Health Fitness Care – Swine Flu Outbreaks News

Victoria records world's worst swine flu rate.

Victoria now has the highest recorded per capita rate of swine flu in the world and is being blamed for exporting the viruses around Australia.

The Australian reports the state has already exported more than a dozen swine flu infections to other states, territories and countries, including an NRL player who contracted the illness after last week's State of Origin clash in Melbourne.

Over the weekend, Western Australia, NSW, Tasmania and South Australia all had fresh positive tests to the H1N1 strain among people returning from Victoria, with Singapore and Malaysia also attributing one new case apiece to visitors' exposure to the virus in Victoria.

Queensland Origin forward Ben Hannant, also a prop for the Bulldogs, contracted the illness after performing strongly for the Maroons in their 28-18 win in the opening Origin game in Melbourne on Wednesday.

There have not been any other reported cases of swine flu among the NSW and Queensland Origin teams to date.

Victoria yesterday left its swine flu tally unchanged at Friday's total of 874.But observers fear another surge in numbers after the weekend respite in the state's reporting ends, given its caseload more than tripled last Monday.



Other states and territories, which collectively account for fewer than 20 per cent of Australia's swine flu cases, have seen their numbers jump since Friday by 45 to 177, taking the number of cases nationally to 1051.



Western Australia took the biggest hit, with the number of confirmed diagnoses reaching 14 yesterday - up from two on Friday.

An 11-year-old boy and 23-year-old woman who had returned from Melbourne were among the new infections.



In NSW, the number of reported infections acquired in Victoria doubled since Friday from four to eight, out of a statewide tally of 82.



South Australia and Tasmania also announced one new positive test each to the disease that they attributed to exposure in Victoria.



Victoria has relaxed its testing, tracing and quarantining rules for swine flu in response to its sharply rising caseload.



It has the fourth highest number of infections worldwide after the US, Mexico and Canada, but the highest per capita load.

But, unlike those countries, it is yet to record a single death from the disease, and few hospitalisations.

International alarm over the Victorian outbreaks, however, has spread along with the virus.Malaysian newspaper New Sunday Times in Kuala Lumpur called Melbourne an epicentre for the new H1N1 strain, after an Australian student on Friday became the country's seventh confirmed swine flu case.

The unidentified student flew into Kuala Lumpur with her mother from Melbourne on an AirAsiaX flight with 258 passengers, forcing more than 140 contacts into house quarantine as authorities went into damage control.

On Saturday, Singapore called on its nationals to defer non-essential travel to Victoria.

On the same day, it announced two new swine flu diagnoses, one of which was a 23-year-old Singaporean man who went to Melbourne in late May and developed flu symptoms within the week.

Source Link :- http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25602993-26103,00.html

Alternative Health Fitness Care Tips – Magnetic Therapy Benefits

Amongst the array of alternative healing therapies that are in use today, the name of magnetic therapy also occupies a place. It is basically a complementary and alternative medicine practice, which involves the use of static magnetic fields. The core of this therapy lies in the fact that the human body as well as the earth operate under a magnetic field. As, and when, there arises a disturbance between the magnetic power of the body and the earth; physical problems are experienced by a person. Magnetic field therapy intends to treat the problems, by balancing the magnetic power of the body with that of the earth and covering up the magnetic deficiency arising in the former.

Looking back into the past, we see that magnetic therapy has been in use since the ancient times. However, the use of marbles, for healing purposes, has gained popularity mainly over the past decade. Though there are no certifiable proofs in relation to the advantages of magnet field therapy, many people claim to have vastly benefited from it, especially those suffering from depression and various muscular pains.

Health Benefits Of Magnetic Field Therapy :-

(1) Magnetic therapy has been seen to provide relief from ailments like arthritis, Achilles tendon and tendonitis.

(2) Those suffering from back bone problems have discovered immense respite after going through the therapy.

(3) If you are suffering from muscular pains, you would find magnet field therapy to be of great help.

(4) The therapy has been found to have helped in the treatment of patients suffering from sciatica and even lumbar spondylitis.

(5) Magnetic therapy comes to the aid of people who are trying to lose weight and gain back their figure.

(6) The therapy has been effectively used to heal chronic headache in a large number of people.

(7) It has been claimed that magnetic field therapy helps improve blood circulation and also increases blood oxygen.

(8) The therapy has been found to help decrease the deposition of toxic materials in the walls of blood vessels.

(9) Apart from aiding the patients of high blood pressure, magnetic therapy has been effectively used to treat depression.

(10) The people suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome have been claimed to have benefited from the therapy.

(11) Magnetic field therapy has been successfully applied in the alleviation of post-surgery pain.

(12) Many people have derived stress-reduction benefits from the therapy. Some also claim it to be the perfect treatment for insomnia.

(13) People experience an increase in their energy levels, after going through magnetic therapy.

(14) This therapy has helped many people successfully get over circulatory problems.

(15) Magnetic Field therapy has been seen to have anti-inflammatory, anti-ageing and even faster-healing benefit.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Causes,Symptoms,Remedies,Diet,Treatments

Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms :-

Pain and stiffness in the joints, anemia, colitis.

The main symptoms of osteoarthritis are pain and stiffness in the joints. The pain usually increases after exercise. Rheumatoid arthritis is often called the 'cooked food disease'. lt usually develops gradually over several months, with persistent pain and stiffness in one or more joints. Ultimately the whole body is affected. Symptoms include anemia, colitis, constipation, deformed hands and feet.

Cause of Rheumatoid Arthritis :-

Structural changes in the articular cartilage in the joints.

Osteoarthritis results from structural changes in the articular cartilage in the joints, usually those which are weight-bearing, such as the spine and knees.

Hormonal imbalance, physical and emotional stress.

Rheumatoid arthritis is due to an inflammation of the synovium or lining of the joints. This is accompanied by swelling and eventually leads to deformity. The condition may be caused by hormonal imbalance, physical and emotional stress, infection, severe fright, shock, and injury.

Rheumatoid Arthritis diet :-

Take fruits and vegetables in the form of salads.

The diet of an arthritis patient should be planned so as to produce alkalinity in the blood. It should include fruits and vegetables in the form of salads, and, at least, two cooked vegetables. In severe cases, it would be advisable to put the patient on raw vegetable juice therapy three times a day, for about a week. Repeated juice fasts are recommended at intervals of every two months.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments :-

(1) Keep body warm, don't bandage joints :-

The body should be kept warm at all times . Joints should not be bandaged tightly as this limits movement and interferes with the free circulation of blood.

(2) Take rest, should have plenty of indirect ventilation :-

There should be plenty of indirect ventilation in the bedroom. Rest is advised when there is acute inflammation in the joints.

(3) Sea bathing :-

Sea bathing has been found valuable in arthritis. The natural iodine in sea water is said to relieve arthritis pain. As is well known, Iodine regulates the acid-alkaline balance in the blood and tissues, helps to repair and regenerate worn out tissues and nourishes the skeletal structure. It enters into the thyroid gland's secretion. The hormone uses the iodine to cleanse the internal toxins. If sea bathing is not possible, the patient should relax for thirty minutes every night in a tub of warm water, in which a cup of common salt has been mixed. The minerals in the salt,especially Iodine, will be absorbed through the pores of the skin. This will help correct an internal imbalance.

Home Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis :-

Drinking water kept overnight in a copper container accumulates traces of copper, which is said to strengthen the muscular system. A copper ring or bracelet is worn for the same reason.

Garlic is another effective remedy for arthritis. It contains an anti-inflammatory property which accounts for its effectiveness in the treatment of this disease. Garlic may be taken raw or cooked according to individual preference.

Bananas, being a rich source of vitamin B6, have proved useful in the treatment of arthritis. A diet of only bananas for three or four days is advised in treating this condition. The patient may eat eight or nine bananas daily during this period and nothing else.

Lime has also been found beneficial as a home remedy for arthritis. The citric acid found in lime is a solvent of uric acid which is the primary cause of some types of arthritis. The juice of one lime, diluted with water, may be taken once a day, preferably first thing in the morning.

Health Fitness Fundas – Reiki Symbols,Healing,Massage,Therapy

What is Reiki ?

Reiki is a very ancient science.Reiki in Japanese means universal life Force Energy. It is made of two parts, ‘Rei’— meaning universal, transcendental spirit, and ‘Ki’— meaning energy or power.

Reiki is a method of connecting universal energy with the body’s innate power of healing. Reiki is simple and anybody can learn it. The possibility of self-treatment makes it quite advantageous. Self-treatment amplifies the life force energy in our body releasing the withheld emotions and energy blocks. The results may not be immediately perceptible but it is definitely helpful in relieving stress and helping the person think positive.

As in most things Reiki must be experienced to be appreciated. Practicing Reiki helps create harmony in the body, giving a deep sense of peace and relaxation.

Principles of Reiki :-

Just for today I will give thanks for my many blessings :- One must live in a state of gratitude, consciously appreciating and thanking the many blessings of life. It helps in transforming negative attitudes into positive ones.

Just for today, I will not worry :- Negative thoughts indicate a lack of faith in Searchd and hinder the outcome of our efforts. A positive frame of mind, makes the situations appear far better than they would otherwise be.

Just for today I will not be angry :- Persons who know and have developed the ability to handle anger, have made their lives happy.

Just for today I will do my work honestly :- Doing the work honestly and facing the truth in all things brings a peace of mind and calmness which can transform the person and raise his self-esteem.

Just for today I will be kind to my neighbour and every living thing :- To help in healing the whole world and developing a loving atmosphere, we must show respect to all living things.

Effects and Benefits of Reiki :-

Reiki is an extremely effective technique for total relaxation and stress reduction. Reiki can not only effect changes in the physical structure of the body by helping to regenerate organs and re-build tissues but also helps to create balance on the mental level.

One of the greatest benefits is self treatment. Treating oneself helps to release withheld emotions and energy blocks.

Reiki has been found to :

(1) Balance the energy

(2) Reverse aging process.

(3) Amplify the energy levels.

(4) It heals holistically.

(5) It can never do damage since it flows in quantities necessary for the recipient.

How Does Reiki Heal?

Life force is the non-physical energy that animates all living things. It flows through the body through certain pathways, which are called chakras and meridians. Also, it creates energy field— aura, which surrounds the body and permeates it.

Reiki heals by tapping into this life force and regulating its flow. Life force becomes disrupted when negative thought attach themselves to the energy field and obstruct the flow of vital energy, resulting in disease. Reiki straightens and heals the energy pathways, thus leading to positive thoughts and life force to flow in a healthy way.

Reiki treatment is done by laying hands gently on various parts of the body with fingers closed tight. The recipient feels a kind of flowing sensation, often combined with sensation of warmth.

Some recipients of Reiki say that they never before experienced such a deep sense of peace and relaxation. The recipient is brought into a state of unity with the harmony of the universe, and then he can heal himself by using his natural ability.

Reiki functions on all levels— mental and spiritual, physical and emotional. It cleanses the body of all toxins and encourages the body’s natural ability to heal itself. It amplified and balances energy, increases awareness and creativity helps, helps in releasing the blocked emotions and stress leading to total relaxation.

The Difference between Reiki and other Healing Methods :-

Reiki is simple.As compared to other forms of therapy which may demand months of training, Reiki can be learnt in a weekend. The ability to learn Reiki is not dependant on any special attributes in the learner. It is passed on from one the teacher to the student and he can then do Reiki. So, even a child can learn Reiki. In other forms healing, the healer must concentrate hard on sending energy. In Reiki, once the initial intention to treat has been completed and the hands have been placed on the body, the energy is drawn on its own.

Reiki is quite effective for self-treatment. Reiki is always with the personal and requires no special devices. Whenever there is pain somewhere, or when there is a feeling of tiredness, Reiki can be used to energize and calm down.