Home Loan Tips

Buying a home and getting a home loan can be a real scary process. I've worked with buyers for years and would like to share with you some tips to make the loan process work for you.
Three Typical Buyer Questions
1. How do I qualify for a loan? Start by meeting with a lender. The lender will help you explore options for financing a home.
2. How do I select a lender? Call two or three different lender, conduct a short telephone interview and then make an appointment with the one that makes you feel most comfortable.
3. How does the lender determine my loan qualifications? A general guide, you can purchase a home valued at two to three times your annual income. The lender will also consider your savings and debts.
There are programs for buyers with credit issues. Ask the lender what is best for you.
When should I call a Realtor? Meet with a lender first to determine your loan qualifications.
1. Get a pre-qualify letter.
2. Conduct a brief telephone interview with two or three Realtors.
3. Select the Realtor that makes you feel most comfortable.
4. Make an appointment.
5. You may be asked to sign a buyer agency agreement. It's fine to sign a short term agreement.
6. Before you sign a long term agreement, be sure you're comfortable with the Realtor.
Your first meeting with the Realtor.
Be open minded. Make a list of features you'd like in your home:
1. How many bedrooms?
2. Do you need a garage?
3. How far do you drive to work?
4. Do you have animals?
5. ... and so forth.

If you give the Realtor definite parameters; they can find a house for you. Your first meeting with a lender
Your lender needs to know everything about your finances. The following is a list of information you'll need to take with you:
Salary and bonuses.
Employment verification.
Two years of tax returns or W-2 forms.
Military history.
Amount of dividends and interest income.
Other regular income such as alimony, child support etc.
Current bank statements both checking and savings.
Market value of stocks, bonds or Certificates of Deposit.
Face amount and cash value of life insurance policies.
Value of personal property and automobiles.
Balances and account numbers for loans, credit card balances and personal loans.
Four types of loans:
1. Fixed Rate - the interest rate stays the same over the life of the loan.
2. Adjustable/Variable Rate - the interest rate can change during the life of the loan.
3. Government Loans - VA and FHA.
4. Bridge/Swing Loans - Short term loans that are paid off quickly. Which one is right for you?
Many factors enter into the selection of a loan:
Your financial circumstance.
Expectation of future financial changes.
How long you intend to hold the property.
How comfortable you are with the monthly payment.
How comfortable you are with the payment amount changing from time to time?
Discuss your preferences with the lender and the Realtor.
What does my loan payment include?
P includes payment on principle amount
I includes payment on the interest may include payments into an escrow account to pay taxes
I may include payments into an escrow account to pay insurance
How much do I need for a down payment?
Down payments vary. They can be anywhere from zero to twenty percent of the homes value. Veterans and active military may obtain a loan with zero down.
What does the lender need to know about my credit?
If you have had credit problems, discuss them with your lender. Bring written explanations of credit issues. If problems have been corrected and credit reestablished, you'll probably be fine. Credit problems no longer mean you're unable to get a loan.
How long will it take?
Your lender needs to verify all information. The process may take from one to six weeks. Within three business days after application the lender must provide you with a "Good Faith Estimate", which is the amount of closing costs you'll be expected to pay and an estimated monthly payment. Stay in touch with your Realtor and Lender. Do not be afraid to ask questions. Home buying can be unnerving; ask the professionals what to expect.
Terminology
FHA Loans - Federal Housing Administration loans are government insured loans. They allow you to buy with a small down payment.
VA Loans - Veterans Administration loans are available to veterans and active military. A VA loan may require no down payment.
Balloon Payment - A payment that calls the entire loan due in a short period although the loan may be amortized over a longer period of time.
APR - The actual cost of a loan as a yearly rate.
Appraisal - An estimate of the value of the home, made by a professional appraiser. The maximum amount of the mortgage is generally based on the appraisal.Interest - The sum paid for borrowing money.
Origination Fee - The fee charged by the lender to prepare all the documents.
Points - Prepaid interest on the loan, charged at the time of closing. Each point is one percent of the loan amount.
PMI - Private Mortgage Insurance is an insurance policy the borrower buys to protect the lender from non-payment of the loan.
Title Insurance - An insurance policy which insures you against errors in the title search, guaranteeing you and the lender your financial interest in the property.
Hopefully this will help take the confusion out of the home buying loan process.

READ MORE - Home Loan Tips

Prime Lens Vs Zoom Lens: Which Is Best?

Prime Lens Vs Zoom Lens: Which Is Best? | So, you're wanting to get a new lens, but you're not quite sure whether to buy a prime lens or a zoom lens. Both types of lenses have their advantages and disadvantages, and you want to make sure you make the right decision and get the lens which best fits your photographic needs.

In case you didn't already know, the main difference between a zoom lens and prime lens is that a zoom lens enables you to adjust your focal length within a certain range (for example 18-50mm), whereas a prime lens has a fixed focal length.

So you might be wondering what the point is of using a prime lens. Surely if you have the choice between a lens with flexibility and one with no flexibility, then surely the flexible one is the best one, isn't it? Well, its not really as straightforward as that, because prime lenses do have some advantages. To begin with, they are lighter than zoom lenses because they have less moving parts. Mechanically speaking, they are simpler.

In addition to this, prime lenses usually have wider apertures. The aperture of a lens determines how much light the lens lets in at any one time. Aperture ratings are in ratios, for example 1:3.5 or 1:2.8, but usually when buying a lens you will see it shown without the 1 in front of it, for example 3.5. Lenses with lower aperture numbers are more expensive, as a lower number means a wider aperture. Having a wide aperture produces a shallow depth of field, meaning that only a small distance range is in focus. A narrow depth of field (a wide aperture) would be great for close-ups of flowers where you want the background blurred, whereas a large depth-of-field (a small aperture) would be ideal for landscape photos.

Okay, so how about the zoom lens?

Well, a zoom lens will give you a bigger range of distances to compose your image. This means that you don't need to move closer or further away from your subject to get the picture you're after. It can also be great for taking shots of wildlife, because you can zoom in without having to change your position, so you will be less likely to scare the animal away.

The best way to decide which type of lens is right for you is to ask yourself what type of photography you are going to be doing. If you are going to be photographing a scene which remains still, such as a landscape scene, then a prime lens could be a good choice. If on the other hand you want to photograph things that are moving, such as animals, people, or sports photography, then a zoom lens is a must.

Its not always easy trying to make this kind of decision, but whatever you decide, a Canon EF 85mm or a Nikon 17-55mm 2.8 Lens are good examples of the type of lenses that will always be useful to have as part of your photography kit.

READ MORE - Prime Lens Vs Zoom Lens: Which Is Best?

Which Canon EOS Lens Is Best For A Beginner - 3 Hints For Choosing A Good All Purpose Lens

Which Canon EOS Lens Is Best For A Beginner - 3 Hints For Choosing A Good All Purpose Lens | What do you believe is your beginning consideration as a new digital SLR owner? It should be which lens you want as an all-purpose lens. Believe me, there are plenty of folks who have agonized over this decision.

There are many really superior lenses to consider as walk around lenses. It's kind of like buying a compact point and shoot camera, though. What zoom range are you looking for?

For the purpose of this article, it shall be assumed that you are searching for a zoom lens rather than one with a fixed focal length. Most, though not all, new owners opt for the Canon "kit lens" as their first lens. While choosing a kit lens may make sense to you now, you will likely not be happy with the lens down the road. You either think you will just wait and purchase a better lens later, or you don't even think about a different lens.

That is not my view. You should get the very best glass(lens) that money can buy rather than spending money on an inferior kit lens. After all, you will want to upgrade fairly soon, anyway, so why not get more bang for your buck right up front.

There are several things to consider about the lens you are planning to buy.

First consideration is focal length. In general, a focal length of about 18-24mm on the short end and 55-75mm on the long end will give you a very useful range. Keep in mind that these numbers are not critical. There are also some excellent quality lenses that have about 105mm at the long end.

Canon, Sigma, and Tamron have recently released some pretty good lenses in the super-zoom category. These have focal lengths of 18mm at the short end and 200-270mm on the long end. They have gotten favorable reviews, however just keep in mind that the image quality will not be as good as those lenses with less zoom capability.

Second consideration is aperture. The best lenses will have a constant aperture of f/2.8 across all focal lengths. You can almost always save money by getting a lens with a variable aperture, such as f/3.5-5.6, but they will not give you the same performance in all situations, especially when lighting is a challenge.

The final thing to scrutinize when buying your first lens is price. For some, this may be the first thing to consider, but with DSLR photography, it really needs to follow the other two factors. Rather than getting the cheapest lens on the market just to have one, it would be far better in the long run to save enough money to start with a good lens. Don't make the same mistake that so many who have gone before you. If good image quality is something you take seriously, you will not be satisfied with a poorly constructed lens. It is very frustrating to try to take great pictures with poor quality lenses.
Now, you can save money by using Canon EOS lenses from third party manufacturers. Some third party lenses are top-notch and less costly than a Canon lens that is identical in capabilities.

A word of warning. Camera forums can be very informative, and they are full of well-meaning photographers, but they can also be very confusing. This is because the folks in those forums are very passionate about their opinions. They can mislead you by bashing certain cameras and products. While this is not always the case, if it happens to you, it could cloud your thinking and mess up your research.

User opinions on the Canon USE camera manufacturer site are much more helpful. Then there are other sites that will guide you as well. What do you believe is your beginning consideration as a new digital SLR owner? It should be which lens you want as a all-purpose lens. Believe me, there are plenty of folks who have agonized over this decision.

There are many really superior lenses to consider as walk around lenses. It's kind of like buying a compact point and shoot camera, though. What zoom range are you looking for?

For the purpose of this article, it shall be assumed that you are searching for a zoom lens rather than one with a fixed focal length. Most, though not all, new owners opt for the Canon "kit lens" as their first lens. While choosing a kit lens may make sense to you now, you will likely not be happy with the lens down the road. You either think you will just wait and purchase a better lens later, or you don't even think about a different lens.

That is not my view. You should get the very best glass(lens) that money can buy rather than spending money on an inferior kit lens. After all, you will want to upgrade fairly soon, anyway, so why not get more bang for your buck right up front.

READ MORE - Which Canon EOS Lens Is Best For A Beginner - 3 Hints For Choosing A Good All Purpose Lens

Before using home fitness equipment tries to know-what is home fitness equipment?

Before using home fitness equipment tries to know-what is home fitness equipment? | In home some of exercises is followed this exercise mainly used in home, in home we can place home fitness equipment anywhere in the nook and corner of the room. There are different types home fitness equipment is useful in home gym. The person is affordable for getting more home fitness equipment then the person cannot go anywhere for the fitness centers.

The person thought to buy fitness equipment then the person should have some aims about the home fitness equipments. And the person should think what equipment is suitable for user to buy. After using this equipment the user should make their body fit, you should give more attention to body part like cardio vascular equipment, after this exercise the user have to lose more weight after weight loss you need good strength and the user have to concentrate in the weight training equipments. The user should know about the cost of the equipment and the person should whether the person can afford that amount to buy t he home fitness equipment or not and the equipment is available in the market all this the user should think. Then only they will get good equipment.
There are different types of home fitness equipment is
Rowing machines:

Rowing machine is used to give exercise for full body. There is no age limits to use this machines some of the user get sprain in joints. If the user have knee or back problems for that users rower is not a good choice. But basically rower is also used to reduce calories and weight also. This is helpful at the time of reducing the weight and it is helpful to all middle class people to buy this machine. This machine is good to use for human being. So this is the use of rowing machines.

Exercise/stationary bikes:

This exercise is used for riding the equipment from one place it won't move anywhere. This exercise will give good cardiovascular strength. This is good example of home gym. Because it occupies small space and it will show how many calories you gained on that day and it won't give any sound while using the home fitness equipment so this is useful for workouts.

Treadmills:

A treadmill is a good example for gym equipment. Treadmills comes in different devices it keeps on changing depends upon the sizes of the machines. Make sure while you buying treadmill whether it is good quality or not and it is in good condition or not and it has warranty. This is the instruction to follow while buying treadmills.

Cross trainers:

It is used for both running and cycling together and without any side effects on joints. The user can use without any fear and it is user friendly. So this is the purpose of cross trainers.

So this is the instructions to follow while buying home fitness equipment and some of the user can use this in their home itself.

READ MORE - Before using home fitness equipment tries to know-what is home fitness equipment?

All about home fitness-equipment

All about home fitness-equipment | The people who are all using the fitness equipments they definitely wants there to be fit. At present the people giving more preference for cardio exercises. Most of the people take stairs with them and it won't take enough places to keep the body everywhere. In some of the gym the membership cost itself heavy membership fees and other payment shrink the purse. For everything the people have to pay money to the gym some of the people got irritated because for every time they have to pay money and finally they have decided to keep gym in home itself. In home the people should pay one time for the home gym equipment then they will do exercise in anytime. The person should think their home is fit to keep the gym or not if not there is a way to buy gym equipment. Now gym equipment is coming in fold-able most of the treadmills coming in fold-able. The people who are thinking about their body they have to buy gym equipment if they have less collection of home gym equipment they have to buy the home gym equipment in home itself.
Information on home fitness equipment:
No one knows the answer why the people preferring home fitness equipment. The people should know everything after using the home fitness equipments if the people know about each gym equipments then they can easily buy the fitness equipments and enjoy by using it. The people can buy the home fitness equipments depends upon their body some of the equipment strain our body and give lot injuries and the people will waste their money after getting the stress. The people who r using the gym equipment they will not spend 1000 dollars for the equipments. The person going to use the machine not for daily use they use the equipments in some occasions. These lead the person happier and they save the money and they can invest the money in some other jewels, shopping or some other gym equipments.

The details about home fitness equipment:

The equipments like treadmills, exercise bikes and step equipments:

Th ere is some equipment useful for home gym and that machine is used and it is common for some of the people. Most of the people will use the user friendly machines to workout otherwise it will give stress and the people want best quality equipment and cheap machines. The new model of the equipment cost up to 1000 dollars or more than that and in shops you can give service for the machine.

Capability of machines:

Some of the people like the superior quality of machines because the superior quality may give the satisfaction to the people who are using the machine. The people can develop the body by some of the equipments there are different types of machines they are rowing, cross country skiing and recumbent cycles these are the different types of machines used for the body builder.

So this is known as all about fitness equipment its uses, how to use the machine and cost of the equipments.

READ MORE - All about home fitness-equipment

Choosing Storm Doors

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR NEW STORM DOORS

What comes to mind when you think about storm doors? If cheap aluminum doors that bang shut and are falling off their hinges jump to mind then it's time for an update. Times have changed. Storm doors today are are built from higher gauge aluminum and vinyl or plastic compounds making them significantly more sturdy than screen doors of the past.

When choosing a storm door, there are 4 main things to consider: Price, Material, Size, Handing, and Style.

PRICING ON STORM DOORS
First and foremost, you should stick to your budget. Storm doors range in price from around $100-$300 for standard size doors that you can find at Lowe's or Home Depot to around $300-$500 for custom sized doors ordered from the same retailers. Now be realistic, while you may find a coupon that gives you a good deal, a $100 screen door is not going to perform like a $500 storm door.

Now you may ask, "What makes a $500 sto rm door better than a $100 storm door?" The answer is the materials and the bells and whistles. Vinyl storm doors are less expensive than extruded aluminum storm doors. While you save money on the price, they will wear out faster because of exposure to the elements. However, you can get a wood-core vinyl door which is more sturdy and provides better insulation for a little bit more money. On a higher-end door you may get a choice of custom colors like cranberry, hunter green, or almond where on the lower end you can only have white or black. With more expensive doors you can usually choose a hardware color ranging from brass or silver to oil-rubbed bronze and antique brass. One important difference is most top end doors come with 2 door closure pistons instead of 1. They are mounted at the top and bottom of the door instead of just having one at the top of the storm door. This gives the door better rigidity and allows you to adjust the speed more. Keep in mind that the cost of a separate piston is only about $5.00, so don't spend an extra $100 on a door just to get a second door closure.

The best way to get a sense of the price is to either go into a national retailer like Lowe's or Home Depot and look at the storm doors or search online at www.lowes.com or www.homedepot.com. If you go to a store, be aware that while some associates may have general knowledge, most do not know the first thing about storm doors. I personally try to avoid them because in my experience none of them has ever actually installed a storm. To make matters worse, their training is minimal and they give cookie-cutter answers to all your questions. Personally, I like to shop online to compare prices and narrow down more what I am looking for.

Another thing to consider about pricing is that most storm doors are Energystar compliant, which means that your new door qualifies for an IRS tax credit. The credit can be up to as much as $500 and is claimed o n your next years taxes. So keep in mind that you can save money on your taxes by purchasing a higher end door.


MATERIALS
All storm doors are made from metal, wood, vinyl/plastic, or some combination thereof. Less expensive doors use vinyl/plastic and may or may not have a wood core for added rigidity and insulation. More expensive doors are made from extruded aluminum ("extruded" means "shaped")

The benefits of vinyl/plastic doors are that they are less expensive to purchase, are easy to clean, and inexpensive to replace. With vinyl doors, especially Emco's Forever door, the color is molded throughout the door. This means that a scratch on the door is less visible because it is not a different color underneath. The drawbacks are that these storm doors wear out sooner, look "cheaper", and have trouble standing up to extreme heat and cold.

The benefits of an extruded aluminum door are that it is heavier, more durable, longer-lastin g, and better looking. They look classier and offer much more security. The drawbacks are that they are more expensive, are little harder to clean, require more maintenance, and can become hot to the touch when exposed to heat for a long time.


SIZES OF STORM DOORS
While you can order a storm door in whatever size you need, standard door widths (measured in inches) are 30", 32", and 36". Standard door heights (measured in inches) range from 80"-81" and 96" (for 8' feet tall doors). Traditionally, your front door opening is 36" wide by 80"-81" high. Back doors are traditionally 32" wide by 80"-81" high; however newer homes (built after 1990) have been also using 36" wide by 80"-81" high doors at times.


STORM DOOR HANDING
One of the most important questions down the road becomes, "Which way will the door open?" If you are dealing ordering from a retailer like Lowe's or Home Depot, it is imperative that the sales rep be crystal clear o n this. In the world of door installations, handing is everything. Now we get to some industry jargon.

First, ALL storm door measurements are assuming that you are standing OUTSIDE of your house looking at the door. Now, handing is stated as either "left-handed" or "right-handed." This means that if you but your back against the jamb where you want the door do be hinged, whichever hand of yours is on the outside is the "handing" of your door.

For example, let's say you but your back against the hinge side jamb of your front door and your right hand is facing the outside. Then you want a "right-handed" door.

The good news on handing is that most standard sized doors can be installed either way; you don't have to purchase a storm door that is pre-handed (unless you have an 8' tall door).

Now most of the time you want the storm door handles to be on the same side as the entry door handles. However, there are a few cases where this is not true. One such case is if you have a wall close to the opening. It is always preferable to have a storm door open towards a wall that is 12" or less from an entry door. This is to ensure that your "traffic pattern" is not interrupted. Meaning that people won't have to open and then walk around the storm door to get into the house. Doing this ensures that the storm door is not in your way when you enter and exit the house.


3 STLYES OF STORM DOORS
Storm doors come in 3 different styles: Full-View, Ventilating, and Roll-screen.

Full-view
A Full-View door is one where you can have ONLY the glass panel OR the screen panel in the door at any given time. You must physically change the glass and the screen and store the panel that is not in use. If you want to maximize daylight and visibility to the outside, this is the way to go. As long as you don't mind installing the screen in the spring and the glass in the fall, you will be happy with this door. It does not have a line across the middle of the door obstructing visibility.

Ventilating
If you do not want to go through the hassle of changing glass and screen, the ventilating style keeps both glass and screen in the door at the same time. With this style, there are 2 panels of glass, and depending on the manufacturer, one or both move up and down revealing the screen portion and allowing for ventilation.

Rollscreen
The Rollscreen models are the newest hybrids and take the best of both worlds from the Fullview and the Ventilating style. In this style, the screen is still self storing like the ventilating model, but you get the visibility of a fullview door because the screen is rolled up on a tensioned dowel at the top of the door. As you pull the top window down, the screen is attached and then revealed. This is a great choice of you have kids or pets that have a keen ability to destroy screens, because teh screen is only on t he top part of the door . . . far out of their reach.

Once you have decided which style, then it is time to decide which manufacturer.


STORM DOOR MANUFACTURERS
There are 4 main storm door manufacturers: Pella, Larson, Emco, and Anderson. Lowe's Home Improvement sells Pella and Larson brands while Home Depot sells Emco and Anderson products. From an installer's perspective, I would rank these manufacturers in order of preference based on product selection, price, durability, warranty, ease of installation, customer service, and fewest number of problems in the long run as:

1) Pella Brand Storm Doors
2) Larson Brand Storm Doors
3) Anderson Brand Storm Doors
4) Emco Brand Storm Doors

READ MORE - Choosing Storm Doors

Go Cruising!

There is definitely something about watching the mainland disappear from view that melts away one's stresses.


Follow our cruise planning tips and you'll soon be watching the mainland disappear from sight along with all your stress. Read on and set sail for new horizons.



Tips for planning your Cruise:



Save time by consulting the experts


With the expanding market and increased competition, cruise companies are consistently offering discounted rates and special deals you can enjoy maximum pleasure for minimum offer especially if you plan and book ahead. Things can get a little confusing, that's why it's best to get the advice of an expert your Flight Shop travel consultant can save you a lot of time in research by offering the right cruise to suit your needs. Some of the tricky areas we can assist in include: early booking or group discounts, last minute specials, choosing the right cabin, options for children and much more.


The journey or the destination?


With so many options for cruising these days, it's important you know exactly what you are expecting from your cruise. Are you after a floating relaxation tour with the occasional port stop or an activity packed experience across the continents? Do you have three days or three months? There is a cruise holiday just right for you, but you need to decide what interests you.



Consider your cabin choices


Definitely consider spending a few more dollars for a better cabin: having an outside cabin with a window, or better yet a balcony, helps makes the cruise experience much more enjoyable and helps differentiate cruising from a resort vacation.


Cover yourself


All ships have good medical facilities on-board but they are not free. So purchase the best suitable insurance to cover hospital treatment, cancellation, medical evacuation and any activities you wish to participate in while you are away. Your travel consultant can recommend the best policy based on your cruise itinerary.


Consider staying longer


Think about extending your cruise with pre and post cruise accommodation or touring options. Many cruise lines will offer land packages to compliment your cruise or you can book a separate package with your travel consultant to ensure you get the most out of your holiday.


Traveling with the family?


Most large ships have great kids Clubs and activity programs all year round, but double check first. Obtain a program guide and let the kids rate the fun before your hop on board.


Celebrate good times


If you're celebrating a special occasion during your cruise, let your consultant know in advance. Most cruise lines will treat you to a complimentary cake and chorus of 'Happy whatever', and you can even arrange for a special private party.


Some reasons why cruising may be the best holiday option for you


Value


Nothing beats a cruise for incredible vacation savings. You visit multiple destinations and so much is included, from dining and entertainment to sports, fitness and a range of accommodation options. With so much to save, you may be tempted to make every vacation a cruise.


Variety


There are thousands of itineraries to hundreds of ports available across all 7 continents, so you can choose exactly the holiday you desire. There are also endless activities for every taste, onboard and ashore.


Adventure


You define what adventure is to you! Ice climbing in Alaska, surfing in Hawaii, exploring unique wildlife in the Galapagos, shopping till your drop in Thailand, or finding the very best South Pacific beach- you names it, you'll find it.


Togetherness


There's no better way to travel in large groups of friends and family than a cruise. You can dine at the same restaurants on board; enjoy a Broadway-style show, play sport and so much more. Best of all, there really is something for everyone, be it adults, kids or couples.


Carnival Cruise


Carnival Baja Mexico ex Los Angeles

Los Angeles - Catalina Island- Ensenada - Los Angeles


Inclusions:

Return airfare

4 nights Carnival cruise ex Los Angeles

All meals on board

All onboard entertainment

2 nights accommodation in Los Angeles

Airport and cruise port transfers


Deal offered by Flight Shop: 6 Nights / 7 Days From45, 799/-



MSC Cruise


MSC Musica ex Venice

Venice  Bari  Corfu  Santorini  Mykonos  Athens - Katakolon  Dubrovnik  Venice


Inclusions:

Return airfare

7 nights cruise (inside stateroom)

All meals on board

2 nights accommodation in Venice

Daily breakfast

Half day Murano , Burano and Torcello tour

Airport shuttle transfers

Private Cruise transfers


Deal offered by Flight Shop: 9 Nights / 10 Days From87, 999/

READ MORE - Go Cruising!

San Francisco Doctor: Folic Acid Facts and Fallacies

I am a doctor in the San Francisco bay area and I would like to share my knowledge and research on folic acid and folate. At the end of this article, if your mother or grandmother told you to eat your vegetables, I will tell you some of the reasons she was right. I will also tell you the functions and benefits of folate for various biochemical and physiologic processes and which form of folic acid is good for you. I will also give you tips on how to avoid the bad form of folic acid.

The article, Is Your Breakfast Giving You Cancer?, in the April issue of Prevention magazine has generated attention and concern regarding folic acid in my San Francisco bay area community, and elsewhere. The article brought up recent findings that folic acid, the synthetic form of folate, seems to cause an increase in colon, lung and prostate cancers. Understandably this should rouse serious concern because folic acid is in the vast majority of folic acid fortified foods and off-the-shelf vitamins. More importantly, pregnant woman are told to take folic acid. This article was released following recent studies reported in the November 18, 2009 issue of JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association), along with some recent studies, that show that increased folic acid intake contains significant risks 1 2 3.

San Francisco Doctor: Folic Acid Facts

As I have been telling my patients in the San Francisco bay area, you need to know that it is crucial to know the different forms of folic acid.

Folic acid is the synthetic form while folate is the natural form. Technically, the oxidized form of folic acid is called Pteroyl-L- Glutamic acid, which does not naturally occur in foods. There is no naturally occurring biochemical reaction that utilizes this form. It must be converted using a particular enzyme in order to be used in your body. It happens to be the most stable for adding in food, thus, it is often used in fortifying foods with folic acid. However, an estimated 33 % of people are genetically deficient in this enzyme that converts this folic acid form for it to be used by your body.

On the other hand, L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (L-5-MTHF) is the naturally occurring form of folic acid. Technically, this is called folate. It naturally occurs in foods. It is referred to as the active form because it does not need to be converted to another form for used in your body.

What are the functions and benefits of L-5-MTHF?
- DNA repair
- amino acid metabolism
- biosynthesis of neurotransmitters
- involved in development of the myelin covering of nerve cells
- key detoxification reactions called methylation
- proper division of red blood cells
- reducing homocysteine
- regulation of gene expression; the control of healthful genes being turned on and harmful genes being turned off
- prevention of neural tube defects in developing embryos (spina bifida)

As I have mentioned in my other articles/blogs, the importance of folic acid in preventing neural tube defects was clearly proven by Drs. McCulley and Smithells from the 1960s through the 1990s in multiple studies. Although synthetic form folic acid, was used in these studies, only 200 to 400 mcg were used, which is indicated as fairly safe.

San Francisco Doctor: Folic Acid Fallacies

Does excess intake of folic acid possibly increase the risk for cancer?

From the study by Cole [4], those people taking 1000 mcg of folic acid with a previous history of colorectal cancer had a 2.3 times increased risk of recurrence within 6- 8 years. It is important to note that in this study folic acid, not folate, was used, and at the start of the study, the people participating in the study had significantly lower vitamin B12 levels. Also note that each nutrient works synergistically with others, not in isolation from other nutrients. Problems will likely occur when a study is designed where one nutrient is given at a high dose while excluding others. Even more so, when synthetic forms are used.

Stolzenberg-Solomon, et al[5] studied the effects of an average intake of 853 mcg/day of folic acid by postmenopausal women that consume alcohol. The result shows an increased risk of breast cancer for folic acid intake at higher doses. Furthermore, those women with the higher intake of alcohol were at greater risk of breast cancer. What is the takeaway from this study? The synthetic form of folate at high doses is a problem.

What studies show that folate form is protective against cancer?

In 2006, an article[6] in The Journal of Nutrition and Cancer essentially reported that a diet with significant quantities of foods containing folate and vitamins B6, B12, C, E, selenium (a mineral) and lycopene (a phytonutrient) protects against various types of cancer, including colorectal cancer.
From careful reading of all the studies in this topic by nutritionists like myself, it is clear that the synthetic folic acid and the natural folate form are metabolized differently and used by the body differently. Therefore, it is a fallacy to equate the supplemental use of folate with folic acid regarding the increased risk of colon cancer or other cancers. I do not recommend taking supplemental folic acid at more than 400 mcg/day. Unfortunately, folic acid is what you get in most off-the-shelf supplements. Some of the professional nutritional supplement manufacturers have switched to folate in recent years since research on this started coming out.

How to avoid getting the synthetic folic acid:
- Avoid all highly processed grains.
- Look for L-5 methyltetrahydrofolate in the Supplement Facts table of the supplement bottle. If folic acid is listed on the label, don't use it!
- Do not buy a cheap multivitamin with folic acid thinking that it is better than nothing, especially if you have a family history of colon cancer
- Eat plenty of dark green leafy vegetables daily, preferably organic
- Consult an experienced and knowledgeable nutritional expert who knows and understands the nuances of nutrition and keeps up-to-date with current research. Test them: have them explain the differences between folic acid, folate and L-5 methyltetrahydrofolate. If they cannot, find someone else.

As promised, key reasons why eat your vegetables is absolutely one of the best pieces of advice:

1. Dark green leafy vegetables such as kale, Swiss or rainbow chard, mustard greens and collard greens, contain folate in high amounts.
2. Nutrients work synergistically. Vegetables have various nutrients that work together in your body.

If you have any questions regarding folic acid or help with where to buy multivitamins/supplements that contain folate, contact me at http://drhusbands.com/contact-us, whether or not you are in the San Francisco bay area.

Dr Douglas Husbands is a chiropractor, functional medicine doctor, nutritionist and anti-aging practitioner in the San Francisco bay area. His chiropractic and wellness clinic is located in San Carlos, CA.

Copyright 2010. Douglas Husbands, DC, CCN, ABAAHP. All rights reserved.

References:
1. Kim YI. Does a high folate intake increase the risk of breast cancer? Nutr Rev. 2006 Oct;64(10 Pt 1):468-75.
2. Stolzenberg-Solomon RZ, Chang SC, Leitzmann MF, et al. Folate intake, alcohol use, and postmenopausal breast cancer risk in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Apr;83(4):895-904.
3. Mason JB, Dickstein A, Jacques PF, et al. A temporal association between folic acid fortification and an increase in colorectal cancer rates may be illuminating important biological principles: a hypothesis. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2007 Jul;16(7):1325-9.
4. Cole B, Baron J, Sandler R, et. al. Folic acid for prevention of colorectal adenomas. JAMA 2007;297:2351-9.
5. Stolzenberg-Solomon R, Chang S, Leitzmann M, et al. Folate intake, alcohol use, and postmenopausal breast cancer risk in Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial. Am J Clin Nutr 2006;83:895-904
6. Kune G, Watson L. Colorectal cancer protective effects and the dietary micronutrients folate, methionine, vitamins B6, B12, C, E, selenium, and lycopene. Nut Cancer 2006;56:11-21.

READ MORE - San Francisco Doctor: Folic Acid Facts and Fallacies

Thinking of Buying an Elliptical Cross Trainer?

If you are considering buying an elliptical cross trainer for your home gym you need to do a little research first. Many of us buy the first thing we see, especially when making an impulsive purchase or we want the product as soon as possible. However, if you want to get real value for money and more importantly achieve noticeable results you may find the following advice to be quite helpful.
Firstly, consider the size of the machine in comparison with the location in which you will use it. Generally, elliptical cross trainers are bulky in size and are not easy to store away. If you are buying mail order, where you physically cannot gauge the size of the item you should take time to read the measurements provided by the retailer. Once you have these measurements check out if you have enough space to locate the trainer.
The second factor to consider is the price. There are numerous suppliers selling home gym equipment and the trick is to find a retailer who ca n offer you a quality product for a reasonable price. Don't be fooled by gimmicks or celebrity endorsements. Adding a celebrity name to a product usually just increases the price, not the overall quality!
When buying a machine such as an elliptical cross trainer seek out a specialist retailer. They are more likely to have higher quality products than high street retailers or mass market mail order companies (who often compete on price alone). Not only will a specialist retailer be able to offer a quality product, but they will also be able to offer you advice before you buy and guidance on how to use your product once you have got it home. Many will welcome your questions as they will want you to buy the product that is right for you. Discuss with the retailer what you actually want to achieve from your cross trainer. For example if you want to improve upper body strength and definition your retailer will be able to guide you to the product which can provide the most resistance in this area. A specialist retailer is also more likely to provide you with a warranty and after sale care service should anything go wrong with your purchase.
Once you have chosen your elliptical trainer consider the delivery method. Do you need to collect it from the store (in which case you need to ensure you have a vehicle large enough to accommodate such a machine)? Alternatively, if you have bought the product from a specialist retailer online do they offer free home delivery? The cost of home delivery can be hidden until you reach the checkout and on such a heavy item you may be surprised with the charges many retailers will impose. You need to ask if you are still getting good value for money based on the overall, delivered cost of the item. Also, enquire about in-home delivery before making your purchase. Will the delivery company simply leave the item on your door-set or are they happy to deliver it to the room of your choice? On top of this service a select number of retailers will actually ask if you would like the delivery person to unpack and build your cross trainer so it is ready to be used. With such a heavy item this is a great benefit.
Once the cross trainer is installed in your home you need to focus on the most important factor of all you need to use it! Too many of us invest in home gym equipment, only to leave it gathering dust just a couple of months after delivery.

READ MORE - Thinking of Buying an Elliptical Cross Trainer?

A Guide To Dog Training - Instant Dog Mastery Course Review

A Guide To Dog Training

Before starting dog training, it is best that you know your options well. These days you can find many types of dog training, in many different places. These trainings vary in price and each one them has something different to offer.

The first type of dog training is known as puppy preschool. This is a dog training course meant for puppies that are about 6 weeks to 5 months old. These puppy preschool classes generally last for no more than 6 to 8 weeks. In these training sessions, your puppy is essentially taught how to socialize with people and as well as other puppies. Here your puppy also begins to learn how to sit down, stay at a place, and how to come.

The second type of dog training course is meant for the dogs that are at least 5 months old. This type of dog training is known as the basic dog training. The duration of these classes is usually about 8 to 10 weeks. This is the basic course, where your dog is taught the art of walking properly on a leash, sitting, staying, coming and heeling.

The third type of dog training course is known as the intermediate dog training. This dog training aims at teaching the dog mostly the same things that are taught in the basic training course, in a more detailed form. Here the dog is trained to stay for a longer span of time, and is also taught to follow the orders given by other people.

The intermediate dog training generally lasts for about 8 to 10 weeks, and is meant for those that are no less than 5 months old. It is essential for the dog to have completed its basic dog training course, or to be accustomed to the basic commands that could have been taught by the owner.

The next type of training course is known as the advanced dog training course. Here, once again, the course is quite similar to its previous one, i.e., the intermediate dog training course, ex cept for the fact that this time it is more detailed. Here, the dog is taught how to sit even without you in the view.

This training course is about 8 to 10 weeks long, and is meant for those that have completed their intermediate training. Here, they are also trained to walk beside their owners without a leash. Moreover, it gradually prepares the dog to take the Canine Good Citizen training course.
The Canine Good Citizen training for dogs is the last course. To pass this course, your dog will be taught the 10 necessary aspects.

This course is strictly meant for those dogs that have completed all the previous courses. The test is quite tough and can only be passed if the dog is really well behaved. Depending on whether your dog can pass, the course can last for several weeks.

Keeping this information in mind, you should be able to decide the dog training course best suited for your dog. However, you may seek the opinion of your local do g trainers to know more. Many trainers consult for free. So now you should be at least a step closer to introducing your dog into a training course!


Do you want to learn the exact same strategies and tactics that Pro Dog trainers use everyday in their Dog Training Businesses to solve dog behavior problems once and for all? If yes, then you need to get a copy of The Instant Dog Training Mastery Home Study Course

READ MORE - A Guide To Dog Training - Instant Dog Mastery Course Review