What is neck pain?
Neck pain is a common condition — so common, in fact, that the expression “a pain in the neck” is an oft-used figure of speech in English. It can be mild enough so that it is a mere annoyance, or severe enough that it can adversely affect the quality of one’s life. Because of its position and range of motion, and because it plays a vital role in the support of the head, the neck is more subject to injury than any other portion of the spine. While it is much less frequent than back pain, neck pain can occasionally be severe enough to warrant attention from a licensed health professional.Continue reading
Here is a great little intro video to BIODYNAMIC FARMING and what it means. I believe this is the future of HOLISTIC FARMING practices and will surpass the “organic” label as far as quality and superior nutrient density. Biodynamics is a way of farming based on the principles of Rudolf Steiner (founder of the Waldorf School philosophy). Continue reading
The New England School of Acupuncture in Newton today said it was awarded a $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense to finance a clinical trial focused on the use of acupuncture in the treatment of Gulf War Illness.Continue reading
Recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition confirmed that Japanese children who received a daily dose of vitamin D3 three were 58% less likely to come down with influenza A, the most common type of seasonal flu. There was also a significant decrease in asthma attacks in children with a history of asthma. However, there was no proof that vitamin D3 supplementation prevented influenza type B.
The double – blind placebo experiment was conducted from December 2008 through March 2009. One group of 67 children received a daily placebo, while another group with an equal number of children received 1,200 IU’s of D3. There were 31 cases of influenza in the control group compared to 18 in the vitamin D group. Asthma occurred in only 2 children taking the vitamin D compared to 12 children receiving the placebo.
Researchers are continuing to see major health benefits from vitamin D, but stress that it is important to distinguish between vitamin D3 and D2. D3 (cholecalciferol) is naturally occurring in foods and is easily absorbed by the body, while D2 (ergocalciferol) is found in fortified foods but is less potent.
Source: Reuters Health, March 19, 2010. www.reuters.com