SkyBlue Cross Alternative Health Blog

Saturday 31 March 2012

Pain Relief – Lower Back

By: http://www.skybluecross.com/
The work environment varies but in most cases, jobs require employees to sit all day on their desk doing tons of paperwork and other tasks. Sitting for a very long period can cause lower back pain. Just imagine that you’ll be sitting on your office chair for the rest of the year every day. It’s no wonder many employees suffer from stress and constant pain particularly on their lower back. This is the best time to choose an effective pain relief.

 True enough, sitting at the office is less strenuous as compared to hiking, biking, or traversing rough trails. Because of the sedentary lifestyle of many people, their bodies suffer greatly. According to studies, back pain is a very common condition and most of today’s workforce is suffering from it. With the cool atmosphere provided by the air-conditioning systems and limited body movement, the body is inactive all throughout the day. There may be ways to address pain on the lower back but most of them are not effective.

 People whose jobs are office-based tend to suffer from back pain which includes the lower portions of the back. The pain may be chronic especially to those who have been working at the office for a long time. New office-based employees are just beginning to feel such pain and if you don’t want the pain to last, you should make use of the appropriate pain relief. As you can see, lower back pain should be addressed at the soonest possible time for best results.

 There are lots of online and offline resources that can help you in addressing back pain. However, not all these stuff work. eBooks on pain relief are all over the internet and they offer possible solutions for your back pain. If one treatment doesn’t work, you can always try another one. Don’t resort to drugs and surgery. If you simply take time in looking for effective pain relief treatments, you will surely find one that you can afford and one that will work for you.

 Lower back pain starts with the muscles around the spine. When the muscles are weak or quite tight, you will feel pain. It is very important that you have good blood circulation as it can also bring about back pain. Even when you’re in the office, you should stretch up a little. Don’t just sit down. Try to move from time to time; stand up and stretch your arms. By doing so, you can reduce the tension on your lower back. When muscles are stretched and moved, it will not become too tight.

 You need to lie down on the floor and under your knees, you need to put pillows. Bend your knees and feet. By doing this position, the weight is taken off from your back. If your back still hurts, you should lie down in this position. Try to walk from time to time to get those muscles moving.

 If you feel muscle spasms, use heating pads. You can use it for 20-30 minutes. For additional relief, you can also try massages and ice packs. Some individuals take non prescription medications like aspirin, naproxen, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and ketoprofen. These medicines can reduce swelling and pain.

 Search for the best lower back pain relief that you can use at home or in the office. You can do the exercise; take medicines, and many others. The choice is yours.
 

Relief for Chronic Pain Naturally

By: http://www.skybluecross.com
Are you currently suffering from chronic pain? If your answer is yes, how do you relieve such pain? It’s natural for the body to look for pain relief when it is in pain or when it’s not functioning properly. Is there really a need to look for relief for chronic pain? This is a question that deserves a very good answer.

All the techniques to relieve pain are based on the philosophy that in order to be an effective pain relief tool, it should be able to manipulate the body. Some examples are shakes and applying pressure in the affected area.

People today are always busy and they don’t have enough time to rest. Most of their time is dedicated to work and other household responsibilities. Indeed, you need to tell your body to work doubly hard in order to earn good income but you’re also putting too much stress on your body. If this continues, you will suffer from chronic pain.

Getting a massage every now and then can really make you feel good. But do you really think that if you force ‘pain relievers’ to your life, you will feel better?

Well, you’re wrong. There is no need to force the pain relief techniques. If you can manipulate the therapies or techniques to relieve pain, you can expect better results.

People are already used to ‘doing’ something in order to achieve a certain goal. By doing so, people are stressed out which brings about chronic pain. It is very easy for people to forget that they are just human beings.

Try to observe nature. What do you see? You can see birds flying, trees swaying, wind blowing, and plants growing all over the fields. As you may have noticed, these things happen naturally and no force is required.

According to studies, people who suffer from chronic pain should forget about ‘doing’ something about the pain. So what can you do? You can try relaxation and meditation. However, you might find it difficult to do this especially when you’re feeling excessive pain.

In every therapeutic or meditation process, it is vital for you to relax. To some individuals, the pain will become more evident when they are in a relaxed state. Try to find a position where joints are centered and your voluntary muscles are disengaged. Quiet your mind; don’t think about the pain. Feel the stillness around you. Soon you will realize that your body is no longer in pain.

This idea may seem ridiculous since people are already used to ‘doing’. However, if you try it now, you will not lose anything. So what are you waiting for? If you’re suffering from chronic pain, find a comfortable position where you can relax. It would be best to do this at home. Lie comfortably and put your body at rest. Forget about everything and empty your mind of thoughts. Try to feel the silence and stillness. Think positively so that your brain will not think of the pain.

Before you even think that this technique is not effective, try it out yourself. By the time you’ve finished this technique, you will notice that the pain is going away. Don’t expect immediate results. It may take some time especially if you’ve been suffering from chronic pain for a several years now. Just try to be patient because your efforts will be rewarded and there are no costs involved.

Friday 30 March 2012

A Close Look At Wisdom Teeth

By: http://www.skybluecross.com
Also known as the third set of molars, the wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth in the mouth to erupt, which normally happens around the ages of 17 - 25. For many years, there has been a lot of controversy as to the need to remove these teeth. If the teeth don’t cause any harm or pain, they are normally fine to stay in place. If they present a bad position or cause you a lot of pain or discomfort, they will need to be removed.

When the wisdom teeth first come in, they will sometimes be impacted. Impacted teeth will normally need to be extracted. Sometimes they can be pulled, although in most cases they need to be cut out by a qualified surgeon. When the time comes to have your wisdom teeth extracted, you’ll need to go to an oral surgeon and have a consultation first.

During the consultation, you’ll take a few x-rays that will let the surgeon know how bad your wisdom teeth are. He will go over the results with you, take a look in your mouth, then tell you what options you have. If he is going to pull or cut out your teeth, you’ll have the option of using local anaesthesia or going with an IV sedation. An IV sedation is the preferred way to have wisdom teeth extracted, as you’ll be so relaxed you won’t know what is going on. If you decide to just use local anaesthesia, which is numbing, you’ll be fully aware of the procedure. You’ll also hear the popping and cracking involved, which can make you feel quite uncomfortable.

Depending on the shape, size, and the formation of the wisdom teeth, the removal process can vary from easy to hard. If the root tips have managed to wrap themselves around the bone, the removal process can be very time consuming and quite painful. Once the extractions have been completed, there is normally little to no swelling involved. Your dentist will prescribe you some pain medicine, which you should use as soon as you arrive home. If you are going to use IV sedation, you’ll need to someone to accompany you, as you won’t be able to drive home.

After the removal of your wisdom teeth, your dentist will go over what you need to do to ensure the proper healing of your gums and mouth. Normally, he will give you information to go over, to make sure that you experience no problems in the healing process. Someone will need to be with you for the first 24 hours, to make sure that you ok. You won’t be able to eat certain foods for the first 48 hours, which is to be expected. Once you get your wisdom teeth removed through - you’ll notice a big improvement in your mouth - and your health.

Natural Toothache Remedies

By: http://www.skybluecross.com 

 Not many people are aware of the fact that several herbs can be used in the relief of toothache pain. Natural herbs such as cloves, calendula, tarragon, and yarrow can be used to help relieve th pain until you can get to the dentist. For many years, different cultures have counted on herbs to help get the pain of a toothache control and get temporary relief.

 Native Americans for example, used the inner bark found in the butternut tree to their gums to get relief from toothaches. The butternut tree is found in North America, and is also the cousin of the black walnut tree. Butternut trees are found along rivers in well drained soil, rich woods, and even in back yards. Once the tree matures, it can reach heights of up to 60 feet, with the bark being light grey in color, and the leaves and the fruit resembling the black walnut tree. The bark of the tree can be applied to the gums, helping to alleviate toothache pain.

 Yarrow on the other hand, can be found in Asia, Europe, and North America. It normally grows wild in meadows, fields, and in open wood lands. The root of yarrow, is what contains the anaesthetic effect. If you apply the fresh root of yarrow to your tooth or gums, it will help to stop the pain - until you can get an appointment with the dentist and get it taken care of.

 The herb known as clove is an evergreen tree, native to tropical areas. These days however, it can be found throughout the world. As many already know, the dried flower bud of clove is what contains the medicine. The oil from clove, when used on a toothache, will help to stop the pain almost immediately. If you compare cloves to other natural toothache remedies, you’ll find clove to be the best.

 For many years, natural herbs have been used to stop toothache pain. Hundreds of years ago, herbs were the only way to stop the pain. Dentists were just starting to come around, although they didn’t have near the equipment and sophistication that they have these days. Even though teeth were pulled during these times, it normally happened with alcohol to numb the pain then pliers to remove the tooth.

 Throughout the course of time, herbs have proven to be very effective with stopping toothache pain. If you are interested in herbs or have any questions about them, you shouldn’t hesitate to ask your dentist his opinion. Dentists know herbs, and should be able to recommend natural remedies to you if you request them. The next time you experience the pain of a toothache - you should always remember that herbs

Thursday 29 March 2012

Nutrition Notes on Weight Loss Supplements

By: http://www.skybluecross.com 
Other than physical appearance weight affects a person in many ways. This could be the overall quality of life, self-esteem, depression, health risks, and physical incapabilities. There are a lot of positive changes once a person experience weight loss. It is for this reason why a lot of people are searching for a weight loss technique that will surely trim down those fats and get a super slim head turner body.

The first thing that an over-weight should do is seek a doctor to recommend the best weight loss regimen. This will be done after a full physical examination, which leads to the determination of proper weight loss technique. And to lose weight fast and effectively four aspects of life should be changed: what to eat, how to eat, behavior and activity level.

Here are fast tips that can change an over-weight's life:

First: Fast weight loss composes of a multi-faceted technique that consists mindset, exercise, and in other cases, diet supplements. Begin by learning a diet food plan that can easily be accustomed with. Incorporate an exercise plan that allows even at least fifteen minutes a day like brisk walking, running, swimming, and dancing.

Second: Set realistic approaches. The ability to focus and have proper mindset enables someone on a diet to quickly lose those extra pounds. With discipline and proper mind set, a dieter will never be discouraged and lose focus.

Third: Listen as the body speaks. Each and everyone's body metabolism reacts differently to different fast weight loss programs and plans. Try substituting one program for another to compensate the body's reaction. Exercise program must be suitable to one's body, as others are not able to exercise as rigorously as others can. If walking is all that can be done, then walk for this is proven the best exercise. Muscles burn more calories than fats so it's also best to put on a little muscle and looking good too.

Fourth: Eat more fibers for it makes a person full sooner and stays in the tummy longer, slowing down the rate of digestion. A single serving of whole grain bread moves fat through the digestive system faster. Grains turn into blood sugar that spikes the body's insulin level. Thus, making the body more energized and ready to tell the body when it should stop burning fats or start storing.

Fifth: Keep away from fried foods especially deep-fried as this contains a great amount of fat. Although fish and chicken appear leaner than beef, this white meat can contain more fat than when a beef is fried. It is recommended for those on strict diet to opt for grilled food as this does not have or contain less amount of fat after the food is cooked.

Sixth: Takes lots of fluid. Drinking at least six to eight glasses of water a day keeps the body refreshed. Since weight loss depends on how the body eliminates body wastes, the body must stay hydrated.

All in all, discipline and consistency is still the best practice and the key to a rapid weight loss success. Light dieting, workout, and right amount of supplementation applied in a regular way everyday will result in faster weight loss than having a massive action only to be followed a return to old habits as this would only lead to gaining more weight than when the weight loss plan has started.



Nutrition Notes on Weight Loss Supplements

More and more spend hundred and even thousands of dollars yearly on weight loss supplements in the hope of speeding up their metabolism. The main desire is to be attractive and accepted but it is becoming a more difficult goal to achieve. The fitness industry is booming but still a lot of people are unable to cut those fat in spite of all the exercise and diet efforts. In America, more than sixty per cent of adults are overweight and thirty per cent are considered obese. This is because: one, a lot of weight loss products promises unrealistic goals; two, dietary supplement manufacturers rely on the overweight person’s failure to survive; and three, the information about the supplements in the market are just written by themselves just to make a sell.

Although the Food and Drug Administration has successfully banned illegal marketers, some products are still available. Consumers can be deceived of the labels which claims caffeine or ephedra fee not knowing that these supplements composes of other ingredients that may pose the same health risks. These include heart and digestive problems, headaches, insomnia, and even psychological side effects.

Other supplement manufacturers say that their products contains EGCG which is a phytochemical ingredient found in green tea. This so-called component claims to speed up metabolism but in reality poses to reduce the risk of cancer. Some studies denote that it could slightly increase the potential to burn calories and now can be found in many weight loss supplements. It has good points on the other hand since the body might conform to EGCG after a period of time. Eve the weight loss benefit could sum up to 60 to 70 calories a day. This helps prevent excessive weight gain.

A few other significant effects of weight loss supplements is that it may contain ingredients that makers claim will prevent the absorption of carbohydrates. One good example is Chitosan, which appears most promising, which in fact shows no positive result in fat absorption. It could even take up to seven months for men to lose just a pound of body fat and for women, there is no fat loss at all. Thyroid supplements act as thyroid replacements help regulate and optimize the thyroid at a higher level. This they say makes the body feel like a couch potato and won’t perform the job it has to.

Since the number one reason why people eat is because they feel hungry, there is another type of ingredient that manufacturers made which increases the feeling of being full and decreases appetite, Guar Gum. However, recent studies show that it has no meaningful benefit at all to weight loss. It is ironic that manufacturers mix Psyllium that has the reputation of reducing eating and aiding weight loss for initial studies so far do not support this claim although it helps control blood cholesterol and sugar.

One of the latest innovations in the fat loss industry is by way of skin absorption. There’s a Cutting Gel, which is an epidril product by far the best selling in fat loss creams technology. Rub it where you want the fats cut. For now, it will seem safer to advise the age old remedies to excessive weight gain and that is to invest on walking shoes instead of diet supplements, go to the park and do brisk walking, go to the gym, and have a well balanced diet instead.

Rapid Weight Loss Techniques

By: http://www.skybluecross.com
Other than physical appearance weight affects a person in many ways. This could be the overall quality of life, self-esteem, depression, health risks, and physical incapabilities. There are a lot of positive changes once a person experience weight loss. It is for this reason why a lot of people are searching for a weight loss technique that will surely trim down those fats and get a super slim head turner body.

 The first thing that an over-weight should do is seek a doctor to recommend the best weight loss regimen. This will be done after a full physical examination, which leads to the determination of proper weight loss technique. And to lose weight fast and effectively four aspects of life should be changed: what to eat, how to eat, behavior and activity level.

 Here are fast tips that can change an over-weight's life:

 First: Fast weight loss composes of a multi-faceted technique that consists mindset, exercise, and in other cases, diet supplements. Begin by learning a diet food plan that can easily be accustomed with. Incorporate an exercise plan that allows even at least fifteen minutes a day like brisk walking, running, swimming, and dancing.

 Second: Set realistic approaches. The ability to focus and have proper mindset enables someone on a diet to quickly lose those extra pounds. With discipline and proper mind set, a dieter will never be discouraged and lose focus.

 Third: Listen as the body speaks. Each and everyone's body metabolism reacts differently to different fast weight loss programs and plans. Try substituting one program for another to compensate the body's reaction. Exercise program must be suitable to one's body, as others are not able to exercise as rigorously as others can. If walking is all that can be done, then walk for this is proven the best exercise. Muscles burn more calories than fats so it's also best to put on a little muscle and looking good too.

 Fourth: Eat more fibers for it makes a person full sooner and stays in the tummy longer, slowing down the rate of digestion. A single serving of whole grain bread moves fat through the digestive system faster. Grains turn into blood sugar that spikes the body's insulin level. Thus, making the body more energized and ready to tell the body when it should stop burning fats or start storing.

 Fifth: Keep away from fried foods especially deep-fried as this contains a great amount of fat. Although fish and chicken appear leaner than beef, this white meat can contain more fat than when a beef is fried. It is recommended for those on strict diet to opt for grilled food as this does not have or contain less amount of fat after the food is cooked.

 Sixth: Takes lots of fluid. Drinking at least six to eight glasses of water a day keeps the body refreshed. Since weight loss depends on how the body eliminates body wastes, the body must stay hydrated.

 All in all, discipline and consistency is still the best practice and the key to a rapid weight loss success. Light dieting, workout, and right amount of supplementation applied in a regular way everyday will result in faster weight loss than having a massive action only to be followed a return to old habits as this would only lead to gaining more weight than when the weight loss plan has started.

Wednesday 28 March 2012

Requirements to Become A Chirporactor

By: http://www.skybluecross.com
A chiropractor is a person who applies the method of cures the patients with chiropractic treatments. Chiropractic is a form of health treatment that involves non-medical, drugless, non-surgical treatments. This medicine concentrates on the treatment of spinal misalignment and prevents health troubles that are allied with the nervous system.

Requirements to become a chirporactor are metioned further a 4-year undergraduate/college prerequisite in most states. The training comprises of 4 years that is divided into 2 years of basic sciences with a requirement of sucessful completeion of Part 1.

The training period of a chiropract is of 2 years which includes the clinical sciences after which National Boards, Part 2 is required. If the chiropractor plans to use physiological therapeutics in practice then, Part 3 of the National Boards chiropractic training is necessary.

The diagnostic imaging, chiropractic technique and case management, skills of a chiropract are tested in the 4the part of the cirricullum that may be required for the state specific practical examination in some states. To become a licensed chiropractor 1 year internship period at a college clinic is also required for those training to become a chiropractor.

Requirement to become a chiropractor also include optionally available preceptorship programs that are scheduled after the study programe of the boards. These programs are taken by the individual training, are completed prior to chiropractic licensure and are the essentials of the the internship requirements. The skills that are included in the private practice are learnt during the internship program and by practicing in a clinic outside the teaching institution.

Post- graduate requirements to become a chiropractor 40 hours of approved course work that credits every two years, that is also common in other states is reuired to become a chiropractor. The chiropractors can work towards the goal of gaining board certification that is available at the post-graduate residency programs.

Many of the chiropractic colleges offer these programmes in 1st and 3rd year sylabbus or these can be taken while in practicing at different clinics across the United States of America. Chiropracts course work comprises of 300+ hours , with least period of practice of 5 years. Written and oral examination are followed by these 5 years of practice is followed for successful completion this course.

The certification programs of chiropractic includes of Orthopedics, radiology, Nutrition, Sports Medicine, Family Practice, Rehabilitation etc. Like other doctors, a usual routine to get needed information to diagnose and treat patients is followed by the specialists at Chiropractor. Patient’s medical history, neurological tests, orthopedic examinations and medical history is needed by these people. They may also suggest some laboratory examinations.

The Chiropractors lay emphasis on radiotherapies like X rays and other diagnostic images that are vital for the diagnosis of the spine problems. Specialists at the Chiropractor also study the posture of the patient and spine with the use of the special procedure. Chiropractors manually adjust the spinal column for patients whose health problems can be traced to the musculoskeletal system.

Other alternative medicines such as treatments using light, water, ultrasound, massage and electric treatments are prescribed to the patients. The Chiropractors also use heat and acupuncture. Supports such as straps, tapes, and braces are also used that can be adjusted manually.

Chiropractor also provides counseling to the patients thus making them aware about health concepts such as exercise, nutrition, stress management and changes in lifestyle. These treatments do not perform surgeries or prescribe drugs.

What do Chiropractors do Exactly?

By: http://www.skybluecross.com/
Many people around the world often face the question about what do chiropractors do. The chiropractors identify and treat patients' suffering from the disorders of neuromuscular-skeletal that is an misalignment of the spine and other joints of the body, by correcting the position of the spine or through other right methods.

 Chiropractors are usually practice in private practice or with other health practitioners in their clinics.

 This information will solve the doubt of what do chiropractors do .The doctors at these clinics have a usual routine, like other specialists, to get needed information; to detect and treat patients. These specialists need to keep a record of patient’s medical history, neurological tests, orthopedic examinations and medical history. They may also suggest some laboratory examinations.

 Chiropractic should have accurate observational skills that will help them detect the physical irregularities. These people need a lot of physical strength to successfully handle the complicated cases.

 Apart from the above prescriptions, some specialists also specialize in sports neurology, injuries, pediatrics, orthopedics, nutrition, diagnostic imaging or internal disorders. The Chiropractor work as single or as a group of practitioners who are also responsible for the administration responsibilities of practicing this medicine.

 In bigger organizations, Chiropractors allot these responsibilities to office managers and assistants. Chiropractor who work privately have the responsibility to develop a strong base of patients, keeping records and hiring employees.

 The Chiropractic treatment deals with health care, that causes a stress on the patient’s health. The doctors at these clinics specialize in non-surgical, drugless, natural health treatments, depending on the recuperative inherent abilities of the patients body.

 Chiropractic medicine suggests changes in those factors that affect the lifestyle of person.
 

Tuesday 27 March 2012

Essential Information on Pain Relief

By: http://www.skybluecross.com/
Certain drugs have undesirable effects and for this reason, a great number of individuals have second thoughts in using them. Here are alternative pain relief options for you.

 Ever since humans existed, pain is already a part of life. Pain also has varying degrees. An individual can suffer from emotional pain, physical pain, etc. It would be impossible to avoid pain all the days of y9ur life. You must accept the fact that pain is part of life but if you don’t want to use conventional medicine, you can always turn to alternative methods.

 Famous drugs can indeed help especially in the case of tooth extraction or when there is injury. Trademark medicines are numerous these days and there are also creams to relieve any kind of pain. For common pains, you can also use certain natural treatments and herbal supplements.

 What are the alternative options for pain relief? Well, here they are:

 Massage – many years ago, ancient civilization was already using massage to get rid of certain body pains. Oriental traditions believe that at the center of the massager’s palm is an energy source that can immediately rid the patient of pain. Its efficacy has long been proven. Have you ever heard about infant massage? Mothers are encouraged to give their babies infant massage to relieve muscular pains. At present, massage therapy is already considered a profession. If you don’t want to take medicines, consider this an effective and affordable pain relief option.

 Acupuncture – this ancient science was first used in China. In this method, the acupuncturist inserts tiny needles to the ‘meridians’ found in the different parts of the body. You can find a lot of information about acupuncture on magazines, newspapers, and on the internet. If you want to choose this option, make sure that you contact a real acupuncturist to ensure your safety. Get only the professional.

 Herbs – herbs have healing wonders. Depending on the location and nature of the pain, there is always an appropriate herb that you can use. You can now find natural herbal supplements and preparations for ease of use. Minor pains can be effectively addressed using herbs.

 Relaxation Therapy - you need to achieve deep relaxation of the mind and body. A therapy is now widely prescribed by some medical experts; examples are Reiki and Yoga.

 Even if you plan to use these alternative options, it is still important that you seek medical attention from a qualified professional. If you plan to turn to herbs, you need to consult an herbalist so that you can make the appropriate herbal preparations. The other alternative options also require professional attention so that you can ensure the efficacy and safety of such methods. It may take a while before you can see the effects but you need to be patient especially if you’re learning Reiki and Yoga.

 If you exert a little effort in learning the alternative methods, you can achieve desirable results. For centuries, people relied on natural ways to relieve pain. There is no harm in trying and if such alternative methods don’t work, you can always go back to using conventional medicine. Safety should always be your first consideration when using pain relievers. Who would want to worsen their situation right? So what’s its going to be – massage, acupuncture, herbs, or relaxation therapy? Choose now and experience a different way to get rid of pain.

Alternative Pain Relief Options

By: http://www.skybluecross.com/
Certain drugs have undesirable effects and for this reason, a great number of individuals have second thoughts in using them. Here are alternative pain relief options for you.

 Ever since humans existed, pain is already a part of life. Pain also has varying degrees. An individual can suffer from emotional pain, physical pain, etc. It would be impossible to avoid pain all the days of y9ur life. You must accept the fact that pain is part of life but if you don’t want to use conventional medicine, you can always turn to alternative methods.

 Famous drugs can indeed help especially in the case of tooth extraction or when there is injury. Trademark medicines are numerous these days and there are also creams to relieve any kind of pain. For common pains, you can also use certain natural treatments and herbal supplements.

 What are the alternative options for pain relief? Well, here they are:

 Massage – many years ago, ancient civilization was already using massage to get rid of certain body pains. Oriental traditions believe that at the center of the massager’s palm is an energy source that can immediately rid the patient of pain. Its efficacy has long been proven. Have you ever heard about infant massage? Mothers are encouraged to give their babies infant massage to relieve muscular pains. At present, massage therapy is already considered a profession. If you don’t want to take medicines, consider this an effective and affordable pain relief option.

 Acupuncture – this ancient science was first used in China. In this method, the acupuncturist inserts tiny needles to the ‘meridians’ found in the different parts of the body. You can find a lot of information about acupuncture on magazines, newspapers, and on the internet. If you want to choose this option, make sure that you contact a real acupuncturist to ensure your safety. Get only the professional.

 Herbs – herbs have healing wonders. Depending on the location and nature of the pain, there is always an appropriate herb that you can use. You can now find natural herbal supplements and preparations for ease of use. Minor pains can be effectively addressed using herbs.

 Relaxation Therapy - you need to achieve deep relaxation of the mind and body. A therapy is now widely prescribed by some medical experts; examples are Reiki and Yoga.

 Even if you plan to use these alternative options, it is still important that you seek medical attention from a qualified professional. If you plan to turn to herbs, you need to consult an herbalist so that you can make the appropriate herbal preparations. The other alternative options also require professional attention so that you can ensure the efficacy and safety of such methods. It may take a while before you can see the effects but you need to be patient especially if you’re learning Reiki and Yoga.

 If you exert a little effort in learning the alternative methods, you can achieve desirable results. For centuries, people relied on natural ways to relieve pain. There is no harm in trying and if such alternative methods don’t work, you can always go back to using conventional medicine. Safety should always be your first consideration when using pain relievers. Who would want to worsen their situation right? So what’s its going to be – massage, acupuncture, herbs, or relaxation therapy? Choose now and experience a different way to get rid of pain.

Monday 26 March 2012

Back Pain and Diagnosis

By: http://www.skybluecross.com
Did you know that many doctors miss areas of concern that could lead to cures? Did you know that back pain is common, yet many doctors fail to see the cause? The answer is simple. The reason is most medical doctors have little experience in the system of healing so to speak. Rather many doctors focus on prescribing medicines and searching for answers, which many times rest in front of them. Don’t get me wrong, good doctors reach everywhere, yet these people lack educational knowledge of the spinal column, central nervous system and so on. As well, these people fail to see that many causes of back pain rests in misaligned bones, or spine. Of course, diseases may cause back pain as well. Sitting too long, lack of stretch exercises, etc, all cause lower back pain.

 If the back pain is, serious it will often show up in MRI or CT scans. X-rays will show back conditions, however since doctors review all areas, except the alignment of the bones and spine, thus most times the x-rays only reveal what the doctor wants to see. This happens to many people, including myself. A pro in analyzing the spine and bones is the man you want to see if you have chronic back conditions.

 The types of back pain include sciatica. The back problem may be listed as slip disk in some instances, yet the pain often challenges doctors diagnose since a sharp, electrical shock-like and distressing ache starts at the back and then travels to the legs. Sometimes the pain is intermittent, while other times the pain may be chronic. The particular problem often requires surgery to correct. Sciatica according to few experts is one of the worst backaches endured, since even when the pain has mild pain it is difficult to bend forward and over to tie a shoe. The problem rests in the spine, joints, and connective elements of the spinal column that links to the entire body.

 The spinal column makes up muscles, bones, central nerves, etc. What holds the spine together is disks, connective tissues, tendons, ligaments, etc? When a person stands erect, the spine’s elements will join to apply tension. You can visualize the tension by considering how a string will respond when you pull it down. The changes assist the body in mobility; as well, it determines how the body responds to movement.

 The lower back is made up of large-scale structures, including the backbone and the hip joints. The hip joints connect to the pelvis and each element joins with the spinal column at the triangle bone in the lower back and at the baseline of the spine that joins the hipbones on either side and forms part of the pelvis. (Sacrum)

 The large bones attach to the legs, which provide us strength and support to the vertical spinal column. We have thick bones that start at the opposite side of the thick cord of nerve tissues (Spinal Cord) that is near the neck. Along this area, the joints are thick and the bones start to thin and shrink. The spinal cord is a “thick whitish” nerve cord surrounded by tissues and extends from the base of the brain and continues to the spinal column, giving mount to a pair of spinal nerves that contribute the body.

 Combined these elements give us the ability to move and provides flexibility. In addition, the organs are directed by these elements.

 The spine is held up by the larger group of bones at the lower region, smaller base, and the top architectures. Stress occurs at the area, since below this region larger muscles work by directing and sparking movement. This is how the legs are able to move, which brute stress is applied to the vertebrae. At the back, we also have a lumbar spinal disk. The disk is affected by the brute stress, since each time we bend and sit, we are applying more than 500 pounds to this area, yet it stretches to a “square inch” around the disks and per count along the area.

Sunday 25 March 2012

Home Remedies for Removing Unwanted Warts

By: http://www.skybluecross.com

Are you a believer in home remedies? It seems as if home remedies have been used since the beginning of time. While a large number of individuals feel that home remedies are only a waste of time, there are others who literally live by them. If properly done, there are a number of health conditions that can be treated or prevented with home remedies. One of those conditions is warts.

Warts are often deemed as unwanted or as unpleasant. This is because they are growths that appear on the skin. These growths are, almost always, non-cancerous, but they are still unwanted. If you are looking for an effective, but low-cost way to have your wart or warts removed, you may want to think about trying a home remedy. Online you can find a number of these home remedies. If you are interested in getting started, a few popular wart removal home remedies are described below.

Perhaps, the most popular home remedy used to remove warts involves duct tape. It has been said; in fact, it has also been backed by scientific research, that duct tape is effective at removing or eliminating warts. If you are interested in giving this home remedy a try, you will need to apply duct tape to your warts. After keeping the warts covered, for about a week, you will want to remove the tape, soak your wart in water, and then scrub it with a pumice stone. If your wart does not come off right away, you are advised to repeat the procedure again, for at least another one to two weeks.

It has also been said that aloe is effective at eliminating warts. You are advised to soak a small cotton ball in aloe, preferably the gel. After the soaking has occurred, for around about a minute or so, you will want to tape the cotton ball to your wart. You will want to add aloe to the wart or piece of cotton every few hours. By leaving the cotton ball in place, with the exception of changing it daily, your wart should fall off in a few days or weeks.

Apparently, caster oil is also considered an effective wart removal remedy. When using caster oil, you will want to apply the oil to your wart. It is then suggested that you rub or massage the area with your fingers. After doing this day and night for a number of weeks, your wart should disappear. You could also use caster oil by apply it directly to the wart, twice a day, and by keeping it covered. By keeping the wart covered with a bandage, only to remove it when changing, the wart should disappear after about three weeks.

The above mentioned home remedies are just a few of the many that you can find online or in a home remedy book. Additional remedies include using chalk, dandelion, aspirin, bananas, baking soda, papaya, lemon juice, and milkweed. When choosing a home remedy, it is important to keep the ingredients in mind. You will want to refrain from using any items that you may be allergic to. If and when you are in doubt, it may be best to choose another home remedy to use.

It is also important to remember, when using home remedies for wart removal, that the results are not guaranteed. Just because one home remedy worked for someone else, it does not mean that it will also work for you. However, with a wide variety of different home remedies to choose from, you are sure to find at least one successful remedy.

Saturday 24 March 2012

The Biggest Secret of Successful Weight Loss

By: http://www.skybluecross.com/
When it comes to weight loss, the biggest hurdle that people face is that of getting started. They just don't have any idea of where to start from! If you are one of these people then this article is for you! It doesn't really matter whether you want to lose ten or hundred pounds, the tips I am going to share with you in this article are going to help you anyway!

The first step to successful weight loss is to set some goals. Goals should be used in the same way as milestones are used on highways. Just as without any milestone, you will have no idea of where you are going, without a goal, you will have no idea of how much work you need to do to shed all the extra pounds!

First you should ask yourself some questions:

1. How much weight you want to lose?

2. By when you expect to lose all the weight?

Then write answers to these questions on a sheet of paper. Oh yeah, before I forget, let me tell you that writing your goals is one of the surefire ways of making sure that you never forget them! Write your weight loss goals on a piece of paper, make copies of that paper, and stick each paper on every place you can.

Make sure you don't forget to stick this paper on your refrigerator and kitchen, since it is in these places that the demon called temptation tries to ruin your weight loss efforts!

Setting goals is just not enough; in order to make the goals achievable, you must set REALISTIC goals. If you have a goal of losing sixty pounds within a couple of weeks or a month, that is not going to happen. Setting such unrealistic goals for yourself will nullify the very effect of goal setting.

When you set unrealistic goals and fail to achieve the same, you will be disappointed and frustrated with yourself and your weight loss efforts.

Ideally, no matter what you do, you would be able to lose no more than 1-2 pounds per week. So create your goals accordingly. If you want to lose sixty pounds, it will take you at least six-seven months to achieve the same!

Set small and achievable goals for yourself so that when you achieve them, you will feel more confident to move forward. This is the biggest secret of successful weight loss!



Friday 23 March 2012

Are Weight Loss Clinics Really Helpful?

BY: http://www.skybluecross.com
Everyone wants to lose weight not only to become healthy but also to look good; after all, no one would love you if you have a fat belly and a pair of flabby arms. People also want to shed all those extra pounds pf fat in the shortest time possible. Most people go to the traditional diet route but some even use the lipodissolve fat-dissolving injections.

Then again, some people need a bit of extra support to help them achieve quick weight loss! Here is where weight loss clinics come in.

There are many weight loss clinics popping up in recent years but not all of them are worth your money. Some are endorsed by celebrities, but just because a clinic is endorsed by celebrities doesn't mean that it is good. Most of the weight loss clinics would promise you the impossible, so it is important to do your due diligence before you join any of them.

Before you join a weight loss clinic, enquire about the following:

1. Presence of qualified physicians: Enquire if there are any qualified physicians present at the clinic. For one, weight loss cannot always be achieved by diet and exercise; in some cases, people gain weight because of medical complications and in such cases, the person will need medical attention.

For another, it is important that you don't suffer from some kind of side-effects after weight loss. In short, if there are no physicians available at the clinic, then don't join it!

2. Time taken: Enquire how much time it takes on an average to lose weight, and how much weight could be lost within that time period. The salespersons might try to offer misleading answers on this question so make sure to do local enquiries too!

Remember that if the clinic claims to help people lose huge amounts of fat within a very short time, say fifty pounds within two months, then that means they are using some unhealthy weight loss methods. Run away from such clinics!

3. Food: What food do they suggest you to eat? This is a very crucial question you should ask yourself before joining a weight loss clinic! Most of the weight loss clinics offer pre-packaged meals to their clients. Pre-packaged meals are okay if you can spend hundreds of dollars on them, but what if you don't have that much money?

Besides, what will happen after you lose weight successfully? Will you keep spending ridiculous amounts of money on food? Any weight loss clinic which limits you to their pre-made meals is not a viable solution for you! You should be allowed to cook foods on your own!

4. Exercises: Regardless of whatever people tell you, it is almost impossible to lose weight fast without the aid of exercises. Changing your eating habits alone won't yield any permanent results! Weight loss can be achieved only when you combine healthy eating with physical activity.

Exercises boost your metabolic rate, which in turn helps you burn fat fast. If the clinic in question doesn't include exercise in their weight loss program, this is not a suitable clinic for you!

Thursday 22 March 2012

4 Essential Foods To Help You With Weight Loss

By: http://www.skybluecross.org/
Do you know that you can lose weight by eating certain foods? Sounds unbelievable, I know. After all, the so-called 'experts' have probably always advised you to starve in order to lose weight. Now, the foods I'm going to tell you about don't contain any special metabolism-boosting chemicals that can help you with quick weight loss.

 The fact is that your body needs to burn a lot of calories in order to digest these 'special' foods. As you might be aware, the more calories you burn, the faster you lose weight!

 As we become older, our metabolic rate slows down considerably! Ever wondered why most people gain weight during their middle age? During middle age, a person's metabolic rate becomes low; hence he is not able to burn as much fat as he used to during his youth. Eating these 'special' foods is, however, a good way of boosting your metabolic rate! In this article I will tell you about some of these foods:

 1. Green Tea: If you are in the habit of drinking morning tea, replace it with green tea! Ordinary tea is not bad, but green tea is even better! It contains fat burning chemicals which will help you with weight loss. It is no wonder that many of the weight loss supplements available in the market have green tea as a common ingredient!

 2. Peanut butter: Peanut butter is a great replacement for the ordinary butter. Unlike the ordinary butter, which is rich in fat, peanut butter is rich in protein and fiber, both of which will help you with weight loss. While protein will help you burn fat by building lean muscle mass, fiber will help in suppressing your appetite for a long time.

 Peanut butter is available from any local store but I would recommend that you buy the natural ones and avoid the popular commercial brands. Or if you want, prepare it at home! Peanut butter makes for a great breakfast when combined with wholegrain wheat!
 
 3. Almond:
There are two types of fat available: the good and the bad fats. The bad fats should be avoided because they make you fat! The good fats, on the other hand, supply your body with essential nutrients such as fatty acids. Almond is one such food. It is rich in fatty acids and protein. Almond helps you burn fat by boosting your metabolic rate!

 4. Beans: How successfully you are able to suppress your hunger will determine how fast you are able to lose weight. Beans make for a great appetite supplement. Since they are rich in fiber, they help to keep your stomach full for a long time.
 

Wednesday 21 March 2012

Fix Your Bedroom, Cure Your Insomnia

By:http://www.skybluecross.com
If you find yourself afflicted with insomnia, your bedroom could well be the culprit. Many of us realize to some extent that the comfort level of our sleeping environment can affect the quality of our sleep, but did you know that the kind of activities we habitually carry out in our bedrooms can affect sleep as well? The following are some tips for creating a sleeping environment conducive for sleep.
 • Reserve the bed for sleep and intimacy with your partner. Do not do work, eat your meals or watch television in bed. Condition your body and mind such that they “know” that the bed is associated with sleeping.
 • Use comfortable bedding. The mattress that you sleep in must neither be too soft nor too hard, as no one can possibly sleep well when their back is hurting from sleeping on a bed that is too uncomfortable. Of equal importance are the pillows, the degree of hardness of which is up to personal preference. Evaluate whether your bedding is the source of your problem, and make necessary changes.
 • Block out distracting noise. If you are one of those people who are highly sensitive to even the slightest noise, earplugs are highly recommended. Troublesome neighbourhood noises can be dampened by installed double-paned windows as well as using heavy curtains and rugs.
 • Eliminate light. Our sleep patterns are closely linked to our bodies’ circadian rhythm, which in turn is sensitive to light. Turn off the lights before light as well as any light-emitting appliances. Use shades or curtains that block external light. If all else fails, invest in eye shades and cover your eyes at bedtime.
 • Find the right temperature. Set the temperature at a comfortable level for sleeping, usually a few degrees cooler than you’ll keep during the day. A room that is too stifling or freezing will lead to a night of fitful sleep. Also make sure that the room is well-ventilated by switching on a fan if necessary.

 Having a good night’s sleep is crucial for a healthy and active life. And a good place to start would definitely be to make your sleeping environment as conducive to sleep as possible.
 

Tuesday 20 March 2012

Mesothelioma- Are You At Risk?

 By: http://www.skybluecross.com/
Mesothelioma is a relatively rare type of cancer that occurs when cancerous cells grow in the mesothelium. The mesothelium is a protective lining that is on most of your internal organs. Typically, mesothelioma is attributed to asbestos exposure when someone inhales particles and they become lodged in the lungs.

To be in the "at risk" category, odds are you had to have come into contact with asbestos at one time or another. Asbestos is a mass of flexible fibrous material that is naturally found in the Earth.

For many years it was used in common goods such as shingles, brake pads, cement, flooring, and
insulation. The mining process as well as the plants that manufactured products containing asbestos are the top contributors to mesothelioma.

Unfortunately, many more people come into contact than just the laborers. Their families are at great risk because the particles come home on clothing and can get all over the place. Laundry is a big factor. Anyone who has handled the clothing of the workers is at risk as well. This includes commercial laundry facilities as well as homes.

Asbestos was almost completely banned in 1989 but it has been in use since the late 1800s and peaked with World War II. Mesothelioma takes anywhere from 20 to 50 years to show up so many people today are feeling the effects of the 40s, 50s, and 60s. An X-ray, CT scan, or MRI can tell you if you have mesothelioma. If you have ever been around asbestos, it's a good idea to mention that to your physician.

Monday 19 March 2012

A Good Night’s Sleep – The Natural Way

By: http://www.skybluecross.com/
There is probably nothing worse than not being able to sleep. Whether you have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, you have probably struggled to find ways to overcome your insomnia. Most people assume that taking sleeping pills are the only way to cure insomnia but contrary to popular opinion, there are natural means to curing insomnia. Although sleeping pills may initially help you fall asleep successfully, almost all are addictive and do not really facilitate a state of restful sleep or most importantly, allow R.E.M. (rapid-eye movement) sleep. If you have never tried a natural remedy for insomnia, it is definitely worth a try to get a restful night of sleep.
1. Regular exercise during the day. We could learn a thing or two from children. Watch them run around the entire day and sleep soundly at night. Start a regular exercise regimen, particularly in the afternoon, which can help facilitate deeper sleep. However, do avoid strenuous exercise within the 2 hours before bedtime, which can have the opposite effect.
2. Avoid daytime napping. Common sense dictates that if you nap throughout the day, you would definitely have trouble sleeping at night. Late afternoon is generally a “sleepy time” for most people. Naps are fine as long as they are limited to about 30-45 minutes and are not taken later than 3 pm.
3. Re-evaluate your diet. The simplest way to cure insomnia would be to change your diet. A diet rich in junk food and caffeinated products, including coffee, tea, chocolate, and some types of sodas will throw off your natural brain chemistry and cause you to lose sleep.
4. Turn off the lights. Our sleep patterns, or circadian rhythms, are closely linked to the presence of light and dark. So, unless you have issues with sleeping in the dark, turn off all the lights in your bedroom when you’re going to bed. Or alternatively, use a dim nightlight.
Adequate sleep and rest is essential for a healthy and active life. If you are still unable to get a good night’s rest after trying these natural remedies, do seek medical attention.

Sunday 18 March 2012

A good treatment option for spinal cord injuries

 By: http://www.skybluecross.com
With all the distractions that is brought by modern times, more and more people are becoming prone to lifetime conditions such as spinal cord injuries or SCI. Experts say that the spinal cord injuries are damages or trauma in the person's spine area, which may lead to its inability to function well when it comes to mobility or feeling.

Studies show that the most common causes of spinal cord injuries may include accidents such as gunshot, clashing of vehicles as well as falling heavily on the ground. Other possible causes may also include certain diseases or illnesses such as polio or ataxia caused by unhealthy living.

Many people mistake spinal cord injuries to back injuries. Although both of these may affect the spinal area, the difference lies on the severity of the conditions. If the person have back injuries, it could be that his or her bones are broken, the discs on the back area are dislocated or the nerves have been joint. For those who have spinal cord injuries, these may not the present because many people who have it continues to have their spinal cord intact, the only difference is that the nerves may not be able to feel.

Although medical treatment options are the ideal options for these people, it would be best to try a milder form through the services given by a chiropractor. If you are one of those who know people with SCI, the best help that you can give them is by becoming a chiropractor yourself.

If you want to be a chiropractor, a good education is a must. Where else could an aspiring chiropractor get this but in a chiropractic school? Since the chiropractic field focuses on a person's overall health, people in this line of work should not only be properly trained but also have the license to conduct the nature of the field such as proper diagnosis and practicing treatment options.

Being a health care profession that is focused on the sensitive part of the person's body—which is the spine and the musculoskeletal system in general—people who are in the chiropractic field should be properly trained. This training as well as comprehensive knowledge on the field of chiropractic can only be acquired in a chiropractic school.

Chiropractic education ensures that the future practitioners or the chiropractors are qualified enough to do the work. All over the world, the admission requirements, the entry criteria, the overall education structure, the teaching methodologies as well as the nature of programs and training offered vary. However, there is a standard set of qualifications that is set by the World Health Organization (WHO) to ensure that future chiropractors are qualified for the nature of the work. According to WHO, chiropractors must be able to obtain a first professional, second entry, degree in Chiropractic medicine and should also be able to finish a three-year university undergraduate education to be able to apply for the chiropractic degree; finish a four-year course of pre-requisite training in basic sciences; complete a 4-year full-time program in a reputable college or university; and obtain a license by passing Chiropractic Board Exams by completing a 12-month or a one-year clinical internship to a reputable health care establishment or a hospital.

To ensure that you get all the qualifications needed to become a qualified chiropractor who can help people with spinal cord injuries, it is a must to choose a chiropractic school that meets the above-mentioned standards.




Saturday 17 March 2012

Get better sleep the natural way

By: http://www.skybluecross.com
Some people are really born to have a hard time to get better sleep. While there are those who were able to develop this problem because of unhealthy practice. Either way, the problem still lies that one is having a hard time lulling into that good slumber.

The best way to go about it is that first, one needs to address the problem of sleeping. These include knowing the reasons why that person is having a hard time sleeping. The focus areas should include the personal issues, status at work, health conditions, and sleeping environment.

1. Personal issues. The may include stress factors that affect the overall emotional state of a person. If one if stressed by personal issues, it will be harder for him or her to get better sleep because that person is thinking too much. If it's possible to address these problems and problems immediately, it would really help a person to get better sleep. If not, one should seek help from professionals so he or she can cope with the issues and will have better chance of getting sleep at night.

2. Status at work. Studies show that more and more people are having a hard time sleeping because of their status in work. With the overall global crisis that the world experiences now, it is only common for people to worry about their security. If you think that this is one factor that won't let you get better sleep at night, then now is the right time to face it and be prepared for the worse. If you are prepared that no matter what happens, you will still have your job or you are confident that you can easily find one, then you will have peace of mind and will lead you to sleep better at night.

3. Health conditions. Some people are able to develop sleeping disorders without them knowing. These sleeping disorders are usually caused and triggered by so many factors. If you are having hard time sleeping and you think that the reasons are something that you can no longer control, then it is best to seek professional help.

4. Sleeping environment. This is also among the things that affect the overall sleeping state of a person. If you have bad sleeping environment, then the tendency of your body is to resist sleeping.

The natural way

In the market today, there are so many products and even medication that promise to help one get better sleep. But, these artificial substitutes may have a side effect. To avoid further complications, it is best to try sleeping techniques the natural way. Some may include routines that will only help you get better sleep but help improve your overall health as well.

The first thing that you could do is to develop and practice good sleep hygiene. These include eating the right foods that can help you sleep better and avoid those that affect sleeping patterns. It also includes having regular exercise and avoiding napping in the afternoon so you will sleep well at night. You may also want to develop a routine that will help you sleep better such as doing relaxing activities before your bedtime such as taking a warm bath, reading, or writing in your personal journal.

To get better sleep, you can also try soundproofing your room to avoid unnecessary noises, adjusting the lights so you will be more comfortable, getting into a comfortable sleeping position and practicing deep breathing to relax your senses.

Friday 16 March 2012

A Good Night’s Sleep – The Natural Way

 By: http://www.skybluecross.com/

There is probably nothing worse than not being able to sleep. Whether you have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, you have probably struggled to find ways to overcome your insomnia. Most people assume that taking sleeping pills are the only way to cure insomnia but contrary to popular opinion, there are natural means to curing insomnia. Although sleeping pills may initially help you fall asleep successfully, almost all are addictive and do not really facilitate a state of restful sleep or most importantly, allow R.E.M. (rapid-eye movement) sleep. If you have never tried a natural remedy for insomnia, it is definitely worth a try to get a restful night of sleep.
 1. Regular exercise during the day. We could learn a thing or two from children. Watch them run around the entire day and sleep soundly at night. Start a regular exercise regimen, particularly in the afternoon, which can help facilitate deeper sleep. However, do avoid strenuous exercise within the 2 hours before bedtime, which can have the opposite effect.
 2. Avoid daytime napping. Common sense dictates that if you nap throughout the day, you would definitely have trouble sleeping at night. Late afternoon is generally a “sleepy time” for most people. Naps are fine as long as they are limited to about 30-45 minutes and are not taken later than 3 pm.
 3. Re-evaluate your diet. The simplest way to cure insomnia would be to change your diet. A diet rich in junk food and caffeinated products, including coffee, tea, chocolate, and some types of sodas will throw off your natural brain chemistry and cause you to lose sleep.
 4. Turn off the lights. Our sleep patterns, or circadian rhythms, are closely linked to the presence of light and dark. So, unless you have issues with sleeping in the dark, turn off all the lights in your bedroom when you’re going to bed. Or alternatively, use a dim nightlight.
 Adequate sleep and rest is essential for a healthy and active life. If you are still unable to get a good night’s rest after trying these natural remedies, do seek medical attention

Thursday 15 March 2012

Activities for Seniors: Creating the Right Exercise Program

By: http://www.skybluecross.com



Seniors need regular exercise to maintain muscle tone, boost endurance and gain independence. There are several other benefits that workouts render, that keep the elderly living longer and staying away from disease. You should draw the perfect exercise program that adequately suits their capacity and needs. Here are some tips to get your started.

What They Can Do

The primary rule is to only provide enough exercise that will stimulate adequate blood flow to all the vital organs, as well as maintain muscle mass. Muscle tends to atrophy during the later stages of a person's life. You should keep hard-earned tissues through both cardiovascular exercises, stretching routines and weight training. In the beginning, it is important that you do an overall assessment of the senior citizen first, to ensure that he or she can do all the exercises without much trouble.

Very strenuous exercise can be detrimental to the overall condition of seniors. You need to check their response by listening to their verbalizations and observing how they cope. If you find some negative signs such as heavy breathing, profuse sweating, loss of balance, droopy eyelids and mild to severe pain, immediately stop the activity.

Being Flexible

Exercise routines should be individualized, which means that one program is only meant for a single individual. The specific approach is highly recommended since it takes away much of the risk of overtraining. You can also map out progress more efficiently by giving the exact type of exercises, number of repetitions and sets and duration of each workout. Use a log book and fill in all the details of every workout.

Exercise programs should be very flexible, in the sense that the routines and kinds of movements change every week or so, depending on the response of the patient. Your goal is to maintain or boost strength, flexibility and strength, if possible, so the exercises need to be upped as the individual gets stronger and better.

Getting a Professional


If you happen to be a concerned son or granddaughter taking care of a senior citizen in your home, it is always useful to get the opinion of a professional when creating your exercise plan, so you can select the right type and intensity that suit the needs of the patient. Professionals include dieticians, gym instructors, physical therapists, nutritionists, nurses and physicians who will check if the program is acceptable or too strenuous.

During the first few sessions, you can ask the professional to help you in assisting the senior go through the different movements. Proper execution is crucial to attain the various objectives and goals. Professional help is important every now and then, especially during the times when you're already supposed to evaluate the senior's response to treatment.

Other Sources

When defining the exercise routine, you can refer to exercise DVDs that caters to seniors, visit online forums and watch videos online. You can also visit senior centers to have an idea how a typical routine goes. Take some tips from instructors and the experts about evaluation and adjusting the routine for the patient. Over time, you will develop the skill in keeping the senior comfortable while giving him or her a truly sensible workout. Be reminded that diet and rest are the other two components that will sufficiently support the exercise program for seniors.

Wednesday 14 March 2012

Activities You Can Try Out For Stress Management

By: http://www.skybluecross.com
It is quite possible to easily cope with stress if you find the right activities to help you get your mind off the problem that's bothering you. Even if having fun does not directly get rid of the source of the problem entirely, diverting your mind from it for a short period of time will calm you down and regain your composure before taking it on again.

You don’t have to go on an extended vacation just to get rid of stress. In fact, you can easily have fun while in the comforts of your own home to get your mind off it. You can indulge in word or board games, sports, music and art, and many others to fill up your time with something you like to do and forget your problems to help you relax.

Let Your Mind Have Some Fun

Since stress is centered on your mind, then it would only be plausible to divert it into something more productive and fun. Try to delve into games that require your mind to think. Chess is a great way to stop thinking about the problem and focus more on how to beat your partner. You can also try playing word or number games that will put your logical mind at work, like scrabble, Sudoku, word puzzles, crosswords, and the like. This will help divert your mind from stress to help you achieve a sense of relaxation.

Sweat Out Your Stress

One stress management technique is to engage in sports. Many would agree that a friendly bout of basketball or tennis with your friend will help you relax. This will help you focus your mind into winning, especially if you turn it into a competition. Consider this as an outlet for your anger or irritation with work and channel it in a positive way instead of venting it out at the office.

Also, stress can also affect your anatomy if left unchecked. Engaging in exercise or sports will help sweat out those toxins that accumulate due to stress that will surely grow on you. Moving around a lot will also help in muscle rejuvenation -- which is often cramped and sore every time you are under the throes of stress.

Go To The Gym

If you want to channel all your stress to something productive and release it in one go then you might want to try coping with it at the local gym. Stress affects you physically, mentally, and emotionally; so it would only be best to address these three aspects in one sitting.

Going to the gym to help cope with your stress is a good idea. The instructor will help you divert your mind from your problems to the program he or she has in store for you. You will need to focus all your mind and effort to completing the workout routine. This way, you won't have time to think about your problems at home or office; just focus on getting your body in shape for a better you.

Another benefit of going to the gym is to strengthen your heart from the effects of stress. Heart attack and stroke are health conditions commonly attributed to stress. By going into a cardiovascular workout, you are strengthening your anatomy for the future -- this time, you will be physically equipped to deal with it.

Tuesday 13 March 2012

how to Better Your Brain, Cognitively and Physiologically

By: http://www.skybluecross.com
When you start forgetting things, you blame your brain. When you don't feel so good since you stayed up late and drank till 3am, you won't be working in the office like a sharp instrument. When you don't even notice what doesn't work among the solutions you come up with and argue for during meetings, you have to do something about this. When you can relate to all these, you need to better your brain, both in sharpening your perceptions, in improving how you approach problems, in analyzing information, and in adjusting your health, sleeping, eating, and work out regimen.

Your brain is not only like a muscle. It's also like a 10 year old. It could have started out curious and as you nourish that curiosity and savor the habit of learning more, of seeing relationships among things, of solving problems, you tend to improve the cognitive aspect of your brain.

Problem solving is a good way to keep your brain sharp. Once you get familiar with how your biases clog and impede your way of seeing things, and get some training on problem solving techniques, not only will your stress level go down, you will start to feel empowered. Most people try to avoid problems, but if you're curious on how to generate solutions to things and to try them out, then problems become opportunities to make things better. The more empowered and capable you feel about your problem solving skills, the better you feel about yourself, the more you become capable of dealing with stress. Consequently, the more capable your observational and analytic skills become, the healthier your brain gets.

So it's recommended to start researching on problem solving techniques, and see how the many strategies may apply to your various domestic, academic, and work scenarios.

On the other hand, your brain is like a muscle. It atrophies or welts when you don't use it. Like a plant, It doesn't grow well when it doesn't receive the right nutrients. Like a dog underfed and eating trash, it limps and gets sick easily.

There is also a social and self-affirming positive outlook about trying to better your brain. It involves spending time enjoying the company of your friends and family, when you can be yourself, and just let it all hang. There's something spiritually relieving about being yourself, and around the people you're comfortable with, and whose company you enjoy. This kind of rest is good for your brain, too.

Get some sleep, a lot of sleep. The brain works better when your synapses are healthily firing and your subconscious has had time to sort itself out. This means rest physically and mentally. The more time away from a problem you get the more your mind has time to work on it, subconsciously. It's always better to approach work problems after a long night's sleep.

Work out, too, on a regular basis. The more your heart gets pumped and often the more blood circulates throughout your body, and to your brain, bringing fresh supplies of oxygen and nutrients to it. Also, working out brings about increased levels of release of endorphins that make you feel good. It's no wonder some people become addicted to exercise. Your brain will like it, too. These are just some of the ways to better your brain.

Monday 12 March 2012

A Simple Guide To Meditation To Help You Deal With Stress

By: http://www.skybluecross.com 
Meditation is one of the techniques used in stress management. A person who is riddled with problems often finds it hard to focus; which often leads to more problems cropping up due to their mistakes. Meditation techniques helps a person achieve a calm state of mind without having to resort to drugs or relaxation tools and implements. Every step to meditation is done in the mind.

Remember that meditation is not a one shot deal. It is almost impossible to attain a calm state of mind in just a matter of minutes, especially if it's your first time at it. It is essential that you keep on practicing meditation until you have conditioned your mind to instantaneously achieve the state just by thinking it.

Here are some steps for a beginner to start with meditation as their Stress Management strategy.

Step 1: Find A Quiet Corner To Start Your Meditation

Distraction is a hindrance to those who are still starting out with meditation. When you close your eyes, your sense of hearing will be twice as good so it is quite possible to hear almost anything in your surroundings that will make it hard for you to concentrate.

For beginners, it is important to start out in a quiet place in your home where noise is non-existent. Close your windows and lock your door. If possible, you can tell everyone in your home to minimize their noise so that you won't get distracted.

Step 2: Ready Your Position

It is advisable for beginners to avoid lying down when practicing meditation. The aim here is not to sleep, and it is a guarantee that you will immediately fall off to sleep if your mind reaches a relaxed state. To stop this from happening, you can start your meditation in a lotus position or you can find a chair you can sit on. Make sure that your back is straight and your hands are relaxed on the armrest or on your lap.

Step 3: Begin Your Meditation With Proper Breathing

A good way to start meditation is to do the proper breathing exercise. You inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. This way, you can come up with a rhythm that you can easily focus on. Also, the amount of oxygen in your body will be enough to keep you relaxed. Keep practicing your breathing until you can do it easily without having to think about it.

Step 4: Focus On Your Mind

While you are busy with your breathing, you will achieve a state wherein your mind will start throwing images at you. These are mostly in random -- events of the day, future plans, problems and worries, fears and so on. It will be hard to ignore these thoughts and you are not supposed to ignore them. The gist here is to focus on these thoughts without really paying any attention to it.

This might sound hard but a here is a simple example to understand the concept. You know that you have furniture at home -- you can see them clearly with your eyes but you are not really concentrating on it. Focusing on the furniture will usually make you think of its color, its material, how it looks in that part of your home, and more. You need to be able to look at these random thoughts in a detached state -- seeing them clearly in your head but not focusing your attention on it.

There will come a time that these random thought will stop and you will notice that you are already in a blank space in your mind. This is the state you want to achieve during meditation. This is the place where you can think about your problems and focus on it till you can find a solution for it. With this, you have successfully mastered the basics of meditation for your stress management program.


Sunday 11 March 2012

How to get better sleep easily

By: http://www.skybluecross.com
More often than not, how to get better sleep is among the common questions that working people think about. This is because they rarely experience it because of too much stress or being too busy in their work. If you are one of those who are having problems when it comes to sleeping, here are some of the ways that can help you get better easier:

1. Develop better sleeping habits. Like everything else, developing good habits helps a person accomplish a certain task at hand. For those who are prone to not sleeping well at night, it would be best to start developing good habits that would help him or her get better sleep. Good sleeping habits might include daytime routines such as eating the right foods, exercise, and enough napping in the afternoon. Experts say that eating the right foods would help a person be lulled into sleep without so much hustle. If one wants to get better sleep, he or she must avoid eating foods that contain ingredients that stimulate the nerves and the senses such as those with caffeine content. To help the body relax, enough physical activities such as exercise should also be done at day time so it will somehow exhaust the body and let it crave for rest at night time. Although napping is good to some people, it can be bad to those who are having sleeping problems because they have a tendency to "over nap" that which will eventually affect their sleeping at night.

2. Enough amount of daily exercise can help a person to get better sleep. Aside from health benefits, regular exercise also helps a person get better sleep especially at night. This is because it lets the body work just enough so it would want to rest at night. Strenuous activities such as workouts are not really necessary if one is not used to it. Simple exercises such as brisk walking or light yoga activities are enough to help to get better sleep at night.

3. Come up with you own personal sleeping plan. Above anybody else, you should be the one who knows your body. If you are having problems sleeping at night, you are the first person to identify what is the problem and try to address the issues properly. If you are having trouble sleeping, analyze what may be the problem. If it is something that you can handle, try to do the things that will help you overcome it. You can do this by coming up with a personal sleeping plan that will really work for you. You can plot the activities that you can do and try to implement them during nighttime. If the specific plan doesn’t work today, try another set of sleeping plans the next night and then another one for next, next night. By doing this, you can discover the techniques that would work for you.

4. Create a good sleeping environment for yourself. If one wants to get better sleep, the easiest way is to create a comfortable, nice, and cozy sleeping environment. If you are having trouble sleeping and you have tried all the techniques available but those did not work, why not try re-arranging your bedroom. Figure out is something inside your bedroom that hinders you from getting better sleep. Check if your bed still suits the needs of your body and if not, try replacing it. Check if there are some things that catch your attention and makes it hard for you to sleep, if there are, try removing them for a while until you are able to sleep better.

Saturday 10 March 2012

History Of Alternative Herbal Medicine

By: http://www.skybluecross.com

The use of alternative herbal medicine can be traced back to ancient times. The lack of modern medical technology has made our ancestors improve their healing arts by making use of nature's gifts. Even today, current medical discoveries are mostly based on the findings and usage of natural herbal components by early civilization, improving it to become useful in today's health-related concerns.

Where It All Began

The use of alternative herbal medicine started out as trial and error. Application looms large in the practice than actual research; though the latter came sometime later when medical practices started its evolution.

The basic application of herbal medicine involves disinfecting wounds or used as a poultice. Later discovery on the method involves pounding leaves and roots to paste for directly administering it to patients. It later evolved into combination with other potent medicine to improve its effects, and was even later introduced to meals and normal human diet to promote better health and improve physical, emotional, and mental recovery.

Variation Of Use

The use of herbal medicine varies according to the customs, traditions, and beliefs of the different races. Medical practitioners of the Orient tends to use herbal components in all aspect of their daily lifestyle -- integrating them into a person's daily diet to promote healing and longevity, as well as improving their normal rejuvenation capabilities.

Oriental medical practitioners are also known to use herbal products alongside energy therapy, like Qi Gong and Reiki. Energies provided by an experienced practitioner of the arts stimulate the healing process from the outside, while nutrients and extract from herbal components works its function on the inside to achieve total body rejuvenation.

North American's use of herbal medicine varies; aside from its basic use to treat wounds and cure minor ailments, these natural components are also utilized in tribal ceremonies and customs - to drive away evil spirits, blessing during weddings and celebrations, and so on. Some of these healing traditions involving herbal components are carried on even today.

Uses Of Herbal Medicine

Alternative herbal medicine has many uses today. Aside from being utilized for physical ailments -- like sore throat, fever, flu, diarrhea -- herbal concoction are now being used to address emotional and mental problems.

Certain plants have the capability to help a person relax to cope with their emotional and mental problems. Peppermint, for example, is known to have a minty quality that can cool a person's temper or help a person relax during stressful times.

Also, herbal products today are also utilized to improve the body's overall performance -- boosting a person's stamina, improving the body's defense against infection, and so on.

Safety In Usage

It's true that alternative herbal medicine is safe to use as compared to its synthetic counterpart, but it is essential to take some necessary precaution to ensure that there will be no side-effects or allergic reactions to its ingredients to promote body wellness.

Consultation of a medical expert is necessary to determine whether it is safe for you to use herbal products or not. Even if the medicine worked on others, there is a possibility that it will have a reverse effect depending on your body's chemistry. Such is the case; it is essential to have doctor look at your present medical condition to determine if you are compatible with the alternative herbal medicine or not.
 

Friday 9 March 2012

Vitamin Supplements FAQs

By: http://www.skybluecross.com
With a lot of information about vitamin supplements on the internet, you can easily get flooded by them without really
finding what you’re looking for.That is why we have this list of Frequently-Asked-Questions (FAQs) which gives you everything you need to know about vitamin supplements.

What are vitamin supplements?


They are medicines that supply people with the vitamins that their body needs. The foods that we eat can only give
us enough vitamins and we get the rest from these supplements.

Are they safe to take?


Yes but you have to make sure first that you are getting one made by a reputable manufacturer. Keep in mind that the
product is only as good as the one producing it.

Are natural vitamin supplements better than synthetic ones?

A lot of people claim that natural ones are better, but unless they can provide hard scientific proof to back up
that claim then feel free to make your choice.

I’m taking vitamin supplements but I still feel weak, what am I doing wrong?

Taking vitamin supplements is just one step towards a healthy life. Regular exercise and the proper nutrition
also help in making you healthier and stronger.

I’m taking X medication, is it safe to take with a vitamin supplement?

Only your doctor can say. It is therefore important that you consult your physician first before taking a vitamin supplement.

I think my supplement’s not working. Should I up the dosage?

That would be a very bad idea. Instead of doing that, consult your doctor first. He/she is the one who can tell
you what to do. Also try to eat healthy and exercise regularly.They can work wonders if you do them along with taking supplements.

Thursday 8 March 2012

How to Cope Well with Down Syndrome

By: http://www.skybluecross.com/
Down syndrome is often considered as a lifetime problem, so patients really need a lot of support and to learn coping measures to deal with the different challenges. The response of patients will differ, as well as their personal, mental and emotional ability to handle the new situations. Find out the best approaches that lead to independence and wellness.

Expert Advice

It is important that you consult the professionals first, before determining the proper approaches that lead to a better and healthier lifestyle. You may belong to an online forum or local support group. Start to talk about the situation with others who share the same concerns and sentiments with you. It is important to know that patients' reactions can differ depending on their own personal experiences and capabilities.

Find out the most reliable ways and coping measures that worked for most patients. Talk therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy and other rehabilitative methods are some of the proven ways. There are also medications that may be prescribed, if other symptoms or conditions are present. These should only be used if truly recommended by the experts.

Help Starts Within

You need to start by finding the right coping measures for yourself to provide full support to your child. You may experience feelings of guilt, fear, shock and disbelief. Take note that your baby is the one who needs the most attention and support at this time. Take charge of your emotions and understand the ways to improve and adjust accordingly. You can start by rearranging the home to offer safety and security for the baby, changing your schedule to provide more time for him or her and knowing the right diet, toys and other tools for independence.

Family Support

Other members of the family should also help during the most critical stages of the child's life. Although milestones may be reached at a later age, every person in the house should contribute to boost overall wellness. If you intend to breastfeed your baby, you should ask your physician first, since babies with Down syndrome tend to have low muscle tone or hypotonia. They may have difficulty breastfeeding properly. Breastfeeding can actually help in immunity and other functions for the baby.

Siblings can take turns taking care of the baby. Other relatives can also come over to help the child improve social skills and communicating. Take your child to different venues with different people to boost its confidence. The family should coordinate well to meet the needs of the baby until it is ready to do things alone.

Taking It Slowly

The coping techniques need to be incorporated slowly for patients to deal with the challenges and learn to become independent. Do not pressure the patient so much to reach new heights and give compliments and praise for small efforts. Parents should also be kind to themselves and stop blaming the wrong reasons. Down syndrome is a genetic condition that people truly do not have any control over.

The effects and symptoms of Down syndrome usually last a lifetime so individuals and families need to be ready for these. Parents should not also stop themselves from giving birth to more kids because they have a history of the condition. Although it is not entirely impossible, a lot of parents can actually continue giving birth to normal children despite the previous one being afflicted with Down syndrome.

Wednesday 7 March 2012

Different Supplements for Different Needs

By: http://www.skybluecross.com
When you go to your local health and drug store, you will notice that there are a lot of different vitamin supplements on their shelves.

You might wonder what each of them does so here are some helpful information to give you a low down on the most common vitamin supplements in the market.

Multivitamins

- this is arguably the most common form of vitamin supplement in the market.

One tablet gives you the essential vitamins and minerals from - you know what follows next -

A to Zinc.

Vitamin B Complex

- is a combination of several B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5,B6, B7 and B12) and is sometimes combined with other
vitamins. Its benefits include healthy hair, skin and bones, as well as the reduction of stress.

Vitamin C

- also known as ascorbic acid, this is usually taken to boost a person’s immune system. And while it can’t prevent
colds as others believe, this vitamin helps in reducing its symptoms.

Vitamin E

- this vitamin is popular among people who want to reverse or at least slow down the aging process. But more than
that, vitamin E has a host of other benefits such as boosting the immune system, reducing the risk of prostate
cancer and easing menstrual cramps in women.

So there you go the most common vitamin supplements in the market. We hope that you find the information useful and
that you can apply them the next time you visit your favorite health and drug store.

Monday 5 March 2012

Eastern Alternative Herbal Medicine for Western Children

  By: http://www.skybluecross.com
The pharmacological industry is one of the most promising and progressing business of the present. An increase in the awareness and focus of research and development on medicine has triggered a big push to drug manufacturing.

With the main driving force of improving the lives and promoting human longevity; researchers, scientists, and businessmen have jumped into the business of creating medications for the sick, as well as for those who want to prevent further illness.

The western civilization brought industrially prepared medicine, and sold at commercial markets while the eastern part of the globe saw the need for intervention of natural means of preparation through alternative herbal medicine.

East Meets West

It may very well be said that Western medicine is technologically advanced and came about with the notion of curing an existing illness. It is on the forefront of stopping and getting rid of a susceptible disease or complications.

As for Eastern medication, it is historically rooted and is based on centuries' worth of human existence, with the idea of preventing illnesses from happening in the first place. It is in the background of keeping our bodies healthy and sickness free.

As for the fusion of the old and the new, past and present, technology and tradition, and western and eastern ideologies, alternative herbal medicine was produced. Pharmacological firms embraced the idea of herbal and natural medication in line with their own synthetically made variants to provide an option for everyone in need of medicine.

Sensitive and Fragile

Those who are in need of medication take prescribed drugs, some of which are quite harmful to other cells, and organs. The liver is one of the body's organs hit hard by drug intervention when it synthesizes and tries to bind the specific components to our body's cells. The more unnaturally existing and synthetic the drug is, the more it is at risk for our body to react against. This is even more risky for fragile bodies such as our kids.

Our kids' bodies are still growing, their minds and way of thinking still developing. They are also prone to infection and sickness because of their increased activity without much conscious protective measures. Giving them industrially created drugs expose their bodies to harmful chemicals even if these drugs cure them of their sickness.

They too have their own immune system to provide immediate and automatic protection from harmful elements both in and out of their bodies. However, bacteria and other environmental factors overpower them much like with adults. The only difference is that young children are still building up their body's defenses.

Prevention and Herbal Medication

With the application of research and development on naturally occurring plants in our environment, it is now possible to give alternative herbal medicine to our children. Certain drug companies adhere to the idea of natural medication since it is beneficial not only to children, but to anyone in terms of less adverse reaction of the body. This is because the components of alternative herbal medicine are naturally occurring, organic, and supports life processes.

Administering alternative herbal medicine to children does not stress their livers because organic compounds from the plant source can be easily synthesized as compared to synthetic ones. Herbal supplements also are safe to take on a daily basis as prescribed to prevent sickness and illnesses from occurring.

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