|
Article of the Month
|
|
When Was Your Last Vacation?
Health Benefits of Taking Vacations!
Work with no vacation time, seems to be the running theme of most Americans. This makes one wonder if less vacation time is a factor as to why in America we have a higher rate of stress related illnesses. “It is important to engage in leisure activities, as a way to enjoy life more, and to potentially have good health benefits,” says Karen Matthews of the University of Pittsburgh’s Mind-Body Center.
Researchers from the Mind-Body Center surveyed 1,399 participants. They were asked how often they’d spent doing something they enjoyed. Leisure, including vacation, Matthews says, contributed to more positive emotions and fewer negative emotions and depression.
People who had more leisure activities reported
Among the benefits to be found from taking a vacation and leisure activities are
Europeans embrace this idea almost religiously. Vacations are enshrined in law.
In countries like Germany, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, employers are required to provide up to 20 or more days of paid leave. Americans, on the other hand, get an average of 12 days every year. A study conducted by the Families and Work Institute found that less than half of U.S. employees take the full vacation. Evidence of the effects of vacations can be found in the Framingham Heart Study. More than 12,000 participants, who were at risk of heart disease were followed over nine years to see if there were ways to improve their longevity. Among the questions they were asked annually was about vacations.
“The more frequent the vacations, the longer the participants lived,” says Matthews.
Another study of more than 12,000 participants at the University of Pittsburgh found that taking one week of vacation a year reduced the participants risk of death from a heart attack or stroke by 29 percent.
So imagine what 4 weeks a year of vacation would do for our health and business’s productivity!
“Research has also shown that for every dollar of vacation benefits that employers provide, they get three dollars worth of productivity back,” says management psychologist Paul Powers, Ph.D., the author of Love Your Job.
Vacations promote
The scientific proof of the health benefits of taking vacations is astounding. After reading the evidence that time off from work can prevent stress related illness AND increase employee productivity, maybe it’s time we start implementing more vacation time in our lives. Simple life style changes can have a huge effect on the way we live in America. Americans are sick of being sick and we are entitled to enjoy life. Not only will our health improve, so will our businesses. Relationships and family life will also improve. Vacation time is something we all deserve. Imagine yourself at the ocean right now, or at a cabin in the woods by the lake, shopping in Beverly Hills, or just spending quality time with your loved ones at home.
Take the time to enjoy life! Your health and boss will thank you.
Misty Skeen, APP
Reference: NPR.ORG Brenda Wilson, http://www.newlifeoffice.com/benefits-of-vacation/ |
|
Healthy Tidbits
|
Eating Your Way To Hormonal Balance
|
|
Holistic Health Research I
|
Health from the Hive
 As I watch my honeybees go about their work and visit the garden, I’m reminded of the link between honey and health.
A recent study about oxidants and chronic diseases in the journal Molecules wouldn’t surprise the ancient Egyptians, who used honey as an everyday remedy. Researchers concluded that honey administered alone or in conjunction with other therapies can function as a novel antioxidant in the management of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, Alzheimers, and hypertension. This means that honey removes and prevents oxidative damage.
Many cultures both ancient and modern have long used honey for healing – it is not only an antioxidant but also has antibacterial, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, and anti-hypertensive effects.
Honey can be used for healing ulcers and other wounds,skin conditions, respiratory conditions, relieving stress, hayfever and digestive problems and promoting sleep. For honey remedies explore Susun Weed’s pages on Healing Sweets – Part 1 and Healing Sweets – Part 2.
Reach for the honey!
Heidi Beke-Harrigan MLS, APP
hbharrigan@malone.edu or irharp1140@yahoo.com
|
|
Essential Herbs
|
|
Dear Charoula, I am constantly in need of various herbal aids to be applied externally. Are salves easy to make, and if so, how does one go about it? What are some special herbs for specific ailments? Answer: Salves, or ointments, are easy and fun to make! Salves have many applications. They can be used for:
They are very effective on children, and animals as well.
Step No. 1 After 60 minutes or so, remove from heat, strain, and pour into jars or tins. Step No. 2 You can add Aloe Vera Gel, Vitamin E, Beta Carotene, and a drop or two of Tincture or Oil of Benzoin as a preservative, and essential oils. Add the essential oils directly in the jars or tins,and stir a little with a toothpick. Add 20 drops for a ¼ oz tin, 40 for a ½ oz. tin, 60 for and oz. jar. Have Fun!
THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER/PRACTITIONER! INFORMATION IN ANY PART OF THIS NEWSLETTER IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE. |
|
FYI
|
|
Holistic Health Now
Watch Dr Mary Jo Ruggieri On Telos digital TV with her own weekly show “Holistic Health Now” Telos Digital Television Network is a Multicast: It brings the Telos Alternative Health Channel and Telos Mind Body Spirit TV into one blended channel. Telos Digital TV is the portal to news, programming, movies, commentaries and more, all centered around Alternative Health and Mind Body and Spirit Lifestyles. Our viewers benefit from better Health and Lifestyle choices!
|
|
Careers in Holistic and Preventive Health Are Booming! Jobs, Jobs, Jobs
|
Board Certified National/State Accredited HHA professional training programA self-driven, online program is designed to educate any and all Healthcare Practitioners and Professionals or any person interested in learning about Holistic Healthcare. Professions who would benefit are:
SKILLS: When the Program is Complete, a Holistic Health Advisor (HHA) will have the skills to:
COST: $495 – per person. Includes all resources in their electronic format Company and Group discounts available.
Sign up now to be part of this Amazing Certification Course! Holistic Health is the Medicine of the Future! Jump on board today! For more information visit our website
|
