How is Inflammation Related to Insulin Resistance?

Chronic inflammation is on the forefront of medical investigation, with researchers trying to understand not only what causes the condition but also how it can be prevented.

Inflammation is the response of vascular tissues to harmful stimuli. In the case of insulin resistance, Metabolic Syndrome (Syndrome X) , Pre-diabetes and pcos (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), this harmful stimuli is insulin.

Prolonged levels of elevated insulin contribute to inflammation. If left unchecked, this type of inflammation can lead to atherosclerosis and contribute to insulin resistance - the imbalance of blood glucose and insulin. pcos has been characterized as a low-grade inflammatory state, which can be assessed by measuring CRP (C-Reactive Protein).

CRP is a blood test that helps determine the level of inflammation in blood vessels. The higher the CRP reading, the higher the inflammation is and the greater risk for cardiovascular disease. Additionally, women with pcos have higher levels of CRP than women without pcos, whether they are lean or overweight.

Elevated levels of CRP are also linked strongly with Metabolic Syndrome, a cluster of increased risk factors for cardiovascular disease which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

The way to reduce inflammation and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease is to restrict one's exposure to insulin through a diet high in lean proteins, good fats and good carbs from vegetables, plus some fruits. Additionally, there are numerous nutraceutical ingredients that moderate inflammation, such as omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants and minerals. Don't forget that exercise produces a positive and long-lasting impact on the body's inflammatory processes.

Dr. Shackelton is a founding partner of Insulite Laboratories. She directs research and development of the formulas comprising the four Insulite systems and those in development. Her study of the biochemical and physiological reasons for weight gain led to her focus on insulin resistance the abnormal response of insulin to glucose - and its growing number of related conditions. http://www.pcos.insulitelabs.com

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What Will Be the Hottest Christmas Toys of 2006?

The hottest Christmas toys for 2006 will soon be hitting the shelves, and some are already on them. Remember the Furby, Tickle-Me Elmo, Beanie Babies and Cabbage patch Kids? They were the hottest Christmas toys from past holidays.

Almost every holiday season, there are a few special toys that everyone wants for Christmas -- and no one can seem to find.

If you want to make sure you have the hottest Christmas toys of 2006 under your Christmas tree, you should start thinking about shopping for them now.

Unfortunately, there's a problem -- you don't yet know what they are!

Well, I have a special "heads up" on what the hot Christmas toys of the season may be, and I'm more than willing to share the info with you. (My friends and I at WowChristmasGifts.com and ChristmasRants.com have done really well at predicting the hottest Christmas toys for the past several years.)

PlayStation 3

For gamers with a big budget, the Sony PlayStation 3 is going to be number one on the wish list. Featuring internet functions and the new blu-ray technology, PlayStation 3 is like no other gaming system ever on the market.

just remember, while this is definitely going to be one of THE hottest Christmas toys of 2006, it is also going to be one of the most expensive. When the PlayStation is released this November, expect it to have a price tag of $500 to $600.

Nintendo's Wii

If you do have a gaming fan on your Christmas list but $500 is out of the question, you may want to look into Nintendo's Wii. At just $250, it's half the price of the PlayStation 3 and it is actually the very first game system ever to make it to Toys R Us's hot Toy list for 2006.

It's not hard to see why the Wii is going to be one of the hottest Christmas toys of 2006. The remote-like controller allows players to swing it like a bat, sword or tennis racket to create a truly interactive game play environment.

We predict it is also going to be a big hit with people who are not traditionally gamers, because my of the games are not the standard type of games.

Elmo TMX

Remember when Tickle Me Elmo dolls couldn't stay on the shelves for more than a moment? Remember the long lines -- and the cat fights between parents?

Well, somehow Fischer price has done it again with Elmo TMX!

Tickle Me Elmo TMX was just released this month and while parents aren't physically fighting over them this time around, the lines have been long, and the stores have been selling out as quickly as they can get them in.

You can read more about why we think Tickle Me Elmo TMX will be so popular here:

http://www.wowgiftideas.com/looking_for_tickle_me_elmo_tmx.html

Since we still have a lot of time until Christmas, it's only a sign of what's to come, and this may prove to be one of the top hottest Christmas toys this year.

Some Other Contenders

While the above three toys seem to be the most promising when it comes to the hottest Christmas toys this year, there are a few other names you should be keeping an eye on.

Some other toys that may grace the wish lists many include Webkinz, Dora's Talking Cash register and the Pink Nitro Notebook by Vtech.

This year we expect there will be hot Christmas toys for every age group, from toddler to adult. By starting your Christmas shopping early, you'll be able to find the hottest Christmas toys more easily. Happy Christmas shopping!

Noel Jameson loves sharing tips, tricks and advice on how to make the Christmas season happier, more meaningful and less stressful. Check out her entertaining and impassioned blog, ChristmasRants.com: http://www.christmasrants.com.

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Even More about Communication Skills for Yoga Teachers

Who are some of the best teachers a yoga instructor could have? The answer should not surprise you, but it is our yoga students who create the best yoga teacher from within us. Consider this: Random questions develop complete knowledge of any given subject.

yoga students are full of questions, so let them ask, and you will find. yoga students often have a fresh view of yoga. We cannot easily absorb new ideas with a preconceived perspective of a given subject. yoga students have no set of preconceived notions about yoga

Socrates once said, I know nothing, except the fact of my ignorance. If he could be such a humble teacher about the subject of life, who are we to feel so comfortable with our knowledge on the subject of Yoga? Allow Yoga-related questions during class time, and everyone will be richer for the experience.

It is true that some yoga teachers have found their niche by suppressing student thought, but this is not yoga, and it is all about control. The sad fact is - yoga students, who seek out abusive teacher / student relationships are magnetized to dogmatic personalities and have voluntarily chosen to be in the relationship.

These same primal behavior patterns run parallel to their relationships at home, in work, and in their social lives. This is unfortunate, but all of us have a place in this life, and some people crave the negative attention of an alpha personality. If you observe a wolf pack, you can see much similar behavior.

getting back to communication skills - yoga teachers, who masterfully explain concepts through cueing, voice inflection, demonstration, and assisting, have taken the time to practice the art of communication. Seasoned yoga instructors are not good at what they do by accident. Time spent in front of a crowd, or a mirror, causes us to look within and communicate effectively.

Knowing the audience is a valuable skill every yoga teacher should take the time to learn. What are the interests of your yoga students? What parts of the lesson plan raise their level of motivation? Do you feel a stir of excitement or anticipation at certain points in your yoga class? Even if none of them says a word, you can still read body language.

When students feel the beneficial aspects of your yoga class, it is written all over their faces. Develop your intuition, but do not drive yourself crazy. If you are still not sure what motivates your students, it is time to ask them some tactful questions.

A sample question, about one subject, might be: Do you see the benefit of practicing Revolved Triangle now? If they do not give you an answer, you can list the skeletal benefits to the hips, spine, shoulders, and legs. You can list the muscles, which are strengthened and stretched.

You could also mention the particular internal organs, which are massaged and cleansed. Revolved Triangle (Parivrtta Trikonasana), like many asanas, has many physical benefits, but it develops mental strength, as well. The student / teacher relationship is a think tank. Allow your students to participate completely, and the proficiency level of your entire school will be raised.

Ponder these words of Jesus: Ask and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you. The answers to all of our questions are right in front of us, if we remember this.

Copyright 2007 Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of yoga teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.riyoga.com He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. To receive a Free yoga e-book: "yoga in practice," and a Free yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

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