A Guide To General Female Health

A number of novels and stories of the early 18th and 19th centuries often portray women as mad and irrational beings, thus, espousing the creation of mad women literature. But, modern medicine dispels this "mad" attribute. By establishing that women's hormones are more sensitive and susceptible to change than that of men, more attention is given to female health. Menstruation, menopause, PMS, and perimenopause - these are all part and parcel of general health topics related to women. Aside from that similarity of being part of female health, these phenomena are due to one thing: hormonal changes. Hormones are fickle, they change with the slightest variation in diets or physical activity. Sometimes even emotional upheavals are enough to make women's hormones go haywire. Researchers on female health come up with studies on the relationship of female psycho-emotional well-being and their physical health. More often than not, hormones are the established links between this relationship.

Hormonal imbalances are the usual culprits for a number of health disorders in women. Although some of the symptoms are associated with other illnesses, their root remains to be unbalanced hormones. As varied as general health topics are, they range from physical manifestations to psychological and emotional troubles. Physical manifestations of hormonal imbalances include fatigue, weakness, weight gain, weight loss, digestive problems, hot flashes, and joint pain. Other symptoms are more pronounced and less insidious like hair loss and dry skin. Unfortunately, with the demands of career and family life, women often ignore these symptoms as merely due to excess work and overall tiredness. Some attempt to cure their symptoms with remedies and rest that do not work. Hormonal imbalances need medical attention and hormonal supplements to be treated properly. Otherwise, symptoms grow worse with heart palpitations, increased nausea, urinary dysfunction, breast pain, and vaginal dryness. Extreme cases even include changes in menstrual periods with the affected person either suffering from extended periods and bleeding or have total absence of periods.

If the symptoms and conditions above are bad enough, they are just the hormonal imbalances' physical aspect. Usually cropping up as manifestations of other psychological disorders, the psycho-emotional aspect of these imbalances are often disruptive. There are documented cases wherein afflicted persons confess of being unable to function at their normal level because of the symptoms. Some of the minor symptoms include cravings and mood swings. However, if the symptoms do not receive treatment, they progress to worse conditions like lack of sexual desire, depression, insomnia, and unclear reasoning. It's no wonder that general health topics and concerns about women often include well-being exercises.

But, these imbalances are not permanent afflictions. With proper diet, exercise, supplements, and counseling, women are able to get their hormones back on track. However, early detection is a key factor in treating hormonal imbalances. It is therefore important not to dismiss the symptoms as just belonging to general health topics or issues. Hormonal imbalances are not just topics -- they are real, and they happen to more women everyday.

Can Dancing Heal ?

Dance give us plenty of room for self-expression and can be powerful in helping the body and mind to be stimulated. It's all about movement and music and you.

This is one thing everyone agrees about: Dance is beneficial. It's exercising without "feeling" like you're exercising, it increases cardiovascular and mental health, releasing endorphins while you turn, spin, and simply MOVE.

Unfortunately, in our "modernized" society, we have lost touch with its potential. In contrast, dance has always been an integral part of many other cultures. You don’t have to dance with an African tribe around a roaring fire to realize the healing benefits of dance; luckily, all you need is yourself.

The other great thing about dance is that it can be done either in the privacy of your own home, in dance classes as a recreational outlet, at a party with friends, or as you do any number of houshold tasks, fitting a little "swing" in your steps.

"Oh, I can't dance," you'll say. Can't, or won't? Dancing is simply moving, like wayward walking. It doesn't have to be funky-crazy or hip; you don't have to go with a style you don't feel comfortable with; and those of you with "dance inhibition" are free, nearly every day, to find time and a private place large enough to move around freely -- again, also knwn as dancing.

Choose music you feel comfortable with. Music preferences naturally vary from person to person -- and even from day to day -- so it just doesn't matter of you decide to dance to Prince, Mozart, Garth Brooks, or Billie Holiday. That's the first rule: Never put any kind of restrictions on yourself, thinking, "I like that music, but how do you dance to "Jingle Bells"?

When you are ready to begin, stand for a moment with your eyes closed. Feel the connection of your feet to the floor and just relax. If you feel completely at a loss for what to do, imagine your breath supplying your entire body with a golden fluid, making your body light and flexible.

Allow this to transition into any movements you wish, moving as the body dictates. Flow, float, stomp, jump up and down. Move fast or in slow motion. The key is to just allow the body to move, so don’t think too much -- just move. Don’t worry about how you look; if you're alone, no one can see you. If you're in a dance class, everyone else is laughing, making the same mistakes you are.

When you really get into it, after a while you'll definitely notice something: You're not worrying as much any more; you are sleeping better; you aren't as irritable at work or at home, with your family; and you feel surprisingly "healed" in some way.

In fact, the natural bodily healing and restoration can last from a couple of minutes to a several hours. People young and old, in all states of fitness, living in all kinds of bodies can benefit from dance. Those with injuries or physical challenges can bene fit as well as any "able-bodied" person; just listen to your body and work with its limitations. Dance can be used for healing major stresses as well as "everyday life," for it is often that these stresses build up, manifesting in extreme tension, anger, and even illness.

Remember, you're not forcing your body to move according to someone else’s steps; to truly dance is to just tune in to your own personal radio station, and move according to the rhythm of your soul. Dance slow, dance fast, dance solo, dance with others, dance with joy, even dance the sorrow out of your heart. There are no rules -- just DANCE!

Bad Breath Cause

Although you may want to consult your physician if you have a particular problem with bad breath, the following general advice will give you insight into the likeliest cause of a bad breath problem.

The principal bad breath cause is associated with bacteria in the mouth.  This can flourish when the saliva flow in the mouth is reduced.  Lack of saliva means that old food is not washed away, and saliva also helps in neutralizing acids.  Saliva also performs the very necessary task of flushing out the mouth, and removing food particles, so any reduction in saliva flow inhibits this action.

Saliva can be reduced for a number of reasons.  There are natural causes of this reduction, and other causes related to disease or choices.  The flow of saliva reduces naturally as we get older, making us more prone to bad breath.  Also when we are dehydrated, the moisture in the mouth reduces naturally.  Often when asleep, people will have their mouths open, maybe even snoring, and this will dry out the mouth.  This contributes to the “morning breath” syndrome.

Certain diseases and illnesses can similarly contribute to bad breath.  Any infection that affects the respiratory tract can be a cause of bad breath, as well as many other diseases.

Dry mouth can also be caused by medications for various problems.  The most common is probably the antihistamine, taken to relieve allergies.  Some others include high blood pressure and depression medicines.  Other things that can be ingested that affect the dryness of the mouth include alcohol and mouthwashes that contain alcohol.

One of the many problems associated with cigarette smoking is dry mouth.  For many reasons unrelated to bad breath, it is wise to avoid smoking, as has been documented extensively elsewhere.  With a predisposition to bad breath, however, the habit of smoking virtually guarantees that you will suffer from bad breath.

It is no good to think that the bacteria causing bad breath may be generally eliminated, as they are naturally occurring and required for bodily function.  They are anaerobic, which means “without oxygen”.  As saliva provides oxygen the lack of saliva with a dry mouth makes a more favorable environment for the bacteria to increase, aggravating the bad breath.

The bacteria create sulfurous compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide (the bad egg smell) which are the cause of the smelly breath.  The bacteria assist in the digestive process by starting the breakdown of proteins.  Thus another cause of bad breath would be a high protein diet, which feeds the bacteria.

Beat Bad Eating Habits

The first step is to brace yourself for the challenge; it goes without saying that bad habits are hard go break. When you’re trying to eliminate something that has become a part of your life, you’re bound to encounter resistance, and see your willpower seriously tested. You’re in for a marathon—one in which that old addiction will tempt you at every step, trying to lure you back into that old vicious circle.

Slow down. People who eat faster consume more calories because their brain doesn't have the chance to recognize that the stomach is full. Instead of choosing finger foods that can be eaten quickly, always eat food from a plate with utensils. Salad is an excellent choice since the bulk of it fills you without ramping up the calories or clogging your arteries. Drink water throughout your meal.

Bad eating habits can ruin your life. They can turn you into a wild man at the table, force you to lose control, and influence you to make poor and unhealthy food choices that will eventually make you overweight and obese.

By torturing yourself too much, I just worry that you will eventually give up in all these funny tools and use both of your hands to eat instead! So, whether diet fork, diet spoon, chopsticks or teaspoon, at the end of the day, it is the will power that makes the difference when come to diet control.

Remove temptations. Keep food out of sight and store a minimum amount of food in kitchen cabinets and in the pantry. Never store your favorite foods. Keep on hand only those foods that require preparation before they can be eaten.

Do a little, not a lot. By cutting 500 calories per day for a week, you will have lost 3,500 calories, one pound a week—a nice, natural weight loss that won't freak out your metabolism. A good, brisk walk each day can cut out 250 calories, and skipping dessert (but not breakfast) can do the rest. Go slow and gentle: don't try to lose a lot of weight at once. Experiment with what you're willing to let go of: the Grande latte you usually enjoy at 10 AM; the buttery movie popcorn that's become a nightly habit. Target foods you don't especially love and stop eating them.

Rate your hunger. Ask yourself, "how hungry am I on a scale of 0 to 10?" 0 means you're starving—woe to anyone who gets between you and the fridge! 10 means you're so stuffed you can't eat another bite—you might explode! Eat when your hunger falls somewhere between 4 and 8; but stop eating when you feel you've reached 7 or 8.

Planning your food a day in advance ensures that when that emotion or a challenging time of day hits, you are not tempted by incompatible foods as you try to combat old habits. Plan your meals and ensure you have your trigger times well covered and plenty of food and/ or options all day long so that you no longer have to resist all those choices. When you do this, the old emotions and trigger times of day will still happen, the difference is you made the choice about your food intake yesterday when your emotions did not have a grip on you.

Are Allergy Shots Effective?

Itchy, watery eyes, runny nose and sneezing are all common symptoms which a vast majority of us experience as allergy symptoms at specific times throughout the year. Many individuals do everything in their power to avoid allergies including changing their diets, staying indoors or taking vitamin supplements. These may contribute to fighting allergies, but there is another effective way to do so.  Immunotherapy or allergy shots are gaining popularity. Getting an allergy shot can be scary for some people, so we thought it would be best to fully explain allergy shots and address some common concerns.

How Do They Work?

Allergy shots contain a small amount of the substance which you are allergic to. If you are allergic to pollen, a small amount of pollen would be added to the shot. The amount is small enough so that it does not cause you to suffering from allergy symptoms, but enough so that you body gets used to fighting the allergen. Therefore, the next time your body comes in contact with that substance, it will be familiar with fighting it off and you will most likely not suffer from allergies.

Are Allergy Shots Safe For Everyone?

Although most people will have positive results from allergy shots, they are not right for everyone. Allergy shots are not recommended for individuals suffering from severe heart problems, asthma or other respiratory problems. Also, children under the age of 5 should not be exposed to allergy shots for safety reasons.

What Is The Procedure?

Once you have decided that you would like to get allergy shots, you will receive a shot 1 or 2 times a week for about 6 months. Afterwards, your maintenance shots will require you to get one shot a month, year round for about 3-5 years. Once you have received allergy shots on a regular basis for a couple years, you can discuss it with your doctor and they may tell you its okay to stop getting them at that point.

What Are The Side Effects?

Although allergy shots are effective for many individuals in eliminating allergy symptoms, certain individuals may experience some harmful side effects. Some people may experience feelings of shock when the shot is initially injected, others may feel light-headed or nauseated. For this reason, doctors are required to keep patients in their office for at least 20 minutes after receiving each shot in order to ensure the patient’s safety.

Some people swear by allergy shots while others criticize the effects or claim they don’t work effectively. If you are considering receiving immunotherapy, contact your doctor to discuss. Your doctor will give you more insight in order for you to determine if this is something you really want to do.

You Are What You Eat

Eat Right. Your Skin Will Thank You.

You know that too much alcohol and smoking can dehydrate and take oxygen away from your skin, risking its health, right? You know that sitting in the sun too long can damage your skin and that by not getting enough rest, relaxation, and exercise your skin can suffer too, don't you? Did you also know that by not eating the proper foods you could be damaging your skin as well?

Here are some foods that can help you maintain healthy skin and nourish skin that's been damaged:

Fish, Beans and Oils
Many of you have heard me preach of the vital role essential fatty acids play with aging skin, as EFA’s are required to maintain skin elasticity.  Denying your body of the 'good' fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, can cause your skin to wrinkle prematurely.   Good sources of EFA’s in your diet are fish, especially salmon, and nuts like almonds and sunflower seeds.  The best sources of EFA’s also come in flax seed oil, coconut oil and borage oil, which can be incorporated into your cooking or as a daily supplement.

Vegetables
Got acne? Spinach and other dark green vegetables are antioxidants that can reduce the inflammation of pimples, and orange vegetables such as carrots and peppers, are high in beta-carotene, which turns into Vitamin A in your body to heal damaged skin.  Winter vegetables are packed with beta-carotene.  I encourage you to stock up on your squash.  Your skin will love you for it!

Berries
Blackberries, plums, strawberries, blueberries and prunes are all included in the group of fruits that can help you keep your system toxic-free, and thus help your skin look radiant and healthy!  Be sure not to throw out wilted veggies & spent fruit.  Simply puree them in your blender, making your own alpha-hydroxy, anti-aging face wash!  You really don’t need to spend a fortune on high end products when all the sought after ingredients are already in your fridge.  Be sure to read on for your free monthly recipe.

Turkey and Chicken (White Meat)
Your skin's cells cannot be repaired without protein. Don't or can't eat meat? Nuts! No, I mean eat nuts for protein. You can also substitute meat with egg whites or soy products to get the protein you need as well.

Water, Water, and More Water
If there is any substance in the world that your body just can't get enough of, it's water. Since your body consists of approximately 80% water, it only makes sense that you need to replenish the water in your body, especially if you exercise a lot or live in a dry climate.  Sodas and caffeinated drinks dehydrate your skin.  If drinking water is challenging, slices of cucumber or oranges with mint sprigs create a refreshing spa beverage that you can keep refrigerated or fill up your sports bottle when on the go.

It is true that you are what you eat, so eat well, live well, and look totally awesome!  Be sure to visit your local farmer’s markets or natural food grocers for organic foods, free of hormones and pesticides. By doing so you’re eating optimal quality foods and supporting a sustainable environment.

Swimming and Back Pain

Swimming is considered a beneficial activity in alleviating pain. Whenever athletes experience an injury, swimming can be one way to keep active while avoiding undue stress on the swimmer’s back.

However, there are instances when swimming can also result in back pain and back injuries.


Back problems and lower back injuries can be caused by certain swimming strokes. To avoid these incidences, recognizing the following factors while performing particular strokes may help:

1.) Rotating the head too far up while doing the freestyle can result in neck and back injuries. Swimmers normally roll their heads upwards to the right to breathe out of the water on the upstroke of the right arm. It is advisable rotate the head upwards only within the axis of the body, and keeping the head down the rest of the time when not going up for air.

2.) If not conditioned properly, the anterior neck muscles become subject to stress while doing the backstroke. This stroke is one that has to be performed gradually to avoid excessive muscle strain.

3.) Flip-turning can have an adverse effect on the neck and back muscles if the head is overextended from the body and not tucked in.

4.) While doing the breaststroke, the head and neck is held still, with only a minimal head raise to take in air.


There are several means of alleviating pain symptoms in a problematic back. Some conservative approaches to relief include stretching, applying ice, and taking over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen. With more severe pain, other forms of treatment may involve sessions with a chiropractor or physical therapist.

A chiropractor can manipulate the affected area to relieve symptoms for most sufferers, while a physical therapist can develop a specific program of drills and exercises that can strengthen muscles, enhance flexibility, and decrease pain. Wearing a back brace may limit painful movement while giving the injured muscle a chance to recover.


Constant back pain signals the need to cease all swimming activities consult a doctor for an appropriate diagnosis. Continuing to swim despite the pain is a detriment to healing and will only make the condition worse. The resulting severe pain may even require surgery to correct any back irregularities.

Surgery is only undertaken in the very rare instances of serious symptomatic conditions; however, there are cases when not even surgery can undo grave back ailments.
In general, swimming is a beneficial activity that may alleviate symptoms of back pain.

It is not unduly stressful nor does it involve motions that weigh heavily on the back. In fact, it is a preferable exercise option for people who want to avoid neck or back strain, or aggravate any symptoms of other ailments they may have. It is advised, however, to take lessons in the proper safety measures and swimming techniques to refrain from repetitive or awkward movements that may lead to back injury.

Remedies for Sinusitis

There are number of factors that cause sinusitis. The most common occurs when a cold causes swelling and congestion on the lining of the nose. Sinusitis may begin as a viral infection but within a few days it can develop into a bacterial infection. In many sinusitis patients, there may be one or more preexisting condition that adds to the problem. These include allergies, nasal polyps and nasal septum. These conditions cause the narrowing of the nasal passages and blockage the sinus openings. That is why some people undergo operations to improve their chronic sinus infections.

Despite the fact that most sinusitis sufferers receive no benefit from antibiotics, most doctors still prescribe them. Most doctors also recommend decongestants although they can cause insomnia and nervousness. Long term use can also cause dependency to the drug. The side effects of nasal sprays cannot also be overlooked. It can cause high blood pressure, mood swings, acne, peptic ulcers glaucoma and weight gain. Although surgery can be the last resort to severe sinusitis there is still no guarantee that it will be successful, it could even make matters worse.

For these reasons, some people have turned to the healing wonders of natural medicines. Goldenseal and olive extracts are effective in fighting bacterial and fungal infections. Vitamin C is also well known for its ability to strengthen the immune system and lessen allergic reactions. Zinc also shortens the duration of a cold by killing the cold virus, thus, reducing the risk of sinusitis.

There are also natural ways you can take to overcome the problem of sinusitis. First, as much as possible avoid inhaling traffic fumes, cigarette smokes and chemicals at home or at work. Second, exercise regularly. Even walking for thirty minutes three to four times a week can be very effective. Third, avoid foods such as eggs, wheat, fatty foods, pastries, sugar, chocolate and any food that contains food additives. Fourth, eat more fruits and vegetable, fish, hot chicken and salads. Fifth, drink two to three liters of water a day. Keep in mind that water helps in keeping the body clean. Lastly, when suffering from colds, inhalation is a tested way of relieving blocked sinuses.      

Understand that a well-balanced diet and lifestyle can help prevent sinusitis. Over-the-counter medications can decrease the annoying symptoms of sinusitis. But if sinusitis symptoms continue, it is better to seek the help of a physician.

Relax Easily

Everywhere, nowadays, people are complaining of feeling stressed and burnt-out with all the demands of work, family, and even studies. The phrase “so little time, so much to do”, is becoming truer. The psychological stress manifests itself in various ways, through the lowering of a person's resistance to sickness, through the cramping of muscles, or through an unpleasant change in one's mood. Because of this, people now have a greater demand for a way to escape the toxicity of their lifestyle and find a place of escape where they can just relax and enjoy even for just awhile.

The truth is one does not need to go far just to be able to relax and have an enjoyable time. Even with just a simple stretching exercise, a basic yoga session, or a beginner's dance lesson will do as a relaxation and fun activity. If places where these activities can be done are hard to find within one's area or town, there are available demonstration VCDs and DVDs which are already for sale or for rent in stores and shopping malls.

For additional guidelines on how to maximize the relaxation and enjoyment with the suggested activities, below is a list of to-do things that should not be missed.

Find a companion – It is always better to do certain activities with a partner or some friends. Especially when the activity to be undertaken will only be done for the first time, it is less worrying or awkward to discover a new experience with someone familiar. However, in case a person chooses to be alone in doing this, it should still be kept in mind to stay open for the possibility of meeting new friends. A friendly and easy attitude should be kept from the very start. Do not let the pressure or stress overcome in the situation of being alone. Be open, take it easy, and try to meet new friends.

Make the most of the experience – Learn as much as possible from the activity. Do whatever that is required even if it feels uncomfortable doing it the first time. Do not fret too much over the mistakes or inadequacies; remember that the goal of this activity is for a person to be able to relax.

This is the time to learn how to laugh at one's own mistakes and strive to be better, however, not in a pressured or struggling way. Leave all that are negative behind, especially before going to the activity. This is supposed to be an escape, thus, do not let the negativities find its way through. Simply give it your best.

Take a certain caution – Despite giving it your best and making the most out of it, those are still different from really overdoing it. The suggested activities are obviously those that require a certain level of effort, however, not to the point that one's body will experience over-exertion and suffer from muscle injuries.


Just in case, it is necessary to bring emergency medications such as topical ointments or muscle relaxants such as Carisoprodol for anything untoward that might happen. Sometimes, accidents do really happen despite taking a certain level of caution. It is still better to be ready for the just-in-case events rather than be left unprepared during emergency situations.

These three pointers should be enough guidelines to further make the most out of the escape plan, no matter how brief or how near it may be. Opting for a costly one is one option for those who are capable of handling the expenses. However, for those who are still in a limited budget or limited time, the suggestions above are the most appropriate activities to get into.

How To Relax Before Going To Bed

Quitting Smoking Made Easy

Smoking cigarettes for a long time can be addictive.  This dependence is thanks to nicotine.  Nicotine is a habit forming substance found in the leaves of tobacco plants and makes up about four percent of the weight of the plant itself.  After processing, the leaves get to retain about seven to twenty milligram of nicotine per stick.  And the average smoker takes in one milligram of nicotine per stick.  It is this inhaled nicotine that creates the dependency.  And the best question to ask is: “How can I start quitting smoking?”

It's true that it is difficult to stop smoking.  It takes a lot of determination to stop yourself from lighting that next cigarette.  It's difficult enough to have to come up an enormous amount of will power to keep yourself from puffing away, you will inevitably go through withdrawal symptoms like anxiety attacks, nicotine cravings, irritation, and an inability to concentrate to name a few.  But thanks to modern science, there are now a lot of different ways to quit smoking.

Here are a few simple and effective ways to quit smoking:
l Medications.  There are different medications that doctors prescribe to help smokers in their battle to quit the habit of smoking. These can be either relaxants or sedatives that help calm and control your nerves.  These medications aid in alleviating the discomfort brought about by withdrawal symptoms.

l Hypnotherapy.  This is considered a moderately effective way to let go of the smoking habit. The willing smokers agrees to be subjected to a hypnosis session.  During session the therapist will use the method of auto-suggestion to give the smoker will power to quit smoking.

l Will power.  It takes no less than iron will to push through plans of quitting smoking.  Will power is nothing but a state of mind, a very state of mind that is very difficult to achieve.  People who have very weak will power will encounter a lot of difficulties trying to stop smoking.  Just keep in mind that if  you put everything into quitting smoking, you will be able to do it.  It also helps have yourself surrounded by supportive family and friends to encourage you in your fight to quit.

l Seek counseling.  Even the strongest of will power falters at some point in time.  It is during these times that you should seek professional help to back you up on your cause.  Counseling is very important for behavioral support.  It helps boost up your morale and bring you back on track to quitting smoking.

l Stop using smoking aids.  This doesn't necessarily mean that you can't depend on smoking aids to get you through quitting smoking.  It's just that smoking aids do nothing more than release little amounts of nicotine into your bloodstream.  Smoking aids are only good for satisfying your body's nicotine craving without the dangerous tar and poisonous gases found in cigarettes.  However since it still has nicotine, there is a tendency for the smoker to drop smoking but get hooked on the smoking aid instead.

l Alternative therapies.  Various alternative treatments have been discovered to help smokers with their nicotine cravings.  Among these therapies are: aromatherapy, acupuncture, acupressure, yoga, and meditation.

Smoking may make people look sophisticated and classy, but people should take into consideration more important things than the fact that it makes people look cool.  It is important to know that cigarette smoking may become addictive before you even start on your first stick.  After all, starting is easy, quitting the habit is the hardest part.

Pilates for an Aging Population

At one time, Pilates was a specialized form of exercise limited to a handful of professional practitioners.  In recent times, Pilates has become one of the biggest exercise fads in America.  Almost every town and city across this great country has a professional Pilates studio, staffed by certified instructors.  Pilates, however, is not just another passing fad.  Pilates is here to stay.

Practitioners of Pilates can experience countless benefits including improved posture, flexibility, and balance.  This presents a remarkable opportunity for an aging population to perform a series of exercises that are both safe and effective.  According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the stretching and strengthening of core muscles through the practice of Pilates is an effective strategy for combating the effects of aging.

Aside from the benefits noted above, Pilates can also help with relief from stress and mental tension.  It can also have a direct impact on maintaining strength and range of motion, both of which are especially important for our aging populace.  Studies have shown that Pilates can also provide relief from back pain and other physical injuries, which are often a primary cause of pain and discomfort.

The wonderful thing about Pilates, and the reason it is so effective for people getting on in age, is that it is a highly effective form of soft exercise.  Pilates can be performed at a pace dictated by the strength and stamina of the individual.  It is not goal driven, in the way that traditional weight training or body building is.  With Pilates, the effectiveness of the exercise is determined by the overall impact on the health of the practitioner.  Pilates is all about achieving long term, tangible results.

The key to the effective practice of Pilates is to make the connection between mind and body.  Concentration plays a significant role in Pilates.  One of the core principles of Pilates is to establish control of the body through discipline and focused thought.  Much like Yoga, controlled breathing plays a pivotal role in achieving results in Pilates.  Pilates teaches a form of breathing called Lateral Breathing.  This is performed by inhaling deeply through one's nose, and allowing the inhaled air to expand one's ribcage.  This form of breathing is also called Thoracic Breathing.

Pilates is a highly effective approach to maintaining health and vitality, regardless of one's age or stage in life.  While the practice of Pilates is beneficial for many people, it is especially important for our aging population.  Aging individuals often lose control of their coordination and muscles, and this can lead to a sense of frustration and mental anguish for people that have grown accustomed to their sense of independence.  Pilates can provide people with the tools and techniques they need to age with dignity and a sense of well being.  Pilates isn't for everyone, but it could be ideal for you.

Patient Advocacy

Every healthcare provider, from the blue color worker whose primary responsibility is the maintenance of operating room suite furnishings, to the cardiac surgeon performing high risk, complicated and life saving surgery, should be a patient advocate.

What exactly is patient advocacy? The moment a patient makes a decision to trust their life, health and wellbeing to another person, that person takes on an advocates’ responsibility to protect the rights of the patient.

What rights need protecting?

The right to privacy. All billing information, including social security number, age, health information, such as blood type, reason for seeking health care, are all privileged information that should not be shared with anyone not directly involved in the care of the patient. An example of information needing protecting would be the patient’s chart.

The right to be treated in a fair and unbiased manner. Regardless of a patient’s sex, religion, national origin, sexual preference, insurance, and or age, patients should be treated with respect, given equal opportunity to the same level of health care as others. An example of this would be the Medicare patient given the same treatment as the private patient.

The right to be treated with dignity. Patient’s undergoing procedures in the hospital are often stripped of their clothing, glasses, hearing aid, wigs, etc. Healthcare workers may take it for granted that the patient understands the importance of this and may not fully explain when they are going to be touched, such as when electrodes for EKG are being placed on the patient’s skin, or uncovered, as when a stethoscope is placed on the chest to allow the worker to listen to the heart. The surgery patient needs advocacy the most.

Surgery patients, in addition to having their clothing and belongings removed, are often put to sleep and cannot defend or protect themselves. Not only are they strapped to a table by a safety belt and arm straps, they are usually naked. They have to be kept warm. Nothing should be allowed to rest or press on their body, such as tables which hold instruments, or the surgeon or nurses. Unnecessary exposure of their bodies should be avoided. Only the body part being operated on should be uncovered. The anesthetized surgery patient is at the mercy of their healthcare staff.

Keeping equipment safe and the environment clean to further protect the patient is the most basic tenets of advocacy. It demonstrates the importance of each and every member of the healthcare team, from the housekeeper to the anesthesiologist.

Asian Massage Therapy

There are several forms of ancient Asian massage still being practiced in the world today. Asian massage techniques are ancient healing rituals developed over the centuries in India and the Far East. Thai massage, shiatsu and asian massage are becoming more and more popular in the west as more people become interested in pilates, yoga and other more holistic forms of exercise and relaxation.

Thai massage actually started in India. It is a form of massage using guided stretching and Meridian pressure point therapy in combination with an ancient breathing method called “Pranayama.” This technique uses breathing techniques to relax and cleanse the body while strengthening the nervous system. Sessions usually end with a ritualized final relaxation that most customers find intensely restful.

Chinese acupressure or “tui na” was developed over 5000 years ago. By applying pressure to the body at certain key points, the acupressure therapist helps the body to activate its own self-healing abilities. Acupressure has been used for centuries to treat back pain, headaches and migraines, stress and anxiety. It is deeply relaxing and can have the added benefit of assisting the patient with weight management.

Japanese Shiatsu is another type of massage developed in the Far East. It concentrates on energy rebalance and physical well-being using the thumbs, palms and fingers to apply pressure to certain areas of the body. Benefits of this type of massage include rebalancing of the bone system, enhanced circulatory function, maintaining balance of the nervous system and greater skin and muscle flexibility.

Indonesian Javanese massage is a system of massage that uses all parts of the hand, including the knuckles, to knead and massage the muscles. Usually a massage oil is used to facilitate the therapy. This massage works on the muscles and nerves to relieve tension, back pain and aid in the healing of fractures. Of all of the Asian massages, this is the most robust, and the massage is often painful, although greatly beneficial in the long run.

Whatever your preferences, there are many ancient Asian massage treatments to choose from. Explore your massage options by adding one of these interesting and beneficial massages to your health regimen.

Effects Of Steroids

Steroids are available as anabolic-androgenic steroid drugs, anti-estrogen drugs, and growth hormone and peptide drugs. These drugs are powerful performance-enhancing drugs. There is a wide range of available steroids, such as Anadrol ® (oxymetholone), Dianabol (methandrostenolone), Testosterone, Stenox, Clomid (clomiphene citrate), Viagra (sildenafil citrate), Cialis (tadalifil citrate), Evista (raloxifene), etc.

There are many effects of steroids. The positive effects of steroids are visible when they are used for several medical purposes including stimulation of bone growth, appetite, puberty, and muscle growth. The effects of steroids (anabolic) impressive when they are used for the treatment of several chronic wasting conditions, such as cancer and AIDS. There are anabolic effects of steroids in protein synthesis, muscle mass, strength, appetite and bone growth.

The anabolic effects of steroids are superb when they are used in treating conditions, such as delayed puberty and some types of impotence, which are resulted due to abnormally low amounts of testosterone production in the body.

However, side effects of steroids have made them controversial drugs, but the side effects of steroids are linked with steroid abuse. There are a number of side effects of steroids, if they are over-used wrongly for wrong purposes. Some of the side effects of steroids include elevated cholesterol (increase in LDL, decreased HDL levels), acne, elevated blood pressure, hepatotoxicity, and alterations in left ventricle morphology.

These side effects of steroids have made these drugs stand among the abused drugs. Listed as Schedule III in the Controlled Substances Act, steroids are controlled drugs in United States. Canada and Britain also have laws controlling the use and distribution of steroids.

Break Free from Drug Addiction

Death is nearly always accompanied with questions. Whether we are facing our own death or the death of someone we love, we seek for answers. But people seek answers differently. Some people ask for guidance, attend counseling sessions, go to bible studies, or seek support groups that would help them cope with  a loss of someone.

All change that exists within the mind causes stress and most people at some stage try to avoid the pain of grief. They may search for a substitute for the relation that is lost, like if a woman lost a husband, they may marry again quickly, or adopt another child in place of the one they lost. But other people who can not cope with grief and who wants to avoid the pain turns into addiction.

Defining an addiction is tricky, and knowing how to handle one is even harder. An addiction is said to be  an uncontrollable compulsion which provides temporary relief from “inner pain.” Addiction means a person has no control over whether he or she uses. Addiction can be physical, psychological, or both.

According to research, approximately 27 million Americans either use illicit drugs regularly. There are also around 70 percent of illegal drug users that are employed and contribute significantly to workplace absenteeism, accidents and injuries, decreased productivity, increased insurance expenses, employee turnover costs, and on-the-job violence.  In 2001, the estimated total number of drug addicts had already reached 15.9 million Americans aged 12 or above.  This estimate represents 7.1 percent of the population aged 12 years old or older. Almost 16 million are estimated to need immediate treatment for drug addiction.

Drug addiction involves compulsively seeking to use a substance, regardless of the potentially negative social, psychological, and physical effects. Certain drugs are more likely to cause physical dependence than are others. While not everyone who uses drugs becomes addicted, many people do.

Experts have theorized that some people, particular those addicted to drugs, may have deficiencies in their brain reward systems. Other drug users gravitate toward their “drug of choice” to “self-medicate.” Heroin, for instance, is remarkably effective at “normalizing” people who suffer from delusions and hallucinations (mostly schizophrenics). Cocaine can quickly “lift” depression, or enable a person with attention-deficit disorder to become better organized and focused. For these people, addiction is a troubling side effect to their adaptive attempts to relieve their own suffering.

Drug addiction treatment typically involves steps to help one withdraw from using a substance, it should also be followed by counseling and attending self-help groups to help one resist addiction again. There are many substance-dependent people who make it into therapy show a profound inability to calm and soothe themselves especially when they are experiencing stress.

A physician may prescribe narcotics to relieve pain, benzodiazepines to relieve anxiety or insomnia, or barbiturates to relieve nervousness or irritation. Doctors prescribe these medications at safe doses and monitor their use so that a person addicted will not be given too great a dose or for too long a time. Still, the best way to prevent an addiction to an illegal drug is not to take the drug at all.

Breaking a drug addiction is difficult, but not impossible. Support from the doctor, family, friends and others who have a drug addiction, as well as inpatient or outpatient drug addiction treatment, may help  someone beat drug dependence. Recognizing the problem as soon as possible is critical. One should get help right away and should not be ever afraid to ask for guidance so that an addicted person boost their chances of staying drug-free.

Asthma Treatment

Many of us try to be free of asthma symptoms nearly all the time, provided we follow medical advice. Been able to breathe deeply and naturally filling the lungs with pure, fresh air. Be free of asthma drugs and strengthen your entire respiratory system helping to enhance natural immunity and to support proper functioning. When you can enjoy an active healthy lifestyle is a key to success.

Some people get severe asthma attacks may lead to respiratory arrest and death. Looking for asthma treatment information is the key to eliminating asthma and allergy symptoms effectively and safely. To truly have a significant, lasting change in the health and quality of your life what would that give you?. So what are the facts and information you need to help you take the right steps to reduce your asthma attacks hospital stays, and chronic illness.

To Be healed of your asthma and asthma illness,  to breathe easily, calmly and in a natural and relaxed way.

Become as free of the dependance on your asthma medicine and its side effects.
 
Enjoy your night time rest and wake up feeling great and  zest for living.
 
Have the power to make these positive changes in your health and in your life.
 
Be relieved of the agony of watching your child struggling for breath at times .

This is you aim go and locate the information you need and do something about it. There are numerous internet websites out there that may give advice and information on asthma, go get you research done and help yourself or wife.

Best Known Ways to Quit Smoking

When you have finally come to see that your smoking habit has caused damage to your health, and wallet, and general well being, and you have decided that you would like to quit it is good to know that there are a lot of ways to quit smoking.

Quitting smoking depends on many things. It can be fast, or slow, but one thing for sure is that quitting rely on your determination, as well as the help of others. Whatever method you try, you should be mentally prepared for the difficult period that follows your last cigarette. This difficult period is caused when the nicotine your body is addicted to is withdrawn from your body. Withdrawals occur when your body reacts to the lack of nicotine that it has become reliant on.

The sudden impulse to give up smoking is known under the name of "cold turkey" and it is the result of a personal choice. Among the gradual ways to quit smoking may be enumerated the nicotine replacement therapy, the individual or group therapy, some modern and non-medical methods such as acupuncture, kabala practices and others but also physical exercises.

It is incorrect to say that you are addicted to smoking because in fact you are addicted to nicotine and to the idea of a routine. The moment you try to provide the required quantity of nicotine to which your body was used while you were a smoker all you have to do in rest is to keep your hands busy and to work on your psyche. This way you'll certainly quit this vice.

Acupuncture, hypnosis, laser therapy are some modern methods that come in the help of those who want to quit smoking. Due to the fact that they are rather modern tools their efficiency for a one hundred percent success has not been completely demonstrated.

The first step towards a successful decision to give up smoking is to find a strong motivation. This must be sought in your own person, inside you. Nobody can convince you that you should quit your vice if you are not really determined that you actually want to do this. And also it depends on you which of the ways to quit smoking best suits you, if you think that you are able to do it on your own or to ask for assistance. If you want to choose the latter variant you have several alternatives.

For best results font give up. If one way doesn't work for you, try another. Everyone is different, and so are the methods of smoking. What works well with one person wont necessarily work well with another.

A real Breath of Fresh Air

The other day while browsing various gadget sites I came across an interesting looking device called a Goodsphere Bubble.  Having spent many years and having some surgery to reduce the effect of snoring. I decided to invest in one of these Air purifiers.

I read up on the information of the product and a summary is given now.
A goodsphere bubble provides the following benefits.

It  eliminates nasty odours from cooking and smoking all though I do not smoke some of my friends do and this would be a significant benefit.  The other main benefit is that you can change the different aromas it can generate by buying the separate aromas available.

The goodsphere bubble acts as an ioniser which converts the positive ions within the room atmosphere to the more friendly negative ions in the atmosphere.  The negative ions makes the air feel fresh without giving off black marks like some of the other  types of ionisers.

The goodsphere bubble also acts as a humidifier last year I had a humidifier and it did make quite a difference. It broke and I have not had time to replace it.  I know that this significantly reduced the amount of snoring I produced over night.

So having read the sales page and knowing that people are coming to stay soon I decided to invest in one of these goodsphere bubbles. I was amazed when it arrived fairly quickly and that it was fairly idiot proof in operation.

I unpacked the item filled with water I had also bought the apple orchard essence with the kit. I added the added correct amount of essence and turned on the unit.  The goodsphere bubble provided almost instant fresh air smelling of apples and now it has become one of the most essential items in the house.

The effect that these bubbles produce is so dramatic that I immediately ordered a second device. I now have two spheres working in my house and I have had many comments from friends and neighbours on how this works, where can I get one and how much are they.

I also did some experiments in recording myself asleep to see if this has any effect on my snoring it remarkably does have the effect of significantly reducing the overnight snoring. This is really important to me and my relationship with my fiancée. Also the unit can clearly be seen taking the dust out of the air as the water quality goes from clear to dull.

Each essence lasts for around 24 hours you simply clean the unit and add fresh water and fresh essence. We now have an extensive range of essences for the goodsphere unit and the house always smells with a distinct agreeable aroma. Our favourite has been the rose blossom and its like working in the flower fields and meadows and has made a vast improvement to my life.

The unit also comes with the option to have an LED base which illuminates the device through a spectrum of colours so not only does it smell good it also looks good and really adds something special to the room.
The aroma therapy qualities include the ability to combat and neutralize harmful bacteria such as MRSA, E-coli and salmonella. This has been the best buy of the year so far, very impressed.
This article can be used under the standard terms and conditions of this website.
© 2007 Andy Bolton 39 Liverpool UK

Drink More Water

After a little research it is apparent that nobody really knows where the saying that you need to drink 8 cups of water per day comes from. Some people trace it back to a study in the 1980's, and other people claim that doctors starting telling people that amount because it was a good goal, but didn't have any scientific research to back it up with.

Either way, the point is clear, water does wonders for your body, and your brain. Water is well known to cleanse your body of harmful chemicals through your intestines and also throughout your urine tract. Without proper water intake, our bodies break down very quickly, in a matter of days. Without food, however, some people can live for a week or two. That just shows how important water is to our bodies.

Here are 3 quick tips for taking in more water.

1. Always have water available.

I like to buy the 12 ounce bottles of water and keep them in the fridge. Whenever I go to the gym I grab a bottle. On my way out the door to work, I grab a bottle. Before a trip that will be 30 minutes or longer, I grab a bottle. When I watch a movie, I grab a bottle.

Whenever I am sitting watching TV or a movie, I will keep the bottle in my hand with the lid off. I take a lot of little sips until the bottle is gone. A great way of making sure you drink more water is to make sure it is easily accessible.

2. Keep it cold.

I don't know many people who like to drink room temperature water, I sure don't. If you keep your water cold, you will drink more. I make sure there is always ice in my freezer, this make it very easy to have a cold glass of water anytime.

3. Chose water in restaurants.

Whenever I go out to eat, I always drink water with some lemon. The lemon adds a little spunk to the taste and the water is always nice, cold and refreshing. After a short time you will stop craving your old drink of choice and will begin to appreciate the taste, or lack of taste, that water provides.

Give water a shot and your body will be thankful!

Tips to a Better Sleep

Many Americans are having difficulties falling asleep at night. Instead of sleeping and dreaming they roll around in their beds trying to fall asleep. The result usually is people not rested enough in the morning and tired all day. This results in stress and less performance on the job or at home. We have developed a list of 6 powerful tips that have helped us to achieve better sleep.

1) Room temperature: Keeping the temperature in your bedroom at 70 degrees Fahrenheit or below is recommended. Too often an overheated bedroom is causing sleep problems. Scientific studies show that the body can better relax with temperatures at 70 degrees or slightly below.

2) Reduce caffeine. A recent study showed that caffeine is not metabolized efficiently and fast enough at night. The effects of caffeine last much longer than most people expect. The result is difficulty falling asleep. Studies have shown better sleeping patterns if no more caffeine is consumed after 6.00 PM.

3) Avoid alcohol. Alcohol will keeps the body from reaching the deeper stages of sleep, where the body does most of its healing and resting. The result of drinking can be a very light sleep or difficulty falling asleep in general.

4) Beds are for sleeping. If you are used to watch TV in bed or even work while being in bed, you may find it much harder to relax and to fall asleep. Remove the TV and do not work in bed. Sleep requires your brain to slowly shutdown and any distraction will cause sleeping problems.

5) Go to bed at around the same time every day. Don't change your bedtime back and forth. Having a certain schedule developed it will be easier to fall asleep pretty much at the same time every day. A recurring schedule will help your body to get into a sleep pattern and make it easier to fall asleep.

6) Remove the alarm clock from your view. Starring at the time will only create the feeling that you have to sleep, but you are not. These worries will make things even worse. Losing the feeling for time by not seeing the actual and how long you have been awake has shown to improve healthy sleep.