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fectiveness of T cells, which means a stronger immune system, as well as fewer physical effects of stress. 2) A good belly laugh exercises the diaphragm, contracts the abs and even works out the shoulders, leaving muscles more relaxed afterward. It even provides a good workout for the heart.

Health Benefits of Laughter Research has shown that the health benefits of laughter are far-ranging. While more studies need to be done, studies so far have shown that laughter can help relieve pain, bring greater happiness, and even increase immunity. The propensity for laughter and a sense of humor are a couple of the signature strengths one can possess. Some of the many benefits of laughter are: 1) It increases the level of health-enhancing hormones like endorphins, and neurotransmitters. Laughter also increases the number of antibody-producing cells and enhances the ef-

3) Laughter connects us with others. Just as with smiling and kindness, most people find that laughter is contagious; so if you bring more laughter into your life, you can most likely help others around you to laugh more, and realize these benefits as well. By elevating the mood of those around you, you can reduce their stress levels, and perhaps improve the quality of social interaction you experience with them, reducing your stress level even more. You can get more laughter in your life with the following strategies: 1) There is no shortage of opportunities from the entertainment world, both at the theater and in the aisles of your local video store, as well as at home with T. V. comedies. While wasting your time watching something marginally funny may actually frustrate you, watching truly hilarious movies and shows is an easy

way to get laughter into your life whenever you need it. 2) Instead of complaining about life’s frustrations and woes, try to laugh about them. If something is so frustrating or depressing it’s ridiculous, realize that you could look back on it and laugh. Think of how it will sound as a story you could tell your friends, and then see if you can laugh about it now. With this attitude, you may also find yourself being more lighthearted and silly, giving yourself and those around you more to laugh about. Approach life in a more mirthful way and you’ll find you’re less stressed about negative events, and you’ll achieve the health benefits of laughter. 3) Last but not least........Fake It until You Make It. Just as studies show the positive effects of smiling occur whether the smile is faked or real, fake laughter also provides the benefits mentioned above. The body can’t distinguish between “fake” laughter that you just start doing on purpose, and “real” laughter that comes from true humor, the physical benefits are exactly the same, and the former usually leads to the latter anyway. So smile more and fake laughter; you’ll still achieve positive effects, and the fake merriment may lead to real smiles and laughter.

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Resistance Training Is Medicine If you knew that a certain type of exercise can benefit your heart, reduce your blood pressure, strengthen your bones, and help you lose weight as it made you look and feel better wouldn’t you want to get started? Resistance training can benefit people of all ages and is widely becoming regarded as a form of medicine! Yes, strength training will add definition to your muscles and give men and women alike fit and toned bodies. But working out with resistance does so much more: 1. Resistance training translates to more calories burned daily. Resistance training increases lean mass(muscle), muscle is the most metabolically active tissue in the body. So you not only burn calories while you are working out, but you continue to burn them long after your workout is over! 2. Resistance training boosts energy levels and improves your mood. It will elevate your level of endorphins (natural opiates produced by the brain) which will make you feel great. Strength training has also been shown to be a great antidepressant, help you sleep better, and to improve your overall quality of life. 3. Resistance training plays a role in disease prevention. Studies have documented the many wellness benefits of strength training. It has been known to decrease blood pressure, reduce the risk of osteoporosis, help with glucose control of those suffering from diabetes, and decrease arthritis pain. If you have any health issues, ask your doctor what type of strength training is best to meet your needs and abilities. You can also come to Premier Fitness on James Island and work with a certified fitness expert to design a strength training program that will be safe and effective for you. Who doesn’t want to look better, feel better, and live a longer, healthier life? So what are you waiting for? Get started now with a complete workout program that includes strength training from Premier Fitness.

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Take a Little Time Out Massage is one of the oldest healing arts dating back over 3,000 years ago. Ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians applied forms of massage for many ailments. Today, the benefits of massage are varied and far-reaching for not only physical rehabilitation programs but beneficial for many chronic conditions, including low back pain, arthritis, bursitis, fatigue, high blood pressure, diabetes, immunity suppression, depression, and more. Also, as millions of people will attest, massage also helps relieve the stress and tension of everyday living. One of the most common techniques used is the Swedish massage, which is often a baseline for practitioners. In a general Swedish massage, your session may start with broad, flowing strokes that will help calm your nervous system and relax exterior muscle tension. As your body becomes relaxed, pressure will gradually be increased to relax specific areas of tension in your body. Often, a light oil or lotion is used to allow your muscles to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. The oil helps hydrate your skin. If you are uncomfortable in any way, you should immediately communicate this to your therapist so that another approach may be taken. Most people feel very relaxed after a massage. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, many people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity, which can last for days. Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, it is recommended you drink plenty of water following your massage. There is no denying the power of massage therapy. Regardless of the adjectives we assign to it (pampering, rejuvenating, therapeutic), or the reasons we seek it out (a luxurious treat, stress relief, pain management); massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare program. Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in this fast-paced world may be idealistic, massage can, without a doubt, help manage stress. So why not Take A Little Time Out and pamper yourself with a massage... You won’t regret it!

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Stay Healthy with Your Pet Most pet owners don’t need reminding. Animals make people feel good. But we’re talking about more than feeling glad they’re around. Your favorite animal can make you healthy and help you stay that way. It only takes 15 to 30 minutes with a dog or cat or watching fish swim to feel less anxious and less stressed. Your body actually goes through physical changes in that length of time making a difference in your mood. The level of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress, is lowered. And the production of serotonin, an important chemical associated with well-being, is increased. Reducing stress saves your body a lot of wear and tear. You still have to watch your weight and exercise. But having a pet can help you manage your blood pressure. In one study of 240 married couples, pet owners had lower blood pressure and lower heart rates during rest than people who did not own a pet. Another study showed that children with hypertension actually lowered their blood pressure while petting their dog. Therapists have been known to prescribe a pet as a way of dealing with and recovering from depression. No one loves you more unconditionally than your pet, a pet will listen to you talk for as long as you want to talk. Taking care of a pet, i.e. walking with it, grooming it, playing with it, takes you out of yourself and helps you feel better about the way you spend your time. Research has shown the long-term benefits of owning a cat include protection for your heart. Over the 20 years of one study, people who never owned a cat were 40% more likely to die of a heart attack than those who had. Another study showed that dog owners had a significantly better survival rate one year after a heart attack. Overall, pet owners have a lower risk of dying from any cardiac disease, including heart failure. People who own dogs tend to be more physically active and less obese than those who don’t. Taking your dog for a daily 30-minute walk will keep you moving and ensure that you meet the minimum recommendations for healthy physical activity. Two 15-minute walks, one in the morning and one in the evening, will do the same thing. And after that, just playing fetch in the back yard with your dog will earn you healthful dividends. If you don’t have a best friend waiting for you when you get home, you might want to think about rescuing a pet from your local shelter. Remember........by adopting a dog or a cat, you’ll have a friend for life!

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that once your body produces these antibodies, it will remember which antibodies to produce should you get the flu again. However, realize that this will only occur if you contract this specific strain of influenza virus. You are not protected against any other strain of influenza virus other than the one for which you received the shot.

Flu Shots:

What You Should Know Your immune system fights infection by producing antibodies. Think of your immune system as a large memory storage unit. Within this memory storage unit is a list of which antibodies have successfully fought and killed different forms of infection. When new infections are introduced to your body your immune system searches this list to locate antibodies.

a new strain of influenza virus to your body. The purpose is to force your body to fight against the virus. But what you should realize is that the flu shot contains the flu. This means when you get this shot, you will get the flu. Your body will start to produce the necessary antibodies to fight and kill this virus. Unfortunately it will take roughly a week for this to happen. In the mean time, you will get the flu.

When you get a flu shot, you are introducing

What is good in regards to getting this shot is

When the CDC makes the decision to distribute these flu shots they consider the three most popular strains of influenza viruses. These three are the only ones distributed. If you contract any other strain, yes, you will get sick and no, you are not protected. These flu shots are not guaranteed protection against the influenza virus. They are merely a precaution to aid in preventing it. You should still take all necessary precautions. Wash your hands frequently. Cover sneezes and coughs with a tissue. Try to avoid other people who you know are sick with the flu. Take Vitamin C, Vitamin E, beta carotene, zinc, and selenium.

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Health Myth: Going Out With Wet Hair Will Make You Sick According to studies, you will not catch any more colds going outdoors with wet hair than you will if it is dry. In fact, these studies show that it is not the cold that actually causes an individual to catch a cold. The common cold is transferred from one person to another by airborne pathogens. It is these pathogens or germs that cause the spread of the common cold. You

can catch the common cold from touching a surface that was touched by an infected person also. To prevent contamination you should wash your hands frequently with antibacterial soap, avoid individuals with colds, and cover your coughs and sneezes. Spray surfaces that are used often with Lysol disinfectant spray.

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Balance Disorders In Seniors Having good balance means being able to control and maintain your body’s position, whether you are moving or remaining still. An intact sense of balance helps you: 1) walk without staggering, 2) get up from a chair without falling and 3) Climb stairs without tripping. As people grow older, they may have difficulty with their balance and it is one of the main reasons older people fall. Falls and fallrelated injuries, such as hip fracture, can have a serious impact on an older person’s life. If an older person falls, it could limit their activities or make it impossible to live independently. As a result, many older people often become more isolated after a fall. Balance disorders are caused by several different conditions. Disturbances of the inner ear are a common cause. Balance disorders may also be caused by heart problems, head injury, medication, or problems with blood circulation. There are many types of balance disorders. One of the most common is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV. With BPPV, you experience a brief, intense feeling of vertigo that occurs when you change the position of your head. You may also experience BPPV when rolling over to the left or right, upon getting out of bed in the morning, or when looking up for an object on a high shelf. BPPV is more likely to occur in adults 60 and older. In BPPV, small calcium stones in the inner ear become displaced, causing a person to feel unsteady. While the actual cause of BPPV is not known at this time, it is believed to be as a result of an inner ear infection, head injury, or aging. If you feel you have a balance disorder, you should consult with your doctor and bear in mind that there are ways to treat it. One encouraging factor is that seniors can improve balance and prevent falls with simple exercises. Below are some of these exercises. In the beginning, for safety, hold onto a table or chair with both hands. As you progress and your balance improves, you can decrease the amount of support by using one or no hands. Exercise One - Stand directly behind a table or chair and place your feet slightly apart. Lift one leg six inches out to the side. Hold this position for 10 seconds. Repeat with the opposite leg. Exercise Two - Stand directly behind a table or chair and place your feet slightly apart. Slowly bend one knee toward your chest lifting your foot six inches off the floor. Hold this position for 10 seconds. Exercise Three - Walk while placing the heel of one foot just in front of the toe of the other. Hold onto a table or counter while trying this. Exercise Four - While holding onto a chair or table, stand on one foot, then switch feet.

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Best Remedies for Teething Pain Teething is stressful for both you and your baby. It makes resting nearly impossible, as your baby’s swollen gums throb and ache constantly. This often causes your infant to be fussy, irritable, and restless. For first time mothers especially, it is often hard to cope with the unknown. But take heart new mothers, this is a natural process and as the saying goes, this too shall pass. The following are remedies both topical and natural to relieve your baby’s pain. Orajel. By rubbing Orajel on their gums it decreases swelling and inflammation of the gums Motrin and Tylenol. These oral suspension medications will relieve the pain of teething as well as lower fevers often associated with teething. This will help your babies sleep and allow you to get some much needed rest in the process. Frozen teething rings. Teething rings that are freezable will serve several purposes in soothing a teething baby. First the ring is designed with small bumps that rub the gums. Secondly the coolness from the internal liquid will relieve swelling of the gums. These rings are cool but not as cold as an ice cube providing a better temperature. Cold wet washcloths help also. Allow your child to simply chew on the cool wash cloth. This will cool down their gums and satisfy the need of your baby to put things in his or her mouth. Massaging their gums with your finger is also helpful. A tip if you opt to try this option is to place an infant tooth and gum cleaner on the tip of your finger. This will allow the soft bristles to rub and massage the gums. Often times the gums of a teething baby will itch as the tooth breaks through the gum line. This gentle massage action will relieve the itch as well as the irritation. Plus the tooth and gum cleaner will protect your finger in the event your baby was to bite down too hard. Vanilla extract. Use a tiny amount of vanilla extract. Rub this small amount on your baby’s gums. First the vanilla itself is calming and will help your baby to sleep. Secondly the trace amount of alcohol in this extract will numb baby’s gums. For valuable coupons visit: mytownsbest.com • ©2012 Health and longevity • 1-888-816-2295


Associated Foot Specialist The feet are flexible structures of bones, joints, muscles and soft tissues that let us stand upright and perform activities like walking, running and jumping. The human foot combines mechanical complexity and structural strength. The ankle serves as a foundation and shock absorber and the joint below the ankle (subtalar joint) allows us to propulse forward in order to walk and run. The foot can sustain enormous pressure (several tons over the course of a one mile run), yet provide flexibility and resiliency to absorb the stresses associated with walking and running. From time to time we take our first steps, our feet must support our entire body weight as we stand, walk and run. In our average lifetime a person walks approximately 113,000 miles – or about halfway to the moon. The foot and ankle contain: • 26 bones (one quarter of the bones in

• • •

the human body are in the feet) 33 joints More than 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments A network of blood vessels, nerves, skin and soft tissue

Cumulative effect of all this weight bearing may cause existing foot deformities to become painful and irritated. Your feet are constantly exposed to possible disease and damage as you engage in daily physical activity. It is important to know that certain medical disease such as arthritis, gout and diabetes often manifest themselves first in the foot. Dr. Gudas is an accomplished Board certified foot surgeon who specializes in the treatment of hallux valgus (bunion deformities), children’s foot and ankle deformities, arthritis of the foot, plantar fasciitis/heel pain/insertional Achilles disorders and diabetic foot problems.

Dr. Gudas has a special interest in the treatment of foot problems secondary to severe flat feet. Dr. Gudas specializes in the treatment of common foot disorders including Achilles tendinitis, corns and calluses, ingrown nails, peripheral neuropathy, tailor’s bunions or bunionette, Morton’s neuroma, heel pain, arthritis of the midfoot and rear foot, traumatic injuries of the foot including fractures and dislocations, reconstructive surgery of the foot and the treatment of overlapping second toes. Dr. Gudas has advanced treatment for ingrown nails, fungal nails and warts. Laser treatment is now utilized for the treatment of chronic fungal toenails by a certified laser therapist. Cryotherapy/ laser therapy is utilized to treat chronic wart (verrucae) infections of the foot.

For valuable coupons visit: mytownsbest.com • ©2012 Health and longevity • 1-888-816-2295


Staying Slim in the Winter plenty of water. This does not mean skip meals. Skipping means is one of the worst actions to take. It will only cause you to eat more later.

With winter steadily approaching, a top concern for all women is how to stay thin in the winter. After all, with winter come the holidays and the urge to overeat holiday specialties. Not to mention, the colder temperatures promote sluggish, sleepy days of daydreaming about the warm summer sun and lazy days lounging by the pool. Winter means that warm summer sun has once again been replaced with gloomy, cold temperatures and gray scale skies.

When faced with this urge to overeat and indulge in the sugary sweetness presented every year during the holidays and comfort food in the cold months, you should clearly change your perspective. This does not mean that you cannot enjoy these foods. It merely means you should enforce portion control. Easier said than done, but there are ways in which to succeed in this effort. First realize that portion control is just an illusion used to trick your stomach into believing it is full. The key to this illusion is to drink

Drinking adequate amounts of water daily will prevent dehydration. Dehydration will slow down your metabolism. In losing weight or even maintaining a health body weight, you must stay hydrated. Start your day with an eight ounce glass of water before breakfast. Instead of drinking sugary soft drinks during breaks drink water.

Everyone loves hot chocolate in the winter. However, sweetened hot chocolate will increase your weight if you over do it. One option to consider is to drink the unsweetened or sugar free hot chocolate instead. Drinking tea and coffee without sugar will also help you lose weight. Caffeine promotes weight loss. Although coffee and tea both contain caffeine, adding sugar to these beverages will prevent the weight loss benefits of caffeine.

Brush your teeth after every meal. Keeping a clean mouth will deter the urge to snack. Individuals who break their teeth after meals are less likely to eat snacks once their teeth and breath are fresh. Consider keeping disposable tooth brushes such as Colegate Wisp. Individuals, who brush often, according to studies, are more likely to drink more water than other sugary beverages.

Add soups and salads to your meal plans. Soups will satisfy the need for something hot yet fill you up. This will prevent overloading on high calorie entrees. If you add a salad as well, you are adding roughage to your diet and much needed fiber. This will promote a healthy digestive system. Maintaining a healthy digestive system is key to preventing bloating and weight retention, and will aid you in shedding pounds.

Getting adequate rest also promotes weight loss. According to national studies, individuals who get at least seven hours of rest per night are less likely to become obese. Based on evidence in these studies, sleep deprivation will increase appetite by triggering hunger hormones. Sleep deprivation also suppresses hormones needed to fill full after meals. If you do not get adequate rest, you are more likely to overeat and to choice unhealthy foods as opposed to healthy foods.

Keeping a food diary will prevent idle hands from increasing your urge to snack. This will also add you in meal planning. One reason for weight gain is boredom. If you are prone to grab the same foods each time you grocery shop, you will eventually become bored with your menu choices. This boredom will lead to eating unhealthy foods instead of your over used meal choice. Change up your menu, by keeping this diary and planning a whole new menu.

For valuable coupons visit: mytownsbest.com • ©2012 Health and longevity • 1-888-816-2295


How To Improve Your Immune System Reduce Your Stress - Some stress can be a good thing. It’s your body’s way of preparing for a challenge, such as giving a presentation. But a steady stream of stress can be bad for your health. Studies show it can even weaken your immune system - your body’s system for fighting disease and illness. Reduce your stress by avoiding whatever stressors you can. Take the time to relax and do things you enjoy. Get A Pet - Studies have found that having a pet can help reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, and improve heart health. One study showed that having a dog can help improve immune system development and may reduce the risks of allergies in children. Build A Strong Social Network - We all know friends are important, but strong social ties can also have a big effect on your health. A recent study found that people with strong relationships were 50% more likely to survive than those with poor social ties. To broaden your social network, try volunteering, taking a class, or joining a group that interests you. And be sure to nurture the bonds you already have. Keep A Positive Attitude - Positive thoughts can give your immune system a healthy boost. To increase your optimism, take time to savor the things you enjoy, look for the silver lining in difficult situations, and try not to dwell on negative thoughts. Be grateful for what you have. Avoid Empty Calories - Processed foods such as fast foods, snack foods, candy, and soda don’t provide much in the way of vitamins, fiber, or other nutrients. Instead, choose nutrient-rich foods such as For valuable coupons visit: mytownsbest.com • ©2012 Health and longevity • 1-888-816-2295


vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Keep Your Body Moving - One simple way to strengthen your immune system is by exercising. Getting regular exercise can also reduce stress and help lower your risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. You get the most benefit when you exercise at a moderate level a few times a week. Kick The Nicotine Habit - Here’s another reason to give up smoking - it weakens your immune system. According to the U. S. Surgeon General, even low levels of exposure to tobacco can cause health problems, including heart attack, stroke, and asthma. Wash Your Hands - One of the easiest ways to help your immune system fight illness is to wash your hands regularly. Be sure to use soap and clean running water, and wash for at least 20 seconds. If you don’t have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol. Get a Good Night’s Sleep - Without enough sleep, your immune system may not have the resources it needs to fight off illness. Most adults need about seven to nine hours of sleep each night. For valuable coupons visit: mytownsbest.com • ©2012 Health and longevity • 1-888-816-2295


How Do You Rate Your Child’s Health? There was a time before computers, cell phones, play-stations and the numerous handheld magical games presently available to our youngsters, a time when children actually played outdoors. Yes, there was TV, but that was after the homework was finished and the family watched their favorite shows. After school kids generally got together for a game of hide-andseek, baseball, football, soccer, roller-skating or any number of outdoor activities and games. Being out in the fresh air was invigorating. Minds and bodies were active. Some games were invented, imagination at work while helping to build healthy bodies, healthy minds and healthy appetites. Today youngsters are generally glued to a computer screen or a hand-held device that captures their attention for hours at a time. There is much less physical activity, and as a result, the health of these children is affected. There’s a dependency on fast-foods, snacks and excessive candy consumption. We have arrived

at generations of declining health, and a huge increase in childhood obesity. Recently, attention has been paid to this problem as evidenced in the growing number of TV spots that recommend daily physical activity for children. Observe the health of your child, or children, from several views; energy level, appetite, weight, attitude and general appearance. Each of these is important to consider, as you

determine the level of health for a particular child. Start now to set standards for your youngsters that will lead to an enjoyment of fresh air, build healthier bodies and expand their interests beyond self-centered activities. Encourage your children to spend more time outside with their friends. As time goes on, they will thank you because their children will reap the benefits of healthier, vibrant lives.

For valuable coupons visit: mytownsbest.com • ©2012 Health and longevity • 1-888-816-2295


Remedies for Infant Constipation Constipation is common in infants especially after one month of age. The most obvious symptoms are hard painful stools and colic. This leads to sleepless nights for both infants and parents. The following are the best remedies to relieve constipation in infants. •

Tummy massage - massage your infant’s

Warm Bath - the warm water will relax your infant’s bowels making it easier to get things moving.

• •

• • •

tummy clockwise.

Jell-O Water - combine 1/2 teaspoon of Jell-O with ½ teaspoon of Ginger Ale. If your infant is less than two months old this remedy is not recommended. Baby enema - fill an infant bulb syringe with two tablespoons of warm water. Coat the tip with Vaseline. Insert the bulb syringe into your infant’s rectum not quite one inch inward. Squeeze the bulb to release the warm water.

Fruits and fruit juices - prunes, apples, apricots, and pears are effective in relieving constipation in infants. If your infant is eating solid food, simply feed them a jar of one of these fruits. If your infant is less than six weeks old, add one ounce of your choice of these fruit juices and one ounce of water into a bottle. Shake well. Brown sugar - add one teaspoon of brown sugar into one ounce of water. Shake well. Karo syrup - add one teaspoon of Karo syrup into your infant’s formula.

Olive Oil - take one teaspoon of olive oil and add a sprinkle of salt. Mix well. For valuable coupons visit: mytownsbest.com • ©2012 Health and longevity • 1-888-816-2295


closely associated with negativity, defiance, disobedience, and hostility toward authority figures. You will notice the following signs and symptoms: temper tantrums, argumentativeness with adults (mostly parents), refusal

ODD - Oppositional DEFIANT Disorder Disruptive behavior displayed by your children is normal if this is not an every day occurrence. However, if your child becomes defiant, angry, and frequently displays disruptive behaviors he or she may have ODD. Your child may have oppositional defiant disorder. If this is the case, you may find it quite difficult to manage your child’s behavior on your own. You may consider seeking the aid of a counselor, developmental expert, or a psychologist who specializes in behavioral science. You will also need a support system consisting of friends and family to aid you. Symptoms: Your child will display behaviors that are persistent, last longer than six months, and are clearly disruptive to home and/or school. These behaviors are

to comply with adult requests and/or rules, deliberate annoyance of other people, blaming others for mistakes or behavior, acting touchy and easily annoyed, anger and resentment, spiteful and/or vindictive behavior, aggressiveness toward peers, difficulty maintaining friendships, and academic problems. Sometimes oppositional defiant disorder is present with other mental health issues. These include ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Causes: There is not simply one cause for this disorder. It is a combination of the following: a child’s natural disposition, limitations/developmental delays in the child’s ability to process thoughts and feelings, lack

of supervision, inconsistent or harsh discipline, abuse or neglect, and an imbalance of certain brain chemicals including serotonin. Risk Factors: There are some risk factors attributed to this illness. Having a parent with a mood or substance abuse disorder could cause this illness in children. The lack of parental involvement and/or having parents with severely troubled marriages are attributing factors. If the child is part of a family with financial problems, exposure to violence and those who move frequently where the child is constantly changing schools this illness is possible. Diagnosis: A series of tests are conducted over a six month period to determine if the child has this disorder. These tests look for the following behavior patterns listed within the symptoms of this illness. Treatment: There is not a wonder pill that will magically make these symptoms go away. In fact, there is not a medication to treat any of these symptoms adequately. The truth in all of this is that you as the parent need to find what works for you in managing your child’s behavior without losing your mind.

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The first step to cope with a child who is diagnosed with this illness is to find out what motivates the behavior. There is a wide spectrum of motivators for this behavior. You should consider a few simple factors. Like children with ADD and ADHD, children with this disorder are often highly intelligent. This will cause them to feel superior to adults. It will also prevent them from openly communicating with a parent. If you have a family member or friend who this child highly respects, recruit them to attempt to locate the motivator of the disruptive behavior. If the disruptive behavior is more dominant at school than home, you may consider having your child re-evaluated through the school. Yes, this means intelligence testing. These children need to be challenged. If they are not, then the behavior wins. Discuss the possibility of more advance courses with school officials to challenge the child and prevent boredom. Boredom has been proven to accelerate the symptoms of this illness. If the symptoms are more dominant in the home, you may not challenge your child enough. First realize that screaming and

arguing with a child who has this illness is completely pointless. You will only frustrate yourself. Instead set clear boundaries and rules and enforce these rules. Stand your ground and do not back down. If your child knows you will give in, this will never accomplish anything. The best course of action, when it comes to punishment is not to become physical. Spanking, paddling, or whatever you refer to it as, will not work when it comes to a child with ODD. Instead play a game of take away. If the child does not follow your rules or stay within your boundaries take away the video game, the use of the cell phone, their favorite toy, or whatever they will most miss. Secure it in a location to which they cannot gain access and inform them how long they are restricted from using it.

will pick fights with siblings and friends constantly. They will revert back to early childhood behaviors like leaving messes around the house. This could be painting the walls, tearing up things that belong to you, or even do something as extreme as damage your vehicle. Attend counseling regularly as this will also help you as the parent. This will provide you both a place to vent your frustrations and find a solution. If you have tried literally everything possible to manage your child’s behavior there is another option. Most major cities in the U.S. have boot camps for children with behavior disorders. This tough love may help improve your child’s behavior.

You should consider also the relationships in your own life. If your marriage is on the rocks, your child will display these behavioral patterns. If for some reason you are involved with someone your child does not like, you will notice these patterns. Your child will become highly disobedient, possibly skip school, their grades will slip in classes they once mastered, and they

For valuable coupons visit: mytownsbest.com • ©2012 Health and longevity • 1-888-816-2295


For valuable coupons visit: mytownsbest.com • ©2012 Health and longevity • 1-888-816-2295


The Benefits of Swimming

• Swimming burns three calories a mile per pound. On average, you burn 900 calories, if you swim one mile.

Swimming is the ultimate exercise option. Not only is swimming a fun summer activity, it also works several muscle groups that are hard to reach with other exercise routines.

• Swimming longer lowers your respiratory rate and allows your heart and lungs to work more efficiently.

Benefits: • Swimming creates overall strength and boosts endurance. • It is essential in rehabilitation of sports-related injuries. It benefits knee injuries the most.

• Swimming is great for your posture and enables you to become more flexible.

• It tones both your upper and lower body, as you use nearly all muscle groups at once. Breaststroke, backstroke, and freestyle swimming are the best options to achieve whole body conditioning. • This exercise does not place stress on your

joints or bones. It does not present a high risk of injury like other exercise programs. • Swimming is considered a low impact exercise. It strengthens the abdominal muscles and shoulders. • Swimming improves blood pressure. It also lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke. • Swimming has relaxation properties and is known to relieve stress. • Swimming is great for treating arthritis. • It provides an aerobic workout, when the swimmer is submerged from the neck down in water.

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We Care Home Care Sitting in the parking lot of the hospital you get the “Oh No, What am I going to do” moment while a moment of not being able to breathe hits your body. You realize in that moment two thing s. 1) I’m not as young as I used to be, and 2) “Old age is not what I thought it would be and it is for sure not for sissies as Bette Davis once said.

Suddenly we realize we just cannot keep up anymore with the things that we use to. We cannot see the street signs to drive safely, we are cooking frozen meals, and we are holding on to furniture as we walk and everything seems to become more difficult and taking much more time for us to do. Then in much dismay we realize we are losing the ability to care for ourselves. Our independence is slipping away and maintaining our dignity becomes much harder. So what do we do? We put on our big girl panties and keep on plugging away, of course! Call in our children to help

out! They are supposed to take care of us because we did raise them and still seem to be raising them right? Unfortunately, the kids have spouses and kids of their own and they have full time jobs, not to mention they live nowhere close to us. It’s time for a new plan. We remember hearing someone at church say a friend helps her in the home. So, of course we discreetly start asking for the ladies name and number. Again, we do not want to admit we really need some help. What we do not know is that if we hire someone that is not with a company there is a lot of risks involved in hiring them. We have to perform a criminal background check; we have to worry about replacing them if they are sick or do not show up, bear the burden for payroll taxes, and have to have state workmen’s compensation coverage, bear the burden of liability problems like theft, injury and damage to

my property. Okay, now we say what now? Here is the answer. There are many “in-home, non-medical care”. There are so many agencies that provide this type of care. They provide a wide arrange of services including light housekeeping, meal preparation, laundry, transportation, shopping, errands and many other services. These one on one services can continue until the end of life. The key is allowing seniors to age in place and not have to move out of their home while maintaining independence and dignity. The other key factor is that the company is licensed and bonded and they handle all the hiring criteria so you have no worried of someone assisting you in your home. In-home care is usually available 24 hours a day 365 days a year. Payment is private but may be covered by long term care insurance.

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Why Can I Hear But Not Understand? What are the risks associated with untreated hearing loss? How does someone know if they have a hearing problem? One of the most common complaints I hear from patients who come in to have their hearing evaluated is that they can hear but they can’t understand. It sounds to them like everyone is mumbling. In reality most people that complain about not understanding do in fact have hearing loss. A common misconception is that when you start to lose your hearing everything you hear gets softer. What really happens for most patients is that they lose their ability to hear higher frequency sounds before they lose their ability to hear low frequency sounds. When people talk the words we use have both low and high frequency

parts. When we lose our ability to hear high frequency sounds we end up missing part of the words being spoken to us. That is the reason why it sounds like people are talking loud enough to hear them but not clear enough to understand. Anyone who thinks they might have a hearing problem should have their hearing tested. A hearing test by an audiologist will quickly determine if a person has hearing loss. There are compelling reasons for having your hearing checked. ASHA, the American Speech-LanguageHearing Association, recommends that everyone over the age of 50 have their hearing screened every three years. This is because changes in hearing can be gradual and subtle. Recent studies have also shown that the effects of untreated

hearing loss can be more significant than just not hearing. A recent study at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore has linked untreated hearing loss to an increase in the risk of developing dementia. Another study at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia has linked untreated hearing loss to brain atrophy. Finally, the most compelling reason is that untreated hearing loss can impact our quality of life. It makes it difficult to communicate with our friends and loved ones. It makes social situations challenging as we struggle to hear. It can make you feel isolated and depressed. I would strongly encourage any who thinks they might have a hearing problem to get their hearing tested. If you know someone who you think struggles to hear, encourage them to get tested as well.

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Seniors... Are You A Couch Potato? Exercise, and the lack of it, is a crucial factor in determining the level of well being among our 35 million older Americans. Physical inactivity is a national epidemic among all ages, but for seniors it leads to debilitation, depression and decreases in energy, strength and self-esteem. Years of sedentary living contribute to diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, and osteoporosis. But even a moderate exercise program can bring improvements to all these conditions. And it is never too late to start one. Physicians recommend regular exercise to patients who suffer from arthritis, fibromyalgia and other conditions that lead to stiffness. Heart disease is the most expensive outcome of physical inactivity for seniors and it is the heart that health experts tell us most needs to be exercised regularly. Cardiovascular fitness can be achieved through a daily habit of 20 minutes of vigorous activity, 30 minutes of moderate activity, or 60 minutes of light activity. Aerobic exercises make the heart and lungs work at a higher rate to supply oxygen to muscles. Examples are: brisk walking, jogging, swimming, biking and dancing. More moderate types of aerobic activity include yoga, calisthenics, Tai Chi, water aerobics and even vacuuming. If your schedule won’t permit 30 minutes of solid exercise, the same health benefits can be gained through several short periods throughout the day that add up to a half hour. Every day include some stretching exercises. When done consistently, stretching allows you more freedom of movement in all your daily activities. For each one, stretch slowly, hold for 30 seconds, and then relax. As you become more comfortable doing stretches you will want to push yourself a little farther, but never to the point of pain. The form of exercise program you choose is less important than the

time you choose to begin: NOW! Check with your physician before embarking on a program, and then create a routine that addresses cardio respiratory fitness, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility. Remember to increase your intake of water or other noncaffeinated beverages when you increase your exercise. Adequate hydration is important all year round, not just in warm weather. Start out with realistic goals, exercise moderately at first, then build up to longer periods and more challenging activity. Over time you will notice improved stamina and strength, higher energy levels, and elevated moods. If you need to be pushed a little, find a partner to exercise with. Having a regular walking buddy, for instance, is a good way to motivate you to enjoy the easiest and cheapest form of healthy exercise there is. Results take time, so don’t quit before you have the chance to experience the rewards of increased fitness, better health, and enhanced mental well being. Make real exercise something you do without question, a daily habit as important as brushing your teeth. Still sitting on your couch? What are you waiting for? Get moving!

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Fitness Update:

Disclaimer: Publisher and / or Advertisers shall be held blameless for any and all price errors, expired expiration dates, trademark infringements or any other typographical errors.

Reflexology

Reflexology is a non-invasive therapy that has a documented history dating back 5000 years. It was known in ancient China and there are paintings on the wall of the tomb of Ankhamor (a physician to the Pharaoh) in Saqqara depicting its use around 2500 B. C. The term “Reflexology” is a relatively recent one as the therapy was re-discovered in the western world in the early 20th century. There are approximately 7200

nerve endings on the feet and these are believed to relate to various organs and glands within the body. Through reflexology a mirror image of the body has been mapped on the feet and it is thought that pressure applied on specific reflex points on the feet may affect the corresponding part of the body. The body has its own powerful healing response; reflexology aims to stimulate this into normal functioning and once achieved, helps to maintain proper balance. It

can speed up circulation and also induce a deep feeling of overall relaxation. Conditions many people have reported responding well to reflexology include: Stress • Insomnia • Migraine • Back Pain • Arthritis • Circulatory disorders What techniques are used in reflexology? Pressure is applied to the feet and hands using specific thumb, finger and hand techniques. Stretch and movement techniques are utilized to provide relaxation to the foot. Oil, cream and lotion are not utilized in traditional reflexology work. You, yourself, can most easily provide reflexology work frequently and consistently, using self applied

techniques to break up the stress patterns in your feet and hands. Apply pressure simply using a foot roller or, for the hands, a golf ball. It is easy to do reflexology while doing other activities. Put a foot roller under your desk at work, use a golf ball on your hands while waiting for the kids at school or do either while watching television. Be creative in how and where you apply techniques but be consistent. Obviously, professional Reflexologists are available to you but always bear in mind that a Reflexologist cannot diagnosis or prescribe. Also remember reflexology is an adjunct to medical help not a replacement for it and always seek medical help if you have an urgent or acute problem.

Squats:

lower back leaning against the wall.

Studies have proven that squats are the best exercise to shape and sculpt your gluteus medius and maximus. Instead of performing traditional squats which place a lot of stress onto the back, use an exercise ball for support.

Step 3: Push your weight into your heels as you return to your starting position.

For a Taut Tush

Step 1: Stand shoulders width apart. Place your exercise ball level with your

Step 2: Bend your knees into a squat with your knees in line with your toes. Position your body in a ninety degree angle.

Step 4: Perform 3 sets of 16 squats at least three times a week.

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Why Dance? You are never too old or too young to reap the benefits of dance. From a Ballet class to a Jazz class, Hip Hop and Tap, you can count on getting great exercise while taking a dance class. As you move, groove, and stretch, the heart quickens, and before you know it, exercising is becoming fun. You are stretching and sweating, jumping and turning your way to a healthier you. Beyond the fact that dance is great exercise, it also offers wonderful social settings. Need to make new friends? Want a weekend play group? You can make many connections in dance classes that carry over into your personal life. Simply put, you are in a dance class with others sharing one common denominatoreveryone loves to dance. It’s a great meet and greet even for 3 year olds! Along with the exercise and fun of taking dance, you learn dance fundamentals that challenge you mentally. As dancers learn technique, they are memorizing and applying those techniques. Dancers must focus in class, thus improving their comprehension and memorization skills. A dance class instills the discipline to stay engaged in an activity and connect with the lesson. A ballet class is characterized by grace and precision while a jazz class focuses on coordination, musicality, flexibility, and expression. A tap class teaches rhythm and beat. Hip hop keeps up with the times and is an energetic class that not only teaches the latest trends in dance but gives you moves you can show off to your friends. You get to choose! The dance teachers at Steps Ahead Dance can get you dancing whether you’re 3 or 93! It’s never too late or too early to learn something new.

Squats:

The Best Exercise For Your Rear

Studies have proven that squats are the best exercise to shape and sculpt your gluteus medius and maximus. Instead of performing traditional squats which place a lot of stress onto the back, use an exercise ball for support. Step 1: Stand shoulders width apart. Place your exercise ball level with your lower back leaning against the wall. Step 2: Bend your knees into a squat with your knees in line with your toes. Position your body in a ninety degree angle. Step 3: Push your weight into your heels as you return to your starting position. Step 4: Perform 3 sets of 16 squats at least three times a week. For valuable coupons visit: mytownsbest.com • ©2012 Health and longevity • 1-888-816-2295


Carolina

Hearing Services As AudigyCertified™ doctors of audiology, we at Carolina Hearing Services deeply understand how important our patients’ communication with family, friends and colleagues truly is. Our goal is simply to offer you the best hearing care possible, through comprehensive evaluations, diagnoses, and−when appropriate−provide for you technological solutions that best suit your lifestyle and budget. We’re very excited to introduce to you AG Connex™ and Surflink Mobile, the world’s first “set it and forget it” connectivity solution for hearing device wearers. With AG Connex, you can listen to your home media−your television, MP3 player or stereo, and your computer−at your desires volume, while your family listens at theirs! Your IRIS™-enabled AGX hearing devices seamlessly connect to your TV, stereo, computer or music player−whichever is closest in range. Additionally, you can hear telephone conversation in both ears. Remote microphones enhance your hearing from a distance and with background noise. No installation necessary! Benefits of the AG Connex: •

Strong wireless signal

Adjustable range and volume control

Constantly seeks out speech, even in noisy environments

No wires, clutter, or extra gadgets to wear

Reduces noise between syllables

No audio delay or lip synch issues

Dr. Catherine J. Martine is a Doctor of Audiology with advanced degrees in hearing care. Dr. Martine and her staff at Carolina Hearing Services are Audigy Certified, experienced professionals, and recognized as one of the most elite practices in our market. We deliver expert advice, extraordinary technology and excellent service at an exceptional value. So, what are you waiting for? Reconnect today with the people and activities you love without compromising anyone’s comfort. Call us today at 843-556-4327 and schedule an appointment to experience Connex and Surflink Mobile for yourself.

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Stay in your sitting position, relax your shoulders and look straight ahead. Turn your head slowly to the right and have your chin even with your shoulder. Hold this position for five seconds and then return to looking straight ahead. Repeat on the left side so you are looking left and your chin is even with your left shoulder. Hold for five seconds and then return to the facing forward position, Repeat this exercise three times on both sides.

While still in the sitting position, keep your head facing forward and your shoulders relaxed. Tilt your head to the right side and hold for five seconds. Come back into the middle. Tilt your head to the left side and hold for five seconds, then come back into the middle. Repeat this on both sides for three sets. You should feel the stretch in your neck during this exercise.

For the next exercise you want to be on your hands and knees. Drop your head down toward the floor and keep your neck, spine and elbows straight. Slowly inhale. Exhale slowly and as you do so curve your back downward and lift your head upward. Repeat this five times.

Sit on the floor again facing forward. Tilt your head back slowly and move your jaw up and down. Hold this position for ten seconds then return to the forward facing position. Repeat this three times.

FACIAL

F

EXERCISES For a Firm Neck

acial muscles lose elasticity over time and as a result you may begin to notice some wrinkles around the eyes and face. Another problem you may begin to notice is loose sagging skin around the neck and throat area as this area tends to show age faster than other areas of the face. Many people will resort to expensive and invasive surgeries to reduce the sagging skin around the neck. However, there are some great exercises you can do to target the neck area and reduce sagging skin. Some effective exercises to help tone the neck and throat and reduce sagging are: •

Sit on the floor and have your legs folded comfortably and your back straight. Slowly tilt your head backwards and hold this position for 10 seconds. Return head to the forward position. You should feel the stretch in the jaw line as you do this exercise. Repeat for five sets.

These simple exercises are very effective for toning and tightening the muscles in the neck and throat area. If you do these exercises every day you will build stronger muscles that will give you a more youthful appearance and you should see results in a couple of weeks.

Maintain a Healthy Mouth Patients often ask what they need to do to keep as many of their teeth as they can for a lifetime. In essence, it all boils down to controlling two key factors: bacteria and bite forces. I often tell patients that we can control these factors by addressing three things. These things are gums, bite and teeth. GUMS (also known as gingiva) The gums ( or gingiva) are the protective covering for the jawbones which hold the teeth in place. These structures are like the foundation of a house. We obviously don’t want any loss of the jawbone which would loosen the teeth. Bone loss can be caused by bacteria which cause the body to shed the teeth. This “cures” the body’s infection by ridding the body of the source of the infection, the teeth. This eliminates the disease process known as periodontal disease. Gum damage of this type can usually be avoided by removing bacteria promptly and with regular professional cleanings. BITE (also known as occlusion) Heavy bite forces (clenching and grinding) can be a major cause of gum and bone loss, fractured teeth, tooth sensitivity and jaw joint (TMJ) problems. Studies have shown that nighttime clenching forces can be four to five times normal chewing forces. Correcting bite problems may involve braces, adjusting the teeth, or, more simply, the use of a night guard which is a protective plastic covering worn over the teeth. Soft night guards which are not custom-

fitted may worsen the problem because they may actually promote clenching and/or grinding. TEETH Teeth are the only part of the human body that do not heal. When a tooth fractures or suffers from extensive decay, it may need to be extracted. In order to avoid losing teeth, both bacteria (which can cause cavities or bone loss) and bite forces need to be controlled. Tooth decay is caused when bacteria break down sugar to create acid. Acid erodes the enamel and opens the door for more rapid decay of the tooth. The most common problem we see in our practice is lack of flossing. Flossing cleans 50% of the tooth surface and is critical to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Our saying is “only floss the ones you want to keep”. Excellent cleansing of the teeth and gums, avoiding sugary soft drinks or sweets, preventive care (such as sealants and fluoride) and regular exams with xrays help prevent problems from getting much worse. Addressing these issues are the key to maintaining a healthy mouth that will last a lifetime. Dr Robert J. Beall is a graduate of the Medical University of South Carolina, an Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, Volunteer Clinical Instructor, Medical University of South Carolina. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the Academy of General Dentistry.

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Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis affects the lives of millions of people every year. But what exactly is rheumatoid arthritis, and what causes it? It is an autoimmune disease, which causes chronic inflammation of the joints. This disease causes inflammation of the tissue around the joints and other organs in the body. Like other autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis is an illness causes the body’s immune system to mistakenly attack the body’s own tissue. The body’s immune system is designed to attack and destroy foreign cells discovered such as infections. What happens, however, with an autoimmune disease is that the immune system targets the body’s tissues when they are associated with inflammation. However, rheumatoid arthritis is also a systematic illness because it can affect multiple body organs. Also although it is considered a chronic disease, there are patients who may not have any symptoms for long periods of time. But sadly, this illness is progressive. Basically, you can have long periods of time without symptoms, but with this illness you could experience functional disability and/or joint destruction. The joint inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis causes swelling, pain, redness, and stiffness in your joints. It also causes swelling in tendons, muscles, and ligaments. In some cases this constant inflammation will cause destruction of the cartilage, ligaments, and bones. This will lead to deformity of the joints. This damage may occur early on in the disease and progress. However, studies have proven that the progression of damage is not correlated with the degree of swelling, stiffness, or pain you are experiencing. This form of arthritis is not race or gender exclusive. Although studies show that it is more common in women than in men. Statistics show that over one million people in the United States have been diagnosed with this illness. It is more common in individuals over forty years of age. Causes: Currently there is not a proven cause for rheumatoid arthritis. However, infection caused by virus, fungi, and bacteria have always been suspected. It is also possible that this illness has a genetic basis. Environmental factors have been suspected to trigger immune system activation in susceptible individuals. Basically this includes individuals with a family history of rheumatoid arthritis or individuals who live or work in areas where their risk of catching one of these infections is high. For example, there has been a link between smoking and developing arthritis. Individuals who smoke or work in areas that smoking is allowed, according to the study, have a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms: When this illness is active, these symptoms include: lack of appetite, loss of energy, fatigue, low grade fevers, stiffness and muscle and joint aches. The muscle and joint stiffness is prone to occur more often in the morning hours. If you experience flares, your joints will become red, painful, tender, and swollen. These flares occur due to the lining of joint tissue becoming inflamed. This causes production of excessive joint fluids. The lining of the joint tissue will also thicken when it is inflamed. Your joints are inflamed in a symmetrical pattern where both sides of your body are affected. However, occasionally you will notice that only one joint becomes inflamed, and this can include small joints found in your feet. Do not confused rheumatoid arthritis with other forms of arthritis as it will mimic these other illnesses. Rheumatoid is chronic. Another symptom that may occur although rare is that it may cause tightening of your vocal chords. When this joint become inflamed your voice will become hoarse. This inflammation can also affect the glands of your eyes and mouth causing Sjogren’s Syndrome, which is basically harsh dryness. The lining of your lungs can become inflamed if you have rheumatoid arthritis. If this occurs you will have deep chest pain, shortness of breath, and coughing. In severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis, suffers have experienced pericarditis which is inflammation of tissues surrounding the heart. They have become anemic; have had an enlarged spleen, carpal tunnel syndrome, and vasculitis which are inflammation of the blood vessels. Diagnosed: Rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed by an examination of the joints for deformity and inflammation, the skin for possible nodules, and inflammation of other body parts. Blood tests and x-rays are then conducted. The doctor will make his/her diagnosis based on patterns of the symptoms, the distribution of inflammation, and the findings of tests. If your family doctor suspects

that you do, in fact, have rheumatoid arthritis he/she will transfer you to a rheumatologist. Through blood tests abnormal antibodies and citrulline antibodies are present in individuals, who have this illness. Antinuclear antibodies are almost always found if the patient does have rheumatoid arthritis. There are several stages of the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. The following lists what to expect at each stage. Stage 1: The doctor may not find damage on the x-rays. But there are signs of bone thinning. Stage 2: The x-ray will show evidence of bone thinning near joint(s) with or without slight bone damages. Slight cartilage damage is possible. Joint mobility could become limited, although there are not any visible deformities. Abnormalities of soft tissue near joints are possible. Stage 3: X-rays will show evidence of bone damage and cartilage damage. There is also thinning of the bones around the joint. Joint deformity without permanent stiffening and/or fixation of the joint is possible. You may experience extensive muscle atrophy. Abnormalities of joint soft tissue are possible. Stage 4: The x-rays will show evidence of bone and cartilage damage and osteoporosis near joints is present. Joint deformity with permanent fixation of the joint and extensive muscle atrophy are present. There are abnormalities of soft tissue near joints. Treatment: Aggressive management could improve function, prevent damage of joints when monitored by x-rays, and prevent work disability. Other treatments include: medications (slow acting and fast acting), rest, joint strengthening exercises, joint protection, and education. Some of these include methotrexate and hydroxychloroguine.

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Solution

H R K X M S Z S G H C K N S X A R H S Q C O S R Z K D Q E K D W B R D P W S J K

Remove That Lump Bryan Cribb, DVM

Whenever a dog or cat gets a lump, the diagnosis usually falls into one of three categories: neoplasia, abscess, or granuloma. Abscesses and granulomas are generally related to injury, inflammation, and infection and can often be treated without surgery. Neoplasia is the category that includes tumors. Tumors can be benign (don’t usually spread to internal organs) or malignant (cancerous-often spread to internal organs or brain); therefore, finding out which your pet has is of the utmost importance in determining how to proceed. A common benign tumor in pets is the fatty tumor or lipoma. They often feel like a big ball of fat under the skin and almost never spread to internal organs. Harmless, right? Not always. Depending on location (such as an armpit), these masses can grow large enough to interfere with the pet’s ability to walk and could even hide or incorporate more dangerous tumors. Malignant tumors on or just under the skin sometimes appear pretty harmless but can either destroy healthy tissue right where they are or spread to internal organs and even prove fatal in some cases. The only way to get an exact diagnosis is to send a sample to a veterinary pathologist. A needle or partial biopsy can sometimes be used, but the surest way to get an answer is to remove and send the entire lump. If the result is bad, the next step would be to remove the entire mass anyway. Also, recent advances in veterinary oncology can sometimes result in more specific cancer treatments and often better outcomes. If the test result is good, you may have prevented a small, benign mass from becoming enormous or even in some cases malignant. When in doubt, remove that lump! For valuable coupons visit: mytownsbest.com • ©2012 Health and longevity • 1-888-816-2295


Nutrition Update:

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Love You Honey What if you could find a magic potion that would sweeten your tea, create mind blowing delicious cakes and dramatically improve your health? You may be surprised to find that bees create this amazing elixir in the form of honey. That’s right, raw honey is nature’s oldest sweetener and it also promotes true, radiant health. Thousands of years before the invention of white sugar, people used honey to enhance their food and support their bodies. But don’t be fooled by the sticky jar that is sitting in your cupboard. Most honey is highly processed, over heated and chemically refined, leaving it lifeless and free of any benefits. Excessive heating destroys the valuable enzymes, vitamins, and minerals, as well as unique nutrients that make honey the super food that it is. You may be surprised to discover that raw honey contains many of the same antioxidants as green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale and broccoli. This isn’t to say that it is a replacement for veggies, but it is certainly worth adding to your diet as a way of fight aging and disease. Honey has been shown to have an antimicrobial effect against bacteria and other unwanted invaders. Raw honey is being used by doctors in the UK to treat mouth and throat cancer patients to reduce their chances of contracting bacterial infections. Many medical studies have found that honey can help heal ulcers, as well as offering relief from insomnia, sunburn, and sore throats. It also boosts energy levels and keeps you from getting colds, the flu and other illnesses. It promotes the growth of “good” bacteria in your intestinal tract. Raw honey is loaded with vitamins and is particularly high in minerals which are vital for maintaining health including calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, copper, chromium, manganese and selenium. Amino acids are contained in honey, which are nature’s building blocks. Incredible plant compounds are found in honey that gives the immune system a giant boost. This magic potion is also highly alkalizing and helps the body maintain a balanced PH. A study was conducted in order to find out if raw honey could stop the growth of tumors. They injected mice with cancer cells and discovered that those mice who took honey orally before the injections were less likely to form the tumors and tumors appeared to shrink after being injected with bee venom. Researchers suggest that bee products may cause cell suicide, which helps the immune system fight the development of tumors. Raw honey is also food for the heart since it reduces homocysteine levels and promotes circulation. It can also help calm, soothe, and promote a good night’s sleep, not to mention sweetening your tea and transforming your cakes!

For valuable coupons visit: mytownsbest.com • ©2012 Health and longevity • 1-888-816-2295


These factors include: 1.

Changes in estrogen and progesterone levels.

2.

Prolactin, thyroid hormones, growth factor, and insulin.

3.

Hormonal products from the breast’s glandular and fat cells.

Symptoms: Symptoms of fibroid cysts in the breast include:

Fibroid Cysts in the Breast Breast fibroids are benign, movable nodules or lumps that cause painful swelling close to the surface of the breast. Among the many names also used to describe these nodules or lumps are fibrocystic breast disease, mammary dysphasia, fibroid breasts, diffuse cystic antipathy, and benign breast disease. These fibroids are common in women thirty years of age and older. Roughly 33% of these fibroids are caused by menstrual and/or hormonal cycles. Some are caused by the accumulation of fluid in cells and/or cellular debris found in the breast. Causes: There are several factors that contribute to the development of fibroids in the breast.

1.

Irregularly shaped areas of thick tissue which are ridge like or lumpy on the surface of the breast.

2.

Feeling of fullness and/or heaviness.

3.

Extreme sensitivity to touch.

4.

A burning sensation in the breast.

5.

Dull ache and/or severe pain.

6.

Premenstrual tenderness and swelling

7.

Changes in nipple sensation and/or itching

8.

Discomfort in the breast (persistent and intermittent).

Diagnosis: Fibroids in the breast are diagnosed by physical examination of the surface of the breast. Mammograms are used once the fibroid has been discovered by physical examination. Specialized ultrasounds are also used. In order to determine if the cysts are benign or malignant a biopsy and/or aspiration of the breast are performed.

the breast the risk of developing breast cancer is increased. What happens is that the cells that form these fibroids do not respond properly to signals controlling cell growth and division. This genetic error can cause cells to multiply. The genetic defect can lead to development of breast cancer. Toxins found in the environment, in the diet, and metabolic toxins interacting with hormone systems will increase genetic mutations increasing the odds of breast cancer. According to studies, only 5% of suffers of fibroids in the breast actually develop breast cancer. Treatment: Surgery is an option when a fibroid will not disappear after fluid is drained. Dietary therapy is effective in treating breast fibroids. With this the patient switches to a low fat and/or vegetarian diet to prevent obesity and imbalanced estrogen levels. Eating high fiber foods, such as, apples, cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower increase estrogen excretion. Vitamin B rich foods including wheat germ, brown rice, and nutritional yeast aid in fighting the development of fibroids. Avoiding sugary, salty, and fried foods during the menstrual cycle is beneficial. Consuming diuretic foods flush out toxins. These foods include: dark greens, cucumber, and watermelon. Consuming the recommended daily allowance of water will also decrease development of fibroids in the breast. Medical therapy to help fight the development of fibroid cysts includes the use of synthetic androgen and evening prim rose oil.

Cancer risks: With the presence of fibroids in

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Is it a Cold or Allergies? Telling the differences between allergies and a cold is often a matter of understanding the symptoms of each. From a medical standpoint, allergies are a histamine response to things you are allergic to, like pollens, mold, or dust mites. Colds, on the other hand, are the body’s response to dealing with a virus. There may be similarities between the two, but the differences between allergies and a cold can help you understand how to best address these separate conditions. One of the early differences between allergies and a cold is onset of symptoms. Allergies generally occur quickly, with all symptoms, like runny nose, itchy eyes, and scratchy throat happening within a few hours of exposure to allergens. Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days. You might one day have a slightly congested nose and a slightly scratchy throat, but it may take several days before your symptoms progress to a full-blown cold. Nasal discharge can also signify one of the differences between allergies and a cold. Allergic nasal response tends to show discharge that is clear or white, and fairly thin. In the early days of a cold, nasal discharge is thicker, sometimes so thick it is difficult to clear the nose by blowing it. You should note with either allergies or colds continued nasal discharge that becomes thick brown, dark yellow or green might indicate a sinus infection. How long you continue to have symptoms also can help you determine the differences between allergies and a cold. Generally, a cold lasts for seven to fourteen days. Allergies, especially seasonal ones, can last for three weeks to several months. Colds can occur at any time of year, but allergies

to pollen are likely to occur most often in spring and fall. Both allergies and colds can cause feelings of fatigue, headaches, sneezing, coughing and asthma. Yet one of the differences between allergies and a cold is that colds from certain viruses may cause slight fevers. Allergies, however, rarely cause fevers unless you have a sinus infection. You might also notice that you can determine the differences between allergies and a cold by the medications you take. If you take a decongestant, this will be hard to determine. But if you take an antihistamine, your allergy symptoms are likely to resolve quickly, and may not return until you are re-exposed to allergens. An antihistamine may provide minor relief to cold symptoms but it will not eliminate them. Though similarities exist in these two annoying conditions, recognizing the differences between allergies and a cold can help in preventing allergies. If you know you are prone to seasonal allergies, many antihistamines can help you almost completely eliminate allergy symptoms. It’s much harder to prevent a cold, though good hand washing practices certainly help.

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B2

Vitamin B2: Riboflavin

Vitamin B2 is produced by the body’s intestinal flora, where it is easily absorbed. However, only small quantities are stored and the body requires a constant flow of vitamin. Function: Vitamin B2 aids the body in using oxygen and in breaking down amino acids, carbohydrates, and fatty acids. It is required to activate Vitamin B6 that creates niacin and assists the adrenal gland. It is used to create red blood cells, antibodies, cell respiration, and cell growth. It is most beneficial to skin, nails, and hair. Symptoms of Deficiency: Cracks and sores around the corners of the mouth, eye disorders, skin lesions, and inflammation of the mouth and/or tongue are all signs of a Vitamin B2 deficiency. Other symptoms include: dermatitis, hair loss, dizziness, poor digestion, light sensitivity, and slow mental response. Significant Sources: Organ meats, such as liver is a good source of Vitamin B2. Other sources include: cheese, nuts, eggs, lean meats, fish, legumes, yogurt, vegetables, green leafy vegetables and milk.

For valuable coupons visit: mytownsbest.com • ©2012 Health and longevity • 1-888-816-2295


The Health of Your Interior Have you ever considered the impact that window treatments have on the enjoyment of your home? The right window treatments do more than enhance the aesthetic appeal of your surroundings—they reduce glare, block damaging UV rays, and help to minimize energy costs. Many homes have one or more windows that, at certain times of day, allow too much light into the home. UV rays can affect the “health” of your interior finishes by fading fabrics and wood floors. Your personal health is affected by uncontrolled glare. Think about your typical reaction to glare: squinting. Choose the right window treatments and you can reduce eye strain, headaches, and even crow’s feet! Numerous window

treatment choices offer UV protection and glare control. If you are considering plantation shutters or blinds, be sure to ask about the product’s UV protection. Monterey composite wood shutters by Norman, available through Budget Blinds, feature a special UV inhibitor and a no-VOC acrylic coating. And our faux wood blinds carry a UV protection rating that far exceeds what is available on blinds from some “big-box” stores.

Other good options include solar shades, cellular shades, and lined or unlined woven woods. Solar shades are rated in terms of how much light is blocked when the shade is closed, with up to a 100% block being available. Cellular shades and woven woods both offer a top-down, bottom-up option. This

allows the window treatment to be raised or lowered from top or bottom, to maximize views but minimize glare as light changes at different times of day and in different seasons of the year. Additionally, double cell cellular shades are energy efficient and available in many fabrics, some with blackout liners. And woven woods are made from a wide range of natural fibers, woven from sustainable reeds and woods like bamboo. Woven woods are a great choice if you want to incorporate more eco-friendly elements in your home. If you are inspired to improve the health and enjoyment of your home, call Budget Blinds at 843-856-9498 for your free in-home consultation.

For valuable coupons visit: mytownsbest.com • ©2012 Health and longevity • 1-888-816-2295


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