It is estimated that over 50 million Americans are affected by allergies in some form, and nasal allergies comprise over half of the allergy population. They are an unavoidable part of life and the fact that the numbers are steadily increasing makes it more important to be aware of our roles in keeping our symptoms in check.

Though allergies can be serious for some people, for the average person they are more of annoyance that require us to alter our daily lives.

Allergies 101

There are a many things that we can do to make our lives and our homes more comfortable. Here are 10 basic tips we can do to keep our allergies at bay.

1. Allergens harbor in clutter. Keep clutter in check and recycle all newsprint, magazine and circulars when finished.
2. A good quality vacuum cleaner with a Hepa Filter will go a long way to reducing allergens. Vacuum often and don’t forget to empty the canisters and clean it regularly.
3. Vacuum furniture regularly and launder blankets as often as possible.
4. Pillows and mattress pads should be laundered often and replaced every other year. Don’t forget to vacuum your mattress as well.
5. Remove all carpet in your home if possible as dust accumulates in the fibers.
6. Living with pets can be done with regular grooming and keeping them limited to certain areas of the home.
7. Keep smokers out of the house to keep air clean and use an air purifier when possible.
8. Clean and replace any filters that are run regularly throughout the home such as furnaces, central air unit filters etc. Buy the best quality you can afford.
Did you know that food allergies can actually cause weight gain? They can cause food cravings and lead to overeating so get checked out by your doctor if this seems to be something that rings true for you. Who Knew?
9. If you’re susceptible to skin allergies, keep a tube of cortisone cream handy, wherever you go.
10. When outside wear sunglasses to keep pollen away from your eyes.

Keep Current

Allergies will always exist so keep informed on the newest treatments on the market both medically and holistically. Continue to try new ideas until you find what works for you.

From weekly injections to green tea, there are a plethora of ways of dealing with allergies to keep them in control and stop them from interfering in your life.

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Our increasing dependency on pills for quick fixes has also shown increased side effects associated with overuse and a build up of unhealthy tolerances within our own systems.

Today we hear about the benefits of Acupuncture and its proven ability to alleviate symptoms from pain and illness with the use of tiny needles inserted into specific pressure points called acupuncture points. It has been shown to relieve muscle spasms and stimulate immune function promoting healing in a variety of ways.

How It Works

The principle behind acupuncture is to encourage the positive energy to flow smoothly through our body in the channels known as meridians. This energy is known as the qi (pronounced as chee). From the medical perspective when our qi is blocked, it can cause pain or illness.

With fourteen major meridians throughout our body, and 12 primary meridians associated with major organ systems there are essentially 360 acupuncture points that can be used in healing.

To treat illness or pain, slender needles are gently inserted into the acupuncture points which correspond with the location of the blocked qi. The stimulation from needling can restore the flow of the qi and return the balance of the body. For acute cases, such as ankle sprain, a small amount of electrical current attached to the end of the acupuncture needles can be used to provide the points with added stimulus.

When a patient seeks treatment, the acupuncturist will examine the individual using the basic diagnostic methods used in modern medicine. By assessing the patients concerns and doing a general assessment, the acupuncturist is then able to choose the treatment method and select the appropriate points for acupuncture.

A treatment is virtually painless as the needles are very fine. The patient may experience a small twinge of pain at certain acupuncture points where the skin is more sensitive to needling or the qi is stronger, but the feeling should subside after insertion and as the treatment continues.

Is It Safe

Acupuncture is relatively safe with very few side effects the most common being a bruise or tenderness around the needle area. To minimize this, the acupuncturists will apply slight pressure once the needle is withdrawn. You can also apply ice to sensitive areas for faster relief.

Of course as with any treatment, you must do your research to ensure your acupuncturist is accredited, uses proper sterilization procedures and disposable needles.

Acupuncture can be used to treat many illness, ranging from slight local pain to migraine relief. Although its effectiveness is still cause for discussion, our search for a more natural pain relief has brought acupuncture to one of the fastest non medical pain management regimes available today.

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Though you cannot avoid the unpleasant symptoms that go along with these illnesses, you can manage treat them effectively. With a quick trip to the local pharmacy, you can stock up on many different products to relieve all your symptoms.

However, there is an abundant of equally effective home remedies that are available without adding unnecessary medications to your system.

Here are a few treatment ideas to try to ease your symptoms.

Coughs

Lung congestion and sore throats are one of the most common ailments. Consistent coughing can prolong throat irritation and cause additional head and chest pain. By breathing in hot steam, you can unclog congestion in your sinuses and your bronchi, and alleviate a painful throat.

Tent a towel over a bowl of boiled water that has been steeped with a small amount of chamomile and baking soda. Carefully inhale the mixture slowly until you feel congestion loosen. The chamomile provides a soothing element and the baking soda has antibacterial properties to help fight infections.

Throats

Sore throats are often a precursor to illness and by acting on it immediately you may be able to halt the severity of the cold. Drinking plenty of fluids is key to keeping your throat lubricated and adding honey to tea is by far the most popular method.

Juices high in vitamin C help boost immune systems and water either cold or warm with lemon and honey keeps you hydrated and helps rid toxins out of your system naturally.

The Flu

There is never enough rest when you have been hit with the flu. Drinking fluids and resting are the number 1 factors in decreasing the length of time it has you in its grip.

There are many old recipes for keeping fever at bay but cooling clothes on head and neck areas can lower temperatures quickly. Heating pads or compresses applied to aches can help muscle and joint pain associated with the flu.

We have all heard about the healing properties of chicken soup mainly for its nutritional value of the vegetables and the soothing factor of the broth itself. In fact any food that provides high amounts of nutrients can help to boost our immune system and speed healing.

Of course, any illness that has a high fever, or does not seem to mend quickly needs to be evaluated by a medical professional and when it comes to infants and the elderly, medical care is essential. But for many normal healthy adults, often the nutrients we put in our body can minimize the severity any illness we pick up along the way.

Trial and error are the key so next time you feel under the weather, try a few home spun remedies before you hit the medicine chest. You may be surprised at how effective these old fashion ideas can work today.

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We have talked about academic learning and its importance for keeping our brains active but there is so much more to understand about our brain as it ages. By engaging in activities that require us to think quickly, we help stretch our brain muscles and strengthen our memory and cognitive skills which can significantly keep decline in check.

What Is Really Happening

As we age, our brain mass shrinks and there are areas of the that brain shrink more so than others. Each section is responsible for specific functions that relate to specific skills such as problem solving, memory retrieval and mental agility. However depending on how often we utilize these areas, the decline may become more apparent with less use.

Illness often becomes an issue with age and each plays a role in slowing down our cognitive processing abilities. All have the tendency to fade as we grow older and depending on how we adapt to these changes, we can hasten the mental aging or slow it down.

We may think that as we age, we no longer need to keep up with technology or read the latest novel, but in engaging our minds we are rewarded with new stimuli, which keep our brains limber.

A Puzzle is Not Just a Puzzle

Doing a crossword puzzle on the ride home from work is not just a way to pass the time, you are focusing on memory retrieval and using spatial reasoning to fill in the blanks.

By playing games such as cards, chess or scrabble either physically or online, you are focusing on memory but also sharpening your cognitive skills and your hand eye coordination when you begin increasing your speed in a “practice makes perfect” style.

Being an avid reader will keep your brain agile in processing information quickly and keeping attention centered.

Keeping It Fit

Recent studies have shown that the internet has helped seniors keep mental decline at bay by introducing them to a whole new way of learning. Keeping friendships online with emails, sharing photos and reading ebooks strengthens cell networks and pathways.

By training our brains to think more and rest less, we are contributing to our health and staving off the inevitable slowing down of our cognitive skills. Physical health increases oxygen to our brains which keeps us younger and mental work is mandatory to keeping our brains properly functioning.

It is not a difficult undertaking, but it is a necessary one. Take the time to concentrate and pay attention. Focus on the tasks at hand and remember that repetition is the key to keeping those senior moments at bay.

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What you may not be aware of is that this type if stress can severely impact your health which ultimately can affect your life. Your body deals with stress in many ways and some can cause serious health problems.

Chronic or long term stress causes almost 80 percent of all illnesses. Weakened immune systems create havoc on our bodies and allow all types of diseases to take hold.

Your Health

There are many symptoms that can cause related health issues but these are the most common we hear about.

• Coronary heart disease
• Ulcers
• Hypertension
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Migraines
• Increases in Colds and Flu

There are millions of dollars spent on stress related diseases and even more lost on salary and wages for those unable to work due to stress.

Job stress is at an all time high with smart phones and laptops keeping employees logged into work all hours day and night. Gone are the 40 hour work weeks and the expectations of working more hours to reap raises and bonuses are often unattainable. Even vacation time has become more of a luxury instead of a necessity.

Watch For The Signs

There are several key warning signs that may tell you that your stress levels are at dangerous levels.

• Frequent headaches
• Back and Neck pain
• Insomnia
• Teeth grinding
• Over or under eating
• Anxiety

If left unchecked, these issues can develop into serious medical problems over time.

Take the Steps

By identifying the major factors causing your stress, you can make changes to help get your stress levels back into balance. Look at your work environment and see if any changes can be made. If there are interpersonal issues, perhaps mediation can be arranged. Examine your responsibilities, are you taking on too much? If your job cannot make any changes, perhaps a new job is the answer.

Taking care of the issues that you can will make a difference in taking back control. Change your home and sleep routines to put your health a top priority and schedule vacation and recreation time as the necessary requirements that they are.

All jobs are stressful in some capacity and it is in our best interest to learn how to see the signs before the negative effects impact our health. We are worth it.

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The healthiest way to reduce levels of stress and increase relaxation is in some form of physical exertion.

By reducing tension and increasing oxygen levels we can not only help our mental health but our physical health as well.

Feeling the Quiet

But exercise does not only include pumping iron or jogging miles, it can be gentle, rhythmic, and quiet as in Tai Chi and Yoga. Both provide the benefits of a healthy workout but at a pace that people of any age can participate in.

Both Yoga and Tai Chi originated and were practiced in the eastern regions of the world centuries ago and both involve freeing the body of tension and promoting flexibility. They include mindful and practiced breathing techniques as well as meditation for mind and body control. When done in conjunction with each other they can help release pent up stress and anxiety.

By developing a slow and rhythmic routine, lean muscle mass can be developed by using isometric tension. This form of progressive resistance increases core strength and muscle mass but it also alleviates tension throughout with its gentle stretching. Relieving tension promotes physical calmness and a more balanced state of mind.

Scheduling 20 minute sessions every other day can reap positives rewards quickly and in time, daily sessions will keep tension from building and the bring about the release of stress faster. All it takes is commitment.

Beginner Basics

Tai Chi and Yoga require very little for a beginner however it is advisable to attend a session with a reputable instructor for proper technique in movement and form. Though gentleness is the key to success, you should have the permission of your primary care physician before you tackle any new exercise.

There are many community centres that offer programs from beginners to a more advanced levels. There are also many DVD’s available that can provide the basics depending on your level of fitness. The key is to start slow and maintain form with fluidity of motion.

Improving the mind, body balance has become an important part of our health and well-being. In the stressful times of today, reducing our stress must be one of our top priorities for a healthy body and a longer life.

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According to the National Headache Foundation nearly 80% of the adult population suffer from headaches with tension headaches being the most common. Migraines make up an additional 13% of the population and though they are less often they are one of the most painful.

The causes of migraines vary and are unique to the sufferer however the frequency of both migraine and tensions headaches can be lessened with a few lifestyle changes.

The Foods We Eat

Many processed foods contain chemical additives that can trigger a migraine so by minimizing our intake we are reducing our chances of a flare up. There is also a connection with artificial sweeteners that has come to light. If you suffer from these types of sensitivities, remove them from your diet.

You may notice that many pain relievers include caffeine however too much caffeine can trigger a “rebound” headache so reading labels is important. Drinking caffeinated beverages and taking pain medication may intensify the condition so it’s best to avoid double dosing when you are experiencing a headache.

Skipping meals and becoming dehydrated may also trigger a headache so eating frequent small meals and keeping fluid levels in check can decrease the occurrence in chronic sufferers.

Reducing Stress

Getting enough sleep is paramount if you suffer tension headaches. By getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep, you can keep stress levels in check and minimize headaches. Be wary of over sleeping as this can bring on a flare up as well. Keep a routine even on weekends and holidays.

Mild exercise is good for our bodies but also a great stress reducer. Increasing oxygen and blood flow is a perfect solution to rid a body of excess tension and stress toxicity.

Again, moderation is the key. Excessive exercise, lack of hydration and too much sun is a recipe for a full blown headache.

Although alcohol can help ease tension, the tannins in red wine can trigger a migraine so avoiding alcohol may be necessary until your headaches are under control.

Common Sense

We all suffer from headaches from time to time and normally an over the counter pain reliever can do the trick to get us up and running again. But chronic headaches require medical intervention. Speaking to your primary care provider is critical for a proper diagnosis.

If you suspect your headaches are occurring more than normal, keeping a pain journal is a good way to keep tract of the frequency and the triggers.

By taking control of your diet and simple modifications to your lifestyle, you and your physician can develop a treatment plan to help you find long term relief from the crippling effects of chronic headaches.

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Yoga, which essential means mental, physical, and spiritual discipline, was practiced to achieve tranquility and enlightenment but has since taken its place in a more gentle approach to physical fitness.

Today yoga is embraced by many people in all walks of life as a way to stretch muscles, strengthen the body and increase concentration and relaxation. There are many types of yoga to choose from based on personal preferences and physical limitations but they generally use the same techniques in a variety of settings.

Why Yoga

The mind-body connection of this eastern-born exercise is a gaining popularity in the western world for its ability to help us find inner control. It has also become a recommended source of activity that provides a gentle approach to increased flexibility and core strength with its gentle poses and non aggressive movements.

Yoga is ideal for any body type and can be a great source of exercise for those where regular aerobic exercise is not an option. From pregnant women to seniors that are less mobile, yoga can be modified and a routine can be adapted for any physical restriction with great results.

All yoga poses require balance, and concentration is the primary focus when it comes to achieving balance. By repeating a series of movements and holding poses, muscles are gently stretched and range of motion is expanded.

By adding structured breathing a rhythm is developed where movement and poses flow from one into one another increasing heart rate without the impact on joints associated with aerobic activity.

Where To Start

Speaking with your primary care physician is the first step when considering yoga and finding a licensed Yogi is vital when it comes to learning this new skill. There are classes available in yoga studios, community’s centers, and local fitness clubs for all levels. There are even yoga routines on TV and online that you can follow once you have learned the basic positions.

As a beginner, schedule several sessions with a qualified instructor to learn the proper posture while holding positions and how to modify breathing for best results. Once you master the techniques, you can practice your routine anywhere and at anytime.

Yoga is a strenuous exercise that can get you in shape without the of potential injury from more physical regimes. It offers a terrific workout with the added bonus of achieving a sense of calmness and control.

It has become a way of reducing stress and increasing health and overall wellness with a gentleness that once learned, can be practiced for years no matter what health issues may arise.

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The younger population generally do not consider their health lacking and vitamins normally don’t play a role in their lives. Yet it is only when as we grow older that we begin to see how age can affect the normal wear and tear of our bodies and we start to examine this issue more intently.

Is it a search for the unattainable holy grail of youth? Or is it a waste of hard earned money? It’s worth taking the time to find out the right information that will work best for you.

When Vitamins Are Important

While infants, toddlers and women carrying children are prescribed supplements to ensure proper nutrition and growth, these are often the only time vitamins become the norm. It’s these stages of life that are critical in proper development yet we often stop the process based on our relationships with our medical professionals.

Many professionals will insist that fresh food and vegetables are the only way to ensure the best nutrition and yet with the chemicals and additives to protect these crops and increase profit, we often lose those added benefits of freshness. Many do not have the luxury of organic produce and there are those where money plays a part in the bottom line at the grocery counter.

This is when vitamins can become an alternative. In taking a daily supplement, we can increase our overall health by making sure we are getting exactly what we need. This means talking with a medical professional or a naturopath to discuss an overall assessment to find any underlying deficiencies. With the proper lab work completed a treatment plan can adapted and modified for each phase as we age.

Taking Precautions

It is only with proper care that we can be sure we are not taking supplements that are unnecessary and that can cause potential harm. Taking anything in addition to a medically prescribed medication must be monitored. Supplements are meant to enhance health naturally but can in fact alter existing medication causing potential harm.

With increases in heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, and stress, excessive vitamins, or supplements can do more harm than good. Never make the mistake of self diagnosis based on hearsay as each person’s condition is unique and must be tailored to the individual.

It is not just about popping a multivitamin because you are feeling tired. Being aware of how your body responds as we age means taking the time to research what we can do naturally to help ease the process.

Being done hand in hand with the advice of your medical professional is always the best way to be in control of your health safely.

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Weekends are a vital part in stress management. In the tough economic times of today, many people work more hours than ever before, spending less time on leisure and are weighed down with the stress of keeping everything together.

Rejuvenating yourself on the weekend is crucial to your body and mind so that you leave the stress of the week behind you be ready to face a new week ahead.

In order to switch from stressful situations you need to refocus your energy in the way that works best for you. By winding down, you can ease the tension by learning to relax and enjoy your days off and remain healthy doing so.

Here are a few well known ideas for ramping down at the end of a busy week and help you leave your work where it belongs.

Reading

It can be anything from the New York Times to a trashy romance novel; it’s whatever takes your mind away from the worries of the week. Cook Books or thrillers, make no apologies for your taste in literature and take a few hours to entertain your mind in a way that will erase your worries just by turning a page.

If you can find a restful location like a garden, or a favorite park, then you are doubling your dose of relaxation.

Pamper Yourself

This can be applied to anyone and in whatever form works for best. A salon for a pedicure or a workout at the gym. It can also mean getting together and socializing with family or friends. Sharing some laughter and a cup of coffee can be a perfect way to pamper your frazzled thoughts.

Do Something New

Weekdays are often full of routine and doing something new on the weekend can break the stress of routine. Take a hike in a new part of your city, check out any festivals or farmers market in your area. These new outings can add fresh perspectives with seasonal activities keeping your weekend relaxing and fun.

Have Fun Indoors

You don’t need to leave the house to keep stress under wraps on the weekend. By having impromptu movie marathons, or if you enjoy cooking, planning a themed meal for your family or friends can go a long way towards relaxation.

If you enjoy playing cards or doing a puzzle, it is whatever keeps your mind clear of the weekly clutter that will benefit you the most.

The importance of taking the time to relax cannot be over stated. Living with too much stress can cause a variety of illness; it can steal your happiness and lesson your life. Managing stress need to be a priority and by keeping your weekends for family and fun, you can tackle a new week feeling refreshed and ready for anything.

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