Health: 9 Signs You May Have Heart Trouble

Even with knowledge and all of these advancements, Atherosclerosis continues to be the No. 1 silent killer in the United States. Atherosclerosis is a constricting or clogging of the arteries, preventing them from carrying vital nutrients through the body. It can lead to both heart attack and stroke.

Not all of the symptoms of a heart attack are the same, especially between men and women. It some cases the signs may be painfully obvious, but in others they may be much more subtle.

The information that follows are indicators that something may be wrong with your heart. They could also be caused by something entirely different. There are two very important steps that you should take. One is to not panic and the second is speak with your personal physician about any of the signs that you may be suffering from. Remember that only a medical professional can assess your situation. Never rely on Google for a serious diagnosis.

1. Lethargy and fatigue. Simple fatigue from a day of overworking or not receiving adequate sleep is perfectly normal. Severe fatigue on a regular basis which simply does not go away after a good night's rest could be a sign that something is amiss with your heart. This is the type of tiredness you feel when you are coming down with the flu.

Director of Women's Heart Health at the Heart and Vascular Institute at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City Suzanne Steinbaum, urges people, especially women, not to dismiss this ongoing fatigue. It could be a warning sign that something is wrong with your heart.

The reason for the extreme fatigue in these cases is that your heart is in distress from tying to transport vital oxygen for your body through constricted or clogged arteries. The reasons that this causes severe lethargy and extreme fatigue is twofold. First, your heart is tired from working overtime and your body is still not receiving the proper oxygen levels it requires for optimal functioning.

2. Peripheral edema. Peripheral edema is when extremities of the body swell such as ankles and feet. There are numerous non-life-threatening reasons that these areas swell such as varicose veins and pregnancy. But it may also be something much more serious such as poor circulation and/or congestive heart failure. This can cause a chronic condition in which your heart is not able to pump blood efficiently.

A professor of cardiovascular medicine at the University of the Maryland School of Medicine states that peripheral edema of the feet can also be a sign that one or more valves in your heart is unable to close properly. This swelling can also be the result of taking certain types of medication such as those for diabetes and/or hypertension. If swelling does correlate with heart issues, in most cases, there will be other indications as well. It may be accompanied by extreme fatigue and/or shortness of breath. It is best to consult your medical professional to determine exactly what is causing the edema.

3. Excruciating pain while walking. If the muscles of your legs and hips may cramp severely when you walk, but then relax upon resting. Do not automatically dismiss this sign as a curse of growing older. This could be a symptom of PAD or peripheral arterial disease. This is a result of fatty plaque accumulating in your arteries and clogging them, which has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Both PAD and related cardiovascular disease are generally completely treatable as long as you listen to the early warning signs and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

4. Feeling faint or light headed. There are many different causes of dizziness which are in no way related to heart disease. Fitness gyms post signs warning individuals that they should stop exercising, if they become faint or light headed. You could simply be dehydrated or you rose from a sitting or lying too quickly. If it is reoccurring, it is important to consult a physician to determine whether it is something such as a side effect of a medication that you are currently taking or if it is related to cardiovascular disease. Dizziness may also be a warning from your heart that your blood pressure is dropping too fast or frequently. This may be the result of a defective heart valve or clogged arteries.

5. Shortness of breath. If you have been fit pretty much all of your life, but suddenly become short of breath when performing those same routine exercises, it could be the result of an infection, anemia or asthma. It could be something much more serious, especially if you began to feel this way after simply climbing stairs and it is to the degree that it makes you cough. The heart may be having trouble pumping blood and/or your heart valves may be injured.

A defective heart valve can cause fluid to accumulate that may cause wheezing and coughing that are often mistaken for bronchial asthma. Once the valve is repaired or replaced it eliminates fluid from the lungs and allows the patient to breathe much easier. Be sure that you consult your doctor about this warning sign.

6. Depression. Depression is extremely prevalent throughout the entire world. More than 19 million people are affected every year in the United States alone. While depression is not generally an actual direct symptom of cardiovascular disease, studies show that it can increase the risk of heart disease. Those who suffer from other symptoms of cardiovascular disease or are hereditarily at risk for it are more likely to suffer from depression as well. Physical and mental health are closely related and play an integral part in your overall well-being. It is essential that you speak with a medical professional immediately, if you are suffering from depression whether you believe it is related to heart disease or not.

7. Frequent migraines. There are all sorts of reason that you may get a headache. It could be the result of stress, allergies or the beginning of a cold. Frequent migraines are an indicator of possible cardiovascular disease. Approximately 12 percent of the world's population suffers from migraine headaches. That figure dramatically increases to 40 percent in those diagnosed with heart disease. Numerous studies are being conducted because the exact connection remains unclear. One common theory is that it is the result of an imbalance of the autonomic nervous system and heart defects. This is because a connection has been made between these abnormalities and individuals suffering from migraines accompanied by auras.

8. Hearing your heartbeat as you fall asleep. Some individuals are able to hear their defective heart valve as they fall asleep. Some of them become adjusted to the sound and/or simply change the positions that they sleep in. It is important not to ignore this symptom and to speak with your doctor about it to determine the cause. There are several reasons why your heart may pound loud enough for you to hear. Certain medications, anemia, dehydration and low blood sugar or blood pressure are all possible causes.

9. Anxiety accompanied by nausea and sweating. Sudden panic attacks accompanied by nausea and sweating may be caused by an anxiety disorder. This may also be an indication of cardiovascular disease. If you experience this with other serious symptoms such as pain that radiates through your shoulder, back, chest and other upper extremities, it is vital that you seek immediate medical attention. This could be a sign that you are having a heart attack. Five precious minutes could be the difference between life and death.

Don Colbert, M.D

THE LORD IS OUR CONFIDENCE

Now look! You are trusting in the staff of this broken reed, Egypt, on which if a man leans, it will go into his hand and pierce it. So is Pharaoh King of Egypt to all who trust in him. 2 Kings 18:21

The American painter, John Sargent, once painted a panel of roses that was highly praised by critics.

It was a small picture, but it approached perfection. Although offered a high price for it on many occasions, Sargent refused to sell it.

He considered it his best work and was very proud of it.
Whenever he was deeply discouraged and doubtful of his abilities as an artist, he would look at it and remind himself, "I painted that." Then his confidence and ability would come back to him.

This painter's confidence was in his own painting. However, as children of God our confidence is not in what we have done but in what Christ has done.

When we have no confidence in ourselves, we can look back to Calvary's cross and the empty tomb of Joseph of Arimathea and proclaim, 'His victory is my victory'.

Christ died on the cross for our sins and delivered us from the dominion of darkness. He brought us into the Kingdom of Light and made us children and heirs of God.

He has given us His Spirit and power to live a victorious life. And He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us. That is our source of confidence.

When our reliance on God is steady, we will respond to difficulties by seeking Him for guidance and strength.

In turn, we will experience the Holy Spirit's presence, provision, and power and, as a result, victory in every circumstance.

Prayer: Lord, you are my strength, and my confidence is in you alone.

Scriptural Reading: 2 Kings 18:17-25

Relationship: How God Can Heal Your S*xual Hurt

God should be our first choice and not our last resort when it comes to healing our sexual hurt. This pain and ache is not something we can easily or quickly figure out or fix all by ourselves.

Time doesn't heal all wounds but God does. How? There is no sexual experience, memory, temptation or addiction that is too strong for Him. His grace is greater than our sin or sadness. Here are 10 reasons to include God in your deepest wounds or darkest secrets in life:

1. God knows what sex can do. He knows that sex can be beautiful or horrible. It can be exhilarating or humiliating, delightful or disgusting. It can bond a couple together and it can tear a person apart. God knows how we can be deeply hurt by unwanted sexual experiences and also by mutually consenting adults. He invented it and knows that it's just not as casual as we think. He knows how it hurts you now.

2. God wrote a book for you. Reality TV is nothing compared to the real life stories in the Bible! God included family sexual dysfunction, honeymoon night romance, violent rape scenes, tender physical fondling, seductive deadly attraction, sneaky sexual assault and devastating emotional trauma. It's all there in the Bible to let us know that God is not a prude but keeps it real and has real answers for us.

3. God knows what you went through. You think He wasn't there when it happened but He was. Nothing escapes Him. You weren't alone then and you're not alone now. He knows all the exact details of who, how, when, why, where and how long—more than anyone else. He can give you clarity and closure like none other. Include Him in your healing because He knows everything that happened to you.

4. God does what we can't do. He offers you strength and peace that the world can't give to you. No self-help book can accomplish what He can do. No one can whisper to you the truths He will tell you when you're quiet in His presence. If He can calm a raging storm, walk on water, make blind people see, get the lame to walk and raise the dead—is there anything God can't do in helping you to heal today?

5. God knows what hurt feels like. Jesus was betrayed and abandoned by people who promised loyalty and protection, much like we are. He was stripped naked, physically violated and sexually humiliated. Maybe the same happened to you ... He was acquainted with grief and a man of sorrows. He's been there and done that with life's trauma, injustices and suffering. He hurt just like we do now.

6. God came to bring you life. He came to bring freedom to those who are held captive. Does that describe how you feel today? You can't forget and you won't forgive. It doesn't go away ... Jesus came to rescue us from thoughts that will destroy us. His truth will set you free and He will guide you into truth. God is not the killjoy; rather, He came to give joy. He brings light to those who are living in darkness.

7. One day, He will right all wrongs. It's tough to handle your hurt because it seems like you lose and they win. They got away with it and fooled everyone. Maybe they're still fooling people to this day. Remember, it will all be reversed. Those who do or did wrong will not get away with their secrets or sins. One day, everything will be exposed. One day, He will wipe away all your tears and erase the memories.

8. Your heart is in His hands. That's great news to know that it's not all up to you to heal yourself. God can restore and soften your heart. Jesus told us we would find rest in Him for our weary souls and heavy burdens. He can mend our hearts to be strong again and mold our heart so you feel clean once again. You may feel like you are damaged goods but God can help you see you are a new creation in Christ. There is no human heart that is too addicted or wounded for Him to change. It's what He does best.

9. Forgiveness comes from God. This is probably the last thing you want to think about at this time. Sooner or later though—when you're ready—there will come a time when it will be wise and healthy for you to forgive the person who deceived or disappointed you. You'll need God's help to do this because an apology will probably never come from the lips of the person who hurt you so deeply. Jesus talked a lot about forgiveness and extended it to people who abused and assaulted Him on the way to the cross. He'll show you how to forgive the person/s who changed your life so you can get on with life afresh.

10. His ways are above our ways. People let us down. They disappoint us, deceive us and some even try to destroy us. God is in a totally different category. He doesn't lie and He doesn't leave. And He doesn't stop loving His children. He will never do anything wrong to you. He is someone you can finally trust. He might actually be the only person you will ever trust in your life as a result of the sexual hurt. Maybe you were treated sexually horribly as a child. Your Father in heaven is different. Maybe your significant other took advantage of you, betrayed you, left you or scarred you. Your Bridegroom in heaven is different. When you've got shattered dreams, broken promises, family dysfunction, panic attacks, powerful addictions, health issues, overwhelming rage, childhood lost, trust stolen, false guilt or permanent memories, God is your very best shot in this life of becoming completely whole again.

Source:charismamag.com

Hmmmm, LOL.

Boy: do you have a boyfriend?

Girl: No. I don’t want a boyfriend.

Boy: Genesis 2:18 “The Lord God said, ‘It is not good

for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable

for him’.”

Girl: But I don’t love you.

Boy: 1 John 4:8 "Whoever does not love, does not

know God, because God is love.”

Girl: So how do I discern that your words are true?

Boy: Matthew 12:34b “For the mouth speaks what

the heart is full of."

Girl: But how can I be sure that you are faithful and

honest?

Boy: Mark 13:31 “Heaven and earth will pass away,

but my words will never pass away."

Girl: But why me? There are so many girls out there.

Boy: Proverbs 31:29 “Many women do noble things,

but you surpass them all!”

Girl: But what do you see in me, that makes you love

me?

Boy: Song of Songs 4:7 " You are altogether beautiful,

my darling; there is no flaw in you."

Girl: But really, I’m not that beautiful … you’re

exaggerating.

Boy: Proverbs 31:30 “Charm is deceptive, and beauty

is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be

praised.”

Girl: What will happen if I say yes?

Boy: Genesis 2:24 “That is why a man leaves his

father and mother and is united to his wife, and they

become one flesh."

Girl: How is it that you know so many Scriptures?

Boy: Joshua 1:8 “Keep this Book of the Law always

on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you

may be careful to do everything written in it. Then

you will be prosperous and successful. "

Girl: Wooow, I can see you really love God.

Boy: Psalm 34:8 “Taste and see that the Lord is

good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him!”

Girl: Hmmm. Ok please just give me some time to

think about this.

Boy: Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers and sisters,

whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is

right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever,

is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy

think about such things."

Girl: owwww I love you already

Boy: Revelations 22:21b "Amen."

By 

Aylive

Fashion: The Secret To Finding Pants/Jeans That Fit Without Trying Them On

I admit  I’m a lazy shopper. For someone who basically shops for a living, when it comes to myself, it’s usually an afterthought. I dread going into a dressing room so when I have to try something on, I just don’t.
But after all these years of styling I can pretty much eyeball how a shirt or a jacket will fit on me. Pants, on the other hand, are a different story. Instead of dropping trou in a store, I opt for the “neck method” school of measuring.

Here’s how it works: I take the pant waist and wrap it around my neck and if the ends come together that means the pants will fit. If there is some slack left over, then it will be a looser fit. If I can’t get it around my neck, well then they’re not going to getting around my midsection.

I know other people use the “elbow method,” where they insert their forearm  from elbow to wrist into the waistband of a buttoned pair of pants and measure. For me, the “neck method” has never failed and it’s been years since I’ve seen the inside of a dressing room. And that’s a good thing.

Source: yahoo.com

RISE UP! WHAT ARE YOU STILL WAITING FOR?

For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." Romans 4:3

Contrary to what some might believe, the Bible doesn't teach that if you are a Christian, you will never stumble. It doesn't teach that if you are a true believer, you will not periodically make a mistake or fall short. 
But it does teach that if you are a true believer and have had a lapse or a stumble, you will always get up and move forward. That is the way to truly determine whether someone is a real believer.

Although Abraham was a friend of God, which Scripture specifically mentions three times, it is also clear that he had his lapses of faith.

The Bible says that "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."

Does this mean that Abraham was declared righteous because of the good things he did? Did God justify Abraham because he lived such a holy, pure, and flawless life? No.

Any honest look at the life of Abraham would clearly show that he wasn't a perfect man. Having said that, it is also important to point out that although Abraham deviated occasionally from the straight and narrow path, he always came back.

If someone says he or she is a Christian but falls away and never returns to the faith, then he or she wasn't a believer in the first place.
As 1 John 2:19 says, "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us."

One of the evidence that you are a child of God is that you feel miserable whenever you miss the mark, and you quickly beat a path back to the cross of Calvary.

Prayer: Father, keep me from falling, and in case I do, please, help me back quickly to repentance and restoration.

Scriptural Reading: Romans 4:1-8

Health: Is Lemon a Cancer Cure?‏

With an increase in reporting by major media outlets discussing the many health benefits of various fruits and vegetables and how they play a part in fighting disease, you may have already heard that lemons cure cancer. While this isn’t completely factual, there have been several studies that purport to show a strong basis in using lemons for cancer treatment. It should also be noted that there are conflicting reports detailing that, while lemons and other citrus fruits do contain cancer-fighting properties, exactly how effective they are against particular types of cancer has yet to be accurately determined.

Health Benefits of Lemons for Cancer: In addition to the Vitamin C found in lemon juice, which is already a very well known alternative cancer treatment in its own right, the peel of the lemon also offers many health benefits, one of the most important being that lemon peel can help to eradicate toxins in your body. This may be why lemons for cancer are being studied and touted as a great remedy.
The connection between cancer and lemons isn’t something new; for decades, scientists have wondered, “Is lemon a cancer killer?” and have developed numerous studies to determine its validity.
Studies have revealed that lemon extract can successfully destroy malignant cells in a wide range of cancers, including breast cancer, colon cancer, and lung cancer. Several research studies also make the claim that lemons can destroy cancer much more effectively than chemotherapy, and in a safer and healthier manner. Additionally, the studies also show that lemon extract therapy only affects malignant cells, leaving healthy cells unharmed.

Additional health benefits of lemons include: It is antibacterial It is antiviral It aids in digestion It can be used to treat acne It helps to regulate blood pressure It fights against parasites and worms It possesses antidepressant qualities It helps to reduce stress and anxiety.

Lemons for Cancer: How Much Do I Need to Consume? So the question you may be asking yourself is, “Do lemons cure cancer and how much lemon do I need to consume on a daily basis?” Before answering this question, it must first be noted that while numerous studies have shown effectiveness in the consumption of lemons as a cancer killer, and is still undergoing a variety of testing and research to even come close to making that assertion.
What is known is that specific compounds found in lemons (and other citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruit) known as flavonoids and limonoids may either stop the formation and growth of cancer cells, or will kill them outright. These studies have mainly been conducted on animals and in laboratory conditions using human breast cancer cells.
In Europe, a study was conducted with participants afflicted with various forms of cancer, in which they consumed 150 grams of citrus four or more times a week. The citrus proved effective in decreasing the risks of cancer by significant percentages, with the exception being breast cancer. However, an American study did show a decrease in the risk of breast cancer in participants using the same portions of citrus—so long as they did not previously undergo hormone replacement therapy.
When consuming citrus, it is also important to not just consume the juice, but also the pulp and the peel, and even the seeds when possible. Further research shows that 75 grams of citrus on a daily basis might be the optimal minimum intake for those wishing to reduce the risks of cancer.

How to Add Lemons to Your Daily Diet: Because lemons are very versatile in a wide variety of dishes, it can be very easy to ensure that you have lemon in at least one of your meals each day. At the very least, you can add lemon juice to water and drink a glass of lemon water every day. This ensures that you get a good dose of Vitamin C. However, because the peel of the lemon actually contains a much larger amount of important vitamins than the juice, it is recommended that you find ways to incorporate the peel into your daily diet as well.
One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is to either peel a lemon and place the peel in the freezer, or simply freeze a whole lemon. Then you can grate as needed, adding it to salads, soups, fish, chicken, rice, pasta, and many other dishes. You can add it to seltzer, to smoothies and other drinks.

Source:
Dr. Subrata Chakravarty (Hope4Cancer.com)