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Lower Back Pain

One of the most common problems of the elderly is that of lower back pain. This does not mean, however, that lower back pain or lumbago is not common in other age groups as well. Fortunately, it often subsides within a short time with little or no treatment.

Because the lumbar region of the back (the small of the back) undergoes considerable stress when a person twists or lifts, it can become sprained quite easily. The pain produced by lumbago or lower back pain makes movement painful and sufferers are generally unable to work during these episodes. The majority of sufferers recover in a week or two and require little or no medical treatment. Often, rest is all that is needed.

Causes

Although lower back pain is usually caused by a back condition, it can also be caused through other medical conditions.

A very common cause of lower back pain is that of muscle injury. This is usually brought about by stress which is normally the result of bending incorrectly or lifting while carrying excess weight. This type of back sprain is characterized by pain and stiffness that is evident within a few hours of the injury. It generally subsides within a day or two although more severe strains may last longer.

Some recurrent backaches are caused by inflammatory conditions such as osteoporosis. This condition is caused by the degeneration of the joint in the backbone through wear and tear and is often more painful in the morning. Another painful and persistent inflammatory condition that causes persistent lower back pain is called ankylosing spondylitis. A slipped or prolapsed disk can also be to blame for the discomfort of back pain.

Severe lower back pain can also be caused by a crush fracture which can result from a fall or other injury. A crush fracture happens when a vertebra collapses. Other medical causes are mestastases or secondary deposits of cancer and also spinal bone tumours.

Osteoporosis, a common condition of the elderly, weakens the bones and makes the pain of arthritis even more unbearable. It is caused by a reduction in the calcium content of the bones. Because the backbone is weakened, compression fractures become more likely and, as a result, there is severe lower back pain.

Another cause of lower back pain can be due to the uterus becoming tipped during childbirth. Kidney infections can also be a cause.

Symptoms

Pain and tenderness on movement usually begins within 2-24 hours of an injury or muscle tear. This can include any sprain or strain of the muscles or ligaments and is usually noticed after lifting heavy objects.

The abovementioned symptoms are similar in the event that a lumbar disk slips or is ruptured. However, in this instance the pain is more severe. The bck muscles go into painful spasms and the simple act of coughing or sneezing also creates pain in the back. Sciatica is different again in that the pain spreads from the back, down the buttock and down the leg.

Osteoporosis and other conditions caused by degenerative joint conditions come on gradually and is long term. The pain is generally mild to moderate but is recurrent over a period of several years

In some conditions such as fibroids which are harmless tumors in the uterus, as well as in the case of large abdominal tumor or pregnancy, the presence of lower back pain is only one of a number of symptoms.

Dangers

It is rare for lower back pain to be considered as dangerous although some untreated symptoms may become dangerous. One such symptom is an untreated disk which may be pressing on the spinal cord. This, if left untreated, could lead to paralysis. Also, lower back pain caused by infection in the spinal vertebrae may be dangerous as could secondary cancer though these conditions in the spinal region are very rare.

Treatment

Most strains and sprains of the back are easily treated and respond well to minimal treatment. Basically, the main treatment is rest by lying flat on a firm surface. Sometimes the use of an infrared lamp or a heat pack can be beneficial as it relaxes the muscles. Also, a gentle but firm massage and the application of liniment on the affected area, will normally give substantial relief. A painkiller such as acetaminophen should be taken. Lifting and carrying of heavy objects should be avoided during the recovery period.

Where there are serious medical causes, such as prolapsed disk, abdominal tumors, or an infection, the treatment is changed according to the condition. Often, in more chronic cases, it may be advisable to wear surgical belts or surgical corsets during the day.

Using proper lifting and carrying techniques can often prevent lower back pain as can the use of swimming and other exercises that strengthen the back muscles. In the elderly, persistent attacks of lower back pain may be a natural part of the aging process and therefore, something that must be accepted.

Most people who suffer from an attack of lower back pain make a total recovery within a week or two and do so with little or no treatment. In the case of a protruding disk, recovery may take several weeks but there is normally no need for surgery.

How to prevent lower back pain

DO

1.Bend the knees and keep the spine straight when lifting or carrying heavy objects

2.Wear sensible and well fitting shoes

3.Whether at home or at work, find a comfortable position from which to work

4.Be careful of twisting and bending when getting in and out of motor vehicles

5.If advised, wear a support brace or corset to support your back

DONT

1.Lift or carry anything heavy when recovering from lower back pain
2.Overexert your back. Always ask for help if necessary
3.Sleep on a soft bed. A firm mattress is better for your back
4.Twist and stoop to get into motor vehicles
5.Ignore the need for medical help if lower back pain persists

Anne Wolski has worked in the health and welfare industry for more than 30 years. She is a co-director of http://www.magnetic-health-online.com and http://www.betterhealthshoppe.com which are both information portals with many interesting medical articles. She is also an associate of http://www.timzbiz.com which features many articles on internet marketing and resources.

posted by uvzecq @ 12:18 AM 0 comments

The Baby Boomer Athlete

Are you a Baby Boomer? If you were born between the years of 1946 to 1964, you are part of the 79.1 million Boomers, comprising 29 percent of the total US population. According to the AARP, every seven seconds a Baby Boomer turns 50! And, about one-third of Americans who take part in sports activities are Boomers.

As this generation grows older, they are working harder to keep their youth and vitality, are staying active with physical activity, and unfortunately are experiencing more injuries than the generation before them.

A US Consumer Product Safety Commission report states there were 1 million sports injuries to persons between the ages of 35 and 54 in 1998. This is a 33% increase over the same statistics of 1991. While this sounds like distressing news for aging bodies, many sports-related injuries are minor aches, sprains and strains that can be treated or even prevented using self-treatment techniques. Whether you are a weekend warrior or a lifelong athlete, the following suggestions may help you stay limber and relatively pain-free.

Warm-up before stretching or an activity. Muscles that are warm through slow-paced pre-exercise such as jogging or walking, will be less likely to tear.

Stretching before and after exercise. Stay limber and flexible. Stretching is one of the best preventive measures against injury.

Get fitted with the proper shoe. This is a top priority especially for running, hiking, and cross training. Go to a running store with someone on staff who will analyze your walk, arch, and how your foot turns in or out during activity. They will then fit you with a shoe having the right amount of support or cushioning for your particular body type. This alone can substantially reduce the incidence of injury.

Start daily conditioning. Do some type of activity every day to help condition your body for more strenuous weekend exercise.

Try adding low-impact activities to the mix. Such as: Pilates, Yoga, Tai Chi, Elliptical Trainer, Recumbent Cycling, Spinning.

Add strength training to your weekly routine. Stronger muscles mean better joints and a more energized body.

Create a workout program with balance. Combine stretching, strength training and cardiovascular exercises to keep your body in balance.

Use R.I.C.E. If pain does creep into your body after an activity, use the technique of R.I.C.E. immediately to reduce inflammation. Never use heat in the first 48 to 72 hours after an injury occurs, as this will increase swelling and bruising. Rest-Ice-Compression-Elevation can make the difference in a fast, effective recovery from a sprain or strain.

Try massage. For tight, stressed muscles, massage therapy can be a relaxing and helpful treatment for minor pain. Self-message is easy to do on legs, ankles and feet.

Give cognitive behavior therapy a go. This therapy works on the concept that you can reprogram your mind to increase performance or decrease pain triggers, incorporating relaxation and other visualization techniques. Professional athletes have been using it for some time to rehearse a perfect performance in their mind before an event.

Physical activity may produce its own set of challenges for Baby Boomers. But inactivity itself is a threat to health. A sedentary lifestyle is associated with an increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoporosis, stroke and some cancers. Regular physical exercise helps Boomers strengthen muscles, which in turn stabilizes joints, increases flexibility and keeps age-related diseases at bay. Better to be a buff Baby Boomer than a middle-age couch potato!

This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical treatment or consultation. Always consult with your physician in the event of a serious injury.

About The Author

Louise Roach is the editor of an on-line health and fitness newsletter. She has been instrumental in the research, testing and development of SnowPack, a patented cold therapy that exhibits the same qualities as ice. Her injury prevention and treatment articles have been published on running, walking and fitness websites. For more information visit: http://www.snowpackusa.com or NewsFlash*SnowPack at: http://home.netcom.com/~newsflash. Louise Roach can be reached at: info@snowpackusa.com

posted by uvzecq @ 11:01 PM 0 comments

Graduation Songs

music has always been an integral part of human life, as it is the best way of giving expression to the innermost feelings on any occasion. The language of songs knows no boundaries and can communicate most subtle and special feelings. Whether it is meeting or parting, music has the power to convey emotions related to each and every moment.

One such moment is graduation. Graduation is one of the most memorable events in life. It is a celebration of completion of a significant step that forms the basis of future life. Students who have been together for some years may part after graduation. Graduation songs are perfect for this occasion, as they highlight all the moments, happy or sad and have a nostalgic effect on listeners. They also bring out the value of friends and the days they spent together until graduation. Graduation songs can be an ode to the teachers who helped shape the minds and thoughts of students.

Graduation songs can have many themes. Some can be self-created, while others can be inspired by themes given online. Graduation songs can be group or individual songs. Though they are college specific and change from year to year, there are certain songs that have withstood the test of the time. These songs have become a must for any graduation party and are almost universal. Their universality can be proven by the fact that they are listed among the most popular graduation songs such as the album "Vitamin C" recorded in 1999 by Colleen Fitzpatrick, as a solo artist and also graduation songs from "A Chorus Line" and "Wicked."

Graduation songs have all the ingredients of making people remember their graduation days with a smile. The underlying emotions and sentiments of these songs keep the fond memories of graduation days alive.

Songs provides detailed information on Songs, Song Lyrics, Song Titles, Free Songs and more. Songs is affiliated with Soundtrack Lyrics.

posted by uvzecq @ 8:35 PM 0 comments

Workout music To Get Pumped Up

One important factor about training is that you stay motivated throughout your workout. You can have the best training routine and diet but if you do not have enough motivation to get through the workout then this is where you could fail. We recognise this and feel that music throughout your workout is what everybody needs to stay motivated. Since everybody has different tastes we have provided a wide range of motivational songs that can get you pumped up during your workout.

Are you a boxer and need to improve the speed in your hands? Then listen to the track by Roy Jones Jr - Cant Be Touched. His lyrics are directed towards boxing where he statesCant be touched Cant be stopped Cant be moved Cant be rocked Cant be shook. With his strong rapping lyrics this song will get you pumped up whether you are sparring or just hitting the pads! Do you want to get faster instantly? Most people think boxing is partly a mental game and I think they are right!

Survivor - The Eye Of The Tiger is without a doubt workout music to get pumped up by. It was made very famous in 1982 in the movie Rocky III and just seeing Rocky Balboa training to that music was enough for me to get motivated. The song is about taking your chances and rising to the top and this can be applied whether you are just doing a 40 minute weights workout or training for the fight of your life. Put this song on in the background and you wont believe the heights of your workout!

Do you want it all from your workout? Get out every last repetition that you can? Well Queen - I Want It All is one of the most famous songs that tell you to go for what you want and do it now! You can put off your workout any longer you got to start achieving your results today and you need workout music to get pumped up by.

Do you want to be a champion? Well Queen does it again with their song Queen We Are The Champions. This is a song that talks about fighting back against all the odds and inspired all manner of people and sports team in particular. The song suggests having made mistakes and taking your fair share of knocks in the past, but having bounced back, ultimately suggesting well keep on fighting to the end. What more motivation do you need than that?

Gloria Gaynor - I Will Survive provides you with a motivational message to get through the hard times whether its a workout or the hard times in life. The problem faced by everybody is that on the day of their workout they could have other factors influencing their session. What happens if you break up with your girlfriend or boyfriend? Well the song I will survive helps someone get through the break-up, by realizing how strong they are and that they can make it without the other person. Its the type of song that gets you pumped up from listening to the lyrics as it reminds you that you can accomplish anything in life.

Above is just five songs and to be honest everybody has a different taste in the right workout music to get pumped up by. Its important that you find out what type of music will help you achieve the results that you need to. What song is going to help you get out that last repetition? What song is going to make you sweat more than you ever have? The Internet is the best place to search for other workout music you need! Start today and your workouts will improve instantly.

Michael Ward is the business owner of Australias leading fitness equipment store called Unbeatablefitness.com.au. If you visit http://www.unbeatablefitness.com.au you will find one of Australias largest fitness product range and all at the best prices money can buy. http://www.unbeatablefitness.com.au aims to provide fitness equipment for everybody no matter on their budget at hand. Not only do we provide equipment but also fitness advice as the team at http://www.unbeatablefitness.com.au all have long term experience in the fitness sector ranging from weightlifting, cardiovcascular training to the martial arts! Check out our prices and you wont be disappointed. For more information contact us at admin@unbeatablefitness.com.au

posted by uvzecq @ 6:21 PM 0 comments

Shyness Tips That Work Like Magic

Even one great shyness tip can help you to overcome your shyness. In this article we will cover several practical ways to beat shyness.

Having interesting conversation topics on hand all the time is one of the greatest ways in overcoming your fear of conversing with other people. Never forget to use them wherever you may go. Conversations may go or turn out badly because of two reasons. The first reason is that you may not have anything to talk about. Second, you may not be prepared.

People who are great with conversations rarely leave home without having anything to say with people that they will meet. For example, in a party, try to listen to some conversations and join them if you are interested in the topic, or you know something about the topic. In the last hour of your work day, try to have a small talk with your colleagues and participate in a conversation about good weekend plans or what you have done in the past weekend.

In some case, this might be a difficulty for some people who are pressed for time. But if you try to make this a habit, preparation will eventually come automatically. It will get easier and easier every time you try to prepare for a new one. You might even run out of conversations you wanted to open up, but in the future you will probably have already established a good conversation already with some people you interacted with.

Letting people know that you are shy might seem a great way of avoiding talking about a controversial subject. Some might say that this is not a good idea because some people might start labeling you as The Shy One.

A problem would only arise two ways: the obvious way and the not so obvious way. The obvious way includes blushing, trembling, twitching or physically manifesting your shyness. The not so obvious way however includes the avoidance of eye contact with other people, not having much to say or usually declining an offer from others who would like you to accept, when you are far outside of your comfort zone and feeling very uncomfortable.

Rewarding your effort and not the outcome is very crucial in conquering your shyness. We can not control anything else in our lives, but ourselves. We cannot control anybody else, meaning we certainly can not control the outcome of any conversation or the reaction of people in anything that we do.

For instance, you try to smile to a person or a colleague, and your colleague smiled back - that is good. But if you try to smile, but your colleague does not even nod back, you might take it as a failure. That should not be the case. Try to look at it this way - you at least made an effort to interact with the person.

Making things happen for some people may be tough sometimes. Shy people are usually preoccupied with worrying about their shyness. It has always been difficult for them not to think about what people might think about how you look, what you say, and whether these people like you or not. But what can you do for these people? That is what socializing is all about - trying to make an effort for other people and not just yourself.

Picking a social skill and practicing it is another tip for building your social skill. Saying hi to someone everyday will result in you saying more than hi after a week or two. Practicing on one skill at a time will lead you to a better outcome. Practicing will help you build more self confidence that may help conduct better conversations.

One last shyness tip: take classes or join interest groups. Joining a group that has the same interests is a great way of investing in your social life. Meeting people with the same interest will give you more opportunities for longer and happier conversations later on.

Peter Murphy is a peak performance expert. He recently produced a very popular free report: 10 Simple Steps to Developing Communication Confidence. Apply now because it is available only at: conversation starters

posted by uvzecq @ 5:57 PM 0 comments

Eating Cheap: A Week's Worth of Inexpensive Meals

Short on cash? Are you a starving student? Or maybe you're saving up for that next tank of gas!

Whatever the case, sometimes we all need to cut corners until the next paycheck rolls in.

These meals will fill you up without emptying your wallet. They should feed four hungry mouths.

While prices vary widely depending on your part of the country and your grocery store, you'll still find these dinners will stretch your food dollar to the max.

1. Lentil stew. One package of lentils, a couple of carrots, a couple of potatoes, water. Place the package of lentils in a large soup pot and add the appropriate amount of water (1-1/2 cups water to one cup of lentils works best). Peel the potatoes and carrots, and slice to bite size. Add to soup pot. Season to taste. If you have it: Add a ham bone, a bit of leftover beef, bacon bits, bay leaf, or favorite herbs.
2. Baked potatoes. Nothing complicated here. Buy large baking potatoes or just get a bag of potatoes on sale. If small, bake more of them per serving. Choose your favorite toppings: Simply butter, salt and pepper, cheese, broccoli, sour cream, bacon bits, or whatever is on hand.
3. Cheese quesadillas. Make these with flour tortillas. Heat two tortillas in a skillet and remove one to a plate. Top the remaining tortilla with shredded cheese. When melted, about 1-2 minutes, place the other tortilla on top. Allow to cook for a minute or so, flip the whole thing over and cook the other side for another minute. Dump onto a plate, slice with a pizza cutter. If you have it: Add shredded cooked chicken to the cheese. Serve with salsa.
4. Scrambled eggs. Get a dozen for less than one dollar. Crack eggs into a bowl and whisk. Add milk, salt, and pepper. Cook eggs in a skillet. If you have it: Add your choice of mushrooms, cheese, green pepper, or onion.
5. Spaghetti and sauce. Here again, not too creative, but you can pick up a package of spaghetti and a can of sauce for less than two dollars. Add parmesan cheese on top.
6. Tuna sandwiches. Frequently on sale, tuna provides a meaty dinner this week. For four filling sandwiches, use four of the smaller cans. Dump all of the cans into a bowl, add mayonnaise or salad dressing, along with some relish if you've got it. Stir, spread onto bread. I like to use ranch dressing.
7. Grilled cheese sandwiches. Butter bread on both sides and place on a medium-heat grill. Add a slice of cheese. Splurge on an extra slice of cheese per sandwich!

Accompaniments:

• Watch for sales on frozen vegetables. You can frequently pick up a one-pound bag for less than a dollar.
• Slice a fresh tomato into wedges or a cucumber into slices to go with a sandwich. Any fresh vegetable will do.
• Slice a piece of fruit for a healthy dessert.
• Stop by Walgreen's and see what's on sale in their food aisle. They frequently have good deals on canned mandarin oranges which make a tasty dessert. Add a bit of coconut or a few marshmallows if you have them.
• Walgreen's frequently carries canned mushrooms on sale, too.
• How about lunch for a quarter? Check Walgreen's for ramen noodles.
• Cake mixes and canned frosting are often priced under a dollar, especially the store brands. Your only additions will be a bit of oil (or applesauce if you're counting calories) and a couple of eggs (save from the meal above). For a couple dollars, you can have dessert for a couple of nights or snacks for a few days.

Looking for diet and weight loss tips? Kathy Ferneau has created an excellent resource for information on diets, healthy eating, and exercise. Click here: http://www.lose-weight-diets.com

posted by uvzecq @ 5:53 PM 0 comments

Decision on antique Objects To Collect

Collecting antique item is a passion for some people, but often they find the idea of starting an antique collection daunting.

Since there are literally thousands of things to collect, many find it hard to choose what collection to start. Moreover, people are afraid to delve into collecting antiques because they think that it is expensive and a time consuming hobby. Since there are a lot of unscrupulous individuals, there is also a chance that a budding hobbyist might get discouraged after having bought a fake antique or a reproduction for a steep price.

Here are some things to consider when deciding what antique objects to collect:

Determine the reason for starting the collection

The first consideration you need to think about is your reason for collecting. If you just want to start your own collection for your personal satisfaction then you really don't have to worry too much about the market value of the objects you will be collecting.

However, if you think of your collection as an investment, you may want to surf the Net or shop around for things that many people consider valuable. If you eventually want to earn money from you collection, you must study and research about antiques on the market.

Consider collecting something you like

Even if you are planning to sell your collection afterwards, you still have to choose something that you are interested in. If you don't know anything about baseball and you're not interested in the game, then it won't be fun collecting baseball memorabilia even if they are hot items on the market. However, if you follow what you like, you won't regret investing time and money in building up your collection.

If you are still confused or clueless as to what objects to collect, you can probably look back to your childhood. Think about what items you desired or wanted badly when you were a kid. Did you like fancy dolls? Were you an avid airplane fanatic? Did you admire the China and other porcelain items in your grandmother's cupboard? Did you like to read and love books, newspapers, or comic books? Do you love music and records?

After asking yourself these questions, there is a big chance that you will have an epiphany of what you would like to collect. antique collecting should be enjoyable as much as it is profitable.

Do your research

Collecting antiques is a very demanding hobby. You need to allocate a significant portion of your time every week or month in studying and collecting data about the objects you want to collect. At first, you can surf the Internet for articles and websites on antique collections. This will give you a rough idea of what you are getting yourself into. Moreover, you may even encounter blogs about other people's experiences when they were starting out. Such information is very important for novice collectors.

Aside from the Internet, books are good sources of information about this type of hobby. You really don't have to spend a penny in the beginning. Just visit your local library for materials about the things you're interested in collecting. You can also look at your local bookshop for possible resource materials.

Another way to do your research is by visiting antique shops, galleries and even flea markets. This will help open your mind to what other things can be collected. Toys, books, jewelry and furniture aren't the only things that can be collected. Bottles, boxes, posters, photographs, and even cameras and other gadgets are also good antique collectibles.

Aside from researching about what to collect, you should also start studying the world of antiques. You have to know how to detect fakes or reproductions before you start your collection because there are many people who are out there just to defraud others. Moreover, you should also know something about pricing, appraising, and the value of antiques. In the antique world, even identical items may have different prices because there are many factors to consider cracks, chips, condition, marks or signatures.

Find other collectors

Once you have decided what object to collect, it is advisable to find other people who share the same interest. If you are lucky, you might even find organizations or web-based groups that promote your object of interest. You won't know about the antique world and market alone. You need the help of other collectors, appraisers and aficionados.

Follow the tips above and you will discover what object to collect and how to start your collection.

Get free collectibles guide and resources from Collectibles Info Center owned by Eve Tsao. Eve unselfishly sharing her knowledge and passion on his blog on regular basis. She also offer free collectibles tips and ideas which you can find all under one roof.

posted by uvzecq @ 4:02 PM 0 comments