Midwest Mothers

Don't let aches and pains slow you down
(ARA) - We all know the feeling that comes with the first great day of spring. When the sun is shining, the air smells sweet and fresh and the temperatures are warm, we all feel the urge to get outside and throw off the confinement of the winter months. Whether you're an avid athlete, a dedicated gardener or someone who's been meaning to get started on an exercise program, the arrival of spring is one sure way to get you moving.

No one is immune from the desire to get outdoors and do something active while enjoying the weather - and that includes people with chronic pain issues. Whether you're dealing with arthritis or trying to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, the threat of pain is one of the most challenging obstacles to overcome for those who want to live an active lifestyle, because no one wants to take the risk of aggravating their health problems.

But even if you're living with pain, it's essential to heed the call of the outdoors this spring and be active. There are plenty of ways to mitigate pain issues and avoid further injury. The important thing is to consult your doctor and to work out a plan together that will let you get the exercise you want and need without worsening your pain. And, in fact, exercising can be an important part of overcoming some of those issues - as long as it's done in the right way.

There are a lot of activities that we all love to do that require a lot of repetitive motion. Tennis is a popular sport for all ages, and a game that can be played over a lifetime, but for people suffering from joint pain and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), the repeated swinging motions required for a good volley can drive them off the court.

Similarly, gardeners eager to get their hands in the dirt can be limited by pain that crops up with the repetitious motion involved in tilling, preparing beds, digging and planting. For people suffering from CTS, whether they are gardeners, tennis players or otherwise, supportive gloves can provide the relief they need. One example, IMAK's SmartGlove, features a comfortably flexible support splint that keeps hands in a good position without being stiff, and helps to relieve or prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. It's ideal for active lifestyles because it is breathable and washable, and it's an effective non-surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.

According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise is an important part of dealing with back pain. Not only does it strengthen the muscles and joints, but it can stretch contracted muscles, improve posture and even help protect against injury by improving your overall fitness.

Another health problem that exercise can positively affect is arthritis. When you go outside and start being active this spring, you can help your arthritis with activities like tai chi, strengthening exercises and cardio exercise that get your heart working. It's recommended that you protect your joints by warming them up prior to exercise, and by being gentle on your body - starting out too hard and fast can cause problems. Support products like IMAK's SmartGlove can also help you stay in good alignment as you work out.

Don't resist the urge to soak in the sunshine because of pain and discomfort this spring. Not only is getting outside easier than ever with supportive therapies, but it's an essential part of living a healthier, pain-free life.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Get rid of morning sickness and get back into pregnancy fitness
(ARA) - It is 2010 and for pregnant women, that means alcohol, cigarettes and sushi are among the many taboos, whereas yoga, Pilates and aerobic exercise are on the list of "to-dos." When it comes to pregnancy and fitness, studies advocate physical activity leads to a more pleasurable pregnancy, a healthier labor and delivery, an improved post-baby recovery and even a healthier newborn. So, why isn't every newly pregnant woman prepping her Pilates mat or tying her tennies?

Research also estimates that 80 percent of all pregnant women endure morning sickness in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Symptoms range from a queasy stomach to vomiting-induced dehydration (requiring IV therapy). Morning sickness, actually a misnomer, can be present on and off throughout the entire day and some woman even suffer the entire nine months of pregnancy.

So, how can a mommy-to-be get in a good workout, if she can't even get out of bed? And this begs the question: Can morning sickness be prevented?

Jillian Moriarty, who has a master's degree in physical therapy and is a nationally recognized yoga and Pilates instructor and owner of Happily Ever Active, believes that morning sickness can not only be dramatically reduced in severity, but can also be treated through natural therapies. "Morning sickness may not be 100 percent curable for all women, but for those with mild symptoms, prevention is absolutely possible!" she says. "The first thing a new momma needs to do might be the last thing she wants to do, and that is move! Gently at first, until symptoms subside."

In her DVD, "Morning Sickness Blues to Bliss," Jillian guides pregnant women through eight essential yoga poses to prevent and diminish morning sickness symptoms. Gentle yoga with its emphasis on full, deep, diaphragmatic breaths is a perfect starting point. Deep breathing leads to relaxation, a lower heart rate and lower blood pressure and naturally combats stress and anxiety, which are known catalysts to nausea. Plus, the use of compressive and opening postures used in yoga creates a physical pump to internally squeeze and detoxify the liver and intestines, thereby removing excessive hormone build up that usually escalates a pregnant woman's symptoms.

In her DVD, Jillian also discusses and demonstrates numerous tips and techniques to get rid of the "pregnancy green" and get back the "pregnancy glow." A free Baby2Belly&Beyond tips guide is available at www.LiveHappilyEverActive.com or by calling (888) 9Happily.

In addition to yoga and Pilates workouts, there are other tools and techniques to ease the way, including acupressure. "The use of wrist acupressure to relieve nausea is drug free, easy to implement and scientific studies support its effectiveness," says Romy Taormina, co-founder and nausea relief chief of Psi Bands. Psi Bands work by placing gentle acupressure on the P6 point at the inside of the wrist, historically a point to treat and prevent nausea from multiple causes. Also, women love them because they are stylish as well as functional.

Today's Internet-savvy pregnant woman is just a click away from advice, products and services to ease her symptoms. Other common natural remedies include avoiding strong odors, spicy or rich foods and drinks that aggravate symptoms. Make sure to get plenty of rest and eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day.

"Nauseated mothers may find success with Vitamin B supplements," says registered nurse Sara Pearce, a certified midwife and owner of Amma Maternity. "Also, ginger has been shown in clinical trials to help with chemotherapy-related nausea, so we might conclude it's also effective for pregnant women." The recommended dosage of Vitamin B6 and B12 is 50mg each daily. Ginger may be taken in pill or herbal tonic form, used naturally in cooking, steeped in tea or massaged into the skin and enjoyed aromatically as an essential oil.

Bottom line? A pregnant woman's body is changing dramatically to create a human being inside her abdomen, so it is not surprising she might feel some unpleasant side effects. For this reason, some people even think of it as a good sign or proof that her body is taking care of baby. But when the symptoms take over and limit the ability to be active, healthy and fit, intervention is essential. With alternative therapies, including yoga, Pilates and acupressure, pregnant women can get back to living life to the fullest.

Courtesy of ARAcontent