Mark Twain once said, “Quitting smoking is easy. I’ve done it a thousand times.” The reason why quitting, and staying quit, is so hard for so many people is nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive drug that researchers have compared to the addiction power of cocaine or heroin. Over a relatively short period of time a person becomes both physically addicted to nicotine and emotionally addicted as well. In order to quit, studies have shown that smokers must deal with both aspects of their addiction, the physical and emotional.

But the rewards of quitting are great. Within 12 hours carbon monoxide levels in the blood drop to normal and increase the amount of oxygen that is delivered to the cells. Within two weeks to three months circulation improves in lung function also increases and within one year the excessive risk of coronary artery disease is cut in half! These are all really good reasons to quit smoking. Unfortunately, the reason people are not successful. Surely attached to their motivation or their lack of understanding about why they should quit, but rather the addiction to nicotine itself.  Read more...

In order to understand what the flu does, you first have to learn about the differences between bacteria and viruses. Both of these minute germs, bacteria and viruses, are able to invade the body and cause specific types of symptoms based on those reaction the body has to the changes the germ makes. In the last 50 years scientists have been able to combat the growth of bacteria through the manufacturer and production of antibiotics. These antibiotics were once thought to make an impact on individuals who also suffered from viral infections but today researchers and doctors know that taking antibiotics when an individual has a viral infection only increases the chance that they will develop a bacterial infection.

The flu is an illness which is caused by a virus. This virus resides and multiplies in both the nodes in the back of the throat. Although the mechanism of transmission and the places in which the virus grows are the same, the flu is not the same as the common cold. This is because the viruses are different. The common cold will have milder, yet similar, symptoms to the flu and cold is less likely to cause serious complications.  Read more...

Individuals with fibromyalgia will be placed on a treatment plan with the goal of reducing the severity of the symptoms that they experience so that they have an improved quality of life. Medications are an important part of the treatment plan.

Those who suffer from fibromyalgia for several of the symptoms such as muscle aches, chronic migraines and general body aches and pains use over-the-counter medications. A prescription is not needed for over-the-counter-medications but patients should still let the doctor know that they are taking them because there could be inter-reactions between prescription medications and over-the-counter medications and the doctor should know you are taking them.

Analgesics are given to dull the pain, which is one of the major symptoms of fibromyalgia. Over-the-counter analgesics do not provide good, long-term pain relief. They are fine at providing temporary pain relief, and can reduce the pain of chronic headaches and migraines, but are not effective when it comes to maximum pain relief.

The fibromyalgia medications include anti-depressants, benzodiazepines, growth hormone therapy, Mirapex, COAT, Opiods, and Over-the-counter medications.  Read more...

This healing massage oil is great for muscle aches and stiff joints.

* 2-inch piece fresh ginger
* 1/2 cup almond oil

Grate ginger and combine with oil in a small, nonmetallic saucepan. Cover and simmer over low heat for 1 hour. Remove from heat and steep for another hour. Strain oil to remove bits of ginger. Using a nonmetallic funnel, pour liniment into a four-ounce glass bottle with a tight-fitting screw top. Attach the following instructions on a gift tag:

To use, gently massage the oil into affected area twice a day until symptoms have disappeared.

Sometimes the best ‘cure’ for muscle aches, sprains and strains is prevention. Did you know that incorporating a few simple activities into your lifestyle can dramatically reduce pain and problems you experience with aches and muscle conditions? Watch the video to learn more!