Please be aware that especially at this time of year. If you have flu like symptoms ie tight chest; hot and cold sweats; cough; upset stomache; general malaise for more than two weeks then PLEASE see your doctor.
Over Christmas last year I thought I had a dreadful cold/flu that I could not shake off. I did all the right things.. stayed in the warm, drank plenty of liquids, home made soups; took night nurse and a cough mixture, avoided contact with people... all very usual and normal you would think.
On Valentines Day 14th Feburary 2009 I was fighting for my life! I had what appeared the symptoms of a heart attack and was very fortunate when the Paramedics from Northampton General Hospital saved my life. Just a few years earlier my daughters mother in law was not so fortunate and died.
I had not had a heart attack, I had a Pulmonary Embolism, blood clots in my right lung. Becuase of the blood clots I had lost 60% use of that lung.
The moral of this story is any more than 2 or 3 weeks is not a cold and must be investigated by a doctor. As therapist I work with the medical profession NOT agains it.
Please keep safe this Winter.
www.agatetherapis.co.uk tel: 01604 879246
Monday, 9 November 2009
Thursday, 11 December 2008
Suffering from Eczema?
Attributed to Holland & Barrett Reference Guides
Please note: The information presented below is for information purposes only and should not be recorded as a substitute for medical advice. Always seek advice from your doctor for a health problem before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications
Eczema is an intensely itchy, inflammatory skin condition. It is usually found on the face, wrists and insides of elbows and knees. The skin becomes reddened, dry and thickened and it can weep and become crusted. Eczema is a very common condition, which affects 2.4% to 7% of the population [1]. Even though it can occur at any age, it is most common in infants and young children. Often eczema is the result of an allergic reaction, especially in children. Atopic eczema is a hereditary condition that develops in young infants with a family history of allergies or asthma.
What supplements may help to relieve the condition?
Research has indicated that eczema sufferers are unable to process fatty acids normally, which can lead to low levels or a deficiency of gamma-linoleic acid (GLA)[2]. GLA is found in Evening Primrose Oil, Starflower Oil and Blackcurrant Seed Oil. GLA helps to control the immune system and therefore allergic responses. The majority of research has shown that Evening Primrose Oil may help to overcome the inability to process GLA in eczema suffers [3,4,5].
Fish Oils are also an important source of essential fatty acids. One study in which eczema sufferers were given Fish Oils found that after twelve weeks, those using the Fish Oil showed improvement [6,7].
The B complex nutrients may play a supportive role in the control of eczema. Several of the B vitamins are needed to maintain healthy skin and proper circulation and deficiencies of some B vitamins, particularly Biotin and Inositol, have been linked to skin disorders [8].
Vitamin A and Zinc are two other important skin nutrients. Vitamin A is critical to the proper development and maintenance of the skin and Zinc aids healing and enhances immune function [8].
What herbs may help and relieve the condition?
Several herbal remedies have traditionally been used by people suffering from eczema. Liquorice root contains glycyrrhetinic acid; this has been associated with helping to reduce the symptoms of eczema, either used internally or topically.
There is good research to support the use of Burdock root in eczema because its primary active component (inulin) tends to correct the underlying defects in the inflammatory mechanism and immune system commonly found in eczema sufferers [1].
Sarsaparilla may be beneficial due to its anti-inflammatory actions. Traditionally in herbal folklore, Red Clover is considered to be beneficial for dealing with several different chronic conditions, especially those that affect the skin.
The role of diet and lifestyle
Eczema can often be caused by allergies. All major allergens should be identified and eliminated from the diet that will then help to control the eczema. A nutritionist can help to determine whether allergies are a cause of the eczema. Elimination of the allergen can result in significant improvement [9]. Researchers from one study estimated that eliminating cow’s milk, eggs, tomatoes artificial colours and food preservatives could help up to three-quarters of children suffering from eczema [10]. Eczema can also be made worse by stress and sufferers should try to avoid stressful situations. Herbs such as Kava Kava may be useful especially when stress is a problem.
Chemicals and detergents found in many household products can irritate the skin and worsen the eczema. Sufferers should try to use sensitive skin products when ever possible.
[1] Murray M and Pizzormo J. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. Prima Publishing 1991
[2] Manku MS, Horrobin DF, Morse NL, et al. Essential fatty acids in the plasma phospholipids of patients with atopic eczema. Br J Dermatol 1984
[3] Schalin-Kamila M, Mattila L, Jansen CT et al. Evening Primrose oil in the treatment of atopic eczema: effect on clinical status, plasma phospholiphid fatty acids and circulating blood prostaglandins. Br J Dermatol 1987
[4] Lovell CR, Burton JL, Horrobin DF. Treatment of atopic eczema with evening primrose oil. Lancet 1981
[5] Wright S, Burton JL. Oral evening primrose oil improves atopic eczema. Lancet 1982
[6] Bjorneboe A, Soyland E, Bjorneboe GE et al. Effect of dietary supplementation with eicosapentaenoic acid in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Br J Dermatol 1987
[7] Bjorneboe A, Soyland E, Bjorneboe GE et al. Effect of n-3 fatty acid supplement to patients with atopic dermatitis. J Intern Med Suppl 1989
[8] Balch JF and Balch PA. Prescription for Nutritional Healing (2nd edition) Avery Publishing Group 1997
[9] Atherton DJ. Diet and atopic eczema. Clin Allerg 1988
[10] Murray MT. The Healing Power of Herbs (2nd edition). Prima Publishing 1995
Please note: The information presented below is for information purposes only and should not be recorded as a substitute for medical advice. Always seek advice from your doctor for a health problem before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications
Eczema is an intensely itchy, inflammatory skin condition. It is usually found on the face, wrists and insides of elbows and knees. The skin becomes reddened, dry and thickened and it can weep and become crusted. Eczema is a very common condition, which affects 2.4% to 7% of the population [1]. Even though it can occur at any age, it is most common in infants and young children. Often eczema is the result of an allergic reaction, especially in children. Atopic eczema is a hereditary condition that develops in young infants with a family history of allergies or asthma.
What supplements may help to relieve the condition?
Research has indicated that eczema sufferers are unable to process fatty acids normally, which can lead to low levels or a deficiency of gamma-linoleic acid (GLA)[2]. GLA is found in Evening Primrose Oil, Starflower Oil and Blackcurrant Seed Oil. GLA helps to control the immune system and therefore allergic responses. The majority of research has shown that Evening Primrose Oil may help to overcome the inability to process GLA in eczema suffers [3,4,5].
Fish Oils are also an important source of essential fatty acids. One study in which eczema sufferers were given Fish Oils found that after twelve weeks, those using the Fish Oil showed improvement [6,7].
The B complex nutrients may play a supportive role in the control of eczema. Several of the B vitamins are needed to maintain healthy skin and proper circulation and deficiencies of some B vitamins, particularly Biotin and Inositol, have been linked to skin disorders [8].
Vitamin A and Zinc are two other important skin nutrients. Vitamin A is critical to the proper development and maintenance of the skin and Zinc aids healing and enhances immune function [8].
What herbs may help and relieve the condition?
Several herbal remedies have traditionally been used by people suffering from eczema. Liquorice root contains glycyrrhetinic acid; this has been associated with helping to reduce the symptoms of eczema, either used internally or topically.
There is good research to support the use of Burdock root in eczema because its primary active component (inulin) tends to correct the underlying defects in the inflammatory mechanism and immune system commonly found in eczema sufferers [1].
Sarsaparilla may be beneficial due to its anti-inflammatory actions. Traditionally in herbal folklore, Red Clover is considered to be beneficial for dealing with several different chronic conditions, especially those that affect the skin.
The role of diet and lifestyle
Eczema can often be caused by allergies. All major allergens should be identified and eliminated from the diet that will then help to control the eczema. A nutritionist can help to determine whether allergies are a cause of the eczema. Elimination of the allergen can result in significant improvement [9]. Researchers from one study estimated that eliminating cow’s milk, eggs, tomatoes artificial colours and food preservatives could help up to three-quarters of children suffering from eczema [10]. Eczema can also be made worse by stress and sufferers should try to avoid stressful situations. Herbs such as Kava Kava may be useful especially when stress is a problem.
Chemicals and detergents found in many household products can irritate the skin and worsen the eczema. Sufferers should try to use sensitive skin products when ever possible.
[1] Murray M and Pizzormo J. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. Prima Publishing 1991
[2] Manku MS, Horrobin DF, Morse NL, et al. Essential fatty acids in the plasma phospholipids of patients with atopic eczema. Br J Dermatol 1984
[3] Schalin-Kamila M, Mattila L, Jansen CT et al. Evening Primrose oil in the treatment of atopic eczema: effect on clinical status, plasma phospholiphid fatty acids and circulating blood prostaglandins. Br J Dermatol 1987
[4] Lovell CR, Burton JL, Horrobin DF. Treatment of atopic eczema with evening primrose oil. Lancet 1981
[5] Wright S, Burton JL. Oral evening primrose oil improves atopic eczema. Lancet 1982
[6] Bjorneboe A, Soyland E, Bjorneboe GE et al. Effect of dietary supplementation with eicosapentaenoic acid in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Br J Dermatol 1987
[7] Bjorneboe A, Soyland E, Bjorneboe GE et al. Effect of n-3 fatty acid supplement to patients with atopic dermatitis. J Intern Med Suppl 1989
[8] Balch JF and Balch PA. Prescription for Nutritional Healing (2nd edition) Avery Publishing Group 1997
[9] Atherton DJ. Diet and atopic eczema. Clin Allerg 1988
[10] Murray MT. The Healing Power of Herbs (2nd edition). Prima Publishing 1995
Monday, 29 September 2008
A date for your Diary! Colds, their Prevention and Treatment
I’ve had Anna from the Chronicle and Echo newspaper on the telephone to ask me about an article she is doing about colds, their prevention and treatment which is going to be in their Thursday, 2nd October issue.
Be sure to get your copy so that you can get my advice on having a healthier winter this year!
Be sure to get your copy so that you can get my advice on having a healthier winter this year!
It's my birthday!
Hello! It’s Loretta!!
It’s my birthday on Wednesday, 1st October. I thought I would like to do a little something for you...a little treat so you will feel as if you have had a birthday too!
Let me entice you to an hour of bliss - just £20.00! Booked, taken and paid for in October 2008.
Why not put some time in your diary for you?
Let me give you some "me time" with soft glowing candles ... gentle music ... soft comfy pillows ... and such amazing relaxation you will just enjoy a peaceful sleep ... and wake up refreshed..
All this whilst I gently massage and manipulate your feet without you even having to do anything ... Sounds good? Then let me know a time ... just as soon as you can make it.
I know you are tired ... but you will feel so much better afterwards ... I promise.
It will be so great to see you!
Remember Christmas is coming and I also have great Gift vouchers available. What nicer gift could anyone give or receive!!
It’s my birthday on Wednesday, 1st October. I thought I would like to do a little something for you...a little treat so you will feel as if you have had a birthday too!
Let me entice you to an hour of bliss - just £20.00! Booked, taken and paid for in October 2008.
Why not put some time in your diary for you?
Let me give you some "me time" with soft glowing candles ... gentle music ... soft comfy pillows ... and such amazing relaxation you will just enjoy a peaceful sleep ... and wake up refreshed..
All this whilst I gently massage and manipulate your feet without you even having to do anything ... Sounds good? Then let me know a time ... just as soon as you can make it.
I know you are tired ... but you will feel so much better afterwards ... I promise.
It will be so great to see you!
Remember Christmas is coming and I also have great Gift vouchers available. What nicer gift could anyone give or receive!!
Tuesday, 9 September 2008
Cardiovascular Disease and Travel
I’ve been sent this interesting article:
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is by far the leading cause of death among international travellers and accounts for 50 percent of the deaths among travellers from the United States who are 60 years of age and older.
Many of these deaths may have occurred if travellers had stayed home, but it is also true that travel is stressful, and exposes people to cardiac risk factors that they would not necessarily experience at home e.g. prolonged sitting, hypoxia aboard aircraft and at higher altitudes, hot and cold environments, and sudden spurts of physical activity (carrying heavy luggage for prolonged distances, for example), to name a few.
Preparing To Go
So if you are at all at risk of CVD, it makes sense to invest in a little pre-trip planning. Begin a moderate exercise program several weeks before travel, gradually increasing the intensity as the day of departure approaches, and continue exercising while travelling. Walking, of course, is a great exercise that can be done almost anywhere.
Carry pertinent health data - details about pacemakers, for example - and be familiar with the drugs you are taking (the trade and generic names of the drug, and why you are taking it). This information should be packed in your carry-on luggage. Be sure to know how and where to check your pacemaker, where and when to check your blood for coagulation time, and be able to take your blood pressure, count your pulse rate, and recognize pulse irregularities.
Pace yourself at a level commensurate with your cardiac status. Take rest periods after long flights, being on the go from early morning until late at night is tiring. There are numerous tour companies that cater to individuals who want assistance with luggage, and who want to stay in one hotel for several days at a time.
Altitude
Generally, individuals with CVD who can walk briskly for about 300 feet or climb a flight of stairs without pain or shortness of breath should have no difficulty flying on commercial airliners (pressurised to about 8,000 feet) or participating in activities requiring minimal exertion at this moderate altitude. Well-controlled angina is not considered a problem at this altitude, even in those patients with well-controlled, concomitant pulmonary disease. Gradual acclimatisation to altitude is important for all travellers, and more so for individuals with CVD. This means avoiding strenuous exercise for the first few days, and participating in activities no more strenuous than at home for the whole stay at altitude. Gradual acclimatisation results in virtual restoration of sea-level cardiac performance after five days.
Although common medical wisdom advises individuals with CVD to avoid altitudes above 8,000 feet, studies and observations by experts in high altitude medicine show virtually no increase in the risk of acute cardiac ischemic events or a worsening of hypertension. A study of coronary heart disease at 10,000 feet showed that individuals with CVD have an earlier onset of angina compared to onset at sea level, but there is no impairment in their ability to acclimatise. While symptoms increased for the first few days, there is no evidence that exercise after acclimatisation was of greater risk to the heart than similar exercise performed at sea level.
If you have CVD and wish to participate in vigorous activities at high altitudes - skiing, trekking or climbing, for example - you should consult with your cardiologist and, perhaps, undergo cardiac screening tests to help detect hidden problems and gauge permissible safe altitudes and levels of exertion.
Heat
Your body acclimatises to heat somewhat more slowly and less completely than to altitude. As with altitude, it is best to minimise exertion for the first few days in a hot environment and to gradually increase the amount of activity. Air conditioning, even for a few hours a day, drinking lots of fluids, and wearing loose-fitting clothing are helpful.
Medications
It's wise not to travel for a week or two after starting a major new medication or after significant changes in dosage. This allows adverse effects to surface. Moreover, the effects of many medications commonly taken by travellers with CVD can be significantly altered by travel-related factors like altitude, heat, cold, and jet lag.
Cold
The human body does not adapt physiologically to cold as it does to altitude and heat. Individuals with CVD are at increased risk for cold-related problems. In temperate climates, individuals are at highest mortality and morbidity risk from CVD during in cold-weather months. Coping with cold requires preparedness - limiting the time of exposure to cold, keeping warm and dry, breathing through a scarf when the air is very cold, and being alert for cardiac - related symptoms.
Cruise Ships
Cruises are appropriate vacations for individuals with stable CVD. Passengers can be as active or inactive as they wish. The air is clean at sea, ships are air-conditioned, special diets are available, and most ships have lifts. Large ships are well equipped to handle cardiovascular emergencies. They have doctors on board, nearly all trained in emergency medicine. Ships carry defibrillators and ECGs; they also store cardiovascular-related medications, including heparin and thrombolytic drugs such as TPA and streptokinase. However, cruise ship medical facilities are infirmaries, not hospitals, and cannot supply the important follow-up care. Once patients are stabilised, they are immediately transferred to an appropriate facility on shore nearby, or back to the traveller’s home. Evacuation from ships is expensive so do think about carrying travel-related health insurance.
Pacemakers
Travellers with pacemakers can participate in virtually all travel and sports-related activities. Pacemakers activate the electromagnetic metal detectors at airports, but security guards are familiar with the devices and will perform a manual inspection on request. (Letters from doctors help.) Walking through a detector may cause a harmless skipped heartbeat, but wearers should not stop inside the detector; theoretically, this can result in many skipped beats. Do not enter a detector if the way is blocked on the other side.
In Case Problems Arise
Most travellers overlook a good resource for medical advice - calling their doctors back home. In many situations, telephone advice, even from abroad, negates the need to seek local medical help. Carrying telephone numbers saves time and hassle.
Excerpts from an article in Travelling Healthy: Health Advice for the Global Traveller. Check out the Web site at www.tripprep.com
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is by far the leading cause of death among international travellers and accounts for 50 percent of the deaths among travellers from the United States who are 60 years of age and older.
Many of these deaths may have occurred if travellers had stayed home, but it is also true that travel is stressful, and exposes people to cardiac risk factors that they would not necessarily experience at home e.g. prolonged sitting, hypoxia aboard aircraft and at higher altitudes, hot and cold environments, and sudden spurts of physical activity (carrying heavy luggage for prolonged distances, for example), to name a few.
Preparing To Go
So if you are at all at risk of CVD, it makes sense to invest in a little pre-trip planning. Begin a moderate exercise program several weeks before travel, gradually increasing the intensity as the day of departure approaches, and continue exercising while travelling. Walking, of course, is a great exercise that can be done almost anywhere.
Carry pertinent health data - details about pacemakers, for example - and be familiar with the drugs you are taking (the trade and generic names of the drug, and why you are taking it). This information should be packed in your carry-on luggage. Be sure to know how and where to check your pacemaker, where and when to check your blood for coagulation time, and be able to take your blood pressure, count your pulse rate, and recognize pulse irregularities.
Pace yourself at a level commensurate with your cardiac status. Take rest periods after long flights, being on the go from early morning until late at night is tiring. There are numerous tour companies that cater to individuals who want assistance with luggage, and who want to stay in one hotel for several days at a time.
Altitude
Generally, individuals with CVD who can walk briskly for about 300 feet or climb a flight of stairs without pain or shortness of breath should have no difficulty flying on commercial airliners (pressurised to about 8,000 feet) or participating in activities requiring minimal exertion at this moderate altitude. Well-controlled angina is not considered a problem at this altitude, even in those patients with well-controlled, concomitant pulmonary disease. Gradual acclimatisation to altitude is important for all travellers, and more so for individuals with CVD. This means avoiding strenuous exercise for the first few days, and participating in activities no more strenuous than at home for the whole stay at altitude. Gradual acclimatisation results in virtual restoration of sea-level cardiac performance after five days.
Although common medical wisdom advises individuals with CVD to avoid altitudes above 8,000 feet, studies and observations by experts in high altitude medicine show virtually no increase in the risk of acute cardiac ischemic events or a worsening of hypertension. A study of coronary heart disease at 10,000 feet showed that individuals with CVD have an earlier onset of angina compared to onset at sea level, but there is no impairment in their ability to acclimatise. While symptoms increased for the first few days, there is no evidence that exercise after acclimatisation was of greater risk to the heart than similar exercise performed at sea level.
If you have CVD and wish to participate in vigorous activities at high altitudes - skiing, trekking or climbing, for example - you should consult with your cardiologist and, perhaps, undergo cardiac screening tests to help detect hidden problems and gauge permissible safe altitudes and levels of exertion.
Heat
Your body acclimatises to heat somewhat more slowly and less completely than to altitude. As with altitude, it is best to minimise exertion for the first few days in a hot environment and to gradually increase the amount of activity. Air conditioning, even for a few hours a day, drinking lots of fluids, and wearing loose-fitting clothing are helpful.
Medications
It's wise not to travel for a week or two after starting a major new medication or after significant changes in dosage. This allows adverse effects to surface. Moreover, the effects of many medications commonly taken by travellers with CVD can be significantly altered by travel-related factors like altitude, heat, cold, and jet lag.
Cold
The human body does not adapt physiologically to cold as it does to altitude and heat. Individuals with CVD are at increased risk for cold-related problems. In temperate climates, individuals are at highest mortality and morbidity risk from CVD during in cold-weather months. Coping with cold requires preparedness - limiting the time of exposure to cold, keeping warm and dry, breathing through a scarf when the air is very cold, and being alert for cardiac - related symptoms.
Cruise Ships
Cruises are appropriate vacations for individuals with stable CVD. Passengers can be as active or inactive as they wish. The air is clean at sea, ships are air-conditioned, special diets are available, and most ships have lifts. Large ships are well equipped to handle cardiovascular emergencies. They have doctors on board, nearly all trained in emergency medicine. Ships carry defibrillators and ECGs; they also store cardiovascular-related medications, including heparin and thrombolytic drugs such as TPA and streptokinase. However, cruise ship medical facilities are infirmaries, not hospitals, and cannot supply the important follow-up care. Once patients are stabilised, they are immediately transferred to an appropriate facility on shore nearby, or back to the traveller’s home. Evacuation from ships is expensive so do think about carrying travel-related health insurance.
Pacemakers
Travellers with pacemakers can participate in virtually all travel and sports-related activities. Pacemakers activate the electromagnetic metal detectors at airports, but security guards are familiar with the devices and will perform a manual inspection on request. (Letters from doctors help.) Walking through a detector may cause a harmless skipped heartbeat, but wearers should not stop inside the detector; theoretically, this can result in many skipped beats. Do not enter a detector if the way is blocked on the other side.
In Case Problems Arise
Most travellers overlook a good resource for medical advice - calling their doctors back home. In many situations, telephone advice, even from abroad, negates the need to seek local medical help. Carrying telephone numbers saves time and hassle.
Excerpts from an article in Travelling Healthy: Health Advice for the Global Traveller. Check out the Web site at www.tripprep.com
Sunday, 31 August 2008
How to Avoid Deep Vein Thrombosis
Attributed to Magellan's Travel Suppliers
There appears to be a strong correlation between sitting for many hours in a cramped airline seat (or bus, car or train seats) and the possibility of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the legs, a condition which has been tagged "Economy Class Syndrome" by some travel writers.
Studies are now being undertaken to examine the full extent of this connection, but physicians generally agree that sitting still for three hours or more, especially if the seat cushion presses against the bottom of the thighs, encourages blood to stagnate in the lower portion of the legs. This may cause swelling, stiffness, joint pain and fever, and increases the odds that a blood clot could form in the veins. This blood clot could then break loose and travel to the lungs where it could constrict the flow of blood to the lungs, creating a pulmonary embolism that could result in severe health problems or even death. Embolisms can occur hours, or even days after the clot is formed.
While the risk is small for most healthy people, many airlines are issuing warnings to their passengers both on their websites and when long-haul tickets are purchased. In addition, some airline sites offer exercise routines that can be performed while seated to keep the blood flowing. The following tips will help keep you in circulation:
· Drink lots of water, and avoid beverages that dehydrate (coffee, tea, alcohol)
· Avoid salty food; snack instead on healthy foods to encourage good circulation
· Wear support socks that apply the proper amount of compression to the lower legs
· Get up and move around the aircraft cabin occasionally (aisle seats make this easier)
· Exercise your feet and legs four to five minutes every hour when seated.
· If your legs are not long enough for your feet to rest comfortably on the floor, use a footrest or prop your feet on your carry-on bag. This will reduce seat pressure on the back of your thighs that may inhibit circulation.
· If your legs are long, try to board at the first announcement to increase the odds that your carry-on luggage can be stowed in the overhead bin, allowing you to take advantage of all available leg space.
· For extra comfort and protection from swelling and DVT, alternating pressure seat cushions enhance circulation by shifting the pressure points where your body comes in contact with the airline seat.
Of course, if a traveller is currently suffering from circulation problems or has a history of blood clots, a physician should be consulted prior to flying.
There appears to be a strong correlation between sitting for many hours in a cramped airline seat (or bus, car or train seats) and the possibility of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the legs, a condition which has been tagged "Economy Class Syndrome" by some travel writers.
Studies are now being undertaken to examine the full extent of this connection, but physicians generally agree that sitting still for three hours or more, especially if the seat cushion presses against the bottom of the thighs, encourages blood to stagnate in the lower portion of the legs. This may cause swelling, stiffness, joint pain and fever, and increases the odds that a blood clot could form in the veins. This blood clot could then break loose and travel to the lungs where it could constrict the flow of blood to the lungs, creating a pulmonary embolism that could result in severe health problems or even death. Embolisms can occur hours, or even days after the clot is formed.
While the risk is small for most healthy people, many airlines are issuing warnings to their passengers both on their websites and when long-haul tickets are purchased. In addition, some airline sites offer exercise routines that can be performed while seated to keep the blood flowing. The following tips will help keep you in circulation:
· Drink lots of water, and avoid beverages that dehydrate (coffee, tea, alcohol)
· Avoid salty food; snack instead on healthy foods to encourage good circulation
· Wear support socks that apply the proper amount of compression to the lower legs
· Get up and move around the aircraft cabin occasionally (aisle seats make this easier)
· Exercise your feet and legs four to five minutes every hour when seated.
· If your legs are not long enough for your feet to rest comfortably on the floor, use a footrest or prop your feet on your carry-on bag. This will reduce seat pressure on the back of your thighs that may inhibit circulation.
· If your legs are long, try to board at the first announcement to increase the odds that your carry-on luggage can be stowed in the overhead bin, allowing you to take advantage of all available leg space.
· For extra comfort and protection from swelling and DVT, alternating pressure seat cushions enhance circulation by shifting the pressure points where your body comes in contact with the airline seat.
Of course, if a traveller is currently suffering from circulation problems or has a history of blood clots, a physician should be consulted prior to flying.
Wednesday, 27 August 2008
How Reflexology Can Help You
Reflexology can help you in many ways:
· Improves circulation.
· Induces relaxation of mind and body.
· Removes toxins from the body by eliminating blockages from energy pathways, resulting in clearer skin, colour and tone.
· Increases energy flow.
· Helps to balance the physical and emotional body.
· Making the immune system stronger to resist disease.
· Increase self-awareness, motivation and self-appreciation.
Some Important Points on Reflexology
· Reflexology is the science or method of stimulating reflexes of the foot, hand or ear that correspond to each gland, organ and part of the body. Stimulation of these reflexes serve to relax and normalise all functions of the body in order to promote a natural balance and revitalisation.
· Research shows that Reflexology benefits patients’ health in both chronic and other ailments, it is no substitute for medical treatment and should be seen as complementary to any type of medical treatment. Extensive research on this subject has validated the positive effects of reflexology.
· Reflexology can relieve tension and promote relaxation. Medical studies show that over 75% of all health problems can be linked to tension and stress.
· Improves circulation.
· Induces relaxation of mind and body.
· Removes toxins from the body by eliminating blockages from energy pathways, resulting in clearer skin, colour and tone.
· Increases energy flow.
· Helps to balance the physical and emotional body.
· Making the immune system stronger to resist disease.
· Increase self-awareness, motivation and self-appreciation.
Some Important Points on Reflexology
· Reflexology is the science or method of stimulating reflexes of the foot, hand or ear that correspond to each gland, organ and part of the body. Stimulation of these reflexes serve to relax and normalise all functions of the body in order to promote a natural balance and revitalisation.
· Research shows that Reflexology benefits patients’ health in both chronic and other ailments, it is no substitute for medical treatment and should be seen as complementary to any type of medical treatment. Extensive research on this subject has validated the positive effects of reflexology.
· Reflexology can relieve tension and promote relaxation. Medical studies show that over 75% of all health problems can be linked to tension and stress.
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