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Are Cravings Controllable?

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There are times that we crave certain food items and those are signs that our bodies are giving us….for example, you may crave peanuts… your body is probably needing more protein.

Being a vegetarian, it is difficult to get all the daily requirements so when my body is craving a certain food product I try to listen… now I won’t go to the extreme and eat a chocolate bar with peanuts or chocolate peanut butter ice cream as tempting as that may be at the time. A slice of wheat bread with peanut butter and honey is quite delicious and will satisfy the craving and won’t make me feel guilty afterwards. You can also substitute cravings with raw vegetables or raw fruits mixed into delicious smoothies.

If you crave lots of sweets, you may be lacking carbohydrates in your diet. Carbohydrates turn into glucose (sugar) in our system, so eating pasta or baked potatoes may satisfy your cravings and not harm your waistline as much.

It is very important to drink lots of fluids as well, and sorry but soft drinks don’t count.
Our body is 98% water so in order to keep it working properly we must replace all the water that we eliminate on a daily basis. Water is the best to drink, but you can also replace that with many other popular drinks on the market such as green tea, to replenish our bodies.

Remember, the more we drink the more we will eliminate so it is a cycle that must continue. Our bodies are like ‘big sponges’ that need water to function. We eliminate toxins from our bodies and the liquid will keep our bodies cleansed and our skin looking younger.

So, cravings are not bad unless you give into the temptations of ‘bad’ food choices. If you eat the appropriate foods you will likely not have as many cravings; but if you do have them, make wise decisions and ones that you will not regret in the morning.

We must take care of our bodies, they are the only ones we have. Unfortunately we can not trade them in as we can with our automobiles, so love your bodies. Exercise, drink lots of fluids and eat appropriately and your body will love you for it.

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Exercise and Heart Disease

Many wonder what is best to fight heart disease, exercising or maintaining a healthy weight. This controversy has many researchers talking and trying to find an answer to please everyone.

Steven Blair, PED, who is a researcher from the University of South Carolina, is a longtime proponent of what is called the ‘fit and fat’ theory. He tested over 10,000 people using a treadmill exercise test and found that indeed the level of physical activity is an important factor in determining the risk of cardiovascular disease. This was actually found to be more important than other factors such as weight, age, cholesterol level and systolic blood pressure or fasting blood glucose levels. He concluded that if you are more physically fit, you are at a lower risk for dying from a heart attack.

But of course, it’s not that easy. A study published in the April 2008 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine challenges Blair’s theory. Researchers from several hospitals and the Harvard School of Public Health conducted a study with over 38,000 women to evaluate the joint effect of exercise and body mass index (BMI) on risk for heart disease. They found that exercise only lowered the risk of heart disease in women that were considered overweight or obese and it doesn’t completely eliminate the risk.

The researchers recommended being ‘lean and physically active’ would maximize the reduction of risk of heart disease. It doesn’t eliminate the risk all together, because of course weight still matters.

So despite the difference of opinion, exercise plays a large role in reducing heart disease. So, don’t just sit there and munch away, start moving. Whether it’s biking, hiking, or just taking the dog out for a walk, the important thing to remember is to get moving.

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The 10 Perfect Foods

Is there such a thing as a ‘perfect’ food? Perfect is a very strong word, but the foods I am listing below are among the healthiest on the planet, so that makes them as close to perfect as possible. So let’s start the list: Broccoli - I know what you may be thinking, ugh!! broccoli, but yest it is among the healthiest foods on the planet. It is loaded with vitamins such as A, C, K and beta-carotene. It also has sulforaphane which is thought to be a cancer-fighting compound. Try these suggestions:

• Steam or stir-fry the broccoli and mix into your favorite Chinese food.
• Stuff some steamed florets into a yummy burrito.
• Chop the florets finely and mix into rice pilaf, or spaghetti sauce. Blending and adding to sauces is a great way to get your kids to enjoy some of the ‘green food’ they don’t like.

Eggs - one little egg is packed with 13 essential vitamins and minerals. Some of those include selenium (an antioxidant), choline (which helps prevent birth defects) and riboflavin ( helps you produce red blood cells and releases energy from carbs) The yolk also contains the most nutrients and because of the high-quality protein it will make you feel satiated longer. Try these suggestions:

• Enjoy eggs in a quiche where you can also add some nutritious vegetables.
• Serve a pan-cooked egg on top of a pizza slice, like they do in Italy.

Almonds - this nut is a good source of healthy monounsaturated fats and also contains calcium and Vitamin E. Studies have shown that consuming these delicious nuts, your cholesterol may be lowered and your bones will be kept strong and healthy. Try these suggestions:

• Top a scoop of low fat yogurt with slivered almonds for a yummy crunchy treat.
• Try combining almond butter with jelly for a delicious alternative to PB&J
• Sprinkle toasted almonds over rice pilaf or steamed vegetables for added nutrition

Raspberries - these delicious berries are loaded with potassium, Vitamin C and fiber. They are also loaded with protective antioxidants like salicylic acid, catechins and anthocyanins. Research has shown that these little berries play a big part in cancer prevention as well. Try these suggestions:

• Mix raspberries into your smoothies for a delicious and nutritious treat.
• Puree fresh or frozen raspberries along with olive oil and red wine vinegar for a tasty dressy.
• Sprinkle these little berries over your yogurt or cereal for an extra nutritious breakfast.

Kale - although this green leafy vegetable is used mainly as ornaments in fancy dishes it actually provides more nutritional value per calorie than any other food. It is high in Vitamin K ( which is important for blood clotting and bones) and beta-carotene ( important for sight). It also contains compounds that may help reduce the risk of breast, ovarian and other types of cancers. Try these suggestions:

• Slice kale up thinly and mix with other greens for a nutritious and healthy salad.
• Finely chop and substitute it for spinach in vegetable lasagna or quiche.
• Steam and puree and add to sauces for added nutritional values to your other meals.

Avocados - you may be thinking that avocados are loaded with fat, but it is actually a ‘good’ fat. The fat contained in avocados is the heart-healthy monunsaturated fat, and they also contain Vitamin C, folate, potassium and lutein. They also contain a plant sterol that may lower cholesterol levels. Try these suggestions:

• Use avocados as a dish for your tuna, both visually pleasing and delicious too.
• Dice and sprinkle into corn chowder, tomato soup or chicken and rice soup, add just before serving.
• Mash the avocados and add salt, pepper, and lemon or lime juice and use in place of mayo or other condiments.

Quinoa - this grain has been around for thousands of years and just now becoming the latest trend. This plant food is different from any other on the planet because it is complete protein. What exactly does that mean? Since it is complete protein it contains all the essential amino acids that our body needs. It also contains iron, potassium and magnesium. The seeds are tiny and look like sesame seeds, and have a nutty flavor and crunchy texture. Try these suggestions:

• Stir cooked and chilled quinoa into your salads. You can add to tuna and egg salad for a wonderful nutty flavoring.
• Eat quinoa in place of rice. You can add teriyaki or soy sauce for added flavor.
• Mix with with other seasonings such as basil and thyme and add to soups or stews.

Yogurt (Plain) - is a good source of protein and calcium. Because of the good bacteria it contains it also helps with digestive and immune systems. Be sure to check the label; it should read, ‘Live and Active Cultures’. Try these suggestions:

• Make delicious smoothies by blending with a variety of fruits.
• Use in place of sour cream for baked potatoes or tacos.
• Mix equal parts of yogurt with mayonnaise to make a lower-fat mayo.

Sweet Potatoes - this powerful spud contains enough beta-carotene you need in a day, a nutrient which has been found to be cancer protective. It also contain Vitamin C and potassium and the peel contains fiber and additional disease fighting phytonutrients. Try these suggestions:

• Dice, boil, chill and stir into your favorite guacamole recipe.
• Mash up a baked sweet potato as a yummy alternative to regular mashed potatoes.
• For a unique twist, slice a boiled sweet potato and use instead of tomato on your burger or veggie burger.

Teff - you might be wondering what exactly is teff? It is a tiny whole grain available at health food stores. Teff contains more iron and calcium than many other grains along with a large amount of fiber. The flavor is similar to that of molasses. Try these suggestions:

• Eat it in place of oatmeal for breakfast. Combine 1/4 cup of teff with 1 cup of water, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with cinnamon or maple syrup for a yummy treat.
• Stir into your pasta sauce and it will give it meat-like texture.
• Mix it into your ground beef or turkey for a healthier and moist burger.

Are you ready to add a few or all of these perfect foods to your diet? What are you waiting for, give it a try.

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Turn Off The TV - Turn On Your Health

Do your children spend hours in front of the television or playing video games? How about hours in front of the computer? These acts are actually damaging to their health.

In the March 2008 issue of Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine it was found that turning off the television or computer helped improve the health of younger children. This was determined with a study they performed on 70 overweight children ages 4 to 7. They were put into two different groups. One group used a automatic device placed on the television or computer to keep track of time of use. This group was also rewarded for reducing their television or computer time. The other group had no device to monitor their time use or reward system.

The results after 24 months were astonishing. The children with the monitoring device reduced their television viewing time or computer use by over 17 hours per week, where the other group only reduced their time by 5 hours. The first group also reduced their body mass where as the second group actually increased their body mass. By these results alone, it is evident that reducing the time a child spends in front of a television will be beneficial to their overall health.

I am guilty of using the television as a ‘baby sitter’ at times, but also limit the use of it, especially video games. Educational programs are great, but let’s be honest, how often do our children choose educational programs? It is up to us as adults and parents to guide our children and limit their television and computer use. Spend more time doing physical activities, like playing outside as a family or taking walks together.

You and your children will be on the road to a healthier lifestyle and much more worth it than wasted time on the couch in front of a television. So, be sure to limit your television time and set a good example to your children, they will love you for it in the long run.

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A Handy Health Checklist For Pregnancy

When a woman is pregnant she must not only care for the new baby’s well-being, she must be aware that she too is vulnerable to the harmful chemicals in the world. There are many toxins that are increasingly making their way into women’s bodies, wombs and breast milk. But the good news is that the mom can take care of herself and her new little one by practicing just a few steps, which will ensure a good beginning.

1. Eat organic - Eating more organic will minimize the risk of exposure to pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, nitrites and more. Switching to all natural will also provide the needed nutrients that can help reduce cancer risks and boost your overall health. Babies en utero can also develop a fondness to the foods you eat, so you are developing healthy eating habits for your little one early on. Although eating organic may be costly, it may be easier to purchase items that are usually laden with pesticides. Some of these include fruits and vegetables such as peaches, apples, strawberries, spinach, lettuce and potatoes. A good idea would be to replace one item from your list with its organic counterpart each time you go grocery shopping, so as not to feel the pain in your wallet.
2. Cotton to Organic Cotton - Conventional cotton accounts for 10 percent of the world’s pesticide use and 25 percent of insecticide use, which them makes cotton one of the most toxic crops on the earth. You can avoid this by purchasing organic cotton, linens, towels, mattress pads and mattresses. Another solution would be to wash conventional linens in non-toxic laundry solutions. Organic sheets make sense for newborns, considering they sleep at least 12 hours per day and have their little faces in close content to the sheets and beddings in their crib.
3. Natural Beauty - Choose natural or organic personal care products. Conventional brands of cosmetics and lotions contain noxious chemicals like phthalates, which have been connected to birth defects. A simple alternative would be to stay away from products that list fragrances as part of their ingredients. Instead of applying large amounts of make-up, go natural and avoid all the unnatural chemical contained in many cosmetic products. Let the natural mother-to-be glow be your make-up alternative.
4. Avoid Mercury - It is important to avoid eating fish that contain high levels of mercury. Mercury contains a potent neurotoxin that has been linked to developmental and health problems in fetuses and children under the age of 6. Some common fish that contain high levels of mercury are marlin, king mackerel, swordfish, tuna, orange roughy and tilefish. You should limit your consumption of yellowfin tuna, grouper, bluefish, canned albacore tuna and Chilean sea bass. Sushi should also be avoided while pregnant. Some of the safer fishes are shrimp, salmon, pollock and catfish. Fish contains high levels of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, so they are important, just consume in moderation.
5. Old Rules still apply - These are rules that never go out of fashion and are a must during your pregnancy. Do not smoke, drink alcohol, use illegal drugs, drink caffeinated beverages and avoid cleaning the litter box. Cat feces can contain an organism called toxoplasm, which is hazardous to pregnant women and in some cases can cause problems to the fetus. Ask others to clean the kitty box or wear rubber gloves if you must do it.
6. Renovate later - Pregnancy seems to be the perfect time to renovate your house but it is not. You must try to avoid all the toxic fumes that come from gluing, scrapping and painting. Most of today’s commercial paints still may contain hazardous volatile organic compounds although you can purchase with fewer or no volatile organic compounds are available. It is wise to leave the renovating for after the baby arrives.
7. Stay away from the weeds - While pregnant it is important to stay away from pesticides and insecticides, so as much as you want to pull those nasty weeds, stay away or have someone else do it for you. Pesticides are linked to cancer reproductive problems and a host of other problems. Avoid the weeding if you can or use natural alternatives to remove the weeds, like using your hands.
8. If it smells, stay away - If something smells horrible it usually is not good for us either. The nose knows when to stay away. Common toxins are cigarette and cigar smoke, solvents, paints, some household cleaners, bleaches, paint thinners, glue, oven cleaners, and air fresheners. It is fine to be unapologetically picky in making healthy choices. You must think of yourself and your baby and if it smells terrible, stay away.

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5 Tips to Get Your Kids to Eat Healthy

It is very important to have your children eat healthy. These are their foundational years and it is up to us as parents to instill healthy eating habits to develop into healthy adults. However, for many parents, encouraging their little ones to eat healthful foods is an overwhelming venture. The numerous amount of fast food restaurants and junk food commercials do not make it any easier, but below are some tips that will help.

1. Set a good example - As with most child-rearing issues, when it comes to eating healthy, actions speak louder than words. If you want your child to eat healthier, you must also eat healthier. It is important to exemplify a healthy food attitude. Do not however, label foods as ‘good’ or ‘bad’. Parents who associate guilt or negative feelings with eating, or who obsess about eating or diet constantly, or use food as reward or punishment will more than likely pass destructive habits onto their children. These destructive habits can lead to long-term eating disorders.
2. Create a nutritional area - It is near impossible to control what your family eats while you are away, but to ensure that they are eating healthy transform your home to a nutritional oasis. Stop purchasing ‘junk food’, instead replace with healthy, wholesome items. Be sure to fill your cabinets and refrigerator with healthy snacks so that each snack or item your child reaches for will be a wholesome and healthy one.
3. Vitamin lessons - It is important to research nutrition on your own first, in order to teach your children. Make a list of vitamins and minerals found in common fruits and vegetables and the benefits specific nutrients have for physical wellbeing. Put this list up where everyone in your family can see it, perhaps on your refrigerator and ask your children to look up the advantages of certain foods you prepare, make eating healthy a learning experience that is fun.
4. Makeover mealtime - Remember when eating together as a family was the norm? Unfortunately with our crazy schedules, this may not always be possible, but we can make changes that will benefit the entire family. First, start slowly. Choose a few meals a week to eat together. Even one family meal together is better than none. Hold a family meeting to choose times that all family members can commit to. If your schedules still do not permit dinners together, perhaps breakfast can be eaten together, waking up a few minutes early will be well worth it. Involve the entire family in meal planning and preparation. Ask your little ones to design one meal a week using nutritious foods.
5. Don’t give up - Children will often refuse certain foods in an attempt to assert themselves, but not necessarily because they don’t like the dish. Never force a child to consume a food they don’t want to eat. In our home we have a rule, you must try before you say you don’t like it. If your child still doesn’t like the particular food, wait a few weeks and re-introduce perhaps in a different form. Remind them that it’s ok to change their minds about a certain food and share instance when you have changed your mind about foods that your now enjoy. Use positive reinforcement - avoid reprimanding children when they make poor food choices. Instead, flood them with positive messages, when they pick healthy foods. Children’s eating habits change slowly - but if you set a good example, offer nutritious snacks and meals and deal with the situation in a loving and respectful way, your little one’s eating habits will eventually change and for the best.

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7 Easy Stress Reducers

If you are like most women, you have a list of daily things to do that is probably a mile long. It is important to try to slow down, because you may be at risk of a stress-induced breakdown. Here are some tips that will only take 5 minutes to do and will reduce your stress.

1. Laugh A Little - Studies have shown that laughter can lower your stress hormone called cortisol. When you laugh, the stress usually diminishes, at least temporarily.
2. Start Moving - Just a small amount of exercise can trigger a release of the mood-lifting endorphins in your body. You don’t have to run a mile, it can be as simple as jumping rope for a few minutes. The repetitive motion of some exercises will make you relaxed and more focused as well.
3. Reach out to a Friend - Friends are there for you and what better way to blow off steam or to vent than with a friend. Take a few minutes and call or email a friend and you will feel much better.
4. Get some Light - Go for a walk out in the beautiful sunshine. When the body absorbs sunlight, it will increase the chemicals in your body that effect your mood. Enjoy some time out in the sun; have a picnic lunch or take a stroll to relieve the stress.
5. Pump up the Volume - Put on your headphones or simply turn up the stereo and rock out to the music your teens usually listen to. Enjoy it, dance around and you will see your stress instantly reduced.
6. Breathe - Take deep cleansing breathes throughout the day. Just breathing deeply can instantly relax you. Next time you are stuck in traffic or go into your child’s messy room, remember to take a deep breathe and you will be relaxed.
7. Take a virtual vacation - Not all of us can go on a luxury vacation but we can close our eyes and picture ourselves on a beautiful tropical island or a serene mountaintop. Stay in that place for some time and enjoy the peace. This will give you a few minutes to unwind and relax instead of focusing on the long to-do list.

Take a few moments out of your busy schedule and try some of these tips and watch the stress melt away.

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Never Too Young For Stress

We often wonder how a child can have stress.  Childhood stress related diseases are not uncommon and many are related to post traumatic events.  They are then categorized as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  These are usually found one month following an injury and sometimes up to 6 months later.

PTSD is not only associated with major trauma.  It is also prevalent among youngsters who experience injuries considered mild or moderate, such as bicycle accidents or falls.

An increase exposure to violent entertainment has also created a generation of stress-out children.  As an adult, we know that if someone dies on a  television show, the actor isn’t really dead.  Experience tells us that, but children do not have that experience.  Children have a difficult time separating fact from fiction.    For example, why can you read the same book over and over again to your little ones?  Because they have not developed the cognitive skills to understand that, no matter how many times you read the same story, the ending will be the same.

What is PTSD?

According to the Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Alliance, PTSD is a complex health condition that can develop in response to a traumatic experience.  The trauma can be life threatening or an extremely distressing situation that causes the person to feel intense fear.  The younger the child, the more likely he or she is to develop PTSD.  This is mainly due to cognitive growth.  The world of a child is very small.  Everything must be processed through a filter of learned experiences.  If those experiences are limited because of age, children have less to work with.

Symptoms of PTSD include reliving the event or events, restlessness, rage and always being ‘on guard’.

There are not only emotional ramifications but physical ones as well.  These symptoms include neck pain, headaches, muscle soreness, and fatigue.  Some more serious symptoms to be aware of are the following and may require attention from a mental-health practitioner:

• teeth grinding
• frequent nightmares
• difficulty sleeping
• eating disorders
• fear of dark, familiar places or being left alone
• inability to concentrate
• altered moods: quiet child becomes aggressive, or aggressive child withdrawing
• regressive behavior such as thumb sucking or bed wetting

There ways we can help children with these problems.  Children thrive on routine.  When that routine is shaken or altered, so are they.  Following a trauma, it is important to be more affectionate, discuss the feelings of the event, watch a silly movie together, watch less television and engage in board games or family game night, be patient, let them know that it is common to feel afraid sometimes and stick to a routine.

Children are not as strong as us and we need to be there to comfort and guide them to a healthy adult lifestyle.  This can be done with love, patience and kindness.

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Fruits are Beneficial on Hot Days

With the summer heat upon us getting adequate fluids and electrolytes is very important. Without enough fluids we can easily get dehydrated and the side effects may be but are not limited to muscle cramps, headaches, dizziness, fainting and irritability. When exercising or involved in sports, we can sweat as much as 2.5 liters of water per hour, so consuming water or sports drinks are highly suggested, but did you know that you can get adequate amounts of fluid and electrolytes from fruits?

Summer offers us a variety of fruits and vegetables to choose from and some of the ones with the highest water content and not to mention taste are listed below.

Peaches

Peaches are low in calories and a great source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C and fiber. Most importantly peaches have 87.09g of water per peach.

Berries

There are many berries available this season and surprisingly they too have high contents of water. Strawberries are very high in Vitamin C and can prevent certain cancers. A cup of strawberries has 138.24 g of water. Blueberries are very high in antioxidants that prevent the aging process and one cup of these berries contains 122.10g of water. Berries are high in fiber and Vitamin C and some other berries that you may enjoy are raspberries, blackberries and huckleberries.

Apples

You’ve heard the saying that an apple a day will keep the doctor away but did you know that they lower cholesterol too. Summer fresh apples are also a great source of fiber. The pectin within the apples is a soluble fiber, which helps manage your cholesterol. The skins of the apples contain antioxidants with help prevent many diseases such as cancer and heart disease. One medium apple contains 118.07g of water.

Grapes

These little fruits are powerful antioxidants. The seed extract is also a natural antihistamine and these little fruits contain 74.80g of water. The perfect summer treat are frozen grapes which will also help with risk of dehydration.

Melons

One of the summer favorites is ice-cold refreshing watermelon. Watermelons are low in calories and high in lycopene. Lycopene is also a heart healthy phytochemical. Watermelons are also high in Vitamin A and beta-carotene. Cantaloupes are rich in Vitamin C and beta-carotene. But most importantly these fruits also contain water, 140.83g per serving.

It is very important to drink water and other fluids on hot summer game days, but you can also stay cool with tasty and nutritious, thirst-quenching fruits. Be sure to have a cooler full with a variety of fruits on ice to replenish your water intake and energize your players a safe and healthy way. With the variety of fruits choices this season, every day this summer should be wonderful and cooling experience

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The Answer to Sleepless Nights

Do you suffer from sleepless nights? You are not alone sleep disorders are very common. Most people do not realize that massage can in fact help improve your sleep. Massage therapy is a known method to reduce stress and tension, but can it actually help with your sleep disorders? Research shows that massage therapy can remedy your sleepless nights.

Our bodies have an autonomic system that is made of two parts: the sympathetic and parasympathetic system. The parasympathetic system keeps the sympathetic system balanced. When you are stressed the sympathetic system is triggered and you will feel the sensation of fight or flight. The parasympathetic system is activated during a massage and allows your body to slow down and relax. If stress or tension are causes for your sleeplessness you will be relieved to know that one of the benefits of massage enhanced sleep patterns. Many actually fall asleep while having a professional massage.

Massage helps to reduce stress, improve circulation, soothe aching muscles, release tension and reduce or lower your blood pressure. It is thought that it can also stimulate the immune system. These relaxing results may therefore make massage a helpful aid in restoring restful sleep. Massage is even more beneficial when restless nights stem from stress, migraine headaches, and pain and muscle stiffness. Several studies have shown massage therapy to not only lessen lower back pain and headaches, but also by reducing the stress, anxiety and depression making restful sleep achievable. (Hernandez-Reif et al, 2001; Sunshine et al, 1996; Field et al, 2002; Hernandez-Reif et al, 1998)

Sleep is required for the immune system to work at its optimum level. If the immune system is compromised, the ability of our body to heal itself is also compromised. If we are stressed or sleep deprived, our health is seriously compromised. Massage can help relieve the stress and tension. Massage does not necessarily need to be done by a professional to capture all its benefits. You can ask your friend, partner, spouse or family member for a soothing rubdown. You can also give yourself a mini massage, concentrating on the muscle groups you can reach.

Relaxation techniques, such as massage therapy can definitely reduce stresses, and frustrations leading to the tossing and turning and anxiety of sleepless nights. Therapeutic massage can have not only external physical benefits but internal benefits as well. Massage and aromatherapy can relax your muscles and help with blood and lymph circulation. A massage can help reduce the nerve irritation and can help with increased production of pain-killing endorphins. There are many sweet smelling balms and massage oils on the market used to relieve stress. The aroma and the feel of the oils offer a calming and relaxing environment.

Some areas to concentrate on when massaging to promote relaxation and restful sleep are the temples of the head. The motion should be small circular movement done with fingers and hands. Another areas to promote relaxation are the scalp, forehead, face, neck and upper shoulders. Much of our stress is carried in the shoulder area, so relaxing and massaging this area will definitely create relief.

There are many reasons that massage and sleep make a perfect match:

• Eliminates headaches
• Relieves stress
• Reduces muscle tension
• Reduces lower pain and strain
• Relaxes nervous tension
• Increases blood circulation
• Eases chronic fatigue syndrome
• Assists with weight control

After a relaxing massage, sleep will be restored as a time of rest instead as a time of restlessness. Be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and help with the release and filtration of toxins. You will feel more relaxed with reduced stress and tension and be able to sleep all night long. You will wake up refreshed and ready to start a new day.

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