Archive for health
Health Benefits of the Chinese Green Tea Diet
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Dating back more than 4,000 years, Chinese green tea diet has been long revered as a tasty drink that can ward off diseases and improve one’s well-being. There are only a few herbs that can surpass its impressive history.
Since its first recorded use during the time of Emperor Shen Nung, the link between Chinese green tea diet and good health has never been severed. Today, further studies are made to test the benefits of the remarkable health elixir.
Traditional Health Benefits of the Diet
According to tradition, this diet could cure anything from headaches, body aches, and pains to constipation and depression. Over the centuries, more health claims are made on account of the Chinese green tea diet.
It detoxifies the body. The presence of polyphenols, a naturally occurring antioxidant in this particular tea, is said to combat harmful free radicals and help keep the body free from diseases. In this regard, Chinese green tea helps maintain the overall well-being of the body. It fights against the anti-aging process because the antioxidants can boost immunity, preserve young-looking skin, and brighten the eyes.
Additional health benefits of the green tea is it increases the blood flow throughout the body. Because it contains a little caffeine, ingesting this drink stimulates the heart and allows the blood to flow more freely through the blood vessels. For the same reason that tea stimulates blood flow, it also stimulates mental clarity.
For many years, men of science remained skeptical about the health claims made by Chinese green tea diet enthusiasts because the health benefits are truly vast in number. Their doubt was changed to a more positive reception when subsequent researchers proved its disease-preventing attributes and confirmed most of the health claims.
The Heart
Study after study has shown that drinking green tea and eating polyphenol-rich foods reduces the risk of any heart complications. It helps strengthen the blood vessels that provide oxygen and valuable nutrients to the heart and brain. It has also been researched that men who use the diet have a 75 percent less possibility of having a stroke than those who don’t use the diet.
The green tea diet helps lower total cholesterol levels and improve the ratio between LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. Study shows that men who drink nine or more cups of Chinese green tea daily have lower cholesterol levels than those who drink fewer than two cups. While nine cups may seem a lot, break it up through out the day and you’ll realize it’s not that difficult to drink that many cups. You could have one during and after each meal and during your breaks.
You really need to learn more. The Silent Killer Exposed uncovers and gives you the information you need to maintain a healthy blood system. Visit it here now.
Longevity
The role of the ‘Chinese diet’ in promoting longevity has been investigated upon by many researchers. They found the premise of their study on observing Japanese women who are greater-than-average green tea drinkers; have lower mortality rates compared to others. This led the researchers to believe that the diet has “a protective factor against premature death.”
The polyphenols found in the diet may be held accountable. With its high amount of polyphenols, it seems to have a stimulating effect on the immune system. A stronger immune system as a result of drinking the green tea helps reduce risks of obtaining many illnesses.
If these health benefits of doing the Chinese green tea diet don’t motivate you to start drinking this miracle in a cup, chances are you’ll never become motivated to loose weight. So start today and drink up. The health benefits go well beyond weight loss!
Question and Answer
What reputable health insurance companies are out there?
My mom doesn't have health insurance and my job doesn't give insurance to family members.
I would like to pay monthly to a health insurance company so my mom could get health check up when she needs it.
Do you know any health insurance companies that can accept low monthly payments since I don't get paid that much?
We live in northern california.
Julie Health writes about the many health benefits of chinese green tea at http://www.benefitsofgreentea.info. If you’re interested, you can also learn more about a diet by drinking green tea. Jokingly, her last name is said to be the reason for her involvement in health.
A review of health seeking behavior: problems and prospects
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A review of health seeking behavior: problems and prospects
Author: Sara MacKian Article reviewed by: Dr Nihar Ranjan Ray
INTRODUCTION:
Health seeking behavior refers to all those things humans do to prevent diseases and to detect diseases in asymptomatic stages. In contrast illness behavior refers to all those activities designed to recognize and explain symptoms after one feels ill, and sick role behavior refers to all those activities designed to cure diseases and restore health after a diagnosis has been made.
I agree to the author that there is growing recognition, in both developed and developing countries, that providing education and knowledge at the individual level is not sufficient in itself to promote a change in behavior. We need do something extra or focus to a different dimension to bring effective changes in health indicators. One more important thing that the author has insisted that factors promoting ‘good’ health seeking behaviors are not rooted solely in the individual, they also have a more dynamic, collective, interactive element. Understanding of the social capital and proper understanding of health seeking behavior could reduce delay to diagnosis, improve treatment compliance and improve health promotion strategies in a variety of contexts. Author has given utmost importance to make studies of health seeking behavior more useful from a health systems development perspective. In initial part of the article the author suggested the two approaches namely
(a) Health care seeking behaviors: utilization of the system
(b) Health seeking behaviors: the process of illness response
According to author variety of studies were conducted on the basis of macro analysis. Taking age, sex, geographical region etc.. But author aptly suggested that these determinants can be further broken to smaller fragments like Status of women, Elements of patriarchy, Social Age and sex, Socioeconomic Household resources Education level, Maternal occupation, Marital status, Economic status, ‘Cultural propriety’, Economic Costs of care Treatment, Travel time, Type and severity of illness Geographical Distance and physical access, Physical, Organizational Perceived quality and so many to identify the reality of the back ground problems. Despite the ongoing evidence from different studies that people do choose traditional and folk medicine or providers in a variety of contexts which have potentially profound impacts on health, few studies recommend ways to build bridges to enable individual preferences to be incorporated into a more responsive health care system. I find it most interesting that has been quoted by (Needham et al, 2001). As they suggested “the need to improve integration of private sector providers with public care to tackle this problem in a better way” And with the Indian perspective at least I can’t agree with Ahemad et al that the training to these non formal providers are wrong. At least we can use their community motivation in a modern way so that the health seeking behavior of these people will change gradually.
Now it is time to focus upon to understand the psycho logical process of these people as discussed in the section Health seeking behaviors: the process of illness response. The understanding of the ‘healthy choices’, in either their lifestyle behaviors or their use of medical care and treatment. Among the different models discussed here namely (a) social cognition models (b) Health belief model (c) health locus of control
•(a) social cognition models:
Predicting health behavior with social cognition models as per the figure illustrates I am completely agree with the author as she criticizes the model as “The downfall of these models is that most view the individual as a rational decision maker, systematically reviewing available information and forming behavior intentions from this. They do not allow any understanding of how people make decisions, or a description of the way in which people make decisions.”
•(b) Health belief Model:
The health belief model is a largely accepted theory and like any other theory it has its limitation also like the author writes “The health belief model has been criticized for portraying individuals as asocial economic decision makers, and its application to major contemporary health issues, such as sexual behavior, have failed to offer any insights” Any how I personally feel this can be a model of reference for contemporary diseases. and also what I feel this model is still holds good in describing the STIs though stigma, shame ness and sexual conservativeness comes into play.
It may be right that the way Mc Phill et all thinks “developed country research has a better track record of exploring this broader contextual picture, whilst work in developing countries tends not to acknowledge the poor relationship between knowledge and health seeking behavior.” Apart from the KABP model I find the description of the Reflexive communities are interesting .Reflexive communities reflect the particular ways of behaving, thinking and reaching decisions of individuals or groups, that in turn reflect the social construction of their position in wider society at a particular place and time. Information regarding health seeking has many facets and determinants like ‘moral, affective, aesthetic, narrative and meaning dimensions’. So more scientific way of approach will be ‘aesthetic reflexivity’ which “means making choices about and/or innovating background assumptions and shared practices upon whose bases cognitive and normative reflection is founded” In order to understand how people reach the decision we need to know also how the underlying, unspoken, unconscious feelings and assumptions which support that cognitive process. These concepts that are been discussed here are seems to be more theoretical to practice . But still these issues are need to be addressed aptly for events like HIV/AIDS . I and I am completely agreed with Harvey that “the way people perceive risks and experience risk should be a matter for public policy”
Health seeking behavior and the probes: a review
Health seeking behavior differs for the same individuals or communities
when faced with different persons, times& illnesses. The article has described some of the examples here. They have given a very nice example here regarding the health seeking practices of women when faced with abnormal vaginal discharge, as opposed to malaria. I think this is more a big problem in countries like India & Bangladesh than the developed worlds. Again the shortage of the female Health care staffs worsens the problem. And the most important thing that I feel is most of the sensitive illnesses or diseases or public health problems are having this problem. Or thinking in the reverse way that due to this embedded problem it is very difficult to address these problems or not getting quick results. Among the examples I try to touch them in short. Only the key issues are given as described the author. I think she has identified it very nicely from different studies.
Tuberculosis
(a) Late presentation and delayed diagnosis are problems for TB, reflecting both
individual and social factor. Delay can be related to social stigma, gender, fear or multiple health seeking.
(b) Culturally sensitive and situated understanding of health seeking behavior may
Provide better treatment compliance and shorten delay of diagnosis.
©Health education should be started at family and community level to improve
awareness and to avoid stigma.
(d)The doctor-patient relationship may need particular attention in relation to TB due to the lengthy treatment period.
Maternal and child health
(a) The way in which women reach the decisions they can have a great influence
on child morbidity and mortality and is therefore worthy of continued study.
(b) There may be a better ways of exploring women’s involvement in health
system and social structures .
Diabetes Type 1
(a)Perhaps the lack of material suggests there is more work needed in this area?
(b)The doctor-patient dynamic can potentially be used to promote ‘good’ health
seeking behavior and compliance with treatment, and is an issue reflected across
the probes.
Social capital and Health & Development
Social resources norms and networks or processes and conditions within society that allow for the development of human and material capital. So social capital is created and used through individual participation. Bonding social capital which links members of a particular group, and bridging social capital which links across groups. So the first one when addresses the Horizontal Equity the later addresses the Vertical Equity. Social capital provides a means of shifting the focus from individuals to social groups, and the social involvement of the actions of individuals. Though it varies from community to community but social capital also has implications for the operation of health systems description of that in detail is beyond the scope of this literature.
Health seeking behavior in the context of health systems
Non formal practitioners and birth attendants so embedded in the existing social
fabric and reflexive communities so that mostly the women deny delivery in favour of trained public service doctors. And in the Indian sub-continent public doctors running private clinics alongside their public role, where they can charge patients they have referred from the public system, may have the effect of undermining trust in the wider system.
Conclusion
“To begin to picture the resources and constraints…the way the actor experiences them, is to take a crucial step towards understanding why and how people do what they do”
This statement by Wallman and Baker I think we always need to remember be coz Health care is a system that is so much embedded into the society and individuality of the people that if you search for the influencing the factors than finally you will get all the branches of science on your table. So to be practical is more important than criticizing any issue theoretically and parallely we can’t ignore any issue how ever that may seem impractical. That is the beauty and problem of designing the policy for the Health care. What I feel like head of the family neglects himself in due course of taking care of other family members we should not land in a troubled water by focusing more on the peripheral issues of Health care delivery system than the center stage. We should not forget to address the problems of the internal clients to provide a better motivated care to the external clients. Which in my view very poorly addressed in international, national & regional level. And last but not the least is the financing system and its proper management is the key issue.
Dr Nihar Ranjan Ray
Indian Institute Of Public Health, Gandhinagar
Question and Answer
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Question 31
Some of the possible health consequences that are associated with stimulants include
Question 31 answers
nervousness, irritability, confusion, and kidney damage.
nausea/vomiting, constipation, and coma.
chronic mental disorders and flashbacks.
loss of coordination, slurred speech, and loss of consciousness.
Question 32 text Question 32
Nonmedical use of _________can cause confusion, loss of consciousness, and dangerously slowed breathing. They can be smoked, injected, swallowed, or snorted.
Question 32 answers
hallucinogens
opiates
depressants
stimulants
Question 33 text Question 33
Acid, dots, snowmen, buttons and magic mushrooms are common street names for this type of drug. When they are used for nonmedical reasons they can cause confusion, anxiety, and even death. This type of drug is called a(n)
Question 33 answers
opiate.
hallucinogen.
depressant.
stimulant.
Question 34 text Question 34
________are drugs that can cause relaxation and fatigue. If used for nonmedical purposes, such as a date-rape drug, they can cause a person to lose his or her inhibitions, become disoriented, and forget what happened to them while on the drug.
Question 34 answers
Opiates
Hallucinogens
Depressants
Stimulants
Question 35 text Question 35
Which statement best describes drug abuse?
Question 35 answers
Drug abuse is the abuser’s choice and only affects the individual.
Drug abuse is an isolated behavior and has no relationship with violence or crime.
Drug abuse is not linked with any other physical, mental, or emotional injury.
Drug abuse is the abuser’s choice, but affects the health and safety of his or her family and society.
Dr Nihar Ranjan Ray
research Associate in The Impact of The Link ART Center in Gujrat
Education MBBS,DPHM
Health Maintenance Through Positive Thinking
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Health Maintenance Through Positive Thinking
Paper presented in National Seminar on Positive Perspectives of Health and Behaviour, Department of Psychology, M.D. University, Rohtak, February, 1&2, 2008.
M. FAIM A. ANSARI (RESEARCH SCHOLAR)
ASIYA AIJAZ (READER)
DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY
THE ALIGARH MUSLIM UNIVERSITY
ALIGARH
Health:
Psychological resources such as hope, optimism, personal control, sense of meaning, and subjective well-being are known to exercise a protective influence on health. The Greek physician Hippocrates anticipated that positive emotions and health outcomes may be linked through multiple pathways. In the developed and developing countries, health is seen as the most valuable asset for a good quality of life, particularly in later years of life. Good health of the citizen is key facilitator to contribute to society. Smith (1990) said, “In the past, good health meant the absence of disease.” Today the definition of health is high level wellness that goes beyond the absence of disease toward one’s maximum potential which includes mind, body and sprit. High level wellness is the integration of health component, i.e. emotional, physical, social, spiritual and mental.
The common origin of the word health from “hoelth”, an English word meaning safe or sound and whole of body (Dolfman, 1973). There is no one contemporary meaning for the term. A nursing oriented definition of health consistent with the theme that the health is a subjective phenomenon that is operationalizable has been proposed by the Lynn. Lynn, 1990 defined health as a subjective representation of a person’s composite evaluation of somatic sense of self (how one is feeling) and functional ability (how one is doing).As such, health is manifested in the subjective judgment that one is experiencing wellness or illness. These subjective experiences are dynamic and are an outgrowth of person and environment interactions. As long as a person is capable of evaluating how he/she is feeling and doing at some level, the person has health.
The World Health Organization (WHO, 1948) defines health as a “state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. Thus, the World Health Organization (WHO) has very clearly indicated that the absence of disease is not enough for health. This, definition emphasizes on positive and negative dimensions of health. Negative health or ill health has a subjective component expressed in the concept of illness and discomforts and an objective component express in concept of disease, injury, handicap or deformity. Positive health has two components: wellbeing and fitness. This state entails an appropriate balance of the physical, mental, social ingredients. Fitness can be considered as the objective physical components, where as, wellbeing can indicate the psychosocial component of positive health.
Lau (1995) found that when young healthy adults were asked to describe in their own words “what being healthy means to you?” their beliefs about health could be understood within the following dimensions:-
Ø Physiological/Physical- good condition, having energy.
Ø Pathological-happy, energetic, feels good psychologically.
Ø Behavioural-eat and sleep properly.
Ø Future consequence-live longer.
Ø The absence of, e.g., sickness, disease & symptoms.
Kasl and Cobb (1966) states that health behaviour is any activity undertaken by a person believing himself to be healthy for the purpose of preventing disease or detecting it at an asymptomatic stage. Therefore, positive health can be defined as activities that may prevent disease, detect disease and disability at an early stage, promote and enhance health, or protect from risk of injury. Thus, “positive health can be defined as any activity undertaken by individual with a frequency or intensity that increases health or reduces disease”
As, we all know that the good health is a gift of God, but having good health is not sufficient but to maintain it also equally important. For this reason one should also focus on healthy lifestyle and positive thinking.
ADOPT A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
- Exercise regularly. Physical activity plays a key role in reducing and preventing the effects of stress. Make time for at least 30 minutes of exercise, three times per week. Nothing beats aerobic exercise for releasing pent-up stress and tension.
- Eat a healthy diet. Well-nourished bodies are better prepared to cope with stress, so be mindful of what you eat. Start your day right with breakfast, and keep your energy up and your mind clear with balanced, nutritious meals throughout the day.
- Reduce caffeine and sugar. The temporary “highs” caffeine and sugar provide often end in with a crash in mood and energy. By reducing the amount of coffee, soft drinks, chocolate, and sugar snacks in your diet, you’ll feel more relaxed and you’ll sleep better.
- Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs. Self-medicating with alcohol or drugs may provide an easy escape from stress, but the relief is only temporary. Don’t avoid or mask the issue at hand; deal with problems head on and with a clear mind.
- Get enough sleep. Adequate sleep fuels your mind, as well as your body. Feeling tired will increase your stress because it may cause you to think irrationally.
The positive aspect of health is reflected in the Arabian proverb, “A man, who is healthy, has an optimistic view and who has an optimistic view, has everything” (Husain, 2005).
POSITIVE THINKING FOR GOOD HEALTH:
Happy people are always focusing on good events and worthy quality of life; they have optimistic view of life. Positive thinking can help people to gain peace of mind, obtain better health and attain an unceasing stream of energy. Positive thinking can have a beneficial effect on people’s health by increasing a person’s intellectual, physical, psychological, and social resources. Positive thinking leads to opportunity, Positive thinking is healthy. By practicing positive thinking one can enhance positive emotions, feeling and positive mental attitude which improve the quality of peoples lives and heal their bodies from illness and stresses.
According to Frederickson (2001) Positive emotions increase people’s physical, cognitive and social resources, which in turn help them cope more effectively with stressful experiences and live healthier.
According to Nudel and Nudel, positive thinking is an effective way to achieve mastery of bio-energy healing. Maintenance of a positive energy level in a healer’s own bio-energy field reduces stress and emotional tension in the healer and in others positive emotions and feelings and a positive mental attitude can improve the quality of people’s lives and heal their bodies of illnesses and stresses.
On the other hand, negative emotions and feelings bring poisonous toxins to the organism. Strong negative emotions such as anger, spite, envy, jealousy, and fear make the endocrine system accumulate poisons in the blood. Anxiety, depression, and doubt can also cause poisoning of the blood. Passive and lengthy negative emotions are even more dangerous for health than for active, sudden and momentary negative emotions. Negative emotions shorten the span of life. Treatment of physical symptoms with positive thoughts and statements was popularized in France a century ago, and it still has the power to overcome unwanted states (stress, tension, and unhappiness). Thoughts and feelings make up reality and add color to it. So, unhappiness brings a gray world and reality. To change a gray world and to overcome the feeling of unhappiness, anxiety, or tension, one needs to refocus the mind on positive, healing thoughts. When people predict that something wrong is going to happen to them, it is more likely to happen because negative thoughts will be reflected in their unconscious. Moreover, the person may develop psychosomatic illnesses (about 70% of all illnesses are psychosomatic, or caused by mental stress). Psychosomatic illnesses worsen when given special attention. Instead of paying direct attention to pain or illness, every time a negative thought occurs, say something like, “It will be better than I think.” When a wish of any desired condition is established in the mind, somehow the unconscious mind leads the wish to realization-not magically, but through mental programming. Besides healing illnesses, positive attitudes help one to withstand troubles and problems, make correct decisions, and overcome obstacles. Do not focus on negative events; try to discover a positive perspective. For example, individuals should understand that they need to read more or think more of others in order to find the ways of perfect communications. Because the thoughts of individuals are either positive or negative, they are reflected in their social or asocial behaviors. People should observe and conceive the world around them, as well as their inner worlds, with positive perceptions. Healers should have “a positive mind state” before they begin practicing bio-energy healing. Healers communicate with other people giving them energy. “Negative” energy cannot bring healing; only damage and it is destructive for both a healer and a healee. Healing energy is “a positive energy” sent by “a positive mind.” Your thoughts are in your control, and they can be very powerful.
Positive thoughts can motivate healthy behaviors, such as eating healthy food and being active. It’s simple really. If you believe you can take 10,000 steps a day, you will be more likely to take an extra walk to meet your goal. If you know you can avoid holiday weight gain, you’ll feel great when you pass the tempting dessert buffet, and fit comfortably in your winter clothes. If you set your mind to do something, you can do it. Positive thinking can also help you achieve and maintain healthy behaviors, such as becoming more physically active or limiting your sugar intake.
Peale (1996) has measured the success of positive-thinkers and found that those who think positively they can lose weight, or increase their physical activity, these people are more successful than people with less faith in themselves. The confidence you have in performing a certain behavior is called self-efficacy; and self-efficacy is a key in successful behavior change.
A “can-do” attitude may be just what it takes to jumpstart a healthier lifestyle. Best of all, your attitude is something you can control. You have the choice to have a positive outlook. Chances are when you choose to think positively, you’ll feel better about yourself and be able to perform better in whatever you do.
HOW TO STAY POSITIVE:
Positive thinkers admit when they feel frustrated or depressed. They don’t ignore it. But they also don’t blame themselves. Instead, they try to understand the negative thoughts and feelings and counter them with more positive ones. So how do you stay positive, maintain momentum and sustain healthy behaviors? Here are few tips given by Peale (1996):-
Ø Look for a good role model. There is always someone who seems to be doing just what you want to be doing. Maybe they’ve scheduled exercise into their workday and switched from coffee to herbal tea. Learn from a successful friend, family member or colleague. Ask them how they keep healthy and follow in their footsteps.
Ø Try some positive self-talk and avoid negative-talk. Take a minute to give yourself an ego boost. Repeat some motivational words out loud or to yourself. Negative talk, “I can’t do it,” “I’m fat,” is dangerous for your well-being and healthy goals. Try to avoid the negative self-talk before it harms you. Remind yourself that you deserve happiness and can make positive changes.
Ø Get support. Tell your friends and family about your healthy habits. It helps to have an encouraging network.
Ø Reward yourself. Give yourself a pat on the back for your healthy efforts. Take a nice bath, get a massage, and enjoy a new DVD or CD.
Ø Have a plan. Making a plan to exercise or eat healthy lunches with a friend can mean the difference of sticking with your goals or falling off track. If you’ve planned for an activity, you’ll likely stick with it. You may even find that writing down your goals and steps to achieve them can help you stay on track. Take it day by day or week by week. The process of writing down your personal action plan is a good way to keep you honest and watch your progress or pitfalls.
Positive thinking is mental attitude that enters into the mind through words and images that are conducive to growth, expansion and success. It is mental attitude that expects good and favorable results. A positive mind anticipates happiness, joy, health and a successful outcome of every situation and action, whatever the mind expects, it finds.
The power of positive thinking can change and improve your life. Maintaining positive thinking and attitude will drive you to success, healthy life and happiness. Positive thinking is a habit that is right practice. Positive thinking is something you have to do everyday as often as possible and whenever you can. By practicing positive thinking everyday, you create a state of mind where you are constantly positive- it becomes a state of being positive. By doing this at last you will find an amount of positive energy that will create a positive situation for you everyday. Positive emotions and feelings and a positive mental attitude can improve the quality of people’s lives and heal their bodies of illnesses and help to regain health.
One approach to positive thinking given by Martin (1991) is called the three C’s: Commitment, Control and Challenge.
Commitment: Make a positive commitment to yourself, to learning, work, family, friends, nature, and other worthwhile causes. Praise yourself and others, Always dream of success, Be enthusiastic.
Control: Keep your mind focused on important things. Set goals and priorities for what you think and do. Visualize practicing your actions. Develop a strategy for dealing with problems. Learn to relax. Enjoy successes. Be honest with yourself.
Challenge: Be courageous. Change and improve each day. Do your best and don’t look back. See learning and change as opportunities. Try new things. Consider several options. Meet new people. Ask lots of questions. Keep track of your mental and physical health. Be optimistic.
Martin (1991) has shown that people with these characteristics are winners in good times and survivors in hard times. “……People who begin consciously to modify their inner conversations and assumptions report an almost immediate improvement in their performance. Their energy increases and things seem to go better…”
Commitment, control and challenge help build self-esteem, reduce stress, live healthier and promote positive thinking.
Mental and emotional expectations can influence medical outcomes. The effectiveness of any medical treatment depends in part on how useful you expect it to be. As we know that our feeling of ineffectiveness of recourses lead us to stressful situation, we can overcome this situation by maximizing our efforts and our positive thoughts like “I can do it, even with limited resources” “So what, if I am running short of recourses, I can manage this.” This thinking can only be developed through positive thinking.
Positive affirmations are created through positive thinking to counter negative thoughts. These affirmations neutralize negative thoughts and build your self confidence. Positive affirmations give ways to the opportunities that are always present to some degree in a difficult situation.
Positive thinking help one to withstand troubles and problems, make correct decisions and overcome obstacles, stresses, and remains healthy. People should observe and conceive the world around them, as well as their inner worlds, with positive perceptions.
Spiritual strength promotes positive thinking, positive ideas, positive habits, positive attitudes, and positive efforts. There are qualities that promote wisdom, physical and mental well-being. Positive emotions stimulate the nervous system that protects the heart and reduces blood pressure. A realistic assessment of one’s limitations, the development of autonomy, and an ability to cope effectively with stress enable individuals to boost their positive thinking. The ability to recognize, accept and manage our feelings plays an integral role in our emotional development.
Meaning in life is very important for developing positive thinking. Those who are having meaning in their life are more likely to develop positive thinking. It has been observed that people who have meaning in their lives are keener to reduce stress for healthy life.
To develop positive thinking the person should be open to new ideas, activities and doing new things and new innovations, so that they can be more positive in their thinking.
The positive thinking can be developed by positive self talk, healthy attitudes, following effective fitness programmes (healthy diet), financially sound, hopefulness, new ideas, sense of responsibility etc. we can also develop positive thinking by acquiring new knowledge through stimulating mental activities that allows us to create environment in which useful and productive lives can be enjoyed.
Practicing positive self-talk will improve your outlook. When your state of mind is generally optimistic, you’re able to handle everyday stress in a constructive way. That ability may contribute to the widely observed health benefits of positive thinking. Positive thinking decreased negative stress. As it is very much clear that the people who think positively are more optimistic than the people who don’t.
CONCLUSION:
It is very much clear from the above discussion that the people who think positively enjoy better and healthy life. Positive thoughts can motivate healthy behaviors, such as eating healthy food and being active. Positive thinking is the process of creating thoughts, that creates and focus energy into reality, to bring into creation a positive outcome, which you see as a benefit to yourself or others. This is a powerful gift that we all have but a lot of people are not aware of it.
Thus, we can say positive events are even sweeter when you see them as evidence of more to come, and see yourself as the master of your own fate. Therefore, we can say those who habitually practice positive thinking tend to experience more success, which can add up to a less stressful and healthier life. The power of positive thinking can change and improve your life. Maintaining positive thinking and attitude will drive you to success, healthy life and happiness.
REFERENCES:
1. Dolfman, M.L. (1973). The concept of health: A historic and Analytic examination. Journal of School Health, 43 (8), 491-497.
2. Frederickson, B.L. (2001). The role of positive emotions in positive psychology: the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions. American Psychologist, 56, 218-226.
3. Husain, A. (2005). Islamic life styles: The right path for the maintenance of health. In R. Singh, A. Yadava and N.R. Sharma (Eds.) Health Psychology (pp. 329-339). New Delhi: Global Vision.
4. Kasl, S. V. & Cobb, S. (1966). Health behaviour, illness behaviour and sick role behaviour I: Health & illness behaviour. Archives of Environmental Health, 12, 246-266.
5. Lau, R.R. (1995). Cognitive representation of health and illness. In D. Gockman (Ed.), Handbook of Health Behaviour Research, Vol.I
6. Lynn, B. (1990). Getting back on Track: Nursing’s autonomous Scope of Practice. In N. Chaska (Ed.), the nursing profession: Turning points (267-274). St. Louis, MO: C.V. Mosby.
7. Martin, D (1991). How to be a Successful Student. http://www.suddenlyseparated.com/sub_menu.php?id=12
8. Nudel, M. & Nudel, E. Positive Thinking for Your Health. http://www.bioenergy-services.com
9. Peale, N.V. (1996). The Power of Positive Thinking. {Books available online at Barnes & Noble.com}, Random House Publications. http://www.aarp.org/health/fitness/get_motivated/positive_thinking.html
10. Smith, S. (1990). Personal Health Choices. Boston: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
11. World Health Organization (1948). World Health Organization Constitution. In Basic documents, Geneva: Author.
Question and Answer
What is the difference between public health and community health?
What is the difference between public health and community health?
A. Public health involves the health of the nation, and community health involves doctors and other health professionals in a community.
B. Public health protects the health of everyone, and community health protects the health of all those in a particular community.
C. Public health gives free health care to individuals, and community health keeps the food, water supply, and general environment healthy for the community.
D. Public health is concerned with the health of individuals, and community health is concerned with overall health statistics.
Fetal Development Week 20 (Pregnancy Health Guru)
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Funny thing pain, if you’ve never had a severe pain then the suggestion of taking simple analgesia and resting the affected area all seems quite reasonable. I was reminded of this when I read recently of a doctor’s advice to someone who was suffering from sciatica. Having personally experienced sciatica, it’s a condition I would not recommend to anyone who wishes to walk, sit, laugh, sleep, or to just simply pull up your trousers. It’s a bit like a dentist drilling your teeth without an anaesthetic, but it affects your whole leg. In other words the pain is consuming, exhausting and without respite. Clinical studies do show that in the majority of cases the pain will eventually subside and surgery may not be necessary, but in the meantime the patient has to deal with the pain or deal with the medication required to dull the pain. Remember, pain-killers are not selective to the area affected. They affect the whole of the nervous system and elsewhere so there may be significant side-effects from these medications.
Dealing with severe pain can be a complex issue, but I suggest that you have to treat this sort of pain fairly aggressively as acute severe pain is relatively easier to treat than chronic severe pain. In the early stages of an injury or insult to an area of the body, most of the pathological processes are happening at the site of the injury or insult. Throughout time the brain begins to modulate this pain and so no only do you have the injured area to deal with, but you also have complex neural pathways within the brain to deal with as well. This often means a far more complex management plan and a far more protracted recovery time. Specialists are very skilled at dealing with these issues but they do rely heavily on the stories their patients give them. That means being honest in answering their questions and not being heroic with a grin and bear it grimace! Often the use of a pain scale is helpful with zero being no pain at all and a 10 being the worse pain you have ever experienced.
Another health issue we commonly down play is influenza. Over the years I have frequently heard people say that they would not have the flu vaccine because either they never get the flu or that they had it last week for a couple of days and then it was all over! Influenza is a serious debilitating disease that will usually last from 10 days to two weeks and often leave you flat on your back exhausted. It’s not a happy 10 days either as patients do not have the energy to read a magazine or even watch a DVD. You will literally feel ancient with every movement being a real challenge and that doesn’t include the aching all over or the fevers and sleepless nights. The influenza virus is also extremely contagious and most people are unaware that if you spread it to someone who is more frail than yourself that you may actually be putting their life at risk.
With the ‘flu the big challenge is to vaccinate as many people in the community as possible, including children, those employed and unemployed, the elderly and the infirm, to reduce the chance of an epidemic occurring. Recent research has also showed that vaccinating pregnant women in the last trimester of their pregnancy will help protect their new born infants born during the ‘flu season.
Medicine has evolved over the last 40 years, but the change has been fairly slow with doctors by nature being very cautious and conservative people. But we can’t leave the doctors to take all the initiatives. As patients we need to be good listeners in our approach to health by heeding all the great health messages that keep being given to us about vaccinations, smoking, alcohol, exercise and healthy eating. We also need to be good communicators and tell our doctors how we are feeling with conditions such as pain. If the team treating you doesn’t have the best information then it may be that you will not end up getting the best treatment!
Question and Answer
What is the difference between public health and community health?
What is the difference between public health and community health?
A. Public health involves the health of the nation, and community health involves doctors and other health professionals in a community.
B. Public health protects the health of everyone, and community health protects the health of all those in a particular community.
C. Public health gives free health care to individuals, and community health keeps the food, water supply, and general environment healthy for the community.
D. Public health is concerned with the health of individuals, and community health is concerned with overall health statistics.
HBF Health Funds, the largest health insurance provider in Western Australia.
10 Easy Steps to Detoxify Your Body and Improve Your Health
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10 Easy Steps to Detoxify Your Body and Improve Your Health
The environment we live in is full of toxins. We inhale them in the air we breathe, ingest them with our food and water, and absorb them through the pores in our skin. Even the personal care products and cleaning supplies that we take for granted are full of poisons that are harmful to our bodies.
While we are surrounded by pollutants from the environment, the human body produces its own toxins. Our metabolic processes result in chemical wastes which can compromise our health.
The accumulation of these harmful substances in the body is known as “toxic load” – sometimes referred to as “body burden.” Over time, the buildup of environmental toxins in our systems can lead to chronic or severe health problems.
Some medical researchers estimate that nearly 75% of the diseases that afflict us are largely due to the toxicity of our systems. Headaches, chronic respiratory illness, cancer, and even autism have been linked to the accumulation of unsafe chemicals in the body.
The good news is that, although it is impossible to completely isolate ourselves from these harmful substances, we can reduce our exposure to them and decrease their impact through a simple detoxification program. By following these 10 easy steps, you will rid your body of many harmful chemicals, putting yourself on the path to a healthful lifestyle and greater sense of well-being.
1. Get plenty of restorative sleep. Adequate rest is critical to your body’s ability to heal itself and perform its many biological functions properly.
2. Plan your meals with good nutrition in mind. Be sure to eat plenty of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables; avoid processed and pre-packaged foods, refined flour and sugar products, trans-fats, and red meats. Proper nutritional balance is important for maintaining healthy organ function, especially the excretion of toxic elements through the liver.
* A cleansing diet designed to flush toxic matter from your digestive system may be incorporated into your detox program. Keep in mind that these diets are meant for the short term only, and people who are being treated for a medical condition should not undertake a restrictive diet without the approval of their physician.
3. Adapt a stress management technique that suits your lifestyle, such as yoga, meditation, or another soothing activity that you enjoy. Stress is responsible for the production of hormones which can be harmful, leading to heart disease and other severe illness; stress management reduces levels of these hormones and boosts your ability to cope with the challenges of life.
4. Physical activity heightens your body’s ability to excrete toxins, as well as providing an overall health benefit. Exercise is important to the success of your detoxification efforts, in addition to being necessary for a healthy lifestyle.
5. Avoid behaviors that are detrimental to your health, like smoking, drinking alcohol in excess, and recreational drug use; stay away from artificial stimulants like caffeine. These substances will inevitably slow down your detoxification progress.
6. Take herbal supplements. There are several detoxifying herbs which are available in either tea or capsule form. These include dandelion, milk thistle, burdock, and red clover. Ginger root and the popular acai berry are also known for their detoxifying properties, as is Vitamin C.
7. Purchase a body cleanse or liver and colon cleanse kit. These consist of natural detox products that flush toxins from your liver and colon, restoring optimal function.
8. Drink plenty of water. Adequate hydration is needed to remove toxic elements from your body.
8. Massage therapy is not only relaxing and restorative; it allows your body to excrete toxins up to 200 times faster than on its own.
9. Take a sauna or a hot bath regularly. The skin is a major excretory organ, and the heat of a sauna or bath opens the pores and increases your body’s rate of natural detoxification.
10. Reduce exposure to toxic elements. An air filter in your home will drastically improve the quality of the air you breathe; use natural cleaners and personal care products whenever possible to prevent the absorption of toxins through your skin. Sticking to organic foods lowers your risk of ingesting dangerous pesticides.
Watch out for foods wrapped in plastic wrap; plastic contains chemicals called phthalates which are known to cause cancer and developmental problems, including early-onset puberty.
While it is impossible to completely eliminate your exposure to dangerous chemicals in the environment, by following these steps you can greatly diminish their harmful impact on your health.
Question and Answer
health>????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
Question 31
Some of the possible health consequences that are associated with stimulants include
Question 31 answers
nervousness, irritability, confusion, and kidney damage.
nausea/vomiting, constipation, and coma.
chronic mental disorders and flashbacks.
loss of coordination, slurred speech, and loss of consciousness.
Question 32 text Question 32
Nonmedical use of _________can cause confusion, loss of consciousness, and dangerously slowed breathing. They can be smoked, injected, swallowed, or snorted.
Question 32 answers
hallucinogens
opiates
depressants
stimulants
Question 33 text Question 33
Acid, dots, snowmen, buttons and magic mushrooms are common street names for this type of drug. When they are used for nonmedical reasons they can cause confusion, anxiety, and even death. This type of drug is called a(n)
Question 33 answers
opiate.
hallucinogen.
depressant.
stimulant.
Question 34 text Question 34
________are drugs that can cause relaxation and fatigue. If used for nonmedical purposes, such as a date-rape drug, they can cause a person to lose his or her inhibitions, become disoriented, and forget what happened to them while on the drug.
Question 34 answers
Opiates
Hallucinogens
Depressants
Stimulants
Question 35 text Question 35
Which statement best describes drug abuse?
Question 35 answers
Drug abuse is the abuser’s choice and only affects the individual.
Drug abuse is an isolated behavior and has no relationship with violence or crime.
Drug abuse is not linked with any other physical, mental, or emotional injury.
Drug abuse is the abuser’s choice, but affects the health and safety of his or her family and society.
HEALTH :: HEAVEN :: MUSIC VIDEO
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Upon graduation from high school, there is no doubt that you will surely start your tertiary education in college or university. At age twenty, children will not be covered by health insurance of their parents and this can be disastrous if they are merely study and do not do part-time job. Some universities or colleges may have insurance plan offered to students. These insurance may not answer all your needs but you need to be meticulously considered it.
Most of the universities and colleges offer student health insurance plans. These plans should absolutely be at reasonable price, and can give you the school’s nearest hospitals. This option is one that you should definitely think of, if your son or daughter is enrolled in a college far away from home.
College health care scheme may vary from college to college due to laws and some other factors. Many students may think medical services are free of charge, but it is not always true. In term of clinic visit or routine checkups they may be free, however students still require to pay for special kinds of lab tests and other specialties such as x-rays, prescriptions, and a wound treatment. Compensation usually covers some types of service stated in the health care offered at college health centre. When you are referred to see an outside doctor, then the coverage will cover only 70% of your total expense and you are at risk to pay high medical cost.
You may have a problem getting treatment at the campus health centre if you have pre-existing condition. Having a pre-existing condition or illness does not mean to prevent you from obtaining health insurance plan, but you may not be eligible to have your treatment on your pre-existing condition. It can be troublesome if your new symptoms develop from a pre-existing one.
Health schemes are different, so be sure you find out everything about your health insurance plans. Be sure that your health plan stretch to summer break when you or your child do not take classes. This is vital for you because you don’t want to find out that your health care does not cover when you need it most. Some college health insurances may not cover during summer break, while others do.
Be certain that you study your plan thoroughly. Is it an HMO, or can the member utilise any service provider they went? This is critical. You need to know where you can go in case of emergency, and there is nothing worse than discovering that you will have to pay off the bill yourself.
There is no definitive solution to whether you should or should not commit yourself to college health insurance. Be certain that you study your plan thoroughly so that it answer to your need when you need it most. Although there is no free health insurance scheme, surely it will save you a lot of money in time of illness or accident.
For more information, please visit http://www.health-care-central.com
Question and Answer
health>????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
Question 31
Some of the possible health consequences that are associated with stimulants include
Question 31 answers
nervousness, irritability, confusion, and kidney damage.
nausea/vomiting, constipation, and coma.
chronic mental disorders and flashbacks.
loss of coordination, slurred speech, and loss of consciousness.
Question 32 text Question 32
Nonmedical use of _________can cause confusion, loss of consciousness, and dangerously slowed breathing. They can be smoked, injected, swallowed, or snorted.
Question 32 answers
hallucinogens
opiates
depressants
stimulants
Question 33 text Question 33
Acid, dots, snowmen, buttons and magic mushrooms are common street names for this type of drug. When they are used for nonmedical reasons they can cause confusion, anxiety, and even death. This type of drug is called a(n)
Question 33 answers
opiate.
hallucinogen.
depressant.
stimulant.
Question 34 text Question 34
________are drugs that can cause relaxation and fatigue. If used for nonmedical purposes, such as a date-rape drug, they can cause a person to lose his or her inhibitions, become disoriented, and forget what happened to them while on the drug.
Question 34 answers
Opiates
Hallucinogens
Depressants
Stimulants
Question 35 text Question 35
Which statement best describes drug abuse?
Question 35 answers
Drug abuse is the abuser’s choice and only affects the individual.
Drug abuse is an isolated behavior and has no relationship with violence or crime.
Drug abuse is not linked with any other physical, mental, or emotional injury.
Drug abuse is the abuser’s choice, but affects the health and safety of his or her family and society.
Health Care Central, the complete information website where you can find all you are looking for about your health care needs
Forerunners healthcare is assisting international patients suffering from spleen problems and are wishing to have splenectomy but they can’t afford expensive surgery in their own native country and also because of the waiting list. Forerunners healthcare facilitate the international patients for undergoing their splenectomy conveniently without any compromise with their health. Splenectomy is the surgical removal of the spleen. The spleen is an organ located in the upper left part of the abdomen beneath the ribs and behind the stomach. The spleen filters blood to remove bacteria, parasites, and other organisms that can cause infection.
Splenectomy is the surgical removal of the spleen, which is an organ that is part of the lymphatic system. The spleen is a dark-purple, bean-shaped organ located in the upper left side of the abdomen, just behind the bottom of the rib cage. In adults, the spleen is about 4.8 X 2.8 X 1.6 in (12 X 7 X 4 cm) in size, and weighs about 4-5 oz (113-14 zg). Its functions include a role in the immune system; filtering foreign substances from the blood; removing worn-out blood cells from the blood; regulating blood flow to the liver; and sometimes storing blood cells. The storage of blood cells is called sequestration. In healthy adults, about 30% of blood platelets are sequestered in the spleen.
There are two diseases for which splenectomy is the only treatment-primary cancers of the spleen and a blood disorder called hereditary spherocytosis (HS). In HS, the absence of a specific protein in the red blood cell membrane leads to the formation of relatively fragile cells that are easily damaged when they pass through the spleen. The cell destruction does not occur elsewhere in the body and ends when the spleen is removed. HS can appear at any age, even in newborns, although doctors prefer to put off removing the spleen until the child is five or six years old.
Risks
The chief risk following splenectomy is overwhelming bacterial infection, or postsplenectomy sepsis. This vulnerability results from the body’s decreased ability to clear bacteria from the blood, and lowered levels of a protein in blood plasma that helps to fight viruses (immunoglobulin M). The risk of dying from infection after splenectomy is highest in children, especially in the first two years after surgery. The risk of postsplenectomy sepsis can be reduced by vaccinations before the operation. Some doctors also recommend a two-year course of penicillin following splenectomy or long-term treatment with ampicillin.
International patient can avail an excellent splenectomy in India and enjoy our best services, hospitality and expert doctors for the splenectomy in India. In India there are various packages offered for the splenectomy by the experienced expert doctors, motivating nurses, panel of expert professional staff. The splenectomy surgeons in India are highly qualified and gives you completely cure by providing the world class treatment in India. Almost many super specialty hospitals at Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Hyderabad in India have a separate special department on splenectomy treatment and are well built with world top class infrastructure. For more details on splenectomy in India visit http://www.forerunnershealthcare.com and enquiry@forerunnershealthcare.com
Question and Answer
Healthcare becomes universal then what happens to people like me that work in healthcare?
If healthcare gets revamped will I get CUT IN PAY? I am a X-ray tech. When everybody can afford healthcare, will I loose money?
I am confused if revamping healthcare is bad or good for me. I am for everybody getting great healthcare, but not for a pay cut that I worked hard for!
I am Doctor and international health consultant
How Healthy Food Changed My Life?
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Often, developing healthy food habit is not as restrictive or as confusing as several individuals imagine. The first and foremost principle of healthy nutrition is simply eating a wide range of foodstuff. This is more important, since varied foodstuff make varied dietary contributions.
Secondly, vegetables, fruits, legumes and grains are necessary, since these foods are high in carbohydrates, fiber, minerals, vitamins, and low in fatty substances and are cholesterol free.
It is also better to balance between calorie expenditure and calorie intake. That is, avoid eating more foodstuff than what the body can consume. Otherwise, there is a possibility of gaining additional weight. Therefore, the more the active an individual is, the more he can eat and uphold this balance.
It does not mean that aforementioned three fundamental steps suggest an individual to sacrifice the favorite food. As long as, an individual’s diet is rich in fiber and nutrients and well balanced, there is nothing improper.
Individuals also can view healthy foodstuff as a chance to expand range of alternatives by trying some healthy food such as vegetables, fruits or whole grains. A healthy nutrition does not have to imply eating foodstuffs, which are unappealing or bland.
Benefits of Healthy Food:
Nutritious and healthy diet is very much significant for maintaining a healthy body. Healthy diet involves timely and regular food, snacks, nuts and juices. A balanced meal and appropriate food habits are essential for leading a healthy life. In due course of life, everyone forgets to take essential nutrition for proper body function, hence fall under several life-style diseases. Hence, it is necessary for an individual to understand and know about the benefits of healthy food such as vegetables, fruits and nuts.
Below discussed are some of the benefits of healthy food:
* Beetroot: It has good amount of potassium, manganese and foliate. It also contains fewer calories and helps to cure skin problems.
* Cauliflower: It is extremely nutritious and is much effective in curing several ailments. It is rich in folate and apt for pregnant women.
* Mangoes: They are very popular and largely available fruit. They are rich in potassium and good for healing wounds.
* Nutritional Values of Banana: It aids in the healing of anemia, depression, brainpower, blood pressure and constipation.
* Egg: It is nutritious and healthy food. Eggs lecithin prevents the absorption of egg’s cholesterol and other sources as well.
Overview:
Research has witnessed that, those who eat less processed food and saturated fatty items live longer and healthy life, and are very less prone to disease and illness. Good health food along with proper exercise gives tons of energy and makes feel stronger and healthier.
Good health food can assist individuals in maintaining a healthy weight. The phrase Healthy Weight is not only important for those individuals who are overweight, but also for individuals who are underweight as well. With eating healthy food, individuals can control their body weight without being underweight or overweight.
Healthy livelihood is all about understanding the body requirements and rendering it with good supplies for proper body function. Unhealthy eating habit can affect the individuals’ body severely, hence intake healthy foodstuff to avoid such consequences.
Question and Answer
What are some healthy food for picky eaters?
I'm a picky eater and I don't like any vegtables or fruit. What are some healthy food that I can eat that don't have fruits or veggies in them?
I also don't eat sea food.
Silvia Goodman is a successful writer. She has decided to pen down her researches and thoughts and share them for the common benefit. Check out her new report where she Reveals How to Bring Healthy Food in to Your Life Before It’s Too Late!
http://www.eat-4-your-life.com
How to Stop Smoking by Chiva-Som International Health Resorts
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Chinn Neo – a previous guest at Chiva-Som – is very happy. “[Ken Rosen] treated my husband Robert Lau for his nicotine addiction,” she says. “And after having smoked for the past 20 years, he has stopped! This is AMAZING!!”
Chinn not only now has a healthier husband, she also has no unpleasant smoke odours hanging around the house. True: nicotine is incredibly addictive. But with the help of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), you too can stop smoking.
Ken Rosen is Chiva-Som’s Practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine. “At Chiva-Som,” he says, “we offer a complimentary half-hour stop-smoking treatment that follows the NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) protocol. “The treatment consists of four or five needles placed painlessly at specific points in each ear. After three to ten half-hour sessions, most people quit, and many report back a year later saying they remain smoke free.”
But how does it work? Ken explains: “The ear is a nexus of energy in the body. During the treatment, the body’s nervous energy tries to push the needles out and tunes into itself for healing. When the needles come into equilibrium with the body and mind, the nervous system has been reset in a very profound way. Sort of like restarting a computer.”
Another method to stop smoking is offered by renowned therapist Paul Emery. He uses a powerful combination of EFT and other psychological techniques, NLP for instance. “I can often reduce cigarette cravings in a matter of minutes,” he says. “And I provide guests with a quick tool to use if they need to reduce future cravings or stress.” EFT is based on 5,000 year-old Chinese principles. “It’s a psychological version of acupuncture, but without needles,” Paul reveals. “Instead, I tap specific meridian points. The treatment helps guests to quit smoking physically and psychologically, breaking links with associated activities such coffee breaks and meals.”
TCM and EFT can be used for any addiction, including drugs, food, and work stress. They both have a deeply relaxing effect on the whole person, complementing other therapies at Chiva-Som.
Question and Answer
How come health insurance companies are allowed to discriminate against people with disabilities?
How is it legal for health insurance companies to discriminate against people with disabilities (I mean, medical disabilities), but other companies are not allowed to, like grocery stores are not allowed to? Or maybe it IS legal for other businesses to discriminate against people I am really just curious, that's all. About the legal process. Health insurance companies kind of make me mad, because of this issue. I know I am expressing a political opinion, but I ask you not to troll. If you have a different opinnion thatn me, you can argue for it, but please don't start trollin.'
Chiva-Som is a luxury health resort, combining international standards with Thai hospitality to deliver personal wellness programmes in a non regimented way. Everything we do focuses on a holistic approach to health that incorporates mind, body and spirit.
Chiva-Som provides the support to guide everyone on a path to greater health and vitality.
Please contact Health and Wellness reception to book an appointment with Ken Rosen by E-mail: reservation@chivasom.com Phone: +66 0 32536536 Fax: +66 0 32511154 or visit our website: www.chivasom.com.
Insomnia: How Lack of Sleep Can Damage Your Health
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What is Insomnia?
The average person spends approximately 1/3 of his or her life sleeping. Although we do not yet fully understand either the purpose or the mechanics of sleep, we do know that an insufficient amount can have far-reaching consequences: our work performance, our personal relationships, and our physical and mental health all depend on getting an appropriate amount of rest.
The inability to fall asleep or to stay asleep throughout the night is a condition known as insomnia, and it is among the most common of all medical complaints; approximately 1/3 of all people experience a period of insomnia at least once during their lifetime. Individuals with insomnia typically experience at least one of the following symptoms:
– Difficulties falling asleep;
– Inability to stay asleep, or waking up too early;
– Sleepiness during the day;
– Fatigue or lack of energy;
– Irritability;
– Headache;
– Decreased ability to concentrate;
– Increased errors or accidents;
– Depression and/or anxiety;
– Continual worry about sleep.
Health Risks of Insomnia
If you are not getting the sleep that you need, your insomnia may eventually lead to serious consequences for your health. In the short term, your alertness and focus are impaired, which can have a negative effect on your school or work performance. Relationship problems may result from irritability due to lack of sleep, while fatigue may prevent you from participating in your normal activities.
In the long-term, the complications of insomnia can be even more severe. Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and mood disorders are all associated with chronic insomnia; these conditions can be life-threatening, and they will certainly reduce the quality of your life.
What Causes Insomnia?
Insomnia is symptomatic of a large number of physiological disorders; if you are having difficulty sleeping, chances are that an underlying health problem is to blame. Illness, infection, mental health disorders, and medications can all keep you from getting the proper amount of rest. Hormone and neurotransmitter imbalances can affect your body’s ability to fall asleep, and dietary deficiencies can cause insomnia, as well. Exposure to toxic elements such as heavy metals, molds, and other environmental pollutants have also been shown to impair sleep.
Finding the Cause of Insomnia
By determining what is causing your insomnia, your health care provider will be better able to help you design a plan for managing your sleep problem. To find out what is keeping you up at night, your doctor may ask you a series of questions about your lifestyle, your sleeping environment, and even the sleep habits of your partner. A variety of lab tests can also be useful in pinpointing the cause of your insomnia in the event that a health problem is involved.
Managing Insomnia
The first step to getting back to sleep is to treat the underlying cause. Establishing good sleep habits may include nutritional support, exercise, detoxification, and incorporating a relaxation technique into your daily routine.
Good sleep hygiene is important for getting the rest you need. By following the guidelines listed here, you will find yourself drifting off easily, without the constant worry about getting enough sleep every night.
– Stick to a constant sleep schedule, with a consistent bed time and wake-up time;
– Avoid bright lights (including the television and computer) for at least two hours before bedtime;
– Do not exercise within three hours of bedtime;
– Make sure your bedroom is for sleeping – keep the TV, computer, and any other distractions in another room;
– Make sure your sleeping environment is cool, dark and quiet;
– Avoid caffeine, smoking, and alcohol, especially before bed;
– Don’t eat right before you go to bed;
– Try a relaxation exercise such as deep breathing before you turn in.
Over-the-counter and prescription sleep medications are best avoided; they may help you fall asleep, but they can be habit-forming, and they have a variety of negative side effects. By identifying the cause of your insomnia and making some adjustments to your lifestyle, you should be able to overcome your sleep difficulties naturally.
Question and Answer
What health care problem should I address in a statistics assignment?
I have to make a power point about a health care problem for a statistics class and include a frequency table, which means I need actual numbers, not percentages as most statistic information is portrayed. Does anyone know what would be a good health-related topic where I could find actual numbers easily? Or any good websites for health-related data?
To order online lab test kits to identify the cause of your insomnia visit HealthRemedies.com. Receive 10% off your next sleep supplement purchase by entering discount code SLEEP upon checkout. Valerie Balandra NP is a nurse practitioner that takes a naturopathic and functional medicine approach in her patient care. Valerie is available for telephone consultations by calling 941 371-7997.