Acupuncture Helps Heart Failure Patients
Acupuncture helps heart failure patients.
Although exercise can be beneficial to patients with heart failure, exercising is a problem because shortness of breath and fatigue – which make vigorous or longer-term exercise difficult – are, in themselves, symptoms of heart failure.
But acupuncture can increase exercise tolerance.
The needles do not increase heart function; but they appear to boost skeletal muscle strength and thus, increase the distance patients can walk. Although heart disease is seen as a pump problem, it also involves inflammation and an imbalance in nerve transmitter substances; acupuncture seems to bring these systems back into balance.
A study found that focusing on acupuncture points associated in Traditional Chinese Medicine with muscle strength and inflammation allowed patients to walk further and get more exercise. The study appeared in the June 15, 2010 issue of the journal Heart and can be read online with subscription to the journal here: http://bit.ly/dlgsR7.
Activity, Not Just Exercise,Improves COPD
A study has determined that the day-to-day functioning of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) patients is much more improved by an increase in the number and variety of daily physical activities such as walking to the bank or doing housework, than by an increase in formal exercise routines.
In other words, formal exercise programs can increase physical fitness in COPD patients but the resultant day-to-day functional ability is still very limited by disease severity; but those who had a more active, task-oriented lifestyle – without formal exercise – were better able to rise above their COPD severity.
COPD refers to chronic bronchitis and emphysema, in both of which the airways of the lungs become narrowed. This study was presented May 16 at the American Thoracic Society’s 2010 annual conference in New Orleans and will be published online and in print.
Short & Sweet
A recent study by scientists at Canada’s McMaster University reports that it’s possible to get equal benefits while exercising for less time. The key is Intensity.
According to this latest research, doing 10 one-minute sprints on a standard stationary bike with about one minute of rest in between, three times a week, works as well in improving muscle as hours of conventional long-term biking less strenuously—you just have to be at about 95% of maximal heart rate when you do the sprints.¹
If biking is not your thing, try sprinting on the treadmill or in the pool, or going full-throttle on an elliptical trainer (better for your joints), the rowing machine or anything that gets your heart racing. But before you try this new approach, make sure you and your doctor discuss the level of heart rate intensity involved to make sure it is okay for you. If you are not sure how to find your maximum heart rate, click on this link to the American Heart Association: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4736.
So in short, you do have enough time to benefit from exercise. So get moving!
¹Jonathan P Little, Adeel S Safdar, Geoffrey P Wilkin, Mark a Tarnopolsky, and Martin J Gibala. “A practical model of low-volume high-intensity interval training induces mitochondrial biogenesis in human skeletal muscle: potential mechanisms.” The Journal of Physiology, 2010; DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2009.181743
Holiday Survival Tips
This statement rings from stores, appears in our mail and seems to permeate all of November & December. Instead of experiencing “happy holidays,” many are likely to be feeling holiday blues for different reasons.
- Holidays can be a reminder of loss-a relationship, a family, a marriage, a loved one.
- Many feel overwhelmed by the stress of family dynamics at a time when everything you see and hear tells you to be happy at family gatherings.
- Economic uncertainty and unemployment leave many feeling blue and stressed about how to manage.
- The shopping, cooking, baking, gift giving marathon can leave people feeling drained and incapable of relaxing.
- This time of year can be a time of self-evaluation and reflection about the past but also creates anxiety about the future.
- Some feel excluded and lonely if they do not partake in the holidays or have no family.
- Reduced day light during shorter winter days can contribute to feeling sluggish, tired and short on energy.
- A myriad of stressors can produce feelings of sadness, loneliness, gloom, hopelessness, fatigue, etc. If you were already feeling blue before this time of year, these feelings may only intensify.
Basic Holiday Survival Tips & Product Recommendations
We would like to share a few key “Holiday Survival Tips” that have helped many people make it through “the happiest time of year” and suggest several products for those who need a little help this holiday season. Take the biggest step first: resolve to help yourself.
1. Don’t sacrifice sleep. Visiting friends, baking cookies and shopping are no longer fun if you are worn out and ready to collapse. Fatigue can also darken your mood.
PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS:
Z-Caps: If getting to sleep is troublesome, try (1-2) Z-Caps at least one hour before bedtime.
To learn more about Z-Caps, click on the Z-Caps bottle to the left.
Myo-Nerve: If you need even deeper sleep to calm a busy mind or address pain support, try Myo-Nerve one hour before bedtime. Myo-Nerve is our latest innovation for neuromuscular relaxation. Just add 1 scoop or less to a small serving of natural applesauce or yogurt one hour before bedtime.
Click on Myo-Nerve (to the right) for more information.
2. Set your boundaries. A person who struggles with personal boundaries often gets stressed and hangs on to anger and frustration, making them more likely to experience holiday blues.
3. Exercise. Don’t wait to make a New Year’s resolution to start or resume your exercise program. Your body’s ability fight the blues is strengthened by the natural chemistry that occurs when your body moves regularly. So write yourself a reminder to enjoy a brisk walk, take stairs, ride your bike or make use of your gym membership now.
PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS:
ProSport & ProSport MAX: To maximize your exercise benefits, enhance your hydration. ProSport and ProSport MAX are the choice of elite and amateur athletes who rely on the antioxidant power these drinks deliver.
ProSport MAX offers 2075 ORAC units/serving — the antioxidant equivalent of 4-7 servings of fresh fruit or berries.
Click on the ProSport photo to learn more.
At only $2 – $2.50/serving, ProSport & ProSport MAX offer so much more than designer coffee or mass market energy drinks.
Click on the ProSport MAX photo to learn more.
ProSport MAX delivers 4200 ORAC units/serving – the antioxidant equivalent of 10-14 servings of fresh fruit or berries.
Try either drink powder in a delicious smoothie for quick energy or “nutrition on the run.”
4. Monitor Caffeine & Alcohol Intake. Caffeine can give you a quick high but a jolting crash once it wears off, leaving you feeling worse than before you drank that high calorie, triple strength, ultra-sized Italian-sounding coffee bar drink. Alcohol is a depressant and can intensify seasonal blues. Bring your own healthy alternative to parties if you think there may not be a non-alcoholic option.
PRODUCT RECOMMENDATION:
PowerThru: If you’re feeling low on energy, boost your body’s own cellular energy production with our botancial, EGCG Green tea formulation that contains time tested natural ingredients. Try PowerThru in the morning or at lunchtime for smooth alertness without the jolt & crash.
Click on the PowerThru bottle for more information.
5. Savor the treats in moderation. At home, you’re in charge. Choose to prepare healthy, balanced meals that in turn, keep you feeling more emotionally and physically balanced. If you know that it may be difficult to stick with your regimen away from home, eat lightly before you leave home so that you can savor treats in moderation and spend more time in conversation.
6. Lighten the load. Yours and others. Volunteer at the food bank, at a soup kitchen, for children or people in need. Don’t underestimate the power of helping others.
7. Keep track and be reasonable. Make lists to stay on top of a reasonable number of tasks, gifts, events to attend and money to spend. Staying in control is empowering and a critical step in maintaining healthy emotional balance.
PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS:
InSight Natural: For natural mental health support and a positive, proactive attitude, try our cocoa flavonoid-based formulation that has been dispensed by physicians to thousands of patients.
For more information on InSight Natural, click on the product photo to the left.
InSight HT: When high tension and stress require an extra strength mood/relaxation product, try InSight HT to help you manage stress better. Unlike other natural “mood” products, both InSight HT and InSight Natural offer noticeable benefits.
To read more about InSight HT, including stress management tips, click on the InSight HT bottle to the left.
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If you would like to share your tips for enjoying the season, we invite you to post your comments or questions. The Advantig Blog is a moderated blog, so please expect approved comments and answers to questions to post within 24-48 hours.
Fitness Fridays at Advantig
Fitness Friday: exercise 1 day a week?
Not exactly. I’ve declared “Fitness Fridays” at Advantig not just to encourage regular exercise, but to use Fridays as an assessment day to review goals, find & plan something active to do on the weekend & review the meal plan (going out & quick meals) – for the sake of good mental & physical well-being. Not only does it make me feel great, but I notice that everyone around me feels more motivated and productive.
So if you need time for a brisk walk, make it and bring your furry friend too. Fido is dependent upon you for his healthy longevity!
You Can Tell When People Exercise Regularly or Occasionally!
And not just from their body tone, but also from the tone of their voice and mental outlook. Exercise is the catalyst for important physical and brain chemistry that keeps your engine running smoothly. (OK, I love cars and love to listen to “Car Talk” on NPR)
The Mayo Clinic has posted a nice article on the benefits of exercise that we’ve summarized below or you can read in detail here: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise/HQ01676.
(Condensed Version) 7 Benefits of Exercise
- Exercise improves your mood. Need to blow off some steam after a stressful day? A workout at the gym or brisk 30 minute walk can help you calm down.
- Exercise combats chronic diseases. Worried about heart disease? Hoping to prevent osteoporosis? Physical activity may be the ticket.
- Exercise helps you manage your weight. Want to drop those excess pounds? Trade some couch time for walking or other physical activities.
- Exercise boosts your energy level. Physical activity delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues which helps your entire cardiovascular system. You’ll have more energy to do the things you enjoy.
- Exercise promotes better sleep. A good night’s sleep can improve your concentration, productivity and mood. Physical activity is sometimes the key to better sleep helping you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep.
- Exercise can put the spark back in your sex life. Are you too tired or out of shake to have sex? Physical activity to the rescue.
- Exercise can be – gasp – fun! Physical activity doesn’t have to be drudgery. Take a ballroom dancing class. Check out a local climbing wall or hiking trail. Push your kids on the swings or climb with them on the jungle gym. Find a physical activity you enjoy and go for it!
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A note from the doctor…
It doesn’t matter if you’re an accomplished athlete or just value regular activity, Advantig has products to help your body hydrate & your muscles recover more efficiently. I recommend drinking ProSport or ProSport MAX 30 minutes before exercise or any physical activity that will push your body. If you’re working for more than 2 hours, drink 1 more to optimize muscle recovery and nutrient replenishment.
Stay away from artificial colors, flavors, sugar & salt marketed as “electrolytes” that don’t nourish the body and deliver far more salt than you typically need.
http://www.advantig.net/products/prosport