Aging and Migraines

Aging and Migraines

Aging is a fact of life. Getting older means increasing frailty and susceptibility to illness, but it can also be a boon to migraineurs (people who experience migraine headaches). Only 2-10% of the elderly population experiences migraines (as opposed to up to 28% of adults under 65), and elderly women are still more likely to have them than their male counterparts.

Migraines can happen at any age, but they peak around age 40. The frequency of migraine attacks after 40 decreases for most people. Many migraineurs who have suffered with this condition for years experience a reduction in the frequency and severity of attacks after age 55.

About two thirds of migraineurs stop having attacks altogether by age 65. Patients over 65 who still have migraines report drastically decreased severity, duration, and frequency in their attacks. They are also less likely to experience the gastrointestinal upset that accompanies migraine in younger people.

The downside to all this good news is that adults over 65 who suffer from migraines are more likely than younger patients to experience disability because of their affliction. Many physicians are uncomfortable with treating senior citizens for migraines because therapeutic methods used on younger people are often not tested for safety in an older patient.

Additional conditions and the medications used to treat them complicate the problem. Seniors are more likely to be on one or more prescription drugs and each new medication increases the risk of adverse drug reactions. This possibility makes some doctors reluctant to offer senior migraineurs pharmaceutical assistance.

The onset of migraines after age 50 is very rare and should be investigated with a doctor to rule out the possibility of secondary causes. Late onset does not rule out migraine (only one third of senior headaches are due to secondary conditions) but it makes it less likely. Click here to get more information about solving your condition

A “Mind Training” Technique That Makes You Stronger

Burn the Fat Feed the Muscle
By Tom Venuto

The word “visualization” sometimes conjures up images of new age gurus teaching esoteric techniques for personal enlightenment and “attracting” what you want into your life. This causes many evidence-based types to scoff. However, piles of research has shown that mental imagery (aka “visualization”) can improve performance. The latest study suggests that a certain type of mental imagery can also increase your strength.

Olympic champions and professional athletes have used visualization and mental rehearsal techniques for decades. Not only is visualization one of the most widely accepted techniques in sports psychology, it’s supported by scientific research.
Nevertheless, many people remain skeptical.

Some people agree that mental rehearsal might enhance specific skills, like a golf swing or a basketball throw, but they question whether it could make you stronger, increase muscle growth or help you lose weight.

A new study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research suggests that indeed, mental imagery can make you stronger. This study also begins to explain how mental imagery works on a neurological level…

Twenty two sports students, with a mean age of about 20, participated in the 6-week long experiment. Prior to the study, none had done mental imagery before. The students were divided into a control group and a mental rehearsal group. The goal was to see if mental imagery could increase bench press and leg press strength.

Each participant was given very specific instructions on how to perform the mental imagery. During the rest period between sets, they were to vividly imagine the exercise movement and the muscle contractions generated from each rep.

After 12 workout sessions, the mental imagery group had significantly increased their strength more than the control group, especially in the lower body (leg press).
The researchers concluded: “The results provided evidence that mental imagery did contribute to improve strength of the leg muscles without any macroscopic structural change”

What they were saying is that the duration of the study wasn’t long enough that there was any major muscle size increase, so they credited the strength increase to non morphological adaptations.

It’s well known in exercise science that gains in strength occur from changes not just in the muscle fibers and surrounding tissues, but in the nervous system.
That gives us clues about how mental imagery works.

Put simply, mental training techniques, (since they’re working with your brain/nervous system – as the name implies), can trigger some of the same neurological adaptations that occur from physical training.

Apparently, mental imagery can increase synchronization of motor units in muscles, having large corresponding cortical areas in the primary motor cortex.

There are also psychological benefits, such as increased motivation, improved focus during the set, technique improvements, more confidence and less apprehension or anxiety. But clearly, there’s more to this than just “psyching up.”

Here’s something else interesting. The researchers even suggested that mental imagery could decrease strength loss when athletes are inactive due to injury.

This recent study is a practical one because it gives us one specific technique that you can apply to your next workout: vividly imagine a successful lift for the upcoming set while you’re resting between sets.

NOTE: it’s important to mentally see (visualize) the exercise and mentally “FEEL” the muscle contraction. This is multi-sensory – both visual and kinesthetic.

In some of my previous articles, I talked about density training and superset training as excellent techniques for busy people because these methods reduce rest intervals, making the workout time efficient. But the rest time between heavy sets doesn’t have to be wasted – now you know what to do with that time…

Instead of chatting with your gym buddies, or scoping out the attractive bods in the gym, you can be mentally rehearsing your next set… and enjoying the strength increase that follows.

Most fat loss programs only focus on diet or physical training. If you want to learn more about how you can add “mental training” techniques to increase fat loss, muscle growth and muscular strength, then be sure to check out chapter one in my ebook,
Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle. Click here to learn more information now

Founder & CEO of
Burn the Fat Inner Circle

About the Author:

Tom Venuto is the author of the #1 best seller, Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle: Fat Burning Secrets of the World’s Best Bodybuilders and Fitness Models. Tom is a lifetime natural bodybuilder and fat loss expert who achieved an astonishing 3.7% body fat level without drugs or supplements.

Discover how to increase your metabolism and burn stubborn body fat, find out which foods burn fat and which foods turn to fat, plus get a free fat loss report and mini course by visiting Tom’s site. Click here to go there now

Gardasil Vaccine – Parent Awareness Warning

This is a stern parent awareness warning about a dangerous vaccine known as: Gardasil and it should be taken seriously.

Since the approval of the vaccine by the FDA in 2006, health-care groups have shouted out warnings of danger, and have also said that Merck has energetically mass-marketed Gardasil with disregard both for known current side effects as well as for possible long-term side effects.

Here are some of the established risks that were found by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

Be Aware Parents

* As of June 1, 2009 Gardasil has been responsible for 43 deaths of the 25 million doses distributed in the United States.

* Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a peripheral neuropathy that can result in paralysis and death, have been reported to the CDC as a result of Gardasil vaccination.

* Blood Clots occurring in the heart, lungs and legs have reportedly been triggered by Gardasil.

About 40 percent of adverse effects occur on the day of vaccination. Approximately 14,000 reports have been made, with 93 percent considered by the CDC to be “non-serious,” and 7 percent to be “serious.”

What does the reporting of 14,000 incidents of side effects really mean? Dr. Russell Blaylock, a nationally recognized neurosurgeon, health practitioner, and editor of The Blaylock Wellness Report, said, “Multiply the number of incidents actually reported by ten and you’ll get an accurate number."

Vaccine Has Never Been Proved Effective

Dr. Blaylock said, “The vaccine has never been proven to be effective, and by the time the vaccine would be needed to prevent cancer would be years later and the vaccine would be long gone from the system. If you have the organism already in your cervix, the vaccine actually increases the cervical cancer rate.”

In the light of such serious side effects, the cost/benefit ratio in terms of both lives and money must be weighed. And some frightening facts are emerging about Gardasil. In an ABC interview, Dr. Harper said, “Although the number of serious adverse events is small and rare, they are real and cannot be overlooked or dismissed without disclosing the possibility to all other possible vaccine recipients.” Dr. Harper then dropped what some consider to be a bombshell: “The rate of serious adverse events is greater than the incidence rate of cervical cancer.”

No matter what the health threats are on our body, whether adult or child, it is always wise to keep your body as healthy as you can. Parents remember it is wise to educate your children in matters of sexual behavior too. Learn more here.

See Without Glasses – It Has Been Proven

There are people who have now learned they can see without glasses. It has been proven to them that they don’t need them any longer

Even though glasses are called 'corrective lenses,' they don't correct your vision. They merely aid your vision temporarily... and they do NOT keep your sight from getting worse over ime.

Poor Vision Is Not Necessarily Permanent

But poor vision is one of today's most common health problems -- over half of us wear glasses -- and if you're like millions of people today, you probably believe there's nothing you can do to save your eyesight.

That's a crime. Because you already possess the power to enjoy clearer, stronger, unaided vision. And you can tap into that power immediately, thanks to an exciting program that's been developed by a leading Optomologist. you may even be able to discard your glasses -- for life.

Even if you've been wearing glasses all your life, there is a revolutionary program that can unlock your natural ability to:

* Read, write, drive, and more

* See brighter colors, experience clarity, contrast, and greater depth perception

* Enjoy relief from headache and fatigue due to eyestrain

Poor Vision Can be restored

The fact is that 97 percent of those who wear glasses were not born with vision problems -- or even an increased likelihood of suffering weak vision later in life. If you're among that 97 percent, you simply 'learned' how to NOT see.

But it's never too late for you to 'relearn' to see clearly. And even if you're among the 3 percent born with vision problems, you can still enjoy major improvements in just a few weeks.

Never believe that getting older has anything to do with poor vision. Think again. The visual system -- just like any other part of the body -- can deteriorate with age. But this decline is not inevitable and it is not irreversible.

In fact, nothing is further from the truth. And even those with 'hopelessly' weak eyesight have seen dramatic improvements after using a program I found on the Internet. Check it out here.

Cure Anxiety and Panic Attacks - Easily Done

Here is the facts you should know. Anxiety is not an illness; it's a behavior condition. So you can cure anxiety and panic attacks and it is easily done.

Now anxiety and panic attacks do produce some very frightening sensations such as:

* Shaking visibly and also inside too

* Choking sensations or lump in throat

* Chest pain or discomfort

* Shortness of breath

* Dizziness or unsteadiness

* and much more

Be Careful

Having any of these sensations could cause you to feel the necessity to go to a hospital E.R. only to find out you were having a panic attack and not a heart attack.

Panic attacks symptoms are caused by a number of biological changes that occur during times of stress and anxiety. The human body is strong and resilient. Even in times of anxiety you are strong, although you might not feel it.

Don't Become Scared

No one has ever come to any harm as a result of anxiety or a panic attack. Even though you might get scared you heart might stop; it's not likely to happen. This is just a very common symptom of a panic attack.

The heart is a muscle, raising the heart rate exercises it, making it fitter. If you wouldn't worry about it when racing for the bus, why worry about it when it happens during anxiety? Panic attack symptoms are harmless.

No Medication Will Cure 

The downside of these panic attack symptoms is that your body will feel tired and shaky after they subside. People even experience muscle tension and it can cause pain in the neck, chest and shoulders. There is no medication in the world, which can cure your anxiety-related issues. Medicines simply suppress your stress. They never eradicate it.

Do not allow these unpleasant panic attacks and sensations to get the best of you, after all that is all they are. The nerves tell the brain what it should be feeling under certain conditions and the brain responds. The brain may interpret all kinds of confused signals and you might receive perceived sensations that never have and never can, hurt anyone.

You can learn how to cure anxiety and panic attacks naturally by clicking here.

Top Ten Healthy Foods

If you could eat foods that were tasty, nutritious and helped reduce your risk of disease, what more could you want? These are the healthy food facts and why they are good for you:  (Look at some more on this video)

Apples: They are a good source of pectin, a fiber that can lower cholesterol and glucose levels. They're also a good source of vitamin C -- an antioxidant that protects your body's cells

Almonds: These nuts are packed with nutrients -- fiber, riboflavin, magnesium, iron, calcium and vitamin E, a natural antioxidant. They're also good for your heart. Most of the fat in almonds is monounsaturated fat, which can help lower cholesterol levels when substituted for other fats.

Broccoli: Besides providing calcium, potassium, folate and fiber, broccoli contains phytonutrients -- compounds that may help prevent diabetes, heart disease and some cancers

Blueberries: They are a rich, low-calorie source of fiber, antioxidants and phytonutrients. Regular intake of blueberries may improve short-term memory and reduce the cellular damage associated with aging.

Red beans: Small red, pinto and dark red kidney varieties -- are an excellent low-fat source of antioxidants, protein, dietary fiber and copper. They're also a good source of iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and thiamin.

Salmon: This fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are believed to provide heart benefits. Salmon is also low in saturated fat and cholesterol and is a good source of protein. If possible, choose wild salmon, which is less likely to contain unwanted chemicals such as mercury.

Spinach: It's high in vitamin A, and also is a good source of calcium, folate, iron, magnesium, riboflavin and vitamins B-6 and C. The plant compounds in spinach may boost your immune system and help prevent certain types of cancer.

Sweet potatoes: The deep orange-yellow color of sweet potatoes tells you that they're high in  beta-carotene. Sweet potatoes are also high in vitamin C and a good source of fiber, vitamin B- and potassium.

Vegetable juice: This beverage is an easy way to include vegetables in your diet since it contains most of the same vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Tomato juice, and vegetable juices which include tomatoes, are good sources of lycopene, an antioxidant that may reduce the risk of heart attack and certain types of cancer. Be sure to select the low-sodium varieties.

Wheat germ: The germ at the center of the wheat seed is a concentrated source of nutrients. two tablespoons provide a good source of thiamin, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, iron and zinc. Sprinkle over cereals, yogurt and salads. Or use it in muffins, cookies and pancakes.

A great guide for meal planning is right here.

Some people might experience the fear of growing old – but I can tell you it is not bad at all.  Even if you are not totally healthy you can still have fun in your life no matter what your age.

If you still have a spouse growing old together can produce some pleasant days in your life.  If you live in a retirement community you can find fun things to do with friends easily. Watch video here.

When my wife and I first retired to a community in Florida it wasn’t as much fun as it is now.  The fun things to do with friends were limited.   No planned activities were scheduled there and the whole complex was not that appealing.

So after a few years we left this community and went someplace else where we are now.  There is all the amenities you could ask for:  Heated olympic size pool and hot tub; athletic facility, table pool; shuffleboards, tennis courts and regularly planned social events. 

Now there are a few other things you should be doing so you never will experience the fear of growing old: 

1) Take care of your body.  Eat healthy foods.  Prepare foods that are nutritional and tasty.  Don’t get caught up in eating fast foods or processed foods.

2) Keep your weight at a healthy level.  Use any athletic facilities that are available to you.

3) Exercise.  Many senior citizens in our community walk or ride their bicycles several times a week.

4) Get on a program of some proper nutritional supplements you need to take daily.  Not all foods will supply you with the proper nutrients you need on a daily basis.

5) Do the things that make you most happy.  Keep a positive outlook on life.  A healthy mind can keep your whole body happy.  Here’s a program that can help you fill that need.

It’s a real blessing when both spouses can live ripe old ages and are able of growing old together.  Life is more fun and enjoyable when that happens.