Fitness

Gentle yoga classes may help people with type 2 diabetes take off a small amount of weight and steady their blood sugar control, a small study suggests.

The study, of 123 middle-aged and older adults, found that those who added yoga classes to standard diabetes care shed a handful of pounds over three months. Meanwhile, their average blood sugar levels held steady -- in contrast to the non-yoga-practicing "control" group, whose blood sugar levels rose.

The findings, reported in the journal Diabetes Care, do not suggest that yoga should replace other forms of exercise for people with type 2 diabetes -- a disease commonly associated with obesity.

To really lose weight and rein in blood sugar, more-vigorous exercise would work better, according to Shreelaxmi V. Hegde of the Srinivas Institute of Medical Science and Research Center in Mangalore, India.

"In our study the effect of yoga on BMI (body mass index) and blood sugar control was marginal," Hegde, the lead researcher on the work, told Reuters Health in an email.

"But," she added, "it should be noted that yoga controlled the blood sugar levels which otherwise rose in the control group."
In addition to that, the study found, signs of so-called oxidative stress declined in the yoga group.

Oxidative stress refers to a situation where levels of reactive oxygen species or "free radicals" -- damaging byproducts of energy use in cells -- rise beyond the body's capacity to neutralize them. Long-term oxidative stress is believed to contribute to a host of chronic diseases.

In this study, Hegde's team measured participants' blood levels of certain chemicals that reflect oxidative stress. They found that, on average, the yoga group's levels of the chemicals dipped by 20 percent.

The significance of that is not clear. Hegde said that if such a decline in oxidative stress were sustained over time, it might lower the chances of diabetes complications, which include heart and kidney disease, nerve damage and damage to the blood vessels of the eyes.

Further, long-term studies are needed to see whether that is the case, the researchers say.

According to Hegde, yoga may curb oxidative stress because it stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system -- the part of the nervous system that basically acts as a brake against the gas pedal of the sympathetic nervous system.

There are caveats. The yoga used in this study was a gentle form, Hegde said, and parts of the practice were adapted for people who had additional health problems; certain poses were avoided in people who had heart disease, for example.
In the real world, yoga classes vary widely. Some are vigorous work-outs involving complicated poses that would not be appropriate for older adults with chronic health conditions.

Older adults with diabetes can look for yoga classes designed specifically for older people and those with chronic medical conditions. In the U.S., hospitals and local community centers are increasingly offering such classes.

more about Diabetes
ref: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44373893/ns/health/t/y...

If you need to be sure that the deodorizer you're purchasing to eliminate smell is green, then here's what you need to know:sYou can eliminate smell in three ways: you can mask it, absorb it, or convert it. Most chemical deodorizers mask or convert odor. However, this results in using fragrances or chemicals that are harmful to people, pets and the environment. More progressive green companies such as IMTEK have designed eco-friendly deodorizers to eliminate odor by absorbing them rather than covering them up so they are safer.

Either a smell removal product is eco-friendly, or it isn't. That's true. However, you have to consider the whole package. You may not have thought about other hidden factors. For example, was the deodorizer tested on animals? It’s tough to eliminate smell from pets. So, how do they find out if their deodorizer works? Well, they used to test the deodorizers on animals. Today, that's not considered green, so some companies discovered ways to test products without involving animals of any kind.

Here are 6 things to look for when buying deodorizers to eliminate odor
1. Natural

Deodorizer to eliminate smell is organic or naturally occurring. You'll find extra comfort knowing this type of smell removal product doesn't contaminate the environment with harmful chemicals to eliminate smell.

2. Biodegradable

The deodorizer to eliminate smell should be biodegradable. That means they break down after use. Some deodorizers are not biodegradable and they linger around after they eliminate smell which is not healthy.

3. Non-toxic, Non-hazardous

This is a no-brainer. The chemicals listed on the deodorizer to eliminate smell should clearly assert to be non-toxic. That means it won't poison humans, children, animals or the planet. It should also not emit any toxic chemicals or fragrances.

4. Not Tested on Animals

Talking about animals, the deodorizer to eliminate smell should not be tested on animals to be considered green. The example given at the start of this article discussed this, yet it bears repeating; pay special attention to pet deodorizers designed eliminate smell. Remember, pick out the ones that clearly states, "not tested on animals."

5. Reusable

Can the deodorizer you buy to eliminate smell be reused? If you can reuse it over and over, it will not only be good for the environment, it will also be more cost effective and save you money!

6. Recyclable

Finally, is the deodorizer to eliminate smell recyclable? Is the packaging recyclable? So make sure you can recycle the deodorizer and packaging, and then follow up. If you're the type of individual who has read this far, then you're most likely someone who already recycles anyway. Good for you.

So, there you have it. That's an overview of green smell removal. Now, you'll be able to make an informed decision when buying products to eliminate smell.

Louise Baker writes about green products to Eliminate Smell and for Zen College Life. For more info on Smell Removal and deodorizers, go to NoOdor.com

Recently, there has been a lot of buzz about jumping on the 'eco-friendly band wagon.' It’s actually very important to care for our Earth so that is it well preserved for future generations, but many people do not realize that some of their common routines and practices are extremely damaging to the environment. A common misconception about the health of our Earth is that chemical odor eliminator products cause little harm to the environment. In fact, these odor eliminators can be harmful and should be avoided at all costs if they contain typical hazardous chemicals. Ecosmart odor eliminator products are certainly the best option, for the following reasons.

1. Chemical Odor Eliminators Contain Harmful Ingredients

Formaldehyde, benzene, chloroform, and triclosan, are just a few of the chemical ingredients that have been shown to potentially cause cancer. When one uses odor eliminator products containing these ingredients, one is releasing an abundance of carcinogenic elements into the air, posing an enormous health risk to all. Air fresheners also contain phthalates which interfere with hormonal systems, disrupt testosterone production and cause malformation of sex organs.

2. Chemical Odor Eliminator Products Can Damage Food Chains

Carcinogenic chemicals that are released into the air can additionally be breathed by animals that humans eat. For instance, cows can readily breathe chlorinated hydrocarbons in the air or ingest it, and it's cancer-causing properties often times show up in the cow's milk. This causes a threat to both the cows who breathe the chemicals and the humans who eat them. Chemicals like glycol ethers can cause harm to the soil, killing innumerable plant species.

3. Chemical Odor Eliminator Products Can Suffocate Underwater Environments

Many chemical odor eliminator products contain phosphates that help to soften water. These phosphates greatly promote the growth of algae, causing an enormous algae boom once the chemicals reach underwater ecosystems. This unnatural abundance of algae can suffocate underwater organisms.

4. Home Made Odor Eliminator Remedies are Not Effective

Natural odor eliminators can be created from some pantry ingredients. For example, the use of baking soda and vinegar is suggested on some ‘do it yourself’ websites. However, the problem with these homemade remedies is that they only work marginally at best, if at all. This often leaves the user frustrated since the problem is not solved after much effort. Furthermore, if you have a serious chemical odor pollution problem e.g. from mothball (naphthalene) or formaldehyde vapors, homemade remedies won’t make any difference leaving you exposed and vulnerable to these very toxic chemicals.

5. EcoSmart Odor Eliminators are Inexpensive & Really Work!

In the past, many people shied away from ecosmart odor eliminator products because of their high price at the store. However, as the world becomes more eco-conscious, odor eliminator prices have dropped significantly.

For example, SMELLEZE® Eco Odor Eliminator Pouches can be purchased for under $12 and they last over a year. It’s a non-toxic, safe, reusable, recyclable, natural, odorless, non-flammable and non-caustic deodorizer. SMELLEZE® is an ideal ecosmart solution for eliminating unpleasant odors without adding pollutants to the air you breathe. SMELLEZE® does not contain VOCs, harmful or ozone depleting chemicals and is especially beneficial for those suffering from allergies and chemical sensitivity. No fossil fuels are used in the production SMELLEZE® odor eliminator media.

Louise Baker is a freelance journalist who writes for Zen College Life, the directory of higher education, distance learning, and online schools. She most recently wrote about eco-friendly Odor Eliminator products. Please go to NoOdor.com for more info on Odor Eliminators.

GOT ODOR?

Your home and yard can easily be invaded by offensive and toxic odor from pets, ashtrays, urine, feces, sweat, spills, chemicals, perfumes, diapers, mold, cooking, smoke, garbage, new carpet, paint, shoes, vomit, skunk, mothballs, formaldehyde, and many other odor sources. Unfortunately, most ventilation systems only recirculate room air and remove dirt, dust and lint. Noxious odor is left free to recirculate in the air you breathe. Over time, the odor increases in concentration and result in serious indoor air pollution problems e.g. sick building syndrome.

Medical problems that have been associated with poor indoor air quality from odor include dizziness, headaches, eye nose or throat irritation, dry or itchy skin, nausea, shortness of breath, difficulty in concentrating, fatigue, sensitivity to odors, allergies, depression and chronic illnesses. According to the EPA, “indoor pollution can be as much as 100 times greater than outdoors.” Since most people spend close to 90% of their time indoors, indoor air pollution from odor poses a serious health risk.
THE ECOSMART SOLUTION TO RID ODOR

SmellezeTM Eco Deodorizer Granules were specially developed to absorb, neutralize, and rid odor commonly found in homes and yards. It will eliminate odor iferous gases like acetic acid, formaldehyde, ozone, ammonia, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, freon, hydrogen sulfide, VOC’s and many, many more. SmellezeTM will truly cleanse the air and rid odor to complement existing ventilation systems.

RID ODOR INSTEAD OF MASKING WITH HARMFUL FRAGRANCES

SmellezeTM Eco Deodorizer Granules are a natural deodorizer that can be used to eliminate noxious and unpleasant household and yard odor rather than merely masking them with harmful perfumes. SmellezeTM Eco Deodorizer is negatively charged where as odor travels on positively charged particles. As a result, SmellezeTM Eco Deodorizer draws in household odor like a strong magnet. Thereafter, it will rid odor without smelly cover-ups. The molecular structure of SmellezeTM Eco Deodorizer is made up of a lattice structure arranged to form a honeycomb framework of billions of interconnecting channels. This gives SmellezeTM Eco Deodorizer an enormous surface area that is larger than several football fields. The latter enables SmellezeTM to absorb phenomenal amounts of common household odor.

ECOSMART, SAFE, NATURAL, NON-TOXIC DEODORIZER

SmellezeTM Eco Deodorizer Granules are a non-toxic, safe, non-hazardous, natural, non-scented, and non-caustic deodorizer to rid odor. They are an ideal environmentally friendly solution to rid odor without adding pollutants to the air you breathe and improving indoor air quality. SmellezeTM Eco Deodorizer does not contain chemical additives and is especially beneficial for those suffering from chemical sensitivity.

APPLICATIONS TO RID ODOR

SmellezeTM Eco Deodorizer Granules will effectively rid odor in all homes and yards. Following are examples of tough odors that will be totally eliminated:
Animal Waste Odor, Ashtray Odor, Auto Odor, Boot Odor, Car Odor, Carpet Odor, Couch Odor, Crawl Space Odor, Diaper Pail Odor, Dresser Draw Odor, Fireplace Odor, Formaldehyde Odor, Floor Odor, Garage Odor, Garbage Odor, Hand Odor, Kitchen Odor, Cat Litter Box Odor, Manure Odor, Mattress Odor, Mothball Odor, Ostomy Odor, Pet Odor, Pet Areas, RV Odor, Shoe Odor, Skunk Odor, Sneaker Odor, Shoe Odor, Stall Odor, Yard Odor, Urine Odor, Vomit Odor.


DIRECTIONS TO RID ODOR

SmellezeTM Eco Deodorizer Granules are available in 2 lb. and 50 lb. containers. For a breath of fresh air, simply sprinkle SmellezeTM Eco Deodorizer granules on the odor source. Clean or vacuum for indoor applications. No need to remove if it was used outside to rid odor. SmellezeTM Eco Deodorizer is totally safe for both indoor and outdoor use. It may also be rubbed on hands to rid odor from onion, seafood, garlic, gas, paint, chemical, moth ball and other odor. It can also be rubbed on pets to rid odor. SmellezeTM Eco Deodorizer comes with a 100% risk free, satisfaction guaranteed warranty. For extra effectiveness, this deodorizer can be used in conjunction with the SmellezeTM Eco Deodorizer Pouch.

IMTEK provides EcoSmart, EnergySmart and HealthSmart Deodorizer Products to Rid Odor. For further information on odor control, visit www.NoOdor.com.