Winter dry skin

We all have issues with our skin drying in the winter. Why does this happen? When the weather is cold, the air is dryer.The world is always trying to attain a state of homeostasis (def: The ability to seek and maintain a condition of equilibrium or stability ). You have plenty of moisture in your body, the air does not. The air will proceed to draw out the moisture in your skin to maintain a balance between it’s dryness and the water content of your body. It will thus leave your skin feeling dry. Heating systems inside of your house promotes the same pattern. If you don’t take special precautions you won’t stand a chance.

Here are a few things that can help winter dryness:

· Have a good quality humidifier in your house. Make sure it is well cleaned so you reduce the possibility of mold and fungus

· Use a good quality moisturizer (coconut oil is actually wonderful)

· Do not over bathe, especially in hot water

· Finish your shower with a cold shower. It is very good for the skin, it will close those pores

· Cover well when you have to go out in the cold

· Take a good Omega 3 supplement

· Move to Maui

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. The median nerve controls sensations to the palm side of the thumb and fingers (although not the little finger), as well as impulses to some small muscles in the hand that allow the fingers and thumb to move. The carpal tunnel - a narrow, rigid passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand - houses the median nerve and tendons. Sometimes, thickening from irritated tendons or other swelling narrows the tunnel and causes the median nerve to be compressed. The result may be pain, weakness, or numbness in the hand and wrist, radiating up the arm. Painful sensations may indicate other conditions.

Symptoms usually start gradually, with frequent burning, tingling, or itching numbness in the palm of the hand and the fingers, especially the thumb and the index and middle fingers. Some carpal tunnel sufferers say their fingers feel useless and swollen, even though little or no swelling is apparent. The symptoms often first appear in one or both hands during the night, since many people sleep with flexed wrists. A person with carpal tunnel syndrome may wake up feeling the need to "shake out" the hand or wrist. As symptoms worsen, people might feel tingling during the day. Decreased grip strength may make it difficult to form a fist, grasp small objects, or perform other manual tasks. In chronic and/or untreated cases, the muscles at the base of the thumb may waste away. Some people are unable to tell between hot and cold by touch.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is often the result of a combination of factors that increase pressure on the median nerve and tendons in the carpal tunnel, rather than a problem with the nerve itself. Some people have smaller carpal tunnels than others, which makes the median nerve compression more likely. In others, CTS can develop because of an injury to the wrist that causes swelling, over-activity of the pituitary gland, hypothyroidism, diabetes, inflammatory arthritis, mechanical problems in the wrist joint, poor work ergonomics, repeated use of vibrating hand tools, and fluid retention during pregnancy or menopause.

Initial therapy includes:

· Resting the affected hand and wrist

· Avoiding activities that may worsen symptoms

· Immobilizing the wrist in a splint to avoid further damage from twisting or bending

· Applying cool packs to help reduce swelling from inflammations

· Some medications can help with pain control and inflammation. Studies have shown that vitamin B6 supplements may relieve CTS symptoms.

Chiropractic joint manipulation and mobilization of the wrist and hand, stretching and strengthening exercises, soft-tissue mobilization techniques, and even yoga can be helpful. Scientists are also investigating other therapies, such as acupuncture, that may help prevent and treat this disorder.

Occasionally, patients whose symptoms fail to respond to conservative care may require surgery. The surgeon releases the ligament covering the carpal tunnel. The majority of patients recover completely after treatment, and the recurrence rate is low. Proper posture and movement as instructed by your doctor of chiropractic can help prevent CTS recurrences.

Almonds are the oldest, most widely cultivated and extensively used nuts in the world. Almonds are one of the most nutritious of all nuts. And technically speaking they are not nuts; they are the seed of a fruit.

Almonds are low in saturated fat and contain many other protective nutrients - calcium and magnesium - for strong bones, vitamin E and compounds called phytochemicals, which may help protect against cardiovascular disease and even cancer.

Dr. Gary Beecher, of the USDA-ARS, has analyzed the phytochemical content of almonds and states, "I have never seen this diversity of phytochemicals in a single food source."

A Loma Linda School of Public Health study showed those who consumed nuts five times a week had a 50% reduction in risk of heart attack.

These tasty tidbits pack a nutritional punch, combining tons of essential nutrients in one very delicious package.

One teeny ounce of almonds contains 12 percent of your daily allowance of protein. And absolutely no cholesterol, of course. You'll also get 35 percent of your daily allowance of vitamin E, that valuable antioxidant with so many cancer-fighting qualities. And most of the fat in almonds is monounsaturated, also known as the "good" fat.

This little nut is also loaded with minerals like magnesium, phosphorus and zinc, as well as lots of healthy fiber. And don't forget calcium and folic acid - they're in there too! If you're pregnant, or thinking about it, almonds are a great source of the folic acid you need! 20-25 almonds (approximately one ounce) contain as much calcium as 1/4 cup of milk, a valuable tool in preventing osteoporosis.

Almonds are the best whole food source of vitamin E, in the form of alpha-tocopherol, which may help prevent cancer.

Almonds contain more magnesium than oatmeal or even spinach.

Next time you need a snack, reach for the almonds. Use the raw unsalted kind, they are even better.

Brown Rice

Did you know that worldwide there are more than 40,000 different varieties of rice? Rice comes in a rainbow of colors and flavors and almost every culture on Earth has incorporated rice into their diet. For more than half of the world's population rice is a staple and, according to the World Food Grid, 20% of the total food energy intake in the world comes from rice. In Asia alone, more than 2 billion people get up to 70 percent of their daily dietary energy from rice and its by-products.

A recent study conducted over 22 years with 197,000 participants found that found that those who ate more refined white rice had a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, while those eating more brown rice had a lower risk of the disease.

Brown rice is a whole grain. Eating only 1 ½ cups of brown rice provides all three servings of whole grain that your body needs daily. Like all carbohydrates, it provides energy to keep your body going; however, unlike refined grains, it is digested relatively slowly so the energy lasts for longer. White rice, on the other hand, does not have these benefits.

Rice is relatively low in calories, has virtually no fat or sodium, and contains fiber, which can help a person on a diet remain full for longer. (Brown rice does contain more fiber than white rice.) Rice is also nutrient dense, which means that you can get more nutrients into your body by consuming fewer calories by eating rice.

Rice can also help regulate your mood. The consumption of rice can cause the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain that can improve mood.

Brown rice is simply white rice that has not had the brown-colored bran covering removed. So brown rice is considered a whole grain. Why remove the bran? Because most people prefer white rice since it is fluffier and cooks faster than brown.

· Brown rice has only the hull removed. (Further milled, it becomes white rice.) Slightly chewy texture with a nut-like flavor. Rich in minerals and vitamins.

· Wild rice is not really rice at all, but a grass seed. Taking longer to cook and with a distinct flavor, it is a bit more costly but is richer in protein and other nutrients.

Supersize me

The 7-11 Double Big Gulp holds about twice the amount of fluid than the average adult human’s stomach. The average adult human’s stomach can hold comfortably about 32 ounces at any given time. The Double Big Gulp holds about 64 ounces of soda or Slurpee. On top of this the average Double Big Gulp contains about 60 teaspoons of sugar. Are you sure you really want to supersize???

GOOD LIVING HABITS ALWAYS PAY OFF!!!!

Kelly is living proof that dancing does a body (and soul) good. Once addicted to food and drugs, the Dancing with the Stars alum has put her unhealthy habits. After only two weeks of training, she tweeted with excitement, "I actually have some muscles under my wobbly bits!" Thanks to four-hour rehearsals of tummy-tightening twists and cha-chas, she lost 50 pounds and gained a whole new sense of self. And she has proven that training CAN be fun

Take a cue from Kelly. It's never too late or too early to get healthy from head to toe. She swapped candy for carrots and soda for water.

What's holding you back?

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY

The world's first chocolate candy was produced in 1828 by Dutch chocolate-maker Conrad J. Van Houten. He pressed the fat from roasted cacao beans to produce cocoa butter, to which he added cocoa powder and sugar.

Cocoa contains a class of phytonutrients known as health-protecting and disease-fighting flavonoids, which can be lost during extensive processing of the beans. Choosing cocoa in the form of unsweetened cocoa powder, rather than prepackaged items that contain cocoa powder on the list of ingredients, may help preserve the health benefits it possesses.

Cornell University food scientists discovered that cocoa powder has nearly twice the antioxidants of red wine, and up to three times the antioxidants found in green tea.

Cocoa also appears to have anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. And cocoa is a good source of the minerals magnesium, sulphur, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, potassium, and manganese; plus some of the B Vitamins.

Cocoa also contains the amino acid Tryptophan which makes the neurotransmitter known as serotonin, which promotes positive feelings and helps keep us from feeling depressed.

Like everything else, enjoy in moderation.

One fattening food that may shock you because it is thought to be "healthy" is -- fruit juice.

Most fruits are VERY healthy for us. However, we
were NOT meant to separate the juice from the rest of the fruit and
only drink the high calorie sugary mixture and leave behind the
fiber and other beneficial components of the fruit.

When you only drink the juice of fruits (apple juice and orange
juice being 2 of the worst culprits in the western diet), you are
not getting the appetite satisfying effect of the fiber in the
fruit, and you're left craving more carbs. Also, the fiber in
whole fruit helps to slow the blood sugar response when eating
whole fruit compared to fruit juice.

Bottom line... over consuming fruit juices makes you fat. On the
other hand, eating whole fruits including all of the fiber helps
you maintain a healthy balanced diet and high nutrient density (as
long as the rest of your diet is whole unprocessed foods as well).

There are four kinds of fats: monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, saturated fat, and trans fat. Monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat are the "good" fats. It is generally accepted that consumption of saturated fat should be kept low, especially for adults. Trans fat (which means trans fatty acids) is the worst kind of fat, far worse than saturated fat.

Trans fat is created by the partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils. Hydrogenation is the process of heating an oil and passing hydrogen bubbles through it. The fatty acids in the oil then acquire some of the hydrogen, which makes it more dense. If you fully hydrogenate, you create a solid (a fat) out of the oil. But if you stop part way, you have a semi-solid partially hydrogenated oil that has a consistency like butter, only it's a lot cheaper.
Partially hydrogenated oils are commonly found in processed foods like commercial baked products such as cookies, cakes and crackers, and even in bread. They are also used as cooking oils (called "liquid shortening") for frying in restaurants

The problem with trans fats is that while the "business end" (the chemically active part) is messed up, the "anchor end" (the part that is attached to the cell wall) is unchanged. So they take up their position in the cell wall, like a guard on the fortress wall. But like a bad guard, they don't do their job! They let foreign invaders pass unchallenged, and they stop supplies at the gates instead of letting them in.
In short, trans fats are poisons, just like arsenic or cyanide. They interfere with the metabolic processes of life by taking the place of a natural substance that performs a critical function. And that is the definition of a poison. Your body has no defense against them, because they never even existed in our two billion years of evolution -- so we've never had the need or the opportunity to evolve a defense against them.

But the worst part is that in the last stages of oil processing (or "refining"), the oil is literally steam distilled to remove its odor. So it doesn't smell. But a hydrogenated oil is much worse than rancid butter. So if it did smell, it would smell worse than the most rancid butter you've ever seen. (And that goes for all refined oils, not just the hydrogenated ones. It's just that hydrogenated oils are everywhere in the American diet.) So the next time you see "partially hydrogenated oil" on a label, think "rancid butter".
Partially hydrogenated oils will not only kill you in the long term by producing diseases like multiple sclerosis and allergies that lead to arthritis, but in the meantime they will make you fat! The consumption of trans-fats can also be a significant contributing factor in the development of depression, according to a recent study.
Trans-fats can raise LDL cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease while also lowering beneficial HDL cholesterol.

Worse, most partially hydrogenated oil is partially hydrogenated soybean oil. That's a problem, because soybean oil depresses the thyroid--which lowers your energy levels, makes you feel less like exercising, and generally makes you fatter!

The percentages you see on food labels are not percentages of the food, but rather the percentage that the food's "Standard Serving Size" represents in a 2,000 calorie diet.
So manufacturers can play with the standard serving size (making it half a candy bar for example), and anything less than 10 trans fat calories per serving is less than .5% of a 2,000 calorie diet. The law allows a company to claim 0% in that case. So "0% trans fat" does not mean "no trans fat". It means that, at 9 calories per gram, the "standard serving" could still contain slightly more than 1 gram of trans fat (1 gram @ 9 calories per gram = 9 calories).
Since partially hydrogenated oils are 50% trans fat, a "standard serving" could have as much of 2 grams of partially hydrogenated oils, and still claim "0% trans fat". Clearly, that kind of labeling is of no value whatever to the conscientious consumer.

You need to read food labels and avoid anything that contains the words "hydrogenated". That means partially hydrogenated oils, hydrogenated oils, or anything of that kind (and mono-diglycerides, as well).

WHAT CAN YO DO?

When eating out, avoid deep-fried foods at all costs.

When you see a food that contains partially hydrogenated oils (especially if it claims to be healthy), put it back on the shelf.

Wake up call

Apples are more effecient than caffeine for waking you up in the morning.

Muscle Soreness and Cramps

Soaking in the tub with Epsom salts and baking soda (2 cups Epsom Salt, 1 cup baking soda) can alleviate muscle cramps, as well as soreness from overexertion. The Epsom salts will add magnesium to your body through the skin, which is more effective than taking a supplement by mouth.

Apple cider vinegar can be used in addition to the Epsom salts soaking bath. Place 1/4 to 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar in the Ep som salt soaking bath treatment. The apple cider vinegar will leave the skin feeling soft and smooth, similar to skin softeners and lotions such as lanolin.

Both the Epsom salt soaking bath treatment and the apple cider vinegar addition are also used when you are going to need a lot of extra energy for the next day or when you really feel drained of energy. You can use both as often as you want without harm or problems, as both are nature’s remedies for the above-noted body ailments.

GO RED

Red cabbage has 15 times as much wrinkle-fighting beta-carotene as green cabbage. Red bell peppers have up to nine times as much vitamin C as green ones.

• Three out of every four Americans experience serious foot problems in their lifetime.
• The foot contains 26 bones, 33 joints, 107 ligaments and 19 muscles.
• Twenty-five percent (25%) of all the bones in the human body are in your feet. When these bones are out of alignment, so is the rest of the body.
• Only a small percentage of the population is born with foot problems. It is neglect and a lack of awareness of proper care--including ill-fitting shoes--that cause problems.
• Women have about four (4) times as many foot problems as men, with high heels and other poor footwear the major factor.
• Walking is the best exercise for your feet. It also contributes to your general health by improving circulation, contributing to weight control, and promoting overall fitness.
• Your feet mirror your general health. Conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, nerve and circulatory disorders can show their initial symptoms in the feet, so foot ailments can be your first sign of more serious medical problems.
• Arthritis is the number one cause of disability in America. It limits everyday dressing, climbing stairs, getting in and out of bed or walking for about 7 million Americans.
• About sixty to seventy percent (60%-70%) of people with diabetes have mild to severe forms of diabetic nerve damage, which, in severe forms, can lead to lower limb amputations. Approximately 56,000 people annually lose their foot or leg to diabetes.
• There are 250,000 sweat glands in your feet. Sweat glands in the feet excrete as much as a half-pint of moisture a day…No wonder foot odor can be a problem!
• · Foot and ankle problems can be linked to an individual's weight and body mass index (BMI). Individuals who have higher BMI have a significant increase in foot and ankle problems.
• · One problem linked to nutrition that can affect your feet is inflammation. Certain foods can increase chemicals in your body that cause tissue inflammation. This inflammation could appear in your foot as plantar fasciitis, which causes pain in the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot, in your heel, or elsewhere in your foot.

Love lemonade?? Then know that there is more real lemon juice in Lemon Pledge furniture polish than in Country Time Lemonade. So unless you want to start drinking furniture polish (which I highly do not recommend on account of its toxicity, not just the bad taste), start making your own lemonade!

And read your labels!!!!

GOOD POSTURE

Tips to Maintain Good Posture

We often hear that good posture is essential for good health. We recognize poor posture when we see it formed as a result of bad habits carried out over years and evident in many adults. But only few people have a real grasp of the importance and necessity of good posture.

What is posture?

Posture is the position in which we hold our bodies while standing, sitting, or lying down. Good posture is the correct alignment of body parts supported by the right amount of muscle tension against gravity. Without posture and the muscles that control it, we would simply fall to the ground.

Normally, we do not consciously maintain normal posture. Instead, certain muscles do it for us, and we don't even have to think about it. Several muscle groups, including the hamstrings and large back muscles, are critically important in maintaining good posture. While the ligaments help to hold the skeleton together, these postural muscles, when functioning properly, prevent the forces of gravity from pushing us over forward. Postural muscles also maintain our posture and balance during movement.

Why is good posture important?

Good posture helps us stand, walk, sit, and lie in positions that place the least strain on supporting muscles and ligaments during movement and weight-bearing activities. Correct posture:

Helps us keep bones and joints in correct alignment so that our muscles are used correctly, decreasing the abnormal wearing of joint surfaces that could result in degenerative arthritis and joint pain.

Reduces the stress on the ligaments holding the spinal joints together, minimizing the likelihood of injury.

Allows muscles to work more efficiently, allowing the body to use less energy and, therefore, preventing muscle fatigue.

Helps prevent muscle strain, overuse disorders, and even back and muscular pain.

To maintain proper posture, you need to have adequate muscle flexibility and strength, normal joint motion in the spine and other body regions, as well as efficient postural muscles that are balanced on both sides of the spine. In addition, you must recognize your postural habits at home and in the workplace and work to correct them, if necessary.

Consequences of poor posture

Poor posture can lead to excessive strain on our postural muscles and may even cause them to relax, when held in certain positions for long periods of time. For example, you can typically see this in people who bend forward at the waist for a prolonged time in the workplace. Their postural muscles are more prone to injury and back pain.

Several factors contribute to poor posture-most commonly, stress, obesity, pregnancy, weak postural muscles, abnormally tight muscles, and high-heeled shoes. In addition, decreased flexibility, a poor work environment, incorrect working posture, and unhealthy sitting and standing habits can also contribute to poor body positioning.

How do I sit properly?

Keep your feet on the floor or on a footrest, if they don't reach the floor.

Don't cross your legs. Your ankles should be in front of your knees.

Keep a small gap between the back of your knees and the front of your seat.

Your knees should be at or below the level of your hips.

Adjust the backrest of your chair to support your low- and mid-back or use a back support.

Relax your shoulders and keep your forearms parallel to the ground.

Avoid sitting in the same position for long periods of time.

How do I stand properly?

Bear your weight primarily on the balls of your feet.

Keep your knees slightly bent.

Keep your feet about shoulder-width apart.

Let your arms hang naturally down the sides of the body.

Stand straight and tall with your shoulders pulled backward.

Tuck your stomach in.

Keep your head level-your earlobes should be in line with your shoulders. Do not push your head forward, backward, or to the side.

Shift your weight from your toes to your heels, or one foot to the other, if you have to stand for a long time.

What is the proper lying position?

Find the mattress that is right for you. While a firm mattress is generally recommended, some people find that softer mattresses reduce their back pain. Your comfort is important.

Sleep with a pillow. Special pillows are available to help with postural problems resulting from a poor sleeping position.

Avoid sleeping on your stomach.

Sleeping on your side or back is more often helpful for back pain.

If you sleep on your side, place a pillow between your legs.

If you sleep on your back, keep a pillow under your knees.

Can I correct my poor posture?

In a word, yes. Remember, however, that long-standing postural problems will typically take longer to address than short-lived ones, as often the joints have adapted to your long-standing poor posture. Conscious awareness of your own posture and knowing what posture is correct will help you consciously correct yourself. Exercises to strengthen your core postural muscles greatly helps . With much practice, the correct posture for standing, sitting, and lying down will gradually replace your old posture. This, in turn, will help you move toward a better and healthier body position.

You probably already know that it’s important to drink enough water. A minimum of eight glasses of water a day is recommended. You should aim for more if it is really hot, or you are working out and sweating a lot.

Getting enough water in your body will prevent you from getting dehydrated.

Water keeps you alive, gives you proper hydration, and gives life to all your body functions.

Now plain water can get boring. Here’s a tip to liven it up

Take a glass, squeeze half of a fresh lemon (lime can also be added or substituted), add one small slice of cucumber (peel off if it is waxed or non organic), add a few drops of Stevia. Fill with water and ice.

The cucumber/ lemon combo is extremely refreshing and really adds to the flavor of the water. The Stevia (http://www.stevia.com/Stevia_Article/Frequently_asked_questions_FAQ/2269 )add that “lemonade” feel to the drink.

This is very healthy and refreshing. I make entire pitchers of this and let it sit in my fridge, ready to be used.

Stay hydrated, stay healthy!!!

Snowy and icy roads are slippery. Good time to discuss whiplash injuries


Whiplash
Whiplash is a generic term applied to injuries of the neck caused when the neck is suddenly and/or violently jolted in one direction and then another, creating a whip-like movement. Whiplash is most commonly seen in people involved in motor vehicle accidents, but it can also occur from falls, sports injuries, work injuries, and other incidents.

What structures are injured in a whiplash?
Whiplash injuries most often result in sprain-strain of the neck. The ligaments that help support, protect, and restrict excessive movement of the vertebrae are torn, which is called a sprain. The joints in the back of the spine, called the facet joints, are covered by ligaments called facet capsules, which seem to be particularly susceptible to whiplash injury.
In addition, the muscles and tendons are strained—stretched beyond their normal limits. The discs between the vertebrae, which are essentially ligaments, can be torn, potentially causing a disc herniation. The nerve roots between the vertebrae may also be stretched and become inflamed. Even though it is very rare, vertebrae can be fractured and/or dislocated in a whiplash injury.

What are the common signs and symptoms of whiplash?
The most common symptoms of whiplash are pain and stiffness in the neck.
Turning the head often makes the pain and discomfort worse.
Headache, especially at the base of the skull, is also a common symptom, seen in more than two thirds of patients. In addition, the pain and stiffness may extend down into the shoulders and arms, upper back, and even the upper chest.
In addition to the musculoskeletal symptoms, some patients also experience dizziness, difficulty swallowing, nausea, and even blurred vision after a whiplash injury. Some patients may feel pain in the jaw. Others will even complain of irritability, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.
Another important and interesting aspect of whiplash is that the signs and symptoms often do not develop until 2 to 48 hours after the injury.


How is whiplash treated?
Staying active
One of the most important aspects of whiplash management is for the patient to stay active, unless there is some serious injury that requires immobilization. Patients should not be afraid to move and be active, within reason. In addition, your doctor will often prescribe an exercise or stretching program. It is particularly important to follow this program as prescribed, so that you can achieve the best long-term benefits.

Chiropractic manipulation and physical therapy
Ice and/or heat are often used to help control pain and reduce the muscle spasm that results from whiplash injuries. Other physical therapy modalities, such as electrical stimulation and/or ultrasound, may provide some short-term relief. They should not, however, replace an active-care program of exercise and stretching. Spinal manipulation and/or mobilization provided by a chiropractor will also give relief in many cases of neck pain.

Drive carefully, slow down during bad weather conditions, leave plenty of space between your car and the car in front of you and wear your seat belts!!!

Best of health