Aging Does Not Have to Mean Decreased Quality of Life Thanks to Holistic Medicine

One unavoidable facet of the human condition is the progression of time and the correlating health changes that go along with the passage of time. Those who are aging typically face conditions that weaken the body and reduce the quality of life as the years add up. There are various holistic approaches that can help these individuals tone their bodies and improve their quality of life again. These approaches avoid the prescribed medications of functional medicine and focus on other treatments that utilize natural compounds and therapy focused on movement and invigoration.

Healthy Eating Habits

Fruits and vegetables are important to help the body stay fit and operate as it should. Eating organic is a big boost to the body’s efforts to maintain strong muscles and healthy skin. Making sure to include the right amount of Vitamins C, D, E and K as well as Vitamin A will keep the body functioning as it should and help individuals enjoy their remaining years.

Supplements

Holistic medicine believes that providing the body with the natural compounds it needs, the body’s capabilities return to what they were in the individual’s younger years. It is important to take supplements rich in vitamins and anti-oxidants in order to help the body complete processes as it should.

Skin Care Taken Seriously

The first step is to minimize sun exposure and also cut down on the amount of chemicals the skin is exposed to on a regular basis. Next, it is important to use topical vitamin C and moisturizers to help the skin stay supple and healthy.

The aged look of skin can be addressed and reduced, provided you utilize the right products and don’t -buy into the promises from make-up or cleansers that are sold for profit and not for the true benefit of the consumers.

Exercise and Sleep Can Mean the Difference

It is important to get enough sleep and make sure to take proper care of teeth and gums. This allows the body to handle illness and any pain or discomfort as it should, rather than having the focus diverted to these issues or the energy available reduced due to lack of sleep.

For those who want to stay healthy, it is important to fit in some exercise, even if it is a regularly scheduled walk. The body needs the exercise to help burn fats and process certain compounds to remove them from the system.

Functional medicine revolves around a specified pain or condition, the diagnosis of said illness and prescriptions meant to resolve or at minimum keep the issue at bay. For those who want to feel healthy and avoid taking too many prescriptions, it is wise to turn to the holistic option to evaluate the potential answers for the condition the sufferer deals with on a daily basis. The prognosis may be better, and the sufferer may get more immediate resolution to the problem. A happy ending using natural solutions can be within reach quickly. Functional medicine has its place, but holistic medicine is an undervalued resource for those with chronic conditions.

Chitosan Research

One of the many remarkable diet control supplements that can substantially contribute to weight loss is Chitosan. Chitosan is a naturally occurring substance that resembles cellulose in its structure and is derived from a polysaccharide called chitin. Chitin is primarily found in the exoskeletons of shellfish such as shrimps, crustaceans and crabs. Shells of these animals are crushed into a fine powder. This powder is passed through a process of deacetylation resulting in the formation of Chitosan.

The most remarkable property of Chitosan is that it is a special fiber that acts as an effective fat binder at the rate of six to ten times its weight. The soaked up fat molecules are then converted into a form that is not suitable for absorption. Being a non-digestible substance, consumption of Chitosan does not add any additional calories into the body. Recent research has found that Chitosan has the ability to interfere with fat digestion and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Apart from this, Chitosan also facilitates the excretion of dietary fat through feces. Research has shown that consumption of Chitosan in combination with ascorbic acid would reduce the fat levels significantly.

Along with controlling weight, Chitosan also has other health benefits. Chitosan has shown to effectively control the blood serum cholesterol levels. Research has shown that Chitosan could increase the level of HDL cholesterol in the body, while lowering the levels of LDL cholesterol in the body. Chitosan performs the function of a cholestryramine and is particularly beneficial to patients suffering with coronary heart diseases.

Professional Health Management

A career in health care management requires advanced education. A person needs at least a bachelor’s degree for an entry-level position. Smaller companies and organizations will probably accept a bachelor’s degree. However, larger organizations usually prefer a person with more education. A Master’s degree is the best choice for the most opportunity, though. The more education a person has the more opportunity. In addition, many positions require on-going education in order to stay current in the medical field.

Health care management professionals can find work throughout the health field. They can work everywhere from hospitals to nursing centers to health insurance companies. This is a large field with plenty of opportunity. The healthcare field is always changing and growing, so a person choosing a career in health care management is sure to find a great job.

Health care management professionals have an array of job duties. They handle everything from patient needs to finances to operations. They play a crucial role in how patients benefit from the health care system. They also help to educate the public about the health care system and current health care concerns. Health care management professionals ensure that the health care system for which they work runs smoothly and offers the best care possible.

Health care management is a growing career within the medical field. There are many options for a person with a degree in health care management. Health care management professionals play an important role in keeping the health care system moving along.

An Appreciation of Heinrich Lahman, First Scientific Nature Doctor

Natural Health care has roots deep in the history of man and did not have the name Alternative health care until the allopathic medical doctors gained power via politics in the 18th and 19th centuries. The ability to join together in cohesive factions to gain power is legendary in the history of man. Nature doctors were fragmented so had little political power as is the case today.

The first medically trained scientific doctor to gain the respect of both nature doctors and medical doctors was Heinrich Lahmann (1860-1905). Lehmann became a medical doctor but was dissatisfied with the theories and results of scientific medicine. He then began study of the nature cure literature. He published articles on nutrition and ate vegetarian. Lahman invented a milk from plant sources that became so popular in Europe it was imported to America by Benedict Lust who claimed that Lahman’s milk mixed with cow’s milk was as nutritious as mother’s milk. He also produced products to help food be more digestable including chocolate.

Lahman’s scientific mind brought systematic thinking to the field of nature cure. He established a sanitorium in a village near Dresden. Lehman had a magnetic personality through lectures on nature cure soon had a lucrative business. His methods of cure included
o Nutritive Salts
o Dr Schussler’s homeopathic Biochemic Cell Salts.
o Baths
o Air Huts
o Raw food diet

Lehman established a biochemical laboratory at the location to investigate metabolism and nutrition. The sanitarium was quite successful. In 1900 2,000 patients were treated, then in 1904 just before Lahman died 3,500. The business continued to grow and in 1913 7,500 were treated. By 1928 a staff of 350 were needed to care for the patient load.

Lehman was endowed with a weak constitution. Overwork and a serious influenza led to his early death at 45. He left a fortune giving most of it to humanitarian and philanthropic organizations. His ability to create a business in nature cure of this size and success is to be appreciated.

Hernia Treatment Without Surgery Is Becoming Widespread

Generally, hernia requires surgery. But, these days, hernia treatment without surgery is becoming widespread. Yoga hernia exercises are useful for hernia treatment without surgery because it is found that over 30% hernia surgery patients end up with pain and discomfort afterwards. Inserting a foreign net can cause complications later in your 30 to 40 years of post-operation life. Instead of immediate surgery, you can try out gentle yogic stretching in static and dynamic form. This is good for gradually strengthening weak abdominal muscles as it supplies abundant amount of oxygenated blood that nourishes, activates, tones and strengthens. This in turn improves muscle tensile strength which prevent displacement of internal organs. Exercising as a solution for hernia will also safeguard that the hernia does not recur in adjacent area.

You can ask a physical therapist for guidance on exercises that fit your unique condition as patient education & training are key factors in the overall process of physiotherapy treatment. Hernia treatment without surgery will need 1 to 3 months of committed effort and patience to heal.

Piles

Piles are usually inflamed and swollen collections of tissue in the anal area. They can be of any sizes and may be internal or external. Piles are usually caused by increased pressure in the lower rectum. The blood vessels around the anus and in the rectum generally stretch under pressure and may swell, thus forming piles. The symptoms of piles are:

  • Hard stool and constipation,
  • Diarrhea and frequent bowel movements.

Doctors usually diagnose piles after carrying out some physical examinations like digital rectal examination or colonoscopy.

In most cases, piles dissolve on their own without the need for any treatment. But, some piles become severe. Read on to discover some piles treatment that will help significantly to reduce the discomfort and itching.

  1. Diet – Diet change is a must to keep the stools regular and soft. This means you need to eat more fiber, such as fruit and vegetables or bran-based breakfast cereals. You should increase water consumption.
  2. Body weight – Exercising and losing weight help in reducing the severity of piles.
  3. Medicines – Over-the-counter medicines like painkillers, ointments, creams, and pads help to soothe redness and swelling around the anus. Corticosteroids medicines can reduce inflammation and pain. Laxatives are prescribed if a person with piles suffers from constipation.
  4. Surgery – An elastic band is placed around the base of the pile, cutting off its blood supply. In sclerotherapy, medicine is injected to make the hemorrhoid shrink. Infrared coagulation is a device that is used to burn the hemorrhoid tissue. The excess tissue that is causing the bleeding can be surgically removed. Hemorrhoid stapling is done to block the blood flow to the hemorrhoid tissue. Laser surgery is the latest technique for treating piles.

So, multi specialty hospitals have well known doctors for piles treatment where you can get yourself completely cured.

3 Steps to a Successful Health Care Program

We all have friends who have been sick or diagnosed with severe health problems. You may be fairly health still (congratulations!) or you might already have some issues. No matter what your particular health is right now, there are three things you can start with immediately to take better care of yourself.

1. Good Nutrition. You have probably heard this dozens of times but do you really adhere to a good diet? How often do you eat fast food? How many sodas do you drink every week? Every day? Do you eat a lot of packaged processed food, even though it is labeled “Healthy Choice” or something similar. This is not good for you! You need to eat natural, unprocessed food. Fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, soy products and the like. Your body will gradually break down if continually fed unhealthy products.

2. Exercise. This does not mean you have to run marathons or spend hours at the gym every day. Do things that you enjoy or you will not be able to sustain a exercise regime. Walking is one of the best forms of exercise. Light weights give you some body strength and muscles are what burn the most fat so you will be able to maintain a healthy weight. Keep moving as much as possible. Gardening, walking the dog, stretching, yoga, these are all wonderful ways to keep yourself fit.

3. Take Some Good Supplements. No matter how well we eat, we are not able to take in the daily amount of vitamins, nutrients, etc. that doctors and nutritionists recommend. Make sure you get on a well recommended program that you can trust. There are some excellent natural vitamin companies out there, you just need to do the research and choose one. Look for a company with longevity and ask around to some of your healthier friends what they use.

Start today as you have no time to lose. Remember, if you have any questions about what you should do or take, check with your doctor.

The Tips for Flu Prevention

The Tips for Flu Prevention

1. Get vaccinated.
The best way to prevent oneself from contracting the flu is to get a shot. It will not give the person the flu. It will likely keep the person from getting it. If they do; however, it will be a more mild case than if they had not gotten vaccinated.

2. Wash hands frequently.
For those who come in contact with surfaces in public places, particularly those with high traffic, frequent hand washing will help reduce the risks of contracting the illness. Use warm, soapy water and wash hands vigorously for a minimum of 20 seconds. Rinse well and use a clean towel or air dryer to dry them thoroughly. Use the towel to turn off the faucet, when possible.

3. Do not touch the face.
People should refrain from touching their faces with their hands, especially after coming in contact with a frequently used surface.

4. Be a preventive employer.
Employers should encourage their workers to get a flu shot. Contacting medical staffing agencies to set up in-house flu vaccinations will lower the risk of employees contracting the flu and will prevent them from having to leave the premises to get the shot.

5. Stay home sick.
Employees with the flu should stay home when they are sick, rather than come to the office and cause customers and other employees to contract the virus.

6. Avoid close personal contact.
Keep a safe distance from people who are ill with the flu. Those who are sick should make a conscious effort to stay away from others when they believe they have the virus.

7. Know the risks.
Take the flu virus seriously. More than 36,000 people die from influenza each year. About 14,000 are hospitalized with complications from the illness.

8. Know the symptoms.
There are many different signs and symptoms of the flu. When a few are present, consult a medical health care or home elder care provider for an examination. Watch for sudden, severe onset of headache and/or extreme exhaustion. A fever between 102 and 104 degrees F can last from 3 to 4 days. Other possible symptoms may include coughing, sneezing, sore throat, runny nose and muscle aches.

An Appreciation of Louisa Lust – Teaching Naturopathy

Many times in a business it is a married couple who work together to produce stellar results. This was the case with Louisa Lust (1869-1925). The wife of celebrated naturopathy Benedict Lust she worked with him to open the American School of Naturopathy in New York.

Before the partnership Louisa already had a name in the nature cure world and used time honored traditions as:
o Hydrotherapy
o Vegetarian diet
o Air and light baths
o Rational life style

German born Louisa studied the nature cure methods of Rikli and Kuhne in London prior to moving to the United States. She established a practice in the USA but continued her studies at Columbia Institute, then in 1901 married Benedict Lust. Their 25 year partnership established Naturopathy as a medical force with lasting impact in the United States. As a cook she prepared tasty meals and wrote: Practical Naturopathic Vegetarian Cookbook in 1907. She tells us:
o A large part of food among Americans is composed of white flour, sugar, and butter. People who try to live on such stuff gradually starve to death
o We lengthen our life with a frugal diet
o We shorten our life by eating too much
o Feed the sick little so little digestive work is needed

Louisa was dedicated to bring out the attributes of a healthy home where light, air, cleanliness, and a good diet would keep a person healthy. She believed in a common sense approach to health that trusted “The Life Force Within”. That what people needed was:
o Freedom from fear
o Mastery of hygiene

Louisa made sure she knew the individual and correspond treatments to their circumstance and experience. Louisa believed there was no better treatment than hydrotherapy and the use of water. If an acute disease struck to use a steam bath, and every day take a cool bath. She believed that fever was the vital force trying to get rid of toxic materials and poison and not to stop it. She advised no solid food and the organs will cure the issue naturally. Louisa Lust spent her life in the pursuit of helping others help themselves. Her lessons are still valid today.

American Health Care Industry – Why Innovation is So Difficult

Healthcare industry presently in United States is in miserable condition, the delivery of treatment to consumers is often inefficient, ineffective and consumer unfriendly. The problems in the sector had been well documented and they range from medical errors, which by some estimates contribute around 8 percent of all deaths in United States, soaring cost of health care administration, the amount of time one get an appointment with the physician and inadequate facilities.

Why there are no innovations in the industry to improve it

Despite enormous investments in innovation and magnitude of the opportunity for the innovators, not many people are willing to invest in the industry. The reasons are numerous but one of the primary reasons is failing of too many efforts. Not many companies have able to translate their paper plan in the real world. One example of a massive failure is, managed care revolution that ended up losing $40 billion of investors’ money into biotech venture and into endeavors of achieving economies of scale to fragmented physician practices.

How we can improve present state of American health care industry

The idea of universal coverage is in rounds in public domain for years now, and there are no signs that Bush administration will take such restructuring of the system. The second solution to the problem is to focus on particular areas rather than solving the problem at once. These areas can be chosen carefully by the company according to its expertise and core competency. Some of the areas to focus which companies can zero down on are –

Innovations in the delivery of health care can result in more convenient, effective and less expensive treatments for today’s time stressed and increasingly empowered health care consumers.

New Drugs, diagnostic methods and drug delivery system can offer the hope of better treatment and care at lesser cost.

Healthcare is still astonishingly fragmented industry and integrated health care activities can increase efficiency, improve care and save consumer time.