| Thursday, July 2, 2009 |
| Antioxidants up in smoke |
HHS HealthBeat (June 30, 2009)
From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.
Antioxidants are believed to be important against free radicals, which can damage cells. But a study says kids’ antioxidants can drop when they breathe secondhand smoke. At the University of Rochester Medical Center, in New York, Karen Wilson checked data on antioxidants in more than 2,000 children and teens ages 6 and 18:
[Karen Wilson speaks] "Over most antioxidants, the levels in children who were exposed to secondhand smoke were lower than in children who were not exposed to secondhand smoke."
Wilson says children should be protected from secondhand smoke. For kids who are exposed, it may be especially important to eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
Wilson’s study, presented at a meeting of the Pediatric Academic Society, was supported by the National Institutes of Health.
Learn more at hhs.gov.
HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss.
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Last revised: July, 01 2009
The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: A Report of the Surgeon General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
How to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones from Secondhand Smoke
* The Surgeon General has concluded that there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke. Breathing even a little secondhand smoke can be harmful.
* The Surgeon General has concluded that the only way to fully protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangers of secondhand smoke is through 100% smoke-free environments.
* Opening a window, sitting in a separate area, or using ventilation, air conditioning, or a fan cannot eliminate secondhand smoke exposure.
* You can protect yourself and your loved ones by:
o Making your home and car smoke-free.
o Asking people not to smoke around you and your children.
o Making sure that your children’s day care center or school is smoke-free.
o Choosing restaurants and other businesses that are smoke-free. Thanking businesses for being smoke-free. Letting owners of businesses that are not smoke-free know that secondhand smoke is harmful to your family’s health.
o Teaching children to stay away from secondhand smoke.
o Avoiding secondhand smoke exposure especially if you or your children have respiratory conditions, if you have heart disease, or if you are pregnant.
o Talking to your doctor or healthcare provider more about the dangers of secondhand smoke.
* If you are a smoker, the single best way to protect your family from secondhand smoke is to quit smoking. In the meantime, you can protect your family by making your home and vehicles smoke-free and only smoking outside. A smoke-free home rule can also help you quit smoking.
o Join the national trend. Take the Smoke-free Home Pledge by calling the toll-free Smoke-free Home Pledge Hotline at 1-866-SMOKE-FREE (1-866-766-5337) or visiting www.epa.gov/smokefree.
o To access a telephone quitline serving your area, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit www.smokefree.gov.
Information contained on this highlight sheet has been taken directly from The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: A Report of the Surgeon General. For more information, please refer to the Resources and How to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones from Secondhand Smoke highlight sheets. Additional highlight sheets are also available at www.cdc.gov/tobacco.
Last revised: January 4, 2007
Source:
http://www.hhs.gov/news/healthbeat/2009/06/20090630a.html
http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/secondhandsmoke/factsheets/factsheet3.html |
| posted by Healthy Life @ 7:59 AM |
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| Sunday, June 21, 2009 |
| Easing Recovery with Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation |
It is now accepted that many individuals who take drugs may actually be self-medicating themselves. Rather than just being an addiction to the pleasure drugs give them, drugs are even more important to the individual as a mood-altering method of feeling better than they felt before.
Many people who have become dependent on drugs were suffering from severe mood disorders. They could have felt melancholy, sad, or even depressed. Many had events earlier in their lives that might have made any person very unhappy. Some had lived in, or at present are living in, high stress-generating situations, another reason that might make someone seek relief with drugs. Some of these people felt so low, melancholy, and depressed that they were withdrawing from life.
By taking drugs they could overcome their negative moods, become less depressed, and generate an active, exciting life, the opposite of what they were feeling from the negative influence of their past, or an ongoing life situation.
Cocaine generates dopamine in the brain, which lifts people from their depression and makes them excited and full of enthusiasm for life. Instead of sitting home depressed, they are out at parties and discos having fun. At work, instead of being hesitant and reticent, they are dynamic and forceful. However, frequently they become too self-centered and even abrasive under the drug's influence, even hurting those relationships that are most important to their life. The dopamine feels good, too, from a pleasure point of view. But, it is highly addictive and builds up resistance in the body, requiring more and more of the drug for experiencing the same effect the longer you are taking it. Of course, it is very detrimental to the health of the body, so having to take more and more of it is very bad. But, if you stop you may fall back into the same melancholy and depression and pain you were experiencing from your negative past or present situation as when you first reached for the drug. So, many will do anything sometimes to avoid feeling like that again.
Ecstasy, another illegal drug in common use today, generates the brain neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin is in particular good for those under stress and for those who may not necessarily be depressed but who have a deeply negative outlook on life. It gives the user a sense of peace and well-being. But, like all illegal substances, it is habit forming and in this case, too, harmful to the health of the brain.
Some people might even desire both. They want to feel full of energy and confidence and step right into living a more full and active life while at the same time experiencing less stress and a stronger sense of overall well-being.
People who are seeking to recover from drug use therefore have a need to deal with the psychological and mental conditions that influenced them to seek relief with illegal substances to begin with. For this there are two routes toward better health that one can take: The first is psychological, that is, seeking therapy that can uncover, release, and resolve any past hurts from which the drug addict may have been seeking relief; another approach is by changing the body chemistry so it makes the mind, and thus the individual, feel better. Many doctors prescribe various pharmaceuticals to change people's moods. This can be viewed as a medical intervention that does not restore health to the body and mind but only acts as a compensation for negative conditions, creating mostly symptomatic relief.
Fortunately, there is another choice for those seeking to escape a serious drug habit permanently: Omega-3 fatty acid supplements can boost the brain's natural production of both dopamine and serotonin, making people more psychologically resourceful. It is essential for those in recovery to have their minds in the most resourceful state as possible and free themselves from the need for self-medicating with drugs. In addition, it has been found that depressed people have a decreased blood flow in the brain. Omega-3s increase the blood flow within the brain. By taking fish oil you will have improved blood flow within the brain, which provides better distribution of those nutrients that are critical to a well-functioning and positive-feeling brain, such as oxygen and glucose, the main fuel for the brain.
Ongoing research on the value of omega-3s has shown that it has many values for health. It can regulate and enhance mood, sharpen memory, and even aid concentration and learning. Remarkably, it is now believed they can be used to fight depression, including postpartum depression, and help those afflicted with bipolar disorder and attention deficit disorder. They can also reduce stress and any resulting anger and violent behavior.
In addition to the psychological benefits, some of the top researchers in the world have shown that omega-3s, in particular EPA and DHA, play a role in preventing heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and even cancer. They help maintain the elasticity of artery walls, prevent unhealthy forms of blood clotting, reduce blood pressure, and stabilize heart rhythm. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reverse atherosclerosis, ameliorate angina, and reduce heart attack, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.
It has now become widely recognized that fish oil is one of the healthiest supplements you can add to your diet. However, not just any fish oil will do. Only fish oil free of harmful pollutants such as mercury and industrial chemicals is completely safe for consumption. Some excellent store brands are by Nordic Naturals and Carlson Laboratories. If you prefer to buy online one of the finest is cerebrafil.com.
And, this is also one reason why supplementing with pharmaceutical-grade fish oil can be safer than just eating much more fish. Many fish, including tuna, halibut, swordfish, bluefish, king mackerel, and tilefish, are highly contaminated and need to be severely limited. Sadly, most of the salmon in the markets and served in restaurants is farm raised and because of their unnatural commercial diet have significantly lower levels of omega-3s.
Some people mistakenly think flaxseed is an appropriate way to get DHA and EPA because the body has the ability to change the shorter-chain omegas into long-chain omegas. The problem with this is that the process to do this is very long and difficult, so that in the end very little of the valuable DHA and EPA is produced at all. It is not advisable to take cod liver oil for the reasons regarding contamination above, and also because, to get enough omega-3s from cod liver oil you would have to take so much that you would be overdosing on vitamins A and D.
You should ensure an adequate intake of antioxidants when taking fish oil by taking 100 to 400 I.U. (international units) of vitamin E daily. Be sure to take D-alpha-tocopherol, not DL-alpha-tocopherol, as the D-alpha is natural and the DL-alpha is synthetic and therefore not recommended. Please read the label to make sure; many stores carry both varieties. |
| posted by Healthy Life @ 9:04 PM |
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| Sunday, June 14, 2009 |
| Caffeine, Health and Recovery |
Anyone in recovery desires several things. You want to remain free of the drug you had been using and you want to alleviate the negative physical and emotional conditions that were created by that addiction. Hopefully, you also want to lead a healthier life in general. In order to move along a new path in life in which you are becoming and staying healthier, you must not only stay free of your previous substance abuse, but you should live in a more wholesome manner, one that is not just, not unhealthy, but one that actively promotes good health. One important way to do this is to detoxify your body and keep it free of all harmful, toxic substances. To do this, you ought to eliminate certain habits to avoid these other substances, in addition to remaining free of the drug you were abusing. For this reason, knowledge of the effects of various foods and chemicals is essential to being able to find and stay on the path that leads you to better and better health.
Sometimes sociological conditions and peer influences can distort ones view of the real situation. A good example of this was cigarette smoking. Older movies are a good indication of the social norms at the time. Not only did most people start smoking in social situations, but the person who did not smoke was considered not really as much a part of the social group. Of course, now most people are fully aware that not only is nicotine very addicting, but the intake of the toxic smoke is extremely harmful and unwise, and it is morally wrong to make those around you inhale toxic second hand smoke. Today, things are different and it is the person who wants to smoke, who is a bit of an outsider, and who often finds themselves literally outside, when they have to smoke in another location, like outside a restaurant or even outside an apartment where they are a visitor.
Today, caffeine is an accepted drug, just like nicotine was many years ago. In fact, caffeine is the most widely used drug in the world. Some may feel that it is probably not as harmful as the toxic smoke that went along with nicotine addiction and cigarette smoking. Nevertheless, there is no doubt, that caffeine is very harmful to the health of a person. In the Western world, 8 out of 10 adults consume caffeine in some form. Presently many Americans are hooked on caffeine. Ninety percent consume it in one form or another every single day. Over half of them consume more than 300 milligrams of caffeine every day. It is in coffee, tea, soda, chocolate, and a variety of other things, and is our nation's most popular drug.
Caffeine occurs naturally in many plants, including coffee beans, tea leaves, and cocoa nuts. Caffeine is really a biological poison used by plants as a defense against being harmed and injured by the other forms of life in their environment. The caffeine gives seeds and leaves a bitter taste, which discourages their consumption by insects and animals. If predators continue to eat a caffeine-containing plant, the caffeine can cause central nervous system disruptions and even lethal side effects. Most of them learn to leave the plant alone.
Though it is widely known that caffeine is an addictive and unhealthy drug, it is widely consumed and as much a part of American contemporary life as smoking was years ago. With the spread of and popularity of coffee bars, coffee, one of the main sources of caffeine in people’s diet, is more popular than ever. (Tea and hot chocolate, also consumed at these coffee bars contain significant caffeine, but not as much.) Around one third of all coffee drinkers say they can’t do without it and are clearly addicted. Tolerance for caffeine for anyone drinking coffee can develop rapidly and lead to the desire to increase ones consumption. Someone used to drinking six or seven cups of strong coffee a day will begin to experience withdrawal symptoms on waking and then every two to three hours after the last coffee drink. If you are seeking optimum health, however, you should severely curtail your coffee consumption, and eventually stop consuming it at all. It is a drug and the last thing any of us needs is another addiction.
When most people think of caffeine they immediately think of coffee, and yet much of the caffeine that is ingested does not come from coffee at all. In fact, people who do not drink coffee may be ingesting quite a great deal of caffeine regularly. The fact is, caffeine is an addictive additive in most commercial sodas.
Caffeine has many effects on the body and brain. For example, as your body becomes fatigued, adenosine is made in the brain, and binds to adenosine receptors. This causes drowsiness by slowing nerve cell activity. The result is that you will want to stop and rest. You will want to go to sleep. This is healthy, for you need the rest. The adenosine also causes blood vessels to dilate in the brain, so more oxygen can reach the brain during sleep.
When caffeine is ingested and goes into the stomach, it quickly travels to the brain. Once there it binds to the adenosine nerve receptors. But instead of cellular activity slowing, this results in it speeding up. The cell can no longer bind with adenosine, because the caffeine is linked up with all of its available receptors. The usual effect of adenosine is blocked in this way and the cell begins accelerating its activity. In addition to this, because adenosine is shut out, the brain’s blood vessels begin to constrict. The increased neuron firing in the brain stimulates the pituitary gland. The pituitary signals the adrenal glands to produce adrenaline (epinephrine), the "fight or flight" hormone.Unfortunately, when the adrenaline wears off, you feel fatigued and that drives you to get more caffeine. As you go through this cycle many times through the day, you will find yourself becoming more and more irritable.
Caffeine raises the blood pressure and increases the levels of various stress hormones, and for those very sensitive to it or consuming large quantities, it can cause heart palpitations and nervousness. If sustained by regular coffee drinking over a lifetime, these increases in blood pressure and heart rate will elevate the risk of stroke and heart disease. Heavy coffee drinkers, those having five or more cups per day, were two to three times more likely to have coronary heart disease than were nondrinkers.
Caffeine at a high level can eventually lead to exhaustion of the adrenal glands. Caffeine is a chemical stimulant that increases blood levels of the hormones produced by the adrenal glands. The adrenal hormones regulate stress response, blood pressure, blood sugar, mineral levels, immune activity, inflammation, and cell growth and repair. Long term caffeine consumption contributes to adrenal insufficiency, in which over 150 hormones produced by the adrenals or metabolized from adrenal hormones no longer function adequately.
Caffeine causes the body to produce greater amounts of cortisol, the body’s stress hormone. These elevated levels can last for hours having a negative effect on serotonin and dopamine production. Anxiety will increase and even depression can result from these changes.
People sometimes feel sharper after their cup of coffee, however the increased cortisol will lead to restricted blood to the brain and eventually causes poorer mental performance.
People who chronically stimulate their adrenal glands to overproduce cortisol alter their daily pattern of cortisol concentrations so that cortisol is low in the morning when they wake up instead of high. So they reach for a cup of coffee to artificially spike their cortisol levels up again. These same people experience huge cortisol surges at meals causing them to overeat. They have higher body fat, lower muscle mass, and reduced metabolism, so they burn fewer calories. They don’t sleep well at night because elevated cortisol levels keep them from entering the deep, rebuild and repair stage of sleep the body needs for recuperation. High levels of cortisol will also compromise your immune system and interfere with your body's ability to fight off pathogens.
Be aware that if you frequently drink coffee or have other sources of caffeine, including ,especially, the many popular caffeinated sodas ,and find that at end of the day you are regularly stressed out and exhausted, even depressed and worried, it could very well be the result of the caffeine generating large amounts of cortisol in your body.
In the end, those seeking the healthiest life should avoid the caffeine to be found in many popular beverages. You should avoid caffeinated coffee, and even Decaf, which is not totally caffeine free, and get in the habit of reading the ingredients on the labels of all sodas and drinks, and choose only the ones which are free of caffeine. Fortunately, for those in successful recovery from alcohol, which had caused hangovers and interfered with the important REM sleep, the powerful need for caffeine in the form of coffee in the morning no longer exists. |
| posted by Healthy Life @ 9:04 PM |
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| Sunday, June 7, 2009 |
| Alcohol, a Drug that is overlooked |
It all happened to us.
Quench a growing thirst by satisfying the prevailing need to refresh our bodies. A night out in a bar on a hot summer evening, who wouldn't give in to the little pleasures of quietly sipping a delightful Pina Colada, carefully prepared by a talented bartender? It's so delicious, why not have another one? The alcohol is barely noticeable, so what could be the harm? You give in to temptation one more time, and take a third one. The effects of alcohol rapidly begin to show themselves, but this doesn't stop you from taking one last Pina Colada, you know, just for the ride back home. That's all you remember of your night the next day. A throbbing headache awakes you in the morning, a horrid breath, all of this accompanied by the familiar sensation of queasiness.
It's no secret, alcohol is a common beverage served in social gatherings, parties, homes and even in religious celebrations. Therefore, it is anything but surprising that the general perception on the dangers of alcohol is underestimated and anything but worrisome for some. Alcohol is generally thought of as being a beverage that "relaxes the atmosphere." Furthermore, brand names and alcoholic percentage come into play as to the pricing of such beverages. Overall, finding alcohol to drink is easy, relatively inexpensive, but most importantly, it's legal.
Alcohol, a Real Drug
Categorically, we are quick to be judgemental about those who are addicted to drugs (marijuana, cocaine, heroine, methamphetamine, etc.). Nevertheless, we don't stop there. Many don't truly grasp and understand the reasons that may push someone towards substance abuse, and are unable to realize the difficulty the drug addict faces in quitting. However, when someone becomes an alcoholic, we tend to tolerate and accept this fact with much more ease. Yet, alcohol is a drug. Few actually believe it, but it is.
To fully grasp the hazards of alcohol, it will be compared to the widely known drug Marijuana. We already know that alcohol is legal. Everyone 18 years and older in Quebec may freely buy any desired quantity. The age limit in other provinces varies according to provincial legislature. In the United States of America, it takes 21 years of age to legally possess any alcoholic beverage. Marijuana is illegal nationwide to consume and cultivate, and perpetrators are severely punished for this offence by the police forces. As a drug, Marijuana does pose health risks to individuals, hence it is downright correct for it to be illegal. Many teenagers have already consumed Marijuana, since they particularly enjoy the "highs" it gives them. Predictably, they equally enjoy drinking alcohol and partying over weekends.
"It's liquid courage, I can pick up women, I can get in fights and feel no pain," reported a former alcoholic.
Below is a table demonstrating the known effects of alcohol and Marijuana on the human body:
Alcohol
Status: Legal
Side effects:
- Slower reflexes
- Fewer inhibitions
- Increased confidence
- Reduced coordination
- Slurred speech
- Intense moods
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Poor muscle control
- Nausea-Vomiting
- Possibly coma or death
*Depending on volume of alcohol consumed
Marijuana
Status: Illegal
Side effects:
- Bloodshot eyes
- Thinking and solving problems
- Distorted perception
- Dry mouth and throat
- Faster heartbeat and pulse rate
- Memory and learning problems
By looking at the side effects of both drugs, Marijuana appears to be a mild drug when compared to alcohol. Even though the side effects of alcohol vary according to the amount of alcohol ingested, we rarely limit ourselves to a single glass. Age, sex, body build and metabolism are also factors influencing the effects of alcohol on an individual.
Alcohol in our Society
Nevertheless, the outreach of alcohol extends far beyond the boundaries of our bodies. Since it is legal, millions of alcoholic beverages are served daily across North America in local pubs, bars and clubs. Not only does this alcohol consumption lead to decreased inhibitions, it also paves the road for sexual harassment issues and undesired sexual acts, which may undoubtedly lead to the spreading of sexually transmitted diseases (STD). Violent acts and numerous assaults are repeatedly being reported to the police, and in many cases, both victim and culprit were under the influence of alcohol.
"Forty percent of people convicted of violent victimizations (sexual assault, robbery, homicide, aggravated assault, and simple assault) and 25 percent of victims had been drinking at the time of the event." - Source: Bureau of Justice Statistics, 1998
"Alcohol is closely linked with violence. About 40 percent of all crimes (violent and non-violent) are committed under the influence of alcohol." - Source: Bureau of Justice Statistics, 1998
Individuals may also feel confident and unflustered by the thought of driving home drunk. Drinking and driving is a serious issue in North America, destroying families, ruining friendships and generating exorbitant financial problems. The news channels always seem to have new footage to demonstrate the horrid scenes resulting from a fatal car accident caused by a drunk driver. Not only does the drunk driver put his own life in peril, he is equally an impending threat to all of those travelling at that very moment. Statistics for alcohol-related crashes are alarmingly high, truly worrisome and necessitate our immediate attention.
"Approximately 1.4 million drivers were arrested in 2003 for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. This is an arrest rate of 1 for every 135 licensed drivers in the United States of America." - Source: NHTSA, 2005
"About three in ten Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some time in their lives." - Source: NHTSA, 2001
On the other hand, non-profit organizations, drug rehabilitation and prevention centers and numerous other volunteers are continually seeking to educate and spread awareness among the population on the effects of alcohol. Be it by advertising campaigns, through drug prevention conferences or simply by conversation, these organizations wish to reduce and ultimately, eliminate the threat alcohol poses to our daily lives.
A former alcoholic explained, "Alcohol is the most widely accepted way in the world to kill yourself, kill perfect strangers, family members and children. You think it gives you a new life, but it only ends life."
Unfortunately, much of their efforts are countered by the alcohol industry itself. Quite obviously, alcohol is a thriving industry generating huge profits for brewing companies. Their advertising capabilities are much more developed, due to their large budgets and influence. Therefore, the number of alcohol-related advertisements (beer, wine, liquor, etc.) greatly outnumbers those for awareness. Furthermore, alcohol is currently portrayed in music videos, sporting events (through sponsorships) and on objects of any kind. This only increases the visibility of alcohol-based products, hence reaching out towards a younger audience, which is rarely of drinking age.
"Recent advertising expenditures in the United States for beer, wine, and liquor combined ($1.9 billion) totalled over 10 times the amount spent on milk ads ($137.7 million). - Source: TNS Media Intelligence/CMR, 2004 and Agricultural Marketing Service, 2002
"Each year, college students spend approximately $5.5 billion on alcohol- more than they spend on soft drinks, milk, juice, tea, coffee and books combined." - Source: Drug Strategies, 1999
"Young people view approximately 20,000 commercials each year, of which nearly 2,000 are for beer and wine." - Source: Strasburger & Donnerstein, 1999
Alcohol Addiction, a.k.a Alcoholic
Alcohol dependence is a growing issue in our modern society. Contrarily to a drug addict, an alcoholic doesn't face the same type of pressure from his entourage. It is much easier to dissimulate an alcohol addiction than a cocain addiction. By attending social events, the alcoholic doesn't feel the need to hide his addiction, since everyone around him/her is also drinking. Also, due to the predominant idea that an alcohol addiction isn't all that bad, because alcohol is legal, the alcoholic doesn't feel such an urging need to recognize his addiction and solve this problem.
The beverage alcohol (scientifically known as ethyl alcohol or ethanol) is produced by fermenting or distilling various fruits, vegetables, or grains. Ethyl alcohol itself is a clear and colourless liquid. All of the alcoholic beverages get their distinctive colours from the diluents, additives, and by-products of fermentation.
There are two main types of alcoholic dependence: psychological and physical. Nevertheless, a long-term drug abuse still poses serious health risks, such as severe liver damage and a noticeable increase for heart disease and failure. The Fetal Alcohol Syndrome may result if a pregnant woman drinks alcohol throughout her pregnancy. The child is born with facial abnormalities and may experience growth retardation.
A psychological dependence on alcohol mainly refers to a craving for alcohol's psychological effects, without necessarily requiring amounts for a serious alcoholic intoxication. It is also possible for such an addiction to occur to individuals consuming alcohol only during certain circumstances, such as prior, during and after a social occasion. For psychologically dependent drinkers, the lack of alcohol tends to make them anxious and, in some cases, panicky. This particular type of dependence isn't as damaging and harmful as physical dependence, since the individual is relying on the alcohol to help him/her reduce their inhibitions and increase their confidence.
A former addict declared, "I am so much of a coward, that I need a drink before ANYTHING."
Physical dependence occurs mainly in heavy drinkers. They are prime targets for this type of addiction, since they continually resort to excessive drinking to "escape" from a problem. Over time, their bodies have developed a tolerance to the presence of alcohol in the bloodstream. So, if they suddenly decide to quit cold turkey, they will suffer from withdrawal symptoms ranging from jumpiness, sweating, sleeplessness, convulsions, poor appetite, hallucinations, and sometimes even death.
Both types of dependencies foster violence and/or deterioration of personal relationships. Young minds can suffer dearly from alcohol abuse, since it will interfere with their schooling, career goals, and may eventually lead to unemployment.
Solving the Problem
Being afflicted with any type of addiction is never easy. Even if initially it was a personal choice to try the addictive substance, few actually wished or even thought of becoming addicted. It is most difficult for alcoholics to quit on their own, for like all of the other drugs, there are unpleasant withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting. The discomfort and disquieting feeling experienced while quitting is of little encouragement for a drug addict. Yet, there are other possibilities.
No one has to go through this determining step of his or her life alone. Drug rehabilitation centers are there to support and help the individual accomplish his goal: overcome his/her addiction. Choosing the right drug detoxification treatment is of capital importance, so as to give the individual the best tools and opportunities to completely eliminate his/her addiction from his/her life.
Among the many types of drug rehabilitations programs available, Narconon offers a unique, 100% natural, biophysical drug treatment program. Without using any substitute drugs, Narconon's program is specifically targeted at eliminating drug residues from the body. By diminishing the withdrawal symptoms to their lowest levels, the individual gradually regains his composure and awareness of his surroundings. Both the physical and psychological aspects of drug addiction are addressed in the Narconon program, so that the individual may go on to live a drug-free lifestyle after completion of the program.
Hopefully, alcohol will play a less important role in our lives as the years go by, awareness among the population will significantly increase, and drunk driving will no longer be a pressing issue. By recognizing the direct and indirect impacts alcohol has on our lives, we can more easily understand how many lives are shattered due to substance abuse. Eventually, we will all look past this false barrier of security, and see alcohol for what it really is.
References:
- Against Drunk Driving (MADD): http://www.madd.com/stats/1789
- California Narcotic Officer's Association: http://www.cnoa.org/articles.htm
- Bureau of Justice Statistics (U.S.A Government): http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/
- National Highway Traffic Safety Association: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/
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| posted by Healthy Life @ 9:04 PM |
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| Sunday, May 24, 2009 |
| Stop Smoking: How to quit smoking |
So you want to quit smoking, do you?
It has been estimated that the average smoker has wasted over $400,000 in tobacco purchases and medical expenses by the age of 35. So imagine what you could do if you did stop smoking!
How do you quit? You put your mind to it and you do it.
You do not have to pay lots of money for hypnosis or for acupuncture or even some expensive nicotine patch. Just let your friends know that you are now serious about kicking the habit of smoking and get started on a free program.
U.S. Surgeon General has reported that nicotine is just as addictive as heroin and
Cocaine!
So you will want to take this seriously, because it is NOT going to get any easier to quit if you procrastinate this.
Those once smoking a pack or more a day, who have given up smoking for at least one year, have a death rate less than half that of those who have continued smoking. - American Cancer Society
One of the first people that I helped to quit smoking, always said that she really wanted to quit smoking. But when I asked her, she would say that she wanted to start her program once she had finished her current new pack of cigarettes. I asked her how much the pack cost her, and then offered to give her that amount of money to buy the pack from her. I bought her cigarette pack from her, and then I crushed the pack into pieces over the trash can.
Even if you do not care about your health, others do, and by you smoking, there is a danger of second hand smoke for others. And the worse part of it is that those that look up to you, may soon be copying your dirty habit. I have worked with lots of people who I have helped to stop smoking, who had been smoking for many years. It is not easy, but I know that it is possible.
You will want to remove all the things from your surroundings that make you crave tobacco. This means that you will need to get rid of the smells from your car, your clothes, your carpet and entire home. That could mean that you need to stay away from your favorite porch chair for a while, if that is where you do most of your smoking. Get rid of all of your ash trays. Stay away from the places where you normally buy the cigarettes.
Some people like to get candies to put into their mouth, for whenever they feel the urge to smoke. It is recommended that you use cinnamon flavor, since that helps control the urge. Before you start, get some cinnamon flavored candies and cinnamon flavored mouth wash. Orange juice, or even better, grapefruit juice, has shown to be especially helpful, due to the high vitamin C content. (This will also help give you an immune system boost.) Have the juice available in your refrigerator and wherever you go. Get some healthy munchies. For example, maybe put a bag of those mini carrots in your refrigerator.
Stay away from high fat foods, coffee, and alcohol, while you are trying to quit. By doing this, you will be fighting some of the natural triggers that have stopped you from quitting smoking in the past.
A free program that has been used by over 20 million people, is the Five-Day Plan to Quit Smoking, put together by two Christians in 1964. And it is still being used today! The plan has been recognized by the World Health Organization, the American Cancer Society, the American Lung Association, and the American Heart Association. This plan was put together by J.Wayne McFarland, M.D. and Elman J. Folkenberg. There are some places that will charge you to do this plan, with personal assistance, but you can download a find a free copy on the internet and do it on your own at no cost too.
The plan takes you through a five day long, step-by-step program to easily change your daily habits and achieve your goals to quit smoking. Through psychological motivations and physical changes (such as slight dietary modifications), the Five-Day Plan works to break your nicotine cravings and smoking routine. |
| posted by Healthy Life @ 8:56 PM |
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| Sunday, May 17, 2009 |
| How To Stop Smoking Tips |
First you must make your own decision to stop smoking; if you do it just to please others, you will probably fail. Make a list of the reasons why you smoke. Next to it list the reasons you want to quit. Read both lists often. To ease your determination some really effective & "easy to apply" tips are given below. Incorporate them into your routine & live a healthy life after quitting smoking.
Jot down all the reasons for quitting smoking. Always keep them with you. Whenever your urge for smoking rises refer to them. Decide to stop completely rather than gradual withdrawal. Have a strong will towards a healthy life & try to kill your appeal for smoking. So it's better to set a date & stick to your quitting mission. You can get great support from your family in quitting. Tell everybody about your resolution.
A 'team' effort may prove easier than doing it alone. Try to get other people in surroundings & stop smoking at the same time. Say good bye to ashtrays, lighters, and all cigarettes you already have. Set your mind for few withdrawal symptoms like nausea, headaches, discomfort, craving, and just feeling awful. Since your body has been habituated to the dosages of nicotine for its normal functioning, so these symptoms may whip you up for smoking. Stay determined as if the occurrence of symptoms is nothing for a strong person like you. These symptoms tend to hit you after 12-24 hours and then gradually ease over 2-4 weeks. Look forward to tough cough symptom.
It has been found that "smokers cough' gets worse when you stop smoking. This hard-hitting symptom tends to tempt you to restart smoking. Stand firm to this temptation! The cough usually gradually eases. Avoid every place or situation for the first few weeks that tempts you to smoke. Most commonly, drinking is associated with smoking. Try not to drink too much alcohol to stimulate your smoking desire. Stay away from pubs for a few weeks. Try to change your choices of coffee and tea with fresh juices and plenty of water.
Mark off each successful day on a calendar. This will motivate you not to start all over again. You will feel the changes in you after a few days. You will smell better & enjoy your food more. Say with poise that you don't smoke. Put the money in a piggy bank you used to spend on cigarettes whenever you have an urge again. See, how much money you can spend on treats rather than wasting on smoking. You may be doubtful about the increase in weight. Well, anticipate an increase in appetite, but avoid fatty or sugary foods as snacks. Take a crack at sugar-free gum and fruit instead. Don't lose your heart if you fail. Be particular about the more difficult times when you couldn't resist. Try to be stronger next time with a will to win. Seek the help of Stop Smoking Clinics when the need arises.
When you decide to stop, pick a date in the near future and plan for it. If possible, choose a time when you are faced with a change in routine, such as a holiday or a trip. Tell your family and your friends; They will reinforce your resolve. If you can, team up with another who's quitting-sharing the experience helps. Talk to others who have stopped. Note the moments when you most want to smoke and be ready with a diversion.
When the date comes, stop carrying cigarettes, matches, or lighters. Hide all ashtrays. Carry nuts or other nutritious snacks to nibble on: stay away from candies. When you feel the urge to smoke, take a few deep breaths. Drink lots of water and fruit juices.
You will have moments of great anxiety. Endure them; they will pass. Keep active; exercise more. Read an engrossing book; engage in a hobby that keeps your hands busy.
If you backslide, don't give up. Stop again immediately. Nicotine is addictive: a smoker must conquer the habit one day at a time. Don't worry about not smoking ever again; focus on now.
Many have found help from such organizations as the American Lung Association, which has branches in every state, and from commercial smoke-ending programs, as well as from group therapy, hypnosis, yoga, acupuncture, and prescription drugs |
| posted by Healthy Life @ 8:56 PM |
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| Sunday, May 10, 2009 |
| NLP and Hypnosis Can Break Your Smoking Addiction Right Now |
Breaking the smoking addiction is a necessity today, because cigarettes have been banned from restaurants and public places. And in fact, it's the smart thing to do for more reasons than health alone. This article explores the very best hypnosis and NLP techniques that can be utilized to make it as painless as possible to break the addiction to tobacco.
There are three separate components to a smoking addiction. Two of the parts are mental, and one part is physical.
Part A: YOU SMOKE FOR RELAXATION AND PLEASURE.
When you were a tot and you became upset, your mother would put a bottle into your mouth to pacify you. You would get distracted, become more peaceful, and often fall asleep. That sequence of events was repeated hundreds of times so that your unconscious mind was programmed: When something goes into your mouth, you get relaxation and pleasure from it.
Now that you are an adult, if you feel anxious or tense, you crave something in your mouth for relaxation and pleasure - a cigarette!
Part B: SMOKING IS A CONDITIONED RESPONSE.
Remember Pavlov? He rang a bell every time that he fed his dogs. After a few repetitions, all he had to do was to ring the bell, and the dogs would salivate.
When you pair smoking a cigarette with any other behavior, the other behavior will trigger cravings for a cigarette and a compulsion that makes you want to light up. This is called a conditioned response.
For example: If you light-up a cigarette when you drive your car, you will automatically get an urge to smoke each time you drive your car.
Here is exactly how this conditioned response gets programmed into your unconscious: If a person lights-up a cigarette and simultaneously drinks a cup of coffee, the mind takes a picture of the cigarette in the hand, and ties it to the cup of coffee. Thereafter, every time the person has a cup of coffee, the unconscious mind fills in the missing part of the picture. It flashes an image of the cigarette, and the smoker gets a craving for one.
You may be unaware of the mental movie of the cigarette, because it may only be at the unconscious level of mind. Just as you are unaware of what you are seeing through your peripheral vision until someone draws your attention to it. But the image is there, creating a craving for a cigarette.
Part C: THERE IS A PHYSICAL ADDICTION TO NICOTINE, BUT . . .
I've worked one-on-one with several thousand smokers and I guarantee you that the physical addiction is the weakest part of the smoking addiction. In fact, I believe that it is only ten percent of the addiction to tobacco. I believe that ninety percent of the habit are the mental and emotional parts! (Parts A and B).
HERE IS WHAT THIS MEANS TO A SMOKER WHO WANTS TO QUIT.
What this means is that as soon as you eliminate the feeling of tension that compels you to light-up a cigarette for relaxation and pleasure (Part A) . . . and if you can extinguish the conditioned response of feeling compulsions for cigarettes when having a cup of coffee, driving, or finishing a meal, etc. (Part B) . . . then you can give up smoking without requiring willpower, and without experiencing withdrawal symptoms or gaining weight.
Hypnosis will make it easy to give up smoking because it takes care of Parts A & B! Here is how:
Part A is where you light-up a cigarette for relaxation and pleasure. It's your thoughts which create feelings of anxiety. More specifically, people always run mental movies in their mind's eye. If the movie is negative, it brings on a feeling of anxiety.
We can use different NLP and Hypnosis methods to train the subconscious mind to quickly take those anxiety creating mental pictures and movies, and instantly exchange them for relaxation producing mental pictures and movies. This manufactures relaxation and pleasure, and eliminates the anxiety that triggers the oral urges and compulsions for cigarettes.
Because of the elimination of tension, the smoker who is quitting doesn't feel the compulsion or need to substitute food in place of the cigarettes. So quitting without weight gain is possible.
Part B is where you smoke a cigarette because smoking becomes a conditioned response to many different activities and locations. Remember in the earlier example how smoking became unconsciously associated with other activities and environments so that each time people get into that activity or environment, the mind flashes an image of a cigarette, and the image of the cigarette triggers an urge to smoke a cigarette?
There are stop smoking hypnosis, and quit smoking NLP techniques that can effectively eliminate those conditioned responses so that a smoker's unconscious will lose the cravings for cigarettes, and the compulsion to smoke. As a matter of fact, you can even get a compulsion to reject the cigarettes.
IN SUMMATION
In summary, by using certain hypnotic techniques, it becomes very easy to stop smoking without weight gain or having to suffer from withdrawal. And many of these methods do not even depend on post-hypnotic suggestions. They depend on programming the subconscious mind to use the same thought processes that the subconscious mind is using to create the smoking habit, to eliminate the mental addiction. |
| posted by Healthy Life @ 8:56 PM |
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