Thursday, July 22, 2010
paid review
Good news for publishers, especially the bloggers because there is a program review that actually pay after we do the work of paid reviews
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
5 Red Flags That Your Hypothyroid Condition Is Managed Poorly - And What To Do Next
"We checked your latest thyroid labs and now they are reading in the "normal" range now, your just depressed, you need to see a psychiatrist." These are dangerous words that are delivered to thyroid patients every single day.
The Endocrine Society states that eighty to ninety percent of hypothyroidism in the United States, is caused from an immune attack on the thyroid attack called Hashimoto's Autoimmune Thyroid.
This means the cause of the low function is your immune system attacking your own gland. Your hormone levels will slowly begin to drop because it constantly loses cells from the immune attack.
Here are 5 Critical Clues that you could have hypothyroidism from an autoimmune attack, and that the treatment your are currently receiving is not adequate for your particular condition:
1)The dose of your hormone pill continually goes up over time.
If your endocrinologist is constantly having your hormone dosage increased, this indicates that your are losing more and more function of your thyroid.
Your immune system is most likely the culprit. Replacement Hormones does not take into account the continual immune attack against the gland. If your doctor isn't treating the immune attack, you are guaranteed that you will continue suffering.
2)Your doctor will tell you that your lab panel is "normal", but you will still suffer with the same thyroid symptoms.
If your latest labs indicate that your hormone levels are in the "normal range", and you continue suffering with the same symptoms, you are most likely not getting the proper management of your hypothyroidism.
This is a huge sign that you have Autoimmune Thyroid. The immune proteins, called cytokines, that your immune system uses to communicate amongst each other, block the hormone receptor sites. This would indicate you can have normal hormone levels showing on a lab report, and still not have abnormal thyroid response in the individual cells.
If you don't work on the immune system you will never fix this problem.
3)Did your endocrinologist run TPO and TBG antibody tests to discover if you were autoimmune?
If you suffer with hypothyroidism, then it is extremely likely that you have Autoimmune Thyroid. If your endocrinologist didn't even take the time to check antibody levels, or completely refuses to check antibody levels, you are most likely not receiving the proper treatment.
The antibodies that must be checked are Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPO Ab) and Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TBG Ab).
4) Your doctor constantly checks your levels of antibodies.
This may seem counter-intuitive since I just mentioned that you should have your antibody levels checked. I include this because, replacement hormones do not affect the immune system.
What is the point of always checking antibody levels if the treatment has no affect on the immune system.
Thyroid hormones do not affect the immune system so if your doctor is trying to lower the antibody levels with replacement hormones, you are not getting the corrent therapy for the immune system.
Watch for this. It is a sign that your doctor really doesn't understand the mechanisms causing your problem.
5)Your remaining low thyroid symptoms get treated with a bunch of individual prescriptions.
If you are getting treated with depression pills for hypothyroid based depression, it means that the thyroid hormone treatment is likely not working. With Autoimmune Thyroid you can have "normal" thyroid hormone levels and still continue to suffer with symptoms, which may include depression. Treatment needs to be focused on modulating the immune system, if you want to fix the real cause of the problem.
If you suffer with hypothyroidism, and you live in the United States, then the most likely reason you have this condition is from an immune reaction called Hashimoto's Disease.
Treating this condition with replacement hormone, while ignoring the critical immune component, is like treating a slow bleed with blood transfusions and forgetting about trying to stop the actual bleeding. Without calming and modulating the immune system then the vicious cycle of thyroid gland destruction, by your immune system, will continue. You can use these red flags outlined as a guide to help you determine if you are receiving proper management of your low thyroid condition.
The Endocrine Society states that eighty to ninety percent of hypothyroidism in the United States, is caused from an immune attack on the thyroid attack called Hashimoto's Autoimmune Thyroid.
This means the cause of the low function is your immune system attacking your own gland. Your hormone levels will slowly begin to drop because it constantly loses cells from the immune attack.
Here are 5 Critical Clues that you could have hypothyroidism from an autoimmune attack, and that the treatment your are currently receiving is not adequate for your particular condition:
1)The dose of your hormone pill continually goes up over time.
If your endocrinologist is constantly having your hormone dosage increased, this indicates that your are losing more and more function of your thyroid.
Your immune system is most likely the culprit. Replacement Hormones does not take into account the continual immune attack against the gland. If your doctor isn't treating the immune attack, you are guaranteed that you will continue suffering.
2)Your doctor will tell you that your lab panel is "normal", but you will still suffer with the same thyroid symptoms.
If your latest labs indicate that your hormone levels are in the "normal range", and you continue suffering with the same symptoms, you are most likely not getting the proper management of your hypothyroidism.
This is a huge sign that you have Autoimmune Thyroid. The immune proteins, called cytokines, that your immune system uses to communicate amongst each other, block the hormone receptor sites. This would indicate you can have normal hormone levels showing on a lab report, and still not have abnormal thyroid response in the individual cells.
If you don't work on the immune system you will never fix this problem.
3)Did your endocrinologist run TPO and TBG antibody tests to discover if you were autoimmune?
If you suffer with hypothyroidism, then it is extremely likely that you have Autoimmune Thyroid. If your endocrinologist didn't even take the time to check antibody levels, or completely refuses to check antibody levels, you are most likely not receiving the proper treatment.
The antibodies that must be checked are Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPO Ab) and Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TBG Ab).
4) Your doctor constantly checks your levels of antibodies.
This may seem counter-intuitive since I just mentioned that you should have your antibody levels checked. I include this because, replacement hormones do not affect the immune system.
What is the point of always checking antibody levels if the treatment has no affect on the immune system.
Thyroid hormones do not affect the immune system so if your doctor is trying to lower the antibody levels with replacement hormones, you are not getting the corrent therapy for the immune system.
Watch for this. It is a sign that your doctor really doesn't understand the mechanisms causing your problem.
5)Your remaining low thyroid symptoms get treated with a bunch of individual prescriptions.
If you are getting treated with depression pills for hypothyroid based depression, it means that the thyroid hormone treatment is likely not working. With Autoimmune Thyroid you can have "normal" thyroid hormone levels and still continue to suffer with symptoms, which may include depression. Treatment needs to be focused on modulating the immune system, if you want to fix the real cause of the problem.
If you suffer with hypothyroidism, and you live in the United States, then the most likely reason you have this condition is from an immune reaction called Hashimoto's Disease.
Treating this condition with replacement hormone, while ignoring the critical immune component, is like treating a slow bleed with blood transfusions and forgetting about trying to stop the actual bleeding. Without calming and modulating the immune system then the vicious cycle of thyroid gland destruction, by your immune system, will continue. You can use these red flags outlined as a guide to help you determine if you are receiving proper management of your low thyroid condition.
Stress Management for Largo Residents through Massage Therapy
Residents of Largo (33771), Belleair, and Indian Rocks Beach no longer have to bear with stress-related health problems any longer. That's because the advocacy for using massage as a form Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) has become greater.
There are now a number of research papers demonstrating the beneficial effects of massage therapy in relation to the physiological and psycho-logical aspects of stress and the latest controlled study conducted at the Touch Research Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, Florida, USA shows once again that massage therapy has an important role to play in the alleviation of stress and stress-induced illnesses. In the study, twenty-six adults were given a chair massage and twenty four adults were asked to relax in the massage chair for 15 minutes to be used as controls. The results f the study clearly showed frontal delta power increased for both groups, suggesting relaxation, de-creased frontal alpha and beta power (suggesting enhanced alertness); while the control group showed increased alpha and beta power, and depression scores were lower for both groups but job stress score were lower only for the massage group.
According to one Largo massage therapist, most of their loyal customers come to the clinic for regular deep tissue massage or Swedish massage at least twice a month. Massage techniques like a deep tissue massage focuses on toxin build-up in our body that are usually embedded in the deeper layer of our muscles. When the muscles are stressed, oxygen and nutrients can build up which causes an inflammatory effect and a back-log of toxins within the muscle tissue. Muscles can't function properly under these circumstances and begin to feel sore. The tension gets to a point where it affects our ability to cope, raising stress levels even higher. Deep tissue massage loosens muscles and help increase oxygen and blood circulation. Once normal function is restored, toxins can be flushed from the body which reduces inflammation and tension.
The same Largo therapist reiterated the need for lots of water intake after a deep tissue massage. This will hasten the process of flushing out the toxins from our body.
Tense muscles are also prone to injury which can cause a build-up of scar tissue. Scar tissues are the body's protection against further damage but it can restrict movement and immobilize smaller muscle groups. Scar tissues can also be increased by the toxins present in our environment and lead to irritation and inflammation in the body. The knock on effect to this is that the body produces more lactic acid in the muscles causing them to become sore and painful. Regular deep tissue massage can break down scar tissue and restore circulation enabling the muscles to move freely.
This concept also holds true with other massage techniques like sports massage. According to a Belleair massage therapist, athletes get a sports massage in order to increase muscle performance, prolong muscle endurance, and lessen chances of injury.
Modern massage methods often work well with other complementary therapies to provide an integrated bodywork treatment for alleviating stress. Alternative therapies such as aromatherapy, reiki and yoga can be combined with deep tissue massage or Swedish massage to provide a comprehensive relaxation program. A trained massage therapist can also teach self-help techniques to be used at home or at work when the onset of tension threatens to spiral out of control.
Massage therapy is a well-known and popular antidote for stress so consider booking an appointment with your favorite massage spa in Largo, Belleair, and Indian Rocks Beach if you are looking for stress relief.
There are now a number of research papers demonstrating the beneficial effects of massage therapy in relation to the physiological and psycho-logical aspects of stress and the latest controlled study conducted at the Touch Research Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, Florida, USA shows once again that massage therapy has an important role to play in the alleviation of stress and stress-induced illnesses. In the study, twenty-six adults were given a chair massage and twenty four adults were asked to relax in the massage chair for 15 minutes to be used as controls. The results f the study clearly showed frontal delta power increased for both groups, suggesting relaxation, de-creased frontal alpha and beta power (suggesting enhanced alertness); while the control group showed increased alpha and beta power, and depression scores were lower for both groups but job stress score were lower only for the massage group.
According to one Largo massage therapist, most of their loyal customers come to the clinic for regular deep tissue massage or Swedish massage at least twice a month. Massage techniques like a deep tissue massage focuses on toxin build-up in our body that are usually embedded in the deeper layer of our muscles. When the muscles are stressed, oxygen and nutrients can build up which causes an inflammatory effect and a back-log of toxins within the muscle tissue. Muscles can't function properly under these circumstances and begin to feel sore. The tension gets to a point where it affects our ability to cope, raising stress levels even higher. Deep tissue massage loosens muscles and help increase oxygen and blood circulation. Once normal function is restored, toxins can be flushed from the body which reduces inflammation and tension.
The same Largo therapist reiterated the need for lots of water intake after a deep tissue massage. This will hasten the process of flushing out the toxins from our body.
Tense muscles are also prone to injury which can cause a build-up of scar tissue. Scar tissues are the body's protection against further damage but it can restrict movement and immobilize smaller muscle groups. Scar tissues can also be increased by the toxins present in our environment and lead to irritation and inflammation in the body. The knock on effect to this is that the body produces more lactic acid in the muscles causing them to become sore and painful. Regular deep tissue massage can break down scar tissue and restore circulation enabling the muscles to move freely.
This concept also holds true with other massage techniques like sports massage. According to a Belleair massage therapist, athletes get a sports massage in order to increase muscle performance, prolong muscle endurance, and lessen chances of injury.
Modern massage methods often work well with other complementary therapies to provide an integrated bodywork treatment for alleviating stress. Alternative therapies such as aromatherapy, reiki and yoga can be combined with deep tissue massage or Swedish massage to provide a comprehensive relaxation program. A trained massage therapist can also teach self-help techniques to be used at home or at work when the onset of tension threatens to spiral out of control.
Massage therapy is a well-known and popular antidote for stress so consider booking an appointment with your favorite massage spa in Largo, Belleair, and Indian Rocks Beach if you are looking for stress relief.
Surgery is not the Only Alternative for Keloid Scar Removal
Every type of scar will require a special type of treatment. For the most part, all scar types can be treated effectively using surgery, however, if you're trying to treat a keloid scar then it's a bit more complicated because keloids tend to grow indefinitely and recur after surgical excision.
Fortunately, there are other forms of keloid removal that are less invasive than surgery but very effective. You can either use one of these procedure or a combination of them depending on the size and location of the keloid. Here are a few alternatives you can look into.
Usually the first option your doctor will give you are steroid injections. These injections help flatten scar tissue and make keloid scars less noticeable. However, the flattened keloid will still have a different feel than regular skin.
You can use steroid injections before, during, and after surgery as well. Injections are used in this manner during keloid scar removal , to hinder the development of new keloid scars. Your doctor will evaluate the situation and suggest the best course of action.
Compression therapy is another type of treatment for keloids and raised scars . This type of treatment is one of the oldest scar removal alternatives. The compression devices and garments used are usually custom fitted and have to be worn for 24 hours a day and sometimes up to a year or more.
Silicone sheets are also used to help flatten keloids and other hypertrophic scars. In fact, they can be used on all types of scars, not just keloids. The treatment includes wearing these sheets for a few hours a day for several weeks.
These sheets are readily available in your drugstore. Just as with any other type of bandage you will need to cut it and fit it to the affected area. This is a good alternative for keloid treatment.
Laser therapy can also be an effective keloid scar treatment procedure. Pulsed dye lasers are used to flatten keloids. Laser therapy can also help the redness that is common with most keloid scars.
Cryotherapy is especially effective in treating smaller keloids caused by piercings. This form of treatment uses liquid nitrogen to flatten the keloids. Even though it is very successful in treating keloids, cryotherapy can also darken the skin surrounding the keloid.
Remember that it is important to consult your doctor about all of your possibilities. If surgery is an option, it is quite possible that it will be combined with one or more of the previously mentioned alternatives. However, if you're not willing to undergo surgery be assured that there are other less invasive alternatives out there.
Fortunately, there are other forms of keloid removal that are less invasive than surgery but very effective. You can either use one of these procedure or a combination of them depending on the size and location of the keloid. Here are a few alternatives you can look into.
Usually the first option your doctor will give you are steroid injections. These injections help flatten scar tissue and make keloid scars less noticeable. However, the flattened keloid will still have a different feel than regular skin.
You can use steroid injections before, during, and after surgery as well. Injections are used in this manner during keloid scar removal , to hinder the development of new keloid scars. Your doctor will evaluate the situation and suggest the best course of action.
Compression therapy is another type of treatment for keloids and raised scars . This type of treatment is one of the oldest scar removal alternatives. The compression devices and garments used are usually custom fitted and have to be worn for 24 hours a day and sometimes up to a year or more.
Silicone sheets are also used to help flatten keloids and other hypertrophic scars. In fact, they can be used on all types of scars, not just keloids. The treatment includes wearing these sheets for a few hours a day for several weeks.
These sheets are readily available in your drugstore. Just as with any other type of bandage you will need to cut it and fit it to the affected area. This is a good alternative for keloid treatment.
Laser therapy can also be an effective keloid scar treatment procedure. Pulsed dye lasers are used to flatten keloids. Laser therapy can also help the redness that is common with most keloid scars.
Cryotherapy is especially effective in treating smaller keloids caused by piercings. This form of treatment uses liquid nitrogen to flatten the keloids. Even though it is very successful in treating keloids, cryotherapy can also darken the skin surrounding the keloid.
Remember that it is important to consult your doctor about all of your possibilities. If surgery is an option, it is quite possible that it will be combined with one or more of the previously mentioned alternatives. However, if you're not willing to undergo surgery be assured that there are other less invasive alternatives out there.
Hashimoto's Natural Treatment - Synethic or Bio-identical Hormone Replacement?
"Your TSH is normal now, your depression, weight gain, hair loss... [insert low thyroid symptom], can't be coming from your thyroid. We need to give you an antidepressant, you're just depressed."
This is a common conversation that plays out between low thyroid patients and their healthcare practitioner. It is the defining moment that prompts low thyroid patients to seek alternative treatment methods and begin exploring different forms of thyroid replacement hormone.
So What Type Of Hormone Is Best For Low Thyroid Patients?
This question is highly debated amongst practitioners of all types. Most traditional medical endocrinologists prefer synthetic T4 that goes by various names and brands with the most common being Synthroid®. Many doctors that live on the alternative side of the spectrum prefer bio-identical hormones such as Armour, Naturethroid, or Thyrolar.
So which one is correct? I know you may really want me to tell you that one of those is THE correct one, but the truth is that different patients do better with any one of those. Things such as sensitivity to fillers and your body's ability to convert your thyroid hormones play a role.
Instead going round and round about the TYPE of thyroid replacement, let's ask a better question:
Why Did The Thyroid Gland Stop Working In The First Place?
If we answer this question then we can start to move closer to an actual plan that is going to help you. The answer for 80% to 90% of low thyroid patients in the United States is that their problem stems from an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto's Autoimmune Thyroid.
What does that mean? It means that the low thyroid is a symptom, not the source of the problem. In Hashimoto's disease the immune system goes chaos and begins attacking and killing your own thyroid gland. This results in loss of cells from the gland, and less overall output of thyroid hormone.
That also means that the focus clinically should be on modulating the immune system, and slowing the rate of destruction. The immune attack creates two parallel problems which stops the Hashimoto's patient from really feeling like their old self, even with thyroid hormone replacement.
First is the fact that the immune system is constantly attacking the cells of the gland resulting in less and less thyroid hormone being produced naturally. Secondly the immune protein interaction with thyroid cell receptors will block normal hormone binding interactions and the patient will suffer with all of the same thyroid symptoms, even though the TSH and the rest of the lab panel may read in the "normal range."
The difficult thing for patients is that most doctors don't factor in the immune systems role in their condition, and even if they acknowledge and test for it, they don't alter treatment protocols. On the other end many natural doctors, even those that deal with thyroid patients, use generic "immune support" that in a lot of cases makes the immune imbalance worse. The patient has to find a doctor that looks specifically at the immune system and factors in the other body systems that play a role, if a Hashimoto's patient wants to really feel and function well again.
This is a common conversation that plays out between low thyroid patients and their healthcare practitioner. It is the defining moment that prompts low thyroid patients to seek alternative treatment methods and begin exploring different forms of thyroid replacement hormone.
So What Type Of Hormone Is Best For Low Thyroid Patients?
This question is highly debated amongst practitioners of all types. Most traditional medical endocrinologists prefer synthetic T4 that goes by various names and brands with the most common being Synthroid®. Many doctors that live on the alternative side of the spectrum prefer bio-identical hormones such as Armour, Naturethroid, or Thyrolar.
So which one is correct? I know you may really want me to tell you that one of those is THE correct one, but the truth is that different patients do better with any one of those. Things such as sensitivity to fillers and your body's ability to convert your thyroid hormones play a role.
Instead going round and round about the TYPE of thyroid replacement, let's ask a better question:
Why Did The Thyroid Gland Stop Working In The First Place?
If we answer this question then we can start to move closer to an actual plan that is going to help you. The answer for 80% to 90% of low thyroid patients in the United States is that their problem stems from an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto's Autoimmune Thyroid.
What does that mean? It means that the low thyroid is a symptom, not the source of the problem. In Hashimoto's disease the immune system goes chaos and begins attacking and killing your own thyroid gland. This results in loss of cells from the gland, and less overall output of thyroid hormone.
That also means that the focus clinically should be on modulating the immune system, and slowing the rate of destruction. The immune attack creates two parallel problems which stops the Hashimoto's patient from really feeling like their old self, even with thyroid hormone replacement.
First is the fact that the immune system is constantly attacking the cells of the gland resulting in less and less thyroid hormone being produced naturally. Secondly the immune protein interaction with thyroid cell receptors will block normal hormone binding interactions and the patient will suffer with all of the same thyroid symptoms, even though the TSH and the rest of the lab panel may read in the "normal range."
The difficult thing for patients is that most doctors don't factor in the immune systems role in their condition, and even if they acknowledge and test for it, they don't alter treatment protocols. On the other end many natural doctors, even those that deal with thyroid patients, use generic "immune support" that in a lot of cases makes the immune imbalance worse. The patient has to find a doctor that looks specifically at the immune system and factors in the other body systems that play a role, if a Hashimoto's patient wants to really feel and function well again.
Simple Tips To Help Keep You Traveling Healthy
Travel related stress is a common cause of injury and illness that can ruin a vacation. But travel doesn't have to be stressful. Follow these simple suggestions for healthy travel to get the most out of your next getaway.
DRESS FOR SUCCESS
Many vacationers dress for the beach when they should dress for the plane. Sandals don't generally have as much support as casual shoes. Your feet need support weaving through crowded airports. Wear comfortable casual shoes. Remember that if you are in an aisle seat, cold air will be blowing right on your feet. Enclosed shoes are best.
Onboard the plane, prepare for changing temperatures. That aluminum tube parked on the tarmac can get unbearably hot. Once in the air, it can get chilly. Wear layers that you can shed or put back on to stay comfortable.
The biggest drop in cabin temperature happens when the plane is climbing to altitude. This is also when the captain has the “fasten seat belt” sign illuminated. Keep an extra sweater or fleece top with your carryon bag at your feet. That way you won’t have to wait until you are free to move about the cabin to warm up again.
TRAVEL LIGHT
Have you ever been waiting for your luggage and noticed some little old lady running sideways struggling to wrestle a huge suitcase off a moving carousel? Heavy bags can easily strain your back. Bring as little as necessary. Use the hotel laundry service and you won’t have to bring a full week of outfits.
If your suitcase feels heavy when you lift it in your bedroom, it is going to be much worse when you are trying to extract it from the circling pile of luggage surrounded by a crowd of travelers. Split the load into two suitcases. It is worth the additional bag fee to travel pain-free.
EATING ON THE GO
An unhealthy travel diet is one of the most avoidable stressors to your immune system. The overpriced fast food choices in the airport are packed with immune sapping preservatives. The snacks on the plane are just as bad.
Eat a healthy meal right before you leave home. Avoid the airport food court altogether. Pack snacks in your carry-on bag. Bring a healthy sandwich, fresh fruit or energy bar. That way you’ll be able to wait until you can enjoy a good meal at your final destination.
Stay hydrated! The decreased cabin pressure in an airplane accelerates dehydration. Drink eight ounces of water every hour on the plane to fight dehydration. You’ll feel more energetic and your immune system will be strong when you land.
REST RIGHT
Get plenty of sleep the week before you go. Don’t stay up late packing the night before your departure. Be organized and pack a day ahead. Get to bed early so you can start the vacation with as much energy as possible.
Try to rest during flight. A travel blindfold can help you sleep if the person next to you wants to enjoy the view with the window shade raised. Just don’t expect a bouncy cat nap in an airline seat to substitute for a good night’s rest.
The goal of your vacation is to enjoy as much of the destination as possible. Whether you are snow skiing, lounging at the beach or strolling through cafes and museums, you need sleep. Don’t wreck your days by staying up late watching B-rated movies in the hotel room.
BE PREPARED
If you get sick or have an allergy attack, don’t spend precious vacation time in a crowded doctor’s waiting room or hunting for medications. Bring all of your prescription medication and an extra couple of days worth. If a flight gets cancelled or you decide to stay an extra day, you won’t need refills.
Bring emergency medications like over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen or tylenol) and something for allergies or a running nose like benadryl (which can also help you sleep). Pack anti-itch hydrocortisone cream. With these items, you'll be prepared for the majority of minor travel health problems. Ask your doctor which medications would be best for you.
If its something more serious, ask the concierge if the resort offers on-site medical services. If not, do a quick internet search to find a doctor who makes urgent house calls to hotels. Considering the hourly cost of a vacation, these options are more cost effective than heading into town to a doc-in-the-box.
A little planning can go a long way to making the most of your vacation. Follow these tips and you’ll get the most out of your next trip, wherever your final destination may take you.
DRESS FOR SUCCESS
Many vacationers dress for the beach when they should dress for the plane. Sandals don't generally have as much support as casual shoes. Your feet need support weaving through crowded airports. Wear comfortable casual shoes. Remember that if you are in an aisle seat, cold air will be blowing right on your feet. Enclosed shoes are best.
Onboard the plane, prepare for changing temperatures. That aluminum tube parked on the tarmac can get unbearably hot. Once in the air, it can get chilly. Wear layers that you can shed or put back on to stay comfortable.
The biggest drop in cabin temperature happens when the plane is climbing to altitude. This is also when the captain has the “fasten seat belt” sign illuminated. Keep an extra sweater or fleece top with your carryon bag at your feet. That way you won’t have to wait until you are free to move about the cabin to warm up again.
TRAVEL LIGHT
Have you ever been waiting for your luggage and noticed some little old lady running sideways struggling to wrestle a huge suitcase off a moving carousel? Heavy bags can easily strain your back. Bring as little as necessary. Use the hotel laundry service and you won’t have to bring a full week of outfits.
If your suitcase feels heavy when you lift it in your bedroom, it is going to be much worse when you are trying to extract it from the circling pile of luggage surrounded by a crowd of travelers. Split the load into two suitcases. It is worth the additional bag fee to travel pain-free.
EATING ON THE GO
An unhealthy travel diet is one of the most avoidable stressors to your immune system. The overpriced fast food choices in the airport are packed with immune sapping preservatives. The snacks on the plane are just as bad.
Eat a healthy meal right before you leave home. Avoid the airport food court altogether. Pack snacks in your carry-on bag. Bring a healthy sandwich, fresh fruit or energy bar. That way you’ll be able to wait until you can enjoy a good meal at your final destination.
Stay hydrated! The decreased cabin pressure in an airplane accelerates dehydration. Drink eight ounces of water every hour on the plane to fight dehydration. You’ll feel more energetic and your immune system will be strong when you land.
REST RIGHT
Get plenty of sleep the week before you go. Don’t stay up late packing the night before your departure. Be organized and pack a day ahead. Get to bed early so you can start the vacation with as much energy as possible.
Try to rest during flight. A travel blindfold can help you sleep if the person next to you wants to enjoy the view with the window shade raised. Just don’t expect a bouncy cat nap in an airline seat to substitute for a good night’s rest.
The goal of your vacation is to enjoy as much of the destination as possible. Whether you are snow skiing, lounging at the beach or strolling through cafes and museums, you need sleep. Don’t wreck your days by staying up late watching B-rated movies in the hotel room.
BE PREPARED
If you get sick or have an allergy attack, don’t spend precious vacation time in a crowded doctor’s waiting room or hunting for medications. Bring all of your prescription medication and an extra couple of days worth. If a flight gets cancelled or you decide to stay an extra day, you won’t need refills.
Bring emergency medications like over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen or tylenol) and something for allergies or a running nose like benadryl (which can also help you sleep). Pack anti-itch hydrocortisone cream. With these items, you'll be prepared for the majority of minor travel health problems. Ask your doctor which medications would be best for you.
If its something more serious, ask the concierge if the resort offers on-site medical services. If not, do a quick internet search to find a doctor who makes urgent house calls to hotels. Considering the hourly cost of a vacation, these options are more cost effective than heading into town to a doc-in-the-box.
A little planning can go a long way to making the most of your vacation. Follow these tips and you’ll get the most out of your next trip, wherever your final destination may take you.
Fish Oil for Dogs – Why More Veterinarians are Recommending Omega 3 Fatty Acids to Faithful Companions
I have learned from a few people that some of you simply don’t understand about the benefits of fish oil for dogs, or you have never even thought about whether such a supplement would be good for your pet. More and more veterinarians are now recommending omega 3 fatty acids as a method of treating the ailments of pets. What benefits does supplementing their diet with fish oil give your faithful companion?
Our dogs and cats suffer from the same inflammatory ailments that we do, and certain breeds are more prone to specific problems than others. DHA and EPA n-3 fatty acids are the two most important fatty acids for the reduction of inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is what causes the vast majority of health problems in both humans, and their pets.
A lot of animals suffer from degenerative ailments such as arthritis when they get up in years. The potent anti-inflammatory properties that omega 3 rich fish oil for dogs and cats possesses can help in preventing diseases like arthritis from developing. If you happen to have a pet that currently suffers from severe inflammation in the joints, just a few weeks of supplementing their diet with fish oil will dramatically improve their condition.
You may notice that your cat or dog suffers from allergies during certain times of the year. By keeping the pet’s levels of DHA and EPA omega fatty acids high year round, when allergy season comes around again your beloved animal will not suffer as they did during past years. These nutrients will do wonder if your dogs suffers a skin allergy for example, as many breeds tend to.
Fish oil for dogs and cats is effective in significantly reducing their risk of developing inflammatory diseases, which are often caused by what is known as fatty acid derangement. These ailments include kidney disease, heart disease, and cancer. just as a rule of thumb, the more serious the disease fro which your pet suffers the more fish oil they may need, but let a vet help you decide on how much is necessary.
Fish oil for dogs and cats is recommended as a treatment over flaxseed oil, which is often suggested as a source of omega 3 fatty acids for pets. Flaxseed oil is made up of ALA fatty acid, which can be converted by the body into the DHA and EPA fatty acids necessary for optimum health. The problem is that the conversion rate for both people and animals is extremely low.
Pets can obtain just as many benefits as humans can when it comes to the effects of omega 3 fatty acids. This type of potent natural supplement is far more effective in keeping your pet healthy than many of the products “designed” for pets. You just want to make sure that you check out the company that makes the omega 3 formulas before you decide to buy.
Fish oil for dogs and cats could do your pet a world of good.
Our dogs and cats suffer from the same inflammatory ailments that we do, and certain breeds are more prone to specific problems than others. DHA and EPA n-3 fatty acids are the two most important fatty acids for the reduction of inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is what causes the vast majority of health problems in both humans, and their pets.
A lot of animals suffer from degenerative ailments such as arthritis when they get up in years. The potent anti-inflammatory properties that omega 3 rich fish oil for dogs and cats possesses can help in preventing diseases like arthritis from developing. If you happen to have a pet that currently suffers from severe inflammation in the joints, just a few weeks of supplementing their diet with fish oil will dramatically improve their condition.
You may notice that your cat or dog suffers from allergies during certain times of the year. By keeping the pet’s levels of DHA and EPA omega fatty acids high year round, when allergy season comes around again your beloved animal will not suffer as they did during past years. These nutrients will do wonder if your dogs suffers a skin allergy for example, as many breeds tend to.
Fish oil for dogs and cats is effective in significantly reducing their risk of developing inflammatory diseases, which are often caused by what is known as fatty acid derangement. These ailments include kidney disease, heart disease, and cancer. just as a rule of thumb, the more serious the disease fro which your pet suffers the more fish oil they may need, but let a vet help you decide on how much is necessary.
Fish oil for dogs and cats is recommended as a treatment over flaxseed oil, which is often suggested as a source of omega 3 fatty acids for pets. Flaxseed oil is made up of ALA fatty acid, which can be converted by the body into the DHA and EPA fatty acids necessary for optimum health. The problem is that the conversion rate for both people and animals is extremely low.
Pets can obtain just as many benefits as humans can when it comes to the effects of omega 3 fatty acids. This type of potent natural supplement is far more effective in keeping your pet healthy than many of the products “designed” for pets. You just want to make sure that you check out the company that makes the omega 3 formulas before you decide to buy.
Fish oil for dogs and cats could do your pet a world of good.
Understanding Massage Therapy, Injury Treatment, and Alternative Medicine
Massage therapy is a well-recommended alternative treatment for certain injuries and ailments. A Sarasota, FL massage spa recommends getting regular massage treatments to keep your mind and body healthy and free from stress.
Therapeutic massage or massage therapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses manipulation of our muscles, connective tissues, and trigger points in order to heal, relax, and soothe our muscular system. Muscle manipulation is also linked with balancing hormonal levels, blood circulation, and proper organ functioning, which is why massages have the ability to treat more than just muscle-related ailments.
A well-trusted Venice, FL massage spa enumerates some common body massages that are sure to help you stay healthy in mind and body.
Swedish Massage
The Swedish massage is the foundation of most massage treatments available today. According to a massage therapist from Sarasota, FL, the Swedish massage is suitable for almost everyone, especially first timers. Its main purpose is relaxation and soothing of stressed and tired muscles on our back, upper and lower legs, shoulders, arms, hands, and feet. It uses a combination of slow and fast strokes with light to medium pressure.
Deep Tissue Massage
Rolfing structural manipulation is actually a series of deep tissue massage that releases tightened muscles by realigning them with the natural force of gravity. Unlike other massages like the Swedish or Trigger Point massage, this series of deep tissue massage can be used to treat muscles injuries caused by sudden movements, impact, or strenuous physical activities. This type of massage therapy is based on the principle that injuries, diseases, and emotional stress cause muscular tension. As a result, muscles tighten, surrounding tissue harden, which pull the bones out of its proper alignments. Getting a deep tissue massage corrects this problem by targeting the deep tissues to untie knotted muscles to allow them to function properly and in maximum capacity.
Pregnancy Massage
This special type of therapeutic massage is designed to relieve pregnant women of common pregnancy symptoms such as headaches, back pain, leg cramps, nausea, and even mood swings. Pregnancy massages are best given after the first trimester of pregnancy because the fetus and the mother are still to vulnerable during the early stages. Also, it should only be given with the consent of a doctor since some pregnancies are more difficult than others. What the therapist does is massage one half of the body after the other, with the mother lying on her side. Since some women get uncomfortable lying flat on their back, the side position is then recommended for them instead. Special tables are sometimes used for a pregnancy massage, with holes to allow the mom to lie on her tummy. But for most treatments, lying on their sides with supporting pillows is the most suggested way to go, says a Sarasota massage therapist.
Sports Massage
This massage therapy is designed for physically active people who either compete in athletics or are fond of working out. A sports massage is fast paced and is administered 10 to 15 minutes before a game or a work out session. This massage helps increase muscle performance by increasing flexibility and mobility. According to Sarasota massage spa, you can also get a sports massage 10 to 15 minutes after a work out.
Reflexology
Reflexology is a healing system in which specific points on the feet or hands, known as reflex points, are manipulated to bring about changes in other parts of the body. These reflex points are believed to correspond to every major organ, gland, and area of the body. According to a Sarasota massage spa, it was initially known as Zone therapy in the 1900s.
Therapeutic massage or massage therapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses manipulation of our muscles, connective tissues, and trigger points in order to heal, relax, and soothe our muscular system. Muscle manipulation is also linked with balancing hormonal levels, blood circulation, and proper organ functioning, which is why massages have the ability to treat more than just muscle-related ailments.
A well-trusted Venice, FL massage spa enumerates some common body massages that are sure to help you stay healthy in mind and body.
Swedish Massage
The Swedish massage is the foundation of most massage treatments available today. According to a massage therapist from Sarasota, FL, the Swedish massage is suitable for almost everyone, especially first timers. Its main purpose is relaxation and soothing of stressed and tired muscles on our back, upper and lower legs, shoulders, arms, hands, and feet. It uses a combination of slow and fast strokes with light to medium pressure.
Deep Tissue Massage
Rolfing structural manipulation is actually a series of deep tissue massage that releases tightened muscles by realigning them with the natural force of gravity. Unlike other massages like the Swedish or Trigger Point massage, this series of deep tissue massage can be used to treat muscles injuries caused by sudden movements, impact, or strenuous physical activities. This type of massage therapy is based on the principle that injuries, diseases, and emotional stress cause muscular tension. As a result, muscles tighten, surrounding tissue harden, which pull the bones out of its proper alignments. Getting a deep tissue massage corrects this problem by targeting the deep tissues to untie knotted muscles to allow them to function properly and in maximum capacity.
Pregnancy Massage
This special type of therapeutic massage is designed to relieve pregnant women of common pregnancy symptoms such as headaches, back pain, leg cramps, nausea, and even mood swings. Pregnancy massages are best given after the first trimester of pregnancy because the fetus and the mother are still to vulnerable during the early stages. Also, it should only be given with the consent of a doctor since some pregnancies are more difficult than others. What the therapist does is massage one half of the body after the other, with the mother lying on her side. Since some women get uncomfortable lying flat on their back, the side position is then recommended for them instead. Special tables are sometimes used for a pregnancy massage, with holes to allow the mom to lie on her tummy. But for most treatments, lying on their sides with supporting pillows is the most suggested way to go, says a Sarasota massage therapist.
Sports Massage
This massage therapy is designed for physically active people who either compete in athletics or are fond of working out. A sports massage is fast paced and is administered 10 to 15 minutes before a game or a work out session. This massage helps increase muscle performance by increasing flexibility and mobility. According to Sarasota massage spa, you can also get a sports massage 10 to 15 minutes after a work out.
Reflexology
Reflexology is a healing system in which specific points on the feet or hands, known as reflex points, are manipulated to bring about changes in other parts of the body. These reflex points are believed to correspond to every major organ, gland, and area of the body. According to a Sarasota massage spa, it was initially known as Zone therapy in the 1900s.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
How To Benefit From A Personal Trainer Claremont Style
Claremont is such a very large type of city. It happens to be full of very qualified professionals called personal trainers. We will discuss getting the most from a exercise trainer Claremont style. These professionals are very educated and have lots of experience and knowledge to share. They know ways to save their customers money as well. One of the best things they offer is constant motivation.
When you hire qualified trainers you can usually be sure that they will have a vast knowledge of exercise programs. They use this knowledge to develop the highest quality of exercise programs. They know the human body and what type of requirements it might need. Most people will find that they are not capable of creating their own program. Many people have no trouble trusting the programs that have been specifically designed for them by their trainers.
A sports personal trainer is very good at keeping a person from straying away from their regimen. People often tend to display this habit when no such guide is available to them. Some of them have the nerve to wonder why they are failing to see results. They do not realize that such results are only received through discipline. Trainers usually love to see results. They have great ways to keep your mind on the program at hand.
People are often fond of the motivation that these assistants offer. When a person under goes an exercise program without the company of anyone else, they can sometimes suffer a lack of motivation. Outside parties can be great for providing this type of motivation. These professionals are well trained in the art of motivation and often very effective at utilizing it.
It is important to know the benefit provided by professionals who work outside of the gym or club system. When attending these venues, people are charged significantly. They are then charged even larger amounts to be provided with a trainer that works for the gym. These trainers put a good load of their work effort into selling products and additional services. This could lower the quality of the training process.
Diet is also very important when a person wants to improve the quality of their physical fitness. It is often common knowledge that a proper diet is just as important as exercise. These trainers will be well trained in the components of a quality diet. It is important to know that a regular diet is an entirely new lifestyle. A personal trainer can do many things to help a person with their eating habits.
So many bad investments are often found in every corner of the health and fitness market. These products love to make bogus claims. People without an education in the field sometimes spend excessively large amounts of money based on such claims. Not only do many products end up not working but some of them can greatly lower the physical accomplishments of those who invested in them.
When you hire qualified trainers you can usually be sure that they will have a vast knowledge of exercise programs. They use this knowledge to develop the highest quality of exercise programs. They know the human body and what type of requirements it might need. Most people will find that they are not capable of creating their own program. Many people have no trouble trusting the programs that have been specifically designed for them by their trainers.
A sports personal trainer is very good at keeping a person from straying away from their regimen. People often tend to display this habit when no such guide is available to them. Some of them have the nerve to wonder why they are failing to see results. They do not realize that such results are only received through discipline. Trainers usually love to see results. They have great ways to keep your mind on the program at hand.
People are often fond of the motivation that these assistants offer. When a person under goes an exercise program without the company of anyone else, they can sometimes suffer a lack of motivation. Outside parties can be great for providing this type of motivation. These professionals are well trained in the art of motivation and often very effective at utilizing it.
It is important to know the benefit provided by professionals who work outside of the gym or club system. When attending these venues, people are charged significantly. They are then charged even larger amounts to be provided with a trainer that works for the gym. These trainers put a good load of their work effort into selling products and additional services. This could lower the quality of the training process.
Diet is also very important when a person wants to improve the quality of their physical fitness. It is often common knowledge that a proper diet is just as important as exercise. These trainers will be well trained in the components of a quality diet. It is important to know that a regular diet is an entirely new lifestyle. A personal trainer can do many things to help a person with their eating habits.
So many bad investments are often found in every corner of the health and fitness market. These products love to make bogus claims. People without an education in the field sometimes spend excessively large amounts of money based on such claims. Not only do many products end up not working but some of them can greatly lower the physical accomplishments of those who invested in them.
Friday, January 1, 2010
The Practical Applications of Meditation in Everyday Life
You may meditate for different reasons: relaxation of your body and mind, spiritual connection, or stress release. Meditation has many practical applications in everyday life.
To make the most out of meditation, you should use meditative thoughts to focus on your awareness - that is, mindfulness of what is happening around you, such as your breathing, bodily sensations, and meditative thoughts. Without this awareness or mindfulness, meditation does not seem to have any purpose. Meditation is all about re-focusing your mind on what is important, and discarding what is irrelevant or insignificant. In other words, meditation helps you not only to prioritize but also to change your perspectives regarding events in your life.
Now you can apply meditation to your everyday life. You can bring all the benefits of meditation to your everyday life.
Through the power of meditation, you can find the quiet or stillness between sounds and thoughts and experiences. It is this underlying quietness - so quiet that you can almost hear it - that forms a link between you and your sensations and meditative thoughts. Through this stillness, you become enlightened with respect to your adaptation to cope with the mundane world, such as dealing with attitudes and behaviors, as well as pain and stress; knowing yourself better, such as the reasons for your anger; divine illumination, such as the purpose of your existence. Meditation is essentially a mental training of awareness or mindfulness of breathing, physical sensations, and mental thoughts, and the perception of timelessness with focus on not only the present moment but also what is "real" at the present moment.
By training your awareness or mindfulness only to remain present in whatever activity you are undertaking in real life, you will find yourself right in the center of that activity you are engaging in. In this way, you will be doing your very best, because your mind is not distracted by anything else other than what you are doing at that very present moment. For example, if you are doing dishes, your mind is only on that chore, and nothing else. In addition, by focusing on doing the dishes, you will not find the chore boring and meaningless. Meditation is mind training at its best in that you will be looking at everything in perspective - even washing dishes is part of life, and hence you should derive satisfaction from doing so. Mind training in guided meditation leads to a state of stillness that can be maintained no matter what you are doing, or what is happening around you. This is the power of meditation.
To illustrate, the practical principles of meditation can be applied to the non-meditating part of your everyday living for life, such as walking. While you are walking, let go of the outside world, and focus on your breathing, such as listening to the relaxed sound of your breathing in and breathing out as you are walking. In addition to making your walk slow and purposeful, observe each step that you are making: notice the physical sensation of your feet, as well as the way your arms are swinging back and forth and brushing against your body. If unwanted thoughts come up in your mind, re-focus your awareness or mindfulness on your breathing and physical sensations. Keep on walking with your meditative thoughts.
Meditation is an excellent mind training to focus on what you are doing. Surely, you can apply meditation to your everyday life by turning any everyday activity, irrespective of its insignificance, into meditative nature to enhance your mindfulness and clarity of mind. Guided meditation can enhance your mind power to transform your life: your senses come to life; you see how things change from moment to moment, so you have a better understanding of what is important and what is "real" in your life; most importantly, you find it easier to let go of things you found difficult to let go in the past.
To make the most out of meditation, you should use meditative thoughts to focus on your awareness - that is, mindfulness of what is happening around you, such as your breathing, bodily sensations, and meditative thoughts. Without this awareness or mindfulness, meditation does not seem to have any purpose. Meditation is all about re-focusing your mind on what is important, and discarding what is irrelevant or insignificant. In other words, meditation helps you not only to prioritize but also to change your perspectives regarding events in your life.
Now you can apply meditation to your everyday life. You can bring all the benefits of meditation to your everyday life.
Through the power of meditation, you can find the quiet or stillness between sounds and thoughts and experiences. It is this underlying quietness - so quiet that you can almost hear it - that forms a link between you and your sensations and meditative thoughts. Through this stillness, you become enlightened with respect to your adaptation to cope with the mundane world, such as dealing with attitudes and behaviors, as well as pain and stress; knowing yourself better, such as the reasons for your anger; divine illumination, such as the purpose of your existence. Meditation is essentially a mental training of awareness or mindfulness of breathing, physical sensations, and mental thoughts, and the perception of timelessness with focus on not only the present moment but also what is "real" at the present moment.
By training your awareness or mindfulness only to remain present in whatever activity you are undertaking in real life, you will find yourself right in the center of that activity you are engaging in. In this way, you will be doing your very best, because your mind is not distracted by anything else other than what you are doing at that very present moment. For example, if you are doing dishes, your mind is only on that chore, and nothing else. In addition, by focusing on doing the dishes, you will not find the chore boring and meaningless. Meditation is mind training at its best in that you will be looking at everything in perspective - even washing dishes is part of life, and hence you should derive satisfaction from doing so. Mind training in guided meditation leads to a state of stillness that can be maintained no matter what you are doing, or what is happening around you. This is the power of meditation.
To illustrate, the practical principles of meditation can be applied to the non-meditating part of your everyday living for life, such as walking. While you are walking, let go of the outside world, and focus on your breathing, such as listening to the relaxed sound of your breathing in and breathing out as you are walking. In addition to making your walk slow and purposeful, observe each step that you are making: notice the physical sensation of your feet, as well as the way your arms are swinging back and forth and brushing against your body. If unwanted thoughts come up in your mind, re-focus your awareness or mindfulness on your breathing and physical sensations. Keep on walking with your meditative thoughts.
Meditation is an excellent mind training to focus on what you are doing. Surely, you can apply meditation to your everyday life by turning any everyday activity, irrespective of its insignificance, into meditative nature to enhance your mindfulness and clarity of mind. Guided meditation can enhance your mind power to transform your life: your senses come to life; you see how things change from moment to moment, so you have a better understanding of what is important and what is "real" in your life; most importantly, you find it easier to let go of things you found difficult to let go in the past.
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