holistic health and wellness

To cure a health problem means mending a particular part of the body, or getting rid of a specific disease or condition. This occurs by taking prescribed medication or undergoing surgery.

Holistic health means addressing the whole person on all levels - looking at lifestyle, family, work and diet to find the cause of the problem in order to bring about a complete recovery where possible and to prevent a further recurrence.

Our bodies reflect what is going on in our lives. Every ache, pain and even accident is a symptom indicating areas of our lives where we need to pay attention and even possibly to make changes.

By listening to what the body is trying to tell us we can heal the cause and subsequently, the effect of the problem.

Our bodies are like the black box on an airplane, that records every emotional experience. When the body/mind is out of balance, it is reflected in the immune system and we become susceptible to illness, however, the moment we start to understand this process and work with it, the healing begins.

Three of the Most Important Benefits of Nutrition and Hydration Care

Strengthens the immune system, prevents disease and lowers the risk of infections.

Good nutrition and hydration improves overall health by:

Improving healing and shortening recovery time due to illness

Lowering blood pressure

Promoting good skin integrity, reducing the risk of pressure ulcers

Helping keep bones strong

Improves quality of life. Good nutrition and hydration are linked to both physical and mental health. A stronger resident is a more independent resident, able to enjoy a higher quality of life.

Is cost effective. A healthier, less dependent resident population eases work load for the whole staff and lowers cost of care.

*Many of these ideas were adapted from and are available on the Website of the American Dietetic Association (ADA). Visit them at http://www.eatright.org

Why drink plenty of water?

We've heard it again and again… that it's healthy… that it's beneficial for our body. We all know that we're supposed to drink at least 8 glasses of water each day. Some of us have even heard the formula... Divide your body weight by two and consume that many ounces of water daily. (i.e. If you weigh 200 lbs, divide by two to reach 100, indicating that you should drink at least 100 ounces of water daily.)

Nearly every function of the body is monitored and nourished to the efficient flow of water through our system. Water transports hormones, chemical messengers, and nutrients to vital organs of the body. When we don't keep our bodies well hydrated, they may react with a variety of signals… some of which, we would never think related to our poor drinking habits.

Medical research has shown that regular water intake will help eliminate dyspeptic pains like gastritis, duodenitis, and heartburn. Without getting into the technical and graphic details of digestion, our bodies use many hormones, enzymes, and neurotransmitters to complete the digestion process. Without ample water intake, the pancreas is less efficient, acids in the stomach are not properly neutralized, and the functions of the intestine are inhibited. Over an extended period of time, this can lead to constipation, colitis pain, false appendicitis pain, and even hiatus hernia.

Obviously, if you're trying to lose weight, water intake is important. Not only for proper digestion, but to prevent overeating. The sensation of thirst and hunger are generated simultaneously to indicate the brain's needs. If you're not getting plenty of water, you'll likely eat more to satisfy your body's urge for water. When you feel hungry, try drinking a few glasses of water first. You may not be as hungry as you think.

Be sure not to confuse water consumption with fluid consumption. Sodas and coffee are NOT an acceptable substitute. In fact, you need to consume even MORE water if you're drinking sodas and coffee. Caffeine, one of the main components of most sodas, causes increased urine production and acts as a dehydrating agent. That's why you can drink sodas all day, and never feel satisfied. The water doesn't stay in the body long enough. Plus, you may mistakenly think that you've consumed enough "water" by drinking soda. When your body cries out for thirst, you're likely to over feed it with food instead.

The body is 75% water and 25% solid matter, and your body needs to stay well hydrated to operate at it's best. Not only will your body function more efficiently, but you may even avoid many health problems. Increased water consumption has been shown to help relieve migraine headaches, high blood cholesterol, rheumatoid arthritis pain, allergies, and high blood pressure. And, since you're brain tissue is 85% water, your brain functions rely heavily on an ample water supply. (Maybe you're not really getting old and forgetful; you just need more water.) In fact, studies have shown that with prolonged dehydration, brain cells actually begin to shrink.

Maybe this information is enough to inspire you to consume plenty of water. Maybe you'd like to learn more. The book, "Your Body's Cries for Water" by F. Batmanghelidj, M.D. includes detailed descriptions on how your body utilizes water and why it's essential.

*We also strongly advise drinking plenty of water after receiving your massage session.