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Later versions of Microsoft Windows include an Accessibility Wizard and Magnifier for those with partial vision, and Microsoft Narrator, a simple screen reader. Web browsers, word processors, icons and windows and email programs are just some of the applications used successfully by screen reader users. This season Anthony Loeff nonprofit worker is reporting digital tools for people who are blind The rest have some vision, from light perception alone to relatively good acuity. This interpretation is then represented to the user with text-to-speech, sound icons, or a braille output. The movement towards greater web accessibility is opening a far wider number of websites to adaptive technology, making the web a more inviting place for visually impaired surfers.

More and more, screen readers are being bundled with operating system distributions. A screen reader is a software application that attempts to identify and interpret what is being displayed on the screen. Screen readers can be assumed to be able to access all display content that is not intrinsically inaccessible.

Screen reader choice is contentious: differing priorities and strong preferences are common. While Apple Mac OS X includes VoiceOver, a more feature-rich screen reader.

The open source GNOME desktop environment long included Gnopernicus and now includes Orca. However functionality remains limited compared to equivalent desktop applications, the major benefit is to increase the accessibility of said websites. Only a small fraction of this population, when compared to the sighted community, have Internet access.

Near 21 percent of those deemed legally blind, by any measure, have no vision. A persons choice of screen reader is dictated by many factors, including platform and the role of organizations like charities, schools, and employers.

Further, using a screen reader is, according to some users, considerably more difficult than using a GUI and many applications have specific problems resulting from the nature of the application. Access technology such as screen readers and Screen magnifiers enable the blind to use mainstream computer applications. The primary audience for such applications is those who have difficulty reading because of learning disabilities or language barriers. There are also open source screen readers, such as the Linux Screen Reader for GNOME and NonVisual Desktop Access for Windows.

Recent versions of Microsoft Windows come with the rather basic Narrator. Screen readers are a form of assistive technology potentially useful to people who are blind, visually impaired, or learning disabled, often in combination with other AT such as screen magnifiers. Most legally blind people 56 percent do not use computers. The latter developed in part by Knopper who has a visual impairment. The console-based Oralux Linux distribution ships with three screen-reading environments: Emacspeak, Yasr and Speakup. Experimental approaches in sensory substitution are beginning to provide access to arbitrary live views from a camera.

The Macintosh OS also comes with a built-in screen reader, called VoiceOver. Linux distributions for the blind include Oralux and Adriane Knoppix.

Strength training for juniors is supported by organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Each of these organizations encourages children’s participation in appropriately designed training programs as long as they are competently supervised.

Many research reports conclude that juniors can benefit from strength training programs through the improvement of motor fitness skills, self esteem, overall strength and physical and emotional well being.

For those juniors who are anxious to get an early start with strength training as a perfect compliment to their golf game, let’s review the importance of form, function and good nutrition. These principles serve as the foundation for junior fitness and a lifetime of health and wellness for your young athlete.

Form. Each exercise we perform has a specific method of set up, instruction and properly executed form for each movement. There are muscles which stabilize while other muscles activate. Each plays a role in an exercise. When we compromise on technique or what is considered good form, injuries occur. When we place inappropriate loads on unsupported bodies, we no longer create an opportunity for growth, but rather continue to place unnecessary stress on our bodies. Take the time to learn proper form and lifting techniques. Once your child learns the basics, make sure they are properly supervised as they learn about their bodies and their new found capabilities. Remember these principles will serve as the foundation for their future so take the time to help them understand the importance of safety and appropriate lifting techniques.

Function. Once you set safety and proper form as your priority, it’s time to choose an appropriate exercise program. Many young players ask about the right number of sets and reps for their age. Just remember that young players are not aspiring weightlifters or bodybuilders, but rather strength builders. Junior golfers should begin with body weight exercises that place an emphasis on many muscle groups and movement patterns which mimic real life movements such as pushups, pull-ups, and multi directional lunges. Weights can be used, but the focus should be light weights and higher repetitions. Simply choose 5 or 6 exercises and perform 15 to 20 reps while continuing your concentration on good form and technique. Never compromise on the quality of your movement in favor of increased repetitions. Begin with only a few repetitions until you master an exercise. Parents or instructors should provide clear instruction and close supervision.

Good Nutrition. As role models, parents have the responsibility to educate their children on the importance of proper nutrition. I’m sure, as adults, we’ve often wondered how different we would have viewed food if our parents had spent more time with us. Regardless of their age, it is not too late to teach them about fueling an athletic body and powerful mind. In the end, food fulfills three basic requirements. These are to provide fuel for their bodies, regulation of their metabolism and to support new tissue growth. Children who golf need an abundance of nutrients in the form of variety, balance and moderation. In the absence of proper nutrients, you sacrifice their growth as well as their future golf performance.

Susan Hill is a CHEK Golf Biomechanic, Sports Nutritionist and President of Fitness for Golf. For exercises and articles specific to junior golfers, then visit http://www.fitnessforgolf.com.

Although concrete may seem pretty tough, it actually is vulnerable to many environmental factors. People often overlook the fact that concrete is porous. And as with porous surfaces, moisture, stains, molds, and other environmental hazards can seep in, wrecking havoc on your beautiful concrete surfaces.

Your concrete is always vulnerable to water. These porous surfaces will allow moisture to loosen your vinyl tiles or ruin your carpet.

How does water get in my concrete, (and how do I stop it)?

Water can enter concrete in two ways: from the top side or from the ground. Water entering from the top is called positive moisture. It comes from rain and other liquids that spill on the concrete surface. Ground moisture is called negative moisture. It comes from the natural moisture of the ground over which the concrete is laid.

Concrete surfaces act like sponges when exposed to water. It will draw water until it is saturated, or if there is no more water available. It will then disperse the water until it reaches equilibrium state.

What does water do to my concrete?

Water may cause many processes that can lead to noticeable damage. Water causes the rebar to rust. This in turn weakens the concrete.

Water also activates alkali disintegration. During the curing process of concrete, the alkali in the concrete becomes dormant. As water seeps into the concrete the alkali begins to react again with the concrete around it. This destroys the concrete from within.

Water is also causes mold, mildew and algae to grow. Mold has been known to influence severe health problems. Algae, on the other hand, cause the concrete to become slick and discolored while mildew often give off a bad odor and stains organic materials.

Up to 60% of homes have basements that suffer from this sort of problem. This could seriously affect the resell value of your home and make your home a health hazard to its occupants.

The moisture must be stopped to stop the damage.

To protect your concrete walls or floors, you need to have them protected with a concrete sealer. Concrete sealers protect concrete from deterioration brought about by road salt, stains, oil, moisture, and molds. It also provides a layer of protection that allows for easier sweeping and cleaning.

You will most likely need only one application of concrete sealant to keep your concrete surfaces protected.

Needed Equipment

First of all, you need to assemble the needed equipment. First of all, you must wear protective clothing since you are about to work with potential irritants. Gather a stiff brush and a water bucket. You will also need some rubber gloves, goggles and small-particle filter to protect you against chemical agents. You will also need some paintbrushes and a paint roller. Make sure there is proper ventilation at the place you are to work with the concrete sealer.

How to Apply

1. Clean the Floor. Your surface must be free of dirt, grime, grease, and oil. The stiff scrub brush will help remove stubborn stains. Use a commercial cleaner to help remove the dirt. Stubborn stains might need some soaking in a detergent solution before they can be removed. Rinse thoroughly with clear water. A second application may be required.

2. Apply Sealer: Before painting the floor, make sure you test the sealer on a small patch of floor. This will tell you if the floor is clean enough or if there are still imperfections that should be remedied. Uneven density in the concrete may result in a blotchy appearance that may be undesirable. Apply the sealer using a paint roller with an extension handle. Use the brush to cut in when working the perimeter. Start in a rear corner and work your way out of the area you are working on. Work the sealer into the surface. Spread it in a way that all the puddles are eliminated and apply a relatively thin uniform coat. You will probably only need one coating. Allow the sealer to dry. This will take a few hours.

3. Clean Up: Don’t forget to wash up with soap and warm water immediately afterwards. Remember you had just dealt with a potentially hazardous chemical. Always keep safety in mind as you work on your area. Also, dispose of the roller and the brushes you used for the job. Concrete sealers may require that you use these equipments just once.

For more great concrete info and advice check out: www.concrete-stop.com ©Copyright 2005 Mark Jansen - This article may be republished as long as this section is included and all links are left live.

If you have acne, you know the deal- everybody has a cream or suggestion to help you get clear skin. But how do you separate myth, medicine and folklore to find an acne treatment that works for you? That’s what researcher Parker Magin set out to do in a study entitled, A systematic review of the evidence for ‘myths and misconceptions’ in acne management.

Magin and co-researchers from the University of Newcastle, New South Wales, conclude that clinicians cannot be “didactic” when making acne treatment recommendations that are based on diet, hygiene and sunlight exposure. According to Magin, acne treatments should be individualized.

Meanwhile, the Academy of Dermatology has published a press release touting, The Stubborn Truth About Acne: Myths and Misconceptions. Though this article discusses a recent Stanford University survey that examined acne myths held among young adults, it offers no solid advice for securing an acne antidote. Moreover, its meaning is paradoxical.

For example, the article headlines Alexa Boer Kimball, M.D. who is an assistant professor of dermatology at Harvard University. Dr. Kimballs sums up the survey on acne by saying “that substantial differences still exist between popular belief and scientific support, yet this does not change the way patients attempt to care for their acne.”

Dr. Kimballs’s comments at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology casts a discrediting shadow over her groundbreaking research that aimed to separate acne fact from fiction. Just two years ago in 2003, Dr. Kimball was apart of a Stanford University study investigating the effect of stress on acne. Then, Dr. Kimball concluded that, “increased acne severity was significantly associated with increased stress levels… while self-assessed change in diet quality was the only other significant association.” The results of this study suggested that the link between acne, and diet and stress are no longer hypothetical but warrant further examination.

Another investigation aiming to demystify acne came for Dr. Loren Cordain. Cordain and his associates explored the link between diet and acne in a study called Acne Vulgaris: A Disease of Western Civilization. Cordain noted that Kitavan Islanders of Papua New Guinea and the Aché hunter-gatherers of Paraguay had no active cases of acne. This prompted the question, “So why does acne vulgaris affect 79% to 95% of the adolescent population in westernized societies?”

Cordain found that genes alone do not cause the disparity of acne incidences between non-westernized and modernized societies. Other factors must enter the equation.

Acne can arise from hormonal shifts, stress upheavals and a host of other causes. Your best defense against acne is observing yourself and noting what conditions, foods and emotions aggravate your acne situation. From there, you can use self-care to reduce acne flare-ups.

About the Author

Health author and Noixia campaigner Naweko San-Joyz lovingly writes from her home in San Diego. Her works include “Acne Messages: Crack the code of your zits and say goodbye to acne” (ISBN: 0974912204) and the upcoming work “Skinny Fat Chicks, Why we’re still not getting this dieting thing” (ISBN: 0974912212) for release in June of 2005.
For useful acne self-help articles visit http://www.Noixia.com.

In 2004, the number of incoming tourists who visited the Bulgarian spa centres increased by approximately 20 percent, compared to 2003. The well developed network of private cosmetic surgery and dental clinics offer services at prices several times lower than the lowest in the European Union, and this fact has attracted the attention of the large insurance companies that cover their clients’ medical expenses. They are more willing than before to pay for trips to the east, where treatment is many times cheaper.

Plastic surgery not covered by medical insurance also attracts clients with prices that are up to five times lower. The good value of medical treatment is topped up with high-quality service: foreign patients in Bulgaria have a wide choice of doctors and clinics because in the mid-1990s many of the best physicians in the country, disappointed with their low state salaries, set up private surgeries and clinics.

Mineral water treatment

Mineral water treatment is particularly popular among foreign tourists, because Bulgaria
boasts more than a thousand mineral springs scattered throughout the country. The water content in many of them is similar to those in world-renowned spas like Baden-Baden and Vichy.

Some present-day Bulgarian spas were built on the sites of ancient Roman thermae or Turkish baths. The best-known balneology and mud bath therapy centres are Pavel Banya, Hisar, Velingrad, Narechen, Vurshets, Kyustendil and Momin Prohod, near Kostenets. They specialise in the treatment of different ailments, depending on their water content.

Hisar, located among the impressive ruins of an ancient Roman fortress in the plain between the Balkan Mountains and Plovdiv, is recommended for renal and gastrointestinal illnesses. Sapareva Banya sprang up around the hottest water spring in Bulgaria. Narechen specialises in neural disorders, Pavel Banya in orthopaedic illnesses and traumas, and Sandanski in pulmonary diseases. Two large seaside resorts, Albena and Pomorie, offer mud bath treatment.

Most of these centres also offer special rehabilitation and toning programmes. The prices vary, depending on the treatment. For example, a 10-day anti-stress programme, including aromatherapy, massage, and Iye-phoresis, costs less than 100 Euros; a flve-day treatment of rheumatic pain is from 70 to 110 Euros. Accommodation is between 20 and 70 Euros a day, full board.

Slimming centres

Other popular destinations are the slimming centres. The most popular clinic for non-medicinal treatment of obesity is located in the Black Sea resort of Sts. Constantine and Helena. There, a mild form of medical starvation is practised under constant medical supervision, in combination with a daily allowance of one kilogramme of raw fruit, and healthy eating habits.

The stay in the sanatorium can vary from 10 to 20 days, and the package is between 500 and 2,000 Euros, depending on the length of the treatment. It includes accommodation in a four-star hotel, daily doctor’s rounds, personal consultation with the centre’s head physician, the development of an individual dieting and nutrition schedule for each patient upon leaving, and medical examinations.

Plastic surgery

Plastic surgery also attracts health tourists with its prices and services. The plastic and cosmetic surgery clinics which opened in the mid-1990s turned out to be too many, and the severe competition forced their owners to invest in modern equipment, good specialists, and a range of amenities for in-house patients. Besides, they had to keep their prices low.

Whereas in Germany a woman will pay from 6,000 to 10,000 Euros for a bosom boost, the most expensive clinics in Bulgaria perform the operation for 2,500 to 3,000 Euros. The ratio between other services is similar.

Face-lifting under full anaesthesia is hardly over 1,200 Euros, complete lips correction is not higher than 450 Euros, and liposuction costs 300 Euros.

Dental services

Another popular goal of health tourism in Bulgaria is dental services. The private dental surgeries in the bigger towns are numerous, and the prices, calculated in accordance with the Bulgarian standard of living, are incredibiy low, compared to prices in western Europe. Some surgeries have dual pricing for Bulgarians and foreigners; so, check in advance.

The prices in Sofia, Burgas, Varna and Plovdiv are relatively the same: from 10 to 15 Euros for an initial examination, from 15 to 20 Euros for cleaning of caries and a photo polymer filling, and from 20 to 30 Euros for the treatment of pulpitis.

What does the law in Bulgaria say?

Bulgarian legislation grants foreign citizens the right to treatment in all medical establishments in the country. In case of emergency, foreigners can get help in the nearest clinic.

The head of the respective medical establishment has to inform the patient’s insurer immediately about the necessary treatment, except in emergencies.

Short-term foreign visitors to Bulgaria who do not insure themselves according to internal regulations have to pay for their medical treatment in accordance with the price list of the respective medical institution.

The clinic or other medical establishment must inform the patient of the relevant costs prior to the commencement of treatment.

Adapted from an article by Hristina Hristova

(This article follows on from the introduction to mineral spas in Bulgaria in the article BULGARIAN PROPERTY MARKET INSIGHT, updated on 09 June 2005. More details and links to material about health tourism in Bulgaria can be seen at the Bulgaria Properties Ltd web site www.BulgariaProperties.net.)

The author’s profile can be seen at http://www.BulgariaProperties.net/About.html

Cell multiplication goes along with the development of the human body. Once the complete development is achieved, this process stops. By then, new cells are only created as the need for them arises. But if this process continues at an abnormal rate, cancer is likely to develop. This cancer cells will invade neighboring tissues. If this condition happens in the intestinal lining, a disease termed as colorectal cancer begins, betterly known as colon cancer. Colorectal cancers normally start as benign polyps that soon develop into cancers.

Fortunately, colon cancer is easily detected and has great potentials for removal if diagnosed at an early stage. Surgical treatments can be enforced even until the cancer spreads to the lymph nodes. And the success of undergoing chemotherapy to cure the colon cancer is impressive. Though this is true, the fact that colon cancer stands as the second most prevalent cancer remains to be the cause of higher death rates among cancer victims. The earlier estimate for the survival rate of a colon cancer victim is around ninety percent and higher. But this figure radically changed after the year 2004.

People with greater risks of developing the colon cancer

Western societies are more prone to the dangers brought about by the colon cancer. The reason pointed out for this condition is that Western people have diets lacking in the necessary nutrients needed by the body and the healthy foods that are normally eaten in other parts of the world. Diets in highly industrialized sections of the West are much worse. Foods typically come short with the components found in fruits, vegetables and proteins.

Additionally, smokers who regularly smoke around 20 cigarettes or more on a daily basis are found to have 250% possibility of developing the colon cancer. Drinkers have 87% more chance of acquiring the disease as opposed with nondrinkers. And if these two ill practices are combined then the likelihood of developing polyps rises to 400%.

Men are found to have greater risks in developing colon cancer than that of the female population. Colored women, mainly black, have greater likelihood of developing the disease. And drinkers, smokers, obese and sedentary individual have potential risks for polyps growth.

Sadly, colon cancer is hereditary. If a person in the family is found to carry the condition, then the first-degree relatives may have colon polyps as well.

Prevention

There are strong evidences that high calcium contents in a person’s body reduce the risk against the colon cancer. Again, another good sources of prevention against the disease are the vegetables. The phytochemicals found in certain vegetables are noted to have great effects against the development of the polyps. Daily exercises also go a long way in controlling the risk for the cancer.

Aspirin is known to reduce the potentiality of the growth of the colon polyps and the colon cancers as well as the cancer of the esophagus and the stomach. A regular 325 mg of daily aspirin intake may be sufficient to outbalance a person’s risk. Though it must be noted that aspirin may cause intestinal bleeding and ulcer. Lower incidence of colon cancer is also attributed to the daily consumption of 1500 mg of Calcium.

The future of the colon cancer is yet to be defined. Yet the current trend of developing the disease is not yet as aggravated as with other deadly diseases and luckily enough, there are great improvements towards earlier diagnosis of the condition. Like with the majority of health condition, the rule of thumb continues to be- stay healthy and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides colon cancer resources on http://www.about-colon-cancer.info.

I helped a friend of mine finish his basement but he was not sure what type of ceiling he wanted to put in. There are several options like traditional drywall, tongue and groove boards, acoustic ceiling tiles and drop ceiling, so we analyzed each option.

A drywall ceiling required that we relocate most pipes and ducts into the joist cavities, or out to the perimeter of the room. Then we would have to place a wood frame to box in around anything that was still hanging below the line of the ceiling joists. Then we would have to place wooden furring strips where extra strength was be needed. It is necessary to use the furring and the framed boxes in order to provide a solid backing for the finished ceiling treatment. Drywall seemed like a good choice because of the low cost of the material but we weren’t to thrilled about taping and sanding it later.

Acoustic ceiling tiles was another option, the tiles are easy to cut and their small size makes them very easy to handle. They are installed by stapling them to the furring strips but again we had to move pipes and ducts in order to provide suitable framing for a nice flat ceiling.

We then entertained the idea of using T1-11 tongue and groove boards, again we would need to move pipes and ducts and the cost was a bit high. After some thought the look of this product just wasn’t what he wanted.

We then looked into the standard drop ceiling, it is one of the easiest solutions to covering basement joists but again the thought of hanging and cutting rails did not appeal to him and again the look of this type of ceiling reminded him of an old office building. It seemed that the cost was a factor as well.

And then one day shopping with his family he saw what a store did with their ceiling and that was basically nothing. He asked the owner what they did and he said they basically cleaned the pipes and duct work, primered them and then used an airless sprayer to paint everything one color. It was perfect, we would not have to move any thing, no framing was necessary and to beat all it allowed for more head room.

The one concern we had was that maybe some electrical or gas lines might not be able to be painted, so if you have doubts call a professional or inspector and ask before you paint. I will say that after the project was complete not only did this industry style ceiling cost less it really looked good. Good luck with your project.

Dennis Watson - Just helping others succeed.

Zeoh.com Free Classifieds Web Site =>http://www.zeoh.com/

You Can Do That Web Blog =>http://www.you-can-do-that.blogspot.com/

When I think of decorating a room with posters, I think of the 70’s with black light, velvet and the famous Farrah Fawcett poster.

Times have changed and decorating with posters have also changed. Poster has now become a theme based decorating style. Not just poster of the latest hottie from a magazine. Here are some poster theme ideas.

Movie theme.

Movie posters have been around for forever. For the movie buff, movie poster can be based on era, director, actors, or even genre. An example would be Steven Spielberg. You could start out with ET and finish up with War of the worlds.

Sports

Mohamed Ali tribute of poster is a great example. There are so many sport posters to pick from. Poster themes could include boxing greats, baseball or even chronicle the life of Lance Armstrong.

Americana

There are some fabulous Americana posters available for a patriotic look. There are poster of the Declaration of Independence, George Washington crossing the Delaware and the Flag.

Cars

Car posters have been around as long as cars. You could have the history of the Corvette in a very decorative manner with the entire posters available now. You don’t have to have the large looking posters and turn your room into a garage.

Vintage Advertisements

These have probably have came the farthest regarding decorative posters. You can find some of the best vintage advertisement art in posters. Some examples are the Martini & Rossi Art Print, Sourse Brault and the Café Martin. These are some of the classics that can make a room look classic with being gaudy.

Remember, there are some great examples of what you can do with posters that can turn a dull room into a spectacular vision without spending wads of cash.

Richard Amburn http://www.popular-posters.com

Quick, what’s the first thought that pops into your head when you hear the word “diet?” Probably that when you’re on one, you feel like you’re going to “d-i-e” right?!

WHAT EXACTLY IS A DIET?

Most people believe that a diet is something that involves pain, suffering, and giving up foods we enjoy. Some of the symptoms of “being on a diet” usually include being hungry and cranky all the time. But this is not really the true meaning of the word and if you get hung up on all the negative stuff, you’ll miss the entire concept.

Webster’s dictionary defines a “Diet” as:

a: food and drink regularly provided or consumed;
b: habitual nourishment;
c: the kind and amount of food prescribed for a person for a special reason.

In other words, it’s what we regularly or habitually eat and drink to nourish our bodies. That’s not so bad. But here’s the hidden truth that will turn your understanding of diets on its head and practically guarantee that you’ll reach whatever weight goal you desire: Being “on a diet” really means having a plan for your eating instead of eating according to any spur-of-the-moment mood or habit. That’s it!

This is so simple. But then most basic truths are. However, it’s extremely powerful if you take the time to think about it and fully understand what it means. Let me say it again so that you don’t miss it: Being on a diet really means having what you eat controlled by a PLAN instead of by your moods or habits.

WHY MOST DIETS DON’T WORK

The reason most diets don’t work is because of the extreme measures most of them require. Some force you to give up everything except cabbage soup, or everything except meat and meat products, or everything except salads. This is not only monotonous, it’s also pretty harsh — not only harsh to stick with, but harsh on your physical wellbeing as well.

True, a monotonous diet is often effective at losing weight over the short term (ie: the Atkins Diet) but you have to wonder if you aren’t giving up a part of your health in the process (ie: ketosis, acidosis, etc). Many conventional diets put the body in a highly acidic state which can create a number of health problems.

Our bodies are designed to absorb vitamins, nutrients, and minerals from a wide variety of foods and a monotonous diet runs directly counter to that. It simply isn’t natural, and is the main reason most conventional diets just don’t work in the long run.

THE RIGHT WAY TO DIET

The right way to diet is to think of dieting as a system of correct eating. Your diet should include a balanced plan for a variety of foods, taken in moderate amounts, and in the proper combination. Eat when you’re hungry, not when the clock says it’s lunch or dinner time.

So forget the fad diets that don’t work and get started on planning a diet that you can stick with over the long term. This is the balanced approach to good health and nutrition, and it’s an approach that you can live with for the rest of your life.

Hiram Perez has made good health a lifelong study. Find other simple and common sense techniques to improve your health by signing up for a free 5-part email mini-course at the Balance Your Health website.

What is a calorie? A calorie is considered in scientific terms one unit of energy. This energy is used to walk, talk, breath, sleep, stretch or run. All activities burn calories. The human body exerts its energy by using calories it receives from food. Thus when we speak of calories we associate the term with dieting and weight loss.

In general terms, foods contain calories. We may see them described in other terms such as a carbohydrate, a fat and a protein. These terms are measured in units called grams. So the basic building block of each gram is a defined number of calories.

1 gram of carbohydrates contain four (4) calories
h
1 gram of protein contains four (4) calories
1 gram of fat contains nine (9) calories

While you eat, food is broken down inside of your stomach and metabolized into your blood stream. It is either used and burned up efficiently through activity or stored in our cells and fat cells are created. A total of 3,500 stored calories equal one (1) pound of body fat. Tus, in order to lose that one-pound of fat, we have to burn up 3,500 calories per exercise to remove it. It sounds a little easier than it looks on paper.

Your body will need to a certain amount of calories in order to maintain itself properly. The act of breathing, walking, running, sleeping and talking all burn a certain amount of calories. This rate is called the Basal Metabolism Rate or (BMR) as it is known. It is calculated differently for both men and women. When your body is at rest it does not burn as many calories as when it is exercising

Physical activities such as jogging, walking, and skiing also help burn calories. The more physical exercise you get, the more calories you will burn. Thus you are keeping your body in shape by eating right and working off the excess calories through exercise. Thus, exercise in general helps to keep your metabolism rate higher and continues to burn fat long after the exercising is done. It will also help your body burn excess fat efficiently at rest.

You may still be wondering how many calories do an average person need a day to keep going? The US Food and Drug Administration has applied a standard measurement of 2000 calories per day. This measurement applies to both male and female respectively

If you are looking to start losing some of those extra pounds, remember each pound is 3,500 calories that you must burn in order to lose one pound of fat. You will want to first consult a physician as with starting any new diet or exercise program.

Phil Rather, a noted researcher and writer, contributed this article for
Successful Weight Loss.