that some headaches, primarily the severe migraine type, can be triggered by what we eat. Experts suggest keeping a headache diary. Look for patterns to see which foods or beverages consistently cause headaches. Once you've identified a potential trigger, cut it out of your diet and see if the result is fewer headaches.

Here's some common head-tension culprits to keep in mind:

Tyramine
Formed from the breakdown of protein as it ages, tyramine is found in red wine, overripe bananas, beer, ale, nuts, seeds, soy, chocolate, pickled foods, and some aged cheeses.
Caffeine
Over two cups of coffee a day means increased blood flow to the brain.
Alcohol
Alcohol can trigger a heada... [more]