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Archive for March, 2011

Over 46 million Americans-about one in every five adults-have arthritis. As the population ages, these numbers are projected to increase dramatically. Arthritis is more common among older adults, but it also affects children and young adults. In fact, nearly two thirds of people with arthritis are younger than 65.

Arthritis is the most common cause of disability among U.S. adults. It limits everyday activities for 19 million Americans. Early and aggressive management of arthritis can reduce complications and delay costly procedures like joint replacements. Among adults with doctor-diagnosed arthritis, approximately one third report having a work limitation attributed to arthritis. Self-management education programs that have been shown to reduce pain and disability are not geographically available to many people with arthritis who could benefit from them.

The Cost of Arthritis

Each year arthritis is estimated to cost billion for medical costs and an additional billion in lost wages (in 2003 dollars). Arthritis is responsible for 750,000 hospitalizations and 36 million outpatient visits every year. As the U.S. population ages, arthritis-related costs are likely to soar.

Arthritis Control: A Good Investment

Early diagnosis and appropriate management of arthritis can help people with arthritis function better, stay productive, and have lower health care costs.

One study estimated that implementing the Arthritis Self-Help Course among just 10,000 people with arthritis can result in a net savings of more than .5 million over 4 years.

Achieving a healthy weight lowers a person’s risk for developing osteoarthritis in the knees, slows progression in people who already have the disease, and delays costly knee replacement surgery.

Moderate physical activity relieves arthritis pain and stiffness and can improve mental health.

Effective Strategies and Promising Approaches

The Arthritis Self-Help Course, developed at Stanford University, is a 6-week course that teaches people how to manage their arthritis and lessen its effects. In one study, arthritis pain declined by 20% and costly physician visits were reduced by 40% among people who completed the course. However, courses are not offered in all areas of the United States.
Making the Arthritis Self-Help Course and programs such as the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, which addresses arthritis along with other chronic diseases, a routine part of health care for people with arthritis should help reduce arthritis-related pain and health care costs.

Tart cherry juice concentrate is becoming a natural arthritis cure for many. According to published research from Michigan State University, the Michigan grown, Montmorency tart cherry offers the same anti-inflammatory benefits of the over the counter (OTC) products. According to research, the Montmorency cherry juice offers anti-inflammatory compounds that could be 10 times for powerful than aspirin.
For many arthritis sufferers, the tart cherry is a natural arthritis cure and is rapidly becoming the first choice for pain suffers. You can get tart cherry juice concentrate from the Traverse Bay region of Michigan It takes 60 – 80 Montmorency tart cherries to make just one ounce of the Traverse Bay tart cherry juice concentrate. It is a supercharged way to get the natural arthritis remedy of tart cherries.

Increasing public awareness about the importance of early diagnosis should increase appropriate management for arthritis. Getting the message out about the benefits of healthy weight and moderate physical activity can help people with arthritis.

The author enjoys spreading the word about the food and its incredible health advantages

When ever discussing ways and means to cure social anxiety disorder, it is helpful to understand precisely what the problem is, when it occurs and how a sufferer deals with it.
Social anxiety is a condition in which an individual goes through devastating anxiety in circumstances when they could possibly end up being noticed and criticised. The anxiety can further be anticipatory when the individual worries excessively at the thought of going out for a dining event or any place else where they think they would turn out to be looked at and criticised.

The individual is completely conscious that the anxiety is not rational but nevertheless has little or no control over it. While the sufferer could possibly experience many of the usual symptoms of anxiety, blushing and trembling are especially prevalent and unsettling.

Sadly, numerous people drink alcohol to help them cope in these types of disturbing situations and excessive drinking is considerably more common in social anxiety than in any other anxiety disorders. When desiring to cure social anxiety disorder, the alcohol mistreatment also needs to be monitored.

The most common way a person deals with their problem is to steer clear of any scenario inclined to make them anxious. This is one of the facets of the condition that treatment methods to cure social anxiety concentrates on.

The conventional mainstay of treatment to cure social anxiety disorder is psychological and features social skills education, relaxation classes, exposure, anxiety management and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Cognitive behavioural therapy is the treatment method of preference to cure social anxiety disorder and calls for exposing the sufferer to the feared situation together with anxiety management. This will help to the affected person to face their fear head-on with the assurance that they have help and support.

The CBT and anxiety management employed to cure social anxiety disorder applies a collaboration of relaxation training and cognitive solutions to confront the thoughts that result in the social anxiety. Initially, there should be a detailed analysis of the problem, followed by a formulation of the situation that the sufferer can then challenge day to day. The aim when working with this approach to cure social anxiety disorder is to identify what happened right before the social anxiety started, what the person’s response was and also what exactly their thought processes were.

The participant is then asked to consider and illustrate a specific moment when they dealt with the anxiety in a social setting, and to attempt to remember precisely what they were thinking about immediately prior to and after the situation. This will help to to recognize a reliable pattern of thinking and responding which the person learns to recognize and challenge.

The therapist encourages and supports the person to expose themselves to circumstances likely to cause the social anxiety. The thoughts, sensations and behavior are then investigated by the therapist and the participant is urged to challenge their pessimistic thinking and behavior day after day in an effort to cure social anxiety disorder.

Drugs, such as benzodiazepines, buspirone and beta blockers, could possibly be prescribed which might help alleviate the physical symptoms of anxiety. It is important to note, however, that medication can not cure anxiety, is can only help to alleviate the symptoms.

A method which is dramatically earning popularity as an effective way to cure social anxiety disorder is the Linden Method. The Linden Method was designed and engineered by Charles Linden who endured crippling anxiety, including social anxiety, in addition to depression, agoraphobia, OCD and anxiety attacks for many years. He received several different sorts of treatments and various therapies over the years but nothing helped him. Eventually, he opted to help himself and within days his condition began to get better and it wasn’t much time before he was completely cured.

The concept behind the Linden Method used to cure social anxiety disorder is that there is an improper reaction to a perceived threat in a small part of the brain called the amygdala which leaves the brain on “high alert” and the person in a constant state of debilitating anxiety. The Linden Method is a natural anxiety cure which utilizes techniques to readjust the amygdala in order to return the body and brain to pre-illness levels.

The Linden Method has been demonstrated to cure social anxiety disorder in more than one hundred thousand people over the last twelve years.

Over the years, people have doubted the effectiveness of aromatherapy for weight loss. More recently, though, scientists have studied the relationship between weight loss and the sense of smell. And they’ve reached some interesting conclusions.

So… Can you use aromatherapy for weight loss? The short answer is “Yes”.

This is not to say that aromatherapy is a “magic bullet” or instant weight loss cure – there is no such thing. But aromatherapy can be a valuable part of a healthy, sensible weight loss program.

Aromatherapy does two things: It can help manage cravings and feelings of hunger, and it can also address some contributors to weight issues such as stress, anxiety and depression.

How Aromatherapy for Weight Loss Works

Research shows that appetite and the sense of smell are closely connected. In fact, studies have found that our sense of smell actually triggers feelings of fullness before our stomach does.

When you inhale an essential oil, its microscopic molecules directly affect a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. An area inside the hypothalamus called the “satiety center” controls feelings of hunger/fullness.

The satiety center ‘reads’ certain essential oil molecules as a signal that you are full. And the good news is, this happens much faster than your brain gets the signals from your stomach telling you you’re full – so you feel full sooner!

The most well-known essential oil for weight loss is Pink Grapefruit.

Basil, Bergamot, Clary Sage, Cumin, Dill, Fennel, Ginger, Lemon, Marjoram, Patchouli, Peppermint, Sandalwood, Spearmint, Thyme, Vanilla and Ylang Ylang are some other appetite-suppressing essential oils for weight loss.

The trick to using these essential oils to curb your cravings and suppress your appetite is to inhale the appetite-suppressing essential oil for at least five minutes. Inhaling for less than five minutes can actually stimulate your appetite – not good!

Make Your Own Aromatherapy Weight Loss Inhaler

Use this handy aromatherapy inhaler any time you feel a craving come along. Carry it in your bag, keep one in your desk, your kitchen… wherever it will do the most good.

Pour a teaspoon of coarse sea salt in a very small dark glass or PET plastic bottle and add one of the following blends:

Aromatherapy for Weight Loss Citrus Blend

30 drops Grapefruit essential oil
4 drops Lemon essential oil
1 drop Ylang Ylang essential oil

Aromatherapy for Weight Loss Mint Blend

20 drops Peppermint essential oil
10 drops Bergamot essential oil
4 drops Spearmint essential oil
1 drop Ylang Ylang essential oil

Aromatherapy for Weight Loss Herb Blend

15 drops Basil essential oil
15 drops Marjoram essential oil
1 drop Oregano essential oil
1 drop Thyme essential oil

To use your aromatherapy weight loss inhaler, take three long, slow, deep breaths of the aroma. Take a short break, then take three more deep breaths. Do this three times. Sniff long and hard through each nostril. Really flood your nose with scent – in this case, more is better!

Use the aromatherapy weight loss inhaler before eating and whenever your appetite is triggered. Scientific studies show that the more often you inhale essential oils for weight loss throughout the day, the more effective it will be.

Some studies suggest that aromatherapy is more effective for weight loss if you change up the scents every day. You might try making an aromatherapy inhaler with each of the essential oil weight loss blends above, and then use Citrus on Monday, Mint on Tuesday, Herb on Wednesday and so on.

In these stressful, hectic times it makes sense to use every tool available to support our health – both mental and physical. Using aromatherapy for weight loss will not only help you meet your weight loss goals, but it will also help you feel happier, calmer and more able to cope every day. After all, that’s the nature of essential oils!

Further reading about aromatherapy and weight loss:

http://www.aromapatch.org/Hirsch_Weight_Loss_Smell.pdf

http://www.gritman.com/EO_Papers/Weightloss.html

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, prevent, diagnose, or cure any condition.

One of the common ailments among the elderly is arthritis. A disease that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints, arthritis has been rated as the number one cause of physical disability in some countries like the United States. Unlike other debilitating diseases, arthritis can affect people of both sexes and of all races, socioeconomic levels as well as geographic areas.

Arthritis, in basic terms, means joint inflammation. A joint is where two or more bones meet, for example, the hip or knee. The bones of a joint are covered with a smooth, elastic material called cartilage. The cartilage acts as cushion to the bones, which enables the joint to move without pain. The joint is also lined by a thin film of tissue called synovium that produces a slippery fluid called synovial fluid that nourishes the joint and helps reduce friction between the bones. When any area in and around the joint becomes inflamed, it could lead to pain, swelling and even limited mobility.

Primary and Secondary
Arthritis can be segregated into two distinct types, namely primary and secondary Arthritis. Primary Arthritis is often referred to as the wear-and-tear’ Arthritis, as it is associated with aging and the degeneration of the cartilage with the advent of age. In fact, the older a person gets, the more likely he or she will experience some form of primary Arthritis. Aside from age, there is no apparent cause for primary Arthritis. Secondary Arthritis, on the other hand, can be traced to an apparent cause. The breakdown of cartilage in this case can be linked to causes such as obesity, injury, hereditary, etc

Arthritis Symptoms
Arthritis affects each individual differently and at varying severity. Despite this, several general Arthritis Symptoms have been identified. They are:

*joint soreness after periods of inactivity or even overuse.

*morning stiffness that usually does not last more than 30 minutes.

*pain from weakened muscles surrounding the joint.

*decline in coordination, posture and movement due to pain and stiffness.

Who is At Risk
Arthritis often affects middle-aged and older people. Men under the age of 55 are more likely to be afflicted compared to women of the same age group. However, beyond the age of 55, women are the more commonly affected. Overall, there are more women with OA compared to men because it is believed that the broader female hip places continuing stress on the knees, which may lead to the development of Arthritis.

Risk Factors
Despite being one of the oldest forms of arthritis, the cause for Arthritis is still not completely known. However, several risk factors that may lead to Arthritis have been identified. These factors include:

Age
An important risk factor, as wear and tear plays a significant part in the development of Arthritis. In short, the incidences of Arthritis increase with age and with more use of the joints.

Obesity
Next to age, body weight is another crucial factor in developing Arthritis. This is especially so for the knees, as they are the joints that carry the brunt of the body weight. According to the Arthritis Foundation, for every pound of weight you gain, you are in fact adding 3 pounds of pressure on your knees and 6 times the pressure on your hips.

Genetics
Genetics is fast becoming a prevalent factor in Arthritis development, especially in the hands. For instance, a person may have inherited a defect in the genes responsible for making cartilage. Also, those born with joint abnormalities, for example scoliosis of the spine, are more likely to develop OA in that particular part as well.

Injury or Overusing Joints
Injuries, be it from sport or daily activity, also contribute to the occurrence of Arthritis. Athletes who have experienced knee related injuries may be at higher risk of having OA. Similarly, the stress placed on certain joints from daily repetitive motions, for example, from typing or operating machinery, may lead to the development of Arthritis later in life.

Muscle Weakness
According to the Arthritis Foundation, studies have shown that the weakening of muscles in and around the knee area can be a precursor to OA. At the same time, these studies also revealed that strengthening the thigh muscle can help to reduce the risk of Arthritis.

Other Diseases
Other than the above factors, the presence of other diseases or conditions also contribute directly to the development of Arthritis. For example, people with rheumatoid arthritis are more prone to having Arthritis. Similarly, those with conditions such as hemachromotosis or too much iron can experience chronic cartilage deterioration that may lead to Arthritis.

Anxiety is a state of mind or a mental condition inherent in all humans, but exaggerated in some as anxiety disorder. This disorder is generally experienced by individuals under prolonged stress or deep agony, to later graduate into anxiety attacks. However, it is not too difficult to overcome anxiety if you follow a healthy lifestyle and subjugate the factors responsible for triggering anxiety.

One of the first things you require, to overcome your anxiety is in creating a mental state that is immune to stress and anxiety. While healthy body can be acquired through regular exercise, jogging and healthy diet, you can rely on meditation, music and professional relaxing techniques for a healthy mind.

Overcoming Anxiety Attacks

Anxiety attack is one of the grim effects of intense stress and anxiety disorder, which not only disrupts normal and healthy environment, but can also have harmful consequences. Thereby, it is extremely important to curb the cause that triggers anxiety in the very initial stage with proven methods like cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure therapy and medication as well.

Medication or prescription therapy to overcome anxiety is recommended as the ultimate choice in case other natural procedures to overcome anxiety do not succeed. However, medications have its own side-effects and cannot be considered a long-term option.

One of the most important aspects that need to be mastered, to overcome anxiety attacks are to keep your mind under control. Moreover, since the circumstances that trigger anxiety attacks may vary from person to another; you may seek the assistance of therapist to undermine the root cause of your anxiety.

Simple Practical Ways To Overcome Anxiety Attacks

Trace the anxiety cause: Diagnosing the follow up of events leading to anxiety attacks is considered beneficial to help overcome anxiety. Therefore, it is suggested that you maintain a record of the incidents that is happening enroute to anxiety attacks for future therapy. You never know, what subconsciously triggers your anxiety attacks.

Breathing: An increased rate of breathing experienced during an anxiety attack, also considered its first symptoms can evolve into a vicious cycle if not treated on time. You can practice the right breathing technique practiced to overcome anxiety attacks slow inhalation for a count of four, hold your breath for a count of seven and slow exhalation through your mouth.

Air and Water therapy: The calming effect of fresh air, beautiful surroundings and tranquil water is considered to have an immediate impact in overcoming anxiety attacks. Brace yourself to fresh air or a cool shower or a drink, as soon as you are near to experiencing anxiety attacks.

Focus on Anxiety: Anxiety is an absolute intricate state of mind, therefore it is essential to exercise full control of your mind power, focus on anxiety and free yourself from being controlled or overpowered by it. You can even reiterate to yourself and even say out verbally of not allowing giving in to stress and anxiety.

Muscle relaxation: Anxiety also takes a toll on your body. Practice muscle relaxation (clench and release) starting from your feet and gradually moving up involving every part of your body to the head, until you overcome your anxiety.

Music for Relaxation: Music therapy is a popular, proven and perhaps the oldest procedure for the treatment of stress, panic and anxiety attacks. Music is said to sooth your senses and diverts your focus from the cause of anxiety. It is an excellent stress buster.

Stress and anxiety may be dubbed as inseparable part of our lives; but it is up to you to overcome your anxiety and prevent it from causing irreparable damage to your personal and professional lives.