Watkins Heritage Remedies - Independent Watkins Associate 323239

As both women and men age our bones tend to become less dense. This weakens their structure and your bones can begin to get tiny fractures. Because the fractures are so small, one isn't really a problem; however, if your bones are fragile enough for you to have osteoporosis, you will have many of these tiny fractures, which can add up to a big problem.

The good news is that most osteoporosis cases are preventable. By following these five tips, you can keep your bones strong and dense.

Make sure you are consuming enough calcium. Calcium is the main building block of bones. If you're short on calcium, then your body can't make your bones dense and strong. You can get calcium through milk and yogurt, but also from green leafy vegetables and various soy products. It's also a good idea to take a calcium supplement. Look for a supplement that contains calcium citrate such as Watkins Osteogen, as it is the easiest for your body to absorb.

Don't forget other essential nutrients. Calcium is actually no good if you don't have Vitamin D, which allows you to absorb the calcium. During the summer, the best source of Vitamin D is the sun. During the winter you can try tanning beds, or try fortified products like Vitamin D milk and certain breakfast cereals. Other nutrients that are essential to keeping your bones strong are: Vitamin K, phosphorous, Vitamin C, magnesium, copper, manganese, zinc, iron, boron, and , protein. Unless you eat the world's healthiest diet, it's best to start taking a daily multivitamin.

Do weight bearing exercises regularly. You don't need to start a weight training regimen at the gym. In fact, most women and men can get the appropriate amount of exercise simply by walking, because you're "bearing" your body weight when you walk. Getting up and moving for a few minutes every day is important for keeping bones strong. If you can exercise more, you should do so. Exercise is important for maintaining a healthy weight, another good way to keep osteoporosis away. Just remember, losing too much weight is a good way to lose bone mass as well.

Give up your bad habits. While having the occasional drink has actually been shown to improve the condition of your bones, you start to cause damage if you drink alcohol excessively. Smoking can also cause an increased fracture risk. Plus, quitting smoking is a good healthy choice all around.

Start now! Most women wait until the first signs of menopause to start worrying about osteoporosis prevention and men often don't worry about it at all. While menopause is when bones start to deteriorate faster, if you have weak bones to begin with, adding preventative measure may not do a whole lot of good. You should take the steps above as early as possible, and pass them on to your sons and daughters too.

The best part about taking these smalls steps is that they'll also help prevent other conditions besides osteoporosis. In no time, you'll be well on your way to a healthier, happier life.

Well it's a brand new year and a great time to start some new habits if you are you looking to improve your life, get healthier and feel better. Did you know, it only takes small changes to make a difference? Here are ten easy habits you can adopt this year for a happier, healthier, and even potentially a longer life.

1. Get into the habit of drinking more water everyday. Not only because water is good for you but because you'll find that when you drink more water you'll drink less soda or other sugary drinks. Don't be fooled, diet drinks aren't any better because they're chock full of artificial sweeteners and chemicals. Try herbal, green and regular tea if you want to add some flavor to your water. Here are Seven Reasons Why You Should Drink Water.

2. Go for a walk or get some exercise at least three times a week, more often if you can. Did you know that adding exercise to your day can add years to your life? Don't worry, you don't have to run a marathon or become an iron man triathlete either. Simply get in the habit of walking for 30 minutes a day, it is an excellent start. The big plus is you'll look, feel and sleep better.

3. Try to reduce the stress in your life. While some stress can be healthy, it can also affect our health in a very negative way. It affects our immune system, our ability to sleep and to digest our food properly. So, if you're looking for just one thing you can do better for yourself and your health this year, it would be to find methods of reducing your stress.

4. Get into the habit of eating more fruits and vegetables everyday. It goes without saying that eating your fruits and veggies is good for your health. Start by adding one extra serving of fruits and veggies to your day and add another once it becomes a habit. Watkins Fruit and Veggie Complex is another easy way to add the goodness of fruits and vegetables to your daily diet.

5. Get in the habit of avoiding saturated fat and choose healthier oils. Trim all the visible fat off meat before cooking by grilling, baking or roasting. Using Watkins Grapeseed oils is a healthier alternative for your cooking and salads and may even help reduce cholesterol levels. When you eat out, instead of ordering a burger or a steak, consider chicken or fish. Avoid fried or deep fried foods.

6. Get in the habit of eating more fish each week. Did you know that fish oil and omega 3 fatty acids reduce inflammation in our bodies? It may help reduce cholesterol and help protect your brain against degenerative diseases. No fish and chips doesn't count, see # 5 above!

7. Reduce the amount of sugar you eat. Sugar causes a rapid rise in blood sugar and a general feeling of well being. It also causes a rapid drop in blood sugar and a feeling of no energy. Then you eat more sugar and the cycle repeats itself. This roller coaster of sugar highs and lows wreaks havoc on your body. The solution, eat less sugar and if you do choose to have a sugary snack, eat it along with a protein so your body's metabolism remains more stable.

8. Get in the habit of taking your daily vitamins. A well balanced diet is excellent; however taking a multi vitamin adds little extra insurance. Try Watkins SuperFood Multiple, it's an easy thing to add to your daily routine.

9. Visit your doctor for an annual check up. Make a list of questions or concerns you have before you go so you don't forget to ask about them. Ask if there are regular tests you should be taking to test for hereditary illnesses or any preventative measures that are appropriate to your age? Cancer screenings are the most common. And when was the last time you saw your dentist? Your oral health can affect your entire body. So, it's important that you see your doctor and dentist at least once this year.

10. Last but not least, smile! Did you know that smiling reduces stress and puts you in a positive frame of mind? It can have a positive affect on the people around you as well. It's a scientifically proven fact that stress has a direct effect on how healthy a person is. So smile, you'll be glad you did!

If you adopt even one of these habit this year you'll feel better for it. If you can't do them all at once, why not add a new one each month? By the end of the year you will have attained ten easy habits for a happier and healthier new you.

If you are like me, you’ve probably heard how important calcium is to keep your bones strong and healthy. What you may not know is that calcium plays a roll in producing a regular heart beat, conducting nerve impulses, stimulating hormone secretions, and clotting blood. It has even been found to help some people lose weight. We may know we need calcium to maintain good health, but chances are you’re not getting enough; particularly if you are a woman.

While your best option for getting calcium is through a healthy balanced diet including dairy products and green vegetables; you can also take a calcium supplement to ensure that you’re getting enough. The first choice you need to make when in comes to calcium supplements is determining what compound you want to take. The mineral calcium is not found by itself in foods; it’s bonded to other molecules. Different compounds are just calcium being bonded with different molecules.


Calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate have very high calcium concentrations; however, calcium phosphate may not be absorbed into your system as well. Calcium citrate is the most bioavailable form of calcium, this means it is the easiest compound to absorb. Watkins Osteogen combines natural calcium citrate with vitamin D, boron and other bone-building vitamins and minerals to enhance your calcium absorption and help prevent the loss of calcium from your bones. Take calcium citrate with your meal especially if you produce a lot of stomach acid. If this supplement makes you gassy or bloated, try starting at a lower dosage and working your way up to three caplets per day.

Not all brand names are created equal:

No matter what compound you choose, be sure to check the label to make sure you’ll be getting enough elemental calcium (calcium by itself) to suit your needs.

If you are taking another brand of calcium pills, drop one into a warm glass of water and let it sit for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the pill has not completely dissolved within the 30 minute time period, it is probably not being completely absorbed by your body and you should find another brand.

Don’t purchase supplements containing natural ingredients that haven’t been purified. They may contain dangerous metals that could make you sick. The worst offenders that you should watch out for are oyster shells, dolomite, and bonemeal.

Isn't it nice to know, if you don't like milk and broccoli you can still keep your body healthy and strong with Watkins Osteogen?

I love going for my daily walks and I've learned that you want to find the best walking shoes to fit your foot. What's right for my feet might not be right for yours as everyone feet are different. Choosing the right walking shoe is essential in preventing injuries, pain and other foot problems.

Start out by taking inventory of your shoes. How many pairs do you have that are really comfortable for walking? One or two? Buying a pair of the latest styles might be fashionable, but can you honestly wear them all day without hobbling around in pain? Years ago, a good pair of walking shoes could only be found in one style which was not at all flattering. Today, however, you have a wide variety of good walking shoes to choose from, and it is in your best interest to keep your feet healthy by selecting the appropriate walking shoe.

Some of the types of shoes which you can choose are those that are shaped like your feet, they provide arch support and more toe room. When you wear tight shoes, you run the risk of bunions, blisters, calluses, and a host of other conditions which can make your life down right miserable.

According to leading podiatrists, your shoes should be comfortable. You should be able to wiggle your toes, and the shoes should have a sole that flexes at the ball of your foot. They also say, it is important to wear the proper size. If the shoes you want are a bit too small, leave them at the store, no matter how nice they look the end result, will be pain.

Have your feet sized every time you go to the shoe store. Changes occur to our feet as we get older, or as our weight changes, their size and shape can become more pronounced.

The next time you are sitting down, and you suddenly find you’ve taken off your shoes because they are killing your feet, this may be a reminder to visit a good shoe store. They will not only measure your feet, but provide you with the best walking shoes to fit your feet, in comfort and style!

Your feet really take a pounding, with your busy every day life and especially when you exercise. Do you know this essential foot care tip? It’s important to take care of your feet especially when you work out. Here are several essential tips to help you avoid foot pain.

Your feet need to be washed every day, to remove dead skin and bacteria; especially between your toes where fungus can develop. While many people think that soaking their tired and achy feet in Epsom salt is the cure-all, the fact is it can leave your feet dry. Use warm water and a mild, natural soap or cleanser instead, as this will not only soothe but soften your feet, as well. Then dry your feet well and finish off with a liberal application of Watkins Natural Peppermint foot cream.

When you exercise, it is important to wear appropriate running or walking shoes. Some experts say that your running shoes should be thrown away after only 200 miles of use. Not wearing the proper shoe can result in calluses, ingrown nails, infections, and runner’s toe. Here are some suggestions for choosing the best walking shoes for your feet.

I can speak from experience that one of the most painful injuries to the foot is the heel spur. This can result from wearing poor fitting or worn-out shoes when exercising. Experts also suggest that walking or jumping on hard surfaces can cause heel spurs. Unfortunately, the only treatment for this injury is a series of injections or the heel spur may eventually go away on it's own.

Remember if you can’t walk, you become debilitated. Therefore, it is essential that you do everything you can to take care of your feet. This includes proper hygiene and wearing the proper shoe while exercising.

I've lived with allergies and asthma my entire life so I've learned a few tricks and tips to make life easier. One of the most common ways to control your allergies is to simply avoid whatever it is you are allergic to. Stay indoors during pollen season, avoid animals and do not eat foods you are allergic to, but the one thing you really can't avoid dust. House dust is a common allergen, it may contain mites, animal dander, pollen, mold, residue from cleaning products and fibers from fabrics.

Dust mites are microscopic organisms that are the primary cause of dust allergies. It is actually the excrement of these mites that people are allergic to. Dust is everywhere, and not just where you can see it either. You can clean and dust all your want, but there's still millions of dust mites lurking in your home. The key to staying healthy is to know how to get rid of them.

Here are some tips to help you out:

Choose lino, tile or hardwood flooring, it may be expensive, but they are a whole lot better for your health. Carpets are a great place for dust mites to hide out and vacuuming does little to rid you of the problem. If you can't get rid of the carpet in your home, use a hepa filtered vacuum and a steam cleaner regularly. You can have hard flooring with area rugs, simply choose ones that can easily be washed or steam cleaned to remove dust.

You spend nearly one third of your life in your bedroom so it's important to keep it as dust free as possible. Just like your carpet, mattresses are a great place for dust and mites to hide. Since you probably can't afford to replace your mattress all the time, look for specialized allergy covers for your mattress. While you are at it get some of these covers for your pillows too.

Now, your mattress and pillows aren't the only place in your bed that dust and mites like to live. They can also accumulate in your sheets, blankets and comforters. That's why it is important to wash all your bedding in hot water at least once a week. Use a comforter made from an easy to care for synthetic material rather than down or other natural fibers.

If you have pets keep them out of your bedroom, they shed hair and dander, not to mention the dirt they track in from out doors which just adds to the problem.

Invest in a good quality air filter system. There is a number of brands of special filters on the market that remove dust and other allergens out of the air you breathe. They may cost more, but they're certainly well worth it if you are allergic to house dust. Most people know you're supposed to change you home's air filters every three months, but that doesn't mean they do. Mark it on your calendar so that you don't forget to change the air filter regularly.

Those little knick knacks all over your house may look nice, but they can collect dust. Books and dried flowers are the worst. Try to reduce the number of items you have displayed and choose decorations that are easy to dust or clean.

Dust and clean with something that actually picks up the dust and keeps it on the duster. Traditional dusters and cloths usually just push dust around and release it back into the air, try a static cleaner or use a damp cloth. This way you know you are getting rid of dust not just moving it back into the air so it can land somewhere else.

What type of cleaning products are you using? They affect your health and the health of your children too. In fact, the statistics are staggering. So staggering that scientists and physicians have come to the conclusion that the rise in asthma and allergies in our society is a direct result of household cleaners and the toxins in our environment. Now is a great time to switch to all-natural cleaning products.

These tips might seem like they require a lot of work and maybe a bit of money, but the results will be worth it. You will feel an improvement in your health and that is well worth the effort and expense.

You only get one set, and they need to last you a life time. It's an embarrassing subject but you need to know how important it is for you to perform regular breast self exams. Many women depend on using mammograms as their only line of defense when it comes to breast cancer detection, but mammograms are only one part of a variety of detection methods and should not be used alone. So, for proper breast care, you should be performing regular breast self exams and getting breast exams from you doctor. In addition, you may also require extra screening, including a digital mammogram.

Your first mammogram is usually given at around age 40. However, it is common for women to develop breast cancer before that age and it tends to spread faster in younger women. That's why it's important for you to perform regular breast self exams and get breast exams from a medical professional.

Did you know that most breast health issues are first discovered through breast self exams, not mammograms? One reason is because they can be done more often. Also, because you get to know what your breasts are supposed to look and feel like, you can notice changes more readily and you can catch problems sooner.

You should start doing self exams around age 18 and continue performing them once a month, the week after your period. The more often you do them, the more likely you'll be to notice a problem.

The first step in a BSE is to look at your breasts in the mirror. Look for dimpling of the skin, changes in color and texture of the skin, changes in the nipple, and any secretions. Then, you should feel your breasts, looking for lumps that appear and don't disappear, or grow and change with time.

While doing a monthly breast exam will help you know your own body better, you're still not a medical professional. You should have an exam by a doctor starting around age 18 or 20 and every 2 to 3 years after that. This is a great second line of defense against breast cancer.

An easy way to take care of breast exams is with your annual pap smear. Many doctors perform breast exam when you come in for your pelvic. This is a great way to ensure you're getting checked early and often. It's also an opportune time to ask questions about self exams or general breast health.

In addition to these traditional methods, a new technology, called the digital mammogram, is now being used as another weapon in the fight against breast cancer. The methods used in taking a digital mammogram are essentially the same, except that the results can be viewed immediately instead of having to wait for film to develop. This is often used in finding the specific spot of a growth so they can take a biopsy. Faster results mean that the procedure can be done more quickly and with less pain or discomfort.

Remember, if you want to have proper protection against breast cancer, you need to do monthly self exams and have regular breast exams along with your regular mammograms. You are worth it!

Do you suffer with persistent pain throughout your body? Are you overwhelmed by fatigue? And suffering from depression? Has your doctor run tests but can't seem to find out what's wrong with you? You may be suffering from a disease called fibromyalgia. This is a chronic condition that causes pain throughout the body, along with other inconvenient and sometime debilitating symptoms.

While only a small percentage of the population has fibromyalgia, the occurrence of this disease is significantly higher in women, with the majority of cases occurring in your late 30's, all the way into your 50's.

The signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia:

The central symptom of fibromyalgia is musculoskeletal pain. It is generally widespread throughout the muscles, tendons and ligaments throughout the body. This includes areas on both sides of the body and above and below the waist. It may be more prominent in the neck, shoulders, back, and hips.

While pain can occur at any time, it is usually worse in the morning when you first wake up. Pain and other symptoms occur in episodes. An episode must last at least 3 months before you maybe diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

In addition to generalized pain, a person with fibromyalgia will also experience intense pain when certain parts of the body are pressed firmly. When a doctor examines you for fibromyalgia, they will press on 18 different points on the body. To be diagnosed with fibromyalgia, you should have pain or tenderness in 11 of these pressure points.

Sleep studies show that women with fibromyalgia patients tend to have burst of activity in their brain intermittently during stage 4 sleep. This is when your body normally rests and regenerates itself physically. Even though you seem to be getting enough sleep, your body probably isn't getting the right kind of rest.

Lack of proper sleep causes fibromyalgia patients to experience moderate to severe fatigue. Fatigue can be so bad that some doctors hypothesize fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome and not only related, but possibly the same disease. Lack of proper sleep can also cause other symptoms, including poor memory, lack of concentration, and anxiety.

Another common symptom of fibromyalgia is depression. This is not only due to constant stress from chronic pain, but also from lack of proper sleep. Since the symptoms of fibromyalgia and depression are so similar, your doctor should screen you for both in order to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Many women with fibromyalgia are also diagnosed with IBS or have some other intestinal problem. They may experience diarrhea, constipation, pain, or bloating. Watkins Peptic Pre-Meal may help with this, it's a blend of pure vegetable enzymes and herbs which eases the digestive process and offers a natural solution for occasional indigestion. Can be taken anytime from 15 minutes prior to 15 minutes after a meal…even at mealtime, for your ultimate convenience.

While these are the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia, you may experience other problems. Women with fibromyalgia also report: headaches, numbness, dizziness, and sensitivity to stimuli such as sound, touch, smell, or even the weather.

Treatments vary according to your symptoms. Some people find that using Watkins liniment helps as a treatment for their pain. This provides a safe, natural therapy for fibromyalgia which has the added benefit of being drug free.

Tell your doctor if you suspect you have fibromyalgia, they will likely run a battery of tests to rule out other disorders before they will actually provide a diagnosis. By being knowledgeable of this disease, you can recognize symptoms as they appear or worsen. Since there is no definitive test for fibromyalgia, knowing what's wrong can help you and your doctor more efficiently diagnose and treat your problem.

The American Medical Association now says that normal blood pressure readings for a healthy adult should be 120/80. This figure was lowered from what used to considered within normal range for systolic and diastolic pressure. High blood pressure or hypertension in men is a serious and often fatal disease. Just as water pumped into a pipe exerts pressure on its surface, your heart pumps blood through your arteries, and the force of the blood flow exerts pressure on the arterial walls. Therefore, just as too much water pressure is bad for the life of a pipe, too much blood pressure eventually damages your arteries. High blood pressure can lead to heart failure; kidney failure; or stroke.

The combination of hypertension and being overweight increases the chances of developing one or more conditions. In fact, the older you are, the more likely you will develop hypertension unless you take steps to prevent it. If you are overweight when you are young, you may develop hypertension at an earlier age. However, it has been suggested that hypertension is also inherited, which doesn't help the situation either.

The scary thing is that you may not even realize you have this condition, as the symptoms do not reveal themselves. However, you should assume you are a candidate for hypertension if you are over 40; if there is a history of this condition in your family; and you are overweight.

Here's what every man should know about hypertension:

While smoking is not a cause of hypertension, it certainly is a contributing factor. We know there is a definite link between smoking and heart disease, thus the combination of smoking and high blood pressure increases the risk of developing a heart attack. Quit smoking!

The first thing you need to do if you are in any way susceptible to this condition is to reduce or remove sodium from your diet. High salt intake increases this condition as well.

Being overweight is another cause of hypertension. It is important to find an appropriate diet regimen and exercise program to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. While there may be a connection between weight and hypertension, research reveals people who are at their ideal weight have less tendency to develop hypertension than those who are overweight.

Type A personalities may be more prone to hypertension than others. Stress is evident in our lives every day; but the key is to not let it take over your life. While we all work hard and try to live comfortably, the pressure to succeed rapidly is taking its toll, physically, emotionally and mentally. It is also a contributing factor to hypertension. If you have a highly stressed job, or find that you cannot fill the demands placed upon you, you might want to find another job that is not so stressful. If this is not an option; use meditation to maintain an inner balance. Don't sweat the small stuff. Your health is more important than any job.

Try not to drink alcohol in excessive amounts. Alcohol increases blood pressure and if you are taking medication; the two can cause severe side effects. Recently, however, an eminent heart surgeon suggested that a glass of red wine a day is preferred for a healthy heart. The debate continues, and while it does, it seems that wine instead of other alcoholic beverages may yield the best results.

Have your blood pressure checked at least once a month, and avoid stress.

Whether it's your job; money problems; smoking; overweight; alcohol; and other social and psychological factors which may contribute to the condition, it is important to understand it is not a curable disease, nor one which is tangible. Also keep in mind; hypertension is not exclusive to any one group. It affects people from all walks of life. To what degree it can cause damage to your heart, kidneys and brain depends on its severity.

If you find that you have taken every precaution and your blood pressure is still high, your doctor may prescribe medication only if he or she feels it is absolutely necessary. Some of the drugs have side effects, while others can be tolerated. While on any type of medication, do not fall under the assumption that because you may feel better you can stop taking the drugs. This is a dangerous scenario as mentioned earlier; hypertension is a symptom-less disease.

If you follow a proper diet that does not contain sodium; if you alter your lifestyle in order to ease the stress and other factors which contribute to hypertension, it can be controlled. Nothing in life is more important than your health; certainly nothing to cause physical or psychological elements which can raise your blood pressure. Hypertension in men is prevalent; yet over fifty percent of men do not realize they have the condition. Take care of your health and it will take care of you.