Getting the right amount of these essential nutrients can be tough because they are only found in certain foods. If you’re a parent of picky eaters, you may find it challenging to make sure your kid gets their recommended daily allowance (RDA). Omega-3 supplements like fish oil can help make it easier.
Here’s why omega-3s are so important to growing kids.
Omega-3s are types of fatty acids that play important roles in the body. They may also provide a number of health benefits.
Omega-3s are an essential part of normal growth and development. There are three types: ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), EPA (eicosatetraenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).
ALA is the most common type of omega-3. It is mainly used for energy. EPA has several functions in the body and part of it can be converted into DHA.
DHA is the most important omega-3 fatty acid in the body because it affects so many different systems.
DHA is key to healthy brain development and eye development. It is also key to the development of the central nervous system.
Omega-3s as a family also play a role in the development of the immune system and help maintain a healthy heart and blood pressure.
This is why omega-3s are so important for kids - they are essential to our body’s development. This is especially true of DHA.
A lack of omega-3 DHA has been linked to cognitive and behavioral issues in kids. Getting enough omega-3s, especially DHA, during the early stages of childhood is important to healthy growth and development.
These foods may be high in omega-3s, but the super important DHA is mainly found in fatty fish and fish oil.
Since omega-3s are found mainly in foods like fish, it can be hard to get kids to eat enough to get their RDA.
If your child doesn’t get enough DHA or omega-3 through their diet, they may benefit from taking fish oil supplements. Fish oil supplements may help bridge the gap in their diet.
But even fish oil supplements can leave a bad taste in your kids mouth – literally!
Kids Smart Fish Oil is different than other kids fish oil supplements. Kids Smart has all the benefits of fish oil, including high levels of DHA, without the fishy aftertaste.
Kids Smart burstlets are fun to eat. They burst right on your tongue! But if your child is super picky, you can break open a Kids Smart burstlet and squeeze it straight onto their food to the hide the taste.
Women's lives are filled to the brim. In addition to taking care of ourselves, many of us take care of families too. Then just when the kids go out on their own, we become responsible for the special needs of aging parents.
So how can we busy women make time for our own health and fitness? Fortunately, it's the type of multi-tasking juggling act that women are especially good at!
]]>Keys to Women's Health - The Short List
by: Kimberly Weld, N.D.
Women's lives are filled to the brim. In addition to taking care of ourselves, many of us take care of families too. Then just when the kids go out on their own, we become responsible for the special needs of aging parents.
So how can we busy women make time for our own health and fitness? Fortunately, it's the type of multi-tasking juggling act that women are especially good at!
The medical establishment's recent focus on women's health is providing new and better information. I hope this list of top women's health issues will help you create your own list of priorities to take charge of your health:
1. Cardiovascular health. Research shows that women have a low awareness of their risks for cardiovascular disease and the symptoms associated with it. To fill yourself in, go to the American Heart Association Web site, which has information especially for women (www.americanheart.org).
2. Bone health. It's important to counter low bone mass or brittle bones throughout our lives. Regular weight-bearing exercise -- including brisk walking, running, or weight training -- has been shown to help. Most women also need to supplement their diets with calcium and other key ingredients shown to support bone health.
3. Hormonal balance. Exercise and a balanced diet will help with some of the stresses of the reproductive cycle, such as PMS and menopause. Many women choose hormone replacement therapy to help them through menopause. Natural ingredients are another option. Black Cohosh, Soy, Dong Quai and other natural ingredients have been shown to help alleviate discomforts.
4. Breast health. Medical advances in diagnosing and treating breast health problems have made early detection more important than ever. The National Cancer Institute recommends a mammogram every one to two years after age 40. If you're at higher risk, talk to your doctor about being screened earlier.
5. Emotional health. Dealing well with stress is a key to longevity, according to the Harvard Study of Adult Development. If you don't already have good coping skills and strong social relationships, put them on your to-do list.
6. Balanced nutrition. Dieting can wreak havoc on women's bodies, depleting them of key nutrients. Eat a balanced diet with low-fat protein sources, complex carbohydrates, plenty of fruits and green and yellow vegetables -- and go light on the salt, sugar and alcohol. Go to www.americanheart.org for a sample of the type of low-fat regime recommended by many health experts. A comprehensive daily multivitamin is also important.
Of course, it's vitally important to your health to avoid smoking. And be sure to cover your key health concerns with your physician annually and follow medical advice.
Good luck creating your own "short list" of keys to health. Please email me at answers@realhealthlabs.com if you have questions or want to share your success story with other women.
]]>The reluctance of men to ask directions on the highway is legendary. We appear to have the same reluctance when it comes to asking directions about our health. Men, in general, are less likely than women to visit the doctor for a regular check-up.
As a medical doctor myself, I know the importance of improving and maintaining your health as you age.
]]>Healthy Directions for Men
The reluctance of men to ask directions on the highway is legendary. We appear to have the same reluctance when it comes to asking directions about our health. Men, in general, are less likely than women to visit the doctor for a regular check-up.
As a medical doctor myself, I know the importance of improving and maintaining your health as you age. Annual exams are important for men as well as women. But the “do-it-yourselfers” will be happy to know that there’s much you can do to take charge of your own health. Here’s a short list of the most critical health issues for men:
Cardiovascular health. Take a proactive step toward a healthy heart: Learn the risks and symptoms of cardiovascular disease at the American Heart Association web site (www.americanheart.org). Exercise and a good diet are important first steps to protecting your cardiovascular health.
Prostate health. Prostate problems are a common concern for men, particularly after age 40 - and they can certainly limit your enjoyment of life. One of the most typical concerns is frequent urination, day and night. If you’re over age 40, be sure to do everything you can to protect your prostate:
Colon health. Awareness of the importance of colon health and related concerns is rapidly growing in the U.S. Regular colorectal screening is recommended for all men over 50, and even earlier if you have family history or other risk factors. Remember, regular testing and a few simple, healthy choices can make all the difference.
Nutrition, diet and exercise. A comprehensive daily multivitamin like The Real Health Essentials Formula can also help you get all the daily vitamins you need.
Go light on the salt, sugar and alcohol.. A comprehensive daily multivitamin like The Real Health Essentials Formula can also help you get all the daily vitamins you need.
Sex and relationships. Gone are the days when men peaked at 18. Thanks to science, men (and their partners) can enjoy healthy sexual relationships well into their 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and beyond. By maintaining the health of your circulatory system, you can help enhance the quality of your sex life for the long term. For more information on sexual health, see pages 18 - 19.
Stress prevention. Stress is unavoidable with an active life. For good health, you need to manage the negative effects of stress such as headaches, stomach upsets, insomnia, irritability, changes in eating habits and elevated blood pressure. To offset them maintain a flexible attitude by recognizing that you can’t control everything. If you also use relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation - and exercise regularly, eat healthy and get adequate rest - you can make sure your full life is a healthy one, too.
Overall healthy measures. Last but not least, be sure to have a yearly check up. Discuss with your physician your key health concerns and any changes you make to your health regimen. And of course, be sure to follow medical advice.
About the size of a grape, hanging from a small palm tree, the reddish-black Saw Palmetto berry looks unpretentious and unremarkable. Yet to millions of men around the world, the fruit of the Saw Palmetto is worth its weight in gold.
The Saw Palmetto Berry is acclaimed as the answer to long-term prostate health. In clinical studies, it has been documented to help maintain prostate function and normal urinary flow. And in real life, it is relied on by thousands of men to help maintain a healthy prostate and a high quality of life.
]]>Saw Palmetto 101
by: Douglas McKinney, MD
About the size of a grape, hanging from a small palm tree, the reddish-black Saw Palmetto berry looks unpretentious and unremarkable. Yet to millions of men around the world, the fruit of the Saw Palmetto is worth its weight in gold.
The Saw Palmetto Berry is acclaimed as the answer to long-term prostate health. In clinical studies, it has been documented to help maintain prostate function and normal urinary flow. And in real life, it is relied on by thousands of men to help maintain a healthy prostate and a high quality of life.
Ancient wisdom meets modern medicine.
Records from as early as the 1600s document Native Americans' vast knowledge of herbal medicines. The use of Saw Palmetto was probably passed from Native Americans to early European settlers and was first formally documented in 1906. Since then, Saw Palmetto has been researched in Europe for its benefits in supporting prostate health. Today, it is used widely throughout Europe, New Zealand and the United States.
Get to know Saw Palmetto.
Real Health's original Prostate Formula contains Saw Palmetto Berry Powder. After the Saw Palmetto berries are harvested, they are dried and turned into a powder. This is the traditional method of preparing Saw Palmetto, which provides all the benefits of the whole herb, and offers a gentle approach to prostate health.
Real Health's Prostate CX Formula uses Standardized Saw Palmetto Berry Extract. Standardized extract is the most powerful and consistent form of the Saw Palmetto herb. To create the extract, the fatty acids and sterols are processed out of the whole berry, then refined and tested to produce a specific amount of the those ingredients (standardized). You get a targeted and strong form of the ingredient, well-documented in clinical studies to support prostate health.
]]>What is a standardized extract... and how is it different from a whole herb?
Before anyone knew how to extract elements from whole herbs, early practitioners used herbs only in their whole form. A whole herb is a dried and powdered form of the herb, minimally processed so that it retains the full spectrum of natural compounds originally found in the plant material.
]]>What is a standardized extract... and how is it different from a whole herb?
Before anyone knew how to extract elements from whole herbs, early practitioners used herbs only in their whole form. A whole herb is a dried and powdered form of the herb, minimally processed so that it retains the full spectrum of natural compounds originally found in the plant material.
Some health practitioners prefer whole herbs because they are closer to the natural state of the plant. These are often more gentle on the system than herbal extracts.
A standardized extract is created by "pulling out" (extracting) specific compounds from a plant. Standardized Saw Palmetto Berry Extract, for example, is extracted from the fresh berries of the saw palmetto tree.
In many cases, standardized extracts are used in studies on herbs because the active ingredients can be monitored for consistency, whereas natural herb powders will vary.
When you're comparing labels, be sure the percent of any extract is documented. For example, 85-95% sterols and fatty acids is the industry standard for Saw Palmetto Berry Extract.
]]>Consumer Smarts - How to find the best nutritional supplements
I’m frequently amazed by the questions I get about nutritional supplements. Some of them are dazzlingly complex, causing me to haul out a reference book before I can answer. Others are… well, they are the kind of questions people feel silly asking-the ones everyone wants to know but doesn’t want to ask.
]]>Consumer Smarts - How to find the best nutritional supplements
I’m frequently amazed by the questions I get about nutritional supplements. Some of them are dazzlingly complex, causing me to haul out a reference book before I can answer. Others are… well, they are the kind of questions people feel silly asking-the ones everyone wants to know but doesn’t want to ask.
Without good information, it’s hard to know which products have teeth and which ones fall short. Here are some things to look for when choosing nutritional supplements…and some things to look out for.
Look Out For:
Outlandish Claims. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. A good recent example of this relates to companies marketing products for sexual health. While you can support healthy sexual function (very successfully, in fact), there is NO product scientifically proven to increase penis size. Genetically, you are who you are, and no supplement is going to change that. What certain nutritional supplements can do is help increase the amount of blood flow to the penis, creating a fuller, stronger and longer-lasting erection, allowing you and your partner to enjoy a more satisfying sex life. But no "structural" changes, folks.
Misrepresentations. Dietary supplements are NOT prescription drugs and must be clearly labeled as dietary supplements. All supplement advertising is also required to carry the phrase, "These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." Drugs and dietary supplements are governed very differently, and should not be treated as if they’re interchangeable.
Overpromises. Watch out for the phrase, "100% safe." While most supplement ingredients are safe when used as directed, nothing is 100% safe for 100% of the population. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before trying a new type of supplement, especially if you have pre-existing health concerns. An ethical company will encourage you to work with, not around or against, your doctor.
Look For:
Product ingredient lists and levels. Companies are legally required to display all ingredient information for any nutritional supplement. Products without ingredient lists can range from ineffective to dangerous…simply because we don’t know what on earth they contain. If a company won’t tell you clearly, don’t use their product.
Research or scientific backup. Never take an herb or other supplement just because it’s trendy. Nutritional supplements should be based on sound scientific knowledge and long-term traditional use.
Guarantee. A money-back guarantee is your assurance that you can try a supplement with no risk.
It also shows that the company stands behind their products in every way possible. Some companies imply that they have a guarantee, but do not. Always read the fine print!
Hopefully, knowing a few of these “insider tips” will help you know what questions to ask, and what you can expect in return. With a few tools, we all have the ability to make educated decisions about our own health.
]]>Thoughts & Memory - Quick Bits and Fascinating Facts
Recollection and sharp thinking are serious topics -- but that doesn't mean you can't have fun with them! In fact, the stress relief from humor or relaxation may actually help improve these functions. We hope you find these bits of information helpful and entertaining.
]]>Thoughts & Memory - Quick Bits and Fascinating Facts
Recollection and sharp thinking are serious topics -- but that doesn't mean you can't have fun with them! In fact, the stress relief from humor or relaxation may actually help improve these functions. We hope you find these bits of information helpful and entertaining.
People who have achieved excellent fitness or maintained significant weight loss put in closer to an average of 60 minutes per day. In any case, to avoid injury or over training, it’s important to increase the duration and intensity of your workout gradually. And make sure to choose an activity you enjoy and can stay with. After all, it’s your time for yourself! It’s also a good idea to let your physician know if you're starting something new.
Aristotle Said It First 1
"...indeed as a rule slow people have a good memory, whereas those who are quick-witted and clever are better at recollecting."
Guess My Name
The reason most people can't remember new names is because of inattention. These simple tips can help you improve in this important social and business skill:
You Had to Be There
A woman was at a military retirement dinner. When she met the guest of honor, she decided to use "association" to remember his name. Throughout the evening she mentioned "Commander Bullet" to the other guests and used the name in conversation with the man himself. She wasn't corrected until the end of the evening, when she was reminded that his name, in fact, was Commander Shell.
When Forgetting is a Good Thing
Forgetting can be convenient. When we park our car each day, we don't want to remember where we parked it yesterday -- just today! (This of course, doesn't explain why so many people lose their cars in mall parking lots.)
Recall vs. Thinking
Are you concerned about remembering -- being able to store information and retrieve it when needed? Or about your ability to think -- to figure things out, follow conversations, read a book? You can improve or retain:
Sifting Sands of Memory
There are three kinds of memory: Sensory, Short-term (also called "working memory"), and Long-term. Long-term memory has three classifications of its own: Episodic (something that happened in the past), Semantic (facts about the world, such as how many legs a dog has), and Procedural (how to ride a bike or find the library). 2
1. ON MEMORY AND REMINISCENCE by Aristotle, translated by J. I. Beare
2. Encarta.msn.com, Microsoft Corporation
1. Use it or lose it. Exercise your memory by repeating, rehearsing and practicing names, dates, stories, and other information you want to remember.
2. Live a healthy lifestyle. Eat a balanced diet, get plenty of rest, and avoid alcohol and smoking.
3. Listen attentively...
]]>1. Use it or lose it. Exercise your memory by repeating, rehearsing and practicing names, dates, stories, and other information you want to remember.
2. Live a healthy lifestyle. Eat a balanced diet, get plenty of rest, and avoid alcohol and smoking.
3. Listen attentively. Search for key ideas, ask questions, picture what you want to remember, and restate the speaker’s message in your own words.
4. Feed your Brain. Get the right nutrition for memory health. Ginkgo extract, Huperzine A and Phosphatidylserine have been shown to support memory health.
5. Remove your memory blocks. Memory diminishes when you are anxious, depressed, tense, or rushed.
6. Take your mind off "cruise-control". Replace brain-numbing activities like watching TV with stimulating activities such as reading, talking with friends, and doing puzzles and games.
7. Memory-saving devices. Leave yourself messages on your answering machine or voice mail. Use a calendar or organizer, sticky notes, to-do lists, etc.
]]>Make sure your workouts do the most for you.
Experts don't agree on exactly how much exercise is needed for optimum health – it depends greatly on your current fitness level and objectives. According to an expert panel from the Center for Disease Control and the American College of Sports Medicine, you should consider an average of 30 minutes of daily exercise, such as walking or golfing, a minimum.
]]>Make sure your workouts do the most for you.
Experts don't agree on exactly how much exercise is needed for optimum health – it depends greatly on your current fitness level and objectives. According to an expert panel from the Center for Disease Control and the American College of Sports Medicine, you should consider an average of 30 minutes of daily exercise, such as walking or golfing, a minimum. To improve fitness, include at least 20 minutes of challenging aerobic exercise on 3 or more days. Even better, also include strength training 2 or 3 days a week. And finish your aerobic and strength training activities with stretches to improve flexibility.
People who have achieved excellent fitness or maintained significant weight loss put in closer to an average of 60 minutes per day. In any case, to avoid injury or over training, it’s important to increase the duration and intensity of your workout gradually. And make sure to choose an activity you enjoy and can stay with. After all, it’s your time for yourself! It’s also a good idea to let your physician know if you're starting something new.
To get more out of working out, keep these tips in mind:
The American Heart Association recommends that you include both aerobic and muscle toning exercise regularly. You'll be taking care of all your muscles, including your heart, and both forms of exercise also help burn off excess calories. Plus be sure to stretch after you're warmed up.
If you want to know more, here is a web sites with helpful information on fitness and weight loss: