Relieve Sciatic Pain With Sciatica Stretches

Sciatica is a condition that can cause intense pain as a result of damage or pressure on the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body, running from the bottom of the spine, through the hip, down the leg, knee and to the ankle. Nerve damage is difficult to treat and the pain is hard to alleviate. However certain types of sciatica stretches which target the muscles and nerves can help with pain as well as target the cause of the nerve problems.

Sciatica stretches need to be done regularly. It is important to do the stretches as often and consistently as possible, to keep the muscles loose and thus your pain at bay. It is also recommended that you do five minutes of cardio to warm up your body, especially your legs where the sciatic nerve runs through to get the blood pumping in that area.

Stretching different muscles in the legs and lower back can improve pain resulting from sciatica. These include hamstring stretches, pelvic tilt, piriformis stretches, pulling your knee towards your chest, thigh stretches and lower back stretches.

Stretching your hamstring muscles can be done in various ways, targeting the muscle running down the back of your leg. When this muscle is too tight, it can hurt your back as it puts pressure on it which in turn can have an effect on the sciatic nerve. Sciatica stretches targeting the hamstrings can thus improve pain felt by sciatica. One of the ways you can stretch your hamstring is by lying on your back with one leg up, pulling it towards you slightly with a band or towel.

Sciatica stretches that target the piriformis muscle which crosses over the sciatic nerve deep inside the hip joint can also help relieve pain and improve sciatica. When the piriformis muscle is too tight, it could be choking the sciatic nerve. An example of a piriformis stretch would be to lie on your back and pull your one knee towards the chest on the opposite side.

The pelvic tilt, often used in Pilates, also targets the lower back muscles, strengthening them so that they do not put pressure on the sciatic nerve. It involves lying on your back with your knees bent and pushing your pelvis towards the roof, but slowly so that you roll upwards from the bottom of your spine. Doing this works like any sciatica exercises and done regularly can improve pain from sciatica.

Sciatica stretches that target your legs and thighs can also work as a great pain reliever. These limbs are used often during day to day activities like walking, which put pressure on the muscles. Stretching these muscles makes them more flexible and less likely to get injured or damaged. Sitting on the floor and trying to touch your toes is an example of how you can stretch your legs.

The benefits of sciatica stretches are vast, but the most important one is how it targets muscles and nerves, relieving pain felt by sciatica and other forms of neuralgia. Stretches like this also improve your range of motion making your muscles more flexible and taking pressure off the sciatic nerve, especially when the muscles in the lower back are targeted. When you are more flexible, you are less likely to maintain an injury resulting in damage to the nerves. It also helps with ischemia, when the muscles are not getting enough oxygen.

It takes some dedication, but sciatica stretches when done regularly can improve your sciatic condition. They are designed to target the cause of sciatic pain and when this cause is muscle tension or tightness as well as compression or ischemia, they can indeed relieve pain and strengthen the muscles around the sciatic nerve.

Try The Cybex Arc Trainer For Cardiovascular Workouts

The Cybex Arc Trainer is a very good workout machine to use if you are looking to get a great cardiovascular workout, as well as tone your body. This is a very high quality machine that is built to last, and it is going to function smoothly when you are gliding back and forth. It gives the body a total workout and is a great way for people to get into shape and lose weight. There are many different advantages to using this machine as opposed to using a treadmill, and this is why it is a favorite among many different people.

One of the best things about the Cybex Arc Trainer is that it isn't hard on the different joints of the body. When someone is using a treadmill, they are putting a lot of weight and pounding on their hips, knees, and ankles. On this machine, the body is moving the legs back and forth in a gliding motion, and there is no pressure constantly wearing on the joints.

There are also many different programs to choose from on the machine to help you lose weight and get a great work out. You can push up the resistance or the incline to really push yourself and work up a sweat. How many calories you want to burn and how long you go is going to be up to you.

This machine is great for interval training, which is the best way for someone to lose weight. Interval training is when you change the speeds and pace that you are going at, to make the workout harder and to get your heart rate up. On this machine you are going to be able to set it to hill climbing, cardio, fat loss, and other settings, and you are going to be dropping pounds fast. You can also just set the machine for a specific time and it will create a workout for you to do. Whatever your target is to burn calories for that day you should be able to do it on this machine.

For anyone who is looking for a machine that is great for cardio, works well on the joints of the body, and is going to help them to get fit and lose weight, the Cybex Arc Trainer is a great choice.

This machine really works the lower body and is going to give you great results in the legs and hips, along with helping you lose weight and get fit. It is a great alternative to the more traditional machines like the treadmill, and it is a great way for someone to switch it up when they hit the gym.

What You Don't Know About Your Thyroid May Kill You!

The thyroid gland is probably the most over-looked, under diagnosed gland in the human body. The small, butterfly shaped gland that resides in the throat is one of a family of glands called the endocrine system. Its functioning is extremely intricate - and crucial to the health and well-being of a person, yet it is often passed over with a wave of the hand or quick glance at a blood test that may suggest the gland is functioning properly when in fact it may be the cause of multiple severe problems. How can this happen? The test tells your doctor that the thyroid is fine, yet the thyroid's malfunction is making your life hell and worse by the day.

The symptoms of thyroid malfunction, in this case hypothyroidism - or low thyroid function, may sound all too familiar: weight gain, lowered body temperature, lack of energy, fluid retention, chronic constipation, nervous disorders, loss of memory and thinking ability, arthralgia, headaches, hair loss, changes in voice, anemia, loss of libido, infertility, visual disturbances, carpal tunnel syndrome, Raynaud's phenomenon, hypoglycemia, and flaky, thin nails. These are only the symptoms of an underactive thyroid.

A person suffering from an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) will display a whole other range of symptoms, such as nervousness, anxiety, weight loss, diarrhea, feeling hot all the time, heart palpitations and irregular pulse. In addition, exophthalmos, or bulging, staring eyes may be apparent.

Simply put, the list of symptoms indicating a malfunctioning thyroid is exhaustive. Even elevated cholesterol may be directly linked to hypothyroidism.

There are many reasons why the thyroid is subject to such malfunction, from an environment loaded with toxins to genetic influences, but more importantly, why is the malfunction often not detected by the normal thyroid blood test? Partly this is due to the type of test often administered.

According to Dr. Barry Durrant-Peatfield, there have been about 40 different tests for thyroid illness because not one has been found to be reliable, and can actually "...produce a false picture of the true situation." According to Dr. Durrant-Peatfield, one reason the blood tests for TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) may be unreliable is that it only tests the level of thyroid hormone in the blood. "What we need to know is the level of throid in the tissues, and, of course, this the blood test cannot tell us." In point of fact, it may come as no surprise to learn that some European doctors "...have been aware that blood tests may not just be useless, but worse than useless, since sick people are sent packing, or are given the wrong treatment."

A better test to check for thyroid function, and one you can do at home free of charge, is called the Basal Temperature Test. Immediately upon awakening, take your temperature. If you use a mercury glass thermometer, take your temperature for approximately three minutes, or place the thermometer in your armpit for ten minutes. The idea here is that if your temperature is two to three degrees below normal, it is extremely likely that you have a low functioning thyroid. It is normal for everyone's temperature to drop slightly when they sleep, but only a few tenths of a degree. Simply put, if your waking temperature is 97.6 or less, it is possible you could be hypothyroid.

This temperature testing needs to be done for three weeks. Record this information along with your pulse rate. A person with hypothyroid issues may register a pulse rate of 60, while someone with an overactive thyroid may have a pulse beating at 90. Don't jump to conclusions based on the pulse rate alone, however. The pulse rate should only be taken into consideration along with temperature and blood pressure readings. Be more alert to other symptoms that you may have brushed off, such as ankle swelling, or a facial puffiness or bags around the eyes.

Take note of physical symptoms you may be suffering, and seriously consider that many of your ailments could be the result of a low functioning thyroid. Wouldn't it be nice if all those ailments you've been chalking up to "old age" may, in fact, be reversible? Fortunately, other tests for thyroid function are beginning to gain attention and warrant further investigation and study, among those being the urine test and the salivary test. One of these tests may be appropriate for you.

The thyroid does not stand or function alone. It is intricately connected to other functions in the body, including the adrenals and the production of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA and other hormones. This could well explain why people in a hypothyroid state often experience "female problems" or "male menopause" problems. In fact, a hysterectomy may very well affect thyroid activity. And for males, a low testosterone state is all part of the hypothyroid state. In addition, according to Dr. Durrant-Peatfield, low thyroid output is a major cause of high cholesterol, more than bad eating.

Your thyroid, a gland you may never really give much thought to, may be failing and causing many of your woes. Although it does not function alone and is intimately bound with the rest of your endocrine system, it seems to run amok creating havoc for its fellow partners in the endocrine system. Don't stop at your doctor's blood test. Do your own basal temperature tests. Be informed and prepared to do battle for your health. Neglecting a malfunctioning thyroid will only lead to a downward spiral in one's health, causing untold misery and illness which might otherwise easily be remedied. Don't wait until you are at death's door before your "blood work" finally reveals a low functioning thyroid!

Is Joint Pain Ruining Your Life?

Is Joint Pain Ruining Your Life? In case you answered YES to that question, you'll want to see how this little joint pain supplement can literally change your life as you now know it. It certainly has changed mine. Free yourself from joint pain.

Most people are not aware of the fact that up until recently there has not been a product on the market that addresses the "joint and spinal canal pain issues" that many of us suffer.

That's right, I'm talking to you and your pain situation (in particular), and I'm talking to the millions of middle- aged and seniors out there who suffer from Spinal Stenosis; Degenerative Arthritis; Bursitis; Gout; and Fibromyalgia. Many of us who suffer have tried "all the latest and greatest" joint and back pain relievers "on the market at the time"... And were disappointed.... lets face it....most products just DO NOT WORK.

And what happens, in the mean time, is our pain and suffering goes on--day after day - as we curse the unfortunate positions we find ourselves in. But face it....what other choice do we have but to take the "stuff" we're told to take? ( even though we know it's "crap!") -- That's right--- we know ( or should know) the drugs we are being prescribed are just a cover-up to mask a REAL medical problem ---"And YES we've tried all of the natural stuff on the market....and IT didn't work either!"

"We just want the pain to stop!" but it lingers on....day in/ day out What Kind of Lifestyle Is That?

Through my years of suffering from one pain to another due to "pain du jour" and struggles with maintaining my mobility, I can definitely tell you that my unending search to find "pain- free- nirvana" has been so elusive and frustrating at times. but what else can we do but "live with it" and endure? You can't just give up!.... We all want a pain free and mobile lifestyle!

What I Discovered On A Doctors Visit.....

About 4 months ago, I remember complaining to my doctor ( I guess I sound a lot like a broken record to him) about how this latest round of pain killers; anti-inflammatories and MSM combinations were having their usual non-effect on my Spinal Stenosis and my "on fire" leg pain. (I don't know about you, but I remember the exact day and date that I was first "afflicted " with my degenerative joint pain and Spinal Stenosis issues. It Was Dec.4, 2005 - (and my life hasn't been the same since.)

So anyway.... about 4 months ago my doctor starts talking about this new Bone Morphogenetic Proteins "stuff" -- He said he'd heard about this company that had just received FDA clearance on an oral product that could possibly help me with my degenerative joint and back pain problems and the excruciating pain and discomfort that I'd been going through.

And as he explained it further....I started to take note and listen to him more and more because what he was saying was making logical sense to me.

My Doctor tells me these new Bone Morphogenetic Proteins aren't all that new, they were actually discovered back in 1965 by a researcher from UCLA who had stumbled upon a special class of proteins that stimulated and activated the cells around bone and cartilage to grow "Into Itself" thus re-regenerating the entire region of the joint.

It was further discovered that as we age, our bodies don't produce Bone Morphogenetic Proteins anymore. ( also known as Bone Morphogenetic Proteins) In fact, the cells around our bone and cartilage start to deteriorate and degenerate (dry-up) from general "wear and tear" throughout our middle-aged years.

That's why we start to pick -up all of these "nagging little" aches and pains as our bodies age and we loose the re-building ability; the elasticity and the Bone Morpogenetic Proteins that were once there to regenerate our joints and spine.

And why Is this so important to those of us who suffer joint pain?

Bone Morphogenetic Proteins are actually a special class of protein that are vital to the creation of bone and cartilage in our bodies. These proteins are quite unlike the basic protein that makes up the majority of our bodies. Researchers discovered a very different and special class of proteins that have the ability to re-build and re-generate bone and cartilage cells - at any age!

Around 2001, The FDA approved a medical procedure utilizing these proteins for a back surgery. Instead of using the old-fashioned bone graph operation that required cutting a piece of bone from another part of the body - Doctors were successful in using Bone Morphogenetic Proteins to assist in "regenerating the cells" around a disc replacement!

To date-- there have been over 500,000 medical procedures using Bone Morphogenetic Proteins to "regenerate-the-cells" around the bone and cartilage.

In a published report from the Sixth Conference on Bone Morphogenetic Proteins, which took place in Cavtat, Croatia 2006 the following was noted: "At present, bone is the only human organ that that can be fully regenerated by exogenously applied bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) when physiological mechanisms of fracture repair fail." It goes on to say:

More than 500,000 patients worldwide have been successfully treated with recombinant BMP's for long-bone-non-unions, acute fractures and spinal fusions.

40 years of research including studies from:

- Journal of Biological Chemistry University Mississippi Medical Center-Jackson, Ms.
- Arthritis Research and Therapy American College Of Rheumatology
- Academic Department of Trauma & Orthopedics University of Leeds, U.K.
- Department of Clinical Studies University of Guelph
- Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology Unit St. Thomas Hospital Campus
- Kings College London School Of Medicine

I'll admit, I was skeptical at first. With the previous research I had done on Bone Morphogenetic Proteins, I was leery of an oral delivery system that could extract bone activating proteins to a point that would make a positive difference -yet, at the same time, not cost $1,000 per bottle! In further investigations it seems only trace amounts are needed to regenerate bone and cartilage cells to the point where they have a positive effect on our bodies. And the cost is quite reasonable considering all that it can do!

I have found the overall satisfaction level seems to be around 95% of the users who have tried Bone Morphogenetic Proteins so far. Keeping in mind BMP's have been approved by the FDA for procedural operations since 2001 (about 500,000 medical procedures to date) It's only been two short years that the *Bone Activating Proteins have cleared the FDA for use in its current oral form. Yet they seem primed to be the "go to" pain killer for joint and back care for years to come.

My feeling is that the Bone Morphogenetic Proteins will be a big hit in the marketplace and will overtake Glucosamine and Chondroitin once word gets out that there is an alternative pain relief system that actually works! So I'm letting you in on my little discovery now because I feel compelled to tell you about it. I really like this product-- I feel that it does enough of what it says It'll do to be taken seriously.

**(I know that I'm personally feeling much better! less pain and much better mobility!) I can even standup without assistance! I recommend it if you like progressive natural products, and I also like it as part of a "smart maintenance program" --to not only maintain bone density (*like Boniva) but to regenerate bone density and cartilage ( and to do it all natural with No harmful drugs.)

I think its fair that you "check- it -out for yourself.

How Do We Finally Gain Control Of Our PAIN?

Those of us who "suffer pain" are in this "PAIN NIGHTMARE" together.... (no matter what causes the pain and discomfort) "Pain is just an unwelcomed partner we're forced to live with!" I know most of you have tried everything out there that purports to alleviate pain and you may think this particular supplement is no different than anything else you've tried. My only answer to you is Bone Morphogenetic Proteins are NOT just pain killers.

B.M.P's are the only pain supplement on the market that regenerates the bone and cartilage in the joint! *(with clinical studies to prove it.) And wouldn't it stand to reason that if your joints were rebuilt and regenerated then your "personal pain relief would FINALLY..... be a reality?

Just Remember: "Long term pain relief comes from the natural regeneration cycle of Bone Morphogenetic Proteins-and THAT is what keeps inflammation and PAIN to a bare minimum!"

Anti Aging Moisturizer - Does Virgin Coconut Oil Work On My Skin?

Individuals are prepared to invest 1000s of dollars on remedies and anti-aging goods to appear youthful and stay young. Numerous skincare businesses declare they've found a perfect answer for that aging issue. It is extremely difficult for normal customers to find out which one really provides the best results.

Numerous anti-aging goods by brand name businesses include components or chemical substances that may be bad for the skin over time and can additionally create unwanted effects. This really is one of the numerous reasons top quality natural anti-aging goods are gaining popularity. A particular all-natural anti-aging product that has gotten the attention of many individuals is actually Virgin Coconut Oil.

Using virgin coconut oil on your skin helps you to take away the external coating of the dead skin cells and makes the skin sleek and soft. It may also help to deal with premature aging, wrinkles of your skin, prevent skin cancer, degenerative illnesses, heart illnesses, joint disease, most cancers and diabetic issues.

It's also a strong healing agent because of its anti-inflammatory, anti-neuralgic, antibiotic and antioxidants. No surprise this particular oil is considered by many as a fantastic recovery agent on the pores and skin along with other diseases additionally.

Virgin Coconut Oil offers higher level of anti-oxidants that permeates deep into the pores and skin and battles toxins and formation of facial lines. Once the pores and skin manages to lose its flexibility, signs of getting older appear in the form of facial lines. Virgin Coconut Oil helps your skin to keep its elasticity, which is important for skin to stay youthful and firm.

It's regarded as among the best all-natural oil for skin lotions. Whenever put on your skin it permeates deep in to the cellular framework of the connective tissue. This keeps the connective tissue tough and versatile thus reduce the aging process. It's among the most natural as well as efficient anti-aging product.

It's also an effective skin moisturizer. This keeps your skin moisturized and nicely revitalized by sustaining the moisture, giving the skin a young look.

When looking for coconut oil, ensure that you select natural unprocessed virgin coconut oil. Numerous industrial quality coconut oils are made from copra, the dried out meat of the coconut. Using the Copra method permits the company to produce more oil. Nevertheless, because most of the copra is actually dried out under the sun in the open air, they're subjected to molds and bugs.

Consequently, businesses need to refine, whiten, and deodorize them with high temperature and chemical substance before they can market the ultimate products. The healing forces and the natural smell of coconut oil are eliminated in the refine process.

This particular oil can also be frequently hydrogenated or partly hydrogenated. Research indicates hydrogenated oils may increase serum levels of cholesterol, which cause cardiovascular disease.

Consequently, it is crucial to make sure to look for unprocessed virgin coconut oil when you're searching for one. On top of that, they should be naturally grown without needing any kind of pesticide. Natural virgin coconut oil is actually high quality and is commonly a little more costly. Nevertheless, it's well worth the extra cash to get the most advantages for the skin.

How Physical Strain Affects the Body

Frequent working out, carrying heavy load and the early signs of aging are the common risk factors of arthritis. Overstretching, bending and straining the joints may have an impact on the bone structure of the body. As joints become inflamed, pain is felt usually in the hips, fingers, spine and knees.

Workers engaged in jobs involving physical strain like construction workers, assembly personnel, plumbers, carpenters, etc. are candidates for arthritis. When joints are overused without breaks in between strenuous activities, most likely the joints become injured. Because of this, you may be complaining of backaches, painful hips or stiffness in your fingers. Cases may vary whether these experiences are temporary or caused by fatigue. When they occur most of the time, it may be a sign of something serious. Probably, you have arthritis.

Arthritis is generally used to describe an inflamed joint. It has several types such as rheumatoid arthritis, gouty arthritis and infectious arthritis. The most common is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is popularly referred to as a degenerative joint disease or "wear-and-tear" arthritis affecting the cartilage of a joint. It may also be associated to complex active disease process accompanying the degeneration of joint use. Normally, the cartilage has a smooth layer covering but due to physical strain it wears away or degenerates, thus affecting the cartilage surface.

Defining osteoarthritis, we can say that it is a chronic joint disease which occurs when the joints begin to degenerate causing bone pains, decreased mobility and function. If you come from a family of arthritic people, you can inherit the disease when you age. Aging individuals usually have more brittle cartilage and repairing itself is gradual leading to the possibility of developing arthritis. Obesity is also a risk factor and joint damage may be partly attributed to the heavy body load that the joints support. Heavier patients have a tendency to have arthritis. Previous accidents or injuries can impact the joints and cause rough joint surface, particularly if you have suffered from a fracture.

If you are employed in highly demanding jobs like heavy construction or jobs requiring physical strength, you are assured of having early signs of osteoarthritis. These are a part of the hazards of the job. Although joining sport games is good for the health, when overdone, has detrimental effects to the body. Injuries that you may acquire from playing any sport can lead to arthritis. Joint infection, like septic joint, cases of gout and other medical conditions may somehow be associated to arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is present among older individuals; but it remains a mystery why others in their 40s or 50s remain healthy without any joint problems. One thing is for sure it is an inevitable part of the aging process, especially in women with more brittle bones, degenerated joints and decreased activities.

Since there are several types of arthritis, it is better to consult doctors to determine if what type you have so it can be remedied at once to reduce the possible pain that may be experienced.

Self-help books on osteoarthritis would suggest having a regimen of regular walking or simple exercises to lessen the joint pains and improve joint function. Having a good diet with fruits and vegetables would always be helpful. Using topical ointments may have temporary remedy on painful joints. Losing weight is another way of lessening the weight impact on the joints. If you have a good weight, you can move freely and enjoy more the activities that you do.

With right diet, exercise and an active lifestyle, you can also seek the help of supplements against osteoarthritis. The most complete bone and joint formula on the market today is Phosoplex. It helps reduce joint pains and stiffness with 100% natural and safe ingredients. If you would like to know more about how Phosoplex will help you, you can visit http://www.Phosoplex.com for details.

Obesity and Its Associated Heart Risks

Obesity is a disorder that is increasing in epidemic proportions, especially in the industrialized world. It's a disorder that is defined as simply having too much body fat. Because our body is made up generally of water, fat, protein and carbohydrates, as well as a varied array of proteins, vitamins and minerals, if we have too much fat, particularly in the belly and waist area, we're definitely at greater risk of additional health complications, which include high cholesterol levels, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and diabetes as well.

A Heightened Risk Factor For Coronary Heart Disease

Obesity is very much recognized as a major risk factor for coronary heart disease, and this can lead to a higher incidence of heart attacks too. Obesity is known to lower the good cholesterol, or HDL, and it elevates blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well. Obesity can further induce the onset of diabetes too, whether type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and also elevate the body's blood pressure levels.

Too Much Fat Harms The Blood Vessels and Heart

Obesity is a disorder that puts too much strain on the heart and blood vessels. It can also cause the formation of gall stones, as well as trigger or exacerbate degenerative joint disease. Why do people get obese? Health experts contend that it is primarily caused by the body taking in too much cholesterol, more than what is used up on physical activities, as well as on other activities of daily living. When we consume too much calories and carbohydrates, the excessive amount of saturated fat, cholesterol and trans fat clogs the blood vessels, and also raises bad cholesterol levels. This scenario is very much likely to increases the chances of you getting heart disease.

What's The best Method For Measuring Body Fat?

Dietitians and physicians stress that the best way for measuring body fat is through measuring the circumference of the waist, as well as the body mass index, or BMI. Doctors agree that a high-risk waistline measures around 35 inches or higher, especially for women, and much higher for men. The formula for measuring the BMI assesses body weight relative to height. Body weight, in kilograms, is divided by height x height, in meters, or kg/m2. You can also multiply weight in pounds by 703, and then divide it by height x height in inches. According to the data provided by the UD Dietary Guidelines, being overweight is defined as having a BMI of 25.0 to less than 30.0. Being obese on the other hand, is defined as having a BMI of 30.0 or higher, which is consistent with the World Health Organization's standards. A BMI of 18.6 to 24.9 is considered normal, while a BMI of 18.5 is considered underweight.

Obesity Heightens The Risk of Congestive Heart Failure

Obese individuals are more likely to develop left ventricular hypertrophy, which to some extent is related to systemic hypertension. Among obese individuals, the rate of hypertension is around three times much higher, as compared to people with normal weight. Health experts contend that when a person's weight increases, so does the blood pressure. When weight decreases on the other hand, the blood pressure level falls as well.

How Do You Treat The Heart Risks Associated With Obesity?

In treating patients with congestive heart failure, doctors may prescribe restricting sodium intake, and small reductions in weight may also need to be done, to improve the person's oxygenation and ventricular function. A number of studies and clinical trials have also concluded that considerable weight reduction also reduces cardiovascular morbidity. These studies have shown the beneficial effects of weight reduction on such complications like hypertension and dyslipidemia. Reducing weight also offers benefits in reducing the chances of getting coronary heart disease and congestive heart failure, and does a great deal in preventing heart diseases among obese individuals. According to the third US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, or NHANES III, which was conducted from 1988 to 1991, obesity is a widespread metabolic disorder that affects 33 percent of the US population, and the numbers of the obese are rapidly rising in the developing world as well.