Your Daily Source for Alternative Health News & Tips
Stress has been called “the silent killer” and can lead to heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and other serious medical conditions. The term stress is a derivative of the Latin word stringere which means to draw tight. Stress can change blood sugar levels, encourage mood swings, fatigue, high blood sugar and metabolic syndrome. Continue reading
When you think of ways to reduce stress, you may conjure up images of a nice hot bubble bath, a relaxing swing in a hammock or maybe even a yoga session. While these are all excellent ways to relax and reduce tension, research shows that owning or even spending time around a dog may have similar effects. In fact, a new study shows that spending time around furry friends can result in both physical as well as emotional benefits, including social support and stress reduction. Continue reading
Most people are aware that meditation possesses an array of health benefits to both the body and mind. New and often surprising findings are reported each day detailing more and more reasons to meditate. Recent studies have found that meditating for just thirty minutes per day increases gray matter in the parts of the brain that process learning, mental clarity, memory and emotional regulation. This ancient practice can also keep the cerebral cortex – the brain’s center of cognition and higher thought – from thinning with age. Meditation focuses the mind, and has been shown to improve multitasking. Recently, meditation has been introduced to a new group that has seen very positive results since its implementation – students. Continue reading
Are you ever thinking so hard, juggling so many mental balls, that you wonder how your internal communication system keeps from exploding? We live in a culture where stress has violated even what was once the quietest part of our lives, our sleep. We move around like supercharged ants full of anger, anxiety and tension, all in an effort to be productive. However, this behavior is incredibly counterproductive to productivity and detrimental to our health. Continue reading
Recently, the Washington Post reported on a new approach to addressing the several hundred thousand military members that suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD comes with a host of distressing mental issues such as anxiety, depression, anger, nightmares and flashbacks. Traditionally these have been treated with a combination of drugs and behavioral therapy – but for many who suffer, these methods don’t work and medications come with a long list of side effects. Continue reading
Do you find it extremely difficult to manage your stress? You are not alone. Statistics compiled in 2012 show that just over 18 percent of adults have an anxiety disorder and most people suffering from one of these disorders usually show signs of one kind or another. Many Americans feel that stress is taking over their lives, and aside from psychological and emotional consequences, research shows it can actually cause physical illness. Continue reading
Being grateful is not just a desirable personality trait or a hokey new age hippie idea, nor should it be limited to the day of the year we give thanks for that bountiful feast; this positive emotion is actually good for your health! Continue reading
Meditation has been hailed since ancient times as a key practice to support physical and psychological health and balance. For cancer patients, the benefits of meditation to the mind, body and spirit have been found to boost recovery and reduce stress during treatment. Continue reading
The latest, must-know news about your heart: Feeling stressed-out too often raises your risk for deadly ticker trouble by a whopping 27 percent. That makes chronic tension as dangerous as smoking about two packs of cigarettes a week or having a 50-point spike in your LDL (lousy) cholesterol level! Continue reading
In Washington Irving’s classic tale, Rip Van Winkle slept for 20 years; when he awoke, he was confused and creaky. No wonder! Getting too much sleep is associated with everything from Alzheimer’s disease and depression to diabetes and heart disease. Continue reading
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