Is Your Handbag Causing You All That Pain?
08/02/11 08:39
A new fashion trend is emerging, one that can cause more pain than you may realize – it’s those trendy, oversized bags (purses for women, and handbags for men) that wreak havoc on the human body.
There’s nothing wrong with being trendy. The trouble starts when you start loading up these bags with your laptop, wallet, shoes, cell phone, water bottle, magazine, make-up, and a some work related documents – and carrying this everywhere.
Before you know it, there’s a nagging pain in the neck or shoulder that may even radiate down the arm. Carrying the extra weight may cause problems in two ways:
1. It pulls on a web of nerves that can cause aching or shooting pain from the neck down the arm.
2. Every time you sling your bag over your shoulder, the upper back muscles that stabilize the shoulder blade struggle to counterbalance that weight; eventually they get overworked until a small movement like giving someone a hug or reaching for the phone causes sharp pain.
Carrying 10 extra pounds on one side of the body can cause the trunk to tilt sideways to compensate, causing more stress for your lower back. As the stiletto heel is to your foot, the designer handbag is to your upper back.
There’s nothing wrong with being trendy. The trouble starts when you start loading up these bags with your laptop, wallet, shoes, cell phone, water bottle, magazine, make-up, and a some work related documents – and carrying this everywhere.
Before you know it, there’s a nagging pain in the neck or shoulder that may even radiate down the arm. Carrying the extra weight may cause problems in two ways:
1. It pulls on a web of nerves that can cause aching or shooting pain from the neck down the arm.
2. Every time you sling your bag over your shoulder, the upper back muscles that stabilize the shoulder blade struggle to counterbalance that weight; eventually they get overworked until a small movement like giving someone a hug or reaching for the phone causes sharp pain.
Carrying 10 extra pounds on one side of the body can cause the trunk to tilt sideways to compensate, causing more stress for your lower back. As the stiletto heel is to your foot, the designer handbag is to your upper back.
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Stress Management For Seniors
29/01/11 11:06
Most people don't think about how stressful aging can be. Being past one's youth and retired from employment can trigger stress-related health issues.
Unlike those youthful, carefree years, seniors now have to worry about such things as ill-health, wills, retirement funds and other issues that may occur during one's "Golden Years."
Stay Active
There are many programs geared toward seniors. Local YMCA facilities have water sports and workout routines specialized to abilities and needs. If going to the gym isn't enjoyable or accessible there is Mall-walking, neighborhood walk/jog groups, lawn bowling, golf or community chair aerobics and yoga.
Any sort of activity that gets a person moving for at least half-an hour can help keep the body agile and relieve stress.
Volunteer
Working with charitable foundations in the community helps seniors feel useful and needed. It's also a great way for seniors to still be interactive and work with other people, which is very important.
Socializing with others keeps seniors aware as to what's going on in their community and reduces the chances of becoming isolated or depressed.
Light a (Renewed) Fire
Remind a senior that now that she's retired, she can dig out those paint brushes or dust off that novel she was writing or even take up ballroom dancing. Yes, one phase in her life has closed now that she's not working on her career or now that children have all left her home. Now she can concentrate on what she loves or what she had to put aside throughout her younger years.
Such hobbies are good for the mind and soul and they help to remind seniors of their talents and helps keep them connected to the world in a creative way.
Work-Outs for The Mind
Just as it's important to keep the muscles going with exercise, stretching the mind muscles are important too. Even playing games like Trivial Pursuit, doing puzzles or crosswords, or reading books are great ways to keep the brain cells younger.
Another great idea is to see what kinds of courses or workshops are offered close to home. After all, it's never too late to learn new things or strengthen already attained knowledge.
Tap into the Soul
It's important for people to believe in something beyond themselves. That entity one turns to in times of sadness, turmoil or stress. Whether it's Buddha, God or something else, being able to tune into a Higher Power helps people make peace with themselves and others, which is so important near the end of life.
Practice Relaxation Exercises
Some phenomenal practices include deep breathing, yoga, Tai Chi, meditation and even lighter forms of Pilates. Such relaxation practices help to connect the body, mind and soul as well as provide a much needed stress-buster. Such forms of relaxation are also low-body stress exercises enabling seniors to do the poses with relative ease.
Original article: http://www.myseniorcare.com/health/mental-health/stress-management-for-seniors-article
Unlike those youthful, carefree years, seniors now have to worry about such things as ill-health, wills, retirement funds and other issues that may occur during one's "Golden Years."
Stay Active
There are many programs geared toward seniors. Local YMCA facilities have water sports and workout routines specialized to abilities and needs. If going to the gym isn't enjoyable or accessible there is Mall-walking, neighborhood walk/jog groups, lawn bowling, golf or community chair aerobics and yoga.
Any sort of activity that gets a person moving for at least half-an hour can help keep the body agile and relieve stress.
Volunteer
Working with charitable foundations in the community helps seniors feel useful and needed. It's also a great way for seniors to still be interactive and work with other people, which is very important.
Socializing with others keeps seniors aware as to what's going on in their community and reduces the chances of becoming isolated or depressed.
Light a (Renewed) Fire
Remind a senior that now that she's retired, she can dig out those paint brushes or dust off that novel she was writing or even take up ballroom dancing. Yes, one phase in her life has closed now that she's not working on her career or now that children have all left her home. Now she can concentrate on what she loves or what she had to put aside throughout her younger years.
Such hobbies are good for the mind and soul and they help to remind seniors of their talents and helps keep them connected to the world in a creative way.
Work-Outs for The Mind
Just as it's important to keep the muscles going with exercise, stretching the mind muscles are important too. Even playing games like Trivial Pursuit, doing puzzles or crosswords, or reading books are great ways to keep the brain cells younger.
Another great idea is to see what kinds of courses or workshops are offered close to home. After all, it's never too late to learn new things or strengthen already attained knowledge.
Tap into the Soul
It's important for people to believe in something beyond themselves. That entity one turns to in times of sadness, turmoil or stress. Whether it's Buddha, God or something else, being able to tune into a Higher Power helps people make peace with themselves and others, which is so important near the end of life.
Practice Relaxation Exercises
Some phenomenal practices include deep breathing, yoga, Tai Chi, meditation and even lighter forms of Pilates. Such relaxation practices help to connect the body, mind and soul as well as provide a much needed stress-buster. Such forms of relaxation are also low-body stress exercises enabling seniors to do the poses with relative ease.
Original article: http://www.myseniorcare.com/health/mental-health/stress-management-for-seniors-article
Stretching: Why it is So Important
10/01/11 08:35
Stretching is the deliberate lengthening of muscles in order to increase muscle flexibility and joint range of motion.
Stretching activities are an important part of any exercise or rehabilitation program. They help warm the body up prior to activity thus decreasing the risk of injury as well as muscle soreness.
The benefits of stretching are many and have been proven through various studies over time. Stretching benefits people of all ages, and is intended for the young as well as the elderly population.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the top five benefits of stretching include:
• Increased flexibility and joint range of motion: Flexible muscles can improve your daily performance. Tasks such as lifting packages, bending to tie your shoes or hurrying to catch a bus become easier and less tiring. Flexibility tends to diminish as you get older, but you can regain and maintain it.
• Improved circulation: Stretching increases blood flow to your muscles. Blood flowing to your muscles brings nourishment and gets rid of waste byproducts in the muscle tissue. Improved circulation can help shorten your recovery time if you've had any muscle injuries.
• Better posture: Frequent stretching can help keep your muscles from getting tight, allowing you to maintain proper posture. Good posture can minimize discomfort and keep aches and pains at a minimum.
• Stress relief: Stretching relaxes tight, tense muscles that often accompany stress.
• Enhanced coordination: Maintaining the full range-of-motion through your joints keeps you in better balance. Coordination and balance will help keep you mobile and less prone to injury from falls, especially as you get older.
For more information and original article: http://physicaltherapy.about.com/od/flexibilityexercises/a/stretchbasics.htm
Stretching activities are an important part of any exercise or rehabilitation program. They help warm the body up prior to activity thus decreasing the risk of injury as well as muscle soreness.
The benefits of stretching are many and have been proven through various studies over time. Stretching benefits people of all ages, and is intended for the young as well as the elderly population.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the top five benefits of stretching include:
• Increased flexibility and joint range of motion: Flexible muscles can improve your daily performance. Tasks such as lifting packages, bending to tie your shoes or hurrying to catch a bus become easier and less tiring. Flexibility tends to diminish as you get older, but you can regain and maintain it.
• Improved circulation: Stretching increases blood flow to your muscles. Blood flowing to your muscles brings nourishment and gets rid of waste byproducts in the muscle tissue. Improved circulation can help shorten your recovery time if you've had any muscle injuries.
• Better posture: Frequent stretching can help keep your muscles from getting tight, allowing you to maintain proper posture. Good posture can minimize discomfort and keep aches and pains at a minimum.
• Stress relief: Stretching relaxes tight, tense muscles that often accompany stress.
• Enhanced coordination: Maintaining the full range-of-motion through your joints keeps you in better balance. Coordination and balance will help keep you mobile and less prone to injury from falls, especially as you get older.
For more information and original article: http://physicaltherapy.about.com/od/flexibilityexercises/a/stretchbasics.htm
Stress Reduction During the Holiday Season
07/12/10 07:52
For many of us, the holidays are more than shopping for gifts, baking cookies, and spending time with loved ones. It is very common for many people to feel overwhelmed and stressed during this time.
According to the American Institute of Stress, more than 110 million Americans take medication for stress related causes each week. When the holidays come along, people who are already have a predisposition to stress can find themselves feeling blue and more stressed out than usual.
Here are a few things you can do to prevent burnout during the holidays:
1. Have a positive attitude.
2. Try not to worry about things out of your control.
3. Ask people to help you alleviate stress.
4. Exercise for a few minutes a day
5. Eat Nutritional food. Decrease the amount of fat and sugar you eat.
6. Meditate, or take a class in relaxation and stretching techniques-like Tai Chi or Yoga.
7. Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages
8. Rest. Try to get eight hours of sleep each day.
9. Get a massage. A massage can be beneficial for the mind and body.
Original article: http://www.healingwell.com/library/health/alden1.asp
5 Stress-fighting Super Foods
25/10/10 19:35
Who knew eating the right foods could actually calm your nerves?
These five foods do just that:
Spinach
Just three cups of spinach a day gives you 40 percent of your daily magnesium, which has shown to stop blood pressure from spiking.
Oranges
An orange a day keeps the germs away! Tension from the day can cause your immune system to weaken, inviting germs into your system. Try snacking on an orange for extra vitamin C.
Chocolate
Yes you heard right, chocolate is indeed on the list of healthy foods. Studies have shown that dark chocolate has the power to boost your body's levels of neurochemicals, which help the brain produce feel good emotions.
Fish
Salmon and tuna are good choices for nixing anxiety. The Omega-3 fatty acids in these guys have an effect on decreasing stress hormones in the body.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal not only keeps you fuller longer, it also has shown to soothe the mind. The vitamin B in this warm cereal stimulate the feel-good chemical seratonin.
For original article, go to: http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/5-stress-fighting-superfoods-527064/
These five foods do just that:
Spinach
Just three cups of spinach a day gives you 40 percent of your daily magnesium, which has shown to stop blood pressure from spiking.
Oranges
An orange a day keeps the germs away! Tension from the day can cause your immune system to weaken, inviting germs into your system. Try snacking on an orange for extra vitamin C.
Chocolate
Yes you heard right, chocolate is indeed on the list of healthy foods. Studies have shown that dark chocolate has the power to boost your body's levels of neurochemicals, which help the brain produce feel good emotions.
Fish
Salmon and tuna are good choices for nixing anxiety. The Omega-3 fatty acids in these guys have an effect on decreasing stress hormones in the body.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal not only keeps you fuller longer, it also has shown to soothe the mind. The vitamin B in this warm cereal stimulate the feel-good chemical seratonin.
For original article, go to: http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/5-stress-fighting-superfoods-527064/