Archive for October 6th, 2007
Polygamy in Different Cultures
October 6th, 2007
In most of the Christian world, polygamy is steadily becoming an obsolete social practice. As modern society continuously develops certain "universal" norms, polygamous cultures are being driven further into extinction. Many Christian religions, including the once liberal Protestant sects, have slowly evolved into a stricter monogamous ideal, probably due in part to the growing complexities of society, civil rights and legal systems. It is no longer pragmatic, in the face of today’s modern consciousness, as well as the various economic crises, to encourage the complicated and potentially destructive practice of obtaining polygamous marriages.
Apart from this general rule that is slowly being formed in today’s civilized world, there are some cultures that continue to propagate the teachings involving polygamy. The more fundamental offshoots of the Mormon Church, for one, openly indulge in polygamous marriages until the present time. The Church of the Latter Day Saints used to cohesively espouse polygamous ideals as having basis in the bible. In fact they made a declaration of this ideology in 1852 and continued with the custom until just before 1890, at which time they finally denounced the practice. However, some of the more adamant members of the sect continue to practice it regardless of the Mormon’s threat of excommunication.
Aside from the Mormons, the Jewish community also has to contend with continuous polygamous practices even after most of their sects have banned them. The problem lies mainly in the fact that many Jewish families who are residents of Muslim predominated societies, commonly enter into polygamous marriages. Muslims, on the other hand, follow a strict rule that only men who can provide adequately for his families may take more wives. Moreover, while polygamy is permitted as long as the husband exercises fairness in dealing with his wives, some still believe monogamy to be the preferable type of marriage for Muslims. Muslims residents of India are also permitted to have polygamous marriages even if Hinduism has discontinued its practice. In the ancient times, Hinduism tolerated polygamy, but the practice itself was usually concentrated on those of royal blood.
In many African cultures, polygamy is still being practiced to this date. However, more and more African countries are rethinking the correctness of the custom in the face the increasing density of their populations and the rapid spread of HIV. The custom used to be widely practiced in Africa because of several reasons. Firstly, polygamy was once advisable because of the high infant mortality rate and the relatively short life spans of both men and women. Moreover, since agriculture was a key aspect of society and men were scarcer than women, the idea of having more wives to breed more children seemed like the ideal solution to manpower problems in the farm. Another reason for polygamy in Africa is the fact that a man’s social status was determined not only by the number of possessions and material wealth, but also by the number of wives and children he had.
What is most apparent from the discussion above is the fact that in ancient times, polygamy was the rule in most societies. The fact that it is steadily becoming extinct proves that most of modern society has replaced abstract ideals to more pragmatic ones. In the rising complexity of today’s society and economic situation, it has become quite unrealistic to marry, care and provide for more than one family. Thus, with the present trend, it is unlikely that polygamy will be the rule again soon any of the world’s cultures.
Anti-Aging for Baby Boomers
October 6th, 2007
In the 40’s throughout the 60’s, the United States experienced high birth rates, otherwise known as the "Baby Boom." Thus, people born within this era were called "Baby Boomers" who were known to wear mod clothes, sample hallucinogenic drugs, and rock with the Beatles. Great times. But where are the Baby Boomers now? At the turn of the millennium, some of them are in their 40’s- the oldest already approaching retirement age.
Times have definitely changed- so as the Baby Boomers. They have noticed that their former youthful exuberance and ravenous virility are slowly fading away. This holds true, especially among the men. They may notice that their hairline is — frightfully — receding, their memory seems to be growing cobwebs and their sexual performance declining. Others may also experience insomnia or other sleeping problems, aches and pains, sweating and flushing, increased fat, loss of muscle mass and strength, irritability and crankiness, and even depression. Most men in this age will basically experience one or all of these in varying degrees.
When a man reaches the age of 30, his testosterone (male hormone) levels naturally and gradually declines. It does so at a staggering rate of 10 percent per decade. Since testosterone helps maintain sex drive, sperm production, pubic and body hair, muscle and bone, the consequences of aging slowly emerge as a man ages.
But do not despair. There are several ways to help Baby Boomers defy the effects of time. They should create a strategy for a healthy lifestyle that incorporates optimal diet, supplements, regular exercise, stress management, and natural hormone enhancement.
Today’s diet is deficient in many essential nutrients, but high in sugar, fat, and salt. Your diet should ideally comprise of 25% protein, 25% fat, and 50% carbohydrates. Your protein intake should primarily be from plant sources like tofu and beans, with modest amounts from animal sources like meat. Fat from nuts and olive oil are preferable than from animal products. Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables since these are the main sources of carbohydrates. As much as possible, steer clear of junk foods, colas and anything with refined sugars (e.g., doughnuts) since they induce the production of cortisol, a primary age-inducing hormone.
Diet alone cannot meet all the necessary nutrients needed by our body. Thus, you need to take supplements like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutritional factors to be able to meet your daily requirements.
Physical activity can also alleviate the symptoms of aging. Since aging decreases your bone and muscle mass, it is good to have regular exercise which includes cardiovascular, flexibility, and strength training. Getting regular exercise has shown to help increase your metabolism, allowing you to burn more fat. It also strengthens your heart and keeps your body flexible. Furthermore, exercise stimulates the production of growth hormones, which helps to rejuvenate aged cells and reverse the aging process.
Stress only accelerates the aging process. That’s why another key element in your anti-aging strategy is stress management. Try relaxing activities such as Yoga, sports, meditation, reading, massages, etc. These activities let you focus on other things and help you calm down and loosen up.
Another way to put off the common symptoms of aging is by natural hormone enhancement. The human growth hormone, produced by the pituitary gland, is largely involved with regulating the growth of body tissues. HGH comes in injections, spray and supplements (pills and tablets) which stimulate the pituitary gland to naturally increase its production. However, you should first consult with your physician before trying out anything.
Aging poses a great impact in the quality of our lives- but with a healthy lifestyle (including proper diet, supplements, regular exercise, stress management, and natural hormone enhancement), you can reduce or even prevent the symptoms associated with aging.
Things to avoid when trying to lose weight
October 6th, 2007
Dieting is not always easy. In fact, it can prove a tough challenge for many people. So here-s a little guide to avoiding things that could make you lose control and start eating. Avoid them like plague if you wish to succeed.
1. Don-t rush into the toughest diet you can find.
This is a common mistake. Many people decide in a moment of desperation to follow a super-strict diet and fail. Don-t rush into a diet that may be too strict for you. If you don-t have any dieting experience and are not 100 percent sure you can stick with the diet, then choose something else.
2. Don-t lose touch with reality.
You can-t realistically expect things to happen over night. When choosing your goal, start small, but be prepared to go far. If you hear someone saying that he lost a large number of pounds in a short time, don-t make it your goal to match his performance. Diet results are different from one person to another.
3. Don-t go to the gym too often
Another common mistake is to use the enthusiasm of the first days to hit the gym every day. This won-t help you at all. Your body needs time to heal and expand the muscle mass after each training session and going to the gym every day interferes with this natural process. Besides, a week of non-stop training could never offset ten or twenty years of couch potato lifestyle.
4. Don-t get hard on calories.
We all know that cutting down on calories is one of the building blocks of all diets, but you have to be careful about it. Cut down on too many calories and your body will start storing anything it possibly can. This is not a good way to lose weight.
5. Don-t skip meals.
Some people think that skipping one or two meals could help them lose weight faster. They don-t understand that dieting is all about eating the right food and not starving yourself.
6. Don-t check the bathroom scales everyday.
Everybody is eager to see the confirmation of his or her efforts in the shape of lost pounds, but you should not let this drive you to checking your weight everyday. The daily fluctuations of your weight will soon have you depressed and ready to quit dieting. And this is something you want to avoid.
7. Don-t let emotions drive you.
Aside from the eagerness that drives people to check their weight every day, there are other emotions that influence dieting. If you know you-re used to reaching out for ice-cream or snacks when you are bored, frustrated or angry, then you should deal with these issues and not allow them to come between you and your purpose.
8. Don-t refuse to seek help.
Not everyone was born with iron will and nerves of steel. If you need advice or help, don-t hesitate to ask it from your friends or from professionals. Don-t try to solve all problems by yourself.
9. Don-t deny yourself your favourite foods.
Treats are a great way of raising your willpower and determination. Diets are just food control methods, not prisons. So what if you eat something forbidden once in a while, especially if that food is a favourite of yours? If such treats are not frequent, then they will make no difference in the long run.
10. Don-t rely on your willpower alone
Use your head as well. If you wish to know how much you eat, then write everything down and analyze the list for things that should not be there. Sometimes hunger creeps up on you and make you eat something you shouldn-t. Be honest with yourself and keep a clear head.



