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<channel>
	<title>The Health Blog</title>
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	<link>http://healthblog.jammedph.com</link>
	<description>Health-related news and information, medical discoveries, tips, new therapeutic modalities, medical frauds, and more!</description>
	<pubDate>Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:19:58 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>Types of Physiotherapy That Help Lower Back Pain</title>
		<link>http://healthblog.jammedph.com/in-the-news/types-of-physiotherapy-that-help-lower-back-pain/</link>
		<comments>http://healthblog.jammedph.com/in-the-news/types-of-physiotherapy-that-help-lower-back-pain/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:19:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[In the News]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Low Back Pain]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Lower Back Pain]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Physiotherapy Techniques]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator (TENS)]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://healthblog.jammedph.com/?p=248</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Lower back pain plagues Americans to the extent that 80% will suffer from it at some time in their lives.  It is one of the most common reasons people visit the doctor.  For many, the problem is more than a passing incident; they need physiotherapy.</p>
<p>Physiotherapy of different types can be used to treat lower back pain.  Acupuncture is fast becoming an important method for the relief of such pain.  The doctor has the patient lie face-down and inserts the acupuncture needles across the back.  The doctor then finishes the procedure for lower back pain.  Pain relief after a series of treatments usually lasts months.</p>
<p>Massage is also used for lower back pain.  The massage used must be done by someone well-versed in the treatment of lower back pain.  A massage done by an untrained person may do more harm than good.</p>
<p>These methods are called passive therapies, or modalities.  They are done to the patient and not by the patient.  There are other modalities that are commonly used.  Heat and ice packs are a well-known form of passive physiotherapy.  They can be used separately, or they can be used alternately by a person who is suffering from acute lower back pain.</p>
<p>A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) can be used as another modality for lower back pain.  The patient will feel the sensation of the stimulator instead of his pain.  If the TENS unit seems to work well for him, he will be sent home with one to use at his convenience.<br />
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Ultrasound is especially useful as a passive therapy for anyone with acute lower back pain.  It delivers heat deep into the muscles of the lower back.  This not only relieves pain.  It can also speed healing.</p>
<p>Back exercises may be assigned by a physiotherapist.  These exercises will help with lower back pain if one does them correctly and faithfully.  The only exception is if the back is in an acute condition requiring emergency care or surgery.</p>
<p>The exercises that will help with lower back pain the most will be assigned and supervised by a physiotherapist.  They may be done at home, but it will be necessary to follow instructions and check in frequently.</p>
<p>These exercises include ones for lower back pain that stretch or extend the back and ones that strengthen it.  One is an exercise where one lies prone and moves as if swimming.  This protects the back while giving the surrounding muscles a workout.</p>
<p>Lower back pain exercises called flexion exercises strengthen the midsection to provide support for the back.  If the lower back pain is reduced when one sits, these exercises are important.  One is a knee-to-chest exercise.</p>
<p>Aerobic exercise such as walking is excellent for reducing and preventing lower back pain as well.  Massage and acupuncture can be counted on to relieve pain for most patients.  Exercises can make the back stronger to both relieve and prevent lower back pain.  Any physiotherapy that can help relieve lower back pain will help millions of people.</p>
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		<title>Why Down Syndrome Physiotherapy Should Be Started Early</title>
		<link>http://healthblog.jammedph.com/in-the-news/why-down-syndrome-physiotherapy-should-be-started-early/</link>
		<comments>http://healthblog.jammedph.com/in-the-news/why-down-syndrome-physiotherapy-should-be-started-early/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:12:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[In the News]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Down Syndrome]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Down Syndrome Management]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Physiotherapy]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://healthblog.jammedph.com/?p=247</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>There is a great need for immediate intervention for children with Down syndrome.  Physiotherapy does not fix the problem; development will still be slowed.  However, it can address problems that are unique to Down syndrome children.</p>
<p>Early Down syndrome physiotherapy focuses on four problems that are common for these children.  One is called hypotonia.  This means that the child&#8217;s muscles lack tone.  That is why, when you lay a Down syndrome child in his crib, he will flop out like a rag doll.  Hypotonia needs to be treated because it affects the ability of the child to learn motor skills or to support himself correctly.</p>
<p>Another problem that can be helped by Down syndrome physiotherapy is laxity of the ligaments.  The ligaments are so loose that they do not support the bones adequately.  In infancy, it can be seen in the way they lie down with their legs splayed apart.  In later years, their ankles and other joints will be loose enough to cause support problems.<br />
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Down syndrome physiotherapy is essential in helping these children overcome muscular weakness.  If they are not exercised to correct the problem, they will develop behaviors that will make up for their lack of strength.  Some of these behaviors may be harmful.  For example, they may lock their knees to make up for having weak legs.</p>
<p>One problem these children face is in their body shape.  Their arms and legs are generally shorter compared to their trunks than in most people.  This leads to all kinds of problems sitting and climbing.  Just reaching the table to eat can be a chore.  Down syndrome physiotherapy can help with this problem.</p>
<p>In early intervention Down syndrome physiotherapy, the emphasis is on overcoming weakness and learning gross motor skills.  Rolling over, sitting, crawling, and walking will all happen eventually, anyway.  However, with Down syndrome physiotherapy, they can take place with solid physical foundations.</p>
<p>There is a concern with Down syndrome physiotherapy of parents notifying the doctors of problems that might require the help of a physiotherapist.  A parent may be at a loss as to what is to be considered worthy of attention.  After all, they already know that their child is not like other children who do not have Down syndrome.</p>
<p>If parents see a Down syndrome child having trouble holding up her neck, it is essential to call it to the attention of the doctor so that physiotherapy can be ordered to strengthen neck muscles.  This is one example of many where a physiotherapist might help.</p>
<p>Once Down syndrome physiotherapy is started, it is best to keep up a life-long program to maintain health.  Prevention of age-related problems with bones, ligaments, and muscles is becoming increasingly important.  This is because people with Down syndrome are living to older ages.  In fact there are more Down syndrome people over the age of 60 than ever before.  Physiotherapy can help them live quality lives.</p>
<p>Down syndrome physiotherapy is often ignored until much damage has been done.  The children are left with weaknesses, odd behaviors, and disfigurements that need not have happened.  If Down syndrome physiotherapy is started early enough, the child will have a much healthier life.</p>
]]></description>
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		<title>6 Tips to Stay Beautiful and Fit Everyday</title>
		<link>http://healthblog.jammedph.com/health-tips/6-tips-to-stay-beautiful-and-fit-everyday/</link>
		<comments>http://healthblog.jammedph.com/health-tips/6-tips-to-stay-beautiful-and-fit-everyday/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:17:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Health Tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://healthblog.jammedph.com/?p=246</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Health is wealth. By being physically fit, it can make a person look lean both inside and out.</p>
<p>There is a lot a person can do such jogging or walking  in the morning, playing basketball or any other sport with friends but if a person wants to have muscles and look lean, the best thing to do will be to sign up and workout in a gym.</p>
<p>Just like taking any medicine, one should first consult the doctor before undergoing any form of exercise.</p>
<p>Physical exercise is beneficial because it helps maintain and improve ones health from a variety of diseases and premature death.  It also makes a person feel happier and increases ones self esteem preventing one from falling into depression or anxiety. It has also shown to make a person with an active lifestyle live longer than a person who doesn’t.</p>
<p>The best exercise plan should have cardiovascular and weight training exercises. This helps burn calories and increase the muscle to fat ratio that will increase ones metabolism and make one either gain or lose weight.</p>
<p>A person who has never worked out before should do it gradually. Doing it too much for the first time can make one pull a muscle or have an injury making it worse. Endurance will never be built in a day and doing it repeatedly will surely be good to the person.</p>
<p>Focusing on certain portion in the body can help make it improve. A good example is going to the gym and doing a workout more often in a specific area such as the abs can give one a chest pack.</p>
<p>But beauty is not only about having muscles which is what people can see. It is also about enhancing the beauty within.<br />
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<strong>Here are some things one can do everyday to stay beautiful and healthy; </strong></p>
<p>·    Reading books and other reading material more often keeps the mind sharp just like working out keeps the body in shape.</p>
<p>·    Work no matter what kind it is produces stress. One can reduce this by taking the time out to do something special like lying in a hot tub, shopping or watching a movie. Studies have shown it is reliever and helps one from looking haggardly.</p>
<p>·    Pollution is something people cannot control given the size of the problem. When one goes out, it is best to put some form of protection such as beauty products that contain antioxidants that protect the skin from damage. There are also other beauty products available and choosing the right one with the help of a dermatologist can help the person.</p>
<p>·    Another way to stay healthy is to give up some vices. Most people smoke and drink. Smoking has been proven to cause lung cancer and other diseases as well complications for women giving birth. Excessive drinking has also shown to do the same.</p>
<p>·    For people who don’t smoke, it is best to stay away from people who do since studies have shown that nonsmokers are also at risk of developing cancer due to secondary smoke inhalation.</p>
<p>·    Lastly, it is best to always start the day with a positive outlook. Just as studies have shown that exercise makes a person feel happier, smiling produces the same effect. A smile can do a lot and it is contagious in a positive sense. It brightens the day of not only one but others as well.</p>
]]></description>
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		<item>
		<title>Practicing Yoga safely While Pregnant</title>
		<link>http://healthblog.jammedph.com/fitness/practicing-yoga-safely-while-pregnant/</link>
		<comments>http://healthblog.jammedph.com/fitness/practicing-yoga-safely-while-pregnant/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:45:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Pregnancy]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Yoga]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://healthblog.jammedph.com/?p=245</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignright" style="float: right;" src="http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/6060/23493919bv6.jpg" alt="Pregnancy and Yoga" width="175" height="250" />If you are a yoga student and just recently found out that you are pregnant you may till be able to do these exercises. Contrary to what many people think, Yoga is good for both you and your unborn child. You will not hurt the baby, but you will be able to create a healthy environment for the baby if you learn to do the yoga poses correctly. You can also begin to do yoga when you are pregnant. There are some poses that you will want to avoid, but if you learn to avoid the harmful poses and master the poses that are suggested as prenatal yoga. You will want to learn about these poses before you begin to do yoga. You will want to ask your pediatrician about whom you will be able to contact. Be sure that you know what you are doing, because you don’t want to hurt yourself or the baby.</p>
<p>Yoga is beneficial because it is a mental exercise as well as a physical one. Those who try to learn and use yoga as a meditation tool, they are able to relax and control their breathing. This will help you during labor, especially if you are opting to give birth without the use of drugs. You will learn how to stay calm in your later stages of your pregnancy, since many new mothers can easily frustrated.</p>
<p>You will want to learn the rules that you will need to follow when practicing yoga when you are pregnant. First, stay hydrated, stopping often for water breaks. If you get too overheated, your core body temperature rises even more, which can harm the baby. For this reason, “hot” yoga is dangerous and should be avoided while you are pregnant.  You will also want to eat some extra calories since you are eating for two, however, you will want to exercise to burn the extra calories from yourself and the baby.<br />
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You will want to make sure that you avoid certain poses because they can be harmful towards the baby. Lying flat on your back, for example, can cut of blood flow to your brain and to the uterus, making you dizzy and causing developmental problems for your baby. After your first trimester you will not want to because it’s just not safe. Also skip positions that are inverted, or those that require great amounts of balance. Remember that your stomach is growing every day, so you will never be able to fully get used to your new shape and stay balanced. Keep in mind that you don’t fall because it can hurt yourself or the baby. If the position includes major twisting or stretching in the abdominal region, they may also not be best for you and your baby. Finally, avoid transitions in which you must stand quickly from a laying or sitting position, since this can be uncomfortable and cause you to be dizzy, as well as restrict blood flow to your uterus.</p>
<p>There are a lot of positions that you will find to be helpful, however, most pregnant women will either practice yoga or they will do things to stretch their body. You will want to talk to your yoga instructor on what they recommend for your and your unborn child. You should also speak with your medical doctor and ask them if yoga will help you and your baby to stay healthy.</p>
]]></description>
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		<item>
		<title>Five Tips to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain</title>
		<link>http://healthblog.jammedph.com/in-the-news/five-tips-to-avoid-holiday-weight-gain/</link>
		<comments>http://healthblog.jammedph.com/in-the-news/five-tips-to-avoid-holiday-weight-gain/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Jun 2008 10:49:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[In the News]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Holiday Weight Gain]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[How to Lose Weight]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Weight Gain]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Weight Loss]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://healthblog.jammedph.com/?p=244</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>If you’re working on a weight loss plan, one of the most difficult times of year can be the holidays. Around Christmas and New Years, the parties and meals you’ll attend will include foods that are high in fat and calories and low in nutrition. Fortunately, by following these five tips you can stick to your weight loss plan even as visions of sugarplums dance in your head. </p>
<p>First, avoid the alcohol. Cocktails and beer are usually served at holiday parties, but they can be full of calories. When you drink, you also have a decreased will power when it comes to saying no to other holiday foods and your appetite will be stimulate, so you’ll eat even more than you normally would eat at a party. Having one drink on a special occasion may be fine, but don’t overdo it every time you head out to celebrate the season. </p>
<p>Another great tip to stick to your plan during the holiday season is to show up fashionably late after you’ve already eaten a meal. If you do this, you won’t feel pressured to eat an entire meal of junk foods or snack on cookie or hot chocolate. Of course, showing up late may be insulting at smaller parties, so make sure you are not rude to the party host. </p>
<p>Use the holidays to get outside as well. You can play in the snow if the weather allows, which actually burns tons of calories. Walking up the hill to sled and having a snowball fight are great ways to get your heart pumping as well as work off those candy canes.</p>
<p> If the weather isn’t cold or snowy, use your time to head to the mall. When gift shopping, make a number of laps around the mall and take the stairs instead of the escalator. Keep this in mind at parties as well—get up and move around as much as possible. Christmas caroling is also a great way to stay off of your rear. This will allow you to do some walking while spreading the holiday cheer. </p>
<p>Lastly, avoid gifts of food. Of course, you can’t tell people what to buy for you, but if you find yourself with a bunch of brownies or boxes or chocolates, why not share the love? You can take these products into work or even donate unopened items to your local food bank. These tips keep you staying slim, every as you’re surrounded by goodies. </p>
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		<item>
		<title>Great Ways to Fail at Weight Loss</title>
		<link>http://healthblog.jammedph.com/diet-and-nutrition/great-ways-to-fail-at-weight-loss/</link>
		<comments>http://healthblog.jammedph.com/diet-and-nutrition/great-ways-to-fail-at-weight-loss/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Jun 2008 10:42:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Diet and Nutrition]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Weight Loss]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Diet]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Nutrition]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://healthblog.jammedph.com/?p=243</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Millions of people in America are trying to lose weight without much success. There are many reasons for this failure, although most would rather give up than fix their mistakes. Weight loss is hard! Without a little patience and knowledge about nutrition and exercise, your best weight loss plan may crumble. Learning the top reasons why weight loss plans fails is important so that you do not make these mistakes in your own life.</p>
<p>First, many weight loss plans fail because the people trying to lose weight follow too strict of a diet. When you cut back your calories, you will burn more than you eat, so you’ll lose weight, right? If you do this gradually, then yes, it works like a charm. However, if you suddenly cut too many, you won’t lose any weight at all because you metabolism will slow down. You also put yourself at danger for not getting enough for the vitamins, minerals, proteins, and other nutrients you need every single day in order to stay healthy.</p>
<p>Another common mistake is trying to go at weight loss alone. Everything you do regarding weight loss, from dieting to exercising, will be a hundred times easier if you have a partner because you will push each other not to quit. Working with a support system on a large scale is also important. Your friends and family should know that you are attempting to lose weight so that they can help you on the process and not tempt you by doing things like baking you cookies or taking up your gym time. Also, remember that professionals, like doctors and trainers, should come into the weight loss plan to help you shed the pounds.</p>
<p>Setting unrealistic goals is another good way to fail at a weight loss plan. When you set goals that you can’t easily reach, you push yourself to move forward and will feel successful even if you fall short. However, when you set impossible goals, you will find that you are easily frustrated. Don’t weigh in every day, don’t completely cut out all of the foods you eat on a regular basis, and don’t exercise to much right away. Gradually build up to reaching the goals you really want for your life, but smart out with smaller ideas.<br />
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Lastly, simply know yourself. Weight loss plans fail when you attempt to be something you are not. Maybe you have wide hips—a weight lose plan won’t completely change that, for example. You have to be happy with yourself on the inside before you change things on the outside in order to succeed at losing weight.</p>
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		<title>Sleep better with proper exercise</title>
		<link>http://healthblog.jammedph.com/health-tips/sleep-better-with-proper-exercise/</link>
		<comments>http://healthblog.jammedph.com/health-tips/sleep-better-with-proper-exercise/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 Jun 2008 07:52:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Health Tips]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Sleep Problems]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Exercise]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Sleep]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Tai Chi]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Yoga]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://healthblog.jammedph.com/?p=242</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>The amount of physical exercise that you exert during the day is one of the key ingredients to helping you get a good sleep at night.  The more active your body is during the day, the more likely you are to relax at night and fall asleep faster.</p>
<p>With regular exercise you&#8217;ll notice that your quality of sleep is improved and the transition between the cycles and phases of sleep will become smoother and more regular.  By keeping up your physical activity during the day, you may find it easier to deal with the stress and worries of your life.</p>
<p>Research and studies indicate that there is a direct correlation between how much we exercise and how we feel afterwards.</p>
<p>You should try and increase your physical activity during the day.  The goal here is to give your body enough stimulation during the day so that you aren&#8217;t full of energy at night.</p>
<p>Your body requires a certain amount of physical activity in order to keep functioning in a healthy manner.  It is also important to note that you should not be exercising three or four hours before you go to bed.<br />
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The ideal exercise time is in the late afternoon or early evening.  You want to make sure you expend your physical energy long before it is time for your body to rest and ready itself for sleep.</p>
<p>You should attempt to exercise at least three or four times a week for a period of 30 minutes or so. You can include walking or something simple.  If you prefer, you can include strenuous activities such as running as well.</p>
<p>The goal here is to increase your heart rate and strengthen the capacity of your lungs.  By adding a regular exercise activity to your daily schedule will help you to improve your overall health and help you emotionally as well.</p>
<p>Along with running and walking there are several other physical activities that you can add to your daily life to increase your level of physical activity.  If you are battling not sleeping, you&#8217;ll find aerobic exercise to be the best.</p>
<p>Your goal with exercise is to increase the amount of oxygen that reaches your blood stream.  Overall, there are many types of aerobic exercise for you to choose from.  The activities include running, biking, using a treadmill, dancing, and jumping rope.</p>
<p>There are some non aerobic exercises that you may find beneficial to help you solve your amnesia problem.</p>
<p><strong>Yoga</strong><br />
Yoga is an exercise that has a stimulatory effect on your nervous system, especially the brain.  Yoga utilizes breathing techniques and yoga postures to increase the blood   circulation to the brain, promoting regular and restful sleeping patterns.  The regular practice of yoga will help you to relax as well as relieve tension and stress.</p>
<p><strong>Tai Chi</strong><br />
Tai Chi is an ancient art of breathing and movement that was developed by the Chinese monks. The movements involved are slow and precise, which is ideal if you have joint pains or you are unable to participate in high aerobic exercises.  Research has shown that Tai Chi can help with insomnia by promoting relaxation.</p>
<p>If you discover that you don&#8217;t have any time to exercise on a regular basis, you should try to sneak moments of activity into your schedule.  Whenever possible, you should take the stairs instead of the elevator, as little things like that will do wonders for your body.</p>
<p>You should also park your car around the corner and walk that extra block or two to get to your destination.  As you may know, there are many small things you can add to increase the activity in your life.  Your overall goal here is to have a healthy and well balanced life - with plenty of sleep.</p>
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		<title>Panic Attacks: How to Prepare</title>
		<link>http://healthblog.jammedph.com/mental-health/panic-attacks-how-to-prepare/</link>
		<comments>http://healthblog.jammedph.com/mental-health/panic-attacks-how-to-prepare/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 08 Jun 2008 08:45:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Health Tips]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Mental Health]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Panic Attacks]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://healthblog.jammedph.com/?p=241</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, panic attacks may be a part of your life. Even with proper medication, many patients suffer from panic attacks. Although predicting when a panic attack will happen may be a bit tricky, you can take steps to prepare for these panic attacks in order to take back control of your life.</p>
<p>The first step to taking back that control is to <strong>learn to breathe</strong>. When a person has a panic attack, often they feel so overwhelmed that they forget to simply breathe properly. Many doctors, therefore, advocating safe breathing practices in order to help calm anyone having a panic attack. In fact, if you’ve ever had a panic attack in public, someone may have tried to get you to breath into a paper bag. This may or may be a good method for you, but the fact is that you should know and practice your breathing exercise before you are panicking. Have a plan—learn calming breathing techniques and practice at least twice a day.</p>
<p>Other relaxing practices may also be able to help your panic attack. Of course, you might find it difficult to even consider meditation when you’re having a panic attack, but by learning this relaxing procedure, you can use some of the same calming techniques that help you to meditate to help you calm down.</p>
<p>Another great way to prepare for a panic attack is to <strong>simply know your triggers</strong>. Do you have a specific phobia? Is excess stress your downfall? Do certain situations seem impossible for you? When you know what triggers panic reactions, you can do your best to avoid or minimize these situations.</p>
<p>You should also be <strong>medically prepared</strong> for a panic attack. When you go outside of the home, take with you a list of emergency contacts, which should include your doctor’s number, your local crisis hotline, and members of your personal support systems. You can use these phone numbers yourself if you feel a panic attack starting, or another person will easily find this information in your purse or wallet if you are not capable of helping yourself.</p>
<p>Also <strong>take with you a bag to help you feel comfortable and calm down</strong> during a panic attack. A crucial part of the bag is any medications you may be taking, along with instructions on taking it. You can also include any items from home that will help you feel more comfortable. This can include herbal tea, a stuffed animal, religious items, photos, rubber bands to snap on your wrist, mints, hand cream, money, a puzzle book, and anything else that may help you relax, stimulated your brain, or distract yourself. Remember, <strong>comfort is key</strong>.</p>
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		<title>How to prepare for LASIK surgery?</title>
		<link>http://healthblog.jammedph.com/treatment-procedures/how-to-prepare-for-lasik-surgery/</link>
		<comments>http://healthblog.jammedph.com/treatment-procedures/how-to-prepare-for-lasik-surgery/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 05 Jun 2008 07:48:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Treatment Procedures]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Laser Eye Surgery]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[LASIK]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://healthblog.jammedph.com/?p=240</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Preparing for any type of surgery is an unenviable and tedious process. You must make sure you have everything ready and your body in tip-top shape. While preparing for LASIK eye surgery may not be quite as difficult, there are some things you need to prepare for before LASIK.</p>
<p>You definitely need to stop wearing your contact lenses in the weeks leading up to your consultation before LASIK. Since the surgery is dependent on the shape and measurement of your cornea you must let it regain its shape. Lenses sometimes reshape the cornea themselves, causing problems with LASIK. Here are some FDA recommendations based on your contact lenses:</p>
<ul>
<li>Soft contact lenses should be removed and not worn for at least two weeks prior to your LASIK evaluation.</li>
<li>Rigid gas permeable lenses should be removed and not worn for at least three weeks prior to LASIK evaluation.</li>
<li>Hard lenses should be removed and not worn for at least four weeks prior to LASIK evaluation.</li>
</ul>
<p>When you meet the doctor to discuss LASIK eye surgery you should let him know a few things about yourself. Let the doctor know about any past or present medical and eye conditions as well as all medications you are taking or are allergic to. It is important that you disclose all of this to your doctor before deciding if LASIK is right for you.<br />
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After you’ve disclosed this personal information to the doctor, you should then discuss if you are a good candidate for LASIK surgery. Let him explain to you the risks, benefits, and alternatives of the surgery as well as what you can expect from beginning to end.</p>
<p>You should stop using any lotions, perfumes, or creams the day before the surgery as well as any makeup that may cause debris to get in the eye. The doctor may even request that you scrub and wash out your eyes for a good time before LASIK surgery to prevent the chance of any type of infection.</p>
<p>Finally, you should definitely arrange with a loved one for transportation to and from the LASIK surgery. Before LASIK surgery some doctors will arrange for you to take some medicine to help you relax that could impair your vision and reaction time. After LASIK surgery you may need a few days to recover your vision, hence the need to arrange for a drive home.</p>
]]></description>
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		<title>How to Start Healthy Eating</title>
		<link>http://healthblog.jammedph.com/health-tips/how-to-start-healthy-eating/</link>
		<comments>http://healthblog.jammedph.com/health-tips/how-to-start-healthy-eating/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 05 Jun 2008 07:39:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Diet and Nutrition]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Health Tips]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Food]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Healthy Eating]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Lifestyle]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://healthblog.jammedph.com/health-tips/how-to-start-healthy-eating/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>If you currently do not eat a healthy diet, it can be difficult to start such a plan. However, healthy eating is important for maintaining bodily function and living a disease-free life. If you struggle with healthy eating, than you know that breaking unhealthy habits can be the most difficult part of the process. However, if you truly want to live the best lifestyle possible, it is important to follow tips in order to start eating a more healthy diet. </p>
<p>A good beginning step when you want to start eating more healthily is to rid you home of all founds that do not into healthy categories. Keep junk foods and beverages out of your house so that you will not be tempted to snack during the day. If you’re worried about getting hungry, keep healthy snacks like carrot sticks, yogurt, fresh fruit, or whole-wheat crackers on hand. If you find that you just cannot bear to toss out the sweets, try keeping something tiny on hand, like chocolate chips. Eating a few of these won’t ruin your diet but also will give you that little sugary fix you rave.</p>
<p>Another great step to healthy eating when you are first starting the process is to take a few moments to learn about what foods are the healthiest for you and how they work in the body. Most people understand that fruits, vegetables, and low-fat means and dairy products are good for you, but few people understand why. The key is learning about nutrients. When you understand how specific nutrients work in the body, you will be more likely to make these healthy choices for your body. Knowledge really is power!</p>
<p>When cleansing yourself to prepare for a new healthy diet, you should also take into consideration your schedule for meals. If you often eat in a rushed hurry at odd times of day, you probably are not getting the best foods possible. Plan ahead! Instead of grabbing a fast food lunch on the go, take a bagged lunch to work, complete with a healthy wrap and some fresh vegetables. Plan ahead for healthy meals in the evening as well by cooking ahead if you are not currently getting healthy dinners and have little time to cook when you get home every night. </p>
<p>Start with baby steps. Even if you only replace one soda a day with a glass of water, you are really improve your calorie intake. If you eat fast food every day for lunch, try replacing that even half of the time. When you start by taking small steps, it does not seem like you are cutting out all of the foods you love and you can take your time to learn about healthy foods which you can love equally as well.</p>
]]></description>
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		<title>The 2 Most Successful Factors to Quit Smoking for Good</title>
		<link>http://healthblog.jammedph.com/mens-health/smoking/the-2-most-successful-factors-to-quit-smoking-for-good/</link>
		<comments>http://healthblog.jammedph.com/mens-health/smoking/the-2-most-successful-factors-to-quit-smoking-for-good/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 24 May 2008 09:48:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Men's Health]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Smoking]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Lifestyle]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Quit Smoking]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Stop Smoking]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://healthblog.jammedph.com/?p=238</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Taking the steps to decide that you want to quit smoking is a huge commitment.  The dedication that is needed is absolutely essential to your success and can often be one of the only factors that will determine how successful you are.  If you find that you are struggling to quit smoking you are certainly not alone, seeking out appropriate help is always key to finding success in your quest to quit smoking.  Looking around at all of the excuses, reasons, purposes and methods that pertain to quitting smoking there are generally two very large factors that will determine your overall success.  Without these two factors you will almost always fail, with them you will typically walk away a successful non-smoker.</p>
<p>Your first critical success factor will be being determined to quit for your own reasons.  This means you need to decide for yourself that you want to quit.  Having the idea to quit smoking forced upon you will generally not work out well for yourself.  You have to decide all on your own that you are ready to quit smoking, this dedication to stop smoking will often be a huge driving force in your battle against cigarettes and you will probably need to pull strength from your decision.  Additionally, as everyone around you is asking why you want to quit, a good answer that you believe in will help you to resolve your determination each time you answer.</p>
<p>This might sound like nothing more than an excuse, but actually deciding for yourself that you want to quit is a huge boost to your mental approach.  If you approach quitting smoking with the idea that someone else is forcing you, then often you will make small mistakes that can sabotage your efforts.  You may not recognize these errors, but they are typically there.  Approaching the task of quitting smoking on your own will ensure that you are setting out to be successful and quit for good.  Those who quit for the reasons of someone else typically quit for only a short period of time.  Those who quit for themselves are the people who quit for good.<br />
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Your second critical success factor will be your actual approach.  If you approach the task of quitting smoking with the confidence that you will succeed no matter what, you will find that your determination is much stronger.  This increased determination can be very helpful as you are trying to fight off those late night cravings, or even the times when the urge to smoke appears and nobody is around to help you through it.  As a smoker, there are plenty of times when you will need your own self-control to really pull you through.  This comes from having the confidence to know that you can succeed.</p>
<p>If you merely approach quitting smoking with an attitude that you think you can quit, you will be sending yourself mixed signals.  These can create huge problems for yourself as you are struggling to maintain the self-control that is necessary to quit successfully.  Pulling your strength from yourself is very important.  Without the determination that you can in fact do this, you will fall into the temptation to smoke again much easier.  It is not a simple task to quit smoking, many people struggle for years to quit fully.  </p>
<p>Believing that you can quit smoking at some point is what will be a driving factor in your success.  The longer it takes to quit smoking the more likely you are to actually lose your determination.  This can spell disaster very quickly.  Keeping your determination strong starts from within, you need to be able to justify to yourself, your harshest critic exactly why you want to quit smoking.  The people in your family who are there for support are just for backup support.  You are your own best cheerleader and celebrating the small victories that you accomplish is very important to your success.  If you take the time to really stretch your confidence you will be in a great position to quit for good.</p>
]]></description>
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		<item>
		<title>7 Tips to Controlling Your Urge to Smoke</title>
		<link>http://healthblog.jammedph.com/mens-health/smoking/7-tips-to-controlling-your-urge-to-smoke/</link>
		<comments>http://healthblog.jammedph.com/mens-health/smoking/7-tips-to-controlling-your-urge-to-smoke/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 24 May 2008 09:46:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Health Tips]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Men's Health]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Smoking]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Lifestyle]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Stop Smoking]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://healthblog.jammedph.com/?p=237</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Trying to quit smoking is a very lengthy process.  This can take a very long period of time such as several years, or it could be something much shorter like only a few weeks or months.  The exact time frame that it takes to quit can vary greatly but what is important is ensuring that you are coming up with a plan to combat your urges to smoke.  At some point in your experience trying to quit you will encounter a situation where the urge to smoke is very strong.  How you handle this situation will go a long way towards your ultimate success.  Being prepared for the urge to smoke will ensure that you have a plan to keep your willpower strong and continue on your path to quit smoking successfully.</p>
<p>Tip 1.  Take the time to decide exactly when you typically smoke.  For example, after meals, after a jog around the block, or even after your shower each morning.  Knowing when you typically smoke will put you in a good position to create a plan to combat the urge.</p>
<p>Tip 2.  Create a plan of attack.  This could be something as simple as a stress ball for your hands, or even just a piece of hard candy to keep your mouth busy.  If you really enjoy the taste and feeling of a clean mouth you could try brushing your teeth each time you want to smoke, or suck on a mint flavored candy, which will freshen your breath.</p>
<p>Tip 3.  Avoid the temptations that lurk.  If you go out to eat, make sure you are sitting in the no smoking area.  Avoid going into tobacco stores, and also try to limit the amount of time you are around other smokers.  If you are continuously around cigarettes, it will be much harder to resist temptation.</p>
<p>Tip 4.  Clean your house of all smoking instruments.  This means all ashtrays, lighters, matches and get rid of the smell of cigarettes.  Products like Febreeze are great for helping to get rid of cigarette smell, which can also trigger an urge to smoke.<br />
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Tip 5.  If you have a place where you typically smoke when you are at home, think about rearranging the area.  If you are able to break the routine of the situation, you will be able to resist temptation much better.  This works best if you always are in the habit of smoking in the exact same place, such as a living room looking out a window.  If you move the chair to a different area of the room, or refocus the center of the room then you can help to avoid the temptation to smoke whenever you are sitting in the chair looking out the window.</p>
<p>Tip 6.  Write down your goal to quit smoking.  This may seem like a minor detail but in reality, it can go a very long way towards ensuring that you keep your priority to quit smoking at the top of your agenda.  If you just tell yourself that you want to quit smoking, you are more likely to cheat and ultimately give into the urge to light up again.  If you have written your goal down, you are going to be more likely to actually follow it.  This goes for quitting smoking, losing weight, changing your exercise routine or anything else.  Written down goals can improve accountability significantly.</p>
<p>Tip 7.  Do not discount yourself.  If you are absolutely certain that you can succeed you will be much more capable of the success that you need.  It is important to believe that you can succeed.  This will help you to stay strong anytime a serious urge kicks in.  If you decide to slip up consciously, you are going to find it is much harder to gain back any slack that you have cut for yourself.  However, if you hold fast to your dedication to quit smoking you will find that each time you have an urge it is easier to handle.</p>
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