Scoliosis occurs when your spine takes on a side-to-side curvature rather than following a straight up-and-down alignment. Scoliosis often becomes apparent during childhood or adolescence but may also show up in adulthood.
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An exercise wheel is a small sturdy wheel with a rod traversing the center that serves as the handles. It is also known as an ab wheel because its primary function is to assist with core-strengthening exercises. An inexpensive fitness tool, the exercise wheel requires careful technique to avoid muscle strain or injury.
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Soap making involves a chemical process known as saponification in which fats are combined with a caustic chemical such as sodium hydroxide, or lye. The process is fairly simple to do at home; however, use caution when working with lye.
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Yams and sweet potatoes are botanically distinct, although the terms are often used interchangeably. Yams have pale flesh and grow in Asia and Africa, while sweet potatoes have bright orange or yellow flesh and grow in tropical regions of the Americas, explains the University of California Cooperative Extension.
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Leucine and isoleucine, along with valine, make up the branched-chain amino acids. These amino acids are of interest to athletes, as they may aid in muscle recovery after a strenuous workout, according to Dr. Yoshiharu Shimomura in the February 2006 volume of “The Journal of Nutrition.
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Krav maga and jujitsu are both forms of self-defense that differ in style, history and practice. Developed in different areas of the world during separate periods, the intent of these strategies of defense differs greatly as well.
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The lumbar region of your back is the lower area just above your sacrum. This portion of your back makes up part of the S-shape your spine creates naturally. The lumbar vertebrae consist of five individual vertebrae known as L1, L2, L3, L4 and L5. The size of these vertebrae increases as the number increases.
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When many women want to get in good physical shape, they want their bodies to have a toned, sleek look instead of a muscular look. To develop long, lean muscle, strength train consistently with a low amount of weight.
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Figure skating is an artistic sport that utilizes a number of muscle groups, including your legs, hips, core region and shoulders. Strength training is necessary for figure skaters to promote strength for performing jumps, spins and increasing speed and power on the ice.
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Women gymnasts need to be both strong and agile. To accomplish this, they have to train for both power and flexibility. Gymnasts use every major muscle group in their body to perform the various moves that make up a routine.
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Teenage boys who want to achieve a defined, well-sculpted abdomen must perform abdominal-strengthening and aerobic exercises to build muscle and burn fat from the abdomen. Perform ab-strengthening exercises that target the central and side abdominal muscles to develop six-pack abs.
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The lower legs are a part of the body often forgotten in strength training, and less popular than calf workouts, is shin strengthening. Your tibialis anterior runs along the front of your lower legs, and strengthening this muscle can make the difference between skinny lower legs and strong, shapely lower legs.
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A normal human body temperature should measure 98.6 F, according to Medline Plus, a service of the National Library of Medicine. Medline Plus also states a normal pulse should be 60 to 100 beats per minute for adults.
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The national governing body in the USA is the USAG, or the United States of America Gymnastics. The USAG has established 10 Junior Olympic levels, according to the World of Gymnastics. Beyond the tenth level, a gymnast competes in elite gymnastics.
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Swimming is fun, and it provides a multitude of mental and physical benefits. Swimming is the second most popular sport in the United States, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Kids love to swim at the pool or the beach but this healthful activity is not just for children.
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A diet high in fat is very unhealthy, leading to an expanding waistline and increased risk for serious medical conditions, including high cholesterol and heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. A diet high in saturated fat and cholesterol is the primary reason for high blood cholesterol levels.
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An apple a day may not keep any physicians at bay, but apples are very nutritious. They are high in fiber, important for digestive health, and boron, which promotes bone growth. Apples are also rich sources of phytochemicals, an anti-oxidant found in plants, fruits and vegetables.
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Alfred Bird discovered the first modern baking powder when searching for a yeast-free way to make bread for his wife, who suffered allergies to eggs and yeast. Baking powder, like baking soda and yeast, is a leavening agent that causes batter to rise.
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Dried beans and black-eyed peas are excellent sources of protein. You can consume them as a healthy substitute for meat, according to MayoClinic.com. Dry beans and peas are low in fat, contain no cholesterol and packed with nutrients such as folate, iron, magnesium and potassium.
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Deep-frying your food in peanut oil will give your meal a light, somewhat nutty flavor. Deep-frying is a fast, easy way to make relatively healthy meals, particularly when you use peanut oil instead of animal fat.
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