Ever notice that some people seem to have a metabolism that burns hotter and brighter 24/7 while you often feel that your metabolism has gone on auto shut-off?

There are ways to boost your metabolism and an article at WebMD explores some of those ways. Surprisingly, the more weight you carry, the faster your metabolism. That’s why you often lose weight quickly at the start of a diet but plateau out after you reach a certain weight.

Not surprisingly, the best way to rev up your metabolism is exercise. And weight training can make metabolism higher by building muscle mass. Muscle burns more calories than fat and aids in weight loss by burning calories even when you are at rest.

Red pepper and Green Tea have both been touted as metabolism-raising foods but the evidence for any long-lasting effect is scant. Eating a high-protein diet, on the other hand, has been shown effective for weight loss.

Maybe there is no magic bullet, but through changes in diet and exercise, you can put your metabolism into high gear.

Make The Most of Your Metabolism

Day three of Daylight Savings Time and I’m still groggy. It’s only one hour and you wouldn’t think I would miss it that much. Besides, there was that extra hour we got last fall when we went to Standard Time. Somehow it just doesn’t even out.

According to Dr. Maha Alattar, assistant professor of neurology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, most people will adjust within a few days but we can use this time to establish good sleeping habits.

Atattar has some suggestions for getting through the transition and for setting healthy sleep patterns for the whole year. Here are just a few:

– Most importantly, don’t resort to medications just to adjust to daylight-saving time. “This is a transitory period. Most people adjust within a few days.”

– Wake up at your regular time, according to the clock. Even though 6 a.m. will be 7 a.m., stay on your schedule.

– Get a dose of sunshine in the morning to quickly reset circadian rhythms. Sunlight is most the powerful regulator.

– Don’t drink caffeine after 10 a.m. or lunchtime.

– Don’t take a nap; work through the sluggishness until bedtime.

– Avoid a heavy meal three hours before bed.

– End your exercise routine at least three to four hours before bedtime.

– Take a warm shower or bath before bed.

Use Daylight-Saving Change To Practice Healthy Sleep Habits For Adults, Children

February is American Heart Month and as we reported, the American Heart Association is encouraging women to check up on their heart health and know their personal risk of heart disease.

What many women may not know is that a woman’s symptoms of heart attack can be very different from the symptoms a man experiences. Men usually have tradtitional symptoms such as a squeezing pain or pressure in the chest, but women are more likely to experience shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, back and jaw pain.

Often neither the woman suffering these symptoms nor her physician recognize that the symptoms signal a heart attack and may be dismissed as stress, panic attacks or hypochondria. Delay in diagnosis and treatment can impact the chances of a good outcome following a heart attack.

In addition to knowing the signs of a heart attack, knowing what to do if you think you are having these symptoms is equally important.

From Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, here’s some tips on what to do if you suspect you or someone else is having a heart attack:

1. Take immediate action; call 9-1-1 immediately. Don’t take time trying to reach your doctor. And don’t try to drive yourself or someone else to the hospital in this situation. Remember, every minute of delay means more heart muscle is damaged.

2. Chew one aspirin. Most heart attacks are caused by blood clots in the arteries, and aspirin reduces the growth of these clots.

3. CPR. If the person is not breathing, start cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). If you haven’t taken a class in CPR, sign up today. It might be the best present you ever give to someone you care about.

Cedars-Sinai.edu

Today’s woman leads a busy life. Women dividing their attentions and efforts between work, home and hubby often find they’re on automatic pilot with little to no time to spend on themselves. Quick and efficient showers are the usual daily routine and a long, hot shower is often the closest we get to enjoyable bathing. Why not break the cycle once in a while and take in the health and emotional benefits of a luxuriating soak in a bath?

First of all, make sure it’s me-time. Choose a time with no distractions and set the mood. Light aromatic candles, play relaxing music or even listen to your favorite book on audio while you soak.

A bubble bath is fun and inviting. For relaxation, try a bath oil or foaming product with lavendar or go for citrus to revitalize and energize. Oatmeal is soothing for dry, flaky skin. Whatever your favorite moisturizing bath, your skin will benefit and so will your state of mind. A warm bath will relieve aching muscles and joint pains. Scrub with a loofa to increase circulation. Your skin will glow.

So pencil in some time for the relaxation and rejuvenation that the mind-body experience of a good, long soak in the tub offers. Do it because it’s good for you. Do it because you deserve it.