Home > Better health > Archives > 2006 > October
October 2006
Limbering up
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
While not everybody loves exercising, almost everybody knows you have to do it to stay healthy. One thing that should accompany exercise if stretching before and after your routine. Stretching makes you more flexible and prevents injury, yet many people forget to do it — or they just don’t. Stretching won’t help you with that day’s exercise, but over time it improves your muscles. Do you stretch or not stretch? Why or why not?
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: Fitness
Scary stuff
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A few months ago I had my first MRI exam. I’ve never liked being in cramped areas, but I didn’t think the test would bother me. Boy, was I wrong. The day of the exam I could feel my heart thumping harder and faster as the technician explained the test. My anxiety level increased when she told me I would be given a panic button to squeeze if I freaked out in the tube. I wasn’t halfway into the machine before I started squeezing and asked to be taken out. I finally completed the test, but I was surprised by my reaction. Apparently I’m not alone. Millions of Americans, it turns out, have phobias like mine. This week’s cover story offers relaxation tips and advice on what you can do to overcome your phobia permanently. Do you have phobias? What do you do to get over your fears?
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: General
Tests help women become survivors
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I have no immediate family members who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, for which I’m extremely grateful, but I know several people who have battled the disease and won. Fortunately, there are more people like them now than there used to be. In the mid-’70s, the five-year survival rate was 75 percent. That number jumped to 89 percent from 1996 to 2002. The death rate is still too high, but the good news is that advances in treatment are being made every day.
I have worked with some survivors in the past, and I met two more recently (you can find their stories on our index page http://ajc.com/health). I’m often struck by survivors’ strength, courage and determination to not only beat this disease for their own sake but to make sure others do, too.
Until there is a cure for breast cancer, the best thing you can do to combat the disease is get tested when you’re supposed to. Our story tells you how to do that and what to expect from the different exams. http://www.ajc.com/health/content/health/stories/2006/10/17/1018mammogram.html Some of the tests might be uncomfortable for a short time, but the minor pain is worth the effort and the peace of mind you’ll gain.
Are you a survivor? If you could tell women one thing about breast cancer what would it be?
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Family
How do you meditate?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’ve been doing yoga off and on for about 10 years. I’ve gone to studios, taken classes at gyms and practiced in my own home where I have a room dedicated to serenity. One problem I’ve always had is not being able to complete my practice with meditation. I just can’t turn my brain off.
I know meditation has been known to help treat ailments, reduce stress, achieve inner peace and promote a healthier lifestyle.
What type of meditation do you practice? What are the benefits you’ve seen?
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: Lifestyle
Taking the time to clean pays off
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I hate cleaning. I don’t know if it’s because as a child one of my chores included cleaning the bathroom, or just because I can think of a million things I’d rather do. But I have allergies and asthma, so it’s important to keep germs and dust mites at bay. Besides, I feel better in a clean house.
One of my challenges is finding the time to clean and figuring out what should get my attention first. Marilyn Black, chief scientist of Air Quality Sciences, an Atlanta-based indoor air quality research and testing firm, says there are a few basic tasks we should do weekly, if not twice a week: dust flat surfaces, and vacuum and wash all surfaces we come into contact with daily.
Our cover story http://ajc.com/healthoffers you some cleaning tips, including some recipes for natural cleaning products, and a chart to see how many calories you can burn while cleaning. Having a clean house might not keep you from ever getting sick, but it can’t hurt. Besides, if you stick to a regular schedule, it won’t seem daunting the next time you have company.
Does your inner Monk come out when you are cleaning? What is your favorite room to clean?
Permalink | | Categories: Lifestyle
Ask the questions about your eyes, nail down the facts
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I wore glasses for 27 years. Three years ago, I took the plunge and had LASIK surgery. The decision wasn’t made lightly.
I was tired of wearing glasses and contacts, but I had a certain comfort level with them. That wasn’t the case with LASIK.
After a lot of research — including advice from my aunt who is an optometrist and conversations with others who had undergone the procedure — I decided the positive impact it could have on my life was worth the risk of surgery.
There was still much I was apprehensive about, including the possibility of dry eyes, the “halo effect” that some people experience and, of course, the risk that I could lose my vision.
I also was concerned about choosing the right physician. After talking with my aunt and getting recommendations from people who had the surgery and doing additional research on my own, I chose a doctor.
Lots of people perform LASIK surgery today, so it’s crucial to do your homework if you’re contemplating this sophisticated procedure. Our cover story http://www.ajc.com/health/content/health/index.html provides some questions you’ll want to ask before choosing a surgeon.
My advice: Cheaper isn’t always the best way to go.
LASIK turned out to be a good thing for me, but’s it’s not for everybody. Sometimes your eyes aren’t suited for it or the risks seem too great. The important thing at any point, however, is to make sure you ask a lot of questions.
Permalink | Comments (7) | Categories: Family
.JPG)
-1.JPG)
Services »
