Mountain Monkeys

posted by maggie on Jan 23

There are links between addiction and science, physical exercise and the functioning of the brain. This includes sports such as dance and yoga, water sports, team activities and singular activities such as running or biking. Exercise not only keeps the body in check and in tune, it does so for the brain as well, in ways that scientists are starting to find out…may just prevent substance abuse issues and addictions. When children exercise throughout their lives, they grow up into adults who are less likely to be plagued by problems with drugs and/or alcohol abuse. This is becoming known as the science of addiction. Florida, being a prime state of outdoor activities has plenty of resources for addiction, including drug rehab miami as well as others.

While the body is fed by the blood pumping through the veins and arteries of someone participating in activities such as outdoor sports, the lungs become invigorated and stimulated as well as does the heart. Neuro-chemicals in the brain are released, and what scientists have discovered, is that these actually promote the growth of new cells, help damaged ones repair themselves and create new neuro-pathways which help in the memory functions of the brain’s activity. This is commonly referred to as a “runner’s high”, and while it is a cliche, it is actually true. Exercise has been shown to relive anxiety and depression, two side effects of substance abuse.

People who exercise will say that they have an easier time dealing with the day to day life stresses. Stress is one of the leading causes drug addicts and alcoholics say is the reason for their addictions. The hormones that are secreted when one is “stressed out” are found to be less significant in the bodies of those who regularly exercise. That is one of the many reasons why getting children and teenagers out from behind a computer screen and onto the basketball court or into the swimming pool.

Aside from the physical and mental effects that exercise has on the body, there are social effects which also serve to lessen the likely hood that a child will become involved with drugs and alcohol as well. Team sports provide one with camaraderie and all sports are generally goal driven. Accomplishing goals creates a sense of well being, and those are the kids who are less likely to pick up unhealthy habits that may lead to addiction. Outdoor sports usually put one in contact with nature, such as mountain biking or climbing. This too gives one a sense of belonging that many addicts say they are missing. In all, exercise is a wonderful way to take care of oneself, to preemptively cut off addiction at the pass, or to help those who are in recovery. Consult rehab west palm beach resources, or others near you for more information.

posted by maggie on Nov 30

When most people think golf, they think of business meetings, or perhaps time at the 19th hole. However, there are a surprising number of health benefits to playing golf, or even working on a golf course. Let’s look at some of the ways that time on the golf course can help your health. Read the rest of this entry »

posted by maggie on Nov 7

This guest blog post is brought to you by Brian Johnson. Brian is a freelance writer and currently obtaining his online edd degree from Creighton University.

You may have heard of them. They are called barefoot running shoes or minimalist shoes. Perhaps the most popular shoes to adapt to those wishing to run barefoot are those from Vibram http://www.vibramfivefingers.com. Although this footwear may look odd, those that use these shoes and other similar models swear by their effects.

Interest in minimalist or barefoot running has exploded in recent years. Many runners and cross-trainers are looking for this footwear. These shoes are designed to help the runner emulate barefoot running while simultaneously protecting the foot from hazards. Before you switch from your traditional sneaker, here are a few things to consider about barefoot running.

Since the beginning of humanity, barefoot running and walking has been around. It was only until the middle of the 1900s that running shoes became mass produced. These shoes were designed to help improve cushioning and give more stability for the runner. However, lately runners have been wondering whether all of the bells and whistles of the modern shoe really prove any benefit. They, instead, have decided to go back to the original design of running for man—a minimalist shoe that would help protect their feet while allowing them to run “barefoot.”

Some have indicated that they believe these minimalist shoes means they could run faster and are likely to have less injury. However, others argue that to run in these shoes means going back to running on the balls of ones feet. This is because traditional, padded running shoes help provide the cushion necessary for elevated heels and a heel-first strike to the stride. In order to effectively (and safely) run in minimalist shoes, the runner must go back to the natural running pattern of front of foot strikes first.

It’s important to also consider the shape of your foot before switching running shoe. For example, those with flat feet may have a great difficulty adapting to minimalist shoes. Those with higher arches reportedly have less trouble adapting their running strides. Remember that these shoes are not for everyone. In fact, it would be recommended that anyone considering a change in shoe consult their doctor. Those with any type of muscle or skeletal issue may do a great deal of damage to their bodies by changing their footwear. Remember, the shoe we wear is essential to our posture.

If you are considering a switch, also consider where you typically do most of your running. Even Vibram makes shoes with varying sole dimensions based on the running surface the runner typically finds his or herself on. For instance, if you are running mostly on a treadmill, a thinner sole may be appropriate. However, for those who run outdoors (on rocks, for example) a thicker tread should be used. Additionally, certain soles are made with more traction while others are not. Many shoe stores will offer free consultations on your running stride and foot shape. Consider taking advantage of such offers in order to get a better idea of what running shoe you require.

Although it may not seem like that big of a deal, the type of running shoe one uses can have huge health effects. Not only will you be more likely to stay in shape with a shoe that is comfortable for you, but the wrong shoe can actually compromise your body and result in increased likelihood for injury.

So when it comes to minimalist shoes, the answer really depends on the individual. While most everyone can attempt barefoot running, only certain individuals will find it beneficial. Those with flat feet, tendonitis and other conditions may do damage by running in minimalist shoes. This is why it’s important to consult a doctor if you suffer from any type of condition that affects your running. It’s always important to take time to make wise health decisions.

Personally, I still prefer regular thick soled running shoes.  Although many of my runner friends rave about the barefoot shoes, and claim they’ll never switch back. Have you tried them, and if so which do you prefer?

posted by maggie on Jul 11

Now that it is summer time, it is a great time to pull out that old bike and fix it up so you can go for a ride. If you haven’t used your bike in a while and it is looking a little shabby, you might want to pull out your bicycle repair manual to see if you can fix any of the minor problems the bike may be facing.

Once you have fixed up all of the minor repairs, you can then customize it to give it a fresh new look. A new paint job will have the bike looking good as new. Before you decide to paint it, you will need to choose a paint color and the correct paint. It is also a good idea to look up step by step painting instructions that way you can make sure you do not mess up any of the gears. After a fresh coat of paint, add whatever accessories you desire such as streamers, a bell, baseball cards or just keep it classic.

When the weather is nice, take your bike out for a ride. Instead of driving to the ice cream shop around the corner, grab your friends and some bikes and bike on over there. You can also go for a neighborhood cruise or if you are more adventurous you can take it out to some trails to explore the outdoors.

Biking is a great form of exercise and will help you keep fit and feeling good. When riding a bike, it does not need to be strenuous exercise but can simply be a nice short ride. If you are looking for something a bit more exhausting though, you can mountain bike or cycle, both are very common forms of exercise and both are fun.

So instead of sitting indoors all day and watching television, find that old bike of yours, fix it up and go for a ride.

posted by maggie on Jan 23

Living with an addict is not easy for anyone. This includes co-workers, extended family, and friends, not just the people who literally live with the person. At some point it may become necessary for those people surrounding the addict to step in and intervene. The alternative is to leave the person’s life entirely in order to protect themselves from further damage.

When this time comes, there are experts who can help. They will have experience organizing and facilitating intervention programs and will be able to assist the family and friends in the process.

Interventions are designed to bring together an addict with the people closest to them. This gives everyone a chance to express how the addiction is having a negative impact on each of their lives and their relationship with the addict. Some will express anger, sadness, grief, or frustration with the behavior and attitude of the addict. All will be coming out of love and concern for the addict’s state of mind and, perhaps, their physical health .

The goal of the intervention is to get the addict to accept responsibility for their addiction and the effect it has on other people as well as on them. Ideally, it should end with the addict agreeing to accept treatment and leaving immediately for a rehab program or center. Loved ones need to accept going in that that might not happen and be prepared to follow through on any promises or threats to let go of the addict should they continue on their path of destruction. Experienced facilitators will be able to help with the aftermath of such a result as well as being ready to accompany the addict and family members to the treatment facility should that goal be realized.

posted by maggie on Oct 24

Proper treatment for sleep apnea usually begins and ends with a CPAP machine. The CPAP is designed to regulate your breathing as you sleep, putting an end to the shallow breathing and interrupted breathing that are behind all your sleep symptoms. Your doctor will prescribe the machine and accessories that you need in order to begin experience continuous, restorative sleep.

One of the accessories that you may want to ask about, if it’s not part of the initial prescription, is a Pulse Oximeter . These devices monitor oxygen saturation levels. Since one of the problems associated with sleep apnea is low blood oxygen levels, it is important for your CPAP machine to keep your oxygen saturation level at or above 90%. The pulse oximeter will let you test your oxygen saturation level so that you know whether your CPAP is working properly. Some pulse oximeters have the ability to record an entire nights sleep. This will allow you and your doctor to analyze your oxygen levels to identify patterns in your night breathing.

Effective treatment of sleep apnea results not just in a better night’s sleep. It leads to better circulation, concentration, alleviates fatigue, and even a stronger immune system and better overall health.

posted by maggie on Jun 6

All drug abuse not only effects the community in general, but the drug abuser themselves; it has the effects of altering thoughts, behavior and feelings. Drugs directly affect the brain and the central nervous system (CNS). Feelings are affected and altered when the drugs affect the neurotransmitters and the intercellular communications; every organism seeks a balance between inhibitory and excitatory functions, which is called homeostasis. Specific drug action depends upon the route of administration, the dose taken, if there’s other drugs involved, and the state of mind of the individual. Basically, drug effects can be classified by their primary action on the CNS.

The effects of these drugs, as mentioned above, altered perception, thought and feelings cannot be experienced without taking drugs, except maybe in dreams, and to keep up these altered states, physical dependence will develop and if the drug is discontinued, withdrawal symptoms will occur, which again affects the central nervous system. The withdrawal symptoms are a rebound effect in the physiological systems, which were modified by the drug, such as when alcohol depresses the CNS, withdrawal stimulates the CNS. In studying the effects of withdrawal, look for the opposite effect that the drug was initially used for, e.g., amphetamine is used to stimulate and energize, so amphetamine withdrawal causes depression and reduces energy output.

For most drug users, development of physical dependence is gradual, it can occur over weeks, months, or even years of chronic abuse. Tolerance and physical dependence develops after chronic abuse. With increasing tolerance, the drug user needs more of the drug to acquire the same effects. The nerve cells structurally and chemically counteract the drug’s psychoactive effects, causing tolerance to grow and dependency to develop. The effects of tolerance leaves the chemically dependent drug abuser to crave more of the drug; they become obsessed with obtaining more of the drug to maintain a sense of well being. Despite these adverse consequences, the chemically dependent abuser becomes inflexible in their behavior toward the drug. The need for the drug will intensify and will become overwhelmingly all consuming and they will be totally preoccupied with the drug. This is what leads many to seek treatment from one of the many drug rehab centers across the country.

This preoccupation with drugs in general affects society, effects and strains any relationships, affects the drug abuser’s finances, and health. The impact of drug abuse on all of society is so huge a problem, it even effects government to take action by creating legislation to constantly find ways to stop this overwhelming, growing issue.