Relaxation and Stress Management is Vital

Chronic stress can become a dangerous situation in your life and maybe causes you to develop even more serious illnesses as well.

Stress is a Serious Medical Concern

Many issues you face today in your daily life can cause stress problems. It may be pressures you face in your work environment; it may be some difficulties you face at home with domestic issues; it could be financial problems or any other pressures you face regularly. Chronic stress might be damaging your health without you even knowing it and could become a serious medical concern.

However whether you realize it or not, stress will always be a part of your life. There is such a thing as "positive stress." That's the stress you experience when you get excited about a task that benefits you in some way.

I remember when I was a sales supervisor several years ago and developing territories for my company, I would have called it "excitement stress." I was excited about developing a territory and then once I had established a small sales base, I would hire a salesman to take over.

My goal was to develop a territory as quickly as I could; then hire a salesman to take over. After that I would work with him to help create sales and generate a commission and also help me earn an override commission as well.

The job was pleasantly stressful and also enjoyable too. However a couple of times I had salesmen who didn't perform well and although that situation didn't necessarily cause tremendous stress problems it wasn't as pleasant as the ones I enjoyed from productive salesmen.

A Need for Counseling Became Necessary


One salesman I had was faced with a marital problem and needed guidance because it was affecting his sales quota. This situation was causing stress problems for him. Now it was either save him from being fired or help him work out his problem. Well for a time my suggestions to improve his marital problem did work and his sales improved and the company was satisfied with his progress.

But after a few months his problem once again reappeared and eventually he was terminated. I hated it happened because Roy could have been a terrific salesman had he learned how to avoid stress from his personal problems.

So What Are Some Ways to Manage Stress?

Exercise. Nothing is more effective at handling stress than a vigorous workout, whether it’s performed outside on in a gym.

2) Meditate on the positives. Think about all the wonderful things in life that are happening to you.

3) Keep a Journal. Put your frustrations down on paper and then analyse them for a solution.

4) Eat a Healthy Diet. Keep your energy flowing by eating a healthy meal everyday. Stay away from fast food, it's damaging to the mind and body.

5) Be Humorous. Find ways to induce laughter. Someone said once "laughter is the best medicine."

6) Get a Decent Nights Sleep. It's recommended you get at least 7 hours sleep. However 8 hours sleep is even better.

7) Listen to Relaxing Music. Enjoy your favorite artist and listen on your CD, DVD or Radio either relaxing in a lounge chair or taking a brisk walk.

8) Release your Stress in a Positive Way. Talk about it with a good friend, your spouse or if needed, a professional therapist.

9) Learn Affirmations. Print or type positive sayings on 3 X 5 cards and have them closely available when you need them.

10) Go On a Short Trip or Cruise. There are times when you just need to get away to another place away from a stressful atmosphere.

Don't take stress problems for granted. It's even smart to find ways to manage stress even before it creates some serious medical concerns. Try to make these ten tips part of your life all the time.

Naturopathic Remedies for your Ailments

Naturopathic remedies are a system of treatment of disease that avoids drugs and surgery. It emphasizes the use of natural agents (as air, water and herbs) and physical means (as tissue manipulation and electrotherapy)

Natural Healing Methods More Accepted Today

More and more people today are realizing how natural healing therapy is becoming more popular today than ever. They are beginning to realize that the conventional doctor is not solving their medical concerns.

Conventional doctors typically do not get to the prime root of their health problem. They are treating their symptoms instead. Since medical schools are influenced by the drug industry, doctors lack getting the proper education on nutrition or natural treatments.

So the general emphasis on treating illnesses and diseases is usually prescribing drugs or suggesting surgery. No prescription drug company product is likely to cure any illness or disease. Also surgery can be prevented many times with natural medicine healing.

The best health plan for sure is an alternative medicine program.

Either a naturopathic doctor or a conventional doctor educated in nutrition and natural healing therapy are qualified to set up some kind of a alternative medicine program.

There are many functions that could be included in this type of program. It could involve several lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, stress management, weight control and even vitamin and mineral supplementation. The one thing it will not involve is a prescription drug regimen. Even surgery is not likely unless it is the only alternative and even that would be rare.

Side effects of prescription drugs is a great concern

Here's the thing that most people seem to be concerned about when taking a prescription drug company product. They are now jittery about the side effects of prescription drugs. Some side effects can be highly dangerous. But how do you find out the hazards of your medications? (It's difficult)

These are medical concerns you should be aware of. When you hear about the side effects made known on TV commercials about certain drugs it sounds very frightening. However what is not revealed is even worse. So how to you get the true information?

Sometimes you may get a printed insert in the package containing your prescription by the pharmacist who filled your order. Other times the side effects may be listed on the bottle containing your prescription.

Here's the problem with the package insert. First of all, sometimes the printing is so small you may need a magnifying glass to read it. Another problem is the way it is written, in arcane medical language and a format specified by federal regulations.

The package insert’s catalog of side effects is hard to access. "Adverse Reactions," includes every side effect reported during the drug's clinical testing, and when appropriate the side effects of other drugs in the same class. Potential fatal adverse reactions may also be listed under "Warnings" or "Contraindications" or in a black box. (Surf the Internet for additional information)

Change your course of thinking

If you really want to refrain from this entire nonsense, become nutrition smart. Learn more about nutritional supplements and which particular vitamins and minerals will supply you with the proper nutrients you need. Ask me how you can find out which nutrients you really need. (I can provide you with a simple questionnaire that will give you a detailed report)

The American population is becoming more concerned about their recent health issues then ever and are not getting the right answers to correct their medical concerns. However even some of my best friends I have still remain patients of the same doctor for multiple years without ever learning how to get healthy and fit.

Their doctor still treats them with the same or more of the same prescription drug company products all these years. One friend in particular has had a major heart ailment for over 25 years but still has retained the same doctor for all those years.

If you truly want to know how to live healthy and learn ways to stay healthy it's not likely you are going to find out from the typical conventional doctor. So as mentioned earlier, you must seek out a doctor who is qualified to set up an alternative medicine program for you.

I found a very informative website of a naturopathic doctor that I advise you to look at. There's also a video where he was interviewed that is very informative also. Click here to go there. Get the true facts there and also on my website as well where you will find many wellness ideas to implement.

The Brain Function and Healthy Fitness

Is Food for the Brain Helpful?

Well researchers at the Center for Cellular Neurobiology and Neurodegenerative Research at University of Massachusetts believes it is. The results of this study spotlight what a difference eating a healthy diet and supplementary can make.

They also vividly portray the destructive force of a diet lacking in nutrients. Short-term memory is improved by a supplement regimen. Alzheimer's disease and dementia victims lack mental sharpness because it's believed it involves nutritional neglect as well as generic risk factors and predisposition. Eating healthier is a strong belief for me.

Many relatively young and healthy people have digestive systems that function well and contain lots of friendly bacteria. These people usually have no problem eating an abundance of diets consisting of whole foods. But as they grow older is becomes more difficult to depend on food alone for good nutrition. The production of pancreatic enzymes breaks down as people age thus reducing the lever of enzymes to help break down food for digestion.

So What Do You Do About This?

It now becomes time to think about supplementing your diet with nutritional supplements. At this point in your life the health of your digestive system is determined how well even the best food is digested. Phosphatidylserine (PS) is vitally beneficial to the brain. Signs of reduced PS levels can appear as early as mid 30's. When PS levels begin to decrease, so do the abilities to learn, remember, and stay mentally alert.

Depression may also develop as a result of PS insufficiency. So it's important to eat foods rich in PS or taking it in supplement form to raise the levels in the brain and prevent or reverse age related declines in brain function. Numerous studies have suggested that PS can be used as an effective treatment for Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

Parris Kidd, Ph.D., the authority on PS, who has written several definitive books about the compound, recommends intake of 300mg of PS a day. The best dietary source for PS is fatty fish such as mackerel, a quarter pound serving of mackerel will provide about 450 mg of PS. Organ meats are another source, and fermented soybeans contain PS. It is also found in small amounts of some leafy greens.

Brain Nutrition Has Many Benefits

It's widely known that long term diet and nutrition sources have an effect on the way we look and feel. Even new studies show that nutrition can also affect the way we think too. It may seem a little unusual that whatever we put in our stomachs can have a powerful effect on what goes on in our minds. Research however is showing that emotional, mental and psychriatic disorders like depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia may more likely be the result of dietary deficiencies than genetic predispositions.

Omega-3 fatty acids may be just as important to the elderly as it is to newborns, since diminishing Omega-3 levels may be a contributing factor to stroke and Alzheimer's disease. According to "Eat and Heal" a book by FC&A Medical Publishing, one of the possible causes of Alzheimer's disease is beta - amyloid plaque, or clumps of protein, that accumulate in the victims brain.

Damage to the Brain Should be Concerning

Experts believe beta-amyloid might be connected with "inflammation" of the brain’s blood vessels. Since Omega-3 acids are known to reduce inflammation they could also be an important key in the fight against this frightening degenerative disease, as has been suggested by research in Japan. Their studies have shown that supplemental DHA sharpens memory in patients with dementia and depression and improves behaviors and speech in those with Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Julian Whitaker writes about this in his book, "The Memory Solution."

From the information I've known from people with this horrible Alzheimer's disease, especially my wife's aunt in particular, none of these proven methods have ever used to address their disease. This is why I have been so adamant about sharing all kinds of information about natural treatments on my website and this blog. Hopefully this information will eventually make an impact of those who need natural healing methods for their illness or disease.

Microwave Dangers and Cell Phone Health Risks

Two of the most common products that many Americans use today should trigger medical concerns about them because they are both considered hazardous to your health. They are the microwave oven and the cell phone.

Dr. Percy Spencer, a self- taught engineer with the Raytheon Corporation introduced the public to microwave oven cooking when he claimed to have invented the microwave oven in 1946. The Raytheon Corporation did actually file the first patent on one. However the Nazis actually invented these ovens called "Radar Ranges in 1954.

After the war the United States discovered medical research done by the Germans on microwave ovens. These documents and even some working microwave ovens were transferred to the U.S. War Department and classified for reference and further scientific investigation.

The Russians in turn also retrieved some microwave ovens and did thorough research on their biological effects. Because their research it revealed microwave dangers and they were outlawed for a year or two.

The information by the Russian investigations and published by the Atlantis Rising Educational Center in Portland, Oregon revealed that carcinogens were formed in virtually all foods tested. No test food was subjected to more microwaving than necessary to accomplish the purpose.

Hazards of Microsoft Ovens Revealed

There has been much controversy over the years about the hazards of microwave oven cooking but still thousands of people continue to use them frequently to thaw, heat or cook entire meals in them.

Even though our FDA is supposed to be protecting our food from all kinds of hazards they have yet to ban the worst cancer producing machines in history.

Is convenience so important in our world today when it comes to preparing food that we just ignore the warnings and subject ourselves and our family to hazardous conditions?

Whatever happened to crockpot cooking and timed cooking in our stoves and ovens? That is how my mother and wife prepared meals years ago. Those ways of cooking are still available today. Could laziness on our part be the reason we prepare meals in this way today? What do you believe is the most important concerns we should have, convenience or health of family?

Now our attention should also be turned to the excessive uses of cell phones. It seems that many people cannot separate themselves from what I call this "little demon." They can't seem to drive, walk or shop without the "little demon" connected to their ear.

I will agree however that they do have an important function in our lives but not to the extreme that most people use them. I believe it is especially important for every woman to have a cell phone for the particular purpose of better insuring their safety.

Cell Phone Risks Are A Real Concern

My greatest concern is the cell phone health risks imposed on young children and teenagers. Our 8-year old granddaughter got one for Christmas this year, and while I didn't say anything about the hazards of having one, I wasn't happy about it. Her eleven-year old brother has also had one for a couple of years now.

The real truth is about to change of the real dangers of cell phone usage. Those who are "in the know" in the medical professions are finally becoming aware, after mountains of evidence, that these phones are indeed dangerous.

It's becoming a well-known fact that we are on the verge of a brain cancer epidemic. It could grow to 500,000 cases worldwide as soon as this year 2010. There many even be over a million cases in the U.S. alone by 2015.

Mainstream News Ignores Warnings

Here's the real problem. It may take years for mainstream news to get real serious about publishing this hazardous information. One reason is the telecommunication industry is massive. With combined revenues of more than $869 billion in 2007, it will do it's best to spread misdirection and outright lies about these findings.

Let me just add a final note to how I feel about these two subjects. I believe the microwave oven should be banned forever. However the cell phones do have a purpose in our society that is useful. But people should be educated about the hazards of excessive usage of them and only use them for purposes of emergencies or safety reasons.

I always end all my writings by adding this plea and it’s this. To be a healthy individual you must take charge of your own health matters. Believe it or not no one else is going to be as concerned as you are about your health.

The Reducing High Blood Pressure Myth

The Cochrane Collaboration and their review of seven major studies of more than 22,000 people has proven the drug company’s proven protocol of how to lower blood pressure is pure baloney.

It was proven in these studies that lowering blood pressure below 140/90, did not prolong life, did not reduce strokes, did not reduce heart attacks, did not reduce heart failure, and did not reduce kidney failure. The facts are this is just one big myth once again by Big Pharma.

Now comes the biggest myth of all about lowering blood pressure. Here comes the "Polypill." This drug is claimed to prevent 9 out of 10 heart attacks and 4 out of 5 strokes. The Polypill is a combination of three blood pressure drugs including, a beta blocker, diuretic and ACE inhibitor; a cholesterol statin drug, and some synthetic folic acid thrown in for good measure, all this in one pill.

The idea is have all people over age 55 take the Polypill daily. Here's the biggest joke of the century. If a healthy person 55 years old takes the pill daily for 10 years, there will be less than 1% chance per year of benefit with a 6% overall rate of side effects.

The side effects include chronic cough, bleeding, impotence, heart weakening or failure, low blood pressure, fainting, dizziness, broken bones from falls, memory loss, kidney damage or failure, chronic indigestion, muscle aches and pains, neuropathies and more.

Here are the most disgusting facts of all of this. The doctors who came up with the idea of the polypill own the patent to it. Since the facts that the benefits of the pill aren't true, we can now be thankful this idea has never taken off.

It is true that uncontrolled high blood pressure is a very serious health concern that can cause heart disease and increase your risk of stroke. But the good news is there are natural ways to lower high blood pressure. This includes lifestyle changes that you have total control over, such as, maintaining proper insulin levels, eliminating high-grain and high-sugar from your diet and initiating a daily exercise program.

In addition, here is some other lifestyle factors that are important too.

1) Adopt a proper diet. Plenty of vegetables and fruits should be high on your list of proper nutrients

2) Both omega-3 and omega-6 fats are essential for your health and their intake should be balanced. Many Americans are getting too much omega-6 and not enough omega-3.

Omega-3 fats are found in flaxseed oil, walnut oil and fish, with fish being the best choice. The best choice of fish is the smaller ones, which contain less mercury.

Omega-6 fats are found in corn, soy, canola, safflower and sunflower oil. You either want to avoid or at least limit the consumption of these.

3) Normalize your weight. Any weight you gain causes blood pressure to go up. Even modest weight loss maintained can reduce blood pressure in the long run.

4) Stress and blood pressure can go hand in hand. The higher your stress level, the higher your blood pressure can go. A well-qualified stress program is an ideal way to manage or eliminate stress.

5) Exercise is an ideal way to normalize high blood pressure. Health experts agree even moderate daily exercise is better than no exercise at all. Consistency of exercise is the general rule of thumb.

6) Nutritional supplements are recommended to get the proper healthy nutrients in your body daily. Since food cannot supply the recommended amounts of healthy nutrients every day that is why you must add them in the form of vitamins and minerals.

The most valuable ones especially for heart health are calcium and magnesium (Cal Mag) and vitamins C and E and vitamin D-3.

Do not succumb to Big Pharma's idea of reducing high blood pressure. It's a dangerous concept and you can eventually become addicted to a variety of useless drugs. Choose healthy lifestyle changes and be better off for it.