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Fight Cholesterol With Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Jul 13th, 2009 by Lucy Katts

Dietary fats also known as lipids are one of the three classes of primary nutrients. The other two are proteins and carbohydrates which we are not going to discuss at this time. The major function of fat is to provide quick energy for the body. Pound per pound, fat contains more energy (in the form of calories) than protein and carbohydrates. There are three types of fat found in the body; triglycerides, cholesterol, and phospholipids.

A quick description of , fatty acids consist of chains of carbon atoms linked together by chemical bonds. On one end of a carbon chain is a methyl group (a cluster of carbon and hydrogen atoms). On the other end is a carboxyl group (a cluster of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen atoms). The chemical bonds between carbon atoms can be either single or double bonds (single bond is weaker than a double bond).

Single bonds have more hydrogen molecules around them than double bonds. These chemical bonds determine whether a fatty acid is saturated or unsaturated (the more hydrogen the more saturated a fatty acid is). Fatty acids also come in different lengths: short chain fatty acids have fewer than 6 carbons, while long chain fatty acids have 12 or more carbons. Each have a different function in the body.

Omega-3 fatty acids a well known fatty acid and is a type of polyunsaturated fat (less hydrogenated) which must come from the diet. The best known sources are fish, shellfish, fish oils and organ meats. The nutrients naturally occurring in leafy greens, nuts and flaxseed also provide the fatty acids we need.

Omega-3 is an essential nutrient for health. We need omega-3 fatty acids for numerous normal body functions, such as controlling blood clotting and building cell membranes in the brain, and since our bodies cannot make omega-3 fats, we must get them through food. Omega-3 fatty acids are also associated with many health benefits, including protection against heart disease and possibly stroke. In addition to these established benefits for cardiovascular disease, omega-3 fatty acids in high doses (6 grams per day) are used to treat depression. New studies are identifying potential benefits for a wide range of conditions including cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and other autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Omega-3 is good for high blood pressure, high lipid (fat) levels in the blood (hyperlipidemia), certain skin/scalp conditions (such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis), ulcerative colitis, or certain blood circulation problems (such as Raynaud’s syndrome).

Omega-3 fatty acids are available in capsule, tablet, and liquid forms at your local or internet health food store. When purchasing omega-3 fatty acids, look for name brands like Kal, Source Naturals, Natures Plus, and Twinlab to ensure quality and purity of the product you purchase.

*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Omega-3 fatty acids are not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.

Three Ways Dads Can Encourage Piano Playing in Kids
Jul 13th, 2009 by Lucy Katts

It’s an undisputable fact of life: kids learn by example. Both positive and negative behaviors are often learned and reinforced by a parent’s example. What better way to teach your child a skill, like piano playing, than by demonstrating it?

Dads have an extra important role to play when motivating kids to learn music. Children who are regularly exposed to music in the home are more likely to grow up musical. Kids with parents who actually play an instrument (like piano) have an even further edge.

Dad’s role is especially important when it comes to raising a budding pianist. Young children in particular look to their fathers as role models. They see Dad as omniscient, Herculean and heroic. Kids are natural imitators and will readily and willingly engage in an activity that Dad portrays as cool or fun.

Mothers, of course, can play a significant role in helping kids get excited about piano playing. The downside of having a mother who is musical when Dad isn’t is that it can send mixed messages. Children may view piano playing as a “girl” activity, at least at home.

Motivating a child to practice regularly is a chore at the best of times. Children are often even less excited about practicing when they know that their parents don’t play. It’s tough for kids to see the value in a musical education under these circumstances.

Dads can make a difference in the musical education of their children even if they’ve never played piano before. It’s never too late to learn something new. You might not become a virtuoso, but that’s not the point. The point is to show your child that piano playing is a valuable life skill.

Dads who haven’t previously taken piano lessons can get started by doing one or more of the following:

* Taking a parent/child piano class. Some music schools offer parent/child piano lessons. Many are actually founded on the philosophy that children learn best through active parent participation. Parent/child classes teach basic musical skills but also foster healthy interaction between parent and child. Plus, dads who never took piano lessons get to learn right along with their children.

* Take a self-tutorial. Piano tutorials are available in workbook and DVD form as well as online. Tutorials are self-directed and cover the basics like note reading and chords. Online tutorials sometimes have the added advantage of access to an online mentor. Self tutorials range in price. Many are free. Most courses cost between $25 and $100 for basic foundational skills. A dad can at least learn enough this way to understand what his child is learning. He may even be able to learn from his child.

* Take formal piano lessons. Remember, it’s not too late to learn. You don’t have to take classical piano either if that’s not your forte. Find an instructor who understands what your goal is: to lead your child by example. Your instructor can design a lesson plan that helps meet those needs without scaring you with long-winded classical pieces. He or she can teach you the basics and give you a great foundation for piano playing for and with your child.

Dads who master the basics of piano playing have another advantage that non-musical dads don’t. Pianist fathers have one more way to encourage kids to turn off the television and engage in something productive and beneficial. Impromptu family concerts, father/child duets or simply making up goofy songs together fosters relaxation, bonding and emotional health.

Colorado Personal Injury Lawyers
Jul 13th, 2009 by Lucy Katts

Personal injury lawyers represent clients who have sustained a wide range of injuries, such as those that arise from being involved in an automobile accident, a railroad accident, airline or other common carrier accident, a construction or other workplace accident, or injuries that occur as the result of a dangerous or unsafe product. If you’ve been injured in any type of accident, or are the victim of medical malpractice, your Colorado personal injury lawyers can explain your rights and how to protect them. You may then decide with advice from a personal injury lawyers whether you should pursue your action against another party for damages.

Accident

Accidents take a physical, emotional and financial toll on victims and their families. Accidental injuries result in about 31 million emergency room visits each year. A personal injury can happen at work, in a traffic accident, because of a faulty product or a faulty repair, because of a mistake during medical treatment, or because you slipped and fell on a wet floor or pavement. It is not uncommon for an insurance company to contact you rather quickly following an accident in which you were involved. This is the best time to contact your Colorado or Denver personal injury attornies

Compensation

Damages are monetary compensation, which the law awards to one who has been injured by the actions of another. Traditionally, Personal Injury Victims must wait several months, or even years, to settle their case and receive compensation for their injury. Our objective is to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.

Colorado personal injury attornies and lawyers must also adhere to strict standards of legal ethics when dealing with clients. Personal injury lawyers are misunderstood by the public. Personal Injury Lawyers are here to provide additional help. An excellent personal injury website

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