New results: Province-wide expansion of innovative program helps improve lives of New Brunswick seniors living with dementia
FREDERICTON, Feb. 5, 2019 /CNW/ - Today, the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement (CFHI), the New Brunswick Association of Nursing Homes (NBANH) and Government of New Brunswick have announced results of a successful province-wide expansion of person-centred dementia care to all 68 nursing homes organizations in New Brunswick. Over the two phases of the program, more than half of participating residents who were prescribed antipsychotics without a diagnosis of psychosis had these medications safely reduced or discontinued.
Through the New Brunswick Appropriate Use of Antipsychotics (AUA) Collaborative, which began in May 2016, nursing home staff identified residents who could benefit from non-drug therapies to treat symptoms related to dementia. Using a person-centred approach to care, staff engaged residents and their families in developing approaches to care that reflect the resident's preferences and that ensure the resident feels safe and comfortable. This included offering therapies and recreational activities that are meaningful and enjoyable, like exercise, pet or music therapy.
Final results of the initiative included:
52 percent of residents who were prescribed antipsychotic medication but did not have a psychosis diagnosis* had their medication reduced or discontinued (34 percent discontinued, and 18 percent reduced dose) and,
No increase in aggressive behaviours among these residents, such as resistance to care, and physically or verbally abusive behaviours.
Over half a million Canadians live with dementia, with 25,000 new cases diagnosed every year. Antipsychotic medications are often prescribed to help manage symptoms related to dementia, such as agitation and aggression. However, there is a lack of evidence to support their effectiveness for this purpose and a risk that they can cause significant side effects such as confusion, dizziness and stroke. By reducing the inappropriate use antipsychotics, residents in long term care tend to be better able to eat independently, and are more wakeful, which benefits residents, families, and staff.
Rates of potentially inappropriate antipsychotic use to manage symptoms of dementia continue to fall across Canada thanks to the efforts of providers, provincial health quality councils, associations, governments and many others in New Brunswick and elsewhere who are expanding appropriate use of antipsychotics programs. In 2013-2014, about 1 in 3 (30 percent) long term care residents who did not have a psychosis diagnosis was prescribed an antipsychotic. By 2017-2018, that number had dropped to 1 in 5 (21 percent).
*Of those still participating in the program at the end of Phase 1 and Phase 2.
Since 2014, CFHI has supported 191 long term care organizations from across Canada to improve the appropriate use of antipsychotic medication and the quality of life for residents through a pan-Canadian collaboration, as well as major provincial scale collaborations in New Brunswick, Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island.
Quick facts
84 percent of program participants had Alzheimer's or other dementia
62 per cent of residents were female and 38 percent were male
The average age of participating residents was 85
Quotes
"The Government of Canada is pleased to support CFHI's evidence-based approach to ensuring the appropriate use of prescription antipsychotic drugs for seniors, especially those living in nursing homes," said the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, federal Minister of Health. "This innovative program demonstrates how focusing on person-centered care can improve the lives of Canadians with dementia, as well as the lives of their families and loved ones."
"We're delighted to celebrate New Brunswick's leadership in improving care of people living with dementia. Residents, along with their families, nursing home staff, and other partners are working together to spread proven approaches to care that promote appropriate medication use," said Jennifer Zelmer, President and CEO of CFHI. "The results show clearly that these efforts are improving care and quality of life in nursing homes across the province."
"We are extremely pleased to have played a supporting role with CFHI and the Government of New Brunswick in bringing this innovation opportunity to New Brunswick Nursing Homes," said Jodi Hall, Executive Director of the New Brunswick Association of Nursing Homes. "The nursing home teams fully embraced the process for this care improvement, and we congratulate them on their leadership and staff commitment. It is very exciting to see the residents experience an improved quality of life."
About the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement CFHI works shoulder-to-shoulder with partners to identify proven innovations and accelerate their spread across Canada, improving patient care, the health of everyone in Canada and value-for-money. CFHI is a not-for-profit organization funded by Health Canada. Visit cfhi-fcass.ca for more information.
About the New Brunswick Association of Nursing Homes Leading excellence in long term care, the mission of the New Brunswick Association of Nursing Homes is to lead member homes through a united voice by advocating excellence in long term care and service delivery in New Brunswick.
The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of Health Canada.
SOURCE Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement
How to Get Back to the Gym When Suffering from Bronchitis
Bronchitis can be a nasty illness. It can be awful to experience incessant coughing, congestion, and breathing difficulties. If you’re dealing with a bout of bronchitis, your goal should be to get back to normal as soon as possible. If you look after yourself well, you can return to your workout sessions after a reasonable amount of time has passed. Proper healing should always be your number one aim.
Pamper Yourself for a While
Refrain from the urge to hit the gym until you’re recovered fully from bronchitis. Going back to the gym prematurely may actually inhibit the full healing process. If you want to recover perfectly, then you need to pamper yourself for a while. Rest at home. Eat a good and healthy diet. Avoid overexerting yourself and tiring your body out.
Ask Your Doctor for Feedback
If you have bronchitis, then you need to seek treatment from a doctor. Speak with your doctor about your workout objectives. Ask him or her when he thinks you should be able to resume your typical workout duties. Be sure to take his or her guidance, too. Going back to the gym before you’ve healed properly can only be detrimental to you and to your well-being. If you feel awful, your workout sessions won’t be too effective, either.
Get Tips from Other Workout Buffs
Most workout buffs have experienced sicknesses such as bronchitis at some point. If you want to get back on track, you should reach out to a workout enthusiast who truly knows what he or she is doing. Request tips about suitable timelines for getting back to working out. Tried and tested exercise lovers may be able to help you make a timeframe choices that’s sound and that makes complete sense.
Head to an Urgent Care Clinic
Bronchitis symptoms can feel practically unbearable at times. If you want to manage bronchitis discomfort, heading to an urgent care cliniccan give you a lot of relief. It can also give you the opportunity to get suggestions from capable and experienced doctors and healthcare professionals in general. Request counsel from the clinic’s doctors and nurses with regard to suitable exercise options for people who are recovering from bronchitis.
Working out is a vital part of staying healthy. Proper recovery, however, is something that calls for a certain amount of time. Rushing back into workouts is never optimal. Time is an undeniable recovery asset.
YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING HEALTH QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY A NEW YORK INTERNIST AND GASTROENTEROLOGIST
Many conditions like cancer and diabetes are difficult to talk about with your doctor because of the burden of these diseases and the hardship of the symptoms and treatment. Other ailments are just plain embarrassing. Not to worry, you are not alone in feeling bashful about certain issues you may be experiencing. The good news is, most of these embarrassing conditions are not life threatening and if you have the courage to speak to your doctor, “you will find that your doctor is trained to talk about sensitive issues in a manner that is both considerate and informative,” says New York Based Internist and Gastroenterologist, Dr. Niket Sonpal.
While you are still working up the courage to make an appointment with your doctor, here are the top 5 embarrassing questions you may have with insight from our expert.
1.I’m still young and I get hemorrhoids. Why is this happening and what can I do?
Though hemorrhoids are more prevalent in adults 40 - 65 years old, young people may still have symptoms associated with hemorrhoids. It is estimated that 75% of the population gets them at some point. Hemorrhoids are common and usually not life-threatening. “What you need to keep in mind is that Hemorrhoids are a symptom of a variety of conditions,” says Dr. Sonpal. “Observe your symptoms and report to your doctor what you feel. Especially in the case of extreme rectal bleeding, lower stomach pain, and unexpected weight loss. These are all symptoms of a more serious condition like colon or rectal cancer, which is most common in people over 40.
2.I have a cold sore on my mouth, if I perform oral sex on my partner will I transmit to them?
“Yes, it is possible and common for someone with oral herpes to unknowingly transmit the virus to their sexual partner through oral sex,” explains Dr. Sonpal. Using protection is the safest way to prevent this from happening even during oral sex. Herpes is transmitted through skin contact so barriers like condoms are effective in reducing the risk to your partner. Usually, people are more cautious about unplanned pregnancies and diseases transmitted through fluids than they are about oral sex and it’s common for them to have oral sex without condoms. This can lead to, not just the transmission of herpes but other viruses like the previously mentioned HPV. Dr. Sonpal’s advice is to stay tested and don’t be afraid to ask your doctor for the pertinent exams if you know you’ve been exposed.
3.Why is my stool green?
Dr. Sonpal explains that, “It can be jarring for people when they experience it the first time but it is rarely related to anything serious. Green is under the umbrella of acceptable stool colors. Most commonly stool will be brown but depending on what you eat you may have occasions where the volume of vegetables you eat affect the color of your poop due to the chlorophyll.”
Other causes can be food coloring, “Children are often exposed to the experience sooner or later because of cereals. Some kids think it’s cool. This is not related to something serious,” says Dr. Sonpal.
Other causes could be medications, coffee, alcohol, and spicy foods. Dr. Sonpal elaborates that if the green stool is not accompanied by diarrhea, nausea, or pain, which could indicate food poisoning, then you shouldn’t worry too much about it.
4.Why am I gassier during my period?
Studies have shown that high percentages of women, with and without Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), complain about increased gas and bloating during their menstruation. “Your body’s hormones are acting up and you may be more sensitive to certain foods than normal,” explains Dr. Sonpal. He recommends avoiding foods high in fiber. These foods tend to increase the bloating as they are meant to keep you full for longer. “If you live a sedentary lifestyle your digestive system might already be slow. Don’t skip out your fitness routine or your late afternoon walk as it can be a key part of keeping your digestive system working during your period, says Dr. Sonpal. He also recommends cutting off the sugary and carbonated drinks which increase the bloat.
5.I’m young, why am I having the constant urge to go urinate throughout the day and most of all at night?
This is a tough subject for many people. For older people, it is a sign of aging and they see it as such. The stigma of urinary incontinence keeps them from speaking to their doctors about it until the problem gets out of their control completely. For young people, experiencing urinary incontinence or hyperactive bladder is shocking. We grow up not realizing that these types of issues can affect people at a younger age. Urinary incontinence most commonly affects women and people over 40 but it is totally possible that a person in their 20’s can be dealing with this issue.
6.I’m a woman- why do I have hair on my nipples?
Dr. Sonpal states that, “Hairy nipples are normal for women. Seeing black, wiry hairs growing around the areolas can be surprising, but you’re not alone. The percentage of women who have hairy nipples is unclear, and many women don’t report it to their doctor.
In most cases, hairy nipples aren’t cause for concern. For most people, they’re a normal part of bodily changes.” You don’t need to remove the dark hairs around your nipples. They won’t cause any issues. However, you can remove them for aesthetic reasons if you choose. Several treatment options may help. One can choose laser hair removal, electrolysis, waxing, trimming etc. Speak with your doctor about what is safest.
7.Is it supposed to smell “down there?”
“Your vagina and its discharge should have a smell, but it shouldn’t be a bad smell and you shouldn’t be able to smell it from a distance,” says Dr. Sonpal. He adds, “Vaginal discharge and smells are dependent upon hormonal changes, mood changes, hygiene habits, sexual activity, physical activity and clothing.” If you’re sweating or you’ve recently had sex, you may notice an odor, but it’s normally nothing to worry about. However, if you experience odor plus itching, burning or irritation, it might be a treatable vaginal infection like bacterial vaginosis or the STI trichomoniasis. “Don’t douche,” cautions Dr. Sonpal. That will just remove the healthy bacteria your body needs to naturally clean your vagina.
About Dr. Niket Sonpal: Dr. Niket Sonpal is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine and Clinical instructor at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, Brooklyn who specializes in Gastroenterology. He is a graduate of the Medical University of Silesia – Hope Medical Institute in Poland. After completing his residency in Internal Medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital, he was selected to be the 2013‐2014 Chief Resident at Lenox Hill Hospital–Northshore LIJ Health System. Dr. Sonpal has completed his Fellowship in Gastroenterology & Hepatology at Lenox Hill Hospital and continues his work in the field of medical student and resident test preparation. He now serves as the associate program director for the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Brookdale University medical center.
He is the co‐author for the best-selling Master the Boards: USMLE Step 2 CK, Master the Boards Step 3, And Master the Boards: Internal Medicine. He is also the Chief Operating Officer for Medquest Test Prep, Director of Medical Education for Picmonic Test Prep, and a recognized expert on medical test prep.
World Cancer Day: Celebration of cross-Canada support for modernized cancer strategy
TORONTO, Feb. 4, 2019 /CNW/ - The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (the Partnership) is joining with organizations across the world to mark World Cancer Day 2019 and thanking Canadians for their recent input to modernize the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control (the Strategy).
This year's World Cancer Day, an initiative of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), marks the launch of a new, three-year campaign, "I Am and I Will", offering an empowering call to action that urges personal commitment to cancer control and represents the power of individual action to reduce the impact of cancer for ourselves, the people we love, and the world.
Musicians from around the world are showing their support for this year's campaign in videos released today. Shawn Mendes, Canadian Grammy-nominated artist, said: "I am Shawn Mendes and I will use my voice for a positive change. Who are you and what will you do this World Cancer Day?"
Cancer remains the leading cause of death in Canada,i with one in two Canadians developing cancer in their lifetime.ii Canada has made considerable progress since the Strategy was launched in 2006, but the cancer system faces new and pressing challenges to meet the growing need for cancer services.
The Partnership recently led broad consultations in all provinces and territories, both in-person and online, with the cancer control community, cancer patients and their families, First Nations, Inuit and Métis and the general public in urban and rural communities to explore opportunities to improve how Canada prevents and treats cancer for all and ensure Canada remains a leader in delivering high-quality cancer care.
Nearly 7,500 Canadians provided their advice to the Partnership by taking #30MinutesThatMatter and completing the Choicebook or participating in in-person consultations. The campaign was an example of the World Cancer Day theme of individual action having a larger impact by shaping Canada's future approach to reducing the burden of cancer.
The initial results of the consultation reaffirm strong support for a pan-Canadian cancer strategy and call for a stronger plan to achieve improved equity, access and integration of patient care throughout the cancer journey. With the information and insight gathered and lessons from international successes, the Partnership will identify key themes from the consultations and priority areas where a Canada-wide strategy will help address the more urgent cancer control issues.
The modernized Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control will be delivered to the federal Minister of Health and Canadians in May 2019. With the shared commitment of all levels of government to meaningful change, the Partnership will translate that Strategy into practice and system delivery change with our partners.
Quotes
"We appreciate the time Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast have given us over the past few months, as we look to modernize the Strategy. It was a historic effort that will have a lasting impact. We are excited to share the modernized Strategy along with the full results of the consultation, our expert advice and international best practices with the Minister of Health and all Canadians." Cindy Morton, CEO, Canadian Partnership Against Cancer
About World Cancer Day 2019 World Cancer Day takes place every year on February 4 and is the single initiative that allows the world to unite to raise the profile of cancer in a positive and inspiring way.
Coordinated by UICC, World Cancer Day is this year taking place under the tagline "I Am and I Will" and celebrates the power of individual action to reduce the global burden of cancer. World Cancer Day is a chance to reflect on what you can do, pledge your support, and take action against cancer.
This year, World Cancer Day will be recognized across Canada with the following landmarks lit in orange and blue on February 4, 2019:
Calgary Tower in Calgary, Alberta
Canada Place Sails of Light in Vancouver, British Columbia
CN Tower in Toronto, Ontario
The Forks Winnipeg Sign in Winnipeg, Manitoba
Halifax City Hall in Halifax, Nova Scotia
High Level Bridge in Edmonton, Alberta
Newfoundland and Labrador Confederation Building in St. John's, Newfoundland
Niagara Falls in Niagara, Ontario
Olympic Cauldron at Jack Poole Plaza in Vancouver, British Columbia
About the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control The Strategy serves as an important pan-Canadian framework to tackle difficult-to-solve challenges that require new solutions and to address the needs of diverse populations spread across Canada's provinces and territories. The Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control is more than a decade old. It was developed to create excellence and efficiencies across provincial and territorial health systems in managing this complex disease with more than 200 types, many risk factors, and continually advancing diagnostic technologies and treatments. Canada's Minister of Health called for modernizing the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control so that it remains adaptive to, and reflective of, changes in technology and innovation, population demographics, the economy and the political climate.
About the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer was created by the federal government in 2006 with funding from Health Canada to work with Canada's cancer community to reduce the incidence of cancer, lessen the likelihood of Canadians dying from cancer, and enhance the quality of life of those affected by cancer.
This work is guided by the 2006 Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control, which was developed by hundreds of healthcare and cancer leaders, patients and advocates. Today there is strong evidence that the Strategy is resulting in concrete and significant action by partners across the country to improve cancer control. Working together over the last decade, Canada has improved cancer survival rates, established screening programs, adopted exciting innovations and emerging research, standardized the collection of patient data and created one of the world's largest population health databases among many other advances.
About the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) UICC is the largest international cancer-fighting organization, with over 1,000-member organizations across 160 countries representing the world's major cancer societies, ministries of health, research institutes, treatment centres and patient groups. The organization is dedicated to taking the lead in convening, capacity building and advocacy initiatives that unite the cancer community to reduce the global cancer burden, promote greater equity, and integrate cancer control into the world health and development agenda.
UICC and its multi-sectoral partners are committed to encouraging governments to look towards the implementation and scale-up of quality and sustainable programs that address the global burden of cancer and other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). UICC is also a founding member of the NCD Alliance, a global civil society network that now represents almost 2,000 organizations in 170 countries. For more information, please visit: www.uicc.org
Macherey-Nagel GmbH & Co. KG and Andrew Alliance Sign Co-Marketing Agreement
GENEVA, Feb. 4, 2019 /CNW/ - Macherey-Nagel GmbH & Co. KG and Andrew Alliance today announced they have signed an agreement stating that they are working together to develop an automated solution for the preparation of transfection grade plasmid DNA. Under the co-marketing agreement, Macherey-Nagel will combine its existing NucleoBond® Xtra Midi kits with Andrew Alliance's OneLab software platform and Andrew+ robot.
"Dr. Achim Leitzke (General Manager Sales and Marketing, MACHEREY-NAGEL, Germany) stated "Biotechnology in general and biomedical and biopharmaceutical research in particular are increasingly moving towards workflow automation, freeing up valuable human resources for creative and productive work. Further, reliability and traceability are gaining in importance. As a pioneer in the technology of nucleic acid purification, MACHEREY-NAGEL has extensive experience in automated plasmid preps. Likewise, throughout the years, we have always provided innovative solutions and state of the art methods in the field of plasmid midi processing based on anion exchange chromatography. In order to remain on the cutting edge of a rapidly evolving market, we need a reliable and competent automation partner. We believe that we have found such a partner in Andrew Alliance and that together, our experts can develop a truly great product for automated plasmid midi prep processing."
Piero Zucchelli, CEO and Co-Founder of Andrew Alliance stated, "Having transfection grade plasmid DNA available is critical to many of today's high value biopharmaceutical applications. Working with Macherey-Nagel and their proven anion-exchange technology will allow us to develop a cost effective automation solution for this important process."
For more information about the Macherey-Nagel NucleoBond® technology, visit http://www.mn-net.com
For more information about Andrew Alliance, OneLab and the Andrew+, please contact contact@andrewalliance.com
SOURCE Andrew Alliance SA
CANCER RESEARCHERS IN ISRAEL BELIEVE THEY WILL HAVE A CURE FOR CANCER IN 1 YEAR
Promising Research with Multi-Agent Toxins
By Joshua Mansour, M.D.
February 1, 2019
According to the WHO/International Agency for Research on Cancer, 18.1 million cancer cases are diagnosed worldwide each year. Cancer is now the second leading cause of death behind cardiovascular diseases. It is imperative now, more than ever, that we continue to seek new methods to treat this devastating illness.
Recently, Accelerated Evolution Biotechnologies did an interview where stated they believe that they will “offer in a year’s time a complete cure for cancer”. Although it grabs headlines, that is a momentous statement to make. Let’s dig a little deeper into the work that they are currently doing. The premise behind their treatment involves using a multi-agent target toxin treatment to treat cancer. In the past, this type of therapy targeted toxin treatment has involved the introduction of DNA coding for a protein (can be an antibody) into a bacteriophage - which is a virus that infects bacteria. These proteins can then be displayed on the surface of the virus and interact with its surroundings.
The company’s therapy involves a similar phenomenon, but with the use of peptides instead of proteins. Peptides consist of two or more amino acids linked together in a chain. They are smaller than proteins, can serve biological functions, and in many ways are less expensive to reproduce.
Most cancer therapies aim at attacking a target in a cell, on the surface of a particular cell, or in one of its internal pathways. However, a mutation in one of these targets can make the therapy ineffective. What is being done here, with multi-target toxin therapy, is that several peptides of the cancer cell are being targeted with a peptide toxin to avoid mutations rendering a therapy ineffective. The more targets used, the less likely that a series of mutations will occur simultaneously that will make the therapy ineffective. This will help in not allowing the cancer cell to evade the treatment and continue to replicate, even with some mutations occurring.
This may have the ability to reduce side effects as well, given that the peptides will aim to attack specific targets on the cancer cells that are typically not overexpressed in other healthy cells. In addition, since the peptides are small (the ones they have developed are about 12 amino acids long) and lack a rigid structure, it allows them access to regions of the cell that may be blocked if a larger protein was used.
Overall, they are using a “combination modality” in a very specific manner for an attack of each cancer cell in this therapy. Combinational therapy has been successful before with cancer, HIV, and autoimmune disease among others. The goal of the company is to eventually personalize this to each patient by having a biopsy sent and analyzed for the receptors that it overexpresses. The patient would then be administered an individualized concoction developed to treat the disease.
This is exciting and has potential, but more data needs to be presented. Thus far they have concluded mice experimentation and found inhibited human cancer cell growth that did not affect healthy mice cells. They are currently working on beginning a round of clinical trials, which many people will be eager to see the conclusions. Recently, Accelerated Evolution Biotechnologies has been writing patents on a variety of different specific peptides. While their work thus far is enthusing and making headlines, their claim to “offer in a year’s time a complete cure for cancer” is likely premature. Yet, I don’t know a single person, including myself, who wouldn’t hope for that.
Dr. Levi Inspires Audiences To Adopt Fitness As A Lifestyle
Los Angeles, CA, February 1, 2019 ― Dr. Levi Harrison is hoping that people everywhere will resolve to make 2019 their healthiest year yet by incorporating fitness into their daily lives in a way that is both effective and sustainable. True fitness is about much more than a gym membership, Dr. Levi emphasizes. It's about adopting a lifestyle that balances mind, body, soul and spirit.
Dr. Levi is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand, wrist and shoulder injuries. He is passionate about overall health and fitness and has developed a multi-faceted, multi-media approach to sharing his healthy lifestyle strategies.
His first book, The Art of Fitness: A Journey to Self Enhancement, is an encyclopedia of core-stabilizing and body-building exercises, with easy-to-follow instructions and photographs.
The DVD, The Art of Fitness Cardio Core Workout, is a great accompaniment to the book. The DVD demonstrates aerobic, core and abdominal exercises that can elevate and improve any fitness level, with a bonus workout, Perfect Abs, for those who want additional abdominal work.
Dr. Levi also provides ESPORTS coaching, motivational speaking and nutritional counseling.
Dr. Levi Harrison earned his medical degree at The University of California at Davis School of Medicine and completed his fellowship at the internationally renowned Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center in Indianapolis. His practice in Los Angeles is a center of excellence for sports-related upper extremity and shoulder injuries as well as hand rehabilitation.
He has appeared as a medical authority on The Dr. Oz Show, CNN, Fox TV, Studio 11 LA and the KTLA Morning News. Dr. Levi has also been featured in multiple gaming communities, including Yahoo Games, Kotaku, Geek & Sundry, Vice's Motherboard, Machinima, IGN, XM Radio and countless others for his groundbreaking work in preventing repetitive stress injury in the competitive ESPORTS community.
The Art of Fitness: A Journey to Self Enhancement Publisher: Brio Press ISBN-10: 1937061825 ISBN-13: 978-1937061821 Available from Amazon.com. Available from http://drleviharrison.com/.
The Ultimate Guide to Yoga Therapy
Yoga therapy represents a new approach to mental health that seeks to alleviate emotional pain and restore well-being through a series of meditative practices that involve both the body and mind.
Over the last decades, researchers and mental health professionals have realized what Hindu monks have been teaching for thousands of years – a holistic approach to psychological and physical health is the key to balance and well-being.
Yoga – which is the foundation of yoga therapy – is an extremely complex spiritual tradition that has a history of roughly five thousand years, rich literature, and clear practice guidelines.
Luckily, over the years, practitioners have simplified this approach and made it accessible to anyone who’s interested in self-exploration and self-growth.
Yoga Therapy: What is it?
Considered both an art and a discipline, yoga is an ancient Indian practice characterized by meditation and physical activity, which can improve the body’s flexibility, reduce stress, and cultivate an overall state of health and well-being.
Yoga therapy represents a collection of principles, techniques, and practices derived from Hindu philosophy and adapted to clinical settings. By using meditation, breathing techniques, and body poses, this approach aims to improve our overall health and promote a state of calm and well-being.
According to a 2013 study [1], yoga therapy helps people with mental illness by cultivating a state of calm, increasing awareness and focus, promoting acceptance and adaptability, and cultivating a sense of security.
Yoga Therapy Theory
In Sanskrit (a language of ancient India), yoga means union. In other words, yoga therapy promotes an integrative and holistic [2] approach to mental health.
The union that yoga therapists and practitioners often mention is that between body, mind, and spirit. Yoga teachings stipulate that once we unite these three fundamental aspects of human experience into one element, we can reach a state of balance and health on all levels.
Some practitioners go so far as to believe that spiritual enlightenment and true unity can only be achieved in India, the birthplace of Yoga.
However, this doesn’t mean that yoga – as a series of health-promoting practices – can’t be effective in other parts of the world. In fact, countless practitioners have successfully promoted and implemented this approach all over the globe.
How Does Yoga Therapy Suggest the Mind Works?
In yoga therapy, the relationship between body, mind, and spirit represents a fundamental element that can serve as an explanatory model for the cause of physical and mental illness and also provide a pathway to balance and healing.
We all strive, more or less consciously, to free ourselves from the limited notion of what we are or, more precisely, what we commonly believe we are. In broad lines, we tend to identify with our body, mind, possessions, relationships, social status, bringing all these elements into one comprehensive picture we call ‘life.’
But these mental constructs are merely shadows of the truth that lies within ourselves; a truth that’s often hard to understand because of ignorance, narrow-mindedness, or lack of self-awareness.
By taking a holistic approach to health, yoga therapy seeks to restore balance and well-being through a series of physical, mental, and spiritual practices.
How Does Yoga Therapy Cause Change?
The profound changes that occur during yoga therapy sessions imply a confrontation with the fascinating mysteries of our own nature.
Questions like, Who am I, What is my purpose in this world, or What do I want to achieve, cultivate an introspective attitude that eventually results in valuable answers about ourselves.
As human beings, most of us are aware of our flaws, imperfections, and limits. Yoga therapy induces the power and energy to overcome them and transcend the human condition.
In other words, this approach cultivates inner freedom and understanding. It makes us realize that everything is possible, although not everything is permitted.
Most of those who resort to yoga therapy often discover that this approach can significantly improve the general condition of their body and mind. From increased flexibility and healthy weight loss to reduced stress and fewer worry-filled thoughts, yoga therapy seems to have a profoundly curative effect.
Throughout the years, this approach has proven to be a viable alternative to complement modern medicine. However, experts suggest yoga therapy should only serve a complementary role in the overall process of healing.
What Happens in a Yoga Therapy Session?
First of all, yoga therapy can be performed either in a group or individually, depending on the client’s needs.
Second, each client goes through an evaluation phase which consists of a detailed discussion with the therapist regarding specific problems he or she wants to address.
Based on professional experience and the severity of the client’s condition, the therapist can determine if the client is a viable candidate for yoga therapy.
Throughout each session, you will receive detailed instructions on how to execute different poses and meditative practices. With a combination of body and mind techniques, yoga therapists can help you achieve physical and mental health.
Techniques Used in Yoga Therapy
To help clients achieve health and well-being, yoga therapists focus on various techniques that target both the body and mind.
Here are three of the most popular techniques used in yoga therapy:
Physical postures represent a fundamental practice in yoga. Through various yoga poses, clients can address problem areas. During the first sessions, this practice takes place under the supervision of a yoga therapist.
Breathing exercises are an excellent way to relieve stress and ease your anxious mind. Using various breathing techniques, the therapist will guide the client throughout the entire session.
Meditation helps clients achieve a state of peace and serenity, allowing both the body and the mind to relax.
Once the mind and body are in tune, clients begin to experience the amazing benefits of this approach.
Does Yoga Therapy Work?
Although many researchers were somewhat skeptical about yoga therapy, especially when it first became popular among Western cultures, there plenty of scientific evidence suggesting this approach may work great as a complementary treatment for various conditions.
For example, studies indicate that yoga therapy can alleviate chronic back pain [3], reduce psychological symptoms associated with menopause [4], and work as an adjunct treatment for major psychiatric disorders [5].
Although at first yoga might seem like a series of light exercises, the details of this practice are far more complicated than that. While it implies the individual’s ability to adopt certain poses, the purpose of yoga therapy is to create a perfect balance between body, mind, and spirit.
In time, this balance leads to physical, mental, and emotional health.
What Kinds of Concerns is Yoga Therapy Best For?
As the studies we mentioned above indicate, yoga therapy is an effective complementary treatment for both physical and psychological conditions.
From joint and muscle pain, high blood pressure, and insomnia to depression, anxiety, and stress, yoga therapy is anyone who seeks complementary alternatives to specialized treatments.
Furthermore, yoga therapy is also a great way to achieve personal growth and work on some of the limits that hold you back from reaching your full potential.
However, as with all complementary and alternative treatment, it’s best that you consult a general physician before going to yoga therapy. For example, because yoga poses require some physical flexibility and resistance, this practice may be too risky for patients with arthritis.
Sometimes, even if there’s an improvement in their health condition, patients are not advised to give up specialized medical treatments and rely solely on yoga therapy. Any discontinuation of treatment, unrecommended by the physician, may result in serious consequences.
How Are Yoga Therapy Specialists Trained?
Unlike other therapeutic approaches, yoga therapy doesn’t require a background in medicine, psychology, or any other related field. That’s because yoga therapy is a relatively new approach that has yet to establish a formalized certification process.
However, professional yoga therapists should be well familiar with anatomy, physiology, nutrition, yoga philosophy, yoga techniques, first aid, medical care, and business ethics. [6]
Another crucial indicator of a good yoga therapist is the institution from which he or she received training and certification. The International Association of Yoga Therapists is an excellent place to start digging for more info.
Concerns/Limitations of Yoga Therapy
Although yoga therapy can be a viable complementary treatment for a wide array of physical and mental conditions, there are certain limitations that we need to consider.
First, yoga therapy is a relatively ‘young’ approach, which means there aren’t any strict guidelines and formalized certification processes. However, the International Association of Yoga Therapists represents a promising attempt to standardize the yoga therapy training and certification process.
Second, as a complementary treatment, yoga therapy lacks the diagnostic methods that would help therapists conduct a thorough and objective assessment. This is one of the reasons why you should consult a general physician before taking yoga classes.
Despite the limitations and concerns related to this newly developed approach, yoga therapy shows promising results in the treatment of various mental and physical conditions.
Important Practitioners in Yoga Therapy
Tirumalai Krishnamacharya
Tirumalai Krishnamacharya was a yoga teacher and ayurvedic healer. With extensive knowledge and experience in various forms of yoga, many consider him to be the father of modern yoga.
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi is probably the most well-known yoga teacher and practitioner. He’s also credited with developing Transcendental Meditation, a healing technique he shared with nearly 40,000 yoga teachers.
How to Find a Therapist
When searching for a professional yoga therapist, the best thing you can rely on is word-to-mouth referrals. Ask around as see which name pops up most often.
Also, make sure the yoga therapist you choose has extensive training and solid experience in the filed.
Since you can rely solely on referrals and other people’s feedback – as some of them might be biased – a good idea would be to get more info from the institution where he/she completed his/her training and received his/her license.
What Should I be Looking for in an LMHP?
Just like in the case of any health specialist, there are several qualities that separate licensed professionals from self-proclaimed experts.
As the phrase ‘licensed professional’ suggests, a good yoga therapist should have proper certification from an accredited school.
Since the market is flooded with self-proclaimed gurus, teachers, and yogis, the best way to verify credentials is by looking over the guidelines provided by the International Association of Yoga Therapists.
Lastly, qualities such as understanding, empathy, and communication are among the tell-tale signs of a professional yoga therapist.
Questions to Ask a Potential Therapist
Before you decide on a yoga therapist, it’s essential to have a brief conversation about his/her background and experience.
Here are some questions that will help you dig up valuable information:
How did you get your license?
Where did you receive your training?
Are you (or the school where you received your training) accredited by the International Association of Yoga Therapists?
What type of clients typically employ your services?
What the problems or conditions that yoga therapy is best for?
Final Thoughts on Yoga Therapy
Even though there are many types of yoga, they all have a common purpose – to improve overall health and facilitate the union between body, mind, and spirit.
In the end, yoga is a way of life. A healthy lifestyle that keeps you grounded in the present moment and helps you evolve towards the best possible version of yourself.
References
R. Nagendra, “Integrated Yoga Therapy for mental Illness,” Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 2013.
McCall, “An Introduction to Yoga Therapy,” Cruz Bay Publishing, 28 August 2007. [Online]. Available: https://www.yogajournal.com/teach/an-introduction-to-yoga-therapy.
Williams, C. Abildso and L. Cooper, “Evaluation of the Effectiveness and Efficacy of Iyengar Yoga Therapy on Chronic Low Back Pain,” Spine, vol. 34, no. 19, pp. 2066-2076, 2009.
Cramer, R. Lauche, J. Langhorst and G. Dobos, “Effectiveness of Yoga for Menopausal Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials,” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012.
Cabral, H. B. Meyer and D. Ames, “Effectiveness of Yoga Therapy as a Complementary Treatment for Major Psychiatric Disorders: A Meta-Analysis,” The Primary Care Companion to CNS Disorders, 2011.
AlchemLife TM, launches complete functional PROSTATE supplement in the US
Naturally Healthy For Life
PHILADELPHIA, PA, FEBRUARY 1, 2019-AlchemLife TM, a 75-year-old company is a world leader in high-quality phytonutrients and herbal extracts. Just this week, they have launched a Prostate support product in the US called PROQUILTM. AlchemLife TM is proud to present such a functional and supportive supplement to the Men's Health industry.
AlchemLife’s TM functional supplement line was made with YOU in mind.As we age, common ailments begin to present themselves, and supporting these issues as early possible is necessary to help prevent greater damage in our senior years. For men over 40, the prostate presents several issues impinging normal life as well. AlchemLife TM understands, and for that reason we have created the products to support your healthy habits concerning these health issues, backed by clinical trials and 75 years of extensive engineering research.
Past the age of 40, men notice certain changes in their health with one common area of note being the prostate. One common issue can be an enlarged prostate, which can sometimes be attributed to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). In men with BPH, it is common to experience more frequent urges to urinate and difficulties with sexual performance. Proper supplementation with a product such as PROQUIL TM can potentially help support normal prostate health. * Featuring Pygeum extract, Pumpkin Seed oil, and Saw Palmetto extracts, PROQUIL TM is a natural support product that may help alleviate symptoms of prostate issues by harnessing the potential benefits associated with our main ingredients. PROQUIL TM is one of the only clinically-backed products designed to potentially alleviate symptoms associate with BPH such as libido and urinary issues. High in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, PROQUIL TM is the natural prostate support supplement for men over 40.
How Alchem became world leaders in high-quality phytonutrients and herbal extracts
Phytonutrients are active molecules isolated and extracted from plants. Our PhytoAdvance™ technology enables us to maintain the synergistic effects of the plants used in our formulas. It also enhances the bioavailability of our final formulations. Before we begin any new extract production, we conduct extensive testing at our state-of-the-art research and development facility. This ensures the quality and stability of our formulas. Studies have conclusively established our formulas’ benefits and safety. There are no known side effects, even for long-term use.
For the highest quality extracts, we source the best plants
Our product purity and quality are critical to producing the superior products Alchem is known for. To get the best active ingredients, we gather the best – and sometimes rare – plants from our worldwide network of growers and suppliers. We select only those plants that have precisely the right active components and specifications. Our ingredients come from as far away as Australia, Europe and Africa, as well as locally from India. We have also acquired our own plantations, which enables us to grow some of our plants under tightly controlled conditions.
We’re Known Internationally For Our Excellence
AlchemLife is a division of Alchem International Pvt. Ltd, global leaders in high-quality phytochemicals and herbal extracts. Our first phytonutrient plant opened in 1984, in Delhi, India where we began implementing our proprietary PhytoAdvance™ technology. This technology is a precise method of extracting active plant phytonutrients and turning them into natural, beneficial health solutions. It is backed by over 75 years of diligent research and development and is original to Alchem. Alchem International’s facilities are certified by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, the World Health Organization and the French Agence Francaise de Securite Sanitaire des Produits de Sante. In addition, we are vendor-validated by international companies worldwide. We’ve also earned a long-term A- rating, and a short-term A2+ rating, by CRISIL, a global analytical company.
We look forward to supporting our distributors, customers and end users with our quality product line of natural health supplements. We are also delighted to call Philadelphia home, in the United States.
Winter Workouts: 4 Outdoor Exercises to Heat You Up
Some people are less than ecstatic when winter weather arrives. You can't swim or play basketball outside, and long hikes in the country are out of the question. But if you think that there aren't any outdoor activities that you can enjoy, think again. There are plenty of things to do outside that are only a little different than what you do during the summer. Here are a few outdoor activities that you can enjoy during the winter.
Cross-Country Skiing You've seen the cross-country skiing machines at the gym, and there's a reason an exercise machine was created to simulate this activity; it's a great form of exercise, and it's fun, too. You'll love the smooth gliding motion, and it's a great workout for your hips, thighs, calves, core, and arms.
Snowshoeing If you love taking long walks through country lanes, you'll love snowshoeing. You can enjoy the scenery similar to how you enjoy it in the summer. Snowshoes are a type of footwear that goes over your boot to evenly distribute weight so that your foot doesn't sink into the snow. This pastime enables you to your favorite places under different weather conditions, and it's a great workout, too.
Skiing and Snowboarding While these two activities are different and require you to learn slightly different body movements, both of them get you on the slopes. They also both exercise your entire body. When you ski or snowboard, you get to practice balance. It also increases your cardiovascular endurance, and it requires an understanding of the spatial relations between different parts of your body, which is a transferable skill to other types of sports.
Ice Skating You can't get in the outdoor pool or lake during the winter, but you can take a pair of skates out onto a frozen pond or skating rink. When you go skating, like many other winter sports, you'll work your core, glutes, legs, and several other body parts. One of the great aspects of ice skating is that you can develop the activity into other sports. You can either simply skate, or you can work it into another sport, such as figure skating or hockey.
If you're feeling let down about the snow, ice, and freezing temperatures of the winter season, take the opportunity to explore other activities. There are many benefits to winter sports that can get you out and enjoying the season. Also, if you’re dealing with an injury, ask your physical therapist which winter sports can work into your physical therapyroutine. The more you can get outside and move this winter, the healthier you’ll be.
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