Do you have Swine Flu?

Do you have Swine Flu?

---

Quote:

On Wednesday, Microsoft launched a new site called the H1N1 Response Center. The site lets users determine whether their symptoms are severe enough to warrant treatment in a hospital setting.

Have fun.

Moderate exercise safe, healthy for heart-failure patients

Moderate exercise safe, healthy for heart-failure patients

• Story Highlights
• Study: Exercise in heart-failure patients is safe, helps well-being, reduces mortality
  
• About 5 million people in the United States have chronic heart failure
  
• In heart failure, the heart is too weak to pump blood through the body effectively

"Brown fat" burns calories -- may lead to new obesity treatments

"Brown fat" burns calories -- may lead to new obesity treatments

• Story Highlights
• Special kind of fat, brown fat, burns calories in cold weather
  
• Research showed adults retain brown fat on their bodies
  
• Drugs may be created to fire up brown fat activity to burn calories faster

Updated: Dealing with that Annoying Headache

I've created a SquidLens for Dealing with that Annoying Headache with updated information and some great resources.
Check it out!
http://www.squidoo.com/annoyingheadache

Updated: Random Acts of Healing - Stevia

I've created a SquidLens for the Random Acts of Healing - Stevia article with more information on the herb, it''s uses and it's safety. Check it out!

http://www.squidoo.com/randomactsofhealing

Updated: What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?

I've created an SquidLens for What is Traditional Chinese Medicine? with more information, and some videos. Check it out.

http://www.squidoo.com/whatittraditionalchinesemedicine

Guest Spot: Massage - A Healthy Indulgence By Mark Bromson, M.D.

Massage - A Healthy Indulgence
By Mark Bromson, M.D.

Many of my patients see massage therapy as an indulgence. They might go to a spa a few times a year as a special treat, or to relax after a period of stress. As an orthopedic surgeon, I know there are more benefits to massage than simply an hour of relaxation. It is an important component in many treatment plans, and it can target your individual needs if you understand the difference between massage techniques. Here is what you need to know about the most popular types of massage to discover which one is right for you.

Swedish Massage

If you go to a day spa or make an appointment at hotel spa, you are almost certain to get a Swedish massage. Considered an all-purpose therapy, Swedish technique is certainly relaxing and beneficial to a wide range of people. The goal is to stimulate circulation with the use of long, flowing strokes, all focused in the direction of the heart. Massage oil or lotion may be used to reduce friction. A well-trained therapist should discuss with you beforehand any specific injuries or areas you may be concerned about. The massage may be light or firm, based on your preference. By increasing circulation, this technique may reduce swelling and speed healing.

Shiatsu

This Japanese technique uses firm pressure applied with the fingers. By stimulating the traditional acupressure points, increased energy and balance in the body is encouraged. The technique is surprisingly relaxing and gentle for people who are concerned about muscle soreness. Shiatsu is a popular alternative method of relieving pain. By restoring balance in the organs and circulatory system, it is believed that this method helps the body resist disease.

Hot Stone Massage

This technique, in which smooth, flat stones are heated and placed on various pressure points, is enjoyable for its novelty. It is highly relaxing and the warmth is comforting to many people. If Swedish massage is too vigorous for you, the gentler nature of hot stone massage is a good choice. Although somewhat light, this technique may effectively ease muscle tension. It is a good choice for people whose main goal is stress-relief.

Thai Massage

This technique stands apart from other forms of massage. Instead of lying passively on a table, you are guided through various stretches and positions by a therapist working on a mat. One may compare Thai massage to a gentle yoga session without doing the work yourself. Like Shiatsu, specific pressure points are utilized to stimulate the body's organs and promote circulation. The therapist may use his or her body weight to massage different parts of the body, and you will not have to disrobe for Thai massage. It is a good choice if you are not managing an injury and want to improve flexibility and energy.

Aromatherapy Massage

This technique is centered on scented plant oils, called essential oils. It is critical that the therapist discusses your goals ahead of time so he or she can choose the essential oils that will best complement your treatment. Certain scents are known to promote various outcomes, such as relaxation, energy, calm, balance and focus. The scent should be defused throughout the room, and will also be applied as massage oil. Throughout the session, you may be given various scents to sniff to enhance your experience. If you would like to use massage as a relief from emotional trauma or stressful situations with strong emotional components, aromatherapy is a good choice.

Sports Massage

This type of massage is useful not only for athletes, but anyone who engages in a lot of physical activity. The strokes are similar to Swedish massage, but may be more vigorous. It can be used before an event to increase energy and circulation; after an activity to calm the nervous system, sooth tired muscles and reduce recovery time; and after an injury to increase flexibility and stimulate healing in the muscle tissues. Sports massage is always geared to your specific activity, physical condition and goals.

Whatever technique you choose, massage is a highly rewarding experience. If you consider your goals beforehand and discuss them with your therapist, it can have a dramatic effect on your treatment and well-being.

Mark Bromson, M.D. http://www.vitalmaxvitamins.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Bromson,_M.D.

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM? By Bob Hubbard

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM?
By Bob Hubbard

Medicine today is high technology field, involving all types of advanced equipment, complex chemicals, and designer drugs. American’s spend billions of dollars every year on treatments and doctor visits. But what if there was an alternate to the complex and sometimes complicated system of healing?

Enter Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM for short. What is it? Let us start with what it is not.

TCM is not a substitute for regular checkups with your primary physician, a miracle cure, or black magic. It is an alternate system of healing and healthy living that has been developed, researched and refined over several thousand years by one of the oldest continuous advanced civilizations in the world. By comparison, in conventional, or Western medicine, you visit your doctor when you feel ill, and your doctor will often prescribe medicine to treat your symptoms. Take this to stop your nose from leaking, take this to calm your stomach, and so on.

TCM by comparison seeks to diagnose the cause of illness and unrest, treat it, and prevent it from happening again. It seeks to restore balance to your body, believing that a body in balance is healthy, by treating the whole person, not just trying to mask the symptoms of illness. TCM practitioners seek to balance ones life force, also called chi or qi (pronounced chee) through a combination of healthy living, and controlled redirection under the care of a trained professional.

Some of the methods used include:

• Acupuncture – A system where thin steel needles are inserted into certain specific points on the body to unblock and rebalance the flow of chi.
• Acupressure – This is similar to acupuncture, but uses manual manipulation of these points rather than needles.
• Herbal medicines – Chinese herbal treatments such as ginseng and ginko work to rebalance the body from within. Self treatment is highly discouraged, and a trained herbalist’s skill is essential for proper and safe treatment.
• Tai Chi – Tai Chi is a Chinese martial art known for promoting energy flow and flexibility in the body using slow graceful movements, most commonly in a low to no impact environment. Most Tai Chi taught in the US today focuses on the therapeutic rather than the martial aspects, and is a good match to senior citizens looking to maintain or improve their health.
• Qi gong – Qi Gong is a sort of moving meditation, combining slow careful movements and focused breathing. Qi Gong is a component in Tai Chi and many other Chinese arts, but is also a system all it’s own. Practice is recommended under the guidance of an experienced instructor as incorrect Qi Gong can cause problems.

When choosing to visit a TCM doctor, be certain to check credentials.
Here are four basic questions to ask when choosing an acupuncturist, herbologist or doctor of TCM:

1) Where did he or she train?
2) How many years did he or she been train?
3) How many years has he or she been practicing acupuncture or herbology?
4) Does he or she have an NCCAOM certificate in acupuncture or herbology?.

Another important point is to check for a valid license and certifications. In the US, NCCAOM is the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. They put out the National Exam that most, if not all, states recognize.

If you are in the US visit the NCCAOM web site at http://www.nccaom.org/find.htm and check credentials and find qualified TCM practitioners in your area.

TCM is a safe and reliable alternate system of healing that has been practiced for generations and is worth looking at in conjunction with the Western system for a complete healthy existence.

===
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 © 2009 - Bob Hubbard - All Rights Reserved. This article may be reproduced provided all text, the author bio and these terms are kept intact.

Guest Spot: Chiropractic Care For Your Health By Outarow Chuong

Chiropractic Care For Your Health
By Outarow Chuong

Chiropractic care is often thought of as a treatment for back and spine problems, but there is a lot more to the practice than just dealing with the spine. It is thought by practitioners of chiropractic care that disorders and problems with the musculoskeletal system can affect the functioning of the body in a variety of ways.

Chiropractic care is usually used as a complementary medicine that is used in conjunction with traditional approaches to illness and injury. The practice will focus on manipulation of the soft tissue and joints of the spine as well as other areas. Many chiropractors will also teach patients how to perform exercises on their own at home to help their condition. Lifestyle and the overall health of the patient is also counseled for patients who are experiencing health concerns.

There are two different types of chiropractic care that you can receive. The first group are considered to be straight chiropractors and believe that spinal adjustments and vitalism are key to all illness and conditions experienced in the body. These practitioners are not the mainstream of chiropractors any longer. The second type of chiropractor are the mixers and these practitioners believe in the benefits of spinal adjustments and other areas of chiropractic care along with other alternative and traditional methods of medicine.

In the beginnings of chiropractic care, it was not thought of as an appropriate form of therapy. There were a number of chiropractic practitioners who were prosecuted for practicing medicine without a medical license. In recent years, it has been established as an appropriate form of medicine and has gained increased support among the medical community. Many health plans even cover chiropractic care for patients who are in need of their services. Mainstream medicine has embraced the practices of chiropractors when it is used in conjunction with traditional medicine.

The safety of chiropractic care has been under scrutiny in the past, but today it is widely regarded as safe for most patients. Of course, there are some patients who should not use chiropractic care and your doctor should determine if you are physically able to withstand the manipulations and adjustments that are common in chiropractic care.

It is important that you check with your regular doctor to be sure that chiropractic is safe for you. While the practice is quite safe, it is not always appropriate for all patients. Those with osteoporosis should use care when deciding on chiropractic care for the treatment of their conditions or injury. Your doctor is best able to make the call.

Outarow Chhuong has been involved in alternative health since 1997, and is currently writing health articles related to anti wrinkle cream, and anti aging wrinkle cream.

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

Sweet Tooth? Try Stevia! By Bob Hubbard

Sweet Tooth? Try Stevia!
By Bob Hubbard

Walk through your sweetener area and you’ll find a wide range of choices. Cane Sugar our old stand by, as well as corn syrups, molasses, and a wide array of artificial sweeteners made in labs, each with it’s own associated health risks and concerns. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a safe natural low/no calorie sweetener to use instead of sugar, that tasted as good, and didn’t have the concerns of the laboratory creations?

Time to check out Stevia.

Stevia, or “Sweet Leaf” is an natural sweetener, tracing back to Central America. The leaves of the Stevia plant have 30–45 times the sweetness of ordinary table sugar with a slower onset and longer duration. It’s negligible effect on blood glucose makes it an attractive natural sweetener, and it’s low calorie nature helps make it a choice alternate to regular sugar and it’s high calorie count.

The United States banned it’s use as a sweetener in the 1990’s, but recently partially reversed that at the urging of Coca Cola and Pepsi, and there are now several Stevia derivatives available at your local super market under names such as Rebiana, Truvia and PureVia. Stevia has been widely used as a sweetener in Japan, and is also available in Canada as a dietary supplement.

Native tribes in South America used Stevia to sweeten various medical compounds. Recent research has shown Stevia to be a promising aid in treating obesity, high blood pressure and hypertension, as well as possibly enhancing glucose tolerance. It’s being researched as a possible treatment for osteoporosis as well. Stevia’s nature also makes it a good option for diabetics.

Stevia is however not without it’s controversy. Critics claim a wide range of concerns such as its compounds breaking down into mutagens, carcinogens, etc.

In general stevia constituents have not been found to be harmful. There is no evidence that stevia constituents cause cancer or birth defects. For over thirty years millions of Japanese have been using stevia with no reported or known harmful effects. Similarly, stevia leaves have been used for centuries in South America spanning multiple generations.

The World Health Organization performed a thorough evaluation of recent experimental studies of stevioside and steviols conducted on animals and humans, and concluded that there was no evidence of carcinogenic activity, or birth defects, and that there is some evidence of pharmacological effects in patients with hypertension or with type-2 diabetes, but that further study was required.

Overall, Stevia looks to be a safe, natural alternate to sugar, free of many of the concerns of artificial chemical sweeteners. Look for it at your local supermarket and health food store. Remember, a little bit goes a long way with Stevia.

===
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 © 2009 - Bob Hubbard - All Rights Reserved. This article may be reproduced provided all text, the author bio and these terms are kept intact.

Health Tip of the Week - Drink Grape Juice

Health Tip of the Week - Drink Grape Juice

Recent studies have indicated that there may be a connection between drinking grape juice and lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol and a lower risk of arteriosclerosis. Grape juice is also an excellent source of vitamin C.

Health Tip of the Week - Drink Water to Lose Weight

Health Tip of the Week - Drink Water to Lose Weight

Water is life. Drinking enough water can fill you up, decrease hunger pangs, and supress your appetite. It can also flush out your system,, removes toxins and keeps your cells hydrated for proper functioning. Try drinking water regularly through out your day, a couple of quarts at least.

Health Tip of the Week - Drink Pomegranate Juice

Health Tip of the Week - Drink Pomegranate Juice

Pomegranate juice is an excellent source of vitamins as well as many antioxidants. It works as a blood thinner, reduces plaque in the arteries, balances cholesterol, and may help prevent heart disease and reduce the risk of heart attacks. It may help reduce the risk of various cancers and even fight erectile dysfunction. Try a glass or two each day.

Health Tip of the Week - Want to lose weight? Eat Breakfast!

Health Tip of the Week - Want to lose weight? Eat Breakfast!

Don't skip breakfast. Eating a healthy breakfast is a important step towards jump starting your metabolism to optimum efficiency. But beware. What you eat matters. Research has shown that eating a ready to eat or cooked cereal or a "quick bread" like waffles or french toast can significantly lower your BMI (body mass index).

Health Tip of the Week - Healthy Digestion III

Health Tip of the Week - Healthy Digestion III

Irrigate that system! Drink plenty of fluids such as water, juice and milk. Proper fluid intake is needed to lubricate and hydrate your system, and helps to dissolve minerals, vitamin and other nutrients making them easier to absorb. Avoid carbonated drinks as they can impare your ability to digest proteins.

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

=========

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.

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.

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.