How to beat the Winter time Blues

Everyone recognizes that something happens to us as fall approaches with the accompanying shedding of the trees and days getting shorter by minute by minute.  For some, this is a time to retreat from life, as the seasons go through their cycles.  Human emotions are somehow inexplicably tied in to a larger picture.   Many become sad and depressed.  But, what can you do to help with this inevitable part of life?

Scientists say that as the days shorten, the lack of sunlight affects our internal clocks and melatonin levels, so that we become susceptible to depression and social withdrawl. So, with that in mind, being forewarned is forearmed. 

What steps can be taken to improve the mood?
 
It has been suggested that persons prone to this disorder plan for this by getting as much daytime sunlight as possible.  Try taking a walk early in the day. Plan a few outdoor activities  to get the benefit of sunlight, even though the days are shorter. You will also be getting additional vitamin D which is also essential in elevating the mood.

Many residents of Scandanavian countries have adapted rituals to help with regard to mood elevation.  One such practice is to use candles regularly, at meals, etc.  this helps to create a welcome environment which is bound to help elevate the mood.

Source:

Shinn, Lora, "Win over winter" Natural Health Magazine

Five Alternatives to Allopathic Health Care

As Americans continue to tire of increasingly serious medication side effects from prescription medications, many are turning to non-conventional approaches to treatment of disease and for overall healthcare and wellness.

This post will examine a few of the current approaches that many folks are focusing in on.

Chiropractic

Interestingly, chiropractic wasn't discovered by a physician, but it did eventually evolve into a very respected form of non-drug treatment.  It's focus is on the spine and its function in overall health.  (Remember, the spine contains nerves traveling to all parts of our body).

In order to  maintain good health, the transmission of impulses must be unimpeded.  Due to stress unfortunately, many times subluxations or disruptions occur, that impedes the flow. This can be caused by  vertebral misalignment. A chiropractor will take a medical history, do a physical and order X-rays to see what is going on and will then manipulate or adjust the spine to bring everything back into alignment. 

I have used Chiropractic quite extensively in the past and found that it can be very effective.  Remember, the treatment is focused on the whole body so patients will be required to make adjustments in their diet and everyday living activities. Be prepared to go several times a week, though.

Homeopathic

Homeopathy is based on the principle that like can treat like.  Herbs and other natural substances are diluted many thousands of times to treat diseases that can be induced by the taking of these natural substances.

I have tried this too.  It does take time for results to be seen.  Also, consider, hundreds of years ago our foreparents used these very same natural substances to treat disease.  Unfortunately, it can become quite expensive.

Integrative Medicine

These doctors bring together conventional, or allopathic treament, and alternative tratment.  The focus is on the individual and again, the treatment will rely on modifications in lifesylte, diet and exercise to cure disease.

Naturopathy

These doctors, similar to Homeopaths, empahsize natural therapies that enables the body to restore and maintain good health.  These therapies may include homeopathy, acupuncture, herbal medicine and also lifestyle changes.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture and herbal medicine are primary means used by these practitioners to restore health  or chi or energy.  They feel that their may be imbalances in yin and yang, that cause disease. 

Treamtent through acupuncture involves placing needles along energy channels or pathways which triggers the body to release endorphins and incrase circulation enabling healing to take place.

I have tried this too.  Again, as with most of these treatments, improvements take time and persistence.  Just as illnesses take time to develop.

Sources:

Wertheimer, Kate "Finding Drl Right" Natural Health Magazine

What can you do to prevent bedbugs?

I came across some really good information about natural means to prevent these troublesome creatures, especially since they seem to stay in the news.  With people moving about and migrating as they have been in recent years, it is bound to happen to even the best of us.

Here's what to do to prevent an outbreak.

Tighten up!

Seal up cracks in all possible hiding places such as cracks in baseboard molding, or around windows, etc. Keep your linens from touching the floor since this allows direct access to your bed and you. 

Another great piece of info is to lightly coat the legs of your bed with a thin coat of petroleum jelly.  This can stop the buggers for climbing.

If you do detect their presence, clean your mattress with soap and  hot water and buy a mattress and pillow covers to seal it all up  (Unless you want to buy a new mattress).This can kill anything that you didn't see. Check closets, shoes racks for further signs of their presence.  Wash clothes with very hot water.

When shopping

Inspect all bags coming into the house from clothing stores, particularly if you shop secondhand or if receiving hand-me-downs for the kids.

When traveling

 

When traveling, inspect the hotel bed and linen for signs of bedbugs. Shake out all items of clothes and check the corners of your luggage for any signs of the critters once you get home.

Source:

Barker, Elizabeth "Don't let the bedbugs bite" Natural Health Magazine

Heat or Ice for those Pains: Which is it?

Have you ever experienced a sprain and wondered what was better, heat or ice?  Well, here's some information to help you make that decision.

According to Orthopedic surgeon, Bradley Giannotti, M.D., in  Natural Health's article, "heat vs. ice," it basically depends on the injury itself.  Ice is better for injuries that happened fast, such as a sprained ankle or wrist, since it will minimize swelling and reduces pain. Remember the acronym R-rest, I-ice, C-compression, and E-elevation.

But, for back pain, tennis elbow and such injuries that develop over time, it is better to apply warmth.  Also, keep in mind that the treatments should last no more than 30 minutes at a time.

Source:

Barker, Elizabeth "heat vs. ice" Natural Health Magazine

Managing ADHD without Drugs

Drugs sales for the treatment of ADHD has skyrocketed over the last two decades.  Approximately 13 percent of children's prescription dollars are spent on this class of medications. Add to this the fact that sometimes, through over zealous evaluation and diagnosis, many children are being incorrectly diagnosed resulting in their taking medications that they don't need as well as being exposed to potential negative outcomes of medication side effects. Such facts are raising the eyebrows of concerned medical and educational professionals.

 Granted, some children need the medication which, along with counselling, may help them manage difficult behaviors.  However, a growing number of health care practitioners are voicing concerns about current treatment protocols and recommending as adjunct treatment some simple steps that could help manage  the disorder  resulting in a possible reduction or discontinuing of medication.  (Of course, the medical professional should make this decision along with the input of parents, teachers and the child study team).

This post will examine several treatments options for managing this disorder.

Minimize food additives

Additives such as food colorings and artificial flavors may trigger behavioral changes in sensitive, as well as trigger allergic reactions. Studies have shown that children given drinks containing artificial dye showed significantly higher hyperactive behavior within a few hours.  Try giving water and more natural fruit juices.

Consider an elimination diet

There are many children and adults who are sensitive to products such as wheat, MSG, soy, corn, gluten and dairy.  Studies have revealed that when these food items were removed from the diet for a period of approximately six weeks, the behaviors lessened.   Then, as the food items were reintroduced, the behaviors began again. It may be necessary to play detective, but many interesting changes may come as a result.

TV and ADHD

It is a known fact that  excessive TV and video games causes a worsening of ADHD.  It is a good idea to recommend outdoor physical activity for your youngster.

Organic Shopping

Try to buy produce in whole supermarkets. Hopefully this will eliminate some of the harmful chemicals and pesticides often found in conventional supermarkets.  Again, through studies, children who were found to have more pesticide residue found in the urine, were more likely to be diagosed with ADHD.

Iron Levels

Studies have shown that children diagnosed with ADHD were more likely to have lower iron levels.  Once supplementation was begun, the symptoms greatly improved to the point of adjusting or discontinuing medications.

Ask your doc to check serum iron and ferritin levels.

Sources:

Marshall, Lisa, Natural Approacfhes to ADHD"

Vitamin D: how the sunshine vitamin benefits your health

Vitamin D is one of the latest nutrients en vogue with researchers. The media is almost daily giving us updates regarding the disease fighting potential of this wonder vitamin. 

We already know that vitamin D is important in building strong bones and teeth but did you know that vitamin D protects the heart and is beneficial in maintaining healthy blood pressure? It also does so much more for us.

Let's take a look at some of the benefits.

Vitamin D-What is it?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that requires sunlight and skin oils to  be produced.  People on  low-fat diets are often at risk from not absorbing enough of the fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D and E).  Fat is also needed for storage of these nutrients.  

Low fat diets also impact our nerves since they are up to 75 percent fat.  A low-fat diet with low levels of vitamin D can add to nerve damage and other neurological problems.

Vitamin D deficiency disease

Since so many of Americans have a sedentary lifestyle which consists of working in an office and coming home to indoor chores and responsibilities, we are at risk for deficiency of this very important vitamin.  Resarchers have found that people with low levels of vitamin D had a 57 percent higher risk of developing Typ II or adult onset diabetes as this nutrient has an important role in regulating blood sugar.

Vitamin D deficiency disease also can cause depresion and anxiety.  Scientist also speculate that vitamin D3 may stop skin cancer cells from turning malignant.  Vitamin D has also been cited as reducing the chances of a woman developing breast cancer.

Unfortuntely, many medical treatments and medication can contribute to deficiency states.  For example, chronic use of prescription antidepressants cause deficiency of vitamin D. 

Wholesome sources of Vitamin D

The sun is one of the best natural sources of vitamin D.  Try to avoid midday sun though.  Remember also that sunblock interferes with the body's production of this vitamin.  Antioxidant supplements a few days before sun exposure prove beneficial in protecting the skin from the harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Food sources of vitamin D include tuna, salmon and egg yolks.

Sources:

Freeman, Dian, "Kids, Go Out And Play!"  Natural Awakenings Magazine

What does Organic mean?

There has been so much advertisement and hype about organic foods that it really is important to understand what this term really means.  Many manufacturers are using this term indiscriminately to inrease profts by appealing to those seeking foods that are free from dangerous chemical contaminants.

What then is organic food and how will it impact the health of your family?

Organic foods

Organic foods are produced using:

1. Agricultural management practices that promote healthy ecosystems and prohibit the use of genetically engineered seeds or crops, sweage, sludge, long-lasting pestcdes, herbicides or fungicides.

2. Livestock management practices that promote healthy, humanely treated animals by providing organically-grown feed, fresh air and outdoor access while using no antibiotics or added growth hormones.

3.  Food processing practices that protect the integrity of the organic product and disallow irradiation, genetically modified ingredients or syntheic preservatives.

Are there standard that must be met?

In 1990 Congress passed the Organic Foods Production Act, which established a set of national regulations to define organic agriculture.  Many groups and individuals worked closely with the USDA and the National Organic Standards Board to form the United States Department of Agriculture Organic Rule which went into effect on October 21, 2002.

Currently, the Organic Rule is working to create cedrtification standards for other products such as textiles, seafood and pet food.

Sources:

"Organics and You" http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/