Issue
Number 14 - April 2002
In
this months issue of "Naturally Happy"
Depression:
You're not alone!
by
Jenny Collier
Being
depressed means different things to different people - what sends one
person rushing for help may be hardly alarming for another. But the
flourishing "self-help" industry attests to the fact that
a great many people want to feel better than they do.
In
our world of "quick fixes", it is convenient to forget that
the degree of health and well-being we experience is nature's way of
giving feedback to us about choices we have made in major areas of our
lives such as relationships, diet, work etc.
Ideally,
we would all be well tuned-in to this feedback, and would enthusiastically
make the required changes without delay. Of course life is never that
simple, because of the multiple factors over which we have little control
- our genetic inheritance, our opportunities, wars, disasters and accidents
of fate which can hugely influence the belief that we can indeed steer
our own course.
Erosion
of self confidence/self esteem is one of the commonest signs of depression,
whether triggered by a particular event (reactive depression) or by
other causes for example: hereditary factors. Naturally, strong reactions
to difficult events, hormonal changes and mood swings are totally normal
at times, and should not be considered as clinical depression unless
of extended duration.
Symptoms
of depression include decreased drive, slowness of thought and movement,
sleep disturbance and feelings of hopelessness. These can impair normal
day to day functioning.
Current
studies show that 6 in every 100 Australians experience depression each
year, with young women and middle-aged men strongly represented. Counselling
and psychotherapy are effective in restoring self confidence and promoting
positive thinking. The latest advancements in medication make drug therapy
a useful tool for severe depression. When the client feels better he/she
can seek counselling.
No
one need suffer in silence. Well managed, a bout of depression can stimulate
new and better ways to live life!
To
take advantage of a great introductory offer at
Clayfield Counselling Services click here
MediBall: Introduction to MediBall training
The
mediBall provides a unique unstable training environment. This means
that your neuromuscular system faces a greater challenge than it may
in a machine based training environment, like you see in many fitness
centres and health clubs
This
challenge helps achieve some fantastic training effects. Highlighting
these effects can best be done if we firstly consider the muscles as
being in 3 major classes: Prime Movers, Stabilizers and Neutralisers.
- Prime
Mover Strength - provides most of the power for a particular function.
The mediBall can be used in conjunction with free or cable weights
to achieve a training effect in these muscles. Exercises such as the
dumbbell press can isolate the prime movers to perform the action,
while the stabilisers and neutralisers are working to prevent any
other unnecessary movement. Because of the high neural demand of mediBall
training, the reps and sets performed can be minimal to gain a training
effect. Time efficiency is as important as any other factor of training.
- Stabiliser/Neutraliser
Strength
- keeps the joint in place and provides greater control, thereby helping
prevent injury. Using the mediBall forces you to work in an unstable
environment. If you are unstable, the stabilisers engage to prevent
you from falling off the ball. The more unstable your environment,
the more activation you get from your joint stabilisers and neutralisers.
By improving these qualities you improve joint stability, which allows
more of the prime movers to be recruited. This will result in improved
performance because you are able to apply more power or more strength
to any given situation.
Other mediBall training effects include:
- Increased
kinaesthetic awareness - because of the unstable nature of the
mediBall, you are forced to be intrinsically aware of the positioning
of your body in space.
- Improved
flexibility -
the mediBalls are a very effective stretching aide.
- Improved
balance
- mediBall training involves high levels of nervous system activation,
challenging the nervous system. This is why mediBall training is such
an excellent form of rehabilitation training.
- Improved
posture - when performed with proper technique, ball exercises
enhance both spinal and peripheral joint stability. Exercising on
the ball requires the use of postural muscles not needed with machine
training, as training on the mediBall requires constant recruitment
of the core musculature.
For further information or to purchase a mediBall please contact:
Optimal Life Australia
Ph: (07) 3824 7300
Email: [email protected]
Healthy
Life Qld Charity Golf Day::Teeing
off to help fight breast cancer!
The
annual Healthy Life Queensland Charity Golf Day is on again at Palm
Meadows, Gold Coast on Friday 17th May 2002. Over the past 3 years Healthy
Life has contributed $52,612.89 towards research into finding a cure
for this complex disease. Everyone knows someone affected by breast
cancer. With more research we will find a cure.
As
a Healthy Life shop owner, much of our working day is taken up assisting
and educating our customers about nutrition and how to improve their
general health. So, the 'Health' of the wider community is both generally,
and specifically, at the forefront of our mind. It follows naturally
when we get together as a 'group' on our Annual Charity Golf Day, we
combine to try and make a significant contribution to the community.
Breast
Cancer affects nearly every single family in Australia, it is the number
one killer of females in this country. Every year 10,000 cases are diagnosed
and tragically every week 50 women die from breast cancer. Through research
we have identified better methods of detection and treatment and survival
is increasing.
The
success of the Healthy Life Charity Golf day largely depends on the
support of the business community, with the majority of funds raised
coming from the Sporting and Music Memorabilia Auction which is held
post-game.
Join
us in supporting the National Breast Cancer Foundation, your contribution
would literally be 'life-saving'. If you have any memorabilia you would
like to contribute or if you are interested in participating and/or
making a donation contact Susan on 1300 133 173 or email [email protected]
Universal
Contour Wraps: Guaranteed Inch loss!
The
Universal Contour Wrap is an all natural, effective way to achieve inch
reduction, detoxify the body, cleanse the skin, and leave you feeling
totally rejuvenated with a wonderfully smooth and silkier skin texture.
WHAT
IS THE CONTOUR WRAP?
The
Universal Contour Wrap is a process which involves wrapping the body
with special Contour wraps which have been soaked in all-natural patented
Sea Clay solution.
Our
exclusive wrap solution and contouring technique are the results of
over 10 years spent by a chiropractic physician in the research and
development of many types of body wrap solutions, techniques and processes
HOW
DOES IT WORK?
Once
the wraps that have been soaked in the solution are applied to the body,
the effect is that of a giant poultice. As the toxins are drawn out
through your pores, the skin tissue is compressed and compacted and
the skin regains elasticity by being detoxified thereby creating a smoother
and firmer nuscle base over which the soft tissue lies. It is important
to note that this wrapping process is NOT dehydrative- therefore, weight
loss, through water loss is extremely minimal- this means you will NOT
regain inches/cms lost drinking a glass of water.
What
Are The Benefits of The UNIVERSAL CONTOUR WRAP.?
- A
noticable and measurable difference after your very first wrap!
- A
guaranteed inch/cm loss!
- Skin
feels tighter, smoother and silky soft.
- Helps
diminish the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks.
- Detoxification,
leaving you feeling cleansed and totally rejuvenated.
- Remarkably
effective.
- Great
maintenance program.
To take advantage of a great introductory offer
click
here
Health
Buzz: The latest news on all things good for you!
Brought
to you by www.mindandbody.com.au
Germany puts on a happy face with Hypericum
Need
a reason to smile? How about 66 million of them? According to recent
figures that's how many prescriptions are written yearly in Germany
for the anti-depression herb hypericum (also know as St John's wort).
German doctors - and their patients - are so happy with the results
they're getting from hypericum that they've made it the most popular
first line treatment for mild to moderate depression.
Don't get mad, get Vitex
Hot
off the press at the British Medical Journal is news of a trial that
shows vitex agnus castus is "an effective and well tolerated treatment"
for the relief of the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Results from
the placebo controlled trial published in January 2001 revealed that
symptoms including irritability, mood swings, anger, headache and breast
soreness were all significantly reduced by taking an extract of the
vitex herb.
In the news: natural DVT strategies
Deep
vein thrombosis (DVT) has a lot of travellers concerned, but the risk
can be reduced with the help of natural medicines such vitamin E, ginkgo
biloba and garlic, which all help to keep the circulation in good shape.
Drinking plenty of water before and during the flight and avoiding diuretics
like coffee, tea and alcohol can also help to cut the clot risk. If
you think you may be at risk of DVT, see your healthcare professional.
Why Gilligan loved his Ginger
Whether
it's a three-hour tour or a transatlantic cruise, if you suffer from
motion sickness you shouldn't leave home without your ginger. The British
Journal of Anaesthesia describes ginger as an effective antiemetic (nausea
treatment) useful for easing motion sickness, and also as a preventative
against nausea caused by anaesthetics. Ginger beer won't do the trick
unless it's made from real ginger so try a concentrated extract from
a pharmacy or health food store.
www.mindandbody.com.au
Zoes
Place: Help build Queensland's first Respice Centre!
Zoe's Place assists families who have a child with a life limiting illness.
Funds are being raised to build Queensland's first Respice Centre, and
in the meantime through its Family Support Service, Zoe's Place trains
Volunteers to provide in-home support, at no cost to the family in need
ZOE'S
CHALLENGE
Cycle ~ Walk ~ Run
FOR CHILDREN WITH A LIFE-LIMITING ILLNESS
Sunday May 19
When Nigel and Erika Reed lost their 11yo daughter Zoe to cystic fibrosis,
Nigel promised Zoe he would "walk around the world telling all
who would listen of the traumas of seriously ill children and the plight
of their families".
Nigel
kept his promise, traversing England, the United States and most of
Australia, kick starting a fundraising program to build Zoe's Place,
Queensland's first home-away-from-home for families who have a child
with a life limiting illness. This unique Centre will provide a haven
for families affected by life limiting illness and a base for the Family
Support Service already actively providing Volunteers to assist families
in their own home.
You
can follow in Nigel's footsteps and help build a better future for these
children and their families by joining Zoe's Challenge. With your involvement,
Zoe's Place will be built on land leased from the at Mount Ommaney in
Brisbane's western suburbs. Help us complete the inspirational dream
by joining us for this very special cause.
Register
your family and friends to Cycle, Walk , Run and make a very real difference
in ~
ZOE'S
CHALLENGE ~ Sunday May 19 (8am)
Start/Finish Mt Ommaney Shopping Centre Car Park
GREAT PRIZES FOR JUST BEING INVOLVED
To get involved click here:
[email protected]
Short
and Sweet: Jumbo
Jaffa Choc-chip Cookies
Jumbo
Jaffa Choc-Chip Cookies
Ingredients :
- 125g
Australian Unsalted Butter
- 1/2
cup castor sugar
- 1/2
cup brown or dark brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1
egg, lightly beaten
- 1
tablespoon grated orange rind
- 1
cup maize cornflour *
- 1
cup buckwheat flour
- 1/4
teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
- 1/2
teaspoon cream of tartar
- 120g
chocolate chips
Method
:
Cream
butter and sugars until light and creamy. Gradually add egg and rind
until well combined. Sift together flours, bicarbonate of soda and cream
of tartar and fold into mixture with choc-chips. Roll teaspoons of mixture
into balls and place onto a lightly buttered baking tray, allowing room
for spreading. Bake at 180°C for 10 minutes or until firm and golden.
Allow to stand for 5 minutes before removing. Cool on a wire rack. *
Check brands as some cornflour is made from wheat starch
Nutritional
Analysis per serve
Carbohydrates : 21 g
Energy : 584 kJ Calcium : 21 mg
Protein : 1 g Iron : mg
Fat : 6 g
Laughter
is the best medicine!
You
Know It's Time To Diet When...
You
are diagnosed with the flesh eating virus, and the doctor gives
you 22 more years to live.
You
put mayonnaise on an aspirin.
You
go to the zoo and the elephants throw you peanuts.
Your
driver's license says, "Picture continued on other side."
You
learn you were born with a silver shovel in your mouth.
You
could sell shade.
Your
blood type is Ragu.
Quote
of the month
"The
powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire"
Ferdinand Fash
Smartmen
Giveaway : 10 packs up for grabs!
Congratulations to the winners of the Zen Chi Massagers. This month
we are giving away 10 packs each containing shaving packs of 1 x Smartmen
+ 1 Smartwomen valued at $40 each!
The
Smart range of products have macadamia oil as a base, while removing
all the unnecessary ingredients commonly used in shaving preparations.
These include petroleum oils, animal fats, soaps and surfactants. And
forget animal testing, we tested this on friends!"
click
here for
more details
In
the next issue of "Naturally Happy"
- Skin
Management: New and effective!
- Reiki:
More popular than ever!
- Health
Buzz:The latest news on all things good for you!
My
Health Specials provides this information for your personal education
and enrichment. Information provided should not be used for diagnosing
or treating a health problem or disease. Nor should the information replace
the advice of your health care practitioner. Always seek professional
advice if suffering an illness.
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