Category: Weight Loss Exercise

A new study by The George Institute for International Health has found Tai Chi to have positive health benefits for musculoskeletal pain. The results of the first comprehensive analysis of Tai Chi suggest that it produces positive effects for improving pain and disability among arthritis sufferers.

The researchers are now embarking on a new trial to establish if similar benefits can be seen among people with chronic low back pain.

“This is the first robust evidence to support the beneficial effects of Tai Chi. Our study proves that Tai Chi relieves pain and disability among people with arthritis and shows a positive trend towards effects for overall physical health. We now want to see if these benefits are the same for people suffering from low back pain”, said author Dr Chris Maher at The George Institute.

What is Arthritis?

Musculoskeletal pain, such as that experienced by people with arthritis, places a severe burden on the patient and community and is recognised as an international health priority. Arthritis is the major cause of disability and chronic pain in Australia, with 3.85million Australians affected. Low back pain is the most prevalent and costly musculoskeletal condition in Australia, estimated to cost up to $1billion per annum with indirect costs exceeding $8billion.

“This research should reassure people with musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis to seek exercise to relieve the pain. The fact that Tai Chi is inexpensive, convenient, enjoyable and conveys other psychological and social benefits supports the use this type of intervention for pain conditions”, added Ms Amanda Hall, The George Institute.

What is Tai Chi?

Tai Chi is a form of exercise that is regularly practiced in China for general health purposes and has gained increasing popularity in North America and Australia and thus a growing body of research aimed at investigating its health benefits has emerged.

Tai Chi is a versatile activity that can be easily incorporated into people’s daily activities. Usually preformed in a group, Tai Chi can also be practiced individually, which differs from traditional exercise therapy approaches in clinic.

Splurge on too many calories this weekend? Get ready to toss the bread aside and no need for fat laden mayo for these new takes on Turkey Salad to keep your diet cleaner, and full of nutrients

The secret to the easy recipes is berries.  Fresh berries like the raspberries in the Raspberry Turkey Salad add a fresh burst of flavor, a bit of texture and of course up the health quotient.

Raspberry Turkey Salad is a quick and easy way to give your turkey a makeover and a wonderful menu option any day of the year.  Snap peas add texture and crunch while Driscoll’s raspberries add color (and a healthy dose of antioxidants) to this light and fresh salad.

Prep time: 10 min
Makes: 2 servings

1            package (6 ounces) Driscoll’s Raspberries, rinsed and divided
¼           cup balsamic vinegar
½           teaspoon sugar
¼           teaspoon black pepper, coarse and ground
4            ounces field greens
4            ounces sugar snap peas, trimmed and blanched
6            ounces turkey strips, cooked and sliced
2            ounces ricotta salata cheese, grated

Pure 1/2 cup of the raspberries, balsamic vinegar, and sugar in a food processor or blender; strain. Stir in black pepper.

Combine field greens, remaining 1 cup raspberries, sugar snap peas and turkey in medium bowl.

Drizzle dressing over salad. Toss until evenly coated. Divide between two serving plates. Sprinkle with cheese.

Nutrition Per Serving: 302 calories, 7.73g total fat, 3.50g saturated fat, 31.97g protein, 23.74g carbohydrate, 78.36mg cholesterol, 8.20g fiber, 137mg sodium

Helpful Tip  – In addition to its fresh, soft form, ricotta is also sold in salted, baked and smoked. The pressed, salted and dried variety of the cheese is known as ricotta salata. A milky-white hard cheese used for grating or shaving, ricotta salata is sold in wheels, decorated by a delicate basket-weave pattern.

If you are a Fibromyalgia sufferer then you should know that treating Fibromyalgia naturally can be a great way to be pain free.

Aches and pains experienced for at least three months time may be an indicator of a more serious condition. Fibromyalgia is a condition facing many Americans and is defined as long term, body wide pain radiating from tender points in tissues, muscles and tendons.

Treating Fibromyalgia Naturally

Fibromyalgia is linked to chronic fatigue, morning stiffness, sleep problems, headaches, numbness in feet and hands, depression and anxiety.

If you have experienced 3 months of widespread pain in at least 11 of 18 tender points in muscles and fibrous tissues, you may have Fibromyalgia.

These tender points are located in the: arms, chest, knees, buttocks, neck, lower back, ribcage, shoulder and thighs.

ChicagoHealers.com Practitioner Dr. Mark Sobor offers the following:

Tips for treating Fibromyalgia naturally

• • Gentle stretching and aerobic exercise, beginning with walking and swimming
  • Light massage
  • Acupressure
  • Acupuncture, found by the Mayo Clinic to improve fatigue and lower anxiety levels for up to one month after treatment
  • Relaxation techniques to reduce stress and anxiety levels and improve coping skills

• Well balanced diet, avoiding caffeine and high sodium foods

More ways to Treating Fibromyalgia Naturally

Acupuncture stimulation of trigger points and tender points by an experienced acupuncturist can be very helpful.

Medially Acupuncture stimulation of trigger points and tender points by an experienced acupuncturist can be very helpful.

If you suspect you have this condition you may have to educate both yourself and your doctor.

Often when complaining of symptoms of fibromyalgia, women have been dismissed by their doctors, told their problem was all in their head, or referred to a psychiatrist. Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia must be taken seriously by physicians and women alike.

Fibromyalgia treatment should include treating Fibromyalgia naturally.