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The Diet Solution Review

Health and Muscle — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 16:02:02 +0000

The Diet Solution Program Review

Official Website : www.TheDietSolutionProgram.com
Program Author: Isabel De Los Rios
Price $39.97

About The Author: Isabel De Los Rios

The Diet Solution Program is the creation of certified nutritionist Isabel De Los Rios. De Los Rios is the author of “The Diet Solution Program” and the owner of New Body, the New Jersey fitness and nutrition center. De Los Rios graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in exercise physiology, she is also an accredited Holistic Nutrition Coach, certified by the Corrective Holistic Exercise Kinesiology (C.H.E.K) institute in San Diego.

The Diet Solution Program Overview

The Diet Solution’s core philosophy is based on the metabolic typing principle . Once you answer a series of questions you’ll be able to determine which type you are, each of the types has a specific dietary approach. The types are split up into carbohydrate, protein or mixed, once you’ve completed the body type analysis and questionnaire you’re then able to progress to choosing your diet.

NOTE: Detailed meal plans form a large part of The Diet Solution and each body type is given a comprehensive meal plan to follow. You receive over 20 individual full days of meals and snacks for every body type with dozens of recipes.

There’s a clear focus on health with The Diet Solution Program, probably stemming from De Los Rios background as a certified nutritionist, typical packaged snacks are not encouraged, in fact De Los Rios is clearly no fan of the diet industry as a whole, choosing to shun processed foods and quick fix diets.

The Mental Aspect & Long Term Approach Issue

Those following the program will find De Los Rios approach is about re-programming the relationship with food, an entire chapter is dedicated to why people overeat and how to train your mind for long term fat loss and health.

It would be fair to say this isn’t a quick fix diet , De Los Rios makes no claims such as ” Lose 10lbs in 10 Days”, her approach is more subtle and long term. This isn’t a quick fix, De Los Rios states, this is more a life style change, a re-structure of your current dietary practises to a more healthy approach you can adhere to long term for optimal fat loss and health concurrently.

The Diet Solution Program Recommended Foods

Most junk foods if not all are not well looked upon, processed food snacks are replaced with nuts, fruits, raw vegetables and other vitamin and mineral nutrient dense food types. All bad fats, hydrogenated fat, sugary cereals, cakes, cookies and so forth are to be used very minimally if at all. Very mild alchohol intake in the form of a small glass of red wine is given a green light but only in limited amounts.

We are not able to give the exact foods prescribed as that depends entirely on which of the body types you fit into , this information is only available after taking the questionaire, but in general terms, all unhealthy foods are out, unprocessed, natural foods are in.

Those include, non starchy vegetables in abundance, some fruits (not all however), lean meat, fish and poultry, organic eggs, raw nuts , coconut oil and flaxseed. There is a comprehensive list of foods allowed for each body type, including detailed meal plans.

In terms of supplements, De Los Rios, is not a big fan of the supplement industry, recommendations tend to be minimal and focus around health based supplements, not fat loss supplements, those include green tea, fish oils and so forth. The idea is that by feeding yourself ample nutritious foods, many other supplements become less important.

The overall basis for the program is healthy eating , this isn’t for those looking for some ultra low carb temporary quick fix. Think more along the lines of 10-15 lbs in 6 weeks that stay off rather than 10-15lbs in 10 days that you balloon back up to after giving up on whatever extreme diet it is you’re following.

The Diet Solution Program Exercise Program

This is predominantly a fat loss nutrition program, however it does include 3 full exercise books which include instructions and photos of the type of exericise De Los Rios recommends, these tend to be a mix of cardiovascular exercises combined with resistance based interval training.

Costs and Format

The Diet Solution Program is currently $39.97. There is an upgrade package which includes a one on one consultation with the author and a number of additional audios and videos, this is currently $59. The book is presented with clear white pages, black text, easily printable, all pages are numbered, there are limited images. You can order / find more information here

Pro Points For The Diet Solution Program

Not a fad diet, the opposite. More a nutrition life style program, focusing on long term benefits, not quick fixes.
Founded in science but explained in laymans terms.
Customized meal plans based on Body types, not a one size fits all approach.
Emphasis on nutritious, nutrient rich vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins.
Focusses on healthy fats for fat loss purposes but also for improving heart , hair and overall health.
Numerous meal plans, easily adjustable based on bodyweight.
The diet allows for a huge variety of meals and variations with a lot of flavour from herbs and spices.
A useful quick start guide which allows the user to get directly into the diet straight off the bat.
Solid level of e-email support for dietary questions.

Negative Points For The Diet Solution

Probably the largest negative is this doesn’t cater to vegetarians to any great degree. In fact, it’s poor for vegetarians if you’re in the protein metabolic type.
Not a quick fix style diet. Large weight loss in 10 days is unlikely. The diet focusses on a mile calorie deficit , De Los Rios states that any large cut in calories causes a metabolic slowdown and therefore you struggle to lose more weight anyway.
Possible expenses on top of the cost of the program are healthy foods, for example De Los Rios prefers organic eggs to “normal” eggs.
Would have been nice to have seen a forum where all customers could chat about the program , but the e-mail support is acceptable and prompt, as was the one on one consultation found in the deluxe package upgrade.

Overall Conclusion For The Diet Solution Program.

The “DSP” favors a long term health orientated approach to fat loss, those looking for a quick fix diet may end up dissapointed. The program has a wealth of studies and data to support it’s approach and a seemingly endless number of success stories which can be found on The Diet Solution Program website. The nutrition plan is one of the healthiest we have seen, a strong core focus on vegetables, fruits, vitamin dense foods, lean proteins, select dairy produce and a clear approach to not expecting one diet to work for all body types.

There’s clearly a focus on overall health , intestinal, as well as reducing bloating, and other general medical conditions brought on by poor diet. The core approach is to improve the bodies overall ability to process foods by eating the right foods for your body type and metabolism.

The program has sound scientific research behind it, a sane diet and exercise element which won’t bore you to tears. It’s lack of vegetarian support is disappointing, but we liked the fact De Los Rios didn’t try to please everybody, she wrote a book that delivers and diluting it to accomodate a food choice that sits outside of her recommendations would have done it a disservice.

Overall we recommend The Diet Solution Program and are happy to do so, a very healthy diet, coupled with moderated exercise and a focus on improving your health whilst losing fat as part of an overall lifestyle approach gets the thumbs up from us here.

Click Here To Buy Or For More Details On The Diet Solution Program

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Patient information leaflet: muscle aches and pains

Health and Muscle — Fri, 21 May 2010 07:58:22 +0000

Patient Information Leaflet: Muscle Aches and Pains
www.chemistanddruggist.co.uk

General muscular aches and pains are often caused by either unaccustomed use or overuse of muscles.

However, more severe muscle pain accompanied by swelling and restricted movement may mean that muscles, tendons or ligaments have been damaged, torn, sprained or strained, possibly in a sports or other accidental injury.
Before treating, consider whether the problem is due to general aches or pains caused by overuse or something more serious, such as an injury. If an injury is involved, follow the RICE(R) approach immediately (see ‘Treatment tips’ further below).
When to see a pharmacist or other medical professional
Patients should see a pharmacist or other medical professional if:

the pain or ache is accompanied by serious loss of movement
the pain is severe, there is swelling or the area feels warm
the pain or discomfort has not improved after treatment
the problem is due to a back injury, or the pain is in the lower back and spreads to the legs
worsens during the day, such as knee or hip pain
there are other symptoms, such as morning joint stiffness, fever or numbness
if the muscular pain is associated with a medical condition
the patient is taking certain medicines known to be associated with muscle pains, such as treatments used to lower cholesterol levels
the person is a child or elderly – they may be more sensitive to some medicines
the sufferer is pregnant or breastfeeding, as certain medicines will not be suitable
the pain persists beyond seven days.

If any of these apply, investigation of muscle aches and pains by a health professional is recommended, even if it confirms there is nothing seriously wrong.
Treatment tips
General muscle aches, stiffness or soreness caused by overuse may be relieved by anti-inflammatory gels or ‘heat rubs’. Where general muscle soreness and stiffness are the problem, gentle exercise, massage and medicine help restore mobility. Avoid heat, alcohol, exercise or massage for the first 72 hours, as they may limit healing.
Check with a doctor or physiotherapist before starting heat treatments and physical activity to avoid the risk of further injury.
If back pain is the problem, the patient should make sure they adopt good posture and appropriate lifting techniques to prevent back ache in future.
Treatment tips for sprains, strains and soft tissue injuries
It is important to use what is known as ‘RICE(R)’ therapy in the first 48 hours following injuries, following an injury such as a sprain.
Each of the letters in ‘RICE(R)’ has a meaning as follows:

R – Rest: the patient should have no further exercise
I – Ice: apply ice or a bag of frozen vegetables, wrapped in a towel to protect the skin, for 10–30 minutes every two hours
C – Compress: wrap with a firm, elastic bandage, although this should be loosened if there is a sensation of tingling or numbness
E – Elevate: keep the injured limb raised on a chair or cushion
(R ) – Refer: see a doctor or physiotherapist for a precise diagnosis and ongoing care, as this will made a full recovery with less scarring more likely.

Treatment options
General muscle aches and pains can be relieved by a range of medicines, though it may be better to avoid certain medicines immediately following an injury first injured – so check this with a pharmacist.
Take pain relievers regularly for the first few days, rather than waiting for the pain to subside.
Oral pain relief medicines (analgesics)
Paracetamol, aspirin and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) relieve pain. Aspirin, ibuprofen and diclofenac also reduce inflammation (swelling).
Paracetamol is a safe choice for most people but it is important not to take more than recommended. It is an ingredient in many cold and flu remedies so if a patient is taking one these, it is essential to avoid taking a double dose.
The maximum daily dose of paracetamol for an adult is 4g (8 x 500mg tablets) – and no more than 1g (two tablets) every four hours.
Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are not suitable for everyone.
Children under 12 years old must not take aspirin because it can cause Reye’s syndrome, which is a serious condition. It should also be avoided by adolescents under 16 years old who have a viral illness. Children and young people under 14 years should not take diclofenac.
Patients should check with a pharmacist before taking aspirin or NSAIDs if they:

have a history of stomach problems, such as ulcers or indigestion
have asthma – some people with asthma find their condition is made worse by these types of medicines
have kidney problems or a heart condition
take other medications
have an allergy to aspirin or NSAIDs
are pregnant or breastfeeding
are elderly – older people may be at more risk of side effects
are dehydrated.

Aspirin and NSAIDs can cause side effects. If indigestion develops or the patient has unusual or increased bleeding or bruising they should stop taking these treatments and and talk to the pharmacist.
Topical NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
These are gels, creams, mousses or sprays applied direct to the affected area that contain benzydamine, diclofenac, felbinac, ibuprofen, ketoprofen or salicylic acid. They may help relieve general aches, sprains and strains, and are applied and rubbed gently over the affected area.

The medication can be absorbed into the bloodstream so it is important to check that NSAIDs are suitable for the patient (see above).
If large amounts of treatment are used or the patient is sensitive to NSAIDs, side effects may occur (see above). If the patient’s skin becomes irritated the treatment should be stopped.
Topical NSAIDs should not be applied to open wounds or the lips, or anywhere near the eyes, and whoever applies the treatment should wash their hands after use.

NSAIDs are not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or children.
Heat rubs and sprays (rubefacients)
This group of treatments contain methyl salicylicate, methyl nicotinate, capsicum, turpentile oil, camphor and menthol.
They work by masking pain by creating warmth in the area they are applied, and most should be massage-in for better effect. Heat sprays should not be massaged-in, however.

Heat rubs should not be applied to open wounds, eyes, mouth or nose. In some patients they may irritate the skin, and their use should be stopped if this happens.

Some heat rubs are not suitable everyone – check with the pharmacist before use.
Reducing bruising
Treatments containing heparinoid may be used to reduce swelling and bruising in an injured area.

Patient Information Leaflet: Muscle Aches and Pains
www.chemistanddruggist.co.uk

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Ginger Effective in Easing Pains and Aches–Study

Health and Muscle — Fri, 21 May 2010 07:42:40 +0000

Ginger Effective in Easing Pains and Aches–Study
By Neharika Sabharwal | www.themedguru.com

A new study claims the ordinary kitchen spice, ginger, touted for centuries as an effective and trustworthy root that is packed with health benefits may be good for staving off muscle pain linked with heavy housework, gardening and intense exercise.

Ginger is believed to contain pharmacological properties similar to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and aspirin, which are popularly used to reduce inflammation and keep pain at bay.

Lead researcher Professor Patrick O’Connor, of the University of Georgia, said, “Anything that can truly relieve this type of pain will be greatly welcomed by the many people who are experiencing it.”

Study to identify the healing powers of ginger

In a bid to identify the impact of ginger as a natural pain reliever in the raw and pre-heated form, the researchers conducted two studies. They enrolled a group of 74 volunteers with muscle pain.

As a part of the study, the subjects consumed capsules containing two grams of either raw ginger, heat treated ginger, or a placebo for a period of 11 days.

On the eighth day of the study, all the participants were asked to perform 18 extensions of the elbow flexors using heavy weights in order to induce muscle pain.

In each group, the arm function, pain, inflammation and the biochemical involved in pain was assessed both before and after three days of performing the exercise.

Findings of the study
The researchers found that ginger reduced pain and inflammation by 25 percent when compared to placebo.

Contrary to the popular belief that the healing powers of ginger are enhanced when the root is cooked, the researchers found no significant improvement in the pain by using heat-treated ginger.

They concluded, “Daily consumption of raw and heat-treated ginger resulted in moderate-to-large reductions in muscle pain following exercise-induced muscle injury.”

The research was funded by the McCormick Science Institute and will be published in the September issue of The Journal of Pain.

Other health benefits of ginger

Ginger is most commonly known for its effectiveness as a digestive aid. The root increases the production of digestive fluids and saliva, thereby helping relieve indigestion, gas pains, diarrhea and stomach cramping.

Ginger is also used to treat nausea related to both motion sickness and morning sickness. Its anti-inflammatory properties help relieve pain and reduce inflammation related with arthritis, rheumatism and muscle spasms.

Ginger’s therapeutic properties stimulate circulation of the blood, removing toxins from the body, cleansing the bowels and kidneys, and nourishing the skin.

The other health benefits of ginger include the treatment of asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory problems. The ginger root also aids in breaking fevers by warming the body and increasing perspiration.

Ginger Effective in Easing Pains and Aches–Study
By Neharika Sabharwal | www.themedguru.com

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Osteoporosis: Disease of Porous Bones

Health and Muscle — Fri, 21 May 2010 07:26:12 +0000

Osteoporosis: Disease of Porous Bones
www.buzztab.com

By the word osteoporosis, we mean “porous bones”. This is the disease which makes bones weak and brittle. The bones become so fragile due to this disease that even a slight pressure on them may cause a fracture.

In most of the cases, the bones become weaker when you have unsubstantial level of calcium and other minerals in your body. Usually, osteoporosis leads to fracture. But the most dreadful aspect of osteoporosis is that it affects spinal cord, hip or wrist in most of the cases. Mostly, women are the victim of the disease but it also impacts men.

There is an initial stage of osteoporosis as well when this disease has not attacked fully yet but the condition of bones is heading towards that direction. So the people who have less bone-density are potentially at the risk. But, in such initial-stage cases, the disease can be prevented by taking effective measures.

But the initial stage of osteoporosis is not easy to identify because the affected person does not have pain or any other sign. The patient comes to know that he has become the victim of the disease when he has severe backache due to some dislocation or fracture in the spinal cord. The person develops hunch and can not have an erect posture.

Other symptoms include fracture in the wrist or hip bone. As there are no identifiable signs before the disease is fully developed, doctors suggest a bone density test if a woman has attained the age of 65 years and a man has attained the age of 70 as a precautionary measure.

Osteoporosis: Disease of Porous Bones
www.buzztab.com

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Back out!

Health and Muscle — Fri, 21 May 2010 07:16:59 +0000

Back out!
imesofindia.indiatimes.com

It is one of the most annoying and common problems. Backaches can give you sleepless nights and disrupt your normal life. Here are some common habits that could be causing the pain.

Sitting for too long
Did you know that sitting on your desk, working for hours on end, could be doing you harm? Experts say that sitting puts 40 per cent more pressure on your spine than standing. When working for hours on end, most of us tend to forget to keep a check on our posture. Try sitting at a 135-degree angle and make sure your office chair supports the curve of your spine.

Avoiding your exercises
It’s important to workout on a regular basis and whether you prefer to go to the gym, a dance class, aerobics session or prefer playing a sport, some form of movement is necessary. Research shows that the best way to avoid aches and pains is doing some exercises. Light workouts in the form of walks, and yoga can help ease stiffness in lower back.

Food junkie
What you eat, plays a large role in determining your health. Those who suffer from back pain probably have clogged arteries as well. Healthy circulation is necessary to avoid inflammation. Reducing your daily intake of caffeine and unhealthy processed foods can help as does consuming whole grains, nuts, vegetables and fruit.

Carrying the load
The fairer sex is guilty of carrying a whole lot of unnecessary items in their bags. A heavy bag carried over a period of time can cause the shoulders to become imbalanced, causing back muscles to ache. Your bag shouldn’t weigh more than 10 per cent of your body weight and alternating the shoulder you carry it on can also help.

Bed trouble
Haven’t replaced your mattress since you were a child? Avoid the money saving tactic and ensure you get a new one every seven years. Sleeping on an old and worn out mattress can cause backache.

Heel disaster
Yes, women love them, but continual wearing of heels can cause foot instability and hurt your back. High heels make you arch your back, while flat chappal can give a poor grip. Restrict usage of these shoes.

Not letting go
Holding onto grudges can do you more harm than good! Research suggests that those who can’t forgive are more likely to suffer from lower back pains.

Back out!
imesofindia.indiatimes.com

Back out! is a post from: Health & Muscle | Fitness , Fat Loss & Body Building , Articles, Forums , Blogs & More.

Can Pilates Help with Backache?

Health and Muscle — Fri, 21 May 2010 07:08:58 +0000

Can Pilates Help with Backache?
www.live-pilates.co.uk

If you suffer with a bad back – maybe you have a pinched nerve or muscular pain caused by bad posture – you may have problems keeping fit. If you’re in pain, the last thing you think of is to embark on a vigorous exercise regime.

If this is the case, it’s worth considering Pilates. Focussing on the core postural muscles, it aims to get your body in balance, which will provide support to your spine.

A good Pilates tutor understands the importance of preventing injury, and will help you achieve the optimal alignment of your neck, shoulder and pelvis with a range of exercises. A key principle of Pilates is to limit the range of motion, so your ligaments and joints are not strained. In addition to helping with back problems, it can prevent further injury as it strengthens all of your stabilisation muscles.

There are many celebrities who can attest to this aspect of Pilates. ‘Friends’ star Jennifer Aniston said:

“It’s great. I had a hip problem. I had a chronic back and a pinched nerve, and it’s completely solved all of it. I love it.”

Writer and broadcaster Joan Bakewell, 70, when asked what her secret to her health and agility was put it down to Pilates. She said:

“It is wonderful for my injuries. My damaged shoulder was taken in hand, special exercises were prescribed and attentive care was always available.”

Can Pilates Help with Backache?
www.live-pilates.co.uk

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Back pain: I was only in my early thirties – but I felt like an old lady

Health and Muscle — Fri, 21 May 2010 06:52:52 +0000

Back pain: ‘I was only in my early thirties – but I felt like an old lady’
www.independent.co.uk

It was midway through a bout of over-enthusiastic floor-mopping that it first happened. I’d ignored the nagging ache blooming at the base of my spine and, then, suddenly – pouf: a sensation of something deep inside going awry; not a click, not a snap, just a hard-to-pinpoint signal that something’s gone quite wrong. Stubbornly, I fought it – attempting to get to the corner shop for sponges so I could continue my Saturday morning clean. When, 40 minutes later I was still shuffling homewards, clutching at walls and wincing with every movement, I had no choice – once finally indoors again – but to lie down for several days, unable to manage so much as reaching for the remote control without help.

It’s hardly an unusual story – backache affects a startling 28.3 million Brits – but what I didn’t know then was that, five years later, despite vast outlay and fruitless dabbles with everything anyone ever told me might work, I’d still be feeling the effects of that Saturday morning.

According to Dr David Delvin, who last year wrote Back Ache: What You Need to Know (Sheldon Press), “it usually it gets better on its own – unless you’ve displaced a disc”, which is often accompanied by pain down the back of the legs. “And even that can right itself, often in about six weeks,” he says, “though it can require surgery if it’s a serious disc lesion.”

Well, I didn’t have one of those, and in the immediate aftermath of “mopgate” it didn’t occur to me that I would never return to my former flexibility or that, despite only being in my early 30s, I would begin to clutch at my back and start making an awful “ouf” sound when I bent over, like an old lady. That I would struggle daily to get out of bed because everything had gone stiff overnight. That I would never be able to sleep comfortably on my stomach again. That I would be the one to hassle Health and Safety in the office for one of those disruptive “workstation assessments”, desperate to stop squirming and fidgeting my way through the day.

After it didn’t get better by itself, I assumed an osteopath trip or two would put me right. The first one I tried was clear on the problem. My posture: a new-found fondness for high heels had exaggerated my natural tendency to arch my back, reducing support for my spine by weakening my core muscles (something everyone in the back-pain club tends to have to get in touch with). But every sufferer has their own trigger.

“Lifting heavy weights, badly, is a very common one,” says Dr Delvin, “and most often it’s the lower back that goes because this is the area with most flexibility, along with the neck area. Sitting awkwardly is also often blamed,” he continues, “[in] car seats or office chairs. As is pregnancy and twisting awkwardly – from the front car seat to reach something in the back, say.”

Few back pain sufferers, however, seem to have the same – if any – cure. Though most, like me, have tried a few. So often, it’s one of life’s great unresolvable ailments. “People are always making wild generalisations about backache,” agrees Dr Delvin. “They come up with different theories as to what’s causing the pain, but there’s rarely any scientific evidence to prove it. It’s a difficult subject to research: it is a very complex part of the body. There are also a lot of people with a vested interest in promoting their own school of backache theory.”

Indeed, I found it confusing. For me, osteopath number one was just the beginning. What she had said made sense – and I was prescribed some follow-up stretching exercises and advised to lay off the stilettos. And yet the pain persisted. I put up with it until a severe relapse, at which point I tried a chiropractor, recommended evangelically by a friend (even those still suffering are prone to rave about the people they’ve paid £50-odd a session to, not to be cured). What’s the difference between a chiropractor and an osteopath? “Clickier,” my friend advised. “They’d each furiously deny similarities,” says Delvin, “but from my research the two disciplines seemed to have started out in very much the same way.”

Post clicks, the immediate pain passed but the nagging “ouf”-inducing ache remained, despite doing more stretchy exercises. I returned to osteopathy for purely geographic reasons, following yet another emergency. “Yoga,” she advised while kneading my shoulders (bucking the trend for the ubiquitous Pilates-for-back-pain advice). “The stretching will ease the pain, and it’ll do as much for your core muscles as Pilates.” It worked while I was in my yoga class and for a couple of hours afterwards. Surely that wasn’t all I could hope for? “Try memory foam,” she said on my next visit. “I know a guy who sells pure memory mattresses – not just the toppers. He has a severe spinal problem himself and swears by them.” I hated my new mattress – it was hot and so squidgy I could barely move. And my back still hurt.

“Orthotics,” advised osteopath number three, to whom I was referred by osteopath number two. “Yes, they are expensive,” she said (indeed, nearly £200 for a pair of posture-adjusting, custom-fitted insoles to wear in one’s shoes) “but I never see most patients again, which is a good sign.” Or possibly a sign of being so appalled at spending such money on something that has absolutely no effect that frustration keeps you away.

I tried massages (“you should have one every couple of weeks,” my masseuse said. She’s probably right – but at £55 a go, that’s unlikely to happen): sports massages; boyfriend massages; sitting on a yoga ball at work (too conspicuous); and a rigid foldy-uppy thing for my chair, bought from the classifieds of a magazine with a depressingly elderly readership. Every attempt brought hope of a miracle cure – the chance to return to my former, more youthful-feeling and bouncy self. With each failure, disappointment grew and despondency began to set in.

I mentioned this casually to an American woman I interviewed for a completely unrelated article I was writing last year. The piece was on NLP, neuro-linguistic programming – a sort of self-therapy and persuasion tool loved by the likes of Derren Brown, Paul McKenna and life coaches everywhere – and she worked for Richard Bandler, who co-invented the discipline. NLP gave me the willies, but, stuck at a three-day NLP conference in Orlando, I took advantage when, on mentioning my aches (I may have been fidgeting in my chair) my American NLP-er exclaimed: “You need to be ‘Perry-fied’!”

The eponymous Dr Ron and Dr Edie Perry turned out to be a husband-and-wife “bodywork” team, and part of the NLP entourage. Though trained as chiropractors, they specialised in something called the Feldenkrais Method, developed in the Seventies by an Israeli physicist, Moshe Feldenkrais, who, I discover, was a big influence on Bandler. NLP’s co-creator was impressed with the thinking behind Feldenkrais’s approach to treating a stroke patient with paralysis afflicting one side of his body.

The story sounded like a Biblical miracle, but – if true – there was logic in it: rather than using physiotherapy to coax the stiffened arm that was clutched across the patient’s chest back down to his side, Feldenkrais instead did the opposite: nudging the arm upwards. He figured the patient’s limb had frozen en route to the side of the brain in which the stroke had occurred, a natural reflex, and so simply helped the patient to complete that movement. On having done so, the arm then effortlessly dropped to his side. I don’t know what to make of the story, but am willing to give almost anything a go.

Instead of employing the chiropractic techniques they were trained in, the Perrys focus on reprogramming the subconscious to heal the body. It sounded suspiciously crystal-bashing. While I lie – surprisingly – face up, Dr Edie stands at my feet, Dr Ron at my head, and they both speak with soothing, positive words (distressing “negative” phrases such as “Ooh, that feels tight” or “This might hurt” are banned). They gently pull my skin – on my legs, feet and arms as well as my back – in such a way that it will, they say, communicate the necessary changes to my unconscious mind. Ron notes that one leg is slightly longer than the other and one side of my body is more mobile, which correlates to the side of my back that hurts. “Let’s do something about that,” he says reassuringly. Limbs are lifted gently and questions softly asked; improvements pointed out as they go. After 20 minutes or so, I’m asked to stand up. As I step off the bench I feel like I’ve moved from a ship to dry land, and nearly fall over. It’s an extraordinary sensation – like everything has suddenly been aligned. The pain, too, has gone. I bend over effortlessly. No “ouf”.

The next few weeks are spent showing off about my newly discovered physical verve. “Look what I can do!” I say, picking invisible things off the floor with grace. “Isn’t it amazing?” I’ve become evangelical too. And yet I’m confused as to how to explain what happened. Every time I try, it sounds, well, so unlikely.

And then, very slowly, the pain creeps back. Having enjoyed my taste of freedom, I am quick to Google the Perrys in the hope they might be touring Europe some time soon. No such luck. I call BackCare, in case they’ve heard of Feldenkrais. They haven’t, nor has Dr Delvin. I try a few more back experts, with no joy.

To my surprise, it is a council member of the British Osteopathic Association, Danny Williams, who finally says he knows all about it. “It’s not that obscure,” he tells me over the phone. “In fact, I’ve referred some of my patients to it – just as I’ve recommended others to yoga or the gym, depending on the patient. From my understanding it helps by guiding the body into optimal movement patterns. For example, if you have back pain, it teaches you how can you move without having back pain. It’s a rehab tool.”

Not such a freaky, niche practice after all, perhaps. Then I discover there is a British Feldenkrais Guild. I book a one-to-one session with a London-based practitioner – a former dancer whose profile says he used the method to improve his dance. He explains, quite logically, that after injuring my back – combined with being told that I arched it too much – I have made the common mistake of overcompensating with a stiff posture. I need more movement not less in my spine. I mention my hateful bed. “Does it stop you moving in your sleep?” he asks, before sensibly suggesting I might get rid of it, since I hate sleeping in it. He’s eminently practical and very soothing. I walk out with some tricks to practise and he says that five sessions should sort me out permanently. I really hope so.

What is the Feldenkrais Method?

* According to its UK Guild, Feldenkrais is “an educational method focusing on learning and movement, which can bring about improved movement and enhanced functioning”.

* The method is not a million miles from the Alexander technique, which also works on the whole body rather than isolating the problem area.

* It was developed by an Israeli physicist, Moshé Feldenkrais, who died in 1984; he developed the method over the course of his career, which also included engineering and judo instruction.

* It was Feldenkrais’s focus on the relationship between bodily movement and our ways of thinking, feeling and learning that shaped the formation of his practice, which he refined while successfully healing himself following an injury to his knee that threatened him with severe disability.

Back pain: ‘I was only in my early thirties – but I felt like an old lady’
www.independent.co.uk

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Neither Heat nor Cold may do Much for Backache

Health and Muscle — Fri, 21 May 2010 06:43:59 +0000

Neither Heat nor Cold may do Much for Backache
www.msnbc.msn.com

When back and neck aches strike, do you wonder whether to reach for a heating pad or an ice pack? A small study suggests it may not matter which one you choose.

In fact, researchers say, it seems that neither heat nor cold will do much to ease back or neck pain, at least immediately.

That conclusion might sound surprising, since conventional wisdom holds that cold and heat therapy are effective ways to manage minor injuries such as sprains and strains.

Often, the advice is to use ice immediately after an injury, then heat in the days afterward.

But there has been relatively little research evidence to back up those recommendations. And few studies have compared heat and cold in helping to ease the short-term pain of strains.

The new study, published in the journal Academic Emergency Medicine, included 60 patients who came to the emergency room for minor strains to the back or neck, most often the back. All of the patients were given 400 milligrams of ibuprofen then randomly assigned to use either a heating pad or a cold pack for 30 minutes.

After the half-hour was up, the researchers found, patients in both groups typically reported mild pain relief.

But the average improvement, as measured by a standard pain-rating scale, was not enough to be “clinically meaningful,” according to lead researcher Dr. Gregory Garra, of Stony Brook University Medical Center in Stony Brook, New York.

And because both groups received ibuprofen, Garra told Reuters Health, what improvements there were may have been brought on by the painkiller.

He said the findings suggest that whether people choose heat or ice for back and neck strains, it is unlikely to bring quick benefits.

The study did not, however, follow up with patients in the days after their injuries, Garra noted. So it’s possible, he said, that either heat or cold, despite a lack of strong immediate effects, might have ultimately led to a quicker recovery.

And since patients in the study all had strains, the findings would not necessarily apply to other types of injuries, including sprains.

Even with the lack of strong benefits in this study, Garra said that people with minor back and neck pain can still feel free to try ice or heat — particularly if they prefer not to take pain medication.

The tactics are cheap, readily available and safe, and in some people they may work via the “placebo effect.” That is, they may perceive less pain simply because they’ve done something to treat it.

“It doesn’t matter which one you choose (heat or ice),” Garra said. “If there’s a placebo effect — then great. They are unlikely to do you any harm.”

Neither Heat nor Cold may do Much for Backache
www.msnbc.msn.com

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Sandoz Launches First Generic Version of Skelaxin

Health and Muscle — Fri, 21 May 2010 06:35:30 +0000

Sandoz Launches First Generic Version of Skelaxin
www.pharmalive.com

According to IMS Health, Skelaxin had US sales of approximately USD 476 million for the 12 months ending in December 2009. Sandoz is marketing metaxalone in 800mg strength tablets, the same as Skelaxin®.

Acute back pain is one of the most common medical problems in America; research suggests that, in a three-month period, about one-fourth of US adults experience at least one day of back pain [1]. In addition, lower back pain is the second most common neurological ailment in the US, and is the most common cause of job-related disability as well as a leading contributor to missed work [2, 3].

The launch of metaxalone adds another key product to the global Sandoz portfolio of pain management medications. Furthermore, the launch demonstrates Sandoz’s focus on advancing the pipeline through challenging patents where appropriate to bring high-quality, affordable medicines to market as quickly as possible.

Sandoz was the first to launch generic metaxalone tablets following FDA approval on March 31, 2010. Following a temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the US District Court, District of New Jersey, Sandoz ceased further shipments until the TRO was lifted on April 9, 2010. King Pharmaceuticals, Inc, and Pharmaceutical IP Holding also filed a motion with the Court for a preliminary injunction to prevent Sandoz from selling metaxalone. On May 17, 2010, the Court denied this motion. Page 2 of 3

Disclaimer

The foregoing release contains forward-looking statements that can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “strategy,” “pipeline,” or similar expressions, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential future revenues from metaxalone tablets. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements reflect the current views of the Company regarding future events, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. There can be no guarantee that metaxalone tablets will achieve any particular levels of revenue in the future. In particular, management’s expectations could be affected by, among other things, unexpected inabilities to maintain exclusivity periods for our product; FDA approval of additional versions of generic metaxalone tablets; competition in general; government, industry and general public pricing pressures; unexpected regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; patent litigation outcomes; the impact that the foregoing factors could have on the values attributed to the Novartis Group’s assets and liabilities as recorded in the Group’s consolidated balance sheet, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG’s current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Sandoz Launches First Generic Version of Skelaxin
www.pharmalive.com

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Neither Heat nor Cold may do Much for Backache

Alert: These Weight Loss Pills Aren’t Just Phony, They’re Dangerous

Health and Muscle — Fri, 21 May 2010 06:10:08 +0000

Alert: These Weight Loss Pills Aren’t Just Phony, They’re Dangerous
www.calorielab.com

Next Thing You Know You’re On The “Hospital Food Diet”

Most diet pills are just bogus or largely ineffectual, but now and then some come along that can kill you, and this is one of those times. At least 70 different herbal diet products, going by such names as Easy-Figure, the 2 Day Diet, Seven Days Herbal Slim and Magic Slim, have been found to contain sibutramine, an amphetamine-like chemical. The products in question are primarily being sold over the Internet and have been showing up in huge amounts in the Midwest.

The products, unshockingly, originate in China, and the Feds, along with the American Dietetic Association and other concerned parties, are downright alarmed, given that common side effects of sibutramine can include soaring blood pressure, seizures, stroke and heart attack. The FDA cracked down on an entire generation of such products over a year ago, but another wave has appeared, apparently centered in Illinois.

Unfortunately, checking the label for the presence of this substance is largely a waste of time; these products are frequently not much more than contraband, often flat-out illegal, and those who package and sell them are unlikely to disclose sibutramine’s presence on their labels. Indeed, the products are often labeled “all natural.”

Nevertheless, these products are easily avoidable. One tip-off: Many of the Asian sellers operate behind fraudulent websites posing as Canadian pharmacy services. Beyond that, the entire “herbal” industry of cures and medications and supplements is virtually unregulated and overrun with quacks and charlatans.

The best precaution for the weight-watching consumer who believes diet pills are beneficial is to stick with established national brands sold at similarly familiar and trustworthy brick-and-mortar pharmacies.

Alert: These Weight Loss Pills Aren’t Just Phony, They’re Dangerous
www.calorielab.com

Alert: These Weight Loss Pills Aren’t Just Phony, They’re Dangerous is a post from: Health & Muscle | Fitness , Fat Loss & Body Building , Articles, Forums , Blogs & More.