Guest Spot: When Should You See a Chiropractor? By Keith Warde

When Should You See a Chiropractor?
By Keith Warde

Experiencing lower back pain is common for most people and they can feel relief within a few weeks with general self care. There are those that do suffer with more frequent severe lower back pain or the pain doesn't go away for them. This is when you should seek chiropractor care.

There are many different reasons a person will suffer from lower back pain, including strenuous exercise, general strain, poor posture, and lifting excessive amounts of weight.

What type of symptoms can one expect if they are experiencing lower back pains, stiffness and muscle spasms, burning sensations, pain that comes on suddenly or gradually.

When you visit your chiropractor after suffering from lower back pain that won't ease up, your chiropractor may suggest different things to try.

With your lower back pain your chiropractor may believe this is caused by a slipped disc and will order x-rays. If you are suffering from frequent lower back pain and it won't go away, you should seek a chiropractor and find a good treatment plan.

Chiropractor care is one of the safest methods of treatment. There is one treatment that is popular called manipulation. This concept is used to apply force to a joint. This force pushes it beyond its regular range of motion.

In theory when there is no to little movement of your spine it can cause pain and reduce function. With manipulation it will adjust your spine to where it needs to be.

There are other treatments for lower back pain which might include ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation, or massage therapy.

No matter what type of lower back pain you suffer from you should consult with a chiropractor for advice and treatment. You will feel much better and your back will thank you for it.

Dr. Keith Warde, D.C. provides cost-effective state of the art chiropractic care. Whether you are seeking chiropractic care, rehabilitation services, massage therapy or MUA (Manipulation under anesthesia) Southwest Spine & Sport, Inc can help you!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Warde

Do Crystals really have the ability to Heal? By Bob Hubbard

Do Crystals really have the ability to Heal?
By Bob Hubbard

New Age Healing has a number of interesting components, many of them based on ideas and information from our ancient past. One of them, is the idea of the healing stone, or using various crystals to cure what ails you.

Crystal healing traces back to various ancient cultures, from ancient Egypt, to China, and beyond. Crystal healers believe that the crystals contain an energy or life force of their own, and can modify and effect your own life energy field.

Specific crystals are used to effect various illnesses and ailments. Amethyst for example might be used to sooth the aches of arthritis, heal your bones and boost your spiritual awareness, while rose quartz is used to calm you and boost your love life. Citrine can increase your self-esteem, while bloodstone will purify you and protect you.

Crystal healers will use stones that are intended to have a positive influence on your main charkas, or energy centers. Each one controls part of your body and have a particular color associated with them. By matching colors, the crystal healer will seek to restore balance thereby improving your physical and mental health.

The big question is however, Does it Work?

There have been few large scientific tests done on the ideas behind crystal healing. Much of the proof cited behind it comes from peoples personal experiences. A study was performed in 1999 by Christopher French of Goldsmiths College, University of London. In this study, 80 volunteers, half male including customers from a New Age store were given either a natural quartz crystal to hold, or a fake crystal made of glass and were asked to report sensations such as tingling, heat, relaxation, and mood change. A follow up experiment was done in 2001. In both cases, there was no meaningful difference between the real and fake stones effects. Those who expected something usually felt it, and those who didn't, didn't.

"The power of suggestion, either explicit or implicit, seems to be the not so mysterious power that may convince many that crystals have the potential to work miracles," Dr. French said.

So, do they work?

The answer is, no, and yes.

So far, there is no scientific proof that they do work, but if you believe they can work, they might.

"Clearly, there is an effect here -- people did react to having a crystal in their hand, whether it was real or not," said Dr. Chris Wiseman of Hertfordshire University who co-authored the study.

So, if you believe they can help you, go right ahead and stock up on quartz and all the rest, or my favorite, turquoise.



Reference:
Crystal healing all in the mind
Scotsman/March 29, 2001
By John Woodcock and Jennifer Hill
http://www.rickross.com/reference/general/general369.html

Crystal Healing: The Healing Properties of Gemstones and Crystals
http://www.gems4friends.com/therapy.html

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Bob Hubbard is an administrator of the popular martial arts portal site MartialTalk.com and president of SilverStar WebDesigns inc., a web site design and hosting company specializing in affordable solutions for martial artists. Bob can be reached at webmaster@martialtalk.com and at bobhubbard.net
Article Copyright © 2008 - Bob Hubbard - All Rights Reserved.
This article may be reproduced provided all text, links, the author bio and these terms are kept intact.

Health Tip of the Week - Healthy Digestion II

Health Tip of the Week - Healthy Digestion II

Make sure you eat plenty of fiber. A fiber rich diet may help to decrease your risk of colon and rectal cancer. Foods that contain fiber include whole grains, leafy greens as well as apples, pears and avocados. They bulk and soften your stools, decreasing risks of constipation and diarrhea.

Guest Spot: Thinking of Buying Over the Counter Pain Medication? Better Think Again By Jes Walia

Thinking of Buying Over the Counter Pain Medication? Better Think Again
By Jes Walia

They come in different colors, shapes and sizes, lined up beautifully in a row in every drugstore. But while many people still patronize medicines over the counter, more and more people are now saying that they have popped pills far too many.

Scared by reports of side effects of modern day medicines has prompted many people to seek alternative medicines.

For instance experts say that pain medications could cause allergic reactions, fainting, unusual weakening or fatigue, abnormal bleeding or bruising, jaundice or yellowing of the skin and eyes, confusion, symptoms of infection (such as fever, chills and sore throat), and irregular heartbeats.

It could also trigger dizziness, lightheadedness, numbness of limbs, muscle aches and cramps, increased hunger or thirst, changes in sense of taste, dry and irritating cough, excessive urination, anxiety or depression, rashes, profuse sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, gas, mild diarrhea, sedation, constipation and nausea.

But why take the risk and suffer even one of these side effects when you have options.

There is acupuncture, which is the Chinese form of healing. It is described as a technique of inserting fine filiform needles into specific points in the body for therapeutic purposes.

Or you could consult a chiropractor which mainly deals with mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system particularly on the spine in connection with the nervous system.

The world-renowned fashion designer Oscar de la Renta, at some point in his life, had himself treated by a chiropractor when he suffered a whiplash problem and experienced severe pain in his elbows and arms.

Since he has just came from a surgery, the suggestion to undergo another surgery to cure his whiplash problem did not appeal to him. De la Renta decided to see a chiropractor and religiously he underwent treatment everyday for six weeks. At the end of the treatment, he no longer experienced pain and no longer had to undergo another surgery.

http://www.drjaswalia.com http://www.drwalia.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jes_Walia

Health Tip of the Week - Healthy Digestion

Health Tip of the Week - Healthy Digestion

Reduce the fats and oils in your diet for a healthier digestive system. Too much fat can slow your digestion, leading to heart burn, bloating and constipation. Diets high in saturated and animal fats may increase your risk of colon cancer.

Guest Spot: Hot Tub and Home Spa Safety By: Terri Greene

Hot Tub and Home Spa Safety
By: Terri Green

With the increasing number of hot tubs and home spas being installed in homes and backyards everywhere, it would be wise for us to take some time to discuss hot tub safety. Most people associate hot tubs with fun and relaxation, but there are a number of potential health issues to aware of.

Hot tubs and home spas can be a fertile breeding ground for bacteria and disease-causing organisms. This is generally due to the warm, moist environment of the hot tub. It is not uncommon for Legionella bacteria to be found in a hot tub that is not properly cared for. This is a very dangerous type of bacteria that can cause Legionnaires disease, as well as pneumonia and eye/ear infections. With the proper hot tub care and maintenance, the potential of becoming ill from your hot tub are greatly reduced.

Disinfection is the key to preventing the growth of bacteria in your hot tub. While many hot tubs and spa come equipped with UV light systems and ozone treatments, these are no substitute for the use of chemicals. The disinfectant level in your hot tub or spa should be no lower than 3ppm for chlorine, and 4.5ppm for bromine. The ideal pH level for your tub is somewhere between 7.2 and 7.6.

The disinfectant level in your hot tub should be checked before and after each use. Most hot tub and spa dealers sell testing kits that should be used regularly. One way to minimize the amount of bacteria in your tub is to make sure that you and your guests shower before entering the hot tub. The amount of usage is another factor to be mindful of. A hot tub that is rarely used is going to require fewer chemicals than a tub that is used daily.

You should also drain your hot tub every month or so, and clean it thoroughly with a bleach solution. Filtration and pumping systems should also be cleaned regularly. By following these safety and hygiene tips, you should be able to enjoy your hot tub for many years to come. If you have any questions or concerns about your hot tub safety status, contact your local hot tub dealer or manufacturer. Alternatively, you can visit the site below. Au Revoir!


-----
Terri Greene spends much of her time soaking in her favorite hot tub. When she is not telling her friends about the last hot tub party, she is threatening to sue them if the pictures end up on the internet. In her spare time, she writes for hottubsandhomespas.com – a resource for anyone interested in Caldera Spas, Great Lakes Hot Tubs, Solana Spas and more.

Health Tip of the Week - Don't Skip Meals to Lose Weight

Health Tip of the Week

Don't Skip Meals to Lose Weight
Skipping meals to lose weight is self defeating. When you skip meals, your metabolism slows down, conserving resources and actually burns slower. Also, you brain thinks it's starving, and tells your body to store more food, so you actualy can get fatter by skipping meals. Rather than skip meals, eat smaller meals more often. This keeps you body running at peak efficiency, and lets you burn fat off optimally.

Guest Spot: Back Pain By: What Increases & Decreases Good & Bad Cholesterol? By: Linda Giles

What Increases & Decreases Good & Bad Cholesterol?
By: Linda Giles

Factors leading to and Increase in Cholesterol Poor eating habits Diet that is high in saturated fat tends to elevate cholesterol. Saturated fats are found mostly in foods that come from animals. Saturated fat raises you LDL ("bad") cholesterol level more that anything else in the diet. Eating too much saturated fat is the main reason for high levels of cholesterol and high rate of heart attacks. Smoking Cigarette smoking lowers HDL ("good") cholesterol levels and is one of the six major risk factors of heart disease. It also increases the tendency for blood to clot. Once a person quits smoking, HDL cholesterol levels rises within weeks or months to levels that are equal to their nonsmoking peers. Excess Weight Excess weight tends to increase your LDL ("bad") cholesterol level. If you are over weight and have high LDL-cholesterol level, losing weight may help you lower it. Heredity Heredity can make certain individuals more prone to high cholesterol. Genes play a role in influencing you LDL-cholesterol level. Your genes influence how high you LDL ("bad") cholesterol is by affecting how fast LDL is made and removed from the blood. Stress Stress over the long term has been shown in several studies to raise blood cholesterol levels. One way that stress may do this is by affecting your habits. For example, when some people are under stress, they console themselves by eating fatty foods. Alcohol consumption Alcohol intake increases HDL ("good") cholesterol but does not lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol. But drinking too much alcohol can damage the liver and heart muscle, lead to high blood pressure, and raise triglycerides. Because of the risks, the benefit isn’t great enough to recommend drinking alcohol if you don’t do so already. Factors which Lower Cholesterol in the Body Good Eating Habits Eating healthy is a vital part of lowering you cholesterol. Increasing fiber intake by as little as 3 grams per day can help lower cholesterol. Good sources include oatmeal, soy, legumes, some vegetables, and beans. A healthy diet includes minimal saturated fat. However, monounsaturated fats (olive oils) have a positive effect on cholesterol. Alcohol should also be kept to a minimum. Exercise Along with diet, exercising is an important part of achieving a healthy cholesterol level. Being physically active can help lower you cholesterol level, whether it involves everyday activities like cleaning or gardening or structured exercise program. Exercise sets off a series of enzymatic reactions in the body that increases HDL’s and lowers triglycerides. This will ultimately lower LDL’s ("bad") and total cholesterol. Weight Loss This is actually the most significant independent contributor to cholesterol reduction. While exercise and proper diet contribute to cholesterol reduction. In most cases weight loss must occur to see an improvement. The good news is that only a five percent weight loss can alter cholesterol significantly.

----- Linda Giles also writes on Fungrx: Ring Worm Treatment. More info: Treatment for Ringworm, Cure

Sushi, for Fun and Health

Sushi, for Fun and Health


Sushi. It's not just raw fish. Sushi, a seasoned rice treat from Japan, combines rice, rice wine vinegar, salt, sugar, and other healthy additions into an easy to eat package.

A key component of many sushi is the raw fish, or sashimi, which has to be top quality, and at the peak of it's freshness.

Some sushi however contains no raw components, but cooked crab, shrimp, egg or raw vegitables such as carrot, cuccumber and avacodo.

Sushi is usually a low fat, high Omega-3 food, and often a great source of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.



For more information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sushi
http://www.eatsushi.com/
http://www.c4vct.com/kym/bento/sushi.htm

Health Tip of the Week - Eat more Asparagus

Health Tip of the Week

Eat more Asparagus
Asparagus is high in vitamin K and folate, can help sufferers of menstrual cramping, is good for your digestion system, can help fight depression, detoxify the body, and can lower cholesterol. It also has some anti-inflammatory properties, and has anti fungal and anti viral qualities.

Guest Spot: Back Pain By: Lucy Nicholas

Back Pain
By: Lucy Nicholas

Back pain is one thing most likely to elicit a twinge of sympathy from the hardest of hearts. It is estimated that every person in the world will suffer from it in his/her lifetime - mild to serious, chronic or temporary. You could get an attack at any point along the spine, especially the lower back area which takes on the maximum weight and stress. Most common causes: strain or bruising of muscles; sprain or injury to ligaments; and spasms when the injured muscle knots up as part of the body’s attempt to immobilize it to prevent further injury. Other causes include osteoporosis, arthritis, a slipped disc, or even excessive gas, besides more serious causes like tumors, diabetes or kidney malfunctions that emerge in a doctor’s clinic. Blame it on your Lifestyle An important factor and one that is entirely in you hands, is lifestyle. For instance, improper postures while sitting and sleeping, and carelessness during walking, stretching or playing, especially when you are overweight, are few common causes. Grand illusions of being a Hercules incarnate and lifting heavy weights or improperly hefting them around are other frequent errors. Bad posture is the biggest culprit. Desk jobs mean sitting for hours before computers where we unconsciously slump into odd positions. Or twist our backs frequently while trying to reach for something behind or beside us, or stretch forward too far; too fast. We also unconsciously slip into awkward positions while reading or watching TV sprawled on the bed or sofa. Sit up Chairs with gaps at the lower back level are deadly - avoid them. And if you think you are invulnerable because you have that perfectly ‘ergonomically’ designed chair; know this - most people unconsciously lean forward in such a way that their lower back moves away from the chair base and thus remains unsupported. Get up and Walk around Sitting anywhere, anyhow, for long periods means that dangerous pressure points develop along the back. The load on you back is the highest when you are sitting, less while standing and least when you are sleeping. The golden rule is to get up and walk around every 15-20 minutes. When on a long drive, get out of the car, walk around, stretch you limbs after every two hours. While driving, the back of the car seat should not recline beyond 30 degrees and ideally the seat bottom should be tilted up slightly in front. It’s not a high Avoid regular use of high heels - they hamper good posture, ruin you body’s alignment and hurt the back, feet and neck. Our feet are designed to bear the entire weight of the body evenly across their surface. However, the feet and legs are placed in and unnatural position when you wear heels. Most of the pressure is transferred to the front of the foot. Stressed Out The modern-day stress epidemic is another factor since back pain can be psychosomatic. Stress/emotional problems both cause back pain and aggravate any existing pain. Yoga and meditation sessions are effective in such cases. Weak stomach muscles heighten back strain and cause you pelvis to twist abnormally. Regular and proper exercise help tremendously since it keeps joints mobile, muscles conditioned and, more importantly, raises your pain threshold. Don’t over Exercise Doctors receive many back-pain patients who are victims of improperly-trained gym instructors or half-baked yoga teachers. Suddenly launching into heavy, unaccustomed activity is a sure recipe for disaster.

----- Lucy Nicholas also writes on Acne Remedy Home. More info: Acne Treatment & Medication

The Health Care Question

The Health Care Question
By Bob Hubbard

Recently, the following question came in to me at Martialtalk.

Question
"What are people doing for health insurance if they don't have coverage via a spouse? I know some people "go naked" which seems very unsafe. Can you get health insurance via NAPMA and the like? What's typical for a single martial artist with his or her own school?"

The answer unfortunately isn't a great one. Health insurance is a confusing mess right now unfortunately. There is no national system to connect to, so you are left to a maze of confusing offerings that vary from state to state. Plans for the self employed also tend to cost more than comparable plans offered to the employees.

Most insurance companies also refuse to cover "prior" conditions, the definition of 'prior' up to them.

Available plans, terms, rates and insurers vary by state as well.

Here are some resources to help you wade through the maze.

healthinsuranceinfo.net.
This site, maintained by the Georgetown Health Policy Institute, shows a map of the country and after clicking on a state, a document is downloaded that covers everything from what kinds of programs are available to small-business owners to whether there is a high-risk pool available for those who have been rejected by insurance providers.

ehealthinsurance.com
This site allows you to compare a variety of policies offered through about 70 insurance providers. One restriction: ehealthinsurance.com does not serve consumers in all states. Rhode Island, Vermont, Massachusetts, Maine and North Dakota are excluded.

Other starting points are local Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Service Bureau (sbsb.com), and local independent insurance agents.

You can also check with the Freelancers Union, however the union also has some limitations. It operates in only 30 states, and you have to work in one of the industries or occupations it serves.

Some martial arts organizations such as MATA look to offer varying programs, so contacing them is a good idea. They may have affiliate or group programs that you can tie into potentially saving a good deal of cash.

Regardless of who you end up with, several other steep obstacles await. Monthly premiums exceeding $500-1,000 for an individual seem to be common, and that is for people in good health. For those with health issues, you will face an uphill battle finding an insurer who will cover you.

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Bob Hubbard is an administrator of the popular martial arts portal site MartialTalk.com and president of SilverStar WebDesigns inc., a web site design and hosting company specializing in affordable solutions for martial artists. Bob can be reached at webmaster@martialtalk.com
Article Copyright © 2008 - Bob Hubbard - All Rights Reserved.
This article may be reproduced provided all text, the author bio and these terms are kept intact.