Women’s health and fitness issues have become a major part of our mindset. Many of the programs that are designed to promote women’s health and fitness are structured at gyms and other fitness clubs.
Some of the fitness workouts utilize yoga and other stretching techniques, and these workout classes are able to afford women of all ages the opportunity to achieve a healthier lifestyle.
Women have become much more aware of their bodies and have engaged in more physically activity. There are exercise classes that are specifically designed for women at many community centers and gyms. Most of these classes offer programs that increase flexibility and strengthen cardiovascular function. Some of the more popular programs include Pilates, yoga, spinning, stepping, and dance.
There are also health and fitness classes for women that incorporate elements of body building and weight lifting. Women have been involved in some of these types of exercises in the past, but these classes are now gaining more participants on a weekly basis.
One of the reasons that women may have been reluctant to participate in classes such as weight training is that they may be concerned about developing muscles. Many women may be worried that they will start developing large biceps and leg muscles. But this is not the case.
Although there are many professional female bodybuilders who do indeed have extremely pronounced muscles, they workout specifically for the world bodybuilding championships.
Women’s weight training will help tone the body and offer more definition to muscles without increasing and adding large bulk.
If you wish to learn how to incorporate some good bodybuilding and weight training methods into your fitness routine, check out the local gym in your area and find a professional instructor. He or she can teach you how to use the equipment properly, and develop safe and appropriate techniques to help you realize your fitness goals.
By: Lillian Varrassi
Archive for November, 2009
Women’s Health and Fitness Classes Are a Booming Business
November 18th, 2009MNAP Oncology Center
November 18th, 2009
MNAP Oncology Center has opened its doors in June 12, 2004. It offers a state of the art facility that allows patients to undergo radiation therapy treatments in the privacy of a friendly, comfortable and soothing outpatient center. In October 25, 2004 the center made available for patient cutting edge technology, IMRT (Intense Modulated Radiation Therapy) that allows for maximum delivered dose to the cancer area while sparing the healthy tissues surrounding the cancer site and have the ability to provide radiation protecting agents. All patients receive personalized care.
At MNAP Oncology Center the personnel offers a variety of innovative prevention programs, state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment cancer care techniques, and a dedicated team of physicians and other medical professionals. The stuff invites people to explore the medical specialties and discover why MNAP is synonymous with serious care and leading edge medicine throughout Northeastern Philadelphia Community.
The board of certified Radiation Oncologists are experts in the field of fighting cancer and, together with the Radiation Oncology team, they work with each patient to develop a comprehensive treatment program. From the moment of the first appointment to the completion of the patient’s care, they are there to support the patient, answer all of the questions, and ensure that their experience reflects the highest standard of care. The radiation oncologists are experts in treating all types of cancer. They are actively involved in developing and conducting clinical trials to test new ways to use radiation therapy to fight cancer, including studies sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. The center is fully accredited and certified by RTOG (The Radiation Therapy Oncology Group), funded by National Cancer Institute for several clinical trials for Prostate Scan and Breast Cancer protocols. Clinical trials provide patients with access to the latest advances in and research on radiation therapy before they are widely available. The unmatched range of Diagnostic Center equipment includes the latest strategies to treat tumors aggressively, while reducing or eliminating some of the side effects that accompany radiation treatment. The treatment machine is the Siemens Linear Accelarator, the premier Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) beam delivery vehicle. By using the most current treatment planning technology available to “map” tumors, the radiation oncologists can design treatments with pinpoint accuracy, ensuring that tumors get the most effective dose while healthy tissues and organs are spared. XiO Treatment Planning Software combines the latest technology and advanced dose calculation algorithms in an intuitive and efficient platform. The unparalleled speed of latest generation processors provides superior 3D rendering and manipulation in real time! In addition, Oncology Department is an official clinical education center to receive from Cooper Health System – School of Radiation Therapy for Clinical Practice.
By: Mike Zhmudikov
Top 10 Factors Which Can Affect Male Fertility – Demystifying Male Infertility
November 15th, 2009
The heartache of infertility affects everyone. Both men and women suffer when the dream of trying to conceive a child, doesn’t seem to be coming true. While this occurs, many women will find themselves in many a specialist’s office, in efforts to determine exactly where the problem lies.
How about the guys? It has been shown that 40 to 50 % of couples experiencing infertility will have a male factor, that is a problem with the quality, quantity or movement (also known as motility) of the sperm. Low sperm counts, infection, erectile dysfunction, and other health problems should be evaluated by a physician early in the fertility work up to identify and correct simple problems or identify more serious problems. What is certain however is that male factor can significantly effect decisions couples make regarding their family planning.
If you and your partner have been trying to conceive for six months or more without success, both of you need to be fully evaluated to determine if and where problems exist. If you and your partner have suffered multiple miscarriages or previously failed In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) cycles, the problem can also be male related.
Failure of implantation (the normal growth of the placenta early in the pregnancy) can result form poor embryo quality, such as a genetic problem. When fertilization occurs when the egg from the female combines with the sperm of the male partner. The sizes are different and the sperm DNA need to swell and then shrink to match up with the DNA of the egg. When this process is successful an embryo can form. If there is a problem with the DNA of either the sperm or the egg, the DNA of the resulting embryo can fail, causing failure of implantation or early miscarriage. (1).
The following are a list of the ‘Top 10′ factors which can affect male fertility.
#1 – Do you smoke? Or use smokeless tobacco?
We all know that smoking and chewing tobacco is unhealthy for a variety of reasons. Now, here’s one more! These products contain nicotine and other harmful substances. Smoking causes vasoconstrictriction which makes blood vessels smaller. This can reduce the amount of blood flow to vital organs and decrease the amount of oxygen and nutrients delivered to them. Stopping these products can improve factors in as little as 3 months.
#2 – How much alcohol do you consume in 1 week?
Be honest. More than 3 to 5 drinks per week can be unhealthy, especially if you are trying to have a baby. Binge drinking can also be unhealthy, which is more than 5 drinks in a day. That may not sound like much, but binge drinking can be considered alcohol abuse and can be a sign of depression. If you are concerned about the amount of alcohol you consume, please discuss this candidly with your health care provider.
#3 – Are you overweight?
Along with the known health risks of being overweight (risk of high blood pressure, heart disease or stroke) being overweight can also effect sperm production. Adipose tissue (fat) can store excess amounts of the female hormone Estrogen. This hormone can be responsible for hormone imbalances causing a decrease in the production of testosterone, the primary male hormone needed for sperm production. Excess amounts of estrogen can give the appearance of man breasts and also interfere with the arousal phase required for erection and ejaculation. If you have any concerns about these problems be sure to address them with your physician.
#4 – Have you had an injury to the groin area? Have you had surgery to the groin area?
Undescended testicles, hernias or varcoceles are conditions that can affect sperm production or sperm transportation. If you have been treated by a urologist in the past it is very important to inform your fertility specialist.
#5 – Do you have health problems that warrant the need for medications?
High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid problems, arthritis, alcoholism, and drug addiction are some commonly identified problems. The medications to treat these conditions, alone, can be harmful to sperm production. Check with your physician or pharmacist to see if your medication could be decreasing your fertility potential.
#6 – Have you experienced a fever or illness within the last 3 months?
In order for a sperm cell to be mature enough to fertilize an egg it take about 3 months to develop. A fever or illness can affect newly developing sperm. Also, medications such as antibiotics can interfere with sperm production. Tell your physician all of the medications you have taken in the last 3-month, that includes over the counter medications.
#7 – What is your occupation?
Some jobs, by their nature can affect fertility potential. If you are exposed to chemicals or toxins on a regular basis, you may need a male fertility workup with advanced testing to see if these chemical or toxins have affected the DNA in your sperm. Avoiding exposure to known toxins would be important while you are trying to have a baby. Prolonged sitting or jobs that generate a lot of body heat can cause the groin area to be subjected to higher temperatures and be potentially harmful to developing sperm. The scrotum is design to keep the testes protected from extreme temperatures, hot or cold, allowing the testes to be moved closer or further from the body depending on the temperature.
#8 – What are your hobbies or activities?
Some hobbies involve solvents or chemicals. Others such as bicycling or excessive exercising can increase your body’s core temperature. Discuss your hobbies and activities at your fertility consultation.
#9 – Do you use recreational drugs?
Marijuana, cocaine, Methamphetamines or any recreational drug are unhealthy and potentially dangerous. Drug use can also be a sign of excess stress and inappropriate coping. If you are using drugs, stop. If you are having problems with stress, anxiety or depression, talk to your doctor. It is better to take care of yourself now so that you will be healthy, and sober when the new baby arrives.
# 10 – How often do you use hot tubs or take hot baths?
Excessive heat to the groin area has been linked to poor sperm quality. Keep the temperature comfortable. Avoid excessive heat while you are tying to conceive. Loose comfortable clothing (yes, Boxers) can allow the groin area to be less heated.
Remember, this information is being provided to help with Pre-Conception planning. It is intended to offer education but is not designed to replace the assessment of a health care professional.
By: Becky Waldman
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