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by author Christine Rowlands
Most back and neck pain is not the result of an isolated injury but of ongoing stress. Our spines and back muscles work together to hold us up, but we must care for them to avoid strains, sprains, and soreness. Here are five strategies for banishing back pain, safely and naturally.
- Exercise: Our muscles were built to move and stretch, not to keep us in one position all day. Stretching and strengthening the back muscles can relieve pain and prevent future injuries. Pilates exercises in particular strengthen back and core muscles. If you can’t get to the gym, take stretch breaks at your desk or establish a daily routine of relaxing back and neck stretches. (See the Back to Basics article for ideas.)
- Yoga: Combining awareness of body alignment with meditative practice, yoga increases flexibility and posture while it decreases stress. However, if back pain is chronic, consult your health care practitioner before starting yoga. If you’re a beginner, choose a style such as Hatha yoga, which is slow paced and includes lots of gentle stretches. Don’t go it alone, either—seek a good teacher to guide your practice.
- Chiropractic: When we’re stressed or injured, our bodies adapt. Under chronic stress, muscles learn to stay contracted and nerves keep firing off adrenaline—the fight or flight hormone. Chiropractic manipulation of the spine resets back and neck muscles. This not only relieves pain caused by stress, tight muscles, and misalignment, but also restores the nervous system and promotes well-being.
- Massage: Massage isn’t just an indulgence. Deep strokes loosen tight back and neck muscles, and manipulation of tissues encourages lymph drainage and better circulation. Trained in anatomy and physiology, a registered massage therapist (RMT) can assess range of motion in your neck and spine, pinpoint areas of concern, and advise you on exercises to do at home.
- Homeopathy: Homeopathic remedies are safe and nontoxic. Try Rhus toxicodendron or Bryonia alba for back pain relief, or tissue salts such as Ferr phos, Mag phos, Calc fluor, or Nat mur. These can be combined with physical therapies, such as massage and chiropractic, for effective, lasting relief.
Related alive Articles:
Freedom from Back and Neck Pain
Standing Up to Back Pain
Back to Basics
Different Strokes for Different Folks
Chiropractic Care
Source: alive #November 08 Newsletter
Stress-Busting Herbs
Strengthen your adrenal glands. It's the key to dealing with whatever life throws your way. The person who claims not to be affected by stress is either dead, living an illusion, or lying.
Strengthen your adrenal glands. It's the key to dealing with whatever life throws your way. The person who claims not to be affected by stress is either dead, living an illusion, or lying.
Working Well
We spend most of our lives at work. We make friends, network with colleagues and plan our retirement years based on our active lives in the workplace.
We spend most of our lives at work. We make friends, network with colleagues and plan our retirement years based on our active lives in the workplace.
Surviving Stress
Have you ever pushed yourself for so long that you feel as though your resources are depleted and there is little or nothing left to draw on? When stress becomes as much a part of everyday life as breathing and eat.
Have you ever pushed yourself for so long that you feel as though your resources are depleted and there is little or nothing left to draw on? When stress becomes as much a part of everyday life as breathing and eat.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is an illness that took my whole lifetime to mature and five years to battle into submission. The symptoms and causes, like almost all so-called incurable diseases, piled up, stone upon stone, beginning to create my tombstone.
Ankylosing spondylitis is an illness that took my whole lifetime to mature and five years to battle into submission. The symptoms and causes, like almost all so-called incurable diseases, piled up, stone upon stone, beginning to create my tombstone.
Put the Ho Ho Ho Back into Your Holidays
Depression is sometimes a component of the Christmas season for a variety of reasons. Typical responses to the emotional overload of the holiday rush are overeating, overdrinking and generally overdoing.
Depression is sometimes a component of the Christmas season for a variety of reasons. Typical responses to the emotional overload of the holiday rush are overeating, overdrinking and generally overdoing.
Breathe Easy with Chiropractic Therapies
At the age of 14 I experienced my first asthma attack. I remember not being able to breathe. That really scared me. My parents took me to the medical doctor (as some people still do) thinking that was their only choice..
At the age of 14 I experienced my first asthma attack. I remember not being able to breathe. That really scared me. My parents took me to the medical doctor (as some people still do) thinking that was their only choice..
Timely Tips for Seasonal Stress
Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year. The winter holiday season is an intense time. Children become over excited from anticipation and then from sugary seasonal treats.
Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year. The winter holiday season is an intense time. Children become over excited from anticipation and then from sugary seasonal treats.
Back to Basics
Back pain is a finicky, stubborn ailment to diagnose. Strain can be the result of one awkward movement, a lifetime of poor posture, stress at the office--even bad nutrition.
Back pain is a finicky, stubborn ailment to diagnose. Strain can be the result of one awkward movement, a lifetime of poor posture, stress at the office--even bad nutrition.
Gain Without Pain!
Chiropractic Relieves Pressure Chiropractors are often asked what they can do to help conditions not normally associated with spinal problems, our basic consideration.
Chiropractic Relieves Pressure Chiropractors are often asked what they can do to help conditions not normally associated with spinal problems, our basic consideration.
Get a Handle on Stress
O Excellent, I love long life better than figs. --William Shakespeare Stress is like the card that finally tips the balance on the house of cards, bringing everything crashing down. An immune system that is in top operating order will only be minimally affected by small stressors.
O Excellent, I love long life better than figs. --William Shakespeare Stress is like the card that finally tips the balance on the house of cards, bringing everything crashing down. An immune system that is in top operating order will only be minimally affected by small stressors.
Grease Your Gears!
Mobility is a gift we often take for granted. We walk, run, dance, eat and do 10 thousand actions both voluntary and involuntary.
Mobility is a gift we often take for granted. We walk, run, dance, eat and do 10 thousand actions both voluntary and involuntary.
Stress Management
We've all felt our "fight or flight" response go into action--a sudden increase in blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, metabolism and blood sugar that helps us react quickly to stressful situations. When the danger is over our parasympathetic nervous system takes over with a compensating period of relaxation.
We've all felt our "fight or flight" response go into action--a sudden increase in blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, metabolism and blood sugar that helps us react quickly to stressful situations. When the danger is over our parasympathetic nervous system takes over with a compensating period of relaxation.
Keep Workplace Stress in Check
We've all been there--stress-filled days at work, mounting chores at home and endless tasks on our to-do lis.
We've all been there--stress-filled days at work, mounting chores at home and endless tasks on our to-do lis.
Fidgety Facts on Restless Legs
Picture, if you will, settling into an easy chair after a long day to watch your favourite television program or read a few chapters in your book.
Picture, if you will, settling into an easy chair after a long day to watch your favourite television program or read a few chapters in your book.
Herbs for Hectic Times
Famous author and personality Deepak Chopra likes to tell a story about a medical doctor who had not had a check-up for 25 years. When the doctor finally was compelled to get a physical for life insurance requirements, a large dark spot was found on his lung. It was diagnosed as inoperable cancer. A couple of months later, the doctor was dead.
Famous author and personality Deepak Chopra likes to tell a story about a medical doctor who had not had a check-up for 25 years. When the doctor finally was compelled to get a physical for life insurance requirements, a large dark spot was found on his lung. It was diagnosed as inoperable cancer. A couple of months later, the doctor was dead.
Standing Up to Back Pain
You're doubled over or lying flat with spasms. Every little move causes agony. If it's your back that hurts, the pain becomes the centre of your universe.
You're doubled over or lying flat with spasms. Every little move causes agony. If it's your back that hurts, the pain becomes the centre of your universe.
Life Acts, I React
Stress is a much-talked-about issue today. Current literature points to the impact it has on emotional, mental and physical health. I get very concerned when researchers tell me that stress is a main contributor in the development of both emotion- and age-related illnessess, including the dreaded cancer.
Stress is a much-talked-about issue today. Current literature points to the impact it has on emotional, mental and physical health. I get very concerned when researchers tell me that stress is a main contributor in the development of both emotion- and age-related illnessess, including the dreaded cancer.
Holiday Stress Soooothers
Christmas holidays are supposed to be festive and a time of relaxation. Yet for many, this season is the most stressful time of the year. Planning meals, vacations, buying presents, and everything else can wear the mind and body down.
Christmas holidays are supposed to be festive and a time of relaxation. Yet for many, this season is the most stressful time of the year. Planning meals, vacations, buying presents, and everything else can wear the mind and body down.
Avoiding Adrenal Exhaustion
Driven to be superwoman at home and on the job, you can overtax your hormones and eventually suffer burnout. But there is hope and hel.
Driven to be superwoman at home and on the job, you can overtax your hormones and eventually suffer burnout. But there is hope and hel.
Developing Your Personal Nutrient Plan
Each of us would do well to become more educated about our body and then develop a personalized vitamin-mineral program to suit.
Each of us would do well to become more educated about our body and then develop a personalized vitamin-mineral program to suit.
Freedom from Back and Neck Pain
For many people, a life free from back and neck pain is nothing but a dream. Sadly, in adults under 45, back and neck pain limits activity more than any other health complaint.
For many people, a life free from back and neck pain is nothing but a dream. Sadly, in adults under 45, back and neck pain limits activity more than any other health complaint.
The Source of Your Stress
Occupational noise is annoying, distracting and inhibits productivity, essentially impacting the bottom lin.
Occupational noise is annoying, distracting and inhibits productivity, essentially impacting the bottom lin.
Young and Stressed
Often unnoticed and untreated, stress is a huge factor in the health of Canadian children.
Often unnoticed and untreated, stress is a huge factor in the health of Canadian children.
Undress Your Stress
Do you ever find yourself saying, "I'm so stressed"? Well, what does this mean exactly? Stress is a very broad and often misunderstood concept.
Do you ever find yourself saying, "I'm so stressed"? Well, what does this mean exactly? Stress is a very broad and often misunderstood concept.
Exercise to Beat Joint Pain
If you suffer with joint pain don't wait until you feel better before you start exercising. Instead, start exercising to feel better! The longer you are inactive the harder it will be to start exercising and the worse your condition will become.
If you suffer with joint pain don't wait until you feel better before you start exercising. Instead, start exercising to feel better! The longer you are inactive the harder it will be to start exercising and the worse your condition will become.
Stories We Live By
For many people, the word "trauma" triggers images of terrible events afflicting the innocent: abuse, the death of loved ones, war, or natural disasters. The consequences of trauma on emotional health are well known and include mild to severe depression, anxiety, and panic attacks to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
For many people, the word "trauma" triggers images of terrible events afflicting the innocent: abuse, the death of loved ones, war, or natural disasters. The consequences of trauma on emotional health are well known and include mild to severe depression, anxiety, and panic attacks to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Don't "Waist" Time!
Most people these days will tell you that they are stressed. Chronic stress has been linked to North America's five leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, lung disease, accidents and cirrhosis of the live.
Most people these days will tell you that they are stressed. Chronic stress has been linked to North America's five leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, lung disease, accidents and cirrhosis of the live.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic is about much more than fixing pains in the neck and back. It's about reconnecting mind, body, and spirit. This natural, healing art can make significant changes in the quality of people's lives.
Chiropractic is about much more than fixing pains in the neck and back. It's about reconnecting mind, body, and spirit. This natural, healing art can make significant changes in the quality of people's lives.
The Science of Mood Foods
Why is it that the majority of diets seem to go down in a hail of cookies and ice cream? The answer usually lies in our inherited biochemistry. Back in the good old days (a few thousand years ago), food was not as plentiful as it is today.
Why is it that the majority of diets seem to go down in a hail of cookies and ice cream? The answer usually lies in our inherited biochemistry. Back in the good old days (a few thousand years ago), food was not as plentiful as it is today.
Holiday Stress
Ho, ho, hold the stress. The coming holiday season is supposed to be full of laughter but many find it full of stress. It has been estimated that about three-quarters of all visits to primary care physicians are for stress-related problems..
Ho, ho, hold the stress. The coming holiday season is supposed to be full of laughter but many find it full of stress. It has been estimated that about three-quarters of all visits to primary care physicians are for stress-related problems..
The Stress and Diabetes Link
Diabetes is a disease of civilization. It is a disease of unhealthy eating patterns, low levels of physical activity, and chronic emotional stress. Canada's aboriginal people provide a dramatic example. A few decades ago, diabetes was virtually unknown among the Cree nation of northwestern Ontario.
Diabetes is a disease of civilization. It is a disease of unhealthy eating patterns, low levels of physical activity, and chronic emotional stress. Canada's aboriginal people provide a dramatic example. A few decades ago, diabetes was virtually unknown among the Cree nation of northwestern Ontario.
Beating Christmas Stress
In an infamous experiment in the 1960s, lab researchers wanted to examine effects of stress on rats. First, they took an individual rat, isolated it, then injected it with increasing doses of amphetamines until, in the name of science, the poor rat died. Next, researchers did the same to a group of rats in a confined area..
In an infamous experiment in the 1960s, lab researchers wanted to examine effects of stress on rats. First, they took an individual rat, isolated it, then injected it with increasing doses of amphetamines until, in the name of science, the poor rat died. Next, researchers did the same to a group of rats in a confined area..
Stress Busters
Children often feel our stress at this time of year, so what can we do to lessen its effects? We don't want stressed-out children to bottle up their emotions, creating emotional and physical effects. You can help your children develop skills to express and release their feelings to maintain good emotional health..
Children often feel our stress at this time of year, so what can we do to lessen its effects? We don't want stressed-out children to bottle up their emotions, creating emotional and physical effects. You can help your children develop skills to express and release their feelings to maintain good emotional health..
Get a Grip on Arthritis and Other Inflammatory Disorders
In her book, Get a Grip on Arthritis and Other Inflammatory Disorders, Lorna Vanderhaeghe clearly demonstrates her belief in empowering people with health knowledge so they can achieve optimal wellness.
In her book, Get a Grip on Arthritis and Other Inflammatory Disorders, Lorna Vanderhaeghe clearly demonstrates her belief in empowering people with health knowledge so they can achieve optimal wellness.
Stressed Out
If you're like so many other people, you're stressed from the moment you wake up until you hit the sack some 16 hours late.
If you're like so many other people, you're stressed from the moment you wake up until you hit the sack some 16 hours late.
Metabolic Aging
Everybody wants to live a long and healthy life. If you carry excess body fat on your frame, though, you may be setting yourself up for a shorter lifespan than the one you were aiming for.
Everybody wants to live a long and healthy life. If you carry excess body fat on your frame, though, you may be setting yourself up for a shorter lifespan than the one you were aiming for.
Stress Less
The alarm goes off at 7 am. You manage to drag your body out of bed. Once you've been jolted awake by that large cup of coffee, the mental list begins in your head. Before you realize it, tension mounts and you've worked yourself up into a frenzy..
The alarm goes off at 7 am. You manage to drag your body out of bed. Once you've been jolted awake by that large cup of coffee, the mental list begins in your head. Before you realize it, tension mounts and you've worked yourself up into a frenzy..
Suffer Less From Stress
Do you feel stressed a lot of the time? Maybe you're convinced that nothing can be done, except moving to a remote island and throwing away your cell phone. Wait a minute, though.
Do you feel stressed a lot of the time? Maybe you're convinced that nothing can be done, except moving to a remote island and throwing away your cell phone. Wait a minute, though.
Stress and Your Health
Burnout has been defined as a state of mental and/or physical exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. The physical toll of burnout can be very high, yet it is often overlooked as a key influence on health.
Burnout has been defined as a state of mental and/or physical exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. The physical toll of burnout can be very high, yet it is often overlooked as a key influence on health.
Bone Health
Our bones are alive and are constantly being renovated: old bone is dismantled, removed, and replaced with new bone. We continue to build bone mass until our early thirties and then our bodies simply work to retain existing bone.
Our bones are alive and are constantly being renovated: old bone is dismantled, removed, and replaced with new bone. We continue to build bone mass until our early thirties and then our bodies simply work to retain existing bone.
Bone Health for Children
By the time you are in your early 20s, you have reached your peak in bone mass development. After this age you can expect a slow and steady decline to occur each year.
By the time you are in your early 20s, you have reached your peak in bone mass development. After this age you can expect a slow and steady decline to occur each year.
Hyaluronic Acid
Joint pain can be burning, stiffness, an ache or tenderness. However it manifests, we want it to go away!
Joint pain can be burning, stiffness, an ache or tenderness. However it manifests, we want it to go away!
The good news is that a new natural compound has recently come to light that successfully alleviates joint pain.
Working Well
You're sitting at your desk, slouching at the end of a tiring day, stressed about deadlines and staring at a computer screen, but focusing instead on your headache, stiff neck, sore hands, or aching back.
You're sitting at your desk, slouching at the end of a tiring day, stressed about deadlines and staring at a computer screen, but focusing instead on your headache, stiff neck, sore hands, or aching back.
Osteopenia
Osteopenia is not a disease. It is a condition marked by a decrease in optimum bone density that can be a precursor to osteoporosis, where bones become brittle and subject to fractures. Data from the Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study show that osteopenia affects 46 percent of women and 39 percent of men aged 50 and over.
Osteopenia is not a disease. It is a condition marked by a decrease in optimum bone density that can be a precursor to osteoporosis, where bones become brittle and subject to fractures. Data from the Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study show that osteopenia affects 46 percent of women and 39 percent of men aged 50 and over.
De-Stressing Our Children This Holiday Season
When we think of the holiday season, weconjure up images of beautifully wrappedpresents, out-of-town relatives, and delicious food. Yet, even though the holidayseason can be filled with joy and abundance, this time of year can also bequite stressful for adults and children.
When we think of the holiday season, weconjure up images of beautifully wrappedpresents, out-of-town relatives, and delicious food. Yet, even though the holidayseason can be filled with joy and abundance, this time of year can also bequite stressful for adults and children.
Rough Day?
Time to relax and rejuvenate. Right? So why are we still feeling stressed? Medical science now knows that stress is a contributing factor in virtually all disease.
Time to relax and rejuvenate. Right? So why are we still feeling stressed? Medical science now knows that stress is a contributing factor in virtually all disease.
Bone-Building Foods
If your idea of bone-building foods starts and ends with a glass of milk, it's time to go global and expand your culinary horizon. The narrow focus on dairy foods as the only source of bone-building nutrients is rapidly changing to encompass a broader perspective.
If your idea of bone-building foods starts and ends with a glass of milk, it's time to go global and expand your culinary horizon. The narrow focus on dairy foods as the only source of bone-building nutrients is rapidly changing to encompass a broader perspective.
Triumph Over Stress
Nicole stumbled into my examination room clutching her stomach. She'd had severe abdominal cramps for over two weeks. Tense and anxious, Nicole was convinced that she had developed some terrible disease like cancer.
Nicole stumbled into my examination room clutching her stomach. She'd had severe abdominal cramps for over two weeks. Tense and anxious, Nicole was convinced that she had developed some terrible disease like cancer.
Stress and Your Metabolism
Is everyone stressed these days? According to Kenneth Pelletier, PhD, author of Mind as Healer, Mind as Slayer (Stanford University Press, 2002), between 80 and 90 percent of all illnesses are linked to stress, and 75 to 90 percent of all visits to the doctor are for stress and anxiety-related concerns.
Is everyone stressed these days? According to Kenneth Pelletier, PhD, author of Mind as Healer, Mind as Slayer (Stanford University Press, 2002), between 80 and 90 percent of all illnesses are linked to stress, and 75 to 90 percent of all visits to the doctor are for stress and anxiety-related concerns.
Relaxation Response
Fifty-one percent of Canadians are overweight and 59 percent report feeling moderately stressed. Coincidence? Nutritional psychologist Marc David doesn't think so. In his book The Slow Down Diet (Healing Arts, 2005), David suggests that if we want to burn calories at maximum levels, we may need to calm our stress levels.
Fifty-one percent of Canadians are overweight and 59 percent report feeling moderately stressed. Coincidence? Nutritional psychologist Marc David doesn't think so. In his book The Slow Down Diet (Healing Arts, 2005), David suggests that if we want to burn calories at maximum levels, we may need to calm our stress levels.
Chiropractic for Wellness
Born in 1845 in Port Perry, Ontario, chiropractic founder DD Palmer discovered the pivotal role that the nerve system plays in achieving and maintaining health, pioneering what has become the world's largest natural health profession.
Born in 1845 in Port Perry, Ontario, chiropractic founder DD Palmer discovered the pivotal role that the nerve system plays in achieving and maintaining health, pioneering what has become the world's largest natural health profession.
Rest Assured
Many of us have become so driven and overwhelmed by the demands of work and life that we tend to place a low priority on taking a regular time out to self-heal and regenerate.
Many of us have become so driven and overwhelmed by the demands of work and life that we tend to place a low priority on taking a regular time out to self-heal and regenerate.
Conception's Catch-22
We've all heard of couples who spend years undergoing all manner of tests, procedures, and infertility treatments in trying to conceive their first child. Many achieve their miracle through adoption-and then successfully conceive. Researchers have been studying the stress/fertility paradox and some are now suggesting a link.
We've all heard of couples who spend years undergoing all manner of tests, procedures, and infertility treatments in trying to conceive their first child. Many achieve their miracle through adoption-and then successfully conceive. Researchers have been studying the stress/fertility paradox and some are now suggesting a link.
The Role of Reflexology in Wellness
Reflexology is an effective way to relieve stress. Ask anyone who has experienced reflexology; they will describe how it relaxed them, and they often go on to describe the benefits that resulted.
Reflexology is an effective way to relieve stress. Ask anyone who has experienced reflexology; they will describe how it relaxed them, and they often go on to describe the benefits that resulted.
Five Steps from Fine to Fabulous
We all have the power to influence our health and well-being through the choices we make every day.
We all have the power to influence our health and well-being through the choices we make every day.
The Copper Connection
Copper is at the core of normal body function. Without copper, we cannot form superoxide dismutase, the superpower of all antioxidants. Copper also helps our bodies create collagen, the protein that forms healthy joints and supple, young skin. And it has a role in helping our bodies store iron, a critical component of the formation of hemoglobin in red blood cells.
Copper is at the core of normal body function. Without copper, we cannot form superoxide dismutase, the superpower of all antioxidants. Copper also helps our bodies create collagen, the protein that forms healthy joints and supple, young skin. And it has a role in helping our bodies store iron, a critical component of the formation of hemoglobin in red blood cells.
Prehistoric Horsetail and Modern Healing
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is a direct descendant of the giant fern-like plants that covered the Earth some 200 million years ago. Today a much smaller version of this prehistoric perennial, resembling asparagus, can be found growing in moist or sandy soil along shady steams and creeks in early spring.
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is a direct descendant of the giant fern-like plants that covered the Earth some 200 million years ago. Today a much smaller version of this prehistoric perennial, resembling asparagus, can be found growing in moist or sandy soil along shady steams and creeks in early spring.
Food and Mood
The relationship between food and mood is mediated by both psychological and physiological factors. It is clear that food can influence mood while mood can influence food choices. It is a complex relationship and based on taste, experience, expectations, culture, stressors, and nutritional status.
The relationship between food and mood is mediated by both psychological and physiological factors. It is clear that food can influence mood while mood can influence food choices. It is a complex relationship and based on taste, experience, expectations, culture, stressors, and nutritional status.
Antiaging or Healthy Aging?
With the growing number of baby boomers entering their golden years, interest in antiaging is at an all-time high. Although we may not be able to stop the aging process, healthy aging can help minimize the effects of time by optimizing our health along the way.
With the growing number of baby boomers entering their golden years, interest in antiaging is at an all-time high. Although we may not be able to stop the aging process, healthy aging can help minimize the effects of time by optimizing our health along the way.
Silent, but Preventable
Osteoporosis, literally "thinning of bone, is a disease involving genetics, endocrine function, and exercise and nutritional habits that leads to bone fragility and risk of fracture, especially of the hip, spine, and wrist.
Osteoporosis, literally "thinning of bone, is a disease involving genetics, endocrine function, and exercise and nutritional habits that leads to bone fragility and risk of fracture, especially of the hip, spine, and wrist.
Natural Stress Reduction
Casein hydrolysate and magnolia bark, two supplements with a sedative effect, may help decrease the release of the body's stress hormones and fight the battle against belly fat. Fat cells in the belly have three times the number of stress hormone receptors and therefore attract three times the amount of stored fat to the region.
Casein hydrolysate and magnolia bark, two supplements with a sedative effect, may help decrease the release of the body's stress hormones and fight the battle against belly fat. Fat cells in the belly have three times the number of stress hormone receptors and therefore attract three times the amount of stored fat to the region.
Muscle Pain
Dr Leyton:I am 66 years old and when I wake up after eight hours of sleep I'm in violent pain all over my body. I'm also so stiff it's a great effort to put my socks on or my leg muscles will cramp.
Dr Leyton:I am 66 years old and when I wake up after eight hours of sleep I'm in violent pain all over my body. I'm also so stiff it's a great effort to put my socks on or my leg muscles will cramp.
Here's to health
Those who drink alcohol, coffee, tea, and colas or eat chocolate are robbing their muscles of precious water, which can lead to a decrease in muscle strength and reduce muscle hypertrophy (enlargement).
Those who drink alcohol, coffee, tea, and colas or eat chocolate are robbing their muscles of precious water, which can lead to a decrease in muscle strength and reduce muscle hypertrophy (enlargement).
Soak Up the Relaxation
Long-term emotional or environmental stresses can be hard on the body, mind, and emotions. Quality essential oils have powerful yet subtle effects on emotions and can help relieve stress and anxiety when used in baths, massages, or in aromatherapy diffusers.
Long-term emotional or environmental stresses can be hard on the body, mind, and emotions. Quality essential oils have powerful yet subtle effects on emotions and can help relieve stress and anxiety when used in baths, massages, or in aromatherapy diffusers.
10 Healthy Ways to Restore Inner Balance and Calm
The children are getting on your nerves, nothing's going right at work, and it looks like it's going to stay that way until your holiday. You're feeling stressed, like nearly half of Canadians (45 percent) who told Ipsos Reid in a 2006 survey that their stress levels are out of control.
The children are getting on your nerves, nothing's going right at work, and it looks like it's going to stay that way until your holiday. You're feeling stressed, like nearly half of Canadians (45 percent) who told Ipsos Reid in a 2006 survey that their stress levels are out of control.
Osteopathic Medicine
Of all of the natural and holistic health care disciplines, osteopathic medicine is one of the fastest growing, providing a viable and noninvasive alternative to risky surgeries or expensive diagnostic procedures.
Of all of the natural and holistic health care disciplines, osteopathic medicine is one of the fastest growing, providing a viable and noninvasive alternative to risky surgeries or expensive diagnostic procedures.
Food and Mood
Food affects mood, influencing the production of neurotransmitters in the brain. Our moods, in turn, affect our desires for certain foods.
Food affects mood, influencing the production of neurotransmitters in the brain. Our moods, in turn, affect our desires for certain foods.
L-theanine
Job pressures, family responsibilities, financial pressures, traffic, and time management are just a few of the stressors most of us face on a daily basis. Prescriptions for drugs that are supposed to improve anxiety, mood, and sleep are at an all-time high.
Job pressures, family responsibilities, financial pressures, traffic, and time management are just a few of the stressors most of us face on a daily basis. Prescriptions for drugs that are supposed to improve anxiety, mood, and sleep are at an all-time high.
Adapting to Stress
What is stress, exactly? Simply put, it is any change to our normal physiology that can be brought on by a stressor-anything from sudden, traumatic experiences to smaller, ongoing pressures that seem ncontrollable. Even joyous occasions are associated with a degree of stress.
What is stress, exactly? Simply put, it is any change to our normal physiology that can be brought on by a stressor-anything from sudden, traumatic experiences to smaller, ongoing pressures that seem ncontrollable. Even joyous occasions are associated with a degree of stress.
A Day in the Life...
She jumps out of bed; rushes to the bath; notices her belly, avoids the scales; dashes to the kitchen, no time for breakfast, then out the door; grabs a coffee on her way to work; up the elevator; straight to her desk, face like flint, no time for hello, too much to do.
She jumps out of bed; rushes to the bath; notices her belly, avoids the scales; dashes to the kitchen, no time for breakfast, then out the door; grabs a coffee on her way to work; up the elevator; straight to her desk, face like flint, no time for hello, too much to do.
Yes, You can Care too Much...
A family caregiver, according to the Caregivers Association of BC (caregiverbc.ca), is anyone who provides unpaid care and support to an adult friend or family member who is disabled, chronically ill, frail, or elderly.
A family caregiver, according to the Caregivers Association of BC (caregiverbc.ca), is anyone who provides unpaid care and support to an adult friend or family member who is disabled, chronically ill, frail, or elderly.
It's Your Life to Live
From crackberries to virtual reality, North Americans are addicted to speed, technology, distraction, achieving, and packing as much as possible into each day. While this lifestyle offers excitement, it does not leave much room for fulfillment, contentment, or health on any meaningful level.
From crackberries to virtual reality, North Americans are addicted to speed, technology, distraction, achieving, and packing as much as possible into each day. While this lifestyle offers excitement, it does not leave much room for fulfillment, contentment, or health on any meaningful level.
Staying Strong
Healthy eating and regular exercising are both proven to be beneficial for bone health. We can also use supplements available at natural health stores to help keep our bones and joints strong and working well.
Healthy eating and regular exercising are both proven to be beneficial for bone health. We can also use supplements available at natural health stores to help keep our bones and joints strong and working well.
The Bone-Building Solution
Few writers have the power to influence their audience as readily as Sam Graci. His generous personality always shines through, motivating readers to better understand health and improve their personal lives.
Few writers have the power to influence their audience as readily as Sam Graci. His generous personality always shines through, motivating readers to better understand health and improve their personal lives.
A Season of Stress
It was the Hungarian-born researcher Hans Selye who first began piecing together the puzzle of human stress in the 1930s.
It was the Hungarian-born researcher Hans Selye who first began piecing together the puzzle of human stress in the 1930s.
Planning to Ward Off Post-Season Blahs
No one could ever accuse me of being a grinch-the weeks and days leading up to December 25th are a flurry of shopping, baking, and planning. The day itself is always a good time, too-though seldom exactly how I had envisioned it. But then it's over...
No one could ever accuse me of being a grinch-the weeks and days leading up to December 25th are a flurry of shopping, baking, and planning. The day itself is always a good time, too-though seldom exactly how I had envisioned it. But then it's over...
A Good Place to Work
Money matters-but it's not the only thing we care about. To ensure employee retention and satisfaction, enlightened employers know the value of developing a healthy workplace culture.
Money matters-but it's not the only thing we care about. To ensure employee retention and satisfaction, enlightened employers know the value of developing a healthy workplace culture.
You May Be Physically Fit...But Are You Financially Fit?
Sue and Mark and their two children live an active, healthy lifestyle. Yet Sue suffers from insomnia and tension headaches and she's had a series of colds over the past year. Sue visited the doctor recently. The diagnosis? Stress. Seems that anxiety about the family's finances is making her sick.
Sue and Mark and their two children live an active, healthy lifestyle. Yet Sue suffers from insomnia and tension headaches and she's had a series of colds over the past year. Sue visited the doctor recently. The diagnosis? Stress. Seems that anxiety about the family's finances is making her sick.
Relax
As a working mom trying to balance all of my responsibilities, tension can feel overwhelming at times. That's when these five stress-busting exercises can really help. After 10 minutes invested in any one of these exercises, I usually feel relaxed and ready for anything. Try these quick, easy ways to combat stress and anxiety. You'll find they fit easily into even the busiest day.
As a working mom trying to balance all of my responsibilities, tension can feel overwhelming at times. That's when these five stress-busting exercises can really help. After 10 minutes invested in any one of these exercises, I usually feel relaxed and ready for anything. Try these quick, easy ways to combat stress and anxiety. You'll find they fit easily into even the busiest day.
Take a Deep Breath
Stress is pervasive in our frenzied lives, but how many of us know how to truly relax? To find the answer to this question, I talked to stress management guru Eli Bay and discovered that you don't have to be lying on a beach in the Bahamas to unwind.
Stress is pervasive in our frenzied lives, but how many of us know how to truly relax? To find the answer to this question, I talked to stress management guru Eli Bay and discovered that you don't have to be lying on a beach in the Bahamas to unwind.
Daily Spiritual Rituals
We've all known people who, despite the challenges and stresses they face in their daily lives, manage to project calmness and serenity that belie the surrounding maelstrom. Have you ever wondered how they achieve such tranquility?
We've all known people who, despite the challenges and stresses they face in their daily lives, manage to project calmness and serenity that belie the surrounding maelstrom. Have you ever wondered how they achieve such tranquility?
Building Buff Bones
Our 206 bones are dynamic living tissue. Within our bones, there is a balance between the cells that build up bone and those that tear it down. Both processes are essential for optimal bone health.
Our 206 bones are dynamic living tissue. Within our bones, there is a balance between the cells that build up bone and those that tear it down. Both processes are essential for optimal bone health.
Worrying Ourselves to Death
Have you ever tried counting your worries? While drafting this article I managed to squeeze in worries about my gobbled-down breakfast, my half-baked plans for the rest of the day, and what I can do to ease pain in various aching body parts-to name but a few ever-nagging worries.
Have you ever tried counting your worries? While drafting this article I managed to squeeze in worries about my gobbled-down breakfast, my half-baked plans for the rest of the day, and what I can do to ease pain in various aching body parts-to name but a few ever-nagging worries.
The Sandwich Generation
When Naz Deravian became a mom for the first time, she found herself embracing her new baby girl, Luna, and her new role, with utter joy. But the 36-year-old actor was also worried about her own mom, who at the time was undergoing treatment for breast cancer.
When Naz Deravian became a mom for the first time, she found herself embracing her new baby girl, Luna, and her new role, with utter joy. But the 36-year-old actor was also worried about her own mom, who at the time was undergoing treatment for breast cancer.
Yogic Relief
If you suffer from lower back pain, the relief you've been looking for may be a little farther than the medicine cabinet, but as close as the local community centre. There you may find yoga teachers who are familiar with the therapeutic aspects of yoga for lower back pain.
If you suffer from lower back pain, the relief you've been looking for may be a little farther than the medicine cabinet, but as close as the local community centre. There you may find yoga teachers who are familiar with the therapeutic aspects of yoga for lower back pain.
The Spectrum
Dean Ornish is a high-profile name where alternative medicine is concerned. A 30-year veteran of North America's controversial diet wars, Ornish is consistently lauded by the scientific community for his work in reversing heart disease and other illnesses through dietary and lifestyle changes.
Dean Ornish is a high-profile name where alternative medicine is concerned. A 30-year veteran of North America's controversial diet wars, Ornish is consistently lauded by the scientific community for his work in reversing heart disease and other illnesses through dietary and lifestyle changes.
Seasonal Stress-Busting
The holiday season can be a time of comfort and joy, but it can also be a time of stress as we cope with overeating, overspending, traffic jams, holiday travel, office parties, and family dramas.
The holiday season can be a time of comfort and joy, but it can also be a time of stress as we cope with overeating, overspending, traffic jams, holiday travel, office parties, and family dramas.
Caregiver's Thrive Guide
Relieving stress helps you stay healthy as a caregiver—because if you’re not taking good care of yourself, you can’t take good care of others.
Relieving stress helps you stay healthy as a caregiver—because if you’re not taking good care of yourself, you can’t take good care of others.
Stress Less
Many Canadians suffer from stress. It’s the root cause of numerous health challenges we experience. Finding ways to reduce stress is essential to improve our health and our quality of life.
Many Canadians suffer from stress. It’s the root cause of numerous health challenges we experience. Finding ways to reduce stress is essential to improve our health and our quality of life.
Holistic Health Care
If you’re a holdout because you don’t know the difference between naturopaths and homeopaths, let this introductory guide, well, guide you.
If you’re a holdout because you don’t know the difference between naturopaths and homeopaths, let this introductory guide, well, guide you.
