The MyBath.biz Blog

Are Valentine Chocolates Good For You?

You may be one of millions planning to give your sweetheart a box of chocolates this Valentine’s Day. Good for you. Not only is chocolate a delectable favorite this time of year, but a healthy choice.

According to lifespan, “Recent studies show that chocolate is packed with antioxidants known as polyphenols that may protect against heart disease and cancer.” How can you beat that? Your favorite treat can help your heart and protect against cancer.

This is good news as chocolate is the number one food Americans crave, according to lifespan and your taste buds. Some go as far as having chocolate stashes throughout the house or office place. Does this sound vaguely familiar to you?

So when you receive chocolate this Valentine's Day.....enjoy each silky bite. It's good for you.

On Behalf of the My Bath Staff:

Happy Valentine’s Day!

P.S. Check out My Bath's hot tubs for the ultimate Valentine's Gift!

Hot Tub's are made for this special holiday!

Understanding and Surviving Menstrual Cycles: For Men and Women

This is one blog entry men will likely want to pass on reading. But not too fast men. Read on as this menstrual cycle blog may help you survive.

Couples can actually capitalize, survive, and grow closer during the menstrual cycle phenomenon. In understanding, communication, and intimacy. Now men, while these three benefits may sound more about what women want – you know when the communication lines are open and clear there’s less strife. And that’s what both men and women really want – peace.

The truth is while a women’s menstrual cycle, ranging from mild to severe, affects many levels. From physical to emotional to spiritual and beyond. This is an opportunity to grow closer.

Men will no doubt confirm they also experience some monthly pains as well. Some male reports of this female phenomenon include increased moodiness, abrupt conversations, and amplified urges to engage in unhealthy coping behaviors such as excessive eating. And know these behaviors lead to strife – not peace - our ultimate goal.   

So how can menstrual cramps help your relationship?

The truth is, as with any life challenge, you can make the decision to understand what’s happening and talk about it or ignore it and hope it goes away. For those of you who tend toward the latter – this just simply doesn’t work. If your goal is to have peace and a happy and healthy relationship, you need to understand what’s going on from each other’s perspective.

So how do women and men grow in understanding and survive the menstrual cycle together?

• Women- let your man know when you’re starting your menstrual cycle so they can be more sensitive to your discomfort. Men are not mind readers, unfortunately.
• Men- step back a little, exude compassion, and just pick up and put your stuff away, please. Women just need a little space, really. It does end.
• Women- did you know taking a warm bubble bath can help menstrual cramps?  Give it try. It’s so soothing. An Infrared Sauna therapy session or heating pad can help too.
• Men- listen closely to what women say they need at this time. Cramps are uncomfortable. About the same as having a tooth pulled out without any pain medication. Yes, cramps hurt.
• Women & Men – most importantly discuss during a non-menstrual cramp period each person’s experience, needs, and plan for interacting during this physically and emotionally charged period of time. Talking when you’re both in the midst of discomfort and stress rarely ever is optimal or very effective.

So there you have it. While menstrual cramps are not likely the hot topic of many conversations, discussing this natural process can help your relationships. And that’s something we all want.

10 Suggestions for the Holiday Blues

The holidays are filled with a lot of hustle and bustle, which can be stressful at times. Especially with kids in toe.

There also can be a lot of emotions brought to the surface getting together with family members. This combination can lead to feelings of sadness and depression.

When this happens, it’s important to take time to release these emotions either in private or with a trusted support person. Releasing and processing these emotions allows yourself the opportunity to move forward and enjoy this special time of year with those you love.

If you find these emotions consuming, overwhelming, or lingering consider the following.

1.    Call a close friend.

2.    Seek some transitional support from a local support group, counselor, or trained professional.

3.    Set some boundaries (limits) with family and friends.

4.    Secretly perform an act of random kindness for someone in need.

5.    Create some simple and new family traditions.

6.    Relax in your hot tub.

7.    Cancel going to an event or two.

8.    Buy online gifts verse taking on the malls.

9.    Practice deep breathing.

10. Make a list of all your thankful for.

You can create new Holiday traditions making this time of year special for all. Please share with us your best holiday traditions so we can all benefit.

Wishing you a happy, peaceful, and blessed Holiday Season!

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How to Submit a Health Insurance Claim for Your Hot Tub or Sauna

Would you like to save yourself and your health insurance company some money? No it’s not a trick question. The simple fact is you can with a letter and maybe a couple phone calls. Health insurance companies want to save money so they can provide coverage at a low price. It’s in their best interest. And consumers always want to pay less and get more. I know I do.

The key to writing your health insurance company is having all your ducks in a row. Providing them with a cost-benefit analysis outlining how a hot tub or sauna will help with your condition and save them money over the long haul. Click on the corresponding blog categories to learn how Sauna Therapy and Hydrotherapy can benefit your overall health and wellbeing. The second piece is educating your health insurance carrier on Sauna Therapy and/or Hydrotherapy.

Start first by reviewing your health insurance policy to understand what’s covered. Sauna Therapy and Hydrotherapy may not be listed. And that’s okay, press forward with the cost-benefit letter. The following are sample areas to include in your health insurance claim letter.

·        List the number, cost, and results of prescriptions, medical tests, physical therapy, doctor’s appointments, etc.

·         Highlight and underscore the one time low cost of a Sauna or Hot Tub. Click on My Bath Products to find which one fits your needs.

·     Include a doctor’s letter (one who understand Sauna and Hydrotherapy health benefits)

·         Include supporting documentation (research, medical papers, etc.)

If you are denied at first, press on with an appeal process. Begin by requesting a full denial explanation in writing. This will help you plan your next letter strategy.

Secondly, include a copy of contested materials to regulators and/or politicians because HMOs like to avoid too many complaints. It hurts their employer marketing efforts. Here are some regulators to address:

·         State Agencies

·      Accrediting Organizations like American Accreditation of HealthCare Commission www.urac.org, National Committee for Quality Assurance www.ncqa.org, and Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations www.jcaho.org –find out which one your HMO is a member of and send a copy to them

·         Federal Health Care Financing Administration (Medicare & Medicaid)

To help you Dr. Sherry Rogers, author of Detoxify or Die, includes a medical insurance letter supporting Infrared Sauna therapy as a cheap alternative to endless medical claims like tests, pills, surgery, and so forth. Click on the link above and scroll down to page 10 to read her letter.

            Start saving money today!

Acupuncture’s Effectiveness in Relieving Pain

 

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice dating back over 2,000 years. I first heard about acupuncture while driving with two nuns deep into the New Mexico desert. I was a bit taken back by these two religious women who discussed their struggles with pain and their deep belief in this medical practice. I listened intently to their stories of relief each experienced and how they never missed an opportunity to go while in town. Now many years later, I decided to learn about this medical practice as a viable option for pain relief and other medicinal possibilities. The following is a brief overview and examination of acupuncture’s effectiveness in relieving pain.    

Overview

First, let’s take a look at acupuncture belief, tradition, and method. Traditional Chinese medicine holds the belief that individuals have a life force/energy labeled Qi (enunciated chee), which runs through 12 meridians connected to major organ functioning. When the strength and quality of Qi energy is disrupted, acupuncture is administered to restore the flow of energy through the meridian channels and organs returning one’s health, balance, and wellbeing. To restore Qi energy flow, an acupuncture practitioner stimulates various points along the meridian channels by inserting slender needles. Western/conventional acupuncture professionals utilizing this treatment method moved away from traditional concepts and terminology shifting focus to physiology and human anatomy while still continuing the ancient practice of stimulating various trigger points on the body.

Source: Vickers, Andrew; Zollman, Catherine ABC of complementary medicine, British Medical Journal, 1999; 319:973-976.

Intraoperative (during surgery) Analgesic

                Researchers enlisted sixty-four patients undergoing total hip replacement surgery to participate in a double blind study to find if auricular acupuncture reduced analgesic necessity. Participants received general anesthesia with “volatile anesthetic isofiurane and opioid analgesic

fentanyl, whereby isofiurane concentration was kept constant”. The study found acupuncture group participants requested 21% less fentanyl (a heavy duty opioid agonist) during surgery than the group not receiving acupuncture. These findings suggest auricular acupuncture holds potential use during major surgery as a complementary intraoperative analgesia.

Source:

Usichenko, Taras I.; Dinse, Michaela; Lysenyuk, Victor P.; Wendt, Michael; Pavlovic, Dragan; Lehmann, Christian. Auricular Acupuncture Reduces Intraoperative Fentanyl Requirement During Hip Arthroplasty -- A Randomized Double-Blinded Study. Acupuncture & Electro-Therapeutics Research; 2006, Vol. 31 Issue 3/4.

Cancer Pain Relief

Researchers in the Pain Management Unit at the Institut Gustave Roussy, a comprehensive cancer center in France, studied the effectiveness of auricular acupuncture for neuropathic chronic pain emerging after cancer treatment, which is known for being resistant to pain analgesic drugs. Over the course of two months, researchers followed ninety patients broken into three groups including one placebo grouping. The study’s results show a 36% pain decline from baseline in patients receiving auricular acupuncture whereas the placebo group only reported a 2% decline, which is statistically significant. The researchers assert, “Acupuncture activates central brain pathways, thus inhibiting the maladaptive reflex that contributes to neuropathic pain”.

Source: David Alimi; Carole Rubino; Evelyne Pichard-Léandri; Sabine Fermand-Brulé, Marie-Laure Dubreuil-Lemaire; & Catherine Hill, Analgesic Effect of Auricular Acupuncture for Cancer Pain: A Randomized, Blinded, Controlled Trial, Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 21, Issue 22 (November), 2003: 4120-4126

These few articles on acupuncture’s pain reliving effectiveness and possibilities are just the tip of the iceberg. Additionally, the World Health Organization developed a comprehensive report examining acupuncture research on a wide range of health concerns. To check out this report click here. We will take a look at other health concerns benefited by acupuncture in future blog entries.

Thank you for reading the Mybath.biz blog!

Soft Drinks ‘N Health

Can popping open a can of soda have long-tem effects on your health? The answer depends on who you ask, beverage producers or medical researchers, however I believe the answer rests somewhere in the middle. As with everything in life, balance is central in making those daily decision affecting immediate, short, and long term matters. Anything in excess can be problematic. That being said, let’s take a look at the beverage industry and health related concerns associated with overindulging in soft drinks.

         The Beverage Marketing Corporation (BMC) reports Americans consume approximately 50 gallons of soft drinks each year translating to thousands of calories depending on the type of regular soda you drink. Drinking diet soda, of course, reduces calories to almost nothing, however like regular soda it also contains harmful chemical like aspartame. Another popular beverage is the relatively new energy drinks, which contain caffeine, sugar, vitamins, and minerals providing a temporary boost in energy. The BMC reports energy drink consumption is on the rise with a staggering 49% growth in 2006 alone.

What health related concerns are associated with drinking too many soft drinks? I’ll take a look at four studies to answer that question. First, a team of researches completed a meta-analysis of 88 studies examining scientific research on soft drink consumption and links to energy (food/drink) intake, body weight, milk/calcium intake, nutrition, and overall health. Not surprising, researchers found a distinct difference in food industry funded and non-food industry funded studies. The findings of their meta-analysis concluded several statistically significant concerns to be aware of the next time you reach for a soft drink.

The chief find is a link between soft drink intake and increased energy consumption whereby individuals take in more energy as they take in more soft drinks, which suggest a possible increase in “hunger, decrease satiety, or simply calibrate people to a high level of sweetness that generalizes to preferences in other foods.”

Predictably, the increased consumption of soft drinks also reduced the consumption of milk and calcium, fruit, dietary fiber, and various nutrients and conversely elevated carbohydrate intake. Secondly, the review suggests a link between soft drink intake and medical issues most notable rises in blood pressure and diabetes. “The most striking finding, in a study of 91 249 women followed for 8 years, was that those who consumed 1 or more servings of soft drinks per day (less than the US national average) were at twice the risk of developing diabetes as those who consumed less than 1 serving per month.”

The overriding theme indicates soft drinks displace other nutrient rich foods and drinks often resulting in medical problems. [Effects of Soft Drink Consumption on Nutrition and Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. By: Vartanian, Lenny R., Schwartz, Marlene B., Brownell, Kelly D., American Journal of Public Health, 00900036, Apr2007, Vol. 97, Issue 4]

Another researcher, Katherine Tucker, PhD, director of the center's Dietary Assessment and Epidemiology Research Program at Tufts' Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging examined 2,500 questioners of people with an average age of 60 investigating diet and bone-mineral density in the spine and hip region. The study’s results link cola consumption with lower bone density in three areas of the hip for women, but not for men. The more cola drinks consumed, including diet, the lower their bone density was. Interestingly, the study found no link between drinking non-cola carbonated soft drinks and bone density. Phosphoric acid is one ingredient found in cola drinks and not often found in non-cola drinks, which maybe an ingredient for further research in this area.

A third study in Norway examined approximately 5,500 tenth grade boys and girls looking at sugar-contained soft drink consumption and mental health problems, hyperactivity, and conduct issues. Researchers also calculated in eating habits, social, and behavioral variables in their results. Findings indicate adolescents consuming high amounts (4 or more) of sugar-containing soft drinks each day show higher rates of mental health issues. [Consumption of Soft Drinks and Hyperactivity, Mental Distress, and Conduct Problems Among Adolescents in Oslo, Norway. By: Lien, Lars, Lien, Nanna, Heyerdahl, Sonja, Thoresen, Magne, Bjertness, Espen, American Journal of Public Health, 00900036, Oct2006, Vol. 96, Issue 10]

Lastly, Healthy Day conducted a four year study of individuals consuming more than one soft drink a day finding them 44 percent more likely to develop metabolic syndrome than those who drank one or less a day. Metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors connected to cardiovascular disease and the development of diabetes.

As stated at the beginning of this blog entry, we all need to be conscientious of the food and drinks we consume everyday and balance in this quest is key. While the information about soft drink consumption is striking, having an occasional drink seems acceptable as consumption rates in low quantities have not indicated any harm. So, drink your water, milk, 100% fruit juice, and have an occasional soft drink with your cheesy pizza.

To find out how much caffeine is in your favorite beverage click here.

Thank you for visiting the MyBath.biz blog!

Polypharmacy

Chronic, concurrent, and progressive diseases are anticipated as we age. As illnesses emerge, people often visit a specialist resulting in a prescription to treat what ails them. All too often though, patients are taking over the counter medications, vitamins, and various prescriptions for other health and mental health concerns. When full disclosure of all forms of medications are not disclosed to each healthcare professional visited multiple adverse reactions can result. The dangerous interaction, duplication, and dosage of multiple medications are known as polypharmacy, which can result in additional medical complications, disability, and premature death.

Polypharmacy is on the rise in the United States and a fairly new discussion in the medical community. The 2006 Slone Survey out of Boston University reports the following statistics about medication* use in the United States:

·                  82% of adults take 1 medication

·                  29% of adults take 5 or more medications

·                  17-19% of adults 65 and older (largest medication consumer age group) take at least 10 medications

·                  Since 2000, polypharmacy increased from 23% to 29% for those using 5 or more medications and from 6.3% to 12% for use of at least five prescription medications.

·                  56% of children take at least one medication, 27% take two or more, and 21% take at least one prescribed medication.

*Medications include: prescribed drugs, over the counter medications, herbal/natural medications, vitamins

Elderly adults are the highest risk group for polypharmacy, however a 2005 Psychiatry journal article reports pediatric polypharmacy is also on the rise in the United States. Children are being prescribed more medications especially for psychiatric disorders like ADHD. The article further asserts there is no research on drug interaction for children taking multiple prescriptions. This is a concern for parents to be aware of as children are often not able to comprehend the serious health risks associated with taking medications. Please talk with your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, herbs, and so forth your children are taking before adding on additional medications.

The following are signs and symptoms of polypharmacy:

·                  Confusion

·                  Memory loss

·                  Cognitive Impairment

·                  Decreased ability to completed Activity of Daily Living (e.g. taking a shower, getting dressed)

·                  Incontinence

·                  Vision problems

·                  Dry Mouth

·                  Dizziness

·                  Drowsiness

·                  Malnutrition

·                  Repeated falls

·                  Sleeping problems

·                  Decreased quality of life

     One step that can be taken to reduce complications resulting from polypharmacy is to have regular medication reviews. Reviewing medications with your doctor can allow for an open discussion about medication effectiveness, side effects, and duration. Sometimes we don’t need as much or we might need more of a medication to have the same effect overtime. For any and all questions on this topic please consult with your doctor.

Thank you for reading the MyBath.biz blog and check back soon!   

The Thermal Environment & Health

Thermal comfort or discomfort are not terms I have consciously thought of in regards to my health; however most of us constantly adjust thermostats and other gadgets in an effort to regulate comfortable temperatures. Sometimes securing cozy room temperatures isn’t as easy as it may seem especially if you have a spouse, friend, or co-worker who blows you away with frigid air. Setting temperature preferences aside, can thermal discomfort have an impact on your health? Many cultures have well established practices including the Native American sweat lodge, Finnish sauna, Russian bania, Jewish shuitz, and the Turkish hamman who have built deep traditions around thermal discomfort assemblies in an effort to heal, sooth, and renew the whole person.

                Scientific research into many of these traditions has established medicinal effects on health including body detoxification, improved circulation, and improved immune system functioning to name a few. Social connectedness and spiritual renewal are additional benefits, which can impact ones sense of wellness. Further John L. Stoops of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory wrote an article entitled A Possible Connection between Thermal Comfort and Health reports the following. “The increased thermal stress does induce an increase in the pulse rate as the body moves fluid about in an effort to maintain thermal equilibrium. This illustrates the close connection between the thermoregulatory and cardiovascular systems. One can induce heart muscle exercise by overheating the body. If the devotee takes regular saunas, it is possible that cardiovascular health benefits are received.”

The thermal environment is not only important to understand regarding health benefits, but also significant to many health concerns including hyper/hypothermia. For instance an article published in the British Medical Journal studied the thermal environment of infants who died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) finding those infants significantly overdressed, which affirms other similar research linking hyperthermia to SIDS. (A.L. Ponsonby,, T. Dwyer, L.E. Gibbons, J.A. Cochrane, M.E. Jones, and M.J. McCall, Thermal environment and sudden infant death syndrome: case-control study. British Medical Journal, 1992, 277-282.). The thermal environment can also affect our performance, disposition, physiology, and mortality rates, which is the reason for much building and environmental temperature research especially in relation to the workplace. As the corporate mantra repeats, “time is money”, companies want employees to work at peak levels and know temperatures do affect work performance. Ultimately, comfort is relative and often based on individual, cultural, and local expectations. As a society we build our environment based on many elements including comfort, convenience, and tradition. So the next time you set your thermostat or are out in extreme heat or cold please know these temperatures can affect your health. Check out the links below to learn more on this subject.

Thermal Stress – Montana Department of Labor

World Health Organization-Thermal Protection for Newborns

Research Article: Effects of the thermal environment on human health: an investigation of 30 years of daily mortality data from SW Germany

Health and Safety Executive -UK

Center for Built Environments

Wellness: A Holistic Approach

What is wellness? Well, the wellness movement emerged in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s as a combination of strategies promoting healthy lifestyles in an effort to shift focus away from and prevent illness. Today, if you type the word in Google Scholar you can find articles on psychological, financial, fitness, prevention, healthcare, and other wellness areas. I would like to go beyond categorizing wellness and just pull all the pieces together. I believe for one to experience wellness, wholeness needs to be embraced. When one or more facets of your life are chronically out of sorts, dis-ease in many forms may wear you down. Prolonged and unresolved issues with familial, physical, mental, emotional, financial, spiritual, environmental, and/or other life arenas can lead to frequent and/or reoccurring problems in one’s life.

                A holistic approach to wellness offers a more balanced, well-rounded, and healthy perspective to tackling the complexities of life. No doubt life is tough, rugged, and challenging at times occasionally bringing us to question the meaning of it all. What holistic wellness can offer is a buffer, support, and protection from collapse, illness, and further loss in the midst of life’s challenges. Holistic wellness embraces an individual’s whole system of beliefs, actions, and resulting positive and negative consequences in all aspects of life. Take a look at yourself for a moment.

·         Are there areas of your life you continually struggle with and dwell on like weight, finances, chronic health conditions, and so forth?

·         Do these concerns regularly cause you distress?

·         Have you focused and dedicated time to one of these concerns only for the motivation to fade away?

First off, you’re not alone and secondly this pattern of behavior is common as is evident in America’s unfortunate struggle with obesity.

The point here is many of us often have an area of life we struggle with everyday; however how we continue to approach the problem or not determines the outcome. If we focus on the problem area with the same belief, thought, and action patterns year after year then we will garner the same results. Conversely, if we change those patterns by adopting new beliefs, thoughts, and actions then we can change directions. For example, if you believe restrictive dieting is the best way to lose weight and you have tried this twenty times in the last year it’s probably safe to say it’s not going to work. Turning to a holistic approach with the same vigor can lead you down a new path.

What does the holistic wellness approach offer? For starters the approach focuses on your whole system and not just one aspect of yourself, relationships, and/or environment. For instance, maybe you struggle with maintaining a healthy weight, exercise program, and excessive spending as a result of working long hours, little sleep, and depression. If you were to focus on just one of the previously listed problems then more than likely one of the other problems would be exacerbated or another problem would emerge. However, if you work to develop a healthy lifestyle plan including addressing all of the listed problems you are more likely to maintain a healthier lifestyle. Holistic wellness programs are founded on self-esteem, healthy peer support, and mindful living. Some people find it helpful to talk with a wellness expert, counselor, or other professional to personalize a program to their individual needs, hopes, and circumstances. Please find below some links to some holistic wellness programs and resources.

Global Wellness Services

National Wellness Institute

American Holistic Health Association

Thanks for reading and check back soon for more information on this and other healthcare topics!