Archive for November, 2011

How Does Massage Therapy Benefit The Elderly?

Therapeutic massage has dozens of health advantages for everyone of every age, but there are special benefits the elderly receive from hands-on therapy. I have listed just a few of the most important advantages, below.

1. Pain Relief
Massage increases circulation, which brings oxygen and nutrients to the tissues while also carrying away cellular waste. This decreases pain in the muscles and joints, reduces swelling and water retention and helps to boost the immune system. All equaling less pain and improved health.

2. Improved Flexibility
Often times, the elderly have more difficulty with movement and flexibility. Sometimes this is due to the natural effects of aging or to conditions such as arthritis. Massage helps to keep joints lubricated and the muscles loose and supple, helping to prevent stiffness and keeping the body more limber and free moving.

3. Enhancing & Uplifting Mood
The many life changes that seniors experience, such as daily pain, death of friends and family, decreases in social life and sometimes, isolation – can all lead to high stress and depression. Massage increases and balances hormones such as oxytocin and endorphins, the bodies ‘feel good’ chemicals. It also assists in releasing blocked emotions and allows the senior to feel and experience a healing, loving touch. Enhancing their well-being and uplifting their mood.

4. Faster Healing From Injury Or Surgery
As we age, our bones become more brittle and injuries can take place more often – sometimes requiring surgery. Massage eases stress related to the trauma, brings needed nutrients to the injured area for faster cellular repair and helps to alleviate the pain that comes with the injury or surgical recovery.

Physical, emotional and psychological changes take place during massage that can greatly enhance the quality of life for the elderly. However, there are also a few times that bodywork may not be appropriate. If you have any of these conditions, please consult your doctor before receiving a massage.

– If you are taking blood thinners or have a history of blood clots.
– If you have Kidney problems or heart issues.
– If you currently have any infections or contagious skin conditions.
– If you have or are recovering from cancer.

Massage therapy for the elderly is a tremendous healing tool with a great many health benefits, both physically and emotionally. Approached with care, it can truly be a huge boost in improving a seniors quality and enjoyment of life.


Everyday Health Tips For Real People

Easy everyday things you can do to live a healthier life.

One thing that stops most people when it comes to changing their lifestyle, is the notion that they have to completely reinvent a way of living in order to achieve better health. This simply is not the case.

For instance join a gym or lifting weights is not something that everyone can do but that does not mean there aren’t other options that are readily available that can produce the same or similar results. The biggest secret to living a healthier lifestyle is mindset!

Little decisions you make every day can make big changes in your appearance and the way you feel. For instance your trips to the grocery store can either be a junk food buying spree or you can purchase foods that actually help heal your body as well as taste good.

The old saying “you are what you eat” really is pretty accurate. And with all the bad food choices are available to us today it’s easy to go down the wrong path. Getting back to the mindset of being healthy, one of the biggest factors in losing weight is realizing that food although enjoyable is primarily fuel for your body. Unfortunately many of us use food as some sort of opiate for either being sad, depressed or even when were happy. Everything revolves around food as either a comfort or a reward.

When you start to look at food as fuel, just as in your vehicle you want the best fuel possible because you know that will keep your engine running at its highest efficiency. This is no different with your own body and the fuel that you give it to run on. Canadian Viagra generic

We also our society that sets for more than we actually walk or move around. So it is important to take every opportunity possible when at work or at home or even when going to the store if it’s feasible to use our body as a form of transportation rather than our car. Simple things like taking the stairs instead of an elevator or committing yourself to taking a walk 3 to 6 times a week will make a big difference in your energy level as well as the size of your waistline.

One other fact it is so important to our overall health is hydration. Most adults should drink between 2 and 3 liters of water or other hydrating beverage every day. This does not count caffeinated beverages since they are a diuretic. The easiest way to get your fluid intake is to carry around a bottle or keep a social order at your desk and said that throughout the day.

Water is a great substitute to have instead of the snack. Although at 1st it doesn’t seem too appealing but most often we snack more out of boredom or stress than out-of-pocket. If you readily have a healthy beverage available to take a sip of instead of stuffing that cracker or chip in your mouth you will not only increase your hydration what you’ll avoid hundreds of useless calories per day.

Taking a look in the mirror and realizing that you are in control of your life and you deserve to have the healthiest life possible. But you have to make the decision to take the proper steps in order to look the way you want to look and feel the way you want to feel. There is no diet plan self-help video or magic pill that will achieve this for you.

Weight loss is a very simple mathematical calculation. Simply put if you burn more calories than you take in you will lose weight. There is not one single factor that will achieve a healthy lifestyle. It takes a multitude of pieces working together like an orchestra in order to provide you with good health.


Weather And Well-Being

Have you ever wondered why we feel better on sunny days and have unexplained headaches and fatigue when it’s grey and miserable outside? While the connection between weather conditions and well-being is evident on many occasions, scientifically it is not well researched and still unclear. Bio-meteorology is the only interdisciplinary study that looks into the relationship between atmospheric conditions and people.

Rapid drops in atmospheric pressure may affect blood pH, blood pressure and tissue permeability. There are well-researched and known ways weather can effect human health, such as joint pain during the cold front, and less researched, but quite common symptoms that affect cardiovascular system and cause headaches and fluctuations in blood pressure. In this article, I would like to concentrate on the potential connection between atmospheric conditions and migraines and elevated blood pressure.

There is anecdotal evidence that weather can affect vasodilation or vasoconstriction, but not enough scientific evidence as to why this is happening and what can be done to alleviate the symptoms. Some scientists believe that a rapid change in weather – and possibly the ionization of the air – can alter the chemical balance in the human body, causing painful conditions such as headaches. Low air pressure, thickening clouds, rising humidity and temperature fluctuations appear to trigger or aggravate more migraine attacks than any other weather pattern. But why is this happening? Studies suggest that natural electromagnetic field influences brain patterns, irritates nerves and changes body chemistry. There is also a possible negative effect of changes in the earth’s electromagnetic field during solar storms on headaches and migraines, but this is not well researched. More evidence is available, however, to support the theory of ionization as trigger. Ions are particles in the air with either too many negative electrons (negatively charged), or with missing electrons (positively charged). Positive ionization is said to cause the release of excessive serotonin into the bloodstream. It results in constriction and dilation of blood vessels in the brain and the back of the eye. This triggers the headache or migraine and can also affect our eyesight.

The reduction of solar radiation by cloud cover may also affect our well-being. By increasing the brightness level, the autonomic nervous system is affected by constriction changes in the eye pupil. This increases the rate of physical activity and leads to a general feeling of well-being. The sun’s rays cause chemical changes in neurotransmitter or hormone synthesis in the brain, perhaps stimulating production of the hormone epinephrine, which stimulates the mind and body. On the other hand, lack of light is often associated with states of relaxation, tiredness, and sleepiness. So this might be the reason we feel lazy and drowsy on the rainy day.

Unfortunately we can not escape weather changes, but we can try to control the way it affects us:

Avoid foods and drinks that further affect vasoconstriction, such as caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, smoking, etc.

Make sure that you sleep enough but do not oversleep. It is very tempting to stay in bed longer on a grey rainy day, but it can further contribute to headache and lethargy.

Try to avoid stress – just do whatever you can do at work and leave the brainstorming sessions for another day.

Take a good multivitamin supplement and add magnesium on top. Nitric Oxide (NO) helps to dilate blood vessels too and available as a supplement. Beetroot is a very rich source of NO.

Try to avoid antihistamines and decongestants as these medications constrict blood vessels.

Go for a jog or do some other moderately intensive exercise – preferably outside. I know this might be the last thing on your mind, but exercise does promote vasodilation and increases the blood flow, which helps to avoid headache. It also gives you energy and brightens your mood.

Try to be outside more often. Even if it’s just going off one stop earlier before your destination and walking – it is still better than nothing. One of the theories regarding why we are so susceptible to weather changes, is the fact that we spend too much time indoors. In theory – the more you expose yourself to the world outside your door – the less atmospheric changes will affect you. Try to go for a walk in the park or a light jog even if it’s raining – you’ll feel much better after exposing yourself to it.

Get yourself a day lamp for sunshine simulation. Some people say it helps. Air Ioniser might help also. In fact, it has been researched as a potential treatment for SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and depression.

This article is inspired by my sister and my mom, who are “walking barometers” and have always been greatly affected by the weather.


Orange Nutrition Facts

We’re familiar with the orange fruit and we benefit from it for a whole lot of situations like making use of it as juice, putting it to our favorite salad to give it that citrusy taste and we in addition ingest oranges to help make us truly feel rejuvenated.

Most of us also are conscious that this fruit can really deliver a whole lot of factors for our body but do you know that there is truly a lot more to the orange than merely ascorbic acid?

In this particular write-up we will be discussing about orange nutrition facts and why this fruit is often a great compound to utilize in your juice fast or juice diet weight loss strategy.

As stated before, one of the very well known orange nutrition facts is that this fruit consists of an amazing amount of vitamin C.

We’re all aware of ascorbic acid due to the fact we ordinarily associate this as a way to avoid or cure us from getting the influenza or getting a cold.

But, that’s not really the sole factor that vitamin c can do. It may also aid our heart to function effectively. Which means that consuming an excellent amount of orange will support reduce your probabilities of strokes or any heart related illnesses. This fruit also consists of a very good quantity of phytochemicals which can also be superior for your heart.

This fruit also does not contain any saturated fat and bad cholesterol which means you are able to eat this fruit just as much as you desire and you won’t need to feel guilty about it. If you are on a diet plan and start off receiving those urges to munch on unhealthy foods or something sweet, all you’ve to do would be to eat some oranges or drink some orange juice and drink a glass of water and you’ll be fine.

The Orange juice along with its peel also consists of a superb amount of anti-oxidants which will support stop and combat cancer.

An additional great orange nutrition facts is the fact that the orange also contains other vitamins like vitamin A, beta carotenes, beta-cryptoxanthin, zea-xanthin and lutein which are known to possess some anti-oxidant qualities.

Moreover, everyone knows that the vitamin A is a vitamin which will assist our eye-sight but what the majority of us don’t realize is that it can also strengthen and keep our muscles and our skin healthy too.

There are actually a whole lot more orange nutrition facts out there along with a great deal of factors that we can use an orange for. Many people even use the juice from the orange as an ingredient in developing face lotions and lightening creams.

So, if you’re one of those people that are into a juice fast then including the orange in your recipe is seriously a superb notion. It may also be a great substitute for apple juice and carrot juice.

If you are into weight reduction and getting healthy then looking into juicing and juice fast is a seriously wonderful idea to help you lose those extra pounds. This is also a great solution to clear your body from all of those toxic compounds that have accumulated inside your body.


Unique Weight Loss Tips

One should remember that if a weight loss program is to be started that it should never be rushed, as these things will take time and effort in the long run. However there are many things to consider with whatever diet or caloric intake program you are on.

Remember to eat only when you are hungry, not as an appetizer or an after dinner snack. A good three meals a day will be sufficient to serve your needs. Include in your diet lots of water, it will help your cells expunge toxins and replenish your energy. 80% of our body is water so this is necessary.

Exercise as often as possible and at the very least keep fit. Inactivity will only promote your body to store more fat and heighten your glycogen levels, and the less you sweat the more your body will be unable to purge itself of toxins. Go out for a 2 mile walk, play with the pets and the children, and allow yourself a lot of sun to absorb during this time.

Make sure to eat fresh fruits and vegetables whenever possible. The necessary intake of fiber will help your body rid it of extra weight. A good goal to set would be 5-9 fruits and/or vegetables per day. Nutritionists recommend 50% of your diet to be raw foods. These can include foods like raw Cocoa and raw vegetables.

Supplementation can also be a huge key factor along with weight loss and exercise. Along with Raw foods, Superfoods such as Spirulina, Aloe Vera, Flax Seeds, Hemp Seeds, Cocoa and Greens blends can bolster your immune system and in turn make you feel full. Remember that 80% of your immune system is in your digestive tract.

In all circumstances try to avoid alcohol and sugar. Make sure to replace sugars with fruits if possible, and limit yourself to no more than a drink every other few days (if you do drink regularly). Try to find alternative approaches to manage stress and stress factors. Exercise your free time with books, music or meditation.

You can also apply a mono diet, where you only eat one thing at a time or several small things during the day if you can’t follow a 3 meal a day course. Researchers found that people that eat 4-5 small single meals a day were shown to exhibit better weight and appetite control.

And when your cooking, replace the iodized salt with sea salt. Add some herbs and/or spices to your food. Sea Salt and black pepper are excellent examples. This will have a purging effect on your system and will also purify your blood. If your going to cook your vegetables, make sure to flash fry them for a short amount of time (no longer than 3-5 minutes) so they retain 90% of the nutrients they came with when they were fresh.

Make sure to enjoy the foods you like with a smile! As long as you are supplementing yourself with proper fibers and vitamins (fruits, vegetables, raw foods, superfoods) and taking a viable amount of water and exercise in your system, then go for it! The isolation of your body from your favorite foods can lead to a feeling of deprivation and subsequently unsatisfactory feeling of exhaustion. Do not cut out your favorite foods entirely, simply eat them less often than normal.


What Really Makes A Wheelchair Lightweight?

If you’re trying to decide on which is the right wheelchair for you, then there a number of factors to take into consideration, namely the type of chair.

* Self propelled.

* Powered.

* Transit/Attendant.

* Folding.

In addition to the chair type, there’s the width of the chair, the activities and performance that is required of the chair, and of course there are all of the accessories that you can choose from.

Probably one the most important decisions to make, is the weight of the chair’s frame. In recent years the design and manufacture of wheelchairs has evolved considerably, and now it’s possible to buy ultra lightweight wheelchair frames because of the advances in new materials and technology.

The materials used for making a lightweight wheelchair frame.

There are typically four types of materials used in the manufacture of lightweight wheelchair frames, and they are.

* Aluminium.
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* Carbon Fibre.

* Titanium.

* Other composites.

Manufacturers have looked to the aerospace industry for their weight saving inspiration, as aircraft manufacturers like to use cutting edge materials to make their aircrafts stronger, lighter and more economical, so wheel chair designers and manufacturers have tried to follow suit.

Aluminium frames.

The majority of lightweight wheelchairs are made from aluminium, with some manufactures going so far as to make the tubing an oval shape to cut down on the weight of the frame. Others weld the tubes as opposed to using brackets and bolt, further reducing the weight of the frame. The thickness and diameter of the tubing is another way that manufactures can cut down on weight; however there may be a compromise in the strength of the frame as a result, so the weight of the user will need to be a consideration when choosing this kind of material.

Carbon Fibre frames.

Relatively new as a material for wheelchair frame manufacture, it is less than one-quarter the weight of steel. Offering high performance, rigidity, shock absorption and durability, a carbon fibre wheelchair frame will be the lightest of all materials, and can be customised to the user’s requirements. The one drawback however is in the cost, as they are the most expensive frames to produce.

Titanium frames.

Lighter and stronger than Chrom-moly steel and aluminium, titanium is the best compromise between a lightweight wheelchair frame and an affordable price. A well made titanium frame is durable and comfortably absorbs vibration.

Composite frames.

When we refer to other composites what we are really talking about is making a wheelchair frame as lightweight as possible by customising the design and materials to suit the individual. As the frame is made to fit the user’s body perfectly, there will be no need to add any frame adjustability, and with fewer bolt, brackets and screws it will be much lighter.

In summary, what makes a lightweight wheelchair frame light and easy to transport, are the materials that are used in its manufacture and the number of its component parts.

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