Regular Massages Help Reduce Pain and Depression in Sick Children

Massage isn’t just for stressed out moms. According to a study by researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, it offers both physical and psychological benefits to children with special health needs such as Sickle Cell Disease. In the study, published in the Journal of Pediatric Psychology, researchers found that massage helps to reduce pain, anxiety and depression. Sickle Cell Disease is a genetic blood disorder that affects the red blood cells. It causes cells to become hard and pointed rather than the normal soft and round. Symptoms include anemia, repeat infections, and periodic pain. More than 70,000 Americans live with Sickle … Continue reading

Health Benefits of Hot Tubs and Hydrotherapy

I love the water. When I was a kid, I would spend entire summer days in the pool, only coming out of the water for lunch and bathroom breaks. I love long, steamy baths and relaxing showers. And I’m very excited that my apartment complex has a pool (open seasonally) and a hot tub (open year-round)! Believe it or not, a hot tub can be good for your health — it isn’t just a luxury. Hydrotherapy has a long history in healing. The Ancient Greeks and Romans knew the value of a good soak! A hot tub combines the healing … Continue reading

Massage for Infants

A friend of mine has been teaching infant massage classes in Cape Fear, North Carolina. Massage is beneficial at just about any age, but can have some special benefits for an infant. The benefits of infant massage include: A stronger bond between parent and child. Ideally, you want to find fifteen minutes every day to massage your baby. But if you can only find time once a week, you’ll both still benefit from the time together. Longer, deeper sleep for the baby (which means more restful nights for the parents, too). Relieve discomfort from gas, colic, and constipation. Massage can … Continue reading

Massage for Cancer Patients

There is a common misconception that massage is NOT safe for cancer patients. Despite a total lack of evidence, many people believe that massage can spread cancer cells around the body. There is no evidence that this is true. In fact, massage can be very beneficial for cancer patients! Reducing side effects. Studies have shown that massage (manipulation of muscles and other soft tissues) can reduce pain, nausea, fatigue, and anxiety in cancer patients. Improving patient well-being. Cancer isn’t just difficult physically — it can be emotionally traumatic as well. Massage can help improve a cancer patient’s state of mind … Continue reading

Can A Couple’s Massage Help You Bond With Your Mate?

Many people experience tension and stress in today’s fast pace world. Massages and paid pampering is a common practice. Men and women alike spend much money to receive a massage, hot rocks, body scrubs, pedicures, and manicures. Some specialists even offer ten-minute neck rubs for stressed lunch break workers. Some companies even offer these services for their employees. Some people thoroughly enjoy a massage and return for one on a regular basis. Other people are slightly uncomfortable with massages. He/she experiences one and decides that it is not for him/her. The newest trend in relaxation is to enjoy a relaxing … Continue reading

The Fitness Blog Week in Review June 9 – June 15

It’s been a long week here, my daughter got over a bad bout with a fever last week and I’ve spent most of the week trying not to come down with it myself. Unfortunately, I haven’t been very successful. Let’s take a good look at the week in review before I take a day of ease on Saturday. Saturday, June 9 Hot summer days are not always conducive to outdoor exercise. When temperatures cruise upwards of 95 degrees, it may be time to investigate Indoor Workouts. Sunday, June 10 Does School-Based Fitness Fade Over the Summer? There is some speculation … Continue reading

The Marriage Blog Week in Review: April 30 – May 4

It’s the weekend and we’re spending the weekend handling yard work, repairing a damaged fence so that we can keep our dogs contained and sharing the responsibility of looking after our daughter who came down with a bout of stomach flu. Marriage is a great deal about sharing responsibility, sharing commitment, sharing good times and sharing bad. So let’s take a look at our Marriage Blog week in review: Monday, April 30 Negotiation is the Key to a Successful Relationship and whether you are struggling with financial problems, chores or making decisions about what to have for dinner. When one … Continue reading

World’s Largest Baby Massage

Now there’s a title that conjures up some mental images. But rest assured, it does NOT refer to the world’s largest baby getting a massage. A few days ago, I wrote about the American Baby Faire. It is a cheap (not entirely free, adults have to pay $8 to get in) entertaining way to check out the newest and coolest things for your baby in 2007. It is sponsored by Babies R Us and is a veritable mecca for all things baby. It is a fun event to go to because, of course, all of these wonderful baby products folks … Continue reading

Baby Blog Week in Review for Jan 13-19

From breast feeding to formula warning labels to baby massage and acid reflux, this week has been packed with great information and much, more. Let’s take a look at our week in review: Let’s Be Honest About Formula vs. Breast Milk continues a frank and open discussion about the benefits of breast milk and the concerns of mothers every where doing the best for their babies is concerned. The discussion continues in Should Formula Cans Contain Warning Labels? advising mothers that breast milk is better for their babies? The Cost of Breastfeeding Intervention vs. Formula Feeding discusses the issues that … Continue reading

Baby Massage – Empowering Moms & Dads

Did you know that learning the art of baby massage could deepen the bond you share with your infant? It’s great for moms and dads alike and it helps you to communicate on a level of touch that your baby will embrace and enjoy. There are a lot of books, videos and even classes out there available to show you the basics of massage for your infant or toddler. Affection Statistics indicate that parents who practice infant and toddler massage noted that their children seemed far more affectionate than their peers and are equally affectionate with their siblings as they … Continue reading