> Winter 2009Can the Winter Blues affect your Health?
As the nights get shorter and the temperature drops, it is all too easy too hide away and wait for spring to come to the rescue. Winter is often the season when we feel most ‘under the weather’, but can the climate really affect our health?
As the cold weather sets in, many of us will be reaching for the tissues as the germs take hold. Winter has long been associated with the catching of coughs and colds, but the cold weather itself isn’t the cause for infection.
The cells in our noses which fight infection are caused to slow by chilly conditions which mean that we are more susceptible to viruses.
Our mental health can also be affected by the weather, with around one in 20 people suffering from seasonal affected disorder every winter. SAD is primarily caused by a lack of exposure to sunlight, so as the days become shorter, the symptoms worsen.
Asthma- Many studies have been carried out on the connection between asthma and whether attacks are triggered by changing weather conditions.
It is thought that a sudden rise or drop in temperature might cause an asthmatic episode as a result of elevated levels of air pollution due to a change in the climate. Thunderstorms are also thought to be associated with numbers of asthma attacks.Most suitable complementary Therapy for this condition is Reflexology.
Extreme weather can also have an effect on eczema sufferers- People with the condition often find their symptoms become more severe when the climate becomes very cold or extremely hot as the levels of moisture in the air play havoc with the pH balance of their skin.
Winter months often bring misery as the dry weather, especially coupled with winds, can send the number of allergy-related cases soaring. Most suitable complementary Therapy for this condition is Reflexology.
Stress and migraines - Many of us may feel stressed after a difficult day at work, but what about a walk in windy conditions? Strong winds can cause a physical reaction and kick start our “fight or flight” mechanism which causes the body to react as if it’s under attack.
This triggers our bodies to create the hormone dopamine, which can cause a rise in heart rate and blood pressure and cause us to feel stressed.
Unstable weather patterns have also been blamed for migraine attacks. Studies on this connection between severe headaches and the climate have shown that of the people affected by the weather, the most adverse reactions came from periods of high temperature and high humidity and low temperature and low humidity. Most suitable complementary Therapies for this condition are Reflexology & Indian Head Massage.
Weight gain - A lack of exercise and healthy diet are normally blamed for piling on the pounds, but the weather may also play a part in gaining weight. Miserable weather means less sunlight, a valuable ingredient in the production of Vitamin.
A lower level of this vital vitamin in the blood means that your body is in short supply of the hormone leptin, a substance which controls how hungry you feel. Most suitable complementary Therapy for this condition is Hydrotherm Reflexology, Reflexology & Aromatherapy.
Heart problems and strokes- Cold weather seems to be bad news all round: it is thought that thousands of people die from a heart attack or stroke every year as a result of a sharp drop in the temperature.
Cold temperatures are thought to cause the arteries in the body to narrow, meaning that blood and oxygen cannot reach the heart so easily.Most suitable complementary Therapy for this condition is Reflexology.
Complementary Therapies - If you are looking for a natural way of lessening the risks of the winter health ailments and conditions, Complementary Therapies provide a drug-free alternative to pain and stress relief.
The individual treatment you receive will be determined by the type of stress you are feeling & the effect it has on you. Generally speaking, All Complementary Therapies work by stimulating the body to basically “heal itself”. The stimulation releases ‘endorphins’ or ‘happy hormones’ which make you feel much calmer and more relaxed. In addition you may also be treated with an “immunity boost” which will help counteract the damage that the effects of stress can have on you.
After a single treatment you will feel much calmer, more relaxed and aware of balance being returned to your sense of well-being. However, with stress, a course of treatments has a greater effect and is recommended. The course of treatment will be determined during your consultation.
Complementary Therapies like; Aromatherapy is the perfect winter antidote! It smells great and makes us feel wonderful! Aromatherapy can help reduce nervous anxiety, uplift your spirits, and increase the defenses of your immune system -- preventing and minimising colds, flu, headaches, and other common winter problems.
Stress is implicated in most illnesses. is a natural healing technique that can if assist the body in reducing stress, increasing circulation, and re-balancing its systems.
Hydrotherm Reflexology encompasses both the elements of heat and water. Experience a wonderful feeling of total revitalisation, regeneration and harmony. Your entire treatment is carried out while you lay face up on warm Hydrotherm water filled cushions. This treatment also has the added bonus of releasing all blockages and offers to clear toxins in the body. Hydrotherm offers Reflexology within the session to prepare the body for the winter months by cleansing the digestive system and boosting the Immune system (weekend appointments only).
Indian Head Massage/Aromatherapy offers to boost your immune system this winter. This treatments treats the back, neck, face and scalp. It relieves eyes train, headaches and physical and mental fatigue. It also improves circulation and leaves you feeling calm and revitalised.
--------------------------------------------------------
> November 2009
Diabetes is a chronic and progressive disease that impacts upon almost every aspect of life.
Diabetes comprises a group of disorders with many different causes, all of which are characterised by a raised blood glucose level. This is the result of a lack of the hormone insulin and/or an inability to respond to insulin. Insulin in the blood, produced by the pancreas, is the hormone that ensures glucose (sugar) obtained from food can be used by the body.
It can affect infants, children, young people and adults of all ages and is becoming more common. Diabetes can result in premature death, ill health and disability, yet these can often be prevented or delayed by high-quality care.
Diabetes is a condition caused by a defect in the production and/or action of insulin resulting in high blood glucose. The pancreas produces insulin in order to regulate blood glucose and general metabolism.Without the efficient action of insulin people develop typical symptoms of diabetes including being thirsty, passing urine more frequently and extreme tiredness. However,confirmation of the diagnosis can only be made by a blood test.
In order to treat diabetes appropriately it is important for your doctor to differentiate between Type I and II diabetes, as well as considering whether the diabetes may be secondary to an alternative diagnosis such as some kind of inflammation or cancer of the pancreas.
Type 1 Diabetes develops most frequently in children, young people and young adults. About 15% of people with diabetes in England have Type I diabetes.
Although it is far less common than Type II diabetes, it is more immediately evident. The symptoms of Type I diabetes can develop very rapidly. These include increased thirst and urine production, weight loss despite increased appetite, tiredness and blurred vision. Type I Diabetes is usually diagnosed as a result of the presence of a combination of characteristic symptoms plus a high blood glucose level.
People with Type I Diabetes need daily injections of insulin to survive. To prevent acute complications they also need to maintain their blood glucose within certain limits, which will require adjustments in their diet and lifestyle. Failure to take insulin can result in Hyperglycaemia (very high blood sugar).
If the balance between diet, physical activity levels and insulin dosage is not maintained, this can lead to hypoglycaemia (very low blood glucose). Both conditions can lead to coma and, if untreated, death.
Type 2 Diabetes In people with Type II diabetes, the b-cells are not able to produce enough insulin for the body's needs. The majority of people with Type II diabetes also have some degree of insulin resistance, where the cells in the body are not able to respond to the insulin that is produced.
Type II Diabetes is most commonly diagnosed in adults over the age of 40, although increasingly it is appearing in young people and young adults. About 85% of people with diabetes in England have Type II diabetes, which in many cases could either have been prevented or its onset delayed.
Glucose builds up in the blood, as in people with Type I diabetes, but symptoms appear more gradually and the diabetes may not be diagnosed for some years. As the blood glucose levels rise, symptoms may develop which include tiredness, frequent urination, increased thirst, weight loss, blurred vision and frequent infections. Thus, Type II diabetes is often detected during the course of a routine examination or investigation of another problem.
People with Type II diabetes need to adjust their diet and their lifestyle. Many are overweight or obese and will be advised to lose weight. Some will also need to take tablets and/or insulin to achieve control of their blood glucose level.
Any diagnosis of diabetes should be taken seriously from the outset no matter which "Type" it is. As it is well known that achieving normal blood glucose control will reduce the risk of related problems such as heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.
Everyone needs some glucose in their blood but in healthy people our hormones, including insulin, control the levels of blood glucose. Untreated or poorly controlled diabetes means that blood glucose levels rise and if your blood glucose level is too high for too long, your health will be affected.
The food we eat turns into glucose in the blood, so it is important that you follow an appropriate well balanced diet at sensible times. This will help you to manage your diabetes and keep your blood glucose levels within acceptable limits whether your treatment is diet alone, diet and tablets or diet and insulin.
Everyone should eat a healthy diet, but if you have diabetes you may need to make some changes to the foods you would normally choose. There is wide range of special foods produced for people with diabetes. They can be found in supermarkets, chemists, health food stores etc. These are not recommended, as they are expensive, often high in calories and there is no health benefit in using them.
Complementary Therapies help control the condition of diabetes. Complementary Therapies are not for everyone but it is definitely an option worth considering, especially if other treatments are not having the desired effect. When considering Alternative Therapies, remember that it is not a suitable replacement for the usual diabetes treatments of diet, exercise and possible insulin injections. You should never stop taking insulin in favour of fish oil or start eating lots of sugary foods because you have started another Therapy.
Aromatherapy Massage and Reflexology - A good massage will help you relax which will help control your diabetes. A massage works your muscles and soft tissues in ways that affect your nerves and blood circulation.Massage therapy could be incorporated into relaxation therapy, but it also serves another purpose that can be particularly useful for diabetes sufferers.
By skilfully kneading the body’s tissue, massage can stimulate better blood movement around the body. Improved circulation can do wonders for diabetic neuropathy and other diabetes-related complications. Massage takes many forms, some of which may be more suitable for diabetics than others. Whilst some massages are particularly oriented towards massage, others are more specifically designed to reach different tissue areas. Once again, it is suggested that you consult with Me before using massage therapy as a diabetic, even for relaxation purposes.
Reflexology is a form of massage based on a number of bodily reflex points. Reflexology is a specific pressure technique administered with fingertips, which works on precise reflex points on the feet.
These reflex points correspond to every part of the body so stimulating these reflexes properly can help many health problems in a natural way, a type of preventative maintenance. Reflexology is a serious advance in the health field.
Reflexology releases blocked energy and toxins, stimulates the circulatory system, relieves stress and tension and improves nerve function. It strengthens the immune system and restores and maintains a healthy balance in mind and body.
Reflexology can benefit people of all ages and, depending on the length of time a condition has been present
As with most things related to diabetes, you should go see your doctor and consult with him/her about any Complementary Therapy treatment methodsyou may be considering.
Simply call Connect Physical Health Centre on 0161 434 6664; they will then be able to tell you what you can expect and if the proposed therapies would conflict with your existing diabetes treatment.
Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative it is intended for general information only. Diabetes is a medical condition and this article is not intended as a substitute for the advice of your doctor or a qualified medical practitioner. If you have any concerns regarding diabetes you should seek the advice of your doctor immediately.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> October 2009BREAST AWARENESS
This month marks Breast Cancer Awareness. Highlighting the relationship between breast awareness, early detection and falling mortality rates. To remedy our neglect please read further.
Breast Cancer is the most common Cancer in the UK.Breast Cancer incidence rates have increased by more than 50% over the last 25 years. However, survival rates have increased too. Men can also develop Breast Cancer. Each year in the UK, around 300+ men are diagnosed.
Like most Cancer s the risk of developing Breast Cancer increases as women get older. The incidence of Breast Cancer doubles every 10 years until the Menopause, when the rate slows. 8 to 10 Breast Cancers are diagnosed in women aged 50 + and over. We can also raise money for Breast Cancer research by buying pink products, we should all also consider the message behind the ribbon.
Like a third of all British women, most of us fail to do self examinations regularly for lumps and swellings that can help identify cancerous cysts. Be thorough when checking your breasts. Check for anything that looks or feels unusual – and not just lumps. Breast cancer is the collective term for all the cancers that originate in breast tissue. Most of these begin in the glandular tissue, though the most common of all breast cancers starts in the ducts.
Changes to check for:
- A lump? Either in the breast, upper chest or armpits. Is there a lumpy area? Or unusual thickening of the breast tissue that doesn’t go away? Is there any unusual pain? Either in part of the breast or the armpit.
- Any change in size or shape? Look for any change in skin texture? Such as puckering or dimpling of the skin of the breast. What about the appearance or direction of the nipple? Is there any unusual discharge? Any rash or crusting? Of the nipple or surrounding area.
If you have signs or symptoms your doctor suspects may be breast cancer, you will be referred you to a designated breast cancer clinic in a local hospital within two weeks for an assessment. How breast cancer is treated depends on the type of cancer you have and other circumstances specific to you. Your doctor will discuss with you the treatments available and their potential side effects. Treatments available include Surgery,Radiotherapy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Treatment. Most people have a combination of these.
In Integrated care, Complementary and Conventional Therapists work together. This provides the best of both worlds for many people. Most Complementary Therapy Pain Management treatment methods do not use medication. Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Indian Head Massage, Hydrotherm Reflexology, Acupuncture, Music Therapy, Hypnotherapy. Here at Connect Physical Health I have worked with most of these methods with Nurses, Doctors, Physiotherapists and other Medical Therapists.
Be sure to tell your doctor if you are interested in, or are using, any complementary treatments. If you're taking herbal supplements and are on chemotherapy, bring a list of those supplements to the chemotherapy doctor to make sure that what you are taking is helpful and not harmful.
Complementary Therapies, don't use medications.Yet they have been shown to be powerful aids in reducing pain, curbing drug side effects, boosting energy level and mood, and promoting an overall improvement in quality of life. Such treatments are being incorporated more and more into mainstream medical care. You can learn to use some of these methods yourself (for example, visualisation or yoga). For others, like Reflexology, Aromatherapy,Acupuncture or Hypnosis, you need a therapist skilled in the technique. Don't be embarrassed to mention your interest in these therapies to your doctor. She or he may even be able to refer you to a practitioner.
Massage can help reduce pain, including post-mastectomy pain, and increase movement.Talk with the massage therapist about the type of pain you're having and the treatment Your GP, Nurse or Health practitioner can often give you advise on how to do self-massage, including lymphatic massage, which supports breast health. You can pick up leaflets from your Health Centres, Surgeries etc. Before your Complementary Therapist can treat you, many practitioner's first try to help figure out the cause of the pain. They need to know that it is safe to apply firm pressure to a particular part of the body. Here at Connect we always ask for a Doctors/Consultants note to confirm whether we can treat the patient concerned. Most patients are seen to when they are in remission in regards to Massage Treatments.
Exercise- It's always advisable to add physical therapy, stretching, and exercise to your recovery program. This is especially true for post-mastectomy pains. Still, this doesn't mean starting a vigorous aerobics routine the day you get home from the hospital. It's very important to find the level of activity that's comfortable for you. Once you're fully healed, regular exercise will help keep your body strong and pain free. Within the Complementary Therapy Clinic; we offer patients easy to follow exercises without over exerting themselves. These exercises are safe and are not only physical exercises but can be visual too.
-------------------------------------------------
> September 2009Lymphoedema
Lymphoedemais an abnormal accumulation of lymph in the tissues of the body, causing swelling (oedema), resulting from a compromised lymphatic system. The real danger with lymphoedema is the constant risk infection in the affected body area, as the lymphatic fluid is not taking away bacteria and other infections.
The tissues in the body are normally surrounded by a colourless watery fluid. This fluid constantly leaks out from the body cells to bathe the tissues and is eventually absorbed back into the bloodstream. This fluid is called lymph and contains white blood cells called lymphocytes which help the body fight off infection. The lymph travels around the body through a network of lymph channels which, like blood vessels, join together to form larger channels which eventually empty the fluid into the circulation.
The lymph passes into a series of lymph glands or nodes situated at various points along the channels and run in close proximity to the network of the circulation. The nodes consist of a round tough outer capsule and each contains lymphocyte, they vary in size from a microscopic to the size of a small pea. Their distribution and number varies considerably throughout the body, some areas having only a few nodes whereas in other areas such as the armpit there may be more.
The role of the lymphatic system is to collect and filter out, through the blood, any unwanted material such as bacteria and some other types of diseases. The materials are transported in the lymph channels to the lymph nodes, where the lymphocytes will break them down to be carried away in the bloodstream as body waste.
If a lymph channel becomes blocked, is removed or fails to work properly the lymph is unable to pass along the channel and so builds up behind the blockage and leaks into the surrounding tissue causing swelling. This is lymphoedema.
Symptoms include:
- severe or extreme tiredness,
- localised areas of heavy swelling, particularly in the limbs, head or neck;
- Head problems - sinus, ‘fuzzy’ head, blocked ears & upper respiratory catarrh, aching eyes, ‘bags’ under the eyes, headaches unrelated to spinal misalignment, swollen face and eyes. Fluid retention – no matter how hard you diet you still can’t lose ‘weight’
- Swollen abdomen
- Discolouration of the skin over the Lymphoedema.
Lymphoedema can either be genetic (primary) or caused by an injury to the lymphatic vessels (secondary). Secondary lymphoedema can occur, most commonly as a result of surgery or radiation therapy during cancer treatment. Most patients do not develop the condition until months or even years after therapy has been completed. Lymphoedema can also result from accidents or certain diseases that stop the lymphatic system from functioning properly.
Treatment for lymphoedema varies, depending on the severity of the symptoms. Most people follow a daily regime of treatment recommended by a specialist. The most common treatments are a combination of direct lymphatic Massage to encourage fluid drainage, compression garments or bandaging.
Complementary Therapiesthat include complete decongestive therapy or manual lymph drainage are a helpful tool in managing Lymphoedema. Manual manipulation of the lymph ducts, involving gentle, rhythmic massaging of the skin, stimulate the flow of lymph and encourage its return to the blood circulation system.Massage/Aromatherapyis a system of long strokes, kneading, friction, tapping, percussion, vibration and shaking motions that apply pressure between muscles and bones.
Reflexology is based on the principle that congestion or tension in any part of the foot mirrors congestion or tension in a corresponding part of the body. These parts, known as reflex points can also be found on the hands and other body parts, however, the most commonly treated area is the feet.
Reflexology has many beneficial and lasting effects. Some treatments are gentle in nature, aiming to restore systems for better function while others are more specific, addressing the client's particular conditions. It is a healing process that can be safely used when it is not convenient to treat other body parts. As a non-intrusive technique, it heals indirectly. Reflexology can be a relaxing therapy that works on many levels, soothing, calming, balancing and boosting the entire body.
In addition, specificTherapeutic Exercises are usually recommended, as these will aid in the elimination of excess fluid. Lymph vessels rely to a certain extent on movement and muscle activity to help them to ‘pump’ the lymph along the lymph vessels and back into the bloodstream.
------------------------------------------------------------------
> August 2009
Arthritis & Complementary Therapies
Arthritis literally meaning inflammation of the joint, arthritis has many forms. While it is most commonly affects older people, it can develop at any age. The most common type isOsteoarthritis, in which the cartilage that covers the end of the bones wears away. Without the smooth covering, movement causes friction, inflammation and pain. It can also be caused by injury and over use.
Rheumatoid Arthritis,one of the most disabling types, affects both large and small joints resulting in swelling, stiffness and pain. The condition affects around 1 % people worldwide, and is three times more common in women than men. Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease, meaning that the immune system, which normally protects the body, begins to attack the body instead.
Over the counter anti inflammatories can be used to help control the pain of arthritis, and prescription medicines, such as cortisone, are often administered in more severe cases.
Specific exercises and physical treatments likeMassage can also help, as can aids such as crutches, wrist and ankle supports, which take the pressure off joints. If these methods are not sufficient, surgery is sometimes the only answer. Surgical procedures include removing the damaged joint lining, realigning joints or replacing the joint entirely.
Joint replacement is one of the most common procedures in orthopaedic surgery and has an excellent success rate. The surgery involves replacing painful worn, arthritic or cancerous joints with artificial ones, known as prosthesis.
Complementary Therapiesare a branch of alternative treatments concerned with many forms of injuries, ailments and conditions related to the body’s skeletal system.Therapiessuch asReflexology, Aromatherapy, Indian Head Massage and Hydrotherm Reflexology address a wide range of conditions, offering a reliable treatment option for skeletal and muscular-skeletal dysfunctions.
Aromatherapy/Indian Head Massage/ Relaxation Massageare soft tissue techniques that are applied on muscles, tendons and ligaments very gently and with minimal pressure. The treatment can be performed on all ages of different conditions and symptoms. . Many conditions will find it beneficial to have regular treatments and a treatment plan can be discussed and agreed on.
Our Complementary Therapy treatments within our Connect Physical Health Centre; are highly recommended for all stress related issues resulting in Arthritic/joint aches, muscular aches and pains.
------------------------------------------------
> July 2009
Spondylosis & Degenerative Disorders
The gradual deterioration of the disc between the vertebrae is referred to as Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) or Spondylosis.
Degenerative Disc Disease is very common affecting 40-50% of people over the age of 40 and becomes increasingly common as we age. It is a kind of wear and tear disease similar to osteoarthritis. Although it can occur at any spinal level, it is most common in the lumbar spine (low back).
DDD can cause the discs to flatten, losing their normal height. When disc height is lost, the nerve pathways may become narrowed and cause nerve impingement, inflammation, and pain. As the 'discs' degenerate, they become thinner. Sometimes the vertebrae develop small, rough areas which may irritate the nearby nerves. This causes troublesome symptoms like severe neck pain and stiffness and pain down the arms and hands.
Most patients tend to get better with medication and exercises. However occasionally the spondylotic changes can lead to compression of the spinal cord or the nerve roots and this may result in pain, numbness and weakness in the upper limbs.
Spondylolisthesis is a Greek term meaning slipping of the spine. It is the abnormal forward movement of one vertebrae over the vertebrae below. Most often, this forward slip of the vertebra occurs in the lumbar area of the spine. This slippage of the disc causes pressure on the nerve roots associated with the affected vertebrae, causing pain and dysfunction.
Cervical Spondylosis is chronic degeneration of the bones of the neck (cervical spine) and the cushions between the vertebrae. Patients have reported their symptoms as being as mild occasional backaches to chronic low back pain that is severe enough to limit their activities at work and play. The pain is typically mechanical in nature. This means the pain increases as more stress or load is placed on the low back. Bending, lifting, and twisting are the types of movement that may exacerbate
DDD.Disc Prolapse (Slipped Disc) A prolapsed disc is a condition when the inner, softer part of the disc bulges out through a weakness in the outer part of the disc. This bulging disc may then press on nearby nerves which in turn causes discomfort and pain. The symptoms include - back pain, ache in the arm or leg and pinpricks felt in feet, toes and hands.
Congenital Spondylolisthesis An individual is born with the abnormality of the posterior bony arch of the spine, which causes the slippage. This is usually seen at the L5-S1 level and often associated with abnormality of the facet joints. Patients usually present with back pain during adolescent growth.
Isthmic Spondylolisthesis is caused by a defect in a part of the bone called the pars interarticularis. The pars bone connects the upper joint of one vertebrae to the lower joint. The defect is usually caused by a stress fracture in individuals with a hereditary predisposition.
Degenerative Spondylolisthesis is a forward slippage secondary to arthritis of the spine. This is due to a long standing degenerative disc leading to weak facet joints in the back of the spine. This is usually seen at L4-L5 level.There are several non-surgical treatments including anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy and exercise programs. Surgery is only considered when the patient's symptoms are debilitating; interfere with activities of daily living.
Complementary Therapies such as Reflexology , Aromatherapy, Indian Head Massage and Hydrotherm Reflexology addresses a wide range of conditions, offering a reliable treatment option for muscular-skeletal dysfunctions such as spondylosis, lumber pain, sciatica, shoulder restriction, muscular fatigue and skeletal pain in general.
Aromatherapy/Indian Head Massage/ Relaxation Massage are a soft tissue technique that is applied on muscles, tendons and ligaments very gently and with minimal pressure. The treatment can be performed on all ages of different conditions and symptoms.. Many conditions will find it beneficial to have regular treatments and a treatment plan can be discussed and agreed on.
Many forms of complementary therapy have been around a very long time, they are effective and effortless to apply and appropriate for use in most medical conditions.Complementary Therapies have become a popular accompaniment to conventional medicine .Complementary Therapies and there popularity lies in its benefits and significant worth in the overall treatments.
Aromatherapy, Indian Head Massage, Reflexology and Relaxation Massage are recommended for all stress related issues resulting in muscular aches and pains. They are used to gently manipulate the muscles and joints to enhance mobility and flexibility without any downtime!
Our Complementary Therapy Treatments within our Connect Physical Health Centre; are highly recommended for all stress related issues resulting in muscular aches and pains.
