Safe Alternative Methods to Quit Smoking

With countless individuals hooked to cigarette smoking, it's no wonder many are overwhelmed with products and programs that would supposedly help smokers quit their addiction. It's no surprise that many smokers who want to kick the habit are also trying alternative methods to help them achieve their goal. Acupuncture and aromatherapy are some of some forms of alternative medicine that are used by many individuals who want to quit cigarette smoking. Understanding these methods are essential in a smoker's goal to quit the habit.

Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine which is commonly used to beat addictions which may include smoking. It is said that acupuncturists use thin needles to activate the body's “qi” or health energy. Nourishing the “qi” which supposedly flows through the body through defined pathways called meridians is the main focus of acupuncture. According to Chinese medicine, addiction like smoking may hamper the flow of the “qi” and lead to illness. Recent medical studies suggest that this form of ancient treatment may indeed help an individual quit smoking. Acupuncture has been shown to increase the levels of endorphins in the body. Endorphins or endogenous morphins are the body's natural pain killer which may also soothe nicotine cravings. Many medical experts recommend this method for individuals who want to quit cigarette smoking.

Aromatherapy is also an ancient form of medicine that originated from Egyptian and Roman cultures. In those times, plant oils as well as flowers were used for medicinal as well as fragrant purposes. It is said that the scent of essential oils may enable the lymphatic system, nervous system, and circulatory system to work properly. When this is achieved, the mind and the body may function at optimum levels and relieve stress in the process. According to many studies, many individuals smoke to relieve feelings of stress. Relieving stress through alternative means such as aromatherapy may aid individuals who want to cut the habit.

The said benefits of alternative medicine in terms of quitting cigarette smoking are not conclusive and need more studies to be verified. Individuals who want to engage in alternative methods to quit smoking should seek the approval of doctors before taking them. Some so-called alternatives have not been properly tested for safety and effectiveness. Some essential oils used in aromatherapy may cause bleeding in the uterus and cause miscarriage.

Alternative medication cannot do all the work for individuals who want to quit cigarette smoking. The best and effective way to quit smoking involves determination, discipline, and commitment to stop the habit permanently. Engaging in alternative methods can help smokers cut the habit by making them more comfortable and complacent to adjust to life without cigarettes.

If this form of medication does not work, smokers may also use scientifically proven over-the-counter products and prescription drugs that are designed to quit smoking. Quit smoking products are available in pills, patches, gums, and many more. These products, however, should be used with extreme caution because of the side effects that they may bring. The approval of doctors should be sought before taking quit smoking products. With the right tools and attitude, quitting cigarette smoking can be achieved permanently.

Get Healthy, Quit Smoking

Once you start to smoke, there is no turning back. Nicotine is one of the most addictive, harmful, and widely used class of drugs in the world. Responsible for 440,000 deaths each year, tobacco and nicotine products still sell briskly almost anywhere — from corner stores, supermarkets, and liquor stores found all over the country. Since there are a variety of health problems linked to smoking, majority of the smokers actually want to get rid of their nicotine addiction. But as with any addictive habit, this is easier said than done. Most people who quit smoking experience withdrawal symptoms that makes it hard for them to quit completely.

There are certain reminders one must keep in mind when trying to quit smoking. First, try and pick a good time for quitting. Avoid quitting during the holiday season, during finals week, or right before a big presentation. Times like these gets the smoker's stress levels high, therefore making it even more hard for them to quit. Second, the smoker may gain a small amount of weight when trying to quit, which is considered normal. Most smokers gain between five to ten pounds after quitting due to their decreased metabolism that quitting nicotine can cause. Weight gains of more than ten pounds are usually caused by those who substitute food for their cigarettes. Lastly, be prepared to try and quit for more than once. A lot of smokers are not fully successful with their first trial to quit smoking, and needs a couple more tries before finally quitting for good. Like anything worth doing, it may take a while before a person gets it done.

Preparation is needed when one decides to quit. Setting up a date; removing all tobacco products and accessories like ashtrays, lighters, matches); letting friends and family members know about it; and talking to a doctor would be the best areas to focus on when quitting. All these will help in minimizing the importance of smoking, as well as giving the smoker a chance to quit without having too much trouble.

To further help a person trying o quit smoking, medications are available to help reduce nicotine cravings and may also relieve depression symptoms for those who may feel depressed during their “ordeal.” There are also nicotine patches available that provides a constant stream of nicotine to the system so that nicotine levels in one's system remains constant throughout the day. Nicotine gum is a replacement therapy that allows nicotine to be delivered to the bloodstream by being absorbed by the tissues in one's mouth. This often works for people who have an oral fixation of smoking. Nicotine inhalers are good for administering small doses of nicotine whenever cravings arrive. Lozenges slowly dissolves in the mouth as it releases nicotine into the bloodstream. Compared to nicotine gum, lozenges deliver nicotine to the brain quicker than the patch, making it easier to respond to nicotine cravings.

If one decides to quit smoking, several benefits would come along their way. It would decrease their risk of lung cancer, heart attacks, strokes, chronic lung diseases, and a variety of other cancers. By quitting, this can help stop the effects of tobacco in one's appearance, including premature wrinkling, bad breath, stained teeth, yellow fingernails, and gum diseases. By quitting smoking, this could also decrease the health risk of loved ones, or those around one's environment. Get healthy and quit smoking!

Preventing Back Pain

Statistics show that back pain still plagues many of us and remains a leading cause of days off work and long term disability. Many put this down to excessive hours sat at desks and the general lack of quality activity in many of our lives. However, it does not take a huge amount of time to introduce activities that help prevent and manage back problems.

Conventional Approach

In most instances the conventional approach seems to consist of a prescription for pain killers or anti-inflamatories. While these may ease the symptoms they do nothing to prevent the cause or future problems. While a quick visit to your GP is wise to ensure your back pain is not caused by any serious medical condition, research suggests many GPs feel inadequately trained to assess and diagnose back pain[1]

What Causes Back Pain

Our spine is an amazing structure made from 33 small bones called vertebrae, that are separated by discs of a soft jelly like substance and which is supported by series of interconnected muscles that interact with each other to stabilise the spine during movement. The discs absorb shock and allow nerve roots to leave the spine while the muscles hold us upright for all of our working day.

Back pain can be due to a muscle strain or spasm, it can be due to decreased space between the vertebrae or pinching and irritated nerves. Back pain can be the result of injury to the vertebrae or ligaments or the result of disease. Obviously, due to the varying nature of back pain, the first port of call should always be your GP to check that nothing serious is wrong.

Preventing Back Pain

Preventing back ache begins by encouraging strong core muscles. By ensuring the muscles supporting the spine are strong we reduce the risk of injury from activities such as lifting and bending. One of the most effect ways of strengthening these muscles is with a device known as a FLEXI-BAR. Originally designed as a physiotherapists tool, the FLEXI-BAR is a simple, 5ft long, fibre-glass rod with a rubber hand-grip in the centre and 2 fixed end weights that vibrates when shaken. By shaking the flexi-bar, the all of your supporting muscles are made to contract and relax at least 290 times a minute. This results in stronger, more efficient core muscles that keep the back stable. While the exercise in itself can help with pain caused from muscle spasm a strong core reduces the chance of future muscle spasm. The good news is that vibration training with a flexi-bar is so effective that as little as 10 minutes 3 times a week can produce results.

Reducing Back Pain

It is not surprising that back pain is something that often comes with ageing. Not only do our core muscles weaken, but gravity is constantly compressing our spine, making the disc smaller and reducing the space for nerves between the vertebrae. This can be seen by the temporary loss in height experienced daily during our waking hours. Studies show that we may lose between 1.3 and 1.9 cm during the course of average day due to the compressional effects of gravity. This can lead to back pain.

However, studies have shown that being safely and comfortably inverted on an inversion table results in a stretch that elongates the whole back and increases the distance between the vertebrae [2], that in turn reduces the pressure on the nerves and discs in the spine. This reduction in pressure can result in a reduction of back pain.

This is the most effective position for releasing pressure on the discs between vertebrae [3] as even when laying down, there is compression pressure from ligaments in the spinal column acting like rubber bands.

Being inverted for just 10 seconds can result in 35% less back pain. The good news is that this has been found safe and effective for home use [5]

Conclusion

Combining a routine to strengthen core muscles using the FLEXI-BAR and spending a few minutes each day on an inversion table should significantly reduce the risk of back pain associated with ageing and injury. Due to the effective nature of inversion and vibration training this can be done without major lifestyle changes or demands on time.

[1] http://www.elsevier-international.com/e-books/viewbook.cfm?ID=841

[2] Kane, M, et al: Effects of Gravity-facilitated Traction on Intervertebral Dimensions of the Lumbar Spine. Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Phys Ther. 281-288, Mar 85

[3] Nachemson, A and Elfstrom, G: Intravital Dynamic Pressure Measurements in Lumbar Discs. Scandinavian Journal of Rehab Medicine, supplement, 1970.

[4] Nosse, L.: Inverted Spinal Traction. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 59: 367-370, Aug 78.

[5] Meshino, J.: The Role of Spinal Inverted Traction in Chiropractic Practice. ACA Journal of Chiropractic 18:63-68, Feb 84.

Run For Your Life

There are different reasons why people engage in running or jogging. Some run for health reasons, which means that they see running as a way to get physically fit. Others are more specific in their goals and motivations on hitting the road. There are runners who engage in the activity to lose that excess weight. Still, others see running as a means to release stress and tension.
There is another group of runners who enjoy this form of sport for the simple fact that they find it leisurely. Running can actually be a leisurely way of spending time with family and friends, or a way of meeting new acquaintances, and even starting new relationships. For the more serious, running is for sports and competition. To compete with other runners or joggers in a race gives them their natural high.

Whatever the reason may be, running and jogging are definitely beneficial to a person's well-being. A person who is into regular jogging or engages in a running program is bound to be physically fit. Running burns fat and enables a person to lose more calories per minute as compared to other forms of cardiovascular exercise.
Running also helps prevent muscle and bone loss that naturally accompanies old age. The pressure that is created on the knees and legs during running actually help strenghten bones, muscles and ligaments ---- provided that one runs in a proper manner. Regular daily tasks such as sitting in front of the computer the whole day weakens the bones unlike when one goes for a run. Regular, high-intensity exercises have been proven to encourage human growth hormone, keeping our internal anatomy from getting old fast while helping us to look young and vibrant.
The ability to resist illness is another benefit that can be attributed to running or jogging. Amazingly, it reduces the risk of heart stroke and breast cancer that doctors have made it a point to include regular running as a treatment option for those patients with early signs of osteoporosis, diabetes, and hypertension. The risk of heart attack is greatly reduced by running which lowers blood pressure and maintains the elasticity of arteries.
Running also aids in raising HDL or good cholesterol, reducing the risk of blood clotting, and promotes 50% of lung function that is usually not being used. Also, the immune system gets that needed boost from running by producing a higher concentration of lymphocytes or white blood cells that is crucial in fighting illnesses.
The list of the rewards you can get from running does not end with improved health but extends to psychological benefits as well.
As if the health benefits of having a regular jogging or running program is not enough, there are also mental or psychological advantages and rewards to be reaped from running such as building your self-esteem and self-confidence, gaining an effective tool for stress management, the attitude boost, and the runner's high.

Running allows the person to have a sense of pride, empowerment and freedom due to the knowledge that his/her body is at its best and capable of climbing the uphill or clearing the obstacles on the way. The confidence-building and improved self-image goes hand-in-hand with losing weight. Running builds confidence like few other individual sports can. It allows the runner to defeat trial after trial, growing stronger and more sure of themselves with each stroke and stride. It allows a runner to literally climb hills, overcome mountains, and clear obstacles. It provides a feeling of empowerment and freedom that comes with knowing that your legs and body are strong and capable. Confidence is even more a product of running for those who lose weight and gain a better self-image through running. Indeed, a day's jogging can greatly reduce stress levels and tension.

Inspite of the great benefits attributed to running and jogging, one must not overlook the fact that caution is needed in everything. Too much running may cause a person to lose a lot of fluids in the body more than what he/she takes in. This will result to dehydration. Dehydration will not only cause a runner to slow down but can also cause muscle spasms in the legs due to the depletion of essential electrolytes in the body. Muscle spasm is the involuntary contraction of a muscles in the legs that is which can last for a few seconds or may extend to several minutes, and is often very painful. Sometimes, it is called “charley horse.” The muscle does not simply relax by a mere wishful thinking. Deep breathing and relaxation exercises may help the muscle to relax a bit. More often than not, people actually contract other muscles in response to the pain of a charley horse, which can make the duration of the muscle spasm longer. To counter dehydration, one must restore the proper balance of water in the body. Stay away from caffeine in coffee, sodas, and tea. Caffeine is a diuretic. It makes you urinate more frequentlythan you usually need to.

Before you engage in a running or jogging program, be sure to consult your doctor to check on the condition of your health, especially your heart. Make sure your limbs are properly stretched to avoid any muscle injuries. Drink lots of water or other fluids to avoid dehydration.

Beet - A Great Fighter Of Diseases

Beetroot is one of the most common ingredients used in a salad. With a hard exterior the sweet mouth-watering interior makes it worthwhile to have this vegetable. There are different types of beet like reddish-purple hue, other varieties like white, golden-yellow or sometimes even multi-colored. It has a good content of sugar in comparison to other vegetables.

Even though they are very high on sugar their calorie content is very low. With the immense number of benefits it protects you from heart disease, birth related short-comings and cancer like colon cancer. It runs a long battle which is fought against this cancer. Beets can be eaten in many forms such as raw, juice, cooked and pickled.

The level of antioxidant increases in liver. The cholesterol level also falls which is one of key areas of concern for many cardiovascular diseases. People suffering from kidney or gallbladder problems should avoid eating beet. People who want to increase their calcium content should also avoid eating beet as it may prove to be a hindrance in building calcium.

Home Remedies from Beet

It is very useful in fighting anaemia as it contains potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sulfur, iodine, copper, carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamin B1, B2, B6, niacin and vitamin P.

Beet gets rid of dandruff. By boiling the top and root of the beet in water and later the water used on your scalp every night makes a huge difference. If you can find white beet it would work even better.

Having raw beet and even in juice form at least couple a times a day can refresh you and rejuvenate you from a tired day.

Having carrot and beet juice or cucumber juice has known to work against allergies. A combination of all these juices, in a day is good enough for a daily battle.

To fight appendicitis you should use the combination of beet and cucumber juice 100 ml, mixed with 300 ml of carrot juice. If this is consumed twice daily, it may just do the needful.

The beet juice is also known to be very useful to fight arteriosclerosis. It helps to keep the blood vessels and the arterial system in a very sound condition. You can use combination of different vegetables like carrots, spinach and beet to make a great concoction.

Arthritis is a very problematic condition. You can fight it by having a green juice from any leafy vegetable which is mixed in equal proportion with carrot, celery and beet juice. The presence of alkaline content in the raw juices dissolves the deposits accumulated around the joints and other tissues.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

When Your Cold is More Than Just a Cold

Sometimes you may think that you only have a simple cold. But oftentimes symptoms of your cold begin to worsen and persist for weeks and pain is felt in the sinus region. If the cold is left untreated, excessive mucus may drip down to the back of the throat or in the sinus cavities that can result to a sinus infection. People often confuse cold with acute sinusitis as their symptoms are too similar. You often think that you only have a cold until the symptoms worsen and that’s when you decide to seek medical advice.

Your cold is sinus related if your condition is characterized by runny nose, cough, nasal congestion, mild headaches, post nasal drip, fever, swelling around the nose, eyes and cheeks, fatigue and sore throat. Sinus attack also includes pain and swelling in the throat, itchiness in the nose and pain and swelling on one or both sides of the nose. Sinus headaches are usually felt in the forehead and in the face just below the eyes. If you are greeted with headaches in the morning, it could be a typical symptom of sinusitis. Do you feel pain when your forehead over the frontal sinuses is touched? This could indicate that your frontal sinuses are inflamed.

Note that symptoms of sinusitis in children are less explicit. They may experience common cold for more than ten days. And this could give them a sick appearance with high fever and discolored discharge from the nose.

There are several home remedies for sinusitis that you can use to avoid the sinus infection from getting serious. You can use spicy foods such as garlic and onion. Small mild doses would be taken at first and increasing them gradually. Carrot juice has also been found beneficial in treating sinusitis. This juice can be taken separately or in combination with beet juice, cucumber juice or spinach juice. But nothing can be more effective than a diet rich in vitamin A. Vitamin A helps build healthy mucous membranes in the nose and throat. Valuable sources of vitamin A include mangoes, papaya, egg yolk, carrots, leafy vegetables and tomatoes among others. Vitamin C has also proven to be effective in treating sinus infection.

Avoiding stressful activities could also prevent sinusitis. Likewise, avoid smoking and exposure to environmental pollutants to prevent sinus infection. Additionally, treat allergies promptly and drink plenty of fluids to increase moisture within your body. If your allergies inflame your nasal passages, you are more likely to have a strong reaction to all irritants. So if you suspect that your sinusitis may be caused by dust, mold, pollen or any other allergen that can trigger an upper respiratory reaction you should consult your doctor. Your doctor can conduct tests to determine your allergy and prescribe the necessary medication.

For A Long Life - Keep Your Life Simple!

It may be too unsophisticated, but keeping your life simple is an important key to longevity. Aside from prolonging life, it makes a long life happy.

What is the purpose of a long life, if you spend most of it in illnesses?

A short life is better than a long life of being bedridden, medicine sustained, and pierced by dozens of intravenous tubes.

In all the perplexities that are going on around, many people have forgotten how simple “simple” really is. They have forgotten that one key to a healthy life is being downright simple. Simplicity is often times so profound to other people that they do not believe it unless someone complicates it for them.

They find it hard to imagine that once upon a time, people lived comfortably and very happy — that satisfaction exists even without TV, air conditioners, or phones. They lived much longer and healthier lives long before the discovery of Science and Medicine. They don’t need some social science expert to tell them that needs are proportional to progress, and that needs cannot stay as they are while progress goes on, especially at a fast pace.

Well, some people have found the secrets to keeping simple while progress goes on running a crazy race around them. We will see this later in this book.

This thing about life being complicated (and should be made complicated to enjoy it) has been impressed on people by media and by a “metropolitan culture” that says life is all about competing and coping up.

Daily, from every possible angle of attack, we are bombarded by manufactured suggestions that we cannot be simply simple — that you got to have this and that, and you got to be this and that — or be left behind by the majority and be worlds apart from the rest.

This is mostly the spirit of modern commercialism. Though not actually said, the mindset of “being simple is a sin” has become rampant.

In case you haven’t noticed, commercialism has become the strongest life pressure, and the strongest life killer! The pressures brought about by stressful competition can kill!

Recently, Australian health experts discovered that too much emotional and work related pressures produce chemical reactions in the blood that later develop into fatal diseases like cancer.

According to physical therapists and massage therapy experts, pressures build up lumps in the body that constrict smooth blood flow. These constrictions produce your unexplained body aches that can later weaken your body defenses. They are harmful to your health.

Advocates of simple living say that Commercialism is blowing surface-deep physical and vain emotional needs out of proportion by tricking the conscience of people into believing that non-conformities to suggested and highlighted commercial needs are bad.

Simply put, it is saying, “You’re a loser if you don’t have this!”

Commercial needs are often for physical beauty, trendy accessories, fame, prestige, fashion, and other mundane, temporal, and non-essential things, all of which man can live without. These things excite and resurrect the spoiled brat in people.