NSAIDs? Try a more natural approach

Lots of info coming out the last year or so about the use of NSAIDs (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin) and Naproxen (Naprosen and Aleve). The list of side effects can be enough to scare you but the long term effects from long term use can literally be lethal.
Liver and kidney damage top the list, but heart and lung problems all make the list, not to mention ulcer conditions and bleeding problems due to the blood thinning effect they have.
However, there are more natural alternatives that, while they may not act as quickly, can have excellent results. Consider going to you natural healthfood store and checking out the varieties of natural anti-inflammatory supplements that include Bromelain, MSM, Boswellia, Turmeric, Papain, Ginger, Cumin, the list goes on with enzyme therapies and types of foods.  If you do your research, you find the many of the pills you take, both over the counter and prescription, could be either reduced or eliminated by the right natural supplements, or sometimes just a change in your diet.

Be Involved

We as a people like to know what's going on in and around our world. Sadly, we just want to read about it rather than take part in it. Unfortunately, I see the same type of thing happening with our own health these days. I tell patients all the time, "you have to participate in your our health care".  The two questions I ask in my office more than anything else are:

#1: Are you stretching?
and #2: Are you drinking water?

Pretty simple right?  Guess what the most common answers are...

To question #1:  Simply "No", or
"You always ask the same question, and I always tell you, no..." or
"What was I supposed to be doing?" or
"I forgot" or
"I did for a couple of days and then I stopped when I felt better" or
"I don't have time" or
"It hurts when I stretch"....  and on, and on, and on....

To question #2:  Again, simply "No" or
"I don't like water" or
"I drink a lot of liquids" or
"Is coffee (or tea, or soda) considered water?" or
"I can't because it makes me go to the bathroom" or
the best... "I'm allergic to water" (no kidding!)

Well, my feeling is, if you can't be bothered with the most simple aspects of your own health, why should I care?  Cranky of me isn't it?  Look, if you pay someone to give you advice, why won't you follow it.  It's the old song and dance, you pay me to help you and instead you take the advice of your friend that works at the grocery store instead.  Try this, try that... and you do!!!  Yet, we have bikes in the garage, ab-rollers in the closet, and dusty weights in the guest room.  We have Crystal Light, diet soda, and expensive coffee beans we'll grind for the perfect cup of coffee.   Why, I ask, WHY???

It's simple, you watch TV, so take the commercial times to do your stretches.
When you take that cigarette break or bathroom break, could you drink a little water then?
We are obsessed with dieting in this country, so why not do the two cheapest and most successful factors in dieting daily: Stretching and drinking water.  Two habits worth developing.

For the few of you I've converted today or over the years, your body and I thank you, and the next time I ask my two questions, you can say "every day!"  That... will make me smile.

Beautiful Sunsets Will Make You Sick

As the sunset last night, it would take your breath away... literally.  We have one of those seasons when forest fires are popping everywhere.  The area I live in is a valley and the smoke particles are like most everything else, what goes up, must come down and they tend to settle in the valleys.  These particles in the smoke are major allergens and irritants to your lungs and eyes. So, unless you enjoy the cough and itchy eyes, stay inside while the smoke settles and enjoy the sunset through the windows.

The Heat Cometh...

Water is essential as the heat notches up, but...
It is the delivery system for electrolytes!  Don't make the mistake of thinking by just drinking water alone you will not get dehydrated.  Can you O.D. on water? But of course!!! Too much with out replenishing your electrolytes can have an adverse reaction as well. That little white salty ring around your underarm and your neck after working in the yard is your depleted electrolytes. So, if your lightheaded and cramping a little in the calves, toes and fingers, and maybe a little nauseous... guess what? You're probably a bit dehydrated.  Have some water and a banana and an electrolyte supplement.
Oh, and enjoy the heat!

Healthy Beginnings

Post numero uno...
Drink your water today (and everyday).  Muscle cramping, dizzyness, nausea...
Have a drink... of water.