Detox Supplements: The Vitamin D Cure by James Dowd and Diane Stafford

June 20th, 2009 | No Comments | Posted in Nutritional Supplements Book Reviews

The Vitamin D Cure51Pp%2Bth3-TL._SL160_ Detox Supplements: The Vitamin D Cure by James Dowd and Diane Stafford

Vitamin D deficiency is responsible for a broad array of health problems.  In this book, rheumatologist Dr. James Dowd explains how vitamin deficiency happens and presents a simple five-step program that can help you achieve optimum health.  The regimen can cure or alleviate diseases such as arthritis in less than two months.

Learn how to:

  • Determine how much vitamin D you need
  • Use the sun and nutritional supplements to raise your vitamin D levels
  • Determine your blood acidity and change your diet accordingly
  • Achieve the best state of health possible by with all-around supplementation
  • Use exercise to its best effect

Take control of your health by following this program.  You will free yourself from a host of health problems you may have thought to be incurable and ensure a longer and healthier life.

About the Author

James Dowd, M.D., is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Michigan State University.  He specializes in arthritis and is a widely published and highly respected authority on the subject.

Diane Stafford has authored and assisted with the writing of over a dozen books, such as Migraines for Dummies and No More Panic Attacks.

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Using Music to Relieve Pain

May 28th, 2009 | No Comments | Posted in Family Health

For many years, music has enjoyed the reputation of being able to calm anyone and anything even in the most stressful scenarios. Can it relieve pain? Well, research has shown music is therapeutically integral in helping reduce the pain felt by patients who suffer from arthritis and other painful conditions.

Pain is something that is felt by people despite their age. This pain can be a result of some condition they suffer from, an injury, or even old age. Nonetheless, pain creates intense discomfort that is capable of having an impact on one’s life.

Those who often suffer from pain need not despair: there have been medical advances aimed at helping deal with pain. There are those for whom surgery has been an adequate means to correct whatever bodily anomaly they have that is to blame for the pain they feel. Those whose pains cannot be remedied by surgery can instead find consolation in pain relievers.

Another alternative means used in treating pain is music. With the use of music, many patients have reported relief from pain. The relief from pain that is reported by these patients undergoing music therapy have been said to amount anywhere from 10% to 30%.

People listen to a variety of genres of music. This is largely because people listen to music depending on the mood they want the music to inspire: either they want to groove to the music, feel relaxed, or feel emboldened. For instance, easy-listening music and other classical repartees are just one of many genres that are able to relax the body.

In music therapy, there are a number of things to consider before the treatment becomes effective. To begin with, the patient must consider the music used to be relaxing. More importantly, participants in music therapy must be experiencing truly painful conditions, and not pain that is simulated by the brain.

Music in music therapy is used to help manage the pain participants feel in a different way from how they usually do. It is for this reason that the music used during treatment must be considered by the patient as relaxing music, something capable of soothing both their minds and body.

Music is integrated into the therapies that are already being used to relieve pain. Certain specific movements are exercised while music is being played: it is in this manner that the amount of relief felt is measured. With a couple of sessions, many participants report that the pain they feel during these physical movements have been reduced.

Music has seen such great effectiveness not only for those individuals who suffer from pain, but even those who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and trauma. Of course, the therapy and the use of music with it have all been designed to suit the participant and his or her respective conditions.

These therapy sessions using music can be done either individually or in groups. Some individuals feel more comfortable going about their therapy on their own. Others, however, feel stronger with enjoying the presence and support of other individuals who suffer from the same disease.

Regardless of which you choose, managing pain with music therapy is best facilitated by a therapist who is trained specifically in music

Should you be one of many who suffer from chronic pain, list music therapy as one of the options you can consider in order to relieve yourself of pain. The guidance of a licensed therapist, soothing music, and an open mind, all offer the opportunity to relieve you of your pain.

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Stay Healthy with Pilates

May 21st, 2009 | No Comments | Posted in Family Health

Gaining popularity among health enthusiasts is Pilates. Pilates improves mental and physical well-being, increases flexibility, and strengthens muscles.  Pilates uses controlled movements in the form of mat exercises or equipment to tone and strengthen the body.  It was introduced in the early 20th century by a German named Joseph Pilates.

How is Pilates Done?

Pilates is a body conditioning routine that seeks to build flexibility, strength, endurance, and coordination without adding muscle bulk.  It increases circulation and helps to sculpt the body and strengthen the body’s core or torso.  People who do Pilates regularly feel they have better posture, are less prone to injury, and experience better overall health.

There are two ways to exercise in Pilates.  Most people focus on the mat exercises  which require only a floor mat and training.  These exercises are designed so that your body uses its own weight as resistance.  The other method of Pilates uses a variety of machines to tone and strengthen the body, again using the principle of resistance.

What are the Benefits of Pilates?

There are various benefits that can be derived in the Pilates exercise program.  Among these are the following.

1.  Pilates believed that our physical and mental health are intertwined.  The exercise program is designed around the improvement of concentration, precision, control, breathing, and flowing movements.

2.  Pilates puts emphasis on the core muscles, that is, the muscles deep inside the abs and back.  It is these muscles that control stability and balance.  Those who do the Pilates workout are sure of doing physical activity better and are less prone to injuries.

3.  Building muscles and bulking up is not a main concern of Pilates.  It is focused on flexibility, so that it targets the development of the longer and leaner muscles.  People who have joint problems and arthritis will greatly benefit from Pilates.

4.  Pilates is targeted for those who want a more relaxed, low-impact exercise routine.  Not everybody wants to sweat and do strenuous exercise.  In Pilates, there is no need to do weight training.  It is ideal for those undergoing physical therapy and for those suffering from joint problems and arthritis.

5.  Proper breathing techniques are taught in Pilates.  Because of proper breathing, oxygen levels in the blood stream are maintained, waste disposal is maximized, and getting tired easily is contained.  Aside from doing wonders to ones health, deep breathing relieves anxiety and stress.

Because of the above-mentioned benefits, Pilates is truly great for those hoping to improve their health and well-being.  It keeps the mind and body in complete sync.  It is an exercise for anybody, both the old and the young.  It is a great way to keep in shape.

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The Benefits of Colon Cleansing

January 27th, 2009 | No Comments | Posted in Health Research

Colon cleansing is a controversial medical procedure with some doctor’s saying it has benefits and others saying it is not worth it. Still, colon cleansing is becoming more and more popular.

The colon is that part of the digestive system that is responsible for getting rid of all the waste in the body. If the colon is not functioning as well as it should be, waste and other toxins continue to accumulate in the colon; an unhealthy colon cannot expel the waste matter as quickly as it should. This is where colon cleansing can be of benefit. Colon cleansing is said to help the body  by removing the waste.

In order to get your colon back in good working shape, you need to clean it out. The main ways of cleaning your colon are by using a machine that you insert that removes waste or by taking supplements that remove the waste. Both ways of cleansing the colon are effective in flushing out all the toxins and chemicals and also removin parasites that could be harming you. Once all this waste is gone, your body will be able to remove waste on its own more efficiently.

If the colon is full of chemicals and toxins, your digestive system can suffer. When your colon can’t remove waste, the waste gets backed up into your system and can cause problems in your whole body. Waste build up can affect all your organs and lead to increased risk of heart disease, allergies or arthritis.

You will get a lot of benefits out of colon cleansing like weight loss, improved skin tone and less stomach pains. Your whole body will work better and feel better.

Some experts say your body will remove these toxins and the extra waste in time on its own so there really is no need for colon cleansing. They don’t think a build up of waste is a potential problem. However, the diet we used to eat a thousand years ago is not the same as what we eat now. We don’t eat the natural unprocessed foods of the past anymore. Our bodies have to digest a lot of chemicals every day that it doesn’t know what to do with. Cleansing your colon will remove the toxins that build up from our current diet.

Colon cleansing alone isn’t the solution. You need to live a healthy lifestyle and eat a well balanced diet so that you don’t contribute to more waste build up. If you life a healthy lifestyle, colon cleansing from time to time will enhance your health. Getting regular colon cleansings does not mean that you don’t have to take care of your body and eat right.

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Identifying the Symptoms of Arthritis

January 6th, 2009 | No Comments | Posted in Health Research

We all have aches and pains especially in our joints as we get older. Many people think that this means they have arthritis, which may or may not be true. You need to get a proper diagnosis for your joint pain so that you can get a treatment that will work for you. You need to visit your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Pain in the joints and even swelling in these areas is a common arthritis symptom. This pain can be a little annoying for some people, but it can be debilitating for others. One thing is certain: arthritis symptom can be persistent. The pain can occur while you are sitting down doing nothing or while you are active. The painful swelling and redness that can occur at the joints can be so bad that you just can hardly get around if you don’t take care of the problem.

Sometimes, people with arthritis will have bone deposits on their hands or other affected body parts. These look like lumps and form around the joints. They stick out and look odd.

Another arthritis symptom is loss of range of motion in certain joints. The joints become stiff and difficult to move or bend. This can make walking and using your hands and other body parts difficult and painful if it is not properly treated. As this symptom of arthritis progresses, it can significantly affect your ability to perform daily tasks or go about your daily activities.

Symptoms that you may not commonly associate with arthritis include tiredness, weakness, moodiness and weight loss. These are not joint problems but are caused by arthritis all the same.

Arthritis is not just one disease that is the same for everyone. With as many as 100 different kinds of arthritis, it is important to see your doctor and find out what kind you have and how it is best treated. You may have the same kind of arthritis as someone else but you may have an entirely different set of symptoms.

A doctor’s visit to check you for arthritis will probably consist of a health history, an examination and X-rays. All this is done to properly diagnose your arthritis and make sure there are no other problems that could be causing the symptoms.

While over-the-counter pain medicine may alleviate some of your symptoms, it isn’t a permanent solution to your problem. Your doctor can tell you what you should be taking and prescribe something for you if necessary. Your doctor may also recommend therapy depending on how advanced your arthritis is.

Arthritis is painful and difficult to deal with. It is one disease that science has not found any cure for. If you notice symptoms of arthritis, don’t ignore it. Go see your doctor and find out what you can do to treat your symptoms.

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Understanding Arthritis

January 6th, 2009 | No Comments | Posted in Health Research

We all either have experienced or know a loved one who has experienced problems with arthritis. The main symptom of arthritis is joint pain which can range from moderate to severe. What is confusing is why arthritis affects some people and not others.

Scientists really don’t understand what makes some people susceptible to arthritis while others don’t have problems with it at all. It is not something you can catch from another person like the common cold. A joint disorder, arthritis comes on slowly and can get worse with time. There are many different kinds of arthritis, all with slightly different causes.

Arthritis is associated with many different risk factors, and the more arthritis risk factors you have, the higher the chances of you developing arthritis. These may not be the sole cause of your problem but they contribute.

As you get older, your risk of developing arthritis gets higher. This is largely because your joints are aging and wearing, which may increase your symptoms. The natural aging of your joints and the damage that occurs may cause arthritis to progress faster than it would otherwise. Arthritis is common among older adults for this reason.

If you are overweight, you are at additional risk for developing arthritis. The extra weight that you carry puts stress on your joints, particularly the weight-bearing joints, and causes damage over time. Losing weight by dieting and exercise will lower your risk for developing arthritis.

If you have a sports injury or something similar, you may be at additional risk for arthritis. Your likelihood of developing arthritis also increases if you’ve previously injured a joint. Take care of any injuries that occur and make sure they heal properly.

There may be a genetic factor with arthritis so you may be at extra risk if you have a family history of the disease. People who have arthritis in their family, especially a close family member, may develop arthritis. If your parents have arthritis, for instance, you’re at risk of developing the disease, although it doesn’t necessarily mean that you will have arthritis. You can lower your risk of developing arthritis later on by taking care of your body right now.

People who participate in athletics and sports are more likely to develop arthritis. This is partially because they are more likely to have joint injuries and other damage to their bodies. The science really only shows a slight connection, though, so it is not safe to assume that all athletes will develop arthritis. If you exercise safely and don’t put too much stress on your body, you should be fine.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is what almost all of us associate with the word arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a more severe form with many of the same symptoms but caused by different factors. With Rheumatoid arthritis, the damage to the joints is caused by your immune system attacking your body from the inside.

If you have arthritis, there is no magic cure. You can find out as much as you can about your condition and possible treatments, though.

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Arthritis: What you need to know!

July 31st, 2008 | No Comments | Posted in Natural Cure

Though osteoarthritis is common, it is still a very painful condition. Arthritis is associated with old age, but young people can develop it. Knowing risk factors is important for avoiding this issue.

Osteoarthritis affects the joints. In healthy joints, cartilage is destroyed and rebuilt at an essentially equal pace. However, if arthritis exists, cartilage is eroded faster than the body can replace it. In addition to keeping bones in position and moving properly, the cartilage provides padding between bones so that pain does not occur. If cartilage is not in the joint, bones come in contact, and severe pain is the result. Another possible effect is bone spurs from the constant rubbing. Before long, the joint loses all usefulness.

Though we easily recognize the cause of discomfort with arthritis, it is tougher to determine why cartilage deteriorates. Studies have shown that several risk factors have been linked to osteoarthritis. These include:

  • Age - Whether realizing it or not, the majority of people over 60 have arthritis in some form. As you grow older, your body has a harder time replacing cartilage, and it becomes much more brittle. Also, all the stress put on the joints over the years begins to add up.
  • Genes - Doctors have evidence showing that cases of arthritis seem to run through families.
  • Weight - Having some extra pounds will put extra pressure on joints. This only affects weight bearing joints, such as knees and ankles.
  • Diet - Not receiving enough nutrients will cause cartilage to have less longevity because it does not have the required supplies. A healthy, balanced diet is important.
  • Injury - Certain injuries will increase your risk for osteoarthritis. Though many injuries are accidents, it is imperative to receive proper care after injured. Correct rehabilitation will reduce the risk of developing arthritis.
  • Job - If your job requires lots of physical exertion, you will be at a greater risk due to the extra strain on joints. This is also true for athletes in some sports.
  • Infection - Joint infections increases risk, so it is important to get infections treated as early as possible.
  • Inflammation - As you get older, your joints tend to swell, which causes inflammation. Chronic inflammation can bring arthritis much sooner.

The above list is only the known major factors. Many factors are not known, so continued research is imperative. If you suspect you may have arthritis, speak to a doctor immediately.

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Arthritis, What Exercises Work by Dava Sobel and Arthur C. Klein

July 4th, 2008 | No Comments | Posted in Health & Exercise Book Reviews

71KXH5F5HKL._SL160_ Arthritis, What Exercises Work by Dava Sobel and Arthur C. Klein

Breakthrough Relief For The Rest Of Your Life, Even After Drugs & Surgery Have Failed

Exercise is a commonly prescribed to patients suffering from arthritis, but many people are not aware that certain exercises will improve their conditions more than others. This book addresses exercises specifically designed to help arthritis patients. In this book, authors Sobel and Klein used statistics from their nationwide survey to show that arthritis pain can be relieved or eliminated by doing the right kind of exercise.

Arthritis, What Exercises Work: Breakthrough Relief For The Rest Of Your Life, Even After Drugs & Surgery

Have Failed

In Arthritis, What Exercises Work:

  • Exercises for particular parts of the body are explained and illustrated to help the reader develop an individualized exercise program.
  • This book is for all fitness levels, which are rated on a scale of 1 to 4 (1 being the lowest level of fitness, 4 being the highest)
  • Includes checklists for evaluating your condition and advice on how to handle flare-ups
  • Provides helpful information for doctors and other medical personnel, as well as patients

Exercise has helped more arthritis patients than drugs, surgery, and all other treatments. It has no uncomfortable side effects, and it’s being prescribed by an increasing number of physicians. This book is the national authority on how to use exercise as a treatment for arthritis and get the best results possible.

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