Archive for November, 2009

ENERGY AND THE HUMAN BODY

November 30th, 2009

ENERGY AND THE HUMAN BODY

To be able to sustain the thousands of processes that occur in the human body and sustain life, energy is required. Energy is defined as something with the capacity to perform work.

Energy occurs in a variety of forms. Solar, chemical, heat, light, mechanical and electrical energy are some well known forms. The sun provides solar energy, and in the biological world all energy has the sun as its origin. The body, however, is unable to use solar energy so it gets its energy form chemical sources, from food in the form of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. All these energies originate from plants which do get their energy from the sun, or from animals which eat the plants. As food is broken down in the body, high-energy compounds are synthesized in the body, thus providing the final stage of energy production to allow our bodies to perform work.

The Energy Sequence

Energy can not be created or destroyed and follows this sequence.

  • Plants convert solar energy into chemical energy

  • Humans get hungry and eat the plants and the animals

  • Food is then converted into chemical energy which his in the form of proteins, carbohydrates and fats.

Proteins, carbohydrates at fats are known as macronutrients. Our body breaks these down and change this chemical energy into mechanical energy for synthesis. Electrical energy is also created for the transmission of nerve impulses. Energy is then held in bonds in the substrates of the body.

If we want to utilize that energy, the bonds need to be broken apart. The energy is then stored in special energy carrying molecules called ATP.

The body provides us with the aerobic and anaerobic pathways to provide energy for our various processes.. The rate at which we need energy is the determining factor in which pathway is utilised.

If you consider that the use of energy is like putting petrol in your car, the more the car is driven the more fuel it needs. One of the major challenges is today’s world is not to put in more energy than is expended.

To maintain ones weight, the energy balance needs to be adhered to. Equalise the energy consumed with energy expended and weight is maintained. Increasing energy expenditure through exercise without increasing intake will result in weight loss. Conversely, increasing calorific intake over the energy balance level without increasing energy expended will result in an increase in weight.

Steve has been writing articles for nearly 3 years. Explore his latest website
over at http://www.babyfurniturecribs4u.com/
which helps people find the best Baby Furniture Cribs and information
they are looking for when making those important baby related purchases.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/energy-and-the-human-body-1517998.html

Running FOr Beginners

November 30th, 2009


Why do people start a running program and then give up so early in the program? They usually go out too fast, their bodies don’t like it, they get fed up and giving up is the easiest way out. They then complain about running, how it’s “bad for their knees” and the other excuses, and settle back into the comfort of their couch.

I began a running program about 10 months ago, following the Couch to 5K (C25K) plan, It worked well, I’m still running, injury free and up to 15 km runs now.

The lessons I learned from this is that you should begin a running program gradually. Ideally a walk/jog program is the way to go. With this plan, almost anyone should be able to become a runner, running for 5k or 30 minutes within 2 months.

One of the things that a lot of people to is skip ahead in the program, thinking that the early weeks are too easy for them. AVOID THIS! Stick to the program, which will allow your body to gently adapt to the increased aerobic activity and time on your feet. If you need to repeat weeks, that’s ok, but don’t jump ahead.

A good session should last around 20 to 30 minutes, 3 times per week. This is the amount of exercise that is recommended to keep oneself optimally fit. Once you can do 3 times per week, you may want to do more; you’ll get fitter, but remember that rest days are equally as important as work days. As you continue through the program you’ll bones and joints will become stronger and your body fitter.

I recommend running for time rather than distance in the early days, it’s easier, unless of course you have a GPS watch or similar. You’ll likely want one at the end of your 2 month program anyway.

Before the run, take 5 minutes for a brisk warm up walk, and afterwards a 5 minute warm down followed by some stretching of the warm muscles will leave you feeling exhilarated and ready for what the day has to offer.

Since starting on this program my running has come on in leaps and bounds. It’s amazing how the success of the program rubs off onto every other aspect of your life. You become a success, which creates a ‘success mentality’ for every other activity.

I’d recommend you do a search on Google for the C25K program, get into it and reap the benefits. Good Luck!!!

Steve has been writing articles for nearly 3 years. Explore his latest website
over at http://www.babyfurniturecribs4u.com/
which helps people find the best Baby Furniture Cribs and information
they are looking for when making those important baby related purchases.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/running-for-beginners-1518000.html

Christian Addiction Rehab Help Addicts Deal With Drug Addiction Troubles

November 30th, 2009

Alcoholism or the addiction to alcohol is considered to be much worse than any form of illness – purely because it is so very difficult to get out of this condition. Though if the addict has the will to quit the habit there is enough help he/ she can find in the form of de-addiction centres. These places typically have professionals who are trained to handle people in the clutches of drinks and/ or drugs both physically and emotionally. A Christian rehab facility is no different except that the cure that is imparted here has a third dimension – the spiritual dimension which is important for the sobriety to remain permanent. Faith in a higher power helps the sufferer to generate the inner strength that is crucial to prevent a relapse.

Usually an emotional trauma or a problem to which they are not able to find any solution is what prompts people to start drinking and once they begin it is tough to stop as every one knows. If you are one of those then you might want to place yourselves into a Christian rehab program which has the potential to fish you out of your misery in an effective and efficient manner. These rehabilitation centres tend to have faith-based therapies as one of their focus areas, thus providing a complete make over for their clients – from miserable alcoholics to energetic, positive and joyful teetotallers! You will find that though you enter the place like a caterpillar, once you stay cocooned there for a period, you metamorphose into a lovely butterfly and come out free from the shackles of harmful addictive habits.

It is important for you to choose the right place for recovering because most places cure you in the short term but the moment you step out you seem rudderless and are very much likely to slip back into addiction. An ideal therapy would give you the “tools” when you complete their treatment to control yourself and rein in your temptations for the rest of your life. After all remaining abstemious on a permanent basis would be your ultimate motive! The institution should have a good atmosphere which is calm and relaxing so that you can recover in peace and soothe frayed nerves. Caring staff, high quality medical services, sound counselling and catering to the triad of body- mind- spirit are some of the features you should look out for.

When you look at the Christian rehab centres, you will find that it fits the bill to the T as far as all the above criteria are concerned. There are good rooms, luxury, private lodgings, sports area, picnic area, kitchen, internet, gym etc to keep the inmates’ comfortable and entertained at all times. You will never have a moment to dwell on drinks or consumption of harmful chemicals- drugs. You will be subjected to treatments, counselling and a series of activities that will keep you active and occupied usefully. So even during the recovery process you will feel the positive vibes creeping back into your being.

Detoxification is a process that is given as a primary remedy during a de-addiction therapy session. Good medication is added as per your needs for the withdrawal symptoms, curbing the cravings and to remove the toxins that are accumulated in the body. Side by side you are educated how your brain, nervous system and other internal organs like heart, stomach and liver are getting damaged by your substance abuse. With this knowledge you will certainly hesitate to think about using the booze/ drugs ever again. You will of course be talking to a counsellor assigned to you on a routine basis. You will get to discuss thread- bare about the problems that led you to take up this habit in the first place and together you will work out alternative solutions to those problems or learn to face it without resorting to any dangerous “stuff”. It is the aim of Transformations to pass on enough skills to you so that you can begin to lead an independent and normal life as soon as you step into the outside world. Basic computer knowledge, handling finances, time management and maintaining fitness are some of the take- aways from here.

You will also find that all the above are happening under the shade of actions that are based on faith in a higher authority or immense power. Belief translates into conviction which in turn gives the confidence to stick to the right path – despite what may come. Activities like listening to sermons, attending prayer meets and so on not only serve to keep you busy during leisure but also repeatedly drive in the importance of remaining sober. They also build self respect and you get the courage to tackle problems squarely rather than hiding behind alcoholic drinks!

Before making a decision on getting Christian drug treatment, be sure to check out a Christian Drug Rehab and ask them questions so you may make an educated decision whether or not it is the right treatment center for you and your needs. At a Christian Drug Rehab you will learn about the disease of addiction and how to overcome addiction.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/christian-addiction-rehab-help-addicts-deal-with-drug-addiction-troubles-1518692.html

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