How to Test for Allergens

Posted by menyok on March 15, 2021 in Health, Health and Beauty, Health and Fitness, Health and Medicines

Allergic reactions range from annoying to deadly. If you notice an adverse reaction to food or something in the environment, a simple test administered by a health care professional can indicate the exact allergens that irritate you. Depending on your sensitivity to allergens and your medication regimen, you may take a skin test or blood test.

Instructions

Schedule an appointment with your health care provider to take an allergy test. Tell your doctor about any antihistamines you currently take — some prohibit skin testing. Also tell your doctor if you’ve ever had a life-threatening reaction to an allergen or a serious reaction to a previous test.
Stop taking antihistamines one week before your test, or for a period of time specified by your doctor. Antihistamines include over-the-counter and prescription medications, nasal sprays or eye drops. If you are unsure whether you’re taking antihistamines, ask your doctor or pharmacist about your medications.
Dress in a short-sleeved short or layers over a short-sleeved shirt on the day of your appointment. This will make it easier for your physician to administer the test.
Go to your doctor’s office on the day of the appointment. You will be given a prick skin test on the forearm or back to detect allergens such as pollen, dust mites, molds and dander. You may alternatively be given an intradermal skin test (needle stick) or blood test, which is given to small children or people who can’t take a skin test due to medication. The test results take 15 to 20 minutes to develop, after which the doctor will discuss your results. The skin test site may flare up during this time, but effects usually fade after a few hours.
Apply a cold compress or topical antihistamine to the irritated skin test site if necessary. Avoid scratching the site.

How to Lose the Pear Shape Figure

Posted by menyok on March 15, 2021 in Fashion, Health, Health and Beauty, Health and Fitness

Someone with a “pear shape” carries extra weight around the hips. A study at the Children’s Hospital in Boston found that pear-shaped individuals have lower levels of insulin than individuals who carry extra weight around their abdomens (“apple shape”). What this means is good news for the pear-shaped: they can lose weight both through restricted fats and restricted carbohydrates. However, while losing weight around the hips is easier, making a plan and sticking to it is key.

Instructions

Eat fewer fats and simple carbohydrates. Instead, eat lean foods, including chicken, turkey and fish, as well as slow-burning carbohydrates like black beans and kidney beans. Include vegetables at every meal and eat only fresh fruit (no juice or dried fruit). Banish foods that serve no healthy purpose, such as chips, candy, soda, white bread and fast-food meals.
Set a calorie goal. Use a weight calculator to determine your calorie needs and to calculate the calories you’re consuming. Make it a daily goal to meet but not exceed your daily calories.
Exercise frequently: aim for five or more exercise sessions per week. Your exercise should be at least 30 minutes with little or no weight and high intensity. If you aren’t used to exercise, start with a half-hour of walking, then work up to intervals of walking and jogging. If you have difficulty motivating yourself, sign up for an aerobics class or other guided fitness program. If you enjoy sports like tennis, basketball or soccer, they are all excellent for burning fat.
Perform resistance training to tone your upper body and even out the appearance of your pear shape. Toned shoulders and a V-shaped torso will make your hips look smaller. Add resistance training to your workout two or three times per week. Some fitness classes include a resistance training component.

Tips & Warnings

Planning ahead makes healthy eating easier. Determine which combination of foods best meets your caloric needs and schedule your meals. Make a shopping list with healthy foods and stick to it. Don’t be afraid to eat the same thing every day, if you enjoy it and it’s healthy, until you reach your goal. Find a friend to exercise and compare meal ideas with. You’ll keep each other honest and motivated.

Rachel Frederickson talks ‘Biggest Loser’ weight loss: ‘Absolutely healthy’

Posted by menyok on March 13, 2021 in Health and Fitness

Controversy swirled almost the moment that “Biggest Loser” season 15 contestant Rachel Frederickson stepped on the stage of the finale on Feb. 4. Had the 24-year-old lost too much weight? Nearly a month after her win, she addressed the backlash about her 155-pound loss today with Savannah Guthrie of the “Today” show.

“I felt amazing on the stage, I felt like I shined in my dress, and I got off the stage and Twitter was all abuzz,” she said Wednesday morning in New York. “There was just so much chatter about it.”

She said she was surprised at the social media reaction.

“My journey was my own and I loved it, I lived it, so I felt really proud of what I did,” Frederickson said.

When Guthrie asked whether she thought she had dropped down to an unhealthy weight, Frederickson disagreed.

“It was absolutely healthy weight loss. I dieted, I exercised and did it healthy the whole way,” she said. “I appreciate all the concern and I can see where it comes from. And there is the ‘movie magic’ – it’s over 7 months, it’s almost a year of my life losing the weight. So I was very unhealthy at 260 pounds and now, post finale, I’m the healthiest, most alive I’ve ever felt.”

This week, “Today” is focusing on body image with its “Love Your Selfie” week, and Guthrie asked Frederickson what lessons she learned from her mom about her body image growing up as a competitive swimmer.

“She has taught me to be independent, to love myself and to be me,” she said.

In maintenance mode now and visibly less gaunt looking than on finale night, Guthrie asked Frederickson whether she worries about backsliding.

“That thought always comes up but I think that what I’ve learned is that I have an inner strength. I have a voice and I can trust myself. I didn’t trust myself. I was critical and I judged myself,” she said. “You’re with you the rest of your life so you’d better accept you and love yourself.”