Health and Wellness Industry Review

Why are we writing this Health and Wellness Industry Review? What's So Hot About Health and Wellness? The answer lies in the convergence of two trends. The first trend was sparked by the fact that the Baby Boomers are living longer than previous generations ever have in the past. They're looking at ways to keep themselves healthy, active and vital so that they can enjoy life into their later years. They're focusing on being well -- or "Wellness" instead of waiting to get sick and just reacting to it with medications.

The second trend, is also at least partly the result of baby boomers and the longer life span of the population in general. What are people going to do now to ensure that they have the money to enjoy their retirement -- sometimes for the next 20, 30 or 40 years? With the breakdown of the old order (financial system) it's becoming absolutely critical to generate a passive and residual income stream.

Thus, we get the birth of an industry -- Health and Wellness.

Due to the reasons mentioned above, lots of people are thinking about launching a home based business. 

With the economy the way it is, and unemployment rates growing, it's no wonder some are turning to a home business as a way to make a living.

But how do you decide what to do? So many choices out there, so many "business opportunities" screaming "I am the best opportunity-make lots of money...fast...easy...overnight..." and on and on it goes.

Hopefully you've gone through our other articles to help you and guide you down the path that's right for you.

When you're trying to decide what type of home business you want to set up, of course it's a good idea to take a look at what industries are hot - and will continue to grow.

We're going to focus on an industry that has absolutely exploded - and is anticipated to continue to grow for years to come - the Health and Wellness Industry. Industry. People who have become involved in this industry are finding it Extremely Lucrative and are poised to do quite well financially in the future.

The Health and Wellness Industry is concerned with prevention of illness and disease.

This is different from Health industry which includes doctors, hospitals, pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies. This industry focuses on treating the symptoms of illness, and not on prevention of sickness, and or helping people feel healthier.

The Health and Wellness Industry is expected to be a $1 trillion dollar industry by 2010. This industry includes nutritional supplements, juices, health/fitness clubs, chiropractic, naturopathy, homeopathy, and holistic health care. So what are the forces making the Health and Wellness industry so hot?

The economic downturn has affected peoples' ability to spend money on insurance, doctor visits, and hospital stays. People are focusing on prevention of sickness and disease: According to cNMI (Natural Marketing Institute) President Maryellen Molyneaux:

"NMI research clearly shows that the current economic downturn is changing consumer behavior on many levels, including spending related to health and wellness. So while sales in each category continue to grow, consumers are becoming more discerning and are looking for real value in their purchases and not just the perceived value. This shift in behavior will impact manufacturers and retailers not just short-term but also in the future. With the economic future unclear, NMI projects that the health and wellness industry as a whole will remain relatively stable over the next five years at approximately 7% growth each year."

More and more people are searching for ways to prevent illness and improve the quality of their life through better health. Many people feel that the nature of western medicine is treating symptoms, rather than preventing disease. They also feel that what traditional medicine does best is treating emergencies, not not keeping people from getting sick in the first place.

Many Doctors and scientists have dedicated their lives to finding natural "cures" for common "dis-eases" and have embraced a natural approach to treating peoples' conditions.

Pharmaceutical concerns: There is growing mistrust in the general population towards the pharmaceutical industry. Side effects of medications are often serious, and sometimes even lethal.

Lawsuits and product recalls are making people leery of just taking a pill in hopes of getting better. The majority of prescriptions are merely to treat symptoms of sickness, not in curing or preventing disease.

This is creating lifetime customers. Pharmaceuticals are being designed to be taken for life -- and people are becoming aware of the dangers of this to their health.

People are living longer. And they want to be healthy doing it. Life spans keeps getting longer, and people are willing to invest in their health more now than ever before. They are seeking ways to feeling good, staying well, and having health and vitality -- and are turning to the Health and Wellness Industry for the answers.

By David Bouchez

Redefining Fitness At 50 And Beyond

As both a sport and an industry, fitness as we know it today is quite young - 50 years ago home gyms and commercial gyms were almost unheard of, especially outside major cities. While explosive growth has changed that massively, most fitness programs, routines and 'truisms' don't apply to people trying to get back in shape at 50 and beyond.

The reason for this is that the sport grew by demand from young people, a group always known to be in a hurry with little patience for anything that didn't provide instant gratification. The young men wanted the biggest muscles - today. The young women wanted that bikini body - yesterday. Oh, and for both, please don't let it take much time from my busy social schedule either. This led to the 'Build Bigger Muscles FAST!' and 'Lose 20 Pounds THIS WEEK' headlines in the magazines, fueling the drive that much more.

Fast forward to today and those same ideas persist, many of them in spite of current science. And if you're approaching 50, are 50 or over 50 years of age, you may well still be clinging to those attitudes like they were carved in stone. Compounding the problem, fitness writers and most personal trainers tend to be younger and treat baby boomers in one of two ways - either they try to use the exact same routines and schedules on every client regardless of age, or they feel those in their 50's, 60's and 70's should stick to cardio with a bit of light-weight work on machines for higher reps.

Not only does that miss the mark, but those issues can also cause a lot of mature people to avoid the gym for fear of being intimidated or ridiculed. Equally damaging, many try to jump straight into full-blown exercise regimes or crossfit-style workouts using the same body they've over-fed and under-utilized for the previous 10, 20 or 30 years.

This doesn't mean, however, that older athletes can't get healthy, strong and active again - or run marathons, play tennis and golf or any other sport. What needs to change is the mindset around and the routines developed for fitness at 50 and beyond.

So what does that entail if you want to get in great shape, or at least better shape and be fit over 50?

First, by now you should know this isn't a race. Fitness isn't a goal, it's a lifestyle. Add in some patience and some of that wisdom you've gained through life experience and you'll see the best route is a calm one, making small improvements over time that lead to big overall results.

If you're out of shape, don't try to run a marathon next month. Start by walking for an hour every day. Over time, look to increase the distance you go in that hour. When that's quite comfortable you can start jogging or running for a couple of minutes followed by walking for 5 to ten minutes, repeating that cycle til your hour is completed. Slowly increase the running time while cutting back a bit on the walking time til you're running the full hour. And from there you just slowly increase the length of your runs til you're up to 5k, 10k, half-marathon and finally marathon-length runs.

The same goes in the gym... Chances are you're not preparing for a bodybuilding contest if you've never done them before this, so there is no deadline. And, though it hurts the ego, understand that you have no need to big, hulking muscles - sorry, the girls on the beach aren't going to ask you to show off your biceps. Then again, at this age you have no need for them - what you DO need is strength, energy, balance and bone density. No more light weights and high repetitions for you - what you need is very heavy weights moved through the full range of motion for relatively lower reps - in essence, a powerlifter's workout. And this is true for both men and women who are weightlifting at 50 and beyond.

But again, there's no rush. Remember the famous 'No Pain, No Gain' slogan of your younger days? Replace it with 'No Pain, Still Gain'. There's no reason to rush into it and hurt yourself, or push your body to the point of ongoing pain or, worse yet, injury. Start by checking with your doctor in case there's any pre-existing condition you need to take into account, then start light and learn the proper form and train through the full range of motion. Learn the exercises to strengthen your joints, protect your knees, free up your hips and shoulders, etc.

Once you have the proper form committed to memory and are past that first term of stretching out the muscles by using full-range compound exercises, you can start slowly increasing the weight you lift. If you can successfully perform 4 or 5 sets of 5 repetitions with your current weight, increase the weight slightly at your next session. The increase should be small enough that you can still finish 3 full sets without breaking form, but too much for you to finish those fourth and fifth sets. Stay at that weight til you can do all 5 sets with perfect form, then increase it again.

Don't expect big muscle size growth from this - it's not that style of workout and you don't have as much testosterone as you did at 20. What will happen over time is you'll get much stronger, much more limber, have better balance and be increasing your bone density. And remember - Be Patient & Persistent. You're looking to be strong and healthy for the rest of your life, so if it takes a year or two to get where you want to be, so what?

You CAN get fit at 50 and beyond, have plenty of energy to outlast your grandkids and kids on a day out, wake up pain-free and feeling good - it all depends on your choices and the actions you take. Start YOUR journey to the fitness lifestyle today, no matter what age you are!


By D. Champigny

How to Walk For Fitness

It was a physical awakening, that magical day as a toddler that you took your very first step. Even though you were clumsy and hesitant, it opened up a whole new world for you.

Actually, at first you were really bad at it. You tumbled and fell, ran into things, and tried again. The only injuries you ever got were not from over-use, but more likely scrapes and bruises that seem to come with the learning process of walking. It wasn't long before you could stop thinking about what you were doing, and walking became as natural as breathing.

Now that you are an adult, you have to consider such things as doing too much too soon and getting yourself injured. Slow and steady is the best way to work yourself into a fitness walking properly as well as adopting the ideal walking technique and posture.

Sure, you walk naturally, but over the years you may have developed bad posture habits that might come back to haunt you once you begin a more physically demanding walking program.

First, you should schedule a physical examination and talk with your doctor about your fitness plans, especially if you have a history of high blood pressure or chest pain.

Make sure your shoes fit properly and are constructed properly for walking. For instance some shoes are designed for side to side movement (like tennis shoes). You want a running or walking shoe that is specifically designed for straight-ahead walking.

Things to consider in your walking form:

Your aim is to keep your back straight and not lean too far backward or forward. This is where your overall posture comes into play. If your posture has always been good, keeping your back straight will not be a problem. If not, it just means you have to concentrate a bit more on the "straight back" technique.

Look straight ahead and not at the ground. This will help ensure that you are maintaining proper posture. If you are looking down at the ground, you are most likely leaning too far forward.

Try and keep your strides compact and uniform. Do not over-stride (take too long of a stride).

Always begin your walking workout with 10 minutes or so of very slow walking before getting into your steady pace.

Sometimes it is also beneficial to stretch after the initial warm-up.

Use the same method to cool down at the end of the walk.

Once you develop a proper walking technique, you will find that it becomes second nature, and you will be getting the most benefit possible from your walking program.

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By Ray Fauteux

Tips to Finding Private Caregiver Jobs

Finding private caregiver jobs is easier than you may have imagined. If you are a registered nurse or a certified home health care aid, then you are looking to give someone with the home support they need.

This type of job isn't for everyone, so it's important that you give a lot of thought and consideration into the place, what it entails and what you are willing to do. Each patient is different, some only need basic help throughout the day, some need assistance and night and some need twenty-four hour support.

Your job is to relieve some of the stress for the family, giving them the ability to work or take some time for themselves, without the duty of looking after their elderly parent. This type of position isn't limited to the elderly and can include someone recovering from surgery or a younger person with a disability, making it impossible for them left alone for long periods of time.

Before you start looking around for private caregiver jobs, it's worthwhile putting down your own requirements and expectations. This type of work are demanding and you need to make sure that both you and the client are happy before accepting any positions. Writing down your expectations can also help you answer questions during the interview process.

Start with the duties you are able and willing to do. In most cases private caregivers are responsible for the overall wellness of their patient, from helping them with daily care to changing the bedding, cooking their meals, taking their vitals and basic housekeeping.

Decide whether you want to work full or part-time and whether you are willing to live-in. Often live in cases are when the person requires around the clock care, this enables the family to live a fairly normal life, giving you different shifts on different days to meet both of your approval.

Wages will be a big deciding factor and based on your abilities, qualifications and whether you choose to work full-time, part-time or whether you live in. In live in cases, wages may include board and food, which means you will come out with less cash each month, but won't have the heavy expenses of rent and groceries.

Now that you have your notes written, it's time to start searching for private caregiver jobs in your local area. You can speak to other caregivers in the area and see if they know of anyone looking, you should also check the local newspapers, often people place adverts in newspapers and handle the recruitment process themselves.

You may want to register with an agency or you can visit a private caregiver dedicated website, one that enables you to upload your CV and enables patients and agencies to read your profile and call you in for an interview if they feel you are the perfect match. If you are considering full-time live in work, then decide if you are willing to travel, this can open up more prospects in terms of the number of private caregiver jobs available.

Make copies of all your credentials and your CV, this way you have them ready to take with you to interviews. Remember to take your own notes to interviews, this will help you discuss what you are willing to do, the wages you are hoping to do and anything else you may feel is important when choosing private caregiver jobs.

Finally, be honest during the interview process. There is no point in lying about your abilities when you know the patient will need a private caregiver that can meet all their requirements.





By Sree Alangad

What Do Home Care Providers Do?

If you're considering a job as a home care provider, it's important you are aware of what this type of job entails. It's not an easy job, it requires specialist care and treatment for the elderly, those recovering from surgery and those that are unable to care for themselves.

These positions are available as part-time, full-time and even live-in, depending on the patient's requirements. In most cases these jobs must a full day. Sometimes you asked to spend the evening with the patient so the family can go out, though this is something that agreed on in the interview.

As a home care provider, you are responsible for the daily care of the patient. This is helping them get out of bed, bathing and dressing them. Each patient has different requirements, therefore it will depend on the job you are applying for about how much you need to do for the patient.

You will be responsible for transferring the patient safely from their bed to their wheelchair, such as or helping them get in the bath. In many cases you are responsible for ensuring their bedding is clean and their bedroom is in order. This may include tidying their drawers, managing their wardrobe and some general housekeeping.

As a home care provider, you're required to put a care plan in place to make sure you manage your patient effectively. This may include ensuring they take their medication on time and take their vitals as and when needed.

Often you will be responsible for helping them with their daily shopping requirements, whether this is buying their groceries or helping them buy new clothes. Many home care providers take their patients with them to the shop wherever possible, giving them a chance to get out of the house and choose their own groceries for the week.

Companionship is another important role that you will be responsible for throughout the day. While you are there to care for their needs throughout the day, it's nice to sit down every now and again and get to know your patient. In some cases these patients are bound or house bound and you are the only person they see, outside their own family. Whether you sit and watch some television together or you read to them, they will appreciate the companionship.

Home care providers are also responsible for the patient's stimulation. This means taking your patient out for the day, whether it's a stroll through the local area, a trip to the zoo or to the cinema, it's a chance to take your patient out of the home and enable them to interact with other people. Many of the elderly patients are members of retirement groups in the area, maybe they get together once a week to play bingo. It's your responsibility to go with your patient to these events.

Housekeeping is one of the roles expected to complete as a home care provider. Because you are responsible for the overall wellness of your patient required to cook, clean, wash dishes, do laundry and ironing. The overall idea is that the patient enjoys a clean and healthy home with the added medical support should they need it.





By Sree Alangad

Things to Consider When Placing an Advert for a Caregiver

Hundreds of applicants apply to caregiver jobs, which is why it's so important that you make sure that you take all the relevant steps to make sure the person you choose is the right one with your loved one.

Caregivers are in demand now, as care home prices continue to rise. These people, often registered nurses and certified home health care aids. These people have studied to enable them to give the necessary daily care for your elderly parent, loved one after surgery or disabled family member who is unable to care for themselves.

When considering a caregiver as part of your family, because they will become part of the family with the amount of time they will be spending in the home, you need to decide what you expect of them.

The first step to placing any caregiver jobs is to decide your needs and the patient's needs. This will decide the level of care needed. An elderly patient who is more than capable of looking after themselves, but has the risk of falling and injuring themselves, may just need someone for company and basic housekeeping, but have the skills should an accident occur.

Write up a complete job description of what you expect. This should include basic daily duties, available times and dates and credentials. Once you have your job description written up you can approach an agency to see if they have anyone suitable that matches your specific requirements or you can place a caregiver job advertisement and manage the influx of applications that you will receive.

Draw up a contract before you start your interview process. This is very useful when interviewing and help you remember the important points. This also ensures you don't rush your contract, leaving out important aspects which affect the well-being of the patient. This is why so many people approach reputable agencies for help, as agencies check credentials and have a team of knowledgeable and experienced people on their books, ready to start work right away.

You also need to decide if you're looking for someone to work part-time, giving you a break to go and have your hair done or watch your child's sporting match, or whether you want someone all day, all night or live-in. This is an important decision that will impact the wages expected.

The next step is interviewing the good applicants that applied for your caregiver job. It's advisable to take all the CV's you get and create a shortlist. You should match up your list of requirements to their credentials and experience, helping you narrow down the applicant list to five or less.

Be honest and open during the interview process, an opportunity to meet the patient and show them around the home. Advising them along the way of what you expect in return for the money you are paying each week or month.

When you feel you have found the perfect applicant, you will want to carry out a criminal check. If you have decided to use an agency, make sure they carry out the necessary background checks on the applicants they are putting forward. This will offer you piece of mind when you leave them with your loved one each day.

Follow up on references, they are not on the CV to fill it up. Take the time to make the call and phone as many of the references as possible, this way you will get a true sign on whether the applicant is right for the patients and your family.

Finally, make sure you check the progress of the patient and applicant for a few weeks after they start. Ask the patient how they feel about them, ask the applicant how they feel about the job and the patient, see how they get on together and make sure that the applicant is offering the patient enough stimulation.





By Sree Alangad

Organic Solutions for High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of several health ailments, including strokes and heart attacks. Many people take medications to control their blood pressure. However, over the counter medication have the disadvantage of being addictive and could cause many side effects. Hence, more and more individuals are opting for natural ways to manage their blood pressure.

Four natural ways to manage blood pressure:

1. Aromatherapy therapy
Your nerves are stimulated by a pleasant aroma and each aroma has its own special properties. Aromatherapy is growing in demand due to its stimulating and relaxing nature. The candles used in the process are made from natural materials, which calm your nerves and mind. It helps to relieve stress from your body and is a perfect de-stressing tool. It can also serve your meditation purposes. You can try out incenses that have a sweet smell. Buy incense sticks online from a reputed organic lifestyle retailer and see its calming effect.

2. Oil massage
Certain types of oil like the olive oil have de-stressing and skin purifying properties. Regular head massage from Sheetkriya Hair Oil can help you feel relaxed and rejuvenated. You can get calm and a refreshed mental state because of its excellent composition. Look for Ayurvedic hair oil online and get your stock.

3. Herbal Tea
Move over traditional teas that are mass-produced and opt for herbal ones. These teas imbibe all the goodness of nature in tea form. The lack of caffeine makes it all the more safer to drink. They are the source of minerals and vitamins, which are of organic nature. Herbal teas have no added artificial ingredients or preservatives and are very easy to make. You just need hot water in adequate quantities to prepare a perfect herbal tea.

4. Eye pillow
You need a perfect night's sleep to feel refreshed and invigorated. After a good night's sleep, your blood pressure comes back to normal. However, in a city or urban setting, it is very difficult to get a proper night's sleep due to the abundance of factors. If you have a feeling of fatigue first thing in the morning, it will be best to get yourself an eye pillow. Such pillows are specially designed to give your eyes maximum comfort and darkness. Your eyes will feel restful when awake in the morning.



By Mohit M Kumar