Your Health Source

Important: Tylenol and Other Popular OTC Meds Recall

2010-01-16T08:17:00.000-08:00

Last month McNeil Healthcare LLC, the makers of Tylenol, started a recall of their most popular product. Yesterday the product recall has expanded to include more than two dozen other over-the-counter products manufactured by McNeil, which includes children's pills.

According to the company, the broadened directive adds 54 million bottles of product to the recall, boosting the total number of bottles recalled by McNeil to 60 million.

Products include Tylenol, Banadryl, Rolaids, Motrin, Simply Sleep and St. Joseph.

Please visit the RECALL WEBSITE for details.

What did you say?

2010-01-13T16:13:00.000-08:00

I read a great article today on "The Art of Authentic Listening" by Ann Catlin, LMT.

Over and over I've read steps on becoming a better listener, from both the business perspective and the personal focus. I enjoyed Ann's steps and I'm going to dedicate a week to each step. Here they are:

Quiet your mind
Be willing to listen without judgment
Commit to patience (a hard one, personally)
Remain in the moment
Avoid the temptation to formulate a response
Be honest
Listen with your eyes (read non-verbal and watch your posture)
Listen to the silence as well as the words
Gladly receive the gifts of authentic listening (let yourself be uplifted and the other person will feel the same)

I look forward to the coming weeks and see how different my world will be when I listen authentically!

Inexpensive and Effective Therapy: Epsom Salt!

2010-01-07T07:14:00.000-08:00

I often suggest Epsom salt baths to clients and regularly enjoy them myself. Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate, a natural substance hailed for its many uses. The most popular benefit from an Epsom salt bath is its ability to reduce swelling of injuries, ankles and other joints. A bath can also help relax the body with hopes of a better night sleep.

Additional Ailments that may benefit:

sciatica, lumbago, rheumatism, diabetes, neuritis, cold, kidney disorders, and other uric acid and skin affections.

You can find Epsom salt in most drugstores in either a carton or bag. It is very inexpensive and has a long shelf-life.

The best time for this bath is in the evening before bedtime because of its relaxing effects. Follow the directions on the label as the dosage depends on the size of your bath. I like to add essential oils such as eucalyptus or lavender to make my bath more therapeutic and relaxing.

Precautions

Bathing should be avoided within 3 hours after a meal, or one after before eating.
Avoid during menstruation.
Do not use Epsom salt internally, this product is intended for external use only.
Do not use in cases of skin infection or external wounds.
Consult with a doctor before using if you have medical conditions, on medication or are pregnant.

Recovering from the Holidays - Natural Help!

2010-01-03T08:59:00.000-08:00

Since Halloween I've eaten too much sugar, underexercised and slacked off on my supplements. Honestly, I don't feel 100% when I don't take care of myself. My sleep patterns are off, my energy is lacking, my digestion isn't what it should be and my skin doesn't have its healthy glow.

Now that New Years has come and gone, less parties are on the schedules and regular routines are back. And that means taking better care of ourselves and helping the ones we love do the same.

A great article was sent to my inbox this morning and I'm passing this great info to you. Many of you who know me hear me mention homeopathic remedies often. I love them! In the Sacramento area the remedies are easy to find in stores. Try Nugget, Whole Foods, Sunrise Natural Foods or Elliot's.

Here are some of my favorites from the article:

Overeating including too many sweets or alcohol:

Lycopodium: With belching and bloating. Craving for sweets and alcohol and warm drinks, huge appetite.

Nux Vomica: With irritability and constipation, colic and cramping, worse tight clothes, better warmth and warm drinks, addictive cravings, impatience.

Argentum Nitricum: Rectal gas loud enough to earn a reputation, stomach distension, desires sweets including sugar, desires salt.

Anticipation with excitement:

Argentum Nitricum: Impulsive, sympathetic, compulsive thoughts, anxiety while anticipating and needs company, fear to be late, hurried, worse from eating sweets.

Coffea: Sensitive, nervous and over-reactive, insomnia, uncontrollable thoughts and racing mind, ecstatic states, ailments from grief.

For more information, read the entire article.

Sitting at the Desk: Quick Pick-Me-Up Massage

2009-11-02T10:48:00.000-08:00

Back, Neck and Shoulders: Under Pressure Quick Massage Pick-Me-Ups while Sitting at a Desk

By Dawn Groves

Originally published in Massage & Bodywork magazine, February/March 2000.
Copyright 2003. Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals. All rights reserved.

When you sit at a desk, hunched over papers or a computer, your body tends to form a C shape. This slumped posture creates pressure on your back, neck and shoulders and can cause pinched muscles, fatigue and, if you've been reading a lot, eye strain. The following pick-me-ups will help break this tension cycle. They don't need to be performed in any particular order. However, if you do only one technique, be sure to repeat it to get the best results. In some cases, you do not need to actually massage the muscle, because the movement itself creates the massage effect. You'll get the maximum benefit from doing two or three techniques.

Preparation
1. Loosen your collar.
2. If possible, remove confining or thick garments such as jackets and sweaters.
3. Center your attention before beginning.

Shrugging the Shoulders
When you shrug your shoulders, you are exercising muscles that tend to get pulled forward and hardened by tension. This tension buildup commonly occurs when you sit with your weight resting on your tailbone instead of forward over your hips. Shrugging breaks up the tension and provides a mild form of exercise that increases blood flow and restores mobility. The more you support the mobility of your shoulders, the less likely you'll be to harbor tension there.

1. Slowly lift your right shoulder straight up to your ear.
2. Slowly return your right shoulder to a neutral position.
3. Repeat the lift/release movement with the left shoulder.
4. Repeat the lift/release movement with both shoulders together.

Hints:
- Keep your shoulder muscles soft as you do this. Don't force the movement.
- Don't tilt your head toward your shoulder. Bring your shoulder up to your ear.
- Keep the opposite shoulder in a neutral or slightly dropped position and avoid hunching it as you lift the shrugging shoulder.

Squeezing the Neck
It's easy for your neck to become tense, especially when you are seated at a desk. When the neck muscles tense up, your neck often loses its mobility. A neck massage helps to restore muscle flexibility and release built-up tension.

1. Place your right hand on the right side of your neck and position your fingertips just to the right of your neck bones.
2. Keeping your fingertips together, massage the neck muscle using a gentle, circular motion. Without straining, move your hand up and down the neck muscle. Keep your neck in a neutral position as you massage.
3. Repeat the procedure using your left hand on the left side of your neck.
4. Repeat the procedure again using both hands and massage both sides of the neck at the same time.

Hints:
- Don't press your neck so hard that you feel compelled to counteract the pressure in order to keep your neck from being pushed out of a neutral, upright position.
- Watch out for the tendency to hunch your shoulders, especially as you increase the pressure.
- Don't let your head fall backward into your hand or forward into an extreme bend. Keep it level and in a neutral position.

Pressing the Temples
It's almost instinctive to rub your temples and forehead when you are tired or stressed. Exerting pressure on the temples does help relieve headaches and jaw pain, and often refreshes the facial muscles.

1. Place the index, middle and ring fingers of each hand against the corresponding temple on either side of your head.
2. Close your eyes, press gently and slowly move your fingers in small circles for about 15 seconds.
3. Rest for 15 seconds and then repeat, with the fingers moving in the opposite direction.
Hints:
- Rest your elbows on the desk as you massage.
- Don't press too hard, otherwise you might irritate the delicate skin over the temples. If you want to use the pressure technique, keep your fingers still and slowly increase the static pressure.
- Move your fingers very slowly. The slower the movement, the more relaxing the massage.
- Using the same circular movement, massage up your temples and across your forehead.

Excerpted from "Massage for Busy People," by Dawn Groves 1999. Reprinted with permission of New World Library, Novato, Calif., www.nwlib.com, toll-free ordering at 800/972-6657, ext. 52.

Please read: Swine Flu Facts Hard to Find

2009-10-28T21:52:00.000-07:00

As reported by Jon Rappoport atnomorefakenews.com, the CDC stopped testing for swine flu in July.

The CDC H1N1 flu site reads:

"... tracking of 2009 H1N1 hospitalizations and deaths will not be the same after August 30, 2009.

In an effort to add additional structure to the national 2009 H1N1 reporting, new case definitions for influenza-associated hospitalizations and deaths were implemented on August 30, 2009.

The new definitions allow states to report to CDC hospitalizations and deaths (either confirmed OR probable) resulting from all types of influenza, not just those from 2009 H1N1 flu.

1. Influenza and pneumonia syndrome hospitalizations and deaths may be an overestimate of actual number of flu-related hospitalizations and deaths, but CDC believes influenza and pneumonia syndromic reports are likely to be a more sensitive measure of flu-associated hospitalizations and deaths than laboratory confirmed reports during this pandemic.

However, the syndromic reports of all hospitalizations and deaths recorded as either influenza or pneumonia will mean that the case counts are less specific than before and will include cases that are not related to influenza infection."

So how do we know we are in a true epidemic state? We don't.

Please read the full report from Mercola.com.

Acai Berry Exposed

2009-10-17T06:37:00.000-07:00

Use care when you are choosing the acai berry products that you will use in supplement form. Check the ingredients list very carefully before you take any over the counter product. If you want the most benefit of acai berry without the side effects of other ingredients, you should look for a product that is made of pure acai berry and not filled with other ingredients. Some of the products could be dangerous.

Read more at this informative website.

- Copyright © 2009 | Acai Berry Exposed

Massage Helps with Menopause

2009-09-02T06:58:00.001-07:00

After months of hot flashes, fatigue, and irritability, oftentimes the last thing a woman in the throes of menopause wants is to be touched. Yet, this is exactly when a woman needs to experience touch, especially massage and bodywork. When she most needs to be nurtured, comforted, and reminded of her beauty and inner spirit, is often when a woman's body rebels and begins fighting against her.

Read more...

Proof Why Massage's Reduction of Anxiety Is Vital

2009-07-01T07:53:00.000-07:00

On Monday I had the opportunity to massage a regular client under unique circumstances. He had a heart attack four days prior, resulting in a new stint.

I was very surprised when he called to verify his appointment time and mentioned to me his procedure. I was a bit apprehensive, but quickly reminded myself how important massage will be to his recovery.

His session went very well and he was able to rest and sleep for a portion of it. He reflected on how his body must still be tired. I can't imagine the trauma a heart attack puts on the body. He left feeling restored and balanced.

Today I received a great article from the Institute of Integrative Healthcare Studies pointing out "based on the premise that massage reduces anxiety, a collection of emerging research suggests that massage therapists are needed to work side-by-side with cardiologists, pulmonologists and gastroenterologists."

I am honored my clients trust me as a resource in maintaining their health. Its times like these we personally experience and share in the vital components of advantageous bodywork and massage.

Best to you!

Stretching

2009-06-09T16:05:00.000-07:00

Every day I ask my clients to stretch more frequently. I can't stress how important stretching is to our health and maintenance of our bodies. Even simple stretching can help minimize or even eliminate nagging aches and pains.

I often give my clients stretching homework hoping they will remember to do at least one each day. I give handouts with pictures, demonstrate myself after their session and sometimes follow up with emails.

In my constant search for new stretches I found a great site on YouTube. Thanks so much Optimum Care Providers for sharing your knowledge with the us!

http://www.youtube.com/user/OptimumCareProviders

*Before starting a stretching program, please consult your physician.

Hives, itching and redness while exercising?

2009-06-02T21:53:00.000-07:00

I've been on vacation for two weeks and have missed my routine rigorous walks with my dog (and he has, too). So I headed out this morning for our 60 minute loop around a nearby park. The weather was somewhat cool so it was easy to set a quick pace and get the heart pumping.

About halfway through my loop, my thighs and calves started burning and itching where red blotches were appearing. I've experienced this several times before when using my leg muscles again after a break from exercising. I couldn't remember why this was happening so I looked up the symptoms when I got home. I found the answer very interesting and thought I'd share since it is very common.

What I was experiencing was exercise-induced urticaria, a condition that causes hives and other allergic symptoms. Familydoctor.org explains it can occur during or after exercise. Hives or "welts" are usually raised, flat bumps on the skin that are more red around the edge than in the middle. Hives may also look like red spots, blotches or blisters. They can occur on any part of the body. Please click on the links to follow their post for more information.

Personally, after a couple of days of regular exercise this condition goes away. Thankfully, once I stopped exercising and rested my legs, the symptoms subsided within 20 minutes or so and my the rash, itching and burning went away.

If you experience something similar to this condition, please check with your doctor for his or her suggestions.

To your health!
Tanya

A Good Reminder

2009-05-04T09:43:00.000-07:00

The Value of Massage Therapy

While massage is commonly known as a great technique for relaxation, its many benefits far exceed quiet time at your local spa. Massage is valued for so much more. It is known to alleviate joint and back pain, manage fibromyalgia and migraines, speed recovery from injury, increase blood circulation and manage stress, to name a few.

And whether you're an athlete, manual laborer or work in an office, regular massages help prevent injuries common in many professions, such as repetitive stress injuries, muscle strains and carpal tunnel.

Ideally, we should be receiving a massage weekly; if that is not possible than we should strive for a massage every other week. Here are the two main reasons given for not receiving regular massages:

I do not want to spend the money. Many of us have had to adjust the way we manage our finances, and prioritize our budget. We're spending less money on frivolous things such as Starbucks coffee, fast food or another shirt in that color that looks great on you. However, taking care of your body should be on the priority list. Our body is our tool and it is our responsibility to ensure that it is functioning well.

I do not have the time. Really? We all have time for what is a priority to us. Yes, we are all busy, especially those of us who are caretakers of young children, aging parents, or other family members. What rings more true is to say "I do not believe receiving a massage is a priority in my busy life right now." Anyone can find one hour (one and a half, including travel time) each week, or every other week, for something that is a priority. Your challenge, therefore, is to re-categorize massage as a priority in your life.

May 2009 [Volume 8, Issue 5]

To Your Health is brought to you by:

Book Signing: Dr. Greene - Fertility and Hormone Expert

2009-03-04T23:00:00.000-08:00

Come meet SIRM Sacramento Medical Director, Robert Greene, M.D., author of the “Perfect Balance” book series. Dr. Greene is an internationally renowned authority on Hormone Balance.

Dr. Greene will be in-store signing copies of his bestselling books (there will be books available for purchase onsite):

- Perfect Hormone Balance for Fertility
- Dr. Robert Greene's Perfect Balance
- Perfect Hormone Balance for Pregnancy
- Happy Baby, Healthy Mom Pregancy Journal

Saturday, March 14, 2009
2:00-4:00 PM
Border’s Books and Music
7415 Laguna Blvd. | Elk Grove, CA 95758

Massage for Healing in Health & Fitness Magazine

2009-02-23T07:04:00.001-08:00

Tanya is a featured massage therapist in the TMJ therapy article on page 16. Click here to download the issue!

This Month Editor's Notes

It’s becoming clearer and clearer that when it comes to health, self-sufficiency is essential. With predictions by many that the current health system is collapsing, we all must turn to natural solutions for our health issues. For almost every single health issue, there is a natural solution that is known by chiropractors, naturopathic doctors, nutritionists, herbalists, acupuncturists and body workers. These will become your life line.

In this month’s issue, you’ll see things in a whole new way by reading different opinions on what to do about health issues that affect the head, mouth, neck, TMJ and jaw. Keep the issue as part of your health resources since it’s easier to have everything in one place rather than spend the hundreds of hours it would take to find this info when you need it. That way, if something happens,
you can proceed forward with a solution rapidly.

Lacking time to read all the articles? Go straight to the Test Your Memory article and come back to finish reading later.

Have a great month and don’t forget to live life to its fullest, love and make every day a day you learn something important!

Dr. Donna of Health & Fitness Magazine

Protect Your Naturopath Doctor!

2009-02-07T08:09:00.000-08:00

Help save Naturopathic Medicine in California

Dear Supporters of Naturopathic Medicine;

The letter below is from the Executive Directors of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and the California Naturopathic Doctors Association about the potential loss of NDs in the State of California, unless we take massive action!

I am writing you with some very sobering news. The licensing body for California Naturopathic Doctors is slated for elimination under Governor Schwarzenegger's latest budget proposal. The California Naturopathic Doctors Association has been working hard over the last month to deal with the problem through direct discussion with the Governor's office and other legislators. We have made significant inroads but we need your help! A significant outcry from the public at this point will aid our cause.

In the absence of the Bureau, some other Government agency would be required to oversee ND licensure, or Naturopathic Doctors would not be able to stay in practice!

Our state association, the California Naturopathic Doctors Association has created a message to California legislators to enable all California residents to easily let their legislators know that eliminating the Bureau of Naturopathic Medicine would be a serious mistake.

Please forward this to any family or friends in California as well!!!

Click here to email your legislator in California!

http://capwiz.com/naturopathic/issues/alert/?alertid=12551186

Thank you for your support!

Karen Howard
Executive Director
American Association of Naturopathic Physicians

James Mally, ND

P.S. Economics of Naturopathic Medicine:

The Naturopathic Bureau is self-funding and provides a positive cash flow to the State through licensing fees. According to the most recent report, the Bureau fund has a net balance of $78,000. The Bureau does not even use any general funds.

NDs also pay approximately $1 million in sales tax on supplements sold and another $1 million in income taxes from the doctors themselves!

Inclusion of Naturopathic Medicine in the broader health care system has the potential to save the State 10s to 100s of millions of dollars through Preventative Medicine and Naturopathic Wellness Programs.

Thank you in advance for your letter in support of our cause! The more details and specifics that you describe in your letter to legislators about the difference that naturopathic medicine has made in your life and that of your family and friends, the more effective the letters will be. I would appreciate it if you could also forward a copy of your letter to me at: DrGodby@SacND.com.

Thank you so much for your support,

James Mally, ND

Vitamin D vs. Vitamin A

2009-01-03T08:24:00.000-08:00

There has been much controversy over Vitamin D and Vitamin A over the last couple of months. We've been researching many articles debating the concern of over-supplementation, primarily in cod liver oil. We have personally added cod liver oil to our daily diets, but now take caution when doing so.

As you know from past posts, one of our resources we trust for dietary information is Dr. Mercola. He summarizes his view on this issue by suggesting everyone get sufficient Vitamin A from a healthy diet and Vitamin D from sunlight, no supplementation. There is a delicate balance between A and D and supplementation cannot support this ratio.

Please read this article in its entirety for his research results.

Be Careful Eating Tyson Chicken

2008-12-02T10:11:00.000-08:00

Tyson Foods, the world's largest meat processor and the second largest chicken producer in the U.S., has admitted that it injects its chickens with antibiotics before they hatch and then labels them as raised without antibiotics.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has told Tyson to stop using the antibiotic-free label, but the company has sued for the right to keep using it.

Natural News November 9, 2008

Read the full article here...

Reducing Diabetes

2008-11-23T06:59:00.000-08:00

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

Yoga Online!

2008-11-10T07:41:00.001-08:00

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!

Music Reduces Stress and Improves Healing

2008-11-04T06:48:00.000-08:00

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...

Get Your Sleep!

2008-10-27T09:03:00.001-07:00

How Sleep Affects Your Health

Your body depends on your biological clock (circadian rhythm) to steadily regulate your sleep/wake cycles. When this process gets thrown off balance – which is, unfortunately, very easy to do -- it can wreak havoc on your health.

For instance, all of the following can confuse your body and make it think you should be awake when you should be sleeping, or vice versa:

* Staying up late
* Working the night shift
* Turning on a light in the middle of the night
* Using a night light
* Switching time zones (jet lag)
* Eating in the middle of the night or too close to bedtime

Your circadian rhythm influences so many things -- from your heart rate to body temperature and hormone production -- that when it’s disrupted, a cascade of negative health effects can occur.

For instance, too little sleep can:

Alter your metabolism and make you gain weight
Cause your brain to stop producing new cells
Increase your risk of cancer by altering the balance of hormones in your body
Increase your risk of diabetes by reducing your leptin levels
Accelerate aging
Increase your risk of heart disease and stroke
Raise your blood pressure
Speed up tumor growth. Tumors grow two to three times faster in laboratory animals with severe sleep dysfunctions

Additionally, your body does most of its repairs during sleep, so not getting enough of it can impair your immune system, leaving you less able to fight off diseases of ALL kinds.

Excerpt taken from Mercola.com

Bottled Water Unsafe...Really.

2008-10-20T07:05:00.000-07:00

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) released a report this month showing 38 pollutants were found in their investigation of 10 major bottle water brands.

Overall the report reveals a surprising array of chemical contaminants in every bottled water brand analyzed, including toxic byproducts of chlorination in Walmart’s Sam’s Choice and Giant Supermarket's Acadia brands, at levels no different than routinely found in tap water. Several Sam's Choice samples purchased in California exceeded legal limits for bottled water contaminants in that state. Cancer-causing contaminants in bottled water purchased in 5 states (North Carolina, California, Virginia, Delaware and Maryland) and the District of Columbia substantially exceeded the voluntary standards established by the bottled water industry.

Read the full report here...

Introducing The BodyCushion to my practice!

2008-09-05T10:53:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to announce I received my BodyCushion in the mail today, and so far, all clients are big fans!!

So what am I talking about? The BodyCushion is an amazing body support system created by a massage therapist. Its primary design was to maximize the client's comfort while on the massage table. But, after using the BodyCushion, it is so much more than that!

While my clients are lying face down, the BodyCushion allows the spine to decompress, opening up the vertebrae. It has helped me tremendously, allowing my techniques to work faster and less compression on my clients.

In the face up position, the BodyCushion opens the chest area and allows better access to the neck and shoulders area. It allows the muscles to relax in a natural position, contributing overall success of the massage session.

If you haven't been one of the lucky clients this week, call for a session to experience this fantastic body support system!

Healthy Sunlight

2008-07-28T15:07:00.000-07:00

Vitamin D has made the headlines on a regular basis recently. And with good reason: The sunshine vitamin has been found to spotlight cardiovascular health.

Scientists at the Harvard Medical School worked with 1,739 participants in the Framingham Heart Study, a research project involving residents of a Massachusetts city west of Boston. People with the lowest amounts of vitamin D ran a 62% greater risk of heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular event than their peers. And another study out of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine linked low D levels with higher rates of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), or poor circulation in the legs caused by narrowed arteries.

Circulation 1/7/08; Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology 4/08

Help Muscle Injuries with COQ10

2008-07-18T07:13:00.000-07:00

Hey athletes and weekend-warriors: CoQ10, a supplement know for helping to power the heart, may also assist in protecting hard-working muscles against injuries. Researchers in Japan recruited 18 practitioners of kendo, a Japanese form of fencing, and gave them either 300 mg of CoQ10 or a lookalike placebo for 20 days, during the time the athletes engaged in more than five hours of training a day. All the volunteers showed increased amounts of creatine kinase and lipid peroxide, substances associated with muscle damage, but at significantly lower levels among the supplement takers. CoQ10 plays a key role in cellular energy production and also acts as an antioxidant.
British Journal of Nutrition 2/20/08

Eyeglasses a MUST!

2008-07-09T11:06:00.000-07:00

For years, we’ve referred to them casually as “shades.” For sure, that nickname reflects the laid-back, cool vibe that goes along with sunglasses. And for many, they mean fashion, not health.

Think again. We talked with Stephen Cohen, a VSP doctor from Scottsdale, Arizona, to find out the facts.

“Sunglasses used to be more about looking stylish than about taking care of your vision, but not anymore,” says Dr. Cohen. “Today, there’s increasing evidence that ultraviolet rays in sunlight can significantly increase your risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration.” Both conditions usually affect older people, and it’s no wonder since years and years of sun exposure leave their mark over time.

The doctor adds, “Because both conditions can threaten healthy vision, I recommend wearing sunglasses on sunny days year-round. Plus, you’ll experience better night vision when you wear sunglasses on sunny days.”

There are a few key things to look for when picking the right pair of shades for you. Says Dr. Cohen: “When buying sunglasses, make sure they carry a consumer-protection label stating they’re 99-100% UV-absorbent, or provide UV absorption up to 400 nanometers (nm).

“Once you’ve eliminated the threat from UV light, you can focus on other issues, such as reducing glare and choosing a tint that will allow you to control the degree of brightness reaching your eyes.”

Here’s a rundown of other things to consider when picking the perfect pair:

Go big or wrap it: Bigger frames and lenses, and also wrap-around styles, give you more UV protection because they block peripheral rays.
Go polar: Polarized lenses block out sunlight glare bouncing off windshields, pavement, and other smooth surfaces.
Consider color: Gray lenses are best. Why? They don’t change colors. Green and brown lenses are good too.
Rx effects: If you wear prescription glasses, why not add prescription sunglasses to your eyewear wardrobe?
Shade your specs: You can make your regular glasses into sunglasses. Look for clip-on or magnetic tinted lenses that can attach to your specs.
Automate: Ask your eye doctor about photochromic lenses. They automatically get darker outside, then return to normal inside.

Source: VSP

Acupunture Improves IVF Odds

2008-06-23T08:04:00.000-07:00

British Medical Journal suggests a series of acupuncture treatments can improve pregnancy changes for in vitro fertilization (IVF). The review, conducted at the University of Maryland and sponsored by the NCCAM, showed acupuncture, when performed at the right time, could improve a woman's change of conceiving. The review examined seven different studies of more than 1,366 women in the United States and abroad. Some woman received no acupuncture, some received a traditional acupuncture treatment; and others received sham acupuncture. A pool of the studies revealed acupuncture increased the odds of conception by up to 65 percent. IVF leads to pregnancy about 35 perfect of the time. For details, visit http://www.bmj.com.

To read Roxanne's success stories, visit her website at http://www.eastwestacupuncturecenter.com

The Truth on Mecury Fillings

2008-06-10T09:33:00.000-07:00

This article came today through the American Holistic Health Association:

After a ten-year legal battle, those supporting the position that dental amalgam filling materials containing mercury are dangerous are claiming victory. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted a statement on its website: "Dental amalgams contain mercury, which may have neurotoxic effects on the nervous systems of developing children and fetuses." The agency posted the revised assessment online as part of a settlement with consumer advocates. The FDA also committed to issuing special controls on mercury fillings in July, 2009. Those controls could range from giving patients information to adding warnings prohibiting use of the fillings in some people. At the same time, the American Medical Association (AMA) is publishing research results that offer some reassurance that amalgam fillings are safe. And so the controversy continues:

"Mercury teeth fillings may harm some: U.S. FDA"
by Susan Heavey

"Mercury Fillings: Are They Safe?: Two New Studies Show No Detection of Cognitive Damage"
by Joy Victory

Fighting Cancer: Fermented Wheat Germ

2008-05-23T13:20:00.000-07:00

Researchers around the world are always on the lookout for novel anti-cancer substances. And while some of them are found in exotic locations like the tropical rain forest, some of these therapies have been located a lot closer to home.

Take wheat germ. Fermenting this health food store staple yields an extract that has shown an ability to battle cancer while provoking few side effects. A lot of this research has taken place in Hungary, where fermented wheat germ extract has been found to promote natural death, or apoptosis, in cancer cells. The Hungarians have also found that the extract has improved survival rates among people with colon cancer, while those with lung cancer have enjoyed a greater quality of life. Fermented wheat germ extract has also reduced chemo-induced fever in children with cancer.

(Cancer Letters 6/8/07, Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology 10/4, www.pubmed.gov)

The Best Flipflops (Thongs) For Your Feet!

2008-03-09T16:20:00.000-07:00

As a massage therapist, over the next few weeks my clients will be coming in with feet and leg pain. It happens every spring when the flip flops become the popular footwear and the feet are adjusting to the non-existent arch. At the end of the summer, the feet have had it, and I the ligaments and tendons can't take much more.

Fortunately, I've found a new line of sandals with a built-in orthosis to control excessive pronation (interior rotation of the foot/flattening out your arch).

The Orthaheel line helps restore the foot to its natural position and eliminates disruptive wear and tear to the knees, hips and back. The sandals feature padded uppers that provide additional comfort.

The company is Vasyli Medical. Click to purchase.

Job Depression

2008-02-25T15:05:00.000-08:00

We may all feel let down by the thought of another early morning workday, especially after a great weekend. But some careers seem to cause more depression than others. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) surveyed 67,500 adults aged 18 to 64 over the last three years to determine the most and least depressing careers. Personal care and service workers, ranging from child caregivers to beauty salon technicians, reported a depression rate of nearly 11 percent. On the low end, engineers and architects reported depression rates of just over 4 percent. Lower incomes, part-time hours, and the younger ages of people in personal care and service work are thought to be the main contributing factors.

Bodywork Sense, Spring/Summer 2008

Goji Your Skin!

2008-02-19T17:50:00.000-08:00

Goji, the tiny red Chinese berry with big health benefits, may help protect skin from the effects of aging. In one study, scientists found that gogi extract reduced levels of a skin enzyme linked to skin sagging while also promoting the survival of fibroblasts - cells that create collagen, the main skin protein - under what the study authors called "suboptimal conditions." Other research suggests that goji. which has been used medicinally in China for centuries, can also help enhance immunity, improve circulation and stave off an age-related eye problem called macular degeneration.

Phytomedicine Volume 12

Taking Your Kids Skiing? Read this first!

2008-02-12T17:33:00.000-08:00

According to Sports Medicine in a review article published in 2007, almost 47.7% of ski injuries in children and adolescents are knee sprains and ACL tears. The researchers reported that musculoskeletal immaturity is also a frequent culprit in ski injuries among this age group, accounting for 15% of the total number of injuries, which said to range between 3.9 and 9.1 injuries per 1000 skier days.

Improving skill is a key factor in reducing injuries in young skiers, the researchers said. they recommended the proper fitting of equipments for the skiers height, weight, experience level, and boot size, and instruction that focuses on collision avoidance, helmet use, and learning how to fall properly to minimize lower extremity trauma.

Excerpt taken from Boimechanics Magazine, January 2008, p. 64.

Work stress? Get a massage!

2008-02-06T10:32:00.001-08:00

It's a fact: The workplace causes stress, which can lead to depression. Getting regular massages is proven to help overall health, mentally and physically.

Read more from Massage Magazine

Massage for Healing can help! Schedule a massage today!

A Deeper Look into Mystery Meat

2008-01-28T11:08:00.000-08:00

I stumbled upon a very interesting NewsTarget PhotoTour on Mystery Meat by Mike Adams. I personally do not eat pork and packaged meats for the very reasons displayed in this tour. For your health education, I highly recommend clicking through this quick, but very informative tour.

NewsTarget: Mystery Meat Photo Tour

Study Findings: Massage relieves post-surgery pain

2008-01-14T09:27:00.000-08:00

On December 17, 2007, Reuters reported the results from a U.S. researchers "In a study of 605 men 64 years and older who had major surgery, 200 received nightly 20-minute back massages for four days. On a scale of 1 to 10, those who got massages reported their pain diminished one level faster than those who did not."

"Increased awareness for better pain control has led treating physicians to use nontraditional modalities such as massage therapy, music, and relaxation techniques," wrote Dr. Marie Hanna of Johns Hopkins University in a comment on the study published in the journal."

Click here to see the entire article: http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN17403842

Acupuncture May Help Some Men with Infertility Problems

2007-08-07T07:43:00.001-07:00

A study published in the July 2005 issue of the Fertility and Sterility found that acupuncture helped infertile men by apparently helping improve sperm quality in their semen.

In the research project, 28 men received acupuncture in addition to traditional infertility treatments, while another 12 men received only the traditional treatments. All of the men were diagnosed with infertility of unknown origin.

Acupuncture was associated with fewer structural defects in the sperm of men who received it, although it had no effect on the abnormalities, such as sperm immaturity or premature death.

Previous studies have shown a link between acupuncture and improved sperm production and motility.
Source: Fertility and Sterility, July 2005.

Acupuncture-Massage Combination Helps After Cancer Surgery

2007-08-07T07:37:00.000-07:00

The pain and depression symptoms that sometimes occur following cancer surgery can be eased by a combination of acupuncture and massage, according to new research.

A study conducted by the University of California San Francisco found that two days of acupuncture and massage, in addition to standard post-operative care, led to a steeper decline for patients with pain symptoms over three days of measurement, as compared to those who received standard post-op care alone.

"We can say that adding acupuncture and massage definitely helped," said Wolf E. Mehling, M.D., assistant professor of family and community medicine at UCSF.

Mehling cautioned that more research would be needed to convince health plans and hospital administrators that adding massage and acupuncture to standard post-operative treatment for cancer surgery patients are worth the cost.
Source: Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, March 2007

Cancer Patients Have Less Pain after Massage and Acupuncture

2007-05-04T17:35:00.000-07:00

A recent University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) study, published in the March 2007 issue of the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, finds that massage and acupuncture can help reduce pain and depression in cancer patients after surgery.

Click the link above to read more...

Consumer Lab Reports Phony Joint Supplements

2007-04-12T23:11:00.000-07:00

It does matter what brand you select when purchasing joint supplements. ConsumerLab reports " ...eight supplements for osteoarthritis failed ConsumerLab's testing. Four of had less than 8% of their listed amounts of key ingredients, including a "maximum strength" product that contained no chondroitin at all. Three others had only 52% to 75% of listed ingredients. One failed because it would not properly break apart to release its glucosamine and chondroitin."

Eight brands of twenty-nine tested did not pass their tests. The twenty-nine tested are:

Advocare	Nature's Plus
Bronson	NSI
Country Life	Nutri Vet
Cosamin	Pharmanex
Cosequin	Puritan's Pride
CVS	Rottapharm
Doctor's Best	Schiff
Drinkables	Symtec
HydraJoint	Swanson
GLC	TriMedica
Joint Max	Twinlab
Karuna	Vitamin World
Kirkland	Walgreens
Maxi Health	Weil
Nature Made

To find out more, visit http://www.consumerlab.com.

Tainted Pet Food Still On Shelves

2007-04-12T23:05:00.000-07:00

It's being reported today that The Food and Drug Administration said it had inspected about 400 stores nationwide and still found some dog and cat food products affected by last month's recall by Canada-based pet food maker Menu Foods Income Fund and other manufacturers.

FDA officials have said the affected foods contained wheat gluten contaminated with melamine, an industrial chemical used in plastics and fertilizer. But the agency is still investigating what caused the confirmed death of 16 cats and dogs. About 12,000 pets have been reported ill.

For more information, visit http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/petfood.html

Acupuncture Helps IVF Patients

2007-03-17T11:48:00.000-07:00

I am beginning to feel like I have a large extended family with all the new babies being born. It is really wonderful to know that I have had a small part in their lives. Please keep the baby pictures coming. My baby board continues to fill up.

I thought it would be nice to give all of my fertility patients a report on my success rate. I have been seeing patients for their infertility since 2002. Since I began, I have treated more than 200 patients.

I have treated 65 women for IVF using the German protocol. This protocol requires the patient to come for acupuncture twice the day of embryo transfer, before and after the transfer. My success rate is 60%. For women that have under gone IUI the success rate is 30%. For women who conceived naturally the success rate is 52%. I am really happy to report these statistics. But I would like to see them higher. It’s not very good if you were one of the people that did not conceive.

I have adopted a new idea that I think is very important. It is called Preconception Health Care. This is just what the name implies. This health care is done BEFORE conception. Meaning it is done not only to help the couple conceive, but also to help the mother get healthier to carry the baby, and most importantly to make the baby healthier. Most acupuncture fertility specialists agree that a woman should have acupuncture treatments for a minimum of six months before even trying to conceive. Preconception Health Care should be done for a minimum of two months before a woman begins to try to conceive. Of course this is a rough estimate, but many women are so depleted that they need a longer time. It involves integrating both Eastern and Western paradigms of diagnosis and health care. A comprehensive protocol is designed for each individual. It consists of nutritional and herbal supplementation, along with a series of acupuncture treatments that address each individual’s imbalances. Most women want a baby yesterday, but the Preconception Health Care period is time well spent increasing mental and physical stability. Often a woman does not start her acupuncture treatments until a month or less before IUI or IVF. While they certainly benefit, it is far too short of a treatment time to offer maximum support for women who undergo this very stressful and expensive endeavor.
I also work with men. After all, they are usually half of the equation. Many men have poor motility, morphology or low sperm counts. Acupuncture, herbs and nutritional supplements can be given to increase the quality and quantity of sperm.

I am really dedicated to my fertility practice. Fertility is truly my passion. I share the highs and the lows with my patients. Each time a patient doesn’t get pregnant I always ask myself what I could have done differently to improve their outcome. I continue to take acupuncture infertility classes at least every year and constantly read anything new.

Health Magazine and CNN tell YOU to get a massage!

2007-03-09T06:47:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Health Magazine posted an article through CNN.com reiterating the benefits of massage therapy.

Read for yourself, and then call and make that appointment for your next massage (smile):
http://edition.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/03/08/healthmag.massage/

S.3546 Dietary Supplement and Nonprescription Drug Consumer Protection Act

2007-01-22T11:51:00.000-08:00

On December 9, 2006 at 3:06 am, Congress passed the On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass Bill S 3546. This bill was to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to serious adverse event reporting for dietary supplements and nonprescription drugs, and for other purposes. Click here for the specific voting results by party, state and region.

We agree with the stance of the American Association of Health Freedom -

"As the politically active voice of the healthcare practitioner and their patients, AAHF sees S. 3546 as part of a bigger picture that would like to treat dietary supplements more like pharmaceuticals and not as food as it currently stands. We believe that as soon as you accept differential treatment between dietary supplements (as concentrated nutrient forms) and conventional foods, you have given up very valuable ground.

S. 3546 would also discourage consumers from properly submitting their adverse events. Consumers should be discussing their adverse event reactions (especially “serious adverse events” as per the bill) with their healthcare practitioner rather than just sending a complaint to the manufacturer or retailer. There is a serious potential for abuse of the system and supplements could easily be blamed in place of things as divergent as pharmaceutical drugs, recreational drugs, genetic sensitivities, food intolerances, alcohol abuse, etc. A healthcare professional is crucial to determining the adverse event and ensuring that needless blame is not pointed towards the wrong substance.

Additionally, the FDA is already broken and this bill would just add to its misery. The FDA's own enforcement reports (for drug products) show it to be an agency under increasing pressure to do more with less. The number of warning letters issued to pharmaceutical companies has dropped over the past 10 years even as product recalls have increased. In other words, the agency is allowing more manufacturer product mistakes to reach the market. Adding supplements would reduce enforcement efficiency even more - for both drugs and supplements. This bill is a classic demonstration of the federal government wasting money to protect the public from a relatively small health threat on the part of dietary supplements. In fact, food is actually more dangerous than dietary supplements and cause 5,000 deaths and over 80 million hospitalizations a year in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

We do not wish to discourage the dietary supplement industry in reporting their adverse events and we believe that over-the-counter medications should have a mandatory adverse event reporting process but S.3546 is not what is best for the American dietary supplement consumer."

If you agree, please take action and help us keep nutritional supplements available and affordable to us all.

How Massage Can Help You Lose Weight

2007-01-12T06:21:00.000-08:00

Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.

Physicians, dieticians, personal trainers and body sculpting professionals all agree that any healthy, risk-free, effective plan to lose weight involves both diet and exercise. While controlled diet and regular exercise directs the body’s proportions, exercise is primarily responsible for carving off previously gained weight. Just as bacon fat will only liquefy at warmer temperatures, body fat can only come off the body with physical activity. By enabling your client’s weight-loss program, massage is a perfect ally to a disciplined diet and exercise routine. Massage therapy supports exercise and weight loss in many ways, including:

1. Improves ability for physical activity
2. Reduces risk of injury
3. Increases metabolic rate
4. Reduces abdominal fat hormone
5. Physical bursting of fat capsule
6. Supports digestive functions
7. Rewards dedication and hard work

More....