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Lyme Disease

Of the most common tick-borne diseases in the North Hemisphere, Lyme disease is the most prevalent although incidences of it have been reported in Europe and as far away as Russia and China. Lyme disease is essentially caused by no less than three bacterial species belonging to the Borrelia genus of bacteria and is found in blacklegged ticks, which resemble black dog ticks.

Lyme disease was first detected in the 18th century in Germany but was not fully acknowledged and documented until almost 1910. In the 1940s, it was realized that the disease responded moderately well to penicillin. Extensive studies were then conducted and more drugs were developed that could counter the disease in its early stages. In rare occasions, Lyme disease can actually be transmitted from mother to their unborn child and in serious cases; this can actually result in a stillborn. Initially there were reports that Lyme disease was actually a sexually transmitted disease but this was later proven false. It also used to be thought that the presence of animals such as dogs, cats and farm animals were all that was needed to transmit the disease but later discoveries also show that Lyme disease can be caught by simply being outdoors and not necessarily in close proximity to animals. As we mentioned, it is not a fatal disease and can be treated if detected early.

The disease seems to affect people different and its severity varies from person to person. One of the great strengths of Lyme disease is that it imitates other well-known symptoms meaning it can be quite some time before someone discovers that he or she has contracted the disease. This is because its symptoms resemble that of many other common maladies.

Its symptoms include fatigue, fever, headaches, depression and even skin rashes called erythema. Lyme disease is not fatal in most cases and responds well to powerful antibiotics. However, sometimes the invalid does not know that they have contracted the disease and may ignore the symptoms because they resemble those of a common flu. If ignored, the symptoms can develop and affect the joint, the heart and even the nervous system causing sleep irregularities and severe fatigue. Lyme disease has also been known to result in stiff-necks, lethargy, muscle pains, and joint inflammation. In its latter stages, Lyme disease may become difficult to treat and the patient may need additional care beyond just oral antibiotics.

To combat Lyme disease and its symptoms, the most popular drugs are antibiotics, which can be administered orally. Antibiotics such as Doxycycline have been known to be effective especially if the disease is in its early stages. Amoxicillin is also widely used to combat Lyme disease and has been known to disrupt the borrelia bacteria by inhabiting its cell multiplication. Another drug is ceftriaxone, which is administered intravenously and can disrupt the bacteria inside the central nervous system. Other medications include ibuprofen, which is used to relieve joint, and muscle pain that are a direct result of Lyme disease.

Frank G owner of http://www.morgellons-disease-research.com/ For more information morgellons

Why Settle For “Golden Year Knees” When “Glory Year Knees” Are Possible?

How can some people defy aging joints while your knees keep getting older every day? What would you do to have knees that were 20 years younger? If you had knees that were 20 years younger, what would you do first?

Maybe go for a long bike ride… run a 10 K race… or simply take your granddaughter to the zoo without dreading the thought of struggling up and down steps or curvy hilly pathways…

Is it possible to control the aging process of osteoarthritis and reverse its negative effects on weight-bearing joints such as the knees?

The answer may surprise you.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis - it’s estimated that perhaps 30 million people in the United States suffer from the condition.

Osteoarthritis is a disease caused by “wear and tear”. The cartilage – the cushions- at the end of long bones erode away prematurely and become thinner and rougher. The bone underneath the cartilage compensates by getting thicker and growing outwards beyond the joint. This process causes the formation of bony spurs, called “osteophytes.”

Symptoms of osteoarthritis include stiff, swollen, painful joints. As the condition progresses, the joints become deformed and knobby.

In a reported in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases in 2006, osteoarthritis may be a sign of faster “biological aging.” The authors based their findings on a study of almost 1100 people, aged between 30 and 79. The authors suggested that both the aging process and osteoarthritis share biological factors in common, including oxidative stress and low level chronic inflammation.

The field of regenerative medicine has long believed that adult stem cells have the potential to significantly protect and possibly regrow cartilage in conditions such as knee osteoarthritis.

Many studies have been conducted both in large animals as well as humans.

One such project was conducted at the Murdoch School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences (Australia).

Murdoch’s cartilage trials evaluated the effectiveness and safety of allogeneic adult stem cells to treat osteoarthritis of the knee in 48 arthritic sheep joints.

The results showed that osteoarthritic sheep knee joints receiving stem cells had significantly greater thickness of joint cartilage, reduced cartilage breakdown, and greater biomechanical strength three months later than did control joints.

Professor Rick Read, lead investigator stated, “We are delighted with the significant cartilage protective effects of …allogeneic (donor unrelated) cells in our large animal model of knee osteoarthritis, without any adverse events of the cells at all…”

A Cardiff University (U.K.) study has lent credence to the idea that stem cell therapy should be studied in humans.

Lead researcher Professor Charlie Archer reports, “We have identified a cell which, when grown in the lab, can produce enough of a person’s own cartilage that it could be effectively transplanted.”

He goes on to say, “This research could have real benefits for arthritis sufferers and especially younger active patients with cartilage lesions that can progress to whole scale osteoarthritis.”

Scientists at the Scripps Institute in La Jolla, California have shown how the loss of the protein HMGB2, found in the surface layer of joint cartilage, leads to the progressive deterioration of the cartilage that is the hallmark of osteoarthritis.

“We have found the mechanism that begins to explain how and why aging leads to deterioration of articular cartilage,” says Scripps Research Professor Martin Lotz, M.D., a world-renowned arthritis researcher. “Our findings demonstrate a direct link between the loss of this protein and osteoarthritis.”

Stem cell transplantation for the study and treatment of osteoarthritis in humans is now being conducted at a few centers. The stem cells are autologous- meaning they are taken from a patient’s own bone marrow.

They are then concentrated using a special technique. The area of injury at the site of knee osteoarthritis is then identified, “reinjured” using another special technique to induce an inflammatory response. Using ultrasound guidance, the stem cells are then introduced into the knee along with platelet rich plasma, a component of whole blood, that stimulates receptors located on the surface of stem cells to cause multiplication and division of the stem cells.

While still investigational, the early results look promising. According to Dr. Nathan Wei, Clinical Director of the Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center of Maryland, a nationally respected arthritis research facility located in Frederick, Maryland, “We are measuring results using a number of devices including ultrasound measurement of cartilage thickness, special x-ray views, health assessment questionnaires, and other similar tools.”

He goes on to say, “One of the hurdles is that cartilage growth is slow. Often subjective measures of effectiveness, such as pain, improve much more quickly than objective measurements. We are still trying to develop specific profiles of patients that will determine which people are the best candidates. For instance, patients above the age of 70-75 may not be the best candidates because of “sluggish” stem cell response. Also, obese people are definitely not candidates so body mass index is an important selection criterion.”

Nathan Wei, MD FACP FACR is a nationally known board-certified rheumatologist. For more info: Arthritis Treatment and Tendonitis Treatment Tips

Information as a Defense Against Cancer

My mother died of breast cancer at the age of 54. Her cancer was diagnosed after undergoing a surgical breast biopsy when it was already in its late stage. Although she still underwent chemotherapy sessions, doctors gave her a small chance of survival.

Had her cancer been detected when it was still in its early stage, her chance to survive would have been high. She actually discovered a lump in her left breast three or four years before she passed away but she didn’t go to the doctor for a medical examination. She ignored it and hid it from me and my father. When she found out that the lump was growing, she discussed it with my father but she was still not convinced to see a doctor.

She somehow knew that if she went to a doctor, the doctor would recommend her to undergo a breast biopsy and she was afraid of it. In her mind it would be painful if her breast would be cut open to get samples for laboratory examination. She was only convinced to see a doctor when ulcerations appeared in the lump. It was already more than a year after she first found the lump.

Ignorance or misinformation about medical procedures leads to damaging, if not life threatening problems. Because of misinformation, fear gets in the way for certain diseases or disorders to be diagnosed early.

In our family’s case, misinformation about breast cancer and breast biopsy led to loss of a loved one. It may be too late to save my mother, but just recently I’ve started collecting information about breast cancer and the breast biopsy procedure. I would like to be able to share this information with as many women as possible in the hope that lives will be saved (not only for the patients’ sake but for their children as well).

Breast biopsy is a procedure where sample tissues from a breast where a lump or thickening is found are taken. It is done to determine if the lump or growth is benign or malignant.

Contrary to what my mother thought, this procedure is not only done through surgical means (where an incision is made on the skin to scrape off samples for testing). There are other procedures that are not surgical in nature. These non-surgical procedures can be done in a clinic and can be done fast. Confinement is usually not necessary. These non-invasive procedures do not cause scarring because stitches are not done on the skin.

Breast biopsy procedures are generally not painful. Pain is felt only when anesthesia is injected. Whatever pain is felt can be lessened or alleviated by non-prescription or over-the-counter pain relievers. Risk of complications such as bleeding and infection is small especially in non-surgical means.

Results are obtained within a few days after the procedure. When the result is negative of cancer, the doctor may just recommend the patient to go back regularly for check-ups. Other procedures may not be needed. When the result however shows that the lump is malignant or cancerous, further tests may be done - or for some, immediate treatment may be recommended.

Knowing information regarding a certain disorder or disease like breast cancer is very important. Being correctly informed can be one of our best defenses to survive such disorder or disease. So the next time you are faced with the possibility of being seriously sick, drop the drama and go to a doctor to ask about it or click on the internet and read.

Breast cancer is a major concern for aging women. To learn about the breast ultrasound procedure please visit http://breastultrasound.org

Antioxidants From Plants

Grape Seed Extract: Grape seeds contain compounds called procyanidolic oligomers, known as PCOs or pycnogenol, long thought to be some of the most powerful phyto-antioxidants. As antioxidants, they are around 50 times stronger than vitamin E. PCOs are among the few antioxidants that cross the blood brain barrier, and they are very easily absorbed. Not only do PCOs neutralise free radicals, they also synergistically with vitamins C and E.

Broccoli Sprout Extract: Research at John Hopkins School of Medicine, in the USA, discovered that sulphoraphanes, substances found in high concentrations in broccoli, help maintain the body free from cancer. As the broccoli plant grows older sulphoraphane levels drop. Researchers found that 3 day old broccoli sprouts contain 20 to 50 times more than the mature cooked vegetable. Sulphoraphanes act as indirect antioxidants. They boost what are called Phase 2 detoxification enzymes, which trigger broad-spectrum antioxidant activity. The effect of indirect antioxidants is longer lasting than direct antioxidants.

Green Tea Extract The active phyto-nutrient in green tea are polyphenols called catechins. These are a form of bioflavonoid that has potent free radical-fighting properties and protects lipids against oxidation (going rancid). Catechins have been shown to have20 times the antioxidant potential of Vitamin E. A particular type of catechin, found in green tea, epigallocatechin gallate, may also help the body makes its own antioxidant enzymes.

Oregano Extract A very powerful antioxidant phenol in many herbs is called rosmarinic acid. Researchers at the US department of Agriculture found that the herb with the highest antioxidant activity, 3-20 times more than other herbs, is oregano. Oregano has 42 times more antioxidant activity than apples, 12 times more than oranges and 4 times more than blueberries!

Curcuminoids Curcuminoids, which are among the most well researched phyto-nutrients, are found in the bright yellow spice, turmeric. Research to date indicates that curcuminoids have a powerful antioxidant action, but also offer the body support in its anti-inflammatory function, as well as lending circulatory and immune support. The anti-oxidant activity of curcuminoids is approximately 3 times more powerful than PCOs.

Bilberry Extract The dark blue/purple pigments of the bilberry contain flavonoids that have been shown to improve micro-circulation and act as very effective antioxidants. Bilberry is most well know for its benefits on eye health.

Lutein Lutein is the primary carotenoid for the eyes. It is a light filter as well as an antioxidant and may help maintain the skin free of skin cancer when exposed to UV light. Lutein is thought to protect the optic nerve and the macula of the eye. It is derived from the yellow, green and orange pigments in fruits, vegetables and egg yolks.

Lycopene This is the carotenoid that makes tomatoes red. Many studies, including one at Harvard, have focussed on its antioxidant activity. Lycopene also supports the immune system in helping to maintain the body free from various types of cancer, especially of the bowel and prostate.

Alpha Lipoic Acid Alpha lipoic acid is a highly effective, vitamin-like antioxidant that contains the mineral sulphur. Being both fat and water soluble, it can be used all through the body. Alpha lipoic acid helps protect DNA from damaging free radicals and recycles other antioxidants, especially vitamins A and C, making them more useful at countering harmful free radicals.

Astaxanthin This highly versatile red-pink pigment from the tiny marine algae Haematococcus pluvialis has up to 550 times more antioxidant capacity than Vitamin E. It helps the body make better use of other antioxidant carotenoids, crosses the barrier between the brain and retina in the eye to protect eyes from damaging UV light, protects skin against UV light, prevents the ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol from oxidation and maintains muscle function during exercise.

Olive Leaf Extract Olive leaves contain ‘oleuropein’, a phytonutrient flavonoid with potent antioxidant activity. For example, oleuropein has been shown to help protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation by scavenging free radicals, thereby helping support a healthy heart.

Beetroot Beetroot contains anthocyanidins, pigments that give the sweet, earthy-tasting vegetable its deep indigo colour. Anthocyanidins have potent antioxidant properties and are known to inhibit oxidation of lipids in the body. Beetroot also provides antioxidant Vitamins A and C.

Watercress Watercress contains a family of phyto-nutrients called ‘isothiocyanates’ which are known to fight off harmful free radicals. Watercress is packed with minerals and antioxidant Vitamins A and C, as well as chlorophyll, the pigment that gives Watercress its dark green colour.

Garlic Garlic contains a phytonutrient antioxidant called ‘alliciin’, which is known to scavenge free radicals in the body, and to help protect fats from oxidation, such as LDL cholesterol. In this way, Garlic is a highly prized food herb and important for health.

Carrot Carrots get their bright carrot colour from carotenoids, pigment antioxidants that are powerful quenchers of damaging free radicals. The most well known carotenoid in carrots is the antioxidant beta-carotene, which converts in the body to Vitamin A. Carrots also contain the antioxidant Vitamin E.

Robin Logan is the author of The Homeopathic Treatment of Eczema and developer of ‘7 Cream’ http://www.natural-skin-health.com

Asking For Help

While there are varying statistics on how many Americans will suffer from anxiety and or depression throughout their lives, all of the numbers point to one real, sad truth: that nearly every one will be affected in some way by them both. Even those lucky enough to travel through life personally unscathed will know at least one friend, family member or colleague whose own private battles with one of both of these afflictions will impact their own lives in a negative way.

Some anxiety and depression can situational, or related to a single incident with a discernible beginning or end. The loss of a job, the end or a relationship, the death of a loved one, can all be impetuses for the onset of intense emotional duress. Through the passing of time and the seeming supernatural abilities of resilience, however, people are frequently able to get through these crises relatively unscathed. Sometimes, however, for reasons not all together known, they can’t and their grief becomes major depression, their poor adjustment generalized anxiety, and their pain unmanageable on their own. One of the ironies in this development is that the more their mental health suffers, the less likely they are to get help. A sense of hopelessness and fear sets in that makes calling a doctor, asking for assistance, or getting enough energy to get dressed and to an appointment overwhelming. It is often difficult as a friend or family member watching this development to know what to do or where to turn. Offers of help may be rejected, phone calls not returned, your own needs in the relationship unmet. Yet it is in these moments that help is at its most necessary and with a little tenacity and patience can be found.

As more and more people turn to the internet for information, mental health practitioners have begun to utilize this forum as a way to get out the word that help is available, that depression and anxiety are treatable, and that there is nothing “crazy” about not being able to buck up on your own. A simple Google search for psychotherapists in your area can not only retrieve a wealth of referral resources, but is often less intimidating and daunting than picking up the phone and calling hotlines or numbers culled from the Yellow Pages. And many of these psychotherapy websites have additional information on where and how to find help outside of their own doors. In Long Island, Five Town Psychotherapy just launched such a site, http://www.fivetownpsychotherapy.com. In addition to letting users know how to make appointments with their staff, their resource page is full of more information on the most common mental health diagnoses, types of treatment and links to other providers country wide that can provide more assistance to potential patients or their concerned loved ones. As sites like these grow, and more relevant and necessary resources are readily available, asking for and getting help may one day be the easiest part of mental health treatment. And that would be a relief for us all.

Five Town Psychotherapy, led by Vera Polyakova, LCSW, has provided mental health treatment and services to the greater New York City area. Five Town Psychotherapy provides individual, family, couples and group counseling to a varied clientele in a safe and comfortable environment. For more information, please visit www.fivetownpsychotherapy.com or call (646) 592-3317.

What Is GeneWize Life Sciences?

Many new multi level marketing systems seem to pop up almost everywhere just like mushrooms. This makes it even more difficult for a lot of people to decide on whether one MLM opportunity would be the best for them or not. However, although there are a lot of new comers in the industry, you should not underestimate them, since some of them actually have good offers, such as GeneWize Life Sciences.

Wise Beginnings

Just like other MLM ventures today, GeneWize is backed up by a fully established company. It’s actually a fully-owned subordinate of Gene Link Inc., which is a company specializing in genetic biosciences. Generally, the company markets itself as a beauty, health, and wellness company that specializes in products that have excellent quality, which are supported by DNA-based genetic tests that makes the goods customized and even more suitable for their users. The company aims to deliver personalized solutions in the fields of beauty, health and wellness and their goal is to aid people in feeling and looking better, to have healthier and even longer lives.

The Main Principle

The company pays emphasis and importance on the effects that a person’s genes has on his/her overall state of being. Each person in the world has their own set of DNA, which is your genetic blueprint and is responsible for making you look like what you are now. According to research, body chemistry is genetically determined. The company believes that by targeting certain genes, you can achieve a big change not merely on how you digest your food to make use of nutrients, but even also on how your body reacts to internal conditions, physical activity, environmental pressures and a lot more other factors.

Considering all the possible factors and problems faced by humanity today, GeneWize Life Sciences wanted to utilize the technology and knowledge that their company has in order to produce personalized health products just for the market.

Money Making Opportunity

There are various ways on how you can make money with GeneWize. Generally, there are four methods, namely: retail sales, two-team bonus, matching bonus and company pools & incentives.

Retail Sales: This method works whenever a customer purchases a LifeMap Nutrition System, then you will get a retail profit. If you get to enroll four people, then you wouldn’t have to pay anything anymore.

Two-Team Bonus: Whenever you enroll other Affiliates, they would be placed into either your right or left sales team. During the end of the week all your Affiliates’ sales volume would be summed up. You’ll earn ten to twenty percent of your smaller team’s business volume. This is regardless on wherever the volume comes from; you’d still have 10%-20% of the final team business volume.

Matching Bonus: Other than the Two-Team Bonus you’ll also get income from the Enroller Tree, which is based on the people you have enrolled and their enrollees too. No placement is needed. Each month you’ll get the matching check bonus ranging from 10%t to 40% of the 2-Team Bonus.

Incentives & Company Pools: GeneWize also offers shares and incentives in bonus pools that are based on ranking and performance. So, if you’re an active member and has good performance, then you’re probably up for a pretty high incentive during pay period.

To learn more about GeneWize and how to grow this business in ways most network marketers will never know, follow the link in the resource box now.

Kevin Tyler Smith is an expert Internet marketer. “Give Me Just 31 Minutes Of Your Time And I’ll Share With You How My ‘Secret Morning Checklist’ Generates 1,201 Leads, Creates 117+ Autopilot Recruits At The Push Of A Button Every Single Month” >>> www.TheQuantumWealthProject.com Learn more about Kevin here >>> www.KevinTylerSmith.com

Why Most Diets Cannot Lose Weight Permanently?

At last I have know the reasons why normal dieting plans won’t work and I will tell you why these 3 diet plans mostly do not work for people who really want to lose weight.

There are 3 known dieting plans: Low Calorie Diet, Low Fat Diet and Low Carb Diet. These dieting plans won’t really lose weight.

Why Low Calorie Diet Won’t Work For You

The main reason you cannot lose the extra weight by taking less calories each day is because your body metabolism will eventually know how much is your calorie intake and start to burn less calories each day.

Example, if you reduce your calories intake by 1,000 and start eating 2,000 calories per day, your body will notice soon and cause you metabolism to burn 2,000 calories instead of 3,000. Even if you reduce your calories intake further by 1,000, your body will automatically adjust your metabolism rate to burn only 1,000 calories. This is why you may not see the result you want by not able to eat the food you love.

While you see some of your friends who eat 4,000 calories, food they love but they do not gain much weight.

Why Low Fat Diet Won’t Work

You won’t lose weight or that fat around your waist by using Low Fat Diet. Even though low fat foods have been popular for more than 15 years, but how many people actually lose weight or fat by adopting low fat diet. Instead some people are getting fatter by taking low fat food. Why suffer by taking low fat food you do not like when you do not see the results. I would suggest that if you use this low fat diet plan and not lose any weight or fat, stop it. Do not waste time or effort on things that do not work.

Low Carb Diet Won’t Work

Actually low carb diet make you miserable. You might probably find it very hard to get slim using this low carb diet plan. Maybe they are too strict and too difficult to follow for most people.

Why is low carb diet plan strict? Do you know that a good low carb dieting plan means you cannot even eat a large apple for the first two weeks. And there are many food you cannot eat. How will you enjoy a meal with your friends, family and love ones by following low carb dieting plan?

Therefore normal dieting plans won’t help you to lose weight easily and permanently.

So how to lose weight permanently? I believe most of you are search for the answer, especially mothers who have given birth to children. Most of you may want to lose weight by dieting as you may not have extra time to spend in cardio exercise to lose weight. Dieting seems to be the best way to lose weight as it is not time consuming. But why most of you are unable to lose weight using dieting plans? You do not know the facts about your body metabolism, how it works and how to cause your body to work for you and not against you.

There is a little secret about dieting. It is known as calories shifting. What it means is deceiving your body about your calories intake and then your body metabolism will continue to burn higher calories even though you are taking less calories.

Example, you have managed to deceive your body to burn 4,000 calories each day, and you start to take 2,000 calories each day, your body metabolism will continue to burn 4,000 calories each day. That means you are burning more calories, extra 2,000 calories!

This little secret is not known. If you know how to use this secret in your diet, you will be amaze and glad.

May you have success to your weight loss.

I have lost amazing 12 lbs of fat weight in 14 days. I have discovered a secret to lose weight easily. Go to The Secret Of Diet for more information on dieting or weight loss.

The Importance of a Healthy Brain and Nervous System

The brain is considered the control center of the body with the nervous system acting as the highway, delivering messages from the brain to different parts of the body. These vital systems of the body are being performed even when the body and other bodily systems are in a resting state. Signals sent from the brain through the nervous system control all body functions such as thoughts, the way you move your body, and even how well you learn and remember things.

How well these systems are working within your body can dramatically influence mood, attitude and even your safety. For instance, when the hand touches a hot surface, the brain sends a message to that part of the body telling it to retract the hand. If these systems are not working to their full potential, things such as reaction times are affected and slowed.

The ability to focus is also controlled by the brain. It is human nature to have multiple priorities running through your mind at all times. This makes it difficult to focus on the task at hand, which may require your complete and undivided attention. The healthier these body systems are kept, the better they will work for you.

When these systems are working to their full potential, every part of the body benefits immediately. The ability to focus will be increased, mood will improve, and even food will be digested faster. As the productivity a specific systems are increased a domino effect is created; every body part is working together to heal and maintain all other organs and systems. Brain and nervous system health can even affect your immune system.

The brain and nervous system, like any body part, will begin to become more susceptible to disease and decreased functioning if they are not properly maintained. Like a car needs gasoline, oil and regular tune-ups, your brain and nervous system need specific amounts of vitamin and nutrients to continue to work properly.

One disease of the brain that has been increasing in the past 50 years is Alzheimer’s Disease. This is an irreversible illness that has a slow and negative progression. Alzheimer’s is most common in people over the age of 60 and results in the destruction of memory, thinking skills and even the ability to perform the simplest of tasks. In its ending stages, victims of Alzheimer’s Disease may not even have the ability to remember the faces or names of people that have always been in their lives and even their own children. Although some studies have led certain people to believe that Alzheimer’s may be hereditary, all studies show that it can be avoided with proper care.

Synaptol has all natural ingredients that help maintain brain and nervous system health with no side effects. Functions that will be improved include a stronger immune system, maximized attention span and focus and reduced hyperactivity resulting in a greater ability to focus and a more relaxed and calm demeanor.

Steve n Johnson is interested in maintaining a vital, active and healthy lifestyle. For more information on brain and nervous system care products as well as other life-enhancing nutrients please visit his website Alternative Health Supplements.

Massage Therapy: A Stress Reliever?

For decades, massage has been touted as a method of stress relief, but unless you`ve experienced the benefits of a good massage yourself, you might be skeptical. After all, a decent massage can put a bit of a hole in your wallet, so is it really worth it? Will you really be relaxed and calm after some bodywork?

The answer depends on the masseuse. There are some people who can turn a massage into something uncomfortable and utterly useless, but in the hands of an experienced masseuse, you`ll find that the benefits are many.

What Is Massage?

Very simply put, massage therapy is when the masseuse manipulates the tissues, muscles and tendons in someone.

This is usually done using the hands and fingers, but there are assorted methods of massage that involve everything from special tools to actually using feet and elbows to maneuver the recipient`s body.

There are several reasons that your muscles need to be stretched and massaged . . . the main one being that with tension and stress, they tend to shorten and knot up, often causing pain. Tense muscles are the most common cause of headaches, so easing them out can help with recurring headaches, as well as other common issues.

How Massage Benefits You

Each style of massage is designed to create a different effect. Some are more strenuous than others, such as Thai massage, which involves stretching and plenty of participation by the person receiving the massage. Others, including hot stone massage, tend to be more passive and focus more on breathing and relaxation. Only you can decide which type is best for you.

Massage therapy in general, however, is something that can reduce stress and ease the tension that the muscles are holding. Multiple studies have been done on the benefits of this type of therapy and it has been proven that the simple power of touch is very beneficial.

Here are just a few of the amazing benefits of massage therapy:

- Strengthens the immune system

- Increases range of motion

- Eases the pain of sports injuries

- Mental relaxation

- Physical relaxation

- Stress reduction

- Less anxiety

- Lowers blood pressure

The effects of massage therapy are many because the treatment involves more than just rubbing the muscles. Physical touch tends to relax people and the rhythmic motion of a massage encourages the body and mind to calm and let go of the anxiety and stress that has built up. This is part of the reason a massage session needs to last so long . . . an hour or more is the usual length needed to truly relieve stress and to give you the break from problems needed to refresh the body and mind.

Manipulating, stretching and pressing muscles helps to release hormones like dopamine and serotonin, which affect your mood. It`s much more difficult to feel stressed out and anxious when you`re happy! This is the main reason people enjoy massages so much, though the actual physical contact with another human being also has a huge impact on how you feel. We underestimate our need to be touched, but it can be a very powerful thing.

Does massage therapy really work for stress? Yes, it does. If you haven`t experienced this yet, then it might be time to book a good massage. Keep in mind that not every masseuse is going to be a good one, so talk to friends, get recommendations and then try it out for yourself. You`ll be pleasantly surprised at how relaxing it is to have someone work on you with expert bodywork techniques.

Source1 Medical offers a variety of therapy equipment, home health care products, ultrasound medical equipment, massage therapy supplies, physical therapy equipment and massage chairs.

ACAI: The Good and Bad

Hi, first let us get all the hype out of the way. You are reading this to satisfy your doubts about ACAI. Right? So why should what I have to say make a difference? You do not know me, nor do you know most of the other people who are hyping this new berry from a palm tree. Before I tell you about ACAI, let me tell you a little about me.

I am a writer—huh!, my name is Jerry W. Rockett. I am published on none medical genre, mostly romantic. I have a book I do hope to publish soon which the title will tell it all, “Run FromYour Doctor.” Here is the important part. The book is the result of my findings while doing alternative medicine research. I was shocked when I found out what our traditional medicine is doing to our bodies and felt the public should know. So perhaps that gives me some credibility.

Here is what is claimed for Acai berry products, they are so delicate you are not likely ever to find the fresh berries. So we will deal with capsules and tablets products.

What are the Chief Health Benefits that have made Acai berries famous?

* Boosts energy levels * Improves digestive function

* Improves mental clarity/focus * Promotes sound sleep

* Provides all vital vitamins * Contains several important minerals

(* Is an extremely powerful free radical fighter)

* Acai has very high levels of fibers

* Cleanses and Detoxifies the body* Strengthens your immune system

* Enhances sexual desire and performance * Fights cancerous cells

(* Slows down the aging process)[* Alleviates diabetes]

* Promotes healthier and younger-looking skin

* Enhances visual acuity

[* Helps maintain healthy heart function]* Improves circulation

* Normalizes and regulates cholesterol levels

* Minimizes inflammation [* Prevents artherosclerosis]

That is probably more information than you really wanted. I flagged three suggested benefits that I question, not that Acai does not aid in these cases but I would not take a bushel of berries to do something that something else does far better. If you want help with diabetes take over the counter minerals Selenium, Chromium Picolinate and Vanadium. If you want to alleviate or prevent artherosclerosis, take 3000 mg of vitamin C and add Chia seed meal to your diet. An extremely high content of Omega 3/6 in the right ratio. One of nature’s secret super foods. Any color just in case you run into the Canada ads.

You see I also two flagged benefits that really relate to the antioxidant content of Acai. They are important considerations but you will not obtain the highest level available for a cost effective result desired.

Now to the bottom line about Acai. It has two major avenues in which the sellers are hyping the product. Cleansing and detoxification of the body, very important and desirable functions. The second is for weight loss. While Acai does have hunger depressants, it is ranked as 101 of 200 available products for that function. As to the cleansing and detoxification, there is some of that, but not the most effective way of accomplishing what you probably desire. In our modern world of food production, it is almost impossible to eat without eating some toxin material. Material which is intentionally put into your pre-prepared food items from your breakfast foods, all the way to your Gourmet. FDA allows food processors to ad without labeling over 15,000 chemicals to enhance flavor, color, shelf life, looks, taste and you name it, they have a compound just for you. Our body in turn treats each of these, along with the simple carbohydrates, as toxins. That only means our body goes into defense mode, when it should be in digestion and health. The point is, if you want to cleanse and detoxify your body, I do recommend doing that, then get a product specific for that function and do it often.

Okay ladies and gentlemen step right up and let me sell you Acai. Yea, yea, I too have an Acai product to sell. I believe this product offers the best Acai has to offer, but not necessarily all the things listed above, not as a sell promo topic. Please understand the difference. I am not promoting Acai with the hype items above, but my product does do all those things as well.

If you really want to lose weight, if you really want to make a positive change for your future health, let me suggest an eating lifestyle change. I will tell you more in a moment. You are genetically programmed by your DNA to be a certain shape, you cannot change that programming. Would it not be better and easier if you developed eating habits that allowed that form of you to show through rather than you trying to chisel a pound here and a pound there, then go back to your old ways. That is one major reasons diets do not work in the long run. You just cannot sustain them. So instead, why not change your eating lifestyle and bring your family along. The cook of the house should not be a short-order cook, but more the conductor of a gastro-symphony of appetizing food selections.

Pssss! One danger to look out for, the old meat and potato guy. He will hate this new style but tell him to grow up and live. Meat requires acid to digest and potatoes require enzymes, when put into the same digestive grinder that is mass conflict often leading to partly digested foods which may get stuck in the large intestines and putrefy. Tell him you will prove it at the autopsy.

Here are the basics to a eating lifestyle change:

No white food.No vegetable oils or margarineNo fried foods

No boxed foodsNo soft drinks, no carbonatedNo sweetened fruit drinks

No fast foodsNo snacks but raw vegetablesNo red meats

No food after 6PM

Do use olive oil and butter. Do eat six smaller meals per day rather than the traditional three. Never miss eating breakfast. Always wash any fresh vegetable and fruit products, you never know where they came from. Use your local farmer’s market if you have one. Drink fresh raw milk, goat is preferred. Eat light portions of the so called white meats, fish, turkey, chicken and pork and if you can get it, rabbit. Nibbling all day on fresh vegetables is a good thing but not raw fruits. Eat fresh fruits at each meal but not in between. Look into pick your own fruit sources, fresher and more nutritious. Get dairy products locally and eat lots of eggs, great for you.

Now here is the surprise. I really do not care where you obtain these next three items even if I do sell one of them. I highly recommend you obtain the Chinese brands of Goji Berries, super high in Beta Carotene and other essential nutrients, a super food. I mentioned this one earlier but I cannot over hype what I feel about the benefits of Chia sead meal. This is a power pack in a tiny seed you can hardly see, but rich in antioxidants, essential minerals, essential vitamins and every thing else you need for good health plus the Omega 3/6 combo mentioned earlier. Then to round out this healthy trio is the Acai. It does contain many of the essential nutrients our bodies need and ads just a twist to how the good compounds are put together, giving our body a great selection of health building nutrients. One other item to round your lifestyle of eating is a better water source. Go to Ebay and purchase a 3 oz. satchel of Prill Beads, Magnesium Oxide pebbles which you use to decontaminate your tap water for all your water based drinking fluid. Read their write up, if you like what they say, buy otherwise drink spring water.

Published Author, and a alternative medicine researcher. Also get involved with family counseling, often focusing on diets or weight loss. Dieting is a waste of money. http://www.Acai-For-The-Best-You.com

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