Health and Fitness
May 2nd, 2010 at 11:11am
Under Health and Fitness
There is enormous turbulence on the surface of the earth. Yet at the same time most of us experience in our day-to-day relationships the closeness, warmth, trust, honesty and generosity, which is characteristic of individuals in their behavior towards each other. It often seems as though collectively we are unable to manage the way we live, but at an individual level it is clear that there are good intentions and that there is great morality in human behavior.
One solution that people have adopted over the ages, in trying to manage the demands and challenges of living, is to turn to the world religions. But even here cynicism has grown about the extent to which they too have been responsible for increasing destruction, terror and war, rather than solving the problems which face us.
Learning how to meditate is about understanding practices which, across traditions, are intended to still the turbulence of our outer and inner lives, and to create harmony between the individual and his or her social, spiritual and even metaphysical world. It is a practice, not necessarily based on belief, which ultimately may produce still completeness within us and on the surface of our lives. It is a practice which spans religions and secular traditions. It offers stillness, understanding, freedom and tranquility.
The site Best Meditation Techniques aims to provide an introductory guide to the place of meditation in all of the great and many of the lesser traditions of human society, through history, across nations and across philosophical traditions. It is, in that sense, a guide to the many benefits of meditation and alternative meditation practices which exist for attempting to cope with the turbulence which we have created in our individual lives and in our world.
By Kym
April 19th, 2010 at 09:45pm
Under Health and Fitness
You’ve probably seen someone at one time or another wearing an awkward, bulky-looking collar around his or her neck. If you currently have acute and severe neck or even lower back pain yourself, this recollection may immediately prompt you to ask, Would a cervical collar help me?’
The answer is: probably not. Medical research offers no conclusive indication that the average neck and back pain sufferer would benefit from wearing a cervical collar. And of the five US survey participants who wore collars for pinched-nerve neck pain, only one found it offered any noticeable neck or back pain relief.
If the point of wearing a collar is to keep you out of physically stressful positions - dropping your chin towards your chest when reading, for example - you would probably be better off learning to hold your neck properly without an aid. Eventually you will have to learn to do this on your own anyway.
If, on the other hand, there is a compelling medical reason for immobilizing your neck - the risk of permanent nerve damage, for example - then you will need to wear a cervical collar. After you remove it, however, you must still work to restore lost muscle strength and flexibility.
By Kym
April 15th, 2010 at 09:27pm
Under Health and Fitness
Age-related macular degeneration, typically abbreviated to AMD, is caused by damage to the macula’s delicate cells - a process that gradually prevents it from working as the cells become worn out. This can cause vision loss if left unchecked, and age-related macular degeneration is currently the leading cause of registered blindness in the western world.
However, this is different to total blindness, since only central eyesight is affected; almost all AMD sufferers retain their peripheral vision.
Despite being one of the eye’s most important components, few people know about the crucial role played by the macula. This small area in the middle of the retina governs the central part of our field of vision, processing sharp details for tasks like reading and writing.
There are two main types of macular degeneration - wet and dry. Also known as advanced AMD, the former involves leaking blood vessels under the macula, and it develops from the more common and insidious dry type, which is caused by a build97up of cellular debris. One eye often deteriorates before the other, making the condition harder to recognize, and many people’s first experience of AMO is a gradually expanding blurred or dark spot in their central vision. Other early symptoms include straight lines appearing distorted, or a blurring of objects, along with light sensitivity and “Seeing” colors that aren’t actually there.
The exact causes of age-related macular degeneration are not fully understood, although the elderly and people with a family history of the condition are at greater risk. Recent research has indicated a link between smoking and AMD; risk rates double and onset takes place considerably earlier, much like the established links between smoking and lung cancer.
Obesity and high cholesterol or blood pressure can also heighten the risks, whereas a diet including green leafy vegetables and fruits rich in zinc or vitamins C and E can help the eyes to fight off macular degeneration.
Since excessive exposure to sunlight over many years may contribute to the disease’s onset, this is another reason to invest in effective sun protection eyewear, and perhaps stay away from cheap contact lenses which may offer little if any protection.
We can test for AMD in several ways, often by dilating the pupils and then using retinal photography to map any changes taking place in the macula. If there are any signs of damage at this stage, your Optometrist may refer you to an eye specialist.
Various treatments are currently available to slow down any deterioration or even partially reverse the onset of some types of AMD. Because age-related macular degeneration is painless and can take years to fully manifest, you may not recognize its symptoms, especially if you have been wearing discount contact lenses - and as with so many conditions, regular eye examinations are essential to assist with early diagnosis and any course of treatment.
By Kym
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