Health
Benefits of
Bananas
Bananas consist mainly of sugars (glucose, fructose
and sucrose) and fiber, which makes them ideal for an immediate and
slightly prolonged source
of energy.
Reducing
Depression
Bananas contain tryptophan, an aminoacid that can be converted to
serotonin, leading to improved mood.
Anemia
Bananas are relatively high in iron, which helps the body's hemoglobin
function.
Constipation and Diarrhea
Due to their content in fiber, they help restore a normal bowel function.
In addition, diarrhea usually depletes your body of important electrolytes
(of which the most important is potassium, contained
in high amounts in bananas). They also contain pectin, a soluble fiber
(hydrocolloid) that can help normalize movement through the digestive
tract.
Eyesight Protection
Research published in the Archives of Ophthalmology has proven that
adults
consuming at least 3 servings of fruit per
day have a reduced risk (by 36%) of developing age-related macular
degeneration (ARMD), the primary cause of vision loss in older adults,
compared to persons who consume less than 1.5
servings of fruit daily.
Healthy Bones
Bananas are an exceptionally rich source of fructooligosaccharide,
a
compound that nourishes probiotic (friendly) bacteria in the colon.
These beneficial bacteria produce enzymes that increase our digestive
ability and protect us from unhealthy bacteria infections.
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5
Best Massage Therapies in Massage Chairs
People have been getting massage therapy for centuries. Many civilizations
developed massage techniques to help relieve tired muscles, induce
relaxation and improve general health. These massage therapy secrets
were passed on from generation to generation. They have developed
different massage therapy schools with different approaches and benefits
when performing massage. Massage chairs have integrated many of these
techniques to deliver effective massage therapy.
Swedish
Massage: Swedish massage is one of the most common massage
therapies found in spas throughout the world. The Swedish technique
uses longer strokes, kneading and gentle pressure on the superficial
layers of the muscles. Swedish also involves the use of heat and stretching.
There are functions in the massage chair that include heating elements
and even stretching the lower body. The premier massage chair recliners
incorporate these features into their chairs to provide a realistic
and soothing Swedish massage.
Shiatsu
Massage: Shiatsu massage uses finger pressure of the thumb,
fingers and palm to target acupressure points. The rhythmic pressure
of the Shiatsu massage helps to soothe and relax the whole body. Shiatsu
is very soothing and induces whole body relaxation.
Deep
Tissue Massage: Many massage therapies target the superficial
layers of the muscles. Deep tissue massage targets deeply into the
muscles. Deep tissue is used to break down scar tissue and reduce
crystallization of tendons and muscles. Deep tissue stretches and
elongates the muscles to restore their elasticity, to penetrate more
deeply to relieve sore aching muscles.
Reflexology
Massage: Reflexology uses certain areas of the feet and hands
to help to relax major body organs. When the body comes under stress,
it mobilizes the hands and feet for action. The major organs support
the hands and feet. Reflexology massage seeks to reverse the tension
to relieve it and the major organs. The Sanyo massage chair has incorporated
the use of reflexology points to stimulate relaxation in the major
organs.
Sports
Massage: Sports massage is a combination of the use of long
flowing strokes like the Swedish massage technique and the acupressure
points of the Shiatsu massage technique. Sports massage is designed
for athletes who perform vigorous exercise. Many massage chairs already
have the technology to perform sports massage and simply developed
software programs to deliver them. The sports massage helps to reduce
soreness and increase healing of muscles.
for ALL your PC Needs!
for ALL your MAC Needs!
Health
Professionals Computer Service
Hardware/Software/Training
533-5941
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Massage
Therapy Benefits
How
They Can Help You
In
today's fast-paced world, stress is increasing by leaps and bounds,
and it is affecting more of us every day. However, there are a number
of massage therapy benefits that can be very helpful in dealing with
everyday stress. As our lives become busier and busier, the long-term
effects of stress, such as headaches, tension, muscle aches, and chronic
pain are increasing. Having massages regularly can bring relief from
these problems and can even prevent them from happening again or worsening.
Research has indicated that massage therapy can have
many positive effects, such as strengthening our immune system, lowering
blood pressure, removing toxins, flushing lactic acid from the muscles,
improving circulation and even causing a decrease in harmful t-cells,
among others. And, as anyone who has ever had a massage can tell you,
it just feels good!
To be able to get the greatest benefits from massage
therapy you have to find a massage therapist who meets your particular
needs. Finding one you are happy with can take some time. Search for
a pleasant, professional well-qualified person. A good massage therapist
should have the ability to completely explain all the advantages of
massage therapy to you.
Massage therapy might sound like a great way to end
a stressful week or day, but the benefits can go much deeper. The fact
that many sufferers of arthritis, migraines, or other chronic pain conditions
have found relief is not as widely known.
Most people are surprised at how much better they feel
after a massage. A well trained massage therapist can help almost anyone
feel better, regardless of the health problems he or she may have, including
people with anxiety or depression. Usually even the mere atmosphere
of a massage room promotes relaxation, from the warm massage table to
the comforting smells and the gentle touch of the massage therapist.
All these aspects combine to create an environment of serenity and relaxation
that many of us have a hard time finding in our daily life.
You might not be aware that the benefits of massage
therapy also extend to women who suffer from PMS. Most of us have heard
that tension, irritability and cramping, which are common symptoms of
PMS, can be relieved by massage therapy, but many are surprised to learn
that it also helps reduce water retention.
Unfortunately, in today's world, most of us don't get
too many chances to spend an hour by ourselves relaxing and forgetting
about our problems. This is one of the massage therapy benefits that
everyone can enjoy, and one of the reasons that massage therapy can
be useful for people suffering from anxiety or depression.
Need a qualified Massage Therapist? Click
Here!
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months health newsletter!
| Squeezed
at
the Pump:
Eight Ways to Beat Rising Fuel Prices
Take it easy. Don't brake suddenly or accelerate
quickly—doing so can lower gas mileage by 33 percent at
highway speeds, according to the Alliance to Save Energy (ASE).
Don’t skimp on vehicle upkeep. Keeping
your tires properly inflated and your trunk free of junk can also
increase fuel efficiency. So can regular tune-ups, fixing faulty
oxygen sensors and regularly replacing air filters.
Slow down. Gas mileage decreases rapidly above
60 miles per hour. “Each five miles per hour over 60 mph
is like paying an additional 20 cents per gallon of gas,”
ASE reports. Use cruise control to help you maintain a constant
speed.
Shop around: In some cities, gas prices can vary
by 20 percent from one side of town to the other.
Think small. SUVs may be fun, but maybe it's
time to switch. Smaller cars and hybrids are more fuel-efficient.
If you’re in the market for a new car, visit the U.S. Department
of Energy’s Fuel Economy site (fueleconomy.gov) or the EPA’s
Green Vehicle Guide (www.epa.gov/greenvehicles) for information
on which vehicles get the best gas mileage.
Think smaller. Bikes—even walking—are
cheaper than even the most fuel-efficient car.
Avoid idling. Having “no particular place
to go” may have been OK for Chuck Berry, but it can cost
you money, especially if you have a larger car.
Get more for less driving. Sure, driving less
helps you save on gas. But it can also help you save on car insurance.
The Consumer Federation of America reports that driving less can
help consumers save an average of 5 to 15 percent on insurance
rates. If you’ve started taking the bus to work instead
of driving, for instance, your classification may change and you
may be eligible for an immediate rate reduction. Savings will
vary by insurer and type of coverage said J. Robert Hunter, director
of insurance for CFA, but “it’s certainly worth a
call.”
|
Support
Kids Now!
We
can help find what your family needs...
...because we've been there
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Can
Gas Prices Make You Less Healthy?
Blood Pressure Rises With Gas Prices
Many people say the latest hikes in gas prices are
making them sick. They may be right, at least a little. Cincinnati
television station WLWT took paramedic Kevin Uhl to run an admittedly
unscientific experiment on drivers. Uhl measured drivers' blood
pressure before and after they filled up their gas tanks and saw
the cost.
"I drove from downtown to here and it cost $10. I'm on empty
again," Lee Gillespie said as she filled up. Her blood pressure
was 152 over 60 before she filled up. After? 168
over 70 – a jump of more than 10 points.
Liz Howard didn't do much better. "I'm definitely not feeling
good about it. As I was pulling up to the gas station and saw how
much it was, I definitely got in a bad mood,"
she said. Her blood pressure was up eight points after she was done
filling up.
Dr. Dain Wahl said that increases in blood pressure can lead to
headaches, chest pain, change in vision or, in extreme circumstances,
a stroke or heart attack. Wahl said that most drivers' blood pressure
will return to normal a little while after they fill up. "Try
and keep your cool when you're pumping your gas, and hopefully the
gas prices will come down, too," he said.
Or, you can be like Mike Rusconi. His blood pressure didn't budge
during the fill up. He said he's become used to the price roller
coaster. |
|
We
are all Connected!
From the earth to the ocean, everything that happens
environmentally, will eventually effect us! -D.W.
By Daniel Warren
Think about the
entire planet as one Human body! It has a heart, and limbs (continents),
a brain and conscience! Globally, we as a species, being the dominant
one that we represent, just happen to be the working mind of that
body! So just like when we are sick, or in threat of dying from some
disease… So is the story of our mother earth! You have heard
plenty of stories about global warning, and pollution, rain forests…..
ALL important issues!!! (Please watch “the 11th hour”
If you want the whole truth!) But I would like to take the time to
tell you about something that will strike at the very core of our
oceanic and beach societies, that will eventually trickle down to
the very heart of our people as a whole! As will most major problems
facing the environment, but this one hits us close to home!
As the story goes, several years back… During one of the major
hurricanes to hit Miami, a private tank was smashed, and the fish
were released into the waters surrounding the area! A couple of those
fish indeed, were the Red Lion fish. These creatures have evolved
over time to be true survivors… Now they have taken over areas
from Virginia beach, to the Caribbean! Why don’t you hear about
this in the news? Well, simply put… They don’t want you
to know! Because honestly, the solution is cost worthy, and the outcome
will shock, and worry the hell out of you if not contained! Think
about the ramifications of a fish that eats everything along the reefs,
this particular species has NO PREY! Sharks, Eels, Whales, Dolphins,
all know instinctively to stay away from this poisonous predator!
As it eats everything possible, and reproduces violently!
Native fish species
have evolved over time to counter threats of bacteria, fungus, disease,
and other native predatory species. By adapting to the gradually changing
environment, many of the species present today have became extremely
robust in dealing with external pressures. Until fairly recently though,
native U.S. fish species have had little reason to adapt to the habits
and threats of other species half way across the globe. Now, with
the addition of new species to U.S. waters, fish and plants have new
challenges that they are not equipped to handle.
Recently, the Associated Press, has published information concerning
the introduction of red lionfish from the Indian Ocean, into the coastal
waters of Florida and the Caribbean. Though a magnificent looking
marine fish, the red lionfish population is beginning to swell and
create problems for smaller native reef fish. With poisonous spines
and a voracious appetite, lionfish will consume any fish and crustaceans
small enough to fit inside its mouth.
Not only is the lionfish a disaster for local marine life, the sting
from the poison spines can be extremely painful for any person unlucky
enough to get in its way. This poison is a great defense for the fish,
as very few larger species are able to consume the red lion, and rarely
will a predator make the mistake twice.
Fisherman and divers in areas experiencing an increase of red lionfish,
are being encouraged to catch and report any sightings. These actions
may help to control the outbreak, but it is very unlikely to have
a profound effect on the numbers.
Since water quality and composition varies greatly around the world’s
oceans, with the exception of the red lionfish, marine animals rarely
become a problem that cannot be controlled by natural processes. On
the other hand, fresh bodies of water are much more susceptible to
damage by “out-of-town” animals.
Salmon along the Snake and Columbia rivers, are quickly declining
in population due to non-native species consuming large amounts of
the food sources and eggs. The spread of parasites is also of great
concern.
Quite ironically, the bass and walleye causing these problems, were
introduced by biologists to provide a better environment for sport
fisherman. Since recreational fishing provides funding in the form
of licensing and taxes, stocking these game fishes was not thought
to cause harm. Now, efforts to reduce the number of these game fish,
have proven unsuccessful. The rate of reproduction out numbers any
progress made my biologists and anglers to decrease the numbers of
bass and walleye.
These new species are very well tailored to life within new reservoirs
created by hydro electric dams. While bass, shad, and walleye flourish
in the large open waters, salmon prefer the swift flowing waters of
rivers and streams.
While developing ways to create clean energy and new opportunities,
we must be sensitive to the outcomes of any changes made to the current
surrounding habitats. Though hydro power is an abundant source of
power, and man made reservoirs can increase the volume of water for
fish and crustaceans, not all animals are effected the same. When
non-native species find local waters well suited to their survival,
many native species can be lost in the transition. Proper research
and a little bit of restraint will help to keep native species thriving.
Most of these situations can be avoiding by following local laws and
regulations governing the release of non-native species into water
sources.
Doctors
Advice
Heart Healthy News!
The science of health is always changing. Thus, we highlight some
of the factors that relate to the goal of maintaining a healthy heart.
Dedicated to Exercise - Regular
exercise is one of the most important things one can do to help achieve
good heart health. Naturally your doctor must be the one to advise the
nature and amount of exercise you should do. Walking is considered basic
exercise for health but other aerobic and weight-training regimens can
be fun and important for you as well. Thirty-minutes to one hour a day
for at least 4 days a week is ideal under your doctor's advice
Check your Blood
Pressure
As people age, blood pressure generally rises, especially systolic,
the top number. It's vital that your doctor keep tabs on blood pressure
to determine if you should be treated. Weight control, exercise and
salt intake are factors you can control to help maintain a healthy blood
pressure, one of the basic factors in supporting good heart health.
Mom was right about
Fruits & Vegetables
Evidence continues to mount that the benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables
are essential to a healthy diet - both to help control weight and to
get important phytochemicals from the greens, yellows, reds, oranges,
purples and other colors of nature you get from a diet rich in fresh
fruits and vegetables. At least 5 servings per day. Then would be better
for a heart-healthy diet.
You may need more
Omege-3's
Most Americans don't get enough Omega-3 fatty acids. However, most of
us get plenty of Omega-6 fatty acids in our salad dressings, cooking
oils and other foods. So much so, the ratio between Omega-6 to Omega-3
in average diets is as high as 20 to 1.
Statin Drugs
Evidence continues to support use of statin drugs to significantly lower
LDL cholesterol as well as to help fight atherosclerosis. Your doctor
will determine if on of the statin drugs is indicated for your situation.
Whether you use a statin drug or not, a healthy diet and exercise are
essential.
|
Your
Health
IS Your Wealth
Save Over *$600
and get healthier!
| Mosquito
Spray...
Worth a try
I was at a deck party awhile back, and the bugs were having
a ball biting everyone. A man at the party sprayed the lawn
and deck floor with Listerine, and the little demons disappeared.
The next year I filled a 4-ounce spray bottle and used it around
my seat whenever I saw mosquitoes. And voila! That worked as
well. It worked at a picnic where we sprayed the area around
the food table, the children's swing area, and the standing
water nearby. During the summer, I don't leave home without
it.....Pass it on. |
| Women's
top
health threats:
A surprising list From Mayo
Clinic
Do you know
what threatens your life the most? Below are the top causes of
death for women in the United States, starting with the most common.
Take this opportunity to learn about each health concern and how
you can reduce your risks. What you learn may surprise you.
No. 1 — Heart disease
Surprised? Many women are. It's common to think breast cancer
is the No. 1 threat to women's health when, in fact, heart disease
is responsible for more deaths in women than all forms of cancer
combined. Heart disease is the most significant
health concern for women in the United States today, responsible
for nearly 489,000 deaths each year.
According to the American Heart Association, only 13 percent of
women know that heart disease is a major threat to their health.
The good news is that heart disease is one of the most preventable
health conditions. You have the power to reduce some of your risks:
Avoid smoking and limit the amount of alcohol you drink. Eat a
diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole-grain
products. Exercise regularly. Control other health conditions
that may put a strain on your heart, such as high blood pressure,
diabetes and high cholesterol.
No.
2 — Cancer
It's easy to believe cancer is a major threat to women's health,
but the kinds of cancer women are dying of might surprise you.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), the most common
cause of cancer
death in U.S. women is lung cancer. Breast cancer is the second-leading
cause of cancer death in U.S. women. The third-leading
cause of cancer death for women in the United States is colorectal
cancer. At least one-third of all cancer deaths are related to
nutrition and other controllable lifestyle factors. Do allyou
can to reduce your cancerrisks: Don't smoke or chew tobacco. Exercise
regularly. Eat a healthy diet. Avoid excessive sun exposure. Limit
the amount of alcohol you drink. Have regular preventive health
screenings.
No. 3 — Stroke
Stroke not only is women's No. 3 killer, but it also is one of
the leading causes of disability in America.
No. 4 — Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD)
COPD is an overall term for a group of chronic lung conditions,
including bronchitis and emphysema. The main cause of COPD is
smoking.
No. 5 — Alzheimer's disease
No. 6 — Diabetes
No. 7 — Accidents
No. 8 — Pneumonia and influenza |
Ag
Dept
to
name retailers during recalls
Consumers may be told if their local grocery store got tainted meat
during a recall under a new policy announced Friday by the Agriculture
Department.
The planned rule change comes in the wake of the nation's biggest-ever
beef recall _ 143 million pounds from a slaughterhouse in Southern California.
Under the new rule, which is expected to be published next week and
take effect 30 days later, retailers' names will be posted on the Agriculture
Department Web site during so-called "Class I" meat and poultry
recalls _ those deemed to pose a definite public health risk.
Currently when there is a meat recall, the Agriculture Department makes
public the name of the establishment recalling the meat, a description
of the recalled product, and any identifying brand names or product
codes. But the public is not told where it is being sold.
That would change under the new rule. But because it is limited to
Class I recalls, the Southern California recall would not actually have
been affected. It was classified as "Class II" because authorities
determined there was minimal health risk.
Agriculture Secretary Edward Schafer said disclosing retailers' names
during Class I recalls will allow the public to know when their health
is at risk without creating unnecessary confusion or fear.
"When you have a public health risk, people need to know,"
Schafer said.
"When it isn't a public health risk, we don't want the public
to be confused that this is something that can harm you. ... We don't
want to unnecessarily scare the public."
The decision drew mixed reactions. The meat industry, which has opposed
any retailer disclosure, contended that the change may hurt consumers
more than it helps them, because information may be incomplete or out-of-date.
"We want consumers to get the most accurate information, and we
think this could really confuse them," said Janet Riley, spokeswoman
for the American Meat Institute.
Some consumer groups and lawmakers praised the new rule but said it
didn't go far enough, while others criticized it outright for being
limited to Class I recalls.
"If we are serious about protecting consumers from unsafe foods,
it is critical that this information be provided for all recalls,"
said Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., who has pushed for years for publication
of retailers' names during recalls, something the Bush administration
initially opposed altogether.
|
Millie
the
Queen of Clean
TIP OF THE WEEK
It's that time of year, time to get those windows
sparkling. Here's a couple of easy ways to do it.
OUTSIDE WINDOWS:
Combine
the following in a bucket. 2 quarts of warm water and 1/2 cup
of cornstarch. Mix well and then wash the window with the solution
using a sponge. A natural sponge is the best choice. Then simply
buff dry for a fantastic shine.
TOUGH
JOB WINDOW CLEANER:
For
those tough window cleaning jobs such as screen stains or bug
stains, Combine these ingredients: NOTE:
There is NO water in this solution.
Combine 1 pint of rubbing alcohol, 1 Tablespoon ammonia
and 1 Tablespoon liquid dish soap. Wash window using a scrubbing
sponge, rinse and wipe dry. This is great for car windshields
too!
Millie Vail
click me!
|
Easy Steps for Combating Stress
In today’s fast-paced work world, stress can often feel like a
part of the job. And, the truth is, some stress isn’t bad. A little
bit of stress can actually be good. It can motivate you, help you work
hard and allow you to react quickly when you need to. But if stress
happens too often or lasts too long, the results aren’t good.
You can find yourself with headaches, backaches, stomachaches and worse.
It can affect your short-term outlook and your long-term health.
Bad for You, Bad for the Company
Stress isn’t just bad for you, it’s equally bad for your
company. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety
and Health, stress-related disorders are fast becoming the most prevalent
reason for worker disability. Job stress and related problems cost American
companies an estimated $200 billion or more annually through absenteeism,
turnover, accidents, etc. So it’s in everyone’s interests
to reduce stress in the workplace. To that end, we’ve compiled
a list of techniques for managing and reducing stress on the job. Every
technique may not work for you, but chances are, some of them will.
Manage
Your Time More Effectively
Stress is often caused by feeling overloaded and fearing that you won’t
get everything done. Set priorities. Do the important tasks first. If
some of the less important tasks fall by the wayside, learn to live
with it.
Set
Daily, Weekly, Monthly Goals
It’s easy to feel like a hamster on a treadwheel, going nowhere.
Setting realistic goals will help you feel focused and in control. Plus,
goals provide a yardstick to measure your progress and even give yourself
a pat on the back once in a while.
Recognize Your Limitations and Don’t Take On Too Much
Most of us hate to say no to our co-workers and superiors. But a realistic
“no” is often better for the company than an unrealistic
“yes” that you can’t live up to. Practice saying “no”
without upsetting or offending others.
Don’t Be Afraid to Share the Load
Asking for assistance doesn’t mean you’re lazy or incompetent.
Quite the contrary, it often means you’re a very concerned member
of the team who wants to get the work done in the best possible way.
Avoid
the Conflicts, Beware the Drama
Arguments and office politics are stress inducers. Are they worth it?
Almost never. Look for win-win situations where everyone feels good
about the outcome. You’ll feel better about it, short term and
long term.
Take
a Break
Sometimes the best way to complete a job is to walk away from it. If
you’re feeling stressed, take a break. Switch to another task,
take a walk or climb the stairs. When you come back to the job, you’ll
feel refreshed and refocused.
Relax, Breathe Deeply
Strangely, breathing through your nose really does bring down your stress
level.
Depend on a Friend
Friends help us relax, laugh and see things differently. Talk to a friend
about the things that are stressing you. They might help you look at
things in a new way.
Try to See Things Differently
Rather than getting upset when someone has a different point of view,
try to see things from their perspective. Listen actively, don’t
be rigid. Remember, there’s always something new to learn.
Accept What You Cannot Change
A certain degree of acceptance is a critical stress reducer for life,
as well as work. There are some things you simply can’t change.
Learn to recognize them, accept them and move on.
Take
Advantage of Available Resources
No matter where you work or who you work for, remember it’s in
your company’s best interests to reduce on-the-job stress. Talk
to your employer or supervisor. She may already have stress reducing
plans. Or, together, you may be able to put some plans in place.
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|
