Sunday, March 13, 2011

Just a thought....

It is our intention to offer the information on our blog that we, ourselves, find to be helpful and interesting.

We strive to always credit the article, author, and source while posting the information on our blog.

Remember to always contact your medical professional before starting or discontinuing any medications or treatments.

We want you to be the best, healthiest YOU ;]

Lisa

You have a what??????

FROZEN SHOULDER?????

What is it?  A condition that occurs when the shoulder capsule [tissue around the joint] thickens, causing pain and limiting motion.  It can worsen over wekks or months.  Frozen shoulder is twice as common in women as in men and typically crops up between the ages 40 to 65.

What causes it?  Usually nothing in particular- it often happens out of the blue, says Stephania Bell and ortho clinical specialist.  But it can be linked to diabetes, thyroid disease or a previous shoulder injury.

What helps?  Physical therapy, stretching excercises that help strengthen your shoulder.  Most people see significant improvement within a year.  
LHJ 4/11

Side note:  Or you could try massage therapy, we have alot of experience with frozen shoulder, and have had great success. :]

Chronic Pain....Alternative Treatments

More often than not, patients must cobble together a variety of treatments.  A recent study showed that 44% of chronic pain patients on narcotics have serched out alternative treatments.  Perhaps because they have found that conventional treatments failed or because of side effects.

The most popular alternative treatments are as follows:  Acupuncture, massage, spinal manipulation, yoga tai chi and acetyl-l-carnitine.

60% of chronic pain patients try acupuncture, and most found some relief after 10 sessions.

MASSAGE:  Since tense muscles often contribute to pain, its no wonder that massage, which works to relax muscles, is effective at easing pain.  A 2001 study showed that patients who had 10 massages, 1 per week, reported BETTER pain relief than those who tried acupuncture.

Yoga classes twice a week for 24 weeks was shown to help with pain relief.

Tai Chi :  patients who participated n class for 60 min for 12 weeks found some relief.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine: this dietary supplement appears to be promising in treating diabetes-related nerve pain.  The Annals of Pharmacotherapy found that patients who took at least 2 grams daily fared best.

Womans Day 4/11

TRUE OR FALSE Heart health.....

1. You can reduce your risk of heart disease by being physcially active.  T or F

2. Physical activity can counteract the harmful effects of other risk factors such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure. T or F

3. Vigorous physical activity is better than moderate activity.   T or F

4. Women get the same benefits from being physically active as men.   T or F



Answers:

1. True  Physcial inactivity is a major, modifiable risk factor for heart disease.

2. True  Studies show that being physically active can lower the risk of heart disease even in people who have other health problems.

3. True.  Additional health benefits occur as the amt. of physical activity increases through higher intensity, greater frequency and /or longer duration.

4. False.  Studies indicate that women may benefit even MORE tghan men from being physcially fit.

Source: American Heart Association

Heart health ....

Alternative Therapies to encourage a healthier heart...since more than 35% of all heart attacks and strokes occur in people WITHOUT high cholesterol, Dr. Coehrs says that statins are not necessarily the only answer for individuals concerned about preventing heart attacks or strokes.  He explains that a diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, olive oil, garlic, and grilled or smoked fish such as salmon or tuna-high in Omega 3 oils-is heart healthy as well as delicious!!  If you choose to drink alcohol, red wine has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.  Additionally, to stay heart healthy, be sure to keep lean, red meat to a minimum in your diet. 
[Martha Stewart LIVING 3/11]

My hair is coming out by the handful.....what to do, who to ask.

Geoffrey P. Redmond M.D. in New York, states that a dip in estrogen can cause hair loss in some women.  The most common times are women in their 20's and 30's when women shed hair after recent pregnancy.  And in the mid 40's or later, as estrogen levels drop.  Polycystic ovarian syndrome can cause thinning also.  Blood tests are needed to confirm POS, so contact your M.D. for a custom plan.
[Redbook 1/11]

The newest "IT" supplements

Tumeric...who knew??? The stuff that makes ball park mustard yellow is an anti-inflammatory and many practitioners now prescribe it for arthritis patients.  David Leopold M.D. , a pain expert at Scripps in San Diego recommends 1,000 mg once or twice a day.

Rhodiola...is an herb grown in cold climates and looks promising for treating depression and fatigue.  Tierona Low Dog M.D. states it's been used for years in Scandinavia.  Recommended dose: 150 mg once or twice a day.

Algal DHA.....is an Omega 3 fatty acid which comes from algae as opposed to fish, so it's less likely to contain ocean pollutants or toxins.  It was recently shown to improve memory in healthy people over 55.  About 50% of our brains as made of fat, say Michael f. Roizen M.D. at Cleveland Clinic, DHA is an integral component of cell membranes and the major omega-3 fatty acid found in the brain, so it's essential for optimal brain function."  Try 600 to 900 mg daily.
Ladies Home Journal 12/10/ -1/11