Stretch, not stress

"Recently, scientists have discovered that cells in the human body change depending on how they are stretched. They have shown that if you pull a stem cell in one way, it starts developing into a brain cell; stretch it in other ways, and a muscle or a bone cell results! The most far reaching consequence of this stretching is for cancer cells. Change their mechanical stress, and they start behaving like normal cells! "
"Besides yogic exercises, a general exercise regimen of running, walking or aerobics also helps in cell rejuvenation. The 'high' that people get with regular exercise, is a result not just of chemical secretions, but also because the cells get stretched.

Similarly, deep muscle massage may also help in stretching of cells."


For the complete article click here ->  Stretch, not stress

PIG PROTEINS HELP RE-GROW HUMAN SKELETAL MUSCLE

Wow!
"A new tissue regeneration technique has been developed to re-grow large amounts of skeletal tissue.   The method could give new hope to people who face amputation."  

"Proteins taken from pig intestines are inserted into the damaged human tissue.  The proteins attract human stem cells to migrate to the limb and start creating matching bone and tissue cells."

Talk about human guinea pigs... :)

This will bring hope for so many people!  The human body is so AMAZING!

Click here for the article ->  PIG PROTEINS HELP RE-GROW HUMAN SKELETAL MUSCLE

Why you crave junk

"The science behind cravings, which are driven by intense sensations of desire for certain foods, explains how neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine run the show. A dip in our body's serotonin levels causes cravings for starchy and sweet foods."


"Serotonin helps maintain a 'happy feeling' and calms anxiety.  Whereas, dopamine helps us calm down and elevates our mood."

Nutritionist and obesity consultant Naini Setalvad explains, "While several factors could cause cravings, the most common stem either from a deficiency of minerals and vitamins or due to a mild imbalance in our neurotransmitters, which are our body's chemical messengers. They carry impulses between nerve cells and some control our moods and feelings. For instance, someone who chronically has low blood pressure would instinctually take to saltier foods; as would one who lacks minerals available in salt."

Here's a link with more information on Why you crave junk



So what can you do to stop the cravings?  Use your imagination!

"The easiest way to get your mind off that hot fudge sundae is to picture this instead: a white sandy beach in Tahiti.


Or a scene from your favorite movie. Or a slow dance with your honey under a starry sky. Just picture something -- anything -- delightfully pleasant that isn't food related. Research suggests that doing so can help stop a craving, fast."


Here's a link with more tips ->   Halt Cravings with This Mental Image

Uh.... this could pose a problem.... Happiness Gene Found in Human Body to Determine Cheerfulness in People

Trivia Questions About the Human Body

Which finger has the fastest growing nail?
A:  Middle Finger.

The most insect bitten part of the human body is what part?
A:  Foot.

Which bone is the hardest bone in the human body?
A:  Jaw Bone.

How many senses do human beings have?
A: 5  (Unless you check out what this article has to say...  Humans have a Magnetic Sixth Sense?)

Check out this link for more Trivia Questions About the Human Body.

What do your hands tell you about your health?

Awesome find!  
The subtle difference in finger lengths is linked to a foetus's exposure to testosterone...  From that doctors have determined a slew of information... from a heightened risk for osteoarthritis to a lower risk for heart disease...  
Read more:What the length of your index finger says about you.

Boaters be wear... as in Wear your Lifejacket!!

Great post by Mark Yuasa

“Cold water kills.

When suddenly immersed in cold water the human body gets shocked, setting off a number of uncontrollable reactions that frequently lead to drowning.

First, the body instinctively gasps for air increasing the chance of immediate drowning if too much water is swallowed and enters the lungs.

Second, blood pressure and heart rate increase substantially which can trigger panic, hyperventilation and cardiac arrest - all making survival increasingly more difficult.

After the reaction to immediate cold shock, the body works instinctively to preserve its core temperature. At this stage the loss of blood flow to the arms and legs causes muscular failure and the inability to swim.”

A Cool Heartbeat Comparison!

The Heart of an ELEPHANT weighs between 40 and 60 pounds and beats about 30 times a minute.  Check this out!

Compare the heart beats of a mouse, human and elephant.

What does Periodontal Disease and/or Gingivitis have to do with your Heart?

Finally an explanation I can understand!

I have always wondered why Periodontal Disease and/or Gingivitis put your Heart at such risk.  

Why was the Heart at the forefront?

I can gather how any infection can impair your overall health... and even how germs in the mouth have a front line to our blood via the whole sublingual thing... the one where, the germs in your mouth could easily enter under your tongue, directly into the blood stream.  (This is the fastest and most direct route to your blood stream, and hence one used for many crucial medications.)

But that still didn’t tell me why the heart was more at risk... 

So at risk, in fact, that when when someone with heart related ailments goes in for dental procedures they have to take antibiotics days before their appointment?

Now the answer...  This is so cool!

Your mouth harbors bacteria - especially if you have Periodontal Disease or Gingivitis.  These germs are swallowed and mixed with the air we inhale, continually.  Kind of gross to think about, but they coat and attach to everything along the way.  Your tongue, throat...  nasal passages... you get the picture.

This explains why some people can never seem to get rid of their bad breath no matter how much they brush... and why/how chlorophyll rich drinks really help.

In comes the heart... The heart as you know pumps our blood.  In line with the ‘we need air to live’ it picks up oxygen from the lungs... the germ tainted oxygen!  

Right there is how it happens!  This is why the heart is so at risk.  It’s first in line.  No filtering... no cleaning... just a concentration of germs and bacteria delivered straight to the heart! 

Need help calming your racing heart?

Splash cold water on your face. 
It works!

Did you know that when someone falls into icy cold water face first, an instinct to preserve life takes over, slowing the heart and redirecting blood to the heart and brain.

This innate response called the mammalian diving reflex, is actually present in all mammals.
(Yes, we are mammals.)

When we plunge face first into very cold water (well below 70 degrees Fahrenheit), the body responds with an immediate slowing of the heart and a redirection of blood to the vital organs in an attempt to survive. This is one reason why some people, especially children, have been successfully resuscitated after being submerged in an icy lake for 30, 40, or more minutes.

Plunging a patient’s face into ice water was also used in ERs not too long ago as a way to slow an abnormally rapid heart rhythm.  Today we have medicine to do that job. 

How it all began.

From time to time I get questioned as to how I got into Massage Therapy.

There are a few situations that impacted me, steering me to where I am now.

My first massage was in Florida in the late 80's. I was visiting my mother after a very stressful work week. A true believer in massage, Mom wouldn’t even speak to me until I went for a massage myself. That moment opened a new world... I was hooked.  When I came back to New York I continued to get massages.  During one of my sessions the Therapist informed me that there was an open house at a local massage school.  I attended and immediately registered.

Further back in my life I remember this desire to learn about anatomy and physiology.  As a child I had an unusual 'opportunity'.  My father was an avid hunter, and I often helped butcher his 'catch'.  I was his ‘assistant.’  Every step of the way my Dad and I inspected, and tested... muscles, bones, joints, look at how this moves this... and so on. Yes, there were times that I would have to walk away...  but I would come back.   These moments allowed me to experience and discover what few people did.  At the time I wasn't aware of the impact this had.  Now I do.

Massage school was full time. Work was too. I look back now and wonder how I made it thru!

After graduating from The New Center for Wholistic Health and Research with a certificate in Massage, I went on to take the State Boards. After what seemed like forever, I received my New York State License and officially became a Massage Therapist.

As many of you know, my desire to learn did not end there. I continued on, taking classes to find out how to treat the body as a whole... what approaches would make the best impact? I needed to know... and still do.

I researched and treated, researched and treated... countless people.  Some of you have even been my willing guinea pigs... Thank you!

For all the questions that have come my way...  I have answered or tried to answer the best I could... Clear and simple.  Sometimes with quirky stories, images and parallels.  If I didn't know... I just said so... or I found out.

A few years ago my passion for the human body came in handy for my son.  He was in forth grade at the time. The science fair was coming up.  He and his friend wanted to do a project.

Since their topic choice was ‘The Human Body’ they came to me for help.  What greater gift could a parent get, then to have your child ask you to teach them your passion?!

When we were finished with the project they knew more about their bodies than many adults. We had so much fun!  Their science project was a hit... and it got me thinking.  Why not offer this type of Workshop for all kids?

This is how my next venture, I am an AMAZING Human Being!,  began.  

I now offer a very kid-friendly, non-threatening class for all.  And yes, quirky stories, creative images and parallels are used.

My daughter is so excited. She is happy to be my official ‘assistant’. (and no hunting or animals are needed! :)  She made me very proud during her hospital stay (due to a dog bite gone septic) when she gave all the nurses a lesson on the bones!  She was proud too.  I can't wait to see where this goes.........

~ Nancy