An important thing to remember about pain is that it is a symptom of something gone wrong. If you take medicines to mask the pain or dull the pain, be sure that first you understand where it is coming from and if it needs further investigation. If you fall or are hit by a tossed ball, you can correlate the pain with the act. If the pain is more severe than the act would predispose it to be – there could be underlying damage that needs to be investigated. Or if the pain increases over the next few days rather than abates, that could indicate a more serious problem. The rule is to listen to your body. Pay attention to where the pain is, how severe it is, if it changes and if it radiates to other parts of your body.

Some pain needs to be taken very seriously and there should be no delay in seeking help Two examples are a sudden headache never experienced before and crushing chest pain.

Any pain that you cannot correlate to a reason or an action should be brought to the attention of a health care provider.   As we become more active in the spring and summer months – many of these aches are to be expected. Moving muscles that were inactive all winter can cause discomfort. But if you are calmly trimming the bushes and get a crushing chest pain that sends you flat to the ground…that is not to be expected.

If you do experience chest pain that you think is your heart, take two aspirin and call for an ambulance. Do not attempt to drive yourself to the emergency room. Statistics show that those who survive a heart attack are the ones treated by paramedics on the way to the emergency room.

The rule for muscle sprains and strains is to use RICE therapy. Rest Ice Compress Elevate. Always use ice for the first 72 hrs of an injury – not heat. Ice will reduce the swelling and the inflammation. If possible wrap the injured muscle in an ace bandage, elevate and put ice on. And Rest…let the muscle heal.

All that said…enjoy the outdoor and take some long walks in our beautiful park system.

I am excited to be participating with the It Works products. These products are all natural organic ingredients. I am personally using several products. I cannot believe the new energy level I have using the ‘greens’ The ‘Greens’ give you your daily eight servings of greens and an unwarranted amount of energy. Check out these products at ItWorks.com and you will be amazed.

Dr. Cheng is finding this medicinal herb useful to relieve the side effects of chemo-therapy.  He is also seeing some enhancement effect when this drug is given with chemo to colon cancer patients.

Other herbs being studied are frankincense, rose laurel, heliotrope, and St. John’s wort.  I am very enthused by this research.  Because, much of the herbal medicines are not controlled in terms of dose; this research should help with more formulated and therefore more consistent applications.

We have decided on a line of supplements to help with appetite suppression and energy enhancement it is called “It Works”.  Saturday April 21, we are having an open house at 2pm to show this line and answer any questions you may have.

Join us for what looks to be a very informative and fun afternoon!

Somewhere in a patch of ground near you..even if it is a pot of dirt on your window sill..plant some kitchen herbs. Fresh herbs which are handy for cooking will encourage you to make some fresh soups, salads and sauces. It doesn’t take up very much room to have a herb garden.

And if you are a tomato lover like me, now is the time to set those seeds indoors to ensure ripe garden tomatoes in July.

Spring also means time for baseball…see you at the Nats Park!

We are currently looking at the benefits of ‘holy basil’ in our weight management program. Come in and discuss this with us. Holy basil has been used in India for thousands of years. It was primarily used to achieve a state of relaxation to aid in meditation practices.

One of the biggest problems with using herbs in the US is that the quality is not regulated. This means that you will achieve a different reaction to the herb depending upon company which prepared and packaged it. We are finding that the products prepared in Germany have the most consistent dose per unit. But we continue to explore this and will keep you informed.

Also remember that while the medicinal herbs are less potent than the chemical drugs they still have side effects and interact with other herbs and drugs you are using. Please check with us before starting any medicinal herb therapy. And when you come in bring all your current drugs and herbs being taken on a regular basis.

I just saw a FB comment from her that said she was in a crowd that was tear-gased. Please light a candle for Dr. Darwish, the Egyptian people, and people everywhere who continue to fight for human rights and living dignities.

The difference between those who are strongly affected and those who are not is simply a matter of how the stress is managed. Everyone has some degree of stress in their lives. How we react to this stress is our design.

Stress – anxiety about the future and discomfort about the past. The simple answer is to live in the present moment – thus avoiding the distress of the past/future. The key is how to accomplish that.

Studies have shown that daily practitioners of meditation, yoga or tai chi have brain changes evidenced in MRIs.
Meditation and the two ‘moving meditations’ yoga and tai chi cause the practitioner to be in the present moment.
There are many beginner and advanced level groups of these disciplines. Check out ‘meetup.com’ for a group near your work or home.

Be pro-active in your quest to manage stress. Talk to me about it at our next visit.

Regarding my resolution – I have not managed to walk everyday. I am averaging about 4X a week. I have had several good hikes. My last hike was in the Bull Run Marina. It is about a 6.5 mile hike with some good hills.
This ‘winter’ has been delightfully mild and excellent for hikes.

The best way to keep you skin moist is from the inside.  Drink extra water in the winter. Also, wet skin absorbs deeper than dry skin.  So when you finish your shower and BEFORE you dry off apply a mild oil onto your skin..one without additives.  Baby oil is good or an unscented lotion.  Then towel dry and reapply a lotion.  I like to use olive oil with an added aromatic oil.  If you can drink it, it must be safe for the skin, eh?

Try getting a humidifier for your bedroom.  Sleeping in too dry air can cause morning headaches and non-restful sleep.  Pay particular attention to your feet in the winter.  Be sure to scrap away dead skin and moisturize.

Use a moisturizer every night on your face, neck and hands just before you go to sleep.  Lack of activity will promote absorption.

If you suffer from winter eczema,  when you shower use soap only on the exogenous zones – arm pits and perineum.  Soap is irritating to skin and very drying.  Use only mild soap.

Am trying to keep up with my walking resolution.  Will report in at the end of the month.

My resolution is to get out and walk everyday..even in the rain and snow. I’ll let you know how it progresses. I am reading a book titled “A Walk in the Woods” by Bill Bryson. It is an old book..about his experience walking the Appalacian Trail in 1996. I remember that year the DC area had record snow falls and the beginning of his hike was filled with snow in Georgia. He has inspired me to return to my walks and hikes. Hiking in the woods is filled with alternating moments of peace and terror. You never know what is around the bend until you get there.

Happy New Year to each of you. 2012 is a blank page – fill it with whatever brings you joy.

This season take hold of each moment – each precious moment – knowing it will never be repeated and squeeze out all the joy you can. Sing silly songs, dance on your front sidewalk, embrace your life. Live each day with exceptional exuberance.
When you wish for Peace on Earth..remember that peace starts with you. Be peace. Live peace.
This is my holiday wish for each of you.