Daily Archives: January 7, 2010

Neurosurgery and Risks

With medical technological advancements and the same being incorporated in India, sophisticated treatments across various surgical disciplines are now a reality. Neurosurgery in India has undergone marvelous changes; thanks to the emergence of qualified specialists and hospitals equipped with all modern treatment facilities facilitating the treatments. Whether it is treating the central nervous system or spinal column diseases or peripheral nervous systems – all related to neuro – these can now be diagnosed in time and Neurosurgery is recommended by doctors as per the intensity of the disease and the treatment. Minimally invasive neurosurgery has gained momentum is recent years.

This is possible with the use of advanced neuroanaesthesia, neuro-imaging system, surgical microscope, ultrasonic surgical aspirator and more. The risks involved with neurosurgery are many. But with the use of such sophisticated technology, the functions of the body are preserved well at the same time reducing pain and avoiding discomfort. A long hospital stay is not required after a minimally invasive neurosurgery.  

Neuro specialists take longer time to get trained than other surgical courses. It takes several years to complete the neurosurgery training course, which may range from ten to fifteen years that includes pre-medical and medical education, surgical internship, neurosurgery residency, and training in the sub-specialties.  

One cannot avoid the risks to neurosurgery. The common risks involved are paralysis, brain damage, infection, psychosis or death. Therefore, it is advisable that the surgery is done in a reputed hospital by trained neurosurgeons. As aforementioned, it is years of training that leads to the making of a neurosurgeon. Apollo Hospital and other similar renowned hospitals have trained and qualified neurosurgeons for a low-risk or no-risk neurosurgery. Proper and required neuro-imaging tests like CAT, MRI, PET and an all-inclusive physical and psychological examination should be done to reduce the risk factor.

I am Maria Daniel, health care lawyer focused on helping businesses and Neurosurgery weave through a variety of state and federal health care regulations and assisting them in business transactions.For more details on the health care you can visit Hospitals.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/neurosurgery-and-risks-1680822.html

The Truth Behind TV Pillows

It is always pleasing to watch a late night movie at your home. Sometimes, even better than a movie theater. What makes this perfect is that you can be in any position you want to be at home – lying down, upside down, even naked. The theater also features bad, hard old seats. Very uncomfortable indeed.

But even with that, you are still going to be stressed and exhausted after watching TV for hours. Doesn’t it bother you that you have to sit up and fix the pillow or cushion every few minutes because it keeps sagging? Well, worry no more. You can seat or lie down on TV pillows for as long as you want in perfect comfort.

A TV pillow is contoured to perfectly support the neck and back in any kind of sitting positions. This cushion provides total and perfect comfort for you as it cradles your neck and head properly. It is made of firm yet soft foam fillings that molds itself to the contour of the back, neck and shoulders. It is just the thing needed to align your spine and neck perfectly. It can also aid in controlling and preventing incorrect posture.

A perfectly aligned posture is everything it takes for a healthy back. It is for a fact that youth nowadays spent hours in front of the TV. If looking at your son slouching in front of the TV is worrying you, the TV pillow can provide the alignment and support your son need to have a back pain free life.

This cushion is very light and can be carried almost anywhere. I am not saying you should be glued in front of a TV everywhere you go. I’m just saying you deserve every bit of comfort you can get anywhere you are. Whether it is on your bed reading or doing paperwork on your desk or even driving, it makes everything more bearable with comfort for your back.

Indeed, movie nights in the house are made more enjoyable and comfortable with a TV pillow. Make sure you have one at home so that once the movie is on, you won’t miss any part of it just because you are busy fixing your cushion or changing your sitting position.

So don’t hesitate to buy a tv pillow. Apart from using it to watch TV, you can also utilize it as a bed pillow. When your current bed pillows are sagging and not dense anymore, don’t replace it with a standard pillow yet. Why not change it with a TV pillow? It is a pillow with a dual purpose. That’s a wise investment!!

Pete Law is an online article writer on back pains and neck pains. If you want quick relief from your back and neck pains, visit http://www.pillowspillows.com now to get rid of your painful problems with fast solutions like the TV pillow and back support pillow.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/the-truth-behind-tv-pillows-1680574.html

How to Lose Weight and Live Longer With NutriSystem Meal Plans

Most people have a goal to lose weight. However, it is easier said than done. Perhaps it would be easier if you have a proper meal plan to follow in order to guide your steps into losing the right amount of weight in the most ideal time. NutriSystem Food helps promote an ideal self-image that not only comprises of a physically fit body, but also by promoting the right mindset about food and your body.

You will find that in most NutriSystem Reviews, the only way to achieve the ideal body weight is through a discipline lifestyle. You may have the most ideal meal plan that is both scientifically based and with the right aesthetic consideration, but overall, it is the person’s deep motivation to achieve his or her ideal weight that matters. Luckily, NutriSystem Food plan not only consists of the right food to eat, but it also has a self-guide that would lead you to a mindset makeover.

If you really are decided on losing weight, then it is about time you experience the benefits stated in most NutriSystem Reviews. These reviews include a set of steps to do in order to achieve your weight goal within a span of time. Here’s how:

Step 1, – Choose the right meal plan for you. There are many types of meal plan designated for men and women. You may also choose a meal plan specifically for diabetics and for those with heart disease. It is important that you choose your meal plan carefully because this would be the NutriSystem Food you will be eating for the next several weeks.

Step 2 – Most NutriSystem Reviews would highly suggest that you take these foods in moderation. The idea behind this diet plan is to take lesser portion of the food in more frequent times within the day. It is important that you control your portions that way you are able to regulate the types of food that you eat as well as discipline yourself to stop eating when you know you are already full.

Step 3 – Combine proper diet with exercise. Even after eating NutriSystem Food you can’t expect that you would lose weight just because of that. If you read the NutriSystem Reviews carefully, you will find out that regular exercise is highly recommended aside from following a strict diet. It is also important that you do exercises that are within your fitness levels so as not to strain yourself in the process. Regular workouts should include both cardiovascular and strength or muscle training.

You will see results stated in these NutriSystem Reviews only if you follow the entire 3 steps to a losing weight. NutriSystem Food is just a tool and your motivation to achieve your weight goal is still what matters in the end.

Idea behind the weight loss with NutriSystem is to take the first step and let the plan do the rest. If you follow the plan properly, you are looking at a newer you in just weeks.

For more information on NutriSystem Food, visit the NutriSystem Reviews siteArticle Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/how-to-lose-weight-and-live-longer-with-nutrisystem-meal-plans-1680139.html

3 Reasons Why Doctors and Dieters Choose Medifast

Why do a lot of people recommend the Medifast diet plan to those who are trying to lose weight? What does this diet plan have that it is so popular to dieters? First and foremost, dieters need to realize that before entering any weight loss program, they have to do a lot of research. Before trying any slimming product, a lot of knowledge on it has to be acquired. Doctors’ recommendation is also required. Obesity is no laughing matter so does losing weight. Weight loss disasters often are irreparable. So before starting or even attempting to lose weight, every dieter must have adequate information about what he or she is about to do.

The levels of fat that the dieters consume must be much lower in a diet plan. The amount of nutrients in the diet should also be balanced and controlled. There are many diets where dieters are free to buy their ingredients and buy them wherever they want. This must not be the case. With the Medifast diet plan, the meals come in their own packages and are pre-prepared making sure that the dieters will follow the right meals to maintain the proper calorie control. This diet plan is a simple and safe weight-loss eating regimen with controlled eating portions. All the dieters have to do is to mix the meals with water, pop them into the microwave, and eat.

Diet plans are designed by nutritionists and doctors to stimulate a deficit of calories in the body. This forces the body to burn fats safely and quickly. One clinically proven diet plan is the 5 and 1 plan of the Medifast diet. This diet plan meals come in the forms of different conventional foods. The meals include bars, soups, shakes, oatmeal, puddings, stews, and hot drinks that burn fat without having to starve or emaciate the dieter. A diet plan allows the dieter to lose weight by using fats as an energy source. Ideally, an overweight person that pursues a diet plan does not only lose weight but also maintain muscles.

Even overweight people with hectic schedule can go on a diet plan without getting bothered. Some diet plans offer meals that are easy to prepare, one of which is the Medifast diet. Dieters can have these meals even when they are in the office. All they have to do is just add water, stir, and microwave. To save time preparing the food, a hydrated diet can even be mixed ahead of time and stored in the fridge.

So before going on a diet plan, make sure that it is the right one for you. Adequate information about the diet plan is required. First, it is a must that the diet plan is recommended by a physician. Make sure that the diet plan is designed by nutritionists or doctors themselves. It must be certified by proper authorities. The Medifast diet is one clinically proven weight loss program that has been recommended by a lot of successful dieters for over 25 years.

Karen Davis Richardson is a weight loss consultant and weight loss expert for Medifast. She counsels clients about healthy diet and fitness and loves her job as a weight loss motivator. She writes about the various Medifast meal plans, gives motivational tips and helps her clients learn how to get the very best results.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/3-reasons-why-doctors-and-dieters-choose-medifast-1680050.html

Incontinence

Have you stopped taking an aerobics class because you’re afraid you might have an accident. Do you worry when it’s time to take a long car trip on highways with few roadside rest areas. Do you dread sneezing, coughing, even laughing, because you’re not sure if you’ll stay dry.

Rest assured, you’re not alone. Help for incontinent people (HIP), a not for profit organization in Union, South Carolina, estimates that at least 12 million, and perhaps as many as 20 million, people in the United States and Canada suffer with urinary incontinence, often times in silence. Indeed, it’s a problem that’s only been recognized relatively recently in America as a treatable condition and not merely an unavoidable symptom of old age. As a matter of fact, other cultures in times past seemed to have been much more aware of the problem. The ancient egyptians developed products for incontinence, and in Great Britain around the turn of the century, it was perfectly acceptable for a woman to hold what was called a slipper under her dress to relieve herself during a long church service.

The loss of bladder control is not a disease but a symptom with any of a host of causes. It can affect anyone at any age from children to the elderly, both women and men. Women, however are three times more likely than men to be incontinent, due in part to the physical stresses of childbearing and a decrease in estrogen after menopause. The cause of incontinence may be as minor as an infection triggered by a cold or the use of certain prescription or over the counter medications. Incontinence may also be the result of sagging pelvic floor muscles. This set of muscles located at the bottom of the pelvis supports the lower internal organs and helps them maintain their shape and proper function. Childbirth and certain types of surgery, such as a hysterectomy in a woman (removal of the uterus) or a prostatectomy in a man (removal of the prostate gland), can cause these pelvic floor muscles to become deficient.

Exercises for Incontinence for help in toning up and strengthening the pelvic floor muscles.) Incontinence reveals itself in a number of ways, and one person can suffer from more than one form of it. Stress incontinence occurs from rigorous or spontaneous activity, like playing tennis or sneezing. Urge incontinence is marked by a sudden need to go but possibly not making it to the bathroom in time. Over flow incontinence is a full bladder that begins to dribble. And reflex incontinence is marked by an unawareness of the need to urinate (caused by an enlarged prostate gland, for example), which results in leakage. Here are ways to cope.

Keep a Diary : This is very helpful in establishing symptom patterns, says Katherine Jeter, Ed .D, E. T., executive director of HIP. By maintaining a voiding diary, or uro-log, you’ll have a record of when you urinated and the circumstances causing it. The diary should include: the time of day of urination or leakage, the type and amount of fluid intake that preceded it, the amount voided in ounces (pharmacies carry measuring devices that fit right inside the toilet bowl), the amount of leakage (small, medium, or large), the activity engaged in when leakage occurred, and whether or not an urge to urinate was present. Keeping such a diary for at least four days, if not a full week, before you see a doctor can help him or her to determine what type of incontinence you have and the course of treatment. When you see a doctor, take along a list or the actual bottles of any prescription or over the counter medicines you have been taking, because some medications can cause incontinence.

Watch what You Drink : Experts are not entirely sure why some beverages seem to irritate the bladder lining and, as a result, cause bladder leakage. But you may want to eliminate certain substances from your diet or at least decrease your intake of them to see if your urine control improves. The caffeine in coffee, for instance, may irritate the bladder, and the ingredients that give coffee its distinct aroma (also found in decaffeinated varieties) can be irritating, too. Tea, another favorite breakfast drink, is not only a diuretic, which means it pulls more water from the kidneys as it passes through, but also a bladder irritant. (HIP recommends substituting hot grain beverages, found in your grocer’s coffee and tea aisle.) Citrus fruits and juices, such as grapefruit and tomato, can be a problem. Carbonated sodas may be irritating, too, according to HIP (you might be able to tolerate seltzer water, which is not as highly carbonated as sodas). And, finally, alcoholic beverages should be avoided. Your safest bet: water, perhaps with a twist of lemon for flavor (a few drops of lemon should not be enough citrus to cause or aggravate an incontinence problem).

Try These Juices : Grape juice, cranberry juice, cherry juice, and apple juice are not irritating to the bladder and may, in fact, control the odor of your urine. And surprisingly, orange juice is not an irritant, because it is metabolized by the body in to a more alkaline, or less acidic, fluid before it reaches the bladder, says Jeter.

Keep drinking : Too often, people who suffer with incontinence limit their fluid intake, believing that the less they take in, the less they’ll urinate. But dehydration can occur, warns Thelma Wells, Ph.D., R. N., F.A.A.N., F.R.C.N., a professor of nursing at the University of Rochester School of Nursing in Rochester, New York. Dehydration can lead to constipation, which in turn can irritate nearby nerves that will trigger the bladder to void. The result incontinence. Instead of cutting back on how much you drink, schedule the time that you drink. Having liquids at set intervals during the day will keep your bladder from becoming too empty or too full. The bladder becomes irritated if it, fluid level is too low or too high, explain wells. A normal bladder holds about two cups of fluid, problem bladders may hold as little as half a cup or as much as a quart and a half. If you find yourself constantly waking up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, you might try to taper off your fluid intake between dinner and bedtime, says Wells. Experts suggest an average total fluid intake of six to ten 8-ounce cups a day.

Watch what you eat : Again, experts are not sure why certain foods aggravate the bladder, but you may want to try cutting back on the following foods to see if it helps, hot spices and the foods they’re used in, such as curry powder and chili, tomato based foods, sugars, such as honey and corn syrup, and chocolate.

Try a recipe for success : If you are constipated, adding fiber to your diet may relieve your constipation, and in trun, your incontinence here’s an easy to make snack recipe from HIP that may help. Combine one cup of applesauce, one cup of oat bran, and a quarter cup of prune juice. Store the mixture in your refrigerator or freeze premeasured servings in sectioned ice-cube trays. Begin with two tablespoons every evening, followed by a six to eight ounce glass of water or juice (one of the acceptable varieties mentioned previously). After seven to ten days, increase this to three tablespoons. Then, at the end of the second or third week, increase your intake to four tablespoons. You should begin to see an improvement in your bowel habits in about two weeks. The extra fiber may cause increased gas or bloating, but this should decrease after a few weeks. Be sure to keep up your daily fluid intake in addition to using this fiber recipe.

Lose Weight : Obesity can cause muscle to sag, including the pelvic floor muscles, which aid in proper voiding.

Do not smoke : Here’s another reason to give up the habit. Nicotine can irritate the bladder, and for heavy smokers, coughing can contribute to stress incontinence.

Buy yourself some insurance : There are numerous products on the market today that will absorb any accidents, whether urine or a bowel movement, and at the same time, protect your clothing or bedding from wetness. Specially made disposable and reusable briefs, diapers, liners, inserts and linen protectors can add a measure of confidence. For some people, sanitary napkins or panty liners may be an acceptable alternative that provides enough protection. And a new product may be on the market soon. With in the next year or two, urethral plugs, which can block the flow of urine during every day activities, will be available in the United States, says Peter K. Sand, M.D., associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University School of Medicine and director of the Evanston Continence Center at Evanston Hospital in Evanston, illinois. These plugs now in use in Europe, can be inserted by the user and later removed by means of an attached string.

Be confident on the road : External collecting devices that are specially designed for use by females or males can make traveling a little more comfortable. These on the go urinals, which are also convenient for bedside use, are available at medical supply stores and pharmacies and through medical specialty mail order.

Go Before You Go : Empty your bladder before you take a trip of an hour or more, whether you have the urge to go or not.

Then go Again : After voiding, stand up and sit down again. Then lean forward, which will compress the abdomen and put pressure on the bladder, to help empty the bladder completely, suggests Wells.

Wear Clothes That are Easy to Remove : Women’s clothing, in particular, can pose a problem. Jumpsuits or unitards can slow you down when you’re in a hurry to go because these one piece out fits must be removed from the top down. Skip such suits or look for ones with a snapped opening at the crotch for quick and easy removal. Carry extra clothing with you so that you can change if an accident occurs. If your clothes happen to become stained with urine, soak them for three hours in a mixture of one gallon of water and one cup of dishwashing detergent.

Weight for Results : Resistive exercise when force is exerted against a weight can be applied to the sphincter muscles of the urethra and rectum, which are important to regaining continence, says Wells. Cones that are about the size of a tampon and that come in varying weights are designed for use in the vagina (women) or rectum (men). When a cone is inserted, the sphincter muscles must contract in order to hold the weight and not let it drop. Over a few months and with progressive use of the varying weights, the pelvic floor muscles should get stronger, says Jeter. These weight sets are available from physicians, who can guide your use of the cones, or from medical supply stores. Be sure to carefully read and follow the accompanying instructions on proper use for best results. Start by holding in the lightest weight for 15 minutes, two times a day. Once successful at that weight, try the next heaviest weight for the same amount of time. Some versions of these cones come with an electronic biofeedback system, called a perineometer, which reports on the amount of pressure you’re applying to the inserted cone.

Take Control of Your Muscles Every Day : To prevent leakage, contract the pelvic floor muscles when coughing or sneezing or when carrying or lifting something. Do so by standing close to the object to be lifted with your feet slightly apart, one foot just in front of the other. Then, bend your knees but keep your back straight. Lean forward slightly as you contract, or tighten, your pelvic muscles. Then lift the object.

Be Wary of Exercise Gimmicks : Carefully investigate any exercise contraption that claims to help decrease incontinence. A company may promote the fact that its gadget will tone the pelvic floor muscles, but the device may actually exercise an unrelated muscle group, if it does anything at all. An exerciser for use between the thighs for instance, will not strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. If you’re not sure if a certain exerciser will benefit your incontinence problem, don’t waste your time or money. Check first with your health care provider.

Make a Phone Call : Call1-800 bladder a toll free number sponsored by HIP, for details on how to receive a free packet of information on services and products for incontinent people.

Descriptions about various diseases, ailments and conditions with their causes, symptoms and treatment options available. You can freely publish the above article, provided full credits are given to the author of the article with a hyperlink (HTML Clickable) is given to http://www.diseasesblog.org

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/incontinence-1679722.html

Do-It-Yourself Sinus Irrigation

If your sinus is affected with a chronic sinus infection, it will generally last longer than two months. The symptoms for this type of sinus infection may last almost a month, and in this situation, mucus will cover the sinuses. The cilia in this layer will be responsible for pushing out any bacteria, which is harmful. The four sinus regions of the body are the areas which are most affected by the infection, and different areas will be affected depending on the type of infection you have.

If you suffer from sinus infections and sinus blockage on a regular basis, you should consider using a sinus irrigation tool in addition to your doctor prescribed medication as a way to clean out the infection quicker and help release pressure buildup in the sinus cavities. While sinus irrigation is a proven method of relieving sinus pain and curing infections, that does not mean that all sinus irrigation devices are created equal. There are several different types of sinus irrigation systems on the market that you are able to use. Many of them are expensive and will cost you around $100 for the system and then more for the sinus rinse powder, solutions or even compounded preparations. This can be expensive for those people who only get an infection on occasion.

Rather then spending all of this money why not make your own saline solution and sinus irrigation system at home. For the simplest form of solution, all you have to do is use plain, non-iodized salt that you would use for cooking. This is saline in its purest form and dozens of people have used it without any side effects. If table salt is not something you wish to use, then sea salt might be better. This is not pure sodium chloride and is made up of other types of minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium. It does not have iodine.

Once you have chosen the salt that you wish to use, it is time to pour the water. It is best to use clean water that has been purified. If you do not have a purifier at home, simply boil a small amount of water and pour it in a jug. If you have never done anything like this before, then it is best to start off with a ¼ teaspoon of salt per cup of water that you use. Some people will use as much as a teaspoon and make what is known as hypertonic saline. This is much saltier than the fluids in your body and is also useful at treating skin that is inflamed. However, for some it can be too strong to use as saline. Now it is time to add a pinch of baking soda. This is used to help the mucus to dissolve and to wash it away easily. Add this with the salt before you combine it with the water. The water that you use should be warm so that it can be the same temperature as the nasal passages. It will also help the salt to dissolve.

For more information, visit http://sinusdynamics.com/

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/doityourself-sinus-irrigation-1679188.html

New Clinical Laboratory Colposcopes

Upgrading your research labs with new clinical laboratory colposcopes is a smart choice to carry out different colposcopy procedures with ease. Medical professionals use them to obtain clear images of the vaginal tissue, vulva and cervix. Colposcopes are handy laboratory instruments essential for any laboratory setting for detection and diagnosis of cervical or vaginal disorders such as cervical erosions, inflammation, cancer and tumors.

New Laboratory Colposcopes to Enjoy Lasting Performance

To get products in the finest condition and enjoy lasting performance, purchasing new ones is a smart option. New clinical laboratory colposcopes are the best choices if you are looking to replace an old or worn out colposcope.

Sophisticated Features for Improved Diagnosis

Clinical laboratory colposcopes are now available in a range of designs, features and specifications. They are designed ensuring good optical clarity and can deliver high-definition images of the diagnosed areas. At present, there are models available with binocular and video-ready trinocular heads. For optimal positioning, you can also find 5 and 3 legged models.

With most of the advanced models of laboratory colposcopes, there will be unique suspension systems that are adjustable for user comfort. You can also find many more user-friendly features for viewing comfort. FOVs (Field of View), working distances, optical systems, zoom magnifications and iris diaphragms of the colposcopes influence the visualization of images. Most of the colposcopes are supplied with accessories and replacement parts.

Choose Brand Name Products from Expert Dealers

Certain manufacturers offer warranty for the products they manufacture. A range of models and brands are abundantly available in the market today. Among them the Colpo-Master series of colposcopes from Unico can be said to be the popular ones.

Clinical laboratory colposcopes are now readily available with different dealers and distributors. Products and services offered vary from dealer to dealer. Just browse the web to locate expert dealers for better services.

Block Scientific is the affordable source of fine Medical Laboratory Equipments like Centrifuges, Chemistry Analyzers, Hematology Analyzers, Colposcopes, Blood Gas Analyzers and more.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/new-clinical-laboratory-colposcopes-1678523.html

Abs Exercises — Variations Of The Old Favorite

Crunches are the favored exercise for abdominal muscle development.  There are lots of abs exercises, but the crunch is by far the most widely used.  It is simple and effective.  Regardless, it has a few drawbacks, and so some variations have been invented to try to address them.

 

Try out these abs exercises to find a better way for you, or just to add some variation to your routine.  After all, if you keep it fresh, you’ll stay interested and motivated longer.

 

Exercise Ball Crunch:  With much-needed lower back support.

 

One major issue with crunches is that sometimes your bottom hurts from the pressure.  With your bum acting as fulcrum, the bones pinch the thin flesh around them against the floor.  A mat makes it more bearable.  Do it on an exercise ball though, and you’ll find it more comfortable and enjoyable.

1.  Set the ball against a wall or corner and the floor.  This will give it stability and prevent you from hurting yourself.

2.  Lie on the ball, maximizing support on the mid and lower back.

3.  Do your crunches as you normally do, keeping your feet flat on the floor.

This is ranked pretty highly amongst abs exercises, since it finds the best balance between comfort and efficacy.  If you had to choose just one from all the abs exercises, this should be your choice.  The only downside is it needs an exercise ball, unlike the do-anywhere basic crunch.

 

Vertical Leg Crunch:  Not for the leg-conscious.

 

This one has you lying on the floor or mat, as with the classic.  The difference is that instead of keeping your feet on the ground, you are to stretch your legs up, getting them as close to vertical as possible.  Needless to say, you can’t be shy about your legs with this one.

1.  Lie on the floor.  Raise your legs up, keeping them as close to each other as possible.

2.  Lift your chest and shoulder blades by contracting your abdominal muscles.

3.  At the maximum point, perform a small backward motion with your abs, as if bringing your navel to your spine.

4.  Slowly lower your upper torso to the flat position.  Repeat.

It is a little more comfortable than the standard, but requires a bit more balance.  Next on our list of abs exercises is the long arm crunch.

 

Long Arm Crunch: Changes the focus.

 

This exercise changes the area of exertion.  Rather than putting strain on across the abdominal plane or at the middle as with the standard crunch, the long arm crunch focuses power in the upper abdominals, which can be quite tough to exercise.  To perform:

1.  Lie on a mat or on the floor.  Extend your arms behind your head, clasping your hands together.

2.  Lift your shoulder blades by contracting your abdominal muscles.  Keep your arms straight.

3.  If you feel neck pain, support your head with one hand.  Alternate hands regularly.

4.  Lower your body to the flat position.  Repeat.

 

There are even more abs exercises based on the crunch.  If you don’t like these, just look for other variants.

Mark Grey,
mark@markfreelance.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/abs-exercises-variations-of-the-old-favorite-1678088.html

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Performance Optimization WordPress Plugins by W3 EDGE