rules

Health, according to the dictionaries, is a feeling of well-being. That was the old definition! The modem definition of health says that you must not only feel all right but also that you must not be aware of any pain or irritation anywhere in your body. Moreover, you must have what the quacks used to call vim, vigor and vitality-a feeling of positive health. You must have the desire to be up and doing. You must be free from fatigue. You must not get tired easily.

Once we thought that we could give people a lot of simple rules for keeping their bodies in health. Now we have learned so much more about the nature of disease that the rules have become complicated. Doctors used to say that you could take three or four meals a day and that this would take care of your needs as far as health was concerned. The list included breakfast at 8 o’clock, dinner or lunch at noon, perhaps a supplement in the form of tea or a little snack around 4: 30 in the afternoon, and then supper or dinner about 7: 30. Nowadays we know that some people do even better on six small meals a day; others seem to be quite healthful with just a light lunch but with a fairly good breakfast and not too large a dinner. We are so individual in our construction and in our constitutions that it is impossible to put down a rule for positive patterns of eating or amounts of eating that will apply to all people.

The same considerations apply to rest and sleep. Some people need more rest and more sleep than do others. Some are able to get along quite satisfactorily on six hours; others seem to require as much as ten or twelve hours of sleep to be at their best during the waking hours. Eight hours of sleep might be put down as an average, with recognition, however, that some are above and others below the average.

The hygienists used to say that everyone ought to have at least a quart of water a day, recommending eight glasses-one before breakfast, one between each meal, one at each meal and one before going to bed. Nowadays we know that our appetites and our sense of thirst may be a reasonable indication of what we ought to have in the way of fluids. One health expert recommended three pints of water daily, indicating, however, that it could be taken in tea, coffee, cocoa, milk, soup or some other liquid. Pure water is an excellent drink, as is milk. When you take a beverage that is rich in nourishment as, for instance, beer, the nourishment must be counted in the daily intake as well as the fluid.

Food is not just bulk but includes also such specific constituents as protein, carbohydrates and fats, mineral salts and vitamins. The National Research Council, through its Food and Nutrition Board, has compiled a list of basic foods that everyone ought to have every day and on which he may build the remainder of his diet.

Why do we exercise? Among other reasons, exercise improves the power and tone of the muscles. It helps the blood by increasing the amount of oxygen that is carried by the coloring matter of the red blood cells. It stimulates the circulation, thus making certain that all of the tissues receive the proper amounts of oxygen and also that waste products are carried away. Exercise also provides relaxation because it is a pleasant undertaking if performed under proper circumstances. People who take competition too seriously and who disturb their nervous systems and fail to relax during exercise are not helped, but may well be injured by the wrong kind of exercise. Finally, those who exercise to the point of exhaustion find that recovery is somewhat slow; for them over-exercise has proved just as harmful or perhaps more harmful than would be no exercise at all.

The human body is a self-regulating mechanism. Ordinarily, elimination of waste material from the bowel and the bladder goes on without much attention from the person concerned. There is no absolute rule about elimination from the bowel. Doctors say once daily is average but some people go much longer and others go much more frequently, and both may be quite within the range of what is normal for them.

Even bathing may be carried to excess. Some people develop an absolute obsession about cleanliness. They will rush to wash their hands at the slightest sign of soiling. These people, in many instances, need examination from a psychological point of view. Some people indulge in bathing to a point at which they become a nuisance not only to themselves but to the rest of the family. They soak long hours in the tub, and end with fatigue. A bath that is too hot leaves a person gasping; a bath that is too cold may shock the entire heat—regulating mechanism of the body. All sorts of specialized baths, such as steam baths, salt water baths, carbon dioxide baths and similar ablutions are recommended for special purposes; but like every other specialty they need to be prescribed for the individual for certain specific purposes and when not so regulated may do harm.

One of the first books on hygiene designed to keep people in health was the Bible. The rules there set forth as to rest and relaxation and mental attitude and diet were all designed for people of a certain period.  Modem conditions have brought new points of view. Thus the day of rest varies among different races of people and among various religions. Similarly attitudes toward food vary with various races and religions. Scientific study has shown that it is not so much exactly what you do in this regard as observance of the need for regular periods of rest to permit recovery of the tired tissues. The diet should be free from infectious material and visible dirt. The point of view toward life must be moderate and temperate.

In the Middle Ages the School of Salerno developed a book called “The Regimen of the School of Salerno”. The chief emphasis in that guide to health and hygiene was moderation in all things. Any modem book of advice on health has to begin with the same general admonition: Be moderate in everything-moderate in food, in drink, in work, in thought and, particularly, in temper.

Nowadays we give much more consideration to the way in which anger, agitation, worry or excitement may seriously damage the functioning of various portions of the body. A contented mind is an essential to a healthful body.

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Almost all horse injuries and illnesses (excluding sports injuries and mistreatment) are due to a small number of mistakes in the way horses are kept and treated. Here are the top 10 tips to avoiding these errors and protecting your horse’s health (in rough order of importance, beginning with the most important).

1. Start with a healthy horse

Our number one tip is to make sure when getting a new horse that it is healthy to begin with. There are a lot of horses which are cheap, or even free, because they have health issues; avoid them as you are likely to spend more in veterinary costs and tears than you will save on the purchase price. Also, beware of sellers passing off a sick horse as a healthy one. Before buying a horse, put it through a thorough health check (see our website for guidance).

2. Food type and quality

Try to feed the horse as natural a diet as possible. This should be grass whenever possible, otherwise hay. There are cases when a horse may need other types of horse feed (e.g. an old horse with dental issues, a weak horse that needs extra energy), but for a healthy horse a natural diet is best for its physical health and mental wellbeing.

Aside from the type of food, one needs to ensure that it is of good quality. In particular, a horse should NEVER be given food that has mold or fungus (visible by sight or smell). If food becomes damp or wet, it should be used immediately or disposed of, since food that has gone off can cause a variety of illnesses such as colic or laminitis (founder).

It is advisable that the horse has a mineral stone and salt lick, to compensate for any elements which may be missing from its food.

3. Natural environment (pasture & herd)

Just as a horse should have natural food, it should spend as much time as possible in a natural environment. The two most important parts of this is that it should be on pasture as much as possible and that it should be part of a herd (i.e. with other horses or horse equivalents). Time on pasture gives the horse a natural diet (grass), a natural feeding regime (many small feeds throughout the day rather than a couple large and short feeds), exercise and mental stimulation. Being with other horses gives a sense of safety (horses have a very strong herd instinct) and the social interactions gives it mental stimulation.

A horse which spends much of its day in this type of environment is not only happier, but is far less likely to develop bad habits (e.g. cribbing) due to stress or boredom. Horses which are kept in a natural environment also tend to be physically healthier.

4. Healthy stall

Especially if a horse spends a lot of time in its stall, the stall environment should be healthy.
- It should have enough ventilation that there is not a build up of ammonia (the harsh burning smell which is produced when bacteria break down horse urine on the stall floor).
- It should be big enough that the horse has a bit of room to move, say 4 yards by 4.
- It should have clean and suitable bedding. In particular, bedding which has gone off (mold or fungus) should never be used.

5. Safe pasture

The pasture should be free of any items which could injure the horse.

One of the most common causes of serious horse injuries is inappropriate fencing wire. One should never use barbed wire, as it can puncture the horse, resulting not only in injuries (which can be fatal if it happens to hit a main artery) but also abscesses and other serious infections. One should not use high-tension wire, since if it breaks and tangles around a horse’s leg, it can cut through flesh and tendon down to the bone. If one uses wire, it should be a type which breaks before causing serious injury and should probably be under electrical current to discourage horses from pushing against it.

If one is using a field which has not been previously cleaned, every bit of it should be closely examined for items which could injure a horse and such items removed. I’ve seen enough horses seriously injured from being put on an old farming field which had bits of fencing wire or pieces of machinery lying about. Likewise, holes (e.g. from burrowing animals) can result in a broken leg so should be filled in promptly. Similarly, broken branches or other objects lying around can result in injuries (especially if the horses are spooked at night, when they may not see the objects and consequently run into them).

There are a number of poisonous plants, which can make a horse ill or even kill it. Learn what types of plants are on your horse’s pasture and check if any of them are poisonous to horses. Most horses will avoid the majority of poisonous plants (unless there is nothing else to eat) so if you see a type of plant which the horses are not eating, one should in particular check that it is safe.

6. Preventative routine medical

An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. One should worm a horse regularly, give it the required inoculations, and have a regular (e.g. once a year) dental check. Worming requirements depend partly on where you live (parasite types and severity vary by region). Likewise the inoculations which should be given depend not only on the local areas (what diseases are present) but also on how you use the horse (e.g. if it is transported off your property and comes into contact with strange horses). Consequently, one should discuss requirements with a local veterinarian.

7. Watch and regularly inspect the horse

Horses, like people, will naturally become ill occasionally and may suffer accidents from time to time. In most cases, one starts with a minor problem which is easily (and inexpensively) treated if spotted early, but may become a major issue if left untreated.

One should watch a horse each day, and preferably twice a day, even if it is just for a few minutes. Learn what is normal behavior for that particular horse (e.g. running about or quietly grazing) and if there is a change to its normal behavior one needs to inspect the horse more closely. In particular, any signs of the horse appearing unwell (e.g. head hanging, inactive, stopped eating) or unhappy should be checked and monitored until the cause is found and corrected, with veterinary assistance if the situation becomes worse or is already serious.

Certain illness (e.g. impaction colic, laminitis) can often be treated successfully if done so promptly, whereas waiting less than a day after the first visible symptoms can result in a maimed or dead horse. Regular observation and prompt treatment are the key to so many illnesses.

One should clean and examine the sole of the hooves each day. In part this is to remove stones, ice chunks or other items which can damage a hoof. However, an equally important part of this daily routine is that it enables one to spot hoof issues early. Likewise, regular grooming is important not only because a clean horse looks better but also because it provides an opportunity to closely examine all parts of the horse for injuries or other abnormalities.

8. Shelter

Horses should have shelter from excessive cold, rain or wind. A simple shelter, open on one side facing away from the prevailing wind, can greatly increases the horse’s comfort. Alternatively, when the weather is very bad, it may be necessary to remove the horses from pasture and paddock and put them into their stalls.

The amount of shelter a horse requires depends on the local environment (how extreme the temperature gets locally) but also on the horse. A strong and healthy horse, which is neither very old or very young, will be much more resistant to weather extremes. Likewise, certain breeds (especially if they have a long coat, which has not been trimmed or had the coat oils r
emoved by frequent washing) are more resistant than others. One needs to provide a level of shelter which is appropriate to the individual horse and the current weather. One should also consider a horse rug for horses which are very old, very young, sick, weak or prone to illness. One may also consider a fly sheet which not only increases the horses comfort but also reduces the risk of sweet itch, eye infections (if a fly mask is used) and other illnesses which can be transmitted by biting or blood sucking insects.

9. Consider breed and individual requirements

Each breed has its own special requirements. For examples, many breeds are prone to laminitis and consequently should have only limited access to spring grass. Other breeds may have specific issues and require special treatment (e.g. many Appaloosa are night blind and consequently are more likely to run into fencing if left out at night). Learning about your breed’s strengths and weaknesses from a medical perspective will allow you to respond accordingly.

Likewise, each horse is an individual. Some are more weather resistant than others. Some are more prone to colic or other illnesses. As you watch and live with your horse, learn about its special needs and treat it accordingly. For example, if it is allergic to dust, one may need to soak its hay in water or buy low-dust feed. If it looks unhappy and uncomfortable in cold weather, one should consider taking it under shelter or providing it with a rug, as you may be looking at an early warning for a potential illness (e.g. cold-induced colic or a cold-induced lung infection). Taking account of your horse’s medical history and behavior as part of your horse management program will help keep it healthy and happy.

10. Continue to learn

Nobody knows everything about horses and everyone started out knowing nothing. However, if you educate yourself and continue to learn, you will be able to take better care of your horse, avoiding problems when possible and otherwise treating them promptly and correctly.

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The pH level (the acid-alkaline measurement) of the internal environment affects every cell in the body. Extended acid imbalances as well as an imbalanced body pH are not well tolerated by it.

 

The Entire Metabolic Process Depends On An Alkaline Environment

 

As a matter of fact, the entire metabolic process depends on a balanced internal alkaline environment. A chronically over-acidic pH corrodes body tissue, slowly eating into the 60,000 miles of veins and arteries like acid eating into marble. If left unchecked, it will interrupt all cellular activities and functions, from the beating of the heart to the neural firing of the brain. 

 

Above all, the acid-alkaline balance is a well known theory of the cause of overweight. It has shown that fat is actually an over-acidification problem. Why? Because the body creates fat cells to carry acids away from vital organs, so these acids literally don’t choke the organs to death. Fat is saving life! Fat is actually a response from the body to an alarming over-acidic condition. 

 

The 4 Rules Of New Levels Of Health, Wellness And Energy

 

The solution is to alkalize and energize the body and its cell system. Changing to an alkaline lifestyle can result in a lean, trim body, while experiencing a new level of wellness, energy and fitness. These rules guide on how to become healthy, well balanced and fit again.  

 

1. More Green and Yellow Vegetables and Grasses: Fresh vegetables and grasses are an excellent source of the alkaline salts that are anti-yeast, anti-fungal, and anti-mycotoxic. The chlorophyll (or “blood of the plant”) contained in plants and grasses is identical to the blood of humans, except for one atom. Green foods such as wheat grass and barley grass are some of the lowest-calorie, lowest-sugar, and most nutrient-rich foods on the planet. Also juiced, green vegetables are very cleansing. Vegetables and grasses are also loaded with fiber.   

 

2. More Healthy (and NOT animal) Proteins:  Broccoli, spinach, sprouts, garbanzo beans, tofu or fresh fish with scales and fins carry the sub-cellular units and the amino acids to make proteins in amounts that are congruent with the body’s needs. Also, all green vegetables are high in calcium. Animal protein foods are unhealthy and provide more protein than is required by the human body. Our bodies are only 7 % protein. Animal protein foods often contribute factors to the body that are unneeded and then represent a challenge to dispose of (e.g., saturated fats).   

 

3. More Alkaline Green Food Supplements: In case one shouldn’t be able to completely change the diet to green and alkaline food, taking powdered alkaline supplements sprouted for maximum cell absorption is an option, like, for instance, Supergreens. With powdered greens the need to constantly eat healthy vegetables and greens disappears. Taking alkalizing, pH balancing and highly energizing SuperGreens is an easy way of adding 49 different grasses, vegetables, sprouted grains and leaves, as well as 125 vitamins, minerals and amino acids to your diet. If taken daily, they even allow to not changing eating habits, although it is recommended, of course. 

 

4. More Alkali-forming Foods: Good alkali forming foods include fresh sprouts, spinach, kale, Swiss chard, avocados, lemons, limes, cucumbers, celery, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, asparagus, green beans, eggplant, broccoli, fresh tomatoes, zucchini, green/red/yellow peppers, onions, okra, garlic, parsley, watercress, cabbage, squashes, soy beans (tofu), garbanzo beans, raw almonds, Brazil nuts, hazel nuts, sesame seeds, flax seed, sprouted grains and legumes. Green juices from all green vegetables and their tops are highly alkaline. Also, vegetable broths are extremely alkalizing to the body. These need to be yeast-free and preservative-free.

 

Changing to an alkaline, healthy diet low on calories and the increased intake of alkaline food and alkaline supplements supports vital cellular activities and functions and will create new levels of healthiness, energy, wellness and fitness.

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Terra med Alliance News Doctors and experts are in uproar over new recommendations to raise the age of breast cancer screening, warning more women will die from the disease which already claims some 40,000 lives each year.

Terra med Alliance News : Doctors and experts are in uproar over new recommendations to raise the age of breast cancer screening, warning more women will die from the disease which already claims some 40,000 lives each year.

The high-level United States Preventative Services Task Force of scientists and researchers Monday recommended that breast cancer screening in women should now start at the age of 50 as opposed to 40.

And it further said that women between the ages of 50 to 74 should be screened every two years instead of annually.

“Screening saves lives, and cutting back on screening would cost lives,” said Dr. Timothy Johnson, an oncologist at Holyoke Medical Center in Massachusetts.

“I’m against the proposals to cut back the screening on women between the age of 40 and 50, absolutely,” he told AFP.

Some 210,000 American women are affected by the disease each year, and breast tumors are the most common cancer in women patients at Holyoke.

The task force’s findings came two years after the panel issued a report which looked at the same issue, but did not recommend raising the screening age.

Some wondered whether the recommendations issued Monday were part of a cost-cutting effort as the United States wrestles to reform its health care system, something it wasn’t doing two years ago.

Terra med Alliance News: But if that was the idea, cutting mammograms for younger women was not the way to go, said Dr Christine Pellegrino of the Montefiore-Einstein Center for Cancer Care in New York.

“Are they going to not reimburse mammograms for younger women versus potentially having to absorb the case of a woman who presents years later with advanced breast cancer where you’re talking chemotherapy, surgery, more chemo, radiation and a great potential for recurrence?” Pellegrino, who is director of Montefiore-Einstein’s breast clinic, wondered.

“Not only does that have a huge financial cost but also a devastating psychological impact,” said Pellegrino, who was also opposed to hiking the starting age for breast cancer screening.

“If a woman shows up at 50 for her first screening and they find out she has this big cancer, and you know that if you had screened her a few years earlier you would have found it… whether you’re the patient or the provider, if you have to say, ‘Well, if we had done this two years earlier,’ nobody will recover from that.”

Mammograms currently cost the US public health system, Medicare, between three and five billion dollars a year.

One reason the task force gave for phasing out mammograms for younger women was the higher incidence of false-positive results in the group. These caused significant stress and led to unnecessary biopsies and treatment.

But cancer survivor Debbie Guardian said a false-positive was a small price to pay for catching the real thing in time.

“What’s worse? A lot of stress only to find out it was plain old calcification or a lot of stress to discover you’ve got breast cancer but it’s treatable because you were screened on time?” Guardian, whose doctors confirmed she had breast cancer days after her 50th birthday last year, told AFP.

“I went every single year (for a mammogram) starting at 40. Had I not gone when I was still 49, I wouldn’t have known I had cancer because it wasn’t big enough for me to feel, but it was big enough to be serious,” she said.

“What this esteemed panel of experts is recommending is not wise, to put it politely. Based on personal experience, I wholeheartedly disagree with them,” she said.

Pellegrino said the panel’s recommendations went against years of efforts to raise awareness of breast cancer.

“To start telling women, ‘I know you just turned 40 but we’re not going to do your baseline mammogram’ — the reaction is going to be one of complete visceral disbelief like, ‘What do you mean I’m not going to have my mammogram’?”

According to this year’s report, one life is saved for every 1,900 women aged 40-49 screened for breast cancer, compared to one life for every 1,300 in the 50-59 year age group.

“You may have to screen 1,900 women a year to save one life, but that’s part of cancer screening,” said Johnson. “We see a lot of women in their 40s with breast cancer, and by screening younger women, we save lives.”

Terra med Alliance is a non-profit charity organization dedicated to research, education and advocacy of breast cancer. One of the vision of Terramed Alliance is to provide this community and Internet users with a charity based research and education entity. Advocacy of breast cancer through education is vital to the reduction of this disease.  For any requests and enquiries, please contact at us: cancer@terramedalliance.us www.terramedalliance.us

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