When you next ask someone how they are and their response is "FINE", remember this stands for:
F reaked out
I nsecure
N eurotic, &
E motional
and tread carefully!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Meniere's
An estimated 40,000 (1 in 600) Australians have Meniere’s, which is a condition in which excess fluid inm the inner ear upsets the ear’s balance and hearing mechanisms.
Symptoms include:
Vertigo – dizziness with associated loss of balance, nausea, vomiting and diarrohea;
Tinnitus – a distressing ringing, hissing or buzzing sound in the ear/s or head;
Ear Pressure – a feeling of “fullness” in the ear associated with a build up of fluid in the inner ear;
Muffled Hearing – a lost of low frequency hearing in one or both ears, making speech difficult to understand. At first hearing loss tends to fluctuate but eventually will affect all frequencies.
Stages:
1. Intermittent vertigo, often accompanied with severe vomiting. After an attach the ear returns to normal, making diagnosis difficult. Muffled hearing and tinnitus can also be experienced;
2. Vertigo continues, often preceded and accompanied by pressure in the ear/s. Episodes can last from hours up to days and tend to occur in clusters. Hearing fluctuates but doesn’t return to normal. Tinnitus increases and may become chronic;
3. There are fewer, less severe vertigo attacks. Balance is impaired resulting in some unsteadiness. Hearing loss can be severe. Tinnitus continues.
Treatments:
Although there is currently no cure for Meniere’s, some conservative treatments include:
a) Changes to diet – a low-salt diet (low in sodium) is recommended to reduce vertigo symptoms. Low sodium equates to less than 120mg per 100gr of food. Eat fresh foods and avoid processed foods. Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake may also help;
b) Stress can trigger attacks. Lifestyle changes to minimise stress is a key strategy;
c) Balance therapy – doing specially designed physical exercises can help retrain the body to balance effectively;
d) Have regular chiropractic sessions to ensure joints in your skull (yes, there are a few) are correctly aligned. Acupuncture and massage can also help.
e) If the above doesn’t assist, have your GP refer you to a Neurologist specialising in Hearing & Balance for detailed testing.
For more information visit: www.menieres.org.au & www.findlowsaltfood.info
Symptoms include:
Vertigo – dizziness with associated loss of balance, nausea, vomiting and diarrohea;
Tinnitus – a distressing ringing, hissing or buzzing sound in the ear/s or head;
Ear Pressure – a feeling of “fullness” in the ear associated with a build up of fluid in the inner ear;
Muffled Hearing – a lost of low frequency hearing in one or both ears, making speech difficult to understand. At first hearing loss tends to fluctuate but eventually will affect all frequencies.
Stages:
1. Intermittent vertigo, often accompanied with severe vomiting. After an attach the ear returns to normal, making diagnosis difficult. Muffled hearing and tinnitus can also be experienced;
2. Vertigo continues, often preceded and accompanied by pressure in the ear/s. Episodes can last from hours up to days and tend to occur in clusters. Hearing fluctuates but doesn’t return to normal. Tinnitus increases and may become chronic;
3. There are fewer, less severe vertigo attacks. Balance is impaired resulting in some unsteadiness. Hearing loss can be severe. Tinnitus continues.
Treatments:
Although there is currently no cure for Meniere’s, some conservative treatments include:
a) Changes to diet – a low-salt diet (low in sodium) is recommended to reduce vertigo symptoms. Low sodium equates to less than 120mg per 100gr of food. Eat fresh foods and avoid processed foods. Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake may also help;
b) Stress can trigger attacks. Lifestyle changes to minimise stress is a key strategy;
c) Balance therapy – doing specially designed physical exercises can help retrain the body to balance effectively;
d) Have regular chiropractic sessions to ensure joints in your skull (yes, there are a few) are correctly aligned. Acupuncture and massage can also help.
e) If the above doesn’t assist, have your GP refer you to a Neurologist specialising in Hearing & Balance for detailed testing.
For more information visit: www.menieres.org.au & www.findlowsaltfood.info
Monday, December 7, 2009
Cutting Cholesterol Naturally
When most people think of cholesterol, they think of the waxy fat-like substance that is found in many of the foods we eat that ends up “clogging up arteries”. Often feared, the truth is that cholesterol is needed by the body for a number of different things. For example it is used in the manufacture and maintenance of strong cell walls, it is critical for hormone and vitamin D production, it even is used to coat the nerve cells in the body. Cholesterol comprises about 25% of the brain's total mass.
In fact, our bodies produce cholesterol all by itself, all the cholesterol we need to live a healthy, happy life. Cholesterol is produced primarily by the liver, but small amounts of it are also manufactured by the cells in our bodies. This production of cholesterol by our bodies is the reason why some individuals, who consume a low cholesterol diet, still experience high cholesterol levels.
Cholesterol is found in meat, poultry, seafood and dairy products.
While elevated cholesterol levels present no signs or symptoms on their own, elevated levels have been identified as a significant risk factor in health concerns such as arteriosclerosis and heart disease. Clinically, doctors recommend that blood cholesterol levels (the amount of cholesterol circulating in our blood) be no greater than 200mg/dl, with a total level of 180mg/dl being optimal.
Our total cholesterol is broken down into three separate components: HDL (high density lipoproteins), LDL (low density lipoproteins) and VLDL (very low density lipoproteins). Our HDL cholesterol is known as the "good" cholesterol. It functions to remove cholesterol from the blood and blood vessel walls, where it returns it to the liver for elimination. Our LDL and VLDL cholesterol are considered to be harmful to the body, because it carries cholesterol into the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, it can be deposited on the artery walls, which promotes arteriosclerosis.
Doctors are now beginning to recognise a relationship between our HDL and LDL cholesterol and many feel that this ratio may be a better indicator of our health risk than our total cholesterol numbers. The goal is to keep the ratio below 5:1; the optimum ratio is 3.5:1. Regardless of your heart risk ratio, however, individuals who have a total cholesterol level of over 275mg/dl are still considered at risk for heart disease, despite high HDL levels.
Yes, there are plenty of cholesterol lowering drugs available on the market, but when Dr. Orli Etingin, Vice Chairman of Medicine at New York Presbyterian Hospital, commenting on Lipitor at a recent discussion on women and the brain, says “This drug makes women stupid”, you’d want to pay attention and look at “natural” options first.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR WELLNESS
A qualified naturopath and nutritionist can help you with your unique requirements, however, some general actions you can take include:
* Incorporate a regular exercise program into your daily routine. In addition to increasing your HDL cholesterol, thus improving your heart risk ratio, exercise helps strengthen your heart muscle, reduce your blood pressure and helps you take off a couple of kilos.
* Try a vegetarian diet. Historically, individuals who consumed a purely vegetarian diet had lower cholesterol levels.
* Reduce or eliminate foods that contain high saturated fats such as beef, pork, cheese, butter and ice cream. If eating chicken, remove the skin to additionally reduce your fat intake.
* Use olive oil instead of butter. Olive oil can help to reduce LDL cholesterol from the body. Also Guggul lipid is an herb native to India and has been used for a long time in Ayuvedic medicine to help maintain healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
* Eating a diet high in fatty acids such as those found in fish, or supplementing with Omega 3 oil has been shown to increase HDL cholesterol and protect the heart against heart disease.
* Fibre, fibre, fibre! Eating high fibre foods such as beans, whole grains, fruits and vegetables have been shown to lower cholesterol levels. You can also supplement with other forms of soluble fibre such as psyllium, apples and oat bran.
Green tea has also been show to lower total cholesterol levels by decreasing LDL cholesterol and increasing HDL.
* Lecithin enables fats, such as cholesterol, to be dispersed in water and removed from the body. This can help to prevent fatty buildup in the arteries
Vitamin C and vitamin E appear to protect LDL cholesterol from damage. Most cardiologists believe that only damaged LDL increases the risk of heart disease.
Amended article from
Author: Dr. Rita Louise, PhD & Naturopathic Physician
© Copyright Body, Mind & SoulHealer 2004.
In fact, our bodies produce cholesterol all by itself, all the cholesterol we need to live a healthy, happy life. Cholesterol is produced primarily by the liver, but small amounts of it are also manufactured by the cells in our bodies. This production of cholesterol by our bodies is the reason why some individuals, who consume a low cholesterol diet, still experience high cholesterol levels.
Cholesterol is found in meat, poultry, seafood and dairy products.
While elevated cholesterol levels present no signs or symptoms on their own, elevated levels have been identified as a significant risk factor in health concerns such as arteriosclerosis and heart disease. Clinically, doctors recommend that blood cholesterol levels (the amount of cholesterol circulating in our blood) be no greater than 200mg/dl, with a total level of 180mg/dl being optimal.
Our total cholesterol is broken down into three separate components: HDL (high density lipoproteins), LDL (low density lipoproteins) and VLDL (very low density lipoproteins). Our HDL cholesterol is known as the "good" cholesterol. It functions to remove cholesterol from the blood and blood vessel walls, where it returns it to the liver for elimination. Our LDL and VLDL cholesterol are considered to be harmful to the body, because it carries cholesterol into the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, it can be deposited on the artery walls, which promotes arteriosclerosis.
Doctors are now beginning to recognise a relationship between our HDL and LDL cholesterol and many feel that this ratio may be a better indicator of our health risk than our total cholesterol numbers. The goal is to keep the ratio below 5:1; the optimum ratio is 3.5:1. Regardless of your heart risk ratio, however, individuals who have a total cholesterol level of over 275mg/dl are still considered at risk for heart disease, despite high HDL levels.
Yes, there are plenty of cholesterol lowering drugs available on the market, but when Dr. Orli Etingin, Vice Chairman of Medicine at New York Presbyterian Hospital, commenting on Lipitor at a recent discussion on women and the brain, says “This drug makes women stupid”, you’d want to pay attention and look at “natural” options first.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR WELLNESS
A qualified naturopath and nutritionist can help you with your unique requirements, however, some general actions you can take include:
* Incorporate a regular exercise program into your daily routine. In addition to increasing your HDL cholesterol, thus improving your heart risk ratio, exercise helps strengthen your heart muscle, reduce your blood pressure and helps you take off a couple of kilos.
* Try a vegetarian diet. Historically, individuals who consumed a purely vegetarian diet had lower cholesterol levels.
* Reduce or eliminate foods that contain high saturated fats such as beef, pork, cheese, butter and ice cream. If eating chicken, remove the skin to additionally reduce your fat intake.
* Use olive oil instead of butter. Olive oil can help to reduce LDL cholesterol from the body. Also Guggul lipid is an herb native to India and has been used for a long time in Ayuvedic medicine to help maintain healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
* Eating a diet high in fatty acids such as those found in fish, or supplementing with Omega 3 oil has been shown to increase HDL cholesterol and protect the heart against heart disease.
* Fibre, fibre, fibre! Eating high fibre foods such as beans, whole grains, fruits and vegetables have been shown to lower cholesterol levels. You can also supplement with other forms of soluble fibre such as psyllium, apples and oat bran.
Green tea has also been show to lower total cholesterol levels by decreasing LDL cholesterol and increasing HDL.
* Lecithin enables fats, such as cholesterol, to be dispersed in water and removed from the body. This can help to prevent fatty buildup in the arteries
Vitamin C and vitamin E appear to protect LDL cholesterol from damage. Most cardiologists believe that only damaged LDL increases the risk of heart disease.
Amended article from
Author: Dr. Rita Louise, PhD & Naturopathic Physician
© Copyright Body, Mind & SoulHealer 2004.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Minimise Neck and Shoulder Pain without doing a thing!
Our bodies are good at doing what is tasked but loves external support to ease the load. These supports can keep the body from doing tasks that would negatively affect functionality. One simple aid is the use of a contour pillow, which provides a great support to the neck and shoulders during sleep.
Contour pillows are rounded on both sides, hence the word "contour." The rounded areas support your neck whether you sleep on your side or back (sleeping on your stomach and ‘corkscrewing’ your neck is a no-no!). By supporting your neck and removing pressure from the head and shoulders, contoured pillows help give you correct orthopaedic support and alignment, leading to a comfortable and truly rejuvenating sleep and reducing pains throughout the body.
Each person differs in terms of shape and size: Some of us have long necks, some short ones. Shoulder depth, neck shape and curve also vary. To meet these variables contour pillows come in low, medium and high profiles. As a guide:
• Low: Designed to support children from 5 years and adult back sleepers;
• Medium: Suits average physiques and those seeking a 'normal' sized pillow;
• High: Suits side sleeping, broader shouldered physiques.
Latex contour pillows are also a healthy option because bacteria and mildew can't live in the foam.
Contour pillows are rounded on both sides, hence the word "contour." The rounded areas support your neck whether you sleep on your side or back (sleeping on your stomach and ‘corkscrewing’ your neck is a no-no!). By supporting your neck and removing pressure from the head and shoulders, contoured pillows help give you correct orthopaedic support and alignment, leading to a comfortable and truly rejuvenating sleep and reducing pains throughout the body.
Each person differs in terms of shape and size: Some of us have long necks, some short ones. Shoulder depth, neck shape and curve also vary. To meet these variables contour pillows come in low, medium and high profiles. As a guide:
• Low: Designed to support children from 5 years and adult back sleepers;
• Medium: Suits average physiques and those seeking a 'normal' sized pillow;
• High: Suits side sleeping, broader shouldered physiques.
Latex contour pillows are also a healthy option because bacteria and mildew can't live in the foam.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Constipation
Embarrassing, yes, but most of us have suffered from constipation at one time or another. While constipation is not recognised as a serious disorder, people who are constipated often feel bloated, uncomfortable and even sluggish. Chronic constipation can also be compounded by hemorrhoids that form due to straining.
To understand constipation, it is important to understand how our digestive system works: When we eat, food is ground up in our mouth and stomach so it can be digested. This liquified food passes into the intestines where nutrients are extracted. It then moves on to the colon, where water is removed, allowing the stool to form. If there isn’t enough water at this extraction point the stool can become hard and difficult to pass, leaving you constipated.
There are a number of reasons why people get constipated. These most commonly include not eating enough dietary fibre, not drinking enough water, lack of exercise and plain old stress. Other causes can include ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement, food allergies that can cause the colon to contract, many prescription drugs (especially codeine) and certain neurological disorders. Constipation can also be brought on by an abuse of laxatives that over time can damage the nerve cells in the colon and interfere with its ability to work properly.
Fortunately, there are several things you can do to relieve constipation naturally.
* Drink plenty of water: especially if you are taking supplemental fibre, pharmaceutical drugs or large amounts of protein (protein takes more water to digest).
* Dietary fibre holds water and help to keep the stool soft, while adds bulk help to move the stool through the colon, so consume a diet including significant amounts of both soluable and unsoluable fibre eg of lots of vegetables, whole grains, psyllium and fruits etc.
* Try eating a few prunes or drinking some prune juice. In addition to adding fibre, prunes have a mild laxative effect.
* Avoid sugar and other processed foods.
* Allergies can also be the cause of your constipation, so at your next Kinesthetic Chiropractic session be checked out for underlying issues or talk to your Naturopath & Nutritionist about an elimination diet.
* An abdominal massage or Chiropractic treatment can include colon stimulation, which may help.
* Begin a regular exercise program to help promote normal bowel movements: meditate, do yoga, go for a walk. Do things that will allow you to reduce your stress levels and relax as digestion works better when you’re relaxed.
* Take a good probiotic to help promote a healthy environment within the gut.
* Peppermint has a long history of helping relax the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. Enjoy an uplifting cup of Peppermint herbal tea after meals.
Edited by Joanne Terrans 11/2009
Initial resource from Dr R Louise, PhD. Naturopathic Physician & Author at www.soulhealer.com
To understand constipation, it is important to understand how our digestive system works: When we eat, food is ground up in our mouth and stomach so it can be digested. This liquified food passes into the intestines where nutrients are extracted. It then moves on to the colon, where water is removed, allowing the stool to form. If there isn’t enough water at this extraction point the stool can become hard and difficult to pass, leaving you constipated.
There are a number of reasons why people get constipated. These most commonly include not eating enough dietary fibre, not drinking enough water, lack of exercise and plain old stress. Other causes can include ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement, food allergies that can cause the colon to contract, many prescription drugs (especially codeine) and certain neurological disorders. Constipation can also be brought on by an abuse of laxatives that over time can damage the nerve cells in the colon and interfere with its ability to work properly.
Fortunately, there are several things you can do to relieve constipation naturally.
* Drink plenty of water: especially if you are taking supplemental fibre, pharmaceutical drugs or large amounts of protein (protein takes more water to digest).
* Dietary fibre holds water and help to keep the stool soft, while adds bulk help to move the stool through the colon, so consume a diet including significant amounts of both soluable and unsoluable fibre eg of lots of vegetables, whole grains, psyllium and fruits etc.
* Try eating a few prunes or drinking some prune juice. In addition to adding fibre, prunes have a mild laxative effect.
* Avoid sugar and other processed foods.
* Allergies can also be the cause of your constipation, so at your next Kinesthetic Chiropractic session be checked out for underlying issues or talk to your Naturopath & Nutritionist about an elimination diet.
* An abdominal massage or Chiropractic treatment can include colon stimulation, which may help.
* Begin a regular exercise program to help promote normal bowel movements: meditate, do yoga, go for a walk. Do things that will allow you to reduce your stress levels and relax as digestion works better when you’re relaxed.
* Take a good probiotic to help promote a healthy environment within the gut.
* Peppermint has a long history of helping relax the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. Enjoy an uplifting cup of Peppermint herbal tea after meals.
Edited by Joanne Terrans 11/2009
Initial resource from Dr R Louise, PhD. Naturopathic Physician & Author at www.soulhealer.com
Monday, November 2, 2009
Hearing Aids
My part-time work, outside of massage, is in admin working for an audiologist, someone who tests, analyses and advises on your hearing. Mostly we see folk who have concerns about their hearing, need hearing tests for work, or who already have a deterioration in their hearing and, for the most part, hearing aids are the answer.
Unfortunately no technology to date is going to match the natural precision and sensitivity of the human auditory system, however hearing aids can be of immense benefit to those with hearing loss and help improve quality of life.
It is important therefore that hearing aid users develop appropriate expectations in relation to what their aids can and cannot do for them and in this regard an audiologist is the best contact. However, here's some general information:
* Hearing aids cannot restore one's hearing to normal;
* New aids will most likely require a period of adjustment & acclimatisation before maximum benefit can be achieved - patience is required as this my take weeks or a couple of months;
* The annoyance of background noise is a perennial one, particularly for first time hearing aid users who probably haven't been hearing much background noise since the onset of their hearing loss. There is, however, new technology with digital signal processing that differentiates between speech and noise, reduces amplification of noise and improves speech intelligibility. This technology is usually included in aids with directional microphones, which reduces noise from the side/back. Being directional however means the aid wearer needs to face the talker so that the microphones are facing the correct direction - bending the head down or to the side effectively moves the mic from the most advantageous position.
Also some general servicing hints I've picked up during my time with the audiologist:
* Whistling in BTE (behind the ear) aids is commonly caused by a split in the tube that links the mould in the ear and the unit behind the ear. A quick "retube" by your aid supplier will fix this;
* Whistling can also be caused when the aid is not sat fully inside the ear. This can be caused by wax deep inside the ear and a trip to the GP to clear any wax may fix the problem;
* If you have had ear surgery or a significant infection in the ear your ear canal shape may have changed affecting the fit and a new mould may be required;
* The aids can be affected by moisture, so using drying crystals occassionally or letting them sit in a dry sunny spot can help alleviate this;
* Intermittent cutting out of volume can be the battery contact - check for dust or foreign objects in the battery well.
For pensioners in Australia, you may be eligible for free hearing assessment and, if required, aids through the Office of Hearing Services, part of the Department of Health (Federal). Visit: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/health-hear-applic.htm
Resources:
ListenUp Issue 22 from siemens.com.au/hearing
C Whitfeld at milliAmp Hearing (Newtown, also visiting Kogarah, Randwick, Taree & Armidale). Phone 02 9565 2521
Unfortunately no technology to date is going to match the natural precision and sensitivity of the human auditory system, however hearing aids can be of immense benefit to those with hearing loss and help improve quality of life.
It is important therefore that hearing aid users develop appropriate expectations in relation to what their aids can and cannot do for them and in this regard an audiologist is the best contact. However, here's some general information:
* Hearing aids cannot restore one's hearing to normal;
* New aids will most likely require a period of adjustment & acclimatisation before maximum benefit can be achieved - patience is required as this my take weeks or a couple of months;
* The annoyance of background noise is a perennial one, particularly for first time hearing aid users who probably haven't been hearing much background noise since the onset of their hearing loss. There is, however, new technology with digital signal processing that differentiates between speech and noise, reduces amplification of noise and improves speech intelligibility. This technology is usually included in aids with directional microphones, which reduces noise from the side/back. Being directional however means the aid wearer needs to face the talker so that the microphones are facing the correct direction - bending the head down or to the side effectively moves the mic from the most advantageous position.
Also some general servicing hints I've picked up during my time with the audiologist:
* Whistling in BTE (behind the ear) aids is commonly caused by a split in the tube that links the mould in the ear and the unit behind the ear. A quick "retube" by your aid supplier will fix this;
* Whistling can also be caused when the aid is not sat fully inside the ear. This can be caused by wax deep inside the ear and a trip to the GP to clear any wax may fix the problem;
* If you have had ear surgery or a significant infection in the ear your ear canal shape may have changed affecting the fit and a new mould may be required;
* The aids can be affected by moisture, so using drying crystals occassionally or letting them sit in a dry sunny spot can help alleviate this;
* Intermittent cutting out of volume can be the battery contact - check for dust or foreign objects in the battery well.
For pensioners in Australia, you may be eligible for free hearing assessment and, if required, aids through the Office of Hearing Services, part of the Department of Health (Federal). Visit: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/health-hear-applic.htm
Resources:
ListenUp Issue 22 from siemens.com.au/hearing
C Whitfeld at milliAmp Hearing (Newtown, also visiting Kogarah, Randwick, Taree & Armidale). Phone 02 9565 2521
Monday, September 21, 2009
Keyboard Health Warning
Recently I turned by computer keyboard upside down (another story all together) and found the following:
HEALTH WARNING
Use of a keyboard or mouse may be linked to serious injuries or disorders.
When using a computer, as with many activities (!), you may experience occasional discomfort in your hands, arms, shoulders, neck or other parts of your body. However, if you experience symptoms such as persistent or recurring discomfort, pain, throbbing, aching, tingling, numbness, burning sensation or stiffness DO NOT IGNORE THESE WARMING SIGNS. PROMPTLY SEE A QUALIFIED HEALTH PROFESSIONAL - even if symptoms occur when you are not working at your computer.
Symptoms such as these can be associated with painful and sometimes permanently disabling injuries or disorders of the nerved, muscles, tendons, or other parts of the body, These musculoskeletal disorders include carpal turnnel syndrome, tendonitis, tenosynivitis and other conditions.
The warning continues, but I'm sure you get the gist.
Now, as a massage therapist (one of the abovementioned qualified health professionals) most my patients are suffering postural stress (the balance are sports injuries), and I hear myself giving the following advice more than I would like, but for the record here are some tips:
* Limit computer-working periods to blocks of 40 minutes and definitely less than 60 minutes;
* Get up from your desk as often as you can.
You'd be surprised what a change in gravity will do. Include walking the long way to the water-cooler or bathroom; doing arm swings or shoulder rolls; NOT eating lunch at your desk (go for a walk around the block); stand up during long phone calls etc.
* Make sure you have your computer desk and chair set up correctly. If you don't have an ergonomist on hand to "fit" you check out the link on my website called "How To Sit At Your Computer".
* Get your body moving, at least 30 minutes each day, preferably at the end of your work period so you can loosen your muscles up: swing your arms when walking, do a yoga or stretch class, add a couple of laps of backstroke at the pool, shoot some hoops, try Tai Chi, whatever - just get moving!
* If you can see a deadline looming (assignments, exams, tenders, end of period reporting etc) schedule 10 minute stretch breaks into your day.
* have a remedial massage. Of course I'm going to recommend this, but if you haven't yet experienced the benefit to your muscles, it's about jolly time you did.
HEALTH WARNING
Use of a keyboard or mouse may be linked to serious injuries or disorders.
When using a computer, as with many activities (!), you may experience occasional discomfort in your hands, arms, shoulders, neck or other parts of your body. However, if you experience symptoms such as persistent or recurring discomfort, pain, throbbing, aching, tingling, numbness, burning sensation or stiffness DO NOT IGNORE THESE WARMING SIGNS. PROMPTLY SEE A QUALIFIED HEALTH PROFESSIONAL - even if symptoms occur when you are not working at your computer.
Symptoms such as these can be associated with painful and sometimes permanently disabling injuries or disorders of the nerved, muscles, tendons, or other parts of the body, These musculoskeletal disorders include carpal turnnel syndrome, tendonitis, tenosynivitis and other conditions.
The warning continues, but I'm sure you get the gist.
Now, as a massage therapist (one of the abovementioned qualified health professionals) most my patients are suffering postural stress (the balance are sports injuries), and I hear myself giving the following advice more than I would like, but for the record here are some tips:
* Limit computer-working periods to blocks of 40 minutes and definitely less than 60 minutes;
* Get up from your desk as often as you can.
You'd be surprised what a change in gravity will do. Include walking the long way to the water-cooler or bathroom; doing arm swings or shoulder rolls; NOT eating lunch at your desk (go for a walk around the block); stand up during long phone calls etc.
* Make sure you have your computer desk and chair set up correctly. If you don't have an ergonomist on hand to "fit" you check out the link on my website called "How To Sit At Your Computer".
* Get your body moving, at least 30 minutes each day, preferably at the end of your work period so you can loosen your muscles up: swing your arms when walking, do a yoga or stretch class, add a couple of laps of backstroke at the pool, shoot some hoops, try Tai Chi, whatever - just get moving!
* If you can see a deadline looming (assignments, exams, tenders, end of period reporting etc) schedule 10 minute stretch breaks into your day.
* have a remedial massage. Of course I'm going to recommend this, but if you haven't yet experienced the benefit to your muscles, it's about jolly time you did.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Sailing through life
Following is somemore beautiful life philosophy:
It all began with a thought -- a thought in the mind of a 12-year-old boy, more than 40 years ago.
"I was about twelve when I decided that I wanted to build a boat and travel the world," Reiki Master Teacher Gordon Brown says, "This desire never left me." He's 54 now, and this week, after all those years, all that dreaming and all the ways the distractions of life can get in the way of those dreams, Gordon's finished boat, the Amnesty, made it into the water at last. Reporters from local Massachusetts newspapers showed up for the launch, and the next day the front page featured a photo of Gordon at the helm in a victory salute.
Victory, yes. Mission accomplished? Hardly -- this guy's just getting started. He's going for more: a victory lap around the world, accompanied by a flotilla of others who, like him, have survived cancer.
Gordon's dream-come-true reminds us that whether any of us ever takes to the high seas, whether we journey to exotic lands or spend our entire lives in one neighborhood, we all are traveling this world in a vessel of our own making.
Gordon didn't build his boat entirely from scratch -- he bought an empty hull and then spent five years building it out into a vessel worthy of circumnavigating the globe. That's kind of the way it is for all of us: at birth we start out with a vessel, our body, that isn't capable of traveling on its own. But after some time, effort, and care, we build ourselves into self-sufficient vehicles that can go just about anywhere and do just about anything we care to do.
He also didn't build the boat alone. Two years ago when he was diagnosed with cancer, Gordon nearly gave up on his dream. He put the unfinished boat up for sale, and the first potential buyer who showed up not only convinced him to keep going, he also volunteered to help.
As all sailors know, the boat may be ready at the moment, but it's going to need constant maintenance, nearly all of it preventive. The same person who built the boat, in this case, is going to have to keep rebuilding it constantly during the voyage. So, too with the rest of us and our own vessels.
Gordon's sailboat may only have needed five years to get ready for its voyage, but it's taken him an entire lifetime (so far) to prepare: not just all the years since he first got the idea as a boy, but the 12 years it took before the thought first occurred to him. And for all of us, whether we are conscious of it or not, a lifetime of experience goes into our every thought or action. And those thoughts and actions then create our future experiences. The Amnesty's voyage has barely begun, and it's going to take many more of those thoughts and actions to get her around the world and home again.
More on Gordon & Amnesty can be found at
Item sourced from The Reiki Digest
http://reikidigest.blogspot.com/2009/09/setting-sail-with-reiki.html
It all began with a thought -- a thought in the mind of a 12-year-old boy, more than 40 years ago.
"I was about twelve when I decided that I wanted to build a boat and travel the world," Reiki Master Teacher Gordon Brown says, "This desire never left me." He's 54 now, and this week, after all those years, all that dreaming and all the ways the distractions of life can get in the way of those dreams, Gordon's finished boat, the Amnesty, made it into the water at last. Reporters from local Massachusetts newspapers showed up for the launch, and the next day the front page featured a photo of Gordon at the helm in a victory salute.
Victory, yes. Mission accomplished? Hardly -- this guy's just getting started. He's going for more: a victory lap around the world, accompanied by a flotilla of others who, like him, have survived cancer.
Gordon's dream-come-true reminds us that whether any of us ever takes to the high seas, whether we journey to exotic lands or spend our entire lives in one neighborhood, we all are traveling this world in a vessel of our own making.
Gordon didn't build his boat entirely from scratch -- he bought an empty hull and then spent five years building it out into a vessel worthy of circumnavigating the globe. That's kind of the way it is for all of us: at birth we start out with a vessel, our body, that isn't capable of traveling on its own. But after some time, effort, and care, we build ourselves into self-sufficient vehicles that can go just about anywhere and do just about anything we care to do.
He also didn't build the boat alone. Two years ago when he was diagnosed with cancer, Gordon nearly gave up on his dream. He put the unfinished boat up for sale, and the first potential buyer who showed up not only convinced him to keep going, he also volunteered to help.
As all sailors know, the boat may be ready at the moment, but it's going to need constant maintenance, nearly all of it preventive. The same person who built the boat, in this case, is going to have to keep rebuilding it constantly during the voyage. So, too with the rest of us and our own vessels.
Gordon's sailboat may only have needed five years to get ready for its voyage, but it's taken him an entire lifetime (so far) to prepare: not just all the years since he first got the idea as a boy, but the 12 years it took before the thought first occurred to him. And for all of us, whether we are conscious of it or not, a lifetime of experience goes into our every thought or action. And those thoughts and actions then create our future experiences. The Amnesty's voyage has barely begun, and it's going to take many more of those thoughts and actions to get her around the world and home again.
More on Gordon & Amnesty can be found at
Item sourced from The Reiki Digest
http://reikidigest.blogspot.com/2009/09/setting-sail-with-reiki.html
Friday, September 18, 2009
Running Shoes
The Sydney Running Festival is this weekend (good luck to all of you participating and don't forget your massage next week) and the Triathlon Season is upon us, so with this in mind I thought you'd like some advice on running shoes.
This from Andrew Bull, Sports Podiatrist at Sydney Sports Med:
I’m often asked which brand is the best, and although there are some brands that “get it right” more consistently, most brands have shoes that are suitable or unsuitable for each runner. To those new to running, a podiatrist or a runners shop can help you to determine the amount of cushion or motion-control needed. However, then you need to find the right shape of shoe for your feet. This emphasizes the need to be fitted correctly by a running specific shop.
Most important is the length. Always fit your shoes after exercise and with the correct thickness of sock (and with your orthotics if you wear them). Your feet can expand quite dramatically as they impact the ground, and swell up to a full size in longer events. The usual rule is a full thumbs width from the end of your longest toe to the end of the shoe. If you have two different sized feet, you need to fit for the bigger one. If the difference is dramatic, there are now some websites catering to this problem. Sounds basic, but I’ve lost count how many black toenails I’ve drained after marathons and Oxfam trailwalker.
Next is forefoot width. If you have particularly wide feet, you need to look for shoes that are 2E or 4E for men, or D or 2E for women. Some brands also cater for narrow women’s feet with a 2A fitting. New Balance, ASICS & BROOKS all have shoes available in different widths.
For those needing to help reduce slippage using a heel-lock lacing technique (ask your pod or sports shop) can help to pull the heel back into the shoe.
Happy running (and don't forget to stretch)!
This from Andrew Bull, Sports Podiatrist at Sydney Sports Med:
I’m often asked which brand is the best, and although there are some brands that “get it right” more consistently, most brands have shoes that are suitable or unsuitable for each runner. To those new to running, a podiatrist or a runners shop can help you to determine the amount of cushion or motion-control needed. However, then you need to find the right shape of shoe for your feet. This emphasizes the need to be fitted correctly by a running specific shop.
Most important is the length. Always fit your shoes after exercise and with the correct thickness of sock (and with your orthotics if you wear them). Your feet can expand quite dramatically as they impact the ground, and swell up to a full size in longer events. The usual rule is a full thumbs width from the end of your longest toe to the end of the shoe. If you have two different sized feet, you need to fit for the bigger one. If the difference is dramatic, there are now some websites catering to this problem. Sounds basic, but I’ve lost count how many black toenails I’ve drained after marathons and Oxfam trailwalker.
Next is forefoot width. If you have particularly wide feet, you need to look for shoes that are 2E or 4E for men, or D or 2E for women. Some brands also cater for narrow women’s feet with a 2A fitting. New Balance, ASICS & BROOKS all have shoes available in different widths.
For those needing to help reduce slippage using a heel-lock lacing technique (ask your pod or sports shop) can help to pull the heel back into the shoe.
Happy running (and don't forget to stretch)!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Spring into action!
This is from the Australian Better Health Iniative 'Measure Up' and given that 50% of Australians are overweight, it's timely advice:
The smell of spring flowers, the warmer weather…. Spring is the ideal time to (re)start being physically active and to eat a wide variety of nutritious foods.
1. Spring is a perfect time to tend to your garden. Increases in daily activity can come from tasks like gardening. Gardening activities like digging, shifting soil, and mowing the lawn are great exercise. You can even grow some fruit and vegetables that contribute to eating a healthy diet!
2. Make sure you are drinking sufficient water in the warmer weather. It is easy to get dehydrated when temperatures are on the rise. Avoid sweetened drinks such as cordial, soft drink and sports drinks. If you need to add pizzazz to your water take the advice of Jack from Takura QLD by adding a few slices of fresh lime, lemon or other citrus fruit.
3. There is no excuse not to include fruit and vegetables on your shopping list in Spring! Fresh produce is ripe for the picking in Spring. Stick to in-season produce to get the best prices. Fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre that are important for good health. Make eating fruit and veg fun- create a fruit salad and try a fruit you have never had before; add to your Spring BBQ by making grilled vege-kebabs, or cut fruits and vegetables into interesting shapes.
4. Get active with friends and family in outdoor springtime activities. It is always nice to share a beautiful day with somebody else. Instead of doing something that is inside and less active together choose to take a walk or a bike ride.
5. Take advantage of the nicer weather and include water based activity as part of getting physical. Go for a swim or take a water aerobics class in your local pool or head to a nearby river, lake or beach.
... remember though, when outside - slip, slop & slap!
Resource: http://www.measureup.gov.au/internet/abhi/publishing.nsf
The smell of spring flowers, the warmer weather…. Spring is the ideal time to (re)start being physically active and to eat a wide variety of nutritious foods.
1. Spring is a perfect time to tend to your garden. Increases in daily activity can come from tasks like gardening. Gardening activities like digging, shifting soil, and mowing the lawn are great exercise. You can even grow some fruit and vegetables that contribute to eating a healthy diet!
2. Make sure you are drinking sufficient water in the warmer weather. It is easy to get dehydrated when temperatures are on the rise. Avoid sweetened drinks such as cordial, soft drink and sports drinks. If you need to add pizzazz to your water take the advice of Jack from Takura QLD by adding a few slices of fresh lime, lemon or other citrus fruit.
3. There is no excuse not to include fruit and vegetables on your shopping list in Spring! Fresh produce is ripe for the picking in Spring. Stick to in-season produce to get the best prices. Fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre that are important for good health. Make eating fruit and veg fun- create a fruit salad and try a fruit you have never had before; add to your Spring BBQ by making grilled vege-kebabs, or cut fruits and vegetables into interesting shapes.
4. Get active with friends and family in outdoor springtime activities. It is always nice to share a beautiful day with somebody else. Instead of doing something that is inside and less active together choose to take a walk or a bike ride.
5. Take advantage of the nicer weather and include water based activity as part of getting physical. Go for a swim or take a water aerobics class in your local pool or head to a nearby river, lake or beach.
... remember though, when outside - slip, slop & slap!
Resource: http://www.measureup.gov.au/internet/abhi/publishing.nsf
Friday, August 28, 2009
Depression Checklist
beyondblue is an Australian "national depression initiative" and this week I received in the mail a quick checklist to identify signs of depression.
Apparently over 1 million people in Australia live with depression, so the chances are we all know someone who is affected. Certainly I have several friends that have suffered varying levels of depression - lasting weeks through to 2 years.
So, if you want to check yourself, here goes:
For more than TWO weeks have you:
1. Felt sad, down or miserable most of the time?
2. Lost interest or pleasure in most of your usual activites?
If you answered 'Yes' to either of the above questions, go on to the next section (if you did NOT answer 'Yes' it is unlikely you have a depressive illness).
3. have you gained or lost weight or had a decrease or increase in appetite?
4. have you had sleep disturbance?
5. have you felt slowed down, restless or excessively busy?
6. have you felt tired or had no energy?
7. Have your felt worthless, or excessively guilty, or felt guilt about things you should not have been feeling guilty about?
8. Have you had poor concentration, or difficulties thinking, or been very indecisive?
9. Have you had recurrent thoughts of death?
Add up the number of ticks for your total score (assuming you answered 'yes' to Q 1 and/or Q2).
If you score is 4 or less it is unlikely you have a depressive illness;
If you score 5 or more you are likely to have a depressive illness and further assessment is recommended - talk to your GP, Psychologist, Counsellor other health professional or visit www.beyondblue.org.au or, in Australia, call 1300 22 4636.
With the right treatment, most people recover.
Apparently over 1 million people in Australia live with depression, so the chances are we all know someone who is affected. Certainly I have several friends that have suffered varying levels of depression - lasting weeks through to 2 years.
So, if you want to check yourself, here goes:
For more than TWO weeks have you:
1. Felt sad, down or miserable most of the time?
2. Lost interest or pleasure in most of your usual activites?
If you answered 'Yes' to either of the above questions, go on to the next section (if you did NOT answer 'Yes' it is unlikely you have a depressive illness).
3. have you gained or lost weight or had a decrease or increase in appetite?
4. have you had sleep disturbance?
5. have you felt slowed down, restless or excessively busy?
6. have you felt tired or had no energy?
7. Have your felt worthless, or excessively guilty, or felt guilt about things you should not have been feeling guilty about?
8. Have you had poor concentration, or difficulties thinking, or been very indecisive?
9. Have you had recurrent thoughts of death?
Add up the number of ticks for your total score (assuming you answered 'yes' to Q 1 and/or Q2).
If you score is 4 or less it is unlikely you have a depressive illness;
If you score 5 or more you are likely to have a depressive illness and further assessment is recommended - talk to your GP, Psychologist, Counsellor other health professional or visit www.beyondblue.org.au or, in Australia, call 1300 22 4636.
With the right treatment, most people recover.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Life guide
Just for today:
Do not anger
Do not worry
Be humble
Be honest in your work
Be compassionate to yourself and others.
The guidelines above are what Reiki practitioners try to follow every day: the Reiki precepts (as translated from the original Japanese).
You don't have to be a Reiki practitioner to follow those precepts -- they make sense for everyone.
Do not anger
Do not worry
Be humble
Be honest in your work
Be compassionate to yourself and others.
The guidelines above are what Reiki practitioners try to follow every day: the Reiki precepts (as translated from the original Japanese).
You don't have to be a Reiki practitioner to follow those precepts -- they make sense for everyone.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Easy Food
My Mum, who’s been cooking all her life, has released her first cookbook - ‘Easy Food’ that I’d like to commend to you.
It’ll make a great present for Christmas, especially for students living away from home and busy workers but, really, anyone that wants to cook at home.
This slim compilation is exactly what the title says, Easy Food. It’s for those unsure about or inexperienced with cooking; those who want a tasty meal without too much bother; those wanting to avoid ‘ready-made meals’ & take aways and those wanting to save money.
It’s in big easy to read print, with one recipe per page and pictures on the opposite page. An example of some of the recipes include:
Vegetable Frittata
Salmon and vegetables
Chicken meatballs
How to make gravy and basic sauces
Caramelised pears
Baked Custard
and, my favourite, “No Cook Double-Chocolate Squares”.
Easy Food is available internationally from www.lulu.com (type "Easy Food" into the Search field)
Or here’s the link, to cut & paste into your browser:
http://www.lulu.com/browse/search.php?search_forum=-1&search_cat=2&show_results=topics&return_chars=200&search_keywords=&keys=&header_search=true&sitesearch=lulu.com&q=&fSearch=easy+food&fSearchFamily=0&fSubmitSearch.x=14&fSubmitSearch.y=4
It’ll make a great present for Christmas, especially for students living away from home and busy workers but, really, anyone that wants to cook at home.
This slim compilation is exactly what the title says, Easy Food. It’s for those unsure about or inexperienced with cooking; those who want a tasty meal without too much bother; those wanting to avoid ‘ready-made meals’ & take aways and those wanting to save money.
It’s in big easy to read print, with one recipe per page and pictures on the opposite page. An example of some of the recipes include:
Vegetable Frittata
Salmon and vegetables
Chicken meatballs
How to make gravy and basic sauces
Caramelised pears
Baked Custard
and, my favourite, “No Cook Double-Chocolate Squares”.
Easy Food is available internationally from www.lulu.com (type "Easy Food" into the Search field)
Or here’s the link, to cut & paste into your browser:
http://www.lulu.com/browse/search.php?search_forum=-1&search_cat=2&show_results=topics&return_chars=200&search_keywords=&keys=&header_search=true&sitesearch=lulu.com&q=&fSearch=easy+food&fSearchFamily=0&fSubmitSearch.x=14&fSubmitSearch.y=4
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Children and Television
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following guidelines for parents:
Limit children's total media time (with entertainment media) to no more than 1 to 2 hours of quality programming per day.
Remove television sets from children's bedrooms.
Discourage television viewing for children younger than 2 years, and encourage more interactive activities that will promote proper brain development, such as talking, playing, singing, and reading together.
Monitor the shows children and adolescents are viewing. Most programs should be informational, educational, and nonviolent.
View television programs along with children, and discuss the content. Two recent surveys involving a total of nearly 1500 parents found that less than half of parents reported always watching television with their children.
Use controversial programming as a stepping-off point to initiate discussions about family values, violence, sex and sexuality, and drugs.
Use the DVD recordings (or Tivo) wisely to show or record high-quality, educational programming for children.
Resource: American Academy of Pediatrics
PEDIATRICS Vol. 107 No. 2 February 2001, pp. 423-426
http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;107/2/423
Limit children's total media time (with entertainment media) to no more than 1 to 2 hours of quality programming per day.
Remove television sets from children's bedrooms.
Discourage television viewing for children younger than 2 years, and encourage more interactive activities that will promote proper brain development, such as talking, playing, singing, and reading together.
Monitor the shows children and adolescents are viewing. Most programs should be informational, educational, and nonviolent.
View television programs along with children, and discuss the content. Two recent surveys involving a total of nearly 1500 parents found that less than half of parents reported always watching television with their children.
Use controversial programming as a stepping-off point to initiate discussions about family values, violence, sex and sexuality, and drugs.
Use the DVD recordings (or Tivo) wisely to show or record high-quality, educational programming for children.
Resource: American Academy of Pediatrics
PEDIATRICS Vol. 107 No. 2 February 2001, pp. 423-426
http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;107/2/423
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Truly Complementary
Ever wondered which is best for you, massage or chiropractic adjustments?
Well I'd recommend regular massage AND chiropractic is required for optimal well-being.
Whilst the body is a complex being, at the most basic level, massage works on muscles and chiropractic on the skeleton. However all muscles attach to bone, either directly or via tendons; bones support muscles and keep you upright, muscles move bones and keep you moving.
So if one area has an issue, it's more than likely its corresponding partner will also, eg. T12 (thoracic vertebrae 12) is linked to the QL (Quadratus Lumborum muscle) and tight calves/hamstrings can reduce the range of motion in the pelvis leading to lower back tension.
So when booking your next session, consider having a massage first: this will loosen up the muscles, allowing for an "easier" adjustment that will hold for longer as the muscles won't be working against the corrected joint/s.
Well I'd recommend regular massage AND chiropractic is required for optimal well-being.
Whilst the body is a complex being, at the most basic level, massage works on muscles and chiropractic on the skeleton. However all muscles attach to bone, either directly or via tendons; bones support muscles and keep you upright, muscles move bones and keep you moving.
So if one area has an issue, it's more than likely its corresponding partner will also, eg. T12 (thoracic vertebrae 12) is linked to the QL (Quadratus Lumborum muscle) and tight calves/hamstrings can reduce the range of motion in the pelvis leading to lower back tension.
So when booking your next session, consider having a massage first: this will loosen up the muscles, allowing for an "easier" adjustment that will hold for longer as the muscles won't be working against the corrected joint/s.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Contemporary Cupping
A few weekends back I spent two days revolutionising my massage therapy practice!
I've been introduced to Contemporary Cupping (CC), by Bruce Bentley of Health Traditions.
Some of you might have experienced traditional cupping, as it's been around for several hundred years mainly in Asia and Eastern European cultures (Russia, Turkey etc). This style of cupping uses a vessel (cup) either heated or using a pump to create a suction against the skin an, predominantly fixed in one location. This style of cupping leave marks of different colours like you've been attacked by an alien.
CC, although it does use fixed cups, focuses on SLIDING cups and use rubber cups and a smallher hand-blown glass bell with simple air suction. It's fantastic for stimulating the circulation and can be rather gentle for warming the muscles up or extremely strong to break down scar tissue and unlock spasms.
From the recipients view it's the exact opposite to deep tissue hand massage, where your therapist uses his/her hand/arm to push into the muscle. In fact, in America, it's called Negative Pressure Massage Cupping (ho hum).
With CC the skin and near muscle fibres are sucked upwards and can be moved in 360 degrees, pulled in one direction only or, using two cups worked in opposite directions. Cupping can be as deep as needed but can also be extremely gentle and with tiny cups rejuventating facial cupping can be received (with no discolouration!).
Having had my back treated with sliding cups, I was asked what it felt like. My response? It felt like I'd drunk a bottle of red wine and was sat in front of an open fire! A truthful answer but probably not the clinical response expected.
Enjoy!
I've been introduced to Contemporary Cupping (CC), by Bruce Bentley of Health Traditions.
Some of you might have experienced traditional cupping, as it's been around for several hundred years mainly in Asia and Eastern European cultures (Russia, Turkey etc). This style of cupping uses a vessel (cup) either heated or using a pump to create a suction against the skin an, predominantly fixed in one location. This style of cupping leave marks of different colours like you've been attacked by an alien.
CC, although it does use fixed cups, focuses on SLIDING cups and use rubber cups and a smallher hand-blown glass bell with simple air suction. It's fantastic for stimulating the circulation and can be rather gentle for warming the muscles up or extremely strong to break down scar tissue and unlock spasms.
From the recipients view it's the exact opposite to deep tissue hand massage, where your therapist uses his/her hand/arm to push into the muscle. In fact, in America, it's called Negative Pressure Massage Cupping (ho hum).
With CC the skin and near muscle fibres are sucked upwards and can be moved in 360 degrees, pulled in one direction only or, using two cups worked in opposite directions. Cupping can be as deep as needed but can also be extremely gentle and with tiny cups rejuventating facial cupping can be received (with no discolouration!).
Having had my back treated with sliding cups, I was asked what it felt like. My response? It felt like I'd drunk a bottle of red wine and was sat in front of an open fire! A truthful answer but probably not the clinical response expected.
Enjoy!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Radical Forgiveness
As part of my journey I've just finished reading "Radical Forgiveness" by Colin C Tipping.
To quote from the book (pg 192, 2nd edition):
"It is a principal of Radical Forgiveness that if you have a limiting belief that prevents you from becoming whole or from achieving your true purposed, your Higher Self will alsways find a way to acquaint you with your limiting belief so you can heal it. It can't intervene directly because you have free will, but it can, through the Law of Attraction, bring into your life someone who will act out your belief for you, so you might see it for what it is and choose to let it go."
Example: if your limiting belief is that you are not good enough, unworthy, people with resonate that, respond accordingly and treat you as if you are not good enough, are unworthy. Not to "hurt" you (although that is certainly how most will feel) but to reflect a limitation in yourself in the attempt for you to heal.
(and from pg 207)
"This means that the whole point of creating an upset may simply lie in our soul's desire to provide an opportunity for us to feel a suppressed emotion. That being the case, simply allowing ourselves to have the feeling might allow the energy to move through us and the so-called problem to disappear."
I highly recommend its reading. For more info please go to:
www.radicalforgiveness.com
To quote from the book (pg 192, 2nd edition):
"It is a principal of Radical Forgiveness that if you have a limiting belief that prevents you from becoming whole or from achieving your true purposed, your Higher Self will alsways find a way to acquaint you with your limiting belief so you can heal it. It can't intervene directly because you have free will, but it can, through the Law of Attraction, bring into your life someone who will act out your belief for you, so you might see it for what it is and choose to let it go."
Example: if your limiting belief is that you are not good enough, unworthy, people with resonate that, respond accordingly and treat you as if you are not good enough, are unworthy. Not to "hurt" you (although that is certainly how most will feel) but to reflect a limitation in yourself in the attempt for you to heal.
(and from pg 207)
"This means that the whole point of creating an upset may simply lie in our soul's desire to provide an opportunity for us to feel a suppressed emotion. That being the case, simply allowing ourselves to have the feeling might allow the energy to move through us and the so-called problem to disappear."
I highly recommend its reading. For more info please go to:
www.radicalforgiveness.com
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
The Top 10 Plants for Removing Indoor Toxins
Common indoor plants may provide a valuable weapon in the fight against rising levels of indoor air pollution. NASA scientists are finding them to be surprisingly useful in absorbing potentially harmful gases and cleaning the air inside homes, indoor public spaces and office buildings.
The indoor pollutants that affect health are formaldehyde, Volatile Organic Compounds (benzene and trichloroethylene or TCE), airborne biological pollutants, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, pesticides and disinfectants (phenols), and radon. These pollutants contribute to ’sick building syndrome’, which causes symptoms ranging from allergies, headaches and fatigue through to nervous-system disorders, cancer and death.
Through studies conducted by NASA, scientists have identified 50 houseplants that remove many of the pollutants and gases mentioned above. Dr. B. C. Wolverton rated these plants for removing chemical vapors, ease of growth, resistance to insect problems, and transpiration (the amount of water they expire into the air). The following lists the “top 10” according to this research.
Top ten plants for removing formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide from the air:
1. Areca Palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens)
Also called the “Butterfly Palm”. An upright houseplant that is somewhat vase shaped. Specimen plants can reach 10 to 12 foot in height. Prefers a humid area to avoid tip damage. Requires pruning. When selecting an Areca palm look for plants with larger caliber trunks at the base of the plant. Plants that have pencil thin stems tend to topple over and are quite difficult to maintain.
2. Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)
Also called the “Lady Palm”, this durable palm species adapts well to most interiors. The Rhapis are some of the easiest palms to grow, but each species has its own particular environment and culture requirements. The “Lady Palm” grows slowly, but can grow to more than 14′ in height with broad clumps often having a diameter as wide as their height.
3. Bamboo palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Also called the “reed palm”, this palm prefers bright indirect light. New plants will lose of some interior foliage as they acclimate to indoor settings. This plant likes to stay uniformly moist, but does not like to be over-watered or to sit in standing water. Indoor palms may attract spider mites which can be controlled by spraying with a soapy solution.
4. Rubber Plant (Ficus robusta)
Grows very well indoors, preferring semi-sun lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, especially in summer. Young plants may need to be supported by a stake. The Ficus grows to 8’ with a spread of 5’. Wear gloves when pruning, as the milky sap may irritate the skin. Water thoroughly when in active growth, then allow the soil to become fairly dry before watering again. In winter keep slightly moist.
5. Dracaena “Janet Craig” (Dracaena deremensis)
The Dracaena grows to 10’ with a spread of 3’. Easy to grow, these plants do best in bright indirect sunlight coming from the east/west. They can adapt to lower light levels if the watering is reduced. Keep the soil evenly moist and mist frequently with warm water. Remove any dead leaves. Leaf tips will go brown if the plant is under watered but this browning may be trimmed.
6. Philodendron (Philodendron sp.)
One of the most durable of all house plants. Philodendrons prefer medium intensity light but will tolerate low light. Direct sun will burn the leaves and stunt plant growth. This plant is available in climbing and non-climbing varieties. When grown indoors, they need to be misted regularly and the leaves kept free of dust. Soil should be evenly moist, but allowed to dry between watering.
7. Dwarf Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii)
A hardy, drought-tolerant and long-lived plant, the Dwarf Date Palm needs a bright spot which is free of drafts. It grows slowly, reaching heights of 8-10’. The Dwarf Date Palm should not be placed near children’s play areas because it has sharp needle-like spines arranged near the base of the leaf stem. These can easily penetrate skin and even protective clothing.
8. Ficus Alii (Ficus macleilandii “Alii”)
The Ficus Alii grows easily indoors, and resists insects. It prefers a humid environment and low to medium light when grown indoors. The Ficus Aliii should not be placed near heating or air conditioning vents, or near drafts because this could cause leaf loss. Soil should be kept moist but allowed to dry between watering.
9. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata “Bostoniensis”)
The Boston fern grows to 4’ in height with a spread up to 5’. It has feathery ferns which are best displayed as a hanging plant. It prefers bright indirect sunlight. Keep the soil barely moist and mist frequently with warm water. This plant is prone to spider mites and whitefly which can be controlled using a soapy water spray. Inspect new plants for bugs before bringing them home.
10. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum “Mauna Loa”)
The Peace Lily is a compact plant which grows to a height of 3’ with a 2’ spread. This hardy plant tolerates neglect. It prefers indirect sunlight and high humidity, but needs to be placed out of drafts. For best results, the Peace Lily should be thoroughly watered, then allowed to go moderately dry between waterings. The leaves should be misted frequently with warm water.
Resource: EarthEasy Newsletter (June 09), written by Greg Seaman
http://www.eartheasy.com/blog/2009/05/the-top-10-plants-for-removing-indoor-toxins/
The indoor pollutants that affect health are formaldehyde, Volatile Organic Compounds (benzene and trichloroethylene or TCE), airborne biological pollutants, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, pesticides and disinfectants (phenols), and radon. These pollutants contribute to ’sick building syndrome’, which causes symptoms ranging from allergies, headaches and fatigue through to nervous-system disorders, cancer and death.
Through studies conducted by NASA, scientists have identified 50 houseplants that remove many of the pollutants and gases mentioned above. Dr. B. C. Wolverton rated these plants for removing chemical vapors, ease of growth, resistance to insect problems, and transpiration (the amount of water they expire into the air). The following lists the “top 10” according to this research.
Top ten plants for removing formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide from the air:
1. Areca Palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens)
Also called the “Butterfly Palm”. An upright houseplant that is somewhat vase shaped. Specimen plants can reach 10 to 12 foot in height. Prefers a humid area to avoid tip damage. Requires pruning. When selecting an Areca palm look for plants with larger caliber trunks at the base of the plant. Plants that have pencil thin stems tend to topple over and are quite difficult to maintain.
2. Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)
Also called the “Lady Palm”, this durable palm species adapts well to most interiors. The Rhapis are some of the easiest palms to grow, but each species has its own particular environment and culture requirements. The “Lady Palm” grows slowly, but can grow to more than 14′ in height with broad clumps often having a diameter as wide as their height.
3. Bamboo palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Also called the “reed palm”, this palm prefers bright indirect light. New plants will lose of some interior foliage as they acclimate to indoor settings. This plant likes to stay uniformly moist, but does not like to be over-watered or to sit in standing water. Indoor palms may attract spider mites which can be controlled by spraying with a soapy solution.
4. Rubber Plant (Ficus robusta)
Grows very well indoors, preferring semi-sun lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, especially in summer. Young plants may need to be supported by a stake. The Ficus grows to 8’ with a spread of 5’. Wear gloves when pruning, as the milky sap may irritate the skin. Water thoroughly when in active growth, then allow the soil to become fairly dry before watering again. In winter keep slightly moist.
5. Dracaena “Janet Craig” (Dracaena deremensis)
The Dracaena grows to 10’ with a spread of 3’. Easy to grow, these plants do best in bright indirect sunlight coming from the east/west. They can adapt to lower light levels if the watering is reduced. Keep the soil evenly moist and mist frequently with warm water. Remove any dead leaves. Leaf tips will go brown if the plant is under watered but this browning may be trimmed.
6. Philodendron (Philodendron sp.)
One of the most durable of all house plants. Philodendrons prefer medium intensity light but will tolerate low light. Direct sun will burn the leaves and stunt plant growth. This plant is available in climbing and non-climbing varieties. When grown indoors, they need to be misted regularly and the leaves kept free of dust. Soil should be evenly moist, but allowed to dry between watering.
7. Dwarf Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii)
A hardy, drought-tolerant and long-lived plant, the Dwarf Date Palm needs a bright spot which is free of drafts. It grows slowly, reaching heights of 8-10’. The Dwarf Date Palm should not be placed near children’s play areas because it has sharp needle-like spines arranged near the base of the leaf stem. These can easily penetrate skin and even protective clothing.
8. Ficus Alii (Ficus macleilandii “Alii”)
The Ficus Alii grows easily indoors, and resists insects. It prefers a humid environment and low to medium light when grown indoors. The Ficus Aliii should not be placed near heating or air conditioning vents, or near drafts because this could cause leaf loss. Soil should be kept moist but allowed to dry between watering.
9. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata “Bostoniensis”)
The Boston fern grows to 4’ in height with a spread up to 5’. It has feathery ferns which are best displayed as a hanging plant. It prefers bright indirect sunlight. Keep the soil barely moist and mist frequently with warm water. This plant is prone to spider mites and whitefly which can be controlled using a soapy water spray. Inspect new plants for bugs before bringing them home.
10. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum “Mauna Loa”)
The Peace Lily is a compact plant which grows to a height of 3’ with a 2’ spread. This hardy plant tolerates neglect. It prefers indirect sunlight and high humidity, but needs to be placed out of drafts. For best results, the Peace Lily should be thoroughly watered, then allowed to go moderately dry between waterings. The leaves should be misted frequently with warm water.
Resource: EarthEasy Newsletter (June 09), written by Greg Seaman
http://www.eartheasy.com/blog/2009/05/the-top-10-plants-for-removing-indoor-toxins/
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Heels
Addiction to high heels is the curse of the modern woman with heels up to 15cm and platforms and wedges are also holding their own.
However there’s a price to pay for wearing high-rise heels. Achilles shortening, plantar fascitis, metatarsalgia, bunions, calluses, sprains and factures can all be caused as a result of excessive wearing of high heels. Painful bunions, calluses and corns are the most common symptoms of wearing high heels too often - not to mention the strain it places on your lower back and therefore the rest of the spine.
What about wedges??
Wedges are reported to be just as unstable as stilettos. Because of the tapering, wedges aren't really a stable shoe. There isn't much support built into the shoe to keep the foot directly on the platform. Most of the time you hear that people's feet have slipped sideways and they have actually toppled over, fallen off the platform and done quite nasty ankle injuries.
Tips:
Don't wear high heels! The best size shoes are medium height(2-4cm).
Buy shoes with soft inner soles and a good arch support.
Wear wide, deep shoes that provide good support for your feet
Avoid shoes that don't have enough toe room/are too small for your feet
Try and wear shoes that control the heel with a strap, cup. laces etc.
High heels should be kept for special occasions only. Think of them as "limousine shoes" ... from the house to the car to the next seat! They're not for walking/standing/dancing in.
Any shoe you buy should be comfortable as soon as you try it on — it shouldn't need "wearing in".
Resource: published by www.sydneysportsmed.com.au, June 2009
Written by: Niamh Wynne, Physiotherapist
However there’s a price to pay for wearing high-rise heels. Achilles shortening, plantar fascitis, metatarsalgia, bunions, calluses, sprains and factures can all be caused as a result of excessive wearing of high heels. Painful bunions, calluses and corns are the most common symptoms of wearing high heels too often - not to mention the strain it places on your lower back and therefore the rest of the spine.
What about wedges??
Wedges are reported to be just as unstable as stilettos. Because of the tapering, wedges aren't really a stable shoe. There isn't much support built into the shoe to keep the foot directly on the platform. Most of the time you hear that people's feet have slipped sideways and they have actually toppled over, fallen off the platform and done quite nasty ankle injuries.
Tips:
Don't wear high heels! The best size shoes are medium height(2-4cm).
Buy shoes with soft inner soles and a good arch support.
Wear wide, deep shoes that provide good support for your feet
Avoid shoes that don't have enough toe room/are too small for your feet
Try and wear shoes that control the heel with a strap, cup. laces etc.
High heels should be kept for special occasions only. Think of them as "limousine shoes" ... from the house to the car to the next seat! They're not for walking/standing/dancing in.
Any shoe you buy should be comfortable as soon as you try it on — it shouldn't need "wearing in".
Resource: published by www.sydneysportsmed.com.au, June 2009
Written by: Niamh Wynne, Physiotherapist
Friday, May 22, 2009
Free gym pass
For those of you living in/near Five Dock, the gym opposite KingsWilliam Chiropractic - where I offer massage therapy - has a free 7 days pass promotion at the moment.
Download your pass here:
http://www.kapowadvertising.com/members/sydney/sydney_files/nsw011.php
Download your pass here:
http://www.kapowadvertising.com/members/sydney/sydney_files/nsw011.php
Friday, May 8, 2009
Fruits and vegetables yielding fewer nutrients
I think this has been "common knowledge" for awhile now and certainly there's been plenty of argument between the 'supplements' vs 'good diet' camps, but seems there's now evidence of the fact that our fruit 'n' veg ain't what it used to be:
Of the 13 major nutrients found in fruits and vegetables, six have declined substantially, according to a study by Donald Davis, a biochemist at the University of Texas at Austin.
Using data from the U.S. Dept of Agriculture, Davis claims the average vegetable found in today’s supermarket is anywhere from 5% to 40% lower in minerals than those harvested just 50 years ago. His research finds that recently grown crops have shown decreases of up to 38% in protein, magnesium, calcium, vitamin C, phosphorus, iron, zinc and riboflavin when compared with produce from past decades.
What accounts for this negative trend? Like any other competitive industry, farmers’ attempts to drive up profits have led them to use new techniques to increase production, Davis said. The faster-grown fruits don’t have as much time to develop the nutrients.
“Farmers get paid by the weight of a crop, not by amount of nutrients,” Davis said. He called this the “dilution effect”: As fruits and vegetables grown in the United States become larger and more plentiful, they provide fewer vitamins and minerals.
“It’s a simple inverse relationship: The higher the yield, the lower the nutrients,” he said. Today’s jumbo-sized produce contains more “dry matter” than anything else, which dilutes mineral concentrations. In other words, when it comes to growing food, less is more. Chemical fertilizers and pesticides may help speed the market-readiness of produce, but slower-growing crops have more time to absorb nutrients from both the sun and the soil.
“Lots of agricultural scientists don’t know about this, and the public doesn’t know about this,” he said. However, scientific papers have cited one of the first reports of this effect, a 1981 study by W.M. Jarrell and R.B. Beverly in Advances in Agronomy, more than 180 times since its publication, “suggesting that the effect is widely regarded as common knowledge.”
Davis does note that historical data can sometimes be misleading, if not altogether inaccurate. Take early measurements of iron in foods: because scientists failed to sufficiently remove clinging soil, iron levels appeared unusually high in certain vegetables like spinach. Then again, good historical data provides the only real-world evidence of changes in foods over time, and such data does exist — one farm in Hertfordshire, England, for example, has archived its wheat samples since 1843.
Modern monoculture farming practices have also led to soil-mineral depletion, which, in turn, affects the nutrient content of crops.
In addition, there is a “genetic dillution effect,” in which selective breeding to increase crop yield has led to declines in protein, minerals and amino acids.. Because nearly 90% of dry matter is carbohydrates, “when breeders select for high yield, they are, in effect, selecting mostly for high carbohydrate with no assurance that dozens of other nutrients and thousands of phytochemicals will all increase in proportion to yield.”
Wheat Also Being Examined
Davis is currently researching the dilution effect in 14 varieties of wheat. His findings already suggest that, once again, the larger the yield of wheat, the lower the nutrients.
Jeff Cronin, at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, said scientists and the USDA often overlook farming practices.
“Breeding plants to improve crop yield at the expense of all other things seems to be the problem, as well as depleting soil and not rotating crops properly,” he said.
While Davis is not pleased about the decreasing levels of nutrients in produce, he still encourages people to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
“Even though amounts of nutrients have declined, fruits and vegetables are still the richest source of protective nutrients, much better than eating highly refined foods such as white flour, sugars and fatty foods,” he said.
This research suggests that local community farming initiatives and backyard vegetable gardens using organic gardening methods may produce fruits and vegetables higher in nutrients while enriching the soil for future crop production.
Resource:
Written by Greg Seaman and posted on 1 May 2009 at
http://www.eartheasy.com/blog/2009/05/fruits-and-vegetables-yielding-fewer-nutrients-than-in-the-past/
Of the 13 major nutrients found in fruits and vegetables, six have declined substantially, according to a study by Donald Davis, a biochemist at the University of Texas at Austin.
Using data from the U.S. Dept of Agriculture, Davis claims the average vegetable found in today’s supermarket is anywhere from 5% to 40% lower in minerals than those harvested just 50 years ago. His research finds that recently grown crops have shown decreases of up to 38% in protein, magnesium, calcium, vitamin C, phosphorus, iron, zinc and riboflavin when compared with produce from past decades.
What accounts for this negative trend? Like any other competitive industry, farmers’ attempts to drive up profits have led them to use new techniques to increase production, Davis said. The faster-grown fruits don’t have as much time to develop the nutrients.
“Farmers get paid by the weight of a crop, not by amount of nutrients,” Davis said. He called this the “dilution effect”: As fruits and vegetables grown in the United States become larger and more plentiful, they provide fewer vitamins and minerals.
“It’s a simple inverse relationship: The higher the yield, the lower the nutrients,” he said. Today’s jumbo-sized produce contains more “dry matter” than anything else, which dilutes mineral concentrations. In other words, when it comes to growing food, less is more. Chemical fertilizers and pesticides may help speed the market-readiness of produce, but slower-growing crops have more time to absorb nutrients from both the sun and the soil.
“Lots of agricultural scientists don’t know about this, and the public doesn’t know about this,” he said. However, scientific papers have cited one of the first reports of this effect, a 1981 study by W.M. Jarrell and R.B. Beverly in Advances in Agronomy, more than 180 times since its publication, “suggesting that the effect is widely regarded as common knowledge.”
Davis does note that historical data can sometimes be misleading, if not altogether inaccurate. Take early measurements of iron in foods: because scientists failed to sufficiently remove clinging soil, iron levels appeared unusually high in certain vegetables like spinach. Then again, good historical data provides the only real-world evidence of changes in foods over time, and such data does exist — one farm in Hertfordshire, England, for example, has archived its wheat samples since 1843.
Modern monoculture farming practices have also led to soil-mineral depletion, which, in turn, affects the nutrient content of crops.
In addition, there is a “genetic dillution effect,” in which selective breeding to increase crop yield has led to declines in protein, minerals and amino acids.. Because nearly 90% of dry matter is carbohydrates, “when breeders select for high yield, they are, in effect, selecting mostly for high carbohydrate with no assurance that dozens of other nutrients and thousands of phytochemicals will all increase in proportion to yield.”
Wheat Also Being Examined
Davis is currently researching the dilution effect in 14 varieties of wheat. His findings already suggest that, once again, the larger the yield of wheat, the lower the nutrients.
Jeff Cronin, at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, said scientists and the USDA often overlook farming practices.
“Breeding plants to improve crop yield at the expense of all other things seems to be the problem, as well as depleting soil and not rotating crops properly,” he said.
While Davis is not pleased about the decreasing levels of nutrients in produce, he still encourages people to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
“Even though amounts of nutrients have declined, fruits and vegetables are still the richest source of protective nutrients, much better than eating highly refined foods such as white flour, sugars and fatty foods,” he said.
This research suggests that local community farming initiatives and backyard vegetable gardens using organic gardening methods may produce fruits and vegetables higher in nutrients while enriching the soil for future crop production.
Resource:
Written by Greg Seaman and posted on 1 May 2009 at
http://www.eartheasy.com/blog/2009/05/fruits-and-vegetables-yielding-fewer-nutrients-than-in-the-past/
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
The time to exercise
Yes, we all know that exercise is a necessary part of your good health regime, but when's the best time to exercise?
Well, one option is when it works for you eg before/after work etc. If you're a "first thing" exerciser I'd like to highlight some information for you to take into account when planning a routine.
The spine needs bed rest and bed rest reduces the applied (hydrostatic) load below the disc osmotic pressure, resulting in net inflow of fluid. This is how the disc receives nutrients and in fact your spine will "grow" during the usual eight hours of bed rest per day. Diurnal variation in the fluid level of the intervertebral (spine) discs changes the stresses on the disc: they are highly hydrated upon rising from bed. The annulus (core of disc) is subjected to much higher stresses during at this time and the end plates fail at lower compressive loads as well.
Discs will lose 90% of the fluid they generally lose over the course of the day within the first hour after rising from bed.
Thus, performing spine-bending maneuvers first thing in the morning is unwise and it is recommended to avoid full-range motion under load shortly after rising from bed eg. spine stretches, sit-ups, rowing.
Reference: "Ultimate Back Fitness and Performance" (3rd Edition) by Stuart McGill PhD, Professor of Spine Biomechanics, University of Waterloo, Canada. www.backfitpro.com
Well, one option is when it works for you eg before/after work etc. If you're a "first thing" exerciser I'd like to highlight some information for you to take into account when planning a routine.
The spine needs bed rest and bed rest reduces the applied (hydrostatic) load below the disc osmotic pressure, resulting in net inflow of fluid. This is how the disc receives nutrients and in fact your spine will "grow" during the usual eight hours of bed rest per day. Diurnal variation in the fluid level of the intervertebral (spine) discs changes the stresses on the disc: they are highly hydrated upon rising from bed. The annulus (core of disc) is subjected to much higher stresses during at this time and the end plates fail at lower compressive loads as well.
Discs will lose 90% of the fluid they generally lose over the course of the day within the first hour after rising from bed.
Thus, performing spine-bending maneuvers first thing in the morning is unwise and it is recommended to avoid full-range motion under load shortly after rising from bed eg. spine stretches, sit-ups, rowing.
Reference: "Ultimate Back Fitness and Performance" (3rd Edition) by Stuart McGill PhD, Professor of Spine Biomechanics, University of Waterloo, Canada. www.backfitpro.com
Friday, May 1, 2009
It's the flu .... it's the flu
DON'T PANIC - let's look at this rationally.
How many billions of people are there in the world? I know there's 20 millioin in Mexico City and between 7-180 cases of H1N1 Influenza A (aka Swine Flu) - do the math folks.
Ok, in the southern hemisphere flu season is upon us and it's best to take precautions (regardless of the strain of flu about), so as these types of infections are spread by human-to-human or human-to-hard surface contact, we should all try to reduce the risk of getting sick or infecting others.
* Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze (or wear a face mask).
* Throw away any used tissues into a garbage bin
* wash hands thoroughly and regularly, especially before you touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
* Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick.
* If you’re sick, stay at home and avoid close contact with young children and the elderly.
* eat healthy, fresh fruit and vege to support keep your body "fighting fit"
* if you are immuno-suppressed or work in public health get your flu vaccine soon
Are you looking for a safe healthy alternative for flu immunity?
Rather than hording the pharmaceutical treatments (Tamiflu etc) try the homeopathic option and get 'Flu Immunity' drops: either to support your system against the bugs or help recover from it.
Susceptibility to infections depends upon the status of the immune system. The goal of the treatment with homoeopathic preparations is to activate and support the endogenous defense mechanisms, ie to strengthen the body’s defense against infection.
Biotherapeutic treatments stimulate the body’s own immune system affecting the actual causes of the illness. This is done as a regulation therapy of the defence activity not as a suppression therapy = much kinder to your body.
Stay well!
How many billions of people are there in the world? I know there's 20 millioin in Mexico City and between 7-180 cases of H1N1 Influenza A (aka Swine Flu) - do the math folks.
Ok, in the southern hemisphere flu season is upon us and it's best to take precautions (regardless of the strain of flu about), so as these types of infections are spread by human-to-human or human-to-hard surface contact, we should all try to reduce the risk of getting sick or infecting others.
* Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze (or wear a face mask).
* Throw away any used tissues into a garbage bin
* wash hands thoroughly and regularly, especially before you touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
* Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick.
* If you’re sick, stay at home and avoid close contact with young children and the elderly.
* eat healthy, fresh fruit and vege to support keep your body "fighting fit"
* if you are immuno-suppressed or work in public health get your flu vaccine soon
Are you looking for a safe healthy alternative for flu immunity?
Rather than hording the pharmaceutical treatments (Tamiflu etc) try the homeopathic option and get 'Flu Immunity' drops: either to support your system against the bugs or help recover from it.
Susceptibility to infections depends upon the status of the immune system. The goal of the treatment with homoeopathic preparations is to activate and support the endogenous defense mechanisms, ie to strengthen the body’s defense against infection.
Biotherapeutic treatments stimulate the body’s own immune system affecting the actual causes of the illness. This is done as a regulation therapy of the defence activity not as a suppression therapy = much kinder to your body.
Stay well!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Halitosis
Julie-Anne Atkinson, naturopath, outlines some basic Q&A on the triggers and treatments for bad breath.
Q. What are some of the main causes of bad breath?
A. The thing to look at first is oral hygiene. You really need to ensure your teeth are properly cleaned and that the tongue is brushed – there are special scrapers you can buy for this. Often the tongue is a trap for bacteria. Flossing will remove any food debris trapped between the teeth. Meat, for instance, can be trapped between the teeth and ferment.
Cigarette smoking and alcohol can also trigger bad breath – particularly when large amounts of alcohol are consumed the night before.
Q. How can bad breath best be addressed?
A. It’s about maintaining good digestive health and a good level of bacteria in the gut and bowel. We would see benefits in replacing good gut bacteria through the use of a (live) probiotic supplement. This can often remedy bad breath.
The problem can also be tied in with bowel function. In other words, you may not be eliminating waste properly and your breath may be affected. To address constipation you should increase the amount of water you drink, increase your fibre intake, and of course, use a (live) probiotic supplement. Bitter lettuce greens can also be of help to your digestive system.
You can also have a non-invasive kinesiology check on your gut to see if it's a nutritional upset (intolerance to food) or parasite or other bacteria and treat it with homeopathics or natural tonics.
Q. When is bad breath symptomatic of other health conditions?
A. Often, in cases when cleaning the teeth might only mask bad breath for several minutes. In looking for underlying disease states, we examine digestion and check for infection. Sinusitis can also be a reason behind bad breath due to the build up of mucus. Gum disease also ties in with oral hygiene. A regular check up & clean with your dentist can catch dental issues early.
Q. What are some great tips for people wishing to keep their breath at its best? A. Doing a detox is a really good idea because you're addressing elimination via a range of different routes – your digestive system including the bowel, liver, and skin. Exercise is fantastic, too. Smoking can cause more mucus production, and this mucus can become stagnant, so giving up can assist in preventing bad breath. And chewing parsley mixed with lemon juice can also be helpful (yeah for Tabouli!).
Q. How do you know if you have bad breath?
Bright idea: the Australian Breath Clinic has developed a machine called the Halimeter which uses a gas sensor capable of detecting parts-per-billion quantities of several gases known to cause bad breath. .... or you could just ask a (good) friend to tell you the truth!
First published on 20/4/09 at:
http://www.blackmores.com.au/News/Detail.aspx?ArticleId=9123
Q. What are some of the main causes of bad breath?
A. The thing to look at first is oral hygiene. You really need to ensure your teeth are properly cleaned and that the tongue is brushed – there are special scrapers you can buy for this. Often the tongue is a trap for bacteria. Flossing will remove any food debris trapped between the teeth. Meat, for instance, can be trapped between the teeth and ferment.
Cigarette smoking and alcohol can also trigger bad breath – particularly when large amounts of alcohol are consumed the night before.
Q. How can bad breath best be addressed?
A. It’s about maintaining good digestive health and a good level of bacteria in the gut and bowel. We would see benefits in replacing good gut bacteria through the use of a (live) probiotic supplement. This can often remedy bad breath.
The problem can also be tied in with bowel function. In other words, you may not be eliminating waste properly and your breath may be affected. To address constipation you should increase the amount of water you drink, increase your fibre intake, and of course, use a (live) probiotic supplement. Bitter lettuce greens can also be of help to your digestive system.
You can also have a non-invasive kinesiology check on your gut to see if it's a nutritional upset (intolerance to food) or parasite or other bacteria and treat it with homeopathics or natural tonics.
Q. When is bad breath symptomatic of other health conditions?
A. Often, in cases when cleaning the teeth might only mask bad breath for several minutes. In looking for underlying disease states, we examine digestion and check for infection. Sinusitis can also be a reason behind bad breath due to the build up of mucus. Gum disease also ties in with oral hygiene. A regular check up & clean with your dentist can catch dental issues early.
Q. What are some great tips for people wishing to keep their breath at its best? A. Doing a detox is a really good idea because you're addressing elimination via a range of different routes – your digestive system including the bowel, liver, and skin. Exercise is fantastic, too. Smoking can cause more mucus production, and this mucus can become stagnant, so giving up can assist in preventing bad breath. And chewing parsley mixed with lemon juice can also be helpful (yeah for Tabouli!).
Q. How do you know if you have bad breath?
Bright idea: the Australian Breath Clinic has developed a machine called the Halimeter which uses a gas sensor capable of detecting parts-per-billion quantities of several gases known to cause bad breath. .... or you could just ask a (good) friend to tell you the truth!
First published on 20/4/09 at:
http://www.blackmores.com.au/News/Detail.aspx?ArticleId=9123
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Eating healthy on a shoe-string
Get smart about saving money, while also making your health feel the love. Here are some tips:
1. Don’t go shopping on an empty belly
Hunger pangs can stir impulsive shopping. Have a healthy meal or snack before you hit the aisles, so you stick to what you need, rather than what your tastebuds dictate there and then. Also, take a list so you don't over-stock or miss essential purchases.
2. Be reward-program savvy
Take advantage of shopping incentives. Your local supermarket may offer a frequent shopper program, and even give you advance notice of specials. For example your local supermarket may have an ‘e-community’ which you can subscribe to online and receive ‘member offers’. Keep an eye on local newspapers, too – these often feature flyers for specials.
3. Keep a price journal
Take note of prices on items you buy regularly so you can better gauge when they’re on sale. With easily stored things such as canned foods and toothpaste, this approach can help you bulk buy when the price is right!
4. Stay seasonal
In-season produce is thought by some to better retain its nutritional value. It also has to travel less distance, meaning it’s typically cheaper.
The Victorian Government’s online health initiative, Better Health, and Tassie's "East Well" has great info on what’s in season etc. Better Health also lets you select fruit and veg, then click through to a recipe incorporating those ingredients. (links below)
5. Visit farmers’ markets
Most cities and towns host farmers’ markets. Because it often comes from local growers, this produce may be a little cheaper and a lot fresher than in supermarkets. Farmers markets may also be a good source of less-expensive organic produce. Also developing a relationship with vendors can help you stay abreast of what’s in season, when. (link below)
6. Berries below freezing
As well as being a great source of essential nutrients, berries amp up your antioxidant levels. That said, they can be pretty pricey. Save your coin by buying several berry punnets on special and freezing them. Alternately, buy bulk berries from the frozen food section – these are delicious blended with milk, honey, low-fat yoghurt and LSA mix (linseed, sunflower seeds, almonds) for a healthy morning smoothie.
7. What’s the plan, Stan?
Keeping a weekly meal plan may save you from over-stocking your fridge and cupboards with items that ‘smile at you from the supermarket shelve’, but don’t neatly complement a meal you’ll make any time soon. This approach is also a good way of ensuring you weave variety into your meals.
8. Mind the expiry date
Pay concerted attention to the expiry dates when shopping so you’re not buying something you can’t use within time – sounds obvious, but a lot of food (and cash) is needlessly wasted this way. Also buy fresh veg frequently, rather than during your "big" shop - this helps you get the freshest available.
9. Check check, one two…
Is your docket correct? Double-check it to make sure nothing has been accidentally scanned twice. This especially applies at restaurants when treating yourself to an "eat out" night.
10. Lean and bean
Lentils, chickpeas and other pulses are a top way to make meals go further for less. Add lentils to rice, or toss a cup of chickpeas through your favourite salad. Their canned varieties keep for a long time, they are low-GI, a good source of protein and give you sustained energy.
Author: Jennifer Pinkerton
First published 05/03/09 at
www.blackmores.com.au/News/Detail.aspx?ArticleId=9485
Better Health: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcrecipes.nsf/InSeasonView/InSeason?OpenDocument
EatWell: http://www.eatwelltas.org.au/seasonpage.php
Australian Farmers’ Market Association: www.farmersmarkets.org.au
1. Don’t go shopping on an empty belly
Hunger pangs can stir impulsive shopping. Have a healthy meal or snack before you hit the aisles, so you stick to what you need, rather than what your tastebuds dictate there and then. Also, take a list so you don't over-stock or miss essential purchases.
2. Be reward-program savvy
Take advantage of shopping incentives. Your local supermarket may offer a frequent shopper program, and even give you advance notice of specials. For example your local supermarket may have an ‘e-community’ which you can subscribe to online and receive ‘member offers’. Keep an eye on local newspapers, too – these often feature flyers for specials.
3. Keep a price journal
Take note of prices on items you buy regularly so you can better gauge when they’re on sale. With easily stored things such as canned foods and toothpaste, this approach can help you bulk buy when the price is right!
4. Stay seasonal
In-season produce is thought by some to better retain its nutritional value. It also has to travel less distance, meaning it’s typically cheaper.
The Victorian Government’s online health initiative, Better Health, and Tassie's "East Well" has great info on what’s in season etc. Better Health also lets you select fruit and veg, then click through to a recipe incorporating those ingredients. (links below)
5. Visit farmers’ markets
Most cities and towns host farmers’ markets. Because it often comes from local growers, this produce may be a little cheaper and a lot fresher than in supermarkets. Farmers markets may also be a good source of less-expensive organic produce. Also developing a relationship with vendors can help you stay abreast of what’s in season, when. (link below)
6. Berries below freezing
As well as being a great source of essential nutrients, berries amp up your antioxidant levels. That said, they can be pretty pricey. Save your coin by buying several berry punnets on special and freezing them. Alternately, buy bulk berries from the frozen food section – these are delicious blended with milk, honey, low-fat yoghurt and LSA mix (linseed, sunflower seeds, almonds) for a healthy morning smoothie.
7. What’s the plan, Stan?
Keeping a weekly meal plan may save you from over-stocking your fridge and cupboards with items that ‘smile at you from the supermarket shelve’, but don’t neatly complement a meal you’ll make any time soon. This approach is also a good way of ensuring you weave variety into your meals.
8. Mind the expiry date
Pay concerted attention to the expiry dates when shopping so you’re not buying something you can’t use within time – sounds obvious, but a lot of food (and cash) is needlessly wasted this way. Also buy fresh veg frequently, rather than during your "big" shop - this helps you get the freshest available.
9. Check check, one two…
Is your docket correct? Double-check it to make sure nothing has been accidentally scanned twice. This especially applies at restaurants when treating yourself to an "eat out" night.
10. Lean and bean
Lentils, chickpeas and other pulses are a top way to make meals go further for less. Add lentils to rice, or toss a cup of chickpeas through your favourite salad. Their canned varieties keep for a long time, they are low-GI, a good source of protein and give you sustained energy.
Author: Jennifer Pinkerton
First published 05/03/09 at
www.blackmores.com.au/News/Detail.aspx?ArticleId=9485
Better Health: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcrecipes.nsf/InSeasonView/InSeason?OpenDocument
EatWell: http://www.eatwelltas.org.au/seasonpage.php
Australian Farmers’ Market Association: www.farmersmarkets.org.au
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Happiness ...
"What is happiness?
The feeling that power is growing, that resistance is overcome.” So wrote Friedrich Nietzsche in 1895.
I’m guessing that many would feel uncomfortable embracing this definition of happiness, maybe in part it’s because we’ve nodded in agreement with Lord Acton’s catchy caveat, “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” And who would want to risk corruption?
But what if we were to dig to the root, Latin meaning of power, “to be able”? Suddenly the word’s hard edge dissolves; power simply means efficacy — our capacity, as philosopher Erich Fromm put it, to “make a dent.”
Over the last decade the happiness quest has spawned bestselling books, courses, retreats, and even a “happiness conference.” Most seem to offer similar advice: Once our basic physical needs are covered, more stuff does little to boost our happiness. Friendships, family, self-acceptance, and meaning in our lives are the core determinants of our happiness.
I’m happy we’re talking about happiness, but disturbed, too, because I’ve noticed that most happiness gurus fail to mention power. And why is that a big mistake? Because most human beings are not couch potatoes and whiners. We are doers and creators. In fact, the human need to “make a dent” is so great that Fromm argued we should toss out René Descartes’ “I think therefore I am” and replace it with “I am, because I effect.”
Even much of what we call “materialism” is, I think, not about “things” at all. It is a distorted, ultimately unsatisfying attempt to feel powerful, with status through possessions forced to stand in for power (retail therapy). If true, then addressing powerlessness is a direct way both to foster happiness and to overcome planet-destroying materialism.
... addressing powerlessness is a direct way both to foster happiness and to overcome planet-destroying materialism.
There’s just one pathway to happiness in which this deep, human need for power is given pride of place: democracy. By this I mean democracy as a living practice that enables us to have a real say in every dimension of our public lives, from school to workplace and beyond.
Standing on a railroad platform in rural India with desperately poor people lying only a few steps away on grimy concrete, I turned to Jafri, a young Indian researcher traveling with us — he was helping some of his country’s poorest farmers escape the debt-and-toxins trap of chemical agriculture—and I asked: “How do you keep going?”
“I have to feel I am doing something to address the roots of suffering,” he replied, “or I couldn’t be happy.”
Including power in our definition of happiness changes everything.
But, if we add power to the happiness equation, our agenda shifts.
If happiness lies in covering basic needs plus satisfying personal ties and finding meaning, society’s role is limited. It need only ensure that essential needs are met and provide opportunities to pursue personal relationships and meaning. Even a largely totalitarian government could do that.
But, if we add power to the happiness equation, our agenda shifts. Maximizing happiness then requires engaging citizens in changing the rules and norms so that more and more of us are empowered participants. And, of course, joining with others in this exhilarating pursuit we achieve a double whammy: Such activity furthers the widely appreciated relational and meaning aspects of the happiness puzzle.
If we have treated freedom and happiness as virtually synonymous, my point is a really old one. We might do well to replace the maxims of Acton and even Nietzsche with one uttered by Roman statesman Marcus Tullius Cicero 2000 years ago:
“Freedom is participation in power.”
Resource:
Author Frances Moore Lappé wrote this article as part of Sustainable Happiness, the Winter 2009 issue of YES! Magazine, where she is Contributing Editor.
The feeling that power is growing, that resistance is overcome.” So wrote Friedrich Nietzsche in 1895.
I’m guessing that many would feel uncomfortable embracing this definition of happiness, maybe in part it’s because we’ve nodded in agreement with Lord Acton’s catchy caveat, “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” And who would want to risk corruption?
But what if we were to dig to the root, Latin meaning of power, “to be able”? Suddenly the word’s hard edge dissolves; power simply means efficacy — our capacity, as philosopher Erich Fromm put it, to “make a dent.”
Over the last decade the happiness quest has spawned bestselling books, courses, retreats, and even a “happiness conference.” Most seem to offer similar advice: Once our basic physical needs are covered, more stuff does little to boost our happiness. Friendships, family, self-acceptance, and meaning in our lives are the core determinants of our happiness.
I’m happy we’re talking about happiness, but disturbed, too, because I’ve noticed that most happiness gurus fail to mention power. And why is that a big mistake? Because most human beings are not couch potatoes and whiners. We are doers and creators. In fact, the human need to “make a dent” is so great that Fromm argued we should toss out René Descartes’ “I think therefore I am” and replace it with “I am, because I effect.”
Even much of what we call “materialism” is, I think, not about “things” at all. It is a distorted, ultimately unsatisfying attempt to feel powerful, with status through possessions forced to stand in for power (retail therapy). If true, then addressing powerlessness is a direct way both to foster happiness and to overcome planet-destroying materialism.
... addressing powerlessness is a direct way both to foster happiness and to overcome planet-destroying materialism.
There’s just one pathway to happiness in which this deep, human need for power is given pride of place: democracy. By this I mean democracy as a living practice that enables us to have a real say in every dimension of our public lives, from school to workplace and beyond.
Standing on a railroad platform in rural India with desperately poor people lying only a few steps away on grimy concrete, I turned to Jafri, a young Indian researcher traveling with us — he was helping some of his country’s poorest farmers escape the debt-and-toxins trap of chemical agriculture—and I asked: “How do you keep going?”
“I have to feel I am doing something to address the roots of suffering,” he replied, “or I couldn’t be happy.”
Including power in our definition of happiness changes everything.
But, if we add power to the happiness equation, our agenda shifts.
If happiness lies in covering basic needs plus satisfying personal ties and finding meaning, society’s role is limited. It need only ensure that essential needs are met and provide opportunities to pursue personal relationships and meaning. Even a largely totalitarian government could do that.
But, if we add power to the happiness equation, our agenda shifts. Maximizing happiness then requires engaging citizens in changing the rules and norms so that more and more of us are empowered participants. And, of course, joining with others in this exhilarating pursuit we achieve a double whammy: Such activity furthers the widely appreciated relational and meaning aspects of the happiness puzzle.
If we have treated freedom and happiness as virtually synonymous, my point is a really old one. We might do well to replace the maxims of Acton and even Nietzsche with one uttered by Roman statesman Marcus Tullius Cicero 2000 years ago:
“Freedom is participation in power.”
Resource:
Author Frances Moore Lappé wrote this article as part of Sustainable Happiness, the Winter 2009 issue of YES! Magazine, where she is Contributing Editor.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Don't let yourself be dragged down by the economic meltdown
We are bludgeoned every day by the numbers: stock market declines, plummeting home values, swelling ranks of the unemployed, shrinking retirement portfolios (and the list goes on).
This is the essence of stress: Circumstances that intimately affect us but over which we seemingly have no control. But, there are some things that we can do -
We are not hopeless victims. We are not corks bobbing on an endless sea. So don't mortgage your serenity over these economic events, nor squander your peace of mind.
Know where the money goes.
Using just one credit card offers easy handling of expenses. (pay off the charges each month so there's no interest.) At the end of the month, review the statement and ask if we made good choices: "Did we really need that extra dinner out?" "Did I really need a new suit?". Apply what you learn.
Have a clear and realistic picture of income.
What happens if that hot horse does not win? What happens if the "can't miss stock" does not produce a big dividend? If we work on commission or have a cyclical income, what is the minimum average that we can honestly expect?
Be vigilant about cyber thieves.
With the increasing sophistication of would-be thieves and the amount of personal financial data accessible online, take precautions and proper safeguards are in place.
Keep tabs on all accounts.
Check regularly that there are no glaring inconsistencies, not just when the statement arrives.
Have an exit strategy.
Have a plan B. If I lose my regular income, how will I take care of myself and my family? It is far better to address these contingencies during the light and warmth of the day rather than in the darkness of the 11th hour.
Protect your ability to earn.
The most powerful equity we have is our ability to work/earn. Ill health affects both your productivity (value) and capacity to work. So take best care of yourself — by exercising, getting enough rest, watching your weight, fixing 'niggles' before they become pain or, worse, incapacitating.
Yes, we need to take care of our financial health and not hand over the reigns to some expert. We need to be proactive; we need to be preemptive.
We also need to safeguard our physical and mental health. We need to protect and invest in our greatest assets — ourselves.
Author: Edward T. Creagan, M.D
First posted on February 13, 2009 at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress-blog/MY00562
This is the essence of stress: Circumstances that intimately affect us but over which we seemingly have no control. But, there are some things that we can do -
We are not hopeless victims. We are not corks bobbing on an endless sea. So don't mortgage your serenity over these economic events, nor squander your peace of mind.
Know where the money goes.
Using just one credit card offers easy handling of expenses. (pay off the charges each month so there's no interest.) At the end of the month, review the statement and ask if we made good choices: "Did we really need that extra dinner out?" "Did I really need a new suit?". Apply what you learn.
Have a clear and realistic picture of income.
What happens if that hot horse does not win? What happens if the "can't miss stock" does not produce a big dividend? If we work on commission or have a cyclical income, what is the minimum average that we can honestly expect?
Be vigilant about cyber thieves.
With the increasing sophistication of would-be thieves and the amount of personal financial data accessible online, take precautions and proper safeguards are in place.
Keep tabs on all accounts.
Check regularly that there are no glaring inconsistencies, not just when the statement arrives.
Have an exit strategy.
Have a plan B. If I lose my regular income, how will I take care of myself and my family? It is far better to address these contingencies during the light and warmth of the day rather than in the darkness of the 11th hour.
Protect your ability to earn.
The most powerful equity we have is our ability to work/earn. Ill health affects both your productivity (value) and capacity to work. So take best care of yourself — by exercising, getting enough rest, watching your weight, fixing 'niggles' before they become pain or, worse, incapacitating.
Yes, we need to take care of our financial health and not hand over the reigns to some expert. We need to be proactive; we need to be preemptive.
We also need to safeguard our physical and mental health. We need to protect and invest in our greatest assets — ourselves.
Author: Edward T. Creagan, M.D
First posted on February 13, 2009 at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress-blog/MY00562
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Anxiety
Anxiety isn't necessarily a problem, it is a primitive protective mechanism after all. However when it becomes persistent and interferes with daily life, it's called an anxiety disorder and it can affect about one in 20 people!
Anxiety: It's a feeling of dread or apprehension accompanied by a tightness in the chest and physical symptoms like sweating, trembling and rapid heartbeat. It's often caused by some change in our lives over which we feel we have no control. It might be a new date, an exam or a work performance review... or it could be something more serious like ill health.
Sometimes simply the passage of time helps but for others the anxiety persists and becomes much greater – even overwhelming – and quite out of proportion to the situation. It can make normal, daily activities difficult or impossible. This is when anxiety becomes a disorder.
One of the intriguing aspects of the problem is that there can be large variations in individuals' responses to stressful events. Some people survive a traumatic event without getting any anxiety, while others are almost incapacitated by seemingly trivial events. There's no one cause, however researchers have identified the following risk factors -
Genetic predisposition
Anxiety disorders tend to run in families
Personal characteristics
Researchers believe that people who have low self-esteem and poor coping skills may be prone to anxiety disorders
Biochemistry
It's theorised that some people who are prone to anxiety may have too many or too few neurotransmitters in the brain, however this is poorly understood.
There are several different manifestations of anxiety disorders including
* Generalised Anxiety Disorder - fears and apprehension about minor things;
* Phobias - a fear of specific situations eg heights, closed spaces, water, dogs, snakes or spiders;
* Agoraphobia - This is a fear of public places, especially crowds;
* OCD - constant unwanted thoughts 'controlled' by performing elaborate rituals like washing hands or checking things over and over;
* PTSD - frightening thoughts and memories following a traumatic event.
Treatment
Many people consider anxiety disorders are not 'real' health problems or that they are best dealt with by 'soldiering on'. Only about a third of people with anxiety disorders seek treatment. Fortunately, there are a range of effective treatments available. Some work well for some types of anxiety disorders and not for others.
Sometimes more than one therapy is needed. The treatment is most successful if it's tailored to the individual and, for the majority of anxiety disorders, psychological techniques offer the most successful forms of treatment.
The main types of psychological treatment are relaxation techniques, structured problem solving, graded exposure, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and EMDR.
Drugs are not as effective as psychological treatments. They do reduce anxiety, but only while being taken - when the medication is stopped, the symptoms return - and drugs can impair performance and cause dependence.
What help? Of course you can have treatment as a private patient. However currently in Australia psychological services can attract a partial rebate from Medicare. You will need a referral from your GP for this - usually for five treatments followed by a review with your GP.
Want more information? http://www.mentalhealth.asn.au/ada/
Resource: ABC Health & Wellbeing; Published 07/06/2005, Author Peter Lavelle
http://www.abc.net.au/health/library/stories/2005/06/07/1828950.htm
Anxiety: It's a feeling of dread or apprehension accompanied by a tightness in the chest and physical symptoms like sweating, trembling and rapid heartbeat. It's often caused by some change in our lives over which we feel we have no control. It might be a new date, an exam or a work performance review... or it could be something more serious like ill health.
Sometimes simply the passage of time helps but for others the anxiety persists and becomes much greater – even overwhelming – and quite out of proportion to the situation. It can make normal, daily activities difficult or impossible. This is when anxiety becomes a disorder.
One of the intriguing aspects of the problem is that there can be large variations in individuals' responses to stressful events. Some people survive a traumatic event without getting any anxiety, while others are almost incapacitated by seemingly trivial events. There's no one cause, however researchers have identified the following risk factors -
Genetic predisposition
Anxiety disorders tend to run in families
Personal characteristics
Researchers believe that people who have low self-esteem and poor coping skills may be prone to anxiety disorders
Biochemistry
It's theorised that some people who are prone to anxiety may have too many or too few neurotransmitters in the brain, however this is poorly understood.
There are several different manifestations of anxiety disorders including
* Generalised Anxiety Disorder - fears and apprehension about minor things;
* Phobias - a fear of specific situations eg heights, closed spaces, water, dogs, snakes or spiders;
* Agoraphobia - This is a fear of public places, especially crowds;
* OCD - constant unwanted thoughts 'controlled' by performing elaborate rituals like washing hands or checking things over and over;
* PTSD - frightening thoughts and memories following a traumatic event.
Treatment
Many people consider anxiety disorders are not 'real' health problems or that they are best dealt with by 'soldiering on'. Only about a third of people with anxiety disorders seek treatment. Fortunately, there are a range of effective treatments available. Some work well for some types of anxiety disorders and not for others.
Sometimes more than one therapy is needed. The treatment is most successful if it's tailored to the individual and, for the majority of anxiety disorders, psychological techniques offer the most successful forms of treatment.
The main types of psychological treatment are relaxation techniques, structured problem solving, graded exposure, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and EMDR.
Drugs are not as effective as psychological treatments. They do reduce anxiety, but only while being taken - when the medication is stopped, the symptoms return - and drugs can impair performance and cause dependence.
What help? Of course you can have treatment as a private patient. However currently in Australia psychological services can attract a partial rebate from Medicare. You will need a referral from your GP for this - usually for five treatments followed by a review with your GP.
Want more information? http://www.mentalhealth.asn.au/ada/
Resource: ABC Health & Wellbeing; Published 07/06/2005, Author Peter Lavelle
http://www.abc.net.au/health/library/stories/2005/06/07/1828950.htm
Friday, February 13, 2009
The Age of Aquarius ... the beginning?
“When the moon is in the seventh house
And Jupiter aligns with Mars
Then peace will guide the planets
And love will steer the stars.
This is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius…”
So goes the song in the musical “Hair”.
Tomorrow (14 Feb 09), the Moon is in the 'seventh house' and Jupiter aligns with Mars!
Just a bit of hippie, new age nonsense? Or should it be taken seriously as a visionary prophecy? Let’s take a look at the significance of astrology in events of spiritual importance.
Western astrological thought indicates that we have just gone out of the Piscean Age and entered the Aquarian Age. Each Cosmic Age lasts about 2,000 years and has its own atmosphere and world view due to the influence of the prevailing zodiac sign on all of the planets during their transit, as well as their configurations and the relationships between them.
Dan Costian (PhD), author of “Bible Enlightened”, relates how in each Cosmic Age a new avatar or incarnation of the Divine took birth on the earth in human form in order to reveal another aspect of spirituality to human beings. In the Age of Gemini (c6000 – c4000BC) this divine incarnation was Rama, in the Age of Taurus (c4000 – c2000BC) it was Krishna, and in the Age of Aries (c2000 – 1BC) it was Abraham, Moses, Zarathustra, Confucius, Lao-Tse and Socrates. In essence, the planets ‘set the scene’ by providing the atmosphere or mood of the time to harmonise with and to reflect the message of the incarnation of the divine of that Age.
The Age of Pisces extended from about 1AD to about the year 2000. The avatar or incarnation of the divine in this Age was Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The early Christians used the symbol of the fish, the sign of Pisces, in order to recognise each other. The birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem had been foretold by the prophets and was heralded by a star in the East, which guided the Three Wise Men to the baby in the stable.
So what can we expect the Age of Aquarius to be like? Eccentricity, originality, independent thought, love of innovation and contempt for tradition are all strong traits of Aquarius so we can expect that there will be a shake up of the old order and a questioning of all ideas about society, religion and relationships. This will lead to a search for new ways of being. Under the influence of Aquarius people will not accept what others tell them and like to learn through their own experimentation and experience.
Aquarius encourages the progress of humanitarian and social causes so the Aquarian Age is one where pure love and altruism prevail. People work selflessly for the good of the whole, without exploiting or manipulating others.
Unity and integration are themes of the Aquarian Age. We can look forward to a truly multicultural world where individual differences are valued and respected while at the same time we are able to work co-operatively for the good of everyone. The sign opposite Aquarius is Leo which has an ennobling and enriching influence
Originality and innovation are qualities of Aquarius so we can expect inventiveness and creativity in all spheres of life.
The truth is another important aspect of Aquarius. All falseness and corruption should disappear. The appearance or exterior will be less important while the essence will be of utmost importance.
We can look forward to an end to ‘blind faith’ in religion and to a time when the mystical knowledge that has been hidden and kept secret will be revealed.
And on 16 September 1983 in the USA Shri Mataji said:
“Now very interesting it is to see that this Kundalini is the one which is called as the Kumbha – in Sanskrit language, means the Aquarius. We call it Aquarius, as one of the signs, and is the same as Kumbha in Sanskrit language. So it is the Age of Aquarius, is the Age of the Kundalini. Secondly is the Age of the Kundalini which will nourish, which is the Mother within you, which will rise, will give you the completeness of it, and which will connect you with your Spirit which ultimately gives you the enlightenment by which you become collectively conscious.”
Returning to the song ‘Age of Aquarius’
“Harmony and understanding
Sympathy and trust abounding
No more falsehoods or derisions
Golden living dreams of visions
Mystic crystal revelation
And the mind’s true liberation
Aquarius
Aquarius”
It would seem that these lyrics written by James Rado and Gerome Ragni in 1967 for ‘Hair’ were in fact prophetic and have proved to be good predictors of what was, and is still, to come.
Resource: originally posted by Kay Alford from Lyneham (Canberra) on 14/05/2008 at
http://www.theword.ezyzine.com/ThreadView.aspx?tid=4444
And Jupiter aligns with Mars
Then peace will guide the planets
And love will steer the stars.
This is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius…”
So goes the song in the musical “Hair”.
Tomorrow (14 Feb 09), the Moon is in the 'seventh house' and Jupiter aligns with Mars!
Just a bit of hippie, new age nonsense? Or should it be taken seriously as a visionary prophecy? Let’s take a look at the significance of astrology in events of spiritual importance.
Western astrological thought indicates that we have just gone out of the Piscean Age and entered the Aquarian Age. Each Cosmic Age lasts about 2,000 years and has its own atmosphere and world view due to the influence of the prevailing zodiac sign on all of the planets during their transit, as well as their configurations and the relationships between them.
Dan Costian (PhD), author of “Bible Enlightened”, relates how in each Cosmic Age a new avatar or incarnation of the Divine took birth on the earth in human form in order to reveal another aspect of spirituality to human beings. In the Age of Gemini (c6000 – c4000BC) this divine incarnation was Rama, in the Age of Taurus (c4000 – c2000BC) it was Krishna, and in the Age of Aries (c2000 – 1BC) it was Abraham, Moses, Zarathustra, Confucius, Lao-Tse and Socrates. In essence, the planets ‘set the scene’ by providing the atmosphere or mood of the time to harmonise with and to reflect the message of the incarnation of the divine of that Age.
The Age of Pisces extended from about 1AD to about the year 2000. The avatar or incarnation of the divine in this Age was Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The early Christians used the symbol of the fish, the sign of Pisces, in order to recognise each other. The birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem had been foretold by the prophets and was heralded by a star in the East, which guided the Three Wise Men to the baby in the stable.
So what can we expect the Age of Aquarius to be like? Eccentricity, originality, independent thought, love of innovation and contempt for tradition are all strong traits of Aquarius so we can expect that there will be a shake up of the old order and a questioning of all ideas about society, religion and relationships. This will lead to a search for new ways of being. Under the influence of Aquarius people will not accept what others tell them and like to learn through their own experimentation and experience.
Aquarius encourages the progress of humanitarian and social causes so the Aquarian Age is one where pure love and altruism prevail. People work selflessly for the good of the whole, without exploiting or manipulating others.
Unity and integration are themes of the Aquarian Age. We can look forward to a truly multicultural world where individual differences are valued and respected while at the same time we are able to work co-operatively for the good of everyone. The sign opposite Aquarius is Leo which has an ennobling and enriching influence
Originality and innovation are qualities of Aquarius so we can expect inventiveness and creativity in all spheres of life.
The truth is another important aspect of Aquarius. All falseness and corruption should disappear. The appearance or exterior will be less important while the essence will be of utmost importance.
We can look forward to an end to ‘blind faith’ in religion and to a time when the mystical knowledge that has been hidden and kept secret will be revealed.
And on 16 September 1983 in the USA Shri Mataji said:
“Now very interesting it is to see that this Kundalini is the one which is called as the Kumbha – in Sanskrit language, means the Aquarius. We call it Aquarius, as one of the signs, and is the same as Kumbha in Sanskrit language. So it is the Age of Aquarius, is the Age of the Kundalini. Secondly is the Age of the Kundalini which will nourish, which is the Mother within you, which will rise, will give you the completeness of it, and which will connect you with your Spirit which ultimately gives you the enlightenment by which you become collectively conscious.”
Returning to the song ‘Age of Aquarius’
“Harmony and understanding
Sympathy and trust abounding
No more falsehoods or derisions
Golden living dreams of visions
Mystic crystal revelation
And the mind’s true liberation
Aquarius
Aquarius”
It would seem that these lyrics written by James Rado and Gerome Ragni in 1967 for ‘Hair’ were in fact prophetic and have proved to be good predictors of what was, and is still, to come.
Resource: originally posted by Kay Alford from Lyneham (Canberra) on 14/05/2008 at
http://www.theword.ezyzine.com/ThreadView.aspx?tid=4444
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Is It Safe To Order From Overseas Pharmacies?
A growing number of consumers are engaging in the potentially risky practice of purchasing medications and supplements from unregulated websites that ship from foreign countries.
The (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cautions about this practice, especially about ordering prescription drugs without a valid prescription. Many drugs that are available from overseas pharmacies should be monitored by a health professional for effectiveness and for potential adverse events, FDA officials have said.
There are several different types of internet pharmacy portals, and some of them do follow safe medication practices. In the best-case scenario, a valid, legal prescription from a licensed prescriber is transmitted to the internet pharmacy, which then fills the prescription and mails it to the patient.
In countries that do require valid prescriptions, physicians may approve the orders without knowing anything about you (the patient). In this case, you don't know anything about the physician's qualifications either.
In contrast, legitimate prescriptions may be transmitted to pharmacies overseas yet may be filled with counterfeit, expired drugs, illegally diverted, or adulterated drugs. Even worse, you can order prescription medications online without first acquiring a legitimate prescription, as this gives access to potentially toxic or addictive medications without the oversight of a healthcare provider.
The dangers of bypassing a licensed prescriber and obtaining medications overseas are myriad. Perhaps the most troubling is the lack of a valid prescription, because you may be self-diagnosing and self-treating. Purchased medications may be addictive, be potentially toxic, or require special monitoring. There is often no assurance that the dosage is correct, nor is there screening for drug-drug or drug-disease interactions.
Additionally, some overseas internet sites sell drugs that have not (for very good reasons) been locally approved. Other concerns about drugs obtained overseas include inadequate or inaccurate labeling, inappropriate packaging and questionable storage and handling.
Online pharmacies are subject only to the laws and regulations of the countries where they are based. For example, in Canada and Australia, a valid prescription must be supplied before the medication is dispensed. However, in Mexico, many prescription drugs are sold over the counter and can be ordered over the Internet without a prescription.
So - Stay safe: consult your health professional and buy local.
Resource: Darrell T. Hulisz, RPh, PharmD
Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, University Hospitals, Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio.
Posted on 1/2/09 on
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/585137?src=mp&spon=17&uac=82196DX
The (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cautions about this practice, especially about ordering prescription drugs without a valid prescription. Many drugs that are available from overseas pharmacies should be monitored by a health professional for effectiveness and for potential adverse events, FDA officials have said.
There are several different types of internet pharmacy portals, and some of them do follow safe medication practices. In the best-case scenario, a valid, legal prescription from a licensed prescriber is transmitted to the internet pharmacy, which then fills the prescription and mails it to the patient.
In countries that do require valid prescriptions, physicians may approve the orders without knowing anything about you (the patient). In this case, you don't know anything about the physician's qualifications either.
In contrast, legitimate prescriptions may be transmitted to pharmacies overseas yet may be filled with counterfeit, expired drugs, illegally diverted, or adulterated drugs. Even worse, you can order prescription medications online without first acquiring a legitimate prescription, as this gives access to potentially toxic or addictive medications without the oversight of a healthcare provider.
The dangers of bypassing a licensed prescriber and obtaining medications overseas are myriad. Perhaps the most troubling is the lack of a valid prescription, because you may be self-diagnosing and self-treating. Purchased medications may be addictive, be potentially toxic, or require special monitoring. There is often no assurance that the dosage is correct, nor is there screening for drug-drug or drug-disease interactions.
Additionally, some overseas internet sites sell drugs that have not (for very good reasons) been locally approved. Other concerns about drugs obtained overseas include inadequate or inaccurate labeling, inappropriate packaging and questionable storage and handling.
Online pharmacies are subject only to the laws and regulations of the countries where they are based. For example, in Canada and Australia, a valid prescription must be supplied before the medication is dispensed. However, in Mexico, many prescription drugs are sold over the counter and can be ordered over the Internet without a prescription.
So - Stay safe: consult your health professional and buy local.
Resource: Darrell T. Hulisz, RPh, PharmD
Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, University Hospitals, Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio.
Posted on 1/2/09 on
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/585137?src=mp&spon=17&uac=82196DX
Seven Habits (to Break) of Highly Effective People
During these tough financial times, many people feel they have to push themselves to unhealthy levels in order to succeed. But high-pressure jobs and long hours take a real toll on their immediate and future health. Whether running for president, moving up the corporate ladder, or juggling the family's activities, success may come at a hefty cost.
The 7 worst habits of these workaholics include:
Forgeting to relax: Some stress can be good because it keeps you alert and motivated; too much stress, however, will take its toll on your body.
Eating on the go: Beware of frozen meals, fast and processed foods that can be high in sodium, calories, and fat. The digestive system also works better when you are relaxed - so take 20 minutes, away from work/phone to enjoy a meal.
Putting off sleep for work: Lack of sleep can cause irritability, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, poor judgment, and obesity.
Not making time for exercise: Humans were not designed to sit at desks for 8+ hours a day. Exercise has been shown to reduce the risk for nearly every major disease and to help fight anxiety and depression.
Working when sick: Three common-sense reasons to stay home -
i) avoid spreading the infection,
ii) you'll be less productive, and
iii) you need rest to get better.
Drinking (too much): Moderate alcohol consumption has some proven health benefits, but excessive drinking can lead to alcoholism, liver disease, and some forms of cancer. Aim for four alcohol-free days a week - and don't binge on the others!
Skipping medical checkups: Depending on age, family history and lifestyle, a comprehensive medical checkup and special screenings is recommended every 1 to 5 years. It will only take between 15-60 minutes of your time - how much is your life worth?
Eventually, something's going to give: If you are burning the candle at both ends, the candle will melt in the middle and the flame burn out faster! Work at maintaining a healthy balance of work, rest and play and you will be happier and healthier overall.
Resource: Dr George Griffing, Professor of Medicine at St. Louis University and Editor in Chief of Internal Medicine for eMedicine. Posted 16/1/09 at
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/586037?src=mp&spon=17&uac=82196DX
The 7 worst habits of these workaholics include:
Forgeting to relax: Some stress can be good because it keeps you alert and motivated; too much stress, however, will take its toll on your body.
Eating on the go: Beware of frozen meals, fast and processed foods that can be high in sodium, calories, and fat. The digestive system also works better when you are relaxed - so take 20 minutes, away from work/phone to enjoy a meal.
Putting off sleep for work: Lack of sleep can cause irritability, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, poor judgment, and obesity.
Not making time for exercise: Humans were not designed to sit at desks for 8+ hours a day. Exercise has been shown to reduce the risk for nearly every major disease and to help fight anxiety and depression.
Working when sick: Three common-sense reasons to stay home -
i) avoid spreading the infection,
ii) you'll be less productive, and
iii) you need rest to get better.
Drinking (too much): Moderate alcohol consumption has some proven health benefits, but excessive drinking can lead to alcoholism, liver disease, and some forms of cancer. Aim for four alcohol-free days a week - and don't binge on the others!
Skipping medical checkups: Depending on age, family history and lifestyle, a comprehensive medical checkup and special screenings is recommended every 1 to 5 years. It will only take between 15-60 minutes of your time - how much is your life worth?
Eventually, something's going to give: If you are burning the candle at both ends, the candle will melt in the middle and the flame burn out faster! Work at maintaining a healthy balance of work, rest and play and you will be happier and healthier overall.
Resource: Dr George Griffing, Professor of Medicine at St. Louis University and Editor in Chief of Internal Medicine for eMedicine. Posted 16/1/09 at
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/586037?src=mp&spon=17&uac=82196DX
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Anticancer Diet Helpers
Here’s a summary* of recommended foods that may help you prevent various cancers:
Green Tea – not the rubbish additives in commercial drinks, the real thing properly steeped.
Rich in polyphenols which reduce the growth of new vessels needed for tumour growth and metastases. Green Tea is also a powerful antioxidant and detoxifer as it activates liver enzymes that eliminate toxins from the body.
Cruciform Vegetables – eat your greens!
Cabbage, brussel sprouts, bok choy, chinese cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower etc contain sulforaphan and indo-3-carbinols: powerful anticancer molecules that can prevent pre-cancerous cells from developing into malignant tumours.
Onions (including garlic, leeks, shallots, chives)
The sulphur compounds of this family reduce the carcinogenic effects created in over-grilled meat and during tobacco combustion and promote cancer cell death.
Get colour – carrots, sweet potatoe (yam), squash, pumpkin, tomatoes, persimmons, apricots, beetroot … in fact any of the bright-coloured fruits and vege (orange, red, yellow, green) all contain Vitamin A and lycopene which have the proven capacity to inhibit the growth of many types of cancer cells. Tomatoes get a special mention as the levels of lycopene in tomatoes lead to longer survival from prostate cancer in men who consumed tomatoes at least twice a week.
Soy (including tofu, tempeh, miso, mung beans and bean sprouts) block the stimulation of cancer cells by sex hormones and also block angiogenesis. Asian women who have eaten soy since adolescence have significantly fewer breast cancer cases.
Mushrooms
Shiitake, maitake, enoki, crimini, portabello and oyster and thistle oyster mushrooms all contain polysaccharides and lentinian, which stimulate immune cell reproduction and activity.
Herbs and spices
Tumeric the most powerful natural anti-inflammatory identified to-date, also helps stimulate the death of cancer cells. Ginger Root helps reduce the creation of new blood vessels (see Green Tea). A ginger infusion can also alleviate nausea from chemotherapy of radiotherapy (not to mention travel sickness). Rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil and mint promote cancer cell death and reduce their spread by blocking the enzymes they need to invade neighbouring tissue.
Fatty Fish: the omega-3s found in fatty fish reduce inflammation and in cell cultures have reduced cancer cell growth. They also act to reduce the spread of tumours in the form of metastases. A significant intake of Vitamin D reduces the risk of cancers considerably. Fatty fish types include (fresh, not smoked) salmon, mackerel, sardines, eel and cod liver oil.
Berries – you name them, they’re all great: raspberries, blueberries, cranberries. They contain ellagic acid and a large number of polyphenols and stimulate the mechanisms of elimination of carcinogenic substances and inhibit angiogenesis and promote apoptosis in cancer cells. Better still, freezing does not damage the anticancer molecules in these berries, so when out of season locally you can enjoy frozen stock.
Citrus Fruits contain anti-inflammatory flavonoids and also stimulate the detoxification of carcinogens by the liver. Organic tangerine skin has even been shown to penetrate brain cancer cells!
A great routine is to have 1 glass of warm water with the juice of ½ a lemon first thing every morning (before breakfast, shower etc), as the lemon juice will stimulate liver enzymes and give them a kick-start for the day.
Pomegranate Juice properties have already been confirmed as excellent anti-inflammatories and antioxidants. It also has the capacity to substantially reduce the development of prostate cancer with daily consumption slowing the spread of an established prostate cancer by 67%. A recent study has also linked this wonder juice to a reduction in LDL cholesterol.
My absolute favourite refresher is 1/3 pomegranate juice with 2/3 soda water.
And now the ones you really want to hear about …
Red Wine contains many polyphenols that are extracted by fermentation and the methods used for preserving wine protect the resveratrolis (a type of polyphenol) from oxidation. This makes their concentration much greater in red wine than in grapes or grape juice or white wine. Of course alcohol abuse has many other side-effects, so limited consumption is recommended.
Dark Chocolate: more than 70% cocoa chocolate contains antioxidants, proanthocyanidines and polyphenols that slow the growth of cancer cells and limit angiogenesis. A single square of very dark chocolate contains twice as many of these wonder molecules as a glass of red wine and as many as a properly steeped cup of green tea. Consumption of up to 20gr per day of chocolate is acceptable calorie-wise.
So there you have it – confirmation that a well balanced diet of fresh foods is not only good for you but can be tasty too. Enjoy!
Resource: Article published in Australian Natural Health (Vol 8, Number 6, Dec-Jan 2009) based on the book 'Anticancer: A New Way of Life' by Dr David Servan-Schriber
Green Tea – not the rubbish additives in commercial drinks, the real thing properly steeped.
Rich in polyphenols which reduce the growth of new vessels needed for tumour growth and metastases. Green Tea is also a powerful antioxidant and detoxifer as it activates liver enzymes that eliminate toxins from the body.
Cruciform Vegetables – eat your greens!
Cabbage, brussel sprouts, bok choy, chinese cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower etc contain sulforaphan and indo-3-carbinols: powerful anticancer molecules that can prevent pre-cancerous cells from developing into malignant tumours.
Onions (including garlic, leeks, shallots, chives)
The sulphur compounds of this family reduce the carcinogenic effects created in over-grilled meat and during tobacco combustion and promote cancer cell death.
Get colour – carrots, sweet potatoe (yam), squash, pumpkin, tomatoes, persimmons, apricots, beetroot … in fact any of the bright-coloured fruits and vege (orange, red, yellow, green) all contain Vitamin A and lycopene which have the proven capacity to inhibit the growth of many types of cancer cells. Tomatoes get a special mention as the levels of lycopene in tomatoes lead to longer survival from prostate cancer in men who consumed tomatoes at least twice a week.
Soy (including tofu, tempeh, miso, mung beans and bean sprouts) block the stimulation of cancer cells by sex hormones and also block angiogenesis. Asian women who have eaten soy since adolescence have significantly fewer breast cancer cases.
Mushrooms
Shiitake, maitake, enoki, crimini, portabello and oyster and thistle oyster mushrooms all contain polysaccharides and lentinian, which stimulate immune cell reproduction and activity.
Herbs and spices
Tumeric the most powerful natural anti-inflammatory identified to-date, also helps stimulate the death of cancer cells. Ginger Root helps reduce the creation of new blood vessels (see Green Tea). A ginger infusion can also alleviate nausea from chemotherapy of radiotherapy (not to mention travel sickness). Rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil and mint promote cancer cell death and reduce their spread by blocking the enzymes they need to invade neighbouring tissue.
Fatty Fish: the omega-3s found in fatty fish reduce inflammation and in cell cultures have reduced cancer cell growth. They also act to reduce the spread of tumours in the form of metastases. A significant intake of Vitamin D reduces the risk of cancers considerably. Fatty fish types include (fresh, not smoked) salmon, mackerel, sardines, eel and cod liver oil.
Berries – you name them, they’re all great: raspberries, blueberries, cranberries. They contain ellagic acid and a large number of polyphenols and stimulate the mechanisms of elimination of carcinogenic substances and inhibit angiogenesis and promote apoptosis in cancer cells. Better still, freezing does not damage the anticancer molecules in these berries, so when out of season locally you can enjoy frozen stock.
Citrus Fruits contain anti-inflammatory flavonoids and also stimulate the detoxification of carcinogens by the liver. Organic tangerine skin has even been shown to penetrate brain cancer cells!
A great routine is to have 1 glass of warm water with the juice of ½ a lemon first thing every morning (before breakfast, shower etc), as the lemon juice will stimulate liver enzymes and give them a kick-start for the day.
Pomegranate Juice properties have already been confirmed as excellent anti-inflammatories and antioxidants. It also has the capacity to substantially reduce the development of prostate cancer with daily consumption slowing the spread of an established prostate cancer by 67%. A recent study has also linked this wonder juice to a reduction in LDL cholesterol.
My absolute favourite refresher is 1/3 pomegranate juice with 2/3 soda water.
And now the ones you really want to hear about …
Red Wine contains many polyphenols that are extracted by fermentation and the methods used for preserving wine protect the resveratrolis (a type of polyphenol) from oxidation. This makes their concentration much greater in red wine than in grapes or grape juice or white wine. Of course alcohol abuse has many other side-effects, so limited consumption is recommended.
Dark Chocolate: more than 70% cocoa chocolate contains antioxidants, proanthocyanidines and polyphenols that slow the growth of cancer cells and limit angiogenesis. A single square of very dark chocolate contains twice as many of these wonder molecules as a glass of red wine and as many as a properly steeped cup of green tea. Consumption of up to 20gr per day of chocolate is acceptable calorie-wise.
So there you have it – confirmation that a well balanced diet of fresh foods is not only good for you but can be tasty too. Enjoy!
Resource: Article published in Australian Natural Health (Vol 8, Number 6, Dec-Jan 2009) based on the book 'Anticancer: A New Way of Life' by Dr David Servan-Schriber
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Who Says I Can't?
This is the title of a memoir written by Catherine DeVrye (Bantam, 2005) that I've just finished reading.
Whilst the first half of the book covers her growing up in Canada, adoption, death of parents and first years in Australia with many traumatic twists and turns, it's the latter parts that resonated with me.
CDV deals in common sense, helping others help themselves, whilst remaining fallible. Some comments that hit home for me:
~ from an early age we're conditioned to play safe...yet playing safe is sometimes the riskiest thing we can do.
~ what's the point of having a goal if you know you're going to make it. What's the challenge in that? (from a conversation with Sir Edmund Hillary)
~ we are all products of our past but don't need to remain slaves to it.
It's an inspirational read because it helps you realise that no-one is perfect and we must change to fit our circumstances and there's nothing wrong with that.
Further I got some lovely wisdom from good friend this week that ties in nicely. In a nutshell: every good boat master plots a course to meet needs and avoid obstacles but doesn't fault changing course if hazards or additional information presents eg the effects of weather may mean changing course is necessary.
So your course maybe a zig zag - enjoy the journey!
Best wishes to you all for a peaceful, joy-filled and healthy 2009!
Whilst the first half of the book covers her growing up in Canada, adoption, death of parents and first years in Australia with many traumatic twists and turns, it's the latter parts that resonated with me.
CDV deals in common sense, helping others help themselves, whilst remaining fallible. Some comments that hit home for me:
~ from an early age we're conditioned to play safe...yet playing safe is sometimes the riskiest thing we can do.
~ what's the point of having a goal if you know you're going to make it. What's the challenge in that? (from a conversation with Sir Edmund Hillary)
~ we are all products of our past but don't need to remain slaves to it.
It's an inspirational read because it helps you realise that no-one is perfect and we must change to fit our circumstances and there's nothing wrong with that.
Further I got some lovely wisdom from good friend this week that ties in nicely. In a nutshell: every good boat master plots a course to meet needs and avoid obstacles but doesn't fault changing course if hazards or additional information presents eg the effects of weather may mean changing course is necessary.
So your course maybe a zig zag - enjoy the journey!
Best wishes to you all for a peaceful, joy-filled and healthy 2009!
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