Smoking, weight gain and quitting better for Holiday Lover

December 8, 2014

Smoking, weight gain and quitting better for Holiday Lovers – Even the Second hand smoking is dangerous

Smoking, weight gain and quitting better for Holiday Lovers. Addiction to food and cigarette smoking will do you more harm than good in your weight lose goals

We have known for a long time that being overweight is not healthy in many ways. If this condition is to be added to smoking which is in itself life threatening, you can just wonder how life would be with these two conditions affecting an individual. Several studies have established that weight gain is a serious concern for many smokers with up to 80% of smokers gaining some weight when they finally quit. The general average weight gain is about five kilograms in the first year after stopping smoking and about six to seven kilograms overall. However individuals who quit can have very different experiences with weight variations, ranging from those who lose weight to a minority of people who gain over ten kilograms. Nonetheless studies have shown that in the long run, the average body weight of ex-smokers is similar to people who have never smoked.

Smoking appears to change the distribution of fat in women to a less healthy male ‘apple’ pattern. Women who smoke tend to put on more fat around their waist compared to women who do not smoke. Fat in this area is associated with risks such as stroke, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and a general increased death rate. When women quit smoking, any weight gain that occurs is in the normal and safer female pattern, with a preference to the hips rather than the waist. The best approach is to focus on strategies to keep healthy rather than on weight control. These may include:

Making realistic goals for healthy eating
Getting regular exercise and
Getting enough sleep

These strategies can also help reduce weight gain. However, it is also possible that you may have some little increase in weight. If you’re affected by these tow conditions, managing the both of them at the same time will definitely be difficult. Nonetheless in both cases something still needs to be done. The good news is that doctor Dalal Akoury who is also the founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center is an expert in both drug addiction and healthy weight loss. This is the right professional for this kind of assignment for you to get real solutions to both conditions. It is therefore necessary that if this article is describing your situation then you need to schedule for an appointment with doctor Akoury today for professional guidance and treatment.

While appreciating that it may be problematic to quit cigarettes and manage weight at the same time, because both activities require effort and commitment. Doctor Akoury will evaluate each case individually and may recommend that the patient to concentrate first on quitting smoking and address the issue of weight latter. This would be a good professional advice because ideally weight gain is normally about one kilo per month during the first three months, with the process slowing down progressively provided you have a sensible diet.

Smoking, weight gain and quitting better for Holiday Lovers –Causes of weight gain when quitting smoking

The two main causes of weight gain when quitting smoking are thought to be:

Eating more food – many smokers find their eating habits change when they quit cigarettes. Some people experience increased hunger as a withdrawal symptom, but research suggests their eating patterns eventually return to normal.
The effect of nicotine on the body – nicotine is the addictive substance in tobacco that causes smokers to continue their habit. Although nicotine isn’t thought to cause cancer, it does speed up the body’s food processing system, the metabolism. After many years of smoking, smokers tend to weigh slightly less than non-smokers.

Researchers suggest that one of the reasons why smokers tend to put on some weight after quitting is because their metabolism slows down, and they burn fewer kilojoules than when they were smoking. This would explain why some ex-smokers put on weight even if they do not eat any more than usual.

Smoking, weight gain and quitting better for Holiday Lovers – Eating instead of smoking

These three components (smoking, weight gain and quitting) are very interesting when considering the life of most ex-smokers. For instance ex-smokers would eat more, mostly in the first few weeks after quitting. This behavior may be alluded to the following:

The sudden withdrawal of nicotine from their system may cause the feeling of emptiness and by extension mimic the feeling of hunger pangs. This may actually convince the smoker into thinking that they are hungry when they are not.
Missing the oral satisfaction of putting a cigarette into their mouths prompts some ex-smokers to substitute food for cigarettes. Instead of lighting up, they eat something.
Food can be comforting. If an ex-smoker is having a hard time during the withdrawal period, they may reward themselves with treats and snacks in an attempt to feel better.
Some smokers regularly skip meals for example; breakfast may be a cup of coffee and a couple of cigarettes. Once you stop smoking, you may find that you don’t feel like skipping meals anymore.
Many ex-smokers find that food tastes better, and this may lead to more helpings.

Smoking, weight gain and quitting better for Holiday Lovers –Tips on healthy eating and exercise

Suggestions include:

Exercise more often – being inactive is a risk factor for weight gain. Aim for around half an hour of moderate activity every day, for example, brisk walking, gardening, swimming or cycling.
Muscle tissue burns more kilojoules than fat. You can boost your metabolic rate by including one or two weight training sessions into your weekly exercise program to build up muscle.
Don’t crash diet. If you eat too few kilojoules, the body will respond by lowering the metabolism and burning muscle tissue for fuel.
It can be tricky telling the difference between hunger pangs and withdrawal cravings. Get into the habit of ‘listening’ to your body before you decide to eat something.
It takes about 15 minutes for your stomach to signal your brain that it’s full, so wait before having second helpings. You might find you don’t want it after all.
Find ways other than eating to cope with withdrawal cravings. Some people drink water.
Put safe, non-edible items in your mouth if oral cravings bother you. For example, you could use cinnamon sticks, or chew on sugarless gum.
If you need to snack, keep raw vegetable sticks and other low-fat, low-kilojoule foods on hand.
Eat more fruit, vegetables and wholegrain foods.
Cut back on high-fat, high-salt and high-sugar products.
Be kind to yourself if you do put on a few kilos. You are boosting your health by quitting.

Finally this is not a very good situation one should be in, however if you happen to be suffering from the two, then schedule for an appointment with doctor Akoury today for in-depth professional assistance.

Smoking, weight gain and quitting better for Holiday Lovers – Even the Second hand smoking is dangerous

Handling Holidays Stress by Healthy Eating during the season

December 4, 2014

Handling Holidays Stress by Healthy Eating during the season – What we need to correct

Handling Holidays Stress by Healthy Eating during the season is the primary objective of everyone planning to go feasting during the holidays.Holid

We are now approaching that time when we want to do everything we have not done in the last eleven months in just a few days. We are accustom to accumulating activities and when we least expect we begin to get stressed up while trying to multitask to have everything done within that short time. If you are wondering of what am heading to, am simply trying to highlight handling holidays stress. The holidays and the stress that comes with them are around the corner if you were not aware. Truth be told, this is a very busy time of year. It comes with lots of activities like extra shopping, cooking, gatherings, and work related obligations… the list is endless. With all of these additional tasks all at the same time, the most common yet very important things we let slip are sleep and exercise; two things that rank as the best way to handling holidays stress.

Experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury’s care reports that many people actually gains weight over the holidays, with the increased stress. Doctor Dalal Akoury the founder of this facility (AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center) explains that Stress eating can be a major factor in weight gain. It normally sneaks in as grazing, night-time eating, extra snacking, or even binge eating. With any of these forms of stress eating, the food choices are likely to be unhealthy and the act of eating doesn’t satisfy the true needs of stress relief. So, how do you get through the holidays without putting on extra pounds?

Handling Holidays Stress by Healthy Eating during the season – Plan ahead

Take a few minutes today to plan how you are going to maintain your weight loss or continue to lose over the holidays (handling holidays stress). Make sure that you plan for the whole season and then reduce it down to smaller segments by months, weeks, and days and in that plan include:

Plan some stress relievers
Plan your exercise
Plan your meals
Plan your treats

Remember that if you fail to plan, you are actually planning to fail; therefore desire to plan nothing but to succeed.

Handling Holidays Stress by Healthy Eating during the season – Categorize the major events

Think about what your major obligations are like for instance:

Work and family get-togethers
Parties or dinners with friends
Shopping
Holiday celebration

Don’t let these activities sneak up on you. Instead, put them on your schedule of events in your calendar now and make a list of what you need to do and how to prepare for these obligations and when you need to start undertaking them.

Handling Holidays Stress by Healthy Eating during the season – Shopping

This is one of the major holidays headaches which when not properly addresses may cause you unnecessary stress. Therefore as a means of handling holidays stress, plan ahead when to shopping for gifts.

Make a list of those people you’re buying for gifts
Ensure that the gifts are within your budget
Decide in good time what you want to buy for them
Get to know where to get all these gifts

You can save time and money this way by not just wandering aimlessly through the shopping mall. And don’t wait until the last minute. Shopping on Christmas Eve is more stress than it’s worth.

Handling Holidays Stress by Healthy Eating during the season – Exercise and Stress Relievers

Plan your exercise and stress relievers. Exercise doesn’t have to be 30 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of weights at the gym. For instance:

Ten minutes of exercise three times a day is just as beneficial
That might look like 10 minutes on the treadmill before work
Another 10 minutes of climbing stairs at lunch and
A final 10 minute walks with a friend in the evening

It can be walking through the neighborhood caroling with your family. It can be taking a stroll through the lights at the zoo. You could sign up for a 5k run or walk on almost any Saturday and even on Thanksgiving Day. Don’t forget that increased housework is increased activity as well. If you have guests coming, do an extra vacuuming for some additional calorie burn. All these done will go a long way in helping in handling holidays stress and weight gain effectively without much straining.

Handling Holidays Stress by Healthy Eating during the season – Sleeping and Relaxing

Stress relief definitely comes from exercising, but also from relaxing and sleeping. Make sure your schedule you allocate for some time each week with no obligations. Use those nights to get to bed early so you are refreshed for the next day.

Handling Holidays Stress by Healthy Eating during the season – Food

Lastly, plan your food. During the holidays, there is an over-abundance of high sugar, high fat and high calorie foods. Many are very tasty, but probably not all are your favorites. If there is a special treat or dish that you only get this time of year, have a small serving of it, but don’t waste your treat on high calorie foods that you don’t enjoy or may have during other times of the year. And make the next meal or snack extra healthy that day; maybe even add in an extra 10 minutes to exercise to compensate for the added calories.

Finally remember, the holidays have special meaning and shouldn’t be stressful. Plan to avoid stress and be successful with your weight loss goals and you will have even more to celebrate. In case of any difficulties and you feel you are struggling with handling holidays stress, you may consult with doctor Dalal Akoury for her professional input and this will be very helpful for you and your family. Remember that doctor Akoury is offering her exclusive NER Recovery Treatment to everyone including other physicians and health care professionals through training, clinical apprenticeships, webinars and seminars. You can become part of the many success stories emanating from those people who have passed through her care by scheduling for an appointment with her today.

Handling Holidays Stress by Healthy Eating during the season – What we need to correct

Workaholism-An Addiction Or A Quality To Be Appreciated?

December 4, 2014

Is Workaholism An Addiction Or A Quality To Be Appreciated?

workaholism No company would be willing to employ a lazy bone, someone who will not take his work seriously, takes the least time at work and yields too little, very social but not very committed to the staff goals and objectives. Such a person has no place in the employment world. Every company would be willing to employ people who are committed to the company goals and can go an extra mile like working overtime when need be for the benefit of the company, somebody whose work helps the company to achieve great milestones and increases the output of the company. However we need to know where the boundary lies as there are people who will spend all their time in the workplace ignoring the other facets of life, they are engraved in the jobs they do so much that they become synonymous to their offices, they spend most of their lifetime working and they seem not know when to stop working and attend to their other facets of life- the workaholics.

What is Workaholism?

This refers to compulsiveness about working; a person who is subject to workaholism is referred to a workaholic. He cares more for work than any other thing to him he will work even if what he is doing is unnecessary, life without work means no sense to him. Workaholism is something that has not been addressed well and so many people who are suffering from this situation may be blinded by mere congratulations that they receive by bosses who might be aware these people’s relationship with work is abnormal. In fact the workaholics are exploited at the expense of their own social lives, they suffer broken families and some do not even marry as they are always at work and do not even attend social events where they could meet their potential spouses. Workaholics can only be good employees but are very poor in parenting and so are mostly involved in family feuds. Workaholism involves excessive time spent working, preoccupation with work to the exclusion of other life facets, loss of control over the parameters of one’s work and disenchantment with work, and negative social, emotional, and health consequences. The etiology of workaholism is not clear but may pertain to persons with compulsive personality traits, who are driven to work harder than that demanded from work contexts, and who have learned to place work as a main means of gratification compared to other lifestyle alternatives. As they spend most of their time occupied with work seeking gratification through work they may become affected health wise and so there is need for workaholics to professional help.

Is it an Addiction or a Quality to be appreciated?

Work addiction unlike other addictive life practices like sex, drug use and even gambling is little understood. There is scarcity of literature on the issue of work addiction and therefore a gap for those seeking to know more about workaholism. The subject of workaholism or addiction to work has been debated and still is being debated as to whether it is a quality to be appreciated or a serious problem that needs professional help. While many employers have viewed workaholics as a productive people workaholism has been linked to some issues both socially and as a family. In one study it was found that workaholics burden their children with roles as they are mostly away working and cannot accomplish most of their responsibilities, their children therefore begin their parental roles much younger and when they are still incapable to handle such stuff. Some of the problems that are associated with work addiction include the following.

Frustration and agitation

Just like any other person chained to other addictive behaviors a person who is addicted to work will suffer when they are forced to stop working even for just a day. They will be agitated and frustrated as work has become their only source of measuring success. It is therefore clear that workaholism is just another addiction that should be addressed just as much as drug addiction and other addictive behaviors like gambling. The fact that there is no law that workaholics break by overworking has only made matters worse for families of these people.

Low energy levels

Workaholics suffer low energy levels as they always have work that never stops spilling over to other aspects of their lives, workaholics can stop doing other healthy practices like exercise and good nutrition just to continue working and can lead to other health issues like obesity and even increased risk to other diseases some symptoms that have been seen in workaholic include; sleep disorders, weight gain , role conflicts with fellow workers , taking sick-leave , high blood pressure, anxiety and depression and physical pain that may be caused by strain in the body muscles. These people lack control of their work and are overcommitted therefore leading to emotional exhaustion.

Workaholism

Conflict both at work and home

Workaholics are not very social people. They do not value relationships and hence spend most of their time away from their families therefore they create a gap that they ought to fill as parents- spending time with those who depend on them. This often results in conflict that may even cause a breakup between a man and his wife. Needless to mention children of workaholics grow up craving for parental love as most of the time their workaholic parent will be away from them. At work their over commitment nature will always create a gap between him and other employees as he is always in a hurry trying to accomplish a lot therefore will not have time for lunch break charts and grapevine engagements that work well in creating a bonded work family.

Finally, the topic of work addiction has attracted lots of debate but still there is little literature on this issue but from the negative aspects associated with it, it is clear that it is not really profitable to a worker. Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center is committed to availing help to addicts by availing some of the most integrative approaches to healing an addict chained to any behavior. Call on Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for help.

Is Workaholism An Addiction Or A Quality To Be Appreciated?

The Toxic elements and Weight loss during the holidays

December 3, 2014

The Toxic elements and Weight loss during the Holidays – The benefits of Detoxification

The Toxic elements and Weight loss during the Holidays. Toxic elements are the hidden obstacles towards successful weight lose. Consult the detoxification experts and lose.

The problem of weight gain and obesity is becoming a global pandemic. Many people are gaining weight ignorantly while other does so out of choice. The body builders gain weight and this does not affect them because it has nothing to do with accumulation of fats in the body. The holiday season further complicates the problem for many people. This is the time when a lot of food and drinks are displayed in plenty for you to jump on and in total disregard of your commitment to weight loss. However it is important to note that for one to lose meaningfully, the two types of hormones (leptin and insulin) must be adequate and carry out their functions effectively. The proper functionalities of these hormone can be hindered either by over consumption of sugar and processed grains and toxic elements. The distinct roles of these hormones are:

Insulin – this actually controls sugar and fat storage levels in the body.
Leptin – the primary role of this hormone is to burn the excess fats in the body.

Toxic elements are the greatest problem in the fight overweight. Irrespective of the season holiday or otherwise, when toxic elements enter your body they have an attraction for fat cells, because of their fat soluble nature. When the toxic elements attached to the outer cell membrane is made of a lipid bi-layer, this causes the cells to frequently release Leptin the hormone which communicates to the brain to burn fat for energy, therefore, weight gain that does not respond to exercise or diet is certainly due to Leptin resistance. Understanding this toxic elements and the various hormones involved in weight loss during the holiday is not anyone cup of tea. You will certainly need the wise opinion of a weight loss professional to be able to lose. The next hurdle to overcome would be wise selection of the experts for the job. That is where AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center comes in. this is a health facility primarily established by doctor Dalal Akoury to healthy weight loss programs to all people from all walks of life. Scheduling for an appointment with her would be the starting point to a more rubbers weight loss experience.

These toxic elements also cause the release of chemicals called cytokines which damages Leptin receptors in the brain which is also known as hypothalamus. Once the receptors to Leptin have been damaged, Weight Loss becomes a problem your body then makes an extremely important hormone called MSH (Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone). MSH is produced in the hypothalamus by Leptin, and it controls nerve, hormone, cytokine functions, skin and mucus membrane defenses, as well as controls the production of endorphins and melatonin. If your brain cannot hear Leptin you will eventually become MSH deficient. The effect of this would be that every immune and hormone response in your body will be altered. This then leads to so many different diseases like:

Depression
Diabetes
Cancer
Heart disease
Chronic fatigue
Fibro-myalgia and many more

The number of toxic elements or chemicals now threatens the reproductive ability of the human race and is also a large part of the cancer issue. These chemicals contribute to weight gain in various ways, including disruption of the hormone signaling system that regulates your metabolism, damage to and accumulation in your white adipose tissue, and increased risk for poisoning during weight loss.

The Toxic elements and Weight loss during the Holidays – Challenges

It is very clear that too toxins are released back into the circulation during weight loss. This is especially the case during significant weight loss. During a weight loss of 12 percent of body weight toxins in the blood increased 23 percent – 51 percent, with the heaviest individuals releasing the most toxins. Over a one year period of weight loss toxic exposure ranged up to a whopping 388 percent. Scientists have shown that such toxins can interfere with thyroid hormone function during weight loss. Human data shows that as the toxins go up in the blood during weight loss the levels of biologically active thyroid hormone (T3) go down. This data means that your plumbing and detoxification systems must be in good working condition for healthy weight loss or possibly even to engage weight loss.

The Toxic elements and Weight loss during the Holidays – Strategies detoxification during Weight Loss

The steps to take to boost antioxidant nutrients that are known to help detoxification processes while protecting the liver, brain, white adipose tissue, and circulation. Top choices are silymarin, R-alpha lipoic acid, chlorella, quercetin, grape seed extract and tocotrienols. It is now understood that “toxic” blood triggers the formation of new fat cells. This is because the endothelial cells of your circulatory system directly communicate to your body fat cells and can tell them what to do. Keeping your blood as clean as possible and supporting your liver are vital steps to ensure that this process goes smoothly. Finally as I had indicated above, this weight loss process is very complex and for you to have a break through, you will definitely need the services of doctor Dalal Akoury.

I am making reference to this great professional because of his over two decades of professional experience and her willingness and availability to serve you with dignity and respect. Together with her team of experts, she will focus on Neuroendocrine Restoration (NER) to reinstate normality through realization of the oneness of Spirit, Mind, and Body, Unifying the threesome into ONE. I want to encourage you that if you or your work mates are planning for a holiday, party, team building or just a small get together where you’re likely to fall into temptations of over eating, scheduling for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury today will be very ideal for you and your friends. Remember that together we will defeat this pandemic of weight gain and obesity.

The Toxic elements and Weight loss during the Holidays – The benefits of Detoxification

Drug Abuse in South Africa at Alarming Levels

December 3, 2014

The Magnitude of Drug Abuse in South Africa

South Africa is experiencing a rise in drugs abuse. In recent years the trend in alcohol abuse as well as other drugs has been alarming. Alcohol is still the primary drug of abuse and use is rising every day. In 2011 the world health organization (WHO) reported that South Africa has the highest per capita consumption rates in the world of alcohol in the world and it is quite insane that the rate is continuing to rise. In South Africa the citizens consume in excess of 5 billion litres of alcohol annually but this figure is likely to be higher still if sorghum beer is included, and equates to 9 – 10 litres of pure alcohol per person. Despite alcohol being the primary drug of abuse there are other drugs that are used by the South Africans as well. These drugs include Methaqualone (Quaaludes), cocaine, marijuana popularly known as dagga in South Africa, and heroin are all drugs that are becoming increasingly popular in the cities of South Africa.

There have been drastic political changes in South Africa that have been accompanied by social transitioning, rapid modernization, high unemployment rates, and a decline in social, cultural, and family values. As a result, drug use has flourished and new environments, such as night clubs, that promote drug use have been created. These environments appear especially promising for adolescents and young adults looking for an escape. It is in these places that drugs look cool and casual sex is acceptable. Unfortunately, these places are a haven for heavy drug abuse and diseases; such as, HIV and AIDS. Needless to mention, South Africa has become a major country involved in international drug trafficking networks over the past decade. Experts have agreed that it is becoming harder and harder to deal with the explosion of the drug trade and it links are becoming increasingly complex to tame.

South Africa

Here are statistics of the most abused drugs in South Africa over the past years. These statistics are from the World Health Organization (WHO). However there might be some changes on the statistics as the use of drugs of abuse in South Africa is increasing at such a rapid rate.

South Africa drugs of abuse stats according to WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that drug consumption in South Africa is twice the world norm. It is saddening to note that 15% of South Africa’s population has a drug problem. The cost associated with drug abuse is crippling the South Africa’s economy. This is evident as the country spends R20-billion a year and could pose a bigger threat to the country’s future than the Aids pandemic. According to SAPS figures, 60 percent of crimes nationally were related to substance abuse, this shows the cost of drugs of abuse in relation to the social ills they cause. Just as it happens everywhere, addicts will go through all odds to afford the drugs they have become dependent on and crime is the immediate step the youths take to buy their daily dosage of these drugs. In the Western Cape, the figure was closer to 80 percent that shows that Western Cape is the most affected area. The perpetrators of these crimes are either under the influence of substances, or trying to secure money for their next fix. The use of drugs has also increased prostitution as most of the prostitutes have to sleep with 10-15 men daily to find enough money to buy their drugs of abuse.

SANAB disbanded

The use of drugs and related crimes have increased greatly, by 30% to be exact after the government disbanded SA Narcotics Bureau (SANAB) which was a dedicated drug-fighting unit within the SAPS that had achieved some notable successes. The SANAB was disbanded in 2004 and no other body has sprung to fill the vacuum.

Recently the United Nations World Drug Report had named South Africa as one of the drug capitals of the world. The abuse of alcohol and usage of dagga has led to the country to being one of the top ten narcotics and alcohol abusers in the world. The CDA also reports that one Rand in four in circulation in South Africa is linked to the substance abuse problem. CDA is a drug control organization. The increase in drugs use is also evident in the increase of number of drug arrests from a mere 300 in 2006 to a staggering 1500 in 2012 in Cape Town.

Teenagers are not left out

The CDA reports that alcohol use is common in school kids and most kids who are involved in alcohol abuse are involved in violent crimes 3 times more than kids that are not involved in drug abuse.

South Africa

It also points at the increase in drug use among teens. As from 1992 – 95 the use of drugs among teenagers increased by 600%. But the figure is still increasing as evident in 2007 when it stood 1100%. Most kids begin using drugs of abuse at the age of twelve, the CDA report of 2009 revealed that schools have become a target for drug dealers.

A part from alcohol drugs that are widely abused in SA include;

Methamphetamine (Tik)

Crack
Heroine
Cocaine
Mandrax
Dagga
Ecstasy

Finally, We at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center are committed to availing help to addicts by availing some of the most integrative approaches to healing an addict. We advocate for natural healing to all kinds of addiction. Call on Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for help.

The Magnitude of Drug Abuse in South Africa

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