Health and
Wellness
Information on
Health and Wellness
Want a Great Facial?
By Kathryn E. Eriksen
I
wanted a special birthday treat for a dear friend who just passed the
50 milestone. She lives in Dallas, so I went online and discovered a
wonderful place in North Dallas for facials and massages. It is called
The Facial Shoppe.
From the moment you visit their
website www.thefacialshoppe.com
and open an account, you are treated like a princess. Online
scheduling made it easy for me to take advantage of their “First Time
Guest” special – a 50 minute facial for only $49.00! Several days
after I made the appointment, I received a confirming telephone call
from the Shoppe – again a wonderful convenience and reminder. [
Full Story
]
__________________
Understanding Cholesterol
in Your Body By Mary A. Flowers
Knowing
your cholesterol level is a step in the right direction toward keeping
your cardiovascular system in good working order. It is important to
know your total cholesterol number, which doctors would like us to
keep under 200. There are two kinds of cholesterol in our blood. One
is bad and one is good. Let's clarify what is bad and what is good.
LDL Cholesterol is BAD!!! LDL stands for Low Density Cholesterol. Some
people think this means it is good. It is not. Think of it as fluffy,
sticky marshmallow cream that floats through your bloodstream,
sticking to your artery walls. If this happens, it can cause clogged
arteries, heart attack, blood clots and stroke. Get the picture?
HDL Cholesterol is GOOD!!! Very good. The higher
the percentage of good HDL cholesterol, the healthier your
cardiovascular system is. HDL stands for High Density Cholesterol.
Think of it as the bloodstream scrubber. Being high density, or
heavier, it courses through your veins, collecting the sticky LDL and
helps flush it out of your system.
Some people, because of heredity, are prone to high cholesterol.
Following a low cholesterol diet will help lower your cholesterol
level but will not eliminate it since the body makes its own
cholesterol. It is important to know your cholesterol numbers so your
diet can be adjusted if it is too high. Regular, moderate daily
exercise also helps to lower cholesterol levels.
2 tablespoons olive or safflower oil
1 large white onion, chopped
1-2 tablespoons minced garlic
½ cup carrot, finely chopped
½ cup celery, finely chopped
1 medium bell pepper, chopped into bite-size pieces
2 cans diced or crushed tomatoes
1 small can tomato sauce
½ cup fresh basil, cut into small shreds
1-2 teaspoons dried oregano, rubbed in palms before adding
¼ to ½ teaspoon dried crushed red pepper, adds spicy hot
¼ teaspoon dried sage, crushed
Salt and Pepper
In a large covered saucepot, heat oil on medium heat. Add onion,
garlic, carrots and celery, stirring and sautéing until tender. Add
bell pepper, tomatoes, sauce, herbs and spices. Rinse cans with water
and add about half can of water from each can to pot. Salt and pepper
to taste. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for about 10
minutes. If too thin, remove lid and simmer another 10 minutes.
Any cooked meat can be added to this sauce. Deveined, peeled, cooked
shrimp is especially good. Fresh broccoli florets, bite-size zucchini
and squash are also tasty additions.
Suffering
From Migraine Headaches?
Learning Your Personal Headache Triggers Will Help
By Mary A. Flowers
I've suffered from migraine headaches off and on for many years. I'm
sometimes amazed when people who also suffer from this type of
headache tell me they have dosed themselves with a handful of Tylenol
or Excedrin. They cannot understand why this was not effective in
stopping the pain. Perhaps they have failed to discuss their headaches
with their doctors or do not understand what causes a migraine in the
first place.
The causes of migraine headaches are not clearly understood. In the
1940s, it was proposed that a migraine begins with a spasm, or partial
closing, of the arteries leading to the main part of the brain (called
the cerebrum). The first spasm decreases blood supply to part of the
brain, which causes the aura (lights, haze, zigzag lines, or other
symptoms) that some people experience. These same arteries then become
too relaxed, which increases blood flow and causes pain.
Then 30 years later, the chemicals dopamine and serotonin were found
to play a role in migraine headaches. (These chemicals are called
neurotransmitters.) Dopamine and serotonin are normally found in the
brain, but they can cause blood vessels to act in uncharacteristic
ways if they are present in abnormal amounts or if the blood vessels
are unusually sensitive to them.
Together, these two theories have come to be known as the
neurovascular theory of migraine, and it is presently believed that
both theories provide insight into the causes of headache. Various
triggers are thought to initiate migraine headaches in people who are
prone to developing them. Different people may have different
triggers.
Smoking has been identified as a trigger for many people. Certain
foods, especially chocolate, cheese, nuts, alcohol, and monosodium
glutamate (MSG), may trigger migraine headaches. (MSG is a flavor
enhancer used in many foods, including Chinese dishes.) Missing a meal
or changing sleep patterns may bring on a headache.
Contraceptives (birth control pills) are a common trigger. Women may
have migraines at the end of the pill cycle as the estrogen component
of the pill is stopped. This is called an estrogen-withdrawal
headache. Stress and tension are also risk factors. People often have
migraines during times of increased emotional or physical stress.
I was interviewed by a neurologist while at a chiropractor's office.
He was told I suffered from migraine headaches and was trying to
determine if I needed further treatment at his office. After hearing
that I often awoke on Saturday morning with a migraine headache, he
told me my brain underwent changes when the stress from the work week
diminished.
The doctor went on to explain the various common triggers that
activate migraine headaches in most people. He suggested I keep a
journal of when my headaches occurred being sure to write down my
symptoms and also noting what I had eaten or what activity I was
involved in several hours before the headache came on. He said this
would help tremendously to determine my triggers and help me alleviate
them.
I had tried to self-medicate. I had even once had a shot from my
allergy doctor that literally knocked me out before my husband could
get me back home into bed. These headaches would cause nausea and
sensitivity to light and sound and would take several days out of my
life as I lay in bed desperately wanted the pain to go away and
hurting so badly I could not even get relief by sleeping. I needed
help and I needed it now.
Luckily for me, I responded to a mild migraine headache medication
that had recently been introduced to the market - Midrin. Sometimes,
however, a headache sufferer must try many different medications to
find one that works best for them. And of utmost importance, never
ever be without your medication. The sooner the medication is taken
the sooner relief from the headache will come. It is an awful lesson
to learn when you are out somewhere in public and a migraine comes on
and you realize you do not have your medication with you.
It is also extremely important to determine your personal migraine
headache triggers. For me, the worst one is monosodium glutamate
(MSG). I scour the ingredients on items in the grocery store to make
sure I do not consume any more than possible. I am sometimes amazed
how often this ingredient is added to common foods. Over the years I
have learned which soups, chips, salad dressings, prepared meats and
boxed dinners have MSG added.
Aspartame (Equal) is a mild trigger, as is bleu cheese. Getting overly
tired and stressed is another trigger as well as waiting too long to
eat and then consuming something sugary like a candy bar. Because I
have been diligent over the years I have all but eliminated those
horrible migraine headaches from my life. But make no mistake. I
always have my medication with me, just in case.
Medical Microdermabrasion By Dr. Kare
Particle
skin resurfacing or Microdermabrasion is often referred
to as the “lunch time peel”. This non-invasive procedure can improve
common skin problems such as acne, large, clogged pores, as well as
fine lines and wrinkles.
The Microdermabrasion procedure
incorporates a highly controlled stream of sterilized crystals
blasting away the lifeless layer of dead cells on the skin surface.
Years of sun damage are erased leaving a polished surface to the skin.
Microdermabrasion is painless, requires no downtime, and
is extremely effective with maximum results after a treatment series.
In addition, medical and scientific studies have shown that repeated
Microdermabrasion treatments can promote new elastin and
collagen formation that improve overall skin appearance.
Elos
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Do you want a lemon with your
water? NOT!
__________________
A New Resolve for 2008
Do Your Body and Your
Heart a Favor
By Mary A. Flowers
The
downward spiral you seem to be on did not happen overnight. Maybe you
are gaining weight, eating less healthy, becoming less active, and
feeling more tired. You may feel that there is no hope for a more
healthy you. Unrealistic New Year's resolutions can be doomed to
failure. So…why not try making some reasonable lifestyle changes; easy
changes that can improve your body's defenses against disease and do
your heart some good along the way.
Research has shown that the much-touted Mediterranean diet is the best
for our bodies. After looking at the many varied diets worldwide, it
seems the people of the Mediterranean area live longer and have
healthier cardiovascular systems. They also have a lower incidence of
most cancers. This diet has also been shown to ease the stiffness and
pain of arthritis. This is not to say you can eat high fat pasta
dishes at your favorite Italian restaurant or order pizza in several
times a week. What this is saying is the components of the
Mediterranean diet do the most good for your body and your heart.
Exploring these components, it soon becomes evident that these are
foods that could easily be worked into any diet. Here are some of
those foods and their benefits.
Chocolate – The darker the better. Cocoa and dark chocolate reduce
clotting and protect the inside lining of arteries. Cocoa can also
reduce the bad LDL cholesterol and lower blood pressure. An ounce a
day is plenty to enjoy the benefits. Make sure it is not the Dutch
process or milk chocolate as these are usually higher in fat and do
not have the healthy properties. Try semi-sweet baker's chocolate
which is divided into one-ounce servings.
Oats – Eating 1½ cups of cooked oatmeal a day can lower total and LDL
cholesterol. Cooking releases the beta glucan component of the soluble
fiber. Whole grain oats and other complex carbohydrates safeguard
against insulin surges caused by refined carbohydrates.
Cinnamon – Add this to your oatmeal and extend your healthy breakfast.
About ½ to 1 teaspoon of cinnamon a day can lower your blood sugar,
LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol in diabetics.
Grapes – Most people have heard that wine, especially red wine, is
good for their heart. As it turns out, grapes, either white or red,
are just as good as the wine. Chemicals in the grape skin, as well as
the flesh, lower cholesterol and help the arteries resist the
oxidation of bad LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream. Adding seedless
varieties to a salad or eaten as a snack, grapes can easily be added
to most diets.
Avocados – A diet rich in avocados can help raise good HDL cholesterol
while lowering the bad cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.
Don't wait to make guacamole for a party. Avocados cut up in a salad
or served on the half shell make for a healthy lunch or dinner. To
learn how to choose an avocado, ask someone you know or search the
Internet for information.
Beans –Much research has been done on diets rich in beans, peas and
legumes. Lower total cholesterol is the payoff as well as a low-fat
way to get protein in your diet. Vegetarians know the importance of
beans. Beans are a healthy alternative to meat protein and should be
the basis of meals at least four times weekly. Do yourself a favor.
Cook up a pot of beans, serve with cornbread and invite your friends
in for a great meal.
Nuts – Most nuts contain monounsaturated fats which are essential for
a healthy diet. An ounce or two of almonds daily can also help lower
bad HDL cholesterol. Pistachios contain many heart-healthy
phytosterols, vitamin E and other substances that help lower total and
LDL cholesterol and increase HDL levels. Walnuts are another super
star.
Yogurt – Opt for low-fat varieties without added sugary fruits or
other flavoring. A great source of calcium, a small serving of yogurt
daily can also lower homocysteine levels, an inflammatory risk factor
for heart disease. Read the labels and compare the ingredients. Look
for yogurt with active cultures, which are immune system boosters.
Onions – Stronger tasting, and smelling, onions are the best when it
comes to reducing stickiness of blood platelets in the blood. This
reduces plaque formation, cardiovascular disease and stroke. Ally
sulfides in the onions decrease formation of blood clots and
significantly lower total and LDL cholesterol levels.
Garlic – Has been shown to lower inflammation in the arteries and
boost the immune system.
Fruits and Vegetables – A varied diet rich in many fruits and
vegetables boosts the immune system while providing many vitamins and
minerals. A mixture of vegetables is better than just one. Leafy
greens such as kale, endive, spinach and romaine lower the risk of
many cancers as well as providing folate to the brain, helping
cognitive abilities stay intact in later years.
Figs and Dates – Figs contain high amounts of natural plant estrogen
which may help some women regulate menopause symptoms. Both are high
in fiber and potassium, which helps lower blood pressure.
Seafood – Salmon is high in Omega 3 oil, which helps protect against
heart disease and may be helpful in lowering rates of both depression
and Alzheimer's disease. People who regularly eat fish have a 30
percent lower incidence of colorectal cancer. Shrimp is 100 percent
good HDL cholesterol. Opt for grilled, not fried.
Herbs and Spices – Lowering salt intake helps lower blood pressure.
Make up for the lack of salt by adding a variety of herbs and spices
to dishes. Basil is especially helpful in boosting immune system
efficiency.
Oils – Olive oil is a rich source of monounsaturated fat, keeping the
good HDL cholesterol high and lowering the LDL. Extra-virgin olive oil
contains the most phenols and helps clear up potential blood clots. It
is the only type that is entirely unrefined. If the strong taste puts
you off, try it for sautéing onions before adding them to your tomato
sauce. Frying at a lower temperature is recommended. Most oils, when
used with high heat, can turn into saturated fats, which is bad for
the cardiovascular system. Safflower oil is also recommended and does
not have the strong taste of olive oil. Safflower oil also can
withstand higher heat than olive oil.
Many fruits and vegetables release their good qualities after being
broken down in cooking. Tomatoes are the most common of these. After
cooking, tomatoes provide high fiber and compounds that boost the
immune system, which in turn fights cardiovascular disease and some
cancers.
Limit red meat to one serving per week. One serving is about the size
of a deck of cards or 3 ounces. Opt for low fat cuts. Red meat can
cause water retention which can increase blood pressure. Unless
directed by your doctor, do not eliminate red meat completely as it is
a good source of iron and certain vitamins. Red meat, yolks of eggs,
and oysters are the top producers of bad LDL cholesterol in the body.
Eating smaller portions of less refined foods and getting a variety of
good foods in your diet, along with a little exercise each day, can
help you resolve to live a happier healthier life in 2008 and beyond.
DISCLAIMER: The Waxahachie
Journal does not warrant that the information, presentation or materials
provided by or from other sources are free of errors or will continue to be
accurate. Opinions expressed in the Waxahachie Journal are those of the authors
or of the persons quoted, and do not reflect the opinions of the Waxahachie
Journal, its owners or its staff. Statements contained in any part of the
Waxahachie Journal should be verified before relying on them. Video recordings
presented on this website may have been edited.
I
wanted a special birthday treat for a dear friend who just passed the
50 milestone. She lives in Dallas, so I went online and discovered a
wonderful place in North Dallas for facials and massages. It is called
The Facial Shoppe.
Knowing
your cholesterol level is a step in the right direction toward keeping
your cardiovascular system in good working order. It is important to
know your total cholesterol number, which doctors would like us to
keep under 200. There are two kinds of cholesterol in our blood. One
is bad and one is good. Let's clarify what is bad and what is good.
Suffering
From Migraine Headaches?
known as the
neurovascular theory of migraine, and it is presently believed that
both theories provide insight into the causes of headache. Various
triggers are thought to initiate migraine headaches in people who are
prone to developing them. Different people may have different
triggers.
Particle
skin resurfacing or Microdermabrasion is often referred
to as the “lunch time peel”. This non-invasive procedure can improve
common skin problems such as acne, large, clogged pores, as well as
fine lines and wrinkles.
Light with RF treatment). The next
generation of Hair Removal Technology has arrived at Millennium! Elos™
Hair Removal.
