Better Your Health

Hypnosis Can Help You Quit Smoking

2008-04-17T06:01:00.000-07:00

Unless you are totally cut off from technology, you have probably heard that smoking is bad for you. It causes a myriad of health problems, at the top of the list being several forms of cancer. You may have even tried any of the numerous quit-smoking aids – from gum to patches to inhalers or even a prescription and counseling without any success.

Even if you feel you are out of options, there may be something else for you – hypnosis.There are plenty of reasons to quit smoking. Foremost are your lungs, which you need to breathe and continue living. A healthy lung is nice and pink, and if you have ever seen pictures of a lung after smoking you know how it can turn black and unhealthy. But it does not stop there – smoking can cause several forms of cancer, emphysema, and even increase your risks for strokes and heart attacks.

This is because out of the 4000 chemicals used in cigarettes, at least 43 are known to cause cancer, and more are known to be poisonous. Arsenic is in cigarettes and is used to poison rats and other rodents. Acetone is an ingredient that can be found in some nail polish removers. Benzene is a chemical used in gasoline, and cadmium can be found in batteries.

That is just the beginning of the list. Does this sound like something you want floating around in your system? When you quit smoking, the benefits start to happen almost immediately. In less than half an hour your heart rate will go down. Within a day your carbon monoxide levels will go back to normal. Before the first three months have passed your lung function will have improved and you will have lowered your risk of heart attacks significantly.

By the one year anniversary you should notice a decrease in the amount of coughing you suffer from and an increase in your lung capacity. Plus, you will have cut your risk of heart disease to half of what it was when you are smoking. If you stop smoking young you have an additional benefit – 15 years after quitting your risk level of having a heart attack is the same as someone who never smoked.

Plus, since you will feel healthier once you have gotten over the hump of quitting, you may be encouraged to take up another goal – such as jogging or exercise or losing weight – that will cause you to be healthier overall.You may be surprised to find out that hypnosis may be able to help you quit smoking. Many people have the image that hypnosis is a stage prank to make someone flap their arms and cluck like a chicken.

However, the true goal of hypnosis is to quiet your conscious brain to allow the subconscious to become available. For quitting smoking, a hypnotist may work with your subconscious to teach it to associate smoking with something unpleasant, like nausea.

So while counseling can only deal with the conscious part of the brain – the part that is up and functioning in the foreground most of the time, hypnosis works with the subconscious where we function on a much more automatic level. Many times, a hypnotherapist can get you off of cigarettes with just one session of hypnosis.

Mellowing Down Your Metabolism For Weight Loss

2008-04-15T22:43:00.000-07:00

You got to take it higher…
(Benefits of increasing your metabolism)

Did you know that the key to a successful weight loss is by mellowing down your metabolism? Metabolism is the process of burning calories in your body which happens naturally even if you are not exerting any effort- yes including when you are sleeping.

Metabolism, if increased, would result in taking much fluid thus weight loss would happen gradually. The recommended weight loss of 1 – 2 pounds per week is really possible... By increasing the metabolism you are giving the body a need to have more amount of protein.

As we all know, exercise could increase metabolism but the point is that an individual must do an exercise that is suitable and effective for his or her body type. Increasing the metabolism must come before trimming down on calories.

A permanent weight loss may be achieved through increasing metabolism and this process provides different benefits.

This would give you more time to do whatever you want because you do not need too much exercise- this would allow you to enjoy other activities. Moreover, you do not have to force your self to do tough exercises.

Unlike other diets that hold promises of remedies when actually you just end up disappointed, increasing your metabolism will give you better long-term results and will not give you bigger possibilities of gaining weight again.

You do not have to ignore the favorite food and you need not spend so much time just preparing non-fat meals. Of course, you could stop spending too much just for this non-fat food and the like.

These benefits are very simple but these are very important especially for the well-being of an individual. When we exert effort and work hard on our objectives like losing weight, impossible will not even be a fact at all.

These benefits are just some of the many increasing your metabolism could offer- so what are you waiting for?

Tips For Treating Acne

2008-04-15T01:49:00.000-07:00

If you're seriously interested in knowing about acne, you need to think beyond the basics. This informative article takes a closer look at things you need to know about acne.Treatment for acne may become necessary when mild acne just won't go away, when the appearance of acne becomes emotionally disturbing, or when acne becomes severe.

You may also decide to medicate acne when it shows up at inconvenient times like the day before your wedding, the night before school pictures or just before prom.Treatment should do the following:* Unclog your pores* Kill the bacteria on your skin* Minimize Oil Sometimes lifestyle changes can improve your acne.

Water is your skin's friend, so make sure that you drink a minimum of 8 full glasses of water a day to improve your skin. Good nutrition gives your skin the nutrients that it needs to be healthy, so take a good look at what you are eating and stick with fruits, vegetables and protein in recommended portions for your age, limit carbohydrates and fats.

You can check with a nutritionist at your doctor's office for a list of healthy foods that are good for your skin. Other methods for reducing the affects of acne would be to apply hot compresses to the pustules and to get facials because they help to tighten up your pores.

Never, ever squeeze pimples, this only makes them worse. When you "play" with your pimples it always makes them redder and more irritated so this increases healing time. A few simple ways to open your pores:* Make sure you cleanse your skin with mild cleansers once or twice a day with a mild bar soap or liquid cleanser.

Some brand names to explore are Basis, Cetaphil, Dove, Neutrogena, and also Purpose.* You can also use exfoliating cleansers and masks. These products have granules in them and some have salicylic acid in a concentration that makes the preparation a mild peeling agent so to remove the outer layer of the skin, thus opening your pores.

* Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A and can also help promote skin peeling.Ways to kill the bacteria on your skin:

* You can use antibacterial cleansers that contain benzoyl peroxide

* There are topical application that can be used that comes in the form of creams, gels, and lotions. The active ingredient in these preparations that kill bacteria is usually benzoyl peroxide, sulfur or resorcinol. Some of these brands can be quite costly. Check the label and compare the more costly brands with the ones in drugstores, if the ingredients are the same, than buy the less expensive ones.

* Some individuals are allergic to benzoyl peroxide by giving the skin redness and scaly appearance. Do not let these products get on your colored clothing, or towels, as benzoyl peroxide is bleach.

* If you base what you do on inaccurate information, you might be unpleasantly surprised by the consequences. Make sure you get the whole acne story from informed sources.Ways to reduce the oilGlands cannot be stopped from producing oil. What you can do to reduce the oil is to use an astringent or toner to wipe away the oil from your face.

You can also use products that contain glycolic acid or alpha-hydroxy acids as they help to peel off the superficial layer of skin.Masks that contain sulfur can draw out the facial oil from your face.Pads that are antibacterial or contain benzoyl peroxide can help you wipe away the oil.

Other things you can do about acne:You can hide acne with cosmetics or flesh-tinted cover-up sticks. Just make sure they are water-based or oil-free. Facials can help as well as steaming the face and deep cleansing. You can also have your pores unclogged by a professional. You can purchase pore strips from pharmacies that can be applied to your nose, forehead and chin.

You apply the strip wait a designated time and then pull off the strip, unclogging the pores with the strip.You can start and maintain a good basic skin regimen that includes:

* Cleansing your face daily with a 5% benzoyl peroxide wash or if allergic you can use 2% salicylic acid.

* Use gels or creams that contain 5% benzoyl peroxide or sulfur/resorcinol on any acne you may have.

* You can apply a sulfur cream at night to any blemishes that you have.

* Use a light skin moisturizer and oil-free makeupHopefully these tips have been helpful and you are now better informed regarding treating your acne.

Here's to healthy, clear skin!

Menopause for both Men and Women

2008-04-05T11:35:00.000-07:00

Menopause for Males and Females

A very funny yet quite profound comedian named Elayne Boosler once observed that, 'When women are depressed, they either eat or go shopping. Men invade another country.'" Within that single line from her comedy routine Elayne succinctly captures the behavioral differences that are exhibited by men and women when they encounter menopause.

Of course, it is at the heart of comedy to oversimplify situations and to exaggerate differences, but she is able, nonetheless, to grasp in just a few words a cultural truth. Men and women both experience, to some degree, a hormonal change in their lives that reaches into all facets of their beings. For one gender the transformation is relatively short but is very intense, while for the other it is much more gradual.

We are far more familiar with the accumulated data concerning the menopause that a woman experiences because the condition has been medically recognized and observed (and therefore treated) far longer than male menopause. Since a woman has a monthly period, she is often alerted to oncoming menopause by a change in the frequency and duration of her monthly cycle.

Most often she has been told since her youth that when she reaches an age where child-bearing is no longer a possibility, she will notice that her periods are gradually diminishing. There will be other changes taking place in her body that are related to her estrogen level, and she may experience some depressions during this time. Her vaginal lubricant excretions may begin to diminish, and she may notice other physical changes.

Generally these changes will take place over a few years.On several levels, men share some of the symptoms of menopause with women. There are men who experience the sometimes deep depression and loss of self-esteem that women go through during this time.

They can find themselves dealing with the anxiety that can affect a woman, and they will often become short-tempered, moody, and irritable.However, there are also some very distinct differences. When we consider that a woman has a finite supply of eggs, we can conclude that many of her symptoms are triggered by the lack of eggs which helps to “turn down” the level of estrogen produced by her body.

But with a man we’re dealing with a different hormone, testosterone, and it does not get turned down in the same way as estrogen in a woman. Instead, around the time a male reaches his thirtieth birthday his testosterone level begins to gradually drop, roughly around one percent per year.

Consequently, when he’s in his mid-fifties he has reached a point where his testosterone production has dropped by twenty five percent. So, while a woman will experience her changes to approximately coincide with the depletion of her eggs, a man will (probably unbeknownst to him) actually begin the early stages of his male menopause while he is in his early thirties and not notice a huge difference until several years have gone by.

Then at that point, according to Elayne Boosler, he’ll invade a country while his wife goes shopping.

Prevention and Treatment of Cold Sores

2008-03-30T07:05:00.000-07:00

Cold sores always seem to pop up before a big date or an important interview and they can hurt too. The fact of the matter is that there is no evil plot to make you at your most uncomfortable; it’s just that dormant herpes simplex 1 virus harboring in your body decided to wake up and make its’ self known.

A cold sore can appear as a cluster of sores or as a single, usually recurring at a spot in close proximity or even the exact same spot as one before. They can be found on the nose, chin, cheeks or even on your lips, the most sensitive area of them all.

Do not confuse cold sores with canker sores as they are really ulcers that pop up inside the mouth and are not contagious, unlike the cold sore which is. About 20% of the population harbors this herpes virus which causes the cold sores and many people are infected when they are kids. You can never be rid of the virus once you get it.

Some people will never get a cold sore while others are more susceptible to them and will get them about 3-4 times a year. There are typically triggers which wake up this virus that lies in wait in your central nervous system. Severe chapped lips, stress, hormone fluctuations and even sunlight can trigger an outbreak.

Developing the Cold Sore
People who have had cold sores say they know when the next one is coming because the area will start to itch or burn and turn red. For some people, this beginning stage of the cold sore could last for days and for others, just a few hours. Some people wake up with a cold sore after never having experienced any of the beginning stages.

The second phase of a cold sore is the development of the blister. It will look swollen and fluid-filled. Typically, this blister will break and an ugly crust forms over it that is typically a yellowish-brown color. After a few days, if you do not pick at it, the crusty scab falls off and you will have a pink area of skin that shows signs of healing. The whole cycle from start to finish is typically a week to ten days.

Viruses are contagious and because the cold sore is caused by the herpes simplex 1 virus, you do not want to engage in any behavior which will pass the infection along to someone else. That means, if the cold sore is on your lips, you do not want to kiss anyone, have oral sex or even allow anyone to use your eating utensils or drink from your glasses. In addition, you will not want to touch the cold sore with your hands because you can spread the virus through your fingers too.

Treatment and Prevention of the Cold Sore
Viruses have no known cures to you cannot cure a cold sore but you can certainly take a few steps to curtail the length of time the cold sore lingers as well as lessen the pain of it. You can do the wait and see approach which will typically end in about ten days.

Or, when you feel that first tingling or burning sensation that harbors the beginnings of one, you can use one of several cold sore ointments that you apply directly onto the sore area which may even prevent the formation of the unsightly blister. Otherwise, the ointment will speed up the healing process and numb the stinging pain that comes with a cold sore.

You can exercise a few precautionary measures to try and keep cold sores from occurring as well as passing the virus onto someone else. For instance, make sure that your lips are properly hydrated and keep them from becoming chapped. Do not linger out in the sun and if you must be outdoors, wear a lip sunblock which should be a good protective measure.

When you are stressed, try and practice some relaxation techniques and get enough sleep as well as a good diet to promote a healthy immune system. In other words, work hard at avoiding the triggers that may cause the cold sores in the first place.

Secondhand Smoke (Passive Smoking) – Are You Putting Your Family At Risk If You Don’t Quit Smoking?

2008-03-27T20:37:00.000-07:00

By Nigel Howell

Smokers often complain that they are made to feel uncomfortable smoking around non-smokers. There are in fact many good reasons why non-smokers feel uncomfortable when they are in the company of somebody smoking and it isn’t just the bad smell.

The inhalation of secondhand smoke is referred to as passive smoking. Passive smoking consists of ‘sidestream’ smoke and ‘mainstream’ smoke. Sidestream smoke comes from the tip of the cigarette when it is being burnt. Mainstream smoke is smoke that a smoker has initially inhaled and exhaled from the cigarette, you in turn inhale a small proportion of this mainstream smoke. Cigarettes contain over 4,000 chemicals which are released when the cigarette is burnt in the form of gases and particles.

Given the trend in introducing laws which ban smoking in public, the problem of passive smoking has been reduced when you are in bars etc. It is however perfectly legal to smoke in your own home which means that your family are still at risk of passive smoking.

The milder side effects of passive smoking are there for us all to see and even smokers have most likely been on the receiving end at some point. These milder side effects include

• irritation of the eyes
• headache
• sore throat
• coughing
• dizziness
• the feeling of sickness, nausea

There are however more potentially serious risks to those who are exposed to passive smoke. According to the BBC website, “Non-smokers who are exposed to passive smoking in the home, have a 25% increased risk of heart disease and lung cancer”. This is a worrying statistic which every mother, father, husband or wife should be concerned about. Are you putting your loved ones’ lives at risk?

Some of the other claimed serious side effects other heart disease and lung cancer are

• miscarriage and birth defects
• asthma
• greater risk of developing allergies
• depression
• anxiety

There was much controversy when laws were first introduced to ban smoking in public places. There were claims of human rights violations and the potential negative impact on commerce. Commerce hasn’t been as affected as much as first feared which has reduced the impact that this argument can carry when used to prevent more laws from being introduced. Given the public’s support for these laws, how long will it be before they are calling for smoking to be banned in the home?

About the Author: Nigel owns Quit-Smoking-Here, a website which contains lots of useful information if you wish to find out more go to http://www.quit-smoking-here.com"
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=130136&ca=Society

Reducing Your Heart Disease Risk by Managing Your Cholesterol

2008-03-25T20:13:00.000-07:00

Reducing Your Heart Disease Risk by Managing Your Cholesterol

Those of us who are at risk for heart disease need to learn how to manage our cholesterol levels including both our LDL (bad cholesterol) and our HDL (good cholesterol). The fortunate ones who have good blood cholesterol levels but have risk factors for heart disease like family history, or age for example, should also participate in a cholesterol management plan. It is never too early to start developing heart healthy habits or to start checking those cholesterol levels or to know what your heart disease risk factors are.

Making a cholesterol management plan is the easy part; keeping to the plan is what takes discipline. Your healthcare provider can help you to determine what your heart risk factors are and specifically if you have cholesterol risk factors. Once you know what your risk factors are, then you can devise a cholesterol management plan based on your risk factors.

If you are tested and are found to have high LDL cholesterol level or a low HDL cholesterol level, then your cholesterol management plan is vital for you to make and keep.

A cholesterol management plan will also decrease your risk for stroke because reducing your LDL cholesterol level will have that benefit for you.

Your healthcare professional will put you on a regular schedule of cholesterol checks so that you can stay on top of what your levels are doing in response to your cholesterol management plan.
Your cholesterol management plan should include all three elements that contribute to achieving healthy cholesterol levels including diet, lifestyle changes and exercise. A third element is only used when the other 3 combined do not achieve the results that you and your healthcare team determine are your desired cholesterol goals.

That fourth element of the cholesterol management plan is medication. Medication is added to your cholesterol plan only if the first 3 elements alone are not sufficient to reach your goals because medications can and do have side effects that must be balanced with the benefit of taking the medication.

Your healthcare team helping you to design and manage your cholesterol management plan is the best individuals to go to when you have questions about your cholesterol levels or how to implement the plan. The team may consist of your doctor, nurse, nutritionist, and any other lifestyle therapist or management team member necessary based on your individual needs. If you have a disease such as heart disease or diabetes, the doctor that cares for your disease should also be a part of your cholesterol management team.

Your role in the team is to understand what your cholesterol levels mean and to have an input concerning your lifestyle risk factors and how best to improve your health by changing or improving on these habits. It is also your responsibility to understand all verbal and written instructions regarding your plan, especially the medications if any, that are a part of your plan. Medications are only effective if you take them correctly.

Dietary and lifestyle changes should be implemented in such a way so that they will not stress you out further and also so that they can be attainable by you. This is why it is important that you be a part of the designing of the cholesterol management plan. Your healthcare team can give you several tools that will help you to achieve your cholesterol management plan.

When designing your cholesterol management plan you will first need to have a complete physical examination, a complete cholesterol profile, an exercise assessment and a dietary evaluation. You may need additional blood levels measured and evaluated depending on the finding of your exam, and dietary and exercise evaluations.

Your cholesterol management plan will be individualized based on the findings from your exam and lifestyle evaluations. No two cholesterol management plans are exactly the same because no two individuals are exactly the same regarding age, sex, physical condition, health, and diet and exercise habits.

Migraine Headaches

2008-03-24T20:07:00.000-07:00

Migraine Headaches

A migraine is a splitting headache that just seems to set in apparently due to no reason at all. The reasons for a migraine are mainly vascular. That means that certain changes in the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain trigger of the pain. Of course, the causes for the changes in the blood vessels may vary from person to person but this is generally how it starts.

Migraines are easily the most common headache syndrome. It affects 10 to 15 percent of the global population. One peculiar feature of a migraine is that it usually starts in childhood or adolescence and is most common in young and middle-aged adults.

The only good thing about a migraine is that it usually stops as people get older. Migraines have nothing to do with a person’s background, upbringing, or social class. Migraines do not discriminate.

Migraines have a strong impact on the quality of a person’s life. It affects not only the person but also the lives of those who move in close contact with he person. Migraine attacks can some times be so severe that person may have to abandon his or her routine activities for three or four days at a stretch.

Once the pain of a migraine sets in, it is sheer agony. It is almost as if one side of your head is being ripped off. There is very little a person can do to stop this pain.

The good thing about a migraine is that it is transient, that is the pain will go away after sometime. This usually happens after the person gets a few hours of sound sleep. But the worst thing about migraines is that they recur. But migraines too can be prevented to a very large extent as the tips below explain.

There are two main types of migraine, the classic migraine and the common migraine. Both the classic and the common kind can occur as often as several times a week or as rarely as once every few years.

Both types can occur at any time. But for some people at least, it is possible to predict the occurrence of the migraine. For example there is a greater tendency for a migraine near the days of menstruation or every Saturday morning after a stressful week of work.

Although many sufferers have a family history of migraine, the exact hereditary nature of this condition is not known. People who get migraines are thought to have an inherited abnormality in the regulation of blood vessels. The following factors often act as triggers that set of the migraine.

Stress is one of the major factors that can contribute to the onset of a migraine. Now it may not be possible for you to get away from the cause of stress, particularly if it is something connected with your job.

Anger can trigger of a migraine as well. It would be good for short tempered people to learn ways of controlling their anger. The best method is of course the one to ten method. The next time you get angry count to ten very slowly before you really blow your lid. By the time you get to ten you should have cooled down.

Both physical and mental fatigue can lead to a migraine so do not push your self too much. Enough is enough and when your body starts giving you signals that it has had enough, take heed and stop whatever you are doing. Just bear in mind that a little more productivity on one day is not worth the productivity of the next couple of days.

Is There Such a Thing as Male Menopause?

2008-03-24T07:06:00.000-07:00

Is There Such a Thing as Male Menopause?

Women may notice it first in their male sexual partners. The decline in virility around the time middle age hits their man. Ever heard of the phrase, "male mid-life crisis?" The crisis may not be all psychological. It may be influenced by male hormone imbalance according to Dr. Karpas, who first published his research regarding male menopause in 1977. His theory includes symptoms, causes and the effects it has on the male body and his lifestyle.

He states that the symptoms start as early as age 40 and can be experienced through age 60. The symptoms are recorded as being: depression, increased irritability, lethargy to some degree, mood swings but the physical symptom most noticed is that he will have difficulty in both attaining and sustaining erections.

These symptoms hit hard especially as they cut the male ego to the quick. These symptoms are compounded if the male does not have an understanding partner/spouse. The statistic for how many males stay sexually active beyond age 70 is 40%. This statistic tells us that it is not normal to experience this particular symptom; and cannot be caused by the aging of the male in of itself.

Male menopause has no known cause as of yet, though it is being researched. There are some known factors that have come from the current researching and those are:

* Alcohol consumption of above average levels
* Getting less than ideal levels of exercise
* Hypertension
* Hormonal deficiencies
* Poor circulation
* Psychological problems
* Smoking
* Some interactions with both prescribed and non-prescription medications

Testosterone:
The hormone testosterone according to many endocrinologists and scientists is a male hormone. It is present in the male infant at birth and is responsible for bone and muscle growth in adult males as well as for the sexual drive they experience during puberty and beyond until it decreases to pre-puberty levels at age 80.

This hormone is responsible for the male libido or sexual drive. Men who experience lower than normal levels of testosterone experience difficulty with being able to concentrate, depression, fatigue, and also a decrease in endurance and muscle strength. It is expected that when males have low testosterone levels they will experience difficulty with sustaining or even achieving erections.

Some of the nay Sayers to this theory state that there are other conditions that can also exhibit the same symptoms. Conditions such as: being obese, having been diagnosed as having hypertension or high cholesterol. Men who also suffer from heart disease have poor blood circulation and as erection is dependent on good blood flow, heart disease can have the direct impact of erectile dysfunction for men with heart disease.

There are also known drug side effects from a variety of different medications that include symptoms of impotence. There have been studies that have shown that long term alcoholism of at least 10 to 15 years show that there can be significant and irreversible nerve damage to the penis which would impair the ability of have an erection.

Is male menopause for real, or is it just another label for symptoms of other conditions? You decide!

Should Seniors Quit Smoking?

2008-03-23T20:20:00.000-07:00

Should Seniors Quit Smoking?

It is far easier to quit smoking if you are younger and have not been smoking for very long. A teenager who has smoked only a few months, or a couple of years, will certainly find it easier to kick the habit than someone in their thirties who has smoked for ten years. But what about those smokers who have been smoking since they were in their teens and are now are approaching their sixties.

That means they have been smoking for nearly forty years. Someone who has smoked this long is more likely to be a heavier smoker, at least twenty cigarettes daily, and that is a strong addition. As well, one of the reasons it is harder to get an older smoker to break their habit is that they believe that they have been smoking long enough that if something bad was going to happen it already would have.

They look and say they are still alive so their smoking is not going to hurt them, and if it did it will not make much difference anymore. This, of course, makes no sense. Even though some people will smoke their whole lives with no side effects, many more will suffer from coughs, wheezing, shortness of breath and other respiratory ailments traced directly back to their smoking habit. Perhaps they need to look at the cigarette facts.

As recently as a couple of years ago there were over eighteen million smokers over the age of forty five, nine percent of these were over the age of sixty five. Of these eighteen million smokers two and a half percent die each year of smoking related illnesses. That shows how terrible cigarette smoking truly is. Those who smoke cigarettes and are seniors continue to increase their risks. They are twice as likely to succumb to a stroke if they are men and one and a half times more likely if they are women.

They are sixty percent more likely to have a heart attack and have twice as much chance of succumbing to Alzheimer’s disease. They are also more likely to wind up with cataracts some of which will be severe enough to blind them. Smokers are likely to live ten to fourteen years less than they otherwise would if they did not smoke.

Those ten to fourteen years could be their retirement years or the period of time when their grandchildren are being born. They must ask themselves if smoking cigarettes is truly worth missing their grandchildren over. Too often someone who is older assumes that the damage has already been done and so what is the point of quitting, but this is not true.

Even a senior adds back a few years once they stop smoking. They diminish the damage done to their lungs and will actually begin to breathe noticeably better after they quit. Interestingly it seems that the improvements are more noticeable in women than in men. This all proves that there is no age at which it is unwise to quit smoking.

Different Tips For Dealing With Anxiety

2008-03-22T22:49:00.000-07:00

Different Ways To Cope With Anxiety

If you suffer from anxiety then don't assume you have to consult a psychiatrist and start shelling out hundreds of dollars for Xanax prescriptions. It's always possible that medicine will be the only effective treatment, but it's actually not always the best treatment.

You may not appreciate the thought of psychotherapy either, since it can be costly and time consuming. Thankfully there are other ways to treat regular anxiety that do not involve a lot of money-just a little effort and motivation.

Exercise: Exercise has proven to help the human body release a great deal of pent up stress. Getting regular exercise makes your body stronger, improves your health and is definitely a safe form of distracting your mind from devoting too much attention to negative thinking. When people say "walk it off!", they're actually giving you very sound advice.

Relaxation Techniques: From Yoga work outs, to religious visualization, to just regular quiet sessions, all forms of meditation are helpful in reducing stress. Intensively focus on positive issues and remove all the negative or "earthly" thoughts from your mind for a fixed and undisturbed period of time. You will see the difference.

Regular Sleeping: This should be obvious, but many fast-paced people continue to ignore the value of a good night's rest. Sleep replenishes your body physically, and revitalizes your mind every night-but only if you are getting the standard hours. (The standard recommendation is eight full hours) Without a good night's sleep, your mind doesn't have 100% coping ability.

Be Kind To Yourself: Some anxiety disorders are the result of low self-esteem.
When a person has a low self-image of him or her self, their behavior and their attitudes becomes self-defeating. Improving your self-worth involves being kind to yourself; try doing some things you enjoy and giving yourself credit for the things you do accomplish. If you can't think of anything "great" you do, then start small. Start a list of small things to accomplish and give yourself credit for each one. Learn to love yourself first and allow yourself to let go of the anxiety.

Go To Free Therapy: Psychotherapy will cost you since you're speaking with educated professionals. However, the concept of psychotherapy can be adapted to a local network of friends and family. People have the inherent need to confide in each other; it gives them feelings of self worth, allows them to release pent up thoughts and frustrations, and lets them interact with other people, quite possibly going through the exact same frustrations. This form of therapy is not expensive and yet can become a major source of comfort in your life.

Laugh In Good Company: A great way to relieve stress is to laugh. The easy suggestion here is to watch a funny movie or draw some funny pictures. But this might also involve the company of your friends. Limit your association with friends who are downers or worse yet, contribute to your anxiety.
Enjoy the time you have with friends and family members who are happy and enjoy laughing more than stressing out over matters beyond control. Surround yourself with positive energy and watch the stress level go down.

Some Interseting Facts About Restless Legs Syndrome

2008-03-21T15:49:00.000-07:00

Some Interseting Facts About Restless Legs Syndrome

Did you know that there is no cure for restless legs syndrome and that there is no known cause yet?

What is known is that the condition has been associated with other underlying conditions such as pregnancy, obesity, smoking, having an iron deficiency and also anemia. It can also be associated with individuals who have nerve disease, polyneuropathy, having a heavy metal toxicity or other toxins in your body, having a hormonal disease such as diabetes, or kidney failure when it is associated with a vitamin or mineral deficiency.

Certain medications can increase the severity of symptoms for RLS including the taking of caffeinated products and drinking alcohol. H2-histamine blockers such as the medication Zantac and Tagamet as well as taking antidepressants such as Elavil can contribute to the severity of symptoms of RLS.

There may be a heredity factor with RLS as recent studies have shown that a common genetic factor. Other studies have shown that RLS symptoms do increase with age.

RLS is often misdiagnosed as muscle diseases, joint diseases, nerve problems or circulation problems. It is important to have a doctor that is familiar with RLS to make the diagnosis for you.

Treatments vary with the age and severity of the symptoms of RLS. There is usually a combination of lifestyle improvements, physical therapy, self-help methods and relaxation techniques that are tried first before going the medication route.

Any of this information a surprise to you yet?

The treatment may have to address any underlying conditions first before focusing on the RLS symptoms as getting any other conditions under control may have an impact on the RLS symptoms.

Sometimes the best way to reduce symptoms of RLS is to eliminate caffeine, alcohol and tobacco from the individual's system. Next, it is important to get daily exercise without going to extremes.

If lifestyle changes and self-help methods as well as relaxation techniques have not relieved the symptoms; medications may then be introduced to the treatment plan.

Medications commonly prescribed for RLS are: carbidopa-levodopa, opioids, bromocriptine, clonidine, gabapentin, and the newly approved Requip.

Non-conventional treatments such as acupuncture, warm/cold baths, elecric nerve stimulation, oral magnesium, and massage have all shown to be helpful to some patients.

RLS sufferers have unpleasant sensations to deal with while sitting or while sleeping and often have involuntary limb movement.

Insomnia is a common bedfellow for the RLS patient

There is hope to find relief from the symptoms that plague the RLS patient.

Treatment often changes over time because the condition worsens with age.
RLS runs in families so it is common to find siblings that have RLS in common.
There are RLS groups that patients can join locally so that they can have a source of support and a place to share information.

There is hope for those who suffer from the condition known as restless legs syndrome.
By the way, did you know that RLS is not limited to the legs? An individual can have symptoms of RLS in any limb as well as in the trunk of the body.

Hope you learned some facts that you did not know before reading this article. Perhaps you have found some useful information to share with someone who can benefit from it.

Some of the Common Causes of Rosacea

2008-03-20T22:55:00.000-07:00

What are the Common Causes of Rosacea

Rosacea is a problem for approximately 14 million American men and women between the ages of 30 and 60 years of age. While rosacea can certainly affect those who are younger and older, middle-aged men and women are more prone to developing rosacea than anyone else.

In addition, people who are fair skin and or of a Celtic background or more likely to suffer from this skin condition than people with other ethnic backgrounds. There is not a lot known about the actual causes of rosacea, but it is known that this is a progressive condition that will never go away once you have it. It is also known that some people can control their rosacea by avoiding certain triggers such as food and weather related conditions.

If you suffer from rosacea, you may wonder what you have done to cause such an irritating skin condition. The answer is that you didn’t do anything. Rosacea may be part of your genes and if other people in your family have rosacea, then this may be why you have this problem. What are the other common causes of rosacea?

Here is a quick look at Rsacea and what could cause it.

One possible cause of rosacea is the way your body reacts to certain triggers. Allergies and mites that live naturally on your skin and scalp could be a cause of rosacea. Certain infections could also be a problem of this condition. Fungal infections could also cause rosacea. If you suffer from stomach ulcers, then treating the ulcers may in fact, help keep your rosacea outbreaks to a minimum.

It could even be that those that suffer from problems with their connective tissue could be more at risk for developing rosacea than others. If you suffer from allergies, then you may want to consider taking allergy medications or using indoor air purifiers to help reduce the triggers that can lead to problems with rosacea.

Of course, certain triggers are known to cause rosacea. If you suffer from this skin condition, then you need to take the time to pinpoint your triggers and avoid these situations. It is known that certain beverages can make your red skin even worse.

Caffeine and alcohol are usually on the “no” list for patients with this condition, as are beverages that are hot, such as coffee, tea and hot chocolate. It is thought that hot foods and beverages could cause your blood vessels in your face to dilate and will make your face red and swollen.

You may also want to avoid very hot baths, hot tubs, saunas and very hot showers. Exposure to the sun can also make your rosacea worse and you should always wear sunscreen, hats and make sure you wear a good moisturizer.

It is good to know that you can often pinpoint exactly what makes your rosacea worse by taking a look at what you eat and how your treat your skin. There are so many people with this skin condition and new treatments are always welcome.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

2008-03-18T00:07:00.000-07:00

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Did You know that, alcohol is the leading preventable cause of mental and physical birth defects. When a woman drinks alcohol during her pregnancy, she risks giving birth to a child who could have lifelong mental and physical deficiencies.

These physical and mental deficiencies are referred to as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) or Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE). In 1996, the Institute of Medicine released this statement: “Of all the substances of abuse (including cocaine, heroin, and marijuana), alcohol produces by far the most serious neurobehavioral effects in the fetus.” There are an estimated 40,000 cases of FAE each year.

Signs and symptoms of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome:
• Low birth weight
• Small head circumference
• Developmental delay
• Organ dysfunction
• Facial abnormalities
• Learning difficulties
• Behavior problems

Children with FAE display the same symptoms as with FAS except to a lesser degree. FAS is typically misdiagnosed and is mistaken for disobedience, stubbornness, and lack of attention. FAS can be misdiagnosed as different types of Attention Deficit Disorders.

Problems with misdiagnosed FAS tend to escalate as the child gets older and moves into adulthood. As the child gets older, he or she tends to get into trouble with the law, be unable to live independently, and have mental health problems.

There is a new category of prenatal damage that is called alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND). ARND refers to children who exhibit only behavioral and emotional problems that come from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. There are no signs of developmental delay or physical growth deficiencies.

In these children, the behavior can be belligerence or stubbornness. They typically will score very well on intelligence tests but their behavior problems keep them from being able to succeed. Parents and teacher both need extensive education to learn how to deal with these children.

Many moms-to-be, worry about how much alcohol is too much, and what it takes to prevent FAS. The only true prevention is abstinence from alcohol because there is no evidence that shows how much alcohol will cause prenatal damage. Individual women process alcohol differently.

Typically, FAS is caused from chronic alcohol use or binge drinking during pregnancy but there have been developmental deficiencies with only occasional alcohol use.

When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, a higher concentration travels through the placenta to the baby and it tends to stay longer in the baby’s system than it does within the woman’s body. Women process alcohol differently than men and a little goes a lot further.

It takes less alcohol to do more damage. Doctors will usually tell women that abstinence during the first trimester is imperative but in later pregnancy, it is not as important. However, some of the most complex developmental stages in brain growth occur in the second and third trimesters.

During the second and third trimesters, the nervous system can be adversely affected by alcohol as well. Because of the unknown nature of exactly how much alcohol can be safely drunk during pregnancy it is recommended that women abstain until after the baby is born.

Gardening, A Healthful Hobby for Seniors

2008-03-16T10:27:00.000-07:00

Gardening, A Healthful Hobby for Seniors

Gardening can be the perfect activity for seniors, or anyone, of any age. Not only can it provide some exercise and fresh air, both of which are important to good health, but it can also nourish your creativity and help ease boredom.

Container gardening is a great way to nourish your green thumb. You can experiment with tons of different styles, plus, the small space can be made to work well in a variety of environments. It doesn't matter if you own your own yard, or garden area, or if you only have the balcony space on your patio to work with.

Start by coming up with a garden plan by looking at online gardening sites, or in gardening magazines for the different garden plans you like, and then scale those to a size to fit your garden area.

You may choose to grow vegetables and herbs, so you can grow your own healthy food. Maybe you will decide to grow colorful flowers in your garden that will also attract birds and butterflies.

You can have a planter filled with just one type of plant, or mix them up in combinations that you like. Finding the containers really can be half the fun of this type of gardening for seniors.

There is a large selection of commercial planters for you to choose from, or you can visit garage sales, as well as craft fairs, and flea markets for just the perfect item (This is where the fun can really be found, and really helps gardening be healthy for seniors.

Make sure that it is something that will drain properly, and choosing a container, or planter that is light enough and can be moved easily will also allow you to bring your garden indoors during bad weather.

Different levels of plants can make even tiny spaces look flourishing. You can even talk to your nursery about dwarf varieties of your favorites.Soil is crucial to potted plants. Make sure that it is good quality potting soil, and that you will have proper drainage.

For containers that you cannot or do not want to drill holes into, add packing peanuts or gravel to the bottom third of the planter to help the roots drain.For container gardens, look for plants that do not need a lot of pruning. Remove dead flowers and weed as needed.

A good fertilizer and plenty of watering can do wonders for your garden as well. Watch carefully the amount of water you give your plants, since containers can dry out quickly.Keep in mind your planting area when choosing plants. Some plants do well indoors, others like it better out. Some need full sun, while others do fine in the shade.

Your local nursery will be able to give you recommendations. Gardening can be a therapeutic activity, and it is unlimited in its creative applications. Herbs can be a great choice, since they are easy to grow anywhere.

Plus, for the person who loves to cook, it can be wonderful to have fresh herbs regularly available. Consider the size and direction a plant will grow when arranging your planters. Some grow up, others grow over and down, and so you will want to keep this in mind.

Annuals should be packed into pots. This will root-bind them, making them grow up and over for a more fantastic display.Look into equipment that makes gardening easier for seniors. Special tools, gloves, cushions, and more can make gardening an enjoyable activity even for those with disabilities or movement impairments. Make sure your garden is accessible to you.

Container gardens can be placed in a variety of places, making them easily accessible to seniors. Even if you or a senior gardening friend cannot physically garden anymore, living plants can be a cheerful addition to any home. Enlist the help of friends, neighbors, or caregivers in keeping plants and flowers around.

Acne, Getting Rid Of Blackheads

2008-03-15T17:55:00.000-07:00

Acne, Getting Rid Of Blackheads

Acne symptoms can pop up in a variety of ways. Some people get pimples, others just have redness and inflammation. Some of the most difficult acne symptoms to remove are blackheads. Here is a look at what you can do to help this pesky skin condition.

Acne can affect everyone differently. It causes them to take a whole new approach to skin care. If you have acne, it is strongly recommended that you do not pick, pop, or squeeze an acne lesion, since that can force bacteria deeper in to the skin, further the problem. If you have acne, it may be recommended that you use a particular kind of soap twice a day to help remove the oil and bacteria that causes and spreads the acne problem.

You may be able to try some over the counter, nonprescription treatments for your acne problems. For instance, benzoyl peroxide is a common ingredient in many acne medications and washes. You can find it in a variety of formulations, from facial cleansers to creams and ointments to moisturizers.

Other times, you may need something stronger to take care of your blackheads. To do so, you will need to make a trip to your dermatologist. He or she can give you a prescription antibiotic. Often, the medicine accutane will be prescribed. This is a prescription-strength medication that is designed for the treatment of nodular and severe acne.

You can also take a look at the causes behind your acne. Common factors include oil from makeup and cosmetics, overuse of acne medications, steroid use, birth control pills, and more. By avoiding common triggers for acne, you can help clear up your skin naturally. If that does not work, remember you are not alone – over 90 percent of the population has dealt with acne at one point in their lives.

You can also take a look at a more natural solution for your acne. Many people turn to herbal, homeopathic, and traditional methods for curing ailments, and acne is one of them. Certain herbs have shown some promise in assisting with the elimination of blackheads. Echinacea and poker root both have anti-inflammatory properties which can help deal with the redness and inflammation of acne.

Kaliborm is a popular homeopathic remedy that can be used to treat the pustules and boils associated with severe types of acne on the face, back, and neck. Another supplement that is considered is taking selenium, as this mineral can help fight the oily skin associated with acne breakouts and blackheads.

You have quite a variety of acne treatments when it comes to treating your blackheads. However, do not try multiple treatments at the same time unless under the direction of your doctor. Using too many cleansers or medications on your face can have a drying and irritating affect that can make acne problems worse.

If your acne is not resolving itself with over the counter or herbal remedies, it may be time for you to consult with a doctor to see if you are need of something stronger to clear up your blackheads.

Be sure to check out the Acne Resources available at The Information Emporium

Need To Relax? Have A Massage!

2007-04-23T11:23:00.000-07:00

If you have already had the pleasure of a good massage, you already know how relaxing it is, and how good it makes you feel afterwards. To get the most benefit from your massage you should be as relaxed as possible before getting to your massage therapist, this will help your therapist loosen up your muscles a lot quicker. Some ways of getting that relaxation could be a steam bath, maybe a sauna, or just spending some time in a hot tub will help you relaxed, along with softening your muscles, this will help to make your massage a more pleasurable experience, as well as making it more effective. It is best not to eat right before your massage. Of course be sure to turn off your pager, cell phone, or any other item that could interfere with your massage. Try to just totally relax, and don't let mind drift off to concerns or worries of daily life.

Most times you will find that you will be taken into a quiet and darkened room; Many massage therapists find that burning candles sets a relaxing mood, and also provides for a pleasant aroma in the air. As a normal practice the therapist will leave the room while you undress for your massage. The therapist will after a short period of time, knock on the door to check that you are undressed and have had time to cover up. It is up to you as to whether you want to be completely disrobed, or if you would be more comfortable leaving your underwear or panties. It is best to remove your jewelry before the massage begins, so it won't interfere with your massage, or break the mood if you had to remove it after the massage began.

In the room you will find table that has been specifically made for massage, and has been designed with an opening to place your face. Most therapists like to begin the massage session by working on the back, this will require you to be face down on the table. You should at all times be properly covered during your massage, with your therapist only uncovering the part of your body they are working on at the time. A professional massage therapist will never touch your genital area or a woman's breast. If you find your massage therapist isn't abiding by any of these general rules, it will be best to find another therapists, and also consider reporting your experiences to the proper authorities for further investigation.

During your massage remember to take deep breaths to help you relax. It's your choice as to whether you want to converse with your therapist during the massage, or if you would be more comfortable in a quiet setting. Try to clear your mind during the massage. Your therapists will have to give you simple instructions such as "turn, lift your leg, move your arm, or take a deep breath." Of course if you have any questions during your massage, don't be afraid to ask your therapist. Be sure to tell them what you like or don't like. If they are using to much pressure, let them know, only you can tell them what the correct amount of pressure for you is. Everyone has a different comfort level when it comes to the amount of pressure that is comfortable. The experienced massage therapist should have no problem making these corrections as the massage develops.

If you develop a strong relationship with a massage therapist by using their services often, they will learn a little bit more about you, which will allow them to improve your results. Remember the reason for getting a massage should be for relaxation, and not cause you pain in the process.
The use of deep breathing techniques will always help you relax, which will make your massage more effective. Your therapist may use massage lotions, massage oils, or powders during your massage. If you know you might be allergic to a certain product they are using, be sure to tell your therapist before the massage begins. They should ask you which massage oil, or massage lotion you prefer, but if they should forget feel free to discuss it with them. As your massage begins your therapist will advise you to relax, and clear your mind, and just enjoy your massage.

A good therapist will keep you informed as to which area of your body they are going to work on next. If you have any sensitivity, or any other problems in that area, be sure to tell your therapist. (It would be a good idea to tell them of these problem areas before the massage begins, and use this as a reminder.) It might mean they will change their massage technique, or just skip the area all together. A massage will also usually include a scalp massage, but if you prefer not to have your hair messed up, you can tell the therapist to skip the scalp massage.
When the massage is done the therapist will leave the room and allow you time to get dressed in privacy. Be sure to take your time, and get up slowly. You should try and take it easy for a short time before you try to stand, and walk around.

There you have it, the basics of what to expect during your massage. Being prepared should help relieve the stress associated when we try something new, and allow you to relax during your massage.

An Exercise Program Can Help You Quit Smoking

2007-04-19T10:56:00.000-07:00

When you decide to stop smoking, it will bring about other changes in your life as well. Smoking is a very addictive habit, and as any smoker will tell you it's very hard to quit. There are a lot of changes that take place, but a good exercise program can be a big help to you when you decide to quit.

Try to set a new routine, such as working out or going to the gym. If that isn't possible, you should try waking up earlier and going for a short walk. If you can turn that walk into a run or a jog, it is going to be very stimulating and the best way that you can start your day.
Keep in mind that exercise doesn't really mean pumping metal. If you don't have the time to stop by the gym every day, then it isn't really that big of a problem, as you can always choose to workout at home.

Whether you choose to workout at home or at a gym, you should always remember that regularity is the key. It isn't getting started that's the difficult part, it's sticking to a regular exercise program that is difficult and proves to be stumbling block for most people.
Some people have a great start. They will buy track suits, gym wear, running shoes, and a lot of other gear, so their first day at the gym is almost like a celebration. As the days go by, they find it very difficult to meet the demands and their routine will slow down a lot and finally come to a complete exercise burnout.

One mistake that several people make is choosing the evenings to exercise. If evenings fit your lifestyle, then it's fine. For most people however, the evening hours are when they are completely pooped. By the evening most of us are drained, and simply too tired for exercise. Therefore, it is always best to set some time aside for exercise in the morning.
In the morning, wake up a half an hour or so earlier, put on your shoes, and hit the road. Most roads are less crowded in the morning and less polluted as well, making it a wonderful and relaxing way to start the day.

You should also steer clear from the coffee and try tea instead. If you are moving around in the house, try playing music. You can also redecorate your room by adding a few pictures around. When you redecorate, you should get rid of everything that reminds you of smoking.
Plan your day where you'll have something fun to do at the end of the day. It doesn't need to be something that involves money, as you don't want to end up bankrupt. Spending time with family, playing games, or going for a walk with your family are all good activities.
Watching television doesn't really fit into the list. The reason is because television isn't something that demands a lot of attention. You can easily do something else while you are watching television.

You should also make a list of things that build up your stress and try to avoid them. If it isn't possible, you should try to find out some some ways to bust stress and use them. Whatever you do, you shouldn't use stress as an excuse to start smoking.

There are many other methods that you can use to beat stress. You can try breathing exercises, mediation, or even music. Another great way to beat stress is using the distressing ball. If you don't have one or access to one, you can always wiggle your fingers and toes. This too is a great and natural method to beat stress.

For more information on how exercise can benefit you. Click Here

Can A Sensual Massage Improve Your Sex Life?

2007-04-16T11:13:00.000-07:00

Massage is the act of applying pressure and rhythmic strokes to the soft tissues with the body. You can be massaged with your hands or with mechanical aids. The human body responds in a positive way to massage of the soft tissues of the body. Pressure on the muscles, connecting tissue, ligaments, joints, tendons and lymphatic nodes all will give the body many benefits. Massages are given by a professional therapist but is often included as part of the treatment by chiropractors, osteopaths, and physical therapists.

You may receive a massage that concentrates on one part of your body such as your neck and shoulders, or you can receive a whole body massage. Many folks have learned the art of Massage right in their own home.

A massage can aid in the healing of an injury, help relieve psychological stress, manage pain, and flush the toxins from the muscles out of the body. Therapeutic massage is used for physiological, mechanical, and mental help for the body.

It is a part of human nature to be sensual. We need to be attuned to our senses and sensuality is part of being human. Sensuality is most often governed by the sense of smell. Pheromones, the chemicals secreted from the sweat glands are the most basic trigger for sensual response. Natural plant oils used to relax the body also will heighten our awareness for our partner and put us in the mood for sexual pleasure. A massage can be a great way for you and your partner to experience a closeness and pleasurable experience. You know the obvious erogenous zones but did you know that your back could play a big part in sensual pleasure?

A sensual massage should start with the right atmosphere. Dim lighting or candlelight in a darkened room with a few scented candles lit for a romantic effect. You and your partner can warm a few drops of essential oils in your hands and warm them before gently stroking your partner's body.

Sit with your partner back-to-back pressing your backs together gently. Feel the contours of your partner's back and pressing your bodies together from shoulder to pelvis. Rest you head on each other's shoulder. Trail your thumbs and fingers from the head down the sides of the body. Repeat this two or three times and gradually applying more pressure. Apply pressure along your partner's spine working your way down the torso especially concentrating on the lower back area. Knead the buttocks with the heel of your hand.

Heighten the sensual experience of your partners massage by placing warm towels or a blanket on the lower part of your partner's body so they will not be chilled. Use scented massage oil that is warmed with your hands before you put your hands on their body. Sweet almond oil and jojoba oil are great for use in releasing tension. Use smooth sweeping movements across your partner's back, shoulders and neck.

Concentrate on any spots that seem to be extra tense. Finish the massage by lightly scratching your partner's skin in a circular or figure eight pattern with your fingernails. Finally, snuggle up to your partner and enjoy the warmth and closeness you will feel after giving or receiving a sensual massage.

Click Here if you would like to learn more about how to give a great massage your partner won't soon forget.

The Benefits, As Well As The Risks of Massage Therapy

2007-04-15T19:19:00.000-07:00

The goal for most people who have a massage is to relax, along with gaining relief from sore and stiff muscles. Another benefit of Massage Therapy is that it can also be used to help improve circulation, along with the working of the lymph nodes. The lymph nodes are used to remove toxic materials out of our bodies. Some times a person will receive a massage to strengthen, as well as relax the muscles, making it easier to move.

Therapeutic massage therapy can also be used to help reduce fatigue, and also to ease the minor aches and pains of life. It is also believed by many that a massage can also boost the immune system, which will help you stay healthier.

Another benefit of massage therapy that women really love, is the glow it can give your skin. A massage stimulates the skin glands that in turn helps keep it cool and moisturized. A skin that glows makes the body look and feel healthy.

There are some risks that can be involved when having a therapeutic massage.

For most people massage therapy is should be considered safe, but can also be dangerous in some circumstances. So what are the risks of massage? You should avoid having a massage if you have any type of blood vessel disease. If you have any history of blood clots always check with your primary care doctor before having a massage. If you were to receive a massage and a blood clot was present the clot could end up moving due to the therapy and could prove to be fatal if it got into the heart, or the lungs. If you have any doubts about your health when it comes to cardiovascular diseases involving swollen blood vessels or heart disease, you should always check with your doctor before having any type of massage.

Another risk which can be involved in a therapeutic massage would be if the patient has any type of a burn, swelling, infected skin, open cuts, or herpes or cold sores. This can be a risk to both the client, and the massage therapist. If you have any type of back pain, you should also consult your doctor before having a massage. If you have a high fever or the chills, you should not visit a massage therapist . You should consult with your doctor, as this could be a warning sign of a serious illness.

Pregnant women should avoid massage therapy during the first trimester of their pregnancy. This is because the chances of a miscarriage are the greatest during the first three months of pregnancy. For this reason your abdomen, feet and legs should not be massaged. There are therapists that have been trained in different methods of massage to be used for pregnant women. They will be able to provide the right technique for massaging the feet as well as the lower legs. Of course you should always check with your doctor's before getting any massage when you are pregnant, or suspect that you may be pregnant.

Areas with broken bones that did not heal properly should not be massaged. If you have weak bones or have been told you have osteoporosis, you should also avoid any type of massage. If you only have a mild case of osteoporosis you might check with your doctor, they may just give you the OK, and give you some guidelines about what you can and can't do when it comes to massage therapy. If there are questions about the wisdom of having a massage, check with your doctor.

Most health insurance plans will not cover a therapeutic massage, you should check with your insurance provider to see if your plan provides any benefits in this area. In some case a therapeutic massage may be covered by your health insurance plan if it is prescribed by your doctor.

Once you have decided to have a therapeutic massage, the next important step is choosing your massage therapist.

Any therapist you consider should be properly licensed, and should also be accredited with your state you live in. Also be sure that any potential massage therapist has gone through a formal massage training program. You will also need to decide if you would prefer to work with a male or female massage therapist.

Once you do your research just decide how long you would like your therapy session to last and you are ready to make your appointment!

An Introduction to Massage Therapy

2007-04-15T19:00:00.000-07:00

A good definition for Massage Therapy is, the art or practice of applying unstructured or structured motion, pressure, tension, or vibration either manually or with the use of mechanical aids. This would be applied to the soft tissues of the body, which would include the muscles, tendons, ligaments, connective tissue, joints, lymphatic vessels, reproductive system, and organs of the gastrointestinal system, all with the goal of achieving a beneficial response to the client.

Massage Therapy is usually performed by a professional Massage Therapist, but can often be used as a form of therapy by other Healthcare practitioners including Chiropractors, Physical Therapists, and Osteopaths.

Massage can either be applied to parts of the body, or successively to the whole body. This is done to aid the process of injury healing, manage pain, relieve psychological stress, and improve circulation. When massage is used for its mental, physiological, and mechanical benefits, it may be termed "therapeutic massage" or another term is manipulative therapy.

Massage can also be an important part of lovemaking (see the section about erotic massage).
Massage, when done in a professional setting, will involve the client being treated while sitting upright in a massage chair, lying on a massage table, or with the client lying on a pad placed on the floor.

Except for modalities such as Tui Na, Thai Massage, Acupressure, Shiatsu, or Barefoot Deep Tissue Massage, the massage client will generally be unclothed or at least partially unclothed. This can also be referred to as disrobed. Their body would then be "draped" with towels or sheets.

This practice of covering the parts of the clients body that are not involved in the massage is referred to as draping. This practice varies greatly from one part of the world to another. It is felt that the practice of draping makes a statement about the practitioners professionalism, and also provides a boundary for the massage session.

Draping also helps keep the client warm, as well as aids in the clients relaxation response. Some countries do require that certain areas of the body, such as the genital regions on both genders be draped, and also require that the breast/nipple area on female clients be draped.

The United States is one country which has adopted draping as a standard of the profession. While in some parts of Europe, as well as other parts of the world, you will find draping is not practiced at all.

Parkinson's Disease

2006-11-10T19:35:00.000-08:00

These people have all suffered with Parkinson's Disease

Evangelist Billy Graham
Pope John Paul
Actor Michael J. Fox
Boxer Muhammad Ali
Former Attorney General Janet Reno
US Rep. Lane Evans
Entertainer Johnny Cash
Former Governor George Wallace

Estimates place the number of cases of Parkinson's Disease in the US alone, at between 1 million and 1.5 million.

Although Parkinson's Disease can strike anyone, at any age, it is more common as we grow older.

As our population ages the Baby Boomers are beginning to enter the stage where Parkinson's Disease is most common.

Hair Loss, Male Pattern Baldness, and Your Options

2006-11-10T19:20:00.000-08:00

Most only think of men and male pattern baldness when the subject of hair loss comes up, but that is only part of it.

What are some of the causes of Hair Loss?
Is there anything that can be done to combat Hair Loss?
Can Hair Loss be slowed, stopped, or even reversed?
What about Hair Replacement Surgery, is it worth considering?

If you are experiencing hair loss, knowing the techniques of how to stimulate hair growth, along with information about how others in the same situation approached their hair restoration can increase the odds of finding your own successfully treatment for hair loss.

Fortunately there are various techniques that can be used to keep hair healthy, and to control Hair Loss.

Preventing Hair Loss

2006-11-10T19:10:00.000-08:00

"God Made Only A Few Perfect Heads,

The Rest He Put Hair On"

Hair Loss is a common problem among many men and women, young and old.

There are also several who have found that it is harder to find a treatment to help prevent hair loss. If you are dealing with this problem, or are trying to prevent it from happening before it starts, then there are several things that you can consider. By understanding different resources to prevent hair loss, you can help to keep healthier and thicker hair.

The Silent Killer

2006-11-10T19:05:00.000-08:00

High Blood Pressure is often thought of as a Silent Killer because it can pave the way for heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure without any warning signs.

People walk around and live their lives and don't realize they are harboring something that is liable to either kill or physically disable them at any minute.