What is Migraine Headache?
Migraine is a complex and heterogeneous disorder, in which genetics and environment interact to generate dysfunctioning paths and loops at several levels of the nervous system.
A migraine headache is a severe, often debilitating headache with throbbing pain; usually worse on one side of the head near the temples, forehead, and eyes that is often preceded or accompanied by sensory warning signs (called migraine "aura") such as flashes of light, blind spots, tingling in the arms and legs, nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to light and sound. The excruciating pain that migraines bring can last for hours or even days and can result in substantial functional impairment that can have both physical and psychological ramifications.
Migraine is not just an "extreme headache" nor is it a psychosomatic condition. It is a neurological condition with episodic attacks that has potential to progress to more frequent and severe patterns; possibly to even chronic migraine.
Migraine is a common disorder in Canada, affecting about one in ten of all Canadians, including one in six women. Before puberty, the prevalence of migraine is similar in boys and girls. However, post-puberty, migraine becomes increasingly common in women, at a rate that is 2.5 to 3 times higher than in men. The preponderance in women, which persists throughout adulthood is believed related to hormonal factors. Although, since the gender disparity persists beyond menopause, other factors must be involved that are as yet not well understood. Age is also a factor, with incidence rates increasing after age 12 and peaking at approximately age 40.
In 2001, the World Health Organization (WHO) cited migraine as the 19th leading cause of years lived with disability among both males and females of all ages combined and the 12th leading cause of of years lived with disability among females of all ages. Missed work and lost productivity from migraine create a significant public burden. More than 60% of diagnosed migraineurs report their headaches leave them severely impaired, while more than 90% report at least some headache-related disability.
Due to poor understanding about the condition, migraine is often misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all. It is frequently mistaken for tension-type headache or sinus headache, even though the latter is actually quite rare. Less than half of individuals with migraine are diagnosed by their primary care physician and less than 15% have been seen by a headache specialist. As a consequence migraine remains largely underdiagnosed and undertreated.
To see a brief YouTube video on diagnosing and treating migraine headache in Canada, please click on this link... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEtbbHrJj08
Current Pathophysiological Understanding
The exact cause of migraines is still not well understood, but the problem is considered neurological (i.e., related to the nervous system). It is believed that various brain chemicals, blood vessels, and nerves of the brain are involved.
The still commonly held idea that migraines are simply a vascular event has been largely shown to be inadequate. The more current thinking is that migraines are a complex neurological process involving the brain cortex and the trigeminovascular system.
The current understanding is that migraine is a neurochemical chain reaction that involves a number of distinct phases of a neurological process -- prodrome, aura (which my or may not be noticable), mild, moderate, or severe pain, and postdrome.
Once the reaction is triggered, fluctuation in neuronal activity in a hyperexcitable cortex may activate the trigeminovascular system in the meninges. Once activated, the trigeminal nerve can release various vasoactive peptides, producing an inflammatory response that probably causes the actual head pain.
In turn, the inflammatory response lowers the sensory threshold of the trigeminal nerve, increasing the flow of sensory traffic to the second-order neurons in the brainstem, especially the trigeminal necleus caudalis. This sensory input is allowed to reach higher brain centers of the thalamus and be transmitted up into the cerebral cortex -- the central areas of pain perception.
Migraine symptoms follow the escalating neuronal process. Migraine attacks tend to build in pain intensity and frequency over hours or days. The activation of the trigeminal system also explains facial and neck pain that can occur during migraine and that are not infrequently mistaken for symptoms of either sinus or tension-type headache.
Up to 20 percent of migraineurs experience an aura as part of their episodes and this is believed to be caused by cortical spreading depression (CSD) with extreme glutamate release. Cortical spreading depression is a slowly propagating wave of depolarization involving neuronal and glial cells in the cerebral cortex followed by a longer lasting suppression of brain activity characterized by massive changes in ionic concentrations and slow chemical waves. CSD is a remarkedly complex complex event that involves dramatic changes changes in neural and vascular function and has been hypothesized to be the underlying mechanism of the migraine aura. In more simplified terms, the electrical change tht occurs with CSD results in stress that triggers changes in the brain, which cause the neurotransmitter serotonin to be released, which constricts thaen dilates blood vessels, causing secondary inflammation and neurogenic pain.
Cortical spreading depression (CSD) is a slowly propagated wave of depolarization
followed by suppression of brain activity.
Brain imaging and brain stimulation research is increasingly supporting the idea that virtually all migraine headaches are cortical in origin and that a neuroinflammatory mechanism could not be involved in the initiation of the headache. The neuroinflammatory response appears to be secondary but may be important in the maintenance of the headache and other secondary symptoms involving the sympathetic nervous system.
It is a well-known fact that brain excitability is abnormal in migraine during the interictal period and the current evidence suggests that the migraine headache arises from abnormal neural impulse activity in the pyramidal cells in the outer layers of the cerebral cortex and it is such cells in the primary somatosensory area (S1) that are responsible for the actual headache. The presence of multiple symptoms preceding or during the headache are believed due to independent islands of cortical hyperactivity. While the actual cause of the neural hyperactivity remains unknown, it is likely to involve individual and gender-based genetic and molecular mechanisms.
Migraine attacks also commonly activate the sympathetic nervous system in the body. The sympathetic nervous system is often thought of as the part of the nervous system that controls primitive responses to stress and pain, the so-called "fight or flight" response, and this activation causes many of the symptoms associated with migraine attacks; for example, the increased sympathetic activity in the intestine causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Sympathetic activity also delays emptying of the stomach into the small intestine and thereby prevents oral medications from entering the intestine and being absorbed.
- The impaired absorption of oral medications is a common reason for the ineffectiveness of medications taken to treat migraine headaches.
- The increased sympathetic activity also decreases the circulation of blood, and this leads to pallor of the skin as well as cold hands and feet.
- The increased sympathetic activity also contributes to the sensitivity to light and sound sensitivity as well as blurred vision.
Some people who suffer from migraines can clearly identify triggers or factors that set off the headaches, but many cannot. Some of the more commonly reported potential migraine triggers include:
- Allergies and allergic reactions
- Bright lights, loud noises, and certain odors or volitile aerosol chemicals such as in perfumes
- Physical or emotional stress/distress
- Changes in sleep patterns or irregular sleep
- Smoking or exposure to smoke
- Skipping meals or fasting
- Alcohol consumption, especially red wine and brandy
- Menstrual cycle fluctuations, birth control pills, hormonal fluctuations
- Tension headaches
- Foods containing the amino acid tyramine, monosodium glutamate, or nitrates
- Other foods such as chocolates, nuts, peanut butter, avocado, banana, dairy, pickles, etc.
Not all migraines appear to have specific triggers, and avoiding common triggers does not always prevent migraines.
Symptoms of migraine can occur a while before the headache, immediately before the headache, during the headache, and after the headache. Although not all migraines are the same, typical symptoms include:
- Moderate to severe pain, usually confined to one side of the head, but switching in successive migraines.
- Pulsing and throbbing head pain.
- Increasing pain during physical activity.
- Inability to perform regular activities due to pain.
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Increased sensitivity to light, sound, odors
Many migraineurs experience migraine auras just before or during the onset of headache, but most do not. Auras are perceptual disturbances such as confusing thoughts or experiences and the perception of strange lights, sparkling or flashing lights, lines in the bvisual field or blind spots, pins and needles in the arms or legs, or unpleasant smells.
Migraineurs may also have premonitions called "prodromes" that can occur several hours or even a day or more before the headache. These prodromes may consist of feelings of elation or intense energy, cravings for sweets, thirst, drowsiness, irritability, or depression.
To see a brief YouTube video with information on the pathophysiology of migraines, please click on this link... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFsfzLV8ZEw
EEG Neurofeedback for Migraine
Training the brain to stabilize itself and down-regulate cortical hyperexcitability
Although neuroimaging studies using MRI are usually normal in uncomplicated migraine, QEEG assessment will often show abnormalities in persons with recurrent migraine (Bjork, et al., 2009; Sprenger, 2010; Sprenger & Goadsby, 2009) and when followed up by EEG neurofeedback to normalize the abnormal QEEG findings, a majority of migraineurs will experience significantly fewer and less severe headaches and some will become drug-free and no longer experience headaches.
Routine clinical EEG, done between episodes of headache, has not proven to be useful in the evaluation of patients with headaches. However, QEEG abnormalities have been reported in a number of studies. Most recently, Dr. Jonathan Walker (Walker, 2011) reported finding significantly increased high-frequency Beta (21-30 Hz) activity in a few cortical areas; most commonly in central, centro-parietal, and parietal regions.
In the Walker study (Walker, 2011), 71 patients (aged 17-62 yrs) with recurrent migraine headaches, from one neurological practice, completed a QEEG assessment. All QEEG results indicated an excess of high-frequency beta activity (21-30 Hz) in anywhere from one to four cortical areas. Forty-six of the 71 patients selected neurofeedback training while the remaining 25 chose to continue on drug therapy. Neurofeedback protocols consisted of reducing 21-30 Hz activity and increasing 10 Hz activity (5 sessions for each affected site). All the patients were classified as migraine without aura. For the neurofeedback group the majority (54%) experienced complete cessation of their migraines, and many others (39%) experienced a reduction in migraine frequency of greater than 50%. Only 4% experienced a decrease in headache frequency of less than 50% and only one patient failed to experience any reduction in headache frequency. The control group of subjects who chose to continue drug therapy as opposed to neurofeedback experienced no change in headache frequency (68%), a reduction of less than 50% (20%), or a reduction greater than 50% (8%).
Based on Dr. Jon Walker's recent study, QEEG-guided neurofeedback appears to be dramatically effective in abolishing or significantly reducing headache frequency in patients with recurrent migraine. Drug therapy of any kind rarely eliminates migraine headaches. Peripheral biofeedback procedures such as temperature training or muscle relaxation training or pulse training, may decrease the frequency of migraines but rarely eliminates them (see Nestoriv & Martin, 2007).
An earlier clinical study by Stokes and Lappin in 2008 examined the effectiveness of two types of neurofeedback--i.e., EEG and HEG neurofeedback--combined with a more conventional peripheral biofeedback therapy--i.e., temperature biofeedback from the fingers--in the treatment of migraine headache. In their study, 37 migraine patients were given an average of 30 EEG and 10 HEG neurofeedback training sessions combined with 5-10 finger temperature biofeedback training sessions (to train handwarming) over an average six-month period. They reported that 62% of their patients obtained major improvement or total remission of their migraines, 18% obtained moderate improvement, and only 21% obtained slight improvement. Fully 70% of the patients obtained a greater than 50% reduction in the frequency of their headaches and no patient experienced a worsening of their headaches. As well, most patients also experienced significant improvements in their sleep, mood, and mental focus.
Many neurotherapy practitioners also support heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback training in conjunction with EEG neurofeedback as way of increasing the effectiveness of treatment.
To see brief news reports on EEG neurofeedback for migraine, please click on these links...
To see brief Youtube videos of migraineurs talking about their success with EEG neurofeedback treatment, please click on these links...
What is HEG Neurofeedback and How Can It Help Migraines?
HEG neurofeedback involves placing an infrared sensor on the middle of the forehead. The sensor gives a reading of the amount of oxygen being carried by the blood vessels in the frontal lobes of your brain (i.e., the part of your brain just behind your forehead).
For more detailed information on HEG neurofeedback, GOTO: http://www.edmontonneurotherapy.citymax.com/neurofeedback_therapies.html
Learning to increase the activity of the frontal lobes reduces the number and/or severity of migraines and can even stop a migraine when it's happening.
The frontal lobes are largely inhibitory and regulatory, meaning they put the brakes on other parts of our brain when necessary and help "balance" the activities of the brain as a whole. So by training the frontal lobes to be more active and efficient, they seem to control/reduce the spasms of the trigeminal-vascular system. This results in either less frequent spasms (i.e., fewer headaches) and /or quicker control of the migraine (i.e. shorter headaches, even "silent migraines").
Dr. Jeffrey Carmen has completed a study of 100 people with migraines over 4 years who were taught to increase the blood flow to their frontal lobes using HEG. He found that over 90% of those who completed at least 6 sessions got significant relief from their headaches. There have been a number of other studies that have found similar results.
What are the Side-Effects?
There is a chance of "side-effects" after initial sessions of HEG neurofeedback if you work too hard or too long. These effects will look like less efficient frontal lobes: maybe a migraine, extreme irritability, attention problems, etc. Even if they happen, you will likely feel back to normal or better after a good night's sleep. The good news is that these are easily avoided by being gentle during the first couple sessions and stopping when you feel you are tired and, even if they happen, you will likely still get improvements from the session after the temporary side-effects go away.
The really good news is that the long-lasting "side-effects" of HEG neurofeedback training for migraines include: improved attention and concentration, less emotional sensitivity when it's not needed (e.g., irritability, tears, anxiety), better planning and organization -- all associated with improved frontal lobe functioning.
Bjork, M., Stovner, L., Nilsen, B., Stjern, M., Hagen, K., Sand, T. (2009). The occipital alpha rhythm related to the "migraine cycle" and headache burden: A blinded, controlled longitudinal study. Clinical Neurophysiology, 120(3): 464-471.
Nestoriuc, Y. & Martin, A. (2007). Efficacy of biofeedback in treating migraine: A meta-analysis. Pain, 128: 111-127.
Nestoriuc, Y., Martin, A., Rief, W., et al. (2008). Biofeedback treatment for headache disorders: A comprehensive efficacy review. Applied Psychophysiology & Biofeedback, 33: 125-140.
Sprenger, T. (2010). Abnormal brain activity in migraineurs is not restricted to attacks. Paper presented at 52nd Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Headache Society.
Sprenger, T., Goadsby, P. (2009). Migraine pathogenesis and pharmaceutical treatment options. BMC Medicine, 7:71.
Stokes, D. & Lappin, M. (2008). EEG biofeedback, hemoencephalographic biofeedback, and thermal biofeedback with 37 migraineurs. EEG Spectrum Clinical Interchange Conference, Los Angeles, CA. April 25, 2008.
Stokes, D. & Lappin, M. (2010). Neurofeedback and biofeedback with 37 migraineurs: A clinical outcome study. Behavioral & Brain Functions, 6(9): 2-10.
Tansy, M. (1991). A neurobiological treatment for migraine: Response of four cases of migraine to EEG biofeedback training. Headache Quarterly: Current Treatment & Research, pp. 90-96.
Walker, J. (2011). QEEG-guided neurofeedback for recurrent migraine headaches. Clinical EEG & Neuroscience, 42(1): 59-61.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)
A Promising Investigational Treatment for Migraine.
In the light of the changing understanding of migraines as primarily a neurological event involving hyperexcitability and dysregulation of neuronal activity within the cerebral cortex, there has been an increasing interest in the use of neuromodulation techniques in the treatment of migraine.
Although randomized controlled trials are scarce and large sample size studies are as yet nonexistent, some preliminary clinical research results are encouraging and peripheral and central nervous system neuromodulation techniques are considered promising alternatives to pharmacological treatment. Among these various techniques, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) are the focus of the greatest clinical interest.
While both rTMS and tDCS are able to durably modify the excitability of underlying cortical neurons and could potentially correct the functional abnormalities found in migraine patients, tDCS has the great advantage of being a much less complex and relatively inexpensive technology that can be quite safely used by the patient at home for self-treatment with proper guidance and supervision from a knowledgeable health practitioner.
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) uses weak DC electrical currents, applied via electrodes attached to the scalp, to modify the resting membrane potential of cortical neurons in the stimulated and interconnected brain regions. Anodal (i.e., positive pole) stimulation increases neuronal excitability, while cathodal (i.e., negative pole) stimulation inhibits neuronal excitability.
A recent therapeutic study by Alessandro Vigano and colleagues at the Headache Research Unit, Department of Neurology, University of Liege in France, using anodal tDCS to treat a small sample of episodic migraineurs (minimum of 4 attacks per month) was very encouraging. Vigano, et al. (2013) administered twice-weekly 15-minute anodal tDCS treatments to the occipital region (visual cortex) of 10 migraineurs for a period of 8 weeks. At week 12 (4 weeks post-tDCS treatments), this group of migraineurs experienced an average 38% reduction in headache frequency, 60% reduction in headache duration, and 48% reduction in number of headache days. There was no significant change in average pain intensity during attacks. Migraine medication use use dropped an average 28%. These results were obtained without any adverse treatment effects.
Even more recent studies of small numbers of chronic migraine patients by Rocha, et al. (2015) and Schoenen, et al. (2016) have confirmed that tDCS over the visual cortex can be effective in significantly reducing the number, duration and intensity of migraine headaches and reduce the need for "rescue" medications in a majority of those treated.
DaSilva et al. (2012) compared tDCS over the primary motor cortex with sham stimulation in 13 chronic migraine patients. Treatment consisted of ten 20-minute anodal tDCS treatments over the primary motor cortex over a 30-day period. Post hoc analyses at one month and three months post-treatment showed a significant reduction in pain intensity (averaging 32%) and length of headaches (averaging 50%) but no significant change in headache frequency in those patient receiving active tDCS. The sham treatment group did not see any significant changes. Follow-up revealed that the active treatment group showed a trend toward increasing improvement over time after treatment was completed a finding that was suggested to be due to the slow modulation of pain matrix structures. Further studies are required to determine whether or not tDCS is effective in migraine.
For more information on tDCS, GOTO... http://www.edmontonneurotherapy.citymax.com/brain_stimulation_therapies.html
DaSilva, A., Mendonca, M., Zaghi, S., et al. (2012). tDCS-induced analgesia and electrical fields in pain-related neural networks in chronic migraine. Headache pp.1-13.
Rocha, S., Melo, L., Boudoux, C., et al. (2015). Transcranial direct current stimulation in prophylactic treatment of migraine based on interictal visual cortex excitability abnormalities: A pilot random control trial. J. of Neurological Science, 349(1-2): 33-39.
Schoenen, J., D'Ostlio, A., Nonis, R., et al. (2016). Transcranial direct current stimulation and transcranial occipital nerve stimulation on chronic migraine: A pilot comparison of therapeutic and electrophysiological effects. Neurology, 86:16.
Vigano, A., D'Elia, T., Sava, S., et al. (2013) Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the visual cortex: A proof-of- concept study based on interictal electrophysiological abnormalities in migraine. The Journal of Headache & Pain, 14: 23-32.
The Edmonton Neurotherapy approach to treating migraine combines HRV biofeedback training of "heart coherent breathing" with transcranial direct current stimulation. EEG neurofeedback and HEG neurofeedback may also be applied in select cases. In those cases where there is also a strong emotional response to the migraines, BAUD therapy may be added to the mix as a means of ameliorating the emotional suffering aspect of the migraine response. For more information on BAUD therapy go to the "Brain Stim Therapies" tab on this website and scroll down the page to the section on BAUD therapy.


The Do’s and Don’ts of Denture Maintenance
Today’s denture models offer an unrivaled ability to replicate your natural teeth in look, feel and function. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you can care for them just like your natural teeth. Your dentures require a certain maintenance regime to prolong their lifespan.
Never Use Mouthwash to Replace Brushing and Flossing
When it comes to oral hygiene at home, there are many products and tools to choose from. Beyond toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss varieties, you’ll also find several types of mouthwash in the oral care aisle of your local grocery or pharmacy. While all of these products promote a healthier smile and better oral health, it is important to understand which ones are meant to be used as a compliment to your oral hygiene routine and which ones are non-negotiable.
5 Teeth Whitening Myths Debunked
It is the start of a new year and a time to enjoy a fresh, clean slate. When it comes to your smile, it is the perfect time to remove last year’s dingy stains and consider professional teeth whitening for a brighter, more confident smile. If you’ve never done professional teeth whitening with your dentist, you may have some questions and some misconceptions. Before you schedule your treatment, make sure you have the facts about what professional teeth whitening involves and what it can do for your smile.
Answering Your Questions About Invisalign
If you are a teen or adult who wants a straighter smile, you don’t have to suffer through metal brackets and uncomfortable wires in your mouth. Today’s modern orthodontics bring a better alternative using clear aligner therapy. Make no mistake, this discreet and comfortable treatment is no less effective than traditional orthodontics, yet it offers remarkable advantages for the average patient.
Benefits of Choosing an Implant-Supported Bridge
Missing teeth can happen for a variety of reasons, including sudden injury, severe decay, progressed gum disease and even genetics. Regardless of why you suffered tooth loss, it is important to find a replacement solution. Not replacing a missing tooth (or teeth) can lead to consequences within your dental health as well as your overall health.
How to Eat Well for Your Oral Health
When it comes to what you eat and drink, you may be well aware of choices that contribute to weight gain or cardiovascular disease. But did you know that there are specific foods and nutrients that nourish your smile too? In fact, The American Dental Association suggests that a poor diet impacts your mouth before it affects anything else in your body. To help you understand how to fill your plate for a healthy smile, take a moment to read the following do’s and don’ts of eating for your dental health.


Industrial and Office First Aid Kits help uphold safety standards that promote healthy working conditions. A basic first kit for the workplace would be comprised of antiseptics, absorbent compress, adhesive tape and adhesive bandages. However, make sure that your facility complies with federal regulations by referring to your industry's specific requirements when choosing your establishment's first aid kit. Not only will this help keep employees safe, this also helps your facility remain compliant with safety regulations.Provide emergency supplies for employees whenever necessary
Certain first aid kits on the market which are presented as regulation-compliant. While managers and suppliers may be well-advised to purchase these kits, they should also keep in mind that not all workplaces are the same. As such, it is necessary that they review their industry's specific standards and supply their facility with first aid kits that adhere to these standards.They may refer to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)’s compilation of suitable kits recommended for use in business establishment. Ensuring that the Industrial and Office First Aid Kits in the workplace meet the facility’s particular needs prevents federal sanctions and fines and contributes to overall workplace safety.


Throat Sprays & Lozenges
Portable and convenient, lozenges and throat sprays are a convenient way to take wellness anywhere.
Originally created in the 19th century as a convenient way to administer and dispense herbal preparations, lozenges and sprays have proven their superiority and ease of use throughout all these years. Mountain Rose Herbs’ complete line of herbal lozenges and throat sprays provide a convenient, tasty, and economical way to harness the benefits of our botanical allies. Lozenges, also known as pastilles, and our line of throat sprays makes it easy for us to reach for them in times of need. Our line of throat soothing sprays and lozenges provide immediate relief for itchy and dry throats.


What is Follistatin 344 and Does it Build Muscle?
Follistatin is naturally found in the skeletal muscle of almost all mammals with advanced or developed characteristics, such as humans, rodents, and cows. Follistatin is high in the non-essential amino acid cystine but unlike most proteins discussed in the fitness world, follistatin has carbohydrates attached to it.
Follistatin, specifically Follistatin 344 (FS344), quickly gained popularity in the bodybuilding community as a potential supplement to rapidly increase lean tissue mass. Another protein, follistatin-related gene (FLRG) acts on similar pathways as FS344 regarding its muscle building properties.
Follistatin and Muscle GrowthFollistatin works by binding to and inhibiting transforming growth factor (TGF) peptides such as myostatin which is responsible for regulating and limiting muscle growth.  It's also worth pointing out myostatin may have a regulatory role in skeletal muscle fibrosis; too much myostatin can impair tissue function and cause chronic disease in vital organs, tissues, and bone marrow.
In addition to suppressing the degenerative properties of myostatin, follistatin also suppresses the pituitary gland synthesis and secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).  High FSH levels in men may indicate that testicles are not functioning correctly; this condition limits muscle growth, recovery, and normal hormonal function.  However, FSH levels that are too low can also negatively impact health and reproductive capabilities.
Whereas some myostatin inhibitors like Trichostatin A (TSA) require daily administration, increased levels of FS344 were observed up to 15 months after initial injection.  The lack of need for daily administration makes follistatin an attractive alternative for suppressing myostatin.
The recent increase in attention in the science community on follistatin and other myostatin inhibitors is primarily due to the desire to find an alternative means to treat muscle disorders; the most popular current option is androgen steroids which pose a number of side-effects and long-term health risks. At this point you might be wondering why follistatin use isn't more widespread in bodybuilders and other athletes.
Does Follistatin Build Muscle?In short, follistatin does build muscle but not necessarily in humans. A number of studies support the muscle-building and anti-degenerative effects follistatin in rodents. Unfortunately there is no formal research examining follistatin usage in human subjects but a quick Google search will yield countless amateur follistatin logs on bodybuilding and fitness forums.
When scientists bred a mouse producing no myostatin and extra follistatin it had 117% larger muscle fibers and 73% more total muscle fibers compared to the mice in the control group.  This study demonstrates that follistatin positively impacts muscle growth in ways beyond simply suppressing myostatin. Mice with suppressed myostatin had twice the muscle mass but mice with the follistatin transgene and suppressed myostatin had four times as much muscle mass compared to the control group.
Administering FS344 via a small virus (re: adeno-associated virus/AAV) can increase muscle size and strength in animal species ranging from mice to monkeys with no significant adverse effects on organs, reproductive capabilities, serum estradiol (re: primary female sex hormone), luteinizing hormone (LH), and FSH levels.  When scientists administered follistatin in mice with spinal muscular atrophy, the mice experienced increased muscle mass, improved motor function, and a 30% longer lifespan compared to mice in the control group.
Not only do increased follistatin levels correlate to increased muscle mass, but a lack of the follistatin protein at birth directly correlates to less muscle mass.  Less muscle mass at birth can negatively impact bone, organ, and tissue development as well as normal hormonal function.
Human Grade Follistatin - the Bad NewsHuman-grade follistatin is extremely expensive; costing more than $4,500 for just 1 milligram.  Even the websites selling bulk follistatin insist it only be used for research and not used in humans. However, this doesn't stop bodybuilders from experimenting with this product; amateur logs online typically dose FS344 at one injection of 100 micrograms (mcg) per day for anywhere from 10 to 30 days.
Some users even experimented with 200+ mcg but the effects didn't become more pronounced. In fact, most users found the product did nothing at all. A handful of users claimed injections of FS344 to have miraculous effects on mass gain but if you examine their logs, FS344 appears to increase their appetite; some users increasing their caloric intake from 4000 to more than 6000 calories.
Any time you dramatically increase your caloric intake above your daily caloric requirement, you're going to gain weight. The users logging FS344 while undergoing a fat loss phase found that it didn't help to maximize fat loss or preserve muscle mass any more effectively than without using FS344. it's also worth noting that all of these FS344 logs were on pro-anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) with nearly every user running FS344 alongside numerous other pro-hormones and AAS's.
In conclusion, follistatin is a protein that can play a powerful role in reversing muscle loss and building new muscle mass, but given the cost and lack of research in human subjects, it's not recommended for the average or even the advanced athlete.
2) Rose, Ferrill F. et al. "Delivery of Recombinant Follistatin Lessens Disease Severity in a Mouse Model of Spinal Muscular Atrophy." Human Molecular Genetics 18.6 (2009): 997-1005. PMC.
3) Kota, Janaiah et al. "Follistatin Gene Delivery Enhances Muscle Growth and Strength in Nonhuman Primates." Science translational medicine 1.6 (2009): 6ra15. PMC.
4) Li, Zhao Bo, Helen D. Kollias, and Kathryn R. Wagner. "Myostatin Directly Regulates Skeletal Muscle Fibrosis." The Journal of Biological Chemistry 283.28 (2008): 19371-19378. PMC.
5) Mann, Christopher J., et al. "Aberrant Repair and Fibrosis Development in Skeletal Muscle." Skeletal Muscle Journal. N.p., 4 May 2011.
6) Storck, Susan. "Follicle-stimulating Hormone (FSH) Blood Test." MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. National Library of Medicine - National Institutes of Health, 30 Sept. 2013.
7) Haidet, Amanda M., et al. "Long-term Enhancement of Skeletal Muscle Mass and Strength by Single Gene Administration of Myostatin Inhibitors." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. N.p., 5 Feb. 2008.
8) Zagorski, Nick. "'Mighty Mice' Made Mightier." EurekAlert!. Johns Hopkins Medicine, 28 Aug. 2007. Web. .
9) "Follistatin, Human Recombinant." BioVision Inc. N.p., 2015.


iRest Yoga Nidra Meditation supports psychological, physical and spiritual health, healing and awakening.
iRest is an accessible and easy to use meditation protocol that is integrative, as it heals unresolved issues and traumas, and restorative, as it aids practitioners in recognising their innate wholeness and underlying peace of mind that is always present amidst all changing circumstances in life.
Research has shown that iRest effectively supports health and healing across a broad range of populations, including those experiencing PTSD, chronic pain, sleep issues, high stress, depression, and anxiety.
In the Level 1 Training, you will learn:
Following the Level 1 Training, you will:
In order to receive a certificate of attendance designating you as a iRest Level 1 Teacher, you must arrive on time every day and attend all training sessions.
Dates 5-10 February 2019
Tuesday: 14.00 – 17.00
Wednesday: 8.45 – 18.00 (1.25 break)
Thursday: 8.45 – 18.00 (1.25 break)
Friday: 8.45 – 18.00 (1.25 break)
Saturday: 8.30 – 18.00 (1.25 break)
Sunday: 8.30 – 12.30
Price €1200 | €1100 (Early Bird if paid before 1 Dec)
Includes a comprehensive manual and a Level 1 Training audio download.
Location Sint Janshovenstraat 1, Utrecht
If you have previously completed an iRest Level 1 teacher training you may audit this event at a cost of €700 (manual not included) Please contact Marjolein (email@example.com) to register as an auditing participant. Space for auditing participants is limited and only offered if space allows.
This event is full with a wait list. Place yourself on the wait list below.
iRest Program for Healing PTSD – (Book)
iRest Program for Healing PTSD – (Mp3)
Integrative Restoration—iRest: The Principles and Practice of Yoga Nidra – (6CD Set)
iRest at Ease with Richard Miller or iRest at Ease with Kelly Boys – (CD or Mp3)
Resting in Stillness – (CD or Mp3)
Read an article by Samantha Kinkaid about Level I and II iRest Yoga Nidra trainings here
Read an article by Gemma Adams about the iRest Yoga Nidra Certification Program here
Please be aware of the Cancellation Policy for this training
60+ days out 100% refund
31-59 days out refund minus €350 administrative fee
Less than 31 days out – no refund
is one of Europe’s leading yoga nidra experts. He specialises in iRest (‘Integrative Restoration) Yoga Nidra having studied extensively with the protocol’s founder, Richard C. Miller, PhD. James was responsible for bringing iRest Yoga Nidra teacher training to Europe in 2014 and is the Integrative Restoration Institute’s Director of Europe. James has been a practising yoga teacher since 2005 after completing his first teacher training at the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Centre in Kerala, India. He qualified as a Structural Yoga Therapist after training with Mukunda Stiles in 2006 and has since continued to study with countless leading teachers of hatha yoga, yoga nidra and meditation from all over the world.
As well as running his own regular yoga classes, workshops and retreats combining hatha yoga, yoga nidra, philosophy and meditation, James works one-one with clients who are recovering from birth trauma, PTSD, sexual abuse and depression, for example, as well as injury and other physical ailments, and even pre award ceremony nerves at the Oscars for one of his more high-profile clients. He teaches yoga nidra at triyoga London and regularly guest-teaches elsewhere within yoga studios and therapeutic and corporate settings across Europe. James is also a regular teacher on Ekhart Yoga Online. Whether running a workshop, delivering a programme of video classes or teaching privately, James is always focused on helping us to live the essence of our true nature: welcoming, open, spacious and free from judgment and conditioning.
“James’ heartfelt gentleness and masterful wisdom shine through in his teachings. His expertise lies in his ability to light the path for others to find their own way.”
– Richard Miller, PhD, Clinical Psychologist, Author, Researcher and Yogic Scholar
“James took me on a journey where I was able to uncover parts of myself I hadn’t even been aware of and the change in my thought patterns and behaviour and the way I see myself since returning home has been huge.”
– Natalie Edwards, Coach & Mentor


Holidays are synonymous with rest, leisure and travel. During the holidays we have the opportunity to know new destinations, new cultures and new gastronomy.
Taking a trip can have several negative effects on your immune system. The further the destination and the more different the environmental factors - climate, food, disease - the greater the likelihood of having some health complications.
When we think about travel and luggage, we remember clothing and footwear, hygiene products, cameras, battery chargers, among other things, but we easily forget and neglect equally important and, indeed, essential, "fellow travelers" to bring only good memories of the vacation !!!
Go from there, we selected a pack of 7 supplements that can not miss in your suitcase to make your vacation memorable and of course...healthier!
Melatonin: Jetlag can be very destabilizing and end up affecting the natural defenses of your body. When our circadian rhythm is changed - due to the stress of the trip, the fact of being in an unknown place, time difference, etc. - sleep is soon affected, you have difficulty falling asleep and your sleep becomes less refreshing.
Probiotic: Different foods and condiments, waters not always in the best conditions, change in bowel habits ... Result? Many travelers experience gastroenteritis with episodes of vomiting and diarrhea or, in other cases, constipation. To try to avoid this scenario, taking probiotics, that is, 'good bacteria' strengthens your digestive tract and your immune system.
>> Suggested product: Rocksprint Symbiotic
Supplement Vitamins and Minerals: When we are away from home we tend to eat less healthy meals and more processed food, so these supplements are useful to compensate for the lack of essential nutrients.
>> Suggested products: Vitamins and Minerals
>> Click here: TODAY'S OFFERS <<
Hepatic Detox: Holidays are synonymous with overeating - overeating (with poor nutritional quality, most of the time !!!), excessive drinking (and I'm not talking about water !!!), binges (...) etc, etc. , etc., so a Detox supplement to eliminate the "junk" accumulated in your body can become your best friend on vacation!
>> Suggested product: Detox Fit Rocksprint
Moisturizing drinks: From travel, from car or plane to long walks, through food that can cause digestive changes, moisturizing should be a priority. In addition to being recommended to drink plenty of water, you should take with you some waters enriched with electrolytes and carbohydrates that will be very useful in situations of dehydration and fatigue. Moisturizing gels are a very practical option, which can always be with you. Some even have caffeine...
>> Suggestion in sachets: Bolero
Caffeine Supplement: It is known that coffee fights fatigue and provides energy. It is also known that the Portuguese do not live without coffee. But remember that in your holiday destination, the most certain thing is that there are no spouts or cimbalinos (according to preference) everywhere. Therefore, to avoid symptoms of deprivation and gaining energy takes with you caffeine-based supplements. You can choose capsule or gel form.
Food for the trip: Yes, and why not bring your own lunch bag ??? If you go by plane you will not eat a loaf of bread that would be more useful as a throwing weapon than for food !!! Not to mention the saltine, which do all the honor to the name given to them - remember what we said above, (de) hydration, right ??? If you go by car, the endless hours of travel always open the appetite (and the Service Stations are at the level of any reputed restaurant with half a dozen Michelin stars - and I'm not talking about the quality of the meals, but the price…
You can choose:
Protein Bars - A bar of 20 grams of protein is enough to replace a meal and will give energy and control the urge to eat, preventing you from making unhealthy snack choices.
Instant Oatmeal - A practical and quick solution for your breakfasts or snacks. Just add water, milk or vegetable drinks and you're ready to eat. And you still have the option to vary the flavors, from vanilla, chocolate ... just choose your favorite!
Protein bread and biscuits - The advantage of consuming protein foods is being satiated for longer. As a vacation we miss at meal times, if you eat more protein foods at mealtimes you can control yourself better in main meals, especially if you travel on an all inclusive basis, and so keep the line, even on vacation!
>> Suggested products for food
Vacations can be a real dream or a real nightmare so remember these tips for your next trip!
By Joana Correia, Nutritionist


Cell Power ~ The Body’s Most Powerful Cell-Nourishing Supplement
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Health Article & Information Disclaimer: The health articles on this site are designed for educational purposes only and we do not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services. These products make no claims. If you feel that you have a health problem, you should seek the advice of your Physician or health care Practitioner.


How Long Does Cyclobenzaprine Stay In Your System? Flexeril Half-Life
Flexeril is not intended for use longer than two to three weeks. It is generally prescribed as an adjunct treatment to be used in conjunction with other methods. Cyclobenzaprine is excreted through the kidneys, so individuals with kidney damage or decreased liver function s may struggle to process the drug out as quickly. Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) generally starts working within about an hour after taking it, MedScape explains. It remains active in the bloodstream for about 12 to 24 hours. Calls to our general hotline may be answered by private treatment providers.
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The DEA has stated there really is no risk when it comes to Flexeril. In fact, the DEA has not officially listed cyclobenzaprine as a controlled substance at all. However, when abusing Flexeril recreationally, it does become a greater risk to the user. In the first place, Flexeril abuse can end up causing an overdose, the effects of which can be incredibly dangerous. Dangerous fluctuations in body temperature, irregular heartbeat, and even convulsions are all possible from too much cyclobenzaprine recreational use. Flexeril recreational use can also end up leading to the development of physical dependency.
Getting high on Flexeril is kind of like being on a vacation. You have never felt such a feeling of relaxation in your entire life. I can easily see how someone might become addicted to it though.
It’s easy pop the stupid pill wait 15 for pain relief right wrong pop the pill for no pain relief at all. A long-acting formulation of cyclobenzaprine has been introduced and is believed by some clinicians to have a lower side effect profile than the immediate-release formulation of this drug. The LC-MS/MS method used for cyclobenzaprine quantification flexeril and advil provided the sensitivity, specificity, and high sample throughput required for pharmacokinetic and bioequivalence studies. Check out our blog posts and resource links for the latest information on substance abuse. Stopping use may bring about withdrawal symptoms, but they are mild compared to those linked to benzodiazepines.
This means that a person with an average weight who takes the standard prescribed dose will have the drug undetectable in their urine in 4 days after its last use. Meanwhile, the drug can stay detectable for up to 8 days for people who are taking higher doses. These durations may differ depending on use habits, metabolism, and health. Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information.
Call your doctor or local poison control center immediately if you have an allergic reaction. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if your symptoms are severe. Do not take this drug again if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it. Call your doctor or local poison control center if you think you’ve taken too much of this drug. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately if your symptoms are severe.
10 human pills that can harm — or even kill — your pets – The Seattle Times
10 human pills that can harm — or even kill — your pets.
Posted: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Although Flexeril is typically prescribed by a medical professional, there are still complications and side effects. It’s important to be wary of these when taking this substance. Tests for oral fluids are generally more expensive than other biological samples. A saliva test for Flexeril, like hair testing, is extremely rare.
Common Cyclobenzaprine Side Effects
Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 3 Sep 2023), Cerner Multum™ (updated 28 Aug 2023), ASHP (updated 10 Aug 2023) and others. My doctor assured me that it would “start working” after “a while” and said I needed to “give it a chance.” But the only thing it ever does is make me drowsy. I guess maybe I don’t have muscle spasms when it causes me to pass out in the middle of the day. Flexeril reaches peak levels in the blood about seven to eight hours after consumption. So, a test done then would likely produce a positive result.
- It isn’t known exactly how this drug works to relax your muscles.
- Flexeril recreational use can also end up leading to the development of physical dependency.
- Addiction Resource is not a healthcare provider, nor does it claim to offer sound medical advice to anyone.
- Cyclobenzaprine comes in 5, 7.5, or 10mg immediate-release tablets and 15 or 30mg extended-release tablets.
- Flexeril, the brand-name version of the drug Cyclobenzaprine, is a muscle relaxant medication with an antidepressant activity used for the treatment of painful muscle spasms and other musculoskeletal conditions.
Saliva testing for Flexeril is uncommon, and there is little information available about how long the drug is detectable in saliva. But some sources suggest the drug can be found up to around 36 hours after consumption. When taking Flexeril, effects occur within an hour of consumption. But it’s important to remember that the substance remains in your system even after effects wear off. After detox has been completed, individuals may enter an inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation program for treatment.
I have several ruptured disks in my spine and this drug enables me to function and complete chores, etc. I have used this drug for years when needed and will probably use it for the rest of my life. Started getting horrible side effects including stiffness and swollen tongue. The most common adverse reactions to cyclobenzaprine are somnolence, dry mucous membranes, dizziness, and confusion.


ACUPUNCTURE & HERBAL CLINIC
I pray that you may prosper in all things
and be in health, just as your soul prospers."
This moxibustion therapy uses the herb mugwort, which is warm in nature. Using the heat of mugwort, it creates far-infrared rays, which shortens the treatment period compared to traditional moxibustion treatments.
Improves liver function, the stomach, and intestines.
Good for strengthening immunity.
Helps release toxins.
Good for infertile women or menstrual cramps.
Purifies the blood.
Good for treating insomnia and improving concentration
Good for hair loss caused by stress.
Good for severely cold and numb hands and feet.
There are numerous other benefits for improving general health and prevention of diseases
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
This technique attaches variously sized cups onto the body to bring stagnation of blood to the skin surface. Therefore, it is advised that bruises may appear on the skin.
This treatment is known to improve blood circulation, speed up healing, and alleviate various types of physical pain, including muscle pain. Continuous application is known to help accelerate the body's natural healing process.
Cupping is combined with a blood-letting technique; first drawing blood, then cupping. It is a method to help remove blood stagnation and/or whatever is blocking blood flow from the body.
Oriental Medicine Fire Cupping Therapy (Negative Therapy)
This technique places heated cups onto treatment points on the meridian that are related to the affected part of the body and the viscera of the disease. It is a form of therapy that absorbs without drawing a drop of blood, and invigorates the blood to promote blood circulation. This additionally stimulates gas exchange in the lungs, cleanses the capillaries, and purifies blood.
The underlying benefits:
Facilitates oxygen and blood metabolism
Balances the body’s pH levels
Maintains healthy and glowing skin
Helps break down fat and prevent obesity
The Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) helps ease muscle pain and strengthens muscles by controlling stimuli in the neck, shoulders, waist, and calves at the right amount of strength and speed.
It is effective in calming nerves and promoting blood circulation to help relieve and recover from acute and chronic pain. It also is recently used as a treatment for obesity and weight loss by acting on fat cells (at a vibration rate of Hz-1 per second).
The main principle is the effective elimination of "pain." In other words, it has a pain-relieving effect. Pain is what you feel through the nerves in your body, and the nerves are connected to the brain. A stimulated nerve conjunctively stimulates the brain, in which the brain signals neurotransmitters that interpret pain.
On the contrary, natural substances that provide relief from pain are called endorphins and dynorphins, which are released when exposed to the low-frequency electro-acupuncture therapy that stimulates the brain through the nerves to get this material out.
Indications of use:
Acute pain, chronic pain, muscle pain, neuralgia, postoperative pain, inflammatory pain, etc.
It can be used for pain from almost all musculoskeletal disorders.
with a yellow soil tread plate & far-infrared emission
The feet, also called the second heart, are where many bodily organs are connected. Here, there are meridians that control 63 parts of the body. Therefore, utilizing the foot bath continuously facilitates blood circulation and maintains overall healthy body functions. Many studies show that the circulatory system of the five intestines (connected at the feet) emit hormones that increase immunity as the temperature rises. When a steady foot bath is carried out, it releases wastes from the body through sweating, which improves skin texture and also helps with weight loss.
Furthermore, it is known to have an excellent effect on reducing mental stress and improving insomnia while reducing fatigue-related autonomic nervous system dysfunctions. Theories of oriental medicine also require warm feet with a cool head to meet the best conditions for smooth circulatory flow. The foot bath is patented with a yellow soil tread plate that utilizes far-infrared to create.
Example of uses are:
For cold hands and feet
To reduce swelling, especially in the lower extremities
For difficulty falling asleep or for light-sleepers
For easily fatigued individuals
For unpleasant premenstrual symptoms


BAGSVÆRD, DENMARK, June 11 / MARKET WIRE/ -- Novo Nordisk today announced the decision to discontinue the phase 3 clinical trial with NovoSeven® for the treatment of bleeding in patients with severe trauma. The decision was made based on the results of an analysis for futility conducted by the independent Data Monitoring Committee. The phase 3 trial was evaluating the efficacy and safety of NovoSeven® in severely injured trauma patients with bleeding refractory to standard treatment. The primary efficacy endpoint of the study was mortality and morbidity.
Due to an observed lower mortality than anticipated in the overall study group (around 10% in the phase 3 trial in total compared to more than 25% in the phase 2 trial), a futility analysis was conducted to assess the likelihood of reaching a successful outcome on the primary endpoint. The analysis predicted a low likelihood of obtaining a positive trial outcome with the planned study population, and as a consequence, Novo Nordisk has decided to discontinue the trial.
The decision is not due to safety concerns. In its latest review on safety data of 31 March 2008, the independent Data Monitoring Committee recommended continuation of the study.
Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, executive vice president and chief science officer said: "It is regrettable that this trial is coming to an end. It has, however, already now provided a lot of important data on the treatment of severely injured patients. We will share these findings with the medical community as soon as the full clinical analysis has been completed."
The decision to discontinue the phase 3 clinical study with NovoSeven® for the treatment of bleeding in patients with severe trauma does not impact Novo Nordisk's expectations for the company's financial results for 2008, which were provided on 30 April in connection with the release of the financial results for the first quarter of 2008.
About the study
The study had enrolled more than 550 patients of the planned 1,502 in 24 countries. It was a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, parallel group, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of NovoSeven® in severely injured trauma patients with bleeding refractory to standard treatment. Randomised patients received three single doses of NovoSeven® (200 mcg/kg + 100 mcg/kg + 100 mcg/kg) or placebo after the transfusion of the fourth unit of red blood cells)
The study has the primary endpoint of all cause 30-day mortality designed to show superiority of NovoSeven® compared to placebo in blunt trauma patients. If not superior, the endpoint included an analysis to demonstrate non-inferiority of NovoSeven® compared to placebo on all cause 30-day mortality and superiority of NovoSeven® compared to placebo on pulmonary and/or renal dysfunction requiring ongoing medical intervention at day 30 in blunt trauma patients. (ClinicalTrials.gov. Identifier: NCT00184548).
Novo Nordisk is a healthcare company and a world leader in diabetes care. In addition, Novo Nordisk has a leading position within areas such as haemostasis management, growth hormone therapy and hormone replacement therapy. Novo Nordisk manufactures and markets pharmaceutical products and services that make a significant difference to patients, the medical profession and society. With headquarters in Denmark, Novo Nordisk employs approximately 26,300 employees in 80 countries, and markets its products in 179 countries. Novo Nordisk's B shares are listed on the stock exchanges in Copenhagen and London. Its ADRs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol 'NVO'. For more information, visit novonordisk.com.
Stock Exchange Announcement no 34 / 2008
Copyright Hugin AS 2008. All rights reserved.
Contacts for further information:
Outside North America:
Tel: (+45) 4442 3573
In North America:
Tel: (+1) 609 514 8316
Outside North America:
Mads Veggerby Lausten
Tel: (+45) 4443 7919
Tel: (+45) 4442 4765
In North America:
Christian Qvist Frandsen
Tel: (+1) 609 919 7937
Copyright 2008 Marketwire


When Heidi Klappenbach visits new moms through Family Connects of Union County, she pulls from the memory of when her own children – now grown – were babies.
“I really think that what I love about the program is just being able to encourage moms,” said Klappenbach, who is a Family Connects of Union County visiting nurse.
Family Connects of Union County is a pilot program by the Medical Center of South Arkansas and Arkansas Children’s Hospital based on the Family Connects International model, based in Durham, N.C. Its mission is to support new mothers in Union County, connecting them and their growing families with the community resources they need to start out safe and healthy.
All new moms in Union County are eligible and can schedule home visits after giving birth. Visits are typically scheduled when babies are about three weeks old, often coinciding with the time new dads are returning to work and when family who comes to help with the new baby may be going home. The visit from a Family Connects nurse is meant to offer support as the new mom settles into motherhood, giving her and her baby resources for the best, safest start possible.
There are physical assessments of both mother and baby, and the visiting nurses can help, if needed, with feeding issues.
Klappenbach brings a portable scale so she and the mother can check the baby’s weight and talk about general growth and development.
There is a self-assessment for postpartum depression, which affects 50 percent of all new mothers, according to Stone. “Many of them don’t realize the depth of postpartum depression until they do our questionnaire, and we talk about it, and they’re like, ‘Oh my gosh, I really am having problems,’” said Alison Stone, a registered nurse who supervises the program. In those cases, mothers may be referred back to their obstetrician or to a local counseling agency for relief.
“We tell them we can reach out and set them up and just kind of get them over this hump,” Stone said.
Some mothers have confided to visiting nurses that they borrowed car seats to take their babies home from the hospital or that they co-sleep because they don’t have a bassinet. The nurses can explain safe sleeping practices and can provide some of the necessary baby equipment to families in need.
They can also ask about fire, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in the home.
“A lot of places don’t have those so we try to connect them to the resources they need to get them,” said Stone. “It’s kind of everything in their environment. We’re assessing everything and trying to help, to meet whatever needs they have.”
Klappenbach started her nursing career in labor and delivery and postpartum care before taking time off to raise her own children. She returned to nursing about nine years ago and started working with Family Connects when it started in 2019.
“She’s very motherly,” said Stone, “I think that’s a huge positive for us because she’s very loving, very easygoing, and they feel comfortable, I think, with her coming into their home because she does have a very nurturing personality.” Klappenbach enjoys the opportunity to combine her nursing and parenting skills to help new mothers through Family Connects.
She remembers the “purple crying” stage, often labeled colic, when 2-3 week old babies resist soothing. She can reassure moms that this stage usually ends by about 2 months, and she can tell them about comforting babies with the five S’s – swaddling, sucking, swinging, shushing and laying baby across your lap on his stomach. “Then that goes into talking about Shaken Baby Syndrome, as far as it being OK to lay the baby in the crib and go get a drink of water when you need to take a little break,” Klappenbach said.
She can dispel myths about things they may have heard from their grandparents, like that they can spoil their babies by holding them.
Stone noted that Klappenbach has occasionally picked up on health issues and referred babies for follow-up care. “There was one baby that we sent to Children’s, and it did need some medical interventions. That was a good catch on the mom and Heidi’s part because it was not caught in the hospital. Heidi has had a lot of good catches.”
The nurses are there to give a quick but comprehensive look at each newborn’s unique environment.
“This home-visiting program is supposed to be like a little light touch,” Stone said. “We can’t fix everything, but we can address concerns and fix the biggest issues.”
Klappenbach visits as many moms as she can before they leave the hospital, so that when she visits them at home she’s a familiar face. She knows some women are reluctant to have a home visit out because they worry the nurses will critique their parenting.
“But I just love telling them they’re doing a good job,” said


March is National Kidney Month. DHEC recognizes everyone living with kidney disease, healthcare professionals striving for treatment advancements and cures, and the renal dialysis facilities across South Carolina that continue to provide care to patients in need.
This year’s focus is self-sufficiency and helping people take charge of their health by educating themselves on the many factors that go into managing kidney disease.
In the past decade, the number of South Carolinians currently on dialysis and new cases has increased by 15%. Kidney-related deaths from nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and nephrosis remain the 8th leading cause of death in the state. [BJ1] Many cases of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) go undetected for long periods of time and are often overlooked until moderate to severe symptoms appear. CKD is progressive and can put you at risk for serious health complications, including kidney failure.
Kidneys are vital to our health. While each is only about the size of a computer mouse, they filter all blood in your body every 30 minutes in order to remove waste, toxins, and excess fluids. They also help control blood pressure, stimulate production of red blood cells, and keep your bones healthy. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more kidney-friendly tips and related information.
Follow these healthy lifestyle tips to take charge of your kidney health:
- Meet regularly with your health care team. Staying connected with your doctor, whether in-person or using telehealth via phone or computer, can help you maintain your kidney health.
- Manage blood pressure and monitor blood glucose levels. Work with your health care team to develop a plan to meet your blood pressure goals and check your blood glucose level regularly if you have diabetes.
- Take medicine as prescribed and avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen. Your pharmacist and doctor need to know about all the medicines you take.
- Aim for a healthy weight. Create a healthy meal plan and consider working with your doctor to develop a weight-loss plan that works for you.
- Reduce stress and make physical activity part of your routine. Consider healthy stress-reducing activities and get at least 30 minutes or more of physical activity each day.
- Make time for sleep. Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night.
- Quit smoking. If you smoke, take steps to quit.
It may seem difficult, but small changes can go a long way to keeping your kidneys and you healthier for longer!
For those currently afflicted with CKD and are looking for assistance in finding the right treatment plan or dialysis options, DHEC’s Healthcare Quality team strongly encourages those individuals to locate renal dialysis facilities near them by using our Find A Facility application. Contact information, licensing details, and a myriad of other data are available when searching through the GIS map.
Regulation 61-97, Standards for Licensing Renal Dialysis Facilities, was updated last year and its amendments became legally effective in the summer of 2020. The changes made to the regulation have allowed patients, families, renal dialysis facility staff, and our community to benefit from the improvements specified in the regulation. DHEC encourages the public to read the regulation to learn more about state-approved dialysis management, facility licensure requirements, current provider language, and a variety of useful information regarding our state-licensed renal dialysis facilities.
[BJ1]Source, (most current data published by DHEC): https://scdhec.gov/sites/default/files/Library/CR-011604.pdf


North Idaho Animal Hospital offers high quality compassionate care for all patients. Our mission is to offer compassionate, quality care for pets and their people while striving for excellence in medicine, surgery, and preventative care. Highly trained certified veterinary technicians, receptionists, and support personnel work as a team with the doctors to provide your animals medical and surgical needs.
We also recognize how important it is to ease your worries and answer your questions.
We also offer standard or customized boarding opportunities for your pet, day care, and grooming services.


Increase Fibre intake – One of the ways our brain determines fullness is the physical stretching of the stomach. Foods high in fibre, such as vegetables and whole-grains, help stretch out the stomach and signal to the brain that you’re full. Fibre also tends to slow down digestion – when you add in fibre to your meals, the rate at which the body digests the food takes longer. The longer this food sits in your stomach the fuller you’ll feel.
Since doing cardio exercise is not as interesting as other exercises, people think it’s the only way to lose weight. But because it can get rather boring, people stop putting in the effort to lose weight altogether. The good news is, there are other ways to burn fat without having to spend long hours on the treadmill. The best way to reap the benefits of cardio is to incorporate it with weight-training.
If you’re actively watching your weight this season, know this: Research from the University of Chicago found that dieters lost 55% less fat when they slept for 5½ hours than when they slept for 8½ hours. To settle into slumber more easily, avoid lit screens, food and, yes, booze for a full two hours before bed, and fill your plate with foods that help you fall asleep earlier in the night (think cherries, jasmine rice, and bananas).
Carbohydrates also regulate muscle cell volume. You will notice that when carb intake is low your muscles will appear flat and smaller, because cell volume is diminished when carbs are restricted. This is because carbs are stored in muscle tissue as glycogen. Every gram of glycogen is stored with 2.7 grams of water. This can drastically effect the size of muscle cells.
Fitness and lifestyle coach Marci Nevin (@marcinevin on Instagram) posted nine simple, easy-to-follow eating tips to lose fat without the tediousness of having to count calories. She said that while counting calories ensures more accuracy in knowing if you're reaching your calorie goal, calorie counting isn't for everyone. Here's how you can still shed body fat "without meticulously counting every calorie."
Another thing that messes with circadian rhythms? The blue light of digital devices. “We have seen increasing scientific evidence that the more you use devices, the higher your risk of obesity,” says Gillespie. The reason is twofold: One, the more time you spend in front of a screen, the less time you’re running around and playing. But also, experts believe, the blue light these devices emit can disrupt your internal clock. One study found that using a blue light-emitting device before bed delayed the release of melatonin, a hormone responsible for sleep, and the effect carried over to the following night as well.
Do this: Limit your total carbs on two consecutive days every two weeks or so to less than 100g per day. This will require you to know how many grams of carbohydrates are in the foods you eat and have the discipline to be very strict on your intake. Your diligence will be rewarded with a noticeable difference in body fat. After two days, you can return to a more normal, though not excessive, carb intake.
Carb crazy? Consider this: Refined carbohydrates, such as bread, potatoes and rice, create a surge in insulin that in turn drives down your resting metabolic rate, explains Aronne. "It's important to keep carbohydrates in your diet, but really focus on fruits, vegetables and whole grains, which have less of an effect on insulin levels," he explains. And when buying whole-grain breads and cereals, make sure the first ingredient listed is whole wheat, whole oat or cracked wheat.
If you’ve been eating fast food for years, get real about your approach: You’re probably not going to stick to an organic, gluten-free, paleo overhaul for very long. "You want to change as little as possible to create calorie deficit," says Dr. Seltzer, who insists the best way to support sustainable weight loss is to incorporate small changes into existing habits. So instead of giving up your daily BLT bagels in favor of an egg-white wrap, try ordering your sandwich on a lighter English muffin. Or say you eat a snack bar every afternoon: Swap your 300-calorie bar for a 150-calorie alternative. "Your brain will feel the same way about it, so you won’t feel deprived," he says.
When it comes to weight loss, celeb trainer and New York Times bestselling author Harley Pasternak, MSc, has a catchphrase: "Strong in the gym, lean in life." The Fitbit ambassador, nutrition scientist, and personal coach to the likes of Amy Schumer, Kim Kardashian, and Rihanna has told POPSUGAR on numerous occasions that the best way to lose weight is easier than you think: just walk more. Here, Harley makes his compelling case and shares a simple, month-long plan to get you started.
Yes, you can dance your way slim! Grooving hard while celebrating with pals can blast even more calories than running, swimming, or cycling, per recent research from the University of Brighton in England. Dancing for an hour can burn anywhere from 200 and 600 calories, while also helping to build strength, increase flexibility, and even slow the aging process.
"Refined grains like white bread, crackers, and chips, as well as refined sugars in sweetened drinks and desserts increase inflammation in our bodies," says Patton. "Belly fat is associated with inflammation, so eating too many processed foods will hinder your ability to lose belly fat." Natural foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are full of antioxidants, which have anti-inflammatory properties and may therefore actually prevent belly fat, Patton says.
If you’re logging just a few hours of sleep a night, you may actually find yourself gaining weight. Researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center found that subjects who slept just four hours had a harder time processing carbs. "When you're exhausted, your body lacks the energy to do its normal day-to-day functions, which includes burning calories efficiently," says Talbott.
After clearing the tear ducts I am finally sitting down to share my successes. They come in many forms weight loss, inches lost, pain lost, and shedding emotional sadness carried for many years. I have given birth to 2 amazing kids and always stayed fit during pregnancies and post pregnancies, but my body seemed to work against me. I was spinning my wheels with workouts eating clean and getting no results which equaled a defeating dull pain and being embarrassed of who I was in my own skin. After 6 weeks of the FASTerWayToFatLoss I can honestly say I have been transformed. My mental and emotional transformation are the highiest on my list as these will continue to push me on this journey. It is a journey to be the best version of myself and provide a modeling platform for my children. One of my biggest joys is hearing my almost 2 year old asks me gym or run? When I put on my sneakers. In addition the 9lbs I have lost and most importantly 13.25 inches shed are not a bad prize. Thank you for this program that allows me to see results, live a healthy lifestyle, and even have some treats when I deserve them. I can't wait for the next chapter!
During low-intensity workouts like steady-state cardio, your body realizes the demand for energy isn’t urgent, so it taps into fat metabolism. The fats in your body (which contain vastly more energy than carbs) exist as triglycerides that float through your bloodstream and hang out within adipose or fat tissue. Because fat offers a slow-and-steady stream of energy, you’ll feel like you can sustain that effort for a long time, says Alex Zimmerman, CSCS, Los Angeles-based director of Equinox’s Tier X program.
After you train, it's difficult to gain body fat. Why? Depleted, broken-down muscles soak up both protein and carbohydrates for growth and recovery. If you eat too little at this time, you may actually set yourself back by impeding recovery; supporting recovery and growth actually increases metabolism while impeding it slows metabolism. In terms of spurring recovery and growth, just about the most counterproductive thing you can do after a hard workout is starve yourself.
Watching that extra junk around your trunk turn your body into a full-blown Buddha belly puts you at an increased risk for heart disease, diabetes, and early death. Luckily, losing the weight doesn’t have to take forever; with these 22 belly fat-fighting tips, you can shave two inches off your waistline in as little as two weeks. Think your age will stand in the way of your weight loss? The 20 Ways to Lose Your Belly When You’re Older will help folks of any age get on track to their best body ever.
As a result, the body readjusts by decreasing the number and size of fat cells, which subsequently improves baseline metabolism, decreases inflammation, treats disease, and prolongs lives. If we maintain this situation over time, the body reabsorbs the extra empty fat cells and discards them as waste, leaving us leaner and healthier on multiple levels.
Changes are hard, but they’re easier if you have some tools at your side to help you. And hey, if you mess up one day, it’s not over. Pick up the next day where you left off. If you fall off for three weeks, it’s still not over. Again, pick up right where you left off. Be kind to yourself and practice forgiveness. Instead of harping on what you haven’t done, look at what you have accomplished.
Not only is fasted cardio not beneficial but it is actually detrimental to results. Fasted cardio may result in higher fat utilization but it also results in higher amino acid utilization which means more muscle tissue breakdown. As if that wasn’t enough, research has also proven that fasted cardio leads to far less total calories being expended per session. This means that there is simply less fat loss from fasted cardio when compared to cardio performed in a fed state. So make sure you get some food in your system before you head out to perform your cardio.
While the muscle growth benefits of whey protein are well known, the fat loss applications of whey protein are not known to many people. Studies have shown that subjects lose more fat and retain more muscle while consuming whey protein when compared to subjects with an equal calorie intake but do not consume whey in their diet. Whey protein improves metabolic function and boosts insulin sensitivity.
Unintentional weight loss can occur because of an inadequately nutritious diet relative to a person's energy needs (generally called malnutrition). Disease processes, changes in metabolism, hormonal changes, medications or other treatments, disease- or treatment-related dietary changes, or reduced appetite associated with a disease or treatment can also cause unintentional weight loss. Poor nutrient utilization can lead to weight loss, and can be caused by fistulae in the gastrointestinal tract, diarrhea, drug-nutrient interaction, enzyme depletion and muscle atrophy.
The meals shown here are "templates" that you can vary any number of ways to please your tastebuds and avoid eating the same old thing every day. Follow them and you'll get between 2,400 and 2,800 calories per day. That should provide plenty of calories for all but the most severely obese, while allowing most guys to lose fat around their middles at a steady pace. (Don't worry about hitting the numbers on the nose every time. If you exceed your fat quota during lunch, for instance, just cut back a little during dinner.)
While that can certainly be a worthwhile endeavor, what they usually really mean to say is, “I want to lose fat.” Though most people use the terms weight loss and fat loss interchangeably, they are not in fact the same, and require different methods to achieve each goal. Here, we explain why fat loss — not weight loss — should be your primary focus, and why the typical methods used for weight loss may not always work for fat loss efforts.
Dairy products contain varying amounts of lactose (milk sugar), which slows down weight loss. What’s more, part of the protein in milk generates a significant insulin response, which can have the same effect. Consequently, cutting back on dairy products may accelerate weight loss. This applies especially to dairy products typically lacking in fat, such as regular milk and various yogurts, but be careful with full-fat dairy such as cream and cheese all the same. And don’t forget whey protein powder, which is pure milk protein.
You know that protein can keep you full longer and burn more calories during digestion. Choose your protein carefully. Dark meat tends to be high in fat, which could cancel out some of the benefits. Skinless chicken breast is a great choice. And some cuts of beef can make the grade. Flank steak, eye of round, and top sirloin are extra-lean with less than 4 grams of saturated fat per serving. Stick with a 3- to 4-ounce portion.
That said, a Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise study found that runners lost more weight than walkers over a six-year period, possibly because of the afterburn effect. “Running at a high intensity will create an afterburn, which is when your body continues to burn calories when you’re no longer moving,” Rubin says. She suggests starting with three 30-minute runs a week, sprinting for 30 seconds then recovering for 30 seconds to a minute.
Obviously, it’s still possible to lose weight on any diet – just eat fewer calories than you burn, right? The problem with this simplistic advice is that it ignores the elephant in the room: Hunger. Most people don’t like to “just eat less”, i.e. being hungry forever. That’s dieting for masochists. Sooner or later, a normal person will give up and eat, hence the prevalence of “yo-yo dieting”.
The least intrusive weight loss methods, and those most often recommended, are adjustments to eating patterns and increased physical activity, generally in the form of exercise. The World Health Organization recommended that people combine a reduction of processed foods high in saturated fats, sugar and salt and caloric content of the diet with an increase in physical activity.
Vary your daily calories while reducing your overall average. Your body may adjust to a lower but steady calorie intake, meaning it won’t draw from your stored fat. To keep your body guessing and your metabolism up, try switching between higher and lower daily calorie intakes. This might help avoid that dreaded weight-loss plateau and improve your willpower.
I'd like to think I'm pretty athletic and on the higher end of competitive, rounding out my high school and college days on swim team and playing soccer my freshman year of college - continuing as I got older I was a gym regular for at least the last 10 years, if not more, mixing in countless rec soccer leagues, kickball, and flag football teams as a boost to what I considered my "fitness routine". 5 years ago I got the crazy idea to start triathlons and quickly immersed myself in the sport - Lee and I had started dating and I hated to run and didn't own a bike but loved to swim! Lee trained me for my first 5K and after I bought a bike it was on to sprints, olympics and 2 Half Ironmans. In between all the crazy races I dragged him to (Minnesota, Miami, all over NC) we completed 2 half marathons together. To say he is a good sport ant very supportive is an understatement.
You can read all the “TOP 10 FAT LOSS HACKS YOU AREN’T DOING” articles you want, or stare at motivational quotes by some famous dead person plastered across a pair of random abs or glutes – but until you realise that change depends on you getting off your ass and doing something, nothing’s going to happen because your fat loss is down to you actually wanting to make a change.
What should you eat after working out? Exercise is beneficial for overall health. To get the most effective exercise, it is necessary to have good nutrition. There is a range of things to eat right after a workout that will help in specific fitness goals. It is also essential to eat to recover energy levels. Learn more about what to eat after a workout. Read now
It is possible to do more in less time — at least when it comes to your workouts. By incorporating interval training — that means bursts of high-intensity moves — you’ll give your metabolism a huge boost, says Glenn Gaesser, Ph.D., director of the Kinesiology Program at the University of Virginia and author of The Spark. If you usually jog at a consistent pace, try adding a 30-second to one-minute sprint every five minutes, or, if you’re on a treadmill, change up the incline for one-minute intervals.
There's a reason you've been hearing so much about cutting meat out of your diet lately. It's not just great for your body, but also a quick way to shed some extra pounds. "Consider swapping a few meat-centric meals each week for ones centered around vegetarian proteins — or give a full-fledged vegetarian diet a try if that's of interest to you," Gorin says. "Research shows eating a vegetarian diet may boost and speed up weight loss, resulting in a loss of up to 10 pounds." Gorin recommends topping a salad or filling a veggie taco with vegetarian protein sources like pulses — which are beans, chickpeas, lentils, and dried peas — to give your weight loss a boost. One study found eating ¾ cup of pulses daily led to a loss of close to a pound over about six weeks, versus people not eating pulses daily.
Weight loss results will always vary for individuals, depending on the individual’s physical condition, lifestyle, diet and personal commitment. Always consult your primary physician before making any dietary changes or starting any nutrition, weight control or exercise program. The information provided on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any condition, and has not been evaluated by the FDA, and it is not meant for you to self-diagnose or self-treat your specific health issue, information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Doctors are licensed Chiropractors in the State in which they work.
3. Tabata: Tabata is another form of interval training and involves 8 rounds of 20 seconds exercise followed by 10 seconds rest. Sounds easy enough but exercise should be done at a high intensity. This exercise can be done using rowing machines, dumbbells or thrusters. This is a tough exercise and is best for those who have very less time in their hands.
Fighting constantly with your S.O.? It’s time to address your issues head-on. "Research has shown that cortisol, the hormone that's released during stressful activity, is linked to fat storage,” says Gina Guddet, couples counselor and co-author of Love Metabolism. “And poor communication between couples is the most common type of stress that you tend to experience."
Eating sugary foods might be satisfying in the moment, but they can increase your cravings for more sugary foods in the future — and that only leads to trouble. "Many foods high in added sugar are also higher in calories and fill you up less than lower-calorie, still-sweet alternatives like fruit," says Amy Gorin, MS, RDN, owner of Amy Gorin Nutrition in Jersey City, NJ. But there are still ways to satisfy your sweet tooth without ODing on sugar. "When you're baking, cut out some of the sugar in recipes by adding in vanilla extract or cinnamon, blend unsweetened cocoa powder into a smoothie instead of honey, top your French toast with unsweetened frozen fruit instead of syrup, and nosh on a slab of watermelon instead of cookies."
Here's something else most people probably don't know: Fidgeting is good for you. It's considered a nonexercise physical activity, and it's an important way to burn energy. You get more health benefits if, in addition to exercising, you are a more fidgety, more active person the rest of the day. This means gesturing while you're talking, tapping your foot, just moving around.
A 2014 Harvard study found that men who did twenty minutes of daily weight training had less of an increase in age-related abdominal fat compared with men who spent the same amount of time doing aerobic activities, and other studies have shown similar levels of success when guys hit the gym to cut down on fat. The implication: Guys can cut belly fat most efficiently with weight training.
In what is perhaps the biggest buzzkill of all time, sex doesn’t quite count as cardio or burn a significant amount of calories: Women burn about 3.6 per minute. "It’s still a good idea," Dr. Seltzer says, citing the activity’s other benefits, like increasing the output of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, which naturally reduce food cravings.
While some people respond well to counting calories or similar restrictive methods, others respond better to having more freedom in planning their weight-loss programs. Being free to simply avoid fried foods or cut back on refined carbs can set them up for success. So, don’t get too discouraged if a diet that worked for somebody else doesn’t work for you. And don’t beat yourself up if a diet proves too restrictive for you to stick with. Ultimately, a diet is only right for you if it’s one you can stick with over time.
Yes, athletes are constantly optimizing their training plans and race-day strategies, but you don’t need to go crazy if you’re just starting out. “When it comes to weight loss, moving and burning calories are what matters,” O’Connor says. “If you like sprints, which have a higher rate of calories burned per minute, then have at it; but if you prefer walking or slower jogging, you’ll just need to spend more time to burn those calories.”
1. High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): This type of exercise is your key to melting belly fat fast. HIIT is highly effective for all over weight loss, particularly removing stubborn belly fat. If you are not eating right, you have reached menopause or you are not losing weight you should do these exercises. Don’t let the name scare you as it is you who determines the intensity. It is your perceived exertion that counts.
1. The side plank exercise is the best way to reduce belly fat. There are only two points of contact with the floor which helps the core muscles to contract even harder. Lie on your side with your legs top of each other, rest on your lower forearm that is bent on the elbow. Force your upper body off the floor by using your forearm and place other hand on your hips. You should resemble a diagonal line from head to toe. After you lift your bodies just hold it for 30-60 seconds.
Setting the right goals is an important first step. Most people trying to lose weight focus on just that one goal: weight loss. However, the most productive areas to focus on are the dietary and physical activity changes that will lead to long-term weight change. Successful weight managers are those who select two or three goals at a time that are manageable.
The probiotics in yogurt can support a healthy gut and your overall wellness. “When your immune system is working well, your gut and brain talk to each other. If you struggle a lot with stress eating, maintaining good digestive health helps nourish a healthy gut so you feel calmer and avoid stress eating,” says Cording. Similar to milk, your best bet is to skip the low-fat varieties—go for full-fat Greek yogurt or Skyr instead.
Matheny recommends a Tabata-style workout to rev up your fat-burning power. For this, you'll spend 20 seconds doing an intense exercise, like burpees, followed by 10 seconds rest. You'll repeat the sequence eight times, giving you a four-minute workout. For a quick and dirty full-body workout, repeat the sequence five times with five different exercises for a total of 20 minutes.
After training you need a rapidly digested protein shake to drive cortisol levels down and flip muscle growth into overdrive. Since this shake is so fast acting it will not keep protein synthesis sustained at a high level for long. To sustain protein synthesis you will need to consume a post training meal. 1-2 hours after training. This should be a whole food meal with protein and carbs while minimizing fat intake. This will maximize muscle growth by keeping protein synthesis levels high and reducing catabolism.
Another way to fill up before a meal is by eating salad. Lettuce has plenty of water content to take up space in the stomach. That leaves less room for fattier foods that might come later in the meal. Make your salad interesting by adding a variety of fruits and vegetables or grated cheese. Be careful about dressing, which can add a lot of calories.
Suspect you have a sluggish metabolism? You might have hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid gland, which afflicts about 25 percent of American women — many of whom don't know they have the condition, according to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. "The thyroid gland controls your body's metabolism, so one of the first signs that it may be off is an inability to lose weight," explains Pamela Peeke, M.D., professor of medicine at the University of Maryland and author of Fight Fat After Forty. Your doctor can determine if you're suffering from hypothyroidism by running a blood test. If you do have an underactive thyroid, you'll be treated with a synthetic thyroid supplement, which you will need to take for the rest of your life (it will return your metabolism to normal, so it should be easier to drop unwanted pounds).
We also love yoga, hula-hooping (yep, great for the abs) and the good standby “Abs of Steel” videos, and trust me the outfits in the 1990’s video will increase the cardio aspect just from laughter alone! There are also a slew of videos online, find one you love and can stick to every few days and you’ll be toning as you shed the unwanted belly fat.
5. Hydroxycitric Acid (HCA): The name sounds scary, but this supplement is derived from a salt in a Southeast Asian fruit plant. And the perks are real: HCA can help decrease the amount of visceral, subcutaneous, and total fat on your body, according to a study in the Journal of Obesity. It works by suppressing your appetite, reducing the amount of fat your body absorbs from your diet, and increasing your metabolism.


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Teaching people with enduring mental health problems: Laura Potts
5th April 2017
Teaching people with enduring mental health problems
by Laura Potts
Since 2010 I have run a class funded by the Iyengar Yoga Development Fund at a local community recovery services centre run by the local authority. Staff at the centre knew me from teaching Iyengar yoga in the city’s psychiatric hospital, and knew there was a need for a class to sustain and support people’s health when they were not in acute care settings. It has gone from strength to strength in that time, offering a regular weekly class to many, many students. Classes are full: there are around 20 people on the register at any one time, with space for the 10 or 12 who come on any day.
The Iyengar approach to teaching makes yoga accessible to students who may be used to feeling that they are outside society and can’t do regular activities. Their problems range widely, but there is certainly a trend to there being more people with greater vulnerability, deeper trauma and more complex issues. For instance, they may have experiences which mean the common instruction to ‘take your legs wide’ is a trigger to relive past abuse, or they may be unable to be comfortable lying supine on the floor for Savasana for instance. These students often have no money after years of ill-health, rely entirely on public transport, may not be safe going out in evenings, and would not be able to cope in a class that didn’t recognise and explicitly support their mental health needs; the funding from IYDF is passionately appreciated by students.
The value of Iyengar yoga in the transforming lives of these students is very apparent. A young woman who has recently had intensive in-patient treatment for an acute life threatening eating disorder, told me that the class was the first thing for which she had wanted to leave the house or her bed in years. Students report yoga as helping them to be more stable, steady and able to cope with often very difficult lives. They tell of being more focused and relaxed, less panicky and dissociated or paranoid. I observe a caring and supportive environment; the class is welcoming to newcomers and looks out for students who don’t attend for a few weeks.
These comments are taken from regular written evaluations:
- ‘calms and focuses me and stops the mind being so busy’
- After class ‘feel calmer and more grounded’
- ‘it gives me a space that helps distract my mind’
- After class ‘feel relaxed inspired hopeful’
Laura is a certified Iyengar Yoga Therapy teacher based in York. Visit her website at http://yogaforallyork.wordpress.com/
The Iyengar Yoga Development Fund is a non-registered charitable fund that was started with the support of BKS Iyengar to assist disadvantaged groups in accessing Iyengar yoga classes. 40% of the license fees paid by Iyengar yoga teachers each year goes towards this invaluable work.
The IYDF enables Iyengar yoga teachers to reach some of our society’s most challenged members. There is a wide range of people in classes throughout the country benefiting from the Fund, including:
- People recovering from addiction
- People with mental health conditions
- A women’s refuge