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March / April 2008 ( to: Health Newsletter Archive ) Hello again and welcome to this edition of the Archangel Health News! We hope that you will find the information presented below informative and helpful towards your goal of optimum health. Featured in this month's issue:
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++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ HEALTH BYTES ========================================== MIGRAINE DIAGNOSIS REQUIRES TRIP TO DOCTOR -- Almost one-third of self-reported migraine sufferers have not been diagnosed by a physician, a crucial element in managing these severe headaches. The National Headache Foundation (NHF) says one out of three migraine and/or severe headache sufferers responded to a survey that they would rather have a root canal than a migraine and a majority attribute their migraines to stress, tension headaches, or sinus pressure. According to the NHF, an estimated 12 million migraine sufferers are still undiagnosed. "Proper diagnosis and treatment of migraines is crucial to improving the quality of life for migraineurs," says Dr. Merle Diamond, associate director of the Diamond Headache Clinic in Chicago. The NHF encourages sufferers to learn more about migraines by visiting http://www.headaches.org. This Web site can also help foster a more productive dialogue between sufferers and their healthcare provider so that they can receive proper treatment for their headaches. ITCHY EYES -- Allergy season means itchy eyes. However, you must be careful not to scratch that itch. Doing so may inadvertently scratch your cornea, the clear structure on the front of your eye through which you see. FOOD FOR HEALTHY THOUGHT -- Age-related decline in mental acuity - including lapses in memory - can begin as early as in the 20s and, in some instances, end up in dementia or such neurodegenerative disorders as Alzheimer's. But there may be a way to keep the brain functioning at full capacity for longer, a neuroscientist says. Dr. Gary Small, director of the UCLA Center on Aging, describes strategies for keeping the brain and memory healthy throughout life in his book, "The Memory Bible: An Innovative Strategy for Keeping Your Brain Young." Memory can be protected in a number of ways. One is through diet rich in vitamin E, omega-3 fats, and antioxidants, Small says. Stress-reducing strategies also can help improve memory ability and slow down brain aging, he says. So can mental aerobic exercises that stimulate brain cells and keep them fit. "Genetics, over which we have little control, is only a third of what predicts brain success," Small said. "The other two-thirds are environmental factors in which we have a greater hand. For example, omega-3 fats in the diet - found in such foods as salmon and avocado - are protective of brain cells. Physical exercise and aerobic conditioning help brain functions. And mental activity - a use it or lose it approach - decreases the risk of Alzheimer's," Small said. Among memory-enriching techniques is the look-snap-connect technique. First, look - actively observe what you want to learn. Next, snap - create a mental snapshot of this information. And finally, connect - link together your mental snapshots. "Learn this technique, and you will never have to forget a name, date or fact again," Small said. LOOSEN UP -- Pants or belts that are too tight can lead to extra acid in the stomach, which in turn can lead to acid reflux. If you have been feeling a little more frequent heartburn or indigestion, try loosening up your pants and belts to see if that simple step reduces the feelings of discomfort. Sometimes just giving your body the room it needs to process foods without difficulty can help to eliminate digestion-related problems. SNORING LINKED TO HEADACHES -- Researchers have made a connection between snoring and chronic daily headaches. The study, published in past issue of the journal "Neurology," compared the snoring habits of people who suffer headaches at least 15 times a month, classified as chronic daily headache, and those who have pain in the head 2 to 104 times a year, defined as occasional headache. They found people with chronic headache were more than twice as likely to also be chronic snorers as those with occasional headaches. "If we can show that the snoring is causing the headaches, then we may be able to stop or lessen people's headaches by treating their snoring," said study author Ann Scher of the National Institute on Aging in Bethesda, Maryland. "This would be a great relief to people who suffer from chronic daily headache." BENEFICIAL EPSOM SALT -- When magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) is absorbed through the skin, such as in a bath, it draws toxins from the body, sedates the nervous system, reduces swelling, relaxes muscles, is a natural emollient, exfoliator, and much more. This mineral product is "the ultimate foot soak," easing achy muscles, smoothing the rough patches, and absorbing odors. Here are some additional recommendations: Add one or two cups of epsom salt to warm bath water for a soothing and stress-reducing soak. Massage a handful of epsom salts over wet skin to cleanse, exfoliate, and soften the rough spots. Use a warm salt-soaked compress to reduce swelling from scrapes, use a cold compress to take the sting out of insect bites. Feed epsom salts to your plants, vegetables, and lawn for greener grass and big, healthy vegetables. EGGS AND CHOLESTEROL -- A single egg contains about 213 milligrams (mg) of cholesterol, which is about two-thirds of the recommended daily limit of 300 mg of cholesterol. And did you know that nearly all the cholesterol in an egg is contained in the yolk? "HOT TUB LUNG" LINKED TO BACTERIA -- Your hot tub may be hazardous to your health. Physicians are expecting to see an increase in cases of "hot tub lung." Mayo Clinic researchers say two patients with respiratory problems improved when they stopped using their hot tub and were treated with corticosteroids. The researchers suspect the mycobacteria that caused the lung inflammation came from the tub. There are studies linking Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC) and hot tub water. Hot tubs are hotbeds for MAC - warm temperatures promote growth and owners frequently do not clean the tubs or change filters regularly. At temperatures higher than 84 degrees Fahrenheit, chlorine loses much of its disinfectant properties and steam and bubbles efficiently aerosolize the organism, making it easy to inhale. SEASONAL ALLERGIES AFFECT PRODUCTIVITY -- The American Academy of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology (AAAAI) warns that people with hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, miss 3.8 million days of work or school each year. To reduce exposure to allergens and find symptom relief, the AAAAI offers these tips: try to stay indoors between 2 and 4 PM, when pollen counts are highest; avoid yard work or spending extended periods of time outdoors, and shower when you come inside to remove pollen from your hair and skin; if you decorate with fresh flowers, choose blossoms that are large and bright because their pollen is larger and less likely to cause an allergic reaction; and keep windows closed to prevent pollens and mold spores from coming indoors. An air conditioner will help cool and clean the air. SAFE DEFROSTING -- When you defrost meat, do you just take it out of the freezer and place it on the counter until it is thawed? If so, you are putting yourself at risk for food poisoning. Food safety experts agree that meats should be thawed in one of three ways: 1. In the refrigerator - remove once thawed and cook immediately. 2. In the microwave - meat should be cooked immediately upon thawing. 3. By putting the package in a watertight plastic bag submerged in cold water and changing the water every 30 minutes. Frequently changing the water ensures that the food is kept cold, slowing the growth of bacteria on the outer portions of the meat while the inside is still thawing. ========================================== WELLNESS QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ==========================================
Q & A #1: The most common kitchen fire starts in a pan on top of the stove. Do not try to move the pan. If you try to move it, you increase the chance of spreading the flames. Call the Fire Department as soon as you are aware of the fire. How to extinguish a fire in a pan: Slide the lid over the pan slowly. Do not try to throw the lid on from a distance or place the lid directly on the pan. Sliding the lid on top of the pan will cut off the oxygen to the fire and the fire will die. After you have covered the fire, turn the burner off to remove the heat source. Do not attempt to put out a fire in a pan with water. Water will increase the intensity of the fire, possibly causing injuries or spreading flames to other areas of the room. How to extinguish a fire in an oven: If a fire starts in the oven, closing the oven door will cut off the oxygen and smother the fire in most cases. Turn off the oven to remove the heat source and keep the oven door closed. Consider a fire extinguisher. A fire extinguisher can be a useful safety item - if you know how to operate it. Use a multi-purpose extinguisher that is right for your particular kitchen. Fire extinguishers must only be used on small, contained fires. Never allow a fire to get between you and your exit. If the fire is too large to safely fight yourself, leave the home immediately. Children should never attempt to fight a fire.
Q & A #2: Yes. Seat belts are the most effective way to protect yourself from being seriously injured. In a motor vehicle collision, there are actually two collisions. The first is the collision between the motor vehicle and another vehicle or object. The second happens when the passengers either strike the interior of the vehicle, or are thrown from it. This is called the "human collision". Seat belts keep passengers from moving around the car. They also spread the forces of the collision across the strongest points on people's bodies. Besides protecting people in a collision, seat belts also keep the driver in place so they can stay in control of the car. You also have to wear your seat belt in vehicles with airbags. While airbags are useful safety devices, they can cause injuries if passengers are not strapped in properly. Seat belts' safety record. Seat belts reduce your chances of dying in an accident by 45 to 55%. They reduce your chances of serious injury by about 50%. Child passenger restraints (infant car seats) reduce the risk of death and serious injuries by about 70%. In 1997, in Alberta, Canada, people who used restraints were much less likely to be injured in a crash (14.7%) than those who did not use them (35.7%). Transport Canada estimates that since 1989, the increased use of seat belts has saved 2900 lives, avoided 66,000 injuries, and saved $5 billion in social and health costs. Keep in mind that for seat belts to work, you must use them correctly. The same goes for child restraints, which should be correctly installed.
Q & A #3: Many people are not aware that a concussion is an injury to the brain. It is defined as a temporary alteration in mental function that may or may not be associated with a loss of consciousness. The trauma is usually a blow to the head. But, many experts believe that it is possible to have a concussion without a blow to the head, as in a whiplash injury. In fact, the term "mild traumatic brain injury" is sometimes used to describe a concussion.
Q & A #4: 1. Movement or motor problems: lack of coordination; 2. Physical problems: headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue/sleep alterations (not attributable to other obvious causes, like not getting enough sleep), loss of balance, feeling light-headed or dizzy, increased sensitivity to sounds or lights, blurred vision or eyes that tire easily, loss of taste or smell, ringing in the ears; 3. Thinking problems: concentration problems, memory problems, feeling foggy or disoriented, difficulty planning / organizing, difficulty making decisions and solving problems, slowness in thinking, acting, speaking, reading, getting lost or easily confused; 4. Mood changes: feeling sad, anxious, or listless, feeling more irritable or angry, lack of motivation. The symptoms may last less than a few minutes or may be longer lasting such as days or weeks. They may develop immediately. They may also be delayed by hours or days.
Q & A #5: If you experience any of the symptoms noted above following a blow to the head or even a forceful jerking of the head, such as a hard tackle or whiplash type of injury, you may have experienced a "mild traumatic brain injury". YOU NEED TO SEE A PHYSICIAN. ========================================== TEN REASONS WHY OLDER ADULTS SHOULD EXERCISE ========================================== According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE), it is becoming increasingly clear to the medical community that it is just as important for older adults to stay active as it is for their younger counterparts. Exercise helps maintain mobility and stamina, reduces the incidence of disease, and leads to an overall better quality of life. ACE shares the following reasons why older adults need to get plenty of safe and appropriate exercise.
THE POWER OF HEALTHY WORDS ========================================== How would you like to improve how you relate to others and become more energetic at the same time without having to purchase anything? Here is a surprising truth - one of the most powerful weapons to enhance your life is your own tongue! A powerful pep zapper is distress over troubled relationships! Worrying about them can quickly siphon off needed energy. So why not try a more effective way to resolve these problems? Here is a simple five-point plan for improving relationships and increasing your energy level at the same time. 1. Practice speaking encouraging words instead of negative ones. Concentrate on the qualities in other people that you can affirm and dwell on those things instead of on their faults. This alone should do wonders in relieving stress in your relationships. Doctors know that prolonged anxiety harms you, but healing words can soothe stress and a peaceful mind leads to improved physical health too. What we say can have a permanent effect for good or for evil. Think back in your own life when someone encouraged you. You still remember what they said, don't you? We store in our minds in a kind of mental art gallery what others have said to us. What words of yours would you like to have permanently installed in someone else's mind? 2. Avoid fueling verbal fires. When someone starts to blow up all over you, be careful about your response. Why burn your relationship house down with your own mouth? Try spraying water on an argument with calm words instead of using a flame-thrower. How many marriages have been destroyed when in a fit of anger people spew out hurtful accusations to one another that are never forgotten. You might as well punch a hole in a feather pillow and let the feathers fly all over the place and then try to collect them one by one! You cannot get back the damaging effects of those hurtful words either. Want to free yourself from an entrapping verbal situation? Practice waiting a while before answering someone when you are angry. Then carefully choose what you are going to say. Your reply could well be remembered for the rest of the other person's life! "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" (Proverbs 15:1 NKJV). 3. Do not be a motormouth. Listen more than you talk and think about what you are going to say before you say it. Do not just blurt out whatever is on your mind. People who constantly chatter on and on about themselves and their opinions strain their relationships. If you enjoy monopolizing conversations, think about what other people may be experiencing when they are with you. Also, the more you talk, the more likely you will be to put your foot in your mouth. That is known as "foot-in-mouth disease!" So think before you let something out that you will regret saying. 4. Nip hurtful speech in the bud by carefully choosing your thoughts. If you could put what you are thinking on a CD, what would you entitle it? Thought patterns will come out sooner or later in your conversations. Abraham Lincoln is remembered as being one of the United States of America's greatest presidents. But he experienced many failures along the way. These failures were in the areas of formal education (which was very limited), business, farming, and in obtaining desired political offices. If Abraham Lincoln had thought of himself as a loser when he failed so many times in life, he would have been unable to fulfill his destiny. 5. Pray for healing words to tap the Source of wisdom. Consider praying about what you are saying. Here is a to-the-point prayer: "Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips" ( Psalms 141:3). Want to have a better life? Choose better words! Start afresh today to create beautiful art-word exhibitions in other people's minds with loving and caring words. Copyright © 2005 by Patricia Wagner Patricia Wagner offers informative tips on living a more energetic lifestyle at http://www.a-to-z-wellness.com. She is also an artist and you can view her original paintings at http://www.artbywagner.com.
========================================== Please feel free to forward this newsletter to anyone you know that might benefit from any of the above information - or refer them to http://www.aomega.com/ahs/newsletters/nl030408.htm - we would greatly appreciate it. Thank you for reading this edition of the Archangel Health News and may God bless you and your health!
Darrin and Sandi Quiles Three Ways to Order: http://www.aomega.com/ahs/ordering.htm Buy 6 of any one product and get 1 FREE! To receive a catalog of the health products we have available, pease send a blank e-mail to product-catalog@aomega.com ========================================== To cancel your subscription to the Archangel Health News just send an e-mail to ahs-news@aomega.com with "unsubscribe" as the subject. Please insure that the name and e-mail address on your unsubscribe request is the same one that you originally subscribed with - this will make it possible for us to successfully find and remove you from the list. ========================================== Copyright © 2008 by Sandi and Darrin Quiles. All rights reserved. Please note: the information contained herein has been compiled from various sources. The above statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. We make no claims, either expressed or implied, that any products mentioned in this newsletter will cure disease, replace prescription medication, or supersede sound medical advice.
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