Will Taking Bodybuilding Supplements Cause Adverse Effects?

You will normally find that those who are serious about bodybuilding will supplement with bodybuilding supplements, but there can often be a worry if there are adverse health effects associated with this.

Surprisingly, or not, many of the most popular bodybuilding supplements can cause adverse effects, especially if not taken carefully and correctly, for example, caffeine can cause heart issues and also paranoia. But if you take caffeine as directed and in the correct doses then you can improve your workout with increased levels of concentration and energy.

Glutamine is slightly different as it has no known big side effects. Glutamine is a great way to keep your immune system in good condition as it already occurs naturally in your body. One of the reasons that glutamine is a popular bodybuilding supplement is that during a workout your levels will tend to drop. If you are looking for quality supplements then you should try a company such as PhD Supplements.

However, it is possibly to experience negative reactions from your supplements. Those with mental conditions should stay away from glutamine as it can cause manic depression which can cause conditions such as bipolar disorder to worsen. There is no way of knowing if you will react badly to glutamine if you have never tried it before, but be sure to contact your doctor immediately if a reaction does occur.

Another supplement that is mostly safe to take is creatine. If you do not take creatine while you are working out too then you will find you get no results, however taken alongside a training programme it can drastically transform your muscle gain. There have been a few reports of dehydration and muscle cramps due to creatine but these have been minimal. Others have complained of worse side effects like kidney problems and heart problems. If you are thinking of starting to take glutamine then you should also follow the previous advice regarding glutamine, the complaints are very few but it is better to be cautious.

Whatever bodybuilding supplements you decide to take, we suggest you do your research first, and consult your trainer or doctor if you are worried about adverse side effects. If taken correctly, supplements can be vital to a training regime and can provide the body with much needed nutrients and can even help repair muscle tissue, but any body building supplement can cause harm if you go overboard. Be aware that different people react differently to certain things so you must always equip yourself with the appropriate information before you start a supplementation programme.

Moody, Bluesy, Depressed and Lethargic Are All Signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder

A little known fact about me...I get SAD

Yes, it's true. Every year around this time and extending to mid March I get SAD, seasonal affective disorder. For most of my life I was clueless that my winter blues were something more then just the blahs. Once aware that SAD was a real issue that many people faced, I was in utter denial that it affected me. After all I was running a program of, "That happens to other people not me. I am strong not weak.I don't have a disorder." I believed that having Seasonal Affective Disorder was a weakness in self and character. As soon as I accepted that SAD was a part of my life and had no bearing on who I was, I took conscious control of it. Now I experience winter in a whole new way.

According to statistics from the Canadian Mental Health Association, between two and three percent of Ontarians may have SAD. Another 15% have a less severe experience described as the "winter blues." Another CMHA study suggests that potentially 750,000 Canadians may be affected.

What is SAD?
Seasonal affective disorder ("affective" is a psychiatric term for mood), describes people who get moody, sad, bluesy and often depressed during the autumn and winter seasons. During the spring and summer, they feel upbeat and energetic. SAD can be triggered by reduced exposure to sunlight during the shorter days which begin in the fall and last until spring time.

What are the symptoms of SAD?
Common symptoms include oversleeping, fatigue, increased appetite with carbohydrate and sweet cravings, overeating, and weight gain, decreased energy, avoidance of social situations, feeling anxious or despair sometimes resulting in depression. People who experience more severe episodes, may have suicidal thoughts.

What can I do if I have SAD?
My first suggestion is to admit that you have it. It is not a sign of weakness and it can be managed effectively. Seek help from a health care professional. Consult with your doctor, naturopath, nutritionist, herbologist, hormone doctor, and a therapist or counselor. There are physical and emotional issues at hand which need attention. Spend time outdoors in the sunshine. Wear sunscreen protection and get outdoors.

Try light therapy. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, research has shown that many patients with SAD improve with exposure to bright, artificial light, called light therapy, or phototherapy. As little as 30 minutes per day of sitting under a special fluorescent light box results in significant improvement in 60% to 70% of SAD patients. Google light therapy for more information.

Exercise. Moving your body is beneficial to anyone at anytime. Get moving and boost your endorphins, the feel good hormones. Eat nutritiously. I am particularly conscious of my nutrition in the winter making sure I consume healthy foods that help my body run optimally. Salmon, vegetables, fruit, nuts and hearty soups are my favorite. I also use Isagenix products which provide high quality nutrition.

Take Supplements. Please consult with your health care practitioner to help you choose the best ones for you. I consume vitamin D and C, extra omega 3's and essential fatty acids, adrenal support, full spectrum vitamin B's and my beloved Ionix Supreme to get all of my essential trace minerals and herbs.

Engage with people. I know it can be challenging to get out and socialize when all you feel like doing is wrapping a blanket around you and plopping on the sofa. Be strong consciously and give yourself a push to mingle and be with people. You will feel better. I promise. If you can swing it go on a warm sun filled holiday.

Now that I have accepted that I get SAD and have implemented measures to help me get through it, winters have turned into a pleasant time of the year. And my friends and family would agree that I have become a more pleasant person to be around when the cold dark days set in.

American Dreams of Cheese Lead to Traps: Of Mice and Men and The Great Gatsby

Like a smoking hot cheese pizza, it is nearly impossible to evade the seduction of the American Dream. As tempting as it is, eating too much of the pie will only make you sick, or worse, in Gatsby's and Lennie's case, lead to a fatal end. It is a concept that without doubt will show up on the AP English Literature Exam, so make sure that you prepare your dough correctly.

F. Scott Fitzgerald was a man who was conflicted by the trappings of the American Dream, which is perhaps made most apparent in Great Gatsby quotes. As Nick poignantly assesses at the close of the novel, Gatsby's yearning for the green light at the end of the Daisy's dock, aka Daisy, was really "the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us" (9.149-151). In other words, Gatsby's desire for Daisy will never be fulfilled, just as the wealth and prosperity that he has obtained will never enable him to escape the past. Although American capitalism is theoretically a system in which every citizen can pull him/herself up by his/her bootstraps, theory does not translate to reality: just like gambling, the small possibility of winning breeds insatiable want. Although Gatsby in theory obtains the American Dream, his bootstraps are weighed down by bootlegging. Who could blame him? In a world where old money ruled the East coast, he had to cheat to get there. Unfortunately new money did not guarantee acceptance in those days, and Gatsby's obsessive desire for love, wealth, and social standing resulted in his death.

On a larger scale, the lust for wealth during the Roaring Twenties resulted in the squeaking thirties: The Great Depression. Of Mice and Men looks at the American Dream from the flipside: that of the extreme poor trying to make ends meet in the biggest recession in history. Their dreams are so far away, that they are mere fantasies. Curly's wife is a wannabe Hollywood movie star, Lennie and George are aspiring ranch owners, and the rest are rogues hoping for a big break. Even before they get the pizza, they are dreaming of the toppings. In one sense, it is a way for them to get through their destitute, downtrodden lives, but in another, it is false consciousness dragging them down into despair.

In this day and age, the American Dream is as alive as ever. Reality shows like American Idol and America's Next Top Model drive it home. As the film Confessions of a Shopaholic proves, consumer culture stays alive even in a recession; Visa and Mastercard make sure of that. Yet, despite its shortcomings, the dream shines before us and lights our way in the dark like a full moon, that even if it is only an illusion of reflected light, drives us forward. As Fitzgerald writes, with a dose of cynicism, "So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past." In other words, if you deny your past, chasing dreams, or even obtaining them, will never be fulfilling. Perfect your homemade crust before running down to the California Pizza Kitchen.

Teen Suicide - What Are the Risk Factors and Warning Signs?

Teen Suicide Statistics

In the last 45 years, suicide rates have increased by 60% worldwide. Now, suicide is among the 3 leading causes of death for youths aged 15- 24.

Suicide attempts are up to 20 times more frequent than completed suicides. While girls tend to make more attempts, boys succeed more often.

The reason is that boys have a tendency to use guns which are far more irrevocable than overdosing with sleeping pills.

As parents and teachers, we need to be more aware about the threat suicide is to our adolescent population. Teen suicide is a problem that requires our vigilance and attention.

The problem is that teens often go through periods of moodiness and anxiety; there is a tendency on our parts to dismiss warning signs as "just puberty." Emotional disturbance or depression can be a catalyst for suicide.

What are some signs of depression in your teen?

- Behavior problems at school. Any kind of unusual behavior is a red flag. Consult teachers about your child's situation at school.

- Withdrawing from family and friends. This is especially important when the behavior is not typical or your teen. Encourage him or her to discuss negative or fearful feelings.

- Complaints of headaches, tiredness or generally not feeling well. If complaints persist, take your teen to the doctor for a thorough checkup.

- Loss of interest in school. Even a shift from B's to D's can be a signal of potential problems.

- Drugs and Alcohol use. This is a red flag that requires attention.

- Sleep changes, whether they are oversleeping or insomnia, can be signs of anxiety and depression.

- Changes in eating habits, whether they be overeating or under-eating also require attention.

- Disinterest in a favorite hobby or activity.

- Lack of attention to personal hygiene or personal appearance is often a "Why Care?" signal.

- Does not respond to praise or seems upset when praised.

Be mindful of the fact that teenagers are going through emotional fluctuations and hormonal changes, so not all signs indicate teen suicide.

However, there are 5 definite signs that are indications that a suicide plan is in place and that immediate intervention is needed.

Five Teen Suicide Warning Signs

1.Makes frequent references to death or expresses a desire to kill himself or herself.

2.Verbal hints such as "In case something happens to me, I want you...."

3.Writes suicide notes and leaves them around.

4.Preoccupation with songs of death, websites about death or killing oneself.

5.Gives favorite possessions away.

What are some Risk Factors for Teen Suicide?

-Breakup in a romantic relationship

-Recent loss of a friend or family member

-Loss of a parent due to divorce

-Abuse

-Victim of Bullying

-Unplanned Pregnancy

-Problem with the law

The best antidote to suicidal behavior is providing our youth with the sense that no matter how terrible one's situation may be, there is a way out and there is support.

We must ensure that communication between us and our teens remain strong and committed. They must know that there are people who care, who will not judge them for what they have done and will be there to help them pick up the pieces.

How To Tell If You Have Depression

First and foremost, what is depression? Depression is classified as an illness that has a massive effect on your whole body and lifestyle, is changes the way you think, move, act, sleep, eat, socialize with friends and family members and most of all it changes the way you think about yourself as a person. A lot of people don't even class depression as an illness, but in this day and age where life is getting more challenging and demanding, depression is as real as it's ever been.

Although one cannot say for sure where depression comes from what we can say is there are a number of factors that can lead to depression, they are as followed, your upbringing, how you grew up as a child, and what you had to deal with throughout those years, it has been said that if there is a sufferer of depression within the family there is a higher chance that someone who is growing up within that family can carry those traits into adulthood with them without ever knowing it. Other areas that depression can come from are social groups, especially groups that are formed in schools, this is something that is now becoming very popular, being bullied at school, and from what I've seen it's not going away in a hurry either, being bullied over time can definitely lead to depression. Another factor could be your workplace and your lifestyle choices.

Ok, so what are some signs of depression that I can explain to you about today? The first would have to be a change in behavior, being quite moody and experiencing short spells of being happy then sad without being able to explain why. Not wanting to be involved in social outings with friends and family, you may not realize this at first but over time you will start to see a pattern forming. If you are starting to notice a change in your sleeping patterns, not being able to sleep or you are sleeping too much, these are also behavioral depression signs, others would be your diet, either eating way too much or not wanting to eat at all are all behavioral signs, another would be a lack of not wanting to do anything, a sudden lack of energy, which at time I think we all suffer from, don't we.

What about the way you think, I found that most of the time your thought are controlled around negative and worrying thoughts, which leads to unnecessary stress and of course worry. You will notice your concentration levels will drop below what they normally would be at, your ability to focus and make quick decisions will become cloudy and you will procrastinate more often than not.

What about your appearance? I think that your thought will lead to your actions, if this is correct then your negative thoughts and feelings will have a bearing on your body, having depression as I've said above will affect your eating habits, and the way you go about your everyday life, fatigue will start to set in and your body will start to make some unwanted changes, you may start to suffer from back and muscle pain as well as headaches, this can all result from your thought and actions, although this is a common practice with depression sufferers.

What's a solution? If you think that you might be suffering any of the above symptoms or you're starting to show signs, the best thing for you to do is talk to someone who knows you well, just to let them know what's up, also there are a number of places that you can get some very good information from via the internet mostly for free.

What Is A Bull Stock Market And Bear Stock Market?

Unless you are involved in the stock market, or understand the jargon you may not understand what the term bull market or a bear market means. Stock prices are reflected in what is known as the financial market trends. These trends can best be demonstrated in a price chart and the purpose is to pick the best investment and trading opportunities. You may ask what drives these trends. Buyers and sellers are the driving factor, they are also known as the bulls and the bears.

When we say that it is a bull or bear stock market we are talking about the driving force behind the market. The bulls are the buyers so that would make the sellers the bears. Incidentally when we use the term bull or bear we could also be talking about specific securities and sectors.

A bull market is a market that is associated with investor confidence. As a result of this increase in confidence investors are more likely buy in anticipation of making a capital gain. The most memorable and longest running bull market was seen in the 1990s. This was the time when the U.S. and other global markets saw their fastest growth spurt ever.

Just to recap, in a bull stock market the investors are buying. They are looking for more ways to increase their capital gains. So then if it is a bear market, the opposite would be true. Investors will be more pessimistic about buying and are more inclined to sell their stocks to cut their losses. A bear stock market does not come about from a small decline, but a considerable drop in prices over a prolonged period of time. From 1930 to 1932 was probably the most infamous bear market in history. This bear market was the beginning of the Great Depression. There was a much less severe bear market from 1967 - 1983, which included the energy crises of the 1970s and the unemployment surge in the 1980s.

As we already stated a bear stock market does not come about as a result of a small dip in stock prices, it indicates sizable fall in prices over a prolonged period of time. It is most commonly accepted that in order for the stock market it to be considered a bear market there has to be a price fall of at least 20% in a key stock market index from a recent peak that happens over at least two months.

To summarize a bull stock market has investor looking to buy to increase their capital gains. They will be seeking out the best investment opportunities. A bear stock market has these same investors looking to sell their stocks so they can minimize their losses. Historically the U.S. has been a bull market. That is one of the factors why we have been considered the land of opportunity.

The Secret to Success, Will Rogers Way: 3 Tips to Compliment Everyone

Many favorite quotes are attributed to Will Rogers, America's beloved, homespun sage.

When you hear his saying "I never met a man I didn't like" do you say: "Yes! That's easy." or "No! How about the guy who.... Or the lady who...."

What Rogers meant, of course, was that you could find a way to like every man or woman you meet by looking for some admirable quality in them-yes, there is some admirable quality in every person you meet.

If we adopt Will Rogers sympathetic, positive attitude toward people, we will find our own attitudes turning around and being more uplifted and positive. In other words, we benefit from the upward cycle of positivity that happens during a compliment exchange.

What you think you know, grows. If you think of someone as grumpy, mean-spirited, a real pain in the.... Guess what? That is how you will always know them.

Develop the habit of looking for good points, not bad ones. And know this: You will always find what you are looking for.

Always.

Then develop the habit of complimenting them about it. Take the time to say something admirable you have seen and it will change the interaction for you both -- and you will always meet people you like.

My friend Jamie encountered a grumpy woman at the deli counter next to her recently. Rather than simply ignoring her or judging the woman for her behavior (you do this, right? "She should be nicer"...that "she should" is a tip-off to judgment. And who knows what happened in her day or week before you came across her), she complimented her on her earrings.

The woman's whole demeanor changed. She got them on a recent vacation and was thrilled with the compliment on them.

Jamie wasn't trying to start a friendship or any kind of relationship with the woman, or wouldn't get through the line faster or anything else. But the positive interaction made Jamie -- and everyone else -- feel happier at that moment.

3 Tips on Finding Something to Compliment in Everyone

1) Take time to notice. You have to notice something to comment on it. Ask yourself -- what is commendable in the other person, in their abilities, character, personality, or even appearance? Observe them alertly, which really means, pay attention.

2) Ask questions -- about their work, their family, what they do with their free time, their home.

Don't overlook what seems less important about them. For example, someone successful in business might be less responsive to hearing about getting praised for their business acumen. Yet they might glow with pride over their new puppy, vegetable garden or dream vacation -- or even the new haircut or coat.

3) Give the compliment to others if that is more comfortable When you say a good word to someone about their family, home, or hobby, you are indirectly complimenting them, too. This works especially well when you are complimenting "up" such as a boss or someone of the opposite sex, when you don't want to come across as flirting.

Remember, you will develop your complimenting ability faster if you try to appreciate and compliment everyone, regardless of whether they can "do you any good." The fact is that every compliment you give does you some good, even if it only helps you to develop an attitude that makes you more receptive to success overall or fine tune a relationship skill that benefits you later.