Posted in Massage Magazine
By Phyllis Hanlon May 26, 2014

The Mayo Clinic reported that within the first year of life, a baby may get as many as seven colds. The clinic defines the common cold as a viral infection of baby’s nose and throat with primary symptoms of nasal congestion and a runny nose.

Babies have to develop immunity to common infections, so early exposure to older children and adults who may carry the cold germ can result in stuffiness and congestion. Cold medicine and over-the-counter remedies are not appropriate for infants. Not to worry though. Massage can help relieve congestion and help a baby breathe more easily.

Karen Stoner, owner of A Caring Touch: Massage Therapy, specializes in prenatal, infant and fertility massage and offers suggestions for helping a baby get through a cold via the power of touch. She explained that head colds typically settle in the facial area, causing sinus congestion, a drippy nose and sneezing.

“Massage helps everything flow and move, so any ‘bunched up’ congestion or fluids are encouraged to move through and more easily out of the system,” Stoner said. “The massage strokes can also help break up little pockets of phlegm or loosen packed fluids so they once again can get out more easily. Last, congestion in the sinuses can create that achy sinus pressure and headaches that we all know so well. So, gentle pressure on the appropriate pressure points around the sinus area can help relieve that throbbing sinus pressure.”

Stoner recommends using the fingertips to apply gentle pressure on the sinus points alongside the bridge of the nose and down either side of the nose, followed by long strokes with the fingertips back up along the same path.

“Similar pressure can be applied along the top ridge of the cheekbone, just under the eyes,” she added. “This can help relieve the sinus pressure and encourage mucus to flow out more easily or be removed more easily with a nasal aspirator.”

Occasionally, she applies similar strokes along the top ridge of the eye socket around the eyebrows. These small press and release motions, followed by long firm, but gentle, strokes along the same paths work to agitate and loosen, then sweep out the mucus.

“The biggest thing I tell parents is that fortunately, structure-wise, a baby’s face is very similar to an adult’s, just smaller,” Stoner said. “There is very little about the face or bone structure that will change as a child grows, so I encourage parents to use their best judgment as far as where and how to massage a small child’s face. Whatever pressure points or strokes feel good on their own faces when they have a cold or sinus issues will most likely work on their baby’s face.”

If a child is spiking a fever, has severe breathing problems, a rash or anything else out of the ordinary, Stoner strongly advises parents to call their pediatrician before doing massage.

“But if it is just a standard, run-of-the-mill cold, massage can help calm the baby and possibly ease the symptoms,” she said. 


- See more at: http://www.massagemag.com/massage-may-help-relieve-babys-cold-and-congestion-24544/#sthash.w0cofMGl.dpuf

Our health is something we take for granted till we lose it, even for a short period of time. A healthy eating program along with regular exercise it essential to maintain good overall health.  Walking is a great way to begin to get back into an exercise routine. I just started back walking to improve my overall health and stamina and to lose some extra pounds.  I have been doing the "Couch to 5K" App (C25K) on my phone by Zen Labs, which supports Breast Cancer Awareness. The goal of the App is to have you ready for a 5K in just 8 weeks. Its fun, easy to follow, just three days a week and keeps track of your progress. Practically anyone can do it but, check with your Doctor before starting any new exercise routine! Whatever the exercise you decide to do, walking is a great way to start.

Lisa Sykes, Universal Companies Sustainability Specialist gives us some good reasons to get started:

• Is one of the body’s most natural forms of exercise.

• Doesn’t require practice.

• Yields the same benefits as high-intensity, high-impact
exercise (like running) but doesn’t create as much stress
on knee joint.

• Can also be done almost anywhere (tracks, treadmills,
malls, hiking trails, neighborhood) without involving
much equipment (just a good pair of shoes with a well cushioned
heel, good arch support, adequate toe room,
and flexible slip-resistant soles).

Benefits of walking:

• Reduces stress.

• Helps improve posture.

• Lowers blood pressure.

• Strengthens bones.

• Improves mood and self-esteem through the release of endorphins.

• Is successful for long-term weight control.

• Decreases “bad cholesterol” and increases “good cholesterol.”

• Develops muscle tone and strength.

• Raises metabolism.

• Depletes fat stores

• Reduces risk of Type II diabetes.

• Helps prevent physical disability in older people
.
• Stimulates intellectual creativity and problem solving.

• Relieves backaches and stiffness.

• Promotes good, restful sleep.

• Helps control addictions to nicotine, alcohol, caffeine, and other drugs

Safety Precautions for Walkers
Stretch after a short warm-up and after walking to prevent injuries and increase flexibility .Start off slow and gradually increase your speed and distance.
If you are walking in the heat, take a water bottle along to prevent dehydration.
Wear brightly colored clothes so drivers can see you. Walk in a safe, well-lit environment. If you walk outside, note that evenings and mornings are best for avoiding extreme heat and humidity. If possible, use sidewalks; if not, walk in the opposite direction of traffic and as close to the curb as possible. Vary your routes to prevent boredom, and if you are walking alone, be sure to tell someone which route you’re taking.

Types of Walking
There are basically three types of walking: strolling, brisk, and race. Good posture is required for each, so be sure to look straight ahead with your chin up and move your arms in a natural rhythm, either swinging at your sides or bent
at a 90 degree angle
.
Strolling: A rate of about 2-3 mph with arms swinging loosely at sides.

Brisk: A rate of about 4 mph with active arm motion
.
Race: A rate of 5 mph with quick steps, arms at a 90-degree angle, and hip rotation (forward to backward motion) for speed.

So what are you waiting for! Grab a friend (the buddy system is grat because sometimes we need someone to make us accountable but, it also makes it alot more fun!) and some water and just get going! Remember its all about our health!


Indulge...In Your Health!
www.andreas-skincare-bodytherapy.com

Dr. Mehmet Oz homemade green drink for natural detoxification and extra nourishment, fillrd with       
nutrients that naturally cleanse and replenish the body.  The following recipe is the
one which was originally featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show.

Servings: 3-4

Ingredients:

2 cups spinach
2 cups cucumber
1 head of celery
1/2 inch or teaspoon ginger root
1 bunch parsley
2 apples (cored)
Juice of 1 lime
Juice of 1/2 lemon


Directions:

Place all ingredients into the blender.  Add 1/2 cup to 1 cup pure water and natural
sweetener (optional).  Blend well.  Instead of water, you can use 1 handful of ice
cubes. If using ice cubes, drop ice cubes into the blender one at a time (through the hole in the lid) and blend until smooth.  Pour into glasses.  


Nutritional Benefits:

Spinach - Vitamins C & K, Carotenes, Folic Acid, Manganese, Iron, and Magnesium
Cucumber - Vitamins A & C, Folic Acid, Fiber, Magnesium, Silica, and Potassium
Celery - Vitamin C, Fiber, Folic Acid, Potassium, and Vitamins B1 & B6
Ginger Root - Gingerol, Alpha-Linolenic Acid, Beta-Carotene, and Capsaicin
Parsley - Chlorophyll, Potassium, Calcium, and Vitamins A & K   
Apples - Pectin, Vitamin C, Fiber
Limes - Vitamin C, Folic Acid, Vitamin B6, Potassium, Flavonoids, and Limonene
Lemons - Vitamin C, Folic Acid, Vitamin B6, Potassium, Flavonoids, and Limonene


Indulge...In Your Health
www.andreas-skincare-bodytherapy.com

How Green Tea Affects Brain Health [New Study on EGCG]
September 12 2012 | Brain Health

By Tad Turgeon, Research Investigator, NSP Health Sciences and Educational Services

Green tea extract has been touted for its health benefits, which are primarily linked to the antioxidant compound known as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).

EGCG is attributed with most of the beneficial properties of green tea such as its anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidant properties and chemopreventive properties. Researchers have long known of green tea’s benefit in supporting cognitive function, but this had been attributed to the way the caffeine content in green tea stimulates the central nervous system.

Now, new research published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research reveals an exciting discovery on the way EGCG works in the brain. 

The brain is a dense mass of neurons which send and receive information all over the body. The ability to perform cognitive tasks such as learning and memory recall is dependent on proper growth and maintenance of existing neurons. Since neurons naturally die off as we age, anything that promotes or protects neurons is considered to support cognitive function.

Affect of EGCG on the Brain In this new study, Chinese investigators developed a protocol to administer EGCG to mice and then monitor both neurogenesis (creation of new neurons) and cognitive function.

The results of the study suggest that in both test tube cultures and live mice, EGCG was able to stimulate the formation of new brain neurons. Additionally, mice treated with EGCG were able to navigate a maze more quickly than untreated mice. This confirmed the hypothesis that EGCG not only increased the number of brain neurons but also improved cognitive function.

This data is important for serious neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease that have no cure or treatment and are characterized by the loss of function or death of neurons in the body.

In summary, EGCG from green tea is not only a protective compound for the cardiovascular, structural and nervous systems, it can help promote brain health by stimulating growth of new nerve cells in the body

Andrea's Skin Care & Body Therapy is proud to carry Natures Sunshine Products, quality supplements for your health. We invite you to come join us for a cup of Green tea along with any of our relaxing, rejuvenating services.

Indulge...In Your Health!
www.andreas-skincare-bodytherapy.com

Summer is winding down and those days in the sun have probably left your skin needing some TLC.The number one cause of aging is sun damage.

For your Face:
Our Signature Organic Revitalizing Facial starts with an analysis of your skin so that we customize according to your specific needs. It includes steam or hot towel wrap, organic enzymes, extractions, appropriate nutrients to feed and nourish your skin and masque along with a face, neck and shoulder massage to leave you feeling nurtured and revitalized!

For your Body:
How about a stimulating and detoxifying  Seaweed & Green Tea Body Wrap Treatment. This vitamin and amino acid rich, warm green clay blended with selected marine clays infused with green tea, grapefruit, kelp and mint are gently massaged over the body and then you are wrapped in warm tea infused sheets. You will feel energized and your skin will look firmer, more hydrated, restoring a healthy glow. 

What are you waiting for? Come in and get your Glow on!

Indulge...In Your Health!
www.andreas-skincare-bodytherapy.com

It’s chocolate taken to a whole new level.  Dark, organic fair trade cacao. Exotic, hand-collected flower essences. Born from the alliance of Wei of Chocolate and Lotus Wei, this is truly the next generation of chocolate!

What are flower essences?
Sometimes called flower remedies, they are not aromatherapy, oils or flavorings.  Made famous by Dr. Edward Bach in the 1930s, flower essences contain subtle energetic frequencies of flowers. They work along the acupuncture meridians to balance from the inside. Wei of Chocolate only  uses hand-collected flower essences from Lotus Wei. Flower essences themselves don’t have a scent or a flavor. They are the subtle energies of flowers that are closer in nature to homeopathic remedies, yet not affected by mint or coffee. Flower remedies are the best stress relief we’ve discovered on the planet. They bring us back to natural balance, gently awakening more joy, peace, love, inspiration and energy, while dissolving imbalances in our systems that are the roots of stress.

Some things you may want to know about  Wei of Chocolate:

Dark Chocolate
Rich cocoa butter creamy dark chocolate that’s designed to be good for you - naturally delicious and satisfying.  Take your experience of chocolate to a whole new level by experiencing the best quality organic chocolate, infused with intentional blends of herbs and spices designed to balance body and mind.


Vegan Chocolate
Wei of Chocolate dark chocolate is dairy free and vegan chocolate. Why is this important for your health? Cocoa is high in antioxidants, but normally milk blocks their absorption. Most ordinary chocolate, even dark chocolate, contains milk. Because Wei of Chocolate is dairy free vegan dark chocolate, you can absorb all the healthy antioxidants.


Naturally Low Carb Chocolate
Many people have told us that our delicious, satisfying chocolate is what keeps them on their diet!  With only 2 grams of carbs, 30 calories per piece, Wei of Chocolate fits into any low carb diet.


Healthy Chocolate
Is there such a thing as healthy chocolate?  You be the judge: recent scientific studies have implied dark chocolate has health benefits that may include reduced risk of heart disease, lowered blood pressure, lowered cholesterol, reduced risk of preeclampsia and increased brain function, to name a few. It’s definitely worth investigating, and we encourage you to do your own independent research!


Gluten free Chocolate
Wei of Chocolate is naturally gluten free dark chocolate, made in a gluten-free facility. You can enjoy Wei of Chocolate without worries if you are gluten intolerant, or have Celiac disease.


Soy free Chocolate
Wei of Chocolate dark chocolate is soy free chocolate, suitable for people with soy allergies or sensitivities. Nearly all chocolate contains soy lecithin, and 93% of the soy grown in the US is genetically modified (GMO). So if you eat ordinary chocolate, it probably contains genetically modified soy.  Wei of Chocolate is soy free and GMO free dark chocolate.


Organic Chocolate
Wei of Chocolate dark chocolate is made with organic ingredients. For ordinary chocolate, the US EPA allows various levels of pesticide residue to be present in the cocoa legally - but why have pesticides in your chocolate at all? When you choose organic, you’re saying No to pesticides in your body, the environment and the farm workers.  It’s a smarter choice for all.


Fair Trade Chocolate
Wei of Chocolate uses only ethically traded cocoa. The Fair Trade chocolate movement began when people learned that ordinary chocolate from West Africa was being harvested by children sold into slavery. Say No to child exploitation and unfair compensation for farmers by not choosing ordinary chocolate.  Wei of Chocolate is fair trade dark chocolate.


Flower Essence Chocolate
Wei of Chocolate is infused with flower essences from Lotus Wei. These flower remedies work through the acupuncture meridians to balance and bring out your amazing qualities. They don’t have a scent or a flavor, and though similar to Bach remedies, are made locally by one of our favorite companies, Lotus Wei.  You’ll truly love the subtle energetic qualities they bring to the chocolate.

Andrea's Skin Care & Body Therapy carries a full selection of  Wei of Chocolates wonderfully exotic, organic dark chocolate. Yes...it is delicious and good...actually a healthy choice with a no guilt, after taste, so come on...

Indulge...In Your Health!
www.andreas-skincare-bodytherapy.com

Coconut and Carrot Salad
by SOL Food

2 cups of grated organic carrots
1 1/2 cups of fresh frozen coconut, available at Indian markets, if you substitute dry shredded coconut, add a 1/3 cup of coconut water to moisten it
1/4 to 1/3 cup of finely chopped dates
3/4 cup of chopped cilantro
1 jalapeno, finely diced
2 TB pickled young ginger, chopped finely
2 TB finely chopped green, red or sweet onion

Mix all ingredients in a bowl

Dressing

3/4 cup of lime juice
1/4 cup of grape seed oil
1 TB walnut oil
pinch of cayenne
salt and pepper to taste

Shake ingredients in a mason jar to blend and blend into salad. Enjoy!

"I really am enjoying the skin. Went to market this afternoon and a lady approached me to say she thought I was a movie star or more than that a natural beauty without all the makeup.  Made my day!!!  How about next Friday……while I’m getting noticed."

"My skin looks good. The acne scars are improving and I can tell around my eyes look smoother."

Both of these clients saw immediate results after their very first Microcurrent facial but, these testimonials came in after their second Microcurrent facial. Since results are cumulative a series is usually recommended  for best results.

How Microcurrent Works

Microcurrent works on a cellular level to mirror the electrical current found naturally in our bodies to increase the production and effectiveness of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP is the energy source within the muscle.  As we age this source deminishes. Microcurrent  increases ATP production thus, increasing cell metabolism, builds collagen, reduces inflammation, repairs skin damage and revives aging skin’s vitality and glow. The treatment has a profound effect on the appearance of sagging skin, deep wrinkles,  and sun damage. Treatments are safe, relaxing, non invasive, and an effective natural method to help put the breaks on the aging process and soften the appearance of aging skin.


Andrea's Skin Care & Body Therapy invites you to come in and and let us show you the difference! Increase the health of your skin, feel confident and look beautiful.

Indulge...In Your Health!
www.andreas-skincare-bodytherapy.com

So you've had your beautiful baby! Now its time for some nurturing and emotional support all your own! You may have new found muscle aches from  the strain of labor and childbirth such as neck, shoulders, low back, hips and uterine cramping as it begins to return to original size. And lets not forget fluid retention and blossoming breast which also cause discomfort.  Along with the aches comes lack of sleep and fluctuating hormones.

How do you handle all of this and take care of your new little bundle of joy? Joy...shouldn't it be the wonderful time you imagined it would be!  And yet, why all the uncontrollable crying?  Why the desire to hide from it all in bed? And the guilt?! Guilt because you want to care for your baby but, just don't feel the seemingly natural desire to do so.  All of the dreaming, anticipation and planning  for this special addition did not prepare you for what some term "Baby Blues" or Post Partum Depression.

Actually "Baby Blues"last a short time after baby arrives, due to continued    changes emotionally, mentally and especially physically. Post partum depression however, lingers for some time, making it difficult to function in everyday life. This may be due to low hormone levels of Serotonin and Dopamine.

Rick Morgan in his article: Massage Helps Post Partum Depression, gives these suggestions on steps that can be taken:

See your doctor. Don’t wait and hope it gets better on its own. Your doctor can do some tests to make sure your hormone levels are OK and guide you to some treatment options.

Join a new moms group. Support and acknowledgment of your situation is helpful in both preventing depression as well as treating it.

Force yourself to get up and spend some time doing something physical. Even a few minutes a day can help. Exercise and sunlight both naturally elevate your feel good hormones in the brain.

Reduce stress where you can. We often take on too much by ourselves. Ask other to help you through this time. Simplify your life as much as possible so you don’t get overwhelmed. Depression often makes one feel overwhelmed, but often we simply are. If you are trying to juggle a new baby, do all the housework, take the other kids to their extracurricular activities and be a great wife and mom all by yourself, then you are overwhelmed.

Get a massage! Research has shown that massage stimulates dopamine production and reduces the “stress hormones” running through your body. It’s amazing how much better you are able to deal with the challenges in life after you have had a massage. Massage also helps the psyche. As a new mom, you are doing so much for your family and new baby. All the focus is on your baby and your friends and family will often focus so much on the new baby, they forget about you. Taking the time to have someone focus on making you feel good goes a long
way toward feeling better about yourself.

Andrea Stein is the Owner of Andrea's Skin Care & Body Therapy, a Certified Aesthetician, Prenatal & Perinatal Massage Therapist and member of the American Pregnancy Massage Association. Her desire is to help women feel good, look beautiful and be healthy from conception through delivery and beyond! She can be reached at 209-765-4967

Indulge...In Your Health!
www.andreas-skincare-bodytherapy.com