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Increasing Costs And Unhealthy Foods

Posted April 30, 2010 by Acupuncture & Massage College

Adults usually eat less pizza and drink less soda as the price of these items increases, and their body weight and overall calorie intake also appear to decrease, according to a study appearing in JAMA’s Archives of Internal Medicine. "To compensate for food environments where healthful foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables tend to cost more, public health professionals and politicians have suggested that foods high in calories, saturated fat or added sugar be subject to added taxes and/or that healthier foods be subsidized," the authors write. Such manipulation of food prices could be used as a mechanism to promote public health and chronic disease prevention efforts. Kiyah Duffey, Ph.D., of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and colleagues compiled food price data and assessed the dietary habits of 5,115 young adults, age 18 to 30. A 10 percent increase in pizza and soda price was associated with a 12 percent decrease in calories consumed from pizza, and a 7 percent decrease in calories consumed from soda. Cost increases were also associated with a lower overall daily calorie intake and lower body weight. An 18 percent tax on these foods would result in a weight loss of 5 pounds per year by reducing calorie intake by 56 calories per day, the authors estimate. This weight loss would also correspond with a reduced risk of obesity-related diseases. "Findings suggest that national, state or local policies to alter the price of less healthful foods and beverages may be one possible mechanism for steering adults toward a more healthful diet," the authors write. "While such policies will not solve the obesity epidemic, they could prove an important strategy to aid in weight loss and reduced rates of diabetes.” Permanent weight loss can be achieved by: • Burning more calories than you consume. • Aiming for no more than two pounds of weight loss per week. • Regular low-impact and vigorous exercise. • Substituting whole grains, fruits and vegetables for fat and sugar. Acupuncture & Massage College’s Community Clinic offers acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for weight management as well as a wide range of other health conditions. To schedule an appointment call (305) 595-9500. For information about AMC’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs ask for Joe Calareso, Admissions Director. … Read More

Diet And Exercise For Health

Posted April 27, 2010 by Acupuncture & Massage College & filed under Holistic Medicine

A healthy diet and regular exercise may help the mind function better, a new Duke University study suggests. “It looks like exercise and diet improve the range of cognitive function,” says Patrick Smith, a clinical neuropsychology intern and research member. “It helps executive function, learning and psychomotor speed.” The study assessed 124 men and women with high blood pressure who were at least 15 pounds overweight, determining the effect of diet and exercise on blood pressure. Those participants that ate well and exercised regularly had an overall 30 percent improvement in mental function by the end of the four-month period, the researchers noted. Strategies utilized were a weight management program which included appetite awareness training, reduced portion size, following the low-fat DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), and healthy snacking habits, combined with aerobic exercise workouts for 30 minutes three to four times a week. “Physical activity does seem to have a direct effect on brain cells,” says Smith. “There are neurochemical changes that happen with exercise. There is also some evidence that it helps grow new brain cells.” Cognition can be improved by: • Memory exercises. • Stress reduction. • Including vitamin E, vitamin C, beta carotene, and other antioxidants in the diet. • Ensuring adequate sleep. Acupuncture & Massage College’s Community Clinic offers acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and massage therapy for weight loss as well as a wide range of other health conditions. To schedule an appointment call (305) 595-9500. For information about AMC’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs ask for Joe Calareso, Admissions Director. … Read More

Heart Health Benefits of Positive Emotions

Posted April 23, 2010 by Acupuncture & Massage College & filed under Holistic Medicine

Being happy may be good for your heart. Positive emotions, such as joy, happiness, excitement, enthusiasm, and contentment have an association with cardiovascular health, according to a new Columbia University Medical Center study. The first of its kind to show a relationship between positive emotions and coronary heart disease, the observational research examined a trial population that had suffered cardiac events. Findings indicate that heart disease may be prevented by enhancing people’s positive emotions. Over a 10-year period, researchers discovered that increased experience of positive emotion was associated with less risk of heart disease by 22 percent. “We also found that if someone, who was usually positive, had some depressive symptoms at the time of the survey, this did not affect their overall lower risk of heart disease,” says Karina Davidson, Ph.D., lead author and associate professor of medicine and psychiatry. Emotions may affect heart health in several ways. Individuals experiencing positive emotions may have longer periods of rest or relaxation physiologically and may recover more quickly from stressors that can cause physiological damage. Positive emotion can have an influence on heart-rate variability, sleeping patterns and smoking cessation. There is increasing evidence that positive emotions are associated with beneficial physical and psychological health outcomes, such as: • Improvements in immune system functioning. • Better coping ability with stressful situations. • Improved recovery from illness or surgery. • Fewer physical complaints. • Greater protection against physical disability. Acupuncture & Massage College’s Community Clinic offers acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and massage therapy for the treatment of a wide range of health conditions as well as for overall wellness. To schedule an appointment call (305) 595-9500. For information about AMC’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs ask for Joe Calareso, Admissions Director. … Read More

Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Posted April 22, 2010 by Acupuncture & Massage College & filed under Holistic Medicine

One in four Americans experiences chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). CFS is a disorder characterized by debilitating fatigue and a variety of associated physical, constitutional and neuropsychological symptoms. Symptoms include unexplained prolonged fatigue lasting six months or longer, muscle and joint pain, headaches, cognitive impairment, sore throat, tender lymph nodes, post-exertional fatigue, and unrefreshing sleep. About half of adults with CFS seek medical help. This condition can become prolonged over several years if left untreated. The cause of CFS is unknown. Research indicates that over 75 percent of individuals experiencing chronic fatigue syndrome have sought complementary and alternative medicine as either a primary or complementary therapy for their condition. Acupuncture and massage therapy can aid in alleviating many of the symptoms associated with CFS, including: • Fatigue. • Unrefreshing sleep. • Memory or concentration difficulties. • Headache. • Generalized muscle pain. Acupuncture & Massage College’s Community Clinic offers acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and massage therapy for the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome as well as a wide range of other health conditions. To schedule an appointment call (305) 595-9500. For information about AMC’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs ask for Joe Calareso, Admissions Director. … Read More

Vitamin D And Diabetes

Posted April 14, 2010 by Acupuncture & Massage College & filed under Holistic Medicine

Vitamin D, known as the “sunshine vitamin” because people get most of their vitamin D from the sun, can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 55 percent. Over the last twenty years, Americans have developed a vitamin D deficiency, probably related to the use of sunscreen or being advised to stay out of the sun. While individuals should prevent excess sun exposure, they should also be aware that 90 percent of their vitamin D comes from sunshine and limited-time, outdoor sessions a few times a week can enhance health. A new study from Warwick Medical School indicates that high vitamin D levels can not only aid in preventing type 2 diabetes but can also reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease by nearly 35 percent. The study appears in the journal Maturitas. While vitamin D deficiencies can lead to an increased risk of developing these diseases, the direct link between getting plenty of vitamin D and type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease prevention is not yet determined. Health benefits of vitamin D include: • Formation and maintenance of strong bones. • Protection against osteoporosis and high blood pressure. • Immune system strengthening. • Protection against colon, breast and prostate cancers. … Read More

Heart Disease in Women

Heart disease prevention remains important for women, even though awareness is on the rise. Millions of women are at risk at increasingly younger ages. Nearly 80 percent of midlife women, ages 40 to 60, still have one or more of the modifiable risk factors—high blood pressure, high cholesterol, overweight/obesity, physical inactivity, diabetes, and smoking. Sixty percent of younger women, ages 20-39, have one or more of these risk factors. There are also high rates of overweight/obesity in younger women, which can lead to higher rates of heart disease in later years. Women can prevent heart disease by: • An annual physical to check blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index. • Incorporating heart healthy eating. • Getting regular physical activity. • Maintaining a healthy weight. • Not smoking. "Women are developing heart disease at younger ages, and our research shows that many women, particularly at younger ages, still do not recognize their personal risk," says Susan Shurin, M.D., acting director of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The Institute is currently reminding all women of the importance of heart disease awareness through its Heart Truth campaign. "What young women need to realize is that leading a healthy lifestyle in their 20s and 30s sets them up for a long and healthy life,” says Shurin. The late 20s and early 30s is a critical time for women to take action to reduce their heart disease risk. Acupuncture & Massage College’s Community Clinic offers acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and massage for the treatment of a wide range of health conditions as well as for overall wellness. To schedule an appointment call (305) 595-9500. For information about AMC’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs ask for Joe Calareso, Admissions Director.. … Read More

Exercise And Healthy Aging

Posted April 05, 2010 by Acupuncture & Massage College & filed under Holistic Medicine

Regular exercise is associated with a slower progression or reduced risk of age-related health conditions as well as overall health improvements in older age, according to a new study appearing in JAMA’s Archives of Internal Medicine. Exercise has been associated with beneficial effects on diabetes, obesity, arthritis, falls and fractures, heart disease, cancer, and lung disease, write Marco Pahor, M.D. and Jeff Williamson, M.D., M.H.S., from the University of Florida. These specific health conditions can impair the independence, everyday functioning and task activities of older adults. “Regular physical activity has been associated with greater longevity as well as reduced risk of physical disability and dependence,” the authors comment. The new research examines important aging-related outcomes for which exercise has a relevant impact. Health benefits of exercise include: • Weight management. • Increased energy levels. • Improved mood. • Chronic disease prevention. Moderate or vigorous physical exercise also appears to be linked to a lowered risk of developing cognitive impairment in older adults. Activities such as aerobic exercise, balance and strength training, and physical activities like dancing can help to prevent or delay cognitive function and are recommended. … Read More

Health Benefits of Physical Exercise for Women

Posted April 02, 2010 by Acupuncture & Massage College & filed under Holistic Medicine

Among mature women, those who regularly participate in physical activity during middle age are often in better general health, according to a new Harvard School of Public Health study. Qi Sun, M.D., and colleagues assessed 13,535 study participants, at an average age of 60. Those who had increased levels of exercise were less likely to have physical or cognitive impairments, heart surgery or chronic diseases. “Since the American population is aging rapidly and nearly a quarter of Americans do not engage in any leisure-time activity, our findings appear to support federal guidelines regarding physical activity to promote health among older people,” the authors write in the report, which appears in JAMA’s Archives of Internal Medicine. Exercise has the potential to enhance overall health and well-being with aging. Older adults need at least: • 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity every week and muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week. • Or an equivalent mix of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity and muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week. • More health benefits can be gained by increasing exercise up to or beyond 300 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity or 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity. Once- or twice-weekly resistance training, such as balance and tone training, can also improve attention and conflict resolution skills among older women. Resistance training can strengthen mental focus as well as improve muscular function. Acupuncture & Massage College’s Community Clinic offers acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and massage for the treatment of a wide range of health conditions as well as for overall wellness. To schedule an appointment call (305) 595-9500. For information about AMC’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs ask for Joe Calareso, Admissions Director. . … Read More

Massage May Help Ease Pain

Millions of individuals are all too familiar with pain. There can be countless trips to the doctor or chiropractor, pain medications and the difficulty of making it through the day while enduring pain. Massage therapy can relieve the pain of arthritis, muscle strain, tendonitis, and other acute and chronic pain conditions. A recent survey by the American Hospital Association shows that nearly 82 percent of hospitals that offer some form of complementary or alternative care use massage therapy, with 70 percent using massage for pain management and pain relief. More people than ever are seeking massage to manage and relieve pain. A recent AMTA consumer survey shows that nearly half, 47 percent, of those polled have had a massage specifically for pain relief. Massage therapy can: • Be more effective for chronic back pain than standard therapies. • Promote relaxation and alleviate the perception of pain. • Reduce headaches better than cold pack treatments. • Stimulate the brain to produce endorphins. • Improve confidence by encouraging individuals to effectively cope with pain. Consumers have long suspected that massage helps promote a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Consumers aren’t the only people recognizing the benefits of massage. Physicians and other health care providers are increasingly recommending massage therapy to their patients as a supplement to conventional health care. Acupuncture & Massage College’s Community Clinic offers massage, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine therapy for a wide range of health conditions as well as for overall wellness. To schedule an appointment at the Clinic call (305) 595-9500. For information about Acupuncture & Massage College’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs ask for Joe Calareso, Admissions Director. … Read More

Tips To Improve Your Heart Health

Posted March 29, 2010 by Acupuncture & Massage College & filed under Holistic Medicine

Seven health factors and lifestyle behaviors have been identified by the American Heart Association as contributing to cardiovascular health. In a recent survey of American adults, the association found that 39 percent said they believed they had optimal heart health. Over 50 percent said that they had been informed by a health practitioner that they had a risk factor for heart disease and needed to make lifestyle changes to improve their health. Often, individuals don’t associate unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as physical inactivity and insufficient diet, with cardiovascular health. Improvements in the areas defined by the seven factors and behaviors can affect ideal cardiovascular health, improving quality of life and life span. The association categorizes cardiovascular health as poor, intermediate or ideal, depending on where individuals are in each of the seven areas. The seven measures to define heart health are: • Never smoked or quit more than one year ago. • Body mass index less than 25. • Exercise of at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity each week. • A healthy diet that includes more fruits and vegetables and reduced calorie intake. • Total cholesterol less than 200. • Blood pressure below 120/80. • Fasting blood glucose less than 100. By following these measures, everyone is a candidate to advance at least one stage forward in heart health, from poor to intermediate or intermediate to ideal. Acupuncture & Massage College’s Community Clinic offers acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and massage for the treatment of a wide range of health conditions as well as for overall wellness. To schedule an appointment call (305) 595-9500. For information about AMC’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs ask for Joe Calareso, Admissions Director. … Read More

Dietary Approaches To Stop Hypertension

Posted March 24, 2010 by Acupuncture & Massage College & filed under Holistic Medicine

Combining an anti-hypertension diet with exercise and weight loss may result in lowered blood pressure and other health benefits. The DASH diet, which stands for Dietary Approaches To Stop Hypertension, can lower blood pressure in just weeks, especially when augmented by exercise and weight loss. The DASH diet also offers other health benefits, such as chronic disease prevention, and can aid in combating osteoporosis, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and stroke. The DASH diet is especially effective in reducing blood pressure in older adults. If adopted early and combined with other lifestyle modifications, such as quitting smoking, the DASH diet can prevent hypertension. Lots of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, moderate fish, poultry, and legumes provide the DASH diet with a variety of foods that are low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium while high in protein, fiber and nutrients, specifically calcium, potassium and magnesium. Red meat, fats and sweets are included in the diet in smaller amounts. While the DASH diet can aid in lowering blood pressure, reduced sodium intake can help prevent the development of hypertension. Reduce sodium in your diet by: • Buying foods labeled “no salt added,” “sodium-free” and “low sodium.” • Adding spices or flavorings to food rather than salt. • Use salt-free seasoning blends. • Don’t add salt when cooking pasta, rice or other foods. • Rinse canned foods to remove sodium. Acupuncture & Massage College’s Community Clinic offers acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of hypertension as well as a wid Feb.24. … Read More

Stress and the Sexes

Posted March 23, 2010 by Acupuncture & Massage College & filed under Holistic Medicine

Stress can contribute to the development of numerous chronic diseases, including depression, anxiety, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disease, and aging disorders. Women and men’s brains handle stress differently; altering the way each gender may experience these diseases, according to new research from Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, researchers looked at the brain activity of healthy men and women while they viewed stressful images. Women underwent the scanning twice, once during the beginning of the menstrual cycle and once during ovulation, and their results were then compared to the men’s results. Brain activity in response to stress was similar in men and women at the beginning of the women’s menstrual cycle. However, the response to stress was much higher in men than women during ovulation. “We found that women have a natural hormonal capacity to regulate the stress response in the brain that differs from men,” says lead study author Jill Goldstein, PhD. “Diseases that are affected by stress often present differently in men and women,” says Goldstein. “Understanding gender differences in stress regulation can provide clues to understanding the nature of these chronic health disorders and can provide the basis for sex-specific treatments for these diseases.” Stress symptoms may include: • Concentration difficulties. • Moodiness. • Irritability. • Generalized aches and pains. • Fatigue. Acupuncture & Massage College’s Community Clinic offers acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and massage for stress management as well as a wide range of health conditions. To schedule an appointment call (305) 595-9500. For information about AMC’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs ask for Joe Calareso, Admissions Director. … Read More

Massage Therapy Career

Recent data from the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) indicates greater public and medical acceptance of the value of massage and increasing consumer usage of massage therapy. • AMTA estimates that in 2009, massage therapy was a $16-20 billion industry. • Between July 2008 and July 2009, nearly 48 million individuals (22 percent) had a massage at least once. • Thirty-two percent of adults had a massage between July 2008 and July 2009 for medical or health reasons. • According to the U.S. Department of Labor employment for massage therapists is expected to increase 20 percent from 2006 to 2016, faster than average for all occupations. • Eighty-five percent of consumers agree that massage can be beneficial to health and wellness. • Nineteen percent of adults say they've used massage therapy at least one time for pain control. • Massage therapists charge an average of $63 for one hour of massage, earning an average wage of $45 an hour, including tip, for all massage related work. • Massage therapists work an average of 20 hours a week providing massage, seeing an average of 44 clients per month. • In 2009, the average annual income for a massage therapist who provides approximately 16 hours of massage per week was $37,123, compared to incomes in 2006 of $28,170 for full-time healthcare support workers; $27,190 for full-time medical assistants and $23,290 for occupational therapist aides. • Massage therapists have an average of 624 hours of initial training. Today there are more than 90,000 Nationally Certified massage therapists. • The most popular choices for continuing education for massage therapists are training for new modalities/techniques, advanced training for specific modalities and massage for specific populations, such as geriatrics and athletes. … Read More

Insomnia dangerous to your health

Posted March 19, 2010 by Acupuncture & Massage College & filed under Holistic Medicine

Although the exact function of sleep is unknown, it is known that sleep is necessary for optimal cognitive performance, memory and learning and that sufficient sleep is necessary for metabolic, immune and cardiovascular functions. New research from Brigham and Women’s Hospital has produced findings indicating how short- and long-term sleep loss combine with the body’s natural 24-hour internal clock (circadian) rhythm to affect how well an individual performs. Even minimal sleep loss can affect mental performance. The researchers found that chronic sleep loss caused performance to deteriorate at a faster rate for each consecutive hour spent awake, particularly during work extended into late night hours. Individuals with chronic sleep loss have reaction times about 10 times slower with increased risk of errors and accidents. “Chronic sleep loss renders tasks such as driving or performing surgery dangerous, especially during the hours ordinarily reserved for sleep,” says Dr. Charles Czeisler, study co-author. Individuals can experience chronic sleep loss due to insomnia, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome, and other common sleep disorders. Sleep disorder symptoms may include: • Difficulty falling or staying asleep. • Daytime fatigue. • Inability to wake up and fall asleep at regular times. • Falling asleep spontaneously. Disturbed sleep patterns can also be caused by medication, stress, cardiovascular conditions, digestive disorders, hormonal imbalances, neurological disorders, and sciatica. … Read More

Healthy Lifestyle Habits and Chronic Disease

Posted March 09, 2010 by Acupuncture & Massage College & filed under Holistic Medicine

Four healthy lifestyle factors--never smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and following a healthy diet—may be associated with as much as an 80 percent reduction in the risk of developing common chronic diseases, according to a recent study in JAMA’s Archives of Internal Medicine. Cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes--chronic diseases that together account for most deaths--are largely preventable. "An impressive body of research has implicated lifestyle factors such as smoking, physical activity, diet, and body weight in the causes of these diseases," the authors write. Earl Ford, M.D., of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, and colleagues assessed data from 23,513 adults age 35 to 65. Participants completed an assessment of their body weight and height, an interview that included questions about diseases, a questionnaire on lifestyle habits, and a dietary questionnaire. Responses were assessed for adherence to four healthy lifestyle factors: Never smoking, having a body mass index lower than 30, exercising for at least three and a half hours per week and following healthy dietary principles. Most participants had one to three of these health factors. Over eight years of follow-up, 2,006 participants developed new cases of diabetes, heart attack, stroke, or cancer. Individuals with healthier lifestyle factors were less likely to develop chronic diseases. Participants who had all four factors at the beginning of the study had a 78 percent lower risk of developing any of the chronic diseases. In addition to healthy lifestyle habits, traditional Chinese medicine therapies such as acupuncture and massage can aid in disease prevention by: • Promoting natural healing. • Treating underlying energy imbalances. • Enhancing immunity by stimulating lymph flow. • Reducing stress and fatigue. • Improving circulation. Acupuncture & Massage College’s Community Clinic offers acupuncture, massage and Chinese herbal medicine therapy for the treatment of a wide range of conditions as well as for overall wellness. To schedule an appointment at the Clinic call (305) 595-9500. For information about AMC’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs ask for Joe Calareso, Admissions Director. … Read More

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