Over 10.9 million Americans over the age of 18 suffer from Chronic Depression. It is less severe than major depression, and very treatable. Individuals, suffering from Chronic Depression, often suffer from a feeling of helplessness, hopelessness and worthlessness. Many Chronically depressed individuals, suffer from sleep disorders like insomnia and experience changes in appetite. They may also display symptoms of noticeable mental and physical sluggishness and fatigue.

Depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D)

Unlike chronic forms of depression, seasonal depression usually occurs in the darker wintery months. Conservatively speaking, about 9.9 million people in North America suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.). Some individuals refer to mild cases of S.A.D. as the “winter blues” or the “doldrums”, but it is really much more. S.A.D. is a recurrent depression that occurs in the Fall and Winter months. It affects an individual’s sleep patterns, mood and general well-being. Like Chronic Depression, S.A.D. can lead to sleep disorders, changes in appetite and decreases in energy.

How Light Therapy Can Improve your Mood

Light Therapy is a natural and safe tool used to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder. Some doctors prescribe the use of light therapy in combination with medicine. Others utilize light therapy in lieu of medication for mild occurrences of S.A.D., P.M.S, and sleep disorders and more.

The benefits of light therapy include an increase in energy, elevation of mood and improved sleep.  Day Light Therapy involves regular scheduled exposure to artificial light to help regulate mood swings, sleep and a general sense of well-being. Researchers postulate that bright light works to increase levels of serotonin-a chemical that positively affects moods. Serotonin levels decrease in fall and winter months. Safe light therapy intervenes to counteract serotonin level decreases.

Medical experts recommend 20-30 minutes of exposure per day of special fluorescent light in a starting dose of 10,000 Lux. Lux is a unit of measuring illumination intensity of light. Most experts feel that these high light intensity levels are required to produce the desired therapeutic results. They also advise against concocting a self-made light apparatus to insure that light rays are properly administered with the added bonus of avoiding costly electrical hazards.

Light Therapy

Light Therapy has proven therapeutic effects. As, always consult discuss all treatments with a physician. Information contained herein is for reference purposes only. To learn more about depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder, consult a physician or a trained medical profession. Seasonal Depression and Chronic Depression should be carefully monitored, and may require several forms of treatment and intervention.

Two excellent studies on Seasonal Affective Disorder are;

1)Winter Blues: Seasonal Affective Disorder: What it is and How To Overcome It by Norman E. Rosenthal, Guildford Press, New York, 1998

2) Seasonal Affective Disorder and Beyond: Light Treatment for SAD and Non-SAD Conditions: by Raymond W. Lam, Editor, American Psychiatric Press, Washington D.D., 1998

To see or order  Light Therapy Products,  search for Day Light 1000Therapy Lamp Item: DL930  at:   www.medicalhealthsupply.com

Arthritis:

Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more joints. About one in seven Americans suffer from one form of arthritis or another. There are over one-hundred different types of arthritis, that can afflict any number of joints throughout the body in various degrees. There is no one treatment or solution.

Arthritis treatments vary depending on the lifestyles and casuals’ of Arthritic conditions. In some cases, individuals suffering from arthritis, feel stiff and sore and have limited flexibility. Many individuals suffering from mild cases of Arthritis treat the condition with over-the-counter medication and slight lifestyle alterations. In other instances, Arthritis is deforming, crippling and affects every aspect of an individual’s daily functioning.

The three common forms of arthritis are 1) Rheumatoid Arthritis 2) Osteoarthritis and 3)Gout. The casuals’ of arthritis vary from autoimmune deficiencies, to bone injuries, infections, diet and common “wear and tear”. One major lifestyle cause of arthritis is years of cartilage wearing due to the repetition of tasks.

Because of the vastness of the disease and the number of different joints that can be affected, there are braces, arthritis supports and treatments for just about every major joint in the body. Therall Products offer heat pads to relieve stiffness. These pads can be thrown into a microwave to heat up to relieve aches and pains. Clickit created pads with can be utilized for both hot and cold therapy. At times, individuals prefer cold therapy to relieve inflammation, pain and suffering.

There is no cure for most forms of Arthritis. In most cases, the disease is progressive. Diet, medicine ,exercise and daily stretching can help relieve the effects of Arthritis pain. In severe cases of Arthritis, adaptive aids, braces and mobility equipment like;walkers, canes, wheel chairs and specialty equipment are required. These tools enable individuals, suffering from arthritis , to maintain mobility and live a happy, independent, quality life.

There is new information and developments in the study of Arthritis, on an ongoing basis. The good news about Arthritis, is that there are many support groups, organizations, medicines and aids that can help individuals with the challenges that Arthritis may present. Sometimes a simple warm bath can relieve stiffness and joint soreness, other times a dose of simple medication can eradicate symptoms.

For more information on Arthritis and its causes and symptoms, consult a medical professional or your physician. For information pertaining to products and services, one may consult numerous internet sources including product information. Some of these resources are listed in the resource section of the database at medicalhealthsupply.com.

Alzheimer’s/ Dementia:

Alzheimer’s is a brain disorder that is often associated with age. It is believed that over a half of a million Americans show symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Dementia in their 30s, 40, or 50s. Symptoms such as; forgetfulness, confusion and diminished cognitive brain function are often early symptoms.

Alzheimer’s disease is progressive. In its early stages, individuals can often function normally with little help or assistance. In its later stages, individuals are often non-ambulatory and totally disabled. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but there are medications that can help alleviate symptoms.

It is important that caregivers have a strong system of support when caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s. Friends, family and a loving supporting environment are critical to ensuring the health and well-being of caregivers. In later stages, caregivers will need more support, equipment and supplies. They need a network of supportive professionals and often depend on palliative, or hospice care in the final progressions.

There are many Alzheimer’s support groups and services. They can be accessed online, and are available in just about every village and community. Because Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, the literature and research on this topic are plentiful. There is also a great deal of information available in the resource section of www.medicalhealthsupply.com

Alzheimers & Dementia:  The complete excerpt of this article can be found in Search by Medical Condition section at medicalhealthsupply.com.

Medical Health Supply welcomes HealthnBeautyShop.com as a new web affliliate in 2010. For high quality natural products visit  http://www.healthnbeautyshop.com To learn more contact MedicalHealthSupply on face book, or contact us directly at http://www.medicalhealthsupply.com.

Follow this link and see if the Acai solution to weight loss worked for this person. I have wondered about this diet solution for some time.  Maybe the claims are true.

http://news3.tv/diet/index2.php?sub=360DA01xGHEA

Great Holiday Gifts, Gift Ideas and Stocking Stuffers

There is nothing better than a hot water bottle when you are sick . When you are outside in the cold, there is not one thing more luxurious than mitten warmers to keep your hands toasty. Do you have sore muscles or arthritis? Warm therapy will sooth even the tightest muscles and joints.

Clickits are winning and warming the hearts of America. Clickits are fun, natural and reusable mini-heaters for your body. They come in fun colors in all sizes and styles. Do you have a sore back? Buy the back warmer. Click it and it warms and sooths sore muscles for anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and one half. Do you need the baby bottle warmed up? Buy a Clickit Baby Bottle Warmer. Clickits are ideal for travel, sledding, shoveling, skiing or just cold, Try the Clickit hand warmers.

Clickits are natural, reusable and fun. When you are done with your Clickit, throw it in a pan of boiling water to clean and prepare it for reuse. Buy hand warmers, baby bottle warmers, sore muscle warmers for everyone in the family. The gift of Clickits are sure to create holiday smiles and cheer. To purchase Clickits online, go to www.MedicalHealthSupply.com.

For more therapeutic gifts and winter warming ideas, try Therall Booties and Hand Warmers.Therall products contain warming beads that retain heat for sore bones, muscles feet and hands.

New Developments in the Sciences of Scent and Smell

by maryclare

New Developments in the Science of Scent

Why is it than when most people smell apple pie cooking in the oven, their minds are flooded with a sense of wellbeing and memories of holidays, warmth and happiness. Peppermint elicits focus and attention, and has the added benefit of curbing appetite. The aroma of sour apple, like peppermint, also has a suppressing effect on appetite. Lavender is a stress reducing and relaxing smell. While Ginger settles the stomach. Different Aromas stimulate olfactory receptors that are wired to different regions of the brain.  These aromas trigger specific emotional responses as well as pleasant memories and behavioral responses. Knowing this information can change the choices people make towards improving their general health and wellbeing.

Peppermint

When I proctored exams as at teacher, I would carry a bag of peppermints with me as I perused the aisles, stopped at each desk and answered questions. I would often offer a word of encouragement while placing a peppermint on the desks to award students for progress.  Most students quickly gobbled up the mint.  At the time, I understood mints to be a small token of encouragement during a grueling exam process.  After a meeting with Dr. Mary Maida at Clerisy Corporation in Rochester, N.Y., I learned that the smell of peppermint increases focus and attention and has the behavioral response of improving an individual performance. In other words, the mere act of sucking on a peppermint while studying or taking an exam stimulates memory and promotes learning. The behavioral effects of being better able to focus may directly improve learning and can potentially lead to higher grades.

Ginger

I am a lover of ginger ale. When I was a child, I remember my mother giving me ginger ale when I had a sick stomach and a headache.  I always assumed it was the sugar and bubbly soda, that made me feel better. Although this may be true to an extent, according to Dr. Maida, the underlying science points to the fact that ginger is a natural treatment for a nausea or upset stomach.  Why?  Because the shape of ginger vapor molecules that are derived from concentrated extracts of giner root stimulate appropriate receptors on the olfactory (nasal) nerve ending located in the upper portion of your nasal cavity.  This interaction triggers brain signals and processes in the anti-nausea regions of brain.  The cascade of hormonal and neurochemical changes that takes place in brain promotes the relief from queaziness and nausea.

Lavender

Why is it that so many perfumes, soaps, and candles  are infused with the essence of lavender, I wondered?  Whenever  I smell lavender, my mind instantly associates the smell with an expensive spa, a great message or a sunny spring day. Again this is no accident, since the scent produced by lavender oil and vapors has the therapeutic effect of decreasing stress and promoting relaxation.  In my experience, the aroma of lavender in the air triggers emotional responses and fond memories of being stress free, relaxed, pampered, and loved. This explains why many spas couple the smell of lavender with relaxation messages, facials, and other treatments intended to decrease stress and tension and instill a relaxed state of mind and being.

Eucalyptus

Most people know eucalyptus as being standard fare for the Panda. The therapeutic value of eucalyptus is as a decongestant. Quite simply the when the light aroma of eucalyptus vapors meets the delicate nerve endings in the nasal passages, there is a direct neural connection to areas of the brain that promote relief  from congesting. This is why humidifiers and nasal decongestants are often infused with essential oils extracted from the eucalyptus plant.

New Developments in Therapeutic Scents

Although interesting, this information has important medical and therapeutic implications.  Concentrated oils and vapors from all-natural sources have the ability to affect health, wellness, and overall  quality of life.   Beyond influencing  areas such as learning, memory, relaxation, stress, and the feeling of nausea, smell can be used as a tool to increase sexual function and decrease the urge to overeat.   Newly produced over-the-counter medical products are emerging to provide new delivery methods and solutions to many current and emerging health challenges.  In December, Medical Health Supply, Inc. will have the honor to introduce a new patented product  and delivery system that capitalizes on the elegant design and function of your nasal system in combination with all-natural oils and vapors to help you achieve your health and wellness goals. For a sneak preview, visit www.clerisycorp.com. To learn more about natural products and cures, visit  http://www.healthnbeautyshop.com , or read interesting articles on the Medical Health Suppply Guide Blog at http://blog.medicalhealthsupply.com. Medical equipment and adaptive supplies can be ordered at http://www.medicalhealthsupply.com   The Nutraceutic products offered at http://www.healthnbeautyshop.com are among the highest quality in the world.  To learn more about natural cures and products visit HealthnBeautyShop online

Happenings in Health Care

October 12 -15
Medtrade Atlanta, Georgia
In Atlanta, Georgia, the Medtrade HME Expo is taking place on the week of October 12th. Manufacturers , HME providers and more will be unveiling new prices, new products and sharing innovative approaches to providing Home Health Care services and products . The event will be held at Atlanta’s World Congress Center. Product training and interesting conversations on shifts in home health care and Medicare reimbursements will be prevalent. For more information contact www.medtrade.com

November 8 – 15th
Women’s Wellness Week Captiva, Florida
Camp is not just for kids anymore. Join the ladies in Captiva for Women’s Wellness week. Refresh, rejoice and celebrate health and happiness with new friends and rediscover old friends too. The events will be held from November 8th to the 15th on Sanibel Island. For more information, contact www.womenswellnessweekcaptiva.com .

Incontinence Supplies
If you, a friend, or a loved one is suffering from incontinence,  this article will provide you with information about some of the available products.

Introduction
There are many types of incontinence issues, and the causes of incontinence vary. Some incontinence problems are age, or injury related while other causes are related to medicines, diet or emotional issues like stress. There are two categories of incontinence; 1) Urinary and 2) Fecal. If you have identified either problem, your first line of defense is to consult a physician or a specialist. If after consulting a medical professional,  you are unable to resolve issues with medical intervention, this article will provide you with some information pertaining to supply items that may prove helpful.

Reusable Under pads
The first line of defense for individuals living with bladder control problems may be the reusable under pad. Reusable, under pads are used to protect furniture. Under pads are made in chair sizes and bed sizes. Most homes and businesses protect their furniture by placing these under bed sheets or cushion covers. In doing so, one minimizes the risk of ruining expensive mattresses , seat cushions and upholstery. Some of the pads have an Ibex layer which wisks away moisture to help prevent skin problems for individuals contained to a chair or bed. In most all cases, under pads have a back layer made of Waterproof vinyl or polyester. Most all under pads have a middle layer that helps contain wetness and trap fluid.

Bladder Control Pads
Bladder control pads, for the most part, are designed to go into underwear. This author is well-versed on some of the major brand names like Tranquility, Dignity, and Depend. After studying products, and discussing products with customers throughout the years, this author feels that the Sir Dignity and Lady Dignity product lines are excellent. It is important to note that there are many other large corporations manufacturing these types of products. For example, Tena, Medline, Attends, First Quality and Covidien-Kendall are all excellent corporations carrying incontinence products to name just a few.

Bladder Control Pads generally are accessible in Regular Duty, Heavy-Duty and Over-Night strengths. The daytime pads tend to be thinner and not quite as absorbent as the night-time and Heavy-Duty products. During the day, when individuals are awake, they generally tend to have more bladder control than at night. Most individuals desire slimmer fitting pads during the day, so as not to expose their needs underneath tighter fitting clothing. Two popular brands are Poise and Dignity. At night, individuals with bladder control issues may want to utilize All-through-The-Night (ATN) strength pads.

Washable Incontinent Briefs
Washable or Reusable Briefs are made in different sizes and types. They are sized based on hip and waist measurements, and often come in sizes like small, medium, large and extra-large. Essential Medical’s pants are designed in Pull-on and Snap-On styles. A person’s physical abilities often dictate style selections.

Reusable Belted Shields
Belted shields are excellent because they can be worn with one’s own undergarments for additional protection. The shields can fit hips that are up to 65” in size. The belts are reusable and the pads are disposable.

Disposable Briefs or Pants
Depends is a solid producer of disposable briefs or pants. The Depend line is specific to Men and Women. They are sized based on Waist and Hip Measurements. Weight is also a factor. More information on products like; Depend for Women, or Depend for Men can be accessed at Medicalhealthsupply.com. I like the Depend product line because the company has  a professional online learning center where customers can learn more about products, bladder control issues and incontinence. The online learning center is well-done.

Disposable Adjustable Briefs
Disposable Adjustable Briefs are also purchased by size. Waist and hip measurements are needed to guarantee correct size and fit. Weight is also a factor. Depend also makes a good Disposable Adjustable Brief. The Tabs on the side make this product easier to change on people with mobility issues. The light gathers around the leg assist in leak protection, with the added benefit of adding to the product’s comfort.

External Catheters
These items are often recommended by a specialist. In many cases,  a doctor’s prescription is required to purchase these items because training and accessorizing is necessary.  For example, one often has to learn about  tubing and leg bags after purchasing these items. Catheters come in both one-time use and reusable styles. The Texas Condom Catheter is utilized for men. Straight catheter styles can be used for either men and women. The straight Foley Catheters are the most common. Some of these items are covered by health insurance where as most of the other items discussed herein are not covered.

Cleansers and Skin Protection
Cleansers and Skin Protection items are always important  for people with incontinence issues. Skin is the largest organ in the human body, and should be protected to maintain good health. The classics, in my opinion, are hard to beat. Petroleum Jelly is difficult to improve upon from a price and product perspective. I am also a large fan of Acquaphor, a product manufactured by Eucerin. Convetec, Smith and Nephew and Medline also have some nice  commercial products. Aloe Vesta products are among the best retail products in the industry. Tranquilty also makes an excellent disposable wipe.

The important thing to remember about skin maintenance is to keep skin clean and keep it dry. Moisture can cause skin breakdown, rashes and burns. Damaged skin is not only uncomfortable, but it can be very painful to the individual with incontinence issues. Unclean skin surfaces can cause sores and infection. It is important to dry and clean skin to restore health.  Always protect skin that is exposed to wetness and irritation. This is particularly important at bedtime, when an individual with incontinence issues is most at risk for prolonged exposure to moisture.

Bed Alarms
In some cases, it is necessary for individuals, with incontinence issues,  to purchase bed alarms. Bed alarms detect moisture and wake individuals from sleep. Alarms can be helpful on two levels. They awaken the person with the incontinence issues, so that they do not sleep in wetness. Secondly, they are often helpful in the retraining process. In particular, some individuals, who are repeatedly alerted to a bed-wetting episodes, stop bed wetting altogether.

Conclusion
Incontinence is a difficult topic to discuss, but for millions of Americans, incontinence is a frustrating and embarrasing  reality. Individuals, who have incontinence issues,often suffer from a lack of confidence, a loss of self-esteem and sometimes depression. It can be caused by illness, age, childbirth, diet, stress or injury. Always contact a professional if incontinence is an issue. There have been many break-throughs in the field of incontinence and a specialist should be approached with questions, or concerns.

Products discussed herein can be purchased at http://medicalhealthsupply.com. First time customers can utilize the 5%Off coupon code at checkout.  This coupon can be viewed on the home page of http://blog.medicalhealthsupply.com

They studied, sought and fought for ideals like justice and individual freedom and human dignity. It this history that carved the United States of America out of worlderness. It is this framework that created a people who possess the power to vote, work, and speak freely in the pursuit of happiness. Charles Kenning would ask us not to let our pontiffs blind us with mistruth, taxes, misinterpretations of law. Unpaid bills, and rewritten rules that will lead our children into an era of economic, political and social slavery.

This message was consistent with his actions. Charles B. Kenning was shot down over Germany on his 23^rd mission in 1944. In prison camp he was mindful of American rights, and explained the Geneva Convention to his captors. All that was left to guard his camp, at that point in his war experience, were young scared German boys with big guns. My father was fortunate to speak German.

Like our forefathers Charles Kenning fought for democracy and the rights of the individual. On departing from prison camp, “Life Magazine” captured and published a picture of the event that marked his exit. With crutches in hand, he tore down the Nazi flag. It was this picture that alerted his mother, who was thousands of miles away-her son was alive. With spirit intact, he was coming home. Sonny-boy, as Nana would call him, would tell you that we must honor, maintain and respect conventions of law and our constitution.

Charles B. Kenning graduated from Georgetown University and passed several bar exams that were being offered around the D.C. beltway shortly, thereafter. The screw that was drilled through his leg to shore up his ankle, during the war, did not hinder his forward momentum. It was this tenacity with which he approached his love for freedom. In life his spirits were unhampered. In sickness and in-near death, he did not complain.

Charles B. Kenning was a collector. He colllected cars, boats and books. Few people know that he owned each and every law book that West Publishing Company ever produced.. They meticulously lined thousands of square feet of law library in our house. As a teenager, I remember learning that this was strange. Friends came to play, and then they later returned in-groups for the library tour, and to shop for snacks. I soon learned never to invite people to that portion of the house. I didn’t want to be different; every other house in Pittsford was not built on foundation that mirrored an underground city equipped with libraries, and fall-out shelters stocked with food.

In college, my sisters and I started calling this portion of our home “Chuck’s-Mart”. The prices were right, after all. Anyone could find a free book, or feed the entire dorm if need-be. There was no need for a blue-light special on Old Farm Circle. He never noticed missing books or groceries. The unwashed and hungry masses that passed through our doors appreciated this oversight.

When my father became disabled, his beloved library was moved to Albany, New York, and became the better portion of a law library for students. He would have liked to join them in study. After law school, he taught Law at John Fisher College. He was the type of teacher that wanted students to read and actively debate issues. When arguing a point with Charles Kenning, however, you had better have your facts straight. He was not an easy teacher.

If Professor Kenning were alive today he would ask students to read the bills that Congress proposes. He would invite his students to actively debate issues. He would want precedence and contrasting positions juxtiposed. Professor Kenning would have been disappointed by a government, and a people who did do their reading. Congressmen, who do not read proposed bills, have equally appalled him. He was not a compromising person, or an easy man.

I could imagine Mr. Kenning saying something like; “Some proponents of rewriting and creating new laws have learned that, in chaos, there is opportunity. But in true freedom, there is only rule of law.” My father would say that truth cannot be masked in proposed bills and in revisionist history. Our history is clear, our founders were direct and our agenda as a people are predestined. It is our duty, our right and our privilege to live in freedom and uphold the constitution. As leaders we must hold our lawmakers, politicians, and families to high standards.

Charles B. Kenning did not gray the truth to gain political power, popularity, fame or financial gain. He was a student of American History. who believed in upholding the law. He had a great love and respect for the constitution. He would ask that you look forward to protecting your children and future generations with the very same document. He was unyielding in this belief.

. My sister recounts a conversation that he would have with his children. It would start out as a question; “Did you do your best?” If you answered “Yes”, there was more to follow “…. if that is the best that you can do, you have done enough.” He would then add the twist; “Now go help someone else do it better”. He was unwavering and stubborn.

I have nothing more to say. A generation is passing and now , like oldest daughter’s responsibility rests in my hands to educate and support my own children and future generations. He often would say; “Security it an illusion, A ship passing in the night.”  His ship has passed. Lieutenant Colonel Charles B. Kenning would probably end this story in command form using a phrase like this “… May the constitution and rule of law guide you. May your children and faith sustain you . To our founding fathers, and to the fallen soldiers, with whom I love and respect, Thank you.” –Mary Clare Kenning-Lyons