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Testing, Testing 123: Phlebotomy Basics

When my mother underwent chemotherapy, we spent a lot of time visiting the phlebotomy lab for blood testing. I was always impressed by how easily the phlebotomist was able to find and puncture a vein to draw blood on the first try. I knew there had to be a method to it, and was astounded by how effortless and painless they made the process. It led me to research a lot about blood tests, from drawing to the actual screening. I've created this site to share what I've learned in the hopes of teaching others. The more you understand, the more control you can have over your own health care.

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Testing, Testing 123: Phlebotomy Basics

Feeling Defeated By An Unhealthy Weight: Get Serious With These Tips

by Francisco Arnold

As a nation, the level of obesity has become a major health concern. According to recent statistics published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 93.3 million American adults — nearly 40 percent — are now considered to be obese.

Many of those who now fall into the obese weight range have lost and gained weight many times over the years and have now given up hope of ever maintaining a healthy weight. If you are among those who feel defeated by the numbers on the bathroom scale, here are some tips to help you get to and maintain a healthy weight. 

Set easily attainable goals 

One of the reasons that people often fail to successfully lose weight is setting unattainable goals. Instead of resolving on January 1st to have a beach body by Memorial Day, choose to work toward a much more attainable goal of losing 3 to 5 pounds a month. Because it feels much more attainable to lose a few pounds a month than to attempt to lose massive amounts by a certain date, you will be far more likely to succeed in reaching your long-term goal of reaching a healthy weight. 

Make small dietary changes that add up

Many of those who are considered to be obese have poor relationships with food and often may opt for empty calories that provide no actual nutrition for their body. This leaves them feeling unsatisfied, and they end up overeating in an attempt to feel satiated. Making just one small improvement in their diet each month can help them learn to control their reactions to trigger foods and begin to approach eating in a much more controlled manner. 

A good way to do this is to simply choose one food that you know you struggle to eat sensibly and vow to give it up. Striving to give up just one unhealthy food, such as soda or sugary coffee drinks, can make a huge dent in the calories consumed each day and help you retake firm control of what you eat. 

Work with a reputable weight control service 

Going it alone when trying to lose a large amount of weight can increase your chances of failing, especially if you have been through many cycles of losses and gains in the past. Instead, consider seeking out the assistance of a reputable weight control service in your area where you can get the support you need to succeed in reaching and maintaining a healthy weight. 

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