Americans are preparing to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday with a full weekend of activities. Much of that will include getting together with family and friends for backyard cookouts, fireworks displays, and special events sponsored by local communities and other civic entities. There will be ballgames and events with the national anthem played and sung, and flyovers by military aircraft to honor the country's heritage and national pride. Countless homes across the nation will fly the U.S. flag on their front porch, and the country will be flush with displays of red, white, and blue.
However, in all this national display of patriotism, let us not forget the true meaning of what our liberty represents as the land of the free and the home of the brave. Americans have a rich history of freedom defended both at home and abroad, going back 243 years to our founding colonial roots. Beginning with the initial struggle against Great Britain by the colonists in the 1770's, following with a long war for independence, a second onslaught by British troops and their monarchy to topple the young America in the early 1800's, a long and bloody Civil War in the 1860's that pitted family against family that created a split between North and South and resulted in the deaths of over 600,000 men and women on our own soil (finally culminating in a resolution bringing all Americans together again--though with lasting effects to today), more conflicts with Mexico, Spain, and other nations through the end of the 1800's, two major World Wars in the 20th century--not to mention other major conflicts in Korea, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East which still are in turmoil today--Americans have given the ultimate sacrifice for liberty and freedom. Those events must ever be forefront in the national conscience when the July 4th Holiday is celebrated.
Less we forget, there are hundreds of books and media sources that outline the events and catastrophic loss of life and property for each of the epic struggles for liberty. A website that shows casualties by conflict for the Revolutionary War ishttp://www.revolutionarywararchives.org/warstats.html . One source for casualties in the Civil War alone can be found at http://www.civilwarhome.com/casualties.htm , and another site for overall casualties from all major conflicts can be seen athttp://www.history.navy.mil/library/online/american%20war%20casualty.htm . Needless to say, America has lost many of its best and brightest to maintain liberty.
Many who served in those military endeavors died from disease and inadequate health care, especially in the 18th and 19th centuries. Health care has always been an issue during times of both peace and war. However, it is not a right but a privilege. Americans have certain inalienable rights as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. Certainly freedom of choice is a key ingredient for establishing life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. When the national government attempts to legislate or mandate regulations that are detrimental to the safety of its citizens and its own welfare, Americans must take a stand to let their elected representatives and politicians that enough is enough. Freedom to choose your health care provider is key to your own personal and moral freedom. Freedom to purchase or not purchase your own health insurance is key to your financial freedom. Nationalized health care is not constitutional, nor does it represent any freedoms based upon our history as Americans.
When you consider how much blood, toil, energy, and sacrifice has taken place since 1776, remember the picture of George Washington kneeling in the snow at Valley Forge. Although it is a painting, it represents our American heritage of reliance on "Providence", as Washington often referred to a higher spiritual being. Although there has been some controversy about his personal religious beliefs, Washington was known as a morally righteous man, and a defender of faith and liberty. He knew that a fledgling nation would not survive unless its dependence was upon God and not on its own merits. The concept of religious freedom was then and is now paramount to our central core as a people, and from that basis stems all other freedoms Americans hold dear. It is the cornerstone on which all other freedoms are based because it focuses on the knowledge that without dependence on God, there is no liberty or freedom.
This quintessential holiday has been venerated as a time to step back and revel in all that is America--Land of the Free, Home of the Brave. How marvelous is it that our country is still "one nation, under God, one, and indivisible." During the hot summer of 1776, when representatives from the 13 colonies stood resolute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and put their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor all on the line, the country was bracing for war with England. When the last of 56 signatures were penned on the Declaration of Independence, those men announced to a waiting public, and to the world, that Americans were a free and independent people.
Watch this video clip from the HBO miniseries "John Adams" of the vote to pass this document, this American Scripture: https://lnkd.in/ewxHvQi . Listen, as the Declaration is read aloud. Yet, with divine Providence, the nation survived intact and won its freedom against seemingly impossible, insurmountable odds. Today we celebrate again this good news, in spite of current criticisms. This national Holiday represents all that is good about our nation.
America's true history has been largely ignored in much of the media today. Unfortunately, too much focus is based on fireworks and fun times, going to the beach or on vacation, and taking advantage of the big holiday sales events. Too little attention is focused on our heritage as a Christian nation, our memories of those who sacrificed life, liberty and their sacred honor to defend America, and the reasons Americans enjoy freedom and liberty. This weekend, take time to remember our liberty, our nation, our history as Americans, and then enjoy your country with new found respect and honor. Fly the U.S. flag at your home, sing the national anthem with gusto, and say a prayer of thanks to God that you live in a nation that provides freedom and liberty. If you know someone who has served in the military, tell them you appreciate their service. When you go to church, tell those around you that the Fourth of July should be honored with true Christian service and humility. Send your Congressman a note or call his/her office and encourage them to stand up for freedom and liberty.
Remember. It's your country. Enjoy liberty and freedom. Most of all, keep it free.
Happy Independence Day!
Until next time.
Your Best Health Care
Wednesday, July 3, 2019
Tuesday, April 16, 2019
Health Care and Pharyngitis
Have you
ever had Pharyngitis? Then you’ve had a sore throat, which often entails more than just a “sore” throat.
It may include throat itchiness, scratchiness, difficulty swallowing, or just
general pain in the throat. The reason you experience this discomfort is
because of swelling in the pharynx, which is the back of the throat, and the
larynx, which is your voice box.
Typically, according to Medspring Urgent Care,
a sore throat is caused by one of these culprits:
· One of many cold
viruses.
·
Flu.
·
Mono.
·
Coxsackie virus.
Unless your pharyngitis is caused by a bacterial
infection, like strep throat, pharyngitis is a viral infection and is not
treated with antibiotics. Seeking medical attention depends on the
severity of your symptoms and risk factors; the more discomfort you are
experiencing, the wiser it is to promptly pay your doctor a visit. For
more details, visit this website: https://medspring.com/treatments/pharyngitis-sore-throat
.
According to the American Family Physician, pharyngitis is one
of the most common conditions encountered by the family physician. The
optimal approach for differentiating among various causes of pharyngitis
requires a problem-focused history, a physical examination, and appropriate
laboratory testing. Identifying the cause of pharyngitis, especially group A
beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS), is important to prevent potential
life-threatening complications. More detailed information about testing
for pharyngitis is located at this website: https://www.aafp.org/afp/2004/0315/p1465.html
.
In the majority of cases, pharyngitis
will disappear within a week, though can last longer. Treatment will usually focus on managing the symptoms,
according to Ada Health. However, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the
bacterial form of the condition. Generally, it is a non-serious condition,
though in some instances it can cause severe symptoms or a serious infection.
Antibiotics
are ineffective against viral pharyngitis, though, they may be prescribed for
those with a bacterial infection. Doctors are often reluctant to prescribe
antibiotics for bacterial pharyngitis due to the fact that they are not always
effective and may cause side-effects. To decide if an individual should be
prescribed antibiotics, doctors will sometimes use a test known as the Centor
score. Physicians will look for:
·
Pus
on the tonsils.
·
Painful
or tender glands on the neck.
·
The
absence of a cough.
·
Fever.
If three or
more of these features are present, a doctor will often prescribe a delayed
prescription, whereby antibiotics will be prescribed for two or three days in
the future, to be used if symptoms have not disappeared or have gotten worse.
You can find much more information about symptoms and treatment at this site: https://ada.com/conditions/acute-pharyngitis/
.
According
to Infectious Disease Advisor, there
is no single vaccine that prevents pharyngitis, since it can be caused by many
different bacteria and viruses. Influenza vaccine may prevent some community
causes of pharyngitis. Prophylactic drug treatment is not recommended.
Avoidance of direct contact with infected patients is key to
preventing pharyngitis. For a very clinical overview, read this material.
However, consult a physician since this website is primarily for medical professionals: https://www.infectiousdiseaseadvisor.com/home/decision-support-in-medicine/infectious-diseases/pharyngitis/ .
Additionally,
according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, pharyngitis and tonsillitis are infections that
cause inflammation. If the tonsils are affected, it is called tonsillitis. If
the throat is affected, it is called pharyngitis. If you have both, it’s called
pharyngotonsillitis. These infections are spread by close contact with others.
Most cases happen during the winter or colder months.
Your healthcare provider will figure out the best treatment based
on:
- How old you are
- His or her overall health and
medical history
- How sick you are
- How well you can handle
specific medicines, procedures, or therapies
- How long the condition is
expected to last
- Your opinion or preference
Most cases of pharyngitis and tonsillitis will run their
course without any complications. But, if the disease is caused by strep, rare
complications, including rheumatic fever, rheumatic heart disease, and kidney
disease can happen. Treatment with antibiotics can prevent these complications. If a
sore throat is severe and includes trouble swallowing, drooling, or neck
swelling, see a healthcare provider right away. More details are
available at this site: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/pharyngitis-and-tonsillitis
.
Sore
throats are usually a nuisance, and they make you feel under the weather as
long as you have one. However, in some cases, you should visit a medical practitioner
if the symptoms seem out of the ordinary or last longer than normal. If your
immune system is compromised, or your age or other underlying health factors
are problematic, then go to your doctor to make sure you don’t have other issues
beyond pharyngitis.
Until next
time.
Thursday, April 27, 2017
Health Care and Celiac Disease
Celiac
disease is a serious genetic autoimmune disorder, according to the Celiac
Disease Foundation, where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small
intestine. It is estimated to affect 1 in 100 people worldwide. Two
and one-half million Americans are undiagnosed and are at risk for long-term
health complications.
If you have celiac disease, eating gluten triggers an
immune response in your small intestine. Over time, this reaction damages your
small intestine's lining and prevents absorption of some nutrients
(malabsorption). The intestinal damage often causes diarrhea, fatigue, weight
loss, bloating and anemia, and can lead to serious complications, according to
the Mayo Clinic.
In children, malabsorption can affect growth and
development, in addition to the symptoms seen in adults. There's no cure for
celiac disease — but for most people, following a strict gluten-free diet can
help manage symptoms and promote intestinal healing. Because
people with celiac disease must avoid gluten — a protein found in foods
containing wheat, barley and rye — it can be challenging to get enough grains.
More information about this medical issue is located at this website: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/celiac-disease/home/ovc-20214625
.
Celiac
disease cannot be "caught," but rather the potential for celiac
disease is in the body from birth. Its onset is not confined to a
particular age range or gender, although more women are diagnosed than men,
according to the Celiac Support Association. It is not known exactly what
activates the disease, however three things are required for a person to
develop celiac disease:
·
A
genetic disposition:
being born with the necessary genes. The Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) genes
specifically linked to celiac disease are DR3, DQ2 and DQ8...and others.
·
An
external trigger: some
environmental, emotional or physical event in one’s life. While triggering
factors are not fully understood, possibilities include, but are not limited to
adding solids to a baby’s diet, going through puberty, enduring a surgery or
pregnancy, experiencing a stressful situation, catching a virus, increasing
WBRO products in the diet, or developing a bacterial infection to which the
immune system responds inappropriately.
·
A
diet: containing
gluten and related prolamins.
·
Auto-antigen
enzyme, tissue
transglutaminase (TG2) also TG4 and TG6.
·
Production
of proinflammatory cytokines,
especially interferon (IFN-γ).
The damage
to the small intestine is very slow to develop and is insidious. For more
information, visit this website: https://www.csaceliacs.org/celiac_disease_defined.jsp
.
According
to this health website: https://familydoctor.org/condition/celiac-disease/
, celiac disease can cause a wide range of symptoms, symptoms that change, or
sometimes no symptoms at all. Symptoms of celiac disease may include:
·
Infants
and young children who have celiac disease are more likely to have digestive
symptoms, such as abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea (even bloody diarrhea) and
constipation, and may fail to grow and gain weight. A child may also be
irritable, fretful, emotionally withdrawn, or excessively dependent. If the
child becomes malnourished, he or she may have a large tummy, thin thigh
muscles, and flat buttocks. Many children who have celiac disease are
overweight or obese.
·
Teenagers
may have digestive symptoms such as diarrhea and constipation. They may hit
puberty late and be short. Celiac disease might cause some hair loss (a
condition called alopecia areata) or dental problems.
·
Adults
are less likely to have digestive symptoms. Instead, they might have a general
feeling of poor health, including fatigue, bone or joint pain, irritability,
anxiety and depression, and missed menstrual periods in women. Some adults may
have digestive symptoms such as diarrhea or constipation.
·
Osteoporosis
(loss of calcium from the bones) and anemia are common in adults who have
celiac disease. A symptom of osteoporosis may be nighttime bone pain.
·
Lactose
intolerance (a problem digesting milk products) is common in patients of all
ages who have celiac disease.
·
Dermatitis
herpetiformis (an itchy, blistery skin problem) and canker sores in the mouth
are also common problems in people who have celiac disease.
Celiac
disease can develop at any age after people start eating foods or medicines
that contain gluten. Left untreated, celiac disease can lead to additional
serious health problems, as reported by the Celiac Disease Foundation, such as
these healthcare issues:
·
Iron
deficiency anemia
·
Early
onset osteoporosis or osteopenia
·
Infertility
and miscarriage
·
Lactose
intolerance
·
Vitamin
and mineral deficiencies
·
Central
and peripheral nervous system disorders, including ataxia, epileptic
seizures, dementia, migraine, neuropathy, myopathy and multifocal
leucoencephalopathy
·
Pancreatic
insufficiency
·
Gall
bladder malfunction
Celiac disease is associated with a number of autoimmune disorders and other conditions, with the most common being thyroid disease and Type 1 Diabetes. More details are available at this site: https://celiac.org/celiac-disease/understanding-celiac-disease-2/what-is-celiac-disease/ .
According
to this advocacy website, https://www.beyondceliac.org/celiac-disease/
, there are more than 300 symptoms of celiac disease, and symptoms can be
different from person to person. If you have symptoms of celiac disease,
especially ones that last a long time, you should ask your doctor for a celiac
disease blood test. Left untreated, people with celiac disease are at-risk for
serious health consequences, like other autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis,
thyroid disease, and even certain cancers.
According to the National Institutes for Health, foods such as meat, fish, fruits,
vegetables, rice, and potatoes without additives or seasonings do not contain
gluten and are part of a well-balanced diet. You can eat gluten-free types of
bread, pasta, and other foods that are now easier to find in stores,
restaurants, and at special food companies. You also can eat potato, rice, soy,
amaranth, quinoa, buckwheat, or bean flour instead of wheat flour.
In the
past, doctors and dietitians advised against eating oats if you have celiac
disease. Evidence suggests that most people with the disease can safely eat
moderate amounts of oats, as long as they did not come in contact with wheat
gluten during processing. You should talk with your health care team about
whether to include oats in your diet.
When
shopping and eating out, remember to:
·
Read
food labels —especially on canned, frozen, and processed foods—for ingredients
that contain gluten.
·
Identify
foods labelled “gluten-free;” by law, these foods must contain less than 20
parts per million, well below the threshold to cause problems in the great
majority of patients with celiac disease.
·
Ask
restaurant servers and chefs about how they prepare the food and what is in it
·
Find
out whether a gluten-free menu is available.
·
Ask
a dinner or party host about gluten-free options before attending a social
gathering.
Foods
labeled gluten-free tend to cost more than the same foods that have gluten. You
may find that naturally gluten-free foods are less expensive. With practice, looking
for gluten can become second nature. If you have just been diagnosed with
celiac disease, you and your family members may find support groups helpful as
you adjust to a new approach to eating. A significant amount of additional
support material is found at this website:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMHT0024528/
.
According
to Today, could a normally harmless virus cause a sensitivity to
gluten? A new study has found that a certain type of virus could trigger a
person’s immune system to overreact to gluten, leading to celiac disease. The
findings, published this month in Science,
provide an explanation for why certain people develop celiac disease.
People with celiac disease had more antibodies to
reoviruses in their blood compared to healthy individuals. Furthermore, these
people with more antibodies were found to have more of the celiac disease
inflammation. Whether a person was infected with reoviruses at some point in
the past could explain why they develop celiac at a certain age or had worse
symptoms compared to others who were not infected. More information about this research is found here: http://www.today.com/health/celiac-disease-may-be-caused-virus-new-study-finds-t110119
.
Regardless of your sensitivity to gluten, you should take preventive measures to ensure you have all the answers about celiac disease. You may suffer from it and not even know you have it. See your family doctor or a health care specialist if you have questions or may be experiencing some of the symptoms. Celiac disease has definite consequences to your health. Don’t take chances.
Until next
time.
Friday, March 31, 2017
Health Care and Body Piercings
The
popularity of getting various body parts pierced has been growing over the past
few years, but the concept is as old as humanity itself going back to ancient
times. Ever since mankind figured out that it could poke a hole through some
physical part of the body, piercings have been seen as a statement of
individuality and fashion.
People
from many different cultures have pierced their bodies for centuries. If you
look in a history book, you will find that Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans
decorated their bodies with piercings and tattoos. Many pierced their bodies to
show their importance in a group, or because they thought it protected them
from evil. Today, we know much more about the risks of body piercing. Body
piercing is a serious decision. Before you decide to get a piercing, ask your
parents, trusted adults, and friends what they think. More information is
available at this site: http://youngwomenshealth.org/2013/08/07/body-piercing/
.
In recent
modern times the art of body piercing has grown to include more and more unique
piercing placements and designs. There are now dozens of piercing styles used
on the face, chest, back and other parts of the body. This website shows
the various types of body piercings and how to manage and care for them: http://www.almostfamouspiercing.com/body-piercings/
.
According
to KidsHealth, a body piercing is exactly that — a
piercing or puncture made in your body by a needle. After that, a piece of
jewelry is inserted into the puncture. The most popular pierced body parts seem
to be the ears, the nostrils, and the belly button. Other areas of the body can
be pierced but may only be for adults and not children or teens.
If the
person performing the piercing provides a safe, clean, and professional
environment, this is what you should expect from getting a body part pierced:
·
The
area you've chosen to be pierced (except for the tongue) is cleaned with a
germicidal soap (a soap that kills disease-causing bacteria and
microorganisms).
·
Your
skin is then punctured with a very sharp, clean needle.
·
The
piece of jewelry, which has already been sterilized, is attached to the area.
·
The
person performing the piercing disposes of the needle in a special container so
that there is no risk of the needle or blood touching someone else.
·
The
pierced area is cleaned.
·
The
person performing the piercing checks and adjusts the jewelry.
·
The
person performing the piercing gives you instructions on how to make sure your
new piercing heals correctly and what to do if there is a problem.
More
details on this topic are found at this site: http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/body-piercing-safe.html
.
The
piercing disrupts the protective barrier that normally prevents bacteria from
entering, according to US News & World Report, and in the worst-case
scenario, a staph infection on the skin or inside the nose develops. People who
have had major surgery, diabetes or HIV are at a higher risk of infection.
Plus, people who have undergone nose surgery should wait at least six months
before considering a nose piercing, while those prone to sinus infections
should probably not do it at all.
The body
treats jewelry in the body like a foreign object, so a little bit of swelling,
numbness, redness or tenderness is common. To stave off a potential infection,
piercers recommend you clean the piercing site with warm salt water as well as
an antimicrobial soap. You should also maintain a hygienic environment, so use
paper products to pat dry your piercing as opposed to towels, which harbor
bacteria. For the same reason, you should change your bedding regularly and
wear clean clothes.
Also, keep
yourself healthy. Even though your piercing might seem as harmless as a
splinter, it’s a permanent fixture your body is taking in, so you should boost
your immune system by eating a good diet and getting plenty of rest –
especially during the first few months following your piercing. If an infection
does develop, you can most likely use a topical antibiotic to treat it. More
details on this subject are located at this site: http://health.usnews.com/health-news/health-wellness/articles/2014/10/28/how-to-care-for-body-piercings
.
Additionally,
according to the AAFP, American Association of Family Physicians, the trend of body piercing at sites other than the
earlobe has grown in popularity in the past decade. The tongue, lips, nose,
eyebrows, nipples, navel, and genitals may be pierced. Complications of body
piercing include local and systemic infections, poor cosmesis, and foreign body
rejection. Swelling and tooth fracture are common problems after tongue
piercing.
Minor infections, allergic
contact dermatitis, keloid formation, and traumatic tearing may occur after
piercing of the earlobe. “High” ear piercing through the ear cartilage is
associated with more serious infections and disfigurement. Fluoroquinolone
antibiotics are advised for treatment of auricular perichondritis because of
their antipseudomonal activity. Many complications from piercing are
body-site–specific or related to the piercing technique used.
Navel, nipple, and genital
piercings often have prolonged healing times. Family physicians should be
prepared to address complications of body piercing and provide accurate
information to patients. More information on the hazards of body piercings is
located here: http://www.aafp.org/afp/2005/1115/p2029.html
.
There are also location-specific risks with body piercings,
according to HealthLine. A tongue piercing can cause damage to your teeth and
cause you to have difficulty speaking. Additionally, if your tongue swells
after getting the piercing, swelling can block your airway making it harder to
breathe. A genital piercing can cause painful sex and urination. The risk of
complications is higher if you have other medical conditions like:
·
Diabetes.
·
Allergies, especially if you’ve ever had a reaction that
caused breaking out in red bumps, swelling of the throat, or difficulty
breathing.
·
Skin disorders, such as eczema or psoriasis.
·
A weak immune system.
Talk to a doctor before getting a piercing if you suffer
from any these conditions. More details on this subject can be seen at this
site: http://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care-tattoos-piercings#healthrisks2
.
Making a decision about the location of the piercing on
the body, according to the California State University Long Beach, should be
based on the following questions to ask yourself:
·
Why am I doing this?
·
What does it mean to me?
·
How will I feel if people see my piercing?
·
How long am I willing to wait for it to heal? Healing
times vary depending on the body location.
·
How much am I willing to spend on a quality piercing?
Remember that good piercings are not cheap and cheap piercings are not good!
So if you still want to get a piercing, you have to make
some important choices. First, choose your piercer carefully by getting
recommendations from friends and other people you trust. Look at the piercers
portfolios and watch them work. Meet with the piercer before you decide to find
out if you like their work, their personality, price and professionalism. Find
out if the piercer has been properly trained and uses hygienic procedures. A
piercer should NEVER use a gun for piercing!
Here are some questions to ask the piercer before making
the decision:
·
Does the piercer wear gloves?
·
Does the piercer use sterile, non-disposable equipment?
·
Does the piercer remove needles from the packaging in front
of the client?
·
Does the piercer sterilize the station between clients?
·
Are they recognized by the Association for Professional
Piercers (APP)?
·
Do they have a permit from the local Health Department to
operate?
The APP is the industry standard for piercers. They set
the standards for piercing studios and abide by all cleanliness guidelines and
federal regulations. If the salon has an APP license, then you can have a
greater level of confidence about hygienic practices.. However, it is
important to note that the APP license expires. You should also look to see if
the studio has a permit from the public health department. A significant amount
of additional information about body piercing that you should strongly consider
is available at this website: http://web.csulb.edu/divisions/students/hrc/health_topics/BodyPiercing.htm
.
Body
piercings, although considered by many to be fashionable or personal taste, can
have associated risks beyond the nature of the piercing itself, and your health
care could be put at risk if there are complications. Before you take the
plunge to poke a hole in anything that really doesn’t need it, familiarize
yourself with the pros and cons of body piercing. Talk with your doctor if you
have any particular physical or medical issues that may be compromised if you
get this procedure done anywhere on your body. It’s always safe to be prepared
and knowledgeable.
Until next time.
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Health Care and Pregnancy Massage
A growing trend in pre-natal
care is pregnancy massage. Massage
therapy during pregnancy is a wonderful complementary choice for prenatal care,
according to Massage Envy. It is a healthy way to reduce stress and
promote overall wellness. Massage relieves many of the normal discomforts
experienced during pregnancy, such as backaches, stiff neck, leg
cramps, headaches and edema (or swelling).
In
addition, massage for pregnant women reduces stress on weight-bearing joints, encourages blood
and lymph circulation, helps to relax nervous tension -- which aids in better
sleep -- and can help relieve depression or anxiety caused by hormonal changes.
More information is available at this site: https://www.massageenvy.com/massage/massage-types/prenatal-massage/ .
If you’re
visiting or living in the UK, here’s a website that can direct you to a local
massage therapist for this type of care: http://www.bodyworkmassage.co.uk/ .
According
to Massage Envy, massage therapy during pregnancy is a wonderful
complementary choice for prenatal care. It is a healthy way to reduce
stress and promote overall wellness. Massage relieves many of the normal
discomforts experienced during pregnancy, such as backaches, stiff
neck, leg cramps, headaches and edema (or swelling). In addition, it can
help relieve depression or anxiety caused by hormonal changes.
While a massage can't promise that your newborn will
sleep through the night, it can provide you with a better night's sleep both
during pregnancy and afterwards. Regular massage therapy not only helps
diminish anxiety and discomfort but boosts relaxation as well. This ultimately
can lead to improved sleep patterns. In addition, the serotonin, endorphins and
dopamine released by your body in response to massage provide an extra helping
of those natural chemicals. More details on this subject are located at this
site: https://www.massageenvy.com/massage/massage-types/prenatal-massage/
.
According to the American Pregnancy Association, massage
therapy addresses the inflamed nerves by helping to release the tension on
nearby muscles. Many women have experienced a significant reduction in sciatic
nerve pain during pregnancy through massage. Although most massage training
institutions teach massage therapy for women who are pregnant, it is best
to find a massage therapist who is certified in prenatal massage. The APA
works with some massage therapists who are trained to work with pregnant
women, but it is still important to ask about qualifications.
As with
any therapeutic approach to pregnancy wellness, women should
discuss massage with their prenatal care provider. The best way to address
the risks of prenatal massage is to be informed and to work together with
knowledgeable professionals, as noted by the APA.
Many professionals
consider the best position for a pregnant woman during massage is
side-lying.
Tables
that provide a hole in which the uterus can fit may not be reliable and
can still apply pressure to the abdomen, or allow the abdomen to dangle,
causing uncomfortable stretching of the uterine ligaments. Consult your
massage therapist before your first appointment to verify what position
they place their clients in during the massage. Additional info on
pregnancy massage is available at this website: http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/prenatal-massage/
.
During
pregnancy, there are several physiological and endocrinological changes that
occur in preparation for creating the environment for the developing baby,
according to chiropractors who specialize in this type of therapy. The following
changes could result in a misaligned spine or joint:
·
Protruding
abdomen and increased back curve
·
Increased
weight
·
Pelvic
changes
·
Postural
adaptations, including ligament relaxation due to the increased production of relaxin
(a hormone produced during pregnancy which causes the pregnant woman's body to
increase its elasticity preparatory for birth)
Establishing
pelvic balance and alignment is another reason to obtain chiropractic care
during pregnancy. When the pelvis is misaligned it may reduce the amount of
room available for the developing baby. This restriction is called intrauterine
constraint. A misaligned pelvis may also make it difficult for the baby to get
into the best possible position for delivery. The nervous system is the master
communication system to all the body systems including the reproductive system.
Keeping the spine aligned helps the entire body work more effectively. More information
is located at this site: http://www.northtexasspinalhealth.com/pregnancy---prenatal-care.html
.
A
trained prenatal massage therapist knows where a pregnant woman's sore spots
are likely to be and may be able to provide some relief. (She'll also know
which areas and techniques to avoid.) Still, it's important to communicate with
her and tell her where you need attention. Let her know right away if anything
during the massage – including your positioning – is causing you any
discomfort. More material on pregnancy
massage can be found at this site: https://www.babycenter.com/0_prenatal-massage-help-for-your-pregnancy-aches-and-pains_11931.bc
.
According to this site by What to Expect, http://www.whattoexpect.com/prenatal-massage.aspx
, massage is a generally benign
treatment. Still, some massage therapists are leery about giving therapeutic
massages during the critical first trimester. In addition, there are pregnancy
complications that can make massage somewhat risky. Check with your
practitioner before receiving a prenatal massage if you have diabetes, have
morning sickness or are vomiting regularly, have been diagnosed with
preeclampsia or high blood pressure, have a fever or a contagious virus, or
have abdominal pain or bleeding.
If you are in the second half of your pregnancy, don't
lie on your back during your massage; the weight of your baby and uterus can
reduce circulation to your placenta and create more problems than any massage
can cure. The good news is that prenatal massage has become so popular that
many therapists and spas provide specialized services just for moms-to-be (always tell your therapist
you're pregnant). Plus, there are prenatal massage tables and pillows that can
make the experience safer and more comfortable.
Although there aren’t any unusual physical demands for working with pregnant women, working with women during the labor process can be very physically demanding, according to the American Massage Therapy Association. This website is primarily geared toward information for the practitioner who may be considering or is already offering pre-natal massage therapy to pregnant women: https://www.amtamassage.org/articles/3/MTJ/detail/2419 .
If you are
pregnant and thinking about getting massage to help with some of the physical
and emotional demands you have during your pregnancy, this therapy may be for
you. Always consult your doctor or medical professional before proceeding with
massage therapy, and always let your therapist know about your situation in
every aspect of your health. In cases where the risk may be greater, it is always
best to err on the side of caution. Seek medical attention immediately if any
problems occur. Safety for you and your baby is always the best course of
action.
Until next
time.
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
Health Care and Java
How do you
feel about coffee--that java that makes you jump, that black elixir of silky
goodness, the cuppa joe for the morning wakeup call? Well, believe it or not,
adding coffee to your daily diet can help with your health. If you already
drink it, you’ll be glad to know that in addition to providing a boost to get
you going, and the taste that may make you happy, coffee has some remarkable
powers to help your body and brain.
According
to this website, http://coffeeandhealth.org/ , a new
study examined the relationships between coffee (total, caffeinated or
decaffeinated) and tea consumption and risk of melanoma in the European
Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC). EPIC is a
multi-centre prospective study that enrolled over 500,000 participants aged
25-70 years from ten European countries in 1992-2000.
Consumption
of caffeinated coffee was inversely (i.e. favorably) associated with melanoma
risk among versus non-consumers, but not among women. There were no
statistically significant associations between consumption of decaffeinated
coffee or tea and the risk of melanoma among both men and women. The authors
suggest further investigations are warranted to confirm their findings and
clarify the possible role of caffeine and other coffee compounds in reducing
the risk of melanoma.
According
to the Harvard School of Public Health, more than half of American adults drink
coffee every day. Recent scientific studies suggest moderate consumption may
help reduce some disease risks. These studies are observational, meaning that
researchers draw conclusions based on differences between the number of disease
cases in coffee drinkers versus non-drinkers. More information is located at
this site: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/multimedia-article/benefits/
.
Not only
is this information good news, but this article by blogger Jenn Miller shows
that there are many health care pluses for coffee consumption: https://www.jenreviews.com/coffee/
.
You may
wonder when you see various reports over the past few years about the efficacy
of drinking coffee and its health affects on you. The verdict is thumbs up,
according to CNN, with study after study extolling the merits of three to five
cups of black coffee a day in reducing risk for everything from melanoma to
heart disease, multiple sclerosis, type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's disease, liver
disease, prostate cancer, Alzheimer's, computer-related back pain and more.
To stay
completely healthy with your coffee consumption, you'll want to avoid packing
it with calorie laden creams, sugars and flavors, per the CNN article. And be
aware that a cup of coffee in these studies is only 8 ounces; the standard
"grande" cup at the coffee shop is double that at 16 ounces. And how you brew it has health consequences.
Unlike filter coffee makers, the French press, Turkish coffee or the boiled
coffee popular in Scandinavian countries fail to catch a compound called
cafestol in the oily part of coffee that can increase your bad cholesterol or
LDL.
Read More
Finally,
people with sleep issues or uncontrolled diabetes should check with a doctor
before adding caffeine to their diets, as should pregnant women, as there is
some concern about caffeine's effect on fetal growth and miscarriage. And some
of the latest research seems to say that our genes may be responsible for how
we react to coffee, explaining why some of us need several cups to get a boost
while others get the jitters on only one. For much more detailed information on
this subject, visit this website: http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/14/health/coffee-health/
.
Caffeine, the most widely consumed psychoactive
substance in the world, is the best known ingredient of coffee, according to
Warrior Coffee. Its beneficial effects on the human body have been researched quite
well, but coffee as a whole is a complex beverage with a thousand different
substances. Some studies argue that decaf and caffeinated coffee may have the
same health effects and suggest that it’s not the caffeine that is responsible
for most of coffee's health benefits. This company has put together a list
of Pro’s and Con’s about coffee drinking
and is well worth reading to give you both sides of the story: https://www.warriorcoffee.com/news/2/12-health-benefits-and-6-disadvantages-of-coffee-smashing-it
.
For those on the healthy side of coffee consumption, this
website, https://www.healthambition.com/negative-effects-of-coffee/
, has some negative aspects listed about this liquid: In small, occasional cups there is
possibly a case to be made for some benefits to coffee. If it’s fresh,
high-quality and ideally organic (regular coffee is one of the most
pesticide-intensive crops in the world) then a raft of studies have shown that
it can improve alertness and long term it may reduce the risk of developing
Parkinson’s disease, gallstones, kidney stones and liver cirrhosis for heavy
drinkers.
Conversely,
in the longer term it has been associated with an increased risk of high
cholesterol, heart disease, and osteoporosis. Good-quality ground coffee is a
source of antioxidants like chlorogenic acid that may help with weight loss and
Green Coffee Bean Extract, particularly high in this antioxidant, are the
latest popular supplement for body fat reduction. While there is evidence one
way and another about drinking coffee, a case can be made for either side of
the java wars.
Is coffee associated with the risk of death from all
causes? According to a report in the New York Times, there have been two
meta-analyses published within the last year or so. The first reviewed 20
studies, including almost a million people, and the second included 17 studies
containing more than a million people. Both found that drinking coffee was
associated with a significantly reduced chance of death. There’s possibly no
other product that has this much positive epidemiologic evidence going for it.
For more details on this product, read this article: https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/12/upshot/more-consensus-on-coffees-benefits-than-you-might-think.html?_r=0
.
But, you
need to be careful about how you drink your coffee. According to the Atlantic
Monthly magazine a few years ago, there were no major differences in risk reduction between
regular and decaf coffee suggests there's something in it, aside from its
caffeine content, that could be contributing to these observed benefits. It
also demonstrates that caffeine was in no way mitigating coffee's therapeutic
effects.
Of course, what you choose to add to coffee can just as
easily negate the benefits -- various sugar-sweetened beverages were all
significantly associated with an increased risk of diabetes. A learned taste
for cream and sugar (made all the more enticing when they're designed to smell
like seasonal celebrations) is likely one of the reasons why we associate
coffee more with decadence than prudence. More details are available at this
site: https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2012/11/the-case-for-drinking-as-much-coffee-as-you-like/265693/
So, should you drink that little black cup of java that
so eagerly calls your name every day, or give it up for what may be considered
healthier beverages like water, fruit juices, or other non-caffeinated types of
liquid? That is a personal choice, and one that needs to be evaluated by you
and your family doctor if you have mitigating health circumstances.
Until next time.
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