Lifestyles
JANUARY FEBRUARY 2016
20 Ways to Live Life to the Fullest!
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contents JANUARY FEBRUARY 2016
| VOL 5 NO 1
FeatureStory
CoverPhoto
4 BUCKET LIST 2016
Time is a precious commodity, which is why many people try to embrace life and live it to the fullest.
In this Issue 6
Understanding life insurance
7
Fight post workout fatigue
9
The price is wrong
10 Securing party reservations 14 Protect your identity 15 Relieve chronic pain
20 Ways to Live Life to the Fullest!
LSM-lifestylesmagazine.ca is published six times a year by YouLink Inc. Contact us at info@lifestylesmagazine.ca and visit us at www.lifetylesmagazine.ca. All rights reserved. Letters to the editor are invited. Please send letters to info@lifestylesmagazine.ca. Reproductions of any article, photograph or artwork without specific written permission of the publisher is strictly forbidden. The information contained in lifestylesmagazine.ca may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without prior wrtten permission. The publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. The options expressed in lifestylesmagazine.ca are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the publisher or advertisers. YouLink Inc., 3-200 Memorial Avenue, Suite 104, Orillia ON. L3V 5X6
R. Brock Weir Publisher/Editor brock@lifestylesmagazine.ca 705 330 2262
Features trends
DINING OUT
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protein
& DIET
Shelley Weir Associate Publisher shelley@lifestylesmagazine.ca 705 330 1026
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Linda Laforge Production | Creative | Design linda@lifestylesmagazine.ca 705 728 6218
classic
THAI
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20 Live Life
Big changes are coming to
Ways to
in 2016 Stay connected! Lifestylesmagazine.ca Growing to serve you better
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to the Fullest
ime is a precious commodity, which is why many people try to embrace life and live it to the fullest. Although many people adopt the philosophy of living life to the fullest at a young age, this approach garnered greater attention thanks to a 2007 movie. Directed by Rob Reiner, “The Bucket List” starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman introduced a larger audience to setting goals and doing as much as possible to make those goals a reality. Freeman and Nicholson played two terminally ill men who set off to complete their personal to-do lists before their diseases catch up with them. The movie helped coin the term “bucket list,” which is a reference to things individuals want to do before they “kick the bucket.” Although the two main characters in the film are terminally ill, the idea of creating a bucket list is something anyone hoping to live a full, adventurous life can do. In fact, several bucket list organizations have sprung up, and other groups help make trips and other goals happen. People can even meet up with others who share the same desires and do them together. While anyone’s bucket list is a personal endeavor, there are some goals that are quite popular and desired by many. The following are some ideas to get a person started.
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Fly a plane
Take friends on a skydiving adventure Drive Cross-Country
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Spend a night in a castle.
Take a parent on his or her dream vacation. Immerse yourself in the culture of a foreign country. Go back to school to embark on a different career. See the Northern Lights.
Become fluent in another language.
Go on safari and see endangered animals in their natural habitats.
Take friends on a skydiving adventure.
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Dive the Great Barrier Reef
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Drive cross-country.
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Tour every continent. Do a professional photo shoot with you as the model. Meet your favourite actor, athlete and/or author. Be an extra in a movie. Publish a book of any sort.
Participate in a festival, such as running with the bulls or Oktoberfest, in the festivals’ countries of origin.
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Dive at the Great Barrier Reef. Fly a plane.
Gather your entire family together for the biggest family reunion yet.
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Try a new hobby that is out of your comfort zone. Go whale watching.
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Understanding
life
insurance
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ife insurance is a product few people want to think about. That’s perfectly understandable, as life insurance forces men and women to consider their own mortality. But life insurance is not something adults should avoid, especially if they have dependents. Many people should consider life insurance when estate planning so they can provide security for their loved ones. But life insurance is a purchase unlike any other, and people may be confused or intimidated when attempting to purchase life insurance policies.
Deciding if you need coverage
While life insurance seems like the kind of thing every person should have, that’s not necessarily the case. For example, single men and women with no dependents and no tax or debt concerns generally don’t need life insurance. If you are single but have tax issues or a considerable amount of debt, then life insurance can be used to pay those debts upon your death. Adults with dependents, such as a spouse and/or children, should consider purchasing life insurance, which can help
your surviving dependents maintain their quality of life and pay their bills in the wake of your death.
Buying life insurance
Much like various other types of insurance, life insurance can be purchased from an insurance agent or via an insurance company’s website. When choosing a company from which to buy a life insurance policy, look for a company with a strong rating, as no one wants to end up being burned by a life insurance provider who goes out of business. Some people prefer to work with independent brokers who can share information about products from various providers rather than just the ones offered by the firm companyaffiliated agents work for.
Choosing coverage
When choosing coverage, you will no doubt be asked if you prefer term insurance or permanent insurance. Term insurance is the least expensive life insurance, and such policies only last for a predetermined number of years. Men and women may purchase life insurance policies if they only want life insurance until they retire or until their
children reach adulthood. Permanent insurance is more expensive and will last from the moment you purchase the policy until your death. Many people choose permanent life insurance policies so the money their beneficiaries receive upon their death can be used to pay estate taxes. In addition, there is an investment component to permanent insurance policies, as a portion of the premiums on such policies is invested (policies will spell out how the money is invested) and allowed to grow tax-free so long as the policy is open. Term insurance only provides protection with no investments. When choosing how much coverage to purchase, it’s easy to go overboard and aim for as much as possible. However, many financial advisors suggest purchasing enough coverage to pay for funeral costs and a level of income replacement you can comfortably afford. If your spouse does not work, you should consider purchasing enough coverage so he or she can afford to pay the family’s day-to-day cost of living expenses. Life insurance merits serious consideration, and adults should do their homework and fully understand a policy before signing any contracts.
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How to fight post workout fatigue
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any people begin an exercise regimen to fight the kind of fatigue that can result from a sedentary lifestyle. But what about the fatigue that can settle in after a workout? Post-workout fatigue may be a byproduct of several things, but the good news is that combatting exhaustion after a workout can be somewhat simple.
Don’t push yourself so hard
Many people, especially those who have resolved to be more physically active, make the mistake of pushing themselves too hard during a workout. While it’s great to break a sweat when exercising, you don’t want to be so tired after a workout that you have no energy. One of the benefits of routine exercise is that it makes active men and women feel more energized, so if your workout is having an adverse effect on your energy levels you might be going too hard. Endurance is something that builds over time, and as you grow more acclimated to exercise, you likely won’t feel as fatigued. If you are not new to physical activity but still feel drained after your workouts, lower the intensity of your workouts and take more brief breaks between exercises and repetitions when strength training.
Revisit your workout schedule
Your post-workout fatigue may be a byproduct of when you are working out. While early morning workouts boost many people’s energy levels throughout the day, that’s not the case for
everyone, especially people who tend to function more effectively later in the day. If you like to workout at night but are finding it difficult to sleep at night, you might be more suited to working out earlier in the day. Conventional wisdom has long suggested that working out at night can negatively affect sleep, but the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center notes that the best time of day to workout varies from individual to individual based on each person’s circadian rhythm. Simply put, adults who want to find the best time of day to workout may need to do some trial and error. In addition, recognize that exercising daily is more important than when you exercise, so find the time that’s right for you and stick with it.
Drink water before working out
Dehydration can have a very negative impact on your energy levels, so working out while dehydrated may tire your muscles out before you even lift a single weight, and that fatigue may still be present post-workout. If you workout in the evening after work, then drink enough water during the day so your muscles are not dehydrated when you hit the gym. If you like working out in the early morning, give your body
some time to hydrate between getting out of bed and beginning your workout.
Eat right after working out
Some people find they are very hungry after working out, while others do not. But eating after a workout is a good idea. Protein helps muscles recover and grow after a workout, and that recovery can help combat post-workout fatigue. If you do not typically feel hungry after working out, as little as 10 to 20 grams of protein can do the trick. A single serving of Greek yogurt provides roughly 17 grams of protein, and that won’t make you feel full.
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The Price is Wrong!
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Get the price right when selling your home
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he most common reason a house doesn’t sell is its price. So let’s talk about “The Price is Right.” A popular TV show since 1972, “The Price is Right” has people contend against one another to guess the closest price of an item without going over the actual value. If they guess too high they lose. Much like the TV show, real estate often works along the same line. If the price of your home is too high, you could lose to someone who prices it right. It is natural when selling your home to want to get top dollar and hit a home run by maximizing your profits. Today’s buyers are more educated than ever before, with access to information readily available online. Much like you don’t want to under price your home, people also don’t want to overpay. Here are some pricing mistakes you should steer clear of.
The emotional price point
If you have set the price of your home based on emotion you need to hear the “It’s important to be objective” speech. Buyers won’t take into consideration how much you paid for your home, how much you have invested into your home, or how much you need to get out of your home. A property is only worth what someone (else) is willing to pay for it, and not a penny more. So do your research to measure up what the market expects versus the price in your head or get a third party unbiased opinion from an accredited appraiser before setting your price.
Let’s just see what happens
You only get one shot at a first impression and that also holds true in real estate. People make mistakes. The important thing is that we learn from our mistakes. If you have overpriced your home you need to admit your mistake and adjust your price to the correct market value. “Death by a thousand cuts” is a reference often made in real estate for a home that has started way too high and then lowered their asking price multiple times. These multiple price reductions often result in a longer time on market, as well as a lower selling price and can be hard to swallow, resulting in a more frustrating selling experience.
Time is on my side (it isn’t)
Setting the price high because you aren’t in a rush will only result in your home sitting on the market. Houses that start by being priced too high, often sit on the market, and become stale. Buyers can easily find out how long your home has been listed for, and if your home has been sitting there for a long period of time, buyers will start to ask things such as ” What is wrong with this house?” “ Why has no one bought it?” Now you are not only wasting time, but also potentially losing buyers and money. Don’t just “test the water.” You need to either be all in or be out. List your home when you are serious about selling, and price your home properly right from the start. You have a greater chance of selling if you’re not just on the market to simply see what might happen.
Inflating your price to cover agent commission fees
Buyers have a limit in what they are going to pay, just like sellers have a bottom line. Real estate commission could be the factor in lining these two thresholds up. A real estate transaction doesn’t have to be so costly. At the end of the day, what should matter more to you is what goes in your pocket, and less what your home sells for. The true cost of using the traditional real estate commission model is typically (but not always) 5% plus HST (in Ontario). As an example, selling a $300,000 home could cost you around $15,000 in commission plus about $1,950 in HST. An alternative to high commissions would be selling your home yourself with the assistance of a high tech, high touch marketing company like PropertyGuys.com. Typical marketing packages could cost 10 times less than you would expect to pay a traditional agent. This flexibility could also allow you to list your home at the right price without affecting your net profit. Pricing your home is not rocket science, but it is a science. With a little market research, a third party unbiased opinion from an accredited appraiser, and your new knowledge of what to look out for, you are well on your way to setting a fair market price that ultimately will lead to a sold sign on your lawn! Jason Schlegel, PropertyGuys.com
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Securing party reservations and other restaurant special requests
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estaurants can be ideal spots to celebrate special occasions or simply get a night off from cooking. One of the joys of dining out is having a delicious meal prepared and served without having to worry about post-meal cleanup. Dining establishments are in the business of keeping customers happy, but diners can do their part to make their next dining experience as enjoyable as possible. When planning your night out, call the restaurant or make a visit in person to inquire about their reservation policy. Find out how far in advance reservations must be made, and discuss the size of the party you plan to bring. Restaurant employees can advise you as to which days tend to be the least busy and which times ensure you will have a smoother dining experience, especially if your dinner party will be large. If possible, become a regular patron at a particular restaurant you like. This allows you to develop a rapport with the staff and possibly even the owners. Like the restaurant’s page on
social media and sign up for email alerts about specials so you receive advance notice about upcoming events. For special requests that go beyond regular restaurant offerings, consult with the manager well in advance of your party. Many restaurants are able to accommodate special requests, such as renting out the space or bringing in flowers. The restaurant may have a set of protocol they follow or vendors with whom they contract, and that can make the dining experience even more special. Discuss the extra costs involved and work out the details thoroughly so nothing is left to chance. Call ahead a few days in advance and confirm the reservation and special plans, if any. This way there will be no surprises come the night of the dinner. Always be on time for a reservation, especially
when you have a large dinner party. The restaurant’s job is to turn over tables, and while you want to have a relaxing meal, you do not want to be late or dawdle past an acceptable time. Consider the restaurant’s business and be a good patron. Remember to reward exceptional and friendly service during your meal and when paying the bill. Generous diners who treat the staff courteously and go above and beyond in terms of gratuity will likely be remembered the next time they dine out. Go out of your way to praise exemplary service and offer to give positive reviews of an establishment online. Hosting a special occasion at a restaurant can be even more enjoyable with some pre-dinner planning and by working with restaurant staff you trust.
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Trends you may see when dining out When dining out, expect to find more attractive plates, as restaurateurs understand diners like to photograph and share their meals through social media.
or an impressive dessert enjoyed during a night out with friends. Many restaurateurs understand that their latest culinary creation is likely to find its way onto social media, so a greater emphasis is being placed on plating or making foods look better when first presented to diners.
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estaurants are thriving once again. Since 2014, restaurant-goers have renewed interest in socializing away from home and more money to spend, a stark turnaround from preceding years when diners were living on tighter budgets thanks to a recession that began in 2008. As crowds waiting in line for their favorite eateries begin to grow anew, restaurants have begun to implement new menus and dining styles in an attempt to attract a broader clientele. Many trends are catering to the younger, technologydriven customer.
Photo-ready foods
Diners are utilizing social media to share their menu choices with people all around the world. Scroll through anyone’s news feed and you’re likely to find photograph’s of last night’s entrée
a greater variety of foods on kids’ menus. Soups, salads, leaner meats, and more vegetables are some of the items kids can choose from.
Increase in craft foods
Greater emphasis is being placed on creating meals that look and taste good and are produced in eco and community friendly ways. Craft foods are made in small batches from locally sourced ingredients, helping to create a symbiotic relationship between eateries, farmers, food manufacturers, and diners.
Community tables
Make new friends while dining out by getting seated at community tables, which are no longer restricted to Japanese hibachi restaurants. These larger tables pair different diners together.
Digital kiosks
Desire an appetizer or want to reorder another beverage? You may not have to flag down your server to do so. Several restaurants have implemented tablet-based service at their tables. In addition to playing games or getting apprised on the latest specials, guests can order some menu items through table-mounted tablets. And if you’re in a rush for the check, swipe your credit card and pay the bill without waiting for your waiter to bring it over.
Healthier kids’ choices
For years, the standard fare for kids has been burgers, fries and various recipes for macand-cheese. But a survey of professional chefs sponsored by the National Restaurant Association revealed that many restaurants are now offering
Neurogastronomy
Many restaurants are employing neurogastronomy, or the science of manipulating perception of how foods taste by external factors. Everything from the colours of dishes to the sounds of music being piped in can affect your perception of taste.
Prepaid reservations
Today you can purchase just about anything in advance, from movie tickets to vacations. Soon you may be able to prepay for restaurant meals as well. Arrive at your reserved time and enjoy your meal. This trend is beneficial to restaurants because they are guaranteed revenue even if patrons do not show up. Trends in dining out can make meal experiences more unique. Expect some new changes at your favourite restaurants.
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Classic Thai for ambitious home chefs
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hai cuisine has a very unique taste, which likely contributes to its worldwide popularity. While many towns now boast at least one Thai restaurant if not more, home cooks who
love trying new things in the comfort of their own kitchens can try making their own Thai food. The following recipe for “Chicken
With Curry Paste and French Green Beans (Chicken Prik King)” from Katie Chin’s “Everyday Thai Cooking” is a classic Thai dish that works just as well with shrimp, beef or pork in place of chicken.
Chicken With Curry Paste and French Green Beans (Chicken Prik King) Serves 2 as main dish with rice Serves 4 as part of a multi-course meal
10 ounces skinless, boneless chicken breast or chicken thighs, sliced crosswise thinly into ½-inch wide strips ½ teaspoon all-purpose cornstarch ¼ teaspoon salt Pinch of white pepper 2 tablespoons high-heat cooking oil, divided 1 tablespoon thick red curry paste 1 garlic clove, minced 1 tablespoon minced galangal or fresh ginger 1 cup fresh French green beans, cut into 2-inch pieces 1 cup water 2 teaspoons fish sauce (nam pla) 2 kaffir lime leaves, cut into thin strips (optional) 1 tablespoon palm or brown sugar Thai or Italian basil leaves for garnish .
1. Toss the chicken with the all-purpose cornstarch, salt and white pepper in small bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 10 minutes. 2. Heat half of the oil in a wok or skillet over moderately high heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry until it turns white. Remove the chicken from pan and set aside. Wash and thoroughly dry the wok and skillet. 3. Heat the remaining oil in the wok or skillet over medium heat. Add the curry paste and stir-fry, stirring to break it up, about 1 minute. Increase heat to medium-high. Add the garlic and ginger to the wok or skillet and stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the green beans and water, and cook until green beans are tender, about 5 minutes, stirring to combine with the paste. Add the reserved chicken, fish sauce, kaffir lime leaves, if using, and palm sugar; stir-fry for 30 seconds. Garnish with basil leaves. Dish out and serve with hot jasmine rice. Serve immediately
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How to get enough protein on a vegetarian diet
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ne of the first questions vegetarians are asked when acknowledging their dietary preferences is, “Are you getting enough protein?” Many people assume it’s impossible to consume sufficient protein on a diet that consists largely of fruits and vegetables. But many vegetarians get the protein their bodies need. Many people are overly concerned with protein intake, eating more than they really need to meet health requirements. The Recommended Daily Allowance of protein in North America is .36 grams of protein for every pound a person
With a balanced diet, vegetarians can get the protein they need. different amino acids in food, but the human body can only make 11 of them. Your body cannot synthesize essential amino acids, which must come from your diet. The nine essential amino acids, which cannot be produced by the body, must be obtained strictly from food. Foods that contain all of How protein works the amino acids necessary are called The body digests protein into amino acids to fuel “complete protein sources.” Many animal its activity and aid in tissue repair. There are 20 products are great sources of complete weighs. Many people need less protein than they think, which is likely one reason many non vegetarians eat roughly one-third more protein than vegetarians. The Vegetarian Resource Group says there are no distinct health advantages to consuming a diet high in protein.
protein, but complete protein also can be found in plant based foods. One food that is a complete protein source is the soybean. Other plant based foods may not be complete proteins by themselves, but when eaten together, can complement one another to provide all the necessary amino acids. For example, combining beans and legumes with certain grains, seeds and nuts is a way to get the protein one needs. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine says that intentionally combining foods at strict ratios is not necessary. As long as your diet contains a variety of foods, many protein needs are easily met.
Less protein healthier?
Many fad diets point to high protein sources for weight loss and improved athletic performance. But reports published in journals like Nutrition and Cancer and the American Journal of Epidemiology indicate high intake of protein, particularly animal protein, may be linked to osteoporosis, cancer and impaired kidney function. Eating a healthy, moderate amount of protein, such as that in vegetarian or vegan diets, can be beneficial. Many vegetarians need not worry about their protein intake. As long as diets include plenty of grains, legumes, nuts, fruits, and vegetables, vegetarians can meet their bodies’ protein needs.
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Protect your identity and save money
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dentity theft is a pervasive problem. According to figures from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, an estimated 17.6 million people, or about seven per cent of U.S. residents age 16 or older, were victims of at least one incident of identity theft in 2014. Identity theft is not just a problem within U.S. borders, either. Each month, Equifax and TransUnion credit bureaus report that more than 1,800 identity theft complaints are lodged by Canadian residents. Victims may be subjected to various types of identity theft. Attempted misuse of an existing account is the prime complaint. This account can be a credit card, bank account or phone or utility account. No matter the type of fraud perpetrated, many identity theft victims endure a direct financial loss as a result. Sometimes individuals do not find out they’ve been the victim of identity theft until they are notified by a financial institution — or even after filing their taxes — when money already has been lost. People may invest in expensive services to protect their identities, but Consumer Reports notes this tactic is not always necessary. There are other, less expensive ways for men and women to protect themselves from identity theft.
Guard personal information Do not share your personal information over the Internet unless you are on a secured site. This
Be a careful shopper
It’s safer to swipe your own card during transactions than it is to allow a cashier to do it for you. If you must hand over your card, never lose sight of it. Always shield yourself when using an ATM or a PIN pad. Memorize all personal identification numbers. Never write them on the cards or leave them in your wallet.
Watch your bills
Know your billing cycles for credit and debit cards. Periodically check your credit reports, bank and credit card statements and report any irregularities to the relevant financial institution and to the credit bureaus.
will be identified by the https:// preceding the rest of the URL. Sometimes a padlock symbol will appear somewhere on the page. Also, do not Sign up for alerts provide any personal information over the phone, Many financial institutions will offer free online such as tax identification numbers, bank account or mobile alerts to warn of suspicious activity information or your maiden name. Personal data on your account. Take advantage of this service. should be shared only with trusted companies whose authenticity you can verify.
Lock down devices
Make sure computers and mobile devices are secured with a password, and only use secured Do not leave your wallet or purse unattended. networks when going online. Select strong Keep the bare minimum in a wallet so a thief does passwords that include a combination of numbers, not have access to all of your personal information letters and symbols, as well as case changes so if the wallet is lost or stolen. Keep your Social they will be more difficult to crack. It’s also wise Security card and rarely used credit cards at home. to change your passwords regularly.
Watch your wallet
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Natural ways to relieve chronic pain
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hronic pain can be debilitating and interfere with daily life in various ways. Over-the-counter, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs are some of the most widely used medications in North America, but when such medications prove ineffective, prescription pain relievers, which can be addictive, are often a pain sufferer’s next choice. Consumer Reports indicates that roughly 45 people per day in America die from overdoses of opioid-containing pain medications, which include methadone, morphine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone. Prescriptions for these drugs have climbed 300 per cent in the last 10 years. Although opioids can be safe when used properly to treat short term pain, too often their usage leads to misuse and dependence, especially when they are used to treat chronic pain. For long term pain from arthritis, research suggests that nonopioid medications and even nondrug treatments often provide relief with less risk of addiction and overdose than opioids. Reducing pain using alternative methods with less risk can involve rethinking trips to the medicine cabinet. Doctors and naturalists may advocate for natural pain relievers as a first step to managing pain.
Massage
There’s more to massage than working out the kinks of tight muscles. Massage may help boost the body’s levels of endorphins and serotonin, both of which are natural painkillers and mood regulators. The Mayo Clinic’s Complementary and Integrative Medicine Program has conducted a number of studies on massage as treatment for pain following surgery, ultimately finding that massage significantly relieves pain and reduces anxiety.
Dietary changes
Pain is often linked to inflammation in the body. When eating, choose foods that won’t worsen existing inflammation. Eating less sugar, dairy, and gluten products, which can contribute to inflammation, can help a person feel better. Increase consumption of foods that reduce inflammation, such as raw vegetables.
Hot and cold therapy
Cold compresses can reduce inflammation quickly and also serve as a local anesthetic. Heat therapy can ease aches and pains and make muscles more flexible. Try applying a
hot compress prior to stretching to make limbs more limber.
Take the sun
A Boston University study that examined 221 men and women with knee osteoarthritis found that those who spent 15 to 20 minutes in the sun increased their body’s production of vitamin D and experienced less pain as a result. When the sun is scarce, it’s adviseable to get between 400 and 800 IUs of vitamin D daily through supplements and foods.
Brisk walking
Fast walking is a low-impact cardiovascular exercise that utilizes most of the body. Walking encourages blood circulation, removes toxins, burns calories, and stabilizes blood fats and sugars. Plus endorphins released from exercise can help a person feel good. A great thing about walking is just about anyone can do it.
Mind-body exercises
Exercises that combine focus with stretching can alleviate physical pain and improve mental clarity. Look for yoga, pilates and meditation classes and give them a try. Chronic pain may be relieved with the use of natural remedies, which help pain sufferers reduce their reliance on over the counter or prescription medications.
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