National Massage Therapy Awareness Week October 20-26, 2013

By Terry Orr

Let us all join in celebrating the 17^th National Massage Therapy Week by doing something special for someone and ourselves by getting an appointment for a well deserved massage!

Last October, we provided a quick guide to the most popular types of massage therapy to help you figure out which massage therapy style is right for you (http://kisbyto.blogspot.com/ 2012/10/national-massage-therapy-week.html).

What are the benefits of massage therapy?  Let us explore some of the benefits of a good massage.

BENEFITS OF REGULAR MASSAGES

Physical Benefits:

• Relaxes the body;
• Reduces tension headaches;
• Lowers blood pressure;
• Increases and promotes joint flexibility;
• Relieves tired and aching muscles;
• Increases circulation;
• Reduce spasms and cramping; and
• Improves posture and balance and so much more.

Mental Benefits:

• Reduces mental stress;
• Promotes quality sleep;
• Improves mood, intellectual reasoning and productivity;
• Induces mental relaxation; and
• Improved concentration.

Emotional Benefits:

• Reduces anxiety;
• Enhances self-image;
• Provides a feeling of well being; and
• Nurtures and stimulates emotional growth.

REFERENCES AND LINKS:

http://balancedbeingtherapies.com

http://www.massageenvy.com/benefits-of-massage-therapy.aspx

http://www.massagetherapy.com/learnmore/benefits.php

Headache Awareness

By Nurse Diane

When I chat online with a friend of mine, he is always telling me that I give him headaches asking him so many questions.  Well I do like to ask him questions because he is so smart and know something about everything, but I hope really don't give him a headache.

There are many different reasons why you might have a headache such as:

Tired, lack of sleep

Hungry

Sign of other medical problems, such as elevated blood pressure

Heredity such as migraines

Physical injury

Vision problems

Change in sleep patterns

Change in hormone levels

According to the National Headache Foundation, headaches are divided into two basic categories: primary/benign (tension-type, migraine, cluster) and secondary (organically caused). All headaches fall into one of these two categories depending on their causes and symptoms.   It's not uncommon for an individual to suffer from more than one type of headache. According to Dr. Seymour Diamond, Executive Chairman of the National Headache Foundation, people with mixed headache problems -- such as migraine with tension-type headache -- are not unusual.

When seeking treatment for your headache, start with your primary care physician. Discuss his or her experience and approach to headaches, including methods of classification, diagnosis, and treatment. Your doctor may decide to recommend you to a headache specialist, depending upon your symptoms or other physical conditions (diabetes, allergies, etc.) that require a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to your headache.

This is National Headache Awareness Week.  So instead of just taking 2 aspirins and calling me in the morning, if you are having a more serious problem with headaches, call your doctor and set up a visit.  For more information visit this site: http://www.headaches.org/content/my-headache

(Images from Google)