Why Choose The Local Walk In Clinic

During times that you need to receive medical assistance quickly, the traditional course of action would be to pay a visit to the local ER. However, the problem with visiting an ER is that unless you have a devastating and life threatening condition, you'll probably end up waiting quite some time before you get a doctor's full attention. The reason why is that the number of patients who pay a visit to the ER has skyrocketed; therefore, the waiting time has also escalated. Additionally, visiting an ER unnecessarily can increase the amount of money that you have to pay in healthcare. A better alternative to visiting the ER with minor injuries or conditions is to visit a walk-in facility. There are numerous benefits of visiting a walk-in facility over an ER.

One of the most obvious benefits of a walk-in doctor's office is that you don't need to call ahead to make an appointment; you can simply walk right in. This makes receiving medical attention much easier. And if you happen to get an injury, you can have a sports physical performed very quickly at a walk-in center. As a matter of fact, if you only need to get a sports physical after an injury or a simple travel vaccine, the better option is a sports clinic because the wait time is usually less than 15 minutes, and you'll be out the door in less than an hour.

Another reason why a walk-in facility is better than visiting an ER is that it is much more affordable. At an ER, you can expect to pay $76 to $200 as a co-payment. In contrast, at a walk in clinic, you can expect to pay around $10 to $20 as a co-payment. And for immunizations like a travel vaccine, there is no co-payment at all.

The quality of service at a walk-in facility in no different than that of an ER; the only difference between the two is that one of them is for emergencies because they have the equipment and training to handle life threatening conditions such as a heart attack. So, if you don't have a condition that can result in death, your best option is to choose a walk-in facility.

And, the last reason why walk-in clinics are better than an ER for non-life threatening conditions is because there are several locations available in the US. As a result, you'll easily find a clinic that will suit your particular needs. A good rule of thumb is that if your condition won't threaten your life in any way, you can get the same quality service at a walk-in facility than you would at an ER.

Internal Med Associates has walk in clinics in Murfreesboro, TN and Smyrn, TN

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The Famous Adage "Health Is Wealth"

Everyone is familiar with the famous adage "health is wealth", but few actually understand its complexities as a perception. Health is about the state of a person's body, that it is free from injury, illness and pain. If you dig deeper into the topic, you will discover that it's mainly about physical and mental fitness. Both these concepts are strongly correlated, hence should be comprehended meticulously if one wants to live a healthy life.

Physical health:

The meaning of physical well being varies from one individual to another. For some, it's the potential to engage in different activities, whereas for others it's more about looking and feeling good. Staying in good physical health is something most people want to achieve, but it's not that straightforward as it may sound.

Becoming healthier physically doesn't have to be resentful or difficult either, but you have to take a realistic approach and move beyond your comfort-zone to practice healthy habits. The common trait that hale and hearty individuals share is their ardor to pick up good habits and persevere with them.

The first step is always the hardest! You need to be dedicated and use your willpower to overcome the initial hurdle. Things will become easier once you cross the "first step impediment" successfully. Although, it has been found that even after completing the first step effectively, many fail to carry the zeal into the next level. This is because most people expect positive results overnight.

Don't try to become Arnold Schwarzenegger in a single day. Rather, set your goals and break them down into small steps so that you can accomplish them easily on a daily basis. The initial triumph will boost your confidence level, which will push you further to achieve more. Bear in mind that confidence produces success! Eat right, relieve stress, exercise regularly and sleep tight to start feeling good and relaxed physically in no time.

Mental health:

Mental health is as vital as physical fitness and should not be neglected. The key to a fit, energetic, vigorous, and in-shape body is a healthy and active brain. No matter how fit and strong you are physically, if your brain is not functioning well, things aren't easy for you. The human brain resembles the fertile loam where everything nurtures. Being mentally unfit means getting involved in anxiety, depression, or other psychological and physical issues.

Don't misinterpret the concept; read between the lines. Factors like loss, change and disappointment are an integral part of everyone's life. People who are mentally sick generally lose the ability to cope with the tough phases, whereas individuals with healthy brain can easily extricate the challenges thrown at them.

Unless you are born with any mental disability, you can keep your brain healthy and active throughout your life by doing simple things. Feed your brain properly and stay physically active to be mentally fit and sound. Experts suggest that the activities that dare the human brain usually keep it stimulated.

For example, you can train your mind by doing logic puzzles, studying, solving crossword puzzles, playing challenging games like chess, and learning new languages. By continuously challenging the brain, it is able to create new nerve pathways. Studies have shown that new nerve-pathways are good for mental health.

Complete fitness:

Remember, unlike wines, the human body doesn't really get better with the course of time. If you want to live a happy life, you must try to stay fit and healthy. No doubt that early obstacle will strive to push you back, but with the strong desire and resolution you can ultimately achieve your goals. Keeping your body and mind fit isn't as complicated as it sounds; just take the first step forward; everything else will follow.

Mazhar Andalib has more than four years of experience in content writing.

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Very Easy Ab Workouts

Here are some very easy ab workouts that you can do to get that stomach you always wanted. All you need is around twenty minutes of time for around three days and a little bit of dedication.

1. Twists: This one is incredibly simple, all you have to do is stand up straight with your back to a surface such as a table. Hold a weighted object like a textbook and twist to your left to pick up the book. When you grab it with both hands, with your hips facing forward, twist to your right and set the book down on the surface. Pick it back up and then twist to the left with the weighted object. Repeat each way twisting from the spine, so you workout your obliques, around twenty reps on each side.

2. Reverse Sit-up: Start this workout by sitting on the ground with your knees bent and pointing upward. With your arms crossed in front of your chest, slowly roll yourself down, keeping your core tight, until you are lying down. Then bring yourself back up to the starting position without using your hands. Do 15 reps of this and then do 3-5 sets.

3. Butterfly Crunch: Also if you want to strengthen your stomach, a butterfly crunch is the way to go. While you are lying on the ground, bring your arms behind your head and cross them. Bring the bottom of both of your feet together so they are touching. Lift your torso up as if you were doing a crunch all the while contracting your core muscles and then slowly lift yourself down. Do this anywhere from twenty to fifty times.

4. Side Sit-up: Finally another great and easy workout is the side sit-up. Lie down on the ground as if you were in a sit-up position and then let your knees fall over toward the left side with your chest still facing upwards. With your hands resting behind your head, lift your shoulders up as high as you can without lifting your knees. Do around 20 reps with your knees to the left and then flip them over and do 20 with your knees on the right. Do 3 sets on each side and you should be good to go!

Especially if you are a beginner to working out, these easy exercises should help you work up a sweat, keep a positive attitude and good luck!

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Aging Doesn't Cause Incontinence

When many people think about incontinence they assume only the oldest, sickest people have this problem. This is not necessarily true. Incontinence is a problem that occurs in people all of ages, health status, and both genders. However, incontinence is more common in the elderly. Studies show almost 40% of women and 20% of men over the age of 60 suffer with some form of incontinence. It is important to keep in mind this is due to the fact the most common conditions that cause incontinence are more prevalent among the older population.

Some of the most common causes of incontinence include but are not limited to:

•Pregnancy and childbirth- For women this is the most common cause of incontinence. Due to the damage the pelvic floor muscles can receive during pregnancy and childbirth, many women find they are having to deal with incontinence. Unfortunately the onset of incontinence can occur years later after a women has long been done having children.

•Menopause and hormonal changes- Another common culprit for women who have incontinence is the hormonal changes they go through before and during menopause.

•Prostrate problems- For men one of the most common causes of incontinence is due to problems with their prostrate. This can range from having an enlarged and inflamed prostrate to having prostrate cancer.

•Neurological disorders- There are also several different neurological disorders that can bring on incontinence. Some of these include: Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, stroke, a brain tumor, neuropathy, or a spinal injury which can interfere with nerve signals involved in bladder and bowel control.

•Aging- While incontinence is not strictly due to aging, the reality is as the body ages it often functions less efficiently. Many people find as they age their bladder and bowels do not function as well as they once did causing the individual to have to deal with incontinence.

The good news is no matter what age you are, there are things you can do to reduce the risk of age related incontinence. Even if you already have to deal with incontinence the things listed below can also help to reduce or even eliminate your symptoms. These items include:

•Change what you eat and drink- There are several ways you can change your diet in order to reduce your risk of incontinence or reduce it if you already have it. Eliminating alcohol, caffeine, and foods that are high in sugar can help to do this. Also certain medications may be affecting your incontinence. If you are taking medications you should consult your doctor if this is a possible side effect.

•Doing Kegel exercises- This exercise has been shown to greatly increase the strength of the pelvic floor muscles and help to reduce or eliminate incontinence. Begin by finding the right pelvic muscles (by stopping a stream of urine), and then focus on contracting and relaxing those muscles. If you are consistent and continue with this over time it can help to reduce or eliminate incontinence symptoms.

•Stay in good health- Studies show those with overall poor health are more likely to develop incontinence. It is crucial you maintain good health and check with your health care provider for recommendations for improving your health.

Finally, it doesn't matter what age you are if you having symptoms of incontinence see your health care professional for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Today, there are many different ways individuals with incontinence can manage it.

Dianna Malkowski is a Physician Assistant and Mayo Clinic trained nutritionist who helps customers of The CareGiver Partnership with questions to their caregiving questions. She invites you to visit blog.caregiverpartnership.com for more helpful family caregiver information. Also find over 1000 family caregiver resources at http://www.caregiverpartnership.com/resources/categories/.

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Should We Really Say No To GMO?

Coming from over 50 countries, countless millions of people have expressed their disapproval over attempted corporate ownership of plant's seeds through GMO (genetically modified organisms). Having said that, the corporations involved have assured the public that GMO is safe and want us to believe that it's more efficient at feeding the world by giving higher yields and have greater resistance to extreme weather conditions.

So is GMO safe and more efficient? Should we really say no to GMO? Has this technology made a difference? What are the implications?

According to a growing number of scientists such as world leading expert Dr Don Huber GMO expert, professor of plant pathology at Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana, USA, there has been NO peer reviewed evidence to support the idea that GMO crops are safe. On the contrary, a vast catalogue of scientific evidence has built up over the years showing that GMO is unsafe:

Through public consumption of their GM crops corporations have been accused of causing ill health in the form of allergies, cancer, birth defects and infertility, also toxicity, reduced nutritional value, environmental damage and political unrest such as that with farmer's and consumer's disputes. Then there are circumstances where GMO corporations give out payoffs for political favouritism. For example, the US presidency and congress have given their approval to ensure unhindered sales of GMO (genetically modified seeds). Yes folks, politicians don't care about our health. It could be said that they are more interested in the health of campaign sponsorship, corporate donated dollars.

The revolving door effect

Approvals bodies like the USA's FDA (Food and Drug Administration) decide whether or not a food or drug is fit to go out on the market for consumption. Approval bodies, like the FDA, have shown biased judgement in favour of the corporation's product. This has happened in the case of GMO: Certain Individuals on the FDA's board approving questionable GMO products have later gone on to become executives with that corporation they were sitting in judgement with and their product. Doesn't his show a conflict of interest?

So, in conclusion, and to answer the above questions, GMO is not safe. Nor has it shown to produce higher yield, greater nutritional value or resist drought conditions better than non-GMO according to many experts such as Professor John Fagan, award-winning Geneticist, Maharishi University of Management, Iowa, USA.

Yes, of course we should say NO to GMO. It is spurred on by corporate greed and political self interest with more than its fair share of hidden ulterior motives. The technology is unimaginably potentially dangerous and could be perceived as one of the biggest threats to humanity if allowed to get out of control.

If you liked reading this article then go to http://www.NewParadigm.ws for more related articles including a free download PDF. NewParadigm is a portal to transformation, consciousness, spirituality, mind, body, health, alternative media and much more... Hosted by Paul A Philips. Once again the link is: http://www.newparadigm.ws/

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Healthy Year of the Horse

I'm always amazed at the crazy things I hear about or witness seeing people eating. Like tonight my husband and I watched the TV show "Man vs. Food". Have you ever watched that show? It's quite something. Sure it might be entertaining, for some, but I find it disturbing to see food depicted as a sporting event.

Whether it's the Super Bowl or Super-size-me - there should be nothing super about our meals except that they are healthy and taste exceptional. I hope you agree?

So if you've been "super" at avoiding a healthy diet and feel like you're still on a roller-coaster from the holidays (ie. craving carbs) - don't worry on this Chinese New Year - the Year of the Horse - it's a good time to get the new year started right.

Here are 5 tips to help you get back on track this Year of the Horse:

1. Clean up Your Gut. In order to have the qualities the Horse embodies such as strength, grace and power you need to have a digestive system that works well. The best way I know how to accomplis this is by taking a good probiotic daily. It will help you get your digestive micro-flora (bacteria) back into balance. Sugar and excess starches usually cause an imbalance in our finely tuned digestive tract. Symptoms like gas, bloating, and indigestion are a good sign that something is awry. Getting onto a good probiotic will be the first place to start in clearing these annoying symptoms.

2. Become an Authority. The Year of the Horse is about leadership. I encourage you to become an authority of yourself. Learn who you are - what makes you tick. It's also a year of meditation so go inside and ask yourself what you need - what you truly need. This type of understanding takes time - so be patient with yourself. Also, it's hard to get to know yourself in isolation - so no need to go to a mountain top. Make sure you engage in life - in your life. Balance your quiet time with your social time. Learn to create the life you truly feel comfortable with - inside and out.

3. Put yourself out & take a risk. No I don't mean gambling - I mean trying something new. Expanding your food list, expanding what you deem as exercise or even taking on a new project could constitute something new. Don't limit yourself this year - as Captain Kirk said: "go where no man or woman has gone before". It can be as simple as trying new ethnic dishes, eliminating gluten, dairy or sugar for a month - and then see how you feel. I bet you will feel much, much better than you did before you started your "experiment". Try it. Don't tell yourself you're going on a diet or that you'll never eat bread again. Rather commit to 30 days - that's it - just 30 days. Then report back to me - I really do want to know how you fared.

4. Avoid Over-doing. The Year of the Horse is noted for impulsiveness so make sure you think ahead before you jump in. When it comes to over-eating - take a break, count to 30 or go for a walk before you devour more than your tummy can bear. Okay, so occasional over-eating can be forgiven but chronic over-eating is a very slippery slope. Pace yourself, plan your meals and choose foods that give you the most bang for your buck. Sure a big bowl of pasta or 4 slices from the bread basket may "feel" like it fills you up - but you and I know that's all that it does because it's a filler food, nothing more. Choose quality proteins like fish, chicken or eggs and vegetables like broccoli, asparagus or eggplant and you're sure to be not just filled up but nutritionally satisfied as well.

5. Don't Deny something's wrong. The horse year also brings with it denial - thinking there's nothing wrong when deep down inside you feel something's off. You don't think your weight or eating is really that bad so you continue with the daily waffles for breakfast, the cheese and cracker snacks at 2 pm and finishing off the day with your evening popcorn nosh.

Day in and day out, you put on your "larger but still flattering" clothes until finally you must - you just must step on the scale. It requires courage to do so and will definitely help you get out of denial. Use your scale and your jeans as guides for a reality check - they usually don't lie.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Monika_Klein

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You Too Can Be Acidic

Are you suffering from Diabetes, Heart Disease, Cancer, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Digestive troubles, and more?

According to Dr. Robert Young, author of "The PH Miracle: Balance Your Diet, Reclaim Your Health," disease is caused by one thing in particular and this is over acidity.

In a sense, over acidity is the inability of your body to rid itself of acid wastes. These acid wastes are caused by eating and drinking the wrong foods.

Acid wastes tend to build up in the body and cause sickness and eventually chronic diseases. Essentially, these are foods that are low on the pH and understanding the difference between acid and alkaline foods can save your life.

Foods with a low pH are considered acidic. These foods are sugary drinks, meat, cheese, candy, simple carbohydrates, dairy products, table salt, saturated and unhealthy fats, eggs, yeast, stored grain, fungus, alcohol, caffeine, corn heated oils, and more. Ironically, there are many other foods not named here.

pH Balance

Understanding how to identify acidic foods is important. On the other hand, you must also know how to counteract acidity and balance the body.

This can be done by consciously being aware of the foods you eat. Balancing the body to maintain optimal health is ultimately a learned process.

You must learn how to eat and choose foods that are healthy and avoid foods that are too acidic. These healthy foods are high in the pH and often contain nutrients that are high in vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, fiber, chlorophyll, enzymes, phytonutrients and more.

Eating high-pH alkaline foods will help you flush acid wastes from the body and start your journey to good health. Foods that have a high pH alkaline are vegetables, fresh grains, few fruits, nuts, seeds, essential fats, sprouts, herbs and spices and more.

Overall, you can balance the body by limiting acidic foods and eating an alkaline diet or high ph diet.

80/20 DIET RULE

If you are trying to lose weight and become healthier you need to stick to the 80/20 rule. The 80/20 diet rule emphasizes a lifestyle change and essentially provides a baseline for how to incorporate and eat more foods that are healthy.

In general, 80% of the foods you eat should have a high pH (alkaline) and 20% of the foods you eat can be acidic or have a low pH alkaline. Incorporate the 80/20 rule in your diet to maintain optimal health.

Your healthy tomorrow is what you make out of your today, wisdom is the application of the right information for a better result.

My name is Joy Neneh, an entrepreneur who is also passionate about health, peace and sharing of information that will improve the quality of lifestyle that we lead in spite of our continuous fight for survivor.

Read more on http://www.totalhealthz.blogspot.com

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