massage-related stories
Habits Healthy People Have in Common
Photo: Nick J Webb, Flickr
Sure, some of them are obvious, like getting plenty of vitamin C and regularly exercising. We all know we should be doing that. But what about gargling? Or getting a massage? Did you have any idea these actions could help ward off sickness?
It turns out they can, and there's more surprising information where that came from. To learn how to incorporate new ways into your life, and to find out about more healthy habits, head on over to FitSugar for the full scoop! And don't forget to come back and let us know which of these healthy habits surprised you most.
Fit Gadgets: The Stick
Even if you truly love working out, I'm going to bet that you don't love the muscle soreness that comes afterward. I mean, there's something kind of rewarding about a little soreness the next day, but the kind of pain that makes it hard to walk like a normal person? I'll pass on that, thanks.I recently read about a product called The Stick on one of the running blogs I follow. It promises to "prevent and predict muscle injuries, dramatically improve strength, flexibility and endurance, rapidly prepare muscles for physical activity, disperse the effects of lactic acid following activity, and accelerate muscle recovery." I don't know about you, but those are all things I could use some help with.
Lots of professional sports teams use it, including the New York Knicks, Miami Dolphins, and Baltimore Orioles, but it can also be used by non-athletes who are just looking for the best way to massage and warm up muscles.
How to never get sick again
Healthy Habits, Diet & Weight Loss
There's no denying it -- some people seem to be prone to every kind of illness out there, while some are healthy as a horse. I tend to fall into the latter category -- besides one doozy of a cold I had last January, I haven't been sick in ages. But trust me, I'm exposed to just as many germs as anyone else, be it at the office, at the gym, at school and just about any public place I frequent.
AOL Health recently listed the healthy habits of women who never get sick, including these:
- Get regular massages (I really like this one!)
- Wash your hands
- Sip ginger and honey for stomach and bowel issues
- Take cold showers
- Get your fill of garlic, vitamin c and zinc
As for me, I find that the old adage an apple a day keeps the doctor away really works! How do you stay healthy?
Madonna's pre-show prep: Free weights
Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment
"The harder Madonna works the happier she is," says a longtime friend. "Because she was a dancer, that's why. It's practice, practice, practice."
Besides ensuring her shows are perfect and her family is happy, Madonna is all about taking care of herself. A massage helps prep her for performing. So does a facial. And of course: Free weights, to maintain that rock-hard and strong body.
I like how Madonna operates. Work, family, a little pampering, and a nearly-perfect physique -- not to mention truckloads of money. Seems to me it doesn't get much better than that.
Stress Less: Massage works, but why?
Try to find a person who doesn't enjoy a massage to relax. You'd be hard-pressed. Of all the stress-relieving techniques out there, massage is my absolute favorite.
Certainly, massage relieves muscle pain and soreness, but it appears to be most popular for stress relief. It's effectiveness is largely due to the fact that manipulating the muscles releases endorphins, the brain's natural opiates, which encourages a feeling of well being and confidence. Studies show massage can be helpful for various ailments. But when looking at the list, one can't help but notice many of the benefits involve the mind more than the body. Consider the following from a Mayo Clinic article:
Certainly, massage relieves muscle pain and soreness, but it appears to be most popular for stress relief. It's effectiveness is largely due to the fact that manipulating the muscles releases endorphins, the brain's natural opiates, which encourages a feeling of well being and confidence. Studies show massage can be helpful for various ailments. But when looking at the list, one can't help but notice many of the benefits involve the mind more than the body. Consider the following from a Mayo Clinic article:
Summer Slimdown Guide: Instant self-confidence boosters
Diet & Weight Loss, Motivation
Have you taken a peek at our Summer Slimdown Guide yet? It's full of tips for a healthy and fit summer. We didn't forget (and we hope you don't either) that losing weight isn't just a numbers game. For many people, a lack of self-confidence is a contributing factor to weight gain. When you don't feel good about yourself, you're less likely to take care of yourself and, in time, extra pounds can creep up on you.Taking care of your health -- both physically and emotionally -- is important. When you care for your own well-being, you're better able to manage your life effectively and energetically and you're better able to care for your loved ones. If your self-esteem could use a little boost, try some of these ideas:
- Meditate. Taking a few moments each day to re-center will help you to feel better about yourself.
- Pamper yourself. Schedule periodic "pampering" treatments -- get a facial or a massage, visit a spa, or get a pedicure.
- Associate with supportive friends. Spend time with those who make you laugh, those you can count on for support, and who love you unconditionally.
- Live healthfully. Eating right and exercising don't only improve the health of your body, they improve your mind and spirit as well.
- Do something for others. Put yourself and your needs aside occasionally and do something for others -- it's amazing how focusing on someone else's needs can give your self-confidence a huge boost.
Managing migraines
A few months ago I wrote about natural treatments for migraines. (Maybe writing that post and saying I never had a migraine jinxed me... ya think?) Revolution Health has more ideas for managing migraines:
- OTC pain relievers may provide some relief; your doctor can also prescribe medications to help.
- Caffeine can constrict blood vessels and relieve some of the pressure, but don't go overboard -- too much caffeine can be a trigger for migraine headaches.
- Avoid foods containing tyramine. Tyramine is found in aged or fermented foods including some cheeses and wine.
- Visit a chiropractor. Some chiropractors believe that migraines are caused by a misalignment of the spine and that adjustments can minimize migraine frequency.
- Include magnesium-rich foods in your diet.
- Get a massage -- massage therapy has helped some migraine sufferers reduce the frequency of their headaches.
The Daily Turn On! The Not So Healing Touch
Life is too short not to be fully "turned on." The Daily Turn On! energizes all aspects of "you." Every Monday The Daily Turn On! with That's Fit Life Fit expert Laura Lewis will provide you with ideas and tips to awaken your mind, your body and your life as you journey through each day of the week! Check in each Monday to get your tip for Turning On every day of your life.Having worked in the spa industry for many years, I am a connoisseur of massages. While a massage can be the ultimate in self-pampering, it is also a genuine healing modality with many health benefits. Massage increases blood flow to our muscles, which increases healing and healing time of injured muscle tissue. Massage also provides essential relaxation for all parts of the body, aiding in lowering blood pressure, lowering the heart rate, and providing a healthy conduit for releasing stress and toxins in the body. However, massage is not always a good thing. There are times when one should not receive a massage.
Dislocated Bones, Muscles & Disks. Allan Platt, who teaches physician assistants at Emory University's School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia recommends skipping a massage if injured bones or muscles could actually be manipulated out of place. He cautions that a massage applied to the area of a slipped or dislocated disk could increase the irritation of the nerve or nerve roots.
Rashes. Martha Young, a certified massage therapist, recommends avoiding massage on her around areas that are infected with a rash. "Whether it's eczema, poison ivy or some other skin allergy, massaging that area might irritate it further," she cautions.
Daily Fit Tip: Before a run, treat your feet
Running is many things: It's energizing, rejuvenating and oh-so-good for both your soul and body. But it's also hard on your legs, particularly your feet, calves and knees. If you like running and want to keep doing it for a few more years, treat your gams well by stretching, practicing proper form, drinking lots of water and treating yourself to a massage.
You don't need to hit up a massage therapist though -- you can give yourself a runner's massage by rubbing down your feet and calves, as recommended on Fitsugar. Or enlist your significant other (I definitely plan on doing this). Yes, there is a reason behind this -- a massage can bring blood to the area, which will help your muscles warm up and recover.
How do you prep for a run?
You don't need to hit up a massage therapist though -- you can give yourself a runner's massage by rubbing down your feet and calves, as recommended on Fitsugar. Or enlist your significant other (I definitely plan on doing this). Yes, there is a reason behind this -- a massage can bring blood to the area, which will help your muscles warm up and recover.
How do you prep for a run?
Fit Gadgets: Multi-Core-Flex Excel Body Gym
Most abdominal exercises can't quite be called relaxing. You might enjoy them, and they might not be painful, but if you try to tell me any exercises really feel wonderful while you're doing them, I'm going to ... well, I just won't believe you. But that's not really my point.This week's Fit Gadget, the Multi-Core-Flex Excel Body Gym, is designed to massage your back while working your abs, quads, and inner and outer thighs. Actually, it claims that, in addition to giving you a fantastic workout, it will give you "the most relaxing back massage you've ever had. Its comfortable rounded pads enable you to stretch your entire upper body as well as your back for total relaxation."
Hmm ...
Healthy gifts for Mother's Day
Diet & Weight Loss, Reviews & Products, Motivation
My mom is one of those hard-to-buy-for types. She and my dad are, thankfully, in a position where if they need or want anything, they can go out and get it. But when birthdays and holidays like Mother's Day roll around, it leaves my siblings and me with very few options. This year, I think I'll try to give my mom something in keeping with her healthy lifestyle. If you're thinking along the healthy lines for Mother's Day gifts too, here are some ideas to consider:- A day at the spa. Moms rarely take time for themselves. Give your mom a gift certificate for the spa and help her relax.
- Skin care. Whether you give a face mask, moisturizer, hand lotion, or cleanser, skin care gifts are always appreciated.
Growing pains
My son is very athletically inclined. He does well at every team sport he plays and he invariably picks active play over anything else. He's constantly riding his bike, roller-blading, or running around the neighborhood. So, needless to say, my son is in good shape. But lately, he's been complaining that his legs feel "weak."I didn't know what was going on at first. In fact, I thought maybe his baseball practices were wearing him out. So I had suggested he start jogging to build up his leg muscles. But then I noticed that his eating habits have changed a bit and his sleep patterns are a bit off-kilter, too. So it finally hit me. Growing pains.
I'll admit that it took me longer to catch on than it should have. But I'm new to this parenting gig. My 10-year-old son is adopted and has only lived with me since last June. So, though he's likely experienced growing pains several times now, this is my first experience with them as a parent.
Making sure your spa is safe
Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Motivation
Oh... a day at the spa. Sounds like a relaxing bit of heaven, doesn't it? How does a nail infection sound? Or a lethal overdose of hair-removal treatment? Spas offer a variety of services nowadays -- not just the run-of-the-mill facial and massage. So you should check your spa out as thoroughly as you would check out a new physician. Here are some tips:- Don't make your first appointment over the phone. Visit the spa, ask for a tour, and see if it appears professional, organized, and sanitary.
- Ask questions! Ask if the staff is licensed and what their training was. You can also ask about the years of experience. If you're getting treatments such as Botox (and if you are, really, think twice) make sure whoever is administering it is a licensed physician or a nurse under a doctor's supervision.
- Ask friends if they've been to the spa before and see if the spa has an online rating.
- The spa should have a questionnaire or verbally ask you questions about existing health conditions, allergies, and so forth. If you don't feel an appropriate question has been asked, speak up! You have to advocate for you own health.
Massage: Better than morphine?
Healthy Habits, Diet & Weight Loss, Motivation
I've been seeing a physical therapist for a few weeks now and have one more session to go before I'm released from the care of the woman who is massaging the tight muscles and scar tissue left behind from a lumpectomy and six weeks worth of radiation treatment. No need for drugs to numb any pain I feel in my left armpit and subscapularis muscle. Massage alone is working wonders.
Daniel Hinshaw, MD, of the VA Ann Arbor Heathcare System, says massage can be as powerful as morphine for those in pain. And one study of 605 people who got a 20-minute massage in addition to medication after surgery reported less pain one day earlier than those who just got drugs. Massage isn't just a guilty pleasure then. It's sometimes medically necessary. Here's what else it can do, says Reader's Digest.
Daniel Hinshaw, MD, of the VA Ann Arbor Heathcare System, says massage can be as powerful as morphine for those in pain. And one study of 605 people who got a 20-minute massage in addition to medication after surgery reported less pain one day earlier than those who just got drugs. Massage isn't just a guilty pleasure then. It's sometimes medically necessary. Here's what else it can do, says Reader's Digest.
- It cuts in half depression, anxiety, pain, nausea, and fatigue in cancer patients, according to one study.
- It calms kids. In one small study of children with ADHD, those who got a 20-minute massage twice a week for a month behaved better in school.
- It soothes chronic headaches. Headache sufferers report fewer episodes after neck and shoulder massages.
Daily Fit Tip: Relieve pain with Rolfing
Daily Fit Tip, Motivation, Alternative & Green Health
Tension and stress can manifest itself in your body in many ways, one of the more unpleasant being as physical pain. Stress and emotionally induced discomforts aren't concrete in the same way a physical injury is, so sometimes a unique cure is needed for a unique problem. Rolfing, which is a form of tissue manipulation (massage?), can help people get rid of pain by helping them to find relief from pent-up emotions.It may have a strange name but many of those who have tried it swear by rolfing's beneficial effects -- it was even featured on the Oprah show last year. Interested? Find a rolfer near you on rolf.org.
