6 Benefits of Exercise - Fitness Tips

Improving Your Overall Health – Regular exercise is one of the best things that you can do for your body.  Not only can it increase your longevity, but it can additionally increase your quality of life as well.  Below is a list of just some of the many benefits that exercise can provide your body:

Regulate Your Weight – Weight gain occurs when you are consuming more calories than you are burning every day.  While diets can help reduce some weight, there is only so much we can reduce our caloric intake until we are left hungry all the time.  Exercise, on the other hand, gets our body burning more calories each day, allowing us to not have to worry as much about the calories we consume, while helping to regulate our weight.  Many professionals state that as little as 3 hours of regular exercise per week can have a dramatic impact on both physical appearance and overall health.

Strengthen Muscles and Bones – One of the consequences of aging is the weakening of muscles and the decrease in bone density.  By exercising, it helps the body to counteract these side-effects of aging, helping you to maintain muscle (and thereby strength and endurance), as well as maintain bone density.  This can help in staving off conditions such as osteoporosis and other conditions associated with muscular weakness and bone degeneration.

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Improve Mental Health and Mood – An improved cardiovascular system results in an improved mental state and mood, as it improves blood flow to the brain.  It also helps in other bodily regulations that helps to improve overall mood.  Exercise is furthermore a great stress reducer, helping the body to both cope with stress more effectively and to function more efficiently through stressful times.  Research has also shown that regular exercise can prevent debilitating diseases such as Alzheimer’s.  Exercise between the ages of 25 to 45 has shown to dramatically reduce degeneration of the part of the brain called the hippocampus, a vital part of the brain for memory as well as learning.  This is why so many sources for health and fitness information speak of exercise being good not only for the body, but for the mind as well.

Help the Body Fight Off Cancer – Improving the functionality of the body means a greater chance that the body will be able to fight off cancer.  The most significant of cancers that exercise helps to prevent is breast and colon cancers.  Exercise has also been shown to be effective in fighting off lung cancer too.  In addition, if you are a cancer survivor, regular exercise has been shown to dramatically increase your chances of keeping the cancer from coming back.  It furthermore helps your body to recover much faster from surgery or chemotherapy.

Boost Immune Function – A better cardiovascular system means a more effective immune function.  Research has conclusively shown that those who exercise regularly not only show a significant increase in overall quality of life, but also a substantial decrease in illness as well.  This is because an improved cardiovascular system means a more efficient ability for your body to fight off free radicals in the system and overall keep foreign intruders from infecting the body.

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Key Benefits of Medically Supervised Weight Loss

Obesity is a disease one cannot take lightly. There is a very thin line between being overweight and being obese. People who are obese are more prone to getting diabetes and coronary heart disease, among other health complications. An obese person must make all efforts to lose excess weight and maintain a healthy and fit body.

If you’re looking for an easy way to lose weight and are considering some complicated diet suggested by a friend, don’t get overly excited. Many “fad” diets have become popular by promising a quick fix to weight loss. Although many of them can be effective, not all diets are made for everyone. Each individual is different and so is their body composition. Many of these diets make you eat more of a certain category of foods, which can lead to various nutritional deficiencies. Also, following a diet means you need to give up on so many things that you love to eat. It isn’t something everyone can follow.

Just blindly following any diet can also lead to many other health problems. Before starting any such diet, it’s much better to consult an expert.

Supervised medical weight loss can be one of the most effective weight loss tools available to people looking to lose weight. Here are the advantages of medically supervised weight loss:

1. Experts assess your body and lifestyle – When you consult an expert dietician, he/she assesses your complete medical history along with your family background. Your lifestyle and diet, along with the timing of your meals are all taken in to account. The medical weight loss specialist makes a note of your daily physical activity and the foods that you usually eat, as well as the ones that you avoid or are allergic to. All this helps them obtain a bigger picture about your lifestyle and the course of action to be followed to help you meet your weight loss goals.

2. A customized design especially for you – Based on the information provided by you, the dietician designs a customized meal plan for you. It has all the essential nutrients in the recommended amounts and the number of calories is also taken in to account. This comprehensive plan is easy to follow and will help you lose weight.

3. Forming health conscious habits – In a medically supervised weight loss program, there is always room for physical exercise. You need to burn fat by sweating for an allotted amount of time to remain fit. Your dietician prepares an exercise schedule for you based upon your daily routine.

4. Realistic targets – Unlike in the case of fast weight loss programs, the dietician sets extremely realistic targets for you. They are achievable and easy to maintain. If you continue to take care of your body, you can be rest assured that your weight will not shoot up again. Even small lapses will have little effect if you are actively meeting your goals and maintaining the prescribed healthy lifestyle.

5. Improves your overall health – A properly planned weight loss program not only helps you to shed weight but also improves your overall health. It helps to boost your immunity and prevents the onset of various harmful diseases. It also helps to bring a glow on your face, since you are consuming a nutritionally adequate diet.

Losing weight doesn’t mean that you stop eating all of your favorite foods. Just consult an expert and see how you can manage your calories in a better way and continue to eat all that you like.

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Medically supervised weight loss is a helpful plan that provides support, as well as an easy-to-follow diet and exercise plan. This comprehensive package makes weight loss easier to follow and stay with, therefore it is easier to lose weight and keep it off long-term. If it seems like you have tried every weight loss diet on the market and are still struggling with your weight, look to medically supervised weight loss for a plan that can make you fit and healthy long-term.

How to Deal with Lower Back Pain?

Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain affects at least 80% of us at some point in our lives. Perhaps 20-30% of people can be affected by lower back pain at any given time. While lower back pain is very common, the severity and symptoms of the pain vary greatly. For instance, a muscle strain in your lower back can be excruciating enough to necessitate an emergency room visit. While a degenerating disc might cause mild or intermittent discomfort. Lower back pain can be caused by a variety of problems stemming from the nerves, bones, discs and tendons in the lumbar spine or the interconnected network of spinal muscles.

Certain causes of lower back pain have a tendency to occur more often in younger individuals versus older adults. Younger adults ages 30-60 years old are often more likely to experience back pain from the disc space itself (lumbar disc herniation or degenerative disc disease) or from a back muscle strain or other soft tissue strain. Older adults – over 60 years old – are more likely to suffer from pain related to joint degeneration, such as osteoarthritis or spinal stenosis, or from a compression fracture.

Common Sources of Lower Back Pain:

• Irritated large nerve roots in the lower back that runs down the legs

• Irritated smaller nerves that supply the lower back

• Strained paired lower back muscles (erector spinae)

• Damaged joints, ligaments or bones

• A degenerating intervertebral disc

What Chicagoland Medical Can Do For My Lower Back Pain?

Identifying your symptoms and getting a proper diagnosis that can pinpoint the underlying cause of your pain is the first step towards obtaining effective pain relief. At Chicagoland Medical we know that lower back pain can be debilitating and often excruciating. This is why our trained medical professionals are here to help you get back on the right track to a pain-free life. During your first consultation, our doctors will talk with you to discuss the type of pain you are feeling. Then they will do some diagnostic testing to find out where the root of your problem is. Next, we will come up with a customized treatment plan that is right for you. Chicagoland Medical has a plethora of non-invasive treatment options that can help relieve your lower back pain without having to worry about painful surgery. Our trained professionals do not want you to be in any more pain, so give us a call today to make your first appointment!

Call Chicagoland Medical Now and Start Feeling Better in Just a Few Sessions!

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Osteoarthritis – Symptoms, Cases & Treatment in Aurora, IL | ChicagolandMedical

Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease, is the most common type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a breakdown in the cartilage of the joints. This condition can occur in almost any joint in the body, but it is most common in weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips and spine.

Nearly 27 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis. As you get older, your chances increase substantially that you will suffer from osteoarthritis, but that doesn’t mean that people in their 20s and 30s cannot develop osteoarthritis.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

If you suffer from osteoarthritis, the main symptom you will have is pain. This pain can be present during movement and exercise or while you rest, or both. Your knee or hip may also be stiff and inflamed, with limited range of motion and mobility. Osteoarthritis can severely affect your daily routine and overall lifestyle.

Causes of Osteoarth ritis

There are many causes to osteoarthritis. Some that can be prevented and others that cannot. Often osteoarthritis can simply be hereditary. However, this condition can also stem from obesity, injury or pressure and overuse of specific joints. If you were born with a joint or spine abnormality, you are at a higher risk for osteoarthritis.

Treatment of Osteoarthritis

At Chicagoland Medical, our expert staff specializes in treating pain and immobility in joints. If you have pain or a lack of mobility in your joints, especially in your knee or hip, then you may have osteoarthritis. Come in to your nearest Chicagoland Medical location for a consultation to determine if you are suffering from osteoarthritis. During the consultation, we will determine the most effective treatment for your condition.

Everyone is different and there are no cookie-cutter approaches to properly treating pain and deteriorating joints. We have a wide range of treatment options designed to improve your pain and mobility long-term. Call us today to schedule your appointment and start living pain free today!

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Key Ways to Recover Addiction - Addiction Recovery/ Rehabilitation Center Chicago

Addiction can seem like such an impossible obstacle to overcome. The road to sobriety is not easy, but with the right support you can turn your life around. Trying and failing is a part of recovery and no matter how many times you may try and fail, do not give up. You will endure setbacks, , but in the face of all that struggle, it’s important to maintain a positive mentality. The benefits that you stand to gain by persevering and staying true to your course will be worth it. By recognizing that there is a need for change, you are already on the right track.

To fully overcome your addiction, observing the following basic principles is paramount.

1. Resolve to make a change

For many people struggling with addiction, deciding to quit is the hardest task. This is the initial step towards being drug and alcoholfree. Not only does it involve abstinence, but it also requires adjusting your daily activities. It’s important to know why you are quitting to avoid backsliding. Consider the important things in your life and analyze how your continued use affects them. It would also help to make a personal list outlining the negative impacts addiction has on you. Ask yourself why you drink or use drugs and start addressing those issues immediately after you quit.

2. Do not go it alone

After resolving to quit, reach out to friends and family and inform them of your decision. Incorporating your close friends and family in your recovery process will help minimize the risk of relapsing. Joining a support group is advisable, as it will allow you to interact and share with people going through the same situation. You can also reach out to friends or form new circles by joining a church or volunteering in local community organizations.

3. Master your cravings

You will need to understand that cravings are a part of the recovery process. This signifies that your body is readjusting and should you persevere, the cravings will slowly diminish. To keep cravings at bay, it’s advisable you engage in distracting activities. Understand that giving in to these cravings will only serve to drive you back to drug or alcohol dependency. Sustained abstinence is the best way to break the circuit. Avoid triggers such as old drinking buddies and bars.

4. Opt for treatment

This should be the last option, since it can only serve to augment your decision to quit. However, in some cases, it is the most important step towards rehabilitation. Consult a professional to help you settle for a treatment that will be able to address your specific problems. A good treatment will not only address your addiction, but should also provide insights for all the affected areas of your life. These insights can range from overall body health to career and relationships. The level of your addiction will form the baseline in determining the kind of treatment you require. The available treatment options are varied and range from medical detox to professional counseling.

Read More: http://chicagolandmedical.com/services/addiction-recovery/

They key to overcoming addiction and fully recovering is to keep on trying. Do not give in and let drugs lower your quality of your life. 

Culture Gap Can Make Diabetes Diet Harder

A recent article posted on NDTV says that "Patients with diabetes must work hard every day to count the carbs they consume, to avoid dangerous spikes or dips in blood sugar."

Learning how to do it can be close to impossible, though, when language and cultural barriers make it difficult for doctors to understand what patients typically eat, a case report in Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology suggests.

"Carbohydrate counting is critical for accurate management of diabetes," said co-author Dr. Sumana Narasimhan, a pediatric endocrinologist at Cleveland Clinic Children's in Ohio.

"If we don't fix this problem, families of children with diabetes from non-western cultures may continue to guess the carbohydrate count of their ethnic foods, resulting in inaccurate insulin dosing and poorly controlled diabetes," Narasimhan added by email. "The risk of diabetes complications is higher when diabetes is not managed properly."

The case report involved a child recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, a chronic condition usually diagnosed in children or young adults. With this condition, the pancreas produces little or no insulin, a hormone needed to allow blood sugar, or glucose, to enter cells and produce energy.

People with type 1 diabetes typically have to test their own blood sugar levels throughout the day and inject insulin to manage them. Getting the insulin dose right requires patients to count carbs correctly.

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In this case, the child's mother asked doctors how to count carbs for the traditional Middle Eastern foods she prepared at home.

Doctors found some pamphlets and online resources for following a diabetes diet that were translated into Arabic. But the information was still mostly based on a typical Western or European diet, not on traditional foods like tabbouleh, hareeseh and chicken shawarma that are more common in a typical Middle Eastern diet.

While doctors did eventually find some resources in Arabic based on nutrients common in Middle Eastern diets, it was still difficult to calculate the carbohydrates in an entire meal.

While this is just one case, the patient's experience suggests a need for culturally appropriate food lists and nutrition information in multiple languages, Narasimhan and co-author Dr. Hamza Nasir of Dow University of Health Sciences in Karachi, Pakistan, conclude.

Because type 1 diabetes so often affects kids, the burden of managing their disease falls to parents, often the mothers who prepare their meals, Nasir said by email.

"When this mother asked us about carb content in traditional Arab foods, we were a bit puzzled as the usual patient information pamphlets do not carry this information," Nasir said.

What this mother experienced speaks to a larger problem people from other cultures may encounter when they seek treatment in the U.S., said Dr. Brigid Gregg, a researcher at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

"I do think there is a broader problem understanding the nutrient content of certain home cooked ethnic foods as well as home cooked foods in general," Gregg, who wasn't involved in the case report, said by email.

"This makes accurate carbohydrate counting difficult and may have the unfortunate effect of encouraging the use of prepackaged foods for better dosing accuracy," Gregg added. "Families generally feel more peace of mind when they know the exact carbohydrate count of the foods they are giving their family member with diabetes, and there is a great deal of certainty with food that comes with a label."

Source: http://www.ndtv.com/health/culture-gap-can-make-diabetes-diet-harder-1443612

Three exercises that can relieve your back pain

Back pain is one of the most common types of muscle pain. It affects millions of people each year. It is often caused by heavy lifting, musculoskeletal disorders and a sedentary lifestyle (spending most of your time seated and inactive). If you are experiencing back pain, you can depend on exercise to give you relief.

Exercise is a great way to strengthen your muscles. Before beginning any exercise, there a few

things you should know.

- Wear comfortable clothes.
- Don’t force the body to do more than it is able to do. Exercise should not be painful.
- Slowly ease into the exercises. Don’t start suddenly. Sudden movements can actually tear the muscle.
- Practice on a flat, clean surface and one large enough to accommodate movement.
- Hold your stretch or pose to allow your muscles and joints to become loose.

Here are three forms of exercise that can help you if you have back pain:

Stretching

Studies have shown that stretching helps to reduce symptoms of back pain as well as prevent further injury.

Many back pain patients suffer from tension in the back and stiffness in the morning. Doing some stretches in the morning can help reduce back pain, decrease discomfort and bring back flexibility.
You can start with a simple stretch by lying down on your belly, keeping your legs slightly bent at the knees. Your hips and knees should touch the ground. Lift your elbows above the ground so that your hands will float. While staying in this position, pull your shoulders up and lift your chest off the ground. Keep this position for 20 to 30 seconds then slowly go back to the starting position. Remember to keep your breathing relaxed and not to push yourself too hard.

Yoga

Yoga is a great exercise that mixes stretching and balance at the same time.
There are plenty of yoga poses for back pain, but one of the easiest poses for beginners is called the child pose. To start, you sit in a kneeling position and lower your bottom to your heels. Stretch the rest of your body forward and bend down. When you are comfortable, rest your arms on the floor alongside you and rest your head on the mat. This position will stretch your arms to your shoulders, your spine to your buttocks.

Pilates

Pilates improves strength, flexibility and the suppleness of the muscles. Pilates exercises enhance muscle endurance and that contributes to decreasing back pain. You can try out this simple exercise. Lie down on your back and rest your arms alongside your body. Keep your knees slightly bent and your legs hip-width apart. Remember to flatten your spine to the mat and keep your stomach flat. Then you can lift your hips up and tuck them toward your rib cage. You can feel your back pushing on the mat. Hold this position for 5 seconds and then release.
Exercises can only help if you do them regularly and follow through. Do not give up half way and do not overwork your back. If you want to know which exercise is suitable for you, you should consult with your doctor. (kes)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/life/2016/08/11/three-exercises-that-can-relieve-your-back-pain.html

Relive your back pain with Physiotherapy: http://chicagolandmedical.com/services/physical-therapy/