When I think about eating, I think about the yummy taste of food and the pleasure of feeling satiated. But after attending a Harvard Medical School conference on Gut Health, Microbiota and Probiotics Throughout the Lifespan, I now realize I am not feeding my body but rather the 100 trillion bacteria that live in my gut – my microbiome. We have about 3 to 4.5 pounds of microbes that outnumber human cells by a factor of 10 to 1.
Loss of independence and lost mobility ranked as the leading concerns about aging for osteoporosis patients who responded to a recent Bone Health Index Survey by the National Osteoporosis Foundation, the nation’s leading healthcare organization dedicated to preventing osteoporosis and broken bones.
In my health coaching practice, I consult with women who want to exercise but have health issues that make them uncertain as to how much they should do. Recently I had a client who said, “I am recovering from breast cancer. I finished my chemotherapy a few weeks ago and though I still feel weak, I was wondering if I should start exercising again?”
A recent study by Northwestern University confirmed what many Urologists had been seeing the last several years. This study revealed that metastatic (incurable) prostate cancer has increased by more than 90 percent since 2004 in patients age 55-69. In my view, these alarming numbers are due in part to a very unfortunate recommendation made by the United States
One of the most expansive areas of study and treatment for Parkinson’s Disease (PD) lies in the various biological pathways associated with the disease progression. Of these pathways, the c-Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK) pathway has received the spotlight for its integral role in disease pathology.
Prenatal massage is therapeutic bodywork which focuses on the special needs of the mother-to-be as her body goes through the dramatic changes of the childbirth experience. It is a fast-growing field in the United States that has attracted the interest of labor and delivery nurses, nurse-midwives, childbirth educators and obstetricians. Massage therapy enhances the function of muscles and joints, improves circulation and general body tone, and relieves mental and physical fatigue.
The popularity of prenatal massage is the result of a trend toward a higher level of wellness, especially during pregnancy. Many women are postponing childbirth until they have achieved other goals, such as careers and relationships. Because of this, pregnancy is anticipated and enjoyed to its fullest for the wondrous experience it is. Today’s pregnant women – along with other health care consumers – are looking for alternative approaches to support traditional health services.
Pregnancy massage can be done in different ways. Pregnant women may lie on their sides to be massaged, and they can actually lie on their bellies, since a specifically designed pillow has made it possible for expectant moms, no matter how far along they are, to lie flat on their stomachs. It accomplishes this with a deep center cutout in the pillow, so that bellies are accommodated and moms-to-be are relaxed and comfortable.
After the first 22 weeks of pregnancy, lying flat on your back can cause pressure on deep blood vessels, due to the growing baby, thereby reducing circulation to you and your baby. To avoid this problem, pillows can be used to ensure that you are lying down and looking at the wall rather than the ceiling. Body pillows are especially effective for the side-lying position.
In addition to the fact that massages during pregnancy just plain feel good, there are many other benefits for the mom-to-be and her baby, too. A study conducted by Dr. Tiffany Field at the University Of Miami School Of Medicine showed that massage actually reduces stress hormones in the body. Touch is vital to the mother’s physical and emotional well-being as she adapts to her new body image. Regardless of individual circumstances, a pregnant woman’s body is challenged, changed and stressed in many ways. Massage gives special attention to the mother-to-be, which in turn nurtures the new life that grows within her.
Massage during pregnancy is usually safe for most mothers. Your massage therapist will want to know if you are having any problems or complications with your pregnancy before you begin. If you are, then your therapist will require approval from your primary health care provider before proceeding with any body work. The following are circumstances in which massage should not be performed:
Diane Negley is a massage therapist with The Stress Management Institute for Health and Fitness Professionals. She is a 12 year Army Veteran and has been practicing for eight years in many different therapeutic massage techniques. Diane has over 800 hours of Massage Training and is also trained in Reiki, Reflexology, Crainiosacral, Myofascial Release, Lymph Node Drainage, Hot Stone and Kinesiology. Diane can be reached by email at: healingpointmassage@abmp.com or visit tsmihfp.com/wellnesscenter
Fuel to the fire, alcohol to estrogen..… Alcohol is a cause of breast cancer. There is no such thing as a little poison, poison in moderation. Poison is poison. As October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Let’s please be aware of the realities of alcohol – the studies on alcohol and breast cancer make it clear, alcohol is NOT our friend. One in eight women in the United States will get breast cancer.
Looking for the latest sports nutrition news? Below are just a few highlights from the more than 3,000 research studies presented at the American College of Sports Medicine’s Annual Meeting in Boston, 2016
In 2016, there are expected to be 246,660 new cases of invasive breast cancer and 61,000 new cases of ductal breast carcinoma in situ (DCIS). More than 2.8 million individuals have survived breast cancer. Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in women other than skin cancer.