Minerals, especially the more essential ones like Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, and Chloride are very important in maintaining good health. The most common one, calcium, is the most important “building block” for both our skeletal systems and teeth. Calcium level requirements vary from the time people are babies until they are old, and are usually ingested from foods, particularly dairy products.

As people get older, they often pay less attention to their diet, tending to eat foods that are to processed and contain less essential minerals. This often results in the need to take mineral supplements such as calcium pills and capsules, often made from processed seal shells and other natural products rich in calcium. Calcium deficiencies, especially in women who have borne several children, may ultimately result in a condition called osteoporosis which can led to weak, porous bones that can break easily and be difficult to heal. People suffering form this condition may also develop deformations of the entire skeletal system, resulting conditions such as “stooped shoulders” and scoliosis-like spinal curvatures.

Special, extra strength mineral supplements, such as Alendronate, a bio-phosphonate drug, are often prescribed for treatment or prevention of osteoporosis. These medications are very powerful and should only be used under strict medical supervision. In many cases, a combination of proper diet and exercise may be just as good in preventing severe cases of calcium deficiency leading to osteoporosis.

Other essential minerals including magnesium and sodium can be obtained from both foods and by vitamin and mineral supplements. It is important to eat well, including plenty of fresh vegetables, whole grains, and protein producing foods like meat and dairy products. Those who are vegetarians, particularly “veggies” or strict vegetarians (who no only do not eat meat by eggs and dairy products as well) should eat vegetable products like soya products, nuts, and whole grains, all of which have ingestible levels of proteins and minerals.

Many other minerals such as iron, copper, manganese, and zinc have there roles in maintaining good physical health, especially iron in women. Though the best way of acquiring these minerals is through well balanced diets, they can also be obtained in mineral supplements available in both pharmacies and health products stores.

Many people who sit long hours in front of a personal computer complain of pains in their neck, shoulders and forearms. Neck and shoulder pains used to be quite common among athletes and those who carry back or shoulder packs or satchels, such as postmen.

These aches and pains can be reduced significantly, and even eliminated entirely, if proper periodic massage treatments are given by either a knowing friend or a professional massage therapist. The general procedures for these treatments are as follows: Have the person lie down face up on either a massage table or firm mattress or floor mat. A rolled towel place under the upper back will help to stabilize the back and neck. Cradle the person’s head with one hand, while turning the head slightly to the right. Glide your other hand firmly out from the center of the chest to the top of the arm, and then back along the shoulder, then back along the neck to the base of the skull Make circle like motions with the fingers along the back of the neck to make the neck less tense. Continue these motions down the neck and then on the chest. Then, stroke firmly along the side of neck and then to the shoulder. This will help to stretch the neck muscles.

Turn the head to the center and then place both hands on the head to stretch the neck muscles Then turn the head to opposite side and repeat the procedure from the opposite direction. Make small, circular movements on the back of the neck, and stroke the back of the head with circular movements. Then lower the head to the prone position.

The fingers, particularly the finger tips, are very important in this kind of therapy. Use firm, gliding strokes to give the most effect. Since the source of the discomfort is often away from the skull, it is very important to concentrate of the areas where most of the pain is coming from.

When massaging forearms, use both hands and firmly ‘wring’ the arm, beginning at the wrist. Continue up the arm until reaching the upper arm and shoulder.

Most people know that being under stress has damaging effects on their health. In fact, studies made by major scientific laboratories have concluded that being under stress is one of the main causes of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes.

Some of the more common symptoms of being under undue stress include headaches, nervous and muscle tension, high blood pressure, depression and fatigue. Stress is simply the way a person’s body reacts to difficult and challenging circumstances, stemming from personal or marital problems, financial problems, work problems (including being relocated or let go from a position) and problems dealing with health. When a person in under stress his body is automatically reacting by either withdrawing or escaping from the unpleasant situation.

Stress that results in high blood pressure can cause damage to blood vessels due to ‘micro-tears’ to their walls due to increased blood flow. The healing of these vessel walls results in the forming of scar tissue that causes restriction on blood flow and subsequent blockage and heart attacks.

More than 40% of all American adults suffer from some form of stress, and between 75 and 90% of all doctor visits result from conditions brought on by stress. A great deal of problems occurring at work, including work accidents originate from being under stress.

As a person gets older, the effects of chronic stress eventually take their toll on other debilitating conditions such as arthritis. This is another reason why some people tend to “age” sooner than others.

There are ways in which a person can cope with the effects of being under stress. These include maintaining a positive attitude, getting enough rest and sleep, eating more healthy and well balanced meals, exercising properly and learning good relaxation techniques (meditation, yoga, etc.), being less aggressive and more assertive, and simply learning to accept things that cannot be changed.

One should try to avoid smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol and medications to reduce the effects of stress. These will only help to worsen the overall effects of stress and make one dependent on them as well.

Stress is not something we are forced to live with. It can be managed and controlled if the proper efforts, and resolutions, are made and applied.

Proper sports massage techniques for athletes is no less important that other training aspects, including workouts and diet. The practice of using massage to help athletes recover from the soreness and rigors of competition has been in use even since athletic competition itself.

Modern methods of sports massage often entails a combination of known massage techniques, including Swedish, Japanese shiatsu, and others. During the harsh rigors of athletic competition, the entire human body is pressed to the limits of endurance; and joints, muscles and other parts of the body have actually been damaged, if only briefly. An experienced sports massage practitioner knows how to use his fingers, palms and knuckles to smooth stressed and ‘knotted’ muscles to stimulate better blood flow and bring relief , especially by using the thumbs and forefingers. Athletics who receive severe cramps and similar injuries during team sports, for example, may need several sessions with a sports medicine massage practitioner in order toe be able to return to the football pitch or basketball court as soon as possible.

Muscle fatigue is often present following sporting events, and the athlete needs a combination of both diet and sports massage to return fatigued muscles and nerves to their proper form. If a person is not treated properly, he will suffer from chronic muscle fatigue; which inhibit the muscles from receiving the proper nerve signals necessary to win the match or game.

Massages can be very beneficial if given prior to a workout or sporting event; and will ensure that the muscles are more relaxed and less tense. Pre-game tension can result in an athlete having less concentration, which will prevent him or her from make split movement decisions. Some of the benefits of sports massage for athletes includes faster recover from muscle damage occurring during competitions or workouts, increased flexibility and concentration, muscle rejuvenation and relief of fatigue, and healing of muscles, ligaments and tendons after injuries.

When applying massage before a workout, make sure that this is not overdone, as it may make the athlete feel tired and not wanting to play or work out. In this case, massage techniques to stimulate muscular skeletal activities are much more desirable.

Post event body massage should be done as soon a possible following a stressful athletic event – usually within an hour or two. This helps to rid the body of chemical changes brought on by severe stress, such a by-products of body metabolism. It also helps to “cool down” the body circulation in a similar manner as the “cool down” process following a stressful gym work out. Apply long, even strokes, especially towards the heart, helps to move the blood and other body fluids. It is also wise to ask the athlete how he feels and whether he drank enough fluids before and after the event.

Many symptoms of everyday stress can be relieved and even eliminated by becoming involved in a daily exercise program. Proper exercise helps to produce a number of healthful chemical substances that can be sent throughout the body to control the symptoms of stress, including muscle tenseness and poor blood circulation. When beginning an exercise or work out program it is recommended to seek professional advice as to what exercises are both safe as well as beneficial for a person’s age and current physical condition. Health and fitness experts agree that proper exercise “releases hormones into the body that bring balance into their lives and focus better on everything they do”.

Obviously, one can’t just go into a gym or fitness center and begin fast walking on a treadmill or lifting weights on the various machines that are usually found in such places. An exercise program contoured to a person’s exact needs depends on a number of factors, as swell as the send desired result. For example, it a person wants to begin a program to both relieve stress symptoms as well as build up better muscle tone, a reduced plan of at least 15 to 20 minutes should be done in a manner that is not putting too much physical stress on muscles and a skeletal system that has been sedentary. Even a short exercise session of only five or ten minutes is better that nothing at all. The exercise period should include a warm-up period, as well as a “cooling down” period afterwards to prevent and damage to be caused to un-toned muscles. A good exercise workout helps a person take his mind off the problems that have caused the feeling of stress, and make a person more calm afterwards; enabling him to deal better with the problems that are causing the stress.

Some of the benefits of a well planned exercise program include detoxification of the various body systems, including cardiovascular and digestive. It also helps a person to deal better with anger and other negative feelings by releasing pent up energy that has been “stored” in the body during periods of stress. .Exercise also releases endorphins which are neuro-chemical compounds that act similar to morphine to help relax the body.

By becoming involved in a conscious exercise program of at least 3 days per week, and up to half an hour in duration, stress levels can be significantly lowered.

Of all types of massage techniques, what is known as Swedish massage is probably the most commonly known. Introduced by a Swedish physiologist named Henri Peter Ling at the University of Stockholm in 1812, Swedish massage is used to improve circulation and ease muscle aches and tension. The technique involves the use of a number of strokes and hand movements including long, gliding strokes, muscle kneading, ‘hacking’ of tapping various parts of the body with the hand, and muscle vibration.

In Swedish massage, the practitioner incorporates long, firm strokes with gentle tapping. In this manner, what are known as ‘long muscles’ i.e., muscles in the legs, back etc, are stimulated on a large area, increasing blood circulation and helping to limber stiff joints and relieve feelings of stress. In addition to using these various hand movements, the practitioner uses special “massage oils” and lotions to decrease friction and give a more pleasurable effect. Strokes known as ‘pressure strokes’ are used to ‘heat’ up the body areas being massaged.

The person receiving the treat is either scantily clothes or not clothed at all. The person is usually covered by a sheet, however, in a process known as “draping’. In this manner, the practitioner removes only the part of the sheet on the body area to be massaged.

Another type of Swedish massage, known as ‘flat stone massage’, heated flat stones are placed on the body to bring warmth to the areas being treated. Afterwards, the stones are removed and the practitioner applies long, kneading strokes with his hands. The combination of the heated stones and the practitioner’s strokes give a very special and relaxing effect. Sometimes the alternate use of both heated stones, such as balsat, an cooling stones made from marble, give a very pleasant effect.

Swedish massage is often used in conjunction with other types of massage, including sport and deep tissue massage. A common technique is to stimulate the blood flow towards the heart by stimulating blood circulation. Benefits from Swedish massage techniques include relaxation, blood flow stimulation, removing muscular tension discomfort, especially following fractures and severe sprains, and as a healing technique in stress management. The treatment should not be used if a person is suffering from any health problem dealing with or indicating a serious illness including fever, jaundice, diarrhea, vomiting, etc.

Asian massage techniques, including Chinese and Japanese massage, ( Shitatsu and Tui-Na), Indian, Javanese and Thai, have been in existence for more than two thousand years. These techniques, intended to release energy, cleanse the body of impurities, and strengthen the nervous and muscular skeletal system. Many of these techniques are linked to various religious practices, including Buddhism, Shinto, and Hinduism.

Thai massage originated in India more than 2,500 years ago, and spread to what was then known as Siam, during to time of Buddha. The technique is performed while the person assumes many yoga-like positions, and is designed to stretch and flex the skeleton and connecting muscles. It also aids in strengthening the body’s immune system by focusing of more efficient oxidation of the blood. The patient usually lies on either firm mattress or floor mat, and usually wearing loose fitting pajama-like garments. It is not to be confused to be confused with other, often erotic types of massage, which are performed for an entirely different type reason. Hand movements by the practitioner are usually rhythmic and regular, intended to work on the person’s body energy lines. The practitioner will also walk upon the patient’s spine to stimulate the spinal nerves which influence the entire body, including fingers and toes.

Chinese Tui Na massage is a technique more than 5,000 years old and is based on the use of pressure at certain points of the body. The ‘pressure’ is applied using both the fingers, knuckles, and the palms as well as certain devices, including acupuncture needles. Acupuncture and other forms of Chinese medicine such ass herbal therapy are also used together with the hands. The technique of ‘kneading’ the patient’s muscular-skeletal system is said to be very effective in removing blockages in the circulatory system to promote more effective healing. The treatment is claimed to be very effective in improving conditions of the muscular skeletal system. Because the treatment does not involve the use of drugs of chemicals, it has very few side effects.

Japanese Shiahatsu massage is very different than more traditional massage therapy. The practice, also at least two thousand years old, involves the use of distinct pressure applied on parts of the body known as ‘energy points’. The reasoning behind this method is that when a muscle become tense, it stiffens, resulting in pain. By focusing pressure with the thumb, finger tips and palm, the Shiahatsu practitioner loosens stiff muscles, limbers joints, and stimulates blood flow. The resulting loosening of tension and increased blood flow cause body joints to move freely again resulting in easing of pain and other healthful benefits. It is well known that increased blood flow helps prevent blockages in veins and arteries.

Javanese massage, originating on the Island of Java in what was once known as the East Indies, involves the use of the entire hand, including fingers, palms, and knuckles, combined with aromatic oils. The practitioner massages or ‘kneads’ the muscles like a baker kneading dough. This method is said to be very useful in relieving muscle tension and easing back pain. It is also very useful in restoring muscles to their full capacity following the healing of a broken bone or fracture.

Asian massage therapies are still very popular for relieving of body tensions and for overall relaxation. They are often included with hotel vacation tour packages.

Cancer of the colon is the 3rd most common cancer in the USA. More than 150,000 people are diagnosed annually with the disease, with more than third eventually dying
Colon cancer is most common in people over age 50; but it can strike younger people – even children, as well.

Though a number of factors can be responsible for causing a person to develop colon cancer, the most common are dietary, particularly for those who consume large amounts of red meat and fatty dairy products. Colon cancer usually occurs when small nodules, known as polyps, begin to grow in the lower sigmoid colon. If not detected and removed, these polyps can eventually become malignant and begin to grow in size, eventually spreading outside the colon and into other body organs, including the liver.

The disease can strike anyone from all walks of like, as U.S. President George Bush is probably aware of, when no less than 8 small benign polyps were discovered recently when he underwent a Colonoscopy procedure. In a Colonoscopy, a special tube-like apparatus with fiber optic cameras is inserted into the colon via the rectum, and any abnormalities such as polyps are detected and removed. If a larger growth, indicating cancer is discovered, it may become necessary to remove a large section of the colon in a surgical procedure known as a Colostomy.

Symptoms of colon disorders which could indicate cancer include a marked changed in bowl habits such as diarrhea or constipation, a full or bloated feeling, chronic fatigue and sudden weight loss, and feelings of nausea with vomiting. Blood in the stools and severely darkened stools may also be a strong sign of the disease.

Though other colon problems may be indicated by these symptoms, the likelihood of colon cancer, especially for persons over age 50, is reason enough for having a periodic Colonoscopy procedure performed. Persons who have previously been found to have polyps in the colon should have a Colonoscopy done every three years, with annual or semi annual tests for occult blood samples.

Change of diet to foods containing high amounts of fiber or ‘roughage’ is highly recommended, along with reduction of meat and dairy, fats, alcohol, and either fried or grilled goods – especially over charcoal. Assuming a more natural diet of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, is an excellent way to reduce the likelihood of colon cancer. These measures due not eliminate the possibility of contracting the disease, however, as other factors, including genetic ones, may be responsible. If you have family members who have come down with colon cancer, especially ones who died from the disease, having a Colonoscopy performed at regular intervals may eventually save your life.

During the past 25 years, Americans and other people have become more interested in better nutrition involving organic and similar food products. A unique type of supermarket chain, called Whole Foods, was founded in 1980 in Austin Texas as one small store specializing in natural and organic foods. Since then, the company has grown to nearly 200 stores situated throughout North America, as well as in the UK.

The concept of this chain, in which customers find the highest quality produce, much of it certified as organic or locally grown and produced, is to ensure the consumer that the food products and other natural items found in these stores are as free as possible from pesticides, administered antibiotics, and other growth stimulants often found in commercially processed foods.

Though not all foods in these stores are 100% organic, many of them are and are offered in surroundings that are designed to please even the most discriminating natural foods purchaser. The quality of food items offered by the Whole Foods company is very high; and although both organic and non-organic products are offered in these stores, the main attribute to them is that customers have complete freedom of choice in the products they purchase. Packaged Organic products usually bear the label of the National Organic Program, including labels like 100% Organic, Organic 95%, and Made with Organic (at least 70% organic ingredients).

The ‘whole foods’ idea is not limited only to food products but also to helping make our planet a better place to live in by being involved in activities an public service projects that are beneficial to preserving the environment. The company is actively involved in all areas of organic farming as well as local and national activities which are geared toward helping the environment. These activities include being active in community activities to help clean up pollution and make people more aware of these issues.

Offering consumers the widest possible variety of top quality food products, as well as vitamins and other food supplements the Whole Foods marketing concept is to prove it’s customers with the best quality products possible. Whether that be cheese and other dairy products, meat and poultry free of antibiotics and growth hormones, or top quality fresh vegetables, you can find them at Whole Foods.

Walking into any Whole Foods supermarket, one finds a virtual “garden of earthly delights”, as samples of many items are offered for free tasting, especially fruits and vegetables. This also includes a rich variety of sauces, and other foods products often not found in regular supermarkets. Of course, some products such as “junk foods” ( potato chips and other snack foods, carbonated beverages, and the like ).

The old saying, “you are what you eat” is an excellent way of describing the message that Whole Foods and other similar companies and organizations are trying to convey to the environmental conscious consumer public.