Yoga for Diabetes

Diabetes is catching up fast as one of the deadliest diseases afflicting us. With more and more people turning to alternative therapies for recovery, yoga is fast becoming a viable option for treating the same.

1. Downward Facing Dog Pose

Though fairly easy to perform, this posture offers benefits far beyond its simplistic implementation. It helps to alleviate hypertension and the effects of type 2 diabetes.

a. Step One

Stand on your knees and hands and slowly lift your hips up in the air, while you exhale sucking your stomach in.

b. Step Two

Keep your spine straight, hands outstretched, knees straightened and your palm as flat on the ground as possible.

c. Step Three

Let your head hang freely and keep your eyes at your navel.

d. Step Four

Hold this position for a couple of breaths and exhale as you relax into your starting position.

2. Big Toe Pose

One of the most basic yoga poses, this exercise aids in improving digestion and liver functioning. Since diabetes results mostly in renal failure, practicing this posture on a regular basis might improve chances of bypassing kidney-related diseases.

a. Step One

Stand with your feet apart, keeping your thigh muscles relaxed and gradually bend down to touch your toes, inhaling as you go.

b. Step Two

Take care to keep your hips in an upright position, your knees bent and your elbows folded. Place your index finger between the toes and hold this position for some time.

c. Step Three

Exhale as you begin to stand upright, releasing the tension in your spine and returning to your starting position.

3. Triangle Pose

This position is particularly helpful in strengthening the spinal column and the abdominal area, thereby promoting greater insulin production. Greater insulin levels result in a marked reduction of Type 2 diabetes.

a. Step One

Stand with your left foot in front of the right one. Make sure your knees are straight.

b. Step Two

Bend to touch your left foot with your left hand. Then slowly turn your torso in the diametrically opposite position, with your right hand reaching for the sky. If your balance is unstable, you can take the support of the wall.

c. Step Three

Hold this outstretched position for a couple of breaths and then slowly exhale and reach your relaxed position.

The all-encompassing power of yoga is enough to treat any disease. By following the suggested exercises, you will be able to reap great benefits in the long run.

Things to do before you have kids

From daycare costs to an increase in medical insurance premiums to higher costs on groceries and clothing, becoming a parent doesn't come cheap. Here is a look at five things you should do financially before having children.

  Maintain a Residence

Prior to taking the plunge into parenthood, one of the most important financial moves you can make is securing a stable residence. Whether you own a home or rent a house or apartment, it is important to be well- established in your residence before becoming a parent. Bringing a newborn baby home from the hospital can be stressful for many new parents. Being established in your home allows you to plan ahead for your baby's arrival.

Have a Stable Income

Another highly important financial task that should be tackled prior to expanding your family is to ensure that you have a steady job and income. By having a steady job, you are ensuring that a regular cash flow is available to pay for expenses like rent and bills. A steady income also allows you to maximize the amount you are able to save for the future. By optimizing your savings, you are helping to safe-proof your future from financial uncertainty.

Pay Down Debt and Optimize Your Credit Score

A financially smart move to make before increasing your family size is to pay down your debt and optimize your credit score. It is wise to pay off your existing debt before taking on more expenses that come associated with raising a family.No one wants to be in debt. By paying down your debt and optimizing your credit score, you are helping to make sure that your financial future is a bright one.

Secure Quality Health Insurance

Another matter of high priority that should be accomplished prior to considering parenthood is enrolling in a quality health insurance policy. To protect your finances against unexpected medical costs, finding a health insurance policy that offers a broad range of services is of the utmost importance. Additionally, with healthcare reform taking the country by storm, health insurance has now become a requirement as opposed to a luxury. Be prepared and enroll in a quality health insurance policy prior to jumping into parenthood.

Learn to Budget Effectively

Learning to budget effectively prior to entering parenthood is a matter of high concern. Many parents find that their finances become strained after having a new baby, and learning to budget effectively can be difficult if you've never adhered to a financial plan before. By budgeting effectively now, you can help to ensure that your family's financial future is strong. Start small, and begin to cut frivolous purchases out of your household budget. It may also be helpful to determine what expenses are necessary and what could be eliminated from your monthly budget. You'll soon be on track to spending less, saving more and preparing for a brighter financial picture.

The Bottom Line

Before you take the plunge head first into parenthood,  consider taking these important financial steps first. Not only will it help your financial situation now,but your future financial state will benefit from your proactive measures. Some stability, financial planning and common sense can go a long way when you are planning for your future. When you are finally ready to make the plunge, you will find yourself in a much more financially secure state.