Anti-Aging
Anti-Aging
Mental Health Courts: Separate Justice System
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Patients of mental health require special attention and treatments and on normal circumstances, the prison cell will not give the proper, not even the sufficient treatment. It has been observed that those people who are suffering from certain mental disorders become worse while they are in correctional facilities. They get intimidated by the other inmates, they get abused even and the worst part is, they do not get the right treatment for their disorders. There is simply no possible way for them to get treated inside such facilities. Therefore, their psychological disorders become aggravated.
In the past recent years, it has been observed that offenders with mental illnesses are fastly falling into the jurisdiction of criminal justice system. Added to this are the shocking percentages of people with mental illnesses that are mixed into normal groups of people in correctional facilities. This is due to the lack of mental health facilities or their feeling of intimidation and reluctance to avail the services of such facilities which make them unable to connect to the community support systems that they are entitled to. In the end, people with mental disorders find themselves committing both minor and severe crimes, thus incarceration without receiving the services they require. This brought on the need for a judicial system that would specifically advance the services needed by criminal offenders with mental disorders.
Because of the need to improve the criminal justice system in the country, government officials, policy makers, the Council of State Governments and mental health professionals convened to come up with a solution that will answer the specific needs of criminal offenders with psychological disorders.
Mental health courts are the links between mental health and criminal law. This body combined the specialties of almost all types of people working in both fields to come up with favorable programs that work for the advantage mentally ill offenders. These courts commission court personnel such as judges, prosecutors and attorneys who have expertise and sufficient knowledge on mental health. Up to date, there are about 27 courts around the United States that are promoting treatment methods that are supported by the courts in exchange for incarceration.
These courts are adhering to therapeutic methods for people with mental health needs and they work on two approaches. One is to help prevent the rate of mental illnesses from rising to lessen the frequency of criminal offenses in support of public protection and two, distinguish that the need for criminal sanctions is highly unnecessary when it is proven that the cause of the criminal act is a psychological disorder. With these approaches in mind, there are two goals enveloping this type of courts, namely: a) to lessen the exacerbation of criminal behaviors due to mental health illnesses magnified by insufficient number of services extended to people who need them and b) to find the alternative solution to imprisonment that would restrain the recurrence of the criminal act while providing treatment options for the offenders.
These courts believe that their services could augment the provisions of mental health facilities and may also extend the services of the criminal justice system. This way, such courts are able to give the alternative solutions that help lessen the number of offenses of individuals who are not mentally well.
It cannot be denied though that this program is still at its infancy period- having too little resource and having systems that are still developing. In fact, it was noted on the research conducted by the Bazelon Center Review that each court system has no specific model to which these courts could follow their structures. Also, they are allowed to create their own systems, rules and procedures that will work for the best interests of the facilities.
However, it cannot be discounted that mental health courts are playing the crucial role of separating offenders with mental health needs from normal people to whom criminal justice system applies well.
Retirement Communities Are Key to Living Well
Today, growing older doesn’t necessarily mean slowing down your life. In fact, just the opposite is true, as thousands of seniors have already discovered how to enjoy their “golden years” with vigor and style.
Not content with sitting in front of the television, today’s senior citizens are swimming with dolphins, learning a new art form and even plunging from a plane in their first skydive.
What is the key to their happiness and well-being? According to a recent study, it could be living in a retirement community.
According to a University of Michigan study, people who live in retirement communities are more satisfied with their daily lives and are more likely to be happy than their contemporaries who remain in their own homes.
Residents of these communities also are more likely to say their health is better today than it was two years ago, the study concluded.
Many retirement communities not only give seniors a place to share common interests, but also provide unique opportunities to try new hobbies and experiences.
For instance, the Fountains communities, located in 13 states at 19 locations, plan activities and excursions for their residents. On a recent excursion to Key Largo, Fountains residents age 78 to 98 swam in natural lagoons with six Atlantic bottlenose dolphins.
Creative expression also is encouraged at the Fountains, home to hundreds of artists – both
professional and amateur. Each year, the company produces an annual calendar featuring the work of its resident artists.
Communities such as the Fountains also offer various styles of retirement living to meet different needs and desires.
For seniors who want to maintain or enhance their independent lifestyle, the Fountains’ “Town Center” neighborhoods offer apartments, cottages, cabanas, casitas, bungalows, suites or condos. Amenities include dining venues, fitness centers, salons, lounges, movie theaters, bank branches, convenience stores and wellness clinics.
For seniors who want to live independently with some assistance and supervision, the Fountains provides ready access to services, gentle encouragement and motivation from the community’s 24-hour staff. Medicare-certified nursing care for those recuperating or rehabilitating from illness is also available at many locations.
How To Get Your Teeth Whiter In No Time 5
How To Get Your Teeth Whiter In No Time
We all want to look great, and healthy teeth creates healthy smiles. Whiting your teeth can be a benefit not only for your look, but for the health of your mouth as well. Use these tips below to make those pearly whites shine and promote overall wellness for the health of your mouth.
Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Regular brushing helps to prevent plaque build up, because this can result in permanent discoloration of your teeth. Once it builds up, it is difficult to remove without the assistance of a dentist, so it’s better to avoid the problem in the first place.
Tooth whitening is one of the subjects when the idea that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure is especially true. It is possible to whiten your teeth but it is much easier to avoid having the problem in the first place. This can be done by avoiding specific things like coffee.
While oranges and lemons are good in supplying you with Vitamin C, they might also be useful in helping to whiten your teeth. You could use an orange or lemon peel by rubbing the back part against the surface of the teeth causing them to sparkle. A dab of salt could also be added to improve the results of the orange and lemon peels.
Baking soda is a great way to naturally whiten your teeth. There are many toothpastes that use baking soda because of its proven effectiveness. If you want to make your own baking soda based tooth whitener; just mix baking soda with a little salt and water. It’s that easy, and it’s a cheap, but effective alternative to costly preparations.
Practice good oral hygiene to whiten your teeth and keep your smile bright. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly to remove food particles that become trapped between them. Taking good care of your teeth is one of the best ways to keep them clean, white and healthy for years to come.
Go to a professional, if you are not concerned about the expense and are in a hurry to whiten your teeth! A dentist can use a professional bleaching agent, in addition to, a special light to whiten your teeth up to 15 shades in a very short amount of time! This usually costs around $500 a session.
As you age, teeth will naturally yellow so it is important to have preventative care and whitening done. Maintain proper dental visits and cleanings as well as your regular brushing habits. Minimize sodas, teas, coffees and avoid excesses of sticky foods. These things will prolong the natural white color of your teeth.
As you just read, there are many quick and healthy ways to keep your teeth shining and white. Improving the health of your teeth can improve the health of your mouth as well. White teeth can give you the confidence you have been lacking and a healthy smile can open doors to a great self-esteem.
Anti-Aging Tips for Baby Boomers in Retirement
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Many baby boomers in retirement are becoming more and more concerned with their health needs. Aging has become a reality, so they must take steps to improve or maintain good health and slow the aging process.
According to a recent study by Herbal News Magazine, baby boomers born between 1948 and 1953 evaluated their general health more poorly than their elders, based on a similar study conducted in 1992. Perhaps this happened because the Baby Boom generation was generally less physically active than their elders had been, both at home and at work. Less physical activity and poor eating habits have led to many cases of diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure among baby boomers in retirement.
Fortunately, it’s not too late for baby boomers to become pro-active in their own physical well-being. These anti-aging and health tips can help.
Use Herbs to Supplement Diet
Herbs have been around since the earth’s beginnings and can often be found in seasoning and spices we use, plants, many organic foods, and herbal supplements. With the onslaught of pharmaceutical companies and modern medicine, herb use for anti-aging and good health dwindled for a while. But now, baby boomers are realizing the many benefits of holistic health and that herbs offer an affordable alternative to many prescription or over-the-counter drugs.
Some popular herbs for enhanced health and anti-aging include oregano, alfalfa, wheat germ, Echinacea root, fenugreek, arginine, witch hazel, cinnamon, cardamom, dill, peppermint, thyme, ginseng, ginger, rosemary, black pepper, green tea, cat’s claw, and many others. Ginger, for instance, is an antioxidant that helps cleanse the colon, stimulate circulation, and reduce spasms and cramps. It also helps reduce hot flashes and indigestion. Alfalfa detoxifies the body and works as a natural diuretic, hormonal balancer, and cholesterol reducer. Cinnamon enhances the metabolism to help with weight loss, and it is recommended for fungal infections, digestive problems, diabetes, yeast infection, and other ailments. The list of herbs available today goes on and on.
Baby boomers in retirement can see a holistic doctor or one that specializes in homeopathy to discover herbs or alternative medicines that will work best for them.
Natural Healing
Another way baby boomers can improve health and prolong the aging process is through natural methods and remedies for healing. The “ancients” often turned to natural remedies for healing because they didn’t have a doctor’s office or local hospital nearby. Today, many people turn to drugs, which only treat the symptoms, not the problem. Though some diseases and sicknesses do require pharmaceutical drugs, there are many conditions that could possibly be healed naturally. Natural healing is available for many ailments including colds and congestion, back or neck pain, stress and tension, headaches, circulatory problems, and others.
There are several natural healing methods. Acupuncture is a Chinese therapy in which fine needles are used to unblock energy in the body so the healing process can take place naturally. Chiropractic methods include re-aligning or adjusting skeletal systems in the body to help the body release blockages and heal itself. Cranial sacral is the process of adjusting or aligning the bones of the skull to help with headaches, chronic pain, joint syndrome, or injuries to the head or spine. Massaging is a natural healing method in which the hands are used to gently release stress and tension through motion and pressure on certain muscles. Other natural healing methods include Rolfing, Shiatsu, reflexology, and the healing touch.
Choose All-Natural Beauty Products over Chemically-Based Products
Chemically-based beauty products might work wonders at enhancing beauty for now, but long-term use can actually speed up the aging process. Some products that promise beauty might actually dry or damage the skin, damage hair, and cause pre-mature wrinkles. Luckily, there are many organic beauty products available in lotions, shampoos, make-up, bath oils, and soaps to help skin stay beautiful and to reduce signs of aging. These are made of natural ingredients instead of dangerous toxins that can be absorbed into the body through the skin.
Physical Activity, Healthy Eating, and Relaxation
Three other key factors to good health for baby boomers are physical activity, healthy eating, and relaxation. Baby boomers in retirement can still be active doing the things they love such as walking or jogging, riding a bike, gardening, traveling and sight-seeing. Also, they can eat healthier by choosing foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals. Finding a way to relax each day is also important for good health. A soothing bath in natural bath oil, reading a book, spending time outdoors on a swing… all these offer time to relax and clear the mind of the day’s stressful activities.
These methods have helped many people, but a doctor should be seen with any serious illness. Herbs and alternative medicines are not automatic cure-alls, but are meant to enhance health and help the body heal itself of minor illnesses.
Baby boomers in retirement don’t have to stand by and watch their health go downhill. The Internet is a great resource to get started and research different herbs and their health benefits. It’s time to take action with these natural health and antiaging tips!
Alternative Therapies For Asthma Treatment — Biofeedback Holds Promise
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Are there effective alternative therapies for asthma? Many researchers believe biofeedback holds promise as a way to help asthma patients.
What is biofeedback all about? It involves measuring a person’s body processes like heart rate, blood pressure, galvanic skin response, etc and providing this information to the person in real time. This creates awareness of these processes and in turn, can help the person gain conscious control over related body functions.
For instance, scientists have shown that a person can consciously influence his heartbeat. In fact, some studies at the National Institutes for Health have indicated that patients can be trained even to lower their blood pressure.
Biofeedback training is part of what is called complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). It was Dr. Neal Miller, a neuroscientist at Yale who first said that it is possible to exert conscious control over automatic body functions. The scientific and medical establishment of the time scoffed at his statement and held that such things are impossible.
However, subsequent research by several groups has shown that control over unconscious body functions is indeed possible. Many patients have found relief from migraine using biofeedback training. Some researchers are studying the possibility of using biofeedback as the main treatment for high blood pressure problems.
How does biofeedback apply to asthma?
During an asthma attack, the muscles around the airways are inflamed and contracted. If these muscles can be relaxed, air would flow more freely into the lungs and the distressing symptoms of asthma would be alleviated. Biofeedback systems train the patient to accomplish just that.
In addition, asthma patients often have abnormal breathing patterns. The Society for Applied Psychotherapy and Biofeedback says that ‘barrel breathing’ is one such pattern. This is when the asthmatic takes in a deep breath and then doesn’t fully breathe out. Instead, they take several shallow in and out breaths without emptying their lungs completely.
As a result, their lungs can’t be refilled with fresh air since they never empty fully when breathing out.
Using a process called pneumographic biofeedback, asthma patients learn to recognize their altered heart rates that occur during barrel breathing. And they learn to change their breathing pattern to lower their heart rate as well as improve oxygen intake.
Some studies have concluded that this type of biofeedback treatment not only reduced the symptoms of asthma but also brought down lung inflammation and resistance to normal breathing. The heart beat variability biorhythm treatment has also resulted in lowered medication use and better pulmonary function.
The National Institutes of Health advices asthma patients who wish to use biofeedback training to work with a competent trainer and to keep their doctor fully informed. The latter is important because asthma patients should be monitored regularly and medication may need to be adjusted from time to time.
Overall, biofeedback treatment is one of the more promising alternative therapies for asthma.
Alternative Methods to Quit Smoking
It is estimated that 70 percent of smokers want to quit, it’s no wonder that there are many quit smoking products and programs out that are designed for these individuals. These are scientifically-proven quit smoking programs that have gotten the nod of many health professionals. However, using these products may not be that effective and may bring side-effects. For this reason, many alternative therapies are out to help many individuals in their desire to be nicotine-free. These alternative methods are considered by many as safe and effective way of quitting smoking.
Acupuncture
Medical studies show that acupuncture may increase the levels of endorphins in the body. Endorphins are opiate-like substances in the body that are known elevate the mood and bring moments of relaxation. These factors may lower the cravings for that stick or pack of cigarette. Many health professionals recommend at least four sessions of acupuncture during the first month of quitting.
Herbal remedies
There are no herbs that contain nicotine. However, there are herbs like chamomile that has a calming effect that may help one’s transition to life as a non-smoker. The calming effect of this herb may help one cope with stressful situations that may lead one to light a cigarette. However, individuals who want to try this herb should seek the approval of a health professional because it might produce an allergic reaction and interact with other drugs.
Hypnosis
Smokers have natural cigarette triggers. Factors like driving, eating, watching TV, and stress may entice individuals to smoke. With subconscious reminders about the positive effects of quitting smoking, hypnosis may help reduce nicotine cravings and improve one’s ability to quit smoking. In addition to these health benefits hypnosis therapy uses no drugs and can be completed completely and there is no long-term cause.
Exercise and nutrition
Regular exercise may improve blood flow and help individuals deal with tensions and stress in life without cigarettes. Studies show that moderate exercise like 30 minutes of jogging and brisk walking may bring many health benefits. Exercise and other physical activities may also promote the production of endorphins. In addition to exercise, eating regular meals and cutting down fat in one’s diet may aid in the management of blood sugar changes associated in quitting smoking.
Massage
Having a massage may promote better moods and less anxiety which may lead to fewer and less nicotine cravings. A University of Miami Touch Research Institute suggested that a two-minute hand or ear massage may curb nicotine cravings and, therefore, cut daily cigarette intake.
There are many scientifically proven quit smoking products and alternative methods that are available. These products, however, cannot do all the work, the best and effective to quit smoking involves determination, discipline, and commitment to stop the habit permanently. Using these products and engaging in alternative methods can help smokers cut the habit by making them more comfortable and complacent to adjust to life without cigarettes. However, before taking over-the-counter or herbal products and engaging in many alternative methods to quit smoking, individuals are advised to seek the approval health professionals. They may explain various alternative methods and clarify side effects and drug interactions that may take place while under medication. With the right tools and attitude, quitting smoking can be easier than others think.
