How safe is online pharmacy by Affordablemedz.com

Yes online pharmacy is safe provided you do your inspection work carefully. You have to avoid several other fraudulent pharmacies which be dangerous and also costlier, I’ll try to make you understand how you can differentiate between safe and legal pharmacies from fraudulent websites.

The U.S Pharmacopeia (USP), in conjunction with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state Board of Pharmacy regulators, are the one who standardizes and controls all medications dispensed by pharmacies throughout the United States. They keep a check on quality and harmful medications provided on web. They help consumers by protecting them from fake pharmacies online.
Now the question arises how we can determine whether the online pharmacy you are considering requires a valid prescription from your doctor before it will dispense medication.
The prescription stands as a identity proof that you have visited the doctor and you require a proper medication. That prescription indicates the medicines which is being required to an individual by a proper diagnosis.. Merely filling out a questionnaire and/or furnishing only a credit card number is not sufficient for meeting required standards of medical practice. one has to have proper prescription or drug recommendation from a doctor.
Second thing that needs to be verified is that the online pharmacy is a licensed pharmacy in your state or that it is licensed to deliver medications to residents of your state.You should expect the same level of quality and service from an online pharmacy as from any local pharmacy. In 1904, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) was established for the purpose of assisting state licensing boards with the development, implementation, and enforcement of consistent standards for pharmacies. In the spring of 1999, the NABP started a voluntary certification program known as the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites or VIPPS, in response to concerns over the safety of Internet pharmacies.
Why there is need of online pharmacy, as many of us want the option of purchasing our prescription drugs from Internet drug stores because as it is much more convenient and money & time-saving.  You just have to be a little cautious before making a purchase as it is legal and safe but there are also fake website and pharmacies to watchout for. The skill is to find an Internet drug source that is legal, safe and meets your needs, such as convenience and pricing only on Affordablemedz.com.
Just to give you overview how to Order Drugs Legally and Safely from an Internet Drug Store. Just do a quick initial check to determine whether pricing is an important issue for you. If you have insurance, you may be able to use your insurance to purchase your drugs online, but your cost will probably be exactly the same at any pharmacy since the cost is a co-pay that is determined by your insurer's formulary. If you do not have insurance then check with any insurance company or payer, if they have a recommended mail-order pharmacy you can use. If you can't find the information on your insurance company's or payer's website, then phone their customer service number to ask.  Most of the insurance companies have tie ups with the online pharmacies or either they recommend one. If you don't like the idea of using your insurer's mail-order company or if they don't have one to recommend, then find the website of which has all the licenses required to sell online or which is being approved from FDA.
There's a slight difference between using the Internet to purchase drugs online and purchasing from a pharmacy that only has an Internet presence. Local drug stores have websites; you may be able to use one to fill or renew a prescription. You will recognize their names: CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid or dozens of others. Unless you have questions about your local pharmacy's reputation, there should be no problem purchasing drugs from their websites. Just be sure you use the correct web address to access their prescription capabilities. Be cautious of the pharmacies, which don't have actual locations where you can walk in and hand over your prescription and your money to make a purchase. They are found only online; not all of them sell drugs legally. Those which are approved from Drug rating agencies such as FDA are the one which you can use to make your purchase.


Just repeating again so that you be super cautious while buying drugs online, first and foremost, before you purchase medications from an online pharmacy, check to be sure that you are dealing with a U.S. state-licensed pharmacy. A list of licensed online pharmacies has been developed by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacies (NABP). The NABP has also developed a program to help individuals identify online pharmacies that comply with all state and federal regulations for dispensing of medications..
Most of the Safe online pharmacies should also:

• require a prescription from your own U.S.-licensed physician;
• have a pharmacist available to answer your grievance
• provide contact information (including the phone number of a person you can talk to) in case you have problems or questions.

Risk which is there while purchasing drugs from an illegal online pharmacy can serious health rick which can be due to :

• outdated or expired medicines
• Manufactured in substandard facilities;
• Medicines may contain dangerous ingredients, may have been improperly stored

Medications sold by unlicensed pharmacies can also contain the wrong drugs or even be outright fakes. Pharmacies that offer their own prescribing service also constitute a significant risk to your health. Both the American Medical Association and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration agree that obtaining a prescription by filling out an online questionnaire does not conform to accepted standards of care and may result in an improper diagnosis or receipt of potentially harmful medications. Unscrupulous pharmacy Web sites may also sell or share your personal and financial information with other parties.
While caution is the rule when making any online purchase, buying prescription drugs online warrants extra scrutiny. Always thoroughly investigate an online pharmacy before making a purchase. When in doubt, contact the NABP to be sure the pharmacy is in good standing.

Back Pain solution by Affordablemedz.com

Back pain is ranked second to headaches as the most frequent location of pain. Four out of five adults will experience at least one bout of back pain at some time in their lives. It is almost next to common colds in the list of common diseases.

The most common site for pain is the lower back because it bears the brunt of our weight and hence is more prone to get affected.

Back pain is a major ergonomic issue that is becoming increasingly common owing to changing work pattern.Back ache is more prevalent between the age of 35 and 55. The most frequently cause of our back pain are:


Back pain, especially low back pain, is often associated with functional disability as well as economic and social consequences. It is one of the most expensive diseases in the age group of 25-50 years as it leads to serious loss of productivity. It is estimated that the loss of work resulting from backache costs 30 billion dollars annually in the US. Backache ranks second to cold and cough as a cause of loss of work. Individuals with chronic back pain usually suffer from physical impairment, behavioral changes, hopelessness, de-motivation and lethargy.

Structurally backache is a condition that usually is caused when one or more structures of the back gets affected and these includes muscles, cartilage, bones or spinal cord.
People who are in the desk job most of the day are prone to non-accidental back injury. Our working style has changed and it is more technology dependent now. Many of us end up working on computers for as much as 15 hours per day! Prolonged periods of sitting or other sedentary activity is not good for back health and may cause muscle fatigue since the back and abdominal muscles have to work really hard to maintain the body in a single position for prolonged periods. Added to this the joints involved - knees, hips and intervetebral joints – have to remain stationary or in a bad posture for long hours. Incorrect posture and muscle fatigue are partly responsible for initiating osteoporosis at a very early age and put such people at higher risk of developing osteoarthritis.

Our Erect Posture and flexibility of our body-The erect human posture has made our back adapt to withstand the forces of gravity over our lifetime. It also has made this region more easily vulnerable to wear and tear, strains and fractures. To keep us mobile, the flexibility of our back is important. This is determined by various factors such as joint structure, muscle elasticity and connective tissue fiber material made up of collagen, elastin and titin. Disc that are interposed between the vertebra, acts as a shock absorber and gives joints their strength, stability and flexibility but limits movement. Vertebrae and discs provide a protective tunnel that allows the spinal cord and its spinal nerves to pass through. These nerves running down the center of the vertebrae, branch off to various parts of the body. The collagen fibers help the disc withstand the tension of the erect posture and our weight. Disc protects the spine and keeps it stable during strenuous activities that puts strong force on the spine, such as jumping, running, and lifting. Anatomy of our Back - The back region of our body is made of interconnecting structures like bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons. The spine of the back itself is made up of 24 small bones (seven cervical, twelve thoracic and five lumbar) and is the major support structure of back. These small bones are called vertebrae and they are further attached to sacrum and coccyx as we go from top to down. The sacrum attaches itself in front to the bones of the pelvis Back pain at workplace results either from non-accidental injury, where pain arises as a result of poor body mechanics such as slouching in chair, prolonged sitting and fatigue; or it results from accidental injury or accidents such as slipping, falling from a height and even hitting one’s head against a cabinet door. Workers undertaking physically demanding jobs such as repetitive lifting of heavy objects are at greatest risk for both non-accidental and accidental back injury. Back pain may be sudden and sharp or it may be dull and if persistent for more than a week it might result in tension, soreness or stiffness of back muscles. Pain may aggravate with slightest of movement or even with coughing and sneezing. It may also be accompanied with numbness and tingling in the arms or legs. The pain if limited to the back can be treated by simple remedies at home but if radiating to the lower abdomen, groin, leg or foot, needs medical attention. Back pain is a common reason for seeking disability benefit from governments and insurance companies. However as pain is subjective and difficult to quantify, the process for such claims is tedious and not everyone who makes a claim gets the necessary benefit.

One must remember that backache is only a symptom of innumerable other causes besides spine related problems. The back pain maybe related to cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, urological or gynecological problems. Besides injury and straining, the backache originating from the spine can also be due to tumor, infection, inflammation, metabolic disorders, degenerative disc conditions, spondylosis, and spondylitis.

Diet, Nutrition and Supplements by Affordablemedz.com

Arthritis is a group of conditions that involves inflammation and pain in the joints. It typically occurs in joints of the body. It can affect other tissues in the body too. Arthritis can lead to joint weakness and physical ailments that can interfere with the daily activities. The pain associated with arthritis varies in severity. If it comes and goes, it is called episodic pain.  When it is chronic, one would feel the pain most of the time.
Arthritis is a group of condition with similar manifestation but have different cause. The usual forms of arthritis are as follows:The dietary guidelines for people with arthritis include foods rich in natural anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and joint-supporting nutrients, and avoiding pro-inflammatory foods that are high on sugar, saturated fats, and trans-fatty acids.

So, if you are suffering from Arthritis  Food to AVOID:

CONSUME:


New findings indicate that grains could encourage the development of rheumatoid arthritis wherein the immune system attacks the body’s own joints. Cereal grains are known to contain substances called as lectins. Grains could trigger lectin secretion from the gastrointestinal tract leading to an immune response and affecting the joints.

Apart from the food allergies it is essential to focus on a vegetarian diet, cut down on saturated fats, consume omega 3 rich foods, lose weight and exercise.

Also remember spices, such as ginger, garlic, turmeric and cumin, show anti-inflammatory effects. They block production of prostaglandins.
In short, people with arthritis should identify and avoid foods that trigger inflammation. Also it is beneficial to lower the daily caloric intake for pain-free living.



        

Beauty tips by affordablemedz.com

People have always strived to become more beautiful, and the modern beauty product industry has put this within the reach of most of us. If you wish to truly change your look, you need to visualize specific changes. Most women enjoy experimenting with varieties of beauty products as a way of expressing themselves and relieving stress. And with modern beauty products, anyone can afford to add a bit of glamour to their lives.
Beauty is an essence. Looking beautiful means having one of the most comforts of life. Looking beautiful means get noticed. And who don't' want to be noticed. The word 'beauty' has a number of synonyms, cute, smart, gorgeous, handsome, and good looking sexy, stylish and after all beautiful.

When we use word beauty or beautiful, it clearly indicates our inclination towards something or object which we like the most. Nature is most beautiful object we have in which we exist in general. The word beautiful is a feminine word. When we listen the word beauty or beautiful, we assume a pretty, cool, charming and good-looking face. Boys or men don't need to be beautiful rather they need to be handsome.
A wide variety of products are available on the market today, which can help enhance your physical attributes to make you feel younger and more glamorous. Beauty products range from skin care products such as soaps, bath salts, creams, exfoliating scrubs, and face and body packs, to hair care products such as shampoos, conditioners, hair colors, and various perming solutions, to overall body-care products such as moisturizers, cold creams, deodorants, nail care, and accessories for bubble baths. Each product helps revitalize your body, build your self-esteem, and erase imperfections.

Today, science has allowed for better analysis of the ingredients of beauty products. Harmful ingredients such as chemicals are easily absorbed by the skin, which is why it is wise to replace them with natural and herbal ingredients specially formulated to protect the skin and provide added benefits, such as the lightening of acne marks and uneven pigmentation. In addition, certain beauty products are known to smooth wrinkled skin and delay the signs of aging.

Taking care of your body means taking care of your self and for that you don't need to put extra effort, you don't need to put extra hour of your work schedule. Only you need to put is the minimum required attention. You need to regulate your life style, you need to discover the ways of living, and you need to monitor yourself with proper care.
How do you do that?
Here are few tips that make you a noticeable personality in the crowd and your body healthy, sexy and overall beautiful.
1. Drink 8 to 12 glasses of water everyday, having more water means feeling less hungry, consuming less food and hence being fit in shape and always looks energetic.
2. You can drink water in a regular interval of half an hour or so, while in office or traveling long, keep you water bottle with you.
3. Take balanced diet rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and good fats.
4. Cut on calories; don't take food that gives high calories and fewer nutrients.
5. Nutrients are necessary to keep you away from sickness and thus helps in being beautiful
6. Take some beet root, cut into small pieces and grind. Squeeze it and massage your face for 5 minutes with beetroot juice. Wash / shower after 10 minutes with mild soap or gram flour. You will feel relaxed and your face will glow.
7. Mix honey in water, and drink it daily in the morning. This will keep your skin shiney and smooth.
8. Massage your body with milk. Moisturizer in the milk will keep your skin smooth and healthy.
9. Keep room temperature moderate, using humidifiers. This will keep you skin away from dryness.
10. If you take shower too long or a bit long, the dead skin of your body automatically gets removed. Don't rub your body with towel. Be gentle on your skin.
11. If you go out in the sun, your skins will loss its fairness. Take cucumber juice and tomato juice and apply it to your skin, shower after 10 minutes. This will make your skin fair.
12. Take rose petals, and grind them. Mix with cream on the top of milk. Shower after 10 minutes.

So take a little care of your body and stay healthy, handsome, beautiful, smart, and bold.
Get noticed!!!

Many cosmetic companies have adhered to regulations to provide us with better and more effective products. Their products cater to every need and mood, and are suitable to all skin types.

Fortunately for those who cannot afford expensive products, easy-to-make recipes are available at book stores and on the Internet. Ingredients are found in almost every kitchen and market. So do not despair, but take control of your own beauty regimen
No matter either you are a cool pretty girl / woman or a handsome boy / man; you must need to be smart, intelligent, and diligent. Your smartness, intelligence and diligence all reflect in your personality. And your personality depends on the fact that how you carry yourself and how you associate with the objects or persons around you. Your personality is the integration of your body, mind and soul. Rather you are a big-hearted person having a high degree of IQ. And the amalgamation of beauty with your mind and soul make you a being of get noticed. And who don't want that.

A well groomed child get noticed in his or her prep class, a handsome is get noticed in playgrounds, a sexy lace is get noticed some time on the streets and some time on the discos. A smart and bold person is get noticed in the society. A smart / beautiful manager is get noticed in board meetings.

It means beauty has its place everywhere, it makes its' place, it exists. It exists in every being. Some time it didn't look even though it is there. This is because the person is not taking care of his / her body i.e. skin, nails, eyes, hair, etc. 

Winter Skin Blues

It may be winter, but that doesn�t mean your skin has to be dry and flakey. Its time to put an end to those cold season skin issues! We gathered a list of tips to help combat the �winter skin blues�. Check out these 10 ways to take better care of your skin this season.

1. Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate! Don't overlook this most important step. Dead skin cells on the skin�s surface can prevent your moisturizer from doing its job, so make this a top priority. It is most effective to exfoliate before showering. It can be done while showering, but is more effective when the skin is dry. Body scrubs exfoliate the skin using salt or sugar usually mixed with oil to slough away dead skin cells. Using a body scrub regularly will improve the appearance of your skin, as well as stimulate circulation.
2. Don't Forget To Drink Water. Beautiful skin really does start from the inside out. A bad diet shows up on your skin and deprives it of the nutrients it needs to stay soft and supple. Sometimes we forget to drink enough water during cold weather. Drinking eight 8 ounce size glasses a day is recommended.
3. Sunscreen�s not just for summer. Ultraviolet rays linked to skin cancer and premature wrinkling can wreck havoc even when it�s cold and overcast. And when you hit the slopes or lace up those ice skates � remember that snow and ice reflect up to 85% of the sun�s damaging rays. So be sure to protect your skin from UV rays, even in the winter!
4. Try extra humidity. Windburn and chapping can be the price for venturing outdoors in cold weather, but indoor heating can also dry out your skin. Humidifiers add moisture to dry household air. Forced air furnaces and heaters are very drying. A good humidifier is helpful for dry skin, and actually makes it easier to set the thermostat lower since moist air feels warmer. Humidifiers help prevent static cling and frizzy hair too. Anything that adds moisture to your indoor air helps. Water fountains are another way to add moisture to the air, and can be fun and soothing as well.
5. Always moisturize your skin after showering or bathing. Applying moisturizer often makes a big difference, but it is especially effective when applied just after washing. This works by capturing the moisture on your skin. After bathing, gently pat excess moisture from the skin and quickly apply a good moisturizer while skin is still damp.
6. Use a different moisturizer during winter. Mechanics often suggest changing the type of your automobile�s oil with the seasons. We should also do the same with our skin moisturizer. As weather conditions change, so should your skin care routine. Consider swapping the lighter, water-based summer lotion for a heavier, oil-based skin cream during the winter.
7. Do your hands feel like sandpaper? It is a must to apply moisturizer on a regular basis, especially after you wash your hands. Get several containers of lotion and keep them handy. Put them beside the kitchen sink, the bathroom sink, in your handbag, on your night stand, etc. Every time you leave the house, put on a good amount of lotion before putting on your gloves. It's a good habit to do all winter long.
8. Moisturize your skin overnight. Bedtime is a good time to use heavier products on your skin such as oils, creams and body butters. Greasier products tend to hold in moisture best. So slick your skin up and slide into the sheets. Moisturizers made with shea butter are particularly good. In the morning your skin will feel better hydrated.
9. Love hot baths? A long soak or steamy shower feels terrific, but streams of water hotter than 98.6 degrees can strip the natural oils from the skin. If you just can�t resist, try to limit that sizzling shower to five minutes. Always finish by applying body oil or moisturizer before you dress.
10. Unlike the body and face, our hands are subjected to more daily assaults from exposure to the environment. The sun, wind, water, and harsh chemicals punish the hands and accelerate premature aging in a noticeable way. Using a thicker hand cream will soften, soothe, nourish, and protect your hands.

Dry skin is a very common skin problem and is often worse during the winter when environmental humidity is low. Banish dry skin and give your winter skin care regimen a boost. Follow these winter skin tips and you can get through the winter season with less dry and itchy skin than ever before.
Want your skin to look and feel fabulous? Check out Renaud Natural's all natural, organic products. Take 20% off any online order � just use coupon code RP20. Be kind to your body � use natural products! To learn more about natural skin and body care, visit http://www.RenaudNaturals.com Renaud Naturals "Where Science and Nature Become One"

What to do for a better Sleep

Let's face it-we live in a "go-go" world! Our lifestyle is harried, our food is fast and statistics now show it's taking a toll on one of the most important parts of our life--our sleep. The 2002 National Sleep Foundation (NSF) Sleep in America poll found that 74 percent of American adults are experiencing a sleeping problem a few nights a week or more, 39% get less than seven hours of sleep each weeknight, and more than one in three (37%) are so sleepy during the day that it interferes with daily activities. Our fast paced way of life is getting the best of us. What about you?

Answer True or False?

1. Five hours of sleep at night is good enough.
2. It's ok to skimp on sleep during the work week as long as you make up the time over the weekends.
3. The effects of sleep deprivation are short-term (e.g., darkness under the eyes and dull and/or splotchy skin after a bad night's sleep) and has no effect on long-term health.
4. Drinking caffeine early in the evening does not affect sleep.
5. Keeping a TV or computer in the bedroom has no effect on sleep.
6. The amount of sleep I get has nothing to do with my weight.

If you answered "true" to two or more questions you may need to make a few changes in order to achieve the highly coveted "goodnight's" sleep and keep yourself in optimal health.
So how do you know if you are getting enough quality sleep? Those who are sleep deprived often look the part. Dark circles and the "sleepy" look are common, but they also can have unpredictable moods, drowsiness during the day, have difficulty concentrating, weak immune systems, recover poorly from injury and get sick more often. Sounding a little too familiar?

In fact, poor sleep has been found to impair the ability to perform tasks involving memory, learning, and logical reasoning. This may contribute to mistakes or unfulfilled potential at school or on the job as well as strained relationships at home. Even more disturbing, inadequate amounts of sleep have been linked to an increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, weight gain, obesity, heart disease and depression, to name just a few.


Experts suggest that most people need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night but that doesn't apply to everyone. Some people only require 6 hours while those who are more active or have an illness may require more.
But what if you go to bed early, have every intention on logging in your 7-9 hours but only to lie awake watching the clock...eyes wide open? Well, there are several simple adjustments you can make to stack the cards in favor of a better night's sleep.
1) Avoid watching TV before bed...especially in bed!- The bed should be reserved for two things...sleep and romance...not Desperate Housewives or football! Research shows that those who experienced the most sleep disturbances had televisions in their bedrooms and used the TV to fall asleep.
2) Try a different pillow or mattress. It's scary to think how long some of us have been sleeping on the same pillows and mattresses for years and years. Does your mattress provide the support you like? Do you wake with your back aching? Is there enough room for you and your sleep partner? Do you sleep better, or worse, when you sleep away from home? These are all things to ask yourself to determine if your mattress could be the "sabotager" of your good night's sleep. Or more simply, just replacing your pillow with a new, fresh, higher quality version could be all that you need.
3) Avoid caffeine late in the day. Did you know that even a small amount of caffeine even 10-12 hours before bedtime can cause problems falling asleep! Try eliminating the tea, soda and even chocolate and see if sleep improves.
4) Listen to relaxing music. Establishing a relaxing bedtime routine, such as listening to music, could be just the thing you need to signal your body it is time to sleep. So, dim the lights and throw some slow jazz or purchase a "relaxing sounds" CD to help slow your mind and body down for an evening of peaceful sleep.
5) Try mind- body techniques. After an action-packed day, your brain and body need to unwind and detox before sleep can occur (a.k.a. you need to chill!) Create a "ritual" for bedtime - take a bath, meditate, do some easy stretches or yoga. Try to do your "ritual" in the same way, in the same place, at the same time each night. The repetition will trigger your mind and body that it is time to relax and sleep.
6) Try a natural sleep aid. For many people, while the above tips and suggestions may help, it often isn't enough. if you are one of those people who really have a hard time getting to sleep and staying asleep, you may want to try a natural sleep aid.

While over the counter sleep medications may help you fall asleep, they cannot be taken long-term and have risky side effects. A sleep aid that uses natural ingredients is a better approach to getting a solid night's sleep.



Sleeping disorders have become quite common in most of the countries across the world. People suffer from problems such as falling asleep, inability to stay asleep, and failure to feel restored by sleep.

In general, the causes for sleep disorders can be categorized into internal, external and due to disturbance in the normal circadian pattern. Most often, sleep disorders are associated to diseases of any organ and a major factor for internal causes of sleep disorder. It is common that most of the diseases manifest with a disturbance in the normal sleep pattern. However, serious sleep disorders can be caused because of medical conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sleep-related gastroesophageal reflux, peptic ulcer, fibrositis syndrome, back problems, and neck problems. Any impairment in the brain such as central apnea and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease are also potential cause for sleep disorders. Breathing problems are also major causative in cases such as obstructive sleep apnea and snoring.

In the case of endocrinal changes, sleep disorders are evident symptom such as in cases of thyroid problems, in which patient are with insomnia or over sleep. The sleep problems associated with menopause and pregnancy related ones are very common. The alteration in the circadian rhythm is a major causative for many sleep disorders. Shift workers usually experience sleep disorders due to their altered sleep pattern and jet lag is a reason for sleep disorder among plane travelers.

Life style factors such as alcoholism and intake of alkaloids or caffeine can also contribute to the cause of sleep disorders. The environmental factors include light, noise, and change of bedding. The intake of certain drugs Lotronex and Tramadol are also proven to cause sleep disorders. The consumption of any particular substance may also attribute sleep disorders in some patients. Anyway, the causative factor will differ from one patient to the other.

Reasons Older Adults Need to Practice Yoga

Today, millions of older Americans are experiencing a higher quality of life by taking an active and positive approach to their personal wellness. They are enjoying improved health and successful living by becoming self-educated, personally responsible and proactive. The most successful are those who adopt a whole-person wellness model, addressing the needs of the body, mind, and spirit.
Yoga and Chi Gung (as well as all other soft arts) are ideal choices for older adults because they positively affect the whole person: body, intellect, emotions, and spirit. They increase vital energy while strengthening and soothing the body, focusing the mind, and nurturing the spirit.
The ten best reasons older adults need a mind/body practice are:
Body – Caring for the body  improves health, preserves your ability to function and preserves independence. Yoga and Chi Gung offer powerful protection from falls – a major threat to older adults!
Most people know about the research that shows that regular exercise provides a wide range of health benefits and, perhaps most importantly, can preserve function and independence. Fewer realize that their choice of exercise activity can produce another host of unexpected benefits. By choosing mind/body exercises, such as yoga or soft martial arts (like Chi Gung and T’ai Chi), older adults can unleash even greater health and vitality.
1.   Increased Flexibility:   Yoga and Chi Gung both increase overall flexibility, contributing to improved everyday functioning and mobility,  and protection from falls. Despite popular notions, you do not need to be flexible to practice yoga. The idea is to practice at your current level with patience and compassion, gently becoming more pliable.
2.   Emotional Support:   The philosophies infusing yoga and  Chi Gung encourage  us to be mindful of the present moment, to be aware and grateful of all around us, and to let go of our attachments of how we think things should be. This positive outlook leads to a sense of calm and well-being.
Spirit -  A new study shows that once people retire, they adopt a new sense of time and their place in the world as their values and beliefs begin to change. Adding a spiritual dimension to  your exercise activities offers additional wellness benefits. In addition to yoga and Chi Gung, consider nature walks and ‘mindful’ strength training and meditation in all forms.
3.   Connecting with the Big Picture:   A mindfulness practice is a direct way to practice connecting with a truth larger than ourselves. Practicing becoming quiet and receptive allows our inner wisdom to be heard. Older adults have indicated a desire to search for “the meaning of life”. Practitioners of yoga and the soft arts create a deep sense of richness and unity in their lives.
4.  Strengthen Muscles and Bones:   Yoga especially builds muscle strength and bone mass. The vital weight-bearing postures of yoga stimulate the bones to retain calcium. In yoga, both the upper and lower body receive the benefits of bearing weight, unlike walking or running.
5.  Increased Energy:   Yoga and Chi Gung are, in essence, ancient renewal and balancing systems for our vital energy. More than the sum of their parts, these practices gently revitalize the body. The term “Chi” itself means “energy”, and “Chi Gung” literally means “energy work”.
Mind -  Challenging the mind is crucial to staving off diseases like Alzheimer’s. Be sure to stimulate your intellectual dimension through learning new information and exploring topics that require judgment and decision-making. The physical aspects of a mind-body practice lead directly to a mental sense of rootedness, stability and balance.
6.  Improved Heart and Respiratory Health:   Chi Gung and the soft martial arts have been shown in studies to improve circulation, heart health, and respiratory function. Yoga breathing exercises are very powerful tools to increase respiratory function, breath capacity and physical energy. Both increase vitality and sense of well-being.
7.   Inner Exploration:   Central to the spiritual dimensions of the older adult is the desire to explore the inner self. Beyond the physical exercises of yoga and Chi Gung, they challenge us to look deeply at ourselves, to “be” with ourselves. We learn to celebrate our strengths and forgive our weaknesses while practicing patience and focused concentration.
8.   Better Posture:  Good posture calls upon our new strength and flexibility to keep our spine healthy and strong. Healthy body posture supports digestive and respiratory functions as well. Poor posture in combination with osteoporosis leads to stress fractures.
9.  Intellectual Stimulation:  Learning a mind-body exercise is like learning a new language with its own vocabulary and rules. It takes focused attention. It is a practice…a journey of exploration. Yoga and the soft martial arts also invite us to explore a way of thinking that may be very unfamiliar to us.
10.  Improved Balance:  Balance gives older adults the confidence to move freely and to engage in physical activities. One of the most important parts of a senior fitness program is balance training. Seniors who exercise and practice balance activities, like those found in yoga and Chi Gung, can avert the devastating effects of a fall – the second leading cause of accidental death for seniors. Balance is an intangible force that many people take for granted.