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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: info@optimal-life.com.au

 

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 healthylifetoowong@uq.net.au


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: barbdouglas@iprimus.com.au

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!
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