| 20 steps to optimum health
This is the first of two articles on holistic approaches to optimum health. Today I would like to deliberate on the holistic approach to achieving optimum health. In this first part, I will list the first 10 points. There is space here only for brief notes to each point. These are the principles I teach all those who come to me to recover from any disease; to improve their health; or to slow down their ageing. Optimum health and disease are two ends of the same spectrum of wellness. If the body�s systems falter or fail, you will develop disease. .
Nurse prescribing - the benefits and the pitfalls
More than 30,000 district nurses (DNs) and health visitors (HVs) are qualified to prescribe from the restricted list of medicines described in the Nurse Prescribers Formulary (NPF) for Community Practitioners. Over 10, 000 nurses (across England) are qualified to prescribe both as independent and supplementary prescribers. As of May 2006, Nurse Independent Prescribers (NIPs) have been able to independently prescribe any licensed medicine (and some controlled drugs) provided that it is within their area of competence. These nurses can also prescribe any medicine as a supplementary prescriber.
This article takes a look at some of the benefits and disadvantages of nurse prescribing (as seen by doctors, patients, and nurses), the extent to which nurses are prescribing medicines, and some of the factors that facilitate and hamper the prescription of medicines by nurses.
Food matters
Legumes such as pinto beans, lentils, black-eyed peas, black beans and soybeans are a staple in much of the world's cultural cuisine yet in the Unites States we eat far less than what is recommended. They have been consumed by humans since the earliest practice of agriculture and have been recognized in medicinal and cultural as well as nutritional roles. Diets containing legumes reduce plasma low density lipoprotein, otherwise known as "bad cholesterol". Beans are listed in two food groups - the vegetable group because they are a plant-based food that provide vitamins, minerals and fiber similar to other vegetables, and in the protein group because they're a good source of protein. Beans are a good source of essential nutrients like folate, potassium, iron and magnesium as well as thiamin and riboflavin.
Go, Do, Learn
CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. - Chambersburg Memorial YMCA 2007 Power-lifting Meet will begin Saturday, Dec. 8. The event will provide individuals ages 15 and older with an opportunity to test their strength in any one or all three power-lifting events: squat, bench and dead-lift. No need to be an experienced competitor, but training is highly recommended. Awards will be provided for female and male divisions and classes. This is a non-sanctioned preliminary meet. For information, call Leigh Cordell at 717-263-8508 or go to www.chbgy.org for invitation and registration. Family classes at Frederick hospital FREDERICK, Md. - Frederick Memorial Hospital Wellness Center will office the following family focus program classes: The Healthy Weight is a weight management program for kids, toddlers through teens.
Poutine's turning 50 - time for some respect, please
If you thought poutine, Quebec's favourite fast food concoction, was made of french fries topped with gravy and salty cheese curds, you're wrong. According to the political scientist who wrote a book on Quebec's signature dish, the real recipe is a generous portion of shame fried gently in an inferiority complex and topped with a hint of denigration from the ROC (Rest of Canada) - and a touch of guilty pleasure. "Love it or hate it, poutine has become a strong symbol of Quebec," said Charles-Alexandre Théorêt, author of Maudite poutine! .
A shot in the arm for flu season
It's that time of year again: flu season. (Minnesota confirmed its first case last week.) Here are some things to keep in mind about what you can do to protect yourself.Q Who should get a flu shot?A Anyone who wants to reduce the chances of getting the flu. The government recommends flu shots for all adults older than 50; children ages 6 months to 5 years; anyone in between with underlying conditions, such as pregnancy or chronic illness, that make them more vulnerable to complications, and others such as caregivers. Q When is the best time to get a flu shot?A According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. flu season peaks between December and March. It's recommended that you get your shot during October and November, so now is the time. Even if you delay, you're likely to benefit if you get the shot any time during the season.Q There are drugs that are effective against the flu.
'Tis the Season for Allergic Reactions
MILWAUKEE-With the holiday season just around the corner, millions of Americans are preparing to decorate their homes, gather for feasts and travel to visit relatives. However, for allergy and asthma sufferers, the holiday season presents several potential triggers, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI). "Whether it's feasting on holiday meals, setting up your Christmas tree, or visiting your pet-owning relatives, allergy triggers may be lurking inside of our warm, cozy homes this time of year," said Alisa M. Smith, PhD, FAAAAI, vice-chair of the AAAAI's Indoor Allergen Committee. "Unfortunately, with busy schedules, travel time and the stress of the holidays, it is easy to forget to take the proper care when dealing with allergies and asthma.
Three chiropractors a take trip overseas -- to assist others
Three Edwardsville residents went on a mission trip to Honduras this fall, but not to spread Christianity, build houses or rescue victims of natural disaster. Nathan, Thad and Nikki Vuagniaux are chiropractors. They gave free upper-cervical "corrections" to thousands of patients with medical problems including paralysis, Parkinson's disease, cancer, asthma and hearing loss. "(Patients) were extremely grateful," said Nathan Vuagniaux, 33, noting some people brought food and other gifts. "In fact, most of our translators were working on their own time by the end of the week. They just wanted to help." Nathan and Thad Vuagniaux are brothers. Nikki is Thad's wife. They operate the Glen Carbon branch of Upper Cervical Health Centers of America. The three traveled to the capital of Tegucigalpa, Honduras, with a team of 23 chiropractors and support staff from the United States, Spain and Canada.
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