Anti-Aging, Health & Nutrition Facts

By Brad Bahr

Stress is a normal and necessary response to life changes. It is something that everyone experiences as part of his or her everyday life. To better give you an understanding of the role that stress plays in life is to remember that stress is a perception. It only becomes a problem when it causes physical, emotional and psychological reactions that do not go away. When your stressors are channeled properly stress is actually what can lead you to your best outcome however when not channeled properly these same stressors can wreak havoc on your life. There are some ways to reduce the impact that stress has on your health and emotional well -being and to manage your stress to remain at a healthy level. Some natural or holistic approaches to stress management involve expressive therapies. Art therapy is one such method.

Art therapy in a clinical setting combines development, visual art, and the creative process with models of counseling and psychotherapy. An art therapist will most likely have you create something that expresses the feelings that you are having at the particular time. They will encourage you to discuss what your creation means. Art therapy can work in any medium and is based on the belief that the creative process involved in artistic expression can help people to develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, help to resolve conflict or problems, increase self esteem and self awareness, achieve insight and in turn these will help to reduce stress and goes a long way toward stress management. Art therapists are skilled in the application of several different modes of art including drawing, painting, sculpting, along with other media for assessment and treatment. While art therapy is its own field and therapists are master’s level professionals it is something that you can practice on your own, whenever and wherever you feel the need.

Many find that using art therapy is both cathartic and inspirational. Whether it is painting, drawing or some other method creating art can help you to manage or relieve stress in more ways than one. During the creative process you can take your mind of what it is that is stressing you, being in the moment and the flow of the art is very engaging and can bring you to an almost meditative state. The finished product is rewarding since it is something that you created. Having a hobby or something that you do for yourself can go along way toward bringing a sense of balance to your life and help with stress management. Often just putting your problems out there on paper, as a clay model or whatever making them external makes them easier to deal with and you have the emotional satisfaction of having created something that is all your own. Art is a window into human emotion, thought, expression and personality. Too much stress can cause you to lose touch with your true thoughts and feelings and artistic expression can help you to get them back. Art is a way of healing.

About the author: Brad Bahr is the editor of many health related websites and publications. He has been testing and reviewing nutritional supplements for over 20 years. After trying hundreds of products, he recommends one supplement above all others for renewing health and energy: Learn More

Popularity: 27%

By Brad Bahr

Stress is necessary. It occurs as a normal part of life in response to changes, and real or perceived threats. Stress is also helpful in the face of a threat or challenge. Stress is harmful and can be dangerous when the emotional, physical and psychological reactions do not abate or return to normal. Since stress is subjective and affects everyone differently taking a holistic approach to stress management is most beneficial. Many practices used in holistic medicine today are based on Ancient Healing Ways. Practitioners of naturopathy, homeopathy and allopathic medicine believe that through reclaiming the old ways and connecting you with nature and your own innate being that your life will be fulfilled with wisdom, balance and meaning. Most of this basis is in energy. Some forms of ancient healing have been used regularly through the times, and some are gaining in popularity and widespread use by the western world as more information and research is available and holistic practices are becoming more widely accepted.

Ayurveda for instance has been practiced in India for thousands of years. It is described as a science of life. Writings about this type of practice exist from six thousand years ago but it is believed to have been in practice even longer than that. There are those that say it has been around since the dawn of time because our very existence is governed by nature. Aromatherapy is one practice used in Ayurveda. Aromatherapy is the name given to holistic treatments that use essential oils of plants for healing and to improve physical and emotional well -being. Most parts of the world have a history of using plants for medicinal purposes. Indian Head massage is another ancient practice that helps to counterbalance the effects of stress. American Indians, Indonesia, Ancient Greece and Rome, France, Russia and the United Kingdom have used different forms of massage for thousands of years around the world. The applications of Seichim are believed to go back as far as Ancient Egypt and even Atlantis. Their uses in treatments are almost identical to that of Reiki. Other ancient types of manipulation of the body include Reflexology, Acupuncture and Acupressure and are considered extremely useful for relaxation and stress management.

Another ancient form of treatment that is used in stress management today is gemstone therapy. Its use has been attributed to ancient Greeks, Egyptians and in Judaic cultures however the Vedic culture of India most verbalized the use and gave instructions on the methods in their writings. Gemstones are thought to have metaphysical properties that can improve healing and promote overall well being which is why there use may be helpful in stress management. Different stones have different properties. Color therapy or chromotherapy is one form of gem therapy. Nearly 2000 years ago, color halls were made in many countries where patients used to take color bath for cure of their diseases. As far as today and stress management it is well known that color affects mood and has a great influence on the body.

About the author: Brad Bahr is the editor of many health related websites and publications. He has been testing and reviewing nutritional supplements for over 20 years. After trying hundreds of products, he recommends one supplement above all others for renewing health and energy: Learn More

Popularity: 28%

By Brad Bahr

For adults with Down syndrome it is important to take care of their health and well-being. It is imperative for adults with Down syndrome treat problems as quickly as they arise; participate in preventive healthcare and health screenings as well as living a healthy lifestyle that includes a healthy diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and social and creative interactions.

Obesity is more common in adults with Down syndrome. Research has shown that they have a basal metabolic rate that is slower than that of the average adult. The average adult with Down syndrome burns 200 to 300 calories less per day than the non-Down’s adults. Simply cutting calories tends to result in nutritional deficiencies for the Down’s adults so it is imperative that they burn an extra 200 to 300 calories per day to prevent gaining weight and obesity.

Many adults with Down syndrome were born with congenital heart defects that required surgery to treat them. In some, the defect cannot be treated with surgery so exercise is contraindicated. There is a condition in which the vertebrae’s are too flexible in the neck and spine. In these cases, exercise is also prohibited. It can be difficult for these adults to exercise and not gain weight because of their ongoing health issues.

Sleep apnea is common in adults with Down syndrome. It has been reported that many Down’s adults sleep bent at the waist with their head on their legs. This can be a potential problem with getting adequate sleep and can aggravate sleep apnea. Also common is snoring, restless sleeping, and irregular breathing patterns during sleep. Due to sleep difficulties, many adults with Down syndrome experience tiredness and somnolence during the daytime hours.

Depression has been associated with a decrease in the immune system and an overall decrease in physical health. Enhancing the social interaction and creativity of an adult with Down syndrome will help combat these things. These adults need annual health screenings to address their original Down’s issues as well as the health issues that can arise such as problems with skin, hearing, eyesight, and teeth or gums.

As adults with Down syndrome get older, it is common for them to develop urinary incontinence and constipation. They are at risk for Alzheimer’s and orthopedic problems. It can become increasingly difficult for the Down’s adult to be independent and take care of them despite the desire to be like other adults and live independent lives.

Most adults with Down syndrome can live independent and successfully healthy lives as long as there are adults who can help manage their healthcare. Both physical and mental wellbeing are important to remaining physically healthy and living longer. Despite the many adverse physical effects that occur in the adult with Down syndrome as they age, it is possible for them to be productive adults in society. Most importantly to their success is that they know that they are productive and are made to feel like they are independent. Healthy living is more than just a lack of disease.

About the author: Brad Bahr is the editor of many health related websites and publications. He has been testing and reviewing nutritional supplements for over 20 years. After trying hundreds of products, he recommends one supplement above all others for renewing health and energy: Learn More

Popularity: 34%

By Brad Bahr

There are many different methods to quitting smoking and a host of smoking assistors, like the patch, inhalers, acupuncture or hypnosis, each with their own rates of success. One method that is having fairly good results is the use of an anti-depressant which has the generic name bupropion hydrochloride. It is available in one than one brand name. Originally used only as an anti-depressant it was a surprise for many smokers as well as physicians to learn of its other benefits. This happened when smokers were given it to help with depression realized that it was diminishing their cravings for cigarettes. Smokers should understand that it does not contain any nicotine at all. Instead it works because it affects the levels of certain chemicals that help the body lose its cravings for cigarettes.

People who use the patch, nicotine gum or inhalers must not smoke when they use them as they could overdose on the nicotine. People who try medications that use bupropion hydrochloride are actually encouraged to continue smoking for the first two weeks they are using the medication and then begin the quitting process. This is done by setting a quitting date. When you reach that date you stop smoking but you continue taking the medication for another six to eight weeks. This is a prescription medication and the health care provider will write the prescription for the correct dose and length of time to take the medication. Follow their direction carefully and take only what you are supposed.

The initial and difficult symptoms of withdrawal are controlled by this medication. These include irritability, depression, nervousness, agitation, impatience and often the craving of a cigarette. The success rate of this drug is between fifteen and twenty five percent though some studies have seen results of over fifty percent. But for those who have tried and failed more than once trying a medication that is easy to take, one daily pill swallowed not chewed, can make all the difference between smoking and quitting.

This medication should not be used by everyone. Your doctor should be aware of any medical conditions you might have before prescribing it. It is not safe for those who are epileptic, not anyone who suffers from the eating disorders of bulimia or anorexia since any of these can lead to seizures. It should also not be taken by anyone who regularly drinks alcohol or takes sedatives.

Those with allergies to bupropion should make sure that they do not take this medication as an allergic reaction could be dangerous. Smokers trying to quit should not use this medication if they are already using an anti-depressant. It is also risky for people with diabetes, or those who use illegal drugs and over the counter sleep aids because of the possibility of seizures. The recommended dose for most smokers trying to quit is three hundred milligrams. Those with some medical problems can use a half dose of one hundred and fifty milligrams. But, this is something that will be decided to by the health care provider.

About the author: Brad Bahr is the editor of many health related websites and publications. He has been testing and reviewing nutritional supplements for over 20 years. After trying hundreds of products, he recommends one supplement above all others for renewing health and energy: Learn More

Popularity: 29%

By Brad Bahr

The first step is the biggest one when it concerns quitting smoking. This decision can only be taken if the smoker has decided that this is what they truly want to do. That means that they are not quitting because of a lover, partner, or family member who complains about their smoking. The smoker must have the motivation to quit. If that is there they can easily set themselves up a four step program to quit. The most important of these steps is the first one; making the decision to stop. It does not matter which reason inspires you. It can be because you are dissatisfied with the smells on your clothes, the burn marks on your upholstery, the health risks, the feeling of being the only one or even that you want to save some extra money and you spend too much on your cigarette habit.

Whatever your motivation, hold on to it and it will help you with the struggle of quitting. Once you have decided on why to stop pick a time to stop and stick to it. This second step is also very important. As the date you have picked approaches do not pull back. Shifting the date because you are not sure you are ready to quit could be the end of your ability to quit. It is better to stop on your chosen date and fail to quit smoking that time then to put if off. Remember that many smokers quit four times before they are successful. This does not mean you will not be successful on your first try. It mean that if you are not you should not became disheartened. You will succeed eventually.

The next step after setting your day to stop is to put together a plan on how you will keep to your goal. It needs not be an elaborate plan just enough steps to help you through the early difficult weeks. You may decide to go to your health care provider to get a prescription for an aid to help you stop. This could include the patch, nicotine inhalers or sprays or the anti-depressant that is having some positive results for those trying to quit smoking. Other alternatives for things to look into include acupuncture, yoga to help you relax, support groups for smokers or taking a short vacation to alleviate the stress from your workplace. Whatever you think will work for you is the plan to follow. There is not one correct approach to quitting smoking. Each individual will have to follow their own plan.

The final step once you have quit is to stay away from smoking for the rest of your life. This may be as difficult as the initial quitting was. There will be temptations along your path to being smoke free. Others you know may still smoke, these could include close friends, co-workers, family or your life partner. You will need their help and understanding to allow you to still be with them but not to restart smoking. Being strong will be your biggest challenge!

About the author: Brad Bahr is the editor of many health related websites and publications. He has been testing and reviewing nutritional supplements for over 20 years. After trying hundreds of products, he recommends one supplement above all others for renewing health and energy: Learn More

Popularity: 29%

By Brad Bahr

You aren’t the first person to ask yourself the question. Some folks go on looking at their Aunt Wilhelma’s purple splotches on her legs for years with out asking themselves, “Is that going to happen to me? Does it run in the family? Am I going to wind up with varicose veins because my aunt has them?” All of these are fair questions, and if we address them honestly we may approach an understanding of the probabilities regarding this disease. Because that’s what we’re dealing with here, we’re knee-deep in probabilities and variables. Those variables include diet, exercise, weight, and more.

So, let’s say that you have an Aunt Wilhelma who has had varicose veins on the back of her legs for as long as you can remember. How likely is it that Aunt Wilhelma’s medical condition locks you into an unchangeable future?

If it is practical, check with your parents about the family history concerning varicose veins. Even if your Aunt Wilhelma has a heck of a case of varicose veins, you’re far less likely to inherit it if neither of your parents has experienced varicose veins themselves.

Statistically, a woman is likely to owe her varicose veins to some possible hormonal factor. If you take birth control pills or if you are pregnant, or if you are undergoing some type of hormone replacement therapy, the probability factor is way up there that you could develop varicose veins.

Since it doesn’t appear that there’s always a law that’s written in stone ordaining whether or not we will inherit varicose veins, the prudent conclusion we reach in our investigation is that we need to seek out practical and reasonable steps we can take to make ourselves less susceptible to varicose veins. Here are a few pointers to help you to avoid unnecessary varicose veins.

First, be extra mindful about those bruises on your legs. Whenever possible try to avoid them altogether. Getting hit in the back of the legs with a shopping cart is bad enough on the pain chart, but because of the tendency toward varicose veins, we have to continue to monitor the site of leg trauma. If you are so inclined, you might wish to dab a bit of apple cider vinegar onto any bruises.

Second, do you either stand or sit for long periods of time? You’ve got to break up the routine by having a stretch and then sitting for a few minutes with your feet elevated above the level of your heart. This can do wonders for fatigue. It’s also giving a boost to your circulatory system because you’re aiding the lower half of your body in its task of returning spent blood to the heart for replenishing.
 
Third, when you consider the possibility that your extra weight might contribute to getting varicose veins, you begin to realize that simply losing a few pounds could be of enormous help.

So there you are, quit worrying so much over the inherited probabilities of varicose veins and start living a lifestyle that will help you to be as healthy as possible.

About the author: Brad Bahr is the editor of many health related websites and publications. He has been testing and reviewing nutritional supplements for over 20 years. After trying hundreds of products, he recommends one supplement above all others for renewing health and energy: Learn More

Popularity: 29%

By Brad Bahr

While everyone faces stress on a day to day basis, some people experience extreme shock or stress at some point which can permanently damage the way they their bodies and minds work. This worrisome problem is known as post traumatic stress disorder. In this article, we’ll focus on the topic of post traumatic stress disorder in order to shed some light on the ailment and to increase your knowledge of it.

Psychologists tend to group post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, into categories based upon how they happened. Man-made PTSD events are incidents that involved other people when the traumatic stress occurs, and natural disaster PTSD events such as earthquakes or volcano eruptions which can be equally damaging to an individual’s persona. Most often, close calls with serious injury or death are responsible for the development of the condition. Any incident that significantly causes an intense emotional response of fear or helplessness may lead to a case of PTSD.

Signs of PTSD will begin to manifest between one and six months after the traumatic event occurs, but some individuals who fall victim to it never experience any symptoms until a type of event triggers their response. Some of the symptoms that you can watch for include irritability and constantly feeling as if you are in danger. Some people experience painful memory flashbacks and nightmares of the traumatic experience as part of their post traumatic stress disorder, while some go emotionally numb when the problem hits and are unable to respond to outside stimulus. Individuals may also do their best to stay away from places or things that may trigger their fears, and they may find that they are unable to concentrate fully throughout the day. Some signs to look out for in a friend that may have the condition include noticing them not seeming to care about the long-term future, and a lack of ability to remember certain parts of the traumatic event that started the condition.

If not treated, post traumatic stress disorder can eventually lead to long-term life problems. Sufferers often find that they have an inability to fall asleep easily or for long periods of time. Consequently, they may find themselves feeling angry and irritable throughout the day with no easy explanation. The sufferer may also have a difficult time when trying to concentrate, and they may remain extremely vigilant and wary of phantom threats.

If you or someone you love is afflicted with post traumatic stress disorder, the best thing that you can do is to pay a visit to a therapist. They can help you to sort out your problem, realize why you feel the way you do about the situation and hopefully be able to make you get over the issue that is causing the condition to occur. While it’s no easy task, many people are able to overcome problems with post traumatic stress disorder with time and effort. Psychiatrists continue to learn more about the problem and hopefully in the future it will be even easier to help negate its effects.

About the author: Brad Bahr is the editor of many health related websites and publications. He has been testing and reviewing nutritional supplements for over 20 years. After trying hundreds of products, he recommends one supplement above all others for renewing health and energy: Learn More

Popularity: 27%

By Brad Bahr

There are many different things that occur within our lives that can cause us to feel stressed out, but without a doubt, one of the most significant sources of stress-related problems are problems with burnouts. In this article, we’ll explain what burnouts are and we’ll suggest some possible courses of action that you can take in order to eliminate burnout problems from your life.

Burnout occurs when we have too many things to do and too little time with which to do them. To that end, we’ve all suffered from burnout at one point or another, but for those who are dealing with very busy jobs or similar circumstances, burnouts can be an ongoing struggle that never seem to go away. To that end, if you work or are commonly participating in a place where the environment is stressful, you need to take some course of action in order to lessen the burden on your body and your mind.

If you feel like that type of burnout exists within your life, there are a few things that you should do immediately. You should do your best to prioritize a list of tasks that you need to accomplish so that you can make your mind feel more at ease about having to make difficult decisions. Stick to your list and don’t shy away from it unless you feel that there is a more significant way in which to use your time.

People that suffer from burnout often do so because they give themselves too many tasks to accomplish. They may be individuals who are too accommodating of others, who would stop at nothing in order to please everyone that is around them. If this is the type of problem that you are having, and you are the kind of person who has a hard time saying ‘no’ to a task, you should try to gain some assertiveness by taking classes or reading some books about the topic.

When you are being thrown around from task to task by different people, it can be next to impossible to manage your life in any sort of normal way. When someone proposes something to you, first be sure that it is not too big of a task for you to take on. Also, make sure that you are taking care of the immediate issues affecting you before concerning yourself with the problems of others. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t help those around you, just remember to not be afraid to say no when the situation merits it. Also, don’t be afraid to ask others for help when you are feeling overwhelmed by the number of tasks that you have to take on.

Burnouts happen to the best of us, but that doesn’t mean that there is nothing you can do to lessen the problem. Familiarize yourself with as many coping skills as possible and you will find that you are an altogether more productive person that is leading a happier life due to your assertiveness and prioritization skills.

About the author: Brad Bahr is the editor of many health related websites and publications. He has been testing and reviewing nutritional supplements for over 20 years. After trying hundreds of products, he recommends one supplement above all others for renewing health and energy: Learn More

Popularity: 26%