Medical Spas Can Contribute to Overall Well-Being

The longevity of life can be determined by various factors, one of which is an individual's attention to general health and overall physical conditioning. With so many choices for maintaining a person's health and conditioning, it can be somewhat of a difficult choice deciding which option works best. Since ancient times, various forms of healthful remedies have been prescribed as salves for what ails a person. The idea that a medical spa can ameliorate whatever these ills might be has been around for thousands of years, dating back to the Greek and Roman baths of the Classical periods and beyond.

The more contemporary version of this type of healing practice incorporates such methods as the Indian Ayurvedic alternative treatments and various aesthetic treatments and procedures.

The name medical spa, as it's fully interpreted, is an amalgamation of the practice of medicine with various spa techniques for rejuvenation and replenishing the life source of an individual. As the term indicates, these types of treatments are sanctioned by a licensed physician, though they can be administered by a trained nurse or practitioner of the art of spa treatments. With longevity and the increase of life expectancy a major demand for consumers, medical spas have become more and more ubiquitous in the arena of alternative, or supplementary medicine.

These methods for treatment can include various laser techniques, like skin-tightening, laser directed hair removal, and treatment of sun damage. Micro-dermabrasion and Botox are also two of the more popular treatments that fall into these classifications. If someone comes into a doctor's office, usually a dermatologist or skin-care specialist, they can request these procedures as a means to improve their appearance.
However, it should be noted, that these procedures are not necessarily the curative or preventative medicine that doctors might offer as an option to extend or preserve a certain quality of life. However, as general well-being can be assessed according to a patient's state of mind and perception of self, anything that make's an individual feel contented and happy has been shown in research to contribute to their overall healthful state.
If someone has a desire to pursue a medically supervised program for health and he or she believes that a chemical peel with a complimentary massage session will foster well-being, they should be allowed to follow their whim, however fancy it may be. There's an argument for full disclosure when it comes to medical spas, with a concerned citizenry proclaiming a little bit of snake-oil salesmanship. Regardless of a personal opinion or belief about what constitutes medical advice that is truly amoral or even nefarious, the general perception is that whatever makes you happy is the best of all practices as long as it doesn't have an adverse effect. Do what makes you feel good if it doesn't hurt you or anyone else. Indeed, many types of massage and relaxation techniques can be as beneficial as any type of prescription medicine.

What Are Urgent Care Facilities?

Urgent care facilities are located throughout the country in a variety of locations so that they can offset emergency room visits. They take walk-ins during all hours of operations, which provide a great convenience to many families who have been and continue to be stricken with the need for sudden medical attention. They may need a check, advice, or diagnosis for further treatment elsewhere.

These facilities provide a community service for individuals and families who require non-emergency illness or injury. For families who may not have insurance or sufficient income, they provide economical care between general physician checkups. These facilities are equipped to treat issues that affect infants, children, teenagers, adults, pregnant women, elderly with chronic illnesses and every surprise in between.

Urgent care facilities are filled with the equipment, nurses, and doctor's assistance necessary to provide experienced medical attention for minor procedures and treatment of an array of illnesses. There is a standardized level of services, hours of available treatment and staff training that must be in place in order to properly accommodate the individuals that seek medical attention. Treatment cannot be performed without a physician present and a trained staff with the proper array of equipment to handle a multitude of walk-in cases. The wide-range of minor pains, abrasions, lacerations, and illnesses that can come through the door must be sufficiently treated before the patient is released home or transferred to a hospital. If upon examination it is determined that a man or woman is in need of further monitoring or surgery beyond the scope of services offered in the urgent care facility, the individual will be taken by ambulance to an emergency room for specialized attention.

It is first important to note that an urgent care facility is not like the clinics you can find inside of a pharmacy or strip mall general care walk-in center. The facilities that are being discussed here are simply in place for flu shots or prescriptions. They are present for the medical treatment of serious injury, sudden illness concerns, and chronic illness maintenance for non-emergencies.

On one hand, the difference between an emergency for the hospital and an immediate care situation that does not require emergency attention is the difference between being rushed to an emergency room and being taken to an urgent care facility. You can choose to walk-in of your own accord or you can call information to locate the nearest facility to be picked up and transported for a minor allergy scare, a fall, pregnancy questions, new born questions, and elderly scares that are non-life threatening, for example.
So as long as your life isn't in immediate danger, and you live near an alternative facility, you can receive the immediate care attention that you need to put your mind at ease and protect your body's form and function, regardless of the age of the patient.

Sound Therapy and the Miracle of Music

I remember as a kid how much I enjoyed listening to music while busy with my homework and that has never changed. Now I work, write, paint, exercise and cook to music, it helps me both to focus and to be creative. Because of my multi cultural background I enjoy listening to all kinds of music. What music I choose to listen to depends a lot on my mood. If I feel down and I want to feel better, I play a lively CD with a nice dance beat that puts me in a good mood immediately because my body responds instinctively to the beat of the music. If I feel scattered and beside myself, I play Bach, Satie or Mozart and I can instantly feel my mind relax. Sometimes I feel nostalgic for my roots and then my soul calls for Arabic or Indian music, or some other music that reminds me of happy special moments in my life, so I listen to that for a while to soothe my soul and without fail it works wonders.

The use of sound and music is the most ancient healing technique. It was practiced in the ancient mystery schools of Tibet, India, Egypt, China, Athens and Rome for tens of thousands of years. Over the past centuries much of this information disappeared in the west but is now re-emerging.
From time immemorial, music has been a part of the Indian culture. Music is an age-old part of Ayurveda, the holistic Indian science that promotes a happy and healthy lifestyle. The curative power of music emanates from the resonance of certain ragas on hormonal and glandular functions, which produce secretions that keep the body balanced and infection free. There's music for indigestion, music to build up self-confidence, music for insomnia, to heal gall stones and arthritis, for anxiety and for any ailment you can think of.
Music is capable of improving health and concentration, promoting peace and happiness. It is important, however, to know the method and the duration for which music therapy is to be administered. Listening to music helps control negative aspects of our personality like worry or anger. It can also cure headaches, abdominal pain, strokes, stuttering and tension. Music therapy is one of the most effective ways of controlling emotions, blood pressure and restoring the functions of the liver.

It is also believed that music stimulates the pituitary gland, whose secretions affect the nervous system and the flow of blood. To be healed by music, it is necessary to vibrate the cells of the body, for it is through these vibrations that the person's consciousness can be changed to promote good health. The right kind of music helps one to relax and to refresh. The right kind of light music also increases efficiency while working. This reminds me of a friend who enjoyed listening to what was known in the 80s as background music that was played in lifts in all hotels in the US. I personally found it boring monotonous music as it lulled one into docility. Being docile and being relaxed are two totally different states of being.

Modern western science and medicine has now rediscovered the healing powers of music and music therapy is now an accepted form of treatment within orthodox medical practice. Edgar Cayce, the sleeping prophet, who healed thousands of people while in a trance state, said that 'music is the medicine of the future'. I read somewhere that what we might expect in the future are tonal spas where we can rejuvenate our vibrational fields. Perhaps even chanting centres in schools and work places? Now that sounds like music to my ears!
Until that becomes reality, you can in the meantime find music on YouTube to activate and to raise the frequency of your DNA, your pituitary gland, your pineal gland and much more. All with the goal to assist you to evolve.

Be careful though what you listen to, not everything is good or authentic on you tube. Whatever music you listen to should energize you and make you feel good.
Plato wrote: Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, a charm to sadness, gaiety and life to everything. I agree with him wholeheartedly.
Now a few quick words about 2012! No matter what your thoughts and beliefs are or aren't about the Mayan prophecy, spirituality or religion, about the chaos and widespread evil and violence all over the globe, I think that you will agree with me on one point and that is something has to change, that we cannot go on like this, on a self-destruct mission.

My personal belief is we are born to evolve. It is a never-ending upwards journey for humankind and for all life on earth. For me that is the reason and the meaning of life. Consciousness Evolution. The whole planet and everything on it is constantly evolving and this has been going on for eons. History tells us that there are certain stages and major cycles of cosmic and planetary changes and we are right now going through such a major cycle change. We are actually in the midst of this and in my opinion it's not coming to an abrupt end with 2012 but will continue until we reach what is known as the tipping point, when the collective shift to higher consciousness has been achieved by 10% of the world population. Whatever chaos and damage happens until then, other than natural catastrophes, we humankind are responsible for solely.

What does that mean? In a few words it means that this is the new millennium and we are all creators of the Golden Age of Love Peace and Harmony as the earth is shifting to a higher vibration and frequency and everyone and everything is vibrating faster along with it. You must notice too just how fast time is passing by. No, it's not your imagination. It's real. Evolve to help usher in the new golden age, there is no going back, so we can only go forward to meet our destiny as a human family. Make this year the year where you will pick up a spiritual practice to your liking to help you evolve beyond your ego to bring you nearer to your Higher Self and to the Spirit.

We've lived so far for thousands of years with our 5 physical senses while many evolved persons have lived with six or seven. Now the whole of the human family is challenged to develop the 6th and 7th spiritual senses, the intuition and the higher mind. They correspond to the third eye between your brows and to the crown chakra, top of your head. These two higher spiritual senses need to be developed to connect with the spirit world, for you to make the transition to new dimensions of higher consciousness. You need to be able to adjust to live with the new frequencies that we are and will be exposed to more and more. This is the time now for you to evolve as fast as you are experiencing time passing by.

I wish you a year full of joy, as you vibrate with higher consciousness in harmony with the heartbeat of planet earth! Treat yourself to healing music! Pamper yourself and join the consciousness evolution revolution.

Why Health and Safety Is Necessary

Health and safety sometimes gets a bad name with many having the impression that their lives are run by unnecessary health and safety rules. They believe businesses are forced to spend extra money to meet regulations and there are things they are not allowed to do for fear of their safety. Some complain there is a whole host of 'safe' things they are therefore not allowed to do due to a slight danger of it being unsafe. Reports of things such as children not being allowed to play conkers or play outside when it is wet do not help. Is this a fair reflection of health and safely? In many cases it is not, with the industry not being as strict as is believed to be the case.

You might be thinking there are times when you are prevented from doing things because of overzealous health and safety concerns. This is often the case, but it is not because of over-the-top regulations; it is more often the case that those who are not qualified in health and safety are afraid of allowing certain things because they could be held responsible should things go wrong, or at least they believe they could be. This has led to many perfectly reasonable activities being banned. It is not health and safety professionals that are the problem, but rather those who aren't qualified making the decisions and therefore banning people from doing perfectly legitimate things.

Health and safety is necessary; there are many situations in our everyday lives that are genuinely dangerous and people need to be protected. Regulations are there for a reason: to keep people safe. There are times when caution is needed during certain activities, such as helmets being worn on building sites. There are also certain things that are banned but for good reason. Some activities are genuinely dangerous and people should be prevented from doing them for the sake of their own safety. There are also occasions when testing is requires, for example businesses should carry out PAT testing to make sure it is safe for employees and customers to use their appliances.

Health and safety is very important in many situations in our lives. The world would be a much more dangerous place if it didn't exist and thousands of lives have been saved due to important health and safety rules. Cars are a great example of this. Think of how many lives have been saved simply due to seat belts being compulsory, something many people mocked when they first came in. There are countless other examples of advancements in safety and rules and regulations that have preventing serious injury.
There is no doubt that there are times when health and safety is over the top, but these tend to get into the news more than times when safety regulations save people's lives. In reality where common sense is used there is rarely a problem. The issues come when those who are not sufficiently qualified make decisions because they misunderstand the reality or are overly cautious.

4 Great Family Exercise Ideas That Can Increase Your Fitness

Exercise is a big commitment in terms of time. Unfortunately, if you take this commitment it means that you have to sacrifice time that could be spent with your family. However, if you get a little creative you can do both. In this article I will be discussing 4 fantastic family exercise ideas that allow you to spend time with your family and improve your fitness.

1) CYCLING

Cycling is a fantastic way to get some exercise and take your family on a mini-adventure. So if you have nothing planned on 1 of your weekend afternoons prepare your route, get the bikes ready and head off for a cycle. You can even make it a bit more interesting by cycling somewhere for lunch and then cycling back. 1 hour of light cycling burns 400 calories so if you make an afternoon of it you can break the 1,000 calorie mark.

2) FOOTBALL:

Football (or soccer if you are from the USA) is a brilliant team based family exercise idea. For a full game you need 2 teams of 11 people but you can realistically have a casual match with much lower numbers than this. Even if it's just you the wife and the kids you can still have an enjoyable kick about. All you need is a football, some open space such as your garden or the local park and optionally some goal posts. A relaxed kick about will burn through a notable 476 calories per hour.

3) SNOWBOARDING:

If you want to take the family on a day out and stay active in the process, snowboarding is a brilliant choice. All you need to do is find a snowboarding centre that is nearby, book the whole family in and get yourself there. Snowboarding gets through a reasonable 429 calories per hour so if you do a few hours these calories will really add up.

4) WALKING:

Walking is a top family exercise. You don't need equipment and as long as there is a footpath you can do it anywhere you like. Walking is not as intense as football or snowboarding but it is still a better option than sitting at home and watching TV and burns a reasonable 240 calories per hour.

SUMMARY:
Including your family in your exercise plans is a really good idea. It allows you to have fun with them, get yourself fit and get them fit with you. The best part is it's not too difficult either. All you need is a little creativity and you can come up with plenty of amazing family exercise ideas that everyone will enjoy.

Whole Body Health! Systems Thinking to Getting and Staying Healthy and Fit

One of the things in health and fitness I've noticed for many years is that many have focused on the separation of body parts when training. And that was even true when it came to nutrition. And yet, our bodies were never designed to be separate in function. From our muscular system to our skeletal system to our endocrine system to our nervous system to our digestive system and to our cardiovascular system, all work in conjunction with one another.
I like to describe it as the human system. Each part is in support of the other. When there is an imbalance in one part of the system, it throws off the rest of the system. Heck, even going down to the cellular level, we can see communities working together for the whole.
One example is in the area of back pain. When we sit too long, the Sartorius muscle in the upper front of the thigh tends to shorten and the Gluteus muscles tend to weaken. This leads to a muscle imbalance that causes the Sartorius muscle to pull on the lumbar area. Back pain may develop.

So, what is a system?

It's simply many parts that come together to function as a single unit. When one part of the system is taken away, it changes the whole system. How the system is arranged is crucial to proper functioning. If you were to split the system in half, you wouldn't have two separate systems. You'd have a destroyed single system.
Here are some ways to keep your human system functioning properly:

· Thoughts count. How you perceive your body and your health is important. Just know that what you do in one part of your human system will affect another part. Even your beliefs will affect it.

· Nutrition counts. When you consume certain foods, how and what you eat will have a positive or negative effect on your human system. If you digestive system is off due to food stagnating, it may lead to you feeling sick. Your mindset will feel sick too. If you eat too much sugar, that may lead to chronic inflammation. This, in turn, will affect your whole system. Just the opposite is eating healthy foods, such as fresh fruits and veggies. You'll get a healthy response.

· Exercise counts. Your body was made to move. Make sure to use proper form and function when you do exercise. Remember, your body was designed to move as a whole. When you train this way, you lessen injuries and pain. Additionally, you'll move more freely.

· Be consistent in everything you do as far as living healthy. Your whole system is designed towards consistency. Simply exercising once a week or eating healthy every once in a while doesn't get it. Be aware of your thoughts which lead to your actions. Change your thoughts if necessary so you will take action towards health and fitness.
Remember this; your whole body is a single system with systems built into it. Each part of one system will affect other systems which affect the whole system. Everything that you do will count. Starting right now, become a systems thinker and you'll become healthier because of it.

Living an optimal life requires a life that is healthy and fit. Knowing what you need to do in order for that to happen is important. And taking action towards getting healthy and fit is the most important key. People who are successful are always action-oriented. They will simply put into the action the right knowledge for them. That includes getting healthy and fit.

What Cleaning Supplies Are Needed for Baby Change Stations?

Baby change stations are an essential part of every nursery and public toilet. As with all bathrooms, you will need to make sure the baby change station is always kept tidy and fresh to ensure optimum hygiene. To keep your baby change table presentable, you will need to stock up on a variety of cleaning supplies.

• Organic Surface Spray: A multi-purpose surface spray is an essential for getting rid of harmful germs. Remember that babies will put anything they can find in their mouths, so every single surface needs to be sparkling and grime free. Choose cleaning supplies that leave light and fresh scents that won't irritate delicate noses or skin.
• Storage Caddy: Use a handy cleaning supplies caddy, either hanging off the table or in a nearby trolley, to hold spray bottles and disinfectant wipes close at hand. Time is of the essence when attending to germs and it is always a good idea to make the process as easy as possible. You should try to encourage everyone that uses the baby change table to use the cleaning supplies caddy for spot germ killing.
• Scrubbing Brush: For weekly wash downs, a robust scrubbing brush is needed. This tool can be used to get rid of built up grime at edges and in corners, reducing germs and visible dirt. Use your scrubbing brush in conjunction with other intense cleaning supplies, such as pure soap or strong detergent.
• Mild Cleaners: Remember that babies are much more sensitive to harsh chemicals than adults. Where dilute bleach might be perfectly fine for the regular bathroom, you will have to find an alternative solution for the baby change station. Choose mild, non-toxic, low-scent and natural solutions or even products designed specifically for babies.
• Air Freshener: The baby change station doesn't have to smell bad with the right cleaning supplies up your sleeve! Keep an aerosol can of air freshener in a sweet and fresh scent nearby or mount an automatic spray unit to the wall. Remember to only use non-toxic and hypo-allergenic supplies in the nursery.
• Nappy Bin: Keep a large bin tucked underneath the baby change table for easy disposal or storage of dirty nappies. Having a dedicated bin allows you to separate smelly and germy nappies from other waste in your home or business and keeps the whole are hygienic. Pair the bin with other cleaning supplies such as large, lightly-scented bin liners.

Understanding Different Types of Urinary Incontinence

As people age, the body's natural functions deteriorate accordingly. According to certified urologists, it's normal for people over sixty years old to urinate more frequently especially if they have high caffeine intake. Studies show that severe incontinence affects three to eleven percent of young females in the US, with the figures significantly higher for women aged seventy to eighty. Prevalence of incontinence for males on the other hand is lower. To better understand incontinence, here are some facts about its different types and some treatment options.

Stress Incontinence:-

Medical experts say that this condition is more common in women. Urine leaks when an individual exercises, laughs, or coughs, or when there is an increase in abdominal pressure. Stress incontinence can develop due to pregnancy and childbirth, obesity, prostate surgery, or other conditions and medications that weaken the pelvic floor muscles. Therapy and treatment for this condition depends on an individual's age, health condition, and other existing medical factors.

Urge Incontinence:-

Also known as overactive bladder (OAB), this occurs when there are urinary muscle spasms that induce an urgency to go to the bathroom often. It can stem from damage to the bladder's nerves or to the nervous system. Conditions like diabetes, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease can lead to urge incontinence. Aging people under certain medications can also develop this type of incontinence.

Overflow Incontinence:-

This occurs when the bladder is not emptied appropriately, thus inducing a leakage once the bladder is already full. Overflow incontinence is more common in men with weak bladder muscles or prostate enlargement, which can cause blockage on the urethra. Medical conditions like tumors can also obstruct urine flow and case overflow incontinence. While those with extreme cases require surgery and therapy, people with milder cases can use TENA adult diapers for convenience during travel or work.

Functional Incontinence:-

Physical health issues like arthritis can prevent a person from getting to the bathroom in time. In functional incontinence, an individual cannot manage to urinate properly, thus needing to wear TENA adult briefs during the day or night. Those with cognitive and genetic weaknesses and issues also experience difficulties in going to the bathroom on their own. Wearing comfortable adult diapers can help them urinate with considerably lesser hassle.

Treatment Options:-

Treatment for different types of incontinence depends on age, severity of the condition, and other physical, mental, and psychological factors. Pelvic floor exercises and bladder trainings like scheduled voiding works for minor cases, while those with extreme incontinence cases may require injections and surgeries. Adults who want to engage in daunting physical activities can wear swimming diapers for comfort and convenience. Consult your urologist and physician to know more about incontinence.

Urinary Pads: The Mobile Restroom for Total Relief

It's quite an embarrassing experience to be unable to hold your bladder and end up giving in to urinating involuntarily. Neurologists call this kind of condition "urinary incontinence," and it is affecting more people than you probably think. For the National Association for Continence, getting the uncontrollable urge to urinate happens among 200 million people worldwide: men, women, and children. This is more than just your body telling you to go look for a toilet quickly.
It is a common practice for women to wear pads, as studies show that women are twice more likely to be affected by urinary incontinence than men. Such pads are designed to catch even the slightest leak of urine especially when it is involuntary. Not only it will help keep your bladder under control, wearing a pad can save you the trouble of being embarrassed during a girl's day or night out. In addition, its remarkable fit and fabric makes it comfortable to wear one.
The pads are ideal for all kinds of urinary incontinence, ranging from mild to severe; but there is a right pad for the right type of incontinence. The most absorbent brands are designed to hold up to 16 ounces of urine per pad, more than the capacity of a can of soda. If you are wearing a pad, you know that you are protected from public shame no matter what you do or where you go. Pads are a mobile source of relief and comfort.
Another advantage of urinary pads is that they fit perfectly within the underwear area for comfort while on the move. The pads are built with a strap or belt to firmly put the pad in place to catch any involuntary leakage. The soft fabric adds up to that comfort; wearing one may as well feel like not wearing a pad at all. The pads are free of latex or any other material that can trigger any allergic reaction to the user's skin.
Other than the urine itself, urinary pads also excel in keeping the odor from escaping the pad. State-of-the-art micro-beads in most commercial urinary pads form the backbone of the pad's absorbency of both fluid and odor. As a result, even with involuntary leaking, there will not be a single hint of the scent of urine.
When you feel like peeing but not anywhere near a washroom, inventions like Tena ultra briefs can compensate for that inconvenience. The last thing you want to happen is to urinate at the wrong place at the wrong time. Take a pack of urinary pads wherever you need to go to be sure that comfort is not far from your hands.

Is Your Carpet Damaging Your Family's Health?

A few months ago my wife asked me if I had noticed that all three of our grand kids seemed to be sick a lot more than they used to be. Thinking back I had to agree she was right so then we wondered what had changed in their environment to cause the increase in sick days.
The kids attended the same school, played with the same friends, had the same pets but the family had moved house. The houses were fairly similar and only a few streets apart but the new house had a lot more carpeted areas and a much bigger yard.

So could it be that the carpets were the problem?

Our daughter keeps a pretty clean house and vacuums regularly but with 3 kids, a cat, a big dog and a husband running around the house, not to mention the various kid's friends who are always popping in and out it's impossible to keep the place spotless.
Since I write health related articles for part of my living, obviously I got the job of researching further for a possible correlation between carpets and kid's health problems. In particular I was keen to find out if there was a relationship between carpet cleanness and asthma as another of our daughters is prone to some fairly severe asthma attacks.
My reading of various research papers, articles and material available from carpet manufacturers and cleaners clearly indicates that carpets are known to act as sinks for soils, bacteria, mould and fungus so there is a definite possibility of at least some of the kid's illnesses being due to carpet born causes.
I found that in numerous studies, house or room dust has been found to contain pesticides, solvents and other carcinogenic substances.
Health problems such as asthma, headaches, coughing, poor sleep and breathing difficulties have all been reported as being associated with dirty carpets in fact, the typical dust found in households and hotel rooms, has been proven to be one of the most toxic substances the human body is exposed to on a regular basis.
When we discussed my findings with our daughter she protested that her carpets were clean, she vacuumed at least once a week and professional carpet cleaning was just too expensive as well as being disruptive to her household.
After my wife pointed out that Carpets might Look and feel good in your home but in Australia where we mostly live an indoor/outdoor lifestyle, a lot of dirt is invariably carried inside, food crumbs are dropped, dust blows in from outside and pet hair is deposited on the nice clean carpets.
Anyway, after a while she decided that maybe the old man had a point and started looking at carpet cleaning options. As she feared calling in the professionals might be alright once a year but more often was just not possible on her budget so she decided to try renting a carpet cleaning machine from her local supermarket.
She tells me that these machines are surprisingly simple to use, it doesn't take long and the carpets dry quickly so that by the time the kids come home from school, there is no discernible moisture or smell left to worry about. Best of all the cost is reasonable particularly since she and her girlfriend now rent a machine together and clean the carpets in both their houses in the same day so that they have been able to do it every 6 weeks or so.
End result; the kids absences from school due to sickness have been reduced dramatically to the point where the level of illness is back to what it was in the previous house they lived in.
A word of caution, some carpet cleaning materials can also cause health problems so take a good look at the chemicals used by your choice of carpet cleaner.