Thursday, March 19, 2009

Diabetics Patients Can Enjoy Tasty Delights

DIABETICS TOO HAVE TASTE BUDS
Many of us are in belief that once one is diagnosed with diabetics, his or her life is bound to be tasteless in terms of daily eating habits. Yes, it is true that one has to follow many restrictions once diagnosed with diabetics. However, here in this article, I will explain you about how you can control the diabetics with the help of your food habits and how to make foods tastier for diabetic’s patients.
Contrary to what most of us believe, controlling diabetes by keeping a tab on your daily diets is not difficult. I bet, if you know the real tricks then the diabetic diets can also become tastier. Apart from being tastier, you also experience your diet giving many other benefits to your health as well.
Now let me give you a rough idea about the food chart, which a diabetic patient should follow and lead a healthy life, without losing the taste of life.
You need to pay special attention to the foods, which can provide you carbohydrates as they play an important role in controlling sugar level. For this, you need to include a lot of starchy vegetables, grains and beans in your daily diet. Try to avoid white rice and you can have brown rice. Homemade breads and whole grains are also very good resources of getting carbohydrates.
There should be no restriction in eating fresh fruits and green vegetables. Don’t just stick to any particular fruit.
Try to keep experimenting with various types of fruits, available in the market according to season.If you are very fond of dairy and meat products then you have to restrain yourself a bit, as diabetics demand low fat foods. In this case, you avoid red meat and try to satisfy with fish items.
Finally, say no to sugar gracefully. No need to be worried by thinking that how you are going to manage without sugar in your daily diet.
Believe me, it is just a matter of habit.










Wednesday, March 18, 2009

DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE


Here I am with yet another type of massage-therapy and it's benefits
So let us begin :)



What is deep tissue massage?
Deep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. It is especially helpful for chronically tense and contracted areas such as stiff necks, low back tightness, and sore shoulders.Some of the same strokes are used as classic massage therapy, but the movement is slower and the pressure is deeper and concentrated on areas of tension and pain.

How does deep tissue massage work?
When there is chronic muscle tension or injury, there are usually adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Adhesions can block circulation and cause pain, limited movement, and inflammation. Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement. To do this, the massage therapist often uses direct deep pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles.

Will deep tissue massage hurt?
At certain points during the massage, most people find there is usually some discomfort and pain.It is important to tell the massage therapist when things hurt and if any soreness or pain you experience is outside your comfort range.There is usually some stiffness or pain after a deep tissue massage, but it should subside within a day or so. The massage therapist may recommend applying ice to the area after the massage.

What conditions is deep tissue massage used for?
Unlike classic massage therapy, which is used for relaxation, deep tissue massage usually focuses on a specific problem, such as:
· Chronic pain
· Limited mobility
· Recovery from injuries (e.g. whiplash, falls, sports injury)
· Repetitive strain injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
· Postural problems
· Osteoarthritis pain
· Fibromyalgia
· Muscle tension or spasm
According to the August 2005 issue of
Consumer Reports magazine, 34,000 people ranked deep tissue massage more effective in relieving osteoarthritis pain than physical therapy, exercise, prescription medications, chiropractic, acupuncture, diet, glucosamine and over-the-counter drugs. Deep tissue massage also received a top ranking for fibromyalgia pain.People often notice improved range of motion immediately after a deep tissue massage.

What can I expect during my visit?
Massage therapists may use fingertips, knuckles, hands, elbows, and forearms during the deep tissue massage.You may be asked to breathe deeply as the massage therapist works on certain tense areas. It is important to drink plenty of water as you can after the massage to flush metabolic waste from the tissues.

Ok so now some things to be kept in mind.
Massage is not recommended for certain people:
· Infectious skin disease, rash, or open wounds
· Immediately after surgery
· Immediately after chemotherapy or radiation, unless recommended by your doctor
· People with osteoporosis should consult their doctor before getting a massage
· Prone to blood clots. There is a risk of blood clots being dislodged. If you have heart disease, check with your doctor before having a massage
· Pregnant women should check with their doctor first if they are considering getting a massage. Massage in pregnant women should be done by massage therapists who are certified in pregnancy massage.
· Massage should not be done directly over bruises, inflamed skin, unhealed wounds, tumors, abdominal hernia, or areas of recent fractures.


And last but not the least -

· Don’t eat a heavy meal before the massage
· If it's your first time at the clinic or spa, arrive at least 10 minutes early to complete the necessary forms. Otherwise, arrive 5 minutes early so you can have a few minutes to rest and relax before starting the massage.






Thursday, February 19, 2009

WOMEN & DEPRESSION !!!!

Depression does not cure by itself! Attend To It

Depression in women occurs twice as often than in men and can appear at any stage of life. Women from all socio-economic, racial, and educational backgrounds may be affected. As researchers gather more data concerning women and depression and come to better understand its role in their lives, the root causes seems to be interplay of genetic factors, hormonal fluctuations, and life events.

What are the Symptoms of Depression?
Women who are experiencing depression don't just feel sad, they feel miserable. Most report extreme fatigue and a total absence of energy. The smallest tasks seem impossibly daunting. Anxiety attacks are common with depression and women as is reclusive, anti-social behavior.Women in depression have trouble concentrating and feel they are failures and a burden to others. These feelings in turn lead to a sense of guilt and an inability to see a future. The depressed person may exhibit anger or irritability, often expressing a sense that life is unfair and passing them by. Insomnia is a common symptom and physical aches and pains for no apparent reason are also common.

What are some of the Causes and Risk Factors for Depression in Women?
Certain events in a woman's life put her at special risk for depression including puberty, pregnancy, per menopause, substance abuse, relationship disruptions, and trauma. The presence of depression puts these women at further risk for suicide and death from illnesses caused by poor self-care and reduced attention to medical regimens.Recent research indicates that major depressive episodes cluster in families. If you have a parent or sibling who has battled the disorder, you too are at increased risk. With the onset of puberty, the normal monthly cycle, pregnancy, and menopause a women experiences hormonal surges and disruptions that effect neuromodulators like serotonin. Depression and anxiety can result.More than 80 percent of documented cases of depression in women are preceded by some adverse event ranging from childhood sexual abuse to spousal abuse.
Early trauma, which is often suppressed for long periods of time, can actually have a more pronounced depressive effect than more recent events.Statistics of depression in women have also revealed that women are more prone to ruminative thinking, a mental pattern which repetitively and passively focuses on symptoms, causes, and consequences. With relationships more central to a woman's sense of self than a male's, the combination of this emphasis and the ruminative thought pattern often leads to extended periods of depression focused on interpersonal relationships.

Don't Antidepressants have Side Effects?
Approximately 30 to 35 percent of individuals who take antidepressants are not helped by the medications. Although the drug companies assert that SSRIs like Prozac are not addictive, anecdotal evidence suggests otherwise. Many women report significant weight gain while taking SSRIs and Prozac has been found to actually cause suicidal behavior in some individuals.You should never take an SSRI without fully understanding its range of potential side effects and potential interactions. If you are taking an SSRI do not go "cold turkey" off the drug. Gradually discontinue the use of the medication under the supervision of a doctor to avoid withdrawal symptoms, a sudden onset of depression, and even nerve damage. (There are also numerous natural and alternative remedies for depression that do not carry the same risk factors and side effects.)

SO as soon as you start feeling depressed talk to someone who can release you out of Stress , coz if you don't attend it now it will be a regular ateendant of your LIFE !!!!




Wednesday, January 14, 2009

ACUPUNCTURE : THE NEEDLE THERAPY

ACUPUNCTURE is the ancient Chinese medicinal art. Acupuncture has an important place in alternative healing even today. It is also called Oriental medicine. Acupuncture scientific name is paradigm.

WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE :
Each meridian corresponds to one organ, or group of organs, that governs particular bodily functions. Acupuncture is thought to restore health by removing energy imbalances and blockages in the body. Acupuncture is the practice of inserting thin needles into specific body points to improve health and well-being. Acupuncture originated in China more than 2,000 years ago
The proponents of acupuncture rave about the benefits and efficacy of receiving acupuncture treatment sessions. There are also many studies that have substantiated some of the positive effects of acupuncture treatments on patients.
Acupuncture involves positioning long, thin needles on various points on the body. There are different techniques to the insertion of the needles, including care for the angles at which they are inserted, different types of needles (there are nine, but most practitioners only use six types of the needles), and various ways to twirl or vibrate the needles.
The needles are placed on the body depending upon the ailment of the patient. Acupuncturists believe that the body has different energy channels that help in the efficient and proper functioning of the body. Precise placement of the needles draws energy to the needed areas and makes way for positive energy flow. This is what adherents profess gives the health benefits.

HEALTH BENEFITS :
Those who practice and those who receive acupuncture point to a variety of positive health benefits associated with the expert placement of the needles. When placed in the proper places, acupuncture needles are said to help cure nearly any ailment from chronic pain to diabetes to cellulite. Cancer patients report that acupuncture helps them deal with their disease by helping them achieve calm and by helping they feel more energetic after cancer treatments. Additionally, relief of the pain associated with the progression of the cancer is felt. Similar results are said to be felt by HIV/AIDS patients.


For people without specific diseases, however, there are other health benefits. Acupuncture adds energy to the day. It can also reduce anxiety and stress. People who use this treatment claim that they feel calmer, and that they feel happier. Additionally, many of them report less worry and anxiety. They feel more alert mentally and more stable emotionally.
Acupuncture is also said to help prevent diseases. Because regular treatments keep the body in proper working order, and because the positive energy is uninhibited through its channels, the body is said to be less prone to sickness.
You can maintain your health and sense of well being by choosing acupuncture. There is researched evidence of the positive effects of acupuncture on the health of patients. However, most physicians and scientists recommend the use of more traditional methods of medicine for treating illnesses.
So the next time you get a chance to enjoy Acupunture don't miss it!!!!