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Upset Stomach - Exercise Will Help

July 1st, 2009    Subscribe To Our Feed

Lots of people suffer in one way or another from an upset stomach from time to time. Most people really on medications or remedies to resolve the problem, but this is only a temporary cure, there must be a better, more natural and sustainable approach?

Exercise is the answer according to Yale University, who say that those people who engage in regular exercise will not only have more efficient food transit through the body but also have less stomach upsets. Steve Miller of the Sports Research Department explains that this effect is caused by a number of factors. Firstly, when people move around they are generally upright which helps food and liquids move down through the body, also when you move muscles in a repetitive motion, like when paddling on surfboards for example, this helps pump blood all around the body and help distribute nutrients that were absorbed in the stomach and intestines. If you are sitting down for a long time, not only does food move through the body slower but nutrients pool around the stomach causing it to become aggravated.

The second factor is the important hormones and chemicals that the body releases when exercising to control blood glucose levels. The key hormones involved with the process of storing and releasing glucose into the blood stream and insulin and glucagon, but their are more involved. Muscles that are found lining the intestines and stomach contract in pulses to help move the conveyor belt of food through all the digestive systems. If these muscles do not have a regulated flow of glucose their functioning can be effected and digestion slows down.

So rather than wait until you actually get indigestion or stomach ache before take action, why not buy one of the abundent second hand bikes around or why not used kayaks if you like the water, and try prevention instead of cure

The Greatest Beaches

June 29th, 2009    Subscribe To Our Feed

The Greatest Beaches in the World

The classic conflict that arises when the family is voting on the next great vacation expedition is, “Should we go to the mountains or have a family Beach Vacations?”  Well if you review all that America has to offer, it will not get much easier because we have some of the most exciting mountains and the finest beaches in the whole world right here in the USA.

Maybe globetrotters can speak of the great beach  vacations of France or Europe but you do not have to fly over the sea to get on some of the best beaches that can be had this side of paradise.  And it stands to reason America would posses some of the most extraordinary and coveted beaches in the world.  With an ocean on three sides of the country, the shores of America’s coast are literally 1000s of miles long.  So it isn’t whether America has great beaches but which one to pick that is really a question.

Occasionally we here on the mainland forget that Hawaii is just as much America as Iowa or Massachusetts.  But Hawaii has something very special to offer and that is the finest beaches in the world for swimming, surfing or just laying on the sand soaking up the rays.  The only problem with Hawaii’s beaches is that there is so much to do on the Islands and so much beauty everywhere you look that it is hard to take the time to really enjoy those beaches for all their worth.  But they deserve a big part of your vacation schedule so make the best of these idyllic beaches which you’re enjoying your visit to the islands.

Just a short hop over the ocean to the mainland and you will be able to be on the beaches of California which rival Hawaii’s and, as a matter of fact, any beach in the US or around the world.  California has such a long coastline that you can find almost every kind of beach terrain you can think of traveling up and down California’s coast.  Not only that, the colorful and eccentric California population is always a great “people watching” experience as you relax on those beaches, especially on the well known beaches of Los Angeles like Laguna or Venice Beach.

But you don’t have to be left without beach access if you live on the east coast because the shorelines of New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Cape Code and even Maine are just as scenic and picturesque as any the west coast have to offer.  Even in the middle of the hustle and bustle of city life in Boston, there are wonderful beaches nestled right in with the urban build up.  Revere Beach, which lies just north of Boston, is a hidden treasure.  With its long sandy shoreline, it is the delight for many a Massachusetts youth looking for a romantic beach or a place to just get in some good ocean fun.

So if this summer sneaks up on your family and that battle of “mountain or beach” rears it’s head, you know that you don’t have to settle for the mountains if the family has its heart set on some ocean side fun, some swimming, surfing, sailing and all the other great fun that can be had at one of America’s great beaches.  From the Midwest, you literally have all the beaches we have discussed plus hundreds more that we will leave for you to get out there and discover.  So get out those swim trunks and dust off that snorkeling mask.  America’s top beaches are calling for you.

GETTING A SINKING FEELING FROM YOUR SWIMWEAR ?

June 28th, 2009    Subscribe To Our Feed

You’ve been training hard in the pool, giving it your all, but you still feel out of shape..relax.  It could just be that your swimsuit is to blame, not your exercise routine. 
Saggy, drooping and faded swimwear will do nothing for your confidence, let alone for your silhouette.  But if your swimwear isn’t chlorine-resistant, then it is probably letting you down.   And if your swimsuit has lost its shape, you’ll also feel out of shape.
All water environments are harsh on swimwear.Personal wellbeing is undoubtedly boosted by any type of aqua training, hydrotherapy, aqua aerobics and even surf swimming, but for swimwear, these can be a death-knell.If they’re exposed to chlorinated water over a period of time, non chlorine-resistant fabrics will lose elasticity and hence their shape, making you feel out of shape too. 
Chlorine-resistant fabric is 100% polyester,making it resistant to the harsh effects of exposure to chlorine.It’s good to wear, good to look at and performs very well over a sustained period of time.The advantages of hard-wearing chlorine-resistant fabric is that it won’t fade or deteriorate, while its stretch makes it both wearable and comfortable.And because it also enables freedom of movement, combined with comfort and great design, it’s swimwear that gets the thumbs-up.
It’s a common misconception that saline pools don’t contain chlorine, but in actual fact, they have similar levels as traditional pools do.The two only differ in the way that chlorine is delivered to the water - so it is important to choose swimwear that performs well in any chlorinated aqua environment.
And if it’s high-performance swimwear you’re after, then the chlorine-resistant option is the right one.  The fabric dries quickly and provides women of all shapes and sizes with exceptional comfort and fit, but with no trade-off between performance and aesthetics.In fact, sales show that chlorine-resistant swimwear is growing in popularity. 
The demand for chlorine-resistant swimwear has increased significantly in recent years, says Julie Wiggins, founder of Australian swimwear company, Viva Swimwear.Everyone wants swimwear that gives them confidence, regardless of whether they’re doing laps or lazing in the sun.  Our unique chlorine-resistant fabrics are manufactured in Italy and have been specially engineered for optimum performance in chlorinated aqua environments.   Viva’s chlorine-resistant range comes in an array of styles from flattering three piece bathers to sleek racers, all in a variety of vibrant colours and patterns.”
Whether you’re training hard or just kicking back in your hot tub after a tough day, if your swimwear is chlorine-resistant, it won’t let you down.

Santo Diving - American War Wrecks

June 26th, 2009    Subscribe To Our Feed

Diving in Santo gives you access to some of the world’s finest reefs and underwater caves, plus two of the world’s most accessible shipwrecks. On the reefs, and in the underwater caves, you can see hundreds of colourful and interesting fish.

Great reef dives can be found in most areas of the coastline. Dive operators tend to stick to the south-east coast, where you will find the wrecks of the SS President Coolidge and the USS Tucker and an area known as ‘Million Dollar Point’.

Most of the wreck and reef diving is suitable for divers of any ability, provided you have completed basic training.

Two quality wreck dives lie just meters from the Vanuatu coastline, both highly accessible to anyone diving on the island of Santo. Both wrecks are American ships that during World War II.

The SS President Coolidge is a American luxury liner converted to a US troop ship during the second world war. It sank just meters from the shore and is now the premium dive in Santo, and generally considered the largest accessible wreck dive in the world. Novices can dive the main bulk of the ship, whereas more experienced divers can go deeper into the wreck to look at life on the inside.

The second wreck is the SS Tucker, an American destroyer that was stationed in Vanuatu during the second world war. Sadly it was accidently sunk by one of the USA’s own mines, and now lies just offshore, close enough to be accessible to those diving in Santo.

Diving the relatively shallow Million Dollar Point, divers can see huge areas of military war surplus that was dumped into the ocean when the Americans left Vanuatu at the end of the war. This Santo dive includes ammunition boxes, military vehicles and the odd bulldozer - items which make this one the most popular sites when diving in Santo.

Backpacking Tips for Beginners

June 25th, 2009    Subscribe To Our Feed

The newest gadgets, ultralight backpacking gear, and other camping necessities are now showcased on the different forms of media. New camp destinations are also featured on magazines and television programs. These “new and improved” products and newly discovered “haven for campers” are a bait to both professional and amateur campers. They also encourage non-camping people to try the activity whether for the purpose of hobby, leisure or sports.

But before joining the circle of campers, a beginner must keep in mind the basics of backpacking. Unlike professionals and non-beginners, first-time backpackers need to familiarize themselves more with the fundamentals.

Here are the things a beginner must remember when going to a camping/backpacking activity:

1.    Choose the right pair of boots
-    Boots are considered the most important gear in camping or backpacking. Aside from protecting the feet, boots help the camper navigate at ease. One has to choose the pair that fits perfectly to his feet.

2.    Choose the right backpack
-    Backpack comes in different sizes and styles. But not because the bag looks big, it is the best to buy. Choose a bag that can contain more but is not too bulky to carry. ultralight backpacking gear Is always a good bet

3.    Choose the right tent
-    A big sized tent is the best for camping. A spacious tent will not only allow the camper to outstretch his body while sleeping, but will also allow air to circulate freely. Buy the tent with a good ventilation system.

4.    Travel light
-    Don’t bring everything. Eliminate the stuff that is not necessary for the camping.

The following are a must:

a.    Water (at least 1 litre for short hikes)
b.    Compass or Map
c.    Extra light clothes
d.    Matches
e.    Swiss Knife
f.    First aid kit
g.    Rain gear
h.    Food
i.    Flashlight
j.    Personals (toothbrush, soap, shampoo etc.)
k.    Cooking equipment (stove, pan, dipper )

5.    Bring the right food
-    Do not bring foods that are easily spoiled. Canned foods are ideal. Avoid foods with sauces and broth that might spill onto other stuff in your bag. Do not bring fruits. Foods rich in carbohydrates like noodles, rice and cheese are essential. However, food is no big deal. Juts make sure it won’t spill or get spoiled.

These basic reminders should not keep a beginner restricted or burdened with when hiking or camping. He is free to do, to eat and to wear anything he wants, making sure it will not compromise his safety and comfort.

Whether a beginner or a professional, either for leisure or for sports, the most important thing is that the camper enjoys themselves.

Swimming Pool Safety Advice

June 24th, 2009    Subscribe To Our Feed

Swimming pool ownership brings with it responsibility for the safety of those using the pool and people and pets around the pool.

Every year a number of people are injured or even die as a result of preventable swimming pool accidents. Some of the most common accidents and injuries include:

1. People slipping and falling around the pool perimeter can result in various injuries, sometimes very serious
2. Children and pets falling into an unattended swimming pool
3. Children snagged by the swimming pool drain and held underwater
4. Falls from the rim of above ground pools
5. Above ground pools collapsing as a result of people standing or sitting on the rail or rim.

Employing a few basic safety steps and rules will go a long way towards lessening the hazards presented by a swimming pool.

Above Ground Pools
Above ground swimming pools are one of the most popular styles as these can be installed with minimal ground work often by a competent DIY enthusiast. When the pool is installed it is important to ensure that the access ladder is very secure and located where it can be used easily.

For users of an above ground pool it should be a rule that nobody should sit or attempt to stand on the rim or railing surrounding the pool. Falls from the edge can cause serious injury and the weight of a person could cause the pool wall to collapse.

In Ground Swimming Pools
In ground pools present their own safety hazards. Being at ground level means that it is much easier for a child or an animal to fall in. Children should never use the swimming pool unsupervised. Another good rule is that there should be no running or horseplay around the perimeter of the swimming pool.

Swimming pool safety fencing, pool alarms and pool safety covers can all be used to keep people and pets away from an in ground pool when not in use.

Swimming Pool Chemicals
Pool water treatment chemicals should be stowed away safely out of reach of children. Appropriate protection should be used when handling harmful pool water treatment chemicals. Always read and follow the manufacturers safety recommendations.

Pool Drains and Vents
There have been cases of small children trapped below the water by powerful pool water outlets. Pool drains and their covers should be inspected and verified as safe. If the pool is used by small children they should be instructed to keep away from the outlet drains and it should be ensured that small children cannot be trapped by the suction.

Pool Electrical Equipment
Swimming pools use a variety of electrical equipment for circulating the water through filtration and cleaning. Equipment should be routinely inspected for safety ensuring that all cabling is safe and secure.

While it may seem like a chore to make a swimming pool safe and enforce some basic safety rules doing so will go a long way toward keeping people and pets safe and giving you peace of mind.

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Credits: Work From Home | Matteo Turchetto | Andreas Viklund