Over the last two years kale has become increasingly popular, more readily available & added into every recipe from smoothies to soups, but what really makes it more special that any other green vegetable? Should we all jump on the kale bandwagon?

Increasing research into in the nutritional composition of kale has found that it is a high protein, high fibre & low carbohydrate vegetable. It is mineral dense with high levels of calcium, iron, zinc & magnesium.

Raw kale also contains more than the recommended daily intake of Vitamin A, Vitamin C & Vitamin K.

As part of the cabbage family, kale has high antioxidant activity & due to its rich nutrient value it has excellent health prospects for the treatment of various diseases. Studies of kale show it can help to reduce cholesterol levels, regulate blood sugar level, & aid in the digestive process.

(more…)

One thing that cannot be argued with respect to options for those who have dental or oral health issues is that there is a lack of them. The choice may vary in number and variety from dental practice to dental practice but when you consider that dentures, bridges, veneers, crowns, bonding, fillings, and dental implants are but just a few of the many solutions for patients, then the biggest problem might not be toothache, but a potential headache trying to make a choice.

One choice amongst the ones we listed there that is becoming more and more popular is dental implants. They might be at the top of the pile in terms of what they cost, but they provide a long list of benefits for those who have them fitted. Unfortunately not everyone is suitable for dental implants, so if you are wondering if they are the right option for you, here are some of the reasons why they should be.

You Have One Or More Teeth Missing

This is the first and most obvious reason why dental implants might be the answer for you. We should also include if you have damaged teeth that are scheduled to be extracted due to being beyond repair. Whatever the reason for your missing teeth, dental implants provide a secure, and durable replacement that will remain in pace for many years.

(more…)

Looking after your health by making good food choices is one of the most important things in life. Many people wanting the healthiest foods for their families are now choosing organic goods and produce over conventionally grown foods. The demand for organic products in Australia is increasing at a rate of 20-30% per year with 6 out of 10 Australian families purchasing organic goods on a regular basis. But is it worth the additional cost to the weekly household budget?

According to the Stanford University in America, of 250 studies comparing organic fruits, vegetables, grains, poultry, meat and eggs to conventionally grown produce, there was no obvious nutritional benefit to purchasing organic. However, some studies have shown that organic produce have higher phosphorous levels; have higher omega-3 in milk and chicken; and less antibiotic resistant bacteria in organic chicken and pork. Other comparable studies have also shown that organic foods have lower nitrate levels and higher vitamin C and selenium levels. So while the jury is out on which produce is actually nutritionally better, there is no debate when it comes to the chemical burden we place on our bodies when choosing non-organic foods.

(more…)

For anyone who is considering eye surgery, the main options are Lasik eye surgery and Lasek eye surgery, and unless you see those both written down, they sound pretty much like the same thing. The fact is, despite them sounding so alike, there are differences between them, and more importantly, differences with regards to which patients are suitable for each of them.

Let us start by explaining what those two very similar sounding acronyms, stand for. LASIK eye surgery stands for Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis, and Lasek stands for Laser Assisted Sub-Epithermal Keratectomy. Having just typed all that out, and if you have ever tried to say all that, we think you’ll agree whoever thought up those acronyms deserves a medal.

If we start with Lasik eye surgery, it has been around since the 1990s, and it has helped to correct the vision of more people around the world than any other type of laser eye surgery. Literally millions of those who previously had to use glasses or contact lenses to correct their vision, no longer have to wear them.

If you undergo Lasik eye surgery the process starts with anaesthetic eye drops being administered into your eye, and then the surgeon will put a speculum in place to keep your lids open, and a suction ring to prevent eye movement.

The actual laser surgery starts with the surgeon using a calibrated laser to create a flap on your cornea. Then, with you staring at a target ahead of you, a computer-controlled laser will alter the shape of your cornea. This is what adjusts your vision and thus negate the need for glasses or contact lenses.

(more…)

So, you’ve overindulged on one too many festive occasions, and you now find yourself with a beer belly that appears to have crept up overnight. What do you do? How do you get rid of it? Unfortunately for those with beer bellies from too many brews and treats, they can take a lot longer to get rid of than they did to get, but you’re not stuck with them if you start to look after your health. Read on to learn what it takes to banish that beer belly for good.

Start Moving

Exercise is going to be valuable in any part of your life, but even more so when you’re trying to get rid of that unwelcome beer belly. One of the best forms of exercise for shifting excess abdominal fat is high-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE).

HIIE involves partaking in intense bursts of exercise, followed by short rests, then more intense exercise. Such activity can result in fat-burning and accelerated weight loss. You’ll be back to your former fit self in no time!

It also helps to exercise for at least 30 minutes per day, mixing those days up with stretching and strength training. If you find it hard to fit in exercise, then be more resourceful with your day. Take the stairs instead of the lift, and walk to work instead of driving if possible. There are plenty of ways you can welcome more activity into your life.

(more…)

If it has been some time since you saw your dentist, and you haven’t taken care of your teeth, then you may be in for some surprises. Perth Dentist, Clear Choice Dental tell us while cleaning, fillings, root canals and extractions can be popular treatment methods, crowns are another one with many different benefits. If your dentist has recommended a crown, but you’re not sure what that entails, then read on.

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a cap that your dentist cements onto your tooth. Once it’s in place, only a dentist can remove it. A crown’s role is to cover a damaged tooth, strengthen it, improve your tooth alignment, and make it look better than it did before.

A dental crown can be quite a complex procedure, so your dentist may recommend a temporary one while they create a more permanent one to put in its place.

What Types of Dental Crowns Can You Get?

Everyone’s mouth is different, so the selection of dental crowns is as well. There are four primary types your dentist might recommend. Ceramic is the more popular option for restoring your front teeth. They are of a porcelain-type material and blend in with the natural colours of your tooth.

(more…)

When you discover you’re pregnant, you might believe that a trip to the dentist has to wait until after you give birth. However, dental care is even more critical than ever before during your pregnancy. Below is some helpful information on caring for your teeth when you’re pregnant.

Dentist Perth advise that the first thing you need to do is to let your dentist know you’re pregnant if you are planning on having a check-up or procedure. In high-risk pregnancies, most procedures might be able to wait until after your bundle arrives. Otherwise, the benefits of dental care often outweigh any potential risk factors.

You can continue brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing between your teeth, and eating a balanced diet to promote your oral hygiene and health. You should also still visit your dentist for check-ups and professional cleaning. If you are suffering from morning sickness, you can reduce the risk of acid attacking your teeth by rinsing your mouth with baking soda and water.

(more…)

An alarming number of people have a fear of going to the dentist – or any medical professional, in fact. According to Dentist Joondalup, some people have had bad past experiences they’re fearful of reliving, while others fear the pain they believe they will experience. If you know how important your oral health is, but you can’t bring yourself to attend that critical dentist appointment, then it’s time to take action. Your fear is now affecting your health, and it’s imperative you overcome it for the benefit of your oral hygiene.

Here are just a few of the many ways in which you can overcome your fear of the dentist.

Choose the Best Dentist

If your fear of the dentist is due to a past bad experience, you are likely to feel a little nervous about seeing another one. A common reason for that is the fear that you will relive that same experience. While the likelihood of that happening is slim, doing your research to find the best dentist is a good idea.

Write down a list of dentists in your area that could be potential options, then start checking out their websites and reviews. Online reviews are now as highly regarded as personal recommendations, so be sure to check them out thoroughly. When you’ve narrowed down your list to dentists with glowing reviews, you can then find out whether they cater to nervous patients. Some dental offices are well-skilled in helping nervous patients to feel at ease, so make the phone call and find out for sure.

(more…)

As you browse the many toothbrush choices in your local supermarket, you are sure to become overwhelmed with knowing how to select the best one. After all, why would dentists and supermarkets provide so many options if there wasn’t one type that would suit you the best? If you don’t know what you’re looking for or know which brush is going to be more beneficial for your needs, then there’s a risk you could make the wrong call.

Here’s how to find out whether the toothbrush you have is the right one for you.

The Bristles

There’s a common misconception that the harder the bristles are, the more effective they are for removing food particles from between your teeth. However, as most dentists will agree, soft bristles are more beneficial. They are far more effective at removing plaque and food while being gentle to your gums as well.

The Handle

When you browse supermarket shelves looking for a new toothbrush, you’ll find the handle design varies from one manufacturer to the next. While there’s no “right” handle, it’s important to purchase one that you’re comfortable using. Some have grip patterns around the sides to help you get a firmer handle on it, while others are rippled, flat, rounded, or edged.

(more…)

You are stronger than you think you are, but transitioning from a drug rehab facility to the real world can open some dark and dangerous doors. You find yourself in the same environment you left but with the added stress of trying to fight the urges and cravings of beginning to use drugs and alcohol again. Rather than undo all your hard work to get clean, here are five ways to help avoid a relapse.

Change Your Friend Circle

Often, the same friends you come home to are the ones who encouraged your drug or alcohol habit in the first place. While it might be hard to turn your back on them, changing your friend circle is often the best way to begin your clean and healthy lifestyle on the right foot. Those same temptations don’t surround you, nor are unsupportive friends there to tempt you back into a life of drugs and alcohol. Instead, surround yourself with friends and family who you know will encourage you to live your new, clean lifestyle.

Communicate with Your Support People

When you go to drug rehab, you’re typically assigned a support person, or people, to help you both while you’re in rehab and when you leave. If you find yourself struggling with everyday life without drugs, make sure you communicate these feelings with either your support people or your family. Don’t isolate yourself and hide how you’re feeling. The more people who know about your battles, the easier it is to stay on the right path.

(more…)