Diet and Exercise For Weight Loss – What You Should Know About These Programs

August 30, 2021| Barbara W. Andrade| 0 Comment | 12:26 pm

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When most people think about diet and exercise for weight loss, they automatically think about what you should eat. It may be a good idea to take a nutrition quiz first though so that you can figure out what your ideal weight for your height and age is. Many people who have put off working out or following a diet for weight loss do so because they do not know where to begin. There is no right place to start. Every person has their own ideas on what weight they want to lose and how to achieve it, so follow along as you research diet and exercise for weight loss.

Start with what you already enjoy doing. If you are a fan of the television, do not stop watching after you have lost some weight. You will be bored if you do not have the activities that you enjoyed doing. Take up a new sport to keep yourself motivated. If you are already involved in an exercise routine such as dance, sign up for a sport that you can see yourself participating in all time soon. Starting a new sport will give you something to look forward to each day.

Diet and exercise for weight loss will involve watching what you eat and when you eat it. Eat at times when you are not stressed out and when you are feeling hungry. Stress can bring on cravings, so it is important that you eat smaller meals throughout the day than usual. Eating smaller meals lessens the amount of food you have to eliminate so that you do not have to starve yourself to lose weight.

Develop a diet and exercise routine that works best for your lifestyle and time frame. If you need a fast solution to your weight problems then you might want to go for a crash diet or a cleansing diet. These are quick solutions that are not long term. Choose one that will allow you to see results quickly.

You should also think about the types of foods that you eat. If you need to reduce your caloric intake, you can increase your protein consumption. A diet and exercise routine that include a high protein diet will help you get the results that you want. If you want to add muscle mass, you can increase the amount of lean meats, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products in your diet. A good diet and exercise routine will help you reach your goal weight in a healthy and sustainable manner.

You can consult a dietitian to help you design a diet and exercise plan. A dietitian can also help you determine which types of diet will be best for your particular weight loss needs. Remember, different people have different metabolisms. That is why some people cannot benefit from a high protein diet while others can. Always talk with your doctor before you start any type of diet and exercise program.

The unknown colon cancer: How to prevent tumors in the small intestineThe unknown colon cancer: How to prevent tumors in the small intestine

June 4, 2020| Barbara W. Andrade| 0 Comment| 9:22 am

When it comes to colon cancer, most people think of colon cancer. What is less well known is that the small intestine can also develop malignant tumors. What you should know about it, about symptoms, treatment and the combination of colon and small bowel cancer.

Small bowel cancer accounts for up to five percent of all bowel cancers; around 2,600 men and women were diagnosed with small bowel cancer in 2016, compared with around 60,000 colon cancer. “It is important to classify a carcinoma on the one hand by localization, i.e. in the case of bowel cancer, small or colon cancer, but also differentiate it on the basis of its biological characteristics,” reports Ulrich Graeven, chief physician at the Clinic for Hematology, Oncology and Gastroenterology at Maria Hilf Mönchengladbach Hospital.

Cancer of the small intestine is usually biologically very different from cancer of the colon

While colon cancer is usually adeno tumors, i.e. growths of the mucous membrane, this affects only a small fraction of small bowel cancer. The most common forms of small bowel cancer, depending on the cells that cause the disease, are:

Neuroendocrine tumors (NET) with around 50 percent, they arise from hormone-producing cells
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) make up about ten percent, these tumors originate from the connective tissue in the gastrointestinal tract.

The differing biological characteristics of the two types of colon cancer, colon and small bowel cancer, “make these two diseases so fundamentally different, even though both affect the bowel,” explains the oncologist.

Causes of small bowel cancer and why it is less common than colon cancer

What triggers the fact that the cells in the small intestine no longer act normally, but degenerate and multiply in an uncontrolled manner, is still largely unknown. It is assumed that there is a connection with pollutants in food that come into contact with the small intestine during passage and can thus influence its cells.

It is well known that the small intestine connects directly to the stomach. This first section of the three-part small intestine is called the duodenum, followed by the jejunum and ileum. In addition to transporting the chyme to the large intestine, the task of the five-meter-long small intestine is to break down certain food components and release them into the blood. The most important ones are carbohydrates, which are processed into various sugars, fat, but also vitamins and trace elements.

The chyme is still thin in this section of the intestine and is therefore transported on quickly. The contact time with the intestinal wall is much shorter than later in the large intestine, “which could explain why colon cancer is much more common than small intestine cancer,” the gastroenterologist explains the possible background. In addition, the mucous membrane in the small intestine is less susceptible to certain factors such as pollutants than that in the large intestine.

Risk factor hereditary diseases

However, there is also a familial willingness to develop small bowel cancer: Hereditary polyposis syndromes such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Lynch syndrome. Genetically, a large number of polyps develop in the large intestine, sometimes also in the small intestine. These are adenocarcinomas, but are very rare in the small intestine compared to NET and GIST.

Small intestinal tumors associated with FAP are usually only discovered when polyps have been detected in the large intestine. In the course of further diagnosis of the familial predisposition, these rare small bowel carcinomas are also identified.

Small bowel cancer symptoms

Small bowel cancer usually grows slowly. Frequently, signs only appear when the disease has progressed and the tumor is taking up space. Depending on you can

Bleeding,
Stomach pain,
nausea
Constipation or diarrhea

occur. If the tumor is large, it can even block the intestines (ileus). The intestinal obstruction manifests itself through massive pain, it is always a medical emergency that is life-threatening and must be treated immediately.

Small bowel cancer prognosis varies

Small bowel cancer is usually only discovered at an advanced stage. In more than 70 percent, the carcinoma is only diagnosed in stage three or four, i.e. later than this applies to this common colon cancer – again the comparison with colon cancer.

The survival rates for small bowel cancer are therefore somewhat lower. “The decisive factor, however, is always the type of cancer of the small intestine,” explains the expert. If a GIST or NET is detected early, the chances of survival are very good. If, on the other hand, it is adenocarcinoma, which is also usually discovered later, the prognosis is not quite as favorable.

Diagnosis of small bowel cancer

The classic examination methods of gastroscopy and colonoscopy only cover the upper or lower part of the small intestine, “the almost five meters in between are not reached with these examination techniques,” explains the expert.

Imaging methods such as magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) or computed tomography (CT) are only used if there are symptoms and suspicion of this intestinal tumor. Capsule endoscopy, which shows images from the small intestine, also provides information.

Only when these examinations reveal an abnormality is it possible to specifically mirror the small intestine. “However, this is very time-consuming and cannot be used as a preventive examination – also because these intestinal tumors are very rare,” emphasizes Ulrich Graeven.

Small intestinal cancer therapies – surgery and its consequences

Overall, the following applies to the various small intestinal tumors: If possible, an operation should be performed. “If the tumor is limited, parts of the small intestine can usually be removed without any problems,” explains the oncologist in more detail.

A stoma, i.e. an artificial anus, is therefore usually not necessary. However, it is crucial which part of the small intestine is missing and which functions it had, which trace elements and vitamins it passed on to the body. This deficiency must then be compensated for through appropriate nutrition or medication.

Treatment for small bowel cancer varies depending on the type of tumor

Parts of the removed tumor are examined histologically. For the therapy plan, it is crucial whether it is NET, GIST or the rare familial adenocarcinoma in the small intestine. “A generally applicable therapy scheme for small bowel cancer is not possible because there is not just one small bowel cancer, but different ones, it always depends on its type,” emphasizes the oncologist.

Accordingly, there are many different therapy options. If a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) has metastasized, for example, there are very good drugs for further treatment. “This is not the classic chemotherapy, but we use so-called tyrosine kinase inhibitors, with very good results,” reports the expert. These are inhibitors, such as imitanib, that can block certain signaling pathways within the cells. They are sometimes also used before an operation to reduce the size of a tumor that is too large and therefore inoperable, or after an operation to avoid a relapse.

If the cancer of the small intestine is a neuroendocrine tumor (NET), on the other hand, surgery is often the only treatment required. The NET is further subdivided with regard to the need for drug therapy, taking into account its growth rate. This subdivision of the NET is also of crucial importance for planning therapy for metastatic NET.

Ademocarcinoma of the small intestine is treated on the basis of the results from the treatment of colon tumors.

Small bowel cancer prevention

Targeted prevention against these rare tumors is hardly possible – apart from the well-known rules for a healthy life, i.e. without smoking, with a sensible diet, extensive alcohol restriction and sufficient exercise. Because little is known about the possible causes of small bowel cancer, they cannot be influenced.

However, there is an important tip from the expert for everyone in whose families there are genetically determined polyps in the large intestine: Remember to not only limit the preventive measures to the large intestine, but also to extend it to the small intestine. Although this is provided for in the relevant colorectal cancer screening and follow-up programs, it must not be overlooked.

Who Needs Health Savings Accounts And Health Reimbursement Arrangements?Who Needs Health Savings Accounts And Health Reimbursement Arrangements?

June 16, 2017| Barbara W. Andrade| 0 Comment| 1:09 pm

Employers аnd thе self-employed аrе using twо main strategies tо kеер thе cost оf health insurance lоw аnd tо reduce thеіr taxes. Known аѕ аn HSA, a Health Savings Account саn make mоѕt health care expenses tax deductible, аnd provide tax-deferred earnings. Individuals аnd business owners саn start аn HSA оnсе thеу purchase a health plan that’s certified tо bе HSA compatible. Thеѕе plans аrе available іn thе individual market fоr muсh lower premiums thаn plans іn thе group coverage market.

Cаn Health Savings Accounts Bе Combined Wіth A HRA?

Employers аnd people whо аrе self-employed іf thе spouse works іn thе business mау add a Health Reimbursement Arrangement tо substantially increase thе tax savings available wіth аn HSA аlоnе.

Tо рut іt simply, a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) іѕ аn employer-funded medical reimbursement plan fоr employees. Sоmеоnе whо іѕ self-employed саnnоt hаvе аn HRA іn hіѕ оr hеr nаmе, but саn reimburse thе spouse, whо works іn thе business аѕ a W-2 employee, thrоugh аn HRA. All оf thе family’s qualified health care аnd insurance expenses саn bе reimbursed, аnd thаt includes thе expenses оf thе self-employed business owner bу virtue оf bеіng a member оf thе HRA-covered family.

Thе big rush tо gеt HRAs іn place bу Dec. 31 resulted bесаuѕе thе cost оf health insurance premiums соuld thеn bе reimbursed fоr thе whоlе year bасk tо January 2011. Reimbursement fоr оthеr kinds оf health care іѕ nоt retroactive, thоugh. Thоѕе whо start a HRA іn January 2012 саn reimburse thеіr employees fоr health care, including premiums.

Sіnсе group coverage hаѕ bесоmе аn expensive option fоr bоth employers аnd employees, HRAs present a lеѕѕ expensive choice thаt саn help bоth parties save оn health care costs. Compared tо group plan rates, policies іn thе individual market саn save employers uр tо 50 percent. Certain оf thеѕе plans, known аѕ Health Savings Accounts, Thіѕ makes іf feasible fоr mоrе employers tо provide health care coverage tо mоrе employees. Bу setting uр a HRA, employers саn legitimately reimburse thеіr employees fоr individual health insurance premiums аnd оthеr health care costs.

Hоw Dо Health Reimbursement Arrangements Work?

On a regular basis, аn employer contributes a pre-determined аmоunt tо аn account оn аn employee’s behalf. Thе employee саn submit a reimbursement request fоr qualified medical expenses, аnd ѕuсh reimbursements аrе nоt taxed.

What’s Required Tо Start A HRA?

Thе primary requirement іѕ thаt thе plan muѕt bе funded solely bу thе employer. It саnnоt bе funded bу salary reduction. In addition, thе plan mау оnlу provide benefits fоr substantiated medical expenses.

HRAs mау bе designed іn mаnу fashions tо suit thе specific needs оf employer аnd employees alike. It іѕ оnе оf thе mоѕt flexible types оf employee benefits plans, making іt vеrу attractive tо mоѕt employers.

Hоw Dо Employers Benefit Frоm A HRA?

HRAs аrе mоѕt commonly offered іn conjunction wіth a high-deductible health plan. Aѕ a rule, thеѕе plans kеер premium costs lоw, ѕо employers саn uѕе thе savings tо fund thе HRA. All employer HRA contributions аrе tax deductible fоr thе employer, аnd tax-free fоr thе employee.

Employers mау establish whеn HRA funds mау bе used. Thіѕ саn range frоm comprehensively covering аll health care tо a limited plan fоr emergency room expenses оnlу. Bесаuѕе thеу аrе ѕо flexible, HRA plans enable employers tо control costs оf providing healthcare benefits whіlе providing a valuable employee benefit.

Wіth аn HRA, employee healthcare expenditures аrе visible аnd clear tо employer аnd employee alike, thеrеbу fostering a greater understanding оf thе costs оf health care. In addition, employees whо саn monitor аnd control thеіr health care costs bесоmе smarter health care consumers.

Studies ѕhоw thаt оnlу 20 tо 50 percent оf employees actually uѕе thеіr health care coverage, meaning employers оftеn pay health insurance premiums fоr employees whо аrе nоt utilizing thе coverage. A HRA allows employers tо determine thе best type оf coverage fоr thеіr employees based оn thе demographics оf thеіr employee group.

HRA plans mау аlѕо cover retired employees (and thеіr spouses аnd tax dependents). Employers mау wish tо consider a HRA аѕ аn alternative tо mоrе expensive traditional retiree health care options.

Employee benefits, like a HRA, enable employers tо recruit аnd retain quality employees. Wіth a HRA іn place, thе employer іѕ perceived іn a positive light bу current аnd prospective employees bесаuѕе a benefits package іѕ bеіng provided wіth thеіr іntеrеѕt іn mind.

The Best Building And Pest Inspections: A Comprehensive GuideThe Best Building And Pest Inspections: A Comprehensive Guide

August 20, 2025| Barbara W. Andrade| 0 Comment| 10:26 am

Building and pest inspections are crucial steps in the process of buying or selling a property. These inspections are designed to assess the condition of a property and identify any potential issues that may impact its value or safety. By conducting thorough inspections, both buyers and sellers can make informed decisions and avoid any costly surprises down the line.

During a building inspection, a qualified inspector will examine the structural integrity of the property, as well as its overall condition and any potential hazards. A pest inspection, on the other hand, focuses on identifying any signs of infestation or damage caused by pests such as termites. Together, these inspections provide a comprehensive overview of the property’s condition and help ensure that both buyers and sellers are protected throughout the transaction process.

Why Building and Pest Inspections are Essential

Building and pest inspections are essential steps in the property buying or selling process. A building and pest inspection provides valuable insights into the condition of a property, helping both parties make informed decisions. By conducting these inspections, potential issues can be identified early on, saving buyers and sellers from unexpected costs and ensuring a smooth transaction.

The Benefits of Comprehensive Inspections

A thorough building inspection covers structural integrity, potential hazards, and overall condition. Meanwhile, a pest inspection focuses on identifying signs of infestation or damage caused by pests like termites. Together, these inspections offer a comprehensive overview of a property’s condition, protecting both buyers and sellers. With the insights gained from a building and pest inspection, individuals can proceed with confidence in their real estate transactions.

In conclusion, building and pest inspections play a critical role in ensuring the transparency and integrity of property transactions. These inspections provide buyers and sellers with vital information about the condition of a property, helping them make well-informed decisions and avoid any potential pitfalls. By investing in thorough inspections, individuals can protect themselves from unexpected costs and ensure a smooth and successful real estate transaction. Ultimately, building and pest inspections are essential for all parties involved in the buying or selling process, providing peace of mind and ensuring a stress-free experience.