MASSAGE WEEK

Ahhhhhhh

By Terry Orr

Everybody Deserves a Massage Week, July 14-20, 2013

Every year massage therapists and body workers nationwide lend their hearts and hands to raise awareness of the benefits of massage, bodywork, and somatic therapies.

There are various types of massage techniques and each has its own identified benefits of addressing stress, pain or it just simply enhance general well being. There are around 80 Massage therapy styles. Out of these 80, here under are the considered Top Ten Massage Techniques:

1. Swedish Massage - Swedish Massage or popularly known as classic massage is usually done using the hands, elbows and forearms to manipulate the superficial layers of the muscles. This kind of therapy can shorten recovery from muscular strain by eliminating uric acid, lactic acid and other metabolic waste by increasing the level of oxygen in the blood.

2. Sports Massage therapy - This is the ideal and famous massage therapy for athletes but is accordingly suitable for anyone who is undergoing chronic injury or pain or range of motion problems. It is a good or right choice if one has a specific problem sustained through sport – because this massage can improve circulation of lymph and blood fluids that allows optimum metabolic exchange.

3. Deep Tissue Massage – This kind of massage therapy style directly targets the deeper layers of connective and muscle tissue. The therapist usually employs slower frictions techniques or strokes to ease in and out of the muscle. It is required that before employing the therapy, muscles must be relaxed in order to effectively perform deep tissue massage.

4. Indian Head Massage – This is a type of Massage technique is popular in India and is said to be good at relieving insomnia, headaches, migraine, tension, sinusitis and stress. The treatment includes the use of deep kneading and compression movements over the head and other related parts of the head.

5. Reflexology Massage – This is otherwise known as zone therapy which is based on the concept that there are reflex areas in the feet and hands that corresponds to specific glands, specific organs, and other parts of the body. This massage therapy involves the manipulation of specific reflex areas in the hands, foot and ears that correspond to other parts of the body. Pressure is usually being applied to the so called reflex zones to stimulate body organs and relieve areas of congestion.

6. Shiatsu – This massage technique was developed and originated in Japan. It is accomplished by utilizing finger pressure technique on a particular traditional acupuncture points. It works similarly with acupressure by unblocking the flow of life energy and rejuvenates balance in the organs and meridians in order to ensure self-healing.

7. Hot Stone Massage –This type of massage therapy is accomplished by placing smooth stones on certain point of the body to warm, loosen tight muscles and balance the energy centers in the body. Hot stone massage is a good choice for people who have muscle tension but prefers light massage.

8. Neuromuscular Massage – This kind of massage therapy works to reduce muscle pain by stimulating circulation of blood that goes to the nervous system. This kind of treatment involves using static pressure on a particular area called a trigger point but it does not involve the massage of the whole body.

9. Pregnancy Massage – This kind of muscle technique works similarly with Swedish massage but is usually carried out with the mother on her side using pillows to position her body at her most comfortable position. It is employed to ease some of the discomforts that are associated with pregnancy such as swelling of muscles, legs and joint aches or reduced normal circulation of blood.

10. Aromatherapy Massage – The muscle therapy is accomplished by using essential oils (extracted from flowers, herbs, woods, resin and roots) in the body and in the skin. Each of this oil has unique benefits and features. The oils are use for therapeutic reasons and not just for fragrance. Scented oils are applied directly to the body depending on the need.

[http://massagetissue.hubpages.com/hub/The-top-10-Massage-Therapy-Styles-and-its-Benefits ]

So do yourself a favor a get a nice massage this week and every week!!

http://balancedbeingtherapies.com

[Photos from Google] 

Birth Defects Awareness Week

By Nurse Diane

I love to bake.  Most weekends you can find me in my kitchen baking up something sweet to share with friends and neighbors.  I like trying out new recipes, but I have found, that if you don't follow them correctly, the treat I am baking just doesn't turn out right.   The same can be said when you are "baking a bun in the oven".  If you put the wrong ingredients in, the end results may not turn out just right.

I was recently talking to a friend of mine - many years ago, his sister was taking some medication prescribed from her doctor.  At that time, it was not known about the possible birth defects caused by this drug.  When the baby was born, there were several defects; one of them was hair covering the baby's face.  Unfortunately, the baby only lived a few days.

This is National Alcohol and Other Drug-Related birth Defects Awareness Week.  According to www.ncadd.org there are some startling facts

• Fetal alcohol syndrome disorders (FASD) – is the leading known cause of developmental disabilities in newborns (historically known as mental retardation) stems from maternal alcoholism or heavy drinking during pregnancy.  Features of FASD include growth deficiency before and after birth, developmental delays, intellectual challenges, behavioral problems, changes in facial features such as a flattened mid-face, small jaw and/or a thin upper lip.
• Perinatal cocaine exposure - can result in obstetrical complications such as low birth weight, smaller head circumference, abnormal neonatal behavior and cerebral infarction at birth.  Children with this exposure are easily distracted, passive and face a variety of visual and perceptual problems and difficulties with fine motor skills.
• Alcohol and Drug use During Pregnancy - in the US, 20% (about 1 million) of pregnant women smoke cigarettes; another 18% (about 750,000) women drink alcohol during pregnancy; another 6% (225,000) women use an illicit drug at least once while carrying a child to term.

Each May, NCADD and our National Network of Affiliates play a major and vital role across the US in educate people, especially women, about the dangers of consuming alcohol and using drugs during pregnancy.  For More information on how you can help, visit their site by clicking here  http://www.ncadd.org/index.php/programs-a-services/alcoholdrugs-related-birth-defects-awareness/191-ncadd-alcohol-a-other-drug-related-birth-defects-awareness-week

(All images from Google) 

Is your Biological Clock ticking?

By Nurse Diane

My husband loved the movie "My Cousin Vinny".  It is the story of two young men who are mistakenly arrested for the murder of a gas station owner, can call their New York lawyer cousin to come down south to represent them.   In one of my favorite scenes of this movie, Vinny's girlfriend is worried that their relationship isn't going anywhere and her biological clock is ticking!  To watch this scene, click here:  http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7jsxe_my-cousin-vinny-biological-clock_fun

The biological clock she is referring to is the chance she will have to get pregnant, as she fears she is getting to old to reproduce.

Our biological clock is also known as circadian rhythm.  Not only does it control the times for ovulation, but it also works as an internal regulator responsible for various cyclical responses in living things. Both plants and animals show yearly, monthly, daily, and other rhythmic changes that appear to be genetically programmed.  According to howstuffworks.com, most cyclical responses occur at approximately the same time as changes in such external factors as light and temperature, suggesting that they are somehow caused by these external changes. Many of the seasonal changes in animals and plants are influenced by changes in day length. For instance, the decreasing amount of daylight in the fall triggers internal changes in some species of birds, causing them to migrate. Germination and flowering of plants generally occurs in the spring and summer when there is more daylight. However, experiments have shown that external factors are not always involved. For example, fiddler crabs in their natural habitat become darker in the morning, lighter in the evening. Yet when they are placed under constant environmental conditions (such as constant light) the daily rhythm of their color changes persist.

Scientists generally believe that various circadian rhythms are controlled by different mechanisms. For instance, many cycles respond to both external and internal stimuli, some cycles respond to external stimuli only, and a small number respond to internal stimuli alone.

There are many changes such as the ebb and flow of the tides, changing of locations, and personal habits such as work hours that affect the circadian rhythm.  When I worked nights at the hospital, my body had to adjust to the change of wake and sleep.  This was particularly hard when my work schedule changed from days to nights and back to days.  This is a common problem with people who work shift work, and it normally takes about two weeks for the body to adjust.  Another type of adjustment is traveling in different time zones, this is where the term, jet lag comes in.

Today is Biological Clock day.  The site worksmartlivesmart.com suggest these tips to help celebrate the day:

Maintain a healthy sleep-wake program by:

• Not napping if you find that it throws you off in the evening.
• Getting up at the same time every day.
• Being strict about your sleep schedule and creating a relaxing bedtime routine.

Trying light therapy. This should only be done under a doctor’s care to ensure that you are not creating additional issues.

Avoiding night-light. When possible, avoid bright and outdoor light close to bedtime and keep your surroundings as dark as possible at night. Cover the lights of your alarm clock, so that you are not tempted to look at it or have its glow disrupt your sleep.

Avoid eating or exercising too close to bedtime. Also watch out for caffeine and nicotine, both of which are stimulants.

When traveling to different time zones – look for natural ways to align your new sleep-wake schedule with the time zone that you are in. Some strategies require you to start several days before you take off the ground, so plan ahead.

(All images from Google) 

October is Pregnancy and Infant loss Awareness Month

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By Nurse Diane

Nearly 30 years ago, a friend of mine lost his daughter not long after she was born.  He has 6 more children, and still grieves for the baby he lost.   Over 50 years ago, my husband's parents lost a child after 3 months.  He was born with a hole in his heart.  My husband never met him; he died before my husband was born, but he still talked about him, and put flowers on his grave every time we went to visit his mother.  A member of my church had a son who committed suicide.  A few days later his wife learned that she was pregnant.  The day before the scheduled c section, there was no heart beat detected.  She was rushed to the hospital for an emergency section, but it was too late.  The baby had died.

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According to October15th.com, when a child loses his parents, he is called an orphan, when a spouse loses a mate, he is called a widow or widower.  But, there is no word used to describe a parent who has lost a child.  This month serves to recognize the loss that so many parents share, and offer support to these parents.  Sometimes the world forgets about the grief that is encountered all around us. Sometimes, we just dont know what to say, or how to act with people who have a loss in their family.

This Month is Pregnancy and Infant loss Awareness Month.  For tips to show your support and encouragement, visit this site: http://www.october15th.com/ .

Here are some other ideas on how to share your support:

• Cook a nice dinner or bake something special for your friend or loved one who has suffered a loss.
• Plan a balloon release in a park or at a church.
• Write a poem, or read a poem or quote from your favorite author.
• Light a candle at home or at church, or plan a candle-lighting ceremony.
• Spend the day with your friend or loved one. See a movie. Take a walk.
• Plant a tree or decorate a special garden stone in honor of the child(ren) lost.
• Send a card. It doesn’t have to say all the perfect things. It just has to say “I’m thinking of you”.

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Just once I wish I could have spent a late hour rocking you in my arms.

Just once I wish I could have gently lain you in your crib.

I wish I could have changed a diaper, chosen an outfit for the day,

given you a bath, soothed your skin with lotion...

Just once I wish I could have heard you cry out

in loneliness for me, spent time alone with you.

Just the two of us, strolled you proudly through the shopping mall.

Just once I wish I could have heard the words:

"What a beautiful, healthy baby boy!"

Just Once.

-- Author Unknown--

National Massage Therapy Week

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By Terry Orr

Do you feel like you carry the weight of the world on your shoulders? This expression embodies how the stress of life can literally lead to physical pain. And while your honey may give you a quick shoulder squeeze to ease off a rough day, sometimes you need to turn to the hands of a pro.  Every other Wednesday – I spend a grateful hour with Vivian who works out all those trouble spots on my body. Life is good!

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In a recent article Talli van Sunder wrote, “We all know the benefits that can come with a good massage. If we’re feeling stressed, a massage can help us relax and ease that pressure. If we’re sore from a race or a long week at the gym, a massage can loosen our muscles and get rid of those knots. And if we’re feeling pain, a successful session of massage therapy may be able to target that spot and make the discomfort go away.”

“But there are reasons to get a massage that go beyond these more “superficial” benefits. While a massage is certainly valuable from the perspective of stress and feel, it can also help you battle everything from colds to cancer by boosting your body’s immune system.”

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Tense muscles and stress can aggravate migraine headaches. Visiting a massage therapist for a massage while a migraine is in progress can reduce muscle pain and tension. This alone may not eliminate your headache, but it can lessen the intensity and increase relaxation. These massages should focus on the neck, shoulders and upper back.

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Here is a quick guide to the most popular types of massage therapy to help you figure out which massage therapy style is right for you.

Swedish Massage Therapy

• This is the most common type of massage therapy in the United States. It is also known as Swedish massage or simply massage therapy.
• Massage therapists use long smooth strokes, kneading, and circular movements on superficial layers of muscle using massage lotion or oil.
• Swedish massage therapy can be very gentle and relaxing. If you've never had massage before, this is a good one to try first.

Aromatherapy Massage

• Aromatherapy massage is massage therapy with the addition of one or more scented plant oils called essential oils to address specific needs.
• The massage therapist can select oils that are relaxing, energizing, stress-reducing, and balancing, etc. One of the most common essential oils used in aromatherapy massage is lavender.
• Aromatherapy massage is particularly suited to stress-related conditions or conditions with an emotional component.

Hot Stone Massage

• Heated, smooth stones are placed on certain points on the body to warm and loosen tight muscles and balance energy centers in the body.
• The massage therapist may also hold stones and apply gentle pressure with them. The warmth is comforting. Hot stone massage is good for people who have muscle tension but prefer lighter massage.

Deep Tissue Massage

• Deep tissue massage targets the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. The massage therapist uses slower strokes or friction techniques across the grain of the muscle.
• Deep tissue massage is used for chronically tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems, or recovery from injury. People often feel sore for one to two days after deep tissue massage.

Shiatsu

• Shiatsu is a form of Japanese bodywork that uses localized finger pressure in a rhythmic sequence on acupuncture meridians. 

Each point is held for two to eight seconds to improve the flow of energy and help the body regain balance.
• People are normally pleasantly surprised when they try shiatsu for the first time. It is relaxing yet the pressure is firm, and there is usually no soreness afterwards.

Thai Massage

• Like shiatsu, Thai massage aligns the energies of the body using gentle pressure on specific points. Thai massage also includes compression's and stretches.
• You don't just lie there--the therapist moves and stretches you into a sequence of postures. It's like yoga without doing any work. Thai massage is more energizing than other forms of massage. It is also reduces stress and improves flexibility and range of motion. 

Pregnancy Massage

• Also called prenatal massage, pregnancy massage is becoming increasingly popular with expectant mothers. Massage therapists who are certified in pregnancy massage know the proper way to position and support the woman's body during the massage, and how to modify techniques.
• Pregnancy massage is used to reduce stress, decrease swelling, relieve aches and pains, and reduce anxiety and depression. The massage is customized to a woman's individual needs. 

Reflexology

• Although reflexology is sometimes called foot massage, it is more than simple foot massage. Reflexology involves applying pressure to certain points on the foot that correspond to organs and systems in the body. Reflexology is very relaxing, especially for people who stand on their feet all day or just have tired, achy feet.

Sports Massage

• Sports massage is specifically designed for people who are involved in physical activity. But you don't have to be a professional athlete to have one-it's also used by people who are active and work out often. The focus isn't on relaxation but on preventing and treating injury and enhancing athletic performance.
• A combination of techniques are used. The strokes are generally faster than Swedish massage. Facilitated stretching is a common technique. It helps to loosen muscles and increase flexibility.

Back Massage

• Some massage clinics and spas offer 30-minute back massages. If a back massage is not expressly advertised, you can also book a 30- or 40-minute massage and ask that the massage therapist to focus on your back. Massage for Neck and Back Pain?

Sometimes helps those nasty Migraines
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References and Links:

• http://www.spaweekblog.com/2012/03/27/massage-therapy-the-best-job-on-earth/
• http://balancedbeingtherapies.com/
• http://www.beinghealthy.tv/archives/massage-therapy-boost-immune-system/
• http://www.spaweekblog.com/2012/04/03/massaging-away-migraines/

National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness

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By Nurse Diane

I recently saw an old rerun of a Law and Order Special Victims Unit on the TV the other day.  The case involved a woman who was pregnant, and she was an alcoholic.  She was seeking a divorce from her husband; however her husband, concerned for the life of his unborn child, filed a protective order against the mother to prevent her from consuming alcohol and risk damaging the baby.  The police officer, who was also a friend of the mother even, took the woman to the house of a child who suffered from fetal alcohol syndrome.   This didn’t have an impact on the mother and she was eventually locked up in prison, for her own wellbeing and the wellbeing of her baby.

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I don't watch any of those reality television shows, however there are a few of them that concern me.  One is 16 and Pregnant, the other is Jersey Shore, where one of the main characters, Snooki, is pregnant.  These shows influence the populations of young girls who idolize these shows. Being pregnant carries alot of responsibility, and if you are portrayed on a reality show, there is even more responsibility to display proper care for your life and that of your unborn child.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is a disorder that has no cure. There are many signs and symptoms including:

• Abnormal facial features, such as a smooth ridge between the nose and upper lip (this ridge is called the phylum)
• Small head size
• Shorter-than-average height
• Low body weight
• Poor coordination
• Hyperactive behavior
• Difficulty paying attention
• Poor memory
• Difficulty in school (especially with math)
• Learning disabilities
• Speech and language delays
• Intellectual disability or low IQ
• Poor reasoning and judgment skills
• Sleep and sucking problems as a baby
• Vision or hearing problems
• Problems with the heart, kidneys, or bones

While there may not be a cure, it is 100% preventable.  The only way to prevent this disorder is to refrain from drinking alcohol while pregnant.  Each year there are 40,000 babies born with Fetal Alcohol disorders.  You can help by letting expectant mothers know about the harm they are causing their babies when they drink.

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For more, information click on this site. http://fasdcenter.samhsa.gov/

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month

By Diane Forrest, RN

A year ago a young man in our community committed suicide.  While I don't know the reason for this action, I learned that soon after his wife discovered she was pregnant with his child.  She went to the doctor the day before her due date, and it was discovered there was a problem.  She was rushed to the hospital where a c-section was performed only to discover the infant had died.   I cannot imagine the pain this family experienced.

The son's mother, and baby's grandmother spoke at my church recently.  Within seconds the whole congregation was in tears. She attributed her strength to her faith in God and the support of her friends and family.  Without them she would not have been able to survive.  She told us how they wrapped the baby up, placed him in her arms where she was allowed to hold him, sing to him and talk to him.

For those who have never experienced the loss of a pregnancy or infant, it is hard to imagine what the parents are experiencing.

It all starts as a dream. You have decided you want to have a baby. You dream of how it will feel to have a baby in the house, picture what you will do for it's room, but it is still a dream. What you hope for.

Then the day arrives! You find out that you are pregnant. Hooray! The dream has become a reality. You are going to the doctor, making plans. There is a little life growing inside you – your child.

Now you have the reality of your dream - a baby. And more dreams! Will it be a boy or a girl? You immediately start thinking of names. What will he/she look like?

We all know what is supposed to happen next. Having a healthy baby, of course. Yet, that doesn't always happen. Whether through miscarriage, stillbirth, newborn death, or SIDS some of us lose our babies. It is a shattered dream, and it is a shattered reality.

Even though they may not have had the time with the infant that you have with other people who are gone from their lives.  The loss is still the same.  This is a time that we need to remember these families have experienced a great loss, and need as much support and comfort they can get.

Remember those who are grieving this month, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and every month.