At its most basic, doctors agree that asthma is a respiratory disease that results in ‘chronic inflammation of the airways’.
People often show symptoms well before asthma develops, because asthma can start with something as simple as a common cold or cough.
Other symptoms that could potentially become asthma include sneezing, mild shortness of breath, or even something outside your lungs or respiratory tract such as a headache.
The bottom line is that it is extremely common for the initial signs of asthma to be ignored, because they appear to be nothing more than the symptoms of a common, everyday condition such as a cough or a cold.
This lack of awareness is one of the main reasons many people do not seek treatment for their asthma.
According to the Asthma Society of Canada, as many as six out of every ten Canadians who have asthma do not control their condition. This figure is expected to be similar in other developed Western nations.
Because asthma is a chronic condition, it is one that has to be dealt with throughout your life. It causes inflammation, and therefore constricts the airways that carry air in your lungs. Consequently, this restricts the passage of air from the outside world through an asthma sufferer’s lungs, making it difficult for them to breathe.
Asthma sufferers’ airways are sensitive to many conditions, such as moist, warm or cold air, allergens, stress or physical exertion. The muscles that surround the airways react to these conditions by contracting and narrowing the airways of a person with asthma.
The problem is generally made worse by the fact that the muscles also cause excess mucus to be produced at the same time as the contraction, further blocking the airways.
However, many of the most common signs of an asthma attack can often be recognized well before the condition itself is fully developed.
Some of the signs of asthma are obvious, whereas others might not be as easily recognized and possibly the result of another medical condition. The less obvious the symptoms are, the earlier in the development cycle of asthma or the less likely that the symptoms will turn into asthma.
Less acute indicators that might fall into the ‘early warning’ category could include any of the following:
• Frequent mood changes
• Regular bouts of sneezing
• Restlessness
• Glassy or watery eyes
• Unexplained increased tiredness
• Dry mouth
• Persistent or constant headaches
• Sleeping difficulties
• Exercise intolerance
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Pale complexion
Obviously, all of these ‘early warning’ indicators could suggest that asthma might become a problem, but they could also be the result of another serious medical condition.
Consequently, you would not necessarily assume that any of the symptoms in the previous list is a clear indicator or precursor of asthma. However, if these symptoms are ignored, the condition is likely to worsen for anyone who is at risk to develop asthma.
When the condition worsens, the symptoms become increasingly obvious. These symptoms could include:
• Wheezing, coughing and general tightness in the chest
• Shortness of breath, especially after basic exercise such as walking or climbing the stairs
• Inability to talk
• Inability to think clearly
• Drooping posture or hunched shoulders indicating that the sufferer is struggling for breath
• Obvious nasal flaring as they struggle to inhale
• Contraction in the area below the ribs and in the neck while struggling to breathe
• A grey or grey-blue tint gradually appearing on the skin, often starting around the nose and mouth area
Any of these signs would be indicative of what we would normally recognize to be an ‘asthma attack’.
Everything about asthma up to this point seems relatively straightforward because you will probably recognize the asthma ‘symptoms’ - especially if you know someone who suffers from the condition. Asthma is a surprisingly common condition and one that most of us are familiar with to some degree.
8/24/2009
Pre Game Techniques For Tennis Elbow Treatment
Once the doctor has told you that you have tennis elbow, your first thought will naturally be, “I won’t be able to play tennis, golf, work, etc.”
Not true. While rehabilitation is something that you will want to consider in the future, you can still work, play tennis or golf with the use of proper techniques. Using these techniques will then alleviate the pain from tennis elbow and may even arrest it.
Once you are pain free, you can the undergo a rehabilitation process that will cure the condition for good.
Most doctors will tell you that you should “rest” in order to cure the tennis elbow which is caused by tears in the elbow tendon.
That is what tennis elbow is - a tear in the tendon.
These are often
caused by overuse of the tendon and, in some cases, improper use.
While rest can heal the overused tendon and cure the problem, it is not always the practical solution. If you need to work, or need to play a sport, you cannot always take time off.
A professional golfer or tennis player may find that it is not feasible to stop their game. They may be scheduled for a tournament that they have to play in for the sake of their careers. But this does not mean that they have to endure tremendous pain in order to play the game. There are techniques that can be used before, during and after the games that can alleviate the pain and allow you to continue to play, even if you are suffering from tennis elbow.
Pre Game Techniques
Before any games, you should take some sort of anti-inflammatory drug such as an ibuprofen or naproxen. NSAIDs will help alleviate some of the pain and will enable you to perform better when you are playing the game.
The use of these drugs on a long term basis have been linked to problems with the digestive system. You should never rely on NSAIDs for a long period of time as they can cause ulcers and other stomach problems. Taking a couple of Tylenol, however,
prior to a tennis match or a golf game is more than fine. Just don’t get used to taking them on a long term basis.
In addition to the over the counter pain relievers, you should also do some stretching of your arms before the match. This includes basic stretching of the biceps, triceps, shoulders and forearms before you start to play. Actually, this should be a matter of course when you play tennis or any other sport. Many sports injuries are due to the fact that you do not limber up and properly stretch
before a match. Even if you do not suffer from tennis elbow, you should still stretch these muscles before a game or match.
Do not neglect your legs, either. Although you may not feel any pain in your legs and you are worried about your tennis elbow, you can do yourself a favor and give your legs a good stretching out.
In order to maintain proper circulation in your arms during the game, keep them warm as you warm up using stretching techniques. This can be done with a series of arm warmers.
Remember leg warmers that were used by dancers and other athletes at one time (and oddly enough became a fashion statement in gyms during the 1980s?) Well, they had a purpose.
They kept the legs warm during exercise and improved circulation.
You should do the same for your arms. Although you will not be wearing arm warmers during your tennis match, you should be wearing them while you limber up.
Not true. While rehabilitation is something that you will want to consider in the future, you can still work, play tennis or golf with the use of proper techniques. Using these techniques will then alleviate the pain from tennis elbow and may even arrest it.
Once you are pain free, you can the undergo a rehabilitation process that will cure the condition for good.
Most doctors will tell you that you should “rest” in order to cure the tennis elbow which is caused by tears in the elbow tendon.
That is what tennis elbow is - a tear in the tendon.
These are often
caused by overuse of the tendon and, in some cases, improper use.
While rest can heal the overused tendon and cure the problem, it is not always the practical solution. If you need to work, or need to play a sport, you cannot always take time off.
A professional golfer or tennis player may find that it is not feasible to stop their game. They may be scheduled for a tournament that they have to play in for the sake of their careers. But this does not mean that they have to endure tremendous pain in order to play the game. There are techniques that can be used before, during and after the games that can alleviate the pain and allow you to continue to play, even if you are suffering from tennis elbow.
Pre Game Techniques
Before any games, you should take some sort of anti-inflammatory drug such as an ibuprofen or naproxen. NSAIDs will help alleviate some of the pain and will enable you to perform better when you are playing the game.
The use of these drugs on a long term basis have been linked to problems with the digestive system. You should never rely on NSAIDs for a long period of time as they can cause ulcers and other stomach problems. Taking a couple of Tylenol, however,
prior to a tennis match or a golf game is more than fine. Just don’t get used to taking them on a long term basis.
In addition to the over the counter pain relievers, you should also do some stretching of your arms before the match. This includes basic stretching of the biceps, triceps, shoulders and forearms before you start to play. Actually, this should be a matter of course when you play tennis or any other sport. Many sports injuries are due to the fact that you do not limber up and properly stretch
before a match. Even if you do not suffer from tennis elbow, you should still stretch these muscles before a game or match.
Do not neglect your legs, either. Although you may not feel any pain in your legs and you are worried about your tennis elbow, you can do yourself a favor and give your legs a good stretching out.
In order to maintain proper circulation in your arms during the game, keep them warm as you warm up using stretching techniques. This can be done with a series of arm warmers.
Remember leg warmers that were used by dancers and other athletes at one time (and oddly enough became a fashion statement in gyms during the 1980s?) Well, they had a purpose.
They kept the legs warm during exercise and improved circulation.
You should do the same for your arms. Although you will not be wearing arm warmers during your tennis match, you should be wearing them while you limber up.
Exercise for Stress Free
The benefits of exercise:-
• Reduce the risk of premature death
• Reduce the risk of developing and/or dying from heart disease
• Reduce high blood pressure or the risk of developing high blood pressure
• Reduce high cholesterol or the risk of developing high cholesterol
• Reduce the risk of developing colon cancer and breast cancer
• Reduce the risk of developing diabetes
• Reduce or maintain body weight or body fat
• Build and maintain healthy muscles, bones, and joints
• Reduce depression and anxiety
• Improve psychological well-being
• Enhanced work, recreation, and sport performance
Exercises You Can Do in the Comfort of your Home
• Sit ups
• Crunches
• Put your steps to good use if you have them, just one step is needed. This will work your leg muscles and get your adrenaline going a bit.
• Lift baby weights while you watch tv
• Stomach tuck-in (if your unsure of what this one is, I will explain: sit up straight in a chair with your back pressed against the back of the chair, breathe out and at the same time suck in your tummy, hold it in for 2 to 3 seconds, then release your tummy while breathing in)
• Squats
• Do the aerobics work out (there is usually an aerobics show on early in the mornings) or of course you can always just buy an aerobics video work-out.
Of course, there is nothing like getting out of the house and going for a walk in the park or botanical gardens enjoying and taking in the world around us!
A nice brisk 15 minute walk each day will work wonders for you. And of course sunlight has its benefits for you as well. It’s been reported that scientists believe that sunlight can help prevent these cancers:
• Breast cancer
• Colon cancer
• Ovary cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Womb cancer
• Stomach cancer
• Prostate gland cancer
But of course it isn’t going to protect you from sun cancer. So make sure you slap on some sunscreen ;-)
Yoga
Madonna now only uses yoga as her one form of exercise! So it must be good!
You can pick up some pretty cheap yoga videos simply by going to eBay and typing in to search: yoga video. There are some available just for a few bucks. If you’re interested, it’s well worth a look at. Especially if you can get it that cheap!
• Reduce the risk of premature death
• Reduce the risk of developing and/or dying from heart disease
• Reduce high blood pressure or the risk of developing high blood pressure
• Reduce high cholesterol or the risk of developing high cholesterol
• Reduce the risk of developing colon cancer and breast cancer
• Reduce the risk of developing diabetes
• Reduce or maintain body weight or body fat
• Build and maintain healthy muscles, bones, and joints
• Reduce depression and anxiety
• Improve psychological well-being
• Enhanced work, recreation, and sport performance
Exercises You Can Do in the Comfort of your Home
• Sit ups
• Crunches
• Put your steps to good use if you have them, just one step is needed. This will work your leg muscles and get your adrenaline going a bit.
• Lift baby weights while you watch tv
• Stomach tuck-in (if your unsure of what this one is, I will explain: sit up straight in a chair with your back pressed against the back of the chair, breathe out and at the same time suck in your tummy, hold it in for 2 to 3 seconds, then release your tummy while breathing in)
• Squats
• Do the aerobics work out (there is usually an aerobics show on early in the mornings) or of course you can always just buy an aerobics video work-out.
Of course, there is nothing like getting out of the house and going for a walk in the park or botanical gardens enjoying and taking in the world around us!
A nice brisk 15 minute walk each day will work wonders for you. And of course sunlight has its benefits for you as well. It’s been reported that scientists believe that sunlight can help prevent these cancers:
• Breast cancer
• Colon cancer
• Ovary cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Womb cancer
• Stomach cancer
• Prostate gland cancer
But of course it isn’t going to protect you from sun cancer. So make sure you slap on some sunscreen ;-)
Yoga
Madonna now only uses yoga as her one form of exercise! So it must be good!
You can pick up some pretty cheap yoga videos simply by going to eBay and typing in to search: yoga video. There are some available just for a few bucks. If you’re interested, it’s well worth a look at. Especially if you can get it that cheap!
How to Reduce Muscle Tension
Here is a little exercise you can use to reduce muscle tension.
First off, begin by taking off your shoes and make sure your not wearing tight clothing. You can do this by lying on the floor or on your bed. Place a pillow under your head. Close your eyes and focus on breathing slowly, emphasizing more on your exhale.
Tense your muscles in your right foot and hold it for 5 seconds then relax. Tense your calf muscle on your right foot and hold it for 5 seconds then relax. Tense your thigh muscle on your right leg and hold it for 5 seconds then relax. Repeat this same sequence with your left leg and foot.
Tense your muscles in your right arm, clenching your fists for 5 seconds, then relax. Repeat this now with you left arm.
Tense each of your buttocks, holding for 5 seconds each time then relax. Then tense your stomach muscles and relax.
Lift your shoulders up to your ears; hold it for 5 seconds then relax. Repeat this three times. Move your head gently from side to side.
Now frown and wrinkle your nose, hold it for 5 seconds and relax. Now raise your eyebrows and relax.
Concentrate on your breathing. Wiggle your fingers and toes, bend your knees and gently roll on to your side, then get up slowly.
First off, begin by taking off your shoes and make sure your not wearing tight clothing. You can do this by lying on the floor or on your bed. Place a pillow under your head. Close your eyes and focus on breathing slowly, emphasizing more on your exhale.
Tense your muscles in your right foot and hold it for 5 seconds then relax. Tense your calf muscle on your right foot and hold it for 5 seconds then relax. Tense your thigh muscle on your right leg and hold it for 5 seconds then relax. Repeat this same sequence with your left leg and foot.
Tense your muscles in your right arm, clenching your fists for 5 seconds, then relax. Repeat this now with you left arm.
Tense each of your buttocks, holding for 5 seconds each time then relax. Then tense your stomach muscles and relax.
Lift your shoulders up to your ears; hold it for 5 seconds then relax. Repeat this three times. Move your head gently from side to side.
Now frown and wrinkle your nose, hold it for 5 seconds and relax. Now raise your eyebrows and relax.
Concentrate on your breathing. Wiggle your fingers and toes, bend your knees and gently roll on to your side, then get up slowly.
Aromatherapy Essential Oils
How to use Aromatherapy oils for reducing stress and stress free:
• In the bath – just add a few drops
• Inhale – You can add one drop to your hand and inhale
• Massage – make sure its diluted
• Vaporization – using a burner, this will bring the smell into your entire room
Tips:
• Always dilute essential oils to a 1% or 2.5% solution
• Do not apply essential oils directly to the skin.
• Always read the precautions on each bottle before using them
Cautions
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE - avoid Cypress, Clove, Nutmeg, Pine, Rosemary, and Sage & Thyme.
LOW BLOOD PRESSURE - avoid the use of Sweet Marjoram and Ylang Ylang.
EPILEPSY - avoid Fennel, Hyssop, Peppermint and Sage.
INSOMNIA - avoid peppermint, Basil, Lemon Verbena, and Rosemary.
GASTRIC PROBLEMS - avoid Cinnamon, Clove, Garlic, Oregano and Parsley Seed.
CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE/URINARY PROBLEMS - avoid Juniper Berry, Eucalyptus, Parsley Seed, and Black Pepper.
ESTROGEN PATCH WEARER - avoid Geranium.
SUN EXPOSURE - before going into the sun or using tanning beds, avoid Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Mandarin, and Orange.
SKIN IRRITANTS - use a maximum of 3 drops when using the following oils in a bath: Basil, Lemon, Lemon Grass, Nutmeg, Peppermint, and Thyme.
CARDIAC FIBRILATION - do not use Peppermint and rosemary.
ASTHMA - some essential oils can help but proceed with caution.
PREGNANCY – Consult your doctor before using essential oils
Here is a list of some relaxing essential oils:
• Bergamot – soothing, uplifting and good for tension and depression
• Chamomile – calming, suitable for insomnia
• Jasmine – a stimulant or a sedative, excellent antidepressant and aphrodisiac
• Juniper – good for fatigue and building self-esteem
• Ylang ylang – calming; used as an aphrodisiac and good for panic attacks
• Rosemary – refreshing and stimulating
• Lemon balm – balances emotions
• Sandalwood – used as an antidepressant and aphrodisiac
• Vetiver – balances the nervous system, good for insomnia
• Lavender – a very useful and popular oil, used for relaxing and as an antidepressant and pain killer
• Basil – uplifting
• In the bath – just add a few drops
• Inhale – You can add one drop to your hand and inhale
• Massage – make sure its diluted
• Vaporization – using a burner, this will bring the smell into your entire room
Tips:
• Always dilute essential oils to a 1% or 2.5% solution
• Do not apply essential oils directly to the skin.
• Always read the precautions on each bottle before using them
Cautions
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE - avoid Cypress, Clove, Nutmeg, Pine, Rosemary, and Sage & Thyme.
LOW BLOOD PRESSURE - avoid the use of Sweet Marjoram and Ylang Ylang.
EPILEPSY - avoid Fennel, Hyssop, Peppermint and Sage.
INSOMNIA - avoid peppermint, Basil, Lemon Verbena, and Rosemary.
GASTRIC PROBLEMS - avoid Cinnamon, Clove, Garlic, Oregano and Parsley Seed.
CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE/URINARY PROBLEMS - avoid Juniper Berry, Eucalyptus, Parsley Seed, and Black Pepper.
ESTROGEN PATCH WEARER - avoid Geranium.
SUN EXPOSURE - before going into the sun or using tanning beds, avoid Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Mandarin, and Orange.
SKIN IRRITANTS - use a maximum of 3 drops when using the following oils in a bath: Basil, Lemon, Lemon Grass, Nutmeg, Peppermint, and Thyme.
CARDIAC FIBRILATION - do not use Peppermint and rosemary.
ASTHMA - some essential oils can help but proceed with caution.
PREGNANCY – Consult your doctor before using essential oils
Here is a list of some relaxing essential oils:
• Bergamot – soothing, uplifting and good for tension and depression
• Chamomile – calming, suitable for insomnia
• Jasmine – a stimulant or a sedative, excellent antidepressant and aphrodisiac
• Juniper – good for fatigue and building self-esteem
• Ylang ylang – calming; used as an aphrodisiac and good for panic attacks
• Rosemary – refreshing and stimulating
• Lemon balm – balances emotions
• Sandalwood – used as an antidepressant and aphrodisiac
• Vetiver – balances the nervous system, good for insomnia
• Lavender – a very useful and popular oil, used for relaxing and as an antidepressant and pain killer
• Basil – uplifting
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