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There has been a lot of buzz about bird flu or the avian influenza and how it could become a global pandemic. What would a pandemic really mean? The federal government just launched a 7 billion dollar program to help the prevention and out break of a bird flu pandemic. There have only been 83 deaths from avian flu worldwide since 2003. Health experts have not yet seen evidence of human to human transmission. So what does it mean? And why is everyone so worried about a pandemic?

This new strain of flu virus would be more resistant than other normal flu strains and if it turns into a form that passes easily from person to person, we would have little immunity to it. Millions could become ill and millions would die. Once it starts to spread it could move rapidly around the world infecting millions and affecting the lives of everyone. The World Bank, which has estimated that a bird flu pandemic lasting a year could, cost the global economy up to $800 billion. The economic toll on the world economy will be catastrophic. What is the worst-case scenario and how might it develop?

Here is how a bird flu pandemic might unfold:

Outbreaks of avian flu in birds continue in several additional countries outside of Southeast Asia including Russia, Africa and the Middle East
Human cases of bird flu increase
Health experts confirm first human-to-human transmissions
Flu screening is stepped up at airports around the world for passengers coming from infected countries
Health care workers show signs of increased exposure
Air travel spreads virus to all corners of the globe within 3 months
First confirmed human transmission cases appear in Europe Russia, and the United States
Outbreaks continue, becoming more widespread reaching epidemic status
Regional stockpiles of antivirals quickly dwindle, new high volume production and distribution is 6 months off
International flights are reduced or eliminated to help contain spread of the flu
Billions are lost on international commerce, affecting millions of jobs around the world
US imports from Asian factories halted as Asian workers fall ill, US inventories drop
International trade devastated
US economy feels effects of loss of productivity due to millions of workers out sick
Financial markets hit by panic selling, gold prices soar
Run on banks as investors convert to cash
Hospitals see surge in flu patients overwhelming staff and supplies, only those most likely to live given access to limited available ventilators
Healthcare workers and first responders out sick or stay home to care for ill family members
Public events are canceled and schools are closed
Government offices closed, non essential services shut down
Social services reduced or eliminated. Services still functioning are overwhelmed
Public transportation halted
Air traffic halted due to air traffic controllers, airport staff and flight crews out sick
Interstate commerce greatly reduced with truck drivers, warehouse and rail workers out sick
Food deliveries, gas deliveries, other essential supplies all reduced or eliminated
Grocery stores close due to shipments being eliminated
Food distribution chain from farm to stores breaks down
Travel restricted, quarantines mandatory, enforced by National Guard
Widespread looting and riots over food shortages and access to healthcare
Local, State police and National Guard overwhelmed
Social structure breaks down
Domestic violence increases as people are forced to stay home
Loss of workers affects all businesses across the economy, including finance, sanitation, utilities, internet, distribution, energy, retail, tourism and travel
Utility outages increase as coal shipments are reduced and minimum required staffs at power plants and water plants are out sick
Funeral homes are overwhelmed as bodies stack up
2nd wave of pandemic bird flu hits
Global economy will take years to recover from catastrophic losses and loss of trained employees who died

Does the above scare you? Think it won’t happen? Well this is the exact scenario your local, state and federal governments are training and planning for. How would you survive? It has always been recommended to keep 3 days of supplies on hand to survive a natural disaster. We have seen how the federal government handles natural disasters. The above scenario isnít for 3 days or 3 weeks. It might last up to 3 years.

How would you survive being housebound for several months? What if you couldn’t go to work or to the grocery store? What if you had love ones that were sick? You need to stay informed about a possible bird flu pandemic and learn how to provide for yourself and your family. It may not happen in the near future but health experts agree it will happen. It is just a matter of time.

TJ Smith writes about avian flu and the coming pandemic.To stay up to date on avian influenza, bird flu and the h5n1 virus visit The Bird Flu Index birdfluindex.com birdfluindex.com. Find links to bird flu websites, blogs, forums, official medical and government sites and full information about how the bird flu could turn into a global influenza pandemic. Search through the article archive for the latest bird flu articles.
For the latest bird flu news and the coming pandemic visit The Pandemic Zone pandemiczone.blogspot.com pandemiczone.blogspot.com.

There are many different ways to acquire bee pollen as a dietary supplement, and just about as many different bee pollen dosages and forms are around. Bee pollen is available in capsule form, tablets, and granules. One can even locate powder and liquids, salve, tincture and bee pollen cream. Each tablet is generally 500 – 1000 mg of bee pollen and is administered with meals in the amount of two tablets. One granule of bee pollen generally contains anywhere from 500, 000 to five million live pollen spores.

Natural Bee Pollen Dosage

There are a select number of options for one who wishes to add bee pollen to their diet. The best method for adding bee pollen to your natural diet is to find a source of raw honey. This honey is considerably different than that which you would find on a grocery store shelf. The appearance of raw honey is very cloudy and is plentiful in suspended bee pollen.

Raw honey is often hard to find but you can often put in a request at your local honeybee farm and they will provide you with raw honey. The cost is less than that of the honey you buy in a grocery store due to not having to refine the honey. Raw honey is complete with all the pollens and nutrients found in other forms of bee pollen. There is no set bee pollen dosage for raw honey.

Bee Pollen can not be synthetically reproduced by man made means, therefore, all bee pollen that you may research to find which is best suited for you, will not ever be synthetically made.

How long does it take for bee pollen dosage to take affect in my system?

It makes no difference if you are taking granules, capsules, tables or gelatines the absorption rate is the same. It generally takes around two and a half hours to be effectively introduced into the bloodstream.

Are all bee pollen dosages affordable?

Yes! Bee pollen granules are generally sold by the ounce or pound, depending on your location. A one-pound bad usually costs in the neighbourhood of $25. The recommended dosage for preventative measures are an eighth to a quarter teaspoon, one to three times a day. Granule dosage generally increases over a month to two-month period.

Capsules and tablets alike contain, as mentioned above, 500 – 1000 mg of bee pollen. A bottle containing 100 capsules or tablets costs on average, $6 – 9.00 per bottle. The recommended preventative measure is a suggested dosage is two capsules of 450 – 580 mg, either three or four times a day. That specific dosage times three is what is required for therapeutic purposes. Be sure to store your bee pollen of any kind, in a cool place, as heat will make the bee pollen lose it potency.

The product we personally use for our bee pollen is the most natural source we have come across – bee-health-product.com bee-health-product.com

We have been using this supplement for over 3 years with excellent health results. We have achieved a general sense of well being and new improved energy levels.

We highly recommend you check out our bee-health-product.com bee pollen supplement of choice for further information.

John Gibb runs a series of health websites; we offer a free health book for subscribers to our websites newsletter. We cover everything you need to know on nutrition and how to improve your general overall health. Check out our nutritional-supplement-guides.com/nut-ebook.html nutrition e-book, for more information on our nutrition book.

At the cellular level of the body’s metabolic processes, lies the vital functions of the Minerals we take into our body. At this level, the enzymes, hormones, and cells feed on minerals to help them regulate the body’s various activities. This activity help in the contractions of the muscles and our heart beating rate is maintained. Generally, Minerals promote health and muscle sculpting activities. You will need a good knowledge of this to help you administer your diets accordingly.

There are over 20 minerals that can help our muscle sculpting exercises to flourish. We will take a look at some of them to find out which type of minerals gives a particular function to the body and what food item is necessary to produce each of the mineral nutrient. Here are some of them:

Calcium: The main function of calcium in the body is strengthening the nerves, bones and the teeth. Helps to stop clotting of the blood. Calcium is supplied by leguminous plants, diary products such as skimmed milk, cheese, and eggs.

Phosphorus: This mineral also strengthens the teeth and bones and suppliers a little amount of energy to the body. The mineral is got from such food items as meats, poultry, fish, and grains.

Sodium: Mostly found in food and supplied by our common salt in the combination of sodium chloride. It helps in maintaining balance and keeps the functioning of the electrolytic actions performed in the body by the neurons.

Sulfur: Sulfur helps in the promotion of strong body tissues such as the tendons, cartilages, and other connective tissues. Sulphur is supplied by all food items that gives protein to the body.

Potassium: This is one of the common minerals that help maintain balance of acids in the body, as well as contractions of the muscles. Potassium comes from grains, fruits, nuts, and plants.

Iodine: The main function of Iodine is regulation of the hormones in the thyroid glands, which helps the overall body metabolism. Iodine comes from diary products such as meat, egg, fish and all other grains that gives protein.

Magnesium: This mineral nutrients helps in the releasing of energy while promoting the healthiness of the bones. It comes from food items like grains, soyabeans, green vegetation etc.

Silicon minerals: It aids the prevention of heart diseases and helps the connective tissues as well. It comes from potable drinking water.

Cobalt: Cobalt is supplied by Vitamins B-12 which you can get from green vegetation. It helps the proper functioning of B-12 in the body.

Chromium: This is a mineral contents that comes from meats, skins of apples, yeast, and so on. It complements the work of insulin in the blood.

There are other minerals that i did not mention here that is worth your consideration. This you can get to know by reading articles like this one online or get a free report by subscribing to the ezines that supply this information.

A look at the vitamins will reveal that the functions of these various vitamins complements the muscles. Thus the overall activities of these contents helps a body builder to reach his goal if he is giving his body the needed Vitamin necessary for his muscle sculpting activity.

Joe Okoro writes about Muscle Sculpting, fitness and Body building in his free reports. You can sign up for his courses and get additional information by visiting: musclesculptingonline.com musclesculptingonline.com

In a previous article, I mentioned the weight loss mantra of “Eat Less… Move More” and I wrote about how to choose the diet plan that could help you eat less. In this article I will discuss the “move more” part of the equation.

Starting and maintaining an adequate exercise program really is the “magic pill’ which will jump start your weight loss program and make it easy to maintain your new weight after you reach your goal.

If you are not exercising on a regular basis, check with your Doctor first, he or she can give you guidance on what types of exercise would be safe for you to start with. Start small, doing just a little is far better that doing nothing.

Almost without fail, those who lose weight without including exercise, take a lot longer to reach their goal, they are also the ones most likely to regain all of the weight they lost and possibly even more.

What are the excuses for not exercising?

Can’t afford expensive equipment… there are many exercises that require no equipment.

Can’t afford to join health club… there are many exercises that do not require belonging to a health club.

Don’t have time…y ou can exercise in small time increments, as little as 5 minutes at a time, 5 or 6 times a day, while not the preferred method, can still be effective.

Possibly the easiest, least expensive and one of the most effective exercise programs is simply walking. Nature gave us all of the equipment we need, all you need to add is a good pair of walking shoes, and the determination to improve your health. You don’t have to start with a long walk or a fast walk. If you are not walking now, no matter how much you start with will be more than you were doing. If you are really out of shape, maybe only 5 minutes is all you can do at once, that’s okay, do 5 minutes today, 6 minutes the next day and so on.

Here are some easy ways to start walking more, without thinking about it:

Park at the back of the mall parking lot.
Park a few blocks away from work, or get off the bus a few stops early.

Use the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.
You should shoot for 20-30 minutes as a minimum and really as long as you have time for. You should try to get up to about a mile in twenty minutes, this will be brisk enough to get you breathing faster and start burning calories. if you can’t carry on a conversation, you are walking too fast.

Here are some of the health benefits that a walking program can deliver:

Walking conditions your heart and lungs, helps your body use oxygen efficiently. Helps reduce weight by burning fat and building muscle. Burns almost as many calories as running, but is much lower impact, therefore it is much easier on muscles and joints. Helps relieve stress, contributes to better sleep and overall wellness. Boasts the lowest drop out rate of any form of exercise, you are more likely to stick with it.

If you find that you get bored with walking, make a game out of it… how far is it to the next city or town from you? Keep a mileage log, when you have walked that distance mark it off on a map, by the time you get all of the way across the your country, you will probably have reached your weight loss goal, and be much healthier to boot. Listen to music or the news as you walk. If the weather gets cold where you live you may want to invest in a tread mill.

In addition to aerobic exercise, most programs should include at least some light weight lifting. Recent tests have shown that senior citizens who participate in some type of strength training or weight lifting program, have fewer broken bone, have more flexibility, are in better overall health, and live longer, there must be a message there. If you are starting a weight lifting program or strength training, it is very important that you follow correct form find a coach, or invest in a book or video to show you the proper technique. Shop at Mega Fitness – the Exercise Equipment Superstore! for books and videos. Or for a complete web-based program for women, check out the very popular Denise Austin Fit Forever site.

For extensive information check this site:

ACE Get You Moving
The American Council on Exercise (ACE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the benefits of physical activity and protecting consumers against unsafe and ineffective fitness products and instruction. For more information on ACE and its programs, call (800) 825-3636, or go to their Web site.

Which is best, aerobic exercise or weight training? Whether you’re trying to lose weight, get into shape, or just stay healthy, both types of exercise are important for different reasons. Aerobic, exercise conditions your heart and lungs, helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and improves your endurance. Weight, or strength, training helps prevent the loss of muscle, and helps build new lean muscle that burns more calories by improving and keeping your metabolism going. Loss of muscle occurs naturally as you grow older. With strength training, you’ll stay strong, and maintain good posture.

Tips for maintaining your exercise program:

Try to get in 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three to five times a week, and 20 minutes of weight lifting two or three times a week.

Set aside a convenient, consistent time. Some people prefer early morning, an added benefit of early morning workouts is they tend to burn more fat calories. Others find that evening works best.

Do exercises that you enjoy, walking, swimming, biking, weight lifting, circuit training etc. are all great for your weight loss program.

Stick with it… it takes 21 days in a row of doing something, to form a new habit.

After you’ve reached your weight loss goal, keep up the exercise program, this will enable you to easily maintain your weight loss, with the added benefit of a healthier and less stressed you.

“To Your Health”

Jim Newell

Please visit ToYourHealth101.com ToYourHealth101.com for current and timely health & wellness information, links to other health & wellness sites, and to subscribe to our monthly newsletter.

Jimmie Newell is the webmaster for ToYourHealth101.com To YourHealth101.com, a health & wellness website, featuring editorials, tips, information and links addressing many of the health issues of today.

Root canal headaches can be extremely painful; so much so that they may deprive you of your sleep. They are mostly caused due to a flawed root canal treatment, or any new infection that sets in after sometime since placing the crown/completing the root canal treatment. Often, in order to stop the pain, you are forced to resort to a regular dose of pain killers for some relief. However, it is best not to consume pain killers for too long and you should seek medical attention quickly.

To further understand how root canal headaches are caused, here is a brief look at the cause and procedure of root canal treatment itself. Root canal – as the term indicates – is a treatment methodology to cure the infection that sets in the canal of a human tooth. The damage can be the result of an untreated cavity, gum disease or trauma to the tooth, but if left untreated, the infection could affect the nerves and kills the dental pulp, and spread to the other parts of the mouth, destroying the jaw bone and leading to other complications, even to a life threatening extend. If you do not do a root canal treatment, there is not other choice left, but to remove the damaged tooth.

The root canal treatment involves removing all the affected pulp, bacteria, puss, and any other decay from the cavities of the damaged tooth and filling the resulting space with neutral, medicated dental materials; so that, after the treatment, the tooth can stand on its own and perform almost all of its normal functions as if it were a live tooth. The entire procedure of root canal treatment may involve 3-4 sittings with an endodontist, and it may cost a few hundred to thousands of dollars, depending upon the complexity of the situation.

If everything goes fine and the root canal treatment nearly perfect, the tooth will cure within a week’s time and it will function almost normally as any other tooth. But if the dentist or endodontist, who had performed the cleaning of the canals, failed to cleanout the canals fully or missed a canal by accident, the infection or bacteria within the canals remains, and within few days, it’ll again spread to the jaw bone or nearby tooth, resulting in uncontrollable pain. If someone who has recently undergone a root canal treatment feels persisting pain in the operated tooth that increases in intensity with time, it can be a budding root canal headache, and hence must consider consulting a specialist immediately.

The treatment for root canal headache includes antibiotics to kill the inflammation and pain, and a second root canal treatment to cleanout the newly set in infection.

Tail Piece: Root canal headache is more of a common man’s slang than a technical term. Medical science often refer it as the headache due to a miscarried out root canal treatment.

Overconsumption of drugs for headache relief can result in rebound headaches and worsening migraines. Get more information on naturalheadacheremedies.com natural headache remedy or remedies here on this site at naturalheadacheremedies.com www.naturalheadacheremedies.com

A vital part of any professional gym – and a growing resource for home gyms – are commercial fitness machines. Commercial fitness equipment is designed to provide a variety of programs to appeal to a broad range of users. These machines are fixtures in exercise facilities, and home gym owners are more frequently purchasing one or more of these professional exercise machines to expand their personal gym. Either new or used, commercial fitness equipment is costly, and you should consider your personal needs before making such a purchase.

On of the most common commercial fitness machines in residential gyms is the treadmill. Before purchasing your own, though, you should realize that the work done on a treadmill is less productive than actually running outdoors. The belt of the machine helps to pull your feet along and reduces the amount of energy you would typically expend.

Also, consider the hundreds of dollars you’ll spend on a single piece of commercial equipment, even if it’s used or refurbished. You could elect to run outside on sidewalks and roads for free. Some machines provide an exercise that you may not have readily available, such as the rowing machine. In such cases, the purchase may be a very smart decision, but before making such an important decision you should think about what machines you truly need. Can you get a comparable workout without the use of such an expensive, specialized piece of equipment?

Some people may find themselves with a real need for a piece of commercial fitness equipment. Maybe you have an injury and need the adjusted difficulty that a machine can provide. Maybe your city doesn’t provide much of a location for scenic runs. Either way, begin your search for personal equipment on the Internet. Research fitness equipment and determine which machine is most suited to your individual needs. An elliptical may be a better choice for someone with a history of knee injury. Or, maybe a home gym would be ideal since you are trying to build more muscle. No matter what your fitness goal, a perfect solution exists for your individual needs.

i-FitnessEquipment.com Fitness Equipment provides detailed information on Fitness Equipment, Commercial Fitness Equipment, Fitness Equipment Financing, Used Fitness Equipment and more. Fitness Equipment is affiliated with i-homegyms.com Best Home Gyms.

For information on Acupuncture it is best to surf the Internet. There are a lot of sites that will help you to learn more about this subject. You can also get information on schools for Acupuncture for those interested in studying this form of treatment. Along with this one gets an idea about the definition, scope and practical hands-on use.

If you are looking to study this subject then the Internet will throw up details like fees and course structure along with the qualifications required to undergo this training. These days Acupuncture is given the status of legal medical practice and has found favor with a large number of people. There are various sites that sponsor Acupuncture schools around the globe with different Accreditation Associations that will impart more knowledge about his field.

Basically this line of treatment looks at treating the digestive system, the circulatory system, the muscular and the nervous system. It covers up to 40 disorders like neck and shoulder pain, food allergies, asthma, emphysema and indigestion among others. Today, it is being extended to the treatment of the nose, throat, eye and ear problems as well.

Acupuncture is a treatment that uses fine needles with or without electrodes attached which aims at giving relief from pain and helps cure problems of various types. This type of treatment is Chinese by origin and has been used for the last 3000 years though there are those who peg it at 5000.

The basis of this treatment is that the body has an energy force that goes through it called the Qi, pronounced ‘chee’. It works together with the Yin and the Yang of the human system. So if the Qi is upset or disrupted, it also sends the Yin and the Yang out of synch. In other words the person is then termed as being unwell. Acupuncture looks to restore this balance. According to this form of treatment, the body needs to be in harmony and in a state of perfect balance in order to be perfectly healthy.

This field is a good career option for those interested in humane activities. Like doctors, acupuncturists are also required to know human physiology in detail, as also all the systems of the human body. There are also psychological problems like depression, stress and anxiety which can be cued by Acupuncture. The pain felt during the menstrual cycle, drug, nicotine and alcohol dependence etc can also be successfully treated.

For those interested in pursuing this course in the US, check out the laws and regulations for the state of your choice for Acupuncture courses. Look for those that are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. They too can answer a lot of questions that you may have. But it makes more sense to check out schools in your own country as then the costs involved will not be too much. The web is a great place for you to get all the required information.

To learn more about

There has been an explosion of interest in learning the facts about the B3 vitamin. So, without further adieu, let’s delve into this essential vitamin for optimum health and well-being. Let’s begin with some overall facts about the B3 vitamin, and then we will provide you with information on its health enhancing benefits.

The B3 vitamin, also called niacin, is a water soluble vitamin and a proud member of the B-complex family.

The body can manufacture its own vitamin B3 using the amino acid tryptophan. However, if you are deficient in vitamins B1, B2, and B6 you will not be able to produce vitamin B3 from tryptophan.

A deficiency in the B3 vitamin eventually leads to a disease known as pellagra. Other symptoms of B3 niacin deficiency include depression, insomnia, canker sores, fatigue, diarrhea, dementia, dizziness, indigestion, loss of appetite, low blood sugar, skin eruptions, muscular weakness, irritability, limb pains, and headaches.

Best food sources of the B3 vitamin include prunes, figs, dates, avocados, poultry (white meat), roasted peanuts, eggs, fish, lean meat, liver, wheat germ, brewer’s yeast, and whole wheat products.

Facts about the B3 vitamin: Why is it needed?

The B3 vitamin is essential for the following:

Healthy nervous system.
Healthy brain function.
Healthy digestive system.
Healthy skin.
Healthy blood cells.
Essential for proper circulation.
Aids in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
Essential for normal growth and development.
Needed for the synthesis of various hormones, including sex hormones.
Helps to control blood-sugar levels.
Critical to releasing energy from carbohydrates.

Facts about the B3 vitamin: Niacin has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

High cholesterol and triglycerides.
Diabetes.
Headaches.
Schizophrenia and other mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety.
Acne (topical niacinamide).
Fatigue.
Intermittent claudication.
Raynaud’s disease.

Facts about the B3 vitamin: Supplemental Forms

The B3 vitamin is available as a supplement in either niacin (nicotinic acid or nicotinate) or niacinamide (nicotinamide) forms. These have different applications, and, as such, you will need to consult a physician. In addition, there is a newer form of niacin called inositol hexaniacinate.

Most multivitamins and B-complex supplements provide the RDA for niacin. However, individual niacin supplements are typically used for therapeutic dosages to treat specific health conditions.

In addition, it’s important to note that the B vitamins work as a team. Therefore, it is not recommended that you take a single B vitamin unless instructed by a physician.

Facts about the B3 vitamin: Side Effects and Precautions

Taking too much niacin in the form of nicotinic acid may cause what is known as the “niacin flush.” It is usually harmless, characterized by a red rash that appears on the skin and a tingling sensation may be experienced as well. However, niacinamide and inositol hexaniacinate does not cause the “niacin flush.”

In addition, large or megadoses of niacin supplements can cause abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, ulcers, and intense itching. Liver damage and a rise in blood sugar (glucose) that mimics diabetes are also signs of an overdose of niacin.

If you suffer from diabetes, low blood pressure, glaucoma, gout, liver disease, ulcers or a bleeding disorder, check with your physician before taking any niacin. Why? This is because niacin supplements may aggravate these heath conditions.

In fact, it’s important for everyone to speak to their physician before taking any type of dietary supplements.

Cindy Amorin is the chief editor of

In alleviating sore wrists, sore hands and other recurrent tendonitis and irritated neurology, symptoms often attributed to Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI) and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), we look at the cause not the symptoms.

We find that the basic cause of many forms of CTS, wrist Pain are what we call, Repetitive Muscle Stress, reactive muscle imbalances. That is muscles not working together and communicating with the brain. The tendon, joint, and nerve injury is secondary.

Remember, Muscles pull bones; bones do not pull on muscles.

The bottom line cause of CTS, Wrist Pain is the muscles in the forearm get very stressed, tight and pulls on the Carpal Tunnel, which eventually collapses.

The stress on the wrist will begin to irritate and injure the tendons and nerves passing through the wrist area, greatly increasing the pain intensity. In time the injury may become so intense that you will be unable to use your fingers.

What is a Reactive Muscle?

Reactive muscles are muscles that weaken when another muscle, the reactor, is activated. The weakened muscles can lead to muscle pain, and the overly strong reactor muscles can cause tendon and joint pain.

Reactive muscle combinations may be created by sudden injury or by repetitive muscle movements (as found in playing musical instruments, using computer keyboards, etc.).

Muscles play a tug of war with each other. They have to learn to work together and communicate with the brain.

A Grocery Store Check-out Clerk suffered constant pain in her shoulders and couldn’t raise her arms to put pullover sweaters on or off. She also had severe wrist pain. Going through the movements involved in a checkout procedure, sliding packages along the counter with one hand while punching cash register keys with the other triggered multiple reactive muscle imbalances. Correcting these muscle imbalances relieved the pain and enabled her to raise her hands over her head. This also deleted the stress in her wrist.

A Creative Musician, who was recording her own compositions using a synthesizer keyboard, was so troubled with pains in her arms and wrists that she was unable to continue her recording sessions. Resting for several days at a time was no help; since whenever she went back to playing the keyboard, the problems would return.

We had her sit down and mimic playing the keyboard and corrected the resulting reactive muscle imbalances. Her pain level was much reduced.

She telephoned a couple of days later to tell us she was feeling better and better, and had started up her recording sessions again.

Muscles are the missing link to our aches and pains.

Visit lovinglife.org Lovinglife.org for tips and tools for stress management and pain management.
Visit my blog at lovinglifehealth.org lovinglifehealth.org Elizabeth Barhydt is a Muscle-Brain Therapist.

The symptoms of perimenopause can begin ten or fifteen years before menopause begins. There are many symptoms that you could experience during this time. Perimenopause usually begins after the age of 50. Some common symptoms include:

• Shorter or longer periods each month. Some women may also miss a few periods. Since menopause signifies the end of menstrual periods, if you miss a few and then have your period again, chances are, you are experiencing perimenopause.

• Less sex drive. You may experience less of a need to be sexually active. This is due to hormone changes or when sexual intercourse becomes painful. If there is pain, you can use a lubricant to help decrease this pain.

• Mood swings. This can occur at any time during one’s life, but during perimenopause, you may experience mood swings more often.

• Forgetfulness. This can occur as the body begins to produce less estrogen. Taking vitamin B and other vitamins to counteract the loss of estrogen may help.

These are just a few of the many symptoms you may have during perimenopause. Some women do not have many symptoms at all, while others may exhibit all of them. This seems to be genetic. If your mother had symptoms, chances are you will also. Exercise and diet are ways to help you adjust to life changes. Keep living a healthy, active life and these symptoms will not seem so bad. Ask a doctor for advice about vitamin supplements and other advice concerning perimenopause.

Jeanette Pollock is a freelance author and website owner of menopausedomain.com menopausedomain.com. Visit Jeanette’s site to learn more about menopausedomain.com/2006/08/15/perimenopause/ perimenopause.