How Lyme Disease Affected My Family
She has Lyme Disease. That's what he said. I'm trying to shake the sleep out of my head and understand what he is saying. She has Lyme Disease. He said it again. I started to cry.
Our daughter started complaining about leg pain and fatigue months ago. The symptoms were so vague and we are dealing with a teenager here after all. We thought she just didn't want to go to school. How could we have known something serious was building in her body? My daughter loves to invent mysterious illness that she's sure she must have. Sometimes a bruise is skin cancer while a bump has got to be a tumor. Most of this is in fun. It has turned into a game really. When she has a bump or bruise we make up things that it could be. Nothing serious has ever been wrong with her, so up until now this was funny. When she came to us complaining of leg and ankle pain we assumed she was blowing it out of proportion as usual. Classic boy calling wolf scenario, right? Wrong.
Then one morning she came to me with tears in her eyes. The pain in her legs and ankles was severe. This is when i got nervous. I immediately called her doctor. I explained the seemingly vague symptoms then she ordered blood work. She didn't tell me what she was tested for nor did I ask. Three days later I was sitting in bed with tears rolling down my cheeks as my husband was telling me that our daughter has an incurable disease. I really couldn't believe she had Lyme Disease. My daughter is not an outdoors person. She doesn't take hikes or play sports.
My first thoughts were that she would have a chronic illness causing fatigue and joint pain for the rest of her life. I was heartbroken. Then I felt guilty for not knowing that something serious was wrong with her. She had contracted this months before and I hadn't known it. But, how could I have known?
Without delay she began taking a 21-day regimen of antibiotics to arrest the disease. The pain continued. She was diligent about taking her pills believing she would finally get some relief from the pain. She finished the pills. The pain continued. I called her doctor to express my concern so she ordered more blood work. …
4th of July Healthy Dessert Recipe Idea: Festive Blueberry-Strawberry Roulade
Fruity and light desserts like the Festive and Blueberry-Strawberry Roulade are perfect for holiday or summertime picnics, including the Fourth of July.
This Fourth of July dessert is best when refrigerated. Because of the yogurt filling, it also should not be left out in the heat too long.
The good news is, once you bring out this Fourth of July dessert, it won't last long!
Ingredients for Fourth of July Healthy Dessert Recipe Idea
Before you go to the grocery store for you Fourth of July BBQ or picnic needs, print out this list so you have everything you need for this cool and light dessert.
The fruits in this Fourth of July recipes are blue blueberries and red strawberries. The listed amounts are for the filling. Save some to decorate the plate when you serve this dessert on the Fourth of July, to add patriotic colors to the roulade.
3 large eggs
1 cup super fine white sugar
1 cup flour
1 tbspn water
non-stick spray
Filling:
3/4 cup low-fat yogurt
1 tspn almond extract
1/2 tspn Pure vanilla extract
1 tspn lemon extract (optional)
1 cup fresh slice strawberries
1/4 cup fresh blueberries (cut in half if small children will be eating this dessert)
2 tbspns slivered almonds
1 teaspoon powdered sugar
Preparation for the Fourth of July Festive Blueberry-Strawberry Roulade
Before making this healthy dessert, preheat the oven to 425 degrees. If it's hot or your house is without air conditioning, do this part in the evening.
To make this 4th of July healthy dessert you will need to gather the following cooking supplies, in addition to the ingredients above:
2 large nesting bowls or one bowls and one pan large enough to fit the mixing bowl
1 mixer
1 10×14 jelly roll pan or shallow baking dish
1 whisk
parchment paper
one long or narrow serving platter or dish
1 clean dish towel
Place a large piece of parchment paper on the counter.
Make the Pastry for the 4th of July Healthy Dessert Recipe Idea
First, make the dessert pastry for the 4th of July Healthy Dessert. Combine the three eggs, one cup of sugar in the bowl.
In the larger bowl or pan, add hot water. Place the smaller bowl on top of that. Use the whisk to mix the eggs and sugar. The mixture will thicken.
Next, take the mixing bowl out of the …
All About Peripheral Artery Disease
Do you feel frequent cramping in your legs, buttocks, or feet? Do you have pains or aches in your legs or feet, or have a lower temperature or swelling of your legs and arms? These are just a few of the symptoms of peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD (also known as peripheral vascular disease, PVD) is a serious disease which millions Americans have. While with some people it can have no effect at all (except the above symptoms), in others, it can be crippling or even deadly. People with PAD have a much, much higher chance of having a heart attack, stroke, or even a limb amputation. And whenever somebody has any one of these things, there is always a chance of death.
Even if you have this disease and it never kills you, it can be a great inconvenience. Cuts don’t heal right, body parts constantly fall asleep (and it takes a lot longer for them to return to normal if you have PAD), and sometimes it can just make you feel sick. The problem with PAD is the symptoms are so small and insignificant that many people don’t look into it further. After all, how can your legs irregularly falling asleep be the sign of a possibly deadly ailment?
There are five stages of PAD, and even at stage two one could feel frequently sick and pained. Stage one is mild pain when walking, stage two is severe pain when walking (sometimes even short distances), stage three is pain while resting, stage four is loss of sensation in some body parts, and stage five is the loss of tissue. If one knows the stages and symptoms of PAD, it is easy to go to a doctor and have it treated.
Most people with PAD are smokers or people who are around smokers a lot. Smoking is the #1 modifiable cause of PAD, and simply quitting can help you heal. The chemicals in cigarettes affect blood vessel lining, and the widespread damage of the lining can lead to PAD. Diabetics also have a higher change of this disease, and diabetic smokers have a one in three chance of contracting the disease and needing an amputation. Other people who are more prone to this disease are males, African Americans, seniors, and the obese. While even having all four of these characteristics (the most notable, controllable one is obesity) is not …
Workout Music for Movie Buffs
When most people load up their IPod with music for the gym, a walk, or a jog they inevitably choose pop music. And trust me, I've got my fair share of Beyonce and Nelly Furtado on mine. But seldom do people consider using music from film as the soundtrack for their motivation. But soundtrack music and film score is some of the most invigorating and inspiring music you could possibly find! For starters, the music is emotionally loaded. It was meant to make you feel something at a certain point in a film. Try listening to the main theme from Indiana Jones and not wanting to run, jump, climb, or just go adventuring in general. Press play on the film score from Batman Begins, and I challenge you not to feel like a tough guy.
Just this morning, as I waddled through the frozen tundra of Muncie, Indiana on my daily walk, I couldn't help but giggle. I felt so inspired, but surely people just saw a little mismatched Eskimo trudging through the wind and snow, and thought, "What the heck is she doing out in this kind of weather?" But you'd be surprised what the power of music can carry you through. These are my top ten suggestions for composers and films that I KNOW will get you going on your walk or run, whether it's in the gym or the elements.
1.) John Williams – Where do I even begin? He's the man responsible for the music of Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park, Jaws, and much of the Harry Potter film franchise (and the most recognizable themes therein). If you can't connect with inspiration listening to John Williams, I think you might just be dead inside. He goes heavy on the brass, which makes for very regal sounding music. He also leans a lot toward composing music in the form of a march or with march-like rhythms, and nothing gets you stepping like a march! Speaking of which, my favorite piece of his is entitled, "March of the Slave Children" from "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom".
2.) Alan Silvestri – I mainly listen to Back to the Future, but he's done oh so much more. Contact, especially is a tearjerker of a score. But not so great to work out to. The driving rhythms of Back to the Future will get you moving at a …
Product Review: Proform 520 Elliptical Trainer
The Proform 520 is an elliptical trainer. It allows you to exercise without causing too much pressure on your joints. You can find the Proform 520 for a price between $500 and $800. Let's take a look at some of the features offered by this elliptical trainer.
The Proform 520 elliptical trainer offers nine different workout programs. Three of the programs are designed for weight loss and two of the programs are designed for toning your body. The other four programs offered by the Proform 520 are all designed by certified personal trainers.
Most elliptical trainers have an elliptical mechanism that measures approximately eight inches. The elliptical mechanism on the Proform 520 only measures 3.75 inches. This is perfect if you don't have a lot of room available to accommodate a standard design. This also allows you to exercise using a more natural and comfortable stride.
The Proform 520 elliptical trainer also allows you to modify your stride length. This allows you to target different muscle groups which can help you burn more calories. The elliptical trainer also features a digital resistance system so that you can easily change the intensity of your workout session.
The display on the Proform 520 is backlit so that you can easily read it under various lighting conditions. The displays measures distance, time, and speed. The Proform 520 can also measure the number of carbohydrates and calories that you burn during your workout session.
The Proform 520 elliptical trainer is also equipped with a heart rate monitor. This allows you to make sure that your heart rate stays in the target zone while you're exercising. The sensors for the heart rate monitor are integrated into the handlebars.
One of the disadvantages of owning this elliptical trainer is that it's different to put together. You will likely need the help of a friend to lift up some of the pieces for assembly. Also, the Proform 520 isn't the highest quality elliptical trainer on the market. Some of the holes for the screws are misaligned, so you will likely have trouble getting the screws to fit inside.
If you need a basic elliptical trainer, then the Proform 520 will suit you just fine. The unit offers nine different workout programs, with four of them being designed by a certified personal trainer. The Proform 520 also allows you to modify your stride length so that you can …
Schwinn 420 Elliptical Trainer Review
The Schwinn 420 is an elliptical trainer. You can find this model for an average price of $600. Keep reading to learn about some of the features that it offers.
Stride
The Schwinn 420 elliptical trainer has a fixed stride length of 18 inches. There is also an articulating foot plate. This model can accommodate users with a maximum weight of 300 pounds.
Handlebars
The Schwinn 420 provides a total body workout. It is fitted with both fixed and movable handlebars. You can use the moving handlebars for an upper-body workout in addition to using the pedal for a lower-body workout.
Programs
Since the Schwinn 420 is not a high-end model, it doesn't offer as many workout programs as other models. There are a total of 12 workouts for you to choose from. They include eight profile workouts and one manual program.
Display
The Schwinn 420 elliptical trainer is equipped with an LCD display. It shows information about your session such as interval time, time, RPM, pulse, speed, and distance. The display also shows you the resistance level you're using as well as the number of calories you have burned.
Heart
Another useful feature provided by the Schwinn 420 is the heart rate monitor. You can use it to ensure that your heart rate remains in your ideal zone while you're working out. The heart rate grips are located in both handlebars.
Resistance
The Schwinn 420 elliptical trainer has a magnetic ECD resistance system. It's designed for maximum smoothness and quiet. There are a total of 16 resistance levels for you to choose from. You can change the intensity of your workout quickly and easily.
Design
The Schwinn 420 is fitted with oversized stabilizers and levelers. The unit also has wheels for easier transport. The trainer has a width of 26 inches, length of 62 inches, and height of 71 inches.
The Schwinn 420 elliptical trainer provides you with 12 different workout programs. There are also 16 resistance levels to choose from. The unit is also fitted with both fixed and movable handlebars so you can get an upper-body workout as well.…
Pounding Music Can Increase Workout Intensity
Music in a workout setting, whether in a gym or at home, helps to keep the body on workout pace. There is a huge market for workout compilations and mp3s that drive workouts with a strong bass beat. These beats are often customized based on the type of workout. Faster beats are perfect for jogging or running, while slower paced music can help push you through an hour long walk on the treadmill. After leaving the cardiovascular workout behind, music tracks can change up for weight lifting with many people again choosing strong bass lines or rock music. With all this focus on the beat, what about the volume?
Turn It Up for a Few More Reps
Experts have found that the type of music listened to during a weight training workout may not be as important as the volume of that music. While volume levels should be kept loud enough to eliminate most background noise, maximum volume levels are often discouraged due to potential hearing loss. However, turning up the volume at the end of a set could help push a few extra repetitions out.
When music is turned up beyond that comfort level, the body reacts as if a threat is being posed. Adrenaline is produced and released which gives the body a little extra energy and strength. The effect is short lived, but on average women who turned up their volume higher pushed out seven extra repetitions.
Achieving the Adrenaline Boost With Fewer Side Effects
Even a short spurt of maximum volume could be harmful to sensitive ears, but there is a way around this effect. Purchasing sound canceling headphones may help to eliminate background noise without having to increase volume. This allows the music volume to be turned down lower during the workout. The adrenaline effect occurs when volume is increased substantially which means noise canceling headphones can produce the same effect without having to max out the volume button.
Choosing different music is another fantastic choice. Playing slow paced, soft music will not produce the adrenaline effect of louder, pulse pounding selections. For die hard rock fans, finding just the right tracks is easy. But, for people who love country or adult contemporary music, choosing a premade workout mp3 or CD may be the best choice.
The gym is a place where working out above and beyond your personal best form last week is the …
Where to Buy Eco-Conscious Workout Clothing on a Budget
Socks. REI Ingeo socks are made from corn-based fiber instead of cotton and are blended with some polyester and Lycra to bring moisture-wicking properties and stretchiness to the sock. Customers rate these socks highly for their softness.
Shorts. Certain types of Under Armour shorts are made with 100% recycled polyester. For men, the Oliver Shorts are an eco-conscious option made from 86% recycled polyester. You can find them at REI for $30. For women, The Swain Short is both eco-conscious and budget-friendly. You can find it for about $25 on the Under Armour website.
Shirts. It can be difficult to find an eco-conscious shirt because most workout tops are made from artificial materials. I have found that the Patagonia Capilene line of tops are both the most budget-friendly and the most value-added. Not only are these shirts eco-conscious, but they are also moisture-wicking and odor-resistant. Patagonia clothing can be expensive, but it is much more budget-friendly at stores such as Sierra Trading Post and Campmor.
Bra Tops. Bra tops are another piece of workout gear in which it can be difficult to find an eco-friendly model. Prana makes several versions of bra tops that are either made from recycled materials or made from eco-friendly organic cotton. The Prana Maura Top is made from 89% recycled polyester and offers a full-coverage top with internal shelf bra. Prana products are rather widely available, but the best prices for them are at Campmor and Sierra Trading Post.
Hats. Whether you need hot weather or cold weather protection, it is possible to find an eco-conscious hat that fits your budget. If moisture-management is at the top of your list, then the Nike Feather Light Cap is your best bet. It is made from recycled polyester and designed to keep the sweat out of your eyes. The best price is usually found at the Nike online store. If warmth is your priority, then the Jacob Ash EcoRaggs cap is your best bet. The EcoRaggs cap is made from a recycled soda bottle/wool blend that will keep your head warm and wick …
Tasty & Healthy Fast Food Salads
Fast food has a reputation these days that rivals that of Justin Bieber. However, while some of the criticism falling on the unhealthy lifestyle fast food promotes is warranted, there are some delicious fresh and healthy options as well in the form of salads. These can also be found at the new batch of “fast casual” restaurants, which typically don’t have a drive thru, but allow you a quick in and out if you call your order in ahead of time. So before you ditch the option of getting a fast meal on the go, here are some delicious salads to consider.
McDonald’s Premium Southwest Salad with Grilled Chicken, 290 calories, 8 grams of fat, 27 grams of protein. This hearty salad is full of flavor with ingredients like fire-roasted corn, black beans, roasted tomatoes and poblano peppers. It is garnished with a lime wedge and tortilla strips for crunch. Just make sure you get it with grilled chicken (they also offer crispy) and choose a reduced fat salad dressing.
Wendy’s Asian Cashew Chicken Salad, 380 calories, 13 grams of fat, 35 grams of protein. This unique salad contains edamame, spicy roasted cashews, warm chicken and a light spicy Asia chili vinaigrette dressing. It is a salad with unique flavor that truly packs a punch.
Panera Strawberry Poppyseed and Chicken Salad, 350 calories, 13 grams of fat, 29 grams of protein. Panera is known for high quality ingredients and this salad lives up to that reputation, with fresh strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, mandarin oranges, pecans, antibiotic-free chicken, romaine lettuce and fat-free poppyseed dressing. This fresh and colorful salad tends to be seasonal during warmer months, so get it while you can!
McAlister’s Savannah Chopped Salad, 440 calories, 16 grams of fat, 32 grams of protein. McAlister’s salads are generous in size and this one is no exception as it bursting with grilled chicken, gorgonzola cheese, cucumbers, tomatoes, cranberries and honey roasted almonds. To keep it healthy, I always order this salad with the fat free chipotle peach dressing which complements the ingredients nicely.
These salads are great examples of how eating fast doesn’t always have to be a bad choice. Not only are they low in fat and calories, but also full of nutrient rich lean meat, vegetables and some fruit. However all salads are not created equal, so check the nutritional information before venturing into other options. Some …
Popular electric razors
The distinction is in the cutting edges. Rotational sharp edge models are best for the individuals who have longer hair, and who don’t shave each day. Be that as it may, for any individual who needs to look clean-shaven reliably consistently, the best model is a thwart razors. They have a thin circle of metal that covers the sharp edges, making it gentler to delicate skin. They trap the hair nearer for a much smoother trim.
Revolving models have a tendency to have a shorter battery life than thwart models, so consider that while picking your gadget. All in all thwart razors are milder on the face, are simpler to clean, and give quality outcomes in a shorter time. Some accompany a charging station – essentially a dock which self-cleans, greases up and charges the razors.
This superb thwart razors can be utilized as a part of the give froth or gel and only one hour of charge will last an entire week. One for going up against occasion.
This thwart shaver has a fast engine that effectively slashes through even the thickest of facial hair with scarcely any bothering. Furthermore, it’s waterproof, so you don’t need to stress over cleaning.
This minor thwart shaver is an unquestionable requirement have travel extra after all other options have been exhausted. It’s about the span of a cell phone yet at the same time figures out how to pack a trimmer inside, as well, for longer hair. In addition, it takes AA batteries, so there’s no requirement for a charger. It’s not sufficiently powerful for a favor supper, but rather is perfect for treks away.…
