Leading Medical Journal Concludes That Smoke Particles Cause Damage To All Human Cells

 Although there has been suspicion for years that air pollution does more to the body than what was known, it was not until recently that researchers in California discovered something quite significant. Through in-depth studies, these experts found that microscopic particles in the atmosphere can have the capability of disrupting some of the inner mechanics of cellular structure. With this information, researchers now understand why the urban haze produced by air pollutants is so harmful to humans.

How do these particles get past our bodies natural defenses and into our cells?

The scientists now know that even the smallest of particles found in smoke and dust can lead to cell injury, thanks to the extensive research. These particles are so minuscule, that they simply go past the body’s natural defense system. The study also showed that these small particles are capable of traveling well past the bloodstream and lungs, penetrating within the cells. The pollutants then accumulate within a critical area, which is responsible for powering the cell, as well as helping it maintain function. Unfortunately, when this cellular component becomes damaged from the air pollutants, numerous diseases can develop.

Where do these particles come from?

If you have ever traveled to Los Angeles, Detroit, Phoenix, or other large cities, then you have noticed a gray-like haze that lingers overhead. It is this particle pollution that causes so much trouble. In fact, this very haze has now been directly linked with problems such as children missing school, shorter life spans, cancer, reduced level of lung function, more hospital admittances, heart disease, and aggravated respiratory illnesses. Because of this, strict rules have now been implemented by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for creating methods in order to reduce air pollutants.

Where do we go from here?

With the new regulations for all types of air pollutants, the EPA now estimates that more than 15,000 premature deaths and 350,000 cases of asthma will be prevented. Additionally, this agency estimates that approximately one million children will be spared problems with lung or respiratory problems just in the next 15 years. Even so, there still remains the mystery of which particle types cause which health problems. What researchers know is that the air is filled with all sorts of particles and many different sizes. The goal is to identify how each of these particles affects the body so the appropriate measures can be taken. However, this new research does identify that even the smallest air particle can have an adverse effect on the body. 

New studies to further knowledge…

Another study consisting of 10 scientists involved the collection of various sized particles from the atmosphere close to the downtown Los Angeles area. The collected particles were then concentrated, placed in a solution, and added to two different cell types. The first group of cells was comprised of macrophages, which came from mice and is a scavenger type cell that destroys foreign mater found in the body’s lungs, as well as other major organs. The second group of cells came from the deep lining of a human’s lung. With the cells in the solution, chemical reactions in the tissue was examined, followed by the cells being examined using an electron microscope.

Interestingly, the discovery was that particles coming into contact with the cells triggered a response of inflammation, which could explain why pollution exacerbates things like asthma, airway inflammation, and other respiratory problems. However, as the scientists went into the cells even deeper, they found that one-tenth of a micron had collected within the structures of the cell, known as mitochondria. These are oblong in shape and considered the laborers of the cells, combining oxygen and sugar to produce the required fuel so the cells can continue functioning.

This study went on to show that when exposed to air pollutants, the cell wall of the mitochondria was damaged. With this, the “fuel” production was stopped and instead, other chemicals were produced, which creates the inflammation of the mitochondria and ultimately, the damage to the cell. With this information, top scientists realized that the past efforts to clean up air pollution did not focus on the small particles and the danger they impose.

The thing to remember is that the cell’s mitochondrial is similar to a battery. If it becomes damaged, the cell will die. The reason this is so crucial is that what scientists now know is that the small particles are actually better at causing damage, meaning the ultra-fine particles should be a primary focus because of the extensive toxicity and ability to cause stress to the body’s cells.

Protecting the air for tomorrow…

If you consider that the sky can change from a bright blue to a dull gray simple because of air pollution, you can only imagine what these particles can do when inhaled. What is so fascinating is that these particles that can be so damaging to the cellular system are actually microscopic pieces that range anywhere from broken up tire fragments to acid droplets. Then, these are measured in microns, which is a unit of measurement the same to one-millionth of a meter. Considering that the human hair is approximately 50 microns in diameter and that some of these inhaled air pollutants are 0.003 microns, it is easier to understand how they enter the cellular system in the first place.

There are still a lot of questions about air pollution and the body’s cells but because research is now showing a direct correlation, it is believed that even more research will be conducted to narrow the types of particles down to specific damage. Although this type of research takes years, it does show that researchers and scientists are on the right track.

Lose Weight Permanently with the Power Pause

 If strict diet and exercise routines are not for you and just make you feel like a failure because you don't seem to be able to keep them up, then why not try a new approach? Start with something you know you can do, which needs no special equipment and which you can do anywhere. This is something which is so powerful, so simple it will serve you all your life. I call it a "Power Pause" because it means using a moment to regain power over your decisions about what and when you eat.

To make the "Power Pause" part of your life ask yourself just 3 questions before you eat anything

* Am I physically hungry right now or could I wait?

* How will I feel after I have eaten this?

* Is there a better choice?

The Power Pause is a tool you can use whenever you're faced with food. You can use it before you buy food in a restaurant or shop. And you can use it before you open the fridge or freezer, before you reach into the cupboard for a snack, before you have a second cookie. You can even use it during a meal to help you think about whether you have eaten enough. Use it to remind yourself to stop eating whether or not there is food left on your plate or on the table. It simply helps you avoid eating when you're not hungry. 

We all tend to eat food without thinking. We see food, we eat it. We get offered food, we accept it. We pass a burger bar. We suddenly feel "hungry", go in and order. We anesthetize our minds with food when we're upset. We hardly notice the food going in. 

And eating food without needing it is the primary cause of our weight problems. We eat and eat without thinking whether we're hungry right now or whether that food is the best choice we can make for our bodies and our health. We eat without thinking about our desire to look good on the beach this year, to do something about our threatening health problems, to feel good about ourselves. 

But what does it take to pause for a moment before you make a decision to put food in your mouth, to think twice before you add those calories to your hips? A few seconds at most! Certainly less time than you will spend regretting your bout of over-eating.

You may not succeed in stopping yourself every time especially at the beginning of using this tool - so don't look for perfection from yourself - look for progress. Keep going because it will eventually become second nature - a habit for the rest of your life - one which will help you stay slim forever. 

Lose Weight-Tone Abs With Electronic Muscle Stimulator? Can Body Fat Melt Away? author:Chris Chew

 You have probably seen plenty of advertisements extolling how Electronic Abdominal Stimulators can melt your belly fat fast and quickly. Most of these advertisements will also claim that their electronic abs stimulators can also flatten your tummy to reveal your six pack abs muscle. They even claim that by using electronic abs stimulators for X minutes is better that 300 sit ups or crunches, so you can say bye bye to diets and exercise forever. Too good to be true?

On the other hand, you may also have come across many articles and messages from the health and fitness industry or from your fitness personal trainers who refute the advertisers claiming that the only way to get a flat tummy with well defined six pack abs muscle is through healthy eating and exercise. Now that is hard work isn’t it? So you will rather take a chance with an electronic abs stimulator won’t you? 

So who is telling the truth? Ok, instead of joining in the controversy, this article points out what the authorities such as U.S. Food and Drug Administration has got to say. Below is an excerpt from U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA Consumer magazine July-August 2002. You can read the full report at http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2002/402_abs.html :-

“In May, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed complaints against three manufacturers of these devices, alleging that they have made false claims in their advertising, seen in heavily aired infomercials on national cable television, shorter television commercials, and ads in the print media.

The unfounded claims cited by the FTC include the promise of "six pack" or "washboard" abs without exercise, claims that the devices will give users a trimmer waist or cause fat loss, and that use of the device is equivalent to (or better than) regular abdominal exercises, such as sit-ups or crunches. The FTC complaints also allege that the advertising claimed falsely that the stimulators are safe for all to use, and did not disclose adequately the possible health hazards for some people.

Q. Why does the FDA regulate electrical muscle stimulators?

A. Electrical muscle stimulators are considered medical devices under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Under this law and the agency's regulations, the FDA is responsible for regulating the sale of all electrical muscle stimulators in the United States. Therefore, firms must comply with appropriate FDA premarket regulatory requirements before they can legally sell their stimulators. Most electrical muscle stimulators (EMS devices) that have been reviewed by the FDA are intended for use in physical therapy and rehabilitation under the direction of a health-care professional. If a company wants to sell EMS devices directly to consumers, the company needs to show the FDA that the device can be used safely and effectively in that setting.

Q. These electrical muscle stimulators are advertised not only to tone, firm, and strengthen abdominal muscles, but also to provide weight loss, girth reduction, and "rock hard" abs. Do they really work?

A. While an EMS device may be able to temporarily strengthen, tone or firm a muscle, no EMS devices have been cleared at this time for weight loss, girth reduction, or for obtaining "rock hard" abs.

Q. Is the FDA concerned about the unregulated marketing of these devices?

A. Yes. The FDA has received reports of shocks, burns, bruising, skin irritation, and pain associated with the use of some of these devices. There have been a few recent reports of interference with implanted devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators. Some injuries required hospital treatment. The FDA is also concerned because many of these devices have cables and leads. If those cables and leads do not comply with electrical safety standards, there is the possibility that users and other household members could be electrocuted. The FDA is currently investigating firms that are illegally marketing EMS devices.

Q. What does FDA regulation accomplish?

A. Before they may legally sell their devices, firms that market EMS devices must be able to demonstrate that these products are as safe and as effective as similar devices that are legally marketed. Devices may be marketed only for uses that are established for the device or for uses that the firm can support with data. At this time, the FDA is not aware of scientific information to support many of the promotional claims being made for numerous devices being widely promoted on television, infomercials, newspapers, and magazines.

Q. Does that mean that it's unsafe to use an electrical muscle stimulator that has not met FDA requirements?

A. Using a product that has not met FDA requirements isn't necessarily unsafe or dangerous. But it could be. Unregulated devices also may have safety problems associated with cables and leads that can lead to accidental shock and electrocution of users and other household members, including children.

Q. If I use an electrical muscle stimulator, will it give me the same kind of effect that lots of sit-ups, stomach crunches and other abdominal exercises will?

A. Using these devices alone will not give you "six-pack" abs. Applying electrical current to muscles may cause them to contract. Stimulating muscles repeatedly with electricity may eventually result in muscles that are strengthened and toned to some extent but will not, based on currently available data, create a major change in your appearance without the addition of weight loss and regular exercise.”

Now, who is telling the truth about electronic muscle stimulator being able to melt tummy fat and reveal your six pack abs? Well, you be the judge and come to your own verdict.

Lose Weight With Weight Loss Patches

 Weight Loss Patches In Dealing With Obese, It It For Real?

Overweight or obese has become worldwide problem. It has reaches an epidemic level that need to be STOP. Serious medical problems associated with obesity include gallbladder disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and osteoarthritis has become common in our society. The main cause for the obesity crisis is of course a sedentary lifestyle, not enough exercise and the eating a lot of high calorie foods. And because of this, millions of people around the world turn to natural weight loss program to help them lose weight such excercises program, natural  supplement program as well as hypnotizing. One of the program that we are going to discuss here is weight loss patches.

What is weight loss patches?

Weight loss patches is one of the latest breakthrough & creative invention to help people lose weight. It is for those who do dislike painful exercising as well as forgetful in using weight loss pills. It is one of those tiny patches that is to be placed on the wrist, arm or other smooth part of your skin. In medical term, it is known as transdermal delivery.

It works by releasing a herbal or medical nutrients through the dermal layers of skin into the blood stream directly instead of being filtered through the liver. The idea is to provide a consistent dose of medication over a long period of time. Once inside your bloodstream, it will increase your metabolism to burn more calories and decreasing your hunger resulting in natural weight loss.

A number of treatments have been distributed this way - such as Nicotin patches for anti-smoking medication, and even Hormone Replacement Therapy for women who suffer loss of libido.

With weight loss patches, you will experience lessen hunger pangs and other symptoms generally associated with weight reduction, and serves to jump-start your metabolism, dramatically increasing your body's ability to burn fat.

Ads & Commercial On Weight Loss Patches. Does It Really works?

Dozens of ads for weight loss patches is widely available at the moment to help people lose weight. With the advancement in internet technology, you can find many type’s or brand of weight loss patches that claim to be the best in dealing with weight loss. So the question is : How do you know which one is right for you?

Well fortunately or unfortunately, you will never know unless you tried it out your self. Losing weight is a decision not to be taken lightly. It need’s a lot of commitment & sacrifices among each individual. It is a long term problem that need long term commitment. Those who had tried & successfully lose their weight is the one that we need to emulate. Learn the secret from people who had succeeded & not from failure’s. Make losing weight one of your main priority for this year. Taking a first step is definitely difficult but once you put in a lot of effort, nothing is impossible.

Lose your weight NOW! or you will never see the other side of your magnificent, slender & healthier body.

Losing Weight While Eating Foods You Love

 What does losing weight mean to you?  Do those two words (ie. losing weight) make you grimace?  Does the thought of losing weight make you think of starvation and sore muscles?

Maybe those are the reasons that losing weight seems so hard and impossible to most people.  Losing weight just seems a pretty painful process overall.

If you think this way then you need to change your mind set.  It is very possible to eat foods you love, exercise rarely and still end up losing weight.

If losing weight is your only goal then you don’t even need to worry about exercise.  Really.  But if being fit and muscular is your goal you should definitely work exercise into the picture.

Okay, you probably think I’m insane by saying you can not exercise and still end up losing weight.  Either that or you think I’m going to tell you to starve yourself. 

Not at all!  I want you to be able to eat the foods you love and still lose weight.  It CAN be done.

There are diets out there (and really, they shouldn’t even be called diets, because when people hear the word diet they imagine starvation) that allow you to eat plenty of great tasting foods and still shed those unwanted extra pounds.

These diets, better known as meal plans, are becoming more and more popular all the time.  Why?  Because they work!

The trouble is weeding out the ones that don’t do what they claim and don’t work, and finding the ones that are worth your time and effort.

The other problem is finding a plan that will work for you, with your specific lifestyle and metabolic needs.  Some meal plans for losing weight are great for one group of people and useless to another.

When searching for the right meal plan that will aid you in your weight loss attempts you should keep the following questions in mind...

Does this meal plan include foods I love and would not be able to do without?

Does it deprive me and leave me feeling unsatisfied?

Is it recommended for someone of my age and/or weight? 

Will it work for me in the long run or will it be the same as a yo-yo diet?

If the meal plan you are considering trying gives favorable answers to all of these questions then you have definitely got a winner on your hands.

With a meal plan like that you would be able to eat the foods you love and still lose the weight you hate.

Back to exercise...  Now, even though I told you the truth earlier when I said you wouldn’t need to exercise at all if you found the right meal plan, I highly advise that you at least learn to work a little bit of exercise into your schedule each day.

Not just to help with losing weight or getting fit either.  Regular exercise will help you to stay or become healthy and avoid a lot of costly diseases and illnesses.

Now, don’t go and forget what you’ve just learned.  Instead, use these tips to help keep yourself from getting “burned” by a meal plan that is wrong for you.

Lowering Cholesterol with Natural Nutrients

 Lowering cholesterol without the negative side effects of cholesterol drugs is quite possible now thanks to a new generation of nutritional supplements that couple traditional nutrients with the latest research to reach new levels of effectiveness. 

There are several nutrients with both solid scientific documentation of effectiveness, and traditional "anecdotal" evidence built up over hundreds of years of use in the worlds oldest healing tradition. 

One of these nutrients is policosanol, a natural nutrient extracted from sugar cane, rice bran and bee's wax. This nutrient has solid research documentation and is proven to lower cholesterol even more effectively than statin drugs, without negative side effects, and it does not increase blood sugar levels. 

Since cholesterol is neccessary for many important body functions, when lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol it's critical to maintain a balance between LDL and HDL cholesterol, which is considered to be the "good" cholesterol. 

In clinical studies policosanol has been proven to maintain the balance between LDL and HDL, significantly decreasing total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. 

Policosanol vs, the statin drug Lovastatin (Mevacor) 

In a study comparing Policosanol with the statin drug Lovastatin (Mevacor) over the course of 12 weeks, Policosanol was found to be superior at lowering LDL cholesterol while raising HDL. 

The results of the study show that policosanol reduced total blood cholesterol by 14.2% compared to Lovastatin's 14.0% reduction. 

Policosanol also reduced LDL (bad) Cholesterol by 20.4% next to Lovastatin's 16.8% reduction, and raised HDL (good) by 7.5% where Lovastatin showed no change. 

Finally, the overall ratio of LDL to HDL reduction was 23.7% for Policosanol and 14.8% for Lovastatin. 

As you can see from these results, policosanol is one of the safest and most effective ways to lower cholesterol without the dangers and uncomfortable side effects of cholesterol drugs. 

But remember that these results apply only to the genuine policosanol extracted from sugar cane wax which is produced in Cuba. 

When considering a supplement containing policosanal you should be aware that there are many products on the the market that are using an incomplete form of policosanol called octacosanol. Octacosanol will not give the results outlined in the clinical trials mentioned. 

Also, some products have come on the U.S. market claiming to be effective at lowering cholesterol, but often these products use policosanal manufactured from beeswax. Like octacosanol, this form of policosanal is not supported by research as being effective at reducing cholesterol. 

Some more health issues that policosanal helps with are thrombosis, angina pectoris, stroke, high blood presssure and atherosclerosis. 

It has also been shown in studies to be very safe. In one such study rats were given a daily dose 2,000 times in excess of the recommended levels with no negative effects. 

Another herb used for thousands of years in the ancient healing tradition of Ayurveda is Guggul (also called Guggulipid). This herb has been proven in recent clinical trials to outperform the statin drugs, with no negative side effects. 

Guggulipid is the extract of the gum resin of the Commiphora mukul tree, which is native to India. Guggulipid is used for lowering high cholesterol, arthritis, atherosclerosis, acne, skin diseases, and weight loss. 

As well as lowering cholesterol, other evidence suggests guggul extracts might have anti-inflammatory activity and may also lower lipoprotein and C-reactive protein, which are important risk markers for heart disease. 

Policosanol and Guggilipid are key to lowering cholesterol naturally. If you have high cholesterol you'll want to make sure that the nutritional supplement you choose includes them. 

Magnetic Therapy, How And Why Magnets Effect The Body

 Have you ever read or have been told that "it is not known  why magnets work"? Well, this is untrue. All human and  animal bodies are electromagnetic in nature and this fact is closely allied to the chemical balance of the body which can be in either a healthy or an unhealthy state. 

It is now known scientifically that a healthy body contains fluids that are slightly alkaline and that an unhealthy body is acidic. A poor diet can make the body acidic and in this state all sorts of dis-eases will thrive. (Dr John Millward MD, "Your Life in the Balance", available on our website.) 

It is also known that at damaged sites in the body, exists a positive electrical charge which affects both the chemical balance the electrical balance in the area resulting in pain. In order to effect healing, the body's own systems send a negative electrical charge to the area. (Dr Robert Becker, "The Body Electric") 

This healing action of the body is easily restricted by poor diet, lifestyle, alcohol, drugs etc. There is also a lot of evidence of something called "Magnetic Deficiency Syndrome" being a major contributor to restricting the body's ability to respond to illness. I will be looking in depth at this syndrome in a later article. 

It is now firmly established that a negative magnetic  field, provided by a geomagnetic north pole magnetic field  (the same as the Earth's North Pole), is the most natural  way of providing much needed support for the body's own  immune system. 

Dr W Philpott MD, a practitioner of magnet therapy for over 40 years explains that negative magnetic fields oxygenate and alkalise by aiding the body's defences and helping to relieve pain. Further, they combat inflammation and infection and enhance deep restorative sleep.  

This latter point is extremely important. In order to combat maladies that result from the stress of our current  lifestyles, the correct amount of good quality sleep is  essential. Combine this with the possibility of at least  reducing the amount of powerful drugs taken and what results is a completely natural complementary therapy.  

It is probably wise at this stage just to say that anyone  reading this article that is undergoing a course of  treatment with a health professional should not stop the  treatment but consider using magnetic therapy in support.  Also, magnetic therapy should not be used if any electronic implants are present in the body. 

Given the correct choice and placement of magnetic device,  this is probably the most effective alternative therapy  available. Typical successful application results in 80 to  90% of cases, higher with some forms of dis-ease. Magnet  therapy can be applied by you whenever and wherever needed. Modern materials technology has produced small powerful inexpensive magnets which can be used anywhere on the body and can be moved about to find the best positions. Sleeping on magnets provides a most efficacious application. 

In the next article in this series, I will be looking at the subject of magnets, their strength measurement and a  complete explanation of polarity.

Manganese 101

 Manganese is a metallic mineral that was discovered by a 17th century German chemist named Johann Glauber, though it was not isolated in a pure form until 1774, by Johan Gahn. It was Gahn’s associate, a Swedish chemist, Carl Scheele, who first determined that manganese was an element. Manganese, as a trace mineral element, is found in all forms of life. It is essential to the health and functioning of the human body and mind in many ways. 

In terms of physical health, the mineral manganese is important to almost all of the body’s major systems. It works in the digestive system which is responsible for breaking down foods through digestion and transforming them into a form that the body can use. The primary function of manganese in the digestive system is acting as a cofactor in many of the enzymes responsible for releasing the energy in food making it accessible to both body and mind to fuel the essential and nonessential functions. This essential mineral is also needed to metabolize Thiamin Vitamin B1. The skeletal system requires manganese for the building of strong and healthy bones. Without it, the skeleton may not develop properly. Manganese also supports good muscular reflexes. It also serves the reproductive system having an important role in the production of sex hormones and sperm.

Manganese has vital antioxidant properties working as a cofactor in the production of the body’s most important antioxidant enzyme: the superoxide dismutase. Antioxidants perform a task that is essential to the body. It controls or stabilizes free radicals which are responsible for a great deal of damage within the body. Free radicals are destabilized by their lack of an electron and in seeking to stabilize themselves they assault other molecules in an effort to take what they need from them which then results in those molecules becoming destabilized as well. Accumulation of free radicals is dangerous for if it reaches a certain number cellular damage can occur thus leading to tissue damage.  And as the free radicals roam, their population also up in number.

Manganese is also essential for the brain to function properly. It supports the nerves and also promotes memory and emotional stability. Researchers are studying the relationship between epilepsy and other seizure disorders and the influence manganese levels may have on seizure activity and severity. This mineral is also being investigated for its potentials in the treatment of severe mental disorders such as schizophrenia.  If proven positive, this could be a big breakthrough is the field of medical science.  

Deficiencies in manganese can contribute to convulsions, confusion, tremors, dizziness, paralysis, deafness and blindness in infants, adult hearing loss, digestive disorders, ataxia, bone malformation, general weakness, infertility, irregular pulse, and pancreatic damage. 

Nutritional supplements offer a reliable and safe means of seeing to it that the diet contains adequate amounts of this essential trace mineral provided supplement dosage remains within the standard recommended daily intake levels. Too much of any nutrient can do physical harm to the body and thus it is important to be knowledgeable about the nutritional needs of your body and the supplement you are considering for use.   It is therefore important to consult a doctor to avoid over dosage.  Consultation with a licensed nutritionalist is also essential to aid you in planning a daily diet that can supplement the much needed healthy daily dosage of manganese 

Martial Arts Wisdom for Alzheimer's Caregivers: Rolling with Life's Punches

 What can the martial arts teach Alzheimer's family caregivers? Plenty.  One powerful lesson comes from Aikido, a powerful, ethical,dynamic and beautiful martial art. Aikido means:  "The Way of Harmonizing Energy."  Aikido practitioners learn to blend and steer an opponent's force to safely control a situation.  In the process of training we learn a lot about ourselves as well.

One thing that we learn in Aikido is ukemi (pronounced ooh-keh-mee) training.  Ukemi is the art of falling down safely. It is important to learn how to fall in this martial art, so that you don't get hurt when you are thrown.   Basically, injury to yourself is not the result of being thrown hard, it's the effect of falling poorly. Knowing how to fall well is essential for those times when you are thrown.  You can spend a lifetime perfecting this skill. And you might as well.   Take it from me:  Gravity Always Wins.

In everyday life, when we fall down, we automatically tighten up our bodies, and increase the risk of injury.  In ukemi trraining, we learn to gradually relax and let go of tension, even as we fall. This training leads to much softer impact, and a much happier Aikido-ist.  Falling begins to feel more like floating, and less like crashing.

Now, am I sugesting that you drop everything and go enroll in Aikido classes?  Of course not!  But you can adopt the philosophy of falling well. What is the lesson of ukemi training for life? Putting aside the martial arts reasons for training, IN LIFE WE CONSTANTLY FALL DOWN!  And caregiving is a continual challenge filled with even more sudden throws, and many expected and unexpected falls.

So we need to learn to fall with grace.

Think about it.  If a person is bound and determined to never ever waver, to never try a different approach, what will happen when she hits an obstacle?   What will happen when her usual approach to caregiving isn't working right?  Any Alzheimer's caregiver knows that mistakes, challenges, and frustrations are inevitable.

And you know what makes that simple setback worse? It's that good old human tendency to get upset because you made a mistake. We are expert at tormenting ourselves by getting distressed, angry anxious, nervous, worried, or whatever- just because we ran into a frustration.  That's the way in which we tighten up emotionally as we fall.  And we know what pain that can lead to. Sound familiar?

So, how can we roll with caregiving's punches?

1.  Expect to fall, to be frustrated at times.  It is inevitable in life, and even more unavoidable for a caregiver.

2.  Perfect your own personal emotional ukemi training. Stubbornly refuse to torture yourself about your mistake.  Learn to relax when you are frustrated.

3.  Find ways to remind yourself that it's OK to make mistakes, and that the important thing is to relax, get your balance, and get back up. You could make a sign that says something like "Relax," or "Balance," and hang it where you can see it.  make more than one.

4.  Don't ignore your signs once they are up. When you pass your sign, stop a minute, and rehearse its message.  That's the way advertising works.

5.  Get in the habit of rewarding yourself not for being perfect, and not just when things are going along smoothly.  Instead, celebrate that you got back up to try again.

6.  If you are comfortable, try sharing this radical philosophy with others.

7.  Remember: it's not the mistake that stops you.  It's your decision to stop that stops you.

8.  Finally, keep in mind a wise old Buddhist saying:

"if you fall down seven times, get up eight times."

I trained for years with a very remarkable person who was also a caregiver.  When I would see him and ask how he was doing, he'd smile and say, "I'm still taking ukemi."   And then we'd train.  I wish you good ukemi!

Alzheimer’s Family Caregiver Support is a series of articles to help empower someone who cares for a person with Alzheimer’s disease. The material in this article is educational, and is not a substitute for professional advice.

Massage & Massage Rollers

 When lower back pain hits you, a massage and massage rollers can be very effective in relaxing the tensed muscles. Massage is an ancient pain relieving technique and provides you relief from day-to-day stress, muscle cramps, while easing the back pain and headaches, by increasing blood circulation. A massage also flushes out toxins and wastes from your body, thus lending a healthy shine to the skin. 

Effective Massage through Massage Rollers

These days, an alternative way to providing your body with the much needed massage is through massage rollers. If you don’t have the time to go to a massage parlor or if you are staying alone, you can use a massage roller to give yourself instant relief. There are various types of massage rollers available in the market today: 

The Omni Massage roller – 

It provides pressure and has the necessary mobility for a great massage. It has a directional massage ball, with an easy to grip handle. You can use it anywhere and carry it in your purse or bag. You can massage your lower back, neck or even forehead, if you have a headache. 

You can begin by applying pressure on the roller and then gently roll the ball in circular motions around the lower back. While moving it in circular motion, you can apply the necessary pressure. Once you are able to identify the spot from where the pain is originating, you can continue to massage the affected area for 10-20 minutes. The massage roller will, thus, provide you relief as it soothes and loosens the muscle tissue or ligaments. It will also gradually increase your blood circulation, leading to the healing of the affected area and elimination of the back pain. 

You can also find a Knuckle baller sports massager in markets. This massager fit into your hand near the knuckles and has four directional massage balls to provide you with four times the comfort. A Knuckle baller sports massager is small, so, you can carry it to a theater, park or your office. Massage anytime and feel relaxed!