CHILDREN AND SUN SAFETY

 

    In the course of a century, the prevalent social attitudes on children and sun safety have changed dramatically from totally sheltering a child from sunlight to having children play sports without sun protection. Although in appearance having a sun tan might make a child look “healthier”, in actuality the opposite is true. Children have very delicate skin that is prone to sunburn much more quickly than the skin of an adult, and babies under six months of age haven’t yet developed melanin to protect their skin from within.

 

In addition, new medical research on skin cancer shows that even one blistering sunburn during childhood doubles the chance of a person having skin cancer as an adult. Therefore, it becomes crucial for parents to protect their children from the sun’s damaging rays.

 

    Most children love to play outdoors, participate in sports, play at parks, or go to a beach, pool, or lake to swim, and these activities probably necessitate sun protection. Here are some suggestions for parents to follow in using sun protection for children.

 

1. Babies under six months of age should not be exposed to direct sunlight, need to wear sun protective clothing, and need to have their heads covered by a hat.

    

2. Make sure that baby strollers have a shade canopy or hood.

    

3. Schedule outdoor play time and sports around the early morning or late afternoon, ideally before 9:00 AM and after 4:00 PM, when the sun is not at full strength.

    

4. When outside, always look for a place to sit in the shade.

    

5. Have children covered with appropriate sunscreen made for children’s delicate skin. Reapply sunscreen every hour, and always after swimming or sweating.

    

6. Children of all ages need to wear hats when participating in outdoor activities.

    

7. Apply appropriate sunscreen on children before going to school to ensure protection during outdoor activities.

    

8. Teach children how to appropriately apply sunscreen to their bodies so they can reapply during sports or outdoor activities.

    

Be a good role model and always wear sunscreen on your body. The best way to teach children is by being a living example of the behavior you want to instill in them.

WINNING WAYS TO GET MEDICATIONS INTO PETS

 

    Sometimes it’s difficult to get your dog or cat to eat their regular pet food, so what can an owner of fussy pets do to help their pet take medication? Finicky pet eaters will be reluctant to take medications while some other pets will eat anything given to them including pills. When pet owners are faced with the medicating challenge, many are left not knowing the best ways available to ensure the safety and health of their cat or dog through medication compliance. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has offered some helpful strategies in medicating pets.

 

1. Chewables- Ask the veterinarian and/or pharmacist if there are chewable options available in the medication needed for your pet. Just like children’s medications, some pills are flavored and available in chewable form for pets.

    

2. Pill Wraps- Newer strategies include buying flavored pill wrappers from pet stores. These are available in flavors for both cats and dogs. In this scenario, the pill is put into the center of the pill wrap treat prior to giving the treat to the pet.

    

3. Meal Meatballs- Both cat food and dog food come in various textures and assorted types. If your pet needs medication, get some of the textured pet food that can easily be rolled into a meatball. Make a few meatballs without medication, and put the pill in one of the meatballs. Most likely, the pet will eat all of the meatballs.

    

4. Peanut Butter- A little bit of peanut butter can do a lot of good when it is wrapped around a pill. Most pets love peanut butter, and the pill can be secured within a ball of peanut butter. The taste and smell of peanut butter is pungent to pets and will hide the smell of most medications.

    

5. Favorite Treats- If your pet is partial to a soft or semi-hard pet treat, then these can be successfully used for dosing medication. The trick is to give your pet a couple of treats without the pill, then a treat with the pill, and follow with another treat without the pill.

    

6. Pill Toss- For those pets who like to play catch, a meatball can be made containing a pill, and then tossed to the pet. Most pets who like this game will swallow the meatball without noticing it contains a pill.

 

1. Gentle Mouth Hold- If all other tactics fail, then a pill can be administered through the pet’s mouth. Gently hold the pet’s mouth open while you toss the pill as far as possible into the pet’s throat. Gently close the pet’s mouth and hold it closed until the pet swallows. This will allow the pill to be swallowed without a bitter taste. Pet owners may want to look into the pet’s mouth to make sure the pill has been swallowed as some cagey pets will hold the pill in their mouth to be spit out later.

 

In all cases of medicating pets, the pet owners’ affect and comfort with the process will be noticed and important to the ease with which the administration of medication is done with their pet. As an owner, be peaceful, assured, and playful with your pet during the administration of pills. Always reward them with love and pats after they successfully swallow the pill, and be happy that your pet has the proper medication available to improve their health.

HUMAN FOOD THAT CAN HARM YOUR PETS

 

    You may have fickle felines and/ or picky pooch eaters, and the temptation can be prevailing to feed these finicky eaters human food because most pets will relish eating table scraps. While most owners are just trying to take care of their pet’s health through making sure they eat, many human foods can dramatically affect a dogs and cats internal organs causing severe irritation and sometimes even death. Cats and dogs have very different digestive systems, metabolisms, and physical tolerances and intolerances than their human owners, and these contribute to their differences in processing food.

 

    Anyone owning a cat or dog, including those who are thinking about pet ownership in the future, would be wise to learn what foods will cause harm to their cats and dogs. While intolerant human foods may be one source of illness in pets, owners should also be aware that all human medications ingested by pets pose potentially lethal results, such as one aspirin ingested by a pet could cause their death. Additionally, many common indoor and yard plants and most insecticides can prove fatal to pets if eaten, such as lilies and poinsettias. If this happens to your pet, immediately call your veterinarian or an emergency veterinarian center.

 

    Some of these common human foods are injurious to both cats and dogs, and then others are specifically harmful to dogs. Here are some of the most common foods that cause illness and death in cats and dogs who ingest even small amounts.

 

• CAFFEINE- Sources of caffeine include all forms of chocolate, cocoa, hot chocolate, coffee, and tea, and due to the contained theobromines and theophyllines, these can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and damage to the heart and nervous systems.
  

   

• GRAPES, RAISINS, AND CURRANTS- All of these can cause kidney damage or renal failure, and this reaction seems to be even more acute with dogs.
  

   

• DAIRY PRODUCTS- Dairy products, including milk, cream, cheese and ice cream are not natural foods for cats and dogs due their inherent lactose intolerance. Ingestion of dairy products can cause gas, cramps, bloating, vomiting, and diarrhea.
  

   

• ONIONS, CHIVES, GARLIC, AND SHALLOTS- All members of this vegetable group contain sul- foxides and disulfides which damage red blood cells causing anemia.
  

   

• RAW MEAT, FISH, POULTRY, AND EGGS- Eggs contain ayidin enzyme which keeps cats and dogs from absorbing biotin, resulting in a Vitamin B deficiency and damaging skin and fur. All raw meat, fish, poultry and eggs may contain salmonella and e.coli bacteria which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and death.
  

   

• SALT- Salt ingestion may lead to electrolyte imbalances, and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and death.
  

   

• MUSHROOMS- All fungi contain toxins for pets which may negatively affect multiple organ systems causing shock and death.
  

 

In addition to these shared toxins for cats and dogs, here are a few more common human foods that can prove to be physically harmful for dogs.

 

• ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES- Ingestion of alcohol is so foreign to canines that it can cause intoxication, comas, and death. Hops, the principle ingredient in all ales and beers, has a compound that causes excessive panting, increased heart rate, elevated body temperature, seizures, and death.

   

• AVOCADO- The leaves, seeds, fruit, and bark of the avocado contain persin which can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

   

• MACADAMIA NUTS- These contain a toxin which can harm the digestive system, cause nerve damage, and impair muscles.

   

• RHUBARB- The leaves from rhubarb contain oxalates which harm the digestive, nervous, and renal systems.

   

• SUGAR- Sugar cannot be processed in their kidneys, so eating sugar or food containing sugars can cause renal problems, digestive problems, dental decay, obesity, and diabetes.

   

• TOBACCO- All tobacco products contain nicotine which harms the digestive system, and can cause physical collapse, coma, and death.

   

• YEAST DOUGH- Yeast causes dough to expand and this will also be the case in a dog’s stomach if ingested producing gas, digestive disturbance, and possible ruptures in the dog’s stomach, intestines, and colon.

 

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FACTS AND FICTION ABOUT ALLERGIES

 

    There are some common misconceptions about allergies, and some astounding facts surrounding these widespread ailments. Here are some of the common misconceptions and facts about allergies.

 

1. Only children have allergies and they grow out of them before adulthood- The Center for Disease Control estimates that fifty million or more North Americans are affected by allergies, of whom six million are children. The corresponding disease of asthma affects fifteen million people, of whom five million are children, and the number of those diagnosed with asthma has doubled in the last twenty years.

    

2. If a person is allergic to one animal, then they are most likely allergic to all animals- Allergens are any substances that are foreign to the human body and are the activators for an increase in immunoglobulin IgE, or the allergy antibody. Each substance introduced to the human body may or may not cause an allergic reaction depending on the individual. For example, individuals can have allergic responses to a variety of animals, foods, substances, or pollens, but not be allergic to others of the same kind.

    

3. Medical history isn’t very important when determining a person’s allergies- While some family members can have an allergy to one source, such as cat dander, others may not. However, there is a risk of developing specific allergies related to the person’s parental allergies.

    

4. Allergies are more common in urban environments- Most allergies are specific to the individual and in family clusters, and therefore could occur in both urban and rural environments. In addition, environmental factors which affect allergic responses can be influenced by smoke, dust, pollution, acid rain, animals, seasonal pollens, industrial or/and agricultural emissions, foods, cosmetics, mold, and many others, which can all be found in both urban and rural settings.

    

5. The only treatments for allergies are nebulizers and medications- While nebulizers and allergy medications offer effective treatments for allergies, many people have allergenic or uncomfortable reactions to the allergy medications. Fortunately there are other natural ways to limit allergenic reactions in susceptible people depending upon the causes. Removing the cause of the allergy and limiting exposure to the allergen are common treatments. For example, removing rugs and frequent dusting are recommended for those allergic to dust mites.

    

6. People with allergies will also have asthma- Asthma is a breathing problem that results from the inflammation and spasm of the bronchial tubes resulting in a narrowing of the air passage in and out of the lungs. Asthma is most often, but not always, related to allergies. People may have asthma and not have any other allergies.

    

Allergens are transmitted through breathing the air- Although certain allergens are transmitted through the air, such as smoke, pollens, and dust, there are many other pathways that cause allergenic reactions in the human body. Some allergens are digested in foods or beverages (peanuts), while others are transmitted through the skin, ears, nose, and throat (metals).

MEDICATION SCAMS

 

    Everyone would like to save money on their medical expenses and reduce the costs of monthly prescriptions. Pharmacies and drug companies have also attempted to reduce prescription costs which has often resulted in fierce competition between drug store chains, and increased the use of generic medications.

 

With the profits from sales of prescription drugs being in the billions per year, there are bound to be those who would profiteer from scamming the public with fake medications. The increase of medication and prescription scams has more than doubled in the past five years due to the popularity of personal computers and the prevalence of online shopping. Here are some ways you can tell if a medication program is a scam, and what you can do about it if you are scammed.

 

Before you jump into any new arrangement for receiving medications through online sources or by mail, be sure the agency with which you are doing business is a legitimate business entity. Although their advertising might claim to offer the same medications for less money, people need to be sure that they are indeed receiving the same medication and not something entirely different. Since many pills look similar, these substitution medications would be an easy way to scam the public, and the fabricated medications might not even treat the disease, and in many cases can cause serious side effects.

 

There are a few medication scams that are most common in the United States. These scams include, but are not limited to, fake Canadian pharmacies (or other pharmacies in foreign countries), fake online pharmacies, offers that seem too good to be true for the prices of medications, or those claiming not to need a doctor’s prescription to fill the medication. What if you already receive your medications from an online source and you want to know if your medications are correct or if you have been scammed?

 

The Federal Trade Commission regularly updates their website with deceptive medication programs or incorrect prescription and health advertising claims, as well as taking and researching scams reported by people. For example, if an online resource says it is a pharmacy, then it must be a registered pharmacy and meet all the standards of an onsite pharmacy. People can access a database on legitimate pharmacies on the website for the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy and should check there before ordering from an unseen pharmacy.

 

In the United States, people are only allowed to bring in three months supply of personal medications from Canada, and only as prescribed by a physician. After three months at the most, all prescriptions are expected to be filled in the United States. The Canadian physicians and pharmacists know these U.S. laws and abide by them, so one could assume that any other pharmacies making different claims would be bogus.

 

The Federal Food and Drug Administration has a website full of useful and current consumer information on drugs, medical devices, food, environmental health, cosmetics, veterinarian medicine, and much more. Consumers and patients, healthcare professionals and researchers can all access a plethora of information, such as checking on medications, receive safety alerts, product recalls, communicate with health professionals, and learn what is new in all the areas the FDA administers.

 

A professional drug trade group has developed a program to combat medication fraud. Their updated data including medication scams can be accessed at their website www.Helpingpatients.org. This website offers free information, a drug reference guide, current information about ongoing scams, and more.

 

 

HEALTH BENEFITS FROM EATING SEAFOOD

 

    Around the world for several thousands of years, people have been eating various forms of seafood from all of the earth’s oceans. Archaeologists have found clam and oyster shells in the kitchens of people from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages. Native Americans living in New England introduced the first English visitors to their wealth of lobsters, clams, oysters, and crabs, and over 2,500 years ago the Romans sent thousands of their slaves to pick oysters on the English Channel to transport back to Rome.

 

    In addition to their wonderful flavors and many ways they can be cooked and prepared, seafood is a healthy, low fat, no sodium protein full of many important vitamins and minerals. Recent medical studies show that eating seafood can decrease risks of heart attack, stroke, obesity, and hypertension. Here are a few of the healthy advantages you can receive from eating seafood.

 

1. Zinc- important for wound healing, good hair and nails, and sperm production

    

2. Selenium- powerful antioxidant, strengthens the immune system, protects the body against heavy metals, free radicals, and aging, and is good for hair and nails

    

3. Protein- low or no fat content and a major source of low sodium protein, builds muscles, satisfies hunger

    

4. Vitamin D- good for bones, nervous system, skin and hair, necessary to process calcium and phosphorus, improves the absorption of minerals, aids the immune system, helps prevent depression, and combats inflammation

    

5. Vitamin B3- transforms fat, builds biochemical compounds, gives the body energy

    

6. Vitamin B12- healthy nervous system, builds cells, helps metabolism, produces healthy DNA

    

7. Phosphorus- good for healthy DNA, increases metabolism, encourages fat and carbohydrate metabolism, good for energy production

    

8. Iodine- good for metabolism, goiter, and hypothyroidism

    

9. Others- depending on the specific type of seafood, they may also contain niacin, thiamine, vitamin A, iron, potassium, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids

 

Since there have been several recent warnings about eating tainted seafood, it is important to know the location and source of the seafood before you buy and prepare the many choices available in markets and seafood stores. Environmental problems, such as red tide and water pollution, have contributed to tainting some of the world’s largest areas for harvesting seafood and fish. In general, people should avoid eating large amounts of seafood if they are unsure of the place or circumstances where the seafood was harvested or if the person is pregnant or has an immune deficiency.

 

    If a person is uncertain about their local seafood or imported seafood, there are a couple of good resources available for helping determine the health and safety of the seafood in question. These resources are:

 

    -Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch List- information is available online at www.momntereybayaquarium.org/cr/seafoodwatch.aspx

 

    -National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration- information is available online at www.nmfs.noaa.gov/fishwatch/seafood

 

    -Blue Ocean Organization- information is available online at www.blueocean.org/seafood/seafood-guide

 

 

 

 

 

    

HOLIDAY PET FOOD

 

    Many pet owners rue having the family or friends feed their pets any table scraps, leftovers, or cocktail treats. This is a good thing as a small cube of cheese is equal in fat to having a cat or small dog eat two Big Mac Burgers for a human.

 

Sometimes the holidays are filled with such busy celebrations that the pet owner doesn’t have a chance to actually check on what their pet has ingested at the party, whether on their own or from being fed by well meaning aunties and uncles, until they notice their pets are having indigestion, eating issues around regular dog food, or other stomach maladies. Here is a recipe for making a special treat for your dogs during the holidays that you can bring to any party or gathering as a healthy substitution at those times when your pooch might munch on “people food” that won’t be good for them.

 

POOCH PATE

 

Ingredients:

 

1 Pound ground turkey or chicken

½ Cup parsley, chopped finely

½ Cup cooked brown rice

2/3 Cup sodium reduced, organic chicken broth

 

Directions:

 

1. In a large, non-stick skillet, put the ground turkey. Heat over medium high heat stirring frequently until thoroughly cooked and browned, about 8- 10 minutes.
2. Put the cooked turkey into the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade.
3. Add the brown rice and parsley to the food processor. Pulse until a thick paste forms.
4. Add the chicken broth a little bit at a time, pulsing after each addition, until the desired consistency is achieved.
5. Serve immediately or keep refrigerated in an air tight container until ready to serve.

BENEFITS OF USING ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS

 

    An Electronic Health Record (EHR) refers to a computerized patient record system that can contain an individual’s medical information, prescriptions, health history, and even digital copies of diagnostic tests, such as MRI’s and x-rays. This information can be shared between physicians, hospitals, and ancillary healthcare providers, and most of the EHR computer programs allow the patient access and make additions to their health information as well.

 

    Physicians have heralded the EHR as a fantastic new tool for creating comprehensive and upgraded patient records, saving time, eliminating cumbersome files, stream lining patient care, keeping their office practices “green”, and helping with medical diagnostics. Under the Obama administration, Congress signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which included provisions and financial support for physicians and hospitals to convert to EHR systems, thus furthering the advancement of EHRs throughout the United States.

 

    Although expenses are initially high for converting to an EHR system, the long-term advantages save both physicians and patients money. Paper files can easily be lost, misfiled, or damaged during intense weather, such as flooding, or lost due to an employee mistake. The EHR system is backed up off site so the medical files are safely and securely stored. Confidentiality is guaranteed with proper use of an EHR system, and the patient’s file can be quickly and easily accessed throughout a medical system of providers, resulting in consistency throughout all areas of patient care.

 

    The patient advantages for using an EHR are multifaceted as well. By using a computer, any physician or healthcare worker can be guaranteed that everyone is able to read their handwriting and clinical notes eliminating the possibility of misinterpretation. In addition to this obvious advantage, here are a few more that give patients better opportunities to have cost effective and coordinated healthcare by using an EHR:

 

1. Access- EHRs give quick and easy access to patient’s medical files. This aspect could be the one thing that saves a patient’s life in an emergency.

    

2. Organization- Using an EHR standardizes all patients’ files, and uses the same format for organizing medical information. This saves time and money, and gives all healthcare workers the ability to easily locate the needed information they are seeking in the patient’s file.

    

3. Medical Decision-making Support- Often a patient will visit several different medical providers for various health concerns. When patients use an EHR, all the medical providers can see what treatments, medications, and interventions are being done at all of the healthcare facilities currently treating the patient and in their past.

    

4. Continuity of Care During Disasters- During disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, tsunamis, earthquakes, and fires, printed and paper medical files can be lost and destroyed. Victims with EHRs can expect that their important health records will be retrieved, and more importantly accessed, if they are injured or displaced during the disaster.

    

5. Patient Empowerment- People with an EMR can add to their medical files as needed and take them with them if they move or have to relocate. In addition, by providing physicians with a personalized EHR, people don’t have to recreate all the forms and information requested at each medical office.

    

6. Multicultural Support- In most countries, there are many languages spoken, a variety of cultures, and marked differences between segments of the population. Having use of an EHR means that wherever a patient is, and whoever is giving the medical treatment, these barriers of culture and language can be overcome to provide every patient with good medical treatment.

    

Historical Preservation- If a physician moves, closes her/his practice, retires, or dies, often times their medical records are lost or unavailable to former patients. Patients with EHRs are able to have continuity of medical care without having to research past physician’s records, or the fear of being left without the records needed for their proper medical management.

SIMPLE WAYS TO ELIMINATE HOLIDAY WEIGHT GAIN

 

    The holiday season is a joyous time for everyone to be with family, friends, coworkers, and colleagues for a steady stream of festivities which seem to span the last two months of every year. While all of us want to enjoy to the holidays to the fullest, hardly anyone wants to gain extra weight from partying. Here are a few strategic and wise choices everyone can make to limit the chances of gaining weight from all the tempting food and drinks offered throughout the holiday season of celebrations.

 

1. Water- Drinking lots of water has many health benefits, flushes toxins out of the body, and fills the stomach which makes people feel less inclined to eat large portions of food. Drink a glass of water before eating, and another with meals, to limit caloric intake.

    

2. Vegetables- The new federal MyPlate nutritional guidelines state that at least half of every

   meal should be comprised of vegetables. Each vegetable has unique health properties for maintaining wellness, and all vegetables provide good sources of dietary fiber. Choose vegetables for appetizers and for the bulk of your meals.

 

1. Go Low Carbohydrates- New research done at the University of Alabama further shows that following a low carbohydrate diet shrinks abdominal belly fat and reduces risks of several types of cancers. Carbohydrates raise blood insulin levels which impair fat burning processes in the body, so stay away from foods that are quickly broken down into glucose, such as sodas, sweets, white breads, baked goods, white rice, pasta and white potatoes.

    

2. Smaller Portions- In general, portions given at most restaurants, buffets, and many dinner parties are far too large and exceed healthy daily caloric intake guidelines. To maintain or lose weight, the same or less calories need to be used by the body on a daily basis. Having just a bite of delicious foods, sharing a dinner with a friend, taking home half of the meal in a doggie bag, or limiting portion size can all have the healthy potential for stabilization of weight.

    

3. Eat Prior To A Party- Going all day without eating or waiting for the party to eat food can give a person a larger than usual appetite and the desire to overeat at the one meal. It is better to eat small meals during the day to stabilize blood insulin levels prior to attending a party or event. Nutritionists suggest eating a small, protein ladened meal prior to having any party food.

    

4. Wisely Choose Alcoholic Drinks- The usual caveat here is that any alcoholic drink with mixers, sugar syrup, sodas, or sweeteners are packed with calories. Liqueurs are also processed with sugars for sweetening and should be avoided. Much better choices include red wine, low fat low calorie beer, or vodka and club soda.

    

5. Stagger Eating Leftovers- Nutritional research has shown that weight can be lost if a person eats a small caloric intake the day after a big, fattening meal. For example, the day after Thanksgiving, it is a good idea to have salads and unadorned proteins instead of a couple more rounds of Thanksgiving dinner.

    

6. Give Away Leftovers- Everyone attending a party loves to take home some of the host and hostesses’ food and goodies. Generously giving away leftovers will mean that there will be fewer temptations around for high caloric snacking or meals later in the week.

    

7. Careful Party Planning- If you are hosting a party, you are in charge of making the dietary choices. Unadorned vegetables instead of ones in cream sauce, a fruit and vegetable platter for appetizers instead of dips and chips, well seasoned proteins instead of gravies and sauces can be equally delicious for entertaining and not add to the possibility of holiday weight gain. Choose the menu wisely, and you will be helping your guests, yourself, and family stay healthy for the new year to come.

    

HEALTH BENEFITS FROM MASSAGE

 

    Massage is most basically simple touch, and methodically a process that is complicated and varied depending on the receiver’s personal needs, overall health, medical issues, and emotional state. Massage has been used for centuries as a medical treatment throughout the world, across cultures, and to treat a variety of medical issues. Western research has finally come abreast of what ancient knowledge holders have known for millennia—massage isn’t just for muscle pain. The Touch Research Center at the University Of Miami School Of Medicine, Cedar-Sinai Medical Center, the University of North Carolina and others’ research has shown massage to have a wide breadth of health benefits and medical treatment applications.

 

    There are many different types of massage and techniques that are helpful for particular medical disorders, such as a treatment for arthritis, and others that have overall effects for well being, such as boosting one’s immune system. Some of the most common types of massage are Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports, Reflexology, Lymph Drainage, Shiatsu, Thai, Hot Stone or Hot Shell, Cranial-Sacral, and Neuromuscular. Depending on the desired results, a person can choose the massage technique that best treats the needed healthy outcomes. All massages are giving to be both relaxing and energizing, and individual treatments should be over 30 minutes to give the receiver the best results.

 

    Here are some of the health issues that have been successfully treated with resulting benefits proven from studies on medical treatments using massage:

 

• All types of pain
• Back pain and alignment issues
• TMJ
• Headaches and migraines
• Stress management
• Lowering levels of anxiety
• Lowering levels of depression
• Lowering blood pressure
• Promoting weight gain for premature infants
• Sports related injuries
• Boosting immunity
• Cancer treatment
• Pregnancy
• Arthritis
• Lymphatic drainage
• Skin ailments, such as eczema
• Promoting deeper breathing
• Promoting blood circulation
• Improving posture
• Enhancing skin tone and health
• Improving joint flexibility
• Promoting elimination of body wastes
• Relieving muscle cramps, sciatica, and muscle spasms
• Promoting a sense of well being and relaxation

 

If a person has a particular medical or emotional issue they wish to address through massage, it is recommended that they research the best massage method(s) for their particular needs, interview a few massage therapists who practice that technique, and find a person and place where they can feel relaxed. This will give the person the optimal benefits from massage. It may also be necessary to receive several massage treatments before the medical issue is completely resolved, for example if massage is being used for poor posture or a sports injury. Many massage therapists use more than one style and will customize their services for a person’s particular needs. Massage therapists are required to be licensed in all states, and can also have a national massage therapist license, so a person should be sure to check with the massage therapist on their licensure prior to agreeing to any treatment.