About Health and Medicine

Red Flags and Signs you Could be Aging Too Fast

2012-11-21T19:58:00.002-05:00

Referenced From Dr. Oz: (November 2012) Warning Signs/Red Flags/Signs your Body is Aging too Fast

There are signs and symptoms (red flags) you can look out for to determine if you may have a specific aliment or health issue!

If your eyes are red, it is a sign of inflammation. Therefore, this can be a sign that you have arthritis.

What is your Skin Color:

Red = Allergies, Inflammation

Blue = Not enough oxygen

Yellow = Liver Problems

Brown = Diabetes

Grey = Kidney Issues/Kidney Disease - Will not have as much blood in your body so your skin gets paler.

RED FLAGS/Warning Signs:

Parkinson's Disease = Loss of Smell

Vascular Problems = Hairless Ankles, Feet and/or Toes

Lung cancer = Toes that bump upward at the tips - Sign your body may not be getting enough oxygen (toes that start to change, not ones that have been that way since birth).

Memory Problems = Loss of Hearing

Could You Have ADHD ?

ADHD (Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) = Moody for no reason, Exhausted, Anxious, Daydreaming more than you should.

*Women symptoms are different than men:

Traits of ADHD in Women - Internal Disruption, genetic, often doesn't appear to later in life, struggle with relationships, keep trying to try to do everything and leaves you moody, anxious and exhausted until a major life change triggers:

New Job = Higher level to attention to detail - unmasked
Motherhood = Chores you have to do multiply, overwhelmed, (not pregnancy, after having baby).

Free Help for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

2012-11-20T21:12:00.000-05:00

If you or someone you know is or could be suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) there is help available FREE 24 hours a day 7 days a week at http://realwarriors.net/ FREE.

*As seen after the television series NCIS which aired on November 20, 2012.

You can get help by multiple means, including: chatting online, texting OR calling any time for free.

"Confidential support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year through the Military Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255 and Press 1)

online chat and text (838255). In Europe call 00800 1273 8255 or DSN 118*.

You can also access resources and information anytime."

Free Crisis Line:

Western Medicine verses Alternative

2012-11-14T18:08:00.001-05:00

Western Medicine vs. Alternative Medicine

The difference between healing and curing is that curing is to restore to health to take away all sickness, it is something that comes from the outside in. Healing means to combine your own beliefs into your health and feeling better, which comes from the inside. Anyone can be cured or treated with modern medicine, but in healing if you believe you will get better it will help you heal a great deal more.

Spirituality is what you believe in. It can be anything from God to a higher power, something, and anything greater than you. It doesn't have to be religious. It relates to health and healing because if you have something that you believe is higher than yourself you can use your faith that your higher power will get you through anything. Also having something to believe in gives people hope and strength that something good will happen if they just believe.

The basic principles of healing relationships:

Self Care- things you can do to take care of yourself, such as, home remedies, self healing, movement, exercise, sleep, yoga, humor, therapy, music, touch or sports.

Bio-medical Medicine- traditional western medicine, basically doctors, surgery, medication and procedures.

Complementary/Alternative Medicine- includes alternative healing approaches such as massage, acupuncture, chiropractic, and Tai-Chi.

In the field of helping people I believe too many times people lose sight of why they’re in that particular job they begin to treat people badly and aren't helping anyone that way. Never forget that people aren’t just “patients” or “clients” they are human beings with feelings and they need to be listened to just like you do.

The Stages of Changing a Behavior

2012-11-14T17:13:00.003-05:00

A Person Must be Ready, Willing and Able to Change

Change - The process in which people think about, implement and maintain new behaviors (Prochaska and DiClemente, 1984).

The 5 stages have been applied to people who modified behaviors related to:

Smoking
Drinking
Eating
Exercising
Parenting
Substance Abuse and Dependence
Marital Communications (without a professional)

The Five Stages of Change:

1. Pre-contemplation - Person not really considering change and do not see anything changing in the future.

2. Contemplation - Person becomes aware that a problem exists and begin to see that there are reasons to change. They begin thinking about their options.

3. Preparation - Person begins to investigate into how to change their behavior. They make decisions about what is needed to change and set goals for themselves. This is the stage where the plan to change is often shared with others'.

4. Action - A person chooses a strategy to change and begins to put it into action. The individual is actively modifying their behavior.

5. Maintenance - A person continues to make an effort to sustain the positive aspects that came from the action stage. Maintenance requires prolonged behavioral change, often 6 months to several years, depending on the targeted behavior (Prochaska and DiClemente, 1992).

In most cases, people attempting long-term behavior changes do relapse, at least once and revert to an earlier stage. When this happens, the person may repeat the steps necessary to implement the change into their lives again. This can be used as a learning experience as to which situations may need to be avoided to prevent diverting back to an undesired behavior.

Not too many people are able to implement these stages one time and not have any relapses of themselves before their change. A relapse should not be thought of as a fail but as an opportunity to start fresh and stronger.

The pace at which an individual moves through the stages is relative to the behavior attempting to be modified and the desired outcome.

Sources: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services TIP 35, www.samhsa.gov

How to be Happy!

2012-11-07T13:17:00.002-05:00

How to be Happy

“A Man is as happy as he makes up his mind to be.”

~Abraham Lincoln

Happiness is a perception based upon an individual’s thought process (it is different for everyone).

The amount of happiness we get from an event or experience depends upon what we are comparing it to at the time.

OLD Phone

NEW Phone

Examples:

Receiving a check for $100 when you usually earn $200 – You could view this as a less than happy event thinking that you should have earned more because that is what happened in the past OR you could be happy that you have just gotten a check for $100 when in the past you have gotten less.

Examples: Clothing/Apparel mark-downs $49 to $20

Cars – Your last car verses a new car

Events – What you do for your Birthday compared to what you have done/experienced before

A study by Psychologist Ed Deiner found that happiness comes from the amount of time a person spends feeling good, not from the momentary peaks of ecstasy.

- We should enjoy the little/everyday things, not just the big events.

Remembering bad things from the past has a contrast effect; makes our present seem brighter.

Positive thinking – Try to focus your thoughts and perceptions to increase happiness.

- Generally happy people filter out the bad things and focus on the good:)

How Stress Effects Your Health and What You Can Do

2012-11-07T11:55:00.000-05:00

STRESS AND HEALTH

Stress is any event that strains or exceeds an individuals’ ability to cope.

Sources (Causes) of Stress

- Frustration

- Conflict

- Pressure – stress that comes from the threat of negative events.

- Life Events and Daily Hassles – Significant events that occur in a person’s life. Examples include: Divorce, Having Children, Natural Disasters’, Crime,.

What to Do if you are Experiencing Stress:
- Reduce Caffeine

- Exercise – exercising as little as 3-4 times per week increases endorphin (feel good chemicals in brain) levels thereby reducing stress.

- Cognitive Therapy – Talking to someone (Friends, Family or a Professional).

- Journaling – Writing down sources of stress, often, provides a different perspective and helps to find solutions to stressors. Examples: A common stressor is having too many things to do with very little time. Making a list of everything you need to do can help you stay organized. Sometimes, it shows you that things weren't as bad as you’d thought.

- Turn Up the Music – Music can be a great stress relief (Go to your car and blast your favorite song;).

- Put You First – Take a short nap

- If you cannot be alone and need a release stay in the bathroom an extra 5 or 10 minutes

- If you’re driving to/from an errand stay in the car for a few minutes and just sit and relax.

- Take some deep breaths.

- Buy a gossip magazine (focusing on other peoples drama sometimes helps escape yours’ or makes yours’ seem not too bad i.e. shaving your head (O_O)

*Remember that things could always be worse and everyday is a new opportunity to start fresh:)

FREE Weight Watchers Cookbook + Recipes! On Sale For FREE!

2012-11-07T06:32:00.001-05:00

Was $3.97; Now 100% FREE Weight Watcher Whiz Greek Take Out Restaurant Meals Point Plus Recipes Cookbook (Weight Watcher Whiz Series)

Products Recommended by Dr. Oz on his show

2012-11-02T17:38:00.002-04:00

I was watching Dr. Oz today and realized I could share some of the products that he recommends to help with some health problems.

Ultimate Shopping List From Dr. Oz
Some of these products I use myself and others' are more difficult to find but I am researching them:)

Epsom Salt
* Definitely Have this! Epsom salt has helped me with my arthritis, muscle relaxation and after having a surgery.

Swan Epsom Salt, 4LB SWAN EPSOM SALT

Multi-Vitamins **My physician told me to take these to increase my metabolism and reduce fatigue I was experiencing and they do help!
*Different Ones for Men and Women
Optimum Nutrition Opti-Men Multivitamins, 180-Count
Optimum Nutrition Opti-Women, Women's Multivitamin, 120 Capsules
Ginger Chews I haven't tried the ginger chews before but I have heard the many health benefits of ginger so these are something I'm looking into!
The Ginger People Original Ginger Chews, 3-Ounce Bags (Pack of 24)
Witch Hazel *Another new remedy I have yet to try! I have not heard about "Witch Hazel" before but it is said to work wonders on your skin. The reviews on amazon.com are very positive for this product!
Thayer Witch Hazel AF Toner w/Aloe Vera Vitamin E, Rose Pental 12 oz
MyPurMist Instant Natural Sinus and Allergy Relief Device
This is definitely going to come in handy. I have been looking for a good humidifier ever since my little nephew had gotten diagnosed with severe asthma and allergies. This will be very beneficial helping him breathe especially with the cold weather coming and the dry heat inside.

First Aid Kit **I love this idea! I do have one of these in my car and have actually used items on more than one occasion. In light of the horrible Storm Sandy, Hurricane Katrina and snow storms we have been hit with, an emergency kit is a must-have! I have always procrastinated with buying emergency supplies to be ready for anything but my views have changed drastically this past week.
4 Person Survival Kit Deluxe Perfect Earthquake, Evacuation, Emergency Disaster Preparedness 72 Hour Kits for Home, Work or Auto: 4 Person
It's better to have too much than not enough
I plan to be prepared!
Medique 40061 First Aid Kit, 61-Piece
First Aid Only Outdoor First Aid Kit, Soft Case, 205-Piece Kit
The Complete First Aid Kit - Includes Save-A-Tooth, Exceeds ANSI Standards, 100% Made in USA

First Aid Only First Responder Emergency First Aid Kit, 159-Piece Bags

First Aid Kit With Hard Case- 326 pcs- First Aid Complete Care Kit - Exceeds OSHA & ANSI Guidelines - Ideal for the Workplace - Disaster Preparedness (Color Red)

The Benefits of Massage

2012-10-28T20:55:00.005-04:00

Massage is among the oldest forms of medicine.

Facts:

~ Massage has been shown to be an excellent immune booster and stress reducer.

~ Premature babies, who were given massages, gained more than 47% more weight and went home sooner.

Tips:

~ To give a good massage play soft music and have the individual breathe deeply to help relax muscles.

~ Do not get a massage if you have a fever. A fever indicates an infection and massage could possibly spread the infection.

~ Drink water after massage to release toxins.

Life Changes Require Health Choices. Know Your Benefit Options. | Publications.USA.gov

2012-10-22T22:06:00.001-04:00

This is a 100% FREE publication that is available to get in the mail, download to an eReader or even view online, all FREE!

It is important to know what types of programs and help that is available to you. This is true especially in a time where health care is difficult to acquire This publication will provide information about benefits available for multiple life situations.

Life Changes Require Health Choices. Know Your Benefit Options. | Publications.USA.gov:

I have a dream to one day to have enough money for Lasik

2012-10-22T01:24:00.001-04:00

LASIK Laser Vision Correction | Maryland | CustomVue WaveFront LASIK | Cumberland Frederick Hagerstown MD | Eye SurgeryNew Vision:

I have a dream that one day, I will be able to afford LAISK eye surgery. That I will not have to suffer through eye irritation from contacts or get a terrible migraine from wearing glasses. Also, having to choose between being able to see and losing my contacts in the water or not being able to see anything at all and deal with the headaches that accompany eye strain. I have had poor vision since the 5th grade and my eyes have only gotten worse with time. I have always wanted to have Lasik but unfortunate circumstances have sadly made that impossible for me.

I am aware,New Vision Laser Center company offers financing and payment plans, but that doesn't help much when you're laid off and have bad credit from medical bills that you have from not being able to afford health insurance. So, it seems I am stuck in a rut of being poor and unable to see past 2 inches.

Cherish your vision and ability to afford Lasik eye correction surgery if you can. I know I would!

Amazing FREE Resources available for ANYONE!

2012-10-18T23:34:00.001-04:00

There are a LARGE amount of FREE publications available on the National Institute of Mental Health site!

They have booklets, brochures, guides, videos, statistics and more!

There are resources available for free by downloading OR if you would like hard copies sent 100% FREE & FREE Shipping and Handling too in the mail:)

The site offers publications in, both, English and Spanish (Espanol)!

There are topics on EVERYTHING related to your Psychological well being

The site even offers different resources for specific age groups, men, women, college students, high school kids and children!

You simply enter how many publications you would like of each, enter your name/address and wait for your FREE resources to arrive in the mail!

*I have requested booklets and brochures from the NIMH site and they are amazing quality! Everything, from the paper the books are printed on to the information they provide is top-notch! I believe they are definitely offering a great service by sending this information to people for free!

These resources are wonderful for EVERYONE.
If you:

Are experiencing symptoms and would like to research possible psychological causes

Know someone (friend/family/yourself) who has been diagnosed with a psychological disorder or

Know someone who is experiencing problems in general and has been withdrawn (possibly depressed)

Would like to know how you can help someone with an emotional problem or psychological/mental illness

Would simply be interested to learn about different areas Psychology

ALL 100% FREE:)

**There are more free publications available on the NIMH site!

How to Reduce Pain and Suffering and Feel Better Fast

2012-10-16T23:07:00.002-04:00

A persons perception of pain is created by the individual experiencing the pain. This means, even though you are experiencing a certain amount of discomfort, the amount of suffering that occurs is up to your thought pattern.

If an individual manipulates their thoughts to believe their pain is less severe, the pain will subside. On the other hand, when an individual is stressed, upset or experiencing other psychological problems their pain level will, most likely, be higher.

The take-a-way from this information is, you can control your level of discomfort by changing their thinking.

Tips:

Take a long hot bath to relax your body

Listen to your favorite soothing music to drift off into a somber state

Zone out by day dreaming of your fantasy vacation spot

Imagine yourself as fully healthy, strong and capable of overcoming anything you desire

Look at photographs that are of great times of joy

Watch comedy movies

Make a list of everything you are grateful for

Whenever you feel yourself experiencing pain or thinking negatively, stop yourself and immediately go to one of your "happy places"

*Keep these ideas handy & maybe have your gratitude list close by

*Once you change your way of thinking, your pain will surely subside

Free E-Books About Depression

2012-09-28T00:37:00.001-04:00

Free E-Books About Depression:

These can be helpful for those sleepless nights:/

What helps with Arthritis Pain in Knees

2012-09-25T23:13:00.000-04:00

I have severe osteoarthritis in both of my knees so I can relate! The pain does get worse when it rains, going up and down stairs and if I have to stand or kneel. It's unbearable sometimes. I have tried all of the over the counter medications to help and the only one that came close was Aleve. Although, it does make me a little sleepy, so I only take it at night.

Luckily, I went to my physician and told him I could not sleep sometimes because of the pain and he prescribed me something stronger. I would recommend talking to a doctor. They may give you something to help you which is stronger.

Foods To Reduce Menstrual Cramps | LIVESTRONG.COM

2012-09-25T20:44:00.001-04:00

Foods To Reduce Menstrual Cramps | LIVESTRONG.COM:

This is great news! I can Eat Good Food and feel better too!

Worlds Oldest Person 116yr old Wow!

2012-08-27T21:52:00.001-04:00

She says, she "minds her own business and doesn't eat junk food." hmmmm...

World's Oldest Person, Besse Cooper, Turns 116 | ABC News Blogs - Yahoo!:

Being a Smoker After Heart Surgery

2012-08-23T00:40:00.001-04:00

My mother, who is now 52yr old, has been smoking since she was 15yr old. A couple months ago she had to have a valve in her heart replaced due to a murmur that had formed over time. After the surgery the doctors' informed her she had to stop smoking if she wanted to live. After such a scary experience I thought for sure she would cut out the cigarettes. Unfortunately, she still had a craving for nicotine.

My sister and I went to the nearest store to see what we could get for her. Lucky for us we found Electronic Cigarettes! It was the coolest thing i'd ever seen! My sister, being a smoker, tried them out first. She couldn't believe the resemblance to an actual cigarette, without the toxins!

Now the final test, to see if they would keep my mother from smoking. We took them back to the hospital and my mother loved them! Her doctor even approved of the Electronic Cigarettes! My mother says the best thing about them is that she can even smoke them inside because they don't produce any smoke.

I must say, I am impressed by the invention of the Electronic Cigarettes and very happy that my mother has found a safe alternative.

It has been a few months and my mother is still smoking her Electronic Cigarettes and her health has been great!

My Experience Taking Phentermine

2012-08-23T00:00:00.001-04:00

So, upon my last Doctor visit, my physician prescribed my Phentermine 30mg to try to lose weight. I had a body mass index (BMI) of 30 and was having a difficult time losing weight. I should mention that I also have hyperthyroidism and anxiety disorder, therefore, I feel hungry most of the time.

I started taking the Phentermine 30mg about a month ago and have lost 9 pounds so far. I admit, it is still difficult to control cravings for junk food but if you want to lose weight badly enough you will do it. The beginning is the most difficult. After a few weeks the hunger subsides and you feel thinner in your clothes.

I take Phentermine 30mg along with hyperthyroid medication and anxiety medication too. I am not recommending ANY medications in this post. Please just take this as what it is, which is MY experience. There are a lot of risks involved in taking Phentermine and should be prescribed by a physician.

I am beginning my second month with the Phentermine. I admit, I have slipped some days and ate ice cream and chips :o but I am happy with my progress. I am not doing any exercising program either. Other than a few daily errands of day-to-day life. I realize if I were to add an exercise regimen the weight would fall off but I am not currently in the mindset to be that active.

I will continue to post about my progress in a few weeks. Any questions just comment or email:)

Why Alcohol Causes Anxiety | Anxiety Guru | Hope and Healing

2012-07-22T22:19:00.001-04:00

Why Alcohol Causes Anxiety | Anxiety Guru | Hope and Healing:

Well, I was going to try to have a glass of wine before bed to help me relax BUT this is very convincing as to why that's not such a great idea.

My anxiety is bad enough without adding alcohol to the mix!

Anti-Anxiety Helpful Suggestions

2012-07-22T22:16:00.001-04:00

April's CR Diary: The Anti-Anxiety Lifestyle: "ast with almost no carbs but lots of protein:
1 cup eggwhites scram"

This looks like some useful tips. I have a ongoing struggle with anxiety so anything that helps I will try!

What to do when a friend asks to borrow money...

2012-04-19T18:36:00.002-04:00

What to do if you're unsure about lending a friend money... to a friend who is in recovery from an addiction or in active addict or alcoholic!

Deals for my parents

2012-03-20T07:26:00.002-04:00

Contribution by Saul Martin

There are really a lot of wild blue deals for our area. I did not realize how many there are. I have always seen things about their Internet services and the different deals they offer, but I do not think I ever grasped their total service package. I actually sent my dad some information about it. We always had trouble with the Internet at our house when I was still living there. Now, it does not really bother me since I only use it when I am home for a holiday or just to visit. I think my parents would appreciate an improved service and better price though. Most people would enjoy it really. I just thought of my parents because I know we always fought about the Internet. It drove me insane when I lived there. I am sure it was not the only thing there that I was not a fan of. It seemed like my parents were always more interested in paying nothing for something that was not worth the investment. I always told them it made more sense to invest a bit and get a better service or product. At least with this provider, I won’t have to worry about my parents refusing a good service for a good price. It is really the best of both worlds.

Dr. Oz’s 7-Day Energy Surge | The Dr. Oz Show

2012-03-20T07:25:00.001-04:00

Going to get an energy boost!

Dr. Oz’s 7-Day Energy Surge | The Dr. Oz Show:

This tells which foods you should and shouldn't eat based on your body

2012-03-20T07:24:00.001-04:00

Very Interesting...

Ayurvedic Body Type: Find Your Dosha | The Dr. Oz Show: