It's that time of the year when many of us look back at the excesses of the holiday season and decide we need to do something to get in shape. I've just posted an article on liver detox on our health site.
We also have a great herbal liver detox formula in our online health shop. Like everything we sell it comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee, so you can buy with complete confidence. I'm confident it's one of the best herbal formula around.
If you're worried about internet card scams, the online orders are processed by Protx so that means we don't get to see the card details - not that we'd do anything bad with them if we did!!
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
New year inspiration
Robert Middleton sent this out to his ezine list and I thought I'd pass it on - do take time to watch and listen:
Successful businesses, large or small, are built on a foundation of
great service. But what is great service, really?
After you watch this little online video you'll understand what
service is in a whole new way. It's only 3 minutes long and once
you see it, I promise you, you'll never forget it.
http://tinyurl.com/2zesmp
Successful businesses, large or small, are built on a foundation of
great service. But what is great service, really?
After you watch this little online video you'll understand what
service is in a whole new way. It's only 3 minutes long and once
you see it, I promise you, you'll never forget it.
http://tinyurl.com/2zesmp
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Red Meat And Cancer
I'm a vegetarian so I'm always pleased to see research like this which confirms that meat eating is not the great option that many people thik it is:
(Editors' Summary of A Prospective Study of Red and Processed Meat Intake in Relation to Cancer Risk by Amanda J. Cross, Michael F. Leitzmann, Mitchell H. Gail, Albert R. Hollenbeck, Arthur Schatzkin, and Rashmi Sinha Read the full article
Background.
Every year, there are more than 10 million new cases of cancer around the world. These cases are not spread evenly across the globe. The annual incidence of cancer (the number of new cases divided by the population size) and the type of cancer most commonly diagnosed varies widely among countries. Much of the global variation in cancer incidence and type is thought to be due to environmental influences. These include exposure to agents in the air or water that cause cancer, and lifestyle factors such as smoking and diet.
Researchers identify environmental factors that affect cancer risk by measuring the exposure of a large number of individuals to a specific environmental factor and then monitoring these people for several years to see who develops cancer. The hope is that by identifying the environmental factors that cause or prevent cancer, the global burden of cancer can be reduced.
Why Was This Study Done?
Diet is thought to influence the incidence of several cancers but it is very difficult to unravel which aspects of diet are important. Being overweight, for example, is strongly associated with an increased risk of developing several types of cancer, but the evidence that the intake of red meat (beef, pork, and lamb) and of processed meat (for example, bacon, ham, and sausages) is linked to cancer risk is much weaker. Although several studies have linked a high intake of red meat and processed meat to an increased risk of colorectal cancer (the colon is the large bowel; the rectum is the final few inches of the large bowel before the anus), whether this aspect of diet affects the risk of other types of cancer is unclear. In this prospective study, the researchers have examined the association between meat intake and the incidence of a wide range of cancers.
What Did the Researchers Do and Find?
In 1995–1996, nearly half a million US men and women aged 50–71 y joined the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study. The participants in this study—none of whom had had cancer previously—completed a questionnaire about their dietary habits over the previous year and provided other personal information such as their age, weight, and smoking history.
The researchers used these data and information from state cancer registries to look for associations between the intake of red and processed meat and the incidence of various cancers. They found that people whose red meat intake was in the top fifth of the range of intakes recorded in the study (the highest quintile of consumption) had an increased risk of developing colorectal, liver, lung, and esophageal cancer when compared with people in the lowest quintile of consumption. People in the highest quintile of processed meat intake had an increased risk of developing colorectal and lung cancer. The incidences of other cancers were largely unaffected by meat intake.
What Do These Findings Mean?
These findings provide strong evidence that people who eat a lot of red and processed meats have greater risk of developing colorectal and lung cancer than do people who eat small quantities. They also indicate that a high red meat intake is associated with an increased risk of esophageal and liver cancer, and that one in ten colorectal and one in ten lung cancers could be avoided if people reduced their red and processed meat intake to the lowest quintile.
However, although the researchers allowed for factors such as smoking history that might have affected cancer incidences, some of the effects they ascribe to meat intake might be caused by other lifestyle factors. Furthermore, because the study's definitions of red meat and processed meat overlapped—bacon and ham, for example, were included in both categories—exactly which type of meat is related to cancer remains unclear.
Finally, most of the study participants were non-Hispanic white, so these findings may not apply to people with different genetic backgrounds. Nevertheless, they add to the evidence that suggests that decreased consumption of red and processed meats could reduce the incidence of several types of cancer. (Read the full article)
Additional Information.
Please access these Web sites via the online version of this summary at http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0040325.
The American Cancer Society provides answers to common questions about diet and cancer
Information is available from the charity Cancer Research UK about diet, healthy eating, and cancer
The American Institute for Cancer Research also provides information on diet and cancer.
The NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study presents information on the impact of diet and lifestyle factors on risk of cancer
The US National Cancer Institute provides information about the kind of food questionnaire used in this study
Read the full article
(Editors' Summary of A Prospective Study of Red and Processed Meat Intake in Relation to Cancer Risk by Amanda J. Cross, Michael F. Leitzmann, Mitchell H. Gail, Albert R. Hollenbeck, Arthur Schatzkin, and Rashmi Sinha Read the full article
Background.
Every year, there are more than 10 million new cases of cancer around the world. These cases are not spread evenly across the globe. The annual incidence of cancer (the number of new cases divided by the population size) and the type of cancer most commonly diagnosed varies widely among countries. Much of the global variation in cancer incidence and type is thought to be due to environmental influences. These include exposure to agents in the air or water that cause cancer, and lifestyle factors such as smoking and diet.
Researchers identify environmental factors that affect cancer risk by measuring the exposure of a large number of individuals to a specific environmental factor and then monitoring these people for several years to see who develops cancer. The hope is that by identifying the environmental factors that cause or prevent cancer, the global burden of cancer can be reduced.
Why Was This Study Done?
Diet is thought to influence the incidence of several cancers but it is very difficult to unravel which aspects of diet are important. Being overweight, for example, is strongly associated with an increased risk of developing several types of cancer, but the evidence that the intake of red meat (beef, pork, and lamb) and of processed meat (for example, bacon, ham, and sausages) is linked to cancer risk is much weaker. Although several studies have linked a high intake of red meat and processed meat to an increased risk of colorectal cancer (the colon is the large bowel; the rectum is the final few inches of the large bowel before the anus), whether this aspect of diet affects the risk of other types of cancer is unclear. In this prospective study, the researchers have examined the association between meat intake and the incidence of a wide range of cancers.
What Did the Researchers Do and Find?
In 1995–1996, nearly half a million US men and women aged 50–71 y joined the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study. The participants in this study—none of whom had had cancer previously—completed a questionnaire about their dietary habits over the previous year and provided other personal information such as their age, weight, and smoking history.
The researchers used these data and information from state cancer registries to look for associations between the intake of red and processed meat and the incidence of various cancers. They found that people whose red meat intake was in the top fifth of the range of intakes recorded in the study (the highest quintile of consumption) had an increased risk of developing colorectal, liver, lung, and esophageal cancer when compared with people in the lowest quintile of consumption. People in the highest quintile of processed meat intake had an increased risk of developing colorectal and lung cancer. The incidences of other cancers were largely unaffected by meat intake.
What Do These Findings Mean?
These findings provide strong evidence that people who eat a lot of red and processed meats have greater risk of developing colorectal and lung cancer than do people who eat small quantities. They also indicate that a high red meat intake is associated with an increased risk of esophageal and liver cancer, and that one in ten colorectal and one in ten lung cancers could be avoided if people reduced their red and processed meat intake to the lowest quintile.
However, although the researchers allowed for factors such as smoking history that might have affected cancer incidences, some of the effects they ascribe to meat intake might be caused by other lifestyle factors. Furthermore, because the study's definitions of red meat and processed meat overlapped—bacon and ham, for example, were included in both categories—exactly which type of meat is related to cancer remains unclear.
Finally, most of the study participants were non-Hispanic white, so these findings may not apply to people with different genetic backgrounds. Nevertheless, they add to the evidence that suggests that decreased consumption of red and processed meats could reduce the incidence of several types of cancer. (Read the full article)
Additional Information.
Please access these Web sites via the online version of this summary at http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0040325.
The American Cancer Society provides answers to common questions about diet and cancer
Information is available from the charity Cancer Research UK about diet, healthy eating, and cancer
The American Institute for Cancer Research also provides information on diet and cancer.
The NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study presents information on the impact of diet and lifestyle factors on risk of cancer
The US National Cancer Institute provides information about the kind of food questionnaire used in this study
Read the full article
TENS machines
I received this qiestion from a visitor to our online health shop:
Please tell me what is the difference between TENS used in pregnancy, and
other TENS available.
The answer is in fact very simple: the pregnancy TENS uses bigger pads and has a boost function for when you experience the pains associated with contractions. Most pregnancy TENS machines can also be used after childbirth as a regular TENS machine for sciatica, back pian, etc.
Please tell me what is the difference between TENS used in pregnancy, and
other TENS available.
The answer is in fact very simple: the pregnancy TENS uses bigger pads and has a boost function for when you experience the pains associated with contractions. Most pregnancy TENS machines can also be used after childbirth as a regular TENS machine for sciatica, back pian, etc.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Recycle Your Old Mobile Phone
WaterAid's mobile phone recycling scheme has been highly successful so far raising over £40,000! Why not donate your old mobile and benefit both the environment and those in the developing world?
Please send your old mobiles directly to:
WaterAid
FREEPOST LON16281
London
WC1N 3BR
Or if you have 20 or more phones you can arrange a free courier collection by calling 0800 298 9069.
It costs WaterAid just £15 to provide one person with a lasting supply of clean water, sanitation and hygiene education. That's the equivalent on average of just three phones sent in to be recycled!
An average of £5 will be donated to WaterAid for every working handset sent to be recycled.
Please send your old mobiles directly to:
WaterAid
FREEPOST LON16281
London
WC1N 3BR
Or if you have 20 or more phones you can arrange a free courier collection by calling 0800 298 9069.
It costs WaterAid just £15 to provide one person with a lasting supply of clean water, sanitation and hygiene education. That's the equivalent on average of just three phones sent in to be recycled!
An average of £5 will be donated to WaterAid for every working handset sent to be recycled.
Women And Burn Out
Here's some info on stress and burnout from the Vale Practice in SE London:
Roz Pendlebury, psychotherapist and couples counsellor says: “Women in particular are getting overwhelmed by their busy lifestyles juggling work, relationships, family, friends and the pressure to look good. This results in a wide range of emotional symptoms, the most common of which are panic attacks, angry outbursts and rows with a partner or child; drinking and eating too much and a loss of joy in living.”
Homeopaths Marianne Atherton and Rosy Byatt are also concerned at the stress-related symptoms they see in girls as young as 12 or 13. Rosy Byatt says: “One of the main manifestations of this is a disruption to their whole endocrine system, because of adrenal imbalance. This in turn has a profound effect on their female horomonal balance and menstrual cycle.
“Such an imbalance can lead to debilitating PMT, hormonally-related skin problems and in the long term can affect their fertility.”
Angelo D’Alberto, the Vale Practice’s acupuncturist reports a predominance of “sleeping problems, digestive disturbances, anxiety and panic attacks, emotional volatility, hyperthyroidism, and menstrual irregularities (painful periods, PMT, irregular cycles, and even fertility issues) “ among his mainly 20- to 40-year-old female clients.
Herbalist Heidi Collins explains the reasons for the fairer sex’s particular vulnerability to stress: “Women in particular are greatly affected by stress due to its effects on hormone balance. Prolonged stimulation of the adrenal glands leads to lowered progesterone and consequently oestrogen dominance. This produces premenstrual symptoms such as breast tenderness, depression, anxiety and irritability. These symptoms I see all the time.
“The body responds to stress by activating the adrenal glands to produce adrenaline. The main effects of adrenaline are that it causes the heart rate, blood pressure and blood sugar to increase, and digestive system activity to decrease. In chronic stress this and other adrenal hormones are continuously raised which can lead to high blood pressure and other heart problems, diabetes, and digestive disturbances such as IBS. The adrenals may eventually become exhausted leading to depleted energy levels, dizziness, and lowered immune system. Skin conditions are also very closely related to stress, particularly psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, and there is often a connection with those who don't deal with stress and tend to ‘pack emotions away'.
“A problem with stress is that for many years it will cause symptoms not thought serious enough for orthodox investigation. Also, as the symptoms of stress are so varied and unspecific, there is no 'target' for an orthodox drug.”
Complementary therapies generally aim to restore the patient’s system to a state of balance, but there is much that the individual can do to improve their own health simply by adjusting their lifestyles.
How to minimise the effects of stress:
- Avoid stimulants such as caffeinated drinks (caffeine inhibits the break down of adrenaline), and replace with calming herbal teas such as chamomile, and lemon balm. Dandelion coffee can make a pleasant coffee substitute which is also beneficial for the liver.
- moderate alcohol intake (it further depletes immune function, vitamin C, lowers vitality)
- Supplement with vitamin C, magnesium and B complex
- Adopt relaxation techniques such as yoga, Tai chi, breathing exercises, meditation
- Do whatever makes you feel relaxed - painting, walking, gardening, listening to music, or try hypnotherapy to release more deep-seated tensions.
- Book yourself regular (once monthly, if possible), therapeutic treatments such as massage or reflexology.
- Seek help for ongoing relationship problems. Couples counselling can help people to manage their behaviour and communicate more effectively.
The Vale Practice has over 27 therapists to call on. Therapies include: Osteopathy, Remedial and Deep Tissue Massage, Reflexology, Reiki, Swedish Massage, Eco Beauty, Chinese Herbal medicine, Nutrition, Naturopathy, Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Psychotherapy, Hypnotherapy, Tui Na Massage, Shiatsu, Allergy Testing, Aromatherapy, Sports Injury Massage, Indian Head Massage, Counselling, Cranial Osteopathy, Group Therapy, Life and Work coaching, Chiropody, Medicinal Herbalism,
Bio Energiser and Child Art and Psychotherapy
For further information contact: Practice manager: Kate 020 8299 9798/020 8299 9942
Roz Pendlebury, psychotherapist and couples counsellor says: “Women in particular are getting overwhelmed by their busy lifestyles juggling work, relationships, family, friends and the pressure to look good. This results in a wide range of emotional symptoms, the most common of which are panic attacks, angry outbursts and rows with a partner or child; drinking and eating too much and a loss of joy in living.”
Homeopaths Marianne Atherton and Rosy Byatt are also concerned at the stress-related symptoms they see in girls as young as 12 or 13. Rosy Byatt says: “One of the main manifestations of this is a disruption to their whole endocrine system, because of adrenal imbalance. This in turn has a profound effect on their female horomonal balance and menstrual cycle.
“Such an imbalance can lead to debilitating PMT, hormonally-related skin problems and in the long term can affect their fertility.”
Angelo D’Alberto, the Vale Practice’s acupuncturist reports a predominance of “sleeping problems, digestive disturbances, anxiety and panic attacks, emotional volatility, hyperthyroidism, and menstrual irregularities (painful periods, PMT, irregular cycles, and even fertility issues) “ among his mainly 20- to 40-year-old female clients.
Herbalist Heidi Collins explains the reasons for the fairer sex’s particular vulnerability to stress: “Women in particular are greatly affected by stress due to its effects on hormone balance. Prolonged stimulation of the adrenal glands leads to lowered progesterone and consequently oestrogen dominance. This produces premenstrual symptoms such as breast tenderness, depression, anxiety and irritability. These symptoms I see all the time.
“The body responds to stress by activating the adrenal glands to produce adrenaline. The main effects of adrenaline are that it causes the heart rate, blood pressure and blood sugar to increase, and digestive system activity to decrease. In chronic stress this and other adrenal hormones are continuously raised which can lead to high blood pressure and other heart problems, diabetes, and digestive disturbances such as IBS. The adrenals may eventually become exhausted leading to depleted energy levels, dizziness, and lowered immune system. Skin conditions are also very closely related to stress, particularly psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, and there is often a connection with those who don't deal with stress and tend to ‘pack emotions away'.
“A problem with stress is that for many years it will cause symptoms not thought serious enough for orthodox investigation. Also, as the symptoms of stress are so varied and unspecific, there is no 'target' for an orthodox drug.”
Complementary therapies generally aim to restore the patient’s system to a state of balance, but there is much that the individual can do to improve their own health simply by adjusting their lifestyles.
How to minimise the effects of stress:
- Avoid stimulants such as caffeinated drinks (caffeine inhibits the break down of adrenaline), and replace with calming herbal teas such as chamomile, and lemon balm. Dandelion coffee can make a pleasant coffee substitute which is also beneficial for the liver.
- moderate alcohol intake (it further depletes immune function, vitamin C, lowers vitality)
- Supplement with vitamin C, magnesium and B complex
- Adopt relaxation techniques such as yoga, Tai chi, breathing exercises, meditation
- Do whatever makes you feel relaxed - painting, walking, gardening, listening to music, or try hypnotherapy to release more deep-seated tensions.
- Book yourself regular (once monthly, if possible), therapeutic treatments such as massage or reflexology.
- Seek help for ongoing relationship problems. Couples counselling can help people to manage their behaviour and communicate more effectively.
The Vale Practice has over 27 therapists to call on. Therapies include: Osteopathy, Remedial and Deep Tissue Massage, Reflexology, Reiki, Swedish Massage, Eco Beauty, Chinese Herbal medicine, Nutrition, Naturopathy, Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Psychotherapy, Hypnotherapy, Tui Na Massage, Shiatsu, Allergy Testing, Aromatherapy, Sports Injury Massage, Indian Head Massage, Counselling, Cranial Osteopathy, Group Therapy, Life and Work coaching, Chiropody, Medicinal Herbalism,
Bio Energiser and Child Art and Psychotherapy
For further information contact: Practice manager: Kate 020 8299 9798/020 8299 9942
Exercise And Music
Here's some thoughts on music for exercise from Kristoph Thompson:
Research has shown that listening to music helps us to exercise harder and for longer. Music can provide us with something to focus our attention, relieving boredom and decreasing our sense of effort and exertion.
Our attention span has a limited capacity and music works by distracting us from feelings of pain or fatigue. Listening to music also helps with our motivation to exercise. Scientists are agreed that motivation is influenced by changing situations and environments, and listening to music while exercising provides an extra stimulus for the brain.
How to choose the right music for you
Songs with lyrics that inspire physical activity, such as ‘keep on moving’ may well enhance the success of your workout. It’s important that you play the music loud enough to block out other noise distractions so that the music becomes the central focus of your attention. Try to listen actively to the lyrics and the beat while you exercise as it may not have the same impact as background noise.
The type of music you select should reflect your own personal tastes: studies have shown a wide variety of musical styles are capable of enhancing performance, ranging from pop to classical music. Many people believe that variety is the spice of life, and it is certainly essential to our attention system.
If you employ the same musical selections time after time, your sensory system may well adapt by switching-off – a process known to psychologists as ‘sensory adaptation’. So be sure to vary your selections if you want to benefit from the distracting effects of music.
Research has shown that listening to music helps us to exercise harder and for longer. Music can provide us with something to focus our attention, relieving boredom and decreasing our sense of effort and exertion.
Our attention span has a limited capacity and music works by distracting us from feelings of pain or fatigue. Listening to music also helps with our motivation to exercise. Scientists are agreed that motivation is influenced by changing situations and environments, and listening to music while exercising provides an extra stimulus for the brain.
How to choose the right music for you
Songs with lyrics that inspire physical activity, such as ‘keep on moving’ may well enhance the success of your workout. It’s important that you play the music loud enough to block out other noise distractions so that the music becomes the central focus of your attention. Try to listen actively to the lyrics and the beat while you exercise as it may not have the same impact as background noise.
The type of music you select should reflect your own personal tastes: studies have shown a wide variety of musical styles are capable of enhancing performance, ranging from pop to classical music. Many people believe that variety is the spice of life, and it is certainly essential to our attention system.
If you employ the same musical selections time after time, your sensory system may well adapt by switching-off – a process known to psychologists as ‘sensory adaptation’. So be sure to vary your selections if you want to benefit from the distracting effects of music.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
A free course on blogging
I'm evaluating a multi-media course on blogging from the folks at Simpleology. For a while, they're letting you snag it for free if you post about it on your blog.
It covers:
- The best blogging techniques.
- How to get traffic to your blog.
- How to turn your blog into money.
I'll let you know what I think once I've had a chance to check it out. Meanwhile, go grab yours while it's still free.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Essential Oils and the health of the therapist
I've just added a new article about the effect of aromatherapy oils on the therapists themselves. The article is written by Penny Price and here's a bit more about her:
Penny has had a background in aromatherapy that has not been available to many: she witnessed her mother and father work to get the therapy and the training for the therapy established in the UK. A therapist herself for 25 years, she is still at the cutting edge of developing aromatherapy - in its practice, its developing curriculum and in how it is taught.
Penny holds the only research degree in aromatherapy awarded by Oxford University and is in demand as a lecturer and teacher in the UK and abroad. The Masters Degree in Education is entitled: Managing school environments: children’s responses to change in the aromatic environment.
Penny’s commitment to quality in both product and training was the driving force in her establishing Penny Price Aromatherapy Ltd and the Penny Price Academy. Penny regularly visits growers and suppliers of essential oils to ensure that they are of medical grade for the most beneficial results. At the present time, Penny has 3 schools in the UK, plus a smaller school in Walsall Hospice. Abroad, there are satellite schools in Japan, Taiwan, Cyprus, Sri Lanka, Australia, Norway and the USA. The distribution network has also grown and apart from countries where there is a school, Penny also has distributors in Greece, Korea and Brazil. Penny’s unfailing drive and energy is the force behind the success of the business.
The Penny Price Academy is the only school in the UK that teaches (and is insured for) aromatic medicine (the intensive use of essential oils for specific conditions).
Penny is much sought after to lecture in aromatherapy around the world. In 2007 alone she has travelled to Greece, Germany, Sri Lanka, France and Taiwan.
Penny is married to Dr Robert Stephen, who alongside being a teacher and a priest in the Church of England, is CEO of the business and also teaches aspects of aromatherapy. Together they have 8 children.
Publications
Aromatherapy for Babies and Children. 1994: London: Thorsons.
Distance Learning Course: Aromatherapy and Massage. Regent Academy of Fine Arts, London (1998).
The Ethics of Christian Involvement with Complementary Medicine. (Awaiting publication).
Managing school environments: children’s responses to change in the aromatic environment. Oxford University, Oxford (2002)
Penny contributes to many magazines and has written articles for Here’s Health, Aromatherapy Quarterly, Positive Health, Aromatherapy World, Woman’s Own and The Aromatherapist. She has a regular monthly article in Today’s Therapist and at the present time has several articles on various websites.
Penny has had a background in aromatherapy that has not been available to many: she witnessed her mother and father work to get the therapy and the training for the therapy established in the UK. A therapist herself for 25 years, she is still at the cutting edge of developing aromatherapy - in its practice, its developing curriculum and in how it is taught.
Penny holds the only research degree in aromatherapy awarded by Oxford University and is in demand as a lecturer and teacher in the UK and abroad. The Masters Degree in Education is entitled: Managing school environments: children’s responses to change in the aromatic environment.
Penny’s commitment to quality in both product and training was the driving force in her establishing Penny Price Aromatherapy Ltd and the Penny Price Academy. Penny regularly visits growers and suppliers of essential oils to ensure that they are of medical grade for the most beneficial results. At the present time, Penny has 3 schools in the UK, plus a smaller school in Walsall Hospice. Abroad, there are satellite schools in Japan, Taiwan, Cyprus, Sri Lanka, Australia, Norway and the USA. The distribution network has also grown and apart from countries where there is a school, Penny also has distributors in Greece, Korea and Brazil. Penny’s unfailing drive and energy is the force behind the success of the business.
The Penny Price Academy is the only school in the UK that teaches (and is insured for) aromatic medicine (the intensive use of essential oils for specific conditions).
Penny is much sought after to lecture in aromatherapy around the world. In 2007 alone she has travelled to Greece, Germany, Sri Lanka, France and Taiwan.
Penny is married to Dr Robert Stephen, who alongside being a teacher and a priest in the Church of England, is CEO of the business and also teaches aspects of aromatherapy. Together they have 8 children.
Publications
Aromatherapy for Babies and Children. 1994: London: Thorsons.
Distance Learning Course: Aromatherapy and Massage. Regent Academy of Fine Arts, London (1998).
The Ethics of Christian Involvement with Complementary Medicine. (Awaiting publication).
Managing school environments: children’s responses to change in the aromatic environment. Oxford University, Oxford (2002)
Penny contributes to many magazines and has written articles for Here’s Health, Aromatherapy Quarterly, Positive Health, Aromatherapy World, Woman’s Own and The Aromatherapist. She has a regular monthly article in Today’s Therapist and at the present time has several articles on various websites.
A Seasonal Tip
A seasonal health reminder from the Cancer Project:
Take time for yourself. The holiday season can cause a lot of stress, whether it is dealing with crowded stores, airports, and roads; choosing the right gifts; or even carrying an extra load at work while so many co-workers take vacation time. Don’t forget to take care of yourself with some quiet time, or whatever activity relaxes you, whenever things seem to get a little too hectic.
Take time for yourself. The holiday season can cause a lot of stress, whether it is dealing with crowded stores, airports, and roads; choosing the right gifts; or even carrying an extra load at work while so many co-workers take vacation time. Don’t forget to take care of yourself with some quiet time, or whatever activity relaxes you, whenever things seem to get a little too hectic.
Bowen For Dogs
Bowen therapy works great for people, and many practitioners also have success with animals too. Here's an interesting story from Rosemary Cunningham:
"I get so excited about Bowen technique and here’s why. Jake is a lovely, gentle but totally neurotic Dalmatian – and after an incident at home his back legs and his tail were totally paralysed. Sue his owner, took him to see four different vets, and three of them recommended putting him down. I introduced Sue to my friend Wendy Shearman, who gave him his first Bowen treatment. The next day he had a small movement in his tail and continued to improve until after his third weekly treatment Jake suddenly seemed to remember his legs and ran out into the garden! He is now back to his old self (although he does have Bambi back legs!) Wendy can be contacted on 01245 263328 [UK]. She treats humans with reflexology and Bowen and is training in Canine Bowen."
"I get so excited about Bowen technique and here’s why. Jake is a lovely, gentle but totally neurotic Dalmatian – and after an incident at home his back legs and his tail were totally paralysed. Sue his owner, took him to see four different vets, and three of them recommended putting him down. I introduced Sue to my friend Wendy Shearman, who gave him his first Bowen treatment. The next day he had a small movement in his tail and continued to improve until after his third weekly treatment Jake suddenly seemed to remember his legs and ran out into the garden! He is now back to his old self (although he does have Bambi back legs!) Wendy can be contacted on 01245 263328 [UK]. She treats humans with reflexology and Bowen and is training in Canine Bowen."
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Increasing Your Protein Intake
Many people eat too much protein in the form of meat, but some people struggle to eat enough, particularly some (but not all) vegetarians, so here are three ideas from Kristoph Thompson:
Quinoa pronounced ‘keen-wa’ is one of the best vegetarian sources of protein, containing all 8 essential amino acids. It was once called ‘the gold of the Incas’ who recognised its value in increasing the stamina of their warriors, today is makes a good, high-protein alternative to rice!
When you’re feeling hungry snack on nuts, nuts and more nuts! Nuts are an excellent source of protein. Brazil nuts contain 15.5 per 100g, almonds, 23.4 per 100g and peanuts have a whopping 28.5 per 100g. Try to go for a variety, but remember that nuts are also high in fatty acids so never eat more than a handful at a time. Always choose unsalted.
Choose high protein spreads like peanut butter, tahni and hummus over jams and honey. Not only are they higher in protein meaning you’ll stay fuller for longer but they contain less sugar too!
Quinoa pronounced ‘keen-wa’ is one of the best vegetarian sources of protein, containing all 8 essential amino acids. It was once called ‘the gold of the Incas’ who recognised its value in increasing the stamina of their warriors, today is makes a good, high-protein alternative to rice!
When you’re feeling hungry snack on nuts, nuts and more nuts! Nuts are an excellent source of protein. Brazil nuts contain 15.5 per 100g, almonds, 23.4 per 100g and peanuts have a whopping 28.5 per 100g. Try to go for a variety, but remember that nuts are also high in fatty acids so never eat more than a handful at a time. Always choose unsalted.
Choose high protein spreads like peanut butter, tahni and hummus over jams and honey. Not only are they higher in protein meaning you’ll stay fuller for longer but they contain less sugar too!
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Stress Reduction Tip
Here's a stress reduction tip from Alicia Sirkin:
The holidays can be overwhelming...so much to do, so little time! Are you having difficulty prioritizing, feeling overwhelmed and doubting your ability to handle tasks or feeling inadequate when facing responsibilities? The "ELM" flower remedy may be just what you need to feel capable again--helping you to efficiently handle tasks and breeze through your "To Do" list.
Dosage: Put two drops of the Bach Flower Remedy "ELM" onto your tongue or rub onto the inside of your wrists or temples. Or, put two drops into a glass of water and sip frequently, repeat until you are satisfied with the results. Dose at least 4 times a day or more, and as often as every 3 - 5 minutes if desired. You cannot overdose.
Check out Alicia's website.
The holidays can be overwhelming...so much to do, so little time! Are you having difficulty prioritizing, feeling overwhelmed and doubting your ability to handle tasks or feeling inadequate when facing responsibilities? The "ELM" flower remedy may be just what you need to feel capable again--helping you to efficiently handle tasks and breeze through your "To Do" list.
Dosage: Put two drops of the Bach Flower Remedy "ELM" onto your tongue or rub onto the inside of your wrists or temples. Or, put two drops into a glass of water and sip frequently, repeat until you are satisfied with the results. Dose at least 4 times a day or more, and as often as every 3 - 5 minutes if desired. You cannot overdose.
Check out Alicia's website.
Monday, December 17, 2007
10 Top Tips for Delightful Harmony through the New Year
Here are 10 tips from Ishi Khan Jackson to help you survive till the new year (and beyond):
- Decide you want harmony
- Expectation: Take an honest look at what you expect from the Christmas period
- Listen, really listen to the expectations of those you’ve chosen to share the time with. Can you understand where the person’s coming from?
- Inform: Tell them your expectations. Do they understand where you’re coming from?
- Get together and list all kinds of ways to spend the period. Let your imagination run free and free yourself from any fear of making changes to the norm. Don’t judge the practicality or sanity of your ideas at this stage. No matter how silly they may sound, air these ideas, they are just ideas.
- Honour your space. Give yourselves a day or two to digest and mull over all the ideas.
- Take note and listen to what the opinion of others about the ideas
- Freely share your thoughts about the ideas.
- Ultimately, pick and mix. (Not shoplifting at Woolies!) Pick parts of the ideas you like and mix them with parts of the ideas others like. Between you, you’ll definitely come up with something for everyone.
- Let yourselves have fun, congratulate yourselves on being proactive and celebrate your growth!
Copyright Ishi Khan-Jackson
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Magnets On Clothes
As many of you know I'm a keen cyclist, and it is time to buy a new waterproof cycling jacket - my old one is letting in water big time. I liked the look of the Cannondale Morphis Shell Ladies Jacket, particularly the fact that you could get it in lime - one of my favourite colours.
But when i read the details about it, it said this:
So sadly much as I liked this jacket, I'm not buying it. I think I'm going for the Gore alpine ladies waterproof jacket instead.
But when i read the details about it, it said this:
Sleeves detach as one piece! Just 2 quick zips and it morphs into a vest—and then back to a jacket, secured in place by magnetsGreat to have this level of versatility ('vest' in UK English is a gilet - oh, that's French, what a funny world we live in), but magnets are not like zips and buttons. Magnets can do things to the body that is under them. That's why people wear magnetic bracelets or go for magnet therapy. These are healing applications, but magnets used inappropraitely can cause health problems.
So sadly much as I liked this jacket, I'm not buying it. I think I'm going for the Gore alpine ladies waterproof jacket instead.
Surviving Christmas
here's some thoughts on surviving Christmas:
- Keep healthy snacks at the front of the fridge or cupboard. Put unhealthy snacks at the back of the cupboard or fridge. Put them in plain dark containers.
- Take Milk Thistle before Christmas if you’re likely to drink lots of alcohol. It’s a great liver detox – take it now and it will help your liver stay strong, but do not use it as an excuse to drink more.
- If you’re trying to lose weight, this is a good time to go for weight maintenance rather than weight loss. Don’t put loads of pressure on yourself.
- When you go to a party, socialise away from the area where the food and drink are. That way you are less likely to be tempted.
- If you’re in charge of the food, reduce the number of times you go to the supermarket. The more often you go the more you are likely to buy unhealthy food. Go with a list and eat something before you go – that way you are less likely to buy all those extra things you don’t really need.
- Make sure you drink enough water particularly if you are drinking alcohol.
- Check out my article on dealing with those relatives and colleagues at social events
Guzzling sport drinks leads to weight gain
A report from the University of California at Berkeley said students who drink a 20-ounce sports drink every day could gain about 13 pounds in a year as they contain more sodium and as much as two-thirds the sugar as some fizzy drinks! We say, if you’re exercising for an hour or more, a sports drink will be an essential part of your workout. When you’re not working out – stick to water.
Source: Kristoph.co.uk - Monthly News
Source: Kristoph.co.uk - Monthly News
Friday, December 14, 2007
I'm sending myself junk mail!!
Over the last few days a lot of emails to me have been put automatically in the Junk folder. I couldn’t understand why this was suddenly happening to emails from friends and colleagues. Eventually the penny dropped – all the emails put in the junk folder like this were replies to emails from me and I’d changed my email signature to this:
Want to lose weight? Need some help? Try our weight loss nutritional supplement - 60 day money back guarantee even if you've emptied the pot!
I’ve changed my email signature back to what it was previously, and now my messages act like they did before. I can only think that my anti-spam software was bothered by the terms ‘weight loss’ and ‘lose weight’.
It’s sad really, because it indicates just how many rubbish offers there are out there, how many charlatans take advantage of people’s desire to lose weight.
It’s also sad because it means that people like me who have genuine offers that work can’t get them out to the people who could benefit from them.
This weight loss supplement works really well – I had someone recently say she’s lost over 20 lbs since she’s been taking the capsules (about 2 months) and she’s not even taking the full dose every day.
Want to lose weight? Need some help? Try our weight loss nutritional supplement - 60 day money back guarantee even if you've emptied the pot!
I’ve changed my email signature back to what it was previously, and now my messages act like they did before. I can only think that my anti-spam software was bothered by the terms ‘weight loss’ and ‘lose weight’.
It’s sad really, because it indicates just how many rubbish offers there are out there, how many charlatans take advantage of people’s desire to lose weight.
It’s also sad because it means that people like me who have genuine offers that work can’t get them out to the people who could benefit from them.
This weight loss supplement works really well – I had someone recently say she’s lost over 20 lbs since she’s been taking the capsules (about 2 months) and she’s not even taking the full dose every day.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Weight loss gurantee
I was out riding my bike with a friend who’s decided to get fit. She’s doing the right things: taking more exercise and eating more healthy foods. I told her about the weight loss supplement we sell if she feels she needs some help to lose weight at any time. She was interested but asked: “Do they work?”
I felt like saying: “No, course they don’t – I just want your money!” but instead I told her about our guarantee:
60-day money-back guarantee even if you’ve taken the last one.
Everyone always queries this guarantee because they feel it’s too good to be true. But I feel confident in making this guarantee for everything in our online health shop because I only see stuff that I’ve researched and know is likely to work for most people.
Of course, there will be people who take a dishonest advantage from this guarantee, but I can live with that. What I want is for people to see this guarantee and know that they can trust what we sell to be effective – not for everyone in all circumstances – but for a lot of people who are looking for help to lose weight and improve their lives.
I felt like saying: “No, course they don’t – I just want your money!” but instead I told her about our guarantee:
60-day money-back guarantee even if you’ve taken the last one.
Everyone always queries this guarantee because they feel it’s too good to be true. But I feel confident in making this guarantee for everything in our online health shop because I only see stuff that I’ve researched and know is likely to work for most people.
Of course, there will be people who take a dishonest advantage from this guarantee, but I can live with that. What I want is for people to see this guarantee and know that they can trust what we sell to be effective – not for everyone in all circumstances – but for a lot of people who are looking for help to lose weight and improve their lives.
The benefits of exercise
A new study from researchers at Bristol University (UK) has shown that exercise can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by a third, and that lack of physical exercise can lead to depression and dementia.
If you want to do something about it, but can’t get yourself motivated then check out our hypnotherapy CD for exercise and motivation You can listen to a sample online). I suggest you also read my article on dealing with exercise excuses.
If you want to do something about it, but can’t get yourself motivated then check out our hypnotherapy CD for exercise and motivation You can listen to a sample online). I suggest you also read my article on dealing with exercise excuses.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Reform of the US farm bill
Although I'm based in the UK, I'm a great admirer of the work of the US Physicians Committee For Responsible Medicine.
Here's some information I received from them today:
"With pressure mounting for reform, the Farm Bill is still awaiting a vote in Congress. PCRM and its supporters are making sure that the problems with this legislative bonanza for Tyson Foods and other meat companies are at the forefront of discussion in newspapers, on television, and on the Senate floor. A growing number of observers are questioning why the Farm Bill provides taxpayer-funded subsidies for meat, sugar, and other unhealthy foods, while fruits and vegetables receive little support."
Want to read more, then click here.
Here's some information I received from them today:
"With pressure mounting for reform, the Farm Bill is still awaiting a vote in Congress. PCRM and its supporters are making sure that the problems with this legislative bonanza for Tyson Foods and other meat companies are at the forefront of discussion in newspapers, on television, and on the Senate floor. A growing number of observers are questioning why the Farm Bill provides taxpayer-funded subsidies for meat, sugar, and other unhealthy foods, while fruits and vegetables receive little support."
Want to read more, then click here.
Buy health products and help charities
Here’s a painless way you can help two of my favourite charities. From now until the end of January I will donate 15% of anything you spend in my online shop (excluding VAT and carriage) to the Maun Homeopathy Project or Village Water. I've chosen these two charities because I personally know and trust the people who created these charities, and they are small charities making a big difference.
My online shop sells lots of goodies including Helios homeopathic kits, nutritional supplements, hypnotherapy CDs, organic cotton baby gifts, Indigo essences, homeopathic creams, TENS machines and more. Some of the things would make great gifts. Everything on the site is covered by a 60-day money-back guarantee.
It’s simple – you go to the site and buy what you want either through our secure online shop or by phoning 01736 336993 (9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday UK time) and then you email me to tell me which of the two charities you want to support.
This is in addition to all my normally charity giving, which is 12% of my profits. So go spend - and help these two charities.
My online shop sells lots of goodies including Helios homeopathic kits, nutritional supplements, hypnotherapy CDs, organic cotton baby gifts, Indigo essences, homeopathic creams, TENS machines and more. Some of the things would make great gifts. Everything on the site is covered by a 60-day money-back guarantee.
It’s simple – you go to the site and buy what you want either through our secure online shop or by phoning 01736 336993 (9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday UK time) and then you email me to tell me which of the two charities you want to support.
This is in addition to all my normally charity giving, which is 12% of my profits. So go spend - and help these two charities.
Nutritional Supplements And Health
A lot of people seem to think they don’t need to take nutritional supplements, but there is mounting evidence that this is not true. While we continue to live such stressed and polluted lives, we need all the help we can get.
Stress can lead to an increased need for some vitamins and minerals. Vitamin B complex and magnesium can help the nervous system to stay healthy. These supplements can also help you to feel less agitated and anxious.
In recent years there has been a lot of interest in antioxidants. Antioxidants are mainly found in fruit and vegetables, hence the widely supported advice to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, but some advice goes further and suggests that everyone should be taking antioxidant supplements. Antioxidants are designed to counteract free radical damage. Free radicals attack healthy cells damaging cell DNA and possibly leading to cancer. Free radical damage also produces many of the changes we associate with ageing. Excess free radical production in the body is caused by, among other things, stress, radiation and environmental pollution. Some vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients act to ‘mop up’ free radicals. Selenium with vitamins A, C and E is a good antioxidant formula that many people find beneficial.
Be careful when you buy supplements: many of the cheap ones have very little of the important active ingredients and they may not be in form that is easily absorbed by the body. Sadly the ‘pile em high and sell em cheap’ mentality has affected the nutritional supplement market as well as many other aspects of life. Cheap is not really cheap if it’s ineffective, instead it’s a waste of money. On my online shop I sell nutritional supplements that are backed up by research, and we even offer a 60-day money-back guarantee even if you’ve emptied the pot!
Stress can lead to an increased need for some vitamins and minerals. Vitamin B complex and magnesium can help the nervous system to stay healthy. These supplements can also help you to feel less agitated and anxious.
In recent years there has been a lot of interest in antioxidants. Antioxidants are mainly found in fruit and vegetables, hence the widely supported advice to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, but some advice goes further and suggests that everyone should be taking antioxidant supplements. Antioxidants are designed to counteract free radical damage. Free radicals attack healthy cells damaging cell DNA and possibly leading to cancer. Free radical damage also produces many of the changes we associate with ageing. Excess free radical production in the body is caused by, among other things, stress, radiation and environmental pollution. Some vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients act to ‘mop up’ free radicals. Selenium with vitamins A, C and E is a good antioxidant formula that many people find beneficial.
Be careful when you buy supplements: many of the cheap ones have very little of the important active ingredients and they may not be in form that is easily absorbed by the body. Sadly the ‘pile em high and sell em cheap’ mentality has affected the nutritional supplement market as well as many other aspects of life. Cheap is not really cheap if it’s ineffective, instead it’s a waste of money. On my online shop I sell nutritional supplements that are backed up by research, and we even offer a 60-day money-back guarantee even if you’ve emptied the pot!
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Natural Treats
There’s an advert in Today’s Times newspaper from Nestle for confectionery/sweets that made me see a little red.
They say: “We’ve added something on the outside, to tell you what we haven’t added inside.”
There are pictures of Smarties, Milkybars and Fruit Pastilles with slogans such as ‘all natural ingredients’ and ‘ no artificial colours or flavours. Contains 25% fruit juice’.
So that’s alright then. These are ‘healthy’ sweets to give kids! Far from it, they are packed with sugar which rots teeth and causes fluctuations in blood sugar and mood swings.
I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with the odd chocolate bar, but let’s not kid ourselves we are doing something good and healthy by giving this stuff to our children.
They say: “We’ve added something on the outside, to tell you what we haven’t added inside.”
There are pictures of Smarties, Milkybars and Fruit Pastilles with slogans such as ‘all natural ingredients’ and ‘ no artificial colours or flavours. Contains 25% fruit juice’.
So that’s alright then. These are ‘healthy’ sweets to give kids! Far from it, they are packed with sugar which rots teeth and causes fluctuations in blood sugar and mood swings.
I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with the odd chocolate bar, but let’s not kid ourselves we are doing something good and healthy by giving this stuff to our children.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Perimenopause Symptoms And Treatment
I received this email today:
"Which products would you recomment for what I think is perimenopause.
I am feed up of feeling so awfull, I assumed as I still have periods though not regularly (three to four months gaps), I had to suffer this until the real menopause. However now the hot flushes have started too, I am wondering if all the other symptoms I had also relate to what I am told is perimenopause (listless, irritability, depressed, etc)"
and this is my reply:
Sorry you're feeling so grim. Unfortunately many women (and doctors) seem to believe that it's inevitable that they feel bad during and leading up to the menopause. I'm glad you don't.
Personally I found Neways wild yam and chaste berry cream great as I approached the menopause. Sage tablets are particularly helpful for hot flushes.
For the irritability and depression etc. I suggest you try vitamin B complex - we sell this in our shop too.
Alternatively (or as well) you could try the Bush Flower Essence Woman - that's in the Woman's section of our site too.
It's important at this time also to take care of yourself, eat well, drink lots of water, pamper yourself and go easy on yourself. Hope this info helps.
"Which products would you recomment for what I think is perimenopause.
I am feed up of feeling so awfull, I assumed as I still have periods though not regularly (three to four months gaps), I had to suffer this until the real menopause. However now the hot flushes have started too, I am wondering if all the other symptoms I had also relate to what I am told is perimenopause (listless, irritability, depressed, etc)"
and this is my reply:
Sorry you're feeling so grim. Unfortunately many women (and doctors) seem to believe that it's inevitable that they feel bad during and leading up to the menopause. I'm glad you don't.
Personally I found Neways wild yam and chaste berry cream great as I approached the menopause. Sage tablets are particularly helpful for hot flushes.
For the irritability and depression etc. I suggest you try vitamin B complex - we sell this in our shop too.
Alternatively (or as well) you could try the Bush Flower Essence Woman - that's in the Woman's section of our site too.
It's important at this time also to take care of yourself, eat well, drink lots of water, pamper yourself and go easy on yourself. Hope this info helps.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Breastfeeding and childhood asthma
Here's some interesting information breastfeeding and the prevention of asthma and wheezing in children:
BMC Pediatrics 2007, 7:39doi:10.1186/1471-2431-7-39
Published: 28 November 2007
Abstract (provisional)
Background
The question of the protective effect of breastfeeding on development of asthma has raised substantial interest, but the scientific evidence of the optimal duration of breastfeeding is controversial.
Methods
The authors elaborated the optimal duration of breastfeeding with respect to the risk of asthma primarily, and secondarily to the risk of persistent wheezing, cough and phlegm in school age in a population-based cohort study with the baseline in 1991 and follow-up in 1997. The study population comprised 1984 children aged 7 to 14 years at the end of the follow-up (follow-up rate 77). Information on breastfeeding was based on the baseline survey and information on the health outcomes at the follow-up.
Results
There was a U-shaped relation between breastfeeding and the outcomes with the lowest risk with breastfeeding from four to nine months for asthma and seven to nine months for persistent wheezing, cough and phlegm.
Conclusions
Our results suggest a U shape relation between duration of breastfeeding and risk of asthma with an optimal duration of 4 to 6 months. A true concave relation would explain the inconsistent results from the previous studies.
You can check out the full article here.
BMC Pediatrics 2007, 7:39doi:10.1186/1471-2431-7-39
Published: 28 November 2007
Abstract (provisional)
Background
The question of the protective effect of breastfeeding on development of asthma has raised substantial interest, but the scientific evidence of the optimal duration of breastfeeding is controversial.
Methods
The authors elaborated the optimal duration of breastfeeding with respect to the risk of asthma primarily, and secondarily to the risk of persistent wheezing, cough and phlegm in school age in a population-based cohort study with the baseline in 1991 and follow-up in 1997. The study population comprised 1984 children aged 7 to 14 years at the end of the follow-up (follow-up rate 77). Information on breastfeeding was based on the baseline survey and information on the health outcomes at the follow-up.
Results
There was a U-shaped relation between breastfeeding and the outcomes with the lowest risk with breastfeeding from four to nine months for asthma and seven to nine months for persistent wheezing, cough and phlegm.
Conclusions
Our results suggest a U shape relation between duration of breastfeeding and risk of asthma with an optimal duration of 4 to 6 months. A true concave relation would explain the inconsistent results from the previous studies.
You can check out the full article here.
Credit Card Scams
not strictly within the remit of this blog, but thought I should publicise this email I got from a friend:
This one is pretty slick since they provide Y O U with all the
information, except the one piece they want.
Note, the callers do not ask for your card number; they already have it.
This information is worth reading. By understanding how the VISA & MasterCard Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to protect yourself.
One of our employees was called on Wednesday from "VISA", and I was called on Thursday from "MasterCard".
The scam works like this: Person calling says, "This is (name), and I'm calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. My badge number is 12460. Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I'm calling to verify. This would be on your VISA card which was issued by (name of bank) did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for £497.99 from a Marketing company based in London ?" When you say "No", the caller continues with, "Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company we have been watching and the charges range from £297 to £497, just under the £500 purchase pattern that flags most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (gives you your address), is that correct?" You say "yes". The caller continues - "I will be starting a fraud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 0800 number listed on the back of your card (0800-VISA) and ask for Security.
You will need to refer to this Control Number. The caller then gives you a 6 digit number. "Do you need me to read it again?"
Here's the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works the caller then says, "I need to verify you are in possession of your card." He'll ask you to "turn your card over and look for some numbers." There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your card number, the next 3 are the security numbers
that verify you are the possessor of the card. These are the numbers you sometimes use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card. The caller will ask you to read the 3 numbers to him. After you tell the caller the 3 numbers, he'll say, "That is correct, I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your
card. Do you have any other questions?" After you say, "No," the caller then thanks you and states, "Don't hesitate to call back if you do", and hangs up.
You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the Card number. But after we were called on Wednesday, we called back within 20 minutes to ask a question. Are we glad we did! The REAL VISA Security Department told us it was a scam and in the last 15 minutes a new purchase of £497.99 was charged to our card.
Long story - short - we made a real fraud report and closed the VISA account. VISA is reissuing us a new number. What the scammers want is the 3-digit PIN number on the back of the card. Don't give it to them. Instead, tell them you'll call VISA or MasterCard directly for verification of their conversation. The real VISA told us that they will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card! If you give the scammers your 3 Digit PIN Number, you think you're receiving a credit. However, by the time you get your statement you'll see charges for purchases you didn't make, and by then it's almost too late and/or more difficult to actually file a fraud report.
What makes this more remarkable is that on Thursday, I got a call from a "Jason Richardson of MasterCard" with a word-for-word repeat of the VISA scam. This time I didn't let him finish. I hung up! We filed a police report, as instructed by VISA. The police said they are taking several of these reports daily! They also urged us to tell everybody we know that this scam is happening .
Please pass this on to all your family and friends. By informing each other, we protect each other.
This one is pretty slick since they provide Y O U with all the
information, except the one piece they want.
Note, the callers do not ask for your card number; they already have it.
This information is worth reading. By understanding how the VISA & MasterCard Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to protect yourself.
One of our employees was called on Wednesday from "VISA", and I was called on Thursday from "MasterCard".
The scam works like this: Person calling says, "This is (name), and I'm calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. My badge number is 12460. Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I'm calling to verify. This would be on your VISA card which was issued by (name of bank) did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for £497.99 from a Marketing company based in London ?" When you say "No", the caller continues with, "Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company we have been watching and the charges range from £297 to £497, just under the £500 purchase pattern that flags most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (gives you your address), is that correct?" You say "yes". The caller continues - "I will be starting a fraud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 0800 number listed on the back of your card (0800-VISA) and ask for Security.
You will need to refer to this Control Number. The caller then gives you a 6 digit number. "Do you need me to read it again?"
Here's the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works the caller then says, "I need to verify you are in possession of your card." He'll ask you to "turn your card over and look for some numbers." There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your card number, the next 3 are the security numbers
that verify you are the possessor of the card. These are the numbers you sometimes use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card. The caller will ask you to read the 3 numbers to him. After you tell the caller the 3 numbers, he'll say, "That is correct, I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your
card. Do you have any other questions?" After you say, "No," the caller then thanks you and states, "Don't hesitate to call back if you do", and hangs up.
You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the Card number. But after we were called on Wednesday, we called back within 20 minutes to ask a question. Are we glad we did! The REAL VISA Security Department told us it was a scam and in the last 15 minutes a new purchase of £497.99 was charged to our card.
Long story - short - we made a real fraud report and closed the VISA account. VISA is reissuing us a new number. What the scammers want is the 3-digit PIN number on the back of the card. Don't give it to them. Instead, tell them you'll call VISA or MasterCard directly for verification of their conversation. The real VISA told us that they will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card! If you give the scammers your 3 Digit PIN Number, you think you're receiving a credit. However, by the time you get your statement you'll see charges for purchases you didn't make, and by then it's almost too late and/or more difficult to actually file a fraud report.
What makes this more remarkable is that on Thursday, I got a call from a "Jason Richardson of MasterCard" with a word-for-word repeat of the VISA scam. This time I didn't let him finish. I hung up! We filed a police report, as instructed by VISA. The police said they are taking several of these reports daily! They also urged us to tell everybody we know that this scam is happening .
Please pass this on to all your family and friends. By informing each other, we protect each other.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Animal Acupuncture
Here's some interesting info on animal acupuncture:
Acupuncture in Animals—How Is it Different from Human Use?
The principles underlying the use of acupuncture to treat pain and other medical ailments in humans are essentially the same in animals, but the practice of veterinary acupuncture is quite different and less well-defined due to the physiological differences among animal species and the changing views on how acupuncture works, according to a report in a recent issue (Volume 13, Number 5) of Alternative and Complementary Therapies, a publication of Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.
The paper is available free online
Narda Robinson, DO, DVM, MS, Shipley Professor in Complementary and Alternative Medicine at Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Fort Collins, describes the application of acupuncture techniques in various animal species in the paper entitled, “Veterinary Acupuncture: An Ancient Tradition for Modern Times.”
Several safe and effective methods of acupuncture stimulation in animals exist to treat conditions such as back pain, non-surgical lameness and colic in horses, reproductive problems in cows, neurologic injury and arthritis in dogs, and sinusitis in snakes. These techniques include dry needling, in which a thin sterile needle is inserted at an acupuncture point.
Moxibustion involves the heating of acupuncture points using a smoldering herb wrapped in wax paper. In electroacupuncture, the needle is attached to an electrical lead to enable the delivery of an electrical stimulus to the acupuncture point.
With regard to the technique known as “gold bead implantation,” which is sometimes used to treat hip dysplasia in dogs, Robinson says that “gold bead implantation is an ineffective and possibly harmful technique that warrants serious re-evaluation.”
Robinson also presents some of the challenges associated with transposing acupuncture points used in humans to animal species. Identifying appropriate placement points along the back is complicated by the varying numbers of vertebrae both between and within animal species. Humans have 12 thoracic vertebrae, whereas horses have 18, for example.
In those animal species with tails, the tail contains nerve and vascular structures that may be appropriate stimulation sites for treating disorders such as back pain or fecal incontinence. Similarly, the hand, which contains one of the strongest acupuncture points in the human body—the point Hegu or LI4, does not have a transposable counterpart in animal physiology that would allow veterinarians to translate acupuncture points used in humans directly to animal species.
Alternative and Complementary Therapies provides the latest information on evaluating alternative therapies and integrating them into everyday clinical practice. Topics include integrative medicine; botanical medicine; acupuncture and Chinese medicine; vitamins and supplements; nutrition and diet; holistic medicine; mind-body medicine; ayurveda, traditional medicine, homeopathy and naturopathy; yoga and bodywork; and massage therapies.
Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., is a privately held, fully integrated media company known for establishing authoritative peer-reviewed journals in many promising areas of science and biomedical research, including Medical Acupuncture, Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, and Journal of Women’s Health. Its biotechnology trade magazine, Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (GEN), was the first in its field and is today the industry’s most widely read publication worldwide. A complete list of the firm’s 60 journals, books, and newsmagazines is available at www.liebertpub.com
Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.140 Huguenot St., New Rochelle, NY 10801www.liebertpub.com Phone (914) 740-2100(800) M-LIEBERTFax (914) 740-2101
Acupuncture in Animals—How Is it Different from Human Use?
The principles underlying the use of acupuncture to treat pain and other medical ailments in humans are essentially the same in animals, but the practice of veterinary acupuncture is quite different and less well-defined due to the physiological differences among animal species and the changing views on how acupuncture works, according to a report in a recent issue (Volume 13, Number 5) of Alternative and Complementary Therapies, a publication of Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.
The paper is available free online
Narda Robinson, DO, DVM, MS, Shipley Professor in Complementary and Alternative Medicine at Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Fort Collins, describes the application of acupuncture techniques in various animal species in the paper entitled, “Veterinary Acupuncture: An Ancient Tradition for Modern Times.”
Several safe and effective methods of acupuncture stimulation in animals exist to treat conditions such as back pain, non-surgical lameness and colic in horses, reproductive problems in cows, neurologic injury and arthritis in dogs, and sinusitis in snakes. These techniques include dry needling, in which a thin sterile needle is inserted at an acupuncture point.
Moxibustion involves the heating of acupuncture points using a smoldering herb wrapped in wax paper. In electroacupuncture, the needle is attached to an electrical lead to enable the delivery of an electrical stimulus to the acupuncture point.
With regard to the technique known as “gold bead implantation,” which is sometimes used to treat hip dysplasia in dogs, Robinson says that “gold bead implantation is an ineffective and possibly harmful technique that warrants serious re-evaluation.”
Robinson also presents some of the challenges associated with transposing acupuncture points used in humans to animal species. Identifying appropriate placement points along the back is complicated by the varying numbers of vertebrae both between and within animal species. Humans have 12 thoracic vertebrae, whereas horses have 18, for example.
In those animal species with tails, the tail contains nerve and vascular structures that may be appropriate stimulation sites for treating disorders such as back pain or fecal incontinence. Similarly, the hand, which contains one of the strongest acupuncture points in the human body—the point Hegu or LI4, does not have a transposable counterpart in animal physiology that would allow veterinarians to translate acupuncture points used in humans directly to animal species.
Alternative and Complementary Therapies provides the latest information on evaluating alternative therapies and integrating them into everyday clinical practice. Topics include integrative medicine; botanical medicine; acupuncture and Chinese medicine; vitamins and supplements; nutrition and diet; holistic medicine; mind-body medicine; ayurveda, traditional medicine, homeopathy and naturopathy; yoga and bodywork; and massage therapies.
Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., is a privately held, fully integrated media company known for establishing authoritative peer-reviewed journals in many promising areas of science and biomedical research, including Medical Acupuncture, Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, and Journal of Women’s Health. Its biotechnology trade magazine, Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (GEN), was the first in its field and is today the industry’s most widely read publication worldwide. A complete list of the firm’s 60 journals, books, and newsmagazines is available at www.liebertpub.com
Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.140 Huguenot St., New Rochelle, NY 10801www.liebertpub.com Phone (914) 740-2100(800) M-LIEBERTFax (914) 740-2101
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Calm Babies
last night I was watching Dragons Den on TV and a would-be entrepreneur was showing her baby clothes range worn by mothers and carers to stimulate and interact with the baby.
We seem to have moved a long way from the idea of putting the baby out in the garden in the pram and leaving it alone for a long time to a beleif that constant stimualtion is needed for young children to develop.
Toys are getting bigger, brighter and noisier but is this what babies need all the time. I beleive strongly that babies need some down time (just like the rest of us) just to be quiet and to be. This is crucial to their development too. Our modern world is full of stimultion - let's moderate its impact on the very young.
Coincidentally yesterday I was adding all the combination Indigo essences to our online Health shop. They can safely be used with young babies as well as older children to help them be happier, calmer and more at peace with themselves and their world. isn't that what we ant for them and for ourselves?
We seem to have moved a long way from the idea of putting the baby out in the garden in the pram and leaving it alone for a long time to a beleif that constant stimualtion is needed for young children to develop.
Toys are getting bigger, brighter and noisier but is this what babies need all the time. I beleive strongly that babies need some down time (just like the rest of us) just to be quiet and to be. This is crucial to their development too. Our modern world is full of stimultion - let's moderate its impact on the very young.
Coincidentally yesterday I was adding all the combination Indigo essences to our online Health shop. They can safely be used with young babies as well as older children to help them be happier, calmer and more at peace with themselves and their world. isn't that what we ant for them and for ourselves?
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Use Sound For Good Health
I've just published an article on sound therapy by Lyz Cooper on our Health site. It's very well written and includes some self-help tips. Here's one:
"An easy way to begin working with sound is to start with your own voice. Unless there is a physiological or neurological imbalance, everyone has a voice. For a quick pick me try a quick boost of ‘sonic caffeine’ first thing in the morning. A few minutes of toning a high pitched ‘EEEE’ will stimulate the mental level and leave you feeling tingly and ready for a wonderful day. You can also use this method if you are studying for an examination or about to give a presentation."
How about "sonic hot chocolate"? Read the full article and learn more about sound therapy and more self-help tips too.
"An easy way to begin working with sound is to start with your own voice. Unless there is a physiological or neurological imbalance, everyone has a voice. For a quick pick me try a quick boost of ‘sonic caffeine’ first thing in the morning. A few minutes of toning a high pitched ‘EEEE’ will stimulate the mental level and leave you feeling tingly and ready for a wonderful day. You can also use this method if you are studying for an examination or about to give a presentation."
How about "sonic hot chocolate"? Read the full article and learn more about sound therapy and more self-help tips too.
Monday, November 19, 2007
World Toilet Day
Today is World Toilet Day, WaterAid has marked the date with the launch of a report; 'The State of the World's Toilets'. While most people avoid the subject WaterAid are embracing the opportunity to get the world talking about toilets - the good, the bad and the ugly.
WaterAid's report covers every aspect of the humble yet vital toilet from silly facts like: women are more apt to be grabbers and wadders of toilet paper, whereas men are more likely to be folders, to the world's greatest toilet 'a sleek, tankless, one-piece toilet with integrated washlet seat'. There's also a brief history of the Great British toilet and a description of the worst toilet in the world!
"Toilets are a taboo subject, but we cannot and we must not ignore the global crisis in sanitation, diarrhoeal diseases are the second biggest killer of children in the world. Simply providing safe water, sanitation and hygiene education could save 5000 children's lives every day. Governments must act now to prioritise sanitation provision for the world's poorest people." Oliver Cumming, WaterAid Sanitation and Environment Policy Officer.
'The State of the World's Toilets' ranks the worst countries in the world for sanitation provision, with 40% of the world's population lacking somewhere safe to go to the toilet the list is long and made up of some of the poorest countries in the world.
Download the full The State of the World's Toilets report ( PDF 491Kb)
You can also buy a toilet to help someone who doesn't have access to good sanitation.
WaterAid's report covers every aspect of the humble yet vital toilet from silly facts like: women are more apt to be grabbers and wadders of toilet paper, whereas men are more likely to be folders, to the world's greatest toilet 'a sleek, tankless, one-piece toilet with integrated washlet seat'. There's also a brief history of the Great British toilet and a description of the worst toilet in the world!
"Toilets are a taboo subject, but we cannot and we must not ignore the global crisis in sanitation, diarrhoeal diseases are the second biggest killer of children in the world. Simply providing safe water, sanitation and hygiene education could save 5000 children's lives every day. Governments must act now to prioritise sanitation provision for the world's poorest people." Oliver Cumming, WaterAid Sanitation and Environment Policy Officer.
'The State of the World's Toilets' ranks the worst countries in the world for sanitation provision, with 40% of the world's population lacking somewhere safe to go to the toilet the list is long and made up of some of the poorest countries in the world.
Download the full The State of the World's Toilets report ( PDF 491Kb)
You can also buy a toilet to help someone who doesn't have access to good sanitation.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Zinc - How Do You Know If You Need It?
One in three people in the UK fail to consume sufficient zinc in their diet. This is a truly horrendous statistic as zinc is necessary for the body to manufacture enzymes. Enzymes are vitally important to a healthy body. Deficiency symptoms include red, greasy skin on face; skin problems; poor hair growth; dandruff; night blindness; brittle nails; white spots on nails and persistent leg ulcers & pressure sores.
Zinc is a particularly important mineral for teenage boys and can often help with that teenage nightmare – acne.
So how do you know if you are short of zinc? If you’ve got an appalling diet you might just want to buy a high quality zinc supplement, but if you’re uncertain there’s a very simple test to show if you’re short of zinc. You taste a liquid solution of zinc and the taste you experience will show if you need to take a zinc supplement or up your intake of zinc rich foods (e.g. seeds, walnuts, lentils and whole grains).
Zinc is a particularly important mineral for teenage boys and can often help with that teenage nightmare – acne.
So how do you know if you are short of zinc? If you’ve got an appalling diet you might just want to buy a high quality zinc supplement, but if you’re uncertain there’s a very simple test to show if you’re short of zinc. You taste a liquid solution of zinc and the taste you experience will show if you need to take a zinc supplement or up your intake of zinc rich foods (e.g. seeds, walnuts, lentils and whole grains).
Vegetarian Thanksgiving.
I have been a vegetarian many years so I really like the work of the US Cancer Project which is encouraging people to adopt a vegetarian life style for health reasons.
With Thanksgiving coming up they've put together lots of recipes that are both healthy and delicious. Here's an example of one of their recipes:
No-Meat Loaf Makes 1 loaf (about 12 slices)
Serve this great-tasting loaf with Mushroom Gravy for a hearty meal that’s sure to please. A food processor makes it easy to make the bread crumbs (or you can purchase already-prepared bread crumbs) and to finely chop the walnuts and vegetables.
1 1/4 cups quick-cooking or regular rolled oats
1 1/2 cups bread crumbs, preferably whole-wheat (2–3 slices bread)
1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
1 carrot, finely chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1 14-ounce package Lightlife Gimme Lean Ground Beef Style meat substitute, other ground beef-style meat substitute, or 2 cups cooked bulgur
3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce1 cup plain tomato sauce, or 1 cup of crushed tomatoes
2 teaspoons stone-ground or Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried sage
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
vegetable oil spray
1/2 cup ketchup or barbeque sauce (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 Degrees F.
Use a food processor to finely chop walnuts, onion, celery, carrot, and green bell pepper.
Combine all ingredients except vegetable oil spray and ketchup or barbeque sauce in a large bowl.
Stir with a large spoon or knead by hand until well-mixed, about 1 minute.
Press into a vegetable oil sprayed 5"×9" loaf pan or similar baking dish.
Top with ketchup or barbeque sauce, if using.
Bake 60 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.
Per slice:
104 calories
2.6 g fat
0.3 g saturated fat
22% calories from fat
0 mg cholesterol
8.2 g protein
13.9 g carbohydrate
2.7 g sugar
2.5 g fiber
418 mg sodium
37 mg calcium
1.7 mg iron
5.9 mg vitamin C
463 mcg beta-carotene
0.6 mg vitamin E
Recipe by Jennifer Raymond, M.S., R.D.
You can find more vegetarian thanksgiving recipes on their web site.
We also have more vegetarian thanksgiving recipes on the Health And Goodness web site.
With Thanksgiving coming up they've put together lots of recipes that are both healthy and delicious. Here's an example of one of their recipes:
No-Meat Loaf Makes 1 loaf (about 12 slices)
Serve this great-tasting loaf with Mushroom Gravy for a hearty meal that’s sure to please. A food processor makes it easy to make the bread crumbs (or you can purchase already-prepared bread crumbs) and to finely chop the walnuts and vegetables.
1 1/4 cups quick-cooking or regular rolled oats
1 1/2 cups bread crumbs, preferably whole-wheat (2–3 slices bread)
1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
1 carrot, finely chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1 14-ounce package Lightlife Gimme Lean Ground Beef Style meat substitute, other ground beef-style meat substitute, or 2 cups cooked bulgur
3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce1 cup plain tomato sauce, or 1 cup of crushed tomatoes
2 teaspoons stone-ground or Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried sage
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
vegetable oil spray
1/2 cup ketchup or barbeque sauce (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 Degrees F.
Use a food processor to finely chop walnuts, onion, celery, carrot, and green bell pepper.
Combine all ingredients except vegetable oil spray and ketchup or barbeque sauce in a large bowl.
Stir with a large spoon or knead by hand until well-mixed, about 1 minute.
Press into a vegetable oil sprayed 5"×9" loaf pan or similar baking dish.
Top with ketchup or barbeque sauce, if using.
Bake 60 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.
Per slice:
104 calories
2.6 g fat
0.3 g saturated fat
22% calories from fat
0 mg cholesterol
8.2 g protein
13.9 g carbohydrate
2.7 g sugar
2.5 g fiber
418 mg sodium
37 mg calcium
1.7 mg iron
5.9 mg vitamin C
463 mcg beta-carotene
0.6 mg vitamin E
Recipe by Jennifer Raymond, M.S., R.D.
You can find more vegetarian thanksgiving recipes on their web site.
We also have more vegetarian thanksgiving recipes on the Health And Goodness web site.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Help With Stress
One of our customers sent me this email today:
"I bought Ginkgo off you recently and was wanting to also get a multi vitamin - they all seam to have the common stuff that I think you get in a daily diet but wanted to know if you have anything with a bit extra. No reason as im not run down but I have a very busy lifestyle and want to stay on form."
This was my reply:
"Rather than going for a multivit in your situation I'd probably go for the stress pack."
A lot of people are confused by nutritional supplements so I've started putting together packs - so far I've done insomnia, skin, digestion, arthritis and stress - specific nutritional supplements that work together and have been shown by research to benefit a particular problem. The packs have two advantages - the supplements are pre-chosen for you and also you save 10% on the price you'd pay if you bought these individually.
"I bought Ginkgo off you recently and was wanting to also get a multi vitamin - they all seam to have the common stuff that I think you get in a daily diet but wanted to know if you have anything with a bit extra. No reason as im not run down but I have a very busy lifestyle and want to stay on form."
This was my reply:
"Rather than going for a multivit in your situation I'd probably go for the stress pack."
A lot of people are confused by nutritional supplements so I've started putting together packs - so far I've done insomnia, skin, digestion, arthritis and stress - specific nutritional supplements that work together and have been shown by research to benefit a particular problem. The packs have two advantages - the supplements are pre-chosen for you and also you save 10% on the price you'd pay if you bought these individually.
homeopathy for child birth
every time we get an order for the homeopathic childbirth kit in our online store I get a warm glow knowing that some baby (and mother) somewhere is going to get off to a good start in life.
The remedies included are:
Aconite 200
Hypericum 200
Arnica 200
Ipecac 200
Bellis-p 200
Kali carb 200
Calendula 200
Kali phos 200
Carbo veg 200
Phytolacca 200
Caulophyllum 200
Pulsatilla 200
Chamomilla 200
Secale 200
Cimicifuga 200
Sepia Gelsemium 200
Staphisagria 200
it comes with a little booklet expalining how and when to use the remedies.
People sometimes uy them as gifts for pregnant friends and many pregant women buy them for themselves.
The remedies included are:
Aconite 200
Hypericum 200
Arnica 200
Ipecac 200
Bellis-p 200
Kali carb 200
Calendula 200
Kali phos 200
Carbo veg 200
Phytolacca 200
Caulophyllum 200
Pulsatilla 200
Chamomilla 200
Secale 200
Cimicifuga 200
Sepia Gelsemium 200
Staphisagria 200
it comes with a little booklet expalining how and when to use the remedies.
People sometimes uy them as gifts for pregnant friends and many pregant women buy them for themselves.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Give A Computer Get A Computer
I'm not in North America, but a North American colleague sent this to me:
Give One Get One
Between November 12 and November 26, OLPC is offering a Give One Get One program in North America. This is the first time the revolutionary XO laptop has been made available to the general public. For a donation of $399, one XO laptop will be sent to empower a child in a developing nation and one will be sent to the child in your life in recognition of your contribution. $200 of your donation is tax-deductible (your $399 donation minus the fair market value of the XO laptop you will be receiving).
For all U.S. donors who participate in the Give One Get One program, T-Mobile is offering one year of complimentary HotSpot access. Find out more.
Please be aware that we will make every effort to deliver the XO laptops by the holidays, but quantities are limited. Early purchasers have the best chance of receiving their XO laptops in time for the holidays, but we cannot guarantee timing
Give One Get One
Between November 12 and November 26, OLPC is offering a Give One Get One program in North America. This is the first time the revolutionary XO laptop has been made available to the general public. For a donation of $399, one XO laptop will be sent to empower a child in a developing nation and one will be sent to the child in your life in recognition of your contribution. $200 of your donation is tax-deductible (your $399 donation minus the fair market value of the XO laptop you will be receiving).
For all U.S. donors who participate in the Give One Get One program, T-Mobile is offering one year of complimentary HotSpot access. Find out more.
Please be aware that we will make every effort to deliver the XO laptops by the holidays, but quantities are limited. Early purchasers have the best chance of receiving their XO laptops in time for the holidays, but we cannot guarantee timing
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Sugar
I had a visitor yesterday who apologised profusely for wanting sugar in his coffee. He said: "Knowing what you do, I know you won't approve." It reminded me of when my children were young and we went to another mum's house. There were lots of mums there and everyone was offered cake except me. I commented on this and she said: "Oh, I know how interetsed you are in health and that stuff so I didn't think you'd want cake."
It's interesting that people think I never eat cake or take sugar because I'm interested in health, but I believe strongly that a healthy person can eat cake and have some sugar - not all the time, but occasionally, and it's no big deal. If you can only stay healthy by avoiding lots of things all the time and following a strict regime, you are not truly healthy. We have evolved to live in an imperfect world (may be not as imperfect as it is!!), so it should be possible to do all sorts of things in moderation.
It's interesting that people think I never eat cake or take sugar because I'm interested in health, but I believe strongly that a healthy person can eat cake and have some sugar - not all the time, but occasionally, and it's no big deal. If you can only stay healthy by avoiding lots of things all the time and following a strict regime, you are not truly healthy. We have evolved to live in an imperfect world (may be not as imperfect as it is!!), so it should be possible to do all sorts of things in moderation.
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Weight Loss programme
I've added a new product and a new section to our online store.
The newest product is WeightLess, a thermogenic supplement, packed with nutrients to help stimulate a sluggish metabolism and low energy levels. They are particularly suitable for people who are not able to lose body fat even when following a low calorie diet.
The capsules contain caffeine, green tea extract, yerba mate, guarana, vitamin B6, Siberian ginseng, betaine HCL, apple cider vinegar, chromium polynicotinate, iodine and more.
Earlier this week a friend who has been taking these capsules told me (without prompting):
"My sweet tooth is practically non-existent... I've saved a fortune on not buying junk food .. and I've lost 6 lbs."
At this stage she had been taking the capsules for less than two weeks.
Weight loss is a big health issue for a lot of people, so we are pricing these capsules at a lot less than directly comparable products.
In this online section of our shop we also have a Weight Loss self-hypnosis CD so you can tackle weight loss from a psychological standpoint, and other products that can help you lose weight in a healthy and sustained way.
A recent study that you may have read about shows how important weight is in a cancer prevention programme. Being at a sensible weight is important for self esteem and health, so here are some products that can help you along the way.
All our products come with a 60-day money-back guarantee (excluding shipping) – so even if you’ve taken all the capsules you can still get your money back if you’re dissatisfied.
The newest product is WeightLess, a thermogenic supplement, packed with nutrients to help stimulate a sluggish metabolism and low energy levels. They are particularly suitable for people who are not able to lose body fat even when following a low calorie diet.
The capsules contain caffeine, green tea extract, yerba mate, guarana, vitamin B6, Siberian ginseng, betaine HCL, apple cider vinegar, chromium polynicotinate, iodine and more.
Earlier this week a friend who has been taking these capsules told me (without prompting):
"My sweet tooth is practically non-existent... I've saved a fortune on not buying junk food .. and I've lost 6 lbs."
At this stage she had been taking the capsules for less than two weeks.
Weight loss is a big health issue for a lot of people, so we are pricing these capsules at a lot less than directly comparable products.
In this online section of our shop we also have a Weight Loss self-hypnosis CD so you can tackle weight loss from a psychological standpoint, and other products that can help you lose weight in a healthy and sustained way.
A recent study that you may have read about shows how important weight is in a cancer prevention programme. Being at a sensible weight is important for self esteem and health, so here are some products that can help you along the way.
All our products come with a 60-day money-back guarantee (excluding shipping) – so even if you’ve taken all the capsules you can still get your money back if you’re dissatisfied.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Why buy from us?
I'm always tinkering with our online health store, and over the last few days I've been thinking about why people should buy from us. These are the reasons I immediately thought of:
Buy from us because:
Buy from us because:
- Our company is based on ethical principles - offering well-researched information and products. We were ethical long before that word became fashionable in a business context.
- We offer a 60-day money back guarantee on all our products, including the supplements (excluding shipping charges). Even if you are down to the last tablet in the pot, you can still send it back for a complete refund.
- Although this online store is relatively new, I have been in business since 1982, offering health advice and help through my therapy practice.
- All our nutritional products are suitable for vegetarians and most are also suitable for vegans. I have been a vegetarian for over 30 years, and am a member of the UK Vegetarian Society.
- We do not make extravagant claims for the products we sell. I hate the hype I meet on many sites, raising unrealistic hopes or insulting your intelligence. We build trust in our site through the advice, the products, our refund policy and the service we offer, so that you want to come back to the site again and again.
- Many sites rely on barely-legal 'special offers' to generate sales. We do make special offers from time to time, but these are always genuine, and are often designed to introduce you to a new product. Fundamentally I believe in always offering effective products that don't rip anyone off.
- Your credit card information is safe with us; we follow good practice in keeping your details safe.
- Your privacy is guaranteed. We do not sell, give away or exchange your details.
- We donate at least 12% of our profits to charity, currently including WaterAid and the Maun Homeopathy project.
- We bank with the Co-Operative Bank, a bank with a clear ethical investment policy on oppressive regimes, the arms trade, the tobacco industry, animal welfare, etc.
So, now you know some of the reasons shopping with us makes sense.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Choose How You Are
I regularly get an email newsletter from Robert Middleton. He writes well - here's a piece out of his latest ezine that I particularly liked:
This Monday morning I woke up with a huge pile of things on my
plate. Not only did I have the eZine to write, but my in-progress
projects include writing an online marketing software program,
gearing up for my next Certification Program, giving feedback to
my Marketing Coaches and creating a big fundraising event for a
non-profit organization (Room to Read).
What I noticed, before even getting out of bed, was that I was
gearing up to BE overwhelmed. I also remembered that when I'm
overwhelmed, I either start procrastinating, stuck in not knowing
what to do first, or I go into "stressed-out panic mode."
I also remembered that both of these options were not very
effective in handling overwhelm. So I asked myself, "If I couldn't
be overwhelmed, who would I be?" The answer came quickly: "I'd
be calm, focused and fearless."
I clearly saw that if I was calm, focused and fearless, I'd look at all
the things I had on my plate, do a little planning and prioritizing
and then do one thing at a time. And then I asked myself, "Who
am I going to choose to Be? Overwhelmed, or calm, focused and
fearless?"
By Robert Middleton of Action Plan Marketing. Please visit
Robert's web site at www.actionplan.com for additional
marketing articles and resources on marketing for professional
service businesses.
This Monday morning I woke up with a huge pile of things on my
plate. Not only did I have the eZine to write, but my in-progress
projects include writing an online marketing software program,
gearing up for my next Certification Program, giving feedback to
my Marketing Coaches and creating a big fundraising event for a
non-profit organization (Room to Read).
What I noticed, before even getting out of bed, was that I was
gearing up to BE overwhelmed. I also remembered that when I'm
overwhelmed, I either start procrastinating, stuck in not knowing
what to do first, or I go into "stressed-out panic mode."
I also remembered that both of these options were not very
effective in handling overwhelm. So I asked myself, "If I couldn't
be overwhelmed, who would I be?" The answer came quickly: "I'd
be calm, focused and fearless."
I clearly saw that if I was calm, focused and fearless, I'd look at all
the things I had on my plate, do a little planning and prioritizing
and then do one thing at a time. And then I asked myself, "Who
am I going to choose to Be? Overwhelmed, or calm, focused and
fearless?"
By Robert Middleton of Action Plan Marketing. Please visit
Robert's web site at www.actionplan.com for additional
marketing articles and resources on marketing for professional
service businesses.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Geopathic Stress Book
It's interesting to see that someone is selling my original book on ebay with a 'buy it now' price of US Dollars 88!
It's cheaper and makes more sense to buy my latest version of this book - enlarged with lots of new material. You can buy it from many booksellers or direct from my health web site.
It's cheaper and makes more sense to buy my latest version of this book - enlarged with lots of new material. You can buy it from many booksellers or direct from my health web site.
Friday, November 02, 2007
Battle Of Ideas
I really enjoyed attending the Battle Of Ideas weekend, although by the end of the weekend I felt like my brain had been removed, whizzed in a liquidiser and then poured back into my head!
There were lots of great discussions and provocative things said. I particularly enjoyed the debates on obesity, the resurrection of religion, Darwin and Intelligent Design, the politics of climate change.
The debate I didn’t enjoy was: CAM: junk science or genuine alternative. When I saw the line up, I realised immediately that complementary and alternative therapies (CAM) had no real champion in the speakers. Professor Edzard Ernst who is the Laing Chair of Complementary Medicine, University of Exeter And Plymouth, was one of the speakers. At first sight this seems like a voice for the CAM community, but professor Ernst seems to be wedded to the double blind placebo trial as the only way of accessing information. I have written on my web site for therapists about why I feel this has profound flaws for understanding CAM. My concerns were confirmed when I listened to the speakers who presented a caricature of the typical CAM client as the neurotic worried-well. When there was a chance for the audience to speak I got a chance to say I didn’t recognise this typical client and that when I’d been a therapist I’d seen (and helped) people with eczema, asthma, epilepsy, arthritis and more, and these people certainly couldn’t in any way be characterised as the worried well. Unfortunately many of the speakers from the floor spoke against CAM. I felt very disheartened but cheered myself up with the thought that a few years ago there wouldn’t have even been a debate on CAM, as it wouldn’t have been seen as a significant enough phenomenon to be worth having a debate on.
The really outstanding debate for me was entitled: “My brain made me do it: biology and freedom”. Lucid, elegant arguments from a lawyer, neuroscientists and professors of geriatric medicine and sociology. It was enthralling to listen to, and the questions and comments from the audience posed more ideas. No conclusions were drawn, but that is the nature of this event – you are presented with well argued, opposing views and left to draw your own conclusion.
I shall certainly be booking for next year’s Battle of Ideas.
There were lots of great discussions and provocative things said. I particularly enjoyed the debates on obesity, the resurrection of religion, Darwin and Intelligent Design, the politics of climate change.
The debate I didn’t enjoy was: CAM: junk science or genuine alternative. When I saw the line up, I realised immediately that complementary and alternative therapies (CAM) had no real champion in the speakers. Professor Edzard Ernst who is the Laing Chair of Complementary Medicine, University of Exeter And Plymouth, was one of the speakers. At first sight this seems like a voice for the CAM community, but professor Ernst seems to be wedded to the double blind placebo trial as the only way of accessing information. I have written on my web site for therapists about why I feel this has profound flaws for understanding CAM. My concerns were confirmed when I listened to the speakers who presented a caricature of the typical CAM client as the neurotic worried-well. When there was a chance for the audience to speak I got a chance to say I didn’t recognise this typical client and that when I’d been a therapist I’d seen (and helped) people with eczema, asthma, epilepsy, arthritis and more, and these people certainly couldn’t in any way be characterised as the worried well. Unfortunately many of the speakers from the floor spoke against CAM. I felt very disheartened but cheered myself up with the thought that a few years ago there wouldn’t have even been a debate on CAM, as it wouldn’t have been seen as a significant enough phenomenon to be worth having a debate on.
The really outstanding debate for me was entitled: “My brain made me do it: biology and freedom”. Lucid, elegant arguments from a lawyer, neuroscientists and professors of geriatric medicine and sociology. It was enthralling to listen to, and the questions and comments from the audience posed more ideas. No conclusions were drawn, but that is the nature of this event – you are presented with well argued, opposing views and left to draw your own conclusion.
I shall certainly be booking for next year’s Battle of Ideas.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Help For Children With developmental and learning problems
I received this and thought I'd post it on my log as it might be of help to someone:
If you know a child who:
- Suffered from a traumatic birth, difficult pregnancy or medical problems in early life?
- Is suffering developmental delay
- Has repeatedly visited GP/consultant but problems still remain
- Suffers from low attainment, low self-esteem, low self-confidence
- Suffers poor eye/hand co-ordination resulting in frequent accidents and clumsiness
- Suffers from reluctance to attend school
- Suffers from hyperactivity and an inability to sleep/relax
- Is unwilling to adopt a healthy lifestyle with good food and good exercise regime
Sunflower Trust Children’s Charity could help
For over a decade Sunflower Trust have helped improve children’s:
IQ by 12%
Health by 60%
Behaviour/study skills by 60%
To find out more please call 0845 054 7509 or e-mail enquiries@sunflowertrust.com
Further information is available on website http://www.sunflowertrust.com/
APPLICATIONS FOR COMPLIMENTARY TREATMENT MUST BE RECEIVED BY
1st November 2007 LATEST!
Patricia Murray Cox Sunflower Trust co-Ordinator A registered charity dedicated to helping children with health, learning and behavioural difficulties
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Get Fit With The Help Of A Trainer
Chad Tackett and Global-Fitness are dedicated to helping you get fit and stay fit with online trainers, videos, nutritional plans and lots more. They are now making very special offer so you can find out for yourself how great there system is:
Simply go to Global Health And Fitness and click through to their secured order form and enter "onedollar" in the Comments field and you'll be charged just $0.95 for Trial Membership (instead of $9.95)!
The moment you join you'll receive a username and password for access to all this for 30 days:
Simply go to Global Health And Fitness and click through to their secured order form and enter "onedollar" in the Comments field and you'll be charged just $0.95 for Trial Membership (instead of $9.95)!
The moment you join you'll receive a username and password for access to all this for 30 days:
- Very effective exercise programs, specific to your goals,
fitness level, and the time you have available! - 175 exercise instructions and video demonstrations to
view at home or print out and take to your gym/workout room! - A Trial version of Protrack 2008, the latest version of their
exercise and nutrition tracking software! - The new GHF Training Manual and online books on each of
the 5 Components of Optimal Health! - Hundreds of delicious, healthy recipes and shopping lists!
- F R E E entry to the GHF Fitness Challenge, their 12-week
fitness contest! - Full access to the new members-only Fitness Forum where you
can get expert advice, as well as correspond with other members!
Battle Of ideas 2007
This weekend ( 27th and 28th October) I am attending the Battle of Ideas in London.
I only heard about it last weekend, but immediately I wanted to be there. the aims are:
I only heard about it last weekend, but immediately I wanted to be there. the aims are:
- to showcase new arguments about core issues
- to initiate open ended discussions
Topics include:
- The Resurrection of religion: moving beyond secularism or losing faith in politics?
- What is the future of cities?
- Change the world: make a documentary?
- Iraq: Whatnow for the war on terror?
- CAM: junk science or genuine alternative?
- Friendship or networking
and lots lots more. Check out their web site for the full programme.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Healthy Pizza
Antioxidants are really important for our long-term health. They help counteract free radical damage to the body, including to the skin and the joints. If you’re interested in ageing more gracefully, you definitely need to take a look at the amount of antioxidants in your diet.
Fresh fruit and vegetables are some of the best sources of antioxidants, but research by scientists at the University of Maryland has shown that the antioxidant levels in pizza can be boosted by increasing the baking temperature and the length of time that the pizza is cooked for. So a well-done pizza is likely to contain more antioxidants than a less well-done one.
Sadly people, including the media, tend to take information like this and conclude that a well-done pizza is a healthy food. The UK Guardian newspaper heading was ‘From Fast Food To Health Food: Pizza Gets A Makeover’. But the truth is pizzas are not the most healthy of foods, and though they are OK in moderation it’s much better to focus on getting antioxidants from fruit and vegetables.
Fresh fruit and vegetables are some of the best sources of antioxidants, but research by scientists at the University of Maryland has shown that the antioxidant levels in pizza can be boosted by increasing the baking temperature and the length of time that the pizza is cooked for. So a well-done pizza is likely to contain more antioxidants than a less well-done one.
Sadly people, including the media, tend to take information like this and conclude that a well-done pizza is a healthy food. The UK Guardian newspaper heading was ‘From Fast Food To Health Food: Pizza Gets A Makeover’. But the truth is pizzas are not the most healthy of foods, and though they are OK in moderation it’s much better to focus on getting antioxidants from fruit and vegetables.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
The influence of rap music
Here's information on an interesting article:
Sexual Stereotypes Portrayed in Rap Music Videos Influence High-Risk Behaviors Among African-American Teenage Girls
New Rochelle, NY, October 16, 2007—African-American female adolescents who spend more time watching rap music videos are more likely to participate in high-risk behaviors such as binge drinking and sex with multiple partners, to test positive for marijuana, and to have a negative body image, according to a report in the October 2007 issue (Vol. 16, No. 8) of Journal of Women’s Health a peer-reviewed journal published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. ( www.liebertpub.com). The paper is available free online at www.liebertpub.com/jwh
Many psychosocial factors can adversely affect self-image, health status, and the likelihood of engaging in high-risk behaviors among adolescent girls. One such factor is exposure to rap music videos, which often portray African-American women as hypersexual and amoral and include content related to violence, sexuality, and drug and alcohol abuse.
Shani Peterson, PhD, Gina Wingood ScD, MPH, Ralph DiClemente PhD, Kathy Harrington, MPH, MAEd, and Susan Davies, from the Rollins School of Public Health, Emory Center for AIDS Research, and School of Medicine at Emory University (Atlanta, GA), and the University of Alabama, Birmingham, sought to identify whether a link exists between the amount of exposure to sexual stereotypes and risky behaviors portrayed in rap music videos and adverse health outcomes. They surveyed and interviewed 522 African-American teenage girls, asked about their rap music video viewing habits, evaluated their health status, and screened urine samples for evidence of marijuana use.
In the report entitled, “Images of Sexual Stereotypes in Rap Videos and the Health of African-American Female Adolescents,” the authors concluded, based on a quantitative assessment, that a significant predictive association exists between increased viewing of sexual stereotypes in rap music videos and likelihood to engage in binge drinking, to test positive for marijuana, and to have a negative body image.
“The findings from this study suggest that African-American girls’ perceptions of stereotypical images of women in rap music videos may contribute to adverse health outcomes,” says Editor-in-Chief Susan G. Kornstein, MD, Executive Director of the Virginia Commonwealth University Institute for Women’s Health, in Richmond, VA. “Clearly, there is a need for greater awareness and education about the potential public health risks associated with this media exposure.”
Journal of Women’s Health is an authoritative, peer-reviewed, multidisciplinary journal published ten times a year. Under Editor-In-Chief Susan G. Kornstein, MD, and Deputy Editor Wendy S. Klein, MD, of the Virginia Commonwealth University Institute for Women’s Health, Richmond, VA, the Journal publishes clinical and research papers on health issues affecting women across the lifespan and on gender differences in health, disease, and response to treatment.
Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. , is a privately held, fully integrated media company known for establishing authoritative peer-reviewed journals in many promising areas of medical and biomedical research, including Obesity Management, Diabetes Technology and Therapeutics, and Thyroid. Its biotechnology trade magazine, Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (GEN), was the first in its field and is today the industry’s most widely read publication worldwide. A complete list of the firm’s 60 journals and books is available at www.liebertpub.com
Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.140 Huguenot St., New Rochelle, NY 10801www.liebertpub.com Phone (914) 740-2100 (800) M-LIEBERT Fax (914) 740-2101
Sexual Stereotypes Portrayed in Rap Music Videos Influence High-Risk Behaviors Among African-American Teenage Girls
New Rochelle, NY, October 16, 2007—African-American female adolescents who spend more time watching rap music videos are more likely to participate in high-risk behaviors such as binge drinking and sex with multiple partners, to test positive for marijuana, and to have a negative body image, according to a report in the October 2007 issue (Vol. 16, No. 8) of Journal of Women’s Health a peer-reviewed journal published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. ( www.liebertpub.com). The paper is available free online at www.liebertpub.com/jwh
Many psychosocial factors can adversely affect self-image, health status, and the likelihood of engaging in high-risk behaviors among adolescent girls. One such factor is exposure to rap music videos, which often portray African-American women as hypersexual and amoral and include content related to violence, sexuality, and drug and alcohol abuse.
Shani Peterson, PhD, Gina Wingood ScD, MPH, Ralph DiClemente PhD, Kathy Harrington, MPH, MAEd, and Susan Davies, from the Rollins School of Public Health, Emory Center for AIDS Research, and School of Medicine at Emory University (Atlanta, GA), and the University of Alabama, Birmingham, sought to identify whether a link exists between the amount of exposure to sexual stereotypes and risky behaviors portrayed in rap music videos and adverse health outcomes. They surveyed and interviewed 522 African-American teenage girls, asked about their rap music video viewing habits, evaluated their health status, and screened urine samples for evidence of marijuana use.
In the report entitled, “Images of Sexual Stereotypes in Rap Videos and the Health of African-American Female Adolescents,” the authors concluded, based on a quantitative assessment, that a significant predictive association exists between increased viewing of sexual stereotypes in rap music videos and likelihood to engage in binge drinking, to test positive for marijuana, and to have a negative body image.
“The findings from this study suggest that African-American girls’ perceptions of stereotypical images of women in rap music videos may contribute to adverse health outcomes,” says Editor-in-Chief Susan G. Kornstein, MD, Executive Director of the Virginia Commonwealth University Institute for Women’s Health, in Richmond, VA. “Clearly, there is a need for greater awareness and education about the potential public health risks associated with this media exposure.”
Journal of Women’s Health is an authoritative, peer-reviewed, multidisciplinary journal published ten times a year. Under Editor-In-Chief Susan G. Kornstein, MD, and Deputy Editor Wendy S. Klein, MD, of the Virginia Commonwealth University Institute for Women’s Health, Richmond, VA, the Journal publishes clinical and research papers on health issues affecting women across the lifespan and on gender differences in health, disease, and response to treatment.
Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. , is a privately held, fully integrated media company known for establishing authoritative peer-reviewed journals in many promising areas of medical and biomedical research, including Obesity Management, Diabetes Technology and Therapeutics, and Thyroid. Its biotechnology trade magazine, Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (GEN), was the first in its field and is today the industry’s most widely read publication worldwide. A complete list of the firm’s 60 journals and books is available at www.liebertpub.com
Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.140 Huguenot St., New Rochelle, NY 10801www.liebertpub.com Phone (914) 740-2100 (800) M-LIEBERT Fax (914) 740-2101
Monday, October 15, 2007
Getting asthma as an adult
More and more people are suffering from asthma, but it’s not only children that are being affected, more adults are also starting to suffer from asthma.
A study in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine looked at the use of cleaning sprays. This study is particularly interesting because it doesn’t look at professional cleaners but instead looks at people using sprays in their own homes. They found a link between using the sprays at least once a week and developing asthma. More research on this is needed, but do err on the side of caution and stop using spray cleaners and air fresheners.
On my web site I have information on dirt and how the sanitised environment so many people live in is not good for health.
A study in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine looked at the use of cleaning sprays. This study is particularly interesting because it doesn’t look at professional cleaners but instead looks at people using sprays in their own homes. They found a link between using the sprays at least once a week and developing asthma. More research on this is needed, but do err on the side of caution and stop using spray cleaners and air fresheners.
On my web site I have information on dirt and how the sanitised environment so many people live in is not good for health.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Acupuncture research
Assesment of acupuncture by the scientific community has been hampered by the fact that acupuncturists in most studies know whether the needling they are doing is attempting to affect the point or not.
So, it's interesting to see this - an attempt to develop a suitable acupuncture needle for test situations. Here is a provisional abstract from
BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2007 7:31 ( 10 October 2007 )
Background
Placebo needles that can mask acupuncture practitioners to the type of needle used have been considered almost impossible to develop until now.
Methods
We designed a double-blind non-penetrating placebo needle, the needle tip of which simply presses against the skin, and a matched penetrating needle. The needles are encased inside an opaque guide tube and the appearance and feel of the pair are designed to be indistinguishable. To validate the masking effect for the practitioner, 10 acupuncturists each applied 23 non-penetrating needles and 17 penetrating needles to the large intestine-4 point. After removing each needle, they judged whether the needle was penetrating, non-penetrating or unidentifiable. For the validation of patient masking, an acupuncturist randomly applied a non-penetrating/penetrating needle pair to the bilateral Sanjiao-5 points in 60 volunteers. When both applications were completed, we asked them to write down anything that they noticed regarding the needle application and associated sensations.
Results
The mean [SD] of correct/unidentifiable/incorrect answers given by the 10 acupuncturists were 17.0 [4.1]/6.4 [3.6]/16.6 [3.0], respectively. Regarding patient masking, none of the subjects commented in the questionnaire that they had received a non-penetrating needle. Of 60 penetrating and 60 non-penetrating needle applications, 48 (80.0%) and 25 (41.7%) applications elicited skin penetration sensation and 48 (80.0%) and 20 (33.3%) applications elicited de qi, respectively.
Conclusions
These needles have the potential to mask both practitioners and patients from the type of needle used in acupuncture research.
You can read more about this study here.
So, it's interesting to see this - an attempt to develop a suitable acupuncture needle for test situations. Here is a provisional abstract from
BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2007 7:31 ( 10 October 2007 )
Background
Placebo needles that can mask acupuncture practitioners to the type of needle used have been considered almost impossible to develop until now.
Methods
We designed a double-blind non-penetrating placebo needle, the needle tip of which simply presses against the skin, and a matched penetrating needle. The needles are encased inside an opaque guide tube and the appearance and feel of the pair are designed to be indistinguishable. To validate the masking effect for the practitioner, 10 acupuncturists each applied 23 non-penetrating needles and 17 penetrating needles to the large intestine-4 point. After removing each needle, they judged whether the needle was penetrating, non-penetrating or unidentifiable. For the validation of patient masking, an acupuncturist randomly applied a non-penetrating/penetrating needle pair to the bilateral Sanjiao-5 points in 60 volunteers. When both applications were completed, we asked them to write down anything that they noticed regarding the needle application and associated sensations.
Results
The mean [SD] of correct/unidentifiable/incorrect answers given by the 10 acupuncturists were 17.0 [4.1]/6.4 [3.6]/16.6 [3.0], respectively. Regarding patient masking, none of the subjects commented in the questionnaire that they had received a non-penetrating needle. Of 60 penetrating and 60 non-penetrating needle applications, 48 (80.0%) and 25 (41.7%) applications elicited skin penetration sensation and 48 (80.0%) and 20 (33.3%) applications elicited de qi, respectively.
Conclusions
These needles have the potential to mask both practitioners and patients from the type of needle used in acupuncture research.
You can read more about this study here.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Designing a Strength Training Routine for Fat Loss
Here's an interesting article from Lynn VanDyke, a prolific and passionate writer on women's health and fitness:
Designing a Strength Training Routine for Fat Loss
by Lynn VanDyke
Your goal is to lose fat and tone up. You’ve read plenty of my other articles and know that I recommend a mix of 5 tools to create and sculpt the body of your dreams. Those 5 tools are nutrition, hydration, cardio, rest and strength training. Today’s article is all about creating a killer routine that delivers amazing results.
In my many years of experience in the fitness industry I have come across a few timeless myths. One of those myths really gets me piping mad. Have you ever heard, “Lift lighter weights for more repetitions if you want to tone up”? You probably have if you are a woman. I can already feel my blood beginning to boil!
The truth about strength training routines is that they can only be effective if they are created for you and your goals. Lifting light weights for 15 or more repetitions is not going to reduce body fat or help you tone. It will help you work on endurance. If endurance is your goal, then by all means lift lighter for a longer rep time.
On the flip side, and the most popular side, is lifting to lose fat. Your fat loss strength training routine should include heavier weights for low-to-medium repetition ranges. Below is a check list of items that your strength training routine should include:
- An exercise for each major muscle
- Between 3-4 sets for each exercise
- 8-10 reps per set
- A correct weight for each exercise
- 1-2 minute rest periods between sets
Here are all the major muscle groups in suggested order: back, chest, quads, shoulders, hamstrings and glutes, biceps, triceps, abs and calves. You can select from a full body routine done 2-3 times per week or split your lower body and abs from your upper body. An example would be: lower body and abs on Monday and Friday and upper body on Tuesday and Saturday.
Regardless of doing a full body routine or a split routine you will choose an exercise for each of these muscles and do it 3-4 times per workout. Each set will include 8-10 repetitions. You should rest for at least a minute between each set.
The way for you to determine what weight you should lift is to choose a weight that you can safely lift 8 times with perfect form. By the last repetition in each set, you should feel tired. If you feel as though you could do a few more reps with perfect form than move to a higher weight on the next set. You have selected the correct weight so long as you can get within 2-3 reps of the called for rep range with perfect form and your muscles feel tired.
Grouping together the correct weight, rep range, amount of sets, and exercises will result in a fabulous strength training routine that blasts away unwanted pounds. There are more than enough Internet sites providing free routines and information. I recommend using a routine that is developed specifically for you and your goals. You can have a master trainer (me!) create a routine for you for $25 these days. You simply fill out a few forms and I send you an email with your custom build a routine attached. Easy, simple and designed for results!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lynn VanDyke is the head trainer at http://strength-training-woman.com/online-personal-training.html . She will create a custom fitness and nutrition program for you. Get dramatic results with a professionally designed workout routine and menu. Work with a master trainer and fitness nutritionist 1-on-1 and finally achieve your weight loss goals! Simple and extremely effective.
Designing a Strength Training Routine for Fat Loss
by Lynn VanDyke
Your goal is to lose fat and tone up. You’ve read plenty of my other articles and know that I recommend a mix of 5 tools to create and sculpt the body of your dreams. Those 5 tools are nutrition, hydration, cardio, rest and strength training. Today’s article is all about creating a killer routine that delivers amazing results.
In my many years of experience in the fitness industry I have come across a few timeless myths. One of those myths really gets me piping mad. Have you ever heard, “Lift lighter weights for more repetitions if you want to tone up”? You probably have if you are a woman. I can already feel my blood beginning to boil!
The truth about strength training routines is that they can only be effective if they are created for you and your goals. Lifting light weights for 15 or more repetitions is not going to reduce body fat or help you tone. It will help you work on endurance. If endurance is your goal, then by all means lift lighter for a longer rep time.
On the flip side, and the most popular side, is lifting to lose fat. Your fat loss strength training routine should include heavier weights for low-to-medium repetition ranges. Below is a check list of items that your strength training routine should include:
- An exercise for each major muscle
- Between 3-4 sets for each exercise
- 8-10 reps per set
- A correct weight for each exercise
- 1-2 minute rest periods between sets
Here are all the major muscle groups in suggested order: back, chest, quads, shoulders, hamstrings and glutes, biceps, triceps, abs and calves. You can select from a full body routine done 2-3 times per week or split your lower body and abs from your upper body. An example would be: lower body and abs on Monday and Friday and upper body on Tuesday and Saturday.
Regardless of doing a full body routine or a split routine you will choose an exercise for each of these muscles and do it 3-4 times per workout. Each set will include 8-10 repetitions. You should rest for at least a minute between each set.
The way for you to determine what weight you should lift is to choose a weight that you can safely lift 8 times with perfect form. By the last repetition in each set, you should feel tired. If you feel as though you could do a few more reps with perfect form than move to a higher weight on the next set. You have selected the correct weight so long as you can get within 2-3 reps of the called for rep range with perfect form and your muscles feel tired.
Grouping together the correct weight, rep range, amount of sets, and exercises will result in a fabulous strength training routine that blasts away unwanted pounds. There are more than enough Internet sites providing free routines and information. I recommend using a routine that is developed specifically for you and your goals. You can have a master trainer (me!) create a routine for you for $25 these days. You simply fill out a few forms and I send you an email with your custom build a routine attached. Easy, simple and designed for results!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lynn VanDyke is the head trainer at http://strength-training-woman.com/online-personal-training.html . She will create a custom fitness and nutrition program for you. Get dramatic results with a professionally designed workout routine and menu. Work with a master trainer and fitness nutritionist 1-on-1 and finally achieve your weight loss goals! Simple and extremely effective.
Monday, October 08, 2007
Vegetarian Shoes
I'm a vegetarian and finding nice stylish shoes can be difficult, so I wa spleased to discover Bourgeoise Boheme a while back.
I've recently bought two new pairs of shoes from them and they are so comfortable and stylish.
It's great to know that no animal has suffered in the production of the shoes. Sometimes people say that the leather is just a by-product of the meat industry and the animals aren't killed for the leather. But, by wearing leather, you make the sale of meat more economic and cheaper.
If you think veggie shoes are dull and sweaty to wear check out this site and see what you can find.
Nice to see that the site is also doing fairly traded trainers:
Ethletic Trainer White: Fair trade trainers witha cotton upper and rubber sole. The rubber forthe sole is certified Forest Stewardship Council- sourced from sustainable forests in Sri Lanka and the accredited FSC mark is engraved onthe soles of each pair. A fair trade premium is paid for the rubber and manufacture of the shoes. Available in black too and a high top too. £35
I've recently bought two new pairs of shoes from them and they are so comfortable and stylish.
It's great to know that no animal has suffered in the production of the shoes. Sometimes people say that the leather is just a by-product of the meat industry and the animals aren't killed for the leather. But, by wearing leather, you make the sale of meat more economic and cheaper.
If you think veggie shoes are dull and sweaty to wear check out this site and see what you can find.
Nice to see that the site is also doing fairly traded trainers:
Ethletic Trainer White: Fair trade trainers witha cotton upper and rubber sole. The rubber forthe sole is certified Forest Stewardship Council- sourced from sustainable forests in Sri Lanka and the accredited FSC mark is engraved onthe soles of each pair. A fair trade premium is paid for the rubber and manufacture of the shoes. Available in black too and a high top too. £35
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Coaching Toward Happiness
As you know, I really think being happy doesn't have to be difficult or involve a lot of money!
The new field of "positive psychology"--the scientific study of optimal behavior, of people at their best -- is leading the way in our understanding of this.
Two days ago, I reprinted an article ("Relationships--Getting It Right") from the email newsletter "Coaching Toward Happiness". It's the premier newsletter in positive psychology and coaching with 131,000 readers around the world, and one I'd strongly recommend you check out at www.coachingtowardhappiness.com.
The new field of "positive psychology"--the scientific study of optimal behavior, of people at their best -- is leading the way in our understanding of this.
Two days ago, I reprinted an article ("Relationships--Getting It Right") from the email newsletter "Coaching Toward Happiness". It's the premier newsletter in positive psychology and coaching with 131,000 readers around the world, and one I'd strongly recommend you check out at www.coachingtowardhappiness.com.
Donate bears, buttons and educational toys
Phoenix Aid is a small UK based charity, who currently provides therapeutic support and fully certificated complementary therapy training to people in Bosnia; they have already initiated a Riding for the Disabled scheme and provide training in horse based therapy, Equine Facilitated Learning; they establish projects that will generate employment opportunities, also community development in rural areas.
Phoenix Aid volunteers are looking for unwanted teddy bears and buttons of all shapes, sizes and colours to create therapeutic bears (‘Berty Button Bears’) for children. They are planning to take them to Bosnia on their next trip in November.
They are also looking for donations of educational toys, art and craft materials, and a variety of other items. Learn more about the work of this charity: http://www.phoenix-aid.org/
Phoenix Aid volunteers are looking for unwanted teddy bears and buttons of all shapes, sizes and colours to create therapeutic bears (‘Berty Button Bears’) for children. They are planning to take them to Bosnia on their next trip in November.
They are also looking for donations of educational toys, art and craft materials, and a variety of other items. Learn more about the work of this charity: http://www.phoenix-aid.org/
School Problems
With children going back to school or starting school for the first time the Indigo essences come into their own.
These are essences made specifically with children in mind, and have been well received by both children and adults.
We stock some of the range in our online shop.
How about:
Champion – for when you feel bothered by bullies
Shine – for when you feel afraid to be the star you really are
Confidence – for when you feel nervy and panicky
We also have an Indigo Essence gift – a fairly-traded drawstring bag with 3 Indigo essences.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Relationships - Getting it right
I like this info that came in from Ben Dean at www.coachingtowardshappiness.com:
Perhaps you’ve heard the now-famous quote, “Will you be there for me when things go right?”
This powerful question stems from Dr. Gable’s research into the positive psychology of love and marriage. She does not focus on troubled marriages. She studies how to make good marriages great. She been interested in how one partner responds to the other’s good news.
It sounds absurdly simple but it’s not: your response to good news affects your relationships. More specifically, the way you respond when someone in your life (loved one, acquaintance, friend, even a colleague) shares a positive event shapes the quality of your relationship with that person.
According to Shelly, how you respond to another person’s good fortune can be divided into these four categories:
Active/Constructive: enthusiastically, showing genuine concern about the good event
Passive/Constructive: silently supportive, displaying subdued happiness
Active/Destructive: critically, pointing out negative aspects and possibilities
Passive/Destructive: indifferently, failing to show any interest
For example, a close friend calls to tell you she’s been asked to teach a course at the University of Chicago. You can respond:
“Wow, congratulations!! You’ve so earned this! You’ll be great!” (Active/Constructive)
“That’s nice.” (Passive/Constructive)
“But that’s in a really bad neighborhood?” Or much worse, “Honey, I’m sorry, but you’re not going to be able to handle it.” (Active/Destructive)
“Did you hear who got voted off American Idol last night?” (Passive/Destructive)
To read Marty (Seligman’s) discussion of this construct, click here.
As he writes in the article, Shelly calls the first category "Capitalizing," amplifying the pleasure of the good situation and contributing to an upward spiral of positive emotion.
Capitalizing turns out to be a key to strong relationships.
Even though we understand its importance, many of us find it’s very easy not to remember to capitalize with our children or spouses when we’re distracted. And it is particularly likely to happen with colleagues.
Since I learned about her work, I’ve realized that I often unknowingly fail to respond in an active constructive manner.
Here’s what I do to get back on track when I realize I’ve gotten derailed.
Notice the Cues
When you’re interacting with someone, pay attention to the energy in their voice, the speed and richness of their speech, the way their eyes look: all signals for whether or not you’re responding in an active/constructive manner. A rise in energy almost inevitably follows when I respond actively and constructively. When I respond with a passive constructive or a negative, the other person’s voice loses energy.
Create Opportunities to Practice
Practice active/constructive responding by starting conversations with invitations like, “What’s new & exciting?” This invites them to tell you their good news. And it then gives you practice in responding.
Balance Safety vs. Savoring
When you want to support someone, but you’re legitimately concerned there may be a dangerous side to their good news, show your support first: let them savor the good for a while --- and tell them your concerns later. For example, Susan tells me about a wonderful opportunity she’s just received but I know that she may be missing a dangerous possibility. My first response is still, “What great news! You deserve this. Tell me about it.”
Avoid The Hero Trap
I notice that sometimes I find myself offering unsolicited advice or trying to come up with things they haven’t thought about before. This is a particular trap I can fall into. When I ask myself why, I discover it is almost always for my benefit more than theirs.
There is one friend whom I’ve supported for 20 years. When she tells me great news, I sometimes start to throw in my advice, and her voice’s loss in energy alerts me. I think I do it because I do not want to lose my privileged place as a key supporter. My advice says, “I’m still here. I can still help you.” In other words, it’s become about me, not her. And I quickly try to fix the situation.
Put Them First
If their triumph involves a conflict with an opposing person, don’t show empathy for the other person. (Possibly save it for later.) By definition, this is not affirming for them and will kill their energy every time.
Avoid Subtle Put Downs
Notice the difference between “I can see how this could be exciting for you,” and legitimately being excited about it. Not participating in the excitement is a subtle way of sabotage when you’re feeling threatened. I once had a friend who would respond to my good news with an “I can see this matters a lot to you.” Arrgh.
In general, by paying attention to cues, you can tell when you’re being a deflator (me first) instead of a supporter (relationship first).
Active/constructive responding seems obvious, yet it is so worth paying attention to: I promise you, this is a simple change that will pay big dividends.
Want to hear a perfect example?
In the movie Yours, Mine, and Ours Helen North (Rene Russo) and Frank Beardsley (Dennis Quaid) fall in love (many complications with kids and differing outlooks shortly follow). Then they have a huge fight. While on the outs and unbeknownst to Frank, Helen wins a huge contract with Saks Fifth Avenue, something she'd been pursuing for months.
Later that evening, Frank asks how her day has been. In a monotone, she lists four or five things, ending in the same dull voice with, "and I got the deal with Saks.”
"You did not!” Frank yells. He hugs her, asks her all about it. Then he asks: “And how can I help?”
You cannot have a better example of an active-constructive response than Frank’s. We don’t need to know about Hollywood endings to guess how their relationship turns out.
Perhaps you’ve heard the now-famous quote, “Will you be there for me when things go right?”
This powerful question stems from Dr. Gable’s research into the positive psychology of love and marriage. She does not focus on troubled marriages. She studies how to make good marriages great. She been interested in how one partner responds to the other’s good news.
It sounds absurdly simple but it’s not: your response to good news affects your relationships. More specifically, the way you respond when someone in your life (loved one, acquaintance, friend, even a colleague) shares a positive event shapes the quality of your relationship with that person.
According to Shelly, how you respond to another person’s good fortune can be divided into these four categories:
Active/Constructive: enthusiastically, showing genuine concern about the good event
Passive/Constructive: silently supportive, displaying subdued happiness
Active/Destructive: critically, pointing out negative aspects and possibilities
Passive/Destructive: indifferently, failing to show any interest
For example, a close friend calls to tell you she’s been asked to teach a course at the University of Chicago. You can respond:
“Wow, congratulations!! You’ve so earned this! You’ll be great!” (Active/Constructive)
“That’s nice.” (Passive/Constructive)
“But that’s in a really bad neighborhood?” Or much worse, “Honey, I’m sorry, but you’re not going to be able to handle it.” (Active/Destructive)
“Did you hear who got voted off American Idol last night?” (Passive/Destructive)
To read Marty (Seligman’s) discussion of this construct, click here.
As he writes in the article, Shelly calls the first category "Capitalizing," amplifying the pleasure of the good situation and contributing to an upward spiral of positive emotion.
Capitalizing turns out to be a key to strong relationships.
Even though we understand its importance, many of us find it’s very easy not to remember to capitalize with our children or spouses when we’re distracted. And it is particularly likely to happen with colleagues.
Since I learned about her work, I’ve realized that I often unknowingly fail to respond in an active constructive manner.
Here’s what I do to get back on track when I realize I’ve gotten derailed.
Notice the Cues
When you’re interacting with someone, pay attention to the energy in their voice, the speed and richness of their speech, the way their eyes look: all signals for whether or not you’re responding in an active/constructive manner. A rise in energy almost inevitably follows when I respond actively and constructively. When I respond with a passive constructive or a negative, the other person’s voice loses energy.
Create Opportunities to Practice
Practice active/constructive responding by starting conversations with invitations like, “What’s new & exciting?” This invites them to tell you their good news. And it then gives you practice in responding.
Balance Safety vs. Savoring
When you want to support someone, but you’re legitimately concerned there may be a dangerous side to their good news, show your support first: let them savor the good for a while --- and tell them your concerns later. For example, Susan tells me about a wonderful opportunity she’s just received but I know that she may be missing a dangerous possibility. My first response is still, “What great news! You deserve this. Tell me about it.”
Avoid The Hero Trap
I notice that sometimes I find myself offering unsolicited advice or trying to come up with things they haven’t thought about before. This is a particular trap I can fall into. When I ask myself why, I discover it is almost always for my benefit more than theirs.
There is one friend whom I’ve supported for 20 years. When she tells me great news, I sometimes start to throw in my advice, and her voice’s loss in energy alerts me. I think I do it because I do not want to lose my privileged place as a key supporter. My advice says, “I’m still here. I can still help you.” In other words, it’s become about me, not her. And I quickly try to fix the situation.
Put Them First
If their triumph involves a conflict with an opposing person, don’t show empathy for the other person. (Possibly save it for later.) By definition, this is not affirming for them and will kill their energy every time.
Avoid Subtle Put Downs
Notice the difference between “I can see how this could be exciting for you,” and legitimately being excited about it. Not participating in the excitement is a subtle way of sabotage when you’re feeling threatened. I once had a friend who would respond to my good news with an “I can see this matters a lot to you.” Arrgh.
In general, by paying attention to cues, you can tell when you’re being a deflator (me first) instead of a supporter (relationship first).
Active/constructive responding seems obvious, yet it is so worth paying attention to: I promise you, this is a simple change that will pay big dividends.
Want to hear a perfect example?
In the movie Yours, Mine, and Ours Helen North (Rene Russo) and Frank Beardsley (Dennis Quaid) fall in love (many complications with kids and differing outlooks shortly follow). Then they have a huge fight. While on the outs and unbeknownst to Frank, Helen wins a huge contract with Saks Fifth Avenue, something she'd been pursuing for months.
Later that evening, Frank asks how her day has been. In a monotone, she lists four or five things, ending in the same dull voice with, "and I got the deal with Saks.”
"You did not!” Frank yells. He hugs her, asks her all about it. Then he asks: “And how can I help?”
You cannot have a better example of an active-constructive response than Frank’s. We don’t need to know about Hollywood endings to guess how their relationship turns out.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Water Charities
Last weekend I spoke at the British Dowsers annual congress. It was a really well organised conference with over 140 delegates. I had lots of interesting informal discussions with people and also many good questions in response to my presentation.
There was an interesting presentation by Village Water, a charity set up by dowsers to help provide water and sanitation to some villages in Zambia. The charity has very low overheads as the work in this country (UK) is done by volunteers. I gave them a donation and hope to be able to help them more in the future too.
Water is such an imporant thing - if people don't have access to clean water and good sanitation, the death rate amoung children is high and women spend a lot of their day collecting water. Water charites aren't glamorous - they don't have pictures of starving children or poor injured animals, but it is a fundamental human right and vital to everyone's health and well being.
Earlier this year I did a bike ride in Africa raising money for WaterAid. Tom, my son, and I set ourselves the task of raising GB Pounds 5000 and we've now done it - thank you to everyone who contributed.
There was an interesting presentation by Village Water, a charity set up by dowsers to help provide water and sanitation to some villages in Zambia. The charity has very low overheads as the work in this country (UK) is done by volunteers. I gave them a donation and hope to be able to help them more in the future too.
Water is such an imporant thing - if people don't have access to clean water and good sanitation, the death rate amoung children is high and women spend a lot of their day collecting water. Water charites aren't glamorous - they don't have pictures of starving children or poor injured animals, but it is a fundamental human right and vital to everyone's health and well being.
Earlier this year I did a bike ride in Africa raising money for WaterAid. Tom, my son, and I set ourselves the task of raising GB Pounds 5000 and we've now done it - thank you to everyone who contributed.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Cancer and Complementary Therapies
One of the therapists on our international therapist listing has written a new book on complementary therapies and cancer care. It's so good to see work like this coming out:
Enhancing Cancer CareComplementary therapy and support
Edited by Jennifer Barraclough
Price: £24.95 (Paperback)ISBN-13: 978-0-19-929755-
Provides detailed descriptions of 16 different therapeutic modalities
Includes case histories which illustrate how therapies have been used in practice
Written in an accessible non-technical writing style
Provides sound evidence-based material from an international group of experts
Assists healthcare professionals and managers with planning the integration of complementary therapies with orthodox treatments
Around one in three people in the western world will develop cancer at some stage in life and complementary therapies are increasingly being used alongside orthodox treatments as part of the 'integrative' approach to cancer care.
Enhancing Cancer Care is a practical, evidence-based guide to complementary cancer therapies, also described as natural or holistic therapies.
More and more patients are turning to these therapies as there is now considerable evidence that they can help with symptom-control and quality-of-life, and that some may also extend survival.
Complementary therapies can also provide the patient with a greater sense of control regarding the management of their illness.
From the editor of Integrated Cancer Care , this new title provides detailed commentary on a broad range of complementary therapies and features practical advice on how to implement therapies to enhance current practice.
The first part of the book deals with the general principles behind complementary therapies and the factors driving their growing popularity, the challenges of evaluating their benefits and unwanted effects, and experience of using them in oncology units, hospices, the private sector and primary care.
The second part includes chapters on specific interventions, including complementary therapies such as acupuncture and aromatherapy massage; lifestyle modifications through diet and exercise; creative therapies using art and music; and psychological and spiritual support for individuals and groups. These chapters provide descriptions of the therapies, a summary of the evidence for their benefits in cancer care, and illustrative case histories.
The emphasis throughout this book is on enhancing practice; that is, using the therapies alongside conventional medicine, rather than as alternatives to it.
Contents
1 Principles and settings 1. Introducing the holistic approach to cancer care , Jennifer Barraclough
2. Evaluating complementary therapies , Janet Richardson and Karen Pilkington
3. The oncology setting , Teresa E Young
4. The hospice setting , Nigel A Hartley
5. The work of an independent cancer help centre , Sara R Miller and Ruth Sewell
6. Childhood cancer , Elena J Ladas and Kara M Kelly
7. Choice and co-ordination of therapies: the family doctor as guide , Catherine Zollman 2 ABC of therapies
8. Acupuncture , Beverley de Valois 9. Aromatherapy , Jacqui Stringer
10. Art therapy , Paola Luzzatto and Bonnie Gabriel
11. Bach Flower Remedies , Jennifer Barraclough
12. Counselling: distress, transitions and relationships , James Brennan
13. Exercise , Margaret L McNeely and Kerry S Courneya
14. Group support , Barbara Lubrano di Ciccone, Tiffany D Floyd and David W Kissane
15. Healing , Diane O'Connell
16. Herbal medicine , Doreen Oneschuk, Jawaid Younus and Heather Boon 17. Homeopathy , Elizabeth A Thompson
18. Massage , Jacqui Stringer and Peter A Mackereth
19. Music therapy , Joanne V Loewy
20. Nutrition , Elizabeth Butler
21. Reflexology , Peter A Mackereth and Clive S O'Hara
22. Relaxation, visualisation and hypnotherapy , Leslie G Walker, Donald M Sharp, Andrew A Walker and Mary B Walker
23. The spiritual dimension , Alastair J Cunningham and Claire VI Edmonds
Edited by Jennifer Barraclough, Bach Foundation Registered Practitioner, Auckland, New Zealand; former Consultant in Psychological Medicine, Oxford Radcliffe Hospital NHS Trust, United Kingdom
Enhancing Cancer CareComplementary therapy and support
Edited by Jennifer Barraclough
Price: £24.95 (Paperback)ISBN-13: 978-0-19-929755-
Provides detailed descriptions of 16 different therapeutic modalities
Includes case histories which illustrate how therapies have been used in practice
Written in an accessible non-technical writing style
Provides sound evidence-based material from an international group of experts
Assists healthcare professionals and managers with planning the integration of complementary therapies with orthodox treatments
Around one in three people in the western world will develop cancer at some stage in life and complementary therapies are increasingly being used alongside orthodox treatments as part of the 'integrative' approach to cancer care.
Enhancing Cancer Care is a practical, evidence-based guide to complementary cancer therapies, also described as natural or holistic therapies.
More and more patients are turning to these therapies as there is now considerable evidence that they can help with symptom-control and quality-of-life, and that some may also extend survival.
Complementary therapies can also provide the patient with a greater sense of control regarding the management of their illness.
From the editor of Integrated Cancer Care , this new title provides detailed commentary on a broad range of complementary therapies and features practical advice on how to implement therapies to enhance current practice.
The first part of the book deals with the general principles behind complementary therapies and the factors driving their growing popularity, the challenges of evaluating their benefits and unwanted effects, and experience of using them in oncology units, hospices, the private sector and primary care.
The second part includes chapters on specific interventions, including complementary therapies such as acupuncture and aromatherapy massage; lifestyle modifications through diet and exercise; creative therapies using art and music; and psychological and spiritual support for individuals and groups. These chapters provide descriptions of the therapies, a summary of the evidence for their benefits in cancer care, and illustrative case histories.
The emphasis throughout this book is on enhancing practice; that is, using the therapies alongside conventional medicine, rather than as alternatives to it.
Contents
1 Principles and settings 1. Introducing the holistic approach to cancer care , Jennifer Barraclough
2. Evaluating complementary therapies , Janet Richardson and Karen Pilkington
3. The oncology setting , Teresa E Young
4. The hospice setting , Nigel A Hartley
5. The work of an independent cancer help centre , Sara R Miller and Ruth Sewell
6. Childhood cancer , Elena J Ladas and Kara M Kelly
7. Choice and co-ordination of therapies: the family doctor as guide , Catherine Zollman 2 ABC of therapies
8. Acupuncture , Beverley de Valois 9. Aromatherapy , Jacqui Stringer
10. Art therapy , Paola Luzzatto and Bonnie Gabriel
11. Bach Flower Remedies , Jennifer Barraclough
12. Counselling: distress, transitions and relationships , James Brennan
13. Exercise , Margaret L McNeely and Kerry S Courneya
14. Group support , Barbara Lubrano di Ciccone, Tiffany D Floyd and David W Kissane
15. Healing , Diane O'Connell
16. Herbal medicine , Doreen Oneschuk, Jawaid Younus and Heather Boon 17. Homeopathy , Elizabeth A Thompson
18. Massage , Jacqui Stringer and Peter A Mackereth
19. Music therapy , Joanne V Loewy
20. Nutrition , Elizabeth Butler
21. Reflexology , Peter A Mackereth and Clive S O'Hara
22. Relaxation, visualisation and hypnotherapy , Leslie G Walker, Donald M Sharp, Andrew A Walker and Mary B Walker
23. The spiritual dimension , Alastair J Cunningham and Claire VI Edmonds
Edited by Jennifer Barraclough, Bach Foundation Registered Practitioner, Auckland, New Zealand; former Consultant in Psychological Medicine, Oxford Radcliffe Hospital NHS Trust, United Kingdom
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