Ice Home Remedies
When you're injured, ice is like gold. In fact, it is an essential treatment for most fitness-related injuries, for both kids and adults. It is one of the key ways to reduce the inflammation that occurs when you have some type of muscle tear, tendinitis, sprain or strain. Always consult your health care provider when treating injuries, but when ice is recommended, here are a few tricks to try: The Bucket Fill a bucket with ice and water. Plunge the injured area into the ice-cold water. Hang in there for 2 minutes and the initial chilly sensation will fade into a numbing feeling. Soak for at least 15 minutes, but never more than 20 minutes. An added bonus is that the added water pressure will also compress the area, which is another excellent way to treat sports injuries. Vegetables, Anyone? Place a bag of frozen vegetables on the injured area. The tiny vegetables are very flexible and wrap around the injury quite well. The choice of veggies is up to you, but be sure that if you use a bag more than once, don't prepare those for dinner. Fruity Alternative This is great for the feet and leg injuries. Simply place a can of frozen juice concentrate on the ground and roll your foot over it. This can help soothe plantar fasciitis and other injuries to the arch and heel. The Slushy You can make your own flexible, frozen gel pack just like they use in physical therapy - by filling a freezer bag with one part rubbing alcohol and three parts water. Seal the bag and put it into another sealed bag to prevent leaking. Freeze, use and reuse. Repeat. The slushy compound can be molded to fit your injury.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Make Healthy Pizza!
www.learnnaturalhealthonline.com
Healthy Pizza- sparkypeople
Pizza can be a healthy choice, filled with complex carbohydrates, B-vitamins, calcium, protein, vitamin A, and vitamin C. However it often ends up being an indulgent, high fat, calorie-packed nightmare. When you're starting from scratch (or ordering by phone) these pointers will help keep it healthy. Consider the Crust Crust is the foundation of your pizza, so be creative and open your mind to new crust possibilities, such as lower calorie versions. Keep in mind that whole-grain breads or crusts add fiber and additional nutrients to your pizza as well. Try homemade or store-bought crusts, plain bagels, pita pockets, English muffins, French bread, or whole-wheat tortillas. Spread it on the tomatoes in pizza sauce are loaded with lycopene, an antioxidant carotenoid thought to protect against several cancers, heart disease, and possibly bone loss. Many tasty, low-sodium jarred versions of pizza sauce are available. Load it up. Pile on the vegetable and fruit toppings--mushrooms, olives, green peppers, broccoli, onions, spinach, pineapple, tomatoes, jalapeno peppers--for less fat, fewer calories, more fiber and more vitamins A and C. If Meat is a must...Opt for leaner meats such as ground turkey, extra lean ground beef, white meat chicken, lean ham, or Canadian bacon. Cooking meats first and draining the excess fat (grease) will save on fat and calories. Seafood lovers can try water-packed shrimp, tuna, or crab. But skip the pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and prosciutto. Say "Cheese...Just a Little, Please"Use part-skim mozzarella, part-skim ricotta, a little Parmesan, or reduced-fat varieties. When ordering, ask for light cheese, and when unpacking a frozen delight, brush off some of the excess cheese before baking. Don't be afraid to blot off some of the grease with a napkin--you'll save even more calories and fat but retain taste and texture.
Healthy Pizza- sparkypeople
Pizza can be a healthy choice, filled with complex carbohydrates, B-vitamins, calcium, protein, vitamin A, and vitamin C. However it often ends up being an indulgent, high fat, calorie-packed nightmare. When you're starting from scratch (or ordering by phone) these pointers will help keep it healthy. Consider the Crust Crust is the foundation of your pizza, so be creative and open your mind to new crust possibilities, such as lower calorie versions. Keep in mind that whole-grain breads or crusts add fiber and additional nutrients to your pizza as well. Try homemade or store-bought crusts, plain bagels, pita pockets, English muffins, French bread, or whole-wheat tortillas. Spread it on the tomatoes in pizza sauce are loaded with lycopene, an antioxidant carotenoid thought to protect against several cancers, heart disease, and possibly bone loss. Many tasty, low-sodium jarred versions of pizza sauce are available. Load it up. Pile on the vegetable and fruit toppings--mushrooms, olives, green peppers, broccoli, onions, spinach, pineapple, tomatoes, jalapeno peppers--for less fat, fewer calories, more fiber and more vitamins A and C. If Meat is a must...Opt for leaner meats such as ground turkey, extra lean ground beef, white meat chicken, lean ham, or Canadian bacon. Cooking meats first and draining the excess fat (grease) will save on fat and calories. Seafood lovers can try water-packed shrimp, tuna, or crab. But skip the pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and prosciutto. Say "Cheese...Just a Little, Please"Use part-skim mozzarella, part-skim ricotta, a little Parmesan, or reduced-fat varieties. When ordering, ask for light cheese, and when unpacking a frozen delight, brush off some of the excess cheese before baking. Don't be afraid to blot off some of the grease with a napkin--you'll save even more calories and fat but retain taste and texture.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Fresh Water
Bottled Water 101
Today, there are abundant ways to get your water. Tap water, mineral water, spring water, fitness water, water from bottles, water filters, water coolers, and the list goes on and on. What works? What's the difference between them? How much does it all cost? Here's some help. Bottled water is becoming more and more popular, despite costing a dollar or two per bottle (and generating a lot of waste). There are different kinds of non-flavored water you can purchase, including mineral and spring. And yes, there is a difference between the two. Spring water comes from underground water springs. It receives the same filtration treatment that all water receives, including tap water, but that's it. It is the more natural water and is typically characterized as tasting more refreshing. Spring water comes from underground water springs. It receives the same filtration treatment that all water receives, including tap water, but that's it. It is the more natural water and is typically characterized as tasting more refreshing. Mineral water contains minerals or other dissolved substances that alter its taste or give it therapeutic value. Salts, sulfur compounds, and gases are among the substances that can be dissolved in the water. Mineral water, which is often effervescent, and can be prepared or can occur naturally. Keep in mind that the source of bottled water must be listed on its label. Not all bottled water comes from a spring. Many bottles of water contain nothing more than tap water, yet still cost up to $3 per bottle. One way to know that bottled water is actually tap water is to read the label. Look for "municipal" sources or words like "public water source" for clues. Dasani and Aquafina brands of bottled water are regular tap water, for example.
Today, there are abundant ways to get your water. Tap water, mineral water, spring water, fitness water, water from bottles, water filters, water coolers, and the list goes on and on. What works? What's the difference between them? How much does it all cost? Here's some help. Bottled water is becoming more and more popular, despite costing a dollar or two per bottle (and generating a lot of waste). There are different kinds of non-flavored water you can purchase, including mineral and spring. And yes, there is a difference between the two. Spring water comes from underground water springs. It receives the same filtration treatment that all water receives, including tap water, but that's it. It is the more natural water and is typically characterized as tasting more refreshing. Spring water comes from underground water springs. It receives the same filtration treatment that all water receives, including tap water, but that's it. It is the more natural water and is typically characterized as tasting more refreshing. Mineral water contains minerals or other dissolved substances that alter its taste or give it therapeutic value. Salts, sulfur compounds, and gases are among the substances that can be dissolved in the water. Mineral water, which is often effervescent, and can be prepared or can occur naturally. Keep in mind that the source of bottled water must be listed on its label. Not all bottled water comes from a spring. Many bottles of water contain nothing more than tap water, yet still cost up to $3 per bottle. One way to know that bottled water is actually tap water is to read the label. Look for "municipal" sources or words like "public water source" for clues. Dasani and Aquafina brands of bottled water are regular tap water, for example.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Food Allergies-
http://www.learnnaturalhealthonline.com/
http://caringforchildren.onlinecourses.com/
Preventing Food Allergies in Infants
exerpts from Sparkpeople-Health and Fitness
Some babies are sensitive to certain foods. Therefore, when introducing a new food to your baby, offer one new food at a time. Wait 3-5 days before offering the next new food. During this time, watch for these reactions: rash, wheezing, diarrhea, or projectile vomiting. If you notice a reaction, inform your health care provider, and do not feed your baby that food until she is a year old. Most babies outgrow these reactions once their digestive and immune systems mature. Before the age of 1, it is best to avoid foods that often cause food sensitivities, especially if there are food allergies in your family. These foods include:
Strawberries
Fish and shellfish
Peanut butter and nut butters
Peanuts, tree nuts, and seeds
Tomatoes
Egg whites
Chocolate
Citrus fruits and juices (orange, grapefruit, lemon, lime, kiwi, pineapple)
Wheat (before 6 months)
Honey (the bacteria in honey can make a baby very sick) Although any child can develop a food allergy, the risk is higher in families who have food allergies. In an attempt to prevent food allergy in high-risk infants, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months, and for nursing mothers to avoid allergens, such as peanuts and tree nuts. Delay the introduction of all dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt) for one year, eggs for two years, and peanuts, tree nuts and fish for three years. Ask your child's doctor for more information, or contact the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network at www.foodallergy.org or 1-800-929-4040.
http://caringforchildren.onlinecourses.com/
Preventing Food Allergies in Infants
exerpts from Sparkpeople-Health and Fitness
Some babies are sensitive to certain foods. Therefore, when introducing a new food to your baby, offer one new food at a time. Wait 3-5 days before offering the next new food. During this time, watch for these reactions: rash, wheezing, diarrhea, or projectile vomiting. If you notice a reaction, inform your health care provider, and do not feed your baby that food until she is a year old. Most babies outgrow these reactions once their digestive and immune systems mature. Before the age of 1, it is best to avoid foods that often cause food sensitivities, especially if there are food allergies in your family. These foods include:
Strawberries
Fish and shellfish
Peanut butter and nut butters
Peanuts, tree nuts, and seeds
Tomatoes
Egg whites
Chocolate
Citrus fruits and juices (orange, grapefruit, lemon, lime, kiwi, pineapple)
Wheat (before 6 months)
Honey (the bacteria in honey can make a baby very sick) Although any child can develop a food allergy, the risk is higher in families who have food allergies. In an attempt to prevent food allergy in high-risk infants, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months, and for nursing mothers to avoid allergens, such as peanuts and tree nuts. Delay the introduction of all dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt) for one year, eggs for two years, and peanuts, tree nuts and fish for three years. Ask your child's doctor for more information, or contact the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network at www.foodallergy.org or 1-800-929-4040.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Fun Family Fitness
www.learnnaturalhealthonline.com
Fun Family Fitness
Have you thought about how great it would be to include your family in your pursuit to exercise more regularly? Family exercise will improve the health of your loved ones, make exercise more fun, and at the same time develop stronger connections between all of you. With a little creativity, you can find a way to make it work for everyone. FITNESS TIP You may simply focus on educating each family member about the benefits of exercise--in a smart way. Bombarding everyone with statistics about heart disease, obesity, and blood pressure each morning as they come down to breakfast might not be the best option. Instead, hang up a "healthy living bulletin board" in your kitchen (or on the fridge door). Use it to post articles and other resources that will help get your point across without having to say much of anything. For example, if one child is an athlete, an article about a successful athlete who commits to exercise and good nutrition could go a long way. Or, post a story about a young person who had trouble focusing at school but started exercising and saw an amazing difference in their grades and ability to achieve goals. Most of all--make it fun for everyone! In the process, you'll teach your children about discipline, goal setting, and the importance of not only health, but also family connection
Fun Family Fitness
Have you thought about how great it would be to include your family in your pursuit to exercise more regularly? Family exercise will improve the health of your loved ones, make exercise more fun, and at the same time develop stronger connections between all of you. With a little creativity, you can find a way to make it work for everyone. FITNESS TIP You may simply focus on educating each family member about the benefits of exercise--in a smart way. Bombarding everyone with statistics about heart disease, obesity, and blood pressure each morning as they come down to breakfast might not be the best option. Instead, hang up a "healthy living bulletin board" in your kitchen (or on the fridge door). Use it to post articles and other resources that will help get your point across without having to say much of anything. For example, if one child is an athlete, an article about a successful athlete who commits to exercise and good nutrition could go a long way. Or, post a story about a young person who had trouble focusing at school but started exercising and saw an amazing difference in their grades and ability to achieve goals. Most of all--make it fun for everyone! In the process, you'll teach your children about discipline, goal setting, and the importance of not only health, but also family connection
Friday, May 22, 2009
Healthy Eating
www.learnnaturalhealthonline.com
Expert Solutions: Overweight KidsSparkPeople Experts Weigh In on Issues with Overweight Children Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in this country--and now it's been spilling over to our kids. Obesity among children is skyrocketing, and getting a lot of attention these days. Parents want to know how to prevent their own children from becoming overweight, and what to do when their child (or adolescent) is obese. Expert: Nicole Nichols, B.S. Ed. Health Promotion & Education, Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor Children DO adopt the habits of their parents. So, it's only natural that when two-thirds of the adult population is overweight or obese, kids are copying those same habits and following the same trend. I don't think video games, too much TV, and junk food are to blame--but when a child's example is a parent who is sedentary and a poor eater, then he'll likely mirror that behavior and end up in the same state of health as the parent. When I was a kid, my parents always sent us a consistent message about eating healthy. We hardly ever had junk food in the house, and our parents were active. My mom went to aerobics classes, and my Dad was always playing baseball, basketball, and tennis with my brother and me. When we were young kids, they placed a lot of emphasis on foods that will make us "big and strong", and kids want that--they want to grow and be like adults, so it worked a lot of the time! For children who are already overweight, I think that a weight maintenance program is best. When they are growing, parents should not restrict their calories or put them on fad diets. If parents can stop their kids from gaining more weight, they'll be in a better position to lose it once their growth spurts end. But even if only one person (parent or child) is overweight in a family, the entire family should be eating and exercising the same. Don't single out a child or parent, making her eat salad when everyone else gets pizza. The entire family should all be striving to be their best selves, and supporting the other members of the family who may have further to go.
Expert Solutions: Overweight KidsSparkPeople Experts Weigh In on Issues with Overweight Children Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in this country--and now it's been spilling over to our kids. Obesity among children is skyrocketing, and getting a lot of attention these days. Parents want to know how to prevent their own children from becoming overweight, and what to do when their child (or adolescent) is obese. Expert: Nicole Nichols, B.S. Ed. Health Promotion & Education, Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor Children DO adopt the habits of their parents. So, it's only natural that when two-thirds of the adult population is overweight or obese, kids are copying those same habits and following the same trend. I don't think video games, too much TV, and junk food are to blame--but when a child's example is a parent who is sedentary and a poor eater, then he'll likely mirror that behavior and end up in the same state of health as the parent. When I was a kid, my parents always sent us a consistent message about eating healthy. We hardly ever had junk food in the house, and our parents were active. My mom went to aerobics classes, and my Dad was always playing baseball, basketball, and tennis with my brother and me. When we were young kids, they placed a lot of emphasis on foods that will make us "big and strong", and kids want that--they want to grow and be like adults, so it worked a lot of the time! For children who are already overweight, I think that a weight maintenance program is best. When they are growing, parents should not restrict their calories or put them on fad diets. If parents can stop their kids from gaining more weight, they'll be in a better position to lose it once their growth spurts end. But even if only one person (parent or child) is overweight in a family, the entire family should be eating and exercising the same. Don't single out a child or parent, making her eat salad when everyone else gets pizza. The entire family should all be striving to be their best selves, and supporting the other members of the family who may have further to go.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Natural Health Courses Online
Introduction to Natural Health and Healing
www.learnnaturalhealthonline.com
http://AlternativeHealingCourse.blogspot.com
This lesson introduces you to the principles of natural healing. We will discuss the various stages of health and illness. You will begin to understand that true health means wholeness of the mind, body and spirit. You will begin a personal health journal to self-evaluate your current lifestyle. Throughout the course, you will be able to observe how your behaviors can affect your health.
You continue your understanding that physical, emotional, and spiritual factors make up your whole being.
You will learn that you handle these three sectors can determine our stress levels and healing rates. You will begin to take charge of your health and healing. We discuss what to expect when going to a Natural Heath Therapist.
Caring for Children-an online course
http://Childcare-anonlinecourse.blogspot.com
http://CaringforChildren.onlinecourses.com
Course is presented online. Each lesson has a discussion area, pre and post-tests, assignments and web links for further knowledge.
This informative course is based on the principles of child development. It explores the different needs of children at different stages. Topics covered include physical, emotional and cognitive growth, safety, health, communicating, creativity, self-esteem, socialization, guidance, finding time for you, and organizational skills.
Students will not need materials other than access to the Internet and a computer. Caregivers will benefit from the fact that they will be able to take course from the comfort of home or work.
A Parent Guide to Drug Abuse Prevention
http://AParentsGuidetoDrugAbusePrevention.blogspot.com
http://DrugAbusePrevention.onlinecourses.com
This course addresses the fact that the family is the primary social group for adults and children. Most parents want to do whatever it takes to prevent their family from becoming involved with drug and alcohol abuse. However, parents struggle with what they can do. They know that addiction is destroying the values of families and communities. It threatens to drain the strength of country. Drug abuse in our environments can change our values, morals and beliefs by having a grasp on our families, communities and institutions. The course A PARENTS GUIDE TO DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION will show parents ways to strengthen the family through developing positive self-esteem, enhance communication skills, cope with anger and stress, and develop positive health practices.
www.learnnaturalhealthonline.com
http://AlternativeHealingCourse.blogspot.com
This lesson introduces you to the principles of natural healing. We will discuss the various stages of health and illness. You will begin to understand that true health means wholeness of the mind, body and spirit. You will begin a personal health journal to self-evaluate your current lifestyle. Throughout the course, you will be able to observe how your behaviors can affect your health.
You continue your understanding that physical, emotional, and spiritual factors make up your whole being.
You will learn that you handle these three sectors can determine our stress levels and healing rates. You will begin to take charge of your health and healing. We discuss what to expect when going to a Natural Heath Therapist.
Caring for Children-an online course
http://Childcare-anonlinecourse.blogspot.com
http://CaringforChildren.onlinecourses.com
Course is presented online. Each lesson has a discussion area, pre and post-tests, assignments and web links for further knowledge.
This informative course is based on the principles of child development. It explores the different needs of children at different stages. Topics covered include physical, emotional and cognitive growth, safety, health, communicating, creativity, self-esteem, socialization, guidance, finding time for you, and organizational skills.
Students will not need materials other than access to the Internet and a computer. Caregivers will benefit from the fact that they will be able to take course from the comfort of home or work.
A Parent Guide to Drug Abuse Prevention
http://AParentsGuidetoDrugAbusePrevention.blogspot.com
http://DrugAbusePrevention.onlinecourses.com
This course addresses the fact that the family is the primary social group for adults and children. Most parents want to do whatever it takes to prevent their family from becoming involved with drug and alcohol abuse. However, parents struggle with what they can do. They know that addiction is destroying the values of families and communities. It threatens to drain the strength of country. Drug abuse in our environments can change our values, morals and beliefs by having a grasp on our families, communities and institutions. The course A PARENTS GUIDE TO DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION will show parents ways to strengthen the family through developing positive self-esteem, enhance communication skills, cope with anger and stress, and develop positive health practices.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Digestion for Good Health
Digestion for good health
This assignment will create a formulation of appropriate herbs for proper digestion. Benefits include relief from intestinal gas, colic, and heartburn.
The herbs needed in this blend are listed below.
Herbs will be dried to powder form and mixed together, then put in capsules.
The means of intake will be 2 capsules orally at each meal.
This seems like the way I would want to deliver this treatment, because it would be the most direct way to approach this project.
Papaya Leaf contains the proteolytic enzyme papain and chymopapain, sulfhydryl protease that digest proteins, small peptides, amides and esters. This extends to carbohydrates and fat.
Peppermint leaf, along with Fennel, Ginger root, and catnip contain oils that absorb intestinal gas and calms upset stomach, inhibits diarrhea and constipation, aid digestion, eliminate heartburn and prevents colic. Peppermint oil enhances digestive activity by stimulating contractile activity in the gall bladder. It normalizes gastrointestinal activity, removing gas and reducing cramps. Peppermint oil has anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory and choleretic principles.
Ginger Root contains a digestive enzyme, called zingibain, which stimulates the flow of saliva and increases the concentration of the digestive enzyme called amylase. It activates peristalsis and increases muscle tone.
Catnip is a soothing carminative to the digestive tract. If used before meals, it will increase the appetite.
Fennel Seeds help calm flatulence.
Saw Palmetto Berry stimulates the appetite, improves digestion and increases assimilation.
This assignment will create a formulation of appropriate herbs for proper digestion. Benefits include relief from intestinal gas, colic, and heartburn.
The herbs needed in this blend are listed below.
Herbs will be dried to powder form and mixed together, then put in capsules.
The means of intake will be 2 capsules orally at each meal.
This seems like the way I would want to deliver this treatment, because it would be the most direct way to approach this project.
Papaya Leaf contains the proteolytic enzyme papain and chymopapain, sulfhydryl protease that digest proteins, small peptides, amides and esters. This extends to carbohydrates and fat.
Peppermint leaf, along with Fennel, Ginger root, and catnip contain oils that absorb intestinal gas and calms upset stomach, inhibits diarrhea and constipation, aid digestion, eliminate heartburn and prevents colic. Peppermint oil enhances digestive activity by stimulating contractile activity in the gall bladder. It normalizes gastrointestinal activity, removing gas and reducing cramps. Peppermint oil has anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory and choleretic principles.
Ginger Root contains a digestive enzyme, called zingibain, which stimulates the flow of saliva and increases the concentration of the digestive enzyme called amylase. It activates peristalsis and increases muscle tone.
Catnip is a soothing carminative to the digestive tract. If used before meals, it will increase the appetite.
Fennel Seeds help calm flatulence.
Saw Palmetto Berry stimulates the appetite, improves digestion and increases assimilation.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Healing Addiction-excerpts from Addiction Cures
Healing The Underlying Causes of Alcohol & Drug Addiction
Alcohol and drugs are not the problems; they are what people are using to help themselves cope with the problems. Those problems always have both physical and psychological components - anything from anemia, hypoglycemia, or a sluggish thyroid to attention deficient disorder, brain-wave pattern imbalances, or deep emotional pain. You will be reading later about the steps to recovery that address these causes, but foundational to them all is this key premise: when the underlying problems are discovered and cured, the need for alcohol or drugs disappears.
I would like to see the word alcoholism eliminated from the English language as well as the labels alcoholic and addict. There is a stigma attached to them. The word alcoholism alone has a whole world of grim meaning attached to it. We've been inundated with studies of alcoholism, theories about alcoholism, lectures about alcoholism, stories of alcoholism, and essays on alcoholism, when all that has really happened is that people have become dependent on alcohol to cope with their underlying conditions.
Alcohol is just a quick and easy way to change ordinary, everyday reality from unbearable to bearable. All it takes is a short trip to the liquor store and a few drinks. People who are dependent are merely using alcohol as a crutch to get through the day. Yet doctors and scientists are still treating "alcoholism" as if it is the problem, when it has nothing at all to do with the problem. They might as well be studying "scratchism" for people who have a chronic itch.
Suppose you had a chronic itch and scratched it regularly throughout the day. Would you have "scratchism?" Would you be a "scratchaholic?" Of course not. What if you had a constant headache, and to cope with it you took aspirin several times each day. Would you suffer from "aspirinism," and would you be called an "aspirinaholic"? More important, if you sought help for treatment of those ailments, would you be treated for "scratchism" or "aspirinism"? Of course not; you would be treated for the underlying conditions that led you to scratch or use aspirin - perhaps poison ivy or stress.
All Dependency Is a Symptom, Not a Problem
Reading this book will open your mind to new ways of thinking that will cause you to see your dependency, and perhaps your entire life, in a whole new light. It will help you understand that all dependency is a symptom, not a problem. Seeing your dependency in that new light will enable you to heal yourself more quickly and more effectively than ever before - and permanently.
Alcohol and drugs are not the problems; they are what people are using to help themselves cope with the problems. Those problems always have both physical and psychological components - anything from anemia, hypoglycemia, or a sluggish thyroid to attention deficient disorder, brain-wave pattern imbalances, or deep emotional pain. You will be reading later about the steps to recovery that address these causes, but foundational to them all is this key premise: when the underlying problems are discovered and cured, the need for alcohol or drugs disappears.
I would like to see the word alcoholism eliminated from the English language as well as the labels alcoholic and addict. There is a stigma attached to them. The word alcoholism alone has a whole world of grim meaning attached to it. We've been inundated with studies of alcoholism, theories about alcoholism, lectures about alcoholism, stories of alcoholism, and essays on alcoholism, when all that has really happened is that people have become dependent on alcohol to cope with their underlying conditions.
Alcohol is just a quick and easy way to change ordinary, everyday reality from unbearable to bearable. All it takes is a short trip to the liquor store and a few drinks. People who are dependent are merely using alcohol as a crutch to get through the day. Yet doctors and scientists are still treating "alcoholism" as if it is the problem, when it has nothing at all to do with the problem. They might as well be studying "scratchism" for people who have a chronic itch.
Suppose you had a chronic itch and scratched it regularly throughout the day. Would you have "scratchism?" Would you be a "scratchaholic?" Of course not. What if you had a constant headache, and to cope with it you took aspirin several times each day. Would you suffer from "aspirinism," and would you be called an "aspirinaholic"? More important, if you sought help for treatment of those ailments, would you be treated for "scratchism" or "aspirinism"? Of course not; you would be treated for the underlying conditions that led you to scratch or use aspirin - perhaps poison ivy or stress.
All Dependency Is a Symptom, Not a Problem
Reading this book will open your mind to new ways of thinking that will cause you to see your dependency, and perhaps your entire life, in a whole new light. It will help you understand that all dependency is a symptom, not a problem. Seeing your dependency in that new light will enable you to heal yourself more quickly and more effectively than ever before - and permanently.
Anatomy and Physiology
Anatomy and physiology
The five structural levels of organization in the body are as follows:
1. Cells are the smallest living units in our body, yet they are very complex.
2. Tissues are more complex than cells. Tissues are an organization of many cells that act together to perform a function. The cells are held together and surrounded with nonliving, glue-like intercellular substances.
3. Organs are more complex than tissues. An organ can have several kinds of tissue that works together as a unit, to perform a special function.
4. Systems are the most complex units in our body. A system is an organization of varying numbers and kinds of organs arranged so they can work together to perform complex functions of the body.
5. The body as a whole is the atoms, cells, tissues, organs, and systems. The body is a unified complex structure that works together to make the body function.
77. The five main parts of a cell are listed below.
1.Cytoplasm is a specialized living material made of cells. Cytoplasm is in between the plasma membrane and the nucleus. As a group, these structures, made up most of the cytoplasm, are called organelles.
2.The plasma membrane is a membrane that encloses the cytoplasm and forms the outer layer of the cell. It is quite small at 3/10,000,000 of an inch. It has an orderly structure.
3.Interstitial fluid is located in the spaces in between the cells. It bathes the cells in every part of the body.
4.Organelles are specialized structures and are contained within the cytoplasm of each cell. They are described are little organs, because they function like organs function in the body.
5.The nucleus is double-membraned, spherical, and envelops the DNA strands. It controls protein synthesis, playing an important role in other cells activities such as active transport, metabolism, growth and heredity.
The eleven major organ systems in the body are listed below, along with a description of each systems main function.
The Integumentary system’s main functions include protection, regulation of body temperature, synthesis of chemicals, and sense organs.
The Skeletal system’s main functions include support, movement (with joints and muscles), storage of minerals, and blood cell formation.
The Muscular system helps with movement, maintenance of body posture, and production of heat.
The Nervous system’s main functions are to help with communication, integration, control (control is fast and short), and recognition of sensory stimuli.
The Endocrine system’s main function is the secretion of hormones directly into the blood, which helps with communication, integration, and control. However, control is slow and long in duration.
The Cardiovascular system is responsible for transportation, regulation of body temperature, and immunity.
The Lymphatic system is responsible for transportation, and immunity.
The Respiratory system’s main functions include the exchange of waste gas for oxygen in the lungs and the filtration of irritants from inspired air. It also regulates acid-based balance.
The Digestive system is responsible for the mechanical and chemical breakdown of food. It absorbs nutrients, and eliminates waste products.
The Urinary system has the function of cleaning the blood of waste products. It helps with electrolyte balance and acid-base balance.
11.The Reproductive system has the function of producing sex cells, transfer and fertilization of sex cells, development and birth of offspring, and nourishment of offspring. This will encourage the survival of species.
The two divisions of the human skeleton are described below.
The Axial skeleton is the bones that make up the center of the body. This includes the skull, spine, and chest.
The appendicular skeleton consists of the bones of the upper and lower extremities.
80. a. the function of the autonomic nervous system is to regulate parts of the nervous system that are involuntary functions.
b. The two divisions of the autonomic system are the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. The function of the sympathetic nervous system is that it works as an emergency system. It works automatically mainly for survival. The parasympathetic nervous system functions to dominate control of many visceral effects under normal, everyday conditions.
c. The fight of flight syndrome is the changes produced by increased sympathetic impulses allowing the body to deal with any type of stress.
The five structural levels of organization in the body are as follows:
1. Cells are the smallest living units in our body, yet they are very complex.
2. Tissues are more complex than cells. Tissues are an organization of many cells that act together to perform a function. The cells are held together and surrounded with nonliving, glue-like intercellular substances.
3. Organs are more complex than tissues. An organ can have several kinds of tissue that works together as a unit, to perform a special function.
4. Systems are the most complex units in our body. A system is an organization of varying numbers and kinds of organs arranged so they can work together to perform complex functions of the body.
5. The body as a whole is the atoms, cells, tissues, organs, and systems. The body is a unified complex structure that works together to make the body function.
77. The five main parts of a cell are listed below.
1.Cytoplasm is a specialized living material made of cells. Cytoplasm is in between the plasma membrane and the nucleus. As a group, these structures, made up most of the cytoplasm, are called organelles.
2.The plasma membrane is a membrane that encloses the cytoplasm and forms the outer layer of the cell. It is quite small at 3/10,000,000 of an inch. It has an orderly structure.
3.Interstitial fluid is located in the spaces in between the cells. It bathes the cells in every part of the body.
4.Organelles are specialized structures and are contained within the cytoplasm of each cell. They are described are little organs, because they function like organs function in the body.
5.The nucleus is double-membraned, spherical, and envelops the DNA strands. It controls protein synthesis, playing an important role in other cells activities such as active transport, metabolism, growth and heredity.
The eleven major organ systems in the body are listed below, along with a description of each systems main function.
The Integumentary system’s main functions include protection, regulation of body temperature, synthesis of chemicals, and sense organs.
The Skeletal system’s main functions include support, movement (with joints and muscles), storage of minerals, and blood cell formation.
The Muscular system helps with movement, maintenance of body posture, and production of heat.
The Nervous system’s main functions are to help with communication, integration, control (control is fast and short), and recognition of sensory stimuli.
The Endocrine system’s main function is the secretion of hormones directly into the blood, which helps with communication, integration, and control. However, control is slow and long in duration.
The Cardiovascular system is responsible for transportation, regulation of body temperature, and immunity.
The Lymphatic system is responsible for transportation, and immunity.
The Respiratory system’s main functions include the exchange of waste gas for oxygen in the lungs and the filtration of irritants from inspired air. It also regulates acid-based balance.
The Digestive system is responsible for the mechanical and chemical breakdown of food. It absorbs nutrients, and eliminates waste products.
The Urinary system has the function of cleaning the blood of waste products. It helps with electrolyte balance and acid-base balance.
11.The Reproductive system has the function of producing sex cells, transfer and fertilization of sex cells, development and birth of offspring, and nourishment of offspring. This will encourage the survival of species.
The two divisions of the human skeleton are described below.
The Axial skeleton is the bones that make up the center of the body. This includes the skull, spine, and chest.
The appendicular skeleton consists of the bones of the upper and lower extremities.
80. a. the function of the autonomic nervous system is to regulate parts of the nervous system that are involuntary functions.
b. The two divisions of the autonomic system are the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. The function of the sympathetic nervous system is that it works as an emergency system. It works automatically mainly for survival. The parasympathetic nervous system functions to dominate control of many visceral effects under normal, everyday conditions.
c. The fight of flight syndrome is the changes produced by increased sympathetic impulses allowing the body to deal with any type of stress.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Germs
Creating a healthier home is easier than you think, especially when you have the inside scoop from best-selling author Heidi Murkoff.
Just when you think you have everything under control with your kids, you realize there are always unseen germs to contend with. Here's the good news— it's not as hard as you might think. Especially when you get help from Heidi, the mom who wrote "the book" on parenting.
Heidi Murkoff, author of the bestselling "What to Expect" series, has written a new 16-page book "What to Expect: Guide to a Healthy Home." It is full of easy to use tips and practical advice on how to keep your whole family and home healthier.
Some of Heidi's highlights:
"Hands down, there is no better way to help stop the spread of viruses and other germs than hand washing…In fact, research shows that simple hand washing with soap and water can reduce the number of infections in children under the age of 5 by more than 50 percent."
"Water vapor (plus the toilet contents–yes…anything in there) erupts from the toilet like a mini bacteria volcano every time you flush, landing on whatever is nearby (including that toothbrush you left on the sink). Closing the lid before you flush will help prevent you—and your family—from brushing their teeth with toilet water."
"Your children aren't the only ones playing with the bath toys. [Bacteria and other germs] are having a party with them too, a party that keeps getting bigger and bigger as the guests multiply. To keep those bugs from breeding on tub toys let them dry in a net or basket after the bath. Toys that trap water (that rubber ducky comes to mind) need to be cleaned regularly with a diluted [disinfecting] bleach solution, [as directed], then rinsed well and left to dry."
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
addiction help
Excerpts from The Alcoholism and Addiction Cure
My Pledge To You
Within the covers of this book, I will show you how you can cure your alcoholism or drug addiction. Here, at the outset, I want you to notice that I do not mince words. I do not say "however," "maybe," "although," "perhaps," or use other qualifying terms or conditions. By reading this book, you will learn how to cure your alcoholism or drug addiction. That statement is based on the results we achieve at Passages in Malibu, California, the world’s most effective substance abuse treatment center, where the success rate of our treatment program at the time of this writing is highest in the country.
In 1956, the American Medical Association (AMA) named alcoholism as a disease. Throughout the world today, the existing primary paradigm regarding alcoholism and drug addiction is not only that they are diseases, but also that they are incurable. We’re told that even if we were to stop abusing substances, the disease would continue and we would be addicts or alcoholics forever. It is that belief that is primarily responsible for the stagnation that has existed for the past seventy years or so in the treatment of alcoholism and addiction. It is that paradigm that has given birth to those two terrible, and untrue, slogans "Once an alcoholic or addict, always an alcoholic or addict" and "Relapse is part of recovery."
It is my intention to change that paradigm in your mind, and perhaps throughout the world. Innovators in any field who have brought about revolutionary changes report that longstanding paradigms are exceedingly difficult to eradicate and replace with new paradigms. However, eradicate and replace we must if we are to survive.
Alcohol and drugs are not the problems; they are what people are using to help themselves cope with the problems. Those problems always have both physical and psychological components - anything from anemia, hypoglycemia, or a sluggish thyroid to attention deficient disorder, brain-wave pattern imbalances, or deep emotional pain. You will be reading later about the steps to recovery that address these causes, but foundational to them all is this key premise: when the underlying problems are discovered and cured, the need for alcohol or drugs disappears.
Reading this book will open your mind to new ways of thinking that will cause you to see your dependency, and perhaps your entire life, in a whole new light. It will help you understand that all dependency is just a symptom, not a problem. Seeing your dependency in that new light will enable you to heal yourself more quickly and more effectively than ever before - and permanently. Alcohol actually scars your liver. Since the liver cannot feel that type of pain, we can literally drink ourselves to death. It is never a pretty death, because we are slowly poisoned by the toxins our livers can no longer filter out. If your liver could feel that type of pain, you would never consume your second drink…
My Pledge To You
Within the covers of this book, I will show you how you can cure your alcoholism or drug addiction. Here, at the outset, I want you to notice that I do not mince words. I do not say "however," "maybe," "although," "perhaps," or use other qualifying terms or conditions. By reading this book, you will learn how to cure your alcoholism or drug addiction. That statement is based on the results we achieve at Passages in Malibu, California, the world’s most effective substance abuse treatment center, where the success rate of our treatment program at the time of this writing is highest in the country.
In 1956, the American Medical Association (AMA) named alcoholism as a disease. Throughout the world today, the existing primary paradigm regarding alcoholism and drug addiction is not only that they are diseases, but also that they are incurable. We’re told that even if we were to stop abusing substances, the disease would continue and we would be addicts or alcoholics forever. It is that belief that is primarily responsible for the stagnation that has existed for the past seventy years or so in the treatment of alcoholism and addiction. It is that paradigm that has given birth to those two terrible, and untrue, slogans "Once an alcoholic or addict, always an alcoholic or addict" and "Relapse is part of recovery."
It is my intention to change that paradigm in your mind, and perhaps throughout the world. Innovators in any field who have brought about revolutionary changes report that longstanding paradigms are exceedingly difficult to eradicate and replace with new paradigms. However, eradicate and replace we must if we are to survive.
Alcohol and drugs are not the problems; they are what people are using to help themselves cope with the problems. Those problems always have both physical and psychological components - anything from anemia, hypoglycemia, or a sluggish thyroid to attention deficient disorder, brain-wave pattern imbalances, or deep emotional pain. You will be reading later about the steps to recovery that address these causes, but foundational to them all is this key premise: when the underlying problems are discovered and cured, the need for alcohol or drugs disappears.
Reading this book will open your mind to new ways of thinking that will cause you to see your dependency, and perhaps your entire life, in a whole new light. It will help you understand that all dependency is just a symptom, not a problem. Seeing your dependency in that new light will enable you to heal yourself more quickly and more effectively than ever before - and permanently. Alcohol actually scars your liver. Since the liver cannot feel that type of pain, we can literally drink ourselves to death. It is never a pretty death, because we are slowly poisoned by the toxins our livers can no longer filter out. If your liver could feel that type of pain, you would never consume your second drink…
Friday, May 8, 2009
Chemical Posioning - WebMD
www.learnnaturalhealthonline.com
Household Chemicals May Show Up in Blood
More Health Headlines
By Kathleen Doheny
Reviewed by: Louise Chang
May 1, 2009 -- Up to 48 toxic chemicals commonly used in everyday consumer products have shown up in blood and urine samples of five prominent women environmental activists, according to a study by the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit organization devoted to protecting human health and the environment.
"Testing was primarily targeted toward products used in everyday consumer products that have escaped regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act," Anila Jacob, MD, MPH, a senior scientist with the organization, said at a news briefing.
The findings, according to Jacob and others from Environmental Working Group, offer more proof that the Toxic Substances Control Act is antiquated and needs a major overhaul to protect Americans from the adverse effects of chemicals found in everyday products.
Companies should be required to prove their products are safe before they go on the market, Environmental Working Group scientists say.
While some officials from the chemical industry support modernization of the Toxic Substances Control Act, they contend that the sampling system used in the report provides only a snapshot in time, without enough details on exposure to prove an adverse effect on health.
The Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 gives the Environmental Protection Agency authority to oversee chemical substances and mixtures, but generally excludes food, drugs , cosmetics, and pesticides.
In February, Congress held the first of what is expected to be several hearings on the law's reform.
Toxic Chemicals Study
The Environmental Working Group study, funded by Rachel's Network, an organization of women environmentalists, took two years to complete. Researchers sampled the activists' blood and urine and analyzed them for toxic chemicals, using four independent laboratories.
"In each of these women we found at least one controversial chemical," says Sonya Lunder, MPH, a senior analyst with the Environmental Working Group and a co-author of the report. To be termed controversial, she says, a chemical must be one whose safety is being debated.
"In everyone we found fire retardants, Teflon chemicals, fragrances, bisphenol A or BPA, and perchlorate," she tells WebMD.
Flame retardants are found in foam furniture, televisions, and computers. Teflon is used in nonstick coatings and grease-resistant food packaging. BPA is a plastics chemical; perchlorate, a rocket fuel ingredient, can contaminate tap water and food. Fragrances have been associated with hormone disruption in animal studies.
Every woman tested positive for up to 60% of the 75 chemicals evaluated, the report found.
The women live far apart: in Green Bay, Wis.; New Orleans; Corpus Christi, Texas; and Oakland, Calif. But their toxic chemical load is similar, according to the Environmental Working Group scientists.
Each woman had at least one chemical at a high percentile --such as the 81st percentile for bisphenol A , meaning her level of chemicals was higher than all but 19% of Americans who have been tested.
Industry Response
Tiffany Harrington, a spokeswoman for the American Chemistry Council, would not comment on the study itself but did issue a statement that reads in part: "The American Chemistry Council supports science-based biomonitoring programs and the responsible and appropriate communication and use of biomonitoring information in assessing the potential risk posed by exposure to chemicals. However, biomonitoring provides only a snapshot of substances present in the body at a single point in time."
Biomonitoring is defined by the CDC as the direct measurement of exposure to a toxic substance by examining the substances themselves or their metabolites in human blood or urine samples.
The statement from American Chemistry Council continued: "It does not tell us where a substance came from, when the exposure to the substance occurred, or the duration and frequency of exposure. The presence of a substance detected by biomonitoring is not, on its own, an indicator if there will be any health effects."
The group does support modernization of the Toxic Substances Control Act, she says.
Jacob notes that health trends in the U.S. suggest that the chemical load plays a role, citing growing rates of autism spectrum disorder , diabetes , and certain cancers.
"These chemicals are showing up in people. They can be potent at very low levels of exposure; we know that from animal studies."
While the rising number of chronic diseases has many roots, she says, the increased exposure to chemicals is one factor.
Household Chemicals May Show Up in Blood
More Health Headlines
By Kathleen Doheny
Reviewed by: Louise Chang
May 1, 2009 -- Up to 48 toxic chemicals commonly used in everyday consumer products have shown up in blood and urine samples of five prominent women environmental activists, according to a study by the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit organization devoted to protecting human health and the environment.
"Testing was primarily targeted toward products used in everyday consumer products that have escaped regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act," Anila Jacob, MD, MPH, a senior scientist with the organization, said at a news briefing.
The findings, according to Jacob and others from Environmental Working Group, offer more proof that the Toxic Substances Control Act is antiquated and needs a major overhaul to protect Americans from the adverse effects of chemicals found in everyday products.
Companies should be required to prove their products are safe before they go on the market, Environmental Working Group scientists say.
While some officials from the chemical industry support modernization of the Toxic Substances Control Act, they contend that the sampling system used in the report provides only a snapshot in time, without enough details on exposure to prove an adverse effect on health.
The Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 gives the Environmental Protection Agency authority to oversee chemical substances and mixtures, but generally excludes food, drugs , cosmetics, and pesticides.
In February, Congress held the first of what is expected to be several hearings on the law's reform.
Toxic Chemicals Study
The Environmental Working Group study, funded by Rachel's Network, an organization of women environmentalists, took two years to complete. Researchers sampled the activists' blood and urine and analyzed them for toxic chemicals, using four independent laboratories.
"In each of these women we found at least one controversial chemical," says Sonya Lunder, MPH, a senior analyst with the Environmental Working Group and a co-author of the report. To be termed controversial, she says, a chemical must be one whose safety is being debated.
"In everyone we found fire retardants, Teflon chemicals, fragrances, bisphenol A or BPA, and perchlorate," she tells WebMD.
Flame retardants are found in foam furniture, televisions, and computers. Teflon is used in nonstick coatings and grease-resistant food packaging. BPA is a plastics chemical; perchlorate, a rocket fuel ingredient, can contaminate tap water and food. Fragrances have been associated with hormone disruption in animal studies.
Every woman tested positive for up to 60% of the 75 chemicals evaluated, the report found.
The women live far apart: in Green Bay, Wis.; New Orleans; Corpus Christi, Texas; and Oakland, Calif. But their toxic chemical load is similar, according to the Environmental Working Group scientists.
Each woman had at least one chemical at a high percentile --such as the 81st percentile for bisphenol A , meaning her level of chemicals was higher than all but 19% of Americans who have been tested.
Industry Response
Tiffany Harrington, a spokeswoman for the American Chemistry Council, would not comment on the study itself but did issue a statement that reads in part: "The American Chemistry Council supports science-based biomonitoring programs and the responsible and appropriate communication and use of biomonitoring information in assessing the potential risk posed by exposure to chemicals. However, biomonitoring provides only a snapshot of substances present in the body at a single point in time."
Biomonitoring is defined by the CDC as the direct measurement of exposure to a toxic substance by examining the substances themselves or their metabolites in human blood or urine samples.
The statement from American Chemistry Council continued: "It does not tell us where a substance came from, when the exposure to the substance occurred, or the duration and frequency of exposure. The presence of a substance detected by biomonitoring is not, on its own, an indicator if there will be any health effects."
The group does support modernization of the Toxic Substances Control Act, she says.
Jacob notes that health trends in the U.S. suggest that the chemical load plays a role, citing growing rates of autism spectrum disorder , diabetes , and certain cancers.
"These chemicals are showing up in people. They can be potent at very low levels of exposure; we know that from animal studies."
While the rising number of chronic diseases has many roots, she says, the increased exposure to chemicals is one factor.
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