Sunday, November 23, 2008

Reducing Diabetes


Vitamin C may be able to add diabetes prevention to its already-glittering resume. British researchers assessed the dietary habits of 21,831 people for 12 years. they found that study participants with the highest levels of vitamin C enjoyed a 62% reduction in risk for type 2 diabetes, the one associated with poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle, compared with individuals who had the lowest levels. Vitamin C is noted for its ability to fight oxidative stress, which is believed to disrupt blood sugar levels.

Archives of Internal Medicine 7/28/08

Monday, November 10, 2008

Yoga Online!

Don't want to attempt the Downward Facing Dog in front of strangers? Or maybe your gym's yoga classes clash with your schedule. Don't worry - if you have a computer you can join an online yoga club - gaiamyogaclub.com.

Its a twelve-week course allowing you to learn at your pace and skill level. Of course your pet may look at you strange, but at least your in the privacy of your own home!

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Music Reduces Stress and Improves Healing

Music is a great mood regulator, whether it’s used in conjunction with exercise or not. Loud, upbeat music generally has a stimulating effect, whereas slow music can act as a sedative.

It’s very encouraging that more and more health professionals are beginning to realize the value of simple techniques such as music, using it as an adjunct to promote healing even in more conventional medical settings. As pediatrician Linda Fisher stated in the article above, it’s the music’s rhythm, melody and tonal quality that puts the patient in that “special place of peace” where healing can be achieved faster.

For example, harp music might be particularly helpful for people who have heart trouble. Harvard researchers have shown that the rhythms of healthy hearts may be similar to those found in classical music, and that certain rhythms, such as that of harp music can cause your heart to beat more normally.

Other studies from the early 1990s concluded that music significantly lowered the heart rates and calmed and regulated the blood pressures and respiration rates of patients who had undergone surgery.

Music therapy has also been shown to:

  • Improve motor skills in patients recovering from strokes
  • Boost your immune system
  • Improve mental focus
  • Help control pain
  • Create a feeling of well-being
  • Reduce anxiety
More information from Dr. Mercola...