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Formally the “recession” is over, but that doesn’t mean that suddenly we’ve got loads of cash pouring out of our pockets. We are completely trying to stay fit and free of fat, but that means spending exorbitant sums of money on gym memberships and healthy, organic food doesn’t come cheap either.

Here are some ways to save money and sustain a healthy lifestyle:

1.      Check out deals that your gym may offer. Special weekend rates, class-only rates, student discounts, etc. Also, getting any sort of job at the gym will generally get you free membership.

2.      Whenever a gym isn’t in your budget, work out in the beautiful world around you. Find a friend with a pool and swim some laps, go for jogs, or play tennis at an open court. Also, start relying your car less and your legs more. If your video store is a 20 minute walk, consider leaving your car at home for a change and power-walking or running to the store.

3.      Purchase your fruits and vegetables at farmer’s markets. It depends on where you live, but generally local farmer’s markets (or pick up trucks on the side of the road) offer higher quality fruits and vegetables than in large grocery stores.

4.      Make a grocery list. People spend way too much money on groceries when they leave their lists at home. When you browse, you buy things that you’re in the mood for now, and that could be anything and everything. Stick to the list, buying only things you’ll need and you’ll likely come out with healthier food and not too much of it.

5.      Buy in bulk. Make a run to Costco and stock up on brown rice and olive oil in bulk. This is also a good place to buy fruits and vegetables.

6.      Cook your own food. Prepackaged food is never as healthy as home-cooked and can cost double or triple the price.

7.      Whenever your doctor suggests you try a diet pill, make sure you check out the generic versions (like generic Xenical or generic Meredia/Reductil. They can save you a ton of money, curb your appetite so you eat less food, and ultimately help you lose weight!

You see people smoking almost anywhere in parts of Europe. Outside of bars and restaurants or even on local transport, smoking smells bad and poses a serious health risk to non-smokers.

Passive smoking is a hidden hazard to non-smokers. According to reports last year 660,000 people worldwide died because of inhaling second hand smoke. A study conducted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) created a study in 192 countries citing that Children were particularly vulnerable to passive smoking. An estimated 165,000 children died from respiratory infections mostly in the South East Asia and in Africa.

Europe has the highest number of people are exposed to second hand smoke. Women are more likely to die from passive smoking then men or children. Although fewer women smoke, they usually end up breathing in second hand smoke from their partners.

So if you smoke cigarettes, why not help yourself and other people around you by stopping smoking now.  There’s a few ways to do this either by nicotine replacement therapy products like those developed by Nicorette. Your local health authority or GP can also offer you advice on how to stop smoking effectively.

Germany has one of the highest smoking rates for any developed world. To benefit those readers we have translated the article above:

Hören Sie jetzt auf zu rauchen

Man sieht Raucher fast in allen Teilen Europas. Vor Bars und Restaurants oder sogar in öffentlichen Verkehrsmitteln – der Rauch riecht unangenehm und birgt eine Vielzahl an ernstzunehmenden Gesundheitsrisiken für Nichtraucher.

Passivrauchen ist eine versteckte Gefahr für Nichtraucher. Berichten zufolge starben im vergangenen Jahr 660.000 Menschen weltweit, weil Sie Rauch aus zweiter Hand einatmen mussten. Eine Studie der Weltgesundheitsorganisation (WHO) hat eine Studie in 192 Ländern durchgeführt, die belegt hat, dass Kinder besonders anfällig für Passivrauchen sind. Schätzungsweise 165.000 Kinder starben an Infektionen der Atemwege vor allem in Südostasien und in Afrika.

Europa hat die höchste Zahl von Menschen, die passiv Tabakrauch ausgesetzt sind. Frauen sterben häufiger durch Passivrauchen als Männer oder Kinder. Obwohl weniger Frauen rauchen, sind sie in der Regel häufiger den Zigarettenrauch Ihrer Partner ausgesetzt.

Wenn Sie also rauchen, warum helfen Sie nicht sich selbst und anderen Menschen um Sie herum, indem Sie mit dem Rauchen aufhören. Es gibt ein einige Möglichkeiten, dies zu tun: entweder durch Nikotinersatztherapie-Produkte wie die, die von Nicorette entwickelt wurden. Ihre lokale Gesundheitsbehörde oder ihr Hausarzt bieten Ihnen aber auch Ratschläge, wie Sie Ihre Angewohnheit ein für alle mal loswerden können.

Cases of IBS, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome, can range from the mild to the severe. Consequently, they can be niggling, embarrassing or even debilitating. Whatever the degree of the disorder, there is no doubt that it is troublesome, disruptive and causes discomfort. To add to the trouble, a full cure is not assured for IBS. Since the specific cause remains as yet unknown, the specific cure too remains out of our reach. And for some, it may go on to be a lifelong problem. All the more reason for us to look to treating it and keeping it contained.

Medication

Medicines are essential for reducing or relieving symptoms. However they do not work for everyone, not without side effects. Antidiarrheals, stool softeners and laxatives may be prescribed. Doctors may try to avoid laxatives though, since they can weaken your intestine. If you respond well to dietary fibers, those can be recommended.

Antispasmodics and antidepressants are also given at times, keeping in mind that they can worsen constipation. Then they might have to be followed with muscle relaxants. Drugs affecting serotonin are also administered.

Diet Control

Careful eating can help reduce symptoms. People with IBS often have certain food intolerances (for example, to milk products, tea, coffee, chocolate, wheat, rye, barley). Noting which food items over stimulate the intestine and avoiding them would be wise. If you have to skip dairy products, make sure that you are getting the required nutrients by some other means. Eat more often if you have to, but take small meals, since large ones often affect the colon adversely. See that you are taking in enough dietary fibers but do this in consultation with your doctor/dietitian. Drink plenty of water, especially if you have diarrhea symptoms.

Psychotherapy

Since stress is often found to trigger symptoms for the syndrome, you need to learn about stress management. Consult a professional and take the help of regular exercises, relaxation measures and improved sleeping habits.

It is important to note that, in the end, it is the right individual combination of the above measures which will enable you to overcome this irritable syndrome.