How to beat the Winter time Blues

Everyone recognizes that something happens to us as fall approaches with the accompanying shedding of the trees and days getting shorter by minute by minute.  For some, this is a time to retreat from life, as the seasons go through their cycles.  Human emotions are somehow inexplicably tied in to a larger picture.   Many become sad and depressed.  But, what can you do to help with this inevitable part of life?

Scientists say that as the days shorten, the lack of sunlight affects our internal clocks and melatonin levels, so that we become susceptible to depression and social withdrawl. So, with that in mind, being forewarned is forearmed. 

What steps can be taken to improve the mood?
 
It has been suggested that persons prone to this disorder plan for this by getting as much daytime sunlight as possible.  Try taking a walk early in the day. Plan a few outdoor activities  to get the benefit of sunlight, even though the days are shorter. You will also be getting additional vitamin D which is also essential in elevating the mood.

Many residents of Scandanavian countries have adapted rituals to help with regard to mood elevation.  One such practice is to use candles regularly, at meals, etc.  this helps to create a welcome environment which is bound to help elevate the mood.

Source:

Shinn, Lora, "Win over winter" Natural Health Magazine

Five Alternatives to Allopathic Health Care

As Americans continue to tire of increasingly serious medication side effects from prescription medications, many are turning to non-conventional approaches to treatment of disease and for overall healthcare and wellness.

This post will examine a few of the current approaches that many folks are focusing in on.

Chiropractic

Interestingly, chiropractic wasn't discovered by a physician, but it did eventually evolve into a very respected form of non-drug treatment.  It's focus is on the spine and its function in overall health.  (Remember, the spine contains nerves traveling to all parts of our body).

In order to  maintain good health, the transmission of impulses must be unimpeded.  Due to stress unfortunately, many times subluxations or disruptions occur, that impedes the flow. This can be caused by  vertebral misalignment. A chiropractor will take a medical history, do a physical and order X-rays to see what is going on and will then manipulate or adjust the spine to bring everything back into alignment. 

I have used Chiropractic quite extensively in the past and found that it can be very effective.  Remember, the treatment is focused on the whole body so patients will be required to make adjustments in their diet and everyday living activities. Be prepared to go several times a week, though.

Homeopathic

Homeopathy is based on the principle that like can treat like.  Herbs and other natural substances are diluted many thousands of times to treat diseases that can be induced by the taking of these natural substances.

I have tried this too.  It does take time for results to be seen.  Also, consider, hundreds of years ago our foreparents used these very same natural substances to treat disease.  Unfortunately, it can become quite expensive.

Integrative Medicine

These doctors bring together conventional, or allopathic treament, and alternative tratment.  The focus is on the individual and again, the treatment will rely on modifications in lifesylte, diet and exercise to cure disease.

Naturopathy

These doctors, similar to Homeopaths, empahsize natural therapies that enables the body to restore and maintain good health.  These therapies may include homeopathy, acupuncture, herbal medicine and also lifestyle changes.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture and herbal medicine are primary means used by these practitioners to restore health  or chi or energy.  They feel that their may be imbalances in yin and yang, that cause disease. 

Treamtent through acupuncture involves placing needles along energy channels or pathways which triggers the body to release endorphins and incrase circulation enabling healing to take place.

I have tried this too.  Again, as with most of these treatments, improvements take time and persistence.  Just as illnesses take time to develop.

Sources:

Wertheimer, Kate "Finding Drl Right" Natural Health Magazine

What can you do to prevent bedbugs?

I came across some really good information about natural means to prevent these troublesome creatures, especially since they seem to stay in the news.  With people moving about and migrating as they have been in recent years, it is bound to happen to even the best of us.

Here's what to do to prevent an outbreak.

Tighten up!

Seal up cracks in all possible hiding places such as cracks in baseboard molding, or around windows, etc. Keep your linens from touching the floor since this allows direct access to your bed and you. 

Another great piece of info is to lightly coat the legs of your bed with a thin coat of petroleum jelly.  This can stop the buggers for climbing.

If you do detect their presence, clean your mattress with soap and  hot water and buy a mattress and pillow covers to seal it all up  (Unless you want to buy a new mattress).This can kill anything that you didn't see. Check closets, shoes racks for further signs of their presence.  Wash clothes with very hot water.

When shopping

Inspect all bags coming into the house from clothing stores, particularly if you shop secondhand or if receiving hand-me-downs for the kids.

When traveling

 

When traveling, inspect the hotel bed and linen for signs of bedbugs. Shake out all items of clothes and check the corners of your luggage for any signs of the critters once you get home.

Source:

Barker, Elizabeth "Don't let the bedbugs bite" Natural Health Magazine

Heat or Ice for those Pains: Which is it?

Have you ever experienced a sprain and wondered what was better, heat or ice?  Well, here's some information to help you make that decision.

According to Orthopedic surgeon, Bradley Giannotti, M.D., in  Natural Health's article, "heat vs. ice," it basically depends on the injury itself.  Ice is better for injuries that happened fast, such as a sprained ankle or wrist, since it will minimize swelling and reduces pain. Remember the acronym R-rest, I-ice, C-compression, and E-elevation.

But, for back pain, tennis elbow and such injuries that develop over time, it is better to apply warmth.  Also, keep in mind that the treatments should last no more than 30 minutes at a time.

Source:

Barker, Elizabeth "heat vs. ice" Natural Health Magazine